010 Dialog between Muhsin and Branddin
Muhsin
Hello, thank you for visiting Allah’s Word. How may I help you?
Branddin
I have recently become very interested in Islam. I was wondering if you could tell me what is the best English version of the Quran?
Muhsin
nice to know.. i appreciate your interest in Islam
Qur’an doesnt have versions.
what you are talking about is the Translation
Branddin
Yes
Muhsin
one of the best one is the Sahih International Translation
you can order a free copy from the above link
🙂
Branddin
Sorry. I was raised in a Christian family. Everyone had a different version of the bible and it was confusing.
And thank you!
Muhsin
no problem… i understand
now that you would be reading the Quran soon…may i give you a brief into of what Qur’an is…
and what it contains?
Branddin
Yes. Please do!
Muhsin
the Arabic word Qur’an means – Reading.. or that which is read
so Qur’an is the book that will be read till the end of the world
Qur’an is a book,,,,Qur’an was not sent down as a complete book in one revelation; rather, the revelation spanned over a period of 23 years
it is the literal word of God, The Almighty (Allaah in Arabic), revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through the Angel Gabriel.
“The revelation of The Book is from Allaah, the Mighty, the Wise.” [Glorious Qur’an 39:1]
Qur’an is….
“a guidance for mankind… and the distinction (between right and wrong).” [Qur’an 2:185]
It provides direction to help mankind judge between right and wrong, without which, man would surely be in loss.
please just follow up with me by typing ” Next” or “OK” after few statements you finish reading, so that I am giving you enough time to read 🙂
Branddin
Ok
Muhsin
The Glorious Qur’an is the last scripture revealed by Almighty Allaah (God), confirming what little truth remains in parts of previous scriptures and refuting and correcting fabrications and additions which have crept into current day versions of such scriptures. “O you who have been given the Scripture! Believe in what We have revealed confirming what is (already) with you…” [Qur’an 4:47]
Branddin
Next
Muhsin
the Qur’an consists of 114 Surah – ie Chapters.
and each chapter has Ayaat – verses in it
Branddin
Next
Muhsin
These are the Verses of the Qur’ân, and (it is) a Book (that makes things) clear; [Qur’an 16: 1]
Branddin
Next
Muhsin
Every sentence in the Quran is Ayat (signs)…they are called Ayat because in it are Signs of Allaah’s existence, His wonders, Of Him being Worthy of Worship, His Wisdom, His being Merciful, His Power, and the sign of Islam being True , Sign of Qur’an being from God.
Branddin
Ok
Muhsin
so Quran was revealed in period of 23 year… sometimes few verses were revealed.. sometimes chunk of verses…sometimes a full Surah… and the Prophet was told which verse will go where…
And (it is) a Qur’ân which We have divided (into parts), in order that you might recite it to men at intervals. And We have revealed it by stages. (in 23 years). [Qur’an 17:106]
Branddin
Ok
Muhsin
now let me tell you what is there in the Qur’an….
i mean content wise
Allaah’s Introduction
Branddin
Ok
Muhsin
this is one of the main purpose of the revelation of the Quran…. to introduce who our Creator is…. this is the most important topic mentioned throughout the Qur’an
Branddin
Next
Muhsin
Introduction to Allaah is given in the following verses of the Qur’an
“Allâh! Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber, nor sleep overtake Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter . And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursî (Footstool) extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. [Qur’an 2:255]
Branddin
Ok
Muhsin
Clarifying the difference between God and Messenger of God.
“The Messiah [‘Iesa (Jesus)], son of Maryam (Mary), was no more than a Messenger; many were the Messengers that passed away before him. His mother [Maryam (Mary)] was a Siddiqah [i.e. she believed in the words of Allâh and His Books (see Verse 66:12)]. They both used to eat food (as any other human being, while Allâh does not eat). Look how We make the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) clear to them, yet look how they are deluded away (from the truth).” [Qur’an 5:75 ]
Branddin
Next
Muhsin
so in the above Verse, Allaah points out a simple fact that Jesus used to eat food, whereas God doesn’t require to eat .
Branddin
Ok
Muhsin
another reason for revelation is to Narrate the Stories from the Past .. the Glorious Qur’an contains many narratives with beneficial lessons, including the true stories of previous Prophets such as. Adam, Noah. Abraham, Jesus and Moses. Of these stories, Allaah says, “Indeed in their stories, there is a lesson for men of understanding.” [Qur’an 12:111]
Branddin
The many contradictions in the bible’s’ always confused me and pushed me away. I felt like the pastor was preaching from a different book because it wasn’t from what I was reading.
Next
Muhsin
the Qur’an also reminds us of the Day of Judgement …it reminds us that everyone will taste death and will be held accountable for all their actions and sayings:
“We shall set up scales of justice for the Day of judgment, so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least…” [Qur’an 21:47]
Branddin
Ok
Muhsin
32 Christian scholars of highest eminence, who were backed by 50 different co operating denominations of Christianity…they got access to the most ancient manuscripts of the Bible.. and they found some of the key verses which speaks about the most fundamental beliefs of Christians have actually been tampered and words, sentences and chunks of verses were fabricated
this you wil find in the RSV version of Bible
coming back to the Quran….
Branddin
Ok
Muhsin
Importantly…the Qur’an teaches that the purpose of life is to worship God alone, and live one’s life according to the way of life prescribed by Him. In Islam. worship is a comprehensive term that includes all actions and sayings (whether private or public) that Allaah loves and is pleased with. Therefore, by doing what Allaah commands, a Muslim is worshipping God and fulfilling his purpose in life.
Branddin
Ok
Muhsin
for example , If i smile to others , it is a kind of worship , also if I give water to a dog or a cat in the street , it is a kind of worship. also building hospitals and schools is a kind of worship. to do your job or work honestly is a kind of worship, as well. In Islam, nothing is wasted, nothing is meaningless. Giving some water to a thirsty homeless animal can wipe out your sins. Birds and animals eating from plants you grow in your garden is a charity 🙂
Branddin
Wow! That is truly awesome!
Next
Muhsin
Where did you come from? if we are to start with this question… the Quran answers it saying…
“Was there not a period of time when the human being was nothing to speak of?” [Qur’an76: 1]
“It is God who brought you out of your mothers’ wombs knowing nothing, and gave you hearing and sight and minds, so that you might be thankful.” [Qur’an 16:78]
Branddin
Next
Muhsin
“You have learned how you were first created: will you not reflect?” [Qur’an 56:62]
Branddin
Next
Muhsin
Is this Life Just a Game? – the Quran says.. – “Did you think that We created you without any purpose,and that you will not be brought back to Us?” [Qur’an 23:115]
Branddin
Next
Muhsin
“Bear in mind that the present life is just a game, a diversion, an attraction, a cause of boasting among you, of rivalry in wealth and children. It is like plants that spring up after the rain: their growth at first delights the sowers, but then you see them wither away, turn yellow, and become stubble…. the life of this world is only an illusory pleasure.” [Qur’an 57:20]
“O humankind, what has lured you away from God, your generous Lord, who created you, shaped you, proportioned you, in whatever form He chose?” [Qur’an 82:6-8]
Branddin
Next
Muhsin
Have you looked around for the Signs from God? – the Quran says… –
“Were they created out of nothing, or are they their own creators? Did they create the heavens and the earth? No! They do not have faith.” [Qur’an 52:35-36]
Branddin
Ok
Muhsin
“In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day, there are signs for people with intelligence.” [Qur’an 3:190]
“God has created every living being from water: some of them crawl on their bellies, some walk on two legs, and some on four. God creates whatever He will; God has power over everything” [Qur’an 24:45]
Branddin
Ok
Muhsin
“He created the heavens without any visible support, and He placed firm mountains on the earth in case it should shake under you and He spread all kinds of animals around it. We sent down water from the sky, with which We made every kind of good plant grow on earth.” [Qur’an 31:10]
“On earth there are signs for those with sure faith; and in yourselves too, do you not see?'” [Qur’an 51:20-21]
Branddin
Next
Muhsin
Say, ‘He is God the One, God the Eternal; He does not give birth, nor was He born,
and there is nothing like Him.’ [Qur’an 112:1-4]
God is now talking about Himself.. – “I am God; there is no god but me. So worship me and keep up the prayer so that you remember me” [Qur’an 20:14]
Branddin
Ok
Muhsin
“And whoever turns away from my remembrance – indeed, he will have a depressed life… ” [Qur’an 20:124]
“Those who have faith and whose hearts find peace in the remembrance of God. Truly it is in the remembrance of God that hearts find peace.” [Qur’an 13:28]
Branddin
Next
Muhsin
“So remember me; I will remember you. Be thankful to me, and never ungrateful.” [Qur’an 2:152]
Has God not sent to us any guidance? – the Quran says – “He has sent down upon you, [O Muhammad], the Book (Quran) in truth, confirming what was before it. And He revealed the Torah and the Gospel. [Qur’an 3:3]
Branddin
Ok
Muhsin
“So [you believers], say, ‘We believe in God and in what was sent down to us and what was sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and what was given to Moses, Jesus, and all the prophets by their Lord’… [Qur’an 2:136]
“Say [O Muhammad], ‘I am only a human being, like you, to whom it has been revealed that your God is One. So whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord, let him do righteous work and give no one a share in the worship due to his Lord’”. [Qur’an 18:110]
Branddin
Next
Muhsin
Our End –
“Do you build fortresses because you hope to be immortal?” [26:129]
“The rivalry in worldly increase diverts you, until you go into your graves” – [Qur’an 102:1-2]
Branddin
Ok
Muhsin
“Every soul shall have a taste of death: and We test you by evil and by good by way of trial and to Us you will all return” [Qur’an 21:35]
Branddin
Ok
Muhsin
Our Final Destination –
“It is He who brings people to life, and will restore them to life again and He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Loving” [Glorious Qur’an 85:13-14]
Branddin
Next
Muhsin
“To whomever, male or female, does good deeds and has faith, We shall give a good life and reward them according to the best of their actions.” [Qur’an 16:97]
Branddin
Ok
Muhsin
“You will be paid in full only on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever is kept away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise will have triumphed. The present world is only an illusory pleasure.” [Qur’an 3:185]
“By time, indeed, humankind is in loss, except for those who believe, do good deeds, urge
one another to the truth, and urge one another to patience.” [Qur’an 103:1-3]
Branddin
Ok
Muhsin
that was in brief about the message of the Qur’an
so what do you feel about it?
Branddin
From what you sent and from some videos that I have recently watched it’s like finding a glass of ice water after walking through the desert my whole life.
It fills in the gaps….it just all makes sense. I can’t wait to read the Quran.
Muhsin
sure.. you can order from the link i gave you above
Branddin
Ok. Thank you for your time. I must sleep now.
Muhsin
you are more than welcome
sure you can rest now 🙂
If you wish to know more about Islam, please take a look at this nice book:
http://islam-guide.com/islam-guide.pdf
Thank you for visiting our site. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.
08:17:36 am
Bye
Take Care