Quran Talk

English, Religion, 1 season, 319 episodes, 5 days, 19 hours, 17 minutes

Quran Talk

English, Religion, 1 season, 319 episodes, 5 days, 19 hours, 17 minutes

About

In-depth look into verses and themes of Quran. For full list of episodes go to www.qurantalk.co

Masjid ofGod vs. Masjid of Satan

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Quran Study App: https://apple.co/46v1Azk Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2024/01/08/how-to-identify-a-masjid-of-god-and-avoid-a-masjid-of-satan/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/ Refuting typical arguments against Quran alone: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/hadith-refutation/

2/3/2024 • 14 minutes, 40 seconds

Sunnis Follow the Sunnah of Jews

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Quran Study App: https://apple.co/46v1Azk Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2024/01/19/companions-cursed-for-requesting-an-idol-from-the-prophet-sahih/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/ Refuting typical arguments against Quran alone: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/hadith-refutation/

1/27/2024 • 53 minutes, 58 seconds

Sunnis getting high on their own supply

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Quran Study App: https://apple.co/46v1Azk Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2024/01/13/sunnis-getting-high-off-their-own-supply/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/ Refuting typical arguments against Quran alone: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/11/16/typical-arguments-against-quran-alone/

1/20/2024 • 35 minutes, 38 seconds

Three Requirements for Monotheism

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Quran Study App: https://apple.co/46v1Azk Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/08/24/three-forms-of-idol-worship/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

1/14/2024 • 37 minutes, 49 seconds

Hadith Fails The Authenticity Test

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Quran Study App: https://apple.co/46v1Azk Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/12/24/unreliability-of-most-transmitted-oft-repeated-and-witnessed-hadith/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

1/10/2024 • 22 minutes

Anatomy of a Miracle

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Quran Study App: https://apple.co/46v1Azk Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/12/09/two-kinds-of-miracles-part-i/ https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/12/09/anatomy-of-a-miracle-part-ii/ https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/12/09/miracles-timing-part-iii/ https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/12/09/messenger-miracle-message-part-iv/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

12/16/2023 • 37 minutes, 21 seconds

Anatomy of a Miracle

12/16/2023 • 37 minutes, 21 seconds

Was Abraham a Liar? (Quran vs. Hadith)

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Quran Study App: https://apple.co/46v1Azk Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/11/25/abrahams-honesty-quran-vs-hadith/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

12/9/2023 • 36 minutes, 9 seconds

How did the messenger judge?

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Quran Study App: https://apple.co/46v1Azk Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/03/29/how-did-the-messenger-judge/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

12/2/2023 • 20 minutes, 49 seconds

What is the Most Gracious?

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/09/01/what-is-the-most-gracious/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

11/25/2023 • 16 minutes, 34 seconds

Fallibility of the Companions

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/11/05/fallibility-of-the-companions-sahahba/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

11/18/2023 • 38 minutes, 27 seconds

Gaming Isnads

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/10/21/gaming-isnads/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

11/15/2023 • 23 minutes, 30 seconds

When Sahihs Disagree

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/10/21/when-sahihs-disagree/ https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/07/04/4-witnesses-hadith/ https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/10/21/gaming-isnads/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

11/4/2023 • 20 minutes, 19 seconds

Multi-Meaning Verses

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/10/26/multi-meaning-verses/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

10/28/2023 • 27 minutes, 43 seconds

Evolution of Hadith Reliance in Sunni Islam

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/10/12/evolution-of-hadith-reliance-in-sunni-islam/ https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/09/02/oldest-hadith-manuscripts/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

10/12/2023 • 33 minutes

Numerical Quran

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/02/28/day-mentioned-365-times-in-quran/ https://qurantalkblog.com/2022/02/09/iron/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

9/30/2023 • 20 minutes

The Written Quran

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2022/12/11/the-written-quran/ https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/09/04/oldest-quran-manuscripts/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

9/23/2023 • 20 minutes, 5 seconds

Hadith Literature

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/09/11/excerpts-from-hadith-literature-by-muhammad-zubayr-siddiqi/ Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

9/16/2023 • 32 minutes, 11 seconds

Did The Prophet Explain the Quran?

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/08/18/who-explains-the-quran/ https://qurantalkblog.com/2022/08/15/muhammad-was-not-authorized-to-explain-quran/ Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

9/9/2023 • 30 minutes, 54 seconds

Gender & Society

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/08/25/gender-society/ Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

8/26/2023 • 20 minutes, 39 seconds

Trust and Society

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/08/07/trust-and-society/ Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

8/7/2023 • 23 minutes, 11 seconds

The Challenge

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/07/06/the-challenge/ Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

7/8/2023 • 43 minutes, 32 seconds

Know Your Enemy

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/06/16/know-your-enemy/ Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

6/17/2023 • 27 minutes, 40 seconds

All praise be to God

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/05/17/meaning-of-muhammad/ https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/05/18/muhammad-worship/ https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/04/05/worship-god-or-his-hypothetical-son/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

5/20/2023 • 35 minutes, 37 seconds

Appreciation or Hell

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

5/13/2023 • 19 minutes, 32 seconds

Invisible Mountains

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/05/04/invisible-mountains-hadith/ Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

5/6/2023 • 35 minutes, 1 second

Idolizing the Prophet

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/04/27/idolizing-the-prophet-past-and-present/ Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/ Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Video Notes: Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkquran Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

4/29/2023 • 32 minutes, 51 seconds

Support the Strivers

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/04/21/support-the-strivers/ Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Quran Talk Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

4/22/2023 • 14 minutes, 26 seconds

19 Hadith Against Sunnah

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/04/14/19-hadith-against-sunnah/ Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

4/15/2023 • 24 minutes, 17 seconds

Elevation

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/04/06/elevation-part-1/ https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/04/06/elevation-part-2/ Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

4/8/2023 • 21 minutes, 41 seconds

Selfishness

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/01/05/selfishness/ Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-in...

3/11/2023 • 20 minutes, 44 seconds

21 Reasons Historians are Skeptical of Hadith

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Original Interview: https://youtu.be/Bz4vMUUxhag Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/ https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/02/08/21-reasons-historians-are-skeptical-of-hadith/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

2/11/2023 • 57 minutes, 48 seconds

The Sting Operation

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/02/03/the-sting-operation/ https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/02/02/bala-vs-fitna/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

2/4/2023 • 28 minutes, 15 seconds

Abu Hurayra

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/01/20/abu-hurayra/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

1/21/2023 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 34 seconds

Hadith, Lies, and Civil Wars

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2023/01/11/hadith-lies-and-civil-wars/ Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

1/12/2023 • 49 minutes, 41 seconds

The Difficult Path

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

12/17/2022 • 27 minutes, 20 seconds

Head Coverings

12/10/2022 • 33 minutes, 13 seconds

No Partners With God

12/3/2022 • 28 minutes, 3 seconds

How Hadith& Sunnism Destroyed Islam and Rationality

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2022/11/07/how-hadith-and-sunnism-destroyed-islam-and-rationality/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

11/8/2022 • 35 minutes, 25 seconds

First Comes Righteousness

Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

10/22/2022 • 21 minutes, 8 seconds

Anti-Hadith Hadith of Sahih Bukhari

Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/2022/10/13/anti-hadith-hadith-of-sahih-al-bukhari/ Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ Blog: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/

10/16/2022 • 26 minutes, 28 seconds

Livestock

9/24/2022 • 25 minutes, 57 seconds

Despicable Hadith

8/27/2022 • 21 minutes, 27 seconds

The Golden Calf of Islam

8/13/2022 • 18 minutes, 59 seconds

Satanic Abrogation

8/6/2022 • 41 minutes, 54 seconds

Quran and Hikmah

Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Video Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Witness A Miracle: https://qurantalk.gitbook.io/quran-initial-count/ Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/

7/23/2022 • 23 minutes, 16 seconds

Prophet (Nabi) and Messenger (Rasool) Explained

7/16/2022 • 31 minutes, 8 seconds

Hadith of God vs. Hadith of Man

7/9/2022 • 24 minutes, 18 seconds

Smell

6/25/2022 • 31 minutes, 2 seconds

Subtraction

6/18/2022 • 18 minutes, 29 seconds

Pursuit of Truth

5/28/2022 • 39 minutes, 32 seconds

The Power of One

5/21/2022 • 20 minutes, 2 seconds

Lay of the Land

5/17/2022 • 25 minutes, 11 seconds

Where Atheism Leads Society

5/14/2022 • 12 minutes, 57 seconds

Satan and Falsehood

Quran Study App: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Quran Study Website: https://www.quranstudyapp.com/grid Show Notes: https://qurantalkblog.com/ Discord: https://discord.gg/submission Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30MB7Nw Podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Additional Resources: https://www.quraniclabs.com/ http://www.masjidtucson.org

4/30/2022 • 33 minutes, 33 seconds

The Kernel of Righteousness

4/23/2022 • 24 minutes, 18 seconds

The Parent’s Responsibility

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3/26/2022 • 27 minutes, 47 seconds

Gender Babel

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3/19/2022 • 33 minutes, 19 seconds

Power And Responsibility

2/26/2022 • 21 minutes, 21 seconds

Imitation Versus Reality

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2/19/2022 • 31 minutes, 59 seconds

The Original Con Artist

2/12/2022 • 21 minutes, 51 seconds

Judging Sincerity

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2/5/2022 • 26 minutes, 53 seconds

Simple Miraculous Blessings

1/29/2022 • 23 minutes, 19 seconds

The Ark For Our Generation

1/22/2022 • 17 minutes, 27 seconds

Unanswerable Questions

1/15/2022 • 26 minutes, 49 seconds

The Islamic Reformation

1/8/2022 • 29 minutes, 31 seconds

Religious Hedonism

1/1/2022 • 24 minutes, 17 seconds

Religion of Disbelief

12/25/2021 • 24 minutes, 26 seconds

Salawat

12/18/2021 • 15 minutes, 18 seconds

Remembering God

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12/11/2021 • 16 minutes, 6 seconds

God‘s Protection

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11/21/2021 • 22 minutes, 55 seconds

Is Atheism Dead?

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11/14/2021 • 24 minutes, 2 seconds

Poisonous Ideas

11/6/2021 • 31 minutes, 16 seconds

Recalibration

10/30/2021 • 20 minutes, 33 seconds

Kind vs. Stern

10/23/2021 • 26 minutes, 2 seconds

A Complete Book

10/16/2021 • 21 minutes, 32 seconds

The True Shahada

10/10/2021 • 17 minutes, 11 seconds

Muhammad Was Not Illiterate

10/6/2021 • 17 minutes, 32 seconds

Let go and let God

9/25/2021 • 19 minutes, 37 seconds

False Doctrines: Hadith

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9/19/2021 • 26 minutes, 20 seconds

Illusion of Control

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9/11/2021 • 24 minutes, 46 seconds

David‘s Judgment: A Biblical View

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9/2/2021 • 22 minutes, 52 seconds

Transformational Experiences

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8/26/2021 • 24 minutes, 7 seconds

Thirst

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8/19/2021 • 27 minutes, 24 seconds

Sin, Hardship, and Growth

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8/13/2021 • 27 minutes, 27 seconds

Knowledge and Division

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8/5/2021 • 19 minutes, 6 seconds

Human Space Travel and The Quran

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7/28/2021 • 32 minutes, 41 seconds

Recognition of Sin

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7/14/2021 • 13 minutes, 35 seconds

Inception

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6/30/2021 • 28 minutes, 49 seconds

Contrasting Pairs

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6/25/2021 • 16 minutes, 4 seconds

Slavery or Freedom

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6/2/2021 • 23 minutes, 8 seconds

Salat Using Quran Alone

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5/25/2021 • 28 minutes, 29 seconds

Splitting of the Moon

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5/20/2021 • 9 minutes, 53 seconds

The Lowest Land

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5/12/2021 • 21 minutes, 59 seconds

Quran Talk - Dismissing Others

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5/4/2021 • 26 minutes, 1 second

Sijjeen and Elleyeen

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4/27/2021 • 30 minutes, 13 seconds

Mortgaging Our Souls

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4/21/2021 • 19 minutes, 3 seconds

Idols and Abortion

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4/15/2021 • 31 minutes, 26 seconds

Spending in the Cause of God

4/8/2021 • 18 minutes, 11 seconds

Apathy and Society

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4/2/2021 • 14 minutes, 13 seconds

Capital Punishment

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3/12/2021 • 37 minutes, 14 seconds

The Depth of the Arabic Quran

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3/3/2021 • 23 minutes, 8 seconds

Importance of Quran Translations

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2/26/2021 • 21 minutes, 14 seconds

Dioecious And Non-Dioecious

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12/25/2020 • 17 minutes, 41 seconds

Equality vs. Equity

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12/10/2020 • 31 minutes, 26 seconds

Intoxicants

12/3/2020 • 17 minutes, 51 seconds

The Importance of Understanding

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11/25/2020 • 13 minutes, 1 second

The Tyranny of Idol Worship

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11/20/2020 • 27 minutes, 37 seconds

Trump as an Idol

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11/11/2020 • 19 minutes, 22 seconds

The Purpose of The Universe

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11/5/2020 • 32 minutes, 25 seconds

Following The Truth In Face of Bias

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10/29/2020 • 34 minutes, 6 seconds

Follow The Quran, Not The Ulama

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10/22/2020 • 21 minutes, 47 seconds

Hate Crimes & The Cobra Effect

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10/15/2020 • 21 minutes, 23 seconds

Corruption In Society

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10/1/2020 • 16 minutes, 3 seconds

Satan As A Khalifa

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9/24/2020 • 17 minutes, 8 seconds

Two Lessons About Hadith From The Quran

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9/18/2020 • 22 minutes, 7 seconds

Quran: The Only Legitimate Hadith

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9/10/2020 • 32 minutes, 27 seconds

Choice and Fairness

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9/3/2020 • 21 minutes, 15 seconds

Bigotry Is Not A Virtue

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8/30/2020 • 22 minutes, 46 seconds

China and The Three Gorges Dam (Perception of Nature vs. Reality of Nature)

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8/27/2020 • 22 minutes, 6 seconds

Where is Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa?

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8/24/2020 • 12 minutes, 44 seconds

God is Physical

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8/20/2020 • 16 minutes, 15 seconds

Light From Men vs. Light From God

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8/13/2020 • 18 minutes, 24 seconds

A Tale of Two Communities

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8/6/2020 • 26 minutes, 47 seconds

Quran Talk - Yesterday

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7/31/2020 • 24 minutes, 7 seconds

Child Marriage

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7/22/2020 • 12 minutes, 25 seconds

BLM and The Religion of Wokeism

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7/16/2020 • 23 minutes, 32 seconds

Free Speech, Cancel Culture, and the Manipulation of Language

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7/9/2020 • 27 minutes, 20 seconds

Abraham, Circumcision & Quran

7/1/2020 • 43 minutes, 26 seconds

BLM vs Black Lives Matter

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6/26/2020 • 54 minutes, 5 seconds

Localism

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6/17/2020 • 20 minutes, 28 seconds

Justice in Society

6/9/2020 • 22 minutes, 48 seconds

Metric By Which We Judge

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6/2/2020 • 19 minutes, 40 seconds

Algorithms For Life

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5/26/2020 • 14 minutes, 20 seconds

Quran: Top 10 Mistranslated Verses

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12/20/2019 • 33 minutes, 36 seconds

Quran Burning, Muslim Hypocrisy & China

Subscribe to the podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Video notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/QuranStudy19/ Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com What should be our response to Quran Burning - Norway? [6:68] If you see those who mock our revelations, you shall avoid them until they delve into another subject. If the devil causes you to forget, then, as soon as you remember, do not sit with such evil people. [6:69] The righteous are not responsible for the utterances of those people, but it may help to remind them; perhaps they may be saved. [5:57] O you who believe, do not befriend those among the recipients of previous scripture who mock and ridicule your religion, nor shall you befriend the disbelievers. You shall reverence GOD, if you are really believers. [4:140] He has instructed you in the scripture that: if you hear GOD's revelations being mocked and ridiculed, you shall not sit with them, unless they delve into another subject. Otherwise, you will be as guilty as they are. GOD will gather the hypocrites and the disbelievers together in Hell. [109:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful [109:1] Say, "O you disbelievers. [109:2] "I do not worship what you worship. [109:3] "Nor do you worship what I worship. [109:4] "Nor will I ever worship what you worship. [109:5] "Nor will you ever worship what I worship. [109:6] "To you is your religion, and to me is my religion.” [87:9] Therefore, you shall remind; perhaps the reminder will benefit. [87:10] The reverent will take heed. [87:11] The wicked will avoid it. [60:8] GOD does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them. GOD loves the equitable. [60:9] GOD enjoins you only from befriending those who fight you because of religion, evict you from your homes, and band together with others to banish you. You shall not befriend them. Those who befriend them are the transgressors. [2:256] There shall be no compulsion in religion: the right way is now distinct from the wrong way. Anyone who denounces the devil and believes in GOD has grasped the strongest bond; one that never breaks. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient. When can we fight? [2:190] You may fight in the cause of GOD against those who attack you, but do not aggress. GOD does not love the aggressors. [2:191] You may kill those who wage war against you, and you may evict them whence they evicted you. Oppression is worse than murder. Do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque (Masjid), unless they attack you therein. If they attack you, you may kill them. This is the just retribution for those disbelievers. [2:192] If they refrain, then GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [2:193] You may also fight them to eliminate oppression, and to worship GOD freely. If they refrain, you shall not aggress; aggression is permitted only against the aggressors. Even if we are being oppressed the first response is to get up and move [9:38] O you who believe, when you are told, "Mobilize in the cause of GOD," why do you become heavily attached to the ground? Have you chosen this worldly life in place of the Hereafter? The materials of this world, compared to the Hereafter, are nil. [4:97] Those whose lives are terminated by the angels, while in a state of wronging their souls, the angels will ask them, "What was the matter with you?" They will say, "We were oppressed on earth." They will say, "Was GOD's earth not spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?" For these, the final abode is Hell, and a miserable destiny. [4:75] Why should you not fight in the cause of GOD when weak men, women, and children are imploring: "Our Lord, deliver us from this community whose people are oppressive, and be You our Lord and Master.” https://apnews.com/b3769b3b2bcc43c8b68826c144cbc447 Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry says it has summoned Norway’s ambassador to convey the deep concern of the government and Pakistani people over the recent burning of Islam’s holy book by a Norwegian man that was caught on video. In Saturday’s statement, the ministry said: “Such actions hurt the sentiments of 1.3 billion Muslims around the world.” The statement demanded action against the person in the city of Kristiansand who desecrated the Quran at an anti-Islam rally last week. Pakistan’s reaction comes after video surfaced on social media showing a non-Muslim man burning the book. Meanwhile https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/ap-exclusive-629-pakistani-girls-sold-brides-china-67561510 629 Pakistani girls sold as brides to China The list gives the most concrete figure yet for the number of women caught up in the trafficking schemes since 2018. https://www.wsj.com/articles/pakistan-gives-a-pass-to-chinas-oppression-of-muslims-11570142866 Foreign observers estimate that hundreds of thousands and perhaps millions of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in "re-education through labor" camps, prisons and other detention facilities for refusing to renounce the spiritual practice In 2006, allegations emerged that many Falun Gong practitioners had been killed to supply China's organ transplant industry. An initial investigation found that "the source of 41,500 transplants for the six year period 2000 to 2005 is unexplained" and concluded that "there has been and continues today to be large scale organ seizures from unwilling Falun Gong practitioners". Ethan Gutmann estimates 65,000 Falun Gong practitioners were killed for their organs from 2000 to 2008. Currently, as many as 90,000 transplant operations a year are being carried out in China, the tribunal estimated, a far higher figure than that given by official government sources. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jun/17/china-is-harvesting-organs-from-detainees-uk-tribunal-concludes Dr. Jacob Lavee, Director of the Heart Transplant Unit at the Sheba Medical Center in Israel, recounts one of his patients traveling to China for a heart transplant. The patient waited two weeks for a heart, and the surgery was scheduled in advance—meaning the organ could not have been procured on the basis of a random death. Franz Immer, chairman of the Swiss National Foundation for organ donation and transplantation, reports that during a visit to Beijing in 2007, he was invited by his Chinese hosts to observe a heart transplantation operation: “The organizer asked us whether we would like to have the transplantation operation in the morning or in the afternoon. This means that the donor would die, or be killed, at a given time, at the convenience of the visitors. I refused to participate.” This is because organs must be transplanted immediately after death, or must be taken from a living donor (kidneys must be transplanted within 24–48 hours; livers within 12 hours, and hearts within 8 hours). Editors of the Journal of Clinical Investigation write that “The only way to guarantee transplant of a liver or heart during the relatively short time period that a transplant tourist is in China is to quickly obtain the requisite medical information from prospective recipients, find matches among them, and then execute a person who is a suitable match.”[26] Noto similarly says that China's organ transplant wait times and the ability to schedule transplants in advance can only be achieved by having a large supply of “living donors that are available on demand.” Death row inmates alone are not numerous enough to meet this demand.[64] Israel ban citizens going to China for organ transplants Hoja claims up to 40% of the province's Uyghur population, as many as four million people, could currently be held in the "re-education camps." "They are ill-treated there. They are tortured there. Even you cannot speak your own language in there, you are brainwashed," Hoja alleged. "Every day before your meal you have to sing a 'red' (communist) song, and say thank you to (Chinese President) Xi Jinping or the Communist Party.” 22 countries that condemned China’s forced detention of the Uighur people signatories are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK. Australia: China valued at $183 billion accounting for 24% of total trade. China remained Australia's largest two-way trading partner, export market and import source. In 2018, China invested $63.6B into Australia. https://www.npr.org/2019/12/04/784753252/china-rebukes-house-bill-condemning-crackdown-on-uighurs China Rebukes House Bill Condemning Crackdown On Uighurs 12/3/2019 - US House approves bill that calls for sanctioning Chinese officials over Muslim detainment camps https://www.cnbc.com/2019/12/04/us-house-approves-bill-calling-for-tougher-response-to-china-muslim-detainment-camps.html The letter from the 37 countries lauded China’s “remarkable achievements in the field of human rights” and particularly its contribution to “protecting and promoting human rights through development”. Signing the second letter, in defense of China’s policies, were: Algeria, Angola, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Comoros, Congo, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Gabon, Kuwait, Laos, Myanmar, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe. Immediately noticeable is the geographic divergence between each list. The first is dominated by Western states, mostly in Europe, and the second stuffed with African and Middle Eastern nations. Importantly, the first letter does not include a single signature from a Muslim-majority state while the second features many, including Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Saudi crown prince defends China's right to put Uighur Muslims in concentration camps Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’’s crown prince, on Friday defended China’s use of concentration camps for Muslims, saying it was Beijing’s “right”. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/02/22/saudi-crown-prince-defends-chinas-right-put-uighur-muslims-concentration/ Qãroon [28:76] Qãroon (the slave driver) was one of Moses' people who betrayed them and oppressed them. We gave him so many treasures that the keys thereof were almost too heavy for the strongest band. His people said to him, "Do not be so arrogant; GOD does not love those who are arrogant. [28:77] "Use the provisions bestowed upon you by GOD to seek the abode of the Hereafter, without neglecting your share in this world. Be charitable, as GOD has been charitable towards you. Do not keep on corrupting the earth. GOD does not love the corruptors." [28:78] He said, "I attained all this because of my own cleverness." Did he not realize that GOD had annihilated before him generations that were much stronger than he, and greater in number? The (annihilated) transgressors were not asked about their crimes. [28:79] One day, he came out to his people in full splendor. Those who preferred this worldly life said, "Oh, we wish that we possess what Qãroon has attained. Indeed, he is very fortunate." The Real Wealth [28:80] As for those who were blessed with knowledge, they said, "Woe to you, GOD's recompense is far better for those who believe and lead a righteous life." None attains this except the steadfast. The Tyrants' Inevitable Fate [28:81] We then caused the earth to swallow him and his mansion. No army could have helped him against GOD; he was not destined to be a winner. [28:82] Those who were envious of him the day before said, "Now we realize that GOD is the One who provides for whomever He chooses from among His servants, and withholds. If it were not for GOD's grace towards us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us too. We now realize that the disbelievers never succeed.” As for China Claim that they closed the education camps [49:6] O you who believe, if a wicked person brings any news to you, you shall first investigate, lest you commit injustice towards some people, out of ignorance, then become sorry and remorseful for what you have done. [96:6] Indeed, the human transgresses. [96:7] When he becomes rich. [96:8] To your Lord is the ultimate destiny. [96:9] Have you seen the one who enjoins. [96:10] Others from praying? [96:11] Is it not better for him to follow the guidance? [96:12] Or advocate righteousness? [96:13] If he disbelieves and turns away. [96:14] Does he not realize that GOD sees? [96:15] Indeed, unless he refrains, we will take him by the forelock. [96:16] A forelock that is disbelieving and sinful. [96:17] Let him then call on his helpers. [96:18] We will call the guardians of Hell. [96:19] You shall not obey him; you shall fall prostrate and draw nearer. [10:100] No soul can believe except in accordance with GOD's will. For He places a curse upon those who refuse to understand. [10:101] Say, "Look at all the signs in the heavens and the earth." All the proofs and all the warnings can never help people who decided to disbelieve. [10:102] Can they expect other than the fate of their counterparts in the past? Say, "Just wait, and, along with you, I am also waiting.” [35:43] They resorted to arrogance on earth, and evil scheming, and the evil schemes only backfire on those who scheme them. Should they then expect anything but the fate of those who did the same things in the past? You will find that GOD's system is never changeable; you will find that GOD's system is immutable. [35:44] Have they not roamed the earth and noted the consequences for those who preceded them? They were even stronger than they. Nothing can be hidden from GOD in the heavens, nor on earth. He is Omniscient, Omnipotent. [35:45] If GOD punished the people for their sins, He would not leave a single creature on earth. But He respites them for a predetermined interim. Once their interim is fulfilled, then GOD is Seer of His servants.

12/11/2019 • 31 minutes, 55 seconds

Quran Talk - Mountains as Stabilizers

Subscribe to the podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Video notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/QuranStudy19/ Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com [13:3] He is the One who constructed the earth and placed on it mountains and rivers. And from the different kinds of fruits, He made them into pairs - males and females. The night overtakes the day. These are solid proofs for people who think. [88:17] Why do they not reflect on the camels and how they are created? [88:18] And the sky and how it is raised. [88:19] And the mountains and how they are constructed. [88:20] And the earth and how it is built. The distance to the center of the Earth is 6,371 kilometers (3,958 mi), Earth's inner core is the innermost geologic layer of the Earth. It is primarily a solid ball with a radius of about 1,220 kilometres (760 miles), which is about 20% of the Earth's radius. We have no samples of the Earth's core available for direct measurement, but from analysis of seismic waves and the magnetic field the inner core is believed to be composed of an iron–nickel alloy with some other elements. The temperature at the inner core's surface is estimated to be approximately 5700 K (5430 °C or 9806 °F), which is about the temperature at the surface of the Sun. Earth's outer core is a fluid layer about 2,400 km (1,500 mi or 40% of Earth’s radius) thick and composed of mostly liquid iron and nickel. Its outer boundary lies 2,890 km (1,800 mi) beneath Earth's surface. The transition between the inner core and outer core is located approximately 5,150 km (3,200 mi) beneath the Earth's surface. Earth’s mantle: The mantle is the mostly-solid bulk of Earth's interior. The mantle lies between Earth's dense, super-heated core and its thin outer layer, the crust. The mantle is about 2,900 kilometers (1,802 miles 40% of Earth’s radius) thick, and makes up a whopping 84% of Earth's total volume. Humans have drilled over 12 kilometers (7.67 miles) in the Sakhalin-I. In terms of depth below the surface, the Kola Superdeep Borehole SG-3 retains the world record at 12,262 metres (40,230 ft) in 1989 and still is the deepest artificial point on Earth. The Earth's crust is a thin shell on the outside of the Earth, accounting for less than 1% of Earth's volume. The Earth's crust ranges from 5–70 kilometres (3.1–43.5 mi) in depth. Because Earth’s crust are less dense than the mantle below, both types of crust "float" on the mantle. Mountains Moving Continental drift The Earth has 7 major plates. Each of these plates float onto of the Earth’s mantle. Each year each plate moves about an inch. When these plates collide into one another the plate that is stronger moves below and the plate that is weaker moves on top. Then over millions of years this accumulation in moving causes the formation of mountains. Mountains are waves of stone - their time horizon is much longer and move much slower [27:88] When you look at the mountains, you think that they are standing still. But they are moving, like the clouds. Such is the manufacture of GOD, who perfected everything. He is fully Cognizant of everything you do. [79:30] He made the earth egg-shaped. 79 30 1 وَالْأَرْضَ And the earth wal-arḍa ا ر ﺽ 79 30 2 بَعْدَ after baʿda ب ع د 79 30 3 ذَٰلِكَ that dhālika ذ ل ك 79 30 4 دَحَاهَا spread it / made it egg-shaped. daḥāhā د ح و The root for the word has predominately two meanings: the first meaning is of an egg, but specifically an ostrich egg. The word دَحَاهَا / dahaha in Arabic comes from the word for an egg, but specifically an ostrich egg. The Earth is not a perfect sphere it is an Oblate Spheroid, where the north and south pole are slightly compressed and the equator is slightly expanded. What kind of an ostrich did the Arabs at the time of the revelation of the Quran have among them? It was called the Arabian ostrich (also known as the Syrian ostrich) that sadly went extinct in the early 20th century. But luckily for us one of these eggs was discovered and preserved. It was as a gift the poet C.M. Doughty gave to archeologist T.E. Lawrence. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p030vqx5 https://twitter.com/nhm_oology/status/576067708837605376 Egg yolk = core, egg white = mantle, shell = crust The second meaning of the root دَحَاهَا / dahaha means: to spread, stretch, expand, I equate this to the description of the tectonic plates of the earth. That God is giving us two pieces of information about the earth, one is its shape, the other is it’s make up. When people describe the plate tectonics of the Earth they describe it like an egg that is cracked with its shell bumping into one another. Mars Without the fragmentation of the crust of the Earth through plate tectonics the only mountains we would of had would be volcanoes. The tallest mountain in our Solar System is on Mars. It is called Mount Olympus (72,000 ft) twice as tall as Mount Everest. Early on, Mars had really active volcanoes, fed by hot, rising blobs of rock from deep inside. But Mars doesn't have tectonic plates that move over hotspots, like in Hawaii. So instead of getting a chain of volcanoes, you could keep building one huge one. And, with the lower gravity on Mars, that magma could be pushed to great heights. Plate tectonics is not necessary for the creation of mountains, but without plate tectonics many of the minerals and nutrients that are part of the crust and mantle of the Earth would never get to the surface. mountains act as elevators for minerals deep in the earth What do we gain from mountains? There are typically two words throughout the Quran that God uses in reference to mountains. الْجَبَلَ (al-jabal) = mountain رَوَاسِيَ (rawaseea) = stabilizers (78:7) [15:19] As for the earth, we constructed it, and placed on it stabilizers (mountains), and we grew on it a perfect balance of everything. How are mountains stabilizers [78:7] And the mountains stabilizers (awtādan) ? 78 7 1 وَالْجِبَالَ And the mountains wal-jibāla ج ب ل 78 7 2 أَوْتَادًا (as) pegs / stakes (stabilizers). awtādan و ت د [16:15] And He placed stabilizers (mountains) on earth, lest it tumbles with you, as well as rivers and roads, that you may be guided. [21:31] And we placed on earth stabilizers, lest it tumbles with them, and we placed straight roads therein, that they may be guided. [31:10] He created the heavens without pillars that you can see. He established on earth stabilizers (mountains) lest it tumbles with you, and He spread on it all kinds of creatures. We send down from the sky water to grow all kinds of beautiful plants. Rain Shadow Effect Mountains catch the moisture of rivers of water in the sky and snow and produce fresh water [77:27] We placed on it high mountains, and provided you with fresh water to drink. Beetle in the desert goes to the tops of the dunes for moisture to drink, then the birds eat the beetles for water Most mountain ranges occur along coastlines. Minerals taken from mountains and dumped into oceans and rivers for life Rain, snow and wind dissolve the limestone and send it back to the ocean, where it settles That was enough to convince them that the forces that churn the earth’s crust into jagged peaks also help our climate stay relatively stable Rivers Mountains are often called nature's water towers. ... It is no surprise then that in semi-arid and arid regions, over 70 to 90 percent of river flows come from mountains. But even in temperate areas, 30 to 60 percent of freshwater can come from highland watersheds. Carbon Cycle Climate cycle keeps temperatures stable Winds Deflects the winds Stabilize the weather Colors [35:27] Do you not realize that GOD sends down from the sky water, whereby we produce fruits of various colors? Even the mountains have different colors; the peaks are white, or red, or some other color. And the ravens are black. Without mountains, there will be a more uniform distribution of rainfall. Aesthetically, over time, plate movements, together with other geologic processes, have created some of Nature's most magnificent scenery. Without mountains on our planet, we would lose our trees and our other plant life - moving down that chain of living things. That bedrock would be ground away by storms. The Earth would become smaller and smaller and without plants, it would lose its atmosphere. Something interesting about Mountains and specifically their tops, I don’t think any location is held more dearly to individuals globally as mountain tops. Everywhere in the world, people consider their mountains and specifically their tops as sacred, but sometimes for vastly different reasons. A perfect example of this is happening right now in Hawaii. Mauna Kea, in Hawai’i on the Big Island. Its peak is 4,207.3 m (13,803 ft) above sea level. Most of the volcano is underwater, and when measured from its underwater base, Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world if you measure from its base which is ~20,000 ft below sea level, measuring over 10,000 m (33,000 ft) in height. Everest from its base is 29,029′ For generations, the Hawaiian people considered the top of their beloved mountain as sacred, and this came to a tipping point because on top of Mauna Kea is also one of the best locations in the world to observe the night sky. The brightest places in the world have the darkest skies The location is near ideal because of its dark skies from lack of light pollution, good astronomical seeing, low humidity, high elevation above most of the water vapor in the atmosphere, clean air, good weather and low latitude location. Also, Mauna Kea is one of the only places in the world where you can drive from sea level to 14,000 feet in about 2 hours. So it makes it one of the best places in the world to set up an observatory Currently, there are 13 observatories at Mauna Kea summit. Today there is an ongoing debate in Hawaii regarding the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) is considered an Extremely Large Telescope. It will actually be the largest telescope in the northern hemisphere, if it is built. Portal into the rest of the universe where you realize you are on this rock hurling through the cosmos Both groups appreciate and see the sacredness in mountain tops but for two fundamentally different reasons. But both can appreciate that at these locations it instills a feeling of humility and reverence in human beings. For one we realize how insignificant we are, how vast the universe is, and how great God who created all this is. [41:10] He placed on it stabilizers (mountains), made it productive, and He calculated its provisions in four days, to satisfy the needs of all its inhabitants. 41 10 1 وَجَعَلَ And He placed wajaʿala ج ع ل 41 10 2 فِيهَا therein fīhā ف ي 41 10 3 رَوَاسِيَ stabilizers (mountains) rawāsiya ر س و 41 10 4 مِنْ from min م ن 41 10 5 فَوْقِهَا above it fawqihā ف و ق 41 10 6 وَبَارَكَ and He blessed wabāraka ب ر ك 41 10 7 فِيهَا therein. fīhā ف ي Humility Mountains keep people balanced between spiritual and scientific Humble and aspirational [17:37] You shall not walk proudly on earth —you cannot bore through the earth, nor can you be as tall as the mountains. [7:171] We raised the mountain above them like an umbrella, and they thought it was going to fall on them: "You shall uphold what we have given you, strongly, and remember the contents thereof, that you may be saved." Mountains humble the human instincts and reveal our insignificance We look like ants Half Dome Mountains Day of Judgment [18:47] The day will come when we wipe out the mountains, and you will see the earth barren. We will summon them all, not leaving out a single one of them. [52:10 / 56:5 / 81:3] The mountains will be wiped out. [70:9 / 101:5] The mountains will be like fluffy wool. [73:16] The day will come when the earth and the mountains will quake, and the mountains will turn into a weightless pile. [77:10] The mountains are blown up. [78:20] The mountains will be removed, as if they were a mirage. [20:105] They ask you about the mountains. Say, "My Lord will wipe them out. [69:14] The earth and the mountains will be carried off and crushed; utterly crushed. [73:14] The day will come when the earth and the mountains will quake, and the mountains will turn into a weightless pile. No Ego: [33:72] We have offered the responsibility (freedom of choice) to the heavens and the earth, and the mountains, but they refused to bear it, and were afraid of it. But the human being accepted it; he was transgressing, ignorant. [22:18] Do you not realize that to GOD prostrates everyone in the heavens and the earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the mountains, and the trees, and the animals, and many people? Many others among the people are committed to doom. Whomever GOD shames, none will honor him. Everything is in accordance with GOD's will.

12/6/2019 • 25 minutes, 29 seconds

Wisdom - The Things That Never Change

Subscribe to the Quran Talk podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Check out video notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/QuranStudy19/ Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com Knowledge / Wisdom / Understanding [2:269] He bestows wisdom upon whomever He chooses, and whoever attains wisdom, has attained a great bounty. Only those who possess intelligence will take heed. Proverbs 8: 10 Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. 11 For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her. Proverbs 16:16 How much better to acquire wisdom than gold; to gain understanding is more desirable than silver. What is wisdom? [31:12] We have endowed Luqmãn with wisdom: "You shall be appreciative of GOD." Whoever is appreciative is appreciative for his own good. As for those who turn unappreciative, GOD is in no need, Praiseworthy. [31:13] Recall that Luqmãn said to his son, as he enlightened him, "O my son, do not set up any idols beside GOD; idolatry is a gross injustice.” [31:16] "O my son, know that even something as tiny as a mustard seed, deep inside a rock, be it in the heavens or the earth, GOD will bring it. GOD is Sublime, Cognizant. [31:17] "O my son, you shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat). You shall advocate righteousness and forbid evil, and remain steadfast in the face of adversity. These are the most honorable traits. [31:18] "You shall not treat the people with arrogance, nor shall you roam the earth proudly. GOD does not like the arrogant showoffs. [31:19] "Walk humbly and lower your voice—the ugliest voice is the donkey's voice.” But there is one other key to wisdom: If information was all we need six pack abs and millionaires [62:5] The example of those who were given the Torah then failed to uphold it is like the donkey carrying great works of literature. Miserable indeed is the example of people who rejected GOD's revelations. GOD does not guide the wicked people. Knowledge without action is useless Knowledge like wealth is a provision meaning that it is allocated strictly by God to His servants [34:39] Say, "My Lord is the One who controls all provisions; He increases the provisions for whomever He chooses from among His servants, or reduces them. Anything you spend (in the cause of God), He will reward you for it; He is the Best Provider.” We used to hoard stuff now many of us hoard knowledge - as if I just read one more book, listen to one more podcast, read one more article or tweet then I will be complete. It never ends are apatite for information is endless. Hoarding in Arabic means the continuous pursuit for more things. The only thing we should be continuously pursuing for our entire lives is righteousness and attempting to gain God’s favor because this is the only thing that will matter in the Hereafter Like anything else - if we are unappreciative of the knowledge God gave us then He may take it back. [17:85] They ask you about the revelation. Say, "The revelation comes from my Lord. The knowledge given to you is minute." [17:86] If we will, we can take back what we revealed to you, then you will find no protector against us. We think that wisdom comes with knowing more, but the only thing that comes with knowing more is responsibility. Knowledge is just like wealth the more we have the more we are responsible for The Rich Believer is Better than the Poor Believer [16:75] GOD cites the example of a slave who is owned, and is totally powerless, compared to one whom we blessed with good provisions, from which he gives to charity secretly and publicly. Are they equal? Praise be to GOD, most of them do not know. [16:76] And GOD cites the example of two men: one is dumb, lacks the ability to do anything, is totally dependent on his master—whichever way he directs him, he cannot produce anything good. Is he equal to one who rules with justice, and is guided in the right path? [58:11] O you who believe, if you are told, "Please make room," you shall make room for each other to sit. GOD will then make room for you. If you are asked to get up and move, get up and move. GOD raises those among you who believe, and those who acquire knowledge to higher ranks. GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do. What is the difference between one who has knowledge and doesn’t use it and one who doesn’t have knowledge - nothing in their actions but everything regarding their responsibility We are each responsible for what we know But God’s tests have nothing to do with what we know, it is about what we do with the knowledge that he has given to us. Knowing a lot and doing nothing is far worse than knowing nothing. God doesn’t judge you by how much you know He judges you by what you do with the knowledge you have Jesus parable of the talents Matthew 25:14–30 Difference between Wisdom and Understanding Black box example Like knowing who committed the murder compared to knowing what was the reason the person committed the murder [21:78] And David and Solomon, when they once ruled with regard to someone's crop that was destroyed by another's sheep. We witnessed their judgment. [21:79] We granted Solomon the correct understanding, though we endowed both of them with wisdom and knowledge…. 21 79 1 فَفَهَّمْنَاهَا Then we gave understanding and appreciation of it fafahhamnāhā ف ه م 21 79 2 سُلَيْمَانَ (to) Solomon, sulaymāna س ل م 21 79 3 وَكُلًّا but (to) each wakullan ك ل ل 21 79 4 آتَيْنَا we gave ātaynā ا ت ي 21 79 5 حُكْمًا judgement / authority / wisdom ḥuk'man ح ك م 21 79 6 وَعِلْمًا and knowledge. waʿil'man ع ل م ف ه م = to give true understanding and appreciation of something / richness in understanding Different than ع ق ل which also means understanding ح ك م = wisdom; knowledge; quality judgement; authority = equates knowing and doing Wisdom = knowing how the world really works Understanding = why the world works the way it does Difference between blindly following and faith If we know and have verified that the book is beyond a doubt from God, then we trust in God’s commandments and His words. Difference between a directive and a suggestion If you trust the source you don’t need to know the reasons For instance you go to the doctor or mechanic and they give you a prescription - if you trust them that they have done the research and are the expert in the field then you do not need to know the science behind why they prescribed the medication they gave you, and also you will eventually see first hand the benefits it has after you put it in action. How can we find wisdom? Jeff Bezos - focus on what never changes Jeff Bezos founded Amazon in 1994. Currently I believe his net worth is over 100 billion dollars. But while Amazon is undeniably a tech company, the business was built on this old-school premise: Focus on the things that don't change. Here's Bezos: "I very frequently get the question: "What's going to change in the next 10 years?" And that is a very interesting question; it's a very common one. I almost never get the question: "What's not going to change in the next 10 years?" And I submit to you that that second question is actually the more important of the two -- because you can build a business strategy around the things that are stable in time. ... [I]n our retail business, we know that customers want low prices, and I know that's going to be true 10 years from now. They want fast delivery; they want vast selection. It's impossible to imagine a future 10 years from now where a customer comes up and says: "Jeff, I love Amazon; I just wish the prices were a little higher." "I love Amazon; I just wish you'd deliver a little more slowly." Impossible. And so the effort we put into those things, spinning those things up, we know the energy we put into it today will still be paying off dividends for our customers 10 years from now. When you have something that you know is true, even over the long term, you can afford to put a lot of energy into it." https://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/20-years-ago-jeff-bezos-said-this-1-thing-separates-people-who-achieve-lasting-success-from-those-who-dont.html The Quran focuses on the things in life that never change. That is why the Quran is just as applicable today as it was 1400 years ago and it will be hundreds of years into the future. These are timeless wisdom. [9:70] Have they not learned anything from the previous generations; the people of Noah, Ad, Thamud, the people of Abraham, the dwellers of Midyan, and the evildoers (of Sodom and Gomorrah)? Their messengers went to them with clear proofs. GOD never wronged them; they are the ones who wronged their own souls. People are struggling and they turn to God, God blesses them then they turn arrogant and suffer the consequences of their actions Then the later generations turn back to God for redemption God redeems them and bless them only to have the next generation turn back to being unappreciative [7:94] Whenever we sent a prophet to any community, we afflicted its people with adversity and hardship, that they may implore. [7:95] Then we substituted peace and prosperity in place of that hardship. But alas, they turned heedless and said, "It was our parents who experienced that hardship before prosperity." Consequently, we punished them suddenly when they least expected. [6:34] Messengers before you have been rejected, and they steadfastly persevered in the face of rejection. They were persecuted until our victory came to them. Such is GOD's system that will never change. The history of My messengers thus sets the precedents for you. [35:43] They resorted to arrogance on earth, and evil scheming, and the evil schemes only backfire on those who scheme them. Should they then expect anything but the fate of those who did the same things in the past? You will find that GOD's system is never changeable; you will find that GOD's system is immutable. [35:44] Have they not roamed the earth and noted the consequences for those who preceded them? They were even stronger than they. Nothing can be hidden from GOD in the heavens, nor on earth. He is Omniscient, Omnipotent. [48:23] Such is GOD's system throughout history, and you will find that GOD's system is unchangeable. The more the world changes the more we find comfort in the things that never change [6:130] O you jinns and humans, did you not receive messengers from among you, who narrated to you My revelations, and warned you about the meeting of this day? They will say, "We bear witness against ourselves." They were totally preoccupied with the worldly life, and they will bear witness against themselves that they were disbelievers. [6:131] This is to show that your Lord never annihilates any community unjustly, while its people are unaware. [6:132] Everyone will attain a rank commensurate with their deeds. Your Lord is never unaware of anything they do. [6:133] Your Lord is the Rich One; possessor of all mercy. If He wills, He can remove you, and substitute whomever He wills in your place, just as He produced you from the progeny of other people. [6:134] What is promised to you will come to pass, and you can never evade it. [6:135] Say, "O my people, do your best, and so will I. You will surely find out who the ultimate victors are." Certainly, the wicked will never succeed. [31:12] We have endowed Luqmãn with wisdom: "You shall be appreciative of GOD." Whoever is appreciative is appreciative for his own good. As for those who turn unappreciative, GOD is in no need, Praiseworthy. [31:13] Recall that Luqmãn said to his son, as he enlightened him, "O my son, do not set up any idols beside GOD; idolatry is a gross injustice.” [31:16] "O my son, know that even something as tiny as a mustard seed, deep inside a rock, be it in the heavens or the earth, GOD will bring it. GOD is Sublime, Cognizant. [31:17] "O my son, you shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat). You shall advocate righteousness and forbid evil, and remain steadfast in the face of adversity. These are the most honorable traits. [31:18] "You shall not treat the people with arrogance, nor shall you roam the earth proudly. GOD does not like the arrogant showoffs. [31:19] "Walk humbly and lower your voice—the ugliest voice is the donkey's voice.” Conclusion [44:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful [44:1] H. M. [44:2] And this enlightening scripture. [44:3] We have sent it down in a blessed night, for we are to warn. [44:4] In it (the scripture), every matter of wisdom is clarified. [2:269] He bestows wisdom upon whomever He chooses, and whoever attains wisdom, has attained a great bounty. Only those who possess intelligence will take heed.

11/8/2019 • 26 minutes, 40 seconds

False Prohibitions in Islam: Are Pirates Haram?

Subscribe to the Quran Talk podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Check out video notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/QuranStudy19/ Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com [29:68] Who is more evil than one who fabricates lies and attributes them to GOD, or rejects the truth when it comes to him? Is Hell not a just retribution for the disbelievers? [6:150] Say, "Bring your witnesses who would testify that GOD has prohibited this or that." If they testify, do not testify with them. Nor shall you follow the opinions of those who reject our revelations, and those who disbelieve in the Hereafter, and those who stray away from their Lord. [7:32] Say, "Who prohibited the nice things GOD has created for His creatures, and the good provisions?" Say, "Such provisions are to be enjoyed in this life by those who believe. Moreover, the good provisions will be exclusively theirs on the Day of Resurrection." We thus explain the revelations for people who know. There are so many things that Muslims have prohibited that has no basis in the Quran. Dogs The common belief among Muslims is that dogs are haram. They base this on a number of Hadith that make the following claims: That angels do not enter homes where there is a dog or angle That it is not only prohibited to keep a dog for anything other than guarding livestock or farm work, but if you do you will have you good deeds taken away from you That the saliva of a dog is najis (unclean) and if it touches a utensil it must be washed 7 times That if a dog, donkey, or women walk in front of someone who is doing Salat that it nullifies one’s Salat. Do any of these claims have any merit according to the Quran? Dogs occur three times in the Quran and each time debunks each of the previous claims [5:4] They consult you concerning what is lawful for them; say, "Lawful for you are all good things, including what trained dogs and falcons catch for you." You train them according to GOD's teachings. You may eat what they catch for you, and mention GOD's name thereupon. You shall observe GOD. GOD is most efficient in reckoning. When a dog hunts does it use its paws or mouth to catch the food? Obviously it uses its mouth. Therefore this verse lets us know that God is telling us it is okay to eat the food that hunting dogs catch with us with their mouths. Meaning that there is no prohibition around the saliva of a dog. There is a difference between choice and prohibition In a choice someone can choose to do something - in a prohibition we are indicating that if we do something we will be committing a sin Video with kids sharing an ice cream with a dog. I find that gross, you might not, but by no means is that a sin. Sleepers of the Cave [18:18] You would think that they were awake, when they were in fact asleep. We turned them to the right side and the left side, while their dog stretched his arms in their midst. Had you looked at them, you would have fled from them, stricken with terror. When the Quran uses the term “we” as in “we turned them to the right side and the left side” this means that the angels participated. So the angels entered their sanctuary despite the fact that there was a dog clearly sleeping among them. [18:22] Some would say, "They were three; their dog being the fourth," while others would say, "Five; the sixth being their dog," as they guessed. Others said, "Seven," and the eighth was their dog. Say, "My Lord is the best knower of their number." Only a few knew the correct number. Therefore,do not argue with them; just go along with them. You need not consult anyone about this. In these verses, God is emphasizing that it is not important how many there were but that there was a dog with them sleeping with them in the cave. Was the dog doing farm work or guarding livestock - no. Petting Dogs [7:176] Had we willed, we could have elevated him therewith, but he insisted on sticking to the ground, and pursued his own opinions. Thus, he is like the dog;whether you pet him or scold him, he pants.Such is the example of people who reject our proofs. Narrate these narrations, that they may reflect. If it is prohibited to touch dogs then this would be a very strange example. [3:78] Among them are those who twist their tongues to imitate the scripture, that you may think it is from the scripture, when it is not from the scripture, and they claim that it is from GOD, when it is not from GOD. Thus, they utter lies and attribute them to GOD, knowingly. Is it Prohibited For Women to Show Their Hair in Public? The word hijab in the context of dress code does not exist in the Quran. What are the dress code for the women according to the Quran? [24:31] And tell the believing women to subdue their eyes, and maintain their chastity. Theyshall not reveal any parts of their bodies / adornments (zīnatahunna), except that which is necessary(nursing mothers). They shall cover their chests, and shall (not relax this code)revealing their adornments (zīnatahunna)in the presence of other than 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, other women, the male servants or employees whose sexual drive has been nullified, or the children who have not reached puberty.They shall not strike their feet when they walk in order to shake and reveal certain details of their bodies / adornments (zīnatihinna).All of you shall repent to GOD, O you believers, that you may succeed. زين: Adornments, ornaments, jewelry, make appealing or pleasing 24 31 1 وَقُلْ And say waqul ق و ل 24 31 2 لِلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ to the believing women lil'mu'mināti ا م ن 24 31 3 يَغْضُضْنَ they should subdue yaghḍuḍ'na غ ﺽ ﺽ 24 31 4 مِنْ [of] min م ن 24 31 5 أَبْصَارِهِنَّ their eyes abṣārihinna ب ص ر 24 31 6 وَيَحْفَظْنَ and they should guard wayaḥfaẓna ح ف ظ 24 31 7 فُرُوجَهُنَّ their chastity, furūjahunna ف ر ج 24 31 8 وَلَا and not walā ل ا 24 31 9 يُبْدِينَ they (to) reveal yub'dīna ب د و 24 31 10 زِينَتَهُنَّ their adornments (bodies) zīnatahunna زين 24 31 11 إِلَّا except illā ا ل ل ا 24 31 12 مَا what mā م ا 24 31 13 ظَهَرَ it is apparent / obvious / necessary ẓahara ظ ه ر 24 31 14 مِنْهَا of it. min'hā م ن 24 31 15 وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ And that they shall set forth / put walyaḍrib'na ﺽرب 24 31 16 بِخُمُرِهِنَّ with their cover bikhumurihinna خمر 24 31 17 عَلَىٰ over ʿalā علي 24 31 18 جُيُوبِهِنَّ their bosoms juyūbihinna جيب 24 31 19 وَلَا and not walā لا 24 31 20 يُبْدِينَ they (to) reveal yub'dīna بدو 24 31 21 زِينَتَهُنَّ their adornments (bodies) zīnatahunna زين 24 31 22 إِلَّا except illā ا ل ل ا 24 31 23 لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ to their husbands, libuʿūlatihinna ب ع ل 24 31 63 وَلَا And not walā لا 24 31 64 يَضْرِبْنَ they (shall) strike yaḍrib'na ﺽرب 24 31 65 بِأَرْجُلِهِنَّ with their feet bi-arjulihinna رجل 24 31 66 لِيُعْلَمَ that it make known liyuʿ'lama علم 24 31 67 مَا what mā ما 24 31 68 يُخْفِينَ they conceal yukh'fīna خفي 24 31 69 مِنْ of min من 24 31 70 زِينَتِهِنَّ their adornments (bodies). zīnatihinna زين Therefore adornment constitutes the boobs, hips, and butt “you shall not reveal any parts of their bodies / adornments (zīnatahunna), except that which is necessary(nursing mothers).” Quran promotes freedom of religion this does not mean that we can force people to dress this way, but believers should choose to dress in such a manner. If they want to not abide by the Quran standard that is their prerogative and if they want to go beyond that is their decision. [24:60] The elderly women who do not expect to get married commit nothing wrong by relaxing their dress code, provided they do not reveal too much of their bodies. To maintain modesty is better for them. GOD is Hearer, Knower. 24 60 8 فَلَيْسَ then not (is) falaysa ل ي س 24 60 9 عَلَيْهِنَّ on them ʿalayhinna ع ل ي 24 60 10 جُنَاحٌ any blame junāḥun ج ن ح 24 60 11 أَنْ that an ا ن 24 60 12 يَضَعْنَ they put aside (relax) yaḍaʿna و ﺽ ع 24 60 13 ثِيَابَهُنَّ their (outer) garments / robe, thiyābahunna ث و ب 24 60 14 غَيْرَ not ghayra غ ي ر 24 60 15 مُتَبَرِّجَاتٍ displaying mutabarrijātin ب ر ج 24 60 16 بِزِينَةٍ with an adornment (bodies). bizīnatin ز ي ن 24 60 17 وَأَنْ And that wa-an ا ن 24 60 18 يَسْتَعْفِفْنَ they shall maintain modesty yastaʿfif'na ع ف ف 24 60 19 خَيْرٌ (is) better khayrun خ ي ر 24 60 20 لَهُنَّ for them. lahunna ل [33:59] O prophet, tell your wives, your daughters, and the wives of the believers that they shall lengthen their (outer) garments. Thus, they will be recognized (as righteous women) and avoid being insulted. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [7:31] O children of Adam, you shall be clean and dress nicely when you go to the masjid. And eat and drink moderately. Surely, He does not love the gluttons. 7 31 1 يَابَنِي O Children (of) yābanī ب ن و 7 31 2 آدَمَ Adam! ādama ا د م 7 31 3 خُذُوا Take* [you all] khudhū ا خ ذ 7 31 4 زِينَتَكُمْ your adornments (*be clean and dress nicely) zīnatakum ز ي ن 7 31 5 عِنْدَ at ʿinda ع ن د 7 31 6 كُلِّ every kulli ك ل ل 7 31 7 مَسْجِدٍ masjid, masjidin س ج د 7 31 8 وَكُلُوا and eat [you all] wakulū ا ك ل 7 31 9 وَاشْرَبُوا and drink [you all] wa-ish'rabū ش ر ب 7 31 10 وَلَا but (do) not walā ل ا 7 31 11 تُسْرِفُوا you [all] be extravagant / gluttonous. tus'rifū س ر ف 7 31 12 إِنَّهُ Indeed, He innahu ا ن ن 7 31 13 لَا (does) not lā ل ا 7 31 14 يُحِبُّ [He] love yuḥibbu ح ب ب 7 31 15 الْمُسْرِفِينَ the extravagant ones / gluttons. l-mus'rifīna س ر ف Dietary Prohibitions [6:145] Say, "I do not find in the revelations given to me any food that is prohibited for any eater except: (1) carrion, (2)running blood, (blood poured forth) (3) the meat (laḥma) of pigs, for it is contaminated, and (4) the meat of animals blasphemously dedicated(uhilah)tootherthan GOD." If one is forced (to eat these), without being deliberate or malicious, then your Lord is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [6:146] For those who are Jewish we prohibited animals with undivided hoofs; and of the cattle and sheep we prohibited the fat, except that which is carried on their backs, or in the viscera, or mixed with bones. That was a retribution for their transgressions, and we are truthful. Women who are menstruating cannot read Quran or do Salat [2:222] They ask you about menstruation: say, "It is harmful; you shall avoid sexual intercourse with the women during menstruation; do not approach them until they arecleansedof it. Once they arecleansedof it, you may have intercourse with them in the manner designed by GOD. GOD loves the repenters, and He loves those who areclean.” 2 222 1 وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ And they ask you wayasalūnaka س ا ل 2 222 2 عَنِ about ʿani ع ن 2 222 3 الْمَحِيضِ [the] menstruation. l-maḥīḍi ح ي ﺽ 2 222 4 قُلْ Say, qul ق و ل 2 222 5 هُوَ "It (is) huwa ه و 2 222 6 أَذًى harmful, adhan ا ذ ي 2 222 7 فَاعْتَزِلُوا so keep away [you all] (from) fa-iʿ'tazilū ع ز ل 2 222 8 النِّسَاءَ [the] women l-nisāa ن س و 2 222 9 فِي during fī ف ي 2 222 10 الْمَحِيضِ (their) [the] menstruation. l-maḥīḍi ح ي ﺽ 2 222 11 وَلَا And (do) not walā ل ا 2 222 12 تَقْرَبُوهُنَّ [you all] approach them taqrabūhunna ق ر ب 2 222 13 حَتَّىٰ until ḥattā ح ت ت ي 2 222 14 يَطْهُرْنَ they are cleansed. yaṭhur'na ط ه ر 2 222 15 فَإِذَا Then when fa-idhā ا ذ ا 2 222 16 تَطَهَّرْنَ they are clean, taṭahharna ط ه ر 2 222 17 فَأْتُوهُنَّ then come to them fatūhunna ا ت ي 2 222 18 مِنْ from min م ن 2 222 19 حَيْثُ where ḥaythu ح ي ث 2 222 20 أَمَرَكُمُ [He] has ordered you amarakumu ا م ر 2 222 21 اللَّهُ God." l-lahu ا ل ه 2 222 22 إِنَّ Indeed, inna ا ن ن 2 222 23 اللَّهَ God l-laha ا ل ه 2 222 24 يُحِبُّ [He] loves yuḥibbu ح ب ب 2 222 25 التَّوَّابِينَ Those who turn in repentance, l-tawābīna ت و ب 2 222 26 وَيُحِبُّ and He loves wayuḥibbu ح ب ب 2 222 27 الْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ those who purify themselves / are clean. l-mutaṭahirīna ط ه ر [56:75] I swear by the positions of the stars. [56:76] This is an oath, if you only knew, that is awesome. [56:77] This is an honorable Quran. [56:78] In a protected book. [56:79]None can grasp it except the sincere. 56 79 1 لَا Not lā ل ا 56 79 2 يَمَسُّهُ [he] (can) touch / grasp it yamassuhu م س س 56 79 3 إِلَّا except illā ا ل ل ا 56 79 4 الْمُطَهَّرُونَ the purified / sincere [ones]. l-muṭaharūna ط ه ر It is a statement not a commandment - it doesn’t say thatyou shallnot touch, it says none can grasp it except the sincere. God tells all believers to perform their Salat [2:43] You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and bow down with those who bow down. [62:9] O you who believe, when the Congregational Prayer (Salat Al-Jumu'ah) is announced on Friday, you shall hasten to the commemoration of GOD, and drop all business. This is better for you, if you only knew. Menstruation does not nullify ablution [5:6] O you who believe, when you observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), you shall: (1) wash your faces, (2) wash your arms to the elbows, (3) wipe your heads, and (4) wash your feet to the ankles.If you were unclean due to sexual orgasm, you shall bathe.If you are ill, or traveling, or had any digestive excretion (urinary, fecal, or gas), or had (sexual) contact with the women, and you cannot find water, you shall observe the dry ablution (Tayammum) by touching clean dry soil, then rubbing your faces and hands. GOD does not wish to make the religion difficult for you; He wishes to cleanse you and to perfect His blessing upon you, that you may be appreciative. Music [31:6] Among the people, there are those who uphold baselessHadith, and thus divert others from the path of GOD without knowledge, and take it in vain. These have incurred a shameful retribution. [39:32] Who is more evil than one who attributes lies to GOD, while disbelieving in the truth that has come to him? Is Hell not a just requital for the disbelievers? [6:114] Shall I seek other than GOD as a source of law, when He has revealed to you this book fully detailed? Those who received the scripture recognize that it has been revealed from your Lord, truthfully. You shall not harbor any doubt. [6:115] The word of your Lord is complete, in truth and justice. Nothing shall abrogate His words. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [6:116] If you obey the majority of people on earth, they will divert you from the path of GOD. They follow only conjecture; they only guess.

11/1/2019 • 33 minutes, 39 seconds

Joseph

Subscribe to the Quran Talk podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Check out video notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/QuranStudy19/ Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com [12:7] In Joseph and his brothers there are lessons for the seekers. Dream #1 - Humility When Joseph was explaining his dream to his father Jacob, there is a slight subtlety that is in the verse that is showing Joseph’s humility. The verse reads: [12:4] Recall that Joseph said to his father, "O my father, I saw eleven planets, and the sun, and the moon; I saw them prostrating before me.” Notice that Joseph didn’t say: "O my father, I saw eleven planets, and the sun, and the moon prostrating before me.” This repeating of “I saw” appears to be a hesitation in telling his father what he saw, and shows Joseph’s humility even at a young age, that despite what he witnessed in his dream he was not boasting. And think who was Joseph’s father? Jacob (Israel) one of God’s prophets, who was among the most righteous. The thought of telling his own father a prophet of God that in his dream he saw the solar system prostrating before him he was apprehensive to tell him. As children, it is easier to be humble. [16:78] GOD brought you out of your mothers' bellies knowing nothing, and He gave you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brains, that you may be appreciative. As children, everyone seems bigger than us, smarter than us, more accomplished and respected than us. But what happens when we become older? Dream #2 - Arrogance When Joseph was in prison we see the following interaction he had with his prison mates [12:36] Two young men were in the prison with him. One of them said, "I saw (in my dream) that I was making wine," and the other said, "I saw myself carrying bread on my head, from which the birds were eating. Inform us of the interpretation of these dreams. We see that you are righteous." [12:37] He said, "If any food is provided to you, I can inform you about it before you receive it. This is some of the knowledge bestowed upon me by my Lord. I have forsaken the religion of people who do not believe in GOD, and with regard to the Hereafter, they are really disbelievers. [12:38] "And I followed instead the religion of my ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We never set up any idols beside GOD. Such is the blessing from GOD upon us and upon the people, but most people are unappreciative. [12:39] "O my prison mates, are several gods better, or GOD alone, the One, the Supreme? [12:40] "You do not worship beside Him except innovations that you have made up, you and your parents. GOD has never authorized such idols. All ruling belongs to GOD, and He has ruled that you shall not worship except Him. This is the perfect religion, but most people do not know. [12:41] "O my prison mates, one of you will be the wine butler for his lord, while the other will be crucified— the birds will eat from his head. This settles the matter about which you have inquired." [12:42] He then said to the one to be saved "Remember me at your lord." Thus, the devil caused him to forget his Lord, and, consequently, he remained in prison a few more years. [61:2] O you who believe, why do you say what you do not do? [61:3] Most abominable in the sight of GOD is that you say what you do not do. [47:30] If we will, we can expose them for you, so that you can recognize them just by looking at them. However, you can recognize them by the way they talk. GOD is fully aware of all your works. [3:159] It was mercy from GOD that you became compassionate towards them. Had you been harsh and mean-hearted, they would have abandoned you. Therefore, you shall pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult them. Once you make a decision, carry out your plan, and trust in GOD. GOD loves those who trust in Him.* [20:114] Most Exalted is GOD, the only true King. Do not rush into uttering the Quran before it is revealed to you, and say, "My Lord, increase my knowledge." Dream #3 - Confidence The King's Dream [12:43] The king said, "I saw seven fat cows being devoured by seven skinny cows, and seven green spikes (of wheat), and others shriveled. O my elders, advise me regarding my dream, if you know how to interpret the dreams." [12:44] They said, "Nonsense dreams. When it comes to the interpretation of dreams, we are not knowledgeable." [12:45] The one who was saved (from the prison) said, now that he finally remembered, "I can tell you its interpretation, so send me (to Joseph).” Joseph Interprets the King's Dream [12:46] "Joseph my friend, inform us about seven fat cows being devoured by seven skinny cows, and seven green spikes, and others shriveled. I wish to go back with some information for the people." [12:47] He said, "What you cultivate during the next seven years, when the time of harvest comes, leave the grains in their spikes, except for what you eat. [12:48] "After that, seven years of drought will come, which will consume most of what you stored for them. [12:49] "After that, a year will come that brings relief for the people, and they will, once again, press juice." [12:50] The king said, "Bring him to me." When the (king’s) messenger came to him, he (Joseph) said, "Go back to your lord and ask him to investigate the women who cut their hands. My Lord is fully aware of their schemes." [12:51] (The king) said (to the women), "What do you know about the incident when you tried to seduce Joseph?" They said, "GOD forbid; we did not know of anything evil committed by him." The wife of the governor said, "Now the truth has prevailed. I am the one who tried to seduce him, and he was the truthful one. [12:52] "I hope that he will realize that I never betrayed him in his absence, for GOD does not bless the schemes of the betrayers. [12:53] "I do not claim innocence for myself. The self is an advocate of vice, except for those who have attained mercy from my Lord. My Lord is Forgiver, Most Merciful." Joseph Attains Prominence [12:54] The king said, "Bring him (Joseph) to me, so I can hire him to work for me." When he talked with him, he said, "Today, you have a prominent position with us." [12:55] He said, "Make me the treasurer, for I am experienced in this area and knowledgeable." [12:56] We thus established Joseph on earth, ruling as he wished. We shower our mercy upon whomever we will, and we never fail to recompense the righteous. From lack of confidence to arrogance to confidence Mistake confidence vs. competence Notice Joseph didn’t lecture the people asking him about the dream: he was straightforward, he asked them to investigate even before he agreed to leave; then he said “make me treasurer *****************INCREASE FAITH THROUGH TRAGEDY***************** Jacob sensed Joseph’s greatness via the dream Jacob sensed the brother’s plot via their words [12:5] He said, "My son, do not tell your brothers about your dream, lest they plot and scheme against you. Surely, the devil is man's worst enemy. Jacob sensed the brothers were lying about Joseph [12:11] They said, "Our father, why do you not trust us with Joseph? We will take good care of him (wish him well). [12:12] "Send him with us tomorrow to run and play. We will protect him." 12 12 6 وَإِنَّا And indeed, we wa-innā ا ن ن 12 12 7 لَهُ for him lahu ل 12 12 8 لَحَافِظُونَ (will) surely (be) guardians." laḥāfiẓūna ح ف ظ [12:13] He said, "I worry lest you go away with him, then the wolf may devour him while you are not watching him." [12:17] They said, "Our father, we went racing with each other, leaving Joseph with our equipment, and the wolf devoured him. You will never believe us, even if we were telling the truth." [12:18] They produced his shirt with fake blood on it. Shirt wasn’t torn just had fake blood on it [12:18 con’t] He said, "Indeed, you have conspired with each other to commit a certain scheme. All I can do is resort to a quiet (فَصَبْرٌ جَمِيلٌ / Jameel / beautiful) patience. May GOD help me in the face of your conspiracy.” Post-traumatic stress vs. Post-traumatic growth [12:63] When they returned to their father, they said, "Our father, we can no longer get any provisions, unless you send our brother with us. We will take good care of him." 12 63 14 وَإِنَّا And indeed, we wa-innā ا ن ن 12 63 15 لَهُ for him lahu ل 12 63 16 لَحَافِظُونَ (will) surely (be) guardians." laḥāfiẓūna ح ف ظ [12:64] He said, "Shall I trust you with him, as I trusted you with his brother before that? GOD is the best Protector (حَافِظًا), and, of all the merciful ones, He is the Most Merciful." [12:65] When they opened their bags, they found their goods returned to them. They said, "Our father, what more can we ask for? Here are our goods returned to us. We can thus provide for our family, protect our brother, and receive one more camel-load. This is certainly a profitable deal." [12:66] He said, "I will not send him with you, unless you give me a solemn pledge before GOD that you will bring him back, unless you are utterly overwhelmed." When they gave him their solemn pledge, he said, "GOD is witnessing everything we say." [12:83] He said, "Indeed, you have conspired to carry out a certain scheme. Quiet (فَصَبْرٌ جَمِيلٌ / jameel / beautiful) patience is my only recourse. May GOD bring them all back to me. He is the Omniscient, Most Wise.” [12:84] He turned away from them, saying, "I am grieving over Joseph." His eyes turned white from grieving so much; he was truly sad. [12:85] They said, "By GOD, you will keep on grieving over Joseph until you become ill, or until you die." [12:86] He said, "I simply complain to GOD about my dilemma and grief, for I know from GOD what you do not know. [12:87] "O my sons, go fetch Joseph and his brother, and never despair of GOD's grace. None despairs of GOD's grace except the disbelieving people." [12:110] Just when the messengers despair, and think that they had been rejected, our victory comes to them. We then save whomever we choose, while our retribution for the guilty people is unavoidable. Many people when they suffer a tragedy they will renounce God and move away from faith [12:106] The majority of those who believe in GOD do not do so without committing idol worship. ********************VALUE******************** How much was Joseph valued by Jacob? Maybe a little too much based on how he was towards his other kids and also from the years of grieving How much was he valued by his brothers at the beginning of the story? = Envy [12:9] "Let us kill Joseph, or banish him, that you may get some attention from your father. Afterwards, you can be righteous people." How much was Joseph valued by the caravan? = Greed [12:19] A caravan passed by, and soon sent their waterer. He let down his bucket, then said, "How lucky! There is a boy here!" They took him along as merchandise, and GOD was fully aware of what they did. [12:20] They sold him for a cheap price— a few Dirhams—for they did not have any need for him. How much was he valued by the governor? = Child [12:21] The one who bought him in Egypt said to his wife, "Take good care of him. Maybe he can help us, or maybe we can adopt him." We thus established Joseph on earth, and we taught him the interpretation of dreams. GOD's command is always done, but most people do not know. How much was he valued by the governor’s wife? = Lust She wanted to use him only for her own needs not for his well being. [12:32] She said, "This is the one you blamed me for falling in love with. I did indeed try to seduce him, and he refused. Unless he does what I command him to do, he will surely go to prison, and will be debased." How much was he valued by the king? = Gluttony How much was he valued by his brother’s when they were suffering from famine? How much did Joseph value his own soul? [12:33] He said, "My Lord, the prison is better than giving in to them. Unless You divert their scheming from me, I may desire them and behave like the ignorant ones." When God sees value in something its value will be recognized universally eventually. All the people against Joseph eventually saw the value he provided including for generations to come His brother’s The governor and his wife The king The Children of Israel who were saved from the famine ********************SHIRT******************** There is an object in the story of Joseph that is repeatedly brought up This object only occurs in Sura Joesph and is mentioned six times in three different contexts? (12:18, 12:25, 12:26, 12:27, 12:28, 12:93) قَمِيصِهِ = qamees = shirt Shirt #1 [12:17] They said, "Our father, we went racing with each other, leaving Joseph with our equipment, and the wolf devoured him. You will never believe us, even if we were telling the truth.” [12:18] They produced his shirt with fake blood on it. He said, "Indeed, you have conspired with each other to commit a certain scheme. All I can do is resort to a quiet patience. May GOD help me in the face of your conspiracy.” Joseph’s garment was stolen from him and used as fabricated evidence against him in an attempt to trick his father to think that he was dead. Shirt #2 [12:23] The lady of the house where he lived tried to seduce him. She closed the doors and said, "I am all yours." He said, "May GOD protect me. He is my Lord, who gave me a good home. The transgressors never succeed." [12:24] She almost succumbed to him, and he almost succumbed to her, if it were not that he saw a proof from his Lord. We thus diverted evil and sin away from him, for he was one of our devoted servants. [12:25] The two of them raced towards the door, and, in the process, she tore his shirt (quamis) from the back. They found her husband at the door. She said, "What should be the punishment for one who wanted to molest your wife, except imprisonment or a painful punishment?" [12:26] He said, "She is the one who tried to seduce me." A witness from her family suggested: "If his shirt (quamis) is torn from the front, then she is telling the truth and he is a liar. [12:27] "And if his shirt (quamis) is torn from the back, then she lied, and he is telling the truth." [12:28] When her husband saw that his shirt (quamis) was torn from the back, he said, "This is a woman's scheme. Indeed, your scheming is formidable. His shirt was ripped, but not taken and it was used as evidence in favor of his innocence Shirt #3 [12:93] "Take this shirt (qamis) of mine; when you throw it on my father's face, his vision will be restored. Bring your whole family and come back to me.” [12:94] Even before the caravan arrived, their father said, "I can sense the smell of Joseph. Will someone enlighten me?" [12:95] They said, "By GOD, you are still in your old confusion." [12:96] When the bearer of good news arrived, he threw (the shirt) on his face, whereupon his vision was restored. He said, "Did I not tell you that I knew from GOD what you did not know?” Joseph willfully provides his shirt off his back Joseph’s shirt that was once used as evidence for his fabricated death is now used as evidence that he is still alive. I believe the shirt in the history of Joseph symbolizes the things in this world: Both Joseph brother’s and the governor’s wife valued Joseph for what was on the outside, The attention he was getting from his father The lust for his appearance The value he provided by being able to provide them provisions And for they were willing to take from him Our possessions can cause people to be envious to the point that they will attack us over it [12:17] They said, "Our father, we went racing with each other, leaving Joseph with our equipment, and the wolf devoured him. You will never believe us, even if we were telling the truth.” [12:25] The two of them raced towards the door, and, in the process, she tore his garment from the back. They found her husband at the door. She said, "What should be the punishment for one who wanted to molest your wife, except imprisonment or a painful punishment?” The Arabic definition for the word for “hoarding” “al-taka-thoor” means the continuous quest for more but Jacob and Joseph valued Joseph for what was on the inside Jacob didn’t know if the hardship and pain that Joseph endured throughout his life had caused him to grow closer to God or to revert away from God. Or did Joseph get caught up by the vanities of this world. [12:65] When they opened their bags, they found their goods returned to them. They said, "Our father, what more can we ask for? Here are our goods returned to us. We can thus provide for our family, protect our brother, and receive one more camel-load. This is certainly a profitable deal." [12:66] He said, "I will not send him with you, unless you give me a solemn pledge before GOD that you will bring him back, unless you are utterly overwhelmed." When they gave him their solemn pledge, he said, "GOD is witnessing everything we say.” [12:67] And he said, "O my sons, do not enter from one door; enter through separate doors. However, I cannot save you from anything that is predetermined by GOD. To GOD belongs all judgments. I trust in Him, and in Him shall all the trusters put their trust." Joseph spent his whole life fighting and when he won he took his own shirt off his back and gave it to reassure his father Jacob already knew that Joseph was alive [12:87] "O my sons, go fetch Joseph and his brother, and never despair of GOD's grace. None despairs of GOD's grace except the disbelieving people." So the shirt was not meant to let Jacob know that he was alive I see this as symbolism to show to Jacob that he did not fall into the vanities of this world. [12:20] They sold him for a cheap price— a few Dirhams—for they did not have any need for him (zaheed). Only place in the Quran this word is used. It means to signify that what Joseph valued unlike many of the other people in the story was not of this world, but for the Hereafter at His Lord. [12:6] "Your Lord has thus blessed you, and has given you good news through your dream. He has perfected His blessings upon you and upon the family of Jacob, as He did for your ancestors Abraham and Isaac before that. Your Lord is Omniscient, Most Wise.” [12:100] He raised his parents upon the throne. They fell prostrate before him. He said, "O my father, this is the fulfillment of my old dream. My Lord has made it come true. He has blessed me (hasan = He was good to me), delivered me from the prison, and brought you from the desert, after the devil had driven a wedge between me and my brothers. My Lord is Most Kind towards whomever He wills. He is the Knower, the Most Wise."

10/18/2019 • 31 minutes, 51 seconds

Salat (Contact Prayer) According to Quran

Subscribe to the Quran Talk podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Check out video notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com Food for the soul Every day we feed our bodies with breakfast lunch and dinner. We know that in order to be healthy it is essential to eat meals. But what are we feeding our souls? God has designated for us the meal for our souls through our Salat, our Contact Prayer, but unlike a meal for our body our souls are metaphorically disjoined from our body. When we miss a meal we feel the pangs of hunger, but when we don’t feed our souls their designated meals we don’t realize the suffering we are putting on our souls. And the extent to the damage will be seen on the day of Judgment when we discard these worldly bodies garments and all that is left is our souls our real selves. We will see that some souls on that Day have been nourished and have grown tremendously while other souls were completely neglected and starving this whole time on Earth. [101:6] As for him whose weights are heavy. [101:7] He will lead a happy (eternal) life. [101:8] As for him whose weights are light. [101:9] His destiny is lowly. [7:8] The scales will be set on that day, equitably. Those whose weights are heavy will be the winners. [7:9] As for those whose weights are light, they will be the ones who lost their souls, as a consequence of disregarding our revelations, unjustly. [23:99] When death comes to one of them, he says, "My Lord, send me back. [23:100] "I will then work righteousness in everything I left." Not true. This is a false claim that he makes. A barrier will separate his soul from this world until resurrection. [23:101] When the horn is blown, no relations among them will exist on that day, nor will they care about one another. [23:102] As for those whose weights are heavy, they will be the winners. [23:103] Those whose weights are light are the ones who lost their souls; they abide in Hell forever. [74:40] While in Paradise, they will ask. [74:41] About the guilty. [74:42] "What brought you to this retribution?" [74:43] They will say, "We did not observe the contact prayers (Salat). [74:44] "We did not feed the poor. [74:45] "We blundered with the blunderers. [74:46] "We disbelieved in the Day of Judgment. [74:47] "Until certainty came to us now.” The Salat is absolutely essential for our salvation in the Hereafter. While it is possible to live off snacks through other forms of worship practices the Salat are the essential meal for the sol. [75:26] Indeed, when (the soul) reaches the throat. [75:27] And it is ordered: "Let go!" [75:28] He knows it is the end. [75:29] Each leg will lay motionless next to the other leg. [75:30] To your Lord, on that day, is the summoning. [75:31] For he observed neither the charity, nor the contact prayers (Salat). [75:32] But he disbelieved and turned away. [75:33] With his family, he acted arrogantly. [75:34] You have deserved this. [75:35] Indeed, you have deserved this. [107:1] Do you know who really rejects the faith? [107:2] That is the one who mistreats the orphans. [107:3] And does not advocate the feeding of the poor. [107:4] And woe to those who observe the contact prayers (Salat)— [107:5] who are totally heedless of their prayers. Importance of Salat [2:3] who believe in the unseen, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and from our provisions to them, they give to charity. [2:45] You shall seek help through steadfastness and the Contact Prayers (Salat). This is difficult indeed, but not so for the reverent (الْخَاشِعِينَ / khāshiʿīna = humble / reverent) , [2:177] Righteousness is not turning your faces towards the east or the west. Righteous are those who believe in GOD, the Last Day, the angels, the scripture, and the prophets; and they give the money, cheerfully, to the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the traveling alien, the beggars, and to free the slaves; and they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat); and they keep their word whenever they make a promise; and they steadfastly persevere in the face of persecution, hardship, and war. These are the truthful; these are the righteous. Key Purpose of Salat God speaking to Moses: [20:114] “I am GOD; there is no other god beside Me. You shall worship Me alone, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) to remember Me. Allahu Akbar [29:45] You shall recite what is revealed to you of the scripture, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), for the Contact Prayers prohibit evil and vice. But the remembrance of GOD (through Salat) is the most important objective. GOD knows everything you do. 29 45 15 وَلَذِكْرُ and surely the remembrance of waladhik'ru ذ ك ر 29 45 16 اللَّهِ God (is) l-lahi ا ل ه 29 45 17 أَكْبَرُ greatest. akbaru ك ب ر What is Salat? Consistently in the Quran the world Salat (الصَّلَاةَ) is paired with the Arabic word “يُقِيمُونَ” yuqīmūna l-salat يُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ meaning: they observe or perform. Interesting to note that the root for يُقِيمُونَ is ق و م which means to stand, to rise, or to perform (prayer), and also means to establish and people. So God is telling us that the believers they stand, establish and observe the Salat. So what is Salat according to Quran? What exactly is being established? When we perform Salat we are establishing direct contact with our Creator. Salat comes from the root و ص ل as opposed to the root ص ل و. The root و ص ل means: join, unite, reach, connect We see this same root used in the following verses: [2:27] (The wicked) who violate GOD's covenant after pledging to uphold it, sever what GOD has commanded to be joined (يُوصَلَ / yūṣala), and commit evil. These are the losers. [13:25] As for those who violate GOD's covenant after pledging to keep it, and sever what GOD has commanded to be joined, and commit evil, they have incurred condemnation; they have incurred the worst destiny. Salat is our way to make contact with our Creator that is why it is translated as Contact Prayer. Where did the Contact. Prayers come from? Abraham [16:123] Then we inspired you (Muhammad) to follow the religion of Abraham (milat Ibrahim), the monotheist; he never was an idol worshiper. Milat Ibraham means more than the religion it is specifically mean the religion or practices of Abraham. All the practices of Islam/Submission came from Abraham, including Salat, Zakat, Fasting for the month of Ramadan, and Hajj. And we see that Abraham was the first prophet that God gave him the Salat as a gift: [14:35] Recall that Abraham said, "My Lord, make this a peaceful land, and protect me and my children from worshiping idols. [14:36] "My Lord, they have misled so many people. As for those who follow me, they belong with me. As for those who disobey me, You are Forgiver, Most Merciful. [14:37] "Our Lord, I have settled part of my family in this plantless valley, at Your Sacred House. Our Lord, they are to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), so let throngs of people converge upon them, and provide for them all kinds of fruits, that they may be appreciative. [14:38] "Our Lord, You know whatever we conceal and whatever we declare— nothing is hidden from GOD on earth, nor in the heavens. [14:39] "Praise be to GOD for granting me, despite my old age, Ismail and Isaac. My Lord answers the prayers. [14:40] "My Lord, make me one who consistently observes the Contact Prayers (Salat), and also my children. Our Lord, please answer my prayers. [21:68] They said, "Burn him and support your gods, if this is what you decide to do." [21:69] We said, "O fire, be cool and safe for Abraham.” [21:70] Thus, they schemed against him, but we made them the losers. [21:71] We saved him, and we saved Lot, to the land that we blessed for all the people. [21:72] And we granted him Isaac and Jacob as a gift, and we made them both righteous. [21:73] We made them imams who guided in accordance with our commandments, and we taught them how to work righteousness, and how to observe (the establishment) of the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat). To us, they were devoted worshipers. Abraham first to name us Submitters or in Arabic Muslims. [22:78] You shall strive for the cause of GOD as you should strive for His cause. He has chosen you and has placed no hardship on you in practicing your religion - the religion of your father Abraham. He is the one who named you “Submitters (muslims)“ originally. Thus, the messenger shall serve as a witness among you, and you shall serve as witnesses among the people. Therefore, you shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and hold fast to GOD; He is your Lord, the best Lord and the best Supporter. Salat already in existence at time of prophet Muhammad Ismail [19:54] And mention in the scripture Ismail. He was truthful when he made a promise, and he was a messenger prophet. [19:55] He used to enjoin his family to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat); he was acceptable to his Lord. Moses, Aaron, Children of Israel, [10:87] We inspired Moses and his brother. "Maintain your homes in Egypt for the time being, turn your homes into synagogues, and maintain the Contact Prayers (Salat). Give good news to the believers.” Children of Israel [2:83] We made a covenant with the Children of Israel: "You shall not worship except GOD. You shall honor your parents and regard the relatives, the orphans, and the poor. You shall treat the people amicably. You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat)." But you turned away, except a few of you, and you became averse. [5:12] GOD had taken a covenant from the Children of Israel, and we raised among them twelve patriarchs. And GOD said, "I am with you, so long as you observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and believe in My messengers and respect them, and continue to lend GOD a loan of righteousness. I will then remit your sins, and admit you into gardens with flowing streams. Anyone who disbelieves after this, has indeed strayed off the right path." Jesus [19:31] "He made me blessed wherever I go, and enjoined me to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat) for as long as I live. Idol Worshipers at the time of the prophet even did Salat [8:33] However, GOD is not to punish them while you are in their midst; GOD is not to punish them while they are seeking forgiveness. [8:34] Have they not deserved GOD's retribution, by repelling others from the Sacred Masjid, even though they are not the custodians thereof? The true custodians thereof are the righteous, but most of them do not know. [8:35] Their Contact Prayers (Salat) at the shrine (Ka'bah) were no more than a mockery and a means of repelling (whistling and clapping) the people (by crowding them out). Therefore, suffer the retribution for your disbelief. [9:54] What prevented the acceptance of their spending is that they disbelieved in GOD and His messenger, and when they observed the Contact Prayers (Salat), they observed them lazily, and when they gave to charity, they did so grudgingly. This proves that the Salat is something that very clearly predates Muhammad and the Quran. Hadith Argument [6:114] Shall I seek other than GOD as a source of law, when He has revealed to you this book fully detailed? Those who received the scripture recognize that it has been revealed from your Lord, truthfully. You shall not harbor any doubt. [6:115] The word of your Lord is complete, in truth and justice. Nothing shall abrogate His words. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [6:116] If you obey the majority of people on earth, they will divert you from the path of GOD. They follow only conjecture; they only guess. [39:27] We have cited for the people every kind of example in this Quran, that they may take heed. [18:54] We have cited in this Quran every kind of example, but the human being is the most argumentative creature. Quran is the only Hadith we should follow [39:23] GOD has revealed herein the best Hadith; a book that is consistent, and points out both ways (to Heaven and Hell). [45:6] These are GOD's revelations that we recite to you truthfully. In which Hadith other than GOD and His revelations do they believe? [77:50] Which Hadith, other than this, do they uphold? There are no Hadith explaining how to perform the Salat. Even if there were do you believe that if it was specified exactly how to do the Salat in the Quran that the majority of Muslims would follow it? Ablution If the Salat was perfectly intact in the Quran would you follow it? [5:6] O you who believe, when you observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), you shall: (1) wash your faces, (2) wash your arms to the elbows, (3) wipe your heads, and (4) wash your feet to the ankles. If you were unclean due to sexual orgasm, you shall bathe. If you are ill, or traveling, or had any digestive excretion (urinary, fecal, or gas), or had (sexual) contact with the women, and you cannot find water, you shall observe the dry ablution (Tayammum) by touching clean dry soil, then rubbing your faces and hands. GOD does not wish to make the religion difficult for you; He wishes to cleanse you and to perfect His blessing upon you, that you may be appreciative. So why isn’t it mentioned in the Quran how to perform the Salat? When God tells us to wash our hands to the elbows - did God forget to tell us how to wash? Since the Salat has been in existence since the time of Abraham God did not need to teach Muhammad how to perform it. The same goes for us. All we need to do is remove the parts that were added. How do we know what is added? Pure logic and reasoning Mentioning only God in our Salat If Salat came from Abraham and Muhammad was commanded to follow milat Ibrahim, then how could have Abraham mentioned Muhammad’s name in his Salat? Do you even think Muhammad mentioned his own name in his Salat? [6:161] Say, "My Lord has guided me in a straight path—the perfect religion of Abraham, monotheism. He never was an idol worshiper." [6:162] Say, "My Contact Prayers (Salat), my worship practices, my life and my death, are all devoted absolutely to GOD alone, the Lord of the universe. [4:36] You shall worship GOD alone - do not associate anything with Him. You shall regard the parents, the relatives, the orphans, the poor, the related neighbor, the unrelated neighbor, the close associate, the traveling alien, and your servants. GOD does not like the arrogant show-offs. [39:45] When GOD ALONE is mentioned, the hearts of those who do not believe in the Hereafter shrink with aversion. But when others are mentioned beside Him, they become satisfied. [72:18] The places of worship belong to GOD; do not call on anyone else beside GOD. Fateah When Adam slipped by approaching the tree in Paradise he was sent to Earth and he was given specific words for him to be redeemed [2:37] Adam received from his Lord words, whereby God redeemed him; He is the Redeemer, Most Merciful. Similarly, God has given us specific words – the words of Sura 1, Al Fatihah, in order to establish daily contact (salat) with Him, in order to be redeemed. The only sura that is a prayer from humans to God. Every other sura is from God to us. [1:1] In the name of GOD, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. [1:2] Praise be to GOD, Lord of the universe. [1:3] Most Gracious, Most Merciful. [1:4] Master of the Day of Judgment. [1:5] You alone we worship; You alone we ask for help. [1:6] Guide us in the right path; [1:7] the path of those whom You blessed; not of those who have deserved wrath, nor of the strayers. [114:1] Say, "I seek refuge in the Lord of the people. [114:2] "The King of the people. [114:3] "The god of the people. [114:4] "From the evils of sneaky whisperers. [114:5] "Who whisper into the chests of the people. [114:6] "Be they of the jinns, or the people." [109:1] Say, "O you disbelievers. [109:2] "I do not worship what you worship. [109:3] "Nor do you worship what I worship. [109:4] "Nor will I ever worship what you worship. [109:5] "Nor will you ever worship what I worship. [109:6] "To you is your religion, and to me is my religion." When we say the Fateah our lips touch 19 times For some reason many Muslims they don’t say the Bismallah at the beginning of the Fateah and also add the expression “Ammmeeen” at the end Amen appears to be of Hebrew origin and was later inserted into Muslim practices https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amen Moderate Tone [17:110] Say, "Call Him GOD, or call Him Most Gracious; whichever name you use, to Him belongs the best names." You shall not utter your Contact Prayers (Salat) too loudly, nor secretly; use a moderate tone. Traditionalist will do some loud and some quite Some people think Salat is just getting together meditating, thinking of God, or reading Quran Stars and Trees: [24:41] Do you not realize that everyone in the heavens and the earth glorifies GOD, even the birds as they fly in a column? Each knows its prayer (صَلَاتَهُ / ṣalātahu) and its glorification. GOD is fully aware of everything they do. [17:44] Glorifying Him are the seven universes, the earth, and everyone in them. There is nothing that does not glorify Him, but you do not understand their glorification. He is Clement, Forgiver. God distinguishes Salat from these other things: [29:45] You shall recite what is revealed to you of the scripture, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), for the Contact Prayers prohibit evil and vice. But the remembrance of GOD (through Salat) is the most important objective. GOD knows everything you do. [73:20] Your Lord knows that you stand / meditate (تَقُومُ / taqūmu) during two-thirds of the night, or half of it, or one-third of it, and so do some of those who believed with you. GOD has designed the night and the day, and He knows that you cannot always do this. He has pardoned you. Instead, you shall read what you can of the Quran. He knows that some of you may be ill, others may be traveling in pursuit of GOD's provisions, and others may be striving in the cause of GOD. You shall read what you can of it, and observe the contact prayers (Salat), give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and lend GOD a loan of righteousness. Whatever good you send ahead on behalf of your souls, you will find it at GOD far better and generously rewarded. And implore GOD for forgiveness. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [17:78] You shall observe the Contact Prayer (Salat) when the sun declines from its highest point at noon, as it moves towards sunset. You shall also observe (the recitation of) the Quran at dawn. (Reciting) the Quran at dawn is witnessed. Ritual Prayer [23:9] And they observe their Contact Prayers (Salat) regularly. [70:23] Who always observe their contact prayers (Salat). [70:34] They consistently observe their contact prayers (Salat) on time. [23:2] who are reverent during their Contact Prayers (Salat). [5:58] When you call to the Contact Prayers (Salat), they mock and ridicule it. This is because they are people who do not understand. [4:142] The hypocrites think that they are deceiving GOD, but He is the One who leads them on. When they get up for the Contact Prayer (Salat), they get up lazily. That is because they only show off in front of the people, and rarely do they think of GOD. [4:101] When you travel, during war, you commit no error by shortening your Contact Prayers (Salat), if you fear that the disbelievers may attack you. Surely, the disbelievers are your ardent enemies. [4:102] When you are with them, and lead the Contact Prayer (Salat) for them, let some of you stand guard; let them hold their weapons, and let them stand behind you as you prostrate. Then, let the other group that has not prayed take their turn praying with you, while the others stand guard and hold their weapons. Those who disbelieved wish to see you neglect your weapons and your equipment, in order to attack you once and for all. You commit no error, if you are hampered by rain or injury, by putting down your weapons, so long as you remain alert. GOD has prepared for the disbelievers a shameful retribution. [4:103] Once you complete your Contact Prayer (Salat), you shall remember GOD while standing, sitting, or lying down. Once the war is over, you shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat); the Contact Prayers (Salat) are decreed for the believers at specific times. Prayer Times Night (الَّيْلِ) according to the Quran is from Sunset to Sunrise Day (النَّهَارِ) is from sunrise to sunset [2:187] Permitted for you is sexual intercourse with your wives during the nights of fasting. They are the keepers of your secrets, and you are the keepers of their secrets. GOD knew that you used to betray your souls, and He has redeemed you, and has pardoned you. Henceforth, you may have intercourse with them, seeking what GOD has permitted for you. You may eat and drink until the white thread of light becomes distinguishable from the dark thread of night at dawn. Then, you shall fast until (layel) sunset. Sexual intercourse is prohibited if you decide to retreat to the masjid (during the last ten days of Ramadan). These are GOD's laws; you shall not transgress them. GOD thus clarifies His revelations for the people, that they may attain salvation. 24:58 mentions both the Dawn (Fajr) and Evening (Isha) Salat by name. [24:58] O you who believe, permission must be requested by your servants and the children who have not attained puberty (before entering your rooms). This is to be done in three instances - before the Dawn (fajr) Prayer, at noon when you change your clothes to rest, and after the Evening (Isha) Prayer. These are three private times for you. At other times, it is not wrong for you or them to mingle with one another. GOD thus clarifies the revelations for you. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise. God informs us about how to determine dawn/fajr from the following verse: [2:187] ...You may eat and drink until the white thread of light becomes distinguishable from the dark thread of night at dawn... Verse 11:114 indicates the Dawn, Sunset and Night prayer. The day (al-nahar) in the Quran is from sunrise to sunset, so when God commands us to do our Salat at both ends of the day this would be at dawn and sunset. [11:114] You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) at both ends of the day, and during the night. The righteous works wipe out the evil works. This is a reminder for those who would take heed. The Noon (zohur) Salat is mentioned in 17:78. [17:78] You shall observe the Contact Prayer (Salat) when the sun declines from its highest point at noon, as it moves towards sunset. You shall also observe (the recitation of) the Quran at dawn. (Reciting) the Quran at dawn is witnessed. And the Afternoon Salat is indicated as the middle prayer in 2:238. This is because the start of our day begins with Fajr/Dawn, and we already have identified Noon Salat, Sunset Salat, and Evening Salat, therefore, the middle prayer would be during the afternoon. [2:238] You shall consistently observe the Contact Prayers, especially the middle prayer, and devote yourselves totally to GOD. Friday Prayer [62:9] O you who believe, when the Congregational Prayer (Salat Al-Jumu`ah) is announced on Friday, you shall hasten to the commemoration of GOD, and drop all business. This is better for you, if you only knew. [62:10] Once the prayer is completed, you may spread through the land to seek GOD's bounties, and continue to remember GOD frequently, that you may succeed. [62:11] When some of them come across a business deal, or some entertainment, they rush to it and leave you standing! Say, "What GOD possesses is far better than the entertainment or the business. GOD is the best Provider.” [2:67] Moses said to his people, "GOD commands you to sacrifice a heifer." They said, "Are you mocking us?" He said, "GOD forbid, that I should behave like the ignorant ones." [2:68] They said, "Call upon your Lord to show us which one." He said, "He says that she is a heifer that is neither too old, nor too young; of an intermediate age. Now, carry out what you are commanded to do." [2:69] They said, "Call upon your Lord to show us her color." He said, "He says that she is a yellow heifer, bright colored, pleases the beholders." [2:70] They said, "Call upon your Lord to show us which one. The heifers look alike to us and, GOD willing, we will be guided." [2:71] He said, "He says that she is a heifer that was never humiliated in plowing the land or watering the crops; free from any blemish." They said, "Now you have brought the truth." They finally sacrificed her, after this lengthy reluctance. [2:45] You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and bow down with those who bow down. [2:110] You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat). Any good you send forth on behalf of your souls, you will find it at GOD. GOD is seer of everything you do.

9/27/2019 • 51 minutes, 4 seconds

Rocks, Black Holes, and Quasars

Subscribe to the Quran Talk podcast: https://apple.co/2lLnsFE Check out video notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com [2:50] Recall that we parted the sea for you; we saved you and drowned Pharaoh's people before your eyes. 2 50 6 وَأَغْرَقْنَا and we drowned wa-aghraqnā غ ر ق 2 50 7 آلَ (the) people (of) āla ا و ل 2 50 8 فِرْعَوْنَ Pharaoh fir'ʿawna ف ر ع 2 50 9 وَأَنْتُمْ while you wa-antum ا ن ت م 2 50 10 تَنْظُرُونَ [you all] were looking. tanẓurūna ن ظ ر [2:51] Yet, when we summoned Moses for forty nights, you worshiped the calf in his absence, and turned wicked.* [2:52] Still, we pardoned you thereafter that you may be appreciative. [2:55] Recall that you said, "O Moses, we will not believe unless we see GOD, physically." Consequently, the lightning struck you, as you looked. 2 55 11 فَأَخَذَتْكُمُ So [it] seized you / struck you fa-akhadhatkumu ا خ ذ 2 55 12 الصَّاعِقَةُ the thunderbolt l-ṣāʿiqatu ص ع ق 2 55 13 وَأَنْتُمْ while you wa-antum ا ن ت م 2 55 14 تَنْظُرُونَ [you all] were looking. tanẓurūna ن ظ ر [2:56] We then revived you, after you had died, that you may be appreciative. Children of Isreal saw all the same miracles as Pharoah, they even looked as Pharoah and his troops were drowned yet despite this they refused to believe. Then God struck them down as they looked, but unlike Pharoah God revived them (resurrected) after their death. Yet despite all this God continued to bless them yet they continued to disbelieve and be unappreciative. [2:57] We shaded you with clouds (in Sinai), and sent down to you manna and quails: "Eat from the good things we provided for you." They did not hurt us (by rebelling); they only hurt their own souls. Lack of Confidence in God: They Refuse to Enter Jerusalem [2:58] Recall that we said, "Enter this town, where you will find as many provisions as you like. Just enter the gate humbly (sajdeh), and treat the people nicely. We will then forgive your sins, and increase the reward for the pious." [2:59] But the wicked among them carried out commands other than the commands given to them. Consequently, we sent down upon the transgressors condemnation from the sky, due to their wickedness. [5:24] They said, "O Moses, we will never enter it, so long as they are in it. Therefore, go—you and your Lord —and fight. We are sitting right here." [5:25] He said, "My Lord, I can only control myself and my brother. So allow us to part company with the wicked people." [5:26] He said, "Henceforth, it is forbidden them for forty years, during which they will roam the earth aimlessly. Do not grieve over such wicked people." [2:60] Recall that Moses sought water for his people. We said, "Strike the rock with your staff." Whereupon, twelve springs gushed out therefrom. The members of each tribe knew their own water. Eat and drink from GOD's provisions, and do not roam the earth corruptingly. Israel Rebels [2:61] Recall that you said, "O Moses, we can no longer tolerate one kind of food. Call upon your Lord to produce for us such earthly crops as beans, cucumbers, garlic, lentils, and onions." He said, "Do you wish to substitute that which is inferior for that which is good? Go down (ih’biṭū) to Egypt, where you can find what you asked for." They have incurred condemnation, humiliation, and disgrace, and brought upon themselves wrath from GOD. This is because they rejected GOD's revelations, and killed the prophets unjustly. This is because they disobeyed and transgressed. 2 61 31 اهْبِطُوا Go down [you all] (to) ih'biṭū ه ب ط 2 61 32 مِصْرًا Egypt miṣ'ran م ص ر See this same word used repeatedly towards Satan when he refused to prostrate and follow God’s command, and also towards Adam when he approached the tree. [2:35] We said, "O Adam, live with your wife in Paradise, and eat therefrom generously, as you please, but do not approach this tree, lest you sin." [2:36] But the devil duped them, and caused their eviction therefrom. We said, "Go down (ih’biṭū) as enemies of one another. On Earth shall be your habitation and provision for awhile.” 2 36 1 فَأَزَلَّهُمَا Then made both of them slip (*duped) fa-azallahumā ز ل ل 2 36 2 الشَّيْطَانُ the devil l-shayṭānu ش ط ن 2 36 3 عَنْهَا from it, ʿanhā ع ن 2 36 4 فَأَخْرَجَهُمَا and he evicted both of them fa-akhrajahumā خ ر ج 2 36 5 مِمَّا from what mimmā م م ا 2 36 6 كَانَا they [both] were kānā ك و ن 2 36 7 فِيهِ in [it]. fīhi ف ي 2 36 8 وَقُلْنَا And we said, waqul'nā ق و ل 2 36 9 اهْبِطُوا "Go down [you all], ih'biṭū ه ب ط 2 36 10 بَعْضُكُمْ some of you* baʿḍukum ب ع ﺽ 2 36 11 لِبَعْضٍ to some others (*one another) libaʿḍin ب ع ﺽ 2 36 12 عَدُوٌّ (as) enemy; ʿaduwwun ع د و 2 36 13 وَلَكُمْ and for you walakum ل 2 36 14 فِي in fī ف ي 2 36 15 الْأَرْضِ the earth (is) l-arḍi ا ر ﺽ 2 36 16 مُسْتَقَرٌّ a resting place (habitation) mus'taqarrun ق ر ر 2 36 17 وَمَتَاعٌ and a provision wamatāʿun م ت ع 2 36 18 إِلَىٰ till ilā ا ل ي 2 36 19 حِينٍ a time / period / while." ḥīnin ح ي ن 2 38 1 قُلْنَا We said, qul'nā ق و ل 2 38 2 اهْبِطُوا "Go down [you all], ih'biṭū ه ب ط 2 38 3 مِنْهَا therefrom min'hā م ن 2 38 4 جَمِيعًا all, jamīʿan ج م ع 2 38 5 فَإِمَّا then when fa-immā ا م م ا 2 38 6 يَأْتِيَنَّكُمْ [it] comes to you yatiyannakum ا ت ي 2 38 7 مِنِّي from Me minnī م ن 2 38 8 هُدًى guidance, hudan ه د ي 2 38 9 فَمَنْ then whoever faman م ن 2 38 10 تَبِعَ he follows tabiʿa ت ب ع 2 38 11 هُدَايَ My guidance, hudāya ه د ي 2 38 12 فَلَا [then] no falā ل ا 2 38 13 خَوْفٌ fear khawfun خ و ف 2 38 14 عَلَيْهِمْ (will be) on them ʿalayhim ع ل ي 2 38 15 وَلَا and not walā ل ا 2 38 16 هُمْ they hum ه م 2 38 17 يَحْزَنُونَ [they] will grieve. yaḥzanūna ح ز ن Lesson of the Heifer [2:74] Despite this, your hearts hardened like rocks, or even harder. For there are rocks from which rivers gush out. Others crack and release gentle streams, and other rocks cringe out of reverence for GOD. GOD is never unaware of anything you do. 2 74 26 وَإِنَّ and indeed, wa-inna ا ن ن 2 74 27 مِنْهَا from it min'hā م ن 2 74 28 لَمَا that which lamā ل م ا 2 74 29 يَهْبِطُ it fall down (cringe) yahbiṭu ه ب ط 2 74 30 مِنْ from min م ن 2 74 31 خَشْيَةِ reverence / fear khashyati خ ش ي 2 74 32 اللَّهِ (of) God. l-lahi ا ل ه Person cuts open water stuck in quartz rock potentially millions of years old https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jn9Od4oP8D0 [7:160] We divided them into twelve tribal communities, and we inspired Moses when his people asked him for water: "Strike the rock with your staff," whereupon twelve springs gushed out therefrom. Thus, each community knew its water. And we shaded them with clouds, and sent down to them manna and quails: "Eat from the good things we provided for you." It is not us that they wronged; it is they who wronged their own souls. Some people when they face pressure, adversity, their hearts are opened up Soft Hearts [39:23] GOD has revealed herein the best Hadith; a book that is consistent, and points out both ways (to Heaven and Hell). The skins of those who reverence their Lord tremble therefrom, then their skins and their hearts soften up for GOD's message. Such is GOD's guidance; He bestows it upon whoever wills (to be guided). As for those sent astray by GOD, nothing can guide them. [34:10] We endowed David with blessings from us: "O mountains, submit with him, and you too, O birds." We softened the iron for him. Others upon pressure they get more dense and they become more locked in their ways Hardness of a rock is proportional to its density. More pressure and it will turn to a black hole or explode 2 74 2 قَسَتْ [it] hardened qasat ق س و [6:43] If only they implored when our test afflicted them! Instead, their hearts were hardened, and the devil adorned their works in their eyes. [22:53] He thus sets up the devil's scheme as a test for those who harbor doubts in their hearts, and those whose hearts are hardened. The wicked must remain with the opposition. Root: ق س و means to be hard, but also as unyielding Unyielding: - (of a mass or structure) not giving way to pressure; hard or solid. unlikely to be swayed; Rock is sandstone the water soaks right in like a sponge But granite water has to pass through the cracks [5:13] It was a consequence of their violating the covenant that we condemned them, and we caused their hearts to become hardened. Consequently, they took the words out of context, and disregarded some of the commandments given to them. You will continue to witness betrayal from them, excepting a few of them. You shall pardon them, and disregard them. GOD loves those who are benevolent. [39:22] If GOD renders one's heart content with Submission, he will be following a light from his Lord. Therefore, woe to those whose hearts are hardened against GOD's message; they have gone far astray. [Iron 57:16] Is it not time for those who believed to open up their hearts for GOD's message, and the truth that is revealed herein? They should not be like the followers of previous scriptures whose hearts became hardened with time and, consequently, many of them turned wicked. Atomic # of Iron is 26 Iron = الحديد Gematrical Value of Iron = Ha = 8; Dal = 4; Ya = 10; Dal = 4 8 + 4 + 10 + 4 = 26 A = 1; Lam = 30 = 30 + 1= 31 31 + 26 = 57 25 + Bismallah = 26 [57:25] We sent our messengers supported by clear proofs, and we sent down to them the scripture and the law, that the people may uphold justice. And we sent down the iron, wherein there is strength, and many benefits for the people. All this in order for GOD to distinguish those who would support Him and His messengers, on faith. GOD is Powerful, Almighty. The Quran has 114 chapters / 57th Chapter is Iron As if it is the iron core of the Quran Since not all the same length. The middle of the Quran is Sura 19 Earth’s core is iron - it generates our magnetic field But you know what happens when a star’s core creates iron? Within a second it explodes into a super nova A star is predominately made of hyrdogen and helium and the pressure and gravity has it form heavier and heavier elements. In a large mass star, each time it forms a heavier element a little energy is released counteracting the gravitational pull of the star from collapsing on itself. This process continues down the periodic chain Hydrogen forms Helium 3 Helium atoms form Carbon After Carbon, Neon is produced Then oxygen, then silicon until finally it reaches its core and iron is fused When iron is produced the amount of energy released when fusing iron is to low to sustain the energy needed to offset the gravity of the core of the star and the star explodes in a super nova Zinc, copper, nickle, silver, gold can all be created during the supernova Super nova creates more light than what the sun can produce in its entire lifetime all the elements it creates are dispersed throughout the space The elements that are dispersed through the universe are all the elements that the star created through its life but during this process a white dwarf or neutron star is formed A neutron star has about 1.4 times mass of the sun packed into a space only 20km in diameter If the remaining core of that was left behind was 3 times the mass of the sun or greater at which point the laws of physics as we know them breakdown and the the gravity is so strong that a hole is punctured through the fabric of space time and a blackhole is formed Blackhole is a puncture in space time At the center of every universe is a blackhole even our own Blackhole - the darkest thing in the universe as nothing, even light, can escape its gravity once it is in the thresholds of its event horizon Sura 86: The Bright Star (Al-Taareq) [86:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful [86:1] By the sky and Al-Taareq. [86:2] Do you know what Al-Taareq is? [86:3] The bright star. [86:4] Absolutely, everyone is well guarded. 86 1 1 وَالسَّماءِ By the sky wal-samāi س م و 86 1 2 وَالطّارِقِ and Al-Taareq. wal-ṭāriqi ط ر ق 86 2 1 وَمَا And what wamā م ا 86 2 2 أَدْرَاكَ it can make you know / do you know adrāka د ر ي 86 2 3 مَا what (is) mā م ا 86 2 4 الطَّارِقُ Al-Taareq? l-ṭāriqu ط ر ق 86 3 1 النَّجْمُ (It is) the star al-najmu ن ج م 86 3 2 الثَّاقِبُ [the] hole / shining through darkness / bright light piercing through a hole / bright! (*quasar) l-thāqibu ث ق ب 86 4 1 إِنْ Indeed in ا ن 86 4 2 كُلُّ every kullu ك ل ل 86 4 3 نَفْسٍ soul nafsin ن ف س 86 4 4 لَمَّا when lammā ل م م ا 86 4 5 عَلَيْهَا over it (is) ʿalayhā ع ل ي 86 4 6 حَافِظٌ a protector. ḥāfiẓun ح ف ظ Root for Tariq - ط ر ق used in Quran as “path” “way” " to come by night, beat something, knock (by hitting two rocks together as bedouins lived in tents and didn't have a hard surface to knock on), strike; tariq: one who comes or appears by night, morning star that comes at the end of the night, night-visitant, star; tariqan: way, path, line of conduct, behaviour But the origin of the word was used for when people lived in tents would knock two rocks together as there wasn’t a hard door surface to knock on Connection with that word and the actions that take place during fusion of star Root of ث ق ب a hole, to pass through (a hole), piercing light passing through a hole; intense (surge) bore/perforate/pierce/puncture, intense (surge), burn/blaze/flame brightly (e.g. as if to pierce through the night), ascend/reach, penetrate, struck/kindle fire, fuel for fire, a man very red, brilliant (can be applied to knowledge), a drill (instrument which perforates). [37:10] If any of them ventures to charge the outer limits, he gets struck with a fierce projectile. Qurasar: While most blackholes are dormant when two galaxies collide something amazing happens, the blackhole gets to feed on all the heavenly bodies that get in vicinity of its event horizon. Something miraculous takes place when this happens that causes the brightest event in the universe: a quasar As the blackhole is feeding it sucks in all the heavenly bodies, planets, stars, everything in its path into a funnel (like a tornado or whirlpool), then as it is processing all this content it emits radiation that can span thousands of lightyears long. A single quasar can shine thousands of times brighter than entire galaxies with a hundred billion stars. In order to maintain a quasar produce a blackhole must consume approximately 10 stars a year. Many consume more than 1,000 a year or 600 earths every single minute. Out of the darkest thing in the universe the brightest thing in the universe emerges [86:4] Absolutely, everyone is well guarded. [86:8] He is certainly able to resurrect him. [86:9] The day all secrets become known. [86:10] He will have no power, nor a helper. Shame When we sin we are debased and demoted to a lower level [7:22] He thus duped them with lies. As soon as they tasted the tree, their bodies became visible to them, and they tried to cover themselves with the leaves of Paradise. Their Lord called upon them: "Did I not enjoin you from that tree, and warn you that the devil is your most ardent enemy?" [7:23] They said, "Our Lord, we have wronged our souls, and unless You forgive us and have mercy on us, we will be losers." [7:24] He said, "Go down as enemies of one another. On earth shall be your habitation and provision for awhile.” [70:43] That is the day they come out of the graves in a hurry, as if herded to the (sacrificial) altars. [70:44] With their eyes subdued, shame will cover them. That is the day that is awaiting them. [88:1] Are you aware of the Overwhelming? [88:2] Faces on that day will be shamed. [88:3] Laboring and exhausted. [88:4] Suffering in a blazing Hellfire. [88:5] Drinking from a flaming spring. [88:6] They will have no food except the useless variety. [88:7] It never nourishes, nor satisfies hunger. [88:8] Other faces on that day will be full of joy. [88:9] Satisfied with their work. [69:19] As for the one who receives his record with his right hand, he will say, "Come read my record. [69:20] "I did believe that I was going to be held accountable." [69:21] He has deserved a happy life. [69:22] In an exalted Paradise. [69:23] Its fruits are within reach. [69:24] Eat and drink happily in return for your works in days past. [69:25] As for him who is given his record in his left hand, he will say, "Oh, I wish I never received my record. [69:26] "I wish I never knew my account. [69:27] "I wish my death was eternal. [69:28] "My money cannot help me. [69:29] "All my power is gone.” When we commit sin in this life we have the opportunity (like Adam) to redeem ourselves, but this will not be the case after this life ends. [2:37] Then, Adam received from his Lord words, whereby He redeemed him. He is the Redeemer, Most Merciful. [2:38] We said, "Go down (ih’biṭū) therefrom, all of you. When guidance comes to you from Me, those who follow My guidance will have no fear, nor will they grieve. [2:39] "As for those who disbelieve and reject our revelations, they will be dwellers of Hell, wherein they abide forever.” [39:60] On the Day of Resurrection you will see the faces of those who lied about GOD covered with misery. Is Hell not the right retribution for the arrogant ones? [80:38] Some faces on that day will be happy. [80:39] Laughing and joyful. [80:40] Other faces, on that day, will be covered with misery. [80:41] Overwhelmed by remorse. [10:26] For the righteous, the reward will be multiplied manifold. Their faces will never experience any deprivation or shame. These are the dwellers of Paradise; they abide therein forever. [10:27] As for those who earned sins, their requital is equivalent to their sin. Humiliation is their lot, and no one beside GOD can protect them. Their faces will seem overwhelmed by masses of dark night. They will be the dwellers of Hell; they abide therein forever. [2:74] Despite this, your hearts hardened like rocks, or even harder. For there are rocks from which rivers gush out. Others crack and release gentle streams, and other rocks cringe (ihibitu) out of reverence for GOD. GOD is never unaware of anything you do. The Great Triumph [57:12] The day will come when you see the believing men and women with their lights radiating ahead of them and to their right. Good news is yours that, on that day, you will have gardens with flowing streams. You will abide therein forever. This is the great triumph. The Worst Losers [57:13] On that day, the hypocrite men and women will say to those who believed, "Please allow us to absorb some of your light." It will be said, "Go back behind you, and seek light." A barrier will be set up between them, whose gate separates mercy on the inner side, from retribution on the outer side. [57:14] They will call upon them, "Were we not with you?" They will answer, "Yes, but you cheated your souls, hesitated, doubted, and became misled by wishful thinking, until GOD's judgment came. You were diverted from GOD by illusions. [57:15] "Therefore, today no ransom can be taken from you, nor from those who disbelieved. Your abode is the fire; it is your lord, and miserable abode.” While the believers heart shine and radiate the glory of God the disbelievers heart do nothing but attempt to suck the light out of all of God’s blessings

9/20/2019 • 26 minutes, 1 second

How Was Thamud Annihilated?

9/13/2019 • 23 minutes, 52 seconds

Hypocrites

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS:https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com The Righteous [2:3] who believe in the unseen, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and from our provisions to them, they give to charity. [2:4] And they believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you, and with regard to the Hereafter, they are absolutely certain. [2:5] These are guided by their Lord; these are the winners. 2. The Disbelievers [2:6] As for those who disbelieve, it is the same for them; whether you warn them, or not warn them, they cannot believe. [2:7] GOD seals their minds and their hearing, and their eyes are veiled. They have incurred severe retribution. 3. The Hypocrites [2:8] Then there are those who say, "We believe in GOD and the Last Day," while they are not believers. [2:9] In trying to deceive GOD and those who believe, they only deceive themselves without perceiving. [2:10] In their minds there is a disease. Consequently, GOD augments their disease. They have incurred a painful retribution for their lying. [2:11] When they are told, "Do not commit evil," they say, "But we are righteous!" [2:12] In fact, they are evildoers, but they do not perceive. [2:13] When they are told, "Believe like the people who believed," they say, "Shall we believe like the fools who believed?" In fact, it is they who are fools, but they do not know. [2:14] When they meet the believers, they say, "We believe," but when alone with their devils, they say, "We are with you; we were only mocking." [2:15] GOD mocks them, and leads them on in their transgressions, blundering. [2:16] It is they who bought the straying, at the expense of guidance. Such trade never prospers, nor do they receive any guidance. [11:16] It is they who gave up their share in the Hereafter, and, consequently, Hell is their lot. All their works are in vain; everything they have done is nullified. Like the owners of the garden who were so absolutely sure of their harvest (68:18, 68:25) Why are the hypocrites so despised by God? [4:145] The hypocrites will be committed to the lowest pit of Hell, and you will find no one to help them. Someone who disbelieves at least is being honest where they stand, but someone who is a hypocrite is a bad example for the group by which they claim to represent. If Bernie Madoff was a bank robber he would have had more respect than claiming to be a financial investor and robbing people of billions of dollars, at least with a crook they are not hiding what they are. A hypocrite repels people from the faith by setting a bad example under the guise of belief. [47:1] Those who disbelieve and repel from the path of GOD, He nullifies their works. [47:32] Those who disbelieve and repel from the path of GOD, and oppose the messenger after the guidance has been manifested for them, will never hurt GOD in the least. Instead, He nullifies their works. [47:34] Those who disbelieve and repel from the path of GOD, then die as disbelievers, GOD will never forgive them. What is the traits of a hypocrite & How do we identify hypocrisy (this applies both in ourselves and in others)? [47:29] Did those who harbor doubts in their hearts think that GOD will not bring out their evil thoughts? [47:30] If we will, we can expose them for you, so that you can recognize them just by looking at them. However, you can recognize them by the way they talk. GOD is fully aware of all your works. 1. They harbor doubts about God A disbeliever doesn’t “harbor doubt” they simply disbelieve. But a hypocrite they “harbor doubt” and they feed that doubt rather than trying to eliminate it. This is different than a believer. A believer may have doubt but rather than feeding that doubt they try to eliminate it (2:260). [22:53] He thus sets up the devil's scheme as a test for those who harbor doubts in their hearts, and those whose hearts are hardened. The wicked must remain with the opposition. [2:14] When they meet the believers, they say, "We believe," but when alone with their devils, they say, "We are with you; we were only mocking." 2. They manifest their doubt by trying to make the believers doubt God’s promise [63:8] They say, "If we go back to the city, the powerful therein will evict the weak (and we will be victimized)." (They should know that) all dignity belongs to GOD and His messenger, and the believers. However, the hypocrites do not know. [8:49] The hypocrites and those who harbored doubt in their hearts said, "These people are deceived by their religion." However, if one puts his trust in GOD, then GOD is Almighty, Most Wise. The Battle of the Parties [33:12] The hypocrites and those with doubts in their hearts said, "What GOD and His messenger promised us was no more than an illusion!” [33:13] A group of them said, "O people of Yathrib, you cannot attain victory; go back." Others made up excuses to the prophet: "Our homes are vulnerable," when they were not vulnerable. They just wanted to flee. 3. They say what they do not do: [61:2] O you who believe, why do you say what you do not do? [61:3] Most abominable in the sight of GOD is that you say what you do not do. [59:11] Have you noted those who are plagued with hypocrisy, and how they said to their companions in disbelief among the people of the scripture, "If you are evicted we will go out with you, and will never obey anyone who opposes you. If anyone fights you, we will fight on your side." GOD bears witness that they are liars. [59:12] In fact, if they were evicted, they would not have gone out with them, and if anyone fought them, they would not have supported them. Even if they supported them, they would have turned around and fled. They could never win. 4. They lie [Al-Munaafeqoon (Hypocrites) 63:1] When the hypocrites come to you they say, "We bear witness that you are the messenger of GOD." GOD knows that you are His messenger, and GOD bears witness that the hypocrites are liars. [28:44] You were not present on the slope of the western mount, when we issued the command to Moses; you were not a witness. [40:60] Have you noted those who claim that they believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you, then uphold the unjust laws of their idols? They were commanded to reject such laws. Indeed, it is the devil's wish to lead them far astray. [9:77] Consequently, He plagued them with hypocrisy in their hearts, till the day they meet Him. This is because they broke their promises to GOD, and because of their lying. [48:11] The sedentary Arabs who stay behind will say, "We have been preoccupied with our money and our families, so ask forgiveness for us!" They utter with their tongues what is not in their hearts. Say, "Who can protect you from GOD, if He willed any adversity for you, or if He willed any blessing for you?" GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do. Believers need to maintain our word You Shall Keep Your Word [16:91] You shall fulfill your covenant with GOD when you make such a covenant. You shall not violate the oaths after swearing (by God) to carry them out, for you have made GOD a guarantor for you. GOD knows everything you do. [16:92] Do not be like the knitter who unravels her strong knitting into piles of flimsy yarn. This is your example if you abuse the oaths to take advantage of one another. Whether one group is larger than the other, GOD thus puts you to the test. He will surely show you on the Day of Resurrection everything you had disputed. [16:93] Had GOD willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He sends astray whoever chooses to go astray, and He guides whoever wishes to be guided. You will surely be asked about everything you have done. Violating Your Oath: A Serious Offense [16:94] Do not abuse the oaths among you, lest you slide back after having a strong foothold, then you incur misery. Such is the consequence of repelling from the path of GOD (by setting a bad example); you incur a terrible retribution. [16:95] Do not sell your oaths before GOD short. What GOD possesses is far better for you, if you only knew. [16:96] What you possess runs out, but what GOD possesses lasts forever. We will surely reward those who steadfastly persevere; we will recompense them for their righteous works. 5. They repel from the path of God [58:16] They used their oaths as a means of repelling from the path of GOD. Consequently, they have incurred a shameful retribution. [63:2] Under the guise of their apparent faith, they repel the people from the path of GOD. Miserable indeed is what they do. [63:5] When they are told, "Come let the messenger of GOD pray for your forgiveness," they mockingly turn their heads, and you see them repel others and act arrogantly. 6. How do they repel: by causing (1) confusion (2) disputes (3) division [9:56] They swear by GOD that they belong with you, while they do not belong with you; they are divisive (yafraquna) people. Divisive: tending to cause disagreement or hostility between people. Cause division [9:47] Had they (the hypocrites) mobilized with you, they would have created confusion, and would have caused disputes and divisions among you. Some of you were apt to listen to them. GOD is fully aware of the transgressors. [3:7] He sent down to you this scripture, containing straightforward verses—which constitute the essence of the scripture—as well as multiple-meaning or allegorical verses. Those who harbor doubts in their hearts will pursue the multiple-meaning verses to create confusion (l-fit'nati), and to extricate a certain meaning (tawīlihi). 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. 7. They conspire [4:114] There is nothing good about their private conferences, except for those who advocate charity, or righteous works, or making peace among the people. Anyone who does this, in response to GOD's teachings, we will grant him a great recompense. [58:8] Have you noted those who were enjoined from conspiring secretly, then insist on conspiring? They conspire to commit sin, transgression, and disobedience of the messenger. When they come to you, they greet you with a greeting other than that decreed by GOD. They say inside themselves, "GOD will not punish us for our utterances." Their only requital is Gehenna, wherein they burn; what a miserable destiny. Their refusal to say “peace” or “Salam Alaikum” [6:54] When those who believe in our revelations come to you, you shall say, "Salãmun 'Alaykum (Peace be upon you). Your Lord has decreed that mercy is His attribute. Thus, anyone among you who commits a transgression out of ignorance, and repents thereafter and reforms, then He is Forgiving, Most Merciful." 8. They Advocate Vice [9:67] The hypocrite men and the hypocrite women belong with each other—they advocate evil and prohibit righteousness, and they are stingy. They forgot GOD, so He forgot them. The hypocrites are truly wicked. 9. They think that their sinful behavior is righteous [35:8] Note the one whose evil work is adorned in his eyes, until he thinks that it is righteous. GOD thus sends astray whoever wills (to go astray), and He guides whoever wills (to be guided). Therefore, do not grieve over them. GOD is fully aware of everything they do. [9:107] There are those who abuse the masjid by practicing idol worship, dividing the believers, and providing comfort to those who oppose GOD and His messenger. They solemnly swear: "Our intentions are honorable!" GOD bears witness that they are liars. [72:18] The places of worship belong to GOD; do not call on anyone else beside GOD. [72:19] When GOD's servant advocated Him alone, almost all of them banded together to oppose him. 10. They are aggressive A Chip On Their Shoulders [Al-Munaafeqoon 63:4] When you see them, you may be impressed by their looks. And when they speak, you may listen to their eloquence. They are like standing logs. They think that every call is intended against them. These are the real enemies; beware of them. GOD condemns them; they have deviated. [22:72] When our revelations are recited to them, clearly, you recognize wickedness on the faces of those who disbelieve. They almost attack those who recite our revelations to them. Say, "Shall I inform you of something much worse? Hell is promised by GOD for those who disbelieve; what a miserable destiny." 11. They persecute the believers [33:60] Unless the hypocrites, and those with disease in their hearts, and the vicious liars of the city refrain (from persecuting you), we will surely grant you the upper hand, then they will be forced to leave within a short while. [59:13] Indeed, you strike more terror in their hearts than their fear of GOD. This is because they are people who do not comprehend. [59:14] They do not get together to fight you unless they are in well-shielded buildings, or behind walls. Their might appears formidable among themselves. You would think that they are united, when in fact their hearts are divided. This is because they are people who do not understand. 12. They distort God’s words [48:15] The sedentary who stay behind will say, when you are expected to collect spoils of war, "Let us follow you to share in this!" They thus wish to alter GOD's words. Say, "You will not follow us. This is GOD's decision." They will then say, "You must be envious of us (for staying behind)." Indeed, they rarely understood anything. [3:161] Even the prophet cannot take more of the spoils of war than he is entitled to. Anyone who takes more than his rightful share will have to account for it on the Day of Resurrection. That is when each soul is paid for whatever it earned, without the least injustice. [8:67] No prophet shall acquire captives, unless he participates in the fighting. You people are seeking the materials of this world, while GOD advocates the Hereafter. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise. [5:41] O you messenger, do not be saddened by those who hasten to disbelieve among those who say, "We believe," with their mouths, while their hearts do not believe. Among the Jews, some listened to lies. They listened to people who never met you, and who distorted the words out of context, then said, "If you are given this, accept it, but if you are given anything different, beware." Whomever GOD wills to divert, you can do nothing to help him against GOD. GOD does not wish to cleanse their hearts. They have incurred humiliation in this world, and in the Hereafter, they will suffer a terrible retribution. Distorting the Word of God [2:75] Do you expect them to believe as you do, when some of them used to hear the word of GOD, then distort it, with full understanding thereof, and deliberately? Concealing the Word of God [2:76] And when they meet the believers, they say, "We believe," but when they get together with each other, they say, "Do not inform (the believers) of the information given to you by GOD, lest you provide them with support for their argument concerning your Lord. Do you not understand?” 13. They make excuses [9:49] Some of them would say, "Give me permission (to stay behind); do not impose such a hardship on me." In fact, they have thus incurred a terrible hardship; Hell is surrounding the disbelievers. [3:165] Now that you have suffered a setback, and even though you inflicted twice as much suffering (upon your enemy), you said, "Why did this happen to us?" Say, "This is a consequence of your own deeds." GOD is Omnipotent. [3:166] What afflicted you the day the two armies clashed was in accordance with GOD's will, and to distinguish the believers. [3:167] And to expose the hypocrites who were told, "Come fight in the cause of GOD, or contribute." They said, "If we knew how to fight, we would have joined you." They were closer to disbelief then than they were to belief. They uttered with their mouths what was not in their hearts. GOD knows what they conceal. [3:168] They said of their kinsmen, as they stayed behind, "Had they obeyed us, they would not have been killed." Say, "Then prevent your own death, if you are truthful.” [3:168] They said of their kinsmen, as they stayed behind, "Had they obeyed us, they would not have been killed." Say, "Then prevent your own death, if you are truthful." 14. They do not mobilize or strive [9:86] When a sura is revealed, stating: "Believe in GOD, and strive with His messenger," even the strong among them say, "Let us stay behind!" [9:81] The sedentary rejoiced in their staying behind the messenger of GOD, and hated to strive with their money and their lives in the cause of GOD. They said, "Let us not mobilize in this heat!" Say, "The fire of Hell is much hotter," if they could only comprehend. [33:18] GOD is fully aware of the hinderers among you, and those who say to their comrades, "Let us all stay behind." Rarely do they mobilize for defense. [33:19] Also, they are too stingy when dealing with you. If anything threatens the community, you see their eyes rolling with fear, as if death had already come to them. Once the crisis is over, they whip you with sharp tongues. They are too stingy with their wealth. These are not believers, and, consequently, GOD has nullified their works. This is easy for GOD to do. [4:72] Surely, there are those among you who would drag their feet, then, if a setback afflicts you, they would say, "GOD has blessed me that I was not martyred with them." [4:73] But if you attain a blessing from GOD, they would say, as if no friendship ever existed between you and them, "I wish I was with them, so I could share in such a great victory.” [9:46] Had they really wanted to mobilize, they would have prepared for it thoroughly. But GOD disliked their participation, so He discouraged them; they were told, "Stay behind with those who are staying behind.” Even in their worship practices, they are lazy [4:142] The hypocrites think that they are deceiving GOD, but He is the One who leads them on. When they get up for the Contact Prayer (Salat), they get up lazily. That is because they only show off in front of the people, and rarely do they think of GOD. [9:54] What prevented the acceptance of their spending is that they disbelieved in GOD and His messenger, and when they observed the Contact Prayers (Salat), they observed them lazily, and when they gave to charity, they did so grudgingly. 15. They want the quick material gain [9:42] If there were a quick material gain, and a short journey, they would have followed you. But the striving is just too much for them. They will swear by GOD: "If we could, we would have mobilized with you." They thus hurt themselves, and GOD knows that they are liars. 16. They are wishy-washy [58:14] Have you noted those who befriended people with whom GOD is angry? They neither belong with you, nor with them. They deliberately swear lies! [4:143] They waver in between, neither belonging to this group, nor that group. Whomever GOD sends astray, you will never find a way to guide him. [4:144] O you who believe, you shall not ally yourselves with the disbelievers, instead of the believers. Do you wish to provide GOD with a clear proof against you? The Hypocrites [4:141] They watch you and wait; if you attain victory from GOD, they say (to you), "Were we not with you?" But if the disbelievers get a turn, they say (to them), "Did we not side with you, and protect you from the believers?" GOD will judge between you on the Day of Resurrection. GOD will never permit the disbelievers to prevail over the believers. [26:221] Shall I inform you upon whom the devils descend? [26:222] They descend upon every guilty fabricator. [26:223] They pretend to listen, but most of them are liars. [26:224] As for the poets, they are followed only by the strayers. [26:225] Do you not see that their loyalty shifts according to the situation? [26:226] And that they say what they do not do? 17. They are closer to disbelief than they are to belief [4:138] Inform the hypocrites that they have incurred painful retribution. [4:139] They are the ones who ally themselves with disbelievers instead of believers. Are they seeking dignity with them? All dignity belongs with GOD alone. [9:50] If something good happens to you, they hurt, and if an affliction befalls you, they say, "We told you so," as they turn away rejoicing. [33:14] Had the enemy invaded and asked them to join, they would have joined the enemy without hesitation. Why would God allow hypocrites? The purpose of this world is to bring out our true convictions. In order to do so we must be tested. The hypocrites test us in this manner, similar to the devil. [3:140] If you suffer hardship, the enemy also suffers the same hardship. We alternate the days of victory and defeat among the people. GOD thus distinguishes the true believers, and blesses some of you with martyrdom. GOD dislikes injustice. [3:141] GOD thus toughens (وَلِيُمَحِّصَ) those who believe and humiliates the disbelievers. 3 141 1 وَلِيُمَحِّصَ And so that [He] may refine / toughen waliyumaḥḥiṣa م ح ص 3 141 2 اللَّهُ God l-lahu ا ل ه 3 141 3 الَّذِينَ those who alladhīna ا ل ل ذ 3 141 4 آمَنُوا they believed, āmanū ا م ن 3 141 5 وَيَمْحَقَ and He annihilate / humiliate wayamḥaqa م ح ق 3 141 6 الْكَافِرِينَ the disbelievers. l-kāfirīna ك ف ر Comparing believers as refined metal, makes the hypocrites as impurities that will naturally be eliminated when they are put to the test through hardship/adversity. In this case through the flames of war. [3:142] Do you expect to enter Paradise without GOD distinguishing those among you who strive, and without distinguishing those who are steadfast? [3:154] After the setback, He sent down upon you peaceful slumber that pacified some of you. Others among you were selfishly concerned about themselves. They harbored thoughts about GOD that were not right— the same thoughts they had harbored during the days of ignorance. Thus, they said, "Is anything up to us?" Say, "Everything is up to GOD." They concealed inside themselves what they did not reveal to you. They said, "If it was up to us, none of us would have been killed in this battle." Say, "Had you stayed in your homes, those destined to be killed would have crawled into their death beds." GOD thus puts you to the test to bring out your true convictions, and to test (وَلِيُمَحِّصَ) what is in your hearts. GOD is fully aware of the innermost thoughts. 3 154 63 وَلِيَبْتَلِيَ And that [He] may test waliyabtaliya ب ل و 3 154 64 اللَّهُ God l-lahu ا ل ه 3 154 65 مَا what (is) mā م ا 3 154 66 فِي in fī ف ي 3 154 67 صُدُورِكُمْ your hearts, ṣudūrikum ص د ر 3 154 68 وَلِيُمَحِّصَ and that He may purge the impurities (test) waliyumaḥḥiṣa م ح ص 3 154 69 مَا what (is) mā م ا 3 154 70 فِي in fī ف ي 3 154 71 قُلُوبِكُمْ your hearts. qulūbikum ق ل ب [3:155] Surely, those among you who turned back the day the two armies clashed have been duped by the devil. This reflects some of the (evil) works they had committed. GOD has pardoned them. GOD is Forgiver, Clement. [29:10] Among the people there are those who say, "We believe in GOD," but as soon as they suffer any hardship because of GOD, they equate the people's persecution with GOD's retribution. But if blessings from your Lord come your way, they say, "We were with you." Is GOD not fully aware of the people's innermost thoughts? [29:11] GOD will most certainly distinguish those who believe, and He will most certainly expose the hypocrites. Are we supposed to identify the hypocrites: If we are to have no action then what is the purpose of God exposing hypocrites to the believers? [9:43] GOD has pardoned you: why did you give them permission (to stay behind), before you could distinguish those who are truthful from the liars? Similar to the test for the wives of the disbelievers that want to join the believers [60:10] O you who believe, when believing women (abandon the enemy and) ask for asylum with you, you shall test them. GOD is fully aware of their belief. Once you establish that they are believers, you shall not return them to the disbelievers. They are not lawful to remain married to them, nor shall the disbelievers be allowed to marry them. Give back the dowries that the disbelievers have paid. You commit no error by marrying them, so long as you pay them their due dowries. Do not keep disbelieving wives (if they wish to join the enemy). You may ask them for the dowry you had paid, and they may ask for what they paid. This is GOD's rule; He rules among you. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise. It is important to note that it appears that these verses below are not targeted towards the hypocrites outside the believer's community but the ones inside. [9:52] Say, "You can only expect for us one of two good things (victory or martyrdom), while we expect for you condemnation from GOD and retribution from Him, or at our hands. Therefore, wait, and we will wait along with you." [9:53] Say, "Spend, willingly or unwillingly. Nothing will be accepted from you, for you are evil people." [9:64] The hypocrites worry that a sura may be revealed exposing what is inside their hearts. Say, "Go ahead and mock. GOD will expose exactly what you are afraid of." [9:65] If you ask them, they would say, "We were only mocking and kidding." Say, "Do you realize that you are mocking GOD, and His revelations, and His messenger?" [9:83] If GOD returns you to a situation where they ask your permission to mobilize with you, you shall say, "You will never again mobilize with me, nor will you ever fight with me against any enemy. For you have chosen to be with the sedentary in the first place. Therefore, you must stay with the sedentary." [9:84] You shall not observe the funeral prayer for any of them when he dies, nor shall you stand at his grave. They have disbelieved in GOD and His messenger, and died in a state of wickedness. [9:93] The blame is on those who ask your permission to stay behind, even though they have no excuse. They have chosen to be with the sedentary. Consequently, GOD has sealed their hearts, and thus, they do not attain any knowledge. Hard Times Serve to Expose the Hypocrites [9:94] They apologize to you when you return to them (from battle). Say, "Do not apologize; we no longer trust you. GOD has informed us about you." GOD will see your works, and so will the messenger, then you will be returned to the Knower of all secrets and declarations, then He will inform you of everything you had done. [9:95] They will swear by GOD to you, when you return to them, that you may disregard them. Do disregard them. They are polluted, and their destiny is Hell, as a requital for the sins they have earned. [9:96] They swear to you, that you may pardon them. Even if you pardon them, GOD does not pardon such wicked people. What do we do regarding the hypocrites amongst us? Four kinds of hypocrites Those external who are not fighting Those external who are fighting Those internal who are not fighting Those internal who are fighting [4:88] Why should you divide yourselves into two groups regarding hypocrites (among you)? GOD is the one who condemned them because of their own behavior. Do you want to guide those who are sent astray by GOD? Whomever GOD sends astray, you can never find a way to guide them. [4:89] They wish that you disbelieve as they have disbelieved, then you become equal. Do not consider them friends, unless they mobilize along with you in the cause of GOD. If they turn against you, you shall fight them, and you may kill them when you encounter them in war. You shall not accept them as friends, or allies. [4:90] Exempted (hypocrites) are those who join people with whom you have signed a peace treaty, and those who come to you wishing not to fight you, nor fight their relatives. Had GOD willed, He could have permitted them to fight against you. Therefore, if they leave you alone, refrain from fighting you, and offer you peace, then GOD gives you no excuse to fight them. [4:91] You will find others who wish to make peace with you, and also with their people. However, as soon as war erupts, they fight against you. Unless these people leave you alone, offer you peace, and stop fighting you, you may fight them when you encounter them. Against these, we give you a clear authorization. [60:8] GOD does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them. GOD loves the equitable. [60:9] GOD enjoins you only from befriending those who fight you because of religion, evict you from your homes, and band together with others to banish you. You shall not befriend them. Those who befriend them are the transgressors. Do Not Befriend Hypocrites [3:118] O you who believe, do not befriend outsiders who never cease to wish you harm; they even wish to see you suffer. Hatred flows out of their mouths and what they hide in their chests is far worse. We thus clarify the revelations for you, if you understand. [3:119] Here you are loving them, while they do not love you, and you believe in all the scripture. When they meet you they say, "We believe," but as soon as they leave they bite their fingers out of rage towards you. Say, "Die in your rage." GOD is fully aware of the innermost thoughts. [3:120] When anything good comes your way they hurt, and when something bad happens to you they rejoice. If you steadfastly persevere, and maintain righteousness, their schemes will never hurt you. GOD is fully aware of everything they do. How do we put this into practice? We need to be absolutely sure [4:94] O you who believe, if you strike in the cause of GOD, you shall be absolutely sure. Do not say to one who offers you peace, "You are not a believer," seeking the spoils of this world. For GOD possesses infinite spoils. Remember that you used to be like them, and GOD blessed you. Therefore, you shall be absolutely sure (before you strike). GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do. Difference between a hypocrite and an aggressing believer [49:9] If two groups of believers fought with each other, (1) you shall reconcile them. (2) If one group aggresses against the other, you shall fight the aggressing group until they submit to GOD's command. Once they submit, you shall reconcile the two groups equitably. You shall maintain justice; GOD loves those who are just. We need to be stern in dealing with them [9:73] O you prophet, strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be stern in dealing with them. Their destiny is Hell; what a miserable abode! [66:9] O prophet, struggle against the disbelievers and the hypocrites and be stern with them. Their abode is Gehenna, and a miserable destiny. Do Not Defend the Transgressors [4:107] Do not argue on behalf of those who have wronged their own souls; GOD does not love any betrayer, guilty. [4:108] They hide from the people, and do not care to hide from GOD, though He is with them as they harbor ideas He dislikes. GOD is fully aware of everything they do. You Do Not Help Them by Being "Nice” [4:109] Here you are arguing on their behalf in this world; who is going to argue with GOD on their behalf on the Day of Resurrection? Who is going to be their advocate?

9/6/2019 • 45 minutes, 12 seconds

Petra vs. Mecca

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS:https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com Dan Gibbons - The Sacred City of Mecca - Have we Got it Wrong? | TRACKS The prophet was actually from Petra therefore Hajj and the Ka’bah are in Petra The place of the Ka’aba was had thriving in agriculture The Quran describes as the town of the Sacred Masjid as the “mother of cities” therefore this could not be Mecca as Mecca back then was a barren desert and not a major trading location as is depicted in some Hadith The one occurrence of Mecca in the Quran is potentially a misspelling and was probably originally spelled with a b as opposed to a m. Findings based on Hadith and his claims of some of the earliest Mosque that the Qibla points to Petra and not Mecca. Mecca is the town that contains the Ka’bah known as the Sacred House in the Quran. It was established by Abraham and Ishmael. Abraham [2:124] Recall that Abraham was put to the test by his Lord, through certain commands, and he fulfilled them. (God) said, "I am appointing you an imam for the people." He said, "And also my descendants?" He said, "My covenant does not include the transgressors." [2:125] We have rendered the shrine (the Ka'aba) a focal point for the people, and a safe sanctuary. You may use Abraham's shrine as a prayer house. We commissioned Abraham and Ismail: "You shall purify My house for those who visit, those who live there, and those who bow and prostrate.” [3:95] Say, "GOD has proclaimed the truth: You shall follow Abraham's religion—monotheism. He never was an idolator." [3:96] The most important shrine established for the people is the one in Becca; a blessed beacon for all the people. [48:24] He is the One who withheld their hands of aggression against you, and withheld your hands of aggression against them in the valley of Mecca, after He had granted you victory over them. GOD is Seer of everything you do. Valley of Weeping? The assumption that Becca means Petra is based on false information Root = of Becca = ب ك ك crowding together of people; lacking water; breaking of the neck The belief that the root means "weeping" is a knwon misunderstanding it originated from the Greek translation of Hebrew of Psalms 84, where the Greek translation assumed a similar-sounding word בכה (bakhá) “weeping” and translated ἐν τῇ κοιλάδι τοῦ κλαυθμῶνος "valley of weeping” in Greek as opposed to “valley of Bakka”.) Hajj in the Bible Psalm 84 1 How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. 3 Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God. 4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. 5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. 6 As they pass through the Valley of Baka… Root = ب ك ي = weep or cry [48:24] He is the One who withheld their hands of aggression against you, and withheld your hands of aggression against them in the valley of Mecca, after He had granted you victory over them. GOD is Seer of everything you do. Mother of Cities أُمَّ الْقُرَىٰ = umma l-qura = mother of the cities / mother of all cities [6:92] This too is a blessed scripture that we have revealed, confirming the previous scriptures, that you may warn the most important community* and all those around it. Those who believe in the Hereafter will believe in this (scripture), and will observe the Contact Prayers (Salat). [42:7] We thus reveal to you an Arabic Quran to warn the central community and all around it, and to warn about the Day of Summoning that is inevitable. Some will end up in Heaven, and some in Hell. Abraham literally means the father of multitude. Abraham from Hebrew אַבְרָהָם אַב (aḇ, “father of”) + הֲמוֹן (hăˈmōn, “multitude of”) Genesis 22:17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. This was his name despite having no children until he was into his 86 years old with Ishmael [22:27] "And proclaim that the people shall observe Hajj pilgrimage. They will come to you walking or riding on various exhausted (means of transportation). They will come from the farthest locations.” The humility of Mecca as God’s house is that it historically was stripped from any vanity. That over +10 million people converge to Mecca each year for Hajj. [12:21] The one who bought him in Egypt said to his wife, "Take good care of him. Maybe he can help us, or maybe we can adopt him." We thus established Joseph on earth, and we taught him the interpretation of dreams. GOD's command is always done, but most people do not know. مَكَّنَّا = we established م ك ن = to be strong, have power, hold high rank or authority, be influential, grant an honorable position, establish, grant authority [43:4] It is preserved with us in the original master, honorable and full of wisdom. Plantless Valley Dan Gibbons relies on numerous Hadith to claim that the town of the prophet and the Sacred House was a lush valley, He claims that Mecca is described as having trees, grass, fruits, grapes, fields, streams etc. but this is completely contradictory to the Quran. [14:37] "Our Lord, I have settled part of my family in this plantless valley, at Your Sacred House. Our Lord, they are to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), so let throngs of people converge upon them, and provide for them all kinds of fruits, that they may be appreciative. Bee-wadin ghayri dhi zar’een According to historian F. E. Peters, Ibn Ishaq's account reveals that Mecca in the time of Qusayy and his immediate offspring was not yet a commercial center; rather, the city's economy was based on pilgrimage to the Ka'bah, and "what pass[ed] for municipal offices [designated by Qusayy] have to do only with military operations and with control of the shrine".[6] During that time, the tribesmen of Quraysh were not traders; instead, they were entrusted with religious services, from which they significantly profited. They also profited from taxes collected from incoming pilgrims. Though Qusayy appeared to be the strongman of Quraysh, he was not officially a king of the tribe, but one of many leading sheikhs (tribal chieftains). [48:25] It is they who disbelieved and barred you from the Sacred Masjid, and even prevented your offerings from reaching their destination… [8:33] However, GOD is not to punish them while you are in their midst; GOD is not to punish them while they are seeking forgiveness. [8:34] Have they not deserved GOD's retribution, by repelling others from the Sacred Masjid, even though they are not the custodians thereof? The true custodians thereof are the righteous, but most of them do not know. [8:35] Their Contact Prayers (Salat) at the shrine (Ka'bah) were no more than a mockery and a means of repelling the people (by crowding them out). Therefore, suffer the retribution for your disbelief. مُكَاءً (mukāan) = whistling (mockery) وَتَصْدِيَةً = and clapping (means of repelling) Qibla [2:142] The fools among the people would say, "Why did they change the direction of their Qiblah?” Say, "To GOD belongs the east and the west; He guides whoever wills in a straight path." [2:143] We thus made you an impartial community, that you may serve as witnesses among the people, and the messenger serves as a witness among you. We changed the direction of your original Qiblah only to distinguish those among you who readily follow the messenger from those who would turn back on their heels. It was a difficult test, but not for those who are guided by GOD. GOD never puts your worship to waste. GOD is Compassionate towards the people, Most Merciful. Qiblah Restored to Mecca [2:144] We have seen you turning your face about the sky (searching for the right direction). We now assign a Qiblah that is pleasing to you. Henceforth, you shall turn your face towards the Sacred Masjid. Wherever you may be, all of you shall turn your faces towards it. Those who received the previous scripture know that this is the truth from their Lord. GOD is never unaware of anything they do. [2:145] Even if you show the followers of the scripture every kind of miracle, they will not follow your Qiblah. Nor shall you follow their Qiblah. They do not even follow each others' Qiblah. If you acquiesce to their wishes, after the knowledge that has come to you, you will belong with the transgressors. Abuse of the Scripture: Selective Emphasis and Concealment [2:146] Those who received the scripture recognize the truth herein, as they recognize their own children. Yet, some of them conceal the truth, knowingly. [2:147] This is the truth from your Lord; do not harbor any doubt. [2:148] Each of you chooses the direction to follow; you shall race towards righteousness. Wherever you may be, GOD will summon you all. GOD is Omnipotent. Qiblah Restored to Mecca [2:149] Wherever you go, you shall turn your face (during Salat) towards the Sacred Masjid.* This is the truth from your Lord. GOD is never unaware of anything you all do. *2:142-145 "Qiblah" is the direction one faces during the Contact Prayers (Salat). When Gabriel conveyed to Muhammad the command to face Jerusalem instead of Mecca, the hypocrites were exposed. The Arabs were strongly prejudiced in favor of the Ka'aba as their "Qiblah." Only the true believers were able to overcome their prejudices; they readily obeyed the messenger. Dan Gibson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Gibson_(author) In 2017 Salim Al-Hassani, founder of the academic history of technology portal Muslim Heritage, published a highly critical review of Gibson's Early Islamic Qiblas by a subject matter expert on medieval Muslim astronomy, David A. King, author of World-Maps for Finding the Direction and Distance to Mecca: Innovation and Tradition in Islamic Science, many articles on qibla, and several articles in the Encyclopedia of Islam. King argued that early Muslim Arabs were unable to precisely establish Qiblas when building new mosques until later mathematical developments made precision possible. Further, King wrote, many variations in orientation are better accounted for by regional and local practices, imperfect geography, and folk astronomy. King noted Gibson's inadequate grasp of mathematics, citing Gibson's "spherical polygons" (p. 170) as inexplicable. King summarized his analysis of Gibson's work as an "amateurish, non-scholarly document that is both offensive to Muslims and also an insult to Muslim and Western scholarship."[4] Gibson placed a response to King on academia.edu, " and a series of videos on Gibson's YouTube channel. [url = http://www.youtube.com/user/canbooks] Dr. King on the other hand is convinced that the sloppy qiblas actually intended to point: east, west, solstices, sunrises and so forth. I have not come across anything in Islamic religious manuscripts that support these Qiblas. But perhaps in time someone, somewhere will stumble across something that will change our understanding of Qiblas. All I have found so far, is that every Muslim expects the Qibla to point to Masjid Al Harām.” [the Ka’bah] Masjid al-Qiblatayn ‘Mosque of the Two Qiblas’ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masjid_al-Qiblatayn The Masjid al-Qiblatayn (Arabic: مَسْجِد ٱلْقِبْلَتَیْن, lit. 'Mosque of the Two Qiblas') is a mosque in Medina that is historically important for Muslims as the place where, after the Islamic Nabi (Prophet) Muhammad received the command to change the Qiblah (Direction of Prayer) from Jerusalem to Mecca, the entire congregation led by a companion changed direction in prayer. Thus it uniquely contained two Mihrabs (Prayer niches). Quraish, Battle of Badr, and Medina (Yathrib) [6:121]…The devils inspire their allies to argue with you; if you obey them, you will be idol worshipers.* No account of Islam in Petra at the time of the prophet Petra is ~800 miles away from Mecca [33:13] A group of them said, "O people of Yathrib, you cannot attain victory; go back." Others made up excuses to the prophet: "Our homes are vulnerable," when they were not vulnerable. They just wanted to flee. [3:123] GOD has granted you victory at Badr, despite your weakness. Therefore, you shall observe GOD, to show your appreciation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quraysh [17:81] Proclaim, "The truth has prevailed, and falsehood has vanished; falsehood will inevitably vanish."

8/30/2019 • 23 minutes, 35 seconds

Dietary Prohibitions

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS:https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com [16:116] You shall not utter lies with your own tongues stating: "This is lawful, and this is unlawful," to fabricate lies and attribute them to GOD. Surely, those who fabricate lies and attribute them to GOD will never succeed. [2:172] O you who believe, eat from the good things we provided for you, and be thankful to GOD, if you do worship Him alone. [2:173] He only prohibits for you the eating of animals that die of themselves (without human interference), blood, the meat of pigs, and animals dedicated to other than GOD. If one is forced (to eat these), without being malicious or deliberate, he incurs no sin. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [16:115] He only prohibits for you dead animals, blood, the meat of pigs, and food which is dedicated to other than GOD. If one is forced (to eat these), without being deliberate or malicious, then GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [6:145] Say, "I do not find in the revelations (wahy) given to me any food that is prohibited for any eater except: carrion, running blood (مَسْفُوحًا (masfūḥan) = poured forth), the meat (وَلَحْمُ) of pigs, for it is contaminated, and the meat of animals blasphemously dedicated to other than GOD." If one is forced (to eat these), without being deliberate or malicious, then your Lord is Forgiver, Most Merciful. Carrion [5:3] Prohibited for you are animals that die of themselves, blood, the meat of pigs, and animals dedicated to other than GOD. (Animals that die of themselves include those) strangled, struck with an object, fallen from a height, gored, attacked by a wild animal—unless you save your animal before it dies ذَكَّيْتُمْ (dhakkaytum = you made fit for food / you slaughtered for food) —and animals sacrificed (ذُبِحَ) on altars. Also prohibited is dividing the meat through a game of chance; this is an abomination. Today, the disbelievers have given up concerning (the eradication of) your religion; do not fear them and fear Me instead. Today, I have completed your religion, perfected My blessing upon you, and I have decreed Submission as the religion for you. If one is forced by famine (to eat prohibited food), without being deliberately sinful, then GOD is Forgiver, Merciful. ذُبِحَ = dhubiḥa = sacrificed without the intention of it being food 2:49, 14:6, 28:4 - Children of Israel 27:21 - Solomon to the Hoopoe 37:102,107 - Abraham and Ishmael Meat vs. the Fat [6:146] For those who are Jewish we prohibited animals with undivided hoofs; and of the cattle and sheep we prohibited the fat, except that which is carried on their backs, or in the viscera, or mixed with bones. That was a retribution for their transgressions, and we are truthful. 4. Animals dedicated to other than God. Note it doesn’t say animals dedicated to “other than God” as opposed to “not to God” أُهِلَّ - Uhilla - that which is dedicated at the time of slaughter What if some food was dedicated to other than God can we eat it? [5:103] GOD did not prohibit (Bahirah) livestock that begets certain combinations of males and females, nor (Sa’ibah) livestock liberated by an oath, nor (Wasilah) the one that begets two males in a row, nor (Hami) the bull that fathers ten. It is the disbelievers who invented such lies about GOD. Most of them do not understand. Don’t give powers to the idol worshipers and their innovations The action is prohibited not the food itself Dividing the meat through a game of chance. [6:138] They said, "These are livestock and crops that are prohibited; no one shall eat them except whomever we permit," so they claimed. They also prohibited the riding of certain livestock. Even the livestock they ate, they never pronounced GOD's name upon them (as they sacrificed them). Such are innovations attributed to Him. He will surely requite them for their innovations. [22:36] The animal offerings are among the rites decreed by GOD for your own good. You shall mention (zikr) GOD's name on them while they are standing in line. Once they have fallen dead (are offered for sacrifice), you shall eat therefrom and feed the poor and the needy. This is why we subdued them for you, that you may show your appreciation. Altars of Idols & Intoxicants [5:90] O you who believe, intoxicants, and gambling, and the altars of idols, and the games of chance are abominations of the devil; you shall avoid them, that you may succeed. We must mention God’s name before we eat. [6:118] You shall eat from that upon which GOD's name has been pronounced (zikr), if you truly believe in His revelations. [6:119] Why should you not eat from that upon which GOD's name has been mentioned (zikr)? He has detailed for you what is prohibited for you, unless you are forced. Indeed, many people mislead others with their personal opinions, without knowledge. Your Lord is fully aware of the transgressors. [6:120] You shall avoid obvious sins, as well as the hidden ones. Those who have earned sins will surely pay for their transgressions. [6:121] Do not eat from that upon which the name of GOD has not been mentioned (zikr), for it is an abomination. The devils inspire their allies to argue with you; if you obey them, you will be idol worshipers. [6:150] Say, "Bring your witnesses who would testify that GOD has prohibited this or that." If they testify, do not testify with them. Nor shall you follow the opinions of those who reject our revelations, and those who disbelieve in the Hereafter, and those who stray away from their Lord. [5:4] They consult you concerning what is lawful for them; say, "Lawful for you are all good things, including what trained dogs and falcons catch for you." You train them according to GOD's teachings. You may eat what they catch for you, and mention GOD's name thereupon. You shall observe GOD. GOD is most efficient in reckoning. [16:119] Yet, as regards those who fall in sin out of ignorance then repent thereafter and reform, your Lord, after this is done, is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

8/23/2019 • 22 minutes, 36 seconds

Anger Management

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS:https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com Example of Adam and Eve [7:19] "As for you, Adam, dwell with your wife in Paradise, and eat therefrom as you please, but do not approach this one tree, lest you fall in sin." [7:20] The devil whispered to them, in order to reveal their bodies, which were invisible to them. He said, "Your Lord did not forbid you from this tree, except to prevent you from becoming angels, and from attaining eternal existence." [7:21] He swore to them, "I am giving you good advice.” [20:117] We then said, "O Adam, this is an enemy of you and your wife. Do not let him evict you from Paradise, lest you become miserable. [20:118] "You are guaranteed never to hunger therein, nor go unsheltered. [20:119] "Nor will you thirst therein, nor suffer from any heat." [20:120] But the devil whispered to him, saying, "O Adam, let me show you the tree of eternity and unending kingship." All Satan needs to do for us to sell our soul is to convince us to sin. Sin is anything that goes against what God tells us [2:41] You shall believe in what I have revealed herein, confirming what you have; do not be the first to reject it. Do not trade away My revelations for a cheap price, and observe Me. God commands us to submit (Muslim / Islam / Submitter / Submission) [26:198] If we revealed this to people who do not know Arabic. [26:199] And had him recite it (in Arabic), they could not possibly believe in it. There are two kinds of people in the world: submitters and objectors [13:15] To GOD prostrates everyone in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly, and so do their shadows in the mornings and the evenings. [3:134] who give to charity during the good times, as well as the bad times. They are suppressors of anger, and pardoners of the people. GOD loves the charitable. [43:37] They avoid gross sins and vice, and when angered they forgive. What does it mean to be a submitter? To believe that God is doing everything and being joyful about it :) That nothing happens that is outside of God’s control [10:61] You do not get into any situation, nor do you recite any Quran, nor do you do anything, without us being witnesses thereof as you do it. Not even an atom's weight is out of your Lord's control, be it in the heavens or the earth. Nor is there anything smaller than an atom, or larger, that is not recorded in a profound record. [56:57] We have created you, if you could only believe! [56:58] Have you noted the semen that you produce? [56:59] Did you create it, or did we? [56:60] We have predetermined death for you. Nothing can stop us— [56:61] from substituting new generations in your place, and establishing what you do not know. [56:62] You know about the first creation. Do you not remember? [56:63] Have you noted the crops you reap? [56:64] Did you grow them, or did we? [56:65] If we will, we can turn it into hay. Then you will lament: [56:66] "We lost. [56:67] "We are deprived." [56:68] Have you noted the water you drink? [56:69] Did you send it down from the clouds, or did we? [56:70] If we will, we can make it salty. You should be thankful. [56:71] Have you noted the fire you ignite? [56:72] Did you initiate its tree, or did we? [56:73] We rendered it a reminder, and a useful tool for the users. [56:74] You shall glorify the name of your Lord, the Great. Why do we get angry? Injustice There is only injustice for those who do not believe in the Hereafter [72:13] "'When we heard the guidance, we believed therein. Anyone who believes in his Lord will never fear any injustice, nor any affliction. [3:140] If you suffer hardship, the enemy also suffers the same hardship. We alternate the days of victory and defeat among the people. GOD thus distinguishes the true believers, and blesses some of you with martyrdom. GOD dislikes injustice. Impatience [17:11] The human being often prays for something that may hurt him, thinking that he is praying for something good. The human being is impatient. [17:12] We rendered the night and the day two signs. We made the night dark, and the day lighted, that you may seek provisions from your Lord therein. This also establishes for you a timing system, and the means of calculation. We thus explain everything in detail. Gravitational Constant : 6.67408 × 10^-11 m3 kg-1 s-2 (fine tune 1 part in 10^15) The rate at which the universe expands fine tuned to one 1 in 10^55 [34:36] Say, "My Lord is the One who controls all provisions; He grants the provisions to whomever He wills, or reduces them, but most people do not know.” [34:39] Say, "My Lord is the One who controls all provisions; He increases the provisions for whomever He chooses from among His servants, or reduces them. Anything you spend (in the cause of God), He will reward you for it; He is the Best Provider.” [42:27] If GOD increased the provision for His servants, they would transgress on earth. This is why He sends it precisely measured to whomever He wills. He is fully Cognizant and Seer of His servants. What is the opposite of a submitter? An objector. [43:17] When one of them is given news (of a daughter) as they claimed for the Most Gracious, his face is darkened with misery and anger! [16:58] When one of them gets a baby girl, his face becomes darkened with overwhelming grief. [2:246] Have you noted the leaders of Israel after Moses? They said to their prophet, "If you appoint a king to lead us, we will fight in the cause of GOD." He said, "Is it your intention that, if fighting is decreed for you, you will not fight?" They said, "Why should we not fight in the cause of GOD, when we have been deprived of our homes, and our children?" Yet, when fighting was decreed for them, they turned away, except a few. GOD is aware of the transgressors. Questioning God's Wisdom [2:247] Their prophet said to them, "GOD has appointed Taloot (Saul) to be your king." They said, "How can he have kingship over us when we are more worthy of kingship than he; he is not even rich?" He said, "GOD has chosen him over you, and has blessed him with an abundance in knowledge and in body." GOD grants His kingship to whomever He wills. GOD is Bounteous, Omniscient. [2:248] Their prophet said to them, "The sign of his kingship is that the Ark of the Covenant will be restored to you, bringing assurances from your Lord, and relics left by the people of Moses and the people of Aaron. It will be carried by the angels. This should be a convincing sign for you, if you are really believers." [2:249] When Saul took command of the troops, he said, "GOD is putting you to the test by means of a stream. Anyone who drinks from it does not belong with me—only those who do not taste it belong with me—unless it is just a single sip." They drank from it, except a few of them. When he crossed it with those who believed, they said, "Now we lack the strength to face Goliath and his troops." Those who were conscious of meeting GOD said, "Many a small army defeated a large army by GOD's leave. GOD is with those who steadfastly persevere." [20:52] He said, "The knowledge thereof is with my Lord in a record. My Lord never errs, nor does He forget." Control [16:1] GOD's command has already been issued (and everything has already been written), so do not rush it.* Be He glorified; the Most High, far above any idols they set up. [13:2] GOD is the One who raised the heavens without pillars that you can see, then assumed all authority. He committed the sun and the moon, each running (in its orbit) for a predetermined period. He controls all things, and explains the revelations, that you may attain certainty about meeting your Lord. [47:21] Obedience and righteous utterances are expected of them. If only they showed confidence in GOD, when mobilization was called for, it would have been better for them. Surrender to God Sura 94: Cooling the Temper (Al-Sharrhh) [94:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful [94:1] Did we not cool your temper? (Did we not expand your chest?) [94:2] And we unloaded your load (of sins). [94:3] One that burdened your back. [94:4] We exalted you to an honorable position. [94:5] With pain (difficulty / hardship) there is gain. [94:6] Indeed, with pain there is gain. [94:7] Whenever possible you shall strive. [94:8] Seeking only your Lord. Think about everything that ever caused you to be angry? I guarantee the vast majority of the things you cannot even remember what was the cause of the anger. All that didn’t matter because God carried you through it and if you are lucky you grew from the situation. [6:125] Whomever GOD wills to guide, He renders his chest wide open to Submission. And whomever He wills to send astray, He renders his chest intolerant and straitened, like one who climbs towards the sky. GOD thus places a curse upon those who refuse to believe. James 4 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

8/16/2019 • 23 minutes, 33 seconds

Unity - International Community of Submitters Conference 2019

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS:https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com The one sin that God will not forgive if maintained until death [4:48] GOD does not forgive idolatry, but He forgives lesser offenses for whomever He wills. Anyone who sets up idols beside GOD, has forged a horrendous offense. [30:31] You shall submit to Him, reverence Him, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and—whatever you do—do not ever fall into idol worship. [30:32] like those who divide their religion into sects; each party rejoicing with what they have. Some submitters want to divide but in an attempt to avoid being an idol worshiper they label individuals that they deem as hypocrites as “no longer being believers” [4:94] O you who believe, if you strike in the cause of GOD, you shall be absolutely sure. Do not say to one who offers you peace, "You are not a believer," seeking the spoils of this world. For GOD possesses infinite spoils. Remember that you used to be like them, and GOD blessed you. Therefore, you shall be absolutely sure (before you strike). GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do. [2:272] You are not responsible for guiding anyone. GOD is the only one who guides whoever chooses (to be guided). [28:56] You cannot guide the ones you love. GOD is the only One who guides in accordance with His will, and in accordance with His knowledge of those who deserve the guidance. How to Deal With the Hypocrites [4:88] Why should you divide yourselves into two groups regarding hypocrites (among you)? GOD is the one who condemned them because of their own behavior. Do you want to guide those who are sent astray by GOD? Whomever GOD sends astray, you can never find a way to guide them. [4:89] They wish that you disbelieve as they have disbelieved, then you become equal. Do not consider them friends, unless they mobilize along with you in the cause of GOD. If they turn against you, you shall fight them, and you may kill them when you encounter them in war. You shall not accept them as friends, or allies. "I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong." Frederick Douglass [6:52] And do not dismiss those who implore their Lord day and night, devoting themselves to Him alone. You are not responsible for their reckoning, nor are they responsible for your reckoning. If you dismiss them, you will be a transgressor. [10:99] Had your Lord willed, all the people on earth would have believed. Do you want to force the people to become believers? Disbelievers use force and intimidation while believers use logic and reason [20:71] He said, "Did you believe in him without my permission? He must be your chief; the one who taught you magic. [7:88] The arrogant leaders among his people said, "We will evict you, O Shu'aib, together with those who believed with you, from our town, unless you revert to our religion." He said, "Are you going to force us? [3:7] He sent down to you this scripture, containing straightforward verses—which constitute the essence of the scripture—as well as multiple-meaning or allegorical verses. Those who harbor doubts in their hearts will pursue the multiple-meaning verses to create confusion الْفِتْنَةِ [l-fit’nati] (division / disputes), and to extricate a certain meaning تَأْوِيلِهِ [tawī-lihi] ( interpretation / determination). 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. Example of the Samarian [7:150] When Moses returned to his people, angry and disappointed, he said, "What a terrible thing you have done in my absence! Could you not wait for the commandments of your Lord?" He threw down the tablets, and took hold of his brother's head, pulling him towards himself. (Aaron) said, "Son of my mother, the people took advantage of my weakness, and almost killed me. Let not my enemies rejoice, and do not count me with the transgressing people." [20:92] (Moses) said, "O Aaron, what is it that prevented you, when you saw them go astray, [20:93] "from following my orders? Have you rebelled against me?" [20:94] He said, "O son of my mother, do not pull me by my beard and my head. I was afraid that you might say, 'You have divided the Children of Israel, and disobeyed my orders.’ " [20:95] He said, "What is the matter with you, O Samarian?" [20:96] He said, "I saw what they could not see. I grabbed a fistful (of dust) from the place where the messenger stood, and used it (to mix into the golden calf). This is what my mind inspired me to do." [20:97] He said, "Then go, and, throughout your life, do not even come close. You have an appointed time (for your final judgment) that you can never evade. Look at your god that you used to worship; we will burn it and throw it into the sea, to stay down there forever.” [7:155] Moses then selected seventy men from among his people, to come to our appointed audience. When the quake shook them, he said, "My Lord, You could have annihilated them in the past, together with me, if You so willed. Would You annihilate us for the deeds of those among us who are foolish? This must be the test that You have instituted for us. With it, You condemn whomever You will, and guide whomever You will. You are our Lord and Master, so forgive us, shower us with Your mercy; You are the best Forgiver. If we equate every difference of opinion as being on par to the Samarian and the golden calf then we are equating the extreme case with the mundane. Does this mean that I will be mean and nasty so that the other party turns away on their own? [16:125] You shall invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kind enlightenment, and debate with them in the best possible manner. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best who are the guided ones. [41:33] Who can utter better words than one who invites to GOD, works righteousness, and says, "I am one of the submitters"? [41:34] Not equal is the good response and the bad response. You shall resort to the nicest possible response. Thus, the one who used to be your enemy, may become your best friend. [41:35] None can attain this except those who steadfastly persevere. None can attain this except those who are extremely fortunate.[41:36] When the devil whispers an idea to you, you shall seek refuge in GOD. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [5:105] O you who believe, you should worry only about your own necks. If the others go astray, they cannot hurt you, as long as you are guided. To GOD is your ultimate destiny, all of you, then He will inform you of everything you had done. We need to practice being doers of the laws not just judges of the law James 4 Submit Yourselves to God 4 What causes fights and quarrels among you? 11 Do not backbite one another, brothers. Anyone who slanders backbites his brother or makes a verdict on a brother of his then is slandering the law and has decided the law. Then however the law you decide you are not a doer of the Law, but a judge. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, One who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? Devil loves animosity and disputes can claim both parties by causing division Matthew 12:25 25 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. Sura 49 is entitled Al-Hujurãt (The Walls) Do not believe rumors about one another Do not ridicule or mock one another Do not be suspicious of one another Do not spy on one another Reconcile The Believers [49:9] If two groups of believers fought with each other, you shall reconcile them. If one group aggresses against the other, you shall fight the aggressing group until they submit to GOD's command. Once they submit, you shall reconcile the two groups equitably. You shall maintain justice; GOD loves those who are just. [49:10] The believers are members of one family; you shall keep the peace within your family and reverence GOD, that you may attain mercy. "The society that separates its scholars from its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting by fools" - Thucydides [61:4] GOD loves those who fight in His cause united in one column, like the bricks in one wall. [90:10] Did we not show him the two paths? [90:11] He should choose the difficult path. [90:12] Which one is the difficult path? [90:13] The freeing of slaves. [90:14] Feeding, during the time of hardship. [90:15] Orphans who are related. [90:16] Or the poor who is in need. [90:17] And being one of those who believe, and exhorting one another to be steadfast, and exhorting one another to be kind. [90:18] These have deserved happiness. [17:53] Tell My servants to treat each other in the best possible manner, for the devil will always try to drive a wedge among them. Surely, the devil is man's most ardent enemy. [3:103] You shall hold fast to the rope of GOD, all of you, and do not be divided. Recall GOD's blessings upon you - you used to be enemies and He reconciled your hearts. By His grace, you became brethren. You were at the brink of a pit of fire, and He saved you therefrom. GOD thus explains His revelations for you, that you may be guided. [3:104] Let there be a community of you who invite to what is good, advocate righteousness, and forbid evil. These are the winners. [3:105] Do not be like those who became divided and disputed, despite the clear proofs that were given to them. For these have incurred a terrible retribution.

8/9/2019 • 26 minutes, 50 seconds

Human Potential & The Single Cause Fallacy

Subscribe to the podcast: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS:https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com [35:37] They will scream therein, "Our Lord, if you get us out of here, we will work righteousness, instead of the works we used to do." Did we not give you a life-long chance, with continuous reminders for those who would take heed? Did you not receive the warner? Therefore, taste (the consequences). The transgressors will have no one to help them. Straw that broke the camels back [3:155] Surely, those among you who turned back the day the two armies clashed have been duped by the devil. This reflects some of the (evil) works they had committed. GOD has pardoned them. GOD is Forgiver, Clement. Messenger deviate we would have stopped the revelation to him [12:24] She almost succumbed to him, and he almost succumbed to her, if it were not that he saw a proof from his Lord. We thus diverted evil and sin away from him, for he was one of our devoted servants. [17:73] They almost diverted you from the revelations we have given you. They wanted you to fabricate something else, in order to consider you a friend. [17:74] If it were not that we strengthened you, you almost leaned towards them just a little bit. [17:75] Had you done that, we would have doubled the retribution for you in this life, and after death, and you would have found no one to help you against us. Garment of righteousness to protect from sin [16:81] And GOD provided for you shade through things which He created, and provided for you shelters in the mountains, and provided for you garments that protect you from heat, and garments that protect when you fight in wars. He thus perfects His blessings upon you, that you may submit. [7:36] O children of Adam, we have provided you with garments to cover your bodies, as well as for luxury. But the best garment is the garment of righteousness. These are some of GOD's signs, that they may take heed. [7:196] (Say) “GOD is my only Lord and Master; the One who revealed this scripture. He protects the righteous. [3:173] When the people say to them, "People have mobilized against you; you should fear them," this only strengthens their faith and they say, "GOD suffices us; He is the best Protector." [3:174] They have deserved GOD's blessings and grace. No harm ever touches them, for they have attained GOD's approval. GOD possesses infinite grace. History of Joseph becoming the Treasurer of Egypt How did Joesph behave when these events took place in his life? Every day we have a choice do we want to draw closer to God or farther away Our outcomes are not about a single decision but a ripple effect of the millions of decisions we make throughout our life Can’t control the winds but we can adjust the sails Just like a no one drop makes an ocean or one grain of sand makes a beach no life is made from one single decision, but instead from a multitude of decisions we make throughout a life Colin O’Brady on December 26, 2018 he became the first person to cross Antartica alone without any assistance. 54 days 930 miles walking. Hiked 12 hours a day pulling ~400lbs on his sleds. Climbed ice bridges, pushed through climbing snow and had to endure temperatures as low as -80 degrees Fahrenheit. [13:11] Shifts (of angels) take turns, staying with each one of you—they are in front of you and behind you. They stay with you, and guard you in accordance with GOD's commands. Thus, GOD does not change the condition of any people unless they themselves make the decision to change. If GOD wills any hardship for any people, no force can stop it. For they have none beside Him as Lord and Master. When is the best time to plant a tree? [8:53] GOD does not change a blessing He has bestowed upon any people unless they themselves decide to change. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient. Example of Pharaoh [20:43] "Go to Pharaoh, for he transgressed. [20:44] "Speak to him nicely; he may take heed, or become reverent.” Pharaoh had the potential to be good, he chose to become arrogant [23:46] To Pharaoh and his elders, but they turned arrogant. They were oppressive people. [10:75] Then we sent after them Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh and his group, with our proofs. But they turned arrogant; and were transgressing people. [Jonah 10:90] We delivered the Children of Israel across the sea. Pharaoh and his troops pursued them, aggressively and sinfully. When drowning became a reality for him, he said, "I believe that there is no god except the One in whom the Children of Israel have believed; I am a submitter." [10:91] "Too late! آلآنَ For you have rebelled already, and chose to be a transgressor. [10:92] "Today, we will preserve نُنَجِّيكَ your body, to set you up as a lesson for future generations." Unfortunately, many people are totally oblivious to our signs. [4:81] Not acceptable is the repentance of those who commit sins until death comes to them, then say, "Now I repent." Nor is it acceptable from those who die as disbelievers. For these, we have prepared a painful retribution. Comparison between Pharaoh and Jonah [21:87] And Zan-Noon (Jonah, "the one with an 'N' in his name"), abandoned his mission in protest, thinking that we could not control him. He ended up imploring from the darkness (of the big fish's belly): "There is no god other than You. Be You glorified. I have committed a gross sin." [21:88] We responded to him, and we SAVED HIM وَنَجَّيْنَاهُ from the crisis; and thus we SAVE نُنْجِي the believers. [37:139] Jonah was one of the messengers. [37:140] He escaped to the loaded ship. [37:141] He rebelled and thus, he joined the losers. [37:142] Consequently, the fish swallowed him, and he was the one to blame. [37:143] If it were not that he resorted to meditation / glorification المُسَبِّحينَ (on God), [37:144] he would have stayed in its belly until the Day of Resurrection. [37:145] We had him thrown up into the desert, exhausted. [37:146] We had a tree of edible fruit grown for him. “Hell is when the person you became meets the person you could have become.” Our decisions have ripple effects [19:75] Say, "Those who choose to go astray, the Most Gracious will lead them on, until they see what is promised for them—either the retribution or the Hour. That is when they find out who really is worse off, and weaker in power." [19:76] GOD augments the guidance of those who choose to be guided. For the good deeds are eternally rewarded by your Lord, and bring far better returns. [2:74] Despite this, your hearts hardened like rocks, or even harder. For there are rocks from which rivers gush out. Others crack and release gentle streams, and other rocks cringe out of reverence for GOD. GOD is never unaware of anything you do. [6:43] If only they implored when our test afflicted them! Instead, their hearts were hardened, and the devil adorned their works in their eyes. Heart = Galb also means mind [41:5] They said, "Our minds are made up, our ears are deaf to your message, and a barrier separates us from you. Do what you want, and so will we." [60:13] O you who believe, do not befriend people with whom GOD is angry, and who are hopelessly stuck in disbelief; they are just as hopeless as the disbelievers who are already in the graves. Someone who never thinks of their evil behavior as evil, but righteous will never repent [4:62] How will it be when a disaster hits them, as a consequence of their own works? They will come to you then and swear by GOD: "Our intentions were good and righteous!” [40:56] Surely, those who argue against GOD's revelations without proof are exposing the arrogance that is hidden inside their chests صُدورِهِم / minds , and they are not even aware of it. Therefore, seek refuge in GOD; He is the Hearer, the Seer. //see 40:19 [Iron 57:16] Is it not time for those who believed to open up their hearts for GOD's message, and the truth that is revealed herein? They should not be like the followers of previous scriptures whose hearts became hardened with time and, consequently, many of them turned wicked. God created a world where our true convictions will be brought out [47:29] Did those who harbor doubts in their hearts think that GOD will not bring out their evil thoughts? [47:30] If we will, we can expose them for you, so that you can recognize them just by looking at them. However, you can recognize them by the way they talk. GOD is fully aware of all your works.[47:31] We will certainly put you to the test, in order to distinguish those among you who strive, and steadfastly persevere. We must expose your true qualities. [47:20] Those who believed said: "When will a new sura be revealed?" But when a straightforward sura was revealed, wherein fighting was mentioned, you would see those who harbored doubts in their hearts looking at you, as if death had already come to them. They were thus exposed. [33:12] The hypocrites and those with doubts in their hearts said, "What GOD and His messenger promised us was no more than an illusion!" [3:154] After the setback, He sent down upon you peaceful slumber that pacified some of you. Others among you were selfishly concerned about themselves. They harbored thoughts about GOD that were not right - the same thoughts they had harbored during the days of ignorance. Thus, they said, "Is anything up to us?" Say, "Everything is up to GOD." They concealed inside themselves what they did not reveal to you. They said, "If it was up to us, none of us would have been killed in this battle." Say, "Had you stayed in your homes, those destined to be killed would have crawled into their death beds." GOD thus puts you to the test to bring out your true convictions, and to test what is in your hearts. GOD is fully aware of the innermost thoughts. [33:22] When the true believers saw the parties (ready to attack), they said, "This is what GOD and His messenger have promised us, and GOD and His messenger are truthful." This (dangerous situation) only strengthened their faith and augmented their submission. [2:249] When Saul took command of the troops, he said, "GOD is putting you to the test by means of a stream. Anyone who drinks from it does not belong with me—only those who do not taste it belong with me—unless it is just a single sip." They drank from it, except a few of them. When he crossed it with those who believed, they said, "Now we lack the strength to face Goliath and his troops." Those who were conscious of meeting GOD said, "Many a small army defeated a large army by GOD's leave. GOD is with those who steadfastly persevere."

8/3/2019 • 30 minutes, 48 seconds

Death of Jesus

Subscribe to the podcast: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS:https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com [3:54] They plotted and schemed, but so did GOD, and GOD is the best schemer. [3:55] Thus, GOD said, "O Jesus, I am terminating your life, raising you to Me, and ridding you of the disbelievers. I will exalt those who follow you above those who disbelieve, till the Day of Resurrection. Then to Me is the ultimate destiny of all of you, then I will judge among you regarding your disputes. [4:157] And for claiming that they killed the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, the messenger of GOD. In fact, they never killed him, they never crucified him—they were made to think that they did. All factions who are disputing in this matter are full of doubt concerning this issue. They possess no knowledge; they only conjecture. For certain, they never killed him. [4:158] Instead, GOD raised him to Him; GOD is Almighty, Most Wise. God controls life and death [3:156] O you who believe, do not be like those who disbelieved and said of their kinsmen who traveled or mobilized for war, "Had they stayed with us, they would not have died or gotten killed." GOD renders this a source of grief in their hearts. GOD controls life and death. GOD is Seer of everything you do. [2:258] Have you noted the one who argued with Abraham about his Lord, though GOD had given him kingship? Abraham said, "My Lord grants life and death." He said, "I grant life and death." Abraham said, "GOD brings the sun from the east, can you bring it from the west?" The disbeliever was stumped. GOD does not guide the wicked. [2:259] Consider the one who passed by a ghost town and wondered, "How can GOD revive this after it had died?" GOD then put him to death for a hundred years, then resurrected him. He said, "How long have you stayed here?" He said, "I have been here a day, or part of the day." He said, "No! You have been here a hundred years. Yet, look at your food and drink; they did not spoil. Look at your donkey—we thus render you a lesson for the people. Now, note how we construct the bones, then cover them with flesh." When he realized what had happened, he said, "Now I know that GOD is Omnipotent." Human beings can try to kill a body but unless God wills that person will not die [2:73] We said, "Strike (the victim) with part (of the heifer)." That is when GOD brought the victim back to life, and showed you His signs, that you may understand. Sleepers of the Cave [18:18] You would think that they were awake, when they were in fact asleep. We turned them to the right side and the left side, while their dog stretched his arms in their midst. Had you looked at them, you would have fled from them, stricken with terror. [18:25] They stayed in their cave three hundred years, increased by nine.* *The difference between 300 solar years and 300 lunar years is nine years. Sleep as death [6:60] He is the One who puts you to death during the night, and knows even the smallest of your actions during the day. He resurrects you every morning, until your life span is fulfilled, then to Him is your ultimate return. He will then inform you of everything you had done. The Real Death [6:61] He is Supreme over His creatures, and He appoints guards to protect you. When the appointed time of death comes to any of you, our messengers put him to death without delay. [6:62] Then everyone is returned to GOD, their rightful Lord and Master. Absolutely, He is the ultimate judge; He is the most accurate reckoner. Death of a Disbeliever [23:99] When death comes to one of them, he says, "My Lord, send me back. [23:100] "I will then work righteousness in everything I left." Not true. This is a false claim that he makes. A barrier will separate his soul from this world until resurrection. Everyone dies in the worldly sense [55:26] Everyone on earth perishes. [55:27] Only the presence of your Lord lasts. Possessor of Majesty and Honor. [3:144] Muhammad was no more than a messenger like the messengers before him. Should he die or get killed, would you turn back on your heels? Anyone who turns back on his heels, does not hurt GOD in the least. GOD rewards those who are appreciative. [39:30] You (Muhammad) will surely die, just like they will die. [34:14] When the appointed time for his death came, they had no clue that he had died. It was not until one of the animals tried to eat his staff, and he fell down, that the jinns realized that he was dead. They thus realized that if they really knew the unseen, they would have stopped working so hard as soon as he died. [2:133] Had you witnessed Jacob on his death bed; he said to his children, "What will you worship after I die?" They said, "We will worship your god; the god of your fathers Abraham, Ismail, and Isaac; the one god. To Him we are submitters.” Is the death off a believer and a disbeliever the same? [45:21] Do those who work evil expect that we will treat them in the same manner as those who believe and lead a righteous life? Can their life and their death be the same? Wrong indeed is their judgment. [40:46] The Hell will be shown to them day and night, and on the Day of Resurrection: "Admit Pharaoh's people into the worst retribution.” [8:50] If you could only see those who disbelieved when the angels put them to death! They will beat them on their faces and their rear ends: "Taste the retribution of Hell. But death till the day of Resurrection occurs only for the disbelievers [3:169] Do not think that those who are killed in the cause of GOD are dead; they are alive at their Lord, enjoying His provisions. [2:154] Do not say of those who are killed in the cause of GOD, "They are dead." They are alive at their Lord, but you do not perceive. [16:32] The angels terminate their lives in a state of righteousness, saying, "Peace be upon you. Enter Paradise (now) as a reward for your works.” [36:26] (At the time of his death) he was told, "Enter Paradise." He said, "Oh, I wish my people knew. [36:27] "That my Lord has forgiven me, and made me honorable." [44:51] The righteous will be in a secure position. [44:52] Enjoying gardens and springs. [44:53] Wearing velvet and satin; close to each other. [44:54] We grant them wonderful spouses. [44:55] They enjoy in it all kinds of fruits, in perfect peace. [44:56] They do not taste death therein— beyond the first death—and He has spared them the retribution of Hell. [8:24] O you who believe, you shall respond to GOD and to the messenger when he invites you to what gives you life. You should know that GOD is closer to you than your heart, and that before Him you will be summoned. Take another look at death of Jesus [3:54] They plotted and schemed, but so did GOD, and GOD is the best schemer. [3:55] Thus, GOD said, "O Jesus, I am terminating your life, raising you to Me, and ridding you of the disbelievers. I will exalt those who follow you above those who disbelieve, till the Day of Resurrection. Then to Me is the ultimate destiny of all of you, then I will judge among you regarding your disputes. [4:157] And for claiming that they killed the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, the messenger of GOD. In fact, they never killed him, they never crucified him—they were made to think that they did. All factions who are disputing in this matter are full of doubt concerning this issue. They possess no knowledge; they only conjecture. For certain, they never killed him. [4:158] Instead, GOD raised him to Him; GOD is Almighty, Most Wise. [4:159] Everyone among the people of the scripture was required to believe in him before his death. On the Day of Resurrection, he will be a witness against them. Death in the Bible John 6:58 This is the bread which came down out of heaven; not as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live forever.” John 11 24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me will live even if he dies, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Johhn 8 21 Then He said again to them, “I go away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin; where I am going, you cannot come.” 22 So the Jews were saying, “Surely He will not kill Himself, will He, since He says, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come’?” Romans 6:23 The wages of sin is death. Psalm 118 16 The right hand of the Lord is exalted; The right hand of the Lord does valiantly. 17 I will not die, but live, And tell of the works of the Lord. 18 The Lord has disciplined me severely, But He has not given me over to death. Proverbs 15 10 Grievous punishment is for him who forsakes the way; He who hates reproof will die. Ezekiel 18 – God Deals Justly with Individuals 4 Behold, all souls are Mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine. The soul who sins will die. 5 “But if a man is righteous and practices justice and righteousness, 6 and does not eat at the mountain shrines or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, or defile his neighbor’s wife or approach a woman during her menstrual period— 7 if a man does not oppress anyone, but restores to the debtor his pledge, does not commit robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing, 8 and he does not commit usury, if he keeps his hand from iniquity and executes true justice between man and man, 9 if he walks in My statutes and My ordinances so as to deal faithfully—he is righteous and will surely live,” declares the Lord God. 10 “Then he may have a violent son who sheds blood and who does any of these things to a brother 11 (though he himself did not do any of these things), that is, he even eats at the mountain shrines, and defiles his neighbor’s wife, 12 oppresses the poor and needy, commits robbery, does not restore a pledge, but lifts up his eyes to the idols and commits abomination, 13 and commits usury; will he live? He will not live! He has committed all these abominations, he will surely be put to death; his blood will be on his own head. 14 “Now behold, he has a son who has observed all his father’s sins which he committed, and observing does not do likewise. 15 He does not eat at the mountain shrines or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, or defile his neighbor’s wife, 16 or oppress anyone, or retain a pledge, or commit robbery, but he gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing, 17 he keeps his hand from the poor, does not commit usury, but executes My ordinances, and walks in My statutes; he will not die for his father’s iniquity, he will surely live. 18 As for his father, because he practiced extortion, robbed his brother and did what was not good among his people, behold, he will die for his iniquity. 19 “Yet you say, ‘Why should the son not bear the punishment for the father’s iniquity?’ When the son has practiced justice and righteousness and has observed all My statutes and done them, he shall surely live. 20 The person who sins will die. The son will not bear the punishment for the father’s iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son’s iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself. 21 “But if the wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed and observes all My statutes and practices justice and righteousness, he shall surely live; he shall not die. 22 All his transgressions which he has committed will not be remembered against him; because of his righteousness which he has practiced, he will live. 23 Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked,” declares the Lord God, “rather than that he should turn from his ways and live? 24 “But when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness, commits iniquity and does according to all the abominations that a wicked man does, will he live? All his righteous deeds which he has done will not be remembered for his treachery which he has committed and his sin which he has committed; for them he will die. 25 Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not right.’ Hear now, O house of Israel! Is My way not right? Is it not your ways that are not right? 26 When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness, commits iniquity and dies because of it, for his iniquity which he has committed he will die. 27 Again, when a wicked man turns away from his wickedness which he has committed and practices justice and righteousness, he will save his life. 28 Because he considered and turned away from all his transgressions which he had committed, he shall surely live; he shall not die. 29 But the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not right.’ Are My ways not right, O house of Israel? Is it not your ways that are not right? 30 “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, each according to his conduct,” declares the Lord God. “Repent and turn away from all your transgressions, so that iniquity may not become a stumbling block to you. 31 Cast away from you all your transgressions which you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! For why will you die, O house of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,” declares the Lord God. “Therefore, repent and live.” [35:18] No soul can carry the sins of another soul. If a soul that is loaded with sins implores another to bear part of its load, no other soul can carry any part of it, even if they were related. The only people to heed your warnings are those who reverence their Lord, even when alone in their privacy, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat). Whoever purifies his soul, does so for his own good. To GOD is the final destiny. [29:12] Those who disbelieved said to those who believed, "If you follow our way, we will be responsible for your sins." Not true; they cannot bear any of their sins. They are liars. [17:13] We have recorded the fate of every human being; it is tied to his neck. On the Day of Resurrection we will hand him a record that is accessible. [17:14] Read your own record. Today, you suffice as your own reckoner. [17:15] Whoever is guided, is guided for his own good, and whoever goes astray does so to his own detriment. No sinner will bear the sins of anyone else. We never punish without first sending a messenger. [9:80] Whether you ask forgiveness for them, or do not ask forgiveness for them - even if you ask forgiveness for them seventy times - GOD will not forgive them. This is because they disbelieve in GOD and His messenger. GOD does not guide the wicked people.

7/24/2019 • 26 minutes, 24 seconds

Professor James Tour - From Molecules to Cells

7/6/2019 • 57 minutes, 27 seconds

Sectarianism & Division

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS:https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com The one sin that God will not forgive if maintained until death [4:48] GOD does not forgive idolatry, but He forgives lesser offenses for whomever He wills. Anyone who sets up idols beside GOD, has forged a horrendous offense. Do not divide [30:31] You shall submit to Him, reverence Him, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and—whatever you do—do not ever fall into idol worship. [30:32] like those who divide their religion into sects; each party rejoicing with what they have. [42:13] He decreed for you the same religion decreed for Noah, and what we inspired to you, and what we decreed for Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: "You shall uphold this one religion, and do not divide it." The idol worshipers will greatly resent what you invite them to do. GOD redeems to Himself whomever He wills; He guides to Himself only those who totally submit. Do Not Dismiss the Believers [6:52] And do not dismiss those who implore their Lord day and night, devoting themselves to Him alone. You are not responsible for their reckoning, nor are they responsible for your reckoning. If you dismiss them, you will be a transgressor. [4:94] O you who believe, if you strike in the cause of GOD, you shall be absolutely sure. Do not say to one who offers you peace, "You are not a believer," seeking the spoils of this world. For GOD possesses infinite spoils. Remember that you used to be like them, and GOD blessed you. Therefore, you shall be absolutely sure (before you strike). GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do. [60:9] GOD enjoins you only from befriending those who fight you because of religion, evict you from your homes, and band together with others to banish you. You shall not befriend them. Those who befriend them are the transgressors. [5:57] O you who believe, do not befriend those among the recipients of previous scripture who mock and ridicule your religion, nor shall you befriend the disbelievers. You shall reverence GOD, if you are really believers. The idol worshipers must be the ones to turn away - the believers try to stay together. We invite [16:125] You shall invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kind enlightenment, and debate with them in the best possible manner. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best who are the guided ones. [3:64] Say, "O followers of the scripture, let us come to a logical agreement between us and you: that we shall not worship except GOD; that we never set up any idols besides Him, nor set up any human beings as lords beside GOD." If they turn away, say, "Bear witness that we are submitters.” [3:23] Have you noted those who were given part of the scripture, and how they are invited to uphold this scripture of GOD, and apply it to their own lives, then some of them turn away in aversion? [2:136] Say, "We believe in GOD, and in what was sent down to us, and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs; and in what was given to Moses and Jesus, and all the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among any of them. To Him alone we are submitters." [2:137] If they believe as you do, then they are guided. But if they turn away, then they are in opposition. GOD will spare you their opposition; He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [2:138] Such is GOD's system, and whose system is better than GOD's? "Him alone we worship.” [41:33] Who can utter better words than one who invites to GOD, works righteousness, and says, "I am one of the submitters"? [41:34] Not equal is the good response and the bad response. You shall resort to the nicest possible response. Thus, the one who used to be your enemy, may become your best friend. [41:35] None can attain this except those who steadfastly persevere. None can attain this except those who are extremely fortunate.[41:36] When the devil whispers an idea to you, you shall seek refuge in GOD. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. Why so much fragmentation and infighting in communities If I don’t agree with someone on everything then I reject them completely Only God Can Guide [28:56] You cannot guide the ones you love. GOD is the only One who guides in accordance with His will, and in accordance with His knowledge of those who deserve the guidance. [5:105] O you who believe, you should worry only about your own necks. If the others go astray, they cannot hurt you, as long as you are guided. To GOD is your ultimate destiny, all of you, then He will inform you of everything you had done. [40:28] A believing man among Pharaoh's people, who was concealing his belief, said, "How can you kill a man just for saying, 'My Lord is GOD,' and he has shown you clear proofs from your Lord? If he is a liar, that is his problem, and if he is truthful, you benefit from his promises. Surely, GOD does not guide any transgressor, liar. Forcing our opinion on others [3:7] He sent down to you this scripture, containing straightforward verses—which constitute the essence of the scripture—as well as multiple-meaning or allegorical verses. Those who harbor doubts in their hearts will pursue the multiple-meaning verses to create الْفِتْنَةِ [l-fit’nati] (confusion / division / disputes), and to extricate a تَأْوِيلِهِ [tawīlahu] (certain meaning interpretation / determination). 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. [10:99] Had your Lord willed, all the people on earth would have believed. Do you want to force the people to become believers? How to Deal With the Hypocrites [4:88] Why should you divide yourselves into two groups regarding hypocrites (among you)? GOD is the one who condemned them because of their own behavior. Do you want to guide those who are sent astray by GOD? Whomever GOD sends astray, you can never find a way to guide them. [4:89] They wish that you disbelieve as they have disbelieved, then you become equal. Do not consider them friends, unless they mobilize along with you in the cause of GOD. If they turn against you, you shall fight them, and you may kill them when you encounter them in war. You shall not accept them as friends, or allies. "I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong." Frederick Douglass Example of Aaron and Moses [20:92] (Moses) said, "O Aaron, what is it that prevented you, when you saw them go astray, [20:93] "from following my orders? Have you rebelled against me?" [20:94] He said, "O son of my mother, do not pull me by my beard and my head. I was afraid that you might say, 'You have divided the Children of Israel, and disobeyed my orders.’ " [7:150] When Moses returned to his people, angry and disappointed, he said, "What a terrible thing you have done in my absence! Could you not wait for the commandments of your Lord?" He threw down the tablets, and took hold of his brother's head, pulling him towards himself. (Aaron) said, "Son of my mother, the people took advantage of my weakness, and almost killed me. Let not my enemies rejoice, and do not count me with the transgressing people." [20:95] He said, "What is the matter with you, O Samarian?" [20:96] He said, "I saw what they could not see. I grabbed a fistful (of dust) from the place where the messenger stood, and used it (to mix into the golden calf). This is what my mind inspired me to do."* Footnote [20:97] He said, "Then go, and, throughout your life, do not even come close. You have an appointed time (for your final judgment) that you can never evade. Look at your god that you used to worship; we will burn it and throw it into the sea, to stay down there forever." Sura 49 is entitled Al-Hujurãt (The Walls) Investigate Rumors Before Believing Them [49:6] O you who believe, if a wicked person brings any news to you, you shall first investigate, lest you commit injustice towards some people, out of ignorance, then become sorry and remorseful for what you have done. Reconcile The Believers [49:9] If two groups of believers fought with each other, you shall reconcile them. If one group aggresses against the other, you shall fight the aggressing group until they submit to GOD's command. Once they submit, you shall reconcile the two groups equitably. You shall maintain justice; GOD loves those who are just. The Real Family [49:10] The believers are members of one family; you shall keep the peace within your family and reverence GOD, that you may attain mercy. Believers Set the Example [49:11] O you who believe, no people shall ridicule other people, for they may be better than they. Nor shall any women ridicule other women, for they may be better than they. Nor shall you mock one another, or make fun of your names. Evil indeed is the reversion to wickedness after attaining faith. Anyone who does not repent after this, these are the transgressors. Suspicion Is Sinful [49:12] O you who believe, you shall avoid any suspicion, for even a little bit of suspicion is sinful. You shall not spy on one another, nor shall you backbite one another; this is as abominable as eating the flesh of your dead brother. You certainly abhor this. You shall observe GOD. GOD is Redeemer, Most Merciful. The Only Criterion For Distinguishing Among The People [49:13] O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant. Muslim vs Mu'men [49:14] The Arabs said, "We are Mu'mens (believers)." Say, "You have not believed; what you should say is, 'We are Muslims (submitters),' until belief is established in your hearts." If you obey GOD and His messenger, He will not put any of your works to waste. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [49:15] Mu'mens (believers) are those who believe in GOD and His messenger, then attain the status of having no doubt whatsoever, and strive with their money and their lives in the cause of GOD. These are the truthful ones. [49:16] Say, "Are you informing GOD about your religion? GOD knows everything in the heavens and the earth. GOD is Omniscient.” James 4 Submit Yourselves to God 1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 4 You unfaithful people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means hostility against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says in vain that the spirit that dwells in us longs jealously? 6 Greater however He gives grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud, however to the humble He gives grace.”[Proverbs 3:34] 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and have purified hearts, you double-minded. 9 Endure hardship, feel guilt and lament. Turn your laughter to mourning and your joy to sorrow. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. 11 Do not slander (backbite) one another, brothers. Anyone who slanders (backbites) his brother or judges (decides) a brother of his then is slandering the law and decides the law. Then however the law you decide you are not a doer of the Law, but a judge. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, One who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? [55:7] He constructed the sky and established the law. [55:8] You shall not transgress the law. [55:9] You shall establish justice; do not violate the law. All Believers Constitute the One Acceptable Religion As expected from the Creator's final message, one of the prominent themes in the Quran is the call for unity among all believers, and the repeated prohibition of making any distinction among God's messengers. If the object of worship is one and the same, there will be absolute unity among all believers. It is the human factor, i.e., devotion and prejudice to such powerless humans as Jesus, Muhammad, and the saints that causes division, hatred, and bitter wars among the misguided believers. A guided believer is devoted to God ALONE, and rejoices in seeing any other believer who is devoted to God ALONE, regardless of the name such a believer calls his or her religion. [2:62; 5:69] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in God, (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord; they have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. [5:48] Then we revealed to you this scripture, truthfully, confirming previous scriptures, and superseding them. You shall rule among them in accordance with GOD's revelations, and do not follow their wishes if they differ from the truth that came to you. For each of you, we have decreed laws and different rites. Had GOD willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He thus puts you to the test through the revelations He has given each of you. You shall compete in righteousness. To GOD is your final destiny - all of you - then He will inform you of everything you had disputed. It is wrong to say that we cannot judge. By God we can judge. The Quran is the statute book it is the book of law by which we judge. [4:105] We have sent down to you the scripture, truthfully, in order to judge among the people in accordance with what GOD has shown you. You shall not side with the betrayers. We try our best to judge by the laws of the Quran [39:46] Proclaim: "Our god, Initiator of the heavens and the earth, Knower of all secrets and declarations, You are the only One who judges among Your servants regarding their disputes.” We judge when it affects our belief and liberty Do not marry idol worshipers [2:221] Do not marry idolatresses unless they believe; a believing woman is better than an idolatress, even if you like her. Nor shall you give your daughters in marriage to idolatrous men, unless they believe. A believing man is better than an idolater, even if you like him. These invite to Hell, while GOD invites to Paradise and forgiveness, as He wills. He clarifies His revelations for the people, that they may take heed. Who we are not to befriend [60:8] GOD does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them. GOD loves the equitable. [60:9] GOD enjoins you only from befriending those who fight you because of religion, evict you from your homes, and band together with others to banish you. You shall not befriend them. Those who befriend them are the transgressors. Penguin Unity When bellies full become unappreciative No food one problem lots of food many problems Devil loves animosity and disputes can claim both parties by causing division Matthew 12:22-28 25 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. [17:53] Tell My servants to treat each other in the best possible manner, for the devil will always try to drive a wedge among them. Surely, the devil is man's most ardent enemy. [3:103] You shall hold fast to the rope of GOD, all of you, and do not be divided. Recall GOD's blessings upon you - you used to be enemies and He reconciled your hearts. By His grace, you became brethren. You were at the brink of a pit of fire, and He saved you therefrom. GOD thus explains His revelations for you, that you may be guided. [3:104] Let there be a community of you who invite to what is good, advocate righteousness, and forbid evil. These are the winners. [3:105] Do not be like those who became divided and disputed, despite the clear proofs that were given to them. For these have incurred a terrible retribution.

6/28/2019 • 39 minutes, 13 seconds

Obey God and obey the messenger

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS:https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com “Obey God and obey the messenger” or some rendition of this occurs in some 25 instances in the Quran. Quran is the only legitimate Hadith [45:6] These are GOD's revelations that we recite to you truthfully. In which Hadith other than GOD and His revelations do they believe? [77:50] Which Hadith, other than this, do they uphold? [12:111] In their history, there is a lesson for those who possess intelligence. This is not fabricated Hadith; this (Quran) confirms all previous scriptures, provides the details of everything, and is a beacon and mercy for those who believe. Quran is the only source we have that is fully detailed - it is a complete book and contains examples of everything [6:114] Shall I seek other than GOD as a source of law, when He has revealed to you this book fully detailed? Those who received the scripture recognize that it has been revealed from your Lord, truthfully. You shall not harbor any doubt. [6:115] The word of your Lord is complete, in truth and justice. Nothing shall abrogate His words. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [18:54] We have cited in this Quran every kind of example, but the human being is the most argumentative creature. [39:27] We have cited for the people every kind of example in this Quran, that they may take heed. [17:89] We have cited for the people in this Quran all kinds of examples, but most people insist upon disbelieving. [30:58] Thus, we have cited for the people in this Quran all kinds of examples. Yet, no matter what kind of proof you present to the disbelievers, they say, "You are falsifiers." Before the Quran was complete Muhammad was their walking talking Quran. Messenger to not just the gentiles but also the Jews and the Christians If the command was strictly to follow only God the people of the previous scripture would not take that to follow the new revelations given to the prophet. [5:15] O people of the scripture, our messenger has come to you to proclaim for you many things you have concealed in the scripture, and to pardon many other transgressions you have committed. A beacon has come to you from GOD, and a profound scripture. Nowhere in the Quran do we hear obey Muhammad. [18:110] Say, (O Muhammed) "I am no more than a human being like you.... Muhammad the man was fallible [34:50] Say “If I go astray, I go astray because of my shortcomings, and if I am rightly guided it is due to the revelation I receive from my Lord.” Frowned [80:1] He (Muhammad) frowned and turned away. [80:2] When the blind man came to him. [80:3] How do you know? He may purify himself. [80:4] Or he may take heed, and benefit from the message. [80:5] As for the rich man. [80:6] You gave him your attention. [80:7] Even though you could not guarantee his salvation. [80:8] The one who came to you eagerly. [80:9] And is really reverent. [80:10] You ignored him. Prohibition [66:1] O you prophet, why do you prohibit what GOD has made lawful for you, just to please your wives? GOD is Forgiver, Merciful. Captives [8:67] No prophet shall acquire captives, unless he participates in the fighting. You people are seeking the materials of this world, while GOD advocates the Hereafter. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise. [8:68] If it were not for a predetermined decree from GOD, you would have suffered, on account of what you took, a terrible retribution. Stay Behind [9:42] If there were a quick material gain, and a short journey, they would have followed you. But the striving is just too much for them. They will swear by GOD: "If we could, we would have mobilized with you." They thus hurt themselves, and GOD knows that they are liars. [9:43] GOD has pardoned you: why did you give them permission (to stay behind), before you could distinguish those who are truthful from the liars? Even Muhammad was commanded to obey the messenger Zaid [33:36] No believing man or believing woman, if GOD and His messenger issue any command, has any choice regarding that command. Anyone who disobeys GOD and His messenger has gone far astray. [33:37] Recall that you said to the one who was blessed by GOD, and blessed by you, "Keep your wife and reverence GOD," and you hid inside yourself what GOD wished to proclaim. Thus, you feared the people, when you were supposed to fear only GOD. When Zeid was completely through with his wife, we had you marry her, in order to establish the precedent that a man can marry the divorced wife of his adopted son. GOD's commands shall be done. [33:38] The prophet is not committing an error by doing anything that is made lawful by GOD. Such is GOD's system since the early generations. GOD's command is a sacred duty. [33:39] Those who deliver GOD's messages, and who reverence Him alone, shall never fear anyone but GOD. GOD is the most efficient reckoner. The distinction between the man and the messenger. [9:62] They swear by GOD to you, to please you, when GOD and His messenger are more worthy of pleasing, if they are really believers. Is Muhammad still a messenger when he is dead? [39:30] You (Muhammad) will surely die, just like they will die. Follow the One who is Alive [25:58] You shall put your trust in the One who is Alive - the One who never dies - and praise Him and glorify Him. He is fully Cognizant of His creatures' sins. [16:20] As for the idols they set up beside God, they do not create anything; they themselves were created. [16:21] They are dead, not alive, and they have no idea how or when they will be resurrected. Example of Solomon [34:14] When the appointed time for his (Solomon’s) death came, they had no clue that he had died. Not until one of the animals tried to eat his staff, and he fell down, that the jinns realized that he was dead. They thus realized that if they really knew the unseen, they would have stopped working so hard as soon as he died. Quran is a messenger [65:10] GOD has prepared for them severe retribution. Therefore, you shall reverence GOD, O you who possess intelligence and believed. GOD has sent down to you a message— [65:11] a messenger who recites to you GOD's revelations, clearly, to lead those who believe and work righteousness out of the darkness into the light. Anyone who believes in GOD and leads a righteous life, He will admit him into gardens with flowing streams; they abide therein forever. GOD will generously reward him. [14:1] A. L. R.* A scripture that we revealed to you, in order to lead the people out of darkness into the light—in accordance with the will of their Lord —to the path of the Almighty, the Praiseworthy. Who taught the Quran? [55:1] The Most Gracious. [55:2] Teacher of the Quran. [75:16] Do not move your tongue to hasten it. [75:17] It is we who will collect it into Quran. [75:18] Once we recite it, you shall follow such a Quran. [75:19] Then it is we who will explain it. God is the only one who can guide [28:56] You cannot guide the ones you love. GOD is the only One who guides in accordance with His will, and in accordance with His knowledge of those who deserve the guidance. Seems like even in the Quran Muhammad did not appear to be one who was verbose on explanations [9:61] Some of them hurt the prophet by saying, "He is all ears!" Say, "It is better for you that he listens to you. He believes in GOD, and trusts the believers. He is a mercy for those among you who believe." Those who hurt GOD's messenger have incurred a painful retribution. The sole duty of the messenger is to deliver the message [5:99] (Not on the messenger except the delivery) The sole duty of the messenger is to deliver the message, and GOD knows everything you declare and everything you conceal. [24:54] Say, "Obey GOD, and obey the messenger." If they refuse, then he is responsible for his obligations, and you are responsible for your obligations. If you obey him, you will be guided. The sole duty of the messenger is to deliver (Not on the messenger except the delivery of the message). [64:12] You shall obey GOD and you shall obey the messenger. If you turn away, then the sole mission of our messenger is to deliver the message. [5:92] You shall obey GOD, and you shall obey the messenger, and beware. If you turn away, then know that the (only) sole duty of our messenger is to deliver the message efficiently. What was the prophet's message? [21:10] We have sent down to you a scripture containing your message. Do you not understand? Did Muhammad Preach Other Than the Quran [6:19] Say (O Muhammad) “whose testimony is the greatest?” Say “God’s.” He is the witness between me and you that this Quran has been inspired to me to preach (warn) it to you and whomever it reaches… [2:252] These are God's revelations. We recite them through you, truthfully, for you are one of the messengers. [3:101] How can you disbelieve, when these revelations of God have been recited to you, and His messenger has come to you? Whoever holds fast to God will be guided in the right path. [27:91] I am simply commanded to worship the Lord of this town - He has made it a safe sanctuary - and He possesses all things. I am commanded to be a submitter. [27:92] And to recite the Quran. Whoever is guided is guided for his own good, and if they go astray, then say, "I am simply a warner." Muhammad strictly followed the Quran [6:106] Follow what is revealed to you from your Lord, there is no god except He, and disregard the idol worshipers. [6:50] Say, "I do not say to you that I possess the treasures of GOD. Nor do I know the future. Nor do I say to you that I am an angel. I simply follow what is revealed to me." Say, "Is the blind the same as the seer? Do you not reflect?" [7:203] If you do not produce a miracle that they demand, they say, "Why not ask for it?" Say, "I simply follow what is revealed to me from my Lord." These are enlightenments from your Lord, and guidance, and mercy for people who believe. [10:15] When our revelations are recited to them, those who do not expect to meet us say, "Bring a Quran other than this, or change it!" Say, "I cannot possibly change it on my own. I simply follow what is revealed to me. I fear, if I disobey my Lord, the retribution of an awesome day." Would Muhammad contradict the Quran? [17:73] They almost diverted you from the revelations we have given you. They wanted you to fabricate something else, in order to consider you a friend. [17:74] If it were not that we strengthened you, you almost leaned towards them just a little bit. [17:75] Had you done that, we would have doubled the retribution for you in this life, and after death, and you would have found no one to help you against us. [17:76] They almost banished you from the land to get rid of you, so they could revert as soon as you left. [17:77] This has been consistently the case with all the messengers that we sent before you, and you will find that our system never changes. [69:40] This is the utterance of an honorable messenger. [69:41] Not the utterance of a poet; rarely do you believe. [69:42] Nor the utterance of a soothsayer; rarely do you take heed. [69:43] A revelation from the Lord of the universe. [69:44] Had he uttered any other teachings. [69:45] We would have punished him. [69:46] We would have stopped the revelations to him. [69:47] None of you could have helped him. Shahadah (3:18) Ablution (5:6) Fasting witness the month vs. witness the moon (2:185) If you want to obey the messenger then obey the Quran Muhammad’s message was the Quran = Quran is the only legitimate Hadith = Muhammad to strictly follow only the Quran So if you want to follow Muhammad then we must follow only the Quran [17:45] When you read the Quran, we place between you and those who do not believe in the Hereafter an invisible barrier. [17:46] We place shields around their minds, to prevent them from understanding it, and deafness in their ears. And when you preach (mention) your Lord, using the Quran alone, they run away in aversion. [25:27] The day will come when the transgressor will bite his hands (in anguish) and say, "Alas, I wish I had followed the path with the messenger. [25:28] "Alas, woe to me, I wish I did not take that person as a friend. [25:29] "He has led me away from the message after it came to me. Indeed, the devil lets down his human victims." [25:30] The messenger said, "My Lord, my people have deserted this Quran."

6/21/2019 • 18 minutes, 24 seconds

Instinct and Morality

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS:https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com Debating with an Atheist If you debate with an atheist one of the core arguments they try to make it to try to prove that God is not Most Gracious, Most Merciful, All Powerful or Most Just I think this is a really interesting indication that they even in their disbelief know that for God to exist he would have to be Most Gracious, Most Merciful, All Powerful or Most Just Rather than even entertaining that God may not be these things they know to their core that God would HAVE to possess these qualities? What does that tell you about human nature? Monotheism natural instinct [30:30] Therefore, you shall devote yourself to the religion of strict monotheism. Such is the natural instinct placed into the people by GOD. Such creation of GOD will never change. This is the perfect religion, but most people do not know. *30:30 Recognizing God ALONE as our Lord and Master is a natural instinct. We are born into this world with such an instinct. See 7:172-173 and Appendix 7. We know deep down instinctively who God is. [7:172] Recall that your Lord summoned all the descendants of Adam, and had them bear witness for themselves: "Am I not your Lord?" They all said, "Yes. We bear witness." Thus, you cannot say on the Day of Resurrection, "We were not aware of this." [7:173] Nor can you say, "It was our parents who practiced idolatry, and we simply followed in their footsteps. Will You punish us because of what others have innovated?" [7:174] We thus explain the revelations, to enable the people to redeem themselves. In order to know God, we need to be able to differentiate between good and evil [91:7] The soul and Him who created it. [91:8] Then placed innate knowledge what is evil and what is good. فَأَلْهَمَهَا = fa-al-ham-aha Root = ل ه م = laham = natural instinct, divine inspiration, innate knowledge Migration Short Story “The fact that our heart yearns for something Earth can't supply is proof that Heaven must be our home.” C.S. Lewis I have a desire for food because food exists I have a desire for sleep because sleep exists I have a desire for love because love exists I have a desire for forgiveness because forgiveness exists I have a desire for God because God exists Universal yearning Look at all cultures and people - Even claim that humans are hard wired to believe in God Why do people search for atonement when they do something wrong Feel bad for what they have done - do they do that to please God these are instinctive qualities When someone does not feel these things we call them arrogant or anti-social or a psychopath What is the definition of religion There is a debate in academic circles about what is the definition of religion. Recently BBC ran a series of articles about this topic. And I couldn’t help notice that their definition of religion vs. culture were completely interchangeable. In the Quran the Arabic word for religion is the same word as judgement Deen = religion يَوْمِ الدِّينِ. = Yawm edeen - Day of Judgment Therefore our religion is the metric by which we judge Universal Morality There is a debate among atheist and believers is there such thing in universal morality (objective morality) or is all morality purely subjective (non-universal) If someone does not believe in a universal law giver then there is no universal morality, and therefore what is moral is just a mere opinion and purely subjective. And if you follow this argument to its limits it means there may be conditions where torturing an innocent child could be a moral act. The only reason we can say that there is universal morality that under no conditions would such an act in our world ever be justified as moral is if we believe in a God who established the laws. [55:7] He constructed the sky and established the law. [55:8] You shall not transgress the law. [55:9] You shall establish justice; do not violate the law. The Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness….” unalienable: unable to be taken away from or given away by the possessor. If you believe what is legal means that it is moral then let’s look at what was considered legal in the past and ask yourself was this moral? Or the greek practice of pedophilia (aka pederasty) is perfectly moral because their culture at the time accepted it https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pederasty If you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything Hypocrites wants to change the definition of righteousness [11:12] You may wish to disregard some of that which is revealed to you, and you may be annoyed by it. [2:8] Then there are those who say, "We believe in GOD and the Last Day," while they are not believers. [2:9] In trying to deceive GOD and those who believe, they only deceive themselves without perceiving. [2:10] In their minds there is a disease. Consequently, GOD augments their disease. They have incurred a painful retribution for their lying. [2:11] When they are told, "Do not commit evil," they say, "But we are righteous!" مُصْلِحُونَ = peace-makers / reformers / righteous While a believer aims to reform themselves the hypocrite aims to reform the difference between what is right and wrong. What is moral and immoral. [2:12] In fact, they are evildoers, but they do not perceive. [2:13] When they are told, "Believe like the people who believed," they say, "Shall we believe like the fools who believed?" In fact, it is they who are fools, but they do not know. [40:35] They argue against GOD's revelations, without any basis. This is a trait that is most abhorred by GOD and by those who believe. GOD thus seals the hearts of every arrogant tyrant. [40:56] Surely, those who argue against GOD's revelations without proof are exposing the arrogance that is hidden inside their chests, and they are not even aware of it. Therefore, seek refuge in GOD; He is the Hearer, the Seer. When to follow your heart and when to follow your brain [17:36] You shall not accept any information, unless you verify it for yourself. I have given you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brain, and you are responsible for using them. The word that is used is: وَالْفُؤَادَ = wa-al-fu-ad as opposed to galb Comes from the root = ف ا د = fahd Connection with not just what is in one’s head e.g. the brain Technically known as the enteric nervous system, the second brain consists of sheaths of neurons embedded in the walls of the long tube of our gut, or alimentary canal, which measures about nine meters end to end from the esophagus to the anus. The second brain contains some 100 million neurons, more than in either the spinal cord or the peripheral nervous system, For comparison, the human brain contains 100 billion neurons https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/gut-second-brain/?redirect=1 99.9% we use our brain 0.01% of the time we use our heart / feelings See it - visual Hear it - be objective Think about it (feel about it) Difference between hearing something and seeing something But don’t fool yourself So clever that he could convince himself fo anything “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself – and you are the easiest person to fool.” Richard Feynman Second level thinking Criminal justice system Our belief should never override our morality Are we ever allowed to act immorally? Is it ever justified Ends justify the means - never justify bad behavior [7:28] They commit a gross sin, then say, "We found our parents doing this, and GOD has commanded us to do it." Say, "GOD never advocates sin. Are you saying about GOD what you do not know?" Are you allowed to do sin to get to righteousness? [5:32] Because of this, we decreed for the Children of Israel that anyone who murders any person who had not committed murder or horrendous crimes, it shall be as if he murdered all the people. And anyone who spares a life it shall be as if he spared the lives of all the people. Our messengers went to them with clear proofs and revelations, but most of them, after all this, are still transgressing. Bearing witness - be equitable God takes care of both You Shall Not Bear False Witness [4:135] O you who believe, you shall be absolutely equitable, and observe GOD, when you serve as witnesses, even against yourselves, or your parents, or your relatives. Whether the accused is rich or poor, GOD takes care of both. Therefore, do not be biased by your personal wishes. If you deviate or disregard (this commandment), then GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do. God controls the outcome, we are not responsible for the outcome we are only responsible for making the right decisions to please God. Not sure then consult with others Traits of the Believers [42:37] They avoid gross sins and vice, and when angered they forgive. [42:38] They respond to their Lord by observing the Contact Prayers (Salat). Their affairs are decided after due consultation among themselves, and from our provisions to them they give (to charity).

6/15/2019 • 26 minutes, 9 seconds

Prophecy - Muhammad, Quran, Messenger of the Covenant

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com The Quran has a lot of prophecies Sura 44 is about the prophecy of the smoke Sura 54 is about the prophecy of the splitting of the moon Prophecy for the end of the world etc. Muhammad prophesied in Quran [61:6] Recall that Jesus, son of Mary, said, "O Children of Israel, I am GOD's messenger to you, confirming the Torah and bringing good news of a messenger to come after me whose name will be even more praised (Ahmad)." Then, when he showed them the clear proofs, they said, "This is profound magic." Deuteronomy 18:15 - "A prophet like me will the Lord, your God, raise for you from among your kinsmen; to him you shall listen. Deuteronomy 18:17-19 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among them, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him. 19 I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name. Acts 3:22-23 For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. 23Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’ a Acts 7:37: This is the same Moses who told the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers.’ Prophecy of Quran John 14:16 - 17 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[c] in you. John 16:13 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. [65:10] GOD has prepared for them severe retribution. Therefore, you shall reverence GOD, O you who possess intelligence and believed. GOD has sent down to you a message—[65:11] a messenger who recites to you GOD's revelations, clearly, to lead those who believe and work righteousness out of the darkness into the light. Anyone who believes in GOD and leads a righteous life, He will admit him into gardens with flowing streams; they abide therein forever. GOD will generously reward him. [17:85] They ask you about the revelation (Rooh). Say, "The revelation (Rooh) comes from my Lord. The knowledge given to you is minute.” [2:89] When this scripture came to them from GOD, and even though it agrees with, and confirms what they have, and even though they used to prophesy its advent when they talked with the disbelievers, when their own prophecy came to pass, they disbelieved therein. GOD's condemnation thus afflicts the disbelievers. [26:192] This is a revelation from the Lord of the universe. [26:193] The Honest Spirit (Gabriel) came down with it. [26:194] To reveal it into your heart, that you may be one of the warners. [26:195] In a perfect Arabic tongue. [26:196] It has been prophesied in the books of previous generations. [26:197] Is it not a sufficient sign for them that it was known to the scholars among the Children of Israel? Gospel of Truth "For he revealed it as a knowledge with which all its emanations agree, namely, the knowledge of the living book which he revealed to the Aeons at last as his letters, displaying to them that these are not merely vowels nor consonants, so that one may read them and think of something void of meaning; on the contrary, they are letters which convey the truth. They are pronounced only when they are known. Each letter is a perfect truth like a perfect book, for they are letters written by the hand of the unity, since the Father wrote them for the Aeons, so that they by means of his letters might come to know the Father.” Messenger of the Covenant Malachi 3 3 “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty. 2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. [3:81] GOD took a covenant from the prophets, saying, "I will give you the scripture and wisdom. Afterwards, a messenger will come to confirm all existing scriptures. You shall believe in him and support him." He said, "Do you agree with this, and pledge to fulfill this covenant?" They said, "We agree." He said, "You have thus borne witness, and I bear witness along with you.” [33:7] Recall that we took from the prophets their covenant, including you (O Muhammad), Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus the son of Mary. We took from them a solemn pledge.* [33:40] Muhammad was not the father of any man among you. He was a messenger (rasool) of GOD and the final prophet (nabi). GOD is fully aware of all things. [7:35] O children of Adam, when messengers come to you from among you, and recite My revelations to you, those who take heed and lead a righteous life, will have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. [10:20] They say, "How come no miracle came down to him from his Lord?" Say, "The future belongs to GOD; so wait, and I am waiting along with you." 1974 Rashad Khalifa discovered the mathematical structure of the Quran Sura 74 only sura mention number 19 [74:14] I made everything easy for him. [74:15] Yet, he is greedy for more. [74:16] He stubbornly refused to accept these proofs. [74:17] I will increasingly punish him. [74:18] For he reflected, then decided. [74:19] Miserable is what he decided. [74:20] Miserable indeed is what he decided. [74:21] He looked. [74:22] He frowned and whined. [74:23] Then he turned away arrogantly. [74:24] He said, "This is but clever magic! [74:25] "This is human made." [74:26] I will commit him to retribution. [74:27] What retribution! [74:28] Thorough and comprehensive. [74:29] Obvious to all the people. [74:30] Over it is nineteen. [74:31] We appointed angels to be guardians of Hell, and we assigned their number (19) (1) to disturb the disbelievers, (2) to convince the Christians and Jews (that this is a divine scripture), (3) to strengthen the faith of the faithful, (4) to remove all traces of doubt from the hearts of Christians, Jews, as well as the believers, and (5) to expose those who harbor doubt in their hearts, and the disbelievers; they will say, "What did GOD mean by this allegory?" GOD thus sends astray whomever He wills, and guides whomever He wills. None knows the soldiers of your Lord except He. This is a reminder for the people. [74:32] Absolutely, (I swear) by the moon. [74:33] And the night as it passes. [74:34] And the morning as it shines. [74:35] This is one of the great miracles. [74:36] A warning to the human race. Number of words in 74:31 = 57 words = 19 x 3 First 19 verses of sura 74 also contain 57 words = 19 x 3 Number of words from the beginning of the sura to the word 19 (in arabic) is 95 words = 19 x 5 and 361 letters = 19 x 19 1974 = 1393 AH Quran was revealed in 13 BH = 13 + 1393 = 1406 1406 years since the revelation of the Quran = 1406 = 19 x 74 Happens in the Sura entitled Hidden Secret / aka cryptography kryptos," meaning "hidden," and "graphein," meaning "to write." Sura 42 and 50 have the letter qaff or Q in English 42 twice as long as 50 yet both contain 57 occurrences of the letter Q 114 chapters = 19 x 6 6346 = 19 x 334 Bism Allah Alraman Alraheem Bism = 19 Allah = 2698 = 19 x 142 Allrahamn = 57 = 19 x 3 Alraheem = 114 = 19 x 6 19 = Alpha and Omega / The beginning and the Last Muhammad did not have a physical miracle [10:20] They say, "How come no miracle came down to him from his Lord?" Say, "The future belongs to GOD; so wait, and I am waiting along with you.” Root Rashad occurs 19 times in the Quran Khalifa occurs twice in the Quran If you add all the sura and verse numbers where the root Rashad and Khalifa occur you get = 1463 = 19 x 77 God Guides Not the Liars [40:28] A believing man among Pharaoh's people, who was concealing his belief, said, "How can you kill a man just for saying, 'My Lord is GOD,' and he has shown you clear proofs from your Lord? If he is a liar, that is his problem, and if he is truthful, you benefit from his promises. Surely, GOD does not guide any transgressor, liar. [40:29] "O my people, today you have kingship and the upperhand. But who will help us against GOD's judgment, should it come to us?" Pharaoh said, "You are to follow only what I see fit; I will guide you only in the right path (سَبيلَ الرَّشادِ)." [40:30] The one who believed said, "O my people, I fear for you the same fate as the previous opponents. [40:31] "The opponents of Noah, and 'Ãd, Thamûd, and others who came after them. GOD does not wish any injustice for the people. [40:32] "O my people, I fear for you the Day of Summoning. [40:33] "That is the day when you may wish to turn around and flee. But nothing will protect you then from GOD. Whomever GOD sends astray, nothing can guide him." Who is the Last Messenger?* A Tragic Human Trait [40:34] Joseph had come to you before that with clear revelations, but you continued to doubt his message. Then, when he died you said, "GOD will not send any other messenger after him. (He was the last messenger)!"** GOD thus sends astray those who are transgressors, doubtful. [40:35] They argue against GOD's revelations, without any basis. This is a trait that is most abhorred by GOD and by those who believe. GOD thus seals the hearts of every arrogant tyrant. [40:36] Pharaoh said, "O Hãmãn, build for me a high tower, that I may reach out and discover. [40:37] "I want to reach the heaven, and take a look at the god of Moses. I believe he is a liar." Thus were the evil works of Pharaoh adorned in his eyes, and thus was he kept from following (the right) path. Pharaoh's scheming was truly evil. [40:38] The one who believed said, "O my people, follow me, and I will guide you in the right way. [40:39] "O my people, this first life is a temporary illusion, while the Hereafter is the eternal abode." The Best Deal [40:40] Whoever commits a sin is requited for just that, and whoever works righteousness—male or female—while believing, these will enter Paradise wherein they receive provisions without any limits. The Believing Egyptian Debates With His People [40:41] "O my people, while I invite you to be saved, you invite me to the hellfire. [40:42] "You invite me to be unappreciative of GOD, and to set up beside Him idols that I do not recognize. I am inviting you to the Almighty, the Forgiver. [40:43] "There is no doubt that what you invite me to do has no basis in this world, nor in the Hereafter, that our ultimate return is to GOD, and that the transgressors have incurred the hellfire. [40:44] "Some day you will remember what I am telling you now. I leave the judgment of this matter to GOD; GOD is the Seer of all the people." [40:45] GOD then protected him from their evil schemes, while the people of Pharaoh have incurred the worst retribution. [72:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful [72:1] Say, "I was inspired that a group of jinns listened, then said, 'We have heard a wonderful Quran.* [72:2] "'It guides to righteousness (the right way) الرُّشْدِ, and we have believed in it; we will never set up any idols besides our Lord. [72:3] "'The Most High is our only Lord. He never had a mate, nor a son. [72:4] "'It is the foolish among us who used to utter such nonsense about GOD. [72:5] "'We thought that neither the humans, nor the jinns, could possibly utter lies about GOD. [72:6] "'Human beings used to seek power through jinn beings, but they only afflicted them with a lot of adversity. [72:7] "'They thought, just like you thought, that GOD would not send another (messenger). [72:8] "'We touched the heaven and found it filled with formidable guards and projectiles. [72:9] "'We used to sit there in order to spy. Anyone who listens is pursued by a powerful projectile. [72:10] "'We have no idea if something bad is intended for the inhabitants of Earth, or if their Lord wills to redeem them / (guide them to the) right path رَشَدًا. [72:11] "'Some of us are righteous, and some are less than righteous; we follow various paths. [72:12] "'We knew full well that we can never run away from GOD on earth; we can never run away and escape. [72:13] "'When we heard the guidance, we believed therein. Anyone who believes in his Lord will never fear any injustice, nor any affliction. [72:14] "'Among us are the submitters, and among us are the compromisers.'" As for those who submitted, they are on the right path رَشَدًا. [72:15] As for the compromisers, they will be fuel for Gehenna. [72:16] If they remain on the right path, we will bless them with abundant water. [72:17] We will surely test them all. As for him who disregards the message of his Lord, He will direct him to ever increasing retribution. [72:18] The places of worship belong to GOD; do not call on anyone else beside GOD. God's Messenger of the Covenant* [72:19] When GOD's servant* advocated Him alone, almost all of them banded together to oppose him. [72:20] Say, "I worship only my Lord; I never set up any idols besides Him." [72:21] Say, "I possess no power to harm you, nor (to guide you to the) right path رَشَدًا." [72:22] Say, "No one can protect me from GOD, nor can I find any other refuge besides Him. [72:23] "I deliver GOD's proclamations and messages." Those who disobey GOD and His messenger incur the fire of Hell, wherein they abide forever. [72:24] Once they see what is awaiting them, they will find out who is really weaker in power, and fewer in number. [72:25] Say, "I do not know if what is promised to you will happen soon, or if my Lord will delay it for awhile." [72:26] He is the Knower of the future; He does not reveal the future to anyone. [72:27] Only to a messenger that He chooses,* does He reveal from the past and the future, specific news.* [72:28] This is to ascertain that they have delivered their Lord's messages. He is fully aware of what they have. He has counted the numbers of all things. *72:1-28 The messenger here is named, mathematically, as "Rashad Khalifa,". The number of verses from 1:1 to 72:27, where the messenger is mentioned, is 5472, 19x72x4. The word "Rashada" occurs 4 times in Sura 72. The value of "Rashada" is 504, and 504+28 (verses of Sura 72) is 532, 19x28. The value of "Rashad Khalifa” = 505 + 725 +72+28=1330 =19x70. The digits of Sura 72 and its number of verses (28) add up to 7+2+2+8=19. Also, the crucial expression, "only to a messenger that He chooses" has a value of 1919, 19x101. إِلّا مَنِ ارتَضىٰ مِن رَسولٍ

6/7/2019 • 34 minutes, 5 seconds

Abrogation and Contradiction

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com Theorem: a general proposition not self-evident but proved by a chain of reasoning; a truth established by means of accepted truths. In mathematics, the Pythagorean theorem, relation of the three sides of a right triangle. It states that the square of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. The theorem can be written as an equation relating the lengths of the sides a, b and c, where c represents the length of the hypotenuse and a and b the lengths of the triangle's other two sides. a^2+b^2=c^2 There are over 350 proofs to how to prove that this is true for all conditions Fermat's last theorem Pierre de Fermat, (born August 17, 1601, Beaumont-de-Lomagne, France—died January 12, 1665, Castres), French mathematician who is often called the founder of the modern theory of numbers. Together with René Descartes, Fermat was one of the two leading mathematicians of the first half of the 17th century. Andrew Wiles spent 7 years in secrecy working on the theorem First heard about the theorem when he was 10 years old In 1986, when he was 33 years old he was a professor at Princeton and spent the next 7 years of his life working in secret trying to prove this theorem In June 1993, he presented his proof to the public for the first time at a conference in Cambridge. He gave a lecture a day on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with the title "Modular Forms, Elliptic Curves and Galois Representations". There was no hint in the title that Fermat's last theorem would be discussed, Dr. Ribet said. ... Finally, at the end of his third lecture, Dr. Wiles concluded that he had proved a general case of the Taniyama conjecture. Then, seemingly as an afterthought, he noted that that meant that Fermat's last theorem was true. Q.E.D.[17] In August 1993, it was discovered that the proof contained a flaw in one area. Wiles tried and failed for over a year to repair his proof. According to Wiles, the crucial idea for circumventing, rather than closing, this area came to him on 19 September 1994, when he was on the verge of giving up. Together with his former student Richard Taylor, he published a second paper which circumvented the problem and thus completed the proof. Both papers were published in May 1995 in a dedicated issue of the Annals of Mathematics.[18][19] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Wiles [9:109] Is one who establishes his building on the basis of reverencing GOD and to gain His approval better, or one who establishes his building on the brink of a crumbling cliff, that falls down with him into the fire of Hell? GOD does not guide the transgressing people. [59:29] If we revealed this Quran to a mountain, you would see it trembling, crumbling, out of reverence for GOD. We cite these examples for the people, that they may reflect. [4:82] Why do they not study the Quran carefully? If it were from other than GOD, they would have found in it numerous contradictions. Treat the Quran like a theorem If there is a contradiction then it is our understanding that needs to be redefined Quran is consistent no contradiction [39:23] GOD has revealed herein the best Hadith; a book that is consistent, and points out both ways (to Heaven and Hell). The skins of those who reverence their Lord cringe therefrom, then their skins and their hearts soften up for GOD's message. Such is GOD's guidance; He bestows it upon whoever wills (to be guided). As for those sent astray by GOD, nothing can guide them. [39:27] We have cited for the people every kind of example in this Quran, that they may take heed. [39:28] An Arabic Quran, without any ambiguity, that they may be righteous. [39:29] GOD cites the example of a man who deals with disputing partners (Hadith), compared to a man who deals with only one consistent source (Quran). Are they the same? Praise be to GOD; most of them do not know. [3:7] He sent down to you this scripture, containing straightforward verses—which constitute the essence of the scripture—as well as multiple-meaning (ambiguous) or allegorical verses. Those who harbor doubts in their hearts will pursue the multiple-meaning 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. Abrogation indicate that there is a contradiction [2:106] When we abrogate any miracle, or cause it to be forgotten, we produce a better miracle, or at least an equal one. Do you not recognize the fact that GOD is Omnipotent? [10:20] They say, "How come no miracle came down to him from his Lord?" Say, "The future belongs to GOD; so wait, and I am waiting along with you." [6:115] The word of your Lord is complete, in truth and justice. Nothing shall abrogate (change/substitute) His words. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [18:27] You shall recite what is revealed to you of your Lord's scripture. Nothing shall abrogate (change/substitute) His words, and you shall not find any other source beside it. [78:37] Lord of the heavens and the earth, and everything between them. The Most Gracious. No one can abrogate (object) His decisions. [67:3] He created seven universes in layers. You do not see any imperfection in the creation by the Most Gracious. Keep looking; do you see any flaw? [67:4] Look again and again; your eyes will come back stumped and conquered. Intoxicants [4:43] O you who believe, do not observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) while intoxicated, so that you know what you are saying. Nor after sexual orgasm without bathing, unless you are on the road, traveling; if you are ill or traveling, or you had urinary or fecal-related excretion (such as gas), or contacted the women (sexually), and you cannot find water, you shall observe Tayammum (dry ablution) by touching clean dry soil, then wiping your faces and hands therewith. GOD is Pardoner, Forgiver. [5:90] O you who believe, intoxicants, and gambling, and the altars of idols, and the games of chance are abominations of the devil; you shall avoid them, that you may succeed. Violence towards others [33:61] They have incurred condemnation wherever they go; (unless they stop attacking you,) they may be taken and killed. [2:190] You may fight in the cause of GOD against those who attack you, but do not aggress. GOD does not love the aggressors. [2:191] You may kill those who wage war against you, and you may evict them whence they evicted you. Oppression is worse than murder. Do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque (Masjid), unless they attack you therein. If they attack you, you may kill them. This is the just retribution for those disbelievers. [2:192] If they refrain, then GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [2:193] You may also fight them to eliminate oppression, and to worship GOD freely. If they refrain, you shall not aggress; aggression is permitted only against the aggressors. Inheritance laws One of the worst offenses is to attribute lies to God [29:68] Who is more evil than one who fabricates lies and attributes them to GOD, or rejects the truth when it comes to him? Is Hell not a just retribution for the disbelievers? [39:32] Who is more evil than one who attributes lies to GOD, while disbelieving in the truth that has come to him? Is Hell not a just requital for the disbelievers? [6:144] Regarding the two kinds of camels, and the two kinds of cattle, say, "Is it the two males that He prohibited, or the two females, or the contents of the wombs of the two females? Were you witnesses when GOD decreed such prohibitions for you? Who is more evil than those who invent such lies and attribute them to GOD? They thus mislead the people without knowledge. GOD does not guide such evil people.” [5:101] O you who believe, do not ask about matters which, if revealed to you prematurely, would hurt you. If you ask about them in light of the Quran, they will become obvious to you. GOD has deliberately overlooked them. GOD is Forgiver, Clement. [5:102] Others before you have asked the same questions, then became disbelievers therein. [20:114] Most Exalted is GOD, the only true King. Do not rush into uttering the Quran before it is revealed to you, and say, "My Lord, increase my knowledge."

5/31/2019 • 21 minutes, 58 seconds

God of Awe

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com [40:13] He is the One who continuously shows you His proofs, and sends down to you from the sky provisions. Only those who totally submit will be able to take heed. Process of you hearing this sound I am pushing oxygen through my mouth My vocal chords vibrating mouth and tongue are manipulating that air to generate a sound Then forget the aspect that my voice is being digitized and processed and transforming my analog output to digital 1s and 0s that is being beamed to your device that is generating sound that is being picked up by your ears that vibrates little hairs that generate electrical pulses that your brain is transcribing into speech and applying meaning to that is stimulating thought Not to mention what else you may be doing while listening - driving, exercising, doing house chores Are you in awe of God’s creation? [64:3] He created the heavens and the earth for a specific purpose, designed you and perfected your design, then to Him is the final destiny. The fact that you can recognize faces of millions of people apart or feel love when you see the face of a loved one Are you in awe? The fact that God designed a system where are parasympathetic nervous system, your heart, lungs etc. can operate without you consciously being aware of it Have you ever got a cut and you see the scab form - you didn’t have to will that scab to form You didn’t have to will your body to heal this all happens naturally Or the fact that we can sleep That a chemical is released throughout our body that paralyzes our body so we don’t hurt ourselves or others in our sleep when we dream Mike Birbiglia comedian has a condition where his body doesn’t release this chemical that paralyzes his body Also, heard of a professor who had another condition where if he was anxious or excited his body would faulty produce this chemical and he would be paralyzed but fully conscious and just have to wait till he could gain access to his body again The fact that we don’t urinate or dedicate when we sleep [82:7] The One who created you, designed you, and perfected you. So much to be in awe of God’s design The more we learn the more we have to be in awe of Pulp Fiction Genes are composed of DNA, and it is predicted that there are over 3 billion basepairs in the human genome. Therefore it would take 6 billions letters in plain text to represent the entire genome. There are ~300,000 letters in the Quran, so to fit the entire human genome would be equivalent to 10,000 Qurans Human Genome Project - Craig Venture - we are more confused now than we were before we started [40:64] GOD is the One who rendered the earth habitable for you, and the sky a formidable structure, and He designed you, and designed you well. He is the One who provides you with good provisions. Such is GOD your Lord; Most Exalted is GOD, Lord of the universe. Membrane for a cell let alone for a body The fact that we can even conduct scientific endeavors The Big Bang Theory Confirmed [21:30] Do the unbelievers not realize that the heaven and the earth used to be one solid mass that we exploded into existence? And from water we made all living things. Would they believe? Footnote [21:31] And we placed on earth stabilizers, lest it tumbles with them, and we placed straight roads therein, that they may be guided. [21:32] And we rendered the sky a guarded ceiling. Yet, they are totally oblivious to all the portents therein. [21:33] And He is the One who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon; each floating in its own orbit. [51:47] We constructed the sky with our hands, and we will continue to expand it. April 29th, 2019 - New measurements from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope confirm that the Universe is expanding about 9% faster than expected based on its trajectory seen shortly after the big bang, astronomers say. http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/New_Hubble_measurements_confirm_universe_is_expanding_faster_than_expected_999.html [41:11] Then He turned to the sky, when it was still gas, and said to it, and to the earth, "Come into existence, willingly or unwillingly." They said, "We come willingly." [31:10] He created the heavens without pillars that you can see. He established on earth stabilizers (mountains) lest it tumbles with you, and He spread on it all kinds of creatures. We send down from the sky water to grow all kinds of beautiful plants. [13:2] GOD is the One who raised the heavens without pillars that you can see, then assumed all authority. He committed the sun and the moon, each running (in its orbit) for a predetermined period. He controls all things, and explains the revelations, that you may attain certainty about meeting your Lord. Dark energy 68% Dark Matter 27% Visible matter 5% [27:88] When you look at the mountains, you think that they are standing still. But they are moving, like the clouds. Such is the manufacture of GOD, who perfected everything. He is fully Cognizant of everything you do. Plate-tectonics Equivalent to the skin of an apple to the apple itself Mountains are like spikes Also, what would the winds be without mountains What if there was no wind? Impact on polination Impact on early voyages With of our Lord’s marvels can we deny? sun Eclipse atmosphere By volume, dry air contains 78.09% nitrogen, 20.95% oxygen, 0.93% argon, 0.04% carbon dioxide, and small amounts of other gases. [41:53] We will show them our proofs in the horizons, and within themselves, until they realize that this is the truth. Is your Lord not sufficient as a witness of all things?

5/23/2019 • 21 minutes, 55 seconds

God Alone

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com [4:48] GOD does not forgive idolatry, but He forgives lesser offenses for whomever He wills. Anyone who sets up idols beside GOD, has forged a horrendous offense. [4:146] Only those who repent, reform, hold fast to GOD, and devote their religion absolutely to GOD alone, will be counted with the believers. GOD will bless the believers with a great recompense. [39:53] Proclaim: "O My servants who exceeded the limits, never despair of GOD's mercy. For GOD forgives all sins. He is the Forgiver, Most Merciful." [31:13] Recall that Luqmãn said to his son, as he enlightened him, "O my son, do not set up any idols beside GOD; idolatry is a gross injustice."* *31:13 How will you feel if you take care of a child, give him the best education, and prepare him for life, only to see him thank someone else? Thus is idolatry; injustice. [3:64] Say, "O followers of the scripture, let us come to a logical agreement between us and you: that we shall not worship except GOD; that we never set up any idols besides Him, nor set up any human beings as lords beside GOD." If they turn away, say, "Bear witness that we are submitters." What is an idol? More than just statues Property as an idol: [18:42] Indeed, his crops were wiped out, and he ended up sorrowful, lamenting what he had spent on it in vain, as his property lay barren. He finally said, "I wish I never set up my property as a god beside my Lord.” Baby as an idol: [7:189] He created you from one person (Adam). Subsequently, He gives every man a mate to find tranquility with her. She then carries a light load that she can hardly notice. As the load gets heavier, they implore GOD their Lord: "If You give us a good baby, we will be appreciative." [7:190] But when He gives them a good baby, they turn His gift into an idol that rivals Him. GOD be exalted, far above any partnership. What is an idol: thinking that anything independent of God can benefit or harm you [5:76] Say, "Would you worship beside GOD powerless idols who can neither harm you, nor benefit you? GOD is Hearer, Omniscient." [7:191] Is it not a fact that they are idolizing idols who create nothing, and are themselves created? [7:192] Idols that can neither help them, nor even help themselves? Ego as an idol: [45:23] Have you noted the one whose god is his ego? Consequently, GOD sends him astray, despite his knowledge, seals his hearing and his mind, and places a veil on his eyes. Who then can guide him, after such a decision by GOD? Would you not take heed? [6:121] Do not eat from that upon which the name of GOD has not been mentioned, for it is an abomination. The devils inspire their allies to argue with you; if you obey them, you will be idol worshipers.* [39:3] Absolutely, the religion shall be devoted to GOD alone. Those who set up idols beside Him say, "We idolize them only to bring us closer to GOD; for they are in a better position!" GOD will judge them regarding their disputes. GOD does not guide such liars, disbelievers. If we believe Muhammad, Jesus, the saints etc. can hear our prayer then we are equating god like powers of omniscience and omnipresence to these people If we believe that these individuals can intercede on our behalf then (1) they would have to be able to witness all our deeds and know our innermost thoughts (2) that they have the power to absolve sins [35:18] No soul can carry the sins of another soul. If a soul that is loaded with sins implores another to bear part of its load, no other soul can carry any part of it, even if they were related. The only people to heed your warnings are those who reverence their Lord, even when alone in their privacy, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat). Whoever purifies his soul, does so for his own good. To GOD is the final destiny. Abraham couldn’t intercede on behalf of his father Noah couldn’t intercede on behalf of his son Lot couldn’t intercede on behalf of his wife If these righteous individuals could not intercede on behalf of the ones they knew and loved then how are we supposed to think that they will have any possibility of interceding on our behalf [9:80] Whether you ask forgiveness for them, or do not ask forgiveness for them - even if you ask forgiveness for them seventy times - GOD will not forgive them. This is because they disbelieve in GOD and His messenger. GOD does not guide the wicked people. Messengers are worried about their own neck [26:82] "The One who hopefully will forgive my sins on the Day of Judgment. [7:188] Say, "I have no power to benefit myself, or harm myself. Only what GOD wills happens to me. If I knew the future, I would have increased my wealth, and no harm would have afflicted me. I am no more than a warner, and a bearer of good news for those who believe.” Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods besides me.” Matthew 22:36 - 37 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’38 This is the first and greatest commandment. [3:18] GOD bears witness that there is no god except He, and so do the angels and those who possess knowledge. Truthfully and equitably, He is the absolute god; there is no god but He, the Almighty, Most Wise. 19 times in mentioned in the Quran [39:45] When GOD ALONE is mentioned, the hearts of those who do not believe in the Hereafter shrink with aversion. But when others are mentioned beside Him, they become satisfied.* [4:36] You shall worship GOD alone—do not associate anything with Him. We cannot bear witness to what we have not seen: [63:1] When the hypocrites come to you they say, "We bear witness that you are the messenger of GOD." GOD knows that you are His messenger, and GOD bears witness that the hypocrites are liars. [28:44] You were not present on the slope of the western mount, when we issued the command to Moses; you were not a witness.* [2:285] The messenger has believed in what was sent down to him from his Lord, and so did the believers. They believe in GOD, His angels, His scripture, and His messengers: "We make no distinction among any of His messengers." They say, "We hear, and we obey.* Forgive us, our Lord. To You is the ultimate destiny.” Jesus will be shocked that people set him and his mother up as idols on the Day of Resurrection [5:116] GOD will say, “O Jesus, son of Mary,* did you say to the people, ‘Make me and my mother idols beside GOD’?” He will say, “Be You glorified. I could not utter what was not right. Had I said it, You already would have known it. You know my thoughts, and I do not know Your thoughts. You know all the secrets. Just like Muhammad will be shocked to know that people have included his name in the Salat and Shahadah [3:79] Never would a human being whom GOD blessed with the scripture and prophethood say to the people, "Idolize me beside GOD." Instead, (he would say), "Devote yourselves absolutely to your Lord alone," according to the scripture you preach and the teachings you learn. [3:80] Nor would he command you to idolize the angels and the prophets as lords. Would he exhort you to disbelieve after becoming submitters? [40:10] Those who disbelieve will be told, "GOD's abhorrence towards you is even worse than your own abhorrence towards yourselves. For you were invited to believe, but you chose to disbelieve.” [40:11] They will say, "Our Lord, you have put us to death twice,* and You gave us two lives; now we have confessed our sins. Is there any way out?” God ALONE: Note the Reason [40:12] This is because when GOD ALONE was advocated, you disbelieved, but when others were mentioned beside Him, you believed. Therefore, GOD's judgment has been issued; He is the Most High, the Great. [40:13] He is the One who continuously shows you His proofs, and sends down to you from the sky provisions. Only those who totally submit will be able to take heed. [40:14] Therefore, you shall devote your worship absolutely to GOD ALONE, even if the disbelievers dislike it. [72:18] The places of worship belong to GOD; do not call on anyone else beside GOD. God's Messenger of the Covenant [72:19] When GOD's servant advocated Him alone, almost all of them banded together to oppose him. [39:36] Is GOD not sufficient for His servant? They frighten you with the idols they set up beside Him. Whomever GOD sends astray, nothing can guide him. [6:162] Say, "My Contact Prayers (Salat), my worship practices, my life and my death, are all devoted absolutely to GOD alone, the Lord of the universe.

5/16/2019 • 23 minutes, 35 seconds

Inheritance of Orphans

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com God in the Quran puts a lot of emphasis on the rights of orphans. And this is representative of a Quranic society where the individuals with the least say the smallest voices and the least protected are disproportionately emphasized in the Quran to make sure that their rights are not violated and that they are not taken advantage of or victimized. The ones in society with the smallest voice the least protected Mahatma Ghandi who said “A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.” What is the definition of orphan: Someone who doesn’t have a mother or father 4:3 marrying the mothers of orphans Merriam Webster: one deprived of some protection or advantage Helping children who do not have a bread earner / protector But what about the children of the future who are not even born yet? They do not have a mom or dad They have no say Parents and schools No parent guardian to speak on the child’s behalf can easily be taken advantage of So how do the decisions we make impact the orphans.. Yet the decisions we make in our life can have a direct impact on their well being [89:15] When the human being is tested by his Lord, through blessings and joy, he says, "My Lord is generous towards me." [89:16] But if He tests him through reduction in provisions, he says, "My Lord is humiliating me!" [89:17] Wrong! It is you who brought it on yourselves by not regarding the orphan. [89:18] And not advocating charity towards the poor. [89:19] And consuming the inheritance of helpless orphans. [89:20] And loving the money too much. How many people would this apply to The Earth is an inheritance for future generations [7:100] Does it ever occur to those who inherit the earth after previous generations that, if we will, we can punish them for their sins, and seal their hearts, causing them to turn deaf? [10:14] Then we made you inheritors of the earth after them, to see how you will do. [6:165] He is the One who made you inheritors of the earth, and He raised some of you above others in rank, in order to test you in accordance with what He has given you. Surely, your Lord is efficient in enforcing retribution, and He is Forgiver, Most Merciful. Future generations - Do not roam the earth corruptingly [2:204] Among the people, one may impress you with his utterances concerning this life, and may even call upon GOD to witness his innermost thoughts, while he is a most ardent opponent. [2:205] As soon as he leaves, he roams the earth corruptingly, destroying properties and lives. GOD does not love corruption. [7:74] "Recall that He made you inheritors after `Ad, and established you on earth, building mansions in its valleys, and carving homes from its mountains. You shall remember GOD's blessings, and do not roam the earth corruptingly.” [25:63] The worshipers of the Most Gracious are those who tread the earth gently, and when the ignorant speak to them, they only utter peace. Environmentalism [30:41] Disasters have spread throughout the land and sea, because of what the people have committed. He thus lets them taste the consequences of some of their works, that they may return (to the right works). "The curious task of economics is to demonstrate to men how little they really know about what they imagine they can design.” Frederick Hayek Economics $22 trillion dollars of public debt Each child in America is born with $62k of public debt not included unfunded liabilities Leave the place nicer than you started [26:84] "Let the example I set for the future generations be a good one. Gym retract your weights Person wants to help the poor but not willing to help his parents with the dishes Let everyone sweep in front of his own door, and the whole world will be clean. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe [4:85] Whoever mediates a good deed receives a share of the credit thereof, and whoever mediates an evil work, incurs a share thereof. GOD controls all things. [36:12] We will certainly revive the dead, and we have recorded everything they have done in this life, as well as the consequences that continue after their death. Everything we have counted in a profound record. [18:49] The record will be shown, and you will see the guilty fearful of its contents. They will say, "Woe to us. How come this book leaves nothing, small or large, without counting it?" They will find everything they had done brought forth. Your Lord is never unjust towards anyone.

5/10/2019 • 15 minutes, 28 seconds

Quran Capitalism and Inequality - Part 2

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com Why is it that despite in aggregate people’s economic situation has gotten better than it was years ago, people feel ever more disenfranchised than they have in the past? Children are kind of micro examples of adults. The challenges and issues they deal with are elementary examples of how we are as adults. They are kind of digestible simplified representations of ourselves Kind of like Aesop Fables - little lessons for us to be more conscientious of our own behavior So I learn a lot about myself from my kids - amazing little life lessons So the other day I surprised my daughter after school and told her that we were going to go rock climbing She was excited so we head over When we park the car she tells me she wants to get rock climbing shoes At first I explain that they don’t have her size and she is better off using her tennis shoes but she is getting upset so I said sure if you prefer to have rock climbing shoes it is up to you Then when we get to the floor she says that she wants her own chalk bag Then she says that she wants to get dinner across the street at this Vietnamese restaurant Then she says after dinner she wants to get Boba I finally said no. Then she said she didn’t want to climb anymore so after 15 minutes we changed our shoes packed up and just went home And we had a conversation She was happy to go rock climbing rather than going home, but ended up more upset because of some other factor rather than being appreciative that she was able to go rock climbing Because she was unappreciative now she stopped climbing and also we didn’t go out to dinner Be appreciative for we have rather than being unappreciative for what we don’t have Dan Ariely Weekend in Rome all-expense paid - flight, hotel, breakfast Weekend in Paris all-expense paid - flight, hotel, breakfast (no coffee) We put a disproportionate value on things that should have little value and when we do this we impact our overall happiness Rock climbing in itself for my daughter should = happiness Rock climbing without shoes, chalk bag, Vietnamese food, boba = unhappy We get fixated on what others have and this impacts our own happiness People tend to compare themselves upwards As society gets richer as a whole the distribution between the richest and the poorest will naturally be increased [3:196] Do not be impressed by the apparent success of disbelievers. [3:197] They only enjoy temporarily, then end up in Hell; what a miserable destiny! God’s System [6:44] When they thus disregard the message given to them, we open for them the gates of everything. Then, just as they rejoice in what was given to them, we punish them suddenly; they become utterly stunned. * [6:45] The wicked are thus annihilated. Praise be to GOD, Lord of the universe. *6:44 Before the guilty are thrown out the window, they are taken up to a high floor. Example of Qaroon [28:76] Qãroon (the slave driver) was one of Moses' people who betrayed them and oppressed them. We gave him so many treasures that the keys thereof were almost too heavy for the strongest band. His people said to him, "Do not be so arrogant; GOD does not love those who are arrogant. [28:77] "Use the provisions bestowed upon you by GOD to seek the abode of the Hereafter, without neglecting your share in this world. Be charitable, as GOD has been charitable towards you. Do not keep on corrupting the earth. GOD does not love the corruptors." [28:78] He said, "I attained all this because of my own cleverness." Did he not realize that GOD had annihilated before him generations that were much stronger than he, and greater in number? The (annihilated) transgressors were not asked about their crimes. [28:79] One day, he came out to his people in full splendor. Those who preferred this worldly life said, "Oh, we wish that we possess what Qãroon has attained. Indeed, he is very fortunate." The Real Wealth [28:80] As for those who were blessed with knowledge, they said, "Woe to you, GOD's recompense is far better for those who believe and lead a righteous life." None attains this except the steadfast. The Tyrants' Inevitable Fate [28:81] We then caused the earth to swallow him and his mansion. No army could have helped him against GOD; he was not destined to be a winner. [28:82] Those who were envious of him the day before said, "Now we realize that GOD is the One who provides for whomever He chooses from among His servants, and withholds. If it were not for GOD's grace towards us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us too. We now realize that the disbelievers never succeed.” [57:20] Know that this worldly life is no more than play and games, and boasting among you, and hoarding of money and children. It is like abundant rain that produces plants and pleases the disbelievers. But then the plants turn into useless hay, and are blown away by the wind. In the Hereafter there is either severe retribution, or forgiveness from GOD and approval. This worldly life is no more than a temporary illusion. God’s system is that we are of different ranks [43:32] Are they the ones who assign your Lord's mercy? We have assigned their shares in this life, raising some of them above others in ranks, in order to let them serve one another. The mercy from your Lord is far better than any material they may hoard. Be appreciative for what we have not unappreciative for what we don’t have Society is like an organism we each have a function to serve. Tree would not be so foolish for it’s branches to fight among itself [17:21] Note how we preferred some people above others (in this life). The differences in the Hereafter are far greater and far more significant. Run your own race Matthew 25:14-30 English Standard Version (ESV) The Parable of the Talents 14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And he who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 He who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ Don’t worry about what other people received focus on what God gave you [42:27] If GOD increased the provision for His servants, they would transgress on earth. This is why He sends it precisely measured to whomever He wills. He is fully Cognizant and Seer of His servants. [7:169] Subsequent to them, He substituted new generations who inherited the scripture. But they opted for the worldly life instead, saying, "We will be forgiven." But then they continued to opt for the materials of this world. Did they not make a covenant to uphold the scripture, and not to say about GOD except the truth? Did they not study the scripture? Certainly, the abode of the Hereafter is far better for those who maintain righteousness. Do you not understand? The blind man and the rich man [49:13] O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant. God has given each of us different amounts, skills, abilities, blessings, favors etc. Regarding our life, God is not concerned about what He gave others, He wants to know what did we do with what He gave each of us. [53:48] He is the One who makes you rich or poor. أَغْنَىٰ = Ag-nah-ah = Rich = free from need وَأَقْنَىٰ = ag-nah-ah = poor = makes satisfy Root = ق ن ي = to acquire a thing; to cause to acquire; make contended; satisfy; preserve; make satisfy with a given thing [74:6] Be content with your lot. [76:8] They donate their favorite food to the poor, the orphan, and the captive. [76:9] "We feed you for the sake of GOD; we expect no reward from you, nor thanks. [92:17] Avoiding it will be the righteous. [92:18] Who gives from his money to charity. [92:19] Seeking nothing in return. When you ask for provisions from God are you asking so you can better serve God with those provisions or are you asking for yourself? [2:272] You are not responsible for guiding anyone. GOD is the only one who guides whoever chooses (to be guided). Any charity you give is for your own good. Any charity you give shall be for the sake of GOD. Any charity you give will be repaid to you, without the least injustice. [24:55] GOD promises those among you who believe and lead a righteous life, that He will make them sovereigns on earth, as He did for those before them, and will establish for them the religion He has chosen for them, and will substitute peace and security for them in place of fear. All this because they worship Me alone; they never set up any idols beside Me. Those who disbelieve after this are the truly wicked. One can have everything in the world but they will not be able to be satisfied and therefore they will not be appreciative and therefore they will never be happy [3:91] Those who disbelieve and die as disbelievers, an earthfull of gold will not be accepted from any of them, even if such a ransom were possible. They have incurred painful retribution; they will have no helpers. Kafar = disbeliever = unappreciative

5/3/2019 • 23 minutes, 4 seconds

Ramadan 2019

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com [2:183] O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation. [2:184] Specific days (are designated for fasting); if one is ill or traveling, an equal number of other days may be substituted. Those who can fast, but with great difficulty, may substitute feeding one poor person for each day of breaking the fast. If one volunteers (more righteous works), it is better. But fasting is the best for you, if you only knew. [2:185] Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. GOD wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify GOD for guiding you, and to express your appreciation. [2:186] When My servants ask you about Me, I am always near. I answer their prayers when they pray to Me. The people shall respond to Me and believe in Me, in order to be guided. [2:187] Permitted for you is sexual intercourse with your wives during the nights of fasting. They are the keepers of your secrets, and you are the keepers of their secrets. GOD knew that you used to betray your souls, and He has redeemed you, and has pardoned you. Henceforth, you may have intercourse with them, seeking what GOD has permitted for you. You may eat and drink until the white thread of light becomes distinguishable from the dark thread of night at dawn. Then, you shall fast until sunset. Sexual intercourse is prohibited if you decide to retreat to the masjid (during the last ten days of Ramadan). These are GOD's laws; you shall not transgress them. GOD thus clarifies His revelations for the people, that they may attain salvation. [17:78] You shall observe the Contact Prayer (Salat) when the sun declines from its highest point at noon, as it moves towards sunset. You shall also observe (the recitation of) the Quran at dawn. (Reciting) the Quran at dawn is witnessed. [2:189] They ask you about the phases of the moon! Say, "They provide a timing device for the people, and determine the time of Hajj." It is not righteous to beat around the bush;* righteousness is attained by upholding the commandments and by being straightforward. You shall observe GOD, that you may succeed. The new moon timings to determine the month of Ramadan are as follows: May 04, 2019: 22:45 (10:45PM; UTC/GMT) = 3:45pm PST / 6:45pm EST June 03, 2019: 10:02 AM (UTC/GMT) = 3:02am PST / 6:02am EST https://www.onlineconverter.com/utc-to-pst http://masjidtucson.org/submission/practices/ramadan/#dates Sunset New York on May 4th 2019 = 6:45 pm EST Sunset San Francisco on May 4th 2019 = 8:01pm PST 05 May 2019 - 03 June 2019: God willing the first day of Ramadan is 05 May, and the last day of Ramadan is 03 June for USA and Canada (e.g., we checked for Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, Phoenix, Tucson, Chicago, Dallas, Miami New York, Washington DC, Ottawa, Toronto). Please verify / check with the information available for your location using the Ramadan Calculation Assistant and the US Naval Observatory solar & lunar data. 06 May 2019 - 03 June 2019: God willing the first day of Ramadan is 06 May, and the last day of Ramadan is 03 June for Europe (e.g., we checked for London, Berlin, Rome, Moscow, Istanbul), much of Asia (e.g., we checked for Mecca, Tehran, Dubai, Karachi, Mumbai, Chennai, Dhaka, Hong Kong) and Africa (e.g., we checked for Lagos, Tripoli, Cairo, Johannesburg, Nairobi). Please check with the information available for your location using the Ramadan Calculation Assistant and the US Naval Observatory solar & lunar data. 06 May 2019 - 04 June 2019: God willing the first day of Ramadan is 06 May, and the last day of Ramadan is 04 June for parts of Asia (e.g., we checked for Tokyo), Australia, New Zealand. Please check with the information available for your location using the Ramadan Calculation Assistant and the US Naval Observatory solar & lunar data (moon phase calculator). The Night of Destiny (Night of Power) will start, God willing, at sunset on May 30, 2019 for those places that start fasting May 5. For those locations that start Ramadan on May 06 (a day later), the Night of Destiny falls on May 31, 2019 God willing. Sura 97: Destiny (Al-Qadr) [97:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful [97:1] We revealed it in the Night of Destiny. [97:2] How awesome is the Night of Destiny! [97:3] The Night of Destiny is better than a thousand months. [97:4] The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by their Lord's leave, to carry out every command. [97:5] Peaceful it is until the advent of the dawn.

5/2/2019 • 6 minutes, 19 seconds

Quran Capitalism and Inequality - Part 1

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com Has world poverty gotten worse or better in the last 30 years? (less than a $1/day adjusted to inflation in 1970 to $1.90/day) From 1990 to today there has been ~65% reduction in extreme poverty (from 36% of world population to

4/26/2019 • 30 minutes, 48 seconds

Satisfaction

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com Rolling Stones - Keith Richards & Mick Jagger - I can’t get no satisfaction https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VZ4mAfta3s Cow never asks am I satisfied with my life two central questions that people ask themselves when determining whether they’re satisfied with something in their life: Am I doing better than I was before? Am I doing better than other people? This applies to wealth, but also to attractiveness, height, and other things that people fret about. “But the problem is,” Norton says, “a lot of the things that really matter in life are hard to measure. So if you wanted to be a good parent, it’s a little hard to know if you’re being a better parent now than you were a year ago, and it’s also hard to know if you’re a better parent than the neighbors.” So people turn to dimensions of comparison that can be quantified. “Money is a terrific one,” Norton says. “If I need to know if I’m doing better than I was, the easy thing to ask is, Am I making more money? or Does my house have more square feet? or Do I have more houses than I used to?” The research Norton has conducted illustrating this phenomenon is dispiriting. In a paper published earlier this year, he and his collaborators asked more than 2,000 people who have a net worth of at least $1 million (including many whose wealth far exceeded that threshold) how happy they were on a scale of one to 10, and then how much more money they would need to get to 10. “All the way up the income-wealth spectrum,” Norton told me, “basically everyone says [they’d need] two or three times as much” to be perfectly happy. https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2018/12/rich-people-happy-money/577231/ [30:6] Such is GOD's promise—and GOD never breaks His promise—but most people do not know. [30:7] They care only about things of this world that are visible to them, while being totally oblivious to the Hereafter. Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts. Some of the things that matter the most are not measurable in the worldly sense? Righteousness, virtue, honesty, etc. [7:26] O children of Adam, we have provided you with garments to cover your bodies, as well as for luxury. But the best garment is the garment of righteousness. These are some of GOD's signs, that they may take heed. Hoarding [102:1] You remain preoccupied with hoarding. [102:2] Until you go to the graves. التَّكاثُرُ = the competitive quest for more / hoarding. “We buy things we don't need with money we don't have to impress people we don't like.” God makes us satisfied [53:48] He is the One who makes you rich or poor. أَغْنَىٰ = Ag-nah-ah = Rich = free from need وَأَقْنَىٰ = ag-nah-ah = poor = makes satisfy Root = ق ن ي = to acquire a thing; to cause to acquire; make contended; satisfy; preserve; make satisfy with a given thing GOD is the only one who can make us satisfied Motley Crue movie - Dirt Being impressed by the abundance of sin [5:100] Proclaim: "The bad and the good are not the same, even if the abundance of the bad may impress you. You shall reverence GOD, (even if you are in the minority,) O you who possess intelligence, that you may succeed.” [9:55] Do not be impressed by their money, or their children. GOD causes these to be sources of retribution for them in this life, and (when they die) their souls depart while they are disbelievers. [9:85] Do not be impressed by their money or their children; GOD causes these to be sources of misery for them in this world, and their souls depart as disbelievers. God has everything we need Addiction - drug, porn, depression etc. root cause is lack of satisfaction Depression - some people have a genuine psychological imbalance I think out of the 9 different traits for depression only 2 have to do with biology "no food one problem- lots of food many problems” Diogenes - Apocryphal Greek philosopher and one of the founders of Cynic philosophy. ~350BC Stories of him take minimalism to a whole new extreme All he had was a cup to drink from then one day he saw a boy drinking from his hand and he cursed his cup and got rid of it Alexander and Diogenes While Diogenes was relaxing in the morning sunlight, Alexander, thrilled to meet the famous philosopher, asked if there was any favor he might do for him. Diogenes replied, "Yes, stand out of my sunlight." Alexander then declared, "If I were not Alexander, then I should wish to be Diogenes." "If I were not Diogenes, I would still wish to be Diogenes," Diogenes replied. In another account of the conversation, Alexander found the philosopher looking attentively at a pile of human bones. Diogenes explained, "I am searching for the bones of your father but cannot distinguish them from those of a slave.” Choose Your Priorities Carefully This Life [17:18] Anyone who chooses this fleeting life as his priority, we will rush to him what we decide to give him, then we commit him to Gehenna, where he suffers forever, despised and defeated. The Hereafter [17:19] As for those who choose the Hereafter as their priority, and work righteousness, while believing, their efforts will be appreciated. [17:20] For each one of them we provide; we provide those and these from your Lord's bounties. Your Lord's bounties are inexhaustible. [17:21] Note how we preferred some people above others (in this life). The differences in the Hereafter are far greater and far more significant. Clayton Christensen - How to measure a life Kafar = disbeliever but also means unappreciative Hell and Satisfaction Imagine if you had the best most extravagant life - but no improvement whatsoever for all of eternity - how long before you would be absolutely miserable? Eternally hopeless knowing for sure your situation will NEVER change Imagine you had to spend your life digging a hole, now imagine if that task was expected from you for eternity [13:14] Imploring Him is the only legitimate supplication, while the idols they implore beside Him, cannot ever respond. Thus, they are like those who stretch their hands to the water, but nothing reaches their mouths. The supplications of the disbelievers are in vain. [88:6] They will have no food except the useless variety. [88:7] It never nourishes, nor satisfies hunger. [88:8] Other faces on that day will be full of joy. [88:9] Satisfied with their work. [24:39] As for those who disbelieve, their works are like a mirage in the desert. A thirsty person thinks that it is water. But when he reaches it, he finds that it is nothing, and he finds GOD there instead, to requite him fully for his works. GOD is the most efficient reckoner. Matthew 6: Treasures in Heaven 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Do Not Worry 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

4/19/2019 • 22 minutes, 20 seconds

Marriage According to Quran

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com 4 Requirements for Marriage Mutual desire and intention that the a man and a women would like to get married to spend the rest of their lives as a strictly monogamous couple Man provides the dowry - agree between the two what that is Solemn pledge man makes to the women Consummation Should you do a formal marriage under state law? Should you announce it? Should you have a ceremony? Ask yourself why not? Are you trying to make it easy to divorce Only Mutually Acceptable Transactions Can Be Made [4:29] O you who believe, do not consume each others' properties illicitly - only mutually acceptable transactions are permitted. You shall not kill yourselves. GOD is Merciful towards you. The expectation is that the marriage is supposed to be for their entire lives Protection for the Women [4:20] If you wish to marry another wife, in place of your present wife, and you had given any of them a great deal, you shall not take back anything you had given her. Would you take it fraudulently, maliciously, and sinfully? [4:21] How could you take it back, after you have been intimate with each other, and they had taken from you a solemn pledge? You Shall Keep Your Word [16:91] You shall fulfill your covenant with GOD when you make such a covenant. You shall not violate the oaths after swearing (by God) to carry them out, for you have made GOD a guarantor for you. GOD knows everything you do. [16:92] Do not be like the knitter who unravels her strong knitting into piles of flimsy yarn. This is your example if you abuse the oaths to take advantage of one another. Whether one group is larger than the other, GOD thus puts you to the test. He will surely show you on the Day of Resurrection everything you had disputed. God discourages divorce (temporary marriages) is just prostitution [24:33] Those who cannot afford to get married shall maintain morality until GOD provides for them from His grace. .… You shall not force your girls (women) to commit prostitution, seeking the materials of this world, if they wish to be chaste. If anyone forces them, then GOD, seeing that they are forced, is Forgiver, Merciful. [2:191] ...Oppression is worse than murder. Age [17:38] All bad behavior is condemned by your Lord. Morality - all bad behavior is prohibited - not sure what that is ask 10 people do you think this is good behavior if 9/10 people tell you that isn’t moral behavior then it probably isn't Word for marriage is full grown / working age / done with puberty (women) 4:127 - النِّسَاءِ = (al-neesa - like name of cousin) the orphan women ن س و = women Root = ف ت ي to be young; full-grown; brave; generous; youth; generosity; manly qualities; young man; bold; courageous; young slave; fine fellow; servant; to advise; explain; give opinion or instruction; judgment or decision in a matter of law; give a formal legal decree; issue a (divine) decree or a sacred law; explain the meaning; pronounce; to consult; ask opinion or advice; decision; opinion; advice 4:25 - فَتَيَاتِكُمُ = (fatty yateh koom ) full-grown young women 24:33 - full-grown women (young women) - in context of forcing to prostitution Root for female - irrespective of age is ا ن ث = female = أُنْثَىٰ [3:36] When she gave birth to her, she said, "My Lord, I have given birth to a girl"—GOD was fully aware of what she bore—"The male is not the same as the female. I have named her Mary and I invoke Your protection for her and her descendants from the rejected devil." The age of marriage also means puberty ن ك ح = to tie; make a knot; contract; cement; marriage (age of marriage / age to sign a contract) النِّكَاحَ - age of marriage / puberty / sexual maturity / age to be able to sign a contract independently 4:6 Khalifa You shall test the orphans when they reach puberty. As soon as you find them mature enough, give them their property. Do not consume it extravagantly in a hurry, before they grow up. The rich guardian shall not charge any wage, but the poor guardian may charge equitably. When you give them their properties, you shall have witnesses. GOD suffices as Reckoner. Yusuf Ali Make trial of orphans until they reach the age of marriage; if then ye find sound judgment in them, release their property to them; but consume it not wastefully, nor in haste against their growing up. If the guardian is well-off, Let him claim no remuneration, but if he is poor, let him have for himself what is just and reasonable. When ye release their property to them, take witnesses in their presence: But all-sufficient is God in taking account. Pickthal Prove orphans till they reach the marriageable age; then, if ye find them of sound judgment, deliver over unto them their fortune; and devour it not by squandering and in haste lest they should grow up Whoso (of the guardians) is rich, let him abstain generously (from taking of the property of orphans); and whoso is poor let him take thereof in reason (for his guardianship). And when ye deliver up their fortune unto orphans, have (the transaction) witnessed in their presence. Allah sufficeth as a Reckoner. Shakir And test the orphans until they attain puberty; then if you find in them maturity of intellect, make over to them their property, and do not consume it extravagantly and hastily, lest they attain to full age; and whoever is rich, let him abstain altogether, and whoever is poor, let him eat reasonably; then when you make over to them their property, call witnesses in their presence; and Allah is enough as a Reckoner. Sher Ali And test the understanding of orphans until they attain the age of marriage, then, if you perceive in them mature judgment, deliver to them their property; and devour it not in extravagance and haste against their growing up. And whoso is rich, let him abstain; and who so is poor let him eat thereof with equity. And when you deliver to them their property, then call witnesses in their presence. And Allah is sufficient as a Reckoner. shows that maturity is when someone is of sound mind and body Marriage is a contract - need someone of sound mind to agree to a contract [2:282]...If the debtor is mentally incapable, or helpless, or cannot dictate, his guardian shall dictate equitably. Dowry / Engagement [4:4] You shall give the women their due dowries, equitably. If they willingly forfeit anything, then you may accept it; it is rightfully yours. [4:24] …These are GOD's commandments to you. All other categories are permitted for you in marriage, so long as you pay them their due dowries. You shall maintain your morality, by not committing adultery. Thus, whoever you like among them, you shall pay them the dowry decreed for them. You commit no error by mutually agreeing to any adjustments to the dowry. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise. Breaking the Engagement = divorce [2:236] You commit no error by divorcing the women before touching them, or before setting the dowry for them. In this case, you shall compensate them—the rich as he can afford and the poor as he can afford —an equitable compensation. This is a duty upon the righteous. [2:237] If you divorce them before touching them, but after you had set the dowry for them, the compensation shall be half the dowry, unless they voluntarily forfeit their rights, or the party responsible for causing the divorce chooses to forfeit the dowry. To forfeit is closer to righteousness. You shall maintain the amicable relations among you. GOD is Seer of everything you do. Need to be able to afford to marry [24:33] Those who cannot afford to get married shall maintain morality until GOD provides for them from His grace. Those among your servants who wish to be freed in order to marry, you shall grant them their wish, once you realize that they are honest. And give them from GOD's money that He has bestowed upon you… Honoring the parents by asking permission from them 4:25 [4:25] Those among you who cannot afford to marry free believing women, may marry believing slave women. GOD knows best about your belief, and you are equal to one another, as far as belief is concerned. You shall obtain permission from their guardians (family Ah-lee hee nah) before you marry them, and pay them their due dowry equitably. They shall maintain moral behavior, by not committing adultery, or having secret lovers. Once they are freed through marriage, if they commit adultery, their punishment shall be half of that for the free women.* Marrying a slave shall be a last resort for those unable to wait. To be patient is better for you. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. Who we can’t marry Respect for the Father [4:22] Do not marry the women who were previously married to your fathers—existing marriages are exempted and shall not be broken—for it is a gross offense, and an abominable act. Incest Forbidden [4:23] Prohibited for you (in marriage) 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. [4:24] Also prohibited are the women who are already married, unless they flee their disbelieving husbands who are at war with you.* These are GOD's commandments to you. All other categories are permitted for you in marriage, so long as you pay them their due dowries…. Henry Ford about the model T: “You can have any color as long as it is black” [2:221] Do not marry idolatresses unless they believe; a believing woman is better than an idolatress, even if you like her. Nor shall you give your daughters in marriage to idolatrous men, unless they believe. A believing man is better than an idolater, even if you like him. These invite to Hell, while GOD invites to Paradise and forgiveness, as He wills. He clarifies His revelations for the people, that they may take heed. What about homosexuality? [7:80] Lot said to his people, "You commit such an abomination; no one in the world has done it before! [7:81] "You practice sex with the men, instead of the women. Indeed, you are a transgressing people." [42:50] Or, He may have the males and the females marry each other, then render whomever He wills sterile. He is Omniscient, Omnipotent. What the right hand possess Or not And [23:5] And they maintain their chastity. [23:6] Only with their spouses, or those who are rightfully theirs, do they have sexual relations; they are not to be blamed. مَلَكَتْ = possess / owner of / or to take a wife أَيْمَانُهُمْ = right hand / oaths / vows [70:29] They keep their chastity. [70:30] (They have sexual relations) only with their spouses, or what is legally theirs - [70:31] anyone who transgresses these limits is a sinner. أَيْمَانُهُمْ = See: 9:12. 9:13, 16:94 = oaths [9:12] If they violate their oaths after pledging to keep their covenants, and attack your religion, you may fight the leaders of paganism—you are no longer bound by your covenant with them—that they may refrain. [9:13] Would you not fight people who violated their treaties, tried to banish the messenger, and they are the ones who started the war in the first place? Are you afraid of them? GOD is the One you are supposed to fear, if you are believers. 30:28 = servants 4:3 = you already have 33:50 = what they already have 16:71 = subordinate 4:25 = slave 9:12 = oaths 9:13 = oaths 4:24 = took a vow for marriage [33:55] The women may relax (their dress code) around their fathers, their sons, their brothers, the sons of their brothers, the sons of their sisters, the other women, and their (female) servants. They shall reverence GOD. GOD witnesses all things. Divorce Marriage Arbitration [4:35] If a couple fears separation, you shall appoint an arbitrator from his family and an arbitrator from her family; if they decide to reconcile, GOD will help them get together. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant. Divorce Discouraged [4:128] If a woman senses oppression or desertion 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. Polygamy Grounds For Polygamy [4:3] If you deem it best for the orphans, you may marry their mothers—you may marry two, three, or four. If you fear lest you become unfair, then you shall be content with only one, or with what you already have. Additionally, you are thus more likely to avoid financial hardship. Polygamy Discouraged [4:129] You can never be equitable in dealing with more than one wife, no matter how hard you try. Therefore, do not be so biased as to leave one of them hanging (neither enjoying marriage, nor left to marry someone else). If you correct this situation and maintain righteousness, GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. Polygamy was a way of life until the Quran was revealed 1400 years ago. When the earth was young and under-populated, polygamy was one way of populating it and bringing in the human beings needed to carry out God's plan. By the time the Quran was revealed, the world had been sufficiently populated, and the Quran put down the first limitations against polygamy. Polygamy is permitted in the Quran, but under strictly observed circumstances. Any abuse of this divine permission incurs severe retribution. Thus, although polygamy is permitted by God, it behooves us to examine our circumstances carefully before saying that a particular polygamous relationship is permissible. 1. It must alleviate pain and suffering and not cause any pain or suffering. 2. If you have a young family, it is almost certain that polygamy is an abuse. 3. Polygamy to substitute a younger wife is an abuse of God's law. Don’t ascribe to Hadith and the disgusting lies they have about the prophet. As far as I am concerned the prophet was bound by the Quran. God Strengthens the Messenger [17:73] They almost diverted you from the revelations we have given you. They wanted you to fabricate something else, in order to consider you a friend. [17:74] If it were not that we strengthened you, you almost leaned towards them just a little bit. [17:75] Had you done that, we would have doubled the retribution for you in this life, and after death, and you would have found no one to help you against us. [17:76] They almost banished you from the land to get rid of you, so they could revert as soon as you left. [17:77] This has been consistently the case with all the messengers that we sent before you, and you will find that our system never changes.

4/13/2019 • 37 minutes, 28 seconds

Pessimism vs. Optimism

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com Evolution vs. De-evolution Sign of intelligence is that new information is created E. coli Long-term Experiment on Evolution - Started 24 February 1988.[2] 66,000 in November 2016.[3] No new molecular machines No newly designed cell structures No new protein-coding sections of DNA Evolution vs De-Evolution Example of how to make a car go faster - throw out the seats http://myxo.css.msu.edu/ecoli/ Because it is easier to destroy than to build Ask you what are some decisions in your life you can make to make your life worse? Easy Run out in front of traffic Poke your eyes out Burn all your savings Hit your head with a hammer Hold your breath underwater until you pass out If I ask you what can be done to make the future WORSE You can probably come up with a whole bunch of ideas Ask you what decisions you can make to make your life BETTER? Little harder - At best you will come up with ideas of what to remove not what to add Easier to break down rather than to build Because it is easier to destroy than to build If I ask you what can you do to make the future better More difficult Easier to point out the downside and all the reasons something can fail rather than how it can succeed But more ideas does not mean that the ideas are any better - but makes us feel smart Typically an inherent bias that we equate things that we can imagine as more likely than things we can’t …e.g.e shark attacks Pessimism isn't just more common than optimism, it also sounds smarter. Pessimist are intellectually captivating, and people pay more attention to them rather than optimist who are often viewed as an oblivious sucker. If you say the world has been getting better you may get away with being called naïve and insensitive. Harvard professor Teresa Amabile shows that those publishing negative book reviews are seen as smarter and more competent than those giving positive reviews of the same book. "Only pessimism sounds profound. Optimism sounds superficial," she wrote. Why? Here are a few other reasons I've observed for why pessimism gets so much attention. [4:147] What will GOD gain from punishing you, if you became appreciative and believed? GOD is Appreciative, Omniscient. Complaining makes us feel like we are smart There is a form of an iQ/creativity test where the objective is to see how many ideas you can come up in a given amount of time: What can you do with a brick? Come up with different ways that someone can go from place to another? The more answers one comes up with the smarter they feel This is good for creativity, but there are somethings that the quantity of answers is not what is important but the quality 1. Optimism appears oblivious to risks, so by default pessimism looks more intelligent. 2. Pessimism requires action, whereas optimism means staying the course. Pessimism is "SELL, GET OUT, RUN," which grabs your attention because it's an action you need to take right now. You don't want to read the article later or skim over the details, because you might get hurt. Optimism is mostly, "Don't worry, stay the course, we'll be alright," which is easy to ignore since it doesn't require doing anything. 3. Optimism sounds like a sales pitch, while pessimism sounds like someone trying to help you. And that's often the truth. But in general, most of the time, optimism is the correct default setting, and pessimism can be as big a sales pitch as anything – especially if it's around emotional topics like money and politics. 4. Pessimists extrapolate present trends without accounting for how reliably markets adapt. That's important, because pessimistic views often start with a foundation of rational analysis, so the warning appears as reasonable as it is scary. Thomas Malthus 1800 Prophets were the ultimate optimist - that after we die we can be redeemed in God’s kingdom How we respond to God’s promise determines if we believe in God’s promise or not… [3:174] They have deserved GOD's blessings and grace. No harm ever touches them, for they have attained GOD's approval. GOD possesses infinite grace. [33:11] That is when the believers were truly tested; they were severely shaken up. [33:12] The hypocrites and those with doubts in their hearts said, "What GOD and His messenger promised us was no more than an illusion!" [33:13] A group of them said, "O people of Yathrib, you cannot attain victory; go back." Others made up excuses to the prophet: "Our homes are vulnerable," when they were not vulnerable. They just wanted to flee. Psalm 91 1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a] 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. 9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. 14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” [33:22] When the true believers saw the parties (ready to attack), they said, "This is what GOD and His messenger have promised us, and GOD and His messenger are truthful." This (dangerous situation) only strengthened their faith and augmented their submission. [2:249] When Saul took command of the troops, he said, "GOD is putting you to the test by means of a stream. Anyone who drinks from it does not belong with me—only those who do not taste it belong with me—unless it is just a single sip." They drank from it, except a few of them. When he crossed it with those who believed, they said, "Now we lack the strength to face Goliath and his troops." Those who were conscious of meeting GOD said, "Many a small army defeated a large army by GOD's leave. GOD is with those who steadfastly persevere.” [14:7] Your Lord has decreed: "The more you thank Me, the more I give you." But if you turn unappreciative, then My retribution is severe. [10:57] O people, enlightenment has come to you herein from your Lord, and healing for anything that troubles your hearts, and guidance, and mercy for the believers. [10:58] Say, "With GOD's grace and with His mercy they shall rejoice." This is far better than any wealth they can accumulate.

4/5/2019 • 18 minutes, 42 seconds

Mental Resilience

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com If I went back two hundred years and I explained to the people back then that life has gotten so easy in our time that we literally have to pay money to go to a facility to lift heavy objects only to put them back where you got them and to run on a machine that doesn’t take you anywhere they would think that we have all gone crazy The reason is because in the past doing hard labor was part of life Let’s suspend disbelief for one second and imagine that reincarnation was real, then statistically there is a +90% chance that in all your past lives you were a farmer. This is what makes people who believe reincarnation so comical is that they were never a farmer in their past lives instead they were some knight or king/queen or general - a very prestigious historical figure, but in reality, most likely they were farmers, they never traveled more than 25 miles from where they were born in their whole life. They probably lost children due to illness or disease, they were probably illiterate, probably got up before dawn every morning and worked all day till sunset and then went to bed only to do the same thing again the next day and the day after that. Life back then was intrinsically hard, and the ones who survived had the same genes of their ancestors but as time progressed things shifted When in the past 90% of the population were famers now only 2% of the population are farmers Rather than doing physically demanding work for a job we now predominately do mentally demanding work And as a society, we quickly came to realize that because our lives have gotten so less physically demanding our health has taken a major impact We now sit more than ever, we sit in our cars as we commute to work, we sit in front of a computer for many hours during the day and then we sit and watch Netflix or YouTube Because of this gap we understood that in order to stay physically fit and healthy we needed to create ARTIFICIAL physical hardship. We started exercising, going to the gym, running, we sign up for exercise classes (yoga, pilates, cardio kickboxing). We go on hikes (not to tend to our flock or to savage for food) but for leisure. And in return, our health and vitality improved, because our physiology was designed to need stress. If our muscles are not used they atrophy, we get weak, we get prone to injury and our health and overall wellness deteriorates. To someone 200 years ago this would seem Now what is interesting is that this change in lifestyle didn’t just impact our physical lives it also affected our mental ones as well. And for some reason despite realizing that we require physical stresses in order to keep our bodies healthy, we somehow came to believe that by eliminating any mental hardships that somehow this will not have a strain on our mental resilience Today we have life easier than ever Anything we want we can pretty much have instantly. Walk into a grocery and year-round you can choose from any variety of fresh meats, fruits, grains etc. Don’t feel like cooking probably within a five-mile radius of where you are there are a whole list of options of different restaurants and food styles you could select to. Spend five minutes and instantly there will be a team of trained professionals ready to serve you. The concept of being bored is no longer possible. We have such an abundance of entertainment that if you spent your whole life just watching Netflix or YouTube you would never even dent a fraction of one percent of the content that is continuously being produced for your personal entertainment. While this is a HUGE blessing there is no doubt that this life of ease and abundance, if not handled correctly, will have severe consequences on our mental resilience - NO DIFFERENT THAN THE CHANGE IN PHYSICAL WORK has had ************************ DOWNSIDE OF LACK OF MENTAL RESILIENCE What happens to a society that has begotten soft on mental resilience? "History is filled with the sound of silken slippers going downstairs and wooden shoes coming up." —Voltaire This has to do with the physical demand, but what about the mental toll of living too comfortable of a life? Cyrus didn’t want to move the capital from Pasargadae to Susa because he thought that it would make his people soft Under Cyrus' son Cambyses II, Susa became a center of political power as one of 4 capitals of the Achaemenid Persian empire, while reducing the significance of Pasargadae as the capital of Persis. Following Cambyses' brief rule, Darius the Great began a major building program in Susa and Persepolis. During this time he describes his new capital in the DSf inscription: "History is filled with the sound of silken slippers going downstairs and wooden shoes coming up." —Voltaire History is filled with societies who complain more despite having more, being overtaken by societies who complain less despite having less – QuranTalk This is counterintuitive but complaining is inversely proportional to how much we have [14:7] Your Lord has decreed: "The more you thank Me, the more I give you." But if you turn unappreciative, then My retribution is severe. [42:27] If GOD increased the provision for His servants, they would transgress on earth. This is why He sends it precisely measured to whomever He wills. He is fully Cognizant and Seer of His servants. [43:33] If it were not that all the people might become one (disbelieving) congregation, we would have granted everyone who disbelieves in the Most Gracious mansions with silver roofs, and stairs upon which they could climb. [16:112] GOD cites the example of a community that used to be secure and prosperous, with provisions coming to it from everywhere. But then, it turned unappreciative of GOD's blessings. Consequently, GOD caused them to taste the hardships of starvation and insecurity. Such is the requital for what they did. Mo Money Mo Problems - Puff Daddy aka P.Diddy PESSIMISM Today despite having so much, society seems to have ever so much more to complain about WHY???? Complaining is tempting because it feels good, but like many other things that are enjoyable—such as smoking or eating a whole chocolate cake for breakfast— complaining isn’t good for you. Research shows that most people complain once a minute during a typical conversation. Neurons that fire together wire together Reinforce find things to complain about. Make more connections and focus on more on what is wrong. While it’s not an exaggeration to say that complaining leads to brain damage, it doesn’t stop there. When you complain, your body releases the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol shifts you into fight-or-flight mode, directing oxygen, blood, and energy away from everything but the systems that are essential to immediate survival. One effect of cortisol, for example, is to raise your blood pressure and blood sugar so that you’ll be prepared to either escape or defend yourself. All the extra cortisol released by frequent complaining impairs your immune system and makes you more susceptible to high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. It even makes the brain more vulnerable to strokes. Complaining is contagious - it affects the people around us • me complaining about kids when she was first born - wife saying why are you ruining this for me. Like someone you go out to eat with and only points out the bad things or similar to a movie What we complain about is proportionate to our expectations Happiness = Expectations - Reality When our expectations that everything has to work out our way on our terms by our expectations then we are setting our selves up for disappointment My threshold for boredom - My threshold for being offended People who think that they are being persecuted and marginalized when they have so much more freedom and opportunity than any other generation in history Do bad things and atrocities occur - sure but these are not the norm We have a limited amount of time in our day and what we choose to focus on will affect not just our mood but our overall destiny, because what we do every day eventually effects our actions in our life. Good thoughts, good actions, good deeds Bad thoughts, bad actions, bad deeds Chip on their shoulder [63:4] When you see them, you may be impressed by their looks. And when they speak, you may listen to their eloquence. They are like standing logs. They think that every call is intended against them. These are the real enemies; beware of them. GOD condemns them; they have deviated. Limited capacity throughout our day what we want to focus on = can choose to focus on the good or the bad Focus on the good or the bad? Can fix as many wrongs, but not dwell only on the bad and neglect the good Like the famous Harvard experiment with the passing of the basketball and that 50% of the people missed the moon walking gorilla The reality is that life is getting exponentially better in every respect in aggregate but our threshold of expectations is growing at a faster clip Think of the idea of travel.... In the past travel was not a leisure activity - it was hardship, painful and typically and absolutely not done for leisure People who used to travel by boat across the Atlantic Or people who used to travel across a continent by wagon They were risking their lives, they would be gone sometimes for years at at time away from their families Now a person is stuck behind a light or the person infront of them cuts them off or their GPS isn’t working and they go nuts If you make more than $33k/ year you are in the top 1% of the world If you adjust for cost of living globally let’s say it is $60k Invisibilia Podcast - The Fifth Vital Sign - Pain Girls who pain receptors would make anything touching their bodies feel excruciatingly painful Like being in a silent room and then the sound of one's heart sounds like a cacophony *********************** HOW TO FOSTER MENTAL RESILIENCE Embrace the pain - Increase our thresholds With pain there is gain [94:5] With pain there is gain. [94:6] Indeed, with pain there is gain. Deprivation Fasting Walking vs. driving Cold showers Achievement without struggle is rarely satisfying - lifting light weights Iran - daily blackouts for hours at a time Meditation people prefer to shock themselves rather than be in a quite room by themselves for 15 minutes Reduce stimulation - Boredom Creating artificial scenarios to mentally challenge one self (seems crazy) why would anyone do that? Just like ti would be crazy for the person 200 years ago for us to go to the gym Do something hard "We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard," - JFK Get too soft and your body recalibrated to the new threshold of pain Marriage is on a decline = tinder, bumble app Can’t matin a relationship Someone who is unappreciative - does not acknowledge the benefits of things does not see the value in things A cynic knows the price of everything and the value of nothing [3:140] If you suffer hardship, the enemy also suffers the same hardship. We alternate the days of victory and defeat among the people. GOD thus distinguishes the true believers, and blesses some of you with martyrdom. GOD dislikes injustice. [3:141] GOD thus toughens those who believe and humiliates the disbelievers. “Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult life” Bruce Lee - Zig Zigler not sure Radio Lab - Bliss - Aleksander Gamme Antartica 3 month hike on skies to the south pole and back by himself Every 200km he would burry something in the snow Day 86 Walking 10 hours a day lost 55 lbs Last cache Double pack of cheese doodles Chocolate bar mentos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC8gJ0_9o4M

3/29/2019 • 30 minutes, 18 seconds

Believing Nations Prosper - Quran, Islam and Socialism

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com What causes a nation to fail? There are lots of theories Maybe it is disease? When the Europeans arrived, carrying germs which thrived in dense, semi-urban populations, the indigenous people of the Americas were effectively doomed. They had never experienced smallpox, measles or flu before, and the viruses tore through the continent, killing an estimated 90% of Native Americans. Maybe it is poor financial planning like Communist Russia Maybe it is a revolution like Iran in 1978 One of the theories I particularly like states that: when the complexity of operating a society outstrips its utility then it is destined to fail… There are endless books and theories to what causes a nation to fail, but these are all by products of one single criteria that God tells us in the Quran: [16:112] GOD cites the example of a community that used to be secure and prosperous, with provisions coming to it from everywhere. But then, it turned unappreciative of GOD's blessings. Consequently, GOD caused them to taste the hardships of starvation and insecurity. Such is the requital for what they did. [14:7] Your Lord has decreed: "The more you thank Me, the more I give you." But if you turn unappreciative, then My retribution is severe. Word: رَغَدًا (raghadan) Root: ر غ د to be abound in a good thing; (eat) freely and plentifully and with ease; live in ease and affluence; be amble and pleasant (in life); freely; plentifully; with ease This root and this word occurs only 3 times in the Quran, one of those times was in 16:112 as we just read (2) Adam in Paradise [2:35] We said, "O Adam, live with your wife in Paradise, and eat therefrom generously, as you please, but do not approach this tree, lest you sin.” [20:116] Recall that we said to the angels, "Fall prostrate before Adam." They fell prostrate, except Satan; he refused. [20:117] We then said, "O Adam, this is an enemy of you and your wife. Do not let him evict you from Paradise, lest you become miserable. [20:118] "You are guaranteed never to hunger therein, nor go unsheltered. [20:119] "Nor will you thirst therein, nor suffer from any heat." [7:17] "I will come to them from before them, and from behind them, and from their right, and from their left, and You will find that most of them are unappreciative." [20:120] But the devil whispered to him, saying, "O Adam, let me show you the tree of eternity and unending kingship." [20:121] They ate from it, whereupon their bodies became visible to them, and they tried to cover themselves with the leaves of Paradise. Adam thus disobeyed his Lord, and fell. (2) Children of Israel Word: رَغَدًا (raghadan) Lack of Confidence in God: They Refuse to Enter Jerusalem [2:58] Recall that we said, "Enter this town, where you will find as many provisions as you like. Just enter the gate humbly, and treat the people nicely. We will then forgive your sins, and increase the reward for the pious." [2:59] But the wicked among them carried out commands other than the commands given to them. Consequently, we sent down upon the transgressors condemnation from the sky, due to their wickedness. So much of what we have we did zero work for: [56:57] We have created you, if you could only believe! [56:58] Have you noted the semen that you produce? [56:59] Did you create it, or did we? [56:60] We have predetermined death for you. Nothing can stop us— [56:61] from substituting new generations in your place, and establishing what you do not know. [56:62] You know about the first creation. Do you not remember? [56:63] Have you noted the crops you reap? [56:64] Did you grow them, or did we? [56:65] If we will, we can turn it into hay. Then you will lament: [56:66] "We lost. [56:67] "We are deprived." [56:68] Have you noted the water you drink? [56:69] Did you send it down from the clouds, or did we? [56:70] If we will, we can make it salty. You should be thankful. [56:71] Have you noted the fire you ignite? [56:72] Did you initiate its tree, or did we? [56:73] We rendered it a reminder, and a useful tool for the users. [56:74] You shall glorify the name of your Lord, the Great. Psalm 8:4 What is man that you are mindful of him There is no appreciative without believing and glorifying God alone Appreciation comes from worshipping God alone [68:17] We have tested them like we tested the owners of the garden who swore that they will harvest it in the morning. [68:18] They were so absolutely sure. [68:19] A passing (storm) from your Lord passed by it while they were asleep. [68:20] By morning, it was barren. [68:21] They called on each other in the morning. [68:22] "Let us harvest the crop." [68:23] On their way, they confided to each other. [68:24] That from then on, none of them would be poor. [68:25] They were so absolutely sure of their harvest. [68:26] But when they saw it, they said, "We were so wrong! [68:27] "Now, we have nothing! [68:28] The righteous among them said, "If only you had glorified (God)!" Remembering God Every Chance We Get [18:23] You shall not say that you will do anything in the future, [18:24] without saying, "GOD willing." If you forget to do this, you must immediately remember your Lord and say, "May my Lord guide me to do better next time.” It doesn’t matter how clever you are or how hard you work if we are not acknowledging that all our blessings come from God then we are destined to fail. Example of the two men and their gardens [18:32] Cite for them the example of two men: we gave one of them two gardens of grapes, surrounded by date palms, and placed other crops between them. [18:33] Both gardens produced their crops on time, and generously, for we caused a river to run through them. [18:34] Once, after harvesting, he boastfully told his friend: "I am far more prosperous than you, and I command more respect from the people." [18:35] When he entered his garden, he wronged his soul by saying, "I do not think that this will ever end. [18:36] "Moreover, I think this is it; I do not think that the Hour (the Hereafter) will ever come to pass. Even if I am returned to my Lord, I will (clever enough to) possess an even better one over there.” [18:37] His friend said to him, as he debated with him, "Have you disbelieved in the One who created you from dust, then from a tiny drop, then perfected you into a man? [18:38] "As for me, GOD is my Lord, and I will never set up any other god besides my Lord. [18:39] "When you entered your garden, you should have said, 'This is what GOD has given me (Mã Shã Allãh). No one possesses power except GOD (Lã Quwwata Ellã Bellãh).' You may see that I possess less money and less children than you. [18:40] "My Lord may grant me better than your garden. He may send a violent storm from the sky that wipes out your garden, leaving it completely barren. [18:41] "Or, its water may sink deeper, out of your reach." [18:42] Indeed, his crops were wiped out, and he ended up sorrowful, lamenting what he had spent on it in vain, as his property lay barren. He finally said, "I wish I never set up my property as a god beside my Lord." [18:43] No force on earth could have helped him against GOD, nor was it possible for him to receive any help. [18:44] That is because the only true Lord and master is GOD; He provides the best recompense, and with Him is the best destiny. [18:45] Cite for them the example of this life as water that we send down from the sky to produce plants of the earth, then they turn into hay that is blown away by the wind. GOD is able to do all things. If we are unappreciative we will lose everything as it is God who causes the provisions to be sent or turned to hay If we think it is us who is doing this then we are worshiping our selves How can we tell when as a society we are turning unappreciative? [34:15] Sheba's homeland used to be a marvel, with two gardens on the right and the left. Eat from your Lord's provisions, and be appreciative of Him—good land, and a forgiving Lord. [34:16] They turned away and, consequently, we poured upon them a disastrous flood, and we substituted their two gardens into two gardens of bad tasting fruits, thorny plants, and a skimpy harvest. [34:17] We thus requited them for their disbelief. Do we not requite only the disbelievers? [34:18] We placed between them and the communities that we blessed other oases, and we secured the journey between them: "Travel therein days and nights in complete security." [34:19] But they (turned unappreciative and) challenged: "Our Lord, we do not care if You increase the distance of our journeys (without any stations)." They thus wronged their own souls. Consequently, we made them history, and scattered them into small communities throughout the land. This should provide lessons for those who are steadfast, appreciative. [34:20] Satan found them readily fulfilling his expectations. They followed him, except a few believers. Entitlement Just because God has blessed us tremendously does not mean we “deserve” any of this. Once we think we deserve something we no longer become appreciative we think it is owed to us [41:50] And when we bless him after suffering some adversity, he says, "This belongs to me. I do not believe that the Hour will ever come to pass. Even if I am returned to my Lord, I will find at Him better things." Most certainly, we will inform the disbelievers of all their works, and will commit them to severe retribution. Children of Israel [7:131] When good omens came their way, they said, "We have deserved this," but when a hardship afflicted them, they blamed Moses and those with him. In fact, their omens are decided only by GOD, but most of them do not know. [11:9] Whenever we bless the human being with mercy from us, then remove it, he turns despondent, unappreciative. [11:10] Whenever we bless him, after adversity had afflicted him, he says, "All adversity has gone away from me;" he becomes excited, proud. [11:11] As for those who steadfastly persevere, and lead a righteous life, they deserve forgiveness and a generous recompense. [19:77] Have you noted the one who rejected our revelations then said, "I will be given wealth and children"?! [19:78] Has he seen the future? Has he taken such a pledge from the Most Gracious?” Entitlement is the opposite of gratitude Entitlement - I deserve these eyes, I deserve this clean bill of health God owes us nothing and we owe Him everything If I believe it is owed to me then I don’t believe I have to work for it Thinking nothing is their fault and everything is owed to them [10:12] When adversity touches the human being, he implores us while lying down, or sitting, or standing up. But as soon as we relieve his adversity, he goes on as if he never implored us to relieve any hardship! The works of the transgressors are thus adorned in their eyes. becomes accustomed to something habituation Children of Israel Rebel [2:61] Recall that you said, "O Moses, we can no longer tolerate one kind of food. Call upon your Lord to produce for us such earthly crops as beans, cucumbers, garlic, lentils, and onions." He said, "Do you wish to substitute that which is inferior for that which is good? Go down to Egypt, where you can find what you asked for." They have incurred condemnation, humiliation, and disgrace, and brought upon themselves wrath from GOD. This is because they rejected GOD's revelations, and killed the prophets unjustly. This is because they disobeyed and transgressed. How can we tell that we have progressed from feeling entitled to feeling appreciative? When we replace a sense of entitlement and exception that things are owed to me, to a life of service and gratitude and understanding how can I serve others based on the provisions and blessings that God has given me When we are young we are self-centered this makes sense as in our youth we are trying to figure out who we are why are we here But if we never grow out of that phase then we will never grow to understand how we can serve others… Example of Moses - When he was a baby he cried for milk when he refused any nursing mother aside from his own mother. [28:22] As he traveled towards Midyan, he said, "May my Lord guide me in the right path." [28:23] When he reached Midyan's water, he found a crowd of people watering, and noticed two women waiting on the side. He said, "What is it that you need?" They said, "We are not able to water, until the crowd disperses, and our father is an old man." [28:24] He watered for them, then turned to the shade, saying, "My Lord, whatever provision You send to me, I am in dire need for it." [28:25] Soon, one of the two women approached him, shyly, and said, "My father invites you to pay you for watering for us." When he met him, and told him his story, he said, "Have no fear. You have been saved from the oppressive people." Believing Nations Prosper [10:98] Any community that believes will surely be rewarded for believing. For example, the people of Jonah: when they believed, we relieved the humiliating retribution they had been suffering in this world, and we made them prosperous. [10:99] Had your Lord willed, all the people on earth would have believed.* Do you want to force the people to become believers? A society that believes in God will want to help out others in need. Appreciative means grateful, helpful, charitable Unappreciative ungrateful, self centered, selfish, stingy greedy Done by choice not by force Don’t attempt to outsource your righteous deeds for others to perform on your behalf

3/1/2019 • 33 minutes, 21 seconds

God's Mercy

Subscribe to the podcast and show notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com What about when the right path is almost impossible to find? So I have been watching a Netflix series called Ozark and the premise of the show is how one family keeps getting further and further away from righteousness and how they keep thinking that if they just do one more bad deed they will be able to get back to their normal lives. In one of the episodes of Ozark, one of the main characters made the following quote that really resonated with me. “evil comes when the righteous path is so hidden it looks like there is only one way out.” What do you do when you reach a crossroads and you are being tested and you know the right path but it is too hard to make the right decision? Scent of a women - I’ve been to the crossroads The question is what should we do when temptation is too high. [29:2] Do the people think that they will be left to say, "We believe," without being put to the test? [29:3] We have tested those before them, for GOD must distinguish those who are truthful, and He must expose the liars. God's Tests Are Never Unreasonable [4:66] Had we decreed for them: "You must offer your lives," or "Give up your homes," they would not have done it, except for a few of them. (Even if such a command was issued,) had they done what they were commanded to do, it would have been better for them, and would prove the strength of their faith. In consumer electronics and specifically semiconductors there are different grades of product quality. And each grade was more expensive. Commercial: 0 °C to 70 °C - test at 25C Industrial: −40 °C to 85 °C Automotive: −40 °C to 125 °C Military: −55 °C to 125 °C The higher the test the higher the cause [6:132] Everyone will attain a rank commensurate with their deeds. Your Lord is never unaware of anything they do. know what the right path is but too hard Cognitive dissonance kicks in and convince yourself the wrong path is the right path The right path is so blocked that it is almost impossible to see The worst thing that can happen to someone is when they can’t differentiate right from wrong. And this occurs when we persist in sins knowingly. Cognitive dissonance - people like to think that they are good righteous, virtuous, but when their actions do not align this causes discomfort and they have a choice They can continue to try to improve and do better They can convince themselves that their sins are actually righteous Better to sin out of weakness and admit it is a sin rather than lie to one’s self and deny it is sinful or worst yet call it righteous [35:8] Note the one whose evil work is adorned in his eyes, until he thinks that it is righteous. GOD thus sends astray whoever wills (to go astray), and He guides whoever wills (to be guided). Therefore, do not grieve over them. GOD is fully aware of everything they do. (3) The Hypocrites [2:8] Then there are those who say, "We believe in GOD and the Last Day," while they are not believers. [2:9] In trying to deceive GOD and those who believe, they only deceive themselves without perceiving. [2:10] In their minds there is a disease. Consequently, GOD augments their disease. They have incurred a painful retribution for their lying. [2:11] When they are told, "Do not commit evil," they say, "But we are righteous!" [2:12] In fact, they are evildoers, but they do not perceive. [6:43] If only they implored when our test afflicted them! Instead, their hearts were hardened, and the devil adorned their works in their eyes. [2:186] When My servants ask you about Me, I am always near. I answer their prayers when they pray to Me. The people shall respond to Me and believe in Me, in order to be guided. [3:135] If they fall in sin or wrong their souls, they remember God and ask forgiveness for their sins - and who forgives the sins except God - and they do not persist in sins, knowingly. Joseph being tempted [12:23] The lady of the house where he lived tried to seduce him. She closed the doors and said, "I am all yours." He said, "May GOD protect me. He is my Lord, who gave me a good home. The transgressors never succeed." [12:24] She almost succumbed to him, and he almost succumbed to her, if it were not that he saw a proof from his Lord. We thus diverted evil and sin away from him, for he was one of our devoted servants. This revelation is not about an ordinary guy, it is about Joseph who was blessed with wisdom and knowledge. Joseph knew what is right and what is wrong but with all knowing, he was about to fail, but he was saved. How? Joseph was saved because he implored to God. God save him by showing a proof from his lord, a mercy, how about us? Do we implore to God? Or can we see a proof from the God when we are at a crossroad and temptation is too high? [17:73] They almost diverted you from the revelations we have given you. They wanted you to fabricate something else, in order to consider you a friend. [17:74] If it were not that we strengthened you, you almost leaned towards them just a little bit. [17:75] Had you done that, we would have doubled the retribution for you in this life, and after death, and you would have found no one to help you against us. When we sin we are actively trying to block out God’s light [74:38] Every soul is trapped by its sins. [74:39] Except for those on the right. [6:122] Is one who was dead and we granted him life, and provided him with light that enables him to move among the people, equal to one in total darkness from which he can never exit? The works of the disbelievers are thus adorned in their eyes. Light is what lets us know what is right and wrong so that we can get back on the right path Trees move in the direction of the light Kudzu plant will slowly grow over existing structures like trees and will block all sunlight from approaching the object and eventually kill the tree All paths lead back to God so we can submit willingly or unwillingly but ultimately we will be returned to God and either be rewarded with Paradise or see the retribution of Hell [13:15] To GOD prostrates everyone in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly, and so do their shadows in the mornings and the evenings. What do we need to see something? 3 things: We need eyes and a brain We need light and more importantly We have to want to see God's light is the same. We can see God's light with our hearts as long as we are not strayers and want to see God's signs by imploring to Him. What is God’s light and what it does? There is only one verse in Quran that talks about Light Upon Light and that is when God explains. God [24:35] GOD is the light of the heavens and the earth. The allegory of His light is that of a concave mirror behind a lamp that is placed inside a glass container. The glass container is like a bright, pearl-like star. The fuel thereof is supplied from a blessed oil-producing tree, that is neither eastern, nor western. Its oil is almost self-radiating; needs no fire to ignite it. Light upon light. GOD guides to His light whomever He wills. GOD thus cites the parables for the people. GOD is fully aware of all things. What does God's light do? It provides guidance. When in the Contact Prayer, we say "Guide us to the right path the path of those whom You blessed; not of those who have deserved wrath, nor of the strayers. We are asking God to turn on his light. It helps us to see the whole thing, our innermost egos and the consequences of our actions. It is interesting to mention that there is only one verse that talks about darkness upon darkness and this verse is in the same chapter of Light Upon Light, 5 verses below. There is something very unique about it that I have to share with you. [24:40] Another allegory is that of being in total darkness in the midst of a violent ocean, with waves upon waves, in addition to thick fog. Darkness upon darkness—if he looked at his own hand, he could barely see it. Whomever GOD deprives of light, will have no light. God talks about Darkness upon Darkness... the strange part is , in the same verse, God says "if he looked at his own hand, he could barely see it."; What does “barely” mean? You can barely see if there is tiny light otherwise you could see nothing. What does a tiny light is doing in the middle of Darkness Upon Darkness. Do you know what is called that tiny light in total darkness? HOPE Never despair of God’s mercy. No matter what the odds are. God's Infinite Mercy [39:53] Proclaim: "O My servants who exceeded the limits, never despair of GOD's mercy. For GOD forgives all sins. He is the Forgiver, Most Merciful." It tells me no matter how darn the situation is, darkness upon darkness, there is always hope, a tiny shred of light, never despair. [9:118] Also (redeemed were) the three who stayed behind. The spacious earth became so straitened for them, that they almost gave up all hope for themselves. Finally, they realized that there was no escape from God, except to Him. He then redeemed them that they may repent. God is the Redeemer, Most Merciful. When is the best time to plant a tree 40 years ago when is the next best day today [65:2] ...Anyone who reverences GOD, He will create an exit for him. [65:3] And will provide for him whence he never expected. Anyone who trusts in GOD, He suffices him. GOD's commands are done. GOD has decreed for everything its fate. [65:4] ...Anyone who reverences GOD, He makes everything easy for him. [65:7]...GOD will provide ease after difficulty. If you think that there isn't a way, rest assured that with God there is always a way. In the heart to the Sahara desert is the Ubari sand sea Swallows that left Nigeria have travelled 1 and a half thousand miles so far on their way to Europe Luckily in the Ubari Sand Sea there is an oasis called Umm Al-maa In the midst of the desert ancient ground water swells to the surface And at first glance it looks like just what the swallows need for hydration in order to make their trip But they must be careful because this oasis is poisonous evaporation over the years has caused this oasis to be saltier than the sea and if that isn’t bad enough the place is infested with vast swarms of flies But this plague is the swallows salvation because the flies are filled with fresh water that have been filtered from the brine The birds get all the water and food they need from the flies bodies [2:214] Do you expect to enter Paradise without being tested like those before you? They were tested with hardship and adversity, and were shaken up, until the messenger and those who believed with him said, "Where is GOD's victory?" GOD's victory is near. [2:286] GOD never burdens a soul beyond its means: to its credit is what it earns, and against it is what it commits. "Our Lord, do not condemn us if we forget or make mistakes. Our Lord, and protect us from blaspheming against You, like those before us have done. Our Lord, protect us from sinning until it becomes too late for us to repent. Pardon us and forgive us. You are our Lord and Master. Grant us victory over the disbelieving people."

2/1/2019 • 26 minutes, 57 seconds

For Me Not To Me

Subscribe to the podcast and show notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com Mary [3:42] The angels said, "O Mary, GOD has chosen you and purified you. He has chosen you from all the women. [3:43] "O Mary, you shall submit to your Lord, and prostrate and bow down with those who bow down.” [3:45] The angels said, "O Mary, GOD gives you good news: a Word from Him whose name is 'The Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary.' He will be prominent in this life and in the Hereafter, and one of those closest to Me. [3:46] "He will speak to the people from the crib, as well as an adult; he will be one of the righteous.” [19:23] The birth process came to her by the trunk of a palm tree. She said, "(I am so ashamed;) I wish I were dead before this happened, and completely forgotten." [2:216] Fighting may be imposed on you, even though you dislike it. But you may dislike something which is good for you, and you may like something which is bad for you. GOD knows while you do not know. [10:61] You do not get into any situation, nor do you recite any Quran, nor do you do anything, without us being witnesses thereof as you do it. Not even an atom's weight is out of your Lord's control, be it in the heavens or the earth. Nor is there anything smaller than an atom, or larger, that is not recorded in a profound record. When faced with hardship do you believe: “this is happening to me” or “is this happening for me?” Sura 18 - There is a good reason for everything the people who own a boat; the parents of the child; the treasure for the orphans Job 3 1-7 1. After a while, Job opened his mouth to speak. He cursed the day he had been born. 2 He said, 3 “May the day I was born be wiped out. May the night be wiped away when people said, ‘A boy is born!’ 4 May that day turn into darkness. May God in heaven not care about it. May no light shine on it. 5 May gloom and total darkness take it back. May a cloud settle over it. May blackness cover it up. 6 May deep darkness take over the night I was born. May it not be included among the days of the year. May it never appear in any of the months. 7 May no children ever have been born on that night. May no shout of joy be heard in it. Job 38:4 -7 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? 6 On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone— 7 while the morning stars sang together and all the angels[a] shouted for joy? [21:83] And Job implored his Lord: "Adversity has befallen me, and, of all the merciful ones, You are the Most Merciful." [21:84] We responded to him, relieved his adversity, and restored his family for him, even twice as much. That was a mercy from us, and a reminder for the worshipers. Example of Joseph - Left for dead by his brothers Sold into slavery Falsely accused and thrown into prison Even if what happens is a consequence of our actions, God can use this for our good if we trust in Him. Tough Love If we trust in God he can transform any situation God who designed a system where: coal can be transformed into diamonds, sand into pearls, and a caterpillar into a butterfly can transform any situation in our lives as well. God who can take the most putrid water and transform it to clean fresh nourishing and delicious for us to drink can also take any situation in our life that the devil has made for our bad into being for our good [56:68] Have you noted the water you drink? [56:69] Did you send it down from the clouds, or did we? [56:70] If we will, we can make it salty. You should be thankful. [15:22] ... and cause water to come down from the sky for you to drink. Otherwise, you could not keep it palatable. Joseph extended stay in prison [12:36] Two young men were in the prison with him. One of them said, "I saw (in my dream) that I was making wine," and the other said, "I saw myself carrying bread on my head, from which the birds were eating. Inform us of the interpretation of these dreams. We see that you are righteous." [12:41] "O my prison mates, one of you will be the wine butler for his lord, while the other will be crucified— the birds will eat from his head. This settles the matter about which you have inquired." [12:42] He then said to the one to be saved "Remember me at your lord."* Thus, the devil caused him to forget his Lord, and, consequently, he remained in prison a few more years. Imagine trying to crack an egg prematurely to help the chick before it was ready to get out on it’s own [32:21] We let them taste the smaller retribution (of this world), before they incur the greater retribution (of the Hereafter), that they may (take a hint and) reform. How much worse would it be to spend an eternity in Hell rather than waking up and taking a hint now? [4:147] What will GOD gain from punishing you, if you became appreciative and believed? GOD is Appreciative, Omniscient. There is a season for everything - Sometimes a season for abundance and sometimes a season for scarcity The King's Dream [12:43] The king said, "I saw seven fat cows being devoured by seven skinny cows, and seven green spikes (of wheat), and others shriveled. O my elders, advise me regarding my dream, if you know how to interpret the dreams." [12:44] They said, "Nonsense dreams. When it comes to the interpretation of dreams, we are not knowledgeable." [12:45] The one who was saved (from the prison) said, now that he finally remembered, "I can tell you its interpretation, so send me (to Joseph)." Joseph Interprets the King's Dream [12:46] "Joseph my friend, inform us about seven fat cows being devoured by seven skinny cows, and seven green spikes, and others shriveled. I wish to go back with some information for the people." [12:47] He said, "What you cultivate during the next seven years, when the time of harvest comes, leave the grains in their spikes, except for what you eat. [12:48] "After that, seven years of drought will come, which will consume most of what you stored for them. [12:49] "After that, a year will come that brings relief for the people, and they will, once again, press juice." [3:140] If you suffer hardship, the enemy also suffers the same hardship. We alternate the days of victory and defeat among the people. GOD thus distinguishes the true believers, and blesses some of you with martyrdom. GOD dislikes injustice. [3:141] GOD thus toughens those who believe and humiliates the disbelievers. [17:10] As for those who disbelieve in the Hereafter, we have prepared for them a painful retribution. [17:11] The human being often prays for something that may hurt him, thinking that he is praying for something good. The human being is impatient. Things are happening for a purpose – Trust the process [2:249] When Saul took command of the troops, he said, "GOD is putting you to the test by means of a stream. Anyone who drinks from it does not belong with me—only those who do not taste it belong with me—unless it is just a single sip." They drank from it, except a few of them. When he crossed it with those who believed, they said, "Now we lack the strength to face Goliath and his troops." Those who were conscious of meeting GOD said, "Many a small army defeated a large army by GOD's leave. GOD is with those who steadfastly persevere.” [33:12] The hypocrites and those with doubts in their hearts said, "What GOD and His messenger promised us was no more than an illusion!" [33:13] A group of them said, "O people of Yathrib, you cannot attain victory; go back." Others made up excuses to the prophet: "Our homes are vulnerable," when they were not vulnerable. They just wanted to flee. [33:14] Had the enemy invaded and asked them to join, they would have joined the enemy without hesitation. [33:22] When the true believers saw the parties (ready to attack), they said, "This is what GOD and His messenger have promised us, and GOD and His messenger are truthful." This (dangerous situation) only strengthened their faith and augmented their submission. If we never move past from “Why is this happening to me” to “This is happing for me” then we could turn into hypocrites [29:2] Do the people think that they will be left to say, "We believe," without being put to the test? [29:10] Among the people there are those who say, "We believe in GOD," but as soon as they suffer any hardship because of GOD, they equate the people's persecution with GOD's retribution. But if blessings from your Lord come your way, they say, "We were with you." Is GOD not fully aware of the people's innermost thoughts? [29:11] GOD will most certainly distinguish those who believe, and He will most certainly expose the hypocrites. [3:165] Now that you have suffered a setback, and even though you inflicted twice as much suffering (upon your enemy), you said, "Why did this happen to us?" Say, "This is a consequence of your own deeds." GOD is Omnipotent. [3:166] What afflicted you the day the two armies clashed was in accordance with GOD's will, and to distinguish the believers. [3:167] And to expose the hypocrites who were told, "Come fight in the cause of GOD, or contribute." They said, "If we knew how to fight, we would have joined you." They were closer to disbelief then than they were to belief. They uttered with their mouths what was not in their hearts. GOD knows what they conceal. [3:168] They said of their kinsmen, as they stayed behind, "Had they obeyed us, they would not have been killed." Say, "Then prevent your own death, if you are truthful." Difference between a Submitter or Weak Believer and a Hypocrite Difference between a Hypocrite and a weak believer is the weak believer knows what is right and what is wrong, but lacks the strength to go for the right path. The hypocrite on the other hand will change the definition of the right path to match their desires. [9:118] Also (redeemed were) the three who stayed behind. The spacious earth became so straitened for them, that they almost gave up all hope for themselves. Finally, they realized that there was no escape from GOD, except to Him. He then redeemed them that they may repent. GOD is the Redeemer, Most Merciful. [3:154] After the setback, He sent down upon you peaceful slumber that pacified some of you. Others among you were selfishly concerned about themselves. They harbored thoughts about GOD that were not right— the same thoughts they had harbored during the days of ignorance. Thus, they said, "Is anything up to us?" Say, "Everything is up to GOD." They concealed inside themselves what they did not reveal to you. They said, "If it was up to us, none of us would have been killed in this battle." Say, "Had you stayed in your homes, those destined to be killed would have crawled into their death beds." GOD thus puts you to the test to bring out your true convictions, and to test what is in your hearts. GOD is fully aware of the innermost thoughts. Lot less concern on the outcome and more concern for the process Marcus Lemonis - The Profit: people, process; profit Can’t control the winds but we can adjust our sails We can’t control the outcome we can only control our input Can you go through the experience and feel good about your decision? Sow the seeds to gain the harvest The farmer who trusts in God knows the process. They know that if they plant the right seeds and do the righteous works that they will reap the benefits regardless of the short term outcome or temporary “season” Accumulation of what you do everyday Accumulation of thousands of small decisions to push the lever to the other track Slight gradual change to big momentous shift Stone cutter quote - “When nothing seems to help, I go back and look at the stonecutter hammering away at his rock perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not that blow that did it — but all that had gone before.” [10:61] You do not get into any situation, nor do you recite any Quran, nor do you do anything, without us being witnesses thereof as you do it. Not even an atom's weight is out of your Lord's control, be it in the heavens or the earth. Nor is there anything smaller than an atom, or larger, that is not recorded in a profound record. Boy named sue - Johnny Cash Well my daddy left home when I was three And he didn't leave much to Ma and me Just this old guitar and an empty bottle of booze Now, I don't blame him 'cause he run and hid But the meanest thing that he ever did Was before he left, he went and named me "Sue" Well, he must o' thought that is quite a joke And it got a lot of laughs from a' lots of folk It seems I had to fight my whole life through Some gal would giggle and I'd get red And some guy'd laugh and I'd bust his head I tell ya, life ain't easy for a boy named "Sue" … He stood there lookin' at me and I saw him smile And he said, "Son, this world is rough And if a man's gonna make it, he's gotta be tough And I know I wouldn't be there to help you along So I give you that name and I said goodbye I knew you'd have to get tough or die And it's the name that helped to make you strong" He said, "Now you just fought one hell of a fight And I know you hate me, and you got the right To kill me now, and I wouldn't blame you if you do But you ought to thank me, before I die For the gravel in your guts and the spit in your eye 'Cause I'm the person that named you "Sue" What could I do, what could I do I got all choked up and I threw down my gun Called him my Pa, and he called me his son And I come away with a different point of view

1/11/2019 • 24 minutes, 45 seconds

Outrage

Subscribe to the podcast and show notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com F$%! the poor video Three kinds of people 1. the ones who are indifferent 2. The ones who only react when they are offended 3. The ones who give to charity in either situation [7:176] Had we willed, we could have elevated him therewith, but he insisted on sticking to the ground, and pursued his own opinions. Thus, he is like the dog; whether you pet him or scold him, he pants. Such is the example of people who reject our proofs. Narrate these narrations, that they may reflect. It is good to speak up, but it shouldn’t be the only time we react is to an external stimulus This is the difference between a thermometer and a thermostat Thermometer only reacts to the external environment Thermostat adjusts the settings of the environment If we are only going through life reacting to events then we are just being a thermometer This isn’t bad, but it shouldn’t be our end destination. Think of these moments as our call to action. David vs. Goliath Example of Moses Kills a man Almost kills a person again Comes back as a change agent Rather than just getting mad at the person who is saying these terrible things about the poor. Go and give to the poor. [2:274] Those who give to charity night and day, secretly and publicly, receive their recompense from their Lord; they will have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. [3:92] You cannot attain righteousness until you give to charity from the possessions you love. Whatever you give to charity, GOD is fully aware thereof. [25:63] The worshipers of the Most Gracious are those who tread the earth gently, and when the ignorant speak to them, they only utter peace. [84:19] You will move from stage to stage. Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. [3:175] It is the devil's system to instill fear into his subjects. Do not fear them and fear Me instead, if you are believers. The devil wants to fear, to incite, to get you outraged But fear and outrage are not virtues The question is what do you do when you experience them? 7 stages of grief Shock & Denial Pain & guilt Anger & bargaining Depression, reflection, loneliness The upward turn Reconstruction and working through Acceptance and hope Why so angry? Same thing we go from fear to love of God. [72:13] " `When we heard the guidance, we believed therein. Anyone who believes in his Lord will never fear any injustice, nor any affliction. Injustice only exists if you don’t believe in a Hereafter [4:79] Anything good that happens to you is from GOD, and anything bad that happens to you is from you. We have sent you as a messenger to the people, and GOD suffices as witness. It is easier to destroy than to build ************************************ Why do people like spicy food? Believed to originally be because to mask the taste of food particularly meat that was not fresh. Found that in climates the more hot the more the use of spices in their recipes But this for the most part no longer applies as we have plenty of access to fresh meat by means of refrigeration yet I don’t think there is a decline in human desire towards spicy food With the exception of the tree shrews, I don’t think there is any other mammal that has a fondness of spicy food https://www.mnn.com/food/healthy-eating/stories/man-is-the-only-animal-to-find-pleasure-in-the-pain-of-peppers https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/21/science/21peppers.html?pagewanted=2&_r=2&ref=science https://www.thrillist.com/health/nation/what-makes-some-people-like-spicy-food-and-others-hate-it And the only reason that tree shrews like particular chili peppers is because they have a mutation that lowers the sensitivity to the compound that gives spicy food that burning sensation in all other mammals. Dr. Paul Bloom: “How Pleasure Works: The New Science of Why We Like What We Like,” First we do it because we see other people doing it Then since we do it we convince ourselves that we like it Then we start actually liking it Then we want more and more of it to the point that regular food just tastes bland without it This shows how we can train ourselves to like unpalatable things This can be true for much of what we do. Outrage associate the feeling with excitement Animals, for the most part, don’t get angry (monkey grapes and cucumbers experiment) Outrage is a learned behavior Entice / provoke - devils tool [17:64] "You may entice them with your voice, and mobilize all your forces and all your men against them, and share in their money and children, and promise them. Anything the devil promises is no more than an illusion. How cheap is your happiness? When we get angry and stay in a state of anger we are showing that we are doubting God’s promise… [4:85] Whoever mediates a good deed receives a share of the credit thereof, and whoever mediates an evil work, incurs a share thereof. GOD controls all things. Outrage has a social contagion effect Pepsi commercial - Kendall Jenner https://player.fm/series/what-really-happened-1638434/kendall-jenner-the-anatomy-of-an-advertising-disaster https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dA5Yq1DLSmQ How anger affects judgment - we make worse decisions The average person didn’t think it was that bad between 18 - 29 years old 50% said it gave them a positive view of Pepsi, 26% less positive. 24% neutral Experiment with music Gave people a list of songs in one group they were told certain songs were liked more than the other and the other group was told the opposite Netflix got rid of the star review system with a simple thumbs up or down. The reason is that everyone says they like movies like Shindler’s list and not Adam Sandler movies, but their viewing habits show otherwise. We weigh negative critiques more than positive. If someone tells you the food at somewhere is bad who is more likely not to go there? The one who went there and experienced that bad food or the one who never went there? Need 10 positive reviews for each negative review What message are we putting out to the world? [9:15] He will also remove the rage from the believers' hearts. GOD redeems whomever He wills. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise. [5:2] O you who believe, do not violate the rites instituted by GOD, nor the Sacred Months, nor the animals to be offered, nor the garlands marking them, nor the people who head for the Sacred Shrine (Ka'bah) seeking blessings from their Lord and approval. Once you complete the pilgrimage, you may hunt.* Do not be provoked into aggression by your hatred of people who once prevented you from going to the Sacred Masjid. You shall cooperate in matters of righteousness and piety; do not cooperate in matters that are sinful and evil. You shall observe GOD. GOD is strict in enforcing retribution. We have limited time and limited brain capacity are you going to focus on the things that make you mad or the the things to be grateful for? If you look at the world from a perspective of gratitude, looking to see joy and happiness, the brain will translate that joy and happiness into chemistry, such as a dopamine release from feeling pleasure. Molecules of emotion - peptides and receptors - feedback loop Happiness: Now and Forever* [10:62] Absolutely, GOD's allies have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. [10:63] They are those who believe and lead a righteous life. [10:64] For them, joy and happiness in this world, as well as in the Hereafter. This is GOD's unchangeable law. Such is the greatest triumph. Every time you focus on gratitude, you’re helping combat depression and anxiety by minimizing your cortisol production. https://qz.com/1463947/the-science-behind-the-health-benefits-of-a-daily-gratitude-practice/ Boredom is when our attention has been so dulled that we need some external stimuli to keep our mind occupied - sensationalization of our external stimuli dulls our senses - need outrage to keep us entertained We would rather electrocute ourselves than spend time in our own thoughts. This was demonstrated in a controversial 2014 study in which 67 per cent of male participants and 25 per cent of female participants opted to give themselves unpleasant electric shocks rather than spend 15 minutes in peaceful contemplation. Meditation is the act of getting back to baseline and being aware of your thoughts your surroundings being present - put things in perspective

12/26/2018 • 22 minutes, 41 seconds

Value What We Work For

Which friend would you value more? Friend #1 If you go out to eat they cover the bill If you are going to watch Netflix or go to a movie they let you pick what to watch They let you pick the music when you are driving They take care of you when you are sick They even cook and clean for you In short, they expect very little in return just some appreciation Friend #2 They always want to pick what to watch If you go out to eat they expect you to cover the bill If they don’t get their way they yell at you and get angry They expect you to do things for them - to cook for them and clean up after them In short, expect everything from you and provide very little in return Why do we have more favor towards our children rather than our parents? It doesn’t make sense our parents raised us, they took care of us, they fed us, provided us with shelter and protection, they poured tons of money and made huge sacrifices to raise us… yet our children do the opposite They complain, they are mean to us, they demand things, they expect us to do things for them and to take care of them. Not all of us are parents but all of us were children Cake Mix https://www.bonappetit.com/entertaining-style/pop-culture/article/cake-mix-history When they first introduced cake mix in the 1930s it wasn’t a success until the 1950’s The reason was that prior to 1950’s all one needed to do was just add water, There was no sense of ownership or accomplishment - can’t take credit In the 1950s they changed it where you would need to add eggs / sometimes butter and all of a sudden it was a big success? You would think adding steps would be worse, but it made people’s love of the product more Ikea Effect – Dan Ariely The more effort we put into something the more we like it Paper Origami experiment Split up into two groups: Builder and Buyers The builders would make the origami and the buyers would value the work Builders value their work as more valuable then buyers But builders also thought that other people would love their work more than they actually did When they re-did the experiment and gave more difficult instructions regarding how to make the origami (so they took out some of the detail) the builders liked their work even more and the buyers valued it even less This only holds true if the builder has something to show for in their endeavor - if they are left with a disappointed crumpled paper then this does not hold true. Or if you cook dinner you think it taste better than others Or if you make art The effort we put into it is a big portion of how much we value it Example of Adam and Eve - they were in Paradise they had everything it was just given to them, yet they gave it all up because they didn’t value what they had. Abraham [37:95] He said, "How can you worship what you carve? [37:96] "When GOD has created you, and everything you make!” [26:69] Narrate to them Abraham's history. [26:70] He said to his father and his people, "What is this you are worshiping?" [26:71] They said, "We worship statues; we are totally devoted to them." [26:72] He said, "Can they hear you when you implore? [26:73] "Can they benefit you, or harm you?" [26:74] They said, "No; but we found our parents doing this." [26:75] He said, "Do you see these idols that you worship. [26:76] "You and your ancestors. [26:77] "I am against them, for I am devoted only to the Lord of the universe. [26:78] "The One who created me, and guided me. [26:79] "The One who feeds me and waters me. [26:80] "And when I get sick, He heals me. [26:81] "The One who puts me to death, then brings me back to life. [26:82] "The One who hopefully will forgive my sins on the Day of Judgment. [9:24] Proclaim: "If your parents, your children, your siblings, your spouses, your family, the money you have earned, a business you worry about, and the homes you cherish are more beloved to you than GOD and His messenger, and the striving in His cause, then just wait until GOD brings His judgment." GOD does not guide the wicked people. [30:7] They care only about things of this world that are visible to them, while being totally oblivious to the Hereafter. So we are here to learn appreciation for God and all that He has given us [90:4] We created the human being to work hard (to redeem himself).* This is the reason I believe God has set up rules and commandments for us to follow so we can earn our appreciation Getting up for Salat and performing it 5 times a day Giving Zakat Giving to charity Fasting during Ramadan War, fight battles, or persecution and oppression We are working hard to foster the love with God that He deserves The reason we are unappreciative is because we don’t value what we have not earned. Go to a restaurant and get a food that is slightly off and we complain Make a meal ourselves that at best could be considered so-so and we think it is the most delicious meal - and we contemplate opening a restaurant. Go give someone a $1000 and see how much they value that money versus the person who earned $1000 I would say that it is even worse than just being unappreciative. We think that we are entitled to this and even more: [18:36] “Moreover, I think this is it; I do not think that the Hour (the Hereafter) will ever come to pass. Even if I am returned to my Lord, I will (be clever enough to) possess an even better one over there.” [41:49] The human being never tires of imploring for good things. And when adversity befalls him, he turns despondent, desperate. [41:50] And when we bless him after suffering some adversity, he says, "This belongs to me. I do not believe that the Hour will ever come to pass. Even if I am returned to my Lord, I will find at Him better things." Most certainly, we will inform the disbelievers of all their works, and will commit them to severe retribution. [41:51] When we bless the human being, he turns away, and drifts farther and farther away, and when he suffers any affliction, he implores loudly. Importance of give from the things you earn… [2:267] O you who believe, you shall give to charity from the good things you earn, and from what we have produced for you from the earth. Do not pick out the bad therein to give away, when you yourselves do not accept it unless your eyes are closed. You should know that GOD is Rich, Praiseworthy. [3:92] You cannot attain righteousness until you give to charity from the possessions you love. Whatever you give to charity, GOD is fully aware thereof. Supply and demand The more the supply the less the value proportional to demand But how does this work for God whose provisions are inexhaustible Who has infinite amounts of mercy and grace [17:20] For each one of them we provide; we provide those and these from your Lord's bounties. Your Lord's bounties are inexhaustible. [15:21] There is nothing that we do not own infinite amounts thereof. But we send it down in precise measure. [6:147] If they disbelieve you, then say, "Your Lord possesses infinite mercy, but His retribution is unavoidable for the guilty people.” [8:29] O you who believe, if you reverence GOD, He will enlighten you, remit your sins, and forgive you. GOD possesses infinite grace. God intentionally made Himself scarce here on Earth to only be found by those who seek Him - Artificial Scarcity [2:115] To GOD belongs the east and the west; wherever you go there will be the presence of GOD. GOD is Omnipresent, Omniscient. [2:186] When My servants ask you about Me, I am always near. I answer their prayers when they pray to Me. The people shall respond to Me and believe in Me, in order to be guided. The reality is that if God gave us everything we would transgress? [42:27] If GOD increased the provision for His servants, they would transgress on earth. This is why He sends it precisely measured to whomever He wills. He is fully Cognizant and Seer of His servants. [43:33] If it were not that all the people might become one (disbelieving) congregation, we would have granted everyone who disbelieves in the Most Gracious mansions with silver roofs, and stairs upon which they could climb. The reason we are here is because we are profoundly unappreciative God is Most Rich - Free of Need [6:14] Say, "Shall I accept other than GOD as a Lord and Master, when He is the Initiator of the heavens and the earth, and He feeds but is not fed?" Say, "I am commanded to be the most devoted submitter, and, 'Do not be an idol worshiper.' “ [39:7] If you disbelieve, GOD does not need anyone. But He dislikes to see His servants make the wrong decision. If you decide to be appreciative, He is pleased for you. No soul bears the sins of any other soul. Ultimately, to your Lord is your return, then He will inform you of everything you had done. He is fully aware of the innermost thoughts. God puts us in situations where we need Him and this is for our own good [39:8] When the human being is afflicted, he implores his Lord, sincerely devoted to Him. But as soon as He blesses him, he forgets his previous imploring, sets up idols to rank with GOD and to divert others from His path. Say, "Enjoy your disbelief temporarily; you have incurred the hellfire." [39:9] Is it not better to be one of those who meditate in the night, prostrating and staying up, being aware of the Hereafter, and seeking the mercy of their Lord? [6:41] The fact is: only Him you implore, and He answers your prayer, if He so wills, and you forget your idols. [6:42] We have sent (messengers) to communities before you, and we put them to the test through adversity and hardship, that they may implore. [6:43] If only they implored when our test afflicted them! Instead, their hearts were hardened, and the devil adorned their works in their eyes. [30:33] When adversity afflicts the people, they turn to their Lord, totally devoting themselves to Him. But then, as soon as He showers them with mercy, some of them revert to idol worship.* [30:34] Let them be unappreciative of what we have given them. Enjoy temporarily; you will surely find out. *30:33 A common example is the classified advertisements we note in the newspapers, placed by people thanking St. Jude for healing them. Before undergoing surgery, they sincerely implore God to heal them. But as soon as the surgery succeeds, they thank St. Jude!!! God utilizes another form of psychology: It hurts more to lose something than it feels good to gain For example the pain of losing a dollar is always more than the joy one gets from losing a dollar God gave us so much upfront and if we turn unappreciative He will take it away - hearing, eyesight, bodies, families, friends, home, security etc. At the same time if we haven’t earned something we value it less so I think this is why God deprives us of some things that we may become appreciative Example of the people of Sheba Marib Dam https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marib_Dam [34:15] Sheba's homeland used to be a marvel, with two gardens on the right and the left. Eat from your Lord's provisions, and be appreciative of Him—good land, and a forgiving Lord. [34:16] They turned away and, consequently, we poured upon them a disastrous flood, and we substituted their two gardens into two gardens of bad tasting fruits, thorny plants, and a skimpy harvest. [34:17] We thus requited them for their disbelief. Do we not requite only the disbelievers? [34:18] We placed between them and the communities that we blessed other oases, and we secured the journey between them: "Travel therein days and nights in complete security." [34:19] But they (turned unappreciative and) challenged: "Our Lord, we do not care if You increase the distance of our journeys (without any stations)." They thus wronged their own souls. Consequently, we made them history, and scattered them into small communities throughout the land. This should provide lessons for those who are steadfast, appreciative. A mighty flood caused the dam of Marib to burst. This dam was located some 60 miles east of San’aa. The dam was about 5 miles long and 120ft high. The Sabean owed all their prosperity to it. Heavy flood and rain caused the dam to burst and undate the whole area causing widespread ruin. A land full of beautiful gardens, streams and great works of art were turned into vast waste. It was destroyed around the first century AD. VIDEO: ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS : Ancient Persia and Arabian Peninsula @ 30min 25 seconds https://youtu.be/0kenrpQS7qA?t=30m25s I had surgery for hernia - couldn’t laugh / couldn’t go to the bathroom VIDEO: Boy Receives Enchroma Glasses From Father || ViralHog https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jHDyhJdDb8 Podcast Story Person is 75 years old then starts having stomach problems Goes to the doctor and the doctor tells him that he has stomach cancer and will need to operate immediately When the operation finishes the doctor says that it was a complete success and presents the old man with the bill The old man starts crying The doctor feels sorry and says if the bill is too high we can make adjustments to help The man replies that it is not the cost that is making him cry but the fact that God allowed him to eat for 75 years and never sent him a bill. [14:7] Your Lord has decreed: "The more you thank Me, the more I give you." But if you turn unappreciative, then My retribution is severe. [22:73] O people, here is a parable that you must ponder carefully: the idols you set up beside GOD can never create a fly, even if they banded together to do so. Furthermore, if the fly steals anything from them, they cannot recover it; weak is the pursuer and the pursued. [22:74] They do not value GOD as He should be valued. GOD is the Most Powerful, the Almighty. What we want to earn the most is God’s approval [9:72] GOD promises the believing men and the believing women gardens with flowing streams, wherein they abide forever, and magnificent mansions in the gardens of Eden. And GOD's blessings and approval are even greater. This is the greatest triumph. [25:77] Say, "You attain value at my Lord only through your worship. But if you disbelieve, you incur the inevitable consequences." [3:174] They have deserved GOD's blessings and grace. No harm ever touches them, for they have attained GOD's approval. GOD possesses infinite grace.

11/30/2018 • 26 minutes

Community

Animals and Birds: Submitting Creatures [6:38] All the creatures on earth, and all the birds that fly with wings, are communities like you. We did not leave anything out of this book. To their Lord, all these creatures will be summoned. List of animals mentioned in the Quran: Elephant, Zebra, Lion, Fly, Mosquito, Raven, Camel, Sheep, goats, cattle, birds, dog, pig, ape, monkey, Cow, fish, serpent, donkey, locusts, butterfly, lice, frogs, horses, mules, quails, snake, wolf, Hoopoe, Spider, Ant, Bee, Eusocial - (of an animal species, especially an insect) showing an advanced level of social organization, in which a single female or caste produces the offspring and nonreproductive individuals cooperate in caring for the young. Ants, Bees, Termites Ant roles David and Solomon [27:15] We endowed David and Solomon with knowledge, and they said, "Praise GOD for blessing us more than many of His believing servants." [27:16] Solomon was David's heir. He said, "O people, we have been endowed with understanding the language of the birds, and all kinds of things have been bestowed upon us. This is indeed a real blessing." [27:17] Mobilized in the service of Solomon were his obedient soldiers of jinns and humans, as well as the birds; all at his disposal. [27:18] When they approached the valley of the ants, one ant said, "O you ants, go into your homes, lest you get crushed by Solomon and his soldiers, without perceiving.” [27:19] He smiled and laughed at her statement, and said, "My Lord, direct me to be appreciative of the blessings You have bestowed upon me and my parents, and to do the righteous works that please You. Admit me by Your mercy into the company of Your righteous servants.” Ant Colony As the ant colony matures they are not as quick to go to battle and wage war against competing colonies Bees vs. Wasp A single wasp can take on hundreds of bees killing unto 30 in a single attack The bees fight back when the wasp stops to rest. They will lock onto the wasp in a group and start to vibrate in unison increasing the temperature inside their huddle till it cooks the wasp to death Operate as a single organism Termite Mounds [34:14] When the appointed time for his death came, they had no clue that he had died. Not until one of the animals (a creature of the earth) tried to eat his staff, and he fell down, that the jinns realized that he was dead. They thus realized that if they really knew the unseen, they would have stopped working so hard as soon as he died. Never would the heart be so selfish to keep all the blood for itself Operate by choice not by force Disbelievers use force and intimidation / believers use logic and reason Pharaoh and Moses and Believing Egyptian [20:47] "Go to him and say, 'We are two messengers from your Lord. Let the Children of Israel go. You must refrain from persecuting them. We bring a sign from your Lord, and peace is the lot of those who heed the guidance. [20:69] "Throw what you hold in your right hand, and it will swallow what they fabricated. What they fabricated is no more than the scheming of a magician. The magician's work will not succeed." [20:70] The magicians fell prostrate, saying, "We believe in the Lord of Aaron and Moses." [20:71] He said, "Did you believe in him without my permission? He must be your chief; the one who taught you magic. I will surely sever your hands and feet on alternate sides. I will crucify you on the palm trunks. You will find out which of us can inflict the worst retribution, and who outlasts whom.” Are you going to force us [7:88] The arrogant leaders among his people said, "We will evict you, O Shu'aib, together with those who believed with you, from our town, unless you revert to our religion." He said, "Are you going to force us? [7:89] "We would be blaspheming against GOD if we reverted to your religion after GOD has saved us from it. How could we revert back to it against the will of GOD our Lord? Our Lord's knowledge encompasses all things. We have put our trust in GOD. Our Lord, grant us a decisive victory over our people. You are the best supporter." Cain and Able The First Murder* [5:27] Recite for them the true history of Adam's two sons. They made an offering, and it was accepted from one of them, but not from the other. He said, "I will surely kill you." He said, "GOD accepts only from the righteous. [5:28] "If you extend your hand to kill me, I am not extending my hand to kill you. For I reverence GOD, Lord of the universe. [5:29] "I want you, not me, to bear my sin and your sin, then you end up with the dwellers of Hell. Such is the requital for the transgressors." [5:30] His ego provoked him into killing his brother. He killed him, and ended up with the losers. [5:31] GOD then sent a raven to scratch the soil, to teach him how to bury his brother's corpse. He said, "Woe to me; I failed to be as intelligent as this raven, and bury my brother's corpse." He became ridden with remorse. Abraham and father (stone you) [19:45] "O my father, I fear lest you incur retribution from the Most Gracious, then become an ally of the devil." [19:46] He said, "Have you forsaken my gods, O Abraham? Unless you stop, I will stone you. Leave me alone." [19:47] He said, "Peace be upon you. I will implore my Lord to forgive you; He has been Most Kind to me. Socialist vs Libertarian God doesn’t force He exhorts and encourages People have to choose freely to be charitable Disbelievers Compared to Several Animals in Quran Spider Spidergoat [29:41] The allegory of those who accept other masters beside GOD is that of the spider and her home; the flimsiest of all homes is the home of the spider, if they only knew.* Locusts [54:7] With their eyes humiliated, they come out of the graves like scattered locusts. Locusts are just grasshoppers but when their population gets to be too dense a physiological response happens and they begin to swarm Billions can gather forming swarms 40 miles wide. And they will consume all vegetation in their sight. An adult locusts can eat its own body weight every day. So a billion of these can eat hundreds of tons of vegetation each day. When they swarm they are known to affect 1/5th of the earth’s surface from Africa through Asia and will affect 1 in 10 people’s livelyhood in the world. Monkey and Pigs [5:60] Say, "Let me tell you who are worse in the sight of GOD: those who are condemned by GOD after incurring His wrath until He made them (as despicable as) monkeys and pigs, and the idol worshipers. These are far worse, and farther from the right path." Butterfly One of natures great unsolved mysteries Every year millions of monarch butterflies travel as far as 3,100 miles to the same place every year - migrating from Canada in the summer to Mexico in the winter They travel on average of 74 miles a day And to think that this creature the weighs less than a paperclip can make this amazing journey But this isn’t the most amazing thing. The generation that made the migration is known as the Methuselah generation and live only 8 months, but the round trip journey happens once a year 1. They will breed and their offspring lives for only about 4 - 5 weeks 2. Then that offspring will breed and they too will live for about 4 - 5 weeks, 3. Then that offspring will breed and they too will live for about 4 - 5 weeks at which point they are back in Canada for the summer 4. Then the Methuselah generation is born in the summer of Canada and will migrate all the way back south to Mexico a trip that their great-great grandparents had done before them. So the migration is done by butterflies that have never made the migration before and have never been to the location. Bird Murmuration School of fish These animals each single to one another their behavior and the remainder follow suit going along with the herd. How do we operate in our own community [31:18] "You shall not treat the people with arrogance, nor shall you roam the earth proudly. GOD does not like the arrogant showoffs. [31:19] "Walk humbly and lower your voice—the ugliest voice is the donkey's voice." [90:10] Did we not show him the two paths? [90:11] He should choose the difficult path. [90:12] Which one is the difficult path? [90:13] The freeing of slaves. [90:14] Feeding, during the time of hardship. [90:15] Orphans who are related. [90:16] Or the poor who is in need. [90:17] And being one of those who believe, and exhorting one another to be steadfast, and exhorting one another to be kind. [90:18] These have deserved happiness. [17:53] Tell My servants to treat each other in the best possible manner, for the devil will always try to drive a wedge among them. Surely, the devil is man's most ardent enemy. Sura 49 is entitled The Walls Reconcile The Believers [49:9] If two groups of believers fought with each other, you shall reconcile them. If one group aggresses against the other, you shall fight the aggressing group until they submit to GOD's command. Once they submit, you shall reconcile the two groups equitably. You shall maintain justice; GOD loves those who are just. The Real Family [49:10] The believers are members of one family; you shall keep the peace within your family and reverence GOD, that you may attain mercy. Believers Set the Example [49:11] O you who believe, no people shall ridicule other people, for they may be better than they. Nor shall any women ridicule other women, for they may be better than they. Nor shall you mock one another, or make fun of your names. Evil indeed is the reversion to wickedness after attaining faith. Anyone who does not repent after this, these are the transgressors. Suspicion Is Sinful [49:12] O you who believe, you shall avoid any suspicion, for even a little bit of suspicion is sinful. You shall not spy on one another, nor shall you backbite one another; this is as abominable as eating the flesh of your dead brother. You certainly abhor this. You shall observe GOD. GOD is Redeemer, Most Merciful. The Only Criterion For Distinguishing Among The People [49:13] O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant. Sectarianism Believers are United [3:103] You shall hold fast to the rope of GOD, all of you, and do not be divided. Recall GOD's blessings upon you—you used to be enemies and He reconciled your hearts. By His grace, you became brethren. You were at the brink of a pit of fire, and He saved you therefrom. GOD thus explains His revelations for you, that you may be guided. [3:104] Let there be a community of you who invite to what is good, advocate righteousness, and forbid evil. These are the winners. [3:105] Do not be like those who became divided and disputed, despite the clear proofs that were given to them. For these have incurred a terrible retribution. Religious Sects Condemned [6:159] Those who divide themselves into sects do not belong with you. Their judgment rests with GOD, then He will inform them of everything they had done. Sectarianism Condemned [30:32] (Do not fall in idol worship,) like those who divide their religion into sects; each party rejoicing with what they have. Basic Law Regulating Relations With Unbelievers [60:8] GOD does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them. GOD loves the equitable. [60:9] GOD enjoins you only from befriending those who fight you because of religion, evict you from your homes, and band together with others to banish you. You shall not befriend them. Those who befriend them are the transgressors. [5:57] O you who believe, do not befriend those among the recipients of previous scripture who mock and ridicule your religion, nor shall you befriend the disbelievers. You shall reverence GOD, if you are really believers. [60:13] O you who believe, do not befriend people with whom GOD is angry, and who are hopelessly stuck in disbelief; they are just as hopeless as the disbelievers who are already in the graves. How to Deal with Hypocrites How to Deal With the Hypocrites [4:88] Why should you divide yourselves into two groups regarding hypocrites (among you)? GOD is the one who condemned them because of their own behavior. Do you want to guide those who are sent astray by GOD? Whomever GOD sends astray, you can never find a way to guide them. [6:125] Whomever GOD wills to guide, He renders his chest wide open to Submission. And whomever He wills to send astray, He renders his chest intolerant and straitened, like one who climbs towards the sky. GOD thus places a curse upon those who refuse to believe. Eagles and crows The Hypocrites Drop Out [22:53] He thus sets up the devil's scheme as a test for those who harbor doubts in their hearts, and those whose hearts are hardened. The wicked must remain with the opposition. When to draw the line? [9:17] The idol worshipers are not to frequent the masjids of GOD, while confessing their disbelief. These have nullified their works, and they will abide forever in Hell. [9:18] The only people to frequent GOD's masjids are those who believe in GOD and the Last Day, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and do not fear except GOD. These will surely be among the guided ones. [9:107] There are those who abuse the masjid by practicing idol worship, dividing the believers, and providing comfort to those who oppose GOD and His messenger. They solemnly swear: "Our intentions are honorable!" GOD bears witness that they are liars. Aaron and the Children of Israel [20:92] (Moses) said, "O Aaron, what is it that prevented you, when you saw them go astray, [20:93] "from following my orders? Have you rebelled against me?" [20:94] He said, "O son of my mother, do not pull me by my beard and my head. I was afraid that you might say, 'You have divided the Children of Israel, and disobeyed my orders.' “ [7:150] When Moses returned to his people, angry and disappointed, he said, "What a terrible thing you have done in my absence! Could you not wait for the commandments of your Lord?" He threw down the tablets, and took hold of his brother's head, pulling him towards himself. (Aaron) said, "Son of my mother, the people took advantage of my weakness, and almost killed me. Let not my enemies rejoice, and do not count me with the transgressing people.” Baboons In the 1980’s there were a couple of researchers studying a baboon troop in Kenya. The troop consisted of 62 baboons and had a traditional hierarchy with the alpha males on top and the matriarchs. The alphas were aggressive and harsh and fought to maintain their dominance. One day the troop found a location that a local resort would use to dump their garbage. This being a resort the garbage was full of food that the baboons took a real liking to so the troop spent their days living next to this location feasting on the garbage during the day each time there was a new delivery and sleeping and lounging the rest of the time. In traditional hierarchical fashion the alphas got the choice selection of the food upon delivery. One day the truck dumped meat and since this was a prize food to have access to the ones who ate the bulk of the meat were the alphas It ends up the meat was contaminated and caused an outbreak of tuberculosis among the baboons. This caused the alphas to die leaving only about half the males who were the least aggressive of the bunch along with the females and the young. So what happened to this group? Ends up that with the aggressive alpha males removed from the group the group was a lot more friendly to one another. Mutual grooming was more common among the group, less of a hierarchy, less fighting and here is the real interesting thing As new males joined the group the quickly learned that if they tried to be aggressive or bullying that it wasn’t tolerated that they would be shunned, so for over 20 years this culture persisted despite only a single male from the original group surviving. What kind of people is your community attracting? Is your community drawing in sociopaths or people who are kind and humble Are you creating fertile soil for people who are kind and humble or violent and belligerent? If our community is a microcosm of society and if we can’t maintain the peace here what hope is there for a society of submitters If we don’t apply God’s laws we get chaos [8:73] Those who disbelieved are allies of one another. Unless you keep these commandments, there will be chaos on earth, and terrible corruption. [56:90] And if he is one of the right— [56:91] peace is the lot of those on the right. What kind of home are we making at our Masjids? [33:34] Remember what is being recited in your homes of GOD's revelations and the wisdom inherent therein. GOD is Sublime, Cognizant. Spectrum - Tolerance vs. Intolerance “Anything goes” vs. “Only what I say goes” Everyone is going to claim they are following the Quran

10/15/2018 • 37 minutes, 35 seconds

How To Be A Superhero

Subscribe to the podcast and show notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com If you could have a super power what would it be? Would you want to fly like Superman - faster than a speeding bullet Or teleportation like Nightcrawler Would you want to be super smart like professor Xavier Or have rehealing process like Wolverine or an adamantium skeleton As you are thinking which superpower you would want to have pay attention to your thought process? What are you thinking as you are assessing any one of these superpowers? Are you thinking that maybe if you had the ability to fly that you would never have to pay for a plane ticket again or commute to work Are you thinking that maybe if you had super strength you could be a professional athlete, join the Olympics, impress people at the gym? Or if you were super smart you could be the world’s best investor or be the next Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg and imagine how much money you could make? So did you think of what superpower you want and did you pay attention to what made you want to select that superpower? If so, now ask yourself did the reason you want that superpower was so you could benefit others or so you could benefit yourself? If it was to benefit yourself then I am sorry to tell you this but that would make you more akin to being a supervillain and not a superhero. A supervillain is someone who has superpowers that they utilize to benefit themselves A superhero on the other hand has superpowers and their being revolves around using these superpowers to help others What is funny is you can ask hundreds of people this question and rarely will you hear someone say they would use their superpower to fight crime. People like to think that when they watch a movie like Schindler’s List that they would be Schindler But realistically they are much more likely to be one of the Nazi’s or the many who didn’t fight the status quo and quietly went along hoping they wouldn’t be drawn to attention God has given each of us God-given [2:3] who believe in the unseen, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat)*, and from our provisions to them, they give to charity. Moses had strength Moses Commits Manslaughter [28:15] Once he entered the city unexpectedly, without being recognized by the people. He found two men fighting; one was (a Hebrew) from his people, and the other was (an Egyptian) from his enemies. The one from his people called on him for help against his enemy. Moses punched him, killing him. He said, "This is the work of the devil; he is a real enemy, and a profound misleader." [28:16] He said, "My Lord, I have wronged my soul. Please forgive me," and He forgave him. He is the Forgiver, Most Merciful. [28:17] He said, "My Lord, in return for Your blessings upon me, I will never be a supporter of the guilty ones." [28:18] In the morning, he was in the city, afraid and watchful. The one who sought his help yesterday, asked for his help again. Moses said to him, "You are really a troublemaker." Moses' Crime Exposed [28:19] Before he attempted to strike their common enemy, he said, "O Moses, do you want to kill me, as you killed the other man yesterday? Obviously, you wish to be a tyrant on earth; you do not wish to be righteous." [28:20] A man came running from the other side of the city, saying, "O Moses, the people are plotting to kill you. You better leave immediately. I am giving you good advice." [28:21] He fled the city, afraid and watchful. He said, "My Lord, save me from the oppressive people.” [28:22] As he traveled towards Midyan, he said, "May my Lord guide me in the right path." [28:23] When he reached Midyan's water, he found a crowd of people watering, and noticed two women waiting on the side. He said, "What is it that you need?" They said, "We are not able to water, until the crowd disperses, and our father is an old man." [28:24] He watered for them, then turned to the shade, saying, "My Lord, whatever provision You send to me, I am in dire need for it.” Sir Nicholas Winton from London (late 20’s) WWII Prague saved 669 children On a ski vacation to Switzerland 1938 violence against Jews was escalating went to Prague Czechoslovakia to see if there is anything he could do to help For almost 50 years he hardly told anyone about what he had accomplished For almost 50 years the children didn’t know who saved them or how October 1st 1938 Nazi’s march into Czechoslovakia Prague the Czech capital was flooded with people trying to escape A fortunate few were able to send their children abroad Back in London Winton was a successful stock broker with a passion for sports Winton went to go visit the camps in Czech where people were displaced and it was cold some 150k people Winton wanted to see how he could at least get the children out of there He had no experience in this work No country would take any of the children and started to pressure the British government to accept the children - they agreed only if he could find families willing to take the children - so he started making advertisements with the children to get family to accept them First 20 children left Prague March 14 1939 Next Day German troops occupied Prague with Hitler himself riding through the streets triumphant 1988 the BBC heard about his story and had him be part of a program So what did he do for the last 50 years? Building homes for the elderly and helping mentally handicapped people https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0aoifNziKQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERbSldmUmRA [59:9] As for those who provided them with a home and a refuge, and were believers before them, they love those who immigrated to them, and find no hesitation in their hearts in helping them. In fact, they readily give them priority over themselves, even when they themselves need what they give away. Indeed, those who overcome their natural stinginess are the successful ones. Golden Gate bridge suicide if just one person smiles at me I will not kill myself https://www.calfussman.com/podcasts/2018/8/28/kevin-hines-whatever-your-difficulties-never-count-yourself-out-never-never-never [57:11] Who would like to loan God a loan of righteousness, to have it multiplied for him manifold, and end up with a generous recompense? Would you prefer to meet the person who will give you money or an opportunity to do charity? One is for the pleasures of this world the other is for the Hereafter Solomon - Who is Doing Who A Favor - What is our Priority [38:32] He then said, "I enjoyed the material things more than I enjoyed worshiping my Lord, until the sun was gone.* Qãroon [28:76] Qãroon (the slave driver) was one of Moses' people who betrayed them and oppressed them. We gave him so many treasures that the keys thereof were almost too heavy for the strongest band. His people said to him, "Do not be so arrogant; GOD does not love those who are arrogant. [28:77] "Use the provisions bestowed upon you by GOD to seek the abode of the Hereafter, without neglecting your share in this world. Be charitable, as GOD has been charitable towards you. Do not keep on corrupting the earth. GOD does not love the corruptors." [2:195] You shall spend in the cause of GOD; do not throw yourselves with your own hands into destruction. You shall be charitable; GOD loves the charitable. Everything we have is because God has lent it to us. There is nothing in this world that we will bring with us to the Hereafter. Everything we have will be inherited by others after we pass. [28:78] He said, "I attained all this because of my own cleverness." Did he not realize that GOD had annihilated before him generations that were much stronger than he, and greater in number? The (annihilated) transgressors were not asked about their crimes. Reflections [56:57] We have created you, if you could only believe! [56:58] Have you noted the semen that you produce? [56:59] Did you create it, or did we? [56:60] We have predetermined death for you. Nothing can stop us— [56:61] from substituting new generations in your place, and establishing what you do not know. [56:62] You know about the first creation. Do you not remember? [56:63] Have you noted the crops you reap? [56:64] Did you grow them, or did we? [56:65] If we will, we can turn it into hay. Then you will lament: [56:66] "We lost. [56:67] "We are deprived." [56:68] Have you noted the water you drink? [56:69] Did you send it down from the clouds, or did we? [56:70] If we will, we can make it salty. You should be thankful. [56:71] Have you noted the fire you ignite? [56:72] Did you initiate its tree, or did we? [56:73] We rendered it a reminder, and a useful tool for the users. [56:74] You shall glorify the name of your Lord, the Great. [28:79] One day, he came out to his people in full splendor. Those who preferred this worldly life said, "Oh, we wish that we possess what Qãroon has attained. Indeed, he is very fortunate." The Real Wealth [28:80] As for those who were blessed with knowledge, they said, "Woe to you, GOD's recompense is far better for those who believe and lead a righteous life." None attains this except the steadfast. The Tyrants' Inevitable Fate [28:81] We then caused the earth to swallow him and his mansion. No army could have helped him against GOD; he was not destined to be a winner. [28:82] Those who were envious of him the day before said, "Now we realize that GOD is the One who provides for whomever He chooses from among His servants, and withholds. If it were not for GOD's grace towards us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us too. We now realize that the disbelievers never succeed.” Qaroon was selfish - only think about himself how his blessings could benefit himself at the expense of others Qaroon was vain - he exalted himself he boasted about his provisions Story of Sindhutai Sapkal More likely do more for yourself or for others purpose greater than one self [23:57] Surely, those who are reverently conscious of their Lord, [23:58] And who believe in the revelations of their Lord, [23:59] And who never set up any idols beside their Lord, [23:60] As they give their charities, their hearts are fully reverent. For they recognize that they will be summoned before their Lord, [23:61] They are eager to do righteous works; they compete in doing them. [90:11] He should choose the difficult path. [90:12] Which one is the difficult path? [90:13] The freeing of slaves. [90:14] Feeding, during the time of hardship. [90:15] Orphans who are related. [90:16] Or the poor who is in need. [90:17] And being one of those who believe, and exhorting one another to be steadfast, and exhorting one another to be kind. [90:18] These have deserved happiness.

8/31/2018 • 30 minutes, 29 seconds

Perfect Vengeance

What do you think the proper response should be for people who wish us ill? People who want to see us abandon God and our religion. People that want to see us disbelieve? [2:109] Many followers of the scripture would rather see you revert to disbelief, now that you have believed. This is due to jealousy on their part, after the truth has become evident to them. You shall pardon them, and leave them alone, until GOD issues His judgment. GOD is Omnipotent. [2:110] You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat). Any good you send forth on behalf of your souls, you will find it at GOD. GOD is seer of everything you do. Don’t Get Mad, Get Even Don’t Get Mad, Get More Righteous [15:94] Therefore, carry out the orders given to you, and disregard the idol worshipers. [15:95] We will spare you the mockers, [15:96] who set up another god beside GOD. They will surely find out. [15:97] We know full well that you may be annoyed by their utterances. [15:98] You shall sing the praises of your Lord, and be with the prostrators. [15:99] And worship your Lord, in order to attain certainty.* If you want to get vengeance become a better person If you spend the energy to get the revenge on improving your soul the rewards will be far better: [2:245] Who would lend GOD a loan of righteousness, to have it repaid to them multiplied manifold? GOD is the One who provides and withholds, and to Him you will be returned. [2:261] The example of those who spend their monies in the cause of GOD is that of a grain that produces seven spikes, with a hundred grains in each spike. GOD multiplies this manifold for whomever He wills. GOD is Bounteous, Knower. Think about all the time we spend mulling over in our heads about how we were wronged, I can’t believe they did that, how can I retaliate…If instead we spend that time making our selves a better person not only will we be better off spiritually but also emotionally and mentally [13:22] They steadfastly persevere in seeking their Lord, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), spend from our provisions to them secretly and publicly, and counter evil with good. These have deserved the best abode. [28:54] To these we grant twice the reward, because they steadfastly persevere. They counter evil works with good works, and from our provisions to them, they give. [28:55] When they come across vain talk, they disregard it and say, "We are responsible for our deeds, and you are responsible for your deeds. Peace be upon you. We do not wish to behave like the ignorant ones.” [3:134] who give to charity during the good times, as well as the bad times. They are suppressors of anger, and pardoners of the people. GOD loves the charitable. When we hold on to anger and resentment, we are only hurting ourselves. holding onto anger is like holding a hot coal with the intention of throwing it at someone else. [23:96] Therefore, counter their evil works with goodness; we are fully aware of their claims. To Be Protected From Satan [23:97] Say, "My Lord, I seek refuge in You from the whispers of the devils. [23:98] "And I seek refuge in You, my Lord, lest they come near me.” Submitters [41:33] Who can utter better words than one who invites to GOD, works righteousness, and says, "I am one of the submitters"? [41:34] Not equal is the good response and the bad response. You shall resort to the nicest possible response. Thus, the one who used to be your enemy, may become your best friend. [41:35] None can attain this except those who steadfastly persevere. None can attain this except those who are extremely fortunate. Example of Joseph and his brothers or the governor's wife When the Devil Entices You [41:36] When the devil whispers an idea to you, you shall seek refuge in GOD. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [7:198] When you invite them to the guidance, they do not hear. And you see them looking at you, but they do not see. [7:199] You shall resort to pardon, advocate tolerance, and disregard the ignorant. [7:200] When the devil whispers to you any whisper, seek refuge in GOD; He is Hearer, Omniscient. [7:201] Those who are righteous, whenever the devil approaches them with an idea, they remember, whereupon they become seers. [7:202] Their brethren ceaselessly entice them to go astray. Don’t pray that it is easier pray to be better Do Not Use Bad Language [4:148] GOD does not like the utterance of bad language, unless one is treated with gross injustice. GOD is Hearer, Knower. [4:149] If you work righteousness—either declared or concealed—or pardon a transgression, GOD is Pardoner, Omnipotent. Joseph sold to slavery - did better Joseph sent to prison - did better Or Joseph’s prison mate forgetting about him [4:146] Only those who repent, reform, hold fast to GOD, and devote their religion absolutely to GOD alone, will be counted with the believers. GOD will bless the believers with a great recompense. [4:147] What will GOD gain from punishing you, if you became appreciative and believed? GOD is Appreciative, Omniscient. We can stand up for our rights This isn’t if we get slapped on one cheek we give the other Submitters are not cowards The examples given are people who are not using physical force against us, God tells us that in such scenarios we can defend ourselves God tells us that aggression is only permitted against the aggressors and that oppression is worse than murder Divine Help for the Oppressed [22:60] It is decreed that if one avenges an injustice that was inflicted upon him, equitably, then is persecuted because of this, GOD will surely support him. GOD is Pardoner, Forgiving. You Shall Be Prepared: A Divine Commandment [8:60] You shall prepare for them all the power you can muster, and all the equipment you can mobilize, that you may frighten the enemies of GOD, your enemies, as well as others who are not known to you; GOD knows them. Whatever you spend in the cause of GOD will be repaid to you generously, without the least injustice. [8:61] If they resort to peace, so shall you, and put your trust in GOD. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. But there is a difference between knowing you can retaliate and wanting to and choosing not to and cowering because we are scared to stand up for our rights Don’t turn your shortcomings into virtues Traits of the Believers [42:37] They avoid gross sins and vice, and when angered they forgive. [42:38] They respond to their Lord by observing the Contact Prayers (Salat). Their affairs are decided after due consultation among themselves, and from our provisions to them they give (to charity). [42:39] When gross injustice befalls them, they stand up for their rights. [42:40] Although the just requital for an injustice is an equivalent retribution, those who pardon and maintain righteousness are rewarded by GOD. He does not love the unjust. [42:41] Certainly, those who stand up for their rights, when injustice befalls them, are not committing any error. [42:42] The wrong ones are those who treat the people unjustly, and resort to aggression without provocation. These have incurred a painful retribution. [42:43] Resorting to patience and forgiveness reflects a true strength of character. How to Spread God's Message [16:125] You shall invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kind enlightenment, and debate with them in the best possible manner. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best who are the guided ones. [16:126] And if you punish, you shall inflict an equivalent punishment. But if you resort to patience (instead of revenge), it would be better for the patient ones. [16:127] You shall resort to patience—and your patience is attainable only with GOD's help. Do not grieve over them, and do not be annoyed by their schemes. [16:128] GOD is with those who lead a righteous life, and those who are charitable. Righteousness is the solution to all our problems [74:56] They cannot take heed against GOD's will. He is the source of righteousness; He is the source of forgiveness.

8/23/2018 • 20 minutes, 39 seconds

Don't Turn God's Blessings Into Idols

Don’t Turn God’s Blessing into Idols God gave each of us so many blessings [16:18] If you count God's blessings, you cannot possibly encompass them. God is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [14:34] And He gives you all kinds of things that you implore Him for. If you count God's blessings, you can never encompass them. Indeed, the human being is transgressing, unappreciative. When God blesses us we have a tendency to turn those blessings into idols that actually repulse us from God and from acting in a way that is pleasing to him [41:50] And when we bless him after suffering some adversity, he says, "This belongs to me. I do not believe that the Hour will ever come to pass. Even if I am returned to my Lord, I will find at Him better things." Most certainly, we will inform the disbelievers of all their works, and will commit them to severe retribution. [17:83] When we bless the human being, he becomes preoccupied and heedless. But when adversity strikes him, he turns despondent. Exodus 12:31-36 The Exodus Begins 31Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, “Get up, leave my people, both you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested. 32Take your flocks and herds as well, just as you have said, and depart! And bless me also.” 33 And in order to send them out of the land quickly, the Egyptians urged the people on. “For otherwise,” they said, “we are all going to die!” 34 So the people took their dough before it was leavened, carrying it on their shoulders in kneading bowls wrapped in clothing. 35 Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. 36 And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians. [20:87] They said, "We did not break our agreement with you on purpose. But we were loaded down with jewelry, and decided to throw our loads in. This is what the Samarian suggested." [20:88] He produced for them a sculpted calf, complete with a calf's sound. They said, "This is your god, and the god of Moses." Thus, he forgot. [20:89] Could they not see that it neither responded to them, nor possessed any power to harm them, or benefit them When we become slaves to these blessings we are making these blessings into our idols When we idolize something we are slaves to that thing Slave to our children Our spouses Our business Our property Our selves Our ego [2:61] Recall that you said, "O Moses, we can no longer tolerate one kind of food. Call upon your Lord to produce for us such earthly crops as beans, cucumbers, garlic, lentils, and onions." He said, "Do you wish to substitute that which is inferior for that which is good? Go down to Egypt, where you can find what you asked for." They have incurred condemnation, humiliation, and disgrace, and brought upon themselves wrath from GOD. This is because they rejected GOD's revelations, and killed the prophets unjustly. This is because they disobeyed and transgressed. [14:7] Your Lord has decreed: "The more you thank Me, the more I give you." But if you turn unappreciative, then My retribution is severe. Whatever occupies our mind most of the day becomes our idol [33:41] O you who believe, you shall remember GOD frequently. [33:42] You shall glorify Him day and night. Those who make this world a priority are like those who only drink salt water. It will never quench their thirst and it will only make them more thirsty But those who make the hereafter their priority this is like drinking fresh water. Not only are you going to feel full but your body and soul will actually be hydrated. [24:39] As for those who disbelieve, their works are like a mirage in the desert. A thirsty person thinks that it is water. But when he reaches it, he finds that it is nothing, and he finds God there instead, to requite him fully for his works. God is the most efficient reckoner. [13:14] Imploring Him is the only legitimate supplication, while the idols they implore beside Him, cannot ever respond. Thus, they are like those who stretch their hands to the water, but nothing reaches their mouths. The supplications of the disbelievers are in vain. Idolizing Our Children Our Children Can be Idols [7:189] He created you from one person (Adam). Subsequently, He gives every man a mate to find tranquility with her. She then carries a light load that she can hardly notice. As the load gets heavier, they implore GOD their Lord: "If You give us a good baby, we will be appreciative." [7:190] But when He gives them a good baby, they turn His gift into an idol that rivals Him. GOD be exalted, far above any partnership. [7:191] Is it not a fact that they are idolizing idols who create nothing, and are themselves created? [64:14] O you who believe, your spouses and your children can be your enemies; beware. If you pardon, forget, and forgive, then God is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [9:85] Do not be impressed by their money or their children; God causes these to be sources of misery for them in this world, and their souls depart as disbelievers. [25:73] When reminded of their Lord's revelations, they never react to them as if they were deaf and blind. [25:74] And they say, "Our Lord, let our spouses and children be a source of joy for us, and keep us in the forefront of the righteous." Property as an Idol* [18:32] Cite for them the example of two men: we gave one of them two gardens of grapes, surrounded by date palms, and placed other crops between them. Footnote [18:33] Both gardens produced their crops on time, and generously, for we caused a river to run through them. [18:34] Once, after harvesting, he boastfully told his friend: "I am far more prosperous than you, and I command more respect from the people." [18:35] When he entered his garden, he wronged his soul by saying, "I do not think that this will ever end. [18:36] "Moreover, I think this is it; I do not think that the Hour (the Hereafter) will ever come to pass. Even if I am returned to my Lord, I will (be clever enough to) possess an even better one over there." [18:37] His friend said to him, as he debated with him, "Have you disbelieved in the One who created you from dust, then from a tiny drop, then perfected you into a man? [18:38] "As for me, GOD is my Lord, and I will never set up any other god besides my Lord. Important Commandment [18:39] "When you entered your garden, you should have said, 'This is what GOD has given me. No one possesses power except GOD.' You may see that I possess less money and less children than you. [18:40] "My Lord may grant me better than your garden. He may send a violent storm from the sky that wipes out your garden, leaving it completely barren. [18:41] "Or, its water may sink deeper, out of your reach." [18:42] Indeed, his crops were wiped out, and he ended up sorrowful, lamenting what he had spent on it in vain, as his property lay barren. He finally said, "I wish I never set up my property as a god beside my Lord." [18:43] No force on earth could have helped him against GOD, nor was it possible for him to receive any help. [18:44] That is because the only true Lord and master is GOD; He provides the best recompense, and with Him is the best destiny. [18:45] Cite for them the example of this life as water that we send down from the sky to produce plants of the earth, then they turn into hay that is blown away by the wind. GOD is able to do all things. Rearranging Our Priorities [18:46] Money and children are the joys of this life, but the righteous works provide an eternal recompense from your Lord, and a far better hope. [68:17] We have tested them like we tested the owners of the garden who swore that they will harvest it in the morning. [68:18] They were so absolutely sure. [68:19] A passing (storm) from your Lord passed by it while they were asleep. [68:20] By morning, it was barren. [68:21] They called on each other in the morning. [68:22] "Let us harvest the crop." [68:23] On their way, they confided to each other. [68:24] That from then on, none of them would be poor. [68:25] They were so absolutely sure of their harvest. [68:26] But when they saw it, they said, "We were so wrong! [68:27] "Now, we have nothing!" They Should Have Said: "God Willing." [68:28] The righteous among them said, "If only you had glorified (God)!" [68:29] They said, "Glory be to our Lord. We have transgressed." [68:30] They started to blame each other. [68:31] They said, "Woe to us. We sinned. [68:32] "May our Lord grant us a better one. We repent to our Lord." [68:33] Such was the requital. But the retribution of the Hereafter is far worse, if they only knew. If you take the instruction regarding your salvation from anyone other than God then that source becomes your god. [6:121] Do not eat from that upon which the name of GOD has not been mentioned, for it is an abomination. The devils inspire their allies to argue with you; if you obey them, you will be idol worshipers.* [36:60] Did I not covenant with you, O Children of Adam, that you shall not worship the devil? That he is your most ardent enemy? [36:61] And that you shall worship Me alone? This is the right path. [9:24] Proclaim: "If your parents, your children, your siblings, your spouses, your family, the money you have earned, a business you worry about, and the homes you cherish are more beloved to you than GOD and His messenger, and the striving in His cause, then just wait until GOD brings His judgment." GOD does not guide the wicked people. Ego as a god [25:43] Have you seen the one whose god is his own ego? Will you be his advocate?

8/17/2018 • 31 minutes, 26 seconds

How Can You Stand That Which You Do Not Comprehend?

[3:154] …They said, "If it was up to us, none of us would have been killed in this battle." Say, "Had you stayed in your homes, those destined to be killed would have crawled into their death beds." [3:156] O you who believe, do not be like those who disbelieved and said of their kinsmen who traveled or mobilized for war, "Had they stayed with us, they would not have died or gotten killed." GOD renders this a source of grief in their hearts. GOD controls life and death. GOD is Seer of everything you do. Never fear never grief [16:1] GOD's command has already been issued (and everything has already been written), so do not rush it.* Be He glorified; the Most High, far above any idols they set up. [57:22] Anything that happens on earth, or to you, has already been recorded, even before the creation. This is easy for GOD to do. Moses and his Teacher [18:68] "How can you stand that which you do not comprehend?” Moses mother threw Moses into the river Jospeh’s brother threw him into the well Gross Injustice / Bad Language [4:148] GOD does not like the utterance of bad language, unless one is treated with gross injustice. GOD is Hearer, Knower. [4:43] O you who believe, do not observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) while intoxicated, so that you know what you are saying. [5:90] O you who believe, intoxicants, and gambling, and the altars of idols, and the games of chance are abominations of the devil; you shall avoid them, that you may succeed. Was Joseph thrown into prison bad? [2:281] Beware of the day when you are returned to GOD, and every soul is paid for everything it had done, without the least injustice. Shows we believe in the Hereafter [4:40] GOD does not inflict an atom's weight of injustice. On the contrary, He multiplies the reward manifold for the righteous work, and grants from Him a great recompense. If you believe God is doing everything we would never fear injustice [72:13] "'When we heard the guidance, we believed therein. Anyone who believes in his Lord will never fear any injustice, nor any affliction. To God belongs the ultimate scheming - He holds all the cards [13:42] Others before them have schemed, but to GOD belongs the ultimate scheming. He knows what everyone is doing. The disbelievers will find out who the ultimate winners are. [8:30] The disbelievers plot and scheme to neutralize you, or kill you, or banish you. However, they plot and scheme, but so does GOD. GOD is the best schemer. Coyote and the Road Runner Knowing God [10:61] You do not get into any situation, nor do you recite any Quran, nor do you do anything, without us being witnesses thereof as you do it. Not even an atom's weight is out of your Lord's control, be it in the heavens or the earth. Nor is there anything smaller than an atom, or larger, that is not recorded in a profound record. Happiness: Now and Forever* [10:62] Absolutely, GOD's allies have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. [10:63] They are those who believe and lead a righteous life. [10:64] For them, joy and happiness in this world, as well as in the Hereafter. This is GOD's unchangeable law. Such is the greatest triumph.

8/11/2018 • 20 minutes, 38 seconds

God's Cryptography

[6:59] With Him are the keys to all secrets; none knows them except He.

8/4/2018 • 23 minutes, 46 seconds

Sexism In The Quran

[2:49/7:141] Recall that we saved you from Pharaoh's people who inflicted upon you the worst persecution, slaying your sons and sparing your daughters. That was an exacting test from your Lord. [14:6] Recall that Moses said to his people, "Remember GOD's blessings upon you. He saved you from Pharaoh's people who inflicted the worst persecution upon you, slaughtering your sons and sparing your daughters. That was an exacting trial from your Lord.” Some people read this and think it is sexist, why is this the worst persecution? What kind of a society is that for the women who survive where their warriors and protectors have been killed? Sexual assault against women higher in colleges where the women % is higher than the men [3:195] Their Lord responded to them: "I never fail to reward any worker among you for any work you do, be you male or female—you are equal to one another… [4:32] You shall not covet the qualities bestowed upon each other by GOD; the men enjoy certain qualities, and the women enjoy certain qualities. You may implore GOD to shower you with His grace. GOD is fully aware of all things. With every privilege comes responsibility [4:34] The men are made responsible for the women, and GOD has endowed them with certain qualities, and made them the bread earners. [4:75] Why should you not fight in the cause of GOD when weak men, women, and children are imploring: "Our Lord, deliver us from this community whose people are oppressive, and be You our Lord and Master.” [4:98] Exempted are the weak men, women, and children who do not possess the strength, nor the means to find a way out. [2:246] Have you noted the leaders of Israel after Moses? They said to their prophet, "If you appoint a king to lead us, we will fight in the cause of GOD." He said, "Is it your intention that, if fighting is decreed for you, you will not fight?" They said, "Why should we not fight in the cause of GOD, when we have been deprived of our homes, and our children?" Yet, when fighting was decreed for them, they turned away, except a few. GOD is aware of the transgressors. Rules of War* [2:190] You may fight in the cause of GOD against those who attack you, but do not aggress. GOD does not love the aggressors. [2:191] You may kill those who wage war against you, and you may evict them whence they evicted you. Oppression is worse than murder. Do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque (Masjid), unless they attack you therein. If they attack you, you may kill them. This is the just retribution for those disbelievers. [2:192] If they refrain, then GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [2:193] You may also fight them to eliminate oppression, and to worship GOD freely. If they refrain, you shall not aggress; aggression is permitted only against the aggressors. "The society that separates its scholars from its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting by fools” [43:16] Has He chosen from among His creations daughters for Himself, while blessing you with sons? [43:17] When one of them is given news (of a daughter) as they claimed for the Most Gracious, his face is darkened with misery and anger! [43:18] (They say,) "What is good about an offspring that is brought up to be beautiful, and cannot help in war?" [43:19] They claimed that the angels, who are servants of the Most Gracious, are females! Have they witnessed their creation? Their claims are recorded, and they will be asked. [37:149] Ask them if your Lord has daughters, while they have sons! [37:150] Did we create the angels to be females? Did they witness that? [37:151] Indeed, they grossly blaspheme when they say— [37:152] "GOD has begotten a son." Indeed, they are liars. [37:153] Did He choose the girls over the boys? [37:154] What is wrong with your logic? [37:155] Why do you not take heed? [37:156] Do you have any proof? [37:157] Show us your book, if you are truthful. [19:90] The heavens are about to shatter, the earth is about to tear asunder, and the mountains are about to crumble. [19:91] Because they claim that the Most Gracious has begotten a son. [19:92] It is not befitting the Most Gracious that He should beget a son. [19:93] Every single one in the heavens and the earth is a servant of the Most Gracious. [19:35] It does not befit GOD that He begets a son, be He glorified. To have anything done, He simply says to it, "Be," and it is. [112:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful [112:1] Proclaim, "He is the One and only GOD. [112:2] "The Absolute GOD. [112:3] "Never did He beget. Nor was He begotten. [112:4] "None equals Him.” [43:81] Proclaim: "If the Most Gracious did have a son, I would still be the foremost worshiper.”

7/26/2018 • 12 minutes, 2 seconds

Intellectual Dishonesty

One of the key tenants is not to lie or bear false witness But there is a form of lying that most people overlook, don’t acknowledge or give a pass to and this is what makes it so dangerous It is called intellectual dishonesty We each have beliefs that we hold, either religious or non-religious, that we consider to be true. And it is scary to think that we have understandings and belief that may not be true. So rather than try to understand these fallacies that we may believe we ignore them. A description of a submitter should be truth-seeker, a person who loves the truth irrespective where it takes us. [43:78] "We have given you the truth, but most of you hate the truth." We all consider ourselves virtuous. We think that we would be on the side of righteousness. We try to avoid the disconnect we would feel to think that some of our beliefs may not be true. Don’t believe everything you think. My favorite definition of Truth is that which does not change. If we think we have the truth then that means there is no evidence that will change our belief But as Submitters we are constantly learning and evolving our beliefs. Foundationally our belief in God, in the last Day and leading a righteous life should never change, but as we learn our understanding continues to evolve and progress. But the only way that is going to happen is by being receptive to different points of views. Most people, when presented with differing points of views, will become immediately defensive. They see a different point of view as an attack on themselves [8:8] For He has decreed that the truth shall prevail, and the falsehood shall vanish, in spite of the evildoers. [17:81] Proclaim, "The truth has prevailed, and falsehood has vanished; falsehood will inevitably vanish.” If our beliefs are true they will stand on their own The truth doesn’t need us to exagerate, to fabricate or morph the other side argument to make it seem more appealing It is tempting to demonize the other side before you assess the validity of their argument Often times people believe that “My side is right the other side are terrible human beings” Or they cannot perceive how a decent human being can have a different opinion than they do They think that anyone who disagrees with me is an idiot = they can’t be right and they must be stopped We need to separate the beliefs we hold from ourselves This form of tribalism will not draw us any closer to God. You Shall Not Bear False Witness [4:135] O you who believe, you shall be absolutely equitable, and observe GOD, when you serve as witnesses, even against yourselves, or your parents, or your relatives. Whether the accused is rich or poor, GOD takes care of both. Therefore, do not be biased by your personal wishes. If you deviate or disregard (this commandment), then GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do. In the Quran God tells us: How to Spread God's Message [16:125] You shall invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kind enlightenment, and debate with them in the best possible manner. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best who are the guided ones. It is tempting when debating with others to frame their argument in the weakest form imaginable or even worse to twist the other sides viewpoints to make them seem ridiculous to believe This is called a straw-man argument When we do this we are being intellectually dishonest We are framing the other side in a manner that they are not representing and when we do this we are bearing false witness: [5:8] O you who believe, you shall be absolutely equitable, and observe GOD, when you serve as witnesses. Do not be provoked by your conflicts with some people into committing injustice. You shall be absolutely equitable, for it is more righteous. You shall observe GOD. GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do. When we lie we are revealing our insecurity and trying to preserve our egos Create the strongest form of argument for the other side. One that they agree to and then begin to tear it down. At the same time you understand your position even better If the end goal is to come to the truth and better understanding then we shouldn’t be insecure in our belief. Ad hominem attack Example of Moses (fugitive, hardly speak, crazy) Example of Noah (worst among us first to follow you) [26:111] They said, "How can we believe with you, when the worst among us have followed you?" Be Lenient [66:3] The prophet had trusted some of his wives with a certain statement, then one of them spread it, and GOD let him know about it. He then informed his wife of part of the issue, and disregarded part. She asked him, "Who informed you of this?" He said, "I was informed by the Omniscient, Most Cognizant.” Just like God overlooks many of our sins, give people the benefit of the doubt. If they say they meant something else in their message or that they misspoke give them that courtesy. When we are being intellectually dishonest we are attempting to exalt ourselves to make our argument look stronger than it is [28:83] We reserve the abode of the Hereafter for those who do not seek exaltation on earth, nor corruption. The ultimate victory belongs to the righteous. [53:32] They avoid gross sins and transgressions, except for minor offenses. Your Lord's forgiveness is immense. He has been fully aware of you since He initiated you from the earth, and while you were embryos in your mothers' bellies. Therefore, do not exalt yourselves; He is fully aware of the righteous. Washing Hands The year was 1846, and there was a Hungarian doctor named Ignaz Semmelweis. Who was trying to figure out why so many women in maternity wards were dying from puerperal fever — commonly known as childbed fever. He studied two maternity wards in the hospital. One was staffed by all male doctors and medical students, and the other was staffed by female midwives. And he counted the number of deaths on each ward. When Semmelweis crunched the numbers, he discovered that women in the clinic staffed by doctors and medical students died at a rate nearly five times higher than women in the midwives' clinic. But why? Semmelweis went through the differences between the two wards and started ruling out ideas. Right away he discovered a big difference between the two clinics. In the midwives' clinic, women gave birth on their sides. In the doctors' clinic, women gave birth on their backs. So he had women in the doctors' clinic give birth on their sides. The result had "no effect.” Then Semmelweis noticed that whenever someone on the ward died of childbed fever, a priest would walk slowly through the doctors' clinic, past the women's beds with an attendant ringing a bell. This time Semmelweis theorized that the priest and the bell ringing so terrified the women after birth that they developed a fever, got sick and died. So Semmelweis had the priest change his route and ditch the bell. This too had no effect. By now, Semmelweis was frustrated. He took a leave from his hospital duties and traveled to Venice. He hoped the break and a good dose of art would clear his head. When Semmelweis got back to the hospital, some sad but important news was waiting for him. One of his colleagues, a pathologist, had fallen ill and died. "This often happened to the pathologists," back then. "There was nothing new about the way he died. He pricked his finger while doing an autopsy on someone who had died from childbed fever." And then he got very sick himself and died. Semmelweis studied the pathologist's symptoms and realized the pathologist died from the same thing as the women he had autopsied. This was a revelation: Childbed fever wasn't something only women in childbirth got sick from. It was something other people in the hospital could get sick from as well. But it still didn't answer Semmelweis' original question: "Why were more women dying from childbed fever in the doctors' clinic than in the midwives' clinic?" The death of the pathologist offered him a clue. "The big difference between the doctors' ward and the midwives' ward is that the doctors were doing autopsies and the midwives weren’t. Keep in mind that this was before the scientific understanding of germs So Semmelweis hypothesized that there were cadaverous particles, little pieces of corpse, that students were getting on their hands from the cadavers they dissected. And when they delivered the babies, these particles would get inside the women who would develop the disease and die. If Semmelweis' hypothesis was correct, getting rid of those cadaverous particles should cut down on the death rate from childbed fever. So he ordered his medical staff to start cleaning their hands and instruments not just with soap but with a chlorine solution. Chlorine, as we know today, is about the best disinfectant there is. He chose the chlorine because he thought it would be the best way to get rid of any smell left behind by those little bits of corpse. And when he imposed this, the rate of childbed fever fell dramatically. You'd think everyone would be thrilled. Semmelweis had solved the problem! But they weren't thrilled. For one thing, doctors were upset because Semmelweis' hypothesis made it look like they were the ones giving childbed fever to the women. And Semmelweis was not very tactful. He publicly berated people who disagreed with him and made some influential enemies. Eventually, the doctors gave up the chlorine hand-washing, and Semmelweis — he lost his job. Semmelweis kept trying to convince doctors in other parts of Europe to wash with chlorine, but no one would listen to him. And it wasn’t until decades later that germ theory was commonly accepted among doctors who accepted that they needed to wash their hands to reduce the spread of germs. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/01/12/375663920/the-doctor-who-championed-hand-washing-and-saved-women-s-lives If these were doctors then you could assume that for their generation they were the more educated, and this is one of the problems with increased knowledge is that we are more susceptible to fool ourselves. I could imagine that the excuses the doctors came up with and the arguments they put forward to justify why they were not the problem for the deaths of so many mom’s and their childs. One of the quotes from one of the doctors was something in the lines of “Docotrs are gentlemen, and a gentleman’s hands are not dirty” It is easy to think that the people of the past were stupid that if it was you - you would have saw the evidence and not hesitated to wash your hands I heard that Jordan Peterson used to teach a class where he would go through the atrocities that took place in Nazi Germany in WWII and the few people in Germany who risked their lives trying to help the victims and to show the people in the class that if they lived in Germany during that time most likely they wouldn’t be one of the heroins but most likely a neutral party (Doing nothing) or one of the Nazis It is a tough pill to swallow, but here is another more light-hearted example Deflategate Deflategate was a National Football League (NFL) controversy involving the allegation that the New England Patriots deliberately deflated footballs used in their victory against the Indianapolis Colts in the American Football Conference (AFC) Championship Game of the 2014–15 NFL playoffs. The controversy resulted in Patriots quarterback Tom Brady being suspended for four games and the team being fined $1 million and losing two draft picks. Now I have no clue if this was done by malintent or not, but what was interesting was that in a nationwide poll 75% of all participants believed that Tom Brady and the Patriots were guilty and that they were intentionally deflating the ball for the advantage But in only 4 states only ~23% of voters thought he was guilty. Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Connecticut New England is a geographical region comprising six states of the northeastern United States: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. The four states closest to where the New England Patriots play in Massachusetts overwhelmingly thought Tom Brady was innocent. Falsification Corpse and Psychiatrist Hugh Ross vs. Athiest Debate - what would convince you that your viewpoint is wrong How to tell if someone is receptive to swaying? Define what would it take to be proven wrong? The Torah and The Quran [28:48] Now that the truth has come to them from us, they said, "If only we could be given what was given to Moses!" Did they not disbelieve in what was given to Moses in the past? They said, "Both (scriptures) are works of magic that copied one another." They also said, "We are disbelievers in both of them." [28:49] Say, "Then produce a scripture from GOD with better guidance than the two, so I can follow it, if you are truthful.” Never wrestle with a pig you will get dirty and the pig will like it [6:35] If their rejection gets to be too much for you, you should know that even if you dug a tunnel through the earth, or climbed a ladder into the sky, and produced a miracle for them (they still would not believe). Had GOD willed, He could have guided them, unanimously. Therefore, do not behave like the ignorant ones. [6:36] The only ones to respond are those who listen. GOD resurrects the dead; they ultimately return to Him. Responsibility for the viewer If we are going to make a judgment in some issue we should do our best to be equitable and just [4:58] GOD commands you to give back anything the people have entrusted to you. If you judge among the people, you shall judge equitably. The best enlightenment indeed is what GOD recommends for you. GOD is Hearer, Seer. [2:182] If one sees gross injustice or bias on the part of a testator, and takes corrective action to restore justice to the will, he commits no sin. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. Investigate Rumors Before Believing Them [49:6] O you who believe, if a wicked person brings any news to you, you shall first investigate, lest you commit injustice towards some people, out of ignorance, then become sorry and remorseful for what you have done. [17:35] You shall give full measure when you trade, and weigh equitably. This is better and more righteous. [17:36] You shall not accept any information, unless you verify it for yourself. I have given you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brain, and you are responsible for using them. [17:37] You shall not walk proudly on earth —you cannot bore through the earth, nor can you be as tall as the mountains. [17:38] All bad behavior is condemned by your Lord. Humility [25:63] The worshipers of the Most Gracious are those who tread the earth gently, and when the ignorant speak to them, they only utter peace. [52:26] They will say, "We used to be kind and humble among our people. Ends Do Not Justify The Means Be Honest With All People [3:75] Some followers of the scripture can be trusted with a whole lot, and they will give it back to you. Others among them cannot be trusted with a single dinar; they will not repay you unless you keep after them. That is because they say, "We do not have to be honest when dealing with the gentiles!" Thus, they attribute lies to GOD, knowingly. [24:33] Those who cannot afford to get married shall maintain morality until GOD provides for them from His grace. Those among your servants who wish to be freed in order to marry, you shall grant them their wish, once you realize that they are honest. And give them from GOD's money that He has bestowed upon you. You shall not force your girls to commit prostitution, seeking the materials of this world, if they wish to be chaste. If anyone forces them, then GOD, seeing that they are forced, is Forgiver, Merciful. Trust in God and be truthful in all your affairs because ultimately it is God who determines the outcomes Example of Joseph - if his garment is torn from the back or the front [12:51] (The king) said (to the women), "What do you know about the incident when you tried to seduce Joseph?" They said, "GOD forbid; we did not know of anything evil committed by him." The wife of the governor said, "Now the truth has prevailed. I am the one who tried to seduce him, and he was the truthful one. Intellectual honesty is an applied method of problem solving, characterized by an unbiased, honest attitude, which can be demonstrated in a number of different ways: One's personal belief does not interfere with the pursuit of truth; Relevant facts and information should not be purposefully omitted even when such things may contradict one's hypothesis; Facts are presented in an unbiased manner, and not twisted to give misleading representations or to support one view over another; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_honesty Do what pleases God and trust in Him and He alone will support you [3:161] If GOD supports you, none can defeat you. And if He abandons you, who else can support you? In GOD the believers shall trust. [25:33] Whatever argument they come up with, we provide you with the truth, and a better understanding.

7/19/2018 • 30 minutes, 13 seconds

Quran: A Message To The Children of Israel and The World

So who is the Quran for? Is it for the Arabs? Yes, it is written in Arabic, but it surprisingly does not speak well of the Arabs. It is interesting that the group of people that is addressed the most is the Children of Israel [68:52] It is in fact a message to the world. [38:87] "This is a reminder for the world. Arabs only mentioned ~9 times in the Quran and most the mentions do not speak highly of them Moses is the most frequently cited prophet in the Quran Muhammad mentioned 4 times Jesus / Adam each mentioned 25 times Abraham 69 times Moses is mentioned 136 The Quran is a book meant for the Children of Israel (39 times) Divine Commandments to All Jews: "You Shall Believe in This Quran." [2:40] O Children of Israel, remember My favor, which I bestowed upon you, and fulfill your part of the covenant, that I fulfill My part of the covenant, and reverence Me. [2:41] You shall believe in what I have revealed herein, confirming what you have; do not be the first to reject it. Do not trade away My revelations for a cheap price, and observe Me. [2:42] Do not confound the truth with falsehood, nor shall you conceal the truth, knowingly. [2:47] O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I blessed you more than any other people. [2:48] Beware of the day when no soul can avail another soul, no intercession will be accepted, no ransom can be paid, nor can anyone be helped. Interesting that God sent Moses to Pharaoh who had a speech impediment and similarly God sent the Quran in Arabic to the Children of Israel [2:49] Recall that we saved you from Pharaoh's people who inflicted upon you the worst persecution, slaying your sons and sparing your daughters. That was an exacting test from your Lord. [2:50] Recall that we parted the sea for you; we saved you and drowned Pharaoh's people before your eyes. [2:51] Yet, when we summoned Moses for forty nights, you worshiped the calf in his absence, and turned wicked. [2:52] Still, we pardoned you thereafter that you may be appreciative. [2:53] Recall that we gave Moses scripture and the statute book, that you may be guided. As expected from the Creator's final message, one of the prominent themes in the Quran is the call for unity among all believers, and the repeated prohibition of making any distinction among God's messengers. If the object of worship is one and the same, there will be absolute unity among all believers. It is the human factor, i.e., devotion and prejudice to such powerless humans as Jesus, Muhammad, and the saints that causes division, hatred, and bitter wars among the misguided believers. A guided believer is devoted to God ALONE, and rejoices in seeing any other believer who is devoted to God ALONE, regardless of the name such a believer calls his or her religion. Unity of All Submitters [2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. Honoring Previous Scripture [5:44] We have sent down the Torah, containing guidance and light. Ruling in accordance with it were the Jewish prophets, as well as the rabbis and the priests, as dictated to them in GOD's scripture, and as witnessed by them. Therefore, do not reverence human beings; you shall reverence Me instead. And do not trade away My revelations for a cheap price. Those who do not rule in accordance with GOD's revelations, are the disbelievers. The Gospel of Jesus: Guidance and Light [5:46] Subsequent to them, we sent Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming the previous scripture, the Torah. We gave him the Gospel, containing guidance and light, and confirming the previous scriptures, the Torah, and augmenting its guidance and light, and to enlighten the righteous. [5:47] The people of the Gospel shall rule in accordance with GOD's revelations therein. Those who do not rule in accordance with GOD's revelations are the wicked. Quran: The Ultimate Reference [5:48] Then we revealed to you this scripture, truthfully, confirming previous scriptures, and superseding them. You shall rule among them in accordance with GOD's revelations, and do not follow their wishes if they differ from the truth that came to you. For each of you, we have decreed laws and different rites. Had GOD willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He thus puts you to the test through the revelations He has given each of you. You shall compete in righteousness. To GOD is your final destiny—all of you—then He will inform you of everything you had disputed. A Witness From the Children of Israel [46:10] Proclaim: “What if it is from God, and you disbelieved in it? A witness from the Children of Israel has borne witness to a similar phenomenon, and he has believed, while you have turned too arrogant to believe. God does not guide the wicked.” The following quotation is taken from STUDIES IN JEWISH MYSTICISM , (Association for Jewish Studies, Cambridge, Mass., Joseph Dan & Frank Talmage, eds., Page 88, 1982). The quotation refers to the work of Rabbi Judah the Pious (12th Century AD): The people [Jews] in France made it a custom to add [in the morning prayer] the words: " 'Ashrei temimei derekh [blessed are those who walk the righteous way]," and our Rabbi, the Pious, of blessed memory, wrote that they were completely and utterly wrong. It is all gross falsehood, because there are only nineteen times that the Holy Name is mentioned [in that portion of the morning prayer]... and similarly you find the word 'Elohim nineteen times in the pericope of Ve-'elleh shemot. . . . Similarly, you find that Israel were called "sons" nineteen times, and there are many other examples. All these sets of nineteen are intricately intertwined, and they contain many secrets and esoteric meanings, which are contained in more than eight large volumes. . . Furthermore, in this section there are 152 (19x8) words. ... The Quran's Common Denominator [74:30] Over it is nineteen. [74:31] We appointed angels to be guardians of Hell, and we assigned their number (19) (1) to disturb the disbelievers, (2) to convince the Christians and Jews (that this is a divine scripture), (3) to strengthen the faith of the faithful, (4) to remove all traces of doubt from the hearts of Christians, Jews, as well as the believers, and (5) to expose those who harbor doubt in their hearts, and the disbelievers; they will say, "What did GOD mean by this allegory?" GOD thus sends astray whomever He wills, and guides whomever He wills. None knows the soldiers of your Lord except He. This is a reminder for the people. [74:32] Absolutely, (I swear) by the moon. [74:33] And the night as it passes. [74:34] And the morning as it shines. One of the Great Miracles [74:35] This is one of the great miracles. [74:36] A warning to the human race. Common Link Between Jews, Christians and Muslims is Abraham Submission (Islam): Abraham's Religion [2:135] They said, "You have to be Jewish or Christian, to be guided." Say, "We follow the religion of Abraham—monotheism—he never was an idol worshiper." No Distinction Among God's Messengers [2:136] Say, "We believe in GOD, and in what was sent down to us, and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs; and in what was given to Moses and Jesus, and all the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among any of them. To Him alone we are submitters.” [22:78] You shall strive for the cause of GOD as you should strive for His cause. He has chosen you and has placed no hardship on you in practicing your religion—the religion of your father Abraham. He is the one who named you "Submitters" originally… [16:123] Then we inspired you (Muhammad) to follow the religion of Abraham,* the monotheist; he never was an idol worshiper. Abraham was the one who was given the Salat (Contact Prayer) [21:73] We made them imams who guided in accordance with our commandments, and we taught them how to work righteousness, and how to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat).* To us, they were devoted worshipers. Children of Israel doing Salat 5:12 [5:12] GOD had taken a covenant from the Children of Israel, and we raised among them twelve patriarchs. And GOD said, "I am with you, so long as you observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and believe in My messengers and respect them, and continue to lend GOD a loan of righteousness. I will then remit your sins, and admit you into gardens with flowing streams. Anyone who disbelieves after this, has indeed strayed off the right path.” Moses doing Salat 10:87 [10:87] We inspired Moses and his brother. "Maintain your homes in Egypt for the time being, turn your homes into synagogues, and maintain the Contact Prayers (Salat). Give good news to the believers.” Jesus doing Salat 19:31 [19:27] She came to her family, carrying him. They said, "O Mary, you have committed something that is totally unexpected. [19:28] "O descendant of Aaron, your father was not a bad man, nor was your mother unchaste." [19:29] She pointed to him. They said, "How can we talk with an infant in the crib?" [19:30] (The infant spoke and) said, "I am a servant of GOD. He has given me the scripture, and has appointed me a prophet. [19:31] "He made me blessed wherever I go, and enjoined me to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat) for as long as I live. Losing the Contact Prayers (Salat) [19:59] After them, He substituted generations who lost the Contact Prayers (Salat), and pursued their lusts. They will suffer the consequences. Many Messengers / One Message [2:253] These messengers; we blessed some of them more than others. For example, GOD spoke to one, and we raised some of them to higher ranks. And we gave Jesus, son of Mary, profound miracles and supported him with the Holy Spirit. Had GOD willed, their followers would not have fought with each other, after the clear proofs had come to them. Instead, they disputed among themselves; some of them believed, and some disbelieved. Had GOD willed, they would not have fought. Everything is in accordance with GOD's will. Satan’s claim - “I am better than he” To prove we worship God Alone we have to show that we are willing to kill our egos One of the test at the time of Muhammad was that he changed their direction of prayer from Mecca (specifically towards the Kaaba) to Jerusalem Abolition of Bigotry and Prejudice [2:142] The fools among the people would say, "Why did they change the direction of their Qiblah?" Say, "To GOD belongs the east and the west; He guides whoever wills in a straight path." We thus made you an impartial community, that you may serve as witnesses among the people, and the messenger serves as a witness among you. We changed the direction of your original Qiblah only to distinguish those among you who readily follow the messenger from those who would turn back on their heels. It was a difficult test, but not for those who are guided by GOD. GOD never puts your worship to waste. GOD is Compassionate towards the people, Most Merciful. Qiblah Restored to Mecca [2:144] We have seen you turning your face about the sky (searching for the right direction). We now assign a Qiblah that is pleasing to you. Henceforth, you shall turn your face towards the Sacred Masjid. Wherever you may be, all of you shall turn your faces towards it. Those who received the previous scripture know that this is the truth from their Lord. GOD is never unaware of anything they do. [2:145] Even if you show the followers of the scripture every kind of miracle, they will not follow your Qiblah. Nor shall you follow their Qiblah. They do not even follow each others' Qiblah. If you acquiesce to their wishes, after the knowledge that has come to you, you will belong with the transgressors. Abraham built Kaaba 2:127 and 22:26 -27 [22:26] We appointed Abraham to establish the Shrine: "You shall not idolize any other god beside Me, and purify My shrine for those who visit it, those who live near it, and those who bow and prostrate. [22:27] "And proclaim that the people shall observe Hajj pilgrimage. They will come to you walking or riding on various exhausted (means of transportation). They will come from the farthest locations." [2:125] We have rendered the shrine (the Ka'aba) a focal point for the people, and a safe sanctuary. You may use Abraham's shrine as a prayer house. We commissioned Abraham and Ismail: "You shall purify My house for those who visit, those who live there, and those who bow and prostrate.” Abraham Delivered All the Practices of Submission (Islam) [2:127] As Abraham raised the foundations of the shrine, together with Ismail (they prayed): "Our Lord, accept this from us. You are the Hearer, the Omniscient. [2:128] "Our Lord, make us submitters to You, and from our descendants let there be a community of submitters to You. Teach us the rites of our religion, and redeem us. You are the Redeemer, Most Merciful. [2:129] "Our Lord, and raise among them a messenger to recite to them Your revelations, teach them the scripture and wisdom, and purify them. You are the Almighty, Most Wise.” [2:130] Who would forsake the religion of Abraham, except one who fools his own soul? We have chosen him in this world, and in the Hereafter he will be with the righteous. [2:131] When his Lord said to him, "Submit," he said, "I submit to the Lord of the universe." [2:132] Moreover, Abraham exhorted his children to do the same, and so did Jacob: "O my children, GOD has pointed out the religion for you; do not die except as submitters." [2:133] Had you witnessed Jacob on his death bed; he said to his children, "What will you worship after I die?" They said, "We will worship your god; the god of your fathers Abraham, Ismail, and Isaac; the one god. To Him we are submitters." [2:134] Such is a community from the past. They are responsible for what they earned, and you are responsible for what you earned. You are not answerable for anything they have done. Becca/Baca/Mecca Psalm 84:4 - 7 4 How blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they are ever praising You. Selah 5 Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. 6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; even the autumn rain covers it with pools. 7 They go from strength to strength, until each appears before God in Zion. [3:95] Say, "GOD has proclaimed the truth: You shall follow Abraham's religion—monotheism. He never was an idolator." [3:96] The most important shrine established for the people is the one in Becca; a blessed beacon for all the people. [3:97] In it are clear signs: the station of Abraham. Anyone who enters it shall be granted safe passage. The people owe it to GOD that they shall observe Hajj to this shrine, when they can afford it. As for those who disbelieve, GOD does not need anyone. HaJJ Exodus 5:1 Afterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the wilderness.’” The Hebrew word in Exodus 5:1 for “festival” is “wə-yā-ḥōg-gū” This word “Hag” means to make pilgrimage or to make pilgrim’s feast It is linked to the Arabic word Hajj which means pilgrimage One of the related words to Hag means “a festival sacrifice” Exodus 5:2-3 2 Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord and I will not let Israel go.” 3 Then they said, “The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Now let us take a three-day journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to the Lord our God, or he may strike us with plagues or with the sword.” [22:36] The animal offerings are among the rites decreed by GOD for your own good. You shall mention GOD's name on them while they are standing in line. Once they are offered for sacrifice, you shall eat therefrom and feed the poor and the needy. This is why we subdued them for you, that you may show your appreciation. Wilderness The Hebrew word “mid-bawr” translated as wilderness in Exodus 5:1, is also used in Numbers 1:1 and 1:19. Numbers 1:1 1 And the LORD spoke unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tent of meeting, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying: 19 As the LORD commanded Moses, so did he number them in the wilderness of Sinai. If you look at the definition of this word it also means “desert” Mount Sinai - no one knew for sure where it is located Mountain of Fire - Documentary https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jabal_al-Lawz Many believe that Mount Sinai was not in they Sinai Peninsula but in northwest Saudi Arabia Hereb (Jebel Al-Lawz) Also known as the Mountain of Moses In Midyan ~420 miles from Cairo ~600 miles from Mecca Moses went to Midyan (Arabian peninsula) (Medina) Jethro / Shuaib [20:40] "Your sister walked to them and said, 'I can tell you about a nursing mother who can take good care of him.' We thus returned you to your mother, that she may be happy and stop worrying. And when you killed a soul, we saved you from the grievous consequences; indeed we tested you thoroughly. You stayed years with the people of Midyan, and now you have come back in accordance with a precise plan. [28:22] As he traveled towards Midyan, he said, "May my Lord guide me in the right path." [28:23] When he reached Midyan's water, he found a crowd of people watering, and noticed two women waiting on the side. He said, "What is it that you need?" They said, "We are not able to water, until the crowd disperses, and our father is an old man.” http://biblehub.com/hebrew/4057.htm http://biblehub.com/hebrew/2287.htm Circle The alternate form of the primitive root of Hag is Khug which means: to describe a circle or to draw a circle Phylactery - a small leather box containing Hebrew text worn by Jewish men at morning prayer as a reminder to keep the law The phylacteries contain 4 passages of scripture Exodus 13:1-10 Exodus 13:11-16 Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Deuteronomy 11:13-2 Connected to a wrap that is wrapped 7 times around the left arm Muslims also circle the Kaaba 7 times during Hajj http://biblehub.com/bdb/2287.htm [17:107] Proclaim, "Believe in it, or do not believe in it." Those who possess knowledge from the previous scriptures, when it is recited to them, they fall down to their chins, prostrating. [17:108] They say, "Glory be to our Lord. This fulfills our Lord's prophecy." [17:109] They fall down on their chins, prostrating and weeping. For it augments their reverence. [17:110] Say, "Call Him GOD, or call Him Most Gracious; whichever name you use, to Him belongs the best names." [10:93] We have endowed the Children of Israel with a position of honor, and blessed them with good provisions. Yet, they disputed when this knowledge came to them. Your Lord will judge them on the Day of Resurrection regarding everything they disputed. [2:120] Neither the Jews, nor the Christians, will accept you, unless you follow their religion. Say, "GOD's guidance is the true guidance." If you acquiesce to their wishes, despite the knowledge you have received, you will find no ally or supporter to help you against GOD. [2:121] Those who received the scripture, and know it as it should be known, will believe in this. As for those who disbelieve, they are the losers. [2:122] O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I blessed you more than any other people. [2:123] Beware of the day when no soul will help another soul, no ransom will be accepted, no intercession will be useful, and no one will be helped. [3:98] Say, "O followers of the scripture, why do you reject these revelations of GOD, when GOD is witnessing everything you do?" [3:99] Say, "O followers of the scripture, why do you repel from the path of GOD those who wish to believe, and seek to distort it, even though you are witnesses?" GOD is never unaware of anything you do. [3:100] O you who believe, if you obey some of those who received the scripture, they will revert you, after having believed, into disbelievers. [3:101] How can you disbelieve, when these revelations of GOD are being recited to you, and His messenger is in your midst? Whoever holds fast to GOD will be guided in the right path. [3:102] O you who believe, you shall observe GOD as He should be observed, and do not die except as Submitters. Isaiah 42:6 6 “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, 7 to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. Isaiah 43:10-13 10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am He. Before Me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. 11 I am the Lord, and apart from Me there is no savior. 12 I have revealed and saved and proclaimed— I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “that I am God. 13 Yes, and from ancient days I am He. No one can deliver out of My hand. When I act, who can reverse it?” Requirements of the Test [6:158] Are they waiting for the angels to come to them, or your Lord, or some physical manifestations of your Lord? The day this happens, no soul will benefit from believing if it did not believe before that, and did not reap the benefits of belief by leading a righteous life. Say, "Keep on waiting; we too are waiting." Religious Sects Condemned [6:159] Those who divide themselves into sects do not belong with you. Their judgment rests with GOD, then He will inform them of everything they had done. [6:160] Whoever does a righteous work receives the reward for ten, and the one who commits a sin is requited for only one. No one suffers the slightest injustice. [6:161] Say, "My Lord has guided me in a straight path—the perfect religion of Abraham, monotheism. He never was an idol worshiper." [6:162] Say, "My Contact Prayers (Salat), my worship practices, my life and my death, are all devoted absolutely to GOD alone, the Lord of the universe. [6:163] "He has no partner. This is what I am commanded to believe, and I am the first to submit." [6:164] Say, "Shall I seek other than GOD as a lord, when He is the Lord of all things? No soul benefits except from its own works, and none bears the burden of another. Ultimately, you return to your Lord, then He informs you regarding all your disputes." [6:165] He is the One who made you inheritors of the earth, and He raised some of you above others in rank, in order to test you in accordance with what He has given you. Surely, your Lord is efficient in enforcing retribution, and He is Forgiver, Most Merciful. The Quran: God's Message to the Jews and Christians [5:15] O people of the scripture, our messenger has come to you to proclaim for you many things you have concealed in the scripture, and to pardon many other transgressions you have committed. A beacon has come to you from GOD, and a profound scripture. [5:16] With it, GOD guides those who seek His approval. He guides them to the paths of peace, leads them out of darkness into the light by His leave, and guides them in a straight path. Unity of All Submitters [2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

7/13/2018 • 33 minutes, 42 seconds

The Fractal Design of Quran

[1:1] In the name of GOD, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. [1:2] Praise be to GOD, Lord of the universe. [1:3] Most Gracious, Most Merciful. [1:4] Master of the Day of Judgment. [1:5] You alone we worship; You alone we ask for help. [1:6] Guide us in the right path; [1:7] the path of those whom You blessed; not of those who have deserved wrath, nor of the strayers. 2:62/5:69 Unity of All Submitters [2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. Awesome aspect of a fractal it has infinite perimeter but a fixed volume [31:27] If all the trees on earth were made into pens, and the ocean supplied the ink, augmented by seven more oceans, the words of GOD would not run out. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise. [18:109] Say, "If the ocean were ink for the words of my Lord, the ocean would run out, before the words of my Lord run out, even if we double the ink supply." Mathematical Structure of The Quran Verses 6234 + 112 = 6346 = 19x334 Sura 114 = 19 x 6 This was discovered and published in 1974 Sura 74 is the only chapter that mentions the number 19 The Quran's Common Denominator [74:30] Over it is nineteen. [74:31] We appointed angels to be guardians of Hell, and we assigned their number (19) (1) to disturb the disbelievers, (2) to convince the Christians and Jews (that this is a divine scripture), (3) to strengthen the faith of the faithful, (4) to remove all traces of doubt from the hearts of Christians, Jews, as well as the believers, and (5) to expose those who harbor doubt in their hearts, and the disbelievers; they will say, "What did GOD mean by this allegory?" GOD thus sends astray whomever He wills, and guides whomever He wills. None knows the soldiers of your Lord except He. This is a reminder for the people. [74:32] Absolutely, (I swear) by the moon. [74:33] And the night as it passes. [74:34] And the morning as it shines. One of the Great Miracles [74:35] This is one of the great miracles. [74:36] A warning to the human race. 74:31 has 57 words = 19 x 3 First 19 verses of Sura 74 contains 57 words = 19x3 words The number of words from the beginning of sura 74 to 74:30 where it mentions “nineteen" = 19 x5 = 95 words The number of letters from the beginning of sura 74 to the word “nineteen” in 74:30 = 361 = 19 x 19 letters Sura 42 and 50 both contain the letter Q The occurrence of the letter Q in both chapters is 57 despite sura 42 being twice as long as sura 57 50:1 Q. And the glorious Quran 57 + 57 = 114 = 19 x 6 (number of suras in the Quran) This Quran is mentioned in the Quran 57 times = 19 x 3 Majid = glorious = M(40) + J(3) + I(10) + D(4) = 57 = 19 x 3 Sura 42 contains 53 verses = 42 + 53 = 95 = 19x5 Sura 50 contains 45 verses = 50 + 45 = 95 = 19 x5 If you count the letter Q in every 19th verses of the Quran you get 76 = 19 x 4 42 also contains the letters ASQ. HM ‘ASQ = 209 = 19 x 11 (Ayn Seen Qaf) ‘A = 98 Seen = 54 Q = 57 HM occurs in suras 40 - 46 for a total occurrence of 2147 = 19 x 113 Sura 96:1-5 is the first revelation of the Quran [96:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful [96:1] Read, in the name of your Lord, who created. [96:2] He created man from an embryo. [96:3] Read, and your Lord, Most Exalted. [96:4] Teaches by means of the pen. [96:5] He teaches man what he never knew. 19 words Letters = 76 = 19 x4 Letters in entire chapter = 19 x 15 = 285 Verse in chapter = 19 Sura is 19 till the end of the Quran Bismallah = 19 letters Ism = 19 times Allah = 2698 = 19 x142 AlRahaman = 114 = 19 x 6 AlRaheem = 57 = 19 x3 This expression occurs 114 times despite the 9th Sura of the Quran not having it But the 27th chapter of the Quran 27:30 27 + 30 = 57 Interesting to note that 30 is also 74:30 where it states the number 19 From sura 9 to sura 27 there are 19 suras (inclusive) From missing Bismallh to 27:30 number of verses that state Allah = 513 = 19 x 27 The number of words from the first Basmalah of 27 to the second Basmalah in 27:30 is 342 = 19 x 18 The Quran has numbered and unnumbered verses Sura 1:1 is the only numbered bismillah and gives 6234 numbered verses There are 113 unnumbered verses 6234 + 112 = 6346 = 19x334 From the missing Basmalah to the extra Basmalah, the number of verses containing the word "Allah" is 513, 19x27. Note that 27 is the sura number where the extra Basmalah occurs. The data are in Table 1. Jesus and Adam occur 25 times The number of occurrences of certain words in the Quran has been known to carry significance The ratio of the number of times sea and land are mentioned is 71% The number of times that the word “day” is mentioned is 365 The number of times that Jesus and Adam are mentioned is 25 3:59 Jesus and Adam is similar in the site of God [3:59] The example of Jesus, as far as GOD is concerned, is the same as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him, "Be," and he was. This is both the 7th mention of each Jesus and Adam The 19th occurrence of the word Adam occurs in sura 19:58 The 19th occurrence of the word Jesus occurs in sura 19:34 There are 25 verses apart (inclusive) [19:58] These are some of the prophets whom GOD blessed. They were chosen from among the descendants of Adam, and the descendants of those whom we carried with Noah, and the descendants of Abraham and Israel, and from among those whom we guided and selected. When the revelations of the Most Gracious are recited to them, they fall prostrate, weeping. [19:34] That was Jesus, the son of Mary, and this is the truth of this matter, about which they continue to doubt. Also, interesting that the 34th occurrence of Mary occurs in 19:34 If we count the number of verses from the 7th mention of Adam to the 19th mention of Adam 1957 verses = 19 x 103 (also 19 = 19x1 and 57 = 19x3) If we add up the verses that Jesus is mentioned the first 19 occurrences you get the same number 1957

6/30/2018 • 26 minutes, 40 seconds

How Do We Know We Are Sincere?

In order to be able to understand the Quran there is one single requirement…Sincerity Only the Sincere Can Understand the Quran [56:75] I swear by the positions of the stars. [56:76] This is an oath, if you only knew, that is awesome. [56:77] This is an honorable Quran. [56:78] In a protected book. [56:79] None can grasp it except the sincere. And this is true for all righteous endeavors. In order for people to be guided, they need to be sincere. Moment of Truth There was a game show called the Moment of Truth where contestants would be asked a series of questions after conducting a thorough lie-detector screening. If they truthfully answer all the questions they get $1M. Have you stole something from work Do you think your mom is unattractive Did you cheat on your husband Did you wish you married your ex-boyfriend Do you think you are a good person? [41:19] The day will come when the enemies of GOD will be summoned to the hellfire, forcibly. [41:20] Once they get there, their own hearing, eyes, and skins will bear witness to everything they had done. [41:21] They will say to their skins, "Why did you bear witness against us?" They will reply, "GOD made us speak up; He is the One who causes everything to speak. He is the One who created you the first time, and now you have been returned to Him." [41:22] There is no way you can hide from your own hearing, your eyes, or your skins. In fact, you thought that GOD was unaware of much of what you do. Self-deception is the blindfold we wear that hides the presence of the firing squad Self-deception leads to self-destruction because if we do not know if we are being sincere then how would we know if we are guided? As indicated at the beginning of Sura 2 there are three kinds of people: The Righteous - who reads the Quran and understands it and applies it The Disbeliever - who rejects the Quran The Hypocrite - who reads the Quran, but is insincere and therefore doesn’t really understand the Quran [2:8] Then there are those who say, "We believe in GOD and the Last Day," while they are not believers. [2:9] In trying to deceive GOD and those who believe, they only deceive themselves without perceiving. So how do we know if we are being sincere? Sincere: free from pretense or deceit; proceeding from genuine feelings. [16:98] When you read the Quran, you shall seek refuge in GOD from Satan the rejected. [23:97] Say, "My Lord, I seek refuge in You from the whispers of the devils. [23:98] "And I seek refuge in You, my Lord, lest they come near me." When we read the Quran are we going there to try to find verses to justify what we already know? Or to genuinely search for what God is telling us? When you read the Quran are you able to put all your preconceived notions aside and listen to what God is saying? [28:50] If they fail to respond to you, then know that they follow only their own opinions. Who is farther astray than those who follow their own opinions, without guidance from GOD? GOD does not guide such wicked people. “The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions.” - Leonardo Da Vinci [5:101] O you who believe, do not ask about matters which, if revealed to you prematurely, would hurt you. If you ask about them in light of the Quran, they will become obvious to you. GOD has deliberately overlooked them. GOD is Forgiver, Clement. There are going to be in the Quran it may not make sense when we first read it… Why would God say this… What does this mean… [20:114] Most Exalted is GOD, the only true King. Do not rush into uttering the Quran before it is revealed to you, and say, "My Lord, increase my knowledge." God's Revelation is Heavy [11:12] You may wish to disregard some of that which is revealed to you, and you may be annoyed by it. Also, they may say, "How come no treasure comes down to him, or an angel?" You are only a warner; GOD controls all things. No different than when you go to the doctor and the prescribe medication or a regiment it may not make sense, but you have to trust in God Moses and the Teacher [18:67] He said, "You cannot stand to be with me. [18:68] "How can you stand that which you do not comprehend?” Like Mr. Miyagi from Karate Kid You cannot wake a person who is pretending to be asleep Don’t believe everything you think [40:56] Surely, those who argue against GOD's revelations without proof are exposing the arrogance that is hidden inside their chests, and they are not even aware of it. Therefore, seek refuge in GOD; He is the Hearer, the Seer. [3:7] He sent down to you this scripture, containing straightforward verses—which constitute the essence of the scripture—as well as multiple-meaning or allegorical verses. Those who harbor doubts in their hearts will pursue the multiple-meaning 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. when the student is ready the teacher appears [18:17] You could see the sun when it rose coming from the right side of their cave, and when it set, it shone on them from the left, as they slept in the hollow thereof. This is one of GOD's portents. Whomever GOD guides is the truly guided one, and whomever He sends astray, you will not find for him a guiding teacher. [55:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful [55:1] The Most Gracious. [55:2] Teacher of the Quran. [55:3] Creator of the human beings. [55:4] He taught them how to distinguish. God knows we are not perfect - that we will not come into the message without any fault [65:10] …GOD has sent down to you a message— [65:11] a messenger who recites to you GOD's revelations, clearly, to lead those who believe and work righteousness out of the darkness into the light. Anyone who believes in GOD and leads a righteous life, He will admit him into gardens with flowing streams; they abide therein forever. GOD will generously reward him. There is no teaching only learning Diamonds Diamond is made from carbon no different than a lump of coal - the only difference is that a diamond endured extreme pressure One of the ways of being able to spot a fake diamond from a real one is that the real one has flaws minor imperfections, but the fake has the illusion of having no flaws except for one major one that it is not a real diamond How can we tell that we are putting any bias or preconceived notions aside? When we look in the Quran genuinely to hear God’s word [10:22] He is the One who moves you across the land and sea. You get onto the ships, and they sail smoothly in nice breeze. Then, while rejoicing therein, violent wind blows, and the waves surround them from every side. This is when they implore GOD, sincerely devoting their prayers to Him alone: "If You only save us this time, we will be eternally appreciative.” [17:67] If you are afflicted in the middle of the sea, you forget your idols and sincerely implore Him alone. But as soon as He saves you to the shore, you revert. Indeed, the human being is unappreciative. [31:32] When violent waves surround them, they implore GOD, sincerely devoting their prayers to Him alone. But as soon as He saves them to the shore, some of them revert. None discards our revelations except those who are betrayers, unappreciative. [31:33] O people, you shall reverence your Lord, and fear a day when a father cannot help his own child, nor a child can help his father. Certainly, GOD's promise is truth. Therefore, do not be distracted by this life; do not be distracted from GOD by mere illusions [39:7] If you disbelieve, GOD does not need anyone. But He dislikes to see His servants make the wrong decision. If you decide to be appreciative, He is pleased for you. No soul bears the sins of any other soul. Ultimately, to your Lord is your return, then He will inform you of everything you had done. He is fully aware of the innermost thoughts. [39:8] When the human being is afflicted, he implores his Lord, sincerely devoted to Him. But as soon as He blesses him, he forgets his previous imploring, sets up idols to rank with GOD and to divert others from His path. Say, "Enjoy your disbelief temporarily; you have incurred the hellfire.” Who Is Doing Whom A Favor? [49:17] They act as if they are doing you a favor by embracing Submission! Say, "You are not doing me any favors by embracing Submission. GOD is the One who is doing you a great favor by guiding you to the faith, if you are sincere." So what do you see when you read the Quran? [1:1] In the name of GOD, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Know that the God who created you, the God who put this all into existence has sent down to you this book to guide you. And if we are sincere we can unlock this message and purify our Submission and draw closer to the source of everything that is good and righteous both in this world and in the Hereafter. [17:82] We send down in the Quran healing and mercy for the believers. At the same time, it only increases the wickedness of the transgressors. [17:83] When we bless the human being, he becomes preoccupied and heedless. But when adversity strikes him, he turns despondent. [17:84] Say, "Everyone works in accordance with his belief, and your Lord knows best which ones are guided in the right path.” [10:57] O people, enlightenment has come to you herein from your Lord, and healing for anything that troubles your hearts, and guidance, and mercy for the believers. [10:58] Say, "With GOD's grace and with His mercy they shall rejoice." This is far better than any wealth they can accumulate.

6/14/2018 • 28 minutes, 37 seconds

12 Habits of Self Righteous People

1. It’s normal for you to think you have “special knowledge” no one else around you has access to, and this makes you feel like you have an “up” on others. [56:77] This is an honorable Quran. [56:78] In a protected book. [56:79] None can grasp it except the sincere. [2:171] The example of such disbelievers is that of parrots who repeat what they hear of sounds and calls, without understanding. Deaf, dumb, and blind; they cannot understand. 2. Is it common for you to walk into a room full of submitters and think “they don’t get it”? [2:13] When they are told, "Believe like the people who believed," they say, "Shall we believe like the fools who believed?" In fact, it is they who are fools, but they do not know. [83:29] The wicked used to laugh at those who believed. [83:30] When they passed by them, they used to poke fun. [83:31] When they got together with their people, they used to joke. [83:32] Whenever they saw them, they said, "These people are far astray! 3. Are you quick to label fellow submitters as hypocrites, idol worshipers or disbelievers? [6:52] And do not dismiss those who implore their Lord day and night, devoting themselves to Him alone. You are not responsible for their reckoning, nor are they responsible for your reckoning. If you dismiss them, you will be a transgressor. [7:198] When you invite them to the guidance, they do not hear. And you see them looking at you, but they do not see. [7:199] You shall resort to pardon, advocate tolerance, and disregard the ignorant. [7:200] When the devil whispers to you any whisper, seek refuge in GOD; He is Hearer, Omniscient. [7:201] Those who are righteous, whenever the devil approaches them with an idea, they remember, whereupon they become seers. 4. When you give the message are people more offended by you and your delivery than the actual message? [2:44] Do you exhort the people to be righteous, while forgetting yourselves, though you read the scripture? Do you not understand? Treat Each Other Amicably [17:53] Tell My servants to treat each other in the best possible manner, for the devil will always try to drive a wedge among them. Surely, the devil is man's most ardent enemy. How to Spread God's Message [16:125] You shall invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kind enlightenment, and debate with them in the best possible manner. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best who are the guided ones. Submitters [41:33] Who can utter better words than one who invites to GOD, works righteousness, and says, "I am one of the submitters"? [41:34] Not equal is the good response and the bad response. You shall resort to the nicest possible response. Thus, the one who used to be your enemy, may become your best friend. [41:35] None can attain this except those who steadfastly persevere. None can attain this except those who are extremely fortunate. When the Devil Entices You [41:36] When the devil whispers an idea to you, you shall seek refuge in GOD. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. 5. Do you guilt far more people to action than you inspire? The Messenger's Kindness [3:159] It was mercy from GOD that you became compassionate towards them. Had you been harsh and mean-hearted, they would have abandoned you. Therefore, you shall pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult them. … [9:103] Take from their money a charity to purify them and sanctify them. And encourage them, for your encouragement reassures them. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient. 6. Do you judge/correct/remind out of love or out of moral superiority? Basic Law Regulating Relations With Unbelievers [60:8] GOD does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them. GOD loves the equitable. [60:9] GOD enjoins you only from befriending those who fight you because of religion, evict you from your homes, and band together with others to banish you. You shall not befriend them. Those who befriend them are the transgressors. [3:104] Let there be a community of you who invite to what is good, advocate righteousness, and forbid evil. These are the winners. [36:47] When they are told, "Give from GOD's provisions to you," those who disbelieve say to those who believe, "Why should we give to those whom GOD could feed, if He so willed? You are really far astray." 7. Do you say things on Facebook that you would never say in person? [3:77] As for those who trade away GOD's covenant, and their obligations, for a cheap price, they receive no share in the Hereafter. GOD will not speak to them, nor look at them, on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them. They have incurred a painful retribution. [9:9] They traded away GOD's revelations for a cheap price. Consequently, they repulsed the people from His path. Miserable indeed is what they did! Responsibility [4:85] Whoever mediates a good deed receives a share of the credit thereof, and whoever mediates an evil work, incurs a share thereof. GOD controls all things. [4:94] O you who believe, if you strike in the cause of GOD, you shall be absolutely sure. Do not say to one who offers you peace, "You are not a believer," seeking the spoils of this world. For GOD possesses infinite spoils. Remember that you used to be like them, and GOD blessed you. Therefore, you shall be absolutely sure (before you strike). GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do. [16:126] And if you punish, you shall inflict an equivalent punishment. But if you resort to patience (instead of revenge), it would be better for the patient ones. [16:127] You shall resort to patience—and your patience is attainable only with GOD's help. Do not grieve over them, and do not be annoyed by their schemes. [59:10] Those who became believers after them say, "Our Lord, forgive us and our brethren who preceded us to the faith, and keep our hearts from harboring any hatred towards those who believed. Our Lord, You are Compassionate, Most Merciful." 8. Do you think the world would be a better place if everyone was like you? Quran: The Ultimate Reference [5:48] Then we revealed to you this scripture, truthfully, confirming previous scriptures, and superseding them. You shall rule among them in accordance with GOD's revelations, and do not follow their wishes if they differ from the truth that came to you. For each of you, we have decreed laws and different rites. Had GOD willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He thus puts you to the test through the revelations He has given each of you. You shall compete in righteousness. To GOD is your final destiny - all of you - then He will inform you of everything you had disputed. 9. Do you think your understanding is the ultimate truth for all Submitters, and deep down do you believe it is a litmus test for true Submission? All Believers Constitute the One Acceptable Religion As expected from the Creator's final message, one of the prominent themes in the Quran is the call for unity among all believers, and the repeated prohibition of making any distinction among God's messengers. If the object of worship is one and the same, there will be absolute unity among all believers. It is the human factor, i.e., devotion and prejudice to such powerless humans as Jesus, Muhammad, and the saints that causes division, hatred, and bitter wars among the misguided believers. A guided believer is devoted to God ALONE, and rejoices in seeing any other believer who is devoted to God ALONE, regardless of the name such a believer calls his or her religion. Unity of All Submitters [2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. 10. Do you have a problem saying “I don’t know”? Divine Revelation: The Source of All Knowledge [17:85] They ask you about the revelation. Say, "The revelation comes from my Lord. The knowledge given to you is minute." [17:86] If we will, we can take back what we revealed to you, then you will find no protector against us. The Test Begins [2:31] He taught Adam all the names* then presented them to the angels, saying, "Give Me the names of these, if you are right." [2:32] They said, "Be You glorified, we have no knowledge, except that which You have taught us. You are the Omniscient, Most Wise." On The Day Of Resurrection [5:116] GOD will say, “O Jesus, son of Mary,* did you say to the people, ‘Make me and my mother idols beside GOD’?” He will say, “Be You glorified. I could not utter what was not right. Had I said it, You already would have known it. You know my thoughts, and I do not know Your thoughts. You know all the secrets. [3:66] You have argued about things you knew; why do you argue about things you do not know? GOD knows, while you do not know. Tragic Statement: "My mind is made up!" [2:88] Some would say, "Our minds are made up!" Instead, it is a curse from GOD, as a consequence of their disbelief, that keeps them from believing, except for a few of them. [7:33] Say, "My Lord prohibits only evil deeds, be they obvious or hidden, and sins, and unjustifiable aggression, and to set up beside GOD powerless idols, and to say about GOD what you do not know." [38:21] Have you received news of the feuding men who sneaked into his sanctuary? [38:22] When they entered his room, he was startled. They said, "Have no fear. We are feuding with one another, and we are seeking your fair judgment. Do not wrong us, and guide us in the right path. [38:23] "This brother of mine owns ninety-nine sheep, while I own one sheep. He wants to mix my sheep with his, and continues to pressure me." David's Exemplary Piety [38:24] He said, "He is being unfair to you by asking to combine your sheep with his. Most people who combine their properties treat each other unfairly, except those who believe and work righteousness, and these are so few." Afterwards, David wondered if he made the right judgment. He thought that we were testing him. He then implored his Lord for forgiveness, bowed down, and repented. [38:25] We forgave him in this matter. We have granted him a position of honor with us, and a beautiful abode. [38:26] O David, we have made you a ruler on earth. Therefore, you shall judge among the people equitably, and do not follow your personal opinion, lest it diverts you from the way of GOD. Surely, those who stray off the way of GOD incur severe retribution for forgetting the Day of Reckoning. [24:51] The only utterance of the believers, whenever invited to GOD and His messenger to judge in their affairs, is to say, "We hear and we obey." These are the winners. [4:29] O you who believe, do not consume each others' properties illicitly— only mutually acceptable transactions are permitted. Footnote 38:24 In this clear example, 99 on one side vs 1 on the other side, David's extreme care to render the correct judgment caused him to ask forgiveness. Are we this careful? 11. Do you forget that the fact that since we are here on Earth means that we are all guilty of the original sin and if it wasn’t for God’s mercy we would all be in Hell right now? Muslim vs Mu'men [49:14] The Arabs said, "We are Mu'mens (believers)." Say, "You have not believed; what you should say is, 'We are Muslims (submitters),' until belief is established in your hearts." If you obey GOD and His messenger, He will not put any of your works to waste. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [4:125] Who is better guided in his religion than one who submits totally to GOD, leads a righteous life, according to the creed of Abraham: monotheism? GOD has chosen Abraham as a beloved friend. [26:82] "The One who hopefully will forgive my sins on the Day of Judgment. Mark 10:18 – The Rich Young Man 17As Jesus started on His way, a man ran up and knelt before Him. “Good Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18“Why do you call Me good? Jesus replied, “No one is good except God alone.” Luke 18:9-14 – The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his chest and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” [4:49] Have you noted those who exalt themselves? Instead, GOD is the One who exalts whomever He wills, without the least injustice. Matthew 7:4 - 5 “How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while there is still a beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” –

6/6/2018 • 32 minutes, 23 seconds

Stoning In The Quran

The Qur'an does not mention the act of stoning (Rajm) for any crime. Stoning is called rajm (Arabic: رجم) in Islamic literature, and is a practice found in: Saudi Arabia Iraq Afghanistan Yemen Somalia Sudan Northern Nigeria Qatar Iran (Islamic Republic) Stoning is in the Quran, but it is only done by the disbelievers Sleepers of Ephesus [18:20] "If they discover you, they will stone you, or force you to revert to their religion, then you can never succeed.” Messengers [36:18] They said, "We consider you bad omens. Unless you refrain, we will surely stone you, or afflict you with painful retribution.” Shu’aib [11:91] They said, "O Shu`aib, we do not comprehend many of the things you are telling us, and we see that you are powerless among us. If it were not for your tribe, we would have stoned you. You have no value for us.” Noah [26:116] They said, "Unless you refrain, O Noah, you will be stoned.” Abraham [19:46] He said, "Have you forsaken my gods, O Abraham? Unless you stop, I will stone you. Leave me alone.” [6:74] Recall that Abraham said to his father Ãzer, "How could you worship statues as gods? I see that you and your people have gone far astray.” There is a Hadith that while the people were preparing the funeral for the prophet a goat came and ate the verses of the Quran having to do with stoning [7:185] Have they not looked at the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all the things GOD has created? Does it ever occur to them that the end of their life may be near? Which Hadith, beside this, do they believe in? [6:19] Say, "Whose testimony is the greatest?" Say, "GOD's. He is the witness between me and you that this Quran has been inspired to me, to preach it to you and whomever it reaches. Indeed, you bear witness that there are other gods beside GOD." Say, "I do not testify as you do; there is only one god, and I disown your idolatry.” [6:38] All the creatures on earth, and all the birds that fly with wings, are communities like you. We did not leave anything out of this book. To their Lord, all these creatures will be summoned. Abrogation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x41Oz3PpeRs Q&A: Is Stoning Part of Islamic Sharia? | Dr. Shabir Ally Abrogate = to abolish to indicate that certain verses no longer apply that they have been voided and replaced with something new [2:106] When we abrogate any miracle, or cause it to be forgotten, we produce a better miracle, or at least an equal one. Do you not recognize the fact that GOD is Omnipotent? 2:106 word = ayat = miracle, sign and verse [17:101] We supported Moses with nine profound miracles—ask the Children of Israel. When he went to them, Pharaoh said to him, "I think that you, Moses, are bewitched." [18:27] You shall recite what is revealed to you of your Lord's scripture. Nothing shall abrogate His words, and you shall not find any other source beside it. Hadith & Sunna: Fabrications by the Prophet's Enemies [6:112] We have permitted the enemies of every prophet—human and jinn devils—to inspire in each other fancy words, in order to deceive. Had your Lord willed, they would not have done it. You shall disregard them and their fabrications. Important Criterion [6:113] This is to let the minds of those who do not believe in the Hereafter listen to such fabrications, and accept them, and thus expose their real convictions.* [6:114] Shall I seek other than GOD as a source of law, when He has revealed to you this book fully detailed?* Those who received the scripture recognize that it has been revealed from your Lord, truthfully. You shall not harbor any doubt. [6:115] The word of your Lord is complete,* in truth and justice. Nothing shall abrogate His words. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [6:116] If you obey the majority of people on earth, they will divert you from the path of GOD. They follow only conjecture; they only guess. Abraham [21:51] Before that, we granted Abraham his guidance and understanding, for we were fully aware of him. [21:52] He said to his father and his people, "What are these statues to which you are devoting yourselves?" [21:53] They said, "We found our parents worshiping them." [21:54] He said, "Indeed, you and your parents have gone totally astray." [21:55] They said, "Are you telling us the truth, or are you playing?" [21:56] He said, "Your only Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, who created them. This is the testimony to which I bear witness. [21:57] "I swear by GOD, I have a plan to deal with your statues, as soon as you leave." [21:58] He broke them into pieces, except for a big one, that they may refer to it. [21:59] They said, "Whoever did this to our gods is really a transgressor." [21:60] They said, "We heard a youth threaten them; he is called Abraham." [21:61] They said, "Bring him before the eyes of all the people, that they may bear witness." [21:62] They said, "Did you do this to our gods, O Abraham?" Abraham Proves His Point [21:63] He said, "It is that big one who did it. Go ask them, if they can speak." [21:64] They were taken aback, and said to themselves, "Indeed, you are the ones who have been transgressing." [21:65] Yet, they reverted to their old ideas: "You know full well that these cannot speak." [21:66] He said, "Do you then worship besides GOD what possesses no power to benefit you or harm you? [21:67] "You have incurred shame by worshiping idols beside GOD. Do you not understand?" Profound Miracle [21:68] They said, "Burn him and support your gods, if this is what you decide to do." [21:69] We said, "O fire, be cool and safe for Abraham.” [21:70] Thus, they schemed against him, but we made them the losers. [21:71] We saved him, and we saved Lot, to the land that we blessed for all the people. [21:72] And we granted him Isaac and Jacob as a gift, and we made them both righteous.

5/31/2018 • 15 minutes, 26 seconds

Spiritual Benefits of Fasting (Ramadan Rebroadcast)

[2:183] O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation. [16:18] If you count GOD's blessings, you cannot possibly encompass them. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [13:28] They are the ones whose hearts rejoice in remembering GOD. Absolutely, by remembering GOD, the hearts rejoice. [5:7] Remember GOD's blessing upon you, and His covenant that He covenanted with you: you said, "We hear and we obey." You shall observe GOD; GOD is fully aware of the innermost thoughts. [2:152] You shall remember Me, that I may remember you, and be thankful to Me; do not be unappreciative. [14:7] Your Lord has decreed: "The more you thank Me, the more I give you." But if you turn unappreciative, then My retribution is severe. [6:141] He is the One who established gardens, trellised and untrellised, and palm trees, and crops with different tastes, and olives, and pomegranate - fruits that are similar, yet dissimilar. Eat from their fruits, and give the due alms on the day of harvest, and do not waste anything. He does not love the wasters. [7:69] … Remember GOD's blessings, that you may succeed.

5/27/2018 • 18 minutes, 6 seconds

Parable of The Farmer and The Trees

[7:58] The good land readily produces its plants by the leave of its Lord, while the bad land barely produces anything useful. We thus explain the revelations for people who are appreciative. Matthew 13 - The Parable of the Sower 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.” 18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” The seed sown along the path [47:16] Some of them listen to you, then as soon as they leave they ask those who were enlightened, "What did he just say?" GOD thus seals their hearts and, consequently, they follow only their opinions. The seed falling on rocky ground [29:10] Among the people there are those who say, "We believe in GOD," but as soon as they suffer any hardship because of GOD, they equate the people's persecution with GOD's retribution. But if blessings from your Lord come your way, they say, "We were with you." Is GOD not fully aware of the people's innermost thoughts? The seed falling among the thorns [7:169] Subsequent to them, He substituted new generations who inherited the scripture. But they opted for the worldly life instead, saying, "We will be forgiven." But then they continued to opt for the materials of this world. Did they not make a covenant to uphold the scripture, and not to say about GOD except the truth? Did they not study the scripture? Certainly, the abode of the Hereafter is far better for those who maintain righteousness. Do you not understand? The seed falling on good soil [2:261] The example of those who spend their monies in the cause of GOD is that of a grain that produces seven spikes, with a hundred grains in each spike. GOD multiplies this manifold for whomever He wills. GOD is Bounteous, Knower. [2:265] The example of those who give their money seeking GOD's pleasure, out of sincere conviction, is that of a garden on high fertile soil; when heavy rain falls, it gives twice as much crop. If heavy rain is not available, a drizzle will suffice. GOD is Seer of everything you do. [14:24] Do you not see that GOD has cited the example of the good word as a good tree whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches are high in the sky? [14:25] It produces its crop every season, as designed by its Lord. GOD thus cites the examples for the people, that they may take heed. [14:26] And the example of the bad word is that of a bad tree chopped at the soil level; it has no roots to keep it standing. [79:1] The (angels who) snatch (the souls of the disbelievers) forcibly. [79:2] And those who gently take (the souls of the believers) joyfully. [71:17] And GOD germinated you from the earth like plants. [22:18] Do you not realize that to GOD prostrates everyone in the heavens and the earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the mountains, and the trees, and the animals, and many people? Everything Glorifies God [17:44] Glorifying Him are the seven universes, the earth, and everyone in them. There is nothing that does not glorify Him, but you do not understand their glorification. He is Clement, Forgiver. You are a tree in a farm There are many workers who work for the owner at the farm who tend to all your needs and the needs of the farm. All your needs are being met and because of this you produce delicious fruit generously One day it dawns on you, how do you know that the farm you reside at is the best one for you? Perhaps there is another farmer who can tend better or just as well to you somewhere else. The farmer who owned the farm who heard your question gave you an opportunity He said that he will let you decide for yourself if there can be a farm better for you than the one He provided, but he will do you one better if you want You can go to that new farm not only as a tree, but as a worker as in that farm tending to yourself. You will no longer be limited to being fed and watered by the farmer and His workers you can decide for yourself all your choices without the farmer dictating to you Imagine you gave a plant freedom of choice, a body the ability to mobility, the ability to choose its spouse and choose to produce fruit or not You will have complete mobility and complete freedom of choice in how you behave as a worker But there is one contingency if you go to another farm and you are not able to meet the requirements of being a good worker then when you come back to being a tree in my farm you will continue being a tree but you will no longer be able to produce delicious plentiful fruit and instead all you will be good for is firewood for all of eternity. While most of the trees refused such responsibility a group were confident in their abilities and said yes they want to see a new farm and decide for themselves if they want to come back to their original farm as a worker (a promotion) but if they fail to maintain the requirements of being a worker then they will come back as a tree that is only good for firewood. The rest of the trees who did not want to bear the responsibility were given the opportunity to come as trees to the new farm and see for themselves how these workers care for them. After their time at the farm they are welcomed to come back to their original farm as a tree in their usual role. The farmers land was endless so he designated a small plot of land for these trees who have now been turned into workers He asked some of his workers to go help the new farmers with the land At this point one of the workers refused. He thought that his was beneath him. He thought that he was better than these new workers and felt insulted that he was given such a task. So in return, the farmer did him a solid and offered this disgruntled worker to be the manager of this new farm. If he could make the workers and farm as happy as the workers and farm in his kingdom then he would prove his point. But if he can’t he too will be demoted to a tree and spend all of eternity as firewood. When the entities were presented to their new farm in their new roles things did not go as planned Many of the new farmers once experiencing the freedom they had did not want anything to do with their responsibilities They realized that being a worker required a lot of work and discipline and they did not want to provide They preferred to pursue other interests Because of this the trees that these farmers were responsible for withered and died and the farmers wasted their life Other workers did take on the responsibility of maintaining their farm They got up every morning at dawn to tend to the farm They followed the regiment of the workers and grew strong They were happy with what was given to them and never complained And in return, their yield was immensely productive and kept the farm alive The manager thought how hard could it be to maintain a farm. What he didn’t realize was all the work of keeping order and keeping everyone productiveFights broke out among workers Workers bad life choices led to health problems Workers demanded more pay and benefits. They were unhappy with their accommodations, their pay, their amenities The trees were dying, the yield was declining and there seemed to be no hope in sight for the manager So he decided to sabotage the efforts for one last effort. He figured that if everyone turned away from the farmer that perhaps the farmer would have mercy on him when they return after the experiment utterly failed When the experiment was all over… The trees who never accepted being workers were admitted back into the farm now with a new sense of appreciation and for this they continued being taken care of and produced even more fruit The trees who failed as farmers were turned back into trees, but because of the neglect they faced during their time as workers they have lost their ability to produce sweet fruit (just bitter) let alone anything good for the farm and thus spent the rest of eternity supplying firewood because that was all they were good for. And for the worker who thought he could be a farmer he too was turned into a tree, but suffered more than anyone else because his demotion was the greatest. For the trees who became farmers and failed: What would happen if you had all this then went back to living life as a tree Imagine you were offered a food so delicious that once you eat it you will never want to eat anything else in your whole life, but the contingency was that once you eat it you will never be able to eat it again. Would you eat that fruit? When someone is rich and lose their wealth they commit suicide Don’t know what you are missing then there is no remorse Freedom of Choice [33:72] We have offered the responsibility (freedom of choice) to the heavens and the earth, and the mountains, but they refused to bear it, and were afraid of it. But the human being accepted it; he was transgressing, ignorant.* Why would God create someone only to burn in Hell for all of eternity? What good is a tree that can produce no fruit or anything of value for a farmer aside from being firewood? Firewood is still providing value, but the misery is for the one who experienced heaven and then had to spend all of eternity only as firewood Fuel For Hell [8:37] GOD will sift away the bad from the good, then pile the bad on top of each other, all in one pile, then throw it in Hell. Such are the losers. [3:10] Those who disbelieve will never be helped by their money, nor by their children, against GOD. They will be fuel for Hell. [4:56] Surely, those who disbelieve in our revelations, we will condemn them to the hellfire. Whenever their skins are burnt, we will give them new skins. Thus, they will suffer continuously. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise. [4:57] As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, we will admit them into gardens with flowing streams; they abide therein forever. They will have pure spouses therein. We will admit them into a blissful shade. [2:266] Does any of you wish to own a garden of palm trees and grapes, with flowing streams and generous crops, then, just as he grows old, and while his children are still dependent on him, a holocaust strikes and burns up his garden? GOD thus clarifies the revelations for you, that you may reflect.

5/23/2018 • 23 minutes, 55 seconds

Fasting (Rebroadcast for Ramadan)

[2:183] O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation. [2:184] Specific days (are designated for fasting); if one is ill or traveling, an equal number of other days may be substituted. Those who can fast, but with great difficulty, may substitute feeding one poor person for each day of breaking the fast. If one volunteers (more righteous works), it is better. But fasting is the best for you, if you only knew. [2:185] Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. GOD wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify GOD for guiding you, and to express your appreciation.

5/20/2018 • 21 minutes, 38 seconds

Is The Quran's Mathematical Miracle A Coincidence?

Is the Quran’s Mathematical Miracle a Coincidence? Pennsylvania Lottery - 666 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980_Pennsylvania_Lottery_scandal On the night of April 24, 1980, more than six million viewers tuned in to the Pennsylvania lottery to watch The Daily Number to find out the winning three numbers for the $3.5 million jackpot. Since the money drawn in by the lottery was for the benefit of senior citizens they would have a senior citizen draw the numbers and on that day they drew the numbers 6, 6, 6. So what? A large number of winners than normal? So what? Lottery authorities and local bookmakers became suspicious when they noticed that a large number of tickets were purchased for the eight possible combinations all involving the numbers 4 and 6. So what? They found out that the 4 & 6 balls of the drawing were lighter than the other digits at the time of the drawing that the other digits were covered in a thick latex to make them heavier. So what? They got a tip from a bar that there were two brothers going from shop to shop purchasing large quantities of lottery tickets in combinations of 4 & 6. So what? Well at one of the bars that they bought tickets they made a phone call from the payphone to the studio that was doing the drawing. So what? The bartender said it sounded like the person was speaking Greek, and the host of the lottery drawing, Nick Perry happened to also speak Greek. So what? When the brothers were questioned they saw that they had a previous vending machine business with the announcer of the lottery, Nick Perry. So what? The brothers confessed that the idea was Nick Perry’s So what? They found the latex paint in Nick Perry’s studio that was used to weigh down the other digits of the balls for the drawing. So what? Nick Perry and the brothers all confessed to the crime… So what? Everything in the investigation points to the fact that the drawing was rigged. No sensible person would attribute all these coincidences to pure luck e.g. there are so many lotteries and this just happens to be the one that had a high rate of participants pick numbers eerily close to the winning numbers and a large number of individuals claim to win. When determining if an event is random or by design, we need to investigate No different than when police investigating a death - they need to determine was the death caused by natural causes or was there foul play Probability alone is not a reason to suspect design Coin Flip If I flip a coin 50 times in a row That outcome of heads and tails is incredibly rare such that it probably never happened before in the history of the universe, but there is no significance to that outcome it is purely random In order to prove that something is not just random, but by design there is a term known as Specified Complexity Specified complexity is when an event is not only statistically unlikely but the significance of that event occurring is also relevant Here is an example… I preemptively obtain a random series of 50 coin flips and am told that I am to flip a coin 50 times that unless I get this exact outcome of heads in tails in the exact order my life will be terminated. So to my amazement, I flip the coin and obtain that exact outcome and my life is spared. Is it more likely that I just got really lucky or that the outcome of the coin flip was designed to give that outcome, or that perhaps I just lied and said that I got the same outcome? This event would posses specified complexity and point towards design License Plate Here is another example, a real one from my life I was in college in a retail parking lot and see a car swerving around the corner driving faster than they should be in a public parking lot. I look at the plate and see it says CATHUGS I am thinking I am in California The car does seem a little beat down and could be driven by a thug So assume that the plate was not randomly generated by the DMV as it the letters are not just random but point towards things of significance But I was wrong The car drives past me and is driven by a larger white woman with pigtails and glasses wearing something out of hot topic and as she drives away I see that the back of her window is full of stuffed cat dolls and stickers of cat paws. So it didn’t say CA THUGS, but CAT HUGS You see we do this every day. We see something on the wall of a building and we know that wind and erosion didn’t cause the symbols and that these are actually signs written by intelligent beings. This is a famous example in regards to being in an alien planet and stumbling upon a watch. No one is going to look at that watch and think that it was created via wind and erosion. It is obvious that the watch was a product of design by an intelligent being not only because of its complexity but because of the application of its design e.g. the ability to be able to tell time. So now that we set the groundwork Let’s look at the Mathematical Structure of the Quran And determine if it is a mere coincidence or a product of design We have a book that the author claims to be God, The Lord of the Universe Only God Can Author the Quran [10:37] This Quran could not possibly be authored by other than GOD. It confirms all previous messages, and provides a fully detailed scripture. It is infallible; for it comes from the Lord of the universe. The Quran contains 114 chapters 29 Chapters in the Quran contains 14 different sets of Quranic Initials [2:1] A.L.M. [2:2] This scripture is infallible; a beacon for the righteous; [26:1] T. S. M. [26:2] These (letters) constitute proofs of this clarifying scripture. [38:1] S. (Saad), and the Quran that contains the proof.** http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix1.html So far we didn’t pick the book and we didn’t pick the letters - these were given to us Let’s continue What about the number 19? The foundation of the mathematical structure of the Quran is based on the number 19. Where did this number come from? Sura 74: The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir) Cryptography https://www.etymonline.com/word/crypto- [74:1] O you hidden secret.* [74:2] Come out and warn. [74:3] Extol your Lord. [74:4] Purify your garment.* [74:23] Then he turned away arrogantly. [74:24] He said, "This is but clever magic! [74:25] "This is human made." The Quran's Common Denominator [74:30] Over it is nineteen.* [74:31] We appointed angels to be guardians of Hell, and we assigned their number (19) (1) to disturb the disbelievers, (2) to convince the Christians and Jews (that this is a divine scripture), (3) to strengthen the faith of the faithful, (4) to remove all traces of doubt from the hearts of Christians, Jews, as well as the believers, and (5) to expose those who harbor doubt in their hearts, and the disbelievers; they will say, "What did GOD mean by this allegory?" GOD thus sends astray whomever He wills, and guides whomever He wills. None knows the soldiers of your Lord except He. This is a reminder for the people. [74:32] Absolutely, (I swear) by the moon. [74:33] And the night as it passes. [74:34] And the morning as it shines. [74:35] This is one of the great miracles. [74:36] A warning to the human race. So we have a book that is claimed to be authored by God We have 29 chapters that contain 14 different sets of initials We have the common denominator to decipher this code being the #19 So what.. If you look at every chapter that contains Quranic initials the letters within that chapter are consistently multiples of 19 Q The letter Q occurs both in sura 42 and 50 and the occurrence of these letter in each of the sura is 57 = 19x3 (despite sura 42 being almost twice as long as sura 50) Nun This initial is unique; it occurs in one sura, 68, and the name of the letter is spelled out as three letters — Noon Wow Noon — in the original text, and is therefore counted as two N's. The total count of this letter in the N-initialed sura is 133, 19x7. Y.S These two letters prefix Sura 36. The letter "Y” occurs in this sura 237 times, while the letter "S” (Seen) occurs 48 times. The total of both letters is 285, 19x15. A.S.Q. (`Ayn Seen Qaf) These initials constitute Verse 2 of Sura 42, and the total occurrence of these letters in this sura is 209, or 19x11. The letter “ `A” (`Ayn) occurs 98 times, the letter “S” (Seen) occurs 54 times, and the letter “Q” (Qaf) occurs 57 times. A.L.M.R. (Alef Laam Mim Ra) These initials prefix one sura, No. 13, and the total frequency of occurrence of the four letters is 1482, or 19x78. The letter “A” occurs 605 times, “L” occurs 480 times, “M” occurs 260 times, and “R” occurs 137 times. Additionally 1 The first verse (1:1), known as "Basmalah,” consists of 19 letters 2 The Quran consists of 114 suras, which is 19 x 6 3 The total number of verses in the Quran is 6346, or 19 x 334 The word Allah occurs in the Quran 2698 If you add all the verses where the word Allah occurs in the Quran you get 118123 This same pattern holds for all four words in the opening statement of the Quran There is a difference between someone who shoots an arrow through a bullseye repeatedly, compared to someone who shoots an arrow and then paints a bullseye around it. Statistically, ~5% of all numbers (1/19) are divisible by 19. This means if you can create enough combinations of any series of numbers, ~5% of those numbers will be multiples of 19. This does not show design let alone a mathematical miracle. There is a mathematical concept known as specified complexity. This is a mechanism to determine if an outcome of a probabilistic event is random or by design. The best way I can think of to describe an example of specified complexity is the following: If I flipped a coin 50 times in a row the likeliness of obtaining the series of heads and tails in the sequence I received is incredibly small, 2^50. To put this in perspective the likeliness of this single outcome is the same as identifying one single grain of sand in all of the earth. But this is not a miracle because there is no significance to this number, it is just complex. Now on the other hand, if specific parameters were determined before the 50 coin toss such that only a single outcome would meet these parameters then we tossed the coin 50 times and matched that sequence identically there will be one of two possibilities (1) I am the luckiest person in the world (2) the coin was designed to achieve that one and only outcome. This makes the outcome specific and complex (e.g. specified complexity) The Quran's mathematical structure works in the same manner. The parameters were set for us before any investigation was made into the phenomenon 1. The Quran claims to be a book from God. Therefore, we did not select just a random book or document. 2. The Quran contains 114 chapters of which 29 chapters begin with miscellaneous initials that have been present in the book since its inception 1400 years ago. Therefore we did not arbitrarily select the letters. 3. The unlocking of the mathematical miracle is specified in the Chapter entitled Hidden Secret and is told to us to be the #19. Therefore, we did not select this number it was provided to us by the author of the book. So we did not pick the book, we did not pick the initials, we did not pick the number. All these parameters were provided prior to the research and discovery of the mathematical miracle. Therefore, the evidence is overwhelming that the message in the Quran was mathematically coded by the author rather than by chance or by running infinite regressions. Mount Rushmore Only God Can Author the Quran [10:37] This Quran could not possibly be authored by other than GOD. It confirms all previous messages, and provides a fully detailed scripture. It is infallible; for it comes from the Lord of the universe. [10:38] If they say, "He fabricated it," say, "Then produce one sura like these, and invite whomever you wish, other than GOD, if you are truthful." [10:39] Indeed, they have rejected this without studying and examining it, and before understanding it. Thus did those before them disbelieve. Therefore, note the consequences for the transgressors.

5/17/2018 • 0

Quran Talk – Throw It Down

I Shouldn’t Be Alive (TV Show) - Skydiver stranded in middle of ocean should he stay on the log or try to swim to shore Happiness Now, and Forever [22:15] If anyone thinks that GOD cannot support him in this life and in the Hereafter, let him turn completely to (his Creator in) heaven, and sever (his dependence on anyone else). He will then see that this plan eliminates anything that bothers him. Baby umbilical cord Sometimes have to make the decision to throw it down Moses Staff [20:17] "What is this in your right hand, Moses?" [20:18] He said, "This is my staff. I lean on it, herd my sheep with it, and I use it for other purposes." [20:19] He said, "Throw it down, Moses." [20:20] He threw it down, whereupon it turned into a moving serpent. [20:21] He said, "Pick it up; do not be afraid. We will return it to its original state. Moses Mom throw him into the river [20:38] "When we revealed to your mother what we revealed. [20:39] "Saying: 'Throw him into the box, then throw him into the river. The river will throw him onto the shore, to be picked up by an enemy of Mine and an enemy of his.' I showered you with love from Me, and I had you made before My watchful eye. Sometimes God has us thrown down because He knows what is best for us Joseph was thrown into well Joseph's Fate Already Decided by God* [12:9] "Let us kill Joseph, or banish him, that you may get some attention from your father. Afterwards, you can be righteous people." [12:10] One of them said, "Do not kill Joseph; let us throw him into the abyss of the well. Perhaps some caravan can pick him up, if this is what you decide to do.” Believers are Blessed with God's Assurances [12:15] When they went away with him, and unanimously decided to throw him into the abyss of the well, we inspired him: "Some day, you will tell them about all this, while they have no idea." Joseph was thrown into prison [12:32] She said, "This is the one you blamed me for falling in love with. I did indeed try to seduce him, and he refused. Unless he does what I command him to do, he will surely go to prison, and will be debased." [12:33] He said, "My Lord, the prison is better than giving in to them. Unless You divert their scheming from me, I may desire them and behave like the ignorant ones." [12:34] His Lord answered his prayer and diverted their scheming from him. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [12:35] Later, they saw to it, despite the clear proofs, that they should imprison him for awhile. Jonah was thrown overboard /Jonah thrown to the shore Jonah [37:139] Jonah was one of the messengers. [37:140] He escaped to the loaded ship. [37:141] He rebelled and thus, he joined the losers. [37:142] Consequently, the fish swallowed him, and he was the one to blame. [37:143] If it were not that he resorted to meditation (on God), [37:144] he would have stayed in its belly until the Day of Resurrection. [37:145] We had him thrown up into the desert, exhausted. [37:146] We had a tree of edible fruit grown for him. [37:147] Then we sent him to a hundred thousand, or more. [37:148] They did believe, and we let them enjoy this life. Disbelievers Throw - When we throw for the wrong reasons we will be disappointed Moses & Magicians [7:112] "Let them summon every experienced magician." [7:113] The magicians came to Pharaoh and said, "Do we get paid if we are the winners?" [7:114] He said, "Yes indeed; you will even become close to me." [7:115] They said, "O Moses, either you throw, or we are throwing." [7:116] He said, "You throw." When they threw, they tricked the people's eyes, intimidated them, and produced a great magic. [7:117] We then inspired Moses: "Throw down your staff," whereupon it swallowed whatever they fabricated. Golden Calf [20:86] Moses returned to his people, angry and disappointed, saying, "O my people, did your Lord not promise you a good promise? Could you not wait? Did you want to incur wrath from your Lord? Is this why you broke your agreement with me?" [20:87] They said, "We did not break our agreement with you on purpose. But we were loaded down with jewelry, and decided to throw our loads in. This is what the Samarian suggested." [20:88] He produced for them a sculpted calf, complete with a calf's sound. They said, "This is your god, and the god of Moses." Thus, he forgot. [20:95] He said, "What is the matter with you, O Samarian?" [20:96] He said, "I saw what they could not see. I grabbed a fistful (of dust) from the place where the messenger stood, and used it (to mix into the golden calf). This is what my mind inspired me to do.” [20:97] He said, "Then go, and, throughout your life, do not even come close. You have an appointed time (for your final judgment) that you can never evade. Look at your god that you used to worship; we will burn it and throw it into the sea, to stay down there forever." Pharaoh and his troops [28:39] Thus, he and his troops continued to commit arrogance on earth, without any right, and thought that they would not be returned to us. [28:40] Consequently, we punished him and his troops, by throwing them into the sea. Note the consequences for the transgressors. [28:41] We made them imams who led their people to Hell. Furthermore, on the Day of Resurrection, they will have no help. Thrown in Hell [41:40] Surely, those who distort our revelations are not hidden from us. Is one who gets thrown into Hell better, or one who comes secure on the Day of Resurrection? Do whatever you wish; He is Seer of everything you do. [50:24] Throw into Gehenna every stubborn disbeliever. How do we know if we should throw How do you determine if you are testing God because you believe God will protect you so you take excessive risk Luke 4: 9Then the devil led Him to Jerusalem and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple. “If You are God’s chosen,” he said, “throw Yourself down from here. 10For it is written: ‘He will command His angels concerning You to guard You carefully; 11and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’c” 12But Jesus declared, “It also says, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’d” 13When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time. [2:195] You shall spend in the cause of GOD; do not throw yourselves with your own hands into destruction. You shall be charitable; GOD loves the charitable. We do not go to war with a feather, God has a system and we do not go against that system [12:67] And he said, "O my sons, do not enter from one door; enter through separate doors. However, I cannot save you from anything that is predetermined by GOD. To GOD belongs all judgments. I trust in Him, and in Him shall all the trusters put their trust.” The Messenger's Kindness [3:159]…Once you make a decision, carry out your plan, and trust in GOD. GOD loves those who trust in Him. Are you breaking another one of God’s commandments in your decision? [35:8] Note the one whose evil work is adorned in his eyes, until he thinks that it is righteous. GOD thus sends astray whoever wills (to go astray), and He guides whoever wills (to be guided). Therefore, do not grieve over them. GOD is fully aware of everything they do. Are you giving power to other than God? [18:39] No one possesses power except GOD (Lã Quwwata Ellã Bellãh). Are you fearing other than God? [3:173] When the people say to them, "People have mobilized against you; you should fear them," this only strengthens their faith and they say, "GOD suffices us; He is the best Protector." [3:174] They have deserved GOD's blessings and grace. No harm ever touches them, for they have attained GOD's approval. GOD possesses infinite grace. Fear: The Devil's Tool [3:175] It is the devil's system to instill fear into his subjects. Do not fear them and fear Me instead, if you are believers. [5:54] O you who believe, if you revert from your religion, then GOD will substitute in your place people whom He loves and who love Him. They will be kind with the believers, stern with the disbelievers, and will strive in the cause of GOD without fear of any blame. Such is GOD's blessing; He bestows it upon whomever He wills. GOD is Bounteous, Omniscient.

5/10/2018 • 32 minutes, 18 seconds

Quran Talk - Proof of Work (How Can We Serve)

Every year news publications post the best places to work. The best places to work in 2018 World Wide Technology... In order to get a job at these companies there are certain criteria their employees need to meet And if someone doesn’t possess these criteria their prospects of getting a job at one best places to work for looks grim. Each angel has a specific purpose The Angels [37:164] Each one of us has a specific job. [37:165] We are the arrangers. [37:166] We have duly glorified (our Lord). [13:11] Shifts (of angels) take turns, staying with each one of you—they are in front of you and behind you. They stay with you, and guard you in accordance with GOD's commands… [50:16] We created the human, and we know what he whispers to himself. We are closer to him than his jugular vein. [50:17] Two recording (angels), at right and at left, are constantly recording. When we opted to come to this earth in this one last chance to denounce our original sin and to prove that we deserved to be redeemed back into God’s kingdom, God asked the angels to serve the human being during this experiment. It was at this point that Satan was exposed as he refused to serve the human being. His argument was that he was better than us, therefore he could not bring himself to carry out such a request. For this, he was banished from God’s kingdom as God had no need for subordinates who refuse to follow His commandments. [18:51] I never permitted them to witness the creation of the heavens and the earth, nor the creation of themselves. Nor do I permit the wicked to work in My kingdom.* While some people are solely fixated on getting the best job in this world, what most people are oblivious to is that this life is our schooling, internship, and acceptance for our job in the Hereafter that will last for eternity. We are going through a curriculum in this life to prepare us for our eternal job. [36:54] On that day, no soul will be wronged in the least. You will be paid precisely for whatever you did. [36:55] The dwellers of Paradise will be, on that day, happily busy. During the schooling for our eternal career some people never show up to class, some people show up but don’t pay attention and thus fail, and other show up and succeed. Proof of Work: Good works vs. Evil Works [3:30] The day will come when each soul will find all the good works it had done brought forth. As for the evil works, it will wish that they were far, far removed. GOD alerts you that you shall reverence Him alone. GOD is Compassionate towards the people. [27:46] He said, "O my people, why do you hasten to commit evil instead of good works? If only you implore GOD for forgiveness, you may attain mercy.” [27:89] Those who bring good works (in their records) will receive far better rewards, and they will be perfectly secure from the horrors of that day. [27:90] As for those who bring evil works, they will be forced into Hell. Do you not get requited for what you did? God gives us the opportunity to serve Him by doing good deeds and thus earn a place in His kingdom [36:47] When they are told, "Give from GOD's provisions to you," those who disbelieve say to those who believe, "Why should we give to those whom GOD could feed, if He so willed? You are really far astray.” The Purpose of Our Life* [67:2] The One who created death and life for the purpose of distinguishing those among you who would do better. He is the Almighty, the Forgiving. [90:4] We created the human being to work hard (to redeem himself).* [3:195] Their Lord responded to them: "I never fail to reward any worker among you for any work you do, be you male or female—you are equal to one another… [43:32] Are they the ones who assign your Lord's mercy? We have assigned their shares in this life, raising some of them above others in ranks, in order to let them serve one another. The mercy from your Lord is far better than any material they may hoard. [6:165] He is the One who made you inheritors of the earth, and He raised some of you above others in rank, in order to test you in accordance with what He has given you. Surely, your Lord is efficient in enforcing retribution, and He is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [49:13] O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant. How can I serve In Midyan [28:22] As he traveled towards Midyan, he said, "May my Lord guide me in the right path." [28:23] When he reached Midyan's water, he found a crowd of people watering, and noticed two women waiting on the side. He said, "What is it that you need?" They said, "We are not able to water, until the crowd disperses, and our father is an old man." [28:24] He watered for them, then turned to the shade, saying, "My Lord, whatever provision You send to me, I am in dire need for it." [28:25] Soon, one of the two women approached him, shyly, and said, "My father invites you to pay you for watering for us." When he met him, and told him his story, he said, "Have no fear. You have been saved from the oppressive people." [59:9] As for those who provided them with a home and a refuge, and were believers before them, they love those who immigrated to them, and find no hesitation in their hearts in helping them. In fact, they readily give them priority over themselves, even when they themselves need what they give away. Indeed, those who overcome their natural stinginess are the successful ones. Example of Abraham vs the people of Lot Tested to See Which Will We Give Priority To? [18:7] We have adorned everything on earth, in order to test them, and thus distinguish those among them who work righteousness. [29:2] Do the people think that they will be left to say, "We believe," without being put to the test? [29:3] We have tested those before them, for GOD must distinguish those who are truthful, and He must expose the liars. Choose Your Priorities Carefully This Life [17:18] Anyone who chooses this fleeting life as his priority, we will rush to him what we decide to give him, then we commit him to Gehenna, where he suffers forever, despised and defeated. [17:19] As for those who choose the Hereafter as their priority, and work righteousness, while believing, their efforts will be appreciated. [17:20] For each one of them we provide; we provide those and these from your Lord's bounties. Your Lord's bounties are inexhaustible. [17:21] Note how we preferred some people above others (in this life). The differences in the Hereafter are far greater and far more significant. God is not resource constraint. He has an infinite budget and you just need a reason to justify being hired

5/3/2018 • 24 minutes, 57 seconds

God Created Everything In Exact Measure

Jupiter is the 5th planet from the Sun, and the largest planet in the Solar System. How much bigger is Jupiter than Earth? Just to give you a sense of scale, Jupiter is 2.5 times more massive than all the rest of the planets in the Solar System combined. Jupiter’s diameter is 11.2 times larger than Earth. In other words, you could put 11.2 Earths side-by-side to match the diameter of Jupiter. And Jupiter’s volume is even bigger. It would take 1321.3 Earths to fill up the volume of Jupiter. In terms of surface area, Jupiter is 121.9 times bigger than the Earth. That’s how many Earths could be flattened out to cover the surface of Jupiter. Jupiter has 317.8 times the mass of the Earth. Jupiter from earth is ~588km or 365miles Comet Shomemaker July 1994: astronomers had not expected to see the fireballs from the impacts and did not have any idea in advance how visible the other atmospheric effects of the impacts would be from Earth. Observers soon saw a huge dark spot after the first impact. The spot was visible even in very small telescopes, and was about 6,000 km (3,700 mi) (one Earth radius) across. This and subsequent dark spots were thought to have been caused by debris from the impacts, and were markedly asymmetric, forming crescent shapes in front of the direction of impact. Over the next six days, 21 distinct impacts were observed, with the largest coming on July 18 at 07:33 UTC when fragment G struck Jupiter. This impact created a giant dark spot over 12,000 km (7,500 mi) across, and was estimated to have released an energy equivalent to 6,000,000 megatons of TNT (600 times the world's nuclear arsenal). Two impacts 12 hours apart on July 19 created impact marks of similar size to that caused by fragment G, and impacts continued until July 22, when fragment W struck the planet. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comet_Shoemaker%E2%80%93Levy_9 [16:18] If you count GOD's blessings, you cannot possibly encompass them. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. Rare Earth: Right distance from the sun Too close and could have phase lock Liquid water 92 different elements occur naturally on earth Plate tectonics (mountains) [78:6] Did we not make the earth habitable? [78:7] And the mountains izers? 71% liquid water [25:2] The One to whom belongs all sovereignty of the heavens and the earth. He never had a son, nor does He have any partners in sovereignty. He created everything in exact measure; He precisely designed everything. *25:2 When we launch astronauts into space, we measure precisely the amount of food, water, oxygen, and other needs throughout the journey. Similarly, God has launched us into space—on board spaceship Earth—and He has designed all kinds of renewable provisions for us and other creatures, a perfect design. Think, for example, of the symbiotic relationship between us and the plants; we use the oxygen they produce in photosynthesis, while they use the carbon dioxide we produce in respiration. [15:19] As for the earth, we constructed it, and placed on it stabilizers (mountains), and we grew on it a perfect balance of everything. [15:20] We made it habitable for you, and for creatures you do not provide for. [15:21] There is nothing that we do not own infinite amounts thereof. But we send it down in precise measure. Perfect solar eclipse Certain size moon (1/4 the size of earth) 23.5 degree axis of the earth 4 seasons Tides climate control [36:37] Another sign for them is the night: we remove the daylight therefrom, whereupon they are in darkness. [36:38] The sun sets into a specific location, according to the design of the Almighty, the Omniscient. [36:39] The moon we designed to appear in stages, until it becomes like an old curved sheath. [36:40] The sun is never to catch up with the moon—the night and the day never deviate—each of them is floating in its own orbit. Atmosphere Right planetary mass Too big and can lose atmosphere The iron core provides a magnetic force field around the earth protecting it’s inhabitants The atmosphere of earth blocks the light spectrum that is harmful but allows visible light for photosynthesis Earth's atmosphere is 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0.9% argon, and 0.03% carbon dioxide with very small percentages of other elements. With each 1% increase in oxygen in the atmosphere the likeliness of combustion increases by 70% Think how much more fires there would be With each 1% decrease in oxygen in the atmosphere the likeliness of combustion drops by 70% Think how much harder it would have been to harness the power of fire Signs of God [36:33] One sign for them is the dead land: we revive it and produce from it grains for their food. [36:34] We grow in it gardens of date palms, and grapes, and we cause springs to gush out therein. [36:35] This is to provide them with fruits, and to let them manufacture with their own hands whatever they need. Would they be thankful? [36:36] Glory be to the One who created all kinds of plants from the earth, as well as themselves, and other creations that they do not even know. What if there was more nitrogen then we would not be able to see the stars and observe the universe as our clarity of the atmosphere would have been Right position in the galaxy Too close to center in addition to more chaotic, wouldn’t be able to differentiate as easily the stars in our galaxy from the stars in other galaxies Fine-tuning of the universe A physical constant, sometimes fundamental physical constant, is a physical quantity that is generally believed to be both universal in nature and have constant value in time. Strong and weak nuclear force Speed of light Mass of electron, proton, neutron, The ratio of electrons to protons https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_constant https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j23EEu0P3m4 Amazing level of fine-tuning in the universe If any of these constants were off by the slightest bit then there would be not only no life, but: No chemistry No planets No stars No galaxies No universe Gravitational Constant The force of gravity is determined by the Gravitational constant If this constant varied by 1 x 10^60 none of us would exist In comparison, we have 10^14 cells in the body There are an estimated 7.5 x 10^18 grains of sand (or seven quintillion, five hundred quadrillion grains) There are about 10 billion galaxies in the observable universe! The number of stars in a galaxy varies, but assuming an average of 100 billion stars per galaxy means that there are about 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (that's 1 billion trillion) stars in the observable universe! 10^21 If larger by just one part in 10^60 then the universe would have thinned out too rapidly for any stars to form If decrease by just one part in 10^60 then the universe would be too dense and collapse back on itself [40:57] The creation of the heavens and the earth is even more awesome than the creation of the human being, but most people do not know. Big Bang Or consider the expansion rate of the universe driven by the cosmological constant Change in value by one part x 10^120 would cause the universe to expand to rapidly or too slowly Number of atoms in the observable universe 10^80 [51:47] We constructed the sky with our hands, and we will continue to expand it. Entropy necessary for the big bang = 1x10^10^123 Even if we were to write a 0 on each separate proton and on each separate neutron in the entire universe- and we could throw in all the other particles for good measure- we would fall far short of writing down the figure needed to represent 1x10^10^123 The Big Bang Theory Confirmed* [21:30] Do the unbelievers not realize that the heaven and the earth used to be one solid mass that we exploded into existence? And from water we made all living things. Would they believe? Footnote [21:31] And we placed on earth stabilizers, lest it tumbles with them, and we placed straight roads therein, that they may be guided. [21:32] And we rendered the sky a guarded ceiling. Yet, they are totally oblivious to all the portents therein. [21:33] And He is the One who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon; each floating in its own orbit. [14:34] And He gives you all kinds of things that you implore Him for. If you count GOD's blessings, you can never encompass them. Indeed, the human being is transgressing, unappreciative.

4/26/2018 • 32 minutes, 27 seconds

Was Prophet Muhammad Infallible?

Messenger selection process [38:45] Remember also our servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They were resourceful, and possessed vision. [38:46] We bestowed upon them a great blessing: awareness of the Hereafter. [38:47] They were chosen, for they were among the most righteous. [38:48] Remember Ismail, Elisha, and Zal-Kifl; among the most righteous. [6:124] When a powerful proof comes to them, they say, "We will not believe, unless we are given what is given to GOD's messengers!" GOD knows exactly who is best qualified to deliver His message. Such criminals will suffer debasement at GOD, and terrible retribution as a consequence of their evil scheming. [21:7] We did not send before you except men whom we inspired. Ask those who know the scripture, if you do not know. Messengers are just humans… [25:7] And they said, "How come this messenger eats the food and walks in the markets? If only an angel could come down with him, to serve with him as a preacher!” [14:11] Their messengers said to them, "We are no more than humans like you, but GOD blesses whomever He chooses from among His servants. We could not possibly show you any kind of authorization, except in accordance with GOD's will. In GOD the believers shall trust. [18:110] Say, "I am no more than a human like you, being inspired that your god is one god. Those who hope to meet their Lord shall work righteousness, and never worship any other god beside his Lord." [7:188] Say, "I have no power to benefit myself, or harm myself. Only what GOD wills happens to me. If I knew the future, I would have increased my wealth, and no harm would have afflicted me. I am no more than a warner, and a bearer of good news for those who believe.” They have to go through the hardship and be tested like any other believer. They don’t get a free pass. [2:214] Do you expect to enter Paradise without being tested like those before you? They were tested with hardship and adversity, and were shaken up, until the messenger and those who believed with him said, "Where is GOD's victory?" GOD's victory is near. Victory, Ultimately, Belongs to the Believers [12:110] Just when the messengers despair, and think that they had been rejected, our victory comes to them. We then save whomever we choose, while our retribution for the guilty people is unavoidable. Did the messengers make mistakes? 60:1 - Abraham prayed for forgiveness for this father 21:87 - Jonah abandoned his mission 12:42 - Joseph implored his prison mate to get out 28:15 Moses killed someone 7:22 - Adam approached the tree 38:31 - Solomon got distracted with his horses All creatures have committed the original sin [35:45] If GOD punished the people for their sins, He would not leave a single creature on earth. But He respites them for a predetermined interim. Once their interim is fulfilled, then GOD is Seer of His servants. No distinction among God’s messengers You Shall Not Make Any Distinction Among God's Messengers [2:285] The messenger has believed in what was sent down to him from his Lord, and so did the believers. They believe in GOD, His angels, His scripture, and His messengers: "We make no distinction among any of His messengers." They say, "We hear, and we obey.* Forgive us, our Lord. To You is the ultimate destiny." God Knows We Don't [17:55] Your Lord is the best knower of everyone in the heavens and the earth. In accordance with this knowledge, we preferred some prophets over others. For example, we gave David the Psalms. Muhammad was just a messenger like the messengers before him [3:144] Muhammad was no more than a messenger like the messengers before him. Should he die or get killed, would you turn back on your heels? Anyone who turns back on his heels, does not hurt GOD in the least. GOD rewards those who are appreciative. Muhammad had the same shortcomings as any other human or messenger [48:1] We have bestowed upon you (O Messenger) a great victory. [48:2] Whereby GOD forgives your past sins, as well as future sins, and perfects His blessings upon you, and guides you in a straight path. God Strengthens the Messenger [17:73] They almost diverted you from the revelations we have given you. They wanted you to fabricate something else, in order to consider you a friend. [17:74] If it were not that we strengthened you, you almost leaned towards them just a little bit. [17:75] Had you done that, we would have doubled the retribution for you in this life, and after death, and you would have found no one to help you against us. The Blind Man - Favoritism Sura 80: He Frowned (‘Abasa) [80:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful [80:1] He (Muhammad) frowned and turned away. [80:2] When the blind man came to him. [80:3] How do you know? He may purify himself. [80:4] Or he may take heed, and benefit from the message. [80:5] As for the rich man. [80:6] You gave him your attention. [80:7] Even though you could not guarantee his salvation. [80:8] The one who came to you eagerly. [80:9] And is really reverent. [80:10] You ignored him. [80:11] Indeed, this is a reminder. [80:12] Whoever wills shall take heed. The blind man couldn’t see Muhammad frown, but God could James 2 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? During War The Sedentary [9:42] If there were a quick material gain, and a short journey, they would have followed you. But the striving is just too much for them. They will swear by GOD: "If we could, we would have mobilized with you." They thus hurt themselves, and GOD knows that they are liars. [9:43] GOD has pardoned you: why did you give them permission (to stay behind), before you could distinguish those who are truthful from the liars? [9:44] Those who truly believe in GOD and the Last Day do not ask your permission to evade the opportunity to strive with their money and their lives. GOD is fully aware of the righteous. [8:67] No prophet shall acquire captives, unless he participates in the fighting. You people are seeking the materials of this world, while GOD advocates the Hereafter. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise. [8:68] If it were not for a predetermined decree from GOD, you would have suffered, on account of what you took, a terrible retribution. Prohibition [66:1] O you prophet, why do you prohibit what GOD has made lawful for you, just to please your wives? GOD is Forgiver, Merciful. Zeid Major Error Committed by Muhammad Muhammad the Man Disobeys Muhammad the Messenger [33:36] No believing man or believing woman, if GOD and His messenger issue any command, has any choice regarding that command. Anyone who disobeys GOD and His messenger has gone far astray.[33:37] Recall that you said to the one who was blessed by GOD, and blessed by you, "Keep your wife and reverence GOD," and you hid inside yourself what GOD wished to proclaim. Thus, you feared the people, when you were supposed to fear only GOD. When Zeid was completely through with his wife, we had you marry her, in order to establish the precedent that a man can marry the divorced wife of his adopted son. GOD's commands shall be done. [33:38] The prophet is not committing an error by doing anything that is made lawful by GOD. Such is GOD's system since the early generations. GOD's command is a sacred duty. [33:39] Those who deliver GOD's messages, and who reverence Him alone, shall never fear anyone but GOD. GOD is the most efficient reckoner. [29:68] Who is more evil than one who fabricates lies and attributes them to GOD, or rejects the truth when it comes to him? Is Hell not a just retribution for the disbelievers? Idolizing The Prophet And Attributing Lies To God We have to have Quranic basis when we say something about our religious salvation, otherwise we may be attributing lies to God [3:79] Never would a human being whom GOD blessed with the scripture and prophethood say to the people, "Idolize me beside GOD." Instead, (he would say), "Devote yourselves absolutely to your Lord alone," according to the scripture you preach and the teachings you learn. [3:80] Nor would he command you to idolize the angels and the prophets as lords. Would he exhort you to disbelieve after becoming submitters? [39:3] Absolutely, the religion shall be devoted to GOD alone. Those who set up idols beside Him say, "We idolize them only to bring us closer to GOD; for they are in a better position!" GOD will judge them regarding their disputes. GOD does not guide such liars, disbelievers. [5:44] …. Therefore, do not reverence human beings; you shall reverence Me instead…

4/18/2018 • 31 minutes, 22 seconds

Growth Requires Sacrifice

Programmed Cell Death / Apoptosis is a process where the cell self-destructs Between 50 and 70 billion cells die each day due to apoptosis in the average human adult. For an average child between the ages of 8 and 14, approximately 20 to 30 billion cells die a day. Fingers and toes self-destruction to eliminate the webbing Metamorphosis – only the very basic tissues are spared some of the respiratory system, heart, brain tissue, but aside from that just about the entire caterpillar is dissolved into a liquid that is reassembled into a butterfly Growth requires change Change requires something to die (to give up one thing for another) “The idea that cells take an active part in their own death comes from an observation that in certain cases a cell has to make new molecules in order to die. If you prevent this, the cell can’t die. The cell is participating in its own death because it has to participate to make something in order to die.” Kill Your Ego [2:54] Recall that Moses said to his people, "O my people, you have wronged your souls by worshiping the calf. You must repent to your Creator. You shall kill your egos. This is better for you in the sight of your Creator." He did redeem you. He is the Redeemer, Most Merciful. If you want something you have to sacrifice something else to get it Can’t have your cake and eat it too Has to make the conscious decision to want to change - [13:11] Shifts (of angels) take turns, staying with each one of you—they are in front of you and behind you. They stay with you, and guard you in accordance with GOD's commands. Thus, GOD does not change the condition of any people unless they themselves make the decision to change. If GOD wills any hardship for any people, no force can stop it. For they have none beside Him as Lord and Master. [38:30] To David we granted Solomon; a good and obedient servant. [38:31] One day he became preoccupied with beautiful horses, until the night fell. [38:32] He then said, "I enjoyed the material things more than I enjoyed worshiping my Lord, until the sun was gone.* [38:33] "Bring them back." (To bid farewell,) he rubbed their legs and necks. [38:34] We thus put Solomon to the test; we blessed him with vast material wealth, but he steadfastly submitted.* Sometimes to change you need a catalyst a change agent something to speed up the process Change direction of the Qibla [2:142] The fools among the people would say, "Why did they change the direction of their Qiblah?" Say, "To GOD belongs the east and the west; He guides whoever wills in a straight path." [2:143] We thus made you an impartial community, that you may serve as witnesses among the people, and the messenger serves as a witness among you. We changed the direction of your original Qiblah only to distinguish those among you who readily follow the messenger from those who would turn back on their heels. It was a difficult test, but not for those who are guided by GOD. GOD never puts your worship to waste. GOD is Compassionate towards the people, Most Merciful. Isolation – the difference between being buried and planted Joseph well Brother’s turned against him and through him into the well and left him for dead Joseph prison The governor’s wife schemed against Joseph [12:33] He said, "My Lord, the prison is better than giving in to them. Unless You divert their scheming from me, I may desire them and behave like the ignorant ones." [12:34] His Lord answered his prayer and diverted their scheming from him. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [12:35] Later, they saw to it, despite the clear proofs, that they should imprison him for awhile. Muhammad Cave [9:40] If you fail to support him (the messenger), GOD has already supported him. Thus, when the disbelievers chased him, and he was one of two in the cave, he said to his friend, "Do not worry; GOD is with us." GOD then sent down contentment and security upon him, and supported him with invisible soldiers. He made the word of the disbelievers lowly. GOD's word reigns supreme. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise. People of the Cave [18:13] We narrate to you their history, truthfully. They were youths who believed in their Lord, and we increased their guidance. [18:14] We strengthened their hearts when they stood up and proclaimed: "Our only Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. We will never worship any other god beside Him. Otherwise, we would be far astray. [18:15] "Here are our people setting up gods beside Him. If only they could provide any proof to support their stand! Who is more evil than the one who fabricates lies and attributes them to GOD? [18:16] "Since you wish to avoid them, and their worshiping of other than GOD,* let us take refuge in the cave. May your Lord shower you with His mercy and direct you to the right decision." [18:20] "If they discover you, they will stone you, or force you to revert to their religion, then you can never succeed." Mary The Birth of Jesus [19:22] When she bore him, she isolated herself to a faraway place. [19:23] The birth process came to her by the trunk of a palm tree. She said, "(I am so ashamed;) I wish I were dead before this happened, and completely forgotten." [19:24] (The infant) called her from beneath her, saying, "Do not grieve. Your Lord has provided you with a stream. [19:25] "If you shake the trunk of this palm tree, it will drop ripe dates for you.* Footnote [19:26] "Eat and drink, and be happy. When you see anyone, say, 'I have made a vow of silence; I am not talking today to anyone.'" [19:27] She came to her family, carrying him. They said, "O Mary, you have committed something that is totally unexpected. [19:28] "O descendant of Aaron, your father was not a bad man, nor was your mother unchaste." The Infant Makes a Statement [19:29] She pointed to him. They said, "How can we talk with an infant in the crib?" [19:30] (The infant spoke and) said, "I am a servant of GOD. He has given me the scripture, and has appointed me a prophet. [19:31] "He made me blessed wherever I go, and enjoined me to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat) for as long as I live. [19:32] "I am to honor my mother; He did not make me a disobedient rebel. [19:33] "And peace be upon me the day I was born, the day I die, and the day I get resurrected." Moses Left Egypt where he met Shuaib and talked with God Growth comes with trust in God [22:15] If anyone thinks that GOD cannot support him in this life and in the Hereafter, let him turn completely to (his Creator in) heaven, and sever (his dependence on anyone else). He will then see that this plan eliminates anything that bothers him. Ostrich Effect – Avoiding Responsibility Not to be mistaken by hermitism - these are people who were isolated not necessarily by choice, but by circumstances. [57:27] Subsequent to them, we sent our messengers. We sent Jesus the son of Mary, and we gave him the Injeel (Gospel), and we placed in the hearts of his followers kindness and mercy. But they invented hermitism which we never decreed for them. All we asked them to do was to uphold the commandments approved by GOD. But they did not uphold the message as they should have. Consequently, we gave those who believed among them their recompense, while many of them were wicked. Jonah [21:87] And Zan-Noon (Jonah, "the one with an 'N' in his name"), abandoned his mission in protest, thinking that we could not control him. He ended up imploring from the darkness (of the big fish's belly): "There is no god other than You. Be You glorified. I have committed a gross sin." [68:48] You shall steadfastly persevere in carrying out the commands of your Lord. Do not be like (Jonah) who called from inside the fish. [11:42] As it sailed with them in waves like hills, Noah called his son, who was isolated: "O my son, come ride with us; do not be with the disbelievers." Psychological research reveals more about this unhealthy appetite for ignorance. In one study, students watched a bogus educational film about a serious disease called “TAA Deficiency”. In fact, TAA Deficiency is completely fictional, but the students were not told this information; instead, they were asked whether they wished to provide a cheek swab for assessing their risk of developing the disease. Half of the students were told that if they ever developed TAA Deficiency, then the treatment would involve them taking a two-week course of pills. Of this group, 52% agreed to provide the diagnostic cheek swab. The other half of students learned the treatment would involve taking the pills for the rest of their lives. Of this group, only 21% agreed to the swab. These findings demonstrate a common pattern seen in other studies within and beyond the context of healthcare. That is, people are especially resistant to hearing feedback when they believe it could oblige them to do something difficult or unpleasant. The Hypocrites [9:64] The hypocrites worry that a sura may be revealed exposing what is inside their hearts. Say, "Go ahead and mock. GOD will expose exactly what you are afraid of." [9:65] If you ask them, they would say, "We were only mocking and kidding." Say, "Do you realize that you are mocking GOD, and His revelations, and His messenger?" [9:66] Do not apologize. You have disbelieved after having believed. If we pardon some of you, we will punish others among you, as a consequence of their wickedness. Exposing the Hypocrites [47:20] Those who believed said: "When will a new sura be revealed?" But when a straightforward sura was revealed, wherein fighting was mentioned, you would see those who harbored doubts in their hearts looking at you, as if death had already come to them. They were thus exposed. Proof of Faith During Muhammad's Era [47:21] Obedience and righteous utterances are expected of them. If only they showed confidence in GOD, when mobilization was called for, it would have been better for them. This is our final chance [7:53] Are they waiting until all (prophecies) are fulfilled? The day such fulfillment comes to pass, those who disregarded it in the past will say, "The messengers of our Lord have brought the truth. Are there any intercessors to intercede on our behalf? Would you send us back, so that we change our behavior, and do better works than what we did?" They have lost their souls, and their own innovations have caused their doom. [23:99] When death comes to one of them, he says, "My Lord, send me back. [23:100] "I will then work righteousness in everything I left." Not true. This is a false claim that he makes. A barrier will separate his soul from this world until resurrection. [6:27] If only you could see them when they face the hellfire! They would say then, "Woe to us. Oh, we wish if we could go back, and never reject our Lord's revelations, and join the believers." [6:28] As a matter of fact, (they only say this because) their secrets have been exposed. If they go back, they will commit exactly the same crimes. They are liars. [35:37] They will scream therein, "Our Lord, if you get us out of here, we will work righteousness, instead of the works we used to do." Did we not give you a life-long chance, with continuous reminders for those who would take heed? Did you not receive the warner? Therefore, taste (the consequences). The transgressors will have no one to help them. Like Locusts – Cannibalizing and Fleeing From One Another [54:6] Ignore them; the day will come when the caller will announce a terrible disaster. [54:7] With their eyes humiliated, they come out of the graves like scattered locusts. Mutual Blaming On the Day of Resurrection [34:32] The leaders will say to those who followed them, "Are we the ones who diverted you from the guidance after it came to you? No; it is you who were wicked." [34:33] The followers will say to their leaders, "It was you who schemed night and day, then commanded us to be unappreciative of GOD, and to set up idols to rank with Him." They will be ridden with remorse, when they see the retribution, for we will place shackles around the necks of those who disbelieved. Are they not justly requited for what they did? [40:47] As they argue in Hell, the followers will say to their leaders, "We used to be your followers, can you spare us any part of this Hell?" [40:48] The leaders will say, "We are all in this together. GOD has judged among the people." Believers are like butterflies [101:4] That is the day when the people come out like swarms of butterflies. Believers like a cocoon come out of the graves like butterflies Believer’s who grow their soul [79:1] The (angels who) snatch (the souls of the disbelievers) forcibly. [79:2] And those who gently take (the souls of the believers) joyfully. [91:7] The soul and Him who created it. [91:8] Then showed it what is evil and what is good. [91:9] Successful is one who redeems it. [91:10] Failing is one who neglects it.

4/11/2018 • 33 minutes, 17 seconds

Conforming to Survive or to Go Astray

Assyrian Proverb: “The tallest blade of grass is the first to be cut” This element of conformity to not be targeted is evolutionarily instilled in us Across the entire animal kingdom you see a similar pattern with fish and birds The reason for this is that it makes it difficult for the animal to focus on anyone out of the group to target so the hunter gets confused and fails in their approach Zebras blend in to confuse the lion The thought is that if everyone is responsible then by theory no one is responsible because it is hard to assert blame when everyone is involved While this works for animals in the wild to preserve their physical survival, the opposite is true for our spiritual survival A sure-fire way of not making it to heaven is thinking that if we stick with the majority and just believe what we were told by our parents or religious scholars will be sufficient [74:49] Why are they so averse to this reminder? [74:50] Running like zebras. [74:51] Who are fleeing from the lion! We are each responsible for what we believe and how we choose to live our life. On the Day of Judgment, we cannot say that we were only following the group. [6:116] If you obey the majority of people on earth, they will divert you from the path of GOD. They follow only conjecture; they only guess. The Majority of People Do Not Believe [12:103] Most people, no matter what you do, will not believe. [12:104] You are not asking them for any money; you simply deliver this reminder for all the people. [12:105] So many proofs in the heavens and the earth are given to them, but they pass by them, heedlessly! The Majority of Believers Destined for Hell [12:106] The majority of those who believe in GOD do not do so without committing idol worship. “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to reform (or pause and reflect).” “When you're the only sane person, you look like the only insane person.” [19:73] When our revelations are recited to them, clearly, those who disbelieve say to those who believe, "Which of us is more prosperous? Which of us is in the majority?" Luckily for us God made the Quran easy to learn. You don’t need to be a scholar or even know Arabic to understand the Quran [54:17] We made the Quran easy to learn. Does any of you wish to learn? Those who are sincere will understand it [6:20] Those to whom we have given the scripture recognize this as they recognize their own children. The ones who lose their souls are those who do not believe. Additionally, God holds us responsible each individually based on what information we know and the decisions we made in our own lives. And God made the Quran easy to learn. Crucial Advice [17:36] You shall not accept any information, unless you verify it for yourself. I have given you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brain, and you are responsible for using them. Following Parents Blindly There are millions of beliefs in this world, ask yourself what is the probability that the belief you were born into was the right one? Maybe it was, but statistically this is pretty low. Maintaining the Status Quo: A Human Tragedy [2:170] When they are told, "Follow what GOD has revealed herein," they say, "We follow only what we found our parents doing." What if their parents did not understand, and were not guided? [2:171] The example of such disbelievers is that of parrots who repeat what they hear of sounds and calls, without understanding. Deaf, dumb, and blind; they cannot understand. We Are Born With Instinctive Knowledge About God* [7:172] Recall that your Lord summoned all the descendants of Adam, and had them bear witness for themselves: "Am I not your Lord?" They all said, "Yes. We bear witness." Thus, you cannot say on the Day of Resurrection, "We were not aware of this." [7:173] Nor can you say, "It was our parents who practiced idolatry, and we simply followed in their footsteps. Will You punish us because of what others have innovated?" [7:174] We thus explain the revelations, to enable the people to redeem themselves.* Following the Parents Blindly: A Common Tragedy [31:21] When they are told, "Follow these revelations of GOD," they say, "No, we follow only what we found our parents doing." What if the devil is leading them to the agony of Hell? Do Not Follow Your Parents' Religion Blindly [5:104] When they are told, "Come to what GOD has revealed, and to the messenger," they say, "What we found our parents doing is sufficient for us." What if their parents knew nothing, and were not guided? We Are Each Responsible For Our Own Souls [5:105] O you who believe, you should worry only about your own necks. If the others go astray, they cannot hurt you, as long as you are guided. To GOD is your ultimate destiny, all of you, then He will inform you of everything you had done. [2:134] Such is a community from the past. They are responsible for what they earned, and you are responsible for what you earned. You are not answerable for anything they have done. [6:121] Do not eat from that upon which the name of GOD has not been mentioned, for it is an abomination. The devils inspire their allies to argue with you; if you obey them, you will be idol worshipers.* Religious Leaders Idea is that this person did all the research I’ll just follow them instead of figuring out myself Religion is too important for it to be left to the religious scholars [14:21] When they all stand before GOD,* the followers will say to the leaders, "We used to follow you. Can you spare us even a little bit of GOD's retribution?" They will say, "Had GOD guided us, we would have guided you. Now it is too late, whether we grieve or resort to patience, there is no exit for us." Upholding the Teachings of Religious Leaders Instead of God's Teachings [9:31] They have set up their religious leaders and scholars as lords,* instead of GOD. Others deified the Messiah, son of Mary. They were all commanded to worship only one god. There is no god except He. Be He glorified, high above having any partners. [9:32] They want to put out GOD's light with their mouths, but GOD insists upon perfecting His light, in spite of the disbelievers. We each choose a path when it comes to belief the thought that I won’t choose, but instead go with the flow is still a choice [2:148] Each of you chooses the direction to follow; you shall race towards righteousness. Wherever you may be, GOD will summon you all. GOD is Omnipotent. Don’t follow the group blindly. Example of Abraham, Muhammad, Lot, Saleh, Hud, Noah Ego But don’t do the other extreme either and be one who follows only their own ego The Ego as a god [25:43] Have you seen the one whose god is his own ego? Will you be his advocate? [25:44] Do you think that most of them hear, or understand? They are just like animals; no, they are far worse. Common Form of Idolatry: The Ego As A god [45:23] Have you noted the one whose god is his ego? Consequently, GOD sends him astray, despite his knowledge, seals his hearing and his mind, and places a veil on his eyes. Who then can guide him, after such a decision by GOD? Would you not take heed? [47:30] If we will, we can expose them for you, so that you can recognize them just by looking at them. However, you can recognize them by the way they talk. GOD is fully aware of all your works. [40:56] Surely, those who argue against GOD's revelations without proof are exposing the arrogance that is hidden inside their chests, and they are not even aware of it. Therefore, seek refuge in GOD; He is the Hearer, the Seer. People with ego lack sincerity [2:285] The messenger has believed in what was sent down to him from his Lord, and so did the believers. They believe in GOD, His angels, His scripture, and His messengers: "We make no distinction among any of His messengers." They say, "We hear, and we obey. Forgive us, our Lord. To You is the ultimate destiny."

4/6/2018 • 20 minutes, 36 seconds

Mastery: Perfecting Our Submission to God Alone

Mastery. Greene, Robert. Penguin Publishing Group. “In order to master a field, you must love the subject and feel a profound connection to it. Your interest must transcend the field itself and border on the religious. “ [6:161] Say, "My Lord has guided me in a straight path—the perfect religion of Abraham, monotheism. He never was an idol worshiper." [6:162] Say, "My Contact Prayers (Salat), my worship practices, my life and my death, are all devoted absolutely to GOD alone, the Lord of the universe. [6:163] "He has no partner. This is what I am commanded to believe, and I am the first to submit." [2:165] …Those who believe love GOD the most. “A false path in life is generally something we are attracted to for the wrong reasons—money, fame, attention, and so on. If it is attention we need, we often experience a kind of emptiness inside that we are hoping to fill with the false love of public approval. “ [76:8] They donate their favorite food to the poor, the orphan, and the captive. [76:9] "We feed you for the sake of GOD; we expect no reward from you, nor thanks. [76:10] "We fear from our Lord a day that is full of misery and trouble." We don’t change because of what we know we change because we care [13:11] Shifts (of angels) take turns, staying with each one of you—they are in front of you and behind you. They stay with you, and guard you in accordance with GOD's commands. Thus, GOD does not change the condition of any people unless they themselves make the decision to change. If GOD wills any hardship for any people, no force can stop it. For they have none beside Him as Lord and Master. Jiro Dreams of Sushi (85 years old – making sushi for over 60 years) “We don’t care about money, All I want to do is make better sushi. I do the same thing over and over improving bit by bit. There is always a yearning to achieve more. I’ll continue to climb, trying to reach the top, but no one knows where the top is.“ - Jiro In an interview with one of Jiro’s apprentices he said that it took him 10 years before they would allow him to cook the eggs for egg sushi. Even then every time he tried it was rejected. It took him 200 tries before Jiro accepted it and he said when that happened he almost cried, but he kept it to himself because he didn’t want to show his excitement. You can be completely dedicated to something yet always be doing whatever you are in the cause of God. The two are one in the same. They do not need to be mutually exclusive. Someone asking if they should be a doctor because they were concerned that it would distract them from worshipping God. “Just as a well-filled day brings blessed sleep, so a well-employed life brings a blessed death.” - Leonardo da Vinci Importance of repetition Commencement speech from US Navy Admiral William McRaven, If You Want to Change the World, Start Off by Making Your Bed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGRXaFf9LFU No broken window policy Today we want everything new – we want novelty – constant stimulation This is what makes apps like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat so popular The world is full of information, but what we really need is wisdom Wisdom is the condensed down optimal use of information And wisdom comes through Mastery What is the difference between a chess grandmaster and an intermediate chess player, is that the intermediate player will consider more moves, but the grandmaster while looking at fewer moves will look at only the best ones So much of the religion is repetition 5 times a day we perform our Contact Prayers [70:34] They consistently observe their contact prayers (Salat), on time. We recite the same things every time 17 times a day we recite the Al-Fãtehah [14:40] "My Lord, make me one who consistently observes the Contact Prayers (Salat), and also my children. Our Lord, please answer my prayers. Before we eat we mention God’s name or when we wake up in the morning we say: Bismillah AlRahman AlRaheem (In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful) Every time we get income we give to Zakat Remembering God Every Chance We Get [18:23] You shall not say that you will do anything in the future, [18:24] without saying, "GOD willing."* If you forget to do this, you must immediately remember your Lord and say, "May my Lord guide me to do better next time." Each night before going to bed we read Quran and at Dawn we recite Quran Even the Quran is repetitive The number one feedback I hear from people who are new to Quran is that it is repetitive They say: “I get it God is Most Gracious, Most Merciful” But do they really understand? It can take a lifetime to even get a small understanding of what this truly means. Just because you read it once, does not mean that you understand it Knowing vs. Understanding Example of changing the orientation of a bike such that left turns right and vice-versa The Backwards Brain Bicycle - Smarter Every Day 133 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFzDaBzBlL0 It took him weeks to understand the new way of riding the bike, and despite this when he would challenge people they overestimated their abilities In the field of psychology, the Dunning–Kruger effect is a cognitive bias wherein people of low ability suffer from illusory superiority, mistakenly assessing their cognitive ability as greater than it is. The cognitive bias of illusory superiority derives from the metacognitive inability of low-ability persons to recognize their own ineptitude; without the self-awareness of metacognition, low-ability people cannot objectively evaluate their actual competence or incompetence. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect Meditation [17:79] During the night, you shall meditate for extra credit, that your Lord may raise you to an honorable rank. [17:80] And say, "My Lord, admit me an honorable admittance, and let me depart an honorable departure, and grant me from You a powerful support." [17:81] Proclaim, "The truth has prevailed, and falsehood has vanished; falsehood will inevitably vanish." [50:40] During the night you shall meditate on His name, and after prostrating. Meditation – 144 basketball players split into two groups 1 group practice shooting with one-handed free throws for two weeks The other group only mentally practiced one-handed free throws for two weeks At the end of the experiment intermediate and expert players improved by the same amount [14:7] Your Lord has decreed: "The more you thank Me, the more I give you." But if you turn unappreciative, then My retribution is severe. Molecules of Emotion - Candace Pert When we feel emotions peptides are released through our body Each cell has receptors for these peptides When our cells replicate they will form more receptors targeted towards whatever emotions we were feeling more of. So if you are happy, your body will find more reasons to find happiness in this world and if you are sad your body will find more reasons to find sadness in this world. [22:28] They may seek commercial benefits, and they shall commemorate GOD's name during the specified days for providing them with livestock. "Eat therefrom and feed the despondent and the poor." Axons & Myelin Also, when we reinforce a thought we are strengthening the connections in our mind towards that thought. Our brains are made of axons that carry electrical impulses These axons are covered with myelin Myelin serves as an insulator for our axons When we have a thought certain axons are activated and the more we reinforce this thought the more myelin will insulate these axons reinforcing that thought How to practice effectively...for just about anything - Annie Bosler and Don Greene https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2O6mQkFiiw [19:75] Say, "Those who choose to go astray, the Most Gracious will lead them on, until they see what is promised for them—either the retribution or the Hour. That is when they find out who really is worse off, and weaker in power." [19:76] GOD augments the guidance of those who choose to be guided. For the good deeds are eternally rewarded by your Lord, and bring far better returns. This is the reason why what we do everyday more important than what we do every once in a while Making belief second nature Don’t think just do Some people think it is hard to take action, instead I will wait until I have the motivation then I will take action But more often than not the opposite is true First, take action and then your brain will find the motivation to continue Want to get to a point where God and belief is so ingrained in our day to day that when something happens our natural response is that of a believer. We think that because we “know” how to act that we will under the circumstances, but just like the person “thinks” they can ride a reversed bike we will be mistaken. [3:155] Surely, those among you who turned back the day the two armies clashed have been duped by the devil. This reflects some of the (evil) works they had committed. GOD has pardoned them. GOD is Forgiver, Clement. That is why we need the constant reinforcement and practice… Humans want novelty, they want new, but what God wants to teach us is repetition The human being is forgetful [6:68] If you see those who mock our revelations, you shall avoid them until they delve into another subject. If the devil causes you to forget, then, as soon as you remember, do not sit with such evil people. [6:69] The righteous are not responsible for the utterances of those people, but it may help to remind them; perhaps they may be saved. Same thing with Joseph in 12:42 – said that the devil made him forget his Lord. [38:45] Remember also our servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They were resourceful, and possessed vision. [38:46] We bestowed upon them a great blessing: awareness of the Hereafter. One day we will meet our Creator and we will be held responsible for how we used this life and the only thing will matter will be the good deeds we did in this life [7:51] Those who do not take their religion seriously, and are totally preoccupied with this worldly life, we forget them on that day, because they forgot that day, and because they spurned our revelations. [32:14] Taste the consequences of your forgetting this day; now we forget you. You have incurred eternal retribution in return for your own works. [39:8] When the human being is afflicted, he implores his Lord, sincerely devoted to Him. But as soon as He blesses him, he forgets his previous imploring, sets up idols to rank with GOD and to divert others from His path. Say, "Enjoy your disbelief temporarily; you have incurred the hellfire." [39:9] Is it not better to be one of those who meditate in the night, prostrating and staying up, being aware of the Hereafter, and seeking the mercy of their Lord? Say, "Are those who know equal to those who do not know?" Only those who possess intelligence will take heed. Constantly Remember God [2:152] You shall remember Me, that I may remember you, and be thankful to Me; do not be unappreciative. [2:63 & 7:171] …"You shall uphold what we have given you strongly, and remember its contents, that you may be saved." [7:69] … Remember GOD's blessings, that you may succeed." [62:10] Once the prayer is completed, you may spread through the land to seek GOD's bounties, and continue to remember GOD frequently, that you may succeed. [20:14] "I am GOD; there is no other god beside Me. You shall worship Me alone, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) to remember Me. Whatever we spend thinking about most the day becomes our god. “We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” T.S. Elliot Moses and the magicians These people have made the decisions all their life such that at the moment there was no thinking just reacting How To Be A Hero - Radiolab http://www.radiolab.org/story/how-be-hero/ Man Is Rescued by Stranger on Subway Tracks https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/03/nyregion/03life.html New York Subway Hero – Wesley Autrey (CBSNews) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N2zhu5RH34 [2:286] GOD never burdens a soul beyond its means: to its credit is what it earns, and against it is what it commits. "Our Lord, do not condemn us if we forget or make mistakes. Our Lord, and protect us from blaspheming against You, like those before us have done. Our Lord, protect us from sinning until it becomes too late for us to repent. Pardon us and forgive us. You are our Lord and Master. Grant us victory over the disbelieving people."

3/30/2018 • 34 minutes, 24 seconds

Our Private Key To Unlock God's Message: Sincerity

Public Key Cryptography One Public Key one Private Key Public Key validates the sender of the message Private Key unlocks the message #19 is the public key - anyone anywhere can validate every letter, word, verse, sura of the Quran, but does not mean that they will have access to it Sincerity is the private key - this is what allows someone to unlock the message of the Quran. If someone is not sincere - they will not be able to understand Quran [74:18 – 36] For he reflected, then decided. Miserable is what he decided. Miserable indeed is what he decided. He looked. He frowned and whined. Then he turned away arrogantly. He said, "This is but clever magic! "This is human made." … Over it is nineteen. We appointed angels to be guardians of Hell, and we assigned their number (19) (1) to disturb the disbelievers, (2) to convince the Christians and Jews (that this is a divine scripture), (3) to strengthen the faith of the faithful, (4) to remove all traces of doubt from the hearts of Christians, Jews, as well as the believers, and (5) to expose those who harbor doubt in their hearts, and the disbelievers; they will say, "What did GOD mean by this allegory?" GOD thus sends astray whomever He wills, and guides whomever He wills. None knows the soldiers of your Lord except He. This is a reminder for the people. Absolutely, (I swear) by the moon. And the night as it passes. And the morning as it shines. This is one of the great miracles. A warning to the human race. In order to access the Quran we need to be sincere. [56:75] I swear by the positions of the stars. [56:76] This is an oath, if you only knew, that is awesome. [56:77] This is an honorable Quran. [56:78] In a protected book. [56:79] None can grasp it except the sincere.* There are two things that can happen when someone who is not sincere receives the Quran. They disbelieve They become a hypocrite Three Categories of People (1) The Righteous [2:3] who believe in the unseen, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat),* and from our** provisions to them, they give to charity. [2:4] And they believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you,* and with regard to the Hereafter, they are absolutely certain. [2:5] These are guided by their Lord; these are the winners. (2) The Disbelievers [2:6] As for those who disbelieve, it is the same for them; whether you warn them, or not warn them, they cannot believe. [2:7] GOD seals their minds and their hearing, and their eyes are veiled. They have incurred severe retribution. (3) The Hypocrites [2:8] Then there are those who say, "We believe in GOD and the Last Day," while they are not believers. [2:9] In trying to deceive GOD and those who believe, they only deceive themselves without perceiving. [2:10] In their minds there is a disease. Consequently, GOD augments their disease. They have incurred a painful retribution for their lying. [2:11] When they are told, "Do not commit evil," they say, "But we are righteous!" [2:12] In fact, they are evildoers, but they do not perceive. [2:13] When they are told, "Believe like the people who believed," they say, "Shall we believe like the fools who believed?" In fact, it is they who are fools, but they do not know. [2:14] When they meet the believers, they say, "We believe," but when alone with their devils, they say, "We are with you; we were only mocking." [2:15] GOD mocks them, and leads them on in their transgressions, blundering. [2:16] It is they who bought the straying, at the expense of guidance. Such trade never prospers, nor do they receive any guidance. [2:17] Their example is like those who start a fire, then, as it begins to shed light around them, GOD takes away their light, leaving them in darkness, unable to see. [2:18] Deaf, dumb, and blind; they fail to return. They will be blocked out if they are not sincere Divine Intervention [18:57] Who are more evil than those who are reminded of their Lord's proofs, then disregard them, without realizing what they are doing. Consequently, we place shields on their hearts to prevent them from understanding it (the Quran), and deafness in their ears. Thus, no matter what you do to guide them, they can never ever be guided. [35:8] Note the one whose evil work is adorned in his eyes, until he thinks that it is righteous. GOD thus sends astray whoever wills (to go astray), and He guides whoever wills (to be guided). Therefore, do not grieve over them. GOD is fully aware of everything they do. [15:90] We will deal with the dividers. [15:91] They accept the Quran only partially. Can’t take the interpretation of one verse when it contradicts the other. [3:78] Among them are those who twist their tongues to imitate the scripture, that you may think it is from the scripture, when it is not from the scripture, and they claim that it is from GOD, when it is not from GOD. Thus, they utter lies and attribute them to GOD, knowingly. [4:44] Have you noted those who received a portion of the scripture, and how they choose to stray, and wish that you stray from the path? This is part of God’s system [2:88] Some would say, "Our minds are made up!" Instead, it is a curse from GOD, as a consequence of their disbelief, that keeps them from believing, except for a few of them. [3:178] Let not the disbelievers think that we lead them on for their own good. We only lead them on to confirm their sinfulness. They have incurred a humiliating retribution. [45:23] Have you noted the one whose god is his ego? Consequently, GOD sends him astray, despite his knowledge, seals his hearing and his mind, and places a veil on his eyes. Who then can guide him, after such a decision by GOD? Would you not take heed? That is why it is so important to kill our egos in order to understand God’s message If we want to be sincere we have to kill our egos – start fresh and listen to what God tells us in the Quran God is Most Gracious, Most Merciful Instinctive Knowledge about who our Lord is [7:172] Recall that your Lord summoned all the descendants of Adam, and had them bear witness for themselves: "Am I not your Lord?" They all said, "Yes. We bear witness." Thus, you cannot say on the Day of Resurrection, "We were not aware of this." [7:173] Nor can you say, "It was our parents who practiced idolatry, and we simply followed in their footsteps. Will You punish us because of what others have innovated?" [7:174] We thus explain the revelations, to enable the people to redeem themselves.* [52:25] They will meet each other and reminisce among themselves. [52:26] They will say, "We used to be kind and humble among our people. [52:27] "GOD has blessed us, and has spared us the agony of ill winds. [52:28] "We used to implore Him; He is the Most Kind, Most Merciful.” [47:29] Did those who harbor doubts in their hearts think that GOD will not bring out their evil thoughts? [47:30] If we will, we can expose them for you, so that you can recognize them just by looking at them. However, you can recognize them by the way they talk. GOD is fully aware of all your works. [47:31] We will certainly put you to the test, in order to distinguish those among you who strive, and steadfastly persevere. We must expose your true qualities. [3:7] He sent down to you this scripture, containing straightforward verses—which constitute the essence of the scripture—as well as multiple-meaning or allegorical verses. Those who harbor doubts in their hearts will pursue the multiple-meaning 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. [83:7] Indeed, the book of the wicked is in Sijjeen. [83:8] Do you know what Sijjeen is? [83:9] A numerically structured book. [83:18] Indeed, the book of the righteous will be in 'Elleyyeen. [83:19] Do you know what 'Elleyyeen is? [83:20] A numerically structured book. Solomon and The Queen of Sheba [27:20] He inspected the birds, and noted: "Why do I not see the hoopoe? Why is he missing? [27:21] "I will punish him severely or sacrifice him, unless he gives me a good excuse." [27:22] He did not wait for long. (The hoopoe) said, "I have news that you do not have. I brought to you from Sheba, some important information. [27:23] "I found a woman ruling them, who is blessed with everything, and possesses a tremendous palace. [27:24] "I found her and her people prostrating before the sun, instead of GOD. The devil has adorned their works in their eyes, and has repulsed them from the path; consequently, they are not guided." [27:25] They should have been prostrating before GOD, the One who manifests all the mysteries in the heavens and the earth, and the One who knows everything you conceal and everything you declare. [27:26] GOD: there is no other god beside Him; the Lord with the great dominion. [27:27] (Solomon) said, "We will see if you told the truth, or if you are a liar. [27:28] "Take this letter from me, give it to them, then watch for their response." Back in Sheba [27:29] She said, "O my advisers, I have received an honorable letter. [27:30] "It is from Solomon, and it is, 'In the name of GOD, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.' [27:31] "Proclaiming: 'Do not be arrogant; come to me as submitters.'" [27:32] She said, "O my advisers, counsel me in this matter. I am not deciding anything until you advise me." [27:33] They said, "We possess the power, we possess the fighting skills, and the ultimate command is in your hand. You decide what to do." [27:34] She said, "The kings corrupt any land they invade, and subjugate its dignified people. This is what they usually do. [27:35] "I am sending a gift to them; let us see what the messengers come back with." [27:36] When the hoopoe returned to Solomon (he told him the news), and he responded (to Sheba's people): "Are you giving me money? What GOD has given me is far better than what He has given you. You are the ones to rejoice in such gifts." [27:37] (To the hoopoe, he said,) "Go back to them (and let them know that) we will come to them with forces they cannot imagine. We will evict them, humiliated and debased." Faster Than the Speed of Light [27:38] He said, "O you elders, which of you can bring me her mansion, before they arrive here as submitters?" [27:39] One afrit from the jinns said, "I can bring it to you before you stand up. I am powerful enough to do this." [27:40] The one who possessed knowledge from the book said, "I can bring it to you in the blink of your eye." When he saw it settled in front of him, he said, "This is a blessing from my Lord, whereby He tests me, to show whether I am appreciative or unappreciative. Whoever is appreciative is appreciative for his own good, and if one turns unappreciative, then my Lord is in no need for him, Most Honorable." [27:41] He said, "Remodel her mansion for her. Let us see if she will be guided, or continue with the misguided." [27:42] When she arrived, she was asked, "Does your mansion look like this?" She said, "It seems that this is it." (Solomon said,) "We knew beforehand what she was going to do, and we were already submitters." [27:43] She had been diverted by worshiping idols instead of GOD; she belonged to disbelieving people. [27:44] She was told, "Go inside the palace." When she saw its interior, she thought it was a pool of water, and she (pulled up her dress,) exposing her legs. He said, "This interior is now paved with crystal." She said, "My Lord, I have wronged my soul. I now submit with Solomon to GOD, Lord of the universe." Solomon – Judgment to cut the baby in half. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judgment_of_Solomon

3/21/2018 • 32 minutes, 53 seconds

Contradictions In Quran

1. Allah created man from Embryo [96:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful [96:1] Read, in the name of your Lord, who created. [96:2] He created man from an embryo. [96:3] Read, and your Lord, Most Exalted. [96:4] Teaches by means of the pen. [96:5] He teaches man what he never knew. Water [25:54] He is the One who created from water a human being, then made him reproduce through marriage and mating. Your Lord is Omnipotent. Dust [30:20] Among His proofs is that He created you from dust, then you became reproducing humans. Nothing [19:67] Did the human being forget that we created him already, and he was nothing? Clay [15:26] We created the human being from aged mud, like the potter's clay. [21:30] Do the unbelievers not realize that the heaven and the earth used to be one solid mass that we exploded into existence? And from water we made all living things. Would they believe? Prior to the big bang there was nothing – so we came from nothing After big-bang there was Stardust these are all the elements that make up a human in total I believe there are about 27 different elements that the human body consists of If I say I made an apple pie, the ingredients will be dependent on how detailed I want to get. Flour => Wheat => Earth => Water => Stardust etc. Also, going to link to the audio of a video showing just how profound the first revelation of the Quran the first five verses of Sura 96 are so profound regarding the process of an embryo. Part of it is visual so I’ll link to the actual video, but I think you will still appreciate what is said. EMBRYO = LEECH | AMAZING QURAN MIRACLE | #MINDBLOW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYajKl-Xr6c 2. They lost their own souls, who will not believe (6:12) God causes to stray whom He wills (16:93) The 6:12 verse does not sound right [6:12] Say, "To whom belongs everything in the heavens and the earth?" Say, "To GOD." He has decreed that mercy is His attribute. He will surely summon you all on the Day of Resurrection, which is inevitable. The ones who lose their souls are those who disbelieve. But from 16:93 I think I understand the argument [16:93] Had GOD willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He sends astray whoever chooses to go astray, and He guides whoever wishes to be guided.* You will surely be asked about everything you have done. Do human beings have free will according to the Quran. The answer is yes: [33:72] We have offered the responsibility (freedom of choice) to the heavens and the earth, and the mountains, but they refused to bear it, and were afraid of it. But the human being accepted it; he was transgressing, ignorant.* So why does it say that God leads people astray in 16:93? When we make a choice our minds are designed to confirm that choice – this is by the design of God. That is why it says [19:75] Say, "Those who choose to go astray, the Most Gracious will lead them on, until they see what is promised for them—either the retribution or the Hour. That is when they find out who really is worse off, and weaker in power." [19:76] GOD augments the guidance of those who choose to be guided. For the good deeds are eternally rewarded by your Lord, and bring far better returns. This is called confirmation bias – we look for information that will confirm our existing beliefs. [9:115] GOD does not send any people astray, after He had guided them, without first pointing out for them what to expect. GOD is fully aware of all things. 3. Will intercession be possible on the Day of Judgment? [2:123] Beware of the day when no soul will help another soul, no ransom will be accepted, no intercession will be useful, and no one will be helped. [2:254] O you who believe, you shall give to charity from the provisions we have given to you, before a day comes where there is no trade, no nepotism, and no intercession. The disbelievers are the unjust. [20:109] On that day, intercession will be useless, except for those permitted by the Most Gracious, and whose utterances conform to His will. To believe that anyone, other than God, can intercede on our behalf to have our sins forgiven or our wishes fulfilled, is to set up partners with God. This is idolatry. The Quran proclaims that "All intercession belongs to God" (39:44), and that there will be "no intercession on the Day of Judgment" (2:254). The myth of intercession is one of Satan's most effective tricks to dupe millions of people into idol worship. Millions of Christians believe that Jesus will intercede for them at God, and millions of Muslims believe that Muhammad will intercede on their behalf. Consequently, these people idolize Jesus and Muhammad. The concept of intercession is utterly illogical. Those who believe in Muhammad's intercession, for example, claim that he will ask God to forgive them and admit them into Paradise. They imagine Muhammad on the Day of Judgment choosing the candidates for his intercession. If you ask those who believe in intercession: "How will Muhammad recognize those who deserve his intercession?" they tell you, "God will tell him!" According to this concept, a person will go to Muhammad and request his intercession. Muhammad will then ask God whether this person deserves his intercession or not. God will inform Muhammad that the person deserves to go to Paradise. Muhammad will then turn around and tell God that the person deserves to go to Paradise! The blasphemy is obvious; those who believe in intercession make God a secretary of their idol Muhammad. God be glorified. Since the Quran is the most accurate book, it acknowledges that everyone in Paradise will intercede on behalf of his or her loved ones: "Please God, admit my mother into Paradise." This intercession will work if the person's mother deserves to go to Paradise (2:255, 20:109, 21:28). Thus, intercession, though it will take place in this manner, is utterly useless. We learn from the Quran that Abraham, God's beloved servant, could not intercede on behalf of his father (9:114). Noah could not intercede on behalf of his son (11:46). Muhammad could not intercede on behalf of his uncle (111:1-3) or relatives (9:80). What makes anyone think that a prophet or a saint will intercede on behalf of a perfect stranger?! See 2:48, 123; 6:51, 70, 94; 7:53; 10:3; 19:87; 26:100; 30:13; 32:4; 36:23; 39:44; 40:18; 43:86; 53:26 & 74:48. Muhammad's intercession is in 25:30. [25:30] The messenger* said, "My Lord, my people have deserted this Quran." 4. Does God command to do evil in the Quran? (7:328? & 17:16) I think they meant 17:38 [17:38] All bad behavior is condemned by your Lord. [17:16] If we are to annihilate any community, we let the leaders commit vast corruption therein. Once they deserve retribution, we annihilate it completely. God prohibits all bad behavior (17:38), but God gave us freedom of choice & He allows people to commit evil to confirm their true convictions [3:178] Let not the disbelievers think that we lead them on for their own good. We only lead them on to confirm their sinfulness. [47:29] Did those who harbor doubts in their hearts think that GOD will not bring out their evil thoughts? [47:30] If we will, we can expose them for you, so that you can recognize them just by looking at them. However, you can recognize them by the way they talk. GOD is fully aware of all your works. [47:31] We will certainly put you to the test, in order to distinguish those among you who strive, and steadfastly persevere. We must expose your true qualities. [68:42] The day will come when they will be exposed, and they will be required to fall prostrate, but they will be unable to. [68:43] With their eyes subdued, humiliation will cover them. They were invited to fall prostrate when they were whole and able. [68:44] Therefore, let Me deal with those who reject this Hadith; we will lead them on whence they never perceive. [68:45] I will give them enough rope; My scheming is formidable. 5. Can slander of chaste women be forgiven? (24:4-5 & 24:23) [24:4] Those who accuse married women of adultery, then fail to produce four witnesses, you shall whip them eighty lashes, and do not accept any testimony from them; they are wicked. [24:5] If they repent afterwards and reform, then GOD is Forgiver, Merciful. Gross Sin [24:23] Surely, those who falsely accuse married women who are pious believers have incurred condemnation in this life and in the Hereafter; they have incurred a horrendous retribution. [24:24] The day will come when their own tongues, hands, and feet will bear witness to everything they had done. [24:25] On that day, GOD will requite them fully for their works, and they will find out that GOD is the Truth. The answer to this dilemma is if they repent. [39:53] Proclaim: "O My servants who exceeded the limits, never despair of GOD's mercy. For GOD forgives all sins. He is the Forgiver, Most Merciful.” [9:11] If they repent and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), then they are your brethren in religion. We thus explain the revelations for people who know. 6. What will the people of Hell eat? (84:6 & 69:36) [88:4] Suffering in a blazing Hellfire. [88:5] Drinking from a flaming spring. [88:6] They will have no food except the useless variety. [88:7] It never nourishes, nor satisfies hunger. [69:36] Nor any food, except the bitter variety. [69:37] Food for the sinners. [37:62] Is this a better destiny, or the tree of bitterness? [37:63] We have rendered it a punishment for the transgressors. [37:64] It is a tree that grows in the heart of Hell. [37:65] Its flowers look like the devils' heads. [37:66] They will eat from it until their bellies are filled up. [37:67] Then they will top it with a hellish drink. [37:68] Then they will return to Hell. [44:43] Surely, the tree of bitterness— [44:44] will provide the food for the sinful. [44:45] Like lye, it will boil in the stomachs. [44:46] Like the boiling of hellish drinks. [44:47] Take him and throw him into the center of Hell. [44:48] Then pour upon his head the retribution of the Inferno. [44:49] "Taste this; you were so powerful, so honorable." [44:50] This is what you used to doubt. All descriptions of Heaven and Hell are purely allegorical. [2:25] Give good news to those who believe and lead a righteous life that they will have gardens with flowing streams. When provided with a provision of fruits therein, they will say, "This is what was provided for us previously." Thus, they are given allegorical descriptions. They will have pure spouses therein, and they abide therein forever. Why so graphic? God does not shy away from any allegory. God is letting us know just how terrible Hell is so that we make the right choice. Otherwise, we will complain that we had no idea it was so bad Like a doctor who tells you that if you keep living an unhealthy life you will have health problems and troubles – it isn’t that the doctor is mean they are just the only ones willing to be honest with you. 7. Earth created then heaven or Heaven created then earth? [2:29] He is the One who created for you everything on earth, then turned to the sky and perfected seven universes therein,* and He is fully aware of all things. [79:27] Are you more difficult to create than the heaven? He constructed it. [79:28] He raised its masses, and perfected it. [79:29] He made its night dark, and brightened its morn. [79:30] He made the earth egg-shaped. 79:27 - 30 is not a chronology but just two statements. Also read in 21:30 about the Big Bang *79:30 The Arabic word "dahhaahaa" is derived from "Dahhyah" which means "egg." In Arabia, at the time they didn’t have chickens, but more likely to have ostriches Ostrich egg – oblate spheroid – where it is almost perfectly round but one hemisphere is more narrow than the other just slightly 8. If unbelievers reject the Quran let them be (3:20), If unbelievers reject the Quran you shall fight them (8:38-39) [3:20] If they argue with you, then say, "I have simply submitted myself to GOD; I and those who follow me." You shall proclaim to those who received the scripture, as well as those who did not, "Would you submit?" If they submit, then they have been guided, but if they turn away, your sole mission is to deliver this message. GOD is Seer of all people. [8:38] Tell those who disbelieved: if they stop, all their past will be forgiven. But if they return, they will incur the same fate as their previous counterparts. [8:39] You shall fight them to ward off oppression, and to practice your religion devoted to GOD alone. If they refrain from aggression, then GOD is fully Seer of everything they do. Rules of War* [2:190] You may fight in the cause of GOD against those who attack you, but do not aggress. GOD does not love the aggressors. [2:191] You may kill those who wage war against you, and you may evict them whence they evicted you. Oppression is worse than murder. Do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque (Masjid), unless they attack you therein. If they attack you, you may kill them. This is the just retribution for those disbelievers. [2:192] If they refrain, then GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [2:193] You may also fight them to eliminate oppression, and to worship GOD freely. If they refrain, you shall not aggress; aggression is permitted only against the aggressors. The Quran does not shy away from talking about proper conduct during war. And yes during war lives will be lost – it will not be pillow fights and tickling. 9. Creation was an act of bringing together(41:11), Creation was an act of splitting apart (21:30)? The Big Bang Theory Confirmed* [21:30] Do the unbelievers not realize that the heaven and the earth used to be one solid mass that we exploded into existence? And from water we made all living things. Would they believe? [41:11] Then He turned to the sky, when it was still gas, and said to it, and to the earth, "Come into existence, willingly or unwillingly." They said, "We come willingly.” 10. The first Muslim was Muhammad (6:14, 6:163, 39:12), Moses (7:143), some Egyptians (26:51)? [6:14] Say, "Shall I accept other than GOD as a Lord and Master, when He is the Initiator of the heavens and the earth, and He feeds but is not fed?" Say, "I am commanded to be the most devoted submitter, and, 'Do not be an idol worshiper.' " [6:163] "He has no partner. This is what I am commanded to believe, and I am the first to submit." [39:11] Say, "I have been commanded to worship GOD, devoting the religion absolutely to Him alone. [39:12] "And I was commanded to be the utmost submitter." [7:143] When Moses came at our appointed time, and his Lord spoke with him, he said, "My Lord, let me look and see You." He said, "You cannot see Me. Look at that mountain; if it stays in its place, then you can see Me." Then, his Lord manifested Himself to the mountain, and this caused it to crumble. Moses fell unconscious. When he came to, he said, "Be You glorified. I repent to You, and I am the most convinced believer." Context: these are the magicians at the time of Moses [26:51] "We hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins, especially that we are the first believers." Muslim just means one who submits to God alone. [2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, & the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, & (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve The first person to call us Submitters was Abraham. Abraham: Original Messenger of Islam* [22:78] You shall strive for the cause of GOD as you should strive for His cause. He has chosen you and has placed no hardship on you in practicing your religion—the religion of your father Abraham. He is the one who named you "Submitters" originally… [16:123] Then we inspired you (Muhammad) to follow the religion of Abraham,* the monotheist; he never was an idol worshiper. James 4:7 - Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

3/15/2018 • 42 minutes, 2 seconds

The Push

What you just listened to was a trailer for a Netflix original called the Push The Push is a social experiment conducted by Derren Brown who is a British mentalist. If you have been listening to the podcast you might have heard me reference Darren Brown and some of the social illusions he has run. He really is an experiment of understanding human psychology The premise in the push is can he create a scenario where within a span of 72 minutes he can create a scenario where a person will push a human off a building to their death. SPOILER ALERT…. IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN IT AND YOU WANT TO SEE IT PLEASE GO WATCH IT FIRST AND THEN LISTEN TO THE PODCAST IF YOU DON’T CARE ABOUT HEARING WHAT HAPPENED THEN CONTINUE LISTENING I think the biggest mistake most people make when watching one of these social experiments is thinking what is wrong with these people…I would never do that I noticed the people who are in complete denial about their ability to be manipulated are the most susceptible We need to watch things like this and think no this could be me I could be the person in this experiment and be cajoled into doing something that I would have never thought I would do in a million years Example of Adam and Eve in paradise being tempted by the devil [4:119] "I will mislead them, I will entice them, I will command them to (forbid the eating of certain meats by) marking the ears of livestock, and I will command them to distort the creation of GOD." Anyone who accepts the devil as a lord, instead of GOD, has incurred a profound loss. [4:120] He promises them and entices them; what the devil promises is no more than an illusion. [7:17] "I will come to them from before them, and from behind them, and from their right, and from their left, and You will find that most of them are unappreciative." [17:64] "You may entice them with your voice, and mobilize all your forces and all your men against them, and share in their money and children, and promise them. Anything the devil promises is no more than an illusion. [7:202] Their brethren ceaselessly entice them to go astray. [29:3] We have tested those before them, for GOD must distinguish those who are truthful, and He must expose the liars. [29:10] Among the people there are those who say, "We believe in GOD," but as soon as they suffer any hardship because of GOD, they equate the people's persecution with GOD's retribution. But if blessings from your Lord come your way, they say, "We were with you." Is GOD not fully aware of the people's innermost thoughts? [29:11] GOD will most certainly distinguish those who believe, and He will most certainly expose the hypocrites. [3:154]… GOD thus puts you to the test to bring out your true convictions, and to test what is in your hearts. In the push, they showed how they selected participants for the experiment They wanted to see how agreeable and likely people would be to go with the group Sitting and Standing - They had three actors sitting in a waiting room and then one by one they brought in people who wanted to be on the show then a bell would ring and the actors would stand then a bell ring and they would sit. Social Pressure: God Strengthens the Messenger [17:73] They almost diverted you from the revelations we have given you. They wanted you to fabricate something else, in order to consider you a friend. [17:74] If it were not that we strengthened you, you almost leaned towards them just a little bit. [17:75] Had you done that, we would have doubled the retribution for you in this life, and after death, and you would have found no one to help you against us. [17:76] They almost banished you from the land to get rid of you, so they could revert as soon as you left. [17:77] This has been consistently the case with all the messengers that we sent before you, and you will find that our system never changes. Abraham Back to Abraham [29:24] The only response from his people was their saying, "Kill him, or burn him." But GOD saved him from the fire. This should provide lessons for people who believe. Social Pressure: A Profound Disaster [29:25] He said, "You worship beside GOD powerless idols due to peer pressure, just to preserve some friendship among you in this worldly life. But then, on the Day of Resurrection, you will disown one another, and curse one another. Your destiny is Hell, wherein you cannot help one another." [29:26] Lot believed with him and said, "I am emigrating to my Lord. He is the Almighty, the Most Wise." Lot and the people of Sodom and Gomorrah Example of Joseph God Protects the Believers From Sin [12:23] The lady of the house where he lived tried to seduce him. She closed the doors and said, "I am all yours." He said, "May GOD protect me. He is my Lord, who gave me a good home.* The transgressors never succeed." Footnote [12:24] She almost succumbed to him, and he almost succumbed to her, if it were not that he saw a proof from his Lord. We thus diverted evil and sin away from him, for he was one of our devoted servants. Evil invites sin [3:155] Surely, those among you who turned back the day the two armies clashed have been duped by the devil. This reflects some of the (evil) works they had committed. GOD has pardoned them. GOD is Forgiver, Clement. [6:132] Everyone will attain a rank commensurate with their deeds. Your Lord is never unaware of anything they do. Righteousness invites God’s protection and grace [7:26] O children of Adam, we have provided you with garments to cover your bodies, as well as for luxury. But the best garment is the garment of righteousness. These are some of GOD's signs, that they may take heed. The Only Criterion For Distinguishing Among The People [49:13] O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant.

3/9/2018 • 23 minutes, 9 seconds

Quran Alone

Quran Alone God's Messenger of the Covenant* [25:27] The day will come when the transgressor will bite his hands (in anguish) and say, "Alas, I wish I had followed the path with the messenger. [25:28] "Alas, woe to me, I wish I did not take that person as a friend. [25:29] "He has led me away from the message after it came to me. Indeed, the devil lets down his human victims." [25:30] The messenger* said, "My Lord, my people have deserted this Quran." Quran Should Be Our Only Source for Religious Law Quran, the Whole Quran, and Nothing But the Quran [6:19] Say, "Whose testimony is the greatest?" Say, "GOD's. He is the witness between me and you that this Quran* has been inspired to me, to preach it to you and whomever it reaches. Indeed, you bear witness that there are other gods* beside GOD." Say, "I do not testify as you do; there is only one god, and I disown your idolatry." Quran: The ONLY Source [17:46] We place shields around their minds, to prevent them from understanding it, and deafness in their ears. And when you preach your Lord, using the Quran alone,* they run away in aversion. [18:27] You shall recite what is revealed to you of your Lord's scripture. Nothing shall abrogate His words, and you shall not find any other source beside it. Following Other Sources Means You Do Not Believe In God Hadith & Sunna: Fabrications by the Prophet's Enemies [6:112] We have permitted the enemies of every prophet—human and jinn devils—to inspire in each other fancy words, in order to deceive. Had your Lord willed, they would not have done it. You shall disregard them and their fabrications. Important Criterion [6:113] This is to let the minds of those who do not believe in the Hereafter listen to such fabrications, and accept them, and thus expose their real convictions.* The Idols: Innovating New Religious Laws* [42:21] They follow idols who decree for them religious laws never authorized by GOD. If it were not for the predetermined decision, they would have been judged immediately. Indeed, the transgressors have incurred a painful retribution.* [4:60] Have you noted those who claim that they believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you, then uphold the unjust laws of their idols? They were commanded to reject such laws. Indeed, it is the devil's wish to lead them far astray. [4:61] When they are told, "Come to what GOD has revealed, and to the messenger," you see the hypocrites shunning you completely. We can get inspiration from anyone or anything, but when it comes to our religious salvation and the religious laws we live by it all comes 100% from God’s infallible message via the Quran Fully Detailed Animals and Birds: Submitting Creatures* [6:38] All the creatures on earth, and all the birds that fly with wings, are communities like you. We did not leave anything out of this book.** To their Lord, all these creatures will be summoned. Quran: Fully Detailed* [6:114] Shall I seek other than GOD as a source of law, when He has revealed to you this book fully detailed?* Those who received the scripture recognize that it has been revealed from your Lord, truthfully. You shall not harbor any doubt. [6:115] The word of your Lord is complete,* in truth and justice. Nothing shall abrogate His words. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [6:116] If you obey the majority of people on earth, they will divert you from the path of GOD. They follow only conjecture; they only guess. [18:54] We have cited in this Quran every kind of example, but the human being is the most argumentative creature. [39:27] We have cited for the people every kind of example in this Quran, that they may take heed. [16:89] The day will come when we will raise from every community a witness from among them, and bring you as the witness of these people. We have revealed to you this book to provide explanations for everything, and guidance, and mercy, and good news for the submitters. Mathematical Composition of the Quran [17:88] Say, "If all the humans and all the jinns banded together in order to produce a Quran like this, they can never produce anything like it, no matter how much assistance they lent one another." [17:89] We have cited for the people in this Quran all kinds of examples, but most people insist upon disbelieving. [7:52] We have given them a scripture that is fully detailed, with knowledge, guidance, and mercy for the people who believe. No Contradictions Proof of Divine Authorship [4:82] Why do they not study the Quran carefully? If it were from other than GOD, they would have found in it numerous contradictions.* Quran: No Ambiguity [39:27] We have cited for the people every kind of example in this Quran, that they may take heed. [39:28] An Arabic Quran, without any ambiguity, that they may be righteous. [39:29] GOD cites the example of a man who deals with disputing partners (Hadith), compared to a man who deals with only one consistent source (Quran). Are they the same? Praise be to GOD; most of them do not know. [12:3] We narrate to you the most accurate history through the revelation of this Quran. Before this, you were totally unaware. Healing and Mercy or Tool For Tyranny [16:67] And from the fruits of date palms and grapes you produce intoxicants, as well as good provisions. This should be (sufficient) proof for people who understand. Healing and Mercy [17:82] We send down in the Quran healing and mercy for the believers. At the same time, it only increases the wickedness of the transgressors. Numerically Structured Books [83:7] Indeed, the book of the wicked is in Sijjeen. [83:8] Do you know what Sijjeen is? [83:9] A numerically structured book. [83:10] Woe on that day to the rejectors. .. [83:18] Indeed, the book of the righteous will be in 'Elleyyeen. [83:19] Do you know what 'Elleyyeen is? [83:20] A numerically structured book. [83:21] To be witnessed by those close to Me. [10:57] O people, enlightenment has come to you herein from your Lord, and healing for anything that troubles your hearts, and guidance, and mercy for the believers. Focus On What Is Important [5:101] O you who believe, do not ask about matters which, if revealed to you prematurely, would hurt you. If you ask about them in light of the Quran, they will become obvious to you. GOD has deliberately overlooked them. GOD is Forgiver, Clement. [18:22] Some would say, "They were three; their dog being the fourth," while others would say, "Five; the sixth being their dog," as they guessed. Others said, "Seven," and the eighth was their dog. Say, "My Lord is the best knower of their number." Only a few knew the correct number. Therefore, do not argue with them; just go along with them. You need not consult anyone about this. [16:39] He will then point out to everyone all the things they had disputed, and will let those who disbelieved know that they were liars. Ablution Is Only Four Steps Ablution [5:6] O you who believe, when you observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), you shall: (1) wash your faces, (2) wash your arms to the elbows, (3) wipe your heads, and (4) wash your feet to the ankles… [6:121] Do not eat from that upon which the name of GOD has not been mentioned, for it is an abomination. The devils inspire their allies to argue with you; if you obey them, you will be idol worshipers.* Whole Quran [47:24] Why do they not study the Quran carefully? Do they have locks on their minds? [4:44] Have you noted those who received a portion of the scripture, and how they choose to stray, and wish that you stray from the path? What Nullifies Ablution [4:43] O you who believe, do not observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) while intoxicated, so that you know what you are saying… [5:90] O you who believe, intoxicants, and gambling, and the altars of idols, and the games of chance are abominations of the devil; you shall avoid them, that you may succeed. Ocean’s of Ink The Quran: Everything We Need [18:109] Say, "If the ocean were ink for the words of my Lord, the ocean would run out, before the words of my Lord run out, even if we double the ink supply." These Are All the Words We Need [31:27] If all the trees on earth were made into pens, and the ocean supplied the ink, augmented by seven more oceans, the words of GOD would not run out. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise.

3/3/2018 • 29 minutes, 11 seconds

Be Kind To One Another

Be Kind To One Another Continue on from the last podcast regarding a loan of righteousness… Fair vs. Kind [5:8] O you who believe, you shall be absolutely equitable, and observe GOD, when you serve as witnesses. Do not be provoked by your conflicts with some people into committing injustice. You shall be absolutely equitable, for it is more righteous. You shall observe GOD. GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do. Submitters [41:33] Who can utter better words than one who invites to GOD, works righteousness, and says, "I am one of the submitters"? [41:34] Not equal is the good response and the bad response. You shall resort to the nicest possible response. Thus, the one who used to be your enemy, may become your best friend. [41:35] None can attain this except those who steadfastly persevere. None can attain this except those who are extremely fortunate. Traits of the Believers [42:37] They avoid gross sins and vice, and when angered they forgive. [42:38] They respond to their Lord by observing the Contact Prayers (Salat). Their affairs are decided after due consultation among themselves, and from our provisions to them they give (to charity). [42:39] When gross injustice befalls them, they stand up for their rights. [42:40] Although the just requital for an injustice is an equivalent retribution, those who pardon and maintain righteousness are rewarded by GOD. He does not love the unjust. [42:41] Certainly, those who stand up for their rights, when injustice befalls them, are not committing any error. [42:42] The wrong ones are those who treat the people unjustly, and resort to aggression without provocation. These have incurred a painful retribution. [42:43] Resorting to patience and forgiveness reflects a true strength of character. Don’t be a pushover - Earth will be inhabited by the meek Matthew 5:5 - Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Jordan Peterson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_5:5 [5:54] O you who believe, if you revert from your religion, then GOD will substitute in your place people whom He loves and who love Him. They will be kind with the believers, stern with the disbelievers, and will strive in the cause of GOD without fear of any blame. Such is GOD's blessing; He bestows it upon whomever He wills. GOD is Bounteous, Omniscient. [52:25] They will meet each other and reminisce among themselves. [52:26] They will say, "We used to be kind and humble among our people. [52:27] "GOD has blessed us, and has spared us the agony of ill winds. [52:28] "We used to implore Him; He is the Most Kind, Most Merciful." Charlie Brown & Franz Stigler December 20th 1943 B-17 Bomber 40 years later they meet https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Brown_and_Franz_Stigler_incident Dehumanization Black vs. whites Jewish Today’s Refugees The Only Criterion For Distinguishing Among The People [49:13] O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant. Quran: The Ultimate Reference [5:48] Then we revealed to you this scripture, truthfully, confirming previous scriptures, and superseding them. You shall rule among them in accordance with GOD's revelations, and do not follow their wishes if they differ from the truth that came to you. For each of you, we have decreed laws and different rites. Had GOD willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He thus puts you to the test through the revelations He has given each of you. You shall compete in righteousness. To GOD is your final destiny—all of you—then He will inform you of everything you had disputed. Treat Each Other Amicably [17:53] Tell My servants to treat each other in the best possible manner, for the devil will always try to drive a wedge among them. Surely, the devil is man's most ardent enemy. Being King Means Getting Outside Of Your Comfort Zone [59:8] (You shall give) to the needy who immigrated. They were evicted from their homes and deprived of their properties, because they sought GOD's grace and pleasure, and because they supported GOD and His messenger. They are the truthful. [59:9] As for those who provided them with a home and a refuge, and were believers before them, they love those who immigrated to them, and find no hesitation in their hearts in helping them. In fact, they readily give them priority over themselves, even when they themselves need what they give away. Indeed, those who overcome their natural stinginess are the successful ones. Self [12:53] "I do not claim innocence for myself. The self is an advocate of vice, except for those who have attained mercy from my Lord. My Lord is Forgiver, Most Merciful." 60 Minutes – Saving The Children https://www.cbsnews.com/news/saving-the-children-on-eve-of-world-war-11-60-minutes/?authenticated=1 Nicholas Winton who went to Prague, and ended up saving the lives of 669 children, mostly Jews, from almost certain death. His story begins at the end of 1938, with Europe on the brink of war. In Germany, violence against Jews was escalating and the infamous Munich Agreement paved the way for Hitler's armies to march unopposed into Czechoslovakia. In London, Nicholas Winton had been following events and knew that refugees fleeing the Nazis were in dire straits. He went to Czechoslovakia to see if there was anything he could do to help. What's strange is that for almost 50 years, he hardly told anyone about what he had accomplished and for 50 years, the children knew nothing about who had saved them or how. Governor & Joseph [12:21] The one who bought him in Egypt said to his wife, "Take good care of him. Maybe he can help us, or maybe we can adopt him." We thus established Joseph on earth, and we taught him the interpretation of dreams. GOD's command is always done, but most people do not know. Pharaoh’s wife [28:9] Pharaoh's wife said, "This can be a joyous find for me and you. Do not kill him, for he may be of some benefit for us, or we may adopt him to be our son." They had no idea. Be Kind To Your Parents Major Commandments [17:22] You shall not set up any other god beside GOD, lest you end up despised and disgraced. [17:23] Your Lord has decreed that you shall not worship except Him, and your parents shall be honored. As long as one or both of them live, you shall never say to them, "Uff" (the slightest gesture of annoyance), nor shall you shout at them; you shall treat them amicably. [17:24] And lower for them the wings of humility, and kindness, and say, "My Lord, have mercy on them, for they have raised me from infancy." [17:25] Your Lord is fully aware of your innermost thoughts. If you maintain righteousness, He is Forgiver of those who repent. If you want to change the world start by helping your parents with the dishes Feeding Others – Our Instinct to Not Share Food [22:28] They may seek commercial benefits, and they shall commemorate GOD's name during the specified days for providing them with livestock. "Eat therefrom and feed the despondent and the poor." We do it to please God [2:263] Kind words and compassion are better than a charity that is followed by insult. GOD is Rich, Clement. Feed the captive [76:8] They donate their favorite food to the poor, the orphan, and the captive. [76:9] "We feed you for the sake of GOD; we expect no reward from you, nor thanks. Moses Watering In Midyan [28:22] As he traveled towards Midyan, he said, "May my Lord guide me in the right path." [28:23] When he reached Midyan's water, he found a crowd of people watering, and noticed two women waiting on the side. He said, "What is it that you need?" They said, "We are not able to water, until the crowd disperses, and our father is an old man." [28:24] He watered for them, then turned to the shade, saying, "My Lord, whatever provision You send to me, I am in dire need for it." [28:25] Soon, one of the two women approached him, shyly, and said, "My father invites you to pay you for watering for us." When he met him, and told him his story, he said, "Have no fear. You have been saved from the oppressive people." Abraham You Shall Disown God's Enemies Abraham Disowned His Father [9:113] Neither the prophet, nor those who believe shall ask forgiveness for the idol worshipers, even if they were their nearest of kin, once they realize that they are destined for Hell. [9:114] The only reason Abraham asked forgiveness for his father was that he had promised him to do so. But as soon as he realized that he was an enemy of GOD, he disowned him. Abraham was extremely kind, clement. Roasted Calf vs. Sodom and Gomorrah Lot & Abraham part company - I cut you choose Summary [90:11] He should choose the difficult path. [90:12] Which one is the difficult path? [90:13] The freeing of slaves. [90:14] Feeding, during the time of hardship. [90:15] Orphans who are related. [90:16] Or the poor who is in need. [90:17] And being one of those who believe, and exhorting one another to be steadfast, and exhorting one another to be kind.

2/23/2018 • 46 minutes, 56 seconds

Loan of Righteousness

Think of an investment you missed out on Housing provided $1T wealth in the terms of home equity to home owners in 2017 Amazon & Apple if invested years ago could have made so much money. Bitcoin going up from nothing to being worth ~$10k – Store of Value All investments at one point didn’t look so promising so they were valued low. At that time there was no guarantee that the investment would be successful so people stayed away. There is only a single investment that we can say with absolute certainty The Best Investment [2:261] The example of those who spend their monies in the cause of GOD is that of a grain that produces seven spikes, with a hundred grains in each spike. GOD multiplies this manifold for whomever He wills. GOD is Bounteous, Knower. Return = 70,000% * manifold They say there is no such thing as a sure thing… Preoccupation With the Wrong Life [30:6] Such is GOD's promise—and GOD never breaks His promise—but most people do not know. [30:7] They care only about things of this world that are visible to them, while being totally oblivious to the Hereafter. Currency in the hereafter is righteousness [2:197] Hajj shall be observed in the specified months.* Whoever sets out to observe Hajj shall refrain from sexual intercourse, misconduct, and arguments throughout Hajj. Whatever good you do, GOD is fully aware thereof. As you prepare your provisions for the journey, the best provision is righteousness. You shall observe Me, O you who possess intelligence. God is the source of righteousness [74:56] They cannot take heed against GOD's will. He is the source of righteousness; He is the source of forgiveness. We can take a loan of righteousness and God will pay us back [2:245] Who would lend GOD a loan of righteousness, to have it repaid to them multiplied manifold? GOD is the One who provides and withholds, and to Him you will be returned. [57:11] Who would like to loan GOD a loan of righteousness, to have it multiplied for him manifold, and end up with a generous recompense? [64:17] If you lend GOD a loan of righteousness, He will multiply the reward for you manifold, and forgive you. GOD is Appreciative, Clement. God is giving us an opportunity to earn credit [36:47] When they are told, "Give from GOD's provisions to you," those who disbelieve say to those who believe, "Why should we give to those whom GOD could feed, if He so willed? You are really far astray." God’s resources are inexhaustible [17:20] For each one of them we provide; we provide those and these from your Lord's bounties. Your Lord's bounties are inexhaustible. [17:100] Proclaim, "If you possessed my Lord's treasures of mercy, you would have withheld them, fearing that you might exhaust them. The human being is stingy." Caring only about things in this world [3:14] Adorned for the people are the worldly pleasures, such as the women, having children, piles upon piles of gold and silver, trained horses, livestock, and crops. These are the materials of this world. A far better abode is reserved at GOD. [4:134] Anyone who seeks the materials of this world should know that GOD possesses both the materials of this world and the Hereafter. GOD is Hearer, Seer. This world is an illusion Digital Goods - Sims / 2nd Life - would you be envious of someone who had a nice car or home in the digital world? Instagram lives When we know this world is an illusion and we are not taking anything of this world with us to the Hereafter, then why do we get so caught up with material posseessions? If we get more than we can handle we will transgress [42:27] If GOD increased the provision for His servants, they would transgress on earth. This is why He sends it precisely measured to whomever He wills. He is fully Cognizant and Seer of His servants. Materials of This World: All That The Disbelievers Get [43:33] If it were not that all the people might become one (disbelieving) congregation, we would have granted everyone who disbelieves in the Most Gracious mansions with silver roofs, and stairs upon which they could climb. [43:34] Their mansions would have impressive gates, and luxurious furnishings. [43:35] Also many ornaments. All these are the temporary materials of this lowly life. The Hereafter—at your Lord—is far better for the righteous. God's System Does Not Change [9:69] Some of those before you were stronger than you, and possessed more money and children. They became preoccupied with their material possessions. Similarly, you have become preoccupied with your material possessions, just like those before you have become preoccupied. You have become totally heedless, just as they were heedless. Such are the people who nullify their works, both in this world and in the Hereafter; they are the losers. Dirty money- self-justification Scott Tucker and payday loans in the United States. CLK Management made loans with terms that included renewals and fees, as well as interest rates as high as 700% per year. Greed monopoly study Given twice as much money, can roll two dice as opposed to one dice, has the nice car as opposed to the shoe, when pass go gets to collect $200 while the other person gets to collect $100 Even though one player was randomly selected to be rigged to win the game when they asked why they won they said because I deserved to win. They start attributing their success to their own skills and talents and become less in tuned with the circumstantial events that allowed them to win Qaroon Qãroon [28:76] Qãroon (the slave driver) was one of Moses' people who betrayed them and oppressed them. We gave him so many treasures that the keys thereof were almost too heavy for the strongest band. His people said to him, "Do not be so arrogant; GOD does not love those who are arrogant. [28:77] "Use the provisions bestowed upon you by GOD to seek the abode of the Hereafter, without neglecting your share in this world. Be charitable, as GOD has been charitable towards you. Do not keep on corrupting the earth. GOD does not love the corruptors." Stinginess & Extravagant [17:26] You shall give the due alms to the relatives, the needy, the poor, and the traveling alien, but do not be excessive, extravagant. [17:27] The extravagant are brethren of the devils, and the devil is unappreciative of his Lord. Stinginess Condemned [17:29] You shall not keep your hand stingily tied to your neck, nor shall you foolishly open it up, lest you end up blamed and sorry. [28:78] He said, "I attained all this because of my own cleverness." Did he not realize that GOD had annihilated before him generations that were much stronger than he, and greater in number? The (annihilated) transgressors were not asked about their crimes. [28:79] One day, he came out to his people in full splendor. Those who preferred this worldly life said, "Oh, we wish that we possess what Qãroon has attained. Indeed, he is very fortunate." The Real Wealth [28:80] As for those who were blessed with knowledge, they said, "Woe to you, GOD's recompense is far better for those who believe and lead a righteous life." None attains this except the steadfast. The Tyrants' Inevitable Fate [28:81] We then caused the earth to swallow him and his mansion. No army could have helped him against GOD; he was not destined to be a winner. [28:82] Those who were envious of him the day before said, "Now we realize that GOD is the One who provides for whomever He chooses from among His servants, and withholds. If it were not for GOD's grace towards us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us too. We now realize that the disbelievers never succeed." Owners of the Garden Property as an Idol* [18:32] Cite for them the example of two men: we gave one of them two gardens of grapes, surrounded by date palms, and placed other crops between them. [18:33] Both gardens produced their crops on time, and generously, for we caused a river to run through them. [18:34] Once, after harvesting, he boastfully told his friend: "I am far more prosperous than you, and I command more respect from the people." [18:35] When he entered his garden, he wronged his soul by saying, "I do not think that this will ever end. [18:36] "Moreover, I think this is it; I do not think that the Hour (the Hereafter) will ever come to pass. Even if I am returned to my Lord, I will (be clever enough to) possess an even better one over there." [18:37] His friend said to him, as he debated with him, "Have you disbelieved in the One who created you from dust, then from a tiny drop, then perfected you into a man? [18:38] "As for me, GOD is my Lord, and I will never set up any other god besides my Lord. Important Commandment [18:39] "When you entered your garden, you should have said, 'This is what GOD has given me (Mã Shã Allãh). No one possesses power except GOD (Lã Quwwata Ellã Bellãh).' You may see that I possess less money and less children than you. [18:40] "My Lord may grant me better than your garden. He may send a violent storm from the sky that wipes out your garden, leaving it completely barren. [18:41] "Or, its water may sink deeper, out of your reach." [18:42] Indeed, his crops were wiped out, and he ended up sorrowful, lamenting what he had spent on it in vain, as his property lay barren. He finally said, "I wish I never set up my property as a god beside my Lord." [18:43] No force on earth could have helped him against GOD, nor was it possible for him to receive any help. [18:44] That is because the only true Lord and master is GOD; He provides the best recompense, and with Him is the best destiny. [18:45] Cite for them the example of this life as water that we send down from the sky to produce plants of the earth, then they turn into hay that is blown away by the wind. GOD is able to do all things. Rearranging Our Priorities [18:46] Money and children are the joys of this life, but the righteous works provide an eternal recompense from your Lord, and a far better hope. [18:47] The day will come when we wipe out the mountains, and you will see the earth barren. We will summon them all, not leaving out a single one of them. [18:48] They will be presented before your Lord in a row. You have come to us as individuals, just as we created you initially. Indeed, this is what you claimed will never happen. [18:49] The record will be shown, and you will see the guilty fearful of its contents. They will say, "Woe to us. How come this book leaves nothing, small or large, without counting it?" They will find everything they had done brought forth. Your Lord is never unjust towards anyone. Preoccupation With This Life Condemned [57:20] Know that this worldly life is no more than play and games, and boasting among you, and hoarding of money and children. It is like abundant rain that produces plants and pleases the disbelievers. But then the plants turn into useless hay, and are blown away by the wind. In the Hereafter there is either severe retribution, or forgiveness from GOD and approval. This worldly life is no more than a temporary illusion. How to not let greed get the best of us? Pick the difficult path… [90:10] Did we not show him the two paths? [90:11] He should choose the difficult path. [90:12] Which one is the difficult path? [90:13] The freeing of slaves. [90:14] Feeding, during the time of hardship. [90:15] Orphans who are related. [90:16] Or the poor who is in need. [90:17] And being one of those who believe, and exhorting one another to be steadfast, and exhorting one another to be kind. [90:18] These have deserved happiness. God makes the difficult Easy [65:4] As for the women who have reached menopause, if you have any doubts, their interim shall be three months. As for those who do not menstruate, and discover that they are pregnant, their interim ends upon giving birth. Anyone who reverences GOD, He makes everything easy for him. [65:5] This is GOD's command that He sends down to you. Anyone who reverences GOD, He remits his sins, and rewards him generously. [65:7] The rich husband shall provide support in accordance with his means, and the poor shall provide according to the means that GOD bestowed upon him. GOD does not impose on any soul more than He has given it. GOD will provide ease after difficulty. Fair Weather & Bad Weather Friends Need to believe the thesis both during the good times and bad Fair Weather Friends [29:10] Among the people there are those who say, "We believe in GOD," but as soon as they suffer any hardship because of GOD, they equate the people's persecution with GOD's retribution. But if blessings from your Lord come your way, they say, "We were with you." Is GOD not fully aware of the people's innermost thoughts? Bad Weather Friends [17:67] If you are afflicted in the middle of the sea, you forget your idols and sincerely implore Him alone. But as soon as He saves you to the shore, you revert. Indeed, the human being is unappreciative. [31:32] When violent waves surround them, they implore GOD, sincerely devoting their prayers to Him alone. But as soon as He saves them to the shore, some of them revert. None discards our revelations except those who are betrayers, unappreciative. [89:15] When the human being is tested by his Lord, through blessings and joy, he says, "My Lord is generous towards me." [89:16] But if He tests him through reduction in provisions, he says, "My Lord is humiliating me!" [89:17] Wrong! It is you who brought it on yourselves by not regarding the orphan. [89:18] And not advocating charity towards the poor. [89:19] And consuming the inheritance of helpless orphans. [89:20] And loving the money too much. [56:10] Then there is the elite of the elite. [56:11] They are those who will be closest (to God). [56:12] In the gardens of bliss. [56:13] Many from the first generations.* [56:14] Few from the later generations. Howard Marks, CFA, is the Co-Chairman of Oaktree Capital: "In the search for market inefficiencies, it helps to get to a market early, before it becomes understood, popular and respectable. There’s nothing like playing in an “easy game” – an inefficient asset class – where the other investors are few in number, ill-informed or biased negatively. That’s far easier than trying to be the smartest person in a game that everyone understands and is eager to play."

2/16/2018 • 40 minutes, 37 seconds

Want vs. Need

Do you know what you are made of? Moses [26:10] Recall that your Lord called Moses: "Go to the transgressing people. [26:11] "Pharaoh's people; perhaps they reform." [26:12] He said, "My Lord, I fear lest they disbelieve me. [26:13] "I may lose my temper. My tongue gets tied; send for my brother Aaron. [26:14] "Also, they consider me a fugitive; I fear lest they kill me." [26:15] He said, "No, (they will not). Go with My proofs. We will be with you, listening. [20:41] "I have made you just for Me. [20:42] "Go with your brother, supported by My signs, and do not waver in remembering Me. [2:286] GOD never burdens a soul beyond its means: to its credit is what it earns, and against it is what it commits. "Our Lord, do not condemn us if we forget or make mistakes. Our Lord, and protect us from blaspheming against You, like those before us have done. Our Lord, protect us from sinning until it becomes too late for us to repent. Pardon us and forgive us. You are our Lord and Master. Grant us victory over the disbelieving people." [7:42] As for those who believe and lead a righteous life—we never burden any soul beyond its means—these will be the dwellers of Paradise. They abide in it forever. [23:62] We never burden any soul beyond its means, and we keep a record that utters the truth. No one will suffer injustice. Planet Earth Season II – Episode 4 - Deserts Kalahari Desert watering hole 100km from the nest’s of the sandgrouse chicks Father has to make a 200km round trip to get water for their young Threat of getting trampled by zebras, elephants or eaten by hawks Go on every day for two months Human being wants the easy way out – think it is better for them [17:11] The human being often prays for something that may hurt him, thinking that he is praying for something good. The human being is impatient. Sometimes you need God to save you from what you want so He can give you what you need Uber Uber drivers thinking they want Uber to incorporate tips, but when they did their wages actually went down? Why, because when the announcement that they added the ability to include tips was made this caused more people to want to drive for Uber and this increased the supply of drivers, but not the demand for rides. Believers: The Ultimate Victors [2:216] Fighting may be imposed on you, even though you dislike it. But you may dislike something which is good for you, and you may like something which is bad for you. GOD knows while you do not know. Jonah Nineveh - thinking he can abandon his mission Assyrians Very bad reputation as a ruthless people Using the skins and bones of the people they conquered Stone carvings of their ruthlessness as opposed to the Persian showing diversity and friendship Cutting off the heads and sticking them on spikes Eyes poked out heads cut off The Mesopotamian god Ashur was the head of the Assyrian pantheon, and hence every decision made by the ruler was taken under the symbolic ‘validation’ of Ashur – ranging from plundering, massacres to even domestic policies. "Yahweh again commands Jonah to travel to Nineveh and prophesy to its inhabitants.[11] This time he goes and enters the city, crying, "In forty days Nineveh shall be overthrown."[12] After Jonah has walked across Nineveh, the people of Nineveh begin to believe his word and proclaim a fast.[13] The king of Nineveh puts on sackcloth and sits in ashes, making a proclamation which decrees fasting, the wearing of sackcloth, prayer, and repentance.[14] God sees their repentant hearts and spares the city at that time.[15] The entire city is humbled and broken with the people (and even the animals)[16][17] in sackcloth and ashes.[18]” Nineveh Syriac: ܢܝܼܢܘܹܐ‎ was an ancient Assyrian city of Upper Mesopotamia, located on the outskirts of Mosul in modern-day northern Iraq. It is located on the eastern bank of the Tigris River, and was the capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Nowadays it is a common name for the half of Mosul which lies on the eastern bank of the Tigris. Battle of Mosul (2016–2017)[edit] Main articles: Mosul offensive (2016) and Battle of Mosul (2016–17) After more than two years of IS occupation of Mosul, Iraqi, Kurdish, American and French forces launched a joint offensive to recapture the city on 16 October 2016.[89][90] The battle for Mosul was considered key in the military intervention against IS.[91] Turkish warplanes participated in the coalition strikes on Mosul, amid the escalating dispute between Baghdad and Ankara about the Turkish presence in Bashiqa.[92] A military offensive to retake the city was the largest deployment of Iraqi forces since the 2003 invasion by U.S. and coalition forces[93] On July 9, 2017, Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi arrived in preparation to announce the full liberation of Mosul and reclaim the city after three years of ISIL control.[94] A formal declaration was made on the next day.[95] Ancient Warfare: Assyrian Empire and Macedonian Army https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPle6IzDuoU https://www.realmofhistory.com/2016/02/24/10-fascinating-things-you-should-know-about-the-assyrian-army/ Not wanting to fight Do Not Abandon the Messenger [9:118] Also (redeemed were) the three who stayed behind. The spacious earth became so straitened for them, that they almost gave up all hope for themselves. Finally, they realized that there was no escape from GOD, except to Him. He then redeemed them that they may repent. GOD is the Redeemer, Most Merciful. Joseph God Protects the Believers From Sin [12:23] The lady of the house where he lived tried to seduce him. She closed the doors and said, "I am all yours." He said, "May GOD protect me. He is my Lord, who gave me a good home.* The transgressors never succeed." [12:24] She almost succumbed to him, and he almost succumbed to her, if it were not that he saw a proof from his Lord. We thus diverted evil and sin away from him, for he was one of our devoted servants. Joseph thrown in the well left for dead Joseph sold as a slave Joseph framed sent to prison Joseph forgets God and stays in prison Joseph’s Brothers Thinking they wanted to get rid of Joseph Learn how God favors the righteous Joseph save them from famine Moses and the Teacher Why bore a hole, why kill a boy, why not charge a wage Mary - I wish I was dead and long forgotten [19:23] The birth process came to her by the trunk of a palm tree. She said, "(I am so ashamed;) I wish I were dead before this happened, and completely forgotten."

2/9/2018 • 26 minutes, 35 seconds

Parasites of Doubt

Inception Wasp virus turns ladybugs into zombie babysitters http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2015/02/wasp-virus-turns-ladybugs-zombie-babysitters Zombie spider builds a stronger web for the parasitic wasp that's sucking its blood https://www.theverge.com/2015/8/6/9103979/parasitic-wasp-spiders-zombie-stronger-web Satan infects the human with an idea The human believes they came up with the idea The human will foster the idea and the idea will grow The human will protect and defend the idea And the idea will manifest to action [17:64] "You may entice them with your voice, and mobilize all your forces and all your men against them, and share in their money and children, and promise them. Anything the devil promises is no more than an illusion. Satan Hypnotizes His Constituents [7:179] We have committed to Hell multitudes of jinns and humans. They have minds with which they do not understand, eyes with which they do not see, and ears with which they do not hear. They are like animals; no, they are far worse—they are totally unaware. Advertisers spend billions (Ben Shapiro - Hollywood) Darren Brown – How To Get Someone The Perfect Gift https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTwCMX5sUQU When we think we own something we give it more value Mug social experiment When someone comes up with a business plan they think it is better than it actually is Satan will infect us with predominately two kinds of ideas #1 Ego #2 Doubt There are several things that our faith needs to be unshakeable regarding #1 – There is no god beside God [3:18] GOD bears witness that there is no god except He, and so do the angels and those who possess knowledge. Truthfully and equitably, He is the absolute god; there is no god but He, the Almighty, Most Wise. #2 – There will be a Day of Judgment [22:7] And that the Hour is coming, no doubt about it, and that GOD resurrects those who are in the graves. [40:59] Most certainly, the Hour (Day of Judgment) is coming, no doubt about it, but most people do not believe. [13:2] GOD is the One who raised the heavens without pillars that you can see, then assumed all authority. He committed the sun and the moon, each running (in its orbit) for a predetermined period. He controls all things, and explains the revelations, that you may attain certainty about meeting your Lord. #3 – God’s word is the absolute truth [7:2] This scripture has been revealed to you—you shall not harbor doubt about it in your heart—that you may warn with it, and to provide a reminder for the believers. [35:40] Say, "Consider the idols you have set up beside GOD; show me what on earth have they created." Do they own any partnership in the heavens? Have we given them a book wherein there is no doubt? Indeed, what the transgressors promise one another is no more than an illusion. It is okay to have doubt with the expectation that we will work to eliminate the doubt Abraham Every Believer Needs Assurance [2:260] Abraham said, "My Lord, show me how You revive the dead." He said, "Do you not believe?" He said, "Yes, but I wish to reassure my heart." He said, "Take four birds, study their marks, place a piece of each bird on top of a hill, then call them to you. They will come to you in a hurry. You should know that GOD is Almighty, Most Wise." Jesus’s Disciples The Feast [5:112] Recall that the disciples said, "O Jesus, son of Mary, can your Lord send down to us a feast from the sky?" He said, "You should reverence GOD, if you are believers." [5:113] They said, "We wish to eat from it, and to reassure our hearts, and to know for sure that you have told us the truth. We will serve as witnesses thereof." Greater Miracles Bring Greater Responsibility* [5:114] Said Jesus, the son of Mary, "Our god, our Lord, send down to us a feast from the sky. Let it bring plenty for each and every one of us, and a sign from You. Provide for us; You are the best Provider." [5:115] GOD said, "I am sending it down. Anyone among you who disbelieves after this, I will punish him as I never punished anyone else."* Submitters Strive for Certainty Muslim vs Mu'men [49:14] The Arabs said, "We are Mu'mens (believers)." Say, "You have not believed; what you should say is, 'We are Muslims (submitters),' until belief is established in your hearts." If you obey GOD and His messenger, He will not put any of your works to waste. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [49:15] Mu'mens (believers) are those who believe in GOD and His messenger, then attain the status of having no doubt whatsoever, and strive with their money and their lives in the cause of GOD. These are the truthful ones. [49:16] Say, "Are you informing GOD about your religion? GOD knows everything in the heavens and the earth. GOD is Omniscient." [2:118] Those who possess no knowledge say, "If only GOD could speak to us, or some miracle could come to us!" Others before them have uttered similar utterances; their minds are similar. We do manifest the miracles for those who have attained certainty. [5:50] Is it the law of the days of ignorance that they seek to uphold? Whose law is better than GOD's for those who have attained certainty? [6:75] We showed Abraham the marvels of the heavens and the earth, and blessed him with certainty: What will Satan do to us to cause us to doubt? Change the meaning of God’s message [3:7] He sent down to you this scripture, containing straightforward verses—which constitute the essence of the scripture—as well as multiple-meaning or allegorical verses. Those who harbor doubts in their hearts will pursue the multiple-meaning 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. Example of alcohol and intoxicants [5:90] O you who believe, intoxicants, and gambling, and the altars of idols, and the games of chance are abominations of the devil; you shall avoid them, that you may succeed. [4:43] O you who believe, do not observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) while intoxicated, so that you know what you are saying. Nor after sexual orgasm without bathing, unless you are on the road, traveling; if you are ill or traveling, or you had urinary or fecal-related excretion (such as gas), or contacted the women (sexually), and you cannot find water, you shall observe Tayammum (dry ablution) by touching clean dry soil, then wiping your faces and hands therewith. GOD is Pardoner, Forgiver. [4:44] Have you noted those who received a portion of the scripture, and how they choose to stray, and wish that you stray from the path? Doubt the Day of Judgment - Accountability [27:66] In fact, their knowledge concerning the Hereafter is confused. In fact, they harbor doubts about it. In fact, they are totally heedless thereof. Fear other than God [5:52] You will see those who harbor doubt in their hearts hasten to join them, saying, "We fear lest we may be defeated." May GOD bring victory, or a command from Him, that causes them to regret their secret thoughts. Fear: The Devil's Tool [3:175] It is the devil's system to instill fear into his subjects. Do not fear them and fear Me instead, if you are believers. Revert from the religion The System* [22:52] We did not send before you any messenger, nor a prophet, without having the devil interfere in his wishes. GOD then nullifies what the devil has done. GOD perfects His revelations. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise.* The Hypocrites Drop Out [22:53] He thus sets up the devil's scheme as a test for those who harbor doubts in their hearts, and those whose hearts are hardened. The wicked must remain with the opposition. [22:54] Those who are blessed with knowledge will recognize the truth from your Lord, then believe in it, and their hearts will readily accept it. Most assuredly, GOD guides the believers in the right path. [22:55] As for those who disbelieve, they will continue to harbor doubts until the Hour comes to them suddenly, or until the retribution of a terrible day comes to them. [3:154] After the setback, He sent down upon you peaceful slumber that pacified some of you. Others among you were selfishly concerned about themselves. They harbored thoughts about GOD that were not right— the same thoughts they had harbored during the days of ignorance. Thus, they said, "Is anything up to us?" Say, "Everything is up to GOD." They concealed inside themselves what they did not reveal to you. They said, "If it was up to us, none of us would have been killed in this battle." Say, "Had you stayed in your homes, those destined to be killed would have crawled into their death beds." GOD thus puts you to the test to bring out your true convictions, and to test what is in your hearts. GOD is fully aware of the innermost thoughts. God will bring out our true convictions [47:29] Did those who harbor doubts in their hearts think that GOD will not bring out their evil thoughts? How to Overcome Doubt and Find Certainty? Worship God - Implore God [15:99] And worship your Lord, in order to attain certainty.* [2:186] When My servants ask you about Me, I am always near. I answer their prayers when they pray to Me. The people shall respond to Me and believe in Me, in order to be guided. Study the Mathematical Miracle [74:31] We appointed angels to be guardians of Hell, and we assigned their number (19) (1) to disturb the disbelievers, (2) to convince the Christians and Jews (that this is a divine scripture), (3) to strengthen the faith of the faithful, (4) to remove all traces of doubt from the hearts of Christians, Jews, as well as the believers, and (5) to expose those who harbor doubt in their hearts, and the disbelievers; they will say, "What did GOD mean by this allegory?" GOD thus sends astray whomever He wills, and guides whomever He wills. None knows the soldiers of your Lord except He. This is a reminder for the people. Be Honest With Yourself You Shall Not Bear False Witness [4:135] O you who believe, you shall be absolutely equitable, and observe GOD, when you serve as witnesses, even against yourselves, or your parents, or your relatives. Whether the accused is rich or poor, GOD takes care of both. Therefore, do not be biased by your personal wishes. If you deviate or disregard (this commandment), then GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do. [4:136] O you who believe, you shall believe in GOD and His messenger, and the scripture He has revealed through His messenger, and the scripture He has revealed before that. Anyone who refuses to believe in GOD, and His angels, and His scriptures, and His messengers, and the Last Day, has indeed strayed far astray. Be impartial [2:143] We thus made you an impartial community, that you may serve as witnesses among the people, and the messenger serves as a witness among you. We changed the direction of your original Qiblah only to distinguish those among you who readily follow the messenger from those who would turn back on their heels. It was a difficult test, but not for those who are guided by GOD. GOD never puts your worship to waste. GOD is Compassionate towards the people, Most Merciful. Consult with others - Don’t make excuses – turning your shortcomings into virtues [42:38] They respond to their Lord by observing the Contact Prayers (Salat). Their affairs are decided after due consultation among themselves, and from our provisions to them they give (to charity). Richard Feynman - The first principle is that you must not fool yourself — and you are the easiest person to fool.

2/3/2018 • 34 minutes, 46 seconds

Infinite Blessings

Louis CK | Everything is Awesome https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TviGil-U2HE [14:34] And He gives you all kinds of things that you implore Him for. If you count GOD's blessings, you can never encompass them. Indeed, the human being is transgressing, unappreciative. [16:18] If you count GOD's blessings, you cannot possibly encompass them. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. If we try to count all the blessings that God has provided us just for a single day there is no way we can wrap our heads around so many There are blessings that we can fathom and ones that we cannot even grasp Site, sound, touch, smell, taste We think we have only five senses but we have so many more being able to feel pain being able to feel heat/cold being able to tell up from down (vertigo) Being able to tell acceleration Knowing where your limbs are proprioception Being able to sense the passing of time But for us this is all normal so we forget When you woke up this morning did you thank God when you took your first breath and life was resurrected back into your body That during night time your body was immobile – Mike Biglia - Acts out his dreams Story of a professor whose body will randomly go immobile as if he is sleeping though he is a awake. When you opened your eyes and you first sensed light and awareness Did you know we can see 7 million different colors you saw the faces of your loved ones and were able to recognize them Prosopagnosia– face blindness I am talking with you and are you in astonishment in the process that is taking place? Your heart beats 115,200 times per day All day your lungs will be breathing pulling in oxygen and energy to your body 16 hours of your day your eyes will process all the things that you see in the world your legs will walk thousands of steps When you went to the fridge and you grabbed breakfast Milk Cereal Apple Eggs Microwave or stove That your stomach and intestines can operate and extract the nutrients you need without any willpower on your part Maybe you took a shower and in a few seconds you have fresh clean water at the perfect temperature for you Then you got into your car where you can adjust the temperature and travel faster than you could ever on your feet without breaking a sweat That you live in a world with laws and human rights that you are not fleeing from the lion or tiger struggling to survive I am pushing air through my lungs and vibrating this air as it is passing my throat to sounds that are bouncing off the hairs in your ears that is vibrating your ear drums then translating those vibrations to an electrical signal that is being sent and deciphered in your brain to language and a message Habituation Can you smell your nose? Can you see your nose? Can you feel the ground beneath your feet? We get used to all the infinite blessings that God has given us Remember you did nothing to deserve any of these blessings… We remember God when we lose it... Job 38:4-7New Life Version (NLV) 4 Where were you when I began building the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. 5 Who decided how big it was to be, since you know? Who looked to see if it was as big as it should be? 6 What was it built upon? Who laid its first stone, 7 when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God called out for joy? Old Man And His Eyes A man reached 75 years of age and started having problems with his eyes. He could not see. He went to the hospital and he was diagnosed, and the doctors informed him that he was in need of an operation otherwise he would never be able to see again. He agreed to have the operation done as he truly missed being able to see like he used to. When the operation was completed, his doctor gave him the bill which covered all the costs. The old man looked at the bill and started to cry. Upon seeing this, the doctor told him that if the cost was too high then they could make some other arrangements. The old man said “I am not crying because of the money but I am crying because God let me see without any problems for 75 years and He never sent me a bill.” We are more blessed in history than ever before yet we are more miserable Happiness = expectations - reality Set the right expectations you have everything and deserve nothing Person at the gym who was recovering from a bone infection The angels said send them all to Hell Let’s say I give you $1M then take $500k back versus I just give you $500k Think of the movie you had low expectations for - Why are movies on planes so much better Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment Everything you have is a gift Be in a state of awe Earth is spinning 1000mph Earth is rotating around the sun at 67,000 mph Sun is moving at 72,000mph Milkyway Galaxy is moving through space at 1.3M mph Earth is 7,915mi diameter ~25mi is the thickness of the earth’s crust Equivalent of the skin of an apple compared to the fruit Under the 25mi is molten rock - a sea of lava - at 4000 degrees Celcius On this thin crust of the earth you put a piece of dead wood into the ground add some water and sunlight and out comes delicious fruits and vegetables Have you thought of that out of dirt comes an apple, orange or watermelon We have been conditioned that this is all NORMAL There is nothing normal about this Tailwind / Headwind asymmetry Underestimate how much of your success is luck (God’s blessing) Grandma walking with child who gets swept in by water - he was also wearing a hat [2:61] Recall that you said, "O Moses, we can no longer tolerate one kind of food. Call upon your Lord to produce for us such earthly crops as beans, cucumbers, garlic, lentils, and onions." He said, "Do you wish to substitute that which is inferior for that which is good? Go down to Egypt, where you can find what you asked for." They have incurred condemnation, humiliation, and disgrace, and brought upon themselves wrath from GOD. This is because they rejected GOD's revelations, and killed the prophets unjustly. This is because they disobeyed and transgressed. How do you use God’s provisions?

1/19/2018 • 26 minutes, 49 seconds

Kill Your Ego Save Your Soul

Who is your #1 adversary? [15:42] "You have no power over My servants. You only have power over the strayers who follow you. Satan Disowns His Followers [14:22] And the devil will say, after the judgment had been issued, "GOD has promised you the truthful promise, and I promised you, but I broke my promise. I had no power over you; I simply invited you, and you accepted my invitation. Therefore, do not blame me, and blame only yourselves. My complaining cannot help you, nor can your complaining help me. I have disbelieved in your idolizing me. The transgressors have incurred a painful retribution." Introduction - "The horse has no ego. The horse’s owner can be rich or poor, tall or short, fat or thin, young or old, and the horse will serve them all. The dog has no ego; it will wag its tail to its owner, no matter how rich or poor the owner might be. The sun rises and sets every day at precisely the times prescribed by God. The moon follows its synchronized orbit around the earth, without the slightest deviation. The human body—a temporary garment—belongs to the Earth; as such, it is a submitter. The heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs, perform their functions without our control.” The Ego as a god [25:43] Have you seen the one whose god is his own ego? Will you be his advocate? [25:44] Do you think that most of them hear, or understand? They are just like animals; no, they are far worse. [7:20] The devil whispered to them, in order to reveal their bodies, which were invisible to them. He said, "Your Lord did not forbid you from this tree, except to prevent you from becoming angels, and from attaining eternal existence." [7:21] He swore to them, "I am giving you good advice." [7:22] He thus duped them with lies. As soon as they tasted the tree, their bodies became visible to them, and they tried to cover themselves with the leaves of Paradise. Their Lord called upon them: "Did I not enjoin you from that tree, and warn you that the devil is your most ardent enemy?” A dog has no sense of nakedness What is ego? Ego Deconstructed Pride: a feeling that you are better or more important than other people Arrogance: behavior that shows that you think you are better or more important than other people Ignorance: lack of knowledge or information. Common Form of Idolatry: The Ego As A god [45:23] Have you noted the one whose god is his ego? Consequently, GOD sends him astray, despite his knowledge, seals his hearing and his mind, and places a veil on his eyes. Who then can guide him, after such a decision by GOD? Would you not take heed? It is hard to see when my eyes are on me Isaiah 14:12 - 14 12“How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, You who have weakened the nations! 13 “But you said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, And I will sit on the mount of assembly In the recesses of the north. 14 ‘I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ When you notice one of your organs then there is probably a problem with it. When it is healthy you don’t notice it. Similary when you notice yourself at the expense of others then there is probably a problem with it. Signs of Ego I am better than he The Test Begins [7:12] He said, "What prevented you from prostrating when I ordered you?" He said, "I am better than he; You created me from fire, and created him from mud." [7:13] He said, "Therefore, you must go down, for you are not to be arrogant here. Get out; you are debased." The First Murder* [5:27] Recite for them the true history of Adam's two sons. They made an offering, and it was accepted from one of them, but not from the other. He said, "I will surely kill you." He said, "GOD accepts only from the righteous. [5:28] "If you extend your hand to kill me, I am not extending my hand to kill you. For I reverence GOD, Lord of the universe. [5:29] "I want you, not me, to bear my sin and your sin, then you end up with the dwellers of Hell. Such is the requital for the transgressors." [5:30] Hisegoprovoked him into killing his brother. He killed him, and ended up with the losers. [12:76] He then started by inspecting their containers, before getting to his brother's container, and he extracted it out of his brother's container. We thus perfected the scheme for Joseph; he could not have kept his brother if he applied the king's law. But that was the will of GOD. We exalt whomever we choose to higher ranks. Above every knowledgeable one, there is one who is even more knowledgeable. Divine Revelation: The Source of All Knowledge [17:85] They ask you about the revelation. Say, "The revelation comes from my Lord. The knowledge given to you is minute." [17:86] If we will, we can take back what we revealed to you, then you will find no protector against us. Joseph was a slave and a prisoner by role but not by spirit Never think you are too good to do something John Boyd - to be or to do? Exalting One’s Self [4:49] Have you noted those who exalt themselves? Instead, GOD is the One who exalts whomever He wills, without the least injustice. [53:32] They avoid gross sins and transgressions, except for minor offenses. Your Lord's forgiveness is immense. He has been fully aware of you since He initiated you from the earth, and while you were embryos in your mothers' bellies. Therefore, do not exalt yourselves; He is fully aware of the righteous. All Dignity Comes From God [35:10] Anyone seeking dignity should know that to GOD belongs all dignity. To Him ascends the good words, and He exalts the righteous works. As for those who scheme evil works, they incur severe retribution; the scheming of such people is destined to fail. [3:26] Say, "Our god: possessor of all sovereignty. You grant sovereignty to whomever You choose, You remove sovereignty from whomever You choose. You grant dignity to whomever You choose, and commit to humiliation whomever You choose.In Your hand are all provisions. You are Omnipotent. The Only Criterion For Distinguishing Among The People [49:13] O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant. Putting your opinion above that of God’s - Arrogance [2:34] When we said to the angels, "Fall prostrate before Adam," they fell prostrate, except Satan; he refused, was too arrogant, and a disbeliever. [2:54] Recall that Moses said to his people, "O my people, you have wronged your souls by worshiping the calf. You must repent to your Creator. You shall kill your egos. This is better for you in the sight of your Creator." He did redeem you. He is the Redeemer, Most Merciful. [2:87] We gave Moses the scripture, and subsequent to him we sent other messengers, and we gave Jesus, son of Mary, profound miracles and supported him with the Holy Spirit. Is it not a fact that every time a messenger went to you with anything you disliked, your ego caused you to be arrogant? Some of them you rejected, and some of them you killed. [40:35] They argue against GOD's revelations, without any basis. This is a trait that is most abhorred by GOD and by those who believe. GOD thus seals the hearts of every arrogant tyrant. [38:26] O David, we have made you a ruler on earth. Therefore, you shall judge among the people equitably, and do not follow your personal opinion, lest it diverts you from the way of GOD. Surely, those who stray off the way of GOD incur severe retribution for forgetting the Day of Reckoning. [40:56] Surely, those who argue against GOD's revelations without proof are exposing the arrogance that is hidden inside their chests, and they are not even aware of it. Therefore, seek refuge in GOD; He is the Hearer, the Seer. Self Justification - Excusing our own bad behavior - Not taking responsibility for our own outcomes or Blaming Others [47:14] Are those enlightened by their Lord the same as those whose evil works are adorned in their eyes, and they follow their own opinions? Satan blames God [7:16] He said, "Since You have willed that I go astray,* I will skulk for them on Your straight path. One of the names of the Day of Judgement is the Day of Mutual Blaming Own your decisions [12:53] "I do not claim innocence for myself. The self is an advocate of vice, except for those who have attained mercy from my Lord. My Lord is Forgiver, Most Merciful.” Don’t make your shortcomings into virtues - I am not lazy I am patient [4:135] O you who believe, you shall be absolutely equitable, and observe GOD, when you serve as witnesses, even against yourselves, or your parents, or your relatives. Whether the accused is rich or poor, GOD takes care of both. Therefore, do not be biased by your personal wishes. If you deviate or disregard (this commandment), then GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do. Believing you have power independent of God - Believing that you can harm or benefit yourself [5:76] Say, "Would you worship beside GOD powerless idols who can neither harm you, nor benefit you? GOD is Hearer, Omniscient.” [25:3] Yet, they set up beside Him gods who do not create anything—they themselves are created—and who possess no power to even harm or benefit themselves, nor do they possess any power to control life, or death, or resurrection. [7:188] Say, "I have no power to benefit myself, or harm myself. Only what GOD wills happens to me. If I knew the future, I would have increased my wealth, and no harm would have afflicted me. I am no more than a warner, and a bearer of good news for those who believe." Property as an Idol* [18:32] Cite for them the example of two men: we gave one of them two gardens of grapes, surrounded by date palms, and placed other crops between them. Footnote [18:33] Both gardens produced their crops on time, and generously, for we caused a river to run through them. [18:34] Once, after harvesting, he boastfully told his friend: "I am far more prosperous than you, and I command more respect from the people." [18:35] When he entered his garden, he wronged his soul by saying, "I do not think that this will ever end. [18:36] "Moreover, I think this is it; I do not think that the Hour (the Hereafter) will ever come to pass. Even if I am returned to my Lord, I will (be clever enough to) possess an even better one over there." [18:37] His friend said to him, as he debated with him, "Have you disbelieved in the One who created you from dust, then from a tiny drop, then perfected you into a man? [18:38] "As for me, GOD is my Lord, and I will never set up any other god besides my Lord. Important Commandment [18:39] "When you entered your garden, you should have said, 'This is what GOD has given me (Mã Shã Allãh). No one possesses power except GOD (Lã Quwwata Ellã Bellãh).' You may see that I possess less money and less children than you. [18:40] "My Lord may grant me better than your garden. He may send a violent storm from the sky that wipes out your garden, leaving it completely barren. [18:41] "Or, its water may sink deeper, out of your reach." [18:42] Indeed, his crops were wiped out, and he ended up sorrowful, lamenting what he had spent on it in vain, as his property lay barren. He finally said, "I wish I never set up my property as a god beside my Lord.” How to Kill Your Ego? How can I serve? Satan didn’t want to serve How can I serve becomes more important than what I am going to get serve God = Righteousness serve man = vanity [28:77] "Use the provisions bestowed upon you by GOD to seek the abode of the Hereafter, without neglecting your share in this world. Be charitable, as GOD has been charitable towards you. Do not keep on corrupting the earth. GOD does not love the corruptors.” [59:9] As for those who provided them with a home and a refuge, and were believers before them, they love those who immigrated to them, and find no hesitation in their hearts in helping them. In fact, they readily give them priority over themselves, even when they themselves need what they give away. Indeed, those who overcome their natural stinginess are the successful ones.

1/5/2018 • 28 minutes, 44 seconds

Be Grateful for the Intelligent Design of Your Eyes

Be Grateful for the Intelligent Design of Your Eyes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kboUBQnMP8w

12/28/2017 • 9 minutes, 19 seconds

True Belief vs. Lip Service

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions for future topics send us an email: qurantalk@gmail.com ************************************* The Story of Blondin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H-yrfmqmGc https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Blondin I thought that was a great story to start the podcast with as I wanted to talk about what it means to believe in God. A gallop poll last year found that 89% of American say they believe in God, but what does that truly mean? To believe in the mere existence of God does not mean anything if you do not know, understand or believe who God is. When we truly believe something our actions should correspond with our beliefs In the story of Blondin despite the people witnessing him successfully walking 1100 feet across and 160 feet above Niagara falls numerous times and saying they believed with their lips showed they really didn’t believe because of their actions by not willing to get inside the wheelbarrow If we truly believe in God then our actions will correspond with our supposed belief Knowing God Knowing God’s qualities and most importantly that God is doing everything God is doing everything What does that mean: God is doing everything [10:61] You do not get into any situation, nor do you recite any Quran, nor do you do anything, without us being witnesses thereof as you do it. Not even an atom's weight is out of your Lord's control, be it in the heavens or the earth. Nor is there anything smaller than an atom, or larger, that is not recorded in a profound record. How would you behave if you truly believed God is doing everything? Would you have any fear? Would you ever worry? Would you ever get angry or get frustrated? The Battle of the Parties (33:9 – 33:20) O you who believe, remember GOD's blessing upon you; when soldiers attacked you, we sent upon them violent wind and invisible soldiers. GOD is Seer of everything you do. When they came from above you, and from beneath you, your eyes were terrified, your hearts ran out of patience, and you harbored unbefitting thoughts about GOD. [33:11] That is when the believers were truly tested; they were severely shaken up. [33:12] The hypocrites and those with doubts in their hearts said, "What GOD and His messenger promised us was no more than an illusion!" [33:13] A group of them said, "O people of Yathrib, you cannot attain victory; go back." Others made up excuses to the prophet: "Our homes are vulnerable," when they were not vulnerable. They just wanted to flee. [33:14] Had the enemy invaded and asked them to join, they would have joined the enemy without hesitation. [33:15] They had pledged to GOD in the past that they would not turn around and flee; making a pledge with GOD involves a great responsibility. Say, "If you flee, you can never flee from death or from being killed. No matter what happens, you only live a short while longer." Say, "Who would protect you from GOD if He willed any adversity, or willed any blessing for you?" They can never find, beside GOD, any other Lord and Master. [33:18] GOD is fully aware of the hinderers among you, and those who say to their comrades, "Let us all stay behind." Rarely do they mobilize for defense. [33:19] Also, they are too stingy when dealing with you. If anything threatens the community, you see their eyes rolling with fear, as if death had already come to them. Once the crisis is over, they whip you with sharp tongues. They are too stingy with their wealth. These are not believers, and, consequently, GOD has nullified their works. This is easy for GOD to do. [33:20] They thought that the parties might come back. In that case, they would wish that they were lost in the desert, asking about your news from afar. Had the parties attacked you while they were with you, they would rarely support you. [33:21] The messenger of GOD has set up a good example for those among you who seek GOD and the Last Day, and constantly think about GOD. Footnote [33:22] When the true believers saw the parties (ready to attack), they said, "This is what GOD and His messenger have promised us, and GOD and His messenger are truthful." This (dangerous situation) only strengthened their faith and augmented their submission. If we truly believe this then we would never fear anything besides God. To fear anything besides God is to give power to another entity independent of God. Fear: The Devil's Tool [3:175] It is the devil's system to instill fear into his subjects. Do not fear them and fear Me instead, if you are believers. The start of wisdom begins with fearing God? To believe anything besides God can harm or benefit you is tantamount to idol worship. [5:76] Say, "Would you worship beside GOD powerless idols who can neither harm you, nor benefit you? GOD is Hearer, Omniscient." [10:106] "You shall not worship beside GOD what possesses no power to benefit you or harm you. If you do, you will be a transgressor." As mentioned in the previous podcast by harm is the absence of God, such that when we knowingly commit sin we are distancing ourselves from our creator Even the messengers could not harm or benefit themselves: [10:49] Say, "I possess no power to harm myself, or benefit myself; only what GOD wills takes place." Each community has a predetermined life span. Once their interim comes to an end, they cannot delay it by one hour, nor advance it. God controls life and death Time of Death Predetermined [3:145] No one dies except by GOD's leave, at a predetermined time. Whoever seeks the vanities of this world, we give him therefrom, and whoever seeks the rewards of the Hereafter, we bless him therein. We reward those who are appreciative. Moment of Death Predetermined [3:154] After the setback, He sent down upon you peaceful slumber that pacified some of you. Others among you were selfishly concerned about themselves. They harbored thoughts about GOD that were not right— the same thoughts they had harbored during the days of ignorance. Thus, they said, "Is anything up to us?" Say, "Everything is up to GOD." They concealed inside themselves what they did not reveal to you. They said, "If it was up to us, none of us would have been killed in this battle." Say, "Had you stayed in your homes, those destined to be killed would have crawled into their death beds." GOD thus puts you to the test to bring out your true convictions, and to test what is in your hearts. GOD is fully aware of the innermost thoughts. This doesn’t happen overnight it takes time – from a weak believer to a strong believer Story of Moses – from my tongue gets tied to No way Moses [26:10] Recall that your Lord called Moses: "Go to the transgressing people. [26:11] "Pharaoh's people; perhaps they reform." [26:12] He said, "My Lord, I fear lest they disbelieve me. [26:13] "I may lose my temper. My tongue gets tied; send for my brother Aaron. [26:14] "Also, they consider me a fugitive; I fear lest they kill me." [26:15] He said, "No, (they will not). Go with My proofs. We will be with you, listening. [26:16] "Go to Pharaoh and say, 'We are messengers from the Lord of the universe. [26:17] "'Let the Children of Israel go.'" [26:60] They pursued them towards the east. [26:61] When both parties saw each other, Moses' people said, "We will be caught." [26:62] He said, "No way. My Lord is with me; He will guide me." [26:63] We then inspired Moses: "Strike the sea with your staff," whereupon it parted. Each part was like a great hill. [26:64] We then delivered them all. [26:65] We thus saved Moses and all those who were with him. [26:66] And we drowned the others. [26:67] This should be a sufficient proof, but most people are not believers. [26:68] Most assuredly, your Lord is the Almighty, Most Merciful. If we truly believe in God would we ever get angry? Wayne Dyer example of an orange [3:134] who give to charity during the good times, as well as the bad times. They are suppressors of anger, and pardoners of the people. GOD loves the charitable. [42:37] They avoid gross sins and vice, and when angered they forgive. [21:37] The human being is impatient by nature. I will inevitably show you My signs; do not be in such a hurry. [17:11] The human being often prays for something that may hurt him, thinking that he is praying for something good. The human being is impatient. [17:12] We rendered the night and the day two signs. We made the night dark, and the day lighted, that you may seek provisions from your Lord therein. This also establishes for you a timing system, and the means of calculation. We thus explain everything in detail. If we truly believe that God is doing everything would we ever be worried about not having enough…money, clothes, cars, homes, etc. 6 days of creation [41:9] Say, "You disbelieve in the One who created the earth in two days,* and you set up idols to rank with Him, though He is Lord of the universe." [41:10] He placed on it stabilizers (mountains), made it productive, and He calculated its provisions in four days, to satisfy the needs of all its inhabitants. So the calculating of the exact provisions of every creature was twice as complex as the physical creation of the heavens and the earth and all the physical laws God controls all provisions – from even before the creation - [34:36] Say, "My Lord is the One who controls all provisions; He grants the provisions to whomever He wills, or reduces them, but most people do not know." [34:39] Say, "My Lord is the One who controls all provisions; He increases the provisions for whomever He chooses from among His servants, or reduces them. Anything you spend (in the cause of God), He will reward you for it; He is the Best Provider." Everything is already written down and works in accordance with the will of God [57:22] Anything that happens on earth, or to you, has already been recorded, even before the creation. This is easy for GOD to do. [16:1] GOD's command has already been issued (and everything has already been written), so do not rush it.* Be He glorified; the Most High, far above any idols they set up. God gives us the opportunity to earn credit [36:47] When they are told, "Give from GOD's provisions to you," those who disbelieve say to those who believe, "Why should we give to those whom GOD could feed, if He so willed? You are really far astray." When we think it is us doing good we are feeding our ego – when we remember that God is the one who is allowing us to do good then it is feeding our soul [76:9] "We feed you for the sake of GOD; we expect no reward from you, nor thanks. If you truly believe in God how excited would you be to have God’s word to mankind via the Quran? People win a new car and they lose their mind. God just offered us something that is more valuable than an earthful of gold. How appreciative are we? What Price Faith [10:54] If any wicked soul possessed everything on earth, it would readily offer it as ransom. [3:91] Those who disbelieve and die as disbelievers, an earthful of gold will not be accepted from any of them, even if such a ransom were possible. They have incurred painful retribution; they will have no helpers. What do you get from God’s word and following God’s recommendations? [10:55] Absolutely, to GOD belongs everything in the heavens and the earth. Absolutely, GOD's promise is truth, but most of them do not know. [10:56] He controls life and death, and to Him you will be returned. [10:57] O people, enlightenment has come to you herein from your Lord, and healing for anything that troubles your hearts, and guidance, and mercy for the believers. Joy for the Believers [10:58] Say, "With GOD's grace and with His mercy they shall rejoice." This is far better than any wealth they can accumulate. Happiness: Now and Forever* [10:62] Absolutely, GOD's allies have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. [10:63] They are those who believe and lead a righteous life. [10:64] For them, joy and happiness in this world, as well as in the Hereafter. This is GOD's unchangeable law. Such is the greatest triumph. Joy and happiness without fear or grief from now to all of eternity – sounds pretty nice If you believe in God would you hesitate one second to implement God’s recommendations in your day to day life? So what is your priority? [53:24] What is it that the human being desires? [53:25] To GOD belongs both the Hereafter, and this world. Choose Your Priorities Carefully This Life [17:18] Anyone who chooses this fleeting life as his priority, we will rush to him what we decide to give him, then we commit him to Gehenna, where he suffers forever, despised and defeated. Re-arrange Your Priorities [29:64] This worldly life is no more than vanity and play, while the abode of the Hereafter is the real life, if they only knew. [29:65] When they ride on a ship, they implore GOD, devoting their prayers to Him. But as soon as He saves them to the shore, they revert to idolatry. Preoccupation With the Wrong Life [30:6] Such is GOD's promise—and GOD never breaks His promise—but most people do not know. [30:7] They care only about things of this world that are visible to them, while being totally oblivious to the Hereafter. [35:5] O people, GOD's promise is the truth; therefore, do not be distracted by this lowly life. Do not be diverted from GOD by mere illusions. Preoccupation With This Life Condemned [57:20] Know that this worldly life is no more than play and games, and boasting among you, and hoarding of money and children. It is like abundant rain that produces plants and pleases the disbelievers. But then the plants turn into useless hay, and are blown away by the wind. In the Hereafter there is either severe retribution, or forgiveness from GOD and approval. This worldly life is no more than a temporary illusion. The Intelligent Alternative [57:21] Therefore, you shall race towards forgiveness from your Lord, and a Paradise whose width encompasses the heaven and the earth. It awaits those who believed in GOD and His messengers. Such is GOD's grace that He bestows upon whomever He wills. GOD is Possessor of Infinite Grace. Rearranging Our Priorities [6:32] The life of this world is no more than illusion and vanity, while the abode of the Hereafter is far better for the righteous. Do you not understand?! Remember God’s blessings that we may succeed [7:69] "Is it too much of a wonder that a message should come to you from your Lord, through a man like you, to warn you? Recall that He made you inheritors after the people of Noah, and multiplied your number. Remember GOD's blessings, that you may succeed.” Matthew 6:19 - 33 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is [k]clear, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is [l]bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and [m]wealth. 25 “For this reason I say to you, [n]do not be worried about your [o]life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the [p]air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 And who of you by being worried can add a single [q]hour to his [r]life? 28 And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, 29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! 31 Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ 32 For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.33 But [s]seek first [t]His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be [u]added to you.

12/21/2017 • 35 minutes, 21 seconds

Why Would God Send Anyone to Hell?

Send your comments, questions and episode suggestions to: qurantalk@gmail.com Why Would God Send Anyone to Hell? What is hell? Hell is the absence of God Evil is the absence of goodness Darkness is the absence of light Cold is the absence of heat Hell is the absence of God God does not send anyone to Hell On the contrary, people insist on going to Hell. The people who do not develop and nurture their souls we will not be able to physically withstand the presence of God . And on the Day of Judgment, they will flee further away from God. [69:13] When the horn is blown once. [69:14] The earth and the mountains will be carried off and crushed; utterly crushed. [69:15] That is the day when the inevitable event will come to pass. [69:16] The heaven will crack, and fall apart. [69:17] The angels will be all around, and Your Lord's dominion will then encompass eight (universes).[69:18] On that day, you will be exposed, nothing of you can be hidden. *69:17 This earth is full of misery because of its physical distance from God, since it is in the seventh universe (7:143). In the Hereafter, an eighth universe will be created that will be even farther than our seventh universe; it will be called "Hell" (89:23). [89:21] Indeed, when the earth is crushed, utterly crushed. [89:22] And your Lord comes, together with the angels in row after row. [89:23] On that day, Gehenna will be brought forth. On that day, the human being will remember—but what a remembrance—it will be too late. [89:24] He will say, "Oh, I wish I prepared for my (eternal) life." God gives people the freedom to choose to be in God’s kingdom or not [19:75] Say, "Those who choose to go astray, the Most Gracious will lead them on, until they see what is promised for them—either the retribution or the Hour. That is when they find out who really is worse off, and weaker in power." [19:76] GOD augments the guidance of those who choose to be guided. For the good deeds are eternally rewarded by your Lord, and bring far better returns. Why would anyone choose to be in hell? Absolute Freedom of Religion [18:29] Proclaim: "This is the truth from your Lord," then whoever wills let him believe, and whoever wills let him disbelieve. We have prepared for the transgressors a fire that will completely surround them. When they scream for help, they will be given a liquid like concentrated acid that scalds the faces. What a miserable drink! What a miserable destiny! How Terrible is Hell!* [22:19] Here are two parties feuding with regard to their Lord. As for those who disbelieve, they will have clothes of fire tailored for them. Hellish liquid will be poured on top of their heads. [22:20] It will cause their insides to melt, as well as their skins. [22:21] They will be confined in iron pots. [22:22] Whenever they try to exit such misery, they will be forced back in: "Taste the agony of burning." *22:19-22 People who have insisted upon going to Hell will inevitably complain: 'Had we known how bad this is, we would have behaved differently.' They will be told that the horrors of Hell have been pointed out to them in the most graphic, though symbolic, terms. It should be noted that Heaven and Hell are almost invariably mentioned together in the Quran. [78:21] Gehenna is inevitable. [78:22] For the transgressors; it will be their abode. [78:23] They stay in it for ages. [78:24] They never taste in it coolness, nor a drink. [78:25] Only an inferno, and bitter food. [38:55] As for the transgressors, they have incurred a miserable destiny. [38:56] Hell is where they burn; what a miserable abode! [38:57] What they taste therein will be hellish drinks and bitter food. Example of Adam and Eve Humans Fail to Make a Firm Stand* [20:115] We tested Adam in the past, but he forgot, and we found him indecisive. [20:116] Recall that we said to the angels, "Fall prostrate before Adam." They fell prostrate, except Satan; he refused. [20:117] We then said, "O Adam, this is an enemy of you and your wife. Do not let him evict you from Paradise, lest you become miserable. [20:118] "You are guaranteed never to hunger therein, nor go unsheltered. [20:119] "Nor will you thirst therein, nor suffer from any heat." [20:120] But the devil whispered to him, saying, "O Adam, let me show you the tree of eternity and unending kingship." [20:121] They ate from it, whereupon their bodies became visible to them, and they tried to cover themselves with the leaves of Paradise. Adam thus disobeyed his Lord, and fell. [20:122] Subsequently, his Lord chose him, redeemed him, and guided him. [20:123] He said, "Go down therefrom, all of you. You are enemies of one another. When guidance comes to you from Me, anyone who follows My guidance will not go astray, nor suffer any misery. Metaphor of a doctor – type 2 diabetes Choose to make bad life choices – eat excess amounts of unhealthy food, lack of exercise Your body will not only stop producing insulin, but you will have to start giving yourselves frequent injections heart, brain and legs complications You can lose your libido You can damage your kidneys or vision You may have to amputate your feet We don’t blame the doctor for telling us these things… Doctor’s tell us these things because no one else has the courage to tell their loved ones these tough realities [2:26] GOD does not shy away from citing any kind of allegory,* from the tiny mosquito and greater. As for those who believe, they know that it is the truth from their Lord. As for those who disbelieve, they say, "What did GOD mean by such an allegory?" He misleads many thereby, and guides many thereby. But He never misleads thereby except the wicked, Just like a doctor who warns their patients the consequence of their bad choices, God warns the humans the consequence of neglecting their souls. [9:115] GOD does not send any people astray, after He had guided them, without first pointing out for them what to expect. GOD is fully aware of all things. [74:32] Absolutely, (I swear) by the moon. [74:33] And the night as it passes. [74:34] And the morning as it shines. [74:35] This is one of the great miracles.* [74:36] A warning to the human race. Ostrich Effect People prefer to hear good news rather than bad news People check their portfolios less often when it is doing bad People less willing to see their test scores if they think they underperformed God Doesn’t Need Our Prayers – It is for our own good We came from God and we need Him for our souls survival When we worship God we are connecting back to our source to what gives us life That is why we call the Salat the Contact Prayer The Purpose of Our Existence [51:56] I did not create the jinns and the humans except to worship Me alone. [51:57] I need no provisions from them, nor do I need them to feed Me. Believe For Your Own Good [39:7] If you disbelieve, GOD does not need anyone. But He dislikes to see His servants make the wrong decision. If you decide to be appreciative, He is pleased for you. No soul bears the sins of any other soul. Ultimately, to your Lord is your return, then He will inform you of everything you had done. He is fully aware of the innermost thoughts. [40:66] Say, "I have been enjoined from worshiping the idols you worship beside GOD, when the clear revelations came to me from my Lord. I was commanded to submit to the Lord of the universe."*

12/14/2017 • 14 minutes, 34 seconds

Why Was Satan Created?

Send your comments, questions and episode suggestions to: qurantalk@gmail.com Why Was Satan Created? Satan was created perfect [5:116] GOD will say, “O Jesus, son of Mary,* did you say to the people, ‘Make me and my mother idols beside GOD’?” He will say, “Be You glorified. I could not utter what was not right. Had I said it, You already would have known it. You know my thoughts, and I do not know Your thoughts. You know all the secrets. [5:101] O you who believe, do not ask about matters which, if revealed to you prematurely, would hurt you. If you ask about them in light of the Quran, they will become obvious to you. GOD has deliberately overlooked them. GOD is Forgiver, Clement. Ezekiel 28: 12…“You had the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. 13 “You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering:.. 14 “You were the anointed angel who covers, And I placed you there. You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked in the midst of the stones of fire. 15 “You were blameless in your ways From the day you were created Until unrighteousness was found in you. Isaiah 14: 12 “How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, You who have weakened the nations! 13 “But you said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, And I will sit on the mount of assembly In the recesses of the north. 14 ‘I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ If there is a rule, but no one breaks it how do we know that the rule exists? Up until Satan’s thoughts that he could be a god like the Most High no one knew if we worshiped God alone because we were robots or because we chose to do so… Once the cat was out of the bag we were categorized and then given a choice Freedom of Choice [33:72] We have offered the responsibility (freedom of choice) to the heavens and the earth, and the mountains, but they refused to bear it, and were afraid of it. But the human being accepted it; he was transgressing, ignorant.* At this point Satan still wasn’t exposed…until Satan Refuses to Obey God and serve the human being [2:34] When we said to the angels, "Fall prostrate before Adam," they fell prostrate, except Satan; he refused, was too arrogant, and a disbeliever. All of God’s creations are designed for a specific purpose. [20:39] "Saying: 'Throw him into the box, then throw him into the river. The river will throw him onto the shore, to be picked up by an enemy of Mine and an enemy of his.' I showered you with love from Me, and I had you made before My watchful eye…[20:41] "I have made you just for Me. Did God know that Satan was going to disobey? [2:77] Do they not know that GOD knows everything they conceal, and everything they declare? [10:61] You do not get into any situation, nor do you recite any Quran, nor do you do anything, without us being witnesses thereof as you do it. Not even an atom's weight is out of your Lord's control, be it in the heavens or the earth. Nor is there anything smaller than an atom, or larger, that is not recorded in a profound record. [57:22] Anything that happens on earth, or to you, has already been recorded, even before the creation. This is easy for GOD to do. [38:75] He said, "O Satan, what prevented you from prostrating before what I created with My hands? Are you too arrogant? Have you rebelled?" [38:76] He said, "I am better than he; You created me from fire, and created him from clay." Satan thinks that he is defying God by refusing to serve Adam and the humans. [3:83] Are they seeking other than GOD's religion, when everything in the heavens and the earth has submitted to Him, willingly and unwillingly, and to Him they will be returned? What happens when you put clay inside fire? It removes the impurities and toughens the clay [7:15] He said, "You are granted a respite." [7:16] He said, "Since You have willed that I go astray,* I will skulk for them on Your straight path. Footnote [7:17] "I will come to them from before them, and from behind them, and from their right, and from their left, and You will find that most of them are unappreciative." [7:18] He said, "Get out therefrom, despised and defeated. Those among them who follow you, I will fill Hell with you all. [13:42] Others before them have schemed, but to GOD belongs the ultimate scheming. He knows what everyone is doing. The disbelievers will find out who the ultimate winners are. But the purpose of Satan is that he is here to test the humans so we can purify ourselves Satan is designed to test the human being to bring out their true convictions Adam and Eve Job Jesus tempted by Satan for 40 days Abraham with his dream How can you tell if God is testing you or Satan? The only test that God tests us with is with His commandments God tells us to do our Salat, give our Zakat or to maintain righteousness we have to obey… Satan on the other hand will wreck havoc on our lives to get us to defy God and turn unappreciative. Example of God testing through His commandments: Muhammad tested by God’s commandments Major Error Committed by Muhammad Muhammad the Man Disobeys Muhammad the Messenger [33:36] No believing man or believing woman, if GOD and His messenger issue any command, has any choice regarding that command. Anyone who disobeys GOD and His messenger has gone far astray. [33:37] Recall that you said to the one who was blessed by GOD, and blessed by you, "Keep your wife and reverence GOD," and you hid inside yourself what GOD wished to proclaim. Thus, you feared the people, when you were supposed to fear only GOD. When Zeid was completely through with his wife, we had you marry her, in order to establish the precedent that a man can marry the divorced wife of his adopted son. GOD's commands shall be done. [33:38] The prophet is not committing an error by doing anything that is made lawful by GOD. Such is GOD's system since the early generations. GOD's command is a sacred duty. Abraham Tested By God’s Commandments [2:124] Recall that Abraham was put to the test by his Lord, through certain commands, and he fulfilled them. (God) said, "I am appointing you an imam for the people." He said, "And also my descendants?" He said, "My covenant does not include the transgressors." I believe this has to do with circumcision Genesis 17 – Abraham and the Covenant of Circumcision 1 Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; Walk before Me, and be blameless. 2 “I will establish My covenant between Me and you, And I will multiply you exceedingly.” 3 Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying, 4 “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, And you will be the father of a multitude of nations. 5 “No longer shall your name be called Abram, But your name shall be Abraham; For I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings will come forth from you. 7 I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your [descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you. 8 I will give to you and to your descendants after you, the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.” 9 God said further to Abraham, “Now as for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. 10 This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and your [j]descendants after you: every male among you shall be circumcised. 11 And you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be the sign of the covenant between Me and you. God knows exactly what we are made of, for he created us [2:286] GOD never burdens a soul beyond its means: to its credit is what it earns, and against it is what it commits. "Our Lord, do not condemn us if we forget or make mistakes. Our Lord, and protect us from blaspheming against You, like those before us have done. Our Lord, protect us from sinning until it becomes too late for us to repent. Pardon us and forgive us. You are our Lord and Master. Grant us victory over the disbelieving people." Satan could always repent, but he never will The person whose mind is made up that they were not at fault That they blame others That they don’t accept responsibility for their actions will never repent The Test Begins [7:12] He said, "What prevented you from prostrating when I ordered you?" He said, "I am better than he; You created me from fire, and created him from mud." [7:13] He said, "Therefore, you must go down, for you are not to be arrogant here. Get out; you are debased." [7:14] He said, "Grant me a respite, until the Day of Resurrection." [7:15] He said, "You are granted a respite." [7:16] He said, "Since You have willed that I go astray,* I will skulk for them on Your straight path. Footnote [7:17] "I will come to them from before them, and from behind them, and from their right, and from their left, and You will find that most of them are unappreciative." [7:18] He said, "Get out therefrom, despised and defeated. Those among them who follow you, I will fill Hell with you all. God's Infinite Mercy [39:53] Proclaim: "O My servants who exceeded the limits, never despair of GOD's mercy. For GOD forgives all sins. He is the Forgiver, Most Merciful." [39:54] You shall obey your Lord, and submit to Him totally, before the retribution overtakes you, then you cannot be helped. Louis CK Supermarket – Just Say Sorry – http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1evo1s Example of Pharaoh [20:43] "Go to Pharaoh, for he transgressed. [20:44] "Speak to him nicely; he may take heed, or become reverent." Each time Pharaoh saw one of God’s miracles and reverted he was closing off any possibility of reformation [2:74] Despite this, your hearts hardened like rocks, or even harder. For there are rocks from which rivers gush out. Others crack and release gentle streams, and other rocks cringe out of reverence for GOD. GOD is never unaware of anything you do. [10:90] We delivered the Children of Israel across the sea. Pharaoh and his troops pursued them, aggressively and sinfully. When drowning became a reality for him, he said, "I believe that there is no god except the One in whom the Children of Israel have believed; I am a submitter." [10:91] "Too late!* For you have rebelled already, and chose to be a transgressor. [35:37] They will scream therein, "Our Lord, if you get us out of here, we will work righteousness, instead of the works we used to do." Did we not give you a life-long chance, with continuous reminders for those who would take heed? Did you not receive the warner? Therefore, taste (the consequences). The transgressors will have no one to help them. [68:44] Therefore, let Me deal with those who reject this Hadith; we will lead them on whence they never perceive. [68:45] I will give them enough rope; My scheming is formidable. [68:46] Are you asking them for money, so they are burdened by the fine? [68:47] Do they know the future? Do they have it recorded? [68:48] You shall steadfastly persevere in carrying out the commands of your Lord. Do not be like (Jonah) who called from inside the fish. [68:49] If it were not for his Lord's grace, he would have been ejected into the desert as a sinner. [68:50] But his Lord blessed him, and made him righteous. [68:51] Those who disbelieved show their ridicule in their eyes when they hear the message and say, "He is crazy!" [68:52] It is in fact a message to the world.

12/6/2017 • 25 minutes, 22 seconds

We summon the guilty on that day blue

Send your comments, questions and episode suggestions to: qurantalk@gmail.com You Have But One God [20:98] Your only god is GOD; the One beside whom there is no other god. His knowledge encompasses all things. [20:99] We thus narrate to you some news from the past generations. We have revealed to you a message from us. [20:100] Those who disregard it will bear a load (of sins) on the Day of Resurrection. [20:101] Eternally they abide therein; what a miserable load on the Day of Resurrection! [20:102] That is the day when the horn is blown, and we summon the guilty on that day blue. What does it mean that the disbelievers will be summoned on the Day of Judgement blue? Angels Beat Up the Disbelievers [47:27] How will it be for them when the angels put them to death? They will beat them on their faces and their rear ends. [75:22] Some faces, on that day, will be happy. [75:23] Looking at their Lord. [75:24] Other faces will be, on that day, miserable. [75:25] Expecting the worst. [75:26] Indeed, when (the soul) reaches the throat. [75:27] And it is ordered: "Let go!" [75:28] He knows it is the end. [75:29] Each leg will lay motionless next to the other leg. [75:30] To your Lord, on that day, is the summoning. [75:31] For he observed neither the charity, nor the contact prayers (Salat). [75:32] But he disbelieved and turned away. [75:33] With his family, he acted arrogantly. [75:34] You have deserved this. [75:35] Indeed, you have deserved this. [75:36] Does the human being think that he will go to nothing? Like ripe fruit, the angles take the souls of the believers [79:1] The (angels who) snatch (the souls of the disbelievers) forcibly. [79:2] And those who gently take (the souls of the believers) joyfully. Baby lacking oxygen turns blue Sometimes babies are born quite purple in appearance, due to a minor oxygen deprivation in the last moments of birth, caused by cord compression or an odd position during crowning. Their colour will change to pink once their blood is fully oxygenated again. - See more at: https://www.bellybelly.com.au/birth/why-do-babies-look-blue-when-they-are-born/ The Invention of Blue https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIg5HkyauoY Painter Edward Munch who had synesthesia painted Starry Night after the death of his first love in what he perceived as the color of a bruised heart. “In my art I attempt to explain life and its meaning to myself” "A landscape will alter according to the mood of the person who sees it” [3:106] The day will come when some faces will be brightened (with joy), while other faces will be darkened (with misery). As for those whose faces are darkened, they will be asked, "Did you not disbelieve after believing? Therefore, suffer the retribution for your disbelief." [10:27] As for those who earned sins, their requital is equivalent to their sin. Humiliation is their lot, and no one beside GOD can protect them. Their faces will seem overwhelmed by masses of dark night. They will be the dwellers of Hell; they abide therein forever.

11/28/2017 • 19 minutes, 9 seconds

Carol Tavris - Self-Justification in Everyday Life

11/16/2017 • 56 minutes, 50 seconds

Reducing Bias When Judging

Send your comments, questions and episode suggestions to: qurantalk@gmail.com [4:105] We have sent down to you the scripture, truthfully, in order to judge among the people in accordance with what GOD has shown you. You shall not side with the betrayers. Example of David [38:21] Have you received news of the feuding men who sneaked into his sanctuary? [38:22] When they entered his room, he was startled. They said, "Have no fear. We are feuding with one another, and we are seeking your fair judgment. Do not wrong us, and guide us in the right path. [38:23] "This brother of mine owns ninety-nine* sheep, while I own one sheep. He wants to mix my sheep with his, and continues to pressure me." [38:24] He said, "He is being unfair to you by asking to combine your sheep with his. Most people who combine their properties treat each other unfairly, except those who believe and work righteousness, and these are so few." Afterwards, David wondered if he made the right judgment. He thought that we were testing him. He then implored his Lord for forgiveness, bowed down, and repented.* [38:25] We forgave him in this matter. We have granted him a position of honor with us, and a beautiful abode. [38:26] O David, we have made you a ruler on earth. Therefore, you shall judge among the people equitably, and do not follow your personal opinion, lest it diverts you from the way of GOD. Surely, those who stray off the way of GOD incur severe retribution for forgetting the Day of Reckoning. *38:24 In this clear example, 99 on one side vs 1 on the other side, David's extreme care to render the correct judgment caused him to ask forgiveness. Are we this careful? Suspicion Is Sinful [49:12] O you who believe, you shall avoid any suspicion, for even a little bit of suspicion is sinful. You shall not spy on one another, nor shall you backbite one another; this is as abominable as eating the flesh of your dead brother. You certainly abhor this. You shall observe GOD. GOD is Redeemer, Most Merciful. We all have an inherent bias when we judge How to judge fairly without bias? Abraham – I cut you choose Divide-and-choose is mentioned in the Bible, in the Book of Genesis (chapter 13). When Abraham and Lot come to the land of Canaan, Abraham suggests that they divide it among them. Then Abraham, coming from the south, divides the land to a "left" (western) part and a "right" (eastern) part, and lets Lot choose. Lot chooses the eastern part which contains Sodom and Gomorrah, and Abraham is left with the western part which contains Beer Sheva, Hebron, Beit El and Shechem. Genesis 13 5 Now Lot, who was moving about with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. 6 But the land could not support them while they stayed together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to stay together. 7 And quarreling arose between Abram’s herders and Lot’s. The Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land at that time. 8 So Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives. 9 Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.” 10 Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) 11 So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company: 12 Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom. 13 Now the people of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord. You Shall Not Bear False Witness [4:135] O you who believe, you shall be absolutely equitable, and observe GOD, when you serve as witnesses, even against yourselves, or your parents, or your relatives. Whether the accused is rich or poor, GOD takes care of both. Therefore, do not be biased by your personal wishes. If you deviate or disregard (this commandment), then GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do Witnessing A Will [5:106] O you who believe, witnessing a will when one of you is dying shall be done by two equitable people among you. If you are traveling, then two others may do the witnessing. After observing the Contact Prayer (Salat), let the witnesses swear by GOD, to alleviate your doubts: "We will not use this to attain personal gains, even if the testator is related to us. Nor will we conceal GOD's testimony. Otherwise, we would be sinners." Dan Aeriely – An Extreme Take on The Ten Commandments Experiment http://danariely.com/2012/07/01/an-extreme-take-on-the-ten-commandments-experiment-2/ [5:107] If the witnesses are found to be guilty of bias, then two others shall be asked to take their places. Choose two persons who were victimized by the first witnesses, and let them swear by GOD: "Our testimony is more truthful than theirs; we will not be biased. Otherwise, we will be transgressors." What about when you have to judge other’s disputes. HOW TO DETERMINE GUILT AGAINST A LIAR Trial by ordeal is judicial practice by which the guilt or innocence of the accused is determined by subjecting them to a painful, or at least an unpleasant, usually dangerous experience. The test was one of life or death and the proof of innocence was survival. In some cases, the accused was considered innocent if they escaped injury or if their injuries healed. Trial by combat – two people in dispute would fight Trial by Fire – person would have to walk over hot metals or holding a red hot iron – if after 3 days their wounds were healed they were innocent Trial by Hot Water (like we saw) Trial by Cold Water (would be bound and submerged in water) Trial by Cross (hold hands in a cross or T-shape. First person to put hands down is the loser) Trial by ingestion/poison (if survive they were innocent) Trial by Oil | National Geographic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgJXXo97D4c Let people self-incriminate without force on their own merit Kind of Trial by Ordeal as Instituted in the Quran [24:4] Those who accuse married women of adultery, then fail to produce four witnesses, you shall whip them eighty lashes, and do not accept any testimony from them; they are wicked. [24:5] If they repent afterwards and reform, then GOD is Forgiver, Merciful. In the Torah, if someone gives a false testimony the punishment the accused would have gotten falls on the person bearing false witness Deuteronomy 19: Laws of Landmark and Testimony 14“You shall not move your neighbor’s boundary mark, which the ancestors have set, in your inheritance which you will inherit in the land that the LORD your God gives you to possess. 15“A single witness shall not rise up against a man on account of any iniquity or any sin which he has committed; on the evidence of two or three witnesses a matter shall be confirmed. 16“If a malicious witness rises up against a man to accuse him of wrongdoing, 17then both the men who have the dispute shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges who will be in office in those days. 18“The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is a false witness and he has accused his brother falsely, 19then you shall do to him just as he had intended to do to his brother. Thus you shall purge the evil from among you. 20“The rest will hear and be afraid, and will never again do such an evil thing among you. 21“Thus you shall not show pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. TRUSTLESS SOCIETY – How to build a society where people voluntarily self-identify In Case of War [60:10] O you who believe, when believing women (abandon the enemy and) ask for asylum with you, you shall test them. GOD is fully aware of their belief. Once you establish that they are believers, you shall not return them to the disbelievers. They are not lawful to remain married to them, nor shall the disbelievers be allowed to marry them. Give back the dowries that the disbelievers have paid. You commit no error by marrying them, so long as you pay them their due dowries. Do not keep disbelieving wives (if they wish to join the enemy). You may ask them for the dowry you had paid, and they may ask for what they paid. This is GOD's rule; He rules among you. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise. Solomon’s Judgment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_az3eNb0fI Honesty is Our Responsibility One of the absolute top necessities for a society to prosper is the need for honesty. We make our decisions based on the information we have. If someone provides false information then we could make wrong decisions. Crucial Advice [17:36] You shall not accept any information, unless you verify it for yourself. I have given you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brain, and you are responsible for using them. Investigate Rumors Before Believing Them [49:6] O you who believe, if a wicked person brings any news to you, you shall first investigate, lest you commit injustice towards some people, out of ignorance, then become sorry and remorseful for what you have done. Fearing the Lord is the start of wisdom Proverbs 9: 9vGive instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning. 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Wisdom: A Great Treasure [2:269] He bestows wisdom upon whomever He chooses, and whoever attains wisdom, has attained a great bounty. Only those who possess intelligence will take heed. Stephan Molyneux – eliminating religion the fabric of society starts falling apart [8:73] Those who disbelieved are allies of one another. Unless you keep these commandments, there will be chaos on earth, and terrible corruption. You Shall Keep Your Word [16:91] You shall fulfill your covenant with GOD when you make such a covenant. You shall not violate the oaths after swearing (by God) to carry them out, for you have made GOD a guarantor for you. GOD knows everything you do. [16:92] Do not be like the knitter who unravels her strong knitting into piles of flimsy yarn. This is your example if you abuse the oaths to take advantage of one another. Whether one group is larger than the other, GOD thus puts you to the test. He will surely show you on the Day of Resurrection everything you had disputed. [16:93] Had GOD willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He sends astray whoever chooses to go astray, and He guides whoever wishes to be guided.* You will surely be asked about everything you have done. Violating Your Oath: A Serious Offense [16:94] Do not abuse the oaths among you, lest you slide back after having a strong foothold, then you incur misery. Such is the consequence of repelling from the path of GOD (by setting a bad example); you incur a terrible retribution. [16:95] Do not sell your oaths before GOD short. What GOD possesses is far better for you, if you only knew. [16:96] What you possess runs out, but what GOD possesses lasts forever. We will surely reward those who steadfastly persevere; we will recompense them for their righteous works. Example of Adultery [24:6] As for those who accuse their own spouses, without any other witnesses, then the testimony may be accepted if he swears by GOD four times that he is telling the truth. [24:7] The fifth oath shall be to incur GOD's condemnation upon him, if he was lying. [24:8] She shall be considered innocent if she swears by GOD four times that he is a liar. [24:9] The fifth oath shall incur GOD's wrath upon her if he was telling the truth. [24:10] This is GOD's grace and mercy towards you. GOD is Redeemer, Most Wise. Divine Law [64:11] Nothing happens to you except in accordance with GOD's will. Anyone who believes in GOD, He will guide his heart. GOD is fully aware of all things. [5:54] O you who believe, if you revert from your religion, then GOD will substitute in your place people whom He loves and who love Him. They will be kind with the believers, stern with the disbelievers, and will strive in the cause of GOD without fear of any blame. Such is GOD's blessing; He bestows it upon whomever He wills. GOD is Bounteous, Omniscient. You Shall Not Bear False Witness [5:8] O you who believe, you shall be absolutely equitable, and observe GOD, when you serve as witnesses. Do not be provoked by your conflicts with some people into committing injustice. You shall be absolutely equitable, for it is more righteous. You shall observe GOD. GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do. [5:9] GOD promises those who believe and lead a righteous life forgiveness and a great recompense. [5:10] As for those who disbelieve and reject our revelations, they are the dwellers of Hell. God Defends the Believers [5:11] O you who believe, remember GOD's blessings upon you; when some people extended their hands to aggress against you, He protected you and withheld their hands. You shall observe GOD; in GOD the believers shall trust. Good things do not happen to bad people Psalm 91 9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. [3:174] They have deserved GOD's blessings and grace. No harm ever touches them, for they have attained GOD's approval. GOD possesses infinite grace. Abraham was thrown into the fire [37:91] He then turned on their idols, saying, "Would you like to eat? [37:92] "Why do you not speak?" [37:93] He then destroyed them. [37:94] They went to him in a great rage. [37:95] He said, "How can you worship what you carve? [37:96] "When GOD has created you, and everything you make!" [37:97] They said, "Let us build a great fire, and throw him into it." [37:98] They schemed against him, but we made them the losers. Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den (Book of Daniel Chapter 6) Daniels constituents were thrown into the fire Daniel 3: The Fiery Furnace …25He said, "Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!" 26Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the furnace of blazing fire; he responded and said, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, come out, you servants of the Most High God, and come here!" Then Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego came out of the midst of the fire. 27The satraps, the prefects, the governors and the king's high officials gathered around and saw in regard to these men that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men nor was the hair of their head singed, nor were their trousers damaged, nor had the smell of fire even come upon them.… [85:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful [85:1] The sky and its galaxies. [85:2] The promised day. [85:3] The witness and the witnessed. [85:4] Woe to the people of the canyon. [85:5] They ignited a blazing fire. [85:6] Then sat around it. [85:7] To watch the burning of the believers. [85:8] They hated them for no other reason than believing in GOD, the Almighty, the Praiseworthy. [85:9] To Him belongs the kingship of the heavens and the earth. And GOD witnesses all things. [85:10] Surely, those who persecute the believing men and women, then fail to repent, have incurred the retribution of Gehenna; they have incurred the retribution of burning. [85:11] Surely, those who believed and led a righteous life, have deserved gardens with flowing streams. This is the greatest triumph. Pharaoh and the magicians? Joseph was thrown into the well, accused by the governor’s wife (twice) We can’t affect the outcome, but we can trust in God that justice will be served LET GOD JUDGE - Justice comes from God [42:39] When gross injustice befalls them, they stand up for their rights. [42:40] Although the just requital for an injustice is an equivalent retribution, those who pardon and maintain righteousness are rewarded by GOD. He does not love the unjust. [42:41] Certainly, those who stand up for their rights, when injustice befalls them, are not committing any error. [42:42] The wrong ones are those who treat the people unjustly, and resort to aggression without provocation. These have incurred a painful retribution. [42:43] Resorting to patience and forgiveness reflects a true strength of character. [16:126] And if you punish, you shall inflict an equivalent punishment. But if you resort to patience (instead of revenge), it would be better for the patient ones. [16:127] You shall resort to patience—and your patience is attainable only with GOD's help. Do not grieve over them, and do not be annoyed by their schemes. [16:128] GOD is with those who lead a righteous life, and those who are charitable.

11/10/2017 • 35 minutes, 6 seconds

Revolutionary Movie | Documentary Trailer

Revolutionary: Michael Behe and the Mystery of Molecular Machines https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ToSEAj2V0s

11/1/2017 • 17 minutes, 51 seconds

Minimum Requirement For God's Salvation

Minimum Requirements For Salvation [5:69] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the converts, and the Christians; any of them who (1) believe in GOD and (2) believe in the Last Day, and (3) lead a righteous life, have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. Unity of All Submitters [2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. INTRODUCTION “While every religion has been corrupted by innovations, traditions, and false, idolatrous doctrines, there may be "Submitters" within every religion. There may be Submitters who are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or anything else. These Submitters, collectively, constitute the only religion acceptable to God. As emphasized by the theme on the front page of this book, all Submitters who are devoted to God ALONE, and do not set up any idols beside God, are redeemed into God's eternal kingdom (2:62). A criterion of the true submitters is that they will find nothing objectionable in the Quran.” All Believers Constitute the One Acceptable Religion As expected from the Creator's final message, one of the prominent themes in the Quran is the call for unity among all believers, and the repeated prohibition of making any distinction among God's messengers. If the object of worship is one and the same, there will be absolute unity among all believers. It is the human factor, i.e., devotion and prejudice to such powerless humans as Jesus, Muhammad, and the saints that causes division, hatred, and bitter wars among the misguided believers. A guided believer is devoted to God ALONE, and rejoices in seeing any other believer who is devoted to God ALONE, regardless of the name such a believer calls his or her religion. Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in God, (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord; they have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. [2:62, 5:69] So does this mean that we don’t need to do our Salat, pay our Zakat, give to charity, believe in any of God’s messengers or scriptures, or angles? Minimum Requirement is this minimum to all people or does it vary from person to person? I am going to argue that the minimum will vary from person to person We know that Zakat is 2.5% of our income, but this does not mean everyone will give the same amount. For instance the person who makes more money will pay more than the person who makes less money. Both are meeting the requirement, but to look at what each person’s level of Zakat is will not be the right metric to determine if they are meeting the requirement, and I believe that the minimum requirement will operate in the same manner If you do not know about the Quran you are not responsible for following it. If you do not know of God’s messengers you are not responsible for following them God holds us responsible for what we know and our circumstances Greater Miracles Bring Greater Responsibility* [5:114] Said Jesus, the son of Mary, "Our god, our Lord, send down to us a feast from the sky. Let it bring plenty for each and every one of us, and a sign from You. Provide for us; You are the best Provider." [5:115] GOD said, "I am sending it down. Anyone among you who disbelieves after this, I will punish him as I never punished anyone else."* *5:114-115 The Quran's overwhelming miracle (Appendix 1) is described in 74:35 as "One of the greatest miracles," and brings with it an uncommonly great responsibility. Miracles Bring Greater Responsibility* [2:211] Ask the Children of Israel how many profound miracles have we shown them! For those who disregard the blessings bestowed upon them by GOD, GOD is most strict in retribution. *2:211 The Quran's mathematical miracle is a great blessing, and brings with it an awesome responsibility (please see 5:115). [33:36] No believing man or believing woman, if GOD and His messenger issue any command, has any choice regarding that command. Anyone who disobeys GOD and His messenger has gone far astray. Major Prophecy Fulfilled* God's Messenger of the Covenant [3:81] GOD took a covenant from the prophets, saying, "I will give you the scripture and wisdom. Afterwards, a messenger will come to confirm all existing scriptures. You shall believe in him and support him." He said, "Do you agree with this, and pledge to fulfill this covenant?" They said, "We agree." He said, "You have thus borne witness, and I bear witness along with you." Rejectors of God's Messenger of the Covenant are Disbelievers [3:82] Those who reject this (Quranic prophecy) are the evil ones. [4:159] Everyone among the people of the scripture was required to believe in him (Jesus) before his death. On the Day of Resurrection, he will be a witness against them. [24:61] The blind is not to be blamed, the crippled is not to be blamed, nor the handicapped is to be blamed, just as you are not to be blamed for eating at your homes, or the homes of your fathers, or the homes of your mothers, or the homes of your brothers, or the homes of your sisters, or the homes of your fathers' brothers, or the homes of your fathers' sisters, or the homes of your mothers' brothers, or the homes of your mothers' sisters, or the homes that belong to you and you possess their keys, or the homes of your friends. You commit nothing wrong by eating together or as individuals. When you enter any home, you shall greet each other a greeting from GOD that is blessed and good. GOD thus explains the revelations for you, that you may understand. The Test for Early Generations [48:16] Say to the sedentary Arabs who stay behind, "You will be invited to face powerful people and to fight them, unless they submit. If you obey, GOD will reward you with a generous recompense. But if you turn away again, as you did in the past, He will requite you with a painful retribution." [48:17] The blind is not to be blamed, the crippled is not to be blamed, and the sick is not to be blamed. Those who obey GOD and His messenger, He will admit them into gardens with flowing streams. As for those who turn away, He will requite them with a painful retribution. Apathy Condemned [4:97] Those whose lives are terminated by the angels, while in a state of wronging their souls, the angels will ask them, "What was the matter with you?" They will say, "We were oppressed on earth." They will say, "Was GOD's earth not spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?" For these, the final abode is Hell, and a miserable destiny. [4:98] Exempted are the weak men, women, and children who do not possess the strength, nor the means to find a way out. [4:99] These may be pardoned by GOD. GOD is Pardoner, Forgiver. So if you are whole and able If you have the hearing, eyesight and mind If you are more intelligent If you are leader If you are rich If you have influence You bear more responsibility than ones who are not Someone who dies before the age of 40 will be forgiven Someone who is born mentally or physically deficient will be forgiven 40: The Age of Decision* [46:15] We enjoined the human being to honor his parents. His mother bore him arduously, gave birth to him arduously, and took intimate care of him for thirty months. When he reaches maturity, and reaches the age of forty,* he should say, "My Lord, direct me to appreciate the blessings You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and to do the righteous works that please You. Let my children be righteous as well. I have repented to You; I am a submitter." Christians, too, Must Obey God's Messenger [5:14] Also from those who said, "We are Christian," we took their covenant. But they disregarded some of the commandments given to them. Consequently, we condemned them to animosity and hatred among themselves, until the Day of Resurrection. GOD will then inform them of everything they had done. The Quran: God's Message to the Jews and Christians [5:15] O people of the scripture, our messenger has come to you to proclaim for you many things you have concealed in the scripture, and to pardon many other transgressions you have committed. A beacon has come to you from GOD, and a profound scripture. [5:16] With it, GOD guides those who seek His approval. He guides them to the paths of peace, leads them out of darkness into the light by His leave, and guides them in a straight path. Salvation For Jews and Christians [5:65] If only the people of the scripture believe and lead a righteous life, we will then remit their sins, and admit them into gardens of bliss. They Must Believe in This Quran [5:66] If only they would uphold the Torah and the Gospel, and what is sent down to them herein from their Lord, they would be showered with blessings from above them and from beneath their feet. Some of them are righteous, but many of them are evildoers. (1) Believe in God? What does it mean to believe in God? Just his mere existence? The devil believes in God. Believe in God means believing in God’s qualities God is One [17:42] Say, "If there were any other gods beside Him, as they claim, they would have tried to overthrow the Possessor of the throne." [4:36] You shall worship GOD alone—do not associate anything with Him… Most Gracious, Most Merciful, Most Just, All Knowing, All Powerful etc. Knowing God [10:61] You do not get into any situation, nor do you recite any Quran, nor do you do anything, without us being witnesses thereof as you do it. Not even an atom's weight is out of your Lord's control, be it in the heavens or the earth. Nor is there anything smaller than an atom, or larger, that is not recorded in a profound record. God [59:22] He is the One GOD; there is no other god besides Him. Knower of all secrets and declarations. He is the Most Gracious, Most Merciful. [59:23] He is the One GOD; there is no other god besides Him. The King, the Most Sacred, the Peace, the Most Faithful, the Supreme, the Almighty, the Most Powerful, the Most Dignified. GOD be glorified; far above having partners. [59:24] He is the One GOD; the Creator, the Initiator, the Designer. To Him belong the most beautiful names. Glorifying Him is everything in the heavens and the earth. He is the Almighty, Most Wise. As we grow in our understanding God will allow us to better understand His character Appendix 9 - Abraham: Original Messenger of Islam God Never Ordered Abraham to Sacrifice His Son God is the Most Merciful. He never violates His own law (7:28). Any person who believes that the Most Merciful ordered Abraham to kill his son cannot possibly make it to God's Heaven. Such evil thought about God is grossly blasphemous. Nowhere in the Quran do we see that God ordered Abraham to kill his son. On the contrary, God intervened to save Abraham and Ismail from Satan's plot (37:107), and He told Abraham: "You believed the dream" (37:105). Undoubtedly, it was a dream inspired by Satan. God's irrevocable law is: "God never advocates sin" (7:28) Examine All Inherited Information [7:28] They commit a gross sin, then say, "We found our parents doing this, and GOD has commanded us to do it." Say, "GOD never advocates sin. Are you saying about GOD what you do not know?" If we believe then our actions should correspond to that belief So do we need to do our Salat? If God tells us that Salat is a meal for our soul and we decide not to do our Salat it shows that we do not believe. Traits of the Believers [42:37] They avoid gross sins and vice, and when angered they forgive. [42:38] They respond to their Lord by observing the Contact Prayers (Salat). Their affairs are decided after due consultation among themselves, and from our provisions to them they give (to charity). [42:39] When gross injustice befalls them, they stand up for their rights. [42:40] Although the just requital for an injustice is an equivalent retribution, those who pardon and maintain righteousness are rewarded by GOD. He does not love the unjust. [42:41] Certainly, those who stand up for their rights, when injustice befalls them, are not committing any error. [42:42] The wrong ones are those who treat the people unjustly, and resort to aggression without provocation. These have incurred a painful retribution. [42:43] Resorting to patience and forgiveness reflects a true strength of character. If God tells us that Zakat is needed to attain God’s mercy and we choose not to pay Zakat does that mean we believe? Requirements For Attaining God's Mercy: The Importance of Zakat [7:156] "And decree for us righteousness in this world, and in the Hereafter. We have repented to You." He said, "My retribution befalls whomever I will. But My mercy encompasses all things. However, I will specify it for those who (1) lead a righteous life, (2) give the obligatory charity (Zakat),* (3) believe in our revelations, and [7:157] "(4) follow the messenger, the gentile prophet (Muhammad), whom they find written in their Torah and Gospel.* He exhorts them to be righteous, enjoins them from evil, allows for them all good food, and prohibits that which is bad, and unloads the burdens and the shackles imposed upon them. Those who believe in him, respect him, support him, and follow the light that came with him are the successful ones." In addition to believing in God’s qualities if we believe in God we need to believe in His word By following the Quran which is His proven word via the mathematical miracle of the Quran (2) believe in the Last Day, Hadith & Sunna: Fabrications by the Prophet's Enemies [6:112] We have permitted the enemies of every prophet—human and jinn devils—to inspire in each other fancy words, in order to deceive. Had your Lord willed, they would not have done it. You shall disregard them and their fabrications. Important Criterion [6:113] This is to let the minds of those who do not believe in the Hereafter listen to such fabrications, and accept them, and thus expose their real convictions.* *6:113 The Quran provides criteria that tell us whether we truly believe in the Hereafter or merely give it lip service. These important criteria are stated here and in 17:45-46 and 39:45. *6:113-115 Upholding any source beside the Quran reflects disbelief in the Quran (Appendix 18). Quran, the Whole Quran, and Nothing But the Quran [6:19] Say, "Whose testimony is the greatest?" Say, "GOD's. He is the witness between me and you that this Quran* has been inspired to me, to preach it to you and whomever it reaches. Indeed, you bear witness that there are other gods* beside GOD." Say, "I do not testify as you do; there is only one god, and I disown your idolatry." [6:20] Those to whom we have given the scripture recognize this as they recognize their own children. The ones who lose their souls are those who do not believe. [6:21] Who is more evil than one who lies about GOD, or rejects His revelations? The transgressors never succeed. Quran: Fully Detailed* [6:114] Shall I seek other than GOD as a source of law, when He has revealed to you this book fully detailed?* Those who received the scripture recognize that it has been revealed from your Lord, truthfully. You shall not harbor any doubt. [6:115] The word of your Lord is complete,* in truth and justice. Nothing shall abrogate His words. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. Footnote [6:116] If you obey the majority of people on earth, they will divert you from the path of GOD. They follow only conjecture; they only guess. The Greatest Criterion* [39:45] When GOD ALONE is mentioned, the hearts of those who do not believe in the Hereafter shrink with aversion. But when others are mentioned beside Him, they become satisfied.* *39:45 Despite the clear commandment in 3:18 that the First Pillar of Islam is proclaiming: "Ash-hadu An Lã Elãha Ellã Allãh (there is no other god beside God)," the majority of "Muslims" insist upon adding the name of Muhammad. This Greatest Criterion alerts us that rejoicing in adding the name of Muhammad, or any other name, exposes disbelief in the Hereafter. See also Footnote 17:46. You Shall Not Make Any Distinction Among God's Messengers [2:285] The messenger has believed in what was sent down to him from his Lord, and so did the believers. They believe in GOD, His angels, His scripture, and His messengers: "We make no distinction among any of His messengers." They say, "We hear, and we obey.* Forgive us, our Lord. To You is the ultimate destiny." The Most Important Commandment* [3:18] GOD bears witness that there is no god except He, and so do the angels and those who possess knowledge. Truthfully and equitably, He is the absolute god; there is no god but He, the Almighty, Most Wise. [63:1] When the hypocrites come to you they say, "We bear witness that you are the messenger of GOD."* GOD knows that you are His messenger, and GOD bears witness that the hypocrites are liars. Disbelievers Cannot Understand Quran [17:45] When you read the Quran, we place between you and those who do not believe in the Hereafter an invisible barrier. Quran: The ONLY Source [17:46] We place shields around their minds, to prevent them from understanding it, and deafness in their ears. And when you preach your Lord, using the Quran alone,* they run away in aversion. (3) leads a righteous life, Righteousness Defined [2:177] Righteousness is not turning your faces towards the east or the west. Righteous are those who believe in GOD, the Last Day, the angels, the scripture, and the prophets; and they give the money, cheerfully, to the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the traveling alien, the beggars, and to free the slaves; and they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat); and they keep their word whenever they make a promise; and they steadfastly persevere in the face of persecution, hardship, and war. These are the truthful; these are the righteous. [3:92] You cannot attain righteousness until you give to charity from the possessions you love. Whatever you give to charity, GOD is fully aware thereof. Attributes of the Righteous [3:133] You should eagerly race towards forgiveness from your Lord and a Paradise whose width encompasses the heavens and the earth; it awaits the righteous, [3:134] who give to charity during the good times, as well as the bad times. They are suppressors of anger, and pardoners of the people. GOD loves the charitable. [3:135] If they fall in sin or wrong their souls, they remember GOD and ask forgiveness for their sins—and who forgives the sins except GOD—and they do not persist in sins, knowingly. Traits of the Righteous [25:63] The worshipers of the Most Gracious are those who tread the earth gently, and when the ignorant speak to them, they only utter peace. [25:64] In the privacy of the night, they meditate on their Lord, and fall prostrate. [25:65] And they say, "Our Lord, spare us the agony of Hell; its retribution is horrendous. [25:66] "It is the worst abode; the worst destiny." [25:67] When they give, they are neither extravagant, nor stingy; they give in moderation. [25:68] They never implore beside GOD any other god, nor do they kill any soul—for GOD has made life sacred—except in the course of justice. Nor do they commit adultery. Those who commit these offenses will have to pay. Additional Traits of the Righteous [25:72] They do not bear false witness. When they encounter vain talk, they ignore it. [25:73] When reminded of their Lord's revelations, they never react to them as if they were deaf and blind. [25:74] And they say, "Our Lord, let our spouses and children be a source of joy for us, and keep us in the forefront of the righteous." (1) The Righteous [2:3] who believe in the unseen, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat),* and from our** provisions to them, they give to charity. [2:4] And they believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you,* and with regard to the Hereafter, they are absolutely certain. [2:5] These are guided by their Lord; these are the winners. Can you call someone who witnessed God’s miracle and message and chooses not to follow it righteous? This shows that their actions do not match their belief

10/26/2017 • 37 minutes, 18 seconds

King of Chaos – By Dr. Rashad Khalifa

King of Chaos – By Dr. Rashad Khalifa (Video Link) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU5hzVjRo2Q

10/19/2017 • 49 minutes, 33 seconds

Want vs. Earn

Two economist are walking past a car dealership and see a fully restored 1967 Chevy Camaro for sale and one of the economist says wow – I really want that car. And the other economist laughs and says no you don’t. The last thing you want to do is explain a joke, but since that joke isn’t inherently funny we will make this exception. If the economist really wanted the car he would be willing to part way with his money for that car. Or if he didn’t have the money he would get an extra job earn extra money to obtain that car. Since he wasn’t willing to make the tradeoff then he didn’t “really want to get that car” Common shortcoming for all of us A lot of things in life we want to have but we are not willing to do the work to do what it takes to obtain it Adam and Eve is an example of people wanting what they have not earned [7:20] The devil whispered to them, in order to reveal their bodies, which were invisible to them. He said, "Your Lord did not forbid you from this tree, except to prevent you from becoming angels, and from attaining eternal existence." [20:120] But the devil whispered to him, saying, "O Adam, let me show you the tree of eternity and unending kingship." Immediate Results with No To Little Work Marketers and advertisers use these tricks all the time The quick way to get rich The easiest way to lose weight Penn Jillette – "There is only one trick in magic, and that is that we are willing to work harder than you think we will." Example of Darren Brown - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHNq4SQxyv0 How to Lose Weight in 4 Easy Steps – Aaron Bleyaert https://medium.com/@AaronBleyaert/how-to-lose-weight-in-4-easy-steps-1f135f7e1dec https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mbp0DugfCA 1.) NO BEER 2.) PORTION CONTROL 3.) HAVE YOUR HEART BROKEN 4.) NO FRUIT JUICE Guy sneaks into Floyd Mayweather vs. Connor McGregor fight The Sedentary [9:42] If there were a quick material gain, and a short journey, they would have followed you. But the striving is just too much for them. They will swear by GOD: "If we could, we would have mobilized with you." They thus hurt themselves, and GOD knows that they are liars. [17:11] The human being often prays for something that may hurt him, thinking that he is praying for something good. The human being is impatient. [21:37] The human being is impatient by nature. I will inevitably show you My signs; do not be in such a hurry. The Secret – The law of attraction – whatever you think about you will attract People think about wanting money and all they get is more wanting of money God knows exactly how much we can handle and if He was to give us one penny more than we can handle we would transgress. Materials of This World: All That The Disbelievers Get [43:33] If it were not that all the people might become one (disbelieving) congregation, we would have granted everyone who disbelieves in the Most Gracious mansions with silver roofs, and stairs upon which they could climb. [43:34] Their mansions would have impressive gates, and luxurious furnishings. [43:35] Also many ornaments. All these are the temporary materials of this lowly life. The Hereafter—at your Lord—is far better for the righteous. Growth only occurs in states of discomfort Moses with his teacher – how can you stand that which you do not understand Karate Kid – wax on wax off So instead of asking for more provisions think about asking God for the ability to handle more provisions Solomon's Exemplary Devotion [38:30] To David we granted Solomon; a good and obedient servant. [38:31] One day he became preoccupied with beautiful horses, until the night fell. [38:32] He then said, "I enjoyed the material things more than I enjoyed worshiping my Lord, until the sun was gone. [38:33] "Bring them back." (To bid farewell,) he rubbed their legs and necks. [38:34] We thus put Solomon to the test; we blessed him with vast material wealth, but he steadfastly submitted.* [38:35] He said, "My Lord, forgive me, and grant me a kingship never attained by anyone else. You are the Grantor." [38:36] We (answered his prayer and) committed the wind at his disposal, pouring rain wherever he wanted. [38:37] And the devils, building and diving. [38:38] Others were placed at his disposal. [38:39] "This is our provision to you; you may give generously, or withhold, without limits." [38:40] He has deserved an honorable position with us, and a wonderful abode. *38:32 Solomon missed his afternoon prayer because of his horses. To nullify Satan's possible claim that Solomon loved his horses more than loving God, he got rid of his horses. “History is filled with the sound of silken slippers going downstairs and wooden shoes coming up.” ―Voltaire Societies are founded by stoics and fall by epicureans Doing the hardwork vs. pleasure seeking Instant gratification Persevere past failure Cyrus the Great - Pasargadae remained the capital of the Achaemenid empire until Cambyses II moved it to Susa; later, Darius founded another in Persepolis. Easy choice, hard life hard choice easy life Steadfastly persevere [47:31] We will certainly put you to the test, in order to distinguish those among you who strive, and steadfastly persevere. We must expose your true qualities. [90:10] Did we not show him the two paths? [90:11] He should choose the difficult path. [90:12] Which one is the difficult path? [90:13] The freeing of slaves. [90:14] Feeding, during the time of hardship. [90:15] Orphans who are related. [90:16] Or the poor who is in need. [90:17] And being one of those who believe, and exhorting one another to be steadfast, and exhorting one another to be kind. [90:18] These have deserved happiness. when you haven’t earned something you give it up easily Now that we know this - what is it that we really want? [53:24] What is it that the human being desires? [53:25] To GOD belongs both the Hereafter, and this world. [7:26] O children of Adam, we have provided you with garments to cover your bodies, as well as for luxury. But the best garment is the garment of righteousness. These are some of GOD's signs, that they may take heed. [7:27] O children of Adam, do not let the devil dupe you as he did when he caused the eviction of your parents from Paradise, and the removal of their garments to expose their bodies. He and his tribe see you, while you do not see them. We appoint the devils as companions of those who do not believe. Choose Your Priorities Carefully This Life [17:18] Anyone who chooses this fleeting life as his priority, we will rush to him what we decide to give him, then we commit him to Gehenna, where he suffers forever, despised and defeated. The Hereafter [17:19] As for those who choose the Hereafter as their priority, and work righteousness, while believing, their efforts will be appreciated. [17:20] For each one of them we provide; we provide those and these from your Lord's bounties. Your Lord's bounties are inexhaustible. [17:21] Note how we preferred some people above others (in this life). The differences in the Hereafter are far greater and far more significant. [42:20] Whoever seeks the rewards of the Hereafter, we multiply the rewards for him. And whoever seeks the materials of this world, we give him therefrom, then he receives no share in the Hereafter. [4:134] Anyone who seeks the materials of this world should know that GOD possesses both the materials of this world and the Hereafter. GOD is Hearer, Seer.

10/13/2017 • 21 minutes, 31 seconds

Free Will, Change & Righteousness

Sam Harris argues trying to convince someone there is no free will does not negate that there is still no free will – he equates this to knowing that 2 + 2 = 4 – regardless if you know this information or not doesn’t change the fact. I would disagree if you know 2 + 2 = 4 then that changes your decisions and the way you engage in life. So if information can change our trajectory in life then therefore there is free will because we can pick and choose what knowledge we pursue. (with a caveat 19:75, 76) Belief changes our mind and ultimately changes our understanding Neuroplasticity shows that our brains can change. When our brains change it changes our biology. Molecules of emotion. When someone has their brain controlled that makes there hand want to move there is another part of us that wills for the hand not to move out of our control. – Candace Pert God designed a system in this world where whatever it is we believe God will lead us by that belief. This is apparent with the list of cognitive biases that we have that make us so believable to whatever it is we want to believe. [10:9] As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, their Lord guides them, by virtue of their belief. Rivers will flow beneath them in the gardens of bliss. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cognitive_biases [19:75] Say, "Those who choose to go astray, the Most Gracious will lead them on, until they see what is promised for them—either the retribution or the Hour. That is when they find out who really is worse off, and weaker in power." [19:76] GOD augments the guidance of those who choose to be guided. For the good deeds are eternally rewarded by your Lord, and bring far better returns. Tragic Statement: "My mind is made up!" [2:88] Some would say, "Our minds are made up!" Instead, it is a curse from GOD, as a consequence of their disbelief, that keeps them from believing, except for a few of them. So how do we change if God veils some people from believing? [7:146] I will divert from My revelations those who are arrogant on earth, without justification. Consequently, when they see every kind of proof they will not believe. And when they see the path of guidance they will not adopt it as their path, but when they see the path of straying they will adopt it as their path. This is the consequence of their rejecting our proofs, and being totally heedless thereof. [45:23] Have you noted the one whose god is his ego? Consequently, GOD sends him astray, despite his knowledge, seals his hearing and his mind, and places a veil on his eyes. Who then can guide him, after such a decision by GOD? Would you not take heed? How do we come out of being veiled? How do we know we are fooled vs. if we have the truth? Abraham [21:51] Before that, we granted Abraham his guidance and understanding, for we were fully aware of him.* Footnote [21:52] He said to his father and his people, "What are these statues to which you are devoting yourselves?" [21:53] They said, "We found our parents worshiping them." [21:54] He said, "Indeed, you and your parents have gone totally astray." [21:55] They said, "Are you telling us the truth, or are you playing?" [21:56] He said, "Your only Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, who created them. This is the testimony to which I bear witness. [21:57] "I swear by GOD, I have a plan to deal with your statues, as soon as you leave." [21:58] He broke them into pieces, except for a big one, that they may refer to it. [21:59] They said, "Whoever did this to our gods is really a transgressor." [21:60] They said, "We heard a youth threaten them; he is called Abraham." [21:61] They said, "Bring him before the eyes of all the people, that they may bear witness." [21:62] They said, "Did you do this to our gods, O Abraham?" Abraham Proves His Point [21:63] He said, "It is that big one who did it. Go ask them, if they can speak." [21:64] They were taken aback, and said to themselves, "Indeed, you are the ones who have been transgressing." [21:65] Yet, they reverted to their old ideas: "You know full well that these cannot speak." Secondly, cognitive dissonance is the moment when we see the fault in our logic and we have the ability to change. If we choose to capitalize on it, it is for our own good. And if we choose not to then it is to our own detriment. https://aeon.co/ideas/cognitive-dissonance-helps-old-dogs-with-their-new-tricks Abraham's Courageous Debate [2:258] Have you noted the one who argued with Abraham about his Lord, though GOD had given him kingship? Abraham said, "My Lord grants life and death." He said, "I grant life and death." Abraham said, "GOD brings the sun from the east, can you bring it from the west?" The disbeliever was stumped. GOD does not guide the wicked. Like being on a train track with the occasional opportunity to change tracks [13:11] Shifts (of angels) take turns, staying with each one of you—they are in front of you and behind you. They stay with you, and guard you in accordance with GOD's commands. Thus, GOD does not change the condition of any people unless they themselves make the decision to change. If GOD wills any hardship for any people, no force can stop it. For they have none beside Him as Lord and Master. [9:115] GOD does not send any people astray, after He had guided them, without first pointing out for them what to expect. GOD is fully aware of all things. Cognitive Dissonance and Changing One's Heart Examine Yourself [18:103] Say, "Shall I tell you who the worst losers are? [18:104] "They are the ones whose works in this life are totally astray, but they think that they are doing good." The first principle is that you must not fool yourself – and you are the easiest person to fool. – Richard Feynman ************************************* Righteousness is all that matters What is the real self – people select the best version of themselves as their real self Phineas Gage Phineas P. Gage (1823–1860) was an American railroad construction foreman remembered for his improbable survival of an accident in which a large iron rod was driven completely through his head, destroying much of his brain's left frontal lobe, and for that injury's reported effects on his personality and behavior over the remaining twelve years of his life‍—‌effects sufficiently profound (for a time at least) that friends saw him as "no longer Gage." Scenario #1 Phineas is extremely kind; he really enjoys helping people. He is also employed as a railroad worker. One day at work, a railroad explosion causes a large iron spike to fly out and into his head, and he is immediately taken for emergency surgery. The doctors manage to remove the iron spike and their patient is fortunate to survive. However, in some ways this man after the accident is remarkably different from Phineas before the accident. Phineas before the accident was extremely kind and enjoyed helping people, but the man after the accident is now extremely cruel; he even enjoys harming people. Scenario #2 Phineas is extremely cruel; he really enjoys harming people. He is also employed as a railroad worker. One day at work, a railroad explosion causes a large iron spike to fly out and into his head, and he is immediately taken for emergency surgery. The doctors manage to remove the iron spike and their patient is fortunate to survive. However, in some ways this man after the accident is remarkably different from Phineas before the accident. Phineas before the accident was extremely cruel and enjoyed harming people, but the man after the accident is now extremely kind; he even enjoys helping people. All participants rated whether they thought the (improved or deteriorated) man after the accident was still Gage. They rated this on a scale from 1 (still the same person) to 7 (not the same person); those who read the deterioration scenario rated on average 3.48, while those who read the improvement scenario rated on average 2.68. Those who read and rated the ‘Improvement Case’ were more inclined to see the man after the accident as still Gage than those who read the scenario based on the classic ‘Deterioration Case’. This suggests that large changes do not always affect perceived personal identity in the same way: intuitions about personal identity can depend on the direction of change. Further evidence that direction of change affects identity can be seen in popular examples. Take, for example, ‘The Enemy Within’ (1968), an episode of the original Star Trek television series. A transporter malfunction splits the ship’s Captain Kirk into two people, one with the properties of his negative side, the other with the properties of his positive side. Positive-Kirk and Negative-Kirk are both dissimilar from the original captain, yet the ship’s crew refers to Positive-Kirk as Captain Kirk and Negative-Kirk as the impostor. Improved Positive-Kirk is taken as identical and deteriorated Negative-Kirk as non-identical to the original. https://aeon.co/essays/how-a-change-for-the-worse-makes-for-a-different-person When someone rights an obituary they focus on the good things the person did in life (not the bad) [7:26] O children of Adam, we have provided you with garments to cover your bodies, as well as for luxury. But the best garment is the garment of righteousness. These are some of GOD's signs, that they may take heed. [2:245] Who would lend GOD a loan of righteousness, to have it repaid to them multiplied manifold? GOD is the One who provides and withholds, and to Him you will be returned. [57:11] Who would like to loan GOD a loan of righteousness, to have it multiplied for him manifold, and end up with a generous recompense? [64:17] If you lend GOD a loan of righteousness, He will multiply the reward for you manifold, and forgive you. GOD is Appreciative, Clement.

10/6/2017 • 17 minutes, 4 seconds

Do We Have Free Will?

Matrix Reloaded – Neo visits the Oracle Neo: I suppose the most obvious question is, how can I trust you? Oracle: Bingo! It is a pickle, no doubt about it. The bad news is, there's no way if you can really know whether I'm here to help you or not. So it's really up to you. Just have to make up your own damn mind to either accept what I'm going to tell you, or reject it. (she holds something out to him) Candy? Neo: (pauses) You already know if I'm going to take it? Oracle: Wouldn't be much of an Oracle if I didn't. Neo: But if you already know, how can I make a choice? Oracle: Because you didn't come here to make a choice. You've already made it. You're here to try to understand WHY you made it. (Neo takes the candy, but just holds it) I thought you'd have figured that out by now. There is no free will as everything is biologically determined RadioLab - Fault Line - man has seizures has brain surgery increases sex drive gets addicted to porn. Has major OCD with porn collection. Downloads the most foul disgusting acts and then gets caught by police? Should he be held responsible? http://www.radiolab.org/story/317627-fault-line/ One of the characteristics of God is that He is All Knowing. This means that even before we were created He knows every single one of our actions. God is Omniscient Profound Fact* [57:22] Anything that happens on earth, or to you, has already been recorded, even before the creation. This is easy for GOD to do. [16:1] GOD's command has already been issued (and everything has already been written), so do not rush it.* Be He glorified; the Most High, far above any idols they set up. God already knows who is going to heaven and hell The Disbelievers [39:71] Those who disbelieved will be led to Hell in throngs. When they get to it, and its gates are opened, its guards will say, "Did you not receive messengers from among you, who recited to you the revelations of your Lord, and warned you about meeting this day?" They will answer, "Yes indeed. But the word 'retribution' was already stamped upon the disbelievers." [40:6] Thus, the judgment of your Lord is already stamped upon those who disbelieve, that they are the dwellers of Hell. For instance if I give my kids a choice of eating ice cream or rocks – I know they are going to choose the ice cream. Does that mean that they did not have a choice in this matter? God knows us better than we know ourselves [50:16] We created the human, and we know what he whispers to himself. We are closer to him than his jugular vein. [8:24] ...You should know that GOD is closer to you than your heart, and that before Him you will be summoned. [40:56] Surely, those who argue against GOD's revelations without proof are exposing the arrogance that is hidden inside their chests, and they are not even aware of it. Therefore, seek refuge in GOD; He is the Hearer, the Seer. Is there Free Will? Freedom of Choice [33:72] We have offered the responsibility (freedom of choice) to the heavens and the earth, and the mountains, but they refused to bear it, and were afraid of it. But the human being accepted it; he was transgressing, ignorant.* Great Feud The Great Feud [38:67] Say, "Here is awesome news. [38:68] "That you are totally oblivious to. [38:69] "I had no knowledge previously, about the feud in the High Society.* Planets, stars, animals accepted God’s gracious offer while the human being did not he wanted to choose for himself Before we came down as humans, we were offered a choice, but we opted for the freedom of choice. We wanted to see the demonstration ourselves. [21:51] Before that, we granted Abraham his guidance and understanding, for we were fully aware of him.* *21:51 Was Abraham so smart as to discover God, or, did God grant him the intelligence because He knew that he deserved to be saved? As it turns out, this whole world was created to redeem those among us who deserve redemption. When the angels suggested that all the rebels, humans and jinns, must be banished out of God's kingdom, God responded that 'I know what you do not know' (2:30). At the same time, this world proves Satan's incompetence as a god (App. 7). We had no say in: Who our parents or siblings are When or where we would be born If they we would be rich or poor or an orphan What skin color, apperance, height, bone structure Epigenetics Decision to follow God or follow Satan The Devil is the Other Alternative [36:60] Did I not covenant with you, O Children of Adam, that you shall not worship the devil? That he is your most ardent enemy? [36:61] And that you shall worship Me alone? This is the right path. [36:62] He has misled multitudes of you. Did you not possess any understanding? Interesting difference between “freedom of choice” vs. “Free will” God is the Doer of Everything* [4:78] Wherever you are, death will catch up with you, even if you live in formidable castles. When something good happens to them, they say, "This is from GOD," and when something bad afflicts them, they blame you. Say, "Everything comes from GOD." Why do these people misunderstand almost everything? Nothing Bad Comes From God [4:79] Anything good that happens to you is from GOD, and anything bad that happens to you is from you. We have sent you as a messenger to the people,* and GOD suffices as witness. *4:78 Bad things are consequences of our own deeds (42:30, 64:11), though God is the doer of everything (8:17). God created the fire to serve us, but you can decide to put your finger in it. We thus hurt ourselves. It is God's law that if you put your finger in the fire, it will hurt. [42:30] Anything bad that happens to you is a consequence of your own deeds, and He overlooks many (of your sins). [64:11] Nothing happens to you except in accordance with GOD's will. Anyone who believes in GOD, He will guide his heart. GOD is fully aware of all things. God Is Doing Everything* [8:17] It was not you who killed them; GOD is the One who killed them. It was not you who threw when you threw; GOD is the One who threw. But He thus gives the believers a chance to earn a lot of credit. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient. [36:47] When they are told, "Give from GOD's provisions to you," those who disbelieve say to those who believe, "Why should we give to those whom GOD could feed, if He so willed? You are really far astray." Distinguish who would do better: [57:25] We sent our messengers supported by clear proofs, and we sent down to them the scripture and the law, that the people may uphold justice. And we sent down the iron, wherein there is strength, and many benefits for the people. All this in order for GOD to distinguish those who would support Him and His messengers, on faith. GOD is Powerful, Almighty. [67:2] The One who created death and life for the purpose of distinguishing those among you who would do better.* He is the Almighty, the Forgiving. The Test is Mandatory [29:2] Do the people think that they will be left to say, "We believe," without being put to the test? [29:3] We have tested those before them, for GOD must distinguish those who are truthful, and He must expose the liars. [47:31] We will certainly put you to the test, in order to distinguish those among you who strive, and steadfastly persevere. We must expose your true qualities. Believe For Our Own Good Believe For Your Own Good [39:7] If you disbelieve, GOD does not need anyone. But He dislikes to see His servants make the wrong decision. If you decide to be appreciative, He is pleased for you. No soul bears the sins of any other soul. Ultimately, to your Lord is your return, then He will inform you of everything you had done. He is fully aware of the innermost thoughts.

9/28/2017 • 18 minutes, 3 seconds

Gog and Magog – Possible Metaphor

Splitting of the moon [54:1] The Hour has come closer, and the moon has split.* The Computer Is The Creature* [27:82] At the right time, we will produce for them a creature, made of earthly materials, declaring that the people are not certain about our revelations. Zul-Qarnain: The One With the Two Horns or Two Generations [18:83] They ask you about Zul-Qarnain. Say, "I will narrate to you some of his history." [18:84] We granted him authority on earth, and provided him with all kinds of means. [18:85] Then, he pursued one way. [18:86] When he reached the far west, he found the sun setting in a vast ocean, and found people there. We said, "O Zul-Qarnain, you can rule as you wish; either punish, or be kind to them." [18:87] He said, "As for those who transgress, we will punish them, then, when they return to their Lord, He will commit them to more retribution. [18:88] "As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, they receive a good reward; we will treat them kindly." [18:89] Then he pursued another way. [18:90] When he reached thefar east, he found the sun rising on people who had nothing to shelter them from it. [18:91] Naturally, we were fully aware of everything he found out. [18:92] He then pursued another way. [18:93] When he reached the valley between two palisades, he foundpeople whose language was barely understandable. Gog and Magog* [18:94] They said, "O Zul-Qarnain, Gog and Magog arecorruptors of the earth.Can we pay you tocreate a barrier between us and them?" Footnote [18:95] He said, "My Lord has given me great bounties. If you cooperate with me, I will build a dam between you and them. [18:96] "Bring to me masses of iron." Once he filled the gap between the two palisades, he said, "Blow." Once it was red hot, he said, "Help me pour tar on top of it." [18:97] Thus,they could not climb it, nor could they bore holes in it. [18:98] He said, "This is mercy from my Lord. When the prophecy of my Lord comes to pass,He will cause the dam to crumble. The prophecy of my Lord is truth." [18:99] At that time, we will let them invade with one another, then the horn will be blown, and we will summon them all together. [18:100] We will present Hell, on that day, to the disbelievers. [18:101] They are the ones whose eyes were too veiled to see My message. Nor could they hear. [18:102] Do those who disbelieve think that they can get away with setting up My servants as gods beside Me? We have prepared for the disbelievers Hell as an eternal abode. Zul-Qarnain as Cyrus II aka Cyrus the Great - King of Persia Two Generations: Two Persian Kings descendants followed Cyrus - Cambyses I (Son) & Xerxes (Grandson) Daniel 8: Vision of a Ram and a Goat 8 In the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar a vision appeared to me, Daniel, after the one that had appeared to me at first. 2 In the vision I was looking and saw myself in Susa the capital, in the province of Elam,[a] and I was by the river Ulai.[b]3 I looked up and saw a ram standing beside the river.[c] It had two horns. Both horns were long, but one was longer than the other, and the longer one came up second. 4 I saw the ram charging westward and northward and southward.All beasts were powerless to withstand it, and no one could rescue from its power; it did as it pleased and became strong. 5 As I was watching, a male goat appeared from the west, coming across the face of the whole earth without touching the ground. The goat had a horn[d] between its eyes. 6 It came toward the ram with the two horns that I had seen standing beside the river,[e] and it ran at it with savage force. 7 I saw it approaching the ram. It was enraged against it and struck the ram, breaking its two horns. The ram did not have power to withstand it; it threw the ram down to the ground and trampled upon it, and there was no one who could rescue the ram from its power. 8 Then the male goat grew exceedingly great; but at the height of its power, the great horn was broken, and in its place there came up four prominent horns toward the four winds of heaven. Gabriel Interprets the Vision 15 When I, Daniel, had seen the vision, I tried to understand it. Then someone appeared standing before me, having the appearance of a man, 16 and I heard a human voice by the Ulai, calling, “Gabriel, help this man understand the vision.” 17 So he came near where I stood; and when he came, I became frightened and fell prostrate. But he said to me, “Understand, O mortal,[j] that the vision is for the time of the end.” 18 As he was speaking to me, I fell into a trance, face to the ground; then he touched me and set me on my feet. 19 He said, “Listen, and I will tell you what will take place later in the period of wrath; for it refers to the appointed time of the end. 20 As for the ram that you saw with the two horns, these are the kings of Media and Persia. 21 The male goat[k] is the king of Greece, and the great horn between its eyes is the first king. 22 As for the horn that was broken, in place of which four others arose, four kingdoms shall arise from his[l] nation, but not with his power. Daniel 8 (the eighth chapter of the Book of Daniel) tells of Daniel's vision of a two-horned ram destroyed by a one-horned goat (an allegory for the transition from the Persian to the Greek eras in the Near East), followed by the history of the "little horn", which is Daniel's code-word for the Greek king Antiochus Epiphanes.[1] Gog and Magog As Possible Cybersecurity Threat For The Future It is probably not a coincidence that two of the top-trending news stories of July 2017 were, in the first case, a warning from billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk that artificial intelligence (AI) poses an “existential threat” to human civilization, and, in the second case, the announcement that an AI experiment sponsored by Facebook was, according to some sources, “shut down” after researchers discovered that the chatbots they programmed had begun communicating with one another in a private language of their own invention. https://code.facebook.com/posts/1686672014972296/deal-or-no-deal-training-ai-bots-to-negotiate/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/tonybradley/2017/07/31/facebook-ai-creates-its-own-language-in-creepy-preview-of-our-potential-future/#5c18f155292c http://www.snopes.com/facebook-ai-developed-own-language/ Penetration testing (also called pen testing) is the practice of testing a computer system, network or Web application to find vulnerabilities that an attacker could exploit. Firewall: a part of a computer system or network that is designed to block unauthorized access while permitting outward communication. *21:96 By the year 2270 AD, thanks to God's mathematical miracle in the Quran (Appendix 1), America will be the heart of Islam, and billions around the globe will have believed in the Quran (9:33, 41:53, 48:28, 61:9). Gog and Magog (allegorical names of villainous communities), will be the only bastions of heathenism, and they will attack the submitters. That is when the world will end (15:87, 18:94, Appendix 25). Gog and Magog are mentioned in 18:94 & 21:96, 17 verses before the end of each sura; this may indicate the time of their appearance. *18:94-98 One of my duties as God's Messenger of the Covenant is to state that Gog and Magog, the final sign before the end of the world, will reappear in 2270 AD (1700 AH), just 10 years before the end. Note that Gog and Magog occur in Suras 18 and 21, precisely 17 verses before the end of each sura, representing 17 lunar centuries (see 72:27 and Appendix 25). 6. Gog and Magog: they re-appear, in accordance with God's plan, in the year 1700 AH (2271 AD). Gog and Magog are mentioned in 18:94 and 21:96. If you count the verses from 18:94 to the end of Sura 18, you find them 17. If you count the verses from 21:96 to the end of Sura 21, you find them also 17. This is the Quran's sign that Gog and Magog will re-appear in 1700 AH.

9/22/2017 • 15 minutes, 50 seconds

Usury

Usury Prohibited* [2:275] Those who charge usury are in the same position as those controlled by the devil's influence. This is because they claim that usury is the same as commerce. However, GOD permits commerce, and prohibits usury. Thus, whoever heeds this commandment from his Lord, and refrains from usury, he may keep his past earnings, and his judgment rests with GOD. As for those who persist in usury, they incur Hell, wherein they abide forever. [2:276] GOD condemns usury, and blesses charities. GOD dislikes every disbeliever, guilty. *2:275-278 It is an established economic principle that excessive interest on loans can utterly destroy a whole country. During the last few years we have witnessed the devastation of the economies of many nations where excessive interest is charged. Normal interestâ€”less than 20%â€”where no one is victimized and everyone is satisfied, is not usury. Divine Guarantee [2:277] Those who believe and lead a righteous life, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), they receive their recompense from their Lord; they will have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. [2:278] O you who believe, you shall observe GOD and refrain from all kinds of usury, if you are believers. [2:279] If you do not, then expect a war from GOD and His messenger. But if you repent, you may keep your capitals, without inflicting injustice, or incurring injustice. [2:280] If the debtor is unable to pay, wait for a better time. If you give up the loan as a charity, it would be better for you, if you only knew. [2:281] Beware of the day when you are returned to GOD, and every soul is paid for everything it had done, without the least injustice. Usury Prohibited* [3:130] O you who believe, you shall not take usury, compounded over and over. Observe GOD, that you may succeed. [3:131] Beware of the hellfire that awaits the disbelievers. [3:132] You shall obey GOD and the messenger, that you may attain mercy. *3:130 Interest on bank deposits and interest charged on loans are lawful if they are not excessive (5-15%). Banks invest and their profits are passed on to the depositors. Since all parties are happy and no one is victimized, it is perfectly lawful to take interest from the bank (see 2:275). [4:29] O you who believe, do not consume each others' properties illicitly— only mutually acceptable transactions are permitted. The Law of Equivalence [5:45] And we decreed for them in it that: the life for the life, the eye for the eye, the nose for the nose, the ear for the ear, the tooth for the tooth, and an equivalent injury for any injury. If one forfeits what is due to him as a charity, it will atone for his sins. Those who do not rule in accordance with GOD's revelations are the unjust.

9/13/2017 • 19 minutes, 34 seconds

Daniel C. Peterson: Atheism or Faith - What Does It Matter

Dr. Daniel Peterson delivers a message to the 2017 FairMormon Conference. July 2017. Dr. DANIEL PETERSON A native of southern California, Daniel C. Peterson received a bachelor’s degree in Greek and philosophy from Brigham Young University (BYU) and, after several years of study in Jerusalem and Cairo, earned his Ph.D. in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). Dr. Peterson is a professor of Islamic Studies and Arabic at BYU, where he has taught Arabic language and literature at all levels, Islamic philosophy, Islamic culture and civilization, Islamic religion, the Qur’an, the introductory and senior “capstone” courses for Middle Eastern Studies majors, and various other occasional specialized classes. He is the author of several books and numerous articles on Islamic and Latter-day Saint topics–including a biography entitled Muhammad: Prophet of God (Eerdmans, 2007)—and has lectured across the United States, in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, and at various Islamic universities in the Near East and Asia. He served in the Switzerland Zürich Mission (1972-1974), and, for approximately eight years, on the Gospel Doctrine writing committee for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He also presided for a time as the bishop of a singles ward adjacent to Utah Valley University. Dr. Peterson is married to the former Deborah Stephens, of Lakewood, Colorado, and they are the parents of three sons.

9/4/2017 • 34 minutes, 4 seconds

The Great Debate: Dr. Rashad Khalifa vs. Dr. Abdel Rahman

The Great Debate, Dr. Rashad Khalifa Vs. Dr. Abdel Rahman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWVsaSy9HXg

8/28/2017 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 2 seconds

The Privileged Planet

The Privileged Planet, utilizing stunning computer animation, interviews with leading scientists, and spectacular images of Earth and the cosmos, explores a startling connection between our capacity to survive and our ability to observe and understand the universe. Is this correlation merely a coincidence? Or does it point to a deeper truth about purpose and intelligent design within the cosmos? For example, the Earth is the only planet in the entire solar system that can experience a perfect solar eclipse. The proportions between the Earth, moon, and sun are perfect. Such that, the moon is 400x smaller, but also 400x closer to the earth than the sun. While the effects of a solar eclipse are awe-inspiring the scientific significance is even greater. Because of a solar eclipse, we were able to confirm Einstein's theory of relativity in 1919, additionally, we were able to use light spectroscopy to determine the makeup of the sun as being predominately hydrogen and helium. This finding allowed us to apply this to other stars in our universe. When this was done it confirmed that the galaxies that are farther away from the earth are also moving proportionally faster than the galaxies closer to us. When this was mapped and extrapolated it confirmed the big bang. While we are not at the center of the universe, it does appear that we are perfectly positioned to observe the universe and appreciate the blessings we have in this cosmic lottery. [21:30] Do the unbelievers not realize that the heaven and the earth used to be one solid mass that we exploded into existence? And from water we made all living things. Would they believe?

8/21/2017 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 19 seconds

Rules of Conduct

[6:52] And do not dismiss those who implore their Lord day and night, devoting themselves to Him alone. You are not responsible for their reckoning, nor are they responsible for your reckoning. If you dismiss them, you will be a transgressor.

8/14/2017 • 38 minutes, 26 seconds

Intro To The Mathematical Miracle of Quran

The Quran's Common Denominator [74:30] Over it is nineteen. [74:31] We appointed angels to be guardians of Hell, and we assigned their number (19) (1) to disturb the disbelievers, (2) to convince the Christians and Jews (that this is a divine scripture), (3) to strengthen the faith of the faithful, (4) to remove all traces of doubt from the hearts of Christians, Jews, as well as the believers, and (5) to expose those who harbor doubt in their hearts, and the disbelievers; they will say, "What did GOD mean by this allegory?" GOD thus sends astray whomever He wills, and guides whomever He wills. None knows the soldiers of your Lord except He. This is a reminder for the people. [74:32] Absolutely, (I swear) by the moon. [74:33] And the night as it passes. [74:34] And the morning as it shines. One of the Great Miracles [74:35] This is one of the great miracles. [74:36] A warning to the human race.

8/7/2017 • 12 minutes, 6 seconds

Protection From Temptation

To Be Protected From Satan [23:97] Say, "My Lord, I seek refuge in You from the whispers of the devils. [23:98] "And I seek refuge in You, my Lord, lest they come near me." An Important Commandment* [16:98] When you read the Quran, you shall seek refuge in GOD from Satan the rejected. [16:99] He has no power over those who believe and trust in their Lord. [16:100] His power is limited to those who choose him as their master; those who choose him as their god. The Test Begins [7:12] He said, "What prevented you from prostrating when I ordered you?" He said, "I am better than he; You created me from fire, and created him from mud." [7:13] He said, "Therefore, you must go down, for you are not to be arrogant here. Get out; you are debased." [7:14] He said, "Grant me a respite, until the Day of Resurrection." [7:15] He said, "You are granted a respite." [7:16] He said, "Since You have willed that I go astray,* I will skulk for them on Your straight path. [7:17] "I will come to them from before them, and from behind them, and from their right, and from their left, and You will find that most of them are unappreciative." [7:18] He said, "Get out therefrom, despised and defeated. Those among them who follow you, I will fill Hell with you all. [7:19] "As for you, Adam, dwell with your wife in Paradise, and eat therefrom as you please, but do not approach this one tree, lest you fall in sin." [7:20] The devil whispered to them, in order to reveal their bodies, which were invisible to them. He said, "Your Lord did not forbid you from this tree, except to prevent you from becoming angels, and from attaining eternal existence." [7:21] He swore to them, "I am giving you good advice." [7:22] He thus duped them with lies. As soon as they tasted the tree, their bodies became visible to them, and they tried to cover themselves with the leaves of Paradise. Their Lord called upon them: "Did I not enjoin you from that tree, and warn you that the devil is your most ardent enemy?" [7:23] They said, "Our Lord, we have wronged our souls, and unless You forgive us and have mercy on us, we will be losers." [7:24] He said, "Go down as enemies of one another. On earth shall be your habitation and provision for awhile." [7:25] He said, "On it you will live, on it you will die, and from it you will be brought out." Humans Fail to Make a Firm Stand* [20:115] We tested Adam in the past, but he forgot, and we found him indecisive. [20:116] Recall that we said to the angels, "Fall prostrate before Adam." They fell prostrate, except Satan; he refused. [20:117] We then said, "O Adam, this is an enemy of you and your wife. Do not let him evict you from Paradise, lest you become miserable. [20:118] "You are guaranteed never to hunger therein, nor go unsheltered. [20:119] "Nor will you thirst therein, nor suffer from any heat." [20:120] But the devil whispered to him, saying, "O Adam, let me show you the tree of eternity and unending kingship." [20:121] They ate from it, whereupon their bodies became visible to them, and they tried to cover themselves with the leaves of Paradise. Adam thus disobeyed his Lord, and fell. [20:122] Subsequently, his Lord chose him, redeemed him, and guided him. [20:123] He said, "Go down therefrom, all of you. You are enemies of one another. When guidance comes to you from Me, anyone who follows My guidance will not go astray, nor suffer any misery. James 1:13-18 13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. God Protects the Believers From Sin [12:23] The lady of the house where he lived tried to seduce him. She closed the doors and said, "I am all yours." He said, "May GOD protect me. He is my Lord, who gave me a good home.* The transgressors never succeed." Footnote [12:24] She almost succumbed to him, and he almost succumbed to her, if it were not that he saw a proof from his Lord. We thus diverted evil and sin away from him, for he was one of our devoted servants. Luke 22:40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” [74:38] Every soul is trapped by its sins.

8/1/2017 • 19 minutes, 19 seconds

Fractal Design of Quran

An object is Fractal when it has the property that the structure of its constituent parts reflect the structure of the whole and at various scales. The classic example would be a tree, where a branch of the tree held upright is as the whole tree, and even a leaf of a tree has in its veins a tree like branching structure. Thus a Fractal object is said to be self similar. Another property of Fractal objects is Nesting, i.e. the smaller constituents that make up the whole object and that reflect the structure of the whole object, are themselves contained within it. But then these smaller copies of the whole, themselves contain even smaller copies reflecting itself and the whole; and so on and so forth potentially ad infinitum. – Fractal.org Benoit Mandelbrot - Hunting the Hidden Dimension Nova (2008) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbK92bRW2lQ The Strange Similarity of Neuron and Galaxy Networks http://nautil.us/issue/50/emergence/the-strange-similarity-of-neuron-and-galaxy-networks

7/24/2017 • 15 minutes, 39 seconds

Prophecy of The Smoke

Joe Rogan Podcast Episode 986 – Interview with Maynard James Keenan - lead singer from tool http://podcasts.joerogan.net/podcasts/maynard-james-keenan-2 [57:4] He is the One who created the heavens and the earth in six days,* then assumed all authority. He knows everything that enters into the earth, and everything that comes out of it, and everything that comes down from the sky, and everything that climbs into it. He is with you wherever you may be. GOD is Seer of everything you do. Sura 44, Smoke (Al-Dukhãn) [44:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful [44:1] H. M. [44:2] And this enlightening scripture. [44:3] We have sent it down in a blessed night, for we are to warn. [44:4] In it (the scripture), every matter of wisdom is clarified. [44:5] It is a predetermined command from us that we send messengers. [44:6] This is a mercy from your Lord. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [44:7] Lord of the heavens and the earth, and everything between them. If only you could be certain! [44:8] There is no other god beside Him. He controls life and death; your Lord and the Lord of your ancestors. [44:9] Indeed, they are doubtful, heedless. The Smoke: A Major Prophecy* [44:10] Therefore, watch for the day when the sky brings a profound smoke.* [44:11] It will envelop the people; this is a painful retribution. [44:12] "Our Lord, relieve this retribution for us; we are believers." God's Messenger of the Covenant* [44:13] Now that it is too late, they remember! An enlightening messenger had come to them.* [44:14] But they turned away from him, saying, "Well educated, but crazy!" [44:15] We will relieve the retribution for awhile; you will soon revert. The Quran Must Be Translated [26:198] If we revealed this to people who do not know Arabic. [26:199] And had him recite it (in Arabic), they could not possibly believe in it. [26:200] We thus render it (like a foreign language) in the hearts of the guilty. [26:201] Thus, they cannot believe in it; not until they see the painful retribution. [26:202] It will come to them suddenly, when they least expect it. [26:203] They will then say, "Can we have a respite?" [26:204] Did they not challenge our retribution? [26:205] As you see, we allowed them to enjoy for years. [26:206] Then the retribution came to them, just as promised. [26:207] Their vast resources did not help them in the least. [26:208] We never annihilate any community without sending warners. [26:209] Therefore, this is a reminder, for we are never unjust. False Messengers Incapable of Preaching the Worship of God ALONE* [26:210] The devils can never reveal this. Footnote [26:211] They neither would, nor could. [26:212] For they are prevented from hearing. [26:213] Therefore, do not idolize beside GOD any other god, lest you incur the retribution. God's Messenger of the Covenant* [26:214] You shall preach to the people who are closest to you. [26:215] And lower your wing for the believers who follow you. [26:216] If they disobey you, then say, "I disown what you do." [26:217] And put your trust in the Almighty, Most Merciful. [26:218] Who sees you when you meditate during the night. [26:219] And your frequent prostrations. [13:40] Whether we show you what we promise them, or terminate your life before that, your sole mission is to deliver (the message). It is us who will call them to account. [46:35] Therefore, be patient like the messengers before you who possessed strength and resorted to patience. Do not be in a hurry to see the retribution that will inevitably come to them. The day they see it, it will seem as if they lasted one hour of the day. This is a proclamation: Is it not the wicked who are consistently annihilated? [34:46] Say, "I ask you to do one thing: Devote yourselves to GOD, in pairs or as individuals, then reflect. Your friend (Rashad) is not crazy. He is a manifest warner to you, just before the advent of a terrible retribution." [11:8] And if we delay the retribution they have incurred—for we reserve it for a specific community—they say, "What is keeping Him?" In fact, once it comes to them, nothing can stop it, and their mocking will come back to haunt them. God's Messengers Challenged [17:90] They said, "We will not believe you unless you cause a spring to gush out of the ground. [17:91] "Or unless you own a garden of date palms and grapes, with rivers running through it. [17:92] "Or unless you cause masses from the sky, as you claimed, to fall on us. Or unless you bring GOD and the angels before our eyes. [52:44] When they see masses falling from the sky, they will say, "Piled clouds!" [34:2] He knows everything that goes into the earth, and everything that comes out of it, and everything that comes down from the sky, and everything that climbs into it. He is the Most Merciful, the Forgiving. [34:9] Have they not seen all the things in front of them and behind them, in the heaven and the earth? If we willed, we could have caused the earth to swallow them, or caused masses to fall on them from the sky. This should be a sufficient proof for every obedient servant. Daniel 2 – New International Version (NIV) Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream 2 In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; his mind was troubled and he could not sleep. 2 So the king summoned the magicians,enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers[a] to tell him what he had dreamed. When they came in and stood before the king, 3 he said to them, “I have had a dream that troubles me and I want to know what it means.[b]” 4 Then the astrologers answered the king,[c] “May the king live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will interpret it.” 5 The king replied to the astrologers, “This is what I have firmly decided: If you do not tell me what my dream was and interpret it, I will have you cut into pieces and your houses turned into piles of rubble. 6 But if you tell me the dream and explain it, you will receive from me gifts and rewards and great honor. So tell me the dream and interpret it for me.” 7 Once more they replied, “Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will interpret it.” 8 Then the king answered, “I am certain that you are trying to gain time, because you realize that this is what I have firmly decided: 9 If you do not tell me the dream, there is only one penalty for you. You have conspired to tell me misleading and wicked things, hoping the situation will change. So then, tell me the dream, and I will know that you can interpret it for me.” 10 The astrologers answered the king, “There is no one on earth who can do what the king asks! No king, however great and mighty, has ever asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or astrologer. 11 What the king asks is too difficult. No one can reveal it to the king except the gods, and they do not live among humans.” 12 This made the king so angry and furious that he ordered the execution of all the wise men of Babylon. 13 So the decree was issued to put the wise men to death, and men were sent to look for Daniel and his friends to put them to death. 14 When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. 15 He asked the king’s officer, “Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?” Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel. 16 At this, Daniel went in to the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him. 17 Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 18 He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said: “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. 21 He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. 22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.23 I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.” Daniel Interprets the Dream 24 Then Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to execute the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, “Do not execute the wise men of Babylon. Take me to the king, and I will interpret his dream for him.” 25 Arioch took Daniel to the king at once and said, “I have found a man among the exiles from Judah who can tell the king what his dream means.” 26 The king asked Daniel (also called Belteshazzar), “Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?” 27 Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come.Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you were lying in bed are these: 29 “As Your Majesty was lying there, your mind turned to things to come, and the revealer of mysteries showed you what is going to happen. 30 As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have greater wisdom than anyone else alive, but so that Your Majesty may know the interpretation and that you may understand what went through your mind. 31 “Your Majesty looked, and there before you stood a large statue—an enormous, dazzling statue, awesome in appearance. 32 The head of the statue was made of pure gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, 33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of baked clay. 34 While you were watching, a rock was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and smashed them. 35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver and the gold were all broken to pieces and became like chaff on a threshing floor in the summer. The wind swept them away without leaving a trace. But the rock that struck the statue became a huge mountain and filled the whole earth. 36 “This was the dream, and now we will interpret it to the king. 37 Your Majesty, you are the king of kings. The God of heaven has given you dominion and power and might and glory; 38 in your hands he has placed all mankind and the beasts of the field and the birds in the sky. Wherever they live, he has made you ruler over them all. You are that head of gold. 39 “After you, another kingdom will arise, inferior to yours. Next, a third kingdom, one of bronze, will rule over the whole earth. 40 Finally, there will be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron—for iron breaks and smashes everything—and as iron breaks things to pieces, so it will crush and break all the others. 41 Just as you saw that the feet and toes were partly of baked clay and partly of iron, so this will be a divided kingdom; yet it will have some of the strength of iron in it, even as you saw iron mixed with clay. 42 As the toes were partly iron and partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle. 43 And just as you saw the iron mixed with baked clay, so the people will be a mixture and will not remain united, any more than iron mixes with clay. 44 “In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever. 45 This is the meaning of the vision of the rock cut out of a mountain, but not by human hands—a rock that broke the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold to pieces. “The great God has shown the king what will take place in the future. The dream is true and its interpretation is trustworthy.” 46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell prostrate before Daniel and paid him honor and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him. 47 The king said to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.” Revelations Chapter 9 9 The fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth. The star was given the key to the shaft of the Abyss. 2 When he opened the Abyss, smoke rose from it like the smoke from a gigantic furnace. The sun and sky were darkened by the smoke from the Abyss. 3 And out of the smoke locusts came down on the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth. 4 They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5 They were not allowed to kill them but only to torture them for five months. And the agony they suffered was like that of the sting of a scorpion when it strikes. 6 During those days people will seek death but will not find it; they will long to die, but death will elude them. 7 The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle. On their heads they wore something like crowns of gold, and their faces resembled human faces. 8 Their hair was like women’s hair, and their teeth were like lions’ teeth. 9 They had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the thundering of many horses and chariots rushing into battle. 10 They had tails with stingers, like scorpions, and in their tails they had power to torment people for five months. 11 They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon and in Greek is Apollyon (that is, Destroyer). Blessings in Disguise [7:94] Whenever we sent a prophet to any community, we afflicted its people with adversity and hardship, that they may implore. [7:95] Then we substituted peace and prosperity in place of that hardship. But alas, they turned heedless and said, "It was our parents who experienced that hardship before prosperity." Consequently, we punished them suddenly when they least expected. Sebastian Junger: Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging "The last time the United States experienced this kind of unity was— briefly— after the terrorist attacks of September 11. There were no rampage shootings for the next two years. The effect was particularly pronounced in New York City, where rates of violent crime, suicide, and psychiatric disturbances dropped immediately. In many countries, antisocial behavior is known to decline during wartime. New York’s suicide rate dropped by around 20 percent in the six months following the attacks, the murder rate dropped by 40 percent, and pharmacists saw no increase in the number of first-time patients filling prescriptions for antianxiety and antidepressant medication. Furthermore, veterans who were being treated for PTSD at the VA experienced a significant drop in their symptoms in the months after the September 11 attacks. One way to determine what is missing in day-to-day American life may be to examine what behaviors spontaneously arise when that life is disrupted." Submitters Persepective March 1990 page 3 - Prophecy of The Smoke http://www.masjidtucson.org/publications/books/sp/1990/mar/page3.html Appendix 25 - End of the Worldhttp://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix25.html http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix25.html Apophis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/99942_Apophis 2.7% that it would hit Earth on April 13, 2029. Additional observations provided improved predictions that eliminated the possibility of an impact on Earth or the Moon in 2029. However, until 2006, a possibility remained that during the 2029 close encounter with Earth, Apophis would pass through a gravitational keyhole, a small region no more than about 965 kilometres (600 miles) wide,[8][9] that would set up a future impact exactly seven years later, on April 13, 2036.

7/17/2017 • 25 minutes, 22 seconds

Getting What You Want vs. Wanting What You Have

[2:61] Recall that you said, "O Moses, we can no longer tolerate one kind of food. Call upon your Lord to produce for us such earthly crops as beans, cucumbers, garlic, lentils, and onions." He said, "Do you wish to substitute that which is inferior for that which is good? Go down to Egypt, where you can find what you asked for." They have incurred condemnation, humiliation, and disgrace, and brought upon themselves wrath from GOD. This is because they rejected GOD's revelations, and killed the prophets unjustly. This is because they disobeyed and transgressed. [17:11] The human being often prays for something that may hurt him, thinking that he is praying for something good. The human being is impatient. [17:12] We rendered the night and the day two signs. We made the night dark, and the day lighted, that you may seek provisions from your Lord therein. This also establishes for you a timing system, and the means of calculation. We thus explain everything in detail.

5/22/2017 • 9 minutes, 24 seconds

Has Science Discovered God?

4/4/2017 • 20 minutes, 8 seconds

Patience

Patience Happiness is expectations minus reality Patience is dictated by expectations [16:1] GOD's command has already been issued (and everything has already been written), so do not rush it.* Be He glorified; the Most High, far above any idols they set up. [43:33] If it were not that all the people might become one (disbelieving) congregation, we would have granted everyone who disbelieves in the Most Gracious mansions with silver roofs, and stairs upon which they could climb. [10:11] If GOD hastened the retribution incurred by the people, the way they demand provisions, they would have been annihilated long ago. However, we leave those who do not believe in meeting us in their transgressions, blundering. Things are happening in the background that we cannot see even though from our perspective it looks like nothing is happening Example of farmer planting seeds Difference between no and not yet [17:11] The human being often prays for something that may hurt him, thinking that he is praying for something good. The human being is impatient. [17:12] We rendered the night and the day two signs. We made the night dark, and the day lighted, that you may seek provisions from your Lord therein. This also establishes for you a timing system, and the means of calculation. We thus explain everything in detail. Being deliberate about waiting (patience) not lazy Waiting vs. doing nothing How to Spread God's Message [16:125] You shall invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kind enlightenment, and debate with them in the best possible manner. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best who are the guided ones. [16:126] And if you punish, you shall inflict an equivalent punishment. But if you resort to patience (instead of revenge), it would be better for the patient ones. [16:127] You shall resort to patience—and your patience is attainable only with GOD's help. Do not grieve over them, and do not be annoyed by their schemes. [16:128] GOD is with those who lead a righteous life, and those who are charitable. Patience as a strategy [42:39] When gross injustice befalls them, they stand up for their rights. [42:40] Although the just requital for an injustice is an equivalent retribution, those who pardon and maintain righteousness are rewarded by GOD. He does not love the unjust. [42:41] Certainly, those who stand up for their rights, when injustice befalls them, are not committing any error. [42:42] The wrong ones are those who treat the people unjustly, and resort to aggression without provocation. These have incurred a painful retribution. [42:43] Resorting to patience and forgiveness reflects a true strength of character. Waiters = Servers While you wait you serve [28:22] As he traveled towards Midyan, he said, "May my Lord guide me in the right path." [28:23] When he reached Midyan's water, he found a crowd of people watering, and noticed two women waiting on the side. He said, "What is it that you need?" They said, "We are not able to water, until the crowd disperses, and our father is an old man." [28:24] He watered for them, then turned to the shade, saying, "My Lord, whatever provision You send to me, I am in dire need for it." [28:25] Soon, one of the two women approached him, shyly, and said, "My father invites you to pay you for watering for us." When he met him, and told him his story, he said, "Have no fear. You have been saved from the oppressive people." Joseph Exonerated [12:51] (The king) said (to the women), "What do you know about the incident when you tried to seduce Joseph?" They said, "GOD forbid; we did not know of anything evil committed by him." The wife of the governor said, "Now the truth has prevailed. I am the one who tried to seduce him, and he was the truthful one. Example of Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman 1974 – Rumble in the Jungle [10:109] Follow what is revealed to you, and be patient until GOD issues His judgment; He is the best judge. [21:37] The human being is impatient by nature. I will inevitably show you My signs; do not be in such a hurry. HUMANS FORGET Example of Joesph in prison [12:42] He then said to the one to be saved "Remember me at your lord."* Thus, the devil caused him to forget his Lord, and, consequently, he remained in prison a few more years. Moses and the Teacher [18:69] He said, "You will find me, GOD willing, patient. I will not disobey any command you give me." The human being is forgetful [18:73] He said, "I am sorry. Do not punish me for my forgetfulness; do not be too harsh with me." [39:8] - When the human being is afflicted, he implores his Lord, sincerely devoted to Him. But as soon as He blesses him, he forgets his previous imploring, sets up idols to rank with GOD and to divert others from His path. Say, "Enjoy your disbelief temporarily; you have incurred the hellfire." [17:11] The human being often prays for something that may hurt him, thinking that he is praying for something good. The human being is impatient. [17:12] We rendered the night and the day two signs. We made the night dark, and the day lighted, that you may seek provisions from your Lord therein. This also establishes for you a timing system, and the means of calculation. We thus explain everything in detail. CONSISTENCY [14:40] "My Lord, make me one who consistently observes the Contact Prayers (Salat), and also my children. Our Lord, please answer my prayers. [2:238] You shall consistently observe the Contact Prayers, especially the middle prayer, and devote yourselves totally to GOD. [70:34] They consistently observe their contact prayers (Salat) on time. What you do every day is more important than what you do every once in a while Why do we observe the Contact Prayer or show up to Friday Prayer? [20:14] "I am GOD; there is no other god beside Me. You shall worship Me alone, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) to remember Me.

3/6/2017 • 21 minutes, 6 seconds

Strategy vs. Wishful Thinking

[7:46] A barrier separates them, while the Purgatory* is occupied by people who recognize each side by their looks. They will call the dwellers of Paradise: "Peace be upon you." They did not enter (Paradise) through wishful thinking. The Worst Losers [57:13] On that day, the hypocrite men and women will say to those who believed, "Please allow us to absorb some of your light." It will be said, "Go back behind you, and seek light." A barrier will be set up between them, whose gate separates mercy on the inner side, from retribution on the outer side. [57:14] They will call upon them, "Were we not with you?" They will answer, "Yes, but you cheated your souls, hesitated, doubted, and became misled by wishful thinking, until GOD's judgment came. You were diverted from GOD by illusions. [15:2] Certainly, those who disbelieved will wish they were submitters. [15:3] Let them eat, enjoy, and remain blinded by wishful thinking; they will find out. All Believers Are Redeemed, Regardless of the Name of Their Religion [2:111] Some have said, "No one will enter Paradise except Jews or Christians!" Such is their wishful thinking. Say, "Show us your proof, if you are right.” Examine Yourself [18:103] Say, "Shall I tell you who the worst losers are? [18:104] "They are the ones whose works in this life are totally astray, but they think that they are doing good.” [59:18] O you who believe, you shall reverence GOD, and let every soul examine what it has sent ahead for tomorrow. You shall reverence GOD; GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do. EGO [2:54] Recall that Moses said to his people, "O my people, you have wronged your souls by worshiping the calf. You must repent to your Creator. You shall kill your egos. This is better for you in the sight of your Creator." He did redeem you. He is the Redeemer, Most Merciful. [12:53] "I do not claim innocence for myself. The self is an advocate of vice, except for those who have attained mercy from my Lord. My Lord is Forgiver, Most Merciful.” DEVIL [35:6] The devil is your enemy, so treat him as an enemy. He only invites his party to be the dwellers of Hell. http://www.wsj.com/articles/michael-phelpss-coach-shares-his-secrets-1463089497 The books offers some insights into how. Bowman once stepped on Phelps’ goggles before a race, cracking them, so that they would fill with water and teach him how to race blind. That came in handy when Phelps’ goggles filled with water at the Beijing Games, in a race he won. 1 Samuel: 32 David said to Saul, “Let no one’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 33 Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” 34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father; and whenever a lion or a bear came, and took a lamb from the flock, 35 I went after it and struck it down, rescuing the lamb from its mouth; and if it turned against me, I would catch it by the jaw, strike it down, and kill it. 36 Your servant has killed both lions and bears; and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, since he has defied the armies of the living God.” 37 David said, “The Lord, who saved me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, will save me from the hand of this Philistine.” So Saul said to David, “Go, and may the Lord be with you!” SOLOMON AND QUEEN OF SHEBA [27:27] (Solomon) said, "We will see if you told the truth, or if you are a liar. [27:28] "Take this letter from me, give it to them, then watch for their response." [27:29] She said, "O my advisers, I have received an honorable letter. [27:30] "It is from Solomon, and it is, 'In the name of GOD, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.'* [27:31] "Proclaiming: 'Do not be arrogant; come to me as submitters.'" [27:32] She said, "O my advisers, counsel me in this matter. I am not deciding anything until you advise me." [27:33] They said, "We possess the power, we possess the fighting skills, and the ultimate command is in your hand. You decide what to do." [27:34] She said, "The kings corrupt any land they invade, and subjugate its dignified people. This is what they usually do. [27:35] "I am sending a gift to them; let us see what the messengers come back with." [27:36] When the hoopoe returned to Solomon (he told him the news), and he responded (to Sheba's people): "Are you giving me money? What GOD has given me is far better than what He has given you. You are the ones to rejoice in such gifts." [27:37] (To the hoopoe, he said,) "Go back to them (and let them know that) we will come to them with forces they cannot imagine. We will evict them, humiliated and debased." Joseph Keeps His Brother [12:70] When he provided them with their provisions, he placed the drinking cup in his brother's bag, then an announcer announced: "The owners of this caravan are thieves." [12:71] They said, as they came towards them, "What did you lose?" [12:72] They said, "We lost the king's cup. Anyone who returns it will receive an extra camel-load; I personally guarantee this." [12:73] They said, "By GOD, you know full well that we did not come here to commit evil, nor are we thieves." [12:74] They said, "What is the punishment for the thief, if you are liars?" [12:75] They said, "The punishment, if it is found in his bag, is that the thief belongs to you. We thus punish the guilty." [12:76] He then started by inspecting their containers, before getting to his brother's container, and he extracted it out of his brother's container. We thus perfected the scheme for Joseph; he could not have kept his brother if he applied the king's law. But that was the will of GOD. We exalt whomever we choose to higher ranks. Above every knowledgeable one, there is one who is even more knowledgeable. [12:77] They said, "If he stole, so did a brother of his in the past." Joseph concealed his feelings in himself, and did not give them any clue. He said (to himself), "You are really bad. GOD is fully aware of your accusations." [12:78] They said, “O you noble one, he has a father who is elderly; would you take one of us in his place? We see that you are a kind man." [12:79] He said, "GOD forbid that we should take other than the one in whose possession we found our goods. Otherwise, we would be unjust." [12:80] When they despaired of changing his mind, they conferred together. Their eldest said, "Do you realize that your father has taken a solemn pledge from you before GOD? In the past you lost Joseph. I am not leaving this place until my father gives me permission, or until GOD judges for me; He is the best Judge. [12:81] "Go back to your father and tell him... THE ONE THING BY GARY KELLER | ANIMATED BOOK REVIEW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnFd34zXbY8&t=219s

1/2/2017 • 33 minutes, 34 seconds

Why I Celebrate Hanukkah as a Follower of the Quran

Why I Celebrate Hanukkah as a Follower of the Quran Our family doesn’t celebrate Christmas, and this has not been much of a topic of conversation until this year as our oldest daughter started preschool where she was exposed for the first time to the excitement other kids felt for all the festivities leading up to December 25th. For background, the reason we don’t celebrate Christmas is for two reasons. The first reason is because as followers of the Quran we are not to make distinctions between any of God’s messengers and therefore it is prohibited to celebrate the birth of one of God’s messengers, Jesus, at the exclusion of all the others. Say, “We believe in GOD, and in what was sent down to us, and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs; and in what was given to Moses and Jesus, and all the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among any of them. To Him alone we are submitters.” – Quran 2:136 The second reason is that the Christmas holiday was founded on paganism which is also prohibited in the Quran. This may be controversial to some, but rather than taking my word for it I’ll defer to someone with more credibility amongst the Christian community, Pat Robertson. Pat Robertson & Christmas So what were we to do? In one hand, we would be defying the commandments of the Quran if we celebrated Christmas, and in the other hand we would be alienating our child for not being able to experience the excitement that her peers were having. Therefore, we settled for a third option. We decided that as a family we would celebrate Hanukkah. While Hanukkah is traditionally only celebrated by people of Jewish decent its origins comes from the principle of freedom of religion. The Story of Hanukkah In summary, Hanukkah was founded to celebrate the victory of the Maccabees, who were fighting on the side of religious freedom to worship God freely, against Antiochus IV, who wanted to force people to worship his gods. This is a principle anyone can stand for despite the name of their faith, and is a truth that is heavily advocated in the Quran. There shall be no compulsion in religion: the right way is now distinct from the wrong way. Anyone who denounces the devil and believes in GOD has grasped the strongest bond; one that never breaks. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient. – Quran 2:256 Had your Lord willed, all the people on earth would have believed. Do you want to force the people to become believers? – Quran 10:99 O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant. – Quran 49:13 To most people it may seem strange to follow the Quran and celebrate Hanukkah, but do you know which people are addressed the most frequently in the Quran? It is the Children of Israel. In fact, the Quran is replete with the history of the Jewish people. O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I blessed you more than any other people. – Quran 2:47, 2:122 What unites us as believers is the devotion to God alone, and as believers we should put aside our prejudices and cherish the victories that grant us the freedom to worship God freely by the believers who came before us, irrespective of the name of their faith. Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. – Quran 2:62 & 5:69 Culture is not something we are born with it is something we adopt. We can’t choose the land we are born, who are parents are, or what we look like, but what we can choose are the decisions we make and the principles we stand by. Hanukkah is founded on a beautiful premise that promotes monotheism and the freedom of religion, and as a follower of the Quran is something that I whole-heartedly adopt as a celebration to have with my family this year and for years to come, God willing. Then we revealed to you this scripture, truthfully, confirming previous scriptures, and superseding them. You shall rule among them in accordance with GOD’s revelations, and do not follow their wishes if they differ from the truth that came to you. For each of you, we have decreed laws and different rites. Had GOD willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He thus puts you to the test through the revelations He has given each of you. You shall compete in righteousness. To GOD is your final destiny—all of you—then He will inform you of everything you had disputed. – Quran 5:48 May we all be appreciative of the freedoms we have. – Salãmun ‘Alaykum (Peace be upon you) & Happy Hanukkah

12/25/2016 • 15 minutes, 48 seconds

Self-Righteousness

20 Easy Ways to be a Self-Righteous Christian http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/164408-sammy-adebiyi-20-easy-ways-to-be-a-self-righteous-christian.html

10/16/2016 • 41 minutes, 19 seconds

Fire-Maker

Fire-Maker From computers to airplanes to life-giving medicines, the technological marvels of our world were made possible by the human use of fire. But the use of fire itself was made possible by an array of features built into the human body and the planet. Join biologist Michael Denton as he investigates the amazing story of how humans and our planet were exquisitely designed to harness the miraculous powers of fire and transform our planet. For more visit http://privilegedspecies.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=an98jVCyApo

9/18/2016 • 21 minutes, 44 seconds

Tony Robbins - Achievement vs. Fulfillment

Tim Ferriss Podcast - Tony Robbins – On Achievement Versus Fulfillment http://fourhourworkweek.com/2016/08/10/tony-robbins-on-achievement-versus-fulfillment/

8/29/2016 • 22 minutes, 29 seconds

Encouragement

8/20/2016 • 22 minutes, 40 seconds

How Will You Measure Your Life - Clay Christensen at TEDxBoston.

How Will You Measure Your Life - Clay Christensen at TEDxBoston https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvos4nORf_Y

8/13/2016 • 19 minutes, 30 seconds

God of Wonders

God of Wonders Documentary (2009) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAuGRhZsMCs

8/8/2016 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 39 seconds

How to Change the World

Commencement speech by Naval Adm. William H. McRaven to The University of Texas at Austin in 2014 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K13p1DlsDMQ

7/22/2016 • 18 minutes, 34 seconds

Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5EPymcWp-g http://www.discovery.org/v/33 https://www.amazon.com/Expelled-Intelligence-Allowed-Ben-Stein/dp/B001BYLFFS Big science has expelled smart new ideas from the classroom ... What they forgot is that every generation has its Rebel! That rebel, Ben Stein (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off) travels the world on his quest, and learns an awe-inspiring truth … that educators and scientists are being ridiculed, denied tenure and even fired – for the crime of merely believing that there might be evidence of design in nature, and that perhaps life is not just the result of accidental, random chance. To which Ben Says: Enough! And then gets busy. NOBODY messes with Ben.

6/26/2016 • 1 hour, 34 minutes, 10 seconds

Fasting (Ramadan)

[2:184] Specific days (are designated for fasting); if one is ill or traveling, an equal number of other days may be substituted. Those who can fast, but with great difficulty, may substitute feeding one poor person for each day of breaking the fast. If one volunteers (more righteous works), it is better. But fasting is the best for you, if you only knew. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ihhj_VSKiTs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTxHwa1DCkg

6/10/2016 • 21 minutes, 38 seconds

Unlocking the Mystery of Life

http://www.unlockingthemysteryoflife.com/

12/29/2015 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 5 seconds

Wealth

Matthew [6:24] "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. [43:33] If it were not that all the people might become one (disbelieving) congregation, we would have granted everyone who disbelieves in the Most Gracious mansions with silver roofs, and stairs upon which they could climb.

12/20/2015 • 20 minutes, 45 seconds

Malala Yousafzai Nobel Peace Prize Speech 2014

12/6/2015 • 26 minutes, 44 seconds

Apathy

Apathy Condemned [4:97] Those whose lives are terminated by the angels, while in a state of wronging their souls, the angels will ask them, "What was the matter with you?" They will say, "We were oppressed on earth." They will say, "Was GOD's earth not spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?" For these, the final abode is Hell, and a miserable destiny. [4:98] Exempted are the weak men, women, and children who do not possess the strength, nor the means to find a way out. [4:99] These may be pardoned by GOD. GOD is Pardoner, Forgiver. Apathy Condemned [5:79] They did not enjoin one another from committing evil. Miserable indeed is what they did. [5:80] You would see many of them allying themselves with those who disbelieve. Miserable indeed is what their hands have sent forth on behalf of their souls. GOD is angry with them and, consequently, they will abide forever in retribution. [5:81] Had they believed in GOD, and the prophet, and in what was revealed to him herein, they would not have befriended them. But many of them are evil.

11/30/2015 • 24 minutes, 40 seconds

Dis-Honesty The Truth About Lies

11/23/2015 • 22 minutes, 13 seconds

God is Doing Everything - Sermon by Dr. Rashad Khalifa 1987

11/9/2015 • 28 minutes, 15 seconds

Information Enigma

Information Enigma Discovery Institute (http://www.discovery.org/id/) Stephen C. Meyer – Author of Darwin’s Doubt and Signature in the Cell Douglas Axe – Phd in Molecular Biology Information drives the development of life. But what is the source of that information? Could it have been produced by an unguided Darwinian process? Or did it require intelligent design? The Information Enigma is a fascinating 21-minute documentary that probes the mystery of biological information, the challenge it poses to orthodox Darwinian theory, and the reason it points to intelligent design. The video features molecular biologist Douglas Axe and Stephen Meyer, author of the books Signature in the Cell and Darwin’s Doubt. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aA-FcnLsF1g&feature=youtu.be

11/4/2015 • 21 minutes, 17 seconds

Wonder of Creation: Soil: The Foundation of Life, Part I

Wonder of Creation: Soil: The Foundation of Life, Part I https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEETdcLYhsQ [18:45] Cite for them the example of this life as water that we send down from the sky to produce plants of the earth, then they turn into hay that is blown away by the wind. GOD is able to do all things. [71:17] And GOD germinated you from the earth like plants.

10/27/2015 • 21 minutes, 58 seconds

Be Honest With All The People

Be Honest With All People [3:75] Some followers of the scripture can be trusted with a whole lot, and they will give it back to you. Others among them cannot be trusted with a single dinar; they will not repay you unless you keep after them. That is because they say, "We do not have to be honest when dealing with the gentiles!"* Thus, they attribute lies to GOD, knowingly. You Shall Not Bear False Witness [4:135] O you who believe, you shall be absolutely equitable, and observe GOD, when you serve as witnesses, even against yourselves, or your parents, or your relatives. Whether the accused is rich or poor, GOD takes care of both. Therefore, do not be biased by your personal wishes. If you deviate or disregard (this commandment), then GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do.

10/19/2015 • 11 minutes, 47 seconds

Simulation Theory and Quantum Biology

[6:32] The life of this world is no more than illusion and vanity, while the abode of the Hereafter is far better for the righteous. Do you not understand?! [30:39] "O my people, this first life is a temporary illusion, while the Hereafter is the eternal abode." [57:20] Know that this worldly life is no more than play and games, and boasting among you, and hoarding of money and children. It is like abundant rain that produces plants and pleases the disbelievers. But then the plants turn into useless hay, and are blown away by the wind. In the Hereafter there is either severe retribution, or forgiveness from GOD and approval. This worldly life is no more than a temporary illusion.

10/12/2015 • 15 minutes, 15 seconds

Privileged Species

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoI2ms5UHWg

10/4/2015 • 29 minutes, 23 seconds

Saudi Arabia: Worst in Hypocrisy and Disbelief

God's System: Twelve Months Per Year*[9:36] The count of months, as far as GOD is concerned, is twelve.* This has been GOD's law, since the day He created the heavens and the earth. Four of them are sacred. This is the perfect religion; you shall not wrong your souls (by fighting) during the Sacred Months. However, you may declare all-out war against the idol worshipers (even during the Sacred Months), when they declare all-out war against you, and know that GOD is on the side of the righteous. Altering the Sacred Months* [9:37] Altering the Sacred Months is a sign of excessive disbelief; it augments the straying of those who have disbelieved. They alternate the Sacred Months and the regular months, while preserving the number of months consecrated by GOD. They thus violate what GOD has consecrated. Their evil works are adorned in their eyes. GOD does not guide the disbelieving people *9:37 The Sacred Months according to the corrupted Muslim World are Rajab, Zul-Qe`dah, Zul Hijjah, and Muharram (7th, 11th, 12th and 1st months of the Islamic Calendar). A careful study of the Quran, however, reveals that they should be Zul-Hijjah, Muharram, Safar, and Rabi I (12th, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd months). See Appendix 15. [9:1] An ultimatum is herein issued from GOD and His messenger to the idol worshipers who enter into a treaty with you. [9:2] Therefore, roam the earth freely for four months, and know that you cannot escape from GOD, and that GOD humiliates the disbelievers. [9:5] Once the Sacred Months are past, Custodians[8:34] Have they not deserved GOD's retribution, by repelling others from the Sacred Masjid, even though they are not the custodians thereof? The true custodians thereof are the righteous, but most of them do not know. Question to the Arabs [9:19] Have you considered the watering of the pilgrims and caring for the Sacred Masjid a substitute for believing in GOD and the Last Day, and striving in the cause of GOD? They are not equal in the sight of GOD. GOD does not guide the wicked people. Saudi Arabia will head the UN Human Rights PanelNot only has Saudi Arabia executed more than 100 people already this year, mostly by beheading (a rate of 1 execution every two days), and not only is it serially flogging dissidents, but it is reaching new levels of tyrannical depravity as it is about to behead and then crucify the 21-year-old son of a prominent regime critic, Ali Mohammed al-Nimr, who was convicted at the age of 17 of engaging in demonstrations against the government. Human Rights Watch Report 2014 Saudi Arabia continued in 2014 to try, convict, and imprison political dissidents and human rights activists solely on account of their peaceful activities. Systematic discrimination against women and religious minorities continued. Authorities failed to enact systematic measures to protect the rights of 9 million foreign workers. As in past years, authorities subjected hundreds of people to unfair trials and arbitrary detention. New anti-terrorism regulations that took effect in 2014 can be used to criminalize almost any form of peaceful criticism of the authorities as terrorism. The Arabs [9:97] The Arabs are the worst in disbelief and hypocrisy, and the most likely to ignore the laws that GOD has revealed to His messenger. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise. [9:98] Some Arabs consider their spending (in the cause of God) to be a loss, and even wait in anticipation that a disaster may hit you. It is they who will incur the worst disaster. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient. [9:99] Other Arabs do believe in GOD and the Last Day, and consider their spending to be a means towards GOD, and a means of supporting the messenger. Indeed, it will bring them nearer; GOD will admit them into His mercy. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. Retribution Doubled for the Hypocrites* [9:101] Among the Arabs around you, there are hypocrites. Also, among the city dwellers, there are those who are accustomed to hypocrisy. You do not know them, but we know them. We will double the retribution for them, then they end up committed to a terrible retribution. Footnote [9:102] There are others who have confessed their sins; they have mixed good deeds with bad deeds. GOD will redeem them, for GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-34357383http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2015/09/economist-explains-14http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/09/pilgrims-killed-hajj-stampede-mina-mecca-150924082302232.htmlhttps://theintercept.com/2015/09/23/u-s-state-department-welcomes-news-close-ally-saudi-arabia-chosen-head-u-n-human-rights-council-panel/https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2015/country-chapters/saudi-arabia

9/26/2015 • 13 minutes

Placement Test

9/22/2015 • 8 minutes, 5 seconds

Sura 1 - The Key (Al-Fãtehah)

For a full list of episodes go to www.QuranTalk.podbean.com - Peace

9/15/2015 • 20 minutes, 18 seconds

Constantine, Paganism and Christrianity

[5:17] Pagans indeed are those who say that GOD is the Messiah, the son of Mary. Say, "Who could oppose GOD if He willed to annihilate the Messiah, son of Mary, and his mother, and everyone on earth?" To GOD belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth, and everything between them. He creates whatever He wills. GOD is Omnipotent. [5:72] Pagans indeed are those who say that GOD is the Messiah, son of Mary. The Messiah himself said, "O Children of Israel, you shall worship GOD; my Lord and your Lord." Anyone who sets up any idol beside GOD, GOD has forbidden Paradise for him, and his destiny is Hell. The wicked have no helpers. [5:73] Pagans indeed are those who say that GOD is a third of a trinity. There is no god except the one god. Unless they refrain from saying this, those who disbelieve among them will incur a painful retribution. For a full list of episodes check out www.qurantalk.podbean.com

9/7/2015 • 46 minutes, 4 seconds

Radhanath Swami - Influence without Affluence - Cambridge Nov 2014

8/29/2015 • 14 minutes, 33 seconds

Finding Purpose Through Humility and Confidence in God

For a full list of episodes go to www.qurantalk.podbean.com [47:21] Obedience and righteous utterances are expected of them. If only they showed confidence in GOD, when mobilization was called for, it would have been better for them. [52:26] They will say, "We used to be kind and humble among our people.

8/25/2015 • 17 minutes, 24 seconds

Mentioning Only God in Our Prayers

For a full list of episodes go to www.qurantalk.podbean.com

8/17/2015 • 17 minutes, 14 seconds

Radhanath Swami - Conflict Resolution

For a full list of podcast episodes go to: www.qurantalk.podbean.com

8/10/2015 • 40 minutes, 4 seconds

Appreciation - Clean Water

For a full list of all episodes go to www.qurantalk.podbean.com

8/5/2015 • 5 minutes, 51 seconds

God's Love

[2:195] …GOD loves the charitable. [3:76] …GOD loves the righteous. [2:222] …GOD loves the repenters, and He loves those who are clean." [3:146] … GOD loves the steadfast. [3:159] … GOD loves those who trust in Him. [5:13] …GOD loves those who are benevolent. [5:42] …GOD loves those who are equitable. [49:9] … GOD loves those who are just. [61:4] GOD loves those who fight in His cause united in one column, like the bricks in one wall. [8:24] O you who believe, you shall respond to GOD and to the messenger when he invites you to what gives you life. You should know that GOD is closer to you than your heart, and that before Him you will be summoned. [50:16] We created the human, and we know what he whispers to himself. We are closer to him than his jugular vein. [13:28] They are the ones whose hearts rejoice in remembering GOD. Absolutely, by remembering GOD, the hearts rejoice. For full list of episodes go to podbean.quranatalk.com

8/2/2015 • 28 minutes, 13 seconds

Appreciation - Thank God for Clean Clothes

Mini-episode where we pick an item to be appreciative for. For complete list of podcast episodes go to qurantalk.podbean.com

7/29/2015 • 7 minutes, 25 seconds

Big Souls Love

Traits of the Righteous [25:63] The worshipers of the Most Gracious are those who tread the earth gently, and when the ignorant speak to them, they only utter peace. [31:19] "Walk humbly and lower your voice - the ugliest voice is the donkey's voice." Submitters [41:33] Who can utter better words than one who invites to GOD, works righteousness, and says, "I am one of the submitters"? [41:34] Not equal is the good response and the bad response. You shall resort to the nicest possible response. Thus, the one who used to be your enemy, may become your best friend. [41:35] None can attain this except those who steadfastly persevere. None can attain this except those who are extremely fortunate. When the Devil Entices You [41:36] When the devil whispers an idea to you, you shall seek refuge in GOD. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [23:96] Therefore, counter their evil works with goodness; we are fully aware of their claims. To Be Protected From Satan [23:97] Say, "My Lord, I seek refuge in You from the whispers of the devils. [23:98] "And I seek refuge in You, my Lord, lest they come near me." We do this to please God not the other person. God will then reciprocate for doing what pleases him and take care of our battles for us. Attributes of the Righteous [3:134] who give to charity during the good times, as well as the bad times. They are suppressors of anger, and pardoners of the people. GOD loves the charitable. QuranTalk@gmail.comTwitter: @TalkQuranwww.quranstudy19.com

7/27/2015 • 36 minutes, 47 seconds

Appreciation - Oral Hygiene

God willing going to start a series to pick a topic to reflect upon to grow in appreciation. This episode's topic dedicated to being appreciative to God is in regards to dental care and oral hygiene. Let us know what you think by contacting us at qurantalk@gmail.com

7/22/2015 • 8 minutes, 1 second

Money Addiction

Joy for the Believers [10:58] Say, "With GOD's grace and with His mercy they shall rejoice." This is far better than any wealth they can accumulate. [42:12] To Him belongs absolute control of the heavens and the earth. He is the One who increases the provision for whomever He wills, or reduces it. He is fully aware of all things. [42:27] If GOD increased the provision for His servants, they would transgress on earth. This is why He sends it precisely measured to whomever He wills. He is fully Cognizant and Seer of His servants. [28:77] "Use the provisions bestowed upon you by GOD to seek the abode of the Hereafter, without neglecting your share in this world. Be charitable, as GOD has been charitable towards you. Do not keep on corrupting the earth. GOD does not love the corruptors." The Real Wealth [28:80] As for those who were blessed with knowledge, they said, "Woe to you, GOD's recompense is far better for those who believe and lead a righteous life." None attains this except the steadfast.

7/20/2015 • 25 minutes, 55 seconds

Night of Destiny

Sura 97, Destiny (Al-Qadr) [97:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful [97:1] We revealed it in the Night of Destiny.[97:2] How awesome is the Night of Destiny! [97:3] The Night of Destiny is better than a thousand months. [97:4] The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by their Lord's leave, to carry out every command. [97:5] Peaceful it is until the advent of the dawn.

7/11/2015 • 16 minutes, 29 seconds

The Physical Benefits of Fasting (Ramadan)

[7:31] O children of Adam, you shall be clean and dress nicely when you go to the masjid. And eat and drink moderately; Surely, He does not love the gluttons. [2:184] Specific days (are designated for fasting); if one is ill or traveling, an equal number of other days may be substituted. Those who can fast, but with great difficulty, may substitute feeding one poor person for each day of breaking the fast. If one volunteers (more righteous works), it is better. But fasting is the best for you, if you only knew.

7/5/2015 • 14 minutes, 49 seconds

Kings and Queens (Rebroadcast for Ramadan)

God's Promise Kings and Queens on Earth [24:55] GOD promises those among you who believe and lead a righteous life, that He will make them sovereigns on earth, as He did for those before them, and will establish for them the religion He has chosen for them, and will substitute peace and security for them in place of fear. All this because they worship Me alone; they never set up any idols beside Me. Those who disbelieve after this are the truly wicked.

7/1/2015 • 14 minutes, 15 seconds

Spiritual Benefits of Fasting (Ramadan)

6/28/2015 • 18 minutes, 8 seconds

Ramadan

[2:183] O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation. *2:183-187 Like all duties in Submission, fasting was decreed through Abraham (22:78, Appendices 9 & 15). Prior to revelation of the Quran, sexual intercourse was prohibited throughout the fasting period. This rule is modified in 2:187 to allow intercourse during the nights of Ramadan. [2:184] Specific days (are designated for fasting); if one is ill or traveling, an equal number of other days may be substituted. Those who can fast, but with great difficulty, may substitute feeding one poor person for each day of breaking the fast. If one volunteers (more righteous works), it is better. But fasting is the best for you, if you only knew. [2:185] Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. GOD wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify GOD for guiding you, and to express your appreciation. God Answers the Prayers of "His Servants" [2:186] When My servants ask you about Me, I am always near. I answer their prayers when they pray to Me. The people shall respond to Me and believe in Me, in order to be guided. [2:187] Permitted for you is sexual intercourse with your wives during the nights of fasting. They are the keepers of your secrets, and you are the keepers of their secrets. GOD knew that you used to betray your souls, and He has redeemed you, and has pardoned you. Henceforth, you may have intercourse with them, seeking what GOD has permitted for you. You may eat and drink until the white thread of light becomes distinguishable from the dark thread of night at dawn. Then, you shall fast until sunset. Sexual intercourse is prohibited if you decide to retreat to the masjid (during the last ten days of Ramadan). These are GOD's laws; you shall not transgress them. GOD thus clarifies His revelations for the people, that they may attain salvation. [10:5] He is the One who rendered the sun radiant, and the moon a light, and He designed its phases that you may learn to count the years and to calculate. GOD did not create all this, except for a specific purpose. He explains the revelations for people who know. http://masjidtucson.org/submission/practices/ramadan/index.html http://masjidtucson.org/submission/practices/ramadan/rc/

6/19/2015 • 19 minutes, 14 seconds

Abortion

The Major Commandments [6:151] Say, "Come let me tell you what your Lord has really prohibited for you: You shall not set up idols besides Him. You shall honor your parents. You shall not kill your children from fear of poverty - we provide for you and for them. You shall not commit gross sins, obvious or hidden. 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." Abortion is Murder [17:31] You shall not kill your children due to fear of poverty. We provide for them, as well as for you. Killing them is a gross offense. [17:32] You shall not commit adultery; it is a gross sin, and an evil behavior. [17:33] You shall not kill any person - for GOD has made life sacred - except in the course of justice. If one is killed unjustly, then we give his heir authority to enforce justice. Thus, he shall not exceed the limits in avenging the murder; he will be helped. “Blood Money” The Business of Abortion http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Money-Business-Abortion-Alveda/dp/B005JY5H8C Children Born of Rape & Incest https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0Zg-6pdecE

6/15/2015 • 37 minutes, 31 seconds

The Miracle & The Message

[74:1] O you hidden secret.[74:2] Come out and warn. [74:3] Extol your Lord. [74:4] Purify your garment. [74:30] Over it is nineteen.[74:31] We appointed angels to be guardians of Hell, and we assigned their number (19) (1) to disturb the disbelievers, (2) to convince the Christians and Jews (that this is a divine scripture), (3) to strengthen the faith of the faithful, (4) to remove all traces of doubt from the hearts of Christians, Jews, as well as the believers, and (5) to expose those who harbor doubt in their hearts, and the disbelievers; they will say, "What did GOD mean by this allegory?" GOD thus sends astray whomever He wills, and guides whomever He wills. None knows the soldiers of your Lord except He. This is a reminder for the people. [74:32] Absolutely, (I swear) by the moon. [74:33] And the night as it passes. [74:34] And the morning as it shines. [74:35] This is one of the great miracles. [74:36] A warning to the human race. [7:75] The arrogant leaders among his people said to the common people who believed, "How do you know that Saaleh is sent by his Lord?" They said, "The message he brought has made us believers." [39:3] Absolutely, the religion shall be devoted to GOD alone. Those who set up idols beside Him say, "We idolize them only to bring us closer to GOD; for they are in a better position!" GOD will judge them regarding their disputes. GOD does not guide such liars, disbelievers. [39:45] When GOD ALONE is mentioned, the hearts of those who do not believe in the Hereafter shrink with aversion. But when others are mentioned beside Him, they become satisfied. Interview with Kavon McKinnon from BossTalk Podcast:http://bosstalk.madewithopinion.com/religion-talk-ep-6/#

6/7/2015 • 25 minutes, 49 seconds

Who Let The Wolves In?

[51:48] And we made the earth habitable; a perfect design. [15:19] As for the earth, we constructed it, and placed on it stabilizers (mountains), and we grew on it a perfect balance of everything. [67:3] He created seven universes in layers. You do not see any imperfection in the creation by the Most Gracious. Keep looking; do you see any flaw? [67:4] Look again and again; your eyes will come back stumped and conquered. [13:8] GOD knows what every female bears, and what every womb releases, or gains. Everything He does is perfectly measured. [32:7] He is the One who perfected everything He created, and started the creation of the human from clay.

6/1/2015 • 27 minutes, 29 seconds

Inheritance

http://quranstudy19.com/2015/05/18/inheritance-distribution-47-48-411-412-4176/ Write A Will [2:180] It is decreed that when death approaches, you shall write a will for the benefit of the parents and relatives, equitably. This is a duty upon the righteous. [2:181] If anyone alters a will he had heard, the sin of altering befalls those responsible for such altering. GOD is Hearer, Knower. [2:182] If one sees gross injustice or bias on the part of a testator, and takes corrective action to restore justice to the will, he commits no sin. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. Witnessing A Will [5:106] O you who believe, witnessing a will when one of you is dying shall be done by two equitable people among you. If you are traveling, then two others may do the witnessing. After observing the Contact Prayer (Salat), let the witnesses swear by GOD, to alleviate your doubts: "We will not use this to attain personal gains, even if the testator is related to us. Nor will we conceal GOD's testimony. Otherwise, we would be sinners." [5:107] If the witnesses are found to be guilty of bias, then two others shall be asked to take their places. Choose two persons who were victimized by the first witnesses, and let them swear by GOD: "Our testimony is more truthful than theirs; we will not be biased. Otherwise, we will be transgressors." [5:108] This is more apt to encourage an honest testimony on their part, fearing that their oath may be disregarded like that of the previous witnesses. You shall observe GOD and listen. GOD does not guide the wicked. Women’s Inheritance Rights [4:7] The men get a share of what the parents and the relatives leave behind. The women too shall get a share of what the parents and relatives leave behind.Whether it is a small or a large inheritance, (the women must get) a definite share. [4:8] During distribution of the inheritances, if relatives, orphans, and needy persons are present, you shall give them therefrom, and treat them kindly. If No Will Is Left* [4:11] GOD decrees a will for the benefit of your children; the male gets twice the share of the female.* If the inheritors are only women, more than two, they get two-thirds of what is bequeathed. If only one daughter is left, she gets one-half. The parents of the deceased get one-sixth of the inheritance each, if the deceased has left any children. If he left no children, and his parents are the only inheritors, the mother gets one-third. If he has siblings, then the mother gets one-sixth. All this, after fulfilling any will* the deceased has left, and after paying off all debts.When it comes to your parents and your children, you do not know which of them is really the best to you and the most beneficial. This is GOD’s law. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise. Inheritance For the Spouses [4:12] You get half of what your wives leave behind, if they had no children. If they had children, you get one-fourth of what they leave. All this, after fulfilling any will they had left, and after paying off all debts. They get one-fourth of what you leave behind, if you had no children. If you had children, they get one-eighth of what you bequeath. All this, after fulfilling any will you had left, and after paying off all debts. If the deceased man or woman was a loner, and leaves two siblings, male or female, each of them gets one-sixth of the inheritance. If there are more siblings, then they equally share one-third of the inheritance. All this, after fulfilling any will, and after paying off all debts, so that no one is hurt. This is a will decreed by GOD. GOD is Omniscient, Clement. [4:176] They consult you; say, “GOD advises you concerning the single person. If one dies and leaves no children, and he had a sister, she gets half the inheritance. If she dies first, he inherits from her, if she left no children. If there were two sisters, they get two-thirds of the inheritance. If the siblings are men and women, the male gets twice the share of the female.” GOD thus clarifies for you, lest you go astray. GOD is fully aware of all things.

5/25/2015 • 32 minutes, 4 seconds

Unity of All Submitters

[3:200] O you who believe, you shall be steadfast, you shall persevere, you shall be united, you shall observe GOD, that you may succeed. Unity of All Submitters [2:62 and 5:69] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. Believers are United [3:103] You shall hold fast to the rope of GOD, all of you, and do not be divided. Recall GOD’s blessings upon you – you used to be enemies and He reconciled your hearts. By His grace, you became brethren. You were at the brink of a pit of fire, and He saved you therefrom. GOD thus explains His revelations for you, that you may be guided. [3:104] Let there be a community of you who invite to what is good, advocate righteousness, and forbid evil. These are the winners. [3:105] Do not be like those who became divided and disputed, despite the clear proofs that were given to them. For these have incurred a terrible retribution. Mark 3:24-25 24. If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

5/18/2015 • 21 minutes, 6 seconds

World's Toughest Job

[16:78] GOD brought you out of your mothers' bellies knowing nothing, and He gave you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brains, that you may be appreciative. [31:14] We enjoined the human being to honor his parents. His mother bore him, and the load got heavier and heavier. It takes two years (of intensive care) until weaning. You shall be appreciative of Me, and of your parents. To Me is the ultimate destiny. [17:23] Your Lord has decreed that you shall not worship except Him, and your parents shall be honored. As long as one or both of them live, you shall never say to them, "Uff" (the slightest gesture of annoyance), nor shall you shout at them; you shall treat them amicably. [46:15] We enjoined the human being to honor his parents. His mother bore him arduously, gave birth to him arduously, and took intimate care of him for thirty months. When he reaches maturity, and reaches the age of forty, he should say, "My Lord, direct me to appreciate the blessings You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and to do the righteous works that please You. Let my children be righteous as well. I have repented to You; I am a submitter."

5/10/2015 • 12 minutes, 19 seconds

Seeds of Our Destiny

Moment of Death Predetermined [3:154] After the setback, He sent down upon you peaceful slumber that pacified some of you. Others among you were selfishly concerned about themselves. They harbored thoughts about GOD that were not right - the same thoughts they had harbored during the days of ignorance. Thus, they said, "Is anything up to us?" Say, "Everything is up to GOD." They concealed inside themselves what they did not reveal to you. They said, "If it was up to us, none of us would have been killed in this battle." Say, "Had you stayed in your homes, those destined to be killed would have crawled into their death beds." GOD thus puts you to the test to bring out your true convictions, and to test what is in your hearts. GOD is fully aware of the innermost thoughts. [47:29] Did those who harbor doubts in their hearts think that GOD will not bring out their evil thoughts? [3:29] Say, "Whether you conceal your innermost thought, or declare it, GOD is fully aware thereof." He is fully aware of everything in the heavens and the earth. GOD is Omnipotent. [11:5] Indeed, they hide their innermost thoughts, as if to keep Him from knowing them. In fact, as they cover themselves with their clothes, He knows all their secrets and declarations. He knows the innermost thoughts.

5/5/2015 • 19 minutes, 45 seconds

What Do You Want In Life?

What is it that the human being desires? To GOD belongs both the Hereafter, and this world. 53:24-25

4/27/2015 • 15 minutes, 24 seconds

Why Does God Allow Hardship?

[8:29] O you who believe, if you reverence GOD, He will enlighten you, remit your sins, and forgive you. GOD possesses infinite grace. Jeremiah 29:11 For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not for harm you, to give you a future with hope. [6:132] Everyone will attain a rank commensurate with their deeds. Your Lord is never unaware of anything they do.

4/18/2015 • 20 minutes, 33 seconds

The Only Religion Approved by God

Submission: The Only Religion [3:19] The only religion approved by GOD is "Submission." Ironically, those who have received the scripture are the ones who dispute this fact, despite the knowledge they have received, due to jealousy. For such rejectors of GOD's revelations, GOD is most strict in reckoning. Abraham: Original Messenger of Islam* [22:78] You shall strive for the cause of GOD as you should strive for His cause. He has chosen you and has placed no hardship on you in practicing your religion—the religion of your father Abraham. He is the one who named you "Submitters" originally. Thus, the messenger shall serve as a witness among you, and you shall serve as witnesses among the people. Therefore, you shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and hold fast to GOD; He is your Lord, the best Lord and the best Supporter.

4/13/2015 • 11 minutes, 45 seconds

Moral Argument

[91:6] The earth and Him who sustains it. [91:7] The soul and Him who created it. [91:8] Then showed it what is evil and what is good. [5:100] Proclaim: "The bad and the good are not the same, even if the abundance of the bad may impress you. You shall reverence GOD, (even if you are in the minority) O you who possess intelligence, that you may succeed." Why Our Children Don’t Think There Are Moral Facts http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/02/why-our-children-dont-think-there-are-moral-facts/?_r=0 The Moral Argument https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxiAikEk2vU The Moral Argument for the Existence of God 1of2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42j9fKhURi8 The Moral Argument for the Existence of God 2of2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXEUbWs7bYs

3/16/2015 • 34 minutes, 6 seconds

Are You Sleeping?

We don't know we ares sleeping until we wake up. Preoccupation With the Wrong Life[30:6] Such is GOD's promise - and GOD never breaks His promise - but most people do not know. [30:7] They care only about things of this world that are visible to them, while being totally oblivious to the Hereafter. [30:8] Why do they not reflect on themselves? GOD did not create the heavens and the earth, and everything between them, except for a specific purpose, and for a specific life span. However, most people, with regard to meeting their Lord, are disbelievers.

3/1/2015 • 18 minutes, 21 seconds

Love God the Most

[2:165] Yet, some people set up idols to rival GOD, and love them as if they are GOD. Those who believe love GOD the most. If only the transgressors could see themselves when they see the retribution! They will realize then that all power belongs to GOD alone, and that GOD’s retribution is awesome. Mark 12:28 - 30 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

2/23/2015 • 23 minutes, 59 seconds

John Lennox Recap

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful A.L.M. This scripture is infallible; a beacon for the righteous; who believe in the unseen, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and from our provisions to them, they give to charity. 2:0-3 We will show them our proofs in the horizons, and within themselves, until they realize that this is the truth. Is your Lord not sufficient as a witness of all things?41:53 The creation of the heavens and the earth is even more awesome than the creation of the human being, but most people do not know.40:57

2/16/2015 • 23 minutes, 47 seconds

Is Belief in the Supernatural Irrational- John Lennox at Harvard

When our miracles were presented to them, clear and profound, they said, "This is obviously magic."27:13 They said, "If only miracles could come down to him from his Lord!" Say, "All miracles come only from GOD; I am no more than a manifest warner."29:50

2/9/2015 • 35 minutes, 54 seconds

Prolonged Gratification

Appreciative vs Unappreciative Your Lord has decreed: "The more you thank Me, the more I give you." But if you turn unappreciative, then My retribution is severe. 14:7 "I am GOD; there is no other god beside Me. You shall worship Me alone, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) to remember Me. 12:14They are the ones whose hearts rejoice in remembering GOD. Absolutely, by remembering GOD, the hearts rejoice. 13:28 He should choose the difficult path.90:11 ... Anyone who reverences GOD, He makes everything easy for him.65:4 Happiness: Now and Forever Absolutely, GOD's allies have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. They are those who believe and lead a righteous life. For them, joy and happiness in this world, as well as in the Hereafter. This is GOD's unchangeable law. Such is the greatest triumph.10:62-64

2/2/2015 • 19 minutes, 25 seconds

Delayed Gratification

Whoever seeks the rewards of the Hereafter, we multiply the rewards for him. And whoever seeks the materials of this world, we give him therefrom, then he receives no share in the Hereafter. 42:20

1/26/2015 • 20 minutes, 5 seconds

The Best Psychology (Part II)

These Are All the Words We Need If all the trees on earth were made into pens, and the ocean supplied the ink, augmented by seven more oceans, the words of GOD would not run out. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise. 31:27 He should choose the difficult path. Which one is the difficult path? The freeing of slaves. Feeding, during the time of hardship. Orphans who are related. Or the poor who is in need. And being one of those who believe, and exhorting one another to be steadfast, and exhorting one another to be kind. These have deserved happiness. 90:11-18

1/19/2015 • 39 minutes, 3 seconds

Quran and Freedom of Speech

The worshipers of the Most Gracious are those who tread the earth gently, and when the ignorant speak to them, they only utter peace.25:63 Grossness of MurderBecause of this, we decreed for the Children of Israel that anyone who murders any person who had not committed murder or horrendous crimes, it shall be as if he murdered all the people. And anyone who spares a life, it shall be as if he spared the lives of all the people. Our messengers went to them with clear proofs and revelations, but most of them, after all this, are still transgressing. 5:32

1/11/2015 • 17 minutes, 24 seconds

The Best Psychology (Part I)

Have you noted those who received a portion of the scripture, and how they choose to stray, and wish that you stray from the path? 4:44

1/5/2015 • 28 minutes, 28 seconds

Does Truth Change

Everyone on earth perishes. Only the presence of your Lord lasts. Possessor of Majesty and Honor. Which of your Lord's marvels can you deny?55:26-28 The truth has prevailed, and falsehood has vanished; falsehood will inevitably vanish." 17:81 Say "The truth has come; while falsehood can neither initiate anything, nor repeat it."34:49

12/29/2014 • 16 minutes, 56 seconds

God is our Boss

And GOD cites the example of two men: one is dumb, lacks the ability to do anything, is totally dependent on his master - whichever way he directs him, he cannot produce anything good. Is he equal to one who rules with justice, and is guided in the right path? 16:76 The messenger has believed in what was sent down to him from his Lord, and so did the believers. They believe in GOD, His angels, His scripture, and His messengers: "We make no distinction among any of His messengers." They say, "We hear, and we obey. Forgive us, our Lord. To You is the ultimate destiny." 2:285

12/22/2014 • 22 minutes, 25 seconds

Wisdom the Real Wealth

GOD raises those among you who believe, and those who acquire knowledge to higher ranks. GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do. 58:11

12/15/2014 • 31 minutes, 48 seconds

Unending Appreciation

And He gives you all kinds of things that you implore Him for. If you count GOD’s blessings, you can never encompass them. Indeed, the human being is transgressing, unappreciative. 14:34

12/8/2014 • 24 minutes, 36 seconds

Good Reason for Everything

There is a Good Reason for Everything [18:78] He said, "Now we have to part company. But I will explain to you everything you could not stand.

12/1/2014 • 21 minutes, 17 seconds

Valuing God's Message

...Distinguished from the rest are those among you who spend before the victory and strive. They attain a greater rank than those who spend after the victory and strive. For each, GOD promises salvation. GOD is Cognizant of everything you do. 57:10

11/24/2014 • 22 minutes, 19 seconds

Coyote & the Road Runner

They resorted to arrogance on earth, and evil scheming, and the evil schemes only backfire on those who scheme them. Should they then expect anything but the fate of those who did the same things in the past? You will find that GOD's system is never changeable; you will find that GOD's system is immutable.35:43 Others before them have schemed, but to GOD belongs the ultimate scheming. He knows what everyone is doing. The disbelievers will find out who the ultimate winners are.13:42

11/19/2014 • 19 minutes, 42 seconds

Why Are We Here?

We have offered the responsibility (freedom of choice) to the heavens and the earth, and the mountains, but they refused to bear it, and were afraid of it. But the human being accepted it; he was transgressing, ignorant.33:72

11/11/2014 • 33 minutes, 8 seconds

Quran & Criminal Justice

2:179 Equivalence is a life saving law for you, O you who possess intelligence, that you may be righteous.

11/3/2014 • 35 minutes, 33 seconds

Quran & Liberty

16:125-126 You shall invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kind enlightenment, and debate with them in the best possible manner. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best who are the guided ones. And if you punish, you shall inflict an equivalent punishment. But if you resort to patience (instead of revenge), it would be better for the patient ones. 2:190-191 "GOD does not love the aggressors...Oppression is worse than murder."

10/27/2014 • 35 minutes, 4 seconds

Admission Test

We will surely test you through some fear, hunger, and loss of money, lives, and crops. Give good news to the steadfast. 2:155 You will certainly be tested, through your money and your lives, and you will hear from those who received the scripture, and from the idol worshipers, a lot of insult. If you steadfastly persevere and lead a righteous life, this will prove the strength of your faith.3:186

10/20/2014 • 30 minutes, 13 seconds

God's Timing

And we made the earth habitable; a perfect design. 51:48

10/6/2014 • 26 minutes, 58 seconds

Waste

He is the One who established gardens, trellised and untrellised, and palm trees, and crops with different tastes, and olives, and pomegranate -fruits that are similar, yet dissimilar. Eat from their fruits, and give the due alms on the day of harvest,* and do not waste anything. He does not love the wasters. 6:141

6/24/2014 • 23 minutes, 12 seconds

Perfect Happiness

Absolutely, GOD's allies have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. They are those who believe and lead a righteous life. For them, joy and happiness in this world, as well as in the Hereafter. This is GOD's unchangeable law. Such is the greatest triumph. 10:62-64

6/14/2014 • 34 minutes, 1 second

Ego...

Have you seen the one whose god is his own ego? Will you be his advocate? 25:43

6/2/2014 • 31 minutes, 31 seconds

Who's your God?

O you who believe, you shall remember GOD frequently. 33:41

5/27/2014 • 23 minutes, 37 seconds

David's Exemplary Piety

Be patient in the face of their utterances, and remember our servant David, the resourceful; he was obedient. 38:17

5/20/2014 • 16 minutes, 21 seconds

Buried vs. Planted

"...You see them bowing and prostrating, as they seek GOD's blessings and approval. Their marks are on their faces, because of prostrating. This is the same example as in the Torah. Their example in the Gospel is like plants that grow taller and stronger, and please the farmers...." 48:29

5/11/2014 • 19 minutes

Heavy Message

If we revealed this Quran to a mountain, you would see it trembling, crumbling, out of reverence for GOD. We cite these examples for the people, that they may reflect. 59:21

4/27/2014 • 13 minutes, 56 seconds

Submit Willingly or Unwillingly

Are they seeking other than GOD's religion, when everything in the heavens and the earth has submitted to Him, willingly and unwillingly, and to Him they will be returned? 3:83 To GOD prostrates everyone in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly, and so do their shadows in the mornings and the evenings. 13:15

4/14/2014 • 8 minutes, 24 seconds

God's Promise vs. The Devil's Promise

The devil promises you poverty and commands you to commit evil, while GOD promises you forgiveness from Him and grace. GOD is Bounteous, Omniscient. 2:268

4/9/2014 • 11 minutes, 9 seconds

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich

This is to provide them with fruits, and to let them manufacture with their own hands whatever they need. Would they be thankful? 36:35 We thus made you an impartial community, that you may serve as witnesses among the people, and the messenger serves as a witness among you. We changed the direction of your original Qiblah only to distinguish those among you who readily follow the messenger from those who would turn back on their heels. It was a difficult test, but not for those who are guided by GOD. GOD never puts your worship to waste. GOD is Compassionate towards the people, Most Merciful. 2:143

3/31/2014 • 19 minutes, 22 seconds

Kings & Queens

GOD promises those among you who believe and lead a righteous life, that He will make them sovereigns on earth, as He did for those before them, and will establish for them the religion He has chosen for them, and will substitute peace and security for them in place of fear. All this because they worship Me alone; they never set up any idols beside Me. Those who disbelieve after this are the truly wicked. 24:55

3/25/2014 • 14 minutes, 33 seconds

Light

GOD is the light of the heavens and the earth. The allegory of His light is that of a concave mirror behind a lamp that is placed inside a glass container. The glass container is like a bright, pearl-like star. The fuel thereof is supplied from a blessed oil-producing tree, that is neither eastern, nor western. Its oil is almost self-radiating; needs no fire to ignite it. Light upon light. GOD guides to His light whoever wills (to be guided). GOD thus cites the parables for the people. GOD is fully aware of all things. 24:35

3/16/2014 • 20 minutes, 45 seconds

Decision

Say, "Those who choose to go astray, the Most Gracious will lead them on, until they see what is promised for them - either the retribution or the Hour. That is when they find out who really is worse off, and weaker in power." GOD augments the guidance of those who choose to be guided. For the good deeds are eternally rewarded by your Lord, and bring far better returns. 19:75-76

3/11/2014 • 15 minutes, 31 seconds

Encryption

"O you hidden secret. Come out and warn." 74:1-2 "This is an honorable Quran. In a protected book. None can grasp it except the sincere." 56:77-79

3/3/2014 • 10 minutes, 41 seconds

Episode 21 - Chapter 2 Verse 62

Unity of All Submitters [2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

1/31/2011 • 10 minutes, 13 seconds

About

Season null

Masjid ofGod vs. Masjid of Satan

Sunnis Follow the Sunnah of Jews

Sunnis getting high on their own supply

Three Requirements for Monotheism

Hadith Fails The Authenticity Test

Anatomy of a Miracle

Anatomy of a Miracle

Was Abraham a Liar? (Quran vs. Hadith)

How did the messenger judge?

What is the Most Gracious?

Fallibility of the Companions

Gaming Isnads

When Sahihs Disagree

Multi-Meaning Verses

Evolution of Hadith Reliance in Sunni Islam

Numerical Quran

The Written Quran

Hadith Literature

Did The Prophet Explain the Quran?

Gender & Society

Trust and Society

The Challenge

Know Your Enemy

All praise be to God

Appreciation or Hell

Invisible Mountains

Idolizing the Prophet

Support the Strivers

19 Hadith Against Sunnah

Elevation

Selfishness

21 Reasons Historians are Skeptical of Hadith

The Sting Operation

Abu Hurayra

Hadith, Lies, and Civil Wars

The Difficult Path

Head Coverings

No Partners With God

How Hadith& Sunnism Destroyed Islam and Rationality

First Comes Righteousness

Anti-Hadith Hadith of Sahih Bukhari

Livestock

Despicable Hadith

The Golden Calf of Islam

Satanic Abrogation

Quran and Hikmah

Prophet (Nabi) and Messenger (Rasool) Explained

Hadith of God vs. Hadith of Man

Smell

Subtraction

Pursuit of Truth

The Power of One

Lay of the Land

Where Atheism Leads Society

Satan and Falsehood

The Kernel of Righteousness

The Parent’s Responsibility

Gender Babel

Power And Responsibility

Imitation Versus Reality

The Original Con Artist

Judging Sincerity

Simple Miraculous Blessings

The Ark For Our Generation

Unanswerable Questions

The Islamic Reformation

Religious Hedonism

Religion of Disbelief

Salawat

Remembering God

God‘s Protection

Is Atheism Dead?

Poisonous Ideas

Recalibration

Kind vs. Stern

A Complete Book

The True Shahada

Muhammad Was Not Illiterate