Surat Al-Ma’un 107: The Importance of Being Kind

The title word ma’un is translated “aid, assistance, small kindnesses,” or simply “help.” So the sura begins with this word as its title and ends with it as the last word in its last verse/aya. But what is most striking is its central aya: “Woe to those who pray!” And the word salat is what is translated “pray,” all the more striking because salat is obligatory in Islam, the first thing mentioned in sura 74:42-43 when those in paradise asked those in hell “what put you in hell?” And they answered, “we were not of those who prayed (salat).” So why is this person called out for doing what Allah required us to do, even to avoid going to hell?

Fascinating Details about the Basmalah

Relating the Basmalah to Allah’s Name

The name Allah in Arabic is written using 3 unique letters to form a 4-letter name. This pair of numbers — 3,4 — can be found reflected throughout the Quran in various ways. In the Basmalah it can be found in its verbal structure: 3 names of Allah in a 4-word statement. It can also be found specifically in the name Al-Raheem which is mentioned 34 times as it exactly appears in the Basmalah as a name, and 3⁴ times if one counts the adjective raheem. 

From 3,4, we can also derive the numerical perimeters of the Basmalah: 3+4=7, the number of letters in the first 2 words of the Basmalah, and 3×4=12, giving us the number of letters in the last 2 words of the Basmalah. These two resulting numbers, 7 and 12, are significant Quranic numbers, which added together result in the third significant Quranic number, 19. This then is an “apex” number, expressed in how the Quran introduces it: “Over it is 19.” The “it” was referring to hell using the word saqar. But as a separate indefinite phrase, this expression is open to wider interpretation, as are other such expressions in the Quran. Below I have found another correlation between the Basmalah and the Quranic numbers 19, 7, and 3 that have bearing on its meaning and centrality to Quranic architecture. 

The Scales of Justice in the Quran, with Stunning Precision

Surat Al-Rahman 55:7 introduces the concept of the Scales of Justice in the Quran as follows:

And He raised the heaven and He established the balance.

The scales of justice are mentioned in a number of places, and in the process of analyzing suras that contain them, I noticed a distinct pattern regarding the scales, indicative of Allah’s justice and mercy enacted on Judgment Day, when the “balance” will be a measure of how people’s deeds will be judged. Here I’ve used word and letter counts, where the words represent Allah the Exalted’s “input” which would be decrees or commands, such as the word “Kun” in Arabic or “Be!” is a word-command mentioned in the Quran for creation. His “words” are then commands or decrees unlimited as per this aya from 31:27: “And if all the trees on earth were pens, and all the oceans were ink (with seven more such oceans to help), the Words of Allah would not be exhausted.” Letters, then, could represent our input, in this case the human deeds that are being weighed. And throughout the entire Quran, mentions of the Justice Scales used on Judgment Day to weigh good and bad deeds follow a precise pattern.

Surat Al-Qadr 97, Night of Celestial Power

This spectacular sura appears to be simple and easy to understand, but examined in greater depth, unleashes its power, as shown in the analysis below.

The Quran Constant, a Divine Math-based Text Security System

Extensive studies have been made regarding mathematical miracles, text-number relationships or elements, numerological patterns, structural details, and other aspects of the Quran, but none of these I’ve read is like this article regarding the Quran Constant by Dr. Khaled M. S. Faqih (a professor at Al al-Bayt University in Jordan) in the Journal of Arts and Humanities, which can also be downloaded as a pdf. Essentially, the Quran Constant QC is a number which is key to preserving the text of the Quran from any distortion whatsoever. The author’s expertise in systems analysis gives him the sophisticated mathematics understanding to develop such a constant using the Uthmani manuscript, which is both authenticated (in close relationship to the Birmingham Manuscript) and has been extensively analyzed by a team under the guidance of Dr. Al-Kaheel from which studies the numbers used were derived. Below is a summarizing description of the constant, its major perimeters, and what it does. It is nothing short of miraculous.

A Different Perspective on Sura 97 and Laylatul Qadr

Although I’ve presented a longer and somewhat unusual analysis of the meaning of Laylatul Qadr or “the Night of Decree/Power,” it’s important to present alternate (and shorter) views on this important subject. Here is a different and valid interpretation of that important night from Quora, exploring traditional and Quran-based interpretations, which I found also meaningful, and more in line with the traditional understanding that this night occurs in the lunar calendar-based Ramadan. It gives Quranic references with interesting possible explanations.

On the Benefits of Fasting Ramadan: Health Expert

Dr. Eric Berg DC describes the amazing benefits of the type of fasting done for the month of Ramadan.

Of course, the greatest benefits of fasting Ramadan are in Allah’s acceptance, and in the taqwa (God-consciousness) gained during this blessed month, especially in the last remaining days when our salat and dhikr intensifies insha’Allah. The physical and health benefits are in fact good “side effects.” May Allah the Exalted accept our fasting, prayers, and charity, and increase our knowledge of His Quran, our guidebook and source of comfort, enlightenment, and motivation.

Dr. Eric Berg is a best-selling author of The Healthy Keto Plan (KB Publishing, 2017) who specializes in weight loss and healthy ketogenic diet strategies as well as intermittent fasting. He has conducted over 4800 seminars on health-related topIcs and trained over 2500 doctors worldwide. And he is impressed with the benefits of fasting Ramadan as explained in the video above.

Surat Al-Qari’a 101: the Ultimate Warning

Surat Al-Qari’a 101, analyzed in details below, has a close relationship with Surat Al-Zalzala 99. Both tell us something about the Day of Resurrection, and both feature descriptions of the Balance Scale, showing the weighing of good and bad deeds. What’s especially impressive is the close relationship between the word and letter counts in the two “scale” sections, despite their differences. In fact, the two suras’ “scale pairs” have identical features relating to how they are precisely equitable. 

Mistranslation Alert: The Quran Does Not Condone or Advise Wife-Beating

One of the most controversial ayat of the Quran that does not have anything to do with war/fighting but rather marital relations and recommendations for resolving disputes is Al-Nisa’ 4:34. A specific word daraba is used to refer to a “last resort” action to be taken when a husband is dealing with a situation where he feels an attitude of nushooz (ill-conduct/rebellion) from his wife. Most translations as well as tafseer have interpreted it to mean that as a last resort a man can or should “strike/beat” his wife. The Monotheist Group’s Quran translation (4th version, 2020) gives the best explanation in its preface (cited below) for why this interpretation is not the best or most reasonable/applicable one, but rather is entirely mistaken, from both a linguistic standpoint and in the context in which it is used. All the following quotes are from this source. 

Why Being a “Good Person” Is Not Enough – On the Need for Islamic Faith-Based Ethics

This article on Yaqeen Institute eloquently presents the profound truth about how ethics without a primal faith in God as Truth is not enough, leading to climate change and dysfunctional societies and more. It’s not just philosophy; it’s a matter if survival. The article is well-worth your time! A small excerpt is below:

…secular modernity—recall that the 19th century is precisely the time when Western populations began to embrace modern values—has killed the planet Earth. Even as the poor masses, including the majority of Muslims, of the world are being pressured to modernize and secularize, leading scientists and scholars are suggesting, in so many words, that the traditional, communal, and altruistic ethics they are leaving behind are necessary for humankind to survive.

https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/being-a-good-person-is-not-enough-why-ethics-need-islam

Al-Aqsa Mosque Again Under Siege

Every year, or I should say every Ramadan, Israel attacks Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, a holy site to millions of Muslims worldwide, to allow far right-wing settlers to harass worshipers and desecrate the mosque (by physical destruction), which they want to destroy. This year’s provocations came within 48 hours of each other, the first resulting in a 20-year high of almost 500 arrests of Palestinian worshipers, and the second came as an invasion of 545 right-wing settlers in cooperation with Israeli police and against written international agreements. Reports below:

In front of his child's eyes, Israeli occupation forces attack a Palestinian father at Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem.#AlAqsaUnderAttack pic.twitter.com/ktgbxILy4i

— PALESTINE ONLINE 🇵🇸 #BravePalestine (@OnlinePalEng) April 17, 2022

The point is to brutalize and intimidate Palestinians and send a message to Muslims “we own your sacred mosque.” Especially during Ramadan, to let it sink in.

Salat, Our Connection to Allah and More

Salat as a practice is central in the Quran, but certain aspects of it can cause confusion due to differences between what is understood in English and what the Quran means in Arabic. It is a connection, a two-way street, and as such, involves reciprocity, which itself needs explanation. But it also is something one “establishes” by its regular practice. And what does it mean to “connect with” Prophet Mohammad? These are concepts that people dispute over for issues relating to language as well as concerns over not violating monotheism, yet are absolutely crucial in Islam to understand. 

“Why Do You Feel That God Exists?”

A simple but beautiful answer to this question was posted on Quora, but the link wouldn’t post here, so I will quote both Question and Answer here in slightly edited and condensed form.

The 9 Signs of Moses in the Quran

This is something I’ve wondered about, what were the ”nine signs” mentioned in 17:101: “And We had certainly given Moses nine evident signs, so ask the Children of Israel [about] when he came to them and Pharaoh said to him, ‘Indeed I think, O Moses, that you are affected by magic.’”

And here is the clear answer, derived from the Quran: the Nine Miracles of Moses.

Amazing Sura 99 Al-Zalzala, the Quake

Sura 99 Arabic and English

Audio of Surat Al-Zalzala 99

Surat Al-Zalzala, “The Quake,” describes what will happen in the final approach of the Hour, the Finality, Al-Akhira, also known as the Day of Resurrection and Judgment Day. All these terms apply because then time as we know it ceases to be and we enter the realm of the Almighty, “timeless” in that all means of assessing “time” are broken down: the heavens and the earth and their complex orbits, interlocking relationships, and very composition, all is upended in an incomprehensible way, the ultimate unimaginable undoing. The sura itself, however, focuses on what is relevant for humankind: our fate, and the coming Judgment. To show how that Judgment is eminently balanced, just, and equitable, we shall closely examine the text. This includes the word and letter counts of the Arabic text to reveal how precisely this sura is put together, even though we cannot, of course, grasp every detail. Above is the sura in Arabic with a slightly different English translation for reference (“scattered groups” instead “separated into categories”), my translation of the Basmalah being “In the Name of Allah, the Almighty, the All-Merciful.” Also an audio link is above to hear the powerful sound of the original Arabic words.

Video: Ramadan as Hope, the Quran as Allah’s ”Rope”

This video gives a unique and meaningful perspective about Ramadan, starting with Adam in an exalted state so close to Allah that Allah the Exalted spoke to him, then Adam’s mistake and descent to earth, not as a punishment (that’s a Christian idea not in Islam), but to work and suffer, becoming stronger in faith and determination, to return insha’Allah (God willing) to Allah’s Presence in the promised Garden, an inheritance from Adam and a reward for patience and struggle in His path. An eloquent and beautifully-presented message from Nouman Ali Khan. He explains the name ”Iblees” (another name for Satan) as derived from the meaning “hopeless,” from which we understand that the idea that we are a ”hopeless case” to be from satanic influence, and that to think we are beyond redemption or cannot be forgiven is a trademark satanic concept. Satan’s case is indeed hopeless, and he wants us to feel we are also hopeless, whereas with Allah there is always hope. The Quran is literally the way Allah speaks to us, opening up a two-way “conversation” if we join it and speak in return: the Quran gives us words, if we are at a loss for words, but any language will do.

Ramadan Around the World

(Pictured above: Muslim children gather to read Quran at the Al-Kabir Mosque in Sanaa, Yemen, Ramadan 2022.) The following pictures show how Muslims around the world are celebrating the holy month of Ramadan, traditionally by fasting, breaking the fast (iftar), reading Quran, and prayer. We also should remember millions of Muslims in China are prohibited/restricted from fasting or even acknowledging Ramadan, as well as pray, go to mosques for worship, or even read Quran. In 2017, many of these restrictions became law, and all Muslims, especially among the Uighurs, were forced to turn in their Qurans, prayer mats, Islamic clothing, or anything at all associated with Islam, or face the horrors of the extermination camps. So pictures of Ramadan in China might even pose an imminent danger to anyone appearing in such a photo, even anonymously. There are also many refugees from Syria and elsewhere suffering as they try to fast and celebrate this month, and notably Palestinians are often harassed particularly in Ramadan. Nonetheless, there is hope in this set of images.

Historical East African Quran Manuscripts

(pictured above: the Boné Quran, South Sulawesi, 1804)
We tend to think of the Quran as being mainly produced in the Middle East or Indochinese regions, but Africa has a rich cultural Islamic heritage, as seen in many ways. These manuscripts from coastal East Africa have a unique style both of calligraphy and illumination (where text is presented with flourishes such as borders, calligraphic designs, and illustrations). Although this isn’t the normal subject matter of this blog, I’m recovering from surgery and yet trying to keep to my promise of a daily blog post, or as close to it as I can get. 

Repairing Old Copies of the Quran for Ramadan

This article, Libyans Repair Old Qurans for Ramadan, shows us how economic hard times can sometimes be a boon for the ancient art of repairing what we already have, in this case masahif or copies of the Quran. The word “Quran” actually refers to the message itself, not written copies of it. Because English makes no such distinction, people generally refer to copies of the Quran as “Qurans,” although this is incorrect, a single book/copy being called a mus’haf. It’s a nice distinction, because what counts is not the physical book but the actual message it conveys. On the other hand, without an actual physical book, our ability to study it would be greatly limited. Now with virtual masahif in writing as well as Quran recitation on our phones, the distinction between the “copy” and its “content” becomes even blurrier, since you can’t have the content without a “source” for its transmission, yet what appears on a screen is changeable, somewhat not-quite-physically there. In any case, there are times when reading a physical book has its advantages, like when the power goes out for a significant period of time. Not to forget the beauty of a printed Quran in Arabic. And does anyone else still remember certain memorized parts of the Quran by their placement on the page?

Milestone: Muslims Pray Taraweeh in Times Square NYC

New York: US Muslims perform prayers in Times Square

For the first time in history, Muslims pray in New York’s Times Square

For this Ramadan, an historic first, Muslims in New York pray the taraweeh for Ramadan in Times Square as described in the article above. It is hoped that people will come to understand more about Islam, thus find more common ground and work toward justice and peace in these difficult times, insha’Allah — God willing.