Reading the Quran

Sura 37 - Those who set the ranks.

2011-05-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

The title comes from v. 1 & 165 and seems to be referring to “the ranks” of faithful Muslims.

(The) single-minded (chosen) slaves of Allah. 37:40, 74, 128, 160, 169

Date, Context and Theme

It is a middle Meccan sura again dealing with the rejection of the Meccans to Muhammad and his message. The main body of the sura is an extended description of paradise and hell. In this description the “single-minded” service to God is explained, illustrated and defended.

Structure
vv. 1-5, Introduction addressing those faithful Muslims who live the genuine Muslim life.

vv. 6-10, The planets or stars seem to hinder the devils from listening to the Qur’an. They are the source of turning people away. They contrast to vv. 1-5.

vv. 11-17, The Meccan are rejecting Muhammad and his message about the resurrection and judgement.

* vv. 18-34, But they will be resurrected and judged. Judgement day described.

* vv. 35-37, They would not accept Allah alone and Muhammad. In the judgement you will either go to paradise for hell.

vv. 38-61, The reward, welcome and conversation of paradise. How I was saved from hell.

vv. 62-73, The reward and conversation of hell. The illustration show how to be saved from hell.

* vv. 74-82, Noah, a single minded slave, saved from the flood while others drowned.

*vv. 83-113, Abraham opposed the star worship of his people and was persecuted but he was saved. Allah rewarded Abraham with a son, whom he was prepared to sacrifice and Isaac will be a prophet like Abraham.

*vv. 114-122, Moses and Aaron were believing slaves and were saved while others drowned.

*vv. 123-132, Elijah and Baal event and Elijah was saved while others died.

* vv. 133-138, Lot was saved but the old woman destroyed.

* vv. 139-148, Jonah did wrong but was saved.

vv. 149-159 Therefore repent and be saved. Does God have daughters while you have sons? God does not have children from relations with the angels or the genies. Stop believing this.

vv. 160-173, We are serving God while the others turn away.

Vv. 174-182, Conclusion: Muhammad, withdraw from them for a while and wait.

What I found interesting.
1. Introduction

I found the introduction to be a beautiful poetic moving start to the sura.

By those who set the ranks in battle order, And those who drive away (the wicked) with reproof, And those who read (the Word) for a reminder, Lo! thy Lord is surely One; 37:1-4

2. Cosmology

There seems to be an understanding that planets or stars help to defend the devils.

Lo! We have adorned the lowest heaven with an ornament, the planets; With security from every froward devil. They cannot listen to the Highest Chiefs for they are pelted from every side, 37:6-8

3. Poet or Prophet?

Again Muhammad is said to be a poet but replies by saying he is like the prophets before him.

And said: Shall we forsake our gods for a mad poet? Nay, but he brought the Truth, and he confirmed those sent (before him). 37:36-37

4. Descriptions of Paradise and Hell

The follow description of paradise is interesting because the wine is “non-alcoholic”. I wonder if this is an answer to any objections that may have been raised about the rivers of wine that Muhammad had mentioned in his previous descriptions of paradise? Certainly the wine must be real and not symbolic to make such a qualification. The reward of virgins in paradise is also in these verses.

In the Gardens of delight, On couches facing one another; A cup from a gushing spring is brought round for them, White, delicious to the drinkers, Wherein there is no headache nor are they made mad thereby. And with them are those of modest gaze, with lovely eyes, (Pure) as they were hidden eggs (of the ostrich). 37:43-49

The punishment of hell is quite detailed in this sura.

Is this better as a welcome, or the tree of Zaqqum? Lo! We have appointed it a torment for wrong-doers. Lo! it is a tree that springeth in the heart of hell. Its crop is as it were the heads of devils And lo! they verily must eat thereof, and fill (their) bellies therewith. And afterward, lo! thereupon they have a drink of boiling water. And afterward, lo! their return is surely unto hell. 37:62-68

5. Repeated Phrases

Save single-minded slaves of Allah. 37:40, 74, 128, 160, 169

This phrase was often repeated. I wonder if the Arabic, “muhlaseen”, is a desirable title in Islamic culture?

This phrase too was often repeated.

Peace be unto Noah among the peoples! 37:79 (109 Abraham, 120 Moses and Aaron, 130 Elijah)

This blessing of the prophet certainly is part of the Islamic culture. In this case it is a reward for the prophet and their righteous behaviour.

This is a point of difference to the Bible. In the Bible people are not praised like this, only God is praised in this systematic fashion. The Qur'an does think more highly of the righteousness of men than the Bible does.

6. Noah

In sura 11 it was said that one of Noah’s sons did not come onto the ark.

And Noah called to his son, who was standing apart (from the ark), "Embark with us, my son, and be thou not with the unbelievers!" He said, "I will take refuge in a mountain, that shall defend me from the water." ... And the waves came between them and he was drowned. (Sura 11:42-43, Arberry)

But in this sura it was his whole family.

And Noah verily prayed unto Us, and gracious was the Hearer of his prayer And We saved him and his household from the great distress, And made his seed the survivors, 37:75-77

I do not see this as a problem. We have similar situations in the gospels where different details are given at different times. However Muslims should not be critical of the Bible when they see these types of differences there.

7. Abraham

The longest illustration in the was about Abraham.

A. Abraham opposes the worship of his people and they build a furnace to throw him in, vv. 84-99. The origin of this story is very interesting. In the Law of Moses we read,

"I am the Lord who brought you (Abraham) from Ur of the Chaldeans". (Genesis 15:7)

Ur is the ancient city where Abraham come from, but the word “Or” in Hebrew means light/fire (Strongs 215-217). A misreading of the Babylonian “Ur” for the Hebrew “Or” led to an interpretation, and subsequent tradition, where Abraham was brought out of a fire not out of a city.
See 2. Story of Abraham's deliverance from the fire which Nimrod made to destroy him.

This means that Abraham coming out of a fire is in no sense historical because we know exactly how the incorrect story developed. This is another example of the Jewish myths that Christians are warned to stay away from.

(P)ay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of those who reject the truth. (Titus 1:13, NIV)

It also means that the Qur'an fails to be a watcher over all scripture.

And unto you (Muslims) have We revealed the Scripture with the truth, confirming whatever Scripture was before it, and a watcher over it. So judge between them (Jews and Christians) by that which Allah hath revealed ... 5:48

The story of Abraham being saved from a fire is a myth that we know the origin of. Abraham came out of the city of Ur not a fire. The Qur'an however, fails to correct this false idea and instead perpetuates this false story.

B. Abraham's Sacrifice. Abraham then prays to God and is given a son. He is then instructed to sacrifice his son, (vv. 100-111). This account is differen to the account in the law of Moses in that in the Qur'an the son is willing and obedient too while in the Bible this is not mentioned. This distinction is important because this event in the Qur'an is not just about Abraham but it is equally about the obedience of his son.

And when (his son) was old enough to walk with him, (Abraham) said: O my dear son, I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice thee. So look, what thinkest thou? He said: O my father! Do that which thou art commanded. Allah willing, thou shalt find me of the steadfast. Then, when they had both surrendered (to Allah), and he had flung him down upon his face 37:102-103

An important question is which son was it? Muslims today hold that it was Ishmael who was sacrificed but this is not what the Qur’an says. First Abraham prays to God.

My Lord! Give me of the righteous. So We gave him tidings of a gentle son. 37:100-101

He is given a son but the son is not named. As I said before the test shows the righteousness of not only Abraham but also his son. After this event both Abraham and his son are commended. Firstly, Abraham is said to be one of Allah's slaves and his son is declared to be "of the righteous" and will be a prophet. "Of the righteous", is what Abraham asked for in the beginning.

My Lord, give me one of the righteous. 37:100

Then We gave him the good tidings of Isaac, a Prophet, one of the righteous. 37:112 Arberry

The reading seems to be that Isaac is the son. Pitckhall adds the phrase “of the birth of” but this is not in the Arabic. The flow seems to be that Abraham asks for not a son directly but “of the righteous”. He is given a son, then he and his son obey God. Abraham is then praised and his son is then declared to be “of the righteous” too and a prophet, and this son is clearly named as Isaac. This reading agrees with Islam’s greatest scholar.

The earliest sages of our Prophet's nation disagree about which of Abraham's two sons it was that he was commanded to sacrifice. Some say it was Isaac, while others say it was Ishmael. Both views are supported by statements related on the authority of the Messenger of God. If both groups of statements were equally sound, then - since they both came from the Prophet - only the Quran could serve as proof that the account naming Isaac is clearly the more truthful of the two. (Al-Tabari, The History of al-Tabari, Vol. II, p. 82, Prophets and Patriarchs (trans. William M. Brenner), State University of New York Press, Albany 1987)

I really get the feeling that much of Islam is a development away from the Qur’an. The Qur’an stipulates three daily prayers (24:58, 11:116, 17:78-79, 20:130, 30:17-18) but Muslims have five. The Qur’an says Muhammad gave no miracle (14:10) yet the Hadith has many. And here we see that the Isaac of the Qur’an has been replaced by Ishmael.

C. The substitute sacrifice that God provides Abraham is seen as a ransomed. This is quite similar to the Christian idea.

Then We ransomed him with a tremendous victim. 37:107

8. We learn about the Meccan beliefs that God has daughters.

(And again of their falsehood): He hath preferred daughters to sons. Allah hath begotten. Allah! verily they tell a lie. 37:152-153

Then produce your writ (book), if ye are truthful. 37:157

9. The Voice of the Qur’an.

Normally the voice of the Qur’an is “We” and is referring to Allah, but in these verses the “We” is clearly angels or the Muslims community.

There is not one of us but has his known position. Lo! we, even we are they who set the ranks, Lo! we, even we are they who hymn His praise 37:164-166

This change in voice is similar to Sura 1, 2:286, and 19:64-65.

Sura 36 - Ya Sin

2011-05-17T21:38:00.000-07:00

The name of the sura comes from the two letters of verse 1.

Date, Context and Theme

This is a middle Meccan sura that continues to deal with the Meccan rejection of Muhammad, the Qur’an and the teaching that there is only one God with no associates.

So let not their speech grieve thee (O Muhammad). Lo! We know what they conceal and what proclaim. 36:76

Structure

vv. 1-12, Introduction - The Qur’an is guidance and it is Allah’s sovereign choice who will believe.

Vv. 13-44 Parables and Stories to prove the message of Muhammad.

* Vv. 13-32, The story of the three messengers from Allah who went to a city and were rejected and mocked but one person from the city accepted. Then the city was destroyed.

* Vv. 33-36, The dry ground giving life when rain comes

* Vv. 37-40, The movement of the sun and moon.

* Vv. 41-44, The danger of travelling by ships. Your life is in the hands of God and at his mercy.

Vv. 45-53 Dealing with the arguments of the Meccans who rejects the Qur’an:

* vv. 45-53 They reject the signs/parables that are given in the Qur’an and ask when will the judgement come? They are told that the judgement will come and each will get what he deserve and go to paradise or hell.

* Vv. 54-68, The dialogue of and a description of judgement day

* vv. 69-70 Muhammad is not a poet but a warner.

* Vv. 71-75, the Sign of domesticated animals. Allah has given us these animals yet we do not give thanks and worship others.

Vv. 76-83, Conclusion - Do not be grieved by their rejection Muhammad. Consider the evidence. Allah brings you forth from seed, give you fire, created the heavens and earth and only has to say for something to be. Worship Allah alone.

What I found interesting.

1. God’s Sovereignty

There is a strong theme of God’s sovereign choice.

Lo! We have put on their necks carcans reaching unto the chins, so that they are made stiff-necked. And We have set a bar before them and a bar behind them, and (thus) have covered them so that they see not. 36:8-9

This is similar to the Bible.

2. Examining the arguments.

In this sura, and many others, there are arguments put forward for why Muhammad’s message is true. These seem to fit into three categories.
A. The stories of the earlier prophets.
B. Referring to the cycles of creation.
C. The logic of the fact that if those you associate with Allah are powerless what use are they.

I think it is good to consider these arguments. They show us the thought world of Muhammad, maybe the thought world of his hearers, and also raise the question of how do these arguments engage with the modern world? This same question can be asked of the Bible too.

It does seems that the arguments of the Qur’an were not convincing to the Meccans.

Never came a token of the tokens of their Lord to them, but they did turn away from it! 36:46

3. Which City?

The first story/parable in the sura is to the coming of three prophets to a city.

Coin for them a similitude: The people of the city when those sent (from Allah) came unto them; When We sent unto them twain, and they denied them both, so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: Lo! we have been sent unto you. 36:13-14

The point of the story is straight forward, this city rejected their messengers in the same way the Meccans are rejecting Muhammad, but who are the messengers and what was the city? This is not an unreasonable question to ask if the story is meant to be taken as true history. Where are the basic details like names of people and places? Islamic scholars identify them in various ways, some even suggesting that they were disciples of Jesus, one being Paul (Bulus).

4. Women in paradise.

We often think of Islamic paradise as being a place for men and their pleasure. Certainly this is true in other parts of the Qur’an, but this verse shows that wives will be happy too.

Lo! those who merit paradise this day are happily employed, They and their wives, in pleasant shade, on thrones reclining; 36:55-56

5. The dialogue of judgement day.

I found this an interesting method of teaching. It is like a play were the lines for each actor are written out. In this case it is the discussion between God and the believers and unbelievers on judgement day.

The word from a Merciful Lord (for them the believers) is: Peace! But to you, O you guilty, this day! Did I not charge you, O you sons of Adam, that you worship not the devil - Lo! he is your open foe! - But that you worship Me? That was the right path. 36:58-61

6. Muhammad the Poet?

It seems that the Meccans were saying the Muhammad was just like their poets. That is to say that Muhammad is not unique in what he was reciting.

And We have not taught him (Muhammad) poetry, nor is it meet for him. This is naught else than a Reminder and a Lecture making plain, To warn whosoever liveth, and that the word may be fulfilled against the disbelievers. 36:69-70

Sura 35 - Angels

2011-05-09T17:22:00.000-07:00

The title takes its name from the reference to angels in the first verse.

Date, Context and Theme
An early Meccan sura dealing with the Meccan rejection of Muhammad and his message. The illustrations in this sura are not of the earlier prophets but of the power of Allah.

Structure
vv. 1-3, Praise Allah and remember his grace.

Vv. 4-8, Those who reject Muhammad and Allah are doomed.

Vv. 9-17, Examples of how Allah makes and controls all things, therefore pray and serve him alone.

Vv. 18-26 Muhammad is a warner like the warners before him. Those who rejected their warner were punished.

Vv. 27-35 Allah brings life to this world so serve him and the righteous have done in the past.

Vv. 36-39, The unbelievers will suffer for their rejection.

Vv. 40-45, Conclusion. Deals with a few final complaints from the Meccans. Ends with the idea that everyone needs Allah’s mercy.

What I found interesting.
1. Angels.

Praise be to Allah, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, Who appointeth the angels messengers having wings two, three and four. He multiplieth in creation what He will. Lo! Allah is Able to do all things. 35:1

2. A wide range of illustrations of Allah’s power and application.

Whoso desireth power (should know that) all power belongeth to Allah. Unto Him good words ascend, and the pious deed doth He exalt; but those who plot iniquities, theirs will be an awful doom; and the plotting of such (folk) will come to naught. 35:10

Allah created you from dust, then from a little fluid, then He made you pairs (the male and female). No female beareth or bringeth forth save with His knowledge. And no-one groweth old who groweth old, nor is aught lessened of his life, but it is recorded in a Book, Lo! that is easy for Allah. 35:11

And the two seas are not alike: this, fresh, sweet, good to drink, this (other) bitter, salt. And from them both ye eat fresh meat and derive the ornament that ye wear. And thou seest the ship cleaving them with its prow that ye may seek of His bounty, and that haply ye may give thanks. 35:12

He maketh the night to pass into the day and He maketh the day to pass into the night. He hath subdued the sun and moon to service. Each runneth unto an appointed term. Such is Allah, your Lord; His is the Sovereignty; and those unto whom ye pray instead of Him own not so much as the white spot on a date-stone. 35:13

Say: Have ye seen your partner-gods to whom ye pray beside Allah? Show me what they created of the earth! Or have they any portion in the heavens? Or have We given them a scripture so they act on clear proof therefrom? Nay, the evil-doers promise one another only to deceive. 35:40

3. Pray only to Allah not to your intercessors.

If you (the Meccans) pray unto them they hear not your prayer, and if they heard they could not grant it you. On the Day of Resurrection they will disown association with you. None can inform you like Him Who is Aware. 35:14

My question is if this is the case why do Muslims pray to Muhammad in the Salaat?

4. The Earlier Scriptures and Believers

There were several verses about the earlier scriptures and believers.

And if they deny you (Muhammad), those before them also denied. Their messengers came unto them with clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty), and with the Psalms and the Scripture giving light. 35:25

As for that which We inspire in thee of the Scripture, it is the Truth confirming that which was (revealed) before it. Lo! Allah is indeed Observer, Seer of His slaves. 35:31

Here we see that there are three different types of earlier believers before the Muslims.

Then We gave the Scripture as inheritance unto those whom We elected of Our bondmen. But of them are some who wrong themselves and of them are some who are lukewarm, and of them are some who outstrip (others) through good deeds, by Allah's leave. That is the great favour! 35:32

The example of the earlier scriptures and believers is given as a way of contrast to the rejection of the Meccans to Muhammad and the Qur’an.

And they swore by Allah, their most binding oath, that if a warner came unto them they would be more tractable than any of the nations; yet, when a warner came unto them it aroused in them naught save repugnance, 35:42

5. Lost in the grave.

And they cry for help there, (saying): Our Lord! Release us; we will do right, not (the wrong) that we used to do. Did not We grant you a life long enough for him who reflected to reflect therein? And the warner came unto you. Now taste (the flavour of your deeds), for evil-doers have no helper. 35:37

This is sort of like Jonah crying out from the grave.

6. All fail and need Allah’s mercy.

If Allah took mankind to task by that which they deserve, He would not leave a living creature on the surface of the earth; but He reprieveth them unto an appointed term, and when their term cometh - then verily (they will know that) Allah is ever Seer of His slaves. 35:45

This is an interesting verse because it clearly says none are righteous.

7. Science in the Qur’an.

There is a whole area of promoting Islam that seeks to show that modern science is in the Qur’an. A common verse that is used is the following.

He hath loosed the two seas. They meet. There is a barrier between them. They encroach not (one upon the other). 55:19-20

This is meant to show that the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea do not mix even though they are connected. However 35:12 seems to identify the “two seas” as fresh and salt water.

And the two seas are not alike: this, fresh, sweet, good to drink, this (other) bitter, salt. And from them both ye eat fresh meat and derive the ornament that ye wear. And thou seest the ship cleaving them with its prow that ye may seek of His bounty, and that haply ye may give thanks. 35:12

8. "Say"

Often in the Qur'an we read at the start of a verse, "Say". This normally is indicating a set answer to an objection raised against Muhammad. It seems to me that the suras are like the letters of the New Testament in that they often are addressing particularly issues. Certainly the suras are a different type of genre but they still function like the letters in addressing a particular situation.

Sura 34 - Saba

2011-05-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

The title of the sura comes for v. 15 where the people of Saba are referred to as an example of those who were proud and destroyed.

Date, Context and Theme

This is a Meccan sura and the main theme is dealing with the pride of those who reject the belief in one God, in resurrection to judgement, the Qur’an and Muhammad as a prophet.

Those who were proud say unto those who were despised: Did we drive you away from the guidance after it had come unto you? Nay, but ye were guilty. 34:32

Say (unto them, O Muhammad): I exhort you unto one thing only: that ye awake, for Allah's sake, by twos and singly, and then reflect: There is no madness in your comrade. He is naught else than a warner unto you in face of a terrific doom. 34:46

Structure

vv. 1-9 Praise belongs to Allah so do not be proud. Accept that there is only one God, the resurrection unto judgement, the Qur’an and Muhammad.

Vv. 10-11, David received blessings from God and was thankful not proud.

Vv. 12-14, Solomon received blessings from God and was thankful and proud.

vv. 15-21, Saba received blessing from God but were not thankful and so were destroyed.

Vv. 22-54, A dialogue with the Meccans which discusses.
* There is only one God and your worship of partners, angels, jinn will not help you.
* There will be a the resurrection of the dead unto judgement.
* You have rejected the Qur’an as you rejected the other books.
* You have rejected Muhammad as you rejected the other prophets.
* Your problem is pride and that you are pampered.

What I found interesting.

1. Striving against the Qur’an.

But those who strive against Our revelations, challenging (Us), theirs will be a painful doom of wrath. 34:5, 38

I was expecting the word for “strive” here to be jihad as it was in 31:15, but it is not. It is saaiaou instead. This is important to note for those of us who want to know what the Qur’an says about striving/jihad. This idea is expressed in a variety of words and we need to consider all of them to understand the subject properly.

2. Meccan Objections.

Again there is a good description of the objections of the Meccans to Muhammad.

And those who disbelieve say: We believe not in this Qur'an nor in that which was before it; but oh, if thou couldst see, when the wrong-doers are brought up before their Lord, how they cast the blame one to another; how those who were despised (in the earth) say unto those who were proud: But for you, we should have been believers. 34:31

And if Our revelations are recited unto them in plain terms, they say: This is naught else than a man who would turn you away from what your fathers used to worship; and they say: This is naught else than an invented lie. Those who disbelieve say of the truth when it reacheth them: This is naught else than mere magic. 34:43

3. Set Answers

The start of each verse for 22-27 and 46-50 began with “say”. Say this ... Say this ... Say this ... etc. This really emphasises that the Qur’an was to be used by the Muslims to answer the objections of those who rejected Islam. The Qur’an originally provided the set answers for the early Muslim community.

Here is two examples.

Say: You will not be asked (by God) of what we committed, nor shall we be asked of what you do. 34:25

Say: The Truth hath come, and falsehood showeth not its face and will not return. 34:49

4. David

The reference to David was interesting. It included a reference to the Psalms and to him making chain mail armour.

And assuredly We gave David grace from Us, (saying): O ye hills and birds, echo his psalms of praise! And We made the iron supple unto him, Saying: Make thou long coats of mail and measure the links (thereof). And do ye right. Lo! I am Seer of what ye do. 34:10-11

The history I have read says that chain mail actually replaced metal scales sewn onto a vest as a means of armour around the year 400BC. David was 1000BC. It seems that the Qur’an has the wrong technology for the time of David.

5. Solomon

In sura 27:17 we saw that the genies fought for Solomon. Here we see that they build for him whatever he wants. This is also the verse were the idea of travelling on a magic carpet comes from. The Islamic commentaries say that Solomon was carried by the wind on a carpet.

And unto Solomon (We gave) the wind, whereof the morning course was a month's journey and the evening course a month's journey, and We caused the fount of copper to gush forth for him, and (We gave him) certain of the jinn who worked before him by permission of his Lord. And such of them as deviated from Our command, them We caused to taste the punishment of flaming Fire. 34:12

It is interesting to see what the genies built for Solomon.

They made for him what he willed: synagogues and statues, basins like wells and boilers built into the ground. Give thanks, O House of David! Few of My bondmen are thankful. 34:13

It is true that Solomon built many things but what about the temple? Does the Qur’an realise that Solomon’s greatest building achievement was the temple in Jerusalem. The temple is mentioned in 17:7 (called a mosque) but does the Qur’an understand that Solomon built a temple? I will have to keep reading.

7. Intercession

It seems that the Qur’ an is not opposed to all intercession before but just the wrong intercession before God.

No intercession availeth with Him save for him whom He permitteth. Yet, when fear is banished from their hearts, they say: What was it that your Lord said? They say: The Truth. And He is the Sublime, the Great. 34:23

They will say: Be Thou Glorified. Thou (alone) art our Guardian, not them! Nay, but they worshipped the jinn; most of them were believers in them. 34:41

8. While the Meccans may know about the scripture of Jews and Christians the Qur'an is clear that they have not received a scripture directly themselves.

And We have given them no scriptures which they study, nor sent We unto them, before thee, any warner. 34:44

Sura 33 - The Clans

2011-04-18T17:00:00.000-07:00

The title for this sura comes from the context of the sura which is clear, the battle of the Clans, also known as the Battle of the Trench.

Date, Context and Theme

The contents of this sura allow it to be dated to the famous Battle of Trench, 5-7th years of the Hijrah, a Medinan sura. This battle was initiated by the Meccans and some other tribes who wanted to defeat Muhammad once and for all. The Jewish tribe, Bani Qureyzah, broke their truce with Muhammad and supported these Arab tribes. They marched against Medinah and lay siege to it. But Muhammad had a trench dug on the side of attack and this halted their advance. After no progress for a month and difficult conditions, these tribes departed. Muhammad then marched on the towns of Jewish Bani Qureyzah and all their men were executed.

While this is the context of the sura it is not the main theme of the sura. The main theme is dealing with the complaints of “hypocritical” Muslims. There were two complaints. One had to do with questioning Muhammad’s advice about the situation under the siege, and the second was to do with Muhammad and the wives he was taking. Most of the sura deals with the issue of his wives and not the battle. The main theme is do not slander Muhammad but bless him instead.

O ye who believe! Be not as those who slandered Moses, but Allah proved his innocence of that which they alleged, and he was well esteemed in Allah's sight. 33:69

Lo! Allah and His angels shower blessings on the Prophet. O ye who believe! Ask blessings on him and salute him with a worthy salutation. 33:56

Structure

vv. 1-3 Do not listen to the unbelievers and hypocrites but listen to Allah instead.

vv. 4-6 All adoptions are now cancelled.

Vv. 7-27. Reflections on the battle of the Clans or Trench. Allah gave victory but the hypocritical Muslims did not trust Muhammad but the true Muslims did.

Vv. 28-34, Muhammad’s wives must be careful how they live among the hypocrites. They will be punished if they sin, so speak carefully, stay inside and obey Muhammad.

Vv. 35-36, The true believers must live carefully among the hypocrites too and obey Muhammad.

Vv. 37-38, Now they adoptions are cancelled Allah has given Muhammad Zayd’s wife.

vv. 39-48 Who is Muhammad? Father of none, a warner, a summoner, announcing good tidings. Therefore, listen to Muhammad and not the hypocrites.

Vv. 49-52 Marriage: Consummation makes the marriage, Muhammad alone can take whoever he likes in marriage, his wives are not to remarry

v. 53, Do not annoy the prophet, he does not like it and is too shy to say so.

vv. 53-62, Behaviour of his wives, must not remarry, can talk to their male relatives, must talk from behind a screen, must dress. Must not give the hyprocites any excuse.

* Vv. 56-58 Bless Muhammad and lift him up in the presence of the hypocrites.

* Vv. 59, Muhammad’s wives must dress with dignity.

* vv. 60-62, If the hypocrites do not stop complaining then fight them.

Vv. 63-73 The Final Hour - The hypocrites will pay and the true believers be rewards

What I found interesting.

1. Disjointed?

I have often heard non-Muslim scholars say that the Qur’an is disjoined and jumps from one topic to another. Sura 33 appears to be such a sura as it talks to and fro about the battle and then Muhammad’s wives, but I do not agree with these scholars. I think each sura does have a unity and we just need to work out what it is. In this case it is the accusations of the “hypocritical” Muslims against Muhammad. They are complaining about the battle and his wives.

Lo! those who malign Allah and His messenger, Allah hath cursed them in the world and the Hereafter, and hath prepared for them the doom of the disdained. 33:56

2. Adoption and Zaynab

The opening verses of the sura announce that all adoptions are now cancelled.

Allah hath not assigned unto any man two hearts within his body, nor hath He made your wives whom ye declare (to be your mothers) your mothers, nor hath He made those whom ye claim (to be your sons) your sons. This is but a saying of your mouths. But Allah saith the truth and He showeth the way. 33:4

I can understand why Islam wants remove idolatry, theft, gambling, but why adoption? The context behind this is quite revealing.

One day the Messenger of God went out looking for Zayd (his adopted son). Now there was a covering of haircloth over the doorway, but the wind had lifted the covering so that the doorway was uncovered. Zaynab (Zayd’s wife) was in her chamber, undressed, and admiration for her entered the heart of the Prophet. (Al-Tabari, The History of al-Tabari, vol. viii, p. 4)

Here we see why adoption is forbidden in Islam. Muhammad saw his daughter-in-law undressed and “admiration for her entered” his heart. Zayd offers to give Zaynab to Muhammad but this is scandalous as Muhammad would be marrying his daughter-in-law. Muhammad then receives a message from God saying that all adoptions are canceled. He then receives another word saying that Allah has given him Zaynab.

... So when Zeyd had performed that necessary formality (of divorce) from her, We gave her unto thee in marriage, so that (henceforth) there may be no sin for believers in respect of wives of their adopted sons, when the latter have performed the necessary formality (of release) from them. The commandment of Allah must be fulfilled. 33:37

It seems that the practice of adoption is cancelled so that Muhammad can be righteous. That is, the law confirms to Muhammad.

3. The Privileged Prophet

In 33:50 there is a big list of all the women that Muhammad can take as a wife or slave. The list is very broad but it is clear that it is,

... a privilege for you (Muhammad) only, not for the (rest of) believers ... 33:50

33:51 then says that Muhammad does not have to share his time equally with wives but can visit for sex whichever wife he wishes. So here we see that Muhammad has sexual privileges that no other Muslim is allowed to have.

Narrated Aisha (Muhammad’s wife): ... I said (to the Prophet), "I feel that your Lord hastens in fulfilling your wishes and desires." (Bukhari: vol. 6, bk. 60, no. 311, Khan)

4. Do not annoy the prophet.

O Ye who believe! Enter not the dwellings of the Prophet for a meal without waiting for the proper time, unless permission be granted you. But if ye are invited, enter, and, when your meal is ended, then disperse. Linger not for conversation. Lo! that would cause annoyance to the Prophet, and he would be shy of (asking) you (to go); but Allah is not shy of the truth. And when ye ask of them (the wives of the Prophet) anything, ask it of them from behind a curtain. That is purer for your hearts and for their hearts. And it is not for you to cause annoyance to the messenger of Allah, nor that ye should ever marry his wives after him. Lo! that in Allah's sight would be an enormity. (Qur’an 33:53)

Muhammad did not like being annoyed.

These examples of “revelations” demand questions to be asked. It really seems to me that Muhammad received revelations that fulfilled his desires. Revelations that allowed him to take another man’s wife, to have sexual privileges and to not be annoyed. It seems to me that these words are from Muhammad not God.

5. Bless the prophet

Maybe the reason the “hypocritical” Muslims were complaining was that they were not convinced that a Muhammad should be so privileged. This sura makes it very clear that you are not to question Muhammad about any of this. He is the best example and you must bless him.

The Prophet is closer to the believers than their selves, and his wives are (as) their mothers. And the owners of kinship are closer one to another in the ordinance of Allah than (other) believers and the fugitives (who fled from Mecca), except that ye should do kindness to your friends. This is written in the Book (of nature). 33:6

Verily in the messenger of Allah ye have a good example for him who looketh unto Allah and the Last Day, and remembereth Allah much. 33:21

And it becometh not a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah and His messenger have decided an affair (for them), that they should (after that) claim any say in their affair; and whoso is rebellious to Allah and His messenger, he verily goeth astray in error manifest. 33:36

There is no reproach for the Prophet in that which Allah maketh his due. That was Allah's way with those who passed away of old - and the commandment of Allah is certain destiny - 33:38

Lo! Allah and His angels shower blessings on the Prophet. O you who believe! Ask blessings on him and salute him with a worthy salutation. 33:56

This last verse explains why Muslims say, “peace be upon him” whenever they mention Muhammad’s name. The problem I have is the context. If the context was just, bless Muhammad, that would be ok, but the context here is do not question Muhammad, instead bless him. Therefore saying “peace be upon him” is actually a method of stopping any examination of Muhammad.

When we consider all of these previous points we see that no one is allowed to question Muhammad or annoy him, and that he is allowed special sexual privileges. We must be honest here and not make excuses. No other prophet is given these types of privileges. This type of behaviour is normally associated today with a cult leader.

6. The True Believers and Hypocrites

As we have seen there was a lot in this sura about true and hypocritical Muslims. The hypocrites are reminded that they are under a covenant. This is a very important verse for understanding the concept of covenant in the Qur’an and for seeing how it compares to the Bible.

And when We exacted a covenant from the prophets, and from thee (O Muhammad) and from Noah and Abraham and Moses and Jesus son of Mary. We took from them a solemn covenant; 33:7

The true believers will be rewarded, the hypocrites punished.

There were the believers sorely tried, and shaken with a mighty shock. And when the hypocrites, and those in whose hearts is a disease, were saying: Allah and His messenger promised us naught but delusion. 33:11-12

That Allah may reward the true men for their truth, and punish the hypocrites if He will, or relent toward them (if He will). Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. 33:24

On the day when their faces are turned over in the Fire, they say: Oh, would that we had obeyed Allah and had obeyed His messenger! 33:66

So Allah punisheth hypocritical men and hypocritical women, and idolatrous men and idolatrous women. But Allah pardoneth believing men and believing women, and Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful. 33:73

Here is another verse that threatens war on the hypocrites.

If the hypocrites, and those in whose hearts is a disease, and the alarmists in the city do not cease, We verily shall urge thee on against them, then they will be your neighbours in it but a little while. Accursed, they will be seized wherever found and slain with a (fierce) slaughter. (33:60-61, 2:278-279, 9:73, 49:9)

It is important to realise that the Qur’an and Hadith actually command war on hypocrite Muslims. I say this because I keep hearing people say, “that person is not a Muslim because he attacked other Muslims”. This fails to engage with the many verses of the Qur’an which command such action. See The War on Muslims. It also raises the practical question of who are the "true" Muslims who have the duty to fight "hypocritical" Muslims? Who decides?

7. The seal of the prophets

This is the famous verse from which Muslims understand that Muhammad is the last prophet.

Muhammad is not the father of any man among you, but he is the messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets; and Allah is ever Aware of all things. 33:40

In the Hadith literature, the “seal” is a literal seal or birthmark on Muhammad

Narrated As-Sa'ib:My aunt took me to Allah's Apostle and said, "O Allah's Apostle! My nephew is- ill." The Prophet touched my head with his hand and invoked Allah to bless me. He then performed ablution and I drank of the remaining water of his ablution and then stood behind his back and saw "Khatam An-Nubuwwa" (The Seal of Prophethood) between his shoulders like a button of a tent. (Sahih al-Bukhari: vol. 7, bk. 70, no. 574, Khan)

Abdullah b. Sarjis reported: ... I then went after him (Muhammad) and saw the Seal of Prophethood between his shoulders on the left side of his shoulder having spots on it like moles. (Sahih Muslim: bk. 30, no. 5793, Siddiqui)

8. The Sunnah

This verse is a key verse for the sunnah.

Verily in the messenger of Allah ye have a good example for him who looketh unto Allah and the Last Day, and remembereth Allah much. 33:21

The Sunnah is the practices of Muhammad. Muslims are required to imitate him.

Sura 32 - The Prostation

2011-04-11T00:07:00.000-07:00

The title comes from verse 15 and seems to represent the ideal response to the sura.

Date, Context and Theme

It is a middle Meccan sura. The main theme seems is answering the objections of the Meccans who say that what Muhammad is saying is strange and doubtful.

Structure

v. 1, Mystery letters.

Vv. 2-3, Doubting the Qur’an and Muhammad. This is the issue the sura addresses.

Vv. 4-9, Allah is the one God who created all things. A declaration of tawheed. You should not doubt this.

Vv. 10-22, How can Allah recreate us when we are dead? Allah will and will bring you to judgement.

Vv. 23-26 You have seen a book before with Moses so be not surprised at the coming of the Qur’an..

Vv. 27-30 Allah will bring his judgement therefore wait for the victory.

What I found interesting.

1. This sura seems to answer this verse.

Or say they (the Meccans): He hath invented it? Nay, but it is the Truth from thy Lord, that thou mayst warn a folk to whom no warner came before thee, that haply they may walk aright. 32:3

There were three main evidences that were put forward for why the Qur’an and Muhammad are genuine.

a. Allah is the one God who rules over all. This is logically seen in the created order. Tawheed, one God, is the logical conclusion from creation.

b. The idea that Allah would send a book is not new. You already know this from Moses.

We verily gave Moses the Scripture; so be not ye in doubt of his receiving it; and We appointed it a guidance for the Children of Israel. 32:23

This assumes that the Meccans know about Moses.

c. Allah will resurrect to judgement. Look at the dry land and see how it goes from death to life.

Have they not seen how We lead the water to the barren land and therewith bring forth crops whereof their cattle eat, and they themselves? Will they not then see? 32:27

This is similar to Paul’s argument in 1 Corinthians 15:35-36.

2. God and Time

He directeth the ordinance from the heaven unto the earth; then it ascendeth unto Him in a Day, whereof the measure is a thousand years of that ye reckon. 32:5

This is similar to Psalm 90:4, 2 Peter 3:8.

3. The Creation Account.

Allah it is Who created the heavens and the earth, and that which is between them, in six Days. Then He mounted the Throne. Ye have not, beside Him, a protecting friend or mediator. Will ye not then remember? 32:4

At first I thought that this verse was saying the same thing as Genesis 1. But I do not think so now because in the Bible it never says God created the world in six days and finish there. It always refers to the seven days. There is work and then there is rest. A rest that we as the image of God share in.

This is just another example of how the Qur’an appears to be similar to the Bible yet lacks the content and details. For example the Qur’an mentions Abraham but there is no mention of covenant of circumcision. It has sacrifices but none for sin. It talks about the Spirit but there is no gift. It alludes to many of the Biblical stories yet has very few details. Most of the content and detail from the Law of Moses, the Prophets, the Psalms and the Gospel are missing.

4. The sura ends with promise of victory to the Muslims. Muhammad must have been preaching that he would rule and the Meccans did not seem to think that this would happen.

And they (the Meccans) say: When cometh this victory (of yours) if ye are truthful? Say (unto them): On the day of the victory the faith of those who disbelieve (and who then will believe) will not avail them, neither will they be reprieved. So withdraw from them (O Muhammad), and await (the event). Lo! they (also) are awaiting (it). 32:28-30

Sura 31 - Luqman

2011-04-04T17:55:00.000-07:00

The name of this sura comes from v. 12. Luqman is recounted in this sura as a man of wisdom.

Date, Context and Theme

The scholars say that it could be a Meccan or Medinan sura so I am not sure. It felt like it was dealing with Meccan issues to me. The theme is wisdom. The Qur’an and Islamic worship are portrayed as the wise way to live.

Structure

v. 1, Mystery letters, Alif. Lam. Mim.

Vv. 2-3, the Qur’an is introduced as wisdom.

Vv. 4-11, Those who believe in the here-after will receive this guidance but the unbelievers turn away and will receive doom.

Vv. 12-34 The story of the wisdom of Luqman and it application to Muhammad’s situation.

* vv. 12-13 Luqman’s receives wisdom from God.

* Vv. 14-15 Luqman’s wisdom applied to Muhammad’s situation.

* vv. 16-20 Luqman’s conversation of wisdom to his son.

* Vv. 21-34 Luqman’s wisdom applied to Muhammad’s situation.

What I found interesting.

1. This sura was quite short and had an easy structure. My Muslim friends tell me that Luqman is a famous name in Islamic culture for wisdom. Lugman is not a person from the Christian and Jewish scriptures. Thus the Qur'an is not bound to the Jewish and Christian scriptures.

2. It is interesting to see that the word for Jihad is used of those (Meccans?) who are trying to turn the Muslims away from Allah.

But if they strive (jihad) with thee to make thee ascribe unto Me as partner that of which thou hast no knowledge, then obey them not. ... 31:15

3. We learn about what the pre-Islamic Meccans believe in these verses.

And if it be said unto them: Follow that which Allah hath revealed, they say: Nay, but we follow that wherein we found our fathers. What! Even though the devil were inviting them unto the doom of flame? 31:21

If thou shouldst ask them: Who created the heavens and the earth? they would answer: Allah. Say: Praise be to Allah! But most of them know not. 31:25

4. Some Muslims have said to me that John 21:25 is a bit ridiculous,

Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. John 21:25

But there is a similar description in the Qur’an.

And if all the trees in the earth were pens, and the sea, with seven more seas to help it, (were ink), the words of Allah could not be exhausted. Lo! Allah is Mighty, Wise. 31:27

5. I want to think more on this verse.

Your creation and your raising (from the dead) are only as (the creation and the raising of) a single soul. Lo! Allah is Hearer, Knower. 31:28

When it talks about creation and a “single soul” is that referring to Adam or is it describing the ease with which Allah creates and resurrects?

6. I thought that this verse beautifully preserves the ancient view that ships lead to discovery and wonder, in this case Allah's wonders. I think we do not view ships this way any more, though we may view space ships this way?

Hast thou not seen how the ships glide on the sea by Allah's grace, that He may show you of His wonders? Lo! therein indeed are portents for every steadfast, grateful (heart). 31:31

Sura 30 - The Romans

2011-03-29T21:28:00.000-07:00

The title of this sura comes from v. 2 which speaks of the Roman (Byzantine) armies.

Date, Context and Theme

The Byzantine armies have just lost territory to the Persians. The Byzantines are considered monotheists at this stage and the theme is this sura is that the monotheists will win out in the end. It is a middle Meccan sura.

So have patience (O Muhammad)! Allah's promise is the very truth, and let not those who have no certainty make thee impatient. 30:60

Structure

v. 1, Mystery letters, ALM

vv. 2-4, The defeat and future victory of the Roman armies.

vv. 3- 16 Allah gives victory to those who believe, but most do not believe but follow false hopes.

Vv. 17-31, Therefore worship Allah. Consider his signs. Worship him alone.

Vv. 32-59, Persevere and know that the others are wrong.

v. 60, Conclusion related to vv. 2-4 but applied to Muhammad now.

What I found interesting.

1. The Romans

The reference to the Roman (Byzantine) defeat is mentioned and used as a lesson for Muhammad and his armies, vv. 2-4. The Romans are seen as fellow believers to the Muslims. It is predicted that they will win against the Persians again within 10 years.

Within ten years - Allah's is the command in the former case and in the latter - and in that day believers will rejoice 30:4

There are not many prophecies in the Qur’an but this is one of them. The Romans were victorious over the Persians and this prophecy is used by Muslims to show that the Qur’an is true.

It is interesting to note that at this early period the Romans are seen as monotheists and there victory something that will make the Muslims rejoice. This attitude changes dramatically by the end of Muhammad’s life where he instructs his followers to now conquer the Romans.

Fight against such of those who have been given the Scripture as believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, and forbid not that which Allah hath forbidden by His messenger, and follow not the Religion of Truth, until they pay the tribute readily, being brought low. And the Jews say: Ezra is the son of Allah, and the Christians say: The Messiah is the son of Allah. That is their saying with their mouths. They imitate the saying of those who disbelieved of old. Allah (Himself) fighteth against them. How perverse are they! 9:29-30

This is a good example of abrogation and how the Qur’an not only revolves around Muhammad’s life but also evolves around his life.

2. Beautiful Repetition.

Verses 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 all begin with the phrase, “And of His signs ...”and then proceed to declare the natural signs of Allah. I found this memorable even in the translation so I am sure that it is beautiful in the original Arabic.

And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. Lo! herein indeed are portents for men of knowledge. 30:22

3. This seems to be another reference to worship being three times a day, not five.

So glory be to Allah when ye enter the night and when ye enter the morning - Unto Him be praise in the heavens and the earth! - and at the sun's decline and in the noonday. 30:17-18 (see 24:58, 11:116, 17:78-79, 20:130)

4. Fitra

This is the verse often used by Muslims to show that we are not corrupted by sin but are born pure and that the religion of Islam is the natural religion or Fitra. Fitra is an important doctrine in Islam.

So set thy purpose (O Muhammad) for religion as a man by nature upright - the nature (framed) of Allah, in which He hath created man. There is no altering (the laws of) Allah's creation. That is the right religion, but most men know not - Turning unto Him (only); and be careful of your duty unto Him and establish worship, and be not of those who ascribe partners (unto Him); 30:30-31

This idea is further developed in the Hadith literature.

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "No child is born but has the Islamic Faith, but its parents turn it into a Jew or a Christian. It is as you help the animals give birth. Do you find among their offspring a mutilated one before you mutilate them yourself?" The people said, "O Allah's Apostle! What do you think about those (of them) who die young?" The Prophet said, "Allah knows what they would have done (were they to live)." (Sahih al-Bukhari: vol. 8, bk 77, no. 597, Khan)

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "Five practices are characteristics of the Fitra: circumcision, shaving the pubic region, clipping the nails and cutting the moustaches short." (Sahih al-Bukhari: vol. 7, bk 72, no. 777, Khan)

5. Evidence from the Scriptures

I have often read verses like this one which ask for scriptural evidence for associating others with God.

Or have We revealed unto them any warrant which speaketh of that which they associate with Him? 30:35

Muslims would be critical of Christians at this point. However, Christians do have much scriptural evidence for how we understand Jesus: The doctrine of the image of God, the son of man and the son of God are teachings in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, the Psalms and the Gospel.

But I would ask Muslims what evidence they have for kissing the black stone, including Muhammad in the Shahada, praying to him in the Salaat, relying on his intercession on the last day, having his tomb in a mosque and collecting his relics. Muhammad is associated with Allah at every point of Islamic practice. I am currently writing an article about this where I will provide all the references.

6. Beautiful Description

I found the phrase, “the prints of Allah's mercy” to be a moving description of how to think about the signs of God in creation.

Look, therefore, at the prints of Allah's mercy (in creation): how He quickeneth the earth after her death. Lo! He verily is the Quickener of the Dead, and He is Able to do all things. 30:50

7. The issue of Muhammad not providing a miracle is still a matter that is being addressed.

Verily We have coined for mankind in this Qur'an all kinds of similitudes; and indeed if thou camest unto them with a miracle, those who disbelieve would verily exclaim: Ye are but tricksters! 30:58

Sura 29 - The Spider

2011-03-20T17:26:00.000-07:00

The title for this sura comes from v. 41 where a spider’s web is used to illustrate the lack of security of those who reject Muhammad.

Date, Context and Theme

This is a Meccan sura and the main theme is the testing the God brings on those who worship him.

Lo! We tested those who were before you. Thus Allah knoweth those who are sincere, and knoweth those who feign. 29:3

It is a call to stand firm and remember the example of those who opposed God in the past and were destroyed in the end.

Structure

v. 1, Mystery letters: ALM

vv. 2-4, All are tested.

Vv. 5-13, Living with the coming judgement in mind.

Vv. 14-15 Noah preached and was patient and waited then the flood came.

Vv. 16-35 Abraham and Lot. Abraham preached and was patient and waited. Lot believed and warned his own people. Their people were judged and are a sign today.

vv. 36-37 Shu'eyb warned his people and an earthquake came.

v. 38, A'ad and Thamud were warned and then his people were destroyed.

Vv. 39-40 Korah, Pharaoh and Haman were all warned and destroyed.

Vv. 41-44, Summary. Those who worship other than Allah have only a spider’s web for defence.

Vv. 45-69 Continue to practice Islam. Various issues dealt with regarding Christians and Jews and the objections of the Meccans. God’s judgement day with come.

What I found interesting.

1. Jihad.

Here are two verses were the word Jihad (striveth) is used and in each case they are not referring to warfare.

And whosoever striveth, striveth only for himself, for lo! Allah is altogether Independent of (His) creatures. 29:6

As for those who strive in Us, We surely guide them to Our paths, and lo! Allah is with the good. 29:69

This clearly shows that Jihad is a bigger concept than just warfare, but it does include warfare.

2. Bearing the sins of others.

But they verily will bear their own loads and other loads beside their own, and they verily will be questioned on the Day of Resurrection concerning that which they invented. 29:13

That they may bear their loads complete on the Day of Resurrection, and some of the loads of those that they lead astray without any knowledge. 16:25 Arberry

Narrated Ibn Abbas: A man came to the Prophet and said, "O Allah's Apostle! My mother died and she ought to have fasted one month (for her missed Ramadan). Shall I fast on her behalf?" The Prophet replied in the affirmative and said, "Allah's debts have more right to be paid." ... (Sahih al-Bukhuri: vol. 3, bk. 31, no. 174, Khan)

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: A woman from the tribe of Juhaina came to the Prophet and said, "My mother had vowed to perform Hajj but she died before performing it. May I perform Hajj on my mother's behalf?" The Prophet replied, "Perform Hajj on her behalf. Had there been a debt on your mother, would you have paid it or not? So, pay Allah's debt as He has more right to be paid." (Sahih al-Bukhari: vol. 3, bk. 29, no. 77, Khan)

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: The mother of Sad bin 'Ubada died in his absence. He said, "O Allah's Apostle! My mother died in my absence; will it be of any benefit for her if I give Sadaqa on her behalf?" The Prophet said, "Yes," Sad said, "I make you a witness that I gave my garden called Al Makhraf in charity on her behalf." (Sahih al-Bukhari: vol. 4, bk. 51, no. 19, Khan)

These references show that others can bear your load. The Islamic opposition to Jesus being unable to pay our debt could be challenged by these references.

3. Justice

Again we see that Allah’s justice will favour Muslims on judgement day.

And as for those who believe and do good works, We shall remit from them their evil deeds and shall repay them the best that they did. 29:7

4. Details.

In previous posts I have noted that the Qur’an normally does not contain the details of the events it records, however, on this occasion there was quite specific details about the age of Noah and this actually agrees with the Bible (Genesis 9:29).

And verily we sent Noah (as Our messenger) unto his folk, and he continued with them for a thousand years save fifty years; and the flood engulfed them, for they were wrong-doers. 29:14

5. Abraham and Prophethood

And We bestowed on him Isaac and Jacob, and We established the prophethood and the Scripture among his seed, and We gave him his reward in the world, and lo! in the Hereafter he verily is among the righteous. 29:27

6. Muslims are to believe all the previous scripture.

And argue not with the People of the Scripture unless it be in (a way) that is better, save with such of them as do wrong; and say: We believe in that which hath been revealed unto us and revealed unto you; our God and your God is One, and unto Him we surrender. 29:46

In like manner We have revealed unto thee the Scripture, and those unto whom We gave the Scripture aforetime will believe therein; and of these (also) there are some who believe therein. And none deny Our revelations save the disbelievers. 29:47

7. Muhammad’s Literacy

Often Muslim writers will appeal to 7:157 to show that Muhammad was illiterate, however this verse seems to do a better job at explaining Muhammad’s relation to the previous scripture.

And thou (O Muhammad) wast not a reader of any scripture before it, nor didst thou write it with thy right hand, for then might those have doubted, who follow falsehood. 29:48

8. Still No Sign

And they say: Why are not portents sent down upon him from his Lord? Say: Portents are with Allah only, and I am but a plain warner. Is it not enough for them that We have sent down unto thee the Scripture which is read unto them? Lo! herein verily is mercy, and a reminder for folk who believe. 29:50-51

9. The Meccans and the Creator.

It seems that the Meccans did know that Allah was the creator.

And if thou wert to ask them: Who created the heavens and the earth, and constrained the sun and the moon (to their appointed work)? they would say: Allah. How then are they turned away? 29:61

And if thou wert to ask them: Who causeth water to come down from the sky, and therewith reviveth the earth after its death? they verily would say: Allah. Say: Praise be to Allah! But most of them have no sense. 29:63

Sura 28 - The Story

2011-03-14T21:32:00.000-07:00

The title of the sura comes from v. 25 where “the story” of Moses is told. My choice for a title would be, “A Prophet like Moses”.

Date, Context and Theme

This is a late Meccan surah through some scholars say that vv. 52-55 are Medinan. The theme is similar to show that Muhammad is a prophet like Moses.

Structure

vv. 1-2, The mystery letters are present. The Qur’an is described as a scripture that makes plain the truth of the situation

vv. 3- 43 The story of Moses

* vv. 3-13, Beginning with Pharaoh and Haman killing the baby boys.
* vv. 14-21 Moses kills the man who is oppressing another.
* vv. 22-28 Moses flees to Midan and gets a wife.
* vv. 29-35 Moses and the burning bush.
* vv. 36-38 Moses before Pharaoh. Pharaoh asks Haman to build a tower to see Moses’ god.
* vv. 39-42 Pharaoh and Haman killed as a sign
* v . 43 Moses given the scriptures.

Vv. 44-51 Muhammad and Moses. Muhammad was not in the time of Moses but is now for the Meccans. God raises up a prophet for every nation.

vv. 52-56 The Christians and Jews accept Muhammad.

vv. 57-59 If we (Meccans) accept you we will lose our town and power. No you wont.

Vv. 60-75 The comfort of this world (Mecca) is nothing at the resurrection and judgement.
* vv. 76-82 The example of Korah and comfort.

Vv. 83-88 Do good works. Stay with the Qur’an and you will return to Allah.

What I found interesting.

1. The sura has a simple structure and its main point is to compare Muhammad to Moses. Just as Moses was rejected, but in the end triumphant, so to will Muhammad be. Many objections and concerns of the Meccans are addressed and given assurances. There is also much teaching on the role of prophets and the judgement of nations. I found it easy to remember the main points of the sura.

2. The story of Moses is told fairly well, though, again surprising details are left out. For instance we are never told that it is the Israelites who are being delivered; they are just be a “tribe”.

Lo! Pharaoh exalted himself in the earth and made its people castes. A tribe among them he oppressed, killing their sons and sparing their women. Lo! he was of those who work corruption. 28:4

3. Moses and Muhammad. One of the problems of comparing Moses to Muhammad is that Muhammad did not do any mircles (according to the Qur’an). Therefore when this comparison is made it raises this obvious question. The answer is given in this verse.

But when there came unto them the Truth from Our presence, they said: Why is he not given the like of what was given unto Moses? Did they not disbelieve in that which was given unto Moses of old? They say: Two magics that support each other; and they say: Lo! in both we are disbelievers. 28:48

4. Haman

I found it very strange to read about Haman (from the book of Esther) working with Pharaoh to persecute the Israelites. Haman seems to build the tower of Babel (Genesis 11).

And Pharaoh said: O chiefs! I know not that ye have a god other than me, so kindle for me (a fire), O Haman, to bake the mud; and set up for me a lofty tower in order that I may survey the God of Moses; and lo! I deem him of the liars. 28:38

And Haman seems to have died in the red sea exodus event.

Therefor We seized him and his hosts, and abandoned them unto the sea. Behold the nature of the consequence for evil-doers! 28:40

We have seen this type of confusion before with Mary (Mariam) the mother of Jesus being the sister of Aaron (19:28) and the daughter of Imran (3:35ff) and with the Samaritan being present at Mt Sinai with Moses (20:85).

The are many Muslim leaders who say there is evidence for Haman in Egypt at the time of Pharaoh that this has been exposed as a hoax.

5. Korah.

Korah was from the time of Moses. In the Law of Moses, Korah leads a rebellion against Moses (Numbers 16). But in the Qur’an is a rich man who loves the wealth of this world and is filled with pride and oppresses others.

Now Korah was of Moses' folk, but he oppressed them; and We gave him so much treasure that the stores thereof would verily have been a burden for a troop of mighty men. When his own folk said unto him: Exult not; lo! Allah loveth not the exultant; 28:76

Then went he forth before his people in his pomp. Those who were desirous of the life of the world said: Ah, would that we had the like of what hath been given unto Korah! Lo! he is lord of rare good fortune. 28:79

6. Produce a sura like it - the challenge. There is a challenge that Muslims often put to others. It is to produce something like the Qur’an. This is meant to be proof that the Qur’an is from God (2:23-24, 10:38, 11:13, 17:88, 52:33-34). However as sura 28 is a comparison to Moses it seems that this challenge is also issued to the Torah of Moses.

Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Then bring a scripture from the presence of Allah that giveth clearer guidance than these two (that) I may follow it, if ye are truthful. 28:49

I will need to remember this the next time the challenge is presented.

7. Part of the proof that the Qur’an is from God is that Christians have accepted it.

Those unto whom We gave the Scripture before it, they believe in it, 28:52

I am sure that Muslims would see these as the true Christians.

8. There was a very interesting discussion about how each nation has there own prophet and that God will not judge a nation until it has had a chance to hear.

And We shall take out from every nation a witness and We shall say: Bring your proof. Then they will know that Allah hath the Truth, and all that they invented will have failed them. 28:75

9. The doctrine of tawheed as usual was prominent. I thought that this verse was a good example of its significance to Islam.

And He is Allah; there is no God save Him. His is all praise in the former and the latter (state), and His is the command, and unto Him ye will be brought back. 28:70

10. Allah’s Judgement. Again we see that Allah will show a favourable judgement to those who worship him alone.

Whoso bringeth a good deed, he will have better than the same; while as for him who bringeth an ill-deed, those who do ill-deeds will be requited only what they did. 28:84

Sura 27 - The Ants

2011-03-06T20:26:00.000-08:00

The title comes from v. 18 in which an ant speaks to Solomon.

Date, Context and Theme

This is a Meccan sura that again deals with the Meccan rejection of Muhammad. Muhammad is compared to the earlier prophets.

Structure

Introduction

vv. 1-6 Introduces what the Qur’an is and how there are two types of people, those who believe in the hereafter and those who do not.

Examples

Vv. 7-14 Moses spoke with God, presence of God, signs, rejection, victory.

vv. 15-44 Solomon and the Queen of Sheba

vv. 45-53 Salih and the people of Thamud

vv. 54-58 Lot

Conclusion and Application

vv. 59-93 Directed at Muhammad, the Muslims, the Meccans, the Jews, believers. Deals with shirk, the resurrection, and that the time will come for judgement though we will have to wait.

What I found interesting.

1. This sura was similar to the previous one in that it had many examples from the stories of the prophets. The difference here though was that each story had a different point whereas in Sura 26 each story had the same point.

I found the stories memorable and am sure that they are well known in Islamic culture. Each story of the prophets again seems to reflect the situation of Muhammad’s life.

Muhammad is like Moses in that Moses experienced the presence of God (v. 9) and the Qur’an that Muhammad speaks is from the presence of God (v. 6). Moses gave signs, was rejected but had victory.

Muhammad is like Solomon in that Solomon called the rich polytheist (the Queen of Sheba) to worship one God and Muhammad is calling the Meccans. Solomon had the army of God which had humans, geniis and animals so too Muhammad heads the army of God.

Muhammad is like Salih who called his people to repent but they plotted (compare v. 50 to v. 70) against him. In the end Salih’s opponents were destroyed.

Muhammad is like Lot who tried to call his people to their senses and away from such obvious corruption. In the end Lot’s opponents were destroyed.

There are more connections than what I have listed here but this seems to be how the stories function. Again, Muhammad is the key to understanding the Qur’an.

2. Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. The story in the Quran is very different to what is found in the Bible but it is very similar to what is found in the 2 Targum of Esther.

* Solomon is the heir of David
* He is given knowledge to talk to animals.
* He has an army of birds, genies and men.
* A bird tells him about the Queen of Sheba.
* Solomon sends her a letter. She sends him a gift. Solomon threatens to send his army against her.
* While the queen is on her way a genii brings her throne to Solomon.
* The queen arrives, sees the throne and becomes a Muslim.

This story of Solomon is not just different to what is found in the Bible but it is an example of how the historical Solomon has moved into myth and fable. In 1 Kings 4 we read about Solomon’s wisdom.

God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. He was wiser than any other man, including Ethan the Ezrahite--wiser than Heman, Calcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. Men of all nations came to listen to Solomon's wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom. (1 Kings 4:29-34, NIV)

Notice how Solomon teaches about plants and animals in what seems to be a type of botany and zoology. However in the Qur’an, it is not science that Solomon does, instead he talks to animals and genies. This is a traceable movement from history to myth.

It is true that the Bible has talking animals too (Genesis 3, Numbers 22). I am not denying that God can miraculously make an animal speak. However, while the Bible contains such accounts it also warns us to be careful of myths that develop.

... pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of those who reject the truth. (Titus 1:14, NIV)

I believe in a miraculous working God and I also believe that there are false myths. How do we discern the difference? It seems to me that the only option is that when we have evidence to consider we must consider it. The example of Solomon seems to provide clear evidence of the type of myth that Paul said to avoid.

Finally, in the Bible, Solomon’s wisdom is offered for all to learn through his book of Proverbs. This is not the case in the Qur’an though I have heard of Islamic leaders trying to control genies.

3. Lot’s Wife. In the previous sura we read,

So We saved him (Lot) and his household, every one, save an old woman among those who stayed behind. 26:170-170

While in this sura we read,

Then We saved him and his household save his wife; We destined her to be of those who stayed behind. 27:57

Is it fair to suggest that Muhammad has learned more details about the story of Lot?

4. Justice and Salvation. Again we see that God the judge will give a favourable even biased judgement to Muslims.

Whoso bringeth a good deed will have better than its worth; and such are safe from fear that Day. And whoso bringeth an ill-deed, such will be flung down on their faces in the Fire. Are ye rewarded aught save what ye did? 27:89-90

Whoso bringeth a good deed will receive tenfold the like thereof, while whoso bringeth an ill-deed will be awarded but the like thereof; and they will not be wronged. 6:160

Sura 26 - The Poets

2011-02-22T22:38:00.000-08:00

This sura is named after v. 224 which refers to the poets of Mecca who seem to be the orators that the Meccans are listening to instead of Muhammad.

Date, Context and Theme

This is a middle Meccan sura. Muhammad does not control Mecca yet and the Meccas are still asking for a sign that he is a prophet. Muhammad himself cannot provide one but this sura speaks of the signs that are available for the Meccans to consider.

Structure

Introduction

vv. 1-6, The Meccans are rejecting Muhammad. They are asking for a sign but will not believe even if one was given to them. They will face Allah’s wrath. While Muhammad may not have a sign Allah does give signs though.

The Signs of Allah

Vv. 7-9 Creation is a sign of Allah. Look at the way fruit grows.

vv. 10-68 The sign of Moses. The story of Moses before Pharaoh to the crossing of the sea.

Vv. 69-104 The sign of Abraham. It is logical to serve one god and not idols.

vv. 105-122 The sing of Noah.

vv. 123-140, The sign of Hud.

vv. 141-159 The sign of Salih and the camel.

vv. 160- The sign of Lot and human perversion.

vv. 176, The sign of Shu'eyb and bad business dealing.

Conclusion

vv. 192-227, Muhammad and the Qur’an are like the earlier prophets in the earlier scriptures.

What I found interesting.

1. Structure

This sura has a similar structure to sura 7 and 11 with the same prophets being referred to.

The sura is highly repetitive. When each prophet is referred to the follow points are said about them.

* They were asked for a sign.
* They wanted no wage for their preaching.
* They called on the people to obey them.
* They were rejected for various reasons
* The people were judged by Allah.
* The prophet was a sign from God.

Each section ends with these verses,

Lo! herein is indeed a portent; yet most of them are not believers. And lo! thy Lord! He is indeed the Mighty, the Merciful. 26:190-191

2. Assumed Knowledge. The retelling of these stories was often brief and with few details. This seems to indicate that the story was already known to some degree. This particularly seems to be the case in view of the reference to the Jewish scripture.

And lo! it is in the Scriptures of the men of old. Is it not a token for them that the doctors of the Children of Israel know it? 26:196-197

Again this shows how knowing the Bible aids a reader of the Qur’an.

3. Additions to the Biblical Accounts. The stories of the prophets in this sura have additional features. For instance, when Moses gives a sign in Pharaoh’s court, Pharaoh’s magicians become Muslims with a fully developed Islamic theology.

And the wizards were flung prostrate, Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, The Lord of Moses and Aaron. (Pharaoh) said: Ye put your faith in him before I give you leave. Lo! he doubtless is your chief who taught you magic! But verily ye shall come to know. Verily I will cut off your hands and your feet alternately, and verily I will crucify you every one. They said: It is no hurt, for lo! unto our Lord we shall return. Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 26:46-51

This addition though is not unique to the Qur’an. Similar court conversion stories can be found in early hagiography like the account of Saint Katrina.

4. Abraham and Logic. Abraham is again seen as the prophet of logic and no doubt this convinces Muslims that any religion must be logical.

When he said unto his father and his folk: What worship ye? They said: We worship idols, and are ever devoted unto them. He said: Do they hear you when ye cry? Or do they benefit or harm you? They said: Nay, but we found our fathers acting on this wise. 26:70-74

5. The Use of the Prophets. Again we see that the way the stories are told about the prophets reflects what is happening in Muhammad’s life. Issues like the demand for a sign, that his followers are from the poorer people, that people think he is mad, etc., are all current issues for Muhammad. Thus reading these stories actually tells us a lot about Muhammad and his issues even though they are talking about an earlier prophet.

In fact sometimes the details of the early prophets are unimportant compared to Muhammad. Thus when Lot flees Sodom it is not his wife who is left behind but simply and "old woman" 26:171.

The way that Jesus retells the stories of the prophets is similar and different to Muhammad. Jesus, in the gospels, does sometimes retell the stories of the prophets and apply them to himself, but he gets the facts right.

6. Life in the Grave. There were several references to people in the grave crying out for a second chance but not being giving it.

Then will they be hurled therein, they and the seducers And the hosts of Iblis, together. And they will say, when they are quarrelling therein: By Allah, of a truth we were in error manifest When we made you equal with the Lord of the Worlds. It was but the guilty who misled us. Now we have no intercessors Nor any loving friend. Oh, that we had another turn (on earth), that we might be of the believers! 26:94-102

7. Medinan Verses. Islamic scholars say that the last verse is from the Medinan period and has been added on to the sura.

Save those who believe and do good works, and remember Allah much, and vindicate themselves after they have been wronged. Those who do wrong will come to know by what a (great) reverse they will be overturned! 26:227

Certainly the verse acts like a concluding prayer and so have been added on, but it also does contain the themes of the sura and could be an original ending.

Sura 25 - The Criterion (of right and wrong)

2010-11-23T18:16:00.000-08:00

The title of this sura comes from a word in verse 1

Date, Context and Theme

The Islamic scholars say it is a middle period Meccan sura and it certainly is dealing with issues from that period. The structure seems based around answering the objections that the Meccans have to Muhammad. It is an encouragement to Muslims and Muhammad to continue, and a warning of hell for those who reject Muhammad. It is very similar to many of the previous sura on this subject.

Structure

vv. 1-3 Blessed be Allah who gives the Qur’an and is the only lord, but the unbelievers ascribe him partners and do not listen to the Qur’an or Muhammad.

Vv. 4-9 The Meccan objections to Muhammad outlined.

* Vv. 10-19 They will burn in hell. Judgement described.

* Vv. 20- 21 The objections of the Meccans are answered.

* Vv. 22-29 The unbelievers will be punished and the believers rewarded.

Vv. 30-44 Another objection Meccan to Muhammad. This leads into the example of Moses, Aaron, Noah, and other destructions that Allah has brought and are now a warning.

Vv. 45-55 Look at the cycles of life that Allah has made in the world. Look at what Allah has created yet they do not serve him.

Vv. 56-77 Persevere in your task Muhammad, and faithful Muslim.

What I found interesting.

1. What are the Meccan objections?

Those who disbelieve say: This is naught but a lie that he hath invented, and other folk have helped him with it, so that they have produced a slander and a lie. And they say: Fables of the men of old which he hath had written down so that they are dictated to him morn and evening. 25:4-5

And they say: What aileth this messenger (of Allah) that he eateth food and walketh in the markets? Why is not an angel sent down unto him, to be a warner with him. Or (why is not) treasure thrown down unto him, or why hath he not a paradise from whence to eat? And the evil-doers say: Ye are but following a man bewitched. 25:7-8

And those who look not for a meeting with Us say: Why are angels not sent down unto us and (Why) do we not see our Lord! Assuredly they think too highly of themselves and are scornful with great pride. 25:21

And those who disbelieve say: Why is the Qur'an not revealed unto him all at once? (It is revealed) thus that We may strengthen thy heart therewith; and We have arranged it in right order. 25:32

While Muhammad has not been able to provide any evidence to answer their objections he does point them to creation as evidence of God’s power. Vv. 45-55.

2. The Meccans have been rejecting the Qur’an.

And the messenger saith: O my Lord! Lo! mine own folk make this Qur'an of no account. 25:30

Then We said: Go together unto the folk who have denied Our revelations. Then We destroyed them, a complete destruction. 25:36

And those who, when they are reminded of the revelations of their Lord, fall not deaf and blind thereat. ... They will be awarded the high place forasmuch as they were steadfast, and they will meet therein with welcome and the ward of peace, 25:73-75

3. I thought that this verse,

Hast thou seen him who chooseth for his god his own lust? Wouldst thou then be guardian over him? 25:43

was interesting in view of the Satanic Verses.

4. The descriptions of Allah’s power as creator reveal a lot of the Qur’an’s cosmology.

Hast thou not seen how thy Lord hath spread the shade - And if He willed He could have made it still - then We have made the sun its pilot; Then We withdraw it unto Us, a gradual withdrawal? 25:45-46

And He it is Who hath given independence to the two seas (though they meet); one palatable, sweet, and the other saltish, bitter; and hath set a bar and a forbidding ban between them. And He it is Who hath created man from water, and hath appointed for him kindred by blood and kindred by marriage; for thy Lord is ever Powerful. 25:53-54

Who created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in six Days, then He mounted the Throne. The Beneficent! Ask anyone informed concerning Him! 25:59

5. Allah does not die

And trust thou in the Living One Who dieth not, and hymn His praise. He sufficeth as the Knower of His bondmen's sins, 25:58

6. As mentioned at the start this is a Meccan sura, dealing with Meccan issues, yet some Islamic sholars say that vv. 68-70 are from the Medinan period.

And those who cry not unto any other god along with Allah, nor take the life which Allah hath forbidden save in (course of) justice, nor commit adultery - and whoso doeth this shall pay the penalty; The doom will be doubled for him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein disdained for ever; Save him who repenteth and believeth and doth righteous work; as for such, Allah will change their evil deeds to good deeds. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful. 25:68-70

When I read it though it fits perfectly with the rest of the sura. I have still not yet been able to find out why some verses are believed to be from other periods. My guess is that it is felt they contain theology and issues from other periods, but this is just a guess.

6. The final warning to the Meccan.

Say (O Muhammad, unto the disbelievers): My Lord would not concern Himself with you but for your prayer. But now ye have denied (the Truth), therefor there will be judgment. 25:77

Sura 24 - Light

2010-11-10T17:51:00.000-08:00

The sura is named after the description of God as light in 24:35-36.

Date, Context and Theme

This is a middle Medinan sura (5-6 A.H.) In it Muhammad is outlining the honourable life to his Islamic community, the life of light. I found it a beautiful sura at many points.

Structure

v. 1, Introduction - This Qur’an is for guidance.
Vv. 2-10 Dealing with adultery
vv. 11-26 Application - the situation with Aisha and questions about her faithfulness.
vv. 27-29 Entering houses honourably
vv. 30- 31 Lower your gaze with modesty
vv. 32- 33 Marriage
v. 34-36, Allah gives the light of honour
vv. 37-40 Those who follow the light will live in paradise, those who do not will face judgement.
Vv. 41- 46 Allah is light and great and made all things.
Vv. 47-57 Total obedience to Muhammad is required - The hypocrites
vv. 58- 63 How to ask for permission in different situations.
V. 64 Allah is judge and knows what you do.

What I found interesting.

1. This sura has much to say about dealing with adultery or suspicions of adultery.

The adulterer and the adulteress, scourge ye each one of them (with) a hundred stripes. And let not pity for the twain withhold you from obedience to Allah, if ye believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a party of believers witness their punishment. 24:2

However, 4:15 seemed to proscribe confinement.

Such of your women as commit indecency, call four of you to witness against them; and if they witness, then detain them in their houses until death takes them or God appoints for them a way. 4:15

And in the hadith stoning.

Narrated Jabir bin Abdullah Al-Ansari: A man from the tribe of Bani Aslam came to Allah's Apostle and Informed him that he had committed illegal sexual intercourse and bore witness four times against himself. Allah's Apostle ordered him to be stoned to death as he was a married Person. (Bukhari: vol. 8, bk. 82, no. 805, Khan)

These different punishments are a good example of the doctrine of abrogation. This is where a later verse in the Qur'an or event in Muhammad's life can cancel an earlier revelation.

Nothing of our revelation (even a single verse) do we abrogate or cause be forgotten, but we bring (in place) one better or the like thereof. Knowest thou not that Allah is Able to do all things? 2:106

And when We put a revelation in place of (another) revelation, - and Allah knoweth best what He revealeth - they say: Lo! thou art but inventing. Most of them know not. 16:101

Four witnesses are required for the charge of adultery. If the only witnesses are the husband and wife then they are to swear 4 times their testimony and a 5th time calling Allah's curse on them if they are lying. 24:6-9.

But false accusations are to be firmly punished.

And those who accuse honourable women but bring not four witnesses, scourge them (with) eighty stripes and never (afterward) accept their testimony - They indeed are evil-doers - 24:4

This section on adultery ends with rebukes against those Muslims who have suspicions about Aisha, Muhammad's wife. She was left behind on a journey and brought back to Muhammad by a young soldier. This caused suspicion and is addressed here.

2. There was this often repeated phrase:

Had it not been for the grace of Allah and His mercy unto you, and that Allah is Clement, Merciful, (ye had been undone). 24:20

3. Here is the famous verse requiring women to be covered. However, it does not seem to say cover their hair or face, and men are required to be modest as well.

Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be modest. That is purer for them. Lo! Allah is aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husbands' fathers, or their sons or their husbands' sons, or their brothers or their brothers' sons or sisters' sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigour, or children who know naught of women's nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah together, O believers, in order that ye may succeed. 24:30-31

4. There are the verses from which the sura takes it name. They are beautiful. Allah is the light that should light our lives, he makes them honourable.

Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The similitude of His light is as a niche wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as it were a shining star. (This lamp is) kindled from a blessed tree, an olive neither of the East nor of the West, whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself) though no fire touched it. Light upon light. Allah guideth unto His light whom He will. And Allah speaketh to mankind in allegories, for Allah is Knower of all things. Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The similitude of His light is as a niche wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as it were a shining star. (This lamp is) kindled from a blessed tree, an olive neither of the East nor of the West, whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself) though no fire touched it. Light upon light. Allah guideth unto His light whom He will. And Allah speaketh to mankind in allegories, for Allah is Knower of all things. 24:35-36

This seems to be as close to the idea of, “Be holy because I the lord your God am holy”, that I have found in the Qur’an. As there is no image of God concept, it seems to be honourableness rather than God likeness that is encouraged in the Qur’an.

5. There was a section dealing with Muslims who did not obey Muhammad.

And they say: We believe in Allah and the messenger, and we obey; then after that a faction of them turn away. Such are not believers. 24:47

The saying of (all true) believers when they appeal unto Allah and His messenger to judge between them is only that they say: We hear and we obey. And such are the successful. 24:51

Make not the calling of the messenger among you as your calling one of another. Allah knoweth those of you who steal away, hiding themselves. And let those who conspire to evade orders beware lest grief or painful punishment befall them. 24:63

Total obedience to Muhammad is required to be a true Muslim. This no doubt leads some Muslims to think that other Muslims are not true Muslims.

6. This verse regarding hypocritical Muslims reminded me of Samuel and Saul.

They swear by Allah solemnly that, if thou order them, they will go forth. Say: Swear not; known obedience (is better). Lo! Allah is Informed of what ye do. 24:35

But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” 1 Samuel 15:22

7. Again we see that the Qur’an only refers to three prayers a day. In this case it is the slave asking for permission to pray.

O ye who believe! Let your slaves, and those of you who have not come to puberty, ask leave of you at three times (before they come into your presence): Before the prayer of dawn, and when ye lay aside your raiment for the heat of noon, and after the prayer of night. Three times of privacy for you. It is no sin for them or for you at other times, when some of you go round attendant upon others (if they come into your presence without leave). Thus Allah maketh clear the revelations for you. Allah is Knower, Wise. 24:58, 11:116, 17:78-79

Sura 23 - The Believers

2010-10-30T22:14:00.000-07:00

The title comes from the main theme of sura which is that Allah will save the believers.

Date, Context and Theme

This is a late Meccan sura, maybe the last Muhammad said before he fled to Medina (the hijrah). The theme is that the believers will have success and be saved.

Key Verses

And when thou art on board the ship, thou and whoso is with thee, then say: Praise be to Allah Who hath saved us from the wrongdoing folk! 23:28

He who crieth unto any other god along with Allah hath no proof thereof. His reckoning is only with his Lord. Lo! disbelievers will not be successful. 23:117

Structure

vv. 1-11, Introduction - The success of those who practice genuine religion.

Vv. 12-21, The signs of Allah’s power. This shows that the believers with have success.

vv. 22-30, Noah was rejected by his people for being just a mortal (like Muhammad) but Allah saved him from unbelievers.

Vv. 31-41, An unnamed prophet, rejected by his people for only being mortal, resurrection denied, but the unbelievers were destroyed and the prophet saved.

Vv. 42-44 A general summary of how the nations of the world have rejected their prophets.

Vv. 45-49, Moses and Aaron, they were denied as prophets because they were only mortal. Their scriptures they gave led to success.

V. 50 Jesus and Mary lead to success.

Vv. 51-54, The messengers from Allah do right and have one religion therefore leave the unbelievers in their error.

Vv. 55-77, The character of the unbelievers and their punishment.

Vv. 78-90 A dialogue between Allah and the unbelievers.
*vv. 78-80, Allah has made you and spread you out on the earth.
*vv. 81-84, The unbelievers say they still reject Muhammad and that his story is a fable. They see their proof for how to live in the lives lived by their forefathers. They reject the resurrection and judgement.
*85-90 They confess to knowing Allah but are liars.

Vv. 91-92, Allah has no son and is exalted by they deny him and the resurrection.

Vv. 93-98, The believers do the opposite, the request guidance.

Vv. 99-108, Dialogue genre. The torment of the unbelievers on judgement day will be irreversible.

Vv. 109-114, Dialogue genre. At the judgement the believers will win.

Vv. 115-118, Conclusion. Allah did not create you for nothing but for a purpose and therefore judgement.

What I found interesting.

1. 23:1-11 sounded a bit like Beatitudes.

Successful indeed are the believers
Who are humble in their prayers,
And who shun vain conversation,
And who are payers of the poor-due;
And who guard their modesty -
Save from their wives or the (slaves) that their right hands possess, for then they are not blameworthy,
But whoso craveth beyond that, such are transgressors -
And who are shepherds of their pledge and their covenant,
And who pay heed to their prayers.
These are the heirs
Who will inherit paradise. There they will abide. 23:1-11

2. Muhammad and Galen - Some Muslims say that the Qur’an has scientific information that was unknown at the time. The following verse is an example.

Then fashioned We the drop a clot, then fashioned We the clot a little lump, then fashioned We the little lump bones, then clothed the bones with flesh, and then produced it as another creation. So blessed be Allah, the Best of creators! 23:14

The description is actually wrong as the bones are not made and then clothed with flesh. But the description was the commonly understood development from Galen a 2nd-3rd century physician, surgeon and philosopher.

3. There was a reoccurring theme of the prophets just being mortals. It seems that the Meccans were rejecting Muhammad because he was just a man.

4. A great verse about the fact that there is only one religion with God.

And lo! this your religion is one religion and I am your Lord, so keep your duty unto Me. But they (mankind) have broken their religion among them into sects, each group rejoicing in its tenets. So leave them in their error till a time. 23:52-54

5. The dialogue structure of much of this sura was interesting. It is almost like reading the script of a play. In this case it was used for the conversations that the unbelievers and believers would have with God on Judgement day. I guess you could say it was like Matthew 25:34-46.

6. The resurrection is rejected by the Meccans but the many references to the Biblical stories show that they were known. Therefore while the Biblical stories are know, in some form, the Meccans to not have Biblical beliefs. If the Meccans were Christian to some degree then we would expect them to accept the resurrection?

7. Here is an interesting reason for why there cannot be two gods.

Allah hath not chosen any son, nor is there any god along with Him; else would each god have assuredly championed that which he created, and some of them would assuredly have overcome others. Glorified be Allah above all that they allege. 23:91

8. What happens on Judgement Day?

Then those whose scales are heavy, they are the successful. And those whose scales are light are those who lose their souls, in hell abiding. 23:102-103

Lo! there was a party of My slaves who said: Our Lord! We believe, therefor forgive us and have mercy on us for Thou art Best of all who show mercy; 23:109

Sura 22 - The Pilgrimage

2010-10-19T20:49:00.000-07:00

This sura is named after what seems to be the main issue (v. 25) of the sura, that is, that the Muslims have been denied access to perform pilgrimage in Mecca.

Date, Context and Theme

There are mixed opinions for the date of this sura. Some scholars say it is a late Meccan while others an early Medinan. This difference is not an issue because what is clear is that Mecca is under the control of the Meccans (Quraysh) and not the Muslims. 22:39 seems to indicate fighting so I go with an early Medinan date.

The main theme is the day of doom (judgement) for those who reject God. There is a lot in this about how great God is. I think the key verse is,

They measure not Allah His rightful measure. Lo! Allah is Strong, Almighty. 22:74

This is a warning to the Meccans who are denying the Muslims access to Mecca for pilgrimage. The irony is the when the Muslims took control of Mecca they banned all non-Muslims from pilgrimage (sura 9).

Structure

The Day of Doom (Judgement)
vv. 1-2 Announce that the day of doom (judgement) is coming.

Issues about the Day of Doom
Vv. 3-4 Do not let the devil turn you away from this warning.
Vv. 5-7 How can people be raised to life to be judged? Allah causes you to grow and gives life by rain to the desert so he can raise you from death.
Vv. 8-10 People without knowledge doubt this message
vv. 11-13 Some only believe when things are good but turn away when there is hardship.
Vv. 14 But Allah will reward the believer.
v. 15 If you want Muhammad to fail then you should hang yourself.
Vv. 16-17 The Qur’an is clear and explains itself. All people will be judged by what they believe and do.

It is right to worship Allah
v. 18 All of creation worships Allah and so should you.
Vv. 19-22 Those who refuse to will be in hell.
Vv. 23-24 The righteous will be in paradise.

The Pilgrimage
V. 25 The Muslims are being barred from performing the pilgrimage.
Vv. 26-41 The pilgrimage is for all mankind. Perform it and live the righteous life. Abraham did it.

The Messenger Denied
v. 42-56 A short history of how the prophets before Muhammad were denied. Reaffirming that Muhammad is just a prophet.
Vv. 57-62 Allah will judge and reward those who listen to the messenger.
63-78 Look at Allah’s power. He will judge and just mercy. Do not reject the message but serve Allah.

What I found interesting.

1. This verse sounded like Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21.

On the day when ye behold it, every nursing mother will forget her nursling and every pregnant one will be delivered of her burden, and thou (Muhammad) wilt see mankind as drunken, yet they will not be drunken, but the Doom of Allah will be strong (upon them). 22:2

And they will bid thee hasten on the Doom, and Allah faileth not His promise, but lo! a Day with Allah is as a thousand years of what ye reckon. 22:47

2. I have been told that suicide is strictly forbidden in Islam, yet Muhammad wishes it upon his enemies.

Whoso is wont to think (through envy) that Allah will not give him (Muhammad) victory in the world and the Hereafter (and is enraged at the thought of his victory), let him stretch a rope up to the roof (of his dwelling), and let him hang himself. Then let him see whether his strategy dispelleth that whereat he rageth!. 22:15

3. It is true that Islam has the doctrine of taqiya (hiding you are a Muslim) but Muslims are still to tell the truth. It has both teachings.

That (is the command). And whoso magnifieth the sacred things of Allah, it will be well for him in the sight of his Lord. The cattle are lawful unto you save that which hath been told you. So shun the filth of idols, and shun lying speech, 22:30

4. It is clear that Allah does not need the sacrifices but they are a way of showing devotion.

Their flesh and their food reach not Allah, but the devotion from you reacheth Him. Thus have We made them subject unto you that ye may magnify Allah that He hath guided you. And give good tidings (O Muhammad) to the good. 22:37

5. The destruction of any acceptable religious building is seen with disapproval.

Those who have been driven from their homes unjustly only because they said: Our Lord is Allah - For had it not been for Allah's repelling some men by means of others, cloisters and churches and oratories and mosques, wherein the name of Allah is oft mentioned, would assuredly have been pulled down. Verily Allah helpeth one who helpeth Him. Lo! Allah is Strong, Almighty - 22:40

6. I did not know that Moses was denied in Midian.

(And) the dwellers in Midian. And Moses was denied; but I indulged the disbelievers a long while, then I seized them, and how (terrible) was My abhorrence! 22:44

This comes in a section where many prophets are said to have been rejected. It seems that Muhammad has gone too far and assumed that Moses was rejected in Midian.

7. The Meccans have been opposing Muhammad’s message (and the other prophets?).

While those who strive to thwart Our revelations, such are rightful owners of the Fire. 22:51

While those who disbelieved and denied Our revelations, for them will be a shameful doom. 22:57

And when Our revelations are recited unto them, thou knowest the denial in the faces of those who disbelieve; they all but attack those who recite Our revelations unto them. Say: Shall I proclaim unto you worse than that? The Fire! Allah hath promised it for those who disbelieve. A hapless journey's end! 22:72

8. Here is some more cosmology.

Hast thou not seen how Allah hath made all that is in the earth subservient unto you? And the ship runneth upon the sea by His command, and He holdeth back the heaven from falling on the earth unless by His leave. Lo! Allah is, for mankind, Full of Pity, Merciful. 22:65

9. There were some great descriptions of the greatest of God in this sura.

Lo! those who believe (this revelation), and those who are Jews, and the Sabaeans and the Christians and the Magians and the idolaters - Lo! Allah will decide between them on the Day of Resurrection. Lo! Allah is Witness over all things. 22:17

And they will bid thee hasten on the Doom, and Allah faileth not His promise, but lo! a Day with Allah is as a thousand years of what ye reckon. 22:47

The Sovereignty on that day will be Allah's, He will judge between them. Then those who believed and did good works will be in Gardens of Delight, 22:56

And He it is Who gave you life, then He will cause you to die, and then will give you life (again). Lo! man is verily an ingrate. 22:66

Hast thou not known that Allah knoweth all that is in the heaven and the earth? Lo! it is in a record. Lo! that is easy for Allah. 22:70

They measure not Allah His rightful measure. Lo! Allah is Strong, Almighty. 22:74

He knoweth all that is before them and all that is behind them, and unto Allah all things are returned. 22:76

Sura 21 - The Prophets

2010-10-09T20:23:00.000-07:00

The title is from the fact that this sura deals with the mission and nature of the former prophets.

Date, Context and Theme

Some scholars date this is as a Meccan sura, others as a Medinan sura. Both of these dates seem to come from the contents of the sura itself which is a bit ambiguous. It feels as though Muhammad is addressing the Meccans (Meccan sura) yet there is an engagement with strong Christian themes (Medinan period). From my reading it seems that it is a Meccan sura but that the Meccans were far more Christian than we might think.

Structure

Introduction
1-24 against the Meccans or maybe Christians. They are not accepting Muhammad and are sinning in their understanding of God.

Main Argument
25-29 The nature of the prophets.
30- 47 You are mortal and going to judgement.
48-50 The Qur’an is the new revelation like the revelations of Moses and Aaron.
51-71 Righteous Abraham who destroyed the idols of his tribe and was saved from his people.
72-73 Isaac and Jacob established true worship
74-75 Righteous Lot was saved from unrighteous people.
76-77 Righteous Noah was saved from unrighteous people
78-82 David and Solomon were righteous in judgement.
83-84 Job
85-86 Ishmael, and Idris, and Dhu'l-Kifl
87-88 The repentance of Dhu'n-Nun
89-90 Zechariah and John
91 Mary or Elizabeth??
92 Summary verse of the above

Conclusion
93- 100 Concluding remarks to the Meccans. You have rejected the true religion and are going to hell.
101-105 Believers go to paradise
106-112 The final words Muhammad is to say on this matter.

What I found interesting.

1. Rejecting Muhammad

With hearts preoccupied. And they confer in secret. The wrong-doers say: Is this other than a mortal like you? Will ye then succumb to magic when ye see (it)? 21:3

Nay, say they, (these are but) muddled dreams; nay, he hath but invented it; nay, he is but a poet. Let him bring us a portent even as those of old (who were God's messengers) were sent (with portents). Not a township believed of those which We destroyed before them (though We sent them portents): would they then believe? 21:5-6

2. The prophets were just men and nothing more. This seems to be an interaction with Christians who are claiming that Jesus is more than a prophet.

And We sent not (as Our messengers) before thee other than men, whom We inspired. Ask the followers of the Reminder if ye know not? 21:7

Say: It is only inspired in me that your God is One God. Will ye then surrender (unto Him)? 21:108

Now We have revealed unto you a Scripture wherein is your Reminder. Have ye then no sense? 21:10

Unto Him belongeth whosoever is in the heavens and the earth. And those who dwell in His presence are not too proud to worship Him, nor do they weary; 21:19

Or have they (the prophets) chosen other gods beside Him? say: Bring your proof (of their godhead). This is the Reminder of those with me and those before me, but most of them know not the Truth and so they are averse. And We sent no messenger before thee but We inspired him, (saying): There is no God save Me (Allah), so worship Me. And they say: The Beneficent hath taken unto Himself a son. Be He Glorified! Nay, but (those whom they call sons) are honoured slaves; They speak not until He hath spoken, and they act by His command. He knoweth what is before them and what is behind them, and they cannot intercede except for him whom He accepteth, and they quake for awe of Him. And one of them who should say: Lo! I am a god beside Him, that one We should repay with hell. Thus We Repay wrong-doers. 21:24-26

We appointed immortality for no mortal before thee. What! if thou diest, can they be immortal? Every soul must taste of death, and We try you with evil and with good, for ordeal. And unto Us ye will be returned. 21:34-35

3. God has the right to judge and question everyone.

He will not be questioned as to that which He doeth, but they will be questioned. 21:23

And We set a just balance for the Day of Resurrection so that no soul is wronged in aught. Though it be of the weight of a grain of mustard seed, We bring it. And We suffice for reckoners. 21:47

4. Abraham smashes the idols of his family and when questioned asks them to question the remaining idol.

They said: Is it thou who hast done this to our gods, O Abraham? 21:62

This sounds like a modified version of Gideon's story in Judges 6 but it actually comes straight from Jewish commentaries. In the Genesis Rabbah we find this story by Rabbi Hiyya to explain Genesis 11:28.

Terah was an idol-manufacturer. Once he went off on a trip and put Abraham in charge of the store. Someone would come in and want to buy an idol. He would say to him, `How old are you?' He said `Fifty years old.' He said, `Woe to that man, who is fifty years old and is going to bow down to something a day old.' So the man would be ashamed and go on his way. One time a woman came in with a bowl of flour, and said to him, `Take this and offer it before them.' He went and took a stick, and broke the idols, and put the stick in the hand of the biggest idol. When his father came back he said to you (sic), `Why in the world have you been doing these things?' He said to him, `How can I hide it from you? One time a woman came in with a bowl of flour, and said to me, "Take this and offer it before them." Then this idol said, "I'll eat first", and that idol said, "I'll eat first." One of them, the largest, got up and grabbed the stick and broke the others.' (Terah) said to him, `Why are you making fun of me! Do those idols know anything (that such a thing could possibly happen)? (Obviously not!)' He said to him, `Should not your ears not hear what your mouth is saying?' He took him and handed him over to Nimrod. He said to him, `Bow down to the fire.' He said to him, `We really should bow down to water which puts out fire.' He said to him, `Bow down to water.' He said, `We really should bow down to the clouds, which bear the water.' He said to him, `Then let's bow down to the clouds.' He said to him, `We really should bow down to the wind, which disperses the clouds.' He said to him, `Then let's bow down to the wind.' He said to him, `We really should bow down to human beings, who can stand up to the wind.' He said to him, `You are just playing word games with me. Let's bow down to the fire. So now, look, I am going to throw you into the fire, and let your God whom you worship come and save you from the fire.' Now Haran was standing there undecided. He said, `What's the choice?' If Abram wins I'll say I'm and Abram's side, and if Nimrod wins, I'll say I'm on Nimrod's side. (So how can I lose?)' When Abram went down into the burning furnace and was saved, Nimrod said to him, `On whose side are you?' He said to him `Abram's.' They took him and threw him into the fire, and his guts burned up and came out, and he died in the presence of his father. That is in line with the verse of Scripture: `And Haran died in the presence of his father, Terah' (Gen. 11:28)(Jacob Neusner, Genesis Rabbah: The Judaic Commentary To The Book of Genesis, Atlana, Georgia: Scholars Press, 1985, pp.55-56)

This identification of the original source of the story gives us some clue as to what type of literature/oral tradition Muhammad was exposed to.

5. God and Magog are part of the end of the times and coming of God’s judgement.

Until, when Gog and Magog are let loose, and they hasten out of every mound, 21:96

The Day when We shall roll up the heavens as a recorder rolleth up a written scroll. As We began the first creation, We shall repeat it. (It is) a promise (binding) upon us. Lo! We are to perform it. 21:104

6. A quote from the Gospel?

And verily we have written in the Scripture, after the Reminder: My righteous slaves will inherit the earth: 21:105

7. Qur’anic cosmology

Have not those who disbelieve known that the heavens and the earth were of one piece, then We parted them, and we made every living thing of water? Will they not then believe? And We have placed in the earth firm hills lest it quake with them, and We have placed therein ravines as roads that haply they may find their way. And we have made the sky a roof withheld (from them). Yet they turn away from its portents. And He it is Who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. They float, each in an orbit. 21:30-33

Sura 20 - Ta Ha

2010-09-20T03:37:00.000-07:00

This sura is named after the first two letters of v. 1. These are the mystery letters of the Qur’an at the beginning of some suras. No one knows for sure their purpose.

Date, Context and Theme

This is an early Meccan sura and continues the theme that the Qur’an is from Allah, Allah’s judgement is coming so you must listen to Muhammad. It puts forward the example of Moses and the miraculous work that Allah did through him. Adam is mentioned as an example of being deceived and repenting in the conclusion.

The sura is also famous as it is said to be the sura that lead to the conversion of Umar to Islam. Umar became a powerful supporter of Muhammad and the second caliph after Muhammad’s death.

I think the key verse is,

And they say: If only he would bring us a miracle from his Lord! Hath there not come unto them the proof of what is in the former scriptures? 20:133

Structure
There is a clear simply structure to this sura.

vv. 1-8, Introduces Muhammad, the Qur’an and Allah and the purpose

vv. 9-48, Moses and the burning bush.
Vv. 49-58 , Moses in Pharaoh’s court.
Vv. 59-76, Moses brings the signs and the Egyptian magician convert to Islam and preach Muhammad’s message.
Vv. 77-79 The Exodus event
vv. 80-98, The golden calf

vv. 99-114, Words addressed to Muhammad and the Muslims about the purpose of the Qur’an and the terrible judgement awaiting those who reject the Qur’an.
Vv. 115-123, Adam is the model of those who listen to Satan, reject Allah’s word but later repent. He is an example to the Meccans.

Vv. 124-132, A call for the Meccans to turn to Allah and be saved on judgement day and a call for Muhammad to continue in worship.
Vv. 133-135 Answering Meccan objections to Muhammad’s call to repentance.

What I found interesting.

1. Moses preaches Muhammad’s message to Pharaoh, then the Egyptian magicians all convert to Islam.

Then the wizards were (all) flung down prostrate, crying: We believe in the Lord of Aaron and Moses. 20:70

Then the magicians instantly preach fully developed Islam theology. This type of story again reminds me of the hagiography I have read from the Coptic church. I think it was the story of Katrina.

2. Moses and the Samaritan. In Sura 19 I showed how Muhammad called Mary of the mother of Jesus, the sister of Aaron and the daughter of Imram, and that this showed that he seems to be unaware of history. Well here we see the same situation again but this time with a Samaritan. It is a Samaritan who mislead the Israelites into worshipping the golden calf.

He said: Lo! We have tried thy folk in thine absence, and As-Samiri hath misled them. 20:85, 87, 95

There were no Samaritans at the time of Moses. The Samaritans come into about 700 years after the Assyrian conquest of the ten norther tribes of Israel.

3. The story of Adam’s sin is told in some detail. Some details are the same as the Bible, others different.

And verily We made a covenant of old with Adam, but he forgot, and We found no constancy in him. 20:115

It is (vouchsafed) unto thee that thou hungerest not therein nor art naked, 20:118

But the devil whispered to him, saying: O Adam! Shall I show thee the tree of immortality and power that wasteth not away? 20:120

The Bible stories must have been well know to the Meccans for them to be used so often as examples.

4. Again there are three times for prayer not five.

Therefor (O Muhammad), bear with what they say, and celebrate the praise of thy Lord ere the rising of the sun and ere the going down thereof. And glorify Him some hours of the night and at the two ends of the day, that thou mayst find acceptance. 20:130

5. Still not sign from Muhammad. The Meccans have been asking for some evidence from Muhammad for what he is saying. To this stage he has not given anything. In this sura it seems that he offers the miracles that Moses did (the stories he has just told) as sufficient evidence.

And they say: If only he would bring us a miracle from his Lord! Hath there not come unto them the proof of what is in the former scriptures? 20:133

This is very interesting because it means that Muhammad is not like Moses in this regard.

6. Again we see that intercession with Allah is not banned but is not through the Mecca gods.

On that day no intercession availeth save (that of) him unto whom the Beneficent hath given leave and whose word He accepteth. 20:109

Sura 19 - Mary

2010-09-09T17:33:00.000-07:00

This sura is named after Mary, the mother of Jesus, though the sura is not about her in particular.

Date, Context and Theme

It is a Meccan sura. The story behind this sura is that some of the early Muslims fled from Mecca and went to Abyssinia (a Christian kingdom). The Christian king (Negus) gave them protection. He asked about their beliefs and it is reported that sura 19 or part of it was read out to him.

Structure

The example and pious life of the prophets
vv. 1-11 Zechariah
vv. 12-15 John
vv. 16-34 Mary and Jesus
vv. 35-40 A rebuke to the Meccans (or maybe Christians???)
vv. 41-50 Abraham
vv. 51-53 Moses and Aaron
vv. 54-55 Ishmael
vv. 56- 57 Idris (Enoch)
v. 58 summary
The final address to the Meccans
vv. 59-66 Turn to God, blessing if your do, hell if you don’t.
Vv. 67-72 Meccan questions - Will I really be judged?
Vv. 73- 83 Meccan boast - Our army and families are bigger than yours
vv. 84-98 Be patient Muhammad. Your time will come.

What I found interesting.

1. The sura has a clear structure that is easy to follow.

2. Again the lives of the prophets are told in such a way (very few details) that it assumes you know about them already, like Hebrews 11.

3. Often the details it does give are just wrong.

(It was said unto him): O Zachariah! Lo! We bring thee tidings of a son whose name is John; we have given the same name to none before (him). 19:7

John is a common name in Israel and was widely used before John the Baptist.

He said: My Lord! Appoint for me some token. He said: Thy token is that thou, with no bodily defect, shalt not speak unto mankind three nights. 19:10

Zechariah could not speak until the birth of John.

Jesus' mother Mary, is Mary (Miriam) the sister of Aaron.

O sister of Aaron! Thy father was not a wicked man nor was thy mother a harlot.

4. Jesus’ conception and birth is described in this sura.

He said: I am only a messenger of thy Lord, that I may bestow on thee a faultless son. 19:19

He said: So (it will be). Thy Lord saith: It is easy for Me. And (it will be) that We may make of him a revelation for mankind and a mercy from Us, and it is a thing ordained. 19:21

Jesus is a revelation for all mankind not just Israel. And he speaks from the cradle.

5. A very clear denunciation of God having a son.

It befitteth not (the Majesty of) Allah that He should take unto Himself a son. Glory be to Him! When He decreeth a thing, He saith unto it only: Be! and it is. 19:35

And they say: The Beneficent hath taken unto Himself a son. Assuredly ye utter a disastrous thing 19:88-89

In fact you can never be more than a slave with Allah.

When it is not meet for (the Majesty of) the Beneficent that He should choose a son. There is none in the heavens and the earth but cometh unto the Beneficent as a slave. 19:92-93

But you can be a loved slave.

Lo! those who believe and do good works, the Beneficent will appoint for them love. 19:96

How different this is to the prophets that talk about Israel and the Messiah and all God’s people being sons.

6. Here is a reference to Abraham being given Isaac and Jacob.

So, when he had withdrawn from them and that which they were worshipping beside Allah, We gave him Isaac and Jacob. Each of them We made a prophet. 19:49

But it seems that it should read Isaac and Ishmael. This is particularly the case in,

And make mention in the Scripture of Ishmael. Lo! he was a keeper of his promise, and he was a messenger (of Allah), a prophet. 19:54

Here Ishmael is not connected to Abraham as a son. In Medinan suras Ishmael is Abraham’s son, but it does not seem to be the idea here. It would be interesting to see when Ishmael is explicitly said to be Abraham’s son. Is it part of Meccan or Medinan theology?

7. Here is an interesting verse in which the “we” of the Qur’an is not referring to God but angels. This is a record of angels speaking not God.

We (angels) come not down save by commandment of thy Lord. Unto Him belongeth all that is before us and all that is behind us and all that is between those two, and thy Lord was never forgetful - Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them! Therefor, worship thou Him and be thou steadfast in His service. Knowest thou one that can be named along with Him? 19:64-65

8. It seems that everyone is taken to the edge of hell and then Allah rescues those he wills.

There is not one of you but shall approach it. That is a fixed ordinance of thy Lord. Then We shall rescue those who kept from evil, and leave the evil-doers crouching there. 19:71-72

9. There is no intercession except if you have a covenant with Allah.

They will have no power of intercession, save him who hath made a covenant with his Lord. 19:87

Sura 18 - The Cave

2010-08-24T22:23:00.000-07:00

The title comes from one of the stories in the sura.

Date, Context and Theme

It is a middle Meccan sura and deals not this time with “Biblical” stories but with folk stories that were known at the time. These stories are used as signs as to why the Meccans should accept Muhammad and Allah.

Structure

vv. 1-8 Opening statement that the Qur’an is from God and the challenge to the Meccans to accept it because of the signs that Allah gives.

vv. 9-27 The sign of the sleepers in the cave.

vv. 28-32 Warning the Meccans again.

vv. 33-45 The parable of the two gardeners, one who thanks Allah and the other who doesn’t.

v. 46 Parable of life, comes from water, dies and is scattered by the wind.

vv. 47-50, The coming of judgement on all.

vv. 51-60 Therefore turn to God now and don’t be deceived.

Vv. 61-83 Moses and his servant sail a boat, lose their food, meet a man, travel with the man and then have all of the events in the days explained as to why they happened. The reason for each thing was not apparent at the time.

Vv. 84-102 Muhammad is asked about Dhu'l-Qarneyn.

Vv. 103-111 Final address to the Meccans to accept Muhammad and Allah.

What I found interesting.

1. The use of stories as signs. In this sura there are many non-biblical stories. It seems that Muhammad was asked about these stories (possibly as a test). But on this occasion Muhammad assumed that he would receive a revelation to answer their question and he was rebuked.

And say not of anything: Lo! I shall do that tomorrow, except if Allah will. And remember thy Lord when thou forgettest, and say: It may be that my Lord guideth me unto a nearer way of truth than this. 18:24-25

But even when the answer comes I found it vague. In the story of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus (a Christian hagiography about Christian martyrs sealed in a cave) Muhammad is asked how many sleepers there were and how long they were in the cave. To both these he basically says,

Say: Allah is Best Aware how long they tarried. 18:27

It just seems that Muhammad cannot really answer their questions.

2. The story about Moses traveling and having different events happen and then having the events explained was quite interesting and showed how revelation makes sense of random events. I thought this was a useful message.

3. The story of Dhu'l-Qarneyn is about a man who travels to the furthest part of the world. It seems that he actually finds the place where the sun sets!

Till, when he reached the setting-place of the sun, he found it setting in a muddy spring 18:87

The people he meets ask for help from Gog and Magog and so he build them and iron wall (v. 97). It would be good to examine these stories historically.

4. Again, Muhammad is the context of this sura because it is his interactions with the Meccans that are shaping the use of these stories.

5. "And to warn those who say: Allah hath chosen a son" 18:4

6. There does seem to be a sense of assurance in this verse.

Lo! as for those who believe and do good works - Lo! We suffer not the reward of one whose work is goodly to be lost. 18:31

7. Here is a short description of paradise.

As for such, theirs will be Gardens of Eden, wherein rivers flow beneath them; therein they will be given armlets of gold and will wear green robes of finest silk and gold embroidery, reclining upon throne therein. Blest the reward, and fair the resting-place! 18:32

8. The doctrine of human free will and God’s sovereignty are taught side by side.

And naught hindereth mankind from believing when the guidance cometh unto them, and from asking forgiveness of their Lord unless ...18:56
... Lo! on their hearts We have placed coverings so that they understand not, and in their ears a deafness. And though thou call them to the guidance, in that case they can never be led aright. 18:58

9. God’s words are unchangeable.

And recite that which hath been revealed unto thee of the Scripture of thy Lord. There is none who can change His words, and thou wilt find no refuge beside Him. 18:28

Sura 17 - The Children of Israel

2010-08-14T22:03:00.000-07:00

The title comes from the first and last verses of the sura but Israel is not the main theme of the sura. Muhammad’s experience is parallel to that of Moses.

Date, Context and Theme

The context of this sura is well known. Muhammad claimed that he had been taken by a magical horse to Jerusalem and this is meant to have happened one year before the Hijrah. This makes the sura a late Meccan sura. The sura continues the themes of Muhammad’s interactions with the Meccans and some references to the Jews.

Structure

v. 1 The vision/journey of Muhammad to Jerusalem
vv. 2-8 God’s judgement on the temple as a sign for today.
Vv. 9-10 The Qur’an as a sign
vv. 11-15 All men are destined for judgement
vv. 16-22 Allah has judged many towns so repent
vv. 23-39 The righteous life the Muslims are to live.
vv. 40- 64 Charges against the Meccans and how they have rejected the Qur’an and Muhammad. Engages with their reasons for rejecting Muhammad and explains why they reject.
Vv. 65-72 God’s provision and expectation from mankind
vv. 73-96 Issues addressed to Muhammad in particular explaining who he is and why the Meccans respond the way they do.
Vv. 97-100 Words against the Meccans
vv. 101-111 Moses the example for Muhammad.

What I found interesting.

1. Muhammad’s journey to Jerusalem

Glorified be He Who carried His servant by night from the Inviolable Place of Worship to the Far distant place of worship the neighbourhood whereof We have blessed, that We might show him of Our tokens! Lo! He, only He, is the Hearer, the Seer. 17:1

There are many interesting things to consider with this event.

a. Jerusalem is not named. Why not? In fact there are no details of the journey to Jerusalem. To get any details you have to read the Hadith.

b. We are not told what Muhammad did at Jerusalem but instead told about the destruction of the temple.

(Saying): If you (Jews) do good, you do good for your own souls, and if you do evil, it is for them (in like manner). So, when the time for the second (of the judgments) came (We roused against you others of Our slaves) to ravage you, and to enter the Temple even as they entered it the first time, and to lay waste all that they conquered with an utter wasting. It may be that your Lord will have mercy on you, but if ye repeat (the crime) We shall repeat (the punishment), and We have appointed hell a dungeon for the disbelievers. 17:7-8

This verse is saying that if the Jews repeat their crimes God will repeat his punishment, that is the destruction of the temple. But there is know temple. From my reading it seems that Muhammad thinks a 3rd temple is now standing and could be judged. This of course is not the case as there was no temple in Jerusalem at the time.

c. Muhammad and Ezekiel - The references to a journey to Jerusalem and a threat of the destruction of the temple seems to be a copy of the prophet Ezekiel (chapter 8). Maybe Muhammad had read Ezekiel’s story.

d. The claim of the journey to Jerusalem still does not seemed to have provided evidence of the miracle that the Meccans were asking for.

(The Meccans say) Or thou have a house of gold; or thou ascend up into heaven, and even then we will put no faith in thine ascension till thou bring down for us a book that we can read. Say (O Muhammad): My Lord be Glorified! Am I aught save a mortal messenger? 17:93

e. In the Hadith, this journey to Jerusalem is when Muhammad is told to pray 5 times a day. However in this sura, from the journey itself, says to pray three times a day!

Establish worship at the going down of the sun until the dark of night, and (the recital of) the Qur'an at dawn. Lo! (the recital of) the Qur'an at dawn is ever witnessed. And some part of the night awake for it, a largess for thee. It may be that thy Lord will raise thee to a praised estate. 17:78-79 also 11:116, 24:58.

2. Judgement Day - There were many interesting verses about judgement.

And every man's augury have We fastened to his own neck, and We shall bring forth for him on the Day of Resurrection a book which he will find wide open. (And it will be said unto him): Read thy Book. Thy soul sufficeth as reckoner against thee this day. 17:13-14

Whosoever goeth right, it is only for (the good of) his own soul that he goeth right, and whosoever erreth, erreth only to its hurt. No laden soul can bear another's load, We never punish until we have sent a messenger. 17:15

On the day when We shall summon all men with their record, whoso is given his book in his right hand - such will read their book and they will not be wronged a shred. 17:71

3. Muhammad is still be rejected by the Meccans and it is an issue for him (and the Qur’an)

And We place upon their hearts veils lest they should understand it, and in their ears a deafness; and when thou makest mention of thy Lord alone in the Qur'an, they turn their backs in aversion. 17:46

We are Best Aware of what they wish to hear when they give ear to thee and when they take secret counsel, when the evil-doers say: Ye follow but a man bewitched. 17:47

And verily We have displayed for mankind in this Qur'an all kind of similitudes, but most of mankind refuse aught save disbelief. 17:89

Say: Verily, though mankind and the jinn should assemble to produce the like of this Qur'an, they could not produce the like thereof though they were helpers one of another. 17:88

Regarding this last verse, the claim of uniqueness is not limited to the Qur'an alone but equally applies to all of God's books.

Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Then bring a scripture from the presence of Allah that giveth clearer guidance than these two (Qur'an and Torah)(that) I may follow it, if ye are truthful. 28:49

Therefore the "sura like it" challenge can be used to prove that all of God's books are from him and not just the Qur'an.
4. David is mentioned.

And thy Lord is Best Aware of all who are in the heavens and the earth. And we preferred some of the prophets above others, and unto David We gave the Psalms. 17:55

5. The Satanic Verses - The event of the Satanic verses is where Muhammad said that the gods of the Meccans were ok. Later he said that Satan gave him these words not God. This event is recorded and accepted by all the early accounts of Muhammad’s life. This sura is after this event yet claims it never happened!

And they indeed strove hard to beguile thee (Muhammad) away from that wherewith We have inspired thee, that thou shouldst invent other than it against Us; and then would they have accepted thee as a friend. And if We had not made thee wholly firm thou mightest almost have inclined unto them a little. 17:73-74

But Muhammad did give in to the Meccans and accepted their gods. The Meccans did accept Muhammad as a friend for doing this. Muhammad did "incline unto them a little." This verse is a blatant lie.

6. Moses and Muhammad - Here the experience of Moses is paralelled to Muhammad, expect for the miracles of course.

We gave unto Moses the Scripture, and We appointed it a guidance for the children of Israel, saying: Choose no guardian beside Me. 17:2

And verily We gave unto Moses nine tokens, clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty). Do but ask the Children of Israel how he came unto them, then Pharaoh said unto him: Lo! I deem thee one bewitched, O Moses. 17:101

It also seems that the Qur’an only knows about the nine plagues on Egypt.

7. I am sure that these verses are famous ones for Muslims about the righteous lives they are to live.

Set not up with Allah any other god (O man) lest thou sit down reproved, forsaken. Thy Lord hath decreed, that ye worship none save Him, and (that ye show) kindness to parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age with thee, say not "Fie" unto them nor repulse them, but speak unto them a gracious word. And lower unto them the wing of submission through mercy, and say: My Lord! Have mercy on them both as they did care for me when I was little. Your Lord is Best Aware of what is in your minds. If ye are righteous, then lo! He was ever Forgiving unto those who turn (unto Him). Give the kinsman his due, and the needy, and the wayfarer, and squander not (thy wealth) in wantonness. Lo! the squanderers were ever brothers of the devils, and the devil was ever an ingrate to his Lord. But if thou turn away from them, seeking mercy from thy Lord, for which thou hopest, then speak unto them a reasonable word. And let not thy hand be chained to thy neck nor open it with a complete opening, lest thou sit down rebuked, denuded. Lo! thy Lord enlargeth the provision for whom He will, and straiteneth (it for whom He will). Lo, He was ever Knower, Seer of His slaves. Slay not your children, fearing a fall to poverty, We shall provide for them and for you. Lo! the slaying of them is great sin. And come not near unto adultery. Lo! it is an abomination and an evil way. And slay not the life which Allah hath forbidden save with right. Whoso is slain wrongfully, We have given power unto his heir, but let him not commit excess in slaying. Lo! he will be helped. Come not near the wealth of the orphan save with that which is better till he come to strength; and keep the covenant. Lo! of the covenant it will be asked. Fill the measure when ye measure, and weigh with a right balance; that is meet, and better in the end. (O man), follow not that whereof thou hast no knowledge. Lo! the hearing and the sight and the heart - of each of these it will be asked. And walk not in the earth exultant. Lo! thou canst not rend the earth, nor canst thou stretch to the height of the hills. The evil of all that is hateful in the sight of thy Lord. This is (part) of that wisdom wherewith thy Lord hath inspired thee (O Muhammad). And set not up with Allah any other god, lest thou be cast into hell, reproved, abandoned. 17:22-39

8. The traditions say that Muhammad was asked about the spirit (holy or human? and gave this reply:

They are asking thee concerning the Spirit. Say: The Spirit is by command of my Lord, and of knowledge ye have been vouchsafed but little. 17:85

To be honest I do not find this a very impressive answer. He basically says nothing.

Sura 16 - The Bee

2010-07-15T23:13:00.000-07:00

The title is from one of the examples that are to be pondered to see Allah’s provision.

Date, Context and Theme

This sura continues the theme of warning the Meccans against rejecting Muhammad and the word of Allah. The context seems to be addressing a time of suffering for the “fugatives” of Islam. These are those who have left their houses because of persecution. The sura is a call to endurance and righteous living, and the promise of hell and paradise. A Meccan sura.

Structure

vv. 1-2, Allah word will come to pass so serve him.
vv. 3-16, Allah has created many good things for you to enjoy and find useful.
vv. 17-18, Therefore serve him.
vv. 19-22, Polytheism is no help.
vv. 23-29, in fact they will be judged.
vv. 30-34, but those who serve Allah will go to paradise.
vv. 35-42, The polytheists defend themselves but are liars. Those who suffer for Allah go to paradise
vv. 43- 47 This is the true message.
Vv. 48-52 Observe how all creation worships Allah.
Vv. 53- 56 Don’t just cry out to Allah for help but worship him all the time.
Vv. 57- 64 The false teachings of the Meccans - the daughters of Allah, and the true of Allah.
Vv. 65- 83 Ponder Allah’s provision of rain, milk, date- palm, the bee and our very creation. Allah is not equal to others.
Vv. 84-117 The nature of the coming judgement of the nations. Live righteously while you wait.
vv. 120-127 Engaging with Jewish righteousness. Abraham is the model thankful worshipper.

What I found interesting.

1. Here is a good description of the inspiration of the Qur’an

He sendeth down the angels with the Spirit of His command unto whom He will of His bondmen, (saying): Warn mankind that there is no God save Me, so keep your duty unto Me. 16:2

2. The Meccans seem to be turning Muhammad’s arguments against him. He says that Allah is all sovereign and so they say,

And the idolaters say: Had Allah willed, we had not worshipped aught beside Him, we and our fathers, nor had we forbidden aught without (command from) Him. Even so did those before them. Are the messengers charged with aught save plain conveyance (of the message)? 16:35

Muhammad’s answer seems to be that he is just a messenger.

3. Here the Meccans and maybe Muhammad are asked to read the previous scriptures to see the truth of what Muhammad is saying.

And We sent not (as Our messengers) before thee other than men whom We inspired - Ask the followers of the Remembrance if ye know not! - 16:43

4. It seems that all people are guilty before Allah and need his forgiveness before judgement day.

If Allah were to take mankind to task for their wrong-doing, he would not leave hereon a living creature, but He reprieveth them to an appointed term, and when their term cometh they cannot put (it) off an hour nor (yet) advance (it). 16:61

And (bethink you of) the day when we raise up of every nation a witness, then there is no leave for disbelievers, nor are they allowed to make amends. 16:84

And (bethink you of) the day when We raise in every nation a witness against them of their own folk, and We bring thee (Muhammad) as a witness against these. And We reveal the Scripture unto thee as an exposition of all things, and a guidance and a mercy and good tidings for those who have surrendered (to Allah). 16:89

Though Allah’s choice is regularly repeated.

Had Allah willed He could have made you (all) one nation, but He sendeth whom He will astray and guideth whom He will, and ye will indeed be asked of what ye used to do. 16:93

5. There is a strange understanding of where milk comes from

And lo! in the cattle there is a lesson for you. We give you to drink of that which is in their bellies, from betwixt the refuse and the blood, pure milk palatable to the drinkers. 16:66

6. Reciting the Qur’an drives away the Satan. I guess this is why you can recite it in Arabic and not have to understand. There is a blessing is just saying it whether you understand or not.

And when thou recitest the Qur'an, seek refuge in Allah from Satan the outcast. Lo! he hath no power over those who believe and put trust in their Lord. 16:98-99

7. Here are two reasons why the Meccans did not accept Muhammad and his answer to these objections.

And when We put a revelation in place of (another) revelation, - and Allah knoweth best what He revealeth - they say: Lo! thou art but inventing. Most of them know not. 16:101

And We know well that they say: Only a man teacheth him. The speech of him at whom they falsely hint is outlandish, and this is clear Arabic speech. 16:103

8. Islamic scholars say that this verse comes for the Medinan period and has been inserted into this sura.

Then lo! thy Lord - for those who became fugitives after they had been persecuted, and then fought and were steadfast - lo! thy Lord afterward is (for them) indeed Forgiving, Merciful. 16:110

The reason for saying this is that it refers to fighting in the Meccan period and according to Islamic tradition Muhammad did not fight until the Medinan period. The verse fits with the flow of the sura,

If ye punish, then punish with the like of that wherewith ye were afflicted. But if ye endure patiently, verily it is better for the patient. Endure thou patiently (O Muhammad). Thine endurance is only by (the help of) Allah. Grieve not for them, and be not in distress because of that which they devise. 16:126-127

and so there is not textual reason for saying that it was inserted here. It seems to me that the verse belongs here and that Islamic tradition may not have the whole story on Muhammad. I seems that he was fighting while he was in Mecca. This raises a whole range of questions.

9. This is a famous verse about how Muslims can deny that they are Muslims when under persecution.

Whoso disbelieveth in Allah after his belief - save him who is forced thereto and whose heart is still content with the Faith - but whoso findeth ease in disbelief: On them is wrath from Allah. Theirs will be an awful doom. 16:106

The other related verses are,

And when ye go forth in the land, it is no sin for you to curtail (your) worship if ye fear that those who disbelieve may attack you. In truth the disbelievers are an open enemy to you. 4:101

Let not the believers take disbelievers for their friends in preference to believers. Whoso doeth that hath no connection with Allah unless (it be) that ye but guard yourselves against them, taking (as it were) security. ... 3:28

10. Abraham is the model for how to respond to Allah.

Lo! Abraham was a nation (model) obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the idolaters; 16:120

11. There are many verses in the Qur'an which say that each person only bears their own load of deeds before Allah on judgement day (17:15), but here is a verse that says people share their load.

That they may bear their burdens undiminished on the Day of Resurrection, with somewhat of the burdens of those whom they mislead without knowledge. Ah! evil is that which they bear! 16:25

Here are some other references.

But they verily will bear their own loads and other loads beside their own, and they verily will be questioned on the Day of Resurrection concerning that which they invented. 29:13

Narrated Ibn Abbas: A man came to the Prophet and said, "O Allah's Apostle! My mother died and she ought to have fasted one month (for her missed Ramadan). Shall I fast on her behalf?" The Prophet replied in the affirmative and said, "Allah's debts have more right to be paid." ... (Sahih al-Bukhuri: vol. 3, bk. 31, no. 174, Khan)

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: A woman from the tribe of Juhaina came to the Prophet and said, "My mother had vowed to perform Hajj but she died before performing it. May I perform Hajj on my mother's behalf?" The Prophet replied, "Perform Hajj on her behalf. Had there been a debt on your mother, would you have paid it or not? So, pay Allah's debt as He has more right to be paid." (Sahih al-Bukhari: vol. 3, bk. 29, no. 77, Khan)

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: The mother of Sad bin 'Ubada died in his absence. He said, "O Allah's Apostle! My mother died in my absence; will it be of any benefit for her if I give Sadaqa on her behalf?" The Prophet said, "Yes," Sad said, "I make you a witness that I gave my garden called Al Makhraf in charity on her behalf." (Sahih al-Bukhari: vol. 4, bk. 51, no. 19, Khan)

These references show that others can bear your load. The Islamic opposition to Jesus being unable to pay our debt could be challenged by these references.

Sura 15 - Al-Hijr

2010-07-13T04:10:00.000-07:00

The title, Al-Hijr, comes from the name of a town that was judged.

Date, Context and Theme

This sura continues the theme of warning the Meccans against rejecting Muhammad and the word of Allah. One of the main themes seems to be that you can still see the towns that were judged and so you can know that Allah will judge you.

Structure

vv. 1-18, The Meccans are rejecting the Qur’an.
vv. 19-25, Allah has given them so many good things.
vv. 26-44, But the Meccans are following the way of Satan and will go to hell.
vv. 45-48, While the Muslims will go to paradise.
vv. 49-50, Muhammad is to announce this message, ie, vv. 26-48.
vv. 51-77, The example of Abraham, Lot and the judgement of Sodom and Gomorrah which can be seen now.
vv. 78-79, The example of the people who lived in a forest and were judged and can be seen now.
vv. 80-84, The example of the judgement of the people of Al-Hijr which can be seen now.
vv. 85-99, The application of all this for Muhammad.

What I found interesting.

1. I found it interesting that the Qur’an says you can see where Allah has judged other towns (Sodom, the forest town, and Al-Hijr). I assume that this means that there were old towns around Muhammad and there were stories associate with them as to how they met their demise.

2. The Qur’an is called a “Reminder” and Muhammad a madman.

And they say: O thou unto whom the Reminder is revealed, lo! thou art indeed a madman! 15:6

Lo! We, even We, reveal the Reminder, and lo! We verily are its Guardian. 15:9

3. The words of Satan are interesting. Allah creates Adam from mud and then commands all his angels to bow down before Adam. Satan refuses and it seems that his reason is a very monotheistic reason.

He said: I am not one to prostrate myself unto a mortal whom Thou hast created out of potter's clay of black mud altered! 15:33

Satan’s answer seems correct but there may well be a good explanation for this.

4. Again we see that the earlier prophets are made to address the issues that Muhammad has with the Meccans.

And bring thee the Truth, and lo! we are truth-tellers. 15:64

5. Here is a reference to the Qur’an being mistreated by the Meccan. Therefore it is not only the unfaithful Christians and Jews who have mistreated their scriptures.

Those who break the Qur'an into parts. 15:91

6. Again we see that in all the story that are told there are very few details.

Sura 14 - Abraham

2010-06-21T20:34:00.000-07:00

Date, Context and Theme

This sura continues the theme of explaining and exploring why the Meccans are still rejecting Muhammad and the word of Allah. The main crime in this sura that of thanklessness. In spite of this rejection Muhammad is told,

So think not that Allah will fail to keep His promise to His messengers. Lo! Allah is Mighty, Able to Requite (the wrong). 14:47

Structure

vv. 1-4 Introduces the Qur’an, Allah, the Muslim life and Muhammad.
Vv. 5-8 Moses and the Exodus and the people still thankless.
vv. 9- 23 The experience of all the prophets. Thanklessness. Rejected but in the end victorious and receive the land.
Vv. 24-27 Parable about Allah’s word and how people receive it.
Vv. 28- 30 Look at the unbelievers: thankless, false religion, live for this world,
vv. 31-41 Allah is for the believers. Abraham is the example: thankful and asking for help to establish worship
vv. 42-52 All people will have to face Allah and then it will be too late.

What I found interesting.

1. The mystery letters. I have not mentioned the mystery letters yet. These are a group of letters at the beginning of some suras.

Alif. Lam. Ra. (This is) a Scripture which We have revealed unto thee (Muhammad) that thereby thou mayst bring forth mankind from darkness unto light, by the permission of their Lord, unto the path of the Mighty, the Owner of Praise, 14:1

No one knows what these letters are for. Some Muslims believe that this mysterious element to the Qur’an proves it miracle from Allah.

2. Abraham - Again we see that Muhammad’s concerns are made Abraham’s concerns.

My Lord! Make me to establish proper worship, and some of my posterity (also); our Lord! and accept my prayer. 14:40

3. There is still the issue of why Muhammad does not give a sign.

Their messengers said: Can there be doubt concerning Allah, the Creator of the heavens and the earth? He calleth you that He may forgive you your sins and reprieve you unto an appointed term. They said: Ye are but mortals like us, who would fain turn us away from what our fathers used to worship. Then bring some clear warrant. 14:10

4. Here is another prayer of intercession by a prophet.

Our Lord! Forgive me (Abraham) and my parents and believers on the day when the account is cast. 14:41

5. Here is a good glimpse into Qur’an eschatology.

On the day when the earth will be changed to other than the earth, and the heavens (also will be changed) and they will come forth unto Allah, the One, the Almighty, 14:48

Sura 13 - The Thunder

2010-06-06T18:03:00.000-07:00

The Thunder is a great title for this sura. It brings the idea of God’s coming judgement.

Date, Context and Theme

This is a Meccan sura and continues the theme of Muhammad being rejected by the Meccans (Quraysh). The sura is a call to perseverance as the Muslims wait for the truth of Muhammad’s message to be seen.

Whether We let thee see something of that which We have promised them, or make thee die (before its happening), thine is but conveyance (of the message). Ours the reckoning. 13:40

Structure

vv. 1-6 Allah is the sovereign lord and judge and has his time for everything.
vv. 7- 43 The rest of the sura encourages the Muhammad and the Muslim to persevere in the face of: still has given no sign (13:7, 27), non-Muslims prospering (13:26, 33), being mock (13:32), apostates (13:25), accepting God’s time, living righteous lives, and knowing that God will judge the non-Muslims.

What I found interesting.

1. Both God’s choice and human choice at taught as real

For him are angels ranged before him and behind him, who guard him by Allah's command. Lo! Allah changeth not the condition of a folk until they (first) change that which is in their hearts; and if Allah willeth misfortune for a folk there is none that can repel it, nor have they a defender beside Him. 13:11

Had it been possible for a Lecture to cause the mountains to move, or the earth to be torn asunder, or the dead to speak, (this Qur'an would have done so). Nay, but Allah's is the whole command. Do not those who believe know that, had Allah willed, He could have guided all mankind? As for those who disbelieve, disaster ceaseth not to strike them because of what they do, or it dwelleth near their home until the threat of Allah come to pass. Lo! Allah faileth not to keep the tryst. 13:30-31

2. Another creedal statement.

Say (O Muhammad): Who is Lord of the heavens and the earth? Say: Allah. Say: Take ye then (others) beside Him for protectors, which, even for themselves, have neither benefit nor hurt? Say: Is the blind man equal to the seer, or is darkness equal to light? Or assign they unto Allah partners who created the like of His creation so that the creation (which they made and His creation) seemed alike to them? Say: Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the One, the Almighty. 13:16

3.Allah makes parables to explain his truth. This is a common phrase.

He sendeth down water from the sky, so that valleys flow according to their measure, and the flood beareth (on its surface) swelling foam - from that which they smelt in the fire in order to make ornaments and tools riseth a foam like unto it - thus Allah coineth (the similitude of) the true and the false. Then, as for the foam, it passeth away as scum upon the banks, while, as for that which is of use to mankind, it remaineth in the earth. Thus Allah coineth the similitudes. 13:17

4. Don't be discouraged by apostates.

And those who break the covenant of Allah after ratifying it, and sever that which Allah hath commanded should be joined, and make mischief in the earth: theirs is the curse and theirs the ill abode. 13:25

5. Don't be discouraged that there is still no sign.

Those who disbelieve say: If only some portent were sent down upon him from his Lord! Thou art a warner only, and for every folk a guide. 13:7
Those who disbelieve say: If only a portent were sent down upon him from his Lord! Say: Lo! Allah sendeth whom He will astray, and guideth unto Himself all who turn (unto Him), 13:27

Sura 12 - Joseph

2010-06-01T21:23:00.000-07:00

Date and Context

This sura gives the Quranic version of the life of Joseph. His life is set forward as an example for Muhammad. The content of the sura suggests that Muhammad was in despair regarding his prophethood and sura explains this situation.

Till, when the messengers despaired and thought that they were denied, then came unto them Our help, and whom We would was saved. And Our wrath cannot be warded from the guilty. 12:110

A Meccan sura.

Structure

vv. 1-3, Introduces the mission of Muhammad to the Meccan (Quraysh)

vv. 4-18 The story of Joseph begins with his dream. He is betrayed by his brothers and taken into slavery.

vv. 19-34 Joseph is seduced by his master’s wife but is innocent. Though innocent he goes to prison.

vv. 35-49, Joseph preaches Islam to the prisoners and interprets their dream.

vv. 50-57 Joseph brought to the king. The women confess their crimes against Joseph. Joseph made ruler or the storehouses.

Vv. 58-82 Joseph’s brothers arrive, then return with the other son. Joseph has the cup put in saddle bag.

vv. 83-88 The brothers return to Jacob. Jacob tells them to return to Joseph

vv. 89- 101 Joseph is revealed to his brothers.

vv. 102-Conclusion - These prophets despaired but where justified and this is the same for Muhammad.

What I found interesting.

1. It is interesting how this sura has been changed from the original Biblical version. It is clearly based on the Biblical version yet also an interaction with it. But it is not just retelling the story but is a commentary on the story.

a. Differences

Planets instead of sheaves.

When Joseph said unto his father: O my father! Lo! I saw in a dream eleven planets and the sun and the moon, I saw them prostrating themselves unto me. 12:4

Joseph’s brothers do not sell him to the traders instead leave him in the well to be found by them (12:10). When Joseph is tempted by his master’s wife, his master calls for witnesses and establishes that Joseph is innocent. His wife then explains that Joseph is the most beautiful of men. Joseph's beauty is such that all women are uncontrollably distracted by it and cut their hands when cutting vegetables (12:26-31). When the cupbearer is released from prison he hears the kings dream and does back to ask Joseph to interpret it (12:46). Jacob’s sons used camels to get to Egypt (12:70) not donkeys (Genesis 44:3). I wonder if Muhammad had any idea where Jacob actually lived? It is the kings cup that Joseph plants in Benjamin’s bag (12:73). Jacob knows by revelation that Joseph is alive before his sons return to Egypt (12:87). And Joseph says,

Go with this shirt of mine and lay it on my father's face, he will become (again) a seer; and come to me with all your folk. 12:93

Joseph’s mother is alive and comes to Egypt (12:100)

b. History

The Bible says they sold Joseph for 20 shekels (a shekel being a unit of weight not a coin), but the Qur’an says he was bought with coins.

And they sold him for a low price, a number of silver coins; and they attached no value to him. 12:20

There were no coins that this period of history. There was also no crucifixion at this time.

O my two fellow-prisoners! As for one of you, he will pour out wine for his lord to drink; and as for the other, he will be crucified so that the birds will eat from his head. Thus is the case judged concerning which ye did inquire. 12:41

c. Details

I was struck by the lack of names in the story. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph are named (12:38) but there are no names for the traders, Joseph’s brothers, his Egyptian master or the king. The details are very general. Also the account of Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38) is not included in the Qur’anic account. Again, the Qur'an is not telling the story of Joseph but is giving a commentary on the story of Joseph.

The Qur’an is meant to confirm the Biblical account and give a detailed explanation.

In their history verily there is a lesson for men of understanding. It is no invented story but a confirmation of the existing (Scripture) and a detailed explanation of everything, and a guidance and a mercy for folk who believe. 12:111

However, it does not do this. The Bible gives far more detail. Instead the Qur'an provides a truncated account which reflects the culture and theological questions at the time of Muhammad.

2. Intercession of the prophets

They said: O our father! Ask forgiveness of our sins for us, for lo! we were sinful. He said: I shall ask forgiveness for you of my Lord. Lo! He is the Forgiving, the Merciful. 12:97-98

Sura 11 - Hud

2010-05-25T22:21:00.000-07:00

I think the traditional name of “Hud” is because it specifically says he has no sign and this is similar to Muhammad.

Date and Context

This sura is really a sura of pleading. It has a clear structure in which is parallels the lives of previous prophets to that of Muhammad. It is a late Meccan sura. This is yet another sura dealing with the fact that Muhammad brought no sign from Allah. This must have really been and issue for Muhammad to have it addressed in so many suras.

Structure

vv. 1-4, Muhammad’s concern for the Meccans.

vv. 5-24, The sins of the Meccans and why they need to repent. They have invented lies against Allah and denied his revelations.

vv. 25-48, Noah preaches and pleads with his people but they reject him. They live with injustice and sin. The judgement comes and Noah is saved.

vv. 50-60, Hud preaches and people reject him. They live with injustice and sin. Hud brings no sign from God but the judgement comes and Hud is saved.

vv. 61-68, Salih preaches and the people reject him. They live with injustice and sin, but the judgement comes and Salih is saved.

vv. 69-83, Abraham, Lot and Sodom. Lots speaks to him people but they will not listen. They live with injustice and sin. The judgement comes but Lot is saved.

Vv. 84-95 Shu'eyb, pleads with his people to repent and worship Allah alone. His righteous life is the sign. They do not listen and are destroyed.

Vv. 96-99 Moses spoke to Pharaoh but Pharaoh did not listen but was destroyed.

vv. 100-102 summary of vv. 25-99 as a warning to the Meccans.

Vv. 103-108 What is going to happening on judgement day

vv. 109-123 Live in repentance and wait

What I found interesting.

1. The voice of Muhammad is strong in this sura. Maybe because it is a pleading sura. I have not seen this before. Normally it is “We” speaking, but here it is Muhammad.

Alif. Lam. Ra. (This is) a Scripture the revelations whereof are perfected and then expounded. (It cometh) from One Wise, Informed, (Saying): Serve none but Allah. Lo! I am unto you from Him a warner and a bringer of good tidings. And (bidding you): Ask pardon of your Lord and turn to Him repentant. He will cause you to enjoy a fair estate until a time appointed. He giveth His bounty unto every bountiful one. But if ye turn away, lo! (then) I fear for you the retribution of an awful Day. Unto Allah is your return, and He is Able to do all things. 11:1-4

And, O my people! Let not the schism with me cause you to sin so that there befall you that which befell the folk of Noah and the folk of Hud, and the folk of Salih; and the folk of Lot are not far off from you. Ask pardon of your Lord and then turn unto Him (repentant). Lo! my Lord is Merciful, Loving. 11:89-90

2. No sign again and the Qur’an offered as the sign.
A likely thing, that thou wouldst forsake aught of that which hath been revealed unto thee, and that thy breast should be straitened for it, because they say: Why hath not a treasure been sent down for him, or an angel come with him? Thou art but a warner, and Allah is in charge of all things. Or they say: He hath invented it. Say: Then bring ten surahs, the like thereof, invented, and call on everyone ye can beside Allah, if ye are truthful! 11:12-13

This claim of uniqueness is not limited to the Qur'an alone but equally applies to all of God's books.

Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Then bring a scripture from the presence of Allah that giveth clearer guidance than these two (Qur'an and Torah)(that) I may follow it, if ye are truthful. 28:49

Therefore the "sura like it" challenge can be used to prove that all of God's books are from him and not just the Qur'an.
3. Again we see that the story of the prophets are retold to fit into Muhammad’s life.

The chieftains of his folk, who disbelieved, said: We see thee but a mortal like us, and we see not that any follow thee save the most abject among us, without reflection. We behold in you no merit above us - nay, we deem you liars. (11:27 also 10:88)

They said: O Shu'eyb! We understand not much of that thou tellest, and lo! we do behold thee weak among us. But for thy family, we should have stoned thee, for thou art not strong against us. 11:91

4. The act of pray wipes away sin.

Establish worship at the two ends of the day and in some watches of the night. Lo! good deeds annul ill-deeds. This is reminder for the mindful. 11:114

It is interesting that this is not saying pray five times a day.

5. Again there is a strong sovereignty theme. In this case predestination to hell.

Save him on whom thy Lord hath mercy; and for that He did create them. And the Word of thy Lord hath been fulfilled: Verily I shall fill hell with the jinn and mankind together. 11:119

Sura 10 - Jonah

2010-05-24T18:30:00.000-07:00

My Title Jonah is a great title as Jonah is the prophet whose people listened to him and were saved from judgement.

Date and Context

This is a late Meccan sura and deals with the Meccan’s rejection of Muhammad, and also the issue of why Muhammad has no sign.

Structure

vv. 1-71, The signs that Allah has given the Meccans. The sun, moon and plants (v. 6, 25) all show his power. Allah is merciful to you (13, 22-23) but after you have received it you forget and turn away. The religion of the Meccans is a lie against Allah.

vv. 72-75, Noah warned his people. They rejected him and then the judgement came.

vv. 76-96, Moses warned the Egyptians. They rejected him and then the judgement came.

v. 99, Jonah warned his people. They listened to him and were saved from judgement.

vv. 100-110 The Meccans are going to meet Allah and judgement day and Muhammad will testify against them.

What I found interesting.

1. Things we learn about Muhammad

a. Called a wizard

Is it a wonder for mankind that We have inspired a man among them, saying: Warn mankind and bring unto those who believe the good tidings that they have a sure footing with their Lord? The disbelievers say: Lo! this is a mere wizard. 10:3

b. Asked to change the Qur’an. He did this with the Satanic Verses.

And when Our clear revelations are recited unto them, they who look not for the meeting with Us say: Bring a Lecture other than this, or change it. Say (O Muhammad): It is not for me to change it of my accord. I only follow that which is inspired in me. Lo! if I disobey my Lord I fear the retribution of an awful Day. 10:16

c. Muhammad has spent his life in Mecca.

Say: If Allah had so willed I should not have recited it to you nor would He have made it known to you. I dwelt among you a whole lifetime before it (came to me). Have ye then no sense? 10:17

d. Is this verse suggesting that Muhammad was waiting for a sign too?

And they will say: If only a portent were sent down upon him from his Lord! Then say, (O Muhammad): The Unseen belongeth to Allah. So wait! Lo! I am waiting with you. 10:21

e. Muhammad is to believe the earlier prophets if he doubts the revelation he has received.

And if thou (Muhammad) art in doubt concerning that which We reveal unto thee, then question those who read the Scripture (that was) before thee. Verily the Truth from thy Lord hath come unto thee. So be not thou of the waverers. And be not thou of those who deny the revelations of Allah, for then wert thou of the losers. 10:95-96

2. Since Muhammad has not miraculous sign from Allah, the Qur’an is again said to be the sign.

And this Qur'an is not such as could ever be invented in despite of Allah; but it is a confirmation of that which was before it and an exposition of that which is decreed for mankind - Therein is no doubt - from the Lord of the Worlds. Or say they: He hath invented it? Say: Then bring a surah like unto it, and call (for help) on all ye can besides Allah, if ye are truthful. 10:38-39

There is more to this "sura like it" challenge though because this claim of uniqueness is not limited to the Qur'an alone but equally applies to all of God's books.

Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Then bring a scripture from the presence of Allah that giveth clearer guidance than these two (Qur'an and Torah)(that) I may follow it, if ye are truthful. 28:49

Therefore the "sura like it" challenge can be used to prove that all of God's books are from him and not just the Qur'an.
3. The day of judgement.

And for every nation there is a messenger. And when their messenger cometh (on the Day of Judgment) it will be judged between them fairly, and they will not be wronged. 10:48

4. It is interesting how the way the story of Moses is told is really addressing the issue of how the Muslims are to live in Mecca when people are hostile to them.

And We inspired Moses and his brother, (saying): Appoint houses for your people in Egypt and make your houses oratories, and establish worship. And give good news to the believers. 10:88

Sura 9 - Repentance

2010-05-16T16:38:00.000-07:00

My Title

I think that “Repentance” is a good title, though “The Great Commission” could also work.

Date and Context

This is the last main sura that Muhammad gives, 9 A.H. It really is his great commission for the Islamic community. His forces have conquered Mecca, he has sent envoys to all the surrounding empires calling them to Islam and now he is beginning his push north into the Byzantine empire. This first northern push was with a battle at Tabuk. Many Muslim tribes did not join him for this offensive and much of this sura is aimed at them.

Structure

vv. 1-28 What to do with Mecca and the Arabs who hold to the traditional religions now that Islam controls Mecca. Fight them; they are unclean and ban them from Mecca.
vv. 29-35 Fight the Christians and Jews because they are heretics.
vv. 36- 98 The Muslims who would not fight at Tabuk covenant breakers, have rejected the Quran, are unclean and so you must fight them.
vv. 97-99 The Wandering Arab - some help some don't.
vv. 100-129 To the believers: paradise, reward how to behave

It is interesting that this sura comes after sura 9. Sura 8 is the beginning of fighting while sura 9 is the last word on fighting. This canonical position seems deliberate.

What I found interesting.

1. New Rules for Mecca

Mecca was the religious centre for the region. Now that Muhammad controls Mecca he can control the shape of Arab religion.

It is not for the idolaters to tend Allah's sanctuaries, bearing witness against themselves of disbelief. As for such, their works are vain and in the Fire they will abide. 9:17

O ye who believe! The idolaters only are unclean. So let them not come near the Inviolable Place of Worship after this their year. If ye fear poverty
(from the loss of their merchandise) Allah shall preserve you of His bounty
if He will. Lo! Allah is Knower, Wise. 9:28

The Muslims are to fight the idolaters. If they have a treaty with them they are to wait until the treaty ends and then fight. There is no obligation to have peace with them. Warfare is the only state of existence. (9:3-5)

2. Fight Christians and Jews because they are heretics

Fight against such of those who have been given the Scripture as believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, and forbid not that which Allah hath forbidden by His messenger, and follow not the Religion of Truth, until they pay the tribute readily, being brought low. And the Jews say: Ezra is the son of Allah, and the Christians say: The Messiah is the son of Allah. That is their saying with their mouths. They imitate the saying of those who disbelieved of old. Allah (Himself) fighteth against them. How perverse are they! ... Fain would they put out the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah disdaineth (aught) save that He shall perfect His light, however much the disbelievers are averse. He it is Who hath sent His messenger with the guidance and the Religion of Truth, that He may cause it to prevail over all religion, however much the idolaters may be averse. 9:29-33

3. Fighting in Allah’s cause is the highest service to God

Count you the slaking of a pilgrim's thirst and tendance of the Inviolable Place of Worship as (equal to the worth of) him who believeth in Allah and the Last Day, and striveth in the way of Allah? They are not equal in the sight of Allah. Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk. Those who believe, and have left their homes and striven with their wealth and their lives in Allah's way are of much greater worth in Allah's sight. These are they who are triumphant. 9:19-20

4. Muhammad’s War on Muslims

Many of the Muslims seemed not interested in Muhammad’s war against everyone. They are called hypocrites, unclean, unbelievers and covenant breakers. It is very serious for Muslims not to join the jihad. Their destiny is hell and Muhammad is to make war on them.

They alone ask leave of thee who believe not in Allah and the Last Day, and whose hearts feel doubt, so in their doubt they waver. 9:45

They will swear by Allah unto you, when ye return unto them, that ye may let them be. Let them be, for lo! they are unclean, and their abode is hell as the reward for what they used to earn. 9:95

So He hath made the consequence (to be) hypocrisy in their hearts until the day when they shall meet Him, because they broke their word to Allah that they promised Him, and because they lied. 9:77

The road (of blame) is only against those who ask for leave of thee (to stay at home) when they are rich. They are content to be with the useless. Allah hath sealed their hearts so that they know not. 9:93

O Prophet! Strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites! Be harsh with them. Their ultimate abode is hell, a hapless journey's end. 9:73

This is one of the reasons why “true” Muslims fight nominal Muslims today.

5. Choose God over your family.

O ye who believe! Choose not your fathers nor your brethren for friends if they take pleasure in disbelief rather than faith. Whoso of you taketh them
for friends, such are wrong-doers. 9:23

This is like what Jesus says in the gospel.

6. Zakat - The Charity Tax?

The Zakat is a tax that all Muslims pay and is often translated as “charity”. This verse shows what it is to be spent on:

The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect them, and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives and the debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarer; a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is Knower, Wise. 9:60

Therefore it is not just charity but also for the “cause of Allah” which is Sura 9 is fighting on Jihad. I have seen many Islamic “charity” organisations get in trouble for supporting the Mujahadeen but they are simply doing what the Qur’an says.

7. Independent Mosque Planting!

It seems that there were other mosques that were not under Muhammad’s control. Maybe Muhammad was just part of a broader monotheistic movement? These other Muslims did not follow Muhammad exclusively and did not want to fight. They were peaceful Muslims. Muhammad had their mosque burnt down. (Ibn Ishaq, Sirat Rasul Allah, p. 609)

And as for those who chose a place of worship out of opposition and disbelief, and in order to cause dissent among the believers, and as an outpost for those who warred against Allah and His messenger aforetime, they will surely swear: We purposed naught save good. Allah beareth witness that they verily are liars. Never stand (to pray) there. A place of worship which was found upon duty (to Allah) from the first day is more worthy that thou shouldst stand (to pray) therein, wherein are men who love to purify themselves. Allah loveth the purifiers. 9:107-108

8. The Gospel of Jihad

In order to justify his doctrine of Jihad Muhammad claimed that this was the message of all the prophets.

Lo! Allah hath bought from the believers their lives and their wealth because the Garden will be theirs: they shall fight in the way of Allah and shall slay and be slain. It is a promise which is binding on Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur'an. Who fulfilleth His covenant better than Allah? Rejoice then in your bargain that ye have made, for that is the supreme triumph. 9:111

Sura 8 - Spoils of War

2010-05-08T23:23:00.000-07:00

My Title: Let the war begin

Date and Context

This sura refers to the Battle of Badr and so can be dated to 2 A.H. The Battle of Badr is a famous event in Muslim history. The people of Mecca had rejected Muhammad and so he had left Mecca to live in Medina. Here he began the first Islamic state and formed an army. Now a Meccan caravan was returning home from Syria. Muhammad decided to raid it. An army came from Mecca to defend the caravan however Muhammad was able to defeat this army when they arrived. This battle is seen as the first great victory to Islam.

Structure

This is a shorter sura (75 verses) and seems to discuss several topics throughout. The topics are:
1. What to do with war booty.
2. What fighting will look like in Islam.
3. Why the fighting is necessary.

It is the Muslims who are addressed in this sura

What I found interesting.

1. This sura seems to be answering a lot of arguments that have arisen due to the battle: how did we win, what happens to all the money, why fight, the scope of the fighting?

2. The true believers defined.

They only are the (true) believers whose hearts feel fear when Allah is mentioned, and when His revelations are recited unto them they increase their faith, and who trust in their Lord; Who establish worship and spend (on Jihad) of that We have bestowed on them. Those are they who are in truth believers. For them are grades (of honour) with their Lord, and pardon, and a bountiful provision. 8:2-4

Whoso on that day turneth his back to them, unless manoeuvring for battle or intent to join a company, he truly hath incurred wrath from Allah, and his habitation will be hell, a hapless journey's end. 8:16

Lo! those who believed and left their homes and strove with their wealth and their lives for the cause of Allah, and those who took them in and helped them: these are protecting friends one of another. And those who believed but did not leave their homes, ye have no duty to protect them till they leave their homes; but if they seek help from you in the matter of religion then it is your duty to help (them) except against a folk between whom and you there is a treaty. Allah is Seer of what ye do. 8:72

3. This is the famous verse about cutting off the infidels heads and fingers. It is often quoted in Islamic Jihad movies before they cut someone’s head off.

... Then smite the necks and smite of them each finger. 8:12

4. I thought that this was an interesting verse acknowledging that God’s judgement falls on those who do not deserve it.

And guard yourselves against a chastisement which cannot fall exclusively on those of you who are wrong-doers, and know that Allah is severe in punishment. 8:25

5. The reason for war

What (plea) have they that Allah should not punish them, when they debar (His servants) from the Inviolable Place of Worship, though they are not its fitting guardians. Its fitting guardians are those only who keep their duty to Allah. But most of them know not. 8:34

And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is all for Allah. But if they cease, then lo! Allah is Seer of what they do. 8:39

So you need to fight till “religion is all for Allah” not just till persecution is ended.

And when Our revelations are recited unto them they say: We have heard. If we wish we can speak the like of this. Lo! this is naught but fables of the men of old. 8:31

It is not for any prophet to have captives until he hath made slaughter in the land. Ye desire the lure of this world and Allah desireth (for you) the Hereafter, and Allah is Mighty, Wise. 8:67

6. This battle and the teaching that accompanies it is to be a model for future warfare. This is obviously important for understanding how to apply this teaching to other contexts.

O ye who believe! When ye meet an army, hold firm and think of Allah much, that ye may be successful. 8:45

O Prophet! Exhort the believers to fight. If there be of you twenty steadfast they shall overcome two hundred, and if there be of you a hundred (steadfast) they shall overcome a thousand of those who disbelieve, because they (the disbelievers) are a folk without intelligence. 8:65

7. Grace

That is because Allah never changeth the grace He hath bestowed on any people until they first change that which is in their hearts, and (that is) because Allah is Hearer, Knower. 8:53

And if they incline to peace, incline thou also to it, and trust in Allah. Lo! He, even He, is the Hearer, the Knower. 8:61

Sura 7 - The Heights

2010-05-02T18:26:00.000-07:00

My Title: The Evidence for Muhammad

Date and Context

A late Meccan sura most likely just before sura 6. It is Muhammad calling on the Meccans to accept him as a prophet.

Structure

vv. 1-10 Revelation has come warning of judgement.
vv. 11-58 Adam - Satan the deceiver of all mankind.
vv. 59-102 Noah, Hud, Salih, Lot and Shu’eyb - A prophet from among there own people.
vv. 103-171 The miraculous signs of a prophet.
vv. 172-206 Adam and the culpability of mankind

What I found interesting.

1. This sura is comparing the town of Mecca, which rejects Muhammad, to the towns that God has destroyed in the past.

How many a township have We destroyed! As a raid by night, or while they slept at noon, Our terror came unto them. 7:4

2. Adam (vv. 11-58) - It begins with the story of Adam and Satan. This seems to explain the universal human situation.

And We created you, then fashioned you, then told the angels: Fall ye prostrate before Adam! And they fell prostrate, all save Iblis (Satan), who was not of those who make prostration. He said: What hindered thee that thou didst not fall prostrate when I bade thee? (Iblis) said: I am better than him. Thou createdst me of fire while him Thou didst create of mud. 7:11-12

It is interesting how Satan is called to bow down before Adam. I thought you were only to bow to Allah? But bowing to Adam is a very Christological understanding of Adam.

And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him." In speaking of the angels he says, "He makes his angels winds, his servants flames of fire." (Hebrews 1:6-7, NIV)

Satan is now the great deceiver turning humanity away from Allah.

He said: Now, because Thou hast sent me astray, verily I shall lurk in ambush for them on Thy Right Path. 7:16

O Children of Adam! Let not Satan seduce you as he caused your (first) parents to go forth from the Garden 7:27

Adam and his wife eat the fruit and are cast out of paradise (v. 24) which seems to be in heaven (a literal fall?). The main lesson here is that you are to wear clothes and be modest. Maybe the Meccans were immodest and this was a rebuke to them.

2. Six Days

Lo! your Lord is Allah Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days, then mounted He the Throne. 7:54

The Bible never speaks about the six days of creation without mentioning the seventh day of rest. But in the Qur’an the six days have been detached from the goal of rest.

3. There is a big section (vv. 59-102) with Noah, Hud, Salih, Lot and Shu’eyb. They are all prophets from their own people. Muhammad is using their example to justify himself speaking to his fellow Meccans. It seems that “a prophet is not welcome in his hometown” is also true of Islam. In using these examples Muhammad is again promising judgement on the Meccans.

4. Moses - There is a big section with Moses vv. 103-171.

a. Moses is different to the prophets of vv. 59-102 because he is not an Egyptian but he speaks to Egyptians.
b. Moses give miraculous signs. The emphasis on miracles here seems to have caused a problem for Muhammad because he did not do miracles, therefore to use Moses as an example did not work. Therefore the next sura chronologically (sura 6) is an explanation why Muhammad did not do miracles. If this is the case then it is interesting to think that Muhammad recites something that doesn’t completely work and then needs to address the problem that it causes.
c. The magicians of Pharaoh’s court convert to Allah. This really reminded me of the stories of the Saints (2-6th century) that I have read from the Coptic church. The Qur’an seems to be part of this genre.
d. Many of the event of Moses’ life are briefly referred to but in the wrong order or incorrectly.
e. The Torah foretells the coming of Muhammad.

Those who follow the messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write, whom they will find described in the Torah and the Gospel (which are) with them. ... 7:157

5. Adam is also the theme for how the sura concludes.

Adam is the representative of all so all know not to associate partners with Allah.

And (remember) when thy Lord brought forth from the Children of Adam, from their reins, their seed, and made them testify of themselves, (saying): Am I not your Lord? They said: Yea, verily. We testify. (That was) lest ye should say at the Day of Resurrection: Lo! of this we were unaware; Or lest ye should say: (It is) only (that) our fathers ascribed partners to Allah of old and we were (their) seed after them. Wilt Thou destroy us on account of that which those who follow falsehood did? 7:172-173

Adam is the first to associate partners with Allah.

He it is Who did create you from a single soul, and therefrom did make his mate that he might take rest in her. And when he covered her she bore a light burden, and she passed (unnoticed) with it, but when it became heavy they cried unto Allah, their Lord, saying: If thou givest unto us aright we shall be of the thankful. But when He gave unto them aright, they ascribed unto Him partners in respect of that which He had given them. High is He Exalted above all that they associate (with Him). 7:189-190

How can Muslims say prophets never sin with Adam did this?

6. I really felt that knowing the Bible helped to understand this part of the Qur’an. Many of stories in these sura were too brief to understand what they actually were. There seems to be an assumed level of Bible knowledge therefore Muslims would do well to read the Bible to better understand the Qur’an.

7. 7:171 says that God held Mt Sinai above the Israelites as a threat.

And when We shook the Mount above them as it were a covering, and they supposed that it was going to fall upon them (and We said): Hold fast that which We have given you, and remember that which is therein, that ye may ward off (evil). 7:171

The original source of this detail is from Jewish commentaries, in this case rabbi Abdimi bar Hama bar Hasa.

This (Exodus 19:17) teaches that the Holy One, blessed He, held the mountain over (the people of) Israel like a cask and said to them, `If you accept the Torah, well and good, and if not, then there is where your grave will be. (Jacob Neusner, The Talmud of Babylonia: An American Translation, Vol. II.C: Shabbat, Ch. 7-10, Scholars Press: Atlanta, Georgia, 1993, ch. 9, I.25, p. 82)

This gives us some insight as to what literature/oral traditions Muhammad was exposed to.

Sura 6 - Cattle

2010-04-26T18:43:00.000-07:00

My Title: Why no miracles?

Date and Context

This seems to be Muhammad’s last address to the Meccans before his flees Mecca and goes to Medina to live. The Meccans have rejected Muhammad and his message because he has not given them any proof. The main theme of this sura is to answer this objection and provide and explain the proof that Muhammad’s message is true. It also may be that this sura corrects sura 7 which compared Muhammad to Moses. However since Moses did miracles this comparison did not work and needed to be corrected.

Structure

vv. 1-73 Why Allah has not given a miraculous sign through Muhammad.

vv. 74-135 The sign of Abraham and wisdom not revelation. Abraham looked at the world and rightly saw its creator and worshipped him alone.

vv. 136-166 The Meccan claim that they do look at the world and follow its god refuted.

What I found Interesting.

1. The Meccan Objections - Muhammad you give us no proof for what you say!

No book from heaven.

Had we sent down unto thee (Muhammad) (actual) writing upon parchment, so that they could feel it with their hands, those who disbelieve would have said: This is naught else than mere magic. 6:7

No angel.

They say: Why hath not an angel been sent down unto him? If We sent down an angel, then the matter would be judged; no further time would be allowed them (for reflection). Had we appointed him (Our messenger) an angel, We assuredly had made him (as) a man (that he might speak to men); and (thus) obscured for them (the truth) they (now) obscure. 6:8-9

No sign.

They say: Why hath no portent been sent down upon him from his Lord? Say: Lo! Allah is Able to send down a portent. But most of them know not. 6:37

You are just speaking fables (6:25)

2. The Evidence of Muhammad.

a. Look at the world and see the power of Allah. Allah is the all powerful, all knowing, the all sustaining, the one to whom we all return. He makes the plants grow and the rain to come. There is no evidence of him having a partner. 6:59, 64

Proofs have come unto you from your Lord, so whoso seeth, it is for his own good, and whoso is blind is blind to his own hurt. And I am not a keeper over you. 6:104

Such is Allah, your Lord. There is no God save Him, the Creator of all things, so worship Him. And He taketh care of all things. 6:102

b. Even if you were given a miraculous sign you would not believe.

And they swear a solemn oath by Allah that if there come unto them a portent they will believe therein. Say; Portents are with Allah and (so is) that which telleth you that if such came unto them they would not believe. 6:109

c. Abraham - There is a great story about Abraham before he was a believer. One day he began to worship a star but it set so he didn’t worship it. The same happens with the moon and sun. Abraham then uses his logic to say these are not gods and that Allah alone should be worshiped. It is this logical argument that Muhammad puts to the Meccans. This argument certainly can give us evidence for God (Romans 1:18ff) but does not provide evidence for Muhammad being a prophet.

That is Our argument. We gave it unto Abraham against his folk. We raise unto degrees of wisdom whom We will. Lo! thy Lord is Wise, Aware. 6:83

d. It is Allah’s choice that you don’t believe Muhammad.

And whomsoever it is Allah's will to guide, He expandeth his bosom unto the Surrender, and whomsoever it is His Will to send astray, He maketh his bosom close and narrow as if he were engaged in sheer ascent. Thus Allah layeth ignominy upon those who believe not. 6:125

Say - For Allah's is the final argument - Had He willed He could indeed have guided all of you. 6:149

e. Muhammad says he has enough proof.

Say: I am (relying) on clear proof from my Lord, while ye deny Him. I have not that for which ye are impatient. The decision is for Allah only. He telleth the truth and He is the Best of Deciders. 6:57

f. The Meccans say they do worship the god/gods of creation with their animistic worship but Muhammad says they kill their children and do terrible things therefore this cannot be the true god. However, Muhammad used some of their animistic worship with the kissing and honouring of the Black Stone.

Bukhari, Muslim and Abu Daw'ud reported that 'Umar approached the Black Stone and kissed it. Then he said: "I know that you are a mere stone that can neither harm nor do any good. If I had not seen the Prophet (peace be upon him) kissing you, I would have never kissed you." Al-Khatabi said: "This shows that abiding by the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) is binding, regardless of whether or not we understand its reason or the wisdom behind it." Such information devolves obligation on all those whom it reaches, even if they may not fully comprehend its significance. It is known, however, that kissing the Black Stone signifies respect for it, recognition of our obligation toward it, and using it as a
means of seeking Allah's blessings. ... The underlying spirit of all this is unquestioning submission to Allah. (As-Sayyid Sabiq, Fiqh us-Sunnah, Hajj and 'Umrah, vol. 5, p. 75)

3. Threats for rejecting Muhammad. Many verses saying Allah will judge you and send you to hell, but more interestingly was the threat the Muhammad would come and punish them

Messengers (of Allah) have been derided before thee, but that whereat they scoffed surrounded such of them as did deride. 6:10

Yes, it is true that Muhammad did not fight when he was in Mecca but he was not peaceful. He seems to be active in making threats to the Meccans.

4. Muhammad does not know

Say (O Muhammad, to the disbelievers): I say not unto you (that) I possess the treasures of Allah, nor that I have knowledge of the Unseen; and I say not unto you: Lo! I am an angel. I follow only that which is inspired in me. Say: Are the blind man and the seer equal? Will ye not then take thought? 6:50

This is quite different from the New Testament descriptions of Jesus.

Sura 5 - The Table Spread

2010-04-19T03:56:00.000-07:00

My Title: Covenant Obligations
Date and Context - The date for this one is varied. Pickthall says from 5-10 A.H. It is certainly when Muhammad is dealing with many Christians and Jews.

Structure

The main theme of this sura is our duty to God because he has made a covenant with the Jews, Christians and Muslims. And each group is to fulfil their covenant.

vv. 1-11 Various duties and instructions for the Muslims about food, fighting, washing.
vv. 12-32 The example of covenant duty with Jesus, the Israelites and Adam’s sons.
vv. 33-108 Is a mixture of instructions to Muslims, Christians and Jews about what it means to live for Allah and keep his covenant. It deals with oaths, apostasy and how Muslims are to live with Christians.
Vv. 109-120 How each prophet with bear witness to his community as to whether they kept their covenant with Allah. A very interesting ending where Jesus’ disciples, the model of covenant keeping Christians, ask for a table spread with food from heaven, the covenant meal.

What I found Interesting.

1. Covenant - The idea of covenant was strong. There does not seem to be any sacrifice made to start the covenant as there was with Abraham, Israel and Jesus, instead I think it is just the giving of the revelation brings a covenant and maybe the Lord’s table at the end of the sura.

2. Living with Christians - There must have been a lot of Christians around Muhammad to warrant the amount of instruction about them, but it is a real mix of instructions.

Muslim can eat Christian and Jewish food (5:5) marry Christian women (5:5) and must treat them well.

Don’t have Christians as friends.

O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for friends. ... 5:51

The Christian leaders are liars 5:61-62

Have Christians as friends

Thou wilt find the most vehement of mankind in hostility to those who believe (to be) the Jews and the idolaters. And thou wilt find the nearest of them in affection to those who believe (to be) those who say: Lo! We are Christians. That is because there are among them priests and monks, and because they are not. 5:82

Christians and Jews have broken, forgotten and hidden part of their covenant with Allah 5:13-15, 41

Christians and Jews are to follow their own scriptures.

How come they unto thee (Muhammad) for judgment when they have the Torah, wherein Allah hath delivered judgment (for them)? ... Let the People of the Gospel judge by that which Allah hath revealed therein. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are evil-livers. And unto thee (Muslims) have We revealed the Scripture with the truth, confirming whatever Scripture was before it, and a watcher over it. ... For each We have appointed a divine law and a traced-out way. Had Allah willed He could have made you one community. But that He may try you by that which He hath given you (He hath made you as ye are). 5:43-48

It is very interesting to see the idea here of three parallel religious codes and that Allah made it this way. Is this saying that the Jewish and Christian covenants continue alongside of the Islamic covenant?

Say O People of the Scripture! Ye have naught (of guidance) till ye observe the Torah and the Gospel and that which was revealed unto you from your Lord. ... 5:58

Overall it is continuing to sow distrust towards what Christians and Jews say about God.

3. Jesus

Is not God

They indeed have disbelieved who say: Lo! Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary. ... 5:17, 72-75

No Trinity

They surely disbelieve who say: Lo! Allah is the third of three; when there is no God save the One God. If they desist not from so saying a painful doom will fall on those of them who disbelieve.5:73

Mary is not part of the Trinity

And when Allah saith: O Jesus, son of Mary! Didst thou say unto mankind: Take me and my mother for two gods beside Allah? 5:116

Just a prophet

The Messiah, son of Mary, was no other than a messenger, messengers (the like of whom) had passed away before him. And his mother was a saintly woman. And they both used to eat (earthly) food. See how We make the revelations clear for them, and see how they are turned away! 5:75

On judgement day Jesus will testify against the Christians for their false beliefs about him and his mother.

In the day when Allah gathereth together the messengers, and saith: What was your response (from mankind)?... 5:109

The disciples of Jesus are put forward as the model Christians. 5:112-14

4. Son of God - Not only is Jesus not the son of God, but Christians and Jews must not call themselves this also.

The Jews and Christians say: We are sons of Allah and His loved ones. Say: Why then doth He chastise you for your sins? Nay, ye are but mortals of His creating. ... 5:18

5. The Promised Land. Allah gave Israel the promised land.

O my people! Go into the holy land which Allah hath ordained for you. Turn not in flight, for surely ye turn back as losers: 5:21

I wonder how this is understood in the light of Muslims wanting to remove Israel from the land?

6. Cutting Off Hand - This is a famous verse.

As for the thief, both male and female, cut off their hands. It is the reward of their own deeds, an exemplary punishment from Allah. Allah is Mighty, Wise. But whoso repenteth after his wrongdoing and amendeth, lo! Allah will relent toward him. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. 5:38-39

V. 39 says that Allah will relent towards him, this means that the thief will not go to hell not that his hand will not be cut off.

7. Apostasy - It is interesting to see that at this stage if someone leaves Islam they are not to be killed but instead Allah will raise up a better Muslim people. This is a great verse of what it means to be a covenant keeping Muslims. So what does a good Muslim look like? Read on ...

O ye who believe! Whoso of you becometh a renegade from his religion, (know that in his stead) Allah will bring a people whom He loveth and who love Him, humble toward believers, stern toward disbelievers, striving in the way of Allah, and fearing not the blame of any blamer. Such is the grace of Allah which He giveth unto whom He will. Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing. 5:54

8. The Bible - more confessions that Muslims believe all the scriptures 5:59.

9. Do not ask questions.

O ye who believe! Ask not of things which, if they were made known unto you, would trouble you; but if ye ask of them when the Qur'an is being revealed, they will be made known unto you. Allah pardoneth this, for Allah is Forgiving, Clement. 5:101

10. Games of Chance.
5:90 and 2:219 both prohibit games of chance. The Shariah says:

Every game played by two or more people that relies on luck, conjecture, and guessing is unlawful, no matter whether money is stipulated or not. (k29.5)... gambling, whether by itself or connected with offensive games like chess or unlawful ones like backgammon ... (w.52.1 (423)) Ahmad ibn Naqib al-Misri, "Reliance of the Traveller."

Sura 4 - Women

2010-04-11T17:05:00.000-07:00

Date: 4 A.H. Muhammad has had the Islamic state in Medina going for 4 years now. In this sura he deals with social issues and with questions raised by the Jewish tribes in Medina. There is also some interaction with Christians.

Structure

vv. 1- 43 Women’s and orphans rights
vv. 44-56 Answering the People of the book
vv. 57- 86 Urging the Muslims to fight
vv. 87-127 Issues about those trying to turn the Muslims away.
vv. 128-130 Women’s Issues.
vv. 131- 176 Humanity and Allah
v. 177 Inheritance (An odd ending though this is where the sura started?)

What I found interesting

1. Women - This sura has much teaching about how to treat women. The dominant theme was of being kind and caring for women, but, the understanding of what it means to be king was not the Christian or Western understanding.

Polygamy is allowed (4:3) but only if you can deal equally to each wife. However later it says:

Ye will not be able to deal equally between (your) wives, however much ye wish (to do so). 4:129

But polygamy is still allowed and Muslim men know this. I have had two Muslim friends try to convert me on this point and leading Australian Muslims are calling for its introduction in Australia. I wonder what Islamic wedding vows look it?

Exchange your wife.

And if ye wish to exchange one wife for another and ye have given unto one of them a sum of money (however great), take nothing from it. 4:20

How different this is to Jesus’ teaching.

Beat your wife

... As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them. ... 4:34

Women are unclean when menstruating (2:222).

O ye who believe! Draw not near unto prayer when ye are drunken, till ye know that which ye utter, nor when ye are polluted, ...4:43

The result is that it is sin for a woman to pray when she is menstruating (or touch a Qur’an or enter certain areas of Mecca).

2. Again a strong theme of the belief in the previous scriptures to the Qur’an.

O ye who believe! Believe in Allah and His messenger and the Scripture which He hath revealed unto His messenger, and the Scripture which He revealed aforetime. Whoso disbelieveth in Allah and His angels and His scriptures and His messengers and the Last Day, he verily hath wandered far astray. 4:136, 47, 162

3. The Jews and Christians do not teach their scriptures faithfully

O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. ... 4:171

Some of those who are Jews change words from their context ... 4:46 (44)

4. Jesus is not lord or died on the cross.

And because of their saying: We slew the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, Allah's messenger - they slew him not nor crucified him, but it appeared so unto them; and lo! those who disagree concerning it are in doubt thereof; they have no knowledge thereof save pursuit of a conjecture; they slew him not for certain. But Allah took him up unto Himself. Allah was ever Mighty, Wise. 4:157-158

O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and His word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not "Three" - Cease! (it is) better for you! - Allah is only One God. Far is it removed from His Transcendent Majesty that He should have a son. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is sufficient as Defender. 4:171

5. Man is not corrupt but weak.

Allah would make the burden light for you, for man was created weak. 4:28

6. Verses on sin

If ye avoid the great (things) which ye are forbidden, We will remit from you your evil deeds and make you enter at a noble gate. 4:31

And surely I will lead them astray, and surely I will arouse desires in them, and surely I will command them and they will cut the cattle' ears, and surely I will command them and they will change Allah's creation. Whoso chooseth Satan for a patron instead of Allah is verily a loser and his loss is manifest. 4:119

7. If you fight for Islam then you have higher status with Allah.

Those of the believers who sit still, other than those who have a (disabling) hurt, are not on an equality with those who strive in the way of Allah with their wealth and lives. Allah hath conferred on those who strive with their wealth and lives a rank above the sedentary. Unto each Allah hath promised good, but He hath bestowed on those who strive a great reward above the sedentary; Degrees of rank from Him, and forgiveness and mercy. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful. 4:95-96

8. I was surprised to see that immigrating for Islam is commended.

Whoso migrateth for the cause of Allah will find much refuge and abundance in the earth, and whoso forsaketh his home, a fugitive unto Allah and His messenger, and death overtaketh him, his reward is then incumbent on Allah. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful. 4:100

There are many migrations in Muhammad’s history: to Ethiopia, Medina, and to the colonies that Muhammad began to setup, no doubt some Muslims are still immigrating for Islam today.

9. Hiding your true intentions is also taught.

And when ye go forth in the land, it is no sin for you to curtail (your) worship if ye fear that those who disbelieve may attack you. In truth the disbelievers are an open enemy to you. 4:101 (3:28, 18, 16:106)

Sura 3 - The Family of Imran

2010-04-05T16:12:00.000-07:00

Date: 3-4 A.H. Muhammad has now established himself in Medina.

Structure

The sura is named after Imran, the father of Moses, Aaron and Miriam. It has four sections:
1. Explaining the nature of the Qur’an.
2. Muhammad’s discussion with the Christians from the Najran.
3. Explaining the Muslim military defeat at the battle of Uhud.
4. Closing reflection and prayer.

What I found interesting:

1. This sura still has the strong theme that the Qur’an confirms the previous scripture.

He hath revealed unto thee (Muhammad) the Scripture with truth, confirming that which was (revealed) before it, even as He revealed the Torah and the Gospel. 3:3

Say (O Muhammad): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes, and that which was vouchsafed unto Moses and Jesus and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered. 3:84

2. Interpreting the Qur’an. I wonder which bits are allegorical?

He it is Who hath revealed unto thee (Muhammad) the Scripture wherein are clear revelations - they are the substance of the Book - and others (which are) allegorical. But those in whose hearts is doubt pursue, forsooth, that which is allegorical seeking (to cause) dissension by seeking to explain it. None knoweth its explanation save Allah. And those who are of sound instruction say: We believe therein; the whole is from our Lord; but only men of understanding really heed. 3:7

3. I found this verses to be very liturgical as it seems to be a response to 3:7

Our Lord! Cause not our hearts to stray after Thou hast guided us, and bestow upon us mercy from Thy Presence. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Bestower. 3:8 (also 3:192-194)

Again, the Qur’an does not sound like Allah speaking but a community speaking about Allah.

4. This verse makes it hard for Muslims to have non-Muslim friends.

Let not the believers take disbelievers for their friends in preference to believers. Whoso doeth that hath no connection with Allah unless (it be) that ye but guard yourselves against them, taking (as it were) security. ... 3:28

I could see Islamic Fundamentalists using this verse to attack Muslim governments which are friendly with non-Islamic countries.

5. There is a big section in this sura about Mary (Miriam) Jesus’ mother (3:35-45). But the she is the daughter of Imran the father of Moses and Aaron. Here we see that Muhammad confuses Mary the mother of Jesus with Mary (Miriam) the daughter of Imran.

6. There is a big section about Jesus. The stories of Jesus speaking in the cradle (v. 46) and making birds of clay (v. 49) come from well known apocryphal gospels. This gives us an insight as to the sources that were available to Muhammad.

Muhammad seeks to explain Jesus’ relationship to the Torah:

And (I come) confirming that which was before me of the Torah, and to make lawful some of that which was forbidden unto you. I come unto you with a sign from your Lord, so keep your duty to Allah and obey me. 3:50

And for those Christians who do not access Muhammad’s teaching Muslims are to solve the issue with a curse.

And whoso disputeth with thee concerning him, after the knowledge which hath come unto thee, say (unto him): Come! We will summon our sons and your sons, and our women and your women, and ourselves and yourselves, then we will pray humbly (to our Lord) and (solemnly) invoke the curse of Allah upon those who lie. 3:61

7. There is much about Abraham in this sura but Abraham is portrayed as a monotheist and not a man of the covenant. The result is the theme of the covenant which unites the Torah and Gospel is not understand.

O People of the Scripture! Why will ye argue about Abraham, when the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed till after him? Have ye then no sense? 3:6

Lo! those of mankind who have the best claim to Abraham are those who followed him, and this Prophet and those who believe (with him); and Allah is the Protecting Guardian of the believers. 3:68

It seems that being a monotheist is all that matters (v. 95) and the unifying promises given to Abraham are not present. This shows that Muhammad has no understanding of the main themes of the prophets.

It seems that the Christians were trying to explain the scriptures to the Muslims but Muhammad is telling the Muslims not to listen to the Christians or Jews but instead to only listen to what he is saying and that this is the way of Abraham. Muhammad has turned Muslims away from the writing of the prophets.

I think that we need to see what the Qur’an says about Jesus and Christians in order to understand an important aspect of how Muslims think of Christians. Imagine if there were Pharisees around today. Would not Christians think of them in terms of their NT description? I think that this is how Islamic culture sees Christians.

8. There was a lot about how to be “saved”

And obey Allah and the messenger, that ye may find mercy. And vie one with another for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for those who ward off (evil); 3:132-133 and 136, 157, 163

Say, (O Muhammad, to mankind): If ye love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. 3:31

Every soul will taste of death. And ye will be paid on the Day of Resurrection only that which ye have fairly earned. Whoso is removed from the Fire and is made to enter paradise, he indeed is triumphant. The life of this world is but comfort of illusion. 3:185

There was a very strong martyr theme saying that the martyrs of Jihad are the ones in paradise. 3:169-172

9. In the second half there were many verses about giving away/using your wealth to follow Muhammad and join the Jihad. It is interesting to compare this call to the call of Jesus to give away and use our wealth to follow him.

10. A Common Word

Say: O People of the Scripture! Come to an agreement (common word) between us and you: that we shall worship none but Allah, and that we shall ascribe no partner unto Him, and that none of us shall take others for lords beside Allah. And if they turn away, then say: Bear witness that we are they who have surrendered (unto Him). 3:64

This verse is a key verse for how Muslims are to approach Christians. It is the call for Christians to be true monotheist like Muslims. It calls on Christian to worship God alone and not to associate (shirk) anything or anyone with God. This is a significant verse for Christian Muslim relations.

The assumption of the verse is that Christians do associate others with God and that Muslims do not, however, Christians need to realize that Muslims kiss the black stone in an animistic practice, that Muhammad in included in the Shahada, he is prayed to him in the Salaat, relied on for his intercession on the last day, his tomb is in the mosque in Medina and he approved of the collecting of his relics. Muhammad is associated with Allah at every point of Islamic practice. I am currently writing an article about this where I will provide all the references. 3:64 is indeed a key verse for Christian Muslim relations because Islam is Muhammadism.

Sura 2 - The Cow

2010-03-29T16:46:00.000-07:00

Date: 1-2 A.H. so Muhammad has just moved to Medina (Yathrib) and is setting up the Islamic state. There are Jewish tribes in Medina.

Structure: The first half is addressed to the Jews who do not accept Muhammad as a prophet. It puts forward various reasons why they should accept him. The second half is addressed to the Muslim community and tells them how they are to live as Muslims. The last verse (v. 286) seems to be a prayer by the Muslim community.

What I found interesting:

1. When Muhammad is trying to convince the Jews (and Christians) to accept him as a prophet one of his main “signs” was that the Qur’an confirms the teaching of the Jewish and Christian scriptures which are with them.

And when there cometh unto them a messenger from Allah, confirming that which they possess ... (2:101, 2:4, 41, 89, 91)

It does say that some unbelieving Jews changed some of their scripture (2:59) but it also says that faithful Jews and Christians read their scriptures properly (2:121). (Similar comments are actually made about the Qur'an and unbelievers as well.) And so Muslims are meant to believe all of the previous scriptures and make no distinction between them.

Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered. 2:136

The problem is that the Qur’an does not confirm the teaching of the previous prophets. In the first half of this sura Muhammad does tell many of the stories of the Biblical characters but the stories are sometimes quite different. The version of the story he tells actually comes from the Jewish commentaries like the Talmud. It seems that Muhammad thinks he is confirming the message of the earlier prophets when in fact he is reflecting Jewish traditions. Muslims are aware of these differences and as a result do not do treat all of the prophets the same. Instead they say that the Bible is changed and some even rewrite the gospel to make it “confirm” the teaching of the Quran.

2. The other sign that Muhammad gives to convince the Jews and Christians is that no one can produce a sura like the Qur’an and therefore it must be from Allah.

And if ye are in doubt concerning that which We reveal unto Our slave (Muhammad), then produce a surah of the like thereof, and call your witness beside Allah if ye are truthful. 2:23

However, I have not found anything in the Qur’an that compares to 1 Corinthians 13, yes the Qur’an is performed beautifully but a good performance does not make it the word of God.

There is also the issue that this claim of uniqueness is not limited to the Qur'an alone but equally applies to all of God's books.

Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Then bring a scripture from the presence of Allah that giveth clearer guidance than these two (Qur'an and Torah)(that) I may follow it, if ye are truthful. 28:49

Therefore the "sura like it" challenge can be used to prove that all of God's books are from him and not just the Qur'an.

3. I was interested in the way the voice of the sura changed. Most of it is “we” and is meant to sound like angels speaking about Allah, but in v. 152 it changed to “I” and sounded like Allah speaking, then at the end (v. 286) it sounded like the Muslim community reciting a prayer. This is interesting because Muslims say it is all the word of Allah yet only a small section of this sura was Allah speaking. Most of it was angels speaking about Allah and the last bit was a prayer of the Muslims.

4. It seems that the early Muslims did not want to fight for their religion and needed to be convinced of this.

Warfare is ordained for you, though it is hateful unto you; but it may happen that ye hate a thing which is good for you, and it may happen that ye love a thing which is bad for you. Allah knoweth, ye know not. 2:216

And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is for Allah. But if they desist, then let there be no hostility except against wrong-doers. 2:193

5. I thought that this was a great Islamic definition of Allah

Allah! There is no Allah save Him, the Alive, the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep overtaketh Him. Unto Him belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Who is he that intercedeth with Him save by His leave? He knoweth that which is in front of them and that which is behind them, while they encompass nothing of His knowledge save what He will. His throne includeth the heavens and the earth, and He is never weary of preserving them. He is the Sublime, the Tremendous. 2:255

6. This is the sura with the following famous verse:

There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. ...2:256

This verse is often quoted and thought of and applied in a “Western way” - freedom. The context is very different. In just 20 verses the Qur’an says.

O ye who believe! Observe your duty to Allah, and give up what remaineth (due to you) from usury, if ye are (in truth) believers. And if ye do not, then be warned of war (against you) from Allah and His messenger. And if ye repent, then ye have your principal (without interest). Wrong not, and ye shall not be wronged. 2:278-279

The situation is that some Muslims want to get the usury (interest - now forbidden) that was still owed to them before they became Muslims. They are warned that if they seek this usury then Allah and Muhammad will make war on them. Thus if you do not follow all of the Islamic law (Shariah) war is to be made on you. We also see this in 9:73 when Muhammad is told to make war on those Muslims who do not join him in the conquest of the nations. Muhammad commanded war on those Muslims who did not stop using alcohol (Abu Dawood: bk 26, no. 3675) and Abu Bakr also made war on the Muslims who stopped paying the zakat (tax) (Bukhari: vol 9, bk. 92, no. 388:). It happens in Somalia and this is what the Taliban are doing.
Therefore it seems that if a Muslim wants only some of the Shariah then war is to be made on them.
What does "no compulsion in religion" really mean?
What does this mean for those Muslims who say they only want some of the Shariah and not all of it?

7. Another famous verse of the Qur'an is from this sura:

Nothing of our revelation (even a single verse) do we abrogate or cause be forgotten, but we bring (in place) one better or the like thereof. Knowest thou not that Allah is Able to do all things? 2:106

This is referring to how commands of in the Qur'an change depending upon Muhammad's situation. But I had never seen the connection with v. 109 before:

Many of the people of the Scripture long to make you disbelievers after your belief, through envy on their own account, after the truth hath become manifest unto them. Forgive and be indulgent (toward them) until Allah give command. Lo! Allah is Able to do all things. 2:109

V. 109 actually has the expectation of abrogation built into it! The Muslims are told to "Forgive and be indulgent" to the Christians and Jews UNTIL another command. Certainly 9:29 would be such a command as it calls for all Jews and Christians to be conquered.

Sura 1 - Fatiha - How to Read the Qur'an

2010-03-27T20:49:00.000-07:00

This is a prayer to Allah for guidance. Since the Qur'an offers itself as a source of guidance then this prayer is very appropriate to have at the start of the book. It is a good prayer. From what I know of Muslims, this prayer is the equivalent to the Lord's Prayer of Jesus in importance.

It is interesting that Ibn Masud (one of Muhammad's close companions) and others did not have this sura in their collection of the Qur'an. Maybe it was an early prayer that over time just became part of the Qur'an?

Here are a few tips for reading the Qur'an.

1. The Qur'an revolves around Muhammad's life and so knowing the context is very important, but the Qur'an does not provide this context. You have to learn this from the Islamic histories. I will do this for you. This is the reason why I have put a date at the start of each post. This lets you know when Muhammad said it and roughly what was happening in his life at the time.

The context of Muhammad's life can be simplified into two periods: his time in Mecca and his time in Medina (Yathrib). In Mecca had no army and he and his followers were rejected by the Meccans. After about 10 years he left Mecca. This leaving of Mecca is called "the Hijrah" and it is here that the Islamic calender begins. Thus 3 A.H. means three years after Muhammad left Mecca. In Medina Muhammad started an army and began to raid, fight and negotiate with those around him. This is the context of the second part of his life.

For a good brief introduction to the context and theme of each sura go to, Chapter Introductions to the Qur'an.

2. The Qur'an not only revolves around Muhammad's life but it also evolves around his life. When Muhammad faced different situations he changed what he said. In Islamic theology this is called the doctrine of abrogation. What it means is that you need to think about all of what Muhammad recited on a topic throughout his life in order to understand the Qur'an's teaching of this subject.

3. The characters of the Qur'an. The main characters of the Qur'an are Muhammad, Allah, the prophets, Christians, Jews, unbelieving Arabs, Muslims and hypocritical Muslims. Most of the Qur'an is a discussion between these groups. The way that the Qur'an applies to you depends upon which group you are.

4. Bible Stories - There is an assumed knowledge of Bible stories in the Qur'an. The Qur'an rarely retells the whole story, instead it refers to it by way of illustration. Therefore knowing the Bible provides a part of the context for understanding the Qur'an.

5. I think that it is best to read all of a sura in one go. This way you get a feel for the main point and can see how the parts contribute.

6. Read the Qur'an here.