THE PATH OF THE PROPHETS: TIMELESS GUIDANCE

( Note: The following is an edited version of our Salaat al Jumu'ah Khutbah delivered 1/4/19 at Masjid Ibrahim, Las Vegas, Nevada. The opening Hamd, as well as the expressions of peace for the Messengers of God, have been omitted here.)

The Path as described by the Qur'an

لَہٗ مَقَالِیۡدُ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَ الۡاَرۡضِ ۚ یَبۡسُطُ الرِّزۡقَ لِمَنۡ یَّشَآءُ وَ یَقۡدِرُ ؕ اِنَّہٗ بِکُلِّ شَیۡءٍ عَلِیۡمٌ
 شَرَعَ لَکُمۡ مِّنَ الدِّیۡنِ مَا وَصّٰی بِہٖ نُوۡحًا وَّ الَّذِیۡۤ اَوۡحَیۡنَاۤ اِلَیۡکَ وَ مَا وَصَّیۡنَا بِہٖۤ اِبۡرٰہِیۡمَ وَ مُوۡسٰی وَ عِیۡسٰۤی اَنۡ اَقِیۡمُوا الدِّیۡنَ وَ لَا تَتَفَرَّقُوۡا فِیۡہِ ؕ


In the Tafseer field, there is a principal known as Tasfeer ul Qur'an bil Qur'an, meaning that the Qur'an is best explained or understood by referencing other places within the Qur'an. Often, this practically means studying the context in which a particular verse or assertion is placed, rather than developing a stand-alone understanding based on a single text. Here, we have a beautiful example of this principal.

" To Him ( i.e. Allah) belongs the keys of the heavens and the Earth. He widens provision to whom He wills, and limits ( as well). Indeed, He is the One knowing all things." ( Q 42:12)

In other words, God is the "owner" of the universe, and as the one who possesses the keys, to open and close doors, Allah does that for whom He wills, in accordance to His plan and wisdom, according to his own schedule. Other texts to recall in these regards include Ayatul Kursiyy (ft.1) and Ayah An-Noor(ft.2).

Next, we are told " He ( Allah) has made you ( O followers of Muhammad) traverse on the same path, in terms of deen (Shara'a lakum min ad deen) which We (Allah) enjoined on Noah, which has been sent to you (O Muhammad), and what has been enjoined on Abraham, Moses and Jesus-establish deen, and do not place division therein.." ( Q 42:13).

These verses are to be read together, as they clearly indicate that Allah opened the doors of spiritual provision to the followers of Prophet Muhammad, the same doors He (soobhaanahu wa ta'alaa) opened for four other prophets.

These four prophets are all associated with safety on some level. Noah and his ark, Abraham's teachings, which-when followed, "save" a person from idolatry, Moses, who led his followers away from the tyranny of Pharaoh, and Jesus, who was leading people away from the traps of anger and self-deception.

To be on that path, the path of maximum benefit and safety, is truly a blessing This is why we should be consistent in  proclaiming praise to Allah for the blessing of Islam (Alhamdulillaahi 'ala Ni'matil Islaam).


The operative word is "path". On this path, there are people ahead of us and people behind us. In this ayah, Allah says to "establish deen, and don't create division therein" (Aqeemud-deen, wa Laa Tatafarraqoo feeh.). 

"Establish" means to build, and building takes patience, intelligence and planning.  It takes team work as well, to establish firmly deen, be it in personal or communal application.

In whatever stage of the journey we are on, we should help each other and remember that it takes patience, commitment, and planning. So have the Niyyah to build up your deen, not only in practice but in particular in thinking right.

Addressing sectarian divisions

The verse (42:13) also asserts that there should be no breaking apart or divisions with regards to deen. This assertion can be taken in a number of ways. We can take it as a command (amr) for unity, meaning not to break up into sectarian denominations, or it can be taken as instructing us to recognize that the prophets and messengers all taught the same deen, and thus, we should not view them as teaching different things, also implying that we should make no distinctions between God's messengers ( Q 2:285).

A reply to the above can be made, pointing out that there are divisions among the Muslim community. This is true, among the Ahlus Sunnah we have different Madhaahib (ft.3), and of course the main sectarian difference being with the Shiites. However, in general these divisions are on secondary points (furoo') and not on fundamental principles(usool) . Thus, all Muslims, of all theological colors, have the same Qur'an, the same pillars of faith, same prayers, and same ethical and behavioral principles.

This is a reflection of Allah's blessing for the deen, a deen which has been completed and protected ( Q 5:3). Thus, in the big scheme of things, the sectarian divisions among Muslims should not be exaggerated.

Footnotes

(1) The "Throne verse" ( Q 2:255), for which see here

(2) ''The verse of God's light" ( Q 24:35) , which describes the reach of Allah's guidance. See here

(3) The schools of jurisprudence only differ in terms of applications of legal methodology, and not really on theological points. There are theological differences between the Sunnis and the Shiites, some of them important, however in terms of fundamentals, both groups share that in common.

Trump presidency: thoughts on the immediate and distant future

We begin this composition with a confession, and that is-simply put- that we never imagined that the Trump campaign was little more than a bad joke that had no chance of success due to the numerous accusations, outright racism and clear personality problems that are displayed in his recorded statements and behavior.

The success of the Trump campaign has essentially blindsided all of us, it has negated all the predictions of the pundits and it feels like we are now living in a parallel universe that Science Fiction programs such as Star Trek and Fringe have displayed, a world that is very similar to the world we know and are accustomed to, yet filled with glaring examples of differences, enough to make one panic and desire a quick escape.


Why is Donald Trump so troubling?



His entire platform has been one insult after another. However, our focus is not simply on this. His campaign has been one which tells the voters what they want to hear, however upon close examination there is actually no substance at all behind his rhetoric.


Whether it is call for  building a wall between Mexico and the Southern United States [which he asserts that he will make Mexico pay for], threatening Muslims, insulting African Americans, or an unclear plan to strengthen the US economy, any of these things, which are well documented, should be sufficient enough to find his election to this nation's highest office to be a frightening turn of events.

The following link has a good summary of why this is a terrible development. http://reverbpress.com/politics/seven-reasons-donald-trump-make-terrible-president/

If he's so bad, then why was he elected to the highest office?

The answer to this is even more troubling. Despite Trump's many issues in terms of not having any substantive plans and his crass statements regarding women, the handicapped, immigrants, minorities and the like, he has been successful. Those things did not work against him, rather, they worked for him.

I recall an interview I heard on NPR, the one being interviewed was a Gay Latino from New York. He thought of Donald Trump as a personal success story, narrating about the latter's homes, wealth and all the trappings of success he already displayed.

A succinct article in The Guardian [ Anti-Intellectualism taking over the US] explains this very well. This is increasingly becoming a culture that places no value on education [except of course in the practical fields such as Engineering].

Education is more than a piece of paper or the ability to count numbers and decipher symbols . Education is meant to instill respect for certain values and to nurture- at the least- a foundation for understanding the world around the student.

Yet, despite the presence of universities and the Internet, ignorance of even basic facts still is the prevalent situation. An economics professor doing work while taking a flight was pulled off a plane and interrogated by authorities. Apparently, he was mistaken for an Arab and his work notebook's contents "strange writings" was simply math equations. [ https://www.rawstory.com/2016/05/penn-professor-booted-from-plane-after-passenger-identified-him-as-a-terrorist-for-doing-math/#.Vy6cfuYVTDw.facebook].

This utter ignorance and dismay for personal and communal growth breeds irrational fear and unsubstantiated beliefs, particularly for the "other". African Americans have long been the victims of this thread of thinking, and are thus generally more understanding of this side of America!


The other unspoken reason that Mr. Trump has now become our president is that the demographics  are rapidly changing from the White Anglo Saxon Protestant equation. There is a great deal of growth of Non-White communities, and this of course translates into political and economic changes, not to even mention the social impact.

Indeed, the demographer William H.Frey in his book Diversity Explosion predicts that after 2040, whites will no longer be the majority population in this country. This is a future that is not pleasant to think about for many Americans.

We have ignored Mrs. Hillary Rodham-Clinton up to this point. Many analysts have explained her failure to win the Oval office due to the E-mail scandal or a frustration with the system in general. It is the view of this writer that those issues are only a minor part of it. In other words, it would not have even mattered if Jesus Christ himself was the candidate of the Democratic party, the chance to stem the social changes and to express deeply-held sentiments was simply too much to pass up.

What should Muslim do?

Since the issue of Muslims' religion and presence in this country was a campaign issue for President-elect Trump, it seems prudent to direct this to Muslims, however, this is equally valid for all Americans who feel that we have now entered seriously dangerous political territory and fear for the future of this nation!

Our response to this should include, but not be limited to:

[1] Coalition building: This means more than an occasional dinner. Muslims-particularly the leadership, have to become better involved in their local communities and become stewards of universal justice, which is itself a Quranic command [Q 4: 135]. This means that -for example- when a person is unjustly killed by law enforcement, Muslims have to be there standing for what is right. This means greater civil involvement.

[2] Become deeply involved in other parties: Currently this nation is dominated by a two party system. While other parties do exist, they have little to no influence at all. We have to join the voices of those seeking real change, and not simply hope our few dollars to entrenched politicians will produce results on our limited interests. Our interests must be bigger than Palestine, Hijaab and holidays.

As a whole, disaffected Americans can take a lesson from other nations such as India [the most populous Democratic nation as it likes to call itself]. It has about eight big active parties such as AITC and INC, but arguable hundreds of smaller ones.

We don't have to limit ourselves to this two party system. We have to think bigger and in longer terms.

[3] For Muslims, to do more to  have  our voices heard. Write to the local newspaper when stories are published. Become educated enough to answer questions on Islam. Share the Qur'an or Islamic materials with people, refer them to the mosque or to accurate websites.

[4] Americans, both Muslim and Non Muslim alike, should be encouraged to travel, in order to broaden their horizons and perspectives. This is also a Quranic teaching [ Q 29:20 is just one example]. Keep a valid passport at all times.

I hope this brief article generates much discussion and deep thinking. After all, this is the time to be rational and calm. Actions born out of frustrations and anger almost never produce a positive outcome.

Developing an approach for leaders within Western Muslim communities: focusing on knowledge

In the Muslim world, the job of the Imam or Shaykh is usually well defined and of a limited scope. He leads daily prayers in a mosque, teaches Qur'an and Hadeeth, and delivers lectures from time to time. For scholars of greater knowledge and fame, their roles are more than likely be confined to traditional academia, teaching everything from Sarf to Usool ul Fiqh.

In the Western context however, it's a very different experience. The Imam may do all of the above, or parts of the above, but is also the marriage counselor, visiting the shut-ins and the dying, the translator and even the janitor. He is a politician, a media consultant, and more.


Moreover, while an Imam from anywhere in the Muslim world is used to a homogeneous audience, sharing the same culture, worldview, experiences and the like, the Imam in a Western nation faces an extremely different situation. Muslims in the West are from a variety of ethnic, sectarian, madh-habi, cultural and educational backgrounds,  Add to this those accepting Islam from a completely Western pedigree!

Therefore, we would like to share some points of advice, relevant to Imams but also the governing bodies of Islamic Centers. The advice centers mainly around education. By "education", we mean more than a degree. We mean keeping that knowledge fresh, continued reading on these subjects and introspection.


Items needed for a Western Imam

[1] Deep knowledge of all the Fiqhi and 'Aqeedah trends within the Muslim Ummah

In the USA you will find Muslims from all areas of the world but also all over the map in terms of their Fiqh, their theological stances, and the like. There should be unity as much as possible among Muslims, and their particular Madhhabi practice[s] should not deter from that. "And hold fast to the rope of Allah, and do not be divided..", says the Qur'an [ Q 3:103].

The Imam can have his choice of Fiqh, to follow what he feels is correct, and he can even explain that choice to the community, but he must always be prepared to see others with slightly different practices and to avoid isolating anyone because of their particular practice.

We would kindly suggest to all Imams, regardless of what particular trend they follow, to be open to study of all the Madhhabs, 'Aqeedah differences, within the Muslim community.

[2] Other faith traditions

Obviously Judeo-Christian norms are the religious base for most Western cultures. Moreover, since Islam is widely seen as the third in that series of monotheistic religions, it's imperative that the Imam know about Judaism, Christianity and their scriptures, history, impact in local affairs, and the like. If the Imam is not strong in this area, he should never answer queries centered around it. "Answering" questions when in fact one is ignorant of the subject will only make the one answering look foolish, and it makes the Mosque/ Islam itself look bad.

A personal anecdotal story, I brought a Catholic to a mosque for a lecture, the lecturer decided to speak on the Islamic view of the crucifixion. The speaker went on a rant for one hour, making factually incorrect statements, insulting Christianity and Christians in the most ignorant fashion. Obviously it did not make a good impression.

We all have our strengths and weaknesses, but we should not pretend to know if we truly don't.

Conclusion

We live in a world where it is so much easier to obtain knowledge, or at least glimpses on this or that subject. Admittedly Google searches and the like has its strengths and weaknesses, even the study of books can have its limitations, but we should be open, especially if we are going to be speaking to people on faith issues on a regular basis. In addition to religious, cultural and historical knowledge, it's a good idea to become acquainted with counseling techniques, social sciences, take a speech class, seek to understand the local surroundings, the music, and so forth.

This not only makes the speaker a better speaker, it enriches the speaker. The Imam grows spiritually, he grows in Wisdom, as a result of these efforts.

Wa Billaahit Tawfeeq.

How to learn: forming a learning methodology on important subjects

In a world where technology is ever-evolving and becoming more accessible to the masses, we find that opinions, teachings, beliefs and perspectives on countless subjects are reaching more and more audiences. This can be both a blessing and a curse, in the sense that while information is available at almost no financial cost, the variety of contents can bring forth confusion and lead to greater problems. In this regards, I am reminded of the Prophetic prayer, which the Messenger of Allah used to say at least twice daily, a portion of which reads "O Allah, I seek from you useful knowledge." [Allahumma innee as-alooka 'Ilmaan Naafi'aan].  

Another issue which exists, both inside and outside of academia, is the method of learning. How we attain our knowledge, from what avenues, and of course what we do with it. Self-learning can be an enriching exercise, but in some respects it can also be damaging, largely depending on what the subject is. So, while learning how to cook by personal experiment, reading recipes online and the like usually results in the learner developing his own tastes and preferences, with language it can be very damaging. One rather comical example is a British blogger, a Non Muslim, who constantly posts on Islam. His YOUTUBE account has thousands of followers, each video having hundreds of comments, in which he will speak on obscure and complicated subjects such as "Is the Qur'an created?" and urge any Muslim listeners to revive the Mu'tazilite positions [Ft.#1], he will argue that the Qur'an "actually" says such and such. He does these videos from his bedroom, in which you will see on his bookshelf books such as Muhammad Asad's translation [The Message of the Qur'an] and A manual of Hadith, a collection of Prophetic narrations compiled and explained by the prolific writer Maulana Muhammad Ali, he will even curse at Muslims for not understanding their faith, yet he himself cannot even pronounce the word Hadeeth [ft.2]! Reading a couple of books does not make the reader an expert on the subject, ready to teach.


Forming a learning style [Example: Language]

I think this depends largely on the subject one is attempting to know, and on what you want to gain out of it. If we are speaking about language, I am of the view that language cannot be self-taught, even with the best books and the aid of computer programs. Language[s] are to be learned from others, both inside and outside the classroom. Language is a subject one learns by immersion in the places where it is spoken, by asking and learning from one's mistakes. Television and cultural expressions such as music and poetry, classical literature, are all very useful in this regards too, but the main thing is to learn from other human beings who themselves are qualified to convey the information. Both inside and outside the lecture hall, recording the words and the explanations are helpful, as well as having notebooks ready to write down information. Retaining that information by reading, writing, speaking, in that language will keep the knowledge relevant.


What about religious texts?

Obviously, for Muslims the most important religious text is the Qur'an. It is seen as God's own words, sent down slowly to the Prophet Muhammad, Sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam. The fact that it came slowly to him, over a period of twenty-three years, should be an evidence that we should likewise, take it slowly. The Qur'an's best explanation is the text itself, often the answer to a query is found in another spot in the text. It should also be read in a regular way, recited inside and outside of prayer. It's reading, for the serious reader, should be done as an act of worship but can also be done as a means for research, which would require taking notes, having access to an index, and, at minimum, knowing how to read Arabic. The last clause is important for these main reasons [1] To recite the Qur'an in prayer, in the way it was revealed. [2] Translations don't do justice to the depth, power and rhythm of the original Arabic text [3] Knowing at least how to read will open the doorway to using other tools that would be useful in attaining Quranic knowledge such as Arabic dictionaries, lexicons, and books of  classical Quranic commentary [Tafseer], which are written obviously in Arabic. I recommend having notebooks that are dedicated only to the Qur'an, to write down observations and quotes, and to also have, if necessary, written down therein any useful observations you find on the text from outside sources [Hadeeth literature, history, language, etc.].

This method could also be useful with non Islamic texts such as the Bible as well as the Hadeeth literature within the Islamic tradition. All of this takes patience, faith, an open mind, and discarding a fast food approach. It's a good idea to take classes regularly on texts of the Qur'an and hadeeth, even if the teacher is not from your sect, so long as you find him qualified at the least. Attending study circles [Halaqaat] with others, praying and fasting are useful too. I have found that reading Qur'an while fasting increases my perception of what the text is saying [ft.#3]. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Asking is even an act of worship.[Ft.#4]

Practical advice

If we are talking about language or faith, or just about any academic subject, some helpful tips include.

[1] Using any opportunity to learn on the subject. Listening to lectures, Qur'an recitation, etc..while driving for example. [2] Finding a quiet place to study without distraction. Libraries, parks, even the mosque outside of prayer time. [3] When studying, do not allow distractions, even if that means turning off the Cell phone or computer or television. [4] For the Qur'an, remember to seek Allah's protection from Satanic influences before reading[Ft.5] and to have Wudoo. [ft.6]

I hope these words have been useful, and welcome any discussion.

Footnotes

[1] The Mu'tazilites were a trend that emerged in Iraq during the 6th century. Largely seen as rationalists, they took much from the methods of Greek and Roman Philosophers in their approach to religion. It is they who first opened as an issue about the Qur'an being "created". They also rejected some Hadeeths which they felt could not be explained in a rational basis, such as the narrations on 'punishment in the grave' [ Adhaab Al Qabr] or the second coming of Jesus.   Gaining government support, under the Caliph Al Ma'mun [d. 833] they held official position and even started an inquisition against Sunni Muslim scholarship. However, they eventually died out, although it is true that even within Sunni traditional scholarship there was levels of acceptance of the works of some leading Mu'tazilite scholars, such as the famed Mufassir Abul qasim Zamakshiri. For more, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mu%27tazila#History.

[2] This is why this writer transliterates as "Hadeeth" rather than "Hadith". The latter, for some readers, influences an incorrect pronunciation, while the former cannot be mistaken by anyone.

[3] The Qur'an itself hints at the connection between its study and fasting. See Q  2: 183-186.

[4] The Qur'an says "So ask the people of knowledge if you don't know" [ Q 16:42 and 21:7].

[5] The Qur'an itself says to say this prayer before reading it [16:98], in order for us to not have a reading based on our prejudices, but rather on what Allah wants us to gain.

[6] It is true that there is neither a Quranic verse or narration in the hadeeth literature which says that one should have Wudoo' before reading the Qur'an, nonetheless it is something agreed upon [Jamhoor] by the four schools of Sunni Islamic jurisprudence, a ruling which makes sense to this writer because it is an act of respect for the text.

Advise for Muslim Prisoners

Introduction

Working for the better part of three years inside various correctional institutions as "the Muslim Chaplain", one thing we can say is that the Muslim community therein can be just as diverse and complex as any Masjid in the United States! Moreover, in doing this job, working with the brothers, as well as through consulting with others in the country who are likewise working in this field, it seems necessary to address certain issues in a way that will prove to be a benefit for our brothers. We have kept in mind the Prophetic maxim "Religion is sincere advise" [ Saheeh Muslim].

I'm a Muslim, so now what??

The faith is spreading rapidly in the prison system. The two main reasons are [a] the availability of Islamic literature, allowing readers to make educated decisions. [b] positive interactions with Muslim inmates, i.e. being impressed with the prayer regimentation, etc..

You, my dear brother in Islam, will notice that there is a great deal of diversity in the Muslim population inside, finding everything from the orthodox sects to groups such as the Moorish Science followers [who even have a 'different Qur'an'][ft.1], all of whom are claiming to be on the straight path. Confusion and perhaps a bit of disappointment is natural in these circumstances. Our advise is as follows:

[1] Be firm in the theological conviction that God is alone in worship, and that Muhammad was indeed his messenger!

[2] Make sure to structure your life, while serving your time, in accord with the spiritual necessities prescribed within the religion, such as daily prayers [Salaah], the fasting in Ramadan [Siyaam], and avoiding all together pork products.

[3] Evaluate all religious and theological claims with the Qur'an. To do that, you must be a consistent reader of the sacred text! This is especially important, as you will encounter many opinions written in books, tracts and by word of mouth. This function of the Qur'an, as a filter for religious truth and keeping out unsubstantiated assertions, is given within the Qur'an itself [see Q 25:1]

[4] Keep away from individuals and groups who clearly are out to create trouble by engaging in endless arguments, madh-hab disputations, and the like. Indeed, the Qur'an itself warns "Fitnah[ft.2] is worse than killing [ft.3]" [Q 2:191]


Released: know that Islam on the outside is different than that which was learned on the inside

There is an abundance of literature floating around the prison system, with attractive Arabic titles and seemingly giving all the right references to the Qur'an and Sunnah, yet many of these books are written for another time, place and context. Reading these books for years, upon release some of the brothers feel disappointed at the local Muslims ["On the streets"], seeking to argue down the Imams as those who are committing Bid'aah, "watering down" the faith, etc..[ft.4].

What happens next is sad, either the brothers stay away from Mosques, embracing an Un-Islamic life, or end up abandoning Islam all together! Of course, this is also in a worldly context, which we shall briefly touch upon.

Some more advise

[A] Before release, work hard to improve your condition. Get a GED, any training available that increases one's skills and abilities to get a job. Improve one's academic situation as well. Remember Malcolm X [Al Hajj Malik Al Shabazz], who copied the whole dictionary to improve his vocabulary, grammar and knowledge. Extend this advise to religion as well. Regularly read the Qur'an, and in particular a good biography of God's model for us, Muhammad [Peace be upon him]. We highly recommend The Life of Muhammad by Muhammad Husayn Haykal. The Sunnah is best exemplified in looking at the Prophet's life in context, rather than isolated quotes here and there!

[B] Upon release, stick to your local Masjid and all activities therein.

[C] Set worldly goals, such as job, housing, marriage.

[D] Do not associate with any people who engage in the activities leading to your imprisonment in the first place. In any way, shape or form, stay away from such. This means the alcohol, the drugs, the gangs, and we will go so far as to even add things such as cigarettes, the music and the style of dressing. Have the desire to be pure.

Wa Billaahit Tawfeeq

Footnotes

[1] The Moorish Science Temple of America have what they call The Holy Koran of the Moorish Science Temple. It's not the Qur'an, rather it is, mostly, material from the work The Acquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ by Levi Dowling.

[2] Fitnah has different meanings and usages, both in Arabic and within the Qur'an. This writer has done extensive research into the term, published in essay form in The Language of Revelation: Classical Arabic language instruction and exercises with Qur'aan commentary [pp.221-226], available from Arifin Imports, PO Box 70617, Toledo, Oh 43607, www.arifinimports.com. Here, in this verse, the meaning is that of anarchy. Ibn Katheer [Tafseer Al Qur'aan al 'Adheem, volume 2 pg 105 Aleppo edition] suggests that Al Fitnah here means idolatry. Allah knows best!!

[3] Indeed, this is a wise Qur'anic assertion, for we all will die, but the greater death is that of a society in which chaos and hatred abound.

[4] This writer recalls an incident in which, while delivering a lecture at the Mosque, a visitor comes, challenges whether we are really in fact Muslims and our Mosque is really an authentic Mosque because women were present. This stems from the questioner's reading of materials printed in an area of the world where, by local custom, women are not allowed to attend the Mosques. The questioner admitted that it was, in fact, his first time in a Mosque, since he had "just been released". The irony in this is that women fully participated in both communal prayers and public life, centered at the Mosque, in the time of the Prophet Muhammad in Madinah, and that neither the Qur'an or hadeeth literature outlaw women's participation therein!

Qur'an: a Scripture that is to be Examined in aFull Manner

“So [know that] Allah is the exalted, King, the Ultimate reality. And be not in haste with the Qur’an while it is coming to you. And say “O My Lord, increase my knowledge.” [Qur’an 20:114]

The Qur’an [the word itself being a verbal noun, denoting something that is put together piece by piece, and part by part] is a Divine revelation, given to the Prophet Muhammad over a twenty-three year period. It is arguably the most widely read, memorized, and studied religious text in the world. Often, we assert that the Qur’an is ever relevant, examining its contents in light of current realities, one could make a mistake in saying it came in our own period, rather than fourteen centuries ago!

The verse above, which also adorns one of the walls outside at Toledo Masjid Al-Islam, is a striking example of that situation. God is the one who is above and beyond any of our limiting conceptualizations. He is that ‘ultimate reality’ [or Al-Haqq, as the original Arabic wording states] which has ‘always’ existed, that has no beginning nor ending. This Divine source of truth and light sends down to mankind guidance in the form of scripture, prophets and messengers. The verse is telling us, via the lips and mouth of God’s messenger and Last Prophet [Muhammad, peace and blessings be on him] that the process of revelation should not be sought after in a hurried fashion. It is also telling us that random quotes and sentences, citing them in order to win arguments or to make points, is inappropriate when dealing with most things, but especially so with the words of God! Thus, we read “And be not in haste…and say: “O My Lord, increase my knowledge.”

The latter supplication is a prayer that has become a part of the Muslim liturgy and tradition. It decorates the entrances to universities, classrooms and even Mosques. Surely, it is understandable that this has occurred. Yet, as we can see, its focus is not limited to secular knowledge. Indeed, we could easily apply the message of the entire verse to our interactions with others, other religions, politicians and their statements, our friends and foes alike. Anyone can take a random quote or statement and apply some meaning not intended by the speaker, and this has happened in many quarters with the Qur’an itself! Yet, God wants us to see the entire picture, to make decisions and judgments based on complete information, rather than one piece of something. This style of presentation is found throughout the Qur’an. Another verse that is relevant is “O believers! When a ‘Faasiq’ {an immoral person who breaks the rules of normal behavior] comes to you with information, investigate it before acting upon it, lest you harm a people unknowingly and afterwards have regrets. [Q 49:6]

Let us take this Qur’an in a full way, even for those not believing in it. At least know the whole story.

[ Shamsuddin Waheed is Imam at Toledo Masjid Al-Islam, 722 East Bancroft street, Toledo Ohio 43604.]