Surah Al-Insan (The Man) : Summary of 76th Chapter of the Holy Quran

Sūrat al-Insān (The Man) is the 76th surah / chapter of the Holy Qur'an with 31 verses and two rukuh. There is a dispute among the scholars as to the time of the revelation of this surah, that is whether it was revealed in Makkah or Medina. However, most agree that it is a Madni surah, revealed in Medina. A hadith narrated by Abu Huraira said that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to recite Al-Insan together with Al-Sajdah (chapter 32 of the Quran) for the early morning prayer (fajr) every Friday.

The surah is named after Al-Insan ("the man"), a word that appears in the first verse. Other common names for the chapter include Hal Ata, "Has There Not Come", after the first two words in the first verse; Al-Dahr, "Endless Time", a word that also appears in the first verse; and Al-Abrar, "The Pious", after the description of the pious and their rewards in verses 5–22.

The surah has three distinct parts: The opener that briefly touches upon the creation of man from a very humble beginning, the Main which is full of news of bounties for those who lived the life as was expected of them in this life and the plentiful rewards that would be bestowed upon to them in the life in the hereafter, and the Concluding part that is addressed to the Prophet of Allah and is told that Allah sent this Quran gradually according to the issues faced by mankind Allah, the all-powerful, will show mercy only to those who seek mercy, and for those who are proud and arrogant, there will be utter punishment awaiting in the hereafter.

Let us now read the English translation of the Sūrat al-Insān and details provided where needed to understand its plain meaning / translation:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ 

"In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful"

The surah commences with the first verse in an interrogative sense with the object of not only making man affirm that there has indeed passed on him such a period of time but also to make him think that the God Who developed and shaped him into a perfect man from an insignificant, humble beginning, would not be helpless to create him once again.

[1-3] Has there also passed on man a period of the endless time when he was not yet a thing worthy of mention? Indeed, We created man from a mixed sperm drop, to try him, and therefore We made him capable of hearing and seeing. We showed him the way, whether to be grateful or disbelieving.

In the second verse speaks of the endless time, the beginning and end of which are unknown to man. What is meant to be said is that in this immensely long span of time there has passed a long period when human race was altogether non-existent. Then the species called Man was created, and in the same period a time has passed on every person when a beginning was made to bring him into existence from nothingness.

The third verse, "when he was not yet a thing worthy of mention" implies that a part of him existed in the form of a microscopic gene in the sperm drop of the father and a part in the form of a microscopic ovum in the mother. For long ages man did not even know that he comes into being when the sperm gene and the ovum combine. Now both have been observed by means of powerful microscopes but even now no one can say how much of man exists in the father's germ and how much in the mother's ovum. Then, the initial cell that comes into being by the combination of the two at the time of conception is such an insignificant thing that it can be seen only through highly powerful microscopes and seeing it also no one at first sight can claim that it is a man taking shape, nor that even if a man emerges from this humble beginning, what will be his size and stature, what will be his form and figure, and what will be his capabilities and personality like. This is the meaning of the sentence that at that tithe he was not yet a thing worthy of any mention although a beginning of his being as a man had been made. [1]

In the verse 4 (below), In just one sentence, the fate of those who disbelieved has been mentioned:

[4] For the disbelievers We have prepared chains and collars and a raging Fire.

In the verses 5-22 the blessings with which those who do full justice to servitude in the world, will be favored, have been mentioned in full detail. In these verses, not only have their best rewards been mentioned but they have also been told briefly what are the acts on the basis of which they would become worthy of those rewards. Another special characteristic of the earliest Surahs revealed at Makkah is that besides introducing in them briefly the fundamental beliefs and concepts of Islam, here and there, those moral qualities and virtuous acts have been mentioned, which are praiseworthy according to Islam, and also those evils of deed and morality of which Islam strives to cleanse human life. And these two things have not been mentioned with a view to show what good or evil result is entailed by them in the transitory life of the world, but they have been mentioned only to point out what enduring results they will produce in the eternal and everlasting life of the Hereafter, irrespective of whether an evil quality may prove useful or a good quality may prove harmful in the world.

[5-14] The righteous shall drink (in Paradise) cups of wine flavored with camphor-water. It will be a running fountain with the waters of which the servants of Allah shall drink wine, and shall take out its channels from place to place at will. These will be the people who fulfill their vows (in the world), and fear the Day whose evil shall be wide-spread, and who feed, out of love for Allah, the poor and the orphan and the captive, (saying), "We are feeding you only for the sake of Allah: we neither seek any reward from you nor thanks. We dread from our Lord the torment of the Day, which will be a long, dismal Day of affliction. " So Allah shall save them from the evil of that Day and shall bestow on them freshness and joy, and shall grant them Paradise and robes of silk as a reward for their patience. There they shall be reclining upon high couches, neither troubled by the heat of the sun nor by severe cold. The shades of Paradise shall cover them all round, and its fruits shall be within their easy reach (so that they may pluck them at will).

[15-16 ] Vessels of silver and goblets of glass shall be passed round to them, goblets made of crystal-clear silver, which will have been filled (by the attendants of Paradise) in due measure.

In the verse 15 above, the mention of vessels of silver has been made. At another place,(Surah Az-Zukhruf: Ayat 71), vessels of gold shall be passed round to them, have been mentioned: "Circulated among them will be plates and vessels of gold. And therein is whatever the souls desire and [what] delights the eyes, and you will abide therein eternally." This means that vessels of gold as well as of silver shall be passed round to them as required by the occasion.

In verse 16, “In due measure” means: filled accurately according to the desire of every person, neither over-filled nor under-filled. In other words, the attendants of the dwellers of Paradise will be so judicious and discerning that they will have accurate judgment about everybody whom they serve wine as to how much of it he wishes to drink. 

[17-22] There they shall be served with cups of wine flavored with ginger. This will be a fountain of Paradise named Salsabil.

in the verses 17-18 above, reference to the ginger flavoured wine has been made to suit the taste of the Arabs who liked the wine flavored with ginger mixed water. But this flavoring will not be achieved by adding ginger mixed water to it: it will be a natural fountain which will have the flavor of ginger but without its bitterness; Therefore, it will be called Salsabil, which implies such water as flows gently and pleasantly down the throat on account of its being sweet, light and palatable. Most commentators think that the word Salsabil has been used here as an adjective of the fountain and not as a name for it.

[19-21] They will be attended by brisk-moving boys who will for ever remain boys. When you see them, you would think they were scattered pearls. In whatever direction you may look there, you would see only bliss and the splendor of a great kingdom. Upon them shall be the garments of fine green silk and rich brocade. They shall be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord shall give them a pure wine to drink. 

Those reading the above verses may wonder why men have promised bracelets of silver, usually worn by the women? It may thus be clarified that in the ancient times the custom was that the kings and their nobles used to adorn their hands and necks and the crowns of their heads with different kinds of ornaments. In (Surah Az-Zukhruf: Ayat 53), it has been said that when the Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) arrived in the Pharaoh’s court in his simple dress, with only a staff in hand, and told him that he was a Messenger sent by Allah, Lord of the worlds, the Pharaoh said to his courtiers: “What kind of a messenger is he, who has appeared before me in this state? If he was sent by the King of the universe, why were not bracelets of gold sent down on him, or a company of angels as attendants?”

In the previous verses above, two kinds of the wine have been mentioned above, first that to which water will be added from the fountain of camphor; second that to which water will be added from the fountain of ginger, Now here a mention of Pure Wine has been made. This implies that Allah shall give them a pure wine to drink, gives the meaning that this will be some superior kind of wine, which they will be given to drink as a special favor from Allah.

[22] This is your reward and your endeavors have been appreciated.

In the verse above, in the Arabic text words "kana sayu kum mashkura" have been used meaning: “your endeavors have been accepted and recognized.” In Arabic "Saii" implies the entire lifework that a person accomplished in the world, the works and objectives to which he applied his energies and abilities; and its being mashkur means that Allah has appreciated it. Shukr when expressed by the servant to God implies his gratefulness to Him for His blessings, and when it is expressed by God for the servant, it means that He has appreciated his services. It is indeed the kindness of the Master that He should appreciate the endeavors of the servant when the servant has only carried out his duties according to the Master’s will.

The verse 23 below Allah clarifies the purpose and authority of revealing the Holy Qur'an, "It is in fact We, Ourself are revealing this Qur'an piecemeal to you, and this is intended to inform the disbelievers, not you, that the Qur'an is not being fabricated by Muhammad (peace be upon him), but it is We, Who are revealing it, and it is Our Own wisdom which requires that We should reveal it piece by piece and not all at once." 

[23] O Prophet, it is We Ourself Who have sent down this Qur'an piecemeal to you.

Though in the verse 23 above, the addressee here apparently is the Prophet (peace be upon him), the discourse is directed to the disbelievers who said, “Muhammad (peace be upon him) composes the Quran deliberately by himself piece by piece; had it been from Allah, it would be revealed all at once. Thus here Allah has answered it without citing it, saying emphatically: “It is We Who are sending it down, it is not the composition of Muhammad, and it is We Who are sending it gradually. That is, it is the requirement of Our wisdom that We should not send down Our message all together in a book form, but should send it piece by piece.” 

[24-31] So be patient with regard to the command of your Lord, and do not obey any wicked or disbelieving person from among them. Remember the name of your Lord morning and evening, prostrate yourself before Him in the night, and glorify Him during the long hours of night. These people only love the quickly attainable (world), and neglect a heavy Day that is coming ahead. It is We Who have created them and strengthened their joints, and whenever it be Our will We can change their forms. This is indeed an admonition. Now whoever wills, let him adopt the way to his Lord, but you cannot will it unless Allah wills. Indeed Allah is All-knowing, All-Wise. He admits to His Mercy whomsoever He pleases. As for the wrong-doers, He has prepared for them a grievous chastisement..

The Prophet of Allah is reminded again that: "No matter how long it may take for the decree of your Lord to be enforced, and no matter what afflictions may befall you in the meantime, in any case, you should continue to perform your mission of prophet hood patiently, and not yield to the pressure tactics of any of these wicked and unbelieving people."

In conclusion, it has been said: This is an Admonition: whoever wills may accept it and take a path to his Lord. But man's own will and desire is not everything in the world. No one's will and desire can be fulfilled unless Allah (also) so wills. And Allah's willing is not haphazard: whatever He wills, He wills it on the basis of His knowledge and wisdom. He admits into His mercy whomever He regards as worthy of His mercy on the basis of His knowledge and wisdom, and He has prepared a painful torment for those whom He finds unjust and wicked.

You may now like to listen to Arabic recitation of Sūrat al-Inshiqāq with English subtitles:

You may refer to our post "114 Chapters (Sūrahs) of the Holy Qur'an" for translation, meaning and summary of other chapters (Though not complete but building up from 30th Part backwards for chapters in 30th Part are shorter and easier to understand). 

Photo | References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation of the surahs of the Holy Qur'an from authentic souses and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. However, those wanting detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to sites the references of which are given above.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

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Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Muslims in Non Muslim Countries: Belgium

In the series of our posts on Muslims living in the Non Muslim countries, today we will talk about life and aspirations of Muslims living in Belgium. The reason for choosing Belgium is the same: Some of my readers are from Belgium and I thought I must talk on their behalf through this post today. 

Although Islam in Belgium is a minority religion, yet it is the second largest religion after Christianity in the country. No official records are available about the exact number of Muslims in Belgium, but as per estimates from various sources, Muslims are estimated to be 4.0% to 6.5% of the country's population. The first registered presence of Islam in Belgium was in 1829, but it was the immigrant labourers from Morocco and Turks in the 1960s that account for the present day Muslim population. 

A report by the Turkish consul in Antwerp estimated roughly 6,000 Muslims in Belgium at the time. During WWII, French Muslim soldiers from French West Africa were stationed in the southeast. In 1964, bilateral labour immigration agreement were signed between Belgium, Turkey, and countries. Over 10,000 workers from these countries moved to Belgium and mostly worked in low-skilled jobs. This stopped in 1974 when all foreign manual labour was banned from entry into the country and, in the same year, Islam was officially recognized as a religion in Belgium.

The number of Muslims in Belgium is estimated to be between 320,000 to 450,000. The majority of Muslims in Belgium are Sunni. Muslim population in Belgium is very young. Almost 35 percent of the Turks and Moroccans, the largest Muslim groups in the country, are below 18 years old, compared with 18 percent of the native Belgians. As a result of the age and spatial distribution, very high proportions of the youth in certain areas are Muslim. The Muslim population is most concentrated in Brussels (20% of the total population) 6) with most other Muslims living in the industrial areas of the French-speaking south.

Other than the Turks and Moroccans, Muslims from Iraq, Lebanon, Bosnia Herzegovina, Pakistan, Somalia, Iran and Afghanistan also make up the Muslim population.

How is the life of Muslims living in Belgium? Well this a hard question to answer, for I went through dozens of sites and blogs to know how Muslims lived there but was disappointed to note that most sites attributed terrorism to Muslims and undermined the Muslim population of the country. Some even suggested that soon Muslims would rule Belgium. I found this assertion interesting as sine 1960s till date, that is more than five decades of time bracket, Muslims account for only 4-5% of the Belgium's population. Going by these figures I wonder who suggested this idea of Muslims taking over the country as Muslims becoming a majority may takes centuries. Is this a reality or mere disinformation to keep Muslims under check?

Perhaps it is this scare that Belgian authorities instituted a ban on face-covering attire in public in 2011, which meant the wearing of the Niqāb and burqa were considered incompatible with Belgian society.The ban was challenged by two Muslim women in first the Constitutional Court and then the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), but was upheld

And consequent to this, an Open Society found that 74% of Muslims were subject to “large to relatively large amounts of prejudice. Belgian Muslim women are more subject to discrimination in areas of employment and education than men. Thus young Belgian Muslim women founded Brussels-based group, Bruxelloise et Voilée in March 2015,  with a view to promoting a multicultural society by fighting against discrimination and stereotypes, in particular against Muslim veiled women."

As for the religious freedom, the state machinery keeps a strict check on how mosques in Belgium are being run. recently the Flemish interior minister withdrew certification from one mosque and rejected 20 federally backed requests for certification. The minister accused Turkey’s religious and political authorities of meddling inappropriately in the affairs of the Turkish community in Belgium.  In order to keep a check on what is taught in the mosques, the Belgian government employs over 800 Imams and teachers who teach Islam and Arabic in schools and lead prayers in mosques recognized by the government. 

One of the oldest mosque, the Great Mosque of Brussels, (photo above).The building of the mosque was initially built in Arabic architecture to house the Oriental Pavilion of the National Exhibition in Brussels in 1880. Later, in 1967, King Baudouin lent the building to King Faisal ibn Abd al-Aziz of Saudi Arabia with a 99-year rent-free lease and since been the most prestigious place of Islamic worship and instruction. However recently, the government of Belgium has its lease canceled and taken over its control on the pretext that the Imam was preaching hate stuff and Arabic-language teaching materials had been discovered at the premises which could encourage anti-Semitism, homophobia and violent extremism. 

The life within the Muslim community is distinctive and segregative. There is rivalry between the two main elements, Moroccans and Turks. It is not uncommon, for example, for Belgo-Moroccans to marry Belgians of Christian background, but very rare for Moroccans to marry Turks. 

Halal slaughter is not subject to extensive legislative restriction, but it is only allowed in recognized slaughter house.

You may like to watch a video based on interviews of Muslims living in Belgium:

Photo | References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Disinformation about Islam

Everyone has the right to follow a particular faith and defend it against the opposite beliefs. But one should be honest in analyzing one's own faith and should not twist facts as a means to spread disinformation about other's faith and religions. For truth always stands tall and cannot be hidden from the audience.

Before proceeding further, let me differentiate between disinformation and misinformation: Disinformation is intentionally false or inaccurate information that is spread deliberately. It is an act of deception and false statements to convince someone of untruth. Disinformation should not be confused with misinformation, information that is unintentionally false.

I usually come across many sites maintained by Christians which in order to uphold their viewpoint on Christianity and let down the religion of Islam, take help of out of context verses from the Holy Qur'an with a view to spread disinformation not only in others' mind, but also to mislead their own Christian brethren by feeding them disinformation. Naturally the Christians will not cross check references and will believe for sure that the information given is correct and would thus remain disinformed for their lives, unless someone ventures to find the truth.

And those who find the truth, accept Islam!! 

Let me now insert here referees and disinformation as contained in one of the sites. However it may be borne in mind that the purpose here is not to refute what Bible says or what Christians believe in. The purpose here is to remove any disinformation which being felt from the sites and answer the quires in the light of information contained in the Holy Qur'an. It is up to the reader to find the truth:

Case 1

Christianity: God is One in Three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Islam: Allah is One; he has no Son. The Holy Spirit does not exist.

Commentary:  Yes, we in Islam firmly believe in oneness of Allah and we denounce the notion that Allah could have a son and also believe that there is no concept of the Holy spirit.  In fact this is the main difference between Islam and Christianity. If this claim is accepted as false, then the whole concept of Christianity would crumble. 

• We Muslims do believe in the extra ordinary circumstances of the birth of Prophet Isa (Christ, peace be upon him). In fact complete chapters (Surah Aal e Imran, Surah Maryam and Surah Nuh) have been dedicated to this effect. I have already deliberated upon the extraordinary birth of Prophet Isa separately which explains in detail our view point.
• When Maryam (Mary, mother of Isa) was asked about the birth of a baby boy when she had not been married, she pointed towards her son who said: [Eesa] said, "Indeed, I am the servant of Allah . He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet. (Al Quran Surah Noah, 19:30) And He has made me blessed wherever I am and has enjoined upon me prayer and zakah as long as I remain alive. And [made me] dutiful to my mother, and He has not made me a wretched tyrant. (Al Quran Surah Noah, 19:31-32)
• The above is the first answer as to the birth of Christ and acceptance of his being a prophet in his own words.
• As for he being son of God, the Holy Qur'an explicitly explains status of Allah: "Say (O'Muhammad), He is Allah, (the) One (Ahad - In Arabic Ahad means One). Allah, the Absolute.  He begets not, nor was He begotten; And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him.” [Chapter 112 Sūra al-Ikhlāṣ - The Declaration of Oneness of Allah]
• and if the words of Qur'an were not true, why every year so many Christians revert to Islam - it is because they find the word of Qur'an more convincing and carrying the ultimate truth.

Case 2

Christianity: God loves all people, including Muslims. Allah and God cannot possibly be one and the same.

Islam: Allah hates apostates and blasphemers.  Allah and God are one and the same.

Commentary: From the above said comparison an impression has been given as if Christianity is all love and Islam is region that "hates" and that Allah and God cannot possibly be one and the same thing. Here is my view point as a Muslim:

• Yes Allah is different from the Gods Christian worship. We Muslims believe that Allah is monotheist and so do all religions before Christianity believe so including the Jews. In fact including anyone in the domain of oneness of Allah is a great sin as far Islam is concerned. Thus concept of the Father, son and the Holy Ghost (which constitute God in Christianity) is simply unimaginable for Allah is not a human to have wife and son. 
• Therefore we Muslims believe that God and only He without inclusion of any humans into His Godly domain is our God. Allah is only the Arabic translation of the word God. It may be added that in all Arabic translated Bibles, the word Allah is sued for God.
• Yes in Islam we do renounce apostates and blasphemers, for there cannot be anyone equal to Allah nor can anyone claim to be so. 
• Islam like all religions is a religion of peace and does not in any way propagate violence. The islamophobia is creation of the sick people who have deliberately used Muslims to be become paid mercenaries and to disturb the world peace. No Muslim, except those "conditioned" to to play in hands of the disturbers of world peace, subscribe to the idea of terrorism. 
• The world has started to release that the terrorists like IS and Taliban are but puppets that play the tune of those who want to project Islam as violent and explosive.

Case 3

Christianity: God commands all people to love him and love one another, even their enemies.

Islam: Allah commands Muslims to “Fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah altogether and everywhere; but if they cease, verily Allah sees all that they do.” (Qur’an 8:39)

Commentary: 

• It is interesting to find this comparison. If God commands all people to love him and love one an other, even their enemies - how come there be any enemies among Christian world if this contention is taken as true? The two World Wars were fought between Christians that ended in killing of millions, all Christians. Then why didn't the Christians obey their God?
• Yes Allah commanded Muslims to fight when being oppressed. In the early years of Islam, Muslims in Makkah were oppressed and mocked, but there was no Divine order to fight back. And in the height of oppression, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) decided to migrate to Medina. It was then when the pagans of Makkah came laced with sinews of war that Muslims were allowed to fight back at the Battle of Badr. 
• Even after the Battle of Badr, those infidels who were captured were never harmed and instead were asked to teach Muslims and were then freed. This is how Muslims treat prisoners of war and not like what the Americans did at the Abu Gharib prison, where Muslims were stripped naked and were photographed - even women soldiers posed with them. How unfortunate. Is this the show of love as propagated?
• And this did not mean always to resort to war and killing if the opposing pagans gave in. The capture of Makkah is a classic example of restraint shown on the part of the Muslims when they asked Makkans to lay down their arms and they would be safe. And the world witnessed contingents of Muslims entering city of Makkah without anyone being hurt. In fact it was announced by the Prophet of Allah that anyone who sought refuge in the house of Abu Sufyan (an arch enemy of Muslims) will be safe.
• This is how Islam teaches tolerance, peace and patience.

Case 4

Christianity: All Biblical scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true. Abiding by its unchanging words brings peace of mind and heart.

Islam: Jews and Christians corrupted the Bible by removing verses that foretold Muhammad’s coming and adding verses to establish Jesus’ divinity.

Commentary: The very opener of the Christian view point above accepts that all holy scriptures are inspired by God - the only God. IF God is the originator of all holy scriptures, how can there be anyone else who can be called God too?

• If everyone abides by the teachings of Allah, as called God above, there would never been any disputes. The Jews would not have crucified the Christ and tolerated him as a prophet.
• But instead of targeting Jews for what they did to Christ, the Christians "move forward" to target Islam for Islam denounces the concept of Trinity.
• As for the Muslims' claim that Jes and Christians have corrupted the Bible be removing verses that foretold Prophet Muhammad's coming, this is not absolutely true. In fact we say there are signs which Christians desist to accept, which foretell the coming of a Prophet

There are several citations in the Bible prophesying the coming of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. 

Isaiah 42:4 says, "He will not fail nor be discouraged, till he has established justice in the earth." The Ministry of Jesus, peace be upon him, lasted only three years and at the time of his departure from this world it could not be truthfully said that 'he established justice in the earth'. However, Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of God be upon him, preached for 23 years and most certainly 'established justice in the earth' before he departed from the earth. It is therefore reasonable to conclude that verses 1-13 refer to the coming of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of God be upon him.

Deuteronomy 18:18 "I will raise for them a Prophet like you (Moses) from among their brethren and will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak unto them, all that I command him."

New Testament: "15. If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another 'comforter' (helper in other versions), that he may abide with you forever." Also John 15:26-27, John 16:5-8 and John 16:12-14. 

Let us analyze the above mentions:

• Christians believe that this is a reference to Jesus, peace be upon him. One important word here is "Prophet". Christians believe Jesus is the son of God not a prophet of God. So if they accept Jesus as a prophet, why then create an innovation and assume him to be son of God? Something very misleading and because of this dichotomy why many Christians accept the Qur'anic version of Jesus being prophet of Allah and absolutely not Allah's son.
• Another important word is "brethren". If it were Jesus the word would have been "children" because Jesus, peace be upon him, came from the children of Isaac. Since Ishmael, peace be upon him, was the brother of Isaac, peace be upon him, the reference is therefore to the children of Prophet Ishmael, peace be upon him, who will be brethren to the children of Isaac, peace be upon him. 
• Again the only Prophet from the brethren of the Jews and the Christians was Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. 
• The next important phrase is " ... like you (Moses)". Even a cursory comparison will show us that Jesus, peace be upon him, was very unlike Prophet Moses, peace be upon him. Prophet Moses' birth was natural whereas the birth of Jesus was miraculous without a father, to a virgin, peace be upon her. Prophet Moses married and had children, Jesus did not marry and of course did not have any children. The ministry of Jesus, peace be upon him, lasted three years and did not see the laws of God establish in his time. Prophet Moses, peace be upon him, preached the law of God for many decades and saw in his time, the law of God established. Comparing Prophet Moses, peace be upon him, with Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of God be upon him, brings out an amazing similarity. Muhammad's birth was natural, he was married and had children; preached the law of God for 23 years and saw in his own time God's Law established in his land.
• The phrase: "I will put My words in his mouth", takes on great significance because Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of God be upon him, was unlettered; he did not know how to read or write. Normally God would put the message in the Prophet's mind. In this case attention is drawn towards "words" being put into the "mouth". Prophet Muhammad's sayings as well as eye witness accounts describe his receiving the verses of the Holy Qur'an, and his tongue moving with the words being put in his mouth. [Read details of first five verses of Surah Al Alaq - the first verses ever revealed to Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him]

Case 5

Christianity: Jesus said, “Stop judging others, and you will not be judged.” (Matthew 7:1)

Islam: Allah gives Muslims the ability and authority to judge between men. (Qur’an 4:105; 5:49)

Commentary:

• Now this is simply absurd. The above verse of Qur'an should have been quoted in full to truly reveal its meaning intended.
• The complete verse reads: "Indeed, We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth so you may judge between the people by that which Allah has shown you. So do not dispute on behalf of the dishonest." [Surah An Nisah 105]
• The matter of the fact is that this verse was raveled for Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to decide the case on merit even if it entailed a decision in the favour of a non Muslim.
• The incident involved a person called Tu'mah or Bashir ibn Ubayriq of the Banu Zafar tribe of the Ansar (Muslims of Medina). This man stole an Ansari's coat of mail. While the investigation was in progress, he put the coat of mail in the house of a Jew. Its owner approached the Prophet (peace be on him) and expressed his suspicion about Tu'mah. But Tu'mah, his kinsmen and many of the Banu Zafar colluded to ascribe the guilt to the Jew. When the Jew concerned was asked about the matter he pleaded that he was not guilty. Tu'mah's supporters, on the other hand, waged a vigorous propaganda campaign to save Tu'mah's skin. They argued that the wicked Jew, who had denied the Truth and disbelieved in God and the Prophet (peace be on him), was absolutely untrustworthy, and his statement ought to be rejected outright. 
• It was at this point of decision that this verse was revealed to guide the Prophet (peace be on him) to judge the case on merit and not taking side of His own people. 
• False evidence is given in order to obtain wrong verdicts. The time when this case came up for decision was a time of severe conflict between Islam and unbelief. Had the Prophet (peace be on him) issued a wrong judgment on the basis of the evidence before him, it would have provided the opponents of Islam with an effective weapon against the Prophet (peace be on him) as well as against the entire Islamic community, and even Islam itself. They could have spread the word that the Prophet (peace be on him) and his followers were not concerned about right and justice: it would have been claimed that they were guilty of the same prejudice and chauvinism against which they had themselves been preaching. It was specifically to prevent this situation that God intervened in this particular case. 
• In this and the following verse the Muslims were strongly censured for supporting criminals for no other reason than either family or tribal solidarity and were told that they should not allow prejudice to interfere with the principle of equal justice for all. Man's instinctive honesty revolts against the idea of supporting one's own kin even when they are wrong, and denying others their legitimate rights.

Case 6

Christianity: Jews are God’s chosen people. God will never allow them to be destroyed.

Islam: Jews are descendants of apes and pigs. It is a sacred duty of Muslims to convert, enslave or murder every Jew.

Commentary:

• Quoting reference out of context always spreads disinformation. It is no where written in the Holy Qur'an that Jews are the descendants of monkeys and apes. However an incident is quoted through a verse in the Qur'an: “….those who incurred the curse of Allah and His wrath, and those of whom He transformed into monkeys and swine, and those who worshipped Taghoot….”
• In the above verse, there is a mention of people who were cursed by Allah because of the wrong things that they were doing. Being cursed by Allah means being deprived of His mercy. And the punishment is mentioned that they were inflicted with. They were transformed into monkeys and swine. Why were they given this punishment? We read earlier in Surah al-Baqarah, the incident of Sabbath.
• The main business of the Jews was fishery. They were forbidden to be occupied with their business on Saturday that was chosen as their religious day. To test them in their faith, this was also the day when most fish swam in the sea. The Jews couldn't let go of this opportunity. They saw profits. Therefore, in order to take benefit  they would lay their nets on Friday night while being away for their Saturday prayers. They were not physically conducting their business, but mentally they were occupied in something other than worship. 
• For their disobedience, Allah transformed them into monkeys. Monkeys are not actually humans, but they act like them. Similarly, a swine cannot differentiate between his need and lust. He eats everything including its children and its own filth. Thus their reward and punishment is similar to the act performed.
• They were cursed and transformed into monkeys and swine. And what is worst? That they worshiped Taghoot  - that is anything taken as deity other than Allah.
• Hence based on this one incident, the Jews cannot be described as descendants of apes and monkeys.

This is not the end - one can go on and on to list disinformation substance as spread by the Christians to mislead their own people about the truth which they tried to hide with deceit as mentioned above. I hope the explanations would be adequate to open the eyes of those who have wisdom and can differentiate between misinformation and disinformation, for latter is deceit intended to mislead.

Photo | References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | Compare Christianity with Islam

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Surah Al Mursalat (The Winds Sent Forth - The Emissaries): Summary of 77th Chapter of the Holy Quran

Sūrat al-Mursalāt is one of the earliest surahs revered in Makkah with 50 verses and two rukus and is the last surah of the Chapter / Juz 29.

Sūrat al-Mursalāt is in fact is part of the five surahs, two before it (Surahs Al-Qiyamah and Ad-Dahr) and two following it (Surahs An-Naba and An-Naziat), with the similar theme affirming the Resurrection and Hereafter. There coming together is in fact is to stress upon the disbelievers that the world is their temporary abode and a day shall come when everything will cease to exist and those who denied the Prophet of Allah will come to know the truth he was trying to put across but deliverers mocked him.

The hallmark of this surah is: "Woe on that Day to those that give the lie to the Truth!" - this verse is repeated ten times at various places to tell the deniers that the day shall come which has been denied by them and the truth will be revealed.

Let us now read the segmented English translation of the Surah Al Mursalat and details provided where needed to understand its plain meaning / translation:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ 

"In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful"

Sūrat al-Mursalāt takes its name of the word "al-Mursalāt" mentioned in the first verse of the surah, which means the winds: The winds that take clouds from one place to another as if working as emissaries of rains that would follow from the clouds blown ahead. Allah Almighty always mentions one of His great creations to show His power to tell the disbelievers about His might and mightiness. 

[1-7] By the (winds) which are sent in succession, which then blow tempestuously, and lift up (the clouds) and scatter them, then split (them) asunder, then infuse (the hearts) with the remembrance (of God), as an excuse or as a warning. That which you are being promised, must happen.

Thus here in the first seven verses, the system of winds has been mentioned to exhibit the power of All-Mighty Allah. Having asserted His power over winds and clouds, the message is given to the disbelievers that the One who created these winds can also bring the world to an end and resurrect what all he had earlier created and perished. So those mocking the Prophet of Allah when He forewarns them of the End Day, should know that they would one day know that what they heard was all true but they were unfortunate not to have listened to Allah's commandments and promise that He made while they were living under falsehood.

The pagans of Makkah when heard of the Day of Resurrections, exclaimed with extreme surprise, as people of earlier prophets had when they were warned of the severe consequences of the constantly disbelieving the commandments of Allah. And would often ask the Prophet of Allah as to when the End Day would come,both as a scorn and contempt. Thus in verses 8-15 Allah pains the picture of the day when the wordily life will come to an end and the light of stars and suns will fade away:

[8-15] Then, when the stars become dim and the heaven is rent asunder, and the mountains are thrashed into dust, and the time of the Messengers' appointment comes (that Day it shall happen). For what day has all this been deferred? For the Day of Decision. And what do you know what the Day of Decision is? Woe on that Day to the deniers (of Truth)!

In the verse 11 above a few words about the Messengers' appointment:  At several places in the Quran it has been stated that when the case of mankind will be presented before Allah on the Day of Resurrection, the Messenger of every nation will be called upon to testify that he had conveyed Allah’s messages intact to his people. This will be Allah’s first and major argument against the culprits and the wicked people to prove that they were themselves responsible for their wrong attitude and conduct in life, for there had been no negligence on the part of Allah to show guidance and administer warnings .

Having painted the End Day picture, Allah tell the disbelievers that did not they know that people before them were destroyed for disobedience and that those who denied the Divine words and still shirk away the warnings will be taken to task.

[16-19] Did We not destroy the former peoples? Then We shall follow them up with those of latter day. Thus do We deal with the culprits. Woe on that Day to the deniers (of Truth)!

This is an argument from history for the Hereafter, It means: Consider your own history in the world. Whichever nations denied the Hereafter and took this worldly life to be real life and based their moral attitude on the results appearing here regarding them as the criterion of good and evil, ultimately went to their doom without exception. This is a proof of the fact that the Hereafter is a reality overlooking and ignoring which causes the same kind of harm to a person which is caused when he chooses to close his eyes to the hard facts of life.” [4]

In verses 20-24 Allah tell the disbelievers how He had made them from the dirtiest of water and kept them safe in the womb of the mother and nourished them for almost nine months before they were born. The words "qadar im-malum" does not only mean that the term is appointed and fixed but contain the sense that it is known to Allah alone. About child, no one knows by any means how many months, days, hours, minutes and seconds it will remain in the mothers womb and what will be its exact and precise time of birth. Allah alone has fixed a specific term for every child and He alone knows it.

[20-24] Did We not create you out of a mean fluid, and kept it lodged in a secure place for an appointed term? Behold! We had power to do this, as We are excellent Possessors of power! Woe on that Day to the deniers (of Truth)!

The 24th verse above is an express argument for the possibility of the life-after-death What is meant to be said is: When We had the power to shape and develop you into a perfect and complete man from an insignificant sperm-drop, how shall We be helpless to re-create you in some other way? Our this creation in consequence of which you exist as a living being, is a proof that We are excellent Possessors of power; We cannot be so helpless as to be unable to re-create you after having created you in the first instance. [4]

And yet again those not bringing faith on His bounties are asked that hadn't the world been made comfortable for their living, provided them countless things to eat, water to drink and still they don't find truth in all that has been surrounding them?

[25-28] Have We not made the earth a receptacle, both for the living and for the dead, and set in it high mountains, and given you sweet water to drink? Woe on that Day to the deniers (of Truth)!

In verses 29-34, after giving proofs of the coming of the Hereafter, now it is being stated how the deniers will be dealt with when it has actually taken place. The disbelievers will be asked to walk towards hell which they used to deny. Here by shadow which has "three branches" it meant that when a big smoke arises it is divided into several parts at the top. That is, each spark will be like a castle, and when these huge sparks will rise and burst and fly about in all directions it will seem as though they were yellow camels running and jumping about ceaselessly.

[29-34] Go off now to the same that you used to deny. Go off to the shadow which has three branches. It neither gives coolness nor shelter from the flame of Fire. The Fire shall throw off sparks as huge as castles as though they were yellow camels. Woe on that Day to the deniers (of Truth)!

That is, each spark will be like a castle, and when these huge sparks will rise and burst and fly about in all directions it will seem as though they were yellow camels running and jumping about ceaselessly. 

[35-37] That is the Day when they shall neither speak nor be given leave to offer excuses. Woe on that Day to the deniers (of Truth!)

The verses 35-37 explain the ultimate state of the deniers at the time they will be entering Hell. Before this in the plain of Resurrection they will be offering all sorts of excuses, blaming others for their errors and proving their own selves to be innocent, abusing their leaders and guides who led them astray; so much so that some of them will even disown their crimes shamelessly, as has been stated at several places in the Quran. But when their being criminals will have been established by every kind of evidence, and when their own hands and feet and limbs will have borne witness against them to prove their guilt fully, and when after fulfilling all requirements of justice rightly and truly, the sentence will be passed on them, they will be dumbfounded and no room will be left for them to offer any excuse. To refuse an opportunity or permission to offer an excuse, does not mean that judgment will be passed against them without giving them a chance for self defense, but it means that their guilt and crime will be proved to the fullest and they will not be able to offer any excuse after it. [4]

Verses 38-40 is a reminder to those who used every kind of deception and trick in self-interest. And warned that on the day when Allah will hold His court they will be asked, "Now, if you have any trick to escape My punishment, you may use it to defeat Me and My plan." 

[38-40] This is the Day of Decision. We have gathered both you and those who had gone before you together. Now, if you have a trick, use it against Me.  Woe on that Day to the deniers (of Truth)!

While those who did not believe and will rot in hell, there tidings for those who affirmed their faith in whatever had been brought forth to them and endeavored to improve their Hereafter, and abstained from the evils of disbelief and thought, and acknowledged that that a day would come when they would be rewarded for they being on the righteous path:

[41-45] The righteous are today amidst shades and springs, and whatever fruits they desire (they shall have). "Eat and drink with relish as a reward for the deeds you have been doing." Thus do We recompense the doers of good. Woe on that Day to the deniers (of Truth)!

But for those who prefer to enjoy the worldly charms and leisures  and did not bow down in gratitude for whatever had been blessed on them, they on the day will be losers and most condemned. Bowing down in fact means submission in gratitude which those denying the End Day refused to do. A similar warning has also been given in Surah Luqman: “We let them enjoy for a little while, then in the end We shall oblige them to (enter) a great torment” (31:24).

[46-50] "Eat and enjoy yourselves for a while. Indeed, you are culprits." Woe on that Day to the deniers (of Truth)! When it is said to them: "Bow down (before Allah) they do not bow down." Woe on that Day to the deniers (of Truth)! Now, what message can there be after this (Qur'an) in which they will believe?

The losers are therefor been warned, like before and even after this: "Enjoy your short-lived worldly pleasure as you may, but your end will ultimately be disastrous." The discourse concludes with the assertion that the one who fails to obtain guidance from Book like the Qur'an, can have no ether source in the world to afford him Guidance.

The message is thus very clear: Those who want to enjoy the leisures and pleasures of this world, will have a rotting end in the hereafter. But those who endure hardships but remain steadfast in their faith in Allah and His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) will be rewarded with never ending eternal rewards and blessings

We must have faith that Qur’an is the last Book of Allah explaining its message and wisdom most eloquently and its arguments are most convincing. Those do not believe in the last of the Holy Books, then for which word are they waiting? This is to express disappointment in them, the deniers, the discoverers and those trying to find faults with words of Allah for the justification of their own faith the foundations of which are constructed on deceit and ill will. 

You may now like to listen to Arabic recitation of Surah Al Mursalat with English subtitles:

You may refer to our post "114 Chapters (Sūrahs) of the Holy Qur'an" for translation, meaning and summary of other chapters (Though not complete but building up from 30th Part backwards for chapters in 30th Part are shorter and easier to understand). 

References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs of the Holy Qur'an from authentic souses and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. However, the exegesis of the chapters of the Holy Quran are basically based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi. In addition the references of  other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. 

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Finding the Ultimate Truth - A Born Atheist finds in Islam

Most of the Muslims or for that matter that of any religion are born with the religion of their parents, myself included in the long list too, and generally do not strive to learn more about our faith of birth. But lately I started wondering what makes it for followers of other faiths to "revert" to Islam. And it was this aim in my mind, I started this blog of mine to know "The Ultimate Decision" of such people leaving their religion of birth behind and entering into the fold of Islam.

I came across many sites, mostly by the Christians, condemning Islam and lamenting that Islam coerces Christians to embrace Islam. I will someday quote some of these sites, which have tried to spread disinformation about Islam by quoting out of context verses of the Holy Qur'an to support their view point - I am amazed at such efforts wherein even the translation of the verses of the Qur'an have been twisted to make a point.

Sometime back, I shared the embracing of Islam by an Atheist who was earlier a born Catholic, which clearly shows that when a born Catholic could not find an answer to his questions in Bible, he chose to be become an Atheist for it did not require of him bondage with any religion. But even after denouncing everything and disbelieving in the existence of God or gods, many atheists find their answers in Islam. [1]

Today I am once again sharing the self confession of an atheist who was born to a Catholic family, but his parents raised him as an atheist for they too did not felt satisfied what Christians believed in.

I came across this video on Facebook and was amazed to listen to this young man's confession of how he has been wondering around in search of truth and how finally found his answers in Islam. This man from Australia looks visibly enlightened and one can understand the glow on his face for he was able to find the truth.

The last portion of the video is really very revealing and motivating. He says that having made the decision to revert to Islam, he wanted God to show him some sign that would be his final push to Islam. He said he sat in a candle lit room, and repeatedly asking for a sign - but was disappointed to find none. And then in desperation when he turned over the next page of Qur'an, there it was: The sign he was waiting for. I wont tell what was the sign, for it will spoil the spell with which one listens to his self confession.

Watch the video below of journey from Atheism to Islam in his own words:

I wish those finding truth and find faults in Islam, see this video and find out for themselves how to reach the truth - not by misguidance but striving to find the truth where it is contained: The Holy Qur'an and not sites which mislead a person to stop them from leaving their original faith and embrace Islam. May Allah always guide us on the straight path, the path of those who were blessed, and not the path of those upon whom the wrath of Allah fell or those who strayed away from the truth. [ Surah Al Fateha ]

Source | References: | 1 |

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Court rules Insulting Prophet Muhammad not covered by freedom of expression

Freedom of speech and expression are good to air one's inner self so long these do not hurt a person,  a group or a community. It is often seen in the West, however, that this liberty has been misused when it comes to one's personal beliefs, faith and religion. And when it comes to religion, Islam is the most targeted religion around the world. The making of caricatures in France a few years ago, though had a protection of freedom of speech and expression ruling, it did hurt the Muslims all over the world,  but their protests were never registered, for the people of other faiths other than Islam find in convenient to take their inborn revenge against Islam under the protection of this ruling.

However, there has been a breeze of fresh air as a court has recently ruled that Insulting Prophet Muhammad not covered by freedom of expression and it is liable to punishment. And how so true this is as Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is more dearer to the Muslims than even their families. While the Christians and Jews may mock their prophets, the Muslims would never allow this at any cost.

The court ruling came in a case in which an Austrian national identified as Mrs. S. held two seminars in 2009, entitled “Basic Information on Islam,” in which she defamed the Prophet Muhammad’s marriage.

According to a statement released by the court on Thursday, the Vienna Regional Criminal Court found that these statements implied that Muhammad had pedophilic tendencies, and in February 2011 convicted Mrs. S. for disparaging religious doctrines.

A panel of seven-judges of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on Thursday, 25th October 2018,  ruled that: "Defaming the Prophet Muhammad “goes beyond the permissible limits of an objective debate" and "could stir up prejudice and put at risk religious peace” and thus exceeds the permissible limits of freedom of expression" and upheld the decision of a lower court decision. [1]

The court’s decision follows common sense and decency, yet will undoubtedly upset many on the far-right and so-called “liberals” that routinely appeal to “free speech” to spread falsehoods and attack disadvantaged minorities—ironically the very objectives for the introduction of free speech laws in the first place. [2]

It may be added that Austria is considered to be one of the most Islamophobic countries in Europe at present. The right-wing coalition came to power by promising to deal with the migrant crisis and stirring up anti-Muslim sentiment. And only in June this year, the chancellor Sebastian Kurz shut down seven mosques and expelled up to 60 imams, invoking the usual racist dog whistles of “parallel societies, political Islam and radicalization”. [2]

Photo | References: | 1 | 2 | 

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