Death in Quran (1) Death = Creature

The Quran is the first book on the face of the earth, which says that Death is but a creature. However, why has Allah created death?

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Interestingly, the verses 67:1-2 which say Death is created begin with “Blessed is Allah”

Blessed is Allah the exalted and transcendent above the attributes of created beings.

What do we mean when we bless the name of Allah?

We mean that we recognize and proclaim His beneficence to us.

In Allah’s hand and at His disposal, is

• All Sovereignty,
• All grace
• All Authority and
• All Power to bestow might and abasement, and
• All Power over the stores of all things

Allah has power over all things.

He is too holy to have children or partners

He is Able to do all that He wills

Allah is Lord of both visible and invisible worlds.

Allah Created Death and Life.

One of the results of Allah’s complete dominion of the universe and absolute power over all things is that He created death and life.

Herein, the Quran puts Death before Life,

Death is therefore not merely a negative state.

Death, then, is

• The state before life began, which may be nonexistence or existence in some other form:
• The state in which Life as we know it ceases, but existence does not cease
• The state of Barrier or Partition, after our visible Death and before Judgment; after that will be the new Life, which we conceive of under the term Eternity.

Why has Allah created death?

Allah created death and life that He may

• Try you between life and death,
• Test you in this life,

To see which of you is

• Best in conduct,
• Most obedient to Him
• More sincere in works

Thus, man should always be on the alert, considering every thought and every action.

When a person’s heart is alert, aware that this life is a test, and tries to keep on the right track, he is reassured of God’s forgiveness and grace. This gives man all the rest and comfort he needs.

Allah is

• the Mighty in retribution against those who disbelieve in Him
• The Mighty in His vengeance against those who disobey Him,
• The Forgiving to those who repent to Him;
• He forgives those who repent and believe in Him.

He is the Mighty in retribution against those who disbelieve in Him, (Forgiving) He forgives those who repent and believe in Him,

Creation, therefore, is not in mere game, or without a purpose with reference to man. The state before our present life, or the state after, we can scarcely understand. But our present Life is clearly given to enable us to strive by good deeds to reach a nobler state.

Allah is so Exalted in Might that He can perfectly carry out His Will and Purpose, and that Purpose is Love, Mercy, and Goodness to His creatures.

The truth Islam establishes in people’s hearts does not depict God as chasing humans to afflict or punish them.

Allah wants them to be aware of the purpose behind their existence and of their true nature. Allah wants them to rise to the level worthy of His honor when He blew of His own spirit into them, elevating them above many of His other creations.

When the believers have absorbed this truth and hold to it, they will find that His grace, mercy and forgiveness are always available to them.

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The verses 67:1-2 in different translations:

QARIB:

1-Blessed be he in whose hand is the kingdom, he is powerful over all things,

2-Who created death and life that he might examine which of you is best in deeds, and he is the almighty, the forgiving,

SHAKIR:

1-Blessed is he in whose hand is the kingdom, and he has power over all things,

2-Who created death and life that he may try you– which of you is best in deeds; and he is the mighty, the forgiving,

PICKTHAL:

1-Blessed is he in whose hand is the sovereignty, and, he is able to do all things.

2-Who hath created life and death that he may try you which of you is best in conduct; and he is the mighty, the forgiving,

YUSUFALI:

1-Blessed be he in whose hands is dominion; and he over all things hath power;-

2-He who created death and life, that he may try which of you is best in deed: and he is the exalted in might, oft-forgiving;-

Atheists in Quran (51) another Scientific fact. Recycling

The Quran is the first book on the face of Earth that mentions the scientific fact of recycling more than 1400 years ago. This may help the scientific-minded Atheists to realize that Allah is able to bring them back to life on the Day of Judgment.

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The verse 10:4 of the Noble Quran is composed of 28 Arabic words; it talks about:

1) A very important fact

2) Then the verse strengthens this important fact by assuring us that this fact is but an Allah’s promise that will happen certainly.

3) Then the verse makes a remarkable scientific pause to simplify the important fact and make it easy to be understood by the scientific minded people

4) Further, discuss the impact of the important fact on both the believers and the Atheists

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1) What is the very important fact? To Allah you shall return

2) How the verse strengthens this important fact? It is Allah’s promise will certainly happen.

3) What is the remarkable scientific pause? Allah originates the creation and repeats it. This scientific pause = the recycling of everything around us

4) What is the impact of the important fact on both the believers and the Atheists?

On the believers = reward, with equity

The Atheists = scalding drink + grievous suffering

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The verse and the remarkable scientific pause

The remarkable scientific pause is translated as

Allah originates the creation and repeats it, or

Allah begins the creation and he reproduces it

The verbs originates, begins, repeats and reproduces are in the present tense that indicate the continuity of the acts of beginning the creation and the repetition of it.

All organic material in nature are recycled. If you go for a walk in the woods, you will see compost formed from deadfall. Organisms like mushrooms help to break down the deadfall and create the compost. When a living thing dies, it breaks down and becomes a source for nutrients for other living things. Even animal waste is utilized as fertilizer.

If we look around us or inside us we then acknowledge this Quranic scientific fact very much

Everything around us is created, recycled and then created again

Around us, we see that the soil, air, gases, clouds, rain, plants, bacteria and energy are recycled every minute etc.

Inside our body, we see that millions of cells are created, recycled and reproduced again every minute.

This is the ever-continuous Allah’s action

It goes without saying that the Quran is the first book on the face of Earth that mentions this scientific fact of recycling more than 1400 years ago.

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How this this scientific fact of recycling serves the issue of Faith?

Let us agree first about this: without the continuous process of recycling that occurs every minute around and inside us, our lives would have been impossible.

Have we praise Allah for that?

Well, is the One who does that unable to bring you back to life in the Day of Judgment?

Back to the meanings of the verse 10:4

To Allah you shall return to face the reckoning when He gives each one, believer or unbeliever, his or her fitting reward

 “To Him you shall all return. This is, in truth, Allah’s promise.”

Allah has promised that you will return to Him and Allah’s promise will certainly happen.

For resurrection is the completion of creation.

“He originates all His creation, and then brings them all back to life so that He may reward, with equity, those who have believed and done good deeds. As for the unbelievers, they shall have a scalding drink and a grievous suffering for their unbelief.”

Administering justice to all is in itself one of the aims of original creation and bringing all creatures back to life. Similarly, giving pure happiness and enjoyment without any unwelcome consequences to spoil its effects is another aim of the process of creation and resurrection.

The unbelievers will have to suffer the consequences of their errant ways just like one who violates the rules of health: he suffers disease and debility and they suffer distress after distress. Their outcome will be unmitigated misery, in contrast to the pure happiness the believers enjoy: “As for the unbelievers, they shall have a scalding drink and a grievous suffering for their persistent disbelief”

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The verse 10:4 in different translations:

QARIB:

To him all of you will return together. This is, in truth, the promise of Allah. He originates creation, then he revives it so that he may recompense those who believe and do righteous deeds. As for the unbelievers, theirs is a drink of boiling water and a painful punishment for their disbelief.

SHAKIR:

To him is your return, of all (of you); the promise of Allah (made) in truth; surely he begins the creation in the first mstance, then he reproduces it, that he may with justice recompense those who believe and do good; and (as for) those who disbelieve, they shall have a drink of hot water and painful punishment because they disbelieved

PICKTHAL:

Unto him is the return of all of you; it is a promise of Allah in truth. lo! he produceth creation, then reproduceth it, that he may reward those who believe and do good works with equity; while, as for those who disbelieve, theirs will be a boiling drink and painful doom because they disbelieved.

YUSUFALI:

To him will be your return- of all of you. the promise of Allah is true and sure. It is he who beginneth the process of creation, and repeateth it, that he may reward with justice those who believe and work righteousness; but those who reject him will have draughts of boiling fluids, and a penalty grievous, because they did reject him.

Atheists in Quran (49) they came to eradicate Islam

The Atheists announced that they came from Makkah to Al-Madinah to kill the Prophet Muhammad and eradicate Islam and Muslims from the face of the Earth.

See what happened to them and what the Angels have done to them!

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Background of the verses 8:50-51

Date: more than 1400 years ago

Place: nearby Al-Madinah in the Arabia

Event: the first battle between the Atheists among the Arabs and the believers

The name of the battle: the Day of “Badr”

Situation: The Atheists were about 1000 well-armed men

                The believers were 300 weakly armed men

Media: the Atheists announced that they came from Makkah to Al-Madinah to kill the Prophet Muhammad and eradicate Islam and Muslims from the face of the Earth

Result: Muslims won and the Atheists severely lost the battle. About 100 Atheists killed, another 100 captivated and the rest flee from the shock of such result.

Was this the only fate of the Atheists?

No

The meanings of the verses 8:50-51

If you could see O Muhammad and believers how the angels, on the Day of Badr, take away the Atheists’ souls, smiting their faces and their backs and saying unto them:

Taste the severe punishment of burning.

This chastisement is for what your hands have done while you were unbelieving know that Allah is just to His servants, such that he would not punish them for no sin.

Know that Allah is not a tyrant to His servants such that He would take them to task without them having committed a crime.

Allah’s Justice is for all

We see the angels acting on Allah’s instructions and by His permission, reproaching the unbelievers and meting out punishment to them. They gather their souls in a very harsh manner and dole out to them the sort of treatment that befits their arrogance and conceit. Even in the most difficult of times, they remind them of their evil deeds and tell them of their inevitable destiny. There is no injustice in what they are about to suffer. It is only what they deserve.

The verse makes it clear that punishing the unbelievers for their misdeeds is a constant law that Allah has set into operation:

The two verses, however, may also be taken as a reference to a continuing situation that applies whenever the angels gather the souls of unbelievers.

In this case the opening phrase, “if you could but see”, may be understood as an address to anyone with eyes to see. This type of address is used frequently to direct attention to certain matters that need to be contemplated.

The verses portray a fearful picture of the unbelievers as the angels gather their souls, adding humiliation to their misery and combining physical suffering with death:

“If you could but see how the angels gather up the souls of the unbelievers. They strike them on their faces and their backs.”

The mode of expression then changes from that of reporting to an address:

“Taste the punishment of burning.”

This serves to bring the sight blooming as though it is happening now in front of our eyes. We almost see the fire of hell and how it burns them fiercely.

The unbelievers are severely reproached as they are pushed into it:

“[this is] in return for what your own hands have committed.”

It is all a fitting recompense. You deserve it all on account of what you have done:

“Never does Allah do any injustice to His servants.”

The infliction of suffering and humiliation on the unbelievers is a permanent law that does not change.

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The verses 8:50-51 in different translations:

QARIB:

50-If you could see the angels when they carry off the souls of the unbelievers, beating their faces and their backs, saying: ‘taste the punishment of burning!

51-That is for what your hands have forwarded, Allah is not unjust to his worshipers. ‘

SHAKIR:

50-And had you seen when the angels will cause to die those who disbelieve, smiting their faces and their backs, and (saying): taste the punishment of burning

51-This is for what your own hands have sent on before, and because Allah is not in the least unjust to the servants;

PICKTHAL:

50-If thou couldst see how the angels receive those who disbelieve, smiting faces and their backs and (saying): taste the punishment of burning!

51-This is for that which your own hands have sent before (to the judgment), and (know) that Allah is not a tyrant to his slaves.

YUSUFALI:

50-If thou couldst see, when the angels take the souls of the unbelievers (at death), (how) they smite their faces and their backs, (saying): “taste the penalty of the blazing fire-

51-“Because of (the deeds) which your (own) hands sent forth; for Allah is never unjust to his servants:

Atheists in Quran (48) No Ransom, No Exit

As for the Atheists and unbelievers, if they possessed, all that is in the earth, and the double of it with it, by which to ransom themselves from the chastisement of the Day of Resurrection, The ransom would not be accepted from them. They will desire to exit from the Eternal Fire, but they will not exit from it.

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Truly, as for the Atheists and unbelievers who disbelieve in Muhammad and the Quran,

If they possessed, definitely, all that is in the earth, and the double of it with it, by which to ransom themselves from the chastisement of the Day of Resurrection,

The ransom would not be accepted from them.

Theirs will be a painful doom and severe chastisement.

However, they will desire to exit from the Eternal Fire, but they will not exit from it; theirs shall be a lasting, a perpetual, chastisement.

They will wish to come forth from the Eternal Fire but they will not come forth from it

Theirs will be a lasting doom; which will never be interrupted.

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Ransom = the act of holding someone or something hostage in order to get a demand met, or the money paid to get the item or person back.

Ransom = a sum of money paid to free a captive or a prisoner.

To ransom is to obtain the release of someone that has been held hostage by paying a price.

If the Atheists and unbelievers had everything on earth and twice repeated, to give as ransom for the penalty of the Day of Judgment, Allah would never accept any ransom of them.

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The Quranic unique method of description

The verses 5:36-37 of the Noble Quran portray a scene of the Atheists and unbelievers who disbelieve in Muhammad and the Quran. It is a very vivid description, because the verses do not only give a statement outlining a position, but depicts a full scene with movement and interaction.

This is, indeed, the Quranic method used in portraying scenes of the Day of Judgment. The Quran uses it for most purposes:

“If those who disbelieve had all that is on earth and as much besides to offer as ransom from the suffering of the Day of Resurrection, it would not be accepted from them. Theirs shall be a painful suffering. They will wish to come out of the Fire, but they shall not come out of it. Theirs shall be a long-lasting suffering.” (Verses 36-37)

By the longest stretch of imagination, the most that the unbelievers can have is all that is available on the face of the earth.

But the verses go far beyond that and suppose that they have all that the earth contains twice over, and portray them trying to pay all that as ransom to spare themselves the suffering of the Day of Resurrection.

The verses also portray them as they try to get out of the Fire of Hell, but they are unable to do so. They continue to endure their painful, lasting suffering.

This is a very vivid scene with actions following one another in speedy sequence. There they are at first, having everything that is on earth and as much besides. They offer it all to escape punishment. Then we see them disappointed when all their appeals fail. The Angels are then forcing them into the Fire, trying to get out, but having no means of escape. The screen then falls and they dwell there permanently.

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The verses 5:36-37 in different translations:

QARIB:

36-As for those who disbelieve, if they possessed all that the earth contains and as much besides to ransom themselves from the punishment of the day of resurrection, it shall not be accepted from them. theirs shall be a painful punishment.

37-They will wish to get out of the fire, but they shall not, theirs shall be a lasting punishment.

SHAKIR:

36-Surely (as for) those who disbelieve, even if they had what is in the earth, all of it, and the like of it with it, that they might ransom themselves with it from the punishment of the day of resurrection, it shall not be accepted from them, and they shall have a painful punishment

37-They would desire to go forth from the fire, and they shall not go forth from it, and they shall have a lasting punishment

PICKTHAL:

36-As for those who disbelieve, lo! if all that is in the earth were theirs, and as much again therewith, to ransom them from the doom on the day of resurrection, it would not be accepted from them. theirs will be a painful doom.

37-They will wish to come forth from the fire, but they will not come forth from it. Theirs will be a lasting doom.

YUSUFALI:

36-As to those who reject faith,- if they had everything on earth, and twice repeated, to give as ransom for the penalty of the day of judgment, it would never be accepted of them, theirs would be a grievous penalty.

37-Their wish will be to get out of the fire, but never will they get out therefrom: their penalty will be one that endures.

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 (42) Eighth Wonder or great Miracle

The Atheists and unbelievers claim that Muhammad forged the Quran. Do you accept that an Arabic illiterate man challenged many generations of the entire Humankind and knock them out and still He does? If you accept that, then you have to honor Muhammad because He achieved the Eighth Wonders of the World.

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In the previous articles,

1. Allah challenged 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 challenged the entire Humankind to produce only ONE Surah similar to the Quran.

No book on the face of Earth save the Quran contains such a gradually decreasing order of this unique Challenge.

Has anyone ever heard about a book that challenges the entire humankind to produce it or ten chapters like it or even one chapter like it? Nay! Only the Quran does.

To Whom It May Concern, one Surah (chapter) of the Quran may contain 15 Arabic words.

It is really one of the great wonder that has two opposing PERMANENT

1)    The PERMANENT challenge that aged more than 1400 years

2)    The PERMANENT inability of the entire human beings to cope with it.

Think about how many generations after generations proved their inability to cope with it.

Let us think together peacefully.

Allah declares that the Quran is His book

The Atheists and unbelievers claim that Muhammad forged the Quran.

Well, Muhammad is an Arabic illiterate man who existed more than 1400 years ago.

Do you accept that an Arabic illiterate man challenges many generations of the entire Humankind and knock them out?

Rationality, none will accept that.

However, if you accept that, then you have to honor Muhammad; we know that there are Seven Wonders of the World; Is this the Eighth Wonder?

Contrariwise, if the Quran is really the Book of Allah and Allah challenges the entire Humankind to produce a Surah like it (just 15 Arabic words); then there must be an essential pillar for this Permanent challenge.

Essential pillar for the challenge

If the Quran is man-made, then man can produce a Surah like it.

If the Quran is fabricated, then man can fabricate a Surah like it.

If the Quran is neither man-made nor fabricated and it is Allah’s Book but it happened at any time through the last 1400 years that the Quran suffers:

• Corruption,
• Change,
• Substitution,
• Distortion,
• Additions,
• Omissions

In this case, the challenge will be beatable and man can produce a Surah like it.

Hence, for the challenge to be unbeatable, Allah is preserving the Quran.

Preservation of the Quran

Allah promised that He would preserve the Quran

“It is We Ourselves who have bestowed this reminder from on high, and it is We who shall preserve it intact.” (Verse 15:9)

When we look today, after the passage of many centuries, at the fulfilment of Allah’s promise to preserve the Quran, we see a great miracle testifying to the fact that it is Allah’s book.

We see that the circumstances and situations that the Quran has endured over the centuries could not have left it intact, suffering no change of even

• A single Surah,
• A single verse,
• A single sentence,
• A single word, or
• A single letter

Could this happen without the interference of the superior power?

That power, which is greater than all situations, keeping it pure from any change or distortion.

It is the power of Allah, your Almighty Creator.

At the time of the Prophet Muhammad, this promise to preserve the Quran intact sounded a mere promise. Today, however, after all these great events and long centuries, it is indeed a great miracle confirming the indisputable fact that the Quran is but Allah’s book. No one disputes this fact except a stubborn, ignorant fool.

“It is We Ourselves who have bestowed this reminder from on high, and it is We who shall preserve it intact.” (Verse 9)

The purity of the text of the Quran through fourteen centuries is a token of the eternal care with which Allah’s Truth is guarded through all ages.

All corruptions, inventions, and accretions pass away, but Allah’s pure and holy Truth will never suffer eclipse even though the whole world mocked at it and were bent on destroying it.

Do you know that there is only one Arabic Quran all over the world; the Quran in Africa = the Quran in Europe = The Quran in America = the Quran in Asia without any change of even one word!

Do you know that a kid of 6-10 years old can recite by heart the entire Quran without looking at it; and this is one of the methods Allah is preserving His Book.

Watch these YouTube‘s videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YG7R-HVKCzs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCrOh0kiJQw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkYp0bqS6hc

Furthermore, in the verse 15:9, Allah names the Quran “Reminder”

The Quran reminds you with your Creator, your outcome in the Afterlife etc.

How you acknowledge all of that?

By comparing all of the above features of the Quran with the Bible’s features.

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The verse 15:9 in different translations:

QARIB:

It is We who sent down the Koran, and We watch over it.

SHAKIR:

Surely, we have revealed the reminder and we will most surely be its guardian

PICKTHAL:

Lo! We, even we, reveal the reminder, and lo! We verily are its guardian.

YUSUFALI:

We have, without doubt, sent down the message; and we will assuredly guard it (from corruption).

Atheists in Quran (38) a Biology Challenge for them

In this article, the Quran challenges, with a great BiologicalChallenge, not only the Atheists but also the entire Humankind on the face of the Earth. Moreover, since the challenge is not yet accepted, the Quran tells the Atheists and disbelievers: you have no right to be proud since you are as weak as flies.

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The Quran is the first book on the face of Earth that challenges the Entire Humankind with a great Scientific Contest that is valid until now and shamefully none accepted it.

How ScientificallyDeficit are Human beings?

The verse 22:73 makes an influential, universal declaration that all the deities, which people worship and appeal for help are weak and powerless. The Quran presents an active and fascinating scene to illustrate their weakness:

O Humankind. An aphorism is set forth; hearken, then, Listen to it.

“Those beings whom you invoke instead of Allah cannot create a fly, even though they were to join all their forces to that end. If a fly robs them of anything, they cannot rescue it from the fly! Weak indeed is the seeker, and weak the sought!” (Verse 73)

The address herein is universal, it includes everyone anywhere in the world, and the declaration is loud and clear: “Humankind!”

When people gathered to listen, they are told that they are about to be given a statement of a general principle, not a particular case applicable on a certain occasion.

“An aphorism is set forth; hearken, then, listen to it.”

It is a statement of addressing fact that is applied in all situations

“Those beings whom you invoke instead of Allah cannot create a fly, even though they were to join all their forces to that end.”

All false deities, whether they be

• Idols
• Statues,
• Human beings,
• Traditions,
• Values,
• Animals
• Sun
• Moon
• Planets
• Stars
• Desire as in case of Atheists,
• Ego as in case of Atheists,
• Etc.

All false deities, to whom you appeal for support and with whom you seek to achieve satisfaction, victory and high esteem, are incapable of creating a fly, even if they:

• Muster all their forces,
• Utilize all their knowledge and machines and
• Conduit all their resources into one supreme effort.

In general, creation of living creature is impossible for anyone other than Allah.

Indeed, the creation of a mere fly, that small and abject creature, challenges all the harnessed powers of such false gods.

Creating a fly is just as impossible as creating a camel or an elephant, because the fly also demonstrates the great secret of life.

Hence, the Quran places a fly on the same level as camels and elephants, with regard to its miraculous creation.

The Quranic aphorism, however, cites the case of a little, insignificant fly in order to generate a more profound feeling of powerlessness.

The verse adds another dimension in describing their powerlessness:

“If a fly robs them of anything, they cannot rescue it from him!”

False deities, be they idols, humans or Ego cannot retrieve anything from a fly when it robs them of it. Flies can rob people of that which is precious indeed. At the same time, a fly carries microbes of some very serious diseases, such as tuberculosis, typhoid, dysentery and conjunctivitis. It can deprive a person of his eyes or other organs, or indeed deprive him of his life.

A weak and contemptible fly can rob a human being of what he can never retrieve.

Here again you realize how the Quran uses Scientific facts in the most effective way.

This effective image affirming a clear aphorism concludes with a simple comment:

“Weak indeed is the seeker, and weak the sought!”

This comment further emphasizes the effects generated by the verse as a whole.

At this moment when we realize how weak and contemptible these false deities are, the verse 22:74 condemns the unbelievers for their defective concept of Allah, clearly stating Allah’s power:

“No true understanding of Allah have they. Allah is certainly Most Powerful, Almighty.”

• They do not esteem Allah with the esteem He deserves
• They do not magnify Allah, as He deserves to be magnified
• No one knows His measure save He.
• No one can recognize Him as is worthy of Him save He

How could they understand Allah, as He really is, when they associate with Him such powerless deities that cannot even create a fly?

What understanding of Allah have they, when they see His highly sophisticated creation and yet they consider as equal to Him beings that cannot create even a little fly?

They even invoke such powerless creatures which cannot retrieve anything flies take away from them, instead of invoking Allah.

This is a damning comment at a point that should arouse feelings of submission to Allah alone.

Now, why Allah choose a fly not a camel in this Scientific Challenge?

The Arabs used a fly to express ignorance; they used to say in their parables, “this is more ignorant than a fly”

Therefore, this Scientific Challenge told the Atheists among the Arabs “do not be more ignorant than a fly.

Nevertheless, this Scientific Challenge is still valid for not only the Atheists but for the entire Humankind on the face of the Earth.

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The verses 22:73-74 in different translations:

QARIB:

73- People, this is a parable, listen to it. Those whom you call upon, other than Allah, could never create a fly, though they banded together to do this. And if a fly robs them of anything, they could never rescue it from it. The seeker and the sought are alike in their weakness.

74- They do not value Allah as he should be valued. For Allah is powerful and mighty.

SHAKIR:

73- O people! a parable is set forth, therefore listen to it: surely those whom you call upon besides Allah cannot create fly, though they should all gather for it, and should the fly snatch away anything from them, they could not take it back from i weak are the invoker and the invoked

74- They have not estimated Allah with the estimation that i due to him; most surely, Allah is strong, mighty

PICKTHAL:

73- O mankind! a similitude is coined, so pay ye heed to it: lo! Those on whom ye call beside Allah will never create a fly though they combine together for the purpose. And if the fly took something from them, they could not rescue it from it. so weak are (both) the seeker and the sought!

74- They measure not Allah his rightful measure. lo! Allah is strong, almighty.

YUSUFALI:

73- O men! Here is a parable set forth! Listen to it! Those on whom, besides Allah, ye call, cannot create (even) a fly, if they all met together for the purpose! And if the fly should snatch away anything from them, they would have no power to release it from the fly. Feeble are those who petition and those whom they petition!

74- No just estimate have they made of Allah: for Allah is he who is strong and able to carry out his will.

Atheists in Quran (35) they are hasty

The Atheists try to hasten the punishment against which the Prophet Muhammad warns them. Sarcastically, they say, ‘When will this promise of resurrection and chastisement be fulfilled, if you are truthful O Muhammad?

The Quran says that 1) Man is a creature of haste; he is so hasty in his affairs and 2) Verily, messengers before you O Muhammad were derided but those who mocked them were encircled by the chastisement, which they used to deride; likewise, it shall befall those who have derided you.

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The Arabs at the time of the Prophet Muhammad were one of two:

The unbelievers deny the existence of One God and they used to worship many idols as gods

The Atheists who deny the existence of any god

Both groups deny the Resuscitation, the Day of Judgment and the Afterlife

They deny the very existence of Allah, the Most Merciful, who has created the universe and set the rules that operate in it and sustain its existence.

Herein, a likely dispute is expected.

Allah’s Messenger Muhammad speaks out against their deities, showing such inanimate idols to be useless.

On the other hand, The Atheists and unbelievers rudely deny Allah and they hurl abuse and mockery at Allah’s Messenger, saying that it is unacceptable that he should criticize their idol worship. They find nothing wrong with the arrogance that leads them to

Deny Allah’s existence,

Deny Allah’s Messenger and

Reject Allah’s revelation, the Quran.

The sarcasm of their attitude exposes to the full the far- reaching corruption that affects their nature and impairs their judgment.

Whenever they see you O Muhammad, they take you in derision and pick you out for mockery

What is more stupid of them?

They try to hasten the punishment against which the Prophet warns them.

They say, ‘When will this promise of resurrection and chastisement be fulfilled, if you are truthful O Muhammad?

Man is a creature of haste; he is so hasty in his affairs

Haste is present in man’s very nature and constitution.

He always stretches his eyes to what lies ahead, beyond the present moment, aiming to grasp it with his own hand. He wants to achieve, the moment it flashes in his mind, all that seems desirable. He wants to see all that is promised to him, even though it may be to his damage. Such is man’s nature, unless he establishes a firm relationship with Allah, which gives him strength and reassurance. He will then trust to Allah’s wisdom, leaving His will to run its course without hastening events. For faith combines trust with patience and reassurance.

Those unbelievers hastened Allah’s punishment, wondering when the promise of punishment in the hereafter, as well as in this life, would be fulfilled.

The Quran paints here for them a scene of the suffering in the hereafter, while also warning them against a similar punishment to that which befell earlier communities, which rejected the faith

If the unbelievers only knew what shall happen to them:

They would change their attitude completely.

They would stop their mockery and hastening of what is bound to come.

Let them, then, see what is bound to come.

There, the fire surrounds them on all sides.

Nay, but it, the Resurrection, shall come upon them suddenly, dumbfounding them, confusing them, and they shall not be able to ward it off, nor shall they be granted any respite, [nor shall they] be given any [extra] time to make a repentance or offer an excuse.

We envisage their agitated movements, described implicitly in the verse, to protect their faces and their backs against the fire, but their attempt is useless. It is as if the fire engulfs them on all sides. They can neither keep it away from themselves, nor retreat to seek protection. Nor is even a short respite from it possible.

That the punishment comes suddenly is only the response for their hastening it.

Sarcastically, they used to say time after time:

“When is this promise to be fulfilled, if what you say be true?”

The answer is that it comes suddenly, perplexing their minds and paralyzing their will. Thus, they are unable to think or act. This applies to the punishment in the hereafter.

Moreover, verily messengers before you were derided but those who mocked them were encircled by the chastisement, which they used to deride; likewise, it shall befall those who have derided you.

As for this world’s punishment, it certainly befell communities before them, which ridiculed Allah’s messengers. Just as those communities were unable to ward off a punishment that wiped them out altogether, so these unbelievers are unable to avert their defeat and captivity. They are thus warned not to deride Allah’s Messenger, to avoid the punishment that befalls those who ridicule prophets. Such fate and punishment is bound to come, because it is part of Allah’s law, which will inevitably, take effect, just as the destruction of earlier communities, guilty of the same offence, proves.

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The verses 21:36-41in different translations:

QARIB:

36-When the unbelievers see you, they take you only for mockery, saying: ‘is this he who talks about your gods? ‘While they are unbelievers in the remembrance of the merciful.

37-The human was created of haste. Indeed, I will show you my signs; so do not ask me to hasten them.

38-They say: ‘if you are truthful, when will this promise come? ‘

39-If the unbelievers only knew when they will be unable to shield either their faces or their backs from the fire; when they will not be helped!

40-It will overtake them suddenly, dumbfounding them. they shall be unable to ward it off, and they shall not be respited.

41-Before you, other messengers were mocked, but the mockers were encompassed by the very thing they mocked.

SHAKIR:

36-And when those who disbelieve see you, they do not take you but for one to be scoffed at: is this he who speaks of your gods? and they are deniers at the mention of the beneficent Allah

37-Man is created of haste; now will i show to you my signs, therefore do not ask me to hasten (them) on

38-And they say: when will this threat come to pass if you are truthful?

39-Had those who disbelieve but known (of the time) when they shall not be able to ward off the fire from their faces nor from their backs, nor shall they be helped

40-Nay, it shall come on them all of a sudden and cause them to become confounded, so they shall not have the power to avert it, nor shall they be respited

41-And certainly messengers before you were scoffed at, then there befell those of them who scoffed that at which they had scoffed

PICKTHAL:

36-And when those who disbelieve behold thee, they but choose thee out for mockery, (saying): is this he who maketh mention of your gods? and they would deny all mention of the beneficent.

37-Man is made of haste. I shall show you my portents, but ask me not to hasten.

38-And they say: when will this promise (be fulfilled), if ye are truthful?

39-If those who disbelieved but knew the time when they will not be able to drive off the fire from their faces and from their backs, and they will not be helped!

40-Nay, but it will come upon them unawares so that it will stupefy them, and they will be unable to repel it, neither will they be reprieved.

41-Messengers before thee, indeed, were mocked, but that whereat they mocked surrounded those who scoffed at them.

YUSUFALI:

36-When the unbelievers see thee, they treat thee not except with ridicule. “is this,” (they say), “the one who talks of your gods?” and they blaspheme at the mention of (Allah) most gracious!

37-Man is a creature of haste: soon (enough) will i show you my signs; then ye will not ask me to hasten them!

38-They say: “when will this promise come to pass, if ye are telling the truth?”

39-If only the unbelievers knew (the time) when they will not be able to ward off the fire from their faces, nor yet from their backs, and (when) no help can reach them!

40-Nay, it may come to them all of a sudden and confound them: no power will they have then to avert it, nor will they (then) get respite.

41-Mocked were (many) messenger before thee; but their scoffers were hemmed in by the thing that they mocked.

Atheists in Quran (16) they mocked Muhammad

The Quran talked about the Atheists’ mockery they hurled at the Prophet Muhammad. The Quran says, “If they knew of the time when they shall not be able to ward off the Fire from their faces, nor from their backs and none shall protect them from it at the Resurrection”.

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Do Not Overlook this Warning

The verses 21:38-41 describe how the Atheists deal with Muhammad

The verses talk about

• The way the unbelievers received Allah’s Messenger and the revelations he was given.
• The mockery they hurled at him and
• Their persistent disbelief.

The verses follow this by pointing out that, by nature, man is hasty.

One manifestation of this haste is the unbelievers’ attempts to hasten Allah’s punishment.

Hence, it warns them against such haste and makes it clear to them that they must refrain from mocking the Prophet Muhammad if they wish to avoid the consequences of such unwarranted behavior. That is the persistent suffering of the unbelievers in the hereafter.

The verses talk about the accuracy of the reckoning in the hereafter and the suitability of the reward given on the Day of Judgment.

Thus, the reckoning and the reward are linked to the rules operating in the universe, human nature and human life.

What is more, they try to hasten the punishment against which the Prophet warns them.

For, by nature, man is hasty:

“Man is a creature of haste.”

Haste is present in man’s very nature and constitution.

Man always stretches his eyes to what lies ahead, beyond the present moment, aiming to grasp it with his own hand.

Man wants to achieve, the moment it flashes in his mind, all that seems desirable. He wants to see all that is promised to him, even though it may be to his detriment.

Such is man’s nature, unless he establishes a firm relationship with Allah, which gives him strength and reassurance. He will then trust to Allah’s wisdom, leaving His will to run its course without hastening events. For faith combines trust with patience and reassurance.

Those Atheists hastened Allah’s punishment, wondering when the promise of punishment in the hereafter, as well as in this life, would be fulfilled.

The Quran describes here for them a scene of the suffering in the hereafter, while also warning them against a similar punishment to that which befell earlier communities that rejected the faith “If only the unbelievers knew [that there will come]

• A time when they will not be able to shield their faces and their backs from the fire;
• A time when they will find no support.

Indeed, it will come upon them all of a sudden, and will stupefy them.

They will be unable to avert it, nor will they be allowed any respite.

Other messengers were derided before your time; but those who scoffed at them were [in the end] overwhelmed by the very thing that they derided.”

(Verses 39-41)

If the Atheists only knew what will happen to them, they would change their attitude completely.

They would stop their mockery and hastening of what is bound to come.

Let them, then, see what is bound to come. Therein, the fire surrounds them on all sides.

Imagine their frantic movements, described implicitly in the verse, to protect their faces and their backs against the fire, but their attempt is futile. It is as if the fire engulfs them on all sides. They can neither keep it away from themselves, nor retreat to seek protection. Nor is even a short respite from it possible.

That the punishment comes suddenly is only the response for their hastening it.

They used to say time after time:

“When is this promise to be fulfilled, if what you say be true?” (Verse 38)

The answer is that it comes suddenly, perplexing their minds andparalyzing their will. Thus, they are unable to think or act, let alone enjoy a period ofgrace to mend their ways.

This applies to the punishment in the hereafter. As for this world’s punishment, it certainly befell communities before them, which ridiculed Allah’s messengers. Just like those communities were unable to ward off a punishment that wiped them out altogether, so these Atheists are unable to avert their defeat and captivity. They are thus warned not to deride Allah’s Messenger, so as to avoid the punishment that befalls those who ridicule prophets. Such fate and punishment is bound to come, because it is part of Allah’s law which will inevitably take effect, just as the destruction of earlier communities, guilty of the same offence, proves.

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The verses 21:38-41 in different translations:

QARIB:

38-They say: ‘if you are truthful, when will this promise come? ‘

39-If the unbelievers only knew when they will be unable to shield either their faces or their backs from the fire; when they will not be helped!

40-It will overtake them suddenly, dumbfounding them. they shall be unable to ward it off, and they shall not be respited.

41-Before you, other messengers were mocked, but the mockers were encompassed by the very thing they mocked.

SHAKIR:

38-And they say: when will this threat come to pass if you are truthful?

39-Had those who disbelieve but known (of the time) when they shall not be able to ward off the fire from their faces nor from their backs, nor shall they be helped

40-Nay, it shall come on them all of a sudden and cause them to become confounded, so they shall not have the power to avert it, nor shall they be respited

41-And certainly messengers before you were scoffed at, then there befell those of them who scoffed that at which they had scoffed

PICKTHAL:

38-And they say: when will this promise (be fulfilled), if ye are truthful?

39-If those who disbelieved but knew the time when they will not be able to drive off the fire from their faces and from their backs, and they will not be helped!

40-Nay, but it will come upon them unawares so that it will stupefy them, and they will be unable to repel it, neither will they be reprieved.

41-Messengers before thee, indeed, were mocked, but that whereat they mocked surrounded those who scoffed at them.

YUSUFALI:

38-They say: “when will this promise come to pass, if ye are telling the truth?”

39-If only the unbelievers knew (the time) when they will not be able to ward off the fire from their faces, nor yet from their backs, and (when) no help can reach them!

40-Nay, it may come to them all of a sudden and confound them: no power will they have then to avert it, nor will they (then) get respite.

41-Mocked were (many) messenger before thee; but their scoffers were hemmed in by the thing that they mocked.