Ur, Iraq

 

Situated near the town of Nasiriya, about 365 km south of Baghdad, Ur, which means a city in the Sumerian and Akkadian languages, is one of Iraq’s most imposing ancient sites. It was the capital of the ancient civilization of Sumeria.

This city, which is mentioned several times in the Bible as Ur of the Chaldees (referring to the Chaldeans, whom settled in the area about 900 BC) as the birthplace of Prophet Abraham “Ibrahim Al-Khalil” (pbuh), was one of the most important cities of the Sumerians in the 4th and the 1st half of the 3rd millennium BC. It was also considered as one of the most active and full of life cities in southern Mesopotamia during the following centuries. In former days it stood on the banks of the Euphrates, until the river changed its course.

Ur was the principal center of worship of the Sumerian moon god Nanna and of his Babylonian equivalent Sin. The massive and impressive ziggurat of this deity, one of the best preserved in Iraq, and one of the most famous historical monuments in the World, stands about 21 m above the desert.

Ur was one of the first village settlements founded (circa 4000 BC) by the so-called Ubaidian inhabitants of Sumer. Before 2800 BC, Ur became one of the most prosperous Sumerian city-states. According to ancient records, Ur had 3 dynasties of rulers who, at various times, extended their control over all of Sumer.

The founder of the First Dynasty of Ur was the conqueror and temple builder Mesanepada (reigned about 2670 BC), the earliest Mesopotamian ruler described in extant contemporary documents. His son Aanepadda (reigned about 2650 BC) built the temple of the goddess Ninhursag, which was excavated in modern times at Tell Al-Obeid, about 8 km north east of the site of Ur.

Ur was captured about 2340 BC by King Sargon of Agade, and this era, called the Akkadian period, marks an important step in the blending of Sumerian and Semitic cultures. After this dynasty came a long period of which practically nothing is known except that a 2nd dynasty rose and fell.

Ur-Nammu (reigned 2113-2095 BC), the first king of the 3rd Dynasty of Ur, who revived the empire of Sumer and Akkad, won control of the outlet to the sea about 2100 BC and made Ur the wealthiest city in Mesopotamia. His reign marked the beginning of the so-called renaissance of Sumerian art and literature at Ur.

Ur-Nammu, who wrote the first law in history, which contained 31 legal paragraphes, and who built the great walls of Ur ‘as high as a shining mountain’, and his son and successor Shulgi (reigned 2095-2047 BC) both built the great ziggurat of Nanna (about 2100 BC) that has stood throughout the centuries, and magnificent temples at Ur and in other Mesopotamian cities. The descendants of Ur-Nammu continued in power for more than a century, or until shortly before 2000 BC, when the Elamites captured Ibbi-Sin (reigned 2029-2004 BC), king of Ur, and destroyed the city.

Rebuilt shortly thereafter, Ur became part of the kingdom of Isin, later of the kingdom of Larsa, and finally was incorporated into Babylonia. During the period when Babylonia was ruled by the Kassites, Ur remained an important religious center. It was a provincial capital with hereditary governors during the period of Assyrian rule in Babylonia.

After the Chaldean dynasty was established in Babylonia, King Nebuchadnezzar II initiated a new period of building activity at Ur. The last Babylonian king, Nabonidus (reigned 556-539 BC), who appointed his eldest daughter high priestess at Ur, embellished the temples and entirely remodeled the ziggurat of Nanna increasing its height to 7 stages, making it rival even the temple of Marduk at Babylon.

After Babylonia came under the control of Persia, Ur began to decline. By the 4th century BC, the city was practically forgotten, possibly as a result of a shift in the course of the Euphrates River.

(sourse-http://www.atlastours.net/iraq/ur.html)

Brief introduction to Quran

[Brief introduction to Quran:- God has given us several Books of guidance through the years. Each Book essentially contained the same fundamental message as the previous Books. Mankind was expected to guard these Books from harm, but unfortunately failed to live up to this expectation. Many of the Books were edited and tampered with, destroying its authenticity. This is partly why God kept sending us more revelations.

However, almost 1400 years ago, God sent us another Book, named the Quran, with the same basic message as the earlier ones, but with a small but very important difference. This time, God decreed that this Book would be the last Book sent down to us because God would protect it Himself. Regarding this Final Book, God said, “Behold, it is We Ourselves who have bestowed from on high this reminder: and behold, it is We who shall truly guard it” [15:9]

Today, if we compare the 114 chapters in every copy of this Final Book with each other, we will find they match perfectly word for word – from the oldest copies made 1300-plus years ago to the ones printed just a few hours ago. No human hand has changed it.

When God appoints a Prophet he also gives him some clear signs or a miracle to convince his people that he is indeed the Prophet of God. For example, Moses (Peace be upon him) was given a wand which when dropped would become a snake (20:19) Or for Jesus (Peace be upon him) the ability to give life to a dead person in certain occasions (5:110) etc. These miracles are only evident only during the lifetime of that Prophet. But, for a prophet who God has decided to be the Last Prophet has to be given a miracle which a generation can pass on to the next and so on until the end of world. That is The Holy Quran. It was revealed to Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him) during his 23 years of Prophethood. Quran in its Arabic form is unchallenged in its rhythm and beauty. Smallest chapter of the Quran contains only 3 sentences where as largest chapter spans 1/15 th of the whole Quran. Quran challenges to those who disbelieve in it to produce a single chapter comparable to it (2:23,17:88). More than 1400 years have passed since Prophet Muhammad(Peace be upon him) and the challenge of Quran still remains. We also find in the Quran many scientific facts that are established only in recent centuries.

“We will soon show them our signs in the Universe and in their own souls, until it will become quite clear to them that it is the truth. Is it not sufficient as regards your Lord that He is a witness over all things?”-41:53

Any translation of the Quran cannot be equated with the Quran in its original Arabic form. But it is only a means to give a glimpse of the Quran to those unfamiliar with Arabic language. Many of the verses can be understood directly but certain verses can be understood only by knowing the historical and other related background. Abdullah Yusuf Ali’s commentary is included at the end of the verses where available. If possible, readers have to refer to other popular commentaries as well. Readers are urged to study the Quran in Arabic in order to appreciate its true beauty.

Yusuf Ali’s Quran Translation]

Eid Milaad Part II – Wrong Beliefs

Eid Milaad Part II – Wrong Beliefs.

Kalki, V.P.Upadhyay and Hazrat Mohammad[D:]

Kalki, V.P.Upadhyay and Hazrat Mohammad[D:]

Meaning of Kalki:-

……….In Hinduism, Kalki (Devanagari: कल्कि; also rendered by some as KalKin and Kalaki) is the tenth and final Maha Avatar (great incarnation) of Vishnu who will come to end the present age of darkness and destruction known as Kali Yuga. The name Kalki is often a metaphor for eternity or time. The origins of the name probably lie in the Sanskrit word “kalka” which refers to mud, dirt, filth, or foulness and hence denotes the “destroyer of foulness,” “destroyer of confusion,” “destroyer of darkness,” or “annihilator of ignorance.”^[1] Other similar and divergent interpretations based on varying etymological derivations from Sanskrit – including one simply meaning “White Horse” – have been made.

In the Buddhist Kalachakra tradition, some 25 rulers of the legendary Shambhala Kingdom have the title of Kalki, Kulika or Kalki-king……

[

1]    

[2]   

[(1)Kalki:- Copper engraving of Kalki from the late 18th century, Devanagari-kalki, Affilation-Avatar of Vishnu, Weapon-Sword, Mount-Horse.      (2) Stone plaque of Kalki from the 18th century. ]

…………..Pandit Ved Prakash Upadhyay has argued in his book Kalkii Autar aur Muhammad Sahib that Muhammad completed all the prophecies of the Kalki avatar.^[17] The book Muhammad in the Hindu Scriptures claims Muhammad to be Kalki based on research from all Vedas, Puranas andUpanishads.^[18][19] Absence of any phrase present in Kalkii purana or any other purana comparing the Muhammad with Kalkii and some even banish these claims as incomplete and mere co-incidences………

[ Kalkii Avatar Aur Muhammad Sahib, Pundit Ved Prakash Upadhyay, 1969 and 1970  and    Muhammad in the Hindu Scriptures, Pundit Ved Prakash Upadhyay, Islamic Book Trust, pp. 43-71… Wikipedia][ Pundit Ved Prakash Upadhyay ,  the author had written  books- Naraashans Aur Antim Rishi, Dharmik Ekta ki Jyoti]

Pundit Ved Prakash Upadhyay:-

Top Hindu Scholar “Pundit Ved Prakash Upadhyay” had written a book named “Kalki Autar aur Muhammad Saheb” published in the year 1969/70 by author himself under the banner of Saaraswat Vedant Prakash Sangh, Village Brahmpur, P/O Nara, Via Siraathu, District Allahabad, UP.

Pundit Vaid Prakash is a Brahman Hindu & a well known Sanskrit Scholar & a research worker. Pundit Vaid Prakash, after a great deal of toil & hard-work, presented the work to as many as eight great Pundits who are themselves were very well known in the field of research in India & are amongst the learned religious leaders.

Their Pundits, after through study of the book, have acknowledged this to be true & an authentic research work. Important religious books of India mention the guide & prophet by the specific name of “Kalki Autar” it denotes the great man Muhammad (peace be upon him) who was born in Makkah. Hence, all Hindus where-ever they may be, should wait no longer for any other “kalki Autar” but to embrace Islam & follow in the footsteps of the last Messenger of Allah  Subhana Wa Taala  who was sent in the world about fourteen hundred years ago with a mission from Him and after accomplishing it has long ago departed this world.

As an argument to prove the authenticity of his research, Pundit Vaid Prakash quotes from the Veda, a sacred book among Hindus:

1. Veda mentions that “kalki autar” will be the last Messenger/Prophet of Bhagwan (Allah) to guide the whole world. After quoting this reference the Pundit Parkash says that this comes true only in the case of Muhammad (peace be upon him).

2. According to a prophecy of Hinduism, “kalki autar” will be born in an island & that is the Arab territory which is known as “Jazeeratul Arab”.

3. In the ‘sacred’ book of Hindus the father’s name of ‘kalki autar’ is mentioned as ‘Vishnu Bhagat’ & his mother’s name as ‘Somanib’. In sanskrit, ‘vishnu’ stands for Allah  Subhana Wa Taala  & the literal meaning of ‘bhagat’ is slave. ‘Vishnu Bhagat” therefore, in the Arabic language means Allah’s slave (AbdAllah). ‘Somanib’ in Sanskrit means peace & tranquilty which in Arabic is denoted by the word ‘Amina’. Whereas the last Messenger Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) father & mother’s names wereAbdAllah & Amina respectively.

4. In the big books of Hindus, it is mentioned that ‘kalki autar’ will live on olive & dates & he will be true to his words &honest. In this regard Pundit Prakash writes, “This is true & established only in the case of Muhammad (peace be upon him).”

5. Veda mentiones that ‘kalki autar’ will be born in the respected & noble dynasty of his land. And this is also true as regards Muhammad (peace be upon him) as he was born in the respected tribe of Quraish who enjoyed great respect & high place inMakkah.

6. ‘kalki autar’ will be taught in the cave by Bhagwan through his own messenger. And it is very true in this matter. Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the only person in Makkah who was taught by Allah’s messenger Gabriel in the cave of Hira.

7. It is written in the books which Hindus believe that Bhagwan will provide ‘kalki autar’ with the fastest of a horse & with the help of which he will ride around the world & the seven skies/heavens. The riding on ‘Buraq’ & ‘Miraj’ by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) proves what?

Therefore, the Veda clearly proves that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the last & final Messenger of Allah  Subhana Wa Taala .

“There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah”

More research on the following;

I. Muhammad  (Choicest blessing and peace be upon him) prophesised in “Bhavishya Purana”
II. Muhammad  (Choicest blessing and peace be upon him) Prophesised in “Atharvaveda”
III. Muhammad  (Choicest blessing and peace be upon him) prophesised in the “Rigveda”
IV. Muhummad  (Choicest blessing and peace be upon him) is also prophesised in the “Samveda”

[……Aulia-e-Hind…..]

PROPHET MUHAMMAD IN HINDU SCRIPTURES
DR. Z. HAQ

There Never Was A People Without A Warner

Qur’an 35:24
Verily We have sent thee (Muhammad) in truth as a bearer of glad tidings and as a warner:
And there never was a people without a warner having lived among them (in the past).

Qur’an 16:36
For We assuredly sent amongst every People an apostle (with the Command) “Serve Allah and eshew Evil“:
Of the people were some whom Allah guided and some on whom Error became inevitably (established).
So travel through the earth and see what was the end of those who denied (the Truth).

Qur’an 4:164
And Messengers (Prophets who received revealed books) We have mentioned unto thee (Muhammad) before
And Messengers We have not mentioned unto thee;
And Allah spake directly unto Moses.

These verses of the Holy Qur’an testify that Allah (the One True God) has sent prophets to every people. Therefore, it is not surprising to Muslims to find prophecies about the Last Prophet, Muhammad (s), in previously revealed scriptures. Moreover, Allah had taken covenant with the Prophets to believe and help future Prophets of Allah, as indicated by the verse quoted below.

Allah’s Covenant With Prophets

Qur’an 3:81-82
Behold! Allah took the covenant of the Prophets saying:
“I give you a Book and Wisdom; then comes to you an Apostle confirming what is with you; do ye believe him and render him help.”
Allah said: “Do ye agree and take this My Covenant as binding on you?”
They said: “We agree.”
He said: “Then bear witness and I am with you among the witnesses.”
If any turn back after this they are perverted transgressors.

A Brief Introduction To Hindu Scriptures

The Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, and Brahmanas Granth are the four sacred books in Hindu religion. The last one is a commentary on the Vedas, but it is considered as a revealed book. These books are in Sanskrit, the sacred language of the Hindus. The Vedas are divided into four books: Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sam Veda and Atharva Veda. Of these, the first three books are considered the more ancient books, and the Rig Veda is the oldest of them. The Rig Veda was compiled in three long and different periods. Opinions greatly differ as to the date of compilation or revelation of the four Vedas. Swami Daya Nand, founder of the Arya Samaj, holds the opinion that the Vedas were revealed 1.3 billion years ago, while others (Hindu scholars and orientalists) hold the opinion that they are not more than four thousand years old. Analysis of the Vedas reveal differences in the accounts of the places where these books were revealed and the Rishis (Prophets) to whom these scriptures were given. Nevertheless, the Vedas are the most authentic scriptures of the Hindus.

The Upanishads are considered next to the Vedas in order of superiority and authenticity. However, some Pandits consider the Upanishads to be superior to the Vedas primarily from the internal evidence found in the Upanishads. Next in authenticity to the Upanishads are the Puranas. The Puranas are the most widely read of all Hindu Scriptures, as these are easily available (the Vedas are difficult to find). The compiler of the Puranas is Maha Rishi Vyasa, and he arranged the Puranas in eighteen volumes. These books contain the history of the creation of the universe, the history of the early Aryan people, and life stories of the divines and deities of the Hindus. The Puranas were either revealed simultaneously with the Vedas or some time before. The sanctity and reverence of the Puranas is admitted and recognized in all the authentic books of the Hindus.

For a long time, the Hindu Scriptures were primarily in the hands of Pandits and a small group of men who had learned Sanskrit (The majority of the Hindu population knew Hindi and could comprehend only a smattering of Sanskrit words). Sir William Jones, who was a Judge and founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal, learned Sanskrit in the last decade of the Eighteenth century. He was instrumental in generating interest in Sanskrit and Hindu Scriptures inEurope, and it was due to his efforts that the Hindu scriptures were translated into English.

In 1935, Dr. Pran Nath published an article in the Times of India that showed that the Rig Veda contains events of the Babylonian and Egyptian kings and their wars. Further, he showed that one-fifth of the Rig Veda is derived from the Babylonian Scriptures. From a Muslim perspective, it is likely that the Hindus were given a revealed book or books that contained description and struggles of Allah’s Prophets sent previously to other peoples. It is also possible that commentaries written about them were incorporated later and became a part of the revealed books.

There are a number of examples of these in Hindu scriptures. The Atharva Veda is also known as ‘Brahma Veda’ or in its meaning as the Devine Knowledge. An Analysis of the Vedas reveal that ‘Brahma’ is actually Abraham, where the initial letter A in Abraham is moved to the end making it Brahma. This analysis is accurate when one writes the two words in Arabic script, a language close to that spoken by Prophet Abraham. Similarly, Abraham’s first wife Sarah is mentioned in the Vedas as Saraswati, and Prophet Nuh (Noah of The Flood) is mentioned as Manuh or Manu. Some Pundits consider Atharva Veda as the Book of Abraham. Prophets Ismail (Ishmael) and Ishaq (Isaac) are named Atharva and Angira, respectively, in the Vedas.

Table 1

Brahma	Abraham
Saraswati	Sarah
Manu, Manuh	Nuh

Background To Prophecies

It is well known that the Hindus love hero worship, and it is reasonable to assume that over a long period of time the high regard and reverence for some Prophets led to some of them considered as god or God. Further, it is likely that the Book of Abraham and those of other Prophets contained prophecies about the Last Prophet, Muhammad (s). Muslim historians of Indiahold the opinion that the graves of Prophets Sheesh and Ayyub (Job) are in Ayodhya, in theprovince ofUttar Pradesh,India. In ancient times, Ayodhya was known as Khosla according to Shatpath Brahmanas.

Some Pundits have now begun to reject the Puranas simply because they find in them many prophecies and vivid signs of the truth of Prophet Muhammad. A case has been made that the present Puranas are not the same collection that Vedas refer to and the real books were lost. Nevertheless, this contention is not correct. It is impossible that all the Puranas which were so widely read and keenly studied, could have fallen in oblivion and totally wiped out, whereas the Vedas, which only a few could read and understand, remained intact until now.

Another argument against the prophecies is that these were added to the Puranas at a later date. Nevertheless, this argument is also without a basis. Such a well-known book, in vast circulation and read at appointed times in prayers, cannot be easily tampered with. Moreover, all the Pandits and the learned divines of the Hindus could not have conspired and secretly added these prophecies to the Puranas. The most strange thing is that the corruption is made in favor of the Prophet and against their own religion.

All major books of the Hindus prophesy about Prophet Mohammad. In addition to many of his qualities, his life events, Abraham, Ka’bah, Bakkah (Makkah) and Arabia, the prophecies mention his name as Mahamad, Mamah, and Ahmad. The name Mahamad appears in the Puranas, Mamah in Kuntap Sukt (in Atharva Veda) and Ahmad in Sama Veda. Many different classifications as to the degree of importance of the Vedas have been made. For example, in Shatpath it is stated that Sama Veda is the essence of all the Vedas. At another place in Taitttriya Brahmana, it is stated that “This world was created from Brahma, the Vaishas were created from the mantras of the Rig Veda, the Kashtriyas were created from Yajur Veda and Brahmans were created from Sama Veda.”

Prophecy In The Puranas

The compiler of the Puranas, Mahrishi Vyasa, is highly honored among the Hindus as a great rishi and learned person. He was a pious and God fearing man. He also wrote the Gita and the Maha Bharat. Among the eighteen volumes of the Puranas is one by the title ‘Bhavishya Puran,’ literally meaning future events. The Hindus regard it as the Word of God. The prophecy containing Prophet Muhammad by name is found in Prati Sarg Parv III: 3, 3, Verse 5.

Before the English translation is presented, a note on the word Malechha that appears in the first part of verse 5 is in order. The word Malechha means a man belonging to a foreign country and speaking foreign language. This word is now used to degrade people meaning unclean or even worse. Its usage varies and depends on who is using it and for whom. Sir William Jones had great difficulty in recruiting a Pundit to teach him Sanskrit because he was considered unclean (Malechha). It was only after the direct intervention of Maharaja (King) Shiv Chandra that Pundit Ram Lochna agreed to teach him Sanskrit.

It is not known when this word began to be used in the derogatory sense, whether before the advent of Prophet Muhammad (s), after the conversion of Hindu King Chakrawati Farmas (of Malabar, located on the southwest coast of India) to Islam during the lifetime of the Prophet, soon after the arrival of Muslims in India (711 CE) or sometime later. Mahrishi Vyasa, the compiler of the Puranas, has defined a wise Malechha as “a man of good actions, sharp intellect, spiritual eminence, and showing reverence to the deity (God).

Many Sanskrit words have borrowed from Arabic and Hebrew with a slight change as was shown in the examples of Brahma, Saraswati and Manu, and as indicated in Table 2 below. It appears that this word is derived from the Hebrew word Ma-Hekha (), which means thy brethren (e.g., And he (Ishmael) shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren. Genesis 16:12; i.e., Ismaelites are the brethren of the Israelites). In the context of Biblical scriptures this word meant a descendant of Prophet Ismail (Ishmael), and it is well known that Muhammad (s) is a descendant of Prophet Ismail through his second son Kedar. Those who can read Arabic Script can easily see that a mistake in separating Ma from Hekha will produce a single word ‘Malhekha,’ and when adapted in another tongue like Sanskrit might sound like Malechha.

Table 2

The Sanskrit text and translation of Verse 5 of Bhavishya Puran, Prati Sarg Parv III: 3, 3 are given below. (The boxed area in the Sanskrit text identifies the word Mahamad or Mohammad).

                                                    

A malechha (belonging to a foreign country and speaking foreign language) spiritual teacher will appear with his companions. His name will be Mahamad…

The translation of Verses 5-27 (Sanskrit text of the Puranas, Prati Sarg Parv III: 3, 3) is presented below from the work of Dr. Vidyarthi.

“A malechha (belonging to a foreign country and speaking foreign language) spiritual teacher will appear with his companions. His name will be Mahamad. Raja (Bhoj) after giving this Mahadev Arab (of angelic disposition) a bath in the ‘Panchgavya’ and the Ganges water, (i.e. purging him of all sins) offered him the presents of his sincere devotion and showing him all reverence said, ‘I make obeisance to thee.’ ‘O Ye! the pride of mankind, the dweller in Arabia, Ye have collected a great force to kill the Devil and you yourself have been protected from the malechha opponents (idol worshipers, pagans).’ ‘O Ye! the image of the Most Pious God the biggest Lord, I am a slave to thee, take me as one lying on thy feet.’

“The Malechhas have spoiled the well-known land of the Arabs. Arya Dharma is not to be found in that country. Before also there appeared a misguided fiend whom I had killed [note: e.g., Abraha Al-Ashram, the Abyssinian viceroy of Yemen, who attacked Mecca]; he has now again appeared being sent by a powerful enemy. To show these enemies the right path and to give them guidance the well-known Mahamad (Mohammad), who has been given by me the epithet of Brahma is busy in bringing the Pishachas to the right path. O Raja! You need not go to the land of the foolish Pishachas, you will be purified through my kindness even where you are. At night, he of the angelic disposition, the shrewd man, in the guise of a Pishacha said to Raja Bhoj, “O Raja! Your Arya Dharma has been made to prevail over all religions, but according to the commandments of ‘Ashwar Parmatma (God, Supreme Spirit), I shall enforce the strong creed of the meat-eaters. My follower will be a man circumcised, without a tail (on his head), keeping beard, creating a revolution, announcing call for prayer and will be eating all lawful things. He will eat all sorts of animals except swine. They will not seek purification from the holy shrubs, but will be purified through warfare. Because of their fighting the irreligious nations, they will be known as Musalmans (Muslims). I shall be the originator of this religion of the meat-eating nation.”

More Prophecies In Hindu Scriptures

The Vedas contain many prophecies about Prophet Muhammad. Some European and Hindu translators of the Vedas have removed the name referring to the Prophet, while others have tried to explain away the mantras (verses) on his life events, Ka’bah, Makkah, Medinah, Arabia, and other events using the terminology of the Hindus, such as purification rituals, and lands and rivers in India. Some mantras containing prophecies are inter-mixed with explanatory phrases, and it may be that these were commentaries and explanatory notes on the prophecies, which later became a part of the prophecy.

Several prophecies are found in Atharva Veda: (1) XX: 21, Mantras 6, 7, and 9, (2) XX: 137, Mantras 7 through 9, and (3) X: 2, Mantras 26, 27, 29, 30, and 32. Similarly, in Rig Veda, additional prophecies are found in: (1) VII: 96, Mantras 13 through 16, and (2) I: 53, Mantras 6 and 9. Finally, a prophecy is found in Sama Veda III: 10, Mantra 1. These are a sample of many prophecies. The serious reader may want to refer to scholarly work of Dr. A.H. Vidyarthi, entitled “Mohammad in World Scriptures,” 1990. This book explains the Hindu terminology used in the Mantras and the meaning and usage of certain words and phrases from within the Vedas and other Hindu Scriptures.

No Compulsion In Religion

Qur’an 2:256
There is no compulsion in religion.
The right direction is henceforth distinct from error.
And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in Allah hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break.
Allah is Hearer, Knower.

Allah: Allah is the proper name of the One True God, creator and sustainer of the universe, who does not have a partner or associate, and He did not beget nor was He begotten. The word Allah is used by the Arab Christians and Jews for The God (Eloh-im in Hebrew; ‘Allaha’ in Aramaic, the mother tongue of Jesus). The word Allah does not have a plural or gender.

pbuh: Peace Be Upon Him. This expression is used for all Prophets of Allah. Abreviations derived from Arabic words are (s) and (as).

ra: Radiallahu Anhu (May Allah be pleased with him).

References:
1. Abdul Haq Vidyarthi, “Muhammad in World Scriptures,” Adam Publishers, 1990. (includes chapters on Zoroastrian and Hindu Scriptures)
2. A.H.Vidyarthi and U. Ali, “Muhammad in Parsi, Hindu & Buddhist Scriptures,” IB.

[coustry……bizbrowse..]compiled/edited-S.J.Hussain-23.12.2011

Pdf.books-Worldly Difficulties,Tableeghi,Shirk,Hadeeth Rejecters,Creator,Resurrection

MAIN-url=http://qsep.com/dvd/fourfoundations.html

1] Worldly Difficulties – Reality, Causes and Benefits=http://www.qsep.com/books/worldlyDifficulties.pdf

2] Advice to those who participate with the Tableeghi Jamaat=http://www.qsep.com/books/AdviceTableeghi.pdf

3] Explanation of the Four Foundations of Shirk=http://www.qsep.com/books/FourFoundationsOfShirk.pdf

4]A Critical Analysis of the Modernists-

                      –   and Hadeeth Rejecters=http://www.qsep.com/books/modernists_qsep.com.pdf

5]What you must believe about your Creator?=http://www.qsep.com/books/whatYouMustBelieve.pdf

6] How do we believe in the Last Day?=http://www.qsep.com/books/believeLastDay.pdf

7] Exposing Shaytan Tricks, Deceit and Means used by Shaytan

       =http://www.qsep.com/books/shaytan_qsep.com.pdf

8]The Day of Resurrection in light of soorah an-naba=http://www.qsep.com/books/tafirSooahAnNaba.pdf

What you must Believe about your Creator

This booklet is part of the Arabic book
‘Sharh Hadeeth Jibra’eel’ by Shaikh Muhammad ibn Saleh al-Uthaimeen

 

Foreword (adapted from the book, ‘Aqeedah at-Tawheed’ by Shaikh Saleh ibn Fawzan ibn Abdullah al-Fawzan)

‘Al-Aqeedah (faith)’ is what a person takes as a religion. It is said, ‘He has a good Aqeedah’ meaning,’ He is protected from doubts.’

Aqeedah is an action of the heart – which is to believe and affirm something in the heart.

“The Sharee’ah is divided into two parts; Beliefs and Actions.

(a) Beliefs are issues that are not related to how an act is performed such as belief in the Lordship of Allah, the obligation to worship Allah (alone) and belief in the other afore-mentioned pillars of Eeman (faith). These are called Asliyah – the basic foundation.

(b) The latter part consists of issues related to how actions are performed like Salaat (prayer), Zakaat (charity), Sawm (fasting) and other rulings with regards to actions. These are termed as Far’eyyah – the branches, because their soundness or corruption is based upon the beliefs.

The correct Aqeedah is thus the foundation upon which the religion is based. It is the correct Aqeedah with which the actions are set aright as the Most High said, “So, whoever hopes for the meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord.” [Soorah al-Kahf (18): 110]

“Indeed, it has been revealed to you (O Muhammad sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) as it was to those (Prophets) before you, ‘If you join others in worship with Allah, (then) surely (all) your deeds will be in vain, and you will certainly be among the losers.” [Soorah az-Zumar (39): 65]

“So, worship Allah (alone) by performing religious deeds sincerely for His sake. Surely, the religion is for Allah only.” [Soorah Zumar (39): 2]

These verses and numerous other narrations that have been related in this regard confirm that actions are not accepted unless they are free from Shirk (polytheism/associating partners with Allah).

It was therefore the main concern of the Messengers (alaihimus-salaam) to rectify the beliefs first.

Sole worship of Allah and abandonment of worship to anything other than Him was their primary call as the Most High says, “Verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming), ‘Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid the Taghoot (everything that is worshiped other than Allah).” [Soorah An-Nahl (16): 36]

The first issue addressed by every Prophet was, “Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (deity worthy of being worshiped) but Him.” [Soorah al-A’raf (7): 59, 65, 73, 85]

It was said by Nuh, Hood, Saleh, Suhaib (alaihimus-salaam) and all the other Prophets (alaihimus-salaam) to their nations. After being bestowed with Prophethood, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahi alaihi wa-sallam) stayed in Mecca for thirteen years calling people to Tawheed and rectifying their Aqeedah because Aqeedah is the foundation upon which the entire structure of the Deen stands.

The Duaat (callers to the religion of Allah) and those who seek to guide others during every age followed the example of the Messengers and the Prophets who initiated their call with Tawheed (Oneness of Allah’s worship) and correction of Aqeedah, and subsequently focusing upon the remaining commandments of the Deen (religion).”

………………………………………………………………………………

This book comprehensively explains Tawheed in the words of Shaikh ibn Saleh al-Uthaimeen (rahimahullah) from the book, ‘Sharh Hadeeth Jibra’eel’.

Appendix adapted from the book, ‘Aqeedah at-Tawheed’ by Shaikh Saleh ibn Fawzan ibn Abdullah al-Fawzan (hafidhhullah)[http://www.qsep.com/books/creator.html]
 

 

A critical Analysis of the Modernists and Hadeeth Rejecters

806Share OVERVIEW As Muslims, we are obliged to believe and understand our religion in a manner that Allah wants us to. The way to achieve this is mentioned in the Qur’aan. Allah says, “And if they believe as you (i.e., the Sahabah) believe then they are rightly guided, but if they turn away, then they are only in opposition.” [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 137] In light of this verse, the correct understanding is what emulates the beliefs and understandings of the Sahabah (the Prophet’s Companions). The Sahabah were the fortunate people who accompanied the Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) and learned the religion directly from him (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam). They witnessed the revelation of the Qur’aan and the Sunnah and experienced the circumstances in which they were revealed. The Sahabah’s understanding of the religion is therefore, the most pure and perfect, and they are a group that has definitely succeeded in achieving what Faith is meant to achieve, i.e. Allah’s Pleasure. “And the first to embrace Islam of the Muhajirun (those who migrated from Makkah to al-Medina) and the Ansar (the people of al-Medina who helped the Muhajirun) and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allah is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success.” [Soorah at-Tawbah (9):100] Apathy towards the understanding of the Sahabah as well as free interpretation of Islamic texts are the primary causes of misconceptions and confusion; and consequently straying from the path of the ‘the rightly guided’. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) said, “This Ummah (nation) will split into seventy-three sects, all of them in the Fire except one.” They asked, “What is that sect?” He (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) said, “That which I and my Companions are upon today.” [at-Tabaraanee] Ilmul-Kalaam (argumentation based on Greek philosophy) is among such innovations in the religion that created intellectual schisms in the Muslim nation and initiated deviant trends. One of the sects that indulged in Ilmul-Kalaam were the Mu’tazilah. They gave precedence to intellect over the revealed texts of the Qur’aan and the Sunnah – when they perceived the two conflicted. This attitude set an evil precedent for all later groups who sought to make intellect and desire decisive over the Qur’aan and the Sunnah. In this book, we shall critique such modernist groups that attempt to impose novel interpretations upon Islamic teachings. It is important to clarify from the onset that condemning ‘modernism’ is rejecting illegitimate interpretations in religious matters and not about opposing science and technology, or about rejecting benefit from information and awareness that mankind constantly improves with time. What is eternal and ever-relevant according to Islam are the teachings revealed by Allah – the Most High and since Prophethood ends with Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam), his teachings will be preserved and applicable until the time people need Guidance. The Two Modernist Trends One trend of Modernists are the self-proclaimed ‘Islam-experts’ and ‘Muslim-reformers’ that we see all to often paraded on major media outlets. They openly demand reformation in Islam and call for a ‘progressive’ interpretation of Islamic values. Their catch phrases are “humane Islam”, “gender-friendly Islam”, “Islam 2.0”, “Progressive Islam” and the like. Their newly-found activity gained momentum with the emergence of violent extremist elements that misinterpret Islam to create chaos and cause hardship for Muslims. This began a search for an alternate, sensible and moderate voice – a voice that can expect state funding and favors. The lucrative opportunity thus created has attracted an assembly-line of individuals with a history of apathy for Islam and Muslims, to masquerade as champions of the ‘oppressed Muslim woman’, good-governance for Muslim nations, human rights, etc. They claim to be the moderate voice and speak in a language that the media, especially the western media, likes to hear. They persist in this even if it alienates Muslims and reinforces biased stereotypes about Islam. In the name of ‘progressive thinking’, they organize campaigns against the head-covering for women, for women to pray in mosques alongside men, for the acceptance of lewdness, and other similar issues. They seek to misinterpret Islamic texts in light of rational thought, modern values and even feelings and desires for, they consider the rational (Aql) and desires decisive over the revealed texts (Naql). Another group that is an equally staunch patron of free-thinking and modernist interpretations is that of the so-called ‘Islamic-thinkers’ and activists. Their primary goal is political power and thus, their novel interpretations are aimed at supporting their revolutionary goals and undermining genuine priorities of Islamic Dawah that they see as a hurdle or a distraction from their primary goal. Politically, the two modernist groups are poles apart. The ‘progressive thinkers’ are extreme secularist while the ‘Islamic-thinkers’ are ardent callers to the Khilafah – however distorted their views may be about it. But the two are similar in making Aql decisive over Naql, in their apathy towards Hadeeth, in their emphasis on modernistic interpretations of the Qur’aan, and in their unjustified toughening or lightening of Islamic regulations for the achievement of political/organizational goals. The vocal participation of these media-savvy modernist groups in speaking about Islam and affairs of the Muslims has resulted in the spread of a lot of confusion and misinformation. In this book, Insha’Allah, we shall critically analyze the Modernists, beginning by understanding the deviations of the Mu’tazilah sect. We shall see with examples; a) the rejection of Kalaam by the scholars and Imams of the Muslims, b) the turmoil that the Mutazilah brought upon the Islamic world as a result of their Kalaam and, c) the ill-effects of philosophy on pious and knowledgeable scholars who indulged in it and later abandoned it. We shall study the views of the ‘Muslim’ rationalists (al-Aqlaniyah), a group that emerged towards the end of the colonial era and found intellectual nourishment in the views of the Mutazilah. Impressed by Western advances in science and technology, they sought inspiration from the west for the advancement of Muslim societies, assimilating along the way ‘Modernist’ attitudes towards religion that had gained popularity amongst European Christians and Jews. The European Modernist agenda was primarily aimed at settling the conflict between religion and rationality with the help of philosophy. On their part, ‘Muslim’ Modernists attempted to reject or alter those teachings of the Qur’aan and Sunnah that they saw as hindrances, and turned to the Mu’tazilah and ‘Muslim’ philosophers for guidance. We shall see in this booklet the close resemblance between Christian and Jewish Modernists on one hand, and the ‘Muslim’ modernist and progressives on the other. We shall analyze the views that have become the hallmark of the Modernist call and expose their remoteness from Islam. Lastly, we shall comment on the most outrageous antics of present-day ‘progressives’, expose their hatred for Islamic teachings and report on the complete failure of their call. The second section of this booklet deals with the misguidance of rejecting Hadeeth as this is another malady afflicting all Mu’tazili influenced groups whether the Modernists, the Progressives, the Secularists or the pseudo-Islamists. The refutation focuses upon analyzing the views of three prominent rejecters of Hadeeth; Rashad Khalifah, Ghulam Parvez and Amin Ahsan Islahi. The two sections of the book greatly complement each other as the modernists and the hadeeth rejecters are two sides of the same coin. All in all, this booklet should provide a good overview towards understanding the many misguided views that emanate from varied groups influenced by the Mu’tazilah. May Allah make us amongst “Those who listen to the Word (good advice La ilaha ill-Allah) and follow the best thereof.” [Soorah Az-Zumar (39): 18] Sajid A. Kayum-[http://qsep.com/books/modernists.html] ]

THE QUR’AAN AND MODERN SCIENCE COMPATIBLE OR INCOMPATIBLE? By Dr. ZAKIR NAIK[I. ASTRONOMY]

The Qur’aan and Modern Science: Compatible or Incompatible?

Distributed by AHYA Multi-Media http://www.ahya.org
THE CHALLENGE OF THE QUR’AAN
Literature and poetry have been instruments of human expression and
creativity, in all cultures. The world also witnessed an age when literature and
poetry occupied pride of position, similar to that now enjoyed by science and
technology.
Muslims as well as non-Muslims agree that Al-Qur’aan is Arabic literature
par excellence – that it is the best Arabic literature on the face of the earth.
The Qur’aan, challenges mankind in the following verses:
“And if ye are in doubt As to what We have revealed From time to time
to Our Servant, then produce a Soorah Like thereunto; And call your
witnesses or helpers (If there are any) besides Allah, If your (doubts) are
true. But if ye cannot –And of a surety you cannot. hen fear the Fire
Whose fuel is Men and Stones – Which is prepared for those Who reject
Faith.” [Al-Qur’aan 2:23-24] 1
The same notation is followed throughout the book. References and
translation of the Qur’aan are from the translation of the Qur’aan by Abdullah
Yusuf Ali, new revised edition, 1989, published by Amana Corporation,
Maryland, USA.
The challenge of the Qur’aan, is to produce a single Soorah (chapter) like the
Soorahs it contains. The same challenge is repeated in the Qur’aan several
times. The challenge to produce a Soorah, which, in beauty, eloquence, depth
and meaning is at least somewhat similar to a Qur’aanic Soorah remains
unmet to this day. A modern rational man, however, would never accept a
religious scripture, which says, in the best possible poetic language, that the
world is flat. This is because we live in an age, where human reason, logic
and science are given primacy. Not many would accept the Qur’aan’s
extraordinarily beautiful language, as proof of its Divine origin. Any scripture
1 Al-Qur’an 2:23-24 indicates Soorah or Chapter No. 2 and Ayaat or Verses 23
and 24.claiming to be a divine revelation must also be acceptable on the strength of
its own reason and logic.
According to the famous physicist and Nobel Prize winner, Albert Einstein,
“Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind.” Let us
therefore study the Qur’aan, and analyze whether The Qur’aan and Modern
Science are compatible or incompatible?
The Qur’aan is not a book of science but a book of ‘signs’, i.e. ayats. There
are more than six thousand ‘signs’ in the Qur’aan of which more than a
thousand deal with science. We all know that many a times Science takes a
‘U-turn’. In this book I have considered only established scientific facts and
not mere hypotheses and theories that are based on assumptions and are not
backed by proof.

I. ASTRONOMY
CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE: ‘THE BIG BANG’
The creation of the universe is explained by astrophysicists in a widely
accepted phenomenon, popularly known as the ‘Big Bang’. It is supported by
observational and experimental data gathered by astronomers and
astrophysicists for decades. According to the ‘Big Bang’, the whole universe
was initially one big mass (Primary Nebula). Then there was a ‘Big Bang’
(Secondary Separation) which resulted in the formation of Galaxies. These
then divided to form stars, planets, the sun, the moon, etc. The origin of the
universe was unique and the probability of it occurring by ‘chance’ is zero.
The Qur’aan contains the following verse, regarding the origin of the
universe: “Do not the Unbelievers see That the heavens and the earth
Were joined together (as one Unit of Creation), before We clove them
asunder?” [Al-Qur’aan 21:30]
The striking congruence between the Qur’aanic verse and the ‘Big Bang’ is
inescapable! How could a book, which first appeared in the deserts of Arabia
1400 years ago, contain this profound scientific truth?
THERE WAS AN INITIAL GASEOUS MASS BEFORE THE
CREATION OF GALAXIES
Scientists say that before the galaxies in the universe were formed, celestial
matter was initially in the form of gaseous matter. In short, huge gaseous
matter or clouds were present before the formation of the galaxies. To
describe initial celestial matter, the word ‘smoke’ is more appropriate than
gas. The following Qur’aanic verse refers to this state of the universe by the
word dhukhan which means smoke.
“Moreover, He Comprehended In His design the sky, And it had been
(as) smoke: He said to it And to the earth: ‘Come ye together, Willingly
The Qur’aan and Modern Science: Compatible or Incompatible?
10
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or unwillingly.’ They said: ‘We do come (Together), in willing
obedience.’” [Al-Qur’aan 41:11]
Again, this fact is a corollary to the ‘Big Bang’ and was not known to the
Arabs during the time of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). What then, could have
been the source of this knowledge?
THE SPHERICAL SHAPE OF THE EARTH
In early times, people believed that the earth is flat. For centuries, men were
afraid to venture out too far, lest they should fall off the edge. Sir Francis
Drake was the first person who proved that the earth is spherical when he
sailed around it in 1597. Consider the following Qur’aanic verse regarding
the alternation of day and night: “Seest thou not that Allah merges Night
into Day And He merges Day into Night?” [Al-Qur’aan 31:29]
Merging here means that the night slowly and gradually changes to day and
vice versa. This phenomenon can only take place if the earth is spherical. If
the earth was flat, there would have been a sudden change from night to day
and from day to night.
The following verse also alludes to the spherical shape of the earth: “He
created the heavens And the earth In true (proportions): He makes the
Night Overlap the Day, and the Day Overlap the Night.” [Al-Qur’aan
39:5]
The Arabic word used here is Kawwara meaning ‘to overlap’ or ‘to coil’– the
way a turban is wound around the head. The overlapping or coiling of the day
and night can only take place if the earth is spherical.
The earth is not exactly round like a ball, but geo-spherical i.e. it is flattened
at the poles. The following verse contains a description of the earth’s shape:
The Qur’aan and Modern Science: Compatible or Incompatible?
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“And the earth, moreover, Hath He made egg shaped.” 2 [Al-Qur’aan
79:30]
The Arabic word for egg here is dahaha, which means an ostrich-egg. The
shape of an ostrich-egg resembles the geo-spherical shape of the earth. Thus
the Qur’aan correctly describes the shape of the earth, though the prevalent
notion when the Qur’aan was revealed was that the earth is flat.
THE LIGHT OF THE MOON IS REFLECTED LIGHT
It was believed by earlier civilizations that the moon emanates its own light.
Science now tells us that the light of the moon is reflected light. However this
fact was mentioned in the Qur’aan 1,400 years ago in the following verse:.
“Blessed is He Who made Constellations in the skies, And placed therein
a Lamp And a Moon giving light.” [Al-Qur’aan 25:61]
The Arabic word for the sun in the Qur’aan, is shams. It is referred to as
siraaj, which means a ‘torch’ or as wahhaaj which means ‘a blazing lamp’ or
as diya which means ‘shining glory’. All three descriptions are appropriate to
the sun, since it generates intense heat and light by its internal combustion.
The Arabic word for the moon is qamar and it is described in the Qur’aan as
muneer, which is a body that gives nur i.e. light. Again, the Qur’aanic
description matches perfectly with the true nature of the moon, which does
not give off light itself and is an inert body that reflects the light of the sun.
Not once in the Qur’aan, is the moon mentioned as siraaj, wahhaaj or diya or
the sun as nur or muneer. This implies that the Qur’aan recognizes the
difference between the nature of sunlight and moonlight.

———
2 The Arabic word dahaha has been translated by A. Yusuf Ali as “vast
expanse”, which also is correct. The word dahaha also means an ostrich-egg.

————————-

The Qur’aan and Modern Science: Compatible or Incompatible?
12
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Consider the following verses related to the nature of light from the sun and
the moon: “It is He who made the sun To be a shining glory And the
moon to be a light (Of beauty).” [Al-Qur’aan 10:5]
“See ye not How Allah has created The seven heavens One above
another, “And made the moon A light in their midst, and made the sun
As a (Glorious) Lamp?” [Al-Qur’aan 71:15-16]
THE SUN ROTATES
For a long time European philosophers and scientists believed that the earth
stood still in the centre of the universe and every other body including the sun
moved around it. In the West, this geocentric concept of the universe was
prevalent right from the time of Ptolemy in the second century B.C. In 1512,
Nicholas Copernicus put forward his Heliocentric Theory of Planetary
Motion, which asserted that the sun is motionless at the centre of the solar
system with the planets revolving around it.
In 1609, the German scientist Yohannus Keppler published the ‘Astronomia
Nova’. In this he concluded that not only do the planets move in elliptical
orbits around the sun, they also rotate upon their axes at irregular speeds.
With this knowledge it became possible for European scientists to explain
correctly many of the mechanisms of the solar system including the sequence
of night and day.
After these discoveries, it was thought that the Sun was stationary and did not
rotate about its axis like the Earth. I remember having studied this fallacy
from Geography books during my school days. Consider the following
Qur’aanic verse: “It is He Who created The Night and the Day, And the
sun and the moon: All (the celestial bodies) Swim along, each in its
Rounded course.” [Al-Qur’aan 21:33]
The Arabic word used in the above verse is yasbahûn . The word yasbahûn is
derived from the word sabaha. It carries with it the idea of motion that comes

from any moving body. If you use the word for a man on the ground, it would
not mean that he is rolling but would mean he is walking or running. If you
use the word for a man in water it would not mean that he is floating but
would mean that he is swimming.
Similarly, if you use the word yasbah for a celestial body such as the sun it
would not mean that it is only flying through space but would mean that it is
also rotating as it goes through space. Most of the school textbooks have
incorporated the fact that the sun rotates about its axis. The rotation of the sun
about its own axis can be proved with the help of an equipment that projects
the image of the sun on the table top so that one can examine the image of the
sun without being blinded. It is noticed that the sun has spots which complete
a circular motion once every 25 days i.e. the sun takes approximately 25 days
to rotate around its axis.
In fact, the sun travels through space at roughly 150 miles per second, and
takes about 200 million years to complete one revolution around the center of
our Milky Way Galaxy.

“It is not permitted To the Sun to catch up The Moon, nor can The Night
outstrip the Day: Each (just) swims along In (its own) orbit (According to
Law).” [Al-Qur’aan 36:40]
This verse mentions an essential fact discovered by modern astronomy, i.e.
the existence of the individual orbits of the Sun and the Moon, and their
journey through space with their own motion. The ‘fixed place’ towards,
which the sun travels, carrying with it the solar system, has been located
exactly by modern astronomy. It has been given a name, the Solar Apex. The
solar system is indeed moving in space towards a point situated in the
constellation of Hercules (alpha Layer) whose exact location is firmly
established.
The moon rotates around its axis in the same duration that it takes to revolve
around the earth. It takes approximately 29½ days to complete one rotation.
One cannot help but be amazed at the scientific accuracy of the Qur’aanic

verses. Should we not ponder over the question: “What was the source of
knowledge contained in the Qur’aan?”

——————————————————————————————-

THE EXPANDING UNIVERSE
In 1925, an American astronomer by the name of Edwin Hubble, provided
observational evidence that all galaxies are receding from one another, which
implies that the universe is expanding. The expansion of the universe is now
an established scientific fact. This is what Al-Qur’aan says regarding the
nature of the universe: “With the power and skill Did We construct The
Firmament: For it is We Who create The vastness of Space.” [Al-Qur’aan
51:47]
The Arabic word mûsi‘ûn is correctly translated as ‘expanding it’, and it
refers to the creation of the expanding vastness of the universe. Stephen
Hawking, in his book, ‘A Brief History of Time’, says, “The discovery that
the universe is expanding was one of the great intellectual revolutions of the
20th century.”
The Qur’aan mentioned the expansion of the universe, before man even learnt
to build a telescope! Some may say that the presence of astronomical facts in
the Qur’aan is not surprising since the Arabs were advanced in the field of

astronomy. They are correct in acknowledging the advancement of the Arabs
in the field of astronomy. However they fail to realize that the Qur’aan was
revealed centuries before the Arabs excelled in astronomy. Moreover many of
the scientific facts mentioned above regarding astronomy, such as the origin
of the universe with a Big Bang, were not known to the Arabs even at the
peak of their scientific advancement. The scientific facts mentioned in the
Qur’aan are therefore not due to the Arabs’ advancement in astronomy.
Indeed, the reverse is true. The Arabs advanced in astronomy, because
astronomy occupies a place in the Qur’aan.

Kepler’s supernova ,Calabi-Yan Space ,Big Bang Day

 

 

[Composite image of Kepler’s supernova from pictures by the Spitzer Space Telescope, Hubble Space Telescope, andChandra X-ray Observatory.]

[Multiwavelength X-ray, infrared, and optical compilation image of Kepler’s supernova remnant, SN 1604. ]

[A supernova is a massive explosion of a star that occurs under two principal scenarios. The first is that a white dwarf star undergoes a nuclear based explosion after it reaches itsChandrasekhar limit from absorbing mass from a neighboring star (usually a red giant). The second, and more common, cause is when a massive star, usually a red giant, reachesNickel-56 in its nuclear fusion (or burning) processes. This isotope undergoes radioactive decay into Iron-56, which has one of the highest binding energies of all of the isotopes, and is the last element that can be produced by nuclear fusion, exothermically. All nuclear fusion reactions from here on are endothermic and so the star loses energy. The star’s gravity then pulls its outer layers rapidly inward. The star collapses very quickly, and then explodes.]

 

[A Calabi-Yau manifold is a special type of manifold that shows up in certain branches of mathematics such as algebraic geometry, as well as in theoretical physics. Particularly in superstring theory, the extra dimensions of spacetime are sometimes conjectured to take the form of a 6-dimensional Calabi-Yau manifold.

Calabi–Yau manifolds are complex manifolds that are higher-dimensional analogues of K3 surfaces. They are sometimes defined as compactKähler manifolds whose canonical bundle is trivial, though many other similar but inequivalent definitions are sometimes used. They were named “Calabi–Yau spaces” by Candelas et al. (1985) after E. Calabi (1954, 1957) who first studied them, and S. T. Yau (1978) who proved the Calabi conjecture that they have Ricci flat metrics. In superstring theory the extra dimensions of spacetime are sometimes conjectured to take the form of a 6-dimensional Calabi–Yau manifold, which led to the idea of mirror symmetry.]

[A section of a quintic Calabi–Yau three-fold (3D projection)]

 

[Radio 4 Programmes on

Big Bang Day

Andrew Marr hosted a special day of programming on Wednesday 10 September 2008. The switch-on took place just after 0830BST during theToday programme.

CLICK=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/bigbang/programmes.shtml    ]

Solar System showing the plane of the ecliptic of the Earth’s orbit around the Sun

                  [Planets and dwarf planets of the Solar System. Sizes are to scale, but relative distances from the Sun are not]

[Solar System showing plane of the Earth’s orbit around the Sun in 3D view with only Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars]

                                                                             

[Solar System showing the plane of the ecliptic of the Earth’s orbit around the Sun in 3D view showing Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars and Jupiter making one full revolution. Saturn and Uranus also appear in their own respective orbits around the Sun]