Quran Talk Blog

People often point to historic laws that either intentionally or unintentionally negatively impacted black Americans as signs of systematic racism in our country today. I would make the following two counterpoints to why I see this argument as fundamentally flawed. (1) The fact that these laws were overturned years ago is evidence that American society … Continue reading Is America Systematically Racist?

Some people claim that intoxicants are not prohibited in the Quran. These individuals often utilize the following verse to back up this claim: [4:43] O you who believe, do not observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) while intoxicated, so that you know what you are saying... يَاأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَقْرَبُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَأَنْتُمْ سُكَارَىٰ حَتَّىٰ تَعْلَمُوا … Continue reading Prohibition of Intoxicants in the Quran

Prior to the flood, Noah was informed by God that anyone who didn't believe up until that point was not going to believe and therefore should be considered as part of the ones who were destined to be drowned. [11:36] Noah was inspired: "No more of your people are going to believe, beyond those who … Continue reading God’s Response Regarding Noah’s Son (11:46)

Four times in the Quran, God informs us that He has provided us the hearing, the eye sight, and the brains. [16:78] GOD brought you out of your mothers' bellies knowing nothing, and He gave you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brains, that you may be appreciative.[17:36] You shall not accept any information, unless you verify it … Continue reading Hearing, Eyesight and Brains

Two verses that individuals try to use to claim that messengers receive scripture to distort the difference in function between a messenger (rasool) and a prophet (nabi) are the following: [57:25] We sent our messengers supported by clear proofs, and we sent down to them the scripture and the law, that the people may uphold … Continue reading Prophets (Nabi) vs. Messenger (Rasool) and 4:136 and 57:25

There is much debate regarding what is the difference between a prophet and a messenger. The best verse that clarifies this difference can be found in the following verse. [3:81] GOD took a covenant from the prophets (l-nabiyīna), saying, "I will GIVE YOU (ātaytukum) the SCRIPTURE (kitābin) and wisdom. afterwards, a MESSENGER (warasūlihi) will come … Continue reading Prophet (Nabi) vs. Messenger (Rasul)

In the following verse we read about Qaroon's keys. [28:76] Qãroon (the slave driver) was one of Moses' people who betrayed them and oppressed them. We gave him so many treasures that the keys thereof were almost too heavy for the strongest band. His people said to him, "Do not be so arrogant; GOD does not … Continue reading What kind of keys did Qaroon have?

When is it justified to let someone know that they are no longer welcome at our masjids? Are we to tolerate someone whose beliefs are 100% aligned with the Quran, yet their behavioral conduct is that of an aggressor or tyrant? For such people God tells the believers that it is their duty to fight … Continue reading When should someone no longer be allowed to frequent a masjid?

Sura 7 of the Quran is entitled الأعراف (Al-A‘arãf) and is translated as The Purgatory. When we look up the meaning of Purgatory in the dictionary, we get the following definitions: (in Roman Catholic doctrine) a place or state of suffering inhabited by the souls of sinners who are expiating their sins before going to … Continue reading Understanding the Meaning of Sura 7: The Purgatory (Al-A‘arãf)