Eloquence and Beauty: The Quran exhibits a unique style and linguistic beauty that surpasses human capability. Its literary excellence and eloquence have been acknowledged by scholars throughout history.
Inimitability (I’jaz): The Quran challenges humanity to produce a single chapter or verse that matches its eloquence, and no one has been able to meet this challenge. This linguistic inimitability is considered a miracle in itself.
Preservation and Memorization:
The Quran has been preserved exactly as it was revealed over 1400 years ago, without any alterations or changes in its text. Its memorization has been a remarkable phenomenon, with countless individuals memorizing the entire Quran, known as Hafiz.
Scientific Compatibility:
Embryology: The Quran contains accurate descriptions of embryological development, which were only confirmed by modern science centuries later.
Astronomy: Verses in the Quran refer to the creation of the universe, the orbits of celestial bodies, and cosmic expansion, in alignment with modern scientific understanding.
Geology: The Quran mentions the layers of the Earth and the interaction of land and sea, reflecting scientific knowledge that was not known at the time of its revelation.
Oceanography: The Quran acknowledges the presence of barriers between seas that prevent them from merging, a concept affirmed by modern oceanography.
Prophecies:
The Quran contains several prophecies that have been fulfilled. For example, the Quran predicted the victory of the Romans over the Persians within a few years, which came to pass.
It also foretold events related to the life of Prophet Muhammad, such as the migration from Mecca to Medina and the conquest of Mecca.
Prophets mentioned in the Quran
Adam (Adam): Mentioned 25 times.
Noah (Nuh): Mentioned 43 times.
Abraham (Ibrahim): Mentioned 69 times.
Lot (Lut): Mentioned 27 times.
Ishmael (Ismail): Mentioned 12 times.
Isaac (Ishaq): Mentioned 17 times.
Jacob (Ya’qub): Mentioned 16 times.
Joseph (Yusuf): Mentioned 27 times.
Moses (Musa): Mentioned 136 times.
Aaron (Harun): Mentioned 20 times.
David (Dawud): Mentioned 16 times.
Solomon (Sulaiman): Mentioned 17 times.
Job (Ayyub): Mentioned 4 times.
Jonah (Yunus): Mentioned 4 times.
Ezekiel (Dhul-Kifl): Mentioned once.
Elisha (Al-Yasa’): Mentioned twice.
Zachariah (Zakariya): Mentioned 7 times.
John the Baptist (Yahya): Mentioned 5 times.
Jesus (Isa): Mentioned 25 times.
Muhammad: Mentioned 4 times.
The story of Adam and Eve in Islam
Creation of Adam: Islam teaches that Allah (God) created Adam as the first human being and that he was created from clay.
No Original Sin: Islam rejects the concept of original sin and believes that each person is responsible for their own actions and will be held accountable for them on the Day of Judgment.
Equality of Adam and Eve: Islam emphasizes the equality of Adam and Eve, stating that both were equally responsible for their actions in the Garden of Eden.
Temporary Stay in Paradise: According to Islamic belief, Adam and Eve were created in Paradise but were later tested and eventually descended to Earth.
Role of Satan: Islam teaches that Satan tempted both Adam and Eve to eat from the forbidden tree, and they both shared in the responsibility for their actions.
Repentance and Forgiveness: Islam emphasizes the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness from Allah, and Adam and Eve are considered to have repented and been forgiven by God.
Story of Prophet Ebrahim and his first born son, Ismail
Building the Kaaba: Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail were commanded by Allah to construct the Kaaba, the sacred House of worship in Mecca. They laid its foundations and raised its walls under divine guidance.
Sacrifice of Ismail: Allah tested Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion by commanding him in a dream to sacrifice his son, Ismail. Prophet Ibrahim, recognizing it as a command from Allah, informed Ismail, who willingly submitted to Allah’s will.
Satan’s Temptation: As Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail were heading to fulfill the command of sacrifice, Satan tried to deter them. However, they both resisted Satan’s temptations and continued their journey with unwavering faith.
The Divine Intervention: As Prophet Ibrahim prepared to sacrifice Ismail, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram at the last moment. This act demonstrated their complete obedience and submission to Allah’s command.
The Establishment of Pilgrimage (Hajj): The events of Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail in Mecca are closely associated with the rituals of Hajj. Muslims commemorate their acts of devotion and obedience during the Hajj pilgrimage, including the symbolic reenactment of the sacrifice.
Spiritual Legacy: The story of Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail highlights the importance of unwavering faith, submission to Allah’s commands, and the willingness to sacrifice for the sake of Allah. It serves as a reminder of the profound devotion and trust in Allah that believers should strive to emulate.
The story of Mary & Jesus in the Quran
The story begins with the prayer of Mary’s mother, who was barren and had longed for a child. She prays to God, saying, “My Lord, I have vowed to You what is in my womb, consecrated for Your service, so accept this from me. You are the Hearer, the Knower” (Quran 3:35).
God accepts her prayer and blesses her with a child, who she names Mary. When Mary is born, her mother says, “My Lord, I have given birth to a girl” (Quran 3:36).
Mary grows up to become a pious and devoted servant of God. One day, while she is alone in her prayer chamber, the angel Gabriel appears to her and delivers the news that she has been chosen by God to give birth to a son, Jesus. Mary is initially surprised and asks, “How can I have a son when no man has touched me, and I am not unchaste?” (Quran 19:20).
The angel reassures Mary that God has the power to do anything, and that the birth of Jesus will be a miraculous sign from God. Mary accepts this news with submission to God’s will, saying, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word” (Quran 19:21).
Mary goes into seclusion for the duration of her pregnancy, and when the time comes for her to give birth, she goes into labor under a palm tree. She cries out in pain and despair, wishing she had died before this moment. But God sends a voice from beneath the palm tree, saying, “Do not grieve. Your Lord has provided a stream beneath you. Shake the trunk of the palm tree towards you, and fresh, ripe dates will fall upon you. So eat and drink and be comforted” (Quran 19:24-26).
Mary then gives birth to Jesus, and returns to her people with him. When they see her with the baby, they are shocked and accuse her of immorality. But Mary points to the baby and he speaks, saying, “I am indeed a servant of God. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet. And He has made me blessed wherever I may be, and has enjoined upon me prayer and charity as long as I live” (Quran 19:30-31).
The story of Mary, her mother, and Jesus serves as a testament to the power and mercy of God, and highlights the importance of faith and submission to God’s will.
False claims about Prophet Muhammed PBUH
Claim: Prophet Muhammad was a violent person.
Rebuttal: Prophet Muhammad promoted peace, justice, and compassion throughout his life. While there were defensive battles during his time, they were in response to aggression and persecution faced by the Muslim community. The Prophet’s teachings emphasize mercy, forgiveness, and the resolution of conflicts through peaceful means.
Claim: Prophet Muhammad spread Islam by force.
Rebuttal: The spread of Islam was not forced but rather resulted from the acceptance of its message by individuals who recognized its truth and beauty. Muslims are commanded in the Quran (2:256) that there is no compulsion in religion, and freedom of religion is a fundamental principle in Islam.
Claim: Prophet Muhammad was a womanizer.
Rebuttal: Prophet Muhammad had multiple wives, but these marriages were primarily for social, political, and humanitarian reasons rather than personal desire. His marriages were conducted with the intention of fostering alliances, supporting widows, and caring for vulnerable women, rather than engaging in promiscuous behavior.
Claim: Prophet Muhammad wrote the Quran himself.
Rebuttal: Muslims believe that the Quran is the word of Allah, revealed to Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. The Quran was memorized and written down by numerous companions of the Prophet during his lifetime. The widespread preservation of the Quran and its literary excellence affirm its divine origin.
Claim: Prophet Muhammad was intolerant of other religions.
Rebuttal: Prophet Muhammad demonstrated religious tolerance and respect for people of different faiths. He entered into agreements and treaties with non-Muslim communities, granting them protection and allowing them to practice their own religions. He emphasized the importance of mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.
Claim: Prophet Muhammad was a power-hungry leader.
Rebuttal: Prophet Muhammad led by example and devoted his life to serving Allah and guiding humanity. He rejected offers of wealth, power, and authority in favor of humility and the pursuit of righteousness. His leadership was characterized by justice, consultation, and concern for the welfare of others.
The qualities of Prophet Muhammed
Honesty: Prophet Muhammad was known for his honesty and integrity in all aspects of his life. For example, even before receiving revelation, he was known as “Al-Amin” (the trustworthy) and was entrusted with important responsibilities by his fellow Meccans.
Humility: Despite his status as a prophet and leader of the Muslim community, Prophet Muhammad remained humble and approachable. For example, he would often help with household chores and would greet people in the streets with kindness and respect.
Compassion: Prophet Muhammad was known for his compassion and concern for the well-being of others, especially the poor and marginalized. For example, he would often visit the sick and would give generously to those in need.
Patience: Prophet Muhammad exhibited great patience in the face of adversity and persecution. For example, during his early years in Mecca, he endured verbal and physical abuse from his opponents without retaliating.
Justice: Prophet Muhammad was a champion of justice and fairness, and worked tirelessly to establish a just social order based on Islamic principles. For example, he condemned oppression and corruption, and taught that all people are equal before God.
Forgiveness: Prophet Muhammad forgave those who wronged him, and encouraged his followers to do the same. For example, after conquering Mecca, he forgave his former enemies and pardoned them.
Wisdom: Prophet Muhammad was known for his wisdom and sound judgment, and his teachings continue to provide guidance for Muslims to this day. For example, he emphasized the importance of seeking knowledge and advised his followers to make decisions based on reason and consultation.
