Atheists in Quran (44) successive questions for them

The Quran asks the Atheists and unbelievers many successive questions: Were they created out of nothing? Did they come into existence of themselves? Were they created without a Creator? Was it a mere chance that they came into being? Were they the creators? Did they create the heavens and the earth? Are the Treasures of the universe with them?

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The verses 52:35-37 ask the Atheists and unbelievers many successive questions:

• Were they created out of nothing?
• Did they come into existence of themselves?
• Were they created without a Creator?
• Was it a mere chance that they came into being?
• Were they created as human beings out of nothing?
• Are they the creators of themselves?
• Are the Treasures of the universe with them?

It makes no sense for a created thing to have no creator

There must be a Creator of them, and that is Allah, the One, so why do they not affirm His Oneness and believe in His Messenger and His Book?

Was there not a wonderful seed, from which their material growth can be traced, as the handiwork of a wise and wonderful Creator?

Must they not then seek His Will?

Were they created for nothing, to no purpose?

If they were created for a purpose, must they not try to learn that purpose by understanding Allah’s Revelation?

Or did they create the heavens and the earth?

Nay, they have no firm belief.

Nor can any but Allah, the Creator, have created them, so why do they not worship Him?

They obviously did not create the wonders of the starry heavens and the fruitful globe of the earth.

But they can assign no definite cause to explain it, as they have no firm belief on the subject themselves.

Nay, but they are sure of nothing, they deny Muhammad and the Quran

Nay, but they are not certain, of Allah, for otherwise they would have believed in His Prophet Muhammad.

Or are the Treasures of your Lord with them,

The Treasures of Allah’s Knowledge are infinite.

But the Atheists and unbelievers have no access to them, much less can the Atheists and unbelievers manage the wonders of this world.

Must they not therefore seek grace and revelation from Allah?

Or do they possess the treasuries of Allah? in the way of:

• prophet hood,
• the stores of your Lord through rain, provision, vegetation
• Other matters,

So that they are able to assign what they will exclusively to whom they will?

Or are they the ones in control?

Or have they been given charge (thereof)?

Or are they the mighty ones who hold sway?

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The questions in the verses 52:35-37 wonder at their own existence, a truth staring them in the face which they cannot explain in any way other than what the Quran states:

Allah, the Almighty Creator of all that exists has brought them into existence:

“Were they created out of nothing? Were they the creators?”

(Verse 35)

The thought that they just existed out of nothing is against the logic of nature.

It merits no argument.

On the other hand, neither they nor any other creature can claim that they created themselves.

As neither case can be logically entertained, there only remains the true case stated in the Quran, confirming that they are all creatures of Allah, the only Creator and Originator.

Since no one can claim any share of His attributes of creation and origination, then Lordship and Godhead belong solely to Him.

This is clear and true logic.

The verses then direct their attention to the heavens and the earth: are they the ones who created these?

Needless to say, the heavens and the earth did not create themselves, in the same way as humans do not do so:

“Did they create the heavens and the earth? No. They have no faith.” (Verse 36)

Neither they, nor anyone listening to the logic of nature, claim that the heavens and the earth created themselves or came into existence without being created.

Nor do those people claim that they created them.

Yet they stand in front of people like a question requiring an answer.

The verses then takes the Atheists and unbelievers a step lower than that of the creation of either themselves or the world around them.

The Quran asks them whether they own Allah’s treasures or have control of these to be able to cause benefit and harm:

“Do they possess your Lord’s treasures? Or are they in ultimate control?” (Verse 37)

If they make no such claim, then who owns these treasures and controls all things?

The Quran says that Allah is the One who gives in plenty or in small measure, and who determines all affairs in the universe.

This is the only explanation of what happens in the universe.

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The verses 52:35-37 in different translations:

QARIB:

35- Or, were they created out of nothing? or, were they their own creators?

36- Or, did they create the heavens and the earth? no, their belief is not certain!

37- Or, are the treasures of your lord in their keeping? or, are they the controllers?

SHAKIR:

35- Or were they created without there being anything, or are they the creators?

36- Or did they create the heavens and the earth? nay! they have no certainty

37- Or have they the treasures of your lord with them? or have they been set in absolute authority?

PICKTHAL:

35- Or were they created out of naught? or are they the creators?

36- Or did they create the heavens and the earth? nay, but they are sure of nothing!

37- Or do they own the treasures of thy lord? or have they been given charge (thereof)?

YUSUFALI:

35- Were they created of nothing, or were they themselves the creators?

36- Or did they create the heavens and the earth? nay, they have no firm belief.

37- Or are the treasures of thy lord with them, or are they the managers (of affairs)?

Atheists in Quran (43) when their Doubt Leads to Hell

In Surah 2, there is no doubt the Quran that it is Allah’s Book.

However, the Atheists and unbelievers are in doubt about it.

Well, if they are in doubt about the Quran, then produce only one Surah like it. If they do not do it, otherwise, this doubt will leads to the Eternal Hell in the Afterlife!

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In the previous articles,

1. Allah challenges the entire Humankind to produce a Quran like the one revealed and when they have failed,
2. Allah challenged them to produce ten Surah similar to the Quran.  When the entire Humankind have failed,
3. Allah challenges the entire Humankind to produce only ONE Surah similar to the Quran.

In this article, Surah 2 (chapter 2) of the Noble Quran puts the end of this unique linguistic Challenge

Surah 2 begins with Allah’s affirmation that the Quran is His book without any doubt; in it, there is guidance unto those who ward off Hell. (Verse 2:2)

The Creator, Exalted be He, knows that some of his arrogant creature have doubt about the Quran.

Allah knows that the Atheists and unbelievers claim that Muhammad forged the Quran and they are in doubt about the Quran.

In the verses 2:23-24 we have this strict clear-cut plan that is followed by severe warning

1)    If you are in doubt about the Quran, then produce only one Surah like it

2)    Seek the help of the entire humankind to help you in your work

3)    If you do not do it, and in fact you WILL NEVER Ever DO IT, then guard yourselves against the Hell whose fuel is people and stones, prepared for the Atheists and unbelievers.

Hence, the verse 2:23 put the end of the unique linguistic Challenge by stating that the Atheists + the unbelievers + humankind will never ever Challenge the Quran and they are unable to cope with the challenge and emulate even one Surah like it

The Atheists + the unbelievers + humankind cannot produce 15 Arabic words and produce a Surah like that present in the Quran!

This is the summary of the plan that is followed by severe warning

Now, let us discuss this risky issue calmly

 “This is the Book; there is no doubt about it a guidance unto those who ward off Hell.” (Verse 2)

The key words in this statement are:

• Doubt
• Guidance
• Hell

Guidance expresses the essence and the nature of the Quran.

But guidance for whom? Who are the people who will find that this Book provides them with light, direction and true counsel?

They are the Allah-fearing.

They fear Allah, submit, obey and Ward off Hell

Once a man’s heart is filled with the fear of Allah, he will benefit by the Quran. Fear and consciousness of Allah is the quality that opens one’s mind to the true guidance contained in the Quran and allows it to have its proper effect on one’s life.

Fear of Allah is the factor that causes one’s heart and mind to become sensitive and receptive to Allah’s guidance and enables one to respond to His call and His instruction.

Anyone seeking the benefit and Allahly wisdom of the Quran must approach it with an open mind and a pure heart. One must also approach it with perception and sensitivity, and with a determination not to fall by the wayside or be tempted away from Allah.

Then, and only then, will the marvels and treasures of the Quran be opened and revealed, and their light and wisdom will pour into this apprehensive, alert and welcoming heart.

Fear of Allah, then, is to have a sensitive conscience, clear feelings, a continuous concern, vigilance and alacrity, and a yearning for the correct path in life. It is a feeling that is ever alive, a feeling of being aware of life’s temptations and pitfalls; and the ambitions and hopes, and the worries and fears that come with it. It is a feeling of being able to discern false hopes and unwarranted fears that one associates with individuals or powers that could neither bring benefit nor cause harm.

A Divine Challenge

Allah puts a scientific plan for the Atheists and unbelievers

The Quran is challenging them all, as indeed it challenges humankind in general, saying:

“If you are in doubt as to what We have revealed to Our servant, then produce one Surah comparable to it and call upon all your witnesses, other than Allah, if what you say is true.” (Verse 23)

The challenge begins with emphasizing an important fact by describing the Prophet Muhammad as Allah’s ‘servant’. This description is significant in a number of ways: it is,

First, an honor to the Prophet himself and an indication that to be a ‘servant’ of Allah is the highest honor a human being can attain.

Second, it affirms the essence of servitude to Allah in the universal human context, calling on all men to submit only to Allah and renounce all partners that may be associated with Him.

The Prophet Muhammad, who attained the highest position of honor as a recipient of Allah’s Revelations, is also honored by being described as a servant of Allah.

The challenge = If they were in any doubt, they were free to produce anything, even one Surah, comparable to it, and they could seek the help of the entire humankind.

This challenge remained open throughout the Prophet’s life, and has done so ever since. The Quranic argument stands just as firmly today as it has through the centuries.

Thus, Allah’s words, and His warning, remain true:

“But if you fail, as you will certainly do, then guard yourselves against the fire, fuelled by men and stones, prepared for the unbelievers.” (Verse 24)

It is a remarkable challenge indeed, but what is even more remarkable is the absolute certainty with which it is made. Were any of the unbelieving Arabs able to take up the challenge, they would not have hesitated for a moment. The Quranic assertion of the futility of their task, and the endurance of that assertion, are in themselves manifest and irrefutable proof of its superior nature.

The opportunity remains wide open for anyone or any group to pick up the gauntlet and try their best to match the Quran and refute its claims of divinity and superiority.

However, this has not happened and, as the Quran clearly states, will never happen. That is the Quran’s final word for posterity.

Anyone with any real knowledge or appreciation of literary styles, or expertise in philosophy, psychology, social science, or any other science at all, will not fail to recognize that whatever the Quran has to say in any field of knowledge is something unique, unlike anything human beings would say. Argument over this fact can only arise from blind ignorance or sheer prejudice.

The stern warning to “guard yourselves against the fire, fuelled by men and stones” comes as no surprise to those who may fail in their challenge to Allah but persist, nevertheless, with their rejection of the truth.

The use of the word ‘stones’ here is fascinating.

This fire is prepared for the Atheists and unbelievers.

They are the ones who have failed to take up Allah’s challenge, and persisted, nevertheless, in their rejection of His message.

They are stone like, although they have a human form. Hence the connection between humans and stones in this verse. The expression amply conveys the horror of the awesome scene in which people and stones are both:

• The fuel of the Fire
• Consumed by Fire

Miserably, this is the doubt that leads to the Eternal Hell in the Afterlife!

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The verse 2:2 in different translations:

QARIB:

That is the (holy) book, where there is no doubt. it is a guidance for the cautious (of evil and hell).

SHAKIR:

This book, there is no doubt in it, is a guide to those who guard (against evil)

PICKTHAL:

This is the scripture whereof there is no doubt, a guidance unto those who ward off (evil).

YUSUFALI:

This is the book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah;

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The verses 2:23-24 in different translations:

QARIB:

23- If you are in doubt of what we have sent down to our worshiper (prophet muhammad), produce a chapter comparable to it. call upon your helpers, other than Allah, to assist you, if you are true.

24- But if you fail, as you are sure to fail, then guard yourselves against the fire whose fuel is people and stones, prepared for the unbelievers.

SHAKIR:

23- And if you are in doubt as to that which we have revealed to our servant, then produce a chapter like it and call on your witnesses besides Allah if you are truthful

24- But if you do (it) not and never shall you do (it), then be on your guard against the fire of which men and stones are the fuel; it is prepared for the unbelievers

PICKTHAL:

23- And if ye are in doubt concerning that which we reveal unto our slave (Muhammad), then produce a surah of the like thereof, and call your witness beside Allah if ye are truthful.

24- And if ye do it not – and ye can never do it – then guard yourselves against the fire prepared for disbelievers, whose fuel is of men and stones.

YUSUFALI:

23- And if ye are in doubt as to what we have revealed from time to time to our servant, then produce a sura like thereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers (if there are any) besides Allah, if your (doubts) are true.

24- But if ye cannot- and of a surety ye cannot- then fear the fire whose fuel is men and stones,- which is prepared for those who reject faith.

Atheists in Quran (28) Noah and their Recycled History

The ignorant Atheists among Noah’s people said Noah has invented that which he has brought us.

The ignorant Arabs among Muhammad’s people said Muhammad has invented that which he has brought us.

Interestingly, the “Today” intellectual Atheists deny Noah and say that Muhammad has invented that which he has brought of Quran.

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The Atheists’ pride and arrogance are limitless.

The Atheists who were the council, notables, respected elders and chieftains of Noah’s people claim many false and nasty statements about the great Prophet Noah.

They had many rotten arguments with Noah.

Noah did his job patiently and perfectly; he kept advising his people all the time and he never ever put.

However, the Atheists’ pride veiled their hearts.

The verses 11:34-36 describe the scene.

Noah said:

1) If I sincerely desire to counsel you, my sincere counsel will not benefit you if Allah wants to lead you astray (because of your limitless pride). He is your lord, and to him you shall return

2) My invitation and warning to you from Allah’s chastisement will not benefit you if I were to warn you and call you to profess Allah’s divine Oneness

3) If Allah’s law determines that, you will proud fully perish because of your rejection of the truth, Allah’s law has to be fulfilled, regardless of my advice. It is not that Allah will deprive you of benefiting by my advice.

4) According to Allah’s law, It is what you do with yourselves that will, take you away from the right path.

5) You cannot defy Allah or make yourselves immune from Him. You are always within His reach. He has absolute power over you and over your lives. You cannot escape meeting Him when He brings you to account and decides your reward; He will reward you according to your works.

 “He is your Lord and to Him you shall return.”

Prophets Act on Their Instructions

At this stage in Noah’s story, the Quran has a remarkable pause.

The verse makes brief reference to the reception of a similar message by the Atheists among the Arabs at the time of the Prophet Muhammad.

The significance of this pause:

There is a remarkable similarity of attitudes, as the Atheists among the Arabs claim that Muhammad too has invented the Quran.

The Atheists among the Arabs have too limitless pride.

A Recycled History?

The Atheists among Noah’s people said Noah has invented that which he has brought us.

The ignorant skeptic Arabs among Muhammad’s people said Muhammad has invented that which he has brought us.

The verse quickly refutes their claim before returning to Noah:

“Do they claim that he (i.e. Muhammad] has invented it? Say: ‘If I have invented it, upon me be this crime of mine, but I am innocent of the crimes you perpetrate.’” (Verse 35)

To fabricate a falsehood is to commit a crime.

Hence, Allah instructed His Prophet Muhammad to tell the unbelievers:

1) If I have made any such fabrication, I will bear the responsibility for it. It is a great sin to do that; however, the punishment for my sin will be upon me

2) Since I am aware that it is a crime to make such fabrications, it is highly unlikely that I would do so.

3) However, I am, innocent of all your:

• Crimes, including your false allegations,
• Misconduct, when you attribute invention to me.
• Rejection of Allah’s message
• Associating partners with Allah.

It is interesting that the “Today” intellectual Atheists deny Noah and say that Muhammad has invented that which he has brought of Quran.

This interjecting overlap however does not interrupt the Quranic story; rather it serves the purpose of the verse.

In the next sight, we see Noah receiving Allah’s revelations and commandments.

“Noah received this revelation: “none of thy people will believe except those who have believed already! So grieve no longer over their (evil) deeds.”

Do not be in distress over anything they may do.

None of your people will believe except those who have already believed.

Do not be distressed, grieved, because of what they do and do not be saddened for their destruction

Everything has ended:

• The advocacy of Allah’s message,
• The advice
• The warning,
• The arguments.
• Their pride

Then what?

“None of your people will believe now apart from those who have already accepted the faith.”

Those who are susceptible to faith have already accepted it. The others are hopeless.

Allah, who knows best what is feasible and what is not, and knows His servants well, has informed Noah of this.

Hence, it is pointless to continue with the argument.

Allah told Noah not to grieve at their rejection or their mockery.

“Do not be in distress over anything they may do.”

Allah’s will has happened.

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The verses 11:34-36 in different translations:

QARIB:

34-Nor will my sincere counsel benefit you if I sincerely desire to counsel you if Allah desires to lead you astray. He is your lord, and to him you shall return. ‘

35-Or do they say: ‘he has fabricated it (himself)? ‘Say: ‘if i had fabricated it, then the sin rests upon me. I reject the sins you do. ‘

36-And it was revealed to Noah: ‘none of your nation will believe except whosoever has already believed. Do not distress yourself with what they may do.

SHAKIR:

34-And if I intend to give you good advice, my advice will not profit you if Allah intended that he should leave you to go astray; he is your lord, and to him shall you be returned

35-Or do they say: he has forged it? Say: if I have forged it, on me is my guilt, and i am clear of that of which you are guilty

36-And it was revealed to nuh: that none of your people will believe except those who have already believed, therefore do not grieve at what they do:

PICKTHAL:

34-My counsel will not profit you if I were minded to advise you, if Allah’s will is to keep you astray. He is your lord and unto him ye will be brought back.

35-Or say they (again): he hath invented it? Say: if i have invented it, upon me be my crimes, but i am innocent of (all) that ye commit.

36-And it was inspired in Noah, (saying): no one of thy folk will believe save him who hath believed already. Be not distressed because of what they do.

YUSUFALI:

34-“Of no profit will be my counsel to you, much as I desire to give you (good) counsel, if it be that Allah willeth to leave you astray: he is your lord! and to him will ye return!”

35-Or do they say, “he has forged it”? Say: “if I had forged it, on me were my sin! And I am free of the sins of which ye are guilty!

36-It was revealed to Noah:”none of thy people will believe except those who have believed already! so grieve no longer over their (evil) deeds.

Atheists in Quran (27) Noah’s values vs. their values

Noah presents his message clearly, free of all falsehood. He makes a gentle and friendly description of the truth. In Noah’s presentation, there were no flattery, no attempt to win any favor with anyone at the expense of the message. The Atheists stiffened their attitude became determined not to accept any proof of Noah’s case; they said: Noah! You have argued with us, and argued to excess. Bring upon us that with which you have been threatening us, if you are a truthful man.

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In the previous articles, the Atheists who were the council notables and the respected elders of Noah’s people claim that Noah is just looking for wealth and they said:

• We will never ever sit with Noah and listen to him unless he drives away those who are the most abject, lowly, and weak and the riffraff among us.
• Why have such lowly men followed Noah before us?

This was a part of their rotten arguments

They said such nasty statements to testify their unbelieving thoughts

The Atheists’ pride and arrogance are limitless.

In this article, the Atheists continue their stubborn arguments with Noah.

The meanings of the verses 11:31-33

The Atheists demanded that they would never believe Noah unless:

• Noah tells them that he possess the treasure houses of Allah
• Noah tells them that he has the keys to Allah’s stores of provision
• Noah tells them that he has knowledge of the Unseen
• Noah tells the lowly men who followed him that Allah will not give them any good

However, you know what Noah (they said), we cannot believe in human being, tell your Lord to send us an Angel or to convert you to an Angel

Noah remains unaffected by the false accusations, insolence and blind rejection with which his people have received his message.

He applies his own values and maintains his own standards. He does not make false claims or accusations as they have done. Nor does he try to give himself any false image or impart anything alien to his message.

However, Allah inspired Noah the answers for their rotten arguments.

Peacefully, Noah introduces himself and his message. His presentation is simple, devoid of any ornament and decoration, free of all false standards and values.

Noah reminds them of the true values, looking with contempt on all superficial ones. He renounces all superficiality and states his message as it is, pure and simple, with no false claims. He, who wants it, let him take it, as it is as pure as Allah made it.

Noah said:

I do not say to you that God’s treasures are with me.

I do not claim that I am rich or that I can make any of you rich. “Or that

I know what lies beyond the reach of human perception.

I do not make any claim of any super-human status or

I do not allege that my relationship with Allah exceeds the fact that I am a messenger conveying Allah’s message.

Nor do I say: I am an angel.

I do not claim to have a position, which you think to be higher than that of man, so that I may gain favor or high position from you.

I cannot say to those whom you scorn that Allah will never grant them any good, so that I satisfy your pride or accommodate your standards and values.

Allah knows best what is in their hearts (those whom you scorn).

I have to go by what I see.

To me, they appear deserving of honor and hope that Allah will grant them of His bounty.

If I made such false claims, saying to them that Allah will never grant them any good, I would be unjust

• I would be unjust to the very truth I have come to convey.
• I would also be unjust to myself, exposed to Allah’s wrath,
• I would be unjust to other people to whom I gave a status other than that given them by Allah.

Thus, Noah presents his message clearly, free of all falsehood. He faces them with the clarity and strength of the truth. Meanwhile, he makes a gentle and friendly description of the truth so that they may look it in the face and decide upon their line of action.

In Noah’s presentation, there were no pretense, no flattery, no attempt to win any favor with anyone at the expense of the message and its simple nature.

In this, Noah sets an example for all advocates of the Allah’s message in all generations and provides them with a lesson in how to confront the people of authority with the truth, without any attempt to compromise, or flatter, but with the sort of friendliness, which is not associated with submission.

At this point, it was clear to the notables that they had no chance of winning the argument. They stiffened their attitude, became determined not to accept any proof of Noah’s case, logical and natural as it certainly was.

Then they finally rallied themselves in order to deliver a challenge to Noah. They said:

Noah! You have argued with us, and argued to excess. Bring upon us that with which you have been threatening us, if you are a man of truth.

This is nothing short of deceit, an attempt to cover up their weakness by putting on a display of strength. It is a challenge made in order to mask their dread of the truth’s strength.

Noah, however, remains unaffected by their outright rejection and challenge. He maintains the noble attitude befitting a great prophet. He continues to explain to them the truth and the facts, which they have ignored

He restates the fact that he is only a messenger whose task is to deliver a message. Their punishment is left to Allah who has absolute control over their destiny.

Allah alone decides, at His own discretion, whether it is appropriate to punish them here and now or to delay their punishment until a later date. Allah’s will must happen, as it is and Noah has no power over it.

As a messenger, he has to continue to explain the truth to his people until the last moment. Their rejection and challenge must not deter him from fulfilling his task.

Hence, he says to them:

Only Allah can bring it upon you, if He so wills. You cannot be immune. Nor will my counsel benefit you, much as I desire to give you good counsel, if it is Allah’s will to let you remain in error. He is your Lord and to Him you shall return.

If He will to punish you, none can by no means escape His chastisement.

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The verses 11:31-33 in different translations:

QARIB:

31- I do not say to you that i possess the treasuries of Allah, and i do not know the unseen. I do not say I am an angel, nor do I say to those whom you despise, Allah will not give them any good. Allah knows best what is in their hearts. indeed, if this were so then I would be amongst the harmdoers. ‘

32- They said: ‘o Noah, you have disputed, and disputed too much, with us. bring (down) upon us that which you promised us, if what you say is true! ‘

33- He replied: ‘Allah will bring it (down) upon you if he will; you will never frustrate him.

SHAKIR:

31- And I do not say to you that i have the treasures of Allah and I do not know the unseen, nor do I say that i am an angel, nor do I say about those whom your eyes hold in mean estimation (that) Allah will never grant them (any) good– Allah knows best what is in their souls– for then most surely I should be of the unjust

32- They said: o nuh! indeed you have disputed with us and lengthened dispute with us, therefore bring to us what you threaten us with, if you are of the truthful ones

33- He said: Allah only will bring it to you if he please, and you will not escape:

PICKTHAL:

31- I say not unto you: “I have the treasures of Allah” nor “I have knowledge of the unseen,” nor say I: “lo! I am an angel!” nor say I unto those whom your eyes scorn that Allah will not give them good – Allah knoweth best what is in their hearts – lo! Then indeed, I should be of the wrong-doers.

32- They said: o Noah! thou hast disputed with us and multiplied disputation with us; now bring upon us that wherewith thou threatenest us, if thou art of the truthful.

33- He said: only Allah will bring it upon you if he will, and ye can by no means escape.

YUSUFALI:

31- “I tell you not that with me are the treasures of Allah, nor do I know what is hidden, nor claim I to be an angel. Nor yet do I say, of those whom your eyes do despise that Allah will not grant them (all) that is good: Allah knoweth best what is in their souls: I should, if I did, indeed be a wrong-doer.”

32- They said: “o Noah! thou hast disputed with us, and (much) hast thou prolonged the dispute with us: now bring upon us what thou threatenest us with, if thou speakest the truth!?”

33- He said: “truly, Allah will bring it on you if he wills,- and then, ye will not be able to frustrate it!

Why Do Priests Enter Islam? The real story of conversion of the Preacher Yusuf Estes (1)

How a preacher or priest in Christianity can ever go to Islam?

How could a preacher have turned his back on the perfect plan of salvation of Jesus Christ on the cross for you sins and converted to Islam?

 

The American X-preacher Yusuf Estes says:

Many people ask me how a preacher or priest in Christianity can ever go to Islam, especially considering all the negative things that we hear about Islam and Muslims everyday. Some people are simply curious, while others take a profound exception to my “conversion” to Islam. Some have asked how I could have turned my back on Jesus, or if I truly understood the Holy Ghost and some even questioned whether or not I considered myself as “born again” or had ever really been saved at all. These are good questions to which I will offer answers to at the end of this writing. I would like to thank everyone for their interest and offer my humble story, God Willing.

One very nice Christian gentleman asked me in email why and how I left Christianity for Islam. This is more or less a copy of the letter I sent to him.

Introduction

My name is Yusuf Estes now, but in years past my friends used to call me Skip. I have preached Christianity and worked in the entertainment and music industry since I was a boy in the 1950’s. My father and I have established music stores, TV and radio programs and outdoor entertainment for fun (and profit). I was a music minister and even used a pony ride and entertained the children as “Skippy the Clown.”

Once, I have served as Delegate to the United Nations Peace Conference for Religious Leaders. Now I am a retired former Muslim Chaplain for United States Bureau of Prisons, Washington, DC. and I join alongside many American Muslims, working with Muslim student and youth organizations as well as schools for Muslim children. As such, I travel around the entire world lecturing and sharing the message of the Christ of the Quran in Islam. We hold dialogs and discussion groups with all faiths and enjoy the opportunity to work alongside rabbis, ministers, preachers and priests everywhere. Some of our work is in the institutional area, military, universities and prisons. Primarily our goal is to educate and communicate the correct message of Islam and who the Muslims really are. Although Islam has grown now to nearly tie Christianity as the largest of religions on earth, we see many of those who claim Islam as Muslims, that do not correctly understand nor properly represent the message of “Peace, Surrender and Obedience to God” [Arabic = ‘Islam’]

Dear me, I am afraid that I got a bit ahead of myself. I was trying to give a bit of background of our work perhaps to see if it would in anyway benefit those who may being going through what I experienced while trying to resolve some of the issues of Christianity.

How It Happened

This may seem quite strange, while we perhaps may share a few different perspectives and concepts of God, Jesus, prophethood, sin and salvation. But you see, at one time I was in the same boat as many folks are today. Really, I was. Let me explain.

Born A Strong Christian

I was born into a very strong Christian family in the Midwest. Our family and their ancestors not only built the churches and schools across this land, but actually were the same ones who came here in the first place. While I was still in elementary we relocated in Houston, Texas in 1949 (I’m old). We attended church regularly and I was baptized at the age of 12 in Pasadena, Texas. As a teenager, I wanted to visit other churches to learn more of their teachings and beliefs. The Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, Charismatic movements, Nazarene, Church of Christ, Church of God, Church of God in Christ, Full Gospel, Agape, Catholic, Presbyterian and many more. I developed quite a thirst for the “Gospel” or as we say; “Good News.” My research into religion did not stop with Christianity. Not at all. Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Metaphysics, native American beliefs were all a part of my studies. Just about the only one that I did not look into seriously was “Islam”. Why? Good question.

Written by: Chaplain Yusuf Estes

To be continued.

What lessons Allah teaches His Servants?

Among the sayings the Prophet Muhammad relates from his Lord (May He be glorified) is that

Allah said:

 

·         “My servants, I have forbidden oppression for Myself and have made it forbidden amongst you, so do not oppress one another.

·        My servants, all of you are astray except for those I have guided, so seek guidance of Me and I shall guide you.

·        My servants, all of you are hungry except for those I have fed, so seek food of Me and I shall feed you. O My servants, all of you are naked except for those I have clothed, so seek clothing of Me and I shall clothe you.

·        My servants, you sin by night and by day, and I forgive all sins, so seek forgiveness of Me and I shall forgive you.

·        My servants, you will not attain harming Me so as to harm Me, and you will not attain benefiting Me so as to benefit Me.

·        My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to be as pious as the most pious heart of any one man of you, that would not increase My kingdom in anything. O My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to be as wicked as the most wicked heart of any one man of you, that would not decrease My kingdom in anything.

·        My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the entire human beings and the jinn, to rise up in one place and make a request of Me, and were I to give everyone what he requested, that would not decrease what I have, any more than a needle decreases the sea if put into it.

·        My servants, it is but your deeds that I reckon up for you and then recompense you for, so let him who finds good praise Allah and let him who finds other than that blame no one but himself.'”

 

This saying was:

1) Said on the authority of Abu Dharr al-Ghifari, one of Muhammad’s companions (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)

2) Narrated by the authors of At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah and Muslim

Allah Asks you (18): Do you take protectors other than the Lord of the heavens and the earth?

Who is the Lord and Sustainer of the heavens and the earth?

Allah Asks: Are the blind equals with those who see?

Allah Asks: Are the depths of darkness equal with Light?

Allah Asks: Do they assign to Allah partners who have created anything as He has created?

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In verse 13:16, Allah is asking mankind these five questions and gives their answers:

Who is the Lord and Sustainer of the heavens and the earth?

Do you take protectors other than the Lord?

Are the blind equals with those who see?

Are the depths of darkness equal with Light?”

Do they assign to Allah partners who have created anything as He has created?

The answers are: Allah is the Sustainer of the heavens and the earth, the Creator of all things: He is the One, the Supreme and Irresistible.

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In the Noble Quran, Allah is asking mankind some important questions.

It seems compulsory for the serious one who is looking for the truth to have a look at those questions and if possible to answer them.

Allah’ questions are many. In this series, these questions are chosen randomly.

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In verse 13:16, Allah asks mankind especially the disbelievers five questions and He gives their answers:

The five questions in verse 13:16 are:

1) Who is the Lord and Sustainer of the heavens and the earth?

2) Do you then take (for worship) protectors other than Him, such as have no power either for good or for harm to themselves?

3) Are the blind equal with those who see?

4) Are the depths of darkness equal with Light?

5) do they assign to Allah partners who have created (anything) as He has created, so that the creation seemed to them similar?

 

The answers of these five questions are:

Say: It is Allah; He is the Sustainer of the heavens and the earth, the Creator of all things: He is the One, the Supreme and Irresistible.

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The meanings of verse 13:16

Say O Muhammad to your people:

Who is the Lord, who is the Creator of the heaven and the earth? if they answer and say Allah, then fine;

if not, Say: Allah is their Creator!

Say O Muhammad:

Do you then take to worship others beside Allah?

Do you then take protectors other than Allah?

Do you then take lords from among idols, which, even for themselves, have neither benefit nor hurt, neither procuring benefit nor driving away harm?

They have no power to benefit or harm themselves

Say to them, O Muhammad:

Is the blind man equal to the seer?

Is the unbeliever equal to the believer?

Is darkness equal to light? (The disbelief and faith)

Is the disbeliever and the believer, equal? 

Do they assign or describe unto Allah partners from among idols?

Do their partners create creation the like of His creation so that the creation (which they made and His creation seemed alike to them?

And they do not distinguish Allah’s creation from the creation of their idols?

Say O Muhammad: Allah is the Creator of all things while their idols have created nothing; and He is the One, the Almighty.

He is All-Conquering above His created beings.

Say: It is Allah; He is the Sustainer of the heavens and the earth, the Creator of all things: He is the One, the Supreme and Irresistible, the Subjugator of His servants.

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Verse 13:16 in different translations:

QARIB:

Say: ‘who is the lord of the heavens and the earth? say: ‘Allah. ‘say: ‘why then have you chosen guardians other than him, even though they have neither the power to benefit nor harm themselves? ‘ say: ‘are the blind and the seeing equal? are darkness and light equal? or, have they ascribed to Allah associates who create as he creates so that all creation is alike to them?” say: ‘Allah is the creator of everything. he is the one, the conqueror. ‘

SHAKIR:

Say: who is the lord of the heavens and the earth?  say: Allah. say: do you take then besides him guardians who do not control any profit or harm for themselves? say: are the blind and the seeing alike? or can the darkness and the light be equal? or have they set up with Allah associates who have created creation like his, so that what is created became confused to them? say: Allah is the creator of all things, and he is the one, the supreme

PICKTHAL:

Say (O Muhammad): who is lord of the heavens and the earth? say: Allah. say: take ye then (others) beside him for protectors, which, even for themselves, have neither benefit nor hurt? say: is the blind man equal to the seer, or is darkness equal to light? or assign they unto Allah partners who created the like of his creation so that the creation (which they made and his creation) seemed alike to them? say: Allah is the creator of all things, and he is the one, the almighty.

YUSUFALI:

Say: “who is the lord and sustainer of the heavens and the earth?” say: “(it is) Allah.” say: “do ye then take (for worship) protectors other than him, such as have no power either for good or for harm to themselves?” say: “are the blind equal with those who see? or the depths of darkness equal with light?” or do they assign to Allah partners who have created (anything) as he has created, so that the creation seemed to them similar? say: “Allah is the creator of all things: he is the one, the supreme and irresistible.”

This is Allah (14) O mankind, you need Allah and Allah needs nothing

1)    It is very easy for Allah to bring about a new creation instead of us

2)    Allah’s Law: no burdened soul shall bear the burden of another sinful soul

3)    To Allah is the return in the Hereafter when He will requite according to deeds

4)    Who will benefit from Allah’s warning?

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Many people do not know Allah. This series is an attempt to help them in order to know and acknowledge their Creator.

Verses 35:15-18 of the Noble Quran gives five facts and they are: 1) O mankind, you need Allah and Allah does not need you, 2) It is easy for Allah to bring about a new creation instead of you, 3) Allah’s Law: no burdened soul shall bear the burden of another sinful soul, 4) Who will benefit from Allah’s warning? And 5) To Allah is the return in the Hereafter.

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The meaning of verse 35:15:

O mankind! You are the ones who are in need of Allah, in every state. And Allah, He is the Independent, without any need of His creatures, the Praised, the One Who is praised in whatever He does with them.

In other words, O mankind! You are the poor in your relation to Allah in relation to His forgiveness, mercy, provision and well-being in the life of this world and to His Paradise in the Hereafter. And Allah! He is the Absolute He is free of need for what you have of wealth.

Allah the Owner of Praise; He is praiseworthy in His acts.

The meaning of verse 35:16:

If Allah will, If Allah wants, He can take you away, He can be rid of you, He can destroy you, O disbelievers and bring instead of you some new creation who are better and more obedient than you.

In short, Allah it is very easy for Allah to bring about a new creation, instead of you.

The meaning of verse 35:17:

That i.e. destroying you and bringing a new creation is not a hard thing for Allah. And that is not an arduous thing for Allah.

The meaning of verse 35:18:

And no burdened soul shall bear the burden of another sinful soul. And should one, soul, burdened heavily, with sin, call for, some of, its burden to be borne, by another, nothing of it will be borne, even if, the one called, be a relative, kin, such as a father or a son.

The impossibility of ‘having something borne by another’ in both instances is something ordained by Allah.

You O Muhammad can only warn those who fear their Lord in secret, in other words, those who fear Him despite not having seen Him, for they are the ones to benefit from the warning, and observe the prayer, maintain performance of it. For whoever purifies himself, cleansing himself of idolatry and other similar abominations, is purifying himself only for the sake of his own soul, because the reforming of his self pertains to him. And to Allah is the end of the journeying, the return in the Hereafter when He will requite according to deeds.

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Verses 35: 15-18in different English translations of their meanings:

QARIB:

15) People, it is you who are in need of Allah. he is the rich, the praised.

16) He can put you away, if he will, and bring a new creation

17) This is not a great matter for Allah.

18) No laden soul shall bear another’s load. if one is heavyburdened and calls for his load to be carried, nothing of it will be carried, not even if he is a close relative. you warn only those who fear their lord in the unseen, and establish the prayer. he who purifies himself, purifies himself for the good of his own soul. to Allah is the arrival.

SHAKIR:

15) O men! you are they who stand in need of Allah, and Allah is he who is the self-sufficient, the praised one

16) If he please, he will take you off and bring a new generation

17) And this is not hard to Allah

18) And a burdened soul cannot bear the burden of another and if one weighed down by burden should cry for (another to carry) its burden, not aught of it shall be carried, even though he be near of kin. you warn only those who fear their lord in secret and keep up prayer; and whoever purifies himself, he purifies himself only for (the good of) his own soul; and to Allah is the eventual coming

PICKTHAL:

15) O mankind! ye are the poor in your relation to Allah. and Allah! he is the absolute, the owner of praise.

16) If he will, he can be rid of you and bring (instead of you) some new creation.

17) That is not a hard thing for Allah.

18) And no burdened soul can bear another’s burden, and if one heavy laden crieth for (help with) his load, naught of it will be lifted even though he (unto whom he crieth) be of kin. thou warnest only those who fear their lord in secret, and have established worship. he who groweth (in goodness), groweth only for himself, (he cannot by his merit redeem others). unto Allah is the journeying.

YUSUFALI:

15) O ye men! it is ye that have need of Allah: but Allah is the one free of all wants, worthy of all praise.

16) If he so pleased, he could blot you out and bring in a new creation.

17) Nor is that (at all) difficult for Allah.

18) Nor can a bearer of burdens bear another’s burdens if one heavily laden should call another to (bear) his load. not the least portion of it can be carried (by the other). even though he be nearly related. thou canst but admonish such as fear their lord unseen and establish regular prayer. and whoever purifies himself does so for the benefit of his own soul; and the destination (of all) is to Allah.