The Qur’an to Mankind

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

Is there anything special about the Qur'an?

There are many things special about the Qur'an. Some of these are:

No creature in the universe can produce a book like it; as it contains a record of what happened in the past; predictions of what is to come in the future; it has many unique functions, in addition to the laws of guidance for man to live a successful life in this world as well as in the next. About the nature of the text Allah says:
If the whole of mankind and Jinns were to gather together to produce the like of the Qur'an, they could not have produced something like it; even if they were to back up each other with help and support. (17:88)

It is a complete code of life. Allah says:
And We have sent down unto thee (O Muhammad) a Book explaining all things. (18:69)

As it is a unique Book given only to man; and is the Word of Allah, even the angels and the Jinns come and listen to it, when it is being recited by human beings. About this Allah says:
Say; it has been revealed to me that a company of Jinns listened to the Qur'an; they said: We have really heard a wonderful recital; it gives guidance to the Right. (72:1-2)

Prophet Muhammad (pboh) once explained to a Companion who informed him that one night while he was reading the Qur'an, his horse began stamping and moving around, but when he stopped reading the horse became calm. Then when he started to read again the horse again became restless, and when he stopped the horse again became calm. The Prophet (pboh) told him that it was the angels who used to come to listen to the recitation of the Qur'an.

The Qur'anic words have special vibrations, more powerful than the most powerful of bombs; that is possibly one reason why Allah says:
Had We sent down this Qur'an on a mountain, verily, you would have seen it humble itself and cleave asunder for fear of Allah. (59:21)

The Qur'an has special healing powers, and those who know prescribe and use some of the verses to cure many kinds of ailments. About its healing powers Allah says:
We send down (stage by stage) in the Qur'an, that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe. (17:82)

The Qur'an is the book of wisdom, and if properly read and studied, it takes away the ignorance of a person and make him wise. Allah says:
These are the Verses of the Book of Wisdom (10:1)

Recitation of this Book forms an invisible protection against becoming a disbeliever, and also from the mischief of the Satan. Allah says:
When you recite the Qur'an, We put between you and those who believe not in the Hereafter an invisible curtain. (17:45)

Allah has issued a challenge to the entire world; i.e.
produce a Chapter like it if you think that you are wise.(2:23)


Muslims are therefore, very blessed to have been the recipient of this divine book. Prophet Muhammad (pboh) is reported to have said:
A reciter of the Qur'an belongs to the family of Allah, and is His sincere servant.

When the Qur'an is being recited the vibrations contained in the words impact on those who recite as well as those who listen to the recitation. It purifies them and polishes their souls. The Noble Messenger is reported to have said:
Rust falls on the heart as it falls on iron. When asked: how can the rust of the heart be removed? He replied: By reciting the Qur'an and remembering death.

Recitation of this Holy Book does not only help us in this life; it will be one of our greatest helper in the Next. The Prophet (pboh) is reported to have said:
Prophets, angels or anybody else cannot be better intercessors in ranks than the Qur'an.


Allah calls the Qur'an, the Book of Wisdom (10:1); Could you give some reasons why Allah says so about it?

The Qur'an tells us all that we need to know about ourselves, the universe and Allah Himself. For example it says about the universe the following:

The universe was created; it did not come into existence by chance. About its creation He says:
It is Allah Who created the skies and the earth and all that is between them. (32:4)

He began the universe as a single cell which later burst open and its fragments formed the skies and the earth. In this connection the Qur'an records the following:
Do not the unbelievers see that the skies and the earth were a closed up mass? Then We opened them out. (21:30)

He created the skies, the earth and the space and put each thing in its proper location with its own function. He says:
With power and skill did We create the skies, for it is He Who creates the vastness of space. And We have spread out the earth; how excellently We spread it out. (51"47-48)

Allah explains in the Qur'an that the earth is subjected to serial time; the cosmos is conditioned by cosmic time. Regarding the cosmos, He says:
It is He Who created the skies and the earth in six cosmic days. (11:7)
Verily, a day in the sight of the Lord, is like a thousand years of your reckoning. (22:47)
The angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. (70:4)

Regarding the serial time which is used to compute months and years of the earth and all that is on it, Allah tells us about this in the Qur'an in the following verses:
It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory, and the moon to be a light; and measured out stages for it; that you might know the number of years and the count of time. (10:5)
The number of months in the sight of Allah is twelve (in a year); so ordained by Him, the day He created the skies and the earth. (9:36)


So Allah gives us much information in the Qur'an about the origin and working of the universe and nature; did He tell us anything about what will ultimately happen to it in the future?

We know that, right now we are living in an expanding universe; we also know that at some point in time, the universe will begin to contract. About this process, Allah has mentioned much in the Qur'an. For example He says:
When the sky is cleft asunder; when the stars are scattered; when the oceans are suffered to burst forth; and when the graves are turned upside down; then shall each person know what he sent before (him) and what he left behind. (82:1-5)
The day We shall roll up the skies, like a scroll rolled up for books (completed); even as We produced the first creation; We shall produce a new one. This is a promise We have undertaken and We shall fulfil it. (21:104)

About what will happen to the earth, Allah tells us:
One day, the earth will be changed to a different earth; and so will be the skies; and men shall be marshalled forth, before Allah, the One the Irresistible. (14:48)


Did Allah tell mankind anything about his origin and end in the Holy Qur'an?

Yes, Allah tells us in the Holy Qur'an, that He created the human species different from the way He created the rest of the animals. For example, He says that He created all the animals from water. The verse of the Holy Qur'an which tells us about this is as follows:
Allah created every animal from water. Of them are some that creep on their bellies, some that walk on two legs; and some that walk on four. Allah creates what He will; for verily; Allah power over all things. (24:45)

About the creation of man, He says:
He began the creation of man with clay; and his progeny from a quintessence of the nature of fluid despised. (33:7-8)

So Allah began the human species with the creation of Adam and Eve, and from them came the progeny through the process of procreation, as we all know. The Qur'an tells us about conception and the different stages in the development and growth of the foetus. Allah says:
man, if you have doubt about the resurrection, then know that, We created you out of dust; then out of a sperm; then out of a leech-like clot; then out of a morsel of flesh; partly formed and partly unformed; in order that We may manifest our power to you. And We cause whom We will to rest in the wombs for an appointed term; then do We bring you out as babes; then (foster you) that you may reach your age of full strength; and some our are called to die; and some are sent back to the feeblest old age. (22:5)

Allah also tells us that the creation of the entire human species is like the creation of one person. He says;
And your creation and your resurrection, is just like the creation of one individual. (31:28)

We know that every person is just a different combination of the genes and chromosomes contained in a single cell. So that, the creation of the entire human species, is just like the creation of a single cell with the changing combination of the genes and chromosomes resulting in a different person.

About the end of man, Allah tells us that he shall be returned to the earth and then resurrected. He says:
From the earth We created you; and into the earth shall We return you; and from it shall We bring you out again. (20:55)

Allah tells us in the Qur'an, not only about our origin, but what will ultimately happen to us.

You said that the Qur'an has given us the necessary information of everything we ought to know about ourselves, the universe and about God. What did Allah tell us about Himself in this great Book?

Allah tells us about Himself, the following:

No creature is like Him. In other words; the Creator is different from every creature.
No vision can grasp Him; but He sees all things.
All creatures are in need of Him; but He is not in need of any creature.
Everything exists in His knowledge.
He is the greatest; as He functions through all His Divine Attributes at one and the same time to all His creatures.
He connects Himself to His creatures through the Attribute of Compassion.
He is Eternal
He does suffer from the defects that human being experiences
He is closer to us than we can imagine.
We are all returning to Him
Some will be able to meet Him; and some will not.
He is our Sustainer, Protector, etc.
He can do whatever He pleases.

Charging up the soul

 

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

There is no doubt that Allah is All Wise and His knowledge encompasses all. Things. Allah has created us out of clay, and there is a reason for it. He knows all the reasons but we can understand one thing. The clay body is the best material selected by our Lord to contain that spark of light that is more powerful than electricity. Had the body been created out of a different substance what would have happened to this special spark of light?

He has created us in such a way that we have a proper vessel that can contain this special bit of energy and it has no adverse effects of any kind on the carrier. One of our purposes of us being in this world is to ‘charge up’ this spark of light just as a power pack is charged up via electricity. Every soul is like a power pack that needs to be fully charged. If this is achieved when the soul is reunited with the body on the Day of Judgement it will be a full source of energy that will enlightened the body. In relation to this Allah says in Surah Imran;

‘On the Day when some faces will be (lit up with) white’. (3:106)

We need to charge up this power pack and keep it bright and shinning to reflect the Light of Allah on earth; and if this is achieved the light of that soul will permeate the cells of the body. When this happens the fire of hell will not be able to burn such a body since the light of the soul is much more intense than hell fire.

If you keep at it and allow the light of the soul to keep the body bright and shinning you will be a special person. As Allah says in His Holy Words ‘on the Day when some faces will be white’. Prophet Muhammad (saw) was able to cultivate his light to such an extent that his personality was constantly bright, so much so that the light of the sun was less in comparison to his light. This is possibly why his body never cast a shadow, because the light that his personality reflected was grater and brighter than any other sources of light such as the sun.

His Companions testified to this on numerous occasions. For example Hazrat Aisha (ra) swore by Allah that his face was brighter than that of a full moon. How fortunate indeed were these Companions, to have a little glimpse of this blessed and unique personality.

It is reported in ahadith that if a person is blessed with a vision of Prophet (saw) that person will not enter Jahanam. Islamic Spirituality teaches us that we can establish a conscious relationship with him. If you develop yourself properly you can have vision of him. But first you have to work hard. You need to activate and develop the spiritual points of the body and thereafter you can make contact with the spiritual personality of Prophet (saw).

Work continuously to build the energy of your soul so that when it re-joins the body you will be amongst the blessed ones to have a brightened countenance, and you will be fit to meet your Lord and enter into the Garden. Work hard to polish your soul so that its light will permeate every cell of the body. Satan's mission is to put the dark spots around the soul to block out the energy / light; so remain focus and committed through the adversities.

Let us make a conscious effort, every single day, to make right the conditions surrounding us that will allow our ruh to grow and spread. We beg Allah to make this exercise easy for us and may He keep us far away from the heedless ones and the ones who understand not. May Allah bless us and protect us.

The end will be better than the present

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

There is a something in life we need to understand; Allah says in His Holy Words;

‘and verily the Hereafter will be better for thee than the present’. (93:4)

The akirah is usually translated to mean the hereafter. This is a fact, however in this ayat and in others akirah can also mean the end of your life in this world. Why? Everyone will understand that while you’re growing and developing you will face challenges and difficulties, and it will not be easy. What is important for us to understand at this is stage is that Allah identifies in the Qur’an when the difficulties and trials come we should not ‘give up’ and get frustrated but instead know that there is in fact a purpose and reason for it. Allah says;

‘after a difficulty, Allah will soon grant relief.’ (65:7)

And He has emphasises this. We can conclude that in the earlier stages of your life you will face difficulties but if you put your faith and trust in Allah He will make it easy for you and take care of you. This is possibly one reason why Allah has given us the life story of Prophet Joseph (as). Look at all the trials and hardships he underwent, through no fault of his. These were trials that Allah exposed him to. And look at how beautiful the latter part of his life was after he bore the tribulations and demonstrated true submission to his Lord.

Allah says

‘and surely, we shall try you’. (47:31)

You will face trials and hardships’ and Prophet Muhammad (saw) is even reported to have said that when Allah loves you He tries you. Every believer must understand that in the earlier stages of your life it could be challenging and difficult. This is Allah’s way. He even subjected Prophet to trials both in the personal and public life, and he is the Beloved of Allah . And if Allah can try His Beloved what about us?

We want to please our Lord and earn His blessings and favours so when we are tried we must never give up but reside our faith and trust in Him.

Allah says in Surah Muhammad

‘O ye who believe! If ye will aid (the cause of) Allah, He will aid you, and plant your feet firmly’. (47:7)

Some people believe that as soon as you ask Allah for something, such as help, it should be given immediately. Always remember that Allah knows best. He is all Wise. We only see in the short term and Allah sees everything. Only Allah truly knows.

The true believers are taught to say “I put my affairs in Allah ”. Let Allah take care. He wants us to show Him that we are worthy of His love and blessings.

Take for example the creation of gold. In order to acquire this precious metal it has to undergo a series of process where it is heated and beaten in order to achieve the desired shape and quality. If you want to present yourself as a beautiful ornament to your Lord prepare for the “heating and beaten”. And rest assure that Satan will be the one to test your patience and perseverance.

Allah gave Prophet (saw) the consolation in Surah Dhuhaa;

'Thy Guardian-Lord hath not forsaken thee, nor is He displeased. And Verily the Hereafter will be better for thee than the present. And soon will Thy Guardian-Lord give thee (that wherewith) thou shalt be well-pleased. Did He not find thee an orphan and give thee shelter (and care)? And He found thee wandering, and He gave thee guidance. And He found thee in need, and made thee independent'. (93:3-8)

All the trails he went through as such a young boy and when he began his mission it got worse. His job was to deliver the message regardless of the environment, and Allah took care of him and we too must take solace in that Allah will never abandon us.

When the trials and tribulations come always remember that your Lord will never let you down. And He has taught us to supplicate to Him (through dua). Humbly beg Him. Seek repentance, forgiveness and whatever you want from Him. He will never turn down your dua. Only Allah knows when something is best for you, so He may choose to delay your request or simple wait to give you something much better.

Beg your Lord to make the trials easy. Put your faith in Him and He will take care of your affairs. A lot of us have faith in Him but we go to Him last. We try to exhaust all possible means first and when they appear to have fail then we go to Allah . Go to Him first and He will never let you down. That is guaranteed. One hope is that the future will be better than the past. Whether it is the latter part of our life in this world or the hereafter, He will take care of us.

May Allah make the trials and tribulations that He has decreed for us easy and bearable. May He guide us to behave in the same exemplary manner that our leader, Prophet Muhammad (saw), showed when he was faced with hardships during his mission. And may Allah enable us to rise with the righteous servants on the Promised Day, insha Allah.