Elijah

Elijah (Ilyas (AS) or Elias) is a prophet of Islam in Israel during 870-850 BC. Quran describes Elijah as a righteous and great prophet of Islam who preached the word of Allah Almighty. He also regarded as a prophet in Christianity and Judaism. Many Muslim scholars believe that Elijah came from the family of Prophet Aaron (Harun (AS)). It is believed that Elijah was awarded prophet hood after the death of great Prophet and King Solomon (Sulayman (AS)), for the people of Israel.

Muslims believe that Elijah was one of the prophets sent for the guidance of people of Israel by Allah Almighty. In Quran, it is specially mentioned about Elijah and his preaching in opposition of false Syrian god Ba’al, pleading with people to the True God. Most scholars believe that Elijah preached to the people of Israel, ruled by Ahab and later his son Ahaziah. He is believed to have been a prophet of the desert like John (Yahya (AS)). Elijah preached with great zeal to Ahab and his wife jezebel, who were responsible for the worship of false idols in the area of Israel. In spite of all this, majority of people refused to listen to Elijah.

Elijah is mentioned in Quran for his powerful preaching. As Allah Almighty says in Quran,

                “So also was Elias (Elijah) among those sent (by Us). Behold, he said to his people, ‘Will ye not fear (God)? Will ye call upon Baal and forsake the Best of Creators,- God, your Lord and Cherisher and the Lord and Cherisher of your fathers of old?’” (37:123-126)

The Qur'an makes it clear that the majority of Elijah's people denied the prophet and continued to follow idolatry. However, it mentions that a small number of devoted servants of Allah Almighty among them followed Elijah and believed and worshiped Allah Almighty. As Quran Says,

                “But they rejected him, and they will certainly be called up (for punishment),- Except the sincere and devoted Servants of God (among them).” (37:127-128)

Alcohol

Islam is very clear about intoxications. Intoxications are not allowed for some specific spiritual reasons. In life, alcohol is the reason of many sinful and negative behaviors. Consuming alcohol is one of the worst sins Muslim can commit. Intoxications were forbidden in Quran through several verses. At first, it was forbidden for Muslims to attend prayers when intoxicated. As in Quran Allah Almighty says,

                “O ye who believe! Approach not prayers with a mind befogged, until ye can understand all that ye say,” (4:43)

Then it was revealed that alcohol contains some good and some evil but evil is greater than good. It is said in Quran,

                “They ask thee concerning wine and gambling. Say: "In them is great sin, and some profit, for men; but the sin is greater than the profit." They ask thee how much they are to spend; Say: "What is beyond your needs." Thus doth God Make clear to you His Signs: In order that ye may consider-” (2:219)

And finally the verses of Quran forbidding intoxication,

                “O ye who believe! make not unlawful the good things which God hath made lawful for you, but commit no excess: for God loveth not those given to excess. Eat of the things which God hath provided for you, lawful and good; but fear God, in Whom ye believe.” (5:90-91)

Quran uses strongest terms and warnings in reference to consuming alcohol. According to Quran alcohol covers reality and cover God from those who consume it. The use of alcohol is considered to be a grave sin. Not only consuming alcohol is a great sin but trading alcohol is also forbidden.

The purpose of forbidding alcohol in Quran is to emphasize to Muslims that purity of mind and body is essential for spiritual progress and closeness to Allah Almighty.

Talking Ants

There are a lot of secrets about this universe revealed in Quran along with prayers, prohibitions and commands. These secrets can only be seen by a person with attentive eye and believe in truthfulness of Quran. These secrets not only lead way to our life but to science too. The reason for this is that any information not based on revelations of Allah Almighty is always in contradiction of universe and is illusion.

For years scientists were trying to watch and record sounds and vibrations of insects. The matter was resolved when Professor Robert Hickling, president of Sonometrics Inc, successfully recorded sounds coming out of Ants. Scientists were surprised by the fact that sound frequencies released by ants varied from ant to ant. This was a remarkable and interesting discovery, keeping in mind the fact that there are over 12,000 species of ants and the number of ants is multiple folds more than humans.

This discovery again proved that each and every piece of information in Quran is divine revelation and authentic. 27^th chapter of Quran is named Surah Al-Naml (The Ant), in which Allah Almighty mentions ants,

                “At length, when they came to a (lowly) valley of ants, one of the ants said: ‘O ye ants, get into your habitations, lest Solomon and his hosts crush you (under foot) without knowing it.’ So he (Solomon) smiled, amused at her speech; and he said: ‘O my Lord! so order me that I may be grateful for Thy favours, which thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may work the righteousness that will please Thee: And admit me, by Thy Grace, to the ranks of Thy righteous Servants.’” (27:18-19)

In these verses Allah Almighty clearly tells us about the speech of ants. Researchers also discovered that ants communicate through the antennas on their heads. They use their antennas to send and receive sound vibrations. The interesting discovery was also that while receiving vibrations, the antennas filters vibrations and removes overlapping sounds. This is a very developed communication system unknown to science until few years ago but Quran mentioned it over 1400 years before scientific discovery and told us that ants speak.

Munkar and Nakeer

Munkar and Nakeer are the angels who test the faith of dead in their graves, according to teachings of Islam. The literal meaning of Munkar and Nakeer is of ‘the Denied and the Denier’ in Arabic.

According to Quran and Islam, one’s soul passes through a stage called Barzakh after death. The soul exists in grave during stage of barzakh. The soul will remain in grave even if the body is destroyed completely. The questioning of soul starts immediately after funeral is over and all people leave the grave.  Munkar and Nakeer come to the grave and prop the departed soul upright in the grave. They will ask three questions from the soul, “Who is your Lord? Who is your Prophet and What is your religion?”. If the person is righteous, the soul will answer the questions correctly that “Allah is my lord, Muhammad (SAW) is my Prophet and Islam is my religion.” Those who answer the questions correctly will spend their stage of Barzakh pleasantly but if the questions are answered incorrectly the time in grave will be harsh.

According to teachings of Islam and Quran, the angels are described as having solid black eyes, carrying hammers, tongue slashing fire flames as they speak and their shoulder span measured in miles. Those who answer the questions incorrectly are beaten and tortured everyday until Allah Almighty order for punishment to stop.

Death

Death is the most important aspect of life as it is certain to happen to all of us. We never know when it is going to happen to us, in the next minute or in years. We plan many things in our life which may never happen, death on the other hand is certain to happen to all of us. This truth enables us plan and live our lives for that moment. Death is also part of final trial of humans. Allah Almighty says in Quran that life and death are created to try humans,

                “He Who created Death and Life, that He may try which of you is best in deed: and He is the Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving;-”(67:2)

Death is the end of this life and the beginning of the next. Which means death is the end of trial of a man. Therefore believers are not afraid of death because they spend their lives according to the teachings of Quran and Sunnah. They spend each and every moment of their lives in pursuit of good deeds as preparation of Hereafter. Non-believers, on the other hand, are afraid of death as they consider it complete end. So they try to avoid thoughts of death and try to escape from it. But it is impossible to escape from death. Allah says in Quran,

                “Wherever ye are, death will find you out, even if ye are in towers built up strong and high!”  (4-78)

Thinking about death strengthens our will and spirit. It protects us from false temptations of this world. It prevents us from all the actions which are unpleasant to Allah Almighty. This is the reason that Muslims think about death never forget that they will die some day.

Pillars of Islam

The five pillars of Islam are the five basic acts of Islam. They are considered obligatory for all muslims. The Quran present them as a sign of commitment to the faith. They are Shahadah, Salat, Sawm, Zakat and Hajj.

Shahadah

Shahadah is saying and accepting the oneness of Allah Almighty and prophet of Muhammad (SAW). Shahdah is a statement recited in Arabic as, ‘La Ilaha Illallah Muhammad Rasulullah’ which means “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger” in English. Also one should should try to say the declaration of Faith when dying. It is obligatory to say this when converting to Islam.

Salat

Salat is Islamic prayer. It consists of five daily prayers: fajr, Dhuhr, Asar, Maghrib and Isha. The timings of prayers are fixed according to the position of sun. Each prayer consists of certain amount of sequence of actions and words called Rakat.

Sawm

Sawm is Arabic word for fasting. By Islamic law Sawm means to abstain from eating, drinking, sex and anything prohibited by Islamic Law. Sawm during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam along with Tauhid, Salat, Zakat and Hajj. Sawm is obligatory in Ramadan but it can be observed other time of year also. As Allah Almighty says in Quran,

                “O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint,” (2:183)

Zakat

Zakat is the most important worship performed financially. Muslims who fulfill the duty the duty of giving Zakat are promised endless rewards in this world and hereafter. In the same way those who refuse to follow instructions about Zakat, are warned about strict punishments by Quran and Muhammad (SAW). The ratio of Zakat is 2.5% of total wealth and is obligatory on every wealthy and rich Muslim.

Hajj

Hajj is an act of worship just like Salat (Prayer), Sawm (Fasting) and Zakat. Muslims from all over the world gather in Makkah to perform hajj. Hajj is performed in the Islamic month of Dul-Hajj. It is obligatory on every sane and able adult Muslim.

Pillars of Islam-Shahadah

Shahadah is an Arabic word of meaning “to know and believe without suspicion, as if witnessed”. The Shahadah is the Muslim declaration of belief in oneness of Allah Almighty and acceptance of Muhammad (SAW) as His Prophet. In Arabic it reads as: La Ilaha Illallah Muhammad Rasulullah which means “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger” in English.

The word Shahadah is derived from word Shahida meaning to observe, witness or testify. A single honest recitation of Shahadah in Arabic is required by a person to become a Muslim. This declaration of faith is called Kalima, which means “word” literally. The first and most important of five pillars of Islam is recitation of Shahadah. A public recitation of Shahadah can convert a non-Muslim to Islam. The significance of declaration of Shahadah is the belief that the only purpose of life is to obey and serve only Allah and this is achieved through the teachings and practices of last prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Shahadah come from the Quran as stated in the Surah Ali Imran verse 18 that there no another God than Allah alone. As Allah says in Quran,

                “There is no god but He(Allah):”(03:18)

And in Surah Al Munafiqin verse 1 of Quran Allah recognized Muhammad (SAW) as the last prophet and messenger of Allah.

                “they say, We bear witness that thou art indeed the Apostle of God.”(63:1)

These essences are combined to be the Shahadah, spoken by all Muslims in every prayer and anyone who wishes to convert to Islam.

Pillars of Islam -Salat

Salat is an Arabic word whose meaning is prayer. Salat is the second pillar of Islam after Shahadah (Believe in oneness of Allah and prophet hood of Muhammad (SAW)). Salat is the Arabic name of formal prayer in Islam. Salat is ritual prayer and have some defined conditions, procedures and times. Allah Almighty Says in Quran,

                “I have only created Jinns and men, that they may worship (and serve) Me.”(51:56)

Salat is obligatory for all adult Muslims According to Quran and Sunnah. To perform Salat, one must be clean and pure. Physical purity is mainly achieved by ritual of Ablution. The place of Salat should be clean as well and so should be clothes one is wearing. Salat is performed five times a day depending upon the movement of sun. Salat consists of two or more units of sequence of actions and words, prescribed by Muhammad (SAW). The number varies according to their timings and special circumstances (Friday and Eid salat etc). There are some exceptions for some or all the actions of Salat for those who are physically unable to complete them. The prescribed words remain obligatory.

The importance of Salat can be considered by the fact that it is mentioned 70 times in Quran. Allah Almighty says, in Quran,

                “To those whose hearts when God is mentioned, are filled with fear, who show patient perseverance over their afflictions, keep up regular prayer, and spend (in charity) out of what We have bestowed upon them.”(22:35)

Salat is the distinction between Muslim and a non-Muslim. As prophet Muhammad (SAW) said,

                “What lies between a man and a disbelief is the abandonment of prayer”

The purpose of Salat is that it acts as medium of communication between a person and Allah Almighty. Daily prayers remind people about thanking Allah for His blessings. Salat is a formal process of remembering Allah. Salat is also considered a means of restraining one from wrong and evils. According to Hadith Salat is the best deed.

Pillars of Islam-Sawm

Sawm is Arabic word for fasting. By Islamic law Sawm means to abstain from eating, drinking, sex and anything prohibited by Islamic Law. Sawm during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam along with Tauhid, Salat, Zakat and Hajj. Sawm is obligatory in Ramadan but it can be observed other time of year also. As Allah Almighty says in Quran,

                “O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint,” (2:183)

Muslims are prohibited from some things which are legal and normal in other circumstances. Muslims are prohibited from eating, drinking, having sex and smoking from dawn to sunset. Fasting or Sawm is an attempt to seek nearness of Allah Almighty. Another reason of fasting is to sympathize with those who are less fortunate and do not always have something to eat or drink. It is important that one try to control his temptations and desires of food, drink and sex etc. One must control his anger, evil thoughts and stop cursing. Sawm also teach one love and obedience because fasting during Ramadan is done out of respect and love of Allah Almighty.

Sawm is obligatory in the month of Ramadan which is a great month in sense that it was the month in which Quran was revealed to Muhammad (SAW) and the rewards of good deeds done in this month is multiplied several folds for the believers. Lailat Ul-Qadr comes in this month which is regarded as night better than thousand months. Gates of paradise are opened and gates of hell are closed during Ramadan.

Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory on every adult and healthy Muslim. According to Quran, if there is any danger to one’s health than fasting can be delayed to time when he gets healthy. Same is case with women who are expecting and elderly, they should either make up for the lost days by fasting after they get healthy enough or feed needy person for every day missed.

Pillars of Islam-Zakat

Zakat is one of the basic duties of Islam. It is one of the five pillars of islam. After Salat it is the most important part of Islam. It has been mentioned in Quran seventy times, just like Salat. It is mentioned by Allah in Quran several times as, “…and establish regular Salat and give regular Zakat…”. Just as Salat is most important worship performed bodily, Zakat is the most important worship performed financially. Muslims who fulfill the duty the duty of giving Zakat are promised endless rewards in this world and hereafter. In the same way those who refuse to follow instructions about Zakat, are warned about strict punishments by Quran and Muhammad (SAW).

As Zakat is duty of every Muslim so every Muslim gives zakat voluntarily. Zakat is for welfare purposes. Rich give zakat so it can be distributed among poor and equilibrium is maintained in Muslim society. It is one of the reasons that Islam spread peacefully in non-Muslim countries. The best example is of Spain, where zakat was taken from rich landowners and distributed among the poor and deprived majority of Spain. This resulted in the interest of the poor population of Spain in Islam and their majority converted to Islam. It was also the main reason for Persians convert to Islam. In Europe, Zakat was regarded as threat to their feudal economy, especially after Spain’s covert to Islam.

The ratio of Zakat is 2.5% of total wealth and is obligatory on every wealthy and rich Muslim. Zakat is applicable on every Muslim who has at least one of the following possessions

·         Gold or silver in any form equal to nisaab

·         Cash, Currency Notes, Bonds etc equal to nisaab

·         Merchandise of Business equal to nisaab

·         Live stock equal to nisaab

·         Income from other businesses equal to nisaab

Nisaab is the amount of wealth which makes one liable to Zakat. It is as follows as fixed by Muhammad (SAW)

·         Gold 7.50 Tolas = 87.48 gms

·         Silver 52.50 tolas = 612.36 gms

Zakat cannot be given to descendents of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), one’s immediate family and Organizations or governments who would not distribute it among poor.

Morals of Islam in War

According to teachings of Islam, war is an unwanted obligation which has to be carried out under strict moral and humane values. War is an option taken only when inevitable. According to Quran wars are started by those who are unbelievers and Allah Almighty does not approve that. Islam stresses the fact wars should be for defensive purposes in unavoidable circumstances.

Quran was revealed in a period of twenty three years and out of these twenty three, for thirteen years Muslims were living in Makkah. They were in minority and faced oppression from others. Muslims were tortured, abused and even murdered. Despite all of this, Muslims never resorted to violence and lived in peace. Muslims migrated to Madinah when oppression was unbearable where they established a free and just community. Only after mischief and oppression of unbelievers continued in Madinah that Allah permitted them to fight in defense of Islam. As the following verses were revealed in Quran,

                “Permission to fight is given to those who are fought against because they have been wronged - truly God has the power to come to their support - those who were expelled from their homes without any right, merely for saying, 'Our Lord is God'…” (22:39.40)

To summarize Muslims are allowed to start a war only when they are oppressed and abused. In other words, war is only allowed for defensive purposes. But even in wars Muslims are ordered to be humane and keep up the moral values Islam teach. As it is said in Quran,

                “Fight in the Way of God against those who fight you, but do not go beyond the limits. God does not love those who go beyond the limits.”(2:190)

A Muslim should treat a non-Muslim kindly. Muslims should only fight in a humane way.

Trusting Fellow Muslims

One of nature of humans is that they find it very hard to trust others. They can establish friendships with individuals of same ideologies, tastes, personalities and fell respect for each other. But when a situation demands them to show trust in their friends they just step away. They feel that they can not trust anyone including their parents, children, spouses and friends. They can only trust themselves. This is all because of curious nature of humans that they suspect each other. Spouses, friends, siblings say that they are very close and trust each other but in reality they always suspect and try to find secrets of each other.

But all this is totally different in Islam and Muslims. It is not difficult for Muslims to trust each other. The teachings of Quran and Muhammad (SAW), and fear of Allah Almighty enable us to trust fellow Muslims. They know for fact that they are answerable for every good and bad deed to Allah Almighty. True Muslims never lie, steal, betray or harm others. They know the value of respect, friendship, loyalty and love for one another. They do not any thing they could not do. As Allah Almighty says in Quran,

                “Your friend is only Allah and His Messenger and those who have faith: those who establish prayers (salat) and pay alms (zakat), and bow. As for those who make Allah their friend, and His Messenger and those who have faith: it is the party of Allah who are victorious!” (5:55.56)

There is no difficulty in trusting fellow Muslims if we follow true spirit of Islam and Quran. Muslims know they would be answerable for all their deeds, god or bad. So they do not betray or harm another.

Darwinism Exposed

Darwinists have been spreading a huge propaganda for the last one and a half century, since the birth of theory of Darwin. They controlled press and media to spread their beliefs around the world and silenced any voice against them. They found their way into school, colleges, universities and all education institutes around the world. Text books are full of their false propagandas. They designed false fossils and used their powers over the press to spread their lies. This all had to end one day and their end is happening right now. As Allah Almighty says in Quran,

                “We hurl the truth against falsehood and it cuts right through it,” (21:18)

The antichrist (Dajaal) had been hypnotizing the world for over 150 years. Trying to make everyone darwinist, irreligious and materialist. He cast his spell over humans trying to tell them that “you are darwinists, you came into being by chance and there is no God”. Under that spell many people believed that darwinism is reality and life just happened by chance and there is no Creator who created everything in this universe and beyond it. But Darwinists failed to answer about soul and spirit. They did not believe that their lies would be exposed one day.

On October 4, 2007, during a press conference at Council of Europe, 'Atlas of Creation' was presented to world. Darwinists were shocked by that presentation as suddenly their spell was coming to an end. They did not know how to deal with sudden blow on them. The Atlas of Creation contained information about 300 million fossils. People were amazed by the fact that not a single transitional fossil was in the atlas. The fact was proved by the atlas that life did not come into being by chance. Darwinists did not believe that they could be exposed one day but their beliefs were against teachings of Quran and Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The Atlas of Creation was a serious blow to their shameful acts and it silenced them. As Allah Almighty said in Quran,

                “Say: O Allah! Owner of Sovereignty! Thou givest sovereignty unto whom Thou wilt, and Thou withdrawest sovereignty from whom Thou wilt. Thou exaltest whom Thou wilt, and Thou abasest whom Thou wilt. In Thy hand is the good. Lo! Thou art Able to do all things.”(3:26)

  May Allah give us power to struggle against evil and fight for good according to teachings of Quran and Muhammad (SAW).

Jesus According to Quran

Jesus (AS) is held highly in honor both in this world and hereafter by all Muslims, Christians and Jews. There is no clear indication of the year of birth of Jesus (AS) in Christian gospels. The true religion brought by him also exists today but in name only. His followers have forgotten the teachings of true Christianity. The same is the case with book revealed on Jesus (AS) which was altered and tempered through the passage of time for worldly gains.

As we can not get any authentic information about Jesus (AS) from Christian scripts, the only authentic source of knowledge about Jesus (AS) is Quran. Allah Almighty promised Quran to be uncorrupted till Day of Judgment. Quran gives true information about the birth, life, encounters of Jesus (AS) with other people and many other topics about him. Quran also give details about the effort by Jesus (AS) to invite people to true faith. As he said to people,

“I come confirming the Torah I find already there, and to make lawful for you some of what was previously forbidden to you. I have brought you a Sign from your Lord. So heed God and obey me. God is my Lord and your Lord so worship Him. That is a straight path. (Quran 3:50-51)”

Only a limited number of people answered his call and became his followers. Jesus (AS) performed great miracles to invite people to Allah and always said that these miracles are by will of Allah Almighty. Despite obstacles the number of his followers rose slowly and preached faith in all over land. He preached oneness of Allah like all prophets. His opponents, the disbelievers, on the other hand plotted against him. After continues schemes of harming Jesus (AS) by his opponents, Allah Almighty recalled Jesus (AS) to Himself only to send him back to restore peace and rule of Allah Almighty on earth before Day of Judgment.

Interesting Mathematical Facts in Quran

The Holy Book of Quran is a divine revelation of Allah Almighty on Prophet Muhammad (SAW) for the guidance of humanity. There are a lot of facts and secrets of life hidden in Quran. Only a true believer with an attentive eye can see and examine these secrets. There is a majority of people who claim to be faithful believers but they do not believe that the Holy Book contains all the answers and facts about life. They do not consider Quran as their true guide. In fact they believe that the Holy Book does not provide solutions for modern life.

There are some interesting facts about life and everything around us. The first and foremost fact is about creation of human being. The word “Human Being” is used in Holy Book 65 times and the stages of creation of human is mentioned as well. Soil (Turab) 17, Drop of Sperm (Nutfah) 12, Embryo (A’laq) 6, a half formed lump of flesh (Mudghah) 3, Bone (Idham) 15 and Flesh (Lahm) 12. There sum is 65. The word day is repeated 365 times, its plural form days 30 times and moth is repeated 12 times. The number of repetition of words “world” and “hereafter” is same, 115. The words “satan” and “angel” are both mentioned 88 times. Words “paradise” and “hell” are repeated 77 times. The interesting fact is about ratio of land and sea on earth. The word sea appears 32 time and land 13 times, therefore the percentage of sea is 32/45 x 100=71.1111% and percentage of land is 13/45 x 100=28.8888%. Science has now proved that water takes 71.1111% of earth and land takes 28.8888%. The words man and woman also appear 24 times.

Keeping these facts in mind it is clear that Quran is the only guide to the secrets of universe. We only have to read and learn It carefully.

Divorce According to Quran

Getting married is duty of all Muslim men and women. Marriage is a civil contract between two parties, man and woman who live together as husband and wife, in Islam. This automatically refers to the responsibilities and rights of the two parties involved in the contract. The Quran and Prophet Muhammad (SAW) order us that the two parties, husband and wife should act kindly with each other. If a situation arises, it should be dealt according to the teachings of Islam. It is a fact of life that two persons living together have disagreements. Few things should be kept in mind if a serious situation arises between husband and wife, and disagreement can not be solved.

In case of disagreement husband and wife should try to resolve the situation themselves. In case resolution is impossible by them then their relatives should try to resolve situation for them and settle their differences. If the attempt of relatives also fails then they should seek divorce. In case of divorce husband and wife separate from each other for time of three months. They can reunite in that time but after the time has passed they are divorced effectively and Nikah is terminated.

It is clear that Islam and Quran only permits divorce when it is impossible for the two parties to live together peacefully and all attempts to resolve their differences fail. Islam assumes that muslims act responsibly when exercising their right of divorce. According to Quran and Hadith of Muhammad (SAW) divorce is the most unliked act permitted by Islam. This also stresses the fact that Islam and Quran addresses all aspects of life and guides. The sixty fifth Surah of Quran, Surah Talaaq(Divorce) addresses all the aspects of divorce

Jihad according to Quran

Jihad is an Arabic word and its literal meaning is of struggle or to strive. Thai applies to any effort by anyone. The term struggle or strive may be used by anyone, Muslim or non-muslim to achieve his or her target. For west or non-muslims jihad is interpreted as “holy war” by muslims on non-muslims. In Islam jihad is any personal, physical or verbal effort for spiritual height of oneself or for the glory of Islam and Muslims. Allah Almighty says in Quran,

"Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not transgressors." (2:190)

Personal jihad is the most important form of jihad. It means that one struggle for purification of his soul and achievement spiritual perfection. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said about personal Jihad that, "The best jihad [struggle] is (by) the one who strives against his own self for Allah, The Mighty and Majestic”.

Verbal jihad is described as struggle for justice through verbal and non-violent means. Muhammad (SAW) said that a word of truth spoken to a ruler is best jihad.

Physical Jihad means that one fight for his freedom and for protection of Muslim territory physically. It relates to use of physical force in defense of Islam and Muslims against oppression by enemies of Allah and Muslims. Quran says’

"To those against whom war is made, permission is given [to defend themselves], because they are wronged - and verily, Allah is Most Powerful to give them victory." (22:39)

Mentioning of Luqman in Quran

The divine book of Allah Almighty, Quran, along with prohibitions, prayers and commands about the way we live our life, contains the stories of nations, Personalities and prophets sent to guide them. The purpose of these tales is that we learn from them and live our lives according to the teachings of Allah Almighty. Quran contains stories of different personalities; some of them are mentioned as prophets but reality about two of these personalities is not clear. The two are Zulqarnain and Luqman (or Hakim Luqman). It is not clearly mentioned that whether they were prophets or just righteous servants of Allah Almighty.

Surah Luqman, the thirty First Surah of Quran was named after Luqman. He was believed to be from Africa. Historians define him as short black man from either Ethiopia or Southern Egypt. Luqman is described as a perceptive man, always watching and analyzing the creations of Allah Almighty around him. One day an angel came to him during sleep and offered him to take kingship or wisdom. He chose wisdom. When he woke up, he could feel the sharpness of his senses. Unfortunately he was taken slave by slavers

He was sold to a good and intelligent man. He treated Luqman with kindness. One day he ordered Luqman to slaughter sheep and bring him its best parts. Luqman brought him tongue and heart of sheep. A few days later the man ordered Luqman to again slaughter a sheep but ordered to bring its worst parts. He was amazed to see that Luqman brought tongue and heart again. When asked, Luqman answered that if a person is pure than his heart and tongue are his best parts but if the person is evil than heart and tongue are evil as well. Luqman’s owner gave him great respect. Many people consulted Luqman for advice and he became famous for his wisdom all over his country. Despite wisdom and intelligence, he was always remained a true servant of Allah Almighty and advised his son and other people to obey the Creator of universe.

Rights of Quran on Muslims

Quran is the last revelation of Allah Almighty conveyed to us through Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the only divine revelation in its original form. Muslims consider Quran to be the true guide for humanity in every aspect of life. To benefit from Quran we must consider and relate to it in a practical way. We must maintain few responsibilities to keep our relationship with the Holy Book and fulfill its rights.

The first thing is to regard Quran as the word of Allah Almighty and believe that it is the guidance for us in every aspect of life. We must honor and respect the Holy Book above all other.

As Quran was reveled to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) through Gabriel orally, Muhammad (SAW) conveyed it to his companions in the same way. We should learn to recite it correctly. The blessings of reciting Quran correctly are vast. After reciting, the next responsibility is to understand it. Many Muslims learn to read the Holy Book but does not understand the meaning. As it is divine revelation for guidance, so one must understand the message and follow it.

Every Muslim must understand the message and guidance of Quran and try to implement it. Implementation must be individually and collectively. Collectively, a Muslim nation should adopt Quran and shariah as law of the country.

Every Muslim has the responsibility of learning Quran and teaching it to others. Teaching and conveying the message of Quran is responsibility of Muslims. If we truly believe that Quran is the sole guidance, than we must respect and honor it, read and recite it properly, understand it, implement it in our everyday life and teach it to others. Conveying and clarifying Quran is its right.