The Cow (Al-Baqarah)

¹A. L. M.

²This is the book, in it is guidance sure without doubt to those who fear Allah.¹

³Who believe in the unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them.

⁴And who believe in the revelation sent to you and sent before your time and have the assurance of the hereafter.

⁵They are on guidance from their Lord and it is these who will prosper.

⁶As to those who reject faith, it is the same to them whether you warn them or do not warn them, they will not believe.²

¹Alif Laa Mim

²Zalika lkitabu laraiba fihi hudan lil muttaqina

³Allazina yuminuna bil gaibi wa yuqimuna sualata wa mimma razaqnahum yunfiquna

⁴Wallazina yuminuna bima  unzila  ilaika wa ma  unzila min qablika wabil akhirati hum yuqinuna

⁵Ulaika ala hudan mi rabbihim wa ulaika humul muflihuna

⁶Innal lazina kafaru sawaun alaihim anzartahum am lam tunzirhum la yuminuna

1. To know the full meaning of this passage, one will have to know about the power and justice of God. For indeed true guidance comes to those who fear God and those who diligently seek Him. This is what Peter confessed when, after being led by the Holy Spirit, he went into the house of Cornelius. Peter said in Acts 10:34-35“Now I understand that God shows no partiality. Indeed, the person who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him in any nation.”

Hebrews 11:6says that “Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who diligently search for him.”

Jesus said, “You examine the Scriptures carefully because you suppose that in them you have eternal life. Yet they testify about me.” (John 5:39)

2. Verses 6and 7speak about what appears to be predestination, but it is not. In Islam there is no predestination, only fatalism. In Islam, what happens to us is not based on God’s foreknowledge, but rather is based on fate. Surah 9:51teaches the Muslims to say: “Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us: He is our protector” and “on Allah let the believers put their trust.”

We need to know that the decree of Allah is that every Muslim believer will go through the fire of hell, but the followers of Jesus will be exalted until the day of resurrection (Surah ¹⁹:71-72, Surah 3:55), because the injunction is that whosoever commits an evil deed will be thrown face down into the fire (Surah 27:90). The popular view is that everyone will get the punishment they actually deserve, nothing more and nothing less. But because there is no atonement in Islam, the fact is thus established that indeed every one will go into the fire.

⁷Allah has set a seal on their hearts, and on their hearing, and on their eyes is a veil, great is the penalty they incur.

⁸And there are some of the people who say, “We believe in Allah and the last day” but they do not believe.

⁹They would gladly deceive Allah and those who believe, but they only deceive themselves and realize not!

¹⁰In their hearts is a disease and Allah has increased their disease, and grievous is the penalty they incur because they are false.

¹¹And when it is said to them, “Make not mischief on the earth” they say, “Why, we only want to make peace!”

⁷Khatamallahu alla qulubihim wa ala samihim wa ala absuarihim gishawat walahum azabun attimun

⁸Wa minannasi ma yaqulu amanna billahi wa bil yaumil akhiri wa ma hum bimuminina

⁹Yukhadiuna llaha wallazina amanu wa ma yakhdauna illa anfusahum wa ma yashuruna

¹⁰Fi qulubihim maraddun  fazadahumullahu maraddun wa lahum azabun alimun bima kanu yakzibuna

¹¹Wa iza qila lahum la tufusidu fil ardi qalu innama nahnu muslihuna

[Commentary continues below.]

¹²Of a surety they are the ones who make mischief but they realize it not.

¹³And when it is said to them,  “Believe as the others believe” they say, “Shall we believe as the fools believe?” No, of a surety they are the fools but they do not know.

¹⁴And when they meet those who believe they say, “We believe.” But when they are alone with their evil ones they say, “We are really with you, we were only jesting.”

¹⁵Allah will throw back their mockery on them and give them rope in their trespasses, so they will wander like blind ones.

¹⁶These are they who have bartered guidance for error, but their traffic is profitless and they have lost true direction.

¹²Alla innahum humu lmufsiduna walakil la yashuruna

¹³Wa iza qila lahum aminu kama amanan nasu qalu anuminu kama amana sufa­hau ala innahum humu sufahuu wa la­killa yalamuna

¹⁴Wa iza laqu lazina amanu qalu amanna wa iza khalau ila shayatinihim qalu inna maakum innama nahnu mustaddiuna

¹⁵Allahu yastahziu bihim wa yamud­duhum fi tugyanihim yamahuna

¹⁶Ulaikal lazina shutarawu dualalata bil­huda fama rabihatu tijaratuhum wama kanu muhutadina

[Commentary continues below.]

¹⁷Their similitude is that of a man who kindled a fire, when it lighted all around him, Allah took away their light and left them in utter darkness so they could not see.

¹⁸Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will not return.

¹⁹Or is that of a rain laden cloud from the sky, in it are zones of darkness and thunder and lightning, they press their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunder clap while they are in terror of death. But Allah is ever around the unbelievers!

¹⁷Masaluhum kamasalil lazis tauqadanaran falamma addaat ma haulahu zahaballahu binurihim wa tarakahum fi zulumatil la yubsiruna

¹⁸Summun bukumun umuyun fahum la yarujiuna

¹⁹Au kasayyibin mina samaifihi zulumatu waraduw wabarqun yajaluna asabiahum fi azanihim mina sawaiqi hazaral mati wallahu muhittun bil kafirina

[Commentary continues below.]

²⁰The lightning almost blinds them, every time the light helps them, they walk therein and when the darkness grows on them they stand still. And if Allah willed, He could take away their faculty of hearing and seeing, for Allah has power over all things.

²¹O people, adore your Lord who created you and those who came before you, that you may have the chance to learn righteousness.

²²Who has made the earth your couch and the heaven your canopy, and sent down rain from the heavens, and brought forth therewith fruits for your sustenance, then set not up rivals unto Allah when you know the truth.

²³And if you are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant, then produce a surah like it, and call your witnesses or helpers besides Allah, if you are true.³

²⁰Yakadul barqu yakhtafu absarahum kullama adda a lahum mashau fihi wa iza attulama alaihim qamu wa lau sha allahu lazahaba bisamuihim wa abusuarihi innallaha alla kulli shaiin qadirun

²¹Ya ayyuhan nasubudu rabbakumu lazi khalaqakum wallazina min qablikum laallakum tattaquna

²²Allazi jaala lakumul ardda firasha wa sama a binaan wa anzala mina samai maan fa akhraja bihi mina samawati rizqal lakum fala tajalu lillahi andadan wa antum talamuna

²³Wa in kuntum fi raibim mimma nazzalna ala abdina fatu bisuratim mim mislihi wad shuhada akum min dunillahi inkuntum sadiqina

3. In pre-Islamic history, poetry was commonplace in the daily lives of Arabs. Producing surahs such as contained in the Qur’an then would not at all be difficult. In fact a current publication titled “The True Furqan” has done just that. Though the content of the Qur’an reveals a beautiful poetry, but to think that it is so miraculous, unique and accurate that it has no equal is presumptuous. At best it is a Muhammadan myth clothed in the appearance of the Judeo-Christian truth. Certainly, to produce a surah or chapter like it would be the easiest thing for anyone to do. How difficult is it to fabricate the story that Mary the mother of Jesus is Aaron’s sister. Or to say that the Holy Spirit is the same as the Angel Gabriel and further claim that Jesus spoke about the coming of Muhammad, when in actual fact, Jesus spoke about the coming of the Holy spirit and not Muhammad. Qur’an 16:102: Say the Holy Spirit has brought the revelation from thy Lord in truth in order to strengthen those who believe and as a guide and Glad Tidings to Muslims. According to the footnotes in Yusuf Ali’s commentary, the Holy Spirit is the title of the Angel Gabriel. Other translations boldly refer to the angel as Ruh-ul-Qudus (literally, the Holy Spirit). The Gospel of Barnabas, a spurious gospel, has made similar claims, in other words, has produced many more chapters like the one contained in the Qur’an. Are we still to fear the fire when the Qur’an has misrepresented the facts? 

²⁴But if you cannot and of a surety you cannot, then fear the fire whose fuel is men and stones which is prepared for those who reject faith.

²⁵And give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness that their portion is gardens beneath which rivers flow. Every time they are fed with fruits therefrom they say: “This is what we were fed with before” for they are given things in similitude, and they have therein companions, and they abide therein.

²⁴Fa illam tafalu wa lan tafalu fattaqun naral lati waquduhan nasu wal hijarahtu uiddat lil kafirina

²⁵Wa bashiri lazina amanu wa amilu salihati anna lahum jannatin tajri min tahtihal anharu kullama ruziqu minha min samaratir rizqan qalu hazal lazi ruziqna min qablu wa utu bihi mutashabihan wa lahum fiha azwajum mutahharatu wahum fiha khaliduna

[Commentary continues below.]

²⁶Allah disdains not to use the similitude of things lowest as well as highest. Those who believe know that it is truth from their Lord, but those who reject faith say, “What means Allah by this similitude?” By it He causes many to stray and many He leads into the right path, but He causes not to stray except those who forsake the path.⁴

²⁷Those who break Allah’s covenant after it is ratified and who sunder what Allah has ordered to be joined and do mischief on earth, these cause loss to themselves.

²⁸How can you reject the faith in Allah? Seeing that you were without life and He gave you life, then will He cause you to die and will again bring you to life, and again to Him will you return.

²⁶Innallaha la yasutahuyi anyadduriba masalan ma bauduatan fama fauqaha fa ammal lazina amanu fayalamuna annahul haqqu mi rabbihim wa ammallazina kafaru fa yaquluna maza aradallahu bi haza masalan yuddillu bihi kasiran wama yahdi bihi kasiran wa ma yuddillu bihi illal fasiqina

²⁷Allazina yanquduna ahdallahi min badi misaqihi wa yaqtauna ma amarallahu bihi annyusala wa yufusiduna filardi ulaika humul khasiruna

²⁸Kaifa takfuruna billahi wa kuntum amuwatan fa ahuyakum summa yumitukum summa yuhuyikum summa ilaihi turujauna

4. The path is John 14:6: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. No other path leads to heaven, compare this with Qur’an 3:55; God says that He will exalt the followers of Jesus above the non-followers. Ponder on this truth! 

[Commentary continues below.]

²⁹It is He who has created for you all things that are on earth, moreover, His design comprehended the heavens, for He gave order and perfection to the seven firmaments, and of all things he has perfect knowledge.

³⁰And behold your Lord said to the angels, “I will create a deputy on earth.” They said “Will you place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood? Whilst we celebrate Your praises and glorify Your holy name?” He said, “I know what you know not.”

³¹And He taught Adam the nature of all things, then He placed them before the angels and said, “Tell Me the nature of these if you are right.”

²⁹Huwal lazi khalaqa lakum ma filardi jamian summa tawa ila samai fasawwahunna saba samawatin wa huwa bikulli shaiin alimu

³⁰Wa iz qala rabbuka lil malaikati inni jailun filardi khalifahtan qalu atajalu fiha man yufusidu fiha wa yasufiku dimaa wa nahnu nusabihu bihamudika wa nuqaddisu laka qala inni alamu mala talamuna

³¹Wa allama Adamal asmaa kullaha summa araddahum alal malaikati faqala ambiuni bi asmai haulai inkuntum sadiqina

[Commentary continues below.]

³²They said, “Glory to You, we have knowledge no except what You have taught us. In truth it is You who are perfect in knowledge and wisdom.”

³³He said, “O Adam, tell them their natures.” When he had told them Allah said, “Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of heaven and earth, and I know what you reveal and what you conceal?”

³⁴And behold We said to the angels, “Bow down to Adam”, and they bowed down, except Iblis, he refused and was haughty, he was of those who reject faith.⁵

³²Qalu subuhanaka la iluma lana illa ma allamutana innaka antal alimul hakimu

³³Qala ya Adamu ambihum bi asmaihim fa lamma ambaahum bi asma ihim qala alam aqul lakum inni alamu gaiba samawati walardi wa alamu ma tubuduna wa ma kuntum takutumuna

³⁴Wa izu quluna lil malaikati sujudu li Adama fasajadu illa iblisa aba wasutakubara wa kana minal kafirina

5. Iblis is the same as Satan, unlike Christian theology which reveals that Satan (Iblis, Lucifer, the Devil etc.) was once an Archangel, the Qur’an does not support this view, rather the Qur’an teaches that Satan is one of the Jinn. Qur’an 18:50 says:

Behold! We said to the angels “Bow down to Adam”: they bowed down except Iblis He was one of the Jinns...

In retrospect, a jinn is a fallen angel, Marmaduke Pickthall refers to them as elemental spirits. As a boy growing under Islamic discipleship, we were warned strictly that working (farming) on Fridays, (Muslim’s day of worship) was forbidden. That jinns were dispatched to the farms of Muslims and that any Muslim found working will be scared off by these jinns who may appear in any form they choose, as unicorns with riders armed to the teeth or as any other mystical being.

Although the Qur’an says that Satan was haughty and that that caused his fall, the Qur’an is right about his haughtiness. However, it is wrong

about the object of his haughtiness. The Qur’an says that man was the object, the Bible on the other hand says that God Himself was Satan’s Object of pride.

Satan wanted to be like God according to Isaiah 14:12-15; How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

This is obviously in contradiction to what the Qur’an is claiming. 

³⁵And We said, “O Adam, dwell with your wife in the garden and eat of the bountiful things therein as you will, but approach not this tree or you run into harm and transgression.”

³⁶Then Satan made them slip from the garden and got them out of the state in which they had been. We said, “Get down, all of you, with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling place and your means of livelihood for a time.”⁶

³⁷Then Adam learnt from his Lord words of inspiration, and his Lord turned toward him, for He is always returning, merciful.

³⁵Wa quluna ya Adamu sukunu anta wa zaujukal jannata wa kula minuha ragadan haisu shituma wa la taqraba hazihi shajarata fa takuna mina tualimina

³⁶Fa azallahuma shaituanu anha fa akhrajahuma mimma kana fihi wa qulnah bitu baddukum li badin aduwwu wa lakum filardi mustaqarru wa mataun ila hinin

³⁷Fa talaqa Adamu mi rabbihi kalimatin fa taba alaihi innahu huwa tawabu rahimu

6. Verses 35 and 36 give the impression that the garden was in heaven where Adam and eve were placed by God. On the contrary, man was not created in heaven, nor were they placed in heaven at any time. According to Genesis 2: 7-17:

then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground the LORD God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers. The name of the first is the Pishon. It is the one that flowed around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. And the gold of that land is good; bdellium and onyx stone are there.

The name of the second river is the Gihon. It is the one that flowed around the whole land of Cush. And the name of the third river is the Tigris, which flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates. The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."

Man was made with the dust of the ground, and placed in a garden with trees of this earth, besides rivers that flow in this world. Therefore to even imply that man was made and lived in heaven before his fall creates such an unforgivable lack of knowledge of divine things made simple.

³⁸We said, “Get down, all of you, from here, and if as is sure there comes to you guidance from Me, whosoever follows My guidance, on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve”.

³⁹”And those who reject faith and Our signs, they shall be companions of the fire, they shall abide therein”.

⁴⁰O children of Israel, call to mind the favor which I bestowed upon you and fulfill your covenant with Me as I fulfill My covenant with you, and fear none but Me.

⁴¹And believe in what I reveal confirming the revelation which is with you and be not the first to reject faith therein nor sell My signs for a small price, and fear Me and Me alone.⁷

³⁸Quluna hubittu minuha jamian fa imma yatiyannakum minni hudan fa man tabia hudaya fa la khaufun alaihim wa la hum yahuzanuna

³⁹Wallazina kafaru wa kazzabu bi ayatina ulaika ashabun nari hum fiha khaliduna

⁴⁰Ya bani Israila kuru nimatiya lati anamutu alaikum wa aufu bi ahudi ufi bi ahudikum wa iyya ya faruhabuni

⁴¹Wa aminu bima anuzalutu musaddiqan lima maakum wa la takunuu awala kafirin bihi wala tashutaru bi ayati samanan qalilan wa iyyaaya fataquni

7. This apologetical notes runs through the entire Qur’an, it is more like saying, “Please believe me for I am telling you the truth”. We shall consider this point at length in chapter 10:94-95. Meanwhile suffice it to say that it is a desperate plea to accept a lie because the Qur’anic revelation does not in anyway shape or form confirm the Biblical revelation. The Qur’an reject the theology of the fall of man, the death of Christ by crucifixion, the deity of Christ and a host of other pertinent Christological theology. Contrary to popular Muslim belief that the Bible is corrupted. Verse 42is the closest the Qur’an comes to indicting the Bible, the indictment is not even directed at the Bible but the people who conceal the truth. To conceal something is to hide it, consequently you cannot hide what you do not posses. The Christians have the truth, should Muslims be interested in finding out. In the spirit of meekness not following ones own idiosyncrasies as is practiced in Islam.

⁴²And cover not truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth when you know what it is.

⁴³And be steadfast in prayer, practice regular charity, and bow down your heads with those who bow down.⁸

⁴⁴Do you enjoin right conduct on the people and forget it yourselves, and yet you study the scripture? Will you not understand?

⁴⁵And seek help with patient, perseverance, and prayer, it is indeed hard, except to those who bring a lowly spirit.

⁴⁶Who bear in mind the certainty that they are to meet their Lord and that they are to return to Him.

⁴²Wa la talbisul haqqa bil batili wa taktumul haqqa wa antum talamuna

⁴³Wa aqimu sualata wa atu zakata warukau ma a rakiina

⁴⁴Atamuruna nasa bil birri wa tansauna anfusakum wa antum tatulunal kitaba afala taqiluna

⁴⁵Wasutainu bi suaburi wa sualati wa innaha lakabiratun illa alal khashiina

⁴⁶Allazina yattununa annahum mulaqu rabbihim wa annahum ilaihi rajiuna

8. This is a call to Muhammadanism, popularly known as Islam. There are varying postures and positions in prayer, to advocate one posture or position to the neglect of other could have catastrophic to ones faith. My personal opinion from my dark past is that, rigidity in association to any worship or spiritual exercise is often adherence to occultism. God is flexible in worship, you can stand, kneel, raise your hands and still your prayers will be acceptable to God. In the occult world, strict adherence to the rule is not recommended but required. Failure to follow the instructions to the letter could even mean death in some cases. That is how Islam is, unless one follows the laid down order of things, ones prayer or worship will become abominable.

⁴⁷O children of Israel, call to mind the favor which I bestowed upon you and that I preferred you to all others.

⁴⁸And then guard yourselves against a day when one soul shall not avail another, nor shall intercession be accepted for her, nor shall compensation be taken from her, nor shall anyone be helped.

⁴⁹And remember, We delivered you from the people of Pharaoh, they set you hard tasks and punishments, slaughtered your sons and let your womenfolk live, therein was a tremendous trial from your Lord.

⁵⁰And remember We divided the sea for you and saved you, and drowned Pharaoh’s people within your sight.

⁴⁷Ya bani Israila azkuru nimatiya lati anamtu alaikum wa anni faddaltukum alla alamina

⁴⁸Wattaqu yauma la tajzi nafsun an nafsun shaiaw wa la yuqbalu minha shafaatuw wa la yukhazu minha adluw wa lahum yunsuaruna

⁴⁹Wa izu najjainakum min ali Firauna yasumunakum sua lazabi yuzabbihana abna akum wa yastahyuna nisa akum wa fi zalikum bala mi rabbikum attimun

⁵⁰Wa izu faraquna bikumul bahura fa anjainakum wa agraqna ala Firauna wa antum tanutturuna

[Commentary continues below.]

⁵¹And remember, We appointed forty nights for Moses, and in his absence you took the calf and did grievous wrong.

⁵²Even then We forgave you. There was a chance for you to be grateful.

⁵³And remember, We gave Moses the scripture and the criterion, there was a chance for you to be guided aright.

⁵⁴And remember, Moses said to his people, “O my people, you have indeed wronged yourselves by your worship of the calf, so turn to your maker and slay yourselves, that will be better for you in the sight of your maker.” Then He turned toward you, for He is always returning, merciful.

⁵¹Wa izu waaduna Musa arubaina lailatan summa takhaztumul ijula min badihi wa antum tualimuna

⁵²Summa afauna ankum min badi zalika laallakum tashukuruna

⁵³Wa iz ataina Musa alkitaba wal furqana laallakum tahutaduna

⁵⁴Wa iz qala Musa liqaumihi ya qaumi innakum tualamtum anfusakum bi tikhazikumul iju la fatubu ila bariikum faqtulu anfusakum zalikum khairul lakum inda baariikum fa taba alaikum innahu huwa tawwabu rahimu

[Commentary continues below.]

⁵⁵And remember, you said, “O Moses, we shall never believe in you until we see Allah manifestly” but you were dazed with thunder and lightning even as you looked on.⁹

⁵⁶Then We raised you up after your death, you had the chance to be grateful.

⁵⁷And We gave you the shade of clouds and sent down to you manna and quails saying, “Eat of the good things We have provided for you,” they did no harm to Us but they harmed their own souls.

⁵⁵Wa izu qulutum ya Musa lanu numina laka hata narallaha jahuratan fa akhazatukum sua iqatu wa antum tanutturuna

⁵⁶Summa baasunakum min badi mautikum laallakum tashukuruna

⁵⁷Wa tuallaluna alaikum ulugamama wa anuzaluna alaikumul manna wa saluwa kulu min tuayyibati ma razaqunakum wa ma tualamuna wa lakin kanu anufusahum yattulimuna

9. There are an awful lot of things to remember. One cannot remember that which one has no knowledge of, this underscores the fact the Arabs in one way or another knew of the Hebrew Scriptures but chose to distort them. The events the Qur’an is calling the Muslims to are the Biblical accounts found between Exodus and Deuteronomy. Exodus 32:27-28Moses returns from the mountain to find the Israelites worshiping the golden calf, moved righteous indignation and a godly zeal, three thousand men besides women and children were killed that day to stay God’s anger from destroying the whole congregation. In Exodus 14:14, God delivers them from the hand of the Egyptians, 16:14 Exodus 33:20, God provides supernaturally for the Jews in the wilderness. Numbers 25, the Israelites fall in love with the pagans to the provocation of the Lord and thousands were killed in one day.

⁵⁸And remember We said, “Enter this town and eat of the plenty therein as you wish, but enter the gate with humility in posture and in words, and We shall forgive you your faults and increase those who do good.”

⁵⁹But the transgressors changed the word from that which had been given them, so We sent on the transgressors a plague from heaven, for that they infringed repeatedly.

⁶⁰And remember, Moses prayed for water for his people, We said, “Strike the rock with your staff.” Then gushed forth therefrom twelve springs. Each group knew its own place for water. So eat and drink of the sustenance provided by Allah and do no evil nor mischief on the earth.¹⁰

⁵⁸Wa izu qulunadu khulu hazihil qaruyata fa qulu minha haisu shitum ragadan wadukhulul baba sujadan wa qulu hituatun nagufiru lakum khatayakum wa sanazidul muhusinina

⁵⁹Fa badala lazina tualamu qaulan gaira lazi qila lahum fa anuzaluna alalazina tualamu rijuzan mina samai bima kanu yafusuquna

⁶⁰Wa izi sutasuqa Musa li qaumihi fa qulunadrib bi asakal hajara fan fajarat minhu sunata ashurata ainan qadalima kullu unasin mashurabahum kulu washurabu mi rizuqillahi wa la tasau filarddi mufusidina

10. This passage is a fabrication, the story is taken from Exodus 17:3-6;

And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst? And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go. Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.

Clearly, there is no mention of drinking areas for the tribes, they obviously drank in turns but most likely not according to tribes, that only happens when they move and when they camp. There were no twelve springs as the passage claims. The following verse is equally a fabrication, the story is found in Exodus 17:2-3:

And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness: And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger. The reported conversation in verse 61, between Moses and the people never happened.

⁶¹Wa izu qulutum ya Musa lan nassubira alla taamim wahidin fadu lana rabbaka yukhuriju lana mimma tumbitul arudu min baquliha wa qishaiha wa fumiha wa adasiha wa basualiha qala atasutabudiluna lazi huwa aduna billazi huwa khairun ihubittu misuran fa inna lakum ma saalutum wa dduribatu alaihimu zillatu wal maskanatu wa bau bi gaduabin minallahi zalika bi annahum kanu yakufuruna bi ayatillahi wa yaqutulunan nabiyyina bi gairi haqqi zalika bima asuau wa kanu yataduna

[Commentary continues below.]

⁶²Those who believe and those who follow the Jewish scriptures, and the Christians, and the Sabians, and who believe in Allah and the last day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve.

⁶³And remember We took your covenant and We raised above you the of Mount, Hold firmly to what We have given you and bring to remembrance what is therein, perchance you may fear Allah.”¹¹

⁶⁴But you turned back thereafter, had it not been for the grace and mercy of Allah to you, you would surely have been among the lost.

⁶²Innal lazina amanu wallazina Hadu wa Nasara wa Sabiina man amana billahi wal yaumi lakhiri wa amila sualihan fa lahum ajuruhum inda rabbihim wa la khaufun alaihim wa laa hum yahuzanuna

⁶³Wa izu akhazuna misaqakum wa rafana fauqakum tura khuzu ma atainakum bi quwwatin wazukuru ma fihi laallakum tataquna

⁶⁴Summa tawallaitum min badi zalika fa laula faddulu lahi alaikum wa rahumatuhu lakuntum mina lkhasirina

11. Muhammad is a master craftsman in the use of religious language, he imitates the verbage and uses key terms in speaking as one of the Old Testament prophets.

[Commentary continues below.]

⁶⁵And you knew well those among you who transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath, We said to them, “Be apes, despised and rejected.”

⁶⁶So We made it an example to their own time and to their posterity and a lesson to those who fear Allah.

⁶⁷And remember Moses said to his people, “Allah commands that you sacrifice a heifer.” They said, “Do you make a laughing-stock of us?” He said, “Allah save me from being an ignorant fool.”¹²

⁶⁸They said, “Beseech your Lord on our behalf to make plain to us what it is. He said, “He says, the heifer should be neither too old nor too young but of middling age. Now do what you are commanded.

⁶⁵Wa laqadu alimutumu lazina tadau minukum fi sabuti fa quluna lahum kunu qiradatan khasiina

⁶⁶Fa jaalnaha nakalal lima baina yadaiha wa ma khalfaha wa mauizatal lil muttaqina

⁶⁷Wa izu qala Musa li qaumihi innallaha yamurukum an tazubahu baqaratan qalu atatakhizuna huzuwan qala auzu billahi an akuna minal jahilina

⁶⁸Qaludu lana rabbaka yubayyil lana ma hiya qala innahu yaqulu innaha baqaratul la fariddun wala bikurun awanu baina zalika fafalu ma tumaruna

12. The story of the heifer from verse 67-72, has no match in the Bible, the only closest thing is the story of the Passover. All this may suggest or confirm the fact that Muhammad was not lettered or that he was woefully deceived. Yusuf Ali stretches his imagination to draw a parallel between this and Deuteronomy 21:1-9 in reference to when a dead man is found in the field and nobody knows the cause of death, in order to avert the curse of God, the elders were to take a heifer and sacrifice it while confessing they are not responsible for the man’s death.

This deduction is made in conjunction with verse 72, and not the rest of the passage. Also, we read in Exodus about how Moses killed an Egyptian and thought that his deed was concealed until he was rebuked by a fellow Jew who was in the wrong and accused Moses of murder (Exodus 2:11-15). It was after this incident that Moses became a fugitive before he was called by God to lead the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt to the promise land.

Verse 73 is another fabrication even of the passages quoted by Yusuf Ali, there is no mention of the dead being raised after the slaying of the heifer, Muhammad made it up or was woefully deceived. He is guilty of misrepresentation.

⁶⁹They said, “Beseech your Lord on our behalf to make plain to us her color.” He said, “He says a fawn colored heifer, pure and rich in tone, the admiration of beholders!”

⁷⁰They said “Beseech your Lord on our behalf to make plain to us what she is, all heifers the same to us, we wish indeed for guidance if Allah wills.”

⁷¹He said, “He says a heifer not trained to till the soil, or water the fields, sound and without blemish.” They said, “Now have you brought the truth.” Then they offered her in sacrifice but not with good will.

⁷²And remember you slew a man and fell into a dispute among yourselves as to the crime, but Allah was to bring forth what you hid.

⁶⁹Qaludu lana rabbaka yubayyin lana ma launuha qala innahu yaqulu innaha baqaratun suafru u faqiul launuha tasurrun nazirina

⁷⁰Qaludu lana rabbaka yubayyin lana ma hiya innal baqara tashabaha alaina wa inna inshaallahu lamuhu

⁷¹Qala innahu yaqulu innaha baqaratul la zalalun tusirul ardua wa la tasqil harsa musallamatul la shiyata fiha qalul ana jita bil haqqi fazabahuha wa ma kadu yafalunataduna

⁷²Wa izu qataltum nafsan faddaratum fiha wallahu mukhurijun ma kuntum takutumuna

[Commentary continues below.]

⁷³So We said, “Strike the body with a piece of the heifer.” Therefore Allah brings the dead to life and shows you His signs perchance you may understand.

⁷⁴From then on your hearts were hardened, they became like a rock and even worse in hardness. For among rocks there are some from which rivers gush forth, others there are which when split asunder send forth water, and others which sink for fear of Allah. And Allah is not unmindful of what you do.

⁷⁵And behold, when they meet the men of faith they say, “We believe” but when they meet each other in private they say, “Shall you tell them what Allah has revealed to you, that they may engage you in argument about it before your Lord?” Do you not understand?

⁷³Fa qulu nadduribuhu bi baddiha kazalika yuhuyillsahul mauta wa yurikum ayatihi laallakum tauqiluna

⁷⁴Summa qasat qulubukum min badi zalika fa hiya kalhijarati au ashaddu qaswahtan wa inna mina lhijarati lama yatafajjaru minhul anhuru wa inna minha lama yashshaqqaqu fa yakhruju minhu lamau wa inna minha lama yahbitu min khashuyatillahi wa mallahu bi gafilin amma tamaluna

⁷⁵Afatatmauna ayuminu lakum wa qadu kana fariqum minhum yasmauna kalamallahi summa yuharifunahu mim badi ma aqaluhu wa hum yalamuna

[Commentary continues below.]

⁷⁶Can you entertain the hope that they will believe in you? Seeing that a party of them heard the word of Allah and perverted it knowingly after they understood it.

⁷⁷Do they not know that Allah knows what they conceal and what they reveal?

⁷⁸And there are among them illiterates who know not the book but desires and they do nothing but conjecture.

⁷⁶Wa iza laqu lazina amanu qalu amanna wa iza khala baduhum ila baddin qalu atuhaddisunahum bima fatahallahu alaikum li yuhajukum bihi inda rabbikum afala taqiluna

⁷⁷Awala yalamuna annallaha yalamu ma yusirruna wa ma yulinuna

⁷⁸Wa minhum ummiyyuna la yalamunal kitaba illa amaniyya wa inhum illa yattunnuna

[Commentary continues below.]

⁷⁹Then woe to those who write the book with their own hands and then say, “This is from Allah” to traffic with it for a miserable price. Woe to them for what their hands do write and for the gain they make thereby.

⁸⁰And they say, “The fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered days.” Say, “Have you taken a promise from Allah, for He never breaks His promise? Or is it that you say of Allah what you do not know?”

⁸¹No, those who seek gain in evil and are girt round by their sins, they are companions of the fire, therein shall they abide.

⁸²And those who have faith and work righteousness, they are companions of the garden, therein shall they abide.

⁷⁹Fa wailul lillazina yaktubunal kitaba bi aidihim summa yaquluna haza min indillahi liyashtaru bihi samanan qalilan fa wailu lahum mimma katabat aidihim wa wailu lahum mimma yakusibuna

⁸⁰Wa qalu lan tamassanan naru illa ayyaman madudahtan qul attakhaztum indallahi ahdan fa lany yukhlifallahu ahdahu am taquluna alallahi ma la talamuna

⁸¹Bala man kasaba sayyiatan wa ahattat bihi khatiatuhu fa ulaika ashabun nari hum fiha khaliduna

⁸²Wallazina amanu wa amilu salihati ulaika ashabul jannahti hum fiha khaliduna

[Commentary continues below.]

⁸³And remember, We took a covenant from the children of Israel, worship none but Allah, treat with kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those in need, speak fair to the people, be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity. Then you turned back except a few among you, and you backslide.

⁸⁴And remember We took your covenant, shed no blood among you, nor turn out your own people from your homes, and this you solemnly ratified and to this you can bear witness.

⁸³Wa izu akhazna misaqa bani Israila ala tabuduna illallaha wa bil walidaini ihsanaw wa zil quruba wal yatama wal masakini wa qulu linnasi husnan wa aqimu sualata wa atu zakata summa tawallaitum illa qalilam minkum wa antum muriduna

⁸⁴Wa izu akhazna misaqakum la tasufikuna dima akum wa la tukhrijuna anfusakum min diyarikum summa aqrartum wa antum tashuhaduna

[Commentary continues below.]

⁸⁵After this it is you the same people who slay among yourselves and banish a party of you from their homes, assist their enemies against them in guilt and rancor, and if they come to you as captives you ransom them, though it was not lawful for you to banish them. Then is it only a part of the book that you believe in and reject the rest? But what is the reward for those among you who behave like this but disgrace in this life? And on the day of judgment they shall be consigned to the most grievous penalty. For Allah is not unmindful of what you do.¹³

⁸⁵Summa antum haulai taqutuluna anfusakum wa tukhrijuna fariqam minkum min diyarihim tazaharuna alaihim bil ismi waludwani wa inyatukum usara tufaduhum wa huwa muharramun alaikum ikhrajuhum afatuminuna bi baddil kitabi wa takfuruna bi baddin fama jazau man yafalu zalika minkum illa khizyun fil hayati dunya wa yaumal qiyamati yuraduna ila ashadi lazabi wa mallahu bi gafilin amma tamaluna

13. This passage is akin to Mark 8:35-37; For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Verse 86speaks clearly to those who choose the benefit of this world to the neglect of the things of the world to come. They are those therefore who shall be kicked out of heaven to hell. There are those who are so pressured by their peers that they have no opinions of their own, but goes with the status quo. Each one will stand before the judgment seat of Christ on the judgment day and receive their according to all that they did while here on earth. What reward do you wish to receive from your Lord? Choose carefully.

⁸⁶These are the people who buy the life of this world at the price of the hereafter, their penalty shall not be lightened nor shall they be helped.

⁸⁷And We gave Moses the book and followed him up with a succession of apostles, We gave Jesus the son of Mary, clear signs and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. Is it that whenever there comes to you an apostle with what you yourselves desire not, you are puffed up with pride? Some you called impostors and others you slay!¹⁴

⁸⁸And they say, “Our hearts are the wrappings.” No, Allah’s curse is on them for their blasphemy, little is it they believe.

⁸⁶Ulaika lazina astarawu lhayata dunya bil akhirahti fala yukhaffafu anhumul azabu wa la hum yunsaruna

⁸⁷Wa laqadu ataina Musa alkitaba wa qaffaina min badihi bi rusuli wa ataina Isabna Maryama l bayyinati fa ayyadnahu bi ruhil qudusi afakullama jaakum rasulun bima la tahwa anfusukumu astakbartum fa fariqan kazzabutum wa fariqan taqutuluna

⁸⁸Wa qalu qulubuna gulfun bal laanahumullahu bi kufrihim fa qalilam ma yuminuna

14. The problem with this passage is that, the holy spirit (Ruh-ul-Qudus) mentioned here is synonymous with the Angel Gabriel. The question is did God strengthen Jesus with the Angel Gabriel, how was that done. The answer is no, God did strengthen Jesus with the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. He was conceived by the Holy Ghost Matthew 1:18: Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. He was empowered by the Holy Spirit. Matthew ³:16-17, And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Because He was to baptize with the Holy spirit and with fire. Mark 1:8: I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. It was not the angel Gabriel as is alleged by Muslims.

⁸⁹And when there comes to them a book from Allah confirming what is with them, although from of old they had prayed for victory against those without faith, when there comes to them that which they have recognized, they refused to believe in it, but the curse of Allah is on those without faith.

⁹⁰Miserable is the price for which they have sold their souls in that they deny which Allah has sent down, in insolent envy that Allah of His grace should send it to any of His servants He pleases, therefore they have drawn on themselves wrath upon wrath. And humiliating is the punishment of those who reject faith.

⁸⁹Wa lamma jaahum kitabum min indillahi musuaddiqun lima maahum wa kanu min qabulu yasutafutihuna alal lazina kafaru fa lamma jaahum ma arafu kafaru bihi faalanatullahi alal kafirina

⁹⁰Bisama ashtarau bihi anfusahum anyakfuru bima anzalallahu bagyan anyyunazzilallahu min fadlihi ala ma yasha u min ibadihi fa bau bi gaddabin ala gaddabin wa lil kafirina azabun muhinun

[Commentary continues below.]

⁹¹And when it is said to them, “Believe in what Allah has sent down” they say “We believe in what was sent down to us,” yet they reject all besides, even if it be truth confirming what is with them. Say, “Why then have you slain the prophets of Allah in times gone by, if you indeed believed?”¹⁵

⁹²And there came to you Moses with clear signs, yet you worshiped the calf after that and you did behave wrongfully.

⁹¹Wa iza qila lahum aminu bima anzalallahu qalu numinu bima unzila alaina wa yakfuruna bima waraahu wa huwal haqqu musuadiqan lima maahum qul falima taqtuluna anbiya allahi min qablu inkuntum muminina

⁹²Wa laqad jaakum Musa bil bayyinati summa takhaztumul ijla mim badihi wa antum zalimuna

15. Muhammad falsely thought that the Qur’an actually contained exactly the things which are found in the Bible, so he blindly taught his followers and urged the Jews and the Christians to accept his book, which as you have seen thus far, does not in anyway confirm the contents of the Bible. Indeed they accepted what was sent down to them. But rejected what Muhammad had brought because they have been warned strictly that if a prophet speak and the thing come not to pass, that prophet has spoken presumptiously and is not to be believed. That is how Muhammad’s revelation was to them, an empty vessel making the most noise.

⁹³And remember We took your covenant and We raised above you the mount. Hold firmly to what We have given you and hearken. They said, “We hear and we disobey,” and they had to drink into their hearts of the calf because of their faithlessness. Say, “Vile indeed are the behests of your faith if you have any faith.”

⁹⁴Say, “If the last home with Allah is for you specially and not for anyone else, then seek you for death if you are sincere.”

⁹⁵And they will never seek for death on account of the sins which their hands have sent on before them. And Allah is well acquainted with the wrongdoers.

⁹⁶And you will indeed find them of all people most greedy of life, even more than the idolaters, each one of them wishes he could be given a life of a thousand years, but the grant of such life will not save him from punishment, for Allah sees well all that they do.

⁹³Wa iz akhazna misaqakum wa rafana fauqakumu tura khuzu ma atainakum bi quwwatin wasmau qalu samina wa asuaina wa usyribu fi qulubihimul ijla bi kufrihim qul bisama yamurukum bihi imanukum inkuntum muminina

⁹⁴Qul in kanat lakumu darul akhiratu indallahi khalisatam min dunin nasi fa tamannawu lmauta in kuntum sadiqina

⁹⁵Wa lanyatamannauhu abadam bima qaddamat aidihim wallahu alimum bi tualimina

⁹⁶Wa latajidannahum ahurasua nasi alla hayatin wa minal lazina ashraku yawadu ahaduhum lau yuammaru alfa sanahtin wa ma huwa bi muzahzihihi mina lazabi anyuammaru wallahu basirun bima yamaluna

[Commentary continues below.]

⁹⁷Say, “Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel for he brings down the revelation to your heart by Allah’s will, a confirmation of what went before and guidance and glad tidings for those who believe.”

⁹⁸Whoever is an enemy to Allah, and His angels, and apostles, to Gabriel and Michael Lo, Allah is an enemy to those who reject faith.

⁹⁹And We have sent down to you manifest signs, and none reject them but those who are perverse.

¹⁰⁰Is it not that every time they make a covenant some party among them throw it aside? No, most of them are faithless.

⁹⁷Qul man kana aduwwal li jibrila fa innahu nazzalahu ala qalbika bi iznillahi musaddiqal lima baina yadaihi wa hudan wa bushra lil muminina

⁹⁸Man kana aduwwal lillahi wa malaikatihi wa rusulihi wa jibrila wa mikala fa innallaha aduwwul lil kafirina

⁹⁹Wa laqad anzalna ilaika ayatin bayyinatin wa ma yakufuru biha illal fasiquna

¹⁰⁰Awakullama ahadu ahdan nabazahu fariqum minhum bal aksaruhum la yuminuna

[Commentary continues below.]

¹⁰¹And when an apostle came to them from Allah confirming what was with them, a party of the people of the book threw away the book of Allah behind their backs, as if they did not know!¹⁶

¹⁰¹Wa lamma jaahum rasulum min indillahi musuaddiqul lima maahum nabaza fariqum minal lazina utul kitaba kitaballahi waraa dduhurihim kaannahum la yalamuna

16. This passage here is like the one in chapter 4:82:

Do they not consider the Qur’an (with care)? Had it been from other than Allah they would surely have found therein much discrepancy.

The same plea is entered here. An appeal to the Jews to accept what they know to be false. Yusuf Ali’s commentary is that if they really, look into their Book which they received from God then they would realize that the Qur’an is correct. How much comparison should one make when knows beyond doubt that what the other is preaching is false. No amount of name calling can change the fact.

If anything the Muslims should really take note and subject the Qur’an to the same harsh scrutiny as they have subjected the Bible. It is a fact of life that Germans are from Germany, if somebody were to go to Germany and claim to be a German but cannot proof or show any support for his claim, he would be thrown out of Germany so fast he would not even know what hit him.

In this case, the burden of proof was on him but he could not produce any proof. Muhammad keeps insisting that his revelation confirms that which the Jews had received from their God and that he represents the same God, when in the economy of the Jewish deduction such claim cannot be accepted. So Muhammad turns around and accuses them of rejecting the “truth”. Or is it the fabrication.

¹⁰²And they followed what the evil ones gave out against the power of Solomon, the blasphemers were not Solomon, but the evil ones teaching men magic and such things as came down at Babylon to the angels Harut and Marut. But neither of these taught anyone without saying, “We are only for trial so do not blaspheme.” They learned from them the means to sow discord between man and wife. But they could not thus harm anyone except by Allah’s permission. And they learned what harmed them, not what profited them. And they knew that the buyers of magic would have no share in the happiness of the hereafter. And vile was the price for which they did sell their souls if they but knew.¹⁷

¹⁰³And if they had kept their faith and guarded themselves from evil, the reward from their Lord had been far better, if they knew!

¹⁰⁴O you of faith, “Say not words of ambiguous import but words of respect, and hearken, to those without faith is a grievous punishment.”¹⁸

¹⁰²Wattabau ma tatlu shayatinu ala mulki Sulaimana wa ma kafara Sulaimanu wa lakinna shayatina kafaru yuallimunan nasa sihra wa ma unzila alal malakaini bi babila Haruta wa Maruta wa ma yuallimani min ahadin hatta yaqula innama nahnu fitnatun fa la takfur fa yataallamuna minhuma ma yufarriquna bihi bainal mari wa zaujihi wa ma hum bi ddarrina bihi min ahadin illa bi iznillahi wa yataallamuna ma yadurruhum wa la yanfauhum wa laqad alimuu lamanish tarahu ma lahu fil akhirati min khalaqin wa labisa ma sharau bihi anfusahum lau kanu yalamuna

¹⁰³Wa lau annahum amanu wattaqau lamasubatum min indillahi khairun lau kanu yalamuna

¹⁰⁴Ya ayyuha lazina amanu la taqulu raina wa qulun zurna wasmau wa lil kafirina azabun alimun

17. The true identity of the angels? Harut and Marut are in question, Yusuf Ali says that ‘the view which commends itself to me is that of the Tafsir Haqqani following Baidhawi and the Tafsir Kabir. The word “angels” as applied to Harut and Marut is figurative. It means “good men, of knowledge, science (or wisdom) and power.” In modern language the word “angel” is applied to a good and beautiful woman’. George Sale promotes a different opinion preached by Jallalo’ddin that they were two magicians who taught men magic and tempted them, still others teach that they were angels who lost their estate and are banished to Babel awaiting the final judgment. According to George Sale, Muhammad took his story from the Persian Maggi which talks about two rebellious angels of the same name now hung up by their feet in the territory of Babel.

18. It is believed that a word ‘Ra’ina’ which in Arabic means be careful, in Hebrew the same word was an insult, and so here the Muslims are told (Ya ayyuhal lazina amanu la taqulu raina wa qulun zurna was mau wa lil kafirina azabun alimun). O you of faith! say not words of ambiguous import but words of respect; and hearken, to those without faith is a grievous punishment. Ignorance can have fatal consequences sometimes, particularly if one does not know the full import of their words, both its historical and current application. In this case they may have capitalized on Muhammad’s ignorance of their language and some of them paid dearly with their lives.

¹⁰⁵It is never the wish of those without faith among the people of the book nor of the pagans that anything good should come down to you from your Lord But Allah will choose for His special mercy whom He will, for Allah is Lord of grace abounding.

¹⁰⁶None of Our revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten but We substitute something better or similar, do you not know that Allah has power over all things?¹⁹

¹⁰⁷Do you not know that to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth? And besides Him you have neither patron nor helper?

¹⁰⁵Ma yawaddul lazina kafaru min ahlil kitabi wa lal mushrikina anyunazzala alaikum min khairim mirabbikum wallahu yakhtassu bi rahmatihi ma yashau wallahu zul faddlil azimi

¹⁰⁶Ma nansakh min ayatin au nunsiha nati bi khairim minha au misliha alam talam annallaha ala kulli shaiin qadirun

¹⁰⁷Alam talam annallaha lahu mulku samawati walardi wa ma lakum min dunillahi min waliyyin wa la nasirin

19. This is best described as progressive revelation. A revelation may come today about where to face when one stands to pray as in 2:177: The Qur’an that there shall be no compulsion in religion 2:256, although the Qur’an commands the Muslims to strike terror into the hearts of the enemies of God and your enemies 8:60. They have also been charged to slay the pagans 9:5and to pursue the Jews and the Christians till they all submit to the Authority of Islam 9:29. This has either been changed or amended three time. Is this forgetfulness, simple changes or progressive revelation. Meanwhile the Qur’an says in chapter 10:64; no change can there be in the Words of Allah. Is this statement also abrogated?

¹⁰⁸Would you question your apostle as Moses was questioned of old? But whoever changes from faith to unbelief has strayed without doubt from the even way.²⁰

¹⁰⁹And quite a number of the people of the book wish they could turn you back to infidelity after you have believed from selfish envy, after the truth has become manifest unto them, but forgive and overlook till Allah accomplish His purpose, for Allah has power over all things.

¹¹⁰And be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity, and whatever good you send forth for your souls before you, you shall find it with Allah, for Allah sees well all that you do.

¹⁰⁸Am turiduna an tasalu rasulakum kama suila Musa min qablu wa ma yatabaddalil kufra bil imani fa qad dalla sawa assabili

¹⁰⁹Wadda kasirum min ahlil kitabi lau yaruddunakum min badi imanikum kuffaran hasadan min indi anfusihim min badima tabayyana lahumu lhaqqu fafu wasfahu hatta yatiyallahu bi amrihi innallaha alla kulli shaiin qadirun

¹¹⁰Wa aqimu sualata wa atuzakahta wa ma tuqadimu li anfusikum min khairin tajiduhu indallahi innallaha bima tamaluna basirun

20. The question borders on insecurity and uncertainty, with the crafty use of religious language and intimidation, the Muslim is urged to stay within the bonds of the faith (Islam). Any conversion in this case is tantamount to apostasy which qualifies the individual as an enemy of Allah status as the next verse implies.

[Commentary continues below.]

¹¹¹And they say, “None shall enter paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian.” Those are their desires. Say, “Produce your proof if you are truthful.”

¹¹²No, whoever submits his whole self to Allah and is a doer of good, he will get his reward with his Lord, on such shall be no fear nor shall they grieve.²¹

¹¹³And the Jews say, “The Christians have nothing to stand on,” and the Christians say, “The Jews have nothing to stand on.” Yet they study the book. Like unto their word is what those say who know not, but Allah will judge between them in their quarrel on the day of judgment.²²

¹¹¹Wa qalu lany yadkhulal jannata illa man kana hudan au Nasara tilka amaniyyuhum qul hatu burhanakum inkuntum sadiqina

¹¹²Bala man aslama wajhahu lillahi wa huwa muhsinun falahu ajruhu inda rabbihi wa la khaufun alaihim wa la hum yahzanuna

¹¹³Wa qalati lYahudu laisatin Nasara ala shaiin wa qalatin Nasara laisati lYahudu ala shaiin wa hum yatluna lkitaba kazalika qalallazina la yalamuna misla qaulihim fallahu yahkumu bainahum yaumal qiyamati fima kanu fihi yakhtalifuna

21. Verses 111-112 takes a swipe at the Judeo-Christian claim that none will go to heaven but them, the Qur’an therefore calls on them to produce a proof of such claim. Rather it says that whoever does the will of Allah will be saved. To start with, here is a proof from the Qur’an that the followers of Jesus are superior people and as such will be exalted by God, 3:55;

Behold! Allah said: “O Jesus! I will take thee and raise thee to Myself and clear thee (of the falsehoods) of those who blaspheme; I will make those who follow thee superior to those who reject Faith to the Day of Resurrection; then shall ye all return unto Me and I will judge between you of the matters wherein ye dispute.

This should take care of claim that the Muslim will make it to heaven. It is a theoretical and practical fact that Muslims follow Muhammad’s teaching with extravagant devotion. The Bible says in John 14:6quoting the words of Jesus and confirming what the Qur’an has just said; ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me’.

22. This is a personal attack on the Jews and the Christians. It is a fact that Islam is equally divided with each claiming to have the more accurate truth than the other. The Sunnis claim to be following the traditions of Muhammad, the Shiites claim that the Qur’an has been changed and substitutions made within it to take heritage of Ali and given to Abu Bakr, the Ahmadis claim that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmed is the promised messiah and therefore must be followed, the Nation of Islam claims that no, but Master Wallace Farad Muhammad is God. These are but a few of the more than one thousand division in Islam each with a unique claim to some truth not adhered to by the others. The attempt here is to discredit the Judeo-Christian movements.

¹¹⁴And who is more unjust than he who forbids that in places for the worship of Allah, Allah’s name should be celebrated? Whose zeal is to ruin them? It was not fitting that such should themselves enter them except in fear. For them there is nothing but disgrace in this world and in the world to come, an exceeding torment.²³

¹¹⁵And to Allah belong the East and the West, whithersoever you turn, there is the presence of Allah. For Allah is all pervading, all knowing.²⁴

¹¹⁶They say, “Allah has begotten a son,” Glory be to Him. No, to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth, everything renders worship to Him.²⁵

¹¹⁷To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth, when He decrees a matter, He says to it, “Be,” and it is.

¹¹⁴Wa man azlamu mimmam manaa masajidallahi anyuzkara fihasmuhu wa saa fi kharabiha ulaika ma kana lahum anyadkhuluha illal khaifina lahum fi dunya khizyu wa lahum fil akhirati azabun attimun

¹¹⁵Wa lillahil masyriqu wal magribu fa ainama tuwallu fa samma wajhullahi innallaha wasiun alimun

¹¹⁶Wa qalut takhazallahu waladan subhanahu bal laha ma fi samawati walardi kullul lahu qanituna

¹¹⁷Badiu samawati walardi wa iza qada amran fa innama yaqulu lahu kun fa yakunu

23. The Kaabah is a pre-Islamic worship center for the Arab pagans, they called it the house of God (bayt allah), because in it housed the over 365idols. The custodians of the Kaabah were the Qureish, the tribe of Muhammad. His father also an idol worshiper was called Abdullah which means the slave of Allah. Therefore, when the Kaabah is referred to as the house of God, they did not imply the God invented by Muhammad, that is why he was kept out of it.

24. It is very interesting to note that unless one faces the east when one prays as a Muslim, ones prayer will not be acceptable. Contrary to what this passage says.

25. This is a misunderstanding of Scripture. A comparison of chapter 19:19of the Qur’an and Luke 1:34-35exposes the personal vendetta that Muhammad had towards the Christian belief system. He said: “Nay I am only a messenger from thy Lord (to announce) to thee the gift of a holy son.” Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

I do not see a theological problem here, rather I see a psychological one.

How can god have a Son when He has no wife? Both the Qur’an and the Bible agree that the angel came from God to announce the gift of a Son to Mary by supernatural means. It is based on this, then, that Jesus is called the son of God. Not because Mary copulated with God and became pregnant. The thought of that is even blasphemous. God forbid. [Editor's note: "Son of God" is a title, not a description.]

¹¹⁸Those without knowledge say, “Why does Allah not speak unto Us? Or why comes not unto Us a sign?” So did the people before them say, words of similar import. Their hearts are alike. We have indeed made clear the signs unto any people who hold firmly to faith.

¹¹⁹Verily, We have sent you in truth as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner. But of you no question shall be asked of companions of the blazing fire.

¹²⁰And the Jews or the Christians will never be satisfied with you unless you follow their form of religion. Say, “The guidance of Allah, that is the guidance.” Were you to follow their desires after the knowledge which has reached you, then would you find neither protector nor helper against Allah.

¹¹⁸Wa qalallazina la yalamuna lau la yukallimunallahu au tatina ayahtun kazalika qalallazina min qablihim misla qaulihim tashabahat qulubuhum qad bayyannal ayati liqaumi yuqinuna

¹¹⁹Inna arsalnaka bil haqqi bashiran wa naziran wa la tusalu an ashabi ljahimi

¹²⁰Wa lan tarda anka lYahudu wa la Nasara hatta tattabia millatahum qul inna hudallahi huwa lHuda walain ittabata ahwaahum badallazi jaaka minal ilmi ma laka minallahi min waliyyi wa la nasirin

[Commentary continues below.]

¹²¹Those to whom We have sent the book study it as it should be studied, they are the ones that believe therein, those who reject faith therein the loss is their own.²⁶

¹²²O Children of Israel, call to mind the favor which I bestowed upon you and that I preferred you to all others.

¹²³And then guard yourselves against a day when one soul shall not avail another, nor shall compensation be accepted from her, nor shall intercession profit her, nor shall anyone be helped.²⁷

¹²¹Allazina atainahumu lkitaba yatlunahu haqqa tilawatihi ulaika yuminuna bihi wa man yakfur bihi fa ulaika humu lkhasiruna

¹²²Ya bani Israila zukuru nimatiyalati anamtu alaikum wa anni faddaltukum alal alamina

¹²³Wattaqu yaumal la tajzi nafsun an nafsun shaiaw wa ala yuqbalu minha adluw wa la tanfauha shafa atuw wa la hum yunsaruna

26. There is a problem here in the interpretation of verse 121 above, given the discourse from verse 118. It would appear from verse 120 that, that was the beginning of Islamic antagonism, although the feeling had always existed, Muhammad now have a cause to believe that the Jews and the Christians have a mission to change him (Muhammad) from believing even in the Qur’an which has been revealed to him.

It will also appear that verse 121 is talking about the Jews and the Christians who had a book to which Muhammad had incessantly claimed the Qur’an confirmed, rather, the passage is talking about those who have received the Qur’an and recite it the way it should, that is with the dialect of Muhammad, and believe therein they shall be saved, according to the reading. On the other hand, there are those who would interpret the passage to mean that those who read the Bible as it should be read, understand it and believe in Muhammad. The later opinion should be rejected.

27. This in essence is the Muslim doctrine of intercession. No sinner’s intercession will prevail before Allah

for another. 6:164; Says every soul draws the meed of its acts on none but itself: no bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another. Your goal in the end is toward Allah: He will tell you the truth of the things wherein ye disputed. Yet according to Al-Tirmidhi Hadith 5600narrated by Awf ibn Malik, “Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “One came to me from my Lord and gave me a choice between half of my people entering Paradise and intercession, and I chose intercession. It will apply to those who have died and have associated nothing with Allah.” How is this possible? Because Muhammad is a man who was a sinner who was told to ask forgiveness for his sins according to Qur’an 40:55.

¹²⁴And remember that Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain commands which he fulfilled, He said, “I will make you an Imam to the nations.” He pleaded, “And also from my offspring.” He answered, “But my promise is not within the reach of evildoers.”²⁸

¹²⁵And remember We made the house a place of assembly for men and a place of safety, and take the station of Abraham as a place of prayer, and We covenanted with Abraham and Ishmael that they should sanctify My house for those who compass it round, or use it as a retreat, or bow or prostrate themselves.

¹²⁶And remember Abraham said, “My Lord make this a city of peace, and feed its people with fruits such of them as believe in Allah and the last day.” He said, “And such as reject faith for a while will I grant them their pleasure, but will soon drive them to the torment of fire an evil destination indeed.”

¹²⁴Wa izibtala Ibrahima rabbuhu bi kalimatin fa atammahunna qala inni ja iluka linnasi imaman qala wa min zurriyyati qala la yanalu ahdi tualimina

¹²⁵Wa iz jaalnal baita masabatallinnasi wa amnan wattakhizu min maqami Ibrahima musallan wa ahidna ila Ibrahima wa Ismaila an tahhira baitiya lituaifina wal akifina war rukkaisujudi

¹²⁶Wa iz qala Ibrahimu rabbijal haza baladan aminan warzuqu ahlahu mina samarati man amana minhum billahi walyaumilakhiri qala wa man kafara faumattiuhu qalilan summa addtuarruhu ila azabi nari wabisa lmasiru

28. Please refer to verse 124. Did Allah promise to make Abraham an Imams of nations? An Imam is a Muslim leader of the congregational prayer, salat, that the Muslims offer five times a day. It is sometimes used to refer to the head of an Islamic State. Islam did not emerge until after AD 600, by which time Abraham had been dead and buried for centuries.

[Commentary continues below.]

¹²⁷And remember Abraham and Ishmael raised the foundations of the house, “Our Lord, accept from us, for you are the all hearing, the all knowing.”

¹²⁸“Our Lord, make of us Muslims bowing to You, and of our progeny a people bowing to You and show us our places for the celebration of rites, and turn unto us for You are the always returning, most merciful.

¹²⁹“Our Lord, send among them an apostle of their own, who shall rehearse Your signs to them and instruct them in scripture and wisdom and sanctify them, for You are the exalted in might, the wise.”

¹²⁷Wa izu yarufau Ibrahimu lqawaida mina lbaiti wa Ismailu rabbana taqabbal minna innaka anta samiul alimu

¹²⁸Rabbana wajalna muslimaini laka wa min zurriyyatina ummatam muslimatan laka wa arina manasikana wa tubu alaina innaka anta tawwabu rahimu

¹²⁹Rabbana wabas fihim rasulam minhum yatlu alaihim ayatika wa yuallimuhumu lkitaba walhikmata wa yuzakkihim innaka antal azizul hakimu

[Commentary continues below.]

¹³⁰And who turns away from the religion of Abraham but such as debase their souls with folly? Him We chose and rendered pure in this world, and he will be in the hereafter in the ranks of the righteous.

¹³¹Behold, his Lord said to him, “Bow” He said, “I bow to the Lord of the world.”

¹³²And this was the legacy that Abraham left to his sons and so did Jacob, “O my sons! Allah has chosen the faith for you, then die not except in the faith of Islam.”

¹³³Were you witnesses when death appeared before Jacob? Behold he said to his sons, “What will you worship after me?” They said, “We shall worship your Allah and the Allah of your fathers, of Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac, the one Allah to Him we bow.”²⁹

¹³⁰Wa man yargabu am millati Ibrahima illa man safiha nafsahu wa laqadistafainhu fi dunya wa innaha fil akhirati lamina sualihina

¹³¹Iz qala lahu rabbuhu aslim qala aslamtu li rabbil alamina

¹³²Wa wassa biha Ibrahimu banihi wa Yaqubu ya baniyya innallaha suatafa lakumu dina fala tamutunna illa wa antum muslimuna

¹³³Am kuntum shuhadaa iz hatuara Yaqubal mautu iz qala li banihi ma tabuduna min badi qalu nabudu ilahaka wa ilaha abaika Ibrahima wa Ismaila wa Ishaqa ilaha wahidan wa nahnu lahu muslimuna

29. Bear in mind that the word Islam means submission to the will of Allah. It is in this context that the early Prophets were called Muslims not in the contemporary application of Muslims who are the followers of Muhammad and not “Muslims” in the strictest sense of the word. It is worth noticing that the word Allah did not exist at that time in history according to Dr. Morey.

[Commentary continues below.]

¹³⁴That was a people that has passed away. They shall reap the fruit of what they did and you of what you do! of their merits there is no question in your case.

¹³⁵And they say, “Become Jews or Christians if you would be guided.” Say, “No, the religion of Abraham the true and he joined not gods with Allah.”³⁰

¹³⁶Say, “We believe in Allah and the revelation given to us and to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes and that given to Moses and Jesus and that given to Prophets from their Lord, we make no difference between one and another of them and we bow to Allah.”

¹³⁴Tilka ummatun qad khalat laha ma kasabat wa lakum ma kasabtum wa la tusaluna amma kanu yamaluna

¹³⁵Wa qalu kunu Hudan au Nasara tahtadu qul bal millata Ibrahima hanifan wa ma kana minal mushrikina

¹³⁶Qulu amanna billahi wa ma unzila ilaina wa ma unzila ila Ibrahima wa Ismaila wa Ishaqa wa Yaquba wal asbati wa ma utiya Musa wa Isa wa ma utiyan nabiyyuna mi rabbihim la nufarriqu baina ahadim minhum wa nahnu lahu muslimuna

30. A Jew was a comparative religious term denoting one who believed in God almighty as opposed to the Gentile; ones who believe in, know and worship the God of the Hebrews. Abraham is mentioned in Christianity and he is claimed to be the Father of the faithful. Apart from this name being associated with Christianity, Abraham did not, never, at any time become a Christian. Christianity began with Christ over two thousand years after the death of Abraham by Christ whose followers are called Christians.

Even the term Christian was not known until several years after Christ. The term was first used in Antioch according to Acts 11:26. It was used not to describe a race or tribe of people, rather as the term Jew, it was a comparative religious term, denoting a people of all walks of life from all races and cultures who have believed in, known and worship the God of the Jews but are not descendants of Hebrews nor followers of Judaism. It is apparent that Muhammad did not understand the meaning of the terms Jew or Christian, as he misapplied the meaning of Muslims as well. If Muhammad understood the meaning of the terms he would realized that there is no difference whatsoever between the God of the Jews and the Christians.

¹³⁷So if they believe as you believe, they are indeed on the right path, but if they turn back it is they who are in schism, but Allah will suffice you as against them and He is the all hearing, the all knowing.³¹

¹³⁸Our religion is the baptism of Allah, and who can baptize better than Allah? And it is He whom we worship.

¹³⁹Say, will you dispute with us about Allah, seeing that He is our Lord and your Lord, that we are responsible for our doings and you for yours, and that we are sincere in Him?

¹⁴⁰Or do you say that Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes were Jews or Christians? Say, do you know better than Allah? Ah, who is more unjust than those who conceal the testimony they have from Allah? But Allah is not unmindful of what you do.³²

¹³⁷Fa in amanu bi misli ma amantum bihi fa qadih tadau wa in tawallau fa innama humu fi shiqaqin fasayakfika humullahu wa huwa samiul alimu

¹³⁸Sibgatallahi wa man ahsanu minallahi sibgahtan wa nahnu lahu abiduna

¹³⁹Qul atuhajjunana fillahi wa huwa rabbuna wa rabbukum wa lana amaluna wa lakumamalukum wa nahnu lahu mukhlisuna

¹⁴⁰Am taquluna inna Ibrahima wa Ismaila wa Ishaqa wa Yaquba wal asbata kanu Hudan au Nasara qul aantum alamu amillahu wa man atlamu mimman katama shahadatan indahu minallahi wa mallahu bi gafilin amma tamaluna

31. Obviously the Jew and the Christian cannot believe as the Muslim because it is equally obvious that Allah is not the same as the Judeo-Christian God.

32. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes were Jews, Ishmael became the father of the Arabs not the Muslims, Christians are the followers of Jesus the Christ. In this case Allah has a limited knowledge of religious words and terminologies.

[Commentary continues below.]

¹⁴¹That was a people that has passed away. They shall reap the fruit of what they did and you of what you do. Of their merits there is no question in your case.

¹⁴²The fools among the people will say, “What has turned them from the Qiblah to which they were used?” Say, To Allah belong both East and West, He guides whom He will to a way that is straight.

¹⁴¹Tilka ummatun qad khalat laha ma kasabat wa lakum ma kasabtum wa la tusaluna amma kanu yamaluna

¹⁴²Sayaqulu sufahau minan nasi ma wallahum an qiblatihimu lati kanu alaiha qul lillahi lmashriqu wal magribu yahdi man yashau ila sirati mustaqimin

[Commentary continues below.]

¹⁴³And thus have We made of you an Ummah justly balanced that you might be witnesses over the nations and the apostle a witness over yourselves, and We appointed the Qiblah to which you were used only to test those who followed the apostle from those who would turn on their heels. Indeed it was momentous, except to those guided by Allah. And never would Allah make your faith of no effect. For Allah is to all people most surely full of kindness, most merciful.

¹⁴⁴We see the turning of your face to the heavens, now shall We turn you to a Qiblah that shall please you. Turn then your face in the direction of the sacred mosque, wherever you are turn your faces in that direction. The people of the book know well that that is the truth from their Lord, nor is Allah unmindful of what they do.

¹⁴³Wa kazalika jaalnakum ummatanw wasatal litakunu shuhadaa alla nasi wa yakuna rasulu alaikum shahidan wa ma jaalnal qiblata lati kunta alaiha illa linalama man yattabiu rasula mimma yanqalibu ala aqibaihi wa in kanat lakabiratan illa alal lazina hadallahu wa ma kanallahu liyuddia imanakum innallaha binasi la raufu rahimun

¹⁴⁴Qad nara taqalluba wajhika fi samai falanuwalliyannaka qiblatan tarddaha fawalli wajhaka shatral masjidil harami wa haisu ma kuntum fa wallu wujuhakum shatrahu wa innal lazinautu lkitaba layalamuna annahu lhaqqu mi rabbihim wa mallahu bi gafilin amma yamaluna

[Commentary continues below.]

¹⁴⁵And even if you were to bring to the people of the book all the signs they would not follow your Qiblah, nor are you going to follow their Qiblah, nor indeed will they follow each other’s Qiblah. If you after the knowledge has reached you were to follow their desires, then were you indeed in the wrong.³³

¹⁴⁶The people of the book know this as they know their own sons, but some of them conceal the truth which they themselves know.

¹⁴⁷The truth is from your Lord so be not at all in doubt.

¹⁴⁸And to each is a goal to which Allah turns him; then strive together toward all that is good. Wheresoever you are Allah will bring you together. For Allah has power over all things.

¹⁴⁵Wa lain ataita lazina utul kitaba bi kulli ayatim ma tabiu qiblataka wa ma anta bi tabiin qibulatahum wa ma badduhum bi tabiin qiblata badin wa lainitabata ahwaahum min badi ma ja aka minal ilumi innaka izal lamina tualimina

¹⁴⁶Allazina atainahumu lkitaba yarifunahu kama yarifuna abna ahum wa inna fariqam minhum layaktumuna lhaqqa wa hum yalamuna

¹⁴⁷Al haqqu mi rabbika fala takunanna minal mumtarina

¹⁴⁸Wa likullin wijhatun huwa muwalliha fastabiqul khairati ainama takunu yati bikumullahu jamian innallaha ala kulli shaiin qadirun

33. Is this another case of abrogation or sheer changes, the Qur’an says that the words of Allah cannot be changed, in quite emphatic terms Qur’an 6:34and 10:64, there can be no alterations or changes in the Words of Allah, but as you read you can already see that the matter of the Qiblah has been through some changes. It is believed by many that when Islam began Muhammad had hoped that the Jews would embrace him as their prophet, and so he made certain concessions towards them including facing Jerusalem in his prayer, however, when he realized that they would not receive his religion, he turned from facing Jerusalem to facing the Kaabah, the pagan shrine which contained over 360idols and that is mandatory for all Muslims.

[Commentary continues below.]

¹⁴⁹And from whencesoever you started forth, turn your face in the direction of the sacred mosque, that is indeed the truth from your Lord. And Allah is not unmindful of what you do.

¹⁵⁰And so from whencesoever you started forth, turn your face in the direction of the sacred mosque, among wheresoever you are, turn your face thither that there be no ground of dispute against you among the people except those of them that are bent on wickedness, so fear them not, but fear Me, and that I may complete My favors on you and you may be guided.

¹⁴⁹Wa min haisu kharajta fawalli wajhaka shatral masjidil harami wa innahu lal haqqu mi rabbika wa mallahu bi gafilin amma tamaluna

¹⁵⁰Wa min haisu kharajta fawalli wajhaka shatral masjidil harami wa haisu ma kuntum fawallu wujuhakum shatrahu li alla yakuna linnasi alaikum hujjatun illallazina tualamu minhum fala takhshauhum wakhshauni wa li utimma nimati alaikum wa laallakum tahutaduna

[Commentary continues below.]

¹⁵¹Similar in that We have sent among you an apostle of your own rehearsing to you Our signs and sanctifying you and instructing you in scripture and wisdom and in new knowledge.³⁴

¹⁵²Then remember Me, I will remember you. Be grateful to Me and reject not faith.

¹⁵³O you who believe, seek help with patient perseverance and prayer, for Allah is with those who patiently persevere.

¹⁵⁴And say not of those who are slain in the way of Allah, “They are dead.” No, they are living though you perceive not.

¹⁵¹Kama arsalna fikum rasulan minkum yatlu alaikum ayatina wa yuzakkikum wayuallimukumul kitaba wal hikmata wa yuallimukum ma lam takunu talamuna

¹⁵²Faz kuruni azkurkum washakuru li wala takfuruni

¹⁵³Ya ayyuhal lazina amanu ustainu bi sabri wa sualahti innallaha maa sabirina

¹⁵⁴Wa la taqulu liman yuqtalu fi sabilillahi amwatun bal ahyau wa lakin la tashuruna

34. “Apostle of your own” in this context means one from among you. This is in view of the other Apostles or Prophets who came among the Jews and other tribes from God as claimed by this passage.

[Commentary continues below.]

¹⁵⁵And be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits, but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere.

¹⁵⁶Who say when afflicted with calamity, “To Allah we belong and to Him is our return.”

¹⁵⁷They are those on whom blessings from Allah and mercy and they are the ones that receive guidance.

¹⁵⁸Behold, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah. So if those who visit the house in the season or at other times should compass them round it is no sin in them. And if anyone obeys his own impulse to good be sure that Allah is He who recognizes and knows.³⁵

¹⁵⁵Wa lanabluwannakum bi shaiin minal khaufi wal jui wa naqsin minal amwali wala anfusi wa samarati wa bashiri suabirina

¹⁵⁶Allazina iza asabathum musibahtun qalu inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiuna

¹⁵⁷Ulaika alaihim sualawatun mi rabbihim wa rahmahtun wa ulaika humul muhtaduna

¹⁵⁸Inna suafa wal marwata min shaa irillahi faman hajjal baita awitamara fala junaha alaihi an yattawwafa bihima wa man tatawwaa khairan fa innallaha shakirun alimun

35. Safa and Marwa here are said to be the symbols of Allah. Traditional belief is that when Abraham left the infant Ishmail and her mother in the desert, and when after her supply of water was spent, she circumvented these two mounds seven times in supplication for Allah’s intervention. And then she saw an angel at the place called Zamzam where the angel dug water from the ground for her and her baby.

Thus it became a tradition in both the pre-Islamic and Islamic era about the providence of Allah. The truth of the matter however, is that the mounds were two idols venerated by the ancient Arabs who went around them as part of their worship. They were considered as a god and a goddess. The practice was so enrooted in the life and practices of the pagans that even when they embraced Islam, they found it hard to let go of this and the circumvention of the Black Stone that they were inculcated into the requirements of Allah.

This is similar to the Roman Catholic adaptation to statues and images, although God forbids the use of such as symbols in worship. This pre-Islamic pagan practice is still adhered to today by Muslims during pilgrimage.

It is to be understood that, the relation between this, the Kaabah and Mecca are forged because at the time of Hagar and Ishmael, there were no inhabitants in the land. It was a plain and pure desert not yet inhabited.

¹⁵⁹Those who conceal the clear signs We have sent down, and the guidance after We have made it clear for the people in the book, on them shall be Allah’s curse and the curse of those entitled to curse.³⁶

¹⁶⁰Except those who repent and make amends and openly declare to them I turn, for I am always returning, most merciful.

¹⁶¹Those who reject faith and die rejecting, on them is Allah’s curse and the curse of angels and of all mankind.

¹⁶²They will abide therein, Their penalty will not be lightened nor will respite be theirs.

¹⁵⁹Inna lazina yaktumuna ma anzalna minal bayyinati wal huda min badi ma bayyannahu linnasi fil kitabi ulaika yalanuhumullahu wa yalanuhumulainuna

¹⁶⁰Illal lazina tabu wa sualahu wa bayyanu fa ulaika atubualaihim wa anna tawwabu rahimu

¹⁶¹Inna lazina kafaru wa matu wa hum kuffarun ulaika alaihim lanatullahi walmalaikati wan nasi ajmaina

¹⁶²Khalidina fiha la yukhaffafu anhumul azabu wa la hum yuntuaruna

36. Modern Muslim scholars who are aware of the disparity between the Qur’an and the Bible, contend that desirous monks have changed the contents of the Bible to cancel out any reference to the truth contained in the Qur’an, just as Muhammad alleges here of those who conceal the truth.

The story told about Ishmael and Hagar in the Qur’an and Islamic traditions do not agree with that which is contained in the Bible.

[Commentary continues below.]

¹⁶³And your Allah is one Allah; there is no god but He, most gracious, most merciful.³⁷

¹⁶⁴Behold, In the creation of the heavens and the earth, in the alternation of the night and the day, in the sailing of the ships through the ocean for the profit of mankind, in the rain which Allah sends down from the skies and the life which He gives therewith to an earth that is dead, in the beasts of all kinds that He scatters through the earth, in the change of the winds and the clouds which they trail like their slaves between the sky and the earth; indeed are signs for a people that are wise.

¹⁶³Wa ilahukum ilahuw wahidun la ilaha illa huwa rahmanu rahimu

¹⁶⁴Inna fi khalqi samawati walarddi wakhtilafil laili wan nahari wal fulkil lati tajri fil bahri bimayanfaun nasa wa ma anzalallahu mina samai min main fa ahya bihil arda bada mautiha wa bassa fiha min kulli dabbahtin wa tasrifir riyahi wa sahabil musakhkhari baina samai walarddi la ayatil li qaumin yaqiluna

37. Fiqh-us-Sunnah 5.74b:

In spite of this verse, the Hadith is full of reverence for the Black Stone. Some believe that the Stone is Allah’s right hand on earth wherewith He shakes the hands of His slaves...

It is known, however, that kissing the Black Stone signifies respect for it, recognition of our obligation toward it, and using it as a means of seeking Allah’s blessings Such information devolves obligation on all those whom it reaches, even if they may not fully comprehend its significance.

Indeed Allah has preferred some stones over others, as He preferred some countries and cities, days and nights, and months over others. The underlying spirit of all this is unquestioning submission to Allah. Al-Tirmidhi Hadith 2577 narrated by Abdullah ibn Abbas, reveals that:

Muhammad (Allah’s Messenger) (peace be upon him) said, “The black stone descended from Paradise whiter than milk, but the sins of the descendants of Adam made it black.”

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 2.676 narrated by Nafi, Ibn ‘Umar. said:

“I have never missed the touching of these two stones of Ka’ba (the Black Stone and the Yemenite Corner) both in the presence and the absence of crowds, since I saw the Prophet touching them.” I asked Nafi’: “Did Ibn ‘Umar use to walk between the two Corners?” Nafi’ replied, “He used to walk in order that it might be easy for him to touch it (the Corner Stone).”

This level of veneration given to and attached to the Black Stone can be equated with partnering others with Allah.

¹⁶⁵Yet there are men who take others besides Allah as equal, they love them as they should love Allah. But those of faith are overflowing in their love for Allah. If only the unrighteous could see behold they would see the penalty that to Allah belongs all power and Allah will strongly enforce the penalty.³⁸

¹⁶⁶Then would those who are followed clear themselves of those who follow, they would see the penalty and all relations between them would be cut off.

¹⁶⁷And those who followed would say, “If only we had one more chance we would clear ourselves of them as they have cleared themselves of us.” Thus will Allah show them their deeds as regrets nor will there be a way for them out of the fire.

¹⁶⁵Wa mina nasi man yattakhizu min dunillahi andadan yuhibbunahum ka hubbillahi wallazina amanu ashaddu hubbal lillahi wa lau yara lazina tualamu iz yaraunal azaba annal quwwata lillahi jamian wa annallaha shadidul azabi

¹⁶⁶Izu tabrraal lazina tubiu minal lazina tabau wa raawul azaba wa taqattuat bihimul asbabu

¹⁶⁷Wa qalal lazina tabau lau anna lana karratan fa natabarraa minhum kama tabarrau minna kazalika yurihimullahu amalahum hasaratin alaihim wa ma hum bi kharijina minan nari

38. Given the tradition behind the previous verse, the Muslims are guilty, in fact, very guilty of the same accusations they level against Christians. Any and everything taught by Muhammad is to be adhered to fully, regardless of whether one understands them or not, including allegiance to the Black stone.

[Commentary continues below.]

¹⁶⁸O people, eat of what is on earth lawful and good, and do not follow the footsteps of the evil one for he is to you an open enemy.³⁹

¹⁶⁹For he commands you what is evil and shameful and that you should say of Allah that of which you have no knowledge.

¹⁷⁰And when it is said to them, “Follow what Allah has revealed” they say, “No, we shall follow the ways of our fathers.” What! even though their fathers were void of wisdom and guidance?

¹⁷¹And the parable of those who reject faith is as if one were to shout like a goat herd to things that listen to nothing but calls and cries, deaf, dumb, and blind, they are void of wisdom.

¹⁷²O you who believe, eat of the good things that We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is Him you worship.

¹⁶⁸Ya ayyuhan nasu kulu mimma filarddi halalan tuayiban wa la tattabiu khutuwati shaitani innahu lakum aduwwum mubinun

¹⁶⁹Innama yamurukum bi sui wal fahshai wa an taqulu alallahi ma la talamuna

¹⁷⁰Wa iza qila lahum utabiu ma anzalallahu qalu bal nattabiu ma alfaina alaihi abaana awalau kana aba uhum la yaqiluna shaian wa la yahutaduna

¹⁷¹Wa masalul lazina kafaru kamasalillazi yaniqu bima la yasmau illa duaan wa nida an summun bukmun umyunfahum la yaqiluna

¹⁷²Ya ayyuhal lazina amanu kulu min tayyibati ma razaqnakum washkuru lillahi in kuntum iyyahu tabuduna

39. In days gone by, ignorant Muslims used this passage to mean that they were not to eat from non-Muslims. Meat and other slaughterble animals not slaughtered by Muslims were considered unclean. Although Qur’an 5:5says that “This day are (all) things good and pure made lawful unto you. The food of the People of the Book is lawful unto you and yours is lawful unto them. (Lawful unto you in marriage) are (not only) chaste women who are believers but chaste women among the People of the Book revealed before your time when ye give them their due dowers and desire chastity not lewdness nor secret intrigues. If anyone rejects faith fruitless is his work and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good).” That is probably done with the understanding of Acts, xv. 29, where Christians are admonished to abstain from meats offered to idols, from blood and from fornication. By way of clarity, the People of the Book is a Qur’anic term used in describing the Jews and the Christians who had a Scripture before the advent of the Qur’an.

¹⁷³He has only forbidden you dead meat, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that on which any other name has been invoked besides that of Allah, but if one is forced by necessity without willful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits, then is he guiltless. For Allah is most forgiving, most merciful.⁴⁰

¹⁷⁴Those who conceal Allah’s revelations in the book and purchase for them a miserable profit, they swallow into themselves naught but fire, Allah will not address them on the day of resurrection, nor purify them, grievous will be their penalty.

¹⁷⁵They are the ones who buy error in place of guidance and torment in place of forgiveness. Ah, what boldness for the fire.

¹⁷³Innama harrama alaikumul maitata wa dama wa lahmal khinziri wa ma uhilla bihi ligairillahi fa manidturra gaira bagin wa la adin fala isma alaihi innallaha gafuru rahimun

¹⁷⁴Innal lazina yaktumuna ma anzalallahu mina lkitabi wa yashtaruna bihi samanan qalilan ulaika ma yakuluna fi butunihim illanara wa la yukallimu humullahu yauma lqiyamati wa la yuzakkihim wa lahum azabun alimun

¹⁷⁵Ulaikal lazinasy tarawud dalalata bil huda wal azaba bil magfirahti fama asbarahum alan nari

40. Islam is NOT a Judeo-Christian sect, even though it borrows from both the Old and new Covenant Scriptures and then injects a bit of Arabicized and paganistic ignorant philosophy into it. Thus you have something not found either in the Old or New Covenant but claimed it is.

[Commentary continues below.]

¹⁷⁶Because Allah sent down the book in truth but those who seek causes of dispute in the book are in a schism far from the purpose.

¹⁷⁶Zalika bi annallaha nazzalal kitaba bil haqqi wa innallazi nakhtalafu fi lkitabi lafi shiqaqim baidin

[Commentary continues below.]

¹⁷⁷It is not righteousness that you turn your faces toward East or West, but it is righteousness to believe in Allah, and the last day, and the angels, and the book, and the messengers, to spend of your substance out of love for Him for your kin for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves, to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity, to fulfill the contracts which you have made, and to be firm and patient in pain and adversity and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the Allah fearing.⁴¹

¹⁷⁸O you who believe, the law of equality is prescribed to you, in cases of murder, the free for the free, the slave for the slave, the woman for the woman. But if any remission is made by the brother of the slain, then grant any reasonable demand and compensate him with handsome gratitude ; this is a concession and a mercy from your Lord. After this whoever exceeds the limits shall be in grave penalty.⁴²

¹⁷⁹And in the law of equality there is life to you. O men of understanding, that you may restrain yourselves.

¹⁷⁷Laisal birra an tuwallu wujuhakum qibalal mashriqi wal magribi wa lakinna albirra man amana billahi wa lyaumilakhiri wal malaikati wal kitabi wan nabiyyina wa atal mala ala hubbihi zawil qurba wa lyatama wa lmasakina wabna sabili wa sailina wa fi riqabi wa aqama sualata wa ata zakahta wa lmufuna bi ahdihim iza ahadu wa sabirina fil basai wa darrai wa hinal basi ulaika lazina sadaqu wa ulaika humul muttaquna

¹⁷⁸Ya ayyuhal lazina amanu kutiba alaikumul qisasu fil qatla alhurru bilhurri walabdu bilabdi walunsa bilunsa faman ufiya lahu min akhihi shaiun fatiba um bilmarufi wa adaun ilaihi bi ihsanin zalika takhfifum mi rabbikum wa rahmahtun fa manitada bada zalika fa lahu azabun alimun

¹⁷⁹Wa lakum fil qisasi hayatun yaulil albabi laallakum tattaquna

41. Here is a sermon against hypocrisy, that though one may pray facing the east or the west, but then falls short in his believe in Allah, angels, messengers, the last day, not taking care of orphans and the needy. This is said not to be true righteousness. James ²:14-18: What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. True exhibition of faith is a practical demonstration in Godliness. Anything short of this is hypocrisy.

42. A prescription is made in cases of murder, as against the days of ignorance, where retaliation in the most fierce way was indulged in. In the days of “enlightenment”, forgiveness and a demonstration of mercy is recommended. However, if one should choose to retaliate, then let it be on equal terms, a slave for a slave, a woman for a woman etc. and not a prolonged blood feud. This is to be understood that it only applies to Muslims. Therefore if a Muslim kills an unbeliever, there is to be no such prescription.

If however, a Muslim kills another Muslim on accident, Qur’an 4:92-93 gives the prescription to be absolved of any guilt before Allah,

Never should a believer kill a believer; but (if it so happens) by mistake (compensation is due): if one (so) kills a believer it is ordained that he should

free a believing slave and pay compensation to the deceased’s family unless they remit it freely. If the deceased belonged to a people at war with you and he was a believer the freeing of a believing slave (is enough). If he belonged to a people with whom ye have a treaty of mutual alliance compensation should be paid to his family and a believing slave be freed. For those who find this beyond their means (is prescribed) a fast for two months running: by way of repentance to Allah: for Allah hath all knowledge and all wisdom. If a man kills a believer intentionally his recompense is Hell to abide therein (for ever): and the wrath and the curse of Allah are upon him and a dreadful penalty is prepared for him.

The sanctity of life in Islam is valueless except it is the life of a fellow Muslim. According to chapter 4:92-93, the injunction is in cases of what we will term today as “friendly fires”. Other than that the killing of a fellow Muslim is strictly forbidden.

¹⁸⁰It is prescribed when death approaches any of you, if he leave any goods that he make a bequest to parents and next of kin according to reasonable usage, this is due from the Allah fearing.

¹⁸¹If anyone changes the bequest after hearing it, the guilt shall be on those who make the change. For Allah hears and knows all things.

¹⁸²But if anyone fears partiality or wrong doing on the part of the testator and makes peace between, there is no wrong in him; for Allah is most forgiving, most merciful.

¹⁸³O you who believe, fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may learn self restraint.

¹⁸⁰Kutiba alaikum iza hadara ahadakumul mautu in taraka khairanil wasiyyatu lil walidaini wal aqrabina bil marufi haqqan alal muttaqina

¹⁸¹Famam baddalahu bada ma samiahu fa innama ismuhu alal lazina yubaddilunahu innallaha samiun alimun

¹⁸²Faman khafa min musin janafan au isman fa aslaha bainahum fala ismaalaihi innallaha gafuru rahimun

¹⁸³Ya ayyuhal lazina amanu kutiba alaikumu siyamu kama kutiba alal lazina min qablikum laallakum tattaquna

[Commentary continues below.]

¹⁸⁴For a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the prescribed number should be made up from days later. For those who can do it is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more of his own free will, it is better for him and it is better for you that you fast if you only knew.

¹⁸⁴Ayyamam madudatin faman kana minkum maridan au ala safarin fa iddatum min ayyamin ukhara wa alal lazina yutiquna fidyatun taamu miskinin faman tatawwaa khairan fahuwa khairullahu wa an tasumu khairullakum inkuntum talamuna

[Commentary continues below.]

¹⁸⁵Ramadan is the month in which was sent down the Qur’an as a guide to mankind, also clear signs for guidance and judgment. So everyone of you who is present during that month should spend it in fasting, but if anyone is ill or on a journey the prescribed period should be made up by days later. Allah intends every facility for you, He does not want to put you to difficulties. To complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him in that He has guided you, and perchance you shall be grateful.⁴³

¹⁸⁶And when my servants ask you concerning Me, I am indeed close, I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me, let them also with a will listen to My call and believe in Me, that they may walk in the right way.

¹⁸⁵Shahru ramaddanal lazi unzila fihil quranu hudal linnasi wa bayyinatim minal huda wal furqani faman shahida minkumu shahra falyasumhu wa man kana maridan au ala safarin faiddatum min ayyamin ukhara yuridullahu bikumul yusra wa la yuridu bikumu lusra wa litukmilul iddata wa litukabbirullahaala ma hadakum wa laallakum tashkuruna

¹⁸⁶Wa iza saalaka ibadi anni fa inni qaribun ujibu dawat daiza daani fal yastajibuliwal yuminubi laallahum yarushuduna

43. Fasting as prescribed for Muslims is nothing new. The conditions may be newer, but the concept is an older one. In Islam fasting is to be done in the month of ramadan, it is the month in which Muhammad received the first revelation of the Qur’an on mount Hira. During the month a strict discipline is enforced on the believers. They are to abstain from anything that causes one to loose concentration on the act of piety. Sexual intercourse, eating and drinking during the period of fasting is forbidden. Technically, this fasting is from dawn to dusk, often interpreted as from 6:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. According to a hadith transmission by Sahih Al-Bukhari 3.119and narrated by Abu Wail from Hudhaifa, ‘The affliction of a person in his property, family and neighbors is expiated by his... fasting, Fasting is also compulsory, according to a transmission by Sahih Al-Bukhari’s Hadith, 3.115, narrated by Talha bin Ubaidullah, with only few exceptions, anyone who is ill or on a journey during the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. A woman in her period, nursing or expecting may not fast during the same month but should make it up as soon as she is able. This fasting is obviously not voluntarily, one may embark on a voluntary fasting, twice in a year, or as often as one can.

¹⁸⁷Permitted to you on the night of the fasts is the approach to your wives. They are your garments. And you are their garments. Allah knows what you used to do secretly among yourselves, but He turned to you and forgave you, so now associate with them and seek what Allah has ordained for you and eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread, then complete your fast till the night appears, but do not associate with your wives while you are in retreat in the mosques. Those are limits set by Allah, approach not near thereto. Thus does Allah make clear His signs to men that they may learn self restraint.

¹⁸⁸And do not eat up your property among yourselves for vanities, nor use it as bait for the judges with intent that you may eat up wrongfully and knowingly a little of people’s property.

¹⁸⁷Uhilla lakum lailata siyami rafasu ila nisaikum hunna libasul lakum wa antum libasul lahunna alimallahu annakum kuntum takhtanuna anfusakum fa taba alaikum wa afa ankum falana bashiruhunna wab tagu ma kataballahu lakum wa kulu washrabu hatta yatabayyana lakumul khaitul abyaddu minal khaitil aswadi minal fajri summa atimmu siyama ilallaili wa la tubashiruhunna wa antum akifuna fil masajidi tilka hududullahi fala taqrabuha kazalika yubayyinullahu ayatihi linasi laallahum yattaquna

¹⁸⁸Wa la takulu amwalakum bainakum bil batili wa tudlu biha ilalhukkami litakulu fariqam min amwalin nasi bil ismi wa antum talamuna

[Commentary continues below.]

¹⁸⁹They ask you concerning the new moons. Say, they are but signs to mark fixed periods of time in men and for pilgrimage. It is no virtue if you enter your houses from the back, it is virtue if ye fear Allah. Enter houses through the proper doors and fear Allah that ye may prosper.⁴⁴

¹⁹⁰And fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits, for Allah loves not transgressors.⁴⁵

¹⁹¹And slay them wherever you catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out, for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter, but fight them not at the sacred mosque unless they fight you there, but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith.

¹⁸⁹Yasalunaka anil ahillahti qul hiya mawaqitu linnasi walhajji wa laisal birru bi antatul buyuta min zuhuriha wa lakinnal birra manitaqa watul buyuta min abwabiha wattaqullaha laallakum tuflihuna

¹⁹⁰Wa qatilu fi sabilillahil lazina yuqatilunakum wa la tatadu innallaha la yuhibbul mutadina

¹⁹¹Waqtuluhum haisu saqiftumuhum wa akhrijuhum min haisu akhrajukum wal fitnatu ashaddu minal qatli wa la tuqatiluhum indal masjidil harami hatta yuqatilukum fihi fa in qatalukum faqtuluhum kazalika jazaul kafirina

44. This passage is revealed to discourage back door dealings, entering a door in the proper way is an indication of the intentions of the one that is doing the entering. Back door indicates deception and ill ways.

45. Though the passage does not contain the injunction of jihad, yet the concept is vivid and Muslim commentators waste no time in bringing it out. The translators of “The Noble Qur’an”, Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din Al-Hilali and Dr. Muhammad Mushin Khan, take off on the subject of jihad. In their commentary, they mention that “by jihad Islam is established, Allah’s word made superior and His religion is propagated.”

They are of the opinion that by abandoning jihad Islam is destroyed and the Muslims fall into an inferior position, in agreement with others they hold the position that jihad is obligatory on every Muslim.

As passages are revealed on the subject, we will discuss them. In the meanwhile it is important that one knows that, Islam is not now nor has ever been a peaceful religion, its frontiers were demarcated and established through the wars fought by its founding fathers. Here is a partial chronology of Islamic history:

Muhammad was born around 570AD and yet by 586 he participated in the war of Fijar;

1. 570: Muhammad was born. By the age of 16,  by 586, he participated in the war of Fijar;

2. 610: Islam was born. 14 years later the Islamic conquest had began.

3. 624: Battle of Badr. Expulsion of the Bani Qainuqa Jews from Madina.

4. 625: Battle of Uhud. Massacre of 70Muslims at Bir Mauna. Expulsion of Banu Nadir Jews from Madina. Second expedition of Badr.

5. 626: Expedition of Banu Mustaliq.

6. 627: Battle of the Trench. Expulsion of Banu Quraiza Jews.

7. 632: Muhammad dies and his followers picked up where he left off. Yemen, and Hadramaut. Raids in Iraq. Battles of Kazima, Mazar, Walaja, Ulleis, Hirah, Anbar, Ein at tamr, Daumatul Jandal and Firaz.

8. 633: Campaigns in Bahrain, Oman, Mahrah.

9. 634: Battles of Basra, Damascus and Ajnadin. Death of Hadrat Abu Bakr. Hadrat Umar Farooq becomes the Caliph. Battles of Namaraq and Saqatia.

10. 637: Conquest of Syria. Fall of Jerusalem. Battle of Jalula.

11. 639: Conquest of Khuizistan. Advance into Egypt.

12. 640: Capture of the post of Caesaria in Syria. Conquest of Shustar and Jande Sabur in Persia. Battle of Babylon in Egypt.

13. 641: Battle of Nihawand. Conquest Of Alexandria in Egypt.

14. 642: Battle of Rayy in Persia. Conquest of Egypt. Foundation of Fustat.

15. 643: Conquest of Azarbaijan and Tabaristan (Russia).

16. 644: Conquest of Fars, Kerman, Sistan, Mekran and Kharan.Martyrdom of Hadrat Umar. Hadrat Othman becomes the Caliph.

17. 711: Conquest of Spain, Sind and Transoxiana.

18. 732: The battle of Tours in France.

19. 750: Battle of Zab. Fall of Damascus. End of the Umayyads.

20. 805: Campaigns against the Byzantines. Capture of the islands of Rhodes and Cypress.

21. 1040: Battle of Dandanqan, the Seljuks defeat the Ghazanavids. Deposition of Masud the Ghazanavid Sultan, accession of Muhammad. AI Moravids come to power in North Africa.

22. 1082: The A1Moravids conquer Algeria.

23. 1435: In Tunisia, Deposition of Abu Abdullah Muhammad, power captured by Abu Umar Othman.

The quest for world domination continues even till today. The World Trade Center bombing in 1993 and 2001, was one of the Muslims means of spreading terror among the non-Muslims.

¹⁹²But if they cease, Allah is most forgiving, most merciful.

¹⁹³And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah, but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression.⁴⁶

¹⁹⁴The prohibited month for the prohibited month and so for all things prohibited, there is the law of equality. If then anyone transgresses the prohibition against you, transgress likewise against him. But fear Allah and know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves.⁴⁷

¹⁹⁵And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah, and make not your own hands contribute to your destruction, but do good; for Allah loves those who do good.

¹⁹²Fa inintahau fa innallaha gafuru rahimu

¹⁹³Wa qatiluhum hatta la takuna fitnatu wa yakunad dinu lillahi fa inintahau fa la udwana illa ala zalimina       

¹⁹⁴Ashahrul haramu bi shahril harami wal hurumatu qisasun fa manitada alaikum fatadu alaihi bi misli matada alaikum wattaqullaha walamu annallaha maal muttaqina

¹⁹⁵Wa anfiqu fi sabilillahi wa la tulqu bi aidikum ilatahlukahti wa ahsinu innallaha yuhibbul muhsinina

46. Please refer to verse 193. Verses 191-193seems to be referring to the people of Mecca for what they did to the Muslims in driving them out to exile in Abyssinia (Ethiopia) where were it not for the Christian King there the Muslim believers would have all perished. To those in Mecca, the Muslim is charged with retaliation for their deed.

47. Please refer to verse 194. Pre-Islamic and paganistic Arabia had a month in which they performed pilgrimage to Mecca and to the shrine of Kaabah, during this period and the months preceding and the one after, fighting was forbidden, what this verse is saying is that even during those months when the unbelievers should cause a fight, the Muslims were permitted to retaliate, and do as much harm to the enemy just as the enemy has done against them and no more than that.

¹⁹⁶And complete the Hajj or Umra in the service of Allah. But if you are prevented, send an offering for sacrifice such as you may find, and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice. And if any of you is ill or has an ailment in his scalp, in compensation either fast or feed the poor, or offer sacrifice; and when you are in peaceful conditions, if anyone wishes to continue the Umra on to the Hajj he must make an offering such as he can afford it, he should fast three days during the Hajj and seven days on his return making ten days in all. This is for those whose household is not in the sacred mosque. And fear Allah and know that Allah is strict in punishment.

¹⁹⁶Wa atimmul hajja wal umrata lillahi fa in uhsirtum famastaisara minal hadyi wa la tahliqu ruusakum hatta yablugal hadyu mahillahu fa man kana minkum maridan au bihi azamirasihi fa fidyatum min siyamin au sadaqatin au nusuqin fa iza amintum fa man tamattaa bil umrati ilal hajji famastaisara minal hadyi fa malam yajid fasiyamu salasati ayyamin fil hajji wa sabatin iza rajatum tilka asharatun kamilahtun zalika limal lam yakun ahluhu hadiril masjidil harami wattaqullaha walamu annalla shadidul iqabi

[Commentary continues below.]

¹⁹⁷For Hajj are the months well known. If anyone undertakes that duty therein let there be no obscenity nor wickedness nor wrangling in the Hajj. And whatever good you do, Allah knows it. And take a provision for the journey, but the best of provisions is right conduct. So fear Me, O you that are wise.

¹⁹⁸It is no crime in you if you seek of the bounty of your Lord. Then when you pour down from Arafat, celebrate the praises of Allah at the sacred monument and celebrate His praises as He has directed you even though before this you went astray.

¹⁹⁷Al hajju ashhurum malumatun fa man farada fihinnal hajja fa la rafasa wa la fusuqa wa la jidala filhajji wa ma tafalu min khairin yalamhullahu wa tazawwadu fa inna khaira zadit taqwa wattaquni ya ulil albabi

¹⁹⁸Laisa alaikum junahun an tabtagu fadlam mi rabbikum fa iza afadtum min arafatin fazkurullaha indal masharil harami wazkuruhu kama hadakum wa inkuntum min qablihi la mina ddallina

[Commentary continues below.]

¹⁹⁹Then pass on at a quick pace from the place whence it is usual for the multitude so to do and ask for Allah’s forgiveness. For Allah is most forgiving, most merciful.

²⁰⁰So when you have accomplished your holy rites, celebrate the praises of Allah as you used to celebrate the praises of your fathers, yes, with far more heart and soul. There are men who say, “Our Lord, give us your bounties in this world.” But they will have no portion in the hereafter.⁴⁸

²⁰¹And there are men who say, “Our Lord! give us good in this world and good in the hereafter, and defend us from the torment on the fire.”

²⁰²To these will be allotted what they have earned and Allah is quick in account.

¹⁹⁹Summa afidu min haisu afadan nasu wastagfirullaha innallaha gafuru rahimun

²⁰⁰Fa iza qadaitum manasikakum fazkurullaha kazikrikum abaakum au ashadda zikran fa minan nasi ma yaqulu rabbana atina fi dunya wa ma lahu filakhirati min khalaqin

²⁰¹Wa minhum man yaqulu rabbana atina fi dunya hasanatan wa fil akhirati hasanatan wa qina azaba nari

²⁰²Ulaika lahum nasibum mimma kasabu wallahu syariul hisabi

48. The verse is clear on the fact that the pilgrimage is a pagan rite after which the pagans used to sing the praises of their fathers, since the whole exercise has been “sanctified and Islamized” the Muslims pilgrims are called on to sing the praises of Allah.        

[Commentary continues below.]

²⁰³And celebrate the praises of Allah during the appointed days, but if anyone hastens to leave in two days, there is no blame on him and if anyone stays on, there is no blame on him if his aim is to do right. Then fear Allah and know that you will surely be gathered unto Him.⁴⁹

²⁰⁴And there is the type of man whose speech about this world’s life may dazzle you and he calls Allah to witness about what is in his heart, yet is he the most contentious of enemies.          

²⁰⁵And when he turns his back, his aim everywhere is to spread mischief through the earth and destroy crops and cattle. But Allah loves not mischief.

²⁰⁶And when it is said to him “Fear Allah” he is led by arrogance to crime. Enough for him is hell, an evil bed indeed to lie on.

²⁰³Wazkurullaha fi ayyamin

madudatin fa man taajjala fi yaumaini fa la isma alaihi fa mantaakhkhara fa la isma alaihi li manit taqa wattaqullaha walamu annakum ilaihi tuhusharuna

²⁰⁴Wa minannasi ma yujibuka qauluhu fil hayati dunya wa yushhidullaha ala ma fi qalbihi wa huwa aladdul khisami

²⁰⁵Wa iza tawalla saa filarddi liyufsida fiha wa yuhlikal harsa wanasla wallahu la yuhibbulfasada

²⁰⁶Wa iza qila lahu taqillaha akhazathul izzatu bil ismi fahasbuhu jahannamu wa labisal mihadu

49. Another “sanctified injunction”, the pagan Arabs, it is said used to spend three days after the Hajj in fellowshiping with each other. This practice is carried over into Islam with the addition that if any wanted to spend less than three days it was alright, and if others who were able spent three days, that was alright too.

[Commentary continues below.]

²⁰⁷And there is the type of man who gives his life to earn the pleasure of Allah, and Allah is full of kindness to devotees.

²⁰⁸O you who believe, enter into Islam whole heartedly, and follow not the footsteps of the evil one, for he is to you an open enemy.

²⁰⁹If you backslide after the clear signs have come to you, then know that Allah is exalted in power, wise.

²¹⁰Will they wait until Allah comes to them in canopies of clouds with angels, and the question is settled? But to Allah do all questions go back.

²⁰⁷Wa minannasi ma yashri nafsahub tiga a mardatillahi wallahu raufum bil ibadi

²⁰⁸Ya ayyuhal lazina amanu dukhulu fi silmi kaffahtan wa laytattabiu khutuwatish shaitani innahu lakum aduwwu mubinun

²⁰⁹Fa in zalaltum mim badi ma jaatkumul bayyinatu falamu annallaha azizun hakimun

²¹⁰Halu yanzuruna illa anyatiyahumullahu fi zulim minal gamami walmalaikatu wa qudiyal amru wa ilallahi turjaul umuru

[Commentary continues below.]

²¹¹Ask the Children of Israel how many clear signs We have sent them. But if anyone after Allah’s favor has come to him substitutes, Allah is strict in punishment.

²¹²The life of this world is alluring to those who reject faith and they scoff at those who believe. But the righteous will be above them on the day of resurrection, for Allah bestows His abundance without measures on whom He will.

²¹¹Sal bani Israila kam atainahum min ayatin bayyinatin wa ma yubaddil nimatallahi mimbadi ma ja athu fa innallaha shadidul iqabi

²¹²Zuyyina lillazina kafaru lhayatu dunya wa yaskharuna minal lazina amanu wallazina taqau fauqahum yauma lqiyamahti wallahu yarzuqu man yashau bi gairi hisabin

[Commentary continues below.]

²¹³Mankind was one single nation and Allah sent messengers with glad tidings and warnings, and with them He sent the book in truth, to judge between people in matters wherein they differed; but the people of the book after the clear signs came to them did not differ among themselves, except through selfish contumacy. Allah by His grace guided the believers to the truth concerning that wherein they differed. For Allah guides whom He will to a path that is straight.

²¹⁴Or do you think that you shall enter the garden without such as came to those who passed away before you? They encountered suffering and adversity and were so shaken in spirit that even the apostle and those of faith who were with him cried, “When will come the help of Allah?” Ah, verily, the help of Allah is near.

²¹³Kanan nasu ummatan wahidahtan fa baasallahun nabiyyina mubashssirina wa munzirina wa anzala maahumul kitaba bil haqqi liyahkuma bainannasi fi makhtalafu fihi wa makhtalafa fihi illallazina utuhu min badi ma jaathumul bayyinatu bagyam bainahum fa hadallahul lazina amanu limakhtalafu fihi minal haqqi bi iznihi wallahu yahdi man yashau ila sirati mustaqimin

²¹⁴Am hasibtum antadkhulul jannata wa lamma yatikum masalul lazina khalau min qablikum massathumul basau wa ddarrau wa zulzilu hatta yaqula rasulu wallazina amanu maahu mata nasrullhi ala inna nasrallahi qaribun

[Commentary continues below.]

²¹⁵They ask you what they should spend. Say, whatever you spend that is good is for parents and kindred and orphans and those in want and for wayfarers. And whatever you do that is good Allah knows it well.

²¹⁶Fighting is prescribed for you and you dislike it. But it is possible that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knows and you know not.⁵⁰

²¹⁵Yasalunaka maza yunfiquna qul ma anfaqtum min khairin fa lil walidaini walaqrabina walyatama walmasakini wabni sabili wa ma tafalu min khairin fa innallaha bihi alimun

²¹⁶Kutiba alaikumul qitalu wa huwa kurhul lakum wa asa an takrahu shaiaw wa huwa khairul lakum wa asa an tuhibbu shaiaw wa huwa sharrul lakum wallahu yalamu wa antum la talamuna

50. Initially, the Muslims were not thrilled about fighting their brothers who were non-Muslims. One of the incentives which inspired them was the booty they collected after the invasions and battles.

[Commentary continues below.]

²¹⁷They ask you concerning fighting in the prohibited month. Say, “Fighting therein is a grave, but graver is it in the sight of Allah to prevent access to the path of Allah to deny Him to prevent access to the sacred mosque and drive out its members. Tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter. Nor will they cease fighting you until they turn you back from your faith if they can. And if any of you turn back from their faith and die in unbelief their works will bear no fruit in this life and in the hereafter, they will be companions of the fire and will abide therein.

²¹⁸Those who believed and those who suffered exile and fought in the path of Allah, they have the hope of the mercy of Allah; and Allah is most forgiving, most merciful.

²¹⁷Yasalunaka ani shahril harami qitalin fihi qul qitalun fihi kabirun wa suadun an sabilillahi wa kufrum bihi wal masjidil harami wa ikhraju ahlihi minhu akbaru indallahi wal fitnatu akbaru minal qatli wa la yazaluna yuqatilunakum hatta yaruddukum an dinikum inistatau wa man yartadid minkum an dinihi fa yamut wa huwa kafirun fa ulaika habituatu amaluhum fi dunya walakhirahti wa ulaika asuabu nari hum fiha khaliduna

²¹⁸Innal lazina amanu wal lazina hajaru wa jahadu fi sabilillahi ulaika yarjuna rahmatallahi wallahu gafuru rahimun

[Commentary continues below.]

²¹⁹They ask you concerning wine and gambling. Say, “In them is great sin and some profit for men; but the sin is greater than the profit.” They ask you how much they are to spend, say, “What is beyond your needs.” Thus does Allah make clear to you His signs, in order that you may consider.

²²⁰On this life and the hereafter, they ask you concerning orphans. Say, “The best thing to do is what is for their good, if you mix their affairs with yours they are your brethren, but Allah knows the man who means mischief from the man who means good. And if Allah had wished He could have put you into difficulties, He is indeed exalted in power, wise.”⁵¹

²¹⁹Yasalunaka anil khamri wal maisiri qul fihima ismun kabirun wa manafiu linnasi wa ismuhuma akbaru min nafihima wa yasalunaka maza yunfiquna qulil afwa kazalika yubayyinullahu lakumul ayati laallakum tatafakkaruna

²²⁰Fi dunya wal akhirahti wa yasalunaka anil yatama qul islahul lahum khairun fa in tukhalituhum fa ikhwanukum wallahu yalamul mufsida minal muslihi wa lau sha allahu laanatakum innallaha azizun hakimun

51. Allah has enjoined on the Muslims to treat orphans with fairness, it is like Micah 6:8: says; He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

[Commentary continues below.]

²²¹And do not marry unbelieving women until they believe, a slave woman who believes is better than an unbelieving woman, even though she allure you. Nor marry to unbelievers until they believe: a man slave who believes is better than an unbeliever even though he allure you. Unbelievers beckon you to the fire. But Allah beckons by His grace to the garden, and forgiveness and makes His signs clear to mankind: that they may celebrate His praise.

²²²And they ask you concerning women’s courses. Say, they are a hurt and a pollution, so keep away from women in their courses and do not approach them until they are clean. But when they have purified themselves you may approach them in any manner, time, or place, ordained for you by Allah. For Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean.⁵²

²²¹Wa la tankihul mushrikati hatta yuminna wa laamatum muminatun khairum min mushrikatin wa lau ajabatkum wa la tunkihul mushrikina hatta yuminu walaabdum muminun khairum min mushriki wa lau ajabakum ulaika yaduna ila nari wallahu yadu ilal jannati wal magfirati bi iznihi wa yubayyinu ayatihi linnasi laallahum yatazakaruna

²²²Wa yasalunaka anil mahidi qul huwa azan fatazilun nisaa fil mahidi wa la taqrabuhunna hattayathurna fa izatatahharna fatuhunna min haisu amarakumullahu innallaha yuhibbu tawwabina wa yuhibbul mutatuahhirina

52. This verse obviously sees it as a filthy thing from which men are to stay away. According to Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith ¹.301narrated by Abu Said Al Khudri; Menses makes women deficient in religion, because they are forbidden to fast during their menses. Again according Bukhari 1:228narrated by Aisha, Muhammad’s favorite wife, one is to stop offering prayers during ones period until the period is over. This was the teachings Muhammad gave regarding women in their period, however, when any of his wives were in their period, he did not stay away from them, infact he even fondled them. Bukhari 1:297narrated by Um Salama, “While I was laying with the Prophet under a single woolen sheet, I got the menses. I slipped away and put on the clothes for menses. He said, “Have you got ‘Nifas’ (menses)?” I replied, “Yes.” He then called me and made me lie with him under the same sheet”. Again Bukhari 1:298narrated by Aisha; “The Prophet and I used to take a bath from a single pot while we were Junub. During the menses, he used to order me to put on an Izar (dress worn below the waist) and used to fondle me. While in Itikaf, he used to bring his head near me and I would wash it while I used to be in my periods (menses)”. A true leader is one who is such by example. Paul said to his disciples to follow him even as he follows Christ, not the other way around, l Corinthians 4:16: Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

²²³Your wives are as a tilth unto you, so approach your tilth when or how you will. But do some good act for your souls beforehand, and fear Allah and know that you are to meet Him and give good tidings to those who believe.⁵³

²²⁴And make not Allah an excuse in your oaths against doing good, or acting rightly, or making peace between persons, for Allah is one who hears and knows all things.

²²⁵Allah will not call you to account for thoughtlessness in your oaths but for the intention in your hearts; and He is most forgiving, most forbearing.⁵⁴

²²⁶For those who take an oath for abstention from their wives, a waiting for four months is ordained, if then they return, Allah is most forgiving, most merciful.

²²⁷And if their intention is firm for divorce Allah hears and knows all things.

²²³Nisaukum harsu lakum fatu harsakum anna shitum wa qaddimu li anfusikum wattaqullaha walamu annakum mulaquhu wa bashshiril muminina

²²⁴Wa la tajalullaha urdatal li aimanikum an tabarru wa tattaqu wa tuslihu bainan nasi wallahu samiun alimun

²²⁵La yuakhizukumullahu bil lagwi fi aimanikum wa laki yuakhizukum bima kasabat qulubukum wallahu gafurun halimun

²²⁶Lillazina yuluna min nisaihim tarabbusu arbaati ashhurin fa in fau fa innallaha gafuru rahimun

²²⁷Wa in azamu tualaqa fa innallaha samiun alimun

53. According another Bukhari transmission in 6:51narrated by Jabir; Jews used to say: “If one has sexual intercourse with his wife from the back, then she will deliver a squint-eyed child.” So this Verse was revealed: Al-Tirmidhi Hadith 3191narrated by Abdullah ibn Abbas; Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) received the revelation, “Your wives are a tilth to you, so come to your tilth.....”, that means from in front or behind, but avoid the anus and intercourse during menstruation. Sunan of Abu-Dawood Hadith 2159narrated by Abdullah Ibn Abbas tells a different story, that is that this verse came to be a result of a woman who insisted on having sexual intercourse with her husband only in the so called missionary position as the Jews do it, and when this matter came to Muhammad, this revelation came to instruct the Muslims on how to do it. Which is any which way.

54. This passage is contrary to the what we read in the Bible that we should not make any foolish vow, because God hates such

Numbers 30:2: If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, orswear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.

Ecclesiastes 5:5: Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

In the Bible, we are held responsible for every word that proceeds out of

our mouths. In the Qur’an in essence one can make mockery of God by vowing and not paying your vow under the pretext that you made a foolish vow.

²²⁸Divorced women shall wait concerning themselves for three monthly periods, nor is it lawful for them to hide what Allah has created in their wombs if they have faith in Allah and the last day. And their husbands have the better right to take them back in that period if they wish for reconciliation. And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them according to what is equitable, but men have a degree over them and Allah is exalted in power, wise.⁵⁵

²²⁸Wal mutallaqatu yatarabbasna bi anfusihinna salasata quruin wa la yahillu lahunna anyaktumna ma khalaqallahu fi arhamihinna in kunna yuminna billahi wal yaumil akhiri wa buulatuhunna ahaqqu biraddihinna fi zalika in aradu islahan wa lahunna mislul lazi alaihinna bil marufi wa li rijalialaihinna darajahun wallahu azizun hakimun

55. Islam does not advocate the equality of women with men, the testimony of two women is that of one man because they are deficient in intelligence (Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 1.301, narrated by Abu Said Al Khudri). Whereas the Bible teaches the equality of all people,

Galatians 3:28: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Women are so important in the economy of Christians doctrine that they have an equal right as the man over their bodies, l Corinthians 7:4: The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

Disrespect to one’s wife is a cause to hindered prayers, 1 Peter 3:7: Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

Islam on the other hand teaches that men beat their wives, Qur’an 4: 34:

Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient and guard in (the husband’s) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct admonish them (first) (next) refuse to share their beds (and last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience seek not against them means (of annoyance): for Allah is Most High Great (above you all).

According to Sunan of Abu-Dawood Hadith 142:

narrated by Laqit ibn Sabirah, one may beat his wife but not as one would his slave girl, I have a wife who has something (wrong) in her tongue, i.e. she is insolent. He said: Then divorce her. I said: Messenger of Allah, she had company with me and I have children from her. He said: Then ask her (to obey you). If there is something good in her, she will do so (obey); and do not beat your wife as you beat your slave-girl.

In the Sunan of Abu-Dawood Hadith 2141, narrated by Abdullah ibn AbuDhubab, women are not permitted to an equal amount of say so with men:

‘Women have become emboldened towards their husbands, he (the Prophet) gave permission to beat them. Then many women came round the family of the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) complaining against their husbands. So the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Many women have gone round Muhammad’s family complaining against their husbands. They are not the best among you’.

The very next transmission says:

‘The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: A man will not be asked as to why he beat his wife’.

In Al-Muwatta’s Hadith 30.13, we read that the successors of Muhammad also taught and encouraged spousal abuse:

‘A man came to Umar ibn al-Khattab and said, ‘I have a slave-girl and I used to have intercourse with her. My wife went to her and suckled her. When I went to the girl, my wife told me to watch out, because she had suckled her!’ Umar told him to beat his wife and to go to his slave-girl’.

²²⁹A divorce is only permissible twice: after that the parties should either hold together on equitable terms or separate with kindness. It is not lawful for you to take back any of your gifts except when both parties fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by Allah. If you do indeed fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by Allah, there is no blame on either of them if she give something for her freedom. These are the limits ordained by Allah, so do not transgress them. If any do transgress the limits ordained by Allah, such persons wrong themselves as well as others.⁵⁶

²³⁰So if a husband divorces his wife he cannot after that remarry her until after she has married another husband and he has divorced her. In that case there is no blame on either of them if they reunite, provided they feel that they can keep the limits ordained by Allah. Such are the limits ordained by Allah which He makes plain to those who understand.

²²⁹Attalaqu marratani fa imsakum bi marufin au tasrihun bi ihsanin wa la yahillu lakum antakhuzu mimma ataitumuhunna shaian illa anyyakhafa alla yuqima hududallahi fa in khiftum al la yuqima hududallahi fa la junaha alaihima fi maftadat bihi tilka hududullahi fa la tataduha wa man yataadda hududallahi fa ulaika humuz zalimuna

²³⁰Fa in tallaqaha fa la tahillu lahu min badu hatta tuankiha zaujan gairahu fa in tallaqaha fa la junaha alaihima ayatarajaa in zanna anyuqima hududallahi wa tilka hududullahi yubayyinuha li qaumi yalamuna

56. Unlike Christianity, where divorce is conditioned by marital unfaithfulness, in Islam, it is an arbitrary decision by the man. According to Al-Muwatta’s Hadith 29.1-4, one has to say ‘I divorce you’ three times and the divorce is irrevocable, if one makes more than three pronouncements, it is an absolute irrevocable with no chance of reconciliation.

Yahya related to me from Malik that he had heard that a man came to Abdullah ibn Masud and said, “I have divorced my wife by saying I divorce you eight times.” Ibn Masud said to him, “What have people told you?” He replied, “I have been told that I have to part absolutely from her.” Ibn Masud said, “They have spoken the truth. A person who divorces as Allah has commanded, Allah makes it clear for him, and a person who obscures himself in error, we make stay by his error. So do not confuse yourselves and pull us into your confusion. It is as they have said.”

It is therefore not that in verse 4 Malik said, “That is what I like best of what I have heard on the subject.” Women are cheap in Islam, they are mere sexual objects for the enjoyment of men. In this light a special provision has been made for the man while he is on a tour of duty, on a business trip or cannot contain his lust, this provision is known as Nikah al Mutah, (temporal marriage) Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 7.52 narrated by Jabir bin Abdullah and Salama bin Al Akwa, Muhammad himself taught it and it was embraced by his men.

While we were in an army, Allah’s Apostle came to us and said, “You have been allowed to do the Mut’a (marriage), so do it.” Salama bin Al-Akwa’ said: Allah’s Apostle’s said, “If a man and a woman agree (to marry temporarily), their marriage should last for three nights, and if they like to continue, they can do so; and if they want to separate, they can do so.” I do not know whether that was only for us or for all the people in general.

Abu Abdullah (Al-Bukhari) said:

‘Ali made it clear that the Prophet said, “The Mut’a marriage has been canceled (made unlawful).”

God says He hate divorce, and that whoever marries one that has been put away by her husband is guilty of adultery. Matthew 5:32: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. These are some of the many things which makes Islam attractive to it’s followers.

²³¹And when you divorce women and they fulfill their term, either take them back on equitable terms or set them free on equitable terms; but do not take them back to injure them or to take undue advantage, if anyone does that He wrongs his own soul. Do not treat Allah’s signs as a jest but solemnly rehearse Allah’s favors on you and the fact that He sent down to you the book and wisdom for your instruction. And fear Allah and know that Allah is well acquainted with all things.

²³¹Wa iza tallaqtumun nisaa fabalagna ajalahunna fa amsikuhunna bi marufin au sarrihuhunna bi marufin wa la tumsikuhunna diraral li tatadu wa ma yafal zalika fa qad zalama nafsahu wa la tattakhizu ayatillahi huzuwan wazkuru nimatallahi alaikum wa ma anzala alaikum minal kitabi walhikmati yaizukum bihi wattaqullaha walamu annallaha bi kulli shaiinalimun

[Commentary continues below.]

²³²And when you divorce women and they fulfill their term, do not prevent them from marrying their husbands if they mutually agree on equitable terms. This instruction is for all among you who believe in Allah and the last day. That is most virtue and purity among you and Allah knows and you know not.

²³²Wa iza tallaqtumun nisaa fa balagna ajalahunna fa la tadduluhunna anyankihna azwajahunna iza taradau bainahum bil marufi zalika yuazu bihi man kana minkum yuminu billahi walyaumil akhiri zalikum azka lakum wa atharu wallahu yalamu wa antum la talamuna

[Commentary continues below.]

²³³And the mothers shall give suck to their offspring for two whole years, if the father desires to complete the term. But he shall bear the cost of their food and clothing on equitable terms. No soul shall have a burden laid on it greater than it can bear. No mother shall be treated unfairly on account of her child, nor father on account of his child. An heir shall be chargeable in the same way, if they both decide on weaning by mutual consent, and after due consultation there is no blame on them. If you decide on a foster mother for your offspring, there is no blame on you provided you pay what you offered on equitable terms. But fear Allah and know that Allah sees well what you do.

²³⁴And if any of you die and leave widows behind they shall wait concerning themselves four months and ten days, when they have fulfilled their term there is no blame on you, if they dispose of themselves in a just and reasonable manner. And Allah is well acquainted with what you do.

²³³Wal walidatu yurdina auladahunna haulaini kamilaini liman arada ayutimmar radaahta waalal mauludi lahu rizquhunna wa kiswatuhunna bil marufi la tukallafu nafsun illa wusaha latudarra walidatum bi waladiha wa la mauludul laha bi waladihi wa alal warisi mislu zalika fa in arada fisalan an taradin minhuma wa tashawurin fa la junaha alaihima wa in aradtum an tastardiu auladakum fa la junaha alaikum iz asallamtum ma ataitum bil marufi wattaqullaha walamu annallaha bima tamaluna basirun

²³⁴Wallazina yutawaffauna minkum wa yazaruna azwajan yatarabbasna bi anfusihinna arbaata ashhuri wa ashran fa iza balagna ajalahunna fa la junaha alaikum fi ma faalna fi anfusihinna bil marufi wallahu bima tamaluna khabirun

[Commentary continues below.]

²³⁵And there is no blame on you if you make an offer of betrothal or hold it in your hearts. Allah knows that you cherish them in your hearts, but do not make a secret contract with them except in terms honorable nor resolve on the tie of marriage till the term prescribed is fulfilled. And know that Allah knows what is in your hearts and take heed of Him, and know that Allah is forgiving, forbearing.

²³⁶There is no blame on you if you divorce women before consummation or the fixation of their dower, but bestow on them the wealthy according to his means and the poor according to his means, a gift of a reasonable amount is due from those who wish to do the right thing.

²³⁵Wa la junaha alaikum fima arradtum bihi min khitbatin nisai au aknantum fi anfusikum alimallahu annakum satazkurunahunna wa lakil la tuwaiduhunna sirran illa an taqulu qaulam marufan wa la tazimu uqdatan nikahi hatta yablugal kitabu ajalahu walamu annallaha yalamu ma fi anfusikum fahzaruhu walamu annallaha gafurun halimun

²³⁶La junaha alaikum in tallaqtumun nisaa ma lam tamassuhunna au tafridu lahunna faridahtan wa mattiuhunna alal musii qadaruhu wa alal muqtiri qadaruhu mata am bil marufi haqqan alal muhsinina

[Commentary continues below.]

²³⁷And if you divorce them before consummation but after the fixation of a dower for them then the half of the dower unless they remit it. Or is remitted by him in whose hands is the marriage tie, and the remission is the nearest to righteousness. And do not forget liberality between yourselves. For Allah sees well all that you do.

²³⁸Guard strictly your prayers, especially the middle prayer, and stand before Allah in a devotion.⁵⁷

²³⁹If you fear, pray on foot, or riding, but when you are in security celebrate Allah’s praises in the manner He has taught you, which you knew not.⁵⁸

²³⁷Wa in tallaqtumuhunna min qabli an tamassuhunna wa qad faradtum lahunna faridatan fa nisfu ma faradtum illa an yafuna auyafual lazi bi yadihiuqdatun nikahi wa an tafu aqrabu lit taqwa wala tansaul fadla bainakum innallaha bima tamaluna basirun

²³⁸Hafizu ala suawalati wa sualatil wusta wa qumu lillahi qanitina

²³⁹Fa in khiftum farijalan aurukbanan fa iza amintum fazkurullaha kama allamakum ma lam takunu talamuna

57. This prayer is considered the best prayer, the exact one is not certain, but since there are prayers for every Muslim, the logical conclusion is that the four o,clock prayer is implied.

58. Muslim are to pray in a set down format, however, in the face of danger, the format is altered. The Christian can however pray in any position with no impunity.

[Commentary continues below.]

²⁴⁰And those of you who die and leave widows should bequeath for their widows a year’s maintenance and residence, but if they leave there is no blame on you for what they do with themselves, provided it is reasonable and Allah is exalted in power, wise.

²⁴¹And for divorced women maintenance on a reasonable scale. This is a duty on the righteous.

²⁴²Thus does Allah make clear His signs to you, in order that you may understand.

²⁴³Did you not turn your vision to those who abandoned their homes though they were thousands, for fear of death? Allah said to them, “Die.” Then He restored them to life. For Allah is full of bounty to mankind but most of them are ungrateful.

²⁴⁰Wallazina yutawaffauna minkum wa yazaruna azwajan wasiyyatal li azwajihim matan ilal hauli gaira ikhrajin fa in kharajna fa la junaha alaikum fima faalna fi anfusihinna mim marufin wallahu azizun hakimun

²⁴¹Wa lil mutallaqati mata um bil marufi haqqan alal muttaqina

²⁴²Kazalika yubayyinullahu lakum ayatihi laallakum taqiluna

²⁴³Alam tara ilal lazina kharaju min diyarihim wa hum ulufun hazaral mati fa qala lahumullahu mutu summa ahyakum innallaha lazu fadlin alanasi wa lakinna aksaran nasi la yashukuruna

[Commentary continues below.]

²⁴⁴And then fight in the cause of Allah and know that Allah hears and knows all things.

²⁴⁵Who is he that will loan to Allah a beautiful loan which Allah will double unto his credit and multiply many times? It is Allah that gives want or plenty and to Him shall be your return.

²⁴⁴Wa qatilu fi sabilillahi walamu annallaha samiunalimun

²⁴⁵Man zallazi yuqridullaha qardan hasanan fa yudaifahu lahu adafan kasirahtan wallahu yaqbidu wa yabsutu wa ilaihi turjauna

[Commentary continues below.]

²⁴⁶Have you not turned your vision to the chiefs of the children of Israel after Moses? They said to a prophet among them, “Appoint for us a king that we may fight in the cause of Allah.” He said, “Is it not possible if you were commanded to fight that you will not fight?” They said, “How could we refuse to fight in the cause of Allah seeing that we were turned out of our homes and our families?” But when they were commanded to fight, they turned back, except a small band among them. But Allah has full knowledge of those who do wrong.⁵⁹

²⁴⁷And their prophet said to them, “Allah has appointed Talut as king over you.” They say, “How can he exercise authority over us when we are better fitted than he to exercise authority, and he is not even gifted with wealth in abundance?” He said, “Allah has chosen him above you and has gifted him abundantly with knowledge and bodily prowess, Allah grants His authority to whom He pleases. Allah cares for all and He knows all things.”⁶⁰

²⁴⁶Alam tara ilal malai min bani Israila min badi Musa iz qalu li nabiyyil lahumubas lana malikan nuqatil fi sabilillahi qala hal asaitum in kutiba alaikumul qitalu alla tuqatilu qalu wa ma lana alla nuqatila fi sabilillhi wa qad ukhrijna min diyaina wa abnaina falamma kutiba alaihimul qitalu tawallau illa qalilam minhum wallahu alimum bi zalimina

²⁴⁷Wa qala lahum nabiyyuhum innallaha qad baasa lakum Taluta malikan qalu anna yakunu lahul mulku alaina wa nahnu ahaqqu bil mulki minhu wa lam yuta saatam minal mali qala innallahas tafahu alaikum wazadahu bastuatan fil ilmi wal jisumi wallahu yuti mulkahu ma yasyau wallahu wasiun alimun

59. This story is what Muhammad is claiming as a revelation, obviously, he is mis-stating the reason behind the request for a king, which according to the passage is based on peer pressure or being like the Joneses. 1Samuel 8:1-7;

And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beer‑sheba. And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment. Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, And said unto him Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD. And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

From this passage the intent was not so that they would in the course of Allah as alleged in the Qur’an.

60. According to 1 Samuel chapter 9, the people did not object on account of his poor background. His father had slaves, which meant, he came from a well to do family, 9:20-21;

... And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on thee, and on all thy father’s house? And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?

In 10:23-24; And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward. And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king.

The people hailed him as their king, there was nothing of the sort as described in the Qur’an. Revelation is the disclosure of a hidden event of past, present and the future, and they are supposed to agree with the facts, incidentally, the Qur’anic revelation falls short in this matter.

²⁴⁸And their prophet said to them, “A sign of his authority is that there shall come to you the Ark of the covenant therein is security from your Lord, and the relics left by the family of Moses and the family of Aaron carried by angels. In this is a sign for you if you indeed have faith.”⁶¹

²⁴⁸Wa qala lahum nabiyyuhum inna ayata mulkihi ayyatiyakumut tabutu fihi sakinatum mi rabbikum wa baqiyyatum mimma taraka alu Musa wa alu Haruna tahmiluhul malaikahtu inna fi zalika laayatal lakum inkuntum muminina

61. Please refer to verse 248. According to 1 Samuel 6,7,8, the Ark of God was with Israel at the time of Saul’s coronation.

[Commentary continues below.]

²⁴⁹When Talut set forth with the armies he said, “Allah will test you at the stream, if any drinks of its water he goes not with my army, only those who taste not of it go with me, a mere sip out of the hand is excused.” But they all drank of it except a few. When they crossed the river he and the faithful ones with him they said, “This day we cannot cope with Goliath and his forces.” But those who were convinced that they must meet Allah said, “How often by Allah’s will has a small force vanquished a big one? Allah is with those who steadfastly persevere.”⁶²

²⁵⁰And when they advanced to meet Goliath and his forces they prayed, “Our Lord! pour out constancy on us and make our steps firm, help us against those that reject faith.”

²⁵¹By Allah’s will they routed them: and David slew Goliath, and Allah gave him power and wisdom and taught him whatever He willed. And did not Allah check one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of mischief, but Allah is full of bounty to all the worlds.⁶³

²⁵²These are the signs of Allah, We rehearse them to you in truth, verily, you are one of the apostles.

²⁴⁹Fa lamma fasala Talutu bil junudi qala innallaha mubtalikum bi naharin faman shariba minhu fa laisa minni fama lam yatamhu fa innahu minni illa manigtarafa gurfatam biyadihi fa sharibu minhu illa qalilam minhum fa lamma jawazahu huwa wallazina amanu maahu qalu la taqata lanal yaumabi Jaluta wa junudihi qalal lazina yazunnuna annahum mulaqullahi kam min fiatin qalilatin galabat fiatan kasiratam bi iznillahi wallahu maa suabirina

²⁵⁰Wa lamma barazu li Jaluta wa junudihi qalu rabbana afrig alaina sabran wa sabbit aqdamana wansurna alal qaumil kafirina

²⁵¹Fa hazamuhum bi iznillahi wa qatala Dawudu Jaluta wa atahullahul mulka wal hikmata wa allamahu mimma yashau wa lau la dafullahin nasa badahum bi badil lafasatil ardu walakinnallaha zu fadlinalal alamina

²⁵²Tilka ayatullahi natluha alaika bil haqqi wa innaka laminal mursalina

62. In Judges chapter 7, we read that it was Gideon who tried his men by how they drank water according to the direction of God. In verse 249of Qur’an chapter 2, we read that it was Saul. An obvious blunder. If Saul had done that most definitely, the Biblical historians would have mentioned it as such. In Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 5.294 narrated by Al Bara;

We, the Companions of Muhammad used to say that the number of the warriors of Badr was the same as the number of Saul’s companions who crossed the river (of Jordan) with him, and none crossed the river with him but a believer, and the were over three-hundred-and-ten men.

63. Please refer to verse 151. The first mention of Goliath is in reference to David, 1 Samuel 17:23:

And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them.

When God rejected Saul from being King over the Israelites, David was anointed in his place as King. Therefore the Spirit of God was upon David, and when he was sent by his father to his brothers who had been conscripted into Saul, he saw Goliath defiling the name of the God of Israel, to which David vowed that God would deliver Goliath into his hands and that is exactly what happened. The Qur’anic account leaves out the details and thus makes it difficult to ascertain the truth of what it is reporting.

As one compares the account in the Bible with the Qur’an; it renders verse 253,

‘These are the signs of Allah; We rehearse them to thee in truth: verily thou art one of the apostles’ suspect. They are rehearsed alright but they are not in truth.

²⁵³Those apostles We endowed with gifts some above others: to one of them Allah spoke, others He raised to degrees, to Jesus the son of Mary We gave clear signs and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. If Allah had so willed, succeeding generations would not have fought among each other after clear signs had come to them but they wrangled, some believing and others rejecting. If Allah had so willed, they would not have fought each other, but Allah fulfills His plan.⁶⁴

²⁵³Tilka rusulu faddalna badahum ala badin minhum man kallamallahu wa rafaa badahum darajatin wa ataina Isabna Maryamal bayyinati wa ayyadnahu bi ruhil qudusi wa lau shaallahu maqtatalal lazina min badihim min badi ma ja athumul bayyinatu wa lakinikhtalafu fa minhum man amana wa minhum man kafara wa lau sha allahu maqtatalu wa lakinnallaha yafalu ma yuridu

64. The status of Jesus once again is brought to the fore. Of questionable import though is the claim that He was strengthened by the Holy Spirit, because Islam confuses the Holy Spirit with the Angel Gabriel. No doubt he did signs to demonstrate His status and His ability to save mankind as Isaiah predicted and confirmed by Luke:

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

Luke 4:18; The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.

This no other Prophet has ever claimed, though God gave grace to former Prophets, Jesus’ is quite unique.

²⁵⁴O you who believe, spend out of what We have provided for you before the day comes when no bargaining, nor friendship, nor intercession will avail. Those who reject faith, they are the wrongdoers.

²⁵⁵Allah, there is no allah but He, the living, the self subsisting, eternal. No slumber nor sleep can seize him. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permits? He knows what is before or after or behind them. Nor shall they compass any of his knowledge except as He wills. His throne does extend over the heavens and the earth and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. For He is the most high, the supreme.

²⁵⁴Ya ayyuhal lazina amanu anfiqu mimma razaqnakum min qabli ayyatiya yaumul la baiun fihi wa la khullatuw wa la shafaahtun wal kafiruna humu tualimuna

²⁵⁵Allahu la ilaha illa huwa al hayyul qayyumu la takhuzuhu sinatu wa la naumun lahu ma fi samawati wa ma filarddi man zallazi yashfaun indahu illa bi iznihi yalamu ma baina aidihim wa ma khalfahum wa la yuhituna bi shaiim minilmihi illa bima shaa wasia kursiyyuhu samawati walarda wa la yauduhu hifzuhuma wa huwal aliyyul atimu

[Commentary continues below.]

²⁵⁶Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from error, whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy hand hold that never breaks. And Allah hears and knows all things.⁶⁵

²⁵⁷Allah is the protector of those who have faith, from the depths of darkness He will lead them forth into light. Of those who reject faith, the patrons are the evil ones, from light they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness. They will be companions of the fire to dwell therein.

²⁵⁶La ikraha fi dini qad tabayyanar rushdu minal gaiyi fama yakfur bi tuaguti wa yumim billahi fa qadistamsaka bil urwatil wusqa lanfisama laha wallahu samiun alimun

²⁵⁷Allahu waliyyul lazina amanu yukhrijuhum mina zulumati ila nuri wallazina kafaru auliyauhumu tuagutuyukhrijunahum minan nuri ila zulumati ulaika asuabun nari hum fiha khaliduna

65. Please refer to verse 256. This verse betrays Muhammad and his claim that He is the Comforter of whom Jesus spoke, because in spite of this passage, there are ample revelations that people were compelled to embrace and to remain in Islam. Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 3.50 narrated by Uqba bin Al Harith reveals when others erred from the teachings of Muhammad they were subjected to severe beatings:

When An-Nuaman or his son was brought in a state of drunkenness, Allah’s Apostle ordered all those who were present in the house to beat him. I was one of those who beat him. We beat him with shoes and palm-leaf stalks.

Fiqh-us-Sunnah Fiqh 1.80:

it is a must that his guardian order him to do so when he is seven, and he should beat him if he does not pray after he reaches the age of ten.

Sunan of Abu-Dawood Hadith 2996 narrated by Muhayyisah:

The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) said: If you gain a victory over the men of Jews, kill them. So Muhayyisah jumped over Shubaybah, a man of the Jewish merchants. He had close relations with them. He then killed him. At that time Huwayyisah (brother of Muhayyisah) had not embraced Islam. He was older than Muhayyisah. When he killed him, Huwayyisah beat him and said: O enemy of Allah, I swear by Allah, you have a good deal of fat in your belly from his property.

²⁵⁸Have you not turned your vision to one who disputed with Abraham about his Lord, because Allah had granted him power? Abraham said, “My Lord is He who gives life and death.” He said, “I give life and death.” Said Abraham, “but it is Allah that causes the sun to rise from the East, do you then cause him to rise from the West.” Thus was he confounded who rejected faith. Nor does Allah give guidance to a people unjust.

²⁵⁸Alam tara ilal lazi hajja Ibrahima fi rabbihi an atahullahul mulka iz qala Ibrahimu rabbiyal lazi yuhyi wa yumitu qala ana uhyi wa umitu qala Ibrahimu fa innallaha yati bi shamsi minal mashriqi fati biha minal magribi fabuhital lazi kafara wallahu la yahdil qauma tualimina

[Commentary continues below.]

²⁵⁹Or the similitude of one who passed by a hamlet all in ruins to its roofs. He said, “Oh, how shall Allah bring it to life after its death?” But Allah caused him to die for a hundred years then raised him up. He said, “How long did you tarry?” He said, “A day or part of a day.” He said, “No, you have tarried thus a hundred years, but look at your food and drink, they show no signs of age, and look at your donkey, and that We may make of you a sign unto the people, look further at the bones how We bring them together and clothe them with flesh. When this was shown clearly to him, he said, “I know that Allah has power over all things.”⁶⁶

²⁶⁰And behold, Abraham said, “My Lord! show me how you give life to the dead.” He said, “Do you not then believe?” He said, “Yes, but to satisfy my own understanding.” He said, “Take four birds; tame them to turn to you, put a portion of them on every hill and call to them, they will come to you with speed. Then know that Allah is exalted in power, wise.”⁶⁷

²⁵⁹Au kallazi marra ala qaryatin wa hiya khawiyatunala urushiha qala anna yuhyi hazihillahu bada mautiha fa amatahullahu miata amin summa baasahu qala kam labista qala labistu yauman au bada yaumin qala bal labista miataamin fanzur ila taa a sharabika lam yatasannah wanzur ila himarika wa linajalaka ayatal linnasi wanzur ilalituami kaifa nunshizuha summa naksuha lahman falamma tabayyana lahu qala alamu annallaha ala kulli shaiin qadirun

²⁶⁰Wa iz qala Ibrahimu rabbi arini kaifa tuhyil mauta qala awalam tumin qala bala wa lakil liyatmainna qalbi qala fakhuz arbaatan mina tairi fa surhunna ilaika summajalala kulli jabalim minhunna juzan summaduhunna yatinaka sayan walam annallaha azizun hakimun

66. The closest similitude we find in the Bible in reference to dry bones receiving life is Ezekiel 37:1-10, where God took the Prophet and showed him the spiritual condition of the Jews. The reference to the ruined hamlet might be a misrepresentation of the facts regarding the city and walls of Jerusalem in ruins as we read in Nehemiah and Ezra of the Old Covenant (Testament). Beyond this there is no match for the story in the Bible.

67. Genesis 15:9-11; And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon. And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not. And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.

This is the only semblance with reference to Abraham who was known as Abram at the time.

²⁶¹The parable of those who spend their substance in the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn, it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He pleases, and Allah cares for all and He knows all things.

²⁶²Those who spend their substance in the cause of Allah and follow not up their gifts with reminders of their generosity, or with injury for them, their reward is with their Lord, on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve.

²⁶³Kind words and the covering of faults are better than charity followed by injury. Allah is free of all wants and he is most forbearing.

²⁶¹Masalul lazina yunfiquna amwalahum fi sabilillahi ka masali habbatin ambatat saba sanabila fi kulli sumbulatin miatu habbahtin wallahu yudaifu lima yashau wallahu wasiun alimun

²⁶²Allazina yunfiquna amwalahum fi sabilillahi summa la yutbiuna ma anfaqu mannan wa la azan lahum ajruhum inda rabbihim wa la khaufunalaihim wa la hum yahzanuna

²⁶³Qaulun marufu wa magfiratun khairum min sadaqati yatbauha azan wallahu ganiyyun halimun

[Commentary continues below.]

²⁶⁴O you who believe, cancel not your charity by reminders of your generosity, or by injury like those who spend their substance to be seen of men, but believe neither in Allah nor in the last day. They are in parable like a hard barren rock on which is a little soil, on it falls heavy rain which leaves it a barestone. They will be able to do nothing with what they have earned. And Allah guides not those who reject faith.

²⁶⁴Ya ayyuhal lazina amanu la tubtilu sadaqatikum bil manni wal aza kallazi yunfiqu malahu riaan nasi wa la yuminu billahi wal yaumil akhiri fa masuluhu ka masali safwaninalaihi turabun fa asabahu wabilun fa tarakahu saldan la yaqdiruna ala shaiim mimma kasabu wallahu la yahdil qaumal kafirina

[Commentary continues below.]

²⁶⁵And the likeness of those who spend their substance seeking to please Allah and to strengthen their souls is as a garden high and fertile, heavy rain falls on it but makes it yield a double increase of harvest and if it receives not heavy rain, light moisture suffices it. Allah sees well whatever you do.

²⁶⁶Does any of you wish that he should have a garden with date palms and vines, and streams flowing underneath, and all kinds of fruit while he is stricken with old age and his children are not strong, that it should be caught in a whirlwind with fire therein and be burnt up? Thus does Allah make clear to you signs, that you may consider.

²⁶⁵Wa mashalu lazina yunfiquna amwalahumubtigaa mardatillahi wa tasbitam min anfusihim kamasali jannatin birabwatin asabaha wabilun fa atat ukulaha ddifainin fa illam yusibha wabilun fatallun wallahu bima tamaluna basirun

²⁶⁶Ayawaddu ahadukum an takuna lahu jannatum min nakhilin wa anabin tajri min tahtihal anharu lahu fiha min kulli samarati wa asabahu lkibaru wa lahu zurriyyatun duafau fa asabaha isarun fihi narun fahtaraqat kazalika yubayyinullahu lakumu layati laallakum tatafakkaruna

[Commentary continues below.]

²⁶⁷O you who believe, give of the good things which you have earned, and of the fruits of the earth which We have produced for you, and do not even aim at getting anything which is bad in order that out of it you may give away something when you yourselves would not receive it except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is free of all wants and worthy of all praise.

²⁶⁸The evil one threatens you with poverty and bids you to conduct unseemly. Allah promises you His forgiveness and bounties and Allah cares for all and He knows all things.          

²⁶⁹He grants wisdom to whom He pleases, and he to whom wisdom is granted receives indeed a benefit overflowing, but none will grasp the message but men of understanding.

²⁷⁰And whatever you spend in charity or devotion, be sure Allah knows it all. But the wrong doers have no helpers.

²⁶⁷Ya ayyuhal lazina amanu anfiqu min tayyibati ma kasabtum wa mimma akhrajna lakum mina larddi wa la tayammamu lkhabisa minhu tunfiquna wa lastum biakhizihi illa an tugmidu fihi walamu annallaha ganiyyun hamidun

²⁶⁸Ashaitanu yaidukumul faqra wa yamurukum bil fahshai wallahu yaidukum magfiratam minhu wa fadlan wallahu wasiun alimun

²⁶⁹Yutil hikmata ma yashau wa ma yutal hikmata fa qad utiya khairan kasiran wa ma yazzakkaru illa ululalbabi

²⁷⁰Wa ma anfaqtum min nafaqatin au nazartum min nazrin fa innallaha yalamuhu wa ma litualimin min ansuarin

[Commentary continues below.]

²⁷¹If you disclose charity even so it is well but if you conceal them and make them reach those in need that is best for you, it will remove from you some of your evil. And Allah is well acquainted with what you do.⁶⁸

²⁷²It is not required of you to set them on the right path, but Allah sets on the right path whom He pleases. Whatever of good you give benefits your own souls and you shall only do so seeking the face of Allah. Whatever good you give, shall be rendered back to you and you shall not be dealt with unjustly.

²⁷¹In tubdu suadaqati faniimma hiya wa in tukhfuha wa tutuhal fuqaraa fa huwa khairul lakum wa yukaffiru ankum min sayyiatikum wallahu bima tamaluna khabirun

²⁷²Laisa alaika hudahum wa lakinnallaha yahdi ma yashau wa ma tunfiqu min khairin fa li anfusikum wa ma tunfiquna illabtigaa wajhillahi wa ma tunfiqu min khairi yuwaffa ilaikum wa antum la tutlamuna

68. Doing a good deed for some one who is really in need and not making a show of it will be propitious for you, so the Qur’an says. Good deeds, or alms giving does not act as propitiation for our sins, what takes away our sins is the blood of Jesus whose sacrificious death atoned for our sins. When we do good deeds, we will be rewarded or blessed by God in proportion to our given, but not to the extent of propitiation. The next verses deal with that.

[Commentary continues below.]

²⁷³For those in need who in Allah’s cause are restricted and cannot move about in the land, seeking for trade or work. The ignorant man thinks because of their modesty that they are free from want. You shall know them by their mark, they beg not importunately from all and sundry. And whatever of good you give, be assured Allah knows it well.

²⁷⁴Those who spend of their goods by night and by day in secret and in public have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve.

²⁷³Lil fuqaraillazina uhsiru fi sabilillahi la yastatiuna darban filardi yahsabuhumul jahilu agniyaa mina taaffufi tarifuhum bi simahum la yasalunan nasa ilhafan wa ma tunfiqu min khairin fa innallaha bihi alimun

²⁷⁴Allazina yunfiquna amwalahum billaili wa nahari sirran waalaniyatan falahum ajruhum inda rabbihim wa la khaufun alaihim wa la hum yahzanuna

[Commentary continues below.]

²⁷⁵Those who devour usury will not stand except as stands one whom the evil one by his touch has driven to madness. That is because they say, “Trade is like usury but Allah has permitted trade and forbidden usury.” Those who after receiving direction from their Lord desist, shall be pardoned for the past, their case is for Allah, but those who repeat are companions of the fire, they will abide therein.⁶⁹

²⁷⁶Allah will deprive usury of all blessing but will give increase for deeds of charity: for He loves not creatures ungrateful and wicked.

²⁷⁷Those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular prayers, and regular charity, will have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve.

²⁷⁸O you who believe! fear Allah and give up what remains of your demand for usury if you are indeed believers.

²⁷⁵Allazina yakulunar riba la yaqumuna illa kama yaqumul lazi yatakhabbatuhu shaitanu minal massi zalika bi annahum qalu innamal baiu mislur riba wa ahallallahul baia wa harramar riba fa man ja ahu mauizatum mi rabbihi fantaha fa lahu ma salafa wa amruhu ilallahi wa man ada fa ulaika ashabun nari hum fiha khaliduna

²⁷⁶Yamhaqullahu riba wa yurbi suadaqati wallahu la yuhibbu kulla kaffarin asimin

²⁷⁷Innal lazina amanu waamilu sualihati wa aqamu sualata wa atawu zakata lahum ajruhum inda rabbihim wa la khaufunalaihim wa la hum yahzanuna

²⁷⁸Ya ayyuhal lazina amanu taqullaha wa zaru ma baqiya minar riba in kuntum muminina

69. Islam vehemently opposes usury under any condition, even mere interest on amounts loaned to others are discouraged, although some Christian businesses although aware of this fact yet do not fail to charge usury to those who borrow from them. The following scriptures and many more condemn the act. Leviticus 25:37: Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase. And Deuteronomy ²³:19: Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:

[Commentary continues below.]

²⁷⁹If you do it not take notice of war from Allah and his apostle, but if you turn back you shall have your capital sums, deal not unjustly and you shall not be dealt with unjustly.⁷⁰

²⁸⁰And if the debtor is in a difficulty, grant him time till it is easy for him to repay. But if you remit it by way of charity, that is best for you, if you only knew.

²⁸¹And fear the day when you shall be brought back to Allah. Then shall every soul be paid what it earned and none shall be dealt with unjustly.

²⁷⁹Fa illam tafalu fazanu bi harbim minallahi wa rasulihi wa in tubtum fa lakum ruusu amwalikum la tatlimuna wa la tutlamuna

²⁸⁰Wa in kana zu usuratin fanaziratun ila maisarahtin wa an tasaddaqu khairul lakum inkuntum talamuna

²⁸¹Wattaqu yauman turjau fihi ilallahi summa tuwaffa kullu nafsin ma kasabat wa hum la yuzlamuna

70. From verse 275to 279, the context is usury, therefore it is those who impose usury on the needy that Allah is calling to take note, because he Allah is going to go to war on them. The reference has no bearing on physical war as with arms, but rather with harsh punishment.

[Commentary continues below.]

²⁸²O you who believe, when you deal with each other in transactions involving future obligations in a fixed period of time reduce them to writing. Let a scribe write down faithfully as between the parties, let not the scribe refuse to write, as Allah has taught him so let him write. Let him who incurs the liability dictate but let him fear his Lord Allah, and not diminish anything of women such as you choose for witnesses so that if one of them errs the other can remind her. The witnesses should not refuse when they are called on. Disdain not to reduce to writing for a future period whether it be small or big, it is just in the sight of Allah, more suitable as evidence and more convenient to prevent doubts among yourselves, but if it be a transaction which you carry what he owes. If the party liable is mentally deficient or weak or unable himself to dictate, let his guardian dictate faithfully. And get two witnesses out of your own men and if there are not two men, then a man and two out on the spot among yourselves, there is no blame on you if you reduce it not to writing. But take witnesses whenever you make a commercial contract, and let neither scribe nor witness suffer harm. If you do it would be wickedness in you. So fear Allah, for it is Allah that teaches you. And Allah is well acquainted with all things.⁷¹

²⁸²Ya ayyuhal lazina amanu iza tadayantum bi dainin ila ajalim musamman faktubuhu walyaktub bainakum katibum biladli wa la yabakatibun ayaktuba kamaallamahullahu falyaktub walyumlilil lazi alaihil haqqu wal yattaqillaha rabbahu wa la yabkhas minhu shaian fa in kanal lazialaihil haqqu safihan au daifan au la yastatiu ayyumilla huwa fal yumlil waliyyuhu bil adli wastashhidu shahidaini mi rijalikum fa illam yakuna rajulaini fa rajulu wamraatani mimman tardauna mina shuhadai an tadilla ihdahuma fa tuzakkira ihdahumal ukhra wa la yaba shuhadau iza ma duu wa la tasamu an taktubuhu sagiran au kabiran ila ajalihi zalikum aqsatu indallahi wa aqwamu li shahadati wa adna alla tartabu illa an takuna tijaratan hadiratan tudirunaha bainakum fa laisa alaikum junahun alla taktubuha wa ashhidu iza tabayatum wa la yudarra katibun wa la shahidun wa in tafalu fa innahu fusuqum bikum wattaqullaha wa yuallimukumullahu wallahu bi kulli shaiin alimun

71. Here the chauvinism of the Muslim mind is betrayed in that it does treat all humans alike. For instance Muhammad himself said that women are deficient in intelligence therefore the testimony of two women shall be equivalent to one man. Sahih Al-Bukhari’s Hadith 1.301narrated by Abu Said Al Khudri Once Allah’s Apostle went out to the Musalla (to offer the prayer) o ‘Id-al-Adha or Al-Fitr prayer. Then he passed by the women and said, “O women! Give alms, as I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-fire were you (women).” They asked, “Why is it so, O Allah’s Apostle?” He replied, “You curse frequently and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you. A cautious sensible man could be led astray by some of you.” The women asked, “O Allah’s Apostle! What is deficient in our intelligence and religion?” He said, “Is not the evidence of two women equal to the witness of one man?” They replied in the affirmative. He said, “This is the deficiency in her intelligence. Isn’t it true that a woman can neither pray nor fast during her menses?” The women replied in the affirmative. He said, “This is the deficiency in her religion.” The other injunction is to avoid or limit cheating by fraud, lying and deception. For this reason every commercial transaction was to be written before witnesses.

[Commentary continues below.]

²⁸³And if you are on a journey and cannot find a scribe, a pledge with possession may serve the purpose. And if one of you deposits a thing on trust with another, let the trustee discharge his trust and let him fear his Lord. Conceal not evidence, for whoever conceals it, his heart is tainted with sin. And Allah knows all that you do.     

²⁸⁴To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth. Whether you show what is in your minds or conceal it, Allah calls you to account for it. He forgives whom He pleases and punishes whom He pleases. For Allah has power over all things.

²⁸³Wa inkuntum ala safarin wa lam tajidu katiban fa rihanum maqbudahtun fa in amina badukum badan fal yuaddil lazitumina amanatahu wal yattaqillaha rabbahu wa la taktumu shahadahta wa ma yaktumha fa innahu asimun qalbuhu wallahu bima tamaluna alimun

²⁸⁴Lillahi ma fi samawati wa ma filardi wa in tubdu ma fi anfusikum au tukhfuhu yuhasibkum bihillahi fa yagfiru liman yashau wa yuazzibu man yashau wallahu ala kulli shaiin qadirun

[Commentary continues below.]

²⁸⁵The apostle believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord as do the men of faith. Each one believes in Allah, His angels, His books, and His apostles “We make no distinction between one and another of His apostles.” And they say, “We hear and we obey, Your forgiveness, our Lord and to You is the end of all journeys.”⁷²

²⁸⁶On no soul does Allah place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns. “Our Lord, condemn us not if we forget or fall into error, our Lord, lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us, Our Lord, lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our protector, help us against those who stand against faith.

²⁸⁵Amanarasulu bima unzila ilaihi mi rabbihi wal muminuna kullun amana billahiwa malaikatihi wa kutubihi wa rusulihi la nufarriqu baina ahadim mi ruslulihi wa qalu samina wa atana gufranaka rabbana wa ilaikal masiru

²⁸⁶La yukallifullahu nafsan illa wusaha laha ma kasabat wa alaiha maktasabat rabbana la tuakhizna innasina au akhtana rabbana wa la tahmil alaina isran kama hamaltahu alallazina min qablina rabbana wa la tuhammilna ma la taqata lana bihi wafu anna wagfir lana warhamna anta maulana fansurna alal qaumi lkafirina