The
word “Islam” is an Arabic word which means “submission to the
will of God”. The word “Muslim” means one who submits to
the will of God, regardless of their race, nationality, ethnic, or
socio economic background. Some people mistakenly believe that
Islam is just a religion for Arabs, but Muslims come from every
corner of the world. Islam promotes the concept of a human
brotherhood and the equality of all humans. It maintains that all
humans are the children of one man (Adam) and one woman (Eve) and we
all share the same lineage.
It
is a religion of Abraham, just like Christianity and Judaism. Islam
is the most continuous and universal religion, because all of God’s
prophets and messengers, which include Abraham, Noah, Moses, Jesus
and Muhammad (peace be upon then all) preached the same religion. They all brought the same
message of Pure Monotheism (belief in oneness of God).
For this reason, the Prophet Muhammad was not the founder of a new
religion, as many people mistakenly think, but he was the final
Prophet of Islam. God talks about Prophet Isa (Jesus) in Quran, there
is a entire Surah/chapter in Quran on Maryam (Marry) (pbuh)
http://quran.com/19 Finally, it
should be mentioned that Muslims worship is the same God Jews and Christians worship - because
there is only one God. “Allah” is simply the Arabic name for
Almighty God and thats the reason Arab Cristians say Allah for God!
Furthermore,
sects (Sunni/Shia) are not part of Islam. There might be some
minor differences in how we pray etc but in the end we all are one
Ummah, we believe in same God, same Book and same Prophet. We
must remember that Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) did not have any sect.
Sects are not religious concept, they were invented for political
reasons after Prophet (P.B.U.H) passed away. Islam believes in
fostering unity amongst its followers. The Quran strongly forbids
divisions of any sort or to associate with those that break away into
sects.
The
foundation of the Islamic faith is belief in the Oneness of Almighty
God, the Prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh) and the concept of
life-after-death. Islam emphasizes that God is strictly singular,
the cornerstone of all the basic attributes of Allâh is His Tauhîd
or Unity. The true Unity of Allâh is to believe in God Who, in
His Being, is free from every associate, whether it is an idol,
grave, human, animal, fire or tree, or the heavily bodies such as sun
or moon etc. According to the teachings of Islam, Almighty God is
absolutely One and His Oneness should never be compromised by
associating partners with Him - neither in worship nor in belief. Due
to this, Muslims are required to maintain a direct relationship with
God, and therefore all intermediaries are absolutely forbidden.
However we do believe in all the Prophets and respect all great Imams
and scholars for their efforts in preaching Islam.
Almighty
God is the only Creator and continual Sustainer of the Universe, He
is transcendent above His creation - the Creator and the creature
never mix. Islam teaches that God has a unique nature and that He is
free from gender, human weaknesses and beyond anything which human
beings can imagine. He is not comparable to anything and there is
nothing like unto Him, and that He is high above time, space and His
creation. God is beyond these limited things which govern our
lives and restrict our beings. How can the Creator of time be
subject to something He created? Or how can God, Who is Sublime,
Eternal and Perfect be restricted with these limitations? God is
beyond our imagination of anything like Him.
The
Quran states that Allah is an ineffable reality and human language
cannot produce an adequate parable; therefore, there is no mithaal
(example) of what God is like. We should therefore ponder over the
creation of God and not ponder over the essence of God because our
minds cannot possibly encompass that. There are 99 names of God
(al-asmāʼ al-ḥusná
lit. meaning: "The best names"), each of which evoke a
distinct attribute of God. Among the 99 names of God, the most
familiar and frequently used names are "the Compassionate"
(al-raḥmān) and
"the Merciful" (al-raḥīm).
Quran teaches that God is Loving, Compassionate and Merciful, and
that He is concerned with the daily affairs of human beings. It also
teaches us that the signs and proofs of God’s wisdom, power and
existence are evident in the world around us. As such, God calls on
man to ponder over the creation in order to build a better
understanding of his Creator.
Al-Quran:
The
Arabic world “Al-Quran” literally means ‘the recitation’.
When used in regards to Islam, the word Quran means God’s final
message to mankind, which was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad
(pbuh). The following was the first Revelation (sura 96, verses 1 to
5)
"Read: In the name of thy Lord who created, Who created man from something which clings. Read! Thy Lord is the most Noble Who taught by the pen. Who taught man what he did not know."
"Read: In the name of thy Lord who created, Who created man from something which clings. Read! Thy Lord is the most Noble Who taught by the pen. Who taught man what he did not know."
Qur'an holds a unique place among the book of Revelation, it is in fact the only scripture whose protection and preservation has been promised by Allah.
Allah says in Quran:
"Verily, We have sent down this Remembrance (the Qur'an), and We are of a surety going to protect it (from tampering)."
(Quran 15:9)
"And truly, this Qur'an is a revelation from the Lord of the Worlds; which the Trustworthy Spirit (Angel Jibril) brought down; Upon your heart (O Muhammad) so that you may be among the warners."
(Quran 26:192-4)
From the time of its revelation till the end, the Prophet and his followers used to memorise Quran by heart. It was the practice of the Prophet (pbuh) to recite the Qur'an to the Angel Jibril every year, during the month of Ramadan. It was known that Jibril would also recite it back to him. The year that he died, the Prophet (pbuh) recited the Qur'an twice to Jibril, and heard it from Jibril twice. During this last recitation, Zayd ibn Thabit was present and he was one of the close Companions of the Prophet (pbuh) and was the head Scribe to verify the final copy of Quran.
As
for the Qur'an being written, as we know the Qur'an was not written
as a book would be written by an author. The Prophet (pbuh) did not
write the Qur'an because we know that he was an unlettered Prophet
(pbuh) sent to an unlettered nation.
In Surah al A'raf, Allah says:
“Say, [O Muhammad], "O mankind, indeed I am the Messenger of Allah to you all, [from Him] to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. There is no deity except Him; He gives life and causes death." So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the unlettered prophet, who believes in Allah and His words, and follow him that you may be guided”
(Quran 7:158)
In Surah al A'raf, Allah says:
“Say, [O Muhammad], "O mankind, indeed I am the Messenger of Allah to you all, [from Him] to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. There is no deity except Him; He gives life and causes death." So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the unlettered prophet, who believes in Allah and His words, and follow him that you may be guided”
(Quran 7:158)
The Prophet (pbuh) made sure that the Qur'an was written down in its totality during his lifetime, ensuring its preservation by checking whether it was written down correctly. It is a known fact that there were several scribes in his following, the most famous of whom, Zaid Ibn Thâbit. Whenever a fragment of the Quran was revealed, the Prophet used to call his scribes and dictated it to them, and ask the scribes to reread to him what had been dictated so that he could correct any deficiencies. Professor Hamidullah notes in the Introduction to his French translation of the Quran that one of the themes of this first Revelation was the 'praise of the pen as a means of human knowledge' which would 'explain the Prophet's concern for the preservation of the Quran in writing.'
At
the time of his death, the entire Qur'an had been memorised by many
of his followers and his Companions, and existed in written form, but
it had not been compiled in book form. Later under the committee of
Prophet's Companions, which consulted the witnesses of Hafizun (the
people who memorised the Quran), loose fragments of Quran were
gathered, verified and finally for the first time the Qur'an had been
compiled under the authority of one of his close Companion Uthman
(ra) which all the Muslims around the world read till date.
In
regards to the teachings of the Quran - it is a universal scripture
addressed to all of mankind, and not addressed only to a particular
tribe or “chosen people”. The message that it brings is
nothing new, but the same message of all of the prophets - submit to
Almighty God (worship Him alone) and do good deeds.
This is what the Quran tells us about Allah:
No
vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision: He is above
all comprehension, yet is acquainted with all things.
(Quran
6:103)
“God
is the Light of the heavens and earth. His Light is like this: there
is a niche, and in it a lamp, the lamp inside a glass, a glass like a
glittering star, fuelled from a blessed olive tree from neither east
nor west, whose oil almost gives light even when no fire touches
it–light upon light– God guides whoever He will to his Light; God
draws such comparisons for people; God has full knowledge of
everything”
(Quran
24:35)
“There
is no God but Him, the Ever Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence.
Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. All that is in the heavens
and in the earth belongs to Him. Who is there that can intercede with
Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what
is behind them, but they do not comprehend any of His knowledge
except what He wills. His throne extends over the heavens and the
earth; it does not weary Him to preserve them both. He is the Most
High, the Tremendous”
(Quran
2:255)
“Say,
‘He is God the One, God the eternal. He begot no one nor was He
begotten. No one is comparable to Him”
(Quran
112:1-4)
Allah
states in Quran:
"Then
did you think that We created you uselessly and that to Us you would
not be returned?”
(Quran
23:115)
“And
I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me”
(Quran
51:56)
To
Atheists Allah asks the question in Quran:
"Were they created by nothing, or were they the creators [of themselves]? Or did they create the heavens and the earth? Rather, they are not certain.”
(Quran 52/35-36)
This is a very strong question asked by the Almighty Creator.
When we observe our physical and biological makeup we see how they are designed to work with such complexities and then we come to realise that we are not this shape automatically, in fact there are series of really complex processes that make us this way. We come to realise that there is someone who designed and control all these complexities in humans and other species. When we observe how nature works-plants, water cycle, seasons, day and night, and then there are planets and a whole universe out there which is beyond our imagination. When we are ready to observe with an open mind our mind will reject the false argument that the complex human body and everything else in this world just appeared by chance! There is enough evidence out there for one to ponder, its our ignorance and ego that is holding us back from truth. May Allah the Merciful guide us to live and die as believers-Ameen.
"Were they created by nothing, or were they the creators [of themselves]? Or did they create the heavens and the earth? Rather, they are not certain.”
(Quran 52/35-36)
This is a very strong question asked by the Almighty Creator.
When we observe our physical and biological makeup we see how they are designed to work with such complexities and then we come to realise that we are not this shape automatically, in fact there are series of really complex processes that make us this way. We come to realise that there is someone who designed and control all these complexities in humans and other species. When we observe how nature works-plants, water cycle, seasons, day and night, and then there are planets and a whole universe out there which is beyond our imagination. When we are ready to observe with an open mind our mind will reject the false argument that the complex human body and everything else in this world just appeared by chance! There is enough evidence out there for one to ponder, its our ignorance and ego that is holding us back from truth. May Allah the Merciful guide us to live and die as believers-Ameen.
However
the Qur'anic principle on this matter is precise and clear:
"There
is no compulsion in [acceptance of] religion. Truth stands out clear
from Error. So whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath
grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah
is All-Hearer, All-Knower.
(Quran
2:256)
"So remind, [O Muhammad]; you are only a reminder. You are not a controller over them"
(Quran
88:21/22)
"Say: [O Muhammad]; O disbelievers, I do not worship what you worship. Nor are you worshippers of what I worship. Nor will I be a worshipper of what you worship. Nor will you be worshippers of what I worship. To you be your religion, and to me my religion".
It
is clear from the above Ayahs that everyone is free to choose whether
to follow or not, and nobody can force them in this matter, its
between The Creator and His servants. Therefore Muslims are not
responsible ie it is not Fard/obligatory upon every individual Muslim
to do dawah/preaching personally. Dawah if done correctly i.e. with knowledge, wisdom and
peaceful encouragement then it is a great deed, however first of
all every Muslim is responsible for his own family, and we must
work to overcome our own faults and set a good example for others in
all aspects of life.
Alhamdulillah, Allah the most Merciful has made His book (Quran) easily available to people and He will surely guide the sincere and righteous people. Some malicious and wested interests have made misleading websites in Islamic name to mislead Muslims and non-Muslims alike but truth stands, and people who are sincerely interested will surely find out the truth! We Muslims have a duty to peacefully defend our religion against such corruption and we can do so by making websites/blogs to raise awareness about Islam.
Alhamdulillah, Allah the most Merciful has made His book (Quran) easily available to people and He will surely guide the sincere and righteous people. Some malicious and wested interests have made misleading websites in Islamic name to mislead Muslims and non-Muslims alike but truth stands, and people who are sincerely interested will surely find out the truth! We Muslims have a duty to peacefully defend our religion against such corruption and we can do so by making websites/blogs to raise awareness about Islam.
Allah states in Quran:
"And whoever believes in Allah- He will guide his heart"
Al-Quran - 64:11
“And
whoever strives only strives for [the benefit of] himself. Indeed,
Allah is free from need of the worlds. And those who believe and do
righteous deeds - We will surely remove from them their misdeeds and
will surely reward them according to the best of what they used to
do”
(Quran
29:6-7)
"To
Allah belong all things in heaven and earth: verily Allah is He (that
is) free of all wants, worthy of all praise"
(Quran
31:26)
“O
mankind, you are those in need of Allah, while Allah is the Free of
need, the Praiseworthy. If He wills, He can do away with you and
bring forth a new creation”.
(Quran
35:15-16)
"If
you disbelieve - indeed, Allah is Free from need of you. And He does
not approve for His servants disbelief. And if you are grateful, He
approves it for you; and no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of
another. Then to your Lord is your return, and He will inform you
about what you used to do. Indeed, He is Knowing of that within the
breasts"
(Quran 39:7)
(Quran 39:7)
These
verses tells us that worshipping and obedience is the desperate need
of His creation to lead a peaceful life and for that one needs to be
humble, obedient and grateful to Him for His innumerable favours upon
us. Even if one takes the example of the life of this world; when
one is genuinely and truly good, and merciful, and generous, he never
worries or bothers whether the ones who have received his help and
favours praise him or are grateful to him; the onus of being grateful
is upon the ones who receive the favors! Even in the life of this
world, when we see one who we see as having received every possible
help and support from someone, and this person absolutely denies that
he ever received any favours or help from the person, disregards and
reviles the person who did him the favours; the sense of justice and
righteousness in us would cry out that this person is absolutely and
utterly an ungrateful and evil human being! Similarly, it would only
be righteousness of our part that we recognize our Lord and Creator,
recognize His innumerable favours and mercies upon us, and strive to
be grateful and thankful to Him for all that He has given us!
Comparison of worshippers to three types — The first is the worshipper who worships out of desire for Heaven (he is like the businessman looking only for a profit); the second is the worshipper who worships out of fear of the Hellfire (he is like the slave who wants only to avoid punishment); and the third is the worshipper who worships out of gratitude because he recognizes that Allah is worthy of worship (he is the truly free man).
Imam Ali (RA)
Allah
loves gratitude and the deeds of the grateful. He Says (what means):
"If you are grateful, I shall give you more"
Al-Quran - 14:7
“And
We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried
him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is
in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the
[final] destination.”
(Quran
31: 14)
It
is proven fact that being grateful is beneficial for our mental and
physical health. Research shows that consistently grateful people
are happier, more energetic, more hopeful, more helpful, more
empathic, more spiritual, more forgiving, less materialistic and less
envious. They’re also less likely to suffer from depression,
anxiety, insomnia and week immune system.
There are some ignorant people who ask foolish questions such as.. why did God create us, we didn't ask to be created or judged! There is no comparison but this is like asking why an artist create a beautiful piece of art! why an inventor invented something unique and perfectly functioning! why the judge can decide the judgement! The simple answer is... because they are able to do so! because it's a pleasure to create something beautiful and unique and its a requirement to be just and fair... Allah created mankind as He is the Creator par excellence and maybe it is part of His creative plan that He created unique beings who can understand and differentiate between right and wrong and chooses the right path out of his/her free will! There will definitely be a reason why Allah did or didn't do something, and obliged us or refrained us from something which we know not, but as believers we put trust in the Almighty Allah and his plan.
Then there are ignorant people who often ask questions and blame God for their misery but when we carefully look at it we might realise that most of the problems we are facing are created by ourselves. Allah has created a beautiful world with free provision for every living being on this earth. The problems we see in this world like poverty, hunger, illnesses, violence, corruption, oppression etc are created by human pride and greed.. We are working against nature. We made wrong choices. We put power in wrong hands! We did not speak up for what is right because we have become weak and gullible. We created differences, boundaries and imbalance. We have divided ourselves. We have become irresponsible, individualist and materialists. We are living highly commercialised, toxic and stressful lifestyle and as a result we are suffering it's consequences.
'Earth
provides enough to satisfy every man's needs, but not every
man's greed.'
M.K.
Gandhi.
God
has created a free man but humans want to enslave us for their own
greed. The corporate elite and our leaders/politicians wants to
do away with every thing that makes us free and happy. Modern mind
control is physical, psychological and technological. Those
under control do not want clear thinking, rational people but they
want people who are easy to manipulate. Governments around the world
are allowing and even promoting the selling of many products which
have a direct and negative effect on cognitive and physical health.
Many everyday products if used over a longer period of time will
effect peoples ability to concentrate, impair their judgment and
lower their IQ. In other words, the sharp minds will become dull
and unable to reason, differentiate or ask questions but just blindly
obey their masters- the corporates and the leaders!
Masses of people are poisoned through various means.. through food (pesticides/GMO's), through water (fluoride and other chemicals), through psychiatric drugs, through vaccines, through division on the basis of religion and gender, through corrupt and biased education system, through media advertising and propaganda about religion and terrorism, transgenderism and feminism, sex and drugs — corporates and government controlled mainstream media is pouring fabricated theories out into public eyes to distract people from focusing on the real issues.
Masses of people are poisoned through various means.. through food (pesticides/GMO's), through water (fluoride and other chemicals), through psychiatric drugs, through vaccines, through division on the basis of religion and gender, through corrupt and biased education system, through media advertising and propaganda about religion and terrorism, transgenderism and feminism, sex and drugs — corporates and government controlled mainstream media is pouring fabricated theories out into public eyes to distract people from focusing on the real issues.
The
corporate elite and the governments want to replace religion with
atheism, because if there is no concept of God or accountability
then it is easy to manipulate and materialise masses of people for
their maximum benefit (bigger demand for products means bigger
profits for corporates and stability for government). They want to
replace religion with materialism as religion is something which
gives a person a real purpose of life, self discipline, self
regulation and inner peace.
They
want to do away with the concept of marriage/family and even gender -
their modus operandi is to remove femininity from women and
masculinity from men, promote concepts of transgenderism because it
is how you destroy family for family is what gives most people
sense of security and the is what they do not need, they want
chronically scared, confused and anxious individuals who will be
their blind consumers as well as disposable corporate slaves. And
weak minded people get into their trap easily. Some people are
brainwashed to the extent that they criticise parents who teach
religion to their children but applaud parents who change
sexuality/gender of their child at the age of 4! These people cant
even differentiate that teaching religion is important part of
educating children whereas changing their gender is actually a life
time decision that will effect those poor kids for the rest of their
lives.
The
governments want to stay in power so they are only bothered about
economic development at whatever cost. Religion is discouraged in
schools and individualism is encouraged. People are encouraged to do
anything pleasing to them without any concept of morals or values. In
today's materialist society relations are seen as restrictions,
children and elderly are seen as burden and the only aim of life
seems to be - get stuck in a rut and pay exorbitant bills to
maintain fake lifestyle! no peace, no family time, no quality of
life...
As
we can see that the gap between rich and poor is getting bigger-rich
are getting richer and poor are getting poorer. The rich and powerful
are exploiting humans and nature alike. They have no 'ethics' -they
can go to any extent to make money out of everything. They made an
alternative market of fake things that will effect us all in long
run.. May God save our next generations. We must wake up before
its too late, and the only way is to stop consuming their fake
products as much as possible. We must watch what enters our mind and
our body!
Allah
states in Quran:
"And
whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands
have earned. And He pardons much".
[Noble
Quran 42:30]
"Evil
has appeared on the land and sea, because of what your hands have
earned. That Allah may make them taste a part of that which they have
done, in order that they may return".
[Noble
Quran 30:41]
"Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves". [Noble Quran 13:11]
People
who have easier lifestyle often get bored and upset easily. Their
patience level is less and often there is no appreciation for what
they have and therefore mental issues and depression is at peak.
People think they can only be happy if their life if perfect, they
think there must be always something exciting and pleasurable which
can make them happy. The truth is we can’t fully understand
happiness without understanding sadness. Someone who has experienced
loneliness and rejection will appreciate the feelings of love and
appreciation, someone deprived of education will appreciate the value
of education, someone childless will appreciate having children...
Sometimes
our hardships are our hidden blessings as they can turn us into a
better person, they can make us strong, hardworking and compassionate
but only if we have a right attitude. Only if we are ready to learn
the lesson and improve ourselves. Every person we meet in life
can teach us a lesson, even the bad ones! eg we can learn not to make
bad choices like them. We must understand that there is no short cut
or quick fix in life. Maybe life isn’t all about wanting, getting,
accomplishing, and possessing. Maybe there is another way... One
thing we can do to feel truly happy is appreciate what we have and
take responsibility to fix our problems.
Often humans
are irresponsible and want God to do everything for them and if
something doesn't happen or goes wrong, people blame God because of
lack of knowledge, lack of understanding and not wanting to take
responsibility for their own choices and actions. Most people don't
want to take responsibility for their own mistakes, their own lives,
it is easy to blame someone and when they have nobody else to blame,
they blame God! but the reality is We're doing it with our own
free will and we have nobody else to blame but ourselves. We've got
to wake up and pay attention to what's really happening. We've got to
see how we’re creating the pain we suffering for ourselves. We’ve
got to admit and correct our mistakes. We've got to take
responsibility of our lives..
And
we must understand our limitations, we are weak with limited
knowledge and intelligence. And
there is a wisdom in why Allah has ordered us to do or not to do
somethings.. It
is illogical to question and oppose the endless wisdom and power of
Allah, who is the "Creator", the "All Mighty". He
is well within His rights to do as He pleases but He says "His
Mercy is above his wrath". For
eg. while walking from the woods we kill so many tiny creatures
without even thinking! Those tiny incredible creatures like ants are
much more smarter than we think..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFg21x2sj-M
While we don't realise that we
are even more tinier to
Allah
in this grand scheme of universe, but
out of His Mercy and Compassion He thinks about us, cares about us,
shows us the right path and warns us. Now its unto us what path we
want to choose.
Allah
Subhanah has bestowed upon man (and Jinn) two things which He has not
bestowed upon any amongst His Creation:
1.
Intelligence or the Power of Reasoning
2.
A limited Free Will to choose the path one wishes to live his life.
Since
Allah has granted us free will and intelligence, we are able to
reason and raise questions. We are blessed with intelligence and
the ability to perceive right from wrong if we focus our minds
correctly. When one uses one's bestowed intelligence and power of
reasoning and recognizes that everything in creation did not create
itself, but was created by an All-Mighty and All-Perfect Creator. And
when one strives to seek the Truth with sincerity, it is the solemn
promise of the Creator that He will guide such a person unto
Himself.
Allah states in Qur'an:
“And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.”
(Al-Qur’an 29:69)
This life is a test of how we use our free will. Allah has mentioned rewards and punishments because it's human psychology - thats how our minds work! Thats how it works in our world -you have to observe state rules/laws and if you don't there are punishments, you have to give tests/exams at schools, colleges and universities, and you get rewards from your parents, teachers, employers when you do well. It’s from Allah’s mercy that He gave us both struggle and rest, both love and loss, both pain and pleasure, both night and day. Without one, we would not be able to fully recognise, appreciate or experience other.
Allah tests some by giving them abundance, and some are tested by poverty, illness, loneliness or loss. We all have something to struggle with and the harder the struggle the more beautiful the rewards will be. But we must remember that Allah says in Quran that... "Allah does not burden a soul with more than it can bear” (Quran 2:286). We all have different strengths and weaknesses and Allah knows our capacities and tests us accordingly. There is a purpose for our pain, a reason for our struggles and reward for our faithfulness. So no matter what happens, Allah knows what's best for us and these phases of ease and trial are all just a part of a greater plan. We just have to keep faith in Allah and everything will fall in place.
“(He)
Who has created death and life, that He may test you which of you is
best in deed. And He is the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving.
(Quran
67:2)
"And
We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss
of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.
Who, when disaster strikes them, say, "Indeed we belong to Allah
, and indeed to Him we will return." Those are the ones upon
whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are
the [rightly] guided."
Similarly, Allah (SWT) tells us…
“For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease”
Al-Quran 94:5-6
The
Ayah says (ان
مع العسر بسرا),
not (ان
بعد العسر بسرا).
So what that means is that ‘with’ hardship is ease: ‘With’
your hardship is ease. It is at the same time. Thus, we should always
think that when we are going through hardship, no matter how hard it
is, that we still have some ease. We still have something, that Allah
(SWT) that has given us, from His mercy, to help us during that
hardship. But our problem is that, when we go through hardship, it is
very difficult for us to see that.
And what we do is instead of focusing on Allah (SWT), and seeking His help, and putting trust in Him – we instead, shift the focus on the problem itself. And soon enough, it actually takes over our mind and heart; this is what causes worry, anxiety and feeling overwhelmed. While all these thoughts are natural, we need to look beyond them as nothing lasts forever, not pleasure, nor pain, everything in this life passes away. We must try to look at it this way.. that we are not punished, we are tested and taught, so we must try to learn a lesson from hard times and hard people.
And what we do is instead of focusing on Allah (SWT), and seeking His help, and putting trust in Him – we instead, shift the focus on the problem itself. And soon enough, it actually takes over our mind and heart; this is what causes worry, anxiety and feeling overwhelmed. While all these thoughts are natural, we need to look beyond them as nothing lasts forever, not pleasure, nor pain, everything in this life passes away. We must try to look at it this way.. that we are not punished, we are tested and taught, so we must try to learn a lesson from hard times and hard people.
The
reason that Allah gives us hardship, is that Allah tells us about
(تمحيص).
in one of the verses (Ayat) about hardship, Allah says…
“And that Allah may purify the believers [through trials] and destroy the disbelievers”
“And that Allah may purify the believers [through trials] and destroy the disbelievers”
Quran
3:141
What
that means is that Allah (SWT) sends the hardship in order to make
those who believe, undergo a process of (تمحيص),
or ‘purification’. And when Allah wants to separate the good from
the bad, He gives us hardships – and it has that same effect that
heating up gold does. Because you’ll find that your closeness to
Allah (SWT) is most during those hardest times of your life. Had that
storm never come, you would have never tasted that closeness to Allah
(SWT). Therefore, if we respond correctly to hardships, no
hardship is a punishment for us, it is in fact a mercy from Allah to
purify us and bring us closer to Him.
"If the pains of this world tire you do not grieve. For it may be that Allah wishes to hear your voice by way of dua".
Ibn
Al Qayyim (ra)
What it the correct response to hardship? At the very least, the minimum that a believer should have as a response is ‘sabr‘, or patience. Patience means that it may hurt internally, but we do not complain about Allah, rather we complain to Allah and ask His help. The fruits of 'sabr', among many, is that your sins will be erased. We are told by the Prophet (PBUH) that when a believer goes through any type of pain, or hardship, or loss, even the prick of a thorn, Allah removes our sins like leaves falling from a tree. That’s if we respond with ‘sabr’.
Narrated by Abu Said Al-Khudri and Abu-Huraira, the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.”
So,
even if we are not able to be patient, we have to strive, to
struggle, to remain patient because Allah will see that and bless us
with patience, Inshallah. And Just have a faith that everything will
work out in the end Inshallah.
Two important points to remember are:
1. Look at the bigger picture, look beyond the situation (because nothing lasts forever) and try to work on how you can make it better for yourself.
2. Do not look to those above you who are more fortunate, instead look to those below you who are less fortunate. Its a matter of perspective, this kind of attitude will bring patience and gratitude, wheres as negative attitude will only bring stress and depression - the choice is ours!
A lot of people think that tests only come in the form of hardships. But an even greater test than hardship, is the test of ease. As in ease, we are given lots of options like in the multiple choice test. We have so many things that we become distracted and we begin to love those things more than Allah (SWT), and therefore we do not strive to seek his closeness as we do in hardship. So, the test of ease is sometime more difficult that then the test of hardship.
Two important points to remember are:
1. Look at the bigger picture, look beyond the situation (because nothing lasts forever) and try to work on how you can make it better for yourself.
2. Do not look to those above you who are more fortunate, instead look to those below you who are less fortunate. Its a matter of perspective, this kind of attitude will bring patience and gratitude, wheres as negative attitude will only bring stress and depression - the choice is ours!
A lot of people think that tests only come in the form of hardships. But an even greater test than hardship, is the test of ease. As in ease, we are given lots of options like in the multiple choice test. We have so many things that we become distracted and we begin to love those things more than Allah (SWT), and therefore we do not strive to seek his closeness as we do in hardship. So, the test of ease is sometime more difficult that then the test of hardship.
When we talk about not being attached to this world, it is not about not owning things. A saying that Ali (RA) said about (زهد), or detachment form this life (dunya), is that it is not that you do not own anything in this life, but that nothing owns you.
“Recite,
what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer.
Indeed, prayer restrains immorality and wrongdoing, and the
remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do”
(Quran
29:45)
“And
seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult
except for the humbly submissive [to Allah]”
(Quran
2:45)
"Allah is your protector and He is the best of helpers"
Al-Quran - 3:150
"And whoever puts his trust in Allah -He will be enough for him".
"Allah is your protector and He is the best of helpers"
Al-Quran - 3:150
"And whoever puts his trust in Allah -He will be enough for him".
Al-Quran - 65:3
"Oh Allah, when I lose my hopes and plans, help me remember that Your love for me is greater then my disappointments, and Your plans for me are better then my dreams"
Imam Ali (ra)
"Oh Allah, when I lose my hopes and plans, help me remember that Your love for me is greater then my disappointments, and Your plans for me are better then my dreams"
Imam Ali (ra)
We ask Allah (SWT) to make us among those who have patience (صبر) and contentment (رضى), and who have the ability to respond to hardship in a way that will purify us, elevate us, and bring us nearer to Allah (SWT).
Thus, Islam teaches that this life is a test for eternal life hereafter, and that all human beings will be accountable before God. The purpose of this life is to obey the Creator and do good deeds. The teachings of Islam act as a mercy and a healing for the human soul, and such qualities as humility, sincerity, equality, gratitude, patience and charity are strongly encouraged. Islam is the only religion that has mandatory giving to those who are less fortunate. The Islamic way of life aims to build self-discipline and self-control through regular prayer and fasting, and free human-beings from superstition and all sorts of racial, ethnic and national prejudices which can enable him to lead a righteous and peaceful life. A sincere belief in the life of the hereafter is the key to leading a well-balanced and moral life.
“Righteousness
is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but
[true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah , the Last
Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in
spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the
traveller, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and
who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their
promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and
hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true,
and it is those who are the righteous”.
(Al-Quran
2:177)
The Islamic view of the nature of man is also realistic and well-balanced. Human beings are not believed to be inherently sinful, but are seen as equally capable of both good and evil. Islam teaches that faith and action go hand-in-hand. God has given people free-will, and the measure of one’s faith is one’s deeds and actions. However, human beings fall into sin and this is why the avenue of repentance is always open to all human beings.
"Truly, Allah loves those who turn unto Him in repentance"
(Quran: 2:222)
The
Qur’an says several times that Allah is most Merciful and
Forgiving:
Say,
"O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by
sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah . Indeed, Allah
forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the
Merciful."
(Quran
39:53)
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
I heard Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, "When Allah created the creatures, He wrote in the Book, which is with Him over His Throne: ''Verily, My Mercy prevailed over My Wrath"
[Al-Bukhari
and Muslim].
An
important point to be noted is that Allah besides being "Merciful"
and "Forgiving", He also is "Just" and therefore
he gives rewards and punishment according to what we deserve based on
our deeds. Allah gave us tools and intelligence and free will, He
encouraged us to gain knowledge and do good deeds. However there will
be consequences of bad choices we make, but it is He who is Al-Hakam
(The Judge).
“Tell My servants that I am the Forgiving, the Compassionate, and that My torment is indeed the painful torment”
(Quran 15: 49–50)
"The
Forgiver of sin, acceptor of repentance, stern in punishment, the
Bountiful. There is no deity except Him; to Him is the destination."
“And
Allah created the heavens and earth in truth and so that every soul
may be recompensed for what it has earned, and they will not be
wronged”
(Quran
45:22)
"Allah
is never unjust in the least degree".
(Qur’an
4:40)
Thus, we must entertain love and hope in Allah with fear of His wrath, for Allah is most "Most Merciful" and "Compassionate" and He is also "Stern" in punishment. We must fear Allah in such a way that we are prompted to avoid the things that incur His wrath; while we must entertain hope in Allah’s mercy in such a way that we must never hesitate to repent and change ourselves in order to receive the mercy of Allah.
Signs
and Blessings of Allah:
Allah
created man and He made the various means related to his private and
general needs available for him deep down in earth, on its surface
and in the outer space, so that man would be able to survive on it
[earth] by acquiring the ability to run it as all its resources and
whatever it embodies and surrounds it are made subservient to him.
Allah
states in Quran:
“Do
ye not see that Allah has subjected to your (use) all things in the
heavens and on earth, and has made His bounties flow to you in
exceeding measure (both) seen and unseen? Yet there are among men
those who dispute about Allah without knowledge and without guidance
and without an enlightening Book.
(Surah
Luqman 31:20)
“And
has subjected to you all that is in the heavens and all that is in
the earth; it is all as a favour and kindness from Him. Verily, in it
are signs for a people who think deeply”.
(Surah
Al Jaathiya 45:13)
“It
is He Who sends down water from the sky, and with it We bring forth
vegetation of all kinds, and out of it We bring forth green stalks,
from which We bring forth thick clustered grain. And out of the
date-palm and its spathe come forth clusters of dates hanging low and
near, and gardens of grapes, olives and pomegranates, each similar
{in kind} yet different {in variety and taste}. Look at their fruits
when they begin to bear, and the ripeness thereof. Verily! In these
things there are signs for people who believe”.
(Surah
Al An'aam 6:99)
“And
among His Signs {in this}, that you see the earth barren, but when We
send down water to it, it is stirred to life and growth {of
vegetations}. Verily, He Who gives it life, surely, {He} is Able to
give life to the dead. Indeed! He is Able to do all things”.
(Surah
Fussilat 41:39)
“O
mankind! We have created you out of a male and a female, and We have
made you tribes and sub-tribes that you may recognize (and do good
to) one another. Surely the most honourable of you in the sight of
Allâh is he who guards against evil the most. Verily, Allâh is
All-Knowing, All-Aware”
(Surat
Al-Ĥujurāt 49:13)
“And
among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the
difference of your languages and colours. Verily, in that are indeed
signs for men of sound knowledge".
(Surah
Ar Ruum 30:22)
"He
has taught him speech (and intelligence)".
(Surah
Ar-Raĥmān 55:4)
"And of His signs: He has created for you from yourselves mates with whom you find rest, and He ordained between you love and mercy. In this, there are signs for people who ponder."
(Al-Room,
30: 21).
“Verily,
in the heavens and the earth are signs for the believers. And in
your creation, and what He scattered {through the earth} of moving
{living} creatures are signs for people who have Faith with
certainty”
(Surah
Al Jaathiya 45:3-4)
“And
whatsoever He has created for you on this earth of varying colours
{and qualities from botanical life and from zoological life}. Verily!
In this is a sign for people who remember”
(Surah
An Nahl 16:13)
''And
verily! In the cattle, there is a lesson for you. We give you to
drink of that which is in their bellies,from between excretions and
blood, pure milk; palatable to the drinkers''
(Surah
An Nahl 16:66).
“See
you not that the ships sail through the sea by Allaah's Grace? that
He may show you of His Signs? Verily, in this are signs for every
patient, grateful {person}.
(Surah
Luqman 31:31)
"He released the two seas, meeting [side by side]; between them is a barrier [so] neither of them transgresses"
“Do
they not see the birds held {flying} in the midst of the sky? None
holds them but Allaah {none gave them the ability to fly but Allaah}.
Verily, in this are clear proofs and signs for people who believe”
(Surah
An Nahl 16:79)
“And
He has made the sun and the moon, both constantly pursuing their
courses, to be of service to you; and He has made the night and the
day, to be of service to you”
(Surah
'Ibrāhīm 14:33)
“Verily!
In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation
of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding”
(Surah
'Āli `Imrān 3:190)
“It
is He Who made the sun a shining thing and the moon as a light and
measured out its {their} stages, that you might know the number of
years and the reckoning. Allaah did not create this but in truth. He
explains the aayaat {proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, revelation,
etc.} in detail for people who have knowledge”
(Surah
Younus 10:5)
“And
it is He who gives life and causes death, and His is the alternation
of the night and the day. Then will you not reason?
(Surah
Al-Mu'minūn 23:80)
“He
it is Who has appointed for you the night that you may rest therein,
and the day to make things visible {to you}. Verily, in this are
aayaat {proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, revelation, etc.} for a
people who listen {i.e. those who think deeply”
(Surah
Younus 10:67)
“And
among His Signs is the sleep that you take by night and by day, and
your seeking of His Bounty. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a
people who listen”
(Surah
Ar Ruum 30:23)
“And
He shows you His Signs and Proofs {of His Oneness in all the above
mentioned things}. Which, then of the Signs and Proofs of Allaah do
you deny?
(Surah
Ghāfir 40:81)
“Is
then He, Who creates as one who creates not? Will you not then
remember? And if you would count the graces of Allaah, never could
you be able to count them. Truly! Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most
Merciful”
(Surah
An Nahl 16:17-18)
“He
has created the heavens and the earth with truth. High be He Exalted
above all they associate as partners with Him. He has created man
from Nutfah {mixed drops of male and female sexual discharges} then
behold, this same {man} becomes an open opponent”
Surah
An Nahl {16:3-4}
“Is
it not a guidance for them, how many generations We have destroyed
before them in whose dwellings they do walk about? Verily, therein
indeed are signs. Would they not then listen?
Surah
As Sajdah {32:26}
“Thereof
{the earth} We created you, and into it We shall return you, and from
it We shall bring you out once again”
Surah
Ta Ha {20:55}
“This
{Quraan} is a guidance. And those who disbelieve in the aayaat
{proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, revelation, etc.} of their Lord,
for them there is a painful torment of Rijz {a severe kind of
punishment}.
Surah
Al Jaathiya {45:11}
“Thus
do We explain the aayaat {proofs, evidences, lessons, signs,
revelation, etc.} in detail, so that they may turn {unto the truth}.
Surah
Al A'raaf {7:174}
Say:
"Behold all that is in the heavens and the earth," but
neither aayaat {proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, revelation, etc.}
nor warners benefit those who believe not.
Surah
Younus {10:101}
“And
return [in repentance] to your Lord and submit to Him before the
punishment comes upon you; then you will not be helped. And follow
the best of what was revealed to you from your Lord before the
punishment comes upon you suddenly while you do not perceive”
Surah
Az-Zumar {39:54-55}
"This is no less than a reminder to (all) the worlds. And you shall certainly know the truth of it (all) after a while."
Surah
Şād {38:87-88}
The
Qur'an encourages people to gain knowledge:
Allaah
says, (what means): "Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has
created (all that exists). He has created man from a clot (a piece of
thick coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous.
Who has taught (the writing) by the pen. He has taught man that which
he knew not"
[Quran,
96: 1-5]
Allaah
says (what means): "and say: `My Lord! Increase me in knowledge"
[Quran,
20:114]
"And
Allah advances those in guidance who seek guidance: and the things
that endure, Good Deeds, are best in the sight of your Lord, as
rewards, and best in respect of (their) eventual returns."
[Quran
19:76]
Abu
Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)
said, "Allah makes the way to Jannah easy for him who treads the
path in search of knowledge."
[Muslim
1381].
Allaah
says (what means):
“O
you who have believed, enter into Islam completely [and perfectly]
and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a
clear enemy”.
[Quran
2:208]
And
if any bad thoughts come to your mind, seek refuge from Allah:
“And
if there comes to you from Satan an evil suggestion, then seek refuge
in Allah. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing”.
[Quran
41:36]
And
say: "My Lord! I seek refuge with You from the whisperings
(suggestions) of the Shayatin (devils).
[Quran
23:97]
Islam
and Science:
The
Quran is the last revelation, and a proof not only to the pagan Arabs
one thousand four hundred years ago, but also to the scientists of
today. Some of the statements involving data confirmed by modern
science are:
Biology
- The Accurate Description of Embryonic and Fetal Development:
At
the time of Prophet Muhammad prevalent theories included those of
Aristotle who thought that a child was formed by the congealing of
menstrual blood catalyzed by the male blood, as rennet does to
cheese. In the Eighteenth Century, Hartsoeker claimed to have seen
within the sperm a pre-formed human being through the primitive
microscopes. The Quran reflected none of these, describing the
development of the embryonic human with detailed accuracy:
"We
created man from a quintessence of clay, We then placed him as a drop
(Nutfa) in a place of rest firmly fixed, Then we made the drop into
an Alaqah (leech-like) and then we changed the leech-like structure
into a Mudghah (chewed-like) and then We made out of that chewed-like
substance bones then We clothed the bones with flesh then We caused
him to grow and come into being and attain the definitive form.
Blessed be Allah the Perfect creator. After that, at length you will
die. Again, on the Day of Judgment, you will be raised up."
[Noble
Quran 23:12-16]
Zoology
and Botany
The
sixteenth chapter of the Quran mentions the bee that leaves its home
to gather as feminine, although it has generally been believed that
the bees are soldiers and they answer to a King. The Quran also
mentions the sexes of plants and the winds as a means of their
fertilization.
"We
sent forth the winds that fecundate."
[Noble
Quran 15:22]
''And
verily! In the cattle, there is a lesson for you. We give you to
drink of that which is in their bellies,from between excretions and
blood, pure milk; palatable to the drinkers''
[Noble
Quran 16:66]
…”And
we created gardens of grapes, and olives, and pomegranates, each
similar (in kind) yet different (in variety)…”
[Noble
Quran 6:99]
Geology
"And
Allah has cast into the ground mountains standing firm so that it
does not shake with you."
[Noble
Quran 31:10]
It
has recently been discovered that mountains have roots that go into
the earth's crust which is composed of seven tectonic plates. Their
movement is the cause of earthquakes. It is thought that the roots
and weight of the mountains play a vital role in stabilizing the
earth's crust.
The
Water Cycle
The
Quran correctly describes the water cycle, and the origin of
underground springs as being from rain water. Obvious you may think,
but the Greek philosophers did not get it right, suggesting that
underground springs were produced by sea spray collecting in caves
which fed a great underground sea through the 'abyss'! In fact the
water cycle was not accurately propounded until the 18th century. The
Quran, however, states:
"Hast
though not seen that Allah sent water down from the sky and led it
through sources into the ground?"
[Noble
Quran 39:21]
Seas and Rivers
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. Although there are large waves, strong currents, and tides
in these seas, they do not mix or transgress this barrier.
"He
released the two seas, meeting [side by side]; between them is a
barrier [so] neither of them transgresses"
[Noble
Quran 55:19/20]
Cosmology
"Have
not those who disbelieve known that the heavens and the earth were
joined together as one united piece, then We parted them. And We have
made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe."
[Noble
Quran 21:30]
This
verse clearly mentions the common origin of the universe, a fact that
was not discovered until forty years ago with the advent of nuclear
physics. The separation seems to refer to what the scientists call
the "Big Bang". Also, all living things are composed of
protoplasm, which consists of 80-85% water.
"The
heaven, We have built it with power, verily We are expanding it.'
[Noble
Quran 51:47]
It
is an accepted fact that we are living in an expanding universe.
"It
is He who made the Sun a shining thing and the moon as a light, and
measured out their stages... "
[Noble
Quran 10:5]
The
Quran describes the Sun as a "siraj" which means a torch,
generating its own heat and light where as the Moon is described
"an-nur" which is light originating from another source.
Space-time
Relativity
[
Allah ] will say, "How long did you remain on earth in number of
years?” They will say, "We remained a day or part of a day;
ask those who enumerate.” He will say, "You stayed not but a
little - if only you had known.
[Noble
Quran 23:112 -23-115]
Atomism
The
Greek philosopher Democritus (460-361 BC) advanced the theory that
matter was composed of tiny, indivisible particles called Atoms.
Modern science has discovered that there is the Atom, but that Atom
is divisible. The Quran states:
"He
is aware of an atom's weight in the heavens and on the earth, and
even anything smaller than that..."
[Noble
Quran 34:3]
Evolution
Say, [O Muhammad], "Travel through the land and observe how He began creation. Then Allah will produce the final creation. Indeed Allah, over all things, is competent.”
(Quran 29:20)
Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe?
(Quran 21:30)
He has created you in stages,…
(Quran 71:14)
He created man (Adam) from clay like [that of] pottery.
(Quran 55:14)
Then He fashioned him in due proportion, and breathed into him from His [created] soul and made for you hearing and vision and hearts; little are you grateful.
(Quran 32:9)
Then He made his offspring out of the extract of a liquid disdained.
(Quran 32:8)
O humans! Be pious (careful of your duty) to your Lord, Who created you from a single self (soul), and from it He created its mate, and from them He has spread a multitude of men and women
(Quran 4:1)
And Allah has produced you from the earth. And in the End He will return you into the (earth), and raise you forth (again at the Resurrection)
(Quran 71:17:18)
According to the Holy Quran, the evolution of life is the result of divine will and divine guidance. The Holy Quran declares that the harmony and complexity of creation could not have come of its own accord. In contrast, natural selection, the foundation of modern theory of evolution, credits accidental mutation for the survival of life and its complexity. But it fails to explain how the life was created and how the accidents can guide the life towards complexity.
In the Holy Quran Allah has explained how He created everything in the universe and brought all life out of water. Above verses of the Holy Qur'an, which state that Allah created man from clay, moulded it into shape, like that of pottery and then blew into it, (giving it a spirit). According to Quran Adam & Eve were indeed created in Paradise from wet clay however their coming down to Earth is a totally different story. It is evident that there is both; "Creation" and "Evolution." And in both instances, it is only God who is able to do all things. Allah is - "Al Khaliq" (The Creator) and "Al Bari" (The Evolver).
However, a decisive part of being Muslim is to acknowledge that the information related by way of the Qur’an entails certainty, whereas any other knowledge that we acquire is prone to human error.
Say, [O Muhammad], "Travel through the land and observe how He began creation. Then Allah will produce the final creation. Indeed Allah, over all things, is competent.”
(Quran 29:20)
Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe?
(Quran 21:30)
He has created you in stages,…
(Quran 71:14)
He created man (Adam) from clay like [that of] pottery.
(Quran 55:14)
Then He fashioned him in due proportion, and breathed into him from His [created] soul and made for you hearing and vision and hearts; little are you grateful.
(Quran 32:9)
Then He made his offspring out of the extract of a liquid disdained.
(Quran 32:8)
O humans! Be pious (careful of your duty) to your Lord, Who created you from a single self (soul), and from it He created its mate, and from them He has spread a multitude of men and women
(Quran 4:1)
And Allah has produced you from the earth. And in the End He will return you into the (earth), and raise you forth (again at the Resurrection)
(Quran 71:17:18)
According to the Holy Quran, the evolution of life is the result of divine will and divine guidance. The Holy Quran declares that the harmony and complexity of creation could not have come of its own accord. In contrast, natural selection, the foundation of modern theory of evolution, credits accidental mutation for the survival of life and its complexity. But it fails to explain how the life was created and how the accidents can guide the life towards complexity.
In the Holy Quran Allah has explained how He created everything in the universe and brought all life out of water. Above verses of the Holy Qur'an, which state that Allah created man from clay, moulded it into shape, like that of pottery and then blew into it, (giving it a spirit). According to Quran Adam & Eve were indeed created in Paradise from wet clay however their coming down to Earth is a totally different story. It is evident that there is both; "Creation" and "Evolution." And in both instances, it is only God who is able to do all things. Allah is - "Al Khaliq" (The Creator) and "Al Bari" (The Evolver).
However, a decisive part of being Muslim is to acknowledge that the information related by way of the Qur’an entails certainty, whereas any other knowledge that we acquire is prone to human error.
Here’s an interesting read…
https://www.alislam.org/topics/quran/QURANIC%20CONCEPT%20OF%20EVOLUTION.pdf
What is important to note is that the Islamic conception of God (Bausani, 1974) made possible a major advance in scientific thinking during the period of the eighth to the fifteenth centuries in Islamic lands, while Europe lay largely dormant during the Dark Ages. The renaissance that subsequently occurred in Europe might not have taken place without the contribution of Muslim science in the preceding period. This was acknowledged by Sarton (1927, p. 17) who wrote:
From
the second half of the eighth to the end of the eleventh century,
Arabic was the scientific, the progressive language of mankind. It
is suffice here to evoke a few glorious names without contemporary
equivalents in the West: Jabir Ibn Haiyan, al- Kindi, al-Khwarizmi,
al-Farghani, al-Razi, Thabit ibn Qurra, al-Battani, Hunain ibn Ishaq,
al-Farabi, Ibrahim ibn Sinan, al-Masudi, al-Tarabi, Abu ibn Wafa, Ali
ibn Abbas, Abu-l-Qasim, Ibn al-Jazzar, al-Biruni, Ibn Sina, Ibn
Yunus, al-Karkhi, Ibn al-Haitham, Ali ibn Isa, al-Ghazzali,
al-Zarqali, Omar Khayyam!
Many
Muslims scholars in the Golden Age of Islam studied nature in the
context of the Quran. The Quran depicted the relationship between
nature and man, and this inspired the Muslim scholars to study
natural phenomena, in order to understand God. Islam’s
contribution to the scientific enterprise was complex and rich and it
spanned over three continents and nearly a millennium of time.
When one studies Physics, Cosmology, Geology, Biology, Zoology, Botany and understand the true meaning of science, rationality and logic they will realise that without the existence of The Almighty God such a wonderful universe and all its creation is not possible. And when one explore science and religion together he will find that they serve as allies in the quest for truth.
Robert
Jastrow, head of NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies,
envisions it this way:
"For
the scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the
story ends like a bad dream. He has scaled the mountain of ignorance;
he is about to conquer the highest peak; as he pulls himself over the
final rock, he is greeted by a band of theologians who have been
sitting there for centuries."
“Scientists
have no proof that life was not the result of an act of creation, but
they are driven by the nature of their profession to seek
explanations for the origin of life that lie within the boundaries of
natural law”
The whole “Scientific Enterprise” is based on certain assumptions, and yet these assumptions cannot be proved scientifically. As science probes the universe, she encounters problems and questions which are philosophical in character and therefore cannot be resolved scientifically, but which can be illuminated by a theological perspective.
Here
is some food for
thought: http://www.ias.ac.in/resonance/Volumes/13/09/0885-0894.pdf
We like to think highly of ourselves, in particular but also in general. The human race did this, the human race did that, we could someday go, become, explore.. But most people never realize how insignificant we and our planet really are in the grand scheme of the Universe!
As Albert Einstein wisely said:
“My
feeling is religious insofar as I am imbued with the consciousness of
the insufficiency of the human mind to understand more deeply the
harmony of the Universe which we try to formulate as laws of nature”
Reference:
http://www.usislam.org/pdf/History-of-Truth1.pdf
https://www.al-islam.org/articles/death-beautiful-gift-believer
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Whatever
written of truth and benefit is only due to Allah's assistance and
guidance, and whatever of error is of me. Allah alone knows best and
He is the only source of strength and guidance.
Read/Learn/Listen Quran with Translation online:
http://quran.ksu.edu.sa/index.php?l=en#aya=2_1&m=tajweed&qaree=husary&trans=en_sh
http://www.altafsir.com/
Learn meaning of Quranic words:
Hadith Online:
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