The Book and the Quran by Mohammed Shahroor

Dr. Mohammed Shahroor is a Syrian national who has been causing much controversy in the Middle

East due to some of his publications.

In 1990, Dr. Shahroor published "The Book & The Quran" which took a very NEW look at GOD's holy

book by trying to look within the Quran for answers to all of life's questions.

Dr. Shahroor's book has been banned from nearly all Arab countries with the exceptions of Lebanon,

Syria and Egypt. More recently, Dr. Shahroor has been the subject of various television debates and
interviews in which his book is examined and cross examined for all the controversy and shattering of

traditions that it contains.

Below are excerpts from the book which we have translated at Free-Minds in order to bring non-Arabic

readers with a fresh batch of ideas.

1. The Nature of the Book

2. The Straight Path

3. Quranic Limits

4. Women's Dress Code

5. Interest (Ribaa)

6. What is GREATER Than Salat?

7. Noah's Son is NOT Noah's!  

The NATURE OF THE BOOK

According to Dr. Shahroor's research, the Book which we have received from GOD and is comprised

into 114 Suras is broken down into THREE sections as follows:

1. The Quran (this is the Mutashabih verses)

2. The Message (Muhkam verses, also referred to as "Umm Ul-Kitaab"); 3. Explanations of the Book

(Tafseel Ul-Kitaab).

"He sent down to you this BOOK, containing LAW (Muhkam) verses which constitute the essence of

the scripture-as well as Similar (Mutashabih) verses. Those who harbor doubts in their hearts will

pursue the Similar verses to create confusion, and to extricate a certain meaning. None knows the true

meaning thereof except GOD and those well founded in knowledge. They say: 'We believe in this-all of

 
it comes from our Lord'. Only those who possess intelligence will take heed." (3/7)

1. The Quran (Mutashabih verses ONLY)

It is IMPERATIVE that the reader understand that the word "Quran" DOES NOT refer to the entire

book which is comprised of 114 Suras. The "Quran" is a collection of verses which are sent down from

GOD to perform the following functions:

- Teach humans (not only believers) about the laws of the universe and nature.

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"A Quran that we have separated, in order for you to explain it to the PEOPLE (Al-Naas) over a long

period, although we sent it down all at once." (17/106)

Also we can see again in:

"The month of Ramadhan in which the Quran was sent down as a guide to the PEOPLE (Al-Naas)..."

(2/185)

On the other hand, we find that the Book (Kitaab) has been sent to the BELIEVERS.

"That Book (Al-Kitaab) in which there is no doubt a guidance for the RIGHTEOUS (Mutaqeen)" (2/2)

- Proclaim what is FACTS from GOD (Haqq).

"His words are FACTS (Haqq)" (6/73)

Death is a FACT whether you believe in it or disbelieve. Therefore it is from the verses of the Quran

which is comprised of "Haqq" (i.e. you like it or not facts and rules of this life).

Now, it is a GRAVE ERROR to say that the Entire Book is "Haqq" or "GOD's WORDS" since the

verses on Salat or Zakat or Hajj may or may not be accepted by people (depending on belief).

therefore, if we confuse these verses from the Book with those from the Quran "Haqq", then we

actually prove that GOD's words can be broken and that they are NOT "Haqq" TRUTH!.

- Contains Miracles and future predictions.

This is a major portion of the Quran which talks about resurrection, heaven, hell, prophecy, etc...

- Contains Stories from the Past.

"We narrate to you the most accurate history through the revelation of this QURAN. Before this, you

were totally unaware." (12/3)

- Protect the verses of the Book (Kitaab).

"This Quran was not to be proclaimed without GOD, but to AUTHENTICATE what is given to him (the

Message) and to separate the book in which there is no doubt from the Lord of the Universe" (10/37)

The verses of the Book are merely laws which are prone to additions and alterations (such as what

happened in the Torah). Therefore, the verses of the Quran were mixed in with the verses of the Book

to authenticate and protect them from tampering.

Example of tampering with the Book:

"Therefore, woe to those who distort the Book (al-Kitaab) with their own hands, then say, "This is what
GOD has revealed," seeking a cheap material gain. Woe to them for such distortion, and woe to them

for their illicit gains." (2/79)

In the above verse it becomes evident that "Tampering" with GOD's verses which are from the Book

are very possible and therefore warrant a warning from GOD not to do so...

Let us look at what GOD says about the Quran:

"Say' if the Humans and Jinn were to gather on bringing a Quran like this, they would not, even if they

supported one another" (17/88)

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Is it plausible that in one place GOD warns people not to write the Book and then in the other He

CHALLENGES them to write it!!!!

This would not make any sense unless the Book & Quran were TWO separate things.

The "Mutashabih" verses (Quran) comprises the largest part of the Book and represents the

Prophethood "Nubu'wa" of Mohammed.  

2. The Message (Muhkam verses)

The Quran are a collection of all the verses which are Mutashabih (Similar in nature). The similarity

stems from these verses all being FACTS "Haqq".

Um-Ul-Kitaab is a collection of the LAW verses (Muhkamat) which are called the "Essence of the

Book" and also the "Message" that Mohammed delivered.

An example of a Muhkam verse is: "Say' GOD is ONE..." (112). Had the verse been written WITHOUT
"Say", then it would have been a Quranic verse (Mutashabih) since it becomes a FACT (GOD is

ONE). However, by adding the word: 'Say', it becomes an OPTION to the person to say GOD is ONE

or not.

There is only one entire sura in the Book which is entirely made-up of "Muhkam" ayat. This is Sura # 9

and it is indicated by not carrying a "Basmallah".

Had Sura # 9 carried a "Basmallah", then that would mean that there is AT LEAST one verse in it

which is a FACT "Haqq" therefore it must be "In the name of GOD" since GOD teaches us "The Most

Merciful Has MARKED the Quran" (55/1) . However, reading the sura indicates it is all LAWS and

REGULATIONS which may or may not be followed.

If someone is wondering how Dr. Shahroor came to the conclusion that Sura # 9 is all Muhkam, then I

must point the following verse which gave the clue of an ENTIRE Sura that is Muhkam:

"And if a (Muhkam) Sura is revealed and in it is mentioned fighting, you see those with disease in their

hearts..." (47/20)

The "Muhkam" verses are very simply all the LAWS that are found throughout the Book (Divorce,

Inheritance, Punishments, Charity, Rituals, etc..). These verses comprise the "Message" which was

sent through Muhammad and it is this which MUST BE FOLLOWED by all Muslims.

Please note that when GOD says "Obey GOD and His Messenger", this is not referring to the entire

Book, but to ONLY the "Muhkam" verses which constitute Mohammed's Message and the "Essence of

the Book".

Never do you find GOD saying "Obey GOD and His Prophet!". This is because it would mean following

the Mutashabih verses which CANNOT all be understood by ordinary people (it needs specialization

and the proper time for understanding).  

3. Explanations of the Book (Tafseel Ul ­Kitaab)

In this section fall all the verses which are not LAW, and not FACT, but are there so we understand

how to interpret the Book we have received from GOD (an example would be 3/7 which explains that

there is Muhkam & Mutashabih).

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The verses which are "Explanation of the Book" are very few and can easily be identified since they

will inevitably be referring to the Book itself.

Dangers of Mixing Mutashabih, with Muhkam, with Tafseel

What has been going on here is a bizarre occurrence where the Muslims think that the ENTIRE Book

is meant to be upheld and implemented. The problems that occur when we try to implement FACTS

"Haqq" can be seen in this example:

"None shall grasp it except the pure (Mutahar'een)."

The above verse is from the Quran and states that its meaning cannot be comprehended except by

those of pure heart or mind. To think of it as "Muhkam" means that ALL believers must FORCE

THEMSELVES to be pure so they can touch or grasp the Quran (this is what Sunnis do where they

force themselves to do Wud'u before touching the Book).  

In conclusion

It is the view that we have been confusing matters greatly by thinking that we should be following and

upholding the entire Quran, when in fact, we should be ONLY upholding the "Muhkam" laws of the

Book (The Message).

The Quran is meant for mankind to be understood as and when science and man advance to learn

and benefit from it. We are not meant to understand it all at once, nor is it part of our religion. If we

understand it at a given time, then it will definitely increase our faith. But if we do not understand any

part of it, then no harm is done.

The divisions we have seen amongst all Muslims (19 issue for example) has been based on a

MUTASHABIH verse which was never meant to be a MUST to understand or follow, but was inserted

as a FACT based on "Haqq".  

The Straight Path
<Al-Siraat Al-Mustaqeem>

In our daily prayers as believers we always ask GOD "Guide us to the Straight Path" (1/6), yet we

have never understood WHAT this Straight Path is nor what following it will do to us.

In his book, Shahroor examines the "Straight Path" using the Quran as a guide and actually manages

to IDENTIFY what the Straight Path is which we are all asking GOD to help guide us to it:

"Say, 'Come let me tell you what your Lord has prohibited for you:

1) You shall not set up idols besides Him.

2) You shall honor your parents.

3) You shall not kill your children from fear of poverty-We provide for you and for them.

4) You shall not come near sins, obvious or hidden.

5) You shall not kill-GOD has made life sacred-except in the course of justice.

These are His commandments to you, that you may understand." (6/151)

6) You shall not touch the orphans' money except in the most righteous manner, until they reach

maturity.

7) You shall give full weight and full measure when you trade, equitably. We do not burden any soul

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beyond its means.

8) You shall be absolutely just when you bear witness, even against your relatives.

9) You shall fulfill your covenant with GOD.

These are His commandments to you, that you may take heed." (6/152)

"This is MY PATH - A STRAIGHT ONE. You shall follow it, and do not follow any other paths, lest they

divert you from His path.

10) These are His commandments to you, that you may be righteous." (6/153)

Shahroor gives the above as the "10 Commandments" which, if they are followed, will lead to the

Straight Path that GOD talks about.

The book gives a detailed breakdown of each of the commands and their implication in our lives.

These 10 commandments according to Shahroor, represent the BACKBONE of GOD's message to

humanity and this is the same commandments that were revealed to Moses and Jesus for the people

to implement.

The only points that need some clarification are:

3 & 5. Although these two items may look at first like they contain the same command (thou shall not

kill), in-fact there is a big difference between the two.

In the forbidding of killing your children, GOD sites the reason as "fear of poverty", so it can be

deduced that in a situation where there is NO 'fear of poverty" then it is acceptable to kill one's

children?.

Shahroor goes on to explain that the child becomes a "life" or <nafs> after it is born, and therefore

AUTOMATICALLY falls under the 5th commandment (not to kill a life). So, to kill from fear of poverty is

a state where the child is not yet born and the parents fear that they will not be able to raise or nourish

him/her. In this situation, GOD tells the parents that killing the child through abortion for THIS

REASON is a BIG MISTAKE because GOD will provide for them all:

"You shall not kill your children due to fear of poverty. We provide for them, as well as for you. Killing

them is a BIG MISTAKE." (17/31)

Note how GOD calls such killing a "Big Mistake" and not a "Crime" which carries a punishment.

4. You shall not come near sins, obvious or hidden.

The definitions of sins <fahisha> can be found in the following verses:

- "Do not marry the women who were previously married to your fathers-existing marriages are

exempted, for it is a gross offense <fahisha>, and an abominable act." (4/22), Also 4/23 contains the

Lower limits.

- "Lot said to his people, "You commit such an abomination <fahisha>; no one in the world has done it

before!" (7/80)

- "You shall not commit adultery; it is a gross sin <fahisha>, and an evil behavior." (17/32)

So, the "obvious' sins are 1) Adultery, 2) Homosexuality, 3) Incest.

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As for "hidden" sins, this is found in 4/128 where a man attempts to have intercourse with his wife from

other than what GOD has allowed:

- "If a woman fears desertion or abstainment from her husband, the couple shall try to reconcile their

differences, for conciliation is best for them. Selfishness is a human trait, and if you do good and lead

a righteous life, GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do." (4/128)

Shahroor explains that the reason a man may abstain or not have sex with his wife is if she refuses to

have sex with him beyond what GOD has allowed, thus it is upto them to reconcile.

10. Follow this path that you may be righteous.

Although the 10th command does not seem like a command, but Shahroor explains that the 10th

command tells us that ALL the commands that followed before it must be followed in order to attain

righteousness (i.e. following command # 1 or # 2 only will not lead to righteousness).

What was also interesting for me is that Shahroor does not consider Salat, Fasting, etc.. to be as

important as the "straight Path", but rather he considers them to be PERSONAL methods to help

people attain and implement the "Straight Path" commandments.

Also, whosoever ignores these commandments OR takes OTHER than them or changes them, then

this person has fallen under those who "have deserved the wrath, and the strayers" (1/7)

The commandments can also be found repeated in more detail in Sura # 17 verses 22-39.

Upper and Lower laws in the Quran

In his book, Dr Shahroor explains that the laws contained in the Quran are NOT static laws and should

be viewed as "limits" if we are to understand and implement them correctly in a living society.  

1. The Lower Limits

"Do not marry the women who were previously married to your fathers, except was has already been

done, for it is a gross offense, and an abominable act." (4/22)

"Prohibited for you are your mothers, your daughters, your sisters, the sisters of your fathers, the

sisters of your mothers, the daughters of your brother, the daughters of your sister, your nursing

mothers, the girls who nursed from the same woman as you, the mothers of your wives, the daughters

of your wives with whom you have consummated the marriage-if the marriage has not been

consummated, you may marry the daughter. Also prohibited for you are the women who were married

to your genetic sons. Also, you shall not be married to two sisters at the same time-but do not break

up existing marriages. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful." (4/23)

The above two verses give an example of a "Lower" limit which CANNOT be passed no matter what

changes occur in society or people.  

2. Upper Limits

"The thief, male or female, you shall cut their resources as a punishment for their crime, and to stop

them. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise." (5/38)

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According to Shahroor, this is an "Upper Limit" which means that you CANNOT do more than this to a

thief (i.e. kill them, or throw them in jail), but the punishment CAN be less than the upper limit

depending of each circumstance.

As for those who do more than "petty theft" and are involved in major large scale embezzlement and

hurting the economy, then they will fall under the verse:

"The just retribution for those who fight GOD and His messenger, and seek destruction on Earth, is to

be killed, or crucified, or to have their hands and feet cut off on alternate sides, or to be banished from

the land. This is to humiliate them in this life, then they suffer a far worse retribution in the Hereafter."

(5/33)

Again, the above represents "upper limits" which may be used according to the crime.

Another example of an "upper" limit is in 2/178 which talks about Capital Punishment for the crime of

murder (i.e. the maximum is to kill the criminal, but to exceed this would be to kill his relatives or other

members which is EXCEEDING an upper limit).  

3. Upper & Lower Limits Together

Shahroor uses 4/11-14 as an example where GOD sets the upper and lower limits and leaves it upto

us to move within such limits.

I.E: males get 66.6%, while females get 33.3%. This represents the upper limit for the male and the

lower limit for the female.

If you give the male 75% and the female 25%, then you have TRANSGRESSED GOD's limits.
However, if you give 60% to the male and 40% to the female, then you are still operating WITHIN

GOD's limits.  

4. Upper and Lower Limits Being EQUAL

In this example, Shahroor sites a verse which has given the upper & lower limit as the same (i.e. NO

movement is allowed):

"The adulteress and the adulterer you shall whip each of them a hundred lashes. Do not be swayed by

pity from carrying out GOD's law, if you truly believe in GOD and the Last Day. And let a group of

believers witness their penalty." (24/2)

This is a combined limit as evidenced by the saying "Do not be SWAYED by pity from carrying out

GOD's law".

The conditions for carrying out the Zina punishment are all outlined in 24/3-10 so as to leave no doubt

as to WHEN the punishment conditions are met.

Women’s Dress Code

There are many points in the verse below which until today cause lots of confusion for scholars

throughout. We will, GOD willing, take the points of the above verse one-by-one:

“And tell the believing women to:

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1) Subdue their eyes, and

2) Keep their private area chaste <Farj>.

3) They shall not expose their <Zeenatuhun>, except that which is exposed. They shall place their

cover on their <Juyoobuhun>, and shall not expose their <Zeentauhun> except to their husbands,

their fathers, the fathers of their husbands, their sons, the sons of their husbands, their brothers, the

sons of their brothers, the sons of their sisters,

4) <Nisauhun>,

5) <Ma Malakat Aymanuhun> or

6) Workers who do not have sexual interest, or

7) The children who do not yet understand women’s private parts.

8) They shall not strike their feet so it is known what they hide from their <Zeenatuhun>.

All of you shall repent to GOD, O you believers, that you may succeed.” (24/31)

1) This command has also come down in 24/30 to address the male believers that they should subdue

their gaze, and in 24/31 for the female believers that they do the same.

This is the first line of defense for both males and females from wanting and this would imply in today’s

society to people we see in the street or even on TV, for the believers will not stare at sights which

would make them uncomfortable (if the roles were reversed) but should exercise judgment.

2) Maintain the chastity has also come before this verse in 24/30 to address the believing men that

they should maintain their chastity. The word <Farj> is directly related to the “private area” or “genitals”

of both the man and the woman. The command in this verse is that women (and men in the previous

verse) should PROTECT and CONCEAL their “private area”.

The implications of this word go beyond merely the exposure of ones private area, but also to the level

that protection involves not letting anyone touch or come near. Thus the idea of “foreplay” and

touching or “oral sex” is AUTOMATICALLY rejected by the Quran for all those who are unmarried and

no excuses are given.

3) The <Zeena> of a woman is identified in the same verse when GOD commands her to “cover” her

Zeena which is the <Jayb>.

<JAYB> in Arabic is used for any opening with TWO sides to it. Thus for the body of a woman, the

<Jayb> would be the area of the breasts, the area under the arms, the vagina area <Farj> as well as

the hands, feet, nose, mouth and

ears. It is incorrect to define <Jayb> as merely the breasts of a woman since that will lead to a wrong

understanding of the minimum dress-code requirements (i.e the woman can cover her breasts and

walk around naked revealing everything else).

The area of the head (mouth, ears, nose) as well as the feet and hands all fall under the EXCEPTION

to being covered which is mentioned as <Ma Zahar> in the same verse. <Ma Zahar> is literally

translated as "that which protrudes", thus the limbs (head, feet and hands) are all protruding <Zahar>

from the body and therefore are exempt from having their <Zeena> which is the <Jayb> from being

covered.

It is worth noting that a woman's stomach and back are NOT part of the <Zeena> and can be revealed

if one wished to do so with no implications of "Right" or "Wrong".

It is upto the believing women to ensure that all these areas known as <Zeena> are covered and not

revealed to anyone except: 1. Husband, 2. Father, 3. Husband’s Father, 4. Son, 5. Husband’s Son, 6.

Brother, 7. Brother’s Son, 8. Sister’s Son.

Some people may think that this allows a woman to appear entirely naked in front of the above list.

The answer to that is “yes”, it is not from the Halal or Haram if this happens, but it will be modesty and

cultural norms that make this concept peculiar.

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It is CRITICAL to note that the list of men to whom a woman can reveal her <Zeena> does NOT

include her (Uncle, Son from Suckling, Brother from Suckling, Mother’s Husband, Daughter’s Husband

and Sister’s Husband) EVEN THOUGHT these people are "Mahram's" whom she is forbidden from

marrying (see sura # 4 for the full "Mahram" list).

This new understanding implies that some men may still have a sexual drive or desire for a woman

even though they are her "Mahram's" which she is forbidden from marrying. Thus she is NOT to reveal

her <Zeena> in their presence.

This understanding of <Zeena> will force most Fiqh scholars to re-examine their understanding that

the <Zeena> is merely ornaments or make-up, but it is something much more which only a limited few

are allowed to see (or else the Mahram’s in Sura # 4 must never see a woman if she has make-up or

jewelry on).

4) The next word for those who may see a woman’s <Zeena> is described by the word <NISAUHUN>.

This word has been mistakenly understood to be “women”, whereas the word <Nisa’a> can also be

used for “those who came later” <Nasee’a>. This word covers all those who come later on such as:

Son’s Son, Grandchildren, Son’s, Son of Brother, Son’s Son of Sister (i.e. all those who come from the

seed of the people allowed to see the woman’s Zeena).

5) <Ma Malakat Aimanukum> (to be dealt with separately)

6) <Ghayr Ulu Al-Arab’a Min Al-Rijal>, this can be used to describe all men who do not have any

interest in sexual conduct with the woman (such as a doctor who is giving her birth).

7) Children who do not yet understand the meaning of a woman’s private parts.

8) Striking their feet to reveal their <hidden Zeena>. This is referring to the <Zeena> which we have

already identified as all the <Jayb's> with the exception of that which is is on the limbs "Protruding

Zeena". This "hidden Zeena" can only be revealed through the striking of the feet if it were used to

describe any form of dancing for a woman that causes the revealment of her “hidden” bodyparts

(breast, inner-thighs, and armpits). Such dancing can be found in what is today called “exotic dancing”,

“belly dancing” and "striptease dancing”.

This is the BEAR MINIMUM that GOD has ORDERED the believing women to abide by with no

repercussions or consequences in the hereafter. As for those who wish to have more INSTRUCTIONS

as to what is suitable dress code, they do not have to look far:

"O prophet, tell your wives, your daughters, and the wives of the believers that they shall lengthen

their garments. Thus, they will be recognized and avoid being harmed. GOD is Forgiver, Most

Merciful.” (33/59)

The instructions above is for the believing women who wish to avoid harm (either social or otherwise)

which is caused if they were not fully clothed and may be treated with disrespect or as women who do

not abide by GOD’s moral laws (i.e. prostitutes).

It is our duty as believers in the Book to ensure that GOD’s commands and instructions are

understood so they may be implemented by people of all places and all times.  

Ribba in The Quran

In his book, Shahroor attempts to balance between the various verses regarding Interest and its
economic implications. As such, Shahroor identifies three categories which may involve Interest

<Ribba>.

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Before defining the 3 categories, it is important to define the word used in the Quran: <Ribba> = "to

grow or increase".  

1. Zakat & Charities

This is cash or goods given from one person to another with NO obligation on behalf of the recipient.

The difference between Zakat and Charities (sadaqaat) is that <Zakat> is the minimum requirement

for charities <sadaqaat> and it is an obligatory requirement (i.e. charities is a general description for

Zakat).

The Quran talks about the "poor" people who receive charity <sadaqaat>:

"Charities shall go to the poor..." (9/60)

For such people, they fall under the definition: "GOD condemns usury, and blesses charities..." (2/276)

I.E. those people are UNABLE to pay back any money given to them, so what is given MUST be

treated as a charity and not asked back.

Whosoever charges interest to such people of need is addressed in:

"Those who charge usury are in the same position as those controlled by the devil's influence..."

(2/275)

Also, such people are warned in 2/278-279 to leave what has been given or to expect a war from

GOD.  

2. Loans to people who are not poor (but not rich)

Such people should be treated with loans at ZERO interest or the loan should be given as a charity (2-

279-280).

3. Loans to people who have wealth.

All other verses concerning interest do not fall under the Charity or Zakat conditions (such as loans to

businesses, landowners, Oil companies, etc..).

Such category comes under the verse:

"O you who believe, you shall not take usury, compounded over and over. Observe GOD, that you

may succeed." (3/130)

GOD has thus placed a CEILING limit to the interest which may be charged (even to the rich) and that

is it does not exceed 100% of the loan principal.

Therefore, the issue of interest according to the Quran can be summed-up as follows:

1. Zakat and Charity recipients should not be given loans, but it should be non-returnable.

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2. In some cases it is plausible o give a loan WITHOUT interest and this is the Upper Limit for charity

and Zakat recipients.

3. Loans which are given to normal recipients (i.e. not Zakat or Charity recipients) can be charged

interest with a MAXIMUM ceiling of 100% of the principal. Any interest above this should not be paid

by the recipient. 

What is GREATER Than Salat?

Most people believe that Salat is the MOST important pillar in Islam and that without it a man is

nothing but a lost soul which is doomed to eternal hell.

Although I agree that Salat is IMPORTANT, it is definitely NOT the most important element by

testimony of the Quran itself:

"You shall recite what is revealed to you of the scripture, and observe the <Salat>, for the Contact

Prayers prohibit evil and vice. But the remembrance of GOD is GREATER. And GOD knows

everything you do." (29/45)

Here GOD has given the "Remembrance" or <Zikr> MORE IMPORTANCE than the Salat itself by

saying <wa la zikr Allah AKBAR>.

<Zikr> in the Arabic tongue carries as one of its meanings "Remembrance" (see 12/42, 18/24, 7/165,

6/44, 25/73).

So, what is this <Zikr> which is greater than Salat and how do we go about doing it?. Is it saying

"Allah, Allah" 1,000 times?, or is it more than that?.

One does not have to go far to find the answer. For the people who perform the <Zikr> are found also
in GOD's glorious book and it describes a people who have gone BEYOND the mere remembrance of

GOD at the designated Salat times, but they have GOD infused within their very soul that they carry

the thought of Him ALWAYS:

"They remember GOD while standing, sitting, and on their sides, and they reflect upon the creation of
the heavens and the earth: 'Our Lord, You did not create all this in vain. Be You glorified. Save us from

the retribution of Hell." (3/191)

These are the people whom when they buy, they "Remember" GOD's instruction:

"Do not cheat the people out of their rights." (7/85)

And when they sell, they "Remember" GOD's instruction:

"Do not cheat when you measure or weigh." (11/84)

And when they speak, they do not lie. And when he is sick he "remembers" that only GOD can cure

him.

This is the human being which the devil is after and tries to deter him from the <Zikr> by any means

necessary:

"The devil wants to provoke animosity and hatred among you through intoxicants and gambling, and to

distract you from REMEMBERING <Zikr> GOD, and from observing the Salat. Will you then refrain?"

(5/91)

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Note how GOD has placed the <Zikr> BEFORE the <Salat> in this verse showing that this is the

PRIORITY that Shaitan has put in trying to make people stray from the Straight Path of GOD.

Just remember, what you may think is today the most important element in your life and your religion,

may actually turn-out to be nothing of the sort.

Know what your enemy "Satan" is trying to make you abandon for the strength of "Remembrance" is a

 
weapon we all need to yield in our daily lives.

Noah's Son

One of the interesting issues covered in Shahroor's book is the examination of the story of Noah and

unmasking of some elements that had been misunderstood by people for some time.

The issue under review here is PROOF from the Quran, that Noah's son who died in the flood was in-

fact NOT his son!.

GOD say's in the Quran that He promised Noah that all his family will be saved, with the exception of

those mentioned beforehand (Noah's wife), as well as all the believers:

"We then inspired him: 'Make the craft under our watchful eyes, and in accordance with our inspiration.

When our command comes, and the atmosphere boils up, put on it a pair of every kind, and YOUR

FAMILY, except those condemned to be doomed..." (27/23)

"...We said: 'carry two from each AND your family, except who We have mentioned beforehand, AND

THOSE WHO BELIEVED, although those who believed were few" (11/40)

Yet, when the flood came, Noah was imploring his son to ride the Ark with them:

"As it sailed with them in waves like mountains, Noah called his son, who was isolated: 'O my son,

come ride with us; do not be with the disbelievers." (11/42)

But Noah's son refused to ride the Ark and he was drowned (11/43).

Now, what is interesting is that GOD has told Noah who will NOT go from his family and in 11/37 GOD

tells Noah: "DO NOT ARGUE WITH ME ABOUT THE TRANSGRESSORS".

Yet, in 11/45 Noah ARGUES with GOD regarding his son saying:

"Noah implored his Lord: "My Lord, my son is a member of my family, and YOUR PROMISE IS THE

TRUTH. You are the wisest of the wise." (11/45)

But to Noah's surprise, the answer from GOD was:

"He said, "O Noah, HE IS NOT OF YOUR FAMILY, HE IS AN IMPROPER ACT. It is unrighteous to

ask Me for something you do not know. I enlighten you, lest you be like the ignorant." (11/46)

WHAM! Comes the truth from the Lord, that the person Noah thought was his son, was in-fact a "love

child" who did not fall under: (a) Noah's family (except those aforementioned), NOR (b) the believers.

Remember Noah's wife?:

"GOD cites as examples of those who disbelieved the wife of Noah and the wife of Lot. They were

married to two of our righteous servants, but THEY BETRAYED THEM and, consequently, they could
not help them at all against GOD. The two of them were told, "Enter the Hell-fire with those who

deserved it." (66/10)

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It always puzzled people why Noah was arguing for his son and why GOD responded the way He

did...But I guess the truth was always so clear for those who used their intelligence.

Praise be to GOD the ALL Knowing

Click here to know more about the Great Flood from the Quran and how it was caused.

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