Solutions to Depression and Stress in Islam
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What Are the Solutions to Depression and Stress in Islam: Part1(Lengthy but Wealthy)
In the era we are living in today, stress and stress-related illnesses such as depression and anxiety are becoming of the biggest killers, and the effects that they have on our emotional and physical health can be devastating. Stress, as a highly personalized phenomenon, varies between people depending on individual vulnerability and resilience. So, how could one manage to control anxiety and relieve stress in Islam? How could one build up that strength required to beat the stress in Islam? Here are some of the solutions that
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What contradictions exist within the Quran?
Originally Answered: Is it true that the Quran contradicts itself?
———————————This answer is so long ———————————
First, let me tell you that i didn’t want to answer this question, because i don’t like encouraging people taking their information from anti-Islam sources. I will address the points he mentioned one-by-one : (Statements in Bold are the claims)
(Do not they consider the Quran (with care)? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy) - Surah 4, verse 82
There are several problems with this verse first it says if the Quran had been from someone other than Allah, we would have found much discrepancy in it. So, if a book is written by anyone other than Allah it will be filled with discrepancies, but this is just silly!
Answer : Yeah this is silly. You see what he did here? he made a straw-man argument. Allah didn’t say “if a book is written by anyone. etc”, Allah talks about the Quran specifically. Allah didn’t say (Do not they consider any book (with care)? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy), rather he said (Do not they consider the Quran (with care)? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy).
Why would we have to find much discrepancy in a book to know that it’s not from Allah? why not some discrepancy or little discrepancy? It’s as if the Quran is saying you might find a few errors and contradictions in the Quran, but you know it’s the word of Allah as you don’t find much discrepancy.
Answer : Again a straw-man argument. Allah didn’t say you have to find much discrepancy in the Quran, and if you find a little it’s OK !!! What’s the main point here? the creator, whether its God or anyone else. Allah tells us if someone made the Quran other than Allah, people would have discovered plenty of errors in it. He didn’t mention that the Quran contains some errors!! where did this man get that from?. If anyone brought me a single verse stating that i will leave Islam immediately, because i will be convinced that it’s not from God. This man twists the verses and then try to criticize them.
How long did it take Allah to create the universe? according to Surah 7, verse 54 it took 6 days. According to Surah 41, verses 9–12 it took 8 days.
Answer : I can’t believe that there are still people who stir these topics after they were made clear over and over again. I will answer them nonetheless. He says there are contradiction between Surah 7 and Surah 41. I will quote the interpretation of the meaning of these verses in question from the website Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم :
Surah 7, verse 54 : “Indeed, your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and earth in six days and then established Himself above the Throne. He covers the night with the day, [another night] chasing it rapidly; and [He created] the sun, the moon, and the stars, subjected by His command. Unquestionably, His is the creation and the command; blessed is Allah, Lord of the worlds.”
Surah 41, verses 9–12 : “Say, "Do you indeed disbelieve in He who created the earth in two days and attribute to Him equals? That is the Lord of the worlds ۞ And He placed on the earth firmly set mountains over its surface, and He blessed it and determined therein its [creatures'] sustenance in four days without distinction - for [the information] of those who ask ۞ Then He directed Himself to the heaven while it was smoke and said to it and to the earth, "Come [into being], willingly or by compulsion." They said, "We have come willingly ۞ And He completed them as seven heavens within two days and inspired in each heaven its command. And We adorned the nearest heaven with lamps and as protection. That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing.”
There is no contradiction between the time period mentioned in these verses and the other verse which says that it was six days.
In these verses – from Surah 41 – we see that Allah is telling us that He “created the earth in two Days”.
Then He “placed therein (i.e. the earth) firm mountains from above it, and He blessed it, and measured therein its sustenance (for its dwellers)” in four days equal– i.e., in two days that were added to the two days in which He created the earth, so the total is four days. It does not say that the creation of the mountains and the measuring of the sustenance took four days.
Perhaps the confusion which is mentioned in the question stems from this, i.e., from thinking that the four days are added to the two days in which the earth was created, equaling six, and then adding the two days in which the heavens were created (“Then He completed and finished from their creation (as) seven heavens in two Days”) – making a total of eight days, not six days. But this confusion can be dispelled by dealing with this mistaken notion.
So the earth was created in two days, and the mountains were created and the sustenance measured in two more days which makes a total of four, i.e., this took the other two days. Then the creation of the seven heavens took two days. So the total is six days of the Days of Allah, may He be glorified and exalted. (not like ordinary days)
The interpreters commented on this fact which deals with the mistaken notion. Imam Al-Qurtubi said:
“in four days” – this is like someone saying, “I set out from Basra to Baghdad in ten days and to Kufa in fifteen days, i.e., a total time of fifteen days.” (al-Jaami’ li Ahkaam al-Qur’aan, vol. 15, p. 343).
Imam Al-Baghawi said: “in four days” means the creation of what is in the earth. The measuring of the sustenance was on Tuesday and Wednesday, which along with Sunday and Monday add up to four days. This is like saying “I married a woman yesterday and today I married two” – one of whom is the woman whom he married the day before. (Tafseer al-Baghawi, 7/165 )
Imam Al-Zajjaaj said: “in four days” means two days added to the previous two days. (Al-Kashshaaf, vol. 3, p. 444)
These verses – from Surah 41 – confirm the other verse, which says that the creation of the heavens and the earth was completed in six days. So there is no contradiction concerning the period in which Allah created the heavens and the earth. There cannot be any such contradictions in the Quran.
What did Allah create first the heavens or the earth? According to Surah 2, verse 29 the earth was created first then the heavens. According to Surah 79, verses 27–30 the heavens were created first then the earth.
Answer : I will quote the interpretation of the meaning of these verses in question from the website Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم :
Surah 2, verse 29 : “It is He who created for you all of that which is on the earth. Then He directed Himself to the heaven, [His being above all creation], and made them seven heavens, and He is Knowing of all things”
Surah 79, verses 27–30 : “Are you a more difficult creation or is the heaven? Allah constructed it ۞ He raised its ceiling and proportioned it ۞ And He darkened its night and extracted its brightness ۞ And after that He spread the earth.”
So the earth was created first, not spread, then the heaven was created, then the earth was spread, by bringing forth water and pasture from it, i.e., trees, crops and so on.
What is meant by the words of Allah, may He be exalted, “He it is Who created for you all that is on earth” [Surah 2, verse 239] is the earth itself, and He measured out what would be upon it of provision and other things. The word “khalaqa” (translated as created) here means measured. This is in accordance with the words in Surah 41: “and measured [qaddara] therein its sustenance” [Surah 41, verse 10].
Imam Muhammad al-Ameen ash-Shinqeeti (may Allah have mercy on him) said: First of all, it should be understood that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) was asked about reconciling between the verse in Surah 41 and the verse in Surah 79, and he responded by saying that Allah, may He be exalted, created the earth first, before the heaven, but it was not spread. Then He rose over towards the heaven and fashioned it as seven heavens in two days, then He spread the earth after that, and placed in it mountains, rivers and so on.
So the creation of the earth itself came before the creation of the heavens, and then came the spreading of the earth with its mountains, trees and so on, after the creation of the heavens.
This is indicated by the fact that He says: “And after that He spread the earth” [Surah 79, verse 30] and He did not say that He created it. Then He explained what is meant by spreading it by saying: “And brought forth therefrom its water and its pasture” [Surah 79, verse 31 which he didn’t mention intentionally]. The way in which Ibn ‘Abbaas reconciled between these two verses is clear and there is no problem with it, as may be understood from the apparent meaning of the Holy Quran. End quote.
Then he mentioned the verse in Surah 2, and explained that what is meant by creation there is measuring, or creating the earth itself.
He also mentioned another way of reconciling between the verses, which is that the verse “And after that He spread the earth” [Surah 79, verse 30] means with that, So the word ba‘d (translated here as “after”) may mean ma‘a “with”. This reconciliation may be supported by an odd mode of recitation, according to which Mujaahid recited it as wa’l-arda ma‘a dhalika dahaahaa [instead of wa’l-arda ba‘da dhalika dahaahaa]. Based on this mode of recitation, the verse in Surah 79 does not mention the order in which the heavens and the earth were created, therefore there is no contradiction between it and the verses in Surah 2 and and Surah 41.
See: Daf‘ Eehaam al-Idtiraab ‘an Aayaat al-Kitaab by al-‘Allaamah Muhammad al-Ameen ash-Shinqeeti, printed with his tafseer Adwa’ al-Bayaan (10/16-18).
Who was the first Muslim? In Surah 6, verse 14 it’s Muahmmed “Peace be upon him”. Surah 7, verse 143 it’s Moses “Peace be upon him”. Yet the Quran also claims that Adam “Peace be upon him” and Abraham “Peace be upon him” were Muslims.
Answer : Let’s start with Etymology first; Islam (Arabic: إسلام, is a verbal noun originating from the triliteral root (S-L-M) which forms a large class of words mostly relating to concepts of wholeness, submission, safeness, and peace. In a religious context it means "voluntary submission to God".
Islām is the verbal noun of Form IV of the root, and means "submission" or "surrender". Muslim, the word for an adherent of Islam, is the active participle of the same verb form, and means "submitter" or "one who surrenders". The word sometimes has distinct connotations in its various occurrences in the Quran. In some verses, there is stress on the quality of Islam as an internal spiritual state: "Whomsoever God desires to guide, He opens his heart to Islam." Quran 6:125, Quran 61:7, Quran 39:22
Other verses connect Islam and religion (dīn) together: "Today, I have perfected your religion (dīn) for you; I have completed My blessing upon you; I have approved Islam for your religion." Quran 5:3, Quran 3:19, Quran 3:83
Still others describe Islam as an action of returning to God—more than just a verbal affirmation of faith.
In the Hadith of Gabriel, islām is presented as one part of a triad that also includes imān (faith), and ihsān (excellence).
Now let’s quote the interpretation of the meaning of these verses in question from the website Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم :
Surah 6, verse 14 : “Say, "Is it other than Allah I should take as a protector, Creator of the heavens and the earth, while it is He who feeds and is not fed?" Say, [O Muhammad], "Indeed, I have been commanded to be the first [among you] who submit [to Allah ] and [was commanded], 'Do not ever be of the polytheists”
Surah 7, verse 143 : “And when Moses arrived at Our appointed time and his Lord spoke to him, he said, "My Lord, show me [Yourself] that I may look at You." [ Allah ] said, "You will not see Me, but look at the mountain; if it should remain in place, then you will see Me." But when his Lord appeared to the mountain, He rendered it level, and Moses fell unconscious. And when he awoke, he said, "Exalted are You! I have repented to You, and I am the first of the believers.”
I am very happy that he mentioned these two verses in particular. In Surah 6 the word is “Awwala Mn Aslama” which means the first one to submit to God. Whereas in Surah 7 it’s “Awwala Al-Mu’meneen” → The first of the believers (not a Muslim as following the religion of Islam). A complete lie !
First Prophet in Arabia? In Surah 2, verses 125–129 It’s Abraham “Peace be upon him” and Ishmael “Peace be upon him” when they built the Kaa’ba. Yet in Surah 28, verse 46 it claims that Muhammed “Peace be upon him” was the first messenger to come to the Arabs.
Answer : I will quote the interpretation of the meaning of these verses in question from the website Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم :
Surah 2, verses 125–129 : “And [mention] when We made the House a place of return for the people and [a place of] security. And take, [O believers], from the standing place of Abraham a place of prayer. And We charged Abraham and Ishmael, [saying], "Purify My House for those who perform Tawaf and those who are staying [there] for worship and those who bow and prostrate [in prayer] ۞ And [mention] when Abraham said, "My Lord, make this a secure city and provide its people with fruits - whoever of them believes in Allah and the Last Day." [ Allah ] said. "And whoever disbelieves - I will grant him enjoyment for a little; then I will force him to the punishment of the Fire, and wretched is the destination ۞ And [mention] when Abraham was raising the foundations of the House and [with him] Ishmael, [saying], "Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed You are the Hearing, the Knowing ۞ Our Lord, and make us Muslims [in submission] to You and from our descendants a Muslim nation [in submission] to You. And show us our rites and accept our repentance. Indeed, You are the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful ۞ Our Lord, and send among them a messenger from themselves who will recite to them Your verses and teach them the Book and wisdom and purify them. Indeed, You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise”
Surah 28, verse 46 : “And you were not at the side of the mount when We called [Moses] but [were sent] as a mercy from your Lord to warn a people to whom no warner had come before you that they might be reminded”
Now the answer lies exactly in these two examples he cited. When we check the last verse of the first example (i.e. Surah 2, verse 129), we find that both Abraham “Peace be upon him” and Ishmael “Peace be upon him” were asking God to send a messenger for these people “i.e. the Arabs” from their own as stated clearly :
“Our Lord, and send among them a messenger from themselves who will recite to them Your verses and teach them the Book and wisdom and purify them. Indeed, You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise”.
The other thing is that, both Abraham “Peace be upon him” and Ishmael “Peace be upon him” were there in Arabia not for preaching, but for building the Kaaba also as stated clearly. I wait for him to provide one verse in the whole Quran where God tells us that Abraham “peace be upon him” or Ishmael “peace be upon him” were messengers to the Arabs.
According to Surah 4, verse 28, committing Shirk* (i.e. association with God in worship) is unforgivable. Later in the Same Surah 4, verse 153 Allah forgives people for committing Shirk.
Answer : I will quote the interpretation of the meaning of these verses in question from the website Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم :
Surah 4, verse 48 : “Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. And he who associates others with Allah has certainly fabricated a tremendous sin”
Surah 4, verse 153 : “The People of the Scripture ask you to bring down to them a book from the heaven. But they had asked of Moses [even] greater than that and said, "Show us Allah outright," so the thunderbolt struck them for their wrongdoing. Then they took the calf [for worship] after clear evidences had come to them, and We pardoned that. And We gave Moses a clear authority”
There is something very important this man doesn’t mention deliberately; There is a clear distinction between dying while you worship someone with God and refusing his signs to you, and repenting before you die and returning to the one true God with no association with anyone or anything else. He needs to study more “Aqida” or Islamic Creed. How to make sure that God means that? Let’s cite this part from another Surah and see :
Surah 7, verses 148 - 153 : “And the people of Moses made, after [his departure], from their ornaments a calf - an image having a lowing sound. Did they not see that it could neither speak to them nor guide them to a way? They took it [for worship], and they were wrongdoers ۞ And when regret overcame them and they saw that they had gone astray, they said, "If our Lord does not have mercy upon us and forgive us, we will surely be among the losers ۞ And when Moses returned to his people, angry and grieved, he said, "How wretched is that by which you have replaced me after [my departure]. Were you impatient over the matter of your Lord?" And he threw down the tablets and seized his brother by [the hair of] his head, pulling him toward him. [Aaron] said, "O son of my mother, indeed the people oppressed me and were about to kill me, so let not the enemies rejoice over me and do not place me among the wrongdoing people ۞ [Moses] said, "My Lord, forgive me and my brother and admit us into Your mercy, for You are the most merciful of the merciful ۞ Indeed, those who took the calf [for worship] will obtain anger from their Lord and humiliation in the life of this world, and thus do We recompense the inventors [of falsehood] ۞ But those who committed misdeeds and then repented after them and believed - indeed your Lord, thereafter, is Forgiving and Merciful”
Do you see?
What if they died in disbelieve or in Shirk?
The answer is in Surah 2, verses 161–162 : “Indeed, those who disbelieve and die while they are disbelievers - upon them will be the curse of Allah and of the angels and the people, all together ۞ Abiding eternally therein. The punishment will not be lightened for them, nor will they be reprieved”
Quran in pure Arabic. Surah 16, verse 103 tells us that the Quran is written in pure Arabic. And yet there are many foreign words in the Quran.
Answer : Where are the examples of those “foreign words”? he didn’t mention any!!
Surah 2, verse 62 Says that Jews and Christians don’t need to fear, because we will be accepted by Allah. Surah 3, verse 85 says that the only religion accepted by Allah is Islam.
Answer : I will quote the interpretation of the meaning of these verses in question from the website Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم :
Surah 2, verse 62 : “Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans [before Prophet Muhammad] - those [among them] who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness - will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.”
Surah 3, verse 85 : “And whoever desires other than Islam as religion - never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers”
In order to understand these verses correctly, we need to refer to the scholars of Tafseer (Qur’anic commentary). The great Imaam Ismaa’eel ibn Katheer, may Allah have mercy on him, said in his tafseer of the verse from Surah 2:
“Allah, may He be exalted, points out that whoever of the previous nations did well and was obedient, will have a good reward, and this will be the case for everyone who follows the Unlettered Prophet [Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) until the Hour comes – he will have eternal happiness, and they will not fear what they are going to face, nor will they grieve for what they have left behind. As Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): ‘No doubt! Verily, the awliya’ of Allah [i.e., those who believe in the Oneness of Allah and fear Allah much, and love Allah much], no fear shall come upon them nor shall they grieve.’ [Surah 10, verse 62]. And Allah tells us what the angels say to the believers at the time of death (interpretation of the meaning): ‘Verily, those who say, “Our Lord is Allah,” then they istaqaamu [stood straight, i.e., truly followed Islam], on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): “Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!”’ [Surah 41, verse 30]
As far as the Jews are concerning, their faith meant believing in the Tawraat (original Torah) and following the way of Moses (peace be upon him) until ‘Eesa “i.e. Jesus” (peace be upon him) - came, after which whoever continued to follow the Torah and the way of Moses, and did not leave this and follow Jesus, was doomed. As far as the Christians are concerned, their faith meant believing in the Injeel (original Gospel) and following the laws of Jesus (peace be upon him); whoever did this was a believer whose faith was acceptable to Allah, until Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came, after which whoever did not follow Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and leave the way of Jesus (peace be upon him) and the Gospel that he had been following before, was doomed.
The verse (interpretation of the meaning), “And whoever desires other than Islam as religion - never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers” [Surah 3, verse 85] is a statement that Allah will not accept any way or deed from anyone, after sending His Final Messenger, except those that are in accordance with the laws of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Prior to this, however, anyone who followed the Prophet of his own time was on the Straight Path of salvation. So the Jews were those who followed Moses (peace be upon him) and referred to the Torah for judgement at that time. When Allah sent Jesus (peace be upon him), the Children of Israel were obliged to follow him and obey him, and so they and others who followed him became Christians.. When Allaah sent Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), as the Final Prophet and a Messenger to all the children of Adam, all of mankind was obliged to believe in him and obey him, and refrain from what he prohibited. Those who did so are the true believers. The ummah (nation) of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) are called the believers because of their deep eemaan (faith) and conviction, and because they believe in all the past Prophets and in the prophesied events that are yet to come.”
Commenting on the verse in Surah 2, verse 62 “Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans [before Prophet Muhammad] - those [among them] who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness - will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.”, Ibn Katheer (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
“What is meant is that every group believed in Allah and the Last Day, which is the appointed Day of Reckoning, and did righteous deeds. But after Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was sent to both mankind and the jinn, true belief can only be in accordance with the way of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Whoever follows his way will not fear the future or grieve for what they leave behind.”
I guess it’s pretty obvious in the verse itself when God says “Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans [before Prophet Muhammad] - those [among them] who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness - will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.”. Do Christians and Jews believe in Allah now? They curse him!
What is man created from? Surah 19, verse 67 says that man was created from nothing. Surah 96, verse 2 Says that man was created from a clot of blood. Surah 21, verse 30 Says that man was created from water. Surah 16, verse 4 Says that man was created from small seed. Surah 15, verse 26 Says that man was created from Clay and Mud. Surah 3, verse 59 Says that man was created from Dust. Surah 11, verse 61 Says that man was created from Earth.
Answer : I will quote the interpretation of the meaning of these verses in question from the website Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم :
Surah 19, verse 67 : “Does man not remember that We created him before, while he was nothing?”
Surah 96, verse 2 : “Created man from a clinging substance (i.e. clot)”
Surah 21, verse 30 : “Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe?”
Surah 16, verse 4 : “He created man from a sperm-drop; then at once, he is a clear adversary”
Surah 15, verse 26 : “And We did certainly create man out of clay from an altered black mud”
Surah 3, verse 59 : “Indeed, the example of Jesus to Allah is like that of Adam. He created Him from dust; then He said to him, "Be," and he was”
Surah 11, verse 61 : “And to Thamud [We sent] their brother Salih. He said, "O my people, worship Allah ; you have no deity other than Him. He has produced you from the earth and settled you in it, so ask forgiveness of Him and then repent to Him. Indeed, my Lord is near and responsive”
From all the points he stirred, i guess this one is the most stupid one till now. (Mud is in earth, and Mud = Dust + Water. This is the origin of the creation, then the progeny comes from sperm which starts to form a clot..etc) where is the contradiction here? Not to mention his poor quoting skills. Instead of Sperm he calls it “small seed”!!? Instead of saying (We created him before, while he was nothing?) he says (Created from nothing) as if nothing is the building block of humans !!
I will quote a verse he didn’t quote because it explains the creation of a baby in his mother’s womb : Surah 23, verses 12–14
“And certainly did We create man from an extract of clay ۞ Then We placed him as a sperm-drop in a firm lodging ۞ Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of creators”
As for the creation of Adam “Peace be upon him”. Surah 38, verse 71
“[So mention] when your Lord said to the angels, "Indeed, I am going to create a human being from clay”
As you can see no contradiction, just more details in some verses.
Will intercession be possible in the day of judgemen? According to Surah 20, verse 109, Surah 34, verse 23 and Surah 43, verse 86 → Yes. According to Surah 2, verse 123, Surah 6, verse 51 and Surah 82, verse 19 —-> No.
Answer : I will quote the interpretation of the meaning of these verses in question from the website Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم :
Surah 20, verse 109 : “That Day, no intercession will benefit except [that of] one to whom the Most Merciful has given permission and has accepted his word”
Surah 34, verse 23 : “And intercession does not benefit with Him except for one whom He permits. [And those wait] until, when terror is removed from their hearts, they will say [to one another], "What has your Lord said?" They will say, "The truth." And He is the Most High, the Grand”
Surah 43, verse 86 : “And those they invoke besides Him do not possess [power of] intercession; but only those who testify to the truth [can benefit], and they know”
Surah 2, verse 123 : “And fear a Day when no soul will suffice for another soul at all, and no compensation will be accepted from it, nor will any intercession benefit it, nor will they be aided”
Surah 6, verse 51 : “And warn by the Qur'an those who fear that they will be gathered before their Lord - for them besides Him will be no protector and no intercessor - that they might become righteous”
Surah 82, verse 19 : “It is the Day when a soul will not possess for another soul [power to do] a thing; and the command, that Day, is [entirely] with Allah”
In Islam, Intercession is accepted from Muslims only. And Good Muslims in particular who reached high degrees of piety. Intercession will be for Muslims in Hellfire in order to ask God to get them out of it. Non-believers will not be granted the right to intercede or will they benefit from intercession at all. Where is the contradiction here? (Believer → Intercession / Non-believer → No intercession) It’s quite simple.
In the first 3 examples (i.e. verses) God tells us that no one will be able to intercede except those who God approves.
I will detail the second 3 verses which he claims denying intercession at all :
Surah 2, verse 123: Here God is talking to the Children of Israel (not to mankind in general). We can know that from the previous verse 122 : “O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I have bestowed upon you and that I preferred you over the worlds”
So to read them together : “O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I have bestowed upon you and that I preferred you over the worlds ۞ And fear a Day when no soul will suffice for another soul at all, and no compensation will be accepted from it, nor will any intercession benefit it, nor will they be aided” Surah 2, verses 122–123
Surah 6, verse 51: Here God tells the Prophet (peace be upon him) to warn the people and incite them to be righteous by telling them that if they disbelieve they will have no protector or intercessor. Te witness here is the phrase “..that they might become righteous” In other words it’s “Make them fear from that fate that they might become righteous”.
Surah 82, verse 19: It’s not related to intercession. It states a fact that no soul will have any power to direct another soul to paradise or hell. Everything is/ will be in God’s power.
What happened to pharaoh? According to Surah 10, verse 92; Allah saved him. According to Surah 17, verse 103 says that he drowned.
Answer : I will quote the interpretation of the meaning of these verses in question from the website Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم :
Surah 10, verse 92: “So today We will save you in body that you may be to those who succeed you a sign. And indeed, many among the people, of Our signs, are heedless”
Surah 17, verse 103: “So he intended to drive them from the land, but We drowned him and those with him all together”
As you can see this man is a complete idiot. He can’t even understand basic words. In the first Surah God tells us that he will save his body to be a sign for God’s wrath for those who will come after him. Was he spared punishment and drowning? No, but unlike his soldiers, his body was found and mummified.
He talks about abrogation in the Quran, which is a highly disputed topic. He says in Surah 2, verse 256 “there is no compulsion in religion”. Whereas Surah 9, verse 29 says “Fight those who don’t believe in Allah”.
Answer : I will quote the interpretation of the meaning of these verses in question from the website Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم :
Surah 2, verse 256: “There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing”
Surah 9, verse 29: “Fight those who do not believe in Allah or in the Last Day and who do not consider unlawful what Allah and His Messenger have made unlawful and who do not adopt the religion of truth from those who were given the Scripture - [fight] until they give the jizyah willingly while they are humbled”
I guess first verse is no problem for him. He talks about the second one about fighting. All interpreters of the Quran, Islamic Historians, Jurists and Biographers agree that this verse in particular was a divine command to fight the Byzantines because they killed a companion of the Prophet who was sent with a message to them. So it’s not a general rule. Here in Egypt we don’t fight Coptic Christians for example!!. But i will assume that it’s a general rule for his sake. Where in that verse does it command us to force convert people? It clearly says fight to take tribute from the, not to make them Muslims!.
Is a Muslim allowed to drink alcohol? According to Surah 4, verse 43: Yes. According to Surah 5, verse 90: No.
Answer : I will quote the interpretation of the meaning of these verses in question from the website Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم :
Surah 4, verse 43 : “O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying or in a state of janabah, except those passing through [a place of prayer], until you have washed [your whole body]. And if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and find no water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and your hands [with it]. Indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving”
Surah 5, verse 90 : “O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah ], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful”
I feel complete retardness when i answer such well-known questions! But i have to, because some people don’t know Islam that much. Anyway, The Quran was revealed to the Prophet (peace be upon him) along 23 years approximately. Some rulings were stated and applied gradually, because people couldn’t indulge in religion so fast. So for example, the Muslim prayer started as a regular prayer to God to ask him for guidance and it was twice a day. The same happened with alcohol. Arabs used to drink so many sorts of alcohol and mention it in their poems..etc. It was an integrated part of their meetings. So when God wanted us to stop alcohol, he instructed us in a gradual way, in order not to make it hard on people. So the first verse this guy mention is at the beginning of the ban. God tells us not to come to prayer while drunk. Which means 5 times a day you can’t be drunk. Then in the second verse, he tells us to stop totally, and it was after they followed the first order to be sober nearly more than half the day.
What is the penalty for sexual sin? Surah 4, verse 15 tells us it’s house arrest, while Surah 24, verse 2 tells us 100 lashes.
Answer : I will quote the interpretation of the meaning of these verses in question from the website Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم :
Surah 4, verse 15 : “Those who commit unlawful sexual intercourse of your women - bring against them four [witnesses] from among you. And if they testify, confine the guilty women to houses until death takes them or Allah ordains for them [another] way”
Surah 24, verse 2 : “The woman or man found guilty of sexual intercourse - lash each one of them with a hundred lashes, and do not be taken by pity for them in the religion of Allah, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a group of the believers witness their punishment”
The first verse he mentions is about Lesbians, not adultery or fornication. Whereas the second verse is about Adultery/Fornication.
Done Alhamdoullillah and Allah knows best. Islam proposes.
Related
What contradictions exist within the Quran?
Originally Answered: Is it true that the Quran contradicts itself?
———————————This answer is so long ———————————-
First, let me tell you that i didn’t want to answer this question, because i don’t like encouraging people taking their information from anti-Islam sources. I will address the points he mentioned one-by-one : (Statements in Bold are the claims)
(Do not they consider the Quran (with care)? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy) - Surah 4, verse 82
There are several problems with this verse first it says if the Quran had been from someone other than Allah, we would have found much discrepancy in it. So if a book is written by anyone other than Allah it will be filled with discrepancies, but this is just silly!
Answer : Yeah this is silly. You see what he did here? he made a straw-man argument. Allah didn’t say “if a book is written by anyone..etc”, Allah talks about the Quran specifically. Allah didn’t say (Do not they consider any book (with care)? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy), rather he said (Do not they consider the Quran (with care)? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy).
Why would we have to find much discrepancy in a book to know that it’s not from Allah? why not some discrepancy or little discrepancy? It’s as if the Quran is saying you might find a few errors and contradictions in the Quran, but you know it’s the word of Allah as you don’t find much discrepancy.
Answer : Again a straw-man argument. Allah didn’t say you have to find much discrepancy in the Quran, and if you find a little it’s OK !!! What’s the main point here? the creator, whether its God or anyone else. Allah tells us if someone made the Quran other than Allah, people would have discovered plenty of errors in it. He didn’t mention that the Quran contains some errors!! where did this man get that from?. If anyone brought me a single verse stating that i will leave Islam immediately, because i will be convinced that it’s not from God. This man twists the verses and then try to criticize them.
How long did it take Allah to create the universe? according to Surah 7, verse 54 it took 6 days. According to Surah 41, verses 9–12 it took 8 days.
Answer : I can’t believe that there are still people who stir these topics after they were made clear over and over again. I will answer them nonetheless. He says there are contradiction between Surah 7 and Surah 41. I will quote the interpretation of the meaning of these verses in question from the website Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم :
Surah 7, verse 54 : “Indeed, your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and earth in six days and then established Himself above the Throne. He covers the night with the day, [another night] chasing it rapidly; and [He created] the sun, the moon, and the stars, subjected by His command. Unquestionably, His is the creation and the command; blessed is Allah, Lord of the worlds.”
Surah 41, verses 9–12 : “Say, "Do you indeed disbelieve in He who created the earth in two days and attribute to Him equals? That is the Lord of the worlds ۞ And He placed on the earth firmly set mountains over its surface, and He blessed it and determined therein its [creatures'] sustenance in four days without distinction - for [the information] of those who ask ۞ Then He directed Himself to the heaven while it was smoke and said to it and to the earth, "Come [into being], willingly or by compulsion." They said, "We have come willingly ۞ And He completed them as seven heavens within two days and inspired in each heaven its command. And We adorned the nearest heaven with lamps and as protection. That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing.”
There is no contradiction between the time period mentioned in these verses and the other verse which says that it was six days.
In these verses – from Surah 41 – we see that Allah is telling us that He “created the earth in two Days”.
Then He “placed therein (i.e. the earth) firm mountains from above it, and He blessed it, and measured therein its sustenance (for its dwellers)” in four days equal– i.e., in two days that were added to the two days in which He created the earth, so the total is four days. It does not say that the creation of the mountains and the measuring of the sustenance took four days.
Perhaps the confusion which is mentioned in the question stems from this, i.e., from thinking that the four days are added to the two days in which the earth was created, equaling six, and then adding the two days in which the heavens were created (“Then He completed and finished from their creation (as) seven heavens in two Days”) – making a total of eight days, not six days. But this confusion can be dispelled by dealing with this mistaken notion. So the earth was created in two days, and the mountains were created and the sustenance measured in two more days which makes a total of four, i.e., this took the other two days. Then the creation of the seven heavens took two days. So the total is six days of the Days of Allah, may He be glorified and exalted. (not like ordinary days)
The interpreters commented on this fact which deals with the mistaken notion. Imam Al-Qurtubi said:
“in four days” – this is like someone saying, “I set out from Basra to Baghdad in ten days and to Kufa in fifteen days, i.e., a total time of fifteen days.” (al-Jaami’ li Ahkaam al-Qur’aan, vol. 15, p. 343).
Imam Al-Baghawi said: “in four days” means the creation of what is in the earth. The measuring of the sustenance was on Tuesday and Wednesday, which along with Sunday and Monday add up to four days. This is like saying “I married a woman yesterday and today I married two” – one of whom is the woman whom he married the day before. (Tafseer al-Baghawi, 7/165 )
Imam Al-Zajjaaj said: “in four days” means two days added to the previous two days. (Al-Kashshaaf, vol. 3, p. 444)
These verses – from Surah 41 – confirm the other verse, which says that the creation of the heavens and the earth was completed in six days. So there is no contradiction concerning the period in which Allah created the heavens and the earth. There cannot be any such contradictions in the Quran.
What did Allah create first the heavens or the earth? According to Surah 2, verse 29 the earth was created first then the heavens. According to Surah 79, verses 27–30 the heavens were created first then the earth.
Answer : I will quote the interpretation of the meaning of these verses in question from the website Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم :
Surah 2, verse 29 : “It is He who created for you all of that which is on the earth. Then He directed Himself to the heaven, [His being above all creation], and made them seven heavens, and He is Knowing of all things”
Surah 79, verses 27–30 : “Are you a more difficult creation or is the heaven? Allah constructed it ۞ He raised its ceiling and proportioned it ۞ And He darkened its night and extracted its brightness ۞ And after that He spread the earth.”
So the earth was created first, not spread, then the heaven was created, then the earth was spread, by bringing forth water and pasture from it, i.e., trees, crops and so on.
What is meant by the words of Allah, may He be exalted, “He it is Who created for you all that is on earth” [Surah 2, verse 239] is the earth itself, and He measured out what would be upon it of provision and other things. The word “khalaqa” (translated as created) here means measured. This is in accordance with the words in Surah 41: “and measured [qaddara] therein its sustenance” [Surah 41, verse 10].
Imam Muhammad al-Ameen ash-Shinqeeti (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
First of all, it should be understood that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) was asked about reconciling between the verse in Surah 41 and the verse in Surah 79, and he responded by saying that Allah, may He be exalted, created the earth first, before the heaven, but it was not spread. Then He rose over towards the heaven and fashioned it as seven heavens in two days, then He spread the earth after that, and placed in it mountains, rivers and so on.
So the creation of the earth itself came before the creation of the heavens, and then came the spreading of the earth with its mountains, trees and so on, after the creation of the heavens.
This is indicated by the fact that He says: “And after that He spread the earth” [Surah 79, verse 30] and He did not say that He created it. Then He explained what is meant by spreading it by saying: “And brought forth therefrom its water and its pasture” [Surah 79, verse 31 which he didn’t mention intentionally]. The way in which Ibn ‘Abbaas reconciled between these two verses is clear and there is no problem with it, as may be understood from the apparent meaning of the Holy Quran. End quote.
Then he mentioned the verse in Surah 2, and explained that what is meant by creation there is measuring, or creating the earth itself.
He also mentioned another way of reconciling between the verses, which is that the verse “And after that He spread the earth” [Surah 79, verse 30] means with that, So the word ba‘d (translated here as “after”) may mean ma‘a “with”. This reconciliation may be supported by an odd mode of recitation, according to which Mujaahid recited it as wa’l-arda ma‘a dhalika dahaahaa [instead of wa’l-arda ba‘da dhalika dahaahaa]. Based on this mode of recitation, the verse in Surah 79 does not mention the order in which the heavens and the earth were created, therefore there is no contradiction between it and the verses in Surah 2 and and Surah 41.
See: Daf‘ Eehaam al-Idtiraab ‘an Aayaat al-Kitaab by al-‘Allaamah Muhammad al-Ameen ash-Shinqeeti, printed with his tafseer Adwa’ al-Bayaan (10/16-18).
Who was the first Muslim? In Surah 6, verse 14 it’s Muahmmed “Peace be upon him”. Surah 7, verse 143 it’s Moses “Peace be upon him”. Yet the Quran also claims that Adam “Peace be upon him” and Abraham “Peace be upon him” were Muslims.
Answer : Let’s start with Etymology first; Islam (Arabic: إسلام, is a verbal noun originating from the triliteral root (S-L-M) which forms a large class of words mostly relating to concepts of wholeness, submission, safeness, and peace. In a religious context it means "voluntary submission to God".
Islām is the verbal noun of Form IV of the root, and means "submission" or "surrender". Muslim, the word for an adherent of Islam, is the active participle of the same verb form, and means "submitter" or "one who surrenders". The word sometimes has distinct connotations in its various occurrences in the Quran. In some verses, there is stress on the quality of Islam as an internal spiritual state: "Whomsoever God desires to guide, He opens his heart to Islam." Quran 6:125, Quran 61:7, Quran 39:22
Other verses connect Islam and religion (dīn) together: "Today, I have perfected your religion (dīn) for you; I have completed My blessing upon you; I have approved Islam for your religion." Quran 5:3, Quran 3:19, Quran 3:83
Still others describe Islam as an action of returning to God—more than just a verbal affirmation of faith.
In the Hadith of Gabriel, islām is presented as one part of a triad that also includes imān (faith), and ihsān (excellence).
Now let’s quote the interpretation of the meaning of these verses in question from the website Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم :
Surah 6, verse 14 : “Say, "Is it other than Allah I should take as a protector, Creator of the heavens and the earth, while it is He who feeds and is not fed?" Say, [O Muhammad], "Indeed, I have been commanded to be the first [among you] who submit [to Allah ] and [was commanded], 'Do not ever be of the polytheists”
Surah 7, verse 143 : “And when Moses arrived at Our appointed time and his Lord spoke to him, he said, "My Lord, show me [Yourself] that I may look at You." [ Allah ] said, "You will not see Me, but look at the mountain; if it should remain in place, then you will see Me." But when his Lord appeared to the mountain, He rendered it level, and Moses fell unconscious. And when he awoke, he said, "Exalted are You! I have repented to You, and I am the first of the believers.”
I am very happy that he mentioned these two verses in particular. In Surah 6 the word is “Awwala Mn Aslama” which means the first one to submit to God. Whereas in Surah 7 it’s “Awwala Al-Mu’meneen” → The first of the believers (not a Muslim as following the religion of Islam). A complete lie !
First Prophet in Arabia? In Surah 2, verses 125–129 It’s Abraham “Peace be upon him” and Ishmael “Peace be upon him” when they built the Kaa’ba. Yet in Surah 28, verse 46 it claims that Muhammed “Peace be upon him” was the first messenger to come to the Arabs.
Answer : I will quote the interpretation of the meaning of these verses in question from the website Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم :
Surah 2, verses 125–129 : “And [mention] when We made the House a place of return for the people and [a place of] security. And take, [O believers], from the standing place of Abraham a place of prayer. And We charged Abraham and Ishmael, [saying], "Purify My House for those who perform Tawaf and those who are staying [there] for worship and those who bow and prostrate [in prayer] ۞ And [mention] when Abraham said, "My Lord, make this a secure city and provide its people with fruits - whoever of them believes in Allah and the Last Day." [ Allah ] said. "And whoever disbelieves - I will grant him enjoyment for a little; then I will force him to the punishment of the Fire, and wretched is the destination ۞ And [mention] when Abraham was raising the foundations of the House and [with him] Ishmael, [saying], "Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed You are the Hearing, the Knowing ۞ Our Lord, and make us Muslims [in submission] to You and from our descendants a Muslim nation [in submission] to You. And show us our rites and accept our repentance. Indeed, You are the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful ۞ Our Lord, and send among them a messenger from themselves who will recite to them Your verses and teach them the Book and wisdom and purify them. Indeed, You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise”
Surah 28, verse 46 : “And you were not at the side of the mount when We called [Moses] but [were sent] as a mercy from your Lord to warn a people to whom no warner had come before you that they might be reminded”
Now the answer lies exactly in these two examples he cited. When we check the last verse of the first example (i.e. Surah 2, verse 129), we find that both Abraham “Peace be upon him” and Ishmael “Peace be upon him” were asking God to send a messenger for these people “i.e. the Arabs” from their own as stated clearly :
“Our Lord, and send among them a messenger from themselves who will recite to them Your verses and teach them the Book and wisdom and purify them. Indeed, You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise”.
The other thing is that, both Abraham “Peace be upon him” and Ishmael “Peace be upon him” were there in Arabia not for preaching, but for building the Kaaba also as stated clearly. I wait for him to provide one verse in the whole Quran where God tells us that Abraham “peace be upon him” or Ishmael “peace be upon him” were messengers to the Arabs.
According to Surah 4, verse 28, committing Shirk* (i.e. association with God in worship) is unforgivable. Later in the Same Surah 4, verse 153 Allah forgives people for committing Shirk.
Answer : I will quote the interpretation of the meaning of these verses in question from the website Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم :
Surah 4, verse 48 : “Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. And he who associates others with Allah has certainly fabricated a tremendous sin”
Surah 4, verse 153 : “The People of the Scripture ask you to bring down to them a book from the heaven. But they had asked of Moses [even] greater than that and said, "Show us Allah outright," so the thunderbolt struck them for their wrongdoing. Then they took the calf [for worship] after clear evidences had come to them, and We pardoned that. And We gave Moses a clear authority”
There is something very important this man doesn’t mention deliberately; There is a clear distinction between dying while you worship someone with God and refusing his signs to you, and repenting before you die and returning to the one true God with no association with anyone or anything else. He needs to study more “Aqida” or Islamic Creed. How to make sure that God means that? Let’s cite this part from another Surah and see :
Surah 7, verses 148 - 153 : “And the people of Moses made, after [his departure], from their ornaments a calf - an image having a lowing sound. Did they not see that it could neither speak to them nor guide them to a way? They took it [for worship], and they were wrongdoers ۞ And when regret overcame them and they saw that they had gone astray, they said, "If our Lord does not have mercy upon us and forgive us, we will surely be among the losers ۞ And when Moses returned to his people, angry and grieved, he said, "How wretched is that by which you have replaced me after [my departure]. Were you impatient over the matter of your Lord?" And he threw down the tablets and seized his brother by [the hair of] his head, pulling him toward him. [Aaron] said, "O son of my mother, indeed the people oppressed me and were about to kill me, so let not the enemies rejoice over me and do not place me among the wrongdoing people ۞ [Moses] said, "My Lord, forgive me and my brother and admit us into Your mercy, for You are the most merciful of the merciful ۞ Indeed, those who took the calf [for worship] will obtain anger from their Lord and humiliation in the life of this world, and thus do We recompense the inventors [of falsehood] ۞ But those who committed misdeeds and then repented after them and believed - indeed your Lord, thereafter, is Forgiving and Merciful”
Do you see?
What if they died in disbelieve or in Shirk?
The answer is in Surah 2, verses 161–162 : “Indeed, those who disbelieve and die while they are disbelievers - upon them will be the curse of Allah and of the angels and the people, all together ۞ Abiding eternally therein. The punishment will not be lightened for them, nor will they be reprieved”
Quran in pure Arabic. Surah 16, verse 103 tells us that the Quran is written in pure Arabic. And yet there are many foreign words in the Quran.
Answer : Where are the examples of those “foreign words”? he didn’t mention any!!
Surah 2, verse 62 Says that Jews and Christians don’t need to fear, because we will be accepted by Allah. Surah 3, verse 85 says that the only religion accepted by Allah is Islam.
Answer : I will quote the interpretation of the meaning of these verses in question from the website Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم :
Surah 2, verse 62 : “Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans [before Prophet Muhammad] - those [among them] who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness - will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.”
Surah 3, verse 85 : “And whoever desires other than Islam as religion - never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers”
In order to understand these verses correctly, we need to refer to the scholars of Tafseer (Qur’anic commentary). The great Imaam Ismaa’eel ibn Katheer, may Allah have mercy on him, said in his tafseer of the verse from Surah 2:
“Allah, may He be exalted, points out that whoever of the previous nations did well and was obedient, will have a good reward, and this will be the case for everyone who follows the Unlettered Prophet [Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) until the Hour comes – he will have eternal happiness, and they will not fear what they are going to face, nor will they grieve for what they have left behind. As Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): ‘No doubt! Verily, the awliya’ of Allah [i.e., those who believe in the Oneness of Allah and fear Allah much, and love Allah much], no fear shall come upon them nor shall they grieve.’ [Surah 10, verse 62]. And Allah tells us what the angels say to the believers at the time of death (interpretation of the meaning): ‘Verily, those who say, “Our Lord is Allah,” then they istaqaamu [stood straight, i.e., truly followed Islam], on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): “Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!”’ [Surah 41, verse 30]
As far as the Jews are concerning, their faith meant believing in the Tawraat (original Torah) and following the way of Moses (peace be upon him) until ‘Eesa “i.e. Jesus” (peace be upon him) - came, after which whoever continued to follow the Torah and the way of Moses, and did not leave this and follow Jesus, was doomed. As far as the Christians are concerned, their faith meant believing in the Injeel (original Gospel) and following the laws of Jesus (peace be upon him); whoever did this was a believer whose faith was acceptable to Allah, until Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came, after which whoever did not follow Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and leave the way of Jesus (peace be upon him) and the Gospel that he had been following before, was doomed.
The verse (interpretation of the meaning), “And whoever desires other than Islam as religion - never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers” [Surah 3, verse 85] is a statement that Allah will not accept any way or deed from anyone, after sending His Final Messenger, except those that are in accordance with the laws of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Prior to this, however, anyone who followed the Prophet of his own time was on the Straight Path of salvation. So the Jews were those who followed Moses (peace be upon him) and referred to the Torah for judgement at that time. When Allah sent Jesus (peace be upon him), the Children of Israel were obliged to follow him and obey him, and so they and others who followed him became Christians.. When Allaah sent Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), as the Final Prophet and a Messenger to all the children of Adam, all of mankind was obliged to believe in him and obey him, and refrain from what he prohibited. Those who did so are the true believers. The ummah (nation) of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) are called the believers because of their deep eemaan (faith) and conviction, and because they believe in all the past Prophets and in the prophesied events that are yet to come.”
Commenting on the verse in Surah 2, verse 62 “Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans [before Prophet Muhammad] - those [among them] who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness - will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.”, Ibn Katheer (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
“What is meant is that every group believed in Allah and the Last Day, which is the appointed Day of Reckoning, and did righteous deeds. But after Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was sent to both mankind and the jinn, true belief can only be in accordance with the way of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Whoever follows his way will not fear the future or grieve for what they leave behind.”
I guess it’s pretty obvious in the verse itself when God says “Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans [before Prophet Muhammad] - those [among them] who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness - will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.”. Do Christians and Jews believe in Allah now? They curse him!
What is man created from? Surah 19, verse 67 says that man was created from nothing. Surah 96, verse 2 Says that man was created from a clot of blood. Surah 21, verse 30 Says that man was created from water. Surah 16, verse 4 Says that man was created from small seed. Surah 15, verse 26 Says that man was created from Clay and Mud. Surah 3, verse 59 Says that man was created from Dust. Surah 11, verse 61 Says that man was created from Earth.
Answer : I will quote the interpretation of the meaning of these verses in question from the website Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم :
Surah 19, verse 67 : “Does man not remember that We created him before, while he was nothing?”
Surah 96, verse 2 : “Created man from a clinging substance (i.e. clot)”
Surah 21, verse 30 : “Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe?”
Surah 16, verse 4 : “He created man from a sperm-drop; then at once, he is a clear adversary”
Surah 15, verse 26 : “And We did certainly create man out of clay from an altered black mud”
Surah 3, verse 59 : “Indeed, the example of Jesus to Allah is like that of Adam. He created Him from dust; then He said to him, "Be," and he was”
Surah 11, verse 61 : “And to Thamud [We sent] their brother Salih. He said, "O my people, worship Allah ; you have no deity other than Him. He has produced you from the earth and settled you in it, so ask forgiveness of Him and then repent to Him. Indeed, my Lord is near and responsive”
From all the points he stirred, i guess this one is the most stupid one till now. (Mud is in earth, and Mud = Dust + Water. This is the origin of the creation, then the progeny comes from sperm which starts to form a clot..etc) where is the contradiction here? Not to mention his poor quoting skills. Instead of Sperm he calls it “small seed”!!? Instead of saying (We created him before, while he was nothing?) he says (Created from nothing) as if nothing is the building block of humans !!
I will quote a verse he didn’t quote because it explains the creation of a baby in his mother’s womb : Surah 23, verses 12–14
“And certainly did We create man from an extract of clay ۞ Then We placed him as a sperm-drop in a firm lodging ۞ Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of creators”
As for the creation of Adam “Peace be upon him”. Surah 38, verse 71
“[So mention] when your Lord said to the angels, "Indeed, I am going to create a human being from clay”
As you can see no contradiction, just more details in some verses.
Will intercession be possible in the day of judgemen? According to Surah 20, verse 109, Surah 34, verse 23 and Surah 43, verse 86 → Yes. According to Surah 2, verse 123, Surah 6, verse 51 and Surah 82, verse 19 —-> No.
Answer : I will quote the interpretation of the meaning of these verses in question from the website Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم :
Surah 20, verse 109 : “That Day, no intercession will benefit except [that of] one to whom the Most Merciful has given permission and has accepted his word”
Surah 34, verse 23 : “And intercession does not benefit with Him except for one whom He permits. [And those wait] until, when terror is removed from their hearts, they will say [to one another], "What has your Lord said?" They will say, "The truth." And He is the Most High, the Grand”
Surah 43, verse 86 : “And those they invoke besides Him do not possess [power of] intercession; but only those who testify to the truth [can benefit], and they know”
Surah 2, verse 123 : “And fear a Day when no soul will suffice for another soul at all, and no compensation will be accepted from it, nor will any intercession benefit it, nor will they be aided”
Surah 6, verse 51 : “And warn by the Qur'an those who fear that they will be gathered before their Lord - for them besides Him will be no protector and no intercessor - that they might become righteous”
Surah 82, verse 19 : “It is the Day when a soul will not possess for another soul [power to do] a thing; and the command, that Day, is [entirely] with Allah”
In Islam, Intercession is accepted from Muslims only. And Good Muslims in particular who reached high degrees of piety. Intercession will be for Muslims in Hellfire in order to ask God to get them out of it. Non-believers will not be granted the right to intercede or will they benefit from intercession at all. Where is the contradiction here? (Believer → Intercession / Non-believer → No intercession) It’s quite simple.
In the first 3 examples (i.e. verses) God tells us that no one will be able to intercede except those who God approves.
I will detail the second 3 verses which he claims denying intercession at all :
Surah 2, verse 123: Here God is talking to the Children of Israel (not to mankind in general). We can know that from the previous verse 122 : “O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I have bestowed upon you and that I preferred you over the worlds”
So to read them together : “O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I have bestowed upon you and that I preferred you over the worlds ۞ And fear a Day when no soul will suffice for another soul at all, and no compensation will be accepted from it, nor will any intercession benefit it, nor will they be aided” Surah 2, verses 122–123
Surah 6, verse 51: Here God tells the Prophet (peace be upon him) to warn the people and incite them to be righteous by telling them that if they disbelieve they will have no protector or intercessor. Te witness here is the phrase “..that they might become righteous” In other words it’s “Make them fear from that fate that they might become righteous”.
Surah 82, verse 19: It’s not related to intercession. It states a fact that no soul will have any power to direct another soul to paradise or hell. Everything is/ will be in God’s power.
What happened to pharaoh? According to Surah 10, verse 92; Allah saved him. According to Surah 17, verse 103 says that he drowned.
Answer : I will quote the interpretation of the meaning of these verses in question from the website Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم :
Surah 10, verse 92: “So today We will save you in body that you may be to those who succeed you a sign. And indeed, many among the people, of Our signs, are heedless”
Surah 17, verse 103: “So he intended to drive them from the land, but We drowned him and those with him all together”
As you can see this man is a complete idiot. He can’t even understand basic words. In the first Surah God tells us that he will save his body to be a sign for God’s wrath for those who will come after him. Was he spared punishment and drowning? No, but unlike his soldiers, his body was found and mummified.
He talks about abrogation in the Quran, which is a highly disputed topic. He says in Surah 2, verse 256 “there is no compulsion in religion”. Whereas Surah 9, verse 29 says “Fight those who don’t believe in Allah”.
Answer : I will quote the interpretation of the meaning of these verses in question from the website Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم :
Surah 2, verse 256: “There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing”
Surah 9, verse 29: “Fight those who do not believe in Allah or in the Last Day and who do not consider unlawful what Allah and His Messenger have made unlawful and who do not adopt the religion of truth from those who were given the Scripture - [fight] until they give the jizyah willingly while they are humbled”
I guess first verse is no problem for him. He talks about the second one about fighting. All interpreters of the Quran, Islamic Historians, Jurists and Biographers agree that this verse in particular was a divine command to fight the Byzantines because they killed a companion of the Prophet who was sent with a message to them. So it’s not a general rule. Here in Egypt we don’t fight Coptic Christians for example!!. But i will assume that it’s a general rule for his sake. Where in that verse does it command us to force convert people? It clearly says fight to take tribute from the, not to make them Muslims!.
Is a Muslim allowed to drink alcohol? According to Surah 4, verse 43: Yes. According to Surah 5, verse 90: No.
Answer : I will quote the interpretation of the meaning of these verses in question from the website Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم :
Surah 4, verse 43 : “O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying or in a state of janabah, except those passing through [a place of prayer], until you have washed [your whole body]. And if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and find no water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and your hands [with it]. Indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving”
Surah 5, verse 90 : “O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah ], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful”
I feel complete retardness when i answer such well-known questions! But i have to, because some people don’t know Islam that much. Anyway, The Quran was revealed to the Prophet (peace be upon him) along 23 years approximately. Some rulings were stated and applied gradually, because people couldn’t indulge in religion so fast. So for example, the Muslim prayer started as a regular prayer to God to ask him for guidance and it was twice a day. The same happened with alcohol. Arabs used to drink so many sorts of alcohol and mention it in their poems..etc. It was an integrated part of their meetings. So when God wanted us to stop alcohol, he instructed us in a gradual way, in order not to make it hard on people. So the first verse this guy mention is at the beginning of the ban. God tells us not to come to prayer while drunk. Which means 5 times a day you can’t be drunk. Then in the second verse, he tells us to stop totally, and it was after they followed the first order to be sober nearly more than half the day.
What is the penalty for sexual sin? Surah 4, verse 15 tells us it’s house arrest, while Surah 24, verse 2 tells us 100 lashes.
Answer : I will quote the interpretation of the meaning of these verses in question from the website Al-Qur'an al-Kareem - القرآن الكريم :
Surah 4, verse 15 : “Those who commit unlawful sexual intercourse of your women - bring against them four [witnesses] from among you. And if they testify, confine the guilty women to houses until death takes them or Allah ordains for them [another] way”
Surah 24, verse 2 : “The woman or man found guilty of sexual intercourse - lash each one of them with a hundred lashes, and do not be taken by pity for them in the religion of Allah, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a group of the believers witness their punishment”
The first verse he mentions is about Lesbians, not adultery or fornication. Whereas the second verse is about Adultery/Fornication.
Done Alhamdoullillah and Allah knows best.
Having Real Faith in God
In Islamic teachings and narrations, the faith in God is known to be the first and the most efficient approach to achieve the inner peace and the control over anxiety and stress in Islam. Imam Ali (AS) said that having faith in God equals being safe and secure [1] &[2]. Believers know that there is a goal behind every happening. They believe that God is just; hence, they have not been just created and left to live some days in this world and suffer for nothing. But, they are created to pass all the difficulties to reach the perfection that they deserve.
That is why a believer rarely loses hope and even if gets disappointed, knows that he/she has a God who has promised to help him/her: “you who have faith, if you support Allah, He will support you” (47:7); “Whoever is wary of Allah, He shall make for him a way out [of the adversities of the world and the Hereafter]” (65:2). The opposite view on this matter is that life evolved spontaneously. This implies that there is no wisdom or goal behind the actual and future happenings, and this can be stressful by itself.
As stated earlier, the faith in God is the key to the inner peace. To be efficient, the faith should be practiced and manifested in one’s acts. Here are some practices that increase one’s faith in God and also relieve the stress in Islam.
Prayer (Salat) and invocation (Dua)
The two possible ways to remember God are prayer (Salat) and invocation (Dua). In Surah R’ad it is stated that the hearts find rest in Allah’s remembrance (13:28). Also, God has promised: “Remember Me, and I will remember you” (2:152). The more consciously and concentrated one does the prayer and invocation, the more relief he\she will experience. During prayers, one spends some moments talking to God as the superior infinite power in the universe. This helps to overcome sorrow, just as talking with another person might do.
Reading the Quran and Contemplation
Reading the Quran and perceiving the divine messages is another practice that brings considerable relief. The caring advises that exist in Quran and that nice feeling of knowing that the creator of the whole universe is mindful of us, are relaxing. It is narrated from Imam Ali (AS) that the cure for the illnesses can be found in the Quran [3]. Also, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has advised reading Quran regularly as it lightens the heart and makes it alive [4].
Fasting in Islam
Fasting is known to be an anti-stress practice [5]. One of the reasons that one feels stressful and anxious is the lack of determination. He/she often thinks that he/she is not able to ameliorate such a condition, nor can he/she control his/her confusing thoughts. But fasting is a good chance to strengthen one’s character and to change the attitudes and acts.
In addition to spiritual practices mentioned above, some other activities are known in Islam to heal the stress:
Seeking knowledge
Seeking knowledge and wisdom is believed to enlighten the heart and keeps it alive and active. Imam Ali (AS) said: “Surely the hearts get tired just like the bodies, so seek for them new objects of wisdom” [6]. It is encouraged to seek wisdom, for Allah enlivens the dead heart through the light of wisdom just as He enlivens the dead earth through water from the sky [7]. So, one should dedicate some time every day to read or listen to the wisdom that inspires him spiritually.
Working
Idling the days away and almost doing nothing in life are severely blamed in Islam since it is believed to corrupt one’s mind and body [8]. A corrupted mind might tempt to perverted thoughts and imaginations, evil intentions, laziness, etc. that will ruin one’s life in this world and the Hereafter [9]. Imam Sadeq (AS) has strongly disapproved laziness and apathy [10]&[11]. The reason is that these two characteristics hinder one to profit from this world and the Hereafter [10] and cause him to be humiliated by the others [11] which can lead to the isolation of the lazy person and the consequent psychological problems.
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References:
[1]. “Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim”, T. 771.
[2]. “Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim”, T. 2839.
[3]. “Nahj al-Balagha”, p. 223, no. 158.
[4]. H. al-Bahrani,“Al-Burhan fi tafsir al-Quran”, vol. 1, p. 19.
[5]. M. Reyshahri, "Mizan al-Hikma," T. 10671".
[6]. “Nahj al-Balagha”, No. 197.
[7]. www.al-islam.org
[8]. Al-Shaykh al-Mufid, "Al-Irshad", vol. 1, p. 298.
[9]. “Tuhaf al-Uqul”, p. 300.
[10]. M. al-Kulaynī, “Al-Kafi”, vol. 5, p. 85.
[11]. “Tuhaf al-Uqul”, p. 304.
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What Are the Solutions to Depression and Stress in Islam: Part3
Author:
salamislam
Keyword:
stress in Islam, Islamic life, Salam Islam
Views: 922
Publish Date:
Tue, 06/06/2017 - 16:25
In the two previous parts of the solutions to depression, we introduced some of the recommendations on how to avoid anxiety and stress in Islam. Those examples included both spiritual and material advice. And they show that Islam considers the existence of human beings as a whole. That is why Islam has forbidden the unlawful (Haram) “temporary solutions” of relieving stress and emotions (like starting a dangerous relationship or spending the time in bars, etc.). Since in those cases, one usually gets nothing for what he\she spends.
Avoid Whatever Damages the Mind and Soul
Many people try to keep up with the newest standards of body hygiene to prevent various diseases. The same should be done for the mental hygiene. Much effort is needed to have a healthy soul and prevent disorders like depression, anxiety, stress in Islam, etc.
Some approaches to reduce depression act like an immediate treatment. The problem with those solutions is that they give a good feeling at the beginning. It normally does not last long and later on results in adverse effects. So, one should avoid whatever undermines the consciousness or causes deeper depression. These are:
All the Intoxicant:
Whatever destroys one’s mind and deprives him of the ability to thinking and reason is a sort of intoxicant, then, must be abandoned [1];
Drinking Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol is harmful and adversely affects the mind and the body. Imam Reza (AS) said that God has prohibited drinking alcoholic beverages since they contaminate the mind [2];
An Ignorant Companion
Spending a lot of time with such a person will destroy the wisdom [3] and misleads whoever he/she interacts with;
Overeating
Eating too much will degenerate one’s mind and weaken the thinking power [4,5]. According to Islamic teachings, overeating turns one to a weak-willed, sleepy, stupid person [6];
Idleness and Inaction
Wasting time and doing nothing in life corrupt the mind [7];
Joking and Laughing Excessively
Making jokes and laughing too much causes one to seem stupid [7].
Moreover, anything that causes one to forget God and weakens one’s faith acts like a poison that darkens one’s soul:
Assuming to Have a Long Life
The one who thinks that will live a long life and forget about his/her death insists on his/her mistakes and cannot catch up. Since he/she supposes that there are still many chances to compensate. This clouds his/her heart and soul [8];
Useless Conversations
Vain conversations and hostility with others will weaken the soul [9];
Owning vast fortune such that the owner becomes too busy with them and forgets about God and his\her religious duties
Having such great wealth can harden the heart [10];
Keep on Doing Sins
Whoever does a sin several times and repents each time but does not stop committing that sin, is known to mock God [11]. It is also said that repeated sins seal and kill the heart [12];
Associating with Those Who Have Gone Astray
To spend time with those who are lost in their lives and oppose the divine guidelines, will mislead one to the wrong path [9].
Not Keeping the Gaze Down
Looking freely at any scene and anybody, especially non-Mahrams, causes anxiety and inquietude. Looking at a beautiful flower, for example, might take only some seconds but its smell and beauty stays in our mind longer. The same thing happens when looking at another person; especially due to the emotional impacts that men and women have on each other.
Staring at a non-Mahram will busy one’s mind with different thoughts for some time. It might also stimulate his/her feelings. Repeating these looks will cause one to get distracted and lose control in his/her mind. Also, it disturbs his/her inner peace and causes mental problems [13]. That is why Imam Ali (AS) said: “Whoever keeps the gaze down, relieves” [14].
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------References:
[1]. M. al-Kulaynī, “Al-Kafi”, vol. 6, p. 412.
[2]. S. H. al-Amili, “Wasail al-Shia”, vol. 25, p. 329.
[3]. Karajaki, “Kanzul Fawaid”, vol. 1, p. 199.
[4]. H. T. Nuri Ṭabarsi, “Mustadrak al-Wasail”, vol. 16, p. 458.
[5]. M. B. Majlesi, “Bihar al-Anwar”, vol. 63, p. 72.
[6]. N. Makarem Shirazi, “Tafsir Nemooneh”, vol. 6, p. 153.
[7]. “Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim”, p. 222.
[8]. Ibn Babawayh, “Man la yahduruhu al-Faqih”, vol.4, p. 366.
[9]. Ibn Babawayh, “Al-Khisal”, p. 228.
[10]. M. al-Kulaynī, “Al-Kafi”, vol. 2, p. 300.
[11]. M. al-Kulaynī, “Al-Kafi”, vol. 4, p. 168.
[12]. Sheikh al-Mufid, “Al-Amali”, p. 83.
[13]. http://www.hawzah.net
[14]. M. Reyshahri, "Mizan al-Hikma," T. 6141".