Learning about My Book
THE QUR’AN

The Presidency of Religious Affairs
Publications: 735
Children’s books: 187

Learning about My Book the Qur’an

Chief Editor
Dr. Fatih Kurt

Coordinator
Lokman Arslan

Writer
Osman Özbağçe

Pictures
Dağıstan Çetinkaya

Press editor
Mehmet Erdoğan

Visual Editor
Ali Fuat Saruhan

Translated by
Salime Yasemin Dilek

Graphic-Design
Mücella Tekin

Redaction
Ayşe Zuhal Sarı
Ahmet Kahraman

Back Cover Writing
from Sezai Karakoç’s Sütun Book

High Board of Religious Affairs Decision 01.09.2005 /142

2019-06-Y-0003-735
ISBN 978-975-19-3791-9
4th Edition

ANKARA • 2019

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FOREWORD

Hi Kids,

It is our first duty to read, learn and understand our Holy book, the Qur’an which was sent to our beloved prophet Muhammad by Allah for mankind to settle peace, harmony, happiness, and reach the straight path. We have to listen and understand its holy messages. We will have difficulty in understanding the Qur’an without adequate acknowledge.

With the book in your hands, we have tried to relate what kind of a book the Qur’an is, what its contents are, how it has changed mankind and the society, the light it brought on the worldly life and the afterlife, the prophets’ model struggles.

The Qur’an firstly introduces our creator. It relates how he created the universe, whole existence and the mankind. It teaches how to pray and worship our Lord. It not only shows goodness and beautiness but also gives advice to avoid wrong-doing and hideousness. It introduces ourselves to us. It informs us the duty towards our families, society, the mankind and the other creatures.

We will be very happy if we believe our book and follow its commands.

Our Lord loves us very much. Because he loves us, he sent Prophet Muhammad (saw) as a guide to mankind. He taught the holy book to him, and he shared what he had learnt. He showed the way of salvation to the mankind.

We love Allah very much. He taught love, created the universe and the contents just for us, gave life, health and happiness.

We love whatever he created: the mankind, animals and the nature. We know that we have responsibilities towards them, and we are trying to accomplish our duties as far as we can.

Oh! Dear kids!

We hope that, you will love this book, which we have prepared for you to guide you to understand our holy book the Qur’an. We have tried to explain our holy book and describe its beautiness to you.

Let’s read our beautiful holy book and let’s become beautiful with it. Let’s establish a beautiful world all together!

You are our future and we love you very much.

THE PRESIDENCY OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS

Learning about My Book

THE QUR’AN

PUBLICATIONS OF THE PRESIDENCY OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS

PART I:
HUMAN, THE MOST
SUPERIOR OF CREATION

The Awaited Guest

Our planet has gone through long processes in readiness for the awaited guest.

The planet has been placed in orbit around the sun. It orbits around itself as well as around the sun.

Its orbiting speed around itself is such that it is in exact measure of the life needs of its guests. By orbiting around itself, we have the formation of day and night; by orbiting the sun, we have the formation of seasons.

It is at a perfect distance from the sun. If it was too close, all forms of life would have incinerated. If it was too distant from the sun, all forms of life would have frozen.

It is covered with an atmosphere that protects the planet from all forms of external danger.

It was created for the temporary life of the awaited guest.

Surely We have created man in the most noble mould.

(Tin, 4)

* * *

We are nearer to him than his jugular vein.

(Qaf, 16)

* * *

He is with you wheresoever you may be.

(Hadid, 4)

The planet has been decorated with countless beauties that none other than Allah has the power even to know the exact number of.

The needs of the awaited guests were thought out to the finest detail – to the point where no stone had been left unturned.

Everything had been prepared and at last, the awaited moment arrived.

The awaited guests were created and brought down to their beautiful place of residence.

The guests were outwardly beautiful.

They were different from other creatures.

They had will-power and intelligence. They had emotions. They were able to think and speak.

The Creator gave great value to the guests because He loved them very much.

In the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the alternation of night and day; in the sailing of the ships through the ocean for the benefit of mankind; in the water which Allah sends down from the sky and with which He revives the earth after its death, and dispersing over it all kinds of beasts; in the ordinance of the winds and clouds that are driven between earth and sky: are signs for people who have sense.

(Baqarah, 164)

The Sun Rises for Us Everyday

The universe has one Creator and that is Allah. There was only Allah and nothing else existed before him. Allah created the universe, planets, stars, moon and the sun. Allah gave life to everything.

Allah created the world for us and furnished it with mountains, valleys, oceans and rivers. He created the wind, soil, water and air. He created light, colour and sound. He created all living things: plants, birds, bugs and flowers for us. He created a variety of trees including those that bear fruit and those that do not. Allah created plants and flowers of different colours. He created ivy. Allah created animals ranging from an ant to an elephant.

Some are legless, some are four-legged and some are multilegged. Allah gave birds wings to fly and fins for fish to swim. He taught bees how to make honey. He created whatever was needed for this world.

Everything came about because Allah said “Be”

The sun rises for us everyday. The mornings are for us. The rivers flow for us, flowers blossom every spring for us and the birds sing their songs for us. We can never thank Allah enough for the value He gives us as a result of His love for us.

There are a variety of animals and plants of various colours and fruits of different flavour. Each of them are beautiful, and each of them are special in their own way. We realise how limited our sense of understanding is when we try to comprehend the beauty of the planet. The world is beautiful but human beings are more beautiful. A world that is this beautiful has been presented to serve one that is even more beautiful than itself. Allah created human beings as the most beautiful and superior of all creations.

We believe in Allah who has created us from nothing, gave us hands and feet, eyes and ears and created us from a mother and father. Because Allah exists and is One. Allah created everything without needing the assistance of anyone or anything. Allah is not begotten nor does He beget. Allah does not have children and is not in need of them. We learn and know of Allah’s existence and Oneness, that He has no helper and is the sole Creator of the universe from our Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and the Holy Qur’an.

But His command, when He intends a thing, is only that he says unto it: “Be!” and it is.

(Ya-Sin, 82)

* * *

You cannot see any fault in the Beneficent One’s creation.

(Mulk, 3)

Worldly Life is a Journey

Birth is the first step in this journey. Mankind continues on this journey step by step – he grows, develops and ages step by step. When the time comes, his stay in this world comes to an end and death eventuates. Humans direct their lives with the unique gift of intelligence. Despite this, they have not been left on their own. Happiness in the life of this world cannot be achieved with the guidance of intelligence alone, because the life of this world is also a testing ground for them.

Just as there are those who guide us to the right path, there are also those who mislead us. Satan, the one who rebels against Allah’s commandments, constantly tries to deceive mankind to do the same. Satan tries every trick to prevent humans from achieving a happy and peaceful life on earth. He deviates people from the right path by showing what is ugly and wrong as something beautiful and desirable. As opposed to this, Allah sent prophets to protect people from straying from the straight path as His show of love and care for us humans. Prophets teach Allah’s religion and guide people to happiness. If we give an ear to the teachings of the prophets, we will be able to lead a happy life. If however we fall into the traps of Satan, then we will be unhappy in the life of this world and the Hereafter.

And He subjected to you the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. And the stars are (also) in subjection (to serve you) by His command. Surely in this, there are signs for a people who use their intelligence.

(Nahl, 12)

Everthing is Entrusted to Us

Allah did not create us and this beautiful world in vain. Mankind has been given certain responsibilities. Everything; this world, living things within it and our lives are entrusted to us.

We have been given the gift of intelligence and consequently the ability to think and speak in order to carry out these responsibilities. In order to live in a better world, we have been given the sense of justice and mercy.

There are many forms of creatures that live in similar ways with us. They are, including plants and flowers of every colour, living creatures just like us. Even if they do not look like us, they also have lives of their own and are living things as well. That is why we should try our very best never to harm any living thing because they are all entrusted to us. We can benefit from other living things if we treat them within the limits of ecological principles.

The (true) religion in the sight of Allah is Islam.

(Al-i Imran, 19)

* * *

Unto Him belongs whosoever is in the heavens and in the earth. All are obedient unto Him.

(Rum, 26)

Religion is The Road to Happiness

It is Allah that knows us best because it is He who created us. Just as He loves us, we also love Allah in return and all of His creation. Allah knows best what will cause our happiness and unhappiness. He wishes that we achieve happiness in the life of this world. He sent prophets so that we may be guided to a life of peace and happiness and be protected from committing bad deeds and evil acts. Although prophets are humans just like us, they are chosen people. They are under special protection and guidance from Allah. Their duty is to teach us Allah’s religion. Religious knowledge is our source of happiness, it shows the way to be in harmony with one’s Creator, and then to be at peace with oneself and those around them.

For every nation there is a Messenger.

(Yunus, 47)

* * *

The names of the prophets mentioned in the Qur’an are:

Adem (Adam)

Idris (Enoch)

Nuh (Noah)

Hud

Salih

Ibrahim (Abraham)

Lut (Lot)

Isma’il (Ishmael)

Ishaq (Isaac)

Yaqub (Jacob)

Yusuf (Joseph)

Ayyub (Job)

Shu’aib

Musa (Moses)

Harun (Aaron)

Dawud (David)

Sulayman (Solomon)

Ilyas (Elias)

Alyasa (Elisha)

Yunus (Jonah)

Dhul-kifl (Ezekiel)

Zakariya (Zacharia)

Yahya (John)

Isa (Jesus)

Muhammad (peace be upon them all)

Besides these names, there are 3 others, Uzair, Luqman and Dhul-qarnayn, that are mentioned in the Holy Qur’an. There is no absolute certainty as to whether these three are prophets or not.

From Prophet Adam to Prophet Muhammad

Mankind has not been left unguided as Allah has sent down prophets. The ancestor of all mankind, the first man created as well as the first prophet sent, is Prophet Adam. As a result, we are all the children of Adam. Many prophets have come and gone between Prophet Adam and Prophet Muhammad (saw). Our Prophet Muhammad (saw) is the last of Allah’s prophets – there will be no other prophet to come.

We believe in all the prophets and we love each and every one of them just as we love our Prophet Muhammad (saw), because they were all sent by Allah. They each came with the same message of truth. Their duty was to show mankind the right path. Since Allah is One, the religion that Allah has conveyed through His prophets is also one. That is why all the religions that have come from Allah is Islam and the prophets are all prophets of Islam.

Throughout history, mankind has changed the religion that came down to them. Prophets taught religion to the society in which they lived in. However, people have added their own beliefs and thoughts to Allah’s religion after the death of the prophets sent down to them. It is in this way that they spoilt Allah’s religion. As a consequence, Allah sent another prophet to warn mankind. This situation continued until Prophet Muhammad (saw).

Every religion that Allah sent down is the same in essence. However, when the essence of a religion is tampered with, then the original intention of religion, which is the happiness of mankind, cannot be achieved. The outcome is that people will be deprived of Allah’s religion. Allah has constantly reminded mankind of the importance of kindness and righteousness by sending new prophets so that mankind would not be left uninformed.

Our religion Islam is the only religion that is left unchanged, because the principles of our religion are written in our Holy Book – a Book that has not undergone any change whatsoever.

Now, let’s briefly get to know the Sacred Books.

Sacred Books

Prophets are a bridge between us and Allah. Each prophet is a messenger that conveys Allah’s message. Allah’s message is conveyed to us through revelation. Revelation is news from Allah, they are Allah’s words. The collection of Allah’s words are known as Sacred Books. It is these Books that are given to prophets so that they may be guided to the right path.

Allah gave books to some prophets while he gave booklets of only a few pages in length to others.

Today, there are 4 great Books that are believed to have come from Allah. These are the Torah, Psalms, the Bible and our book, the Holy Qur’an. The Torah and Psalms belong to the Jews, the Bible belongs to the Christians, and the Holy Qur’an belongs to Muslims. Those who believe in the Books sent before the Holy Qur’an are known as the “People of the Book”.

The Torah

The Torah is the sacred book of the Jews and was sent to Prophet Musa. It is the oldest known sacred book. Judaism is a term used both to describe a religion and a race. That is why Judaism is only the religion of the Jews. The original Torah sent to Prophet Musa has not been properly protected. People have tampered with the message of the Torah over time.

We have, without doubt, sent down the Reminder, and We preserve it .

(Hijr, 9)

Psalms

It is the second of the Sacred Books sent down, and was sent down to Prophet Dawud. A part of it is included in the Torah. It is not definitely known when it was first collected in book form. The Psalsm is composed of chapters called “Mezmur”. It does not contain commandments or rules, instead it is a book containing advice in the form of poetry.

The Bible

It is the Sacred Book of the Christians and was sent down to Prophet Jesus. It was not written during the lifetime of Jesus. A great number of men of religion wrote their own version of the Bible. Each of them accepted their own version as being correct. This state has been the cause of much confusion in belief and bloody wars throughout Christian history. In order to overcome this confusion and come up with a unified book, men of religion held a conference in Iznik, Turkiye 325 years after the birth of Prophet Jesus. After many days of lengthy arguments, they were able to reduce the number of books to four. Today, Bible consists of the combination of these four books.

The Holy Qur’an

The Holy Qur’an is the last Book sent down to mankind to guide them to the right path. There will not be another Sacred Book to come after it. The principles contained within it are valid till the Judgement Day.

The most important difference between the Holy Qur’an and other Sacred Books is the fact it was written during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). Furthermore, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) made many people memorise the Holy Qur’an by heart. This deep-seated tradition has continued to this day and will continue from now on. When our Holy Prophet (saw) died, a written form of the Qur’an was left in the hands of Muslims. In contrast, the Torah was written 700 years after Prophet Musa’s death and the Bible was compiled in book form between 100-150 years after the death of Jesus.

The Qur’an was not sent to a particular society and is not intended to apply to a particular period in time. Allah the Almighty has proclaimed that He will protect our Sacred Book, the Holy Qur’an, till the Judgement Day. It is for this reason that nobody will have the power to change even a single letter of the Holy Qur’an. This is because it is a Book under protection.

As long as mankind progresses within the limits defined by Allah, they will earn His love. Allah is, He who is full of love and it is He who has placed love in the hearts of mankind. Just think about it, what could be a greater reward than earning the love of our Exalted Creator, the One that created all that is in the heavens and the earth and knows all that is known and unknown to us? Yes, we are the children of a civilisation based upon love.

Who created me, and who guides me. And who feeds me and waters me. And when I sicken, then He heals me.

(Shuara, 78-80)

And your Lord inspired the bee, saying: “Build your homes in the mountains and in the trees, and the (hives) which men shall make. Then feed on every kind of fruit, and follow the paths of your Lord made smooth (for you).” There comes forth out of their bellies a fluid of many hues, wherein is healing for mankind. Indeed in this, there is a sign for a people who give thought.

(Nahl, 68-69)

LET’S READ...

A BEE EXPLAINS THE surah REVEALED IN ITS NAME

I’m a tiny honey bee. I’m one of the smallest creatures of the millions and billions of creatures created in this great big world of ours. Allah the Almighty has made special mention of me in the last of the Sacred Books sent down. With Allah’s commandment, Prophet Muhammad (saw) gave my name to one of the surahs. I was very happy when I found out about this.

It is in this chapter that Allah the Almighty teaches me how to make a nest and honeycomb, how to collect pollen without losing my path (even if it’s very far away), and how to make honey from them.

By submitting to these commandments, we make incredible geometric patterns and behave in mathematical ratios. First we make our architectural wonder called honeycomb out of hexagonal wax cells. After much hard work, effort and skill, we turn pollen that we collect from many types of flowers into honey within our bodies. We then carefully fill each cell of the honeycomb with honey. We achieve all this work by working faultlessly and with all our might as a team with my other bee friends.

We work day and night to make that ever so delicious honey which at the same time is a source of cure for many illnesses. We will continue to work as such till the end of time. By using us as an example, our Lord has shown that nothing is created in vain and that everything has intrinsic value and importance in nature. By observing the trees, the birds, the different coloured flowers, flowing rivers and the beautiful stars in the sky, we are reminded by Allah, of the fact that infinite strength and power only belongs to Allah the Almighty Himself.

There’s much to be done – we must all do our best to protect the unique balance in our planet in order to ensure the happiness of each creature within it. Please let us not forget that! I hope that your curiosity will be aroused on these topics and you will research them for yourselves. I hope that each time you see a bee, you will remember my words.

Well, I wonder how humans are supposed to show their submission to Allah? Have you ever wondered about that? To do this, you must first read the Holy Qur’an many times over. There are many topics covered in just the chapter named after me. Let’s have a look at this chapter.

You’re wondering about the surah in which my name is mentioned, aren’t you? Well in that case, let me tell you right away. Surah al-Nahl takes its name from me. Nahl means “honey bee”. This is the 16th surah of the Holy Qur’an and has 128 ayahs. These ayahs explain the beauty and balance between all that is created in the heavens and the earth, and how they all serve mankind. Importance is placed on mankind to think about these things and to worship Allah. Special attention is given to: what the end of those who disbelieve will be; the purpose of the Holy Qur’an; and the importance of thinking and using one’s intelligence.

In short, the following are the main topics emphasized in this surah: belief, disbelief, justice, goodness, reason, to keep one’s word, knowledge, patience and taqwa.

By the way, I’d like to share something with you before I finish off. Do you know how sensitive the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) was towards all living creatures? Even during times of war, he told his soldiers and friends: “Do not kill animals or harm trees or plants. Do not attack children, women, non-Muslims in the midst of worship, and do not destroy places of worship.” The world we live in today really is in need of such advice isn’t it? I was very touched when I heard this. How can I not be when the Prophet (saw), who was sent as a mercy to the universe, gives importance to tiny creatures like us and recommends humans that we be treated with kindness?

PART II:
LET’S GET TO KNOW OUR BOOK

An Angel Came Down and Told Him to Read

A llah revealed the first verses of the Holy Qur’an to our Prophet (saw) in the Hira Cave on Nour Mountain. angel Jibreel brought down the first five verses of Surah al-Alaq beginning with the verse “Read!”.

Our Prophet (saw) was 40 years old when the first revelation came down to him. It was on Monday during the month of Ramadan, which is the month we fast. This event was the beginning of the revelation that started in the year 610 and continued until the death of our Holy Prophet (saw). The night in which the Holy Qur’an started to be brought down is known as the “Night of Qadr”. Muslims celebrate this night with prayer and worship.

And when the Qur’an is recited, give ear to it and pay heed, that you may obtain mercy.

(A’raf, 204)

The Beautiful Names of Our Book

The Holy Qur’an- it is the Book, reading which is a worship.

The Holy Qur’an - it is Furqan. It distinguishes the true and the superstitious, between right and wrong, and good and bad.

The Holy Qur’an - it is Nour (Light). It will illuminate the path of mankind till the Judgement Day.

The Holy Qur’an - it is a Shifa (Cure) for all types of moral corruption.

The Holy Qur’an - even when things get very dangerous, it is a Huda (Guide).

The Holy Qur’an - it is a Book of Dhikr (Rememberance) which reminds humans themselves and their Creator.

The Holy Qur’an - it is Allah the Almighty’s Word.

Surely this Qur’an guides to that which is the rightest, and gives good tidings to the believers who do deeds of righteousness that theirs will be a great reward.

(Isra, 9)

The Beautiful Ayahs Came Down One by One

Each sentence of the Holy Qur’an is known as an ayah (verse). Ayahs can be as short as a few letters to a page in length. There are 6236 verses in the Holy Qur’an.

The Qur’an did not come down as a whole to our Prophet (saw), instead it came down in parts. Some verses generally came down after certain incidents in order to shed light on the matter concerned. This process continued for 23 years. This was for the information to be better comprehended and easily digested. Just as we grow day by day, and a house is built brick by brick, and a seedling gradually grows taller, the Qur’an was similarly completed.

Of the 23 years of prophethood given to Prophet Muhammad (saw), 13 years were spent in Mecca and 10 years in Madinah. That is why the verses that came down in Mecca are known as ‘Meccan ayahs’, and the verses that came down in Madinah are known as ‘Madinan ayahs’. The ayahs that came down in Mecca deal more with the principles of belief, belief in the afterlife and the principles of good manners and conduct. In contrast, the ayahs that came down in Madinah generally deal with family matters and societal issues.

Sections composed of ayahs are known as surahs (chapters). There are 114 surahs in the Qur’an. Surahs, like ayahs, can sometimes be short or long in length. For example Surah al-Baqarah is 48 pages in length and is the longest surah in the Qur’an. In contrast, there is a surah that is only a sentence in length, e.g. Surah al-Kawthar. Thus, verses make up surahs and surahs make up the Qur’an.

The Beginning of All Actions is Bismillah

Every surah of the Qur’an, with the exception of one, begins with Basmala. Just as we read the Basmala (In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful) before reading the Qur’an, we must also say Basmala before each action in our daily lives. Basmala is ‘Bismillahir-Rahmanir Raheem’ or ‘Bismillah’ in short. It means ‘In the Name of Rahman (the Compassionate) and Rahim (the Merciful). When we recite Allah’s name before starting a task, Allah will ease that task for us. We should recite the Basmala before eating, going to school, doing our schoolwork or sleeping. The Basmala should always be recited by Muslims. Shops should be opened and journeys should be begun with the Basmala, as it is one of the founding symbols of our culture.

The Names of the Surahs

Each surah of the Qur’an has a title of its own. Sometimes surahs are named after prophets e.g. Ibrahim, Yusuf and Muhammad; sometimes they are named after astronomical phenomena such as stars (Najm), moon (Qamar) and sun (Shams); sometimes they are named after the first word or letter of the surah e.g. Ta-Ha, Ya-Sin, Qaf, Sad. Some surahs are named after events in the life of our Prophet such as Isra, Mujadilah, and Hujurat; sometimes they are related to mankind e.g. Insan, Maryam; some surahs are named after groups such as Jinn, Munafiqun; sometimes they are named after the afterlife e.g. Qiyamah, Naba, Takwir, and sometimes they are named after animals such as spiders (Ankabut), bees (Nahl) and ants (Naml). One of the chapters takes its name from a fig tree (Tin).

In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Say: “He is Allah, the One!

Allah, the eternally Besought of all!

He begat none. Nor was He begotten.

And there is none comparable to Him!

(Ikhlas, 1-4)

The second most commonly read surah of the Qur’an is Ikhlas. Ikhlas means to be sincere, and to act in ways that are in accordance with Islam. It is in this surah that Allah most concisely introduces and explains Himself. It is for this reason that this surah is known as the essence of tawhid (monotheism).

One of the most widely read chapters of the Qur’an is Yasin. It is accepted that the word Yasin means “Oh Mankind”. It is said to be the heart of the Qur’an. It is one of the most widely read surahs of the Qur’an amongst Muslims. It is particularly read on Friday evenings and during the visitation of graves. The topics covered in this surah includes the principles of Islamic belief, the Oneness of Allah and the evidence showing Allah’s strength, the creation of mankind and resurrection after death.

Surah Rahman is also a very commonly read chapter. Surah Rahman (one of Allah’s beautiful names) is named so because it begins with the word Rahman. Rahman means the one that is merciful to all of creation. This surah mentions the principles of Islamic manners, evidence and proof of Allah’s strength and Oneness, and the countless blessings bestowed upon mankind.

In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds;

The Compassionate, the Merciful;

Master of the Day of Judgement;

You alone do we worship, and to You alone we pray for help;

Guide us to the Straight Path;

The way of those whom You have favoured;

Not of those who have incurred Your wrath. Nor of those who go astray.

(Fatiha, 1-7)

Sections of the Qur’an (Juz)

The Qur’an, in additon to ayahs and surahs, is also separated into parts which are called “juz”. The separation of the Qur’an into these parts enables us to read it with ease. Each part consists of 20 pages and the count starts from the beginning of the Qur’an. The beginning of each juz is usually symbolised by a picture of a rose. There are 30 in total of these sections in the Qur’an.

Spoken Words Fly Away, Written Words Remain

Prophet Muhammad (saw) used to get literate Muslims to write down the revealed ayahs that came down in parts. Those who write the Qur’an are known as ‘scribes of revelation’. Their duty was to write down each ayah, and they wrote these without any error. Amongst these were Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali, and Zayd bin Thabit. It is thanks to them that the Qur’an has been passed down to our day without losing its authencity.

The head of all Muslims after our Prophet (saw) was Abu Bakr. It was during his term that Umar proposed putting the Qur’an together in book form. The Qur’an was put together in the witness of those known as Hafiz (those who know the Qur’an off by heart). The first book form of the Qur’an is known as ‘Mushaf’. It stayed in the possession of Abu Bakr till he died. This particular Qur’an was inherited by Umar, then the wife of Prophet Muhammad (saw), Hafsa (daughter of Umar) and then Uthman.

Islamic boundaries greatly broadened during the reign of Uthman. During that time, a lot of peole converted to Islam, the population increased and the borders broadened even further. The increasing demand for copies of the Qur’an in those places was met by making copies using the original Qur’an. These books were then sent to the seven biggest cities in the country. Copies of the Qur’an that we have at home today have been taken from that original copy.

The Nightingales of the Qur’an - Those Who Know the Qur’an Off by Heart (Hafiz)

Those who have memorised the Qur’an are known as ‘Hafiz’. Their effort is indeed very valuable. They are known as the “walking Qur’an” as a result of memorising it. Some of us prefer to call them the “living Qur’an” instead.

Nowadays there are a lot of hafiz people who have memorised the Qur’an off by heart. Even if there is not a hafiz, then one can certainly find a person who knows to read ashir. To read an ashir means that one can read a section of the Qur’an off by heart.

Our Holy Prophet (saw) said:

“The best of you are those who learn and those who teach the Qur’an.”

(Bukhari, “The Virtues of the Qur’an”, 21)

Khatm: To Read the Qur’an from Cover to Cover

Khatm means to read the Qur’an from beginning to end. Every year, our Holy Prophet (saw) used to read all the ayahs that came down to him to that day to Jibreel on each Ramadan night. Jibreel used to read the ayahs back to him. In this way, our Prophet (saw) and the angel that brought the message via revelation read the Qur’an to each other by reciprocating the ayahs. When the Prophet (saw) read, the angel listened. When the angel read, the Prophet (saw) listened. This is known as muqabala or ‘reciprocal reading.’ This practice has lead to the tradition of ‘reciprocal reading’ amongst Muslims, as well as being an important factor in our Holy Book remaining unchanged to this day.

This is one of the reasons why we give great importance to reading the Qur’an from cover to cover during the fasting month of Ramadan. In rememberance of this important event between our Prophet (saw) and angel Jibreel, we also read the Qur’an from cover to cover while fasting during the month of Ramadan.

The Art and Address of Calligraphy - Istanbul

There is an art that has been especially developed to write the Qur’an in the most beautiful way. This art is known as “Islamic Calligraphy” (Khat), and those in this profession are known as calligraphers (khattat).

This writing requires special pens and materials, and there are certain rules of writing and styles of writing that must be adhered to in this art. One must learn from the master in order to be a good calligrapher. One cannot keep their eyes off a Qur’an that has been written in calligraphic style. A Qur’an in this form has pages full of beautiful writings and colours of so many sorts.

Traditionally, value is also given to signs of any form written in calligraphy in addition to that found in the Qur’an. These signs mostly have the names ‘Allah’ and ‘Muhammad’ written on them. Most of our homes and mosques are decorated with these names. The best examples of the art of calligraphy have been achieved by Turks. This is the reason why there is the famous saying that “The Qur’an came down in Mecca, was read in Egypt, and written in Istanbul.” There are many copies of the Qur’an written in calligraphy. The one that we have today is written by the calligrapher Hafiz Osman.

Our Prophet (saw) says:

“Islam is based on 5 basic principles: to witness that there is no God except Allah and to bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is His Messenger; to do the 5 daily ritual prayers; to give alms(zakat); to perform the pilgrimage(hajj); and to fast during the month of Ramadan.”

(Bukhari, “The Faith”, 2)

To Read the Holy Qur’an Well

The Qur’an is the best of books. There is no book greater than the Qur’an. There are no words more beautiful than that in the Qur’an. We Muslims try to read it in the best way that we can and we feel great happiness in doing so.

Initially, there were no reading signs in the Qur’an but as Islam spread and the number of new Muslims grew, they came across certain difficulties when trying to read the Qur’an. In order to overcome these difficulties, reading signs were placed. These really eased the task of reading the Qur’an.

It is also an art to be able to read the Qur’an well. A person reading the Qur’an with a great voice can profoundly affect those around them. Obviously not everyone can read that well. Our responsibility is to read as correctly and well as we can.

Before reading the Qur’an, we must get our ablution and then say “Audhu billahi minash Shaitan ir Rajeem.”, the meaning of which is: “ I seek refuge with Allah (The All Hearing, The All-Knowing) from Satan, the rejected.” This is followed by: “Bismillahir-Rahmanir Raheem.” (In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful). We increase in beauty as we make an effort to read the Qur’an well. We add beauty to our already existing beauty.

When you recite the Qur’an, seek refuge in Allah from Satan the accursed.

(Nahl, 98)

The Influential Book

Our beloved Prophet (saw) used to read the Qur’an with his beautiful voice every evening in his courtyard when he lived in Mecca. The Qur’an used to leave such an impact on people that even non-believing Meccans would secretly come out at night to listen to the reading of it. One evening, as usual, three leading Meccans secretly came to listen to the Prophet (saw) recite the Qur’an. They came across each other as they were heading for home. They could not tell each other that the reason why they were there was to listen to the reading of the Qur’an. However, they each knew the reality of the situation. Fancy denying the Qur’an and yet coming secretly to listen to its recitation. How would they explain themselves if anyone heard about it? They each gave their word to never come and listen to the reading of the Qur’an again – after all what if someone were to see them? However, they could not resist the temptation and returned secretly again the next day. The Qur’an was able to, in this way, profoundly affect even those who denied it.

The Holy Qur’an Openly Tells the Truth

The Qur’an is a book that everyone can easily read, learn and understand. Our Book explains things in ways that we can understand easily. Its most important characteristic is that it can be read and memorised with ease. There is no other book in the world that can be claimed to have the same characteristics.

Sometimes stories are used in order for us to better understand certain messages. These stories provide advice, just as there is a moral in every fable.

Sometimes it is hard to understand some ayahs. In those instances, we can refer to tafsir books, which specifically deal with the interpretation of the Qur’an and provide a deep explanation of the Qur’an. Besides, there are the translations of the Qur’an into other languages, for example an English translation of the Qur’an. Tafsir, on the other hand, is the interpretation of each ayah in the Qur’an in detail.

If we need to understand what an ayah is saying, then tafsir books must be resorted to. If it is the English meaning that we are interested in, then we would resort to the English translation of the Qur’an. For instance, if we want to know the meaning of the first ayah of Surah al-Fatiha, ‘Al-hamdu lillahi rabbil alameen’, which is recited in each of the 5 daily prayers, we would find that it means, “Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds.” However, if we are interested in finding out the meaning in more detail we would refer to a tafsir book.

It is the Book that Enlightens People

The Qur’an invites mankind to that which is most correct and beautiful. Those who give heed to it will be saved from a world of darkness filled with injustice, oppression and manners that are incompatible with honour and self-respect. Those who follow its lead will protect the weak, orphan and destitute. Selfish and miserly people can only escape their bad habits with the guidance of the Qur’an.

Muslims who adopt the principles in the Qur’an will respect the rights of their neighbors. People will earn their living through halal means; they would steer away from lying, cheating and all forms of haram acts. Lies would be replaced with honesty, hypocrisy with sincerity, boasting and pride with humility, and selfishness with self-sacrifice.

Women who previously did not see value gained the respect they reserve with the Qur’an. It is thanks to the Qur’an that people realised that both male and female children are gifts from Allah. People also learned to approach the disabled with mercy, to help them and to integrate them into society – thanks to the Qur’an. It gave hope to humanity as it paved the way to freedom to that shameful part of human history which is known as slavery.

The Qur’an dawned upon mankind like the sun. It is with the Qur’an that brightness replaces darkness and divine light replaces oppression. With it came justice, peace, law and order. With it virtuous people increased in number.

The Qur’an taught people how to protect themselves from wrong-doing.

The Qur’an taught people how to share.

The Qur’an taught people friendship and brotherhood.

The Qur’an taught peace and love.

The Qur’an taught people how to be civil.

LET’S READ...

AN ANT EXPLAINS THE SURAH REVEALED IN ITS NAME

As you know, Allah the Almighty sent down ayahs to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw). These ayahs were then put together to form the Holy Qur’an. Surah al-Naml (The Ant) explains the incident between my ant ancestors and Prophet Sulayman.

Let me introduce myself to you. I’m a tiny little ant. Allah the Almighty gave me great importance by mentioning my name in the Holy Qur’an. I cannot tell you how happy I am because of this. Moreover, we are also one of the animals that have been forbidden from being killed. Even lighting a fire near our nests has been forbidden.

Let’s all try and understand the 27th surah of the Qur’an titled Naml (The Ant). This surah has 93 ayahs. The main topics discussed are: the importance of faith, the importance of worshipping Allah the Almighty, to believe in revelation, that knowledge of things that are unknown and unseen by us can only be known by Almighty Allah, that all forms of blessing and sustenance is bestowed by Allah and that we must be thankful to Allah for these. The incident that took place between Balqis (Queen of Sheba) and Prophet Sulayman as well as the things that Prophets Musa, Salih, and Lut went through is also mentioned in this surah. You see all of these are mentioned in the surah titled in my name. Some people refuse to believe in Allah despite the lessons contained in the stories, and the variety of blessings and beauty that surrounds us. I am thankful to Allah each time I remember them.

Let me tell you a little bit about ants before telling you the story of Prophet Sulayman. I am sure you are going to be amazed as you read on.

Ants can be classified into three different classes: the queen ant, male ants and worker ants. Each one of us is aware of our duty as soon as we come into being. Unlike you, we have no need for school, education, exams or reports because we get these directly from our Lord.

Despite the fact that Allah the Almighty has created us as tiny flimsy creatures, we have also been given special characteristics such as being regular and organised, making detailed calculations, being diligent and being able to divide up our duties. Conditions of life are indeed very difficult for us. It can take hours for us to carry a grain of wheat. This is the reason why Allah has wished for us to live in colonies which number in the hundreds of thousands. Similar to other creatures, we have been adorned with distinct abilities and beauty that aid us in adapting to the conditions we find ourselves in.

Our underground nests are connected through tunnels as a means of protection from the many things that threaten our survival. Sometimes these include humans and rain. This is dangerous for us as we do not know how to swim and can drown very easily. And oh those humans! Sometimes they step on us with or without realising it. If only they would watch where they were going, these things would not happen to us. I would like you all to be more careful in the future.

Till, when they reached the Valley of the Ants, an ant exclaimed: “O ants! Enter your dwellings lest Sulayman and his armies crush you, unperceiving.” And (Sulayman) smiled, laughing at her speech, and said: “My Lord, arouse me to be thankful for Your favour wherewith You have favoured me and my parents, and to do good that shall be pleasing unto You, and include me in (the number of) Your righteous slaves.”

(Naml, 18-19)

Now let’s get to the story. Allah the Almighty put a great deal of creatures at the service of Prophet Sulayman. The winds carried him wherever he wanted, the birds collected knowledge for him, the mountains chanted Allah’s name with him, and a lot of creatures worked in his service. Besides the gift of prophethood, Allah the Almighty gave Prophet Sulayman vast knowledge, governance, treasures, and knowledge and understanding of the language of birds and other creatures. Even though he had been bestowed with these gifts, he did not act proud because he was able to comprehend the fact that these were all indeed gifts from Allah. He had such a merciful nature that he would not even step on ants that were crossing the road from one side to the other.

Prophet Sulayman prayed for himself and his family, that they may be given opportunities and strength to do good works that would please Allah, so that his family and himself would be amongst the good servants of Allah in heaven.

This surah of the Qur’an proves that every creature shows obedience to Allah. Therefore humans should realise that this planet does not belong to them and that they have no right to harm a single creature in it. Humans need to be aware of all creatures; ants, bees, birds, insects and learn to share the planet with them.

PART III:
WHAT DOES THE HOLY
QUR’AN CONTAIN?

The Main Topics Covered in the Holy Qur’an

The main topics covered in the Qur’an are Allah and human. It teaches us our duties towards our parents, family, all people and other living creatures and our environment. The Qur’an guides us to the right path and tells us to be obedient to Allah and our Prophet (saw).

The Qur’an deals with a variety of topics; besides ayahs on worship and principles of good manners, there are many ayahs dealing with social issues such as eating, drinking, marriage, economic and social relationships. In addition, stories of prophets and past civilizations are included so that we may be able to draw lessons from them.

Serve Allah, and do not ascribe partners to Him. And show kindness to your parents, and to your close kindred, and orphans, and the needy, and to the neighbour who is of kin, and the neighbour who is not of kin, and the fellow-traveller and the wayfarer and (the bondsmen) whom your right hands possess. Surely Allah does not love the arrogant, the boastful.

(Nisa, 36)

The Holy Qur’an Teaches Us the Principles of Faith

The most important call of the Qur’an is that of belief. It teaches us what to believe in within this framework. The most important of these is the belief in Allah and His Oneness, followed by belief in His Angels, Books, Prophets, the Hereafter and Predestination. These all depend on believing in Allah.

The Qur’an invites mankind to Islam. It explains the rewards for those that believe and the dire consequences for those that do not. There are examples of incidents connected to these from the past in the Qur’an.

O you who believe! Let not a group mock another group; it may be that these are better than them; nor should women mock other women, it may be that these are better than them. Do not taunt one another nor call one another by nicknames. It is an evil thing (to be called a) bad name after faith. Those who do not desist are wrongdoers.

(Hujurat, 11)

The Qur’an gives the greatest importance to the belief in one God (tawhid). That is, to believe in Allah and His Oneness, to know Allah and to not worship any other form of power. Those who accept tawhid principle should not worship idols or seek their help. Besides, it would not suit an intelligent person to worship and seek help from lifeless pieces of rock. Only the uninformed and ignorant would do such a thing. Those who know Allah properly are the ones who are able to comprehend Allah’s commandments better.

Because our Book gives such great importance to tawhid, we could say that it is the heart of the Qur’an. If one acts in ways that damages their belief in the Oneness of Allah, then great harm will come to them from this. This would be very similar to the eventual death of a person whose heart has stopped – so too would a weakened belief lead to its eventual loss.

We must reflect our belief with our words and actions; we must steer away from bad habits and all haram(unlawful) things. We can prove this by doing good deeds. Every good and beneficial work is counted as good deeds.

Once a person puts his or her belief into practice, he or she will lean towards good acts and stay away from harmful ones. This is a natural consequence of belief. This is because a believing person would make a special effort to live within the measures outlined in the Qur’an. This would naturally make that person a sensitive Muslim who would be loved by all, one that would make him or her do good and stay away from doing wrong.

The Qur’an tells about the temporary nature of worldly life, resurrection after death, and how we are accountable for our actions in the Hereafter. There are many warnings in this regard. Endless blessings are promised to those who live their lives in accordance with the commandments of Allah. We learn about the temporary nature of the life of this world and the endless nature of the Hereafter. Every person will be given the response of what they earned in their wordly life. This is the reason why the Qur’an constantly reminds us of the Hereafter.

O you who believe! Follow not the steps of Satan, for whosoever will follow the steps of Satan; surely he will enjoin on him what is indecent and blameworthy (wickedness).

(Nur, 21)

The Holy Qur’an Teaches Us the Worships

The Qur’an commands us to worship Allah and teaches us the principles of worship. However, we learn how to read and understand the Qur’an and the methods of pray and worship through the example of our Prophet (saw). He achieved this through being a living example. Moreover, we not only learn how to worship but also all the other principles of our religion from him. His life and character are the best examples for us. Our beloved Prophet (saw) said, “Do your five daily prayers as I do, perform your Hajj (pilgrimage) duty as I do.”

The five daily ritual prayers are part of our daily worship. It maintains our ties with our great Lord. This ritual prayer is in every way a means of cleanliness. We cleanse our bodies by performing wudu (ablution). A person who turns his face towards the Ka’bah five times a day would be protected from all types of wrongs.

Ramadan fasting is obligatory once a year. There are many physical and spiritual benefits of fasting. Zakat (almsgiving) is a type of worship that is also material in nature. Well-off Muslims give a particular portion of their income once a year to those less well-off than themselves. This teaches individuals to share and to provide the necessary social networking to look after those less well-off in society.

The Hajj worship is also obligatory upon all well-off Muslims. It is a once in a lifetime worship that is a must for those who have enough wealth to visit Mecca, the city in which our Prophet (saw) was born, and the surrounding sacred sites within defined rules and forms. Muslims from around the globe, of all different languages and colours come together with the aim of worshipping Allah.

Allah commands justice and kindness and charity to one’s kindred, and forbids indecency, wickedness and oppression. He admonishes you so that you may take heed.

(Nahl, 90)

Every act of kindness, good thoughts and helping those in need are also forms of worship. To water a thirsty plant, to feed a hungry cat, to bandage a bird’s broken wing are all considered acts of worship. This is because when we show affection to other creatures and act kindly towards them, we do so without expecting anything in return. All creatures are created by Allah and we love the created as an expression of our love for the Creator.

All types of worship bring us closer to Allah. Humans are made up of a body and a soul. Just as our bodies need food, water and sleep, so does the soul have needs of its own. We meet the needs of our souls through worship. By doing so, we will have performed our duty towards Allah as well as nourishing our souls. Worship strengthens our belief, heightens our souls and implants the love of Allah in our hearts.

O our Lord! Forgive me, and my parents, and the believers on the day when the Reckoning will be established!”

(Ibrahim, 41)

The Holy Qur’an Teaches Us How to Pray

Our Lord teaches us how to pray to Him in the Qur’an, and many beautiful examples of these can be found in the Qur’an. It is with these prayers that we thank Allah for the countless blessings He has bestowed upon us. Whenever we are in dire straits, we open our hands in prayer to Allah. Our Almighty Lord hears our prayers and accepts the prayers that we make with all our hearts.

Prayer is the essence of all worships. It creates a very strong bond between Allah and us. Just as He knows the hidden secrets in our hearts, He also sees and hears us when we are in desperate need and helps us in those times, for He does not wish for us to be troubled.

It is up to us to turn towards our Lord and pray with all our hearts. Our Lord, who knows all that is hidden and all that is apparent, gives importance to what is contained in our hearts, not our outward appearance.

We have enjoined man to treat his parents with kindness.

(Ahqaf, 15)

The Holy Qur’an Teaches Us to Be Moral

The Qur’an explains the principles of proper conduct and recommends that we abide by them in order to achieve happiness. Examples of good conduct that lead to worldly happiness and bliss in the Hereafter include: kindness to parents, relatives and those in need; to help the stranded; to not be wasteful; to keep one’s word; to be trustworthy; to stay away from harmful behaviour; to not have one’s eye on the wealth of orphans; and to not be a threat or harm to anyone’s life or property. It commands love, respect, brotherhood, equality and honesty. It also commands us to uphold justice, to be charitable, to show solidarity, to not be divisive, to complete every task in the best way possible and to be hardworking and generous. To fear trespassing the limits set by Allah, to always do good deeds, to keep one’s word and be honourable are the moral values that are greatly emphasized in the Qur’an.

The safeguarding of justice is one of the principles that is most emphasized in the Qur’an. Justice means to protect everyone’s rights. Our Lord commands us to act justly to people irrespective of their religion, language or race. It is because of this warning that Muslims have lived in harmony with people of different nationalities and religions throughout their history. Our ancestors never forced Christians and Jews under their reign to change their faiths and always gave them the freedom to practice their religion.

A person’s spiritual beauty comes from good morals, as those of good character are also beautiful on the inside. The best of mankind are those who believe and follow the path of Allah and our Prophet (saw), and are of good character.

The Qur’an wishes us to stay away from bad habits such as lying, fakeness, deception, selfishness, looking down on others, and uttering words of unkindness and ugliness. As a result, the Qur’an teaches us the required codes of behaviour in order for mankind to live in peace and happiness.

Mankind has wide-ranging responsibilities placed upon him – ranging from those towards himself to those towards his Lord. The responsibility towards our Creator is achieved through worship, and the responsibility towards others is completed through showing respect to their rights.

The Holy Qur’an Teaches Us what is Halal and Haram, Good and Bad, Right and Wrong

The Qur’an teaches what Allah has declared as halal (lawful) and haram (unlawful), what is right and wrong. It commands the goodness to be widespread and the acts of evil to be avoided. Good deeds bring peace whereas acts of wrong darken the soul.

The Qur’an gives great importance and value to halal means of earning and useful deeds. It commands that we earn our living through fair means, and that we eat and drink things that are clean in nature. It forbids eating pork and the meat of dead animals. It orders us to stay away from alcohol and drugs. It considers it a great sin to earn one’s means through bribery, stealing, blackmarketing, interest, gambling and pick-pocketing.

The Qur’an commands that we exhibit a high standard of behaviour towards everyone and it forbids oppression, injustice, finding fault in people, making fun of people, patronizing people, wrongly accusing people and name-calling. Thus, it desires an exemplary society built upon people who are clean, trusting, mutually respectful to one another and at peace with each other.

The Qur’an wishes for us to be at peace with ourselves, our neighbors and those around us. It advises us to stay away from actions that hurt or disturb others. It always wants us to be on the side of goodness and to help those in need by starting with those that are closest to us.

Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you show kindness to your parents. If either or both of them attain old age with you, (show no sign of impatience, and) do not (even) say “fie” to them; nor rebuke them, but speak kind words to them.

(Isra, 23)

The Holy Qur’an Gives Importance to Family Life

The Holy Qur’an gives great attention to the importance of family in society. In order for there to be love, respect and peace within families, each member needs to fulfil their duties. It recommends that children be raised as well-behaved individuals who respect their parents. It gives importance to ties with relations. It commands that we look after the poor and orphans.

The Holy Qur’an Teaches Us to Love

The Qur’an commands that we love and respect our family and parents, because it is our parents who have brought us into this world. This is the reason why we must show love and respect to our parents, brothers and sisters.

The Qur’an commands that we love and get along with our relatives. We should also love our neighbors and get along with them as well. We must help them and be there for them in their difficult times as we live in such close proximity to them. We reduce their pain by sharing it and increase their happiness by sharing it with them. The Qur’an wants us to love all people irrespective of their race, colour, physical appearance or their lineage because it is Allah who created them all.

Nobody is superior to each other, however, superiority can be achieved through not rebelling against Allah, by earning His love and being close to Him. It is in our hands to live happily by loving each other. What has fighting and war ever brought to mankind besides misery? Nothing is more precious than human life. Our Great Book tells us that to save one life is like saving all of mankind and to kill one is like killing all of mankind. The Qur’an tells us to help the destitute, stranded and homeless because it is our duty to be humane to them. The Qur’an commands that we love all of creations, both living and non-living. We love the stars that shine at night, the moon, the sun, the rain and the wind that plays with our hair. We love the roaring rivers, colourful flowers, daisies, butterflies and the birds that chirp in the trees. They remind us of our Creator. They remind us that the most valuable of all creation are human beings.

We are commanded to love Allah, the One, who created us in the best of forms, because everything in the world has been created for us. We love our Lord who loves us very much. We also love our Holy Book that teaches us knowledge and love.

We are told through the Qur’an that children should be loved. They are raised with love by their mothers and are always in great need of love. Especially babies – it is as if they have been created just to be loved. Just as plants need soil and water to live, children need love. This is the reason why the Qur’an tells us to give more love and take care of motherless children and orphans.

Children are sinless and pure when they are born. Their coming is declared as good news in the Qur’an. Each one of them is good news! They are good news from Allah! They are a gift from our Almighty Creator. The Qur’an refers to them as a source of light for our eyes. A source of light for parents, grandparents and everyone alike. According to the Qur’an, they are the decoration of life. They are living examples of the finest detail of Allah’s art.

Our beloved Prophet (saw) loved children very much and gave great importance to them. If he heard a child cry, he would quickly finish his prayer to attend to them so that their pain would not be prolonged. He would sit them on his lap and say, “They are the fragrance of heaven!” He could not tolerate them being hurt. He especially could not tolerate the sadness of orphans. He would place them on his back, play games and joke around with them. He would greet them and ask them of their well-being. He would hug, caress and kiss them, carry them on his back and join in their games. He would deeply feel their pain. It is through the example set by our Prophet (saw) and the Qur’an that adults learned how to act towards children.

Advice to Children From the Holy Qur’an

“Prophet Ibrahim enjoined the same upon his children, and so did Prophet Yaqub: “O my children, Allah has chosen for you the true faith (of Islam), so do not die except in the faith (of Islam).” Or were you present when death came to Yaqub? He said to his sons, “What will you worship when I am gone?” They answered: “We shall worship your God and the God of your forefathers Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac: the one (true) God. To Him we are submitted.” (Baqarah, 132-133)

And when the children among you come of age (puberty), let them ask leave (to come into your presence), as they who were before them asked it. Thus does Allah make clear to you His signs, and Allah is Knower, Wise.

(Nur, 59)

“And remember when Luqman said to his son, when he was exhorting him: “O my son! Ascribe no partners unto Allah, because to ascribe partners (unto Him) is a tremendous wrong.”

And We have enjoined upon man concerning his parents; his mother bears him in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Give thanks unto Me and unto your parents. Unto me is the journeying. But if they strive with you to make you ascribe unto Me as partner that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not. Consort with them in the world kindly, and follow the path of him who repents unto Me. Then unto Me will be your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do.

O my son! Though it be but the weight of a grain of mustard seed and though it be in a rock, or in the heavens or in the earth, Allah will bring it forth. Truly, Allah is Subtle, Aware.

O my son! Establish worship and enjoin kindness and forbid iniquity, and persevere whatever may befall you. For surely that is of the steadfast heart of things. Turn not your cheek in scorn toward folk, nor walk with insolence in the land. For Allah loves not each arrogant boaster.

Be modest in your bearing (walk) and subdue your voice. Lo! the harshest of all voices is the voice of the donkey.” (Luqman, 13-19)

The likeness of those who choose other patrons than Allah is as the likeness of the spider when she takes unto herself a house, and assuredly the frailest of all houses is the spider’s house, if they but knew.

(Ankabut, 41)

LET’S READ...

A SPIDER EXPLAINS THE SURAH REVEALED IN ITS NAME

I’m a little spider. Don’t be so quick to squirm. I know a lot of you don’t particularly like my appearance, in fact a lot of you are scared of me. However, do not forget that nothing is created in vain. Allah mentions me in the Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad (saw) named the 29th surah after me Ankabut (The Spider) with Allah’s permission. Let me briefly explain this surah to you.

Surah al-Ankabut (The Spider) has 69 ayahs. Among the main topics covered in this surah are belief in Allah, the importance of obedience to parents, the tragic end of those who do wrong, and the rewarding end of those who believe and do good works. Furthermore, the surah emphasizes the fact that the five daily ritual prayers are a hindrance to wrong-doing, that belief in Allah is a major form of worship, and that people forget to remember and pray to Allah when their lives are comfortable. The fact that every living thing will eventually die, that lying is a vey ugly act and that everyone will be accountable for their own deeds are also mentioned. It is again in this surah that the stories of Prophets Nuh, Ibrahim, Lut, Shu’aib and Hud are mentioned.

Now let’s come to the relevance between this surah and me. This surah takes its name from ayah 41 which likens a spider web to the weakness of false belief and values in the face of truth. Ankabut means female spider. Female spiders kill their mates after spinning their web. Flies and insects that come in contact with the web fall into this trap; the thickness of an individual thread is stronger than that of steel of similar thickness.

Most people don’t realise we make mathematical and geometric calculations of the place where we plan to weave our web. The web we spin is our bed, our means of communication, our warning system and our protection. Even though our web is strong enough for us, its weakness is a reality known by all. Our webs provide no protection or shade – it only takes a slight wind or a light touch to ruin it.

Well you see, the fact that certain incidents are mentioned, the types of messages contained in the surah, and the fact that it revolves around these similarities is the reason why the symbol of the spider is accepted for the surah. Just as the web is weak in nature, so is the situation of those who rely on the help and support of those other than Allah. Most people consider actual strength and power to be in certain things. Majority of people accept status and wealth to be the most important form of strength. They devote their lives to this end, while others devote their lives in the name of useless knowledge. Some consider violence above all else, when in fact they should realise that actual strength is in the One who created them.

Allah likens the situation of these people to that of the fragility of a web in the face of a slight touch or blow. Actual strength and power is in Allah’s friendship. No matter how seemingly powerful things other than Allah may seem, their worth is that of a spider’s web in Allah’s sight. Do they not know that Allah used a mosquito to put an end to King Nimrod and even fooled those who came armed to the cave where Prophet Muhammad (saw) hid by putting a web at the entrance of the cave and prevented them from killing him. Actually they know it all very well, but it would not serve their purpose to admit it.

Actually while I’m at it, let me share a particular incident with you that makes me most happy. I am the spider that was given the all-important task of weaving the web at the entrance of the cave where Prophet Muhammad (saw) and his companion Abu Bakr hid while they were making the sacred migration from Mecca to Madinah. A cause of even greater happiness is the fact that I saw the glowing face of Prophet Muhammad (saw). They were the happiest three days of my life. This is indeed a source of much happiness for me!

You also will be able to overcome all difficulties if you only trust in and rely on Allah’s strength. Seek refuge only in Almighty Allah as there is no helper and true friend other than Him.

PART IV:
MORAL OF THE STORY

The First Man, The First Prophet

Allah first created Adam and then Hawwa (Eve). He made them partners for each other and taught them each other’s name. He taught them how to learn and recognize all things. Adam was given the duty of prophethood. We are all the off-springs of the children of Adam and Hawwa who spread across different places on the face of the planet and spoke different languages and formed different races. Both black and white multiplied from Adam and Hawwa. Blondes and brunettes alike are all children of Adam and Hawwa. We all have one heart, two hands and feet despite the differences in the colour of our hair and eyes and the different languages we all speak. Furthermore, we all have one brain. It is the Qur’an that teaches us all of these. If this information was not in the Qur’an, we would not have known how we were created, how we multiplied, and why we spread across different places on the planet. We know from the Qur’an that the whole planet has been created for the service of mankind.

Angels and jinns were created before Prophet Adam. When Allah told the angels that he was going to create humans, they said to their Lord, “We are your slaves. We praise and glorify You. The truth is we fear that the humans you are going to create will cause bloodshed and disorder.” Allah said that He has knowledge of things they do not and then created Adam from mud and gave life to him.

Allah taught the names of all things to Adam, e.g. the sun, wind, soil, flowers and birds. He taught him the names of absolutely everything created. The angels, however, were deprived of such knowledge. He made Adam and his offspring superior to the rest of creation. Allah asked Adam to tell the names of all creatures. When Prophet Adam did so, with the order of Allah, all the angels prostrated in acceptance of his superiority over themselves. It was only Satan who disobeyed Allah’s command and refused to accept Adam’s superiority over himself. Satan said Adam was inferior to him since Adam was created from mud and he was created from fire. He rebelled against Allah by claiming superiority over Adam. Both fire and mud are created by Allah; how could fire then be more superior to mud? Adam was not more superior because he was created from mud, but was more superior because he was given the gifts of intelligence and will.

Allah cursed the rebelling and boasting Satan till the Judgement Day and gave him respite till the Day of Resurrection. Instead of apologizing for his mistake, he stubbornly continued to rebel against Allah. He vowed to do everything in his power to prevent mankind from doing any form of good work. Thus he is the enemy of all things that are good and beautiful.

Allah created Hawwa after Adam and made her his partner. He then put the two of them in heaven. He forbade them to eat the fruit of a certain tree in heaven. Moreover, He warned them to stay away from Satan as he is the enemy of mankind.

Satan fooled them into believing they would be immortalized if they ate the fruit of the forbidden tree. Adam and Hawwa realized they had done something terribly wrong and regretted it. Because they had been tricked by Satan, they were afraid that they too would spend eternity in hell. Allah forgave them by accepting their repetence and brought them down to earth. In this way, the beginning of mankind’s life on earth began.

Adam and Hawwa wished for children, so Allah gave them many male and female offsprings, and in this way, the number of humans multilplied. Adam was a prophet to his children and Allah protected him from the tricks of Satan.

Of the children of Adam, Habil and Qabil (Abel and Cain) made a vow to make a sacrifice to Allah. Habil’s vow was accepted whereas Qabil’s was not. Satan filled Qabil’s heart with hate and jealousy towards his brother. In the end, Qabil murdered his brother. It was the first time blood was spilt on the face of the earth. Satan was very happy about the murder committed. Qabil did not know what to do with his brother’s corpse. While in this state of confusion, he saw a crow dig a hole with its feet and bury a dead crow. It dawned on Qabil that he could do the same. He dug a hole in the ground and buried his brother. Since that day, all dead people have been buried in the same way.

Prophet Adam eventually died and he was buried, too.

Prophet Adam was the first human created and therefore, the ancestor of all mankind. He was the first to wear clothes, plough and sow the field and he taught his children what he knew. He advised them to be good people who do good works and greet others with the Islamic greeting (salam).

Prophet Adam is our first prophet and his life is best explained in the Qur’an.

Nuh’s Ark

Many years passed since then. The human population increased right across the planet after Prophet Adam’s death. They formed societies, and with time they steered away from the prophet’s path and worshipped idols. They worshipped the statues they had carved with their own hands as their Lords. They forgot that they were the children of Adam. The strong and wealthy started oppressing the weak and helpless. Their hearts hardened and they forgot to be merciful and do good works. In short, there was no peace and happiness left in society. Out of that community, Allah chose Nuh (Noah) for prophethood. Nuh was a just and trustworthy person who was loved by all. He would help those in need as much as he could and was not afraid to speak the truth.

After becoming a prophet, he called the people of the community he lived with to believe in Allah and to be His slaves only. He told them that he was just a warner and that as long as they continued doing things that Allah was displeased with, they would be deprived of peace and happiness. Not only did they not believe in his worthy call, they also started making fun of Nuh and those who followed him. They said, “You are human just like us, why should we believe you?” Despite his incredible efforts, very few ended up believing in Allah. The rest of them continued to worship idols, commit wrongs and oppress the weak. Those who refused to believe accused Nuh with madness and did all they could do to prevent his call from being spread. They pressured Nuh and the believers, and threatened them with death. He continued with patience to give good advice to his community.

The hardened hearts of the leaders and the wealthy of the city did not soften as they continued to stubbornly disbelieve. Nuh opened his hands in prayer and said, “O Lord, they are falsifying my words, help me!” The disbelievers challenged Prophet Nuh by saying, “Let’s see how the Lord that you seek help from punish us.” It was becoming impossible for Prophet Nuh and the believers to endure the oppression they were under. As a result of this, Prophet Nuh prayed as follows: “O Lord, save me and the believers!” Allah told Nuh to build an ark. He then taught Prophet Nuh how to build one as no-one had ever built one to that day. He built a huge ark from trees in the forest. Allah wanted Nuh to call all the believers to the ark once it had been built. In additon, He commanded Nuh to bring a pair of every animal onto the ark. The disbelievers were unaware of the oncoming disaster. The sky was filled with dark clouds and lightening the next day. Before long rain started to pour down from the sky. It rained non-stop. Everywhere was covered with water. The disbelievers ran towards the mountains, however this was not enough to save them. It rained so much that there was not an inch of soil left exposed. All the disbelievers who had made fun of Nuh’s ark drowned.

After days of deluge, the clouds dispersed and the rain stopped. The sun generously spread its light on earth.

The mountains and valleys were once again exposed as the water level slowly receded. Allah had saved a handful of people who had believed in him. It is for this reason that Nuh, after Adam, is considered the second ancestor of mankind.

Nuh is our prophet. He was the first person to build a ship and his life is best explained in the Qur’an.

A Rose Garden in Fire

Mankind increased in numbers after Prophet Nuh. They built new cities and started living in communities. As time passed, people started straying away from the right path that the prophets had taught them and started doing wrong things and worshipping others as gods. Allah sent many prophets to mankind to remind them of their great religion. Prophet Ibrahim was one of those prophets. He was sent as a prophet to the people of a city known as Babel, which partly belongs to the Anatolian region of modern day Turkiye. These people worshipped the sun, the moon, the stars, and statues that they had carved with their own hands.

One night before becoming a prophet, Ibrahim looked at the stars and moon and thought, “How could it be that people worship these as their Lord?” The stars that twinkled in the night and the moon that decorated the sky disappeared in the light of day. “The sun and moon that appears and disappears could not be my Lord.” he said. He was constantly in a state of contemplation. One day he woke up and watched the sunrise. The sun was shining with all its beauty. He watched it the whole day. The sun started to slip away as night approached, so Ibrahim thought this could not be the Lord of mankind. He was finding it hard to understand people. There had to be an Almighty Creator who created everything; the sun, the moon and the stars. He thought about it for days and in the end, believed in Allah as the Creator of the universe.

Prophet Ibrahim was of excellent character. He was kind, generous, hospitable and he loved looking after the poor. Just like the prophets before him, Allah called him and his people to do good works and to give up their bad ways.

Prophet Ibrahim’s father was an idol-worshipper. This situation was most upsetting for Ibrahim. One day, he said to his father, “My dear father, why do you worship these statues that cannot hear, see, or be of any benefit to you? My dear father, Allah is One, He has no partner and there is none like unto Him.” His father reacted angrily to these words and threw him out of his house as he said, “How could you deny our Lords?” Despite his father’s brute behaviour, Prophet Ibrahim prayed to Allah to forgive his father and guide him to the right path.

Prophet Ibrahim did not give up and continued to tirelessly explain his people to only worship Allah and never to worship idols.

Nimrod, the King of Babel, was a merciless person. People stayed away from the call of Ibrahim through fear of him. One day, Ibrahim went to Nimrod to invite him to believe in Allah. Nimrod said in a very self-conceited way: “I am the Lord of this country, who is your Lord?” Prophet Ibrahim said, “My Lord is Allah. He kills and resurrects.” In response to this, Nimrod asked that the two people who had been sentenced to death be brought forth to him. He ordered his soldiers to kill one of the prisoners and to let the other go free. He turned to Prophet Ibrahim and said, “See? I can kill and resurrect, too.” Ibrahim replied, “My Lord raises the sun from the east. If you have the power make it rise from the west.” Even though Nimrod was lost for words he still refused to believe in Allah.

There was a huge temple in the city of Babel where townfolk would bring gifts to their idols and pray for their help. One day, Ibrahim entered the temple secretly when the people of the town were busy with entertainment at the local fair. He broke each of the idols with an axe, except the largest of the lot. He then hung the axe around the largest idol and left the temple without being seen. The people of Babel were horrified in the face of what they saw when they returned to the temple after the fair. They wondered as to who could be responsible for what they saw. They started to suspect Prophet Ibrahim as they knew he did not believe in idols. They immediately called Ibrahim and asked him if he broke the idols. Ibrahim replied, “Can it be the one with the axe around its neck? Let’s ask it, maybe it saw who did it.” They were all astonished at his response and took one look at the idol and another look at Ibrahim. One of them said, “Don’t make fun of us Ibrahim. You know very well that they are lifeless. It neither sees nor speaks, so how is it supposed to know who did it?” In response to this Ibrahim said, “That is all very well but why do you worship idols that do not have the ability to see, speak or protect themselves? Believe in the Lord of the universe, Allah.” These words profoundly affected those at the temple. Word started to spread throughout the town about the incident. Some gave up idolatry and started to believe in Allah. Nimrod became very angry once he found out about this.

He concluded that the only way to get rid of Ibrahim was to kill him. He decided to throw him into fire in order to intimidate the believers. The collected firewood was piled up like a mountain in the city square. Prophet Ibrahim knew Allah would protect him. Nimrod glanced at Prophet Ibrahim in the hope that his fear would make him give up his belief. However, Ibrahim stood straight and tall without even the slightest fear or anxiety. The people of the town circled around the fire. Ibrahim was then thrown in the middle of the raging flames. Everyone held their breaths as they watched. The flames instantly turned into a rose garden. While the eyes of the believers shone with happiness, Nimrod and the disbelievers nearly swallowed their tongues. Allah ordered the fire not to burn Ibrahim. Fire that burns everything else became a cool rose garden for Ibrahim. Prophet Ibrahim was deeply thankful to his Lord for His miracle.

The disbelievers lost the courage to harm Ibrahim after that incident.

Prophet Ibrahim migrated to Egypt in order to call people to Allah’s way. He had two sons, named Ishmael and Isaac. Allah gave prophethood to both of them.

Prophet Ibrahim rebuilt the sacred Ka’bah on its original foundation with his son Ishmael, which was first constructed by Prophet Adam.

Ibrahim and his son Ishmael are our prophets. Their lives are best explained in the Holy Qur’an.

The Most Beautiful of the Beautiful - Yusuf (Joseph)

Yaqub is Prophet Ibrahim’s grandson and a prophet sent to the people of Canaan. He had 12 sons. Yusuf was the 11th and Benjamin was the youngest of them all.

Yusuf was the most beautiful child in the world. His father Yaqub spent a lot of time with him because he lost his mother at a very young age. He was adored by all as he was such a loveable child. However, his step-brothers were jealous of the attention their father gave him.

One night Yusuf saw a very interesting dream. In this dream 11 stars, the sun and the moon were all prostrating to him. He explained his dream to his father who was deeply affected by this beautiful dream and started to cry. He held his son tightly as he knew that his son would be a prophet in the future. His father frequently reminded him not to tell his brothers of his dream because he was fearful of the harm that would come to Yusuf from them.

He never left Yusuf in anyone’s care as a result of this fear. Yusuf’s brothers learnt of his dream after some time had passed. This increased their jealousy even more. They secretly planned amongst themselves to get rid of Yusuf once and for all. They asked their father’s permission to go to the forest. Prophet Yaqub did not give permission for Yusuf to go to the forest with them. However, his sons insisted and said, “Dad, we are so crowded, do you think we are not going to be able to protect Yusuf? Please give us permission to all go together.” Yaqub felt helpless and gave Yusuf permission to go with his brothers. They all set off together. They were quite some distance away from home and not a soul was in sight. They could now get rid of Yusuf. His brothers threw him into a well mercilessly. Yusuf escaped from drowning by holding onto a rock on the side of the well. In the meantime, the brothers thought about how they could lie their way out of the situation. In the end, they decided to wipe the blood of an animal they had hunted in the forest on Yusuf’s shirt. They came home crying with the bloodied shirt in their hands. They said, “Dad, Yusuf was attacked by a wolf while we were engrosed in play. We tried with all our might but we could not save him. We could only find his bloodied shirt.” When the Prophet Yaqub noticed that the shirt was not ripped, he realised that harm had come to Yusuf from his brothers. He was so upset that he told them to leave his sight without even looking at them. He felt deep pain and his eyes welled with tears.

Yusuf waited helplessly in the well until he was saved by a caravan of travellers on their way to Egypt. Once they reached Egypt, the people of the caravan sold him as a servant to the house of the vizier of Egypt.

When Yusuf grew up and became a young man, the vizier’s wife became profoundly affected by his beauty and fell in love with him. She made immoral offers to him when nobody was around. Yusuf did not accept these disgusting offers because he was a vey clean and highly moral person. When she could not get what she wanted from him, she complained about Yusuf to her husband and had him unjustly imprisoned.

Yusuf was imprisoned for many years. Allah taught Yusuf how to interpret dreams. He correctly interpreted the dreams of the inmates. Allah gave him the duty of prophethood so that he could call people to the right path.

One night the ruler of Egypt saw seven thin cows eat seven fleshy ones. There were seven green ears of grain next to seven dry ones. Nobody was able to interpret this dream in Egypt. A person who had become acquainted with Yusuf while in prison told the ruler of Yusuf’s ability to interpret dreams. They immediately took him out of jail for him to interpret the dream. Prophet Yusuf said that it indicated a huge drought in the future and that the necessary precautions needed to be taken. The ruler decided to make Yusuf the head of treasury as difficult times were ahead of Egypt.

Prophet Yusuf stored a portion of the harvest in the 7 years of abundance they experienced. Drought set in 7 years later. People started pouring in from neighbouring countries to buy crop from Egypt. His brothers left their youngest brother Benjamin with their father and came to buy food from Egypt. They did not recognize Yusuf but he recognized his brothers. He told them to bring their youngest brother, otherwise he would not give them anything to eat in their next visit. He also gave them back the money they had given him for their purchase. His brothers brought Benjamin with them in their next visit to Egypt. Prophet Yusuf explained to Benjamin all that had happened to him and they hugged each other with joy. He made plans for Benjamin to be left in Egypt. He had someone put in the ruler’s valuable belongings into Benjamin’s bag as his brothers were leaving the city. They were stopped on the way and searched by guards the next day. The ruler’s missing items were found in Benjamin’s bag. They captured him and the efforts of his brothers to save him were left in vain. They had no choice but to leave Benjamin behind. They explained all that had happened to their father when they returned home. As if it was not enough that Yaqub had been separated from Yusuf, he was now separated from Benjamin as well. He lost his eyesight from the pain of crying for them. Even so, he never lost hope as he said, “It is now up to me to show patience. I know that Allah will one day return my children to me. He is All-Knowing.”

After some time passed, his brothers went to Egypt to bring Benjamin back. They went up to Prophet Yusuf and asked if he could forgive and free their brother Benjamin. Yusuf responded by asking, “What did you do to your brother Yusuf?” Fear overcame them, however Yusuf forgave his brothers despite what they had done to him. He said, “Take my shirt to my father, he will recognize me by my fragrance.” and sent them. Prophet Yaqub pressed Yusuf’s shirt to his chest and longingly sniffed it. He wiped the shirt on his eyes and face. It was at that moment that Almighty Allah rewarded his patience by giving his vision back. They all went to Egypt together. Yusuf said, “My dear father, the dream that I had seen long time ago came true with the permission of my Lord. Thanks be to Allah.”

Prophet Yusuf justly governed the people of Egypt for many years. He was a prophet as well as a guide to them. He always called people to do good things.

Yaqub and Yusuf are both our prophets. Their lives are best explained in the Qur’an.

A Baby in the Water - Prophet Musa (Moses)

The lineage of Prophet Yaqub is known as the Children of Israel (Israelites). They settled and increased in numbers in Egypt after Prophet Yusuf. The Firaun (Pharoah) who governed Egypt treated the Israelites unfairly and made them work as slaves. One day the Firaun had a dream where flames reduced his throne to ashes. They interpreted this dream as one of the sons of the Israelites bringing the demise of Firaun’s throne. The Firaun mercilessly ordered that all male children born that year be killed. Musa was one of those babies born that year. As his mother fluttered in a state of panic to save her child, a divine inspiration came to her from Allah: “When you fear for his safety, put him on the river. Do not be upset and do not fear as We are going to return him to you.”

Musa’s mother breastfed him. She kissed her beloved baby for the last time as she put him in a wooden cradle and left him on the River Nile in her Lord’s care. Musa’s sister was still a child. She too quietly watched her brother flow away in the wooden cradle on the water.

Baby Musa in the cradle was carried to Firaun’s castle with the flow of the river. Firaun’s wife saw the cradle on the water as she was wondering near the river. When she got to the cradle, she pulled the cover and saw a beautiful baby sleeping. She immediately took him into her arms and warmed to him as if he was her own baby. She took the baby to the Firaun and asked for his life to be spared. She managed to convince the Firaun and from that day on, Musa lived in the palace with them as if he were their child. They now needed a foster mother to breastfeed him. However, Musa did not accept anyone’s breast milk. Musa’s sister told them that she knew of someone that he would not reject. As soon as Musa’s mother found out about the situation, she came to the palace and told them that she could breastfeed him. Musa accepted his mother’s milk and in this way, he grew up with his mother in Firaun’s palace. When Musa grew up, he went to Prophet Shu’aib’s country and became a shepherd for a while. His honesty and good character deeply impacted those around him. He married Prophet Shu’aib’s daughter.

Musa and his wife decided to return to Egypt. When they got to Mount Tur, he was given the duty of prophethood through revelation. Allah the Almighty wanted him to go to the Firaun to explain the religion of truth to him.

Musa went to the Firaun with his brother Harun (Aaron), who was also a prophet. Prophet Musa invited him to accept the Oneness of Allah, to only be His servant and asked him to stop mistreating the Israelites. However, Firaun rejected the invitation. He asked Musa to perform a miracle to prove his prophethood. When Musa threw the cane in his hand, it turned into a gigantic snake. The Firaun thought this was magic and called his magicians and said, “Get rid of Musa’s magic immediately.” The magicians used all their skills and talents but Musa’s cane undid them all. When the magicians realised that Musa was performing a miracle, not magic, they all believed in Allah. However the Firaun still did not believe in Allah. Musa decided to take his people out of Egypt. When Firaun heard news of this, he went after them with his army and cornered them on the coast of the Red Sea. Musa prayed for Allah’s help. Allah ordered him to strike the cane in his hand on the water. When Musa did so, the Red Sea split in two. Musa and his people walked to the other coast through the path that had been opened for them in the sea. When the Firaun and his army tried to do the same, the sea rejoined and they all drowned under colossal waves. In this way, Allah protected the believers from the harm of the disbelievers.

Prophet Musa’s lifelong struggle was to have his people believe in Allah alone and not to associate partners with Him.

Musa is our prophet and his life is best explained in the Qur’an.

Metal Craftsman: Prophet Dawud

Allah chose Dawud as a prophet and sent the Psalms down to him. He is well-known for his amazing voice. That is why in the Turkish culture, it is said that a person with a beautiful voice has a ‘Dawudi’ voice. He affected all those around him when he prayed with his beautiful voice.

Allah not only taught religious knowledge to the prophets He chose, but He also taught them life-related knowledge. Allah taught Prophet Dawud how to soften and give shape to iron. He was the first expert on iron. His people were able to protect themselves from their enemies through iron armour.

Dawud is our prophet and his life is best explained in the Qur’an.

A Prophet that Spoke with Birds: Prophet Sulayman

Allah chose Sulayman as a prophet after Prophet Dawud.

Prophet Sulayman wanted Allah to make him a magnificent ruler. Allah accepted his prayer and taught him the language of the animals and birds. He was also given power and control over the winds. He was a major ruler over all creatures.

Sulayman’s army included birds as well. One day when he went out to war with his army, one of the birds disappeared. Sulayman called the bird back and asked it the reason for its disappearance. The bird explained that it brought news from a female ruler named Balqis from Sheba that the folk of this town were worshipping the sun.

Prophet Sulayman sent Balqis a letter explaining the existence and Oneness of Allah. He invited them to only worship Allah. Balqis gathered her viziers and asked for their opinion after reading the letter to them. They suggested declaring war on Sulayman.

Balqis did not want to make war with Prophet Sulayman and sent him gifts instead. Balqis decided to visit him in his palace as he did not accept her gifts. Prophet Sulayman brought Balqis’s throne to his castle before she arrived. She was astonished when she saw her throne on arrival. Moreover, she was profoundly affected by Prophet Sulayman’s crystal palace over water. Balqis realized that a person could only be given such power through Allah and gave up worshipping the sun and believed in the Lord of the worlds – Allah.

Prophet Sulayman ruled people and other creatures with justice during his reign.

Sulayman is our prophet and his life is best explained in the Qur’an.

A Baby Speaks: Isa, Son of Maryam

Maryam (Mary) was well known by all as a person of high character and honour. She was from the distinguished Imran family. Allah sent Jibreel to her in the form of a man. When Maryam saw him and did not recognise him, she asked him to fear Allah and not harm her. Jibreel said, “I am a Messenger of Allah. I have been sent with good news of a beautiful baby boy for you.” Maryam was most confused as she replied, “I am not married. I am not an immoral woman, how could I have a child?” Jibreel said, “Yes this is very easy for the Lord of the worlds. Allah created your son Isa as a miracle for mankind. Allah has power over all things.”

Days and months passed

When it came time to give birth, Maryam went to a place far from everyone and gave birth to Isa under a date tree. She came home with her baby in her arms. There were hard days ahead of her. People were shocked and amazed that Maryam should bear a child before marriage, and they looked down on her as they said, “Oh Maryam, what an ugly thing it is that you have done!” Maryam said, “I did not do anything to be ashamed of. My baby Isa is Allah’s miracle. Ask him if you do not believe me.” They knew well that a baby could not speak, however a miracle occurred and baby Isa said, “I am a prophet of Allah who sent me to guide mankind to the right path. He wanted me to be a good child and has protected me form all excessive things. Allah has granted me beautiful things in my birth and is going to grant me beautiful things in my death and resurrection.” People were stunned that a baby could speak. They gave up blaming Maryam and left her alone.

When Isa grew up, he, like the prophets before him, called people to believe in the Oneness of Allah, to do good works and to stay away from bad deeds. Those who did not believe in his sacred call persecuted Isa and his companions. Allah, however, protected his prophets and believers from the harm of disbelievers.

Isa is our prophet and his life is best explained in the Qur’an.