From: www.cnn.com
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Ralph Nader is entering the presidential race as an independent, he announced Sunday.
Ralph Nader is running for president as an independent.
In an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press," the consumer advocate said great changes in U.S. history have come "through little parties that never won any national election."
"Dissent is the mother of ascent," he said. "And in that context I've decided to run for president."
Nader, who turns 74 this week, complained about the "paralysis of the government," which he said is under the control of corporate executives and lobbyists.
It marks his fourth straight White House bid -- fifth if his 1992 write-in campaign is included.
Nader's entry into the race did not come as a surprise to political watchers.
On Sunday, Sen. Barack Obama criticized him. "My sense is that Mr. Nader is somebody who, if you don't listen and adopt all of his policies, thinks you're not substantive," Obama told reporters when asked about Nader's possible candidacy.
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"He seems to have a pretty high opinion of his own work."
Obama added that Nader "is a singular figure in American politics and has done as much as just about anyone for consumers."
And Obama added, "I don't mean to diminish that." But he added, "There's a sense now that if someone's not hewing to the Ralph Nader agenda, he says they're lacking in some way."
Responding to those remarks during his "Meet the Press" interview, Nader encouraged people to look at his campaign Web site, votenader.org, which he said discusses issues important to Americans that Obama and Sen. John McCain "are not addressing."
Nader called Obama "a person of substance" and "the first liberal evangelist in a long time" who "has run a good tactical campaign." But he accused Obama of censoring "his better instincts" on divisive issues.
He also said political consultants "have really messed up Hillary Clinton's campaign."
Nader also wrote off any suggestions that his entry into the race could draw enough votes from the Democratic candidate to help the Republican win. "If the Democrats can't landslide the Republicans this year, they ought to just wrap up, close down, emerge in a different form," he said.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Reprogramming Our Brains.
By: Maged Taman
It is amazing how the media does to human brain. If you would get an Arab or Muslim person and put him in a test that can map his brain and give him two different sentences. First is that two Palestinian were killed by Israel and the second is that 50,000 Muslims were killed by the Sudanese government. You will get only little response in the brain in the second case and with the first case you will get very strong response.
This can go on with other people from different countries upon discussing different issues. In the age of communications and if there are true democracies we can reprogram well our brains, all of us. We can get back to the natural free exploring brains that God created in us. We would realize the common things that we all share and we will be able to put our feet in others shoes. We will look beyond race, religion, borders and all things that divide us. I could have born Christian or Jew and from any other country.
If we to do that we will realize that the welfare of and happiness of every one of us will reflect on all of us. We will feel that the right ego is not a selfish one but a collective one. We will find for the first time that idealism meets with realism and they are not mutually exclusive.
There is always something in our nature that hold us from doing that call it self-destruction or demonic power. But it is essential that we know it and resist it . In all of us there is this little messiah who wants to see all people happy, all the world in peace and justice is prevailing. If we would let this little messiah inside us to be released we will create the collective messiah. No movie in Hollywood would match our reality.
For this to happen one of us has to jump in the middle and attract all the others. Even in the beginning if they feel he is crazy or a day dreamer let it be. He has to be the little first messiah that moves us and help us to free the messiahs inside us. After we all to move to be messiah very likely he will retract and enjoy the show that is going spontaneous without him.
It will not be a moment of a little glare in history of human race but the beginning of an everlasting light. If we could sit all together and put a permanent program that take care of all of us and solve most of our problems and potential disputes we will succeed in finding a great and enjoyable peaceful world. It takes a little messiah in the beginning and a lot of wisdom to reprogram our brains and reach to the ultimate goal of our true existence.
It is amazing how the media does to human brain. If you would get an Arab or Muslim person and put him in a test that can map his brain and give him two different sentences. First is that two Palestinian were killed by Israel and the second is that 50,000 Muslims were killed by the Sudanese government. You will get only little response in the brain in the second case and with the first case you will get very strong response.
This can go on with other people from different countries upon discussing different issues. In the age of communications and if there are true democracies we can reprogram well our brains, all of us. We can get back to the natural free exploring brains that God created in us. We would realize the common things that we all share and we will be able to put our feet in others shoes. We will look beyond race, religion, borders and all things that divide us. I could have born Christian or Jew and from any other country.
If we to do that we will realize that the welfare of and happiness of every one of us will reflect on all of us. We will feel that the right ego is not a selfish one but a collective one. We will find for the first time that idealism meets with realism and they are not mutually exclusive.
There is always something in our nature that hold us from doing that call it self-destruction or demonic power. But it is essential that we know it and resist it . In all of us there is this little messiah who wants to see all people happy, all the world in peace and justice is prevailing. If we would let this little messiah inside us to be released we will create the collective messiah. No movie in Hollywood would match our reality.
For this to happen one of us has to jump in the middle and attract all the others. Even in the beginning if they feel he is crazy or a day dreamer let it be. He has to be the little first messiah that moves us and help us to free the messiahs inside us. After we all to move to be messiah very likely he will retract and enjoy the show that is going spontaneous without him.
It will not be a moment of a little glare in history of human race but the beginning of an everlasting light. If we could sit all together and put a permanent program that take care of all of us and solve most of our problems and potential disputes we will succeed in finding a great and enjoyable peaceful world. It takes a little messiah in the beginning and a lot of wisdom to reprogram our brains and reach to the ultimate goal of our true existence.
Prophethood in Islam
Prophethood is not unknown to heavenly revealed religions, such as Judaism and Christianity. In Islam, however, it has a special status and significance.
According to Islam, Allah created man for a noble purpose: to worship Him and lead a virtuous life based on His teachings and guidance. How would man know his role and the purpose of his existence unless he received clear and practical instructions of what Allah wants him to do? Here comes the need for prophethood. Thus Allah has chosen from every nation at least one prophet to convey His Message to people.
One might ask, how were the prophets chosen and who were entitled to this great honor?
Prophethood is Allah's blessing and favor that He may bestow on whom He wills. However, from surveying the various messengers throughout history, three features of a prophet may be recognized:
1. He is the best in his community morally and intellectually. This is necessary because a prophet's life serves as a role model for his followers. His personality should attract people to accept his message rather than drive them away by his imperfect character. After receiving the message, he is infallible. That is, he would not commit any sin. He might make some minor mistakes, which are usually corrected by revelation.
2. He is supported by miracles to prove that he is not an imposter. Those miracles are granted by the power and permission of God and are usually in the field in which his people excel and are recognized as superiors. We might illustrate this by quoting the major miracles of the three prophets of the major world religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Moses' contemporaries were excellent in magic, so his major miracle was to defeat the best magicians of Egypt of his days. Jesus' contemporaries were recognized as skilled physicians, therefore, his miracles were to raise the dead and cure incurable diseases. The Arabs, the contemporaries of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), were known for their eloquence and magnificent poetry. So Prophet Muhammad's major miracle was the Qur'an, the equivalent of which the whole legion of Arab poets and orators could not produce, despite the repeated challenge from the Qur'an itself. Again, Muhammad's miracle has something special about it. All previous miracles were limited by time and place; that is, they were shown to specific people at a specific time. Not so with the miracle of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Qur'an. It is a universal and everlasting miracle. Previous generations witnessed it and future generations will witness its miraculous nature in terms of its style, content and spiritual uplifting. These can still be tested and will thereby prove the divine origin of the Qur'an.
Every prophet states clearly that what he receives is not of his own, but from God for the well-being of mankind. He also confirms what was revealed before him and what may be revealed after him. A prophet does this to show that he is simply conveying the message that is entrusted to him by the One True God of all people in all ages. So the message is one in essence and for the same purpose. Therefore, it should not deviate from what was revealed before him or what might come after him.
Prophets are necessary for conveying God's instructions and guidance to mankind. We have no way of knowing why we were created. What will happen to us after death? Is there any life after death? Are we accountable for our actions? These and so many other questions about God, angels, paradise, hell, and more, cannot be answered without direct revelation from the Creator and Knower of the unseen. Those answers must be authentic and must be brought by individuals whom we trust and respect. That is why messengers are the elite of their societies in terms of moral conduct and intellectual ability.
Hence, the slanderous Biblical stories about some of the great prophets are not accepted by Muslims. For example, Lot is reported to have committed incestuous fornication while drunk. David is alleged to have sent one of his leaders to his death in order to marry his wife. Prophets, to Muslims, are greater than what these stories indicate. These stories cannot be true from the Islamic point of view.
The prophets are also miraculously supported by God and instructed by Him to affirm the continuity of the message. The content of the prophets' message to mankind can be summarized as follows:
a) Clear concept of God: His attributes, His creation, what should and should not be ascribed to Him.
b) Clear idea about the unseen world, the angels, jinn (spirits), Paradise and Hell.
c) Why God has created us, what He wants from us and what rewards and punishments are for obedience and disobedience.
d) How to run our societies according to His will. That is, clear instructions and laws that, when applied correctly and honestly, will result in a smoothly functioning, harmonious society.
It is clear from the above discussion that there is no substitute for prophets. Even today with the advancement of science, the only authentic source of information about the supernatural world is revelation. Guidance can be obtained neither from science nor from mystic experience. The first is too materialistic and limited; the second is too subjective and frequently misleading.
Now one might ask:
How many prophets has God sent to humanity? We do not know for sure. Some Muslim scholars have suggested 240, 000 prophets. We are only sure of what is clearly mentioned in the Qur'an, that God has sent a messenger to every nation. That is because it is one of God's principles that He will never call a people to account unless He has made clear to them what to do and what not to do. The Qur'an mentions the names of 25 prophets and indicates that there have been others who were not mentioned to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). These 25 include Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (Peace be upon them all). These five are the greatest among God's messengers. They are called ( ) 'the resolute' prophets.
An outstanding aspect of the Islamic belief in prophethood is that Muslims believe in and respect all the messengers of God with no exceptions. All the prophets came from the same One God, for the same purpose: to lead mankind to God. Hence, belief in them all is essential and logical; accepting some and rejecting others has to be based on misconceptions of the prophet's role or on a racial bias. The Muslims are the only people in the world who consider the belief in all the prophets an article of faith. Thus the Jews reject Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon them), and the Christians reject Muhammad (PBUH). The Muslims accept them all as messengers of God who brought guidance to mankind. However, the revelations which those prophets before Muhammad (PBUH) brought from God has been tampered with in one way or another.
The belief in all the prophets of God is enjoined upon the Muslims in the Qur'an:
Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed to us and that which was revealed to Abraham and Ishmael, and Isaac and Jacob, and their children, and that which Moses and Jesus received and that the prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them and unto Him we have surrendered. (2:136)
The Qur'an continues in the following verses to instruct the Muslims that this is the true and impartial belief. If other nations believe in the same, they are following in the right track. If they do not, they must be following their own whims and biases and God will take care of them. Thus we read:
And if they believe in what you believe, then they are rightly guided. But if they turn away, then they are in disunity, and Allah will suffice you against them. He is the Hearer, the Knower. This is God's religion and who is better than God in religion? (2:137-138)
There are, at least, two important points related to prophethood that need to be clarified. These points concern the roles of Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon them) as prophets who are usually misunderstood.
The Qur'anic account of Jesus emphatically rejects the concept of his 'divinity' and 'divine sonship' and presents him as one of the great prophets of God. The Qur'an makes it clear that the birth of Jesus without a father does not make him the son of God and mentions, in this respect, Adam, who was created by God without a father or mother.
Truly, the likeness of Jesus, in God's sight, is as Adam's likeness; He created him of dust, them said He unto him "Be", and he was. (3:59)
Like other prophets, Jesus also performed miracles. For example, he raised the dead and cured the blind and lepers, but while showing these miracles, he always made it clear that it was all from God. Actually, the misconceptions about the personality and mission of Jesus (PBUH) found a way among his followers because the Divine message he preached was not recorded during his presence in the world. Rather, it was recorded after a lapse of about one hundred years. According to the Qur'an, he was sent to the children of Isreal; he confirmed the validity of the Torah, which was revealed to Moses (PBUH), and he also brought the glad tidings of a final messenger after him.
And when Jesus son of Mary said, "Children of Israel. I am indeed the messenger to you, confirming the Torah that is before me, and giving good tidings of a Messenger who shall come after me, whose name shall be the praised one. (61:6)
(The underlined portions the translation of Ahmad, which is Prophet Muhammad's name.)
However, the majority of the Jews rejected his ministry. They plotted against his life and in their opinion, crucified him. But the Qur'an refutes this opinion and says that they neither killed him nor crucified him; rather, he was raised up to God. There is a verse in the Qur'an which implies that Jesus will come back and all the Christians and Jews will believe in him before he dies. This is also supported by authentic sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBEH).
The last prophet of God, Muhammad, was born in Arabia in the sixth century C.E. Up to the age of forty, people of Makkah knew him only as a man of excellent character and cultured manners and called him Al-Ameen (the trustworthy). He also did not know that he was soon to be made a prophet and receiver of revelation from God. He called the idolators of Makkah to worship the one and only God and accept him (Muhammad, PBUH) as His prophet. The revelation that he received was preserved in his lifetime in the memory of his companions and was also recorded on pieces of palm leave, leather, etc. Thus the Qur'an that is found today is the same that was revealed to him, not a syllable of it has been altered, as God Himself has guaranteed its preservation. This Qur'an claims to be the book of guidance for all of humanity for all times, and mentions Muhammad (PBUH) as the last Prophet of God.
Courtesy iiie@cssn.net
According to Islam, Allah created man for a noble purpose: to worship Him and lead a virtuous life based on His teachings and guidance. How would man know his role and the purpose of his existence unless he received clear and practical instructions of what Allah wants him to do? Here comes the need for prophethood. Thus Allah has chosen from every nation at least one prophet to convey His Message to people.
One might ask, how were the prophets chosen and who were entitled to this great honor?
Prophethood is Allah's blessing and favor that He may bestow on whom He wills. However, from surveying the various messengers throughout history, three features of a prophet may be recognized:
1. He is the best in his community morally and intellectually. This is necessary because a prophet's life serves as a role model for his followers. His personality should attract people to accept his message rather than drive them away by his imperfect character. After receiving the message, he is infallible. That is, he would not commit any sin. He might make some minor mistakes, which are usually corrected by revelation.
2. He is supported by miracles to prove that he is not an imposter. Those miracles are granted by the power and permission of God and are usually in the field in which his people excel and are recognized as superiors. We might illustrate this by quoting the major miracles of the three prophets of the major world religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Moses' contemporaries were excellent in magic, so his major miracle was to defeat the best magicians of Egypt of his days. Jesus' contemporaries were recognized as skilled physicians, therefore, his miracles were to raise the dead and cure incurable diseases. The Arabs, the contemporaries of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), were known for their eloquence and magnificent poetry. So Prophet Muhammad's major miracle was the Qur'an, the equivalent of which the whole legion of Arab poets and orators could not produce, despite the repeated challenge from the Qur'an itself. Again, Muhammad's miracle has something special about it. All previous miracles were limited by time and place; that is, they were shown to specific people at a specific time. Not so with the miracle of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Qur'an. It is a universal and everlasting miracle. Previous generations witnessed it and future generations will witness its miraculous nature in terms of its style, content and spiritual uplifting. These can still be tested and will thereby prove the divine origin of the Qur'an.
Every prophet states clearly that what he receives is not of his own, but from God for the well-being of mankind. He also confirms what was revealed before him and what may be revealed after him. A prophet does this to show that he is simply conveying the message that is entrusted to him by the One True God of all people in all ages. So the message is one in essence and for the same purpose. Therefore, it should not deviate from what was revealed before him or what might come after him.
Prophets are necessary for conveying God's instructions and guidance to mankind. We have no way of knowing why we were created. What will happen to us after death? Is there any life after death? Are we accountable for our actions? These and so many other questions about God, angels, paradise, hell, and more, cannot be answered without direct revelation from the Creator and Knower of the unseen. Those answers must be authentic and must be brought by individuals whom we trust and respect. That is why messengers are the elite of their societies in terms of moral conduct and intellectual ability.
Hence, the slanderous Biblical stories about some of the great prophets are not accepted by Muslims. For example, Lot is reported to have committed incestuous fornication while drunk. David is alleged to have sent one of his leaders to his death in order to marry his wife. Prophets, to Muslims, are greater than what these stories indicate. These stories cannot be true from the Islamic point of view.
The prophets are also miraculously supported by God and instructed by Him to affirm the continuity of the message. The content of the prophets' message to mankind can be summarized as follows:
a) Clear concept of God: His attributes, His creation, what should and should not be ascribed to Him.
b) Clear idea about the unseen world, the angels, jinn (spirits), Paradise and Hell.
c) Why God has created us, what He wants from us and what rewards and punishments are for obedience and disobedience.
d) How to run our societies according to His will. That is, clear instructions and laws that, when applied correctly and honestly, will result in a smoothly functioning, harmonious society.
It is clear from the above discussion that there is no substitute for prophets. Even today with the advancement of science, the only authentic source of information about the supernatural world is revelation. Guidance can be obtained neither from science nor from mystic experience. The first is too materialistic and limited; the second is too subjective and frequently misleading.
Now one might ask:
How many prophets has God sent to humanity? We do not know for sure. Some Muslim scholars have suggested 240, 000 prophets. We are only sure of what is clearly mentioned in the Qur'an, that God has sent a messenger to every nation. That is because it is one of God's principles that He will never call a people to account unless He has made clear to them what to do and what not to do. The Qur'an mentions the names of 25 prophets and indicates that there have been others who were not mentioned to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). These 25 include Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (Peace be upon them all). These five are the greatest among God's messengers. They are called ( ) 'the resolute' prophets.
An outstanding aspect of the Islamic belief in prophethood is that Muslims believe in and respect all the messengers of God with no exceptions. All the prophets came from the same One God, for the same purpose: to lead mankind to God. Hence, belief in them all is essential and logical; accepting some and rejecting others has to be based on misconceptions of the prophet's role or on a racial bias. The Muslims are the only people in the world who consider the belief in all the prophets an article of faith. Thus the Jews reject Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon them), and the Christians reject Muhammad (PBUH). The Muslims accept them all as messengers of God who brought guidance to mankind. However, the revelations which those prophets before Muhammad (PBUH) brought from God has been tampered with in one way or another.
The belief in all the prophets of God is enjoined upon the Muslims in the Qur'an:
Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed to us and that which was revealed to Abraham and Ishmael, and Isaac and Jacob, and their children, and that which Moses and Jesus received and that the prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them and unto Him we have surrendered. (2:136)
The Qur'an continues in the following verses to instruct the Muslims that this is the true and impartial belief. If other nations believe in the same, they are following in the right track. If they do not, they must be following their own whims and biases and God will take care of them. Thus we read:
And if they believe in what you believe, then they are rightly guided. But if they turn away, then they are in disunity, and Allah will suffice you against them. He is the Hearer, the Knower. This is God's religion and who is better than God in religion? (2:137-138)
There are, at least, two important points related to prophethood that need to be clarified. These points concern the roles of Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon them) as prophets who are usually misunderstood.
The Qur'anic account of Jesus emphatically rejects the concept of his 'divinity' and 'divine sonship' and presents him as one of the great prophets of God. The Qur'an makes it clear that the birth of Jesus without a father does not make him the son of God and mentions, in this respect, Adam, who was created by God without a father or mother.
Truly, the likeness of Jesus, in God's sight, is as Adam's likeness; He created him of dust, them said He unto him "Be", and he was. (3:59)
Like other prophets, Jesus also performed miracles. For example, he raised the dead and cured the blind and lepers, but while showing these miracles, he always made it clear that it was all from God. Actually, the misconceptions about the personality and mission of Jesus (PBUH) found a way among his followers because the Divine message he preached was not recorded during his presence in the world. Rather, it was recorded after a lapse of about one hundred years. According to the Qur'an, he was sent to the children of Isreal; he confirmed the validity of the Torah, which was revealed to Moses (PBUH), and he also brought the glad tidings of a final messenger after him.
And when Jesus son of Mary said, "Children of Israel. I am indeed the messenger to you, confirming the Torah that is before me, and giving good tidings of a Messenger who shall come after me, whose name shall be the praised one. (61:6)
(The underlined portions the translation of Ahmad, which is Prophet Muhammad's name.)
However, the majority of the Jews rejected his ministry. They plotted against his life and in their opinion, crucified him. But the Qur'an refutes this opinion and says that they neither killed him nor crucified him; rather, he was raised up to God. There is a verse in the Qur'an which implies that Jesus will come back and all the Christians and Jews will believe in him before he dies. This is also supported by authentic sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBEH).
The last prophet of God, Muhammad, was born in Arabia in the sixth century C.E. Up to the age of forty, people of Makkah knew him only as a man of excellent character and cultured manners and called him Al-Ameen (the trustworthy). He also did not know that he was soon to be made a prophet and receiver of revelation from God. He called the idolators of Makkah to worship the one and only God and accept him (Muhammad, PBUH) as His prophet. The revelation that he received was preserved in his lifetime in the memory of his companions and was also recorded on pieces of palm leave, leather, etc. Thus the Qur'an that is found today is the same that was revealed to him, not a syllable of it has been altered, as God Himself has guaranteed its preservation. This Qur'an claims to be the book of guidance for all of humanity for all times, and mentions Muhammad (PBUH) as the last Prophet of God.
Courtesy iiie@cssn.net
The Comprehensive Guide to Eternal Success
From: www.wefound.org
The Qur’ân certainly serves as Allah’s guide and mercy to all humanity (27:76, 77; 31:3). It guides us to the Right Path, Islam ¾ the only perfect religion (5:3) acceptable to Allah (3:19; 3:85). It will forever remain as the pure divine guidance to all humanity. Allah has promised to guard it against all sorts of change or perversion (15:9). It serves as the authentic proof of the divine mission of Prophet Muhammad r, the unlettered Prophet (7:158). Allah I tells us that He sent down the Qur’ân to His Servant, Prophet Muhammad r (18:1) by inspiration (42:7) ¾ through the Angel Gabriel (16: 102). He revealed it in stages (17:106) and arranged it gradually to strengthen our hearts (25:32). He took charge of its collection and promulgation (75:16-17).
We should thank Allah for inspiring His Messenger r with the best conduct (i.e., Sunnah or Tradition/ Way) and wisdom (i.e., Ahâdîth or Teachings and Sayings). The Prophet’s Sunnah and Ahâdîth completely guide us how to live according to the Qur’ân. Allah’s Book guides us to believe and obey Muhammad r (3:31-32, 4:170 and 47:33). For our complete guidance, it is a must for us to follow Muhammad’s Sunnah because, he is Allah’s universal Messenger to all mankind (34:28) and the Seal of the Prophets (33:40) whom Allah, the Mighty One, taught and inspired (53: 4, 10) with Guidance and the Religion of Truth to make it prevail over all religions (61:9).
Allah’s Book with its instruction to mankind to follow the Sunnah (and Ahâdîth) of the Prophet r is the only comprehensive divine guidance to all mankind. It covers all subjects affecting mankind, be it physical, material or economic, socio-cultural, political, legal, religious and spiritual, or the like. It talks not only about us and our environment; but also the events and circumstances affecting us. Allah I says that nothing has been omitted from it (6:38). It is further explained in detail (11:1 and 6:114). Any rational man or scientist who had become atheist because of the misconception that, “the Word of God disagrees with science” will discover the Truth. He will be enlightened to know that Allah’s Book contains information about the scientific facts of life because it is the Truth of assured certainty (69:51).
For our eternal peace, happiness and prosperity, we have to read, study and above all follow the Qur’ân. It is the only true and comprehensive Divine Revelation from Allah that guides us to righteousness and eternal happiness. Our Creator I tells us:
“Verily this Qur’ân does guide to that which is most right (or stable), and gives the glad tidings to the Believers who work deeds of righteousness, that they shall have a magnificent reward...” (17:9-10)
Allah I will reward the righteous the Garden of Paradise as their final abode (25:15-16). They shall have joy in all that they do and shall have whatever they call for (36:55-57). The greatest bliss, however, is the Good Pleasure of Allah: that is the supreme triumph (9:72). Allah I promises them the eternal Garden where they will enjoy comfort and peace. He I says:
“But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness ¾ We shall soon admit them to Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath, ¾ to dwell therein forever. Allah 's promise is the truth, and whose word can be truer than Allah's?” (4:122)
“Except those who repent and believe and work righteousness, for these will enter the Garden and will not be wronged in the least ¾ Gardens of Eternity, those which (Allah) Most Gracious has promised to His servants in the Unseen, for His promise must (necessarily) come to pass. They will not there hear any vain discourse, but only salutations of Peace. And they will have therein their sustenance, morning and evening. Such is the Garden which We give as an inheritance to those of Our Servants who guard against evil.” (19:60-63)
“Verily, the Companions of the Garden shall that Day have joy in all that they do; they and their associates will be in pleasant shade, reclining on raised couches; (every) fruit will be there for them. They shall have whatever they call for Peace ¾ a Word (of salutation) from the Rabb (Sustainer) Most Merciful.” (36:55-58)
Part of Allah’s guidance is His warning to the non-Muslims about the Hell-fire. He tells us about Hell as His terrible punishment that awaits those who deny His Book. Allah I warns:
Praise be to Allah, Who has sent to His Servant the Book, and has allowed therein no Crookedness: (He has made it) Straight (and Clear) in order that He may warn (the Godless) of a terrible Punishment from Him... You would only, perchance, fret yourself to death, following after them, in grief, if they believe not in this Message. (18:1-6)
Allah I warns the Unbelievers of the Hell as their final and eternal abode for denying the Truth. He says:
“Those who reject Our Signs, We shall soon cast them into the Fire; as often as their skins are roasted through. We shall change them for fresh skins, that they may taste the Chastisement, for Allah is Exalted in Power, All-Wise.” (4:56)
“In front of such a one is Hell, and he is given for drink, boiling fetid water. In gulps will he sip it, but never will he be near swallowing it down his throat. Death will come to him from every quarter, yet will he not die, and in front of him will be a chastisement unrelenting.” (14:16-17)
“This is the Hell of which you were promised! Embrace you the (Fire) this Day, for that you (persistently) rejected (the Truth).” (36:63-64)
“Who, then, does more wrong than one who utters a lie concerning Allah and rejects the Truth when it comes to him! Is there not in Hell an abode for the unbelievers?” (39:32)
If you are among those who deny the Book of Allah I, time has come that you must seek divine guidance. Know that true guidance comes from Allah I Alone. For your eternal salvation and success, you must firmly believe that the Almighty has sent down the Qur’ân as the Book of Guidance for us to follow (6:155; 39:18). One very important guidance that we can get by reading and following the Qur’ân is to protect ourselves from falsehood. Allah guides us to ask for proofs for those who want to lead us astray. He I says:
“And they say: ‘None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian.’ Those are their (vain) desires. Say: ‘Produce your proof if you are truthful.’” (2:111)
“...Say: `Bring you the Torah and study it, if you be men of truth.’ If any, after this invent a lie and attribute it to Allah, they are indeed unjust wrong-doers.” (3:93-94)
“Or have they taken for worship (other) gods besides Him? Say, ‘Bring your convincing proof: this is the Message of those before me.’ But most of them know not the Truth, and so turn away.” (21:24)
Aside from asking for proofs, Allah guides us to understand, to ponder and to contemplate on His Divine Book. He I says:
“Do they not ponder on the Qur’ân? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy.” (4: 82)
“We have revealed for you (O mankind!) a book, which will give you eminence. Will you not then understand?” (21:10)
“Do they not then earnestly seek to understand the Qur’ân or are their hearts locked up by them?” (47:24)
“Do they not ponder over the Word come to them that did not come to their fathers of old?” (23:68)
“(Here is) a Book which We have sent down unto you full of blessings that they may contemplate on its Signs and that men of understanding may receive admonition.” (38:29)
It is obligatory that we believe and follow the whole of the Qur’ân. If we reject any part of it, we will suffer grievous punishment in the Hereafter. Allah I warns:
. . . Then is it only a part of the Book that you believe in. And do you reject the rest? But what is the reward for those among you who behave like this but disgrace in this life? And on the Day of Judgment they shall be consigned to the most grievous chastisement for Allah is not unmindful of what you do. These are the people who buy the life of this world at the price of the Hereafter: their chastisement shall not be lightened nor shall they be helped. (2:85-86)
Indeed, the Qur’ân is Allah’s Divine Book so full of wisdom, truth, and guidance to all humanity. Therefore, for our guidance and eternal success, we have to read, study and follow it.
The Qur’ân certainly serves as Allah’s guide and mercy to all humanity (27:76, 77; 31:3). It guides us to the Right Path, Islam ¾ the only perfect religion (5:3) acceptable to Allah (3:19; 3:85). It will forever remain as the pure divine guidance to all humanity. Allah has promised to guard it against all sorts of change or perversion (15:9). It serves as the authentic proof of the divine mission of Prophet Muhammad r, the unlettered Prophet (7:158). Allah I tells us that He sent down the Qur’ân to His Servant, Prophet Muhammad r (18:1) by inspiration (42:7) ¾ through the Angel Gabriel (16: 102). He revealed it in stages (17:106) and arranged it gradually to strengthen our hearts (25:32). He took charge of its collection and promulgation (75:16-17).
We should thank Allah for inspiring His Messenger r with the best conduct (i.e., Sunnah or Tradition/ Way) and wisdom (i.e., Ahâdîth or Teachings and Sayings). The Prophet’s Sunnah and Ahâdîth completely guide us how to live according to the Qur’ân. Allah’s Book guides us to believe and obey Muhammad r (3:31-32, 4:170 and 47:33). For our complete guidance, it is a must for us to follow Muhammad’s Sunnah because, he is Allah’s universal Messenger to all mankind (34:28) and the Seal of the Prophets (33:40) whom Allah, the Mighty One, taught and inspired (53: 4, 10) with Guidance and the Religion of Truth to make it prevail over all religions (61:9).
Allah’s Book with its instruction to mankind to follow the Sunnah (and Ahâdîth) of the Prophet r is the only comprehensive divine guidance to all mankind. It covers all subjects affecting mankind, be it physical, material or economic, socio-cultural, political, legal, religious and spiritual, or the like. It talks not only about us and our environment; but also the events and circumstances affecting us. Allah I says that nothing has been omitted from it (6:38). It is further explained in detail (11:1 and 6:114). Any rational man or scientist who had become atheist because of the misconception that, “the Word of God disagrees with science” will discover the Truth. He will be enlightened to know that Allah’s Book contains information about the scientific facts of life because it is the Truth of assured certainty (69:51).
For our eternal peace, happiness and prosperity, we have to read, study and above all follow the Qur’ân. It is the only true and comprehensive Divine Revelation from Allah that guides us to righteousness and eternal happiness. Our Creator I tells us:
“Verily this Qur’ân does guide to that which is most right (or stable), and gives the glad tidings to the Believers who work deeds of righteousness, that they shall have a magnificent reward...” (17:9-10)
Allah I will reward the righteous the Garden of Paradise as their final abode (25:15-16). They shall have joy in all that they do and shall have whatever they call for (36:55-57). The greatest bliss, however, is the Good Pleasure of Allah: that is the supreme triumph (9:72). Allah I promises them the eternal Garden where they will enjoy comfort and peace. He I says:
“But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness ¾ We shall soon admit them to Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath, ¾ to dwell therein forever. Allah 's promise is the truth, and whose word can be truer than Allah's?” (4:122)
“Except those who repent and believe and work righteousness, for these will enter the Garden and will not be wronged in the least ¾ Gardens of Eternity, those which (Allah) Most Gracious has promised to His servants in the Unseen, for His promise must (necessarily) come to pass. They will not there hear any vain discourse, but only salutations of Peace. And they will have therein their sustenance, morning and evening. Such is the Garden which We give as an inheritance to those of Our Servants who guard against evil.” (19:60-63)
“Verily, the Companions of the Garden shall that Day have joy in all that they do; they and their associates will be in pleasant shade, reclining on raised couches; (every) fruit will be there for them. They shall have whatever they call for Peace ¾ a Word (of salutation) from the Rabb (Sustainer) Most Merciful.” (36:55-58)
Part of Allah’s guidance is His warning to the non-Muslims about the Hell-fire. He tells us about Hell as His terrible punishment that awaits those who deny His Book. Allah I warns:
Praise be to Allah, Who has sent to His Servant the Book, and has allowed therein no Crookedness: (He has made it) Straight (and Clear) in order that He may warn (the Godless) of a terrible Punishment from Him... You would only, perchance, fret yourself to death, following after them, in grief, if they believe not in this Message. (18:1-6)
Allah I warns the Unbelievers of the Hell as their final and eternal abode for denying the Truth. He says:
“Those who reject Our Signs, We shall soon cast them into the Fire; as often as their skins are roasted through. We shall change them for fresh skins, that they may taste the Chastisement, for Allah is Exalted in Power, All-Wise.” (4:56)
“In front of such a one is Hell, and he is given for drink, boiling fetid water. In gulps will he sip it, but never will he be near swallowing it down his throat. Death will come to him from every quarter, yet will he not die, and in front of him will be a chastisement unrelenting.” (14:16-17)
“This is the Hell of which you were promised! Embrace you the (Fire) this Day, for that you (persistently) rejected (the Truth).” (36:63-64)
“Who, then, does more wrong than one who utters a lie concerning Allah and rejects the Truth when it comes to him! Is there not in Hell an abode for the unbelievers?” (39:32)
If you are among those who deny the Book of Allah I, time has come that you must seek divine guidance. Know that true guidance comes from Allah I Alone. For your eternal salvation and success, you must firmly believe that the Almighty has sent down the Qur’ân as the Book of Guidance for us to follow (6:155; 39:18). One very important guidance that we can get by reading and following the Qur’ân is to protect ourselves from falsehood. Allah guides us to ask for proofs for those who want to lead us astray. He I says:
“And they say: ‘None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian.’ Those are their (vain) desires. Say: ‘Produce your proof if you are truthful.’” (2:111)
“...Say: `Bring you the Torah and study it, if you be men of truth.’ If any, after this invent a lie and attribute it to Allah, they are indeed unjust wrong-doers.” (3:93-94)
“Or have they taken for worship (other) gods besides Him? Say, ‘Bring your convincing proof: this is the Message of those before me.’ But most of them know not the Truth, and so turn away.” (21:24)
Aside from asking for proofs, Allah guides us to understand, to ponder and to contemplate on His Divine Book. He I says:
“Do they not ponder on the Qur’ân? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy.” (4: 82)
“We have revealed for you (O mankind!) a book, which will give you eminence. Will you not then understand?” (21:10)
“Do they not then earnestly seek to understand the Qur’ân or are their hearts locked up by them?” (47:24)
“Do they not ponder over the Word come to them that did not come to their fathers of old?” (23:68)
“(Here is) a Book which We have sent down unto you full of blessings that they may contemplate on its Signs and that men of understanding may receive admonition.” (38:29)
It is obligatory that we believe and follow the whole of the Qur’ân. If we reject any part of it, we will suffer grievous punishment in the Hereafter. Allah I warns:
. . . Then is it only a part of the Book that you believe in. And do you reject the rest? But what is the reward for those among you who behave like this but disgrace in this life? And on the Day of Judgment they shall be consigned to the most grievous chastisement for Allah is not unmindful of what you do. These are the people who buy the life of this world at the price of the Hereafter: their chastisement shall not be lightened nor shall they be helped. (2:85-86)
Indeed, the Qur’ân is Allah’s Divine Book so full of wisdom, truth, and guidance to all humanity. Therefore, for our guidance and eternal success, we have to read, study and follow it.
Why understanding the Quran is essential ?
From: www.studythequran.com
Have you read and understood the Quran at least once in life? What is your age now? And till now you are still unaware of the message of the Quran. How will you face Allah when the prophet will say on the Day of Judgment that these are my people who had ignored the Quran? (25:30)
The Quran is not be read by ulemmas only. It is for every one. Allah has made the Quran easy to understand. “We have indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and remember: then is there any that will receive admonition? (54:32)
When we wake up in the morning we are so curious to read news as to what is happening around. We also take out time to read magazines and books and even poetry. But do we also spend time to read and know what is written in the Quran and what does it want to tell us. (47:24)
Not knowing Arabic language is no excuse as translations of the Quran are available in almost all languages (41:44). Remember it is obligatory on us to read and understand the Quran.(28:85)
Understanding the Quran will help in rediscovering Islam in its pure form which is otherwise hidden in the camouflage of various school of thoughts or attachment to some ideology. (3:19) (7:3)
From the day of its revelation to the Day of Judgment, this divine book will remain the sole guide for humanity. (18:27)
A believer who becomes aware of the importance and indispensability of the Quran to his life must have a good knowledge of the Quran so that he can conduct his entire life in line with the principles of the Quran and thus serve Allah as is due. (6:161-163)
When some one gets the desire to know about religion, he begins to search books written by various authors. Some will be content with reading of Jurisprudence topics by four Imams.(68:35-38)
But how many turn to the Quran, the Book from Allah which Allah has said contains guidance for the mankind and is easy to understand.(10:57)
When people inquire about their religion most people say that they are Muslims. However many of them have not read the Quran, the just Book of Islam, even once. (7:179).
The Quran is the revelation of Allah through which He introduces Himself and explains the real purpose of our life of this world and the next, as well as the attributes of moral perfection (10:61).
Leading a life unaware of Allah’s expectations and being satisfied with fabricated religions is not befitting to a person’s conscience and wisdom. (30:32)
The purpose to begin this web site by offering question/answer solutions directly from the Quran is to explore the message from the Quran and to motivate the people to read and understand the Quran.(14:1).May Allah Guide us to the right path and give us correct understanding of the Quran.
Have you read and understood the Quran at least once in life? What is your age now? And till now you are still unaware of the message of the Quran. How will you face Allah when the prophet will say on the Day of Judgment that these are my people who had ignored the Quran? (25:30)
The Quran is not be read by ulemmas only. It is for every one. Allah has made the Quran easy to understand. “We have indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and remember: then is there any that will receive admonition? (54:32)
When we wake up in the morning we are so curious to read news as to what is happening around. We also take out time to read magazines and books and even poetry. But do we also spend time to read and know what is written in the Quran and what does it want to tell us. (47:24)
Not knowing Arabic language is no excuse as translations of the Quran are available in almost all languages (41:44). Remember it is obligatory on us to read and understand the Quran.(28:85)
Understanding the Quran will help in rediscovering Islam in its pure form which is otherwise hidden in the camouflage of various school of thoughts or attachment to some ideology. (3:19) (7:3)
From the day of its revelation to the Day of Judgment, this divine book will remain the sole guide for humanity. (18:27)
A believer who becomes aware of the importance and indispensability of the Quran to his life must have a good knowledge of the Quran so that he can conduct his entire life in line with the principles of the Quran and thus serve Allah as is due. (6:161-163)
When some one gets the desire to know about religion, he begins to search books written by various authors. Some will be content with reading of Jurisprudence topics by four Imams.(68:35-38)
But how many turn to the Quran, the Book from Allah which Allah has said contains guidance for the mankind and is easy to understand.(10:57)
When people inquire about their religion most people say that they are Muslims. However many of them have not read the Quran, the just Book of Islam, even once. (7:179).
The Quran is the revelation of Allah through which He introduces Himself and explains the real purpose of our life of this world and the next, as well as the attributes of moral perfection (10:61).
Leading a life unaware of Allah’s expectations and being satisfied with fabricated religions is not befitting to a person’s conscience and wisdom. (30:32)
The purpose to begin this web site by offering question/answer solutions directly from the Quran is to explore the message from the Quran and to motivate the people to read and understand the Quran.(14:1).May Allah Guide us to the right path and give us correct understanding of the Quran.
25 Duas from the Holy Quran
From: http://www.jannah.org/
(And when My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I respond to the dua (prayer) of every suppliant when they calleth on Me - Quran 2:186)
1. Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the life to come and keep us safe from the torment of the Fire (2:201)
2. Our Lord! Bestow on us endurance and make our foothold sure and give us help against those who reject faith. (2:250)
3. Our Lord! Take us not to task if we forget or fall into error. (2:286)
4. Our Lord! Lay not upon us such a burden as You did lay upon those before us. (2:286)
5. Our Lord! Impose not on us that which we have not the strength to bear, grant us forgiveness and have mercy on us. You are our Protector. Help us against those who deny the truth. (2:286)
6. Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate from the truth after You have guided us, and bestow upon us mercy from Your grace. Verily You are the Giver of bounties without measure. (3:8)
7. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and the lack of moderation in our doings, and make firm our steps and succour us against those who deny the truth. (3:147)
8. Our Lord! Whomsoever You shall commit to the Fire, truly You have brought [him] to disgrace, and never will wrongdoers find any helpers (3:192)
9. Our Lord! Behold we have heard a voice calling us unto faith: "Believe in your Lord" and we have believed. (3:193)
10. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and efface our bad deeds and take our souls in the company of the righteous. (3:193)
11. Our Lord! And grant us that which you have promised to us by Your messengers and save us from shame on the Day of Judgement. Verily You never fail to fulfill Your promise. (3:194)
12. Our Lord! We have sinned against ourselves, and unless You grant us forgiveness and bestow Your mercy upon us, we shall most certainly be lost! (7:23)
13. Our Lord! Place us not among the people who have been guilty of evildoing. (7:47)
14. Our Lord! Lay open the truth between us and our people, for You are the best of all to lay open the truth. (7:89)
15. Our Lord! Pour out on us patience and constancy, and make us die as those who have surrendered themselves unto You. (7:126)
16. Our Lord! Make us not a trial for the evildoing folk, and save as by Your mercy from people who deny the truth (10:85-86)
17. Our Lord! You truly know all that we may hide [in our hearts] as well as all that we bring into the open, for nothing whatever, be it on earth or in heaven, remains hidden from Allah (14:38)
18. Our Lord! Bestow on us mercy from Your presence and dispose of our affairs for us in the right way. (18:10)
19. Our Lord! Grant that our spouses and our offspring be a comfort to our eyes, and give us the grace to lead those who are conscious of You. (25:74)
20. Our Lord! You embrace all things within Your Grace and Knowledge, forgive those who repent and follow Your path, and ward off from them the punishment of Hell. (40:7)
21. Our Lord! Make them enter the Garden of Eden which You have promised to them, and to the righteous from among their fathers, their wives and their offspring, for verily You are alone the Almighty and the truly Wise. (40:8)
22. Our Lord! Relieve us of the torment, for we do really believe. (44:12)
23. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins as well as those of our brethren who proceeded us in faith and let not our hearts entertain any unworthy thoughts or feelings against [any of] those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness and Most Merciful (59:10)
24. Our Lord! In You we have placed our trust, and to You do we turn in repentance, for unto You is the end of all journeys. (60:4)
25. Our Lord! Perfect our light for us and forgive us our sins, for verily You have power over all things. (66:8)
(And when My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I respond to the dua (prayer) of every suppliant when they calleth on Me - Quran 2:186)
1. Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the life to come and keep us safe from the torment of the Fire (2:201)
2. Our Lord! Bestow on us endurance and make our foothold sure and give us help against those who reject faith. (2:250)
3. Our Lord! Take us not to task if we forget or fall into error. (2:286)
4. Our Lord! Lay not upon us such a burden as You did lay upon those before us. (2:286)
5. Our Lord! Impose not on us that which we have not the strength to bear, grant us forgiveness and have mercy on us. You are our Protector. Help us against those who deny the truth. (2:286)
6. Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate from the truth after You have guided us, and bestow upon us mercy from Your grace. Verily You are the Giver of bounties without measure. (3:8)
7. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and the lack of moderation in our doings, and make firm our steps and succour us against those who deny the truth. (3:147)
8. Our Lord! Whomsoever You shall commit to the Fire, truly You have brought [him] to disgrace, and never will wrongdoers find any helpers (3:192)
9. Our Lord! Behold we have heard a voice calling us unto faith: "Believe in your Lord" and we have believed. (3:193)
10. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and efface our bad deeds and take our souls in the company of the righteous. (3:193)
11. Our Lord! And grant us that which you have promised to us by Your messengers and save us from shame on the Day of Judgement. Verily You never fail to fulfill Your promise. (3:194)
12. Our Lord! We have sinned against ourselves, and unless You grant us forgiveness and bestow Your mercy upon us, we shall most certainly be lost! (7:23)
13. Our Lord! Place us not among the people who have been guilty of evildoing. (7:47)
14. Our Lord! Lay open the truth between us and our people, for You are the best of all to lay open the truth. (7:89)
15. Our Lord! Pour out on us patience and constancy, and make us die as those who have surrendered themselves unto You. (7:126)
16. Our Lord! Make us not a trial for the evildoing folk, and save as by Your mercy from people who deny the truth (10:85-86)
17. Our Lord! You truly know all that we may hide [in our hearts] as well as all that we bring into the open, for nothing whatever, be it on earth or in heaven, remains hidden from Allah (14:38)
18. Our Lord! Bestow on us mercy from Your presence and dispose of our affairs for us in the right way. (18:10)
19. Our Lord! Grant that our spouses and our offspring be a comfort to our eyes, and give us the grace to lead those who are conscious of You. (25:74)
20. Our Lord! You embrace all things within Your Grace and Knowledge, forgive those who repent and follow Your path, and ward off from them the punishment of Hell. (40:7)
21. Our Lord! Make them enter the Garden of Eden which You have promised to them, and to the righteous from among their fathers, their wives and their offspring, for verily You are alone the Almighty and the truly Wise. (40:8)
22. Our Lord! Relieve us of the torment, for we do really believe. (44:12)
23. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins as well as those of our brethren who proceeded us in faith and let not our hearts entertain any unworthy thoughts or feelings against [any of] those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness and Most Merciful (59:10)
24. Our Lord! In You we have placed our trust, and to You do we turn in repentance, for unto You is the end of all journeys. (60:4)
25. Our Lord! Perfect our light for us and forgive us our sins, for verily You have power over all things. (66:8)
Health Care Meltdown By Robert LeBow. www.amazon.com
By Maged Taman
Two of the greatest people in America are Doctors Bob LeBow (God bless his soul) and Quentin young. They were the two Don Quixote who were fighting for health care for everyone in America. They have a great organization physicians for a National Health Program www.pnhp.org . The organization have many physicians who championed the cause of the less fortunate to improve their health and save their lives.
People overseas look at America as the most advanced country in Medicine which is true. However not everyone enjoy that. In fact there is about 48 millions Americans with no health insurance. There is a great discrepancy between the advancement in health care and its delivery. The latter is quite poor. The one who can get a delivery system to health care that matches our advances in medicine is the one who would solve the biggest problem in America.
When I was looking for answers to this disorganized health care, God answered my prayer and I found Taman Health Plan http://www.trafford.com/ that takes care of all problems of health care. To my amazement I found out it takes care also of Medicare, Medicaid, Social security and the unsecured pensions of the American people. If I was a greedy person I could easily sold it to either of the two parties before the 2004 presidential election for 50 million dollars, it was a winner and they spent 2 billion dollars on that election. I would also have the fame and Nobel prize in economics. If I am greedy I can also do the same this election year of 2008.
I was hopping offering this plan to the American politicians in return they will help me to have a plan that restructure the Arab and Muslim world and free my people. I called it the plan of freedom and I still call it the same name. However the wind was very strong against my ambitions. However, I should not give up in hope.
Meanwhile, Muslims and Arabs have to depend greatly on their selves to liberate their countries. It would not be revolutions but very smart and intense politics that can turn most people against the tyrants and their regimes will crumble on itself. When we are united and strong we do not even need a revolution the tyrants would either give up power or they would feel that they have to give up power.
The best we can get from America is having them not to support these regimes and use the CIA and political resources to support and empower them like they did in the past. Meanwhile, Israel should not fear major restructure in the Arab world. One of their ministers was telling America that the road to Jerusalem to the Arab is through the fall of Cairo and most Arab capitals. The truth is the most hope of Israel is to have democratic countries in the Arab world that are willing to live peacefully with them. They should not bet on the loosing horse. Most secular regimes had Israel their game plan. Moderate Muslims accept and believe that it is God will to have them in the holy land before the second coming of Jesus (PBUH).
Going back to the American health and long term care I do not see any plan other than mine that is meaningfully and drastically will take care of all problems of health care and provide the Americans with secure health and long term care. It is God given plan. The Americans are the one who would decide if they are accepting God's hand or they will think they can change the world without his help.
Two of the greatest people in America are Doctors Bob LeBow (God bless his soul) and Quentin young. They were the two Don Quixote who were fighting for health care for everyone in America. They have a great organization physicians for a National Health Program www.pnhp.org . The organization have many physicians who championed the cause of the less fortunate to improve their health and save their lives.
People overseas look at America as the most advanced country in Medicine which is true. However not everyone enjoy that. In fact there is about 48 millions Americans with no health insurance. There is a great discrepancy between the advancement in health care and its delivery. The latter is quite poor. The one who can get a delivery system to health care that matches our advances in medicine is the one who would solve the biggest problem in America.
When I was looking for answers to this disorganized health care, God answered my prayer and I found Taman Health Plan http://www.trafford.com/ that takes care of all problems of health care. To my amazement I found out it takes care also of Medicare, Medicaid, Social security and the unsecured pensions of the American people. If I was a greedy person I could easily sold it to either of the two parties before the 2004 presidential election for 50 million dollars, it was a winner and they spent 2 billion dollars on that election. I would also have the fame and Nobel prize in economics. If I am greedy I can also do the same this election year of 2008.
I was hopping offering this plan to the American politicians in return they will help me to have a plan that restructure the Arab and Muslim world and free my people. I called it the plan of freedom and I still call it the same name. However the wind was very strong against my ambitions. However, I should not give up in hope.
Meanwhile, Muslims and Arabs have to depend greatly on their selves to liberate their countries. It would not be revolutions but very smart and intense politics that can turn most people against the tyrants and their regimes will crumble on itself. When we are united and strong we do not even need a revolution the tyrants would either give up power or they would feel that they have to give up power.
The best we can get from America is having them not to support these regimes and use the CIA and political resources to support and empower them like they did in the past. Meanwhile, Israel should not fear major restructure in the Arab world. One of their ministers was telling America that the road to Jerusalem to the Arab is through the fall of Cairo and most Arab capitals. The truth is the most hope of Israel is to have democratic countries in the Arab world that are willing to live peacefully with them. They should not bet on the loosing horse. Most secular regimes had Israel their game plan. Moderate Muslims accept and believe that it is God will to have them in the holy land before the second coming of Jesus (PBUH).
Going back to the American health and long term care I do not see any plan other than mine that is meaningfully and drastically will take care of all problems of health care and provide the Americans with secure health and long term care. It is God given plan. The Americans are the one who would decide if they are accepting God's hand or they will think they can change the world without his help.
The Theory of Evolution: Needs Evolution
By: Maged Taman
There should not be a problem to have students study the theory of evolution as by Darwin and others. However, they have to be taught two things: it is a theory and there is another theory "the creation". They can learn the latter from their religious sources. Charles Darwin, in his books (The Origin of Species 1859) and (The Descent of Man 1871), presented his theory of evolution. He presented the theory of the Mechanism of Natural Selection or survival of the fittest. More evolutionists contributed to the theory trying to deflect criticism.
These are the common critics of the theory:
1- Basic material: Even if you are successful to trace the universe to one atom and life to one cell you will not be able to answer: who created the atom and cell.
2- The theory of "spontaneous generation", which asserts that non-living materials came together to form living organism has been rejected. The great evolutionists like Russian biologist Alexander Oparin and American chemist Stanley Miller experimented to prove that a living cell could originate by coincidence but failed and they admitted their failure.
3- The conditions required for the formation of cell are too great in quantity to be explained away by coincidences. The DNA molecule is so complex that it cannot be accidental or coincidental.
4- Lamarck and Darwin believed in the transferring of traits of one species to the other. They maintain that living creatures passed on the traits (new DNA) they acquired during lifetime to the next generation. Giraffes evolved from antelopes and bears transformed into whales. However, the laws of inheritance discovered by Gregor Mendel (1822- 1884) and verified by the science of genetics have nullified the theory of evolutionary mechanism.
5- Sharing the some of DNA material between animals point to a creator rather than spontaneous mutations (Neo-Darwinism). In humans spontaneous mutation as we study it in medicine result in disease and deformities not eloquent new species.
6- The fossil record theory of Darwin, which was a basic contention, has been rejected on scientific grounds. According to this theory, every living species has sprung from a predecessor. No "Transitional Forms" have yet been uncovered. On the contrary, the British Paleontologist, Drerk v. Ager in "The Nature of the Fossil Record" admits that the fossil records shows not gradual evolution but the sudden explosion of one group at the expense of another. This is just the opposite of Darwin's assumptions.
7- Man is the blend of Matter and Soul. Darwin and other evolutionists could deny it or ignore it but human observations are just too compelling even to intellectuals. For a scientific proof you need observation and experiment. There is no experiment that evolutionists can produce in the laboratory to prove their observation. Humans' observation is more stronger than the photos of some apes that looked more erect over millions of years.
8- The brain which is the most advanced in humans compared by any species is very difficult to explain how it can evolve from lower animals. We do not pass to our children through our sperms or eggs our knowledge, social or political skills. They have to learn it. Even intelligent people have to develop their brain more through learning. If they have intelligent children they will look like most of us. Learning will not cause us to evolve into new species or for our brains to grow into large balloons. Similarly, you can not expect lower animals to develop the sophisticated human brain by learning alone.
For me the theory of evolution is stuck in its beginning, middle and end. In the beginning: the origin of material!! in the middle: adding new DNA for acquired traits resulting in new species !! and in the end: human brains are just too sophisticated to evolve from lower animals. As you see the theory of evolution failed to evolve in these three essential steps.
Compiled my thoughts with scientific facts from Islam And Darwinism: By: Prof. Maqsood Jafri.
There should not be a problem to have students study the theory of evolution as by Darwin and others. However, they have to be taught two things: it is a theory and there is another theory "the creation". They can learn the latter from their religious sources. Charles Darwin, in his books (The Origin of Species 1859) and (The Descent of Man 1871), presented his theory of evolution. He presented the theory of the Mechanism of Natural Selection or survival of the fittest. More evolutionists contributed to the theory trying to deflect criticism.
These are the common critics of the theory:
1- Basic material: Even if you are successful to trace the universe to one atom and life to one cell you will not be able to answer: who created the atom and cell.
2- The theory of "spontaneous generation", which asserts that non-living materials came together to form living organism has been rejected. The great evolutionists like Russian biologist Alexander Oparin and American chemist Stanley Miller experimented to prove that a living cell could originate by coincidence but failed and they admitted their failure.
3- The conditions required for the formation of cell are too great in quantity to be explained away by coincidences. The DNA molecule is so complex that it cannot be accidental or coincidental.
4- Lamarck and Darwin believed in the transferring of traits of one species to the other. They maintain that living creatures passed on the traits (new DNA) they acquired during lifetime to the next generation. Giraffes evolved from antelopes and bears transformed into whales. However, the laws of inheritance discovered by Gregor Mendel (1822- 1884) and verified by the science of genetics have nullified the theory of evolutionary mechanism.
5- Sharing the some of DNA material between animals point to a creator rather than spontaneous mutations (Neo-Darwinism). In humans spontaneous mutation as we study it in medicine result in disease and deformities not eloquent new species.
6- The fossil record theory of Darwin, which was a basic contention, has been rejected on scientific grounds. According to this theory, every living species has sprung from a predecessor. No "Transitional Forms" have yet been uncovered. On the contrary, the British Paleontologist, Drerk v. Ager in "The Nature of the Fossil Record" admits that the fossil records shows not gradual evolution but the sudden explosion of one group at the expense of another. This is just the opposite of Darwin's assumptions.
7- Man is the blend of Matter and Soul. Darwin and other evolutionists could deny it or ignore it but human observations are just too compelling even to intellectuals. For a scientific proof you need observation and experiment. There is no experiment that evolutionists can produce in the laboratory to prove their observation. Humans' observation is more stronger than the photos of some apes that looked more erect over millions of years.
8- The brain which is the most advanced in humans compared by any species is very difficult to explain how it can evolve from lower animals. We do not pass to our children through our sperms or eggs our knowledge, social or political skills. They have to learn it. Even intelligent people have to develop their brain more through learning. If they have intelligent children they will look like most of us. Learning will not cause us to evolve into new species or for our brains to grow into large balloons. Similarly, you can not expect lower animals to develop the sophisticated human brain by learning alone.
For me the theory of evolution is stuck in its beginning, middle and end. In the beginning: the origin of material!! in the middle: adding new DNA for acquired traits resulting in new species !! and in the end: human brains are just too sophisticated to evolve from lower animals. As you see the theory of evolution failed to evolve in these three essential steps.
Compiled my thoughts with scientific facts from Islam And Darwinism: By: Prof. Maqsood Jafri.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Health Care as a Human Right
From Counter-Punch.
By HELEN REDMOND
At the core of the idea that health care is a human right is freedom. The for-profit health care system in the United States severely restricts our freedom in a number of subtle and not so subtle ways. Instead of freedom there is fear.
The health care crisis impacts every aspect of our lives down to the most seemingly insignificant personal decisions we make. This national bully terrorizes and forces us to live in fear. It determines what is possible and not possible, it crushes hopes and dreams and imprisons people into lives they did not choose. For decades in this country we have accepted the barbaric consequences of a profit driven health care system that bullies and denies us basic freedoms. Therefore, we are not free.
How does the bully do this? Let me count the ways.
Arguably one of the most inhuman consequences of the health care crisis is the predicament of the mentally ill. People with serious mental illness encounter stigma, discrimination and difficulty accessing treatment. Millions of adults and children suffer from a variety of treatable mental health problems: depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and pervasive developmental disorder. But insurers avoid covering those with a diagnosed mental disability because of the chronic nature of the problem, which means treatment is often needed for years, and medications are expensive. This cuts into profit margins. Moreover, mental illness is not covered on a par with physical illness by most health insurance policies. The number of visits to mental health providers is limited, typically 20 sessions with a therapist per calendar year, and admission to inpatient psychiatric hospitalization is often restricted to fourteen days and not reimbursed at a hundred percent. This discrimination is perfectl
y legal and even in states where parity laws have been passed coverage is still uneven. A study titled, "Design of Mental Health Benefits: Still Unequal After All These Years," found that forty-eight percent of workers in employer-sponsored health plans were subjected to the limiting of inpatient days, caps on outpatient visits, and higher co-payments. Leaders in the field of mental health have made the case over and over again that treatment must be both affordable and open-ended because mental illnesses donít respond to rigid time tables.
The barriers for those with insurance coverage are numerous, but for the mentally ill who are uninsured they are almost insurmountable. In major cities, streets and shelters are full of mentally ill people who are not receiving any type of treatment. Most qualify for Medicaid. The problem is actually getting Medicaid coverage. For people with a serious and persistent mental illness especially the homeless to negotiate the system and gather all the information needed to apply is almost impossible. They need proof of homelessness and income, a birth certificate, photo identification, copies of bills and a mandatory interview with a case worker. Good luck. The consequence is hundreds of thousands of mentally ill are eligible for coverage but donít get it. Instead, they wander the streets talking to themselves, hearing voices, dirty, hungry, and begging for money.
And they end up in jail. Itís shocking: jails and prisons have become de facto psychiatric treatment facilities for the mentally ill. The US Department of Justice reports about sixteen percent of inmatesí more than 300,000 people has a mental illness. One study found that Los Angeles County Jail and Rikers Island in New York City each held more people with mental illness than the largest psychiatric inpatient facility in the United States. In fact, Los Angeles County Jail, to its shame, has become the largest mental health care institution (if you can call a penal institution such a thing) in the country. The jail treats 3,200 seriously mentally ill prisoners every day! For many, itís the first time theyíve ever received treatment and some inmates improve quickly. But once they are dumped back on the streets without structure, access to counselors, and medication, they deteriorate. Homeless, delusional, and out of control, they are inevitably rearrested for behaviors related to their untreated mental illness.
The mentally ill are not free.
Those with addictions are similarly discriminated against. Addictions to alcohol, opiates, crack/cocaine, and prescription drugs are mental health problems that need ongoing treatment. Here again, insurers restrict benefits to save money. Inpatient treatment used to be twenty-one days, now it has been cut in half to ten, and some plans provide even fewer days. Outpatient treatment is typically twenty visits with a therapist per calendar year. For people struggling with a long-standing addiction, twenty sessions is a cruel joke.
The shortage of treatment slots results in millions being denied care. According to the Illinois Alcohol and Drug Dependence Association, in 2004, 1.5 million Illinois residents didnít receive treatment because they couldnít afford it. A report by Join Together, a national resource center, reported that in San Francisco, 1,500 drug and alcohol users were shut out of treatment daily.
Methadone maintenance, despite being the most successful, and cost-effective treatment for heroin addiction, is in seriously short supply. There are roughly 810,000 heroin addicts and only 170,000 funded methadone treatment slots. The wait lists are legendary, at one point in the state of Washington the wait was up to 18 months, and in New York there were 8000 people on a waiting list! In Columbus, Ohio it took Heather Bara 18 months to get into a methadone program. While waiting, she overdosed twice.
The drug addicted are not free.
The health care medical industrial complex is an enormous part of the economy and health care spending now accounts for 16 percent of Gross Domestic Product. Half of all personal bankruptcies are caused by illness or medical bills. The number of medical bankruptcies has increased by 2200 percent since 1981 (Health Affairs, Feb. 2005). Have you ever tried to pay back half a million dollars for an unplanned and uninsured "stay" in an intensive care unit? Shit-out-luck stroke that I had! But even those with insurance have good reason to fear bankruptcy, just ask the parents of three-year old Elly Bachman. She was bitten by a snake. The treatment for the bite including antivenins and several surgeries to save the leg cost the family nearly $91, 000 after insurance paid out. The hospital, in a moment of charity, waived $49,000. Now the Bachmanís owe $42,000. They have set up a website. Go to www.ellysnakebitefund.org to make a donation.
The Bachmans are not free.
Credit/debit cards are increasingly used to pay for co-pays, deductibles, medication, medical supplies, routine exams, and diagnostic testing. An MRI costs over one thousand dollars. If you had a suspicious mass in your brain would you put the MRI on your Visa? MRI one-thousand dollars, hospital charges two-thousand dollars, medication three-hundred dollars. Piece of mind that you donít have a malignant brain tumor: PRICELESS! Except there is a price. Many hospitals and clinics prominently display their price list like a menu, as if purchasing health care was akin to going to a restaurant: Iíll have the mammogram, well done, please.
A study titled Borrowing to Stay Healthy: How Credit Card Debt is Related to Medical Expenses by Cindy Zeldin and Mark Rukaivan (www.accessproject.org), illustrates how deeply indebted millions of people are due to the high cost of health care. The cost of health insurance continues to outpace inflation and wage growth. In other words, health care is more expensive and there is less money to pay for it. Now, about 29 million adults have medical debt and no surprise here debt acts as a disincentive to filling prescriptions, and following through with recommended treatments or diagnostic tests. If there were still debtors prisons 29 million people would be in them.
According to the study, the uninsured have an average credit card debt of $14,512 in medical debt and those with insurance have $10,973. The average credit card debt for those in households with children was $12,840 and those without children 10,669. The numbers canít convey the reality of what debt costs families and individuals in terms of quality of life. It means parents canít buy their children other things: a computer, trumpet lessons, Hannah Montana tickets (if you could even get them), or a week in Disneyland. For adults, it means a working life dedicated to paying off medical debt instead of buying a home or taking vacations.
The credit card industry has recognized the growing market for patient out-of-pocket-costs and has designed "medical credit cards" specifically for medical expenses. Business is good. In 2001, patients charged $19.5 billion in health care services to Visa cards. Highmark Inc., a health insurer in Pennsylvania, offers a "Health Care Gift Card." The card costs $4.95 (plus shipping and handling), and can be loaded with as little as $25 to as much as $5,000. Now you can give your partner that colonoscopy the proctologist recommended. Or buy yourself that brain shunt for your birthday. Oops, I donít think $5,000 will cover it. Put the outstanding balance on another credit card.
We are not free.
Medical debt is related to another crisis in this country ñ the mortgage crisis. Another finding in the study by Zeldin and Rukaivan is this: among those households that refinanced their homes or took out a second mortgage, 60% paid down credit cards with the money. A recent story in The Chicago Reporter illustrated the connection between the two. Edward and Thaida Booker bought a home in 2001 with a loan carrying a 6.2 percent interest rate. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer a couple years later and they had to refinance their mortgage at a higher interest rate to access some of the equity to pay off unexpected medical bills. Thaida died and without her income Mr. Booker was on his own to pay a mortgage that had gone from $800 a month to $1,425. The problem is Booker is retired and his pension and disability payments canít cover the new amount. With help from a housing counselor he was able to negotiate new terms with his lender, but still has to rent out a room in the house and work side jobs to make the mortgage payment.
Edward Booker is not free.
Have you ever stayed in a job that you hated because of the health insurance and you or a family member had a health condition that required frequent doctor visits, labs, and expensive medication? Itís called job lock. An article in BusinessWeek titled "Held Hostage By Health Care - Fear of Losing Coverage Keeps People at Jobs Where Theyíre Not Their Most Productive" exposes an aspect of the health care crisis that has been little discussed. Workers are chained to jobs for one reason; the employerís health insurance. The article alleges there is "A health care refugee in every office." I would wager there are millions of Americans who are desperate to leave their jobs but without coverage, medical bankruptcy and/or a health emergency make the risk of quitting impossible. So we put up with the boredom and abuse (and think we are "lucky" to have medical benefits), but if insurance wasnít tied to employment we could tell our boss to "Take this job and shove it!"
Kathryn Holmes Johnson is a health care refugee profiled in the BusinessWeek article. For a decade Johnson wanted to leave her job to find one that she really loved, but her husband and two children all have asthma and other health problems. The entire family is covered through her medical plan. The $2,000 a year in co-payments for the familyís prescription drugs would have turned into $85,000 without insurance. When she considered changing jobs, the critical factor was the prescription drug coverage that a new employer would offer. She wondered, "In what other country would that be the deciding factor?" Only in America a nation of health care hostages.
We are not free.
Helen Redmond is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a member of Chicago Single-Payer Action Network (CSPAN). She can be reached at redmondmadrid@yahoo.com
By HELEN REDMOND
At the core of the idea that health care is a human right is freedom. The for-profit health care system in the United States severely restricts our freedom in a number of subtle and not so subtle ways. Instead of freedom there is fear.
The health care crisis impacts every aspect of our lives down to the most seemingly insignificant personal decisions we make. This national bully terrorizes and forces us to live in fear. It determines what is possible and not possible, it crushes hopes and dreams and imprisons people into lives they did not choose. For decades in this country we have accepted the barbaric consequences of a profit driven health care system that bullies and denies us basic freedoms. Therefore, we are not free.
How does the bully do this? Let me count the ways.
Arguably one of the most inhuman consequences of the health care crisis is the predicament of the mentally ill. People with serious mental illness encounter stigma, discrimination and difficulty accessing treatment. Millions of adults and children suffer from a variety of treatable mental health problems: depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and pervasive developmental disorder. But insurers avoid covering those with a diagnosed mental disability because of the chronic nature of the problem, which means treatment is often needed for years, and medications are expensive. This cuts into profit margins. Moreover, mental illness is not covered on a par with physical illness by most health insurance policies. The number of visits to mental health providers is limited, typically 20 sessions with a therapist per calendar year, and admission to inpatient psychiatric hospitalization is often restricted to fourteen days and not reimbursed at a hundred percent. This discrimination is perfectl
y legal and even in states where parity laws have been passed coverage is still uneven. A study titled, "Design of Mental Health Benefits: Still Unequal After All These Years," found that forty-eight percent of workers in employer-sponsored health plans were subjected to the limiting of inpatient days, caps on outpatient visits, and higher co-payments. Leaders in the field of mental health have made the case over and over again that treatment must be both affordable and open-ended because mental illnesses donít respond to rigid time tables.
The barriers for those with insurance coverage are numerous, but for the mentally ill who are uninsured they are almost insurmountable. In major cities, streets and shelters are full of mentally ill people who are not receiving any type of treatment. Most qualify for Medicaid. The problem is actually getting Medicaid coverage. For people with a serious and persistent mental illness especially the homeless to negotiate the system and gather all the information needed to apply is almost impossible. They need proof of homelessness and income, a birth certificate, photo identification, copies of bills and a mandatory interview with a case worker. Good luck. The consequence is hundreds of thousands of mentally ill are eligible for coverage but donít get it. Instead, they wander the streets talking to themselves, hearing voices, dirty, hungry, and begging for money.
And they end up in jail. Itís shocking: jails and prisons have become de facto psychiatric treatment facilities for the mentally ill. The US Department of Justice reports about sixteen percent of inmatesí more than 300,000 people has a mental illness. One study found that Los Angeles County Jail and Rikers Island in New York City each held more people with mental illness than the largest psychiatric inpatient facility in the United States. In fact, Los Angeles County Jail, to its shame, has become the largest mental health care institution (if you can call a penal institution such a thing) in the country. The jail treats 3,200 seriously mentally ill prisoners every day! For many, itís the first time theyíve ever received treatment and some inmates improve quickly. But once they are dumped back on the streets without structure, access to counselors, and medication, they deteriorate. Homeless, delusional, and out of control, they are inevitably rearrested for behaviors related to their untreated mental illness.
The mentally ill are not free.
Those with addictions are similarly discriminated against. Addictions to alcohol, opiates, crack/cocaine, and prescription drugs are mental health problems that need ongoing treatment. Here again, insurers restrict benefits to save money. Inpatient treatment used to be twenty-one days, now it has been cut in half to ten, and some plans provide even fewer days. Outpatient treatment is typically twenty visits with a therapist per calendar year. For people struggling with a long-standing addiction, twenty sessions is a cruel joke.
The shortage of treatment slots results in millions being denied care. According to the Illinois Alcohol and Drug Dependence Association, in 2004, 1.5 million Illinois residents didnít receive treatment because they couldnít afford it. A report by Join Together, a national resource center, reported that in San Francisco, 1,500 drug and alcohol users were shut out of treatment daily.
Methadone maintenance, despite being the most successful, and cost-effective treatment for heroin addiction, is in seriously short supply. There are roughly 810,000 heroin addicts and only 170,000 funded methadone treatment slots. The wait lists are legendary, at one point in the state of Washington the wait was up to 18 months, and in New York there were 8000 people on a waiting list! In Columbus, Ohio it took Heather Bara 18 months to get into a methadone program. While waiting, she overdosed twice.
The drug addicted are not free.
The health care medical industrial complex is an enormous part of the economy and health care spending now accounts for 16 percent of Gross Domestic Product. Half of all personal bankruptcies are caused by illness or medical bills. The number of medical bankruptcies has increased by 2200 percent since 1981 (Health Affairs, Feb. 2005). Have you ever tried to pay back half a million dollars for an unplanned and uninsured "stay" in an intensive care unit? Shit-out-luck stroke that I had! But even those with insurance have good reason to fear bankruptcy, just ask the parents of three-year old Elly Bachman. She was bitten by a snake. The treatment for the bite including antivenins and several surgeries to save the leg cost the family nearly $91, 000 after insurance paid out. The hospital, in a moment of charity, waived $49,000. Now the Bachmanís owe $42,000. They have set up a website. Go to www.ellysnakebitefund.org to make a donation.
The Bachmans are not free.
Credit/debit cards are increasingly used to pay for co-pays, deductibles, medication, medical supplies, routine exams, and diagnostic testing. An MRI costs over one thousand dollars. If you had a suspicious mass in your brain would you put the MRI on your Visa? MRI one-thousand dollars, hospital charges two-thousand dollars, medication three-hundred dollars. Piece of mind that you donít have a malignant brain tumor: PRICELESS! Except there is a price. Many hospitals and clinics prominently display their price list like a menu, as if purchasing health care was akin to going to a restaurant: Iíll have the mammogram, well done, please.
A study titled Borrowing to Stay Healthy: How Credit Card Debt is Related to Medical Expenses by Cindy Zeldin and Mark Rukaivan (www.accessproject.org), illustrates how deeply indebted millions of people are due to the high cost of health care. The cost of health insurance continues to outpace inflation and wage growth. In other words, health care is more expensive and there is less money to pay for it. Now, about 29 million adults have medical debt and no surprise here debt acts as a disincentive to filling prescriptions, and following through with recommended treatments or diagnostic tests. If there were still debtors prisons 29 million people would be in them.
According to the study, the uninsured have an average credit card debt of $14,512 in medical debt and those with insurance have $10,973. The average credit card debt for those in households with children was $12,840 and those without children 10,669. The numbers canít convey the reality of what debt costs families and individuals in terms of quality of life. It means parents canít buy their children other things: a computer, trumpet lessons, Hannah Montana tickets (if you could even get them), or a week in Disneyland. For adults, it means a working life dedicated to paying off medical debt instead of buying a home or taking vacations.
The credit card industry has recognized the growing market for patient out-of-pocket-costs and has designed "medical credit cards" specifically for medical expenses. Business is good. In 2001, patients charged $19.5 billion in health care services to Visa cards. Highmark Inc., a health insurer in Pennsylvania, offers a "Health Care Gift Card." The card costs $4.95 (plus shipping and handling), and can be loaded with as little as $25 to as much as $5,000. Now you can give your partner that colonoscopy the proctologist recommended. Or buy yourself that brain shunt for your birthday. Oops, I donít think $5,000 will cover it. Put the outstanding balance on another credit card.
We are not free.
Medical debt is related to another crisis in this country ñ the mortgage crisis. Another finding in the study by Zeldin and Rukaivan is this: among those households that refinanced their homes or took out a second mortgage, 60% paid down credit cards with the money. A recent story in The Chicago Reporter illustrated the connection between the two. Edward and Thaida Booker bought a home in 2001 with a loan carrying a 6.2 percent interest rate. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer a couple years later and they had to refinance their mortgage at a higher interest rate to access some of the equity to pay off unexpected medical bills. Thaida died and without her income Mr. Booker was on his own to pay a mortgage that had gone from $800 a month to $1,425. The problem is Booker is retired and his pension and disability payments canít cover the new amount. With help from a housing counselor he was able to negotiate new terms with his lender, but still has to rent out a room in the house and work side jobs to make the mortgage payment.
Edward Booker is not free.
Have you ever stayed in a job that you hated because of the health insurance and you or a family member had a health condition that required frequent doctor visits, labs, and expensive medication? Itís called job lock. An article in BusinessWeek titled "Held Hostage By Health Care - Fear of Losing Coverage Keeps People at Jobs Where Theyíre Not Their Most Productive" exposes an aspect of the health care crisis that has been little discussed. Workers are chained to jobs for one reason; the employerís health insurance. The article alleges there is "A health care refugee in every office." I would wager there are millions of Americans who are desperate to leave their jobs but without coverage, medical bankruptcy and/or a health emergency make the risk of quitting impossible. So we put up with the boredom and abuse (and think we are "lucky" to have medical benefits), but if insurance wasnít tied to employment we could tell our boss to "Take this job and shove it!"
Kathryn Holmes Johnson is a health care refugee profiled in the BusinessWeek article. For a decade Johnson wanted to leave her job to find one that she really loved, but her husband and two children all have asthma and other health problems. The entire family is covered through her medical plan. The $2,000 a year in co-payments for the familyís prescription drugs would have turned into $85,000 without insurance. When she considered changing jobs, the critical factor was the prescription drug coverage that a new employer would offer. She wondered, "In what other country would that be the deciding factor?" Only in America a nation of health care hostages.
We are not free.
Helen Redmond is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a member of Chicago Single-Payer Action Network (CSPAN). She can be reached at redmondmadrid@yahoo.com
Thursday, February 21, 2008
After Ten years of Atheism: Dr. Jeffrey Lang Discovers Islam*
By Mushfiqur Rahman
www.irfi.org
For those whom Islam has embraced, the greatest witness to God's unremitting, pursuing, sustaining, and guiding love is the Qur'an. Like a vast and magnificent ocean, it lures you deeper and deeper into its dazzling waves until you are swept into it. But instead of drowning in a sea of darkness, you find yourself immersed in an ocean of divine light and mercy … as I read the Qur'an and prayed the Islamic prayers, a door to my heart was unsealed and I was immersed in an overwhelming tenderness. Love became more permanent and real than the earth beneath my feet; its power restored me and made it so that even I could feel love … I was happy enough to have found faith in a sensible religion. But I never expected to be touched by such intoxicating mercy.
"Dad, do you believe in Heaven?"
When young Jeffery asked his father about the existence of heaven as they walked their dog along the beach, it was apparent that this child possessed a highly inquisitive mind. There perhaps was also a sign that he would subject things to a logical scrutiny and validate them from a rational perspective. It was little surprise that one day he would end up being a professor of mathematics, a matter subject that leaves no place for anything but logic.
During his senior years at the Notre Dame Boys High, a Catholic school, he formed certain rational objections against belief in the existence of a Supreme Being. Discussions with the school priest, his parents, and classmates could not convince him of the existence of God, and to the dismay of the priest and his parents; he turned into an atheist at the age of eighteen. He was to remain so for the next ten years, throughout his undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies. It was a little after his becoming an atheist that he first saw the following dream:
It [sic] There was a tiny room with no furniture, and there was nothing on its grayish-white walls. Its only adornment was the predominantly red-and-white patterned carpet that covered the floor. There was a small window, like a basement window, above and facing us, filling the room with brilliant light. We were in rows; I was in the third. There were only men, no women, and all of us were sitting on our heels and facing the direction of the window.
It felt foreign. I recognized no one. Perhaps I was in another country. We bowed down uniformly, our faces to the floor. It was serene and quiet, as if all sound had been turned off. All at once, we sat back on our heels. As I looked ahead, I realized that we were being led by someone in front who was off to my left, in the middle, below the window. He stood alone. I only had the briefest glance at his back. He was wearing a long white gown, and on his head was a white scarf with a red design. And that is when I would awaken.
During the next ten years of his atheist life, he was to see the same dream several times. He would not be disturbed by the dream, however, for he would feel strangely comfortable when he awoke. But not knowing what it was, he could not make any sense out of it and thus gave no importance to it despite its repetitions.
Ten years later in his first lecture at the University of San Francisco, he met a Muslim student who attended his mathematics class. He was soon to develop a friendship with him and his family. Religion, however, was not the topic of discussion during the time he shared with that Muslim family, and it was much later that one of the family members handed to him a copy of the Qur'an.
He was not looking for a religion. Nevertheless, he started reading the Qur'an, but with a strong prejudice.
"You cannot simply read the Qur'an, not if you take it seriously. You either have surrendered to it already or you fight it. It attacks tenaciously, directly, personally; it debates, criticizes, shames, and challenges. From the outset it draws the line of battle, and I was on the other side."
Thus he found himself in an interesting battle. "I was at a severe disadvantage, for it became clear that the Author knew me better than I knew myself."
It was as if the Author was reading his mind. Every night he would make up certain questions and objections, but would find the answer in his next readings as he continued his readings in the accepted order. "The Qur'an was always way ahead of my thinking; it was erasing barriers I had built years ago and was addressing my queries."
He fought vigorously with objections and questions, but it was apparent that he was loosing the battle. "I was being led, working my way into a corner that contained only one choice."
It was early 80's and there were not many Muslims at the University of San Francisco campus. He discovered a small place at the basement of a church where a few Muslim students made their daily prayers. After much struggle in his mind, he came up with enough courage to go and visit that place. When he came out of that place a few hours later, he had already declared the Shahadah, the proclamation of a new life, "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His messenger."
After he made his proclamation, it was the time for the afternoon prayer and he was invited to participate. He stood up in rows with other students behind a prayer leader named Ghassan, and started following them in prayer and:
We bowed down in prostration with our faces on the red-and-white carpet. It was serene and quiet, as if the sound had been turned off. And then we sat back on our heels again.
As I looked ahead, I could see Ghassan, off to my left, in the middle, below the window that was flooding the room with light. He was alone, without a row. He was wearing a long white gown and on his head was a white scarf with a red design.
The dream! I screamed inwardly. The dream exactly! I had forgotten it completely, and now I was stunned and frightened. Am I dreaming? I wondered. Will I awaken? I tried to focus on what was happening to determine whether I was asleep. A rush of cold flowed through my body, making me shudder. My God, this is real! Then the coldness subsided, succeeded by gentle warmth radiating from within. Tears welled up in my eyes.
Everyone's journey to Islam is unique, varying from one another in many different ways, but Dr. Lang's is an interesting one. From one who had once challenged the existence of God, he became a firm believer in God. From a warrior who fought a fierce battler against the Qur'an, he became one who surrendered to it. From one who never knew love and who only wanted to live a comfortable materialistic life until he died and become "long-forgotten soil underneath an unmarked grave," he turned into one whose life became full of love, mercy, and spiritualism. "God will bring you to your knees, Jeffery!" said his father when he denied the existence of God at the age of eighteen. Ten years later, that became a reality. He was now on his knees, and his forehead on the ground. The highest part of his body that contained all of his knowledge and intellect was now on the lowest ground in complete submission before the majesty of God.
Like all Muslim reverts, Dr. Lang felt that he was favored by God's mercy and that it was God Himself who directed him to Islam:
I perceived that God was always near, directing my life, creating the circumstances and opportunities to choose, yet always leaving the crucial choices to me. I was awestruck by the realization of the intimacy and love that reveals, not because we deserve it, but because it is always there and all we have to do is turn to Him to receive it. I cannot say with certainty what the meaning of that vision was, but I could not help seeing in it a sign, a favor, and a new chance.
Dr. Lang is author of two books — both make interesting readings and are useful for both Muslim converts and born Muslims to read. He is married and has three daughters. It is no surprise that his children inherited some of his inquisitive mind. The boy who once threw questions at his father, was now a father himself who had to face questions from his own children. One day he was confronted by his eight-year-old daughter Jameelah after he finished the noon prayer with her:
Daddy, why do we pray?
Her question caught me off guard. I didn't expect it from an eight- year-old. I knew of course the most obvious answer — that as Muslims we are obligated to — but I did not want to waste the opportunity to share with her the experience and benefits of Salah. Nevertheless, as I tried to put together a reply in my mind, I bought a little time by beginning with, "We pray because God wants us to!"
But why, daddy, what does praying do? She asked.
It is hard to explain to a young person, honey. Someday, if you do the five prayers every day, I'm sure you'll understand, but I'll do my best to answer your question.
You see, sweetheart. God is the source of all the love, mercy, kindness, and wisdom — of all the beauty — that we experience and feel. Like the sun is the source of the light we see in the daytime, God is the source of all of these and much more. Thus, the love I feel for you, your sisters, and mommy is given to me by God. We know that God is kind and merciful by all the things He has given us in this life. But when we pray, we can feel God's love, kindness, and mercy in a very special way, in the most powerful way.
For example, you know that mommy and I love you by the way we take care of you. But when we hug you and kiss you, you can really feel how much we love you. In a similar way, we know that God loves and is kind to us by the way He takes care of us. But when we pray, we can feel His love in a very real and special way.
Does praying make you a better daddy? She asked me.
I hope so and I would like to think so, because once you are touched by God's love and kindness in the prayer, it is so beautiful and powerful, that you need to share it with those around you, especially your family. Sometimes, after a hard day at work, I feel so exhausted that I just want to be alone. But if I feel God's kindness and mercy in the prayer, I look at my family and remember what a great gift you are to me, and all the love and happiness I get from being your daddy and mommy's husband. I'm not saying that I am the perfect father, but I believe I would not be as good a father without the prayers. Am I making any sense at all?
I kind of understand what you mean, Jameelah answered.
Then she hugged me and said, and I love you, Daddy!
I love you too, sweetie pie. I love you too.
Bibliography:
Lang, Jeffrey. Struggling to Surrender. Beltsville: 1994.
Lang, Jeffrey. Even Angels Ask. Beltsville: 1997.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* This story first appeared on www.welcome-back.org
www.irfi.org
For those whom Islam has embraced, the greatest witness to God's unremitting, pursuing, sustaining, and guiding love is the Qur'an. Like a vast and magnificent ocean, it lures you deeper and deeper into its dazzling waves until you are swept into it. But instead of drowning in a sea of darkness, you find yourself immersed in an ocean of divine light and mercy … as I read the Qur'an and prayed the Islamic prayers, a door to my heart was unsealed and I was immersed in an overwhelming tenderness. Love became more permanent and real than the earth beneath my feet; its power restored me and made it so that even I could feel love … I was happy enough to have found faith in a sensible religion. But I never expected to be touched by such intoxicating mercy.
"Dad, do you believe in Heaven?"
When young Jeffery asked his father about the existence of heaven as they walked their dog along the beach, it was apparent that this child possessed a highly inquisitive mind. There perhaps was also a sign that he would subject things to a logical scrutiny and validate them from a rational perspective. It was little surprise that one day he would end up being a professor of mathematics, a matter subject that leaves no place for anything but logic.
During his senior years at the Notre Dame Boys High, a Catholic school, he formed certain rational objections against belief in the existence of a Supreme Being. Discussions with the school priest, his parents, and classmates could not convince him of the existence of God, and to the dismay of the priest and his parents; he turned into an atheist at the age of eighteen. He was to remain so for the next ten years, throughout his undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies. It was a little after his becoming an atheist that he first saw the following dream:
It [sic] There was a tiny room with no furniture, and there was nothing on its grayish-white walls. Its only adornment was the predominantly red-and-white patterned carpet that covered the floor. There was a small window, like a basement window, above and facing us, filling the room with brilliant light. We were in rows; I was in the third. There were only men, no women, and all of us were sitting on our heels and facing the direction of the window.
It felt foreign. I recognized no one. Perhaps I was in another country. We bowed down uniformly, our faces to the floor. It was serene and quiet, as if all sound had been turned off. All at once, we sat back on our heels. As I looked ahead, I realized that we were being led by someone in front who was off to my left, in the middle, below the window. He stood alone. I only had the briefest glance at his back. He was wearing a long white gown, and on his head was a white scarf with a red design. And that is when I would awaken.
During the next ten years of his atheist life, he was to see the same dream several times. He would not be disturbed by the dream, however, for he would feel strangely comfortable when he awoke. But not knowing what it was, he could not make any sense out of it and thus gave no importance to it despite its repetitions.
Ten years later in his first lecture at the University of San Francisco, he met a Muslim student who attended his mathematics class. He was soon to develop a friendship with him and his family. Religion, however, was not the topic of discussion during the time he shared with that Muslim family, and it was much later that one of the family members handed to him a copy of the Qur'an.
He was not looking for a religion. Nevertheless, he started reading the Qur'an, but with a strong prejudice.
"You cannot simply read the Qur'an, not if you take it seriously. You either have surrendered to it already or you fight it. It attacks tenaciously, directly, personally; it debates, criticizes, shames, and challenges. From the outset it draws the line of battle, and I was on the other side."
Thus he found himself in an interesting battle. "I was at a severe disadvantage, for it became clear that the Author knew me better than I knew myself."
It was as if the Author was reading his mind. Every night he would make up certain questions and objections, but would find the answer in his next readings as he continued his readings in the accepted order. "The Qur'an was always way ahead of my thinking; it was erasing barriers I had built years ago and was addressing my queries."
He fought vigorously with objections and questions, but it was apparent that he was loosing the battle. "I was being led, working my way into a corner that contained only one choice."
It was early 80's and there were not many Muslims at the University of San Francisco campus. He discovered a small place at the basement of a church where a few Muslim students made their daily prayers. After much struggle in his mind, he came up with enough courage to go and visit that place. When he came out of that place a few hours later, he had already declared the Shahadah, the proclamation of a new life, "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His messenger."
After he made his proclamation, it was the time for the afternoon prayer and he was invited to participate. He stood up in rows with other students behind a prayer leader named Ghassan, and started following them in prayer and:
We bowed down in prostration with our faces on the red-and-white carpet. It was serene and quiet, as if the sound had been turned off. And then we sat back on our heels again.
As I looked ahead, I could see Ghassan, off to my left, in the middle, below the window that was flooding the room with light. He was alone, without a row. He was wearing a long white gown and on his head was a white scarf with a red design.
The dream! I screamed inwardly. The dream exactly! I had forgotten it completely, and now I was stunned and frightened. Am I dreaming? I wondered. Will I awaken? I tried to focus on what was happening to determine whether I was asleep. A rush of cold flowed through my body, making me shudder. My God, this is real! Then the coldness subsided, succeeded by gentle warmth radiating from within. Tears welled up in my eyes.
Everyone's journey to Islam is unique, varying from one another in many different ways, but Dr. Lang's is an interesting one. From one who had once challenged the existence of God, he became a firm believer in God. From a warrior who fought a fierce battler against the Qur'an, he became one who surrendered to it. From one who never knew love and who only wanted to live a comfortable materialistic life until he died and become "long-forgotten soil underneath an unmarked grave," he turned into one whose life became full of love, mercy, and spiritualism. "God will bring you to your knees, Jeffery!" said his father when he denied the existence of God at the age of eighteen. Ten years later, that became a reality. He was now on his knees, and his forehead on the ground. The highest part of his body that contained all of his knowledge and intellect was now on the lowest ground in complete submission before the majesty of God.
Like all Muslim reverts, Dr. Lang felt that he was favored by God's mercy and that it was God Himself who directed him to Islam:
I perceived that God was always near, directing my life, creating the circumstances and opportunities to choose, yet always leaving the crucial choices to me. I was awestruck by the realization of the intimacy and love that reveals, not because we deserve it, but because it is always there and all we have to do is turn to Him to receive it. I cannot say with certainty what the meaning of that vision was, but I could not help seeing in it a sign, a favor, and a new chance.
Dr. Lang is author of two books — both make interesting readings and are useful for both Muslim converts and born Muslims to read. He is married and has three daughters. It is no surprise that his children inherited some of his inquisitive mind. The boy who once threw questions at his father, was now a father himself who had to face questions from his own children. One day he was confronted by his eight-year-old daughter Jameelah after he finished the noon prayer with her:
Daddy, why do we pray?
Her question caught me off guard. I didn't expect it from an eight- year-old. I knew of course the most obvious answer — that as Muslims we are obligated to — but I did not want to waste the opportunity to share with her the experience and benefits of Salah. Nevertheless, as I tried to put together a reply in my mind, I bought a little time by beginning with, "We pray because God wants us to!"
But why, daddy, what does praying do? She asked.
It is hard to explain to a young person, honey. Someday, if you do the five prayers every day, I'm sure you'll understand, but I'll do my best to answer your question.
You see, sweetheart. God is the source of all the love, mercy, kindness, and wisdom — of all the beauty — that we experience and feel. Like the sun is the source of the light we see in the daytime, God is the source of all of these and much more. Thus, the love I feel for you, your sisters, and mommy is given to me by God. We know that God is kind and merciful by all the things He has given us in this life. But when we pray, we can feel God's love, kindness, and mercy in a very special way, in the most powerful way.
For example, you know that mommy and I love you by the way we take care of you. But when we hug you and kiss you, you can really feel how much we love you. In a similar way, we know that God loves and is kind to us by the way He takes care of us. But when we pray, we can feel His love in a very real and special way.
Does praying make you a better daddy? She asked me.
I hope so and I would like to think so, because once you are touched by God's love and kindness in the prayer, it is so beautiful and powerful, that you need to share it with those around you, especially your family. Sometimes, after a hard day at work, I feel so exhausted that I just want to be alone. But if I feel God's kindness and mercy in the prayer, I look at my family and remember what a great gift you are to me, and all the love and happiness I get from being your daddy and mommy's husband. I'm not saying that I am the perfect father, but I believe I would not be as good a father without the prayers. Am I making any sense at all?
I kind of understand what you mean, Jameelah answered.
Then she hugged me and said, and I love you, Daddy!
I love you too, sweetie pie. I love you too.
Bibliography:
Lang, Jeffrey. Struggling to Surrender. Beltsville: 1994.
Lang, Jeffrey. Even Angels Ask. Beltsville: 1997.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* This story first appeared on www.welcome-back.org
QURANIC STORIES: The Story of Abraham
From: www.jews-for-allah.org
After Noah, Abraham was selected by God to be His Prophet. Abraham first preached in his own coutnry, now known as Iraq. Then he moved to Syria, Palestine and Egypt. Finally, he settled down in Arabia. In carrying on with his mission, he was assisted by other messengers appointed from his own family by God: Lot, his nephew, who lived in the midst of the people of Jordan, and Abraham's two sons, the elder son Ishmael [or Ismail], and the younger Isaac [or Ishaq]. Isaac preached in Syria and Palestine. Ishmael assisted his father in Arabia and is credited with having helped him in building the Ka'aba, which is now the religious center of the Islamic world. Ishmael and Isaac founded two sects, the Ismailites and Israelites respectively. The tribe of Quraish, to which Muhammad belonged, is said to be Ismailite in origin, while the Jews and the Christians are said to be descendants of Jacob, whose other name was Israel, the son of Isaac and the grandson of Abraham. Hence Abraham is regarded as the father of all Semitic peoples; from him were born not only Jews and Christians but also the Muslims. He is the common bond who links them all. After him, God transferred the leadership to Isaac and Jacob, and their descendants are collectively described in the Quran as [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'the Children of Israel'.
As soon as Abraham received the commission from the Lord to propogate the Oneness of God and preach His worship among the people, he called upon the Lord to preserve the Ka'aba that he had built to eradicate the worship of idols, which had led many people astray. Abraham asked them, [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'What is it that you worship?' They replied:
[Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] We worship the idols, as did our fathers. And in devotion to them we shall remain steadfast. [26: 72, 74]
Abraham asked them:
[Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] Do they hear you when you call them? Have they the power to do anything, either good or bad for you? [26:73]
He reminded them that there was only one God, the Lord of all creation, who controlled Life, death and resurrection. He told his own father, Azar, to desist from worshipping idols. He said he had learned from his own experience that God alone was worthy of worship. He was shown by God [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'the Kingdom of the heavens and the earth so that he might be convinced of the faith' in his Creator. The Quran narrates;
[Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] When the night was dark, Abraham saw a star; he said to himself, 'This must be the Lord.' But soon the star set and his faith was shaken. Then he saw the moon rising in the sky. 'This is the Lord,' he said. However, when it waned, he lost faith in it. Likewise, when the sun rose, brighter than everything, he was convinced that it was the Lord. But the sun also set, and Abraham cried: 'I set my face against all these. I repudiate every other kind of worship except the worship of God, Creator of all that is in the heavens and on the earth.' [6:76-79]
The people jeered at Abraham and remonstrated with him, and even stoned him; they tried to frighten him into believing that their idols would destroy him and his God would not be able to save him. But Abraham responded:
[Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] Will you dispute with me about Allah who has guided me? I have no fear of the idols you woship. Unless my Lord wills nothing can happen. [6:90-81]
Turning to his father, Abraham asked what the images were to which he and his people were devoted .Azar replied that they worshipped what their fathers had worshipped. Abraham said: [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'Then assuredly, you and your fathers are clearly in error.' Earlier, he had told Nimrod, the King of Iraq, not to forget that it was God who gave him the Kingdom and power and glory; but the King, in his arrogance, had denied it and had declared that he determined the life and death of his subjects. Abraham had then asked him: [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'Allah makes the sun rise from the east; can you make it rise from the west?' The King had no answer. He sentenced Abraham to be burnt alive.
Abraham bore all the hardships but remained firm and steadfast in his loyalty to God. One day he broke all the idols in the Ka'aba, one by one, except the largest. As soon as the people heard of the destruction, they rushed to the temple and, seething with rage, cried:
[Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] Who has done this to our idols? This is, indeed, an outrage. [21:59]
They were told that young Abraham was the culprit. [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'Fetch him,' they demanded. 'And let everyone witness what we do do him.' When Abrahm was brought before them, they asked him: [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'Who has done this to our idols?' 'Not I; it is that big idol over there. Why don't you question him?' They replied that idols did not speak. Abraham said:
[Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] Isn't it strange that you should worship these idols which can neither speak nor do anything. They can neither help nor harm anyone. Shame on you and on your idol worship. How foolish of you to worship them. [21:60]
They were fashioned, he reminded them, by their own hands. He beseeched them to worship the One God who created and fashioned everything. They were so angered by his words that they decided to throw him into a pyre of blazing fire. They could not succeed, however, because God [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'made them bite the dust'.
Abraham prayed to the Lord to grant him an heir, who [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'will be numbered among the righteous'. So God gave him a gentle boy, Ishmael. But Abraham had pledged to God in a dream that if he had a son, he would offer him in sacrifice to the Lord. Abraham told his son of his dream and his pledge. [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'Then, Father, ' said Ishmael, 'you should honor your commitment and surrender me to the will of God.'
So Abraham laid him down, and as he was about to slay him, he heard the Voice commanding him:
[Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] Enough, Abraham! You have kept your word with Us. You have already fulfilled the vision. [37:105]
The Lord had intended merely to test Abraham; He now declared that he had fulfilled his commitment:
[Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] We redeem Abraham's son with a great sacrifice and We give Our benediction to him and bless him through generations to come and shower Our peace upon him. [37:107-109]
Thus God rewarded the righteous and His [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'believing servants'.
In Isaac, Abraham's other and younger son, the Lord gave to the world [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'one of the best of prophets'. Among their descendants some did good deeds, but some who did bad, [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'were blatant evil-doers, who sinned against themselves' . [37:110-113]
The Quran clarifies:
[Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian. He was a hanif, a man of pure worhsip, he was not an idolator but a believer in One God; only those who follow him are entitled to claim relationship with him. Muhammad and his followers are nearer to him. Allah is the protector of all believers. [3:67-68]
Referring to the House of Mecca, [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'the place of sanctuary and serenity for the people', Allah asked Muhammad to [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'make it your House of prayers'. Thus God's covenant given to Abraham and Ishmael was fulfilled and the Ka'aba became for the believers [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'the pilgrim circuit' for worship and for prostration. Abraham and Isaac had prayed to Allah to [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'send among our people after us a messenger of our own kin who recites to the people Your revelations, teaches them the Book and the wisdom it contains and purges them of all evil' [2:129]. Allah admonishes:
[Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] Tell the people, O Muhammad! that to be rightly guided one need not be a Jew or a Christian. The righteous belong to the community of Abraham, who was pure in his worship of God. So were Ishmael, Jacob and the tribes, and Moses, Jesus and the rest. They are all Our messengers; We make no distinction between them. [2:135-136]
After Noah, Abraham was selected by God to be His Prophet. Abraham first preached in his own coutnry, now known as Iraq. Then he moved to Syria, Palestine and Egypt. Finally, he settled down in Arabia. In carrying on with his mission, he was assisted by other messengers appointed from his own family by God: Lot, his nephew, who lived in the midst of the people of Jordan, and Abraham's two sons, the elder son Ishmael [or Ismail], and the younger Isaac [or Ishaq]. Isaac preached in Syria and Palestine. Ishmael assisted his father in Arabia and is credited with having helped him in building the Ka'aba, which is now the religious center of the Islamic world. Ishmael and Isaac founded two sects, the Ismailites and Israelites respectively. The tribe of Quraish, to which Muhammad belonged, is said to be Ismailite in origin, while the Jews and the Christians are said to be descendants of Jacob, whose other name was Israel, the son of Isaac and the grandson of Abraham. Hence Abraham is regarded as the father of all Semitic peoples; from him were born not only Jews and Christians but also the Muslims. He is the common bond who links them all. After him, God transferred the leadership to Isaac and Jacob, and their descendants are collectively described in the Quran as [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'the Children of Israel'.
As soon as Abraham received the commission from the Lord to propogate the Oneness of God and preach His worship among the people, he called upon the Lord to preserve the Ka'aba that he had built to eradicate the worship of idols, which had led many people astray. Abraham asked them, [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'What is it that you worship?' They replied:
[Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] We worship the idols, as did our fathers. And in devotion to them we shall remain steadfast. [26: 72, 74]
Abraham asked them:
[Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] Do they hear you when you call them? Have they the power to do anything, either good or bad for you? [26:73]
He reminded them that there was only one God, the Lord of all creation, who controlled Life, death and resurrection. He told his own father, Azar, to desist from worshipping idols. He said he had learned from his own experience that God alone was worthy of worship. He was shown by God [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'the Kingdom of the heavens and the earth so that he might be convinced of the faith' in his Creator. The Quran narrates;
[Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] When the night was dark, Abraham saw a star; he said to himself, 'This must be the Lord.' But soon the star set and his faith was shaken. Then he saw the moon rising in the sky. 'This is the Lord,' he said. However, when it waned, he lost faith in it. Likewise, when the sun rose, brighter than everything, he was convinced that it was the Lord. But the sun also set, and Abraham cried: 'I set my face against all these. I repudiate every other kind of worship except the worship of God, Creator of all that is in the heavens and on the earth.' [6:76-79]
The people jeered at Abraham and remonstrated with him, and even stoned him; they tried to frighten him into believing that their idols would destroy him and his God would not be able to save him. But Abraham responded:
[Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] Will you dispute with me about Allah who has guided me? I have no fear of the idols you woship. Unless my Lord wills nothing can happen. [6:90-81]
Turning to his father, Abraham asked what the images were to which he and his people were devoted .Azar replied that they worshipped what their fathers had worshipped. Abraham said: [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'Then assuredly, you and your fathers are clearly in error.' Earlier, he had told Nimrod, the King of Iraq, not to forget that it was God who gave him the Kingdom and power and glory; but the King, in his arrogance, had denied it and had declared that he determined the life and death of his subjects. Abraham had then asked him: [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'Allah makes the sun rise from the east; can you make it rise from the west?' The King had no answer. He sentenced Abraham to be burnt alive.
Abraham bore all the hardships but remained firm and steadfast in his loyalty to God. One day he broke all the idols in the Ka'aba, one by one, except the largest. As soon as the people heard of the destruction, they rushed to the temple and, seething with rage, cried:
[Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] Who has done this to our idols? This is, indeed, an outrage. [21:59]
They were told that young Abraham was the culprit. [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'Fetch him,' they demanded. 'And let everyone witness what we do do him.' When Abrahm was brought before them, they asked him: [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'Who has done this to our idols?' 'Not I; it is that big idol over there. Why don't you question him?' They replied that idols did not speak. Abraham said:
[Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] Isn't it strange that you should worship these idols which can neither speak nor do anything. They can neither help nor harm anyone. Shame on you and on your idol worship. How foolish of you to worship them. [21:60]
They were fashioned, he reminded them, by their own hands. He beseeched them to worship the One God who created and fashioned everything. They were so angered by his words that they decided to throw him into a pyre of blazing fire. They could not succeed, however, because God [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'made them bite the dust'.
Abraham prayed to the Lord to grant him an heir, who [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'will be numbered among the righteous'. So God gave him a gentle boy, Ishmael. But Abraham had pledged to God in a dream that if he had a son, he would offer him in sacrifice to the Lord. Abraham told his son of his dream and his pledge. [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'Then, Father, ' said Ishmael, 'you should honor your commitment and surrender me to the will of God.'
So Abraham laid him down, and as he was about to slay him, he heard the Voice commanding him:
[Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] Enough, Abraham! You have kept your word with Us. You have already fulfilled the vision. [37:105]
The Lord had intended merely to test Abraham; He now declared that he had fulfilled his commitment:
[Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] We redeem Abraham's son with a great sacrifice and We give Our benediction to him and bless him through generations to come and shower Our peace upon him. [37:107-109]
Thus God rewarded the righteous and His [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'believing servants'.
In Isaac, Abraham's other and younger son, the Lord gave to the world [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'one of the best of prophets'. Among their descendants some did good deeds, but some who did bad, [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'were blatant evil-doers, who sinned against themselves' . [37:110-113]
The Quran clarifies:
[Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian. He was a hanif, a man of pure worhsip, he was not an idolator but a believer in One God; only those who follow him are entitled to claim relationship with him. Muhammad and his followers are nearer to him. Allah is the protector of all believers. [3:67-68]
Referring to the House of Mecca, [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'the place of sanctuary and serenity for the people', Allah asked Muhammad to [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'make it your House of prayers'. Thus God's covenant given to Abraham and Ishmael was fulfilled and the Ka'aba became for the believers [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'the pilgrim circuit' for worship and for prostration. Abraham and Isaac had prayed to Allah to [Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] 'send among our people after us a messenger of our own kin who recites to the people Your revelations, teaches them the Book and the wisdom it contains and purges them of all evil' [2:129]. Allah admonishes:
[Bismillah al-rahman al-rahim] Tell the people, O Muhammad! that to be rightly guided one need not be a Jew or a Christian. The righteous belong to the community of Abraham, who was pure in his worship of God. So were Ishmael, Jacob and the tribes, and Moses, Jesus and the rest. They are all Our messengers; We make no distinction between them. [2:135-136]
News of the Past
From: www.islamreligion.com
One of the strongest evidences of Prophet Muhammad’s truth is his knowledge of the Unseen world: his accurate knowledge of previous nations and future prophecies. No matter how intelligent, a man cannot authoritatively speak of the past based upon mere intelligence. The information has to be learned. Muhammad was a human being, who did not live in the midst of the nations he spoke of, did not inherit any knowledge of their civilization, or learn it from a teacher. God says:
“That is from the news of the unseen which We reveal to you, [O Muhammad]. And you were not with them when they cast their pens as to which of them should be responsible for Mary. Nor were you with them when they disputed.” (Quran 3:44)
“That is from the news of the unseen which We reveal, [O Muhammad], to you. And you were not with them when they put together their plan while they conspired.” (Quran 12:102)
Consider the verses:
“And We gave Moses the Scripture, after We had destroyed the former generations, as enlightenment for the people and guidance and mercy that they might be reminded. And you, [O Muhammad], were not on the western side [of the mount] when We revealed to Moses the command, and you were not among the witnesses [to that] but We produced [many] generations [after Moses], and prolonged was their duration. And you were not a resident among the people of Madyan, reciting to them Our verses, but We were senders [of this message]. And you were not at the side of the mount when We called [Moses] but [were sent] as a mercy from your Lord to warn a people to whom no Warner had come before you that they might be reminded. And if not that a disaster should strike them for what their hands put forth [of sins] and they would say, ‘Our Lord, why did You not send us a messenger so we could have followed Your verses and been among the believers?’” (Quran 28:43-47)
These events in the story of Moses were related by Muhammad. Either he witnessed them and was present there, or learned it from those who knew. In either case, he would not be God’s prophet. The only other possibility, rather an inescapable conclusion, is that Muhammad was taught by God Himself.
A few facts must be considered to recognize the full strength of the argument. Muhammad did not learn from any religious scholar, there were no Jewish or Christian scholars in Mecca at the time, and he did not know any language other than Arabic. In addition to the previous, he could neither read nor write. No Meccan, Jew, or Christian ever claimed to be Muhammad’s teacher. Had Muhammad learned from any source, his own companions who believed in him would have exposed him.
“Say, ‘If God had willed, I would not have recited it to you, nor would He have made it known to you, for I had remained among you a lifetime before it. Then will you not reason?’” (Quran 10:16)
Despite their strong opposition, the unbelievers could not attribute his knowledge of the past and present to any source. The failure of his contemporaries is sufficient proof against all later skeptics.
The Correction of Jewish and Christian Misunderstandings
Below are two examples of the Quran correcting what had undergone change in Jewish and Christian beliefs:
(1) The Jews claim Abraham to be a Jew, the father of the Jewish nation, whereas the Christians consider him to be their father as well, as the Roman Catholic Church calls Abraham “our father in Faith” in the Eucharistic prayer called Roman Canon recited during Mass. God responds to them in the Quran:
“O People of the Scripture, why do you argue about Abraham while the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed until after him? Then will you not reason?” (Quran 3:65)
(2) The Quran forcefully denies the crucifixion of Jesus, an event of immense proportions to both religions:
“And [We cursed them] for their breaking of the covenant and their disbelief in the signs of God and their killing of the prophets without right and their saying, ‘Our hearts are wrapped’ [i.e., sealed against reception]. Rather, God has sealed them because of their disbelief, so they believe not, except for a few. And [We cursed them] for their disbelief and their saying against Mary a great slander, And [for] their saying, ‘Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of God.’ And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain.” (Quran 4:155-157)
This Quranic denial raises some fundamental questions.
First, if Islamic doctrine were borrowed from Judaism and Christianity, why did it deny crucifixion? After all, both religions agree it took place! For the Jews, it was Jesus the imposter who was crucified, but for Christians, it was the Son of God. The Prophet Muhammad could have easily agreed to the crucifixion of Jesus, this giving more credit to his message. If Islam were a false religion, an imitation of Judaism or Christianity, or if Muhammad was not true in his claim, Islam would not take an uncompromising stand on this issue and declare both religions to be outright wrong in this matter, as there is nothing as such to gain by its denial.
Second, if Islam had borrowed the myth of crucifixion from these two religions, it would have eliminated a point of major contention with them, but Islam brought the truth and could not vindicate a myth just to appease them. It is quite possible the Jews were responsible for crucifying Jesus, for their historical transgressions against the prophets of God has been documented in the bible and the Quran alike. But in regards to Jesus, the Quran states forcefully:
“And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him.”
How is it possible, then, to say that the Muhammad produced the Quran by information learnt from Jewish or Christian scholars when he brought ideologies uprooting their doctrine?
Third, the denial of crucifixion by itself negates other Christian beliefs:
(i) Jesus’ atonement for sin’s of man.
(ii) Burden of original sin carried by all men.
(iii) Deconstructs the myth of the cross and its veneration.
(iv) The last supper and the Eucharist.
Thus we see that the stories the Prophet, may God praise him, told of nations of past were not mere folklore, nor were they learnt from Jewish or Christian learned men. Rather, they were revealed to him from above the seven heavens by the God of creation.
Blogger Comment:
Quran praises good Jews and curses bad Jews. Same in the old testament. If God to add a chapter today to the Quran he will curse Muslims particularly their leaders. In fact, most of God's prophets were Jews. Jesus and his blessed mother were Jews. Redumption will come to the world through Jews and Jesus who is a Jew. However, to do that they have to follow his commandmants and to lead us in removing oppression and tyrrany from the world.
The time of trials and tribulation is related to all of us including Jews are exactly not doing that. If you read to the many of the Christians pastors you will find we are in the end of time and the wrath of God is upon us all. My reading of the scripture is that God will have his commandmants followed we agreed on or hardly resist that. It is us who are prolonging our wrath. We will continue to play the wicked games with God and he is much stronger than us and he is able to destroy all our plans.
One of the strongest evidences of Prophet Muhammad’s truth is his knowledge of the Unseen world: his accurate knowledge of previous nations and future prophecies. No matter how intelligent, a man cannot authoritatively speak of the past based upon mere intelligence. The information has to be learned. Muhammad was a human being, who did not live in the midst of the nations he spoke of, did not inherit any knowledge of their civilization, or learn it from a teacher. God says:
“That is from the news of the unseen which We reveal to you, [O Muhammad]. And you were not with them when they cast their pens as to which of them should be responsible for Mary. Nor were you with them when they disputed.” (Quran 3:44)
“That is from the news of the unseen which We reveal, [O Muhammad], to you. And you were not with them when they put together their plan while they conspired.” (Quran 12:102)
Consider the verses:
“And We gave Moses the Scripture, after We had destroyed the former generations, as enlightenment for the people and guidance and mercy that they might be reminded. And you, [O Muhammad], were not on the western side [of the mount] when We revealed to Moses the command, and you were not among the witnesses [to that] but We produced [many] generations [after Moses], and prolonged was their duration. And you were not a resident among the people of Madyan, reciting to them Our verses, but We were senders [of this message]. And you were not at the side of the mount when We called [Moses] but [were sent] as a mercy from your Lord to warn a people to whom no Warner had come before you that they might be reminded. And if not that a disaster should strike them for what their hands put forth [of sins] and they would say, ‘Our Lord, why did You not send us a messenger so we could have followed Your verses and been among the believers?’” (Quran 28:43-47)
These events in the story of Moses were related by Muhammad. Either he witnessed them and was present there, or learned it from those who knew. In either case, he would not be God’s prophet. The only other possibility, rather an inescapable conclusion, is that Muhammad was taught by God Himself.
A few facts must be considered to recognize the full strength of the argument. Muhammad did not learn from any religious scholar, there were no Jewish or Christian scholars in Mecca at the time, and he did not know any language other than Arabic. In addition to the previous, he could neither read nor write. No Meccan, Jew, or Christian ever claimed to be Muhammad’s teacher. Had Muhammad learned from any source, his own companions who believed in him would have exposed him.
“Say, ‘If God had willed, I would not have recited it to you, nor would He have made it known to you, for I had remained among you a lifetime before it. Then will you not reason?’” (Quran 10:16)
Despite their strong opposition, the unbelievers could not attribute his knowledge of the past and present to any source. The failure of his contemporaries is sufficient proof against all later skeptics.
The Correction of Jewish and Christian Misunderstandings
Below are two examples of the Quran correcting what had undergone change in Jewish and Christian beliefs:
(1) The Jews claim Abraham to be a Jew, the father of the Jewish nation, whereas the Christians consider him to be their father as well, as the Roman Catholic Church calls Abraham “our father in Faith” in the Eucharistic prayer called Roman Canon recited during Mass. God responds to them in the Quran:
“O People of the Scripture, why do you argue about Abraham while the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed until after him? Then will you not reason?” (Quran 3:65)
(2) The Quran forcefully denies the crucifixion of Jesus, an event of immense proportions to both religions:
“And [We cursed them] for their breaking of the covenant and their disbelief in the signs of God and their killing of the prophets without right and their saying, ‘Our hearts are wrapped’ [i.e., sealed against reception]. Rather, God has sealed them because of their disbelief, so they believe not, except for a few. And [We cursed them] for their disbelief and their saying against Mary a great slander, And [for] their saying, ‘Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of God.’ And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain.” (Quran 4:155-157)
This Quranic denial raises some fundamental questions.
First, if Islamic doctrine were borrowed from Judaism and Christianity, why did it deny crucifixion? After all, both religions agree it took place! For the Jews, it was Jesus the imposter who was crucified, but for Christians, it was the Son of God. The Prophet Muhammad could have easily agreed to the crucifixion of Jesus, this giving more credit to his message. If Islam were a false religion, an imitation of Judaism or Christianity, or if Muhammad was not true in his claim, Islam would not take an uncompromising stand on this issue and declare both religions to be outright wrong in this matter, as there is nothing as such to gain by its denial.
Second, if Islam had borrowed the myth of crucifixion from these two religions, it would have eliminated a point of major contention with them, but Islam brought the truth and could not vindicate a myth just to appease them. It is quite possible the Jews were responsible for crucifying Jesus, for their historical transgressions against the prophets of God has been documented in the bible and the Quran alike. But in regards to Jesus, the Quran states forcefully:
“And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him.”
How is it possible, then, to say that the Muhammad produced the Quran by information learnt from Jewish or Christian scholars when he brought ideologies uprooting their doctrine?
Third, the denial of crucifixion by itself negates other Christian beliefs:
(i) Jesus’ atonement for sin’s of man.
(ii) Burden of original sin carried by all men.
(iii) Deconstructs the myth of the cross and its veneration.
(iv) The last supper and the Eucharist.
Thus we see that the stories the Prophet, may God praise him, told of nations of past were not mere folklore, nor were they learnt from Jewish or Christian learned men. Rather, they were revealed to him from above the seven heavens by the God of creation.
Blogger Comment:
Quran praises good Jews and curses bad Jews. Same in the old testament. If God to add a chapter today to the Quran he will curse Muslims particularly their leaders. In fact, most of God's prophets were Jews. Jesus and his blessed mother were Jews. Redumption will come to the world through Jews and Jesus who is a Jew. However, to do that they have to follow his commandmants and to lead us in removing oppression and tyrrany from the world.
The time of trials and tribulation is related to all of us including Jews are exactly not doing that. If you read to the many of the Christians pastors you will find we are in the end of time and the wrath of God is upon us all. My reading of the scripture is that God will have his commandmants followed we agreed on or hardly resist that. It is us who are prolonging our wrath. We will continue to play the wicked games with God and he is much stronger than us and he is able to destroy all our plans.
Reasoning in The Quran: Some Examples.
By: Mged Taman
Reasoning for Creation:
"51:56 I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me."
"36: 78-79 Who will give life to these bones after they are rotten and have become dust?" Say: [O Muhammad] "He will give life to them Who created them for the first time! And He is the All-Knower of every creation!"
"30: 28 He sets for you a parable from your own selves: Do you have partners among those whom your right hand posses [i.e. your slaves] to share as equals in the wealth We bestowed on you whom you fear as you fear each other....?"
The man among them would not accept to have his slave as equal partner in his wealth, then how can man accept that the created slave be partner to Allah, in godship and in the right of worship?
Reasoning for the existence of a creator:
For finding the truth people look for a witness for the truth and what is better than God and his ranking angels and the righteous people.
Those disbelievers were not the witness to God creation including their own creation not a help needed from them at time of creation. See how the Quran give you big meaning in few words and utmost scrutiny for the disbelievers.
Reasoning for asking us to find about the creation:
"29:20 Say (O Muhammad): Travel in the land and see how He originated creation, then Allah bringeth forth the later growth. Lo! Allah is Able to do all things."
If God is the creator it is very reasonable that he would ask and challenge us to follow back the creation to find about the big bang which he mentioned in a verse of Quran and human creation from dust as proved from chemical analysis of the earth dust.
Reasoning of having no son, but creation:
"6:101 The Originator of the heavens and the earth! How can He have a child, when there is for Him no consort, when He created all things and is Aware of all things? "
All of us is his creation including Adam and Jesus. All in the universe is his creation he has no son and he is the one who made himself to us in the verses of the Quran. He is the best witness to himself and the reality of his prophet Jesus (PBUH).
Reasoning for the existence of only one God:
"23:91 Allah hath not chosen any son, nor is there any God along with Him; else would each God have assuredly championed that which he created, and some of them would assuredly have overcome others. Glorified be Allah above all that they allege. "
Reasoning for Creation:
"51:56 I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me."
"49:13 O mankind! Lo! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. Lo! the noblest of you, in the sight of Allah, is the best in conduct. Lo! Allah is Knower, Aware. "
"45:22 And Allah hath created the heavens and the earth with truth, and that every soul may be repaid what it hath earned. And they will not be wronged."
Thus the main reason for creation is to worship God. This worship is through prayers and other religious duties and following his commands and being righteous.
Reasoning for judgement day:
" 68:35-36 Shall We then treat the Muslims like the Mujrimoon [criminals, polytheists, disbelievers etc.]? What is the matter with you? How judge you?"
"21:16 We created not the heaven and the earth and all that is between them in play. "
Since those who praised God and followed his commands have to be paid back and those who stood against him and his prophets have to be subjected to judgement it is very reasonable to have a day of judgement.
"36: 78-79 Who will give life to these bones after they are rotten and have become dust?" Say: [O Muhammad] "He will give life to them Who created them for the first time! And He is the All-Knower of every creation!"
"29:19 See they not how Allah produceth creation, then reproduceth it? Lo! for Allah that is easy."
In the sura 36 God has created us from nothing so he is able and easier to do it again as we know now from cloning. In sura 29 we see that God created a woman and a man and from them their children from ovum and sperm and so from their children created the grandchildren and so forth as well from animals and plants their offspring. These are some of the reproduced creation that we witness to every day.
"30: 28 He sets for you a parable from your own selves: Do you have partners among those whom your right hand posses [i.e. your slaves] to share as equals in the wealth We bestowed on you whom you fear as you fear each other....?"
The man among them would not accept to have his slave as equal partner in his wealth, then how can man accept that the created slave be partner to Allah, in godship and in the right of worship?
Reasoning for the existence of a creator:
"3:190 Lo! In the creation of the heavens and the earth and (in) the difference of night and day are tokens (of His sovereignty) for men of understanding, "
"52:35 Were they created by nothing? Or were they themselves the creators?"
No one of a good natural disposition can allege that things can happen without an author or by themselves.
Reasoning for testifying for a creator:
"3:18 Allah (Himself) is witness that there is no God save Him. And the angels and the men of learning (too are witness). Maintaining His creation in justice, there is no God save Him, the Almighty, the Wise."
For finding the truth people look for a witness for the truth and what is better than God and his ranking angels and the righteous people.
Reasoning for not take the testimony of the disbelievers:
"52:35 Or were they created out of naught? Or are they the creators? "
"52:36 Or did they create the heavens and the earth? Nay, but they are sure of nothing! "
"18:51 I made them not to witness the creation of the heavens and the earth, nor their own creation; nor choose I misleaders for (My) helpers. "Those disbelievers were not the witness to God creation including their own creation not a help needed from them at time of creation. See how the Quran give you big meaning in few words and utmost scrutiny for the disbelievers.
Reasoning for asking us to find about the creation:
"29:20 Say (O Muhammad): Travel in the land and see how He originated creation, then Allah bringeth forth the later growth. Lo! Allah is Able to do all things."
If God is the creator it is very reasonable that he would ask and challenge us to follow back the creation to find about the big bang which he mentioned in a verse of Quran and human creation from dust as proved from chemical analysis of the earth dust.
Reasoning of having no son, but creation:
"6:101 The Originator of the heavens and the earth! How can He have a child, when there is for Him no consort, when He created all things and is Aware of all things? "
All of us is his creation including Adam and Jesus. All in the universe is his creation he has no son and he is the one who made himself to us in the verses of the Quran. He is the best witness to himself and the reality of his prophet Jesus (PBUH).
Reasoning for the existence of only one God:
"23:91 Allah hath not chosen any son, nor is there any God along with Him; else would each God have assuredly championed that which he created, and some of them would assuredly have overcome others. Glorified be Allah above all that they allege. "
Authenticity of the Qur'an, God's final revelation
From: www.astudyofquran.org
Introduction: The proof of the above contention is given in two parts. The first part relates to the relevant Qur’anic verses justifying the Qur’an as God’s final revelation and the promise by Allah to guard it from corruption, and in the second, the process by which the Bible ( i.e. the Old and the New Testament) and the Qur’an came to be written. This will help to determine their respective authenticity.
Qur’anic verses:
15:9 Behold, it is We Ourselves have bestowed from on high, step by step, this reminder: and, behold, it is We who shall truly guard it [from all corruption].10
10. This prophecy has been strikingly confirmed by the fact that the text of the Qur’an has remained free from all alterations, additions or deletions ever since it was enunciated by the Prophet in the seventh century of the Christian era; and there is no other instance of any book of whatever description, which has been similarly preserved over such a length of time. The early-noted variants in the reading of certain words of the Qur’an, occasionally referred to by the classical commentators, represents no more than differences in respect of diacritical marks or of vocalisation, and, as a rule, do not affect the meaning of the passage in question.
5:48 And unto thee [O Prophet] have we vouchsafed this divine writ, confirming the truth of whatever there still remains of earlier revelations and determining what is true therein. 64 Judge, then, between the followers of earlier revelation in accordance with what God has bestowed from on high,65 and do not follow their errant views, forsaking the truth that has come unto thee…….. (see also 5:44, 46 and 49).
64. The participle muhaymin is derived from the quadriliteral verb haymana, “he watched over a thing” or “controlled it”, and is used here to describe the Qur’an as a determininant factor in deciding what is genuine and what is false in earlier scriptures. (see Manar VI, 410ff.)
65. Lit., “judge, then, between them …..”, etc. This apparently applies not merely to judicial cases but also to opinions as to what is right or wrong in the ethical sense. As is evident from the mention of the “followers of the Gospel” in the preceding verse (5:47) and of the Torah in earlier passages (5:44), the people spoken of here are both Jews and Christians.
16: 63 By God, [O Prophet,] even before thy time have We sent apostles unto [various] communities: but [those who were bent in denying the truth have always refused to listen to Our messages because] Satan has made all their own doings seem goodly to them: and he is [as] close to them today [as he was to the sinners of yore]; hence, grievous suffering awaits them.
16:64 And upon thee [too] have We bestowed from high this divine writ for no other reason than thou might make clear onto them all [questions of faith] on which they have come to hold divergent views, and [thus offer] guidance and grace unto people who will believe.
41: 41 Verily, they who are bent on denying the truth of this reminder as soon as it comes to them – [they are the losers]: for, behold, it is sublime divine writ: 41:42 no falsehood can ever attain to it openly, and neither in a stealthy manner,35 [since it is] bestowed from on high by One who is truly wise, ever to be praised.
35. The above is one one of the Qur’anic passages on which the great commentator Abu Muslim al-Isfahani (as quoted by Razi) bases his absolute rejection of the theoty of “abrogation” (for which see note 87on 2:106). Since the “abrogation” of any Qur’an-verse would have amounted to its ibtal – that is, to an open and implied declaration that it was henceforth to be regarded as null and void – the verse in question would have to be considered “false” (batil) in the context of the Qur’an as it is before us: and this as Abu Muslim points out, would clearly contradict the above statement that “no falsehood can ever attain it”.
2: 106 Any message which We annul or consign to oblivion We replace with a better or similar one. 87 Dost thou not know that God has the power to will anything?
87. The principle laid down in this passage – relating to the suppression of the Biblical dispensation by that of the Qur’an – has given rise to an erroneous interpretation by many Muslim theologians. The word ayah (“message”) occuring in this context is also used to denote a “verse” of the Qur’an (because every one of these verses contain a message). Taking this restricted meaning of the term ayah, some scholars conclude from the above passage that certain verses of the Qur’an have been “abrogated” by God’s command before the revelation of the Qur’an was completed. ……… On the other hand, the apparent difficulty of interpreting the above Qur’anic passage disappears immediately if the term ayah is understood, correctly, as “message”, and if we read this verse in conjunction with the preceding one (2:105), which states that the Jews and the Christians refuse to accept any revelation which might supersede that of the Bible: for, if read in this way, the abrogation relates to the earlier divine messages and not any part of the Qur’an itself.
The Old Testament : or the Hebrew Bible – is a collection of works of differing lengths, written over a period of more than nine-hundred years. They were written in several languages and, like the Hadith literature, were based on materials collected from oral traditions. The contents of the Hebrew Bible is the same as Protestant Old Testament, but in a different order. The Catholic Old Testament includes extra books ejected from what became the Protestant version. Judaism does not accept any revelation subsequent to its own. It therefore, precludes the part of the Bible called the New Testament, as well as the Qur’an.
The Bible : The Protestant version accepts the thirty-nine books of the Jewish Scriptures as the Old Testament. The New Testament, comprising twenty-seven books, has been added to the Old Testament. Of these twenty-seven books, four are accounts of the career of Jesus called the Gospels (attributed to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), and one is a report of the activity and the preaching of the early followers of Jesus, which is called Acts of the Apostles (usually referred to as Acts). Then there are twenty-one Epistles (correspondence of various apostles concerning religious instructions), thirteen of which are attributed to Paul, who is the real founder of what we now call Christianity. Finally, there is the book of ‘prophecy’ called Revelations. Christianity does not accept any revelation subsequent to Jesus and his Apostles. It, therefore, precludes the Qur’an.
History of the texts
There were at least three forms of Hebrew text around the third century B.C. They were the Masoteric text, the text used in part for the Greek translation, and the Samaritan Pentateuch. If all three forms of texts were available today a comparison would be possible and a decision could be reached as to what might have been the original text. Unfortunately, what is available is the Dead Sea Scrolls (Cave of Qumran), dating from not much before the arrival of Jesus; and a papyrus of the Ten Commandments of the second century CE., which does not even fully agree with the classical text – the oldest Hebrew text of the Bible which dates from the ninth century CE. The first Greek translation dates from the third century, and we can also mention the Latin version of the fourth century C.E., the Aramaic version, and the Syriac version, the last two being incomplete. The specialists have used all these versions to piece together in a multitude of revisions and versions of the texts that we know today.
In the early days of Christianity, the foremost authority was oral tradition and the teachings of the Apostles. The first writings to circulate were Paul’s letters. In fact, before 140 A.D. people were not aware that a collection of Gospel writings existed. For about thirty or forty years, the Gospel had existed as an almost exclusive oral tradition. The ‘Evangelists, each according to his own outlook have collected and recorded in writing the material handed down by the prevailing tradition. Modern biblical scholars are agreed that Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are not the authors of the four Gospels but rather titles attributed to compilations of diverse materials already collected by others. It was not until 170 A.D. that the four Gospels acquired the status of canon.
There were also many writings on Jesus in the early days of Christianity (see Luke 1.1) which the New Testament has excluded. Mention can be made of the Gospel of the Nazarenes, the Gospel of the Hebrews, the Gospel of the Egyptians, the Gospel of Thomas, and the Gospel of Barnabas. These are a few of the many which were in circulation but later burned and banned by order of the Church, from whence their name – Apocrypha – or hidden is derived. In C.E. 367, Bishop Athanasius of Alexandria compiled the list of works which were to carry Church approval. This list was ratified by the Church Council of Hippo in 393, and again by the Council of Carthage four years later. The question can easily be raised as to what arbitrary process was used to select the four Gospels used today, out of the many that were in circulation, especially when some of the excluded books have a perfectly valid claim to historical authenticity. Added to all this, the New Testament has been subjected to fairly drastic editing, censorship, revision, and creative translation, a process which continues to this day.
Thus, the human interference in both the Old and the New Testament is evidently considerable. Different versions of the same description can be found in the Old and the New Testament, as well as contradictions, historical errors, and incompatibilities with firmly established scientific data throughout.
Authenticity of the Jewish and Christian Scriptures
In the West, the critical study of the Scriptures is a recent development. Even today many people are content to accept the Bible – the Old and New Testaments – as it is, without questioning its authenticity or veracity. Only certain of the clergy has a comprehensive knowledge of the Bible, whereas the majority of the laity hears only selected readings as part of a sermon. (Unfortunately the same applies in the use of the Qur’an, despite its authenticity.) One only needs to read some of the specialist studies of the Bible to be aware of the improbabilities and contradictions that exist in the Biblical texts.
However, quite aside from the contradictions in the Biblical texts, there are other serious issues which cannot be ignored. I refer, in particular, to the blatant blackening of the character of the prophets; of barbaric social laws; immoral laws in warfare; and the condoning of outrageous practices such as incest and other issues which conflict with basic sense of morality and human values. For example, Abraham, the great and revered patriarch of all nations was mentioned as a liar (Genesis 12:10-20); Lot committed incest with his own daughters (Genesis 19:33-35); David, whose beautiful Psalms are the texts of sermons in churches and synagogues, committed adultery with Uria’s wife Bath-sheba (2 Samuel 11-4); etc. I refer to a few examples out of many.
Similarly some of the Mosaic laws given below reflect badly on Moses, if one is to maintain, against all reason and logic, that Moses was in fact the writer of the first five books of the Bible.
“And Moses was angry with the officers of the army, the commanders of thousands and the commanders of hundreds, who came from the service in the war. Moses said to them, ‘Have you let all the women live? Behold, these caused the people of Israel, by the counsel of Balaam, to act treacherously against the Lord. Now therefore, kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman who has known man by lying with him. But all the young girls who have not known man by lying with him, keep alive for yourself” (Numbers 31:14-18).
Compilation of the Quran:
The Qur’an was written down and compiled as a book during the lifetime of the Prophet. It was also memorised by many during his lifetime. Thus it is the only Book of Revelation which has remained totally intact. The messages given to the previous prophets were not written down during their lifetime and were manifestly corrupted by human interference. Moreover, the Qur’an, by confirming all the previous revelations, was sent as a guidance for all mankind. It is the last Revelation of God to mankind, a Book which has remained intact and untainted by human interference. The Hadith literature creates doubt about the authenticity of the Qur’an by stating that the Qur’an, as a book, was compiled during the time of Caliph Othman by collection of all the Qur’anic sheets which were kept by different people. Yet, Allah constantly refers to the Qur’an as a book (Al-Kitab), and it is impossible to believe that the Prophet did not manage to compile the Qur’an as a book, over its long period of revelation spreading 23 years. Such thinking is a reflection of the total inability of a large number of Muslims to think beyond what is written in the hadith literature i.e. in this instance, that the Qur’an was compiled during the time of Othman. The verse 15:9 quoted at the beginning of this article states clearly that Allah Himself preserves the Qur’an from being corrupted.
We know for certain that at the time of Jesus the Mediterranean world already had great libraries, book-shops, and many professional writers (scribes). As Arabia was a trading route, and the Arabs were a trading nation, there is a compelling body of evidence to draw one to the view that the Arabs had literate members of their society just like other countries in the region, for sound economic reasons if nothing else, and that the Qur’an was written down and compiled as a book (kitab) during the life time of the Prophet. This argument becomes unassailable when one recalls that the Messenger, sent as he was some 600 years after Jesus, was a man renowned for his fear of God and faithfulness to his duty. Is it feasible that he would have omitted to take basic measures for the preservation of the text, in order to protect it from human interference and corruption? He was in constant guidance from Allah, and yet the hadith literature would have made us believe that Allah has left His divine message to be collected from scattered motley collection of pages, here and there!
My reason for bringing out some of the many anomalies found in the Old and the New Testaments is to prove the point which the Qur’an indicates in many of its verses, namely, that the Old and the New Testament, as they exist today, are not the texts as originally revealed. In fact one of the reason for the revelation of the Qur’an was because the previous books do not exist in their original form. In contrast the Qur’an is free from all anomalies, as it is the Word of God without any other influence or human interference. It contains fundamental messages that are completely consistent with all that the previous prophets received prior to the Qur’anic revelation. It gives the names of many prophets and also states that God sent many other prophets beforehand, to all communities, whose names are not mentioned in the Qur’an. One can make an exhaustive comparison of the Biblical texts and the Qur’an with regard to the narration of events which on the surface appears to be similar and yet hold fundamental differences, due simply to the human elements in the Biblical texts. Where modern scientific investigation has been able to contribute any light, it has consistently found in favour of the Qur’anic presentation. Such authenticity cannot be, and must not be attributed to the hadith literature either, as it is not a divine revelation and therefore consists of much contradiction and human interpretation.
References:
1. The verses quoted including the notes are taken from: The Message of the Qur’an by Muhammad Asad. Published by Dar Al-Andalus, Gibraltar.
A Study of the Qur’an. Published by M. A. Malek. Third revised edition, January 2000.
M. A. Malek 6th March 07.
Home > Short discussions > Authenticity of the Qur'an, God's final revelation
Introduction: The proof of the above contention is given in two parts. The first part relates to the relevant Qur’anic verses justifying the Qur’an as God’s final revelation and the promise by Allah to guard it from corruption, and in the second, the process by which the Bible ( i.e. the Old and the New Testament) and the Qur’an came to be written. This will help to determine their respective authenticity.
Qur’anic verses:
15:9 Behold, it is We Ourselves have bestowed from on high, step by step, this reminder: and, behold, it is We who shall truly guard it [from all corruption].10
10. This prophecy has been strikingly confirmed by the fact that the text of the Qur’an has remained free from all alterations, additions or deletions ever since it was enunciated by the Prophet in the seventh century of the Christian era; and there is no other instance of any book of whatever description, which has been similarly preserved over such a length of time. The early-noted variants in the reading of certain words of the Qur’an, occasionally referred to by the classical commentators, represents no more than differences in respect of diacritical marks or of vocalisation, and, as a rule, do not affect the meaning of the passage in question.
5:48 And unto thee [O Prophet] have we vouchsafed this divine writ, confirming the truth of whatever there still remains of earlier revelations and determining what is true therein. 64 Judge, then, between the followers of earlier revelation in accordance with what God has bestowed from on high,65 and do not follow their errant views, forsaking the truth that has come unto thee…….. (see also 5:44, 46 and 49).
64. The participle muhaymin is derived from the quadriliteral verb haymana, “he watched over a thing” or “controlled it”, and is used here to describe the Qur’an as a determininant factor in deciding what is genuine and what is false in earlier scriptures. (see Manar VI, 410ff.)
65. Lit., “judge, then, between them …..”, etc. This apparently applies not merely to judicial cases but also to opinions as to what is right or wrong in the ethical sense. As is evident from the mention of the “followers of the Gospel” in the preceding verse (5:47) and of the Torah in earlier passages (5:44), the people spoken of here are both Jews and Christians.
16: 63 By God, [O Prophet,] even before thy time have We sent apostles unto [various] communities: but [those who were bent in denying the truth have always refused to listen to Our messages because] Satan has made all their own doings seem goodly to them: and he is [as] close to them today [as he was to the sinners of yore]; hence, grievous suffering awaits them.
16:64 And upon thee [too] have We bestowed from high this divine writ for no other reason than thou might make clear onto them all [questions of faith] on which they have come to hold divergent views, and [thus offer] guidance and grace unto people who will believe.
41: 41 Verily, they who are bent on denying the truth of this reminder as soon as it comes to them – [they are the losers]: for, behold, it is sublime divine writ: 41:42 no falsehood can ever attain to it openly, and neither in a stealthy manner,35 [since it is] bestowed from on high by One who is truly wise, ever to be praised.
35. The above is one one of the Qur’anic passages on which the great commentator Abu Muslim al-Isfahani (as quoted by Razi) bases his absolute rejection of the theoty of “abrogation” (for which see note 87on 2:106). Since the “abrogation” of any Qur’an-verse would have amounted to its ibtal – that is, to an open and implied declaration that it was henceforth to be regarded as null and void – the verse in question would have to be considered “false” (batil) in the context of the Qur’an as it is before us: and this as Abu Muslim points out, would clearly contradict the above statement that “no falsehood can ever attain it”.
2: 106 Any message which We annul or consign to oblivion We replace with a better or similar one. 87 Dost thou not know that God has the power to will anything?
87. The principle laid down in this passage – relating to the suppression of the Biblical dispensation by that of the Qur’an – has given rise to an erroneous interpretation by many Muslim theologians. The word ayah (“message”) occuring in this context is also used to denote a “verse” of the Qur’an (because every one of these verses contain a message). Taking this restricted meaning of the term ayah, some scholars conclude from the above passage that certain verses of the Qur’an have been “abrogated” by God’s command before the revelation of the Qur’an was completed. ……… On the other hand, the apparent difficulty of interpreting the above Qur’anic passage disappears immediately if the term ayah is understood, correctly, as “message”, and if we read this verse in conjunction with the preceding one (2:105), which states that the Jews and the Christians refuse to accept any revelation which might supersede that of the Bible: for, if read in this way, the abrogation relates to the earlier divine messages and not any part of the Qur’an itself.
The Old Testament : or the Hebrew Bible – is a collection of works of differing lengths, written over a period of more than nine-hundred years. They were written in several languages and, like the Hadith literature, were based on materials collected from oral traditions. The contents of the Hebrew Bible is the same as Protestant Old Testament, but in a different order. The Catholic Old Testament includes extra books ejected from what became the Protestant version. Judaism does not accept any revelation subsequent to its own. It therefore, precludes the part of the Bible called the New Testament, as well as the Qur’an.
The Bible : The Protestant version accepts the thirty-nine books of the Jewish Scriptures as the Old Testament. The New Testament, comprising twenty-seven books, has been added to the Old Testament. Of these twenty-seven books, four are accounts of the career of Jesus called the Gospels (attributed to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), and one is a report of the activity and the preaching of the early followers of Jesus, which is called Acts of the Apostles (usually referred to as Acts). Then there are twenty-one Epistles (correspondence of various apostles concerning religious instructions), thirteen of which are attributed to Paul, who is the real founder of what we now call Christianity. Finally, there is the book of ‘prophecy’ called Revelations. Christianity does not accept any revelation subsequent to Jesus and his Apostles. It, therefore, precludes the Qur’an.
History of the texts
There were at least three forms of Hebrew text around the third century B.C. They were the Masoteric text, the text used in part for the Greek translation, and the Samaritan Pentateuch. If all three forms of texts were available today a comparison would be possible and a decision could be reached as to what might have been the original text. Unfortunately, what is available is the Dead Sea Scrolls (Cave of Qumran), dating from not much before the arrival of Jesus; and a papyrus of the Ten Commandments of the second century CE., which does not even fully agree with the classical text – the oldest Hebrew text of the Bible which dates from the ninth century CE. The first Greek translation dates from the third century, and we can also mention the Latin version of the fourth century C.E., the Aramaic version, and the Syriac version, the last two being incomplete. The specialists have used all these versions to piece together in a multitude of revisions and versions of the texts that we know today.
In the early days of Christianity, the foremost authority was oral tradition and the teachings of the Apostles. The first writings to circulate were Paul’s letters. In fact, before 140 A.D. people were not aware that a collection of Gospel writings existed. For about thirty or forty years, the Gospel had existed as an almost exclusive oral tradition. The ‘Evangelists, each according to his own outlook have collected and recorded in writing the material handed down by the prevailing tradition. Modern biblical scholars are agreed that Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are not the authors of the four Gospels but rather titles attributed to compilations of diverse materials already collected by others. It was not until 170 A.D. that the four Gospels acquired the status of canon.
There were also many writings on Jesus in the early days of Christianity (see Luke 1.1) which the New Testament has excluded. Mention can be made of the Gospel of the Nazarenes, the Gospel of the Hebrews, the Gospel of the Egyptians, the Gospel of Thomas, and the Gospel of Barnabas. These are a few of the many which were in circulation but later burned and banned by order of the Church, from whence their name – Apocrypha – or hidden is derived. In C.E. 367, Bishop Athanasius of Alexandria compiled the list of works which were to carry Church approval. This list was ratified by the Church Council of Hippo in 393, and again by the Council of Carthage four years later. The question can easily be raised as to what arbitrary process was used to select the four Gospels used today, out of the many that were in circulation, especially when some of the excluded books have a perfectly valid claim to historical authenticity. Added to all this, the New Testament has been subjected to fairly drastic editing, censorship, revision, and creative translation, a process which continues to this day.
Thus, the human interference in both the Old and the New Testament is evidently considerable. Different versions of the same description can be found in the Old and the New Testament, as well as contradictions, historical errors, and incompatibilities with firmly established scientific data throughout.
Authenticity of the Jewish and Christian Scriptures
In the West, the critical study of the Scriptures is a recent development. Even today many people are content to accept the Bible – the Old and New Testaments – as it is, without questioning its authenticity or veracity. Only certain of the clergy has a comprehensive knowledge of the Bible, whereas the majority of the laity hears only selected readings as part of a sermon. (Unfortunately the same applies in the use of the Qur’an, despite its authenticity.) One only needs to read some of the specialist studies of the Bible to be aware of the improbabilities and contradictions that exist in the Biblical texts.
However, quite aside from the contradictions in the Biblical texts, there are other serious issues which cannot be ignored. I refer, in particular, to the blatant blackening of the character of the prophets; of barbaric social laws; immoral laws in warfare; and the condoning of outrageous practices such as incest and other issues which conflict with basic sense of morality and human values. For example, Abraham, the great and revered patriarch of all nations was mentioned as a liar (Genesis 12:10-20); Lot committed incest with his own daughters (Genesis 19:33-35); David, whose beautiful Psalms are the texts of sermons in churches and synagogues, committed adultery with Uria’s wife Bath-sheba (2 Samuel 11-4); etc. I refer to a few examples out of many.
Similarly some of the Mosaic laws given below reflect badly on Moses, if one is to maintain, against all reason and logic, that Moses was in fact the writer of the first five books of the Bible.
“And Moses was angry with the officers of the army, the commanders of thousands and the commanders of hundreds, who came from the service in the war. Moses said to them, ‘Have you let all the women live? Behold, these caused the people of Israel, by the counsel of Balaam, to act treacherously against the Lord. Now therefore, kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman who has known man by lying with him. But all the young girls who have not known man by lying with him, keep alive for yourself” (Numbers 31:14-18).
Compilation of the Quran:
The Qur’an was written down and compiled as a book during the lifetime of the Prophet. It was also memorised by many during his lifetime. Thus it is the only Book of Revelation which has remained totally intact. The messages given to the previous prophets were not written down during their lifetime and were manifestly corrupted by human interference. Moreover, the Qur’an, by confirming all the previous revelations, was sent as a guidance for all mankind. It is the last Revelation of God to mankind, a Book which has remained intact and untainted by human interference. The Hadith literature creates doubt about the authenticity of the Qur’an by stating that the Qur’an, as a book, was compiled during the time of Caliph Othman by collection of all the Qur’anic sheets which were kept by different people. Yet, Allah constantly refers to the Qur’an as a book (Al-Kitab), and it is impossible to believe that the Prophet did not manage to compile the Qur’an as a book, over its long period of revelation spreading 23 years. Such thinking is a reflection of the total inability of a large number of Muslims to think beyond what is written in the hadith literature i.e. in this instance, that the Qur’an was compiled during the time of Othman. The verse 15:9 quoted at the beginning of this article states clearly that Allah Himself preserves the Qur’an from being corrupted.
We know for certain that at the time of Jesus the Mediterranean world already had great libraries, book-shops, and many professional writers (scribes). As Arabia was a trading route, and the Arabs were a trading nation, there is a compelling body of evidence to draw one to the view that the Arabs had literate members of their society just like other countries in the region, for sound economic reasons if nothing else, and that the Qur’an was written down and compiled as a book (kitab) during the life time of the Prophet. This argument becomes unassailable when one recalls that the Messenger, sent as he was some 600 years after Jesus, was a man renowned for his fear of God and faithfulness to his duty. Is it feasible that he would have omitted to take basic measures for the preservation of the text, in order to protect it from human interference and corruption? He was in constant guidance from Allah, and yet the hadith literature would have made us believe that Allah has left His divine message to be collected from scattered motley collection of pages, here and there!
My reason for bringing out some of the many anomalies found in the Old and the New Testaments is to prove the point which the Qur’an indicates in many of its verses, namely, that the Old and the New Testament, as they exist today, are not the texts as originally revealed. In fact one of the reason for the revelation of the Qur’an was because the previous books do not exist in their original form. In contrast the Qur’an is free from all anomalies, as it is the Word of God without any other influence or human interference. It contains fundamental messages that are completely consistent with all that the previous prophets received prior to the Qur’anic revelation. It gives the names of many prophets and also states that God sent many other prophets beforehand, to all communities, whose names are not mentioned in the Qur’an. One can make an exhaustive comparison of the Biblical texts and the Qur’an with regard to the narration of events which on the surface appears to be similar and yet hold fundamental differences, due simply to the human elements in the Biblical texts. Where modern scientific investigation has been able to contribute any light, it has consistently found in favour of the Qur’anic presentation. Such authenticity cannot be, and must not be attributed to the hadith literature either, as it is not a divine revelation and therefore consists of much contradiction and human interpretation.
References:
1. The verses quoted including the notes are taken from: The Message of the Qur’an by Muhammad Asad. Published by Dar Al-Andalus, Gibraltar.
A Study of the Qur’an. Published by M. A. Malek. Third revised edition, January 2000.
M. A. Malek 6th March 07.
Home > Short discussions > Authenticity of the Qur'an, God's final revelation
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