BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHIIM --- IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, RAHMAN, RAHIM
Monday, 22 October 2001
The Aga Khan: "I am amazed by the ignorance of Islam".
His Highness, the Aga Khan, is the 49th direct descendant of Mohammad, through Ali, his cousin who married Fatima, the Prophet's daughter.
The leader is the 49th descendant of Mohammad, one of the principal spiritual leaders of Muslim Shi'ites:
"I think that monotheistic religions, having an analogous BELIEF IN AN ONLY GOD, should and must dialogue. The three religions which Abraham inspired have many more common facets than those which divide them. Religion must be a means by which to affirm the ethical significance of existence, irrelevant of one's faith. If we want social development, to meet halfway, to dialogue, peace, we cannot neglect ethics and the impact which education and culture have on social growth.
Massimo Nava
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'Allahu Ilahun Wahidun Subhanahu -- Allah Is God He Is One -- Subhanahu -- Holy is HE'
[primary addressee -- HQ. 4:171 'O People of the Scripture'' -- see below]
[Pickthal's old unadulterated Quran Translation] --
COMPARE : The Noble Quran Version 3.0 (Freeware) [UNADULTERATED -- WITH TRANSLITERATION -- HIGHLY RECOMMENDED] THE KORAN [unadulterated] & Translations of the Qur'an - ?able; The Noble Quran--MULTILINGUAL ?able]
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A Comparison of Different Translations
Not all translation of the Qur-an is the same. Not all translations match the Arabic Qur-an in rhythm of text, depth of meaning, syntax of sentences, word usage and adherence to the divine words. While some translations are truly loyal to actual Arabic words, some are liberal in bringing out the meaning of the verses. Some translations are truly academic in nature, while others are informative in their objective. Some translators disliked strict loyalty to each and every Arabic words, for fear of obscuring the inherent meaning; while others were vehemently loyal to the revelation, yet succeeded in conveying the meaning. Some translators enjoyed slight liberty with choice of words, while others guarded themselves from what could very well be interpolation of thoughts. Below are sample of 6 translations of Surah Baqarah, arranged verse by verse. The purpose is here is to provide an interesting platform to compare the translations rather than to identify a correct or incorrect translation. Translators names are arranged in alphabetic order by their last name. The translators are Abdullah Yusuf Ali, Zohurul Hoque, T. J. Irving, T.U. Hilali & M. Khan, M. Pickthall, and M.S. Shakir.=
salaamun alaykum and ya ali madad,
additional qur'anic revelations
1. 'MAA -- HE WHO -- allah ordered to be joined UNTO HIM -- BIHII' - primary addressees -- the holy prophet [sas] and the muslims.
2:27. those who break the covenant of allah after ratifying it, and sever that which -- HE WHO -- allah ordered to be joined UNTO HIM -- BIHII,
27. allatheena yanqudoona aaahda allahi min baaadi meethaqihi wayaqtaaaoona MA amara allahu BIHII an yoosala
[see also HQ. 13:19-25]=
i. in spite of all the textual corruptions, additions, deletions and omissions, encountered in the recent editions of the english texts of the holy qur'an;
ii. please note that in addition to the above, we have 3-three almost identical narratives [see below HQ. 3:62; 5:73 & 38:65], on the one hand ;
iii. and on the other, they are significantly different.
iv. and as a result, their esoteric meaning, respectively goes much deeper than what is apparent from the superficial english rendition herein.
v. addressees: range from the heavenly hosts, the warner, christians, muslims to outright disbelievers.vi. and of course, the true BELIEVERS - MOMIINS which include all those who practice meditation, reflection and contemplation on allah's divine nature and his revelations, in accordance with the holy qur'an. see HQ. 4:82; 49:14-18; 2:125; 14:44; 23:68; 24:35; 30:30; 34:46; 35:37; 38:29; 47:24; 73:2-6, etc.
[addressees -- the holy prophet [sas] and the muslims].
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vi. for example, although the following qur'anic passages and messages thereof, look alike in sum and substance, rest assured, an intelligent, honest and objective study and review of the same will show that they are significantly different.
in this case as well, their esoteric meaning, respectively goes way beyond what is superficial or obvious: a profound insight.
051.049 And all things We have created by pairs, that haply ye may reflect. 051.050 Therefor flee unto Allah; lo! I am a warner
[ addressees -- the holy prophet [sas] and the muslims].=
regardless, in sum and total:
a. allah is their 'GOD'
b. and their 'GOD IS GOD.'PROOF
2. 'NO GOD except allah' -- primary addressees - christians
[Pickthal's old unadulterated Quran Translation]
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3. 'there is NO GOD -- ILAHIN - EXCEPT GOD -- ILAHUN HE IS ONE' - primary addressees - christians
[Pickthal's old unadulterated Quran Translation]
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4. 'there is no god except allah' -- primary addressees - the highest angels, the warner, those who turned away, ibliss and his followers.
[Pickthal's old unadulterated Quran Translation]
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Islam is for muslims *al--Haqq — the Truth*
'Woe unto them for that
THEIR HANDS HAVE WRITTEN'
PLEASE BE WARNED that most of the contemporary SUNNI editors and publishers of the holy qur'an in english texts have literally, like their christian counterparts, started to CORRUPT the same.
not only have i encountered this major problem and difficulty repeatedly but also i am afraid with all the saudi wahhabi innovations around us and these deliberate corruptions [saudi corruptions included], etc., it may not be too long before our own muslim youths and others - misinformed or unsuspecting muslim adults are forced to give up islam for other religions. rest assured these innovations and corruptions will come back to haunt us and our future generations, not to speak of what it'll do to our spiritual lives both here and in the hereafter.002.079 Therefore woe be unto those WHO WRITE THE SCRIPTURE
WITH THEIR HANDS and then say, "This is from Allah," that they may purchase a small gain therewith. Woe unto them for that THEIR=
the holy qur'an's reply to
i. Ahmed Hulusi
ii. Ahmed Baki
iii. Khalid M. Malik Ghouri
asks Khalid M. Malik Ghouri:
'Have you ever really considered why the Kalima
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believe me, this is a very profound, thought provoking and intelligent question. here's the full text and context of the same.
Let us start by looking at the literal translation of the words LA ILAHA ILL ALLAH. LA means NO
ILAHA means GOD
ILL means ONLY or BUT
ALLAH means ALLAHMost of the Muslims even today substitute the word GOD for the Name ALLAH. They go so far as translating the words LA ILAHA ILL ALLAH to mean There is no god but God. This latter translation is incorrect. IT DOES NOT MAKE SENSE! Is Allah a God? No! Is the short and simple answer. Allah is not a God with a capital G or little g . The first Kalima (Testification) says clearly LA ILAHA (NO GOD!) ILL ALLAH (Only ALLAH). The biggest misunderstanding has started from the Translations of the Holy Quran. The translators freely substituted the word GOD where ever the name ALLAH is mentioned. It is, as if they are apologising on Allah's behalf and, in their minds, correcting the words of the Holy Quran.
Have you ever really considered why the Kalima started with a Negative word NO followed by GOD? It was to stop the people worshipping gods in the form of statues or in the form of pictures, or in the form of mental images. It was to stop people worshipping a god or gods sitting on a throne. If Allah is a god then the Kalima might have started with YES there is a God, or Allah is the only God, but it does not. The Kalima starts with NO god.
WA ILAHU KUM ILAHUN WAHIDUL LA ILAHA ILLA HU WAR RAHMAN UR RAHEEM 163 Your God is One God; there is no god Only He, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
[Quran: Al Baqara, Chapter 2]=
[QUESTION: WAS ALLAH WRONG IN CALLING HIMSELF GOD?? -emphasis added, navali]
In verse 163, the word God (ILAHA) is used to describe Allah (Your God is One God), but notice the context in which it is used. Allah is addressing the NON-MUSLIMS. After telling the disbelievers of the fate that awaits them, Allah informs them that their God is one God WA ILAHUKUM ILAHUN WAHID because they are only familiar with the concept of god.
In conclusion Allah is not a god. There is no god only Allah. Allah is the proper name of our Creator. Allah is infinite, because where ever we turn there is the Face of Allah. There are some Muslims who will argue that Allah is not everywhere. After providing the proof from the Holy Quran (Chapter 2 verse 115) if they still dispute that Allah is not everywhere then they have rejected the Word of Allah. Only Allah Knows Best!
This is the literal meaning of the
LA ILAHA ILL ALLAH.
.May Allah Reward Ahmed Hulusi and Ahmed Baki for thier Contribution to Islam. For more information visit: ALLAH-SUFISM-ISLAM Also visit the complimentary site of Ahmed Baki: SUFISM AND SCIENCE LINKS ALSO PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE'S HOMEPAGE =
SEE THE DIFFERENCE:
"ALLAH" IS NOT A "GOD"
Ahmed Hulusi
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Translation by Ahmed Baki
Hazrat Mohammed, who informed the Deen-i Islam, rejects the idea of a GOD and emphasizes that there is no GOD; only “ALLAH” exists, based on the Koran al Karim... Are you aware of this fact?In this chapter you will clearly see why the concept “ALLAH” informed by the Koran al Karim is completely different from any concept of a “GOD” in all other beliefs.
[emphasis added, navali]
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although the said brother Khalid M. Malik Ghouri had been kind enough to respond to my email [see below] very quickly, i believe this presentation will present the matter under discussion from a different perspective altogether and thereby shade, insha'allaah more light on the issues which Ahmed Hulusi and his followers have either overlooked or taken for granted in the holy qur'an.
first of, how valid or reliable is their assertion just cited? please note that the holy qur'an had been quoted or referred to in order to make the respective author's case. one may ask, if such is the case then why not accept it as an interpretation of the divine truth?
well, i will let you be the judge of that.
1. In verse 163, the word God (ILAHA) is used to
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2.
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believe me, there's more to this.
ALLAH ADDRESSES HIMSELF AS 'ALLAH'
first of, the primary addressees i.e., THE HOLY PROPHET [SAS] and the early MUSLIMS had been addressed as follows:
1. CONTINUOUS ZIKR - REMEMBRANCE -- REMINDER
2:144. We have seen the turning of thy face to heaven (for guidance). And now verily
2:150. Whencesoever thou comest forth turn thy face toward the MASJIDIL HARAAMA and wheresoever ye may be turn your faces toward it so that men may have no argument against you, save such of them as do injustice - Fear them not, but fear Me! - and so that I may complete My grace upon you, and that ye may be guided.
2. THE MESSENGER [SAS], THE DIVINE MESSAGE AND ALLAH'S REVELATIONS
2:151. Even as We have sent unto you a messenger from among you, who reciteth unto you Our revelations and purifies you, and teacheth you the Scripture and wisdom, and teacheth you that which ye knew not.2:152. Therefore remember Me, I will remember you. Give thanks to Me, and reject not Me. 2:156. Who say, when a misfortune striketh them: Lo! we are Allah's and lo! unto Him we are returning. 2:157. Such
are they on whom are blessings from their Lord, and mercy. Such are the rightly guided.
2:158. Lo! As-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the symbols of allah. It is therefore no sin for him who is on pilgrimage --hajj to the House or visiteth it, to go around them. And he who doeth good of his own accord, (for him) lo! Allah is Responsive, Aware.
3. AND FINALLY, THE EVIL DOERS AND THE DISBELIEVERS
ALLAH IS ALLAH
2:159. Lo! Those who hide the MANIFEST PROOFS and the guidance which We revealed, after We
2:161. Lo! Those who disbelieve, and die while they are disbelievers; on them is the curse of Allah and of angels and of men combined. 2:162. They ever dwell therein. The doom will not be lightened for them, neither will they be reprieved.
THE HOLY PROPHET'S [sas] GOD -
'AND god your god is one --
WA - ilahukum ilahun wahidun'
002.163 AND GOD YOUR GOD is One; there is no God save Him, arRAHMAN, arRAHIIM -- 163. Wa - ilahukum ilahun wahidun la ilaha illa huwa alrrahmanu alrraheemu
[Pickthal's old unadulterated Quran Translation]
[COMPARE: 1. In verse 163, the word God (ILAHA) is used to
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please note the above context very carefully. the holy prophet [sas] was the recipient of the above revelation. HE WAS ALSO THE FIRST ADDRESSEE THEREOF.
1. i. he believed in the GOD--ILAHA ;
ii. and also held ANOTHER OBJECT ON EARTH DEAR unto himself - [HQ. 2:144], at the same time.2. so, was he on the right path? or, was it a matter of split loyalty?
3. surely, he was on the right path.
4. allah recognized that fact AND, 'HIS -- [the holy prophet [sas] -- GOD' at the same time!
5. that 'UNSEEN GOD' was no different from the ONE that was revealed to him [sas]. see HQ. 2:1-5,27; 29:46,47 and 57:3 given below.
Isaiah 42:8 (KJV) I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. 9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of
them. 10 Sing unto the LORD a new song, [and] his praise from the end of the earth, .. 11 Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up [their voice], the villages [that] Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains.12 Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands. 13 The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies.
Revelation 19:11 (KJV) And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. Revelation 19:13 (KJV) And he [was] clothed with a vesture
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6. 'And now verily
AND GOD YOUR GOD he is One -- Wa - ilahukum ilahun wahidun.'
[Pickthal's old unadulterated Quran Translation]
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note: the emphasis is on -- 'AND GOD' --- 'YOUR GOD--ilahukum ilahun.' allah himself asserts that the holy prophet's [sas] 'GOD is GOD -- HE IS ONE.' the holy qur'an is replete with such DIVINE statements like so.
038.005 Maketh he the gods One God ? Lo! that is an astounding thing -- 5. AjaAAala al-alihata ilahan wahidan inna hatha lashay-on AAujabun [Pickthal's old unadulterated Quran Translation]
how so?
| 022.034 And for every nation have
WE
appointed a ritual, that they may mention the NAME OF ALLAH ...
and God YOUR GOD HE IS one -- fa- ilahukum ilahun wahidun -- therefor SURRENDER unto Him. -- falahu ASLIMOO |
041.006 Say: I am only a mortal like you.
It is inspired in ME that
that God YOUR GOD HE IS one -- annama ilahuKUM ILAHUN wahidun 051.033 That WE may send upon them stones of clay, 051.034 Marked by THY LORD |
004.065 But nay, by THY LORD; 015.092 Them, by THY LORD, WE shall question, every one; 019.068 And, by THY LORD, verily WE shall assemble; 016.063 BY
ALLAH, |
[ addressees -- the holy prophet [sas] and the muslims].
i believe, it is this, 'GOD YOUR GOD/THY LORD' etc., -- WHICH' allah also recognized and approved of. please review the above in the light of HQ. 2:1-4,27, 13:19-15 & 29:46,47, the first and the last of which have been quoted below in their proper context.
and my beloved holy imam [sa] says in a similar context:
"I think that monotheistic religions, having an analogous BELIEF IN
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in other words, ALLAH was not referring to any pagan god or deity at the time. rather, he was referring only to the messenger's [sas] 'GOD' -- who is 'RAHMAANIR RAHIIM.'
and it was this same god viz., 'RAHMAANIR RAHIIM', who was later introduced to all muslims in the very opening statement and verse #3 of surah al-fatihah, which became the part and parcel of their daily salah--prayer. so let there be no more doubt about this matter and assertion. as if that was not enough;
4. the above was further validated and sealed permanently like so:
2:27. those who break the covenant of allah after ratifying it, and sever - MA - that
[see also HQ. 13:19-25][ addressees -- the holy prophet [sas] and the muslims].
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“ALLAH WAS and there was not with Hu a thing.”
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By the way, shall we now refer to a reply given by Hazrat Mohammed to a question about “ALLAH": “ALLAH WAS and there was not with Hu a thing.” After hearing this notification people went to Hazrat Ali whom Hz. Mohammed has qualified as “the Gate of Science,” conveyed this message as is, expecting an explanation from him. Hazrat Ali replied by the following brief and simple statement:“ Al an kama kan,” meaning “HU is now such as HU was!” (It is this moment when HU was so.)
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rest assured, the above has a lot to do with THE CURRENT PRESENTATION BECAUSE despite its grandeur and outward manifestation, ISLAM IS A FAITH OF PERSONAL SEARCH. the truth and reality of islam lies within as well.
"HU IS --- THE _V_I_S_I_B_L_E_ (_Z_A_K_H_I_R_U)_
[addressees -- the holy prophet [sas] and the muslims].
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The same information is emphasized in the Koran as in the following sign: "HU is the First (Awvalu) and the Last (Akhiru),
:
THE _V_I_S_I_B_L_E_ (_Z_A_K_H_I_R_U)_
:
AND the Unseen (Baatin)" (57:3)
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Call HU THE APPARENT (ZAKHIR) or the Unseen (Batin), the First or the Last as you like, but it all is still nothing other than HU indicated, no matter whichever word you employed.
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shia 12er commentaries
it is reported by abu ishaq thalabi that abdullah bin salam asked the holy prophet to give the name of the man who had knowledge of the book and brought the queen of sheba with her throne within the twinkling of an eye.
the holy prophet said: "IT WAS ALI."
it is stated in minhaj al sadiqin and umdat al bayan -- [SUNNI HADITH] -- that then the holy prophet said to ALI:
"O ALI, thou had been HIDDEN -- [BATIN, navali] -- WITH ALL THE PROPHETS of allah preceding me, AND WITH ME THOU ARE MANIFEST - [ZAHIR, navali] - [M.S. U.B.] [#vr. 40. [1699], s.v. mir ahmed ALI, pp. 1157].
----"O ALI, YOU HELPED ALL THE PROPHETS of allah incognito -- [BATIN, navali] -- (concealed from view), and YOU HELP ME in propria persona - [ZAHIR, navali] - (in person) MANIFESTLY."
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| 30: 7. They know only some appearance - ZAHIRAN of the life of the world, and are heedless of the Hereafter -- AKHIRAT. 30: 8. Have they not pondered upon themselves? Allah created not the heavens and the earth, and that which is between them, save with truth and for a destined end. But truly many of mankind are disbelievers in the meeting with their Lord. Pickthal's Quran Translation | 7. YaAAlamoona thahiran mina alhayati alddunya wahum AAani al-akhirati hum ghafiloona. 8. Awa lam yatafakkaroo fee anfusihim ma khalaqa Allahu alssamawati waal-arda wama baynahuma illa bialhaqqi waajalin musamman wa-inna katheeran mina alnnasi biliqa-i rabbihim lakafiroona |
please allow me to continue.
however, it is argued that allah
calls himself 'GOD' -- when addressing the non-muslims, etc., - [In
verse 163,
the word God
(ILAHA) is used to
describe Allah
(Your God is One God), but notice the
context in which it is used. Allah is addressing the
NON-MUSLIMS.].
frankly, this argument holds no water because, allah recognized the jews and christians as the 'people of the book - ahl al-kitab.'
Jews, and Christians, and Sabaeans
HQ. 2:62. Lo! Those who believe and those who are Jews, and Christians, and Sabaeans - whoever believeth in Allah and the Last Day -- amana biAllahi waalyawmi al-akhiri -- and doeth right - surely their reward is with their Lord, and there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve. [see also HQ. 5:69]
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the holy prophet [sas] was sent to them and mankind as a whole. he was a UNIVERSAL prophet and messenger of allah [sas].
ALLAH ADDRESSES HIMSELF AS 'ALLAH'
'believe in allah -
wa maa -- and he who
-- and that'
007.158 Say : O mankind! Lo! I am the messenger of Allah to you all - Him unto Whom belongeth the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth. There is no God save Him. He quickeneth and He giveth death. So believe in Allah and His messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write, who believeth in Allah and in His Words, and follow him that haply ye may be led aright.
007.159 And of Moses' folk there is a community who lead with truth and establish justice therewith.
158. Qul ya ayyuha alnnasu innee rasoolu Allahi ilaykum jameeAAan allathee lahu mulku alssamawati waal-ardi la ilaha illa huwa yuhyee wayumeetu faaminoo biAllahi warasoolihi alnnabiyyi al-ommiyyi allathee yu/minu biAllahi wakalimatihi waittabiAAoohu laAAallakum tahtadoona
159. Wamin qawmi moosa ommatun yahdoona bialhaqqi wabihi yaAAdiloona
who is a muslim who is a muslim 2:136. Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah - WA MAA -- AND HE WHO -- AND THAT which is revealed unto us WA MAA -- AND HE WHO -- AND THAT which was revealed unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, WA MAA -- AND HE WHO -- AND THAT which Moses and Jesus received, WA MAA -- AND HE WHO -- AND THAT which the prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered. 136. Qooloo amanna biAllahi wama onzila ilayna wama onzila ila ibraheema
wa-ismaAAeela wa-ishaqa wayaAAqooba waal-asbati wama ootiya moosa waAAeesa wama
ootiya alnnabiyyoona min rabbihim la nufarriqu bayna ahadin minhum wanahnu lahu
muslimoona
who is a muslim who is a muslim
THE AGA
KHAN IV 
