Thursday, September 12, 2013

For those who do not read the Holy Qur'an often


GatewaytoQuran                                  GatewaytoQuran
GatewaytoQuran                                  GatewaytoQuran


Today's article will be in a form of an advice  for those who go without reading the Qur'aan for a month, or even many months, and who have no excuse for such behaviour? However, you will find some of them reading those magazines that contain no benefit for them, and following them up closely! Many of us are like these people. We do not have time to read the Holy Qur'an but somehow we have time to read a evil magazine or book. Or, we may read those articles or literature which neither give benefit to this world or to the Herafter.

Shaykh 'Abdul 'Aziz Ibn Baz says that:

It is recommended for every Believing man and woman to recite the Book of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala)  often, with due contemplation and understanding. This may be done by using a copy of the Qur'aan or from one's memory. Allaah - the Most High - said:

"This is a Book which We have sent down to you, full of blessings, that you may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember." [Soorah Saad38:29].

And: "Indeed those who recite the Book of Allah and offer the Prayer perfectly and spend in charity out of what We have provided for them - secretly and openly - hope for a sure trade-gain that will never perish. That He may pay the their wages in full and give them even more out of His Grace. Indeed, He is Oft-Forgiving, ready to appreciate good deeds." [Soorah Fatir 35:29-30]

The aforementioned recitation of the Qur'aan includes both reciting and acting upon it. The recitation is to be done with contemplation and understanding of it. Sincerity to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) is a means of complying with and acting upon the Qur'aan, and its recitation contains a great reward - as the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam said: "Recite the Qur'aan. For on the Day of Resurrection, it shall come as an intercessor for its companion." This was recorded by Muslim in his Saheeh (no. 804).

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Historical Miracle of the Quran - NUH'S FLOOD

GatewaytoQuran                                                                                          GatewaytoQuran

We sent Nuh to his people and he remained among them for fifty short of a thousand years; yet the Flood engulfed them while they were wrongdoers. (Qur'an, 29:14)
The Prophet Nuh (as) was sent to his people by Allah. They had distanced themselves from the commandments of the Lord and ascribed partners to Him. The Prophet Nuh (as) warned them that they should serve Allah alone and abandon the false worship which they had established in their community. Although the Prophet Nuh (as) called on his people with great eloquence and wisdom, and warned them against the punishment of Allah, they rejected the Prophet and continued to associate partners to Him. At this, Allah told the Prophet Nuh (as) that He would punish the deniers by drowning them. But He also informed His Messenger that His mercy would save the believers, those who embraced true religion and worshipped the One and Only God. The destruction of the people of Nuh and the salvation of the believers is described thus in the Qur'an:
But they denied him so We rescued him and those with him in the Ark. And We drowned the people who denied Our Signs. They were a blind people. (Qur'an, 7:64)
When the time of punishment came, the water in the ground combined with violent rains to cause a giant flood. (Allah knows best.) It is revealed that before the flood came, Allah spoke to the Prophet Nuh (as):
We revealed to him: "Build the Ship under Our supervision and as We reveal. When Our command comes and water bubbles up from the earth, load into it a pair of every species, and your family-except for those among them against whom the word has already gone ahead. And do not address Me concerning those who do wrong. They shall be drowned." (Qur'an, 23:27)
Apart from those who boarded Prophet Nuh's (as) Ark, the entire tribe was drowned. The dead included the Prophet's son who thought he could escape by seeking shelter on a mountain.
It was said, "Earth, swallow up your water!" and, "Heaven, hold back your rain!" And the water subsided and the affair was concluded and the Ark came to land on al-Judi. And it was said, "Away with the people of the wrongdoers!" (Qur'an, 11:44)
Compared to the flood accounts contained in Jewish scriptures, and indeed the various cultural beliefs of other peoples, the Qur'anic account, which was revealed by Allah and is the only divine text to have remained uncorrupted, stands as the most reliable of all these accounts. The Torah, a corrupted text, says that this flood was universal and covered the whole world. On the contrary, it appears from the relevant verses that the flood was a regional one and punished not the whole world but only the tribe that rejected the Prophet Nuh (as). Those who were destroyed in it were the people who rejected the message of the Prophet Nuh (as) and persisted in their denial. There is no indication in the Qur'an that the flood was universal. The verses on the subject read:
We sent Nuh to his people: "I am a clear warner to you. Worship none but Allah. I fear for you the punishment of a painful day." (Qur'an, 11:25-26)
But they denied him so We rescued him and those with him in the Ark. And We drowned the people who denied Our Signs. They were a blind people. (Qur'an, 7:64)
So We rescued him and those with him by mercy from Us, and We cut off the last remnant of those who denied Our Signs and were not believers. (Qur'an, 7:72)

Story of Prophet Sulaiman/Solomon (pbuh) in the Light of Quran by Ibn Kathir

Solomon inherited David's prophethood and dominion. This was not a material inheritance, as prophets do not bequeath their property. It is given away to the poor and needy, not to their relatives. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: "The prophets' property will not be inherited, and whatever we leave is to be used for charity." (Sahih Al-Bukhari).
And indeed We gave knowledge to David and Solomon, and they both said: "All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Who has preferred us above many of His believing slaves!"
And Solomon inherited (the knowledge of) David. He said: "O mankind! We have been taught the language of birds, and on us have been bestowed all things. This, verily, is an evident grace (from Allah)."
And there were gathered before Solomon his hosts of jinns and men, and birds, and they were all set in battle order (marching forwards). (Ch 27:15-17 Quran).
After his father's death, Solomon became king. He begged Allah for a kingdom such as none after him would have, and Allah granted his wish. Besides wisdom, Allah had blessed Solomon with many abilities. He could command the winds and understand and talk to birds and animals. Allah directed him to teach both men and jinns to mine the earth and extract its minerals to make tools and weapons. He also favored him with a mine of copper, which was a rare metal in those days.
During his time horses were the common mode of transportation. They were very essential for defense, to carry soldiers and cart provisions and weapons of war. The animals were well cared for and well trained. One day Solomon was reviewing a parade of his stable. The fitness, beauty and posture of the horses fascinated him so much that he kept on stroking and admiring them. The sun was nearly setting, and the time for the middle prayer was passing by. When he realized this, he exclaimed: "I surely love the finer things of life than the service of my Lord! Return them to me."
Almighty Allah revealed: And to David We gave Solomon. How excellent a slave! Verily, he was ever oft returning in repentance (to Us)!

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Rewards, Benefits and Virtues of Quran and its Recitation 91 COMMENTS



Quran is the book of guidance for a Muslims life. This article is a collection of Quranic verses, Ahadeeth (Prophet’s Saying) and sayings of the salaf (pious people that followed the prophet) on the majesty of Quran, the great virtues for reading and following it.

Watch the following presentation and continue to read the article below:

1. Quran on Quran

To begin with, there are many verses in Quran itself that underscore the majesty of Allah’s verses and the Quran itself –
Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
Say: ‘If the mankind and the jinn were together to produce the like of this Quran, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they helped one another’”[Quran Al-Israa’ 17:88]
Had We sent down this Quran on a mountain, you would surely have seen it humbling itself and rending asunder by the fear of Allah. Such are the parables which We put forward to mankind that they may reflect. [Quran Al-Hashr 59:21]
“This is the Book (the Quran), whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqoon [the pious] [Quran Al-Baqarah 2:2]

Friday, August 16, 2013

Qur'anic Prophecies About the Future


These are numerous but we will see the following examples.

1 - The prophecy about the victory of the Romans:
The Almighty Allah, subhanahu wa ta`ala, says:
"The Romans have been defeated. In the nearest land [Syria, Iraq, Jordan and Palestine], and they, after their defeat, will be victorious. Within three to nine years. The decision of the matter, before and after [these events] is only Allah's [before the defeat of the Romans by the Persians, and after the defeat of the Persians by the Romans]..." [Qur'an, 30:2-4]
Seven years later this prophecy became true, and the Romans defeated the Persians.
2 - Prophecy that both al Waleed ibn al Mugheerah and Abu Lahab would die as disbelievers
The Almighty Allah, subhanahu wa ta`ala, says about al Waleed:
"Leave Me alone [to deal] with whom I created lonely [without any wealth or children, i.e. Al Walid ibn Al Mughirah al Makhzumi]. And then granted him resources in abundance. And children to be by his side. And made life smooth and comfortable for him. After all that he desires that I should give more; Nay! Verily, he has been opposing Our Ayat [proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations]. I shall oblige him to [climb a slippery mountain in the Hell-fire called As-Sa`ud, or] face a severe torment! Verily, he thought and plotted. So let him be cursed: how he plotted! And once more let him be cursed: how he plotted! Then he thought. Then he frowned and he looked in a bad tempered way; then he turned back, and was proud. Then he said: "This is nothing but magic from that of old. This is nothing but the word of a human being!" I will cast him into Hell-fire. And what will make you know [exactly] what Hell-fire is? It spares not [any sinner], nor does it leave [anything unburned]!" [Qur'an 74:11-18]
And about Abu Lahab, He, subhanahu wa ta`ala, says:
"Perish the two hands of Abu Lahab [an uncle of the Prophet] and perish he! His wealth and his children will not benefit him! He will be burnt in a Fire of blazing flames!" [Qur'an, 111:1-3]
3 - His prophecy of coming back to Makkah which he left for Madinah. The Almighty Allah, `azza wa jall, says:
"Verily, He Who has given you [O Muhammad] the Qur'an [i.e. ordered you to act on its laws and to preach it to others] will surely bring you back to Ma`ad [place of return, either to Makkah or to Paradise after your death]..." [Qur'an 28:85]
And the Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam returned to Makkah in the year of the conquest.
4 - The prophecy telling that the Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, and the Muslims would enter Makkah in security:
"...Certainly, you shall enter Al Masjid al Haram, if Allah wills, secure, [some] having your heads shaved, and [some] having your head hair cut short, having no fear..." [Qur'an, 48:27]
This prophecy became true and the Muslims conquered Makkah and entered al Masjid al Haram in complete security.
5 - The Prophecy about granting the Muslims succession and authority.
The Almighty Allah says:
"Allah has promised those among you who believe and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to [the present rulers] in the land, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practice their religion which He has chosen for them [i.e. Islam]. And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear [provided] they [believers] worship Me and do not associate anything [in worship] with Me." [Qur'an, 24:55]
The Almighty Allah, subhanahu wa ta`ala, has fulfilled His promise to the Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam and his nation. He made them successors of great kings and powerful rulers, whose lands and properties were inherited by the Muslims.
www.waytoquran.com

Monday, August 12, 2013

Becoming Companions of the Qur'an

by fara yahya

A Qur’anic Generation
In the spacious courtyard of the masjid, they sat together turning its glorious pages. The rays of sunlight gently bounced from the soft pages of the Qur’an. Humbled by the greatness of its verses and captivated by the beauty of its words, they were often moved to tears but none uttered a word. Tranquility descended over them as individual, melodious recitations began. This was no ordinary study circle and these were no ordinary students, the sight of them alone made eyes turn and hearts were drawn to them. These were young men who had gathered in the courtyard of the masjid – serious students studying the Glorious Qur’an. With a powerful goal in mind and a firm focus, nothing could distract them.

Their soft recitations died down and silence took over as the teacher spoke…

“This Qur’an.… This is the Clear Book of Allah that is not approached by falsehood neither from before it nor from behind it, sent down by the All-Wise, Worthy of all Praise.

It is the never-ending, ever-lasting miracle that is continuous through the course of Time until Allah inherits the earth and what is upon it.

It is the Strong Rope of Allah, the Straight Path and the Light which guides to the truth and the right way.

In it is news of what was before you, what is to come after you and a source of judgment between you.

Whoever abandons it has indeed been destroyed by Allah and whoever seeks guidance in other than it has been led astray.

Whoever speaks by it has been truthful, whoever rules by it has been just and whoever calls to it has indeed called to the straight path.”


One of the students lowered his head as a tear strolled down his cheek. A young haafidh from the city, he often made his journey setting off early to join the rest of the students – many of whom like him were deeply moved by these sessions and couldn’t afford to miss a single class. He was lost in thought, his mind immersed in recalling the greatness of the Qur’an. As he wept in silence, the rest listened attentively.

“It is our role-model and the leader in our lives…
By it we are guided and to it we surrender.
Its commands and prohibitions we act according to, and at its Hudood (boundaries) we halt with firmness.

It is that which ties the heavens to the earth.
A covenant between Allah and His servants.
The most Noble and honoured from the heavenly Scriptures.
What you have before you is the Way of Allah, the Most Exalted, and the Greatest Revelation sent down to Mankind…”


It’s true.
What we have before us is the Book that many lay claim to but only a few realise its value.

“Had We sent down this Qur’an. on a mountain, you would surely have seen it humbling itself and rending asunder by the fear of Allah. Such are the parables which We put forward to mankind that they may reflect.” [Al-Hashr: 21]
Mountains are often mentioned in the Qur’an. as symbols of great stability, firmness, endurance and integrity. But even with these powerful characteristics, the mountains were unable to bear the Qur’an.… they could not bear the trust.
“Truly, We did offer the trust to the heavens and the earth, and the mountains, but they declined to bear it and were afraid of it. But man bore it. Verily, he was unjust and ignorant.” [Al-Ahzaab: 72]

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Who Wrote the Holy Qur'an?


Quran, in Arabic, could only have been written by ONE of 3 possible sources:
       1.  the Arabs
       2.  Mohammad (peace be upon him)
       3.  God (Allah)
(NOTE: The first part is not meant to be a rigorous proof. It is something to ponder upon. However, the second part, about Mohammad [pbuh] wrote it' contains more extensive proof.)
Besides the above mentioned sources, Quran couldn't possibly have been written by ANYONE else.
No other source is possible, because Quran is written in pure, rich, and poetic Arabic, which was not known to anyone other than the above mentioned sources, at that time.  The Arabic language was at its peak in expression, richness, vocabulary, artistic, and poetic value during the time the Quran was being revealed. Anyone speaking the classical Arabic ( the Arabic of Quran at the time it was revealed) would argue that a non-Arab entity couldn't possibly have written such an extensive and brilliant piece of literature in the Arabic language. Quran could only have been written by an Arabic speaking entity.  An entity, who's knowledge, style, vocabulary, grammar, and way of expression was so powerful that it impacted the entire Arabian peninsula, the east, the west, and continues to impact people all over the globe today!
At no other time, in the history of Arabic language, had it ever achieved its peak in expression, literature, and development, than the time of Arabia during the 6th Century, the time when Quran was being revealed.   At no other time in the history of Arabic language had the language ever achieved its highest potential than the time of Arabia during the 6th Century, the time when Quran was being revealed.  The language reached its peak in richness, artistic value, and poetry,  during that time.  With the Arabic language at its peak, and the best of Arabic writers, poets present in Arabia, it is impossible that a non-Arabic speaking entity would write  a book like Quran and have such a dynamite impact on the Arabs!
So only an Arabic speaking entity could have write Quran. With that in mind, we're left with three choies:
     1  -  the Arabs wrote it
     2  -  Mohammad (pbuh) wrote it
     3  -  Allah (swt) wrote it