Entries Tagged 'Quran Online' ↓

Though Islam is not the only divine religion descended upon humanity for the ultimate purpose of their guidance, but it is definitely the final one chosen for this purpose by the ultimate creator Allah Almighty. This is not just some positive apprehension, but it is a fact mentioned by Allah (SWT) in the final Scripture, the Holy Quran, such as in the verse mentioned below:

This day, I have perfected your religion for you and completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion…” (Holy Qur’an, 5:3)

Now, mention of the word “complete” means comprehensively complete; covering all aspects of life, including the most talked about one today, i.e. human rights. Unlike what is portrayed about state of affairs related to human rights in Islamic societies on media, let us have a deeper look at the ultimate source of guidance for Muslims, i.e. the Holy Quran and try to infer truth from it. This shall also compel us to find a learned and experienced Quran teacher who might guide us in detail about teachings of Islam as mentioned in Qur’an.

Freedom of choosing religion

Let us start by one of the most popularized allegation on Islam, i.e. people are forcefully converted to Islam. Have a look at this clear and blunt verse that shall serve enough to conclude the true state of affairs in this regard from true Islamic perspective:

Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things. (2:256)

Protecting all under Islamic jurisdiction

Yet another proof to Islam’s intent to unbiased justice and freedom in an Islamic society comes from the fact that it not only cares for Muslims living in an Islamic society, but cares for all, irrespective of their religions. “Dhimmi” is a term that refers to non Muslims living in an Islamic state. Look what Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in this regard:

“One who kills a man under covenant (i.e., dhimmi) will not even smell the fragrance of Paradise.”

Protesting tyranny

Today, media portrays Islam as a religion that promotes tyranny. Though it appears true under current circumstances when majority of Islamic societies are being ruled by tyrants, but this is much far from true Islamic perspective that can be seen from the following statement of the first Caliph of Muslims, i.e. Abu Bakar (R.A):

“Cooperate with me when I am right but correct me when I commit error; obey me so long as I follow the commandments of Allah and His Prophet; but turn away from me when I deviate.”

Share of needy in basic necessities of life

This is yet another brilliant chapter in Islam’s concern about human welfare. It asks and encourages for provision of basic necessities of life to all, especially the needy ones, as evident from the following verse:

Adh-Dhariyat [51:19] And in their wealth and possessions (was remembered) the right of the (needy), him who asked and him who (for some reason) was prevented (from asking).

Securing life and property

Security of human life and property is also very important in regard to Islam’s concept of human welfare. Have a look at the following words from The Last Sermon of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at Hajja-tul-vida:

“Your lives and properties are forbidden to one another till you meet your Lord on the Day of Resurrection.”

Conclusion

The points mentioned above serve just a little fraction of the comprehensive teachings of Islam on human rights in Qur’an and Sunnah. That is why learning both of them are so imperative to Muslims. In fact, we can do it in the most convenient manner by registering with Quran online institutions where tutors help people in learning the ways of Quran and Sunnah.

Remember, Allah Almighty has descended His final message to humanity in the form of Quran, to be complemented by Sunnah as well. Now, it rests upon us to get acquainted with it and get the best out of it. Make sure you also do that before it is too late.

Today, Islam is pictured as the epicenter of injustice, inhumanity, biasness, and whatever negative traits of a society one might think of; however, all too unjust in itself. Fact of the matter is that almost all mainstream world media is in an undeclared alliance in maligning and tarnishing the image of Islam to world masses, and everybody knows how influential media can be in brainwashing common people. Little do people actually ever bother to dig the facts for themselves and a vast majority of them prefers to go the easy way of embracing what world media presents to them.

Those of you who are living in western societies must think about how much of people who talk bad about Islam have actually tried to know what Islam is about by themselves. You would be surprised that almost none of them would have ever done so. Therefore, this article tries to present common people with an idea of what justice and equality means in the eyes of Islam with the help of two of the most authentic sources of Islamic teachings, i.e. Quran and Hadith.

What Quran Talks of Justice

As mentioned earlier, it is unjust in itself to form an opinion of hatred about any issue without even knowing about it. In fact, today, not only Muslims can learn what Quran says about various issues; but even non Muslims can do so by resorting to online Quran resources. Let’s have a look at few verses giving us all a better idea of what Qur’an has to teach in this regard:

• “O you who believe!  Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even if it be against yourselves, your parents, and your relatives, or whether it is against the rich or the poor…” (4:135)

• “O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah as witnesses to fair dealings and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just, that is next to piety. Fear Allah, indeed Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.” (5:8)

• And when you speak, then be just though it be (against) a relative, and fulfill Allah’s covenant; this He has enjoined you with that you may be mindful; (6:152)

Well, anybody unbiased enough can conclude very well from these examples about Quran’s perspective of justice.

What Hadith teaches about Justice

Hadith, is a collection of praiseworthy sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as recorded by his respectable companions. In fact, the wholesomeness of Islam remains insignificant without due share of (authentic) knowledge of Hadith and that is why the concept of conventional Quran education was never deemed complete without knowledge of both, i.e. Quran as well as hadith.

Now, this is what Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said when he (PBUH) intended to punish a woman (who was found guilty of theft) from high ranked tribe of ancient Makkah and people tried to influence him (PBUH) by sending Usama (R.A), a beloved companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), to convince him (PBUH) in not being very harsh in the punishment:

“Do you want yourself to be responsible for not upholding the sanctity of the Divine law? The cause of misfortune and ruination of the followers of earlier Prophets was that when the aristocrats committed sins the Divine law was not enforced upon them but it was only done in the case of common people! By Allah! Even if my own daughter Fatima commits any theft, l shall chop off her hand also”. (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim quoted by Ruhuddin al-Islami)

Conclusion

Staying unbiased is one of the prime requisites of learning. Those who study these examples unabashedly cannot stop themselves from praising the teachings of Islam and Quran in implementing justice in a society. May Allah help us all to be fair enough to embrace the realities and accepting them with open heart, mind, and soul.

Quran has given us the limits for everything.  It has guided us through defining limitations. Anything beyond the limitations of Quran will be considered sin. It has explained the things through four major concepts. Haram & Halal and Gunnah (sin) & Sawaab (good deed).  Things that fall into the former categories of both are bad and they result in the anger of Allah (SWT). Things that fall in the latter categories of both drive you to success.  In defining these limits nothing has been kept ambiguous so that human beings or Muslims do not confuse themselves. Whatever is Haram will always remain Haram and nothing can change it and vice versa.

Allah (SWT) says in the Quran, “If you avoid the major (part) of what you have been forbidden (to do), We will cancel out for you your (other) evil deeds and will admit you (to Paradise) with a noble entry. (al-Nisa 4:31)”. He further says in the Quran, “Those who avoid the greatest of sins and indecencies, and forgive when they are angry (al-Shra 42:37) Those who avoid the greatest sins and indecencies, except for oversights, (will find that) surely your Lord is ample in forgiveness. (Al-Najm 53:32)”

Line Between Major And Minor Sins:

Muslims have to differentiate between sins and good deeds, in order to become a practicing Muslim. They should know what acts are sinful and what should they avoid.  Sin has been defined as an act which is in contradiction with the commandments of Allah (or the will of our Lord). In this category some sins are considered major and some are considered minor.  Being Muslim you should know the difference between two. Major differences have been defined in Quran and Hadiths, which you should know.

Major Sins:

According to majority of the scholars, there are seven major sins in Islam.  This assumption has been made on the following narration of Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). “Avoid the seven noxious things: associating anything with Allah, magic, killing one whom Allah has declared inviolate without a just case, consuming the property of an orphan, devouring usury, turning back when the army advances, and slandering chaste women who are believers but indiscreet.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

There is another school of thought which cites evidences stating that the number of major sins is greater in number. This school of thought states that sins are acts that have been forbidden by Allah (SWT) in Quran or by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). They include sins like:

• Shirk (worshipping others)
• Future predictions (astrology)
• Using magic
• Committing suicide or murdering anyone
• False witness
• Adultery
• Cheating, stealing and lying
• Interest (Riba)
• Not paying Zakat
• Gambling, oppression and unjust
• Bribery
• Backbiting and slandering
• Disrespect of kinship
• Disrespecting parents

Minor Sins:

As far as the minor sins are considered, these are acts which displease Allah (SWT), but for which no specific punishment has been issued. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Righteousness is good character, and sin is that which wavers in your heart and which you do not want people to know about.” (Muslim). May Allah protect us from every sin, no matter how major or minor it is.

(In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, all praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger)

The Holy Quran contains wondrous stories and lessons about the past of how the messengers and the people they represented, moved through life in what part of the world with what sort of lifestyle. Mainly the references are quoted to accomplish a couple of reasons.

• The practices of the messengers and the teachings that they gave their people and how they had to bear hardships in spreading the word of Allah Almighty.
• To determine that all prophets have informed the masses about the final coming prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) to complete th religious work after which the process of revelation and the prophets will cease till the day of Judgment.
• The promises of previous prophets and the promise made by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and the synchronization of the teachings that are clearly indicative that there was a Supreme Being, The Allah Almighty that governed the whole process.

There are some other reasons too but we’ll keep them for later. Let’s see some of the verses of the Quran in reference to the revelation and the prophets that were sent to guide mankind in different civilizations.

“We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of Messengers; We gave jesus the son of Mary clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the holy spirit. Is it that whenever there comes to you a messenger with what ye yourselves desire not ye, are puffed up with pride? ―Some ye called impostors and others ye slay!” (Surah Al-Baqara) (Quran Online)

“We have sent thee inspiration as We sent it to Noah and the Messengers after him; We sent inspiration to Abraham, Ismail, isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David, We gave the Psalms.” (Surah An-Nisa)

These are some of the verses to give you a hint of how the succession followed. As proved by a lot of Ahadith too, there have been around one hundred and twenty four thousand prophets, altogether, to guide the mankind over different periods of time and in different civilizations but the Holy Quran references only 25 of them.

(In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, all praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger)

Nature and everything that it encircles was created by the Allah Almighty and according to His wish. Humans are termed to be what He mentioned in the Holy Quran to be His viceroy on Earth.

“He it is who created you from clay, and then decreed a stated term (for you). And there is in His presence another determined term; yet ye doubt within yourselves!.”(Surah Al-Anaam) (Quran Online)

“We created man from sounding clay, from mud molded into shape”(Surah Al-Hijr) (Quran Online)

Allah Almighty has created man with a specific purpose and that is to worship Him and do community service since the purpose is to fulfill the responsibilities in the world and towards the Almighty. In addition, Allah Almighty has created the sense of curiosity in the Human beings so naturally a human is always curious about things. This is proved by the fact that in the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty has asked Mankind at various times to observe what lies in heavens and the earth. Also, Allah says:

“He said: “Get ye down both of you― all together from the Garden, with enmity one to another; but if, as is sure there comes to you guidance from Me, whosoever follows My guidance, will not lose his way nor fall into misery.”(Surah Taha) (Quran Online)

As mentioned, Allah Almighty already says that guidance can help us prosper; this guidance was provided to us by the Holy messengers sent by the Almighty overtime.

The moral values that Quran teaches are concerning the reminders that Allah Almighty gives us and we deviate from them and the path we choose leads to damnation. To succeed in our quest in this world, which is to succeed and get rewarded in the After-life, we have to pay heed to the warnings that have been given to us already and that is something which the Holy Quran gives us so we are supposed to recite its verses everyday to stay connected to our real purpose.

(In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, all praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger)

Muslims all around the world live in different conditions and situations with a different set of culture and values in a society that they live in. There were people who thought that Muslims all around the world would differ in the teachings and values and the stronghold of Islam will collapse. But they were wrong. There have been groups that always try to break the unity and try to distort the brotherhood Muslims share.

“”Our Lord! Make of us Muslims bowing to Thy (Will) and of our progeny a people Muslim bowing to Thy (Will) and show us our places for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn unto us (in Mercy); for Thou art the Oft-Returning Most-Merciful.”(Surah Al-Baqarah)

This verse from the Holy Quran tells us that the Muslims are nevertheless bound to return and the belief we hold is the key of the brotherhood that we have.

“To each is a goal to which Allah turns him; then strive together (as in a race) toward all that is good. Wheresoever ye are, Allah will bring you together. For Allah hath power over all things.”(Surah Al-Baqara) (Quran Online)

As the almighty says in the Holy Quran, Races and sects are the identifications that we have, and there is not specific favorability that anybody can achieve except for being pious and being receptive towards the environment.

“For Muslim men and women― for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves) for men and women who guard their chastity and for men and women who engage much in Allah’s praise― for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward.” (Surah Al-Ahzaab) (Quran Online)

All men and women are equal as Muslims and all the Muslims around the world form a brotherhood that cannot be broken. We must work to maintain that brotherhood and help our brothers who deviate from the teachings of Islam and appreciate the ones who uphold it.

(In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, all praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger)

The main reason of the existence of mankind is to worship God through different nature of prayers. One is to perform the regular duty of remembering Allah Almighty during the day, and then worshiping Allah by performing Community service towards Humans and other creatures that the Allah Almighty has created in this world. If you are not aware of these terms or the concept, you can go online and read the covenants and the teachings that have been given to us as a gift, and all of it can be found in online Quran.

“Every soul draws the meed of its acts on none but itself: no bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another. Your goal in the end is toward Allah: He will tell you the truth of the things wherein ye disputed.”(Surah Al-Anaam)

Every person is responsible for His/her own actions and the Day of judgment will be the final day when deeds will either yield benefits or curse over the people who committed them. As you can read from Quran Online, Allah Almighty informs us:

“It is He who hath made you (His) agents, inheritors of the earth: He hath raised you in ranks some above others: that he may try you in the gifts He hath given you: for thy Lord is quick in punishment: yet He is indeed Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”(Surah Al-Anaam)

There are laws that will be applied to people doing good and evil in this world which acts a test for us mankind. We are subject to approval or disapproval to get the rewards and the blessings of Allah Almighty if we are worthy.

“He that doeth good shall have ten times as much to his credit: he that doeth evil shall only be recompensed according to his evil. no wrong shall be done unto (any of) them.”(Surah Al-Anaam)

Every human can commit error, it is a universal thing but a deliberate crime is still a crime and not worshiping Allah Almighty as commanded is a crime against Allah. Read more and learn more about these teachings through Quran Online.

(In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, all praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger)
As much as the Quran promotes justice, it also mentioned Charity as one of the most faithful acts that can be performed by a Muslim or anybody else. Consider the Following verse:
“It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces towards East or West; but it is righteousness―to believe in Allah and the Last Day and the Angels and the Book and the Messengers; to spend of your substance out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans for the needy, for the wayfarer for those who ask and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer and practise regular charity; to fulfil the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient in pain (or suffering) and adversity and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth the Allah-fearing.” (Surah Al-Baqara) (Quran Online)

The foremost charity that can be given is the Zakat which is also a pillar of Islam and apart from that, Quran mentions giving out a wave of monetary benefits to the people who are not that lucky in having a pleasant life or who are needy.

“O ye who believe! Cancel not your charity by reminders of your generosity or by injury― like those who spend their substance to be seen of men, but believe neither in Allah nor in the Last Day. They are in Parable like a hard, barren rock, on which is a little soil; on it falls heavy rain, which leaves it (just) a bare stone. They will be able to do nothing with aught they have earned. And Allah guideth not those who reject faith.” (Surah Al-Baqara) (Online Quran)
Charity removes the stains of evil as mentioned in the next Holy Quran verse:
“If ye disclose (acts of) charity even so it is well, but if ye conceal them, and make them reach those (really) in need that is best for you: it will remove from you some of your (stains of) evil. And Allah is well acquainted with what ye do.” (Surah Al-Baqara)
Giving out charity to people who need it is an act of belief and humility; it signifies that you consider helping other creatures and mankind, in fact all creatures of Allah and working as The Almighty instructed.