Below are notes and thoughts from Shady Nasser's book The Second Canonization of the Qur'an (324/936). This book examines the process of Qur’anic canonization, focusing on how the seven canonical readings of the Qur’an were standardized. This "second canonization" was led by Ibn Mujahid in 936 CE (324 AH), a pivotal figure in Islamic history … Continue reading Notes from The Second Canonization of the Qur’an (324/936)
Muhammad Prophecized in Bible
In the Quran, after the Children of Israel broke God's covenant during Moses' absence by worshiping the calf, Moses confronts them for their transgression (7:148-154). He then selects seventy men from his people to accompany him to Mount Sinai to seek God's forgiveness. [7:155] Moses then selected seventy men from among his people, to come to … Continue reading Muhammad Prophecized in Bible
Quran and Trinty
On October 8, 2024, the YouTube channel Capturing Christianity hosted a live stream titled "Refuting the BEST Muslim Objections to the Trinity." In response, on October 15, 2024, Dr. Khalil Andani and Dr. Steven Nemes released a video titled "Debunking the Monarchial Trinity? | A Response to @CapturingChristianity and Dr. Joshua Sijuwade." While both videos … Continue reading Quran and Trinty
History of the Umayyad Caliphs & History of Islam & The Sunni Dilemma
Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti (1445–1505) was a prominent Egyptian scholar, muhaddith, theologian, and historian widely regarded for his prolific contributions to Sunni scholarship. Born and raised in Cairo, Suyuti was a Shafi'i jurist and belonged to the Ash'ari school of theology. He wrote on a wide array of subjects, including Quranic exegesis, hadith studies, linguistics, and … Continue reading History of the Umayyad Caliphs & History of Islam & The Sunni Dilemma
Academic Salafism
Salafism is a movement within Sunni Islam that advocates for a return to what it views as the pure, original practices of Islam as observed by the salaf—the first three generations of Muslims: the Prophet Muhammad and his companions (sahabah), their followers (tabi'un), and the followers of those followers (atba' at-tabi'in). Rooted in the belief … Continue reading Academic Salafism
Messenger Praying For Forgiveness (4:64)
One of the messengers' functions while they are alive on Earth is to seek God's forgiveness for the believers. [4:64] We did not send any messenger except to be obeyed in accordance with GOD's will. Had they, when they wronged their souls, come to you and prayed to GOD for forgiveness, and the messenger prayed for … Continue reading Messenger Praying For Forgiveness (4:64)
Ibn Khaldun Genius and Ignorance
Ibn Khaldun (1332–1406) was a renowned Arab historian, philosopher, and sociologist from North Africa, widely regarded as one of the founders of sociology and historiography. Born in Tunis, he spent much of his life in the Maghreb (Northwest Africa), Andalusia (modern-day Spain), and Egypt, where he held various political and administrative roles and served as … Continue reading Ibn Khaldun Genius and Ignorance
Non-Arabs (Mostly Persian) Influence on Sunni Islam
In early Islamic society, a Muslim ruler once asked about the judges and scholars overseeing various provinces, only to learn that most were non-Arab clients, or mawālī—a term referring to freed slaves or non-Arab converts who became clients under the patronage of Arab tribes. This account is recorded in Al-ʿAqd al-Farīd, written by Ibn ʿAbd … Continue reading Non-Arabs (Mostly Persian) Influence on Sunni Islam
Was Muhammad the Final Messenger?
The Quran informs us that Muhammad was the final prophet (nabi). [33:40] Muhammad was not the father of any man among you. He was a messenger of GOD and the final prophet. GOD is fully aware of all things. مَّا كَانَ مُحَمَّدٌ أَبَآ أَحَدٍ مِّن رِّجَالِكُمْ وَلَـٰكِن رَّسُولَ ٱللَّهِ وَخَاتَمَ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمًا … Continue reading Was Muhammad the Final Messenger?
None can grasp it except the sincere (56:79)
The Quran informs us that it is inaccessible to those who are not sincere. [56:75] I swear by the positions of the stars.[56:76] This is an oath, if you only knew, that is awesome.[56:77] This is an honorable Quran.[56:78] In a protected book.[56:79] None can grasp it except the sincere.[56:80] A revelation from the Lord of the universe. (٧٥) فَلَا أُقْسِمُ بِمَوَاقِعِ النُّجُومِ(٧٦) وَإِنَّهُ لَقَسَمٌ لَوْ تَعْلَمُونَ عَظِيمٌ(٧٧) إِنَّهُ لَقُرْآنٌ كَرِيمٌ(٧٨) فِي كِتَابٍ مَكْنُونٍ(٧٩) لَا يَمَسُّهُ إِلَّا الْمُطَهَّرُونَ(٨٠) تَنْزِيلٌ مِنْ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ Ironically, most … Continue reading None can grasp it except the sincere (56:79)
