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).

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Earth . Qur'an

How is it that the creation of the Earth is mentioned as 4 days in the Quran in 41:10, but the creation of the cosmos was 2 days as mentioned in 41:12?

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 1 day ago

Short answer:

The things that are created in these two ayat are different. 41:10-11 refer to the creation of the earth (ard) and the things upon it, which is done in 4 days, whereas 41:12 refers to the creation of the seven heavens (samawat), which is done in 2 days. So altogether they add up to 6 days.

There are also other ways these ayat are understood, beyond a literal interpretation of "days".

Long answer:

"Day" is usually taken to refer to a time period in general, rather than a "day" in the sense of one rotation of the earth since our measurements of time rest on the physical world, and there was no such thing as an earth-day before the creation of the earth and sun. That said, a narration ascribed to Imam al-Baqir (A), in response to an enquiry about how a "day" could be meaningful before creation, says that time is also measured in an area of existence near Allah, and therefore is not only reliant on the physical world.

Some people maintain that the expression "two days" (or "two periods") refers to spiritual and physical aspects of creation, or that "days" refers to distinctly different stages of creation, rather than timespans.

Some people also understand "four days" with respect to the earth to refer to the four seasons, insofar as they are equal in length and relate to sustenance.

For instance, in Tafsir al-Qummi, "two days" is explained as "the beginning of Creation and its end", and "four days" is explained as "the four times when Allah brings out the world's means of sustenance... spring, summer, autumn, and winter."

If one is taking a numerical approach to "days", however, Qur'an 41:10-41:12 outline the creation of our world as follows:

41:10 - the earth (ard) in 2 days
41:11 - mountains, sustenance, and blessing in 4 days
41:12 - the heavens (samawat) in 2 days

Elsewhere, the Qur'an mentions that the world was created in 6 days.

From this, it can be understood that the 4 days in 41:11 include the 2 days mentioned in 41:10. That is, the earth and its features were, altogether, created in 4 days. Then, the heavens were created in 2 days. Altogether, these sum up as 6 days - or, rather, spans of time.

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Qur'an . Qur'an Compilation . Imam Ali . Uthman b. 'Affan

What were the differences, if any, between the Quran compiled by Imam Ali and Uthman? If there were differences how do we know what we have today is unaltered?

Insofar as we do not physically have the Qur'anic manuscript compiled by Imam 'Ali, it is not possible to answer this question with the certainty that comes from seeing things with one's own eyes. Rather, it is necessary to rely on historical reports, and the validity of historical reports can be debated.

Anyway, one difference is that it is reported that Imam 'Ali added commentary and explanations to the codex that he compiled, including an explanation of when/why the ayat were revealed (asbab al-nuzul) and also a broader explanation of the ayat.

It is also reported that Imam 'Ali's manuscript was arranged chronologically, in order of the date of revelation, whereas the 'Uthmanic codex is not arranged chronologically.

In any case, we have been told by the Imams to use the codex that we have today as it is, so it is good to have faith that this is what we are meant to be using.

Allah knows best.

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Qira'at . Qur'an

With regards to the seven Qira'at of the Quran which reading was the Quran actually revealed in?

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 2 weeks ago

The Qira'ah which is used by the general Muslim Ummah following the Prophet (SAWA) and his holy Ahlul Bayt (A.S.) is known as the Qura'ah of Hafs fromAssim حفص عن عاصم.

It is narrated from Imam Al-Sadiq (A.S.): (The Qur’an is one, it was revealed from One, but the difference comes from the narrators) (Al-Kafi 2: 630).
Despite having many ways of reciting because of different accents and areas, the correct reading is the well-known reading among Muslims that the nation received with acceptance.
The well-known and famous recitation among Muslims is the recitation of Assim with the narration of Hafs.
And Assim had taken it from Abi Abd al-Rahman al-Sulami on the authority of Ameerul Mo'mineen Ali (peace be upon him) and he used to offer his reading to Zir bin Hubaish on the authority of Ibn Masoud from Ameerul Mo'mineen Ali (AS).
It is well known that the imams (peace be upon them) commanded us to recite as people recite.

Wassalam.

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Soul . Qur'an . God (Allah) . Meaning

When the Quran speaks of Allah (swt) breathing into Adam (a) of His spirit what does it mean? Is the soul a creation of God or something from God? Is there a distinction?

Soul is created by Allah and gifted to us as a bounty from Him on us. Soul is never part from Allah (SWT). Nothing at all can be like Allah or part from Him.

Wassalam.

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Prophets . Qur'an . Imamah . Prophet Muhammad

In the Quran Allah calls Prophet Mohammed last of Prophets. Why doesn’t He also say last of Messengers? If we assume this by default because he was a Messenger too then wasn’t he also an Imam, while the Imamate did not end?

Last of the Prophets ia the proper word for the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) not last of messengers because all the messengers were Prophets as well, and no Prophet will be sent after Muhammad (SAWA). If he was called last of the messengers, that will leave a chance to liars to claim prophet hood after him. Every messenger is a Prophet but not every Prophet is a messenger, that is why, no Prophet means no Prophet or messenger will come after Muhammad (SAWA).

He was the leader of all the human beings including the Prophets and messengers.Imamate after him is for his successors who are not Prophets as he said: No Prophet after me.

Wassalam.

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Meaning . Arabic . Language . Qur'an

What is the difference of meaning between Quranic words ذوالقربیٰ and فی القربیٰ? Please give reference of meaning according to any authentic dictionary of the Arabic language.

ذو القربى are the relatives themselves, while في القربى means spending on the relatives and treating them.

Wassalam.

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Qur'an . Hajjaj ibn Yusuf al-Thaqafi

I have heard that Hajjaj b. Yusuf introduced the Harakat in the written Quran. Is this true?

Not true at all.

First who put the Harakaat in Quranic text was Abul Aswad Al-Du'ali by order from Ameerul Momineen Ali (AS).

Hajjaj b Yusuf Thaqafi was a murderer and well known criminal.

Wassalam.

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Transliteration . Arabic . Qur'an . Menstruation

Can I read and touch the Quran in transliteration in English and Arabic while I am on my period?

Reading Quran and it's transliteration in English or any other language and Arabic during menstrual period is permissible as far as you don't read the four verses of obligatory Sajda ( in Suras Al-'Alaq, Al-Najm, Al-Sajda and Fussilat).

Touching the book is allowed but touching the text of Quranic words and its translation is not permissible not only during menstrual period but also for any one who is with out a valid Wudhu.

'Wassalam.

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Shower . Qur'an

Are we allowed to listen to a recitation of the Quran while having a shower?

Yes. It is always very good to listen to Quranic recitation and remember Allah even while taking shower.

Wassalam.

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Qur'an . Imamah

Can you give clear reference from Quran that the fact of the 12 Imams after the Prophet of Islam is an order from Allah (SWT)?

Allah ordered in Quran : Take and follow whatsoever the Messenger of Allah tells you, and abstain from whatsoever he forbids you. (Sura 59, verse 7).

This Quranic order is very clear and obligatory on every believer. Lot of very important matters in Islam were not mentioned in Quran but ordered by the Prophet ( SAWA) hence became obligatory on all Muslims like the number of Rak'ats in every Salaah (Prayer). All Muslims perform Morning Prayers in two Rak'ats, Dhuhr in four Rak'ats, Asr in four Rak'ats, Maghrib in three Rak'ats and Isha in four Rak'ats just because the Prophet told them and Allah's order in Quran (Sura 59, verse 7).
Allah says in Quran as well : He who obeys the Prophet has indeed obeyed Allah. (Sura 4, verse 80).

The Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) has clearly and repeatedly mentioned that his successors will be 12 Imams. This has been mentioned in most authentic Hadeeths narrated in both Shia and Sunni main references like:

1. Saheeh Al-Bukhari , Hadeeth number 6682.

2. Al-Tareekh Al-Kabeer by Al-Bukhari, Volume 8, page 410.

3. Saheeh Muslim , Hadeeth number 3393 and 3394 and 3395 and 3396 and 3397 and 3398.

4. Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal in 36 Hadeeths ; 3593 and 3665 and 9875 and 19884 and 19887 and 19892 and 19901 and 19914 and 19920 and 19920 and 19925 etc.

5. Tirmithi (Tirmizi) Hadeeth number 2149.

6. Sunan Abi Dawood , Hadeeth 3731 and 3732.

7. Mustard Al Al-Saheehain by Al-Haakim Al-Nisabouri, Hadeeths 6586 and 6589 and 8529.

8. Al-Albani Nasser Al-Deen, Kuruba Takhreej Al-Hadeeth, Hadeeth 376 and 1075 and 3598 and 3599.

9. Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani in Ta'jeel Al-Manfa'ah, page 538, and in Al-Mataalib Al-'Aaliyah , 2140 and 4608.

10. Al-Bayhaqi in Dala'il Al-Nubowwah, Hadeeth 2589 and 2888 and 2890 and 2895

And many other Sunni books.

Wassalam.

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Arabic . Qur'an . Tahrif

I understand that Arabic is complex and words with different diacritic points can change the reading. So is the text we read today the full and complete and only version of the Quran?

There are several surviving recitations (qira'at) of the Qur'an with very minor differences (mostly related to pronunciation such as a vowel sound or dots). Most of them are unused.

The differences typically have little impact on the meaning, although may be considered in jurisprudence or tafsir.

This is not considered to be tahrif (alteration) of the Qur'an, especially since it is nearly inconsequential.

In Sunni hadith, the Qur'an is said to have been revealed in seven dialects (ahruf).

The Shi'i view is that there is only one original correct revelation and recitation, even if, in reality, there exist multiple qira'at.

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Nasibi . Sunni-Shi'a . Qur'an

Is it allowed for Shia Muslims to listen to a Quran recitation of a Sunni reciter? Are we allowed to listen to a recitation by someone known to be a Nasibi?

We are allowed to listen to any reciter of Quran as far as he does not openly deny the main orders of Quran.

Nasibi is the open enemy of Ahlul Bayt (AS) which means the he is rejecting the Quranic verses in favor of Ahlul Bayt (AS). Nasibi is in fact an enemy of Quran even if he recites or memorise it. We should avoid supporting any Nasibi.

'Wassalam.