Kamran Cheikh

" A Call for Islamic Protestantism"

Sat, 16 Oct 2010 06:15:00 GMT

After his sentence to prison in 2002 for denouncing the Iranian government, Professor Hashem Aghajari was soon renowned as one of the most influential voices in the call for a Islamic reform in Iran. Witnessing the digressive state of societies in the Muslim world, Aghajari, in a speech commemorating the anniversary of the death of the Iranian Intellectual Dr. Ali Shari'ati, urged Muslims globlally to recognize the dire need to initiate a modern movement for Islamic Reformation; a reformation that most importantly would be inextricably grounded in the ideals of rationality and humanism. In his speech, Aghajari argues that there exists a vital distinction between what he refers to as "core Islam" and, the prevelant " traditional Islam", the latter which he states as lacking legitimacy based upon its lack of modern appeal and often inherent contradiction with the spirit of Islam. Aghajari's case encapsulates one of the most fundamental issues debated today between exclusivists and advocates of freedom and open religous thought in the Muslim World. Below is a translated version of his famous speech by the Middle East Media Research Institute.

"The Protestant movement wanted to rescue Christianity from the clergy and the Church hierarchy - [Christians] must save religion from the pope. We [Muslims] do not need mediators between us and God. We do not need mediators to understand God's holy books. The Prophet [Jesus] spoke to the people directly? We don't need to go to the clergy; each person is his own clergy.

Shariati maintained that all the religious messages offered by formal and traditional religious organizations were antiquated, and that any protest against [these traditional religious organizations] was [regarded by the clerics as] a protest against Islam itself.

Part of Dr. Shariati's work was to separate [what he called] 'core Islam' from [what he called] 'traditional Islam.' Many additions were added to Islam's core, [but] they were not part of the core; they were merely historical additions. It must be kept in mind that 70 or 80 years ago, the Shi'ite Muslim clergy was opposed to eliminating public bathhouses where one could immerse oneself in large containers of water and replacing them with showers and modern bathing facilities. But, of course, they have made some concessions to modernity when it comes to their own lifestyles, such as owning a car.

At the time of the Constitutional Revolution [1905-1907], the Islamic clergy was opposed to modern sciences such as chemistry and physics? [In their eyes], chemistry meant that there is no God. But in today's world the clerics take what suits them. If I drive a Peykan [a cheap Iranian-made car] they drive the latest model luxury cars (audience applause). Is this right?

They have made these concessions because they use [modernity for their own benefit]; they taste it and then decide that it isn't such a bad thing (smiles in the audience). Seventy or 80 years ago, they opposed these things in the name of Islam; they called it Haraam [forbidden in Islam]. Up until very recently, learning English in Islamic religious institutes of higher learning was forbidden.

Dr. Shariati would have said that this clergy has not descended from Heaven; it is contemporary, but their minds are medieval. As long as this mindset does not change, and these leaders do not change, the people who follow their interpretation will continue to think that Shi'ite Islam cannot be a modern religion, and [Shi'ite Islam] will be used by the misguided. Instead of serving as a driving force for progress and advancement, it will become a cause of continued backwardness.

Dr. Shariati sought to fight this attitude. He wanted to separate 'core Islam' from the 'traditional Islam' which is comprised of interpretation of Islam by the leaders of previous generations - because he believed that 'traditional Islam' was merely the result of the experiences of some people from generations past and that it should not be sanctified. [The clerics'] thinking is inflexible and incomplete.

In our tradition, Shi'ites wear a ring on the middle finger of the left hand. This is a symbol of being a Muslim. If you ask one of these clerics [about it], they say it is an obligation and a religious principle. Look at the writings of Alameh Majlesi and the book of Halieh Al-Motaqin - the book that guided Muslims 1400 years ago. Now imagine that today a Muslim wants to dress like they did then, eat like they used to, act like they used to. Is this Islam?

[The way in which] the religious scholars of previous generations understood and interpreted Islam is not Islam. It was their interpretation of Islam; [however] just as they had the right to interpret the Koran [in their way], we have the same right. Their interpretation of Islam is not an article of faith for us.

We must return to the separation of 'core Islam' and 'traditional Islam.' Part of Shariati's struggle concerned the interpretation of Islam and how someone who wants to be a Muslim in the 20th and 21st centuries [cannot do so in accordance with] the Islam that prevailed in Mecca and Medina 1400 years ago - [towns] with fewer residents than some of today's smaller Iranian villages.

The Islam of today is different. It is very clear that we have a different understanding of it in all areas, including economics. It has to suit the thoughts and realities of today? Just as people at the dawn of Islam conversed with the Prophet, we have the right to do this today. Just as they interpreted what was conveyed [to them] at historical junctures, we must do the same. We cannot say: 'Because this is the past we must accept it without question.' This is putting too much emphasis on the past. This is not logical?

For years, young people were afraid to open a Koran. They said, 'We must go ask the Mullahs what the Koran says,' [since] it was used primarily in mosques and cemeteries. The new generation was not allowed to come near the Koran; [young people] were told that [first] they needed [training in] 101 methods of thought and they did not possess them. Consequently, [the young people] feared reading the Koran.

Then came Shariati, and he told the young people that these ideas were bankrupt; [he said] you could understand the Koran using your own methods - you could understand as well as the religious leaders who claim to have a ton of knowledge. The religious leaders taught that if you understand the Koran on your own, you have committed a crime. They feared that their racket would cease to exist if young people learned [Koran] on their own?

In Islam, we never had a class of clergy; some clerical titles were created as recently as 50 or 60 years ago. Where did we have a clerical class in the Safavid dynasty? [Today's titles for Islamic clergy] are like the Church hierarchy - bishops, cardinals, priests. This type of hierarchy in [contemporary Shi'ite Islam] is an imitation of the Church. [Today], this clerical hierarchy is headed by the Ayatollah Ozma [i.e. the 'Grand Ayatollah']? And a level down you have an ayatollah, Hujjat ul Islam, Thaqqat ul Islam, and so on.

In the past few years, [the religious institutions] have become a sort of government institution, and the issue has become more sensitive. Is there anyone in our society who understands the distinction between a Hujjat ul Islam and an Ayatollah?[6] Shariati said that in Islam we do not have a class of religious leaders. This is not the 'core Islam.' It is a development of historical Islam, and, fortunately, we have not yet seen [in Iran the establishment of] a single central apparatus based on the ranks of clerical titles. For years, there were many parallel [Marja-e Taqlid] institutions,[7] and each Marja-e Taqlid [Ayatollah Ozma] [Grand Ayatollah] had his own structure.

Today, [the ruling clergy] in Iran wants to consolidate all the Ayatollah Ozma organizations under a single rule. (The audience applauds wildly.) Shariati said that in Iran, we have never had a true clerical class. This is what they want to do in our country. I doubt whether they will succeed because of our independence and the elements that we have in Shi'ite Islam. The divisions and the hierarchies they wanted to create are Catholic [and not Islamic]? Some of the clergy are so engrossed in what they are trying to do that they start thinking of themselves as icons?

Shariati used to say that the relationship between [the clergy] and the people should be like the relationship between teacher and pupil - not between leader and follower, not between icon and imitator; the people are not monkeys who merely imitate. The pupils understand and react, and they try to expand their own understanding, so that someday they will not need the teacher. The relationship that the fundamentalist religious people [seek] is one of master and follower; the master must always remain master and the follower will always remain follower. This is like shackles around the neck [i.e. eternal slavery].

We must understand that the master is not a holy, divine being, and we cannot grant him that status. They [the Iranian ruling clergy], however, want to exercise total power. Shariati did something about it; he told the religious leaders: 'You are not imams, you are not prophets, [you] cannot consider the people a subhuman species.' They are born the same way we all are, their blood is the same color as yours; they are born like you; they issue from their mothers' wombs? They are the same creatures of God that you are?

If we, as Muslims of divine and perfect Islam, value mankind, and say that [people] are human beings regardless of religion, even if they are not Muslims, even if they are not Iranians, such as Turks, Kurds and Lurs,[8] whatever they may be - [we should say that] they are human and they have inalienable rights. Dr. Shariati believed that in the Western world, humanism is not strongly rooted because it is not based on religious principles.

But in Islam, humanism is God's creation; it is by God's grace that we are here. These should not be merely nice words that we utter, like saying people have rights. Such words are vitally important - they are crowns on our heads. [Therefore], when [ordinary people] want to express an opinion, [the clerics cannot say] they haven't the power to decide and don't know what's good for them.

Today's Islam [should be] 'core Islam,' not 'traditional Islam.' Islamic Protestantism is logical, practical and humanist. It is thoughtful and progressive. In contrast to the days of Shariati and his followers - who were religious reformists, both clergy and non-clergy, in religious and university circles, such as [Ayatollah] Taleqani[9] and [Mahdi] Bazargan,[10] [Ayatollah] Beheshti [11] and [Ayatollah] Mottahari [12], and the leader of them all, the great leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khomeini [here, Aghajari did not pause long enough to allow the audience to praise Khomeini's name the customary three times, but only once], all of whom tried to say that Islam is connected to life, and is not indifferent to society and people, today we are facing a difficulty.

Many people who were not even part of the Islamic Revolution have now come to center stage and say that 'traditional Islam' is true Islam. The difference between our time and Shariati's time is that then, the clergy did not have power. Today, Islam is in power; clerics are in the government. That is why Islamic Protestantism has become much more important today.

We need a religion that respects the rights of all - a progressive religion, rather than a traditional religion that tramples the people. We cannot say 'Anyone who is not with me is against me.' One can be whatever one wants to be. One must be a good person, a pure person. We must not say that if you are not with us we can do whatever we want to you. By behaving as we do, we are trampling our own religious principles?

When someone says, 'I'm an [observant] Muslim,' you can no longer curse him, insult him, this is haraam, haraam [forbidden]. In our culture we need Islamic humanism; we need both religious culture and community culture. Every human being is worth something; none can be trampled. This principle is stated in our constitution. But unfortunately in the past decade, it has penetrated the minds of the people in the Islamic Republic that it needn't be so. This was their excuse for torture.

They [the ruling clergy] say: 'We arrested someone, he has some information, he is a member of some group, he has been active in something. Under ordinary interrogation he isn't confessing, so we must torture him so he sings like a canary.' This is exactly what the constitution condemns - but the rulers do not observe it. Whipping is torture. They say that if someone is accused of a crime, he should be made to suffer so he doesn't do it again.

Today, more than ever, we need the 'Islamic humanism' and 'Islamic Protestantism' that Dr. Shariati advocated. Today, we need it more than ever. While [the leaders] of the Islamic Republic apparently do not recognize human rights, this principle has been recognized by our constitution. In many non-Islamic countries, they at least recognize these principles in dealing with their own people. Maybe when it comes to other people, they oppress them - [like] what Bush is doing, and most Western nations, if they had the power.

Human rights have become so vital in some foreign countries that some of our own clergy, whom I see going for two or three weeks of medical treatment, become enchanted with how the authorities of those countries act towards their own people. About 150 years ago, [a Muslim cleric] went to Europe; when he came back, he said, 'I saw no Muslims in Europe, but I saw Islam' [i.e. he saw righteousness]. In our time, we see Muslims, but we don't see Islam (audience applause).

The regime divides people into insiders and outsiders. They [the ruling clergy] can do whatever they want to the outsiders. They can go to their homes, steal their property, slander them, terrorize them, and kill them - like [the intellectual activists] Said Hejjarian, and the late [Dariush] Forouhar and his wife [Parvaneh Eskandari] - because they were outsiders. Is this Islamic logic? When there is no respect for human beings?

When [Imam] 'Ali [the Prophet Muhammad's son in law and successor, according to Shi'ite Islam] sent an emissary to Egypt, he told him, 'You are a powerful man. Be good and just to the people. There are two groups of these people: Either they are Muslims, and therefore your brothers, or they are your fellow human beings. Behave towards them according to Islam.' Islam does not say Muslims and non-Muslims?

Finally, Islamic Protestantism is something we need because when our religious understanding and thought are betrayed, we must constantly refer back to our own religious frame of reference. In Shi'ite Islam they call it Ijtehad. Shariati had some serious thoughts about Ijtehad. First, Ijtehad is not limited to one group. Second, Ijtehad does not mean that only one cleric is the well-versed expert [Marja-e Taqlid]. Unfortunately dishonesty, deception, and petrifaction happen when religiously observant people go to a Marja-e Taqlid ['Source of Emulation'] [of their choice], who issues a fatwa, and then other clergymen attack him or the fatwa. You saw what happened with Ayatollah Saneii.

Some of the clergy say that a Mujtahed [high-ranking Ayatollah] can issue a fatwa. Then, when he issues a fatwa [that is counter to the ruling clerics' views] they [the ruling clergy] say: 'You may not do so and reinterpret [the Koran].' A Marja-e Taqlid may say: 'I have performed Ijtehad [and issued a fatwa] that contradicts what has been said before,' 'Women have as many rights as men and men and women have equal rights.' Then someone else [of the ruling clergy] attacks this Marja-e Taqlid, telling him, 'Who says that your opinion represents Islam? This is not Islamic.' So I [Aghajari] ask: 'Why is one more Islam than the other?
"
Notes

[1] Shariati (b. 1933) was a political activist who called for moves against the Shah to be based on Islam, even though he was not a cleric. His anti-imperialist approach and condemnation of both liberal capitalism and Marxism attracted a strong student following. Shariati said that the solution for the oppressed peoples of the Middle East was "Islamic humanism." He attacked the traditionalist clergy and their fatalism towards and appeasement of the Shah's regime. Even though he rejected Marxism as a political system, he was profoundly influenced by Marx, and adopted his terminology. Shariati died in 1977 under mysterious circumstances.

[2] IRNA, November 13, 2002. According to IRNA, he was also sentenced to 74 lashes and eight years' imprisonment in desert cities, and banned from teaching for 10 years.

[3] The transcript of the speech includes the transcriber's comments on the audience's response to Aghajari's comments on various issues.

[4] From the time Shi'ite Islam was endorsed as Iran's state religion in 1501 by the Shah Isma'il, the founder of the Safavid dynasty (1501-1722), coexistence and peace reigned between the religious and political establishments. Not only did the shah reign, but he also sought religious legitimacy for his rule, and the clergy was given central posts in the government. During the Qajar Dynasty (1796-1925), major shifts became evident in the interrelations between state and religion; since the 19th century, the clergy has been at the forefront of popular anti-regime movements. These shifts were largely the result of changes in the religious establishment, as it increased the clergy's standing and power and encouraged it towards fundamentalism and political activism.

[5] For the complete speech see here.

[6] i.e. between low-ranking religious scholars and the highest rank of all. Apparently hinting to the fact that several political leaders of Iran such as 'Ali Khamenei, Iran's spiritual Leader, and 'Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, Iran's former president and currently head of powerful 'Expediency Council,' carry the rank of Hujjat ul Islam without having the religious scholarly qualifications.

[7] Ijtehad is the right to issue fatwas based on the independent thinking and interpretation by an authorized cleric. According to taqlid (the "principle of emulation") in Shi'ite Islam, society is divided between two categories of religious status. The first group is highly exclusive - the Maraje Taqlid, or "sources of emulation," several Mujtaheds of the rank of Ayatollah Ozma (Grand Ayatollah). These Mujtaheds have the right of Ijtehad. Each of them may issue independent rulings, which apply only to his particular followers. The second group, the "emulators," is the masses. Each Shi'ite Muslim chooses a Marja-e Taqlid, and follows his rulings. In practice, the right of Ijtehad and the principle of emulation contributed to a close relationship between the follower and the religious leader he chose, and reinforced the Ayatollahs' power in society, socially and morally, against oppression by the ruler. It is worth noting that Shi'ite Islam never endorsed any one interpretation of an issue, and no one Ayatollah was officially more senior than another

[8] One of Iran's ethnic minorities.

[9] Ayatollah Sayyed Mahmoud Taleqani, a well-liked liberal, progressive, and intellectual cleric. He was Ayatollah Khomenei's ally during the Islamic Revolution, although he had reservations about Khomenei's thought.

[10] The first prime minister under the Islamic regime, and one of the important intellectuals who supported the Islamic Revolution. He was later deposed by Ayatollah Khomenei.

[11] Another high-ranking Ayatollah who supported the Islamic Revolution.

[12] Ayatolla Morteza Mottahari, a leading cleric who was imprisoned by the Shah.

[13] The last two were murdered in November 1998 with the involvement of "rogue agents of the Intelligence Ministry." No one has been sentenced for the crime. Iran Daily (English), November 23, 2002.

[14] For explanation of terms, see Footnote No. 7.
to a friend

Quraan Conference -An American effort to build cohesive societies

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 03:16:00 GMT

Quraan (Koran) Conference in Dallas, an American effort to build cohesive societies

The Conference puts the Quraan in the hands of panelists made up of Pastors, Rabbis, Pundits, Shamans, Clergy, lay persons, United States elected Government officials and the public. It is to demystify the myths about Quraan and Islam. It is an American effort to build cohesive societies.

By Mike Ghouse

PRESS RELEASE
Oct 09, 2010 – DALLAS, TEXAS – The Foundation for Pluralism and the World Muslim Congress have announced a conference on Quraan in Dallas to be held between 3:00 PM and 6 PM on Sunday, December 5, 2010 at the Unity Church of Dallas.

Representing the organizations, Mike Ghouse adds, “As members of diverse family of faiths, we seek to demystify the myths, malice and falsification of our respective faiths. It is time for all of us to gather and understand the Qur’aan, the holy book of Muslims, which has been the subject of attack by a few among us. Indeed, the conference is a positive response to negative sermons delivered from a few pulpits of America this year.”

The uniqueness of the event is highlighted by facing the “terrifying passages” of Quraan. For the first time in history, the actual verses from Quraan will be read directly and explained by non-Muslim panelists made up of Pastors, Rabbis, Pundits, Shamans, Clergy, lay persons and elected officials who have a deep interest in bringing Americans together on common grounds. The Muslim scholars either affirm their reading or refer to the same Quraan for further understanding.

The controversy over the Muslim Community Center in New York has unraveled the difficulties Catholics, Jews, Mormons, Wicca and others have endured. We have come a long way to embrace and accept the otherness of other. However, this year has given rise to yet another temptation; to blame Islam, calling it an evil, evil religion and calling its prophet a false prophet.

From times immemorial Religion has been “abused” and “misused” to someone gain, usually for controlling others. Are we going to let that happen? As Americans, we can pull ourselves together and not fall for the temptations to divide ourselves. No American has to live in fear of the other, nor live in anxieties or discomfort.

All our faiths reinforce the creed of "One Nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.”

We have to be pro-active, we have to dream of a society we desire for our children and work towards creating it. Rather than funding and encouraging destructive forces, we have to invest in efforts that bring about peace for every one. We simply cannot have peace if what surrounds is not in peace.

At this time, Islam is used to further the political agendas of a few; we have to guard ourselves from such tempters. We are pleased to present a purposeful event to bring Americans together and to stand up for the safety, security and cohesiveness of America.

The event is inspired by the comments of Rev. Robert Jeffress, Rev. Pat Robertson, Rev. Jerry Falwell, Rev. Billy Graham Jr. and several others.

We have to consciously create institutions and systems which would become a catalyst in building cohesive societies, where every one is acknowledged of his/her space and the right to the pursuit of happiness.

Myths are manufactured about others without any substantiation; it is an old business of maligning others to have a gain. The purpose of this conference is to remove such myths in an open forum in the public and restore the cohesiveness of our society and build a safe and secure America, where no American lives in fear, anxiety or discomfort.

As Americans, we have led the world in science, medicine, technology, business and innovation, and it is time for us to lead the world with the ideals of Pluralism and co-existence. Let us become a model nation, so others can emulate us and not vice-Versa.

It is time now to replace the ill-will with goodwill; no American has to live in anxieties, discomfort or fear of the other. The purpose of this conference is to remove such myths in an open forum in the public and restore the cohesiveness of our society and work towards building a safe and secure America.

Please visit the website

Thank you.
Mike Ghouse for
A COHESIVE AMERICA,
AMERICANS TOGETHER
http://www.quraanconference.com/

Youtube Videos with Mike Ghouse speaking about Quraan Conference below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMN8Zy1kc64

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZOFLQSAOhA

Foundation for Pluralism's Project Soam 2010

Sun, 04 Apr 2010 09:31:00 GMT

What is Soam?

The word Soam or its usual transliteration into English as Sawm is a word widely used in the Qur’an in its form AlSiyaam الصيام meaning “abstinence, self restraint, stopping, preventing and abandonment”. The most interesting aspect of this word is how it has been used throughout the Quran in different contexts. Here at the DRC through our research we have attempted to revive many of the neglected and misunderstood potentials of the Qur’an which became lost by history or distorted by interpretation.

More...

AN ISLAMIC REFORMATION? Iranian American Author Reza Aslan talks about the origins, evolution, and the future of Islam

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:32:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. - Reza Aslan author of the highly praised “No God but God: The Origins, Evolution, and the Future of Islam,” gave a spirited dinner lecture at Au Pied Bistro in Georgetown Sunday. A Doctoral Candidate in History of Religions at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and – for the pop culture-savvy – former guest of The Daily Show with John Stewart, Aslan bursts with enthusiasm and has the ability to convey ideas eloquently on an issue that leaves most Americans uncomfortably silent. The issue at hand is Islam, and, more specifically, the future of this; or, as Aslan puts it, its evolutionary “reformation.”

The sold out event was an essential part of NIAC’s mission to encourage Iranian Americans to “proactively present their image on their own terms.” Esteemed scholar and director of the Center for Persian Studies at the University of Maryland, College Park Dr. Ahmad Karimi-Hakkak served as a friendly foil to Aslan as the evening’s discussant.

Islam, according to Aslan, is a faith that is particularly conducive to interpretation because it is unencumbered by a ridged hierarchy in the form of theocratic institutions. “Islam is what Muslims say Islam is. It is not a creedal faith. Unlike the Catholic Church, there is no Muslim that speaks for God,” Aslan argued.

More...

Thoughts on Global Peace and my experience with the UPF

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:11:00 GMT

The current relations, issues and conflicts internationally have all shown that right now mankind is exists in a critical time in our history which will require all nations to work diligently towards creating a more just global society. Recently, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to discuss some of these issues in front of a congregation of members of the United Peace Federation. For those who are unfamiliar with the UPF, the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) is a global network of individuals and organizations dedicated to building a world of peace in which everyone can live in freedom, harmony, cooperation, and prosperity. Additionally, the UPF is a NGO that holds special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Since the organization’s founding in 2005, the UPF has promoted many services and global initiatives for the United Nations and below are some of the objectives which the organization hopes to establish.

· Renewal of the United Nations

· Partnerships among governments, religions, and civil society fostering development grounded in universal values

· A culture of peace through education, sports, arts, media, and service

· A framework for interreligious cooperation

· Conflict prevention and resolution

The organization founded by Rev. Sun Myung Moon also has close ties to the members of his the global Church founded by him called the Unification Church. While I do not necessarily agree with some of the tenets of the church, I nevertheless saw the mission of his global interreligious organization very much in line with what we are promoting through the work of the DRC. Thus, I accepted this invitation hoping that I would be able to share and discuss ideas with people who were doing similar work to foster world peace. When, I arrived at one of the chapter’s centers in Dallas, Texas I was warmly greeted by some of the UPF Ambassadors for Peaces as well as the youth who were active in their service programs for their organization. In the speech that I gave to the members of the congregation, I addressed some of the key issues that we are facing today.

First and foremost as a Muslim I believe that all of mankind belongs to one community, which without a doubt could not be more apparent in the increasing globalized world we live in today. Therefore, the responsibility of creating a more just and peaceful global society relies on all people of different nations worldwide. In this critical moment in our history, as societies are becoming more and more interconnected, there is a growing awareness amongst leaders from nations worldwide that the path to sustainable peace and development of all humanity is no longer based on national interests alone it relies on security, cooperation and collective development of all nations and individuals worldwide. We as species have made tremendous strides to overcome many obstacles to arrive at this phase in our history. What is most important about the time we are living in is that mankind now possesses the sufficient technology, economic resources and ideas to bring about a more peaceful global order.

However, before we reached this stage as a whole we must work to resolve the recurring religious, social, national and ethnic tensions that have undoubtedly hindered humanity’s progresses to reaching this goal. The actualization of this enlightened order will depend on mankind's collective recognition that promotion of human rights, freedom, peace, justice and preservation of our environment are not only vital but reasonable duties. After, my speech I had the chance to speak to a few members of the UPF personally on a few pertinent global issues. Most importantly, we discussed the topic of the spread of global social welfare in different parts of the world most notably here in the U.S where the American government is in the process of trying to pass a bill that would make Universal healthcare available to citizens who are unable to afford coverage from private insurance companies.

Overall, my meeting with the UPF members was a good one, which caused me to not only reflect on some of the critical issues the world is facing today but also where we are going in the future. Some of these issues will be discussed in my upcoming work on mankind’s journey towards the Yaum Ad-Deen. This work will be very extensive and will address topics such as, the fundamental differences between deen and religion, the historical view of global unification from biblical times, Muslim history and western societies before and after the Enlightenment. Additionally, I will include thoughts on clarifiing the contemopary misinterpreted term known as sharia, important Quranic concepts that have been neglected and misinterpreted are a vital for societies, implications for this period in from the Qur’an as well from the viewpoints from scholars, thinkers and intellectuals plus many more topics.

Islam and Pluralism

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:49:00 GMT

by Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer

Today's world is fast becoming pluralist with variety of religions, languages and cultures in one country particularly due to fast developing processes of modernization, liberalisation and globalisation. Also, feudal socio-economic and socio-political structures have either crumbled or crumbling very fast in the third world also of course with certain exceptions. In the past there was no concept of civil society at all and the state was all powerful. The subjects did not enjoy any rights, they had to discharge only duties towards the state. The modern democratic state, on the other hand, has to concede well defined rights to the citizens. The civil society has its own autonomy in a democratic set up and the notion of human rights has acquired great significance.

The notion of human rights is quite fundamental to a society which is pluralistic. All religious, linguistic and cultural groups should enjoy well defined rights and should not live at the mercy of the state or the majority community. Thus it will be seen that the notion of civil society is very fundamental to the modern pluralist society. It is unfortunate that the Islamic world is yet to cope up with the notion of civil society. Most of the Islamic countries do not have full fledged democracy and there is no respect for human rights in these countries. In fact most of the rulers condemn human rights as a western notion and some, even 'un-Islamic'.

Here it is important to examine, from theological perspective, what is the attitude of Islam towards pluralism? Does Islam approve of pluralism or promotes a monolithic society? Also, when we talk of pluralism, are we referring to political pluralism or religious and cultural pluralism? As far as this paper goes we are referring to religious and cultural pluralism though political pluralism has its own importance, it is very seminal for religious and cultural pluralism.

If one goes by the Qur'anic pronouncements Islam not only accepts the legitimacy of religious pluralism but considers it quite central to its system of beliefs. There are very clear statements to this effect. First we will refer to verse 5:48 in this respect:
"Unto every one of you We have appointed a (different) law and way of life. And if Allah had so willed, He could surely have made you all one single community: but (He willed it otherwise) in order to test you by means of what He has given you. Vie, then, with one another in doing good works! Unto Allah you all must return; and then He will make you truly understand all that on which you were wont to differ."

This is very seminal statement in favour of religious and legal pluralism which Muslims, specially the Muslim regimes, have not considered seriously. Many classical as well as modern commentators have commented on this significant verse. The most significant and operative part of this verse is "Unto every one of you have We appointed a (different) law and way of life. The term 'every one of you' obviously denotes different communities. Every community - obviously religious or religio-cultural community - has its own law (shir`atan) and its own way of life (minhaj) and attains its spiritual growth in keeping with this law and way of life of its own. The term shir`ah or shari`ah signifies, literally, "the way to a watering place" (from which men and animals derive the element indispensable to their life), and in the Qur'an to denote a system of law necessary for a community's social and spiritual welfare. The term minhaj on the other hand, denotes an 'open road' that is a way of life. (See Muhammad Asad, The Message of the Qur'an, Gibraltar, 1980, PP-153)

Thus it will be seen that the prophets of Allah sent to different communities (ummah) gave laws and indicated way of life to their people in keeping with their genius and that which could ensure their spiritual and material growth. This is further emphasized in the next part of the verse i.e. "And if Allah had so willed, He could surely have made you all one single community'. It was not difficult for Allah to make entire mankind one community. But Allah graced us with pluralism as it adds richness and variety to life. Each community has its own unique way of life, its own customs and tradition, its own law. But these laws or way of life should be such as to ensure growth and enriching of life, howsoever different and unique they might be. Allah does not want to impose one law on all and creates communities rather than community.

Allah has created different communities on purpose: to try and test human beings in what has been given to them (i.e. different scriptures, laws and ways of life). And that test is to live in peace and harmony with each other which is the will of Allah. The differences of laws and ways of life should not become cause of disharmony and differences. What is desirable for human beings is to live with these differences and vie with one another in good deeds.

In the last part of the verse Allah says that unto Him all will return and it is He who "will make you truly understand all that on which you were wont to differ." Thus it is not for human beings to decide for themselves who is right and who is wrong. It will lead to disturbances and breach of peace. Thus it should be left to Allah to decide when they return unto Him. The human beings should only vie one with the other in good deeds. I think the Qur'an is pioneering in this idea. It is the best way to do away with inter-religious and inter-cultural conflict and to promote acceptance of the `religious and cultural other' with dignity and grace.

This verse has also another important dimension. It leads to what some scholars like Shah Waliullah and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad have described the concept of wahdat-e-Din i.e. unity of religion. The earlier part of this verse (5:48) says, "And We have revealed to thee the Book with the truth, verifying that which is before it of the Book and a guardian (muhayman) over it." This is also very significant pronouncement and most modern in its approach. The Qur'an has thus come to vouchsafe for what was revealed earlier to different communities through their prophets. The shari`ah, the law and the way of life may be different as we have discussed above, but the essence of all religions - Din - is the same. All religions are based on the revelation from Allah. The Qur'an has come to be guardian of earlier truth revealed through other scriptures.

This is inclusive approach and is very vital for acceptance of the 'religious other'. The laws, the ways of life, may differ and yet din, the divine essence, the divine truth, is the same. It is reflected in all religions, in all spiritual traditions and we humans have no right to reject the 'other' as illegitimate, much less, false. Thus it is our human ego which rejects the religious other and not the falsity of other faith traditions. The Qur'an has named several prophets and the list of prophets in the Qur'an is illustrative, not exhaustive. Thus more faith traditions could be included in the list of those mentioned by the Qur'anic commentators. The sufi saints from India were inclined to include Indian religions also.

The Qur'anic pluralism finds different expressions in different places. The Qur'an does not maintain that there could be only one way of prayer to Allah. There could be more than one. Thus the Qur'an says: "For each community there is direction in which it turns, so vie with one another in good works." (2:148) All commentators from companions of the Prophet down to others interpret this as a reference to the various religious communities and their different modes of `turning towards God' in worship. Ibn Kathir, in his commentary on this verse, stresses its inner resemblance's to the phrase occurring in 5:48 (discussed above) "Unto every one of you have We appointed a (different) law and way of life".

This verse clearly refers to different directions different religious communities have adopted whereto they turn for prayer. All of them, however, submit to God and pray to Him. The Qur'an conveys that the direction of the prayer, whatever its symbolic value for a religious community, does not represent the essence of the prayer or faith. This is further corroborated by the Qur'an in the verse 2:177.

This verse also makes a very significant statement: "It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the East and the West, but righteousness is the one who believes in Allah, and the Last Day, and the angels and the Book and the prophets, and gives away wealth out of love for Him to the near of kin and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and to these who ask and to set slaves free and keeps up prayer and pays the poor rate; and the performers of their promise when they make a promise, and the patient in distress and affliction and in the time of conflict; and these are they who keep their duty."

Thus the above verse proves beyond any doubt that the real aim of the Qur'an is to produce an ideal human person who is virtuous, is sensitive to others suffering and hence spends of his wealth on the needy, on setting slaves free, taking care of orphans, is true to his word and is patient in times of distress and conflict. And only such persons are truly 'muttaqun' i.e. God conscious and keepers of their duty to Allah. This verse too, needless to say, lends great support to the basic premise of religious pluralism by de-emphasising a particular way of prayer and extolling the importance of human conduct and sensitivity to others suffering and ones own steadfastness in the face of calamities and afflictions.

The Qur'an does not take narrow sectarian view as many theologians tend to do. Its view is very broad humanitarian and its emphasis is not on dogmas but on good deeds. And it strongly condemns evil deeds which harms the society and humanity at large. In this respect also it makes no distinction between Muslims and non-Muslims. Thus the Qur'an says in 4:123: "It will not be in accordance with your vain desires nor the vain desires of the people of the Book. Whoever does evil, will be requited for it and will not find for himself besides Allah a friend or a helper." Thus no one, Muslim or the people of the Book, can claim any exception from this iron law of Allah; one who does good will be rewarded and one who does evil will be punished. Elsewhere the Qur'an states, "So he who does an atom's weight of good will see it and he who does an atom's weight of evil will see it." (99:7)

The Qur'an is very particular about freedom of conscience and freedom of conscience is key to pluralism. The Qur'an clearly states that there is no compulsion in religion (2:256) and maintains that all children of Adam are honorable (17:70). It does admit of inter-religious dialogue but with decorum: "And argue not with the People of the Book except by what is best, save such of them, as act unjustly. And Say: We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you, and our God and your God is One, and to Him we submit." (29:46)

The Qur'an lays great stress on unity of humankind. It says in 2:213, "Mankind is a single nation. So Allah raised prophets as bearers of good news and as warners, and He revealed with them the Book with truth, that it might judge between people concerning that in which they differed. And none but the very people who were given it differed about it after clear arguments had come to them, envying one another. So Allah has guided by His will those who believe to the truth about which they differed."

This whole verse is suffused with the spirit of pluralism and freedom of belief and conscience. According to this verse entire mankind is one but different prophets in their given situations come with revealed scriptures to guide them or warn them and thus, depending on their specific situation, different ways of life emerge. But then people start differing from each other and envying one another instead of respecting each others specificity and thus people get divided. That is not the purpose of divine guidance. Allah guides those who believe to the truth about which they differed.

The theme of oneness of humankind is repeated in the Qur'an in different ways. We are told that all human beings have been "created of a single soul" (4:1); again that they are all descended from the same parents (49:13); still again that they are as it were dwellers in one home, having the same earth as a resting place and the same heaven as a canopy.

Apart from oneness of humankind the Qur'an also lays stress on racial, linguistic and national identities. These identities are projected as signs of God. "And of His signs", the Qur'an says, "And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your tongues and colours. Surely there are signs in this for the learned." (30:22) Thus diversity is projected by the Qur'an as sign of God and hence to be respected. Different identities are for recognition and hence necessary. In the verse 49:13 it is said, "O mankind, surely We have created you from a male and a female, and made you nations and tribes that you may know each other." Thus national and tribal or for that matter other identities are necessary for knowing each other and it should not lead to any conflict. Thus different identities are product of national and tribal diversities and play a useful social role. Thus the Qur'an clearly accepts the legitimacy of diversity.

It also makes it clear quite forcefully that all places of worship should be respected and protected. The Qur'an states, "And if Allah did not repeal some people by others, cloisters, and churches, and synagogues, and mosques in which Allah's name is much remembered, would have been pulled down." (22:40) It is significant that Qur'an maintains that be it church or synagogue or mosque, Allah's name is much remembered in these places. No single religious place is being privileged in this respect. Thus here too religious pluralism is stressed.

The Prophet of Islam when he migrated from Mecca to Medina found himself in a pluralist situation. There was religious as well as tribal diversity. He not only accepted this diversity but legitimised it by drawing up an agreement with different religious and tribal groups and accorded them, through this agreement, a dignified existence and rights of their own. this agreement is known in history of Islam as Misaq-i-Madina.

It begins thus:
"In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate!
This is writing of Muhammad the prophet between the believers and Muslims of Quraysh and Yathrib (Madina) and those who follow them and are attached to them and who crusade along with them. They are a single community distinct from other people."

This agreement can be called the constitution of Madina and it was definitely a milestone which sought to lay the foundation of a new political and religious culture. What is significant to note in this agreement is that all together - Muslims of Quraysh from Mecca, Muslims of Madina belonging to the tribes of Aws and Khazraj and Jews belonging to different tribes - together constituted a single community - an Ummah. The agreement was also quite democratic in spirit. The Holy Prophet did not claim to be the ruler of this community. The emigrants (Muhajirs) were, in fact, treated as a clan, and the Prophet was their chief, and there were eight other clans with their chiefs. If the Constitution is a good evidence at this point, he was only marked off from other clan chiefs on two counts: firstly that for the group of believers i.e. Muslims he was a prophet and whatever was revealed to him was binding on the believers; secondly, the Constitution states that 'whatever there is anything about which you differ, it is to be referred to God and to Muhammad'. The idea seems that the holy Prophet should act as arbitrator between rival factions and maintain peace in Madina. The Qur'an also describes as one of the functions of the prophet as an arbiter. It says: "And for every nation there is a messenger. So when their messenger comes, the matter is decided between them with justice , and they are not wronged." (10:48)

It is interesting to note that the eminent Muslim theologians of India represented by Jami'at ul-'Ulama-i-Hind had cited this constitution of Madina drawn up by the holy Prophet in support of their acceptance of composite nationalism. They opposed separate nationalism based on religion advocated by the Muslim League. They argued, citing the Constitution of Madina, that the Prophet had accepted different religious and tribal groups as part of a single community - ummah wahidah . The Medinese society was, thus, a democratic civil society which had tribal, religious and racial diversity.

The modern democratic civil society cannot become a strong stable and prosperous conflict free society unless religious diversity or pluralism is accepted as legitimate way of life. It is unfortunate that most of the Muslim countries do not adhere to this spirit of pluralism and diversity in the Qur'an and sunnah. The extremists and fundamentalists among the Muslims in these countries attack the spirit of pluralism and want to create a monolithic society.

Many socio-political doctrines which we consider as 'pure Islamic' and worthy of emulation today developed during medieval age when mulukiyat (personal and monarchical power structure) had become all pervasive and the Qur'anic values and Islamic spirit were hardly practiced. There was of course no question of any concept of civil society because the ruler was all powerful and followed his own personal whims or went by compulsions of power rather than the injunctions of the Qur'an. Also the arrogance of power and all pervasive authoritarian atmosphere also influenced for formulation of Islamic political doctrines. These medieval doctrines can hardly have any validity today.

It is for the Islamic political theorists of today to develop new political theories which are in keeping with the Qur'anic injunctions and sunnah on one hand, and takes the realities of modern world, on the other. There need not be any sharp contradiction between the two. The concept of civil society which respects autonomy of a citizen and his/her religious, cultural and political rights does not, as shown above, in any way, contradictory to the Qur'anic injunctions. Human rights respect the dignity and freedom of conscience of every individual. The Qur'an clearly states that all children of Adam have been honoured (17:70). This of course includes right to live with dignity and to promote ones own religious, cultural and linguistic or ethnic interests.

We must enter the 21st century not with the imitative (taqlidi) mind set but with a creative and critical mind set which, while adhering to the Qur'anic values, enables us to live freer life and life of full dignity while, at the same time, accepting the dignity of the other. The Qur'an, accepted, fourteen hundred years ago, the Christian other and the Jewish other with full dignity and respect for their beliefs. It was later accepted to the Zoroastrians and even Berbers. Many 'ulama and the Sufi saints, extended it to the Hindus also.

It is interesting to note that the words 'kafir' and 'mushrik' have definite historical connotation and should be used with great caution and restraint. Unfortunately many Muslims use these terms very loosely and describe every religious other as kafir or mushrik. These being terms of contempt are resented by others. Only those who refuse to accept truth in any form and negate good (ma'ruf) completely and advocate munkar (evil) would qualify as kafirs and those who refuse oneness of God and associate partners with Him will qualify as mushrik. And, it is also important to note, even kafirs and mushriks would have civil rights as long as they do not cause any disturbances in society and maintain peace. The Qur'an has given the kuffar also the right to worship in their own way and have their own beliefs. The freedom of conscience cannot be taken away form any human person, whatever his or her beliefs. Thus it will be seen that Islam does not come in the way of promoting a pluralist civil society ensuring dignity and freedom of conscience to all.

But it has yet to be realised in all Muslim countries. In many Muslim countries like Turkey and Iraq, let alone non-Muslims, even Muslims of other nationalities and ethnic origin like the Kurds are severely persecuted. It is in clear violation of the Qur'anic injunctions, as pointed out above. An Islamic civil society should treat all with equal degree of dignity and accord them equal citizenship rights.

Institute of Islamic Studies,

Details of Qur'an verses about Jesus

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:23:00 GMT

Often some verses in the Qur’an about Jesus are often missed or misinterpreted because of the lack of use of tasreef, reason or also the lack of knowledge about the context of the verses. This leads some people to come to conclusions that are not supported by the Qur'an. I have listed some verses below that shed some light on the life of Jesus in the Qur’an. My comments are below in bold.

Important points to consider

As stated in my blog on wahi Malikah(angels) also refers to individuals who are chosen to deliver God’s message of what It wills according to Its Laws either because they are able to receive wahi or have authority to deliver a message that is ordained at an appointed time in previous revealed scriptures. Verse 42:51 gives the different ways humans receive wahi.

42:51 “And it is not for any human being that God will speak to him other than through direct Revelation (to Its Anbia (prophets)) or from behind a barrier (such as at Mount Sinai to Moses) or by sending a Messenger to convey what It wills according to Its laws with Its Permission (as all Nabi, Malikah and messengers did). Surely, It is the Most High, the Wise.”

Surah Aal-e-Imran-3

3:42 -Angels(Authorities of the Law and Scripture) told her, “The Supreme Force (God) has chosen you, given you a spotless character and given you distinction among the women of your times.”

3:44- (O Prophet) You were not there when the monks cast lots and contended with one another to take hold of (the young Mary after Zechariah.)(This was a careful process that they did to ensure that they would match her with right man that would give her the child that was ordained in the scripture it was not an arbitrary choice or by chance)

3:45- Angels said, “O Mary! The Supreme Force gives you the good news through a word(=Kalim=Law in Theory) from It. His name would be Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, held in honor in this world and among the ones close to Me in the Hereafter.

(It was affirmed that the authorities in the temple picked the right person from the house of David as referred to them calling him Messiah and Mary was foretold of Jesus' life and mission, this would be so that she could take proper action in preparation for what was to come in the future)

3:46- Talking to people while in the cradle(as a young person) and in ripe old age in good health.”

( The phrases in the cradle. sabeya or an infant boy which has also been used for Yahya in 19:12 has been a subject of confusion for some scholars since they are not used in the same way we refer to people today. Phrases such as in the cradle/sabeya/ infant/ or in the crib are ancient Jewish phrases that people used in biblical times and even to a still use today under certain circumstances of Jewish family law to describe those who are not considered by society to be of the age of the majority/ come of age/mature. Hence this meant that they were under the caretaking of either their parents or under supervision of rabbis in the temple. During this period individuals performed certain duties such as studied the Torah and (Al-Kitab) the previous revelatory scriptures or what was at that time the Old testament (Hebrew bible) in the temple under the supervision of rabbis.

They prepared for adulthood by doing apprentice work(carpentry, iron work) and recieved small sums of money for their work. By the age of 13 they observed Jewish commandments of the law(Torah) and by 20 they were worthy of livelihood and social taxation. They were seen as belonging to this age group until they were considered worthy to be called otherwise by the elders of their society.

Keeping these points in mind this verse and verses 19:30-19:33 become very clear.

3:47- Mary exclaimed! “O My Lord, How shall I have a son when no man has (intimately) touched me?” He said, “Just asThe Supreme Force the Universe creates everyone according to Its Laws (3:40). When The Supreme Force decrees a matter, it starts happening.”

(This is a major recurring point in the Qur’an God creates and does all things according to the laws established in the creation and does not change these laws. Therefore this verse clearly rejects any notion of a virgin birth. All things in this world happen according to natural processes which do not change amongst species unless through manipulation, this includes the producing of children. The Qur’an repeatedly emphasizes throughout the book that the Sustainer of the universe performs all actions according to It’s laws that do not change, if it were otherwise all science that we would do right now would be absolutely meaningless and no scientific theory or law would be able to confirmed or tested. Verse 6:87 also mentions that Jesus along with other prophets’ fathers and siblings were blessed with honor and virtue. )

3:48-"And The Supreme Force will teach him the Scripture(Al-Kitab) and the wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel.”

Additionally these next verses in surah 19 become more clear and logical with the use of tasreef and careful study of the Arabic text.

Surah Maryam-19

19:16 (O Prophet) Make mention of Mary in the Book when she withdrew from her people to an eastern location. [She left the sanctuary and went to her village in Galilee)

(She withdrew from her people to meet with the person who she was told to see by the men in the temple(3:45) and discovered it was the man to become her husband)

19:17-(Since she was not used to mixing with people), she had chosen seclusion from them. Then We sent to her Our angel/ malikah/ law /authority that appeared to her in the shape of a well-made human being.

( Jesus' father is referred to as a malikah here since he was the person who was ordained according to the scripturee to give her since he fit all of the characteristics of the man that would bear the birth of the Messiah(annointed one appointed to rule in the position of guidance of the law) at that time, this meant he held the decree of the God's law as the word Messiah also indicated a descendent from the house of David . He was also one of the authorities in the chosen in temple that was supposed to deliver the message during their time which was ordained in the scriputres.)

19:18- She exclaimed, “Surely, I seek refuge in the Most Gracious that you may be righteous.”

19:19-He said that : I am a Messenger of your Sustainer that shall bestow upon you the gift of a son endowed with a spotless character.

(This is the verse which some scholars throughout history . overlooked to mistakenly read the Qur'an to affirm the Virgin Birth. Most translations to this verse mistranslate this verse and state that the person here is delivering a message stating "I am only a Messenger of your Lord who says, instead of I am only a messenger of your lord that shall, which is different and indicates the person is the one who is going to give her the son. This verse as well as the sequence of the verses that follow make it clear and easily understandable of this fact. The main reason for this overlooking of these verses is that throughout different tafsirs and translations scholars have maintained a traditional mythological concept of what angels were due to influences by cultural and popular religious beliefs of their times.)

19:20-She said, “How can I have a son when no man has ever (intimately) touched me? For, never have I been a loose woman (broken social custom/monasticism/ breaking rules of the shrine)!”

(Mary knew she had to break social customs in order for this to happen which she had never done before)

19:21-He answered: Thus it is - your Sustainer says, “It is easy for me, so that We make him a symbol for people and a Grace from Us. And it is a thing decreed.”

( 3:47-God creates and does all things according to his laws which are fixed/decreed )

19:22- And in due time she conceived him and withdrew with him to a far-off

place, (Bethlehem).

( The arabic word Khaaldeen which is often overlooked in the interpretation of theses verses is used at the beginning of the verse in 19:22 as well as in other verses in the book meaning enduring through a time sequence that occurs for an extended period of time(hours/days/weeks/months/years).

19:23-And when labor pains drove her to the trunk of a palm-tree, she exclaimed, “Ah, I wish I had died before this, and had become a thing forgotten, utterly forgotten!”

(The next verse talks about Joseph(the verse actually states so he told her instead of a voice called her beneath the palm tree ) telling her to get some food and digging water from beneath her feet. This is obviously talking about many hours later since labor is a long process and women need some time to rest before they would do these things)

19: 24 –So he (her husband) said to her from beneath the palm-tree, “Grieve not! Your Sustainer has provided a stream beneath you.”

(There was a stream by her foot. This by no means is reffering to a miracle since it is a common natural occurrence to have water beneath date trees as they are often located next to oases. )

19:25- “And shake the trunk of the palm-tree towards you. It will drop fresh ripe dates upon you.”

19:26- “Eat then and drink, and let your eyes be gladdened! And if you see any human being, convey this to him, ‘Indeed, I have made a vow of silence for the Beneficent. Hence, I may not speak to any person today.”

( She was only told to take a vow of silence on that day. However, unlike claimed by some commentaries on this verse it nowhere states that she was told to let the baby speak for her during this time of silence as this would be illogical.)

19:27-Later she returned to her people carrying the child with her. They said, “O Mary! You have come with an amazing thing (breaking the rules of the shrine).”

(It is often thought that the following verse is describing an event that took place on the same day but not only is this illogical for a women who just had a baby to travel back from a distant place but it also would be strange to bring the baby back immediately and show it off to her people, this event obviously happened at a later time, the prefix fa is also used in this verse).

19:28 -O Sister of Aaron! Your father was not a bad man, nor was your mother a loose woman, nor did she ever oppose the system.

19:29- " In due time she directed their attention toward him". They said, “How can we talk to one who is in the cradle, a young boy?”

(The prefix fa is also used at the very beginning of the verse here indicating it took place a later time as becomes obvious by the statements he makes in the next verses not on the day he was born or as a baby which many commentators mistakenly think it is directly afterwards. Mary directs their attention towards him to show them why she had broken social customs since throughout her time living with her people they would always criticize her for what she did and she wanted to show them what he had become).

19: 30 -But he spoke up, “Indeed, I am a servant of God. It has given me Revelation(Al-Kitab) and appointed me a Prophet.”

(Al-Kitab referring to the book of Allah which is used to describe the Qur’an is divine revelation of what is in the framework and language of nature. It is the design of laws/order or laws/ command of laws and events in God's creation it can be past, present or future and from from before he was born he was already foreseen to become a Nabi according to the scripture by the individuals who possessed authority of the scripture.

Al-Kitab in this also refers to the extrinsic knowledge of the meaning of the actions and laws of the prophets in the past which, people had major disagreements about during his time and he came to clarify as indicated by verse 43:63. This is what the Qur’an means when it is stated he showed clear evidence of truth, not by showing miracles(breaking laws inherent in the framework of the universe) but by showing his knowledge of the evidence of the divine signs and laws in nature and the universe, as well in the true meaning of the scripture.

This is also why the Qur’an states Jesus cured the blind(3:49)(i.e those who were unable to understand the truth of different things because of their lack of use of reason and intellect or by blind following of social tradition) Jesus was confirmed as to the position of Nabi by the inidividuals who possesed the authority of the law and scripture of his time earlier than many of society expected that the jewish messiah (annointed one appointed to rule in the position of guidance of the law) of their time would be.

Individuals of his time who were knowledgable in scripture and had authority in their societies were almost always in their middle or ederly ages. People who were in their early 20's and below were not seen as wise or mature by the elders of their society, that is why it is mentioned that he shall speak to men in the cradle as the term of their age period was referred to in their society.)

19:31-“It has made me blessed wherever I may be. It has enjoined upon me to establish the Divine System and help set up the Just Economic Order as long as I live.”

(This verse refers to him establishing salat(divine system/ divine commands) which in his time meant the laws of the torah and zakat(system of welfare that provides the needs for all individuals) which indicates he had already learned the torah and worked to provide for the social economic system. This shows he was coming towards the later years of his “cradleship” when he already began a livelihood.)

19:32- “And It has made me kind to my mother, and has not made me haughty, unblessed.”

19:33-"Hence, peace was upon me on the day I was born, the day I die, and on the day I shall be raised to life again.

Verses 19:30-19:33 also hold symbolic significance as it embodies the whole mission and actions of his life. These statements also clear him of all charges that were attributed to him about his upbringing, events in his life and his actions from his pre maturity period to his adulthood.

Qur'an verses from QXP IV by Dr. Shabbir Ahmed.

Book: No god but God-The Origins, Evolution and Future of Islam

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:32:00 GMT

"Precise... acutely perceptive... a revelation, an opening up of knowledge too long buried."
The Sunday Independent
"Wise and passionate... An incisive, scholarly primer in Muslim history and an engaging personal exploration."
The New York Times Book Review
"A stimulating history of Islamic history and thought."

New York Review of Books
"An eloquent, erudite paean to Islam in all of its complicated glory."
Los Angeles Times Book Review
"Grippingly narrated and thoughtfully examined... a literate, accessible introduction to Islam."
The New York Times
Short-listed for the Guardian First Book Award
Best Book of the Year (Politics and Religion)
The Financial Times
Best Book of the Year (Non-Fiction)
Los Angeles Times

Though it is the fastest growing way of life in the world, Islam remains shrouded by ignorance and fear. What is the essence of this ancient faith? Is it a religion of peace or war? How does Allah differ from the God of Jews and Christians? Can an Islamic State be founded on democratic values such as pluralism and human rights?

A writer and scholar of comparative religions, Reza Aslan has garnered international acclaim for the passion and clarity he has brought to these questions. In No god but God, Aslan challenges the "clash of civilizations" mentality that has distorted our view of Islam and explains this critical faith in all its complexity, beauty, and compassion.

Contrary to popular perception, Islam is a religion firmly rooted in the prophetic traditions of the Jewish and Christian scriptures. Aslan begins with a vivid account of the social and religious milieu from which the Prophet Muhammad arose. The revelations that Muhammad received in Mecca and Medina, and which were recorded in the Quran, became the foundation of a radically egalitarian community, the likes of which had never been seen before.

Soon after the his death, the Prophet's successors set about the overwhelming task of defining and interpreting Muhammad's message for future generations. Their efforts led to the development of a comprehensive code of conduct expected to regulate every aspect of the believer's life. But this attempt only widened the chasm between orthodox Islam and its two major sects, Shiism and Sufism, both of which Aslan presents in rich detail.

Finally, No god but God examines how, in the shadow of European colonialism, Muslims developed conflicting strategies to reconcile traditional Islamic values with the social and political realities of the modern world. With the emergence of the Islamic State in the 20th century, this contest over the future of Islam has become a passionate, sometimes violent battle between those who seek to enforce a rigid and archaic legal code on society and those who struggle to harmonize the teachings of the Prophet with contemporary ideals of democracy and human rights. According to Reza Aslan, we are now living in the era of "the Islamic Reformation."

No god but God is a persuasive and elegantly written account of the origins, evolution, and future of Islam.

(Wahi)-Divine Revelation

Fri, 29 May 2009 21:09:00 GMT

The concept of divine revelation has been an uncertain concept to mankind since the beginnings of civilization. Throughout history, different belief systems that hold a belief in some sort of a Supreme being have depicted their view of the concept of divine revelation, which ranged from being viewed by some cultures as an ability that could attained by any individual or as an ability believed to not be possible. From a historical perspective, the concept of divine revelation goes back quite far in human history. Although, all societies had some sort of religous system, universal philosophy or traditional worldview, the idea of divine revelation to particular individuals within their own traditional cultures did not exist in every society.

In fact, the idea of divine revelation to particular individuals only emerged in certain societies that developed a strong written language or oral tradition throughout the Middle East, Africa and South Asia and for centuries the belief of revelation spread to various parts of the globe and continues to hold strong in many of these societies today. However in the West, overtime as rationalistic thought from the Enlightenment replaced dogmatic religious philosophy, the idea and concept of revelation became ridiculed as it was often based and explained by non emperical or unauthentic sources or by irrational ideas that lied outside of the framework of the universe.

To come to a proper and objective conclusion on this topic some fundamental questions must be answered first.

1. What is the meaning of divine revelation and what is its purpose?

2. Is divine revelation even possible? If so, does it occur through an anachronistic, supernatural process i.e. ( an act that breaks and surpasses the laws established in the universe) or is it rather a selective process that occurs within the line of God’s established laws and plan?

This is a discussion that has occurred for many centuries in both scientific and religious circles. During the earliest periods of Muslim history this debate also occurred although at times the discussions were based on ideas outside the Qur’an. An interesting point that one can discern while reading the Qur’an that is different from other books that make a claim to come from the divine, is that not only does it attempt to explain its message but most importantly, it attempts to explain its meaning of revelation from the Supreme Force of the Universe, the first cause of reality. The Qur’an provides a frame of guidance claiming to come from divine revelation but unlike other revelatory books in the process explains and clarifies the concept of divine revelation and prophethood of individuals from nations in the past that became very distorted and subsequently became repudiated by religious scholars and intellectuals centuries later.

ذلك الكتاب لا ريب فيه هدي للمتقين

2:2-“This is a Book whereof there is absolutely no doubt concerning its authority and authenticity. And it leaves no doubts lingering in a seeking mind.”

The Qur’an firmly states its authority of truth from early in the book. This statement is in fact a claim that was attempted to be proven throughout the Qur’an to not only in its discourse to its first audience but to generations who would follow in studying it. Additionally the Qur’an makes the statements like the ones below to show that it is not merely a book that was written based upon subjective knowledge and personal desire from a human being or a product of deception that was copied from different written sources to mislead others, but contains authoritative information verifiable to the intellect that would never be repeated in terms of its overall message and authenticity of claims.

17:88- “Say, “If all mankind, in towns and villages of the world, get together to produce a Qur’an like this, they will utterly fail, however strength they exert in aiding one another.”

29:48-"(O Prophet) you were never able to read a book before this (Qur’an), nor could you write anything with your own hand. Or else, they who try to disprove the Truth might have some reason to doubt it."

An unaware reader at this point might think that these are unusual claims for a book to be making from the beginning. One must ask themselves, could something that was produced by the subjective knowledge and desire of a human intellect to mislead other people be making this claim or does the book have another explanation which shows to have truth to its claims? Hence, at this point one would expect that a book making this claim must have authoritative information and contain strong proofs for its statements. The Qur'an provides many statements to encourage individuals to investigate its claims. Many who have studied the Qur’an from many different perspectives have discovered that it has some unique features.

“Any science that collides with the Qur’an will turn out to be false.”(P.D. Ouspensky-Tertium organum)

This is in fact one of the proofs that a discerning reader will come across while reading the Qur’an. The book in itself contains statements of scientific phenomena that were unknown and near impossible to be confirmed without modern emperical study. These and other proofs will be discussed later in other posts.

Most notably, if one looks at the history of different civilizations we find that the Ancient Tribes of Israel to have the longest history of prominent figures that claimed to have received divine revelation. These figures usually performed their work in religious temples as high priests and some even became kings and rulers during their time. Throughout the history of the Tribes of Israel we find that after each successive figure that claimed divine revelation, the concept of divine revelation became clearer.

In the divine scriptures of the Ancient Israelites the notion of a Angels of Revelation explained the concept of divine revelation which brought revelation to individuals who led their nations towards the divine plan. Most notably, in Judaism the concept of the Ruach HaKodesh, (Divine Spirit or Inspiration) was used to explain the concept of revelation which they believed to be the Spirit of God which descended on the people who wrote their books of divine wisdom as well certain people in general whom were considered knowledgeable and conscious about God and scripture or had a pure character.

As the Jewish Nabi(Prophet) Jesus Christ came with his proclaimed mission and teachings the concept became known as the Holy Spirit and helped explain more of the role of divine revelation. The early followers of Jesus Christ believed that he possessed the Holy Spirit, an entity that allowed him to receive divine revelation. However, overtime uncertainty grew about the true nature of the Holy Spirit and its relationship to figures who recieved divine revelation.

Some early writings of figures from the family of Jesus show them viewing him as a human being but gifted because he was able to receive sacred knowledge that no one else could. By analyzing the many different viewpoints alone on this concept it is difficult to come to a proper conclusion about the concept of revelation.

Furthermore what has made the analysis of such viewpoints difficult for some theologians is the fact that the documentations they are based upon are not purely authentic or doubtful in preservation. This fact alone, has in a sense caused some to disbelieve in the concept of divine revelation since there is a lack of an authentic source to analyze. But what other information do we have to discern the nature of divine revelation of these early figures? Is there any other source that could give us a better understanding of this concept?

Another unique feature of the Qur’an from other book is that it has been preserved in its original Quraishi Arabic Dialect which gives clearer meanings to words and concepts than those of previous divine scriptures.

Meaning of Angels

To begin with, the Qur’an clarifies the concept that are known as angels by using the term Malikah. Arnold Yasin gives an excellent explaination of this term in one of his articles on angels:

“The term Malikah comes from the root MLK, which means generally: have control, rule, reign, have power, be capable of, can do, have authority, hold. It is the same root from which the word Malik comes from, which means Supreme Master, King or Ruler. Malikah are told to control the Creation. So what does control the Creation? We know now that the Laws of the Universe, which determines the limits and measures of energy and matter, it are the forces that HOLD energy and matter, and have authority over all Creation. So this includes Gravity, Speed of Light, the Quantum Field, the Planck Constant and so on. Also it refers to the Laws that control your psyche. “

Therefore, Maliakah are entities that possess a directive force, law or authority in the creation. The Qur'an often uses the singular Arabic form "We" to denote that there exists one constant sustaining and developing force unified behind all entities that have directive forces, effects and laws in the dimensions of the universe , whose will is acted through Its appointed measures of these entities in the creation. In modern terms we simply refer to these entities as the physical /chemical laws and forces of nature that control the universe, nature and living beings. Additionally, the Qur'an reveals that the word Malikah also represents humans who have an authority to recieve and deliver God's revealed messages. The verses below give further explanation of this concept.

6:8 -”They ask, "Why is not an angel sent down unto him (for them to see)? Well if we did send down an angel, the matter would be judged at once. And no further time would be granted them after that."

6:9- "And even if We sent an angel,(for them to see and speak to) We would certainly have made him in the form of a man. And We (per our Law) would have kept them just as confused as they are confused now."( Since it would be a human being it would not fit their perception of what an angel should be or look like)

27:91- Say (O Prophet), “I am commanded to serve the Sustainer of this town (Makkah) - It Who has made it sacred, and to Whom all things belong. And I am commanded to be of those who surrender to It.

25:7- Yet they say, “What sort of Messenger is this who eats food and goes about in the market-places? Why is not an angel sent down to him to act as a warner together with him?”

17:94 -"Yet whenever Guidance came to people, nothing has ever kept them from accepting it as much as this objection, “Would God send a mortal man as Its Messenger?”

17:95- "Say, “If angels walked about and dwelled on the earth, We would have sent an angel from the cosmos as a Messenger.”

22:5: "(In His Almightiness) "God chooses Message-bearers from among the angels as well as from among mankind. Indeed, God is All Hearing, All Seeing. [Angels being Message-bearers = Angels of Revelation to the prophets]"

13:13: "And the thunder and the (other) angels strive to glorify It by carrying out their duties in awe of It. And It is the One whose physical Laws let loose the thunderbolt to strike the earth. And yet they stubbornly argue about God (and fall for superstitions). Though Awesome It is in Power! "

35:1 "All Praise is due to God, the Originator of all Highs and their
Lows, Who appoints Its Universal Forces as Message-bearers, having
the powers/functions/abilities, two, three and four. It increases in creation what It wills according to Its laws. For, God is the Appointer of due measure of all things, and It is able to do all things. [Malaaekah = Angels mentioned here, are the forces that evolve the universe. This is pointed out by Faatir which means Originator-Cleaver of the new creation. Ajniha = Powers = Wings = Abilities = Strength=Functions] "

35:2 "Whatever Grace God opens for mankind, none can withhold it. And whatever It withholds, none can release, for It is the Almighty, the Wise."

31:20- (This was a glimpse of the wisdom Luqman was endowed with.) Do you not realize that God has made of service to you all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth? And It has granted you Its blessings in abundance, tangible and intangible. And yet, among people there are those who dispute about God without exploring the realm of knowledge, without any guidance and without a light-giving scripture.

16:1-"God’s Command has come. Stop and think over these messages and hasten not in comprehending the Qur’an. Glorified, Exalted It is, High above what people associate with It."

16:2- "It sends down angels/authorities with Revelation of Its Command, to such of Its servants as It wills according to its laws/authorities/forces in creation. Saying, “Proclaim that there is no one worthy of obedience but Me, so be mindful of My Laws and live upright.”

16:3- " It has created the heavens/cosmic spheres and the earth with Purpose. It is High, Exalted above all that they associate with It ."

These verses above are important as they show that throughout history many societies seem to have developed distorted ideas of what came to be known as angels. Some societies began to depict and believe in them as winged beings created by God who abided in the clouds that walked around with prophets or as deities that acted as intercessors that were supposed to be worshiped to gain favor or grace instead of as forces and laws in the creation or humans who had been given authority to deliver a message of what the Sustaining Force of the Universe willed according to Its laws because of their ability to recieve wahi or becuase they had been given authority to deliver a message at an appointed time ordained in previous revealed scriptures.

Verse 17:95 indicates that these Authorities or at times referred to as seers,astrologers and high priests in historical records recieved their messages through the signs, specific constellations, cycles and celestial phennomenon that appeared in the cosmos which represented coded messages that revealed the general frame for the potential of upcoming events, and phase changes in the direction of the universe which directed a new path for mankind and usually were foretold in previous scriptures.

In many ancient revelations these messages that were recieved from the cosmos were often referred to as a "vision" or Al-Manaam in Arabic, since they displayed insight into the degrees of potentials of events and guidance towards a direction of what the Sustaining Force of the universe willed according to Its laws for individuals and nations. In scripture research throughout history due to the deep allegorical nature of the translation of projected visions of individuals and nations, some were often mistaken to be interpretation of dream sequences(in the Qur'an Al Ahalam= The Dreams,Visions) although performed at the time, rather than, knowledge derived from cosmological based messages and their connection to subjects in nature and events within the creation. This fact although neglected has revealed the wide influence that the study of the cosmos had on many ancient societies and how sacred knowledge of the universe, given by authorities and anbia was seen as very important in their societies.

One prominent example of this concept in the Qur'an is in the story of the Patriarch Abraham of Babylon who was revealed by a vision, to sacrifice his elite station in the kingdom of Bablyon with his son Ishmael, to make an arduous journey to Mecca to establish what would be later known as the Kaaba, which would be a place for his decesdants and a symbol of the unity of God and mankind(37:102,6:75). This event mentioned int the Qur'an in fact refers to part of the covenant, Abraham Historical research has shown that the relation of these revealed visions to prominent leaders and events in these ancients societies were very important in the development of early scientific understandings of the laws that govern the progression of nations and how mankind fits within the framework of the universe.

"The Muslim commentators, Al-Baydhawi and Jalalu 'd-Din, seem to know that Enoch (The Prophet Idris) had studied astronomy, physics, arithmetic, that he was the first who wrote with the pen, and that "Idris" signifies a man of much knowledge" (Professor David Benjamin Keldani (Abdul-Ahad Dawud)- The Qur'an and the Bible)

The Qur'an makes note of an interesting fact that has been neglected or misnterpreted in other previous revelatory books that it confirms.The cosmos have always been a subject of mystery as to what purpose the countless phenomena it contains serve, however the Qur'an is ahead of current scientific understandings of the cosmos and reveals that one of the main functions of the laws and bodies in cosmos is to inform the direction of intelligent life that inhabit planets as well providing a general frame for the potential for upcoming events. An interesting point that one will often find repeated in the Qur'an is that all things in the cosmos and the earth serve a fundamental purpose in the plan of the sustaining and developing force of the universe.

As indicated by verse 35:2 the system of the universe, mainly in the cosmos can at times opens up information that can inform the potenial for a general frame of upcoming events in the creation that can help guide the direction for which mankind is supposed to go. The Qur'an in fact gives a different perspective that clarifies and corrects the belief of ancient cultures who believed the system of the universe is divided into definite number of zones with the earth at the center of the universe often believed to be seven.

Instead, the Qur'an gives the notion that it is rather several universal body systems/spheres(Sabaa=Several=Plurality=Seven, Samawaat=Heavens above=Spheres=Realms=bodies) within the entire system of the universe with various forms of matter,phenomena and dimensions both seen and unseen, percievable and unpercievable to human beings that are controlled by directive forces and physical laws. The cosmos and all of the matter that lies between them with various phenenomena and dimensions that they belong to are in fact part of these these body systems.

Additionaly, the Qu'ran quite differently from other ancient revelation based texts that came before it was the first to introduce the idea that neither the earth nor human beings were the main focus and center of the universe, but rather that there exists a plurality of cosmological galaxies and planets that contain various planets and conscious life forms that are part of the plan of the Maintaining force of Evolution in the Universe as indicated by 42:29.

Thus, other intelligent species similar to humans that exist in the universe might also use the study of the cosmos to help project general phases of the universe or their civiizations based on a scientific understanding of the framework of the cosmos. But most importantly, as the verse makes very clear this grace that God gives us is a grace appointed by It alone and It opens up messages through Its laws which cannot be forced or induced by any indivual without It willing it through Its laws,only particular information about events and the development of the universe can be extracted from this process with certainty.

Therfore, with this said information such as the exact time of the end of the universe could never be predicted based upon the postulates of the framework of both the cosmos and of laws of human societies. Additionally as this verse indicates, contrary to what is often believed in certain philosophies of modern astrology and certain ancient traditions, the cosmos in themselves do not have ultimate rule on influencing or projecting the outcome of all events or individuals, since we as human beings have free will within the creation.

The universe is very genial towards intelligent life and has left a copius amount of information that we can use to guide our species. Our planet Earth is positioned to a particular point where the cosmos in our point of reference contains information that can guide our species. Certain information in the cosmos and its laws can inform our species of the genreal frame of certain potential upcoming events that will occur amongst our race as a whole on this planet and the particular direction in which we should move towards in accordance with the divine plan.

Verse 16:2 above delineates the divine command of the cosmological-human civizilation phase change that was signaled, which was fortetold in previous prophetic scriptures. This command indicated a renewed directional path in our development process towards enlightenment of awareness of the universe and progress of our civilization. This message not only indicated that it was the right time for mankind to make this vital phase change but also the right person had been divinely selected and was present to implement this change.

As the verse states the command revealed exhorted to its the societies that first recieved the revelation to be aware of the one and only Sustaining and Developing force of the universe and the laws in which It has established in the creation. This verse is very signficant as it shows that one of the main points of the Qur'an and all of Gods messengers is to call mankind to study and be aware the laws that govern not only on our planet, societal security and development but also the universe in general for the benefit of our species.

As one reflects on the history shortly after the revelation of the Qur'an, they will notice that the early Muslim societies aquedetely fulfilled this command as not only were their societies able to develop a successful societal structure that kept them in a progressive and balanced movement, but scientific inquiry in various fields of social and physical sciences was also greatly emphasized during that time for the benefit of their societies.

However, this process that these authorities used to help in progressing the divine plan of the institution of prophethood must not be confused with fortune telling, soothsaying, clairvoyence or even astrology as it is practiced today, which holds very little weight on actual useful information of the system of universe and has not been perfected. A careful and precise process based on various posulates of the scientific framework of the cosmos and how it related to human beings and our societies was used to study and detect the authoritative theoretical laws of the universe that informed societies the direction they had to move towards and the genral potential frame of forthcoming stages in history.

These authorities usually operated in temples and religious orders established by Anbia and kept a vigilent guard over this sacred process as well as parts of divine scriptures that helped them recognize the characterstics of the time and individuals in the divine plan and passed it on for generations to come. When the time came to enact a phase of the divine plan they would use this process to direct or convey to either confirmed individuals who were part of the divine plan, annointed (confirmation process by crowning an individual to the position and mission of a Nabi) Anbia after they were deemed suitable(97:4)(3:81) or people in general at an appointed time their potential destiny or what the Supreme Force of the universe willed for them to do.

The Qur'an gives a notable example in explaining this concept in the 3rd surah of the book as it mentions authorities visiting Mary after her being chosen to marry an authority from the house of David and foretelling her that she would be giving birth to the Jewish Messiah Jesus of Nazereth and his upcoming mission. This is a link to an article that shows how angels were depicted throughout history.

3:45- Angels/Authorities of the Law and Scripture said, “O Mary! The Supreme Force (God) gives you the good news through a Word (Kalim=Word=Communication=Decree in Nature and Theory) from It. His name would be Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, held in honor in this world and among the ones close to Me in the Hereafter/Return of the Creation".

http://www.artsales.com/ARTistory/angelic_journey/index.html

Angels of direct revelation only to Anbia

Malikah in the Qur’an is also used to describe a sacred force/energy of consciousness on the mind that reveals extrinsic knowledge of God which the Qur’an calls Ruh Al-Qudus (pure divine essence/energy) or as it was referred specifically to in the relation of Anbia(Prophets) Jibril. Throughout history Jibril or Gabriel was depicted in pictures as an actual physical being that walked along everywhere with a Nabi and helped him by providing him the skill of obtaining various types of knowledge through what he encounters and the deep understanding of them. However, unlike depicted in some stories Jibril mistakenly began to be confused with an angel who even delivered messages to people who were not Anbia,when they were in fact simply just authorities that were delivering God's messages to people who were part of the divine plan.

The Qur'an makes note that the Ruh Al-Qudus in terms of prophecy of God's message (past,present and future) descended only on people who were to become Anbia. The earliest depiction of Jibril outside walking around and talking with a Nabi, represented the nature of how the Ruh Al-Qudus, although not a visible being or force had its own particular character that was unique and functioned differently from his personal consciousness before their appointment as a Nabi as it descended on them . The Ruh Al-qudus thus acquired a second characteristic, which was unique to the function that it had on the character and mission of Anbia as shown in the word Jibril. The word Jibril has 2 main meanings: Mending of broken things by putting them straight and providing a poor man with strength, bravery and power to make him better off than other people.

These two meanings adequately describe divine revelation in the Qur’an which does the following

1. Confirming and correction of arguments that people had in the past in present in order to come to common ground and live in peace.

2. Establishment of laws, guidelines, principles that are in accordance with the nature of the times and create peace in the human society.

3. Reveals new details about the workings of the Universe and nature in general.

4. Gives the person who receives the revelations honor, status and superior knowledge amongst mankind because of ability to receive revelation which acts as a guide for the society.

5. Correcting and revealing of details about well known figures in past societies often prophets who received the same revelation and worked to progress God’s plans.

6. Revealing of laws about the sociology of people and nations.

7. Giving guidance and inspiration to society for oncoming events.

8. Reveals knowledge of what awaits mankind in the Hereafter.

9. Reveals the projection of events in the future.

10. Acts as a communication entity that takes information whether it is a command or a message to people from the first cause, reveals it to the Prophet into spoken language that people can understand.

Although not originally intended for a literal purpose, throughout the history of Israelite scripture tradition it became a common practice to symbolically depict specific angels that had recurring nature and unique characters as actual human like beings with wings (ajniha=abilities=powers=wings=realms of strength,influence and dominance in the creation). One of the most prominent angels mentioned in the Qur'an as well as other revelations by the Israelite Anbia was known as Mikail(Michael). The general meaning of Mikail can thus be translated as " It that provides Sustanence and Development in a similar manner to God". In verse 2:98 of the Qur'an it mentions that people who oppose peace and security work against Mikail and are thus opposed by God. Although scholars throughout history began to misinterpret this verse and the role of Mikail as God interferring to oppose or cause nations to fall because of lack of worship or ritual given by the nations, in actuality, the true meaning of the role of how the angel Mikail was viewed by the Anbia lies in the definition of its word.

Just as the Supreme Force of the Universe sustains and developes all dimensions within Its creation according to certain principles, the Angel Mikail thus, refers to the law of sociology of human societies that sustains the rise and fall of all human nations. Similar to what has been confirmed by modern sociology, in ancient scriptures this law was seen as presiding over all human nations and worked to progress the success of those nations who promoted virtuous actions such as, safety and security of the society, charitable deeds, provision of justice and awareness of laws operating in nature.

Hence, since the Angel Mikail operating based on these factors in revealed texts by Authorites and Anbia, Mikail was seen as working alongside Jibril, which in this sense represents the revelatory based guidelines for societies. The Qur'an as well as previous revelatory texts displayed the actions of this law on nations in various stories of previous messengers and their nations that fell by not accepting the ideals of maintaining peace and security(Islam), whether it was by lack of awareness and security from the coming or consequences of natural disasters, attacks from warring nations, poverty or oppression of people.

17:85: "They ask you about Rooh (the Spirit, Revelation, Soul). Tell them, The Spirit is Divine Energy from which free will has been given to humans. Revelation is from your Sustainer's realm of Command of Laws/Order of Laws which you have been given little knowledge.” The Soul is your ’self’. [Rooh = Spirit = Soul = Revelation = Divine Energy = Angel of Revelation.]

Therefore, wahi is extrinsic knowledge which tells humans how the sustaining force of the universe operates through the laws of command, order and design in It's creation that humans have been given as a part of our development. The Qur'an terms these laws as the Kalimaatillah(Allah's laws in theory and nature/words of Allah) and Sunnatillah(Allah's Laws in Practice/Traditions of Allah). Wahi occurs when the human intellect comes to a meeting point with the realm of knowledge of Sustaining Force of the universe and Its laws,principles and guidance in the creation that cannot be reached by the normal processes of human faculties alone.

Muslim Scholar G.A Parwez explained the concept of Wahi and Nabi as the following in his glossary of Qur'anic Terms:

Wahi - (Wao-Ha-Ya) - (Revelation).

Al-Wahiyo is a suggestion by a sign that is extremely quick and fast. It also means to inform quickly, to whisper (Taj / Raghib). In Surah Mariyam, verse (19/11) says that he (Zachariah) informed the people by sign. Raghib says, and he is supported by the author of Taj-ul-Urus, that Al-Wahiyo means very quick suggestion by sign. That is why Shaiun Wahiun means a thing that comes very quickly - very fast. Auhal 'Amala means he acted in haste (Taj / Raghib).

It also means writing. Wahaitul Kit'ab means I wrote the book. W'ahin is the writer. Al-W'ahin is a written thing or document. As such Jauhri says that Al-Wahi mean Al-Kit'ab. This is also supported by the author of "Lat'aif-ul-Lugh'at," Ibn-e-Faris and Raghib. In verse (5/111) this version is clarified, when he (Jesus) conveyed to his companions the written message which was revealed to him.

Auha means to order, command. The above verse (5/111) of conveying Wahi to the companions means that Allah had ordered them (Taj / Raghib) and this Wahi (revelation) was received by the companions through Jesus (Raghib). Ibn-e-Faris says that anything which is communicated to someone and he comes to know about it, is called Wahi; the method, mode and type of communication may be by secret means, or otherwise. Verse (41/12) says, "He created several spheres in two phases and communicated through Wahi the destiny of every sphere," i.e., the law that regulates and guides everything in the outer universe, and everything

is busy performing the task assigned to it. Verse (24/41) is very important in this context. It says that everything in the universe knows its Tasbeeh and Sal'at, i.e., its duties, functions and how to perform them. Verse (99/5) further says that Allah conveyed His Wahi to Earth, i.e., the earth was communicated its functions and duties, and similarly to the honeybee (16/68) as to her duties.

Everything in the universe is busy performing its duties as per functions assigned to it. This is Wahi of Allah which is ordained unto them. This is called the law of nature or instinct and has not been created or evolved by them but ordained by Allah.

Man is also a part of the universe and a law has also been laid down for him. Besides physical life, he is also given a personality which he has to develop in this world. The law according to which man has to lead his life is called Wahi, which has the following ingredients:-

This Wahi is not given to every human being individually. This is given to one man who communicates it to others. The person to whom Wahi is given is called a Nabi or Rasool.

Except man, nothing in the universe has been given the option to follow or disobey the Wahi. Everything in the universe is forced to follow this law of nature, by virtue of an in-built system or instinct.

Man has been given this option; he may or may not obey the Wahi; but he is not given the option to escape the results that would naturally ensue from obeying or disobeying this law, e.g., he has the choice to swallow even poison but then he cannot expect to have a different result of his choice.

The mode and method of this communication cannot be understood or explained to a person who is not a Nabi or Rasool. Allah Almighty sometimes communicated by signs, and at times from behind a veil. But no other person can claim to be receiving Wahi or any message from Allah or call it by any different name like Ilh'am or Kashf, etc. The last human being who received Wahi was Muhammad Rasool-Allah (peace be upon him) and this Wahi is final, complete and preserved in the Holy Quran. The concept that Wahi, which was received by Rasool-Allah (peace be upon him) was of two types; Wahi matloo, which is in the Quran and is being read and Wahi ghair matloo, that - which is outside the Quran and is contained somewhere else, has no truth in it and is not supported by the Quran. It was only the Quran which was revealed through "Wahi".

Auha-Ilaihe also means to send a Rasool (a messenger). Auhar-Rajalo means he sent his special messenger to his most reliable slave (Taj

Ibn-ul-Anb'ari says that Wahi is called so because Gabriel communicates it to the selected person in complete secrecy and confidence.

Eihaun means to whisper secret things with one another in privacy. Abu-Ishaque says that the basic meanings of Wahi is to communicate in secrecy, that is why verse (6/113) says, "People who are opposed to the Anbia indulge in secret conspiracies .... ."

Verses (28/7, 20/38) say, "We sent Wahi to the mother of Moses ....... suckle him - but if you are afraid then cast him away in the river without any fear." So Wahi means Divine communication in some way that the person concerned comes to know about the message sent.

Verse (2/120) terms Wahi as Ilm (knowledge) which is absolutely free from any feelings, desires or thoughts of a human being (53/35).

It is however, important to understand that the recipients of Wahi, i.e., the Anbia were in no position themselves to obtain Wahi at their own instance. This was solely at the discretion of the giver of Wahi - Allah. Allah, exercising His absolute authority and will, chose whosoever He thought fit to be the recipient of His Wahi (6/125).

It was never possible for a human being to attain the exalted status of a recipient of Allah's Wahi with his own efforts - it was always Wahi that descended on the selected persons, i.e., receiving Wahi was not at all a subjective effort, it was entirely an objective phenomenon (2/97, 42/51, 69/43).

The final, complete and unalterable guidance from the Sustainer of the Universe - Allah The Almighty - was revealed to Muhammad Rasool-Allah (peace be upon him) (6/19, 6/116), and thereafter Allah took upon Himself to provide it with an exhaustive safeguard (15/9). Therefore, the institutions of Nubuwwat and Wahi were permanently closed.

"Whatever the Creator and the Sustainer of this universe wished to say to the man on earth was finally revealed in the Holy Quran. Whatever laws were needed to be given for the enrichment and growth of human personality were communicated in their most perfect form through Rasool-Allah Muhammad (peace be upon him). In order that the man attains his designated status in this universe, he needs no other torch now to illuminate his path, nor does he require any more guides. The only course open to him to regain his lost paradise, is to traverse the same path which is forever illuminated by the footprints of that exalted person who stands at the highest pinnacle of human success, the Rasool-Allah Muhammad (peace be upon him) ."

Nabi - (Noon-Ba-Alif or Noon-Ba-Wao).

Its plural is Anbia. Naba means to give news. According to Ibn-e-Faris its basic meanings are to move from one place to another; that is why news are called Al-Anba because they go from one place to another. Raghib says that every news cannot be called Nab'aun, but only those which are of use, enrich the information and are true; the element of truth in its meaning is however not supported from the Quran.

Nabaa, Nubuan means to rise high. An-Nabiun is a raised ground or a plateau, a visible path in front (Taj).

If the root of this word is taken as Noon-Ba-Wao, then it would mean to become elevated. An-Nab'awatu is that piece of land which is higher than the others; a high sign-post from which one gets guidance (Taj). Some people think that this word is derived from Nab'aun which means a person who gives news or makes prophecies. In fact, in Jewish religion Nabi was the title of a priest who used to make prophecies; it is not so according to the Quran.

Therefore, we think that its correct root is Noon-Ba-Wao, which means the one who stands at a high place, from where he can see what others cannot. The author of Kit'ab-ul-Ishtiq'aq writes that a person addressed Muhammad as Ya Nabi-il-Allah! Muhammad said I am not "Nabi-il-Allah" (Lasto Be Nabi Illah) but "Nabi-Ullah." Not one who gives news, but the one who stands at a high place and with the light of Wahi and can see things which others cannot. Its usual translation in English as "Prophet" is, therefore, incorrect and misleading. "

Thus, from these definitions we can see that wahi of a Nabi(one who stands on a high plane with the light(guidance) of wahi and sees and understands what others cannot)- is quite different from intrinsic knowlege, conventional inspiration, or a creature or deity physically coming down to dictate its message. Wahi literally means to infuse a thought into a being, just as stated by above by Parwez, the sustaining force of the universe gives wahi to the universe and animals on this planet which they have no other choice to follow since its part of them.

All situations other species on this planet encounter they react to in accordance with the wahi or as we call it for them the instinct that is given to them and provides the specific reaction, guideline or direction they should follow or go about in any particular situation. Hence, additionally one can say that the general definition of wahi(usual translation as reveal) is a quick infusion of a thought that has a message which is given or suggested by ayaat(authortative signs and evidences seen, heard,felt,sensed ).

The higher the intelligence and complexity of particular species the more complex and comprehensive the natural law that is given to them to develop. With that said for other intelligent species on other planets in the universe, either of greater or same intelligence as us, the way that their law of nature is given to them although may not be exactly the same as ours, may share some similarities in the way that their law of nature is conveyed to individuals of their species.

Since human beings are an intellegent,complex and social species that require several complex factors for development our wahi or law of nature depends on more than our basic desires, it also relies on our outlook of reality, the knowledge of working laws in societies and the creation in general, and the cosomolgy of the universe which helps guide our progression. Furthermore, all of these factors most importantly must be inculcated through social interactions, inquiry and ideas based on particular guidelines.

Unlike other species on this planet who are given wahi, the general law of nature of the human species and their societies by design of the sustaining force of the universe was given only to a paritcular individual during certain periods of human history which was conveyed in a way that all people around him could easily understand and inculcate. This law of nature for humans to use has also been called (Al-Kitab) or The Book which refers to the collection of laws and guidelines that the Sustaining Force of the Universe established that govern nature, societies, development in creatures and the workings and design of physical laws in the universe.

The Book of God as it was referred to often by many of the communities of the Anbia, contained not only the universal laws of design and order, and societal guidelines shown through the time contexts of each Anbia but examples of the Sustaining Force of the Universe in practice in the creation on nations through the actions of Anbia and notable figures and leaders of different nations in the past.

Thus, the Qur'an's use of the term Ahl Al-Kitab(People of the Book) can be seen as a general term to refer to people who were following messages mainly from anbia but also general teachings by people who claimed to be messengers and sages that were based upon service to God, natural order and benefiting the creatioin, even though it did not specifiy which previous ways of lives and messengers of all nations that preceded it as guided under its same concepts of revelation or were simply messages of peace and security in the creation.

While, the entire general symbols and signs representing the Book was conveyed to groups of people only by Anbia, since the conveyed form of the Book by the Anbia contained the examples of people who were not Anbia, but rather notable individuals who simply proclaimed service to God(benefiting the Creation) , their conveyed messages were also considered to be as a part of the book as they fell in line with the criterion of God's message.

As a result of the sucessive progression of The Book, throughout history the word Nabi or Nevi as the person was called in the Ancient Israelite scriptures although was not believed to be literal was at times translated as the "mouth of God" to nations who were sent these figures since he brought the complete general essence of the message and will of the Sustaining Force of the Universe translated into a human language for people to understand.

6:38- "[There are signs in the Universe to behold] All creatures on earth and all the birds that fly on its wings, are communities like you. We did not omit any knowledge from this Book (that was essential to be given through Revelation to any creature.) And they all will be gathered to their Developer in the end".

While it is not possible to have complete knowlege of how the Nabi came upon each verse of revelation from the Sustaining force of the creation, the Qur'an through its concept of God and verses shows that Its communication to the Anbia that became transcribed into book forms unlike the actual conventional human way of speech and communication, was based upon various signs and evidences of Its laws and principles that are either constantly working throughout the creation(the deen or constant cyclclical manner inherent in the states of the universe) or that manifested in the creation through events, actions and experiences that relate to the overall operation and message of God to mankind as well as the mission of the Nabi. The Qur'an represnts a form of communication between the consciouness of man and the Sustaining force of the Universe, whose message is revealed by constant actions and events ecountered by the Nabi in the creation.

58:7- "Do you not realize that The Supreme Force of the Universe (God) knows all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth. There is no secret meeting of three but It is their fourth, nor of five but It is their sixth, nor of less than that or more but It is with them wherever they may be. And ultimately, on the Period/Day of Resurrection, It will inform them of what they truly accomplished. Indeed, God is Knower of all things. "

Hence, rather than displaying God as a confined human like or a Godhead figure, the Qur'an displays a concept of God as the Supreme Force of the Universe, which as the First Cause and Reagnant Force behind the universe, is beyond complete comprehension, has no position nor is confined to a form in space in the creation. Rather than constant biased actions or intervening of this Force in the direction of the creation, Its will is connected to the creation through the unchanging laws, forces and principles that control and develop all actions of beings and events past, present and the future in the universe of which It sustains.

Although reasonably stated throughout the history of deistic philosophy that began to reject the concept of revelation; that God cannot intervene with the creation, what has been overlooked even within the logic of this philosophy is that God has given species throughout the universe means of guidance in their surroundings and within their own species to complement their own capabilities.

The First Cause through the laws, bodies and principles in the universe has provided a framework that gives persuasion of action towards conscious species to meet a certain potential of a goal rather than constant intervention. Thus, for the human species our inherent capabilities have been complemented by the persuavive force that the laws that govern our species and the universe have provided, that have incited actions both on an individual level as well as actions and inquiry throughout changes in civilizations based upon Its law of will given to humans within the framework they are subjected.

In this sense, in addition to the use of reason and intellegence to study the laws operating throughout the universe, the Qur'an is also showing mankind that not only through these laws in the universe can we recieve knowledge of the will of God's laws acting on our civilization, but as part of Its laws of the universe certain individuals of our species can be revealed essential knowledge of the framework of nature through their unique experiences, personalities and individual circumstances, that is capable of complementing our capabilities and providing guidance towards our species as a whole.

Revelation as a process of guidance for man's comprehension of the various factors of existence, is a quintessential example of a collection of all factors attainable by human knowledge. As once stated by the 17th century philosopher John Locke in his writing An Essay Concerning Human Understanding all realms of human understanding can be classified into three categories being either, first, the nature of things, as they are in themselves, their relations, and their manner of operation: or, secondly, that which man himself ought to do, as a rational and voluntary agent, for the attainment of any end, especially happiness: or, thirdly, the ways and means whereby the knowledge of both the one and the other of these is attained and communicated [1].

These three categories of human knowledge previously stated, are in fact all areas which are covered by the discourse of the Qur'an.Thus, this form of communication that the Anbia received based upon signs throughout their life experiences represented a unique example of a semiotic process of the human consciousness; that translated messages and the language of the universe into a form to be understood by all factors of human perception.

53:3: “Nor does he utter the Word out of his desire”

53:4: “This (Qur’an) is but a Revelation that is being revealed to him.”

53:18- "And indeed, he has seen the great signs of his Developer."

2:118 - "Only those who fail to explore the realm of knowledge say, “Why does God not speak to us directly, nor is a miracle shown to us?” Even thus, as they now speak, spoke those who lived before their times. Their ways of thinking, their hearts and minds are all alike (untouched by the passage of time). We have indeed made clear all the Signs for those who wish to attain conviction."

31:27- "And if all the trees on earth were pens, and the sea were ink, with seven more seas yet added, the Words(=Kalimaat=Laws in Nature=Decrees of principles=Laws in Theory) of God would not be exhausted. Surely, God is Almighty, Wise."

22:46- "Have they never journeyed about the earth, letting their hearts gain wisdom, and causing their ears to hear? Indeed, it is not their eyes that become blind, but their hearts that are in the chests become blind."

34:50- Say, “When I was searching for the Truth, I was searching for the Truth for myself. And now I am rightly guided because of what my Lord has revealed unto me. It is the Hearer, Ever-Near.”

19:98- And only to this end We have made this (Qur’an) easy to understand in your own tongue (O Prophet). That you might convey thereby glad news to the righteous and warn people given to futile disputation.

53:11-And never did he find contrary to reason what he learned.

53:12-Will you, then, contend with him concerning what he has learned (that you have not)?

Hence, a Nabi was a human being who unlike other people was able to be given revelation which was brought about by certain signs and evidences that he encounterd or experienced in his journey throughout the creation, that revealed to him the vital messages for humans that tell the order of laws in nature, natural events, guidelines and design from the Sustainer of the universe, that other people have yet not come to know, cannot comprehend through ordinary means, had misunderstood overtime or cannot easily recognize with their faculties alone. This semiotic process provides a law of nature and guidance for human beings which gives the Nabi and other humans examples, guidelines, laws and the direction that they should follow individually and collectively.

The special event of an individual reaching a point of where they became a Nabi at a point in his life when he had been deemed suitable through his unique actions, reflections, personality, encountered signs and experiences in his life was often described in scriputres as "God making Himself known" to the person who was then chosen as a Nabi. As the Nabi underwent this mentanoia(change of mind), the essential knowledge to guide him in deliverence of his message is manifested. Malikah Jibril or Ruh Al-Qudus represented the unique collective energy of consciousness of the Book(what is written in the framework and language of nature in the universe) that had descended on the mind of the person at that was chosen as a Nabi that infused thoughts in him of the essence of God's messages(Al-Kitab) given by encountered signs and evidences. The Qur'an recounts the story of Moses and Al-khidr to display an example of part of the process anbia underwent in order to reach this point, by engagement in deep reflection of the encountered subjects and signs of God's Laws in his life experiences. As shown through the story, as part of this process of becoming a Nabi his mind undergoes a discourse with nature regarding the complex signs and evidences of God's Laws that he encounters.

Whether it was laws that govern human nature or societies or general laws in nature and the universe, the Ruh-Al Qudus that descended on his mind revealed the connected pieces of the signs and evidences that comprise (Al-Kitab) that the Nabi encountered and made the matters clear and understandable to people and the Nabi. Hence, the Ruh Al-Qudus brought God's communication or Kalim(Laws in Nature, Commands and Laws in Theory) and Gods Laws in Practice or Sunnah, translated into the human language of the Nabi in a way easily understood to all.

However, the Quran does give one situation in which the wahi of the Nabi recieved was differerent with the Nabi Moses. Moses unlike other Anbia when recieved the divine infused messages with the signs/ Nar(light/fire/divine signs and guidance) that they encountered, experienced a different revelatory nature and understood the messages in the actual continuous and complex coded language of the developing force of the universe and how it connected to certain ascpects of nature and events in the creation he was preparing to encounter (i.e God spoke directly to him) .

Nevertheless all of the revealed messages were meant to guide societies back into a order that is in accordance with the laws that govern the progress of their species in nature that they either deviated from, misunderstood overtime or that was needed at a particular time period of their development. Thus, all of the revealed messages in a sense contained the thought of God that told how humans should progress in peace and about the workings of laws in nature and the universe.

5:67-O Messenger! Make known all that your Developer has revealed to you. If you do not do it, then you have not fulfilled your duty of conveying Its Message at all. God will protect you from people. Remember that God does not step in to guide those who refuse to acknowledge the Truth.

2:97: They are displeased with Jibril for bringing Revelation to a gentile Prophet. 2:90.) Say (O Prophet), “Who bears a grudge against Jibril?” For, it has revealed (the Qur’an) upon your Qalb(mind/center/heart) باذن الله [by/with God’s Leave/ Pardon/Permission/Command/Acknowledgement/Laws], confirming what was revealed before it. And it is a Beacon of Light and glad tiding for all those who accept it.

16:102: “Tell them, “Jibril has brought it down from your Sustainer in Absolute Truth. This Revelation will keep firm in thought and action, those who accept it. And it will provide Guidance and good news to Submitters.” [Roohul Qudus = Sacred Energy = Gabriel 2:97. Rooh, Raooh = Soothing Mercy 12:87. Trustworthy angel 26:193]”

As stated before the Qur’an talks about the revelation received by individuals in the past.

2:253: All messengers were one in Purpose. They were assigned different strategies suitable to their times, locations and people.) We caused some of those messengers to excel others. God spoke to some of them. Others It raised in degrees of high honor. Jesus son of Mary was one of those messengers whom We gave clear signs of Truth and strengthened/empowered/helped him بروح القدس (with the Sacred Energy of Consciousness/Sacred Revelation/the Divine Essence in Nature/Force that mends broken things by bringing revelation/Truthful Spirit (Ruh Al-Qudus)=The Angel of Revelation(The Energy of Consciousness that infuses thoughts of the essence of God's messages (actions,guidelines,design,laws) given by encountered signs and evidences] .

4:163: "We have sent you the Revelation as We sent it to Noah and the Anbia after him. We sent revelations to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and his progeny (the Tribes), Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon; and to David We gave Zaboor". [Zaboor = The Psalms = A book of Divine Wisdom]

16:36-And certainly, We have raised in every nation a Messenger, saying, “Serve God alone and shun الطاغوت (aggression, misguidance,tyranny, and corruption).”

3:187- And behold, God accepted a solemn pledge from those who had received the Scripture, “Make it clearly known to people, and never conceal it!” But they flung it behind their backs, and traded it away for a little gain. Then, how evil was the bargain they made!

This verse states that out of the messengers sent to all nations only some of them were Anbia. The Messengers who were not Anbia were (Maliakah) Authorities who proclaim God's will to individuals as well as some of the highly honored leaders of all nations throughout history who preached God's basic message of Islam when they recognized signs of their nations falling and regressing by promoting social order, unity, peace, security, service to humanity and awareness of laws in the creation.

Verse 16:36 is important as it shows the continous and eternal message of Islam that has been conveyed to different nations throughout history. All nations had people who conveyed the message of peace and security with the creation. The notion of messengers being sent to all nations has often been misunderstood by scholars as God sending messengers commanding people to the same rituals and conformity of culture to upheld for all times, while it was simply that all messengers proclaimed the obligation of people in their society to the ideas Al-Islam( maintainence of peace, security, development) in times when they saw their societies were regressing. Jesus son of Mary is mentioned in the verse and it states that he was given clear signs of truth of his message and strengthened with the Ruh Al-Qudus that descended on his mind which acted as the guiding force for his revelatory message.

The Ruh Al-Qudus seems to be referring to the same concept as the early concept of the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh) . Thus, from this we can come to the conclusion that Jesus Christ and other Anbia received revelation in manner that was same as the way of Muhammad recieved it. Also, since the wahi that is revealed to Anbia in the same way, their messages, such as the guidelines that they delivered to their societies, the working of laws in nature, and the view of the Akhira(the return of the universe after its collapse) were originally essentially the same since the Sustaining Force of the Universe's ways and types of signs in the creation remain the same. The only slight differences are in the language spoken by each prophet and the implications of certain commands due to the settings and time of each revelation. The wahi of the Qur'an as the last revelatory book of a Nabi attempts to show the following :

1. Establish proof of its claim and truthfulness to not only the people whom it was first revealed in various forms of discourse but also to those in the future.

2. Convey the message as clearly and as easily comprehendable as possible in a way that not only the people of its first audience can understand but also can be used and understood by future generations for as a means of universal guidance by guiding each command with eternal principles in order to be properly extracted.

The Divine Election of Anbia

72:26: “Knower of the Unseen (and the future), and It makes known unto none Its secret,”

72:27: “Except as It wills according to its laws unto a Messenger whom It has elected, and unto him It reveals Its powers/actions/ abilities (from the past,present and the future), and ensures that the Revelation is guarded".

72:28: "That It may make manifest that it is indeed their Sustainers’s messages (and nothing else) that these messengers deliver. For, It encompasses all the Revelation they have, and takes account of all things".

3:74: “It elects for Its Grace whom It wills according to Its Laws. For, God is the Sustainer of Infinite Bounty (and It knows the proper time, place and person for Its Revelation.)”

The 3 and only ways for humans to recieve God's message

42:51: "And it is not for any human being that God will speak to them other than through direct revelation by a quick infusion of a message that is given by signs and evidences (wahi)(on the minds/hearts of Its Anbia) or Its direct message from behind a barrier/veil (such as at Mount Sinai to Moses) or by sending a Messenger to suggest by signs what It wills according to Its laws by/with Its Leave/Permission(as all Anbia ,Maliakah and various people in general throughout history did). Surely, It is the Most High, the Wise".

From the verses above we can discern that the raising to the rank of a Nabi is a selective process and only a few people throughout the history of mankind received it. The Qur’an states that Muhammad was the last of these types of human beings (33:40). Although, it is a superior ability given to an individual as stated by verse (3:74) it is nevertheless a process in accordance with the divine plan amongst mankind as well as the framework of the universe.

Rather than an anachronistic, supernatural process in the history of human beings that individuals encountered, the process and of wahi to Anbia and Malikah was selective in their own individual methods and were conveyed for the purpose of the evolutionary and developmental process of the human species.

However, in terms of knowing God's message, in addition to studying these claims in a sense one can say through our studies that we discover through scientific and emperical approaches to various aspects of the universe, mankind can collectively continue to gain knowledge of the laws and ways of God operating in the Universe. As a matter of fact, one of the main points in the Qur'anic discourse was urge mankind to search for themselves throughout the creation and history, to confirm the truth of what was revealed to the Anbia in their prophetic journeys. Thus, as the Qur'an shows although unlike the means of obtaining revelation by Anbia on an individual level, mankind through our collective shared emperical studies and trials will continue to gain revelations of knowledge about the universe and how we fit into its framework.

But how the Qur'an fits into the successive line of divine revelations is another important aspect of consideration. As one looks throughout history there is a noticeable trend of the development of divine revelation. Each successive divine revelation brought a more detailed message that was in accordance with its environment. Moreover, each Nabi or Malikah added details about the characteristics of the type individual that would come after them, the nature of the time and the environments of successive revelations.

The divine revelation recieved by Anbia and Malikah was able to project the logic of events and change of societies with time and became clearer to mankind with each Nabi. The appointment of an individual to the station of a Nabi was not a subjective mystical experiance an individual recieved through self-inducement , through a supernatural feat or something an individual felt inspired by their desires to produce at a time in their lives, it was an appointment of an ability given to an individual through the laws of revelation to mankind established by the Sustaining force of the Universe. Due to these factors, the final Nabi that was expected by previous nations did not come until the 7th century.

Mankind was at a significant period in their development and formation of societies during the time of the revelation of the Qur'an. The environment of the world had been suitable for revelation for quite some time. Much of the world had been in conflict and had been tremendously degressing in civilization. This time was significant as it brought about the one of the most important phase changes in of our planet and the evolution of mankind according to one of the potentials of divine plan. The revelation of the Qur'an was able to regenerate the progession of societies within its region which it foresaw having a global impact.

The phase of our planet at this time marked the end of the line of Anbia for the human species and mankind was then able with its mature mind free to use their reason in accordance with the guidelines established through the revelation of the Qur'an. Although, there are no more Anbia, nor is there any need for another one to be sent to mankind with a new law of nature or revelation, this does not mean that mankind should stop reflecting further on God's designs and ways in the creation nor that we should forfeit our personal obligations to carry on the Its Message. In fact since knowledge of Its laws and messages in the universe can further be understood and also be obtained outside of the Qur'an through our own scientific means and trials of civilization, mankind is exhorted to explore the First Cause's creation and all of its splendors to help guide our development and confirm Its signs and evidences of existence in the universe.

41:53- "In time We will show them Our signs in the utmost Horizons and within themselves, so that it will become clear to them that this Qur’an is indeed the Truth. Is it not enough for them to know that your Developer is a Witness to all things in the creation".

As the Qur’an is the last revelatory book delivered by a Nabi or Malikah one notices that it is clearer and more detailed than the previous revelatory books as it constructs a universal guidance through its temporal discourse in our general understanding of the universe,societies and the natural world around us until we finally inculcate its principles. The revelation is conveyed in a way that with the use of reason its message, guidelines and principles can be extracted for all times. Additionally, as the Qur'an has been looked at more as a book of social and physical science and guidance, one notices that the proof of its origins and claims have been able to show itself in different ways through changing times.

12:108-Say (O Prophet), “This is my way. Resting my call upon reason, I am calling you all to God - I and those who follow me.” Glory to God! And I am not one of those who ascribe divinity in any form besides It.”

12:111-“As for this Revelation, it could not possibly be a Hadith(saying), fabricated. It confirms the (surviving Truth in) the previous Scriptures, and gives a detailed explanation of everything. And it is a Beacon and Mercy for all those who accept it.”

12:105- "How many a sign is there in the heavens and the earth which they pass by with their faces turned away!"

27:93- And say, “All Praise is due to God! In time It will show you Its Signs, so that you will recognize them.” And your Sustainer and Developer is not unaware of all that you do.

However, it is now only proper to ask what is the purpose of divine revelation given to mankind and what does it bring that is not able to be reached by human reason and intellect alone?

“The code of permanent values can only come through Revelation to chosen personalities (messengers) of God.” (Albert Einstein 1879-1955-Out of My Later Days)

“A complete way of life which would be universal is neither present in human instinct nor can we devise it through intellect. It can only come through Revelation. “ (Prof Alfred Cobban-The Crisis of Civilization)

Divine revelation does in fact establish permanent values and a complete way of life which is vital for mankind to collectively progress. Although, human intellect and reason are extremely vital for mankind and have produced marvels throughout history ,only divine revelation can make the human species realize their full potential and purpose and guide them pragmatically towards a common goal. There are indeed many things that man can realize through a long period of trial and error but with this process especially in huge developing societies also comes alot of risk and harm the species can experience.

The process of revelation actualizes all the factors that mankind needs within an exponentially short amount of time. This is important for mankind that is currently in a period of their existence where they have formed large constantly developing and connected societies that need guidelines to keep a balance in the species. Hence, the use of exracted principle from revelation economizes effort and order in societies faster, more effectively and without the potential risks and damage that humans might experience in going through trial and error. Revelation when followed and inculcated keeps mankind constantly focused on their purpose of collective growth.

“If the society is not conducive to the growth of human personality, people would remain slaves even if such a society were perceived to be free.“(Nicholes Berdyeau-Destiny of Man)

Without revelation human interests and selfish desires, would prevent the human species from developing a collective way of life that would be beneficial to all. Like animals that have instincts which are programmed in their biology as a guide for their functions and progress as a species, revelation acts as an instinct for mankind as it gives a layout for mankind of all that is needed for them to progress in peace, calls their attention to things that would be neglected due to their abstract nature and acts as a constant reminder for the direction humans have to go to survive as a species. I will discuss more about the role of divine revelation in upcoming blogs especially in my explanation of the Qur’an's concept of the Yaum Ad-Deen.

Citations

1.John Locke, An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, Book 4, Chapter 21 pp.174

Quran verses from

The Qur’an as it Explains Itself volume IV by Dr. Shabbir Ahmed.

Additional Comments by Kamran Cheikh

The Qur'anic Philosophy to International Conflict Resolution

Wed, 20 May 2009 13:52:00 GMT

Throughout history mankind has gone through countless number of wars, conflicts, political disputes and genocides. The revelation of the Qur’an in 7^th century established an system that provided a framework for peace justice and progress unparalleled in history. Although, this particular system was lost after a few centuries, there remained a few empires throughout Muslim history that were able to retain some the principles of creating security and peace both inside and outside their empires. By the beginning of the 20^th century many countries particularly those in the western world began to establish modern nation states and saw the advantages of creating a global system that would foster peace and justice worldwide. Largely influential in this movement were philosophers, intellectual and leaders who came after of the Renaissance and the Enlightenment who studied periods of history like the early period of Islam as well as philosophical theories of global peace by previous scholars and philosophers.

One of the most famous works proposed at this time was by the renowned philosopher Immanuel Kant titled Perpetual Peace: A Philosophical Sketch, in which he outlined the idea of a global league of nations that would control international conflicts and promote peace between nations. Subsequently works such as these would lead to the formation of to the League of Nations in 1919 followed by the United Nations in 1945 which continues to operate today to prevent wars and provide platforms for international dialogue. Although attempts from the 20^th century to the present times by organizations such the U.N have tried to establish peace and justice globally they have encountered difficulties in trying to establish an effective agenda for conflict resolution. Most notably, conflicts in Africa, the Middle East and Asia have made many nations realize that the path to establish sustainable peace will require a reform of current philosophies. As a result, nations globally have recognized that current national ideologies, interests and perspectives are in conflict with the goal of creating an effective framework that not only establishes global peace, but also international justice, humanitarian aid, platforms for dialogue and global economic welfare.

The time for nations has already passed. The era of mankind as one community is about to dawn. (W. Chardin-Building of the Earth)

To gain a further perspective of the proposals of the Qur’an and its neglected potentials on this issue, one can do a historical analysis of the early Muslim history and the philosophy which the Qur’an calls mankind to create a unified global framework for conflict resolution.

Rules of Engagement -Persecution, Oppression and Genocide

In the beginning of the Islamic civilization, the Prophet Muhammad and his companions established a system that operated to promote peace and security throughout the region. The state of Medina became the first pluralistic nation state in history. During this period, Islam acted more than merely a state religion or political system, but also acted as system that would foster peace and security to neighboring nations very similar to the way the United Nations Security Council of today takes responsibility in acting to end global conflicts. The Islamic empire in the 7^th century was a principal organ that accepted responsibility of fostering peace and security not only within in its own empire but also to nations outside its empire if called upon do so by delegates from those nations . Both men and women accepted this responsibility, and people especially understood the dire need to maintain peace create by doing the smallest of acts such as seeking out slaves to free, providing charity to those in need, protection and adoption of orphans. Additionally, the rulers during the earliest periods of Islam would call rulers of other nations to the message of Islam (causing peace/security/submission to the laws of the creator) by sending out formal letters of invitations to them.

As the Muslim Empire acted as a system of security and peace, nations who were called to the system were only called to at least bear political allegiance to the system. Many leaders saw the benefits of the system. Delegates from nations who experienced oppression, persecution, were able to address issues to the central authorities in the Islamic empire who dealt with the issues accordingly. This particular process of delegation of the Qur’anic political system to help persecuted groups was crucial as the Muslim rulers and the delegates were able to quickly discuss ways in which they could alleviate the problems in their nations. After the delegation meetings were completed, the delegates would quickly take back the issues that were discussed to their nations, urging leaders to change there ways. If persecution continued after the delegates returned with the peace deal with their rulers, security troops from the Islamic Empire were sent to prevent further oppression from the rulers. This similar process in fact still occurs in modern times with organizations such as the U.N., however they have encountered many problems in preventing recurring problems of indigenous political and ethnic conflict in third world countries.

In recent times the Rwandan Genocide has been an example which the U.N securities council recognized that more effective means could have been taken to alleviate the national catastrophe. Mainly, what has been recognized by the U.N. and other nations is that the current rules of engagement for conflict resolution have posed major problems in the resolution process. The United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) was a mission instituted by the United Nations to aid the implementation of ending the Hutu-Tutsi conflict of 1994. UNAMIR’s confusion over legal protocols led to escalating chaos during the civil conflict. The mission's vague mandate, created under Chapter VI of the UN Charter was unclear about the right to use force, particularly in defense of civilians. Although, the security troops did their best to save lives, nearly 100,000 people died by the end of the conflict. This event called many nations to an important question: Is it ever justified for security troops to use force, especially the use of armed force is to save the lives of civilians? The Qur’an gives mankind rules for conflict engagement and a few are listed below.

22:39-“Permission to fight is granted to only those against whom war is wrongfully waged. And Allah is indeed Most Powerful for their aid.”

2:192- “But if they stop (aggression), then behold! Allah is Forgiving/Proctecting, Merciful”

2:193- “Hence, fight them only until there is no more _فتنة_-fitna(persecution/oppression/torture/causing of terror/causing of chaos/ causing of fear).”

5:32- “…whoever kills a human being, unless it be for murder or bloody crimes on the earth, it would be as if he killed all mankind. And whoever saves one life it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind.”

As one can clearly observe from these verses the Qur’an strongly admonishes aggressors and states that they should be stopped. The reason for this is that if the global systems and nations are committed to peace, security and sanctity of every human being, anyone who initiates conflict unprovoked thereby disrupting these values must be stopped in order to uphold the protection of every human life. But the Qur’an goes even further to state that the defenders of peace must make sure not to transgress their limits of resolving the conflict and end up causing fitna. Moreover it should be noted that in addition to these principles it is vital for security forces to have adequate information about the situation they are going into. Often in conflicts the lack of knowledge about who is responsible for the violations of rights of the oppressed population creates a great amount of disorder in the resolution process. Security troops rather than targeting the guilty end up targeting innocent civilians, an action which alienates the oppressed population from helping in the cause to establish peace.

42:41- “And those who stand up for their rights and defend themselves, when they have been wronged, for such, there is no blame.”

42:42-“The blame is on them whoيظلمون- (cause injustice/oppression/persecution )on people and cause disorder on earth resorting to aggression, unprovoked.”

In order to distinguish those who are responsible from the victims, troops accepting responsibility to end conflicts must communicate effectively with delegates of the nation that the conflict is occurring in before engaging in any type of actions by security forces. This step will enable counterinsurgency processes to greatly decrease the amount of casualties, the amount of interrogation of innocent civilians and will allow the process to run more swiftly. Furthermore, the defenders of peace must make sure that they are the ones upholding a moral platform by prohibiting actions such as killing innocent civilians, torture of suspects or taking unnecessary actions to stop aggressors. The Qur’an repeatedly stresses this notion to constantly remind the followers of its system to not forget that the main goal of their actions is to establish peace, security and uphold the sanctity of human life.

Throughout the history of civilization as technological warfare has become more advanced, these principles have at times been neglected by nations, which have undoubtedly hindered the process of global unification. A goal that international peace organizations and national militaries must work to attain in the future is the use of security force only in defense of civilian lives once attacks occur and never for vested elite interests,offensive tactics or reasons of suspicion. If nations and international security organizations are committed to establishing peace then they must reform their principles of establishing security to be in accordance with their commitments. This is a major part of the process of international conflict resolution that needs to be established; however one might ask if this factor alone is enough to prevent dissent from recurring between nations and if so what other aspects that might be added to the rules of engagement of ending global conflicts.

Post Conflict Compensation/Amendments

Indeed there are other factors in addition to establish effective rules of engagement to create a more effective platform for international conflict resolution. A factor that global security organizations like the U.N have encountered is creating an effective tribunal and reparations system during times of national crisis. Genocide related conflicts often leave many suspects that need to be prosecuted by international systems like the U.N and many families that have experienced losses that need cared and provision. Additionally, environmental, social and political reconstruction becomes a critical issue that a country must solve. The philosophy that the Qur’an proposes for such issues which was practiced during the early periods of Islam relied on a system of recompense which serves as a key factor in many of the Qur'an's guidelines for both domestic and international laws.

The Qur'anic term of Taubah or repentance is not the same as merely apologizing or asking for remission of sins which is how it became translated in Muslim societies overtime due to influence by previous religious traditions. The Qur'an does not state any such concept as a "sin" but rather uses the term Ithm which has a much wider implication as it indicates anything that enervates the individual and societal growth or potential. Thus, this word implies things that can lower the potential or state of individual growth, societal development and even environmental development, which can only be raised or removed by performing a counter action of equal caliber that benefits other people and not by any rituals or words.

Therefore, the word Taubah indicates perfoming certain good actions in terms of reform to remove the ill effect of one's bad actions that one has done to one self or to others and hence has a much wider implication than what is has been previously translated. The misinterpretation of this word in terms of criminal laws has led to the negligence of the humane and practical system of the Qur'an even for small crimes such as stealing. During the earliest periods of Muslim society in terms of war aggression or conflict each detained war aggressors would have to pay recompense in some manner for their actions, resulting in each victim being repaid in some way for their loss. The recompense did not have to be capital punishment or a life term prison sentence, which is often the case in many nations today but if all factors where taken into consideration and found that the crime could be recompensed in some way then it was often solved by means of jizya (labor or through a means of a fine (money paid for slaughter)) for the victim’s family members if they were willing to accept their repentance.

11:114-"Strive to establish and consolidate the Divine System, day and night. Actions that create balance in the society remove the ill effects of inequities. Good deeds remove bad deeds. This is a reminder for those who pay attention."

This philosophy of recompense can be very effective in today’s international security system. Regardless of the power that an individual holds in a nation their knowledge that they would be held accountable by a system and have to provide compensation for their wrongful actions would act as deterrence for acts of aggression,terrorism and persecution. Organizations such as the U.N. have attempted to establish tribunal systems that work as an outlet for reparation such as the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission in Africa. Although this system has produced some benefits, the system contains some flaws which have caused nations to call for reforms in the legal process of the system. The advantages of this trial system is that it has allowed for suspected aggressors to come out in the open and confess their actions to families of victims who suffered losses during time of civil conflict. In return for their confession the guilty receive amnesty from punishment.

However, the problem of this system is that it has left the duty to confer reparations up to local governments. Global security organizations rather than taking active steps to repair economic and environmental damage have often left this aspect for the local dismantled government to resolve these issues by themselves with very little humanitarian aid. This factor is often overlooked by international security systems as a cause for recurring internal conflicts in nations. Since many people are left without viable ways to achieve work, jobs, schooling or adequate living conditions; marginalization, oppression and persecution of particular groups often continues. This phenomenon creates gaps between groups, social classes, or different nations that can cause past conflicts to recur due to frustration from the marginalized or undeveloped population. In order to prevent this situation from occurring there must be a central organization or organizations that would be willing to help reconstruct the infrastructure of all nations in times of national crises.

During the earliest Muslim civilizations after a due process of delegation occurred between the central Islamic authority and representatives of other nations, homes and religious buildings were repaired as compensation for those who experienced persecution under their rulers. Additionally to alleviate further hardship on marginalized groups the nations received economic aid through the Qur’anic economic system. This particular process led to the establishment of a system that not only benefited those who believed in it but for those who saw the benefits of it and bore allegiance to the central authority. But most importantly for today the revival of the Qur’anic philosophy of recompense during times of global conflict whether it is enacted by international tribunal systems or local governance should be able to provide the cure for the recurring conflicts that are experienced by war torn nations.

Construction of Outlets for International Dialogue

As nations began to redefine their interest in accordance with the values of creating international peace, more can be done to further secure the process of global unification. As a global body is created to act as an organ for the facillitation of international peace and social welfare, more platforms for dialogue and prevention of war can be created. Currently, organizations such as the U.N. do in fact provide global conferences that work towards the goal of sustainable international peace. Additionally, one can look at the two functions the Qur’an proposes which a global society can use to implement peace worldwide: establishment of months of peace in which wars and conflicts of any type are prohibited, and the Hajj annual conference for all mankind to resolve global problems through debate, dialogue,exhibition,lecture and discussion.

9:36- "God has ordained twelve months in one year. This has been God’s Ordinance since the day He created the heavens and the earth. Four of these Months are Sacred, forbidden for all warfare. This is the Firm Religion, the right way. So, do not wrong yourselves by fighting during the Sacred Months."

The Qur’an tells mankind to establish four consecutive months of peace which must be agreed upon worldwide by leaders through treaties. This would allow temporary cessation of global conflicts and provide further outlets for forceful diplomatic dialogue and attempts to create peaceful non violent resolutions. Of course one must consider the fact that there may be individuals who might try to take advantage of the vulnerable position of societies at this time by creating disorder and war. The Qur'an states that conflicts that arise during these months of peace are a great transgression to security of societies and they must be stopped collectively by security organizations of those who sign the treaty.

2:194 - "You may fight during the Months of Peace and Security if you are attacked, for, a violation of sanctity will activate the Law of Just retribution. So, the one who attacks you should expect retaliation in like manner. Be mindful of God, and know that God is with those who live upright."

Additionally during these months the Hajj global conference would be established and administered by the central leaders of the global society who agree towards ethical and progressive principals and all people regardless of nationality, race, view of reality or class would be invited to participate.

2:197-"The Convention shall take place in the months appointed for it and made well known to all. Whoever participates in the Convention shall refrain from sexual intimacy, slipping out of discipline and argumentation throughout Hajj. And whatever you accomplish for the good of mankind, God will acknowledge it. So make ample provision, yet the best provision is your good conduct. Be mindful of Me(God), O You of understanding."

The convention would be held annually and the goal of such convention would be to resolve global political, economic, social, and environmental problems through discussion, lecture, networking and conductive activities. The emphasis on discipline is meant for everyone who participates in the convention to focus solely on the goal of creating peace. This function however will take time to be actualized as the current form of Hajj does not fulfill the potential stated in the Qur’an and is understood by the majority as having only a ritualistic religious function. However in the future as nations begin to reform their ideologies to be more conducive towards creating international peace, humanity will see the benefits of conducting an annual event such as the Hajj convention. The presence of many global development, security and justice organizations in modern times has shown that humanity is slowly moving towards the actualization of an international order based on justice, peace, progress and security for all individuals. The Qur’an refers to this particular period as the Yaum Ad-Deen (Period of the Deen) which humanity will establish on their own free will. This period/stage is a central theme in the Qur’an and is very extensive, thus further explanations will occur in future posts about all of its meanings and what it entails for mankind.

Qur'an verses from- The Qur'an As It Explains Itself- Dr. Shabbir Ahmed
Additional explanations in verses from Kamran Cheikh