The Study of Islamic Theology Oct 2009. 2 Purpose of Study Purpose of Study: to provide insight into Muslim beliefs and document the doctrines that underlie.

The Study of Islamic The Study of Islamic TheologyTheology

Oct 2009

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Purpose of StudyPurpose of Study

Purpose of Study: to provide insight into Muslim beliefs and document the doctrines that underlie their thinking.

This is a study to understand, not judge Islam.

Study Issues What is Islamic theology, eschatology, soteriology, and

anthropology? How did Mohammed think and act? How has Islamic theology shaped thinking? How does this logic predispose Muslims to certain things? How can we use this understanding to our advantage?

IntroductionIntroduction This study is an effort to remove our western constraints and

anchored thinking. It is an effort to understand through Muslim eyes.

The United States military must understand the way that Muslims think, how they view the world, and what underlies their logic. This study provides unique insight into this thinking.

Without this understanding, we tend to unknowingly anchor our thinking in western, secular, humanistic logic. To properly understand, we must discard our Western ways of thinking. We must allow Muslims to describe their own logic.

We must not attempt to impose our logic on them. We typically describe their logic using western metaphors and descriptions. This is dangerous and leads to unfounded conclusions.

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Definition of TermsDefinition of Terms

Theology- thinking about God, the nature of God

Eschatology- the nature of the afterlife

Soteriology- how to get to heaven

Anthropology- the nature of man

Transliteration- mapping from one system of writing into another

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Al-Azhar UniversityCairo, Egypt

Short History Lesson About Short History Lesson About MohammedMohammed

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Mecca

Medina

Quraysh Tribe

Kaaba

360

Allah

Angel Gabriel

Mohammed

AD 610

Mecca Revelations

Mohammed’s death- AD 632Koran written- AD 634-639Hadith recorded- AD 862

Hijr

a AD 6

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Medina Revelations

Caravan Raids Battle of Badr

AD 624

Battle of the Trench,

Subdues Allies of QurayshAD 627

Consolidation of Power

•Led 27 attacks•Military leader•Political Leader

Mohammed RejectedAttempted assassination

Triumphal re

turn AD 63010,000 men

950 men

Battle of OhadAllah Akbar!

AD 625

•Prayer•Fasting•Worship

What is Islam?What is Islam?

The word Islam means submission.

The word Muslim means one who submits to Allah.

To submit to Allah, you must know what Allah wants. What does Allah want? The answer to this question is found in the holy books that define Islam- the Koran and the Hadith.

The goal of Islam, as stated in the sacred books of Islam, is to subjugate the world under Islam by reason (Dawah) or by the sword (Harb, Quital). This sacred obligation is mandated by the holy writings of Islam. A vast

majority of classical authorities adhere to this belief.

Islam defines a Muslim’s nature of existence, not simply his religion as in the Western thinking construct.

Islam is predominantly a religion of rules, practices, and observances that enable the faithful to earn their salvation by their own merit.

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The Koran (Recitations)The Koran (Recitations)

Allah’s revelations, not Mohammed's teachings

Believed to be the literal word of Allah, not divinely inspired human authors; Mohammed orally revealed the Koran to his followers

Less an integrated narrative than a topical reference; organized by size of chapter (sura), not by time

Recognized as having many contradictions

Contradictions removed by Law of Abrogation- something revealed later replaces and erases something revealed earlier

Compiled after Mohammed’s death

Mohammed was illiterate

Non-linear, not cause and effect

114 Chapters

Sura 3:32 "Obey Allah and His Messenger”7

The Koran and the Law of AbrogationThe Koran and the Law of Abrogation

Sura 16:101- When We substitute one revelation for another, and Allah knows best what He reveals (in stages), they say, "Thou art but a forger": but most of them understand not.

Sura 2:106- Whatever a Verse (revelation) do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, We bring a better one or similar to it. Know you not that Allâh is able to do all things?

Later revelations in the Koran cancel out or abrogate (nasikh) the earlier text (mansukh) within the Koran. They replace the older revelations and substitute something better. The principle of nasikh is very strong. If a verse is nasikh, or overridden, it is as if that verse does not exist.

The Mecca revelations are abrogated by the Medina revelations.

Later revelations: Sura 9:5- Fight the pagans wherever you find them, and seize them, and lie in wait for

them in every stratagem (of war). Sura 5:33- For those who do not submit to Allah, their punishment is execution or

crucifixion, or the cutting off of the hands and feet, from opposite sides, or exile from the land.

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Example of Abrogation (1 of 2)Example of Abrogation (1 of 2)

THE VERSE OF THE SWORD- Sura 9:5- Fight the pagans wherever you find them, and seize them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war).

Some of the verses abrogated by the verse of the Sword:

1) “Those who believe (in the Qur’an), and the Christians and the Sabians – any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve” (Sura 2:62).

2) “Quite a number of the People of the Book wish they could turn you (people) back to infidelity after ye have believed, from selfish envy, after the Truth hath become manifest unto them: but forgive and overlook, till Allah accomplish his purpose” (Sura 2:109).

3) “But because of their breach of their Covenant, We cursed them, and made their hearts grow hard; they change the words from their (right) places and forget a good part of the Message that was sent them, nor wilt thou cease to find them – barring a few – ever bent on (new) deceits: but forgive them, and overlook (their misdeeds): for Allah loveth those who are kind” (Sura 5:13).

4) “Leave alone those who take their religion to be mere play and amusement, and are deceived by the life of this world. But proclaim (to them) this (truth): that every soul delivers itself to ruin by its own acts: it will find for itself no protector or intercessor except Allah: if it offered every ransom, (or reparation), none will be accepted: such is (the end of) those who deliver themselves to ruin by their own acts: they will have for drink (only) boiling water, and for punishment, one most grievous: for they persisted in rejecting Allah” (Sura 6:70).

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Example of Abrogation (2 of 2)Example of Abrogation (2 of 2)

THE VERSE OF THE SWORD- Sura 9:5- Fight the pagans wherever you find them, and seize them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war).

Some of the verses abrogated by the verse of the Sword:

5) “But if the enemy incline towards peace, do thou (also) incline towards peace, and trust in Allah” (Surah 8:61)

6) “And dispute ye not with the People of the Book, except with means better (than mere disputation), unless it be with those of them who inflict wrong (and injury); but say, ‘We believe in the revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; our God and your God is One; and it is to Him we bow (in Islam)” (Surah 29:46).

7) “And remember We took a covenant from the Children of Israel (to this effect): worship none but Allah” (Surah 2:83).

8) “Say: Will ye dispute with us about Allah, seeing that He is our Lord and your Lord; that we are responsible for our doings and ye for yours; and that we are sincere (in our faith) in Him?” (Surah 2:139)

9) “Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors” (Surah 2:190)

10) “But fight them at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there” (Surah 2:191)

11) “But if they cease, Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful” (Surah 2:192).

12) “But there is no compulsion in religion” (Surah 2:256).10

The Hadith (Traditions)The Hadith (Traditions)

Contain things attributed to Muhammad, as opposed to the Qur'an which is the word of Allah. Hadith are regarded as the words of Muhammad and not the word of Allah, in most cases.

Contain reports about the statements or actions of Mohammed, or about his tacit approval of something said or done in his presence.

Muslims believe that they can look at the way of life, or sunnah, of Muhammad and his companions to discover what to imitate and what to avoid. Sahih al-Bukhari recognized as most authentic.

Originally oral traditions relating to the words, deeds, and customs of Mohammed. Later, several hundred thousand traditions reduced to about 28,000 traditions.

Specify how to do everything in Muslim culture.

Sunni hadith completed 230 yrs after Muhammad.

Hadith 9:57- Anyone leaving Islam must be killed.

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Holiest Sites in IslamHoliest Sites in Islam

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Mecca

Medina

Dome of the Rock

The Five Pillars of IslamThe Five Pillars of Islam

Statement of Belief (Shahadah): "There is no God but Allah. Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.”

Prayer (salat): Pray five times a day while facing the Kabba; ritualistic prayer, not a personal relationship prayer between creature and creator

Giving alms (zakat): Similar to taxes, distributed to Muslims in need, and to further jihad; min 2.5%

Fasting (sawm): Ramadan fasting

Pilgrimage (hajj): Travel to Mecca at least once

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Core Doctrines- ComparisonCore Doctrines- Comparison

Islam Politico-military expansion

Fusion of religion and state

Theocratic government

Christendom Persecution and struggle

Tension between church and state

Secular government

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Historical Imperatives

Political Imperatives Unitary Kingdom- Political-

religious integration

Identity based on group

Legal code based on Shari’ah

Differentiated Kingdom- Politico- religious tension and ultimate separation

Identity based on individuation

Legal code based on natural law

Core Doctrines- ComparisonCore Doctrines- Comparison

Islam Mohammed- prophet, soldier, statesman

Koran- topical fractionalized

Hadith- what Mohammed said or did; defines work requirements

Orthopractical- doctrine of works and law

Christendom Jesus Christ- God’s Son,

martyred savior

Bible- integrated narrative

Orthopractical- doctrine of grace through faith

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Founding Prophets / Scriptures and Canon

Theological Doctrines ComparisonTheological Doctrines Comparison

Islam

Future Paradise- celebrates man’s rewards

Christendom

Future Heaven- celebrates man’s reunion with God

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Eschatology- the end times, eternity

Soteriology- how to secure eternity

By Works (and Faith)- enabled by man’s lifetime efforts

By Grace through Faith- enabled by Christ’s sacrifice for man

Allah- “the essence of all existence”

God (trinitarian)- the creator-redeemer of the world

Theology- the nature of God

Fitra- man’s nature is neutral Original sin- man’s nature is fallen and corrupt

Anthropology- the nature of man

According to Islam,According to Islam,what must a Muslim do to go to paradise?what must a Muslim do to go to paradise?

Sura 23: 102-103- To those whose balance (of good deeds) is heavy, they will be successful. But those whose balance is light, will be those who have lost their souls; in Hell will they abide.

Muslims believe that the sum of their good works must outweigh the sum of their bad works. However, the final determination will always be made by Allah. Fate (kismet) in the hands of the all-powerful Allah will decide the outcome. There is no guarantee of entrance into heaven, even for the most righteous, as stated by Mohammed.

Islamic tradition argues that the guarantee of heaven is as impossible to find as a chaste virgin and pure speech.

Consequently, the devout Muslim makes every effort to please Allah and thereby obtain heaven.

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Jihad (Struggle)Jihad (Struggle)

Koran on Jihad Let those (believers) who sell the life of this world for the

hereafter fight in the cause of Allah, and whoso fights in the cause of Allah, and is killed or gets victory, we shall bestow on him a great reward. -Sura 4:74

In reference to jihadists, the Koran also says “For them Allah has got ready gardens (Paradise) under which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success.” -Sura 9:89

Fighting is prescribed for you, and you dislike it. But it is possible that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and that you love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knows and you know not. -- Sura 2:216

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Jihad (Struggle)Jihad (Struggle)

Koran on Jihad So, when you meet (in fight-Jihad in Allah’s Cause)

those who disbelieve, smite (their) necks till when you have killed and wounded many of them, then bind a bond firmly (on them, i.e. take them as captives). –Sura 47:4

O, you who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers who are close to you, and let them find harshness in you; and know that Allah is with those who are Al-Muttaqun (the pious). –Sura 9:123

Those who reject Islam must be killed. If they turn back (from Islam), take hold of them and kill them wherever you find them… -Sura 4:89

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Jihad (Struggle)Jihad (Struggle)

Koran on Kaffir and Jihad If anyone desires a religion other than Islam, it will never be

accepted of him. –Sura 3:85 For the unbelievers are open enemies to you. –Sura 4:101 For the unbelievers, Allah has prepared a humiliating

punishment. –Sura 4:102 For those who do not submit to Allah their punishment is

execution or crucifixion, or the cutting off of the hands and feet, from opposite sides, or exile from the land. –Sura 5:33

I will instill terror into the hearts of the unbelievers, smite ye above their necks and smite all their fingertips of them. It is not you who slew them; it was Allah. –Sura 8:13-17

Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the last day. –Sura 9:29

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Jihad (Struggle)Jihad (Struggle)

Hadith on Jihad The Hadith also interprets jihad as a “fight, struggle, or battle”. Bukhari’s first volume notes, “Allah’s Apostle was asked, ‘What is

the best deed?’ He replied, ‘To believe in Allah and His Apostle (Mohammed).’ The questioner then asked, ‘What is the next (in goodness)?’ He replied, ‘To participate in Jihad in Allah’s cause.’” – Sura 2:25

The title of Book 52 of Bukhari’s Hadith is titled Fighting for the Cause of Allah (jihad). In this volume, Ibn `Abbas relates: Allah’s Apostle said, “There is no Hijra (i.e. migration from Mecca to Medina) after the conquest (of Mecca), but jihad and good intention remain; and if you are called (by the Muslim ruler) for fighting, go forth immediately.” –4.52.42

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Jihad (Struggle)Jihad (Struggle)

Hadith on Jihad Sahl bin Sad as-Sa’idi states, “I saw Marwan bin al-Hakam sitting

in the Mosque. So I came forward and sat by his side. He told us that Zaid bin Thabit had told him that Allah’s Apostle had dictated to him the Divine verse: ‘Not equal are those believers who sit [at home] and those who strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allah with their wealth and lives.’” Here as-Sa’idi cites the Koran (surah 4:95) to substantiate the teaching of combat as holy fighting.

Sharia’h on Jihad Jihad is defined in legal terms by Islamic fiqh as: “Jihad is

fighting anybody who stands in the way of spreading Islam. Or, fighting anyone who refuses to enter into Islam.”

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Conclusions about JihadConclusions about Jihad

The Koran and the Hadith direct the Muslim to convert or conquer the infidel (kaffir).

Muslims who die in the struggle against infidels (jihad) will immediately be sent to the highest level of Paradise and will not go to the grave to await judgment.

Islam defines the world as either the House of Islam (dar al-islam) or the House of War (dar al-harb).

Jihad means that Muslims must fight the enemies of Allah until the enemies die or the Muslims die.

Jihad is combat on the fronts of politics, warfare, and culture. Mohammed exemplified this principle through the death of thousands throughout the Arabian Peninsula in the name of Allah.

If jihad is only a personal internal struggle, the Prophet misled the people through his actions and words recorded in the Hadith.

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Taqiyya or KithmanTaqiyya or Kithman

When dealing with Kaffir, Islam encourages lying, deception, concealing facts if, in the judgment of the individual Muslim, this act will further the cause of Islam.

Precedence is taken from Mohammed’s actions when one of his soldiers was captured and forced to renounce Islam and Mohammed. Mohammed stated that all Muslims should follow his example.

Mohammed stated that war is deception.

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Do All Muslims Believe This?Do All Muslims Believe This?

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Liberal Conservative

Adhere to Law of Abrogation Same theology.

Willingness to act varies.

Purists / Fundamentalists

Active Support

Recru

its

$

Reject Law of Abrogation Follow nice parts of Islam.

Considered “apostate”.

“Fundamentalists”

Passive Support

FundamentalistsGoal is to practice Islam as Mohammed did.

Secular Muslims1.Believe in the “nice parts” of Islam.2.Large number of Muslims, but do not represent “true Islam”.

Traditional Muslims1.Know and practice Islam, but have problems with jihad, or2.Know jihad is fighting non-Muslims, but lack ability to fight or want to live a long life / be with family and children.

“Traditional Muslims”

“Secular Muslims”

Law

of

Ab

rog

atio

n

Sharia’h (the path)Sharia’h (the path)

Practical implementation of principles of Islam derived from the Koran and Hadith (and sunna).

Comprehensive body of Islamic laws that should regulate the public and private aspects of the lives of the Muslims

Legal code designates different rules for Muslims and Kaffir. The Hadith explains that no Muslim who kills an infidel deserves death.

Entire compilation of Sharia Law would have to be contained in a library of many books

Legal code not based on natural law.

Provides rules for all aspects of life.

Adherence to these rules is good works.26

What Does the Koran Say About Jews What Does the Koran Say About Jews and Christians?and Christians?

Jews and Christians are the enemies of Islam according to Sura 8:39, 5:51-57, 4:89, 8:57, 4:47,…

Those who disbelieve, among the People of the Book and among the polytheists, will be in hell-fire, to dwell therein. They are the worst of creatures. –Surah 98:6

States that Allah revealed doctrines to the Jews and Christians, but they corrupted them. For example: States that all prophets were Muslim including Adam, Abraham, Moses, and

Jesus. States that Abraham was commanded to sacrifice Ishmael (not Isaac), ram

offered instead, kabba built in thanks to Allah States that Jesus Christ never claimed to be deity To resolve the resurrection of Christ, states that Judas died in the place of

Christ on the cross States that there is no Father, Son, Holy Spirit- only Allah States that Islam is Allah’s final revelation

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Kaffir and Dhimmi StatusKaffir and Dhimmi Status

In a land taken over by Muslims, the people have three options, as defined by the Prophet Mohammed: become Muslim, live as dhimmis, be killed.

All who do not submit to Islam are Kaffir.

Dhimmis- someone that has not become a Muslim, living in a Muslim-controlled area Clothing to identify as Kaffir Made to feel subjugated- avert eyes, walk on sides of street Cannot practice religion openly- no symbols, no telling others

about their religion, no church bells, no crosses, no Bibles, no music

Cannot repair existing churches or build new churches Must pay taxes (jizyah)- in a public place where they are

humiliated- normally hair is shaved and forehead is painted28

Summary of IslamSummary of Islam

Islam requires submission to Allah. The Koran and Hadith define how a Muslim submits to Allah.

Islam is a religion of works (and faith).

On judgment day, Allah weighs your good and bad works and decides whether you go to Paradise or hell. There is no guarantee of entrance into heaven, even for the most righteous.

Allah stated in the Koran that if you die in jihad, then you are spared judgment and automatically go to Paradise.

The Law of Abrogation resolves conflicts in the Koran. Unfortunately, sura 9:5 (verse of the sword) overrides other verses.

Islamic legal code is based on sharia’h, not natural law.

Islam is a fusion of religion and state.

Mohammed is the ideal example for Muslims. He is considered to be a prophet, skilled soldier, and gifted statesman.

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Why is it important to understand Islam?Why is it important to understand Islam?

Knowing how our allies, partners, or adversaries are thinking is invaluable. Strategy formulation can only be effective in the long run by a depth of understanding of ourselves, our adversaries, and other important actors.

Without understanding how the Middle East thinks, any Western strategy generated will only be “looking” from a Western perspective. This presents dangers. This will lead to the formation of a weaker, or perhaps a flawed, strategy.

Islam shapes thinking in the Middle East.

Therefore this working group sought to learn about Islam, not to judge it, but to understand it.

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“Proper strategy consists in attacking the enemy in his ‘mind,’…rather than in his physical forces.”

Jullien,Francois. A Treatise on Efficacy Between Western and Chinese Thinking. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, 2004, p. 48.

Back up SlidesBack up Slides

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What About the Nice Parts of the Koran?What About the Nice Parts of the Koran?

There are at least 114 verses in the Koran that speak of peace, love, and forgiveness.

These are found primarily in the sura titled “The Heifer”.

Unfortunately, these verses are abrogated by the “verse of the sword”, sura 9:5.

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Other Sura Abrogated by Sura 9:5Other Sura Abrogated by Sura 9:5

13) “So if they dispute with thee, say: ‘I have submitted my whole self to Allah and so have those who follow me,’ And say to the People of the Book and so to those who are unlearned: ‘do ye (also) submit yourself? If they do, they are in right guidance, but if they turn back, thy duty is to convey the Message” (Surah 3:20).

14) “Let not the Believers take for friends or helpers unbelievers rather than believers; if any do that, in nothing will there be help from Allah: except by way of precaution, that ye may guard yourself from them” (Surah 3:28).

15) “Those men – Allah knows what is in their hearts; so keep clear of them, but admonish them, and speak to them a word to reach their souls” (Surah 4:63) .

16) “He who obeys the Messenger, obeys Allah: but if any turn away, we have not sent thee to watch over their (evil deeds)” (Surah 4:80).

17) “But Allah records their nightly (plots): so keep clear of them, and put thy trust in Allah” (Surah 4:81).

18) “Then fight in Allah’s cause – thou art held responsible only for thyself” (Surah 4:84).

19) “Except those who join a group between whom and you there is a treaty (of peace), or those who approach you with hearts restraining them from fighting you as well as fighting their own people. If Allah had pleased, He could have given them power over you, and they would have fought you: therefore, if they withdraw from you but fight you not, and (instead) send you (guarantees of ) peace, then Allah hath opened no way for you (to war against them)” (Surah 4:90).

20) “O ye who believe! Violate not the sanctity of the Symbols of Allah, nor of the Sacred Month” (Surah 5:2).

Other verses that were abrogated by the verse of the sword:Surah 5: 99;Surah 6: 66, 104, 106- 108, 112, 135, 158; Surah 7:183, 199; Surah 10: 41, 46, 99, 108, 109; Surah 11: 121; Surah 13: 40; Surah 15: 3, 85, 88, 94; Surah 16: 82, 125, 127; Surah 17: 54; Surah 19: 84; Surah 20: 130, 135; Surah 22: 68; Surah 23: 54, 96; Surah 24: 54; Surah 28: 55; Surah 30: 60; Surah 32: 30; Surah 33:48; Surah 34: 25; Surah 39: 15; Surah 41: 34; Surah 42: 6, 15, 48; Surah 43: 83, 89; Surah 44: 59; Surah 45: 14; Surah 46: 35; Surah 50: 39; Surah 52: 48; Surah 53: 29; Surah 58: 8-9, 11; Surah 73: 10; Surah 76: 8; Surah 86: 17; Surah 88: 22- 24; Surah 109: 6

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