Islamic Culture - Chapter 2 - Sources of Islamic Culture PDF

University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies Islamic Culture Chapter Two Sources of Islamic Culture First Source: The Gracious Quran The basis for the b...

University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies Islamic Culture Chapter Two Sources of Islamic Culture First Source: The Gracious Quran The basis for the beliefs of most religions is to be found in their scriptures. Most of these scriptures are believed to be inspired or revealed by Almighty God, and are therefore considered sacred and perfectly suited to guide the human race. The Qur’ān, God’s final Divine Book to human beings, represents the primary source of the principles that constitute Islamic teachings. Definition of Qur’an: Literal Meaning of the Qur’an Muslim Scholars and Scholars of Arabic lexicography have different opinions about the origin of the word “Qur’an”, as follow: First point of view: it is original term not derived (infinitive). The word “Quran” is a proper name of the Quran and not derived from any earlier form or root. To this point of view, Qur’an is a name just like “Torah” and “Bible”, as viewed by Al Shafi`ee (204H). Al Baihaqi (458H). Imām Ash-Shāfe'ī says that the word al-Qur’an with the Arabic definite article (‫ ) ال‬is not a derivative of any root nor is it pronounced with Hamza (‫)ء‬. It is the word which is given to the book revealed to Muḥammad. Al Shafi`ee used to pronounce the glotal stop as “Qara`t” (read) rather than “Quran” and he says: It is a name for Allah`s Book, without a glotal stop. So, this name is specially allocated to the Book revealed to Mohammad (peace be upon him), thus it became as a proper name for it. 1 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies Second Point of View: Mass majority of Muslim scholars believe that term Qur’an is derived name. Yet, they developed different views as to the linguistic root of the word Qur’an.  The word Qur’an is derived from the verbal noun (‫ – قراءة‬reading), as it has appeared in the Qur’an structure and this is more likely to be the correct view. )18-17 ‫ فإذا قرأناه فاتبع قرآنه ) القيامة‬.‫إن علينا جمعه وقرآنه‬ "We shall make sure of its safe collection and recitation. When We have recited it, repeat the recitation" ( al-qiyamah: 17-18.) Further, the first surah revealed to Prophet Muhammad starts with the word "read".  It is derived from Qarana “‫قرن‬ َ ” which means to combine as its Sūras are combined together.  It also means to collect as it is collecting the benefits of all the Scriptures before. I said in Arabi: “Qaraytu Al Ma`a fi Al Miqrat” “i.e. I gathered the water. Technical Meaning of the Qur’an Qur’an Means: "The speech or the words of Allah, sent down upon the last Prophet Muhammad, through the angel Gabriel, in its precise meaning and precise wording, transmitted to us by numerous persons (tawatur), both verbally and in writing, inimitable and unique, protected by Allah from corruption. It starts with the chapter of Al-FATIHA “The opening” and ends up with the chapter of Al-Nas “people.” 2 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies The Most Significant names of the Holy Qur’an The Holy Quran has many names, which were sorted by scholars in independent classifications. These various names indicate the noble status of the Holy Qur'an. 1. Al-Kitab (The book or the scripture): ﴾10 ‫نز ْلنَا إِلَ ْي ُك ْم ِكتَابًا فِي ِه ِذك ُْر ُك ْم ۖ أَفَ ََل ت َ ْع ِقلُونَ ﴿األنبياء‬ َ َ ‫لَقَ ْد أ‬ We have certainly sent down to you a Book in which is your mention. Then will you not reason? (21:10) The Qur’an is named al-Kitāb because it contains the stories, signs, tidings, and regulations of the former nations before Muḥammad (Peace be upon him). This name is also conferred upon the Quran as an indication that it is to be reserved in two places not in just one place. It is to be kept protected not just in chests of the believers but in books as well. Memorization of the Qur’an is not authenticated and accepted unless it comes in conformity with what is in the book that is transmitted to us generation after another. What is found in the book is not accepted either unless it comes in harmony with what the Ḥuffāz do have in their hearts of. In this way, the Qur’an had never experienced any form of distortion or corruption or be subjected to changes and alterations. 2. Al-Furqan (The Criterion): It means the criterion as it distinguishes Tawḥīd (monotheism) from Shirk (polytheism), truth from falsehood, and good from evil. Allah says: ً ‫ع ْب ِد ِه ِل َيكُونَ ِل ْلعَالَ ِمينَ نَذ‬ ﴾1 ‫ِيرا ﴿الفرقان‬ َ َ‫اركَ الَّذِي نَ َّز َل ا ْلفُ ْرقَان‬ َ ‫علَ ٰى‬ َ َ‫تَب‬ “Blessed is He who sent down the Criterion upon His Servant that he may be to the worlds a Warner.” (25: 1) 3 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies 3. Al-Tanzil (The Revelation) The word revelation signifies the descent of an object from a higher place to a lower place. The Qur’an, therefore, is a revelation that was sent down from Allah to the Prophet (Peace be upon him). This name shows the unique status of the Qur’an compared to other Scriptures in that it has come down from Allah (Glory be to Him). Allah says: ﴾192 ‫ب ا ْلعَالَ ِمينَ ﴿الشعراء‬ ِ َ ‫َوإِنَّهُ لَت‬ ِِّ ‫نزي ُل َر‬ “And indeed, the Qur'an is the revelation of the Lord of the worlds.” (26: 192) 4. Al-Dhikr (Reminder): It means remembrance which signifies that the Qur’an is guidance and a remembrance of the purpose of life, as it describes the purpose of creation, the history of the past nations and the descriptions of the Heavens and Hell. Allah says: َ ‫َوقَالُوا يَا أَيُّ َها الَّذِي نُ ِ ِّز َل‬ ﴾٦﴿ ‫علَ ْي ِه ال ِذِّك ُْر ِإنَّكَ لَ َمجْ نُون‬ “And they say, "O you upon whom the message has been sent down, indeed you are mad.” (15:6) 5. An-Nur (Light): The Qur‟an is named as such as it discloses facts and guides us differentiate between Ḥalāl and Ḥarām. Allah says: ‫قَ ْد َجا َء ُك ْم ِمنَ ه‬ ‫َّللاِ نُور َو ِكتَاب ُمبِين‬ "O mankind, there has come to you a conclusive proof from your Lord, and We have sent down to you a clear light.” (5:15) 4 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies Other references to the Qur’an are by such words as huda (guidance), rahma (mercy), majeed (glorious), mubarak (blessed), basheer (announcer), nadheer (warner), Ahsan Al-Hadith (best statement) etc. All these names reflect one of the various aspects of the revealed word of Allah. The Content of al-Qur’an  The Qur'an is divided into 114 surahs (chapters) of different lengths, content, and containing differing admonitions. Each surah is made up of a number of statements. Each statement is known as an ayah (verse). The total number of ayahs is 6,218 ayahs, with 77,437 words and 321,000 letters. The shortest chapter consists of three verses and the longest consists of 286 verses (excluding Bismillah).  The Qur’an was revealed in two different periods of the Prophet’s life, in Makkah and in al-Madinah.  The arrangement of the Holy Quran is unique in terms of logical coherence of the content of each surah and thematic interrelation with the subsequent Surahs. The content of the Qur'an can be grouped as follows: 1 Aqidah: (belief) covering belief in the oneness of Allah, His angels, Revealed Books, Prophets, the Day of Judgement, and destiny. Two third of the Holy Qur'an deals with such issues and the rest deals with the following issues: 2 Akhlaq (Ethics and Moral Behaviour). 3 Ibadah (Rituals). 4 Mu'amalat (Transactions) and Family law. Characteristics of al-Qur’an 5 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies Qur’an is the miracle of the Prophet Muhammad as well as the divine book which sent to him. The previous divine books were just books and were not counted as miracles for the prophets to whom they were sent. There are several characteristics of Qur’an, as follows:  It is the actual Word of Allah, revealed for the benefit of all mankind.  It is a theoretical and a practical Book, not only moralizing but also defining specifically the permissible and the forbidden.  It is complete and comprehensive. The Almighty says: ِ ‫ما فَ َّر ْطنَا فِي ال ِكتَا‬ ‫ب ِمن ش َْيء‬ "Nothing have We omitted from the Book." (6.38) َ َ ‫علَ ْيكَ ا ْل ِكت‬ ‫اب تِ ْبيَانًا ِل ُك ِ ِّل ش َْيء‬ َ ‫َونَ َّز ْلنَا‬ "And We have sent down to thee the Book explaining all things." (16.89)  Allah has perfected His religion for all mankind with the revelation of this Book. He says: ‫س ََل َم دِينًا‬ ْ ‫اْل‬ َ ُ‫ا ْل َي ْو َم أ َ ْك َم ْلتُ لَ ُك ْم دِينَ ُك ْم َوأَتْ َم ْمت‬ ِ ْ ‫علَ ْي ُك ْم نِ ْع َمتِي َو َر ِضيتُ لَ ُك ُم‬ "This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your religion." (5.3)  It is Allah's eternal miracle revealed to the Prophet Muhammad for all succeeding generations. 6 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies  It was gradually revealed to Prophet Muḥammad in different segments and portions so as to meet the immediate needs of people during his lifetime. Muslims used to have some questions posed to Prophet Muḥammad so that they would educate themselves about religious teachings and directives. The disblievers on the other hand, used to ask the Prophet certain questions as well when they wished to challenge him (Peace be upon him) and accuse him of falsehood. Allah (Glory be to Him) would aid the Prophet revealing to him answers to these different questions and challenges.  It has no discrepancies or contradictions: ً ِ‫اختَِلفًا َكث‬ ‫يرا‬ ْ ‫َّللاِ لَ َو َجدُوا فِي ِه‬ َ ‫أَفََل يَت َ َدبَّ ُرونَ ا ْلقُ ْرآنَ َولَ ْو كَانَ ِم ْن ِع ْن ِد‬ َّ ‫غي ِْر‬ “Do they not then consider the Qur’an carefully? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein many a contradiction” (4:82) According to the above verse, if the Quran had been from anyone other than Allah, there would surely have been much discrepancy in it. Since it is from Allah, there cannot be any discrepancy in it  Allah Almighty has taken upon Himself the duty of preserving the Qur'an forever in its entirety, as He says: ُ ِ‫إِنَّا نَحْ نُ نَ َّز ْلنَا ال ِذِّك َْر َوإِنَّا لَهُ لَ َحاف‬ َ‫ظون‬ "We have without doubt sent down the Message, and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption)." (15.9) 7 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies It has been preserved, both in memory and in writing, that the Arabic text we have today is identical to the text as it was revealed to the Prophet. Not even a single letter has yielded to corruption during the passage of the centuries. Therefore, it will remain forever by the will of Allah.  It is a confirmation of previous scriptures and a watcher over them. Almighty Allah describes the Qur'an: ‫علَ ْي ِه‬ ِ ‫ص ِ ِّدقًا ِلما بَ ْينَ يَ َد ْي ِه ِمنَ ال ِكتا‬ َ ‫ب و ُم َهي ِْمنًا‬ َ ‫ق ُم‬ َ ‫وأ ْن َز ْلنا إلَ ْيكَ ال ِك‬ ِ ِّ ‫تاب ِبال َح‬ “And unto thee have We revealed the Scripture with the truth, confirming whatever Scripture was before it, and a watcher over it” [Al-Ma`idah: 48] The verse means that what is contained in the Quran is more deserving to be followed because it is the final book of the Divine Revelation. It abrogates all of the contradictory legislation of the previous Scriptures that had lasted for limited periods of time and for certain nations. As for the final book, it is the one which is in line with the human natural instinct and consistent with the Prophet's mission in general and with the extension of time and place. Ijaz (Inimitability) of the Qur’an: Its Concept, Stages, & Types Definition of Ijaz The word I'jāz means to be incapable doing something or being weak. Therefore, the miracles that the Prophets performed are called Mu'jizah, since mankind is incapable of performing such feats. Mu'jizāt are defined as the acts that are performed by the Prophets and those of a miraculous 8 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies nature that humans are incapable of imitating, Scholars have set a number of conditions for an act to be considered a Mu'jizah. They are as follows:  It has to occur under the command of Allah.  It must be out of the ordinary occurrences of nature.  It cannot be done again by any other person.  It must be performed by somebody who claims Prophethood.  The act must match the claim of the Prophet. For example, if the Prophet claims that he will turn a staff into a snake, but instead it turns into another creature, this will not be considered a Mu'jizah  The act must not belie the Prophet. Miracles, whether they are material or spiritual in character, are not of human origin, for they fall exclusively within God's domain and competence. All Prophets of Allah have different miracles. The greatest miracle of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Holy Qur’an. All other Prophets' books are not part of their miracles. Qur’an Challenging Nature & Stages There are four verses in the Qur’an that challenge all creatures to bring as an accurate and an eloquent kind of speech as the Qur’an. The verses reflect the stages of challenging: Stage 1 ‫آن ََل يَأْت ُونَ بِ ِمثْ ِل ِه‬ ِ ‫علَى أ َ ْن يَأْتُوا ِب ِمثْ ِل َهذَا ا ْلقُ ْر‬ َ ُّ‫س َوا ْل ِجن‬ ُ ‫اْل ْن‬ ِ َ‫قُ ْل لَئِ ِن اجْ ت َ َمع‬ ِْ ‫ت‬ 9 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies Say, "If mankind and the jinn gathered in order to produce the like of this Qur'an, they could not produce the like of it, even if they were to each other assistants." (17:88) Stage 2 َ ‫َّللاِ إِن كُنت ُ ْم‬ َ‫صا ِدقِين‬ َّ ‫ُون‬ ُ ‫قُ ْل فَأْتُوا ِبعَش ِْر‬ ْ ‫س َور ِ ِّمثْ ِل ِه ُم ْفت َ َريَات َوا ْدعُوا َم ِن ا‬ ِ ‫ست َ َط ْعتُم ِ ِّمن د‬ "Or do they say, 'He (Muhammad (Peace be upon him) has forged it' Say: Bring then ten forged Sūras similar to it, and call upon whomsoever you can besides Allah if you are truthful." (11:13) Stage 3 ُ‫صا ِدقِينَ ۖ أ َ ْم يَقُولُونَ ْافت َ َراه‬ َ ‫َّللاِ ِإن كُنت ُ ْم‬ ْ ‫ورة ِ ِّمثْ ِل ِه َوا ْدعُوا َم ِن ا‬ ِ ‫ست َ َط ْعتُم ِ ِّمن د‬ َّ ‫ُون‬ َ ‫س‬ُ ‫قُ ْل فَأْتُوا ِب‬ "Or do they say, "He (Muḥammad (Peace be upon him) has forged it!" Say: Bring then a Sūra like unto it, and call upon whomsoever you can. besides Allah. If you are truthful." (10: 38) Stage 4 ‫ورة ِ ِّمن ِ ِّمثْ ِل ِه‬ َ ‫س‬ُ ‫ع ْب ِدنَا فَأْتُوا ِب‬ َ ‫َو ِإن كُنت ُ ْم فِي َريْب ِ ِّم َّما نَ َّز ْلنَا‬ َ ‫علَى‬ "And if you are in doubt as to what We have sent down to Our servant, then produce a Sūra similar to it, if you are truthful. But if you do not do it - and of a surety you cannot do it - then fear the Fire whose fuel are men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers.” (2:23) It is clear that these verses mention different quantities to bring forth: one verse mentions any 'recitation' be brought forth; other verses mention one 10 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies Sūra, one verse mentions ten Sūras, and one verse states that a whole Qur’an must be brought. Types of Quran miracles: 1- The linguistic inimitability of al-Qur’an: This is evident in the high standard of language and linguistic expression of al- Qur’an. The eloquence of the Qur’an above that of any human speech. The arrangement and organization of its verses and Sūras are unique. The meanings that are present in it are deep. It is impossible to find contradictions in the Qur’an. Moreover, reciter of the Qur’an never tires of reading it, no matter how many times he has heard it or read it. The Qur’an has strong effects on its listeners. Pickthall described the Holy Book saying: 'the very sounds of which move men to tears and ecstasy’. 2- Miraculous Nature of Telling the Unseen Events: a- Unseen Past: Quran included the tales of former nations. The Prophet Muhammad never travelled to the past to introduce us to the information of the previous nations. Whatever he informed of the previous nations was a divine revelation sent to him. َ‫اب ا ْل ُمب ِْطلُون‬ َ َ ‫َلرت‬ ُّ ‫َو َما ُك ْنتَ تَتْلُو ِم ْن قَ ْب ِل ِه ِم ْن ِكتَاب َوَل ت َ ُخ‬ ْ ‫طهُ بِ َي ِمي ِنكَ ِإذًا‬ “And you did not recite before it any scripture, nor did you inscribe one with your right hand. Otherwise the falsifiers would have had [cause for] doubt.” (29:48) ۖ ‫وحي َها إِلَ ْيكَ ۖ َما ُك ْنتَ ت َ ْعلَ ُم َها أ َ ْنتَ َو ََل قَ ْو ُمكَ ِم ْن قَ ْب ِل ٰ َهذَا‬ ِ َ‫ِت ْلكَ ِم ْن أ َ ْنب‬ ِ ‫اء ا ْلغَ ْي‬ ِ ُ‫ب ن‬ 11 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies That is from the news of the unseen which We reveal to you, [O Muhammad]. You knew it not, neither you nor your people, before this. So be patient; indeed, the [best] outcome is for the righteous. (11:49) b- Unseen Present: The Qur’an reports the informs the Prophet and Muslims about the betrayal of the hypocrites and their intentions, and the sayings of some of them secretly to their custodians. c- Unseen Future: The Quran informed prophet Muhammad and Muslims about certain people who will die while they are still unbelievers, for example, the abode of Abi Lahab and his wife ending up in fire. At the time of the Prophet Muhammad, he was instructed about future events that are going to happen after him. The Qur’an foretold that Romans Empire will be gain victory after their defeat. (al- Rum 1-5) ‫سنِينَ ِ َّّلِلِ ْاأل َ ْم ُر ِمن‬ ْ ِ‫) فِي ب‬3( َ‫سيَ ْغ ِلبُون‬ ِ ‫ض ِع‬ ِ ‫) فِي أ َ ْدنَى ْاأل َ ْر‬2(‫الرو ُم‬ َ ‫ض َو ُهم ِ ِّمن بَ ْع ِد‬ َ ‫غلَبِ ِه ْم‬ ُّ ‫ت‬ ُ )1( ‫الم‬ ِ َ‫غ ِلب‬ )5( ‫الر ِحي ُم‬ ُ ‫ص ُر َمن يَشَا ُء َو ُه َو ا ْلعَ ِز‬ َّ ‫يز‬ ُ ‫َّللاِ يَن‬ ُ ‫قَ ْب ُل َو ِمن بَ ْع ُد َويَ ْو َمئِذ يَ ْف َر‬ َّ ‫) بِنَص ِْر‬4( َ‫ح ا ْل ُم ْؤ ِمنُون‬ Alif Lam Mim (1) The Byzantines have been defeated (2) in (their) nearest land. And They will reverse their defeat with a victory (3) in a few years’ time ––God is in command, first and last. On that day, the believers will rejoice(4) At God’s help. He helps whoever He pleases: He is the Mighty, the Merciful. (30:1-5) 3- Legislative Miraculous Nature The Qur’anic injunctions are comprehensiveness and works on the satisfaction of human needs. e.g. prohibition of pork meat and alcohol. Here is also a list of important instructions that reflect the comprehensive nature of the Qur’an: 12 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies - Be mindful of your time, and don't waste it. - Fulfill your trusts, covenants and contracts. - Be fair, be just and Make others safe from your hands and your tongue and Love for your brother what you love for yourself. - Remember your Lord much and love the Messenger of Allah. - Honor your parents, neighbors and teach your children the right way to behave. - Do not make prohibited what Allah has allowed and avoid unlawful and harmful relationships. - The use of scholars and scholarly works. 4- The Scientific Miraculous Nature Modern scientific theory today finds itself quite close to the Quran. Science has not been able to produce theories or experiments that fundamentally contradict the Quran. The remarkable harmony between the Quran and science is due to the presence in the Quran itself of very clear and positive encouragement to contemplate and investigate the world around us. Here is a list of some of the applied sciences referenced in the Qur’an: Astronomy: ‫ت ا ْل َب ِ ِّر َوا ْلبَحْ ِر‬ ُ ‫َو ُه َو الَّذِي َج َع َل لَ ُك ُم النُّ ُجو َم ِلت َ ْهتَدُوا بِ َها ِفي‬ ِ ‫ظلُ َما‬ "And it is He who placed for you the stars that you may be guided by them through the darkness of the land and sea. We have detailed the signs for a people who know." (6:97). 13 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies Medicine: َ‫شفَاء َو َرحْ َمة ِل ْل ُم ْؤ ِمنِين‬ ِ ‫َونُنـز ُل ِمنَ ا ْلقُ ْر‬ ِ ‫آن َما ُه َو‬ “We send down (stage by stage) in the Qur’an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe.” (17:82) Geology: َ‫شنَا َها فَنِ ْع َم ا ْل َما ِه ُدون‬ َ ‫سعُونَ َو ْاأل َ ْر‬ ْ ‫ض فَ َر‬ ِ ‫س َما َء بَنَ ْينَا َها ِبأَيْد َوإِنَّا لَ ُمو‬ َّ ‫َوال‬ َ‫َو ِم ْن ُك ِ ِّل ش َْيء َخلَ ْقنَا َز ْو َجي ِْن لَعَلَّ ُك ْم تَذَك َُّرون‬ “And the heaven We constructed with strength, and indeed, We are [its] expander. nd the earth, We have made it a wide extent; how well have We then spread (it) out. and of all things We created two mates; perhaps you will remember.” (51:46-49) Scientists have postulated for some time now that the universe was originally a single primary mass of nearly infinite density that subsequently split into multiple fragments after a tremendous explosion, commonly known as the Big Bang. ‫ض كَانَتَا َرتْقًا فَفَت َ ْق ٰنَ ُه َما‬ َ ‫ت َو ْٱأل َ ْر‬ َّ ‫أ َ َولَ ْم يَ َر ٱلَّ ِذينَ َكفَ ُر ٓواْ أَنَّ ٱل‬ ِ ‫س ٰ َم ٰ َو‬ “Have not those who disbelieve seen that the heavens and the earth were fused (ratq) and then We clove them asunder (fataqnaa), and We made every living thing out of water. Will they then not believe?”(21:30) Oceanography: ِ َ‫َم َر َج ا ْلبَحْ َري ِْن يَ ْلت َ ِقي‬ ِ ‫ان * بَ ْينَ ُه َما بَ ْر َزخ َل يَ ْب ِغ َي‬ ‫ان‬ fresh water and salt-water never mix together in nature. (55:20) 14 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies Stages of Human Embryo: ً ‫ضغَةَ ِع َظاما‬ ْ ‫علَقَةً فَ َخلَ ْقنَا ا ْلعَلَقَةَ ُم‬ ْ ‫ضغَةً فَ َخلَ ْقنَا ا ْل ُم‬ َ َ‫) ث ُ َّم َخلَ ْقنَا النُّ ْطفَة‬13( ‫ث ُ َّم َجعَ ْلنَاهُ نُ ْطفَةً فِي قَ َرار َّم ِكين‬ َ ْ‫َّللاُ أَح‬ )14-13 ‫) (المؤمنون‬14( َ‫سنُ ا ْل َخا ِل ِقين‬ َ َ‫س ْونَا ا ْل ِع َظا َم لَحْ ما ً ث ُ َّم أَنشَأْنَاهُ َخ ْلقا ً آ َخ َر فَتَب‬ َّ َ‫ارك‬ َ ‫فَ َك‬ Then We made him (the offspring of Adam) as a Nutfah (mixed drops of the male and female sexual discharge) (and lodged it) in a safe lodging (womb of the woman). Then We made the Nutfah into a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood), then We made the clot into a little lump of flesh, then We made bones out of that little lump of flesh, then We clothed the bones with flesh, and then We brought it forth as another creation. So blessed be Allah, the Best of creators. (23: 13-14) Compilation of the Qur’an: The uniqueness of the Holy Qur’an in comparison to the previous revealed books is that it was protected by Allah from being altered or corrupted, and therefore, it was preserved both orally and in a written form. The written phase went through the following three stages: First: During the Prophet's lifetime (609-632 C.E) The Qur’an was descended to the lower heaven by the angel Gabriel in one complete form on the night of power (lailat al-Qadr). From a place called Bayt al- Izza (House of Glory), Gabriel delivered the Quran to the Prophet little by little over a period of 23 years. As each verse or groups of verses were revealed, the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) taught them to his companions who wrote down them and memorized them. They wrote the whole text in fragments of sheets made from animal skin, stones, animal bones and pieces of wood taken from palm trees. 15 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies It is reported by Zaid; “We were with the Messenger of Allah collecting the Qur’an on pieces of cloth. The incident of Umar’s conversion is another proof. Umar then returned to his sister Fatima where Khabbab bin al-Aratt was; he had with him a manuscript of surat Taha that he was reading to her. That indicates reflects that the Qur’an was written down. Second: During the Era of the First Rightly Guided Caliph Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (632-634 C.E.) During this era, the first copy of the Holy Qur’an was introduced in one volume for two main reasons: 1-The revelation to the Prophet has ended by his death and therefore the final shape of the whole Qur’an was well known to the Muslim Ummah. 2-Many Companions who memorized the Qur’an had died in the Battle of Yamamah. Umar Ibn Al-Khatab () advised Abu Baker () that Qur’an should be collected lest the Qur’an would be lost after the death of many Ḥuffāz of the Qur’an. The rightly guided Caliph Abu Bakr al-Siddiq acted upon the advice provided to him by Umar. He got engaged in the process of collecting the Holy Quran in one single volume. Zaid bin Thabit, a young, clever, and knowledgeable Companion who used to memorize the Holy Qur’an and was the scribe of the Prophet was ordered by the Caliph Abu Bakr to join Umar in this great process. Before Abu Bark’s death, the Holy Qur’an was collected in one volume and thus protected as it was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. 16 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies Third: During the Era of the Third Rightly Guided Caliph Othman (644-656 C.E.): The third and the last stage of compilation of the Holy Qur’an took place during this era. Uthman's efforts took place after the conquest of Armenia in central Asia. Many Muslims from various countries met during this conquest, when they used to recite the Holy Qur’an, they had different dialects and therefore they criticized each other's way of reading. Reading the Holy Qur’an in various ways and dialects was allowed during the Prophet's life. Uthman feared that if he did not organize the accepted readings of the Holy text this would lead to confusion among Muslims. Uthman  sent to Ḥafṣah requesting her to let him have the copy she had. After he had got it, he formed a committee of four companions headed by Zayd Ibn Thābit who had been entrusted with the task of making several copies from that original one. Basically, that task was entrusted to those companions but subsequently, they were assisted by some other companions. Uthman sent six similar copies to be distributed in the main Islamic centres such as Makkah, Madina, Basra, Kufa, Damascus, and Yemen and he sent a “Reciter” with every copy. "Each of these scholars recited to the people of his respective city in the manner he had learned it through authenticated, multiple channels going back to the Prophet. Sending a scholar with every Mushaf was, therefore, elucidating that proper recitation was dependent on the learning through direct contact with teachers whose transmission channels reached to the Prophet, not simply a product of script or spelling conventions. By accomplishing this task, Uthman did a great and a paramount service to Muslims as he confined them to the accepted and allowed readings of the Holy 17 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies Qur’an. This action by Uthman eradicated any confusion which could arise between Muslims. Therefore, Muslims nowadays refer to the Qur’an as Uthman's Mushaf. Translations of the Meaning of the Qur’an Translation of the Meaning of the Glorious Qur’an helps non-Arabic speaker to recite, understand, reflect upon the meanings of the Holy Qur’an and apply its teachings. What is the meaning of translation? It is rendering the meaning of a text into another language in the way that the author intended the text. Is the translation of the Holy text permissible? Yes, it is permissible therefore we take the view, then, that translations of the Holy Qur’an should be designated as translations “of the Meanings of the Qur’an” in English (or in whatever other language) rather than being called “a translation of the Qur’an”: this is because calling such a product “a translation of the Qur’an” implies that most of the possible meanings of the text are being presented to the reader, while this is not in fact the case. However, It is not permitted to read the Qur’an in any language other than Arabic whether during the prayer. Who can translate the meaning of the Qur’an?  The translator must be a Muslim.  The translator must be proficient in Arabic and the language that he is translating to.  The translator must be knowledgeable of the grammar and peculiarities of the Arabic language, and specifically the Qur‟an. 18 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies  The translator must be familiar with the other Islamic sciences to a degree with which he can translate the Qur’an with the proper interpretation. Most Important Translation of the Twentieth Century - Translation of Muhammad Pickthal in 1930. - Translation of Abdallah Yusuf Ali in 1934. - In 1955, translation of Arthur Arberry. - There are 800 translations of the meaning of the Holy Qur’an reviewed by Al-Azhar and King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an. - The Number of translations covered 56 languages in 1990. 19 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies Sources of Islamic Culture Second Source: Prophetic Sunnah The Prophetic Sunnah is the second source of Islamic Culture. It provides detailed explanations and elaborations of the Qur’an. It guides Muslims towards the practical applications of the instructions listed in the Qur’an. Definition of Sunnah: Literal Meaning of Sunnah Sunnah linguistically is of different meanings as follows: a. Biography: Sunnah with this meaning covers the biography of the Prophet (pbuh). b. Method, whether it is good or bad. The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Whoever establishes in Islam a good method, he will gain its reward and the reward of those who follow it after him without decreasing anything from their rewards. And whoever introduces an evil practice that is followed after him, will bear the burden of sin for that and the equivalent of their burden of sin, without that detracting from their burden in the slightest. Technical Meaning of Sunnah (Sunnah) has different meanings according to its main use among the scholars based on their field of Specialization. a. The Definition of Sunnah according to Al-Muhadithin (Scholars of Hadith): Sunnah refers to all that is narrated from the Prophet (PBUH), his acts, his sayings and whatever he tacitly approved. 20 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies Classification of the Sunnah Sunnah Qawli (verbal Sunnah): its refers to what the Prophet (pbuh) commanded, recommended, permitted, disapproved or forbade, or in general whatever the Prophet said. For example: On the authority of Abu Hamzah Anas ibn Malik, the servant of the Messenger of Allah (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) that the Prophet (May the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “None of you (truly) believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.” Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim. On the authority of Abu Huraira  that the Messenger of Allah (May the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Part of someone’s being a good Muslim is his leaving alone that which does not concern him.” Narrated by At- Tirmidhi. Sunnah Al-Fi`liyyah (actions of the Prophet): Prophet’s deeds were also reported to us in Sunnah books and in the books of his biography, which mostly give the Prophet’s application to Islamic principles and duties, particularly those that are not detailed in the Qur’an. Another important thing related to his deeds is that the Prophet (PBUH) symbolizes the model for all Muslims to follow and imitate. For example: The way the Prophet performed prayer; as he said: “Perform prayer as you have seen me performing it.” The way he (pbuh) practiced Pilgrimage, as he said: “Take Pilgrimage deeds from me” 21 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies Sunnah Taqriri (Prophet’s tacit approval): It refers to Prophet’s decisions. These decisions can be silent; as something might happen before the Prophet (PBUH), then he keeps silent. This means that he agreed on it because if this thing is not recommended, then the Prophet cannot be silent, he must correct that thing or at least comment on it that it is unlawful. His silent approvals on different issues meant that he is not opposing or minding what he saw, heard or knew of the actions or sayings of his Companions. For Example: The Prophet agrees for Habashi (Ethiopians) to play in the mosque, and that he allowed ‘Aishah to look at them. Another example is that when the Prophet went to relax after the Battle of Ahzab, Gabriel came to him saying the angels have not put their weapons yet, and Allah is ordering you to go to Bani Qurayzah (To punish them because of their bad effect during the battle), after that the Prophet ordered his Companions to go to bani Qurayzah saying: “None of you perform Asr (afternoon prayer) till he reaches bani Qurayzah”, but when the time of Asr prayer came some of the companions intended to pray and prepared themselves for the prayer, the others reminded them of what the Prophet had said. When they told the prophet about this dispute, his answer was nothing but silence, he didn’t comment on any of the two parties, which means he agreed on two things: on their difference and on their reasoning. Narrated Ibn `Abbas: that his aunt, Um Hufaid bint Al-Harith bin Hazn, presented to the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬butter, dried yoghurt and mastigures. The Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬invited the people to those mastigures and they were eaten on his dining sheet, but the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬did not eat of it, as if he disliked it. Nevertheless. if it was unlawful to eat that, 22 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies the people would not have eaten it on the dining sheet of the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬nor would he have ordered that they be eaten. Sunnah Al-Sifat (Prophet’s Attributes): It refers to those attributes of the Prophet (pbuh). For example: His face was radiant with a bright glow, not too thin nor or too fat, elegant and handsome. His eyes had a deep black hue with long eyelashes. His voice was pleasant and his neck long. He had a thick beard. His long black eyebrows were beautifully arched and connected to each other. In silence, he remains dignified, commanding utmost awe and respect. When he spoke his speech was brilliant, of all people he was the most handsome and the most pleasant even when approaching from distance, in person, he was unique and most admirable. Graced with eloquent logic, his speech was moderate. His logical arguments were well organized as if they were strings of gems. He was neither too tall nor too short, but exactly in between. Among three, he appeared the most radiant and most vibrant. He had companions who affectionately honored him. When he spoke, they listened to him attentively, And when he gave orders, they were quick to execute them; they rallied around him guarding him. He never frowned or spoke furiously. His companions also described his habits and behaviors with people. Anas reported: “I served the Prophet (PBUH) for ten years. Never once did he express any bit of displeasure nor did he ever ask: Why did you do it? For something I did or: Why didn’t you do it? For something I didn’t do”. b. The Definition of Sunnah according to Fuqaha (Muslim Jurists): Sunnah refers to all that if you do you will be rewarded, and if you leave you will be blamed & and cause admonition but not punished. For example: Fasting on Monday and Thursday. 23 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies c. The Definition of Sunnah according to the Scholars of Osool Al-Fiqh (Foundations of Jurisprudence): Sunnah refers to all the statements, deeds or acknowledgments reported about the Prophet peace be upon him which is suitable for becoming a guidance for a Sharia provision. It means one of the main five rules which were put to classify the deeds legislations: (wajib (obligation), Sunnah or Mandub(encouraged), Mubah(lawful), Makruh(not encouraged), haram(forbidden)). The importance and Authority of Sunnah The Importance and authority of the Sunnah lies in the fact that it is second source of Islam (after the Quran). The status of the Sunnah is equal to the Qur’an in terms of authority. Sunnah is another kind of inspiration; as the Prophet said: »ُ‫ أ َ ََل ِإ ِنِّي أُوتِيتُ ا ْلقُ ْرآنَ َو ِمثْلَهُ َمعَه‬،ُ‫اب َو ِمثْلَهُ َمعَه‬ َ َ ‫«أ َ ََل ِإ ِنِّي أُوتِيتُ ا ْل ِكت‬ “I have been given the Quran and with it another inspiration.” The meaning of inspiration intended here is the Sunnah. The Almighty Allah says: ‫ق ع َِن ا ْل َه َوى ِإ ْن ُه َو ِإَل َوحْ ي يُو َحى‬ ُ ‫َو َما َي ْن ِط‬ “Your companion (Muhammad) has neither gone astray nor has erred. Nor does he speak of (his own) desire.” (53/2-3) The meaning intended here is that he speaks what is revealed upon him. Accordingly, we realize the importance of Sunnah, that it is the other part of inspiration. 24 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies In this regards we can add what Allah says: ‫ع ْنهُ فَانت َ ُهوا‬ َ ‫سو ُل فَ ُخذُوهُ َو َما نَ َها ُك ْم‬ َّ ‫َو َما آتَا ُك ُم‬ ُ ‫الر‬ “What the Apostle gives to you, take it, and what he prohibits you [from taking], you shall abstain therefore” (59/7) This means that we should fully obey the messenger, he has the full authority by Allah, that’s because he does not speak his own words. The Almighty Allah also says: ‫سو َل َوأُو ِلي ْاأل َ ْم ِر ِمن ُك ْم‬ َّ ‫َّللاَ َوأ َ ِطيعُوا‬ ُ ‫الر‬ َّ ‫يَا أَيُّ َها الَّ ِذينَ آ َمنُوا أ َ ِطيعُوا‬ “O you who believe! Obey Allah and the Messenger and those of you who are in authority” (4/59) Authority of Sunnah in Relation to the Qur’an a. Sunnah is a confirmation to rules mentioned in the Qur’an: The Messenger of Allah () stressed upon the rules that were mentioned in the Quran like the command of performing prayer, paying zakat, fasting, Hajj. b. Sunnah is an explanation to rules mentioned in the Qur’an: Sunnah explains the Quran by giving details about the rules mentioned in the Qur’an. For instance, the prayer was mentioned in the Quran in general words, but the Sunnah detailed it. The same can be said for giving alms and actions of pilgrimage. ِ َّ‫نز ۡلنَآ ِإ َل ۡيكَ ٱل ِذِّ ۡك َر ِلت ُ َب ِيِّنَ ِللن‬ ۡ‫اس َما نُ ِ ِّز َل ِإلَ ۡي ِهم‬ َ َ ‫َوأ‬ "And We have also sent down unto you (O Muhammad SAW) the reminder and the advice (the Quran), that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them” (16:44) 25 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies c. Sunnah is a limitation to the general rules mentioned in the Qur’an: The rules which gives details about kinds of woman not to be married (Verse:4/23). There is no mentioning for the combination between the women and her aunt. The Prophet clarified that this combination is forbidden. " ‫علَى َخالَتِ َها‬ َ ُ‫" َلَ ت ُ ْن َك ُح ا ْل َم ْرأَة‬ َ ‫علَى‬ َ َ‫ع َّمتِ َها َوَل‬ The Prophet (pbuh) said: “One should not combine in marriage a woman with her father's sister, or her mother's sister.” In the Qur’an, there is a general command forbidding eating the dead animal. The Almighty Allah says: ُ‫علَ ْي ُك ُم ا ْل َم ْيتَة‬ َ ْ‫ُح ِ ِّر َمت‬ “You are forbidden (to consume) the dead” (5:3) The Sunnah gives exception to the dead fish: " ُ‫ور َما ُؤهُ ا ْل َحَلَ ُل َم ْيتَتُه‬ َّ ‫ُه َو ال‬ ُ ‫ط ُه‬ It was narrated from Abu Hurairah, that the Prophet (said), concerning the water of the sea: "Its water is pure (and Purification) and its 'dead meat' is permissible (to eat)." D. Sunnah is as independent source of Fiqh: There are some issues which the Qur’an does not provide rules towards them. However, the Sunnah established the required rules. For example, forbidding the meat of donkeys, forbidding gold rings for men or wearing silk by men, and that women after menstruation should act what they missed of fasting days but not the prayers, etc. 26 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies Writing Down of Sunna It is important to know that the companions were prohibited to write down the Prophet’s sayings for the sake of preserving the Quran i.e. to avoid any doubt or confusion between both of them. Therefore, the companions memorized the Sunnah of the Prophet. However, when the Qur’an was memorized by the companions and they mastered distinguishing between Quran and Sunnah style, then the Prophet allowed some of his companions to write down the Sunnah texts. At the beginning of the second century (A.H.), and during the reign of the Caliph ‘Umar bin ‘Abdul- ‘Aziz. The official writing of Sunnah occurred. This writing intended to save Sunnah from being forgotten or from lying about the Prophet by claiming accounts and then attributing them to the Prophet. Recording and Arranging the Sunnah The ordering of Sunnah according to subjects: The author collects accounts which refer to one subject in one unit or under one title. Also this way was in two categories: 1) Books which collect accounts regarding all Islamic subjects. In Arabic, we call them ( Al-Jami), such as, Al Jami’ al-Sahih by Imam al-Bukhari, which is known as: Sahih al-Bukhari, and al-Jami’ al Sahih by Imam Muslim, which is also known as: Sahih Muslim, and Jami’al-Tirmidhi. 2) Books which collect accounts related to special subjects, i.e. not a general one, such as those books known as: al-Sunan. For instance, Sunan Abi Dawud, Sunan Ibn Majah. 27 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies The arranging of Sunnah according to the Companion who related the account: those books known as (al-Masanid), such as Musnad al-imam Ahmad, Musnad al-Bazzar, Musnad Abi ya'la Classification of Hadiths According to Reference to a Particular Authority According to careful research, Hadith is divided into four additional kinds under this category:  Qudsi: meaning “Divine”. It is a Heavenly text which was directly sent upon the Holy Prophet (PBUH), Who passed it on to His followers Himself.  Marfu: meaning “Elevated”. It has got very important status in Islam as it was directly heard from the Messenger (PBUH) of God Himself by His companions and was brought forward. So the companion ascribes the words to the Prophet himself. The account which ends by the companion saying: The Prophet said...  Mauquf: meaning “Stopped”. The Companion ascribes the words to himself, i.e. not to the Prophet.  Maqtu: meaning “Severed”. It is a form of Instruction which is plainly described by Successor in his own words. According to a number of reporters It is divided into two more sub-groups:  Mutawatir: meaning “Consecutive”. Hadith being reported such a large number of rightful companions that it is agreed upon as authentic. 28 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies  Ahad: meaning “Isolated”. The one which has been narrated by a countable number of people. It has been further categorized into three sub-types:  Mash’hur: meaning “Famous”. Hadith which is related by more than two individuals.  Aziz: meaning “Rare yet Strong”. The one having only two reporters in its Isnad.  Gharib: meaning “Strange”. Saying of Holy Prophet (PBUH) with only one narrator in its Isnad. According to Authenticity of Correspondents It has the following three categories:  Sahih: meaning “Sound”. Ahadith reported by a trustworthy reporter known for his truthfulness, knowledge, correct way of narrations.  Da`if: meaning “Weak”. where we find one or more of the Narrators in less step of memorization or honesty.  Maudu:meaning “Fabricated”. Hadith having wording opposite to the confirmed Prophetic (PBUH) traditions. It is worth mentioning that weak or fabricated accounts are not valid as evidences for legislation at all. All these sorts must be subjected to the science of (al-jarh wa al-ta’dil), which deals with the narrator’s case whether he is reliable or not, then we can judge the account is accepted or not. It is important to know that not all accounts are in the same step of authenticity. Every Hadith is constituted of two parts: Sanad: The chain of narrators who transmitted the hadith Matn: The text or the body of the hadith 29 University of Sharjah Faculty of Shari’ah and Islamic Studies CONCLUSION In short, Hadith is an integral part of Islamic teachings through which Muslims all over the world get insight about many aspects of life. Therefore, one must know about its different kinds so as to become able to distinguish the authentic ones from the rest which have weak links in its key constituents. 30