PLEASE SPARE SOME TIME TO READ....PRETTY LENGTHY....Al-Aqsa: Seventh-century mosque in the Haram al-Sharif, Jerusalem. Known as the "Farther Mosque" to distinguish it from the "Holy Mosque" of Mecca. Mentioned in connection with the Prophet's Nocturnal Journey in the Quran. (17:1)
Buraq: Winged creature, usually depicted as a horse, which Muhammad mounted and rode to Jerusalem, through seven heavens, hell and paradise, into the presence of God, and back to earth, according to the story of his Night Journey.
Tawhid is the defining doctrine of Islam. It declares absolute monotheism - the unity and uniqueness of God as Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Used by Islamic reformers and activities as an organising principle for human society and the basis of religious knowledge, history, metaphysics, aesthetics, and ethics, as well as social, economic, and world order.
THIS SURAH IS KNOWN by the two titles: The Israelites and Al-Isra', the Night Journey. Its opening verse refers to Prophet Muhammad's remarkable night journey from Makkah to Jerusalem in 621 AC. The following verses then immediately turn back in history to relate some important episodes from the Israelites' first sojourn in Palestine. The Torah had firmly and conclusively established the religious and political identity of the Israelites. However, although they had initially emerged as a model community, promoting order, cohesion, and fairness, their behaviour soon changed and began to resemble more that of the Pharaohs, their arch oppressors. In the end they created chaos and havoc.
The Qur'an foretells that the Israelites would soon renege and deviate, incurring yet more divine displeasure and punishment. "... If you (the Israelites) revert (to sinning), We shall revert (to chastising you). And (remember this:) We have ordained that (in the Hereafter) hell shall close upon all who deny the truth" (8).
In recent times, however, it has been the turn of the Muslims to neglect their obligations towards the establishment of God's order in this world and as a result incur His displeasure. The great irony of the current situation is, however, that it is the Israelites, previously condemned for the same misdeeds, who have overwhelmed the Muslims. Since the Muslims, in possession of authentic and impeccable revelation, have regressed into bigotry and enthnocentricity, they have been humbled by the Israelites, a condemned and censored people, who have in contrast rallied around their religious laws and traditions to overcome the Muslims.
(105) We have revealed it (the Qur'an) with the Truth, and with the Truth it has come down.
Attention is being drawn to the fact that the Qur'an is the most effective instrument that can unite the Muslims and make them into a great world power again.
In the story of the Israelites we have a clear lesson and a warning. They were dominated and defeated by pagans and fire worshippers because they did not respect their divine scripture. Looking at the dismal history of the Muslims, is it any wonder that, having been guilty of a similar infringement, they are also being humiliated by the worst and most lowly of enemies? All is not lost however and this downward trend can be reversed in order to surmount and overcome the situation. The Muslim nation's ethical, social, political, and economic life, its law, practices, and relations with the outside world should stem from the Qur'an and be guided by its principles. In short, Muslims must learn to live every aspect of their life by the Qur'an. This process cannot be completed overnight and will be an on-going and gradual development, governed by the laws of human nature and the imperatives of social change. Unfortunately, man is impatient and can easily be driven to despair: "Man prays for ill as fervently as he prays for good; truly, man is ever impatient" (11).
(The next two paragraphs concern all of us)
"Your Lord has enjoined that you worship none but Him, and to show kindness to parents..." (23). With an emphasis on Tauhid, indicating that it is the backbone of righteousness and true submission to God. Along with Tauhid comes respect and kindness towards one's parents. To appreciate the value of this, one need only look at how parents and old people are treated in today's Western materialistic societies. Once they reach a certain age, parents and grandparents are committed to old people's homes and institutions that are devoid of love and kinship, abandoned by their sons and daughters and left to die in loneliness and desolation. Despite the hard work and effort put into raising their children, parents in this society receive very little in return and nothing reflects more disloyalty and selfishness than uncaring, ungrateful offspring. Furthermore, the general trend in many societies today is to raise children with the idea that they should break away from their families at the earliest possible age. In the West, for example, they meet only, if at all, once a year at Christmas, or at family weddings and funerals.
In Muslim societies, children should have a different relationship with their parents. God say: "Treat them with humility and tenderness and say, 'Lord, be merciful to them for they nurtured me when I was in childhood'" (24). Regarding other family relations, He says: "Give to the near of kin their due, and also to the destitute and to the wayfarer. Do not squander your wealth wastefully..." (26). This is further stressed in the verse which says: "Be neither miserly nor extravagant, lest you would become despised or destitute" (29). Alluding to the pre-Islamic Arab custom of burying alive unwanted new-born girls, the surah goes on to point out that such methods of birth control are not the best solution for the world population problem. People must seek fair and equitable means of distribution of wealth and resources among all members of society: "Do not kill your children for fear of want" (31).
The Qur'an also enjoins man to protect the property of the orphan, honour pledges, covenant and contracts, and exercise justice and fairness in using weights and measures. Every individual bears responsibility for what he hears or sees or feels. As humans, our lives have a purpose, our senses and actions carry liabilities and are answerable for all our experiences. The Qur'an tells us: "Do not follow what you do not understand. All shall be accountable for what their ears, eyes, and hearts do" (36). The section is rounded off with: "Do not walk haughtily on the earth. You shall neither split the earth nor rival the mountains in their height" (37). These valuable exhortations are vital ingredients for the development of morally and spiritually balanced individuals and are, moreover, indispensable building blocks for the development of strong and enlightened societies.
The surah then turns to an inspiring and reassuring discussion about God Almighty and His power and affinity with the believers. It touches on the natural physical world around us and the amazing harmony and rapport which distinguish its system, movement, and existence. The infinite and incredibly complex universe, with its millions upon millions of stars, planets, and galaxies, is in constant motion, but this motion is so smooth and tranquil that every second that passes provides additional proof of the power and might of its Creator. Another marvel of creation is the human body composed of hundreds of millions of cells which form a number of complex systems performing a wide range of vital well-integrated functions that make man a central and effective force in shaping the destiny of the world. Does each of these cells realise the purpose of their purpose of their existence or comprehend the functions they carry out? Do 'white cells' or 'red cells' have brains of their own that tell them what to do or how to behave? No, it is Allah who controls them and who has programmed them to perform a specific set of functions lasting for a determined period of time which could extend to a whole generation. This marvel is duplicated, with the same efficiency and precision, in thousands of millions of human beings and has been done so for hundreds of thousands of years.
Every atom in this vast cosmos, every cell, every human being, and every creature is a testament to God's predominance and authority. Is this not proof enough of His incontestable supremacy and unparalleled power? This world cannot exist on its own nor could it have come into existence of its own free will or volition. It is totally and completely dependent on the power and grace of God. Skeptics who choose not to believe in God or acknowledge His authority do Him no harm whatsoever.
Verse 83 of al-Baqarah cites God's advice to the Israelites to: "Be courteous to others," emphasing the point that politeness and civility are necessary features of the believers. Echoing this counsel verse 53 of this surah also directs Muslims, through Prophet Muhammad, to be courteous and pleasant to one another: "Tell My servants to be courteous in their speech, for Satan sows discord among them. Satan is the sworn enemy of man." (53) . This is followed by an assertion that Islam, and the Muslims, shall eventually triumph. "Your Lord is best aware of all who dwell in the heavens and on the earth. We have exalted some prophets above others, and to David We gave the Psalms." (55). Elsewhere in the Qur'an the Psalms of David are said to include this promise: "We ordained in the Psalms, as in the Book previously, that My righteous servants shall inherit the land of Paradise" (al-Anbiya: 105). Taken together, these statements affirm the continuity of God's message throughout human history. This continuity is based on the concept of Tawhid, the distinguishing and most fundamental principle that binds the community of believers together and links them firmly to God.
Prophet Muhammad spared no effort to present the principle of Tawhid in the simplest and most intelligible and forceful manner possible.
Once the external material struggle had been overcome and the Muslims had achieved victory, a new internal struggle took prominence as the self learned to do battle with its ego, pride, and desires. Muhammad was taught that to become closer to God he should perform extra prayers and devote more time to personal, spiritual regeneration and development.
Observe the prayers (at their appointed times) from the time the sun rises in the meridian and through the night. Recitation of the Qur'an at dawn is particularly celebrated. (78)
Muhammad was the last of the illustrious chain of prophets sent by God to mankind, and he was the seal of prophethood. His coming had been alluded to in the scriptures of the Jews and Christians and they were aware of his imminent arrival. When the impending event occurred, the true believers among them accepted him without hesitation, God says:
We have revealed the Qur'an with the universal Truth, and it has been revealed with the Truth. We have sent you (Muhammad) only as a Messenger to deliver good tidings and to warn. We have revealed the Qur'an in stages, piece by piece, so that you may recite it to people with deliberation. Say, "It is for you to believe in it or to reject it." Those endowed with knowledge prior to its revelation prostrate themselves when it is recited to them, saying: "Glorious is our Lord; our Lord's promise has been fulfilled." (105-108)
History informs us that as the Roman empire began to decline, the Christians of Syria and Egypt accepted Islam willingly and en masse, and together with the Arabs, they carried it forward to all corners of the globe. This is a vindication of the truth of the above verses and a strong indication of the true and genuine faith of large sections of pre-Islamic Jewish and Christian communities.
The Qur'an foretells that the Israelites would soon renege and deviate, incurring yet more divine displeasure and punishment. "... If you (the Israelites) revert (to sinning), We shall revert (to chastising you). And (remember this:) We have ordained that (in the Hereafter) hell shall close upon all who deny the truth" (8).
In recent times, however, it has been the turn of the Muslims to neglect their obligations towards the establishment of God's order in this world and as a result incur His displeasure. The great irony of the current situation is, however, that it is the Israelites, previously condemned for the same misdeeds, who have overwhelmed the Muslims. Since the Muslims, in possession of authentic and impeccable revelation, have regressed into bigotry and enthnocentricity, they have been humbled by the Israelites, a condemned and censored people, who have in contrast rallied around their religious laws and traditions to overcome the Muslims.
(105) We have revealed it (the Qur'an) with the Truth, and with the Truth it has come down.
Attention is being drawn to the fact that the Qur'an is the most effective instrument that can unite the Muslims and make them into a great world power again.
In the story of the Israelites we have a clear lesson and a warning. They were dominated and defeated by pagans and fire worshippers because they did not respect their divine scripture. Looking at the dismal history of the Muslims, is it any wonder that, having been guilty of a similar infringement, they are also being humiliated by the worst and most lowly of enemies? All is not lost however and this downward trend can be reversed in order to surmount and overcome the situation. The Muslim nation's ethical, social, political, and economic life, its law, practices, and relations with the outside world should stem from the Qur'an and be guided by its principles. In short, Muslims must learn to live every aspect of their life by the Qur'an. This process cannot be completed overnight and will be an on-going and gradual development, governed by the laws of human nature and the imperatives of social change. Unfortunately, man is impatient and can easily be driven to despair: "Man prays for ill as fervently as he prays for good; truly, man is ever impatient" (11).
(The next two paragraphs concern all of us)
"Your Lord has enjoined that you worship none but Him, and to show kindness to parents..." (23). With an emphasis on Tauhid, indicating that it is the backbone of righteousness and true submission to God. Along with Tauhid comes respect and kindness towards one's parents. To appreciate the value of this, one need only look at how parents and old people are treated in today's Western materialistic societies. Once they reach a certain age, parents and grandparents are committed to old people's homes and institutions that are devoid of love and kinship, abandoned by their sons and daughters and left to die in loneliness and desolation. Despite the hard work and effort put into raising their children, parents in this society receive very little in return and nothing reflects more disloyalty and selfishness than uncaring, ungrateful offspring. Furthermore, the general trend in many societies today is to raise children with the idea that they should break away from their families at the earliest possible age. In the West, for example, they meet only, if at all, once a year at Christmas, or at family weddings and funerals.
In Muslim societies, children should have a different relationship with their parents. God say: "Treat them with humility and tenderness and say, 'Lord, be merciful to them for they nurtured me when I was in childhood'" (24). Regarding other family relations, He says: "Give to the near of kin their due, and also to the destitute and to the wayfarer. Do not squander your wealth wastefully..." (26). This is further stressed in the verse which says: "Be neither miserly nor extravagant, lest you would become despised or destitute" (29). Alluding to the pre-Islamic Arab custom of burying alive unwanted new-born girls, the surah goes on to point out that such methods of birth control are not the best solution for the world population problem. People must seek fair and equitable means of distribution of wealth and resources among all members of society: "Do not kill your children for fear of want" (31).
The Qur'an also enjoins man to protect the property of the orphan, honour pledges, covenant and contracts, and exercise justice and fairness in using weights and measures. Every individual bears responsibility for what he hears or sees or feels. As humans, our lives have a purpose, our senses and actions carry liabilities and are answerable for all our experiences. The Qur'an tells us: "Do not follow what you do not understand. All shall be accountable for what their ears, eyes, and hearts do" (36). The section is rounded off with: "Do not walk haughtily on the earth. You shall neither split the earth nor rival the mountains in their height" (37). These valuable exhortations are vital ingredients for the development of morally and spiritually balanced individuals and are, moreover, indispensable building blocks for the development of strong and enlightened societies.
The surah then turns to an inspiring and reassuring discussion about God Almighty and His power and affinity with the believers. It touches on the natural physical world around us and the amazing harmony and rapport which distinguish its system, movement, and existence. The infinite and incredibly complex universe, with its millions upon millions of stars, planets, and galaxies, is in constant motion, but this motion is so smooth and tranquil that every second that passes provides additional proof of the power and might of its Creator. Another marvel of creation is the human body composed of hundreds of millions of cells which form a number of complex systems performing a wide range of vital well-integrated functions that make man a central and effective force in shaping the destiny of the world. Does each of these cells realise the purpose of their purpose of their existence or comprehend the functions they carry out? Do 'white cells' or 'red cells' have brains of their own that tell them what to do or how to behave? No, it is Allah who controls them and who has programmed them to perform a specific set of functions lasting for a determined period of time which could extend to a whole generation. This marvel is duplicated, with the same efficiency and precision, in thousands of millions of human beings and has been done so for hundreds of thousands of years.
Every atom in this vast cosmos, every cell, every human being, and every creature is a testament to God's predominance and authority. Is this not proof enough of His incontestable supremacy and unparalleled power? This world cannot exist on its own nor could it have come into existence of its own free will or volition. It is totally and completely dependent on the power and grace of God. Skeptics who choose not to believe in God or acknowledge His authority do Him no harm whatsoever.
Verse 83 of al-Baqarah cites God's advice to the Israelites to: "Be courteous to others," emphasing the point that politeness and civility are necessary features of the believers. Echoing this counsel verse 53 of this surah also directs Muslims, through Prophet Muhammad, to be courteous and pleasant to one another: "Tell My servants to be courteous in their speech, for Satan sows discord among them. Satan is the sworn enemy of man." (53) . This is followed by an assertion that Islam, and the Muslims, shall eventually triumph. "Your Lord is best aware of all who dwell in the heavens and on the earth. We have exalted some prophets above others, and to David We gave the Psalms." (55). Elsewhere in the Qur'an the Psalms of David are said to include this promise: "We ordained in the Psalms, as in the Book previously, that My righteous servants shall inherit the land of Paradise" (al-Anbiya: 105). Taken together, these statements affirm the continuity of God's message throughout human history. This continuity is based on the concept of Tawhid, the distinguishing and most fundamental principle that binds the community of believers together and links them firmly to God.
Prophet Muhammad spared no effort to present the principle of Tawhid in the simplest and most intelligible and forceful manner possible.
Once the external material struggle had been overcome and the Muslims had achieved victory, a new internal struggle took prominence as the self learned to do battle with its ego, pride, and desires. Muhammad was taught that to become closer to God he should perform extra prayers and devote more time to personal, spiritual regeneration and development.
Observe the prayers (at their appointed times) from the time the sun rises in the meridian and through the night. Recitation of the Qur'an at dawn is particularly celebrated. (78)
Muhammad was the last of the illustrious chain of prophets sent by God to mankind, and he was the seal of prophethood. His coming had been alluded to in the scriptures of the Jews and Christians and they were aware of his imminent arrival. When the impending event occurred, the true believers among them accepted him without hesitation, God says:
We have revealed the Qur'an with the universal Truth, and it has been revealed with the Truth. We have sent you (Muhammad) only as a Messenger to deliver good tidings and to warn. We have revealed the Qur'an in stages, piece by piece, so that you may recite it to people with deliberation. Say, "It is for you to believe in it or to reject it." Those endowed with knowledge prior to its revelation prostrate themselves when it is recited to them, saying: "Glorious is our Lord; our Lord's promise has been fulfilled." (105-108)
History informs us that as the Roman empire began to decline, the Christians of Syria and Egypt accepted Islam willingly and en masse, and together with the Arabs, they carried it forward to all corners of the globe. This is a vindication of the truth of the above verses and a strong indication of the true and genuine faith of large sections of pre-Islamic Jewish and Christian communities.
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