The
human body is composed of various fundamental elements that are found in
nature. Clay and dust are composed of the same fundamental elements. Yet
it would be absurd to say that a human being is exactly the same as the
dust.
We can all have access to the elements that are found in the human body,
and add a few gallons of water, which is the constitution of the
human body. We know the elements in the human body and yet
we are at a loss when asked the secret of life.
Similarly the Qur’an addresses those people who reject its Divine authority. It tells them that this Qur’an, is in your own language, and over which the Arabs took pride. It is composed of the same letters that the Arabs used to express themselves most eloquently.
The Arabs were very proud of their language and Arabic was at its peak when the Qur’an was revealed. With the letters Alif Laam Meem, Yaa Seen, Ha-Meem, etc., (in Engllish we would say A, B, C, D) the Qur’an challenges mankind to produce a Surah at least somewhat similar to the Qur’an in beauty and elegance, if they doubt its authenticity.
Initially, the Qur’an challenges all the men and jinn to produce a recital like the Qur’an and adds that they would not be able to do it even if they backed each other. This challenge is mentioned in Surah Isra chapter 17 verse 88 and in Surah Tur chapter 52 verse 34.
Later the Qur’an repeats the challenge in Surah Hud chapter 11 verse 13 by saying produce ten surahs like it and later in Surah Yunus chapter 10 verse 38 produce one surah like it and finally the easiest challenge is given in Surah Al-Baqarah chapter 2 verses 23 and 24.
"And if ye are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to
Our servant, then produce a Surah 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 ye cannot – then fear the fire whose
fuel is men and stones – which is prepared for those
who reject faith."
[Al-Qur’an 2:23-24]
To compare the skill of two artisans, they must be given samples of the
same raw material and their performance evaluated in
performing the same task. If they are tailors they must be
provided with the same fabrics. The raw materials of the Arabic language
are these letters Alif Laam Meem, Ya Seen (in English it is A, B,
C, D, etc.) The miraculous nature of the language of the Qur’an does not
lie only in the fact that it is the Word of Allah, but also in the fact
that
although made up of the same letters in which the pagan Arabs took pride,
it has not been rivalled.
The Arabs are noted for their rhetoric ability, eloquence and meaningful
expression. Just as the constituents of the human body are known to us
and can be obtained by us, the letters comprising the Qur’an, such
as Alif Laam Meem are known to us, and used frequently to formulate
words. Life cannot be created by us, even if we possess knowledge
of the constituents of the human body. Similarly we cannot capture
the same eloquence and beauty of expression that we find in
the Qur’an, despite knowing the letters that constitute
the Qu’ran. The Qur’an thus proves its Divine origin.
4. Miraculous quality of Qur’an mentioned immediately after these broken letters
Therefore immediately after these broken letters are mentioned in the Qur’an,
the following verses speak about the miracle of the Qur’an, and its authority
e.g. in Surah Baqarah Chapter 2 verse 1-2:
"Alif Laam Meem.
This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear
Allah."
[Al-Qur’an 2:1-2]
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| QURAN AND THE BIBLE ! | HOW IS THE QURAN DIVINE? |
8. DOES THE QUR’AN SAY THAT THE EARTH IS FLAT?
Question
Qur’an says that Allah has made the earth for you as a carpet. This gives
an indication that the earth is flat. Does this
not contradict established modern science?
Answer
1. Earth made as a carpet
The question refers to a verse from the Qur’an in Surah Nuh:
"And Allah has made the earth for you as a carpet (spread out)."
[Al-Qur’an 71:19]
But the sentence in the above verse is not complete. It continues in the next verse, explaining the previous verse. It says:
"That ye may go about therein, in spacious roads."
[Al-Qur’an 71:20]
A similar message is repeated in Surah TaHa:
"He Who has made for you the earth like a
carpet spread out; has enabled you
to go about therein by roads (and channels)...."
[Al-Qur’an 20:53]
The surface of the earth i.e. earth’s crust is less than 30 miles in thickness
and is very thin as compared to the radius of the earth which
is about 3750 miles. The deeper layers of the earth are very hot,
fluid and hostile to any form of life. The earth’s crust is a solidified
shell on which we can live. The Qur’an rightly refers to it like
a carpet spread out, so that we can travel along its roads and
paths.
2. Carpet can also be spread on other than an absolute flat surface
Not a single verse of the Qur’an says that the earth is flat. The Qur’an only compares the earth’s crust with a carpet. Some people seem to think that carpet can only be put on an absolute flat surface. It is possible to spread a carpet on a large sphere such as the earth. It can easily be demonstrated by taking a huge model of the earth’s globe covering it with a carpet.
Carpet is generally put on a surface, which is not very comfortable to
walk on. The Qur’an describes the earth crust as a carpet,
without which human beings would not be able to survive because of
the hot, fluid and hostile environment beneath it. The Qur’an is
thus not only logical, it is mentioning a scientific fact
that was discovered by geologists centuries later.
3. Earth has been spread out
Similarly, the Qur’an says in several verses that the earth has been spread out.
"And We have spread out the (spacious) earth: how excellently We do spread
out!"
[Al-Qur’an 51:48]
Similarly the Qur’an also mentions in several other verses that the earth is an expanse:
"Have We not made the earth as a wide expanse"
"And the mountains as pegs?"
[Al-Qur’an 78:6-7]
None of these verses of the Qur’an contain even the slightest implication
that the earth is flat. It only indicates that
the earth is spacious and the reason for this spaciousness
of the earth is mentioned. The Glorious Qur’an says:
"O My servants who believe! truly. spacious is My Earth: therefore serve
ye Me
–(And Me alone)!"
[Al-Qur’an 29:56]
Therefore none can give the excuse, that he could not do good and was forced to do evil because of the surroundings and circumstances.
4.
Earth is geospherical in shape
The Qur’an mentions the actual shape of the earth in the following verse:
"And we have made the earth egg shaped".
[Al-Qur’an 79:30]
The Arabic word Dahaha means egg shaped. It also means an expanse.
Dahaha is derived from Duhiya which specifically refers to the egg
of an ostrich
which is geospherical in shape, exactly like the shape of the earth.
Thus the Qur’an and modern established science are in perfect harmony.
9.
DOES ONLY ALLAH KNOW THE SEX OF THE CHILD IN THE
MOTHER’S WOMB?
Question:
The Qur’an says that only Allah knows the sex of the child in the womb of the mother but now science has advanced and we can easily determine the sex of the child in the womb by ultrasonography. Isn’t this verse of the Qur’an conflicting with medical science?
Answer:
Allah is Omnipotent and Omniscient. Allah has granted knowledge of certain
things to humankind. But Allah has knowledge of the seen as well as the
unseen.
1. Allah has knowledge
of all things
Many people believe that the Qur’an claims that Allah alone knows the sex
of the child in the mother’s womb. The Glorious Qur’an
says:
"Verily the knowledge of the Hour is with Allah (alone). It is He who sends
down Rain, and He who knows what is in the wombs…."
[Al-Qur’an 31:34]
A similar message is given in the following verse:
"Allah doth know what every female (womb)
doth bear,
By how much the wombs fall short (of their time or number) or do exceed.
Every single thing is before His sight, in (due) proportion."
[Al-Qur’an 13:8]
2.
Sex can be determined by Ultrasonography
Today science has advanced and we can easily determine the sex of the child in the womb of a pregnant mother, using ultrasonography.
3. The word ‘sex’ is not mentioned in the verse of the Qur’an
It is true that many translations and commentaries of this verse of the Glorious Qur’an say that only Allah knows the sex of the child in the mother’s womb. If you read the Arabic text of this verse, there is no Arabic word corresponding to the English word ‘sex’. In fact the Qur’an says the knowledge of what is in the womb is with Allah alone. Many commentators have misunderstood it to mean only Allah knows the sex of the child in the womb, which is a mistake.
4. No one besides Allah can determine the nature of the child
This versedoes not refer to the sex of the child in the womb but it refers
to, how the child in the mother’s womb will be. How will
his nature be? Will he be a blessing or a curse to his parents?
Will he be a boon or a bane to the society? Will
he be good or evil? Will he go to heaven or hell?
The complete
knowledge of all things is with Allah alone. No scientist in
the world, no matter how advanced his equipment, will ever be able
to accurately determine the knowledge of these
things about the child in the mother’s womb.
10.
HOOR:
Question:
According to the Qur’an when a man enters paradise, he will get hoor, i.e. beautiful maidens. What will a woman have when she enters paradise?
Answer:
1. Hoor mentioned in the Qur’an
The word hoor occurs in the Qur’an in no less than four different places:
(1) In Surah Dukhan chapter 44, verse 54
"Moreover, We shall join them to companions
With beautiful, big and lustrous eyes."
[Al-Qur’an 44:54]
(2) In Surah Al-Tur chapter 52 verse 20
"...And We shall join them to companions, with beautiful,
big and lustrous eyes."
[Al-Qur’an 52:20]
(3) In Surah Rahman chapter 55 verse 72
"Companions restrained (as to their glances), in goodly pavilions."
[Al-Qur’an 55:72]
(4) In Surah Al-Waqiah chapter 56 verse 22
"And (there will be) companions with beautiful, big and lustrous eyes."
[Al-Qur’an 56:22]
2. Hoor Translated as Beautiful Maidens
Many translators of the Qur’an have translated the word hoor as ‘beautiful maidens’ especially in the Urdu translations. If hoor means ‘beautiful maidens’ or girls, then they are meant only for the men. Hence, what will the women get if they enter Paradise?
3. Meaning of Hoor
The word hoor is actually the plural of ahwar (applicable to man) and of
haura (applicable to woman) and signifies a person having
eyes characterized by hauar a special quality bestowed upon a good
soul, male or female in paradise and it denotes the intense whiteness
of the white part of the spiritual eye.
The Qur’an describes in several other verses that in paradise you will
have azwaj which mean a pair or spouse or companion which means
you will have spouses or companions pure and holy (mutaharratun
means pure, holy).
"But give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness, that
their
portion is gardens, beneath which rivers flow. Every time they are fed
with fruits
therefrom, they say: "Why, this is what we were fed with before", for they
are
given things in similitude; and they have therein companions pure (and
holy);
and they abide therein (forever)".
[Al-Qur’an 2:25]
"But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, We shall soon admit
to
Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath – their eternal home; therein shall
they
have companions pure and holy: we shall admit them to shades, cool and
ever
deepening".
[Al-Qur’an 4:57]
Therefore the word hoor has no specific gender. Mohammad Asad has translated the word hoor as spouse and Abdullah Yusuf Ali as companion. Therefore according to some scholars a man in paradise will have a hoor that is a beautiful maiden with beautiful big and lustrous eyes and a woman in paradise will get a man with beautiful big and lustrous eyes.
4. Women will get something exceptional in Paradise
Many scholars say that in context, the word hoor used in the Qur’an refers
only to ladies since gents are addressed. A reply that
would be accepted by all types of people would rather
be the answer given in the Hadith when a similar question
was posed that if a man gets a hoor, a beautiful Maiden in Paradise,
then what will the women get? The reply was that the women will get that
which
the heart has not desired for, the ear hasn’t heard off and the eye hasn’t
seen, indicating that even the women will get something
exceptional in Paradise.
11. IS THE HEART RESPONSIBLE FOR UNDERSTANDING?
Question
The Qur’an says that Allah has put a seal on the hearts of the Kuffar and
they will not believe. Science tells us today
that the brain is responsible for understanding
and believing and not the heart. Isn’t the Qur’an contradicting
Science?
Answer:
1.
Allah has set a seal on the heart of the Kuffar
The Glorious Qur’an says:
"As to those who reject Faith it is the same to them
Whether thou warn them or do not warn them;
They will not believe. "Allah hath set a seal on
their hearts and on their hearing and on their eyes is a
veil Great is the penalty they incur."
[Al-Qur’an 2:6-7]
2. The word qalb in Arabic means heart as well as intelligence
The Arabic word qalb used in these verses means the heart. It also means intelligence. Thus the above verses also mean that Allah has put a seal on the intelligence of the kuffaars (unbelievers) and they will not understand and believe.
3. In the Arabic language
heart is also used as a centre of
understanding
In the Arabic language the word ‘heart’ is also used to connote one’s centre
of understanding.
4. Several words used in English language whose literal meaning is different
Even in English language there are several words which are used to explain something, though the literal meaning of these words are different. Consider the
following examples
a. Lunatic - Struck by the moon:
The word ‘lunatic’ literally means struck by the moon. Today
people use the word lunatic for a person who is insane or mentally
unstable. People very well know that a mad or a mentally unstable
person is not struck by the moon. Yet even a medical doctor uses
this word. This is normal in the evolution of a language.
b. Disaster – An evil star
The word ‘disaster’ literally means an evil star. Today the word
disaster is used for a great or sudden misfortune or calamity. We
know very well that a misfortune has nothing to do with an evil
star.
c. Trivial – Three roads meet
The word ‘trivial’ literally means where three roads meet. Today
the word ‘trivial’ is used for something of small nature or little
importance. We know very well that if something is of small value
it has nothing to do with where three roads meet.
d. Sunrise and Sunset
‘Sunrise’ literally means rising of the sun. Today when the word
‘sunrise’ is used most of the people know that the earth is rotating
and is moving in relation to the sun. Most of us know that the sun
does not rise during sunrise. However even an astronomer uses
the word ‘sunrise’. Similarly we know that during sunset, the sun
does not actually set.
5.
In the English language heart is the centre of love and emotion
In the English language heart means an organ in the body which pumps blood. The same word heart is also used for the centre of thought, love and emotion. Today we know that brain is the centre of thought, love and emotion. Yet while expressing emotions a person is likely to say "I love you from the bottom of my heart". Imagine a scientist telling his wife, "I love you from the bottom of my heart" and the wife replies, "Don’t you even know the basics of science, that the brain is responsible for the emotions and not the heart? In fact you should say I love you from the bottom of my brain."
6.
Arabs know that the word heart in Arabic is also used for centre of
thought and understanding
No Arab will ever ask the question as to why Allah has sealed the hearts
of the kafir because he knows that in this context it refers
to the centre of thought, understanding and emotion.
13. ALLAH HAS SEALED THE HEART OF KUFFAR
Question:
If Allah has sealed the hearts of the Kuffar i.e. non-Muslims, then why
are they to be blamed for not accepting Islam?
Answer:
1.
Allah has sealed the hearts of those who
are continuously bent on
rejecting the truth
Allah (swt) mentions in Surah Al Baqarah chapter 2 verses 6 and 7
"As to those who reject Faith, it is the same to them Whether thou warn
them
or do not warn them; they will not believe.
Allah hath set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing, and on their
eyes is a
veil; great is the penalty they (incur)."
[Al-Qur’an 2:6-7]
These verses do not refer to common Kuffar who reject faith. The Arabic words used are al-lazina kafaroo, those who are bent on rejecting the truth. It will not make any difference to such people whether you warn them or not, they will not believe. Allah has set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing and on their eyes is a veil. It is not because Allah has set a seal on their hearts that these kuffar do not understand and believe, but it is the vice-versa. It is because these kuffar are bent on rejecting the truth and whether you warn them or not they will not believe, that Allah has set a seal on their hearts. Therefore Allah is not to blame, but these kuffaar who are bent on rejecting the faith are responsible.
2. Example
of teacher predicting a student will fail
Suppose an experienced teacher, before the final examinations, predicts
that a particular student will fail in the exams, since
the student is very mischievous, not attentive in class
and does not do his homework. If after the student appears
for the examination, he fails, who is to be blamed for the student failing:
the teacher or the student? Just because the teacher predicted,
it does not mean
that the teacher is to be blamed but the student himself is responsible
for his
failure.
Similarly Allah (swt) knows in advance that there are some people who are
bent on rejecting the faith and Allah has put a seal
on their hearts. Thus these non-Muslims themselves are responsible
for rejecting the faith and not Allah (swt).
14.
HEAVENS AND EARTH CREATED IN SIX DAYS AND NOT EIGHT
DAYS
Question:
The Qur’an mentions in several places that the heavens and the were earth
created in 6 days but in Surah Fussilat it says that the heavens and the
earth were created in 8 days. Isn’t this a contradiction? The
same verse also says that the earth was created in 6 days and
then later on the heavens were created in 2 days. This is against
the Big-Bang theory that the heavens and the earth were created
simultaneously.
Answer:
1. Heavens and the Earth created in Six days
I do agree that the Qur’an says that the heavens and the earth were created in 6 days i.e. 6 epochs and it is mentioned in
Surah Al A’raf chapter 7 verse 54
Surah Yunus chapter 10 verse 3
Surah Hud chapter 11 verse 7
Surah Al Furqan chapter 25 verse 59
Surah Al Sajdah chapter 32 verse 4
Surah Qaf chapter 50 verse 38
Surah Al Hadid chapter 57 verse 4
The verses of the Qur’an which according to you say that the heavens and the earth were created in 8 days are Surah Fussilat chapter 41 verses 9 to 12
"Say: Is
it that ye deny Him Who created the earth in two days? And do ye join
equals With him? He is the Lord of (all) the Worlds;
He set on the (earth) mountains standing firm, High above it, and bestowed
blessings on the earth, and measured therein all things to give them
nourishment in due proportion, In four days, in accordance with (the needs
of) Those who seek (sustenance)."
Moreover, He Comprehended in His design the sky, and it had been (as)
smoke. He said to it and to the earth. "Come ye together, willingly or
unwillingly. They said: "We do come (Together), in willing obedience."
So He completed them as seven firmaments in two days and He assigned to
each heaven its duty and command and We adorned the lower heaven with
lights, and (provided it) with guard. Such is the decree of (Him) the exalted
in might, full of knowledge."
[Al-Qur’an 41:9-12]
On the face of it, it seems that these verses of the Qur’an give the initial
impression that the heavens and the earth were created in 8 days.
Allah says in the beginning of this verse that those who exploit this information
contained in this passage to raise doubts about its authenticity are equally
interested in promulgating blasphemy and denying His unity. Allah is telling
us that in course of time, there will emerge unbelievers who
will make use of this apparent contradiction.
2. Summa means moreover
If you analyse these verses carefully, it speaks about 2 different creations:
the earth and the heaven. The earth excluding the mountains
was created in 2 days and the mountains were set on the
earth standing firm and blessed and measured its sustenance
in 4 days. Therefore the earth along with the mountains
was created in 6 days according to verse 9 and 10. Verse 11 and 12
says, moreover the heavens were created in 2 days. The Arabic word used
in the beginning of verse 11 of Surah Fussilat is summa
which means; ‘then’ or ‘moreover’. There are certain
Qur’anic translations, which have, used ‘then’ for the
word summa which, indicates ‘afterwards’. If ‘then’ is wrongly used for
summa then the total of the creation of heaven and earth will be 8 days
which will conflict with other verses of the Qur’an which says heavens
and earth were created in 6 days and will also conflict with
the Big Bang Theory as well as the
verse of the Qur’an Surah Al Ambiya chapter 21 verse 30 which says that
heavens and the earth were created simultaneously.
Therefore the correct translation of the word summa in this verse would
be ‘moreover’. Abdullah Yusuf Ali has rightly translated
the word summa or moreover which clearly gives an indication
that while the earth along with the mountains, etc. was
created in 6 days simultaneously the heavens were created in
2 days. Therefore the total does not come to 8 days but 6 days.
If
a builder says that he will construct a 10 storey building and surrounding
compound wall in 6 months and after completion of his project he gives
a more
detailed account saying that the basement of the building was built in
2 months and the 10 storeys took 4 months and simultaneously,
while the basement and the building was being constructed, he also
constructed the surrounding of the building along with
the compound wall which took 2 months. Therefore both his
first and second descriptions are not contradicting but the second statement
gives a more detailed account for the
construction.
| HOW IS THE QURAN DIVINE? | THE MIRACLE IN NATURAL TREES |
| SCIENCE IN THE QURAN ? | QURAN AND THE BIBLE ! |
| PROPHET IN THE BIBLE . | PROPHET IN HINDU SCRIPTURES |