Week 8

 

April 7, 2005

Dr. Sefik Hikmet Toprak

IDSA at UTD

 

Topic: A brief overview of Divine Scriptures and Qur'an, the Ultimate Miracle

 

Summary:

 

DIVINE SCRIPTURES:

 

4:136 O ye who believe! Believe in Allah and His Messenger, and the scripture which He hath sent to His Messenger and the scripture which He sent to those before (him). Any who denieth Allah, His angels, His Books, His Messenger., and the Day of Judgment, hath gone far, far astray.

          2:136 Say ye: "We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses           and Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no     difference between one and another of them: And we bow to Allah (in           Islam)."

          29:46 And dispute ye not with the People of the Book, except with means           better, unless it be with those of them who inflict wrong (and injury): but     say, "We believe in the revelation which has come down to us and in that       which came down to you; Our Allah and your Allah is one; and it is to Him    we bow (in Islam)."

 

11:37 "But construct an Ark under Our eyes and Our inspiration, and address Me no (further) on behalf of those who are in sin: for they are about to be overwhelmed (in the Flood)."

 

87:15 And glorify the name of their Guardian-Lord, and (lift their hearts) in prayer. 87:16 Day (behold), ye prefer the life of this world; 87:17 But the Hereafter is better and more enduring. 87:18 And this is in the Books of the earliest (Revelation),- 87:19 The Books of Abraham and Moses.

 

5:44 It was We who revealed the law (to Moses): therein was guidance and light. By its standard have been judged the Jews, by the prophets who bowed (as in Islam) to Allah's will, by the rabbis and the doctors of law: for to them was entrusted the protection of Allah's book, and they were witnesses thereto: therefore fear not men, but fear me, and sell not my signs for a miserable price. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed, they are (no better than) Unbelievers.

          21:48 In the past We granted to Moses and Aaron the criterion (for       judgment), and a Light and a Message for those who would do right,-

 

5:46 And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel: therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him: a guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah.

 

2:58 And remember We said: "Enter this town, and eat of the plenty therein as ye wish; but enter the gate with humility, in posture and in words, and We shall forgive you your faults and increase (the portion of) those who do good."  2:59 But the transgressors changed the word from that which had been given them; so We sent on the transgressors a plague from heaven, for that they infringed (Our command) repeatedly.

 

QUR’AN

 

REVELATION:

 

25:6 Say: "The (Qur'an) was sent down by Him who knows the mystery (that is) in the heavens and the earth: verily He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

          27:6 As to thee, the Qur'an is bestowed upon thee from the presence of    one who is wise and all-knowing.

 

42:51 It is not fitting for a man that Allah should speak to him except by inspiration, or from behind a veil, or by the sending of a messenger to reveal, with Allah's permission, what Allah wills: for He is Most High, Most Wise.

 

42:52 And thus have We, by Our Command, sent inspiration to thee: thou knewest not (before) what was Revelation, and what was Faith; but We have made the (Qur'an) a Light, wherewith We guide such of Our servants as We will; and verily thou dost guide (men) to the Straight Way,-

 

2:185 Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong).

 

96:1 Proclaim! (or read!) in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created- 96:2 Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood: 96:3 Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful,- 96:4 He Who taught (the use of) the pen,- 96:5 Taught man that which he knew not.

 

1:1 In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. 1:2 Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds; 1:3 Most Gracious, Most Merciful;

1:4 Master of the Day of Judgment. 1:5 Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek. 1:6 Show us the straight way, 1:7 The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray.

 

53:4 It is no less than inspiration sent down to him: 53:2 Your Companion is neither astray nor being misled. 53:3 Nor does he say (aught) of (his own) Desire. 53:4 It is no less than inspiration sent down to him: 53:5 He was taught by one Mighty in Power, 53:6 Endued with Wisdom:

 

7:157 "Those who follow the apostle, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (scriptures),- in the law and the Gospel;- for he commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure); He releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. So it is those who believe in him, honour him, help him, and follow the light which is sent down with him,- it is they who will prosper."

 

12:2 We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur'an, in order that ye may learn wisdom.

          39:28 (It is) a Qur'an in Arabic, without any crookedness (therein): in       order that they may guard against Evil.

          41:3 A Book, whereof the verses are explained in detail;- a Qur'an in        Arabic, for people who understand;-

 

15:9 We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption).

 

75:16 Move not thy tongue concerning the (Qur'an) to make haste therewith. 75:17 It is for Us to collect it and to promulgate it: 75:18 But when We have promulgated it, follow thou its recital (as promulgated): 75:19 Nay more, it is for Us to explain it (and make it clear):

          20:114 High above all is Allah, the King, the Truth! Be not in haste with    the Qur'an before its revelation to thee is completed, but say, "O my Lord! advance me in knowledge."

 

17:106 (It is) a Qur'an which We have divided (into parts from time to time), in order that thou mightest recite it to men at intervals: We have revealed it by stages.

          25:32 Those who reject Faith say: "Why is not the Qur'an revealed to him           all at once? Thus (is it revealed), that We may strengthen thy heart       thereby, and We have rehearsed it to thee in slow, well-arranged stages,        gradually.

 

 

PROPHET’S POSITION

 

5:67 O Messenger. proclaim the (message) which hath been sent to thee from thy Lord. If thou didst not, thou wouldst not have fulfilled and proclaimed His mission. And Allah will defend thee from men (who mean mischief). For Allah guideth not those who reject Faith.

 

11:12 Perchance thou mayest (feel the inclination) to give up a part of what is revealed unto thee, and thy heart feeleth straitened lest they say, "Why is not a treasure sent down unto him, or why does not an angel come down with him?" But thou art there only to warn! It is Allah that arrangeth all affairs!

 

10:15 But when Our Clear Signs are rehearsed unto them, those who rest not their hope on their meeting with Us, Say: "Bring us a reading other than this, or change this," Say: "It is not for me, of my own accord, to change it: I follow naught but what is revealed unto me: if I were to disobey my Lord, I should myself fear the penalty of a Great Day (to come)."

 

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:

 

3:3 It is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion (of judgment between right and wrong).

          27:76 Verily this Qur'an doth explain to the Children of Israel most of the matters in which they disagree.

 

15:1 A. L. R. These are the Ayats of Revelation,- of a Qur'an that makes things clear.

          27:1 These are verses of the Qur'an,-a book that makes (things) clear;

 

14:1 A. L. R. A Book which We have revealed unto thee, in order that thou mightest lead mankind out of the depths of darkness into light - by the leave of their Lord - to the Way of (Him) the Exalted in power, worthy of all praise!-

 

18:54 We have explained in detail in this Qur'an, for the benefit of mankind, every kind of similitude: but man is, in most things, contentious.

          39:27 We have put forth for men, in this Qur'an every kind of Parable, in          order that they may receive admonition.

 

17:9 Verily this Qur'an doth guide to that which is most right (or stable), and giveth the Glad Tidings to the Believers who work deeds of righteousness, that they shall have a magnificent reward;

 

17:41 We have explained (things) in various (ways) in this Qur'an, in order that they may receive admonition, but it only increases their flight (from the Truth)!

          38:1 Sad: By the Qur'an, Full of Admonition: (This is the Truth).

 

17:82 We send down (stage by stage) in the Qur'an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe: to the unjust it causes nothing but loss after loss.

 

17:105 We sent down the (Qur'an) in Truth, and in Truth has it descended: and We sent thee but to give Glad Tidings and to warn (sinners).

 

19:97 So have We made the (Qur'an) easy in thine own tongue, that with it thou mayest give Glad Tidings to the righteous, and warnings to people given to contention.

          54:17 And We have indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and        remember: then is there any that will receive admonition?

 

20:113 Thus have We sent this down - an arabic Qur'an - and explained therein in detail some of the warnings, in order that they may fear Allah, or that it may cause their remembrance (of Him).

 

21:106 Verily in this (Qur'an) is a Message for people who would (truly) worship Allah.

 

41:42 No falsehood can approach it from before or behind it: It is sent down by One Full of Wisdom, Worthy of all Praise.

 

22:54 And that those on whom knowledge has been bestowed may learn that the (Qur'an) is the Truth from thy Lord, and that they may believe therein, and their hearts may be made humbly (open) to it: for verily Allah is the Guide of those who believe, to the Straight Way.

 

43:44 The (Qur'an) is indeed the message, for thee and for thy people; and soon shall ye (all) be brought to account.

 

46:29 Behold, We turned towards thee a company of Jinns (quietly) listening to the Qur'an: when they stood in the presence thereof, they said, "Listen in silence!" When the (reading) was finished, they returned to their people, to warn (them of their sins).

          (also see 72:1-3)

 

46:30 They said, "O our people! We have heard a Book revealed after Moses, confirming what came before it: it guides (men) to the Truth and to a Straight Path.

 

41:44 Had We sent this as a Qur'an (in the language) other than Arabic, they would have said: "Why are not its verses explained in detail? What! (a Book) not in Arabic and (a Messenger) an Arab?" Say: "It is a Guide and a Healing to those who believe; and for those who believe not, there is a deafness in their ears, and it is blindness in their (eyes): They are (as it were) being called from a place far distant!"

          47:24 Do they not then earnestly seek to understand the Qur'an, or          are their hearts locked up by them?

          21:45 Say, "I do but warn you according to revelation": But the deaf will not hear the call, (even) when they are warned!

          13:19 Is then one who doth know that that which hath been revealed       unto thee from thy Lord is the Truth, like one who is blind? It is those who are endued with understanding that receive admonition;-

          13:31 If there were a Qur'an with which mountains were moved, or the    earth were cloven asunder, or the dead were made to speak, (this would          be the one!) But, truly, the command is with Allah in all things! Do not the       Believers know, that, had Allah (so) willed, He could have guided all           mankind (to the right)?

 

50:1 Qaf; By the Glorious Qur'an (Thou art Allah's Messenger).

 

43:4 And verily, it is in the Mother of the Book, in Our Presence, high (in dignity), full of wisdom.

 

16:98 When thou dost read the Qur'an, seek Allah's protection from Satan the rejected one.

          7:204 When the Qur'an is read, listen to it with attention, and hold your    peace: that ye may receive Mercy.

          5:83 And when they listen to the revelation received by the Messenger,     thou wilt see their eyes overflowing with tears, for they recognise the   truth: they pray: "Our Lord! we believe; write us down among the    witnesses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Verses related to Torah and Injeel
1. that they are source of light and guidance
2. that there might be some changes
2. The Qur’an
1. The source and base of the religion of Islam
2. starting of the revelation, Mekkan & Medinan periods
3. authenticity and preservation
4. its message: four basic issues
5. its miracles: eloquence, news from past and future, etc. (the rhetorical, legislative, scientific, and historical aspects)
6. method of education of the society
7. Qur’an and science
8.  

 

 

 

THE HOLY QUR’AN

 

The Holy Qur'an, its Virtue, its Status and its Being a Source of Legislation

The Holy Qur'an is Allah's Word through which He expressed His orders and instructions. It is raised above any possible description. The Holy Qur'an was descended upon the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) as a revelation, and was accepted by the believers as being the essence of truth. Moreover, the believers believe that it is the Word of Allah and not the words of any of His creatures. Thus, whosoever listens to it and claims that it is the words of a human being becomes a disbeliever.

 

Allah described the Qur'an in the following verses: "And verily, it is an honourable well-fortified respected Book (because it is Allâh's Speech, and He has protected it from corruption). Falsehood cannot come to it from before it or behind it: (it is) sent down by the All-Wise, Worthy of all praise (Allâh). (41:41,42). The Qur'an was also described by Allah in this verse: "(This is) a Book, the Verses whereof are perfected (in every sphere of knowledge), and then explained in detail from One (Allâh), Who is All-Wise Well-Acquainted (with all things). (11:1)

 

In fact, the verses of the Holy Qur'an are very accurate, clear and obvious; they are perfected by the All-Wise and detailed by the All-Aware. This Qur'an will remain a miraculous Book with regard to the rhetorical, legislative, scientific, and historical aspects. It will remain unchallengeable in these and other aspects till the end of the world. It is preserved from the least kind of distortion; as Allah [may He be Glorified] said: "Verily, We, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur'ân) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption). (15:9)

 

The world as a whole has not got such a conclusive and comprehensive book as the Holy Qur'an, that contains all kinds of goodness, all the methods for guiding humanity to the straight path and all the means of happiness of humankind in the life of this world and in the Hereafter. Allah [may He be Glorified] said: "Verily, this Qur'ân guides to that which is most just and right and gives glad tidings to the believers (in the Oneness of Allâh and His Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him)) who work deeds of righteousness, that they shall have a great reward (Paradise). (17:9)

 

The Holy Qur'an was revealed by Allah to his Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) in order to lead the people out of the darkness of ignorance and polytheism to the light of guidance and monotheism. He [may He be Glorified] said: "(This is) a Book which We have revealed unto you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) in order that you might lead mankind out of darkness (of disbelief and polytheism) into light (of belief in the Oneness of Allâh and Islâmic Monotheism) by their Lord's Leave to the Path of the All-Mighty, the Owner of all Praise". (14:1)

 

Through the Holy Qur'an Allah [may He be Glorified] recovered the eyes blinded from seeing the truth, the ears deafened from listening to the truth and the hearts sealed and hindered from assimilating the reality. Through the Holy Qur'an, Allah promised happiness for Muslims in this world and in the Hereafter if they recite it in the way ordained by Allah, understand its Surahs and verses, comprehend its sentences and the words, consider the limits of Allah included therein, follow its orders, refrain from its prohibitions, adjust their way of life in accordance with the legislation included therein and apply its principles and values to themselves, their families and the communities in which they live. Allah [may He be Glorified] said: "Those (who embraced Islâm from Banî Israel) to whom We gave the Book [the Taurât (Torah)] [or those (Muhammad's (peace be upon him) companions) to whom We have given the Book (the Qur'ân)] recite it (i.e. obey its orders and follow its teachings) as it should be recited (i.e. followed), they are the ones that believe therein. And whoso disbelieve in it (the Qur'ân), those are they who are the losers). (2:121)

 

Ibn 'Abbas said that this verse means: "Those are the people who follow the Holy Qur'an the way it should be followed. They regard the unlawful included therein as unlawful and the lawful as lawful. They do not change the words from their (right) places."

 

Qatadah said: "The reference in the verse is to the companions of Muhammad (peace be upon him) who believe in the Book of Allah [i.e. the Holy Qur'an], confirm this belief in their hearts, consider its lawful as lawful and its unlawful as unlawful and act according to the instructions included therein".

 

That is why the Jinn were impressed with the Holy Qur'an when they heard it. Their hearts were filled with its love and they hastened to call their people to believe in that Glorious Book. Allah [may He be Glorified] said: "Say (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)): "It has been revealed to me that a group (from three to ten in number) of jinn listened (to this Qur'ân). They said: 'Verily, we have heard a wonderful Recitation (this Qur'ân)! 'It guides to the Right Path, and we have believed therein, and we shall never join (in worship) anything with our Lord (Allâh). 'And He, exalted be the Majesty of our Lord, has taken neither a wife nor a son (or offspring or children). (72:1-3) In another place, Allah described the reaction of the Jinn when they heard the recitation of the Holy Qur'an. He [may He be Glorified] said: (They said: "O our people! Verily, we have heard a Book (this Qur'ân) sent down after Mûsâ (Moses), confirming what came before it: it guides to the truth and to a Straight Path (i.e. Islâm). O our people! Respond (with obedience) to Allâh's Caller (i.e. Allâh's Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him)), and believe in him (i.e. believe in that which Muhammad (peace be upon him) has brought from Allâh and follow him). He (Allâh) will forgive you of your sins, and will save you from a painful torment (i.e. Hell-fire)." (46:30,31)

 

Because of all this, the Qur'an is superior to all the previous divine books. Allah [may He be Glorified] said: "And verily, it (this Qur'ân) is in the Mother of the Book (i.e. Al-Lauh Al-Mahfûz), with Us, indeed exalted, full of wisdom)." (43:4) In another verse He [may He be Glorified] said: "And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) the Book (this Qur'ân) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and Muhaymin (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over it (old Scriptures)." (5:48)

 

The commentators of the Holy Qur'an said that the superiority of the Holy Qur'an to the rest of the divine books – though all of them are from Allah – results from many things. The first advantage is that the number of its Surahs is more than the number of the Surahs in the other heavenly books. It is reported in a sound Hadith that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was privileged with Surat Al-Fatihah and the concluding verses of Surat Al-Baqarah. On the other hand, Ad-Darami narrated in his Musnad on the authority of 'Abdullah bin Mas'ûd (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: "The long seven Surahs of the Holy Qur'an are equal to the Torah, the Mi'un Surahs are equal to the Gospel, the Mathani Surahs are equal to the Psalms and above all this, the Holy Qur'an is superior to all heavenly books". Imam Ahmed and At-Tabarani narrated on the authority of Wathilah bin Al-Asqa' that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "I have been given the long seven Surahs instead of the Torah, I have been given the Mi'un Surahs instead of the Psalms, I have been given the Mathani Surahs instead of the Gospel and I have been privileged with the Mufassal portion". [Musnad Al-Imam Ahmed 2/107].

 

The long seven Surahs are six, starting from Surat Al-Baqarah and ending with Surat Al-A'râf. The scholars differed regarding the seventh long Surah, whether it is Al-Anfâl and At-Taubah together as there is no Basmalah to separate between them and thus making Al-Anfâl and At-Taubah as only Surah or it is Surat Yunus. The Mi'un Surahs are those containing one hundred verses each or more. The Mathani (oft-repeated) Surahs are of less than one hundred verses. They are called Mathani because they are repeated again and again more than the seven long Surahs and the Surahs containing one hundred verses. The Mufassal portion contains the short Surahs that come next to the Mathani Surahs. There is a difference among the scholars as regards the beginning of the Mufassal Surahs. Some said that they start from Surat As-Safât and others said that they start from Surat Al-Fath. A third group said that they start from Surat Al-Hujurat and others said that they start from Surat Qaf. This last opinion is preferred by the two Hafizs i.e. Ibn Kathîr and Ibn Hajar. There are other opinions in this regard. However, they agreed that the end of the Mufassal Surahs is the last Surah of the Holy Qur'an, i.e. Surat An-Nas.

 

From the characteristics of the Holy Qur'an is its miraculous style. Though all the heavenly books are miraculous in these aspects; narrating the news of the unseen and detailing the rulings and judgements, however they do not contain the extraordinary method by which the Holy Qur'an is distinguished. Allah [may He be Glorified] said: "And Verily, it (this Qur'ân) is in the Mother of the Book (i.e. Al-Lauh Al-Mahfûz), with Us, indeed exalted, full of wisdom). (43:4). There is another proof confirming this fact in the Holy Qur'an and that is in Allah's [may He be Glorified] saying: (You [true believers in Islâmic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)) and his Sunnah] are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind)" (3:110). Al-Hafiz Ibn Kathîr said that the Muslim Nation achieved this priority by virtue of the blessings of the Holy Qur'an, which Allah [may He be Glorified] preferred to all the revealed books, made it superior and Muhaymin (trustworthy in highness and a witness) of them and to abrogate and conclude them all. It is also worth mentioning that the other revealed books were revealed at once and not gradually in stages like the Holy Qur'an, which denotes the great care and interest attached to the Qur'an and to the Prophet Muhammad, upon whom it was descended. Every time a portion of the Holy Qur'an was revealed, it was equivalent to the revelation of a complete book from among the previously revealed ones. [The Virtues of the Holy Qur'an by Al-Hafiz Ibn Kathîr. pp. 102,103]

 

This blessed Book, i.e. the Qur'an, stated many of the cosmic scientific facts in the context of proving the existence of Allah. Allah [may He be Glorified] said: "And We have made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?" (21:30) The Qur'an also urged us to benefit from every conceivable thing in this life. He [may He be Glorified] said: "Say: "Behold all that is in the heavens and the earth,"" (10:101) In another verse Allah [Exalted and Glorified be He] said: "And He has subjected to you all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth; it is all as a favour and kindness from Him. Verily, in it are signs for a people who think deeply." (45:13)

 

So, it is the duty of the Muslims to contemplate the miracles of the universe and not to deprive themselves of the benefits of enjoying the fruits of these mighty powers which Allah has put in the stores of His heavens and His earth.

 

It is true that the talk about the Holy Qur'an may never end. It is the Book that cultivated the love of justice and consultation in the hearts of the Muslims and made them hate injustice and despotism. The motto of those who follow the Qur'an is: the strong faith, self-denial, altruism and mutual mercy.

 

Let us dedicate our time to the Holy Qur'an, reciting it, understanding it, acting according to its instructions and memorizing it. This is the attitude of the believers, described by Allah [may He be Glorified] in the Qur'an as follows: "Verily, those who recite the Book of Allâh (this Qur'ân), and perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and spend (in charity) out of what We have provided for them, secretly and openly, hope for a (sure) trade-gain that will never perish. That He may pay them their wages in full, and give them (even) more, out of His Grace. Verily He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Ready to appreciate (good deeds and to recompense)." (35: 29,30)

 

In these two verses Allah [Exalted and Glorified be He] praises those who recite His Book and combine their recitation with contemplation resulting in awareness and feeling. Undoubtedly, feeling and sensitivity lead the one reciting the Holy Qur'an to act according to the rulings of the verses he recites.

 

For this reason Allah [Exalted and Glorified be He] followed up the recitation of the Holy Qur'an with the establishment of prayer, spending secretly and publicly from the blessings of Allah and then with the hope for trade-gain that will never perish. The believers believe that the reward of Allah [may He be Glorified] is better than the property they spend. Moreover, they engage in the trade that will be the reason for getting their reward and more from the Grace of Allah as verily He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Ready to appreciate, the One who forgives the shortcomings and rewards the good deeds.

 

So, it is imperative to read the Holy Qur'an with contemplation in order to comprehend the Qur'anic sentences accurately. But if the reader is unable to understand anything from the Holy Qur'an, he has to ask the people specialized in the field concerned. Allah [may He be Glorified] said: "So ask (you, O pagans of Makkah) of those who know the Scripture [learned men of the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] if you know not)." (16:43) Studying the Holy Qur'an is recommendable in all times. On the authority of Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "No people gather together in one of the Houses of Allah [i.e. the Mosques] reciting the Book of Allah and studying it among themselves, but tranquillity will descend upon them, mercy will envelop them, the angels will surround them, and Allah will make mention of them amongst those who are with Him. Whoever is slowed down by his actions will not be hastened forward by his lineage." [Sahih Muslim, Hadith no.2699]. It is not a must to recite the Qur'an in the mosque in order to attain reward. This is confirmed by the Prophet's Hadith: "No people gather together remembering Allah [Exalted and Glorified be He] without the angels surrounding them...," So, if they gather in a place other than the mosque and recite the Holy Qur'an and remember Allah, they will obtain the same reward and virtues as gathering and reciting the Qur'an in the mosque. The phrase "the House of Allah" in the Hadith is not a restriction to a specific place, rather it denotes what the people are accustomed to. Based on this, gathering for reciting and studying the Book of Allah and learning the basics of religion as well as comprehending the rulings and wisdoms interspersed in the verses in any place, whether it is the mosque or any other place, is rewarded with the best rewards. However, gathering in the mosque is better than gathering in any other place, because of the blessings and the virtues of the mosque, which are not found elsewhere.

 

On the authority of 'Abdullah Ibn Mas'ûd (may Allah be pleased with him) who said that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "He who reads a single letter from the Book of Allah will have one good deed as a reward and every single good deed will be equated to ten good deeds. I do not consider "Alif-Lam-Mîm" as only one letter but "Alif" is a letter, "Lam" is another letter, and "Mîm" is a third letter" [Narrated by At-Tirmidhi, Hadith no.3075]

 

On the authority of 'Uthman bin 'Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) who said that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "The best in reward among you is the one who learnt and memorized the Holy Qur'an and thereafter taught it to other people" [Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith no. 4793]. This is a concrete evidence of the virtue and the blessing of learning the Holy Qur'an and teaching it. It is also an encouraging approach towards the process of studying and memorizing the Book of Allah. Sufyan Ath-Thauri was asked about the best thing for the Muslim to do; to strive with the sword in the cause of Allah or to read the Holy Qur'an. He said that it is better for the Muslim to read the Holy Qur'an because the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "The best among you is the one who learnt and memorized the Holy Qur'an and thereafter taught it to other people". Furthermore, Imam Abu 'Abdur-Rahman As-Salmi stayed in Al-Kufa mosque for forty years teaching the Holy Qur'an. Whenever he remembered the above mentioned Hadith he said that this Hadith was the main reason behind his stay in the mosque teaching the Holy Qur'an.

 

Al-Hafiz Ibn Kathir in his book atitled "The Virtues of the Holy Qur'an" pp.126,127 said that the main idea of the above Hadith is that the Prophet (peace be upon him) described the best of the Muslims as the one who learns the Holy Qur'an and thereafter teaches it other people. Ibn Kathir stressed that these are the qualities of the believers who follow the Messengers (peace be upon them all). The believers are those who are perfect in their personality and who endeavour all the time to make others attain perfection and thus they obtain benefits for themselves and cause benefit for others. This description of the believers is contrary to the description of the disbelievers who neither benefit anyone nor let others strive to obtain their own benefits. Allah said: "Those who disbelieved and hinder (men) from the Path of Allâh, for them We will add torment over the torment because they used to spread corruption [by disobeying Allâh themselves, as well as ordering others (mankind) to do so]." (16:88) In another verse Allah said: "And they prevent others from him (from following Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)) and they themselves keep away from him, and (by doing so) they destroy not but their ownselves, yet they perceive (it) not." (6:26) The most correct interpretation of this verse is that it was revealed concerning those who prevent people from following the Holy Qur'an and at the same time they refrain from following it. Thus, they combine both belying the Qur'an and hindering people from following it. Allah said: "Who then does more wrong than one who rejects the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh and turns away therefrom?." (6:157) This is the description of the disbelievers, which is in contradiction to the description of the believers who strive to perfect themselves and try to make others attain perfection as mentioned in the Hadith of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). Allah described this best kind of people in this verse: "And who is better in speech than he who [says: "My Lord is Allâh (believes in His Oneness)," and then stands firm (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men) to Allâh's (Islâmic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: "I am one of the Muslims."" (41:33) This kind of personage mentioned in the verse combines the qualities of inviting people for the way of Allah, through proclaiming Adhan (the call to prayer) or by any other means such as teaching the Holy Qur'an, the Hadith of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), the Islamic law, and other branches of knowledge which are performed for the sake of Allah and the performance of good in word and deed. Thus, none will be better than such kind of personage.

 

As Allah's Mercy includes those who recite His Book and follow the commandments included therein, it also overwhelms those who listen to it. Allah [may He be Glorified] said: "The believers are only those who, when Allâh is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses (this Qur'ân) are recited unto them, they (i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord (Alone); Who perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât) and spend out of that We have provided them. It is they who are the believers in truth. For them are grades of dignity with their Lord, and Forgiveness and a generous provision (Paradise)." (8:2-4)

 

'Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said to me: recite the Qur'an for me. He asked: Messenger of Allah, (how) should I recite to you whereas it has been sent down to you? He (the Holy Prophet) said: I desire to hear it from someone else. So I recited surah Al-Nisa' till I reached the verse: (How then shall it be when We shall bring from every people a witness and bring you against them as a witness?) I lifted my head, or a person touched me in side, and so I lifted my head and saw his (the Prophet's) tears falling. [Narrated by Al-Bukhari, Hadith no.4582 and by Muslim, Hadith no.800, and by Abu Dawûd, Hadith no.3668]

 

Imam An-Nawawi said that there are a lot of benefits in this Hadith. The first one is the desirability of listening to the Holy Qur'an attentively, weeping while listening to it and pondering over the meanings of its verses. The second benefit is the desirability of asking others to recite the Holy Qur'an for the person which is more impressive than reading by oneself.

 

Therefore, it is the duty of every Muslim to recognize the right of the Holy Qur'an and consider its limits. It is also one's duty to abide by the rules of religion during listening to the Holy Qur'an and to follow the way of the Salaf (Righteous Predecessors) in reading the Holy Qur'an as they are the guiding stars that should be followed and imitated in every aspect of life. They were the best examples to be followed in their perfect submission to Allah and in their impression by the meanings of the Holy Qur'an. They had strong belief in Allah's saying: "And truly, this (the Qur'ân) is a revelation from the Lord of the 'Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists), Which the trustworthy Rûh [Jibrîl (Gabriel)] has brought down Upon your heart (O Muhammad (peace be upon him) that you may be (one) of the warners, In the plain Arabic language)." [26:192-95]

 

It is true that the Holy Qur'an, its words and meanings, is from Allah. It is the heavenly legislation for all people and creatures, the first and the foremost source for the religious matters of Muslims, the judge solving all the problems and that which gives the final decision in all affairs. It is worth mentioning that the rulings in the Holy Qur'an did not descend at once, but came gradually, in stages during the time of the Message. Some of these rulings aimed at strengthening the heart and the faith of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and some aimed at supplying the Muslim Nation with knowledge and action. Still others were revealed on the occasions of some events that happened to the Muslims in their daily life in different times and places. Whenever something happened, certain portions of the Qur'an were to be revealed to give ample clarification and Allah's judgement with regard to it. These included juridical cases and historical events that used to take place in the nascent Muslim community during the era when legislation was in its formative stage. An instance of that was the case regarding alcohol drinking

 

Imam Ahmad narrated on the authority of Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) came to Madinah at a time when people were drinking wine and earning money by means of gambling. When they asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) about that the following verse was revealed: "They ask you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him) concerning alcoholic drink and gambling. Say: "In them is a great sin, and (some) benefit for men, but the sin of them is greater than their benefit"" (2:219) When this verse was revealed, people understood that the verse did not include a clear prohibition, rather it illustrated the harms and the sins incurred by them both. They continued drinking alcohol till a day when a man from the immigrants led the Maghrib (sunset) prayer and, having drunk alcohol, committed a lot of mistakes in recitation. Then, another verse, which is somehow more strict than the above was revealed. Allah [may He be Glorified] said: "O you who believe! Approach not As-Salât (the prayer) when you are in a drunken state until you know (the meaning) of what you utter)." (4:43) People continued to drink alcohol except before prayers, in order to come to the prayer in full senses. Then the following verse was revealed: "O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), and gambling, and Al-Ansâb, and Al-Azlâm (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaitân's (Satan) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful. Shaitân (Satan) wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants (alcoholic drinks) and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allâh and from As-Salât (the prayer). So, will you not then abstain?". (5:90)

 

When this last verse was revealed all the Muslims said: "We abstain O our Lord". Some people asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) about the condition of those who were used to drink alcohol and practice gambling and died before that prohibition. Then, the following verse was revealed: "Those who believe and do righteous good deeds, there is no sin on them for what they ate (in the past), if they fear Allâh (by keeping away from His forbidden things), and believe and do righteous good deeds, and again fear Allâh and believe, and once again fear Allâh and do good deeds with Ihsân (perfection). And Allâh loves the good-doers)." (5:93) Thereupon, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said to his Companions: "If it was made unlawful for them they would have abstained from them as you did." [Musnad Al-Imam Ahmad, 2/351,352]. On the authority of Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) who said that he was the cupbearer in the house of Abu Talhah. When alcohol was prohibited, an announcer was ordered (by the Prophet) to declare its prohibition among people. Abu Talhah asked Anas to go out to investigate the matter. When Anas told him about the prohibition of alcohol, Abu Talhah ordered Anas to spill all the alcohol they had. Anas said that the streets of Madinah were streaming with alcohol because all the people spilt out their alcohol, which was known as Fadîkh. Some people talked about the fate of those who died before it was made unlawful and used to drink it. Then, this verse was revealed: "Those who believe and do righteous good deeds, there is no sin on them for what they ate (in the past), if they fear Allâh (by keeping away from His forbidden things), and believe and do righteous good deeds, and again fear Allâh and believe, and once again fear Allâh and do good deeds with Ihsân (perfection)." (5:93)

 

From all what is said above we can conclude that the prohibition of alcohol was made gradually in three stages. The first stage was when this verse was revealed: "They ask you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him) concerning alcoholic drink and gambling. Say: "In them is a great sin, and (some) benefit for men, but the sin of them is greater than their benefit"" (2:219). Though this was not a decisive prohibition, those of strong faith managed to give up drinking alcohol. Then, 'Umar bin Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "O Allah give us a decisive ruling regarding alcohol". Then, this verse was revealed: "O you who believe! Approach not As-Salât (the prayer) when you are in a drunken state until you know (the meaning) of what you utter." (4:43) Afterwards, Muslims continued drinking alcohol and only avoided it at the times they apprehended that the effect of intoxication would last till the time of prayer. Then, 'Umar bin Al-Khattab said: "O Allah give us a decisive ruling regarding alcohol". Then these two verses were revealed: "O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), and gambling, and Al-Ansâb, and Al-Azlâm (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaitân's (Satan) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful. Shaitân (Satan) wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants (alcoholic drinks) and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allâh and from As-Salât (the prayer). So, will you not then abstain?" (5:90) Upon listening to these two verses, 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "We have abstained."

 

The aim of gradual legislation was to purify the Muslim Nation from all the bad traditions and abominable habits that opposed the law of Allah and to perfect the Muslims with the virtues of forgiveness, patience, selflessness, love, trust, kind treatment of the neighbours, justice and many other good qualities.

 

Allah [may He be Glorified] is the sole Legislator for His servants. He [may He be Glorified] said: "The decision is only for Allâh, He declares the truth, and He is the Best of judges." (6:57) It is worth mentioning that He only legislates that which benefits people and bring about goodness and happiness in this world and in the Hereafter, regardless of whether the wisdom behind the legislation is perceived or not.

 

The Holy Qur'an is the first source for legislation, while the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is the second source. The scholars unanimously agreed on the authority of the Sunnah as a source of legislation beside the Holy Qur'an. Allah [may He be Glorified] said: "O you who believe! Obey Allâh and obey the Messenger (Muhammad (peace be upon him) and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allâh and His Messenger (peace be upon him), if you believe in Allâh and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination)." (4:59). In another verse Allah [may He be Glorified] said: "With clear signs and Books (We sent the Messengers). And We have also sent down unto you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) the Dhikr (reminder and the advice (i.e. the Qur'ân)] that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them, and that they may give thought." (16:44). In a third place He [may He be Glorified] said: "And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad (peace be upon him)) gives you, take it; and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it). And fear Allâh; verily, Allâh is Severe in punishment." (59:7)

 

In his book called I'lam Al-Miuwaqi'în 'An Rabel-'Alamîn [i.e. Informing those who give the Fatwas on behalf of the Lord of the worlds with the danger of their position] volume II, p.263, Imam Ibn Qiyim Al-Jawziyah defines the position of the Sunnah with regard to the Holy Qur'an saying: "The position of the Sunnah with respect to the Holy Qur'an is of three aspects. The first one is to be in accordance with the Holy Qur'an in all aspects and as a result the existence of the Sunnah with the Holy Qur'an in one issue will be of a reinforcing nature between the proofs. The second aspect is to be an explanation and manifestation of the rulings included in the Holy Qur'an. The third aspect of the position of the Sunnah to the Holy Qur'an is to clarify the obligations about which the Holy Qur'an kept silent and manifest the prohibitions, which are not explained in the Holy Qur'an. Bearing all this in mind, we can say that there is no contradiction between the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) rather they complement each other.

 

So, the role of the Sunnah is to emphasize what is mentioned in the Holy Qur'an of the rulings, explain the texts thereof, expound the abridged or initiate a ruling that is not mentioned in the Book of Allah. In spite of the important position of the Sunnah, we do not turn to the Sunnah in legislation except when the proof is not found in the Holy Qur'an. It is the Sunnah which explains to us that the number of prayers is five times a day, explains the number of Rak'as in every prayer, defines the essence of the alms giving, who is obliged to perform it, the shares thereof. It is the Sunnah that shows us the way of performing Hajj and 'Umrah and that the obligatory Hajj is once in one's lifetime. It is the Sunnah which shows the Miqats for Hajj and the number of the rounds around the Ka'bah.

 

Thus, it is the duty of everyone believing in the authority of the Holy Qur'an but renounces the Sunnah to hasten to renew his faith and to return to Allah [may He be Glorified]. Allah said: "And verily, I am indeed forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, and associates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good deeds, and then remains constant in doing them, (till his death)." (20:82)

 

So, both of the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) are revelations from Allah to His Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him). They are the two sources of legislation, which have guided man to his innate nature and made of him a human being who knows his real role in life, repeating this verse all the time: "All the praises and thanks be to Allâh, Who has guided us to this, and never could we have found guidance, were it not that Allâh had guided us!" (7:43)

 

May the blessings and peace of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, upon his family and upon his honourable companions (May Allah be pleased with them all)