One of the senses that over time humans have come to neglect has been our sense of smell. Most people if asked if they had to give up a single sense indicate that it would be their sense of smell. Immanuel Kant said "Which organic sense is the most ungrateful and also seems the most … Continue reading Smell
Jasadan Upon Solomon’s Throne 38:34
38:34 is a verse in the Quran that causes a lot of confusion for people. The context of the verse is regarding Solomon's throne. The difficulty in understanding lies in the meaning of a single word jasadan / جَسَدًا. Before we get to trying to understand the meaning of this word let's take a look … Continue reading Jasadan Upon Solomon’s Throne 38:34
Subtraction
If you were asked what you could do to be more righteous, I think most people would start considering different forms of righteous work they could do. Actions like giving more charity, reading more Quran, commemorating the name of God, and other ways of striving. But just as important, if not more important, is considering … Continue reading Subtraction
Did Hud Receive Proof for His Messengership?
The requirements for a messenger of God to prove the authenticity of his messengership is threefold. Advocate the worship of God alone (3:79, 21:25)Never ask for a wage (6:90, 11:51, 26:109, 36:21)Provide a sign (40:28, 64:6) This is spelled out very clearly in Appendix 2 of the Quran translated by Dr. Rashad Khalifa. https://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix2.html Some … Continue reading Did Hud Receive Proof for His Messengership?
Hikma and the Quran
The Quran often mentions the term wisdom (ḥik'ma / الْحِكْمَة) in conjunction with the scripture (kitab) (See: 2:129, 2:151, 2:231, 3:48, 3:81, 3:164, 4:54, 4:113, 5:110, 6:89, 45:16, 62:2). An example of this can be seen in Abraham's prayer for future generations. [2:127] As Abraham raised the foundations of the shrine, together with Ismail (they … Continue reading Hikma and the Quran
Who Claimed Masses From The Sky
In Arabic, the word you and your comes in two forms either the singular or the plural. So when the Quran addresses the reader, pending on which form is used it becomes clear if it is in reference to one person e.g. the messenger, or to a broader audience, e.g. the believer or disbelievers reading … Continue reading Who Claimed Masses From The Sky
The Pursuit of Truth
Today one of the most widely recognized celebrities in the world is Johnny Depp. So if I show you a drawing of Johnny Depp you would probably be able to recognize him. Now if I put the drawing of Johnny Depp next to an actual photo of Johnny Depp, and asked you to say which … Continue reading The Pursuit of Truth
Miserable Is What He Decided
Sura 74 is entitled The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir / الـمـدثـر). This Sura is regarding the 19-based mathematical miracle of the Quran. [74:30] Over it is nineteen. (٣٠) عَلَيْهَا تِسْعَةَ عَشَرَ This Sura describes a human being who evaluated this phenomenon and then concluded that the Quran is man-made. [74:11] Let Me deal with one I created as … Continue reading Miserable Is What He Decided
The Power of One
There is a movie I loved when I was a kid called "The Power of One". It was a story of a white orphan boy growing up in South Africa during WWII and his fight against racism and apartheid. In the movie, there was a quote that still stuck with me even 30 years later. … Continue reading The Power of One
33:21 and Hadith
A typical verse that individuals use to attempt to justify Hadith is the following: [33:21] The messenger of GOD has set up a good example for those among you who seek GOD and the Last Day, and constantly think about GOD. (٢١) لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِمَنْ كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الْآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ … Continue reading 33:21 and Hadith