THE HOLY QUR'AN -  A LIVING MIRACLE

All praise be to Allah Who created mankind, gave them the gift of expression and revealed for them the Holy Qur’an, which is a source of advice, healing , guidance and mercy for those who have faith. The Holy Qur’an contains nothing that is doubtful or crooked. It is absolutely straight an authority and enlightenment for the believers.

Al-Qur'an, the Muslims Holy Book, is the final divine revelation (message of Allah) communicated through His final messenger Muhammad (Salla-Allahu alayhi wa sallam).  Muslims believe that Islam is the perfect way of life and the Holy Qur'an is a complete code for entire humanity. 

The Holy Qur'an contains a universal message for the whole of mankind without any limitation of time and space. it seeks to guide man in all walks of life – spiritual or worldly, individual or collective. It contains directions and code of conduct for rich or poor educated or uneducated alike. The Qur'an is an ocean of knowledge which deals with thousands of subjects, many of which have not yet been explored by men. It speaks of the best rules relating to laws of culture, civilization, morals , social justice, administration, leadership, mutual dealings, distribution of wealth, economics, spiritualism, Divine recognition, purification of souls, enlightenment of hearts, unions with Allah organization and welfare of humanity, purpose of this creation and so on.

The Qur'an seeks primarily to develop a personality of an individual - every being will be personally responsible to His Creator. With this purpose, the Qur'an not only gives commands, but also tries to convince. It appeals to human's reason as it relates stories, parables and metaphors. It describes the attributes of Allah, Who is One, Creator of All, Knower, Powerful, capable of resuscitating us after death and taking account of our worldly behavior, Just, Merciful, etc. It contains also the mode of praising Allah, of pointing out which are the best prayers, what the duties of man are with regard to Allah, to his fellow-beings and to his own self. It reminds them everything is belongs to Allah and He expects us utilize it according His wish in exchange for everlasting life in hereafter in Paradise.

The Qur'an speaks of the best rules relating to social life, commerce, marriage, inheritance, penal law, international law, and so on. But the Qur'an is not a book in the ordinary sense - it is a collection of the Words of Allah, were revealed, during the course of twenty-three years, to His messenger sent among human beings. The Qur'an employs graphically the word "king" for Allah, and "slave" for man. When a king desires to communicate a message to His slave, He sends a messenger, and gives His instructions to his envoy. Therefore, there are certain things understood and implied; there are repetitions, and even changes of the forms of expression. Thus Allah speaks sometimes in the first person and sometimes in the third. He says "I" as well as "We" and "He", but never "They". It is a collection of revelations sent occasion by occasion (and this fact must be recalled to the beginner) and one should therefore read it again and again in order to be able to grasp the meaning better. It has directions for every person, every place and for all time.

Qur'an has many miraculous attributes proving that it is a revelation from Allah. Every Prophet of Allah is given a miracle - a sign. The miracle of Holy Prophet is the Qur’an. Today no other miracle of any prophet exist except the Holy Qur’an, a living miracle until the day of judgment

LANGUAGE

The Holy Qur'an is a divine scripture that was reveled in the Arabic language over fourteen centuries ago. "We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur'an, in order that you may understand (learn wisdom). (12:2)" Its language is still alive and living form of communication and remained intact in the original form as when the Holy Qur’an was revealed. Millions of people still speak, write and communicate today the same way as it was employed in Arabian. After Islam, the Arabic language did not remain the monopoly of one nation but It became the the language of all those who entered the faith. It is said that one can not call oneself as Arab until one knows the language of Qur’an

The beauty of Qur’an lies with its eloquence and purity of its impressive style of language . The diction and style of the Qur'an are magnificent and appropriate to its Divine quality. Its recitation moves the spirit even for those who only listen to it without understanding it. . The words of Qur’an are clear and balance.  It explains important concepts in a precious but simple manner. The speech of the Qur’an is harmonious balance and consistent and every word is irreplaceable. In spite of claims about other books , Qur'an is the most read and the only completely memorized book throughout its history. It is also the most studied book in the world. It has stimulated development of entire disciplines of knowledge dealing with its reading, writing, and interpretation. Hundreds of Millions of copies have been printed or handwritten in nearly every age and every corner of the world. Without any variant in the text.

We will assuredly guard it (from corruption 15:9)  this verse is a challenge to mankind and everyone is obligated to believe in the miracles of this Qur'an.  It is clear fact that more than 1400 years have elapsed and not a single word of this Qur'an has been changed,  although the disbelievers tried their utmost to change it in every way, but they failed miserable in their efforts.  As it is declared in the holy verse  By Allah  He has guarded it every possible way.  On the other hand, for other Divine Holy Books such as the Taurat (Torah) the Injeel (Gospel) no such guarantee was declared and one can see that these scriptures were corrupted in form of additions deletion or alteration in their original text..  Even the the languages in which they were reveled have been completely lost .  At present such scriptures are exist in its corrupted form merely  in translation and in many versions.

The early Muslims have observed that many important words has been repeated the exact number of times which is relevant to the natural occurrence.  For example The phrase the "seven heavens" is repeated 7 times The word "day" is repeated 365 times while the word "moon" is repeated 12 times many cases the certain important concepts  have been repeated equal number to its opposite idea. For example the words, "world " and "hereafter" are each repeated 115 times. The word "faith" (iman) (without genitive) is repeated 25 times throughout the Qur’an, as is also the word "infidelity" or the phrase "covering over the truth." (kufr). When we count the word "say", we come up with the result of 332. We arrive at the same figure when we count the number of times the phrase: "they said" is used. The word "shaytan" is used 88 times. The word "angel" is also repeated 88 times. As explain there many miracle attribute of Holy Qur’an the numerical system may been one of them. Describing the numerical system of Holy Qur'an as main and important miracle of the Qur'an is not correct.

PRESERVATION

Allah says in Holy Qur’an "We have, without doubt, sent down the Message (Dhikr- Qur'an) ; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption). Al-Hijr 15:9) and "It is for Us to collect it and to give you (Muhammad Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) the ability to recite it (Qur'an) (Al-Qiyammat 75:17) Allah guarantees that He will preserve and protect this Book. Some of the remarkable features of the Qur'an are: The Holy Qur’an has been continue to be preserved in Memory by large number of individuals in every age and their number is ever growing, Secondly its pronunciation or in the manner it was recited had been also preserved and this knowledge is pass on to from person to person,  thirdly its text is preserved in the original text and that was arranged under the auspices of the Holy Prophet himself fourthly, along with its text the meaning of Holy Qur’an have been preserved , the entire exegesis of the Qur'an is intact today as it was explained to the companions by the Prophet and to their successors without  change in it. Fifthly, its teaching or commandment have been preserved in action by the Muslim community in all ages.

MEMORIZATION

The Muslims learnt and memorized the Holy Qur’an from person to person . As result of their efforts that the Qur’an is preserved to this day. Every year during the Holy month of Ramdhan the believers witness a unique spectacle at almost all  mosques around the globe. They stand in special prayers in which the prayer leader recites the entire Qur'an from memory. Those who have accomplished this extraordinary feat of memorizing all of the 6246 verses are not a handful of devotees but there are millions in number living today and still increasing ever since through the ages -  this tradition nothing but Allah’s plan to preserve His Book.   As young as 10 to 14 years Arab or Non-Arab alike have been memorizing the Holy Qur’an many of them have little or no knowledge of Arabic language Yet they have learnt to pronounce each and every word of the Qur’an correctly. The phenomenon is not a result of some religious revival that would pass.  From the very first day that the Qur'an was revealed, it was memorized. And the number of those who have memorized it has been increasing ever since. Memorization of Qur'an has been going on all through the centuries, all over the globe wherever Muslims are.

The habit of learning the text of the entire Qur'an by heart dates from the time of the Prophet himself. The caliphs and other heads of Muslim states have always encouraged this habit that coincidence has further reinforced the integrity of the text. In fact, from the very beginning, Muslims have been accustomed to study any Islamic subject in the presence of its author  or one of his authorized pupils and obtain his permission of further transmission of the text established and corrected at the time of study and collation. Those who recited the Qur'an by heart or had simply read the written text acted in the same manner as well.  The habit has continued down to our own day, with this remarkable feature: that every teacher would indicate in detail in the certificate given by him, that not only was the rendering of his pupil correct, but also that it was in conformity with that which this teacher had learned from his own teacher,  and that this last had affirmed that he in turn had learnt it from his teacher, the chain leading back to the Prophet. The writer of these lines studied the Qur'an at Madinah with Shaikh al-Qurra, Hasan ash-Sha'ir, and the certificate he obtained, notes among other things, the chain of teachers and teachers of teachers, and in the final act how the teacher had studied simultaneously from 'Uthman, 'Ali, Ibn Mas'us, Ubaiy ibn Ka'b and Zaid ibn Thabit (all companions of the Prophet) and that all had taught exactly the same text. The number of hafizes are counted by hundreds of thousands in the world today, and millions of copies of the text are found in all parts of the globe. And what deserves to be noted is that there is absolutely no difference between the memories of these hafizes and the texts employed. 

NO CONTRADICTION WITH NATURAL LAW

….Had it (Qur’an) been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy. (Nisa 4:82). Many essential scientific truths that have been uncover by the technology of the 20th century that could not have been know at the time of the Qur'an's revelation, were hinted in the Holy Qur'an more than 1400 years ago.  This is still more proof the the Qur'an is the true Divine revelation.  Several  researchers from the scientific community have attempted to examine various natural phenomena dealing with natural and life science mentioned in the old - new testaments and Holy Qur’an whose meaning may be verified through modern scientific knowledge to determine any truth or contradiction.  With their amaze the Holy Qur’an did not contain any contradiction with regards to the modern discovery, on the contrary, it was found that the principal of many of the such discovery or theory were already expressed in extremely concise and profound manner in the Holy Qur’an. Allah says in Holy Qur’an "We will show them Our signs, in the universe and in themselves, so far that it will be manifest to them that this (religion) is indeed, the truth" Fusselat (41:53)"

Due to an inferiority complex among some educated classes. Often question arises that this is the age of science and technology the world is reaching the moon and the planet Mars, and non-believers has advanced in this field, but the Qur’an and the Alhadith do not give any direction in this subject.

First, The question can be answered by saying that these subjects lie within the jurisdiction of the human intellect, These are experimental sciences, in which personal efforts and experiments are needed, Almighty Allah has left this branch of knowledge to the human research and experiment. The more a man devotes his energies, research and experiment to this technical work, the more will he go ahead in this field. The Qur’an has been , in fact revealed for the guidance of humanity in matters which lie beyond the jurisdiction of the human intellect and which the faculty of intellect cannot grasp. Thus, it is the Divine Revelation (Qur’an) that has come to our help in understanding such spiritual and celestial issues. Thus the entire philosophy of Islamic Laws consists in the proposition that we should mould our lives on the Laws of Islam.

Secondly, Islam is a natural religion places no restrictions on material innovation merely because its is a novelty rather, it often applauds the incentive for change and encourages change form improvement. The examples of Holy Prophets substantiates this in the arts and sciences, war weaponry, and technological things. The Holy Prophet never disapproved of anything for the sole reason that it was novel but appreciated it was for a good purpose and within right limits. A certain group of our compatriots who, out of love for change, is obsessed with surgical operations on the agreed principles and commands of Islam. They look upon the ulema as its chief obstruction. If the demands of the times mean that Muslims should equip themselves with all that modern science and technology have achieved today and without which it is impossible to breath free air, we admit that the demand is the most urgent and justified. The acquisition of science and technological skill is a religious duty of Muslims,

The purpose of scientific research is basically to discover the latent powers hidden in the fits of nature that Allah the Benevolent and Bountiful has placed in them. If these power are exploited for the benefit of mankind, the effort is not merely permissible in Islam but applaud able. Islam encourage such effort All Islam demand is that the discoveries and inventions should be used for purposes that Islam looks upon as permissible and beneficial. Scientific research is of two kinds one based entirely on observation. This has never been in conflict with Qur’an. Experience shows that it has always verified the Qur’an and Sunnah. Many things in the Qur’an that were formerly difficult to understand have been made clear and understandable. By the recent discoveries of science. The other are scientific assumptions based not on observation and belief but rather on want of sufficient knowledge or conjecture. Scientist have not so far arrived at conclusive certainty about them such assumption at times, if conflict with Qur’an, The right thing to do in such cased is to believe unreservedly without far fetched interpreting, the statement of the Qur’an and Sunnah, to take the conflicting assumptions of science as immature, and that as knowledge increases, science too will increasingly verify the Qur’an and Sunnah. For instance, many scientist believe that there is no such thing as a sky. This belief is not based on certainty but merely on the absence of a definite reason for believing otherwise. Therefore we who have full faith in Qur’an and Sunnah can say with absolute certainty that there is a sky, that these scientist are not yet in possession of the required knowledge but as knowledge increases, they will come to admit the existence of a sky, just as they once denied some things but later were obliged to admit their existence.

Thirdly Allah says in Holy Qur’an "Allah has promised to those from amongst you who believe and do righteous deeds that He would surely make them His vicegerents ( grant them succession) on earth. (Noor 24:55)

The above Divine assertions clearly indicate that the way to regain honor, grandeur, exaltation glory and virtue by Muslims, lie only in their having a strong faith. If their relationship with Allah Ta’ala and Holy Prophet is strong and firm they are destined to be master of each and every thing on this earth. But if on the other hand, it becomes weak or it gets broke, disaster and degradation are bound to flow. History proves that the early Muslims had been able to reach the highest summit of honor and glory, whereas the present day Muslims see to have moved in the opposite direction . Muslims had attained the high position in life because of the purity and strength of their faith and the excellence of their character. Conversely, the deplorable condition of the present day Muslims is the result of weakness in their faith and character the opposite of what their forefathers possessed. Therefore it will be right to say that today we are Muslims in name only

"An ear will come in the near future when Islam will exist merely in name and Qur’an will exist merely in writing

QUR'AN'S CHALLENGE

Alif Lam Ra. These are the verse of the Book  (Qur'an)  that makes things clear. (Hijr 15:1

Say: "If the whole of mankind and Jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this Qur'an they could not produce the like thereof, even if they backed up each other with help and support. (alAsrra 17:88)

And if ye are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant, then produce a Sura like thereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers (if there are any) besides Allah, if your (doubts) are true. 2:23

Or do they say, "He (Muhammad Sallallaho alaihe wasallam)forged it?" Say: "Bring then a Sura like unto it, and call (to your aid) anyone you can besides Allah, if it be ye speak the truth!" (yunus10:38

Or they may say, "He (Muhammad Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) forged it." Say, "Bring you then ten Suras (chapters) forged, like unto it, and call (to your aid) whomsoever you can, other than Allah! if ye speak the truth! (Hud 11:13

TRANSLATION

Translations of Holy Qur’an have been made in all the important languages of the world, which is more or less serviceable to those who do not know Arabic. It is to be remembered, however, that it is in the original Arabic language that the message has come down to us . The Holy Qur'an cannot be interpreted by mere translation. The translation without the commentary notes of explanation could be misleading for common readers. There are few reliable exegesis( tafsir) available that must be consulted and may be study under the supervision reliable teachers who are also known for their piety. 

The Qur'an has both an apparent (inward and outward) and deeper meaning , an apparent meaning, which can be understood by all, but the Deeper spiritual significance not understood by everybody. It is in this connection that Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) has said: "Whosoever expresses his personal opinion in respect of anything in the Qur'an commits a mistake, even if he be right in his opinion." Some scholars hold that the word 'outward', i.e., the body of the Qur'an, refers to its words, which can be recited properly by everybody and the word 'inward', i.e., spirit, refers to its meanings, and its underlying ideas, the understanding of which varies with the ability of the readers. it not possible for everybody to understand the underlying significance and real meanings of the Holy Qur'an. An unbecoming present-day fashion is that even those who possess a little or no knowledge of Arabic vocabulary teach common people with aid of unreliable commentary and offer their personal opinion on the basis of vernacular translations of the Qur'an. They are not only committing major sin but also misleading others. It is, therefore essential that the commentator of the Holy Qur’an must be well versed in at least fifteen related subjects. The work of tafsir is a very difficult task. Only those persons can reach the depth and profound knowledge of Holy Qur’an that can be only attain through the External and internal purity. The profound knowledge is not possible without ilm-e-Wahbi (clear or gifted understanding) bestowed by Almighty Allah upon His selected ones

The gifted knowledge is within the capacity of a man. To get this knowledge from Allah, one should adopt the means to this end, e.g., acting upon the knowledge that one has acquired, and disinclination towards the world. Three persons are not blessed with complete understanding of the Qur'an. First, one who is not well versed in Arabic, secondly, one who persists in committing a major sin or indulges in act of religious innovation, because these actions blacken his heart, which in turn prevents him from understanding the Qur'an. Thirdly, one who is a rationalist, even in the matter of faith, and feels embarrassed when he reads verses of the Qur'an which he is not able to fully rationalize.

RIGHTS OF HOLY QUR’AN

Allah (subhananahu wa ta’ala the Glorious and the Exalted) says in Holy Qur’an

· That Book has no doubt in it a guidance for the Allah fearing…. (2:1)

· …and vividly recite the Qur’an with clarity 73:4

Those to whom We have given the Book and they recite it observing the rights of its recitation, it is they who believe in it. And those who disbelieve in it, they are the losers. (2:121)

Anyone may say with their tongue that they believes in His book, they are not telling the truth unless they recites it. Therefore, there are three (3) rights of Qur’an upon us. If anyone gives its three rights then they will be said to have given it all its rights. However, if they fails to give any one of these rights then they will not have given the rights of recital of the Qur’an

To recite it correctly in the manner it was revealed to the Prophet Salla-Allahu alayhi wa sallam as he recited it.

Try to understand it and to comprehend its truths and knowledge.

To act on its teachings and guidance

Certain people suggest now a days that there is no point in reciting the Qur’an like parrots. They also say that "We must understand its meaning otherwise there is no use in reciting it" "What may be gained by reciting without understanding?"

May Allah protect us from us this ideas, This is a deception of Satan which is being introduce among the Muslims.

Thus, to recite the Qur’an is a distinct purpose, a pious deed and reward receiving. It is the same thing weather we understand what we recite or do not understood, It is one of the purposes of the Prophet’s mission. Recital in itself is a goal - to recite without understanding is the first step. "Only after climbing one can be go to the next step" The Qur’an is by itself, a means of reward and excellence the virtuous deeds will be the currency of the hereafter.

The prophets are not sent merely to deliver the word of Allâh. They are also required to explain the divine Book, to interpret it, to expound it, to demonstrate the ways of its application and to present a practical example of its contents. Their duty is not restricted to reciting the words of the Book, rather they are supposed to teach it and to train people to run their lives in accordance with its requirements. The Holy Qur’ân leaves no doubt concerning this point by saying:

Allâh has surely blessed the believers with His favor when He raised in their midst a Messenger from among themselves, who recites to them His verses and makes them pure and teaches them the Book and the Wisdom, while they were, earlier in open error. (3:164)

He (Allâh) is the One who raised up, among the unlettered, a Messenger from among themselves who recites the verses of Allâh, and makes them pure, and teaches them the Book and the Wisdom. (62:2)

Our Lord, raise in their midst a messenger from among themselves who recites to them Your verses and teaches them the Book and the Wisdom and purifies them… (2:129)

These are the terms of references given to the Holy Prophet Salla-Allahu alayhi wa sallam which include four distinct functions and he has been entrusted with all of them.

(1) Recitation of the Verses of Allâh.

(2) Teaching the Book of Allâh.

(3) Teaching the Wisdom.

(4) Making the people pure.

Thus, the Holy Qur’ân leaves no ambiguities in the fact that the Holy Prophet Salla-Allahu alayhi wa sallam is not supposed to merely recite the verses and then leave it to the people to interpret and apply them in whatever manner they like. Instead, he is sent to "teach" the Book. Then, since teaching the Book is not enough, he is also required to teach "Wisdom" which is something additional to the "Book." Still, this is not enough, therefore the Holy Prophet Salla-Allahu alayhi wa sallam has also to "make the people pure," meaning thereby that the theoretical teaching of the Book and the "Wisdom" must be followed by a practical training to enable the people to apply the Book and the Wisdom in the way Allâh requires them to apply.

These verses of the Holy Qur’ân describe the following functions of the Holy Prophet Salla-Allahu alayhi wa sallam

(a)He is the authority in the way the Holy Book [the Qur’ân] has to be recited.

(b) He has the final word in the interpretation of the Book.

(c) He is the only source at which the wisdom based on divine guidance can be learned.

(d) He is entrusted with the practical training of the people to bring his teachings into practice.

Content of the Holy Qur'an

The Holy Qur'an generally give the basic principles, without going into the minute details of the issue. This procedure is followed even the describing the important injunctions such as daily five time prayers (salah) which is an important pillar of Islamic faith. To establishment of daily Prayers has been ordered in the Qur’an at seventy three places. Yet the Holy Qur’an does not furnish many details about how daily prayers is offered., how many Rak’at (units) how many prostrations, what to recite etc. The Qur’an itself has not detailed these factors but left it for the Holy Prophet Salla-Allahu alayhi wa sallam who taught his companions these details both by his words and practices. This important source of knowledge is know as Hadith (saying, action and confirmation) of the Prophet Salla-Allahu alayhi wa sallam.

The Prophet Salla-Allahu alayhi wa sallam said:

The best among you is he who learns the Qur’an and or teaches it

Going to a Masjid and reciting or teaching two ayaat (verse) is more precious than two she-camels, three ayaat are more precious than three she-camels…………

When anyone recites the Qur’an, they gets ten virtues written down for him against each letter…..

One who is well versed in the Qur’an will be in the company of those angles who are scribes, noble and righteous , and one who falters in reading the Qur’an, and has to exert hard to learning, earns double the reward

Indeed Allah desires that the Qur'an be recited in the manner it was revealed    

Ref:

Ma'arfiful Qur'an ( English translation) by Muft Muhammad Shafi - English translation revised by  Mufti Taqi Usmani - Maktaba-e-Darul- Uloom Karachi Pakistan

 "ISLAHI KHUTBAAT" Discourses on Islamic Way of Life by Justice Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani english translation by Iqbal Hussain Ansari   Published by Darul Isha'at Karachi Pakistan. 

Islam and Modernism Justice Taqi Usmani

The Preservation of the Original Teachings of Islam by Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah

Miracles of the Holy Qur'an Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya) Ankara Turkey