Miracles of ISLAM

Ushr

2016-06-16T22:08:00.001-07:00

Meaning
‘Ushr is the obligatory charge (Zakat) on farm produce which is one-tenth for one kind of land and one-twentieth for others.
Shari’ah Injunction
The Qur’an says :

“O Believers ! expend in Allah’s way the best portion of the wealth you have earned and of what We have produced for you from the earth.” (2 : 267)

And elsewhere :

“ and give away Allah’s due at the harvest time.” (6 :141)

The Commentators are agreed that this refers to ‘Ushr on farm produce. Thus giving away of ‘Ushr on produce of the land is obligatory and [the] Hadith also has confirmed the same. The Holy Prophet has said :

“It is obligatory to give away one-tenth of the farm produce if the land is irrigated by spring or rain or river water naturally, and one-half of one tenth if it is irrigated by drawing out water from the well, etc.”

Rate [Amounts required] of ‘Ushr If the farm or garden is watered naturally by rain or spring water, or river or stream water, [a] tenth part of the produce is obligatory, and if the farm or garden is irrigated by artificial means like the well, tube well, canals, etc. twentieth part is obligatory.

One must take out the tenth or twentieth part of all kinds of produce at the time of harvest : it is not lawful to do so later when a portion of the crop has already been consumed. Thus ‘Ushr has to be calculated and taken out from all kinds of corn, mustard grain, ground nuts, sugarcane, dates, dry fruits, etc., and also from fresh vegetables and fruits, like cucumber, carrot, turnip, melons, lemon, oranges, guava, mango, etc. 1 ‘Ushr is obligatory on honey as well. The Holy Prophet has said : “Give away tenth part of honey”. (Baithaqi)

He has explained it thus :

“One leather bag of honey out of every ten leather bags is obligatory”. (Tirmidhi) Hadrat Abu Siyadah has reported : “I went to the Holy Prophet and said, ‘O Prophet of Allah ! I have kept bees whereupon he instructed me to give away the tenth part”.

On the basis of these traditions, the Hanafites, the Ahl alHadith, Ahmad bin Hanba, Umar bin ‘Abdul ‘Aziz and others are agreed that one is subject to ‘Ushr. Imam Shafei in one of his sayings has expressed a similar opinion, and Ibn ‘Umar and Ibn ‘Abbas from among the Companions have also supported the same view. Regulations Concerning ‘Ushr
1. ‘Ushr has to be taken out from the total produce and after that other charges of agriculture in the way of ploughing, watering, supervision, etc. will be met.
2. The produce becomes subject to ‘Ushr as soon as the crop becomes fit for use in any form, e.g. the gram, maize, mango etc. become sable even before they are ripe; “ushr therefore has to be calculated before the crop is put to private use in any way
3. If a person sells away a crop or garden before the fruit is ripe, ‘Ushr will be the responsibility of the buyer, but if it is sold after the fruit has become ripe, ‘Ushr will be paid by the seller.
4. Payment of ‘ushr is the responsibility of the cultivator of the land whether he has taken it on lease of borrowed it for a short period.
5. If two persons are jointly cultivating a piece of land, both will have to share the ‘Ushr whether the expenses of seed, etc. have been borne buy one or both.
6. There is no condition of Nisab for ‘Ushr to be obligatory : ‘Ushr is obligatory irrespective of the quantity of produce, unless it is in negligible quantity, e.g., 2 kilos or so.
7. There is no condition of the passage of a year either : each crop is subject to ‘Ushr, whether it is harvested once a year or twice a year.
8. ‘Ushr is levyable on the produce of lands owned by minors and insane persons.
9. Waaf lands are also subject to ‘ushr, which will be paid away by the cultivator.
10. If a piece of land is irrigated naturally as well as by artificial means, this fact will be taken into account while calculating ‘ushr. If the land has been irrigated naturally more often, ‘Ushr will be one-tenth , otherwise one-twentieth.
11.‘Ushr may be paid out in kind or in cash of equivalent value.
12. Lands in possession of the Muslims living in non-Muslim states ae subject to ‘Ushr. (Fatawa Deoband, Vol. III, p.18)
13. ‘Ushr is not annulled by the payment of land revenue.
14. The heads of expenditure of ‘Ushr are the same as of Zakat.
The Hidden Treasure
This may be minerals or some other treasure hidden in the earth. Regulations concerning it are briefly as follows :
1. According to Hadith, one-fifth of a treasure, which is unearthed, belongs to the Public Treasury (Bait-ul-Mal).
2. In case of minerals like iron, silver, gold, tin or sulphur, etc. one fifth will be handed in to the Public Treasury and four-fifth will be handed in to the Public Treasury and four-fifths will be retained by the mine owner.
3. There is no share of the Bait-ul-Mal in those things which do not melt in the fire, e.g. diamonds, gems, etc. Similarly minerals in liquid state like petroleum, mercury, etc. are exempt from ‘Ushr duty.

NOTES According to some jurists, ‘ushr is not obligatory on those vegetables and fruits which are not stored, but if the grower sells them in the market, he will have to pay Zakat as on other trade goods if he trade capital amounts up to the Nisab limit of 200 dirhams or more in the beginning and the end of the trade
Imam Malik and Hadrat Sufyan opine that there is no ‘Ushr on honey and Imam Shafe’ also has supported this view.
According to Imam Bukhari, no Hadith relating to Zakat on honey is authentic. Baihaqi has reported that a person brought his ‘Ushr of honey before he Holy Prophet and requested that arrangements be made for the protection of the Siblah forest and the Holy Prophet made the necessary arrangements. In the Caliphate of Hadrat ‘Umar, Sufyan bin Wahab, an official, sought has guidance and direction. Hadrat ‘Umar wrote him back, saying : “If the people give you that which they used to give to the Holy Prophet, you should take it, and make arrangements for the protection of the Siblah forest, otherwise honey prroduced by the bee is just like the rain water which may be used freely by an body”.
Maulana Maududi has expressed the view that honey should be exempted from Zakat, but if it is made an article of trade, it should be made subject to Zakat just like other trade goods.
This is the view of Imam Abu Hanifah. According to his celebrated pupils and Imam Shafi, the minimum quantity for ‘Ushr to be obligatory is five Wasaqs (app. 2000 lb.) The Ahl al-Hadith scholars concur in this view. They base their opinion on this Hadith :

“There is no ‘Ushr on less than five Wasaqs of produce.”

Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal holds the view that all minerals, whether in solid or liquid state, are subject to Zakat 2 ½ per cent , provided their value reaches Nisab and they ae in private ownership. In the time of Hadrat ‘Umar bin ‘Abdul Aziz this was the actual practice of the state. (Al-Mughni, II,p.58)

Zakat

2016-06-16T22:07:00.002-07:00

One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust.
The word Zakat means both 'purification' and 'growth'. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.
Zakat is the amount of money that every adult, mentally stable, free, and financially able Muslim, male and female, has to pay to support specific categories people.
This category of people is defined in surah at-Taubah (9) verse 60: "The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect them, and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives and the debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarers; a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is knower, Wise." (The Holy Qur'an 9:60).
The obligatory nature of Zakat is firmly established in the Qur'an, the Sunnah (or hadith), and the consensus of the companions and the Muslim scholars. Allah states in Surah at-Taubah verses 34-35: "O ye who believe! there are indeed many among the priests and anchorites, who in Falsehood devour the substance of men and hinder (them) from the way of Allah. And there are those who bury gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah. announce unto them a most grievous penalty - On the Day when heat will be produced out of that (wealth) in the fire of Hell, and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, their flanks, and their backs.- "This is the (treasure) which ye buried for yourselves: taste ye, then, the (treasures) ye buried!" (The Holy Qur'an 9:34-35).
It is agreed between Muslims in all the centuries the obligatory nature of paying Zakat for gold and silver, and from those the other kinds of currency.
Zakat is obligatory when a certain amount of money, called the nisab is reached or exceeded. Zakat is not obligatory if the amount owned is less than this nisab. The nisab (or minimum amount) of gold and golden currency is 20 mithqal, this is approximately 85 grams of pure gold. One mithqal is approximately 4.25 grams. The nisab of silver and silver currency is 200 dirhams, which is approximately 595 grams of pure silver. The nisab of other kinds of money and currency is to be scaled to that of gold, 85 grams of pure gold. This means that the nisab of money is the price of 85 grams of 999-type (pure) gold, on the day in which Zakat is paid. (Current Gold Prices)
When is Zakat Due ?

1. Passage of One Lunar Year:: Zakat is obligatory after a time span of one lunar year passes with the money in the control of it's owner. Then the owner needs to pay 2.5% (or 1/40) of the money as Zakat. (A lunar year is approximately 355 days).
2. Deduction of Debts:: The owner should deduct any amount of money he or she borrowed from others; then check if the rest reaches the necessary nisab, then pays Zakat for it.

If the owner had enough money to satisfy the nisab at the beginning of the year, then the money increased (in profits, salaries, inheritance, grants...etc.), the owner needs to add the increase to the nisab amount owned at the beginning of the year; then pay Zakat, 2.5%, of the total at the end of the lunar year. (there are small differences in the fiqh schools here) Each Muslim calculates his or her own Zakat individually. For most purposes this involves the payment each year of two and a half percent of one's capital. (Zakat Calculator)

A pious person may also give as much as he or she pleases as sadaqa, and does so preferably in secret. Although this word can be translated as 'voluntary charity' it has a wider meaning. The Prophet said 'even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is charity.'

The Prophet said: 'Charity is a necessity for every Muslim. ' He was asked: 'What if a person has nothing?' The Prophet replied: 'He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity.' The Companions asked: 'What if he is not able to work?' The Prophet said: 'He should help poor and needy persons.' The Companions further asked 'What if he cannot do even that?' The Prophet said 'He should urge others to do good.' The Companions said 'What if he lacks that also?' The Prophet said 'He should check himself from doing evil. That is also charity.'

Zakat in Ramzan

2014-06-06T05:47:00.000-07:00

Q:What is Zakat al-Fitrah?
A:It is religious tax/alms (zakat) paid on the day when Muslims break the fasting period at the end
of the month of Ramadan. This tax/alms is known as Zakat al-Fitrah.
Q:What do the Qur’an and Hadith say about Fitrah?
A:Imams (pbut) say that the verses: Indeed whosoever purifies himself shall achieve success, and glorifies the Name of his Lord and prays(87:14-15) refer to giving of Fitrah and
saying prayers on Eid al-Fitr. Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (pbuh) said: For your fast to be accepted,
give zakat.
Q:When does Fitrah become wajib (obligatory)?
A:Payment of Fitrah becomes obligatory after sunset on the eve of Eid al-Fitr. The Fitrah should
be kept aside and paid on Eid al-Fitr before Eid prayers or before midday for those who cannot say
their Eid prayers. It is necessary to have obligatory intention (Niyyat) of giving Fitrah for God’s
pleasure only.
Q:What happens if someone forgets or does not give Fitrah on time?
A:If one does not give out or set aside the Fitrah within the due time, he should give the Fitrah later,
on the basis of precaution, without making the Niyyat of Adaa or Qaza but only ‘Qurbatan ila Allah.’
Q:Can we give Fitrah in advance?
A:Giving Fitrah before the eve of Eid al-Fitr is not permissible. However, if you wish to send Fitrah
earlier so that it reaches the needy on time, then you can send it as a temporary loan to the needy
and then change your intention from loan to Fitrah on the eve of Eid al-Fitr.
Q:To whom is Fitrah obligatory?
A:Paying Fitrah is obligatory on every Muslim who is mature (Baligh), sane, financially able, and
conscious on the eve of Eid al-Fitr. Fitrah should also be paid on behalf of all dependents (e.g. wife,
children) whom one supports financially.
Q:When is a host required to pay Fitrah for his guest?
A: If a person invites another person to his house on the eve of Eid al-Fitr and if the guest is present at the host’s place at the time of the sunset then it is obligatory for the host to pay Fitrah for his
guest.
Q:What happens if the guest arrives after the sunset on Eid night?
A:In this case the guest will pay his/her own Fitrah and it is not obligatory on the host to pay Fitrah
for the guest.
Q:What happens if a guest comes uninvited and is present at the time of the sunset on the eve of
Eid al-Fitr?
A:Ayatullah Sayyid As-Sistani says that the host should still pay the Fitrah as an obligatory precaution. However, Marhum Ayatullah Sayyid al-Khui was of the opinion that is recommended for the
host to pay Fitrah of an uninvited guest.
Q:How much should we pay for Fitrah?
A:Fitrah for a person is given on a weight of three kilograms (one sa’a) on any food commodity like wheat, barley, rice, millet, raisins or dates. Ayatullah Sayyid As-Sistani is of the opinion that the
item that is not a staple food in your town should not be given in Fitrah. Say, for example, if millet
is not a staple in Windsor then Windsor Mumineen should not pay Fitrah on millet.
Q:Can we give cash value of any commodity mentioned above?
A:Yes, cash value in lieu of any foodstuff mentioned can be given as Fitrah. Thus, if a Kilogram of
rice costs $2.00, the cash value of Fitrah on rice per person would be $6.00. We recommend, Fitrah
on Basmati rice to be Canadian Dollars 7.00 for residents of Canada and US Dollars 6.00 for US residents. (Please check prices for other items in your areas.)
Q:Whom should we give the Fitrah to?
A:It is given to the needy who are unable to meet their own or their dependants annual living
expenses, nor do they have the means to do so through earning. Ayatullah Sayyid As-Sistani says
that the needy who are given the fitrah must be a Shiah Ithna Ashari.
Q:Who should not be given the Fitrah?
A:A needy who: consumes alcohol, does not say his daily prayers (Salat), commits sins openly, or
he who is known to use the Fitrah in sinful way.
Q:Are there any additional rules that we need to be aware of?
A:Following are some important rules:
(i) Fitrah should not be sent outside the town one resides in, if there are deserving Mumineen
in that town.
(ii) Fitrah from a non-Sayyid cannot be given to a needy Sayyid; the reverse is permissible.
(iii) A needy should be given at least one Fitrah
(iv) Amongst the needy, relatives should be preferred over others when giving Fitrah, next in
line are neighbors and then the learned.

Reasons Why Muslims Fast?

2014-06-06T01:48:00.002-07:00

Every year the month of Ramadan comes and goes; every year we fast, yet without proper
appreciation of the potentials of character building that the fasts hold for us. We find ourselves as spiritually backwards after the fast are over as when the month began. In fact our
lack of knowledge of the real objectives of fasts often tends to produce an adverse effect in us, for,
as is well known, the best of medicines could have ill effects if not taken in accordance with the
physician’s directives and instructions. Thus it is, that the fast tends to make many of us irritable
and quick tempered (expecting, as we do, VIP treatment from others, especially our subordinates
and family members because of our fast) while the fast was in fact meant to mellow us into exhibiting the finer tracts of human character as illustrated by our Imams.
Imam Sajjad (pbuh) would record the lapses of his servants during the month of Ramadan, without
telling them anything at the time. As the month would draw to its close, he would gather the servants before him and apprise them of their mistakes, forgiving them at the same time and beseeching the Lord to forgive him, even as he had forgiven them. The holy Imam, infallible (Masoom) that
he was, only sought by this practical demonstration to draw attention of his followers to the fact that
they would be accountable to God for their actions and should they desire His forgiveness, they
would have to forgive their subordinates as well. This practical lesson taught by the Imam ought to
be rigorously pursued during the month of Ramadan by the followers of the Imam.
As in this case, so in other spheres of life, our attitude to fasts ought indeed to be radically changed.
We ought to welcome fasts as a practical means of reforming ourselves rather than nearly consider
them as an inevitable religious bondage, eagerly waiting to free ourselves there from at the month
end to resume our ways of old again.
Besides of course being a means to acquiring the pleasure of God, for which all acts of devotion are
basically meant, fasting could be used as a stepping stone to build up the various traits of character
in accordance with the clear injunctions of the Qur’an itself that fasts have been prescribed with a
view to developing piety in man.
In the hurry and bustle of the present day life, man often finds himself ill-equipped to battle through
life’s odds if he is not equipped with the proper attitude to face the various problems. While we find
ourselves frustrated or look to other directions in such difficulties, we have most unfortunately
overlooked the character building force that the fasts provide us every year.
Ramadan is a month of fasting and prayers for the Muslims. The fast consists of total abstinence
from food and drink from dawn to dusk. There is however, a greater significance to fasts than mere
abstinence from eating and drinking. The real objective of fasts is to inculcate in man the spirit of
abstinence from sins, and cultivation of virtue. Thus the Qur’an declares that the fasts have been
prescribed with a view to developing piety in man. How are the many facets of piety sought to be
cultivated through fasts? This article tries to list as concisely as possible; the various benefits the
fasts would confer upon Muslims.
01.The most important consideration in undertaking a fast, as in any act of devotion, is to seek
nearness to God, and seek His pleasure and Forgiveness. This itself generates a spirit of piety in
man.
02.Creating the conditions of hunger and thirst for oneself, simply in obedience to the Divine order, measures the faith of man in God and helps strengthen it by putting it to a severe test.
03.Fasting enhances through creation of artificial non-availability, the value of the bounties of God
which man often takes for granted. This inculcates in man a spirit of gratitude and consequent devotion to God. Nothing else can bring home to a man the worth of God’s bounties than a glass of water
and a square meal after a day long fast. This also reminds man that the real joy in enjoying God’s
bounties lies in moderation and restraint and not in over indulging.
04.Fasting makes us deeply conscious of the pangs of hunger and discomfort suffered by the less
fortunate among our brethren. They have to put up with difficult conditions all through their lives.
It thus kindles in man a spirit of sacrifice leading to change towards his suffering brethren.
05.Fasting gives man an unfailing training in endurance, a spirit of acceptance. This could well prepare him to put up with the unchangeable situations in life in the same spirit of resignation as cultivated during the fasts.
06.Fasting develops courage, fortitude, and a fighting spirit in man to surmount the heavy odds in
life with a cool and tranquil mind. It sharpens his power of concentration to overcome obstacles
through a vigorous exercise all throughout the month, leading to a steeling of his will power and
resolve that could help him in challenging situations in life. It is seen than many an undesirable
habit which is difficult to give up, is more easily given up during the days of fasting.
07.Fasting teaches man reliance on God, and confidence in Him. Just as the vigorous state of fasting for a whole month is undertaken with His assistance, bitter situations in life could also be surmounted with His help.
08.Fasting develops a spirit of patience in man, with the realization that the days of fasting, though
seemingly unending, do have a successful and happy end. Thus is life. All bitter situations pass, and
come to an end.
09.Fasting is meant to conquer anger and develop self-control in man. The vigorous effort required
to put up with hunger and thirst can well be extended to conquer other infirmities of human character that lead man into error and sin.
10.Fasting inculcates a spirit of tolerance in man to face unpleasant conditions and situations without making his fellow beings the victim of his wrath. Many people, when facing discomfort and deprivation, become irritable and annoyed. This anger is then vented on those around them. Fasting
helps a man become more tolerant despite his own discomfort.
11.Fasting mellows a man and enhances his character, giving a jolt to the human instincts of pride,
haughtiness, jealousy and ambition. Fasting softens his character, and clears his heart and mind of
many negative emotions.
12.Fasting exposes the weakness of man in the event of his being deprived of two basic bounties of
God; food and drink. It infuses into him a spirit of weakness and submission, generating humility
and prayer in an otherwise arrogant being.
13.Fasting breathes the spirit of forgiveness in man towards others, as he seeks God’s forgiveness
through fasts and prayers.
14.Fasting gives lessons in punctuality. Man has to adhere to a strict schedule of time in the observance of the fast.
15.Fasting could affect the economy of the individual as he is less wasteful on food and meals.
16.Fasting demands a rigid sense of discipline, mental, spiritual and physical. This forms characteristics which are an essential ingredient to success in life.
17.Fasting creates spiritual reformation in man, infusing him with a spirit of enthusiasm and zest
to change and become a better human being in the eyes of God. This is an excellent opportunity,
given to believers each year, to change themselves and consequently their destinies.
18.On the physical side, fasting cleanses the human system of the accumulated impurities of uninterrupted eating throughout the year. It prepares the body to face diseases or conditions of scarcity. The rigid abstinence of a fast regulates man's health, sharpens his intellect and enhances the
qualities of his heart.
Fasting is thus a bounty in itself, encompassing within itself many bounties. It instills a spirit of reformation in man, creating a wide awakening in him to fulfill his duties towards God and man, and
towards himself.
(Adapted from an article by Marhum Ahmed Sheriff Dewji, published in the Light Magazine)

Things To Do In Ramzan

2014-06-05T06:19:00.003-07:00

1. Sitting after Fajr remembering Allah until sunrise:
“Whoever prays fajr in congregation, then sits remembering Allah until sunrise, then prays 2 rakats of salat has a complete reward of (Nafil) Hajj and Umrah. (The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) repeated the word ‘complete’ 3 times for emphasis) [Tirmidhi]

2. A house in Jannah for praying 12 Sunnah each day:
“Allah will build house in Jannah for whoever is diligent in obsering 12 sunnah rakat (as follows) 4 rakat before and 2 after Dhur, 2 after the Maghrib, 2 after Ishaa, and 2 before Fajr.” [Tirmidhi]

3. Attending lectures in the Masjid.
“Whoever goes to the mosque not desiring except to learn or teach what is good has the reward of a pilgrim who completed his Hajj”[Tabarani]...men only.

4. Visiting a sick Muslim.
“There is no Muslim who visits a sick muslim early in the morning but 70 thousand angles send blessings upon him until evening comes, and if he visits him in the evening, 70 thousand angles send blessings upon him until morning comes, and he will have a garden in paradise.” [Tirmidhi]

5. Providing food for breaking the fast.
“Whoever provides food for breaking of the fast for a fasting person receives the reward of the fasting person, without the reward of the fasting person being reduced in any way.” [Tirmidhi & Ibn Majah]

6. Standing in prayer on Laylatul Qadr.
“Laylatul Qadr is better than a thousand months.” [Quran 97:3]
So it is, superior to approx 83 years of worship! Subhaanallah most do not even live for that long!

7. Millions of Good deeds remembering Allah whilst shopping:
“Whoever enters a market and says:
‘Laa ilaha illallah wahdahu la shareeka lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu yuhyi wa yumeetu wa huwa hayyun laa yamoot, bi yadihil khair, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shayin qadeer’

[There is nothing worthy of worship except Allah, alone without partner, to Him belongs dominion and praise, He causes life and feath and He is the Living and does not die. In His Hand is all the good, and He is over all things competent] … Allah will write for him/her a million good deeds and erase a million bad deeds and raise him a million levels.” [Tirmidhi]

8. That Which Shall Have no Equal on the Day of Resurrection:
Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:”
Whoever says one hundred times in a day:
“La ilaha illal-lah wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahu-l-mulk wa lahu-l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shai’in qadir,”

{”None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Alone Who has no partners, to Him belongs Dominion and to Him belong all the Praises, and He has power over all things (i.e. Omnipotent)”,}

he will get the same reward as given for manumitting ten slaves; and one hundred good deeds will be written in his accounts, and one hundred sins will be deducted from his accounts, and it (his saying) will be a shield for him from Satan on that day till night, and nobody will be able to do a better deed except the one who does more than he.” [Bukhari,Book #75, Hadith #412]

9. Asking Allah to forgive ALL Muslims.
“Whoever seeks forgiveness for beleiving men and believing woman, Allah will write for him a good deed for each believing man and believing woman.” [Tabarani]

That is a reward for EVERY believer we make dua for. Since it is Ramadan then we get 70 good deeds for every believer we make dua for. So for simple dua taking a few seconds will give us BILLIONS of good deeds! Subhaanallah!
10. Forgiveness like the foam of the sea:
- Abu Hurayrah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: ‘Whoever says: Subhanallah wa bi hamdih (Praise and glory be to Allah)
100 times, morning and evening, his sins will be erased even if they are like the foam on the sea.” [Bukhari]

- Jaa’bir (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:
“For the person who recites: SUB-HAN’ALLAH HIL AZEEM WA BI-HAM’DIHI, (Pure and perfect is Allah in his glory and praise) –
A date palm will be planted for him in Paradise” [Tirmidhi]

11. Thousand Good deeds in 2 Minutes
If a person says “Subhanallah” (glory be to Allah) 100 times, a thousand good deeds are recorded for him and a thousand bad deeds are wiped away. [Muslim]

12. Being pleased on the Day of Resurrection:
Allah has promised that anyone who says this three times every morning or evening will be pleased on the Day of Resurrection:
“رَضِيتُ باللهِ رَبَّاً، وَبِالْإِسْلَامِ دِيناً، وَبِمُحَمَّدٍ صَلَى اللهُ عَلِيهِ وَسَلَّمَ نَبِيَّاً”.
Radheetu billaahi Rabban, wa bil-’Islaami deenan, wa bi-Muhammadin (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallama) Nabiyyan.
I am pleased with Allah as my Lord, with Islam as my religion and with Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as my Prophet. [Fortress of the Muslim]

13. Reciting three phrases heavy on the scales:
Juwairiyah bint Al-Harith reported: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) came out from my apartment in the morning as I was busy in performing the dawn prayer. He came back in the forenoon and found me sitting there and said,”Are you still in the same position as I left you.” I replied in the affirmative. Thereupon the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “I recited four phrases three times after I had left you. If these are to be weighed against all you have recited since morning, these will be heavier. These are:
Subhan-Allah wa bihamdihi, ‘adada khalqihi, wa rida-a nafsihi, wa zinatah ‘arshihi, wa midada kalimatihi
{Allah is free from imperfection and I begin with His praise, as many times as the number of His creatures, in accordance with His Good Pleasure, equal to the ink that may be used in recording the words (for His Praise).” [Muslim]

14. A Rare treasure of Paradise:
Abu Dharr (RA) narrated that Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Should I not tell you of one treasure of the unlimited treasures of Paradise?” I replied spontaneously “Oh Rasulallah that would be an honour indeed!” Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: “That rare treasure is: LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH.”
(“The strength to do good and to refrain from evil comes from the grace and mercy of Allah!”) [Ibn Majah]

15. Beautiful Supplication for Forgiveness:
Shaddad bin Aus (RA) narrates that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:
“The best supplication for seeking forgiveness (Syed-ul-Istighfar) is to say:
`Allahumma Anta Rabbi, la ilaha illa Anta, khalaqtani wa ana `abduka, wa ana `ala `ahdika wa wa`dika mastata`tu, a`udhu bika min sharri ma sana`tu, abu‘u laka bini`matika `alayya, wa abu‘u bidhanbi faghfir li, fa innahu la yaghfirudh-dhunuba illa Anta.
(O Allah! You are my Rubb. There is no true god except You. You have created me, and I am Your slave, and I hold to Your Covenant as far as I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge the favours that You have bestowed upon me, and I confess my sins. Pardon me, for none but You has the power to pardon).’
He who supplicates in these terms during the day with firm belief in it and dies on the same day (before the evening), he will be one of the dwellers of Jannah; and if anyone supplicates in these terms during the night with firm belief in it and dies before the morning, he will be one of the dwellers of Jannah.” [Al-Bukhari].

Duties in Holy RAMZAN Part-1

2014-05-30T22:16:00.000-07:00

The holy month of Ramadan enjoys a special importance in the Islamic calendar.

As the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“It is Allah’s Own month.”

It is the chief of all months and the most glorious. As we already know, ‘Fasting’ is one of the important pillars of Islam and it is the very month of Ramadan during which fasting has been made obligatory for all adults and sane Muslims. By fasting during Ramadan, a Muslim besides discharging an obligation imposed upon him by Allah, becomes entitled to great reward in the Hereafter. On the other hand, any lapse in the matter amounts to a great sin. Fasting is an article of worship, the knowledge about the performance or otherwise whereof rests only with Allah and the person concerned. Hence, it is Allah alone who will reward that person for it, on the Day of Judgment.

The blessings of Ramadan are not limited to fasting alone, because the performance of all sorts of worship and good deeds during this month is also a source of great Divine favor. The revelation of the Holy Qur’an commenced during this very month and it is therefore the duty of every Muslim to read and try to understand the meaning of the Holy Qur’an and thereby gain an insight into the Divine secrets enshrined therein. It brings peace and illumination to the mind and imparts purity to the soul.

Ramadan is the month of fasting, intensive prayer, sacrifice and Divine worship. Throughout this month a devout Muslim fasts during the day in the true sense of the word, that is, he had merelydenies himself food and water, but as explained by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), exercises strict control over his tongue, eyes, ears, thoughts and deeds and does everything possible to seek the pleasure of Allah.

Devout supplications to Allah and repentance of one’s sins during Ramadan are the sources of Divine blessings and mercy. Some nights, among the last ten (10) nights of Ramadan, are called the‘Nights of Glory’ (Laylatul Qadr). Muslims believe Laylatul Qadr is one of the last odd numbered nights of Ramadan, like 19th, 21st, and 23rd nights. Muslims keep awake during these nights and offer special prayers. Even among these nights, the 23rd enjoys excellence over all the others. It is accompanied by great blessings, and he usually grants the supplications made to Allah during this

night.

The holy month of Ramadan, besides being the month of worship and Divine blessings, carries a historical importance as well. As already mentioned above, the revelations of the Holy Qur’an commenced in this month. The epoch-making ‘Battle of Badr’ and the ‘Conquest of Makkah’ also took place during the holy month of Ramadan.

Facts about QURAN

2014-05-30T22:07:00.001-07:00

*Holy Qur'an** *

*That** **mention* *one thing is equal to another,** *

*i.e. men are equal to women.** *

*Although** **this** **makes sense grammatically,** *

*the astonishing fact is that the number of*

*times the word man appears in** *

* the** **Holy Qur'an** *

*is 24 and number of times the** **word*

*woman appears is also 24,*

*therefore not only is this phrase correct in *

*the grammatical sense but also true mathematically, *

*i.e. 24 = 24.*

*Upon further analysis of various verses, *

*he discovered that this is* *consistent throughout the whole** *

*Holy Qur'an** *

*where it says one thing is* *like** **another.** *

*See below for astonishing result of *

*the words mentioned** **number of** **times in Arabic** *

*Holy Qur'an*

*Dunia (one name for life)* *115**.*

*Aakhirat (one name for the life after this world) **115*

*Malaika (Angels)** **88** **. Shayteen (Satan) **88*

*Life** **145 **...... Death** **145*

*Benefit** **50 **. Corrupt** **50*

*People** **50 **.. Messengers** **50*

*Eblees (king of devils)** **11** **. Seek refuge from Eblees** **11*

*Museebah (calamity)** **75 **. Thanks** ! **75** *

*Spending (Sadaqah)** **73 **. Satisfaction** **73** *

*People who are mislead** **17** D Dead people** **17** *

*Muslimeen** **41 **.J Jihad** **41** *

*Gold** **8 **.E Easy life** **8** *

*Magic** **60 **.F Fitnah (dissuasion, misleading)** ! **60** *

*Zakat (Taxes Muslims pay to the poor) **32** .** *

*Barakah (Increasing or blessings of wealth) **32*

*Mind** **49 **.N Noor** **49** *

*Tongue** **25 **.S Sermon** **25** *

*Desite** **8 **.F Fear** **8** *

*Speaking publicly** **18 **.P Publicising** **18** *

*Hardship** **114** **.... Patience** **114*

*Muhammed** **4 **.S Sharee'ah (** Muhammed's** teachings)** **4*

*Man** **24 **. Woman** **24** *

*And amazingly enough have a look how many times *

*the following words** **appear:*

*Salat** **5 **, Month** **12** , Day** **365** ,** *

*Sea** **32 **, Land** **13** *

*Sea + land =** **32 **+** 13**=** **45** *

*Sea =** **32/45*100q.= 71.11111111% *

*Land =** **13/45*100 = 28.88888889% *

*Sea + land **100.00%*

*Modern science has only recently proven that the water covers *

*71.111%** **of** **the*

*earth, while the land covers** **28.889%.*

*Is this a coincidence?** **Question is** **that*

*Who taught Prophet** **Muhammed* *(PBUH) all this?*

*Reply automatically comes in mind that *

*ALMIGHTY ALLAH** *

*taught him.*

*This as** **the** *

*Holy Qur'an** *

* also tells us this.*

*please pass this on to all your friends *

*Aayah** **87 **of Suraa (Chapter) Al-Anbia ** ! *

*para** **17 **:*

*LA ILAHA ILA ANTA*

*SUBHANAKA INI KUNTU MINA ZALIMEEN. *

*During the next** **60 **seconds,** *

* stop whatever you are doing,** *

*and take this** **opportunity.** *

*(Literally, it is only 1 minute).** *

*All you have to do is*

*The** **following:** *

*PLEASE SEND THIS TO ALL PEOPLE THE YOU KNOW. *

*ALLAH SUBHANA WA TAALA** **WILL*

*SOLVE ALL YOUR PROBLEMS*

*Very interesting findings of*

*Dr. Tariq Al Swaidan*

*might grasp your attention:** *

*Dr.Tarig Al Swaidan discovered some verses in the *

*Holy Qur'an** *

*That** **mention* *one thing is equal to another,** *

*i.e. men are equal to women.** *

*Although** **this** **makes sense grammatically,** *

*the astonishing fact is that the number of*

*times the word man appears in** *

* the** **Holy Qur'an** *

*is 24 and number of times the** **word*

*woman appears is also 24,*

*therefore not only is this phrase correct in *

*the grammatical sense but also true mathematically, *

*i.e. 24 = 24.*

*Upon further analysis of various verses, *

*he discovered that this is* *consistent throughout the whole** *

*Holy Qur'an** *

*where it says one thing is* *like** **another.** *

*See below for astonishing result of *

*the words mentioned** **number of** **times in Arabic** *

*Holy Qur'an*

*Dunia (one name for life)* *115**.*

*Aakhirat (one name for the life after this world) **115*

*Malaika (Angels)** **88** **. Shayteen (Satan) **88*

*Life** **145 **...... Death** **145*

*Benefit** **50 **. Corrupt** **50*

*People** **50 **.. Messengers** **50*

*Eblees (king of devils)** **11** **. Seek refuge from Eblees** **11*

*Museebah (calamity)** **75 **. Thanks** ! **75** *

*Spending (Sadaqah)** **73 **. Satisfaction** **73** *

*People who are mislead** **17** D Dead people** **17** *

*Muslimeen** **41 **.J Jihad** **41** *

*Gold** **8 **.E Easy life** **8** *

*Magic** **60 **.F Fitnah (dissuasion, misleading)** ! **60** *

*Zakat (Taxes Muslims pay to the poor) **32** .** *

*Barakah (Increasing or blessings of wealth) **32*

*Mind** **49 **.N Noor** **49** *

*Tongue** **25 **.S Sermon** **25** *

*Desite** **8 **.F Fear** **8** *

*Speaking publicly** **18 **.P Publicising** **18** *

*Hardship** **114** **.... Patience** **114*

*Muhammed** **4 **.S Sharee'ah (** Muhammed's** teachings)** **4*

*Man** **24 **. Woman** **24** *

*And amazingly enough have a look how many times *

*the following words** **appear:*

*Salat** **5 **, Month** **12** , Day** **365** ,** *

*Sea** **32 **, Land** **13** *

*Sea + land =** **32 **+** 13**=** **45** *

*Sea =** **32/45*100q.= 71.11111111% *

*Land =** **13/45*100 = 28.88888889% *

*Sea + land **100.00%*

*Modern science has only recently proven that the water covers *

*71.111%** **of** **the*

*earth, while the land covers** **28.889%.*

*Is this a coincidence?** **Question is** **that*

*Who taught Prophet** **Muhammed* *(PBUH) all this?*

*Reply automatically comes in mind that *

*ALMIGHTY ALLAH** *

*taught him.*

*This as** **the** *

*Holy Qur'an** *

* also tells us this.*

*please pass this on to all your friends *

*Aayah** **87 **of Suraa (Chapter) Al-Anbia ** ! *

*para** **17 **:*

*LA ILAHA ILA ANTA*

*SUBHANAKA INI KUNTU MINA ZALIMEEN. *

*During the next** **60 **seconds,** *

* stop whatever you are doing,** *

*and take this** **opportunity.** *

*(Literally, it is only 1 minute).** *

*All you have to do is*

*The** **following:** *

*PLEASE SEND THIS TO ALL PEOPLE THE YOU KNOW. *

*ALLAH SUBHANA WA TAALA** **WILL*

*SOLVE ALL YOUR PROBLEMS*

Golden Quotes of Hazrat Ali (R-A)

2014-05-18T08:47:00.004-07:00

Fear ALLAH and you will have no cause to fear any one.

Resignation to the Will of ALLAH is the cure of the disease of the heart.

The word of ALLAH is the medicine of the heart.

Lead such a life, that, when you die, the people may mourn you, and while you are alive they long for your company.

The days of life pass away like clouds, so do good while you are alive.

Of all the follies the greatest is to love the world.

Opportunity is swift of flight but slow to return.

Pride, cowardice, and miserliness are bad for me but good for women.

The most happy is he to whom God has given a good wife.

He who knows himself knows God.

Do not soil your conscience for anything but heaven

The disease of the heart is worse than the disease of the body.

To fight against one’s desires is the greatest of all fights.

The strongest amongst you is he who subdues his self.

Wealth and greed are the roots of all evils.

Riches without faith are the greatest poverty.

A man’s worth depends upon the nobility of his aspirations.

Knowledge enlivens the soul.

The learned lives, although he dies.

The sum total of excellence is knowledge.

80 % Quran Words

2009-10-28T22:53:00.000-07:00

Dear friends we all read holy Quran daily and say prayers 5 times a day but as we know mostly Muslims are non Arab and do not understand Arabic but I want to share words which cover 80 % of Quran words if we learn these words, we will be able to understand the real meaning of Quran.

Darood Sharif

2009-10-26T04:18:00.000-07:00

Miracles of Quran

2009-10-23T02:41:00.000-07:00

List of Muslims

2009-10-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

This page is an incomplete list of prominent and famous (or infamous) people who are Muslims - followers of Islam. This page is a list of people identified as Muslims, particularly by themselves. This page does not differentiate between Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims, or any other subcategory. It also does not take into account whether those listed acknowledge their Muslim identity or origins. This list takes a wide definition of a Muslim by including most individuals who might be in some way identified as Muslim, but acknowledges that more restrictive definitions may be applied by the reader. For information on Islam and Muslims in various parts of the world, please see Islam by country.

Traditional Theologians and Philosophers

* The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessing be up on him
* Abu Muslim
* Al-Dinawari
* Al-Farabi
* Al-Ghazali
* Al-Kindi
* Al-Tirmidhi
* Ibn Sina
* Ibn Taymiya
* Razi
* Wasil ibn Ata


See: List of Shia Imams

* Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib Al-Mortaza
* Imam Hasan ibn Ali Al-Mojtaba
* Imam Hussein ibn Ali Sayyed-Al-Shohada
* Imam Ali ibn Husayn Zainol Abidin
* Imam Mohammad ibn Ali Bagher
* Imam Jafar ibn Mohammad Al-Sadiq
* Imam Musa ibn Jafar Al-Kazem
* Imam Ali ibn Musa Al-Reza
* Imam Mohammad ibn Ali Al-Taghi
* Imam Ali ibn Mohammad Al-Hadi
* Imam Hasan ibn Ali Al-Askari
* Imam Mohammad ibn Hasan Al-Mahdi


Main Sunni Theologians and Philosophers after the Prophet

* Imam Abu Hanifa
* Imam Hanbal
* Imam Shafi
* Malik Ibn Anas
* Al-Bukhari
* Al-Muslim


Other Theologians and Philosophers

* Ahmed Deedat
* Al-Baitar
* Al-Battani
* Al-Biruni
* Al-Buzjani
* Al-Farabi
* Al-Farghani
* Al-Ghazali
* Al-Idrisi
* Al-Khayyam
* Al-Khwarizmi
* Al-Kindi
* Al-Masu'di
* Al-Mawardi
* Al-Nafis
* Ali Bin Rabban
* Ali Shariati
* Alija Ali Izetbegovic
* Bilal Philips
* Fatima Mernissi
* Fazlur Rahman
* Hamid Enyat
* Hamza Yusuf
* Harun Yahya
* Hassan al Banna
* Hazrat Inayat Khan
* Ibn al-Qayyim Al-Jawziyya
* Ibn Khaldun
* Ibn Hazm
* Ibn Qurra
* Idries Shah
* Ismail Al-Faruqi
* Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi
* Khaled Abou Al-Fadl
* Leila Ahmed
* M. Umar Chapra
* Mawlana Muhammad Ilyas
* Merryl Wyn Davies
* Munawar Ahmad Anees
* Nasim Butt
* Nasiruddin Albani
* Nasreddin
* Nuh Ha Mim Keller
* Rene Guenon
* Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi
* Seyyed Hossein Nasr
* Siraj Wahaj
* Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas
* Syed Nawad Haider Naqwi
* Yusuf Estes
* Ziauddin Sardar


Historiographers, political scientists, and sociologists

* Al-Masudi
* Amin Maalouf
* Hammudah Abdalati
* Ibn al-Tiqtaqa
* Ibn Hisham
* Ibn Ishaq
* Ibn Kathir
* Ibn Khaldoun
* Ibn Khallikan
* Rashid al-Din
* Sayyid Qutb
* Tabari
* Usamah ibn Munqidh


Historical Figures

Early historic personalities

* Prophet Muhammad
* Abu Bakr - caliph
* Umar ibn al-Khattab - caliph
* Uthman ibn Affan - caliph
* Ali ibn Abi Talib - caliph (or the first Imam for Shia Muslims)
* Fatima Zahra
* Hasan bin Ali grandson of Muhammad
* Husayn bin Ali grandson of Muhammad
* Maaz bin jabal
* Muawiyah I
* Bilal ibn Rabah


Military Leaders and Figures

* Abdel Kadir
* Al-Hajjaj bin Yousef
* Imam Shamil
* Khalid bin Walid
* Khair ad Din (Barbarossa)
* Lt-Gen Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi
* Muhammad Ahmad
* Muhammad bin Qasim
* Musa bin Nusair
* Nadir Shah
* Nur ad-Din
* Piri Reis
* Qutaibah bin Muslim
* Saladin
* Sher Shah
* Tahir ibn Husayn
* Tariq ibn-Ziyad
* Amir Timur ibn Tarag'ay
* Tipu Sultan
* Zengi


Muslim dynasties

* Abbadid
* Abbasid
* Aceh
* Aghlabid
* Almohad
* Almoravides
* Ayyubid dynasty
* Banu Isam
* Banu Salih
* Brunei
* Buwayhid
* Fatimid
* Ghaznavid Empire
* Hashemite
* House of Saud (Saudis)
* Khwarezmid Empire
* Mameluk dynasty
* Mughal Empire
* New Mataram
* Ottoman Empire
* Pahlavi dynasty
* Pasai
* Pattani Kingdom
* Rustamid
* Safavids
* Saffarid dynasty
* Samanid
* Seljuk Turks
* Sultanate of Johor
* Sultanate of Malacca
* Sultanate of Rum [Rüm]
* Sultanate of Sulu
* Tahirid dynasty
* Umayyad


Politicians

* Abd ar-Rahman Al-Haydari Al-Kaylani
* Abdel Aziz al-Rantissi
* Abdelaziz Bouteflika
* Abdul Aziz Al-Hakim
* Abdul Kalam
* Abdul Karim Qassim
* Abdullah I of Jordan
* Abdullah II of Jordan
* Abdullah, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia
* Abdurrahman Wahid
* Ahmad Tejan Kabbah
* Ahmadou Ahidjo
* Ahmed Qurei
* Ahmed Sekou Toure [Ahmed Sékou Touré]
* Ahmet Necdet Sezer
* Ali Hassan Mwinyi
* Ali Khamenei
* Alija Ali Izetbegovic
* Anwar Sadat
* Ayub Khan
* Badar
* Badshah Khan
* Benazir Bhutto
* Fahd of Saudi Arabia
* Faisal of Saudi Arabia
* Habib Bourguiba
* Hamad bin Khalifa
* Hamid Karzai
* Hassan al Banna
* Hosni Mubarak
* Hussein of Jordan
* Iajuddin Ahmed
* Ibn Saud
* Idi Amin
* Islam Karimov
* Jean-Bedel Bokassa [Jean-Bédel Bokassa]
* Juma Khan
* Khaleda Zia
* Mahatir Mohammad
* Mahmoud Abbas
* Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad
* Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
* Megawati
* Moammar Ghadafi
* Mohammad Khatami
* Mohammad Rabbani
* Mohammed Bahr Al-Uloum
* Mohammed Omar
* Mohammed Qalamuddin
* Mohammed VI of Morocco
* Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola
* Moulvi Ibrahim
* Muhammad Ali Jinnah
* Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq
* Omar Bongo
* Omar Hasan Ahmad Al-Bashir
* Pervez Musharraf
* Qaboos of Oman
* Qari Ahmadullah
* Qusay Hussein (al-Majid)
* Recep Tayyip Erdogan
* Ruhollah Khomeini
* Saddam Hussein (al-Majid)
* Samory Toure [Samory Touré]
* Sani Abacha
* Sukarno
* Uday Hussein (al-Majid)
* Yahya Jammeh
* Yahya Khan
* Yasser Arafat
* Zafarullah Khan Jamali
* Zalmay Khalilzad
* Zayed ibn Sultan Al-Nahayan
* Zulfikar Ali Bhutto


The Various Arts

Writers and Poets

* Abas ala'kad
* Abdul Rahman Munif
* Abu Nuwas
* Abu Tammam
* Akbar S. Ahmed
* Al-Hallaj
* Hafiz
* Hakim Bey
* Hassan al Banna
* Ibn Arabi
* Ilona Yusuf
* Irshad Manji
* Jeffrey Lang
* Kabir
* Marmaduke Pickthall
* Martin Lings
* Michael Wolfe
* Muhammad Asad (Leopold Weiss)
* Muhammad Iqbal
* Murad Wilfred Hofmann
* Naim Frasheri [Naim Frashëri]
* Nizami
* Omar Khayyam
* Rashid Ahmed
* Ruqayyah Waris Maqsood
* Rumi
* Sa'adi
* Suleyman Ahmad
* Yahiya Emerick
* Yusuf al-Khal
* Yusuf Balasagun


Entertainers

* Moustapha Akkad
* Abbas Kiarostami
* Adewale Ayuba
* Afef Jnifen
* Ali Shaheed Muhammad
* Art Blakey
* Ashok Masti (Pakistani singer)
* Azhar Usman
* Brother Ali
* Dave Chappelle
* Dawud Wharnsby Ali
* Dilara
* Dolores "LaLa" Brooks
* El-Hadji
* Erdogan Atalay
* Everlast
* Freeway
* Islamic Force
* Ismail Merchant
* Idris Muhammad (Leo Morris)
* Ahmad Jamal (Fritz Jones}
* John Coltrane
* Khaled
* Mos Def
* Mousse T
* M-Team
* Napoleon (rapper)
* Native Deen
* Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
* Omar Sharif
* Q-Tip
* Richard Thompson
* Salif Keita
* Umm Kalthoum
* Walid Taoufic
* Youssou N'dour
* Youssef Chahine
* Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens)


Artists

* Ismail Acar
* Ismail Gulgee


Scientists, Philosophers, and Mathematicians

* Abdus Salam, physics
* Abraham bar Hiyya Ha-Nasi
* Abu'l-Hasan al-Uqlidisi
* Abu Al-Qasim, medicine
* Abu Musa Jabir Ibn_Hayyan, (Geber) chemistry
* Abu Nasr Mansur, mathematics
* Ahmed H. Zewail, chemistry
* Ahmad ibn Yusuf, mathematics
* Al Battani, astronomer
* Al-Jazari, engineering
* Al-Jawhari, mathematics
* Al-Khwarizmi, mathematics
* Al-Kindi, mathematics
* Alhazen, mathematics
* Averroes, medicine
* Avicenna, medicine
* Biruni, mathematics
* Farabi, chemist and philosopher
* Lotfi Askar Zadeh, father of fuzzy logic
* Rashad Khalifa, biochemist
* Mahmoud Hessaby, engineering
* Muhammad al-Idrisi, geography and cartography.
* Nasir_al-Din_Tusi, scientist, philosopher
* Omar Khayyam, poet, mathematician, and astronomer
* Rhazes, medicine, chemist and physicist
* Thabit ibn Qurra, Astronomy, mathematics and Medicine
* Ulugh Beg, astronomer, mathematician


Business Figures

* Ayhan Hakimoglu, armaments
* Bijan, high-end men's clothing
* Farooq Kathwari, furniture
* Kenan Sahin, software engineer, wealthiest Muslim American
* Nemir Kirdar, venture capital
* Mansoor Ijaz, investment management
* Rashid A. Chaudhry, personal care products
* Safi Qureshey, computers
* Yusef Haroon, consulting and managerial services


Sport Figures

* Abbas Suan
* Ahmad Rashad
* Ali Daei
* Ali Karimi
* Amir Khan
* Az-Zahir Hakim
* Chris Eubank
* Dwight Muhammad Qawi
* Eddie Mustapha Muhammad
* Hakan Sukur [Hakan Sükür]
* Hakeem Olajuwon
* Hasim Rahman
* Hassiba Boulmerka
* Hedo Turkoglu
* Hicham El Guerrouj
* Hossein Reza Zadeh
* Imran Khan
* Isma'il Muhammad
* Ismail Essam
* Jahangir Khan
* Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
* Karim Garcia
* Khalid Khannouchi
* Laila Ali
* Larry Johnson
* Nazr Mohammed
* Mahmoud Abdur-Rauf
* Matthew Saad Muhammad
* Mehdi Mahdavikia
* Mehmet Okur
* Mehmet Scholl
* Mohammed Azharuddin
* Muhammad Ali
* Muhsin Muhammad
* Mustafa Hamsho
* Naseem Hamed
* Nicolas Anelka
* Nwankwo Kanu
* Rasheed Wallace
* Saleem Rashid
* Samir Trabelsi
* Shaquille O'Neal
* Shareef Abdur-Rahim
* Tariq Abdul-Wahad
* Walid Badir
* Youssef Rossi
* Zinedine Zidane
* Zlatan Ibrahimovic




Other

* Adel Smith
* Abdul Aziz ibn Myatt (David Myatt)
* Abdul Haq
* Ahmed Urabi
* Alexander Russell Webb
* Ali Shariati
* Aminah Assilmi
* Ayman al-Zawahiri
* Hamza Piccardo
* Ibn Battuta
* John Walker Lindh aka Suleyman al-Faris
* Jose Padilla aka Abdullah al-Muhajir
* Maher Arar
* Malcolm X
* Muhammad Abd al Wahhab
* Osama bin Laden
* Rashad Khalifa
* Shirin Ebadi first Iranian and the first Muslim woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
* Torquato Cardilli (Italian ambassador)
* Zahra Kazemi
* Zheng He

Source: Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Muslims; viewed 6 July 2005)

Miracles of Prophet Muhammad (SAWW)

2009-10-16T06:31:00.000-07:00

(1) Splitting of the Moon:

Almighty Allah says, "The Hour has drawn near, and the moon has been cleft asunder." (An-Najm: 1)

Imam al-Bukhari reported on the authority of `Abdullah who said: "The moon was cleft asunder while we were in the company of the Prophet, and it became two parts. The Prophet said, “Witness, witness (this miracle)."

(2) Food Multiplication:

Jabir reported: My father had died in debt. So I came to the Prophet and said, "My father (died) leaving unpaid debts, and I have nothing except the yield of his date palms; and their yield for many years will not cover his debts. So please come with me, so that the creditors may not misbehave with me." The Prophet went round one of the heaps of dates and invoked (Allah), and then did the same with another heap and sat on it and said, "Measure (for them)." He paid them their rights and what remained was as much as had been paid to them.

(3) Water Multiplication:

`Abdullah reported: We used to consider miracles as Allah's Blessings, but you people consider them to be a warning. Once we were with Allah's Messenger on a journey, and we ran short of water. He said, "Bring the water remaining with you." The people brought a utensil containing a little water. He placed his hand in it and said, "Come to the blessed water, and the Blessing is from Allah." I saw the water flowing from among the fingers of Allah's Messenger, and no doubt, we heard the meal glorifying Allah, when it was being eaten (by him). (Reported by al-Bukhari)

(4) Crying of the stem of the Date-palm Tree:

Al-Bukhari reported on the authority of Ibn `Umar who said: The Prophet used to deliver his sermons while standing beside a trunk of a date-palm. When he had the pulpit made, he used it instead. The trunk started crying and the Prophet went to it, rubbing his hand over it (to stop its crying).

(5) The Prophet's Night Journey to Jerusalem and Ascent to the Heavens:

The opening verse of surat al-Isra' relates the miracle of the Prophet's night journey to Jerusalem. Regarding the Statement of Allah, "And We granted the vision (Ascension to the heavens) which We made you see (as an actual eye witness) was only made as a trial for the people." (Al-Isra': 60) Ibn `Abbas added: "The sights which Allah's Messenger was shown on the Night Journey when he was taken to Bayt-ul-Maqdis (i.e. Jerusalem) were actual sights, (not dreams). And the Cursed Tree (mentioned) in the Qur'an is the tree of Zaqqum (itself)." (Reported by al-Bukhari)

There are also many other miracles that were performed by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) or happened to him. What we mentioned here are merely examples.

PROPHETS [PBUH] WASIATH TO ALI (RAZ)

2009-10-15T06:24:00.000-07:00

PROPHETS [PBUH] WASIATH TO ALI (RAZ)

(1) Refrain from sleeping between Subah and Ishraq; Asr and Maghrib; Maghrib and Isha

(2) Avoid sitting with stingy people

(3) Don't sleep between people who sit

(4) Don't eat and drink with your left hand

(5) Don't eat those food you have taken out between your teeth

(6) Don't break your knuckles

(7) Don't look at the mirror in the night

(8) Don't look at the sky while in salaath

(9) Don't spit in the toilet

(10)Don't clean your teeth with charcoal

(11)Sit and wear your trousers

(12)Don't break tough things with your teeth

(13)Don't blow on your food when it's hot

(14)Don't look for faults of others

(15)Don't talk between iqamath and azan

(16)Don't speak in the toilet

(17)Don't speak tales about your friends

(18)Don't antagonize your friends

(19)Don't look behind frequently while walking

(20)Don't stamp your feet while walking

(21)Don't be suspicious about your friends

(22)Don't speak lies at anytime

(23)Don't smell and eat

(24)Speak clearly so others can understand

(25)Avoid travelling alone

(26)Don't decide on your own but consult others who know

(27)Don't be proud of yourself

(28)Don't be sad about your food

(29)Don't boast

(30)Don't chase the beggars

(31)Treat your guests well with good heart

(32)Be patient when in poverty

(33)Assist a good cause

(34)Think of your faults and repent

(35)Do good to those who do bad to you

(36)Be satisfied with what you have

(37)Don't sleep too much- it will cause forgetfulness

(38)Repent at least 100 times a day

(39)Don't eat in darkness

(40 )Don't eat mouthful

Benefits of Honey From Islamic Point OF View

2009-10-13T02:24:00.000-07:00

The honey bee exhibits a combination of individual traits and social co-operation which is unparalleled in the animal kingdom. A glimpse into the nest makes it apparent why honey bees have fascinated us from the earliest days of scientific observations. The infrastructure of the nest, the perfectly uniform and functional comb, is composed of beeswax and is constructed into a repeating series of almost perfect hexagonal cells.

At the individual level, honey bees have not one but three types of colony members: queens, drones and workers, each with their own specialisations and place in honey bee society. The queen reigns over the nest, surrounded by attendants and fed the rich food she requires to perform her few but crucial tasks in the colony. The queen produces powerful pheromones, chemical signals to recipient workers which control many of their behaviours and provide part of the 'social glue' which holds honey bee life together. A highly organised social structure exists within the colony and elaborate 'dances' are used to communicate the location of food sources.

The products of the hive are important to the modern agricultural system. Not only do honey bees provide us with honey, wax, propolis, royal jelly and pollen but they also pollinate a good portion of our crops, including such diverse agricultural plants as fruit trees, oilseeds, small berries and forage crops.

Honey is a remarkable viscous liquid, prepared by the bees from the nectars of various plants. It has occupied a prominent place in traditional medicines throughout world history. The ancient Egyptians, Assyrians, Chinese, Greeks and Romans employed honey for wounds and diseases of the gut. When the Children of Israel were in Egypt or journeying through the desert, their promised goal was a 'land flowing with milk and honey'.

Both the holy Qur'an and Hadith refer to honey as a healer of disease.

'And thy Lord taught the bee to build its cells in hills, on trees and in (men's) habitations..... there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colours, wherein is healing for mankind. Verily in this is a Sign for those who give thought'.
(Translation of Quran 16:68-69)

In addition, the Prophet (PBUH) said:

'Honey is a remedy for every illness and the Qur'an is a remedy for all illness of the mind, therefore I recommend to you both remedies, the Qur'an and honey.'
(Bukhari)

The reader may be surprised to learn that the above quotation from the Qur'an is mentioned in a well known encyclopedia on honey (reference 3).

In recent years, scientific support is beginning to emerge confirming the beneficial effects of honey on certain medical and surgical conditions. These effects may be summarised as follows:

Antibacterial and antifungal properties

These properties of honey are well established. Undiluted honey inhibits the growth of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, certain gut pathogens and fungi such as Candida albicans. At a concentration of 30-50%, honey has been shown to be superior to certain conventional antibiotics in treating urinary tract infections. The exact mechanism of the anti-microbial effect of honey remains obscure. Low pH, osmotic disruption of pathogens and the
presence of bactericidal substances, collectively called inhibine may all play a part.

Anti-diarrhoeal properties

At a concentration of 40%, honey has a bactericidal effect on various gut bacteria known to cause diarrhoea and dysentery such as Salmonella, Shigella, enteropathogenic E. coli and Vibrio cholera. In one study, honey given with oral rehydration fluid was shown to reduce the duration of bacterial diarrhoea in infants and children.

Wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties

Honey is of value in treating burns, infected surgical wounds and decubitus ulcers. Honey is very viscous, enabling it to absorb water from surrounding inflamed tissue. For example, a study in West Africa showed that skin grafting, surgical debridement and even amputation were avoided when local application of honey to wound promoted healing, whereas conventional treatment failed.

In another study, wound healing was accelerated by application of honey in women who had undergone radical vulvectomy for vulval cancer. Also, it has been suggested that honey may be useful in the treatment of chronic, foul smelling ulcers seen in leprosy.
Anti-tussive and expectorant properties

These anti-cough properties of honey are related to its capacity to dilute bronchial secretions and improve the function of the bronchial epithelium.

Nutritional properties

Uncontaminated honey is a healthy, easily digestible, natural and energy rich food. It contains carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, enzymes and vitamins. One tablespoon of honey provides 60 calories and contains 11g of carbohydrates, 1mg of calcium, 0.2mg of iron, 0.lmg of vitamin B and 1mg of vitamin C.

Honey is widely available in most communities but its medical potential remains grossly underutilised. Its mode of action remains incompletely understood and the healing properties of honey in other clinical and laboratory situations requires further evaluation. The miraculous beneficial properties of honey, so beautifully ex-pressed in the holy Qur'an and Sunnah 14 centuries ago expose the reluctance of modern science to accept and exploit this 'traditional remedy'.

Selected References:

1. Ali A.T.M.M. (1989) The Pharmacological Characterization and the Scientific Basis of the Hidden Miracles of Honey; Saudi Medical Journal 10(3):177-179
2. Zumla A. and Lulat A. (1989) Honey- a remedy rediscovered; J Royal Soc Med 82:384-385
3. Crane E. (1975) Honey: a comprehensive survey;London, Heineman
4. Winston M.L. (1987) The Biology of the Honey Bee;London, Harvard University Press

Join in the Celebration

2009-10-11T05:32:00.000-07:00

"The seven heavens and the Earth and all they contain glorify Him, and there is not a thing but extols His glory; but you do not understand how they glorify Him." [Sûrah al-Isrâ': 44]

Let us join in this celebration by remembering Allah, praising Him, and extolling His glory. Allah possesses the most sublime names and attributes, all of which are intrinsically linked with the religious and everyday aspects of a believer's life. This is why knowledge of Allah's names and attributes is the greatest and purest of all forms of knowledge.

We should endeavor to make ourselves more aware of Allah by becoming better acquainted with His noble names and attributes, and by increasing our awareness of how those attributes relate to our lives.

We encounter, on a daily basis, stories of various kinds, from news reports to novels to epic adventures. Some of us even center our lives on our favorite television programs, following them day after day. Most of these stories are imaginary and serve no purpose other than to provide fleeting entertainment. Nevertheless, our fixation on them is undeniable, because we crave the variety of experiences they provide.

So how is it when we focus our awareness on Allah and His greatness which we cannot describe in words, which transcends human cognition, and which not even our imaginations can begin to grasp?

As believers in Allah, we can appropriate something of that magnificence, just enough to illuminate the way ahead. This is the faith that resides in our hearts and expels the surrounding darkness. In our troubled times rife with injustice, tragedy, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles Muslims and non-Muslims alike are faced with more insecurity and uncertainty than ever before.

We really need to have Allah in our lives, and to be in touch with His names and attributes. We must turn to Him with love and awe, and purify our hearts with God-consciousness and a commitment to draw near to Him.
--> Everything in our life experience as human beings everything in our surroundings, from inanimate objects to living things to the stars in the heavens are manifestations of Allah's greatness and of His infinite capability. In this way, all of creation participates in a grand celebration of Allah's praises. The heavens and Earth, the stars and the firmaments, the flora and fauna: everything glorifies Allah and testifies to the divinity and suzerainty which are His alone.

"The seven heavens and the Earth and all they contain glorify Him, and there is not a thing but extols His glory; but you do not understand how they glorify Him." [Sûrah al-Isrâ': 44]

Let us join in this celebration by remembering Allah, praising Him, and extolling His glory. Allah possesses the most sublime names and attributes, all of which are intrinsically linked with the religious and everyday aspects of a believer's life. This is why knowledge of Allah's names and attributes is the greatest and purest of all forms of knowledge.

We should endeavor to make ourselves more aware of Allah by becoming better acquainted with His noble names and attributes, and by increasing our awareness of how those attributes relate to our lives.

We encounter, on a daily basis, stories of various kinds, from news reports to novels to epic adventures. Some of us even center our lives on our favorite television programs, following them day after day. Most of these stories are imaginary and serve no purpose other than to provide fleeting entertainment. Nevertheless, our fixation on them is undeniable, because we crave the variety of experiences they provide.

So how is it when we focus our awareness on Allah and His greatness which we cannot describe in words, which transcends human cognition, and which not even our imaginations can begin to grasp?

As believers in Allah, we can appropriate something of that magnificence, just enough to illuminate the way ahead. This is the faith that resides in our hearts and expels the surrounding darkness. In our troubled times rife with injustice, tragedy, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles Muslims and non-Muslims alike are faced with more insecurity and uncertainty than ever before.

We really need to have Allah in our lives, and to be in touch with His names and attributes. We must turn to Him with love and awe, and purify our hearts with God-consciousness and a commitment to draw near to Him.

Father

2009-10-09T07:43:00.000-07:00

Touching poem "Me and My Father"...

When I was 4 Yrs Old : "My father is THE BEST

When I was 6 Yrs Old: "My father seems to know everyone

When I was 10 Yrs Old:" My father is excellent but he is short tempered

When I was 12 Yrs Old: "My father was nice when I was little

When I was 14 Yrs Old: "My father started being too sensitive

When I was 16 Yrs Old : "My father can't keep up with modern times

When I was 18 Yrs Old : "My father is getting less tolerant as the days pass
by

When I was 20 Yrs Old :" It is too hard to forgive my father, how could my
Mum stand him all these years

When I was 25 Yrs Old :" My father seems to be objecting to everything I do

When I was 30 Yrs Old: "It's very difficult to be in agreement with my
father, I wonder if my Grandfather was troubled by my father when he was a
youth

When I was 40 Yrs Old: "My father brought me up with a lot of discipline, I
must do the same

When I was 45 Yrs Old: "I am puzzled, how did my father manage to raise all
of us

When I was 50 Yrs Old : "It's rather difficult to control my kids, how much
did my father suffer for the sake of upbringing and protecting us

When I was 55 Yrs Old:" My father was far looking and had wide plans for us,
he was gentle and outstanding.

When I became 60 Yrs Old: "My father is THE BEST

Note that it took 56 Yrs to complete the cycle and return to the starting
point " "My father is THE BEST "

Let's be good to our parents before it's too late and pray to Allaah that
our own children will treat us even better than the way we treated our
parents

Allah(SWT) says: "Your lord has decreed that you worship non but him and
show kindness to parents. If one or both reach old age with you then do not
say uff! To them nor repulse them, but speak graciously to them" {Surah
Al-Isra: Ayah 23}

O our lord, forgive me and my parents and believers on the day when the
reckoning shall come to pass. {Surah Ibrahim: Ayah 41}

O my Lord, have mercy on them (parents) just as they nourished me when I was
small.{Surah Bani Irail: Ayah 24

Imam Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali (RA) (1058 - 1128 C.E.)

2009-10-08T06:14:00.000-07:00

Al-Ghazali is most famous for his contributions in philosophy, religion and Sufism. He is also known as Algazel in the West. Abu Hamid Ibn Muhammad Ibn Muhammad al-Tusi al-Shafi'i al-Ghazali was born in 1058 C.E. in Khorman, Iran. His father died while he was still very young but he had the opportunity of getting education in the prevalent curriculum at Nishapur and Baghdad. Soon he acquired a high standard of scholarship in religion and philosophy and was honored by his appointment as a Professor at the Nizamiyah University of Baghdad, which was recognized as one of the most reputed institutions of learning in the golden era of Muslim history.
After a few years, however, he gave up his academic pursuits and worldly interests and became a wandering ascetic. This was a process (period) of mystical transformation. Later, he resumed his teaching duties, but again left these. An era of solitary life, devoted to contemplation and writing then ensued, which led to the authorship of a number of everlasting books. He died in 1128 C.E. at Baghdad.

Al-Ghazali made major contributions in religion, philosophy and Sufism. A number of Muslim philosophers had been following and developing several viewpoints of Greek philosophy, including the Neoplatonic philosophy, and this was leading to conflict with several Islamic teachings. On the other hand, the movement of sufism was assuming such excessive proportions as to avoid observance of obligatory prayers and duties of Islam. Based on his unquestionable scholarship and personal mystical experience, Ghazali sought to rectify these trends, both in philosophy and sufism.

In philosophy, Al-Ghazali upheld the approach of mathematics and exact sciences as essentially correct. However, he adopted the techniques of Aristotelian logic and the Neoplatonic procedures and employed these very tools to lay bare the flaws and lacunas of the then prevalent Neoplatonic philosophy and to diminish the negative influences of Aristotelianism and excessive rationalism. In contrast to some of the Muslim philosophers, e.g., Farabi he portrayed the inability of reason to comprehend the absolute and the infinite. Reason could not transcend the finite and was limited to the observation of the relative. Also, several Muslim philosophers had held that the universe was finite in space but infinite in time. Ghazali argued that an infinite time was related to an infinite space. With his clarity of thought and force of argument, he was able to create a balance between religion and reason, and identified their respective spheres as being the infinite and the finite, respectively.

In religion, particularly mysticism, he cleansed the approach of sufism of its excesses and reestablished the authority of the orthodox religion. Yet, he stressed the importance of genuine sufism, which he maintained was the path to attain the absolute truth.

Al-Ghazali was a prolific writer. His immortal books include Tuhafat al-Falasifa (The Incoherence of the Philosophers), Ihya al-'Ulum al-Islamia (The Revival of the Religious Sciences), "The Beginning of Guidance and his Autobiography," "Deliverance from Error." Some of his works were translated into European languages in the Middle Ages. He also wrote a summary of astronomy.

Al-Ghazali's influence was deep and everlasting. He is one of the greatest theologians of Islam. His theological doctrines penetrated Europe, influenced Jewish and Christian Scholasticism and several of his arguments seem to have been adopted by St. Thomas Aquinas in order to similarly reestablish the authority of orthodox Christian religion in the West. So forceful was his argument in the favor of religion that he was accused of damaging the cause of philosophy and, in the Muslim Spain, Ibn Rushd wrote a rejoinder to his Tuhafut.

Islamic News

2009-10-07T06:21:00.000-07:00

Azhar Imam orders niqab off, wants ban

CAIRO – The head of Al-Azhar, the highest seat of learning in the Sunni world, has ordered a school girl to remove her niqab during a visit to an Al-Azhar school, saying he would seek an official ban for the face veil in schools, Al-Masri Al-Youm newspaper reported on Monday, October 5.

“Why are you wearing the niqab while sitting in the class with your female colleagues?” Al-Azhar Grand Imam Sheikh Mohamed Sayyed Tantawi asked the 8th grader.

The young girl was shocked with the question coming from the country’s top scholar.

A teacher intervened to explain.

“She takes off her niqab inside the class, but she only put it on when you and your entourage came in.”

But Sheikh Tantawi was not satisfied and insisted that the young girl takes off the face cover.

“The niqab is a tradition and has nothing to do with Islam.”

After the girl complied he insisted she should not wear it any more.

“I tell you again that the niqab has nothing to do with Islam and it is only a mere custom. I understand the religion better than you and your parents.”

Most Muslim women in Egypt wear the hijab, which is an obligatory code of dress in Islam, but an increase in women putting on the niqab has apparently alarmed the government.

The ministry of religious endowments has recently distributed booklets in mosques against the practice.

The majority of Muslim scholars believe that a woman is not obliged to cover her face or hands.

They believe that it is up to every woman to decide whether to take on the face-cover or not.

Ban

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar imam vowed to issue a ban against the face-veil in all schools linked to Al-Azhar.

“I intend to issue a regulation to ban the niqab in Al-Azhar schools,” he said.

“No student or teacher will be allowed into the school wearing the niqab.”

Established in 359 AH (971 CE), Al-Azhar mosque drew scholars from across the Muslim world and grew into a university, predating similar developments at Oxford University in London by more than a century.

Al-Azhar, which means the "most flourishing and resplendent," was named after Fatima Al-Zahraa, daughter of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The first courses at Al-Azhar were given in 975 CE and the first college was built 13 years later.

Al-Azhar first admitted women students in 1961, albeit in separate classes.

Also in 1961, subjects in engineering and medicine were added to classes on Shari`ah, the Noble Qur’an and the intricacies of Arabic language.

Sheikh Tantawi’s remarks coincided with those of Higher Education Minister Hani Hilal who has banned the face-veil in student hostels.

“Face-veiled students are free to do what they want outside the hostels but there is no room for the niqab inside the women-only hostels,” he said earlier this week.

Many students demonstrated against the minister’s statements and the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights plans to take him to court.

“The minister’s decision violates the principles of privacy, personal freedom and freedom of faith, which are guaranteed by the constitution.”

Hadiths and Medical Science

2009-10-05T05:09:00.000-07:00

Eclipse: A Sign of Allah's Power

2009-10-04T07:24:00.000-07:00

Abu Mas'ud (A.S.) narrated that Allah's Messenger said:

“The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of someone's death but they are two signs amongst the signs of Allah. Whenever you see these eclipses invoke Allah, pray, exclaim, (Allah is Most Great) and give charity.”

'A'ishah (A.S.) narrated that, “There was a solar eclipse during the life-time of Allah's Messenger (PBUH). The Prophet (PBUH) led the people in prayer, and stood up and performed a lengthy recital during the prayer. Then bowed for a long while (made a long Ruku). He stood up again and performed another long recital of the Qur'an, but this time the period of standing (Qiyam) was shorter than the first one. He bowed again for a long time but shorter than the first one (Ruku), then he prostrated and prolonged the prostration. He did the same in the second Rak'ah as he did in the first and then finished the prayer. By then the sun (eclipse) had cleared. He delivered the Khutbah (sermon) and after praising and glorifying Allah, he said:

“The sun and the moon are two signs from amongst Allah’s signs and they do not eclipse because of the death or life of anyone. Therefore, whenever you see an eclipse, remember Allah and say Takbir (exclaim, Allah is Most Great), pray and give Sadaqah (charity).”

Explanation of the Hadith

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, which causes a total or partial solar eclipse. A total eclipse takes place in a limited zone on that part of the earth directly facing the sun, at which the sunlight dims to resemble bright moonlight within a few minutes. To the north and south of this band or zone, a partial eclipse takes place. The part of the sun , which eclipses keep getting smaller as we get away from the total eclipse band towards the direction of the two poles .

The Prophet (PBUH) says in this Hadith:

“The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of the death or life (i.e. the birth) of someone but they are two signs amongst the signs of Allah.”

This means that they are two cosmic phenomena, which frequently occur, regardless of the death or life (i.e. birth) of anyone, contrary to what some people used to claim in the Arab Peninsula and other parts of the world. They used to relate the occurrence of these cosmic phenomena to the birth or death of a great person. The Prophet (PBUH) in this Hadith totally denies all of these superstitions, and assures that they are cosmic phenomena, which recur frequently.

Islam deals with ECLIPSE as cosmic phenomena

Science has proven that the moon is followed by a conical shadow, called the umbra, as it blocks the sunrays. In its movement around the earth, the moon's conical shadow passes along with it. At the time of conjunction, which occurs once every lunar month, the moon falls exactly in the middle between the sun and the earth, thus blocking its light totally or partially. Nevertheless, in most of the lunar months, the moon's shadow does not reach the earth, while passing between it and the sun and in such case the sunlight is not blocked. Hence, no eclipse takes place. That is why total solar eclipses are very rare. Sometimes during a solar eclipse the moon falls in the middle between the earth and the sun, and the visible sun narrows to a thin crescent, and the corona appears. At the moment before totality, brilliant points of light, called Baily's beads, flash out.

When the total eclipse takes place, the sky becomes completely dark and the stars become visible in the middle of the day. So in a few minutes, broad daylight turns into what looks like the night, which causes a feeling of panic and depression, not only for human beings, but for all creatures. Birds shelter in their nests, and animals hide in their dens, or get into a state of cautious stillness.

As for the lunar eclipse, it takes place when the earth, being between the sun and the moon, casts a long, conical shadow, called the umbra, with an area of partial shadow called the penumbra around it. This is a phenomenon, which can be observed from all parts of the earth. In most months, the moon passes above or under the umbra, the conical shadow of the earth, and does not enter it. Thus, the lunar eclipse does not take place. During the solar eclipse, the solar energy that reaches the earth decreases and hence the temperature of the earth drops. However, during the lunar eclipse, the solar energy, which reaches the earth increases, causing the temperature of the earth to relatively increase for a few minutes. Since these phenomena are very accurately calculated, the earth is exposed to extreme dangers that only Allah knows how grave they are. That is why the Prophet (PBUH) asked Muslims to invoke Allah, the Almighty, praise Him, exclaim, “Allah is Most Great”, and glorify Him. Moreover, the Prophet asked Muslims to pray and pay charity, praying that Allah will protect the earth and its inhabitants from these dangers.

This is the reason why the Prophet (PBUH) said in other narrations of the same Hadith: “Rush to prayer” and in another narration he said:

“These signs sent by Allah do not occur because of the life or death of somebody, but Allah frightens His worshippers with them. So when you see anything thereof, rush to invoke Allah, pray to Him and ask for His forgiveness.”

One cannot help wondering how the Prophet (PBUH) could attain such accurate scientific facts, more than fourteen hundred years ago, at a time when people were up to their ears in superstitions and myths. It really is an explicit proof of the Prophet's Divine Message.

By: Dr. Zaghloul El-Naggar

What is 786 ???

2009-10-03T06:04:00.000-07:00

What is 786?

خلیفہ دوم سیدنا حضرت عمر فاروق رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ

2009-09-30T06:11:00.000-07:00

خلیفہ دوم سیدنا حضرت عمر فاروق رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ
خلیفہ دوم سیدنا حضرت عمر فاروق رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ کا اسم مبارک عمر اور لقب
فاروق ہے۔ کنیت ابو حفص، لقب و‌کنیت دونوں محمد صلی اللہ علیہ و آلہ و سلم کے
عطا کردہ ہیں۔آپ کا خاندانی شجرہ آٹھویں پشت میں حضور اکرم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم
سے ملتا ہے۔ آپ کے والد کا نام خطاب اور والدہ کا نام عتمہ ہے۔ حضرت ابو بکر
صدیق کے بعد پوری اُمت میں آپ کا مرتبہ سب سے افضل اور اعلٰی ہے۔ آپ واقعہ فیل
کے تیرہ برس بعد مکہ مکرمہ میں پیدا ہوئے آپ عمر میں تقریباً گیارہ سال حضور
اکرم سے چھوٹے ہیں۔ اسلام قبول کرنے سے پہلے آپ قریش کے باعزت قبیلے سے تعلق
رکھتے تھے۔ اعلان نبوت کے چھ سال بعد 27 سال کی عمر میں آپ نے اسلام قبول کیا۔
آپ مراد رسول ہیں یعنی حضور اکرم صلی اہہ علیہ وسلم نے اللہ تعالٰی کی بارگاہ
میں دعاء کی اے پروردگار ! عمر یا ابوجہل میں جو تجھے پیارا ہو اس سے اسلام کو
عزت عطا فرما۔ دعاء بارگاہ خداوندی میں قبول ہوئی اور آپ مشرف با اسلام ہو گئے۔
آپ کے اسلام قبول کرنے سے پہلے 39 مرد اسلام قبول کر چکے تھے آپ 40ویں مسلمان
مرد تھے۔ آپ کے اسلام قبول کرنے سے مسلمانوں کو بہت خوشی ہوئی اور انہیں حوصلہ
ملا۔ اسلام کی قوت میں اضافہ ہوا۔ حضرت علی رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ فرماتے ہیں کہ
جس کسی نے ہجرت کی چھپ کر کی مگر حضرت عمر رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ مسلح ہو کر خانہ
کعبہ میں آئے اور کفار کے سرداوں کو للکارا اور فرمایا کہ جو اپنے بچّوں کو
یتیم کرنا چاہتا ہے جو اپنی عورتوں کو بیوہ کرانا چاہتا ہے وہ مجھے روک لے۔
حضرت عمررضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ کی زبان سے نکلنے والے الفاظوں سے کفار مکہ پر
لرزہ طاری ہو گیا اور کوئی مد مقابل نہ آیا۔ ہجرت کے بعد آپ نے جان و مال سے
اسلام کی خوب خدمت کی۔ آپ نے اپنی تمام زندگی اسلام کی خدمت کرنے میں گزار دی۔
آپ حضور اکرم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کے وفادار صحابی ہیں۔ آپ نے تمام اسلامی جنگوں
میں مجاہدانہ کردار ادا کیا اور اسلام کے فروغ اور اس کی تحریکات میں حضور اکرم
کے رفیق رہے۔
سیدنا حضرت عمر فاروق رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ کا مقام و مرتبہ بہت بلند ہے۔ آپ کی
فضیلت میں بہت سی احادیث موجود ہیں۔ سرکار دو عالم کا ارشاد گرامی ہے۔
لو کان بعدی نبی لکان عمر بن الخطاب ۔
ترجمہ :۔ میرے بعد اگر نبی ہوتے تو عمر ہوتے۔ (مشکوٰۃ شریف ص558 )
مزید ایک موقع پر فرمايا ” اللہ نے عمر کی زبان پر حق کو جاری کردیا ہے۔
مذکورہ بالا حدیث مبارکہ سے یہ واضح ہوا کہ حضور اکرم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم آخری
نبی ہیں۔ آپ پر نبوت و رسالت ختم ہو چکی۔ اب قیامت تک کوئی بھی نبی اور رسول
نہیں آئے گا۔ جو اس واضح حقیقت کے باوجود دعوٰی نبوت کرے یا جو کوئی اس کو نبی
یا رسول مانے وہ ملعون کاذب کافر و مرتد ہے۔ مذکورہ حدیث سے حضرت عمر فاروق کے
مرتبے کا اندازہ لگایا جا سکتا ہے کہ اگر حضورصلی اللہ علیہ وسلم پر نبوت ختم
نہ ہوتی تو آپ کے بعد حضرت عمر فاروق رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ نبی ہوتے۔ حضور اکرم
صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے ایک اور موقع پر ارشاد فرمایا۔
بے شک میں نگاہ نبوت سے دیکھ رہا ہوں کہ جن کے شیطان اور انسان کے شیطان دونوں
میرے عمر کے خوف سے بھاگتے ہیں۔ (مشکوٰۃ شریف ص558 )
ترمذی شریف کی حدیث میں ہے کہ پیغمبر آخر الزماں حضرت محمد نے ارشاد فرمایا
“اللہ تعالٰی نے عمر کی زبان اور قلب پر حق کو جاری فرما دیا۔ (بحوالہ مشکوٰۃ
صفحہ557)
معلوم ہوا کہ سیدنا حضرت عمر فاروق رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ ہمیشہ حق کہنے والے
ہیں۔ ان کی زبان اور قلب پر کبھی باطل جاری نہیں ہوگا۔ اور یہ معلوم ہوا کہ
سیدنا حضرت عمر فاروق رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ کے خوف اور دبدبے سے شیطان اور ان کے
آلہ کار بھاگتے ہیں۔
حضرت ابن عباس فرماتے ہیں کہ “جب حضرت عمر فاروق اسلام لائے تو حضرت جبرائیل
حضور کی بارگاہ میں حاضر ہوئے اور عرض کیا یارسول اللہ آسمان والے عمر کے اسلام
پر خوش ہوئے ہیں۔ (ملاحظہ ہو ابن ماجہ بحوالہ برکات آل رسول صفحہ 291)

وہ ایک انصاف پسند حاکم تھے۔ وہ ایک مرتبہ وہ مسجد میں منبر رسول پر کھڑے خطبہ
دے رہے تھے کہ ایک غریب شخص کھڑا ہوگیا اور کہا کہ اے عمر ہم تیرا خطبہ اس وقت
تک ہیں سنیں گے جب تک یہ نہ بتاؤ گے کہ یہ جو تم نے کپڑا پہنا ہوا ہے وہ زیادہ
ہے جبکہ بیت المال سے جو کپڑا ملا تھا وہ اس سے بہت کم تھا۔تو عمر فاروق رضی
اللہ تعالی عنہ نے کہا کہ مجمع میں میرا بیٹا عبداللہ موجود ہے، عبداللہ بن عمر
کھڑے ہوگئے۔ عمر فاروق رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ نے کہا کہ بیٹا بتاؤ کہ تیرا باپ یہ
کپڑا کہاں سے لایا ہے ورنہ قسم ہے اس ذات کی جس کے قبضہ میں میری جان ہے میں
قیامت تک اس منبر پر نہیں چڑھوں گا۔ حضرت عبداللہ رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ نے بتایا
کہ بابا کو جو کپڑا ملا تھا وہ بہت ہی کم تھا اس سے ان کا پورا کپڑا نہیں بن
سکتا تھا۔ اور ان کے پاس جو پہننے کے لباس تھا وہ بہت خستہ حال ہو چکا تھا۔ اس
لئے میں نے اپنا کپڑا اپنے والد کو دے دیا۔

سیدنا حضرت عمر فاروق کی عظمت کا اندازہ اس بات سے بھی لگایا جا سکتا ہے کہ
قرآن مجید کی بہت سی آیتیں آپ کی خواہش کے مطابق نازل ہوئیں۔ سیدنا حضرت علی
رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ فرماتے ہیں کہ حضرت عمر فاروق رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ کے
رائیں قرآن مجید میں موجود ہیں۔
تاریخ خلفاء میں ہے کہ حضرت عمر فاروق رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ کسی معاملہ میں کوئی
مشورہ دیتے تو قرآن مجید کی آیتیں آپ کے مشورے کے مطابق نازل ہوتیں۔ (تاریخ
الخلفاء)
مسلمانو ! سیدنا حضرت عمر رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ کے مشوروں کو اللہ تعالٰی کس طرح
پسند فرماتا تھا اس کا اندازہ اس طرح لگائیے۔
ایک مرتبہ حضرت عمر فاروق رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ نے حضور اکرم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم
سے عرض کی یارسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم ! آپ کی خدمت میں ہر طرح کے لوگ آتے
جاتے ہیں اور اس وقت آپ کی خدمت میں آپ کی ازواج بھی ہوتی ہیں۔ بہتر یہ ہے کہ
آپ ان کو پردہ کرنے کا حکم دیں چنانچہ حضرت عمر رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ کے اس طرح
عرض کرنے پر ازواجِ مطہرات کے پردے کے بارے میں قرآن مجید کی آیت نازل ہوئی۔
ارشاد خداوندی ہے۔
واذا سالتموھن متاعا فسلوھن من ورآء حجاب (پ22 ع4)
ترجمہ :۔ اور جب تم امہات المومنین سے استمعال کرنے کی کوئی چیز مانگو تو پردے
کے باہر سے مانگو۔
ایک مرتبہ ایک یہودی حضرت عمر فاروق رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ کے پاس آ کر کہنے لگا
کہ تمہارے نبی جس جبرائیل فرشتہ کا تذکرہ کرتے ہیں وہ ہمارا سخت دشمن ہے۔ حضرت
عمر فاروق رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ نے اس کو جواب دیا۔
من کان عدواللہ وملکتہ ورسلہ وجبریل ومیکال فان اللہ عدو للکفرین ہ
ترجمہ :۔ جو کوئی دشمن ہو اللہ اور اس کے فرشتوں اور اس کے رسولوں اور جبرئیل
اور میکائیل کا تو اللہ دشمن ہے کافروں کا۔
جن الفاظ کے ساتھ سیدنا حضرت عمر فاروق رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ نے یہودی کو جواب
دیا بالکل انہی الفاظ کے ساتھ اللہ تعالٰی نے قرآن مجید میں آیت کریمہ نازل
فرمائی۔ (پ1 ع12)
ان واقعات سے حضرت عمر فاروق رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ کی شان و عظمت کا اندازہ
لگایا جا سکتا ہے۔ آپ اللہ تعالٰی کی بارگاہ میں اس قدر محبوب تھے کہ آپ کے
خیال کے مطابق قرآن مجید کی کئی آیتیں نازل ہوئیں۔
حضرت عمر فاروق نے اللہ تعالٰی کی بارگاہ میں یہ دعاء کی۔
یارب مجھے اپنی راہ میں شہادت عطا فرما اور اپنے رسول کے شہر میں مجھے موت عطا
فرما۔ (بخاری شریف بحوالہ تاریخ الخفاء ص90)

خلیفہ ثانی حضرت عمر فاروق رضی اللہ عنہ نے چوبیس لاکھ مربع میل پر حکومت
کی……..راتوں کو اٹھ اٹھ کر پیرا دیتے تھے اور لوگوں کی ضرورت کا خیال رکھتے
تھے…..کہتے تھے اگر فرات کے کنارے ایک کتا بھی پیاسا مر گیا تو کل قیامت کے دن
عمر (رضی اللہ عنہ )سے اس بارے میں پوچھ ہو گی.

ایک دفعہ آپ رضی اللہ عنہ دربار کا وقت ختم ہونے کے بعد گھر آئے اور کسی کام
میں لگ گئے…اتنے میں ایک شخص آیا اور کہنے لگا …….امیر المومینین آپ فلاں شخص
سے میرا حق دلوا دیجئے……آپ کو بہت غصہ آیا اور اس شخص کو ایک درا پیٹھ پر مارا
اور کہا، جب میں دربار لگاتا ہوں تو اس وقت تم اپنے معاملات لے کر آتے نہیں اور
جب میں گھر کے کام کاج میں مصروف ہوتا ہو ں تو تم اپنی ضرورتوں کو لے کر آ جاتے
ہو..
بعد میں آپ کو اپنی غلطی کا اندازہ ہوا تو بہت پریشان ہوئے اور اس شخص کو (جسے
درا مارا تھا) بلوایا اور اس کے ہاتھ میں درا دیا اور اپنی پیٹھ آگے کی کہ مجھے
درا مارو میں نے تم سے زیادتی کی ہے ….وقت کا بادشاہ ،چوبیس لاکھ مربع میل کا
حکمران ایک عام آدمی سے کہہ رہا ہے میں نے تم سے زیادتی کی مجھے ویسی ہی سزا دو
…اس شخص نے کہا میں نے آپ کو معاف کیا ……آپ رضی اللہ عنہ نے کہا نہیں نہیں …کل
قیامت کو مجھے اس کا جواب دینا پڑے گا تم مجھے ایک درا مارو تا کہ تمہارا بدلہ
پورا ہو جائے…آپ رضی اللہ عنہ روتے جاتے تھے اور فرماتے ….اے عمر تو کافر تھا
…ظالم تھا…..بکریاں چراتا تھا…خدا نے تجھے اسلام کی دولت سے مالا مال کیا اور
تجھے مسلمانوں کا خلیفہ بنایا….کیا تو اپنے رب کے احسانوں کو بھول گیا …آج ایک
آدمی تجھ سے کہتا ہے کہ مجھے میرا حق دلاو تو تو اسے درا مارتا ہے…اے عمر کیا
تو سمجھ بیٹھا ہے کہ مرے گا نہیں…..کل قیامت کے دن تجھے اللہ کو ایک ایک عمل کا
حساب دینا پڑے گا………..حضرت عمر فاروق رضی اللہ عنہ اسی بات کو دھراتے رہے اور
بڑی دیر روتے رہے..

حضرت عمر فاروق رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ کی شہادت

صحابہ رسول حضرت مغیرہ بن شعبہ کا ایک غلام تھا جو مجوسی تھا۔ اس کا نام ابو
لولوہ تھا۔ یہ مجوسی ایک مرتبہ حضرت عمر فاروق رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ کے پاس اپنے
مالک کی شکایت لے کر آیا کہ اس کا مالک مغیرہ بن شعبہ اس سے روزانہ چار درہم
وصول کرتے ہیں آپ اس میں کمی کرا دیجئے۔ امیر المؤمنین نے فرمایا تم بہت سے کام
کے ہنرمند ہو تو چار درہم روز کے تمہارے لئے زیادہ نہیں ہیں۔ یہ جواب سن کر وہ
غصّے میں آگ بگولہ ہو گیا اور آپ کو قتل کرنے کا مکمل ارادہ کر لیا اور اپنے
پاس ایک زہر آلود خنجر رکھ لیا۔ 26 ذی الحجہ 23ھ بروز بدھ آپ نماز فجر کی
ادائیگی کے لئے مسجد نبوی میں تشریف لائے۔ جب آپ نماز پڑھانے کے لئے کھڑے ہوئے
تو اسلام دشمن مجوسی آپ پر حملہ آور ہو گیا اور اتنا سخت وار کیا کہ آپ بُری
طرح زخمی ہو گئے اور تین دن کے بعد دس سال چھ ماہ اور چار دن مسلمانوں کی خلافت
کے امور انجام دینے کے بعد 23سال کی عًُمر میں جامِ شہادت نوش فرمایا۔
حضرت عمر رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ سے ان کی شہادت کے موقع پر لوگوں نے پوچھا، یا
امیر المؤمنین کچھ وصیتیں فرمائیے اور خلافت کے لئے کسی کا انتخاب بھی فرما
دیجئے اس موقع پر حضرت عمر فاروق رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ نے ارشاد فرمایا خلافت کے
لئے میں ان چھ صحابہ کو مستحق سمجھتا ہوں جن سے اللہ کے رسول دنیا سے راضی ہو
کر گئے ہیں۔ پھر آپ نے چھ صحابہ کے نام بتائے۔ حضرت عثمان رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ
، حضرت علی رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ، حضرت طلحہ رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ، حضرت زبیر رضی
اللہ تعالٰی عنہ، حضرت عبدالرحمٰن بن عوف رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ اور حضرت سعد بن
وقاصرضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ ۔ ان چھ صحابہ میں سے جن کو چاہیں منتخب کر لیں۔
(ملاحظہ کیجئے تاریخ الخلفاء)
حضرت عمر فاروق رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ کی شہادت کے بعد حضرت عبدالرحمٰن بن عوف
رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ نے چھ صحابہ کو خلیفہ کے انتخاب کے لئے جمع کیا اور ان سے
فرمایا کہ پہلے تین آدمی اپنا حق تین آدمیوں کو دے کر خلافت کے حق سے الگ ہو
جائیں۔ لوگوں نے اس کی حمایت کی۔ چنانچہ حضرت زبیر حضرت علی کے حق میں، حضرت
سعد بن وقاص حضرت عبدالرحمٰن بن عوف کے حق میں، اور حضرت طلحہ حضرت عثمان کے حق
میں دست بردار ہو گئے۔
تینوں منتخب صحابہ باہمی مشورے کے لئے ایک طرف چلے گئے اور حضرت عبدالرحمٰن بن
عوف رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ نے فرمایا کہ میں اپنے لئے خلافت پسند نہیں کرتا لٰہذا
میں اس سے دست بردار ہوتا ہوں حضرت عثمان اور حضرت علی رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہما
خاموش کھڑے رہے۔ پھر حضرت عبدالرحمٰن بن عوف رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ نے دونوں
صحابہ سے فرمایا۔ اگر آپ دونوں حضرات خلیفہ کے انتخاب کا کام میرے ذًے چھوڑ دیں
تو خدا کی قسم ! میں آپ دونوں میں سے بہتر اور افضل شخص کا انتخاب کروں گا۔
دونوں حضرات اس پر متفق ہو گئے۔ دونوں بزرگوں سے عہد و پیماں لینے کے بعد حضرت
عبدالرحمٰن بن عوف حضرت علی کو ایک کونے میں لے گئے اور ان سے کہنے لگے کہ اے
علی () آپ اسلام قبول کرنے والے اولین میں سے ہیں اور آپ حضور اکرم کے قریبی
عزیز ہیں لٰہذا میں اگر آپ کو خلیفہ مقرر کروں تو کیا آپ خلافت قبول کر لیں گے۔
آپ نے فرمایا۔ ہاں ۔ اگر میں آپ کے علاوہ کسی دوسرے کو آپ پر خلیفہ مقرر کروں
تو کیا آپ منظور کر لیں گے۔ حضرت علی نے فرمایا۔ مجھے یہ بھی منظور ہے۔ اس کے
بعد حضرت عبدالرحمٰن بن عوف ، حضرت عثمان غنی کو ایک کونے میں لے گئے اور یہی
دو سوال کئے وہ بھی متفق ہو گئے۔ اس کے بعد حضرت عبدالرحمٰن بن عوف رضی اللہ
تعالٰی عنہ نے حضرت عثمان رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ کے ہاتھ پر بیعت کر لی اس طرح
حضرت علی رضی اللہ تعالٰی عنہ نے بھی بیعت کر لی۔ (ملاحظہ کیجئے تاریخ الخلفاء)

The Challenge Of The Qur'aan

2009-09-28T06:41:00.000-07:00

The Challenge Of The Qur'aan

Literature and poetry have been instruments of human expression and creativity, in all cultures. The world also witnessed an age when literature and poetry occupied pride of position, similar to that now enjoyed by science and technology.

Muslims as well as non-Muslims agree that Al-Quraan is Arabic literature par excellence - that it is the best Arabic literature on the face of the earth. The Quraan, challenges mankind in the following verses:

And if ye are in doubt As to what We have revealed From time to time to Our Servant, then produce a Soorah Like thereunto; And call your witnesses or helpers (If there are any) besides Allah, If your (doubts) are true. But if ye cannot And of a surety you cannot. hen fear the Fire Whose fuel is Men and Stones Which is prepared for those Who reject Faith.
[Al-Quraan 2:23-24]

(Al-Quran 2:23-24 indicates Soorah or Chapter No. 2 and Ayaat or Verses 23 and 24.)

The same notation is followed throughout the book. References and translation of the Quraan are from the translation of the Quraan by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, new revised edition, 1989, published by Amana Corporation, Maryland, USA.

The challenge of the Quraan, is to produce a single Soorah (chapter) like the Soorahs it contains. The same challenge is repeated in the Quraan several times. The challenge to produce a Soorah, which, in beauty, eloquence, depth and meaning is at least somewhat similar to a Quraanic Soorah remains unmet to this day. A modern rational man, however, would never accept a religious scripture, which says, in the best possible poetic language, that the world is flat. This is because we live in an age, where human reason, logic and science are given primacy. Not many would accept the Quraans extraordinarily beautiful language, as proof of its Divine origin. Any scripture claiming to be a divine revelation must also be acceptable on the strength of its own reason and logic.

According to the famous physicist and Nobel Prize winner, Albert Einstein, Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind. Let us therefore study the Quraan, and analyze whether The Quraan and Modern Science are compatible or incompatible?

The Quraan is not a book of science but a book of signs, i.e. ayats. There are more than six thousand signs in the Quraan of which more than a thousand deal with science. We all know that many a times Science takes a U-turn. In this book I have considered only established scientific facts and not mere hypotheses and theories that are based on assumptions and are not backed by proof.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Quran and Science

2009-09-28T06:35:00.000-07:00

Physics

THE EXISTENCE OF SUBATOMIC PARTICLES

In ancient times a well-known theory by the name of Theory of Atomism was widely accepted. This theory was originally proposed by the Greeks, in particular by a man called Democritus, who lived about 23 centuries ago. Democritus and the people that came after him, assumed that the smallest unit of matter was the atom. The Arabs used to believe the same. The Arabic word dharrah most commonly meant an atom. In recent times modern science has discovered that it is possible to split even an atom. That the atom can be split further is a development of the 20th century. Fourteen centuries ago this concept would have appeared unusual even to an Arab. For him the dharrah was the limit beyond which one could not go. The following Quraanic verse however, refuses to acknowledge this limit:

The Unbelievers say, Never to us will come The Hour: say, Nay! But most surely, By my Lord, it will come Upon you by Him Who knows the unseen From Whom is not hidden The least little atom In the Heavens or on earth: Nor is there anything less Than that, or greater, but Is in the Record Perspicuous. [Al-Quraan 34:3]

(A similar message is conveyed in the Quran in 10:61.)

This verse refers to the Omniscience of God, His knowledge of all things, hidden or apparent. It then goes further and says that God is aware of everything, including what is smaller or bigger than the atom. Thus the verse clearly shows that it is possible for something smaller than the atom to exist, a fact discovered only recently by modern science.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Geography

THE WATER CYCLE

In 1580, Bernard Palissy was the first man to describe the present day concept of water cycle. He described how water evaporates from the oceans and cools to form clouds. The clouds move inland where they rise, condense and fall as rain. This water gathers as lakes and streams and flows back to the ocean in a continuous cycle. In the 7th century B.C., Thales of Miletus believed that surface spray of the oceans was picked up by the wind and carried inland to fall as rain. In earlier times people did not know the source of underground water. They thought the water of the oceans, under the effect of winds, was thrust towards the interior of the continents. They also believed that the water returned by a secret passage, or the Great Abyss. This passage is connected to the oceans and has been called the Tartarus, since Platos time. Even Descartes, a great thinker of the eighteenth century, subscribed to this view. Till the nineteenth century, Aristotles theory was prevalent. According to this theory, water was condensed in cool mountain caverns and formed underground lakes that fed springs. Today, we know that the rainwater that seeps into the cracks of the ground is responsible for this. The water cycle is described by the Quraan in the following verses:

Seest thou not that Allah Sends down rain from The sky, and leads it Through springs in the earth? Then He causes to grow, Therewith, produce of various Colours. [Al-Quraan 39:21]

He sends down rain From the sky And with it gives life to The earth after it is dead: Verily in that are Signs For those who are wise. [Al-Quraan 30:24]

And We send down water From the sky according to (Due) measure, and We cause it To soak in the soil; And We certainly are able To drain it off (with ease). [Al-Quraan 23:18]

No other text dating back 1400 years ago gives such an accurate description of the water cycle.

WINDS IMPREGNATE THE CLOUDS

And We send the fecundating winds, Then cause the rain to descend From the sky, therewith providing You with water (in abundance). [Al-Quraan 15:22]

The Arabic word used here is lawqih, which is the plural of laqih from laqaha, which means to impregnate or fecundate. In this context, impregnate means that the wind pushes the clouds together increasing the condensation that causes lightning and thus rain. A similar description is found in the Quraan:

It is Allah Who sends The Winds, and they raise The Clouds: then does He Spread them in the sky As He wills, and break them Into fragments, until thou seest Raindrops issue from the midst Thereof: then when He has Made them reach such Of His servants as He wills, Behold, they do rejoice! [Al-Quraan 30:48]

The Quraanic descriptions are absolutely accurate and agree perfectly with modern data on hydrology. The water cycle is described in several verses of the Glorious Quraan, including 3:9, 7:57, 13:17, 25:48- 49, 36:34, 50:9-11, 56:68-70, 67:30 and 86:11.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Geology

MOUNTAINS ARE LIKE PEGS (STAKES)

In Geology, the phenomenon of folding is a recently discovered fact. Folding is responsible for the formation of mountain ranges. The earths crust, on which we live, is like a solid shell, while the deeper layers are hot and fluid, and thus inhospitable to any form of life. It is also known that the stability of the mountains is linked to the phenomenon of folding, for it was the folds that were to provide foundations for the relief that constitute the mountains. Geologists tell us that the radius of the Earth is about 3,750 miles and the crust on which we live is very thin, ranging between 1 to 30 miles. Since the crust is thin, it has a high possibility of shaking. Mountains act like stakes or tent pegs that hold the earths crust and give it stability. The Quraan contains exactly such a description in the following verse:

Have We not made The earth as a wide Expanse, And the mountains as pegs? [Al-Quraan 78:6-7]

The word awtad means stakes or pegs (like those used to anchor a tent); they are the deep foundations of geological folds. A book named Earth is considered as a basic reference textbook on geology in many universities around the world. One of the authors of this book is Frank Press, who was the President of the Academy of Sciences in the USA for 12 years and was the Science Advisor to former US President Jimmy Carter. In this book he illustrates the mountain in a wedge-shape and the mountain itself as a small part of the whole, whose root is deeply entrenched in the ground. According to Dr. Press, the mountains play an important role in stabilizing the crust of the earth.

(* Earth, Press and Siever, p. 435. Also see Earth Science, Tarbuck and Lutgens, p. 157.)

The Quraan clearly mentions the function of the mountains in preventing the earth from shaking:

And We have set on the earth Mountains standing firm, Lest it should shake with them. [Al-Quraan 21:31]

The Quraanic descriptions are in perfect agreement with modern geological data.

MOUNTAINS FIRMLY FIXED

The surface of the earth is broken into many rigid plates that are about 100 km in thickness. These plates float on a partially molten region called aesthenosphere. Mountain formations occur at the boundary of the plates. The earths crust is 5 km thick below oceans, about 35 km thick below flat continental surfaces and almost 80 km thick below great mountain ranges. These are the strong foundations on which mountains stand. The Quraan also speaks about the strong mountain foundations in the following verse:

And the mountains Hath He firmly fixed. [Al-Quraan 79:32]

(*A similar message is contained in the Qur'aan in 88:19, 31:10 and 16:15)

-----------------------------------------------------------

Oceanology

BARRIER BETWEEN SWEET AND SALT WATERS

Consider the following Quraanic verses:

He has let free the two bodies Of flowing water, Meeting together: Between them is a Barrier Which they do not transgress. [Al-Quraan 55:19-20]

In the Arabic text the word barzakh means a barrier or a partition. This barrier is not a physical partition. The Arabic word maraja literally means they both meet and mix with each other. Early commentators of the Quraan were unable to explain the two opposite meanings for the two bodies of water, i.e. they meet and mix, and at the same time, there is a barrier between them. Modern Science has discovered that in the places where two different seas meet, there is a barrier between them. This barrier divides the two seas so that each sea has its own temperature, salinity and density. Oceanologists are now in a better position to explain this verse. There is a slanted unseen water barrier between the two seas through which water from one sea passes to the other.

(Principles of Oceanography, Davis, pp. 92-93.)

But when the water from one sea enters the other sea, it loses its distinctive characteristic and becomes homogenized with the other water. In a way this barrier serves as a transitional homogenizing area for the two waters. This scientific phenomenon mentioned in the Quraan was also confirmed by Dr. William Hay who is a well-known marine scientist and Professor of Geological Sciences at the University of Colorado, U.S.A. The Quraan mentions this phenomenon also in the following verse:

And made a separating bar between the two bodies Of flowing water? [Al-Quraan 27:61]

This phenomenon occurs in several places, including the divider between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean at Gibralter. But when the Quraan speaks about the divider between fresh and salt water, it mentions the existence of a forbidding partition with the barrier.

It is He Who has Let free the two bodies Of flowing water: One palatable and sweet, And the other salty and bitter; Yet has He Made a barrier between them, And a partition that is forbidden To be passed. [Al-Quraan 25:53]

Modern science has discovered that in estuaries, where fresh (sweet) and salt-water meet, the situation is somewhat different from that found in places where two seas meet. It has been discovered that what distinguishes fresh water from salt water in estuaries is a pycnocline zone with a marked density discontinuity separating the two layers. This partition (zone of separation) has salinity different from both the fresh water and the salt water.

This phenomenon occurs in several places, including Egypt, where the river Nile flows into the Mediterranean Sea.

(Oceanography, Gross, p. 242. Also see Introductory Oceanography, Thurman, pp. 300-301.)
(Oceanography, Gross, p. 244 and Introductory Oceanography, Thurman, pp. 300-301. )

DARKNESS IN THE DEPTHS OF THE OCEAN

Prof. Durga Rao is an expert in the field of Marine Geology and was a professor at King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah. He was asked to comment on the following verse:

Or (the Unbelievers state) Is like the depths of darkness In a vast deep ocean, Overwhelmed with billow Topped by billow, Topped by (dark) clouds: Depths of darkness, one Above another: if a man Stretches out his hand, He can hardly see it! For any to whom Allah Giveth not light, there is no light! [Al-Quraan 24:40]

Prof. Rao said that scientists have only now been able to confirm, with the help of modern equipment that there is darkness in the depths of the ocean. Humans are unable to dive unaided underwater for more than 20 to 30 meters, and cannot survive in the deep oceanic regions at a depth of more than 200 meters. This verse does not refer to all seas because not every sea can be described as having accumulated darkness layered one over another. It refers especially to a deep sea or deep ocean, as the Quraan says, darkness in a vast deep ocean. This layered darkness in a deep ocean is the result of two causes:

A light ray is composed of seven colours. These seven colours are Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange and Red (VIBGYOR). The light ray undergoes refraction when it hits water. The upper 10 to 15 metres of water absorb the red colour. Therefore if a diver is 25 metres under water and gets wounded, he would not be able to see the red colour of his blood, because the red colour does not reach this depth. Similarly orange rays are absorbed at 30 to 50 metres, yellow at 50 to 100 metres, green at 100 to 200 metres, and finally, blue beyond 200 metres and violet and indigo above 200 metres. Due to successive disappearance of colour, one layer after another, the ocean progressively becomes darker, i.e. darkness takes place in layers of light. Below a depth of 1000 meters there is complete darkness.
(Oceans, Elder and Pernetta, p. 27. 1 2)
The suns rays are absorbed by clouds, which in turn scatter light rays thus causing a layer of darkness under the clouds. This is the first layer of darkness. When light rays reach the surface of the ocean they are reflected by the wave surface giving it a shiny appearance. Therefore it is the waves which reflect light and cause darkness. The un-reflected light penetrates into the depths of the ocean. Therefore the ocean has two parts. The surface characterized by light and warmth and the depth characterized by darkness. The surface is further separated from the deep part of the ocean by waves. The internal waves cover the deep waters of seas and oceans because the deep waters have a higher density than the waters above them. The darkness begins below the internal waves. Even the fish in the depths of the ocean cannot see; their only source of light is from their own bodies.

The Quraan rightly mentions: Darkness in a vast deep ocean overwhelmed with waves topped by waves. In other words, above these waves there are more types of waves, i.e. those found on the surface of the ocean. The Quraanic verse continues, topped by (dark) clouds; depths of darkness, one above another.

These clouds as explained are barriers one over the other that further cause darkness by absorption of colours at different levels.

Prof. Durga Rao concluded by saying, 1400 years ago a normal human being could not explain this phenomenon in so much detail. Thus the information must have come from a supernatural source.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Biology

EVERY LIVING THING IS MADE OF WATER

Consider the following Quraanic verse:

Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one Unit of Creation), before We clove them asunder? We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe? [Al-Quraan 21:30]

Only after advances have been made in science, do we now know that cytoplasm, the basic substance of the cell is made up of 80% water. Modern research has also revealed that most organisms consist of 50% to 90% water and that every living entity requires water for its existence. Was it possible 14 centuries ago for any human-being to guess that every living being was made of water? Moreover would such a guess be conceivable by a human being in the deserts of Arabia where there has always been scarcity of water?

The following verse refers to the creation of animals from water:

And Allah has created Every animal from water. [Al-Quraan 24:45]

The following verse refers to the creation of human beings from water:

It is He Who has Created man from water: Then has He established Relationships of lineage And marriage: for thy Lord Has power (over all things). [Al-Quraan 25:54]

-----------------------------------------------------------

Botany

PLANTS CREATED IN PAIRS, MALE AND FEMALE

Previously humans did not know that plants too have male and female gender distinctions. Botany states that every plant has a male and female gender. Even the plants that are unisexual have distinct elements of both male and female.

And has sent Down water from the sky. With it have We produced Diverse pairs of plants Each separate from the others. [Al-Quraan 20:53]

FRUITS CREATED IN PAIRS, MALE AND FEMALE

And fruit Of every kind He made In pairs, two and two. [Al-Quraan 13:3]

Fruit is the end product of reproduction of the superior plants. The stage preceding fruit is the flower, which has male and female organs (stamens and ovules). Once pollen has been carried to the flower, they bear fruit, which in turn matures and frees its seed. All fruits therefore imply the existence of male and female organs; a fact that is mentioned in the Quraan. In certain species, fruit can come from non-fertilized flowers (parthenocarpic fruit) e.g. bananas, certain types of pineapple, fig, orange, vine, etc. They also have definite sexual characteristics.

EVERYTHING MADE IN PAIRS

And of everything We have created pairs. [Al-Quraan 51:49]

This refers to things other than humans, animals, plants and fruits. It may also be referring to a phenomenon like electricity in which the atoms consist of negatively and positively charged electrons and protons.

Glory to Allah, Who created In pairs all things that The earth produces, as well as Their own (human) kind And (other) things of which They have no knowledge. [Al-Quraan 36:36]

The Quraan here says that everything is created in pairs, including things that the humans do not know at present and may discover later.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Zoology

ANIMALS AND BIRDS LIVE IN COMMUNITIES

There is not an animal (That lives) on the earth, Nor a being that flies On its wings, but (forms Part of) communities like you. [Al-Quraan 6:38]

Research has shown that animals and birds live in communities, i.e. they organize, and live and work together.

THE FLIGHT OF BIRDS

Regarding the flight of birds the Quraan says:

Do they not look at The birds, held poised In the midst of (the air And) the sky? Nothing Holds them up but (the power Of) Allah. Verily in this Are Signs for those who believe. [Al-Quraan 16:79]

A similar message is repeated in the Quraan in the verse: Do they not observe The birds above them, Spreading their wings And folding them in? None can uphold them Except (Allah) Most Gracious: Truly it is He That watches over all things. [Al-Quraan 67:19]

The Arabic word amsaka literally means, to put ones hand on, seize, hold, hold someone back, which expresses the idea that Allah holds the bird up in His power. These verses stress the extremely close dependence of the birds behaviour on Divine order. Modern scientific data has shown the degree of perfection attained by certain species of birds with regard to the programming of their movements. It is only the existence of a migratory programme in the genetic code of the birds that can explain the long and complicated journey that very young birds, without any prior experience and without any guide, are able to accomplish. They are also able to return to the departure point on a definite date.

Prof. Hamburger in his book Power and Fragility gives the example of mutton-bird that lives in the Pacific with its journey of over 15,000 miles in the shape of figure 8. It makes this journey over a period of 6 months and comes back to its departure point with a maximum delay of one week. The highly complicated instructions for such a journey have to be contained in the birds nervous cells. They are definitely programmed. Should we not reflect on the identity of this Programmer?

THE BEE

And thy Lord taught the Bee To build its cells in hills, On trees, and in (mens) habitations; Then to eat of all The produce (of the earth), And find with skill the spacious Paths of its Lord. [Al-Quraan 16:68-69]

Von-Frisch received the Nobel Prize in 1973 for his research on the Behaviour and communication of the bees. The bee, after discovering any new garden or flower, goes back and tells its fellow bees the exact direction and map to get there, which is known as bee dance. The meanings of this insects movements that are intended to transmit information between worker bees have been discovered scientifically using photography and other methods. The Quraan mentions in the above verse how the bee finds with skill the spacious paths of its Lord.

The worker bee or the soldier bee is a female bee. In Soorah Al-Nahl chapter no. 16, verses 68 and 69 the gender used for the bee is the female gender (fasluk and kul), indicating that the bee that leaves its home for gathering food is a female bee. In other words the soldier or worker bee is a female bee. In fact, in Shakespeares play, Henry the Fourth, some of the characters speak about bees and mention that the bees are soldiers and that they have a king. That is what people thought in Shakespearean times. They thought that the worker bees are male bees and they go home and are answerable to a king bee. This, however, is not true. The worker bees are females and they do not report to a king bee but to a queen bee. But it took modern investigations in the last 300 years to discover this.

SPIDERS WEB / HOME IS FRAGILE

The Quraan mentions in Soorah Al-Ankabt,

The parable of those who Take protectors other than Allah Is that of the Spider, Who builds (to itself) A house; but truly The flimsiest of houses Is the Spiders house If they but knew. [Al-Quraan 29:41]

Besides giving the physical description of the spiders web as being very flimsy, delicate and weak, the Quraan also stresses on the flimsiness of the relationship in the spiders house, where the female spider many a times kills its mate, the male spider.

LIFESTYLE AND COMMUNICATION OF ANTS

Consider the following Quraanic verse:

And before Solomon were marshaled His hosts of Jinns and men And birds, and they were all Kept in order and ranks. At length, when they came To a (lowly) valley of ants, One of the ants said: O ye ants, get into Your habitations, lest Solomon And his hosts crush you (Under foot) without knowing it. [Al-Quraan 27:17-18]

In the past, some people would have probably mocked at the Quraan, taking it to be a fairy tale book in which ants talk to each other and communicate sophisticated messages. In recent times, research has shown us several facts about the lifestyle of ants, which were not known earlier to humankind. Research has shown that the animals or insects whose lifestyle is closest in resemblance to the lifestyle of human beings are the ants. This can be seen from the following findings regarding ants:

The ants bury their dead in a manner similar to the humans.
They have a sophisticated system of division of labour, whereby they have managers, supervisors, foremen, workers, etc.
Once in a while they meet among themselves to have a chat.
They have an advanced method of communication among themselves.
They hold regular markets wherein they exchange goods.
They store grains for long periods in winter and if the grain begins to bud, they cut the roots, as if they understand that if they leave it to grow, it will rot. If the grains stored by them get wet due to rains, they take these grains out into the sunlight to dry, and once these are dry, they take them back inside as though they know that humidity will cause development of root systems and thereafter rotting of the grain.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Medicine

HONEY HAS HEALING PROPERTIES

The bee assimilates juices of various kinds of flowers and fruit and forms within its body the honey, which it stores in its cells of wax. Only a couple of centuries ago man came to know that honey comes from the belly of the bee. This fact was mentioned in the Quraan 1,400 years ago in the following verse:

There issues From within their bodies A drink of varying colours, Wherein is healing for men. [Al-Quraan 16:69]

We are now aware that honey has a healing property and also a mild antiseptic property. The Russians used honey to cover their wounds in World War II. The wound would retain moisture and would leave very little scar tissue. Due to the density of honey, no fungus or bacteria would grow in the wound. A person suffering from an allergy of a particular plant may be given honey from that plant so that the person develops resistance to that allergy. Honey is rich in fructose and vitamin K. Thus the knowledge contained in the Quraan regarding honey, its origin and properties, was far ahead of the time it was revealed.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Physiology

BLOOD CIRCULATION AND THE PRODUCTION OF MILK

The Quraan was revealed 600 years before the Muslim scientist Ibn Nafees described the circulation of the blood and 1,000 years before William Harwey brought this understanding to the Western world. Roughly thirteen centuries before it was known what happens in the intestines to ensure that organs are nourished by the process of digestive absorption, a verse in the Quraan described the source of the constituents of milk, in conformity with these notions.

To understand the Quraanic verse concerning the above concepts, it is important to know that chemical reactions occur in the intestines and that, from there, substances extracted from food pass into the blood stream via a complex system; sometimes by way of the liver, depending on their chemical nature. The blood transports them to all the organs of the body, among which are the milk-producing mammary glands.

In simple terms, certain substances from the contents of the intestines enter into the vessels of the intestinal wall itself, and these substances are transported by the blood stream to the various organs.

This concept must be fully appreciated if we wish to understand the following verse in the Quraan:

And verily in cattle there is A lesson for you. We give you to drink Of what is inside their bodies, Coming from a conjunction Between the contents of the Intestine and the blood, A milk pure and pleasant for Those who drink it. [Al-Quraan 16:66]

And in cattle (too) ye Have an instructive example: From within their bodies We produce (milk) for you To drink; there are, in them, (Besides), numerous (other) Benefits for you; And of their (meat) ye eat. [Al-Quraan 23:21]

(Translation of this Qur'aanic verse is from the book The Bible, the Quran and Science by Dr. Maurice Bucaille.)

The Quraanic description of the production of milk in cattle is strikingly similar to what modern physiology has discovered.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Embryology

MAN IS CREATED FROM ALAQ : A LEECH-LIKE SUBSTANCE

A few years ago a group of Arabs collected all information concerning embryology from the Quraan, and followed the instruction of the Quraan:

If ye realise this not, ask Of those who possess the Message. [Al-Quraan 16:43 & 21:7]

All the information from the Quraan so gathered, was translated into English and presented to Prof. (Dr.) Keith Moore, who was the Professor of Embryology and Chairman of the Department of Anatomy at the University of Toronto, in Canada. At present he is one of the highest authorities in the field of Embryology. He was asked to give his opinion regarding the information present in the Quraan concerning the field of embryology. After carefully examining the translation of the Quraanic verses presented to him, Dr. Moore said that most of the information concerning embryology mentioned in the Quraan is in perfect conformity with modern discoveries in the field of embryology and does not conflict with them in any way. He added that there were however a few verses, on whose scientific accuracy he could not comment. He could not say whether the statements were true or false, since he himself was not aware of the information contained therein. There was also no mention of this information in modern writings and studies on embryology. One such verse is:

Proclaim! (or Read!) In the name Of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created Created man, out of A (mere) clot Of congealed blood. [Al-Quraan 96:1-2]

The word alaq besides meaning a congealed clot of blood also means something that clings, a leech-like substance. Dr. Keith Moore had no knowledge whether an embryo in the initial stages appears like a leech. To check this out he studied the initial stage of the embryo under a very powerful microscope in his laboratory and compared what he observed with a diagram of a leech and he was astonished at the striking resemblance between the two!

In the same manner, he acquired more information on embryology that was hitherto not known to him, from the Quraan. Dr. Keith Moore answered about eighty questions dealing with embryological data mentioned in the Quraan and Hadith. Noting that the information contained in the Quraan and Hadith was in full agreement with the latest discoveries in the field of embryology, Prof. Moore said, If I was asked these questions thirty years ago, I would not have been able to answer half of them for lack of scientific information

Dr. Keith Moore had earlier authored the book, The Developing Human. After acquiring new knowledge from the Quraan, he wrote, in 1982, the 3rd edition of the same book, The Developing Human. The book was the recipient of an award for the best medical book written by a single author. This book has been translated into several major languages of the world and is used as a textbook of embryology in the first year of medical studies. In 1981, during the Seventh Medical Conference in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, Dr. Moore said, It has been a great pleasure for me to help clarify statements in the Quraan about human development. It is clear to me that these statements must have come to Muhammad from God or Allah, because almost all of this knowledge was not discovered until many centuries later. This proves to me that Muhammad must have been a messenger of God or Allah. 12

Dr. Joe Leigh Simpson, Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, at the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, U.S.A., proclaims: ...these Hadiths, sayings of Muhammad (peace be upon him) could not have been obtained on the basis of the scientific knowledge that was available at the time of the writer (7 th century). It follows that not only is there no conflict between genetics and religion (Islam) but in fact religion (Islam) may guide science by adding revelation to some of the traditional scientific approaches there exist statements in the Quraan shown centuries later to be valid which support knowledge in the Quraan having been derived from God.

(The reference for this statement is the video tape titled This is the Truth. For a copy of this video tape contact the Islamic Research Foundation.)

MAN CREATED FROM A DROP EMITTED FROM BETWEEN THE BACK BONE AND THE RIBS

Now let man but think From what he is created! He is created from A drop emitted Proceeding from between The back bone and the ribs. [Al-Quraan 86:5-7]

In embryonic stages, the reproductive organs of the male and female, i.e. the testicles and the ovaries, begin their development near the kidney between the spinal column and the eleventh and twelfth ribs. Later they descend; the female gonads (ovaries) stop in the pelvis while the male gonads (testicles) continue their descent before birth to reach the scrotum through the inguinal canal. Even in the adult after the descent of the reproductive organ, these organs receive their nerve supply and blood supply from the Abdominal Aorta, which is in the area between the backbone (spinal column) and the ribs. Even the lymphatic drainage and the venous return goes to the same area.

HUMAN BEINGS CREATED FROM NUTFAH (Minute Quantity of Liquid)

The Glorious Quraan mentions no less than eleven times that the human being is created from nutfah, which means a minute quantity of liquid or a trickle of liquid which remains after emptying a cup. This is mentioned in several verses of the Quraan including 22:5 and 23:13. 13 Science has confirmed in recent times that only one out of an average of three million sperms is required for fertilising the ovum. This means that only a 1/three millionth part or 0.00003% of the quantity of sperms that are emitted is required for fertilisation.

(The same is also mentioned in the Qur'aan in 16:4, 18:37, 35:11, 36:77, 40:67, 53:46, 75:37, 76:2 and 80:19.)

HUMAN BEINGS CREATED FROM SULALAH (Quintessence of liquid)

And made his progeny From a quintessence Of the nature of A fluid despised. [Al-Quraan 32:8]

The Arabic word sullah means quintessence or the best part of a whole. We have come to know now that only one single spermatozoon that penetrates the ovum is required for fertilization, out of the several millions produced by man. That one spermatozoon out of several millions, is referred to in the Quraan as sullah. Sullah also means gentle extraction from a fluid. The fluid refers to both male and female germinal fluids containing gametes. Both ovum and sperm are gently extracted from their environments in the process of fertilization.

MAN CREATED FROM NUTFATUN AMSHAAJ (Mingled liquids)

Consider the following Quraanic verse: Verily We created Man from a drop Of mingled sperm. [Al-Quraan 76:2]

The Arabic word nutfatin amshaajin means mingled liquids. According to some commentators of the Quraan, mingled liquids refers to the male or female agents or liquids. After mixture of male and female gamete, the zygote still remains nutfah. Mingled liquids can also refer to spermatic fluid that is formed of various secretions that come from various glands. Therefore nutfatin amsaj, i.e. a minute quantity of mingled fluids refers to the male and female gametes (germinal fluids or cells) and part of the surrounding fluids.

SEX DETERMINATION

The sex of a fetus is determined by the nature of the sperm and not the ovum. The sex of the child, whether female or male, depends on whether the 23rd pair of chromosomes is XX or XY respectively. Primarily sex determination occurs at fertilization and depends upon the type of sex chromosome in the sperm that fertilizes an ovum. If it is an X bearing sperm that fertilizes the ovum, the fetus is a female and if it is a Y bearing sperm then the fetus is a male.

That He did create In pairs male and female, From a seed when lodged (In its place). [Al-Quraan 53:45-46]

The Arabic word nutfah means a minute quantity of liquid and tumn means ejaculated or planted. Therefore nutfah specifically refers to sperm because it is ejaculated. The Quraan says:

Was he not a drop of sperm emitted (In lowly form)? Then did he become A clinging clot; Then did (Allah) make And fashion (him) In due proportion. And of him He made Two sexes, male And female. [Al-Quraan 75:37-39]

Here again it is mentioned that a small quantity (drop) of sperm (indicated by the word nutfatan min maniyyin) which comes from the man is responsible for the sex of the fetus.

Mothers-in-law in the Indian subcontinent, by and large prefer having male grandchildren and often blame their daughters-in-law if the child is not of the desired sex. If only they knew that the determining factor is the nature of the male sperm and not the female ovum! If they were to blame anybody, they should blame their sons and not their daughters-in-law since both the Quraan and Science hold that it is the male fluid that is responsible for the sex of the child!

FOETUS PROTECTED BY THREE VEILS OF DARKNESS

He makes you, In the wombs of your mothers, In stages, one after another, In three veils of darkness. [Al-Quraan 39:6]

According to Prof. Keith Moore these three veils of darkness in the Quraan refer to:

anterior abdominal wall of the mother
the uterine wall
the amnio-chorionic membrane.

EMBRYONIC STAGES

Man We did create From a quintessence (of clay); Then We placed him As (a drop of) sperm In a place of rest, firmly fixed; Then We made the sperm Into a clot of congealed blood; Then of that clot We made A (foetus) lump; then We Made out of that lump Bones and clothed the bones With flesh; then We developed Out of it another creature. So blessed be Allah, The Best to create! [Al-Quraan 23:12-14]

In this verse Allah states that man is created from a small quantity of liquid which is placed in a place of rest, firmly fixed (well established or lodged) for which the Arabic word qarrin makn is used.

The uterus is well protected from the posterior by the spinal column supported firmly by the back muscles. The embryo is further protected by the amniotic sac containing the amniotic fluid. Thus the foetus has a well protected dwelling place. This small quantity of fluid is made into alaqah, meaning something which clings. It also means a leech-like substance. Both descriptions are scientifically acceptable as in the very early stages the foetus clings to the wall and also appears to resemble the leech in shape. It also behaves like a leech (blood sucker) and acquires its blood supply from the mother through the placenta. The third meaning of the word alaqah is a blood clot. During this alaqah stage, which spans the third and fourth week of pregnancy, the blood clots within closed vessels. Hence the embryo acquires the appearance of a blood clot in addition to acquiring the appearance of a leech. In 1677, Hamm and Leeuwenhoek were the first scientists to observe human sperm cells (spermatozoa) using a microscope. They thought that a sperm cell contained a miniature human being which grew in the uterus to form a newborn. This was known as the perforation theory. When scientists discovered that the ovum was bigger than the sperm, it was thought by De Graf and others that the foetus existed in a miniature form in the ovum. Later, in the 18th century Maupertuis propagated the theory of biparental inheritance. The alaqah is transformed into mudghah which means something that is chewed (having teeth marks) and also something that is tacky and small which can be put in the mouth like gum. Both these explanations are scientifically correct. Prof. Keith Moore took a piece of plaster seal and made it into the size and shape of the early stage of foetus and chewed it between the teeth to make it into a Mudgha. He compared this with the photographs of the early stage of foetus. The teeth marks resembled the somites which is the early formation of the spinal column.

This mudghah is transformed into bones (izm). The bones are clothed with intact flesh or muscles (lahm). Then Allah makes it into another creature. Prof. Marshall Johnson is one of the leading scientists in US, and is the head of the Department of Anatomy and Director of the Daniel Institute at the Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia in US. He was asked to comment on the verses of the Quraan dealing with embryology. He said that the verses of the Quraan describing the embryological stages cannot be a coincidence. He said it was probable that Muhammad (peace be upon him) had a powerful microscope. On being reminded that the Quraan was revealed 1400 years ago, and microscopes were invented centuries after the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Prof. Johnson laughed and admitted that the first microscope invented could not magnify more than 10 times and could not show a clear picture. Later he said: I see nothing here in conflict with the concept that Divine intervention was involved when Muhammad (peace be upon him) recited the Quraan.

According to Dr. Keith Moore, the modern classification of embryonic development stages which is adopted throughout the world, is not easily comprehensible, since it identifies stages on a numerical basis i.e. stage I, stage II, etc. The divisions revealed in the Quraan are based on distinct and easily identifiable forms or shapes, which the embryo passes through. These are based on different phases of prenatal development and provide elegant scientific descriptions that are comprehensible and practical. Similar embryological stages of human development have been described in the following verses:

Was he not a drop Of sperm emitted (In lowly form)? Then did he become a clinging clot; Then did (Allah) make and fashion (him) In due proportion. And of him He made Two sexes, male and female. [Al-Quraan 75:37-39]

Him Who created thee, fashioned thee in due proportion, And gave thee a just bias; In whatever Form He wills, Does He put thee together. [Al-Quraan 82:7-8]

EMBRYO PARTLY FORMED AND PARTLY UNFORMED

At the mugdhah stage, if an incision is made in the embryo and the internal organ is dissected, it will be seen that most of them are formed while the others are not yet completely formed.

According to Prof. Johnson, if we describe the embryo as a complete creation, then we are only describing that part which is already created. If we describe it as an incomplete creation, then we are only describing that part which is not yet created. So, is it a complete creation or an incomplete creation? There is no better description of this stage of embryo genesis than the Quraanic description, partly formed and partly unformed, as in the following verse:

We created you Out of dust, then out of Sperm, then out of a leech-like Clot, then out of a morsel Of flesh, partly formed And partly unformed. [Al-Quraan 22:5]

Scientifically we know that at this early stage of development there are some cells which are differentiated and there are some cells that are undifferentiated some organs are formed and yet others unformed.

SENSE OF HEARING AND SIGHT

The first sense to develop in a developing human embryo is hearing. The foetus can hear sounds after the 24th week. Subsequently, the sense of sight is developed and by the 28th week, the retina becomes sensitive to light. Consider the following Quraanic verses related to the development of the senses in the embryo:

And He gave You (the faculties of) hearing and sight and feeling (And understanding). [Al-Quraan 32:9]

Verily We created Man from a drop Of mingled sperm, In order to try him: So We gave him (the gifts), Of Hearing and Sight. [Al-Quraan 76:2]

It is He Who has created For you (the faculties of) Hearing, sight, feeling And understanding: little thanks It is ye give! [Al-Quraan 23:78]

In all these verses the sense of hearing is mentioned before that of sight. Thus the Quraanic description matches with the discoveries in modern embryology.

-----------------------------------------------------------

General Science

FINGERPRINTS

Does man think that We Cannot assemble his bones? Nay, We are able to put Together in perfect order The very tips of his fingers. [Al-Quraan 75:3-4]

Unbelievers argue regarding resurrection taking place after bones of dead people have disintegrated in the earth and how each individual would be identified on the Day of Judgment. Almighty Allah answers that He can not only assemble our bones but can also reconstruct perfectly our very fingertips.

Why does the Quraan, while speaking about determination of the identity of the individual, speak specifically about fingertips? In 1880, fingerprinting became the scientific method of identification, after research done by Sir Francis Golt. No two persons in the world can ever have exactly the same fingerprint pattern. That is the reason why police forces worldwide use fingerprints to identify the criminal. 1400 years ago, who could have known the uniqueness of each humans fingerprint? Surely it could have been none other than the Creator Himself!

PAIN RECEPTORS PRESENT IN THE SKIN

It was thought that the sense of feeling and pain was only dependent on the brain. Recent discoveries prove that there are pain receptors present in the skin without which a person would not be able to feel pain. When a doctor examines a patient suffering from burn injuries, he verifies the degree of burns by a pinprick. If the patient feels pain, the doctor is happy, because it indicates that the burns are superficial and the pain receptors are intact. On the other hand if the patient does not feel any pain, it indicates that it is a deep burn and the pain receptors have been destroyed. The Quraan gives an indication of the existence of pain receptors in the following verse:

Those who reject Our signs, We shall soon Cast into the Fire; As often as their skins Are roasted through, We shall change them For fresh skins, That they may taste The Penalty: for Allah Is Exalted in Power, Wise. [Al-Quraan 4:56]

Prof. Tagatat Tejasen, Chairman of the Department of Anatomy at Chiang Mai University in Thailand, has spent a great amount of time on research of pain receptors. Initially he could not believe that the Quraan mentioned this scientific fact 1,400 years ago. He later verified the translation of this particular Quraanic verse. Prof. Tejasen was so impressed by the scientific accuracy of the Quraanic verse, that at the 8th Saudi Medical Conference held in Riyadh on the Scientific Signs of Quraan and Sunnah he proclaimed in public: There is no God but Allah and Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His Messenger.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Conclusion

To attribute the presence of scientific facts in the Quraan to coincidence would be against common sense and a true scientific approach. The Quraan invites all humans to reflect on the Creation of this universe in the verse:

Behold! In the creation Of the heavens and the earth, And the alternation Of Night and Day There are indeed Signs For men of understanding. [Al-Quraan 3:190]

The scientific evidences of the Quraan clearly prove its Divine Origin. No human could have produced a book, fourteen hundred years ago, that would contain profound scientific facts, to be discovered by humankind centuries later. The Quraan, however, is not a book of Science but a book of Signs. These signs invite Man to realize the purpose of his existence on earth, and to live in harmony with Nature. The Quraan is truly a message from Allah, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. It contains the same message of the Oneness of God, that was preached by all prophets, right from Adam, Moses, Jesus to Muhammad (peace be upon them).

Several detailed tomes have been written on the subject of Quraan and modern science and further research in this field is on. By the will of God, this research will help mankind to come closer to the Word of the Almighty. This booklet contains only a few of the scientific facts present in the Quraan. I cannot claim to have done full justice to the subject. Prof.Tejasen accepted Islam on the strength of just one scientific sign mentioned in the Quran. Some people may require ten signs while some may require hundred signs to be convinced about the Divine Origin of the Quraan. Some would be unwilling to accept the Truth even after being shown a thousand signs. The Quraan condemns such a closed mentality in the verse:

Deaf, dumb and blind, They will not return (To the path). [Al-Quraan 2:18]

The Quraan contains a complete code of life for the individual and society. Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah), the Quraanic way of life is far superior to the isms that modern man has invented out of sheer ignorance. Who can give better guidance than the Creator Himself?

I pray that this humble effort is accepted by Allah, to whom I pray for mercy and guidance (Aameen).

-----------------------------------------------------------