Koran Curious - A Guide for Infidels and Believers (18 page)
Read Koran Curious - A Guide for Infidels and Believers Online
Authors: C.J. Werleman
The other key topic of discussion contained within this Sura is Muhammad warns the unbelievers that time was running out for them to convert. In other words, despite their refusal and obstinacy in recognizing his mission, the Muslims will ultimately prevail.
Muhammad reminds the Meccans as to the nature of his mission.
[12:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
[12:1] A.L.R. These (letters) are proofs of this profound scripture.
[12:2] We have revealed it an Arabic Quran, that you may understand.
[12:3] We narrate to you the most accurate history through the revelation of this Quran. Before this, you were totally unaware.
The story of Joseph begins with his dream. Ultimately, he is betrayed by his brothers and taken away into slavery in Egypt. There he attains great prominence in interpreting the Pharaoh’s dream. He returns to his brothers, years later and thus commences the Israelites bondage in Egypt.
Muhammad concludes this sura with a reminder of God’s wrath for the non-believers and that the Koran is his ultimate word.
[12:106] The majority of those who believe in GOD do not do so without committing idol worship.
[12:107] Have they guaranteed that an overwhelming retribution from GOD will not strike them, or the Hour will not come to them suddenly, when they least expect it?
[12:108] Say, “This is my path: I invite to GOD, on the basis of a clear proof, and so do those who follow me. GOD be glorified. I am not an idol worshiper.”
[2:111] In their history, there is a lesson for those who possess intelligence. This is not fabricated Hadith; this (Quran) confirms all previous scriptures, provides the details of everything, and is a beacon and mercy for those who believe.
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Containing only forty-three verses, “The Thunder” was revealed to Muhammad shortly after the migration to Medina. More or less the same time as he had recited the respective suras of “Joseph” and “Hud”.
While the sura has nothing to do with lightning and thunder, it is somewhat symbolic, as its message is to warn of God’s coming judgment. A further point of interest is it’s evident that while the unbelievers continued to plot against Muhammad, the Muslims called upon Muhammad to perform some kind of miracle to help prove his prophethood, for once and for all. Muhammad, however, rejects their plea and replies that he is not God, and if they keep their faith, God will reveal all. Patience!
Muhammad implores his followers to study these scriptures, and that the only way to earn God’s compassion on Judgment Day is to live as a pious Muslim.
Muhammad explains that God is the sovereign Lord and his judgment reigns over all.
[13:2] GOD is the One who raised the heavens without pillars that you can see, then assumed all authority. He committed the sun and the moon, each running (in its orbit) for a predetermined period. He controls all things, and explains the revelations, that you may attain certainty about meeting your Lord.
[13:5] If you ever wonder, the real wonder is their saying: “After we turn into dust, do we get recreated anew?” These are the ones who have disbelieved in their Lord. These are the ones who have incurred shackles around their necks. These are the ones who have incurred Hell, wherein they abide forever.
The remaining verses of this sura are addressed directly to the believers. It’s Muhammad’s plea to Muslims to stay the course, despite the fact that Meccans continue to enjoy financial success; despite the fact he hasn’t given his followers a miracle or sign; despite the fact the non-believers continue to mock him and the Islamic belief; Muhammad promises Muslims that God will square the ledger in the afterlife.
[13:7] Those who disbelieved say, “If only a miracle could come down to him from his Lord (we will then believe).” You are simply a warner - every community receives a guiding teacher
[13:26] GOD is the One who increases the provision for whomever He wills, or withholds it. They have become preoccupied with this life; and this life, compared to the Hereafter, is nil.
[13:35] The allegory of Heaven, which is promised for the righteous, is flowing streams, inexhaustible provisions, and cool shade. Such is the destiny for those who observe righteousness, while the destiny for the disbelievers is Hell.
[13:38] We have sent messengers before you, and we made them husbands with wives and children. No messenger can produce a miracle without GOD’s authorization, and in accordance with a specific, predetermined time.
[13:43] Those who disbelieved will say, “You are not a messenger!” Say, “GOD suffices as a witness between me and you, and those who possess knowledge of the scripture.”
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Recited by Muhammad in Mecca before the migration to Medina.
Named after the founder of the three monotheistic faiths, although having little to do with God’s first prophet, this sura continues the themes of those preceding. In other words, it was written at a time when the Meccans continued to threaten the Muslims with exile because of their beliefs.
Muhammad complains that his role is a “thankless” one, but despite this his message remains steadfast and true. The nonbelievers may continue their non-belief only at their own peril, for judgment and the fire looms.
A brief salutation to the authority of the Koran and God.
[14:4] We did not send any messenger except (to preach) in the tongue of his people, in order to clarify things for them. GOD then sends astray whomever He wills, and guides whomever He wills. He is the Almighty, the Most Wise.
Muhammad returns to the Moses narrative.
[14:5] Thus, we sent Moses with our miracles, saying, “Lead your people out of darkness into the light, and remind them of the days of GOD.” These are lessons for every steadfast, appreciative person.
Muhammad returns to using all the prophets before him as a metaphor for the thanklessness and rejection he faces today. But reminds his support base that he, and Islam, will ultimately prevail, as did Moses, Noah, Abraham, Hud, etc.
[14:9] Have you not heard about those before you - the people of Noah, ‘Aad, Thamoud, and others who came after them and known only to GOD? Their messengers went to them with clear proofs, but they treated them with contempt and said, “We disbelieve in what you are sent with. We are skeptical about your message; full of doubt.”
[14:10] Their messengers said, “Do you have doubts about GOD; the Initiator of the heavens and the earth? He invites you only to forgive your sins, and to give you another chance to redeem yourselves.” They said, “You are no more than humans like us, who want to repel us from the way our parents used to worship. Show us some profound authority.”
[14:11] Their messengers said to them, “We are no more than humans like you, but GOD blesses whomever He chooses from among His servants. We could not possibly show you any kind of authorization, except in accordance with GOD’s will. In GOD the believers shall trust.
[14:13] Those who disbelieved said to their messengers, “We will banish you from our land, unless you revert to our religion.” Their Lord inspired them: “We will inevitably annihilate the transgressors.
[14:23] As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, they will be admitted into gardens with flowing streams. They abide therein forever, in accordance with the will of their Lord. Their greeting therein is: “Peace.”
Muhammad mocks non-Muslims for their false religions and earthly desires and pursuits.
[14:28] Have you noted those who responded to GOD’s blessings by disbelieving, and thus brought disaster upon their own families?
[14:29] Hell is their destiny, wherein they burn; what a miserable end!
[14:30] They set up rivals to rank with GOD and to divert others from His path. Say, “Enjoy for awhile; your final destiny is Hell.”
Abraham’s god is the one and only god. Praise him or perish.
[14:35] Recall that Abraham said, “My Lord, make this a peaceful land, and protect me and my children from worshipping idols.
[14:36] “My Lord, they have misled so many people. As for those who follow me, they belong with me. As for those who disobey me, You are Forgiver, Most Merciful.
Muhammad warns the nonbelievers that come Judgment Day, it is too late to repent and convert.
[4:42] Do not ever think that GOD is unaware of what the transgressors are doing. He only respites them until a day where the eyes stare in horror.
[14:44] You shall warn the people of the day when the retribution comes to them. Those who transgressed will say, “Our Lord, give us one more respite. We will then respond to Your call and follow the messengers.” Did you not swear in the past that you will last forever?
[14:48] The day will come when this earth will be substituted with a new earth, and also the heavens, and everyone will be brought before GOD, the One, the Supreme.
[14:49] And you will see the guilty on that day chained in shackles.
[14:50] Their garments will be made of tar, and fire will overwhelm their faces.
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
In Arabic, “the Stoneland” translates as Al-Hijr, a mythical town much like the Bible’s Sodom that was wiped out by God as punishment for that city’s rejection of his word.
Scholars presume this sura was revealed to Muhammad while in Mecca during the final year of his life.
There are no new revelations here, and no further elaboration of Islamic law – only further admonishment of those who continue to doubt him. Moreover, he tells his followers that the non-believers, who ridicule him, will meet a similar fate as those who were annihilated by God in Sodom and Gomorrah.
Muhammad opens with a terse warning to the Meccans. He reminds them his Muslims have successfully annihilated all those who have dared stand up to them.
[15:2] Certainly, those who disbelieved will wish they were submitters.
[15:3] Let them eat, enjoy, and remain blinded by wishful thinking; they will find out.
[15:4] We never annihilated any community, except in accordance with a specific, predetermined time.
[15:5] The end of any community can never be advanced, nor delayed.
[15:16] We placed galaxies in the sky, and adorned it for the beholders.
[15:17] And we guarded it against every rejected devil.
[15:18] If any of them sneaks around to listen, a mighty projectile will chase him back.
Muhammad implores Muslims to praise God for the bounties he has provided them.
[15:20] We made it habitable for you, and for creatures you do not provide for.
[15:21] There is nothing that we do not own infinite amounts thereof. But we send it down in precise measure.
[15:22] And we send the winds as pollinators, and cause water to come down from the sky for you to drink. Otherwise, you could not keep it palatable.
Muhammad warns the Meccans that in denying him and Islam, they’re dancing with the Devil, and he has a room booked for them in Hell.
[15:32] He said, “O Iblis (Satan), why are you not with the prostrators?”
