Quran Talk

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

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:

1. The Righteous - who reads the Quran and understands it and applies it
2. The Disbeliever - who rejects the Quran
3. 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.

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.” – 

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.

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.

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 productive
  • Fights 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.

 

 

 

 

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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…

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.

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."

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."

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. 

1. They disbelieve 

2. 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

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.

 

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.

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.

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 20^th 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.  

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."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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."

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.

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? 

 

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.

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

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.

 

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."*

Why Was Satan Created?

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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.

We summon the guilty on that day blue

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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. 

 

Carol Tavris - Self-Justification in Everyday Life

Reducing Bias When Judging

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[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.

Revolutionary Movie | Documentary Trailer

Revolutionary: Michael Behe and the Mystery of Molecular Machines

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ToSEAj2V0s

 

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

 

 

King of Chaos – By Dr. Rashad Khalifa

King of Chaos –  By Dr. Rashad Khalifa (Video Link)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU5hzVjRo2Q

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.

 

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.

 

 

 

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.

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.

 

 

 

 

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 interest—less than 20%—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.

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.

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

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?

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.

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.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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. 

 

 

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.

Has Science Discovered God?