Quran-Based Islam

Much of what you've been taught about Islam is not supported by the Quran

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 0 - READ ME FIRST

Purpose and Intent of This Website and Pre-Reading Preparation

Sources and Recognition

Who Created This Website?

PART 1 - SOURCES OF INFORMATION

1

The Quran - The Final and Complete Message from God

Proof that the Quran is final, complete and the one and only acceptable source of Islamic law

  • The Quran and previous scriptures (e.g. the Jewish Torah and Christian Gospel) are all from the one and only God (3:2-3) (5:46) (61:6)
  • The Quran replaces previous scriptures and tells everyone to believe in it (4:47)
  • Some verses are specific and others are unspecific for a reason (3:7)
  • God never runs out of words (31:27)
  • The Quran is without a doubt clear guidance (huda) (2:2)
  • The Quran is clear proof (burhan) from God (4:174)
  • The Quran is complete (6:115) (6:38)
  • The Quran is fully detailed (fussilat) of all things (6:114) (12:111) (41:3) (11:1)
  • The Quran is clarification (tibyana) of all things (16:89)
  • The Quran provides its own best explanation (ahsan tafsir) (25:33)
  • The Quran is the ultimate scale (mizaan) (42:17)
  • The Quran is evidence (bayyinah) (20:133)
  • The Quran is the criterion (furqan) between right and wrong (25:1)
  • God forbids people from following any law except God’s laws in the Quran (6:114)
  • Whoever judges by other than the Quran, they are Kafir (disbelievers) (5:44)
  • The best hadith (statement) is God’s statement (the Quran) (39:23)
  • The Quran forbids you from following or believing in something without understanding it (17:36)
  • The Quran expects you to study and think deeply about its verses (47:24)
  • God protects the Quran from human tampering / corruption (15:9)
  • No one can alter God’s words (6:115)
  • Don’t spread false information / say a lie against God (16:116)
  • The Quran is in Arabic but only due to circumstances
  • How the Quran was transmitted and preserved
  • Muhammad is the seal of the prophets and the Quran is the last book of God (33:40)

2

The Ahadeeth - Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

Proof that the ahadeeth is an unacceptable source of Islamic law

  • What is ahadeeth?
  • Not everything Muhammad said was a revelation. Muhammad himself only followed what was revealed to him. (10:15), (46:9), (6:50), (7:203)
  • God forbids people from believing in any statement (hadith) or book besides the Quran (45:6) (68:36-38)
  • God forbade the prophet from forbidding something that God never forbade (66:1)
  • The Quran forbids any other source, e.g. ahadeeth, to be used as law (6:114)
  • The prophet’s job was to deliver a message (the Quran) and nothing more (5:99) (42:48) (13:40)
  • Examples of “saheeh” ahadeeth that contradict each other
  • Examples of “saheeh” ahadeeth that contradict the Quran
  • Examples of “saheeh” ahadeeth that are unacceptable and questionable

3

Parents, Islamic Scholars, Popular / Majority Belief, Government, and Tradition

Many people are blind followers and don’t use their brains. Some overcomplicate religion.

  • Many Muslims are blind followers just like Prophet Abraham’s (pbuh) father and his people (21:52-68) (2:170)
  • If you follow and believe most people on earth, they will mislead you (6:116)
  • If you follow some Islamic scholars, they may also mislead you
  • Humans overcomplicate religion
    • Yellow cow example (2:67-71)
    • Astronaut example (2:177) (64:16)
  • The majority belief in something is not a valid proof or argument that it is correct
  • God gave humans a brain for a reason, not to be like cows (8:22) (7:179) (25:44)
  • Circular reasoning
  • Trained monkeys

4

Quran Translations

Examples showing that Quran translations are not always accurate and sometimes misleading

  • Inconsistent translations and interpretations (tafsir)
  • Inaccurate translations

5

Classical Arabic Dictionaries

Reputable dictionaries that can be used to help understand the Quran

6

Conclusion and Method of Analysis

The Quran, Quran Translations and Dictionaries, Common Sense Logic

PART 2 - TOPICS

POPULAR BELIEFS

1

Righteousness - Based on Lineage, Relationships, Companionship, etc.?

Proof that no one, including Muhammad’s wives, are automatically righteous

2

Will There Be a Bridge Over Hell (As-Sirat)?

The Quran doesn’t mention any such bridge and doesn’t indicate there will be any such thing

3

What Does the Quran Mean by “Ask Those That Have Knowledge”?

It doesn’t mean you can just blindly accept the advice of others, e.g. parents, scholars, gurus, etc.

4

Can I Just Blindly Follow What Others (Scholars, Imams, etc) Teach Me?

No. You may only follow what you understand and have proven to yourself.

5

Black Magic - Is It Real?

Proof that black magic is real and can, among other things, cause divorces

6

Gold and Silk - Is Wearing It Forbidden by Men?

Proof that men are allowed to wear gold and silk

7

Ablution (Wudu) - Must You Perform It Before Touching the Quran?

Proof that making ablution before touching the Quran is not required

8

Idolatry (Shirk) - More Than Just Worshipping Statues

An explanation of the different types of idolatry

9

Imam and the Shi’a Imamate - What Exactly is It?

An Quranic examination of the term “Imam”

10

Intercession - Can Anyone Help You on the Day of Judgement?

Proof that no one, including Muhammad (pbuh), can help anyone on the Day of Judgment

11

Gabriel (Jibril) - An Angel or a Spirit?

An Quranic examination as to whether Gabriel is an angel or The Holy Spirit

12

Punishment of Hell - Temporary or Eternal?

A Quranic examination of whether hell is eternal for everyone who goes there

13

Prophet Jesus (pbuh) - Will He Come Back?

Proof that Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will not come back

14

Music and Singing - Is it Forbidden?

Proof that listening to music and singing are not forbidden

15

Nikaah Al-Mut’ah (Temporary Marriage) – Is It Permitted?

Proof that temporary marriage with predetermined duration is forbidden

16

Sects (Sunni, Shia, etc) - Can You Join or Create One?

Proof that dividing into or joining a sect is forbidden

17

Death and Punishment in the Grave - Is There Such a Thing?

A Quranic examination of what happens after death

18

Radhi Allah Unho - A Potentially Dangerous Saying

An Quranic examination of the meaning and whether saying it is allowed

19

Superstitions - One of Satan’s Weapons

Proof that believing in and following superstitions contradictory to the Quran is forbidden

20

Taqiyya (Lying for a Greater Good or Lying to Save Your Life) - Permitted or Forbidden?

Proof that taqiyya is forbidden except in dire situations, e.g. threat of persecution or death

21

The Christian Concept of the “Trinity” and Jesus as Son of God

Proof that the Christian Bible, which Muslims must believe, does not teach the “Trinity”

23

Hadith and Sunna - What’s the Difference?

An explanation of the difference between “hadith” and “sunna”

24

The Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj) - Did it Really Happen?

An examination of the sources describing The Night Journey

25

The Qibla Change - Mecca to Jerusalem and Back to Mecca Again

An analysis showing that the Qibla was originally at the Kaa’ba and was not once, but twice

26

Will an Actual Trumpet be Blown on the Day of Calamity and Resurrection?

An analysis as to whether an actual “trumpet” will be blown on the Day of Calamity and Resurrection

27

The Sunna of Muhammad (pbuh) - Is it an Islamic Requirement?

Proof that the Sunna is time-bound and not a religious requirement

28

Jihad - Holy War Against Non-Muslims or Something Else?

A Quranic explanation of what “jihad” really means

29

Wasilah - A Means of Access to God

An Quranic analysis of “wasilah”, what it means and how it’s often misunderstood

30

What is a Muslim Name - A Misnomer

There’s no such thing as a Muslim name

31

What is Quranic Ruh (Spirit)?

Ruh as the holy spirit and ruh as divine energy

32

Zam Zam Water - Is it Blessed or Just Believed to Be So?

The Quran says nothing about Zam Zam water but does talk about rain water and honey

BELIEVERS, MUSLIMS AND NON-MUSLIMS

33

Death Penalty for Apostasy (Rejecting and Leaving Islam)?

The Quran does not prescribe the death penalty as punishment for apostasy

34

Some Muslims Today are No Different Than Christian and Hindu Polytheists

A Quranic analysis showing how some Muslims are actually polytheists (mushrikeen)

35

Death Penalty for Blasphemy (Ridiculing Islam)?

The Quran does not prescribe the death penalty as punishment for blasphemy

36

Don’t Judge! Not All Jews and Christians are Kafir

Quranic proof that some Jews and Christians are actually righteous

37

Forced Faith is No Faith

Proof that it is forbidden to force any aspect of religion on anyone

38

Marriage With the People of the Book (Jews and Christians)

Muslims may marry Jews and Christians but only under certain conditions

39

Muslim (Submitter) and Mu’min (Believer) - What’s the Difference?

Many people (including some Jews and Christians) are Muslim but not all Muslims are Mu’mins

40

People of the Book (Jews and Christians)

A Quranic explanation of the People of the Book

41

The Walking Dead

To some people, God closes the door of forgiveness before death. They live only to wait for Hell.

42

Understanding “Kufr” (Disbelief) and “Kafir” (Disbelievers)

Not all Non-Muslims are automatically Kafir. Only certain people under certain circumstances are Kafir.

43

Islam - The Religion of Muhammad or Also of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, etc?

Proof that Islam existed before Muhammad and was inspired in all prophets before him

44

Who are Muslims?

Many people (including some Jews and Christians) are Muslim but not all Muslims are Mu’mins

45

Will the Sins of Muslims be Transferred to Jews and Christians?

The ahadeeth say “Yes”. The Quran says “No”. So, “No”. Common sense also says, “No”, by the way!

QURAN

46

Are Some Verses of the Quran Replaced with Other Verses or the Hadeeth?

An analysis showing that no verse in the Quran is canceled or replaced by another verse or source

47

How the Quran Describes Itself

Absolutely clear guidance and proof explained in detail of all things; a judge between truth and falsehood

48

Lailat Al-Qadr - Is it Like an Islamic Lottery?

The Quran does not tell one to find it as if to reap some huge reward or to wash away all sins.

49

Mother of the Book (Umm Al-Kitaab)

It is a master source within God’s presence from which the Quran was derived.

50

Some Commandments from the Quran

Some obvious and not-so-obvious commandments from the Quran

51

Some Prayers from the Quran

A collection of prayers taken directly from the Quran

52

The Best Hadeeth is Not Any of the Prophet’s “Ahadeeth”

The Quran states that it itself is the best hadeeth and that one should not follow any other hadeeth

53

When and How Was the Quran Compiled into a Book?

The Quran was completely written down on paper during the lifetime of the prophet

54

The Quran is the ONLY Acceptable Source of Religious Guidance

The hadeeth or any other book are not allowed to be used as religious guidance

GOD

55

How Does God Communicate with Humans?

Through inspiration and signs, behind a veil, and by sending a messenger

56

What Does it Mean to Say “Ameen”?

"So be it", "Truly" or '"Verily"

57

“Allah” is Not the Only Name for God

Other prophets knew God as “El” and “Yahweh” but any beautiful name is the name of God

PROPHET ABRAHAM (pbuh)

58

Are the Arabs and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) Descendants of Prophet Abraham (pbuh)?

There is no evidence in the Quran that they are related

59

Did Prophet Abraham (pbuh) Really Send His Wife Hagar and Son Ishmael Away Alone to a Barren Land?

There is no evidence in the Quran that this occurred

60

Prophet Abraham’s (pbuh) Original Sanctuary - At Makkah (Mecca) or Bakkah (Baca)?

An analysis that strongly indicates that the original site was a Baca, not at Makkah.

61

Prophet Abraham’s (pbuh) Sacrificial Son - Ishmael or Isaac (pbut)?

Strong arguments that indicate that the sacrificial son was actually Isaac, not Ishmael.

PROPHET MUHAMMAD (pbuh)

62

“Iktatabaha” - Did Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) Write the Quran Himself?

An analysis indicating that he himself, rather than anyone else, wrote the Quran

63

Can Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) Help You?

Proof that no one, including Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), can help you on the Day of Judgement

64

Is Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) Exclusive and More Special Than the Other Prophets?

Quranic proof that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is no different than the other prophets

65

Follow the Example of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) - What is That Example?

Quranic analysis that the example is not his personal preferences, e.g. having a long beard

66

God and the Angels Bless Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) - What About Everyone Else?

Proof that God and the Angels also bless the believers

67

Did Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) Perform Any Miracles as Did Some Other Prophets?

No. The only sign given to Prophet Muhammad was the Quran.

68

Does “Obey God and His Messenger” Mean I Must Follow the Hadeeth and Sunna?

No. It means to obey his authority with matters related to the Quran.

69

Is Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) Alive in His Grave “Hazir” (Present) and “Nazir” (Witnessing) Us?

No. He’s dead. And he had no knowledge of the unseen.

70

Is Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) a Mercy to All Mankind?

No. But the Quran is, which Muhammad brought by Divine inspiration.

71

Does “Take What the Prophet Gives You” Mean I Must Follow His Sunna?

No. That is a reference to the booty (valuables) acquired during war.

72

Was Prophet Muhammad’s Mission Superior to That of Other Prophets?

No. All prophets are equal. They all faced varying degrees of challengers. Some were even murdered.

73

Was Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) Illiterate (Couldn’t Read and Write)?

No. He actually wrote the Quran himself.

73

Was Every Word the Prophet Said a “Wahi” (Revelation) from God? (Divinely Inspired)?

No. It was only his sayings that were then than written in the Quran that were from God.

PROPHETS AND MESSENGERS

74

Adam (pbuh) and Jannah - Was Jannah on Earth or in Paradise?

Arguments indicating that Adam’s “Jannah” was actually on Earth

75

Are All Messengers of God Equal? Or Are Some Superior to Others?

They are all equal. Not even Muhammad is superior to the others.

76

Have There Been or Will There Be Any Other Prophets or Messengers after Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) ?

Muhammad was the last prophet and the Quran is the last scripture. There can be other messengers.

77

Exodus of Prophet Moses’ (pbuh) People Across the Red Sea?

An analysis that compares the stories from the Bible and the Quran

78

PBUH (Peace Be Upon Him) - For Prophet Muhammad Only or For All Prophets?

An analysis of the use of PBUH as a suffix

79

Mary’s Virgin Birth of Prophet Jesus

An analysis showing agreement between the Bible and the Quran

80

The Limits of Obeying a Messenger

The limit is to what is considered right and just

81

The Crucifixion of Jesus (pbuh)

A Quranic analysis of what happened

82

Was Prophet Jesus (pbuh) Sent to the Gentiles (Non-Jews) or To Just the Jews?

The Quran confirms that he was only sent to warn the Jews. The Bible supports this.

83

What is the Injeel?

Quranic analysis that suggests that it may be the wisdom given to Prophet Jesus (pbuh)

HISTORICAL SOURCES

84

Hadith Qudsi (Sacred or Divine Sayings)

Supposed sayings of God that are not included in the Quran. You must disregard them.

85

Ibn Ishaq’s Sira of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

The earliest surviving Muslim source of the prophet’s biography after the Quran

86

Non Muslim Sources of Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) Ministry

Greek and Syriac writings from within decades of the prophet’s death

87

Poetry From a Quran’s Perspective

The Quran isn’t poetry and considers poetic speech as to deliberately confuse and mislead

88

The Shi’a Doctrine

An explanation of the Shi’a belief and how the Quran doesn’t support it

LANGUAGE

89

Is Arabic a Holy or Superior Language?

Quranic analysis indicating that Arabic is not a holy or superior language

90

Understanding the Challenge “Produce a Surah Like It”

A Quranic analysis of why the target audience could not meet the challenge

91

Why Was The Quran Revealed in Arabic?

For no reason other that so that the designated primary audience at the time (Arabs) could understand it clearly

WOMEN

92

“Daraba” (To Beat) - A Deeper Look in the Context of Wives

In context of wives, “daraba” means to “turn away from”, not “beat” your wife

93

“Khimar” (A Cover) - Does it Only Mean a Head Cover / Hijab?

“Khimar” means anything that covers, e.g. a shirt covers a chest, a hat covers one’s hair, etc.

94

Aggressive (Mis)Translations of the Quran to Enslave Women

Does the Quran say that wives are enemies and that they should stay fixed at home? No.

95

Are Menstruating Women Required Fast?

Yes, unless they become ill / feel pain or are generally unwell during the menstruation.

96

Does the Quran Confine Widows to Their Homes in Their Waiting Period (Iddat)?

No, widows may leave their home during the waiting paid.

97

Does the Quran Really Allow the Beating of Wives?

An analysis that indicates that, rather than “beat”, one may “shun” or “separate” with their spouse

98

Does the Quran Allow Consummating a Marriage with Female Minors?

A Quranic examination that indicates that this is now allowed

99

Hijab / Veil / Head Covering - Do Women Have to Wear It?

Quranic proof that women are not required to cover their hair, face, and neck

100

Can a Man Have Multiple or Up to Four Wives (Polygny) in Islam?

The Quran does not seem to encourage nor discourage polygny nor specify a particular maximum number of wives

101

Nikaah - The Islamic Marriage Contract

An explanation of the contract

102

Nikaah Al-Mut’ah (Temporary Marriage) - Allowed or Forbidden?

Marriage may only be entered into for sincere and honest wedlock and not for temporary lust

103

Will Men Get Sexy Female Virgins in Paradise?

Not necessarily. Both men and women will be recreated and have purified and righteous companions.

104

Should Women Lead Mixed Prayer Congregations or Religious Leaders?

A Quranic and historical examination of this topic

105

Stoning for Adultery

There is no directive in the Quran regarding stoning whatsoever

106

Thobe and Jilbab

A detailed explanation of what they are

107

Was Ayesha (One of Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) Wives) a Child?

The Quran says nothing of this and based on Quranic marriage requirements, probably not

108

Was Adam’s (pbuh) Wife Created From His Rib?

The Quran says nothing about this

109

Where Do We Learn About Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) Wives?

The Quran hardly says anything about his wives. Most information if from unreliable hadith.

110

Do Women Have the Right to Earn Equally as Men?

According to the Quran, yes.

PRACTICES

111

Circumcision - Is it Required?

There is nothing in the Quran that requires circumcision.

112

Cutting the Hands of a Thief - No Ordinary Thief

A Quranic analysis that indicates that this punishment is meant only for extreme cases

113

Eating with Your Left Hand - Is It Forbidden?

Proof that eating with your left hand is not forbidden

114

Eid Festival After Ramadan - Is it Required?

The Quran says nothing about the Eid festival. Therefore, practicing it is permitted.

115

Must We Fast Until Maghrib (Sunset) or Night (Layl)?

Despite popular belief and practice, the Quran says to fast until “night”, not “sunset”

116

Homosexuality - Is it Permitted or Forbidden?

The Quran clearly says that homosexuality is forbidden

117

Inheritance Law According to the Quran

A explanation of inheritance law according to the Quran

118

Divorce Law According to the Quran

A explanation of divorce law according to the Quran

119

Kissing the Black Stone - Veneration or an Idolatrous Practice?

The Quran says nothing about kissing the Black Stone. So why do people do it?

120

Riba (Interest) and Whether Charging and Paying Interest is the Same Thing

Riba is clearly forbidden but paying interest, e.g. on a home loan, is not forbidden

121

Sadaqah (Charity)

An explanation of sadaqah (optional charity) and how it differs from zakah

122

Zakah

An explanation of zakah (required alms giving similar to tax) and how it differs from sadaqah

123

The Hajj and Umrah

A Quranic explanation of what is required or not regarding the Hajj and Umrah

124

Begin Fasting at the Time of Fajr or the End of Sehri

You may eat until dawn when you start to see the a bit of light, which is later than the time of Fajr

125

Do You Have to Circle the Kaa’ba Seven (7) Times?

You must circle the Kaa’ba but the Quran does not require you to circle it seven times

126

Must You Wash Your Feet in Wudu (Ablution) or Can You Wipe it?

The Quran clearly says your must wipe your feet to your ankles so washing it is okay as well

127

(Wudu) Ablution Instructions

How to perform wudu (ablution) according to the Quran

ISLAM

128

Are Dogs Impure? Can I Have a Pet Dog?

The Quran does not forbid anything with respect to dogs

129

Is it Forbidden (Haram) to Have Statues and Images?

No. They are only forbidden if you worship them.

130

Does the Quran Encourage War or to Live by the Sword?

No. Fighting is only permissible in self defence with those who aggress and oppress believers

131

Quranic Punishment - Murder VS Manslaughter

Killing is only allowed in two circumstances: 1) retribution for committing evil beyond bounds and 2) retribution for murder

132

The Concept of Hijrah (Emigrating)

If all attempts to resolve issues in one place fails, emigrate to a different place (city, country)

133

Can You Only Perform the Hajj during the 5 Days (8th - 12th) of Dhul-Hijjah?

The Hajj pilgrimage, which takes a certain number of days to complete, can be performed anytime by any person during the four sacred months beginning from the new moon (Dhul Hijjah) until four lunar months later.

134

The True Definition of “Deen” According to the Quran

“Deen” is a “system” and does not have to be religious in nature

FOOD AND DRINK

135

Are Intoxicants, e.g. Wine, Alcohol, Forbidden (Haram) in the Quran?

Whether considered “haram” or not, the Quran clearly says to stay away from intoxicants

136

Does the Quran Allow the Eating of Lions, Dogs, Cats, Rats, etc?

A Quranic analysis of what can and cannot be eaten

137

Eat and Drink But Don’t be Extravagant

The Quran clearly tells people not to consume food and drinks excessively and wastefully

138

What You Can and Cannot Eat

A list of the types of food you are permitted to and forbidden from eating

139

Is it Okay to Eat Jewish Kosher Meat?

Yes, but only if certain conditions are met

140

Why is it Forbidden to Eat Pig / Swine Flesh?

The Quran doesn’t say why. You’re just not allowed to eat it.

141

How to Correctly Slaughter an Animal for Sacrifice

A Quranic analysis of how to correctly slaughter an animal

142

Thakaytum - Slaughtering Lawfully to Make Food Fit for Consumption

An analysis of the word “thakaytum”

COSMOS

143

Are There Seven (7) Heavens or Several Heavens?

The word “seven” in the Quran and in classical Arabic can mean “several”

144

Do Aliens Exist?

According to the Quran, yes!

145

Heaven(s) and Paradise - What’s the Difference?

The heavens are the wider universe and paradise is Jannah - the Gardens of Eternal Bliss

146

The Jinn

A Quranic analysis of the invisible creature called “jinn. Satan is a jinn.

PRAYER

147

Jewish Prayer VS Muslim Prayer - Same or Different?

Ancient (original) Jewish prayers are in complete resonance with Quranic verses on the requirements of prayer

148

Darud Shareef Prayer

An examination of the meaning of the prayer about prophets Muhammad and Abraham (pbut)

149

Do We Have to Pray in Arabic?

An examination of the Quran indicating that one can pray in any language, not just Arabic.

150

How Can We Learn How to Pray If We Don’t Have Hadith to Teach Us?

The Quran explains all requirements for prayer, not the hadith.

151

Verse 2:239 “Pray As We Have Taught You How to Pray”

An Quranic analysis that supports the fixed form of prayer that we have today

152

Praying “For” The Dead is Different From Praying “Through” The Dead

You can pray for the dead but not through the dead

153

Preparing a Dead Body for Burial - A Quran’s Persective

There is not right or wrong way, as long as it’s with dignity and respect

154

Shortening of Prayers - Even on Vacation?

You may only shorten your prayer if you are in danger, e.g. at war.

155

The Five (5) Daily Prayers From The Quran

Proof of the five daily prayers and when to do them

156

The Importance of Congregational Prayer (Praying Together)

A Quranic analysis of congregational prayer

157

The Tahajjud Prayer

The Tahajjud prayer was only required on prophet Muhammad; it’s optional for everyone else.

158

What is “Salaat” (Prayer) According to the Quran

A Quranic analysis of various aspects of prayer including form, speech, direction, ablution, etc

159

Why Do We Have to Recite the Quran Back to God When We Pray?

The Quran actually doesn’t require nor forbid one to recite the Quran during prayer. So why not?

WISDOM

160

Do the Best You Can with Sincerity

Everyone has different limits. The Quran doesn’t expect you to do more than what you can handle.

161

Is the Mixing of Men and Women Forbidden, e.g. In School or Work?

The Quran does not forbid free mixing. But it does require modest attire and good behavior.

162

inna Lillaahi Wa inna ilayhi Raajiuun - A Saying When Someone Dies?

The Quran actually encourages saying this whenever you are hit with any misfortune

163

Behavior Towards Parents - Justice Over Blind Obedience

Obey them unless they breach Quranic values; remain civil and respectful even if they are unjust.

164

A Simple Summary of Quranic Prohibitions

1. Shameful deeds, 2. sin and oppression, 3. associate partners with God, 4. say things about God of what you don’t know

165

Quranic Wisdom

A selection of verses

166

Salaam Alaikum (Peace Be Upon You) - What is an Islamic Greeting?

The best greeting offers peace, regardless of language. It doesn’t have to be in Arabic.

167

How Satan (The Devil) Attacks Us and Leads Us Astray?

In the end, most people will be led astray.

168

How to Present Your World Views and Religious Understandings

Not by shouting and yelling but by, according to the Quran, polite and gentle speech

169

Are We Required to Stand Up for Justice or Can We Just Mind our Own Business?

Believers are required to side with truth and justice, even if against ourselves or relatives

170

Suffering and Hardship

Everyone will be tested and will suffer, including righteous people. No one is exempt.

171

Following Tradition Instead of God - A Small Lesson From the Bible

Unfortunately, many people, including Muslims and Christians, follow tradition instead of God.

172

Why Me? What Did I Do? - Understanding Our Trials

How and why we are tested

173

God Will Test Us

Everyone will be tested and will suffer, including righteous people. No one is exempt.

174

Transfer of Sin - Will Someone Who Has Wronged Me Get My Sins?

Fortunately, yes, to some extent, per the story of Adam’s two sons (5/27-37)

175

Judgement Day Questions

A hypotheticial dialogue between God and a man name Ahmed

TOC

Poetry From a Quran’s Perspective

THE QURAN'S CRITICISM OF BARDS (POETS)

Albeit containing rhyme, the Quran strongly distances itself from any allegations of it being poetry and vindicates any charges against the Arabian prophet of being a poet.

SHA'IR (pl. shu'ara') - a poet

SHI'R – poetry

CHARGES

021:005 "...nay, he has invented / forged it; nay, he is a poet..."

037:036 "...are we forsake our gods for a poet possessed with the jinn / mad poet?"

052:030 "...he is a poet for whom we await a misfortune of time"

QURANIC REBUKES

026:224 "and the poets - the perverse / deviators follow them"

069:041 "And it is not the speech / word of a poet..."

036:069 "And We have not taught him poetry, and nor is it befitting for him..."

From a Quran's perspective, poets in particular seem to attract particular condemnation coupled with those who lie and on whom devils descend.

026:221-226

"Shall I inform you (of him) upon whom the devils (Arabic: shaitan) descend? They descend upon every lying, sinful one. They pass on what is heard and most of them are liars. And the poets - the misguided, astray, perverse, deviators (Arabic: ghawa) follow them. Do you not see that they wander about bewildered in every valley? And that they say that which they do not do?"

A general exception is noted in verse 2:227, "Except those who believe and do righteous deeds and remember God much and defend themselves after they were wronged..."

However, in the style that the Quran presents this exception, there is no certainty that this exception particularly applies to poets, some poets or is intended to be general in nature given the context. However, the exception arguably does seem general considering that an exception is also noted for those that defend themselves when they are wronged.

The fact that poets have been coupled with those on whom demons descend cannot be dismissed and it seems to be tied with the fact that they are deemed to be fabricators.

The Quran also remains unequivocal, that believers are expected to speak words which are straight to the point, without seeming ambiguity or a cause for confusion.

033:070

"O you who believe! Fear God and speak words straight to the point / decisive / straightforward / appropriate / right (Arabic: Qawlan Sadidan)"

004:009

"...So let them fear God and let them speak words straight to the point / decisive / straightforward / appropriate / right (Arabic: Qawlan Sadidan)"

This stands in some contrast to the words oft spoken by poets who can be ambiguous and open to an array of interpretations. This is also hinted at by the following verse, where the Quran makes it clear that the prophet's speech is neither poetry, nor is it befitting for him to speak in poetry, but rather his message is clear and unambiguous. This apparent contrast of clear speech with poetry cannot be dismissed and one has to assume that the Quran infers poetry as anything but clear.

036:069

"And We have not taught him poetry, and nor is it befitting for him. This is no less than a message / reminder and a Quran making things clear."

Such condemnation is also found in classical Arabic literature where the term for poetry or poets is usually twinned with fabrication or lies.

Source: Edward Lanes Lexicon [1]

Source: Edward Lanes Lexicon [2]

Source: Edward Lanes Lexicon [3]

JAHALIYYA (PRE-ISLAMIC) POETRY

There is much made of the existence of Jahaliyya Poetry (poetry preceding Islam - period of ignorance) as a possible contemporaneous source of understanding the language of the Quran. It would seem quite a fantastic assertion to on one hand, acknowledge the Quran's condemnation of poets and poetry in general and yet imply the dependency of the Quran to furnish deeper meanings / clarifications of its terms through Arabic poetry. This is especially when it is not unknown for poets to make use of 'poetic licence' to depart from the conventional rules of language for the purposes of creating an effect.

However, the purpose is not to deny outright that Arabic poetry can be useful in understanding how classical Arabs used their language, but rather, to understand the context.

There is in fact no Jahaliyya Arabic poetry which has been known to survive from the Quraish tribe of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in written form. We simply have no extant sources in literature form.

What is known is the attribution of poetry to early poets such as the well renowned Imru'al-Qais, Tarafa, Zuhayr Abi Sulma, Antarah ibn Shaddad al-Absi, Amr ibn Kulthum, Labid, Al-Harith etc which have been 'allegedly' orally narrated and passed on through generations. Some of these early poems were allegedly collected in the 8th century CE as in the 'Mu'allaqat' (hung poems) by Ar-Rawiya. The fact that Ar-Rawiya collected these odes is based on further claims by later grammarians such as 'Ahmad al-Nahhas (died 949CE). (Over 300 years after the death of the Prophet).

Therefore, the actual period of the extant sources of the Jahaliyya poetry approximately correspond to a similar period to when grammarians were producing their works into a literary form, at times citing poetry to make their claims. Both sources were taking canon at approximately the same period, many decades / centuries after the Quran was revealed and it is no secret within scholarship that at times Jahaliyya poetry was being forged.

As a glaring example of such false attributions, the following odes are attributed to the Arabian poet, Imru' al-Qais who allegedly lived in the early 6th century (before the revelation of the Quran). It is noteworthy that one finds verses in these odes which are also found in the Quran.

Illustration - Joseph Islam

Image Source [4]

It is inconceivable that the Divinely inspired Quran, would borrow from the words of earlier poets or that prophet Muhammad was guilty of plagiarism from early poets.

Rather, it is more likely as subsequently admitted by W. St. Clair Tisdall, that these odes were concocted later or borrowed from the Quran rather than the Quran borrowing from the odes of earlier poets. Therefore, the attribution of such poetry to early poets such as Imra'ul-Qays seems extremely dubious as does its authenticity.

"There seems good reason to doubt whether Imrau'l Qais is the author of the lines in question. They may have been borrowed from the Qur'an instead of having been inserted therein from an author who lived before Muhammad's time. On the one hand it is difficult to suppose that at any time after the establishment of Islam any one would have the daring to parody the Qur'an by taking passages from it and applying them to the subject to which these lines of poetry refer. On the other hand, it is very customary even in comparatively modern times to quote verses of the Qur'an and work them into later compositions of a philosophical or religious character, to which class, however, these Odes do not belong. It would be difficult to imagine Muhammad venturing to plagiarize from such a well-known author as Imrau'l Qais..." [5]

However, these blatant fabrications have not stopped Muslim traditions from accepting the veracity such poetry. Instead, they provide more support to these fabrications by mentioning them, seemingly a part of an unrelenting desire to accept pre-Islamic poetry as being authentic. If so, fabrications are being used to provide credence to other fabrications.

As St. Clair-Tisdall writes and admits:

"I have even heard a story to the effect that one day when Fatimah, Muhammad's daughter, was reciting the verse "The Hour has come near and the Moon has split asunder" (Surah LIV., Al Qamar, 1), a daughter of the poet was present and said to her, "That is a verse from one of my father's poems, and your father has stolen it and pretended that he received it from God." This tale is probably false, for Imrau'l Qais died about the year 540 of the Christian era, while Muhammad was not born till A.D. 570, "the year of the Elephant." [6]

The discerning reader will no doubt appreciate that there is a huge difference between a later extant body of work claiming to be derived from an earlier source such as Pre-Islamic Arabic poetry and actually having that earlier source to analyze.

"Here it suffices to remark that Arabia has not yielded so far any ancient inscriptions in verses, that no old codices or papyri from the pre-Islamic period have come down to us, and that the oldest book in Arabic literature, in the usual sense of the term, is the Koran' Yet by the end of the eight century men were beginning to collect and edit, of course in manuscript, the 'works' of individual poets believed to have lived before Islam" [7]

"It is a matter of debate whether or not the Arabic of Koraish was written down in the period preceding Islam. It is notable that no written evidence survives from that period, although an oral corpus of poetry and prose was recollected and eventually written down during the first few centuries of Islam. The Qur'an, it may safely be said, is the earliest extant and complete text in the Arabic language." [8]

Whether any alleged pre-Islamic poetry has been faithfully transmitted orally is a matter of faith not evidence.

This almost prevalent Muslim obsession to prove the authenticity and existence of pre-Islamic poetry seems to be tied with the question of the Quran's authenticity and its superior nature as a literary genre incapable of being imitated.

Therefore, any challenge against the existence or authenticity of pre-Islamic poetry seems to attract vehement challenges by Muslim apologists which is at times imbued with undertones of vitriol.

As noted by a Muslim source:

"It must be added that the theories advanced by Taha Husayn were by no means a novelty as far as Europe was concerned. In the same year that Taha Husayn published his Fi'l-shicr al-Jahili (1925), it so happened that Professor David Margoliouth of the University of Oxford published in the Journal Of The Royal Asiatic Society a paper entitled "The Origins Of Arabic Poetry"[6], in which he expressed identical views supported largely by identical reasons." [9]

"In the language of the idiot, no one submits to the fabulous conspiracy theories of Margoliouth and Husayn, save that they submit to the falsification of facts and the depravity of reasoning." [10]

"One can see the seductive appeal in fabulous conspiracy theories that can seemingly explain almost any phenomenon, as has been demonstrated by Toby Lester and his Christian counterpart, P. Newton." [11]

As intimated in the above quotations, Western scholarship has always raised doubts with regards Arabic poetry. As noted by a renowned Western scholar who whilst remaining somewhat conservatively critical of Taha Husayn's efforts by suggesting he had gone 'too far' did not dismiss his efforts outright. His criticism also admitted that there certainly existed a contingent within scholarship that were critical of pre-Islamic poetry.

"In 1926 another book was published which raised a considerable storm. This was a work on 'Pre-Islamic Poetry' (Fi sh-shi'r al-jahili) by Taha Husayn. Using Western methods of literary criticism the author maintained that most pre-Islamic Arabic poetry was a later fabrication; in this he showed himself even more sceptical than most European critics of this poetry, and certainly went too far. Although the authenticity of pre-Islamic poetry cannot be said to be an essential part of the standard Islamic world-view, the religious institution attacked him, probably because it felt that the implicit approval of Western critical methods was dangerous. In the end, the book had to be withdrawn, but Taha Husayn was supported by his colleagues in the Egyptian University (a Western-type institution) on the grounds that academic freedom was being threatened. In 1929 he became the first Egyptian Dean of the Faculty of Arts, then after many ups and downs was Minister of Education from 1950 to 1952. He never recanted his views about pre-Islamic poetry, but when the book was reissued in 1927 under the title 'Pre-Islamic Arab Literature' (changing shi'r to adab) he removed the passages in which he had applied the term 'myths' to Qu'ranic stories about Abraham and Ishmael" [12]

However, the fact that the Quran never claims to be poetry, nor in any way associated with poetry often goes amiss. If as the Muslim thought seems to suggest that great poets were ubiquitous during the prophetic ministry, then the reader of the Quran is confronted with a slight paradox as the Quran clearly challenges the claim of the day that the Quran was indeed poetry.

A legitimate question arises, would not the poetic giants that allegedly roamed during the prophetic ministry, not have known that the Quran was not poetry? If so, then why were such claims made?

CLAIMS

021:005 "...nay, he has invented / forged it; nay, he is a poet..."

026:224 "and the poets - the perverse / deviators follow them"

037:036 "...are we forsake our gods for a poet possessed with the jinn / mad poet?"

052:030 "...he is a poet for whom we await a misfortune of time"

This lends some credence to the thought that the picture painted by later traditional sources of the presence of a myriad of great poets who would have been dumbfounded by the Quran's literary excellence is somewhat exaggerated. It is noteworthy that challenges made against the Quran have been recorded such as the somewhat foreign language in which it is transmitted which is subsequently rebuked.

016.103

"And certainly We know well that they say: Only a man teaches him. The speech / tongue of one at whom they refer to him is foreign, while this is a clear Arabic language"

However, no challenges against the Quran's poetic style are found. Rather, explicit claims by the disbelievers of the Quran being poetry and its alleged author, Muhammad, a poet have been rebuked in no uncertain terms.

069:041 "And it is not the speech / word of a poet..."

036:069 "And We have not taught him poetry, and nor is it befitting for him..."

FINAL THOUGHTS

As noted, the Quran strongly distances itself from any allegations of it being poetry and vindicates any charges against the Arabian prophet of being a poet (21:5, 37:36, 52:30, 26:224, 69:41, 36:69).

The Quran also in the main, condemns poets (26:221-226) and likens their speech to deliberate ambiguity (36:69) and those that follow them are deemed as being 'ghawa' (misguided, astray, perverse, deviators). In contrast, believers are instructed to engage in clear, straightforward speech (33:70; 4:9).

Much is made of the existence of pre-Islamic poetry, but other than alleged oral narrations passed on from generation to generation, there is absolutely no tangible / written evidence that any such poetry has survived from the prophetic ministry or before it. Whether any alleged pre-Islamic poetry has been faithfully transmitted orally over decades and centuries is a matter of faith not evidence.

It has also been argued that poetry was oft forged, especially in the name of great poets of old.

REFERENCES

[1] LANE. E.W, Edward Lanes Lexicon, Williams and Norgate 1863; Librairie du Liban Beirut-Lebanon 1968, Volume 4, Page 1560

[2] LANE. E.W, Edward Lanes Lexicon, Williams and Norgate 1863; Librairie du Liban Beirut-Lebanon 1968, Volume 4, Page 1562

[3] Ibid.

[4] Image Source of Ode: New World Encyclopedia [online] http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Imru'_al-Qays [Accessed] 9th March 2014

[5] TISDALL. St. CLAIR, The Original Sources of the Qu'ran, Published SPCK, London 1905, Appendix to Chapter II, [online] https://archive.org/details/TheOriginalSourcesOfTheQuran [Accessed] 9th March 2014

[6] Ibid.

[7] ARBERRY. A J, The Seven Odes, R.&R. Clark, Ltd, Edinburgh, First Published 1957, Prologue: The Golden Poems, Page 14

[8] KASSIS. H E, A Concordance of the Qur'an, University of California Press: Berkeley-Los Angeles-London, xxvi Introduction

[9] ISLAMIC AWARENESS, Qasim Iqbal & M S M Saifullah, On Pre-Islamic Poetry & The Qur'an, [Online] http://www.islamic-awareness.org/Polemics/poetry.html [Accessed] 9th March 2014

[10] Ibid.

[11] Ibid.

[12] WATT. W.M, Islamic Fundamentalism and Modernity, II The Religious Institution and Its Decline, Routledge Library Editions: Politics of Islam, Pages 31-32