Shifan Yang

As the Quran was revealed in Arabia, it needed to be in Arabic so people would understand it, for a source of knowledge and guidance. Arabic is a beautiful and gentile language. The Arabic language is also easy to learn. ‘Lo! We have revealed it, a Lecture in Arabic, that ye may understand.’ Quran: 12:2 ‘And We make this Scripture easy in thy tongue, (O Muhammad) only that thou mayst bear good tidings therewith unto those who ward off evil, and warn therewith the froward folk.’ Quran: 19:97 ‘And verily We have coined for mankind in this Quran all kinds of similitude’s, that haply they may reflect; A Lecture in Arabic, containing no crookedness, that haply they may ward off evil.’ Quran: 39:27-28 ‘Lo! We have appointed it a Lecture, in Arabic that haply ye may understand. And Lo! in the Source of Decrees, which We possess, it is indeed sublime, decisive.’ Quran: 43:3-4 ‘When before it there was the Scripture of Moses, an ex...

The word ‘Quran’ means ‘Recitation’, and the first verse of the Quran to be revealed by the Angel Gabriel to Muhammad (PBUH) was a command to ‘Read’ (or recite)! In the name of your Lord…’ The Quran This directive marked the beginning of a new age in human communication, learning, and development. Whereas earlier Scriptures had been written and passed down by elite circles of priests and scribes – usually long after the death of the religion’s founder – the preservation of the Quran was a community effort from the beginning, and it was completed during the Muhammad’s (PBUH) own lifetime. This is in contrast to the Bible. The Prophet’s early followers eagerly memorized and recorded each new revelation as it was revealed; by the time he passed away, thousands had memorized the entire Quran by heart. Within two years after the Prophet’s death, the first caliph Abu Bakr requested the Prophet’s secre...

Quran The Quran is the Holy Scripture of the Muslims, and is a unique and special document in countless aspects. The following article gives various points that emphasize the important of learning and understanding the Quran and why we should do so. The Quran is unique The biggest of its honour is that it contains nothing other than the pure words of God, therefore, it is highly unique and distinguishing. So much so that Allah Almighty challenged humanity to come up with even a single chapter like the ones in the Quran. ‘And if ye are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant, then produce a Surah like thereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers (if there are any) besides Allah, if your (doubts) are true.’ Quran: 2:23 A challenge posed some 1400 years ago still remains unanswered, because none other than Allah Almighty can come up with such unique words. No copy can ever match the success of the Quran we have today. The Quran is incorrupti...

Racism is one of the worst forms of discrimination in our world today, and should not condoned. Sadly, it is still very common and continues to be a problem. In Islam, racism is not allowed. Everyone is equal in the sight of Allah (Swt) and the Quran signifies this. The Quran states: “O mankind, We have created you all from a single (pair of a) male and female and made you nations and tribes so that you get to know one another; verily, the noblest of you in the sight of God is the one who is most mindful of Him. God is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” Quran: 49:13 This passage shows us that everyone, regardless of skin color, ethnicity and creed are equal. We are all judged upon our faithfulness. During the lifetime of Muhammad (PBUH), the Arabs practiced racism very much, under the name of tribalism that was very common. Islam however, came to eradicate this. In Khutbatul Wada’ (also known as The Last Sermon of Muhammad), Muhammad (PBUH) said: “O mankind, there ...

Gandhi & the Islamic Connection M.K.Gandhi’s views and movements are popular over the world. Seen as an inspiration, he earns a special place in the hearts of many as a charismatic leader who led by principles of simplicity and non-violence. But not many are aware of the role played by Islamic teachings in shaping up the man. Gandhi drew inspirations from the glorious Quran, the blessed life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and that of his companions. Of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) he said in an interview with ‘Young India’ (September 23, 1924) -  “I wanted to know the best of one who holds today undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind… I became more than convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet, the scrupulous regard for his pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessn...