KNOWING ALLAH
Islam means complete submission or surrender to the will of Allah. Islam also means:
q Peace
q The way to achieve peace
q Submission or surrender
Submitting to God’s will does not mean that a person need no longer think, or that he must give up his free will to choose; rather, like a law-abiding citizen, a person who observes God’s commands benefits himself and others by respecting Divine laws and using his freedom wisely.
Islam is based on faith in Higher Power, the Gracious Lord, and Creator of the Universe, without family or partners, called “Allah”. Muslims prefer to use the Arabic word Allah for God, because it has no plural, feminine or diminutive from that could be associated with idolatry (ie. Gods, goddesses or demi-gods). He has created all and is above all things in the universe, and there is no one and nothing, which like Him or can be compared to Him. Although Allah is referred to as ‘He’, it is understood that God is Self-Sufficient, and transcends both duality and gender; the 99 Names of Allah mentioned in the Qur’an contain various attributes such as the Compassionate, the Forgiving, the Protector, Allah is Merciful and Just, All-Knowing and All-Seeing, Friend and Guide, and the only one worthy of our worship and devotion.
Beliefe in Allah is the very basis of the ad-din (religion) of Islam. A Muslim must believe in one God (Allah) and submitting to His will. Muslims should strives to submit whole-heartedly to God, thereby achieving peace in this life and the next.
God is one
No human language is good enough to describe God, for there is nothing else like Him. God’s nature is far beyond our limited conception. Nevertheless, we do know that He is one. Allah, the one true God, is not far from us, for He is with us always. The Qur’an says:
“We (God) are nearer to him (man) than his jugular vein” (al-Qur’an, 50:16).
Islam is a strictly monotheistic religion. The key Surah (Chapter) in the Qur’an testifies to Islam’s monotheism.
“Say: He is Allah, the One! Allah, the eternally Besought of all! He begetteth not nor was begotten. And there is none comparable unto Him”
(al-Qur’an, 112:1-4)
Allah is one and only He is God. He is the only one worthy of worship. Allah said:
“Choose not two gods. There is only one God. So of Me, Me only, be in awe” (al-Qur’an, 16:51)
Islam makes it clear that God has no son, no father, no brother, no wife, no sister and no daughters. In His unity, God is not like any other person or thing that can come to anyone’s mind. His qualities and nature are conspicuously unique. He has no associates.
God the Creator
A Muslim must believe that Allah is the Creator of the Universe and everything in it. The Qur’an says:
“He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in truth”
(al-Qur’an, 6:73)
everything including the earth we live on and the heavens we see above, was created by the Almighty God. God does not merely create and abandon His creatures. Goa is active as the Creator, the Life Giver and Life Remover, the Sustainer and the sole Controller of all His creation.
The names of God
God is the Supreme Reality. He has revealed to mankind ninety-nine beautiful names (al-asma al Husna) which indicate His transcendent majesty and unity. The Qur’an says:
“Allah’s are the fairest names. Invoke Him by them. And leave the company of those who blaspheme His names. They will be required for what they do” (al-Qur’an, 7:180).
These names are not used to divide Allah, for Allah cannot be more than one, but rather to express some of His attributes. Muslims use these names in reverence for God, and as part of praise and prayer. God may always be invoked by a name relevant to the need of His beseecher. We shall be describing some of these names, such as raHman (most Gracious), raHim (most Merciful), or al-Jalil (Majestic).
God is merciful
Man enjoys the mercy of God Who is kind and good. God’s mercy is to anyone, believer or unbeliever, obedient or disobedient, Muslim or non-Muslim, black or white.
God’s mercy for His creation is immeasurable. We cannot imagine or count His favours to mankind. He gives man food, drink, and the means of movement, and all the necessities of life. He provides for him irrespective of his behaviour. God has created man in the best form of creation and has given him everything he needs for his spiritual and physical growth. He has given all this to man because of His mercy. God is the all-Merciful, and through His mercy, man attains peace, tranquility, hope, and confidence. The mercy of God is real and active; it pervades all the dimension of the human experience.
God is loving
God has promised to extend His love those who obey His will. His mercy is extended to all mankind; His love is extended to those who submit to His will. The Qur’an says:
“Say, (O Muhammad, to mankind): If ye love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful” (al-Qur’an, 3:31).
God is all-powerful
Having seen that God is Compassionate and Merciful, we must also note that it is only God Who is the possessor of all power. There is none besides Allah Who can benefit or harm a person. Only God can provide for man’s needs or give and take away life. The Holy Qur’an proclaims:
“Knowest thou not that is Allah unto Whom belonged the sovereignty of the heavens and earth; and ye have not beside Allah any friend or helper ” (al-Qur’an, 2:107)
God is eternal
As Muslims we are strongly commanded to believe and know that God is eternal. By this we acknowledge that God has no beginning and no end, that He has been there and will be there always.
The Qur’an states:
“He is the First and the Last, and the Outward and the Inward; and He is Knower of all things” (Qur’an, 57:3)
The eternal God is not limited by time, space, place, or circumstance. As He exists beyond time, He cannot go into senility. God is pre-existent and eternal, yet other forms of existence will come to an end. Everything that exists will perish except God Who will endure forever. The Qur’an teaches:
“Everyone that is thereon will pass away; There remaineth but the countenance of thy Lord of Might and Glory” (Qur’an, 55:26-27)
This teaching is important because it reminds the believers that as human beings we are nothing but visitors on this world that God alone is eternally living and present, and all else is transient.
MU’MIN (THE BELIEVER)
The way to prosper and achieve the aim is to strengthen the belief in Allah S.W.T. and hereafter life (akhirat). The preparation for the Day of Judgement is the greatest hope of a believer; he has to stand in front of the Almighty Allah SWT to show all of his good and bad deeds. The very tiny like small and big deed will be shown and given to his hands as a recorded book in the day of judgement. In chapter Zalzala, Allah SWT says, “On that day will men proceed in companies sorted out to be shown the deeds that they (have done). Then shall anyone, who has done an atom’s weight of good, see it!! And anyone who has done an atom’s weight of evil, shall see it”. (Zalzala; 6-8). The time in which nobody to look after and protect him except his own recorded righteous deeds while on the earth, everyone has to be accept responsibility. Allah SWT says “Then those whose balance (of good deeds) is heavy, they will attain salvation” (Al-Mu’minun – 102). In the day of Judgement the good and evil deeds will be weighed against each other. Allah says “ But those whose balance is light, will be those who have lost their souls. In hell will they abide”. (Al-Mu’minun: 103). If the good deeds prevail, the soul will attain success and prosperity, if the contrary there will be misery and anguish of hell.
The success in hereafter life and its wisdom completely depends on the world life (life before death). Allah the most Merciful has sent to the mankind more than 124 thousand guides (The Messenger of Allah) to guide them; and the human beings has been ordered to follow and obey their teachings to get the ultimate wisdom. But history reveals the truth that many societies rejected the messengers of Allah, and even destroyed them and their original teachings. This Messenger of Allah had to face unimaginable cruel treatments and disturbances physically, emotionally and spiritually from their people (non-believers). Allah SWT says, “And slaying His Messenger without just cause. This because they rebelled and went on transgressing”. (Al-Baqara: 61). These Prophets suffered for their society and for their prosperity in the Day of Judgement. But these people transgressed and forgot the true meaning of life and the out coming of their goal less and self decided way of life. If they are really aware about the meaning of life, death, and hereafter life, they will be the best (human) believer of the ‘truth’ whom the world ever seen. It is an ultimate truth that everyone who born have to face an end (death) and this end is the starting point of the hereafter life.
The death stops all the dictatorial life of the person, Allah SWT says, “Then guard yourselves against a Day when one soul shall not avail another, nor shall compensation be accepted from her nor shall intercession profit her nor shall any one be helped (from outside). (Al-Baqara: 123). But who doesn’t belief in Allah SWT and hereafter life, always ignore the messages of Allah SWT and leads a life with his own taste and desire. Thus the world life become an important and very much sticked in it, and accepted it as an eternal goal of his life, these people have to face the greatest lost in both worlds. Allah SWT says, 0“Every soul shall have a taste death; and only on the day of Judgement shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have attain the object (of life). For the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception. “Ali-Imran – 185).
The believer is preparing for his great success and happy to see his Creator who gave him this life and the energy to enjoy the life and its enjoyments. The believer always spent his time with full of psychological happiness, he knew the good and the bad in the life is a test from his Creator and in each happening, there is a HIKMAH (Secrecy) behind. His belief in Allah strengthens him and he is very happy for all time as Allah SWT says,” And those who believe in Allah and His apostles. They are the sincere (Lover of Truth), and the witnesses (who testify), in the eyes of their Lord, They shall have their reward and their light but those who reject God and deny our signs, they are the companions of Hell-Fire (Chapter Al-Hadid – 19). The pious man sees his life with full of meaning and is aware about his obligations of his faith, he will never loose the wisdom of the truth Allah SWT says; “Know ye (all), That the life of this world is but play and amusement, Pomp and mutual boasting and multi playing, (in rivalry) Among yourselves, riches And children…(Chapter Al-Hadid – 20). The Mu’min’s life is arranged in order to his hope and expectations of his desttination. As a result he enjoys the life in both world. The very obvious signs of the mu’min is stated in the Holy verses. “the believers must (eventually) win through; Those who humble themselves I their prayers, who avoid vain talk, who are active in deeds of charity; who abstain from sex, except with those joined to them in the marriage bond (Mu’minun : 1-6) and again Allah swt shows the good believer’s character. “Those who faithfully observe their trust and their covenants. And who (strictly) guard their prayers (mu’minu : 8-9). These blessed people are promised the ultimate victor in hereafter life. Allah SWT says, “These will be the heirs who will inherit Paradise, they will dwell there in (for ever)(Mu’minun; 10-11).
The above verses clearly states the following signs of a believer:
1) He believes strongly the existence of his Creator in his all movements.
2) He remembers his Creator 5 times a day by performing the “Solat” according to the wish of his Creator.
3) He avoids vain talk and abstains from all unwanted meaningless playing and enjoyments.
4) He is not selfish, he loves everybody as he loves himself by doing charity works.
5) He abstains from all types of illegal sex (Zina) and thus he leads a decent family life.
6) He puts the society under the one father and mother.
7) He faithfully observes the trust and his covenants thus he is a man of honor and word.
8) He never neglect the responsibility to his Creator by performing the 5 times prayers and thus he is a man of responsibility to Allah and to the people.
9) He is preparing this life in order to enter the paradise, and he is a man of Goal.
10) He has been promised the Paradise
The Mu’min’s life is wonderful, he is committed and is ready to sacrifice for the cause of Allah S.W.T; Allah S.W.T says in the Chapter al-An’am: “Say: Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are (all) for Allah S.W.T the Cherish of the world (An’am: 62). This verse is recited by Mu’mi every day as he reads the “Doa Iftitah” (The Opening Doa) in his 5 times solat. And all the signs of God will reward the believer’s thoughts upwards to Him. As an example Allah S.W.T. says “Only those believe in our signs, who, when they are recited to them, fall down in adoration, and celebrate the praises of their Lord, nor are they (Ever) puffed up the pride” (As-Sajadah: 15).
The character of a believer must be the Quranic teachings and he always to sticked to it, and the Holy Quran also benefits the pious people only. Allah S.W.T. says “This is the book in it is guidance sure with out doubt, to Those who fear Allah S.W.T. (Al-Baqarah: 2) and he is a symbol of the character of prophets, ad the best symbol is prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) as his character is Al-Quran. The beauty of the Mu’min’s life style and behavior is mentioned in the Holy Quran “O’ Ye who believe! Fear God, and (always) say A Word directed to the Right: That He may make your Conduct Whole and Sound and forgive you your Sins, He that obeys God and His Apostle; has already attained the highest ‘Achievement’. (Al-Ahzab: 70-71).
The life of a believer is unfailingly positive, and is perfect in mind and thought. The hope in Allah S.W.T. makes him comfortable, he humbly prays to his Creator “And they Say We hear, and we obey (we seek) thy forgiveness, Our Lord, and to thee is the end of all journeys, on no soul doth God place burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns. And it suffers every ill that earns. (Pray)” Our Lord! Condemn us no if we forget or fall in to error; Our Lord! Lay no on us burden like that which Thou Didst lay on those before us “ Our Lord! Lay not on us. A burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness, have mercy on us, thou art our protector; Help us against those who stand against faith. (Al-Baqara: 285-286).
The believer, when he fids that he has fallen into sin or error, does not despair, but hopes in his Creator, and asks for Allah S.W.T’s forgiveness. This creates in him hope, this hope make him sincere slave of Allah, and he abandons his wrong conduct and makes amend Allah S.W.T. says “And those who having done something to be ashamed of, or wronged their own souls, earnestly bring God to mind, and ask for forgiveness for their sins, and who can forgive sins except Allah S.W.T? and are never obstinate in persisting knowingly in (the wrong) they have done”. (Al-Imran: 135)
Allah S.W.T. has promised the believer for his piousness and steadfastness in his faith and obedient life in this world, “For such the reward is forgiveness from their Lord, and gardens with rivers flowing underneath an eternal dwelling How excellent a recompense, for those who work (and strive)” (Al-imran: 136). Again Allah S.W.T. the Almighty praises, those are good believers, they are the masters of the world “So lose not heart, nor fall into despair: For ye must gain mastery if ye are true in faith”. (Al-Imran: 139).
The believer is very much aware about his life in both worlds. He doesn’t destroy the eternal life (hereafter) for this momentary life, his faith protects him from the greatest loss of hereafter and its enjoyments, while the non-believer loss both two worlds. Even the momentary Duniya life is on enjoyment for them but with full of tension and anxiety it is not a “perfect enjoyment”. I the case of a believer in Allah S.W.T and hereafter life he spends the time perfectly and cheerfully, the hope in the success of hereafter life make him a man of steadfastness, and he will never be cheated by anything, as what happens in the life of a non-believer. He forgets the destination and worships the “enjoyment” of this world. Allah says, “Such as took their religion to be mere deceived by the life of the world” That day shall we forget them, as they forgot the meeting of this day of theirs, and as they were wont to reject our signs. (Al-A’raf: 51). The only shelter for the human being is to go back to their values and obey to the creator ad hold a strong faith in Him, as the Holy Quran teach us in the chapter of Al-Asar: 1-3.
By (The Token of) time (through the ages) verify and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of truth, and of patience and constancy.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
THE HUMAN REPRODUCTIVE PHYSIOLOGY THE MESSAGE OF I'DULFITRI
THE HUMAN REPRODUCTIVE PHYSIOLOGY
Scientific Materials Recorded Fourteen Centuries Ago In Qur’an
The Glorious Qur’an which means ‘to read’ or ‘that which has been read’ is the Holy Book of Islam which was revealed to Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h. 1430 years ago in beautiful, eloquent and poetic Arabic language. The contents of the Qur’an are closely related to the life of Muhammad p.b.u.h and the events that occurred before and during his lifetime but the Message is addressed to mankind of all ages and in all walks of life.
He was born in Makkah Saudi Arabia in 570 A.D., became the Prophet of Allah S.W.T at the age of 40 when he first received the Message, emigrated (hijrah) to Medinah at 53 when his mission and preaching were severely opposed and passed away there at 63 after establishing an Islamic administrative and religious state. Throughout his mission he was guided by divine revelations. The Qur’an which was revealed in piecemeal form in Makkah (1/3) and Madinah (2/3) over period of 23 years contains 6,236 Verses (Ayats) in 114 Chapters (Surahs) of variable length that are arranged not in chronological order of revelation. The first Message is found in Chapter 96:1-5 and the last one in Chapter 5:3, the first Chapter of the Qur’an is the “Opening” (Al-fatihah) nad the last one is “Mankind ” (AnNas).
The Qur’an was memorized, written and preserved by the close followers of the Prophet and was actually compiled after his death during the tenure of Caliph Abu Bakar and Othman R.A.
The greatest teaching of Qur’an is to seek the well -being of this world and the salvation in the hereafter. The Central issue of Qur’an is Oneness of God and rejection of all forms of idolatry and associates to God. Qur’an contains many subjects ranging from prescriptions and prohibitions, exhortations and fear of God. There are many scientific materials found in qur’an. We would like to present the human reproductive physiology recorded there-in.
CREATION OF MAN
“O Mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single a person (Adam) and from him He created his wife (Eve) and from then both He created many men and women”
(Al-Qur’an 4:1)
“He has created man from sperm-drop (nutfah) and behold he becomes an open disputer”
(Al-Qur’an 4:1)
"Did We not create you from a base fluid
(Al-Qur’an 77:20)
There are many verses in the Chapter 32:7, 55:14, 35:11, 56:57-58, 32:8 which categorically state that man is created from sperm. There is one which specifically says,
“Verily We created man from mixtures of a germinal drop (mixing of sperm and ovum) in order to try him so We gave him the hearing and sight”.
(Al-Qur’an 76:2)
“He is the Knower of the invisible and the visible, the Great, the High Exalted”
(Al-Qur’an 13:9)
The process of coitus
The anatomical locations and physiological mechanisms involved during coitus are stated:
“And that He creates the pairs male and female from a sperm drop when it is poureth forth”.
(Al-Qur’an 53:45-46)
“Does man think that will be left aimless? Was he not a sperm-drop which gushed forth?”
(Al-Qur’an 75:36-37)
“Now let man think from what he is created? He is created from a gushing fluid. That issued from between the backbone and the ribs”.
(Al-Qur’an 86:5-7)
The nerve centers which mediate the sympathetic pathways involved in the excitement phase and climax during coitus are in the L1, L2 and S1, S2 segments of spinal cord which ends at the level of L2 vertebra. The Holy Qur’an clearly identifies the centers ad the physiological mechanisms involved in the emission and ejaculation of the seminal fluid as “gushing fluid” that issues from between the backbone and the ribs, that is the seminal fluid is expelled under tremendous pressure by the nerve signals issued from the lumbosacral segments of the cord which lie between the level of the 12th rib and the lumbar vertebrae.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy comprises three of the following:
a) Fertilization
“He had created from him wife in order that he might enjoy the pleasure of living with her. When he had sexual relations with her, she became pregnant and she carried it lighty ”.
(Al-Qur’an 7:189)
“He it is who shapes you in the wombs as He pleases”.
(Al-Qur’an 3:6)
“God knows what every female bears and by how much womb fall short or do exceed. Everything with Him is in due proportion”.
(Al-qur’an 13:8)
There are may references to pregnancy in Al-Qur’an 16:78, 31:34, 75:37-38, 77:20-23, 80:18-19, 36:77, 41:47, 53:32, 32:8-9 and 40:67-68.
b) Implantation
“Did We not create you from a fluid which We placed in a place of safety firmly fixed?”
(Al-Qur’an 77:20-21)
“Then We placed it in a safe lodging.”
(Al-Qur’an 23:13)
c) Embryonic development and foetal growth’
“Read! In the Name of your Lord who has created man from a leech-like clot ”
(Al-Qur’an 96:1-2)
“He creates you in the wombs of your mothers creation in three veils of darkness”.
(Al-Qur’an 39:6)
“Then We made the sperm drop (nutfah) into a clot (alaqah); then We made the clot into a little lump of flesh (mudhgha), then We made out of that lump of flesh bones, then We clothed the bone with flesh and We brought it forth as another creation. So blessed be God, the Best of Creators.”
(Al-Qur’an 23:14)
Similar description is also found in Al-Qur’an 22:5.
The precise embryonic developments captured in the first two verses; various parts of the body are formed from three primary derm layers-ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm. The different stages of foetal growth are described in the other verses.
Maternal changes (sufferings) during pregnancy
“His mother bore him n weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship”.
(Al -Qur’an 31:14)
Duration of pregnancy
“And We cause whom We will to remain in the womb for a appointed term and We bring you out as infants”.
(Al-Qur’an 22:5)
“Then we placed it in a place of safety. For a known period”.
(Al-Qur’an 77:21-22)
Labour
The severity of labour pain is described as:
“And the pain of childbirth drove her to the trunk of palm tree; she cried I anguish, ‘ah! Would that I had died before this. Would that I had been anything forgotten”.
(Al-Qur’an 19:23)
"in pain did his mother bear him and in pain did she give him birth"
(Al-Qur'an 46:15)
Location
"the mothers shall give suck to their offspring for two whole years"
(Al-Qur’an 2:233)
“and his weaning is in two years”
(Al-Qur’an 31:14)
THE MESSAGE OF I’DUL FIT’R
It is an acknowledged fact that Allah SWT has favoured His Mercy and Blessings up on us, by the month of Ramadhan and Shawwal. The Purified Rooms of the hearts of the believers welcome the breaze of lovely rays of the Shawwal dawn. It is a wonderful awakening for the Souls of fasting people, who have completed the 30 days of physical and spiritual abstaining of food, drink, lust and prohibited thoughts. Thus, the believers who are now pure in conscience celebrate by wetting his month long, draught throats at the occasion of the world Muslim “breakfast” day of first Shawwal. This is the message of “Hari Raya Idil Fitri” .
The “Hari Raya Idil Fitri” is also the universal call for Islamic brother-hood, the Day all the Muslims renew their social relationship and strengthens the “silaturrahim” (social relationship among the relatives). It is an occasion whereby the Muslims and the non-Muslims get closer to know each other by participating in the Hari Raya Celebrations, and they enjoy the multi beverage of food and the waves of the Hari Raya perfume ; which enlighten the values of human relationship, and create in our mind that we are all from one father and mother Adam and Eve (peace be upon them).
The message of Fasting is purification of the Soul, and prepare the physical body(desire) to obey the orders of the Soul (spiritual), thus he becomes a man of values and hope. The Purified Soul also realises the needs of the poor through experiencing the hunger and thirst. Now he is really eager to help the poor. The Zakat Fit’r “The Fit’r Charity” by contributing to this charity there will be no one who face starvation surrounds him. This will create a wonderful social balance.
The concept of Islamic law about the Zakat Fit’r is very much suprising. It is an obligation on every Muslim, even the child inside the womb, on behalf of him the parents must pay. The time for this Zakat Contribution is al;so stated in the Shariah, the target point of this is the Day of Hari Raya Celebration, that is before the noon of the Idul Fit’r. The Zakat Fit’r should reach the needy people, otherwise he is a Siner, and it is encouraged to start the contribution as early as possible for the convenience of the beneficiaries to do the purchasing, marketing, etc. This will fulfil the requirements of the poor people.
Scientific Materials Recorded Fourteen Centuries Ago In Qur’an
The Glorious Qur’an which means ‘to read’ or ‘that which has been read’ is the Holy Book of Islam which was revealed to Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h. 1430 years ago in beautiful, eloquent and poetic Arabic language. The contents of the Qur’an are closely related to the life of Muhammad p.b.u.h and the events that occurred before and during his lifetime but the Message is addressed to mankind of all ages and in all walks of life.
He was born in Makkah Saudi Arabia in 570 A.D., became the Prophet of Allah S.W.T at the age of 40 when he first received the Message, emigrated (hijrah) to Medinah at 53 when his mission and preaching were severely opposed and passed away there at 63 after establishing an Islamic administrative and religious state. Throughout his mission he was guided by divine revelations. The Qur’an which was revealed in piecemeal form in Makkah (1/3) and Madinah (2/3) over period of 23 years contains 6,236 Verses (Ayats) in 114 Chapters (Surahs) of variable length that are arranged not in chronological order of revelation. The first Message is found in Chapter 96:1-5 and the last one in Chapter 5:3, the first Chapter of the Qur’an is the “Opening” (Al-fatihah) nad the last one is “Mankind ” (AnNas).
The Qur’an was memorized, written and preserved by the close followers of the Prophet and was actually compiled after his death during the tenure of Caliph Abu Bakar and Othman R.A.
The greatest teaching of Qur’an is to seek the well -being of this world and the salvation in the hereafter. The Central issue of Qur’an is Oneness of God and rejection of all forms of idolatry and associates to God. Qur’an contains many subjects ranging from prescriptions and prohibitions, exhortations and fear of God. There are many scientific materials found in qur’an. We would like to present the human reproductive physiology recorded there-in.
CREATION OF MAN
“O Mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single a person (Adam) and from him He created his wife (Eve) and from then both He created many men and women”
(Al-Qur’an 4:1)
“He has created man from sperm-drop (nutfah) and behold he becomes an open disputer”
(Al-Qur’an 4:1)
"Did We not create you from a base fluid
(Al-Qur’an 77:20)
There are many verses in the Chapter 32:7, 55:14, 35:11, 56:57-58, 32:8 which categorically state that man is created from sperm. There is one which specifically says,
“Verily We created man from mixtures of a germinal drop (mixing of sperm and ovum) in order to try him so We gave him the hearing and sight”.
(Al-Qur’an 76:2)
“He is the Knower of the invisible and the visible, the Great, the High Exalted”
(Al-Qur’an 13:9)
The process of coitus
The anatomical locations and physiological mechanisms involved during coitus are stated:
“And that He creates the pairs male and female from a sperm drop when it is poureth forth”.
(Al-Qur’an 53:45-46)
“Does man think that will be left aimless? Was he not a sperm-drop which gushed forth?”
(Al-Qur’an 75:36-37)
“Now let man think from what he is created? He is created from a gushing fluid. That issued from between the backbone and the ribs”.
(Al-Qur’an 86:5-7)
The nerve centers which mediate the sympathetic pathways involved in the excitement phase and climax during coitus are in the L1, L2 and S1, S2 segments of spinal cord which ends at the level of L2 vertebra. The Holy Qur’an clearly identifies the centers ad the physiological mechanisms involved in the emission and ejaculation of the seminal fluid as “gushing fluid” that issues from between the backbone and the ribs, that is the seminal fluid is expelled under tremendous pressure by the nerve signals issued from the lumbosacral segments of the cord which lie between the level of the 12th rib and the lumbar vertebrae.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy comprises three of the following:
a) Fertilization
“He had created from him wife in order that he might enjoy the pleasure of living with her. When he had sexual relations with her, she became pregnant and she carried it lighty ”.
(Al-Qur’an 7:189)
“He it is who shapes you in the wombs as He pleases”.
(Al-Qur’an 3:6)
“God knows what every female bears and by how much womb fall short or do exceed. Everything with Him is in due proportion”.
(Al-qur’an 13:8)
There are may references to pregnancy in Al-Qur’an 16:78, 31:34, 75:37-38, 77:20-23, 80:18-19, 36:77, 41:47, 53:32, 32:8-9 and 40:67-68.
b) Implantation
“Did We not create you from a fluid which We placed in a place of safety firmly fixed?”
(Al-Qur’an 77:20-21)
“Then We placed it in a safe lodging.”
(Al-Qur’an 23:13)
c) Embryonic development and foetal growth’
“Read! In the Name of your Lord who has created man from a leech-like clot ”
(Al-Qur’an 96:1-2)
“He creates you in the wombs of your mothers creation in three veils of darkness”.
(Al-Qur’an 39:6)
“Then We made the sperm drop (nutfah) into a clot (alaqah); then We made the clot into a little lump of flesh (mudhgha), then We made out of that lump of flesh bones, then We clothed the bone with flesh and We brought it forth as another creation. So blessed be God, the Best of Creators.”
(Al-Qur’an 23:14)
Similar description is also found in Al-Qur’an 22:5.
The precise embryonic developments captured in the first two verses; various parts of the body are formed from three primary derm layers-ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm. The different stages of foetal growth are described in the other verses.
Maternal changes (sufferings) during pregnancy
“His mother bore him n weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship”.
(Al -Qur’an 31:14)
Duration of pregnancy
“And We cause whom We will to remain in the womb for a appointed term and We bring you out as infants”.
(Al-Qur’an 22:5)
“Then we placed it in a place of safety. For a known period”.
(Al-Qur’an 77:21-22)
Labour
The severity of labour pain is described as:
“And the pain of childbirth drove her to the trunk of palm tree; she cried I anguish, ‘ah! Would that I had died before this. Would that I had been anything forgotten”.
(Al-Qur’an 19:23)
"in pain did his mother bear him and in pain did she give him birth"
(Al-Qur'an 46:15)
Location
"the mothers shall give suck to their offspring for two whole years"
(Al-Qur’an 2:233)
“and his weaning is in two years”
(Al-Qur’an 31:14)
THE MESSAGE OF I’DUL FIT’R
It is an acknowledged fact that Allah SWT has favoured His Mercy and Blessings up on us, by the month of Ramadhan and Shawwal. The Purified Rooms of the hearts of the believers welcome the breaze of lovely rays of the Shawwal dawn. It is a wonderful awakening for the Souls of fasting people, who have completed the 30 days of physical and spiritual abstaining of food, drink, lust and prohibited thoughts. Thus, the believers who are now pure in conscience celebrate by wetting his month long, draught throats at the occasion of the world Muslim “breakfast” day of first Shawwal. This is the message of “Hari Raya Idil Fitri” .
The “Hari Raya Idil Fitri” is also the universal call for Islamic brother-hood, the Day all the Muslims renew their social relationship and strengthens the “silaturrahim” (social relationship among the relatives). It is an occasion whereby the Muslims and the non-Muslims get closer to know each other by participating in the Hari Raya Celebrations, and they enjoy the multi beverage of food and the waves of the Hari Raya perfume ; which enlighten the values of human relationship, and create in our mind that we are all from one father and mother Adam and Eve (peace be upon them).
The message of Fasting is purification of the Soul, and prepare the physical body(desire) to obey the orders of the Soul (spiritual), thus he becomes a man of values and hope. The Purified Soul also realises the needs of the poor through experiencing the hunger and thirst. Now he is really eager to help the poor. The Zakat Fit’r “The Fit’r Charity” by contributing to this charity there will be no one who face starvation surrounds him. This will create a wonderful social balance.
The concept of Islamic law about the Zakat Fit’r is very much suprising. It is an obligation on every Muslim, even the child inside the womb, on behalf of him the parents must pay. The time for this Zakat Contribution is al;so stated in the Shariah, the target point of this is the Day of Hari Raya Celebration, that is before the noon of the Idul Fit’r. The Zakat Fit’r should reach the needy people, otherwise he is a Siner, and it is encouraged to start the contribution as early as possible for the convenience of the beneficiaries to do the purchasing, marketing, etc. This will fulfil the requirements of the poor people.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF FASTING(SAWM) IN ISLAM
Another unique moral and spiritual characteristic of Islam is the prescribed institution of Fasting. Literally defined, fasting means to abstain “completely” from foods, drinks, intimate intercourses and smoking, before the break of the dawn till sunset, during the entiremonth of Ramadhan, the ninth month of the Islamic year. But if we restrict the meaning of Islamic Fasting to this literal sense, we would be sadly mistaken.
When Islam introduced this matchless institution, it planted an ever growing tree of infinite virtue and invaluable products. Here is an explanation of the spiritual meaning of the Islamic Fasting :
It teaches man the principle of sincere love; because when we observes the Fasting, he does it out of deep love for God. And the man, who loves God truly, is a man who really knowsw hat love is.
It equips man with a creative sense of hope and an optimistic outlook on life; because when he fasts he is hoping to please God and is seeking His Grace.
It embues man with a genuine virtue of effective devotion, honest dedication and closeness to God; because when he fasts he does so for God and for His sake alone.
It cultivates in man a vigilant and sound conscience; because the fasting person keeps his Fast in secret as well as in public. In fasting, especially, there is no mundane authority to check man’s behaviour or compel him to observe the Fasting. He keeps it to please God and satisfy his own conscience by being faithful in secret and in public. There is no better way to cultivate a sound conscience in man.
It indoctrinates man in patience and unselfishness; because when he fasts, he feels the pains of deprivation, but endures petiently. Truly this deprivation may be only temporary, yet there is no doubt that the experience makes him realize the severe effects of such pains on others, who might be deprived of essential commodities for days or weeks or probably months together. The meaning of this experience in a social and humanitarian sense is that such a person is much quicker than anybody else in sympathizing with his fellow men and responding to their needs. And that is an eloquent expression of unselfishness and genuine sympathy.
It is an effective lesson in applied moderation and will power. The person, who observes his Fasting prop[erly, is certainly a man, who can discipline his passionate desires and place his self above physical temptations. Such is the man of personality and character, the man of will power and determination.
It provides man with a Transparent Soul to transcend, a clear Mind to think and a light Body to move and act. All this is the never failing result of carrying a lght stomach. Medical instructions biological rules and intellectual experience attest to this fact.
It shows man a new way of wise savings and sound budgeting; because normally when he eats less quantities or less meals he spends less money and effort. And this is a spiritual semester of home economical and budgeting.
It enables man to master the art of mature adaptability. We can easily understand the point, once we realize that Fasting makes man change the entire course of his daily life. When he makes the change, he naturally adapts himself to a new system and moves along to satisfy the new rules. This, in the long run , develops in him a wise sense of adaptability and a self-created power to overcome the unpredictable hardships of life. A man, who values constructive adaptability and courage, will readily appreciate the effects of Fasting in this respect.
It grounds man in discipline and healthy survival. When a person observes the regular course of Fasting in consecutive days of the holy months of the consecutive years, he is certainly applying himself to a high form of discipline and a superb sense of order. Similarly, when he relieves his stomach and relaxes his digestive system, he is indeed insuring his body, not to mention the soul, against all harm, thet results from stomach overcharge. In this manner of relaxation, he may be sure that his body will survive free from the usual disorder and break, and that is soul will continue to shine purely and peacefully.
It originates in man the real spirit of social belonging, of unity and brotherhood, of equality before God as well as before the law. This spirit is the natural product of the fact that when man fasts, he feels that he is joining the whole Muslim society in observing the same duty in the same manner at the same time for the same motives to the same ends. No sociologist can say that there has been at any period of history anything comparable to this fine institution of Islam. People have been crying throughout the ages for acceptable belonging, for unity, for brotherhood, for equality, but how echoless their voice has been, and how very little success they have met! Where can they find their goals without the guiding light of Islam ?
It is a Godly prescription for self-reassurance and self-control, for maintenance of human dignity and freedom, for victory and peace. These results never fail to manifest themselves as a lively reality in the heart of a person, who knows how to keep the Fasting. When he fasts in the proper manner, he is control of himself, exercises full command over his passions, disciplines his desires and resist all evil temptations. By this course, he is in a position to reassure himself, to restore his dignity and integrity and to attain freedom from the captivity of evil. Once he obtains all this, he has established inner peace, which is the source of permanent peace with God and consequently, with the entire universe.
Now, someone may be tempted to raise the objection : If this is the case with the Islamic institution of Fasting, and if this is the picture of Islam in this aspect, why are the Muslims not living in a utopia : To such objection we can only say that the Muslims have lived in and enjoyed a utopia in a certain epoch of their history. The realiztion of that utopia was a phenomenon of a unique achievement in the history of man. We say unique, because no religion or social system other than Islam has ever been able to realize its ideals in reality. The utopia of other religions and social systems has always remained in the category of theories or wishful thinking and dreams – sometimes clear, sometimes vague, sometimes near, most of the time far. But the utopia of Islam was realized and put into practice and production at full capacity. In a human and practical sense, this means that the utopia of Islam can be reestablished once again right here on this earth, and that it is raised on solid foundations and practicable principles.
The reason why the Islamic utopia is not being established nowadays is manifold and easily explicable. But to restrict our discussion to the institution of Fasting, we may say that many Muslims, unfortunately for them, do not observe the fast or, at best, adopt the attitude of indifference. On the other hand, most of those, who observe it, do not realize its true meaning and, as a result, derive very little benefit out of it or, in fact, no benefit at all. That is why the Muslims of today, on the whole, do not enjoy the real priveleges of Fasting.
Again, someone else may say that what is calimed about the Islamic Fasting is also true of other types of Fasting like the Jewish Passover, the Christian Lent, the Gandhian Type, etc. Why, then, do the Muslims makes this arbitrary claims about their type of Fasting ?
To such a person and to all others like him we direct our appeal. It is against our religious principle and our morals as Muslims to defame any prophet of God, or reject any truth, or falsify any Divine religion. Other people do feel free to commit these irresponsible offences, but we Muslims do not ; because we know that once we plunge into this low level f morality or rather immorality, we are virtually out of the ranks of Islam.
We do also know that the institution of Fasting is as old as history itself, and that it was prescribed by God for the people before Islam aas it has been prescribed by Him for the Muslims. But we do not know – and we do not believe that many people know – the exact form or the proper manners in which God prescribed those other types of fasting. However, we may, for the sake of the truth and enlightened curiosity, substantiate our contentions by comparing this institution of Islam with the other.
THE PERIOD OF FASTING
It has already been indicated that the period of obligatory Fasting is the month of Ramadhan. The daily period of observance starts before the break of the dawn and ends immediately after sunset. Normally there are accurate calendars to tell the exact time, but in the absence of such facilities, one should consult one’s watch and the sun’s position, together with the local newspapers, weather bureau, etc.
The Fasting of Ramadhan is obligatory on every responsible and fit Muslim (Mukallaf). But there are other time when it is strongly recommended, after the Traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Among this times are Mondays and Thursdays of every weeks, a few days of each month in the two months heralding the coming of Ramadhan, i.e., Rejab and Sya’aban, six days after Ramadhan following the ‘Eid ul-Fitr Day.
Besides, it is always compensating to fast any day of any month of the year, except the ‘Eids Days and Fridays when no Muslim should fast. However, we amy repeat that the only obligatory Fasting is That of Ramadhan – which may be 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon’s positions. This is a pillar of Islam, and any failure to observe it without reasonable excuses is a severely punishable sin.
Knowing that Fasting can do for man, God has enjoined, as an alternative, the fast of three days on anyone who breaks an oath. Similarly, if someone declares his wife as forbidden for him as his mother – an old pre-Islamic custom, he must pay for his carelessness and irresponsibility. To expiate for this sin he has, an alternative, to observe the fast of two consecutive months. (Qur’an, 2:183 – 185; 5: 92; 58: 14)
WHO MUST FAST?
The Fasting of Ramadhan is compulsory upon every Muslim, male or female, who has these qualifications :
Ø To be mentally and physically fit, which means to be sane and able.
Ø To be of full age, the age of puberty and discretion, which is normally about fourteen. Children under this age should be encouraged to start this good practise on easy levels, so when they reach the age of puberty, they will be mentally and physically prepared to observe the Fasting.
Ø To be present at your permanent settlement, your home town, your farm, your business premises etc. This means not to be travelling on a journey of about fifty miles or more.
Ø To be fairly certain that the Fasting is unlikely to cause you any harm, physical or mental, other than the normal reactions to hunger, thirst, etc.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
It is strongly recommended by Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) to observe these practices, especially during Ramadhan :
Ø To have a light meal before the break of the dawn, known as Suhoor.
Ø To eat three dates and have a drink of water right after sunset, saying this prayer : Allahumma laka sumna wa ala rizqika aftarna (O God! For Your sake we have fasted and now we break the fast with the food You have given to us ).
Ø To make meals as light as possible because, as the Prophet put it, the worst thing man can fill in his stomach.
Ø To observe the supererogatory prayer known as Taraweeh.
Ø To exchange social visits and intensify humanitarian services.
Ø To increase study and recitation of the Quran.
Ø To exert the utmost in patience and humbleness.
To be extraordinary cautious in using the sense, the mind and, especially, the tounge; to abstain from careless and gossipy chats and avoid all suspicious motions.
When Islam introduced this matchless institution, it planted an ever growing tree of infinite virtue and invaluable products. Here is an explanation of the spiritual meaning of the Islamic Fasting :
It teaches man the principle of sincere love; because when we observes the Fasting, he does it out of deep love for God. And the man, who loves God truly, is a man who really knowsw hat love is.
It equips man with a creative sense of hope and an optimistic outlook on life; because when he fasts he is hoping to please God and is seeking His Grace.
It embues man with a genuine virtue of effective devotion, honest dedication and closeness to God; because when he fasts he does so for God and for His sake alone.
It cultivates in man a vigilant and sound conscience; because the fasting person keeps his Fast in secret as well as in public. In fasting, especially, there is no mundane authority to check man’s behaviour or compel him to observe the Fasting. He keeps it to please God and satisfy his own conscience by being faithful in secret and in public. There is no better way to cultivate a sound conscience in man.
It indoctrinates man in patience and unselfishness; because when he fasts, he feels the pains of deprivation, but endures petiently. Truly this deprivation may be only temporary, yet there is no doubt that the experience makes him realize the severe effects of such pains on others, who might be deprived of essential commodities for days or weeks or probably months together. The meaning of this experience in a social and humanitarian sense is that such a person is much quicker than anybody else in sympathizing with his fellow men and responding to their needs. And that is an eloquent expression of unselfishness and genuine sympathy.
It is an effective lesson in applied moderation and will power. The person, who observes his Fasting prop[erly, is certainly a man, who can discipline his passionate desires and place his self above physical temptations. Such is the man of personality and character, the man of will power and determination.
It provides man with a Transparent Soul to transcend, a clear Mind to think and a light Body to move and act. All this is the never failing result of carrying a lght stomach. Medical instructions biological rules and intellectual experience attest to this fact.
It shows man a new way of wise savings and sound budgeting; because normally when he eats less quantities or less meals he spends less money and effort. And this is a spiritual semester of home economical and budgeting.
It enables man to master the art of mature adaptability. We can easily understand the point, once we realize that Fasting makes man change the entire course of his daily life. When he makes the change, he naturally adapts himself to a new system and moves along to satisfy the new rules. This, in the long run , develops in him a wise sense of adaptability and a self-created power to overcome the unpredictable hardships of life. A man, who values constructive adaptability and courage, will readily appreciate the effects of Fasting in this respect.
It grounds man in discipline and healthy survival. When a person observes the regular course of Fasting in consecutive days of the holy months of the consecutive years, he is certainly applying himself to a high form of discipline and a superb sense of order. Similarly, when he relieves his stomach and relaxes his digestive system, he is indeed insuring his body, not to mention the soul, against all harm, thet results from stomach overcharge. In this manner of relaxation, he may be sure that his body will survive free from the usual disorder and break, and that is soul will continue to shine purely and peacefully.
It originates in man the real spirit of social belonging, of unity and brotherhood, of equality before God as well as before the law. This spirit is the natural product of the fact that when man fasts, he feels that he is joining the whole Muslim society in observing the same duty in the same manner at the same time for the same motives to the same ends. No sociologist can say that there has been at any period of history anything comparable to this fine institution of Islam. People have been crying throughout the ages for acceptable belonging, for unity, for brotherhood, for equality, but how echoless their voice has been, and how very little success they have met! Where can they find their goals without the guiding light of Islam ?
It is a Godly prescription for self-reassurance and self-control, for maintenance of human dignity and freedom, for victory and peace. These results never fail to manifest themselves as a lively reality in the heart of a person, who knows how to keep the Fasting. When he fasts in the proper manner, he is control of himself, exercises full command over his passions, disciplines his desires and resist all evil temptations. By this course, he is in a position to reassure himself, to restore his dignity and integrity and to attain freedom from the captivity of evil. Once he obtains all this, he has established inner peace, which is the source of permanent peace with God and consequently, with the entire universe.
Now, someone may be tempted to raise the objection : If this is the case with the Islamic institution of Fasting, and if this is the picture of Islam in this aspect, why are the Muslims not living in a utopia : To such objection we can only say that the Muslims have lived in and enjoyed a utopia in a certain epoch of their history. The realiztion of that utopia was a phenomenon of a unique achievement in the history of man. We say unique, because no religion or social system other than Islam has ever been able to realize its ideals in reality. The utopia of other religions and social systems has always remained in the category of theories or wishful thinking and dreams – sometimes clear, sometimes vague, sometimes near, most of the time far. But the utopia of Islam was realized and put into practice and production at full capacity. In a human and practical sense, this means that the utopia of Islam can be reestablished once again right here on this earth, and that it is raised on solid foundations and practicable principles.
The reason why the Islamic utopia is not being established nowadays is manifold and easily explicable. But to restrict our discussion to the institution of Fasting, we may say that many Muslims, unfortunately for them, do not observe the fast or, at best, adopt the attitude of indifference. On the other hand, most of those, who observe it, do not realize its true meaning and, as a result, derive very little benefit out of it or, in fact, no benefit at all. That is why the Muslims of today, on the whole, do not enjoy the real priveleges of Fasting.
Again, someone else may say that what is calimed about the Islamic Fasting is also true of other types of Fasting like the Jewish Passover, the Christian Lent, the Gandhian Type, etc. Why, then, do the Muslims makes this arbitrary claims about their type of Fasting ?
To such a person and to all others like him we direct our appeal. It is against our religious principle and our morals as Muslims to defame any prophet of God, or reject any truth, or falsify any Divine religion. Other people do feel free to commit these irresponsible offences, but we Muslims do not ; because we know that once we plunge into this low level f morality or rather immorality, we are virtually out of the ranks of Islam.
We do also know that the institution of Fasting is as old as history itself, and that it was prescribed by God for the people before Islam aas it has been prescribed by Him for the Muslims. But we do not know – and we do not believe that many people know – the exact form or the proper manners in which God prescribed those other types of fasting. However, we may, for the sake of the truth and enlightened curiosity, substantiate our contentions by comparing this institution of Islam with the other.
THE PERIOD OF FASTING
It has already been indicated that the period of obligatory Fasting is the month of Ramadhan. The daily period of observance starts before the break of the dawn and ends immediately after sunset. Normally there are accurate calendars to tell the exact time, but in the absence of such facilities, one should consult one’s watch and the sun’s position, together with the local newspapers, weather bureau, etc.
The Fasting of Ramadhan is obligatory on every responsible and fit Muslim (Mukallaf). But there are other time when it is strongly recommended, after the Traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Among this times are Mondays and Thursdays of every weeks, a few days of each month in the two months heralding the coming of Ramadhan, i.e., Rejab and Sya’aban, six days after Ramadhan following the ‘Eid ul-Fitr Day.
Besides, it is always compensating to fast any day of any month of the year, except the ‘Eids Days and Fridays when no Muslim should fast. However, we amy repeat that the only obligatory Fasting is That of Ramadhan – which may be 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon’s positions. This is a pillar of Islam, and any failure to observe it without reasonable excuses is a severely punishable sin.
Knowing that Fasting can do for man, God has enjoined, as an alternative, the fast of three days on anyone who breaks an oath. Similarly, if someone declares his wife as forbidden for him as his mother – an old pre-Islamic custom, he must pay for his carelessness and irresponsibility. To expiate for this sin he has, an alternative, to observe the fast of two consecutive months. (Qur’an, 2:183 – 185; 5: 92; 58: 14)
WHO MUST FAST?
The Fasting of Ramadhan is compulsory upon every Muslim, male or female, who has these qualifications :
Ø To be mentally and physically fit, which means to be sane and able.
Ø To be of full age, the age of puberty and discretion, which is normally about fourteen. Children under this age should be encouraged to start this good practise on easy levels, so when they reach the age of puberty, they will be mentally and physically prepared to observe the Fasting.
Ø To be present at your permanent settlement, your home town, your farm, your business premises etc. This means not to be travelling on a journey of about fifty miles or more.
Ø To be fairly certain that the Fasting is unlikely to cause you any harm, physical or mental, other than the normal reactions to hunger, thirst, etc.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
It is strongly recommended by Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) to observe these practices, especially during Ramadhan :
Ø To have a light meal before the break of the dawn, known as Suhoor.
Ø To eat three dates and have a drink of water right after sunset, saying this prayer : Allahumma laka sumna wa ala rizqika aftarna (O God! For Your sake we have fasted and now we break the fast with the food You have given to us ).
Ø To make meals as light as possible because, as the Prophet put it, the worst thing man can fill in his stomach.
Ø To observe the supererogatory prayer known as Taraweeh.
Ø To exchange social visits and intensify humanitarian services.
Ø To increase study and recitation of the Quran.
Ø To exert the utmost in patience and humbleness.
To be extraordinary cautious in using the sense, the mind and, especially, the tounge; to abstain from careless and gossipy chats and avoid all suspicious motions.
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