The Higher Realms

There is something worth pondering over in Chapter Al-Imran, verses 190-194 and verse 195. (Indeed, all the verses of the Holy Quran are worth pondering over.) Verses 190-194 refer to some individuals who are in communication with their Lord. These people call out to Allah five times, by exclaiming Rabbana (Our Lord!). Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of night and day, there are signs for those who possess intellect. Those who remember Allah standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth [and say], ‘ Our Lord  , You have not created this in vain! Immaculate are You! Save us from the punishment of the Fire. Our Lord  , whoever that You make enter the Fire will surely have been disgraced by You, and the wrongdoers will have no helpers. Our Lord  , we have indeed heard a summoner calling to faith, declaring, ‘‘Have faith in your Lord!’’ So we believed. Our Lord...

Introduction One of the attributes of the Holy Quran is that it is a descriptive book. It contains descriptions of Allah's attributes and of his creations. Some of the descriptions are direct while others are abstract. There are abundant and clear undisputed references to Allah and the holy prophet throughout the holy Quran.   On some occasions, there are captivating descriptions of someone / something that don't (necessarily) refer to Allah and his prophet, yet are noteworthy in their own right. Such descriptions are of what we may refer to a "third entity". Depending on the description, the third entity may be the holy Quran, an individual, a group of people, or something entirely different.  The purpose of this article is not to provide detailed exegesis of Quranic verse. Rather, we will be listing and where required, briefly commenting on the specific aspects of the descriptions. The Third Entity  For the purpose of this article, we will define ...

There is no doubt that the Abrahamic religions are based in the Middle East. All the prophets mentioned within the Quran came from the same general region of ancient Arabia. The animals and foods mentioned in the Quran are of Arab origin. There is abundant mention of deserts and oasis in the holy book, but none of snow. Some of the cultural practices that the Quran refers to in condemnation or approval may be irrelevant to a European living at the time of Prophet Muhammad. However, none of this is incompatible with the Quran being a “universal” book. The message of Islam is Tawheed, which is a universal message. Everything else, including prophet hood are only means to deliver that message. When we say that the Quran is universal, it implies that it’s core message of Tawheed applies to everyone. In fact, the vast majority of the verses of the Quran are such that any human being can admire them and be guided by them, regardless of race, nationality, religion or ethnicity. ...

1)       A correct approach towards the tafsir of the Quran -           Before the twentieth century there were no works of tafsir for laymen. -           Scholars considered tafsir mainly for academic benefit. -           Pondering over the Quran was limited to the scholars. -           This belief went directly against the purpose of the Quran (and they realized it). -           The tafsir of the Quran should be such that it does not sideline the masses. 2)       Awareness of the rules of Arabic grammar 3)       Awareness of the meaning of the words in the Quran -           Meanings of words change with time - ...