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hefny · (This post was last modified: 04-08-2009, 05:04 PM by hefny.)

In the Name of Allah, the beneficent, the merciful 

THE ISLAMIC WAY OF LIFE: 

Guidelines from the Quran 

When the revelation of the Glorious Quran was completed, twenty-three years after it all began, Allah (God) stated:

"Today I have perfected your religious law for you, and have bestowed upon you the full measure of My blessings, and willed the self-surrender unto Me (Islam) shall be your religion." (5:3)

Unlike many other religions of the world, Islam is a complete way oflife which provides guidance to mankind in all aspects of human endeavor. Instead of bifurcating human life into a multitude of separate and often mutually con¬flicting compartments, Islam requires its adherents to: "Enter into submission (of Allah) completely" (2:207) and to proclaim to the rest of the world: "Say, truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death are (all) for God, the Cherisher of the world." (6:162)

The Islamic way of life is based on the teachings of the Quran as amplified and exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). One of its objectives is that humans have PEACE OF MIND. Material gains and pro¬gress alone can not bring about either true happiness, comfort and content¬ment in this temporary life or a blissful eternal life in the Hereafter.

Individuals constitute society, the nucleus of which is the family. Thus, many Quranic injunctions teach individuals to practice the Quranic edicts themselves and exhort others to follow suit. This is essential if the society at the very least:

a) is to be comprised of people who acquire knowledge and fully apply

their faculties of learning and reasoning positively and constructively.

is to opt to live in peace, and practice justice and equity.

c) is to show care for the needy and oppressed

d) is to preserve and protect mutual rights and obligations

e) is to be free from exploitation

f) is to ensure equality of opportunity for all

g) is to ensure that the resources of the universe are employed to society's best advantage and well-being equitably and without harming or damaging them and maintaining a perfect balance.

These have been the goals of all civilizations. Each has employed its own means and devices to inculcate in individuals a sense of responsibility and obligation towards the building and preservation of a good society striving for these goals.

Today, western society may claim to be the closest of all to these goals. 

However, its reliance is solely on the human intellect and its laws. These are enacted without seeking the guidance of an authentic Revelation such as the Quran, or the earlier Revealed Books, which unfortunately, no longer exist intact. Moreover, the concepts of the separation of Church and State, and of humans being totally free and not bound by any Divine Laws have dramatically altered peoples' thinking and conduct. As a result, people continue to suffer injustice and are disillusioned/discontented and have no peace of mind or genuine happiness, in spite of all material progress. They mistakenly place them¬selves and their comforts above everything else. Laws have proliferated and governmental controls and regulations have restricted men's freedom and hin¬dered their acquisition of good moral values.

Our present society compares poorly with the conditions that existed when the Islamic Way of Life was practiced in a large part of the world. History bears wit¬ness and provides more than ample proof of the efficacy of the teachings contained in the Quran.

The present-day condition of Muslims and their decline is directly related to their following personal whims, desires and traditional and family practices, customs and values, rather than the Quranic edicts.

Unless humans accept the Supremacy, Authority and Power of the One and Only God who is the Evolver, Shaper, Sustainer, Owner, and Sovereign ofthe Universe and all that is in it; natural human selfishness and egotism will prevail, thereby demeaning man's noble nature and disrupting his welfare.

It is only when the individual is steadfastly righteous in his conduct in everyday life that he can hope to achieve PEACE OF MIND, through God's Blessing and guidance. This will give him a comfortable and happy life on earth, and, more importantly, an eternal life after death.

The Quran (the final Divine Revelation; being the only one in existence in its original language) provides guidance and contains directives in respect of all human activity. Amplification of these can be found in the sayings (Hadith) of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

In addition, the Prophet's life history, (Seerah) exemplifies how these rules are to be applied in everyday life.

Thus. the study ofHadith and Seerah provides sound guidance in living the Islamic Way of Life, since the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) personified the Quranic teachings in all of his actions.

In the interpretation and application of the teachings of the Quran, Hadith and Seerah, it is very important to bear in mind the kind of society which Islam aims to establish, and to ensure that this interpretation conforms to the guiding principles contained in the following verses of the Quran:

And so. set thy face steadfastly towards the (one ever-true) faith, turning away from all that is false, in accordance with the natural disposition which God has instilled into man: (for,) not to allow any change to corrupt what God has thus created• this is the (purpose of the one) ever-true faith; but most people know it not. (30:30)

God wills that you shall have ease, and does not will you to suffer hardship; (2:185)

And thus have We willed you to be a community of the middle way, so that (with your lives) you might bear witness to the truth before all mankind, and that the Apostle might bear witness to it before you. (2: 143)

To be able to lead the Islamic Way of Life, it is essential to be ever mindful of the acceptance and commitment one makes while accepting Islam. In short, one must always be GOD CONSCIOUS - (Muttaqi). To help achieve this goal, the performance of five regular prayers (Salat) has been prescribed:

Convey (unto others) whatever of this divine writ has been revealed unto thee, and be constant in prayer; for, behold, prayer restrains (man) from loathsome deeds and from all that runs counter to reason; and remem¬brance of God is indeed the greatest (good). And God knows all that you do. (29:45)

Constant remembrance of God is also achieved by using appropriate words of greeting and invocation, such as:

Assalam u Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah - Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon you

Bismiullah i'r Rahman i'r Raheem - In the name of Allah the Mercy Giving the Merciful

In sha' Allah - If Allah Wills

Ma sha' Allah - Allah has willed it Alhamdulillah - Praise be to Allah Subhanallah - Glory be to Allah

The following verses direct us to remember God in our behavior and in our speech:

But when you are greeted with a greeting (of peace), answer with an even better greeting, or (at least) with the like thereof. Verily, God keeps count indeed of all things. (4:86)

And never say about anything, "Behold I shall do this tomorrow," without (adding), "if God so wills." And if thou shouldst forget (thyself at the time, and become aware of it later), call thy sustainer to mind and say: "I pray that my sustainer guide me even closer than this, to a consciousness of what is right!" (18:23)

A study of the Quranic verses will show that the required matters of"ma'roof' (good deeds) are no different than those required by Law or society in the U.S. Indeed, such ethical rules have contributed to its greatness. In the matter of "Al-munker" (forbidden), however there are many differences between Islam and American Culture. The present problems arising in the American society can be seen as the result of transgressing the Quranic edicts.

A Muslim is required to observe these commandments as an act of worship ¬namely, in obedience to and for seeking the pleasure of Allah. Consequently, he does not seek ways to get around them. For the Muslim these com¬mandments are eternal and no society or authority can change them.

hefny · 04-08-2009, 05:08 PM

PART 2

Individuals constitute society, the nucleus of which is the family. Thus, many Quranic injunctions teach individuals to practice the Quranic edicts themselves and exhort others to follow suit. This is essential if the society at the very least:

a) is to be comprised of people who acquire knowledge and fully apply

their faculties of learning and reasoning positively and constructively.

B) is to opt to live in peace, and practice justice and equity.

c) is to show care for the needy and oppressed

d) is to preserve and protect mutual rights and obligations

e) is to be free from exploitation

f) is to ensure equality of opportunity for all

g) is to ensure that the resources of the universe are employed to society's best advantage and well-being equitably and without harming or damaging them and maintaining a perfect balance.

These have been the goals of all civilizations. Each has employed its own means and devices to inculcate in individuals a sense of responsibility and obligation towards the building and preservation of a good society striving for these goals.

Today, western society may claim to be the closest of all to these goals.

However, its reliance is solely on the human intellect and its laws. These are enacted without seeking the guidance of an authentic Revelation such as the Quran, or the earlier Revealed Books, which unfortunately, no longer exist intact. Moreover, the concepts of the separation of Church and State, and of humans being totally free and not bound by any Divine Laws have dramatically altered peoples' thinking and conduct. As a result, people continue to suffer injustice and are disillusioned/discontented and have no peace of mind or genuine happiness, in spite of all material progress. They mistakenly place them¬selves and their comforts above everything else. Laws have proliferated and governmental controls and regulations have restricted men's freedom and hin¬dered their acquisition of good moral values.

Our present society compares poorly with the conditions that existed when the Islamic Way of Life was practiced in a large part of the world. History bears wit¬ness and provides more than ample proof of the efficacy of the teachings contained in the Quran.

The present-day condition of Muslims and their decline is directly related to their following personal whims, desires and traditional and family practices, customs and values, rather than the Quranic edicts.

Unless humans accept the Supremacy, Authority and Power of the One and Only God who is the Evolver, Shaper, Sustainer, Owner, and Sovereign ofthe Universe and all that is in it; natural human selfishness and egotism will prevail, thereby demeaning man's noble nature and disrupting his welfare.

It is only when the individual is steadfastly righteous in his conduct in everyday life that he can hope to achieve PEACE OF MIND, through God's Blessing and guidance. This will give him a comfortable and happy life on earth, and, more importantly, an eternal life after death.

The Quran (the final Divine Revelation; being the only one in existence in its original language) provides guidance and contains directives in respect of all human activity. Amplification of these can be found in the sayings (Hadith) of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

In addition, the Prophet's life history, (Seerah) exemplifies how these rules are to be applied in everyday life.

Thus. the study ofHadith and Seerah provides sound guidance in living the Islamic Way of Life, since the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) personified the Quranic teachings in all of his actions.

In the interpretation and application of the teachings of the Quran, Hadith and Seerah, it is very important to bear in mind the kind of society which Islam aims to establish, and to ensure that this interpretation conforms to the guiding principles contained in the following verses of the Quran:

And so. set thy face steadfastly towards the (one ever-true) faith, turning away from all that is false, in accordance with the natural disposition which God has instilled into man: (for,) not to allow any change to corrupt what God has thus created• this is the (purpose of the one) ever-true faith; but most people know it not. (30:30)

God wills that you shall have ease, and does not will you to suffer hardship; (2:185)

And thus have We willed you to be a community of the middle way, so that (with your lives) you might bear witness to the truth before all mankind, and that the Apostle might bear witness to it before you. (2: 143)

To be able to lead the Islamic Way of Life, it is essential to be ever mindful of the acceptance and commitment one makes while accepting Islam. In short, one must always be GOD CONSCIOUS - (Muttaqi). To help achieve this goal, the performance of five regular prayers (Salat) has been prescribed:

Convey (unto others) whatever of this divine writ has been revealed unto thee, and be constant in prayer; for, behold, prayer restrains (man) from loathsome deeds and from all that runs counter to reason; and remem¬brance of God is indeed the greatest (good). And God knows all that you do. (29:45)

Constant remembrance of God is also achieved by using appropriate words of greeting and invocation, such as:

Assalam u Alaikum

Wa Rahmatullah - Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon you

Bismiullah i'r

Rahman i'r Raheem - In the name of Allah the Mercy Giving the Merciful

In sha' Allah - If Allah Wills

Ma sha' Allah - Allah has willed it Alhamdulillah - Praise be to Allah Subhanallah - Glory be to Allah

The following verses direct us to remember God in our behavior and in our speech:

But when you are greeted with a greeting (of peace), answer with an even better greeting, or (at least) with the like thereof. Verily, God keeps count indeed of all things. (4:86)

And never say about anything, "Behold I shall do this tomorrow," without (adding), "if God so wills." And if thou shouldst forget (thyself at the time, and become aware of it later), call thy sustainer to mind and say: "I pray that my sustainer guide me even closer than this, to a consciousness of what is right!" (18:23)

A study of the Quranic verses will show that the required matters of"ma'roof' (good deeds) are no different than those required by Law or society in the U.S. Indeed, such ethical rules have contributed to its greatness. In the matter of "Al-munker" (forbidden), however there are many differences between Islam and American Culture. The present problems arising in the American society can be seen as the result of transgressing the Quranic edicts.

A Muslim is required to observe these commandments as an act of worship ¬namely, in obedience to and for seeking the pleasure of Allah. Consequently, he does not seek ways to get around them. For the Muslim these com¬mandments are eternal and no society or authority can change them.

QUOTED BELOW ARE QURANIC VERSES REGARDING CERTAIN HUMAN ACTIVITIES. FOR THE MOST PART THE TRANSLATION OF ONLY ONE VERSE (USING "THE MESSAGE OF THE QURAN" BY MUHAMMAD ASAD) HAS BEEN PROVIDED UNDER EACH TOPIC.

KNOWLEDGE

And your God is the One God: there is no deity save Him, the Most Gracious, the Dispenser of Grace.

Verily, in the creation of the heavens and of the earth, and the succession of night and day: and in the ships that speed through the sea with what is useful to man: and in the waters which God sends down from the sky, giving life thereby to the earth after it had been lifeless, and causing all manner ofliving creatures to multiply thereon: and in the change of the winds, and the clouds that run their appointed courses between sky and earth: [in all this] there are messages indeed for people who use their reason. (2:163-164)

Read in the name of thy Sustainer, who has created - created man out of a germ-cell! Read - for thy sustainer is the Most Bountiful One who has taught [man] the use of the pen-taught man what he did not know! (96:1-5)

PIETY AND THE PIOUS

True piety does not consist in turning your faces towards the east or the west ¬but truly pious is he who believes in God, and the Last Day, and the angels, and revelation, and the prophets; and spends his substance - however much he himself may cherish it -upon his near of kin, and the orphans, and the needy, and the wayfarer, and the beggars, and for the freeing of human beings from bondage; and is constant in prayer, and renders the purifying dues; and [truly pious are] they who keep their promises whenever they promise, and are patient in misfortune and hardship and in time of peril: it is they, that have proved themselves true, and it is they, they who are conscious of God. (2: 177)

VIRTUOUS

[The truly virtuous are] they [who] fulfill their vows, and stand in awe of a Day the woe of which is bound to spread far and wide, and who give food - however great be their own want of it - unto the needy, and the orphan, and the captive, [saying, in their hearts,] "We feed you for the sake of God alone: we desire no recompense from you, nor thanks: behold stand in awe of our Sustainer's judg¬ment on a distressful, fateful Day!" And so, God will preserve them from the woes of that Day, and will bestow on them brightness and joy. (76:7-11)

PEACE

o men! Behold, We have created you all out of a male and a female, and have made you into nations and tribes, so that you might come to know one another. Verily, the noblest of you in the sight of God is the one who is most deeply cons¬cious of Him. Behold, God is all-knowing, all aware. (49:13)

HUMAN RIGHTS

Behold, God enjoins justice, and the doing of good, and generosity towards [one's] fellow-men; and He forbids all that is shameful and all that runs

counter to reason, as well as envy; [and] He exhorts you [repeatedly] so that you might bear [all this] in mind. (16:90)

Blame attaches but to those who oppress [other] people and behave out¬rageously on earth, offending against all right: for them there is grievous suffer¬ing in store! (42:42)

SANCTITY OF LIFE

And do not take any human being's life - [the life] which God has willed to be sacred - otherwise than in [the pursuit of] justice. Hence, if anyone has been slain wrongfully, We have empowered the defender of his right [to exact a just retribution]; but even so let him not exceed the bounds of equity in [retributive] killing. [And as for him who has been slain wrongfully - ] behold, he is indeed succored [by God]! (17:33)

THE ENVIRONMENT

... Do not spread corruption on earth after it has been so well ordered. And call unto Him with fear and longing: verily, God's grace is ever near unto the doers of good! (7:56)

FOLWWING TRADITIONS

For when they are told, "Come unto that which God has bestowed from on high, and unto the Apostle" - they answer, "Enough for us is that which we found our forefathers believing in and doing." Why, even though their forefathers knew nothing, and were devoid of all guidance? (5:104)

UNITY

All believers are but brethren. Hence, [whenever they are at odds] make peace between your two breathren, and remain conscious of God, so that you might be graced with His mercy. (49:10)

WOMEN'S RIGHT OF INHERITANCE

Men shall have a share in what parents and kinsfolk leave behind, and women shall have a share in what parents and kinsfolk leave behind, whether it be lit¬tle or much - a share ordained [by God]. (4:7)

WOMEN'S EQUALITY

And thus does their Sustainer answer their prayer: "I shall not lose sight of the labour of any of you who labours [in My way], be it man or woman: each of you is an issue of the other. (3:195)

Marriage

And [forbidden to you are] all married women other than those whom you rightfully possess [through wedlock]: this is God's ordinance, binding upon you. But lawful to you are all [women] beyond these, for you to seek out, offer¬ing them of your possessions, taking them in honest wedlock, and not in fornication. (4:24)

Equal Treatment For Wives

And it will not be within your power to treat your wives with equal fairness, however

hefny · 04-11-2009, 08:18 AM

PART 3

Equal Treatment For Wives 

And it will not be within your power to treat your wives with equal fairness, however much you may desire it; and so, do not allow yourselves to incline

towards one to the exclusion of the other, leaving her in a state, as it were, of having and not having a husband. But if you put things to rights and are cons¬cious of Him - behold, God is indeed much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace. (4: 129)

Dowry

And give unto women their marriage portions in the spirit of gift, but if they, of their own accord, give up unto you aught thereof, then enjoy it with pleasure and good cheer. (4:4)

Relation Between Spouses

And among His wonders is this: He creates for you mates out of your own kind, so that you might incline towards them, and He engenders love and tenderness between you: in this, behold, there are messages indeed for people who think! (30:21)

Man's Responsibility

Men shall take full care of women with the bounties which God has bestowed more abundantly on the former than the latter, and with what they may spend out of their possessions. And the righteous women are truly devout ones, who guard the intimacy which God has [ordained to be] guarded. (4:34)

Resolving Differences

And if you have reason to fear that a breach might occur between a [married] couple, appoint an arbiter from among his people and an arbiter from among her people; if they both want to set things aright, God may bring about their reconciliation. Behold, God is indeed all-knowing, aware. (4:35)

Divorce

o Prophet! When you [intend to] divorce women, divorce them with a view to the waiting-period appointed for them, and reckon the period [carefully], and be conscious of God, your Sustainer.

Do not expel them from their homes, and neither shall they [be made to] leave unless they become openly guilty of immoral conduct.

These, then, are the bounds set by God - and he who transgresses the bounds set by God does indeed sin against himself: [for, 0 man, although] thou knowest it not, after that [first breach] God may well cause something new to come about. (65:1)

Women's Right To Divorce

And if a woman has reason to fear ill-treatment from her husband, or that he might turn away from her, it shall not be wrong for the two to set things peacefully to rights between themselves: for peace is best and selfishness is ever-present in human souls. But if you do good and are conscious of Him ¬behold, God is indeed aware of all that you do. (4:128)

Waiting Period

And the divorced woman shall undergo, without remarrying, a waiting-period of three monthly courses: for it is not lawful for them to conceal what God may have created in their wombs, if they believe in God and the Last Day. And dur¬ing this period their husbands are fully entitled to take them back, if they desire

reconciliation; but, in accordance with justice, the rights of the wives [with regard to their husbands] are equal to the [husbands'] rights with regard to them, although men have precedence over them [in this respect]. And God is almighty, wise. (2:228)

Remarriage

And if he divorces her [finally], she shall thereafter not be lawful unto him unless she first takes another man for husband; then, if the latter divorces her, there shall be no sin upon either of the two if they return to one another - pro¬vided that both of them think that they will be able to keep within the bounds set by God: for these are the bounds of God which He makes clear unto people of [innate] knowledge. (2:230)

And when you divorce women, and they have come to the end of their waiting¬term, hinder them not from marrying other men if they have agreed with each other in a fair manner. This is an admonition unto every one of you who believes in God and the Last Day; it is the most virtuous [way] for you, and the cleanest. And God knows, whereas you do not know. (2:232)

Maintenance of Divorcees & Widows

You will incur no sin if you divorce women while you have not yet touched them nor settled a dower upon them; but [even in such case] make provision for them - the affluent according to his means and the straightened according to his means - a provision in an equitable manner: this is a duty upon all who would do good. (2:236)

And the divorced women, too, shall have [a right to] maintenance in a goodly manner: this is a duty for all who are conscious of God. (2:241)

And if any of you die and leave wives behind, they bequeath thereby to their widows [the right to] one year's maintenance without their being obliged to leave [the dead husband's home]. If, however, they leave [of their own accord], there shall be no sin in whatever they may do with themselves in a lawful man¬ner. And God is almighty, wise. (2:240)

TREATMENT OF:

Parents, Kith and Kin, Neighbors, Captives, Employees, the Needy

And worship God [alone], and do not ascribe divinity, in any way, to aught beside Him.

And do good unto your parents, and near of kin, and unto orphans, and the needy, and the neighbour from among your own people, and the neighbour who is a stranger, and the friend by your side, and the wayfarer, and those whom you rightfully possess.

Verily, God does not love any of those who, full of self-conceit, act in a boastful manner: (4:36)

hefny · (This post was last modified: 04-11-2009, 08:24 AM by hefny.)

PART 3

Equal Treatment For Wives 

And it will not be within your power to treat your wives with equal fairness, however much you may desire it; and so, do not allow yourselves to incline

towards one to the exclusion of the other, leaving her in a state, as it were, of having and not having a husband. But if you put things to rights and are cons¬cious of Him - behold, God is indeed much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace. (4: 129)

Dowry

And give unto women their marriage portions in the spirit of gift, but if they, of their own accord, give up unto you aught thereof, then enjoy it with pleasure and good cheer. (4:4)

Relation Between Spouses

And among His wonders is this: He creates for you mates out of your own kind, so that you might incline towards them, and He engenders love and tenderness between you: in this, behold, there are messages indeed for people who think! (30:21)

Man's Responsibility 

Men shall take full care of women with the bounties which God has bestowed more abundantly on the former than the latter, and with what they may spend out of their possessions. And the righteous women are truly devout ones, who guard the intimacy which God has [ordained to be] guarded. (4:34)

Resolving Differences 

And if you have reason to fear that a breach might occur between a [married] couple, appoint an arbiter from among his people and an arbiter from among her people; if they both want to set things aright, God may bring about their reconciliation. Behold, God is indeed all-knowing, aware. (4:35)

Divorce 

o Prophet! When you [intend to] divorce women, divorce them with a view to the waiting-period appointed for them, and reckon the period [carefully], and be conscious of God, your Sustainer.

Do not expel them from their homes, and neither shall they [be made to] leave unless they become openly guilty of immoral conduct.

These, then, are the bounds set by God - and he who transgresses the bounds set by God does indeed sin against himself: [for, 0 man, although] thou knowest it not, after that [first breach] God may well cause something new to come about. (65:1)

Women's Right To Divorce 

And if a woman has reason to fear ill-treatment from her husband, or that he might turn away from her, it shall not be wrong for the two to set things peacefully to rights between themselves: for peace is best and selfishness is ever-present in human souls. But if you do good and are conscious of Him ¬behold, God is indeed aware of all that you do. (4:128)

Waiting Period 

And the divorced woman shall undergo, without remarrying, a waiting-period of three monthly courses: for it is not lawful for them to conceal what God may have created in their wombs, if they believe in God and the Last Day. And dur¬ing this period their husbands are fully entitled to take them back, if they desire

reconciliation; but, in accordance with justice, the rights of the wives [with regard to their husbands] are equal to the [husbands'] rights with regard to them, although men have precedence over them [in this respect]. And God is almighty, wise. (2:228)

Remarriage 

And if he divorces her [finally], she shall thereafter not be lawful unto him unless she first takes another man for husband; then, if the latter divorces her, there shall be no sin upon either of the two if they return to one another - pro¬vided that both of them think that they will be able to keep within the bounds set by God: for these are the bounds of God which He makes clear unto people of [innate] knowledge. (2:230)

And when you divorce women, and they have come to the end of their waiting¬term, hinder them not from marrying other men if they have agreed with each other in a fair manner. This is an admonition unto every one of you who believes in God and the Last Day; it is the most virtuous [way] for you, and the cleanest. And God knows, whereas you do not know. (2:232)

Maintenance of Divorcees & Widows 

You will incur no sin if you divorce women while you have not yet touched them nor settled a dower upon them; but [even in such case] make provision for them - the affluent according to his means and the straightened according to his means - a provision in an equitable manner: this is a duty upon all who would do good. (2:236)

And the divorced women, too, shall have [a right to] maintenance in a goodly manner: this is a duty for all who are conscious of God. (2:241)

And if any of you die and leave wives behind, they bequeath thereby to their widows [the right to] one year's maintenance without their being obliged to leave [the dead husband's home]. If, however, they leave [of their own accord], there shall be no sin in whatever they may do with themselves in a lawful man¬ner. And God is almighty, wise. (2:240)

TREATMENT OF: 

Parents, Kith and Kin, Neighbors, Captives, Employees, the Needy

And worship God [alone], and do not ascribe divinity, in any way, to aught beside Him.

And do good unto your parents, and near of kin, and unto orphans, and the needy, and the neighbour from among your own people, and the neighbour who is a stranger, and the friend by your side, and the wayfarer, and those whom you rightfully possess.

Verily, God does not love any of those who, full of self-conceit, act in a boastful manner: (4:36)

hefny · (This post was last modified: 04-13-2009, 03:02 PM by hefny.)

PART 4

The Helpless 

And how could you refuse to fight in the cause of God and of the utterly help¬less men and women and children who are crying, "0 our Sustainer! Lead us forth [to freedom] out of this land whose people are oppressors, and raise for

us, out of Thy grace, a protector, and raise for us, out of Thy grace, one who will bring us succour!" (4:75)

Orphans and the Poor 

The truly virtuous are they who fulfil their vows, and stand in awe of the Day of woe of which is bound to spread far and wide and who give food - however great be their own want of it - unto the needy, and the orphan, and the captive. (76:7-8)

And do not touch the substance of an orphan - save to improve it - before he come of age. (6:152)

Behold those who sinfully devour the possessions of orphans but fill their bellies ~th fire: for [in the life to come) they will have to endure a blazing flame! (4:10)

But nay, nay, [0 men, consider all that you do and fail to do:) you are not generous towards the orphan, and you do not urge one another to feed the needy, and you devour the inheritance [of others) with devouring greed, and you love wealth with boundless love! (89: 17-20)

Debtors 

If, however, [the debtor) is in straitened circumstances, [grant him) a delay until a time of ease; and it would be for your own good - if you but knew it - to remit [the debt entirely) by way of charity. And be conscious of the Day on which you shall be brought back unto God, whereupon every human shall be repaid in full for what he has earned, and none shall be wronged. (2:280-281)

The Ignorant 

... And, whenever they heard frivoulous talk, having turned away from it and said:

"Unto us shall be accounted our deeds, and unto you, your deeds. Peace be upon you - [but) we do not seek out such as are ignorant [of the meaning of right and wrong]." (28:55)

Those Who Do Not Believe in Islam

As for such [of the unbelievers) as do not fight against you on account of [your) faith, neither drive you forth from your homelands, God does no~ forbid yo~ to show them kinkness and to behave towards them with full eqUIty: for, venly, God loves those who act equitably. God only forbids you to turn in friendship towards such as fight against you because of [your) faith, and drive you forth from your homelands, or aid [others) in driving you forth; and as for those [from among you) who turn towards them in friendship, it is they, they who are truly wrongdoers! (60:8-9)

PERSONAL CONDUCT Unnecessary Questions

a You who have attained to faith! Do not ask about matters which, if they were to be made manifest to you [in terms oflaw), might cause hardship; for, if you should ask about them while the Quran is being revealed, they might [indeed) be made manifest to you [as laws). God has absolved [you from any obligation) in this respect: for God is much-forgiving, forbearing. (5: 101)

Excel in Goodness 

... Vie then with one another in doing good works... (5:58)

Evil Desires

[And We said:) "0 David! Behold, We have made thee a [prophet and, thus, Our) vicegerent on earth: judge, then between men with justice, and do not follow vain desire, lest it lead thee astray from the path of God: verily, for those who go astray from the path of God there is suffering severe in store for having forgotten the Day of Reckoning!" (38:26)

Pride and Arrogance 

And turn not thy cheek away from people in [false) pride, and walk not haughtily on earth: for, behold, God does not love anyone who, out of self con¬ceit, acts in a boastful manner. Hence, be modest in thy bearing, and lower thy voice: for behold, the ugliest of all voices is the [loud) voice of asses ... (31: 18-19)

Temptations 

Make due allowance for man's nature, and enjoin the doing for what is right; and leave alone all those who choose to remain ignorant. And if it should hap¬pen that a prompting from Satan stirs thee up [to blind anger), seek refuge with God: behold, He is all-hearing, all-knowing. Verily, they who are conscious of God bethink themselves [of Him] whenever any dark suggestion from Satan touches them - whereupon, lo! they begin to see [things) clearly, (7: 199-201)

Etiquette 

[All of you, a believers, are brethren: hence,) no blame attaches to the blind, nor does blame attach to the lame, nor does blame attach to the sick [for accept¬ing charity from the hale), and neither to yourselves for eating [whatever is offered to you by others, whether it be food obtained) from your [children's) houses, or your fathers' houses, or your mother's houses, or your brother's houses, or you sister's houses, or your paternal uncles' houses, or your paternal aunts' house, or your maternal uncle's houses, or your maternal aunt's houses or [houses) the keys whereof are in your charge, or [the house) of any of your friends; nor will you incur any sin by eating in company or separately. But whenever you enter [any of these) houses, greet one another with a blessed, goodly greeting, as enjoined by God.

In this way God makes clear unto you His messages, so that you might [learn to) use your reason. (24:61)

Visits 

a you who have attained to faith! Do not enter houses other than your own unless you have obtained permission and greeted their inmates. This is [enjoined upon you) for your own good, so that you might bear [your mutual rights) in mind. Hence, [even) if you find no one within [the house), do not enter it until you are given leave; and if you are told, "Turn back," then turn back. This will be most conducive to your purity; and God has full knowledge of all that you do. [On the other hand,) you will incur no sin if you [freely) enter houses not intended for living in but serving a purpose useful to you: but [always remember that) God knows all that you do openly, and all that you would conceal. (24:27-29)

reepicheep · 04-13-2009, 11:37 PM

And [forbidden to you are] all married women other than those whom you rightfully possess [through wedlock] SUrah (4:24) 

Your translation of verse 4:24 of the koran makes no logical sense.

A more accurate translation is as follows:

And all married women (are forbidden unto you) save those (captives) whom your right hands possess. (Pickthal)

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