A Closer Look at the Oaths in Surat Al-Tīn 95

Surat At-tīn is analyzed here on this blog, where I discussed how “all four oaths are possibly places where significant messages were sent to their respective messengers.” Here I want to examine the oaths a bit further to reveal an even bigger picture. 

These oaths are the first three ayat/verses of this sura which has a total of eight (8) ayat. Notice the first aya contains two different oaths, both of which are fruits, the fig with many seeds and noted for its sweet flesh, and the olive with one seed/ pit, not sweet but known for its oil. In the 3rd and 4th oaths located in the 2nd and 3rd ayat (a {2,3,4} set) Allah swears by two places: Mt. Sinai, a “wild/natural” place away from people, and Makkah, a city, which is in essence a civilized place, a human construct. It’s not referring to the Kaaba but rather to the city itself as a secure place. Of course all 3 ayat containing 4 oaths (a {3,4} set) relate to the sending of Divine revelations through prophets; all these meanings tie together. 

The Quranic Initials or Muqatta’at

The Muqatta’at or “Quranic Initials” – which can be abbreviated as “QIs” – are 14 unique Arabic letters arranged in various groupings which do not form words, hence the Arabic name meaning “cut off” or separated. They form 14 unique “sets” of letters containing from 1 to 5 letters each. Counting repeats, they comprise 30 sets in 30 ayat in 29 suras – sura 42 (Al-Shura) contains two sets of QIs, each in a separate aya (42:1-2). With this one exception, these initials occur in the first aya/verse of a sura, some comprising the entire aya, and others followed by words in the same aya. Many scholars throughout history have studied these, with varying results and ideas, some concluding that we cannot know their meaning, dubbing them “mystic/mysterious” letters. You may have heard of them as part of a “code,” claimed to be protecting the Quran from adulteration (most famously Code 19). But would the Almighty even need such a code? These letters are at least presented to make us think. So we’ve thought about them and their meaning in the Quran, bearing in mind that this is a book by the Almighty Omniscient, and nothing He does is “meaningless.” Clue: Allah’s words are decrees but these are letters that don’t form words – thus an opening where fate is not sealed.

The Elephant in the Room – as Caretakers of Earth, Muslims Must Oppose its Destroyers

Pollution has appeared on land and at sea because of what man’s hands have accomplished, so he may let them taste something of what they have earned, in order that they will turn back [in repentance]. (30:41)

Although many translators translate fasad as “corruption,” it can definitely also refer to “pollution” which is indeed a kind of corruption that conveys to modern understanding that this isn’t about leaders getting kickbacks or bribes, it’s about directly destroying the earth and its resources.

It is both dereliction of our duty and a threat to our survival as a species to harm the earth. The Quran warns us not to commit fasad (corruption of any kind) upon the earth many times (around 60x including non-environmental corruption). And our mandate from the Almighty as humans is to be caretakers of the earth. Thus we must also struggle against those who cause the pollution and destruction of the resources of our planet, its water, living things, minerals, air, everything. But now the earth is horribly polluted and made toxic at the hands of humans, and who is the biggest criminal? The U.S. military.

Eid Mubarak!

Eid is a time of festivities, especially for children, and to express our gratitude for what Allah has blessed us with. We hope for everyone a blessed Eid.

It’s also important, as we focus on gratitude to Allah, to continue our efforts in behalf of Palestinians in Gaza and Palestine who are under not only a siege of bombing and sniper attacks on whole families and children in particular, but also literally being starved to death by Israel deliberately preventing food, water, medicine, and other aid to enter Gaza, as well as continuously attacking Palestinians in the West Bank and elsewhere.

Despite the horrors, Palestinians are working to keep the Eid festival a moment of relief and kindness for children. (This photo in Rafah)

There are many actions we can take to help, from bringing awareness by protesting and calling our government leaders wherever we live, to donating to some of the Palestinians themselves who have accounts with PayPal or GoFundMe, and other means one can find on social media, and much more. Israel doesn’t care about humanity, let alone their holidays, so we must always be alert to times like this not to become complacent. Enjoy, but also remember.

Good and Evil Have Rarely Been So Obvious

Palestinian family sharing a Ramadan meal in the rubble.

The photo above is the perfect image of human dignity and goodness under unimaginable circumstances. Despite bombardment, soldiers killing children by the thousands, no shelter and no safe place to go, yet they find this moment. They deserve our undying support and admiration to do whatever we can to help their people in this genocide in Gaza and all of Palestine. Contrast with the image below:

And many more would have shot him on sight.

Or this/

Worshipers in Al-Aqsa mosque zip-tied for praying there.

Is there any greater depravity?

This was the least offensive of many images showing off women’s lingerie making lascivious faces and gestures, one man wearing woman’s underwear over his uniform.

These are all attempts to humiliate and dehumanize Palestinians as their society routinely does. But NOTHING can destroy the resilience, courage, and high moral character and faith of the Palestinians. Not even these depraved satanic forces. And of course, it’s obvious who is going to hell and who is going straight to the highest paradise for their powerful faith and patience under the most dire persecution imaginable.

Trying to celebrate Ramadan in the most dire circumstances. Is that not bravery and faith for such small children?

Our Relationship to Allah in the Basmalah

The paired names of the Basmalah represent how Allah relates to us: with His power/authority (Al-Rahman) and mercy (Al-Raheem). These two names contain 6 letters each for a total of 12 letters, and the number 12 is associated with 12 months, suggesting “in time.” The first 7 letters are the words “bism Allah” or “in the name of Allah.” The number 7 symbolizes 3 basic things: a test of what we value or “evaluation;” balancing “opposites;” and marriage or significant pairing (where the pairing involves a change in status, usually raising up in some way). Marriage can refer in Arabic to any pair somehow joined together: the body with the soul, the day and night as a dynamic duo, Allah and His messengers, the Almighty, All-Merciful, life and death as a cycle rather than a timeline, this world and the Hereafter, and our souls – if we choose the upright path seeking Allah – with the Almighty All-Merciful.

Oldest Video of the Hajj Pilgrimage to Mecca + Hajj History and benefits

Made in 1928, this video is purported to be the oldest video recording (actually is was probably film transferred to video) of the Hajj, annual pilgrimage to Mecca, also showing the preparations, travel by camel, and other aspects of what was once a much more arduous journey to the holy site. Back then you had to bring your own tents and the entire city was off-limits to non-Muslims.

The history of the Hajj (now also spelled Haj) is not only about the rituals that are performed during the annual Hajj during the month of Thul-Hajja 8-12, but also the journey to get there, which reflects the history of transportation and related development.

A Beautiful Video Message from Mecca

LETTER FROM MECCA pic.twitter.com/oChq19D04a

— SNEAKO (@sneako) December 31, 2023

He captures his discovery of the spirit of Islam in Mecca and Medina. Very moving regardless of your POV.

This video eloquently expresses the impact of being in Mecca and Medina, feeling the soul of Islam as a way of life, an attitude, a sanctuary and peace he now must take home with him to the very different materialistic West.

Amazing Link between First Revelation and Laylatul Qadr

While looking to verify something different in Surat Al-‘Alaq 96, I counted the number of words and letters in the first five ayat (96:1-5), which is said to be the first portion of the Quran to be revealed to prophet Mohammad (pbuh). The results are 21 words and 76 letters. If we add these two sums (something I often do with meaningful results), the total is 97, which is the number of Surat Al-Qadr, describing Laylatul Qadr, the night in which the Quran was sent down to the prophet.

It was the Spirit Jibreel (archangel Gabriel) who “brought it [the Quran] upon your [Mohammad’s] heart” (2:97), and the verse number that mentions this is also numbered 97! We can consider this to possibly mean all the Quran came down into the prophet’s heart, of which portions would be revealed over time. And it could also be that these five ayat were revealed in that same night. And so a connection between the sum of words and letters in these first revealed words and the night of their revelation could be made.

What is the Purpose of Fasting Ramadan?

This post on the single Quranic aya which describes the why of fasting in the month of Ramadan, covers its purpose in the context of the aya. The purely physical benefits of “intermittent fasting,” of which Siyam (fasting) in Ramadan is an example, are surprisingly numerous. But of course, the purpose for Muslims goes deeper, and we must never forget the agony of our brothers and sisters in Palestine, but rather continue doing whatever we can to bring about justice and an end to Israel’s horrific genocide. One of the reasons to fast is to increase our sympathy with those deprived of food and water. And who is more desperately in need of these things than Palestinians? Because of the Israeli Blockade, it’s hard to know how to help. Here are some suggested ways. (Pictured above, the Palestinian sunbird.)

Why Don’t Muslim Countries Help Palestinians or Stop the Genocide?

The video above answers this question in about ten minutes. I would add that among the “leaders” he mentions as having been the target of the U.S. and Israel is Bashar Al-Assad, himself is a tyrant who was waging a war on his own people when they came out in peaceful demonstrations against his Nazi-style rule in the wake of the Arab Spring. Israel had no problem with Assad or his father Hafez whom they once said “did even more than us” in terms of brutality against “rebels” among his own people. Many of the leaders taken out in coups were themselves dictators, but all the Israel-US alignment did was replace them when they got problematic. But it may be the genocide itself shows these puppet regimes that Israel does not hesitate to kill anyone – and these are not the sort of guys to sacrifice themselves for a cause other than themselves.

CIA Predicts Hamas Defeat in Gaza & Arab Victory Over Israel

Here, C.J. Werleman speaks about how not only the CIA but even the Israeli top brass say Israel will lose to Hamas, even saying that the Arabs in the region, such as Jordan, will likely join the fight if provoked. Of course, the CIA is not an authoritative source on the future or Allah’s plans, but it’s worth mentioning because they have a vested interest in this situation, usually siding with Israel. What we know from the Quran is because the Palestinians are fighting for the sacred human right to live without the constant threat of persecution and killing, especially for precious children, they are obviously on the right side to whom Allah has promised victory. And they’re fighting for their very religion, to worship God in their sacred mosques without being desecrated by violence while praying, or prevented from praying in their own sacred places, invaded by those who seek to destroy the them, calling them “human animals.”

Whereas the Israelis are fighting for their own greed for the lands and properties of others without right, according to an ideology (Zionism) claiming Jews are a master race over all other people whom they consider worthless animals, falsely using obscure and irrelevant Biblical passages (while they are atheists) to commit genocide against all Palestinians. Of course Allah will never give victory to those who deliberately massacre of thousands of women and children, targeting whole families, destroying everything: men, women, children, animals, plants, with utter, stupid, arrogant cruelty.

Zakat – Purification of Worldly Wealth

Allah’s command to give zakat* is equal to His command to establish the daily practice of salat, so much so that they are frequently mentioned together – in fact, 25 times (matching the number of prophets named in the Quran). Our worldly income, if not shared with others (if we can), turns into a burden on our souls, weighing them down and even can nullify our salat prayers. Everything, and I mean everything, interrelates. Money and other forms of wealth form a most powerful “heavy” relationship to people, for whom it is felt as a primary essential benefit. It’s quite easy for money to dominate our direction in life, making us forget Allah the Exalted, the Source of all resources and all wealth, and Who alone controls all these complex interrelated “worlds.” His name Lord of all worlds (Rabb Al-‘Alameen) expresses this comprehensive authority, and Allah’s all-encompassing generosity. When we don’t spend in His Way, we violate this generosity and our gains can become worthless. When we do give, Allah increases His giving to us as a reward.

*(Alternate spelling zakah, but I prefer zakat as it’s closer to the original Arabic.)

Islamic Salat – Physical and Spiritual Connection

One unique characteristic of salat, the obligatory form of prayer in Islam, is that it incorporates “spiritual” (faith, mindfulness) with physical elements – the body language of bowing and prostration + the time/space elements of astronomical prayer times and a very specific geophysical direction of prayer. This prayer form grounds the believer’s worship, making a connection between this temporary earthly life and Allah’s Divine eternal presence. This key connection in our lives is in that sense like the Quran: a timeless message sent down in time. So our salat connects our time/space “world” – in this case the “world” of our lives – to the timeless and unbounded “NOW” of Allah. Below is an aya referring to time, 55:26, followed by an aya referring to eternity or timelessness, 55:27.

55:26 All that lives on earth or in the heavens is bound to pass away

55:27 but forever will abide the Face of your Lord, full of majesty and glory

The Four Great Suras of Salat (Prayer)

(Note: New Improved Post, removed the excess for a different post.) The four suras (like chapters/sections) of the Quran most frequently recited in the canonical Islamic prayer called salat are the first sura, Al-Fatiha “The Opening” (1), the quintessential prayer of salat, and the final 3 suras, Al-Ikhlas “Sincerity” (112), Al-Falaq “Daybreak/ Breaking-open” (113), and An-Nass “The People” (114). They are all short suras, making them easy to recite. Allah the All-Merciful wants this prayer to be easy for us, and at the same time a powerful and effective “connection” to Him, to His all-encompassing power and mercy. These four suras form a {2,3,4} set, with three (3) together at the end, and the fourth (4) in the very beginning, and two of these suras form a pair (2) in the “middle.” Thus the end of the Quran re-connects us to the beginning, analogous to how Resurrection and Judgment Day reconnect us to Allah in paradise where Adam was created at the beginning of humanity – if we had faith in Allah, and made a genuine effort in Allah’s path of justice and compassion.

How to Deal with the Genocide in Palestine

The horrors of Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and also wherever Palestinians live are unimaginably traumatic. My heart is really there daily, and it can be difficult because we are limited in what we can do, but we can and should do something. First, we can make du’as for the Palestinians who are suffering, and some suggested du’as are here. If there’s any problem accessing it, try this link, from which you should be able to download.

Second, we may need to understand how to handle the aggressive Israeli Propaganda Machine, where lobbyists and pro-genocide activists may threaten and try to either divert attention or even resort to character assassination or threats. We can go on social media to express our views, call and write to our congressmen or representatives wherever we live, as well as participate in protests. But we should be aware of how active the Israeli lobby is in the US and UK, as well as elsewhere, yet be brave enough to speak out. It helps to know how to handle arguments one may face in this situation. Professor Hatem Bazian, who has faced this propaganda head-on successfully, helps us prepare ourselves.

On Gratitude, Thanksgiving, and Islam

This Yaqeen Institute article entitled “Does Thanksgiving Make a Mockery of Gratitude?” gives us a brilliant and insightful discussion, with examples, of what gratitude is and is not, notably showing the distinct difference between how the Islamic empire grew and how European-style settler-colonial empires or projects grew. His examples include the horrors in Palestine now as well with America’s dubious relationship with the many indigenous peoples (actually nations but not organized as “modern nation-states”) whose lands the European settlers violently usurped. But he also helps us find the way forward.

We can easily see how true this is! Everything Israel accuses Hamas of doing is what Israel actually does and is continuously doing.

An article well-worth reading with historical background and some startling facts! This Smithsonian article also gives more on the more disturbing and accurate history of Thanksgiving.

The Name Al-Rahman and Its Significance in the Quran

The name Al-Rahman as explained here is most meaningful when interpreted as the Almighty, forming a clear Yang/Yin relationship with the name Al-Raheem, the All-Merciful. It is mentioned 57 times in Quran, in 56 ayat (because one aya contains 2 mentions) in 18 suras. This subject is so vast it needs multiple posts, but here I will try to convey the Quranic significance of the name to begin with.

Everything in the Basmalah is important, far more than most of those who analyze Quranic structure think. But the name Al-Rahman is particularly so, and also not well-understood, or at least the translations and a number of presumptions do not take into account all the indicators of its depth of meaning. Here we list some important indicators of that meaning.

Tahajjud: Prayer of/for the Oppressed

Even though I have published a du’a for the oppressed, this is also a collective recitation in Arabic that itself is very beautiful and moving, and also an English version. As the genocide ongoing in Palestine by Zionist forces aided by the U.S. and some European forces and armaments continues unabated to the shock of people the world over, many of the most sympathetic people are unable to offer much help for them, increasing the pain and sorrow. Public protests have sprung up worldwide. But we can also offer du’a, prayer, this being one example. Even those unable to go out and protest can listen to and participate in this du’a at home. And pray to Allah in your own language. The beauty and power of collective recitation is the soul and meaning of Tahajjud.

In Arabic

In English

The Positions and Times of Salat in Quran form a 3,4 set

In studying the Quran’s {3,4} structure, we found salat elements also fit this pattern, showing us its connection to Allah’s name and this structure at the heart of the Quran. Because salat is central to Islamic practices and emphasized in the Quran, we examine its perimeters first, and then the important Quranic ayat which describe these positions as a {3,4} set, and the times of day in which salat is to be offered, expressing the five prayer times also as a {3,4} set.