Article Surah 81 · Ayah 17

Quran a book full of reminder for the whole mankind

QUR’AAN
Quran is a book revealed by Allah (Glory be to Him). It is a revelation sent to Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and Grant Him peace) for the span of approximately 23 years (13 years in Makkah and 10 years in Madina).
Qur’an (Koran) is an Arabic word which comes from four root words
1. “Qiraa’atun”: The most recited
2. “Qariyatun”: Things available
3. “Qarinatun”: Context and best structure
4. “Qaranun”: Joining
It is a book which is most widely read in the World. It contains all the information which is necessary for the success in both the worlds. It is structured in such a way that can be understood in the context. It also joins one incident with other, simple information to a detailed one. [1] [2]
The Definition of The Qur’an
Scholars define the Qur’an as this: The Arabic speech of Allah that was revealed to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) both in word and in meaning. It is collected between the two covers of the mushaaf, was narrated in mutawaatir chains, and is a challenge to humankind.
We can learn five important things about the Qur’an from this definition.
⦁ The Arabic speech of Allah:The Qur’an is the speech of ⦁ Allah, in Arabic. This means that anything that’s not Arabic isn’t the Qur’an. You can’t pray in ⦁ English, in French, in Swahili, in Urdu–it has to be in ⦁ Arabic.
⦁ Revealed to the Prophet:We know that Allah revealed many revelations–including the Injeel and the Tawrah and the Zabur. Those are also revelation of Allah–but they’re not the Qur’an. Only what Allah revealed to the ⦁ Prophet (⦁ صلى⦁ ⦁ الله⦁ ⦁ عليه⦁ ⦁ و⦁ ⦁ سلم) is Qur’an.
⦁ Revealed in Word and Meaning:Not Only is the meaning of the Qur’an the same as what Allah meant; but the words themselves are also from Allah. (Unlike Hadith Qudsi, where the meaning is from Allah, and the words are from the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم))
⦁ Collected between Two Covers:⦁ Hadith Qudsi is also the speech of Allah, but it’s not Qur’an. Similarly, there are verses that used to be in the Qur’an, but aren’t anymore–even though they were once! These are the abrogated verses, and they’re not considered Qur’an anymore, even though we still know what some of those revelations were.
⦁ Mutawaatir:The Qur’an was related in a mutawaatir fashion–so many narrators narrated it, at every single step in the chain of narration, that it’s impossible that they all lied or made a mistake.
⦁ A Challenge to Humankind:The Qur’an is an ongoing challenge to the human race–create a book, a surah, an ⦁ ayath like it; but nay, we will NEVER be able to. Allah Himself says so. [3]
Different Names of Qur’an
There are various names of the Qur’an given in Qur’an itself. For example Allah (Glory be to Him) called this Qur’an as Al-Furqaan (the Criterion between Truth and falsehood) in Qur’an. Surah Furqan 25:1, Surah Baqrah 2:185 and Surah Ale Imran 3:4, Al-Kitaab (the Book) in Qur’an. Surah Baqrah 2:2, Al- Wahi (the revelation) in Qur’an. Surah Anbiya 21:45 etc. [4]
What is the Qur’an?
The word of God
The word of God The Qur’an is the literal word of Allah (Glory be to Him), the Almighty (Allah in Arabic), revealed to Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) through the Angel Gabriel. “The revelation of the Book is from Allah, the Mighty, the Wise.” Qur’an.Surah Zumar 39:1.
Guidance for Mankind
The Qur’an is “a guidance for mankind… and the distinction (between right and wrong).” Qur’an 2:185 It provides direction to help mankind judge between right and wrong, without which, man would surely be in loss.
The Final Revelation
The Qur’an is the last scripture revealed by Almighty Allah (Glory be to Him), confirming what little truth remains in parts of previous scriptures and refuting and correcting fabrications and additions which have crept into current day versions of such scriptures.
“O you who have been given the Scripture! Believe in what We have revealed confirming what is (already) with you…” Qur’an.Surah Nisa 4:47. Further Allah (Glory be to Him) says that “..This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islâm as your religion”Qur’an.Surah Maidah 5:3.[5]
History
The first few ayaah was revealed when Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) was in Cave of Hira in Makkah. The first ayaat which were revealed was of Surah Surah Alaq.Qur’an Surah Alaq 96:1-5. It was revealed in the span of 22 years (lunar calender). Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) took utmost care in compilation of Qur’an and made his companions to memorize and write it.
After the death of Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) the companions came together and made it in one material. At the time of Usmaan(R), he ordered to make 7 replicas of the Qur’an and sent to the other part of his territory. Sahih Bhukari Vol 6: 510 and 514 [6]
The Qur’an was not sent down as a complete book in one revelation; rather, the revelation spanned over a period of 23 years.
For this reason, it is essential to know in what circumstances the aayaath were revealed, in order to have a proper understanding of the Qur’an; otherwise, its teachings could be misunderstood.
Preservation
The Qur’an is the only religious sacred text that has been in circulation for a lengthy period, and yet remains as pure as the day it was revealed. Nothing has been added, removed or modified from it, since its revelation over 1400 years ago.
“We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will certainly guard it (from corruption).”Qur’an.Surah Hijr15:9
Not only has the Qur’an been preserved in written form, but also in the hearts of men, children and women. Today, millions of people have memorized the Qur’an from cover to cover.
Purpose of Revelation
To Believe in One True God
“And your god is One God. There is no god but He, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.”Qur’an 2:163
The most important topic mentioned throughout the Qur’an is the belief in the One, True God. God informs us that He has no partner, no son, no equal, and that none has the right to be worshipped except Him alone. Nothing is comparable to God and none of His creation resembles Him. The Qur’an also rejects the notion of attributing human qualities and limitations to God.
To Reject All False Gods
“And worship Allah and associate none with Him.”Qur’an 4:36
Since Allah alone is the only One worthy of worship, false deities and false gods must be rejected. The Qur’an also rejects the notion of attributing divine qualities to anyone or anything other than Allah.
To Narrate the Stories from the Past
The Qur’an contains many narratives with beneficial lessons, including the true stories of previous Prophets such as, Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jesus and Moses. Of these stories, Allah says, “Indeed in their stories, there is a lesson for men of understanding.”Qur’an 12:111
To Remind us of the Day of Judgement
This Noble Book reminds us that everyone will taste death and will be held accountable for all their actions and sayings:
“We shall set up scales of justice for the Day of Judgment, so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least…”Qur’an 21:47
To Fulfil the Intended Way of Life
Importantly, the Qur’an teaches that the purpose of life is to worship God alone, and live one’s life according to the way of life prescribed by Him. In Islam, worship is a comprehensive term that includes all actions and sayings (whether private or public) that Allah loves and is pleased with. Therefore, by doing what Allah commands, a Muslim is worshipping God and fulfilling his purpose in life. [7]
Falsification Test
It is the only book which challenges the its reader to prove it wrong
There are various falsification test present in the Qur’an:
a. Challenge to Produce Surah like it. Qur’an Surah Baqrah 2:23
b. Challenge to show a contradiction.Qur’an Surah Nisa 4:82. [8]
Prophecies
a. Abu Lahab will not accept Islam. Qur’an.Surah Lahab 111:1-5.
b. Rome will win the War.Qur’an Surah Rum 30: 2-4. [9]
Conclusion
In summary, the Qur’an teaches mankind how to worship the One True God, hence fulfilling their true purpose in life, and attaining success in both this world and the next. “Verily, We have sent down to you (O Muhammad) the Book for mankind in truth. So whosoever accepts the guidance, it is only for his own self; and whosoever goes astray, he goes astray only for his own loss.”Qur’an.surah Zumar 39:41 [10]
References [1] http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/index.php?page=articles&id=135454,
[2]http://sadisblog.wordpress.com/2012/05/05/the-definition-of-the-holy-quran-3/
[3] http://www.ilmfruits.com/the-definition-of-the-quran
[4] http://www.alquran-network.net/asmaequran.htm
[5] http://www.iisna.com/articles/pamphlets/the-quran-the-final-revelation-to-mankind/
[6] Sunnah.com
[7] http://www.iisna.com/articles/pamphlets/the-quran-the-final-revelation-to-mankind/
[8] http://quran.com/
[9] http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/347/
[10]http://www.iisna.com/articles/pamphlets/the-quran-the-final-revelation-to-mankind/
http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Qur%27aan

HIDAYAH OR GUIDANCE

Hidayah or Guidance means guiding someone to the true and right path

Qur’anic Reflection

Qur’an is a Book of guidance, Qur’an.Surah Baqarah 2:185, revealed by Allah (Glory be to Him) for all mankind from the time of Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and Grant Him peace) to the end of this world.
Guidance is in the hand of Allah (Glory be to Him) alone. The Messenger of Allah (May Allah honour Him and Grant Him peace) has no part in guidance; all that he and the Muslims have to do is to explain and convey the message, but they cannot force people to follow it, as Allah (Glory be to Him) said to His Messenger (May Allah honour Him and Grant Him peace) (interpretation of the meaning): “And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed, all of them together. So, will you (O Muhammad) then compel mankind, until they become believers” Qur’an.Surah Yunus 10:99
And Allah (Glory be to Him) says (interpretation of the meaning): “And the duty of the Messenger is only to convey (the Message) plainly” Qur’an.Surah Ankabut 29:18
Allah (Glory be to Him) guides whomsoever He wills and sends astray whomsoever He wills. He guides those who obey Him and turn to Him, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): “While as for those who accept guidance, He increases their guidance and bestows on them their piety” Qur’an.Surah Muhammad 47:17
But whoever disobeys Allah (Glory be to Him) and turns away from Him, Allah (Glory be to Him) will not guide him, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): “Truly, Allah guides not him who is a liar, and a disbeliever” Qur’an.Surah Zumar 39:3 [2]

Reasoning from Usool al-Deen al-Islami by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem al-Tuwayjri

Islam is the religion of the natural state of man (fitrah), the religion of reason and thought. Allah (Glory be to Him) has distinguished the truth from falsehood. He has enjoined all that is good and forbidden all that is evil. He has permitted good things and forbidden evil things. There is no compulsion in religion because the benefits or harms come back upon the created being, not upon the Creator. Allah (Glory be to Him) says (interpretation of the meaning): “There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Taaghoot (false gods or dities) and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break”Qur’an.Surah Baqarah 2:256
Man has the choice in terms of his reason only; if he loses his reason by which he is able to distinguish between the alternatives of good and evil, truth and falsehood, then he is not accountable. Hence according to Islamic shariah, the pen is lifted from the insane person (i.e., he is not accountable) until he recovers his senses, and from the child until he reaches the age of understanding, and from the sleeper until he wakes up. None of these people are accountable until they gain or recover the reason by which they may distinguish between the alternatives of faith and disbelief, truth and falsehood, and so on.
Allah (Glory be to Him) has created man and given him reason, and He has sent down to him Revelation and sent to him Messengers to call him to the truth and warn him against falsehood. Then He has left him to make his own choice. “And say: ‘The truth is from your Lord.’ Then whosoever wills, let him believe; and whosoever wills, let him disbelieve”Qur’an.Surah Kahf 18:29 [3] [4]

Praying for guidance

Muslims ask Allah (Glory be to Him) for His guidance every day, in each prayer. In surah Fatiha, a surah which is compulsory for every Muslim to read in his/her salat, it is said: "guide us to the straight path".
It is a Sunnah to pray Allah (Glory be to Him) for guidance of a disbeliever. The best thing to is to pray for guidance for that person. As is reported in a number of Hadith, such as the following:
Abu Hurayrah® reported that Tufayl ibn ‘Amr ad-Dausi and his companions came to the Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and Grant Him peace) and said: “O Messenger of Allah, Daus have rebelled and disobeyed, so pray to Allah against them.” People said, “Now Daus are doomed!” He said, “O Allah, guide Daus and bring them here.” Sahih Al Bukhari, Vol 4:188
Abu Hurayrah (R) said: “I was calling my mother to Islam, when she was still a mushrik. One day I called her to Islam and she said something about the Messenger of Allah (May Allah honour Him and Grant Him peace) that upset me. I came to the Messenger of Allah (May Allah honour Him and Grant Him peace), weeping, and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, I was calling my mother to Islam and she refused. Today I called her and she said something about you that upset me. Pray to Allah to guide the mother of Abu Hurayrah®.’ So the Messenger of Allah (May Allah honour Him and Grant Him peace) said: ‘O Allah, guide the mother of Abu Hurayrah ®.’ I left, feeling hopeful because of the Prophet’s prayer. When I got home, as I came near to the door I saw it was ajar. My mother heard my footsteps and said, ‘Stay where you are, Abu Hurayrah®!’ I could hear the sound of water. She washed herself, got dressed and put on her khimaar (head covering). Then she opened the door and said, ‘O Abu Hurayrah®, I bear witness that there is no god except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.’ I went back to the Messenger of Allah (May Allah honour Him and Grant Him peace), weeping with joy, and said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, good news! Allah has answered your prayer and has guided the mother of Abu Hurayrah®.’ He praised and thanked Allah (Glory be to Him), and said, ‘That is good.’ I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, pray to Allah to make my mother and me dear to His believing slaves, and to make them dear to us.’ The Messenger of Allah (May Allah honour Him and Grant Him peace) said, ‘O Allah, make this slave of Yours (meaning Abu Hurayrah) and his mother dear to Your believing slaves, and make the believers dear to them.’ There is no believer who hears of me or sees me, but he loves me.”Sahih Al Muslim 6082.
Jaabir(R) said: “They said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, we have suffered much from the arrows of Thaqeef (this was when they were fighting, before they became Muslim), so pray to Allah against them.’ He said, ‘O Allah, guide Thaqeef.’” Al-Tirmidhi, who said: this is a hasan sahih ghareeb hadith. Sunan Al-Tirmidhi 3877. [5]
References
[1] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guidance
[2] http://quran.com/39/3
[3] http://islamqa.info/en/ref/12053
[4] http://quran.com/18/29
[5] http://www.sunnah.com/
http://www.askislampedia.com/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/Guidance+or+Hidayah