Qur'an

The Quran (القرآن‎, romanized: al-Qurʼān, literally meaning "the recitation"), also romanized Qur'an or Koran, is the central religious text of Islam, which Muslims believe to be a revelation from God (Allah). It is widely regarded as the finest work in classical Arabic literature. The Quran is divided into chapters (Arabic: سورة sūrah, plural سور suwar), which are subdivided into verses (Arabic: آية āyah, plural آيات āyāt).

61562

Hadith . Qur'an

Can you explain the concepts of Wilayat-e-Takvini and Wilayat-e-Tashrihi with examples? How are they supported by the Qur'an and Hadith?

Abbas Di Palma, Shaykh Abbas Di Palma holds a BA and an MA degree in Islamic Studies, and certifications from the Language Institute of Damascus University. He has also studied traditional Islamic sciences in... Answered 3 days ago

as salam alaikum

Absolute wilayah belong to Allah and He has authority over all His creation. He creates as He wishes and He gives authority to whoever He wills in order to establish His own authority.

In some theological treatises two types of wilayah have been mentioned:

- Wilayah Takwiniyyah: that is creational authority like direct intervention and control over things and affairs in the creation. The human power to walk, to climb, to carry heavy loads, etc. are all examples of this authority.

- Wilayah Tashri'iyyah: that is legislative authority like the right or duty to establish a specific ruling or take a particular decision after a legitimate approval or consultation.

In theological debates the discussion around these arguments focused on the limits of the wilayah in relation to the Prophet and Imams, peace be upon them.

Miracles are instances of wilayah takwiniyyah that Allah bestowed upon His prophets; it is however a divine act beyond ordinary human faculties. As far as the legislative aspect, it is known that the Prophet, peace be upon him and his family, was subject to specific rulings only for him with the exclusion of the rest of the Ummah. Yet, the rule was from Allah and not from himself.

Some scholars have claimed that Allah has given total or partial authority to the Prophet and Imams, peace be upon them, for the administration of the world and that they have control over it, at least partially, with His permission. They base their opinion relying on certain hadith and some intellectual concepts. This is the maximum extent of the concept of wilayah takwiniyya in relation to the Prophet and Imams.

Other scholars however reject such view and consider it against the Qur'an, implicitly or explicitly, based on conjectures and weak ahadith.

With prayers for your success.

62206

Conversion to Islam . Qur'an

I converted to Islam a few years ago, but I did so before reading the Quran or learning to pray. I still struggle to read the transliteration and believe I have some kind of mental block. Is there anything I can do that will help?

as salam alaikum

perhaps a good teacher of Qur'an may help you in your situation. Sometimes when we are faced with learning without proper support we get frustrated as we are not moving the way we are aiming for.

You may also consider to learn Qur'an directly from Arabic language without transliteration or latinized versions. The Arabic Qur'an is the word of Allah and it purifies you, even if initially you don't understand the meaning. By being aware that Allah is speaking to you, peace and serenity should fill the heart.

So initially it is good to learn to recite with proper tajwid and memorize what you can; but you need a good teacher for that, especially at the beginning stage. Nowadays there are courses available also online although the traditional way is always preferable in ordinary circumstances.

Never be frustrated for what it takes, for each person there is a path to follow and no one is better than the other except in taqwa. In other words it is the quality of your sincerity that counts the most, not the quantity of your actions or the apparent result.

With prayers for your success.

61060

Arabic . Qur'an

I am trying to learn to read in Arabic so I can truly understand the faith. But how do I go about doing this? Who do I talk to and are there tutors who can teach me how to understand what I'm reciting in the Qur'an?

as salam alaikum

learning Arabic language to truly understand your faith is praiseworthy and highly recommended. You can check the available courses in your area or even online in this regard. However to better reach your aim you should try to give preference to "Classical Arabic" or "Qur'anic Arabic" courses rather than "Modern Standard Arabic".

With prayers for your success.

61095

Future . Qur'an

Is it allowed for anyone to use the Quran to predict future events?

Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi, Sayyed Mohammad al-Musawi is originally from Iraq and heads up the World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League in London. Other than being involved in various humanitarian projects, he frequently responds to... Answered 3 weeks ago

No one is allowed to claim any matter in the meanings of Quran with out authentic evidence from the Prophet (SAWA) or Ahlul Bayt (AS). There are authentic Hadeeths from the Prophet (SAWA) cursing any one who does that.

The scholars who know approximate meanings of Quran some times take Estikhara from Quran, but this is allowed only for those who have enough knowledge about Quranic verses meanings.

Wassalam.

Future . Qur'an

Is it allowed for anyone to use the Quran to predict future events?

as salam alaikum

there is no precedence of such practice in the sirah of the Prophet and the Ahl al-Bayt, peace be upon them. It is also reported on the authority of Imam al-Sadiq, peace be upon him: "Do not predict future events by the Qur'an" (al-Kafi, vol. 2, p.629).

With prayers for your success.

60291

Qira'at . Qur'an . Sunni-Shi'a . Ahruf

What is the Shi'a understanding of the different Qira'at of the Quran? Why do they exist? What is the difference between these Qira'at and the Sunni belief of seven "Ahruf" of the Quran?

There is big difference between Qira'aat and Ahruf. Qira'aat are ways of reciting the same words of Quran according to the axon of different Arab tribes. Qira'aat keep the meaning same with slight different way of pronouncing the words .

Ahruf (plural of Harf) means different wordings. This claim of Ahruf was condemned by Ahlul Bayt (AS) who clearly said that Quran was sent from One Allah, on One Prophet, through One Angle and on one word not more.

From al-Fudhail Ibn Yasaar said: I told Abi Abdillah (Al-Sadiq A.S.): People say that Quran was revealed on seven Ahruf (words). He said: They are liars, enemies f Allah. Quran was revealed on One Word from The One . (Kitab Al-Kaafi).

We do not believe in more than one Harf of Quran which means one wordings not more. Different wordings means different meanings which is false claim.

Wassalam.

59899

Muslims . Sects . Ummah . Qur'an . Sunni-Shi'a

I understand that the Qur'an does not make any mention of either Shia or Sunni and warns the Muslims against dividing into sects. If that is correct then how come the Islamic Ummah has got divided into these two broad sects?

Rebecca Masterton, Dr Rebecca Masterton graduated with a BA in Japanese Language and Literature; an MA in Comparative East Asian and African Literature and a PhD in Islamic literature of West Africa. She has been... Answered 1 month ago

There are narrations in both Sunni and Shi'i collections that say that this ummah will divide into seventy-three sects, with only one being saved, i.e. 'the jama'a'. This has been interpreted to mean 'the majority' by Sunni scholars, whereas Imam 'Ali (as) has said that 'the jama'a' are those who follow the truth, even if they are few. This means that, even among the Shi'a, not all will necessarily be among the jama'a. Imam al-Baqir (as) has said 'the fitna is inevitable'. The Qur'an talks about previous generations that attacked their prophets and became divided over their message. There are many reasons for divisions to occur, but one key reason seems to have been for the Arabs to overcome their tribal pride and accept Imam 'Ali (as) as the successor. The Jews and Christians also hid parts of their prophets' messages or changed them, because they thought that their worldly position was jeopardised by challenging aspects of these messages. People are often happy to accept the message as long as they can maintain their worldly status and comforts.

59002

Qur'an . God (Allah)

Is it a correct belief that Allah cannot be fully comprehended or defined? If yes, is there any evidence for it from the Quran?

Allah The Glorious is unlimited in all His Virtues, and we humans are limited in our thinking, so, we, The limited can never include The Unlimited.

‘(Nothing is like Him) Sura 42, Verse 11.

We see the signs of the greatness of Allah through seeing the universe ( We will show them ( human beings) Our signs in the horizons and in their own selves, so that it will be clear for them that Allah is The Truth)( Sura Fossilat, Verse 53).

We believe in Him being The Only Creator, because of what we see and know in this universe, and our faith in Him increases with more knowledge and proper pondering and thinking.

The Hadeeth says: Think about the Creatures of Allah, to know His Greatness.

The Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) told Ali ( AS): No one (really) knows Allah, but myself and you, and no one knows me but only Allah and you, and no one knows you, but only Allah and myself.

Reading the Supplications from Ahlul Bayt (AS) like Du’a al-Sabaah, with understanding, makes our faith stronger.

Seeing and thinking about the creatures of Allah in the sky, earth, sea, oceans, animals, plants, mountains, stars, planets, atoms,galaxies, embryos, genes, human organs and human life, etc makes us in front of The Greatest fact in this existence, which is: No God but Allah.

Thinking about what Allah has created is one of the best worship.

ويتفكرون في خلق السموات والأرض

(They ( the believers) think and ponder on the creation of the skies and earth)Sura Aal Imran, Verse 191.

58341

Qur'an . Prostration (sujud) . Satan . Prophet Adam

Where does it say in the Quran that Sajda is only for Allah? Did Allah ask Shaytan to actually do Sajda to Prophet Adam or to do Sajda in front of him?

Amina Inloes, Amina Inloes is originally from the US and has a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Exeter on Shi'a hadith. She is the program leader for the MA Islamic Studies program at the... Answer updated 2 months ago

The Qur'an mentions two types of prostration: (a) prostration as a form of worship and obedience (whether it be literal, as in during prayer; or figurative), and (b) prostration for reasons other than worship (for instance, in some cultures, it was/is a gesture of respect).

Qur'an 2:34, 17:16, and 20:116 say that Allah ordered Shaytan (Iblis) to prostrate to Adam. It literally says "to Adam", and I see no reason why it shouldn't be taken at face value rather than looking for a sideways interpretation. Obviously, Allah is not commanding Shaytan to worship Adam but rather it is a gesture of humility and an acknowledgment of the potential of the human being to ascend higher than the angels. It may also have been a test for Shaytan to prove his inner nature because, up until then, he had been seen as an excellent worshipper.

(Maybe it was also a gesture of service, in that some of the angels, who were also ordered to prostrate to Adam, are assigned to serve people - for instance, in recording the deeds of people. Some people also hold it was out of reverence for the position of the Prophet Muhammad and his Ahl al-Bayt who would be born from Adam.)

Anyway, all of this appears to have occurred outside the earthly realm. Some also say that "Adam" here refers to humanity as an archetype as a whole, as existing outside this world, and not the living, breathing human being. So, while we picture this as Shaytan getting onto his hands and knees and performing what we consider to be sajda to Adam as a human being, it may have been somewhat different. So for this reason also, it isn't really worthwhile to differentiate between "sajda to" or "sajda in front of".

The Qur'an does not specifically say that sajda is only for Allah. Instead, it says that everything in the heavens and earth already does sadja to Allah, willingly or unwillingly (13:52, etc.). This can be taken to mean literal sajda as well as metaphorical. That is, all created beings are compelled to follow the divine decree and no created being can decide it is outside of Allah's control. Most creations willingly worship Allah, although human beings have the free will to worship Allah or other things (and we have the free will to perform sajda to Allah or not perform sajda to Allah). For this reason, the Qur'an tells people not to do sadja to the sun and the moon, and instead tells people to do sajda to Allah who is the creator of the sun and the moon.

However, according to Islamic law, it is not permissible for human beings to do sadja to other Allah. This is derived from Qur'an and hadith.

58188

Qur'an . Judaism . Uzair

The Quran states that the Jewish people claimed Uzair is the son of God. Can this be confirmed from any Jewish books on their history or creed?

This claim of some Jewish people that Uzair is son of Allah (SWT) , was common among Jewish communities in Yemen and Madina during the time of the Prophet Muhammad ( SAWA). There is Jewish sect called Asbahaniyyah which was also claiming the same. That is why, when the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) recited the Quranic verse on them, none of Jewish people denied it, despite all their enmity against Quran and Islam. If it was not among them, it would have been a golden chance for them to attack their enemy, the Prophet Muhammad, but they admitted it because it was among them at that time.

The Jewish people kept on changing their texts all along the history till now. They have now removed that claim from most of their books which are available to the public, but that does not mean that it was not their at the time of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA). Their admitting and not objecting or denying it is a very clear evidence that it was a fact.

Wassalam.

58259

Qur'an

As someone of Bangladeshi origin, how can I learn the Quran easily but deeply?

Millions of non Arab Muslims learned and are learning Quran and thousands of the recite and understand Quran better than many Arab Muslims.it depends on :

1. Dedication and strong will to learn Quran despite difficulties or challenges. The Hadeeth from Imam Jafar Sadiq ( AS) says: No body is weak if his will is strong.

2. Time and concentration on learning and practicing.

3. Good teacher. You can get now good teachers online.

Wassalam.

57540

Qur'an . Qiyama

How much of the text of the Qur'an deals with the Day of Judgment? Is it correct to say that around one-third of the Qur'an speaks on this topic? Are there any formal sources of Qur'anic sciences that can confirm the proportion?

1. The Day of Judgment is mentioned in hundreds of verses in Quran. It is one of the most important subjects in Quran.

2. Many Suras were named after names of The Day of Judgment , e.g. al-Qiyaamah, al-Waaqi’ah, al- Haaqqah, al-Taghaabon, al-Hashr, al-Ghaashiyah.

3. Faith in Allah has been always linked with the faith in the Day of Judgment.

4. The names of the Day of Judgment mentioned in Quran are so many e.g.:

1. Day of Qiyamah , Sura al-Qiyamah, Verse 1.

2. Al-Yawm al-Aakhir. Sura al-Tawbah, Verse 18.

3. Yawn al-Hisaab, Sura Ghafir, Verse 27.

4. Al-Aakhira, Sura al-Baqarah, Verse 114.

5. Al-Dar Al-Aakhirah, Sura al-Ankaboot, Verse 64.

6. Al-Saa’ah, Sura al-Hajj, Verse 1.

7. Yawm Al-Ba’th, Sura al-Room, Verse 56.

8. Yawm al-Fasl, Sura al-Mursalaat, Verse 38.

9. Yawm al-Khorooj, Sura Qaaf, Verse 42.

10. Al-Qari’ah, Sura al-Qari’ah, Verse 1.

11. Yawm al-Deen, al-Fatiha, Verse 4.

12. Al-Taammatul Kubra, Sura al-Nazi’aat, Verse 34.

13. Al-Saakhkhah, Sura Abas, Verse 33.

14. Al-Ghaashiyah, Sura al-Ghaashiyah, Verse 1.

15. Yawm al-Hasrah, Sura Maryam, Verse 39.

16. Al-Waaqi’ah, Sura al-Waaqi’ah, Verse 1.

17. Yawm al-Kholood. Sura Qaaf, Verse 34.

18. YAWM AL-WA’EED, SURA QAAF, VERSE 20.

19. YAWM AL-AZIFAH, SURA AL-NAJM, VERSE 57.

20. AL-HAAQQAH, SURA AL-HAAQQAH, VERSE 1.

21. YAWM AL-JAM’, SURA AL-TAGHAABON, VERSE 9.

22. YAWM AL-TAGHAABON, SURA AL-TAGHAABON, VERSE 9.

23. YAWM AL-TANAAD, SURA GHAAFIR, VERSE 32.

24. YAWM AL-TALAAQ, SURA GHAAFIR, VERSE 9.

25. YAWM A’SEER, SURA AL-MUDDATHIR, VERSE 9.

26. YAWM MASHHOOD, SURA HOOD, VERSE 103.

27. YAWM ABOOS QAMTAREER, SURA AL-INSAAN, VERSE 10.

28. AL-YAWM AL-MAW’OOD, SURA AL-BOROOJ, VERSE 2.

Wassalam.