Salam my Friend...

The answer you are trying to seek is difficult to explain. Recently, there was a Fatwa (religious ruling) issued by North American Muslims Leaders that they oppose violence. In other parts of the world, like Spain, such things did occur.

Now, the core of your answer. Why are these things not widespread? Why doesn't a Mullah in the Middle East issue such a ruling? The answer is complex in itself and does not involve Islam itself.

You see, you need to first see who committed these atrocities. I am going to be blunt, so I am going to use September 11th as an example. The leaders of Al-Queda, OBL and Zawahiri (sp?) are not recognized religious leaders. By issuing "blank" fatwas, they can incite anger in the masses. Secondly, there are also political and social issues at hand. Many of these countries, where many bombers and hijackers have come from, do not have a clean record with the west. Each side, the West and the Middle East has their own share of violence. The social aspect is that many young individuals in the Middle East do not have jobs. I would say lack of oppertunites and education. When I mean education, I mean real religious education that can be used. Europe has a problem right now where fundementalists are running into various universities and recruting students who have a lack of knowledge of Islam. This can also be said of the Sept. 11th Hijackers. In many ways, there are many factors in play and in essense, I can assure you, Islam is not the root cause of it. People who are using the name of Islam in their actions are doing this.

Again, there is a lot of literature out there, and since you posted here, you must have come across the good and bad. Careful in what you read, because there are a lot of Islamic History "Spin Masters" out there.

Again, I touched the tip of the iceberg, there is a lot in play. There are many books out there on suicide bombings (I can't remember a good one that I recently read), that will explain what is going on.

MrsK wrote: As we all know there are evil people in the world and these evil people claim to be many different things (ie, so-called Christians who bomb abortion clinics, murderers, rapists and theives who would claim to be Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, etc.).

Ok I will confine to this section only because it is confusing me. You already identified the "Evil people" in the bracket. Don't you want to include governments as evil as well? or does it have to be religious individuals / group?

The atrocities commited in the name of religion is wrong assumption. Yes the religious people are easily manipulated to do what they believe is rewarding act, but the commanders themselves are not sure if the hereafter is a sure thing.

People who do know spiritual world will refuse even to lift a finger, because to "win" in the battle is - always a matter of word.

God use word in doing everything. When He says "Be" than what he intended were come into being as intended.

Speech is the determining factor, and that is the only available mean to transform enemies into friends. That is the tool to end all battles.

O thou wrapped up in thy raiment! (73:1)
Keep vigil the night long, save a little - (73:2)
A half thereof, or abate a little thereof (73:3)
Or add (a little) thereto - and chant the Qur'an in measure, (73:4)
For we shall charge thee with a word of weight. (73:5)

MrsK, you answered your own question. The problem today is that Fatwas can be issued by any average joe Muslim. The problem is that they often contradict each other. 

Here is another problem, there is no world-wide people to lead the Muslims people. I would assume this is the case in Judaisim. You might have a central scholarly voice, but overall unity is lacking.

That leads to many points, such as why the Muslim world is what it is today. Why it is broken, why there are problems.

Sadly, western media focuses on the bad, and guess why? It's not that they hate Muslims, it's just that hating Muslims sells in the west. It gets you the ratings you need.

Assalam-alaikum! This is an interesting discussion and something most Muslims are battling with. Let us constructively debate why we are in the situation that we are in today.

MuslimChe wrote: Sadly, western media focuses on the bad, and guess why? It's not that they hate Muslims, it's just that hating Muslims sells in the west. It gets you the ratings you need.

Can we still continue to blame the west after experiencing the Tsunami, the earthquakes etc where the majority of those affected were Muslims? Man is unjust, but Allah always dispenses justice. If we are so good why are we experiencing Allah's wrath? What is wrong with us? Where are we failing?

MrsK wrote: Have there been responses condemning these acts and the use (or misuse) of Islam as the justification for them? I do not recall seeing media coverage of any such statements.  I suppose I am hoping that you can direct me to something that I either I have missed or that has simply not received media attention. Thank you for your time.

MrsK, There have been SO many condemnation of these acts in the Islamic world. Why they don't get media attention is another story. I am providing a link to the "Not in the Name of Islam" petition that CAIR, the Council on American Islamic Relations, started. Almost 700,000 Muslims from everywhere have signed, and all on this board are encouraged to do so.  

http://www.cair-net.org/default.asp?page=notislampetition - http://www.cair-net.org/default.asp?page=notislampetition

Maryga wrote: Can we still continue to blame the west after experiencing the Tsunami, the earthquakes etc where the majority of those affected were Muslims? Man is unjust, but Allah always dispenses justice. If we are so good why are we experiencing Allah's wrath? What is wrong with us? Where are we failing?

Walaikum Assalaam:

The Ummah is very weak at this time and we are definitely not united, but do you really believe Allah is singleing out Muslims around the world for punishment? There is nothing in the Quran to indicate this, however, there are many Hadith from the Prophet(PBUH) that state that these natural catastrophes will increase as we near the Day of Judgement.

The Prophet also stated: "The Hour will not come until Allah takes away the best people on the earth; only the worst will be left; they will  not know any good or forbid any evil." (Ahmad)

Anas reported that the Prophet said: "The Hour will not come until no-one on earth says 'La ilaha illa Allah'." (Ahmad)

The Prophet also stated that the living will envy the dead.

Perhaps the calamities that appear to be hounding the Muslims are actually a mercy from Allah in that these Believers will be spared what is coming?

Maryga wrote: Assalam-alaikum! This is an interesting discussion and something most Muslims are battling with. Let us constructively debate why we are in the situation that we are in today. MuslimChe wrote: Sadly, western media focuses on the bad, and guess why? It's not that they hate Muslims, it's just that hating Muslims sells in the west. It gets you the ratings you need. Can we still continue to blame the west after experiencing the Tsunami, the earthquakes etc where the majority of those affected were Muslims? Man is unjust, but Allah always dispenses justice. If we are so good why are we experiencing Allah's wrath? What is wrong with us? Where are we failing?

Media my friend, Media. The western media is very anti-Muslim. The news cared for the Tsunami and Earthquake for 2 days. Then it was onto other things. It happens. This vicious cycle contines. People need re-education about religion. It doesn't have to be done by guns and swords. The power of words is sufficient.

Assalamlaikum.  Mishmish wrote "The Ummah is very weak at this time and we are definitely not united, but do you really believe Allah is singleing out Muslims around the world for punishment? There is nothing in the Quran to indicate this, however, there are many Hadith from the Prophet(PBUH) that state that these natural catastrophes will increase as we near the Day of Judgement."

Your above statement surprises me a lot, especially when you say that there is nothing in the Qur'an that indicates this.

021.010
YUSUFALI: We have revealed for you (O men!) a book in which is a Message for you: will ye not then understand? 

021.011
YUSUFALI: How many were the populations We utterly destroyed because of their iniquities, setting up in their places other peoples? 
007.175
YUSUFALI: Relate to them the story of the man to whom We sent Our signs, but he passed them by: so Satan followed him up, and he went astray. 
007.176
YUSUFALI: If it had been Our will, We should have elevated him with Our signs; but he inclined to the earth, and followed his own vain desires. His similitude is that of a dog: if you attack him, he lolls out his tongue, or if you leave him alone, he (still) lolls out his tongue. That is the similitude of those who reject Our signs; So relate the story; perchance they may reflect. 

007.177
YUSUFALI: Evil as an example are people who reject Our signs and wrong their own souls. 

006.065
YUSUFALI: Say: "He hath power to send calamities on you, from above and below, or to cover you with confusion in party strife, giving you a taste of mutual vengeance - each from the other." See how We explain the signs by various (symbols); that they may understand. 

006.066
YUSUFALI: But thy people reject this, though it is the truth. Say: "Not mine is the responsibility for arranging your affairs; 

006.067
YUSUFALI: For every message is a limit of time, and soon shall ye know it." 

006.068
YUSUFALI: When thou seest men engaged in vain discourse about Our signs, turn away from them unless they turn to a different theme. If Satan ever makes thee forget, then after recollection, sit not thou in the company of those who do wrong.  

Assalamu Alaikum:

What I meant was that there is nothing in the Quran that indicates that Allah(SWT) would specifically rain destruction down upon the Muslim Ummah. None of the Ayats you mention describe any such direct retribution upon Muslims.

Mishmish wrote: Assalamu Alaikum: What I meant was that there is nothing in the Quran that indicates that Allah(SWT) would specifically rain destruction down upon the Muslim Ummah. None of the Ayats you mention describe any such direct retribution upon Muslims.

47.38. Behold, ye are those invited to spend (of your substance) in the Way of Allah. But among you are some that are niggardly. But any who are niggardly are so at the expense of their own souls. But Allah is free of all wants, and it is ye that are needy. If ye turn back (from the Path), He will substitute in your stead another people; then they would not be like you!

Maryga wrote: Can we still continue to blame the west after experiencing the Tsunami, the earthquakes etc where the majority of those affected were Muslims? Man is unjust, but Allah always dispenses justice. If we are so good why are we experiencing Allah's wrath? What is wrong with us? Where are we failing?

Shamil,

What does the Ayat you quoted have to do with the original point listed above?

Yes, there are numerous Ayats in the Quran that speak of the punishment of those that go astray, but none that specifically state that natural disasters will be called down only upon the heads of Muslims. Perhaps I am wrong in this, I certainly am no scholar, but if there is such an Ayat then please post it.

If, as these posts suggest, Allah(SWT) is dispensing justice upon the Muslim Ummah for our wrongs, then where is the justice in the death of the hundreds of children killed in the Pakistani earthquake. They were still young enough to be completely innocent.

Assalamu Alaikum:

I think perhaps I view things differently. My original post on this subject suggested that perhaps these disaster were a mercy to the Muslims, not retribution for their sins. I believe that only someone who loves the this life more than the Deen would view death as retribution.

Mishmish wrote: Maryga wrote: Can we still continue to blame the west after experiencing the Tsunami, the earthquakes etc where the majority of those affected were Muslims? Man is unjust, but Allah always dispenses justice. If we are so good why are we experiencing Allah's wrath? What is wrong with us? Where are we failing? Shamil, What does the Ayat you quoted have to do with the original point listed above? Yes, there are numerous Ayats in the Quran that speak of the punishment of those that go astray, but none that specifically state that natural disasters will be called down only upon the heads of Muslims. Perhaps I am wrong in this, I certainly am no scholar, but if there is such an Ayat then please post it. If, as these posts suggest, Allah(SWT) is dispensing justice upon the Muslim Ummah for our wrongs, then where is the justice in the death of the hundreds of children killed in the Pakistani earthquake. They were still young enough to be completely innocent.

No, it does not state anything specific about natural disasters. I simply quoted the ayat that most specifically states that if the Ummah goes astray Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala would replace it with another people. One could assume that this implies the Ummah would face destruction and be replaced by a more worthy people, but certainly this is not a necessary conclusion and is not attested to in Tafsir Ibn-Kathir. But it does clearly state that if the Ummah goes astray Allah subhanahu ta'ala will simply choose another, more worthy people.

As for the rest of the argument concerning natural disasters, I agree with the position that we cannot make any conclusions about them being retribution against the Ummah. In fact, the Tsunami affected a great number of non-Muslim peoples. I simply wanted to add this verse into the discussion as it does in fact warn that there will be consequences not simply to individuals but to the entire Ummah for failing to live up to the tenets of Islam.

Assalamu Alaikum Abeer23:

If I remember the stories of these Prophets correctly, none of the death and destruction brought forth upon the people was directed towards only the Muslims.

Yes, innocent children die everyday. but if it is in retribution for the sins of the Muslims, for what sin are the innocent killed? Didn't the Prophet say if a mother loses three children in death then she will see Jennah, and when asked what if she loses two he answered yes, if she loses two also. This is not a retribution from Allah, but a great mercy to be allowed Jennah because of the suffering of the loss.

If a child dies before the age of reason, puberty, aren't they considered innocent of sin? If this is the case, then the death of the children at the time of Nuh, Lut, etc was actually a mercy to the children as they were given Jennah before they were old enough to commit the same sins as their parents. Thus, this is not an act of retribution but rather an act of mercy.  

Assalamu Alaikum:

I personally believe that having to live with the knowledge that I had once had the favor of Allah(SWT) and losing that favor to another people because of my failure to obey His laws would be a far greater punishment than death at a time when I still had hope of Jennah.

There are things that are worse than death.

Assalamu Alaikum:

Just let me clarify my last post. I do not believe that I personally have Allah's favor. In fact, quite the opposite. I have been so bitter about worldly events that I feel quite lost. I guess that's why I started reading the posts here. I thought it might help.

Is it possible, just possible that the tsumani was caused by a shift in techtonic plates deep under the ocean floor which just happened to be near a part of the world where the inhabitants are primary Muslim and that the Hurricanes in America were caused by high pressure systems that tend to exist in the Gulf are this time of year and that I stubbed my toe this morning because I wasn't watching were I was going.

Just a thought.

Well, that is the scientific explanation for what happened, but Islamically speaking, no. Nothing happens without a reason and no one dies until it is their time to die. So, the people who lived where these catastrophes occurred and died were meant to die at that time.    Allah knows what's best.

Wa-alaikum-as- Salaam. Mishmish wrote :�What I meant was that there is nothing in the Quran that indicates that Allah(SWT) would specifically rain destruction down upon the Muslim Ummah. None of the Ayats you mention describe any such direct retribution upon Muslims�.

Can you please define to me who a �Muslim� is? Does a person simply by virtue of his birth in a Muslim household become a Muslim? Does a person simply because he bears a Muslim name and says the Kalimah without deep faith and the true belief in the hereafter be a Muslim?

036.011: Thou canst but admonish such a one as follows the Message and fears the (Lord) Most Gracious, unseen: give such a one, therefore, good tidings, of Forgiveness and a Reward most generous.

023.093:Say: "O my Lord! if Thou wilt show me (in my lifetime) that which they are warned against,-

023.094:"Then, O my Lord! put me not amongst the people who do wrong!"

023.095: And We are certainly able to show thee (in fulfilment) that against which they are warned.

023.096: Repel evil with that which is best: We are well acquainted with the things they say.

023.097: And say "O my Lord! I seek refuge with Thee from the suggestions of the Evil Ones.

023.098: "And I seek refuge with Thee O my Lord! lest they should come near me."

The earth is always on the move since long before human existance and will always do so, either we are here or not.

When the tsunamy struck many believers accross the globe questioning the God's existance without thinking. Well that is always our problem because we always think that the God is sitting somewhere up there as though he has nothing else to do other than watching us to make a mistake and than - boom, gotcha!

It is a wise thing to do to think Allah not as an individual person with emotion. Instead of thinking of Allah as HE, now try the God as IT.

To me I feel more at home seeing Allah that way. With this way there is no distance whatsoever between the creator and the creations, and death is meaningless - it does not exist.

Humans origin is the earth - we are closely connected with it. The more spiritual the person the closer he/she is with the whole natural world - with earth in particular.

Allah said: "Call on me and I will answer your call". The earth is very responsive to the spiritual humans pray, it always react to their call, curse and un uttered anguish.

Yet we accuse God for doing that, when it is the earth - which is only reacting to the call.

No one can think that way until the God "somewhere" is droped from the picture in the mind, than the Qur'an is getting easier to understand - bit by it. 

This is the year 2005, 1400 years since the Qur'an was sent down, surely it is long enough to work that out by now.

Maryga wrote: "Wa-alaikum-as- Salaam. Mishmish wrote :�What I meant was that there is nothing in the Quran that indicates that Allah(SWT) would specifically rain destruction down upon the Muslim Ummah. None of the Ayats you mention describe any such direct retribution upon Muslims�.

Can you please define to me who a �Muslim� is? Does a person simply by virtue of his birth in a Muslim household become a Muslim? Does a person simply because he bears a Muslim name and says the Kalimah without deep faith and the true belief in the hereafter be a Muslim?"

A Muslim is someone who submits to the will of Allah(SWT). Only Allah knows the sincerity in a person's heart and whether or not they truly submit to His will. But, I assumed when you wrote your original post about the calamities befalling Muslims that you were referring to those who submit to the will of Allah(SWT).

If they say they are Muslim, yet do not believe, then they are not Muslims but hypocrits, and that takes on a whole different meaning.

Assalamu Alaikum:

In this verse: 47.38. Behold, ye are those invited to spend (of your substance) in the Way of Allah. But among you are some that are niggardly. But any who are niggardly are so at the expense of their own souls. But Allah is free of all wants, and it is ye that are needy. If ye turn back (from the Path), He will substitute in your stead another people; then they would not be like you! Allah(SWT) states: "If ye turn back (from the path)". Clearly anyone who would turn back from the path would be someone who is not submitting to the will of Allah, thus they would not be considered a Muslim. It is addressed to those who are Believers and warning them against becoming non-Believers or those 'who turn back from the path'.

Mishmish wrote: Assalamu Alaikum: In this verse: 47.38. Behold, ye are those invited to spend (of your substance) in the Way of Allah. But among you are some that are niggardly. But any who are niggardly are so at the expense of their own souls. But Allah is free of all wants, and it is ye that are needy. If ye turn back (from the Path), He will substitute in your stead another people; then they would not be like you! Allah(SWT) states: "If ye turn back (from the path)". Clearly anyone who would turn back from the path would be someone who is not submitting to the will of Allah, thus they would not be considered a Muslim. It is addressed to those who are Believers and warning them against becoming non-Believers or those 'who turn back from the path'.

I have to agree with mishmish here. I thought about this a bit after I posted it and referred to the Arabic. The verb is "tawalla" (to turn away) which is used elsewhere in the Holy Qur'an to describe people who reject the message of the prophets completely; it's used repeatedly to tell Muhhammad salallahu alaihi wassalam that if the people whom he warns "turn away" it is for Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala to call them to account.

wow,  i didn't know that we have scholars on this forum who interprite the holy qur'an

Assalamu Alaikum:

I am certainly no scholar, not even close, but in the Quran Allah(SWT) states: 'He it is Who has sent down to thee the book: in it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical. But those  in whose hearts is perversity follow the part that is allegorical, seeking discord and searching for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord:" and none will grasp the Message except men of understanding.' (Al Imran Verse 7)

You do not need to be a scholar to understand the basics of the Quran. They are clear for all to understand. And the verses that are allegorical or figurative, not even the scholars understand, as none know their meaning but Allah(SWT).

Assalam-alaikum Mishmish - Now I think we seem to be talking on the same plain - yes, what you have interpreted is the same as what I have understood as posted.

Firewall, sorry whether it is 2005 or 5005 whatever was revelaed to our Prophet 1400 years ago holds good for all times. Only with obedience to God the Almighty can one find peace and happiness!

Mishmish wrote: Assalamu Alaikum: I am certainly no scholar, not even close, but in the Quran Allah(SWT) states: 'He it is Who has sent down to thee the book: in it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical. But those  in whose hearts is perversity follow the part that is allegorical, seeking discord and searching for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord:" and none will grasp the Message except men of understanding.' (Al Imran Verse 7) You do not need to be a scholar to understand the basics of the Quran. They are clear for all to understand. And the verses that are allegorical or figurative, not even the scholars understand, as none know their meaning but Allah(SWT).

Yes, I found that comment rather strange. I would call it reading intelligently, not interpreting.

I agree. I refer mostly to the translation of Yusuf Ali and also to the commentary provided by him. May Allah Bless him with Jannate-Firdaus, but for his translation I would have been so much at a loss. I do not understand Arabic and people like myself would have been so ignorant without his help. I have also read the translations of a few others and simply can't help going back to Yusuf Ali's translation. I am of the opinion it is the best and that is the reason why the Saudi's have used it to publish their versions with a few alterations. It is also the most widely read and remains continually in demand. I have also heard that Maulana Maududi's translation is good.

Allah has said that He has made the Qura'n easy to understand so I don't worry about searching for scholars and am quite content as it answers all my needs.

My greatest problem with Yusuf Ali's fine translation is his treatment of the word "taqwa." He regularly translates it as "fear," which creates a very fundamental misperception about Islam. The word is derived from "qawaa," which literally means "to preserve, to guard." "Taqwa" would then be the reflexive form, meaning "to guard within oneself." Yusuf Ali derives the English "fear" from John Penrice's glossary of Qur'anic Arabic. Penrice, however, was a devout Christian whose motivations were not completely neutral. In the second ayaat of Baqarah Yusuf Ali thus translates "mutaqeen," the active participle of "taqwaa," ("the ones who guard within themselves") as "those who fear Allah." This issue becomes even more muddled in 59:16:

(Their allies deceived them), like the Evil One, when he says to man, "Deny Allah.: but when (man) denies Allah, (the Evil One) says, "I am free of thee: I do fear Allah, the Lord of the Worlds!"

The Arabic word here is "'akhaafu," which is literally "I fear," as one would fear an enemy, not "'ataquu," which is the 1st pers sing derived from "taqwa," the attitude of a Muslim towards Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. The translation obscures this difference and gives the false impression that the Shaitan's fear of Allah is similar to the feeling of a Muslim.

Even if one were to accept the translation of "fear" for taqwa, here too there is great confusion. If you were to ask a child if he fears his mother, he would most likely answer yes. A child does fear angering his mother, who then will dispense punishment and also be unhappy with the child. At the same time the child loves his mother and innately understands that his mother loves him, only wishes the best for him, and will defend him against any threat. This would be analogous to the "fear" a Muslim should have for Allah.

Assalamu Alaikum:

I too prefer the Yusuf Ali translation of the Holy Quran. I find that it is lyrically poetic and quite beautiful, something which I believe resembles the Quran in the original Arabic text. Or so I've been told.  Of course, no translation can be 100% correct, but aren't there subtleties within the formal Arabic that even native speakers of the language must struggle over?

This does lead me to a question? Who is to be considered an Islamic scholar? Is not spending your life translating the word of Allah a scholarly pursuit? I would think by the time his life's work was finished that Yusuf Ali probably knew and understood the Quran better than most ever will, Allahu Alim.

Auzubillahi minash shaitan ir rajeem,

Bismilah ir rahman ir rahim,

Do you really think allah has punished the people of Kashmir by the earthquake?

Are you sure that these are the people who turned away from the teachinhgs of the Quran, that they do not spend in the cause of allah and have gone astray?

May be you do not know that these are the poorest of poor people, who are sandwitched and victimised in the dirty politics of two nations. It is not the kashmiries who want the war .... The people planning and organising the war do not live in those areas which were hit by the earthquake! they are rich and powerful, and living in lofty mansions in safer parts of the country. what an irony, isn't it?

The answer to these disasters, if we want to understand in a humble way is, as mentioned by someone in this thread ... the Prophet(SAW) has said that natural disasters, especially earhtquakes will increase towards the end of times.

Allah also says in the Quran that He is "shrinking this vast land".... a phenomenon akin to this is the moving of the indian penninsula towards the Himalayas ... that which caused the massive earthquake.

The Tsunami waves as well, struck hard at the costs of island nations - where simple poor people lived - whose primary concern was their daily bread. No multimillioinairs, terrorists, or evil mongers were directy hit.

It is hard to understand why these disasters took place and we may all come up with varied theories. Amidst all this we should pray for the victims, muslims and nonmuslims, and try to help them materially if we can. We must as well pay gratitude to Allah, if our loved ones had been safe from these disasters.

We must try to remain steadfast in religion, and spread the message as far and wide as possible. It is said that judgement day will not arrive till there are people on this earth who remember Allah and His word. 

Maa salaama,

Nausheen

Assalam-alaikum! Peace to all!

Shamil, regarding Yusuf Ali's translation you may find differences in the meanings of words due to your knowledge of Arabic. However, as I have said earlier for a person like myself who does not speak Arabic, I have not come across any translation from an Arabic speaking translator who has superceded Yusuf Ali including other reknowned English translators (Pickthall, Asad etc). The Saudi's who are Arabic speaking formed a committee to select the best available translation and the committee decided to make a good start using Yusuf Ali's translation as a base. Even the commentary they have used is that of Yusuf Ali. This shows that Yusuf Ali's translation was acknowledged as a scholarly work and is the reason why it is the most widely read and made available. When I read online I do read the translations of Shakir and Pikthall and do notice the variations of meanings as understood by each translator. As Mishmish has written no translation can be 100% correct, for example if you translate Shakespeare into Arabic, you will encounter the same shortcomings, which should not be a hindrance to any translation. But one thing is sure that one can comprehend the meaning by reading the translation.

Yusuf Ali suffered a lot during his lifetime from hardliners and narrow minded individuals and in the Qur'an that I read he has written: �The Service of the Qur�an has been the pride and the privilege of many Muslims. I felt that with such life-experience as has fallen to my lot, my service of the Qur�an should be to present it in a fitting garb in English. That ambition I have cherished in my mind for more than forty years. I have collected books and materials for it. I have visited places, undertaken journeys, taken notes, sought the society of men, and tried to explore their thoughts and hearts in order to equip myself for the task.�

Then he writes� A man�s life is subject to inner storms far more devastating than those in the physical world around him. In such a storm, in the bitter anguish of a personal sorrow which nearly unseated my reason and made life seem meaningless, a new hope was born out of a systematic pursuit of my long cherished project. Watered by tears, my manuscript began to grow��

Elsewhere he writes � In translating the Text I have aired no views of my own, but followed the received commentators. Where they differ among themselves, I have had to choose what appeared to me to be the most reasonable opinion from all points of view. Where it is a question merely of words, I have not considered the question important enough to discuss in the Notes, but where it is a question of substance, I hope adequate explanations will be found in the notes. Where I have departed from the literal translation in order to express the spirit of the original better in English, I have explained the literal meaning in the Notes. For example, see ii. 104n and ii 26n. In choosing an English word for an Arabic word a translator necessarily exercises his own judgement and may be unconsciously expressing a point of view, but that is inevitable.�

In another place he writes� Gentle and discerning reader! What I wish to present to you is an English Interpretation, side by side with the Arabic Text. The English shall be, not a mere substitution of one word for another, but the best expression I can give to the fullest meaning which I can understand from the Arabic Text. The rhythm, music and exalted tone of the original should be reflected in the English interpretation. It may be but a faint reflection, but such beauty and power as my pen can command shall be brought to its service.�

He concludes with some of these lines �Read, study and digest the Holy Book. Read slowly, and let it sink into your heart and soul. Such study will, like virtue, be its own reward. If you find anything in this volume to criticise, please let it not spoil your enjoyment of the rest.�

After completion he wrote: �I praise and glorify the name of God that He has enabled His humble servant to complete in manuscript the work of Interpretation at which he has systematically and unceasingly laboured for the last three years.� �My inner history during these three years has been one of joyful and concentrated exploration, undisturbed by the storms that vexed my outer life. I had not imagined that so much human jealousy, misunderstanding, and painful misrepresentation should pursue one who seeks no worldly gain and pretends to no dogmatic authority.�

This humble man may not claim to be an authority but as for me, I know that I would have been at the greatest loss but for his translation and commentary. I also know that my feelings will be echoed by a great majority of those who cannot speak Arabic.

Akhi Maryga, I did say that it was a "fine" translation. I was merely voicing a concern I had. In no way did I intend to denigrate the work of Yusuf Ali, a man whose biography I know well and whom I deeply admire.

I've read the entire translation and all the commentary and have found great value in it. The translation has brought many into the fold of Islam. The world is undoubtedly better off because of his work. Insha'Allah all I was trying to do was clarify one point that is indeed difficult to deal with, the meaning of "taqwa." That's all.

I really hope I haven't offended you over this; perhaps my own ego caused me to "show off" my knowledge of Arabic.

MrsK wrote: The question that I have is that when people claiming to be adherants of Islam also claim responsibility for acts of violence (or terrorism which ever word you prefer) and they claim this reponsibility in the name of Islam - in your opinion, is the general response one of approval or one of anger?

Whenever there is a killing from one side to another I feel sick to the stomach. But the human's pschylogy can surpress that.

Whenever I can assume with reasonable certainty that the muslims were the one who commited the attrocity by right I will react with the same response. But if the non muslims start accusing the muslims first to win the argument than I revolt. Sure most of the time I won the argument anyway - or at least confuse the issue.

But what I know most muslims that I met in the street that I know abhore it but they can't say anything, beside most of them don't even read the paper. So most of the media hype are for the non muslims comsumption.

Btw, if those people who commiting the attrocities claim to represent Islam, I would rather live under non muslims rule as we are at the time being.

I am surprised to see the many posts under this topic that how our brothers explain the natural disaster (like earthquake in Pakistani Kashmir) & how are they trying to find the reasons of such type of catastrophe.

I was never think that in this forum we can discuss in such of way in which we  hurt the feeling of ours brothers & sisters, those are right now suffering & facing one of the worst natural disaster in Pakistani (Kashmir) or the survivor of tsunami or Irene survivor by the earth quake instead of show with them the sympathies. Un fortunately I was off from the last 5 or 6 days from this forum that�s why I deprived to wrote any thing in time under this topic.

Actually I want to reply the so many posts which posted under this topic bcz I saw this topic very late and also the direction of discussion is now any other side that�s why I am taking only one post to reply.

(Note) I am very sorry if anyone feel uncomfortable due to the my post.

Abeer Wrote

Think about the destruction of the people of sayyiduna Lut (A.S), sayyiduna Nuh (Noah a.s), the Aad, and the Thamud.  Don't you think there were innocent children amongst them as well??? �

Brother Abeer please can you explain how you compare the your mentioned incidents with  the current earth quake. The nations which you mentioned in your post they were completely destroyed due to the totally condemnation of the message of Allah & they were openly neglecting the Allah�s orders but this is out of mine understanding that how you compare the same situation in Kashmir.      Al Hamdulila in Kashmir purely all are the Muslims those have the strong belief on Allah & his Rasool Hazrat Mohammad (p.b.u.h),. However being a human we can not claim that we all are very pious and very straight life, we are not angels, we are human, but Allah�s knows well.

Do you know at the time of earthquake more than 5,000 thousands students are in the seminaries (Religious schools commonly known as Madres) among them 2185 students died due to this catastrophe, probably most of them were reciting the Quran at that�s stage when this calamity was occurred.

D0 you know at the moment of disaster more than 25,000 thousnads students are in the universities, collages and schools, majority of them have been lost their life & among this majority, around 4321 students have been died those were not just touch their fifteen years.

May be Allah put this problem on us to check our patience that my beloved creature can bear the such type of natural disaster with the patience, this is only Allah knows, but we should try to see the things in the positive way.  I requested all of you to Pray for us that take off this trouble on overhead, bcz we are very weak, & we are not able to bear any Allah�s send trouble a long time.

Assalam-alaikum Br Mohammed

The discussion that we have had on this thread is based on the verses Allah has revealed to us in the Qur'an. We are not making a judgement on anyone. The people who died may be far better individuals than oursleves. But the fact that so many Muslims have been affected by many of the calamities that Allah has sent upon mankind in recent times, should make us reflect. He can achieve whatever He wishes in no time. These are His signs and we are to reflect and correct ourselves as He has given us the opportunity to witness these terrible disasters. We know from the Sunnah that the Ummah is like one body. If one part of the body hurts the whole body hurts. Allah has not told those of us who have not been directly touched by this calamity that it will not happen to us. Allah has said in Surah Mulk:

067.016:Do ye feel secure that He Who is in heaven will not cause you to be swallowed up by the earth when it shakes (as in an earthquake)? 
067.017:Or do ye feel secure that He Who is in Heaven will not send against you a violent tornado (with showers of stones), so that ye shall know how (terrible) was My warning? 

Thanks for details explanation, in fact I wrote that post in the emotional way. Actually I am directly affected by this calamity & I have been lost many close relatives & sharp friends. Anyhow the matter is cleared.

Sister you refer me to see the all post of your�s but I found only one post which I have already posted & objected mine. Anyhow the issue is over now & I don�t want to discuss more on this.

Regarding of your complain I must apologized to you to call you brother       in lieu of sister. Assured you next time I will not do same.  Again I am looking pardon from my dear sister Abeer.

Br Mohammed

May Allah grant Jannat to all your relatives, friends and those others who have lost their lives and may He forgive all their sins. And May He give you the strength to bear the loss and the strength and motivation to pray and spread the truth and goodness, Ameen!

MrsK wrote: As we all know there are evil people in the world and these evil people claim to be many different things (i.e., so-called Christians who bomb abortion clinics, murderers, rapists and thieves who would claim to be Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, etc.). The question that I have is that when people claiming to be adherents of Islam also claim responsibility for acts of violence (or terrorism which ever word you prefer) and they claim this responsibility in the name of Islam - in your opinion, is the general response one of approval or one of anger? Have there been responses condemning these acts and the use (or misuse) of Islam as the justification for them? I do not recall seeing media coverage of any such statements.  I suppose I am hoping that you can direct me to something that I either I have missed or that has simply not received media attention. Thank you for your time.

In the Name of Allah The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful...

Asalaamu Alaykum MrsK,

I offer this previous post by way of response. I hope it is of some assistance to you ...

�The essence of civilization is the orderly quest for truth, the rational perception of reality and all its facets, and the adaptation of man's behavior to its laws. So long as we follow the path of reason, we shall not move far from the lighted circle of civilization. Its enemies invariably lie among those who, for whatever motive, deny, distort, minimize, exaggerate or poison the truth, and who falsify the processes of reason. At all times civilization has its enemies, though they are constantly changing their guise and their weapons. The great defensive art is to detect and unmask them before the damage they inflict becomes fatal. 'Hell.' wrote Thomas Hobbes, 'is truth seen too late.' Survival is falsehood detected in time.�

�Civilization is the rational pursuit of truth within a framework of order. The discovery of truth, of course, is part of this ordering process, the way by which man located himself in the universe. This is a very long, complicated, and cumulative process. Man needs to orientate himself in time, by discovering and perfecting chronology; in space, by acquiring geographical and astronomical knowledge; in nature, by discovering its laws and using them to master his environment. He is also engaged in a continuous effort of moral and social orientation, reflected in his attempts to improve his designs for civil government, for legal and ethical codes, and his image of what a just society should be. There is, likewise, a process of moral ordering, in which man seeks to discover his worth in relation to other men, and to the potentialities of his surroundings. Human beings need to know where they stand in all these matters, for such knowledge is an essential element in their security, and in their happiness.�

�Truth is much more than a means to expose the malevolent. It is the great creative force of civilization. For truth is knowledge; and a civilized man is one who, in Hobbes' words, has a "perseverance of delight in the continual and indefatigable generation of knowledge." Hobbes also writes: "Joy, arising from imagination of a man's own power and ability, is that exaltation of mind called glorying." And so it is; for the pursuit of truth is our civilization's glory, and the joy we obtain from it is the nearest we shall approach to happiness, at least on this side of the grave. If we are steadfast in this aim, we need not fear the enemies of society.�

Paul Johnson wrote this in his much praised novel �The Enemies of Society�. It is a fascinating treatise concerning the evolution of the community of man, the length of which I won�t go into either in praise of or quoting more thereof; the above is the essence of his work. What I gained from this, what is important to me is the relevance it has to society�s constant problem; how do we coexist with each other? In the world, there is good and evil; between them lie the varying degrees of action which consummate human decisions, i.e. either one advocates towards the good in this decision, one chooses the other in that decision�etc. What is written in response is an advocation of the former. In the Middle East and much of the Muslim world, there is no voice such as this. Even in America, the common man (so to speak) has at least the �perception� of this type of voice. Ultimately of course what the world sees is seen through the lens of the status quo. The lens through which the current US administration is focused is obviously  disconcerting, based solely on the impetus and justification of retaliatory measures to 911. What the American people see of this is filtered through a  �heightened anxiety driven� or �heightenedly aware� (take your pick) press, and this from sources supplied by a status quo controlled press. It is dangerously assumptive and patently unjust to say that this is the general opinion of the American people. I don�t believe this to be right, but it is the way it is.

We could live in a world where dialogue, specifically faith-driven interfaith dialogue, could facilitate the fostering of relationships to promote understanding. We could regard one another as kindred spirits, whose true boundaries are that as struggling souls rather than within the perception of the man-made boundaries of nationalism. We could, if we tried. I feel for my brother when he says that American troops occupy his homeland yet  believe me when I say there are brothers and sisters here in America who rail and rally against the occupations of Afghanistan, Iraq and the rest of the Muslim world day after day. There are efforts towards fostering Peace. In the ideal world which Paul Johnson described, what he wrote is true. In an ideal world, what we as Muslims should attempt to do �inshAllah is exactly what he said, to apply the � � great defensive art � to detect and unmask them before the damage they inflict becomes fatal� by enjoining the good and preventing evil. In an ideal world, there are people working together towards a civilization with the same depth and determination that Paul Johnson wrote. There are those who seek �� the rational pursuit of truth within a framework of order�.

Unfortunately,  we don�t live in an ideal world.

We live in a world where the world over Muslims struggle daily for the bare necessities of mere subsistence. We live in a world where the voice of the Muslim is two-fold, either as a quiet majority who observes or survives oppression everywhere, quietly lamenting in acquiescence or as a proactive, violent minority which commits acts of  self justified barbarism. We live in the world the Prophet Muhammad (peace_be_upon_him) described in the Hadith Narrated by Thawban: The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: The people will soon summon one another to attack you as people when eating invite others to share their dish. Someone asked: Will that be because of our small numbers at that time? He replied: No, you will be numerous at that time: but you will be scum and rubbish like that carried down by a torrent, and Allah will take fear of you from the breasts of your enemy and last enervation into your hearts. Someone asked: What is wahn (enervation). Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him): He replied: Love of the world and dislike of death.  (Book http://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=37&translator=3&start=0&number=4284 - - #4284 ).

We also who live, live in a world of Hope.

In the Name of Allah, The Most Gracious The Most Merciful �

Those who believed and those who suffered exile and fought (and strove and struggled) in the path of Allah,- they have the hope of the Mercy of Allah. And Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.  (Chapter http://www.searchtruth.com/chapter_display.php?chapter=2&translator=2 - - #218 )

Allah made it but a message of hope for you, and an assurance to your hearts: (in any case) there is no help except from Allah. The Exalted, the Wise:  (Chapter http://www.searchtruth.com/chapter_display.php?chapter=3&translator=2 - - #126 )

If only they had been content with what Allah and His Messenger gave them, and had said, "Sufficient unto us is Allah. Allah and His Messenger will soon give us of His bounty: to Allah do we turn our hopes!" (that would have been the right course).  (Chapter http://www.searchtruth.com/chapter_display.php?chapter=9&translator=2 - - #59 )

We hope that our Lord will give us in exchange a better (garden) than this. Truly, we turn to our Lord (wishing for good that He may forgive our sins, and reward us in the Hereafter)."  (Chapter http://www.searchtruth.com/chapter_display.php?chapter=68&translator=5 - - #32 )