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In the Name of Allah, the
Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful The Holy Qur’an is the everlasting miracle of Islam. It carries amongst its words, meanings, explanations, and facts manifest proof of the truthfulness of the revelation of the Holy Qur’an from the All-Knowing Creator, for all people and for all times. The Holy Qur’an includes extremely precise referents and expressions, in addition to some prophecies, that exceed the human capability at the time of revelation and for centuries afterwards. This affirms the impossibility that such prophecies were produced by a human being, and that their source is the All-Knowing Creator, the One Who has sustained and protected the universe from the beginning of time to eternity. Undoubtedly, there are some Qur’anic expressions that we do not yet know the true scientific significance of, but, with the progress of science, the concepts behind these expressions will be clarified (as was the case previously) so that future generations may have more certainty. In the following chapters, we will deal with some of the scientific and historical facts affirmed or referred to by the Holy Qur’an, that were not understood at the time of revelation or for centuries to come. Yet, these facts have been discovered and affirmed by the progress of science and historical events, and have been used as proofs of the truthfulness of the revelation of the Holy Qur’an and the mission of the trustworthy and guided Prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon him). This study is derived from a survey of most of the books written on the subject of the scientific knowledge in the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah, with their contents having been reviewed according to the writings of both early and contemporary interpreters. The scientific aspects and linguistic meanings in these studies have also been examined, with the aim of restricting this study to those aspects whose direct meaning and accepted interpretation of the Qur’anic verses, accord with the scientific facts that have been established by observation, experimentation, and the collective agreement of scientists, excluding any discrepancies. References and sources that deal with the different aspects of this study, through various methods and different points of view, are appended to this book (Arabic edition). This edition is to be published, God willing, after a comprehensive revision and numerous modifications such as the addition of two chapters on the inimitable eloquence of the Qur’an and the Prophetic biography. In addition, the Prophetic Hadiths have been examined in reference to the Hadith Encyclopedia program by Harf for Information Technology, Version 1.2. We beg Allah to make us amongst those who listen to good advice and follow the best thereof and to keep us steadfast on the word that stands firm in this world facing the people of disbelief and misguidance, and in the Hereafter, Amen. ************************************************************ In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most MercifulIntroductionThe Logical and Scientific Approach of IslamIslam is the final message that Allah sent to guide the limited human mind. He sent guiding prophets to every nation, developing the methods of persuading the people and calling them to His Way according to the level of progress of human knowledge and perception. Before Islam, Allah supported his Messengers with tangible and visible miracles, so that the people would obey Him and respond to the call of truth. Then, the time came for the mature human mind to perceive things through sound intellect and enlightened thought. At this stage, Allah sent the Holy Qur’an to complete the revelation of previous Divine Books, and to have predominance over them. The Holy Qur’an, being full of proofs, came to persuade the intellect that it is the word of Allah, the Creator of the universe, as the seal of the Divine Books. It was Allah Who promised to guard the Holy Qur’an against corruption, which had not been the case with other Books, so that it would guide people until the end of time and be a living miracle for all generations. A- Intellectual Persuasion The intellect is the basis upon which the call to Islam is founded, and it is the intellect that the Holy Qur’an addresses. 'Read' was the first word revealed by the trustworthy Gabriel to the illiterate Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him); and the same intellectual approach prevailed throughout the revelation of the Qur’an, which is the word of Allah. The Holy Qur’an says: ]الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الإِسْلاَمَ دِينًا[ Meaning: This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion (Surah Al-Ma’idah – Verse No. 3) Now, let us derive from the Qur’anic verses some examples that prove that intellectual persuasion, logical thinking, and rejecting fanciesdesires are the essence of the call to Islam. A1- Urging people to think in order to find the truth: ] أَفَلَمْ يَدَّبَّرُوا الْقَوْلَ أَمْ جَاءَهُمْ مَا لَمْ يَأْتِ ءَابَاءَهُمُ الأََوَّلِينَ[ Meaning: Have they not pondered over the Saying, or has there come to them what had not come to their fathers of old? (Surah Al-Mu’minun – Verse No. 68) ]وَالَّذِينَ اجْتَنَبُوا الطَّاغُوتَ أَنْ يَعْبُدُوهَا وَأَنَابُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ لَهُمُ الْبُشْرَى فَبَشِّرْ عِبَادِ * الَّذِينَ يَسْتَمِعُونَ الْقَوْلَ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ أَحْسَنَهُ أُولَئِكَ الَّذِينَ هَدَاهُمُ اللَّهُ وَأُولَئِكَ هُمْ أُولُواْ الأَ لْبَابِ [ Meaning: Those who avoid At-Taghut (false deities) by not worshipping them and turn to Allah in repentance, for them are glad tidings; so announce the good news to My slaves, Those who listen to the Saying (and) follow the best thereof. Those are (the ones) whom Allah has guided and those are men of understanding. (Surah Az-Zumar – Verses Nos. 17 - 18) A2- Arguing with evidence and decisive proofs: ]أَمَّنْ يَبْدَأُ الْخَلْقَ ثُمَّ يُعِيدُهُ وَمَنْ يَرْزُقُكُمْ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالأَرْضِ أءِلَهٌ مَعَ اللَّهِ قُلْ هَاتُوا بُرْهَانَكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَادِقِينَ [ Meaning: Is not He (Most Charitable) Who originates creation, and shall thereafter repeat it, and Who provides for you from heaven and earth? Is there any god with Allah? Say, "Bring forth your proofs, if you are truthful. (Surah An-Naml – Verse No. 64) ]لَوْ كَانَ فِيهِمَا ءَالِهَةٌ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ لَفَسَدَتَا فَسُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَرْشِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ [ Meaning: Had there been therein (in the heavens and the earth) gods besides Allah, then verily both would have been ruined. Glorified be Allah, the Lord of the Throne, above what they attribute to Him! (Surah Al-Anbiya’ – Verse No. 22) ]فَلْيَأْتُوا بِحَدِيثٍ مِثْلِهِ إِنْ كَانُوا صَادِقِينَ * أَمْ خُلِقُوا مِنْ غَيْرِ شَيْءٍ أَمْ هُمُ الْخَالِقُونَ [ Meaning: Let them then produce a recital like unto it (the Qur'an) if they are truthful. Were they created by nothing, or were they themselves the creators? (Surah At-Tur – Verses Nos. 34 - 35) A3- The Holy Qur’an setting forth similitudes as a means of persuasion: ]أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ ضَرَبَ اللَّهُ مَثلاً كَلِمَةً طَيِّبَةً كَشَجَرَةٍ طَيِّبَةٍ أَصْلُهَا ثَابِتٌ وَفَرْعُهَا فِي السَّمَاءِ * تُؤْتِي أُكُلَهَا كُلَّ حِينٍ بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهَا وَيَضْرِبُ اللَّهُ الأَمْثَالَ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ * وَمَثَلُ كَلِمَةٍ خَبِيثَةٍ كَشَجَرَةٍ خَبِيثَةٍ اجْتُثَّتْ مِنْ فَوْقِ الأَرْضِ مَا لَهَا مِنْ قَرَارٍ يُثَبِّتُ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا بِالْقَوْلِ الثَّابِتِ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَفِي الآخِرَةِ وَيُضِلُّ اللَّهُ الظَّالِمِينَ وَيَفْعَلُ اللَّهُ مَا يَشَاءُ [ Meaning: See you not how Allah sets forth a parable? A goodly word as a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the sky. Giving its fruit at all times, by the Leave of its Lord and Allah sets forth parables for mankind in order that they may remember. And the parable of an evil word is that of an evil tree uprooted from the surface of earth having no stability. Allah will keep firm those who believe, with the word that stands firm in this world, and in the Hereafter. And Allah will cause to go astray those who are unjust, and Allah does what He wills. (Surah Ibrahim – Verses Nos. 24 - 27) A4- Exhorting people to reflect on Allah’s Creation, and to think of the wisdom behind it: ]إِنَّ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالأََرْضِ وَاخْتِلاَفِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ لآيَاتٍ لأُولِي الأَلْبَابِ * الَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَى جُنُوبِهِمْ وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَذَا بَاطِلاً سُبْحَانَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ [ Meaning: Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding. Those who remember Allah: standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides; and think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth, (saying): "Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose. All Extolment be to You!. So protect us from the torment of the Fire! (Surah Al-`Imran – Verses Nos. 190 - 191) A5- Calling people to meditate and think deeply on the Qur’anic verses: ]أَفَلاَ يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْءَانَ وَلَوْ كَانَ مِنْ عِنْدِ غَيْرِ اللَّهِ لَوَجَدُوا فِيهِ اخْتِلاَفًا كَثِيرًا [ Meaning: Do they not then consider the Qur'an carefully? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much contradictions. (Surah An-Nisa’ – Verse No. 82) ]أَفَلاَ يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْءَانَ أَمْ عَلَى قُلُوبٍ أَقْفَالُهَا [ Meaning: Do they not then think deeply in the Qur'an, or are their hearts locked up (from understanding it)? (Surah Muhammad – Verse No. 24) ]كِتَابٌ أَنْزَلْنَاهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَارَكٌ لِيَدَّبَّرُوا ءَايَاتِهِ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُولُو الأََلْبَابِ [ Meaning: (This is) a Book (the Qur'an) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember. (Surah Sad – Verse No. 29) ]وَلَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا الْقُرْءَانَ لِلذِّكْرِ فَهَلْ مِنْ مُدَّكِرٍ [ Meaning: And We have indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and remember, then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition)? (Surah Al-Qamar – Verse No. 17) A6- Concerning the people who reject the truth and desert intellect and accordingly, dispute with false arguments so they go astray from Allah’s Path: ]وَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ يَسْتَمِعُونَ إِلَيْكَ أَفَأَنْتَ تُسْمِعُ الصُّمَّ وَلَوْ كَانُوا لاَ يَعْقِلُونَ * وَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ يَنْظُرُ إِلَيْكَ أَفَأَنْتَ تَهْدِي الْعُمْيَ وَلَوْ كَانُوا لاَ يُبْصِرُونَ [ Meaning: And among them are some who listen to you, but can you make the deaf to hear, even though they apprehend not? And among them are some who look at you, but can you guide the blind, even though they see not? (Surah Yunus – Verses Nos. 42 - 43) B- Intellectual Freedom: The Islamic message is directed to the free intellect that has the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, between truth and falsehood. Such an intellect should be free from all psychological, social, and emotional influences; for these influences have, and still do, enslave people and their intellects in many societies and within many doctrines. Islam does not involve blind affiliation, or submission to a certain sect, person, race, or tribe. On the contrary, Islam confirms and insists that people should not blindly follow their fathers, ancestors, clergy or despots, as clarified below: B1- Islam calls to the independence and liberation of thought: ]مَنِ اهْتَدَى فَإِنَّمَا يَهْتَدِي لِنَفْسِهِ وَمَنْ ضَلَّ فَإِنَّمَا يَضِلُّ عَلَيْهَا وَلاَ تَزِرُ وَازِرَةٌ وِزْرَ أُخْرَى وَمَا كُنَّا مُعَذِّبِينَ حَتَّى نَبْعَثَ رَسُولاَ [ Meaning: Whoever goes right, then he goes right only for the benefit of his ownself. And whoever goes astray, then he goes astray to his own loss. No one laden with burdens can bear another's burden. And We never punish until We have sent a Messenger (to give warning). (Surah Al-Isra’ – Verse No. 15) ]إِذْ تَبَرَّأَ الَّذِينَ اتُّبِعُوا مِنَ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوا وَرَأَوُا الْعَذَابَ وَتَقَطَّعَتْ بِهِمُ الأََسْبَابُ * وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوا لَوْ أَنَّ لَنَا كَرَّةً فَنَتَبَرَّأَ مِنْهُمْ كَمَا تَبَرَّءُوا مِنَّا كَذَلِكَ يُرِيهِمُ اللَّهُ أَعْمَالَهُمْ حَسَرَاتٍ عَلَيْهِمْ وَمَا هُمْ بِخَارِجِينَ مِنَ النَّارِ[ Meaning: When those who were followed, disown (declare themselves innocent of) those who followed (them), and they see the torment, then all their relations will be cut off from them. And those who followed will say: "If only we had one more chance to return (to the worldly life), we would disown (declare ourselves as innocent from) them as they have disowned (declared themselves as innocent from) us." Thus Allah will show them their deeds as regrets for them. And they will never get out of the Fire. (Surah Al-Baqarah – Verses Nos. 166 - 167) B2- The Holy Qur’an cautions against the indiscriminate following of leaders and their ways of thinking: ]وَبَرَزُوا لِلَّهِ جَمِيعًا فَقَالَ الضُّعَفَاءُ لِلَّذِينَ اسْتَكْبَرُوا إِنَّا كُنَّا لَكُمْ تَبَعًا فَهَلْ أَنْتُمْ مُغْنُونَ عَنَّا مِنْ عَذَابِ اللَّهِ مِنْ شَيْءٍ قَالُوا لَوْ هَدَانَا اللَّهُ لَهَدَيْنَاكُمْ سَوَاءٌ عَلَيْنَا أَجَزِعْنَا أَمْ صَبَرْنَا مَا لَنَا مِنْ مَحِيصٍ [ Meaning: And they all shall appear before Allah (on the Day of Resurrection) then the weak will say to those who were arrogant (chiefs): "Verily, we were following you; can you avail us anything from Allah's Torment?" They will say: "Had Allah guided us, we would have guided you. It makes no difference to us (now) whether we rage, or bear (these torments) with patience, there is no place of refuge for us. (Surah Ibrahim – Verse No. 21) ]وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا مُوسَى بِآيَاتِنَا وَسُلْطَانٍ مُبِينٍ *إِلَى فِرْعَوْنَ وَمَلَئِهِ فَاتَّبَعُوا أَمْرَ فِرْعَوْنَ وَمَا أَمْرُ فِرْعَوْنَ بِرَشِيدٍ [ Meaning: And indeed We sent Musa (Moses) with Our signs and a manifest authority; To Fir'awn (Pharaoh) and his chiefs, but they followed the command of Fir'awn, and the command of Fir'awn was no right guide. (Surah Hud – Verses Nos. 96 - 97) B3- The Holy Qur’an forbids people from blindly following their fathers’ and ancestors’ beliefs without examination or conviction: ]وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمُ اتَّبِعُوا مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ قَالُوا بَلْ نَتَّبِعُ مَا أَلْفَيْنَا عَلَيْهِ ءَابَاءَنَا أَوَلَوْ كَانَ ءَابَاؤُهُمْ لاَ يَعْقِلُونَ شَيْئًا وَ لاَ يَهْتَدُونَ [ Meaning: When it is said to them: "Follow what Allah has sent down." They say: "Nay! We shall follow what we found our fathers following." (Would they do that!) Even though their fathers did not understand anything nor were they guided? )Surah Al-Baqarah – Verse No. 170) ]وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ تَعَالَوْا إِلَى مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ وَإِلَى الرَّسُولِ قَالُوا حَسْبُنَا مَا وَجَدْنَا عَلَيْهِ ءَابَاءَنَا أَوَلَوْ كَانَ ءَابَاؤُهُمْ لاَ يَعْلَمُونَ شَيْئًا وَ لاَ يَهْتَدُونَ * يَاأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا عَلَيْكُمْ أَنْفُسَكُمْ لاَ يَضُرُّكُمْ مَنْ ضَلَّ إِذَا اهْتَدَيْتُمْ إِلَى اللَّهِ مَرْجِعُكُمْ جَمِيعًا فَيُنَبِّئُكُمْ بِمَا كُنْتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ[ Meaning: And when it is said to them, “Come to what Allah has revealed and unto the Messenger," They say: "Enough for us is that which we found our fathers following," even though their fathers had no knowledge whatsoever and no guidance. O you who believe! Take care of your ownselves. If you follow the right guidance no hurt can come to you from those who are in error. The return of you all is to Allah, then He will inform you about (all) that which you used to do. (Surah Al-Ma’idah – Verses Nos. 104 - 105) ]إِنَّهُمْ أَلْفَوْا ءَابَاءَهُمْ ضَالِّينَ * فَهُمْ عَلَى ءَاثَارِهِمْ يُهْرَعُونَ [ Meaning: Verily, they found their fathers on the wrong path; So they (too) made haste to follow in their footsteps! (Surah As-Saffat – Verses Nos. 69 - 70) C- The Status of Science and Scientists Allah distinguished man from other creatures by giving him knowledge and the mental abilities needed to acquire and apply it. Some of these abilities are observation, description, analysis, synthesis, and deduction. This is referred to in the Holy Qur’an: ]وَعَلَّمَ ءَادَمَ الأَسْمَاءَ كُلَّهَا ثُمَّ عَرَضَهُمْ عَلَى الْمَلاَئِكَةِ فَقَالَ أَنْبِئُونِي بِأَسْمَاءِ هَؤُلاَءِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَادِقِينَ [ Meaning: And He taught Adam all the names (of everything), then He showed them to the angels and said, "Tell Me the names of these if you are truthful. (Surah Al-Baqarah – Verse No. 31)
C1-
Inviting people to acquire scientific knowledge is referred to repeatedly in the
Holy Qur’an:
]اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ * خَلَقَ الإِنْسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ * اقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الأَكْرَمُ * الَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ * عَلَّمَ الإِنْسَانَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ [ Meaning: Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created (all that exists), Has created man from `Alaq (a clinging mass, a clot). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous, Who has taught (the writing) by the pen. Has taught man that which he knew not. (Surah Al-`Alaq – Verses Nos. 1 - 5) ]ن وَالْقَلَمِ وَمَا يَسْطُرُونَ [ Meaning: Nun (an Arabic letter), and (by) the pen and what they inscribe. (Surah Al-Qalam – Verse No. 1) ]يُؤْتِي الْحِكْمَةَ مَنْ يَشَاءُ وَمَنْ يُؤْتَ الْحِكْمَةَ فَقَدْ أُوتِيَ خَيْرًا كَثِيرًا وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلاَّ أُولُوا الأََلْبَابِ[ Meaning: He brings (the) Wisdom to whomever He decides; and whoever is brought (the) Wisdom, then he has been brought much charity; and in no way does anyone constantly remember except the ones endowed with intellects. (Surah Al-Baqarah – Verse No. 269) C2- Regarding the merit of the scientists and their ranking with Allah: ]أَمْ مَنْ هُوَ قَانِتٌ ءَانَاءَ اللَّيْلِ سَاجِدًا وَقَائِمًا يَحْذَرُ الآخِرَةَ وَيَرْجُو رَحْمَةَ رَبِّهِ قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِي الَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ وَالَّذِينَ لاَ يَعْلَمُونَ إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ أُولُو الأََلْبَابِ [ Meaning: Is one who is obedient to Allah, prostrating himself or standing during the hours of the night, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the Mercy of his Lord (like one who disbelieves)? Say: "Are those who know equal to those who know not?" It is only men of understanding who will remember. (Surah Az-Zumar – Verse No. 9) ]هُوَ الَّذِي أَنْزَلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ مِنْهُ ءَايَاتٌ مُحْكَمَاتٌ هُنَّ أُمُّ الْكِتَابِ وَأُخَرُ مُتَشَابِهَاتٌ فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ زَيْغٌ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ مَا تَشَابَهَ مِنْهُ ابْتِغَاءَ الْفِتْنَةِ وَابْتِغَاءَ تَأْوِيلِهِ وَمَا يَعْلَمُ تَأْوِيلَهُ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَالرَّاسِخُونَ فِي الْعِلْمِ يَقُولُونَ ءَامَنَّا بِهِ كُلٌّ مِنْ عِنْدِ رَبِّنَا وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلاَّ أُولُو الأََلْبَابِ [ Meaning: It is The (One) Who has sent down upon you the Book, whereof are clear signs that are the Essence of the Book, and others consimilar. So,as for (the ones) in whose hearts is swerving, they ever follow whatever (parts) of it are consimilar, (inequitably) seeking temptation (to sedition), and (inequitably) seeking its interpretation; and in no way does anyone know its interpretation except Allah. And the ones firmly established in knowledge say, “We have believed in it; all is from the Providence of our Lord.” And in no way does anyone constantly remember except the ones endowed with intellects. (Surah Al-`Imran – Verse No. 7) D- Scientific and Cosmic Principles The essence of true science is that the universe has not been created without a purpose, and that every effect has its own cause. All natural phenomena, systems of life, behavior of solid matter, and social behavior, follow the strict rules set by the Creator, the All-Knowing. This is confirmed in the Holy Qur’an, revealed fourteen centuries ago, in an environment not impacted by science, thought, or knowledge. D1- Everything has a purpose behind it: ]وَمَا خَلَقْنَا السَّمَوَاتِ وَلأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا لاَعِبِينَ * مَا خَلَقْنَاهُمَا إِلاَّ بِالْحَقِّ وَلَكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لاَ يَعْلَمُونَ [ Meaning: And We created not the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, for mere play, We created them not except with truth, but most of them know not. (Surah Ad-Dukhan – Verses Nos. 38 - 39) D2- Everything in the universe is governed by precise laws from which it cannot deviate (see Chapter Three): ]الَّذِي خَلَقَ فَسَوَّى * وَالَّذِي قَدَّرَ فَهَدَى[ Meaning: Who created; so He molded; And Who determined; so He guided. (Surah Al-A`la – Verses Nos. 2 - 3) ]إِنَّا كُلَّ شَيْءٍ خَلَقْنَاهُ بِقَدَرٍ [ Meaning: Surely We created everything by a determined estimate. (Surah Al-Qamar – Verse No. 49) ]الشَّمْسُ وَالْقَمَرُ بِحُسْبَانٍ [ Meaning: The sun and the moon (run) to all-precisely reckoned (courses). (Surah Ar-Rahman – Verse No. 5) D3- The march of history follows certain patterns: ]سُنَّةَ اللَّهِ فِي الَّذِينَ خَلَوْا مِنْ قَبْلُ وَلَنْ تَجِدَ لِسُنَّةِ اللَّهِ تَبْدِيلاً [ Meaning: An enactment of Allah with the ones who passed away earlier, and you will never find any alternation to an enactment of Allah. (Surah Al-Ahzab – Verse No. 62) E- The Holy Qur’an Rejects Superstitions: There are many statements and events mentioned in the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet [reports of his sayings, deeds and tacit approvals] that reject superstitions, as well as ideas not based on facts, logic, and sound proofs. The Muslim's belief is not founded on stories, myths, or secrets monopolized by clergy; rather, it is built on decisive proofs and evidences. E1- Concerning the misconception of groups of people about Allah, the One, the Holy Qur’an says: Meaning: Surely the likeness of `Isa (Jesus) in the Providence of Allah is as the likeness of Adam, He (Allah) created him of dust, thereafter He said to hom, “Be!” so he was. The Truthis from your Lord, so do not be of the constant wranglers. (Surah Al-`Umran: 59-60). ]قَالَ قَدْ وَقَعَ عَلَيْكُمْ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ رِجْسٌ وَغَضَبٌ أَتُجَادِلُونَنِي فِي أَسْمَاءٍ سَمَّيْتُمُوهَا أَنْتُمْ وَءَابَاؤُكُمْ مَا نَزَّلَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِنْ سُلْطَانٍ فَانْتَظِرُوا إِنِّي مَعَكُمْ مِنَ الْمُنْتَظِرِينَ [ Meaning: (Hud) said: "Torment and wrath have already fallen on you from your Lord. Dispute you with me over names which you have named - you and your fathers, with no authority from Allah? Then wait, I am with you among those who wait. (Surah Al-A`raf – Verse No. 71) ]يَاأَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لاَ تَغْلُوا فِي دِينِكُمْ وَلاَ تَقُولُوا عَلَى اللَّهِ إلاَّ الْحَقَّ إِنَّمَا الْمَسِيحُ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ وَكَلِمَتُهُ أَلْقَاهَا إِلَى مَرْيَمَ وَرُوحٌ مِنْهُ فَآمِنُوا بِاللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِ وَلاَ تَقُولُوا ثَلاَثَةٌ انْتَهُوا خَيْرًا لَكُمْ إِنَّمَا اللَّهُ إِلَهٌ وَاحِدٌ سُبْحَانَهُ أَنْ يَكُونَ لَهُ وَلَدٌ لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الأَرْضِ وَكَفَى بِاللَّهِ وَكِيلاً[ Meaning: O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allah aught but the truth. The Messiah 'Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah and His Word, ("Be!" - and he was) which He bestowed on Maryam (Mary) and a spirit created by Him; so believe in Allah and His Messengers. Say not: "Three (trinity)!" Cease! (it is) better for you. For Allah is (the only) One God, Glory be to Him (Far Exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is All Sufficient as a Disposer of affairs. (Surah An-Nisa’ – Verse No. 171) E2- As for the grave misconception of those who ascribe sons and daughters to Allah, the Holy Qur’an says: ]وَقَالَتِ الْيَهُودُ عُزَيْرٌ ابْنُ اللَّهِ وَقَالَتِ النَّصَارَى الْمَسِيحُ ابْنُ اللَّهِ ذَلِكَ قَوْلُهُمْ بِأَفْوَاهِهِمْ يُضَاهِئُونَ قَوْلَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِنْ قَبْلُ قَاتَلَهُمُ اللَّهُ أَنَّى يُؤْفَكُونَ [ Meaning: And the Jews say: 'Uzayr (Ezra) is the son of Allah, and the Christians say: Messiah is the son of Allah. That is a saying from their mouths. They imitate the saying of the disbelievers of old. Allah's Curse be on them, how they are deluded away from the truth! (Surah At-Tawbah – Verse No. 30) ]أَمِ اتَّخَذَ مِمَّا يَخْلُقُ بَنَاتٍ وَأَصْفَاكُمْ بِالْبَنِينَ * وَإِذَا بُشِّرَ أَحَدُهُمْ بِمَا ضَرَبَ لِلرَّحْمَنِ مَثَلاً ظَلَّ وَجْهُهُ مُسْوَدًّا وَهُوَ كَظِيمٌ [ Meaning: Or has He taken daughters out of what He has created, and He has selected for you sons? And if one of them is informed of the news of (the birth of) that which he set forth as a parable to the Most Beneficent (Allah) (i.e. of a girl), his face becomes dark, gloomy, and he is filled with grief! (Surah Az-Zukhruf – Verses Nos. 16 - 17) E3- Concerning associating other than Allah in worship: ]وَاتَّخَذُوا مِنْ دُونِهِ ءَالِهَةً يَخْلُقُونَ شَيْئًا وَهُمْ يُخْلَقُونَ وَلاَ يَمْلِكُونَ لأَنْفُسِهِمْ ضَرًّا وَلاَ نَفْعًا وَلاَ يَمْلِكُونَ مَوْتًا وَلاَ حَيَاةً وَلاَ نُشُورًا [ Meaning: Yet they have taken besides Him other gods that created nothing but are themselves created, and possess neither hurt nor benefit for themselves, and possess no power (of causing) death, nor (of giving) life, nor of raising the dead. (Surah Al-Furqan – Verse No. 3) E4- As for those who worship the jinn and the angels, Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: ]وَجَعَلُوا لِلَّهِ شُرَكَاءَ الْجِنَّ وَخَلَقَهُمْ وَخَرَقُوا لَهُ بَنِينَ وَبَنَاتٍ بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ [ Meaning: Yet, they join the jinns as partners in worship with Allah, though He has created them (the jinns), and they attribute falsely without knowledge sons and daughters to Him. Be He Glorified and Exalted above (all) that they attribute to Him. (Surah Al-An`am – Verse No. 100) ]وَجَعَلُوا الْمَلاَئِكَةَ الَّذِينَ هُمْ عِبَادُ الرَّحْمَنِ إِنَاثًا أَشَهِدُوا خَلْقَهُمْ سَتُكْتَبُ شَهَادَتُهُمْ وَيُسْأَلُونَ * وَقَالُوا لَوْ شَاءَ الرَّحْمَنُ مَا عَبَدْنَاهُمْ مَا لَهُمْ بِذَلِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ إِنْ هُمْ إِلاَّ يَخْرُصُونَ [ Meaning: And they make the angels who themselves are slaves to the Most Beneficent (Allah) females. Did they witness their creation? Their testimony will be recorded, and they will be questioned! And they said: "If it had been the Will of the Most Beneficent (Allah), we should not have worshipped them (false deities)." They have no knowledge whatsoever of that. They do nothing but lie! (Surah Az-Zukhruf – Verses Nos. 19 - 20) E5- As for deifying human beings: ]اتَّخَذُوا أَحْبَارَهُمْ وَرُهْبَانَهُمْ أَرْبَابًا مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ وَالْمَسِيحَ ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ وَمَا أُمِرُوا إِلاَّ لِيَعْبُدُوا إِلَهًا وَاحِدًا لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ سُبْحَانَهُ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ [ Meaning: They (Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allah (by obeying them in things which they made lawful or unlawful according to their own desires without being ordered by Allah), and (they also took as their Lord) Messiah, son of Maryam (Mary), while they (Jews and Christians) were commanded to worship none but One God. Praise and glory be to Him, (far above is He) from having the partners they associate (with Him). (Surah At-Tawbah – Verse No. 31) ]وَإِذْ قَالَ اللَّهُ يَاعِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ ءَأَنْتَ قُلْتَ لِلنَّاسِ اتَّخِذُونِي وَأُمِّيَ إِلَهَيْنِ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ قَالَ سُبْحَانَكَ مَا يَكُونُ لِي أَنْ أَقُولَ مَا لَيْسَ لِي بِحَقٍّ إِنْ كُنْتُ قُلْتُهُ فَقَدْ عَلِمْتَهُ تَعْلَمُ مَا فِي نَفْسِي ولاَ أَعْلَمُ مَا فِي نَفْسِكَ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ عَلاَّمُ الْغُيُوبِ [ Meaning: And (remember) when Allah will say (on the Day of Resurrection): "O 'Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)! Did you say unto men: 'Worship me and my mother as two gods besides Allah?' " He will say: "Glory be to You! It was not for me to say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, You would surely have known it. You know what is in my inner self though I do not know what is in Yours, truly, You, only You, are the All Knower of all that is hidden and unseen. (Surah Al-Ma’idah – Verse No. 116) E6- Regarding the worshiping of idols, Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: ]أَفَرَأَيْتُمُ الْلاَتَ وَالْعُزَّى * وَمَنَاةَ الثَّالِثَةَ الأُُخْرَى * أَلَكُمُ الذَّكَرُ وَلَهُ الأُُنْثَى * تِلْكَ إِذًا قِسْمَةٌ ضِيزَى * إِنْ هِيَ إِلاَّ أَسْمَاءٌ سَمَّيْتُمُوهَا أَنْتُمْ وَءَابَاؤُكُمْ مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِنْ سُلْطَان&# |