Qur'an:cover To Cover

The Qur’an:Cover to Cover (#3)

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Ever Merciful !

Asalamualaikum...May Peace Be Upon You!

The Author:

With respect to the Qur’an’s authorship, there are two categories:


1. Believers, those who believe Qur’an is the Speech of God revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him);

2. Those who do not believe that Qur’an is from God but was authored by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) or any other human being.


Some points to consider:

1) Any literary quality product in its final form is at least a few times researched and revised a before its dissemination to the masses. Every literary masterpiece in history has required at least one attempt at revision and improvement, and yet the Qur’an which was revealed over a period of twenty-three years in different locations, during different historical moments, in front of countless mixed audiences, at times during direct questioning and challenges, and yet once the aayaat (verses) were recited by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) ,he could not ask them back to make changes and improvements.There was no editorial process going on all this time and once Prophet recited of Qur’an,He cannot go back on what He recited and say he made mistake and now he want to make editions or modifications etc.It was out there! Never edited.

2) The oral delivery of the Qur’an —with more than six thousand verses—manifests the highest order of perfection and unparalleled eloquence in its composition and organization. With many forms of literature, a beginning, middle, and end are formulated somewhat cohesively and chronologically in development or dissemination. With the Qur’an, however, aayaat (verses) and chapters were revealed non-chronologically throughout the 23 years of revelation in different regions and to different audiences, and those who memorized it would be instructed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) on where to place each new revealed passage or verse. For example, the final verse of revelation according to many scholars is verse 281 of chapter 2, a chapter of 286 verses spanning a gradual revelation of two 60 decades. However, the recitation of the verse fits in perfectly in this chapter as though it had been divinely planned and orchestrated before the entirety of the revelation was complete.

So what we have today in “Book” form, is totally different from what the first audiences experienced.They experienced it as speech and we have it as the Book. Speech and Literature are two different things.The way you speak is not the way you write and that is a miraculous beauty of the Qur’an that even though it was revealed in the form of speech but when it was compiled in the form of Book, it still has remarkable literary qualities.

3) Qur’an is the message of God to humanity so it had to be translated in all languages for the humans to understand it.As stated earlier, it has to be kept in mind that the original language of the Qur’an is Arabic as the Prophet to whom it was revealed was an Arab.Those are the actual words of God; any translation of Qur’an can not capture exactly what God says and the way how HE says it.The translation of Qur’an in any language is a human effort to covey the meanings as exactly as the translators could.

Qur’an in Arabic literally means “something which is read or recited”.This is the reason that Muslims usually do not call a printed/handwritten physical copy of Qur’an…..a Qur’an.We call it Mus’haf which means “pages which have Qur’an written on them”.

{For example,If anyone for any reason burns or deletes my photograph.The person burnt or deleted my photograph not the actual me,I would say so and so burnt my picture not so and so burnt me.Because my image is not me.I don’t know if I am making sense! I hope I do.Same way,Qur’an is literal spoken speech, something which is read.}

4) Everyone of us has a particular style of talking and usage of words and expressions.

Stylometric analyses of the Qur’an compared to Hadith (the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him)) was conducted and it concluded that the Qur’an and the Hadith (sayings of prophet) compilation of Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhāri (collection of sayings of Prophet) have completely two different authors.

Although the study’s conclusions were lengthy, one of the important findings was that 62% of the words from the Hadith are not found in the Qur’an, and 83% of the words of the Qur’an are not found in the Hadith, also referred to as “discriminant words”—found in one text and not the other. Other findings included significant differences in the use of 16 singular and plural forms, differences in the frequency of word lengths in the two texts (e.g., monograms, trigrams, tetragrams, etc.), and the different results in stylometric classifiers.

People who are well versed in Arabic (Muslim/Non-Muslim) clearly can differentiate that the two (Qur;an and Hadith) could not be attributed to the same source.

5) Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) had his way/style of talking while as the Qur’an is another level. How could a person maintain such distinct speech for so long and in so many places and circumstances? The more remarkable point of observation that should be highlighted is that the aayaat (verses) were revealed instantaneously at times after unplanned events or historical incidents, or in response to questions and challenges posed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) ;thus, there was no time to carefully plan what was being conveyed in order to maintain such strong distinct style.


In-Sha-Allah, To Be Continued !

 

The Qur’an:Cover to Cover (#4)

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Ever Merciful !

Asalamualaikum...May Peace Be Upon You!


6) A visible disconnect between the speech of the Qur’an and the personal life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) regardless his emotional experiences; none of this emotional turmoil is observed in the Qur’an.

The Prophet (peace be upon Him) lost all his children (except one daughter) in his lifetime, his beloved wife Khadījah and guardian uncle passed away, he and his community were completely boycotted and cut off, his close companions were harassed and many of the believers persecuted and murdered, he was stoned by the people of Ṭāʾif, he engaged in military campaigns, and yet throughout the entirety of his human experiences as a prophet, the Qur’an’s linguistic style and eloquent voice remained consistently distinct and divine in perspective, assertions, style, and character.
[when a person is going through so much, loss , turmoil and hardships in personal life, it seeps through}

7) The Qur’an’s rebuking of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him)

The Qur’an does not hesitate to rebuke the Prophet on a slight mistake.

He [the Prophet] frowned and turned away. Because there came to him the blind man, [interrupting]. But what would make you perceive, [O Muhammad], that perhaps he might be purified? Or be reminded and the remembrance would benefit him? (Our’an)

These aayaat (verses) highlight the incident in which Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) was speaking with the elite of Quraysh and a blind man came to him to ask some question. The Prophet (peace be upon Him) turned his face away as he disliked his interruption that time as he was talking with the elite of Quraysh.

When the man didn’t received any response from the Prophet, he left assuming Prophet is busy this time, that man himself didn’t knew that frown had appeared on Prophet’s face due to his interruption until that blind man later heard the verses of Qur’an recited.

8) To answer the people who were saying Prophet is the author of Qur’an, the real author of the Qur’an made it clear that nobody would be able to defend him (Muhammad, peace be upon Him) if he were to do such a thing:

And if he [Muhammad] had made up about Us some false speech, WE would have seized him by the right hand. Then WE would have cut his aorta. And there is no one of you who could prevent Us from doing that. (Qur’an)

If the Qur’an were authored by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him), it would be strange to threaten and admonish himself in a scripture recited by the entire nation of believers, read and expected/meant to be read until the end of times by all human beings whether they believe in him or not.


9) Qur’an is not a book of History or Science.Its purpose is divine guidance.Though there are remarkable historical and scientific facts mentioned in the Qur’an.

[Source: yaqeen Institute]


In-Sha-Allah, To Be Continued !

 

The Qur’an:Cover to Cover (#5)

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Ever Merciful !


Without going into further details of various aspects and dimensions of the Qur’an which could take a long time, Let’s start with a few key points to read and understand Qur’an:

1. Asking God for the sincerity of the heart and intentions.
2. Read each Aayah(verse) mindfully.
3. Keep the context in mind.
4. Try to interact with what is being said and if we can draw any message for us out of what is being said.
5. Supplicating to God whenever there is a mention of blessings, success, favors and guidance.
6. Asking refuge of God whenever mention of evil traits, desires, bad endings and punishments.

7) Note down any questions that comes in mind related to any aayah (mark Surah name and verse number) and as we go on reading, keeping check if any of those questions are answered!

{Source: Fadel Soliman}


In-Sha-Allah, To Be Continued !

 

The Qur’an:Cover to Cover (#6)


I seek refuge of Almighty God from Satan…the rejected one.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Ever Merciful !

1: The Opening (Surah Al-Fatihah)

Surah Fatihah is a Meccan Surah (revealed in Makkah).It has 7 signs (verses) which are recited a total of seventeen times in the five daily prayers,[Also knows as 7 often repeated aayahs], serves as the cornerstone of the Qur’an. It sums up the relationship between the Creator and HIS creation, Allah’s undisputed authority in this world and the Hereafter, humanity’s constant dependence on HIM for guidance and assistance.


1. In the Name of Allah—the Most

Compassionate, the Most Merciful.

2. All praise and thanks be to Allah—Lord of all realms,

3. the Most Compassionate, the Bestower of Mercy

4. Master of the Day of Judgment.

5. It is You we worship, and it is You we ask for help.

6. Guide us along the Straight Path,

7. the Path of those You have blessed—not those You

are displeased with, or those who are astray.


Saying “In the name of Allah” (reciting Bismillah) is recommended before starting any action or deed.

Allah is the proper name of the Lord, the Exalted.Allah is the name of the Creator, because it is referred to when describing Allah by the various attributes.

Qur’an quotes:

“The most beautiful ‘Names’ belong to Allah, so call up on HIM by them.”

"Invoke Allah or invoke the Most Gracious, by whatever name you invoke HIM; it is the same, for to HIM belong the Best Names.’'

The most Compassionate (Rahman) and The most Merciful (Raheem) are two names derived from the root word Rahmah which means the Mercy.

{we also use the word "rahmat" in Hindi/urdu “sab par raham karna”}


All praise and thanks belong to Allah-Lord (Rabb) of all realms.
Ultimate Praise and Thanks eternally and continuously belong to Allah-the Creator.whether anyone is doing it or not; not dependent on anyone to do it.

Someone helps us, it automatically generates a feeling of thankfulness but we don’t necessarily praise the person.Similarly, we may praise a person or an object, but we necessarily are not thankful to that person or thing.

But whoever believes in the God, they know that HE is the eternal source of all favors and blessings in our life…worthy of all Praise and Thanks.



In-Sha-Allah, To Be Continued !

 

The Qur’an:Cover to Cover (#7)



I seek refuge of Almighty God from Satan…the rejected one.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Ever Merciful !


Cont. Aayah 2

Lord (Rabb) of all the realms:

The Lord is the One Who sustains all creatures - which refers to all beings other than Allah - because HE created them, granted them everything that they need and bestowed great blessings upon them; if they were deprived o f those blessings they would not be able to survive, for whatever blessings they enjoy come from HIM.

The name of Allah used in this aayah is Rabb.

Generally translated as 'the Lord' but it is much more than that.

Rabb: Lord/Master

Who owns HIS Creation completely;
Who Nurtures ; keeps looking after with love and concern;
Each breath guarded by HIM, the Sustainer;
Complete control over HIS creation;
Bestower of all the blessings out of love;

HE is the Lord of all the Realms/Worlds, i.e., the Lord of all HIS creations in the different worlds, such as: the world of mankind, the world of the jinn, the world of the angels, the unseen world - which is everything that is hidden from us - and the world of witness - i.e., everything that we see.

Thus, HE is the Lord of the Worlds, i.e., the Lord of all these different worlds and all the Creations that exist in them.

3. the Most Compassionate (Rahman), the Bestower of Mercy (Raheem)

Allah is Rahman.Allah is Raheem.

Implication/Manifestation of these names of Allah is to be Compassionate towards all HIS creation.

“Statement of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him):
Be Merciful to those on Earth, and the ONE in Heavens will have mercy on you.”


4. Master of the Day of Judgment.


The Name of Allah used in this aayah is (Maalik) which means the real Owner.

Herein this aayah, this sovereignty is connected to the Day of Judgement, which is the Day of Resurrection, the day on which people will be judged on the basis of their deeds, both good and bad.

That is the Day of Recompense.On that Day, no one except HIM will be able to claim ownership of anything whatsoever.


5. It is You we worship, and it is You we ask for help.


After knowing our Creator, who is the most compassionate to HIS creation, who is nurturing us, taking care of us, bestower of all the blessings, who is the real owner of all that exists, it is a willful submission of heart.

We are testifying that we worship You alone and none else, and rely on You alone and none else.A willful submission, to enslave ourself to our Creator and at the same time we know our limitations so we are asking for HIS help and assistance to keep us steadfast.

It has to be a genuine reaction, cannot be fake or forced.

Notice that in this Aayah, the type of speech changes from the third person to direct speech in the statement You alone.(for those who know Arabic, it is by saying— Iyyaka). This is because after the servant knows his/her Lord, praised and thanked his/her Rabb, he/she stands before HIM, addressing HIM directly.

Worship” ( ‘ibadat) refers to everything that Allah loves and is pleased with of actions and words, both outward and inward.

“Seeking help” refers to relying upon Allah, seeking to attain what is beneficial and ward off what is harmful, whilst trusting HIM.


Sources: Tafsir Saadi
Tafsir Ibn-Kathir
Bayyinah

In-Sha-Allah, To Be Continued !

 

The Qur’an:Cover to Cover (#8)


I seek refuge of Almighty God from Satan…the rejected one.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Ever Merciful !



6. Guide us along the Straight Path (Sirat al-Mustaqim),

The clear and straight path (Sirat Al-Mustaqim) is defined as a path that is clear and shortest path that leads to destination, which is wide and many walking on it simultaneously.

Some are far ahead, some are far behind, others are in parallel lanes whereas some are faster than others while others barely making any progress.

Make us firm on the path of guidance and do not allow us to deviate from it.’’ That is, show us and help us to follow the straight path, which is the clear path that leads to God.

This straight path is a road with many alleys, like the highway between cities that contain many alleys, and each alley has a speed. The more a person ascends and rises in the rank of servitude, which is (You alone do we worship, and You alone do we ask for help), Allah ascends you in guidance. So the more you ascend and rise in the rank of guidance, which is ,Guide us to the straight path.

Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya has said that guidance has many levels.

It includes that the truth be made clear to us so that we may recognize it; but only recognizing is not enough, it includes one being enabled to do it; and keeps on following the path;

That our ulterior motive is to seek God.

That HE guides us to a path that will lead us to HIM faster. Someone’s path might be the Qur’an, someone’s path might be serving people, for someone it could be fulfilling others needs, for someone it is continuous remembrance of God and being mindful of HIM; etc. So there is a special path for everyone within this straight and general path of Allah;

That we realize we are always in need of HIS Help and Guidance…be it specific or general.


7. the Path of those You have blessed—not those You are displeased with, or those who are astray.

This straight path is the path of those whom You have blessed, the path of prophets; the path of those who are truthful and righteous not the path of those who have incurred Your wrath; those whose intentions are corrupt, who know the truth, yet deviate from it.

Summary:

Surah Al-Fatihah contains seven Aayat (signs) including the praise and thanks of Allah, glorifying HIM and praising HIM by mentioning HIS most Beautiful Names and most high Attributes. It also mentions the Hereafter, which is the Day of Resurrection, and directs Allah's servants to ask of HIM, invoking HIM and declaring that all power and strength comes from HIM. It also calls to the sincerity of the worship of Allah alone, singling HIM out in HIS divinity, believing in HIS perfection, being free from the need of any partners, having no rivals nor equals.

Fatihah directs the believers to invoke Allah to guide them to the straight path, and to help them remain on that path in this life, and to pass over the actual Sirat (bridge over hell that everyone must pass over) on the Day of Judgment.

Fatihah also encourages performing good deeds, so that the believers will be in the company of the good-doers on the Day of Resurrection. The Surah also warns against following the paths of misguidance, so that one does not end up being gathered with those who indulge in sin, on the Day of Resurrection, including those who have earned the anger and those who were led astray.

Aamen! It means, "O Allah! accept our supplication.''

[It is recommended to say Aamen after finishing the recitation of Surah Fatihah as well as after any supplication/du’aa. ]


In-Sha-Allah, To Be Continued !

 

The Qur’an: Cover to Cover (#9)


I seek refuge of Almighty God from Satan…the rejected one.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Ever Merciful !


2: The Cow (Surah Al-Baqarah)

Surah Baqarah is a Madani Surah (revealed in Madinah).It is the longest Surah (chapter) of the Qur’an. It has 286 aayaat.
This Surah is named after the story of the cow which the Israelites were ordered to slaughter.

Aayah 1: Alif Lam Mim

These are the three Arabic letters.

The individual letters in the beginning of some Surahs are among those things whose knowledge Allah has kept only for Himself.

It is a belief that they were not revealed in vain, and that there is wisdom behind them of which we are not aware.

Allah knows best what they mean and why they are there.

Aayah 2: This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of the God.

No doubt about it in any way, shape or form. Stating that there is no doubt implies the opposite; the opposite of doubt is certainty. This is a useful principle, that when it is stated that something is not the case, that inevitably refers to the opposite and guidance cannot be attained except on the basis of certainty. It (Qur’an) has guidance for those who are mindful of the Creator.

Aayah 3: who believe in the unseen (a), establish the prayer (b), and give out of what WE have provided for them( c),

a) It does not refer to believing in things that are visible or may be known through any of the physical senses, rather the issue here is belief in the unseen, which we cannot see or know through any of the physical senses; rather we believe in it because Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon Him) have told us of it. Unseen includes: "Belief in Allah, His angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Day of Judgement, Paradise, Hell-Fire, in the meeting with HIM, belief in life after death, Resurrection and Destiny”.

b) Establishing prayer means establishing its outward form completely, with all its essential and obligatory parts and fulfilling its conditions, as well as establishing it inwardly, paying attention to its essence, having presence of mind whilst praying, and pondering the meaning of what one is saying and doing.

c) “And give out of what WE have provided for them”, includes both obligatory yearly charity known as zakah and voluntary charity.



In-Sha-Allah, To Be Continued !

 

The Qur’an: Cover to Cover (#10)


I seek refuge of Almighty God from Satan…the rejected one.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Ever Merciful !



Aayah 4: And who believe in what has been revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺ and what was revealed before you, and have absolute faith in the Hereafter.

~They believe in what Allah sent you with ‘O Prophet, and in what the previous Messengers were sent with, they do not distinguish between them, nor do they reject what they brought from their Lord.

That is to believe in everything that the Messenger brought, and do not differentiate between what he brought, believing in some parts and not believing in others, either by rejecting them or interpreting them in a manner other than that which was intended.

~Belief in all the previous Books; belief in all the previous Messengers.

~Absolute conviction in the hereafter. The hereafter is that which comes after death; belief in the Last Day is one of the pillars of faith.


Aayah 5. It is they who are ˹truly˺ guided by their Lord, and it is they who will be successful.

They refers to those who believe in the Unseen God, all the unseen realm discussed above and establish the prayer, spend from what Allah has granted them, believe in what Allah has revealed to the Messenger Muhammad and the Messengers before him, believe in the Hereafter with certainty, and prepare the necessary requirements for the Hereafter by performing good deeds and avoiding the prohibitions and they are the successful.



In-Sha-Allah, To Be Continued !

 

The Qur’an: Cover to Cover (#11)


I seek refuge of Almighty God from Satan…the rejected one.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Ever Merciful!


Disclaimer: The brief explanations of the aayat presented here has been compiled from various sources and is largely based on my personal study notes and understanding. If there is any error or shortcoming in presentation, it is entirely my own, for the Qur’an is vaster than oceans. This is only a humble effort to convey its meanings in a consolidated, simple, and accurate manner, to the best of my limited ability.

If at any point I realize or am made aware that I have conveyed something inaccurately, or if a clearer and sounder understanding becomes apparent to me, I willingly acknowledge my shortcomings and will revise or modify the content accordingly. I am but a human being; learning and evolving is a never-ending journey.


Aayah 6. As for those who disbelieve, it makes no difference whether you warn them or not: they will not believe.

It is not like that God is not allowing these people to believe.

IF all the Messengers/Prophets (thousands of them) were sent to nations, Scriptures were revealed; including Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) and the Qur’an then why Qur’an is saying those who disbelieve are not going to believe? When God already knew those who disbelieve are not going to believe then what was the purpose of sending thousands of Prophets and many Books?

Here God is declaring something based on HIS absolute knowledge about a selected group of people. God’s knowledge is not limited to time. God is the Creator of time not bound by it. For us there is past, present and future but God has complete knowledge of what was, what is and what will be.

Aayah says,

~Verily, those who ‘disbelieve’ the word used is ‘Kafaru’, which means to know the truth and still deny it knowingly or hide something knowingly.


{{Who is Kaafir?

Tiller/farmer is called Kaafir in Arabic as it means someone who covers the roots or seeds in soil so they are no more visible.

Kaafir: someone who denies/hides.

Kaafir doesn’t mean an infidel or a non-Muslim or a Hindu or a Christian etc.

In Qur’an, Allah addresses the one who is grateful as “Shakir” (from the word Shukr), someone who acknowledges the blessings and favors and the opposite of it is used for someone who denies the blessings and is thankless as “Kaafir” (from the word Kufr).

For example: if I fail to acknowledge the blessings and favors of my Creator or I am thankless to my parents…I am a Kaafir.

OR; I know something for sure but when asked I purposely deny and hide the truth…I am a Kaafir.}}


This aayah is referring to “the selective group of people” who knew the truth, it was clear to them that He (peace be upon Him) is the awaited Messenger and also “those” who were convinced in their hearts that he (peace be upon Him) is indeed a Prophet but still chose to reject Him and His Message out of pride, envy and fear of losing position.

No way, we can point out any person or group of persons of any religion and try to fit them in this aayah based on our own judgment. We cannot!


~ Why Warn (Inzaar)?

The word used is “Inzaar”. This type of warning (Inzaar) is used out of love and concern.

In Arabic, there is a type of ‘warning’ having positive connotation in it and another word for a ‘warning’ with negative connotation.

This Inzaar (warning) here is nothing but out of genuine love and concern. To notify, to wake up, to save from eternal harm and consequences because you want the best for them.


Aayah 7. God has sealed their hearts and their ears, and their eyes are covered. They will have great torment.

A seal is placed on their hearts, upon their ears and their eyes because of their choice to deny the truth even after the truth had become clear to them. Why the seal? Because:

~they hear but refuse to listen

~ they see but chose not to use insight to comprehend

~ their heart is convinced but they chose to reject the truth

Then punishment in the hereafter is mentioned for such people: theirs will be a severe penalty.


[Source: Shaykh Nasir]


In-Sha-Allah, To Be Continued!