Calculating the Lunar Year

By: Harun Yahya

It is He Who appointed
the sun to give radiance,
Vol. 3 Issue 9 Thu. Feb 28, 2008
and the moon to give
light, assigning it phases
so you would know the
The Truth
number of years and the According to this, one month was equal to
reckoning of time. Allah did not create
these things except with truth. We make
29 days, 12 hours and 44 minutes. This is
known as the “lunar month.” Twelve lunar Importance of Religion
the Signs clear for people who know. months represent one year, according to the
(Holy Qur’an, 10:5) Hijri calendar. However, there is a difference
of eleven days between the Hijri calendar A Muslim scholar
And We have decreed set phases for the (sheikh) was on a visit
moon, until it ends up looking like an old and the Gregorian calendar, in which a year
is the time it takes the Earth to orbit the Sun. to China to give a series
date branch. (Holy Qur’an, 36:39) of lectures to the local
In the first of the above verses, God has Indeed, attention is drawn to this difference
in another verse: Muslim community. One
clearly revealed that the Moon will be a
They stayed in their Cave for three day, he was scheduled to
means of measurement for people to calculate
hundred years and added nine. (Holy give a lecture at a local
the year. Furthermore, our attention is also
hall and was about to
Thursday, February 28, 2008. Vol. 3 Issue 9

drawn to the fact that these calculations will Qur’an, 18:25)

We can clarify the time referred to in take a taxi along with
be performed according to the positions of
the verse thus: 300 years x 11 days (the his companions to that
the Moon as it revolves in its orbit. Since the
angles between the Earth and Moon and the difference which forms every year) = 3,300 location. CONT’D ON PAGE 2
Moon and Sun constantly change, we see the days. Bearing in mind that one solar year
Moon in different forms at different times. lasts 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and 45.5
Furthermore, our ability to see the Moon is seconds, 3,300 days/365.24 days = 9 years.
To put it another way, 300 years according
made possible by the fact that it is illuminated
by the Sun. The amount of the lighted half
of the Moon we see from Earth changes.
to the Gregorian calendar is equal to 300+9
years according to the Hijri calendar. As
God
Bearing in mind these changes, a number of we can see, the verse refers to this finely
calculations can be made, making it possible calculated difference of 9 years. (God knows – Part 5 –
for human beings to measure the year. In best.) There is no doubt that the Holy Qur’an, How can we prove that God exists?
former times a month was calculated as the which contains such pieces of information, From among us out there, we have people who think. And among those thinkers,
time between two full moons, or the time it which transcended the everyday knowledge there is no difference in opinion that the world has a self-first-cause. The
took the Moon to travel around the Earth. of the time, is a miraculous revelation.
materialist type of thinkers calls it matter, while the religious thinkers call it God.
Now, it is very important to know the existence of the first-cause.
A Bird’s Nest CONT’D ON PAGE 4
A speech was given by a scholar in the United States
mainly about the Greatness of God. Here is one
interesting excerpt from the lecture: A poet said “Who
has taught the birds how to make their nests? The A Different
birds make their nests in such a way as if a king is
building his palace according to his desires.”
The birds create beautiful houses with the help of
Perspective
their beaks. They do not use a single stone or brick. Amidst the chaos of the everyday
They collect straws one at a time and put them in life, certain phrases like Brotherhood,
their place. Within a short time, the birds make a Dignity, and Forbearance have lost their
comfortable nest for them to live in. The nest that the meaning. One might think those phrases
birds make using their beaks are so dynamic that we can’t even make them using our belonged to a previous age and to another
hands. Indeed, Allah has given the birds this knowledge from His infinite bounties. CONT’D ON PAGE 7

8 The Truth
 Importance of Religion A Different Perspective
IF YOU WANT TO
RECEIVE YOUR WEEKLY From PAGE 1
From PAGE 1
DIGITAL COPY The driver was a native Chinese and didn’t have
a common language with the Sheikh. They had to
(PDF FORMAT) communicate through an interpreter.
period of time. The age that as (your) honor, and what - What is Silliness?
a father would ask his son you have given away in - To follow those who think
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE They got into the taxi and the Sheikh asked about the while he did not need to charity as wealth that has cheap and interact with those
TO THE TRUTH’S length of time it would take to get to the lecture hall. The ask; and the son would reply been wasted. who are not on the guided
MAILING LIST @ taxi driver, through the interpreter, answered “Two hours.” while he knew the father - What is Brotherhood? path.
Sheikh to interpreter: “Ask the man if he believes in
HTTP://GROUPS.GOOGLE. any religion?”
already knows the answer. It - To have Devotion and - What is deprivation?
was all so a time would come, loyalty in times of hardship - To lose a benefit that had
COM/GROUP/THET- Driver: “No, I don’t believe in religion. I just get up in the when some exhausted souls and peace. been granted to you.
RUTH110 morning, go to work and earn money. At the end of the like me, you, and us, would - What is Fear? - What is Foolishness?
day, I collect my money, go buy some food and drink for ponder upon their dialogue - To act brave in front of - To rush in reaching
my family. What do I need religion for?” and break the barriers of friends, and to run away opportunities before having
Sheikh: “Ask this man if he has ever heard anything ambiguity to these strange from the enemy. them available, and to refrain
about Islam.” words. - What is Opportunity? from answering (to what you
IF YOU WANT ANY Driver: “Not much. I’ve seen a tape once and showed Amir al-Mu’minin (P) - To be pious in this world already know). Nonetheless,
MATERIAL TO BE Muslims as violent people. I don’t know much else.”

Thursday, February 28, 2008. Vol. 3 Issue 9

Thursday, February 28, 2008. Vol. 3 Issue 9

asked his son Hassan: … silence is a great companion

Sheikh: “Ask him about computers. What does he
PUBLISHED PLEASE think of computer?”
“O my son, what is - What is Forbearance? in most cases, no matter how
righteousness?” - To control one’s anger and eloquent of a speaker you
SEND US AN E-MAIL. Driver: “I think the computer is an excellent invention. It Imam Hassan Ibn Ali to not keep any resentment. are. (1)
is very useful and very sophisticated.” (P) replied: “O father, - What is Wealth?
Sheikh: “Does he think that the computer could have
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE righteousness is to replace - To be satisfied with what When we think about phrases
invented itself or does he think that a human being
HAVE THE RIGHT invented it?”
the bad things with good Allah has given, no matter we see:
deeds.” how small … As a matter of fact, it
TO ACCEPT, Driver: “A human invented it, of course. It is not capable - What is Dignity? - What is Poverty? is possible to look at
EDIT OR REFUSE of inventing itself.” - To be good with relatives, - To greed for everything. life through a different
Sheikh: “Which one is more complicated the computer
ANY CONTENT. and to remain tolerant of - What is Abjectness? perspective, to experience a
or the human being?” their cruel deeds. - To fear the truth … more pleasant taste of life,
Driver: “The human being is more complicated, of - What is Bravery? - What is Worthless and to experience even more
EDITOR IN CHIEF: course.” - To be chaste Suffering? beauty in life:
HASSAN TABATABAI Sheikh: “O.K., if the computer must have been - What is Lowliness? - To talk about something
invented by a human being, then it follows that a
EDITOR: human being (which is more complicated) must also
- To think of cheap things in that does not benefit you in A different perspective and
AHMAD AL NAJJAR have a creator.”
life and to refuse giving even any way. a Life full of true colors.
the smallest belongings in - What is Greatness? Footnotes:
DESIGNED BY: Driver: “O.K.” charity. - To give away (in charity) (P) Peace be upon Him / Refers
NAGI GIRGUIS Sheikh: “In Islam, we believe that God is the creator - What is Generosity? in your time of need and to Angels, Prophets, Imams, and
of human beings and all other beings. Fine, now let’s - To give away (in charity) to forgive the bad deeds of Infallible Ladies.
move on. Assume that you have never seen a computer
PLEASE SEND US before and never heard of it. If I brought a computer
before requested. others. 1- This narration has been reported
with minor differences in the
- What is Cheapness? - What is Wiseness?
YOUR FEEDBACKS, to you and gave it to you, would you know what to do - To seek your own comfort - To take good care of what following resources:
COMMENTS, with it? Would you be able to use to its full potential?” and ignore others. is given to you...
Shi’ite References:
Tuhaf al-’Uqool, p.225 & Kashf
Driver: “No, I wouldn’t.”
AND SUGGESTIONS Sheikh: “Now, if I gave you a catalogue for the
- What is Mercy? - What is Great status? al-Ghummah & vol.1 , p.568,
TO THE FOLLOWING computer, then you will be able to better use it?
- To give and benefit others, - To do what is beautiful and Ma’ani al-Akhbar, p.402
Sunni References:
whether we are in need or to refrain from what is ugly.
E-MAIL: Correct?” not. - What is Providence? Tarikh Madinah Dimashq &
thetruth110@gmail.com Driver: “Correct!” - What is Stinginess? - To be very patient and to
vol.13, p.254 & Al-Bidayah wa
al-Nahayah vol.8, p.44 & Majma’
- To consider your property treat people with leniency. al-Zawa’id, vol. 10, p.282

2 The Truth The Truth 7

 The Moon’s Orbit
And We have decreed set phases
for the moon, until it ends up
looking like an old date branch. It
is not for the sun to overtake the
moon nor for the night to outstrip
the day; each one is swimming in
a sphere. (Holy Qur’an, 36:39-
40)
The Moon does not follow a regular
orbit like the satellites of other
planets. As it orbits the Earth, it
sometimes moves behind it and
sometimes in front. As it also
moves with the Earth around the
Sun, it actually follows a constant
pattern resembling the letter “S”
Thursday, February 28, 2008. Vol. 3 Issue 9
in space. This route, traced by the
Since the Moon revolves around
the Sun together with the Earth,
it follows a path through space
which resembles the letter “S.”
The appearance of this orbit
resembles the twisted shape of a
dry date branch, as is revealed in
the Holy Qur’an.
6 The Truth
By: Harun Yahya
Moon in space, is described in the Qur’an
as resembling an old date branch and does
indeed resemble the twisted form of the
date tree branch. Indeed, the word “urjoon”
employed in the Qur’an refers to a thin and
twisted date branch and is used to describe
that part left after the fruit has been picked.
The way that this branch is described as
“old” is also most appropriate since old date
branches are thinner and more twisted.
There is no doubt that it was impossible
for anyone to have any knowledge about
the orbit of the Moon 1,400 years ago. The
way that this pattern, identified by modern
technology and accumulated knowledge,
was revealed in the Holy Book is yet another
scientific miracle of the Holy Qur’an.
Importance of Religion
Sheikh: “In Islam, we view the Qur’an learn the message and teach it to others
as the catalogue used by human beings so that the message will spread. Prophet
to manage their lives. Without this Muhammed (M) is the final messenger
catalogue, they will ruin themselves! Now, of God and he was ordered to take the
if this inventor of the computer assembled message to all human beings.”
the machine and printed the catalogue, By this time, the trip was coming to an end
what would be the next step? He would and they almost reached the lecture hall.
need to train some engineers and others But the Sheikh can see that there were tears
on how to spread the message about this coming out of the driver’s eyes. The words
machine. These people would, in turn, of the Sheikh were having a significant
train others and others until everyone effect on this driver.
Footnotes:
knows about the machine. In the example
of Allah and Qur’an, the Prophets of (M) May Allah’s Peace and Blessings be upon him
and his Progeny / Refers to Prophet Muhammed
Allah play the role of the engineers. They
Fundamentals of Islam – Leadership
Thursday, February 28, 2008. Vol. 3 Issue 9
After the last and final messenger, Muhammed,
successors were righteously selected to continue
the message to mankind. Someone needed
to safeguard the religion of Islam after the
Prophet’s demise. Therefore, leaders were
chosen to deliver the message and continue such
a divine mission. Let us ask ourselves what the
goal was for such a leader, and why?
We must seek out the goal for the creation of
human beings, which is the highest creature
of the world of creation. They follow a path,
which is long and full of twists and turns towards God, towards Absolute Perfection, and
towards spiritual perfection in all of the dimensions.
Without doubt, this way cannot be taken and the goal cannot be attained without the
presence of a pure leader and it is not possible to undertake this way without a leader who is
a heavenly teacher.
It is clear that God created human beings with their own free will and choice and gave them
a conscience and a heavenly book. Clearly, the presence of an infallible leader will help
to prevent the danger of deviation and going astray to a great extent, and in this way, all
existence of the Leader is necessary to complete the goal of the creation of human beings.
God, the Wise, has seen to all of the affairs of the human being to reach the goal of creation
among which is the sending of the Prophets and the selection of pure Imams, otherwise
there would be an imperfection in motive.
With twelve selected leaders, Islam has survived and will continue. Islam has continued to
grow, and with the teachings of these successors (with the twelfth one) still living amongst
us, we have the keys of knowledge, guidance and heaven right before us. We have the
opportunity to seek more nearness to our Master, God, and attain a high spiritual level of
growth and perfection.
The Truth 3
>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

From PAGE 1
Therefore, we should come to know
that causes and effects do not go on forever,
where we will get to a cause which is not the
effect of any other cause (the first-cause). For
example, if I am wearing pants and I want to
sit on a wet chair. I sit on the wet chair, and
my pants become wet. The effect was my
pants becoming wet, and the cause was that
I sat on the chair. Therefore a cause usually
has an effect. For something to move, it needs
a mover. For something to be done, it needs
a doer. So if the first-cause has no cause
had no cause or effect, it is then considered
Thursday, February 28, 2008. Vol. 3 Issue 9
God
– Part 5 –
cause doesn’t have any intellect. They believe
that the first-cause is matter, which lacks
intellect or knowledge, whereas the believers
in God as the First-Cause believe that God
is the First-Cause of the Universe which Has
limitless knowledge, wisdom, and rationality.
Now the confusion might be left
at, “What is the first, real, existent, eternal,
knowledgeable, intellectual, cause: matter
or God?” How can we prove that the first-
cause has intellect? And if we prove that
the first-cause has intellect, then it cannot be
matter, therefore the materialist thinkers are
human, animal and plant physiology?
3.) Does not the special construction
of the Solar System and the specific math
between the size, distance, and speed of each
planet of this Universe, prove that the maker
of this machine if fully aware of all the details
of the law of gravitation and the effects of the
rotational motion in producing forces?
In short, the special construction and
formation of all that exists in the Universe
from the smallest particles or sub-atoms to
the biggest galaxies and the accurate arranged
>>>>
a partial knowledge, should become scholars
and compute scientists, but the first-source
who brought the whole universe into existence
should have no knowledge, intellect, or
existence?
Therefore, the First-Cause, the First-
Source has to be God, because He has the
fullest knowledge and intellect which also
makes logical sense, while the materialist
believers think that the first-cause, the first-
source is matter in which they also believe and
admit that it has no knowledge or intellect.

Thursday, February 28, 2008. Vol. 3 Issue 9

an unmoved mover, which is always self-
existing. For religious thinkers, it’s God. God
can neither be created nor destroyed. For
the materialist thinkers, it’s matter. Matter
can neither be created nor destroyed. So to
summarize all this to one, every effect starts
from a cause, which leads us to the first-cause.
According to the religious thinkers, it is God,
while for materialists, it is matter.
Now without the first-cause, there
would be no effect or any other causes and
effects. What does this lead us to? Nothing
but to a blind and false explanatory proof.
Therefore, there had to be a first-cause. We
>>>>
wrong, in which they believe matter which is
the first-cause does not have intellect.
Now to prove that the first-cause by the
religious thinkers is God and has intellect, why
don’t we start with the human body. And if we
prove that the first-cause has intellect, then it
cannot be matter, therefore we are left with the
real and right choice, God.
Keep these in mind as we go through the
human body.
-something made, needs a maker.
-something with knowledge, needs
something knowledgeable.
-something that creates, needs a creator.
Overall, If all these proofs discussed above
systems of their working, bear witness to the
need a cause for it’s beginning, then the
fact that the first-source, the first-cause has
Cause is proved and therefore justified as
full knowledge of all the connected laws and
Existent (If God brought this world into
systems? So how can it be that we, with such
existence, then He Himself Exists).
Sand and Stone
Two friends Ismael and Ibrahim were walking through the desert, as the sun was
beating down on their heads, and they were thirsty for water they began to argue. The
argument got more and more heated and eventually Ismael struck Ibrahim across
the face. Ibrahim felt hurt inside, but without anything to say, he wrote in the sand:
“Today, my best friend slapped me in the face.”
They kept on walking, until eventually they came

can go on piling cause upon cause and effect

upon effect, only to find still another cause and
effect staring you in the face. For example,
what use is it to put zero after zero when the
result is zero. So the only way to get out of
this zero confusion and cause and effect, it all
has to go back to the self-sustaining, existent,
first-cause.
The only common belief between the
religious thinkers and materialist thinkers is
that their first-causes, God and matter, is that
they both believe it’s eternal and existent.
However, the difference is whether the first-
cause has knowledge and intellect or not. This
is the real point of difference.
The materialists believe that the first-
-something that exists, needs someone (a
creator) that exists.
1.) Does not the formation of the
human eye, and the way the lenses, retina, and
various layers of it being fixed, show that its
maker is fully well-known with the physical
law concerning the reflection of light and
working of lenses and the mirrors?
2.) Does not the putting together
formation of the living human being, animal
and plant cells in such a complex and
mysterious way, but at the same time, in an
elegant and accurate way, know that the job
has been performed by a Being who had full
knowledge of all the laws connected with the
>>>>
across an oasis, where they decided to stop and bathe.
Ibrahim jumped in and began to wash, while Ismael
sat back and relaxed. Suddenly Ibrahim began to
scream and shout, he had developed a cramp and was
having difficulty keeping his head above the water, he
was drowning.
Ismael dived in after him, and brought him gently to
shore. When Ibrahim recovered from the shock, he
scratched a message on a nearby stone:
“Today, my best friend saved my life”
Ismael who had saved and slapped his best friend Ibrahim, asked him, “Why, after I
hurt you, you wrote in the sand, and now you write on a stone?”
Ibrahim, smiled and replied:
“When a friend hurts us, we should write his deeds in the sand, where the winds of
forgiveness can blow it away, and when a friend does something good, we should
engrave it in stone, where it shall remain for eternity.”

4
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The Truth The Truth