Quran : Written by

MUHAMMAD WAZIM AKRAM

Somewhere around 610 - 620 AC, Muhammad* who now claims to be a messenger of the
One true God, is in the midst of an interesting discussion with the leaders of a few tribes in
Mecca. Hes earnestly trying to explain to them about the redundancy of idolatry, the
absurdity of the notion of having a god squad. While persuading them to abandon the
much lucrative god squad (which used to draw crowds from various parts of the old world to
Mecca - and fill the pockets of the Meccan merchants), the deeply engaged Muhammad* is
interrupted and approached by a man - a follower of his who also happens to be blind seeking guidance from him.
What unfolds next becomes the plot for Chapter 80 of the Quran.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Quran (Book) is a collection of messages recited by Muhammad* to his companions on various occasions, throughout a period of 23
years. These easy to memorize recitals were recorded in the memory card of his and his companions, and whenever possible - were written
down on parchments. The Book you have today, was assembled by Caliph Uthman (few decades after the demise of Muhammad*) according
to the sequence determined and finalized by Muhammad*.
These recitals uttered by Muhammad* were not his. According to him, it was God communicating with humanity through a chosen
mouthpiece. Muhammad* was not a poet, but he started uttering the most beautiful rhymes pregnant with depth and meaning. Muhammad*
nicknamed saadiq among the Meccans - for his truthfulness - claimed that God communicates these messages to him via an Angel named
Gabriel.
If that was the case, then what was it like?

Muhammad*

Narrated by Umar**

You read the translation of The Quran and you straight away realize that it does NOT have the Once upon a time way of narration. Even
the stories are Quentin Tarantinoesque - non linear, Muhammad* is not talking to us through this book - NO - it is The God according to
Muhammad* who is talking to us,

Qur'an 22:5

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
So, back to the scene where the blind guy interrupts Muhammad*.
Muhammad*, annoyed by this unwelcome interruption - probably due to the intensity of the
discussion he would have been having with the Meccan tribal leaders - frowns at this blind
man (more like a hey ! NOT NOW look) , this clearly would have not hurt the blind man who
couldnt see any of these, nor would have Muhammad* purposely or knowingly frowned at
this man - especially because he was blind. The Meccan leaders eventually left after
concluding their discussion . . . and this is what happened next.
Muhammad* upon experiencing the complications of receiving the aforesaid messages started uttering/reciting the opening verse of Chapter 80, He recites

abasa watawalla! an jaahu al aama! Wama yudreeka laallahu

yazzakka! aw yaththakkaru fatanfaahu aththikra! amma mani
istaghna! Fa-anta lahu tasadda! Wama aalayka alla yazzakka!
Wa-amma man jaaka yasaa! Wahuwa yakhsha! Fa-anta aanhu
talahha! Kalla innaha tathkira!
The reason why I typed the transliteration of the opening verses was to provide a more vivid
idea of the whole scene. So, please try reciting it once. Just to help you imagine, how it
would have sounded. . . . . . . PLEASE RECITE. . . . . . . . . .

Sounds like a rhyme. But, what does it actually mean? Why would Muhammad* utter these
verses subsequent to what happened with the blind man? Lets see what it really means. The
translation.

He Frowned and turned away. Because, there came to him the

blind man. But what would make you perceive, that perhaps he
might be purified, or be reminded and the remembrance would
benefit him? As for he who thinks himself without need, to him you
give attention. And not upon you is any blame if he will not be
purified. But as for he who came to you striving for knowledge
while he fears God, From him you are distracted.
Can you imagine the situation? Muhammad* is now reciting verses, that directly
admonishes him. Refer the highlighted words He and You, is he correcting himself? why
would he if so talk about himself in the third person perspective? If someone is to claim that
the Quran is the brainchild of Muhammad* - then how would he explain this? Why would
he correct and embarass himself? This is the beauty of the Quran.
Upon the revelation of these verses, Muhammad* ensured that he treated this blind
companion of his with utmost respect, love and generosity. And it has been narrated that
Muhammad* would often greet him in the following manner "Welcome unto him on whose
account my God has critisized me."

Muhammad* - Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihiwa Sallam.

Umar** - Umar Radhi Allahu Anhu