The Quranic Rules of Interpretation Arnold Yasin Mol 2008

Qur’anic rules of Interpretation Interpretation By Arnold Yasin Mol 2008 DRC How the Qur’an explains itself

Many translations and interpretations have been made of the Qur’an, but many of these contain contradictions, uphold the belief in the supernatural, are discriminating towards the female gender, do not present a practical useful system for a society and are mostly focussed on the concept of worship and rituals. This is how the Qur’an has been mostly presented and understood by the majority of the people on Earth, be it Muslims or non-Muslims. After years of research I, and many scholars with me as Allama Mashriqi, Dr. Muhammed Shahrour, Ibn Rushd (Averoes), Dr. Shabbir, Allama G.A. Parwez, Allama Dr. M. Iqbal, Dr. Abdul Wadud, Allama Muhammed Abduh, Allama Rashid Rida, Allama Sayid Jamal al-Din al-Afghani, Allama Muhamed Asad, scholar Muhammed Ali, Muhammed Asadi, T.O.Shahavanas, Dr. Maurice Bucaille and many more, have come to the conclusion that all the above concepts were created due to the ignorance of the times, the influence of culture, tradition and older religions on the Qur’anic understanding and more especially were controlled by the elite of the Muslim world that did not want their wealth and position to be endangered by the Qur’anic Message. Because of this, I have created a list of Qur’anic rules how the Qur’an must be understood, all of these rules come directly from the Qur’an itself. The Qur’an guides us into understanding the workings of nature constantly, it tells us that God does not deviate from His Design in the universe, that He is without need and that we must benefit mankind, put these together and then we can start to understand how we must interpret and understand the Qur’anic Message. Below are the guidelines to understand the Qur’an, these guidelines come from the Qur’an itself presented in a simple manner, for detailed guidelines I refer to the writings of the above mentioned scholars. In the understanding of Grand Mufti Alim Muhamed Abduh, Mufti of Al-Azhar University till 1905: “ 1. The primary purpose of the Qur’an is to affirm the Tawhid, the unicity of God, and all other subsequent doctrines that affirm God’s action of revelation, the sending of prophets, and the reality of resurrection and human recompense. 2. The Qur’an is a complete and comprehensive revelation; believers cannot be selective in what portions they choose to adhere to. 3. The Qur’an is the primary source for legislation for a righteous society. (While Abduh endorsed the use of reason and science in understanding the text he insisted that social life is to be organized according to the teachings of the Qur’an.) 4. Muslims should not imitate their forebears in interpreting the Qur’an, but must be authentic and true to their own understanding. 5. Reason and reflection should be utilized in interpreting the Qur’an. (Abduh saw the Qur’an as urging people to search and think about the revelation as well as to know the laws and  principles that govern the universe universe in order to understand.) understand.) “The Qur’an is worthy of being called the book of freedom of thought, of respect for reason and for the shaping of the individual through research, knowledge and the use of reason and reflection.”

[Tafseer Al-Fatiha, Muhammed Abduh, Rashid Rida (ed.). Cairo: Al-Manar, 1330H, pp 3553. He cites 10:101, 29:19, 22:46 and 18:17 as proof of the Qur’an’s insistence on rationality,  p 73.]

I will show in the next pages that his principles have nothing to with “modernism” or apologetic behaviour, but come directly from the Qur’anic Message itself. Arnold Yasin Mol CEO of DRC-Deen Research Center Member of the Ourbeacon Research Group

Leiden, The Netherlands, 2008

9:32 They seek to extinguish God’s light (the Qur’an) by their utterances. But God will not allow this to pass, for He has willed to spread His light in all its fullness even though the rejecters may detest it. 13:11 Each person has Divine laws surrounding him. They record his actions according to the command of God. Most certainly, God does not change the condition of a nation until they first change themselves. And when God intends a nation to suffer punishment (as a consequence of their misdeeds), there is none who can repel it. For, they have no defender besides Him. [8:53, 82:10-14. Hifz = Protect = Preserve = Save = Record = Guard. Ma  bi anfusihim = What is in themselves = What is in their own ‘self’ = What is in their hearts = Their psyche = Their way of thinking = Their intentions = Their will to change = Their innate ‘self’]

54:17 We have made the Qur’an easy to understand. Then, is there any who will learn?

1. The Qur’an contains no contradictions within the Text itself and Reality. 4:82 Will they not then, try to understand this Qur’an? If it were from other than God they would surely have found in it much contradiction [in its understanding of nature and reality].

2. There are no flaws in the Universal Design and so there is no need for interfering or micro-management by God, it is created as a self-sustaining and self-developing universe. 50:6 Do they not look at the sky above them how We have built it and beautified it, and there are no flaws therein? [There are no flaws therein means the whole universe has a finished design]

3. So God does not interfere in the universe except through communication Revelation, Wahi, to mankind to guide them without interfering their free will. God does not change His Laws in the universe and He does not make any exceptions in the universe. His Will and Judgement is expressed by the Universal laws. So all things happen according ac cording to His Laws. 30:30 Therefore, devote yourself to the Universal System turning away from all that is false. Such is the natural aim of God’s creation of humans. And God’s law of creation never changes. This is the perfect System but most people do not know. 1:4 He is the Absolute Owner of the Era when all creation shall have completed their journey of existence, evolution and action to the Ultimate Just outcome. The Divine Appointer and Executer of the Laws and Rules, which control the Realm of Existence in this period of Evolution. 18:27 (O Messenger) Convey to the world whatever of this Book is revealed to you from your Developer of your Evolution. (6:19). There is none that can alter His Words. [And His Laws in Theory (Kalimatillah), and His Laws in Practice as implemented in the universe (=Sunnatillah), never change.] Tell them that you can find no refuge outside Allah, the Lawmaker (and thus His Laws). [kalimatillah means Decree, Commands, Design, Creation of God, Plan, Speech, Expression,  News, Sign, Prophecy. And thus thus directly refers to His Sunnatillah, His ways of Design] 48:23 This is God’s law that has been in force since older times. And you will never find any change in God’s laws. [Sunnatillah = God’s laws in practice. Kalimatillah = God’s Word = God’s laws in theory 3:139, 17:77, 33:38, 33:62, 35:43, 40:85, 48:23] 4:164-5 We sent Our messengers [to all nations] and mentioned some and of some others We have not. (However, all of them were assigned a Common Mission.) And God spoke directly to Moses. All messengers gave good news, as well as warning, so that humans would not have an argument against God, after the messengers conveyed to them the guidance. God is Almighty, having the knowledge that you need. nee d.

As the Laws in the universe will not change, it is clear that the belief in supernatural events, acts that violate the Laws of nature, are clearly rejected by the Qur’an. Although mankind must still discover many things on the workings of the universe, the belief in miracles is strictly denied.

6:37 They say, “If only a miracle could come down to him from his Lord!” Say, “Allah surely has the Power to send down a miracle, but most of them do not use their knowledge.” (He does not wish to stun the human intellect with supernatural phenomena. He wants people to reflect and use reason 12:108). 13:7 The rejecters of the Truth keep complaining, "Why has no miracle ever been bestowed upon him from his Lord?" You (O Prophet) are but a Warner for every nation there is and ever will be. (The Perfect Divine Guidance through the Prophet shall be preserved in the form of the Qur’an for all times and all peoples 6:34, 6:91, 6:116, 10:64, 15:9 18:27, 41:53, 75:1619. And his prime duty is to counsel mankind that false individual or collective systems of life only end up in disaster). 4:153 (O Prophet) People of the Scripture ask you to bring a published book from the sky. They made a greater demand to Moses when they said, "Show us Allah face to face". And their psyche was such that when a bolt of lightning struck around them, they fell in fear (2:55). They had displaced the true belief with falsehood. After that, they chose the calf for worship although they had seen the Manifest Truth. Yet, We pardoned them and gave Moses evident authority (as a blessing for their guidance). 6:25 Some of them pretend to listen to you, but Our Law has already veiled their hearts from understanding and caused deafness in their ears. Blind followers fail to believe even when they see all kinds of proofs. When they come to argue with you, they say about the Qur’an, "These are stories of the bygones." 6:35 If their rejection is hard on you, know that even if you dug a tunnel in the ground, or climbed a ladder into the sky and brought a miracle for them, they still will not believe. If it were Allah's Will, He could assemble them to Guidance. But, He wants them to make free decisions (10:98-99). Be not among those who are carried away to ignore the Law. 6:109 They swear by Allah that if a miracle comes to them, they would surely believe in it (the Book). Say, “All miracles are with Allah (if you reflect on the universe). What can make you understand that even if a physical miracle came to them, they will find other excuses and still not believe? 6:111 Even if We caused the angels to descend to them, and the dead to speak to them, and We lined up all the miracles before them, they would not believe. People can be guided only according to Allah’s Laws, but most of them choose the way of ignorance. 7:146 The Law stands* that those who are proud on earth without justification will turn away from My revelations. Even if they went through the entire script, and saw clear evidence of the Truth, their arrogance will keep them from believing. When they see the right guidance, they do not accept it, but they readily accept straying. This is because they choose to preemptively deny Our Revelations and to remain unaware of the wisdom in them. (*The

consequences according to the Law of Requital, Allah ascribes to Himself, such as “Allah did it.”) 10:96-97 Verily, they who violate your Lord’s Law of Guidance, will not believe (4:88). Though every evidence may come to them, till they see the painful doom. 27:13-14 But when they received Our Light-giving Messages, they said, "This is clearly a spellbinding deception." And they rejected the Messages wrongfully and out of pride, although they were convinced within themselves. And behold what happened in the end to the corrupters. 30:58-60 And verily, We have given numerous examples in the Qur'an for mankind. But even if you came with a miracle, those who are bent on denying would say, "You are only falsifiers." In this way does Allah seal the hearts of those who wish not to learn. Remain then, steadfast and remember that Allah’s Promise is always True. So let not those who have no conviction disturb your mind. 37:14-16 And they turn to mockery every Wonder that they see! And of the Revelation they say, “This is nothing but magical eloquence.” “What! When we are dead and have become dust and bones, shall we then be raised again? 54:2-3 But if they see a Sign of the oncoming Change, they turn away and say, “A persistent bewilderment.” (46:11). For they adamantly belie the Truth and follow their desires. Yet, everything moves to its destination in stages. The Qur’an knows humans have a tendency to belief in the supernatural because they do not understand Allah’s miracle is the existence of Life itself and the design of the universe. They demand He breaks the Laws that He has created.

2:118 Only those who fail to explore the realm of knowledge say, “Why does Allah not speak unto us directly, nor is a miracle shown to us?” Even thus, as they now speak, spoke those who lived before their times. Their ways of thinking, their hearts and minds are all alike (untouched by the passage of time.) Indeed, We have made all the Signs clear for people who wish to attain conviction by exploring the intrinsic Truth in these Revelations and in the universe. (2:108, 2:256, 18:29, 42:51, 76:3) So the Qur’anic Message never upholds miracles or the belief in the supernatural. This means the stories of the past mentioned in the Qur’an must be approached from a nonsupernatural point of view. I have made a small essay on the Arabic language used in the stories of, for example, Jesus. Moses, Jonah, Abraham and Solomon where I have shown that supernatural interpretations are forced upon the verses or it concerns rare natural phenomena. (See the essay: “Evolution of Thinking”; link at the bottom of the page).

4. Understanding nature is so important according to the Qur’an, a society without science is a society destined for destruction. 3:191-3 (Such men and women of understanding keep reflecting upon how God’s laws operate in the universe.) Standing, sitting, and reclining,

they reflect upon the wonders of creation in the skies and earth, saying, "Our Lord! You have not created all this without purpose. glory to You! Save us, then, from (being negligent in attaining knowledge and thus from) the doom of the fire.” [When humans harness the forces in nature and use them for the common good of all, they move away from Hell, rightfully hoping to achieve Paradise in both lives. 13:17, 45:13-14] (Reflecting on the universe and upon their own role on the Planet, such people work for the betterment of humanity 13:17. They say), “Our Lord! Any individuals and nations whom You admit into the fire, You have brought them low (for failing to harness the forces in nature)." There are no helpers for those who displace knowledge with conjecture and thus wrong themselves. [Zaalimeen translated according to the context] "Our Lord! We have heard a caller calling to faith, “Believe in your Lord!” So we have believed. Our Lord! Protect us from trailing behind in humanity, blot out from us our iniquities, and let our end be in the company of those who have made room for others to advance in the society." [2:186. The caller being the Qur’an. Abraar = Those who create opportunities for others to make progress]

5. To understand God, His Power, His Wisdom, His Knowledge and His Kalimat and Sunnitallah, we must investigate nature, the workings of the universe, as this shows us the expression of God's Will. The Quran explains also every Attribute of God which we must learn to understand His Nature. 88:17-21 Will they not, then, look at: - the water-laden clouds, how they are made? (15:22). - And at the sky, how it is raised high? (Without visible pillars 13:2). - And at the mountains, how they are entrenched? - And at the earth, how it is spread out? (That you do not even feel the sphere, nor feel its speedy rotations 31:10, 39:5, 79:28-30). (This is some evidence, O Messenger!) Remind them, for you are one to remind. 2:118 Only those who fail to explore the realm of knowledge say, “Why does Allah not speak unto us directly, nor is a miracle shown to us?” Even thus, as they now speak, spoke those who lived before their times. Their ways of thinking, their hearts and minds are all alike (untouched by the passage of time.) Indeed, We have made all the Signs clear for people who wish to attain conviction by exploring the intrinsic Truth in these Revelations and in the universe. (2:108, 2:256, 18:29, 42:51, 76:3) 2:164 (Never does Allah propose blind faith.) Behold, there are ample Signs In the creation of the Heavens and the Earth, and the alternation of the night and the day - and the ships that roam the ocean for the benefit of mankind - and the water that Allah sends down from the sky, thereby giving life to the land after it had been lifeless - and in dispersing a great variety of creatures therein - and in the currents of winds - and the clouds subservient between the high atmosphere and the Earth. All these are clear Signs for those who exercise their intellect. (The universe is too organized to be the result of an accident 6:73.)

16:79 Have they not considered the birds enabled to fly in mid-air, with none but Allah holding them aloft? (24:71). In this, behold, are messages for those who wish to attain conviction through reason. 40:13 He it is Who shows you His Signs in the universe and sends down sustenance for you from the sky. Yet none learns a lesson except those who turn to seek the Truth. 42:33 And if He so wills He calms the winds so that they come to a halt on its surface. Herein,  behold, are signs for everyone who is patient (in reading the Book of nature) and grateful (for what he learns). 10:5-6 He it is, Who appointed the sun as a splendid glow, and the moon as a cool light. He appointed stages for the moon, in due measure. You make your calculations and calendars accordingly (6:97, 17:12). Allah has created the universe as the Absolute Reality and for a Purpose. (It is neither a dream, nor a reflection of the world of ideas). Allah details His Verses for those who wish to learn. In the difference of day and night, and all that Allah has created in the heavens and the earth, there are signs for those who wish to walk aright. 14:32 (Think about the Source of your wealth and provision). Allah it is Who has created the heavens and the earth, and sends down water from the sky, thereby producing fruit and vegetation as provision for you. And He makes ships and boats to be of service to you that they sail in the sea by His Command, and has made of service to you the rivers. See also: 17:12; 21:30-21:33; 25:61-25:62; 30:20-30:25; 31:10,31:31 and more below of the article. 2:138 Hue of God! And who can give a better hue (to life) than God? And it is He alone Whom we serve. [Hue of God = We take our hue from God. Nearest to God are those who have adopted His Sibghah = Hue or Color = His attributes in the human capacity. 83:28. That means adopting the Divine Attributes in our limited human capacity such as: kindness – empathy - creativity – mercy - forgiveness – turning to people in love and affection – (attaining) wisdom – knowledge (learning) – compassion – clemency – taking care - peacefulness – remaining informed and aware – sense of duty - determination – justice –  protecting others – generosity – unity - self-control – leniency approachability - appreciation – moral strength – patience - showing light  – guiding - independence – truthfulness – maintenance of people and things – keeping pledges – resolve – benefiting others – beautiful designing – providing – listening – observing – being worthy of trust – nobility of character – giving – sense of responsibility. Interestingly,  people can make a self-assessment by this spectrum as to where they stand on the ascending ladder of Tazkiah = Self-actualization or  personal development]

6. The Qur’an is decider of the true account of an event, and no other scriptures as the Bible can have any say over the Qur’anic Message, it is the Qur’an that is the criterion, the Furqan. Also no story concerning the Prophet can be contradicting to the Qur’an. 25:1 Most Blessed He is Who has revealed to His servant, the Criterion of right and wrong, the Furqan, so that it might be a warning to the entire world.

7. The Qur’an demands you investigate everything you believe or hear before you may have conviction in it. 17:36 And you shall not follow blindly any information of which you have no direct knowledge. (Using your faculties of perception and conception) you must verify it for yourself. In the Court of your Lord, you will be held accountable for your hearing, Sight, and the faculty of reasoning. (And so, the insane and the disabled will have their incapacities taken into account in a court of law) [The Qur’an introduced the concept of testing and verifying any theory before upholding it. This created the scientific rules that are still used today.]

8. The Qur’an uses the Arabic language, and so we must investigate this language in all its aspects and possibilities. 43:3 We have made it a Monograph in clear Arabic language that you may fully understand. 19:97 And only to this end We have made this (Qur’an) easy to understand in your own tongue (O Prophet!). That you might convey thereby glad news to the righteous and warn people given to futile disputation. 44:58 Certainly, (O Prophet!) We have made this Qur’an easy in your tongue, in order that they might take it to their hearts.

9. The Qur’an explains itself by explaining God and His purpose and by repeating stories, words and subjects in different ways so they are explained in how to understand approach them. This means that we have to collect all the verses on a topic in order to understand it fully. This is the Divine method of understanding the Qur’an. 75:17-19 It is up to Us to gather it and the reading of it. Thus, when We read it, follow the reading. Then, it is for Us to explain it. 6:115 Perfected is the Word of your Lord in truth and Justice. None can change His Words and His laws. And He is the Profound Hearer, the Knower.

10:37 This Qur’an could not possibly have been devised by anyone except God. Nay, it is a confirmation of the (truth in) the earlier revelations, and a clear exposition of the Eternal law. Without any trace of doubt, this Book is from the Lord of the worlds. (While it confirms the surviving truth in the previous revelations, it is a Watcher over them and ignores and, where necessary, corrects the human touch in them. [2:101, 5:48] 17:41 We have explained things in various ways by the use of repetition in this Qur’an so that they understand, but in only increases their flight from the truth. 17:89 We have used every example in The Qur’an in many facets [to explain the Qur’an itself and its Sytem] for mankind. However, most people (due to arrogance, prejudice or blind following) remain ungrateful by rejecting such clear guidance. 18:54 Indeed, for the benefit of mankind We used every example in The Qur’an in many facets [to explain the Qur’an itself and its Sytem]. However, man, above all other imperfections, is given to contention.

10. And we must always follow the best explanation which takes in account all given factors in this list and with the knowledge of the age. 39:18 Those who listen to the Word, and follow the best of its application (in a given situation), such are the ones whom God has guided, and they are the ones endowed with insight.

11. Any interpretation must always be understood in a way that the Qur’an is focused on benefiting mankind and assist mankind in its development. 13:17 He sends down water from the height causing the riverbeds to flow according to their measure and the flood bears on its surface swelling foam. When they use fire to refine metals for their jewelry or equipment, foam is produced like it. In this way, God is citing for you the example of the truth and falsehood. For, as far as the foam is concerned, it passes away as scum upon the riverbanks - While what is of benefit to mankind, abides on earth. This is how God uses analogies for you to understand. [The real existence on earth is of the person or the system that benefits humanity] 16:90 God commands justice, creating balance in the society, benefiting humanity, kindness to His creation, and giving to relatives. And He forbids all indecent deeds, immodesty, stinginess and rebellion. He instructs you (again) so that you may take it to heart. [ Ihsaan = Creating balance in the society, benefiting humanity, kindness to God’s creation. Fahasha = Immodesty, lewdness, indecent deeds, stinginess to the point of shame.  Munkar = All deeds that the Qur’an condemns and forbids.  Baghii = Transgression, rebellion, crossing limits, commit excesses]

2:112 Nay, whoever submits his whole being to God, and he is a doer of good to humanity, his reward is with his Lord. Then, no fear shall come upon them nor shall they grieve. 22:89 In those times people that do good to humanity and make way for  peace and security, will be best rewarded. 34:37 And it is not your wealth nor your children and party that will bring you closer to Us in degree, but he who truly believes and helps others. It is those who will have a twofold reward for their deeds. And they will dwell in secure mansions. [25:75]

12. The Qur’an is about us, mankind, it is that we can attain a state of peace and development. Allah has no needs, so the concept of worship is already denied as Allah needs no acknowledgement of His Power. The whole Qur’an must be understood that it is guiding us to better society, not how to worship Allah, so the Qur’an contains no worship, rituals or rules for personal salvation. 14:8 Moses made it clear to his people that obedience to the Divine Commands was only good for them, “If you deny the Truth, you and all those who live in the earth, know that Allah is indeed Self-sufficient, Owner of Praise.” 3:97 .... One who denies verily, Allah, the Rich is Self-Sufficient, want-free of any  peoples. 27:40 ....He said, "This success is a blessing from my Lord, that He may try me whether I am grateful or ungrateful. Whoever is grateful is grateful for his own good, and whoever is ungrateful, should know that my Lord is Self-Sufficient, Supremely Honorable.” 21:10-11 O mankind! Now We have revealed to you a Book that is all about you and it will give you eminence. Will you not, then, use reason? [21:24, 23:70, 43:43-44] We (Our law) dashed into fragments many communities because they ran unjust systems and We replaced them with other people. [ Zaalim = Wrongdoer = One who displaces something from its rightful  place = Unjust = Oppressor = Violator of human rights]

13. The interpretation can never go over the limits given in the Qur’an nor contradict it. 6:114-115 Say, “Shall I seek for Judge and Ruler someone other than God? He is the One Who has revealed this Book, well expounded in detail for you.” Those whom We have given the Book know that this is revealed in truth from your Lord. Be not among those who argue for the sake of argument.

Perfected is the Word of your Lord in truth and Justice. None can change His Words and His laws. And He is the Profound Hearer, the Knower. [6:34, 6:115, 10:64, 17:77, 18:27, 33:38, 33:62, 40:85, 48:23] 4:82 Will they not then, try to understand this Qur’an? If it were from other than God they would surely have found in it much contradiction [in its understanding of nature and reality].

14. The customs, beliefs and traditions of the people on Earth in history and present can never have any say in the Qur’anic interpretation. We must follow always the best, never the consensus of the majority as God warns us that many people will dislike its social message. 6:112 Remember, We have appointed to every prophet enemies. The rebellious among the urban and the rural populations rose in opposition, (since the message struck at their personal interests.) They plotted and inspired each other with fancy words. If your Lord willed, they would not do that. Disregard them and whatever they fabricate. Those who love quick gains and neglect the long-term benefits and the Hereafter, are parties to such fabrications. Let them delight in it and let them earn from it what they may. 6:116-117 (People will confront you with what the majority is doing.) Now if you pay heed to, or get intimidated by majority of those who live on earth, they will lead you astray from God’s way. Most of the people follow nothing but conjecture and they only live by guesswork. Only your Lord (shows the right path and) knows best those who stray and those who are rightly guided. 31:6 But among people, there are those who invest their time in Hadith which is unfounded, so as to lead those without knowledge away from the path of God, making mockery of it (the Qur’an). For such there is a humiliating punishment in store. 45:6-10 These are the verses of God We convey to you with truth. Then, in what HADITH, if not in God and His verses, will they believe? Woe to every fabricating impostor! [26:222. This draws our attention to forged Ahadith] (The impostor) who hears God’s verses conveyed to him, yet he is haughtily obstinate, as though he never heard them. So, announce to him grievous punishment. For when he learns anything of Our verses, he belittles them. Theirs is a humiliating punishment in store. Ahead of them is Hell, and what they have earned will not avail them, nor will the ‘awlia’ (saints, sufis, ‘imams’, clegy) whom they had chosen besides God. Theirs will be an awesome suffering. [29:24, 79:36, 82:16] We are warned not to uphold the beliefs and traditions of our ancestors blindly, but always interpret the Qur’an anew in every age as the demands and knowledge changes with every year.

7:28-29 (As an example) when people commit an indecency they say, "We found our forefathers doing it and God has enjoined it upon us." (Made it natural for u ). Say (O Prophet!), "God never enjoins indecency. Do you attribute to God that of which you have no knowledge?" Say (O Messenger!), "My Lord enjoins justice and moderation and to stand devoted to Him alone in complete obedience. Call unto Him, sincere in your faith in Him alone. He is the One Who brought you into  being in the first place, and to Him you will return.” (And this is how you can regain your lost Paradise in both worlds.) 7:70 They said, "Have you come to us that we worship God alone and give up what our forefathers worshiped? Bring upon us what you threaten us with, if you are truthful.” 7:95-96 Then We changed their plight for better till they became affluent. Then they said, “Even our forefathers were touched by suffering and affluence.” We seized them all of a sudden when they least expected it. [They thought that hardships and prosperity were just a matter of chance. To them the requital appeared sudden, but unjust systems insidiously move toward disaster]If the people of the towns had believed in the Divine laws and run their system right, We would have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth. But they denied and what they earned with their deeds seized them. 7:173 Nor will any excuse avail them such as, “It was our forefathers who took false gods and we inherited their belief system. Will you punish us for what falsehood others practiced?” [You will not be questioned what others used to do. No one will bear the load of another. 2:134, 39:7] 11:62-63 They said, "O Saaleh! We had placed great hopes in you before this! But now you are telling us to move away from worshiping what our forefathers worshiped. Surely, now we are in grave doubt, amounting to suspicion about the meaning of your call to us.” He said, "O My people! Do you really see and think? What if I have clear evidence of the truth from my Lord, and mercy from Him? Then, who can help me against God if I disobey Him? You can only push me into ruin. 11:109-110 Be not in doubt about the end of those who worship idols in any form. They only  blindly follow their forefathers. They and their forefathers will get their due portion according to Our law. People differed even when Moses was given the scripture. Had it not been for a Word that had already gone forth from your Lord, the matter would have been judged  between them then and there. They are still in doubt, amounting to suspicion, concerning it. 16:35-37 The idolaters say, “If God had so willed, we would not have worshiped or served anyone but Him, we and our forefathers. Nor would we have forbidden things outside His command.” Thus did those before them. But, are the messengers responsible for other than conveying the message clearly? We have raised in every community a messenger, saying, “Serve God alone and shun false gods in any form.” Then God guided some of the people (since they followed the laws of guidance 4:88). And error took hold of others (who fell into arrogance or blind following 18:29). So, travel through the earth, and see what the end was of the deniers. 16:37

(O Messenger!) In your compassion you desire everyone to be rightly guided, but God never intervenes to guide those who choose straying. Such people have no helpers. 18:5 No knowledge whatsoever have they of Him, and neither did their forefathers. An outrageous statement it is that comes out of their mouths, and nothing but falsehood do they utter! 23:24 But the leaders in his community who refused to acknowledge the truth, said, "This is only a man like you who wants to become prominent among you. God could have sent angels if He willed (to convey a message to us). We never heard this from our forefathers. 26:74 They said, "Nay, but we found our forefathers doing this." 43:23 Likewise, whenever We sent before you a warner to any township, its wealthy ones said, "Behold! We have found our forefathers following a certain religion, and we will follow in their footsteps." [Ummah = A community with common beliefs = Those who share a common religion. Mutrifeen = The wealthy = Those given to material  possessions = The social and financial elite = Those stee ped in luxury = Those who are used to enjoying the fruit of others’ labor = Those who thrive on easy money = Who get wealthy without hard work]

15. The interpretations, decisions and formulation of Laws must always be discussed in groups to come to the best conclusions. 42:38 They respond to their Lord by establishing Salaat, and conduct their affairs by mutual consultation/Shura, and they keep open for the welfare of others what We have given them. [Establishing Salaat = Establishing the System where following of the Divine Commands is facilitated.  Nafaq = Open-ended tunnel = No hoarding]

16. The Qur’an contains the complete Message Allah has given us, so no tradition, scripture, story or myth can be seen as being complete Truth or uncorrupted. Being complete means also that the Qur’an contains all the rules and demands of Allah to mankind, it is a complete guideline to His System and how we can adapt and create it as long as the human species will exist. So no other scripture or tradition can be seen as an obligation or truth from God. Allah has called the Qur’an "Tibyaanan li Kulli Shaiyin (16:89)". This means it explains everything.

16:89 For, one Day, We shall raise from every community a leading witness against them from among themselves. And We shall call you (O Prophet!) to testify regarding those whom your message has reached. The Book We have revealed to you explains everything; a Guide and

grace and the glad tiding for all those who have submitted. Allah’s revelation to the Prophet is written in the Qur’an:

6:19 Say (O Messenger!), "What could be the greatest witness?” Say, “God is Witness between me and you. This Qur’an has been revealed to me so that I may warn you as well as whomever it reaches. Do you bear witness that there are other deities besides God?” Say, “I bear no such witness.” Say, “He is the One God. I disown what you associate with Him.” The Qur’an itself is light. So, it is not dependent on another source of light:

5:15 O People of the Book! Now has come to you Our messenger, to make clear to you much of what you have been concealing from yourselves and others. He ignores much of the irrelevant accounts and  pardons much of your misdeeds. Now has come to you from God a  beacon of light and a clear Book. 10:37 This Qur’an could not possibly have been devised by anyone except God. Nay, it is a confirmation of the (truth in) the earlier revelations, and a clear exposition of the Eternal law. Without any trace of doubt, this Book is from the Lord of the worlds. (While it confirms the surviving truth in the previous revelations, it is a Watcher over them and ignores and, where necessary, corrects the human touch in them. [2:101, 5:48] 2:2 This is a Book whereof there is absolutely no doubt concerning its authority and authenticity. And it leaves no doubts lingering in a seeking mind. It is a Guide for those who wish to journey through life in honor and security. [ Rayib includes the meanings given in the first three lines.] 6:38 (There are signs in the universe to behold.) There is not an animal on the earth, nor a flying creature flying on two wings, but they are communities like you. We have omitted nothing in the Book (that was essential to be given through revelation.) Then to their Lord they will be gathered. The Qur’an contains its own Tasfeer, explanation, and is Tafseel, detailed in its exposition, so no one can claim the Qur’an misses details or explanations, it needs no explanation based on historic or religious books. The Qur’an guides us through the Arabic language and the scientific knowledge.

25:33 And no question or objection do they bring to you but We reveal to you the absolute truth and its best explanation. [The best Tafseer or explanation of the Qur’an from within itself] 6:112-115 Remember, We have appointed to every prophet enemies. The rebellious among the urban and the rural populations rose in opposition, (since the message struck at their  personal interests.) They plotted and inspired each other with fancy words. If your Lord willed, they would not do that. Disregard them and whatever they fabricate.

Those who love quick gains and neglect the long-term benefits and the Hereafter, are parties to such fabrications. Let them delight in it and let them earn from it what they may. Say, “Shall I seek for Judge and Ruler someone other than God? He is the One Who has revealed this Book, well expounded in detail for you.” Those whom We have given the Book know that this is revealed in truth from your Lord. Be not among those who argue for the sake of argument. Perfected is the Word of your Lord in truth and Justice. None can change His Words and His laws. And He is the Profound Hearer, the Knower. [6:34, 6:115, 10:64, 17:77, 18:27, 33:38, 33:62, 40:85, 48:23] 6:126 And this (Qur’an) is the path of your Lord, a straight path. Certainly, We have detailed Our revelations for those who pay attention and take them to heart! 7:32 Say, "Who is there to forbid the beauty that God has brought forth for His servants, and the good things of sustenance?” Say, “On the Day of Resurrection, these things will be only for those who chose to believe during the life of this world.” Thus do We detail Our messages for people who make use of what they learn. [17:18-20, 20:117-123] 6:55 We explain Our laws to distinguish (between minor, unintended violations and) the way of the criminals who steal the fruit of others’ labor. 30:28 He gives you an example from your own society. Would you agree to make your employees equal partners in the provision We have  bestowed upon you? Are you as mindful of them as you are mindful of yourselves? (So do you conceive of a ‘discriminating’ God!) Thus We explain Our messages for people who use their intellect. 12:111 Indeed in the history of these men, there is a lesson for people of understanding. As for this revelation, it could not possibly be a Hadith, fabricated. It confirms the (surviving truth in) the previous scriptures, and gives a detailed explanation of everything. And it is a beacon and mercy for all those who accept it. 41:3 A scripture whose verses are clearly explained in detail, a Lecture in Arabic, for people who would learn. 4:87 God! There is no god but He. He will summon all of you on the Day of Resurrection about the advent of which there is no doubt. Who can tell you a more reliable Hadith (saying) than God? 7:185 Can they not see (and correlate what he tells them with) the Dominion of the heavens and earth and what God has created? Does it ever occur to them that the end of their own life may be near (hence the time to make the right decisions is not unlimited)? In what Hadith after this (Qur’an) are they going to believe then?

31:6 But among people, there are those who invest their time in Hadith which is unfounded, so as to lead those without knowledge away from the path of God, making mockery of it (the Qur’an). For such there is a humiliating punishment in store. 6:154-157 We had given Moses the scripture complete for him who would do good to others. We gave him the scripture in detail as guidance and a mercy that they might believe in the meeting of their Lord (and in that all actions are duly recompensed.) And now this Qur’an is the Blessed Book that We have revealed. So follow it and live upright so that you attain mercy (and your human  potential is guaranteed development, like the fetus grows in the mother’s womb.) (Now the Qur’an has been given to you) lest you say, “The scripture was sent down to two groups (Jews and Christians) before our time, and we remained unaware of what they originally read.” [2:101] Or lest you say, “If a Divine scripture had come to us, we would have been better guided than they. Now has come to you a clear evidence of truth from your Lord. It is a beacon and mercy. Who can be a greater transgressor than the one who denies the revelations of God and turns away from them in disregard? Our Law of Requital will award those who turn away from Our revelations, an awful suffering for their disregard. 11:1 A.L.R. Alif–Laam-Ra. (Allah, Lateef the Unfathomable, Raaziq the Provider, states that), A Divine writ this is, the verses wherein are  perfected and well expounded. It comes from One Wise, Aware. 7:52 We have given them a Book of knowledge that explains the guidance in full detail. It is a mercy for those who accept it. (It has the Power to change hellish societies into Paradise on earth.)

The Qur’an is the only Hadith, narration, of God, and no other Hadith, any narration, scripture or belief, is allowed to be uphold next to it as having Divine Authority.

39:23 God has now revealed the best  Hadith, a Book fully consistent within itself. It marks out both ways (to success and failure) repeating its messages in diverse forms. Herewith shiver the skins of those who have some idea of the glory of their Lord, and then, their skins and their hearts soften at God's reminder. This is the guidance of God, and with it He guides one who seeks guidance. Whereas one who follows a path that God has declared to be wrong, goes astray and he cannot find a guide. [4:88, 15:87.  Hadith = Narration] 45:6-10 These are the verses of God We convey to you with truth. Then, in what HADITH, if not in God and His verses, will they believe? Woe to every fabricating impostor! [26:222. This draws our attention to forged Ahadith] (The impostor) who hears God’s verses conveyed to him, yet he is haughtily obstinate, as though he never heard them. So, announce to him grievous punishment. For when he learns anything of Our verses, he belittles them.

Theirs is a humiliating punishment in store. Ahead of them is Hell, and what they have earned will not avail them, nor will the ‘awlia’ (saints, sufis, ‘imams’, clegy) whom they had chosen  besides God. Theirs will be an awesome suffering. [29:24, 79:36, 82:16] 77:50 In what Hadith, after this, will they believe? We are warned not to believe blindly in the Hadith, narrations of the past.

31:6 But among people, there are those who invest their time in Hadith which is unfounded, so as to lead those without knowledge away from the path of God, making mockery of it (the Qur’an). For such there is a humiliating punishment in store. 5:44 We did send down the Torah containing guidance and a light. By it the prophets who always sincerely submitted to God, judged the Jews. And the rabbis and the priests judged according to God’s scripture as they were commanded to observe. For, to them was entrusted the  protection of God’s Book, and they were witnesses to it. So, fear not  people, but fear Me and do not trade away My revelations for petty gains. Whoever does not judge and does not rule according to what God has revealed, such are the disbelievers. 75:18 Thus, when We read it, follow the reading. 7:2-3 This Book has been revealed to you (O Messenger!), so you shall harbor no doubt about it in your heart – in order that with it you may warn (the erring). And it is a reminder for the believers . [Sadr = Chest = Breast = Heart. Haraj = Difficulty = Burden = Doubt = Hardship = Loss = Tightness in chest] You shall all follow what has been revealed to you from your Lord and follow no masters other than Him. How seldom do you keep this in mind! [ Awliya = Protecting friends = Allies = Masters] 9:32 They seek to extinguish God’s light (the Qur’an) by their utterances. But God will not allow this to pass, for He has willed to spread His light in all its fullness even though the rejecters may detest it. The Qur’an contains the complete law and Islam is perfected:

5:3 This Day, I have perfected your law for you, completed My favor upon you, and chosen for you Submission (Al-Islam) as the System of Life. [Deen=System=Law] The Qur’an is a Healing for mankind:

41:44 If We had made it a Qur’an in a non-Arabic tongue they would surely have said, "Why is it that its verses have not been made clear? Why - a foreign tongue and an Arab?" Say, "For those who accept it, this is a guidance and healing for a wholesome life. But as for those who will not believe (Arabs or non-Arabs), in their ears is deafness, and so it remains obscure to them. They are like people who are called from afar.

17. God judges people’s deeds, never their beliefs or thoughts. What is important is the relation between what a person believes and how it affects their actions. 11:117-118 Your Lord never destroys a community for wrong beliefs alone as long as its people are reformers, setting right their own, and one another’s condition. [The Qur’an is consistent in its theme that people will be rewarded for what they do (Ya’maloon), and not for what they know (Ya’lamoon). The Book stresses on the right belief system, for, people are strongly influenced in their behavior by what they think and believe.  Muslihoon = Reformers = Those who help their own and fellow humans’ condition = Those who set things right in their environment. This is one of the most revolutionary verses in the Qur’an. It throws out all dogmatic assertions that are the hallmark of a ‘religion’. As we have seen, Islam is not a ‘religion’ consisting merely of a set of some dogmas, rites and rituals. It is Ad-Deen, the Divinely Prescribed Collective way of Life. Allama Muhammad Asad, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Allama Inayatullah Khan AlMashriqi et al are in complete agreement with the meaning of this verse 11:117 as translated here] Had your Lord so willed, He could have made all mankind one single community, (but He has granted them free will as against other creatures who are driven by instinct). Therefore, they will continue to hold divergent views. [5:48]

18. mankind is meant to be as one nation. All humans, no matter race, gender, culture, age or ability, are equal in the eyes of the Qur’anic System and God and we must not be devided into factions. 10:19 All mankind were but one community (and are meant to be so); then they differed. Had it not been for a Word that went forth from your Lord (the Law of Free Will), He would have judged their disputes immediately. [2:30, 2:213, 2:256, 11:118, 16:9, 76:2-3] 2:213 mankind were one single community (but selfishness divided them). So, God sent prophets as bearers of good news and warnings. He sent down with them the scripture in absolute truth that it might judge  between people wherein they differed. But again, out of mutual rivalry, they divided themselves after all evidence of the Right had come to them! So, God shows the lighted road to those who would acknowledge the truth and thus resolve their disputes. And God guides to the straight road him who wills to be guided. 4:1 [The development of human personality can be easier achieved in a  benevolent society (9:111, 16:71, 43:32, 59:9). In that situation, the individual and the society complement each other (14:34). At the outset, it is imperative to know that all people have a common origin] O mankind! You have a common origin. Your Lord began the creation of

life at the unicellular level. There was one life cell that divided into two, male and female (6:99). (Evolution took place, as has been alluded to in this Book (16:8, 20:50, 21:30, 22:45, 30:20, 31:28, 51:49). Eventually, numerous men and women came into existence on the earth. Since all of you have this common origin, you must consider all mankind as one community (10:19, 57:25). Your first step in that direction is to strengthen your family relations. Be careful of your duty to God in Whose Name you expect rights from one another. God ever watches over you. 17:70 Surely, We have conferred dignity on the children of Adam (as a  birth right, regardless of where the child is born), and provided them with transport on land and sea and given them decent things of life. And We have favored the humans far above a great many of Our creation. 6:159 (There is only one straight path) O Messenger! Those who break the unity of their Deen and become sects, you have nothing to do with them whatsoever. Their case will go to God and He will then tell them what they had been doing. 2:35 "And We told early mankind, Adam, and all by which it is united, Azwaj [adama=mankind, Azwaj=That in which individuals are united/mingle, meaning their culture, language, traditions and goals], reside in this existence where you can find everything for your nourishment and development [Jannah=Garden with such extensive growth the ground is hidden by the foilage representing development and nourishment] and partake the fruit (results) thereof as you please. But do not go near the dispute of who is of better origins [AlShajara=matter of controversy, dispute, stock or origin of a person, tree]. Or, you will  become those that displace your goals and equality from its rightful place and will become oppressors, Zalimeen.” [Adam=Human skin, Human being, Man, Person, Intelligent Person, Brown Man, Human Race, mankind, Civilized Person, Person who is created from different substances, Person in  possession of different powers, One who has heirs, One who enjoys the conforts of Life, One who is by nature social and hard. Azwaj= That in which individuals are united/mingle, mate, companion, individual when consorting with one another, kind, species, class of sex, pair, couple, each of a pair. Jannah= Garden with such extensive growth the ground is hidden by the foilage, coming from the root JNN= hidden/covered. Al-Shajara= Matter of controversy, dispute, stock or origin of a person, tree, plant having a trunk. Zalimeen= Those that displace something from its rightful place, Those that replace good with evil, Those that oppress, Those that do wrong against mankind. Coming from Zulm = To displace something from its rightful place = Replace good with evil = Relegate the truth = Transgression = Oppression = Violation of human rights = Wrongdoing. We must not form sects within the people as this is the root of all conflict.

2:176 This is so, because God has revealed the Book in absolute truth; therein is no contradiction. Obviously, those who set their own views against the Book, split deeply into sects and fall into mutual disputes. [4:82, 25:30. Shaqq and derivatives = To split = Fall apart = Schism = Fall into disputes = Opposition = Oppose one another = Splitting of

 personality = Break apart the unity = Enmity] 23:53 But they (mankind) have torn their affair of unity between them into sects, each sect rejoicing in what it has. [30:32] 30:32 Those who split up their religion becoming sects, each sect delighting in whatever beliefs they have. [3:104, 6:160, 23:53, 42:13. Sectarianism is invariably based on taking humans as ‘authorities’] 42:13-14 He has ordained for you all, the same System of Life that He enjoined upon Noah - And We have revealed to you (O Prophet!) the same message as We enjoined upon Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: "Establish the Divine System of Life and make no sects in it.” (O Prophet!) The unity you call to, it is hard upon the idolaters. God draws to Himself everyone who is willing, and guides to Himself everyone who turns to Him for guidance.” [Sects vs. Unity: 3:32, 3:104, 6:160, 30:31, 42:13, 45:17-18] And they became sects for no reason but through rivalry among themselves, after the knowledge had come to them. Had it not been for a Word that has already gone forth from your Lord for an appointed term, all matters would have been decided among them. The later generations who inherited the scripture of the old still keep harbouring doubts about it. [The Word = The Law of Free Will = The Law of Respite]

19. mankind has been given complete Free Will. 18:29 And proclaim, "This is the truth from your Lord. Whoever accepts it let him accept it, and whoever rejects it, let him reject it.” 27:92 And to convey this Qur’an (to mankind). Whoever, then, goes right, goes right only for the good of his own ‘self’. As for him who goes astray, say, “I am only a warner!” 41:46 (This revelation shows mankind how to grow their own ‘self’.) Whoever does good to others, does good to his own ‘self’, and whoever causes imbalance in the lives of others, hurts his own ‘self’. Your Lord is never unjust to His servants.

20. There is no compulsion in the Qur’anic System of Deen. 2:256 (Although this message has been sent down by the Almighty) there is absolutely no compulsion or coercion in Religion. Whoever rejects false gods (such as the clergy, human ‘authorities’) and attains conviction in God, has grasped the Unbreakable Support. God is Hearer, Knower. [18:29, 31:22. No compulsion in matters of religion - This Rule shall have no exceptions since Right has been distinguished from Wrong. (3:4). At-Taaghoot = Those who, in rebellion to the One True God, claim to have Divine powers or try to portray themselves as His representatives = Sufis, mystics, priesthood, clergy, tyrants. Tagha =

Rebellion. Idols of stones cannot rebel, therefore, they cannot be  AtTaaghoot ]

21. The Qur’an rejects the concepts of Personal Salvation and Forgiveness as the Qur’an tells us there is no overlooking of any deed, not one forgiven. People must compensate the harm they have done by doing good and benefit society. Common misunderstood words: Ithm=to drag behind as a tail/to harm someone, Zulm=to displace something, Salat=To follow the 1st horse/to be shaped as a twig into an arrow/attachment, Ghafara=to be protected from dirt or harm, Ghafour=The Protector, a helmer or armour. GhafourRaheem=The Provider of Protection (by guiding us with the Qur’an), commonly mistranslated as "the Forgiver, the Merciful", Tauba=To return to the path after discovering the wrong road has been taken. Forgiveness is not present in the Qur’an:

69:18-20 On the Day you will be brought, not a single hidden deed of yours will remain hidden. Then he who is given his record in his right hand, will say, “Come all of you around! Read this my record. Behold, I always thought that my account would be given to me.” 99:7-8 Then whoever has done an atom's weight of good, will see it. And whoever has done an atom's weight of evil, will see it. 21:47 We will set up the Scales of justice on the Day of Resurrection, and no  person will be wronged in the least. Though the good or evil be of the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it forth. We are Sufficient for reckoning and none can take account as We do. Forgiveness means the ignoring of deeds done, the overlooking of deeds, which the above verses clearly deny as EVERY deed will count on the scales of Universal Justice. Also forgiveness is about PERSONAL salvation while the Qur’an focuses on Universal development (13:17). The Qur’an is very practical, one must compensate for the deeds done:

11:114 Strive to establish and consolidate the Divine System, day and night.[iqama-salat=to establish the following of the Qur’an] Actions that create balance in the society/Al-Hassanat remove the ill effects of inequities/Al-Sayyi.Good deeds remove bad deeds. This is a Reminder for those who pay attention. [Al-Hassanat=Ha-Siin-Nun = To be handsome, make good, seem good/beautiful/comely/pleasing, be excellent, make or render a thing good or goodly, to  beautify/embellish/adorn a thing, strive or compete in goodness, to do good or act well, act or  behave with goodness or in a pleasing manner towards a person, confer a benefit or benefits upon a person, act graciously with a person, know a thing well, beautify/embellish/adorn oneself, reckon/account/esteem a person to be good/beautiful/pleasing.

Al-Sayyi=Siin-Waw-Alif = to treat badly, do evil to disgrace, be evil/wicked/vicious, ill, anything that makes a person sad and sorrowful, bad action, mischief and corruption, sin, evil doer, wretched or grievous, vex, annoy. su'atun (pl. suat) - corpse, external portion of both sexes, shame.] And Allah’s Law of compensation is easy for us:

6:160 Whoever brings a good deed will receive a tenfold reward. And whoever brings an ill deed will be requited for one. And they will not be wronged. 1 good deed=10x 1 bad deed=1x This is a practical way of looking at judgement as one can asses easily what he himself has done for the benefit of mankind. The concept of forgiveness is based on emotion, uncertainty and takes away the responsibility of one’s actions and is not focussed on benefiting mankind, but on attaining their own selfish salvation. The belief in forgiveness has created the concepts of celibacy, rituals, worship and created a means for the priesthood and elite to control the people as they devised false conceptions on how salvation is attained. The Qur’anic concept of compensation is clear, logical, and makes humans directly responsible for their own deeds and makes them strive for the good of mankind as their focus is not attaining salvation by pleasing God through worship, but by retaining his position within the Universal Evolution after death by purely doing good to others.

22:89 In those times people that do good to humanity and make way for  peace and security, will be best rewarded. 34:37 And it is not your wealth nor your children and party that will bring you closer to Us in degree, but he who truly believes and helps others. It is those who will have a twofold reward for their deeds. And they will dwell in secure mansions. [25:75] 6:164 Say, "Shall I seek anyone other than God as a lord when He is the Sustainer of all things? No ‘self’ benefits but from its own works, and none bears the load of another. Then to your Lord is your return and He will make you understand wherein you differed. 17:15 So, whoever goes right, does it for his own ‘self’, and whoever strays, strays against his own ‘self’. No person bears the load of another. And We never punish any people until We have sent a messenger. [The Eternal messenger now is the Book of God] 2:48 And beware of the Day (when all actions will encounter absolute  justice, and contrary to your thinking), no person will avail another in the least. And neither intercession will be accepted, nor shall compensation  be taken from anyone. And they will not be helped. [6:164] [Shafa'ah = Stand up as witness to the truth = Intercession = Clearing a

falsehood assigned to someone. 2:123, 6:50-51, 6:70, 32:4, 39:44, 40:17-18, 10:3, 19:87. Not even the messengers of God are exempt from the Divine law of Recompense. 6:15, 10:15, 39:13, 72:20-21]

22. The Qur’an rejects war or aggression and only allows Self-defense, peace, tolerance and democracy. 2:190 (All mankind should agree upon and mark their calendars for four months of peacetime. However, following of the Divine System of Life will meet with harsh opposition.) So, fight in the cause of God those who wage war against you, but do not commit aggression. Indeed, God does not love aggressors. 3:167 And that He might mark out those afflicted with hypocrisy. They had been told, “Come! Fight in the cause of God, or at least defend (the city).” They answered, “If we knew that confrontation was forthcoming, we would have joined you.” On that day they were closer to disbelief than belief, uttering with their mouths something that was not in their hearts. But God was best Aware of what they were trying to conceal. 22:38-40 Surely, God will defend the community of true believers. Indeed, God does not love those who betray the Divine System ordained in this Book, and thus show ingratitude for the magnificent guidance they have received. Permission to fight is granted to those against whom war is wrongfully waged. God is Able to support them. Those who have been evicted from their homes unjustly, for no reason other than saying, "Our Lord is God!" For, if God had not enabled  people to defend themselves against one another, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and masjids, where the Name of God is oft mentioned, would surely have been destroyed. And God will certainly help those who help Him. God is Mighty, Powerful. 9:4 [Fight those that fight you] Except those idolaters with whom you have a treaty and they have not subsequently failed you, nor have they helped others against you. You shall fulfill your treaty with them till their term. Surely, God loves those who are mindful of His laws. 9:6 (O messenger) If anyone of the idolaters seeks your protection or a safe passage, grant him protection from the State. Convey to him the Word of God, and then send him to a place where he feels safe and secure. This kindness on your part is mandatory because they are  people who have not yet seen the beauty of the Divine System. 4:90 Do not fight the hypocrites who join a people with whom you have signed a peace treaty. And do not fight those who come to you wishing not to fight you or their believing relatives. Had God willed they could have fought you. Therefore, if they leave you alone, and offer you  peace, God has opened no way for you but the way of peace. [Your prime duty remains the establishment and defense of the Divine Order in which there is no room for revenge. 24:22]

4:91 You will find others who desire peace for their people and make peace with you. But at the slightest opportune moment they come to fight against you. If they neither leave you alone, nor offer peace, nor hold their hands, subdue them regardless of which group they  belong to. In their case, God has given you a clear authority to fight. 8:61 When they incline to peace, you shall incline to it, and trust in God. He is the Hearer, the Knower. 42:38-43 They respond to their Lord by establishing Salaat, and conduct their affairs by mutual consultation, and they keep open for the welfare of others what We have given them. [Establishing Salaat = Establishing the System where following of the Divine Commands is facilitated.  Nafaq = Open-ended tunnel = No hoarding] And whenever gross injustice is inflicted upon them, they defend themselves and stand up for their rights. [In the Divine System, the oppressed is helped and the oppressor is requited. Yastansiroon carries the meanings of defending and standing up for rights] But requiting evil may become an evil in itself! So, whoever  pardons and makes peace, his reward rests with God. Surely, He does not love the violators of human rights. And those who stand up for their rights and defend themselves, when they have been wronged, for such, there is no blame. The blame is on those who oppress people and cause disorder on earth resorting to aggression, unprovoked. They are the ones for whom there is an awful doom. Certainly, whoever is patient and forgives, that is from the strength of character. 4:75-76 What has happened to you that you do not fight in the cause of God? Defenseless men, women, and children are being oppressed and crying, "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town whose people are oppressors, and raise for us protectors and helpers." [God does not fight in person, nor does He send His armies or angels in physical form. 22:39] Those who believe fight in the cause of God (against persecution or in self-defense … benign aggression). But the unbelievers fight in the cause of Taaghoot (tyrannical, aggressive forces … malignant aggression). So fight against those friends of the devil. The devil’s strategy is ever weak. [Taaghoot = False gods = Tyrants = Oppressors = Deceptive clergy = An oppressive system = Those who play god] 13:21-22 Build bridges of goodwill between people, and strengthen ties of human relationships as God has commanded, and stand in awe of their Sustainer. (not relegating His commands to others’ utterances), and fear the eventuality of a tough accountability, They persevere in the face of adversities seeking the Approval of their Sustainer, help establish and consolidate the Divine System, and uphold the Permanent Values, spend on others of the provision We have given them, in secret and in public, and they counter harshness with kindness. Theirs will be the Eternal Home. [2:27]

23. The Qur’an is focused on feeding of the poor, justice and striving for a social global welfare and economy system. 2:177 (One consequence of this schism is their pre-occupation with rituals, with each sect leaving the revelation aside and taking delight in its own set of dogmas they call religion. 30:320.) Righteousness and exponential development of the ‘self’ depends not on whether you turn your faces to East or West. But righteousness is that: - One has conviction in God, - And the Last Day, - And the Angels, - And the Book, - And the prophets. - And that he gives of his cherished wealth to: - Family and relatives, - Orphans, - Widows, - Those left helpless in the society, - And those whose hard-earned income fails to meet their  basic needs, - Those whose running businesses have stalled, - The ones who have lost their jobs, - Whose life has stalled for any reason, - The disabled, - The needy wayfarer, son of the street, the homeless, the one who travels to you for assistance, - Those who ask for help, and - Those whose necks are burdened with any kind of  bondage, oppression, crushing debts and extreme hardship of labor. - (And righteous are) those who strive to establish the institution of Salaat, (2:3. 2:53) - And help set up the Economic System of  Zakaat. - They are true to their pledge whenever they make one. - And they remain steadfast in physical or emotional distress and in times of peril. It is those who have proven themselves to be true, and it is those who are living upright. [2:4, 3:91-92 Yateem, Miskeen, Ibn-is-Sabeel, Fir-Riqaab, carry all the meanings rendered above. Please also note that the Qur’an has named above the well-known five “Articles of faith.” But belief in Taqdeer = Predetermined destiny, has been interjected in the fabricated  Ajami accounts as the sixth article of faith by ‘Imams’, making Muslims fatalistic in their thought and behavior. The Qur’an nowhere mentions Taqdeer or the predestined fates of individuals. Qadar or Taqdeer always denote the law, the due measure of all things appointed by God. And man determines his own destiny by following or defying those laws]

4:36 Obey God and associate no partner with Him! - Treat kindly your parents, relatives, - The orphans, - And those who have been left alone in the society. - Take care of the needy, - The disabled, - Those whose hard earned income is insufficient to meet their needs, - And those whose businesses have stalled, - And those who have lost their jobs. - You shall treat kindly your related neighbors, - And unrelated neighbors, - Companions by your side in public gatherings, - Or public transportation. - Be generous to the needy wayfarer, - the homeless son of the street, - and the one who reaches you in a destitute condition. - Be nice to people who work under your care. God does not love the proud and boastful. 4:37 Those who are stingy and advise others to be stingy, and hide what God has given them of His bounty, for such ungrateful disbelievers We have prepared a humiliating punishment. 51:19 And in their wealth was the Divinely ordained right of those who ask and those who are deprived. 76:8-9 And they feed, for the love of nobility, the indigent, the orphan and the captive. (They do all this selflessly) saying, "We provide for you for the sake of God alone. We want no return from you, not even a word of thanks. 89:17-18 Nay, nay, you do not honor the orphan. [You forget to realize your acts of commission and omission. Yateem = Orphan = Widow = Left alone in the society = Helpless. A benevolent society makes room for the ‘Yateem’] And you fail to encourage one another to feed the needy (and establish a benevolent society). [The term used for ‘feeding’ is highly inclusive. Here it indicates failing to establish the ideal society that takes care of all individuals. Miskeen = Poor = Needy = Whose life is stranded for any reason = Whose business has stalled = Who has lost his job = Whose life has been hampered by circumstances. Ta’aam = Feeding = Food = Provision = Basic needs of life. A benevolent society takes care of the basic needs of life. None would sleep hungry therein] 90:13-18 Freeing others from bondage, physical or mental, and from any social, economic or political oppression. [Freeing the neck includes all the above meanings and establishing the System wherein the only Master is God] - Feeding in times of hunger, famine, wars and natural disasters. - Taking special care of those who, despite being a part of the community, feel left out. [ Za maqrabah = Near one = Relative = Part of

the community] - Helping him who remains needy though he toils in the dust. - Being of those who have chosen to be graced with belief, and  become living reminders of perseverance and living reminders of compassion. - Such are the companions of the right hand (immersed in bliss). 107:1-7 Have you seen him who proclaims allegiance to the Divine System, but denies it in action? [53:33, 75:32-33, 95:7. Takzeeb = To give lie = Deny in practice = Reject in daily life] Indeed, he is the one who repels the orphan, the widow, the helpless, the one in a lonely state. [89:10, 69:34] And urges not the feeding of the needy. And participates not in helping those who have lost their jobs, whose businesses have stalled, and whose hard earned income is insufficient to meet their basic needs. Ah, woe to the praying ones! Those who know not what their Salat is meant to be. They only want to be seen and praised. [9:54. They go through the motions of prayer and keep announcing it] And, with all this, they hinder the flow of sustenance (by hoarding). [ Ma'n = Running water. Mu’eein = Source of sustenance with  plenty of fresh water springs. 23:50] [The people are not busy with creating a System where the WHOLE of Humanity is fed, they are busy with praying and rituals and personal salvation. In verse 4 Salat is used as worship prayer, but in verse 5 we are pointed it out that the true Salat is the feeding of the poor and taking care of all human needs.] 4:135 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Stand up firmly for justice, witnesses for God, even if it is against yourselves, your  parents and your relatives, and whether the case is of a rich person or a  poor person. God is nearer to them than you are. Do not follow your emotions lest you fall short of justice. If you distort your testimony or turn away from this command, God is Aware of all your actions. 6:152 God commands you further: vi. Do not approach the wealth of the orphan except to improve it until they come of age with full maturity of  body and mind. vii. Give full weight and full measure in all your dealings. Uphold justice in all aspects of your life. Our commands are meant to widen your human potential. We do not assign any ‘self’ responsibility  beyond its means. viii. And when you voice an opinion, be just, even if it is against a relative. ix. Fulfill your Covenant with God, the unwavering allegiance to the Divine System (1:4-5, 9:111). This He commands for you to bear in mind. 7:29 Say (O Messenger!), "My Lord enjoins justice and moderation and to stand devoted to Him alone in complete obedience. Call unto Him, sincere in your faith in Him alone. He is the One Who brought you into  being in the first place, and to Him you will return.” (And this is how you can regain your lost Paradise in both worlds.) 2:112 Nay, whoever submits his whole being to God, and he is a doer of

good to humanity, his reward is with his Lord. Then, no fear shall come upon them nor shall they grieve. 4:94 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! When you go forth in the cause of God (to meet the armed challenge), use your discernment. And do not say, out of a desire for the fleeting gains of this worldly life, to anyone who offers you the greeting of peace, “You are not a believer.” For with God are abundant gains. Remember, once you were ignorant, and you were weak like the disbelievers are now. God has been Gracious to you, so be gracious to His servants (9:128, 90:17). Use your discernment. God is always Aware of what you do.

24. The Qur’an demands the use of Reason and Logic. 2:18 Deaf, dumb and blind of reason! They will not return to journey in the right direction (unless they use their perceptual and conceptual faculties. 8:22, 16:76, 17:36). 5:58 When you call to prayer, they mock it and make a jest of it, simply  because they are a people who do not use reason. 6:32 The life of this world is a play and a passing delight in comparison to the Eternal Life. The abode of the Hereafter is far better for those who live according to the Divine laws. Will you not use Reason? 6:50 Say, (O Messenger!), “I do not claim that I have the Treasures of God, nor do I have the knowledge of the Unseen, nor do I tell you that I am an angel. I follow what is revealed to me. (You blindly follow your ancestors.) Say, “Is the blind of the heart the same as the seer who uses reason? Would you not reflect?” 13:16 Ask them, "Who is the Sustainer of the heavens and earth?” Say, “It is God!” (23:84-90, 29:21-23). Then ask, “Why then, do you take as  protectors besides Him those who have neither benefit, nor harm even for themselves?” (When you acknowledge Him as God of the heavens, what stops you from acknowledging Him as God of the earth, and thus, as the law-giving authority? (6:3, 21:21-22, 43:84). Say, “Is the blind of reason equal to the seer, or is darkness equal to light?” (11:24, 35:19). Have their so-called partners of God created something like He has created, so that this act of creation appears to them to be similar? Say, “God is the Creator of all things. He is the One, Dominating.” 40:58 But then, the blind of reason and the seer at heart are not equal. And neither are those who attain faith, and help others, equal to those who create imbalance in people’s lives. How seldom do you use your mind!

25. The Qur’an warns us against religious and aristocrat authority as they are against a fair social system. 7:30 But there will be two parties among people. Some of them will live upright according to the Divine laws of guidance while others will ally with Satans as their friends. They take their religious leadership as their masters instead of God, and think that they are rightly guided. [7:3, 22:13] 2:49 Also remember when We saved you from Pharaoh’s people. They  persecuted you by assigning hard tasks and with a dreadful torment. They slaughtered your sons and let your women live for slavery and shameful acts. That was a great tribulation, a test from your Lord Supreme. 7:66 The elite among his people who were disbelieving said, "Ah! We see that you are in folly, and we think that you are a liar.” 27:87-89 And on the Day when the Trumpet is sounded, everyone of the elite and of the humbled will be horrified, except such as God wills to exempt. All will present themselves to Him in humility. [6:74, 18:99, 20:102, 27:89, 39:68. ‘Exempt’ probably indicates true believers who have benefited others, since the Qur’an repeated asserts that such will have nothing to fear or grieve] And the powerful elite that you deem firm as mountains, will float around like weightless clouds. Such is the Design of God Who disposes off all things in perfect order. Surely, He is fully Aware of what you do. In those times people that do good to humanity and make way for  peace and security, will be best rewarded. [21:103, 27:87] 34:34-35 Whenever We sent a warner to any community its rich elite declared, “We reject the message you are sent with.” They further said, "We are more abundant in wealth and children and we cannot be overpowered." 43:23 Likewise, whenever We sent before you a warner to any township, its wealthy ones said, "Behold! We have found our forefathers following a certain religion, and we will follow in their footsteps." [Ummah = A community with common beliefs = Those who share a common religion. Mutrifeen = The wealthy = Those given to material  possessions = The social and financial elite = Those stee ped in luxury = Those who are used to enjoying the fruit of others’ labor = Those who thrive on easy money = Who get wealthy without hard work] 43:24 He said, “What! Even though I bring you better guidance than that you found your ancestors following?" They replied, "Certainly, we deny that there is any truth in what you (prophets) are sent with.” 5:63 Why do not the rabbis and the priests forbid them from their downgrading assertions and illicit earnings? Indeed condemnable is what they manufacture. (A great many religious

leaders, rabbis, priests, monks, Mullahs, yogis, and mystics devour the wealth of people deceptively, and hinder them from the way of God 9:34) 9:31 They take their rabbis, priests and monks to be their Lords* besides God. And they take as their Lord, the Messiah son of Mary. Yet they were commanded to worship but One God. There is no god but He.  praise and glory to Him, He is far too Glorious for what they ascribe to Him. [*Talmud shows the Jewish superstition of ascribing divinity to Ezra, rabbis, saints, doctors of law and learned men. And the doctrine of Papal infallibility, divinity of saints and praying to them are common in the Roman Catholic Church] 9:32 They seek to extinguish God’s light (the Qur’an) by their utterances. But God will not allow this to pass, for He has willed to spread His light in all its fullness even though the rejecters may detest it. 9:34 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! A great many religious leaders, rabbis, priests, monks, Mullahs, yogis, and mystics devour the wealth of people in falsehood, and bar them from the path of God. All those who hoard up gold and silver and do not spend it in the cause of God, to them give tidings (O Prophet!) of a painful doom. [ Ahbaar = Clergy of any religion.  Ruhbaan = Monks and Sufis] 6:112-113 Remember, We have appointed to every prophet enemies. The rebellious among the urban and the rural populations rose in opposition, (since the message struck at their  personal interests.) They plotted and inspired each other with fancy words. If your Lord willed, they would not do that. Disregard them and whatever they fabricate. Those who love quick gains and neglect the long-term benefits and the Hereafter, are parties to such fabrications. Let them delight in it and let them earn from it what they may. [Jinn= Concealed ones, was also used for kings and the elite as their lives are out of reach for the common people and they live in houses sealed off from the common people.]

26. Male and Female are completely equal in laws, rights, obligations, positions and rewards or requital. The Qur’an only acknowledges differences in biological makeup and functions as pregnancy and the difference in the role of a mother or father. 30:21 And among His signs is this: He created for you mates from yourselves, so that you might find comfort in them. And He ordained  between you love and kindness. In that are signs for those who reflect. [ Azwaaj = Husband + Wife, that are mates to, and complement, each other’s personality] 4:124 And whoever fulfills the needs of the people, whether male or female, and is a believer, will enter Paradise. And not the least injustice will be done to them (not amounting to the ‘speck on a date-stone’ 4:53, 35:13.)

16:97 Whoever - male or female - does works that help others and is a  believer, We shall certainly cause them to live a good life, and We shall grant them the rewards considering the best of their actions. 40:40 Whoever has destabilized another person’s life, will not be repaid  but the like of it. And whoever has helped others, whether male or female, and is a believer, such will enter the Garden wherein they will be  blessed with sustenance without measure. 33:35 Surely, for Muslim men and Muslim women, believing men and  believing women, devoted men and devoted women, truthful men and truthful women, steadfast men and steadfast women, humble men and humble women, charitable men and charitable women, abstinent men and abstinent women (abstaining from all vices), chaste men and chaste women, men who remain mindful of God and women who re main mindful (of God), for them, God has readied forgiveness and an immense reward. [3:194, 4:124.  Maghfirah = Forgiveness = Protection against detriment = Erasing the imprints of faults = Absolving imperfections] 9:71-72 And the believers, men and women, are colleagues of one another. They encourage virtue and discourage vice. Together, they help establish the Divine System, and set up the Economic Order of Zakaat. (This is how) they obey God and His messenger. These are the men and women on whom God will shower His mercy. God is Exalted in Power, Wise. [The believing men and women do not deliver empty lectures. They enjoin virtue and forbid vice by personal example, knowing that the Qur’an is the Eternal Criterion of right and wrong. 2:185. ‘Good’ and ‘Evil’, ‘Right’ and ‘Wrong’ are not vague entities. The Qur’an clearly defines them. 2:177 and many other verses. In short, good is all that helps people and evil is all that hurts them] God promises to the believers, both men and women, Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will live forever, and magnificent dwellings in the Gardens of Eden. And God’s Approval is the greatest of all blessings. That is the Supreme Triumph. 3:195 Thus their Lord accepts and answers their prayer, “Indeed, I never let the work of any worker, male or female, go to waste. You are members of one another. So, those who emigrate, and are driven from their homelands, and suffer harm in My cause, and fight, and are slain, I shall certainly blot out their faults, erasing the imprints of their misdeeds on their ‘self’. And certainly, I shall admit them into Gardens with streams flowing beneath - a handsome return from God's Presence. For, with God is the fairest return of actions. [2:186] 36:55-56 "Those who merit Paradise, this Day are enjoying the new life.” They and their spouses in pleasant shades, on thrones of honor reclining.

40:8 “Our Lord! Admit them into the Gardens of Eden that you have  promised them, and the righteous among their ancestors, their spouses and their descendants. Surely, You, only You, are the Mighty, the Wise.” 43:70 Enter the Garden, you and your spouses, rejoicing. 52:20-21 Relaxing on well-decorated couches. And We will match them with neat companions, most beautiful of vision. And those who attained belief, and whose children followed them in belief, We shall unite them with their families. We shall not let any of their deeds go to waste. Every human will be held responsible for his own doings. [Being the progeny of righteous ancestors alone will be of no avail. 74:38.  Raheen = Held as pledge = Collateral] Women have the right to vote:

60:12 O Prophet! When the believing women come to you to take oath of allegiance that 19:16 (O Prophet!) Make mention of Mary in the Book.. [Females can be as much examples for everyone.] 66:11-12 And God gives an example for those who have chosen to be graced with belief: The wife of Pharaoh when she said, “My Lord! Build for me a mansion in the Paradise, and save me from Pharaoh and his doings, and save me from the oppressors.” And Mary, daughter of Imran, who guarded her chastity, and We  breathed into her (baby) from Our Energy. And she put faith in the Words of her Lord and His revelations, and was of the devoted servants. [In very adverse circumstances, Mary guarded her chastity and revolted against the non-Divine institution of monasticism, and got married adopting the natural family life. ‘from Our Energy’ = Free will, as all human beings are granted. 2:30] Women can be leaders of nations:

27:23 “The country is ruled by a Queen who has been given everything and she has a tremendous throne.” 27:44 She was escorted to the palace. It was said, “Enter the hall.” When she saw the smooth polished glass floor, she thought that it was a  pool of water and she was spellbound. Solomon said, “This is a palace paved smooth with slabs of glass.” She said, "I have been doing wrong to myself, and now I submit with Solomon to God, the Lord of the worlds."

27. The Qur’an acknowledges and respects the differences in cultures and habits and says it is a source of goodness and not of strive.

30:22 And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the diversity of your tongues and colors. Herein are signs for those who make best use of what they learn. 35:28 And of human beings, the crawling creatures and related animals, and the cattle have diverse colors and properties. This is why of all His servants only those with knowledge of sciences can get some idea of the glory of God (by examining the wonders in nature). Surely, God is Almighty, Absolver of imperfections. 49:13 O mankind! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes so that you might (affectionately) come to know one another. Surely, the most honored among you, in the sight of God, is the one who is best in conduct. God is Knower, Aware. [ Min zakarinwwa untha = Of a kind that is male, and of a kind that is female = Male and female = Some of you are men and some of you are women. On this note I find myself in agreement with M. Pickthall 39:6]

28. The Qur’an acknowledges and promotes the pursuit of welfare, beauty and art in a society and it acknowledges the biological and psychological needs of mankind. 7:32 Say, "Who is there to forbid the beauty that God has brought forth for His servants, and the good things of sustenance?” Say, “On the Day of Resurrection, these things will be only for those who chose to believe during the life of this world.” Thus do We detail Our messages for people who make use of what they learn. [17:18-20, 20:117-123] 7:26 O Children of Adam! We have provided you with garments to cover your bodies as well as to adorn you. The best garment for you to wear, in addition, is good conduct. (Your character decorates you inside out.) These are the verses of God that they must take to heart. 10:59 Say, “Have you considered how God sends down to you all kinds of provisions for your minds and bodies? Then you render some of them unlawful and some lawful?” Say, “Has God permitted you to do this? Or do you invent lies and attribute them to God?” [The clergy go after manmade dogmas thus tampering with the revealed Word of God and declare unlawful His bounties of sustenance, food, clothes, ornament of life and things of aesthetic beauty such as art. 7:32. See 34:13 how a  prophet of God, Solomon decorates his kingdom with beautiful works of art] 16:6 And you find beauty in them when you drive them home in the evenings and when you take them out to pasture in the mornings. 18:1 All beauty and balance in the universe is the living evidence that God is Praiseworthy. All praise is for God Who has revealed this Book to His servant, and made it flawless.

34:13 They worked for him as he desired, making forts, statues, sculptures, paintings and images, pools, and boilers well-dug into the ground. We said, “Labor O Children of David, in gratitude for what you have been given. Few of My servants are truly grateful in practice.” 35:33 So, the Gardens of Eden of eternal bliss will they enter, therein to  be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls, and therein to be dressed in garments of silk. [And right here in this world they will establish a society in which life will be pleasant and honorable. 22:23] 2:187 (Abstinence is only for the daytime.) It has been made lawful for you to go to your wives on the night of the Abstinence. They are your garments and you are their garments - close to each other, source of mutual comfort, complementing each other, trustworthy and keepers of  privacy, reason for décor, and redressers of faults. God knows that you would have deprived yourselves, feeling guilty, and so He turns to you and pardons you. So, now you may have intimate relations with them and, besides, seek all good that God has ordained for you. You may eat and drink until you can discern the white streak of light against the black streak of night at daybreak. Then complete the Abstinence until sunset. Do not have intimate relations with them while on special assignments in the Centers of the Divine System. These are the bounds set by God - so come not near violating them. Thus God explains His commands to mankind clearly, so that they understand and remain observant. 76:12-17 And for their steadfastness He rewards them with a Garden of  bliss and garments of silk (granting honor). Relaxing therein on beautiful furnishings, they neither find a hot sun nor chill. Pleasant shades close upon them and clusters of fruits reach them low. And they are served with goblets of silver and cups of crystal. Silver trays shining as crystal - all this design they have determined (with their good deeds). And delicious invigorating drinks they shall be given. (43:71, 76:5, 83:27. Camphor: an allegory for cool relaxation, and ginger: warmth and action) 76:21 Upon them will be garments of green silk with gold embroidery, and they will be honored with bracelets of silver. And their Lord will give them pure refreshing drinks.

29. The Qur’an contains clear and allegorical and multiple meaning verses which must researched carefully. 3:7 (The Book He has sent down, bears an important Principle.) He is the One Who has revealed to you (O Prophet!) the scripture. In it some verses are literal, while some verses are allegorical. The verses that  pertain to Permanent Values have been presented literally. These verses, Muhkamat , are the essence of the Divine law. On the other

hand, abstract phenomena, some historical events, and the World of the Unseen are described in similes, metaphors and allegories (Mutashaabihaat) for your understanding. But those who are given to crookedness in their hearts pursue the allegories and try to give them literal meanings, thus creating dissension of thought. None encompasses their final meaning (of such as the Essence of God, His Throne, His Hand, His Book of Decrees, the exact mode of revelation on the heart of the messengers, the Eternity) but God. Those who are well founded in knowledge understand why the allegories have been used and they keep learning from them. They proclaim the belief that the entire Book is from their Lord. As the human knowledge evolves, more and more allegories will unfold their literal meaning. But only the men and women of understanding will bear this fact in mind. [Every verse of the Qur’an is Muhkam, absolute truth. The context enables us to understand which ones are to be taken literally and which ones are to be taken allegorically. Each verse in the Book complements another. 11:1, 39:23, 41:53, 47:20, 74:31] Also with the growth of our knowledge on the universe, some verses can switch from being  Mutashaabihaat  to being  Muhkamat, as for example the concept of a new universe where mankind is created in is now being confirmed by several branches with Quantum Physics.

30. We are warned that we must not fix or limit the meanings of the Qur’an to historical context or any opinion by scholars as we then immobilize the Qur’anic potentials. 25:30 The prophet will say: "O my Lord, my people have fettered, chained, and fixed meanings, possibilities and understandings in the Qur'an (made the Qur’an mahjoor) so it has  become immobile and will be left by the people as it has been made into something of no account." [A horse or camel tied head to foot was called mahjoor, and the rope used for tying, alhijaar(Taj). Making the animal immobile, as it stuck in its position, where the owners will leave it. The Qur’an today is thus fettered/chained by custom and tradition, fixed titles and meanings of words, hearsay reports compiled centuries later, and laws and by-laws enacted by men, each group having its own fiqah and shariah, which are held more sacrosanct and given  predence over the Qur’an, and making thus the Qur’an fixed in meaning, where they want, and how they want. Making the versatile meanings immobile, freezing a certain meaning, and chaining the Qur’an with that meaning. Mahjoor= To chain/fix/immobilize=make something of no account=to avoid something=to leave something behind.]

31. The Qur’an is easy to understand and learn. 54:17 We have made the Qur’an easy to understand. Then, is there any who will learn?

54:22 We have made the Qur’an easy to understand. Then, is there any who will learn?

32. The Qur’anic Message can never contain anything that is a burden to mankind. 20:2-3 We have not bestowed upon you this Qur’an to cause you any hardship. But, only as a reminder to those who fear (faltering in their journey of life). [Khashiyyah = Fearing = Being in awe = Being awestruck. Compare with Taqwa meaning journeying through life in security. This verse is commonly translated ending with ‘those who fear (God)’. See Preface for Taqwa]

33. The Deen of the Qur’an cannot be a religion but is a System of Law and Government. Joseph avoided not the King’s religion, but his system of law:

12:76 They were brought before Joseph for the search. He began with the bags of his half-brothers before the bag of his brother (Benjamin). And finally extracted the cup out of his brother’s bag. We thus perfected the plan for Joseph. He could not have detained his brother under the King's law, Deen. But that was the will of God. We raise people in ranks according to Our laws. And above every person of knowledge there is One who knows all. And the Qur’anic System will prevail over all ways of Life, be it religions or forms of government, created and formed by mankind as they will learn the Truth of its Message.

9:33 He is the One Who has sent His messenger with guidance and the True Religion ( Deen = The System of Life), that He may cause it to  prevail over all religions and systems of life, even though the idolaters may detest it. [9:31-33, 13:31, 14:48, 18:48, 41:53, 48:28, 51:20-21, 61:8-9] [The Qura’nic Deen will prevail over all other systems of life. This refers to religions such as Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism and all other forms of religion, including the sects that are now present in Islam. But next to religions, the Qur’anic Deen will also prevail over all political systems of the world such as Communism, Secular Democracy, Theocracy, Monarchy and it will rule over all ways of life as Humanism, Socialism and so on. This will happen as humanity willingly realizes the supremacy of the Qur’an]

34. The Human Rights given in the Qur’an that must be uphold by mankind: a. Equal human dignity by birth (17:70, 95:4)  b. Gender equity (4:32, 33:35) c. Superiority by character only (49:13, 46:19) d. Rule of law, not of individuals (3:79) e. Full compensation of work (53:39, 53:41, 39:70, 37:39) f. Provision of basic needs (20:118-119) g. Security of faith, life, mind, honor, and property (6:109, 6:152, 2:269, 17:36, 24:2, 22:40, 6:152, 5:90, 2:195, 5:32, 17:32, 17:35, 17:29, 83:1) h. Choice of spouse (4:3, 4:19) i. Freedom of religion (22:40, 6:109, 2:256)  j. Freedom of expression (2:42, 3:71) k. Redress of grievances (4:148) l. Privacy (33:53, 24:27) m. Care of the handicapped (4:36, 70:24) n. Presumption of innocence (49:6) o. Sanctity of name and lineage (49:11, 33:4)  p. Right to residence (4:100, 2:85, 6:41) q. Aesthetic choice (18:31, 76:13-15) r. Protection of chastity (17:32, 24:2) s. Race, color, gender, lineage, wealth are no criteria of superiority. t. Degrees of people according to their deeds (2:212, 3:163, 6:132)

These are the rules the Qur’an gives us for its interpretation, and these rules demand we use Reason, science and all possible meanings of the Arabic roots to understand its Message who’s focus is always humanitarian and for the benefit of the positive development of mankind.

Focus on nature and science and we can see how the Qur’an constantly refers to reality: 43:11 And He it is Who sends down water from the sky in due measure. And We revive with it a dead land, thus will you be brought forth. [The Water cycle is very precise and balanced. The knowledge that rain doesn’t fall in a random pattern, but in due measure with the whole Water cycle is something only recent science has understood. As the Prophet was a desert inhabitant, the idea of a Water cycle or that rain fall is following a precise order, could not have been known by him. 30:48, 24:43] 43:12 And He it is Who has created all things in pairs and He it is Who has given you all those ships and quadrupeds on which you ride. (See 36:36) [That all processes of nature and all products of nature create or use opposites or pairs has been only truly understood in the 20th century. Paul Dirac was the first to understand matter had the opposite anti-matter, he got the Noble prize for it in 1933.] 24:43 Have you not seen how God drives the clouds, then gathers them, then makes them layers, and then you see the rain coming forth from them? He sends down, from the heights, hail and loads of snow to cover some ground and leave some uncovered, according to His Laws. The flashes of lightning and the brightness of the snow dazzle the Sight, all but snatching it away. (2:19-20) [The exact order of cloud-formation has been given in this verse. Also that clouds are layered has been discovered only in the last century through aviation technology and satellites. In the Arabian desert, rain only fell a couple of dozen times a year and cloud formations are rare, thus it could not have been observed in the way at it is described in this verse.] 15:22 And We send the winds as pollinators that fertilize plants, and cause water to come down from the height for you to drink. Who holds the stores of the universe? You do not. (51:41) [The knowledge that winds play a major role in fertilizing can only be understood after years of researching the subject. As a desert inhabitant, this would have been impossible for the Prophet.] 21:30 Are the unbelievers not aware (after this proclamation) that the heavens and the earth used to be one solid mass that We exploded into parting? And that out of water We made every living thing? Will they not, then, acknowledge the Truth? [RATAQ = To merging = Attaching of elements to make them one. FATAQ = To break = Dissolve = Separate = Split. Rataq refers to one solid mass and thus describes exactly the situation of all the energy of the universe before the BigBang. Fataq describes the situation during and after the Bigbang. Water is the main component for all living beings. All of these facts of nature could not have been known to 6th century Arabian man. 35:1] 51:47 And it is We who have built the universe with power, and verily, it is We who are steadily expanding it. (‘Samaa’ = Sky = Heaven = Allegorically the universe. ‘Bi-Ayidin’ = With hands = With power) [The expansion of the universe was first theorized by the Belgian Cosmologist Georges Lemaitre and the Russian A.Friemann. In 1929 it was observed for the first time by the American Edwin Hubble. It was already present in the Qur’an for 1400 years, waiting

for the correct scientific knowledge and technology to be confirmed to be true. 55:5, 36:38-40] 21:33 And He it is Who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. They swim along, each in an orbit. [Although this was partially observed by some advanced people in History, the Divine proof is again that the Qur’an contains no contradictions at all with scientific observations.] 39:5 He it is Who has created the heavens and the earth to fulfill a definite Purpose. He rolls the night over the day, and rolls the day over the night. And He has subjected the sun and the moon, each running along its course for a term appointed. Is not He the Almighty, the Ever-Absolver of Imperfections? [YUKAWWIR=He rolls comes from the word KURAH=Ball. In 79:30 an additional point is given that the Earth is Egg-shaped. This was unknown and even impossible to know in the 6th century.] 86:11 Witness is the high atmosphere that keeps returning (its water, gases and other composition). 2:29 He it is Who has created for you whatever is on earth – all of it. And He has applied His Design to the High Cosmos and fashioned it in several ascending heights. He is the Supreme Knower of what all things are destined to be. (11:7, 53:31, 57:1-2.) ['Saba' indicates seven or several. The Earth’s Atmosphere contains seven layers: The Troposphere, Stratosphere, Ozone Layer, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, Ionosphere and the Exosphere. This only has been recently discovered in the last century. The Qur’an constanly refers to us the importance of scientific observation and testing, as the Qur’an guides into creating the correct understanding of Reality. Because of this constant reference to nature as proof of God and that it exposes parts of His Will next to Revelation, the early Muslims started to investigate nature and discovered many things, which Western Historians call the ‘Golden Age’. 3:191, 7:185, 17:36, 88:17-21] 21:31 And We have set firm mountains (as pegs) on the earth, lest it sway with them (16:15) And We have made therein broad roadways so that they might find their way. [Mountains clench different plates of the Earth together like a peg. In this way they create more stability in the Earth’s crust and take away much energy from earthquakes. 78:6-7] 27:88 And the powerful elite that you deem firm as mountains, will float around like weightless clouds. Such is the Design of God Who disposes off all things in perfect order. Surely, He is fully Aware of what you do. [This verse also contains a very interesting scientific fact that the Earth’s crust is in motion and not static.] 57:25 Indeed, We sent Our Messengers with the evident Truth and revealed with them the Law and the Standard of right and wrong that mankind may deal in justice. And We have bestowed on from high the iron in which there is awesome power and many benefits for people. For, God marks out those who help Him and His Messengers although the victory may initially be obscure to them. Surely, God is Strong, Almighty.

[‘Meezaan’ = Balance of measure = Standard of justice. As proven by modern science, the iron is not native to earth. It has come down from higher celestial bodies, as it is formed in Nova stars.] 24:40 Or total darkness in the midst of a deep ocean, with waves upon waves and a thick cloud above - darkness upon darkness. When he holds out his hand, he can barely see it. For, whomever God deprives of light, will have no light. [light consists of several wavelengths, in deep waters, each wavelength can only penetrate to a certain depth, in this way Light becomes lesser and lesser per layer, darkness over darkness. Deep waters also have a phenomena called ‘internal waves’, which are created to different densities in the deep water, where the layers of water have their own wave structure, waves upon waves. Captain Dr. Bernard Jarman, a renowned oceanographer, upon reading this verse, embraced Islam in 1923] 96:15 Nay, if such a person desists not, We will seize him by the forelobe (to a state of humiliation 11:56) [Al-Nasiyah=Forelock, comes from Nasa meaning: To get master over = Get hold of. The Forelobe is the part of the brain that is associated with reasoning, planning, parts of speech, movement, emotions, and problem solving. The Frontal lobes have been found to play a part in impulse control, judgment, language, memory, motor function, problem solving, sexual behavior, socialization and spontaneity. The ability to recognize future consequences resulting from current actions, to choose between good and bad actions (or better and best), override and suppress unacceptable social responses, and determine similarities and differences between things or events. In short, it plays part in our decision to lie or not and how to control situations. This has been discovered recently with Neurological research.] 75:4 Yes indeed, We have the Power to restore his very finger tips. [The concept of the uniqueness of the fingerprint came only in the 19th century. Even identical twins have each their own unique fingerprint as it is formed during fetal development where the individual circumstances of each foetus decides the form of the fingerprint. No two fingerprints have ever been found identical in many billions of human and automated computer comparisons.] 30:3 In the lowest lands close-by; yet it is they, who despite this defeat of theirs, shall be victorious. [ADNA = Nearest = Closest by = Lower = Lowest. This verse talks about ‘the lowest lands’. The Persians invaded Palestine and one of the last battles was held at the Dead Sea near Jerusalem. The Dead Sea lies 418 meters below sea-level and is the lowest point on the Earth’s Crust. Byzantine Romans were defeated at the hands of the Persians in the nearby lands of Syria-Palestine-Egypt in 613-615 C.E. The war between the two super powers of the times carried on from 603 to 624 C.E. Muhammad (S) had been commissioned as Prophet in 610 C.E.] 12:54 The King said, "Bring him to me so that I may appoint him a close adviser to me." And when he had spoken with him, the King decreed, "From today on you have a high standing with us, invested with all trust." [Note the Egyptian head of state of Prophet Joseph's era referred as ‘Aziz’ (Ruler or King and not as Pharaoh, the word that appears erroneously in the book of Genesis. The term Pharoah came only in use for kings after 1500BC which historians call the New Kingdom, the Prophet Joseph lived around 1700BC during the Old Kingdom. In the

story of Moses the term Pharoah is used for the Egyptian ruler. Moses lived around 1400BC during the New Kingdom.] 6:98 And He it is Who initiated you from a single life cell. Then in the process of evolution He appointed stages, from one station to the next destination. (Thus goes on the journey of life here and in the Hereafter (11:6) We have explained Our Laws for people who will learn and understand. [The theory of Evolution was already partially introduced by the Greeks. Through the Qur’anic injunctions, the Early Muslims researched the concepts of evolution in species. They developed the theory further on scientific evidence and were the first to claim that modern man evolved from lesser species of apes. This was a common and widely accepted fact in the Early Muslim world and taught at the every schools in the Muslim empire. In Europe it was known as the ‘Mohammedan Creation Theory’. It was explained in almost every Islamic science book which were translated into Latin and used at European Universities. Even Rumi mentions it in one of his poems and the 13th century historian Ibn-Khaldun in his Muqaddimah. After the Muslims lost all touch with the Qur’anic System, they also rejected the scientific theories of their predecessors. Later on, European scientists, including Darwin, developed the theory further. Today, most Muslims are unaware of the true history of the Evolution theory and only see it as an Atheist Western theory. As the Bible does not support Evolution, it was picked up the Materialist movement as proof against the Bible and Christian beliefs.] 79:30 And after that He made the earth shoot out from the Cosmic Nebula and made it spread out egg-shaped. [Dahaha = To shoot or throw a stone or object = Ostrich Eggshaped hole in the ground = Ostrich Egg. There were ancient people who knew that the Earth was round, but it was impossible to know the Earth was egg-shaped until recent space-exploration. 21:30, 41:11) 36:80 (The same Creator) Who produces for you fire out of the green tree, so that, behold, you kindle from it. [It is God’s Law that keeps moisture and potential heat combined in the green branches of the trees (that is, the flames are hidden within the branches) When the branch is ignited you can see this manner? Oxigen on Earth is mostly created through photosynthesis in plants, cyanobacteria and green-algae. The interesting combination of this verse is that between fire and oxygen. Oxigen was needed for complex life, but it was fire that allowed further evolution in the human species. Before, prehistoric man only ate raw food, and thus had created large jaw-muscles and intestines that halted further development of the brain and body structure. When early man learned how to use fire for its meals, the meals could be chewed and digested more easily, which allowed the brain and body structure to evolve further into modern man. 76:28, 15:29] 55:33 O Communities of the nomads and the urban! If you can break through the fences of the heavens and the earth, then, break through. Never can you break through without an Authority. Can you bring any evidence? [‘Sultan’ = Evidence = Proof = Authority = Power 4:153, 14:11, 15:42, 17:80, 37:156, 69:29. Using TASREEF the simple understanding is this: You can only continue your evolution beyond the temporal and spatial bounds you now see, if you have primed your ‘self’ for immortality, rather than mere survival. This verse also relates to the conquest of space by mankind]

3:191 (Such men and women of understanding keep reflecting upon how God’s Laws operate in the universe) Standing, sitting, and reclining, they observe, and reflect upon God's creation of the heavens and the earth and wonder, "Our Lord! You have not created all this without Purpose. High Above You are from creating anything in vain! Save us, then, from being negligent in attaining knowledge and thus, getting condemned to Fire.” (When humans harness the forces of nature and use them for the common good of all, they move away from Hell and close to Paradise in both lives 45:13-14. The Qur’an constanly refers to us the importance of scientific observation and testing, as the Qur’an guides into creating the correct understanding and relation of Reality. Because of this constant reference to nature as proof of God, and that it exposes parts of His Will next to Revelation, the early Muslims started to investigate nature and discovered many things, which Western Historians call the ‘Golden Age’, which later on started the Enlightment of Europe. Under the Guidance of the Qur’an, the Early Muslims created the ways of scientific exploration that is still used today. 7:185, 17:36, 88:17-21)

Bibliography: The Qur’an translation that is used for 98% in this presentation because it follows the above rules is: th

- QXP Qur’an Translation by Dr.Shabbir Ahmad, 2007 4  edition ISBN 187-9402696 http://www.ourbeacon.com/ Other sources: - Tafseer Al-Fatiha, Muhammed Abduh, Rashid Rida (ed.). Cairo: Al-Manar, 1330H, pp 3553 and 73. - Pioneers of Islamic Revival by Ali Rahnema, 2005 2nd edition ISBN 1-84277-614-2, page 47. - The Phases of the universe and the Qur’an by Arnold Yasin Mol, 2008 - The Keys to Translation by Arnold Yasin Mol, 2007 http://19.org/index.php?id=91,555,0,0,1,0 - The Evolution of Thinking by Arnold Yasin Mol, 2007 http://19.org/index.php?id=91,548,0,0,1,0 - The difference between Deen and Religious approach by Arnold Yasin Mol, 2007 http://19.org/index.php?id=91,554,0,0,1,0 th

- Islam as I understand by Dr.Shabbir Ahmad, 2007 7  edition http://www.ourbeacon.com/ nd 

- Qur’an Index by Muhammed Ali, Qur’an translation and commentary. 2004 2  edition ISBN 0-913321-97-4 http://www.moslim.org/ - The Message by Allama Muhammed Asad, 2001 5 th edition ISBN 1-904510-00-0 http://www.geocities.com/masad02/ - The Authority of Al-Qur’an by Kashif Ahmed Shehzada, 1998 http://members.tripod.com/lebou/authorityof.htm - Islam: A Challenge to Religion by G.A. Parwez, 1996 3 rd  edition http://www.tolueislam.com/Parwez/ICR/ICR.htm st

- The Qur’an: Unchallengeable Miracle by Caner Taslaman, 2006 1  edition ISBN 975-6663-94-4 http://www.mucizeler.com/ - Al-Qur’an, A Contemporary Translation by Ahmed Ali , 2001 9th edition

ISBN 0-691-07499-2, on verse 25:30. http://arthurwendover.com/arthurs/koran/koran-ahmed-ali10.html - Dictionary of the Holy Qur’an by Abdul Mannar Omar, 2006 4th edition ISBN 09632067-9-6

9:32 They seek to extinguish God’s light (the Qur’an) by their utterances. But God will not allow this to pass, for He has willed to spread His light in all its fullness even though the rejecters may detest it.