people, animals and the environment. This saves Muslims from having to separate the spiritual from the material, and this world from the hereafter. Islam is perhaps the only religion that takes this approach to life. Muslims are required to live life not with a split personality, but within this spiritual framework. This makes Islam a spiritual attitude that can easily adapt in various cultural settings and borders. Muslims are encouraged to live their lives not in compartments or with split personalities, but as a whole person. This helps make Muslims spiritually secure and firm in their convictions.
In Islam we do not believe in original sin. A child is not responsible for a father’s sin nor is a father responsible for his child’s. Nor is there going to be a universal redemption of man’s sins because of Jesus (peace be upon him) dying on the cross. The Quran tells us:
“On no soul does God place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns...” (Quran 2:286)
“Nothing shall be reckoned to man but that which he has striven for.” (Quran 53:39)
“When the earth is shaken to her (utmost) convulsion, and the earth throws up her burdens (from within), And man cries (distressed): What is the matter with her? On that Day will she declare her tidings: For that thy Lord will have given her inspiration. On that Day will men proceed in companies sorted out, to be shown the deeds that they (had done). Then anyone who has done an atom’s weight of good shall see it and anyone who has done an atom’s weight of evil shall see it.” (Quran 99: 7-8)
HOW MANY VERSIONS OF THE QURAN ARE THERE?
Unlike the Bible which has several versions, the Quran exists in only one version, in Arabic, the language it was revealed in. However there are several translations in English. Unlike other scriptures, the Quran has been protected from man’s tampering over the last 1400 years. The original Arabic version has never been changed or altered, and early manuscripts, complete and intact are on display in museums around the world. Further, going back to the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) Muslims were in the habit of memorizing the entire scripture. Today, there are millions of Muslims around the world who have memorized the entire Quran, all 6236 verses, from cover to cover. God has also taken it upon Himself to protect the Quran from corruption. The Quran teaches:
“Surely, we have without doubt, sent down the Quran, and We will assuredly safeguard it (from corruption).” (Quran 15:9)
The Quran is divided into 114 Chapters. The First is titled The Opening and the last Chapter is titled Mankind. The Quran:
•Highlights what is right and what is wrong and explains the purpose of life
•Has 114 chapters, one of them is titled Mary, the mother of Jesus (peace be upon them).
•Encourages Muslims to make all aspects of their life a form of worship.
•Explains that after Jesus (peace be upon him) there was another prophet. His name was Muhammad (peace be upon him). Muslims believe he was God's last prophet to mankind.
•Is a direct message dictated by God to Mankind about life and what is to come.
•Mentions the names of 25 prophets and that they all invited mankind to worship the same one God.
•Outlines how the world will be destroyed.
•Specifies there is no compulsion in religion and confirms that the taking of innocent lives is prohibited in Islam.
CAN YOU GIVE EXAMPLES OF VERSES FROM THE QURAN?
Here are five sets of verses for you to read, reflect and ponder upon:
“And fear a Day (of Judgment) when no soul will avail for another soul, nor will intercession be accepted from it, nor will compensation be taken from it, nor will they be helped.” (Quran 2:48)
“And they say: “None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian” Those are their (vain) desires. Say: Produce your proof if you are truthful.” Nay, whoever submits his whole self to God and is a doer of good, he will get his reward with his Lord; on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” (Quran 2: 111-112)
Say: “We believe in God, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) Prophets from their Lord: we make no difference between one and another of them, and we submit to God.” (Quran 2: 136)
“Then do remember Me I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and reject not faith. O you who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer: for God is with those who patiently persevere.” (Quran 2: 152-153)
“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.” (Quran 2:155)
Should you be interested in reading the entire Quran, click on the link for translations of the Quran.
IS THERE ANYTHING SCIENTIFIC IN THE QURAN?
It may seem surprising in this day and age of scientific enlightenment that Islam continues to be the fastest growing religion. But that’s because most Muslims see science as confirming Islamic scripture, not contradicting it.
The French scientist Maurice Bucaille did a remarkable comparison of scriptural texts in his book The Bible, The Quran and Science.
Since it has been claimed by some that Muhammad (peace be upon him) copied certain verses from the Bible and Torah to be included in the Quran, Bucaille compared the scientific statements in the Bible to the statements in the Quran. In all cases he found that the Biblical statements often disagreed with basic scientific fact but scientific statements in the Quran were consistent with scientific facts.
Many years ago the Saudi government invited scientists from all over the world to Riyadh to study statements in the Quran for their veracity.
The scientists were not Muslim, but rather experts in their field of study. The Saudis brought in geologists, embryologists, astrophysicists, astronomers, etc and gave them precise translations of Arabic verses in the Quran that dealt with their fields of expertise.
Then they asked the scientists to evaluate, objectively, if the statements in the Quran were correct according to modern scientific knowledge.
For example, the Quran gives a vivid description of the development of the fetus in the womb. The Quran explains the stages of embryonic development. God tell us:
“O mankind! If you have a doubt about the Resurrection, (consider) that We created you out of dust, then out of sperm, then out of a leech-like clot, then out of a morsel of flesh, partly formed and partly unformed, in order that We may manifest (Our power) to you; and We cause whom We will to rest in the wombs for an appointed term, then do We bring you out as babes…” (Quran 22:5)
It is useful to note that the above verse is an accurate description of the development of the embryo and was revealed over 1400 years ago. To the people at that time it could not be scientifically confirmed. However the details outlined in the verse above is now scientifically confirmed.
Dr.
