Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

The Holy Qur'an

The Holy Qur’an, Revelation from Allah (swt) only

Surah Yunus, 10 :37-38

وَمَا كَانَ هَـذَا الْقُرْآنُ أَن يُفْتَرَى مِن دُونِ اللّهِ وَلَـكِن تَصْدِيقَ الَّذِي بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَتَفْصِيلَ الْكِتَابِ لاَ رَيْبَ فِيهِ مِن رَّبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

Wa maa kaana haazal-Qur-’aanu ’an yuf-taraa min-duunil-laahi wa laakin-tasdii-qal-lazii bayna ya-dayhi wa tafsii-lal-Kitaabi laa ray-ba fiihi mir-Rab-bil-‘Aala-miin.

37. Now this Qur’an could not possibly have been devised by anyone save God: nay indeed, it confirms the truth of whatever remains (of earlier revelations) and clearly spells out the revelation (which comes) - let there be no doubt about it - from the Sustainer of all the worlds.

أَمْ يَقُولُونَ افْتَرَاهُ قُلْ فَأْتُواْ بِسُورَةٍ مِّثْلِهِ وَادْعُواْ مَنِ اسْتَطَعْتُم مِّن دُونِ اللّهِ إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ

’Am yaquuluu-naf-taraah? Qul fa’-tuu bi-suuratim-mithlihii wad-‘uu manistata‘-tum-min-duunil-laahi ’in-kuntum Saadi-qiin!

38. And yet, they (who are bent on denying the truth) assert, “(Muhammad) has invented it!”

Say (unto them): “Produce, then, a surah of similar merit; and (to this end) call to your aid whomever you can, other than God, if what you say is true!”

God’s Unique Way of Sending His Messages to Mankind

Surah Ash - Shura, 42:51

وَمَا كَانَ لِبَشَرٍ أَن يُكَلِّمَهُ اللَّهُ إِلَّا وَحْيًا أَوْ مِن وَرَاء حِجَابٍ أَوْ يُرْسِلَ رَسُولًا فَيُوحِيَ بِإِذْنِهِ مَا يَشَاء إِنَّهُ عَلِيٌّ حَكِيمٌ

Wa maa kaana libasharin ’ay-yakal-limahul-laahu ‘il-laa Wahyan ’aw minw-waraaa-’i hijaabin ’aw yursila rasuulan fayuhiya bi-’iznihii maa yashaaa’ ’in-nahuu ‘Aliy-yun Hakiim.

51. And it is not given to mortal man that God should speak unto him otherwise than through sudden inspiration, or (by a voice, as it were) from behind a veil, or by sending an apostle to reveal, by His leave, whatever He wills (to reveal): for, verily, He is exalted, wise.

The Holy Qur’an, a Book Complete in Every Aspect and Sent as a Grace From Almighty Allah (swt) and a Guide to Every Believer

Surah Az - Zumar, 39:23

اللَّهُ نَزَّلَ أَحْسَنَ الْحَدِيثِ كِتَابًا مُّتَشَابِهًا مَّثَانِيَ تَقْشَعِرُّ مِنْهُ جُلُودُ الَّذِينَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ ثُمَّ تَلِينُ جُلُودُهُمْ وَقُلُوبُهُمْ إِلَى ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ذَلِكَ هُدَى اللَّهِ يَهْدِي بِهِ مَنْ يَشَاء وَمَن يُضْلِلْ اللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُ مِنْ هَادٍ

’Al-laahu naz-zala ’ahsanal-Hadiithi Kitaabam-mutashaabi-ham-mathaaniya taq-sha-‘ir-ru minhu juluudul-laziina yakh-shawna Rab-bahum. Thum-ma taliinu juluu-duhum wa quluu-buhum ’ilaa Zikril-laah. Zaa-lika hudal-laahi yahdii bihii man-yashaaa’: wa man-yuzli-lil-laahu famaa lahuu min haad

23. God bestows from on high the best of all teachings in the shape of a divine writ fully consistent within itself, repeating each statement (of the truth) in manifold forms - (a divine writ) which do shivers the skins of all who of their Sustainer stand in awe: (but) in the end their skins and their hearts do soften at the remembrance of (the grace of) God......

Such is God’s guidance: He guides therewith him that wills (to be guided) - whereas he whom God lets go astray can never find any guide.

The Holy Qur’an was revealed in parts on various occasions during the wide span of twenty-thee (23) years. The greatest proof of the Holy Book being the revealed Word of God is in its uniformity in all its parts conforming to each other and constituting a perfect harmonious whole without the least contradiction or inconsistency anywhere in it, though the circumstances necessitating the revelations, were of varying nature and yet all through the vicissitudes, there is found a perfect uniformity.

As regards God’s guiding whomsoever He pleases and leaving whomsoever He pleases, to stray, refer to Surah an-Nahl, 16:93, Surah al-Ibrahim, 14:4 and Surah al-Baqarah, 2:26.

Said the Holy Prophet (S):

“ If anyone trembles, fearing God’s wrath against his sins, it would shed out his sins, off the individual’s account as the dried leaves are dropped away from a tree.”

The Holy Qur’an, a Book of True Guidance but, only for the Believers

Surah Luqman, 31 :2-5

تِلْكَ آيَاتُ الْكِتَابِ الْحَكِيمِ

Tilka ’Aayaatul-Kitaabil-Hakiim,

2. These are messages of the divine writ, full of wisdom,

هُدًى وَرَحْمَةً لِّلْمُحْسِنِينَ

Hudanw-wa Rahmatal-lil-Muhsiniin,

3. providing guidance and grace unto the doers of good

الَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَهُم بِالْآخِرَةِ هُمْ يُوقِنُونَ

’Al-laziina yuqii-muunas-Salaata wa yu’tuunaz-Zakaata wa hum-bil ’Aakhiraati hum yuuqinuun.

4. who are constant in prayer and dispense charity: for it is they, they who in their innermost are certain of the life to come!

أُوْلَئِكَ عَلَى هُدًى مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ وَأُوْلَئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ

Ulaaa-’ika ‘alaa Hudam-mir-Rab-bihim wa ’ulaaa-’ika humul-Muflihuun.

5. It is they who follow the guidance ( that comes to them) from their Sustainer; and it is they, they who shall attain to a happy state!

The Holy Qur’an is termed as the Book of Wisdom for it contains factors of the highest knowledge which a mortal of any standard of intellect, from the average to the maximum degree, can possibly bear and which is sufficient for man to raise himself from the abyss of material degradation to the sublime heights of heavenly grace and eternal bliss. The Holy Qur’an is a guidance from God and God’s mercy - for those who are seeking to achieve goodness in their life on earth. Those who wish goodness for themselves and for others, loving the good (Tawallah) and discarding the evil (Tabarra). It is this quality, which is called ‘Taqwa’ i.e. piety.

In Hadith al Qudsi, Allah (swt) says:

“You have taken My Book and placed it under your feet, and you have taken this world and placed it over your head.”

The Holy Qur’an : Its Protection Against any Distortion is Promised by Allah (swt)

Surah Al - Hijr, 15:9

إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَ

’In-na Nahnu naz-zal-naz-Zikra wa ’in-naa lahuu la-Haafizuun.

9. Behold, it is We Ourselves who have bestowed from on high, step by step, this reminder: and, behold, it is We who shall truly guard it ( from all corruption).

This prophecy has been strikingly confirmed by the fact that the text of the Qur’an has remained free from all alterations, additions, or deletions ever since it was enunciated by the Prophet (S) in the seventh century of the Christian era; and there is no other instance of any book, of whatever description, which has been similarly preserved over such a length of time. The Holy Scriptures revealed through the several other apostles of God in the past, were either corrupted or made all together extinct. God would not allow a similar fate to befall His Final Word, for no other apostle would again come nor any other Book will be revealed. Hence the security of the Last and the Final Word of God becomes necessary and it could be done by none save by God Himself. Hence God Himself undertakes to see that it remains secure in its originally revealed form forever.

Allah’s (swt) Challenge to Mankind to Produce a Like of The Qur'an

Surah Al - Isra’, 17:88

قُل لَّئِنِ اجْتَمَعَتِ الإِنسُ وَالْجِنُّ عَلَى أَن يَأْتُواْ بِمِثْلِ هَـذَا الْقُرْآنِ لاَ يَأْتُونَ بِمِثْلِهِ وَلَوْ كَانَ بَعْضُهُمْ لِبَعْضٍ ظَهِيرًا

Qul-la’inij-tama-‘atil-’Insu wal-Jin-nu ‘alaaa ’ay-ya’-tuu bi-mithli haazal-Qur-’aani laa ya’-tuuna bi-mith-lihii wa lau kaana ba‘-zuhum li -ba‘-zin-zahiiraa.

88. Say: “If all mankind and invisible beings(i.e. .jinn) would come together with a view to producing the like of this Qur’an, they could not produce its like even though they were to exert all their strength in aiding one another!”.

Surah Baqarah, 2:23

وَإِن كُنتُمْ فِي رَيْبٍ مِّمَّا نَزَّلْنَا عَلَى عَبْدِنَا فَأْتُواْ بِسُورَةٍ مِّن مِّثْلِهِ وَادْعُواْ شُهَدَاءكُم مِّن دُونِ اللّهِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَادِقِينَ

Wa ’in - kuntum fii ray-bim-mimmaa nazzal-naa ‘alaa ‘Abdinaa fa ’-tuu bi-Suuratim-mim-mis-lih; wad- ‘uu shuha - daaa - ‘akum-min-duunillaahi ’in-kuntum saadi-qiin.

23. And if you are in doubt as to what we have revealed from time to time to Our servant, then produce a Surah like there unto; And call your witnesses or helpers (if there are any) besides Allah, if your (doubts) are true.

Surah Hud, 11:13

أَمْ يَقُولُونَ افْتَرَاهُ قُلْ فَأْتُواْ بِعَشْرِ سُوَرٍ مِّثْلِهِ مُفْتَرَيَاتٍ وَادْعُواْ مَنِ اسْتَطَعْتُم مِّن دُونِ اللّهِ إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ

’Am yaquu - luunaf - taraah, Qul fa’tuu bi-ashri Suwarim - mislihii muftara - yaatinw wad-’uu mamis - tata ‘-tum-min-duunil-laahi ’in - kuntum saadiqiin

13. Or they may say, “ He forged it.” Say, “ Bring ye then ten Surahs forged, like unto it, and call (to your aid) whomsoever ye can, other than Allah! - if you speak the truth!

The First Revelation of the Qur’an

Surah Al - ‘Alaq, 96:1-5

اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ

’Iqra’ bismi Rab-bikal-lazii khalaq,

1. Read in the name of thy Sustainer, who has created

خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ

Khalaqal-’insaana min ‘alaq.

2. created man out of a germ-cell!

اقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُ

’Iqra’ wa Rab-bukal-’ Akram

3. Read - for thy Sustainer is the Most Bountiful One

الَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ

’Al-lazii ‘al-lama bil Qalam,

4. who has taught (man) the use of the pen

عَلَّمَ الْإِنسَانَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ

‘Al-lamal-’insaana maa lam ya‘-lam.

5. taught man what he did not know!

These five verses revealed are the first revelation received by the Holy Prophet (S) through the Messenger Angel Gabriel in the cave of Hira. Formerly, it is reported that the Holy Prophet (S) used to receive the communion through dreams and the voices while he was alone in lonely places and did not see the speaker.

In the fortieth year of his life on the 27th night of the month of Rajab when the Holy Prophet (S) was busy in his meditation and prayers in the cave of the Mount Hira, in deep silence and the calm atmosphere, all of a sudden he heard a voice calling him by name and a flood of light broke in upon him with dazzling splendour. He composedly beheld a human form approaching.

It was the Messenger Angel Gabriel, who, coming quite near, held a silken scroll before him and asked him to read what was written thereon. He felt his mind fully illumined with the Divine Light and his eyes were opened to the writing on the scroll and he recited the first few verses of this Surah (Surah al-Alaq, 96:1-5). when he finished the recitation, the Angel announced “O Muhammad! Verily thou art the apostle of God and I am His Angel Gabriel!”.

This address was a signal to start the ministry. The Angel saying this disappeared. Besides the Holy Prophet (S) getting charged with the reading of the Word of God, his memory was divinely conditioned with retention and what he recited only once, before the Angel, remained graven on his heart.

The story of the Holy Prophet (S) getting fright-stricken, returning home trembling, and he being frightened like a child etc. are all mere stories and wishful imagination of some Jewish fabrications against the Holy Prophet (S).

The Holy Prophet (S) says:

“I was the Apostle of God when Adam was still amidst water and the clay”.

Besides the one who was destined to be the Last Apostle or the Final Warner and his advent was prophesied in all the ancient scriptures, would never have been in the least perturbed at meeting the Angel.

Night of Qadr , The Night of Destiny , better than a 1000 Nights

Surah Al - Qadr, 97:1-5

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ

’In-naaa ’anzal-naahu fii Laylatil-Qadr:

1. Behold, from on high have We bestowed this (divine writ) on the Night of Destiny.

وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ

Wa maaa ’ad-raaka maa Laylatul-Qadr?

2. And what could make thee conceive what it is, that Night of Destiny?

لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ

Laylatul-Qadri khayrum-min ’alfi Shahr

3. The Night of destiny is better than a thousand months:

تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ

Tanaz-zalul - malaaa - ’ikatu war-Ruuhu fiihaa bi-’izni-Rab-bihim-min-kul-li’amr:

4. in hosts descends in it the angels, bearing divine inspiration by their Sustainer’s leave;

سَلَامٌ هِيَ حَتَّى مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ

Salaa-mun Hiya hat-taa mat-la-‘il-Fajr!

5. from all (evil) that may happen does it make secure, until the rise of dawn.

This is a unique Night of Grandeur - a Mystic Night of special value and worth allotted for men to spend the whole of it, awake and praying to the Lord seeking His forgiveness for the sins and His grace and mercy. It is said that it is announced in the heavens, “Who is there among the mankind to seek tonight the forgiveness and the grace of the Lord and have it”

Parents

The best deed before Allah (swt)

Surah Al - Ahqaf, 46:15-16

وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ إِحْسَانًا حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ كُرْهًا وَوَضَعَتْهُ كُرْهًا وَحَمْلُهُ وَفِصَالُهُ ثَلَاثُونَ شَهْرًا حَتَّى إِذَا بَلَغَ أَشُدَّهُ وَبَلَغَ أَرْبَعِينَ سَنَةً قَالَ رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِي أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِي أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلَى وَالِدَيَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَالِحًا تَرْضَاهُ وَأَصْلِحْ لِي فِي ذُرِّيَّتِي إِنِّي تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ وَإِنِّي مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ

Wa was-say-nal-’insaana bi-waali-day-i’ ihsaanaa: hamalat-hu ’um-muhuu kurhanw-wa waza-‘at-hu kurhaa. Wa hamluhuu wa fisaaluhuu thalaa-thuuna shahraa. Hat-taaa ’izaa balagha ’ashud-dahuu wa balagha ’arba-‘iina sana-tan-qaala Rab-bi ’awzi‘-niii ’an ’ashkura ni‘-matakal-latii ’an-‘amta ‘alay-ya wa ‘alaa waaliday-ya wa ’an ’a‘-mala saalihan-tar-zaahu wa ’aslih lii fii zur-riy-yatii. ’In-nii tubtu ’ilay-ka wa in-ni- minal-Muslimiin.

15. Now (among the best of the deeds which) We have enjoined upon man is goodness towards his parents. In pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth; and her bearing him and his utter dependence on her took thirty months. And so, when he attains to full maturity and reaches forty years, he (that is righteous) prays: “O my Sustainer! Inspire me so that I may forever be grateful for those blessings of Thine with which Thou hast graced me and my parents, and that I may do what is right (in a manner) that will meet with Thy goodly acceptance; and grant me righteousness in my offspring (as well). Verily, unto Thee have I turned in repentance: for, verily, I am of those who have surrendered themselves unto Thee!”

أُوْلَئِكَ الَّذِينَ نَتَقَبَّلُ عَنْهُمْ أَحْسَنَ مَا عَمِلُوا وَنَتَجاوَزُ عَن سَيِّئَاتِهِمْ فِي أَصْحَابِ الْجَنَّةِ وَعْدَ الصِّدْقِ الَّذِي كَانُوا يُوعَدُونَ

’Ulaaa-’ikal-laziina nataqab-balu ‘anhum ’ahsana maa-‘amiluu wa natajaa-wazu ‘an say-yi-’aatihim fiii ’as-haabil-Jan-na: wa‘-das-sidqil-lazii kaanuu yuu-‘aduun.

16. It is (such as) these from whom We shall accept the best that they ever did, and whose bad deeds We shall overlook: (they will find themselves) among those who are destined for paradise, in fulfilment of the true promise which they were given (in this world).

Note the reasoning with which man is enjoined to regard, revere, honour, and respect the parents. ‘Ihsan’ is not what is done in return or for any good but the initiative in doing good without expecting any return for it.

Status of Parents in Islam

Surah Luqman, 31 :14

وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ وَهْنًا عَلَى وَهْنٍ وَفِصَالُهُ فِي عَامَيْنِ أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيْكَ إِلَيَّ الْمَصِيرُ

Wa was-say-nal’ insaana biwaaliday: hamalat-hu ’um-muhuu wahnan ‘alaa wahninw-wa fisaaluhuu fii ‘aamayni ’anish-kur lii wa li-waalidayk: ’ilay-yal-Masiir.

14. And (God says:) “We have enjoined upon man goodness towards his parents: his mother bore him by bearing strain upon strain, and his utter dependence on her lasted two years: (hence, O man,) be grateful towards Me and towards thy parents, (and remember that) with Me is all journey’s end.

Utmost respect and veneration to Parents, after Allah (swt)

Surah Al - Isra’, 17:23

وَقَضَى رَبُّكَ أَلاَّ تَعْبُدُواْ إِلاَّ إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ الْكِبَرَ

أَحَدُهُمَا أَوْ كِلاَهُمَا فَلاَ تَقُل لَّهُمَا أُفٍّ وَلاَ تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوْلاً كَرِيمًا

Wa qazaa Rab-buka ’al-laa ta‘-buduuu ’il-laaa ’iy-yaahu wa bil-waa-lidayni ’ihsaa-naa. ’Im-maa yablu-ghan-na ‘indakal-ki-bara ’ahadu-humaaa ’aw kilaa-humaa falaa taqul-lahumaa wa ’uf-finw-wa laa tanhar-humaa wa qul-lahumaa qawlan-kariimaa.

23. And your Lord has commanded that you shall not serve (any) but Him, and do good to your parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, say not to them (so much as) “ugh” nor chide them, but (always) speak to them reverent speech.

Islam ranks the obedience to parents second only to God. The extent to which one has to regard his parents and obey them is peculiar only to Islam. None shall even raise his voice higher than the voice of his parents - nor look towards them even eye to eye - nor walk in advance of them - nor address them with their names. Nothing shall be done to bring disrepute or blame on them from the people and if they be believers, the children should pray for their salvation, and if they be disbeliever, they might be gently invited towards the right belief and goodness. If man cannot venerate the ones responsible in bringing him in this world, he will never be able to acknowledge truly the Only One Creator of all mankind.

Prayer for one’s parents

Surah Ibrahim, 14:41

رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُ

Rab-ba-nagh-fir lii wa li-waa-li-day-ya walil-Mu’mi-niina Yawma yaquu-mul-Hisaab!

41.Grant Thy forgiveness unto me, and my parents, and all the believers, on the Day on which the (last) reckoning will come to pass!”

Surah Al-Isra’, 17:24

وَاخْفِضْ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحْمَةِ وَقُل رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي

صَغِيرًا

Wakh-fiz la-humaa janaa-haz-zul-li minar-rahmati wa qur-Rab-bir-ham-humaa kamaa rab-ba-yaanii saghiiraa.

24. And make yourself submissively gentle to them with compassion, and say: “O my Lord! have compassion on them, as they brought me up (when I was) a child.”

These ayats are recited in Salatul Walidain which is a Salat prayed for the well-being and blessing of Almighty onto one’s parents in this world and the hereafter. This is a two rakaat Salat prayed similiar to Salat al-Fajr. In the first rakaat, after Surah Al-Hamd, 1:1-7, Surah al-Ibrahim, 14:41 is recited ten times in Qunoot, and in the second rakaat, after Surah Al Hamd, 1:1-7, Surah Nooh, 71:28 is recited ten times in Qunoot. After ending the Salat, Surah al-Israa, 17:24 is recited ten times and then plead to the Sustainer of all the worlds for blessing for ones’ parents.

Dua for Parents and the Believers

Surah Nuh, 71:28

رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِمَن دَخَلَ بَيْتِيَ مُؤْمِنًا وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ وَلَا تَزِدِ الظَّالِمِينَ إِلَّا تَبَارًا

Rab-bigh-fir lii wa liwaali-day-ya wa liman-dakhala bay-tiya Mu’-minaw wa lil-mu‘miniina wal mo‘minaat; wa laa tazidiz - zaalimiina ’il-laa tabaaraa!

28. “O my Sustainer! Grant Thy forgiveness unto me and unto my parents, and unto everyone who enters my house as a believer, and unto all believing men and believing women (of later times); and grant Thou that the doers of evil shall increasingly meet with destruction!”

This verse is recited in the Qunoot of Salaat Hadiyan-e-Walidain.