CULTURE OF ISLAM

115 Quran The Clear & Rational Signs

Imtiaz Muhsin 01-Feb-13

The main objective of these talks (and therefore the scripts of these talks), is to stimulate thinking. Sensible, rational and logical thinking. So, my message, think, think & think! Be sensible, be rational and be logical.

115 Quran - The Clear & Rational Signs

Please Note
1. I have had the great privilege, (since Aug 2010), of presenting talks on the weekly Radio Program Culture of Islam [Every Friday 8 to 8.30 pm, Radio Sri Lanka - FM 97.4] 2. Since these are Radio Talks, I refer to, or address the audience as listeners 3. I am well aware that the audience to these talks would consist of people belonging to a variety of faiths. So as to make people of all faiths feel included, I very often use words and names that are common to all religions. 4. For these reasons, I use the name GOD, as well as Abraham, Moses, Jesus etc as well as the names Allah, Ibrahim (Alaihis Salaam), Moosa (Alaihis Salaam), Easa (Alaihis Salaam) etc 5. Muslims by habit usually say Sallallahu Alaihiwasallam, when the name of Prophet Muhammad is mentioned, and Alaihis Salaam' when the name of a Prophet is mentioned. However, in these series of talks I have reduced the use of these prayers & sayings to the bare minimum. 6. Muslims, also by habit, use a number of Arabic prayers or sayings, such as Alhamdulillah, Insha Allah and so on. Again, I have reduced the use of these prayers or sayings to the bare minimum. 7. Sometimes I have to write Arabic words in the English script. I have devised my own way of writing Arabic in English, as follows;

th TH

s Ss SW

DHL DHZ

H h

Gh GH

Information on these talks along with all download links can be found on my on my Blog (http://imtiazm.wordpress.com/) The dates or the schedules of these talks can be viewed on the Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/ImtiazMuhsin786) The Scripts of these talks can be downloaded from www.ScribD.com (www.ScribD.com Author Imtiaz Muhsin) The audio files of these talks can be downloaded from YouTube (YouTube Channel Imtiaz Muhsin) The YouTube Link to this talk is at

All Praise and Thanks is due to Allah and Allah alone Alhamdulillah!

115 Quran - The Clear & Rational Signs

115 Quran - The Clear & Rational Signs

Dear Friends, Assalamu Alaikum, Over the last few weeks I have been attempting to share with all of you the reasonings that develops as we read the Aayaths of the Quran. The Arabic word Aayath or Aayaths means signs and the Quran points out these signs, urging us to use our intellect and workout the presence of God and also to work out the deep underlying reasons for our creation as well as the creation of the Universe. It has to make sense!! Believe me, this is by far the most fascinating exercise. I can even call it the most fascinating adventure that any man could devote his life to. We all enjoy puzzles, we all enjoy well thought out whodunnit mysteries, we all enjoy VDO games, those Computer games that make us think our way out of some seemingly endless mazes. Dont we? Now, the Quran on the other hand, provides us pointers to enlightment and this is really more fascinting than any or even all of those games. We have to power boost our intellect! What we have to do is read the Aayaths in the Quran and then take some distraction free time and try to think out what each Aayath is pointing out to us in this exercize, we even have to go in to each phrase and each word. So, Alhamdulillah, I have this great opportunity, I call it a God given opportunity, to explain or to discuss what I read from these Aayaths, these phrases and these words, and believe me, it is a great learning experience. I wish all you listeners too would attempt this great journey. So, over the last few weeks I have been trying to discuss the 1st 5 Aayaths of Surah Baqarah the second Surah in the Quran. As I have been explaining in the earlier talks, these 5 Aayaths consist of 12 phrases, and I am trying to discuss these Aayaths phrase by phrase. I am now trying to discus the phrase Wa Yuqeemoonas Swalaatha which is the 2nd phrase of the 3rd Aayath. The english translation of this phrase would be And establish Swalaah So if we have to understand what establishing swalaah could mean, then we must first try to find out what Swalaah really means. So that is the topic I am trying to discuss now. Sounds simple, but then, to get an idea of what swalaah could mean, there are many other background elements that have to be first understood. I explained that though there are many such factors, I would be discussing just five of them. I am now in the process of discussing the 3rd factor or the 3rd point to understanding Swalaah. That point is as to whether the knowledge that we call Islam that has been handed down to us over many generations covering a period of over 1400 years, is still in its pristine purity or is there that possiblility that this knowledge could have been warped over the ages, due to the many great trials and tribulations that the Muslim World has faced over those 1400 years?

115 Quran - The Clear & Rational Signs

Interesting isnt it? Is this not something that all of us have always wanted to find out, but just did not know how to even set about this process? In last weeks talk, I discussed the many problems that arose during the first few decades that followed the death of the Prophet, these were a series of unexpected turbulations within the still developing Muslim community and may even be termed revolts within the community. What we now have to discuss is the topic describing the many Muslim Empires that were established during these 1400 years and the many attacks all of them faced it is, as you all could well imagine, a very huge topic. However, at this point I strongly feel that I should change the order of the topics of these talks. Originally my plans were to first discuss the many Muslim Empires that were established during these 1400 years and the many attacks all of them faced, and thereafter, that is for next week, I wanted to talk on another important topic it is really an unusual one it is about what leading intellectuals who also claim that they are atheists or agnostics have to say about religions. To me this is a very interesting and you may even call it a very challenging topic. They find fault with religions, and I find myself thinking, does their description of religions match with what we see of Muslims, and the practise of the religion Islam? Then if we do see some matches in what these Atheists and agnostics are saying, then why is it that Muslims display the religion of Islam in this poor light? Is it because we are pracitsing a religion whose teachings have got warped over the ages, over the last 1400 years? I feel discussing this topic before discussing the trials and tribulations that the Muslim Empires faced over the last 1400 years, would provide us more insight in to the changes that could have taken place. An Atheist is a person who does not believe in the existence of God and an Agnostic is one who says we cannot realize whether there is a God or not. There may or may not be a God. This cannot be proven to our satisfaction Today, through the internet we can access a tremendous amount of information, just by clicking a few buttons it is amazing and wonderful. I make use of these facilities to view a number of Video documentaries featuring world acclaimed personalities, from across many diverse fiields. For example, there are over 200 documentaries on Wildlife, featuring the globally recognized Naturalist, David Attenborough. Then, there are a number of documentaries featuring the well known cosmologist Stephen Hawkins. Similarly a number of VDO documentaries by Richard Dawkins the evolutionary biologist.

115 Quran - The Clear & Rational Signs

There are also VDO documentaries featuring Dr Alice Roberts who is described as an Anatomist, Osteo-archaeologist, Anthropologist and a Paleopathologist Similarly a number of well presented VDO documentaries featuring the Geologist Prof Iain Stewart and other informative VDOs featuring the Neurologist Susan Greenfield, and so on. Now all these documentaries are well presented, and when I view them I am amazed by the creativity and systems established by God on Earth and in this Universe, as well as within our ownselves. It is very clear to me. But then, what takes me completely by surprise it actually takes my breath away, is that all these specialized personalities are skeptic about the presence of God. Richard Dawkins, David Attenborough and Dr Alice Roberts openly declare that there is no God whilst the others are agnostical. This really takes me by surprise, because I ask myself, These people are explaining to us the wonders of the Universe, about the wonders on Planet Earth and the wonders within ourselves but they cannot realize that all these wonders point towards the presence of one magnificent planner, creator, maintainer, sustainer and so on. How can this be? They say that they are scientists, and their work or their training is to study evidence and through a rigorous process of scientific investigation to reach conclusions. And their conclusion? That there is no evidence for the presence of God! Richard Dawkins goes even further to say Religions are Evil! He cites many evils that have been initiated and sustained due to religion, and in the name of Religions. He even claims that where religion is concerned he is surprised to find that normally rational, inquiring people suddenly stop thinking, they do not want to see or pursue reason, and thus tragically, can be described as ignorant and dogmatic. This, he says, is only where religion is concerned. Let me quote to you what he says in his VDO documentary The God Delusion; Open QuotePeople like to say that faith and science can live together side by side, but I don't think they can. They're deeply opposed. Science is a discipline of investigation and constructive doubt, questing with logic, evidence and reason to draw conclusions. Faith, by stark contrast, demands a positive suspension of critical faculties. Science proceeds by setting up hypotheses, ideas or models, and then attempts to disprove them. So a scientist is constantly asking questions, being sceptical. Religion is about turning untested belief into unshakable truth, through the power of institutions and the passage of time Close Quote

115 Quran - The Clear & Rational Signs

Is what he is saying correct? Could it be that he is talking about other religions, maybe that he is not talking about Islam. But the fact is that he is talking about all religions, including Islam. Is what he is saying true? Do we Muslims too just believe, dogmatically believe because we are Muslims and we must stubbornly believe what our religious elders tell us? Just think!! I must admit that I find there is a huge amount of sense in what he is saying. It is obvious to all of us. But what really takes me by surprise is that what he describes as what Science really is, is what the Quran describes as Islam, and what he describes as religion is what the Quran describes as Kufrism or rejection of Islam!! Surprising isnt it? Let me take what he says, sentence by sentence; He says; Science is a discipline of investigation and constructive doubt, questing with logic, evidence and reason to draw conclusions Does not the Quran demand of us that we should investigate, that we should think, we should draw on our faculties of evidence and reason, and then, and only then, would we become true believers? I have collected a number of Aayaths from the Quran that I call the Rationalize Aayaths (*Pause*) In the Quran God informs us that what is special about us is that God has favored us with 8 very unique faculties: They are: 1. The Baswar the faculty of processing what we see 2. The Samgha the faculty of procesing what we hear. 3. The Afidha The faculty of feelings or a conscience that helps us differentiate good from evil and right from wrong. 4. The Qalb A Faculty used for reasoning 5. The Aql or intelligence 6. The Swudhoor or a faculty that is a sort of the archives or a storehouse for enlightening knowledge 7. The Nafs our desires, our ego or our self 8. The Ruh - or our Soul Richard Dawkins tells us that we use the faculties of reasoning to establish Science, but I am saying that God tells us to use these faculties for Islam, for Religion, to correct or for correcting our beliefs and in search of the indisputable truth. There are many Aayaths that exhorts us to use these faculties, for just such pure purposes. Let me read a few such Aayaths;

115 Quran - The Clear & Rational Signs

(16:78) Allah has brought you forth from your mothers wombs when you knew nothing, and He made for you ears, eyes and conscience, so that you may be grateful.

Does this not clearly show that all our learning, when I say all our learning I mean all our learning & all of our knowledge is through the use of these faculties? Now God informs us about those who are not using these faculties in the proper way, the way God meant these faculties should be used.

(16:83) They are aware of Allahs favor, yet they deny it, and most of them are ungrateful. Now God informs us about those who use these faculties correctly; (16:121) He was grateful to His nighma. (anghumihi) He (Allah) chose him and guided him to the straight path.

Muslims are all familiar with the phrase Swiraathim MustaQeem we call it the straight path So those who make use of the nighma properly will be guided to the straight path. Then God informs us of an added boon or an additional favor that He would grant us; (14:7b) If you express Shukoor (or gratitude), I shall certainly give you more, and if you reject (are ungrateful or reject my favors), then My punishment is severe.

Now what do these Atheists and Agnostics want us to do, they want us to prove God through evidence, just like they prove all their scientific theories about things and phenomena in this Universe. However, there is a very huge flaw in their rationale. God is the creator of this material world therefore we just cannot expect God imself to be made up of materials.

115 Quran - The Clear & Rational Signs

There is no convenient meter we can invent to detect God. There is no such thing as a God Meter. Scientist can detect and study materials, like rocks, soil, air etc These are inanimate objects Similarly Scientists can detect and study life and life forms these too are visible or can be made visible. Scientists can also detect and study physical phenomena such as forces and different forms of energy around us even though we cannot see them or hear them. Examples would be Magnetism, Microwaves, elelctricity etc. All these materials the inanimate, the life forms and the energies all work in a sort of a symphony there has to be that planner, that creator,that manager etc That is God!!! The presence of God as well as the attributes of God has to be rationally reasoned out. The presence of God has to realized through His creation. It is the Quran that gives us Aayaths or Signs or Pointers that God exists and then pointers as to the purpose of all this creation. Pointers as to what our role really is. Pointers as to what is real and therefore the truth as oposed to what is speculative, delusional and temporary. We must learn to identify and recognize both the tuths as well as the deceptions. This is how the Quran guides us. Let me now read a few out of the (maybe) hundreds of Aayaths in the Quran that exhorts us to investigate, use our reason, our intellect, think things out and then to reach indisputable conclusions;
(10:67) Indeed, there are signs therein for a people who listen. (13:3) Surely, in that there are signs for a people who think. (16:13) Surely, in that, there is a sign for a people who accept advice. (32:27) So, do they not perceive? (16:79) Surely, in that there are signs for a people who believe. (45:4) And in your creation and in the living beings that He scatters on the earth, there are signs for a people who believe.

115 Quran - The Clear & Rational Signs

(46:27) We had given to them a variety of signs, so that they might return (7:58) Thus We alternate the verses in various ways for a people who pay gratitude. (6:98) We have elaborated the signs for the people who understand. (36:73) So, would they not be grateful? (6:97) We have elaborated the signs for the people who know. (40:81) He shows you His signs. Then, which of the signs of Allah would you (still) deny? (27:62) Is there any Allah along with Allah? No, but little you heed to advice. (16:17) Is then the One who creates (everything) equal to one who does not create? Would you still pay no heed? (42:33) Surely in this, there are signs for everyone who is ever patient, fully grateful.

(13:2) He manages all matters, elaborating the signs, so that you may be sure of meeting your Rabb.

(15:77) Surely, in it there is a sign for the believers.

Now let us take the rest of the argument that Dawkins presents; He says; People like to say that faith and science can live together side by side, but I don't think they can. They're deeply opposed We just discussed his reasoning about the superiority of science. We find that the Quran instructs us that we must use these disciplines for inquiring into the teachings of religion. So the Quran instructs us to use reason, rationality and logic to search out the truth in fact a major practise of Islam or of religion is this critical research. So Islam is not blind belief, but rationalized belief. Now, let us now look at his points against religion. Whilst comparing Science to Religion, he says; Faith, by stark contrast, demands a positive suspension of critical faculties.

115 Quran - The Clear & Rational Signs

Religion is about turning untested belief into unshakable truth, through the power of institutions and the passage of time that is what he says. From what I observe around me, I think Richard Dawkins is correct there. Is this not true for all religions? The original teachings of Islam is wonderful, it demands critcal study from all Muslims but unfortunately we do not go in to this process of thinking. We deliberately keep away from or we avoid using those 8 faculties for research and for seeking out the truth. It is a great tragedy. Why are we doing this? What is it that has happened? Many of us are overawed by this concept of Religion, this concept of God. We thus try to take the easy way out. We are told, and we also think that if we try to read the Quran and try to understand it then we are bound to go wrong somewhere. So we are told and we also think, there have been so many Imams and Sheikhs and Caliphs and Mullahs, and the many Mufassireens and the many Mujahids and the Fuqahaa and the Sufis who over the centuries have made so many sacrifices for learning Islam, they devoted their lives to that effort, their writings and teachings are full of knowledge. So would it not be easy and logical that rather than me reading and trying to understand theQuran that I should first try to read and understand what these great thinkers of Islam have advised? Is this not a short good route? Wonderful, because I do not apply myself. So we stop using our God given faculties to think things out, and solely try to depend on what those who we are told were or are great thinkers inform us or advise us. It is a great tragedy. So most often we just cannot reason out what these great thinkers have written or advised. It is all related to something that happened many centuries go. So we just accept what they have said and in the process become dogmatic. This is solid solid dogmatism. We have stopped following or learning a religion. We are becoming cultish. There are many such groupings amongst Muslims all over the World. Do not many of us say Islam is blind belief? This is wrong Islam is Seeing, using all our senses and then realizing that there is a magnificient power that we cannot see Thus we believe in the unseen Yuminnona bil ghaib. It is believe in the unseen not blind belief. There is an enormous difference. It is the difference between reasoned enlightened belief and domatic ignorant belief. Let me end this talk by reading to you 2 very revealing Aayaths from the Quran. Listen to this Quran Aayath, where God is informing us about what Shaithaan says, God describes Shaithaans game plan or his modus operandi.

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115 Quran - The Clear & Rational Signs

(7:16) He said, Now that You have led me astray, I will certainly sit for them (in ambush) on Your straight path.

When this Aayath is read along with the other Aayaths that I read earlier, it becomes obvious that Shaithaans plan is to stop us from thinking to stop us from using our God given intellect. Please bear that in mind. Always! The next Aayath that I shall read to you is what I call the objective of the Quran; (38:29) This is a blessed Book We have revealed to you,

so that they deliberate in its Aayath,

and so that the men of understanding may heed to advice.

So there are two groups; One would deliberate or think about these Aayaths, and secondly the group who are described as the Oolul Albaab or the men of understanding. Why? Because they do Zikr of the Aayaths. Obviously doing Zikr is more preferred to just deliberating on the Aayaths. Brilliant, isnt it? I sincerely pray and hope that all of you benefit from these talks as much as I benefit from preparing and then presenting these talks to you. May Allah Taaalah guide us all and accept us all. Jazza Kalla Khairan. Assalamu Alaikum
Imtiaz Muhsin Colombo Sri Lanka crescent786@hotmail.com

You Tube Channel - HaneefanMusliman

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115 Quran - The Clear & Rational Signs