The First Day
Do not strut arrogantly about the
earth.
You will certainly never split the
earth apart nor will you ever rival the mountains in height.
(Surat al-Isra': 37)
When the heart of a believer is
filled with these two feelings
of hope and fear, Almighty Allah fulfils his hope and saves
him from what he fears.
(Ibn Majah)
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MIRACLES OF THE QUR'AN
Truly
it [the Qur'an] is revelation sent down by the Lord of all the worlds.
(Qur'an, 26:192)
Fourteen centuries ago, Allah sent down the Qur'an. This book of guidance
and wisdom calls man to the truth and instructs all human beings to adhere
to the values which this mighty revelation contains. From the day of its
revelation to the Day of Judgement, this last divine book will remain
as the sole guide for humanity. The book of Allah states, "But
it is nothing less than a Reminder to all the worlds." (Qur'an,
68:52)
Ever since the Qur'an was revealed, it has possessed an easily understandable
language and tone, accessible to all people and in all times. Allah tells
us of this style in the Qur'an: "We have made the
Qur'an easy to remember..." (Qur'an, 54:22)
The perfection of the literary language of the Qur'an, the incomparable
features of its style and the superior wisdom contained within it are
some of the definitive proofs that it represents the Word of our Lord.
In addition, the Qur'an contains within its words many miracles which
prove it to be Allah's Word. One of these attributes is the remarkable
number of scientific truths which are contained in the holy book of Islam.
In this book which was revealed over fourteen centuries ago to the Prophet
Muhammad (saas), there are innumerable examples of information humanity
have only been able to uncover by the technology of the 20th and 21st
century.
Of course, we should not view the Qur'an as a book of science for it
is primarily a book of moral and spiritual guidance. However, many scientific
facts that are expressed in an extremely concise and profound manner,
within the verses of the Qur'an, have only been discovered by scientists
with the aid of the technological advancement of the 20th and 21st century.
Quite simply, these facts which we now point out to the reader could not
have been known at the time of the Qur'an's revelation, and this is still
more proof that the Qur'an is the Word of Allah.
In order to understand the scientific miracles contained in the Qur'an,
we must first look at the level of scientific knowledge which existed
at the time when this holy book was revealed. When one understands the
context in which the Qur'an was revealed, one can understand more clearly
how extraordinary the book of Islam actually is.
In the 7th century, when these sacred verses were sent down, Arab society
was awash with many superstitious and groundless notions. Lacking the
technology to examine the universe and nature, these early Arabs believed
in uncorroborated tales inherited from past generations and did not question
them. For example, they supposed that mountains supported the sky above.
They believed that the earth was flat and that mountains acted as pillars
that kept the vault of heaven high above us.
Into this atmosphere of legend and myth, the Qur'an came down. It replaced
ignorance with knowledge and illogical conjecture with guidance and certainty.
One verse of the Qur'an states, "Allah is He Who
raised up the heavens without any support..." (Qur'an, 13:2)
This verse invalidated the belief that the sky remains above because
of support from the mountains. The Qur'an is filled with important facts
which were revealed at a point in human history when no man could possibly
have known them. The Qur'an-which was revealed at a time when people knew
very little about astronomy, physics, or biology-contains key facts on
a variety of subjects all of which point to the fact that it is revealed
by Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. Some of the subjects explained and dealt
with in the Qur'an are: the creation of the universe, the creation and
miraculous development of the human being from miniscule embryo to grown
adult, the structure of the atmosphere in which we live and the delicate
balances that make life on earth possible. (For further reference, please
see, Miracles
of the Qur'an, by Harun Yahya)
THE END TIMES
AND THE MAHDI |
THE SIGNS OF THE LAST DAY IN THE QUR'AN
What are they awaiting but for the Hour to come upon
them suddenly? Its Signs have already come. What good will their Reminder
be to them when it does arrive? (Surah Muhammad: 18)
From this verse we learn that the Qur'an describes signs that announce
the coming of the Last Day. In order to understand the signs of this 'great
announcement' we must reflect upon these verses. Otherwise, as the verse
indicates, our thinking will be of no use when the Last Day is suddenly
upon us.
The
Hour is near
Allah reveals in the Qur'an that there can be no doubt that the Last
Day is near.
And the Hour is coming without any doubt ... (Surat
al-Hajj: 7)
We did not create the heavens and earth and everything
between them, except with truth. The Hour is certainly coming. (Surat
al-Hijr: 85)
There may be some who think that the message of the Qur'an concerning
the Last Day was revealed more that 1400 years ago and that this is a
long time compared to the length of a human life. But here, it is a question
of the end of the world, the sun and the stars, in short, of the universe.
When we consider that the universe is billions of years old, fourteen
centuries is a very short period of time.
The supremacy of the morality of Islam in the world
Allah announces that those who serve Him purely, without associating
any of His creatures as divinities besides Him, and do good works to win
His favor, will be endowed with power and authority.
Allah has promised those of you who believe and do
right actions that He will make them successors in the land as He made
those before them successors, and will firmly establish for them their
religion with which He is pleased and give them, in place of their fear,
security. 'They worship Me, not associating anything with Me.' Any who
are disbelievers after that, such people are deviators. (Surat an-Nur:
55)
In a number of verses, it also says that it is a divine law that those
servants who are faithful and live the true religion in their hearts will
be made the inheritors of the world:
We wrote down in the Psalms, after the Reminder came:
'It is My righteous servants who will inherit the earth.' (Surat al-Anbiya':
105)
We will leave you the land to live in after them. That
is the reward of those who fear My station and fear My threat. (Surah
Ibrahim: 14)
There is no doubt that Allah will keep His promises. The high morality
that will conquer perverse philosophies, distorted ideologies and false
religious understanding is Islamic morality. The disbelievers and pagans
cannot prevent this from happening. (For further reference, please see,
The End Times and the Mahdi, by Harun Yahya)
DIFFERENT RACES ARE NOT EVIDENCE FOR EVOLUTION
Some evolutionists try to put the existence of different
races forward as evidence for evolution. In fact, this claim is more frequently
expressed by amateur evolutionists who have a less than sufficient knowledge
of the theory they defend.
Since the genetic material in the first man contained all the characteristics
of the various races, parts of this came to dominate in various societies,
and thus the human races formed. |
The thesis proposed by those who defend this claim is based
on the question, "If, as divine sources say, life began with one
man and one woman, how could different races have emerged?" Another
way of putting it is: "Since Adam and Eve's height, colour, and other
features were those of only two people, how could races with entirely
different features have emerged?"
In fact, the problem lying beneath all these questions or
objections is an insufficient knowledge of the laws of genetics, or the
ignoring of them. In order to understand the reason for the differences
between the races in today's world, it will be necessary to have some
idea of the subject of "variation," which is closely linked
to this question.
Variation, a term used in genetics, refers to a genetic
event that causes the individuals or groups of a certain type or species
to possess different characteristics from one another. The source of this
variation is the genetic information possessed by the individuals within
that species. As a result of breeding between those individuals, that
genetic information comes together in later generations in different combinations.
There is an exchange of genetic material between the mother's and father's
chromosomes. Genes thus get mixed up with one another. The result of this
is a wide variety of individual features.
The different physical features between human races are
due to variations within the human race. All the people on Earth carry
basically the same genetic information, yet some have slanted eyes, some
have red hair, some have long noses, and others are short of stature,
all depending on the extent of the variation potential of this genetic
information.
In order to understand the variation potential, let us consider
a society in which brunette, brown-eyed people predominate over blond,
blue-eyed individuals. As a result of the two communities intermingling
and marrying over time, new generations which are brunette but blue-eyed
will be seen. In other words, the physical characteristics of both groups
will come together in subsequent generations and produce new appearances.
When one imagines other physical characteristics mixing in the same way,
it is clear that a great variety will emerge.
The important point that must be understood here is this:
There are two genes that rule every physical feature. One may dominate
the other, or they may both influence matters to an equal extent. For
instance, two genes determine the colour of a person's eyes. One comes
from the mother, the other from the father. Whichever gene is the dominant
one, the individual's eye colour will be determined by that gene. In general,
dark colours dominate lighter ones. In this way, if a person possesses
genes for brown and for green eyes, his eyes will be brown because the
brown eye gene is dominant. However, the recessive green colour can be
passed down the generations and emerge at a later time. In other words,
parents with brown eyes can have a green-eyed child. That is because that
colour gene is recessive in both parents.
This law applies to all other physical features and the
genes which govern them. Hundreds, or even thousands, of physical features,
such as the ears, nose, the shape of the mouth, height, bone structure,
and organ structure, shape, and characteristics, are all controlled in
the same way. Thanks to this, all the limitless information in the genetic
structure can be passed on to subsequent generations without becoming
outwardly visible. Adam, the first human being, and Eve, were able to
pass the rich information in their genetic structure on to subsequent
generations even though only a part of it was reflected in their physical
appearance. Geographical isolation that had happened over human history
has led to an atmosphere where different physical features came together
in different groups. Over a long period of time, this led to different
groups having different bone structures, skin colour, height, and skull
volumes. This eventually led to the different races.
However, this long period did not change one thing, of course.
No matter what their height, skin colour and skull volume, all races are
part of the human species. (For further reading, see “The
collapse of the theory of evolution in 20 questions” by
Harun Yahya)
THE MUSLIM
WAY OF SPEAKING |
PRAISING THE MIGHT OF ALLAH
In everything
sincere believers experience in life, they are witness to the wisdom,
knowledge, and might of Allah, and bow their heads to Him in reverence.
This sincere love, respect and submission is then reflected in believers'
language, as it is in the whole of their lives. Believers are aware at
all times that Allah is rich beyond need of anything, but that all living
creatures are in need of Him. Since they have understood the might and
greatness of Allah, they are also aware of their own weakness. They know
that they can do nothing on their own unless Allah wills it. Essentially,
no matter how virtuous they may be, they do not give way to feelings of
conceit and superiority. They are continually mindful of their own limited
abilities and dependence on Allah; when referring to any success they
may have achieved, they do so in the knowledge that it has resulted through
those talents imparted to them by Allah. Similarly, when they receive
praise, they remain humble, being aware that such praise is ultimately
to be attributed to Allah's supreme wisdom.
The language of those who are able to appreciate Allah's glory, with
true appreciation, is distinguished by a manner of speaking in which they
praise and exalt His intelligence, knowledge, might and greatness. Their
hearts are devoted to Allah every moment of their lives; no matter where
they go, or what they see or hear, they recognize examples of Allah's
artistry in everything, and sincerely express the awe they feel. As such,
the Qur'an states that believers' hearts are with Allah at all times,
whether standing, sitting, or lying down, and that they ponder upon Allah's
might and praise it:
Those who remember Allah, standing, sitting and lying
on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth
[saying]: "Our Lord, You have not created this for nothing. Glory be
to You! So safeguard us from the punishment of the Fire." (Surah Al
'Imran: 191)
Muslims are aware of this truth at every moment of their lives, and in
everything they set out to do. They know that it is Allah Who allows for
the food they eat to be cultivated from the dry earth and laid forth before
them of the best and most delectable sort, and Who has granted them the
opportunity to enjoy it. As a consequence, though they thank the cook,
they are aware that their ultimate gratitude is to Allah. When they listen
to music which is pleasing to them, they are impressed not by the musicians,
but with Allah Who bestowed upon them this talent and in themselves the
disposition to take pleasure in such music.
They are also aware that when something they had wished for comes about
unexpectedly, it is not an accident, and give thanks to Allah. If they
were to admire a beautiful work of architecture, they would be appreciating
the architect, never forgetting that the real author of such beautiful
works is Allah, and thereby exalt His glory. They do not become consumed
with pride over their own talents; they are aware that they are a meek
servant of Allah, and direct all praise to our Lord. In the Qur'an, we
are told that He Who is truly worthy of praise is Allah, and, therefore,
that we should praise and exalt Him:
And say: "Praise be to Allah Who has had no son and
Who has no partner in His Kingdom and Who needs no one to protect Him
from weakness." And proclaim His Greatness repeatedly! (Surat al-Isra':
111)
(For further reference, please see, The
Muslim Way of Speaking, by Harun Yahya)
AL-‘ADL
The Just, The Equitable
O
You who believe! Show integrity for the sake of Allah, bearing witness
with justice. Do not let hatred for a people incite you into not being
just. Be just. That is closer to piety. Have fear [and awareness]
of Allah. Allah is aware of what you do. (Surat al-Ma'ida, 5:8)
Allah is the most just judge. As His order encompasses the universe,
He will show His justice to His servants both in this world and beyond.
All the acts of Allah, Who is All-Seeing, All-Knowing, and All-Aware,
are for a divine purpose and are just.
Allah will judge all of each person's deeds according to His justice.
Allah informs us that those who engage in violence will be punished and
that even a single good word will be rewarded. He will manifest His infinite
justice in the Hereafter.
The difficulties that unbelievers make for Prophets and believers, as
well as their slanderous accusations and sins, will not remain unanswered.
All of these difficulties, which raise believers' ranks in Paradise, lead
unbelievers to the lowest level of the Fire. On the Day of Judgment, Allah
will set up the Just Balance, and no soul will be wronged in any way.
Allah will call them to account by ending the time that He has granted
them. Given that Allah, the All-Knowing, keeps His promise, all people
will see the consequences of their wrong actions in the Hereafter. Thus,
unbelievers will be punished severely, while those who remained true to
Allah will be rewarded most bountifully. In one verse, Allah states the
following:
Those who pledge their allegiance to you [the Prophet]
pledge allegiance to Allah. Allah's hand is over their hands. He who
breaks his pledge only breaks it against himself. But as for him who
fulfils the contract he has made with Allah, We will pay him an immense
reward. (Surat al-Fath, 48:10)
There is an important point to consider here: While pondering over His
justice, do not compare it with the human concept of justice, for a faithless
person, while passing judgment, may well comply with his whims and desires,
remain under the influence of his feelings, or forget what has been done.
Most importantly, one never knows what is in the other party's mind. But
Allah, Who never errs or forgets, has assigned angels for every person
in order to observe and record each of their acts and thoughts. In brief,
Allah holds each person's soul in His hand. The Qur'an also reveals that
our Lord, Who gives the best judgment, is infinitely just:
On the Day We summon every people with their records,
those who are given their Book in their right hand will read their Book
and will not be wronged by even the smallest speck. (Surat al-Isra',
17:71)
In the Hereafter, Allah will pay back all of the wrongdoing and plots
hatched against believers. In this life, He may grant the unbelievers
many blessings (e.g., wealth and possessions), yet these will only lead
them to more evil. In the Qur'an, Allah states that believers must not
be attracted to such blessings, for when compared with what awaits them
in the Hereafter, the benefits of this short life are insignificant, especially
when the infinite punishment of Hell awaits unbelievers.
In the Hereafter, each person's real abode, every soul will find itself
confronted with all of its good deeds. Allah will manifest His justice
in Hell and Paradise for all eternity. Ultimately, Allah will separate
those who believe in Him from those who do not.
Say: "Our Lord will bring us all together and then
will judge between us with the truth. He is the Just Decider, the All-Knowing."
(Surah Saba, 34:26)
Allah commands believers to be just as follows:
Allah does not forbid you from being good to those
who have not fought you in the religion or driven you from your homes,
or from being just toward them. Allah loves those who are just. (Surat
al-Mumtahana, 60:8)
Allah commands you to return to their owners the things
you hold on trust and, when you judge between people, to judge with
justice. How excellent is what Allah exhorts you to do! Allah is All-Hearing,
All-Seeing. (Surat an-Nisa', 4:58)
They are people who listen to lies and consume ill-gotten
gains. If they come to you, you can either judge between them or turn
away from them. If you turn away from them, they cannot harm you in
any way. But if you do judge, judge between them justly. Allah loves
the just. (Surat al-Ma'ida, 5:42)
(For further reference, please see, Names
of Allah, by Harun Yahya)
HOW DO WE REALIZE THE EXISTENCE OF ALLAH?
The plants, animals, seas, mountains, and people we see when we look
around, and everything else in the micro universe - living or non-living
- which we cannot see, are all obvious evidence of a superior wisdom which
has brought them into being. Similarly, the equilibrium, order, and perfect
creation present in the entire universe also prove the existence of a
supreme possessor of knowledge who has designed them perfectly. The possessor
of this wisdom and knowledge is Allah.
We realize the existence of Allah from the perfect systems He created
and the awesome qualities of living or non-living entities. This perfection
is highlighted in the Qur'an:
He created the seven heavens one above the other. You
will not find any flaw in the creation of the All-Merciful. Look again-do
you see any gaps? Then look again and again. Your eyes will become dazzled
and exhausted! (Surat al-Mulk: 3-4)
(For further reference, please see, Quick
Grasp of Faith 1-3, by Harun Yahya)
PERISHED NATIONS
by Harun Yahya
In history,
many societies have been wiped off of the face of the earth because of
their denial and perversions. Here are the true stories of these societies...
This book, which is also available in Portuguese and Spanish, describes
these punishments as revealed in the verses of the Qur'an and in the light
of archaeological discoveries. Some of the societies examined in the book
are the people of the Prophet Noah, Abraham, 'Ad, Thamud, the people of
Prophet Moses and Pharaoh, the people of Saba and the Companions of the
Cave.
The introduction to the book provides the two reasons why the histories
of these societies are being examined:
The stories of earlier peoples, which constitute a great part of the
Qur'an, are certainly one of the matters we ought to contemplate. A majority
of these people rejected the prophets sent to them and, moreover, showed
animosity towards them. Because of their audacity, they brought God's
wrath upon themselves and have been wiped off the face of the earth.
The Qur'an tells us that these cases of destruction
should be a warning to succeeding generations. For instance, right after
the description of the punishment meted out to a group of Jews who rebelled
against God, it is said in the Qur'an; "So We made it an example to
their own time and to their posterity, and a lesson to those who fear
God."(Surat al-Baqara: 66)
The second reason we are examining these destructions is to show how
the verses of the Qur'an are reflected externally in the world, and to
demonstrate the authenticity of the Qur'an's account. In the Qur'an, God
confirms that His verses are observable in the external world: "Praise
be to God, Who will soon show you His Signs, so that you shall know them"
(Surat an-Naml: 93), and to know and identify them is one of the primary
ways leading to belief.
"To purchase the works of Harun Yahya, please visit www.bookglobal.net."
The
Qur'an is the word of God and it has many miraculous attributes proving
this fact. One of these attributes is the fact that a number of scientific
truths that we have only been able to uncover by the technology of the
20th century were stated in the Qur'an 1,400 years ago. Of course the
Qur'an is not a book of science. However, many scientific facts that are
expressed in an extremely concise and profound manner in its verses have
only been discovered with the technology of the 20th century. These facts
could not have been known at the time of the Qur'an's revelation, and
this is still more proof that the Qur'an is the word of God.
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