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““A BEGINNERS’ COURSE ON A BEGINNERS’ COURSE ON ISLAM”ISLAM”
Lessons on Lessons on Fardhu ‘Ain in English for AdultsFardhu ‘Ain in English for Adultsconducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismailconducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail
TAUTAUHHEED - RISAALAH
EED - RISAALAH
LESSON # 3 a
LESSON # 3 a
(part 1)(part 1)
Using textbook & curriculum he has developed especially for Using textbook & curriculum he has developed especially for Muslim converts and young Adult English-speaking Muslims. Muslim converts and young Adult English-speaking Muslims.
““To seek knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim (male & female)”To seek knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim (male & female)”
IT CAN ALSO BE A IT CAN ALSO BE A REFRESHER COURSE REFRESHER COURSE
FOR MUSLIM PARENTS, FOR MUSLIM PARENTS, EDUCATORS, IN EDUCATORS, IN
CONTEMPORARY CONTEMPORARY SINGAPORE. SINGAPORE. OPEN TO ALLOPEN TO ALL
1UPDATED MARCH 2012UPDATED MARCH 2012
Every Friday night Every Friday night @ 8pm – 10pm@ 8pm – 10pmWisma Indah, 450 Wisma Indah, 450 Changi Road, Changi Road, #02-00 next to #02-00 next to Masjid KassimMasjid Kassim
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““CRITERIA”CRITERIA”Al-Qur’an: Proof of Al-Qur’an: Proof of
Muhammad’s Prophethood.Muhammad’s Prophethood.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST MOST COMPASSIONATE,COMPASSIONATE,MOST MERCIFULMOST MERCIFUL
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Lesson #3Lesson #3
FARDHU’AINFARDHU’AIN: CONDUCTED BY: CONDUCTED BYUSTAZ ZHULKEFLEE HJ ISMAILUSTAZ ZHULKEFLEE HJ ISMAILLESSONS FROM TEXTBOOK LESSONS FROM TEXTBOOK ““Beginners’ Manual on IslamBeginners’ Manual on Islam””
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IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST MOST COMPASSIONATE,COMPASSIONATE,MOST MERCIFULMOST MERCIFUL
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““Allah” Allah” : : Arabic proper noun; name for God, it refers Arabic proper noun; name for God, it refers
to the One and Only, the Unique Creator, Lord to the One and Only, the Unique Creator, Lord
Sustainer of the Universe, Who Alone is God – there Sustainer of the Universe, Who Alone is God – there
is none besides Allah.is none besides Allah.
No equivalent translation in non-Semitic language.No equivalent translation in non-Semitic language.
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““Muhammad s.a.a.w.” Muhammad s.a.a.w.” : : Arabic name meaning “Arabic name meaning “the the
Praised OnePraised One”; he is the Chosen, Unlettered Prophet, ”; he is the Chosen, Unlettered Prophet,
the servant and Messenger of Allah, the Awaited the servant and Messenger of Allah, the Awaited
Seal of Prophethood after whom there will be no Seal of Prophethood after whom there will be no
more prophet sent.more prophet sent.
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““There are many miracles of the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. There are many miracles of the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.
to be offered as the evidence, and the greatest and most to be offered as the evidence, and the greatest and most
outstanding of them is still available to be considered by outstanding of them is still available to be considered by
anyone (even today, until the Day of Judgement ) is without anyone (even today, until the Day of Judgement ) is without
doubt, the Qur’an .... ”doubt, the Qur’an .... ”5
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““The Criteria The Criteria for a Holy for a Holy
Book”Book”
by : by : Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj IsmailUstaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail
Singapore.Singapore.
- a case for the Qur’an
http://criteriaforaholybook-quran.blogspot.com/http://criteriaforaholybook-quran.blogspot.com/TO VIEW ON BLOGTO VIEW ON BLOG
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IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST MOST COMPASSIONATE,COMPASSIONATE,MOST MERCIFULMOST MERCIFUL
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INTRODUCTION AND INTRODUCTION AND A BRIEF BACKGROUNDA BRIEF BACKGROUND
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Avoiding the Fallacy termed as “circular reasoning”:
Q: How do you know that your doctrine is true?
A: Because it is written in this Book!
Q: What makes you believe that that Book is truly from God?
A: Because I have faith in it!
Q: How do you get that faith?
A: Because I read that (same) Book!
Q: But how do you know that that Book is truly from God!?
A: Because I have faith!
Q: But how do you get that faith?
A: I read the Book!!……?
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Any inter-faith discussion has to firstly contend with the issue of
proving, with evidence and reasoning, the basis for acceptance of a
“Book said to be from God”, before assigning it as the authority for
reference regarding doctrines.
To regard that a “Book is from God” requires that we have to
provide for certain reasoning or rationale (criteria) for accepting
that conclusion.
The objective question to consider firstly is, “How can we agree
that a particular book can be relied upon as authoritative?”
“What would you insist that such a Book must have, to convince
you that it is indeed of Divine authorship?”
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CLAIM ITSELF TO BE CLAIM ITSELF TO BE FROM GODFROM GOD
The Book itself must make the claim, The Book itself must make the claim, and not what people attribute to it and not what people attribute to it based on whatever reasons.based on whatever reasons.
THE CRITERIA
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““And this, too, is a divine writ which And this, too, is a divine writ which We (God) have bestowed We (God) have bestowed
from on high from on high – blessed, confirming the truth of whatever there – blessed, confirming the truth of whatever there
still remains [of earlier revelations] – and [this] in order that thou still remains [of earlier revelations] – and [this] in order that thou
(O Muhammad) mayest warn the foremost of all cities and all (O Muhammad) mayest warn the foremost of all cities and all
who dwell around it.”who dwell around it.”
((Qur’an: Al-An’am: 6: 92Qur’an: Al-An’am: 6: 92))
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““We (God) sent down the Qur’an in TruthWe (God) sent down the Qur’an in Truth, and in , and in
Truth has it descended : and We sent you but to give Truth has it descended : and We sent you but to give
glad tidings and to warn (sinners). It is a Qur’an which glad tidings and to warn (sinners). It is a Qur’an which
We have divided (into parts from time to time) in We have divided (into parts from time to time) in
order that you (O Muhammad) might recite it to men order that you (O Muhammad) might recite it to men
at intervals : We have revealed it by stages”at intervals : We have revealed it by stages”
((Qur’an : Bani Isra’il : 17: 105Qur’an : Bani Isra’il : 17: 105) )
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UNIQUE AND UNIQUE AND INIMITABLEINIMITABLE
A Book from God must be unique so that it is A Book from God must be unique so that it is distinct from other books. Thus, inimitability distinct from other books. Thus, inimitability (not possible for any to produce another like (not possible for any to produce another like it) is an important quality.it) is an important quality.
THE CRITERIA
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“ “And if you are in doubt as to what We have revealed from And if you are in doubt as to what We have revealed from
time to time to our servant, time to time to our servant, then produce a Surah like then produce a Surah like
thereunto thereunto ; and call your witness or helpers (if there are any) ; and call your witness or helpers (if there are any)
besides God, if your (doubts) are true”besides God, if your (doubts) are true”
((Surah al-Baqarah : 2: 23Surah al-Baqarah : 2: 23))
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““This This Qur’anQur’an is not such as can be produced by other than Godis not such as can be produced by other than God. .
On the contrary it is a confirmation of revelations that went On the contrary it is a confirmation of revelations that went
before it, and a fuller explanation of the Book wherein there before it, and a fuller explanation of the Book wherein there
is no doubt - from the Lord of the Universe”is no doubt - from the Lord of the Universe”
((Surah Yunos : 10: 37Surah Yunos : 10: 37))
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To the Arabs at the time of Muhammad s.a.w. then, it To the Arabs at the time of Muhammad s.a.w. then, it
was their language (Arabic), linguistic and literary skills was their language (Arabic), linguistic and literary skills
in composing odes and poetry which were held in in composing odes and poetry which were held in
highest regard. highest regard.
This was their greatest accomplishment, which they This was their greatest accomplishment, which they
have honed and it marked them out as Arabs.have honed and it marked them out as Arabs.
And it is to this that the ‘miracle’ nature of the Qur’an And it is to this that the ‘miracle’ nature of the Qur’an
was highlighted to them to be especially tested.was highlighted to them to be especially tested.
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Many of these celebrated poets of the Quraysh, like:Many of these celebrated poets of the Quraysh, like:
Musaylama al-Kadz-dzabMusaylama al-Kadz-dzab, ,
Thulaihah ibn Khuwailid al-As’adyThulaihah ibn Khuwailid al-As’ady, ,
An-Nadhor ibn HarithAn-Nadhor ibn Harith, ,
MutanabbyMutanabby, , Ibn al-MuqoffaIbn al-Muqoffa etc., etc.,
attempted but could not succeed but their attempts were attempted but could not succeed but their attempts were
even denounced by their own peers, when compared to even denounced by their own peers, when compared to
the style, eloquence, exquisite beauty and profoundness the style, eloquence, exquisite beauty and profoundness
of the Qur’an. of the Qur’an.
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And standard of Arabic language used by people had And standard of Arabic language used by people had
declined since that golden era. Thus it would become near declined since that golden era. Thus it would become near
impossible for any to respond to this challenge ever again.impossible for any to respond to this challenge ever again.
One well known poet at the time, One well known poet at the time, Walid ibn MughirahWalid ibn Mughirah
(himself a respected leader of the Quraysh), even admitted (himself a respected leader of the Quraysh), even admitted
to his peers, after hearing Muhammad’s recitation of a to his peers, after hearing Muhammad’s recitation of a
portion of the Qur’an saying, that these could not be the portion of the Qur’an saying, that these could not be the
work of mortals - whether it be of man or spirits – echoing work of mortals - whether it be of man or spirits – echoing
precisely a verse in the Qur’an:precisely a verse in the Qur’an:
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““Now this Qur’an could not possibly have been Now this Qur’an could not possibly have been
devised by anyone save Allah (God)devised by anyone save Allah (God): nay indeed, it : nay indeed, it
confirms the truth of whatever there still remains confirms the truth of whatever there still remains
[of earlier revelations] and clearly spells out the [of earlier revelations] and clearly spells out the
revelation [which comes] – revelation [which comes] – let there be no doubt let there be no doubt
about it – from the Sustainer of all the worldsabout it – from the Sustainer of all the worlds.”.”
((Qur’an: Yunus: 10: 37Qur’an: Yunus: 10: 37))
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Say, "Say, "If mankind and the jinn If mankind and the jinn gathered in order to gathered in order to
produce the like of this Qur'an, they produce the like of this Qur'an, they could not produce could not produce
the like of itthe like of it, even if they were to each other assistants.“, even if they were to each other assistants.“
((Qur’an: Isea’: 17: 88Qur’an: Isea’: 17: 88))
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““The Striking Calamity - What is the Striking Calamity? And what The Striking Calamity - What is the Striking Calamity? And what
can make you know what is the Striking Calamity? It is the Day can make you know what is the Striking Calamity? It is the Day
when people will be like moths, dispersed, And the mountains will when people will be like moths, dispersed, And the mountains will
be like wool, fluffed up.”be like wool, fluffed up.”
((Qur’an: al-Qari-’ah: 101: 1-5Qur’an: al-Qari-’ah: 101: 1-5))
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FIRST CONSIDER
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FIRST CONSIDER
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““The Inevitable Reality - What is the Inevitable The Inevitable Reality - What is the Inevitable
Reality? Reality?
And what can make you know what is the Inevitable And what can make you know what is the Inevitable
Reality? Reality?
Thamud and 'Aad denied the Striking Calamity. Thamud and 'Aad denied the Striking Calamity.
So as for Thamud, they were destroyed by the So as for Thamud, they were destroyed by the
overpowering [blast]. And as for 'Aad, they were overpowering [blast]. And as for 'Aad, they were
destroyed by a screaming, violent wind .”destroyed by a screaming, violent wind .”
((Qur’an: al-Haqqa: 69: 1-4Qur’an: al-Haqqa: 69: 1-4))
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FIRST CONSIDER
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““Which Allah imposed upon them for seven nights and eight Which Allah imposed upon them for seven nights and eight
days in succession, so you would see the people therein fallen days in succession, so you would see the people therein fallen
as if they were hollow trunks of palm trees. Then do you see as if they were hollow trunks of palm trees. Then do you see
of them any remains?”of them any remains?”
((Qur’an: al-Haqqa: 69: 5-8Qur’an: al-Haqqa: 69: 5-8))
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"The elephant. What is the elephant? "The elephant. What is the elephant?
And what can make you know what And what can make you know what
is the elephant? He has a ropy tail and a long trunk."is the elephant? He has a ropy tail and a long trunk."
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THEN, COMPARE
THEM WITH THIS
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“And no question do they bring to thee but We
reveal to thee the Truth and the explanation thereof”
(Qur’an: al-Furqan : 25: 33)
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If they say: “Muhammad wrote it !”If they say: “Muhammad wrote it !”
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If they say: “Muhammad wrote it !”If they say: “Muhammad wrote it !”
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[O Muhammad] [O Muhammad] thou hast never been able to recite any divine thou hast never been able to recite any divine
writ ere this one [was revealed], nor didst thou ever transcribe writ ere this one [was revealed], nor didst thou ever transcribe
one with thine own hand one with thine own hand – or else, they who try to disprove the – or else, they who try to disprove the
truth [of thy revelation] might indeed have had cause to doubt [it]. truth [of thy revelation] might indeed have had cause to doubt [it].
Nay, but this [divine writ] consists of messages clear to the Nay, but this [divine writ] consists of messages clear to the
hearts of all who are gifted with [innate] knowledge – and none hearts of all who are gifted with [innate] knowledge – and none
could knowingly reject Our messages unless it be such as could knowingly reject Our messages unless it be such as
would do wrong [to themselves].”would do wrong [to themselves].”
((Qur’an: al-Ankabut: 29: 48-49Qur’an: al-Ankabut: 29: 48-49))
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If they say: “Why has not the Qur’an been revealed to him all at once?”If they say: “Why has not the Qur’an been revealed to him all at once?”
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““Those who reject Faith say: ‘Why is not the Qur’an revealed Those who reject Faith say: ‘Why is not the Qur’an revealed
to him all at once?’ Thus is it revealed that We may to him all at once?’ Thus is it revealed that We may
strengthen thy heart strengthen thy heart thereby, and We rehearsed it to thee in thereby, and We rehearsed it to thee in
slow well-arranged stslow well-arranged stages, gradually”ages, gradually”
((Qur’an: al-Furqan: 25: 32Qur’an: al-Furqan: 25: 32))
If they say: “Why has not the Qur’an been revealed to him all at once?”If they say: “Why has not the Qur’an been revealed to him all at once?”
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If they say: “Why an Arabic Qur’an?If they say: “Why an Arabic Qur’an?
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“Now had We willed this [divine writ] to be a discourse in a
non-Arabic tongue, they would surely have said, ‘Why are not
its verses explained in detail? What! (a book) not in Arabic
and (a messenger) an Arab?’ Say: ‘It is a Guide and a Healing
to those who believe”
(Qur’an: Fussilat: 41: 44)
If they say: “Why an Arabic Qur’an?If they say: “Why an Arabic Qur’an?
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““No evil ones have brought down this (revelation). It would No evil ones have brought down this (revelation). It would
neither suit them norneither suit them nor would they would they be able to produce itbe able to produce it!”!”
((Qur’an: ash-Shuara: 26: 210-211Qur’an: ash-Shuara: 26: 210-211))
If they say: “Muhammad may have received it from the Devil !”
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““We know indeed that they say ‘It is a man that teaches him’ We know indeed that they say ‘It is a man that teaches him’
(but) the (but) the tongue of him they wickedly pointed to is notably tongue of him they wickedly pointed to is notably
foreign, foreign, while it (Al-Qur’an) is Arabic, pure and clear”while it (Al-Qur’an) is Arabic, pure and clear”
((Qur’an: an-Nahl: 16: 103Qur’an: an-Nahl: 16: 103))
If they say:” He was taught by a Jew or a Christian!”If they say:” He was taught by a Jew or a Christian!”
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““Say: ‘Truth has arrived, and falsehood neither creates Say: ‘Truth has arrived, and falsehood neither creates
anything new, nor restores anything”anything new, nor restores anything”
((Qur’an: Saba’: 34: 49Qur’an: Saba’: 34: 49))
If they say: “It is a fraud!”If they say: “It is a fraud!”
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CONTAINS CONTAINS ABSOLUTE ABSOLUTE PRINCIPLESPRINCIPLES
All principles which the book contains must All principles which the book contains must be absolute (not affected by time) and be absolute (not affected by time) and remain as true today as they will remain remain as true today as they will remain true in the future and as they had proven true in the future and as they had proven true in the past.true in the past.
THE CRITERIA
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If one is truly objective (in the sense of seeking justice) and is If one is truly objective (in the sense of seeking justice) and is
sincere in analysing the history of the Arabs and in comparing sincere in analysing the history of the Arabs and in comparing
their condition before with that after the revelation of the their condition before with that after the revelation of the
Qur’an, it would become obvious that their society underwent Qur’an, it would become obvious that their society underwent
a drastic change – one that was quite revolutionary. a drastic change – one that was quite revolutionary.
Their customs, trends, worldview and accepted norms were in Their customs, trends, worldview and accepted norms were in
fact overturned and replaced with fundamental principles fact overturned and replaced with fundamental principles
quite unknown to them before this, and since then it has quite unknown to them before this, and since then it has
continued to be adhered to even till today. continued to be adhered to even till today. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)
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Moreover, these principles can justifiably be said to be too Moreover, these principles can justifiably be said to be too
advanced for that time, so that they cannot be explained advanced for that time, so that they cannot be explained
away as having their origin in human and societal influences away as having their origin in human and societal influences
current at that time. current at that time. ONE OF THE EXAMPLE – “BANNING INTOXICANTS” :ONE OF THE EXAMPLE – “BANNING INTOXICANTS” :
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Moreover, these principles can justifiably be said to be too Moreover, these principles can justifiably be said to be too
advanced for that time, so that they cannot be explained advanced for that time, so that they cannot be explained
away as having their origin in human and societal influences away as having their origin in human and societal influences
current at that time. current at that time. ONE OF THE EXAMPLE – “BANNING INTOXICANTS” :ONE OF THE EXAMPLE – “BANNING INTOXICANTS” :
““O You who have attained to faith! O You who have attained to faith! IntoxicantIntoxicants, and games of chance, s, and games of chance,
idolatrous practices, and the divining of the future are but a loathsome idolatrous practices, and the divining of the future are but a loathsome
evil of Satan’s doing: evil of Satan’s doing: Shun them Shun them so that you may be successful “so that you may be successful “((Qur’an: Ma’idah: 5: 90Qur’an: Ma’idah: 5: 90))
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And today, the dangers of alcoholism, substance abuse and And today, the dangers of alcoholism, substance abuse and
drug addiction are well acknowledged scourge, whereas the drug addiction are well acknowledged scourge, whereas the
Qur’an has, not only explicitly warns mankind against it Qur’an has, not only explicitly warns mankind against it
since 1400 years ago, it has since then started a movement since 1400 years ago, it has since then started a movement
towards eradicating this menace and has been successful in towards eradicating this menace and has been successful in
producing the producing the biggest society of teetotallers biggest society of teetotallers with an with an
uncompromising stance towards it – uncompromising stance towards it – ““shun themshun them” totally, ” totally,
not even imbibing of even a drop of it.not even imbibing of even a drop of it.
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Today, over 1.5 billion Muslims as the rule, abstain from Today, over 1.5 billion Muslims as the rule, abstain from
every alcoholic drink and intoxicant on religious grounds, every alcoholic drink and intoxicant on religious grounds,
because it has been forbidden by God (as because it has been forbidden by God (as HaramHaram), explicitly ), explicitly
recorded and preserved in the original religious text or recorded and preserved in the original religious text or
scripture.scripture.
Although there may be few exceptions of disobedient Although there may be few exceptions of disobedient
Muslims, yet Muslims, yet no other religion has been as successful as no other religion has been as successful as
Islam in advocating sobriety as a religious obligationIslam in advocating sobriety as a religious obligation..
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CONTAINS NEITHER CONTAINS NEITHER DISCREPANCY NOR DISCREPANCY NOR INACCURACYINACCURACY
God is perfect in His Wisdom and God is perfect in His Wisdom and cannot be the author of discrepancies cannot be the author of discrepancies and/or inaccuracies.and/or inaccuracies.
THE CRITERIA
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“Do they not consider the Qur’an with care ? Had
it been from other than Allah, they would surely
have found therein much discrepancy”
(Surah An- Nisa’ : 4: 82)
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CONTRIBUTES TO THE CONTRIBUTES TO THE WELL-BEING OF PEOPLE WELL-BEING OF PEOPLE OF ALL LEVEL OF ALL LEVEL
Unlike other books which appeal to or Unlike other books which appeal to or benefit only certain classes of people benefit only certain classes of people according to their intellectual levels, the according to their intellectual levels, the Book of God is meant for all classes of Book of God is meant for all classes of people. Only God’s Wisdom is capable of people. Only God’s Wisdom is capable of producing such a Book.producing such a Book.
THE CRITERIA
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““All praise is due to God (Allah), who has bestowed this All praise is due to God (Allah), who has bestowed this
divine writ from on high upon His Servant (Muhammad), divine writ from on high upon His Servant (Muhammad),
and has not and has not
allowed any deviousness to obscure its meanings: allowed any deviousness to obscure its meanings:
[a divine writ] unerringly straight, meant to warn[a divine writ] unerringly straight, meant to warn
[the godless] of a severe punishment from Him, and to [the godless] of a severe punishment from Him, and to
give unto the believers who do good works the glad tiding give unto the believers who do good works the glad tiding
that theirs shall be a goodly reward – [a state of bliss] in that theirs shall be a goodly reward – [a state of bliss] in
which they shall dwell beyond the count of time.”which they shall dwell beyond the count of time.”
((Qur’an: al-Kahf: 18: 1-3Qur’an: al-Kahf: 18: 1-3))
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Applying to the Qur’an the usual categorizations for Books Applying to the Qur’an the usual categorizations for Books
would be impossible for this is no ordinary book, because: would be impossible for this is no ordinary book, because:
Simple devotees refer to it, yet it is not merely a book on Simple devotees refer to it, yet it is not merely a book on
devotions; devotions;
legists formulate legal rulings from it, and yet it is not merely a legists formulate legal rulings from it, and yet it is not merely a
book of laws; book of laws;
educationist derived wisdom from it and yet it does not only educationist derived wisdom from it and yet it does not only
speak about education; speak about education;
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Applying to the Qur’an the usual categorizations for Books Applying to the Qur’an the usual categorizations for Books
would be impossible for this is no ordinary book, because : would be impossible for this is no ordinary book, because :
theologians are guided by its principles, and yet it is not merely theologians are guided by its principles, and yet it is not merely
a book on theology; a book on theology;
it mentions past history and indicate to contemporary men the it mentions past history and indicate to contemporary men the
remnants of past civilization to be discovered, visited and remnants of past civilization to be discovered, visited and
studied, yet it is not a book on history or archaeology;studied, yet it is not a book on history or archaeology;
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Applying to the Qur’an the usual categorizations for Books Applying to the Qur’an the usual categorizations for Books
would be impossible for this is no ordinary book, because : would be impossible for this is no ordinary book, because :
it points to the signs in the universe and provide principles for it points to the signs in the universe and provide principles for
contemplation and reflection for thinkers and philosophers, contemplation and reflection for thinkers and philosophers,
yet it is not a book on philosophy; yet it is not a book on philosophy;
it highlights laws of natural phenomenon long before man it highlights laws of natural phenomenon long before man
develops serious study of natural sciences, from which it only develops serious study of natural sciences, from which it only
confirms observations made by the book, yet it is not a book confirms observations made by the book, yet it is not a book
on science; on science; All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)
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Applying to the Qur’an the usual categorizations for Books Applying to the Qur’an the usual categorizations for Books
would be impossible for this is no ordinary book, because : would be impossible for this is no ordinary book, because :
those who have the aesthetic appreciation for beauty in those who have the aesthetic appreciation for beauty in
language and expression are enthralled by its recitation, yet it language and expression are enthralled by its recitation, yet it
is not a book on poetry; is not a book on poetry;
Arabic linguists and grammarians use its standard for Arabic linguists and grammarians use its standard for
correctness and eloquence, yet it is not a book on grammar; correctness and eloquence, yet it is not a book on grammar;
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Applying to the Qur’an the usual categorizations for Books Applying to the Qur’an the usual categorizations for Books
would be impossible for this is no ordinary book, because : would be impossible for this is no ordinary book, because :
those seeking solace and spirituality finds in it companionship those seeking solace and spirituality finds in it companionship
and guidance towards their spiritual upliftment, yet it is not and guidance towards their spiritual upliftment, yet it is not
merely a book on spirituality; merely a book on spirituality;
it has inspired and transformed a whole civilization through all it has inspired and transformed a whole civilization through all
classes of people who then manifested the effect it has on classes of people who then manifested the effect it has on
them in almost every field of human endeavour. them in almost every field of human endeavour.
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Perhaps the closest categorization would be ‘an Perhaps the closest categorization would be ‘an
encyclopaedia’, yet it even transcend this when we encyclopaedia’, yet it even transcend this when we
realise that this book contains only just over 6,000 realise that this book contains only just over 6,000
verses – and has never needed any re-edition. verses – and has never needed any re-edition.
Only one category is possible, and that is, it is a Only one category is possible, and that is, it is a
book of God for the guidance of mankind. book of God for the guidance of mankind.
Only God’s Wisdom is capable for its authorship.Only God’s Wisdom is capable for its authorship.
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SOME PROPHECIES SOME PROPHECIES PROVEN TO BE TRUEPROVEN TO BE TRUE
Proof of God’s knowledge is in the truth of Proof of God’s knowledge is in the truth of His prophecies. Although there are many His prophecies. Although there are many which have not yet come to pass, still there which have not yet come to pass, still there must be some prophecies which can validate must be some prophecies which can validate this unique attribute of God in the Book.this unique attribute of God in the Book.
THE CRITERIA
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# 6# 6
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““Truly did God (Allah) fulfil the vision for His Messenger: Ye shall Truly did God (Allah) fulfil the vision for His Messenger: Ye shall
enter the Sacred Mosque, if God (Allah) wills, with minds secure, enter the Sacred Mosque, if God (Allah) wills, with minds secure,
heads, shaved, hair cut short, and without fear. For He knew heads, shaved, hair cut short, and without fear. For He knew
what ye knew not and He granted besides this a speedy victory. what ye knew not and He granted besides this a speedy victory.
It is He who has sent His Messenger with Guidance and the It is He who has sent His Messenger with Guidance and the
Religion of Truth, to proclaim it over all religion: and enough is Religion of Truth, to proclaim it over all religion: and enough is
God (Allah) for a Witness.” God (Allah) for a Witness.”
((Qur’an: Surah Fath: 48: 27-28Qur’an: Surah Fath: 48: 27-28))
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This verses were revealed when Muslims were a This verses were revealed when Muslims were a
disregarded group, oppressed and weak, living in disregarded group, oppressed and weak, living in
Madinah after being forced to migrate there, and Madinah after being forced to migrate there, and
then had to face several invasions by the Quraish. then had to face several invasions by the Quraish.
Yet the prophecy came of the Prophet’s imminent Yet the prophecy came of the Prophet’s imminent
entrance into Makkah, as well as the conquest and entrance into Makkah, as well as the conquest and
triumph of Islam over the Makkans.triumph of Islam over the Makkans.
NOTENOTE:
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CONTINUE SLIDES IN PART 2