Identifying a Divine Book (The Quran) from an adulterated one (The Bible)

Salam,

Below is a checklist as a guidance to verify how and what are the criteria to justify whether the Book is genuinely divine without corruption as compared to an adulterated one.

1.The Holy Books of God must be inspired and written by pious people.

It is stated and sustained in the Quran that the Book was inspired to only one man, Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh). It was through the Angel Gabriel that he received the oral inspiration which he memorized and put in a book form.

The Inspirations the Prophet received revealed through Gabriel is stated in the following verses of the Quran:

Say: Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel-for he brings down the (revelation) to thy heart by Allah's will, a confirmation of what went before and guidance and glad tidings for those who believe. (Surah 2:97)

And verily thy Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful. Verily this is a Revelation from the Lord of the Worlds: With it came down the spirit of Faith and Truth - To thy heart and mind, that thou mayest admonish in the perspicuous Arabic tongue. (Surah 26:191-195)

And the inspiration is then written in the form of a book even during the time of the Prophet Muhammad:

And they say: "Tales of the ancients, which he has caused to be written: and they are dictated before him morning and evening." (Surah 25:5)

By no means (should it be so)! For it is indeed a Message of instruction: Therefore let whoso will, keep it in remembrance. (It is) in Books held (greatly) in honor, Exalted (in dignity), kept pure and holy, (Written) by the hands of scribes- Honorable and Pious and Just. (Surah 80:11-16)

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

Allah has revealed (from time to time) the most beautiful Message in the form of a Book, consistent with itself, (yet) repeating (its teaching in various aspects): the skins of those who fear their Lord tremble thereat; then their skins and their hearts do soften to the celebration of Allah's praises. Such is the guidance of Allah: He guides therewith whom He pleases, but such as Allah leaves to stray, can have none to guide. (Surah 39:23)

The Message must be genuine and there is guaranty that no alteration is permitted in its original form. The Quran has this confirmation:

If thou bring them not a revelation, they say: "Why hast thou not got it together?" Say: "I but follow what is revealed to me from my Lord: this is (nothing but) lights from your Lord, and guidance, and mercy, for any who have faith." (Surah 7:203)

That this is verily the word of an honored apostle; It is not the word of a poet: little it is ye believe! Nor is it the word of a soothsayer: little admonition it is ye receive. (This is) a Message sent down from the Lord of the Worlds.  And if the apostle were to invent any sayings in Our name, We should certainly seize him by his right hand, And We should certainly then cut off the artery of his heart: Nor could any of you withhold him (from Our wrath).But verily this is a Message for the God fearing. And We certainly know that there are amongst you those that reject (it). But truly (Revelation) is a cause of sorrow for the Unbelievers. But verily it is truth of assured certainty. (Surah 69:40-51)

However the Bible gave a different narration on the origin of the book or books of its divination. It is claimed by the Christians that the Bible was inspired to many people and was written by human authors on a series of books that witnessed to God’s revelation of Himself through history. This cognition is taken from the Bible from the following verses as stated:  

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high: (Hebrews 1:1-3)

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (Colossians 1:15-20)

For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,  If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)  Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel. (Ephesians 3:1-6)

2.The criterion that the Holy Books must be without crookedness

A divine book must demonstrate the evidence of integrity in fineness of words and stories that it is suitable to be read basically all category groups of people and it must be free of deviousness. It is stated in the Quran this will not happen:

Praise be to Allah, Who hath sent to His Servant the Book, and hath allowed therein no crookedness: (He hath made it) straight (and clear) in order that He may warn (the godless) of a terrible punishment from Him, and that He may give glad tidings to the believers who work righteous deeds, that they shall have a goodly Reward. (Surah 18:1-2)

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

The word of thy Lord doth find its fulfillment in truth and in justice: None can change His words: for He is the one who heareth and knoweth all. (Surah 6:115)

"And Allah by His words doth prove and establish His truth, however much the sinners may hate it!" (Surah 10:82)

We do relate unto thee the most beautiful of stories, in that We reveal to thee this (portion of the) Qur'an: before this, thou too was among those who knew it not. (Surah 12:3)

Thus do We relate to thee some stories of what happened before: for We have sent thee a Message from Our own Presence. (Surah 20:99)

This fineness of words can then be compared how the statement on prostitution is being put into words in the Quran as compared to the Bible:

Let those who find not the wherewithal for marriage keep themselves chaste, until Allah gives them means out of His grace. And if any of your slaves ask for a deed in writing (to enable them to earn their freedom for a certain sum), give them such a deed if ye know any good in them: yea, give them something yourselves out of the means which Allah has given to you. But force not your maids to prostitution when they desire chastity, in order that ye may make a gain in the goods of this life. But if anyone compels them, yet, after such compulsion, is Allah, Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (to them), (Surah 24:33)

On the contrary in the Bible there are examples of not only filthiness of words used but the message is in conflict and incriminate the true moral character of the prophets of God who represents Him in this world. The following is an example of the Prophet Lut:

And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.  And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yester night with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.

(Genesis 19:33-35)

And in another example, it is unimaginable to acknowledge that this is what God says about prostitution in a divine Book as nearly the whole of Chapter 16 of the Book of Ezekiel is about prostitution and it is very unusual for a religious book to be so. Some examples are stated in verses 36 and 37:

Thus saith the Lord God; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy abominations, and by the blood of thy children, which thou didst give unto them; Behold, therefore I will gather all thy lovers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all them that thou hast loved, with all them that thou hast hated; I will even gather them roundabout against thee, and will discover thy nakedness unto them, that they may see all thy nakedness.

3.The messages of the Holy Books must be preserved

There are many ways a message can be preserved and one of it is that the book is to be preserved in its original language and the Quran is still preserved in the original Arabic language and has not been altered since and it is memorized by many Muslims all over the world:

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

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

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

The revelation of this Book is from Allah, the Exalted in Power, full of Wisdom. Verily it is We Who have revealed the Book to thee in Truth: so serve Allah, offering Him sincere devotion. (Surah 39:1-2)

Thus have We revealed it to be a judgment of authority in Arabic. Wert thou to follow their (vain) desires after the knowledge which hath reached thee, then wouldst thou find neither protector nor defender against Allah. (Surah 13:37)

That We might make it a Message unto you, and that ears (that should hear the tale and) retain its memory should bear its (lessons) in remembrance.

(Surah 69:12)

By degrees shall We teach thee to declare (the Message), so thou shalt not forget, except as Allah wills: For He knoweth what is manifest and what is hidden. (Surah 87:6-7)

However it is not easy to find the Bible with the original texts as it can be found with the English translation of the Quran side by side with the Arabic text. The Old Testament was written for the most part in Hebrew, a few sections were written in Aramaic. The whole of the Old Testament was translated into Greek about 200 years before Christ (known as the Septuagint). The Septuagint was used by Christian missionaries among Greek speaking pagans. The whole of the New Testament was written in Greek and as long as Greek remained the dominant language the Bible then was referred in that language. Now English is the dominant language and the reference of the Bible is made in this language. 

Among the English speaking Protestant Christians the most influential translation is the Authorized King James Version completed in 1611. And from this version it is translated to many other languages of the world, meaning the Bible would not have maintained its original message as the original meaning in the original language of the Bible have shifted many times from Hebrew to Latin, then to Greek and in the modern era, to English.

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According to King James Version in each of the books’ synopsis out of 39 books in the Old Testament 10 of the books were written by unknown authors – the books are Judges, Ruth, 1and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Esther and Job. While the New Testament with 27 books according to the synopsis in the Book of Hebrews it is stated that the author is uncertain. It can be concluded that it is impossible to reconcile the truth when the source is with doubtful origin.

4. The Holy Books must be consistent in itself and without contradiction

The Quran is consistent with no contradiction and if a close study of the message is undertaken there is no conflicting content whatsoever and in the message God even call a challenge to strengthen this status:

Allah has revealed (from time to time) the most beautiful Message in the form of a Book, consistent with itself, (yet) repeating (its teaching in various aspects): the skins of those who fear their Lord tremble thereat; then their skins and their hearts do soften to the celebration of Allah's praises. Such is the guidance of Allah: He guides there with whom He pleases, but such as Allah leaves to stray, can have none to guide. (Surah 39:23)

Do they not consider the Qur'an (with care)? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy. (Surah 4:82)

Or they may say, "He forged it," Say, "Bring ye then ten chapters forged, like unto it, and call (to your aid) whomsoever ye can, other than Allah! If ye speak the truth! "If then they (your false gods) answer not your (call), know ye that this revelation is sent down (replete) with the knowledge of Allah, and that there is no god but He! Will ye even then submit (to Islam)?" (Surah 11:13-14)

The description of the attributes of God in a divine book should not cause any doubt or to be questionable especially in term of His Strength which the Quran describes:

We created the heavens and the earth and all between them in Six Days, nor did any sense of weariness touch Us. (Surah 50:38)

Allah! There is no god but He, the Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him or sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth.

(Surah 2:255)

Another attribute is that God is not the source of evil but only good and so He did not command as an example, Abraham to slaughter his son. Abraham misinterpreted his dream that God command him to slaughter his son. Instead when he was about to perform it God commanded him to replace with an animal sacrifice. God only command to do good, evil comes from the Devil or human’s dark soul:

Whatever good, (O man!) happens to thee, is from Allah; but whatever evil happens to thee, is from thy (own) soul. and We have sent thee as a messenger to (instruct) mankind. And enough is Allah for a witness. (Surah 4:79)

When they do aught that is shameful, they say: "We found our fathers doing so"; and "Allah commanded us thus": Say: "Nay, Allah never commands what is shameful: do ye say of Allah what ye know not?" (Surah 7:28)

One of the important aspect in a divine book is God surely have a name and it is through the name that we are to call on Him and this is important to be stated in a divine book:

Say: "Call upon Allah (The God), or call upon Rahman (Most Gracious): by whatever name ye call upon Him, (it is well): for to Him belong the Most Beautiful Names….(Surah 17:110)

Blessed be the name of thy Lord, full of Majesty, Bounty and Honor.

(Surah 55:78)

However there are many questions and uncertainties that can be labeled at the Bible as a divine book free from contradiction and manipulation. Some examples are listed below:

With many books in the Bible and with many authors there are bound to be contradictions:

The examples stated in the Bible from various books in the number of horses belonging to Solomon and the correct age of Jehoichin.

And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem. (2Chonicles 9:25)

And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen. (I Kings 4:26)

Jehoiachin was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem: and he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord. (2 Chronicles 36:9)

Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. And his mother's name was Nehushta, the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem. (2 Kings 24:8)

The portrayal of God as the Almighty in the Bible has its restraint as described:

And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. (Genesis 2:2)

This limitation invites inquisitive and curious mind wondering what did God do when he rested? Doze a few hours? Lying down on the beach? Had a day dreaming?

Why did God in the Bible command Abraham to slaughter his son? Was not killing children a pagan ritual?

And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. (Genesis 22:2)

How about Jesus? The only “Begotten Son” being sacrificed for the sins of human kind?

And it appears that God in the Bible is shy to announce His names there are not many that Christians or Jews can call upon the names of God as compared to that of His names in the Quran. One example quoted in the Bible is stated below:

Thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God: (Exodus 34:14)

Have any Christians called on God by the above name in their prayer?

The Jews are reported even in worst situation as far as God’s name is concerned. Since the Middle Ages the name of God had become so sacred that it was never uttered. Even in classical times, as early as the Second Temple period only the high priest could pronounce the name of God and only once a year in prayer of the Day of Atonement. Once the Temple was destroyed in 70 A.D, no Jew ever uttered the name again. From that time to this the devout have avoided this word in the text of their Bible reading “Adonai” (The Lord) when they come to the word YHWH. Many orthodox go a step further, refusing even to say “Adonai” and substituting “ha-Shem” (Or The Name) instead.

This is where the Quran expose and make reform the errors of previous people that His servants must call upon Him by His Names as He declared of His Names are all good and shun names which is invented as stated:

The most beautiful names belong to Allah: so call on him by them; but shun such men as use profanity in his names: for what they do, they will soon be requited. (Surah 7:180)

5.The Holy Books must be described in detail and complete for the salvation of mankind

The Quran is a book of salvation and any who reads it, believe in it and make it into practice will have his salvation. It is God who confirmed that the Quran is very detail and is a complete book for salvation from the following verses:

There is not an animal (that lives) on the earth, or a being that flies on its wings, but (forms part of) communities like you. Nothing have we omitted from the Book, and they (all) shall be gathered to their Lord in the end. (Surah 6:38)

There is no necessity or need of other books to support the Quran as it is sent down complete and in detail for the human kind:

For We had certainly sent unto them a Book, based on knowledge, which We explained in detail, a guide and a mercy to all who believe. (Surah 7:52)

Say: "Shall I seek for judge other than Allah? - when He it is Who hath sent unto you the Book, explained in detail." They know full well, to whom We have given the Book that it hath been sent down from thy Lord in truth. Never be then of those who doubt. (Surah 6:114)

On the other hand, the Christian in particular the Catholic point of view on completeness of the Bible is based on their belief that God does continue to reveal himself to the world in the period after the Bible, although not in the form of biblical inspiration. He reveals himself in the Church through the Councils, through what Catholics called the “magisterium” or “teaching authority of the Popes and Bishops” and through the lives of our people. They believed all these priests are inspired by God! In the Catholic faith this has been called “Tradition.” It embraces all that long rich history of the Church when God’s Spirit was, in accord with Jesus’ promise, guiding them to all truth. The verse that they referred to is stated below: 

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (John 16:13)

Nevertheless it is worth mentioning that the Quran acknowledge the divinity of the scriptures of the people of the Book – the books of the Jews and the Christians provided they make their books as the guiding principles in their lives in this world but ultimately the Quran is the guardian over those scriptures in disclosing the truth about God and salvation in this world and the hereafter and this is clearly stated below:

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.  We ordained therein for them: "Life for life, eye for eye, nose or nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth, and wounds equal for equal." But if any one remits the retaliation by way of charity, it is an act of atonement for himself. And if any fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed, they are (No better than) wrong-doers. (Surah 5:44-45)

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. (Surah 5:46)

Let the people of the Gospel judge by what Allah hath revealed therein. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed, they are (no better than) those who rebel. (Surah 5:47)

To thee (Muhammad) We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety: so judge between them by what Allah hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging from the Truth that hath come to thee. To each among you have we prescribed a law and an open way. If Allah had so willed, He would have made you a single people, but (His plan is) to test you in what He hath given you: so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to Allah; it is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which ye dispute. And this (He commands): Judge thou between them by what Allah hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, but beware of them lest they beguile thee from any of that (teaching) which Allah hath sent down to thee. And if they turn away, be assured that for some of their crime it is Allah's purpose to punish them. And truly most men are rebellious. (Surah 5:48-49)

ASAR

Abraham sacrifice of his only son



Salam,

Human sacrifice is the act of killing one or more human beings as part of a religious ritual (ritual killing). Its typology closely parallels the various practices of ritual slaughter of animals and of religious sacrifice in general. Human sacrifice has been practiced in various cultures throughout history. Victims were typically ritually killed in a manner that was supposed to please or appease gods, spirits or the deceased, for example as a propitiatory offering, or as a retainer sacrifice when the King's servants are killed in order for them to continue to serve their master in the next life.

Sacrifice in Islam

An animal sacrifice in Arabic is called ḏabiḥa or Qurban. The term may have roots from the Jewish term Korban; in some places such as in Pakistan, qurbani is always used for Islamic animal sacrifice. In the Islamic context, an animal sacrifice referred to as ḏabiha meaning "sacrifice as a ritual" is offered only in Eid ul-Adha. The sacrificial animal may be a lamb, a sheep, a goat, a camel, or a cow. The animal must be healthy and conscious. “Therefore to the Lord turn in Prayer and Sacrifice. "(Surat Al-Kawthar) Quran, 108.2 Qurban is an Islamic prescription for the affluent to share their good fortune with the needy in the community. On the occasion of Eid ul Adha (Festival of Sacrifice), affluent Muslims all over the world perform the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) by sacrificing a cow or sheep. The meat is then divided into three equal parts. One part is retained by the person who performs the sacrifice. The second is given to his relatives. The third part is distributed to the poor. The Qur'an states that the sacrifice has nothing to do with the blood and gore (Qur'an 22:37: "It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches God. It is your piety that reaches Him..."). Qurban is done to help the poor and in remembrance of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael over a dream he had which he thought he had to fulfill.

Abraham offer his son for sacrifice

While many thought that it was God that command Abraham to sacrifice his only son Ismael, the evidences from the Quran strongly rejected this view as false since the Qur'an strongly condemns human sacrifice as well as killing of own children as a "grave error and sinful act" as stated in the following verses:

Kill not your children for fear of want: We shall provide sustenance for them as well as for you. Verily the killing of them is a great sin. (Surah 17:31)

Lost are those who slay their children, from folly, without knowledge, and forbid food which Allah hath provided for them, inventing (lies) against Allah. They have indeed gone astray and heeded no guidance. (Surah 6:140)

In the Quran any good comes from God and God commanded what is good for us and whatever we do of any evil deed comes from our own soul and thus there is no such command to do evil coming from God as stated in the following verse:

Whatever good, (O man!) happens to thee, is from Allah; but whatever evil happens to thee, is from thy (own) soul. And We have sent thee as a messenger to (instruct) mankind. And enough is Allah for a witness. (Surah 4:79)

When they do aught that is shameful, they say: "We found our fathers doing so"; and "Allah commanded us thus": Say: "Nay, Allah never commands what is shameful: do ye say of Allah what ye know not?" (Surah 7:28)

So in the case of Abraham he misinterpreted his dream when he offer his son to be sacrificed  that he thought comes from God and he ask the opinion to his child what he should do. The son was obviously willing to submit to his father to do what he thinks fit as described by the following verse of the Quran:

Then, when (the son) reached (the age of) (serious) work with him, he said: "O my son! I see in vision that I offer thee in sacrifice: Now see what is thy view!" (The son) said: "O my father! Do as thou art commanded: thou will find me, if Allah so wills one practicing patience and constancy!" (Surah 37:102)

However when Abraham was to manifest his dream to sacrifice his son God rescue him from doing the criminal act by substituting instead with an animal sacrifice: 

So when they had both submitted their wills, and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (for sacrifice), We called out to him "O Abraham! Thou hast already fulfilled the vision!" - Thus indeed do We reward those who do right. For this was obviously a trial- And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice:

(Surah 37:103-107)

God saved Abraham from committing this error because he was a good man and he is an example for future generation as a model who worship none but Allah:

For Abraham was, without doubt, forbearing (of faults), compassionate, and given to look to Allah. (Surah 11:75)

There is for you an excellent example (to follow) in Abraham and those with him, when they said to their people: "We are clear of you and of whatever ye worship besides Allah: we have rejected you, and there has arisen, between us and you, enmity and hatred for ever, unless ye believe in Allah and Him alone": But not when Abraham said to his father: "I will pray for forgiveness for thee, though I have no power (to get) aught on thy behalf from Allah." (They prayed): "Our Lord! in Thee do we trust, and to Thee do we turn in repentance: to Thee is (our) Final Goal. (Surah 60:4)

The Abraham sacrifice story from the Hadith Tradition

The story from the hadith contradict the true attributes of God in the Quran portraying God commanding evil while portraying Shaytan or the Devil trying to influence Abraham to be upright not to commit the criminal act.

Ismael was still a small boy when Ibrahim (as) had a dream or vision. In this dream he was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his son. When a prophet has a dream it is always true. In fact, a prophet’s dream is actually a form of revelation. This dream occurred several times and Ibrahim (as) decided that he would take his beloved son, Ismael and would sacrifice him to Allah. as the Qu'ran narrates, Ismael agreed that Ibrahim (as) should carry out the command of Allah.

The Qu'ran states: Then, when (the son) reached (the age of) (serious) work with him, he said: "O my son! I have seen in a vision that I offer you in sacrifice: what is your view!" (The son) said: "O my father! Do as you are commanded: you will find me, if Allah so wills, one practicing patience and constancy!"

Both Ibrahim (as) and Ismael travelled to the place of sacrifice. However, on the way, the shaytan appeared three times and tried to persuade Ibrahim (as) not to carry out the command of Allah. The shaytan tried to deceive Ibrahim (as) by reminding him how much he loved his son. Ibrahim (as) was a prophet and he knew that the love of Allah comes before the love of his son. Ibrahim (as) also knew that this was the command of Allah so he must carry it out. Each time the Shaytan came to him, Ibrahim (as) threw stones at him and continued with this journey.

Traditions tell us that Ibrahim (as) could not bear to look at his son so he blindfolded himself and carried out the sacrifice. When Ibrahim (as) removed the blindfold, a sheep or ram was in place of his son and Ibrahim (as) knew that the sacrifice had been accepted. On this occasion Ibrahim (as) had proven and passed this great trial from Allah.

The Abraham sacrifice story in the Bible

The Christian Bible recorded a similar story on the sacrifice to that of the hadith or tradition that it was God Who commanded Abraham to sacrifice his only son.

According to the Bible the offer for sacrifice is commanded by God and the child to be sacrifice is Isaac considered the first borne as Abraham’s only son although he has an older son with another woman stated below:

And Sarai Abram's wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife. (Genesis 16:3)

And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael. (Genesis 16:15)

Compared to the Quran it is unusual that God in the Bible is prejudice by making recognition of the second son when there is another first born to Abraham and the Bible seems to portray God as of no different of that of the pagan god hunger for human blood.

And he said, take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. (Genesis 22:2)

And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. (Genesis 22:9-10)

At this stage God stopped him from doing this criminal act which He commanded Abraham to do and replaced the son with a ram:

And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.  And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. (Genesis 22:11-13)

However Christian apologists give the following excuses why it is not wrong God gave the order for Abraham to sacrifice his son:

God was not tempting Abraham. God was not enticing Abraham to do wrong, but was testing him to see if he would do what was right. 

God was not instituting or condoning child sacrifice. As seen in Deuteronomy 12:31 and the other passages in the Bible, God abhors child sacrifice. It's important to remember that God prevented the sacrifice from actually occurring. He did not desire the sacrifice as an act of worship or for any other reason beyond testing Abraham.

God was not telling Abraham to do wrong. God has the right to take human life and could therefore authorize Abraham to do so in a particular case. Note that had Abraham decided of his own accord to sacrifice Isaac, he would have been wrong and his act would have been condemned by God (as were other human-initiated sacrifices).

According to them God give this command was for Abraham to demonstrate that he trusted God completely and placed him above all else, even his own son. Though God of course already knew that Abraham had faith in him, it was necessary for Abraham to prove it through action. "His faith was made complete by what he did" (James 2:21-23). Because of his actions, not only God but Abraham, his family and future generations knew that Abraham trusted God. This trust was important because it indicated that Abraham had the proper relationship with God (he was treating God as God deserves to be treated) and could benefit from God's good plans for his life.

Wasn't it wrong for Abraham to obey God?

God's command to Abraham was not wrong, for God has the right to take human life and therefore had the right to command Isaac's death. Abraham had known God for many years prior to this, so he knew God's character and knew that God had the right to give this command. Had Abraham initiated the sacrifice or followed the order of someone who was not authorized by God, then his act would have been wrong.

Furthermore, Abraham knew that God had promised him offspring through Isaac, so this gave him reason to believe that God did not intend for Isaac to die permanently:

By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death:

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

(Hebrews 11:17-19)

Contradictions is no excuse

The above excuses given by Christian apologists can be labeled as contradictions in the Bible. It is an unlikely case if God is good he command something bad or evil. Evil command does not come from God, only good comes from Him otherwise it creates contradictions on His attributes of only being good as confirmed by the following verses of the Quran:

To the righteous (when) it is said, "What is it that your Lord has revealed?" they say, "All that is good." To those who do good there is good in this world and the Home of the Hereafter is even better and excellent indeed is the Home of the righteous. (Surah 16:30)

It will be a glaring contradiction in the Divine Book if one part God command not to kill the children but on another He commanded Abraham to slaughter his only son, it is surely a falsehood invented:

O Prophet! When believing women come to thee to take the oath of fealty to thee, that they will not associate in worship any other thing whatever with Allah, that they will not steal, that they will not commit adultery (or fornication), that they will not kill their children, that they will not utter slander, intentionally forging falsehood, and that they will not disobey thee in any just matter, then do thou receive their fealty, and pray to Allah for the forgiveness (of their sins): for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surah 60:12)

Do they not consider the Qur'an (with care)? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy. (Surah 4:82)

Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and liberality to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that ye may receive admonition. (Surah 16:90)

ASAR

Proving this Hadith by Abu Hurayrah on "Qul" or "Say" is unreliable

Salam,

There is now a growing provocation on the tradition belief whether every word in the Quran is suitable to be recited in the salat. The Quran covers a wide topic and there is therefore a need to make intelligence choice of words and verses which are suitable to be recited in the salat. The salat is commanded for specific purpose as a ritual to communicate with God. The main purpose is to worship Him by praising, glorifying, commemorating His beautiful Names, seek help by praying to Him and to ask for the provision in this world and the hereafter. Therefore any verse that does not reflect the intention to the above should not be recommended to be recited in the salat. A familiar example is the recitation of the short surah of the Quran and the Surah Al Kafiruun is most common and this is claimed by the following hadith that the Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) was reported to have recited every word from it in his salat:

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Recite in the two (Sunnah) rak’ahs of Fajr “‘Qul yaa ayyuha’l-kaafiroon (Say (O Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)to these Mushrikoon and Kaafiroon): “O Al‑Kaafiroon (disbelievers” [al-Kaafiroon 109])’ and ‘Qul Huwa Allaahu Ahad (Say (O Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) “He is Allaah, (the) One” [al-Ikhlaas 112]).’” Narrated by Muslim (726).

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I watched the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) on twenty occasions, reciting in the two rak’ahs after Maghrib and in the two rak’ahs before Fajr: “‘Qul yaa ayyuha’l-kaafiroon (Say (O Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to these Mushrikoon and Kaafiroon): “O Al‑Kaafiroon (disbelievers” [al-Kaafiroon 109])’ and ‘Qul Huwa Allaahu Ahad (Say (O Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) “He is Allaah, (the) One” [al-Ikhlaas 112]).’ .”

Narrated by al-Nasaa’i (992).  Al-Nawawi said in al-Majmoo’ (3/385): Its isnaad is jayyid. It was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah (3328) and by Shaykh Ahmad Shaakir in Tahqeeq al-Musnad (8/89).

These are two separate narrations which are considered to be authentic.  The first the Prophet give an order to recite those two surats in the prayer.  Was the Prophet alhihassaswassalam forgetful when he didn't tell them not to say "Qul" or did he just figure there would come a time when someone will come and figure it out.

Then the next narration is of the great companion Umar may Allah be pleased with him in which he says he actually saw and heard the prophet alhihasswassalam actually reciting them with out omitting the "Qul"

These are the excuses that were given by the hadith gullible so, what are the ways to come to the conclusion that should we say or not to say "Qul" in our salat or did the Prophet say or did not say the “qul” when reciting the verses? The source of reference to when to exclude saying “Qul” or when to include saying “Qul” is clearly stated in the wisdom of the Quran.

On the narrations by Abu Hurayrah, Al Nasaa’I or Umar it is incorrect to attribute that the Prophet recited the Surah Al Kafiruun in his salat as the command by God to say this surah is directed to the Kafirs of his time. So it is outrageous to claim that something that is to be said to the Kafiruun (or disbelievers) is channeled back to be said to God.

We can then categorized those who read the Surah Al Kafiruun in their salat as one who does not understand what is being said in his salat or he is intoxicated as stated in the following verse of the Quran:

O ye who believe! Approach not salat with a mind befogged, until ye can understand all that ye say…..(Surah 4:43)

The other common short verses that is commonly recited in the salat is taken from the Surah Al Ikhlaas (Chapter 112), Al Falaq (Chapter 113) and AnNass (Chapter 114) all have the word “Qul” or “say” in the beginning of each chapter.

All the above Surah is relevant to be recited in the salat as it is magnifying God and duaa or prayer to seek refuge to Allah from being influence by the evil whisper of the Devil. Whether the Prophet read the surah without excluding the word “qul” or “say”, let us look from the perspective of the compulsory recitation that is commanded to be said in our salat and the tone that goes with it.

Say (Qul): "Call upon Allah, or call upon Rahman: by whatever name ye call upon Him, (it is well): for to Him belong the Most Beautiful Names. Neither speaks thy salat aloud, nor speaks it in a low tone, but seek a middle course between."

From the above verse it is beyond any reasonable doubt that the Prophet will obey the above command by applying the middle tone in his salat to call upon God by His beautiful names. The word “qul” or “say” just disappear when he obey this command to establish his salat.

However when there is a command to say in the following compulsory verse below the situation become similar as in the Surah Al Akhlaas (Chapter 112), Al Falak (Chapter 113) and the Surah AnNass (Chapter 114) there is the word “qul” or “say” in the beginning of the verse.

Surah 17:111

And say (in your salat) "Praise be to Allah, who begets no son, and has no partner in (His) dominion: Nor (needs) He any to protect Him from humiliation: yea, magnify Him for His greatness and glory!"

If we take the hadith by Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet recited together the word “qul” in the above verse and the other surah examples in his salat, this mean that he (Abu Hurayrah) is saying that the Prophet is channeling the same command back to God to say or “qul” the same thing Say: “Praise be to Allah, who beget no son and has no partner in His dominion? Thus we should discard the inaccuracy

of Abu Hurayrah because it is just common sense that when there is a command to say or “qul”, the Prophet will obey and recite directly the commandment rather than repeating even the command word “qul” or “say” which is preposterous should it be repeated especially when it is to be recited in the salat a time we are to express our humble selves and not act as a drunkard to issue the same command back to God.

Thus if we encounter verses of these nature where there is the command word “qul” or “say” as in Surah 17:111 or Surah 112:1, Surah 113:1 or Surah 114:1 do apply the command directly and keep aside the “qul” because it becomes irrelevant especially when this is to be said in the salat. However many do not realized that one part of the recitation in the salat which is compulsory to be recited in the salat has a beginning with the word “qul” or “say” and yet Abu Hurayrah did not realized that this has been omitted or kept aside by the Prophet in his salat:

Say: "Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are (all) for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds: (Surah 6:162)

So if one still believe that the word “qul” or “say” must not be omitted then when one is reciting the above verse in his salat he has to readmit the “qul” which is there at the beginning of the verse if he does not want to practice double standard.

ASAR

Making your Salat more meningful with the correct intention



Salam,

Most Muslims do their Salat or daily prayers today strictly as a ritual and in so doing they missed to understand the essence of the Salat. Judging from the content of the Salat and the action of most Muslims it is not wrong to deduce that they do not know the purposes of their commitment as most of them do not even understand what they are saying in their Salat. God admonishes those who do their Salat without understanding as of those being intoxicated:     

O ye who believe! Approach not prayers (Salat) with a mind befogged, until ye can understand all that ye say….(Surah 4:43)

To understand what one has to say in the Salat it is proper to understand the purposes of Salat so as one can opt with the right recitation from the Quran

to establish one own Salat. Below is a list of the various purposes of establishing the daily obligatory prayers from the Quran

To acknowledge God’s presence by Remembrance

In the Quran there are many verses regarding establishing the Salat but more than not the Salat will normally be accompanied by the command to pay the zakat or alms. In Islam this goes hand in hand because if one pays only the alms and do not establish the Salat he will not enter the kingdom of heaven as he does not acknowledge the existence and the presence of God Al Mighty.

There is no denial that some of the atheists do good deeds in this world by giving charity to the poor, caring for the old aged, they feed them a good meal and clean their toilet but since they refused to acknowledge the presence or the existence of God, they are actually a people arrogance who thought that they can exist in this world without the help and grace of God Almighty and thus it is only fair that they will not be rewarded of paradise for their arrogance.

Similarly if one establish the Salat and do not pay the zakat he will also not be rewarded to the kingdom of heaven as he does not acknowledge the presence of the poor and the needy to be helped. God who provided them with good provision and good health expects them to return by serving Him in helping others who are in need. Both duties must be done as a duty to God to help others who is in need and at the same time to worship God as He had ordained in His guidance.

But as Muslims we believe in the Unseen God, He has His Book the Quran inspired to His Apostle by inspiration and He said in various parts of the Quran the following messages to establish the Salat and pay the dues of the harvest as stated below:

“Verily I am God: there is no god but I; so worship Me and establish Salat for My remembrance.” (Surah 20:14)

And this is a Book which We have revealed as a blessing: so follow it and be righteous, that ye may receive mercy: (Surah 6:155)

                                                                         

It is He Who produce gardens, with trellises and without, and dates, and tilth with produce of all kinds, and olives and pomegranates, similar (in kind) and different (in variety): eat of their fruit in their season, but render the dues that are proper on the day that the harvest is gathered. But waste not by excess: for Allah love not the wasters. (Surah 6:141-142)

O men! Call to mind the grace of God unto you! Is there a Creator, other than Allah, to give you sustenance from heaven or earth? There is no god but He: how then are you deluded from the truth? (Surah 35:3)                                       

Therefore remember Me, so that I may remember you and be grateful to Me and reject not faith. (Surah 2:152)

Thus as servants of God He wants us to remember Him far greater than our remembrance of our fathers who provides for us as we grow up but God is the best Provider and to show our gratitude He teaches the prophets and those who believe in His Message to perform a special ritual only for His dedication and remembrance, to His praise and glory which is a duty we have to fulfill by establishing the daily obligatory Salat. We are committed to cherish and serve Him as much as we are committed to seek His bounty for our sustenance. 

Make humility by calling on God

As a servant it is a duty one has to do to call on the Master as we are not independence of Him and He reminds us to call on Him and implore the good things in this world for our sustenance and show our humility to Him and in return He will give His response as He said to the Prophet Muhammad (AS) to make his followers be reassured:

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, I am indeed close to them: I listen to the call of prayer of every suppliant when he called on Me: let them also with a will, listen to My call and believe in Me: that they may walk in the right way. (Surah 2:186)

                                                                                                       

Call on your Lord with humility and in private: for God love not those who trespass beyond bounds. (Surah 7:55)

And your Lord says: “Call on Me and I shall answer you. Surely those who arrogantly disdain to worship Me shall enter hell utterly disgraced”

(Surah 40:60)  

And who is better in speech than the one who calls to God and does righteous deeds and says: “I am a Muslim.”? (Surah 41:33)

So call not on any other god with Allah lest you will be one of those chastised. (Surah 26:213)

The humility is not only in action of standing in Salat to bow and prostrate but also in appropriate words of humility when we surrender to Him in our prayers.

Glorify him with His good names and celebrate his Praises

The Names of God in the Quran have special meaning and in essence give the attributes of God. And His good Names are to be called upon and He is to be glorified by celebrating His Praise when performing the Salat. “AllahuAkbar” Allah is greater is not His good name as it is an invention but “Allah AlKabir” is as stated in Surah 13:9. None others can invent His names and His praise is to be celebrated as He has appropriated in the Quran. Below are commands to call by His names and to praise Him:

Prosperous is he who purifies himself, and glorify the Name of his Lord and then perform Salat (Surah 87:14-15)                                                                    

And during the night celebrate His praise and after the posture of prostration. (Surah 50:40)                                                                     

Blessed be the name of thy Lord, full of Majesty, Bounty and Honor.

(Surah 55:78)

O you who believe remember God often; and glorify Him morning and evening. (Surah 33:41-42)

Enjoin Salat on thy family (O Muhammad), and be constant therein. We ask thee not to provide sustenance: We provide it for thee. But the (fruit of) the Hereafter is for righteousness. (Surah 20:132)

From the above we are to mention His beautiful Names and do recitations of praising Him in our Salat. All the relevant verses of what to say to praise Him and all of His beautiful Names are to be found in the Quran.

  

To magnify God

The other purpose in the Salat is to magnify God is to extol by expressing His attribute as the Greatest and making sure that what we say and the action we take will indicate and prove that He shares with no others besides Him and to magnify Him at the highest esteem. The command in the Quran to call His names is stated below and the Prophet obeyed the way he was commanded by making the following recitation in his Salat - The command from God is to call Him by His beautiful names and praise Him in the Salat in moderated tones:

"Call upon Allah, or call upon Rahman: by whatever name ye call upon Him, (it is well): for to Him belong the Most Beautiful Names. Neither speaks thy Salat aloud, nor speaks it in a low tone, but seek a middle course between."

"Praise be to Allah, who begets no son, and has no partner in (His) dominion: Nor needs He any to protect Him from humiliation”; yea, magnify Him for His greatness and glory!" (Surah 17:110-111)

There are many of His Beautiful Names in the Quran and only from this Book are names which have His authority and that which He has authenticated and all His names are marked with the definite article “Al” or “The” to show that He is the only One God in the universe and none is the like unto Him. Human as a man can be merciful but God is The Merciful or Al Rahim. He is to be called by those Names with the definite article “The” and we are to shun men as those who use profanity in His Names or by inventing names without His authority. Below are some of His names mentioned with the definite article “Al” or “The” and that is the one to be extolled:    

Then celebrate with praises the name of your Lord, The Supreme! (Al Azim)

(Surah 56:74)

Whatever is in the heavens and the earth let it declare the Praises and Glory of God: for He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. To Him belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth: it is He Who gives life and death; and He has power over all things. He is the First and the Last, the Evident and the Immanent: and He has full knowledge of all things. (Surah 57:1-3)

Allah is He, Whom there is no other god; the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace, the Guardian of Faith, the Preserver of Safety, the Exalted in Might, the Irresistible, the Supreme: Glory to God High is He above the partner they attribute to Him. He is God, the Creator, the Evolver, the Bestowed of Forms. To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names: whatever is in the heavens and on earth does declare His Praises and Glory: and He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. (Surah 59:23-24)

Those are the examples of the Names He mentioned in the Quran and He has given His warning not to invent any name and which are attributed to Him without His authority, those who disobeyed are the transgressors and they will be dealt with accordingly in the Day of Judgment as illustrated by the verse below:

The most beautiful names belong to God, so call on Him by them, but shun such men as use profanity in His Names: for what they do, they will soon be requited. (Surah 7:180)

Make repentance in the Salat on our wrongdoings 

God created mankind to worship Him but by characteristic we are a weak creature and are exposed not only to the influence of the Devil but also to whisper of our own soul that can suggest evil action against what have been taught in the Book of guidance the Quran. Even the Prophets were not free from sin and none of them were free from making repentance to God and even the Prophet Muhammad (AS) during his life time also made his mistake to God as proven by these verses in the Quran:

O Prophet! Why do you prohibit what God has made lawful to you? You seek to please your consorts. But God is All forgiving, (Surah 66:1)

(Muhammad) frowned and turned away, because there came to him the blind man. But what could tell thee but that perchance he might grow in spiritual understanding; or that he might receive admonition and the teaching might profit him? As to one who regards himself self-sufficient, to him did thou attend; though it is no blame to thee if he grows not in spiritual understanding but as to him who came to thee striving earnestly, and with fear in his heart, of him was thou unmindful. (Surah 80:1-10) 

           

As a prophet the test was greater and he had many experiences because of many events happening during his times, the Prophet was all the time constantly seeking forgiveness and make repentance to God.

The following verses show the attributes of God who is ever forgiving and some of the examples the prophet did to seek the grace of God:

We have sent down to thee (Muhammad) the Book in truth, that thou might judge between men as guided by God: so be not used as an advocate by those who betrayed their trust; but seek the forgiveness of God; for God is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surah 4:105-106)

                                                   

Patiently, then persevere: for the promise of God is true: and ask forgiveness for thy fault and celebrate the praises of thy Lord in the evening and in the morning. (Surah 40:55)

Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of Allah. (Surah 33:21)

Those that turn (to Allah) in repentance; that serve Him, and praise Him; that wander in devotion to the cause of Allah,: that bow down and prostrate themselves in prayer; that enjoin good and forbid evil; and observe the limit set by Allah;- (These do rejoice). So proclaim the glad tidings to the Believers.

(Surah 9:112)

Only to Him is true Prayer (Salat)

True prayer is only for God, the reference must also mean it is our responsibility to do the prayers constantly irrespective whether the situation of our live is well and happy or arduous. By keeping constantly in touch with Him as in good times we express words of gratitude and at more difficult times we seek with words asking His solace and His mercy. He will certainly not forsake to answer our prayer if it is done with the right intention in actions and words and be constantly in contact with Him. However most of us engage in prayers only when we are in trouble. The following are examples:

And when We bestow a blessing on mankind, he turns away and withdraws himself aside, but when evil afflicts him he is full of prolonged prayers.

(Surah 41:51)

And when mankind is afflicted, he calls upon Us, laying on his side, or sitting or standing, but when We remove his affliction from him, he passes on as if he had never called upon Us when affliction beset him. Thus do the deeds of the transgressors seem fair in their eyes? (Surah 10:12)

For Him alone is prayer in Truth: any others that they call upon besides Him hear them no more than if they were to stretch forth their hands for water to reach their mouth but it reaches them not: for the prayer of those without faith is nothing but futile wandering in the mind. (Surah 13:14)

Celebrate the praises of your Lord, and pray for His forgiveness, for He is ever relenting. (Surah 110:3).

So one has to be steadfast in the prayer and surrender to Him and be thankful all the time irrespective of our situation. Thus the Salat is the time to offer words of gratitude and words of adjuration to God.

Seeking help against Satan and our own dark Souls

Our souls are not only exposed to the influence and evil suggestions of the Devil but we are also exposed to the suggestions of our own soul to do evil. The Devil sworn to God he will entice mankind to deviate from the right path. He was subjugated by his dark soul when he became arrogant to obey God’s command to prostrate to Adam. He failed the test and disobeyed God’s command not because of anyone’s influence but only because of his ego and he was never repentance but instead continue to pledge to divert mankind to follow his evil path and to become astray from the guidance of the Quran:

Iblis said: “O my Lord! Because you have me astray, I shall make evil alluring to them and I shall lead them all astray; except Your devoted servants among them. (Surah 15:39)  

Likewise without the influence of the Devil and anyone else, men still have the freedom of choice to follow the suggestions of their good soul to take the guidance indicated in God’s Book or to follow the ego of their souls which is prone to evil. Pharaoh is an example of an arrogance soul claiming his self to be God in defiance of the True God as shown in the following verses:

And Pharaoh said: “O Chiefs, I do not know of any god for you other than myself, burn for me bricks of clay, O Haman, and build for me a tower, that I may climb up to the God of Moses, for I consider him to be a liar.” And Pharaoh and his soldiers were unjustly arrogant and proud in the land, and they deemed that they should never return to Us. (Surah 28:38-39)

Apart from Pharaoh, there is the example of Samiri during the time of Moses, he made idol in the shape of a calf diverting his people from worshipping the true God. The same error is the example shown by one of the two sons of Adam who was deluded not by the Devil but by his own selfish interest that killed his brother. Both verses described the character respectively: 

Moses said: “And what have you to say O Samiri? He replied: “I saw what the people did not see, and I grasped a handful of dust from the footprint of the apostle and cast it into it, thus my soul prompted me.” (Surah 20:95-96)

Then his soul prompted him to kill his brother and he killed him, and became among the losers. (Surah 5:30)

These are some of the examples that without the influence of the Devil mankind can also be diverted from the right path as man is given the free choice for him to make his own decision to be good by taking the way of the right path or to be bad either he take the path of the Evil One or he is helpless against his own ego of being arrogance and follow his own whims and fancies. As such God inspired the Prophet Muhammad what to utter in such a situation when he feel there is disturbing suggestion to his soul which tend him to incline to divert from the right path. He will implore God and recite the following in his Salat:

“O my Lord! I seek refuge with thee from the suggestions of the Evil Ones. And I seek refuge with thee my Lord from their presence. (Surah 23:97-98)

Verily God will not deal unjustly with men in aught: It is man that wrongs his own soul. (Surah 10:44)

“Our Lord, we have wronged our own souls, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy on us, we shall certainly be among the losers. (Surah 7:23)

We were command to pray for provision in this world and paradise in the next World

One of the purposes to perform the Salat is to ask provision from God of this world and paradise in the hereafter. Although we are created to toil to earn our living for provision to sustain and maintain our families, there is no guaranty that we will surely achieve what we aimed for. But through prayer there is hope, and hope is a strong tool in expecting patiently and waiting for His mercy: The following verses bid us to beg for His bounties:

And in no wise covet those things in which God has bestowed His gift more freely on some of you than on others: to men is allotted  what they earn and to women what they earn: But ask God of His bounty; for God has full knowledge of all things. (Surah 4:32).

                                                                                         

Enjoin Salat on your family and be constant therein. We ask you not for provision, but We provide you. And the hereafter is for the piety.

(Surah 20:132). 

God is the Provider for our sustenance, it is He that feed us and He is not fed.

It is not only the provision of this world we are to beg on Him but even for the good of the hereafter. For those who pray for the good of this world only, he will not have the good portion of the hereafter but it is the hereafter which is for eternity:

Say: “Is this better, or the Eternal Gardens, promised to the pious, and that is their reward and destiny“; for they shall have what they please and dwell there forever; it is a promise to be prayed for from your Lord.” (Surah 25:15-16)

And Abraham prayed for the Garden saying “Make me one of the inheritors of the Garden of Bliss. (Surah 26:85).

                                                       

Our Lord, I have settled some of my off springs in a valley where there is no cultivation, by Your Sacred House, our Lord, that they may establish Salat, so make the hearts of people yearn towards them, and provide them with sustenance, that they may be grateful.(Surah 14:37)

                                                                                        

And be steadfast in Salat and regular in charity: And whatever good ye send forth for your souls before you, ye shall find it with Allah: for Allah sees well all that ye do. (Surah 2:110)

Verily We have created man into toil and struggle. (Surah 90:4)

Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere, who say, when afflicted with calamity: "To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return" (Surah 2:155-156)

Conclusion

It is now time to make our own exposition whether the content of our Salat express our true intention in term of actions and words as depicted in the Quran. We have the right of choice to put the appropriate words that reflect our current situation in humble supplication and put forward for God in our Salat the words of praise and glorification.

ASAR