CULTURE OF ISLAM

98 Prophet Abraham Part 1

Script of Talk Broadcast on Radio Sri Lanka - FM 97.4
Imtiaz Muhsin 12-Oct-12

The main objective of these talks (and therefore the scripts of these talks), is to stimulate thinking. Sensible, rational and logical thinking. So, my message, think, think & think! Be sensible, be rational and be logical.

98 Prophet Abraham Part 1

Please Note
1. I have had the great privilege, (since Aug 2010), of presenting talks on the weekly Radio Program Culture of Islam [Every Friday 8 to 8.30 pm, Radio Sri Lanka - FM 97.4] 2. Since these are Radio Talks, I refer to, or address the audience as listeners 3. I am well aware that the audience to these talks would consist of people belonging to a variety of faiths. So as to make people of all faiths feel included, I very often use words and names that are common to all religions. 4. For these reasons, I use the name GOD, as well as Abraham, Moses, Jesus etc as well as the names Allah, Ibrahim (Alaihis Salaam), Moosa (Alaihis Salaam), Easa (Alaihis Salaam) etc 5. Muslims by habit usually say Sallallahu Alaihiwasallam, when the name of Prophet Muhammad is mentioned, and Alaihis Salaam' when the name of a Prophet is mentioned. However, in these series of talks I have reduced the use of these prayers & sayings to the bare minimum. 6. Muslims, also by habit, use a number of Arabic prayers or sayings, such as Alhamdulillah, Insha Allah and so on. Again, I have reduced the use of these prayers or sayings to the bare minimum. 7. Sometimes I have to write Arabic words in the English script. I have devised my own way of writing Arabic in English, as follows;

th TH

s Ss SW

DHL DHZ

H h

Gh GH

Information on these talks along with all download links can be found on my on my Blog (http://imtiazm.wordpress.com/) The dates or the schedules of these talks can be viewed on the Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/ImtiazMuhsin786) The Scripts of these talks can be downloaded from www.ScribD.com (www.ScribD.com Author Imtiaz Muhsin) The audio files of these talks can be downloaded from YouTube (YouTube Channel Imtiaz Muhsin) The YouTube Link to this talk is at http://youtu.be/7DZ2sN3kEto

All Praise and Thanks is due to Allah and Allah alone Alhamdulillah!

98 Prophet Abraham Part 1

98 Prophet Abraham Part 1

Dear Friends, Assalamu Alaikum, According to the Islamic or the Arabic Calendar, the month of Dhzul Hajj is very significant. Why is it important or significant? Because it is in this month that the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca takes place. To the rest of the MuslimWorld, or to the Muslims who are not on pilgrimage, Dhzul Hajj is also the month of Hajj Festival or the Eid Ul Adha. What is so significant about this day is that it is the culmination of an annual Pilgrimage to Mecca, and every Muslim harbors this ambition to perform this pilgrimage at least once in his lifetime. What is this pilgrimage all about? Well, a Muslim would have to go to Mecca, and then perform a number of rituals, over a period of a few days, and the peak of these rituals is to be in a valley in the desert called Arafat, a few miles outside Mecca, on the 10th day of the Month of Dhzul Hajj. Every ritual symbolizes deeds that have been performed by Prophet Abraham, in very trying circumstances. Whilst performing these rituals every pilgrim thinks deeply about the life, tribulations and the exemplary deeds of Ibrahim (AS) or Prophet Abraham. Whist performing these rituals, the Pilgrim does realize that he or she is, through rituals, carbon copying the actions of Prophet Abraham and his family but then whilst enacting these actions, the pilgrim does realize that though he or she may be present at the site at which these deeds were originally played out by those noble personages, the circumstances today are very very different. The original circumstances had been scripted for a very very difficult test. And Prophet Abraham and his family came through these tests with deeds that have become the focal points of every Muslim every year. So the message for every Pilgrim and for every Muslim is that the action is no doubt very important, but then for the deed to be acceptable, the circumstance that squeezes out that action is really the most important. So it is not just the deed only, but more importantly what is contained within that deed. And every Pilgrim and Muslim knows that the circumstances under which the original deeds were performed clearly demonstrate the focus, conviction and dedication of those noble personages - Prophet Abraham and his family. Actually discussing about Prophet Abraham or Ibrahim (AS) gives me the ideal opening to discuss many important points on understanding Islam and more importantly understanding the Quran. I must first make it clear that I would not be talking on how to understand Islam and the Quran, but rather, I would be sharing a number of points that have puzzled me, with the hope that you

98 Prophet Abraham Part 1

listeners too would join me in trying to work out the answers to these rather stimulating puzzles. The puzzles are such that no one could claim to know the answers, but we could claim that over time and learning we would be more enlightened to the flavors of the answers to these puzzles, rather than to the answers themselves. Now, we also need some guidelines to understanding these puzzles as well as to seeking out the answers to them. So before outlining the series of puzzles let me first outline to you the guidelines. Guideline 1 Since the puzzles are on understanding Islam and understanding the Quran, it is obvious that we would have to refer to the Quran to seek out the answers. So in this context let me recite to you listeners, a few Aayaath from the Quran, that would assist us in our mission. What is the objective of the Quran? Aayath No 29 of Surah Saad (Surah No 38) give us one of the many objectives of the Holy Quran.

(38:29) This is a blessed Book We have revealed to you, so that they deliberate in its Aayaath, and so that the men of understanding may do Zikr.

So when we read the Quran there are 2 things that we can do 1. We can (Li Yadhdhabaroo Aayaathihi) deliberate or contemplate on its Signs or Aayaath, or, 2. The men of understanding (the Ulul albaab) would do Zikr of these Aayaths. So, one group would contemplate on these Aayaths. Another group, however, the Ulul Albaab or the people of understanding or even translted as the wise people would do Zikr of these Aayaths so does that not mean that Zikr is a higher level than thinking it could even mean thinking, meditating or contemplating with understanding So, does that also not mean that if we are to aspire to becoming men of understanding (the Ulul albaab) then we should do Zikr of these Aayaths Guideline 2 We must always bear in mind, that the instructions in the Quran or the Aayaths in the Quran are logical and rational and it is through this process of Zikr that we should work out or think out its real or its inner meanings. The Aayaths that I now wish to read to you are some of the Aayaths that clearly explain to us that the Aayaths in the Quran have to be thought about in a logical manner or in a rational manner. Dogmatism is not encouraged in any way. I quote below 6 Aayaths that I call the Rationalize Aayaths there are many such Aayaths in the Holy Quran.

98 Prophet Abraham Part 1

S Raad (013:004)

S Rum (030:028)

Surely, in that there are signs for a people who understand

S Yunus (010:067)

This is how We explain the signs for a people who understand

Indeed, there are signs therein for a people who listen.

S Araaf (007:032)

S An Nur (024:044)

This is how We elaborate the verses for people who understand Surely, in that there is a lesson for those who have eyes to see Surely, in that there are signs for those who read signs

S Hijr (015:075)

Guideline 3 The third guideline that we should always keep in mind is that the faculties of processing what we see, processing what we hear, being perceptive or discerning are all gifts from God to us, and we must demonstrate our gratefulness. I read to you Ayath No 78 of Surah 16 An Nahl

[016:078] It is He Who brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers when ye knew nothing; and He gave you hearing and seeing and 'intelligence & affections': that ye may grateful.

Now for the puzzles. There are a series of them, but for todays talk I shall discuss just three of them and that too very briefly; Puzzle No 1 The first puzzle, it is one that I have described in my earlier talks and I am sure I shall keep on describing it again and again in my future talks as well Insha Allah.

98 Prophet Abraham Part 1

As Muslims one important method of learning Islam is through listening to sermons by learned preachers. I am sure I have listened to around 5000 such sermons in my life time. Now if I were to list out in point form the advice given to us by these Alims, the list would read something like this;
Do not tell lies, Obey your parents, Pray 5 times a day, Fast in the month of Ramazaan, Pay your Zakaath, Perform hajj or Umrah, Help the poor, the orphans the needy, Give importance for education, Cut down on wedding expenses, Recite the Holy Quran, Learn Masnun Dhuas, Assist the government in good works, Generously give Sadaqa, Hadhiya etc; Help to build, renovate or maintain Mosques, Madrassahs & institutions of religious importance, Get involved in religious social reform activities

I am sure I could write over 100 such points. Now if we were to show this list to anyone, be they Muslims or even non Muslims, they would all say Yes that is how a good Muslim should be Now, remember, the role models of all these deeds were the Prophets. Then if the Prophets were so good in actions and deeds that everyone approves of, then why were they all persecuted? Many of them had been threatened with death. Surah Ash Shuarah or the 26th Surah in the Quran gives the stories of 7 such Prophets all of whom were issued serious death threats from their own kith and kin why? Are we missing something? If so, are we not missing something very very important? Puzzle No 2 In the guidelines that I read to you,

and He gave you hearing and seeing and 'intelligence & affections': that ye may grateful.

Now in the Quran we also read many Aayaths that describe what happens to those who do not use these faculties in the correct manner, or ignore what these faculties are making them aware of. (continued in next page)

98 Prophet Abraham Part 1

In Surah Yaseen, there are these 4 Aayaths; (36:7) The word has indeed come true about most of them, so they will not believe. (36:8) We have placed iron collars on their necks, so they are reaching up to their chins, and their heads are forced to remain upwards. (36:9) And We have placed a barrier in front of them and a barrier behind them, and (thus) they are encircled by Us; so they do not see. (36:10) It is all equal for them whether you warn them or do not warn them, they will not believe.

Does this not describe the plight of those who are shown the truth or the Haqq, but refuse to believe? Allah instructs us; (36:10) It is all equal for them whether you warn them or do not warn them, they will not believe.

Now this same Aayath is found in Surah Baqarah, (2:6) Surely for the rejecters, it is all the same whether you warn them or you warn them not: they do not believe. And Allah continues; (2:7) Allah has set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing; and on their eyes there is a covering, and for them awaits a mighty punishment.

Allah continues to describe them and 11 Aayaths later or in the 18th Aayath Allah declares; (2:18) Deaf, dumb and blind, they shall not return.

98 Prophet Abraham Part 1

Those who read the Quran would find that there are many such Aayaths that inform us that those who do not heed the Signs are deaf, dumb, and blind. So now the point that puzzles me, I do not see anyone who is deaf dumb and blind! Surely even amongst those of us who call ourselves Muslims are there not hundreds or even thousands of us who simply ignore the Aayaths of Allah or we could even say reject the Aayaths of Allah even after or whilst listening to these 100s or 1000s of sermons? Surely there should be 100s or even 1000s that should be deaf dumb and blind? Now I am sure everyone of you listeners are going to tell me that this deaf dumb & blind that Allah tells us about is not the literal deaf dumb and blind, but what is being pointed out to us is that in spite of possessing well-functioning ears, tongue and eyes they are unable to process the fundamental or universal truths from what they hear talk and see. So you would tell me what is meant is a deeper meaning not just the literal meaning. So then, it means that taking the literal meaning I canot see deaf dumb & blind people. Then even taking a deeper meaning, I cannot recognize or differentiate fromevery one I know those who I could call the hearing, the talking and the seeing from the deaf, dumb and blind So the big question am I also deaf dumb and blind? Think about it!! Puzzle it out!! Puzzle No 3 If deaf dumb and blind refers to another meaning an allegorical one, then would not many of the other Aayaths in the Quran point out to us allegorical meanings would we not have to seek out these meanings? To work this out, I looked up the meanings or the definitions of the word allegorical, parable, idiom, Apalogue, allegory and so on. I would like to share with listeners the definition of the word Parable Definition: "At its simplest a parable is a metaphor or simile drawn from nature or common life, arresting the hearer by its vividness or strangeness, and leaving the mind in sufficient doubt about its precise application to tease it into active thought." So if many of the Aayaths in the Quran do not at first appear to make sense to us, then it is necessary that we try to work out its allegorical meanings sometimes we find, that yes, this is how we can discern deeper significance in what is being read out. Now that I have described some points that Puzzle me in the reading of the Quran there are many many more, I hope listeners too would try to puzzle these out Insha Allah! Now, getting on to our topic Prophet Abraham Part 1 (continued in next page)

98 Prophet Abraham Part 1

In Surah Anaam Surah No 6 Aayath No 75 80

(6:75) Thus We showed Ibrhm the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, so that he might be firm in belief. (6:76) So, when the night enveloped him, he saw a star. He said, This is my Rabb. But, when it vanished, he said, I do not like those who vanish. (6:77) Later, when he saw the moon rising, he said, This is my Rabb. But, when it vanished, he said, Had my Rabb not guided me, I would have been among those gone astray. (6:78) Thereafter, when he saw the sun rising, he said, This is my Rabb. This is greater. Again, when it vanished, he said, O my people, I disown whatever you associate with Allah (6:79) I have, indeed, turned my face straight towards the One who created the heavens and the earth, and I am not one of those who associate partners with Allah.

Now when we read these Aayaths some story emerges, but when we do a little analyzing, there are a few points that do not make sense. Unfortunately we dare not voice our unease, because we think we are casting some doubts on the Aayaths of the Quran. But then we miss the whole point of the Quran we have to be enlightened, we have to ask the questions and are we not being taken through an exercise where Ibrahim (AS) or Prophet Abraham himself is asking deep deep questions? Now what are these disquieting points? 1. We are first told that Ibrahim (AS) was shown the Kingdom of the Heavens and the Earth Why? So that his state of belief would be strengthened to a state of conviction. (6:75) Thus We showed Ibrhm the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, so that he might be firm in belief.

98 Prophet Abraham Part 1

So it means; a) Ibrahim (AS) already knew about his Creator, His Rabb. b) Ibrahim (AS) is shown the Heavens and the Earth with what perspective? Not that of a tourist but is shown the Malakoothas Samaawaathi Wal Ardhli the Kingdoms of the Heavens and the Earth he saw it in the perspective of discovering the attributes of Allah our Rabb, and his belief was strengthened. c) So it means Ibrahim (AS) is very knowledgeable as well as very very intelligent. d) Now if he knows about Malakoothas Samaawaathi Wal Ardhli the Kingdoms of the Heavens and the Earth what is he seeking? e) Does it not indicate that he is seeking the way or the path to pleasing his Rabb or fulfilling the objective for which he was created and sent to Earth? Now in this seeking or in this search where does Ibrahim (AS) start? He begins with the Star and gradually goes to the Moon and finally to the Sun. Now I ask a list of many questions; 1. Why did he start with the Star? 2. Surely he knows the Star will set? 3. Why did he then divert his attention to the Moon? 4. Surely he knew that the Moon was bigger than the Star? 5. Surely he knew that the Moon would set? 6. Surely he knew that the Moon followed a pattern and would wax and then wane infact would even vanish completely before re-appearing? 7. Surely, should he not have studied the Moon before seeking from the Star? Now finally why does he divert his attention to the Sun. 8. Surely he knew well in advance that the Sun was the biggest and the brightest 9. Surely he knew that the Sun would set? 10. Do we not all Observe this phenomena every day of our lives? 11. Surely he should have started with the Sun and just avoided the Moon and the Star? 12. Are these not obvious to all of us, then how did Ibrahim (AS) miss these obvious points? And then I have another list of questions regarding his responses; Just listen; When the Star sets he says; (6:76) So, when the night enveloped him, he saw a star. He said, This is my Rabb. But, when it vanished, he said, I do not like those who vanish. Why did he say that? When the Moon sets he says; (6:77) Later, when he saw the moon rising, he said, This is my Rabb. But, when it vanished, he said, Had my Rabb not guided me, I would have been among those gone astray. Why did he say that? What would have made him say those words in those circumstances?

10

98 Prophet Abraham Part 1

And then, he says; (6:78) Thereafter, when he saw the sun rising, he said, This is my Rabb. This is greater. Again, when it vanished, he said, O my people, I disown whatever you associate with Allah

Again, Why did he say that? What would have made him say those words in those circumstances? And finally he says; (6:79) I have, indeed, turned my face straight towards the One who created the heavens and the earth, and I am not one of those who associate partners with Allah.

So listeners, what has been happening? Does it mean that the Star the Moon and the Sun are parables? Then what are the true meanings? Are these not a huge lessons and puzzles for each of us to work out from experiences and examples in our own lives? These Puzzles and Lessons give me endless hours of meditation that I hope would be categorized as ZIKR true ZIKR. I strongly urge all listeners to do the same. Insha Allah I would be continuing this series on Prophet Ibrahim (AS) for the next two weeks. Again, I hope that all of you enjoyed listening to this talk as much as I enjoyed preparing for it. May Alah Taaalah guide us all and accept us all. Jazza Kalla Khair Assalamu Alaikum

Imtiaz Muhsin Colombo Sri Lanka crescent786@hotmail.com

You Tube Channel - HaneefanMusliman

The YouTube Link to this talk is at http://youtu.be/7DZ2sN3kEto

11

98 Prophet Abraham Part 1