My rebuttal to Sam Shamoun's "Fully Detailed Or Incomplete?" article:
The following article is a rebuttal to Sam Shamoun's article that is located at: http://www.answering-islam.org/Quran/Contra/incomplete.html.
Important Note:
See the Divine and Perfect Wisdom below as to why Allah Almighty Chose for Islam to spread gradually among the pagans, and not just all at once.
He wrote:
Qur'an Contradiction:
E.g., The Statements On Wine
The Quran claims to be completely comprehensive in its instructions, being fully detailed:
There is not an animal in the earth, nor a flying creature flying on two wings, but they are peoples like unto you. We have neglected nothing in the Book (of Our decrees). Then unto their Lord they will be gathered. S. 6:38 Pickthall
Shall I seek other than Allah for judge, when He it is Who hath revealed unto you (this) Scripture, fully explained? Those unto whom We gave the Scripture (aforetime) know that it is revealed from thy Lord in truth. So be not thou (O Muhammad) of the waverers. S. 6:114 Pickthall
This is the path of thy Lord, a straight path. We have detailed Our revelations for a people who take heed. S. 6:126 Pickthall
This Quran could not possibly be authored by other than GOD. It confirms all previous messages, and provides a fully detailed scripture. It is infallible, for it comes from the Lord of the universe. S. 10:37 R. Khalifa
In their history verily there is a lesson for men of understanding. It is no invented story but a confirmation of the existing (Scripture) and a detailed explanation of everything, and a guidance and a mercy for folk who believe. S. 12:111 Pickthall
One day We shall raise from all Peoples a witness against them, from amongst themselves: and We shall bring thee as a witness against these (thy people): and We have sent down to thee the Book explaining all things, a Guide, a Mercy, and Glad Tidings to Muslims. S. 16:89 A. Yusuf Ali
Nothing could be further from the truth! The Quran fails to provide many important details in relation to key passages. This in turn leaves the reader confused and even perplexed in trying to understand the Quranic narratives and/or specific injunctions. In the words of the late Iranian Scholar Ali Dashti:
"The Qor'an contains sentences which are incomplete and not fully intelligible without the aid of commentaries; foreign words, unfamiliar Arabic words, and words used with other than the normal meaning; adjectives and verbs inflected without observance of the concords of gender and number; illogically and ungrammatically applied pronouns which sometimes have no referent; and predicates which in rhymed passages are often remote from the subjects. These and other such aberrations in the language have given scope to critics who deny the Qor'an’s eloquence. The problem also occupied the minds of devout Moslems. It forced the commentators to search for explanations and was probably one of the causes of disagreement over readings." (Dashti, Twenty-Three Years: A study of the Prophetic Career of Mohammad, Allen and Unwin, London, 1985, pp. 48-49; emphasis ours)
"To sum up, more than one hundred Qor’anic aberrations from the normal rules and structure of Arabic have been noted. Needless to say, the commentators strove to find explanations and justifications of these irregularities. Among them was the great commentator and philologist Mahmud oz-Zamakhshari (467/1075-538/1144), of whom a Moorish author wrote: ‘This grammar-obsessed pedant has committed a shocking error. Our task is not to make the readings conform to Arabic grammar, but to take the whole of the Qor’an as it is and make Arabic grammar conform to the Qor’an.’" (Ibid., p. 50; emphasis)
My response:
Sam Shamoun's points above have raised the following points:
1- The clarity of the Noble Quran's Text, and the sometimes difficulty in understanding it.
2- The Noble Quran doesn't seem to be a complete Book in regards to social laws.
Very fair points. Let us now examine them in more details:
Point #1:
It is only normal for the Noble Quran's Arabic Text not to be comprehended by anyone who speaks Arabic. It is a Miraculous Holy Book with Miraculous Language, Style, Text and Eloquence. It is definitely not for everyone to read, in a sense that they won't understand it. But yet, those who speak Arabic are almost always overwhelmingly impressed by Its Mysteries, Miraculous Language and Inspiration. The Noble Quran can not in anyway be imitated. Many have tried and failed. The following link from brother Saifullah's Islamic Awareness web site has tons of proofs and materials regarding this subject:
http://www.islamic-awareness.org/Quran/Miracle/
The reader must also remember that this is not the Bible! The Bible was re-rewritten
many times, and its text is less than normal where it actually needs a lot of
modifications and twisting to make it even sound mature and serious sometimes, because for the most part it was written in a street language
style, especially in the New Testament.
There is definitely no super natural eloquence in the text of the Bible what so
ever. The following links, again from brother Saifullah's web site, have excellent
references and proofs regarding it:
http://www.islamic-awareness.org/Quran/Miracle/ijaz.html#3 (Exposes the poor style and lack of eloquence in the NT)
http://www.islamic-awareness.org/Bible/Text/
http://www.islamic-awareness.org/Bible/Text/Canon/
And from brother MENJ's web site:
http://www.bismikaallahuma.org/Bible/Text/
Point #2:
There is not a single relevant topic that the Noble Quran has not touched on. The Noble Quran's Main Divine Message, however, is not to give irrelevant stories like the Bible has in great details, but rather to emphasize heavily on the True Worship of Allah Almighty and associating no partners with Him, such as idols and humans:
"Say: He is God, the One and Only; God, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him. (The Noble Quran, 112:1-4)"
"Say: 'O People of the Book (i.e., Jews and Christians)! Come to common terms as between us and you: That we worship none but Allah; that we associate no partners with Him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other than Allah.' If then they turn back, say ye: 'Bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims (bowing to Allah's Will).' (The Noble Quran, 3:64)"
"God forgiveth not that partners should be set up with Him; but He forgiveth anything else, to whom He pleaseth; to set up partners with God is to devise a sin Most heinous indeed. (The Noble Quran, 4:48)"
"Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to God, does good, and follows the way of Abraham the true in Faith? For God did take Abraham for a friend. (The Noble Quran, 4:125)"
"When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me: Let them also, with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way. (The Noble Quran, 2:186)"
"Then Praise be to Allah, Lord of the heavens and Lord of the earth- Lord and Cherisher of all the worlds! To Him be Glory throughout the heavens and the earth: and He is Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom!. (The Noble Quran, 45:36-37)"
The social laws that the Noble Quran touched on, or gave Headlines on, are detailed
heavily in the Hadiths (Prophet Muhammad's Sayings) and his Sunnah (his way of life).
This was clearly the intention and the goal of GOD Almighty in the Noble Quran:
From http://www.answering-christianity.com/que10.htm:
In Islam, we follow the laws of the Noble Quran, and the Sayings of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. If a situation or case is not addressed in neither the Noble Quran, or the Sayings of our beloved Prophet, then we follow the local verdicts of our Religious Authorities, where they would decide based upon the cultural and social situation and causes.
Allah Almighty said in the Noble Quran:
"O ye who believe! Obey God, and obey the Apostle, and those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to God and His Apostle, if ye do believe in God and the Last Day: That is best, and most suitable for final determination. (The Noble Quran, 4:59)"
"When there comes to them some matter touching (Public) safety or fear, they divulge it. If they had only referred it to the Apostle, or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have Tested it from them (direct). Were it not for the Grace and Mercy of God unto you, all but a few of you would have fallen into the clutches of Satan. (The Noble Quran, 4:83)"
There are several reasons why Allah Almighty didn't want the Noble Quran to concentrate on
irrelevant details, and left it for the Hadiths and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad and the
Verdicts of the People in charge with authority to handle:
1- Islam remains dynamic and would apply for all times and all places.
2- It gives the Islamic Ruling Authority more authority and flexibility to deal with all social issues and affairs.
3- The older Solutions that would not apply in the advanced times would get substituted for better ones that would solve the problem.
4- It simplifies the Noble Quran and clearly tells the Believers that the #1 Rule for Salvation is the belief in the Absolute One and Living GOD Almighty and associating no partners with Him.
So while a specific law may not exist in the Noble Quran, but the solution is still there in Islam, because Islam is truly a comprehensive and complete system with dynamics and adaptability with time.
Compare this with the Bible and see how the socially-failing and corrupt Western societies are suffering from that overwhelming man-made laws that were created due to the fact that the NT has hardly any laws in it!
That is why Christians are very corrupt today and have no limits for sin, because the NT defines no limits!
Christianity is a system of utter failure and a promotion for sin because of incompleteness and man's alteration and corruption!
From http://www.answering-christianity.com/sins_on_jews_and_christians.htm:
It is beyond question that the Christian Western societies thrive on sex. I am not just talking about browsing porn on the internet. Their life styles and core beliefs are far more dangerous than all of the porn sites combined out there. The bikinis that their women wear in the summer on the beaches, the virginity that they lose at early teenage years, the open sex between "boy friends and girl friends" without marriage, the inappropriate cloths that both their men and women wear, the ridiculous daily songs and the foul words that they contain, the liquor and getting drunk that they thrive on, all combined build nothing but an evil satan-worshiping society! It is ironic that even the bible calls women's vaginas and breasts as "taste like wine."
Please visit: X-Rated Pornography in the Bible.
He wrote:
An example of such incoherence and unintelligibility is the Quranic view of strong drinks and wine. The Quran is clearly confused regarding its view of intoxicants as the following passages conclusively demonstrate:
And We have not revealed to you the Book except that you may make clear to them that about which they differ, and (as) a guidance and a mercy for a people who believe. And Allah has sent down water from the cloud and therewith given life to the earth after its death; most surely there is a sign in this for a people who would listen. And most surely there is a lesson for you in the cattle; We give you to drink of what is in their bellies -- from betwixt the feces and the blood-- pure milk, easy and agreeable to swallow for those who drink. And of the fruits of the palms and the grapes -- you obtain from them intoxication (sakaran) and goodly provision; most surely there is a sign in this for a people who ponder. And your Lord revealed to the bee saying: Make hives in the mountains and in the trees and in what they build: Then eat of all the fruits and walk in the ways of your Lord submissively. There comes forth from within it a beverage of many colours, in which there is healing for men; most surely there is a sign in this for a people who reflect. S. 16:64-69 Shakir
The impression given by this passage is that intoxicants are something good, since the context deals with signs or proofs of God’s care and provisions for mankind. Nothing is said about the negative affects of intoxicants or whether it is impermissible for believers.
O you who believe! do not go near prayer when you are Intoxicated (sukara) UNTIL YOU KNOW (WELL) WHAT YOU SAY, nor when you are under an obligation to perform a bath -- unless (you are) travelling on the road-- until you have washed yourselves; and if you are sick, or on a journey, or one of you come from the privy or you have touched the women, and you cannot find water, betake yourselves to pure earth, then wipe your faces and your hands; surely Allah is Pardoning, Forgiving. S. 4:43 Shakir
This verse forbids Muslims from coming to prayers while intoxicated. This gives the impression that drinking before praying is permissible, provided that one doesn’t get drunk.
They ask thee concerning wine (al-khamri) and gambling. Say: "In them is great sin, AND SOME PROFIT, for men; but the sin is greater than the profit." They ask thee how much they are to spend; Say: "What is beyond your needs." Thus doth Allah Make clear to you His Signs: In order that ye may consider. S. 2:219 A. Yusuf Ali
Here, wine (which falls under the category of intoxicants) is said to be both sinful and profitable, with the sin being greater. Even this passage stops short of explicitly prohibiting the consumption of wine.
Finally:
O ye who believe! Intoxicants (al-khamru) and gambling, (dedication of) stones, and (divination by) arrows, are AN ABOMINATION,- OF SATAN’S HANDWORK: eschew such (abomination), that ye may prosper. Satan's plan is (but) to excite enmity and hatred between you, with intoxicants (al-khamri) and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah, and from prayer: will ye not then abstain? S. 5:90-91 A. Yusuf Ali
This passage says that intoxicants are the handiwork of Satan! Hence, the Quran goes from describing wine as something good to something completely evil.
My response:
The Noble Quran is not confused regarding any subject, especially in the topic of wine. In regards to Noble Verses 16:64-69 above, here is what Sheikh (Minister) Abdullah Yusuf Ali says about it:
"Milk is a secretion in the female body, like other secretions, but more specialised. Is it not wonderful that the same food, eaten by males and females, produces in the latter, when they have young, the wholesome and complete food, known as milk? Then, when cattle are tamed and specially bred for milk, the supply of milk is vastly greater than is necessary for their young and lasts for a longer time than during the period they give suck to their young. And it is a wholesome and agreeable diet for man. It is pure, as typified by its whiteness. Yet it is a secretion like other secretions, between the excretions which the body rejects as worthless and the precious blood-stream which circulates within the body and is the symbol of life itself to the animal which produces it.
There are wholesome drinks and foods that can be got out of the date palm and the vine: e.g., non-alcoholic drinks from the date and the grape, vinegar, date sugar, grape sugar, and dates and grapes themselves for eating. If sakar is taken in the sense of fermented wine, it would refer to the time before intoxicants were prohibited, for this is a Makkan Surah and the prohibition came in Madinah. In such a case it would imply a subtle disapproval of the use of intoxicants and mark the first of a series of steps that in time culminated in total prohibition. (R)." [2]
Unlike what Sam Shamoun is implying above, Noble Verses 16:64-69 are NOT IMPLYING that intoxication is a good thing. Allah Almighty was only speaking to the disbelievers about them for not pondering over the Favours that He Gave them and the rest of mankind from food and drinks and cattle.
Allah Almighty was only speaking to them about them making intoxicants. He was NOT praising it!
Now in regards to Noble Verse 4:43 above, again there is no confusion. Similar to slavery where Islam came to gradually end it among the Jews, Christians and the pagans, the topic of alcohol and drunkardness is pretty much the same. The gradual solution was the ultimate solution. Dumping all of the Laws at once at a very stubborn and tribe-oriented society, where one word from the elder or the chief of the tribe would make the entire tribe go in a certain direction, apparently might not have been practical.
Very Important Points:
Perhaps the reason why Islam spread gradually among the pagan Arabs was because Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, failed to convert to pagan leaders when he initially started his Islamic propagation mission. Their initial refusal caused for all of the pagan Arabs to not follow Islam at first, because they were as I said tribe-oriented people, where they are nothing but literal followers to their elders. There is a unique incident where while the Prophet was speaking so eagerly to the chiefs of the pagans, a blind man unknowingly came and interrupted him. The Prophet, peace be upon him, yelled at the blind man for disturbing him. Allah Almighty later Revealed the following Noble Verses condemning the Prophet for his mistake:
"(The Prophet) frowned and turned away, Because there came to him the blind man (interrupting). But what could tell thee but that perchance he might grow (in spiritual understanding)?- Or that he might receive admonition, and the teaching might profit him? As to one who regards Himself as self-sufficient, To him dost thou attend; Though it is no blame to thee if he grow not (in spiritual understanding). But as to him who came to thee striving earnestly, And with fear (in his heart), Of him wast thou unmindful. By no means (should it be so)! For it is indeed a Message of instruction: Therefore let whoso will, keep it in remembrance. (It is) in Books held (greatly) in honour, Exalted (in dignity), kept pure and holy, (Written) by the hands of scribes- Honourable and Pious and Just. (The Noble Quran, 80:1-16)"
While the Prophet tried in one shot to convert all of the pagans by converting their
chiefs or elders, Allah Almighty Willed otherwise for His Own Divine Wisdom and Reasons:
"God disdains not to use the similitude of things, lowest as well as highest. Those who believe know that it is truth from their Lord; but those who reject Faith say: "What means God by this similitude?" By it He causes many to stray, and many He leads into the right path; but He causes not to stray, except those who forsake (the path),- (The Noble Quran, 2:26)"
"Those whom God (in His plan) willeth to guide,- He openeth their breast to Islam; those whom He willeth to leave straying,- He maketh their breast close and constricted, as if they had to climb up to the skies: thus doth God (heap) the penalty on those who refuse to believe. (The Noble Quran, 6:125)"
"The Unbelievers say: "Why is not a sign sent down to him from his Lord?" Say: "Truly God leaveth, to stray, whom He will; But He guideth to Himself those who turn to Him in penitence,- (The Noble Quran, 13:27)"
So the bottom line is:
Allah Almighty Chose for Islam to spread gradually and not all in one piece as the Prophet initially tried and failed.
The type of people that existed back then in Arabia required for Islam to spread gradually among them!
Noble Verses on the gradual stages of the Noble Quran:
"Those who reject Faith say: "Why is not the Quran revealed to him all at once? Thus (is it revealed), that We may strengthen thy heart thereby, and We have rehearsed it to thee in slow, well-arranged stages, gradually. (The Noble Quran, 25:32)"
"And thus have We, by Our Command, sent inspiration to thee: thou knewest not (before) what was Revelation, and what was Faith; but We have made the (Quran) a Light, wherewith We guide such of Our servants as We will; and verily thou dost guide (men) to the Straight Way,- (The Noble Quran, 42:52)"
"(It is) a Quran which We have divided (into parts from time to time), in order that thou mightest recite it to men at intervals: We have revealed it by stages. (The Noble Quran, 17:106)"
"It is We Who have sent down the Quran to thee by stages. (The Noble Quran, 76:23)"
slavery
The example of ending slavery in Islam:
Perhaps the best example I can provide regarding Laws developing gradually in the Noble Quran is the ending of the Judeo-Christians' and Pagans' slavery in Arabia. Let us look at the following Noble Verses:
Slavery seems to be allowed:
Note: "Right hand possession" are the human-captives of war who lived as slaves among Muslims.
"Serve God, and join not any partners with Him; and do good- to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess: For God loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious;- (The Noble Quran, 4:36)"
"If ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, Marry women of your choice, Two or three or four; but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one, or (a captive) that your right hands possess, that will be more suitable, to prevent you from doing injustice. (The Noble Quran, 4:3)"
"Also (prohibited are) women already married, except those whom your right hands possess: Thus hath God ordained (Prohibitions) against you: Except for these, all others are lawful, provided ye seek (them in marriage) with gifts from your property,- desiring chastity, not lust, seeing that ye derive benefit from them, give them their dowers (at least) as prescribed; but if, after a dower is prescribed, agree Mutually (to vary it), there is no blame on you, and God is All-knowing, All-wise. (The Noble Quran, 4:24)"
"If any of you have not the means wherewith to wed free believing women, they may wed believing girls from among those whom your right hands possess: And God hath full knowledge about your faith. Ye are one from another: Wed them with the leave of their owners, and give them their dowers, according to what is reasonable: They should be chaste, not lustful, nor taking paramours: when they are taken in wedlock, if they fall into shame, their punishment is half that for free women. This (permission) is for those among you who fear sin; but it is better for you that ye practise self-restraint. And God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (The Noble Quran, 4:25)"
Freeing of slaves is Commanded by Allah Almighty:
"It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east or West; but it is righteousness to believe in God and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfil the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God-fearing. (The Noble Quran, 2:177)" "Never should a believer kill a believer; but (If it so happens) by mistake, (Compensation is due): If one (so) kills a believer, it is ordained that he should free a believing slave, and pay compensation to the deceased's family, unless they remit it freely. If the deceased belonged to a people at war with you, and he was a believer, the freeing of a believing slave (Is enough). If he belonged to a people with whom ye have treaty of Mutual alliance, compensation should be paid to his family, and a believing slave be freed. For those who find this beyond their means, (is prescribed) a fast for two months running: by way of repentance to God: for God hath all knowledge and all wisdom. (The Noble Quran, 4:92)" "God will not call you to account for what is futile in your oaths, but He will call you to account for your deliberate oaths: for expiation, feed ten indigent persons, on a scale of the average for the food of your families; or clothe them; or give a slave his freedom. If that is beyond your means, fast for three days. That is the expiation for the oaths ye have sworn. But keep to your oaths. Thus doth God make clear to you His signs, that ye may be grateful. (The Noble Quran, 5:89)" "But those who divorce their wives by Zihar, then wish to go back on the words they uttered, (It is ordained that such a one) should free a slave before they touch each other: Thus are ye admonished to perform: and God is well-acquainted with (all) that ye do. (The Noble Quran, 58:3)"Narrated Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari: "The Prophet said, "Give food to the hungry, pay a visit to the sick and release (set free) the one in captivity (by paying his ransom)." (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Food, Meals, Volume 7, Book 65, Number 286)"
Narrated Asma: "No doubt the Prophet ordered people to manumit slaves during the solar eclipse. (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Eclipses, Volume 2, Book 18, Number 163)"
"'Abdullah b. 'Umar reported that 'Umar b. Khattab asked the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) as he was at ji'rana (a town near Mecca) on his way back from Ta'if: Messenger of Allah, I had taken a vow during the days of Ignorance that I would observe I'tikaf for one day in the Sacred Mosque. So what is your opinion? He said: Go and observe I'tikaf for a day. And Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) gave him a slave girl out of the one-fifth (of the spoils of war meant for the Holy Prophet). And when Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) set the war prisoners free. 'Umar b. Khattab heard their voice as they were saying: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) has set us free. He (Hadrat 'Umar) said: What is this? They said: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) has set free the prisoners of war (which had fallen to the lot of people). Thereupon he (Hadrat 'Umar) said: Abdullah, go to that slave-girl and set her free. (Translation of Sahih Muslim, The Book of Oaths (Kitab Al-Aiman), Book 015, Number 4074)"
If a slave requests his freedom from the Muslim master, he can get it:
From http://www.answering-christianity.com/equality.htm:
First, it is important to know that thousands of years ago life was different than today. Today, people wouldn't accept slavery for any reason. The reason for this is because people are a lot more independent both financially, education wise, mentally, etc... But people back then were different. When a tribe or a group of people lose a major battle and their money is mostly, if not all, is taken as war booty by the other side, then people could and would accept being slaves for the following reasons:
1- Both financial and social security. When their country or tribe lost the war, they also lost most or all of their money as war booty. Being out of money and food, it becomes necessary for an individual to find the means for basic survival in life. Living as a slave would provide this.
2- Protection from hostile individuals. Even under the Islamic rule, you can still find hostile individuals who violate the Law and take matters into their own hands. An enemy family can be sometime in danger if they don't have a "protector".
3- Widows, Orphans, and the extremely poor of the enemy side need the financial and social protection from a Master. Back then, there were no governments with good social system that protects everyone. Slavery back then was that social system in special cases.
There are probably more points I can add, but I think these are sufficient enough. Let us now see the Islamic System toward Slaves:
Yes slaves were taken from the blood-thirsty and hostile enemies, but they were also given the right to get their freedom when ever they want. The Noble Quran not only allows slaves to request their freedom from their Muslim masters, but also orders the Muslim masters to pay the slaves money to help them stand on their feet and to be able to face life with a good jump start.
Let us look at Noble Verse 24:33 "Let those who find not the wherewithal for marriage keep themselves chaste, until God gives them means out of His grace. And if any of your slaves ask for a deed in writing (to enable them to earn their freedom for a certain sum), give them such a deed if ye know any good in them: yea, give them something yourselves out of the means which God has given to you. But force not your maids to prostitution when they desire chastity, in order that ye may make a gain in the goods of this life. But if anyone compels them, yet, after such compulsion, is God, Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (to them)," In this Noble Verse, we see that if a slave requests his freedom from his Muslim master, then his master not only must help him earn his freedom if there is good in the Slave, but also pay him money so the slave can have a good start in his free life.
"The law of slavery in the legal sense of the term is now obsolete. While it had any meaning, Islam made the slave's lot as easy as possible. A slave, male or female, could ask for conditional manumission by a written deed fixing the amount required for manumission and allowing the slave meanwhile to earn money by lawful means and perhaps marry and bring up a family. Such a deed was not to be refused if the request was genuine and the slave had character. Not only that, but the master is directed to help with money out of his own resources in order to enable the slave to earn his or her own liberty." [3]
Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said:
Narrated Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari: "The Prophet said, "Give food to the hungry, pay a visit to the sick and release (set free) the one in captivity (by paying his ransom)." (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Food, Meals, Volume 7, Book 65, Number 286)"
The Bottom line is:
The bottom line is that in order for the Muslims to remain as a purified and GOD Almighty-fearing and obeying society, one of the requirements that they had to accomplish was to gradually and completely eliminate slavery - the same slavery that was at its peak during the Jews', Christians' and Pagans' times.
For more details, please visit: Human equality and freedom in Islam VS the Bible.
The story of Abraham and the smashing of the idols has similar Divine Wisdom:
This is in a way similar to Abraham's story (peace be upon him) when he smashed all of the little idols and only kept the grand one standing with the ax that he used put next to it. When he was asked who smashed the little idols, he responded by saying that the grand one did it. His purpose was to tell the brainless pagans back then that their idols are both helpless and worthless. He wanted to help them realize and figure out that the grand idol had no power to smash the little ones!
"We bestowed aforetime on Abraham his rectitude of conduct, and well were We acquainted with him. Behold! he said to his father and his people, "What are these images, to which ye are (so assiduously) devoted?" They said, "We found our fathers worshipping them." He said, "Indeed ye have been in manifest error - ye and your fathers." They said, "Have you brought us the Truth, or are you one of those who jest?" He said, "Nay, your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, He Who created them (from nothing): and I am a witness to this (Truth). "And by God, I have a plan for your idols - after ye go away and turn your backs".. So he broke them to pieces, (all) but the biggest of them, that they might turn (and address themselves) to it. They said, "Who has done this to our gods? He must indeed be some man of impiety!" They said, "We heard a youth talk of them: He is called Abraham." They said, "Then bring him before the eyes of the people, that they may bear witness." They said, "Art thou the one that did this with our gods, O Abraham?" He said: "Nay, this was done by - this is their biggest one! ask them, if they can speak intelligently!" So they turned to themselves and said, "Surely ye are the ones in the wrong!" Then were they confounded with shame: (they said), "Thou knowest full well that these (idols) do not speak!" (Abraham) said, "Do ye then worship, besides God, things that can neither be of any good to you nor do you harm? "Fie upon you, and upon the things that ye worship besides God! Have ye no sense?".. They said, "Burn him and protect your gods, If ye do (anything at all)!" We said, "O Fire! be thou cool, and (a means of) safety for Abraham!" Then they sought a stratagem against him: but We made them the ones that lost most! (The Noble Quran, 21:51-70)"
For further details regarding this story, please visit: The Story Of Abraham And Idols In The Qur'an And Midrash Genesis Rabbah
Have Abraham, peace be upon him, smashed all of the idols at once (including the grand one), that would've been a mistake, because he would then have upset all of the pagans without perhaps helping them realize that the idols can neither interact with each others nor with any human, nor can their grand idol find and ax, pick it up and smash the little idols with it. Abraham's partial smashing of the idols carried in it a much better Wisdom.
The success of the Divine Fruits of Islam ultimately meant:
1- Freeing all the people from idol worship and turning them to the True Worship of the True One and Living GOD Almighty.
3- Liberating women and lifting their status, and so many more Fruits.
When the Islamic ruling was fully established in Al-Madinah, the Noble Quran's Laws started becoming more complete. That is why we have Noble Verses 2:219 and 5:90-91 that Sam Shamoun presented above:
They ask thee concerning wine (al-khamri) and gambling. Say: "In them is great sin, AND SOME PROFIT, for men; but the sin is greater than the profit." They ask thee how much they are to spend; Say: "What is beyond your needs." Thus doth Allah Make clear to you His Signs: In order that ye may consider. S. 2:219
O ye who believe! Intoxicants (al-khamru) and gambling, (dedication of) stones, and (divination by) arrows, are AN ABOMINATION,- OF SATAN’S HANDWORK: eschew such (abomination), that ye may prosper. Satan's plan is (but) to excite enmity and hatred between you, with intoxicants (al-khamri) and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah, and from prayer: will ye not then abstain? S. 5:90-91
The meaning of "great sin" and "some profit" of alcohol in Noble Verse 2:219:
As we clearly see in Noble Verses 5:90-91, alcohol and gambling are clearly prohibited for the Muslims. The quote "...eschew such (abomination), that ye may prosper. Satan's plan is (but) to excite enmity and hatred between you, with intoxicants (al-khamri) and gambling,..." unquestionably makes the prohibition crystal clear.
But what about Noble Verse 2:219 above? "great sin" is clearly understood, but what about "some profit"? Doesn't that confuse the matter and suggest that Muslims can drink and gamble? Absolutely not!
"some profit" here in Arabic is "manafi'a", which is derived from the root Arabic word "manfa'aa", which means:
1- Benefits, as in medical benefits.
2- Gains, as in financial or materialistic gains.
It is important to know that beer did not exist back then. Wine, which was made out
of fruits, is what Noble Verse 2:219 is referring to. Wine does have great benefits
for curing diseases. In many times, it is prescribed as medicine even in some Muslim
countries. But like medicine, it must not be taken all the time. You don't
just drink any medicine as you drink water, do you? The same thing with wine.
If it's prescribed by doctors, then it is permissible. Otherwise, it is
forbidden. Many doctors believe that wine has some cure for the heart and does help
in preventing heart attacks.
Certainly wine was completely prohibited 1,500 years ago by Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him:
"Narrated Anas: Allah's Apostle said, "From among the portents of the Hour are (the following):
1. Religious knowledge will be taken away (by the death of
Religious learned men).
2. (Religious) ignorance will prevail.
3. Drinking of Alcoholic drinks (will be very common).
4. There will be prevalence of open illegal sexual intercourse.
(Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Knowledge, Volume 1, Book 3,
Number 80)"
"Narrated Anas: I was the butler of the people in the house of Abu Talha, and in those days drinks were prepared from dates. Allah's Apostle ordered somebody to announce that alcoholic drinks had been prohibited. Abu Talha ordered me to go out and spill the wine. I went out and spilled it, and it flowed in the streets of Medina. Some people said, "Some people were killed and wine was still in their stomachs." On that the Divine revelation came:-- "On those who believe And do good deeds There is no blame For what they ate (in the past)." (5.93) (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Oppressions, Volume 3, Book 43, Number 644)"
"Narrated Aisha: When the last Verses of Surat al- Baqara were revealed, the Prophet recited them in the mosque and proclaimed the trade of alcohol as illegal. (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Sales and Trade, Volume 3, Book 34, Number 297)"
"Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "When an adulterer commits illegal sexual intercourse, then he is not a believer at the time he is doing it; and when somebody drinks an alcoholic drink, then he is not believer at the time of drinking, and when a thief steals, he is not a believer at the time when he is stealing; and when a robber robs and the people look at him, then he is not a believer at the time of doing it." Abu Huraira in another narration, narrated the same from the Prophet with the exclusion of robbery. (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Limits and Punishments set by Allah (Hudood), Volume 8, Book 81, Number 763)"
But because the Noble Quran is truly Divine and is truly for all times and all places, the
good that exists in wine was in fact revealed in the Noble Quran! The Noble Quran
did not just bury the goodness of wine forever. Allah Almighty did recognize its
good, and the perfect interpretation Noble Verse 2:219 TODAY
is like I said, wine can be prescribed by doctors as medicine as needed.
As to gambling, while the Noble Quran's Arabic Word "manafi'a" was interpreted as medical benefits for wine, but it definitely means just monetary gains and nothing else for gambling. And it is not a praise for gambling either, but rather just a negative recognition to its existence. The quote "...but the sin is greater than the profit..." clearly proves that.
He wrote:
Now a Muslim may interject here and claim that the verses which permit intoxicants were abrogated. Yet, this is precisely the point. How does a Muslim know that these verses have been abrogated? Where does the Quran explicitly, or even implicitly, state this? Second, how does the Muslim know for certain which verses came first? Does the Quran give the date these "revelations" were allegedly sent down so that we can know which passage came first? After all, one can just as likely claim that S. 16:66-67 was "revealed" last and therefore abrogated S. 2:219 and 5:90-91. How can one know for certain?
A Muslim may claim that Muslims don’t follow the Quran alone, but also consult the hadith literature. If so, then try telling the following Muslims that they need the hadith literature:
The Submitters, who present their reasoning in the articles listed on this page: Hadith & Sunna
My response:
As I demonstrated and proved above, the Noble Quran was revealed in gradual stages:
"Those who reject Faith say: "Why is not the Quran revealed to him all at once? Thus (is it revealed), that We may strengthen thy heart thereby, and We have rehearsed it to thee in slow, well-arranged stages, gradually. (The Noble Quran, 25:32)"
"And thus have We, by Our Command, sent inspiration to thee: thou knewest not (before) what was Revelation, and what was Faith; but We have made the (Quran) a Light, wherewith We guide such of Our servants as We will; and verily thou dost guide (men) to the Straight Way,- (The Noble Quran, 42:52)"
"(It is) a Quran which We have divided (into parts from time to time), in order that thou mightest recite it to men at intervals: We have revealed it by stages. (The Noble Quran, 17:106)"
"It is We Who have sent down the Quran to thee by stages. (The Noble Quran, 76:23)"
From http://www.answering-christianity.com/chapter6_rebuttal.htm:
The Noble Quran was documented on paper on the spot! It was also memorized by Prophet Muhammad's close companions. Not only that, but many parts of the Noble Quran get recited during the Muslims' five-daily prayers. And last but not least, the Muslims, especially during Prophet Muhammad's times, recite the entire Noble Quran during the Holy Month of Ramadan. The Noble Quran did not get documented 100 years after our Prophet peace be upon him. Allah Almighty said:
"Say: "What thing is most weighty in evidence?" Say: "God is witness between me and you; This Quran hath been revealed to me by inspiration, that I may warn you and all whom it reaches. Can ye possibly bear witness that besides God there is another God?" Say: "Nay! I cannot bear witness!" Say: "But in truth He is the one God, and I truly am innocent of (your blasphemy of) joining others with Him." (The Noble Quran, 6:19)"
"When the Quran is read, listen to it with attention, and hold your peace: that ye may receive Mercy. (The Noble Quran, 7:204)"
"This Quran is not such as can be produced by other than God; on the contrary it is a confirmation of (revelations) that went before it, and a fuller explanation of the Book - wherein there is no doubt - from the Lord of the worlds. (The Noble Quran, 10:37)"
"Verily this Quran doth guide to that which is most right (or stable), and giveth the Glad Tidings to the Believers who work deeds of righteousness, that they shall have a magnificent reward; (The Noble Quran, 17:9)"
"When thou dost recite the Quran, We put, between thee and those who believe not in the Hereafter, a veil invisible: (The Noble Quran, 17:45)"
"Verily in this (Quran) is a Message for people who would (truly) worship God. (The Noble Quran, 21:106)"
"Therefore listen not to the Unbelievers, but strive against them with the utmost strenuousness, with the (Quran). (The Noble Quran, 25:52)"
The Noble Quran was sent in stages to the Prophet,
and the Prophet was inspired the chronological order of the Noble Verses and Chapters:
"We send down (stage by stage) in the Quran that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe: to the unjust it causes nothing but loss after loss. (The Noble Quran, 17:82)"
"(It is) a Quran which We have divided (into parts from time to time), in order that thou mightest recite it to men at intervals: We have revealed it by stages. (The Noble Quran, 17:106)"
"High above all is God, the King, the Truth! Be not in haste with the Quran before its revelation to thee is completed, but say, "O my Lord! advance me in knowledge." (The Noble Quran, 20:114)"
"Those who reject Faith say: "Why is not the Quran revealed to him all at once? Thus (is it revealed), that We may strengthen thy heart thereby, and We have rehearsed it to thee in slow, well-arranged stages, gradually. (The Noble Quran, 25:32)"
To the reader, please visit:
History of the Noble Quran's Preservation and Compilation.
There are captured images of the entire Noble Quran's Original Arabic Manuscripts.
He wrote:
Furthermore, the moment one appeals to the hadiths for clarification of these passages one ends up falsifying the Quran. The Quran is shown to be incomplete and therefore false in its claim of being fully detailed.
My response:
That is not true at all, because as I clearly showed above, the Noble Quran left the Hadiths to do the elaborations and explanations on many Noble Verses. As I mentioned above:
From http://www.answering-christianity.com/que10.htm:
In Islam, we follow the laws of the Noble Quran, and the Sayings of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. If a situation or case is not addressed in neither the Noble Quran, or the Sayings of our beloved Prophet, then we follow the local verdicts of our Religious Authorities, where they would decide based upon the cultural and social situation and causes.
Allah Almighty said in the Noble Quran:
"O ye who believe! Obey God, and obey the Apostle, and those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to God and His Apostle, if ye do believe in God and the Last Day: That is best, and most suitable for final determination. (The Noble Quran, 4:59)"
"When there comes to them some matter touching (Public) safety or fear, they divulge it. If they had only referred it to the Apostle, or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have Tested it from them (direct). Were it not for the Grace and Mercy of God unto you, all but a few of you would have fallen into the clutches of Satan. (The Noble Quran, 4:83)"
There are several reasons why Allah Almighty didn't want the Noble Quran to concentrate on
irrelevant details, and left it for the Hadiths and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad and the
Verdicts of the People in charge with authority to handle:
1- Islam remains dynamic and would apply for all times and all places.
2- It gives the Islamic Ruling Authority more authority and flexibility to deal with all social issues and affairs.
3- The older Solutions that would not apply in the advanced times would get substituted for better ones that would solve the problem.
4- It simplifies the Noble Quran and clearly tells the Believers that the #1 Rule for Salvation is the belief in the Absolute One and Living GOD Almighty and associating no partners with Him.
So while a specific law may not exist in the Noble Quran, but the solution is still there in Islam, because Islam is truly a comprehensive and complete system with dynamics and adaptability with time.
Compare this with the Bible and see how the socially-failing and corrupt Western societies are suffering from that overwhelming man-made laws that were created due to the fact that the NT has hardly any laws in it!
That is why Christians are very corrupt today and have no limits for sin, because the NT defines no limits!
Christianity is a system of utter failure and a promotion for sin because of incompleteness and man's alteration and corruption!
From http://www.answering-christianity.com/sins_on_jews_and_christians.htm:
It is beyond question that the Christian Western societies thrive on sex. I am not just talking about browsing porn on the internet. Their life styles and core beliefs are far more dangerous than all of the porn sites combined out there. The bikinis that their women wear in the summer on the beaches, the virginity that they lose at early teenage years, the open sex between "boy friends and girl friends" without marriage, the inappropriate cloths that both their men and women wear, the ridiculous daily songs and the foul words that they contain, the liquor and getting drunk that they thrive on, all combined build nothing but an evil satan-worshiping society! It is ironic that even the bible calls women's vaginas and breasts as "taste like wine."
Please visit: X-Rated Pornography in the Bible.
Bibliography:
1- The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an.
Author: Abdullah Yusuf Ali.
Published by: Amana Publications, 10710 Tucker Street, Suite B, Beltsville, Maryland
20705-2223 USA.
Telephone: (301) 595-5777.
Fax: (301) 595-5888.
ISBN: 0-91597-59-0 (HC).
2- The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an [1], foot notes #2095 and #2096, page 654.
3- The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an [1]. Foot note #2991, page 875.
Responses to all of the so-called "Contradictions" in the Noble Quran.
My Rebuttals, and exposing the lies of the Answering Islam team section.
Rebuttals to Sam Shamoun's Articles section.
My rebuttal to Sam Shamoun's "A Brief Rebuttal to Anti-Missionary Attacks on the Trinity" article.
What is the Role of the Holy Spirit in Islam? Why can't we call it GOD?
Errors and History of Contradictions and Corruption in the Bible.
Christians are Commanded to follow the Old Testament.
Allah, Islam, Quran, Muhammad questions and answers.
What is the place of Jews, Christians and non-Muslims in Islam?
"Allah" was GOD Almighty's Original Name in the Bible according to the Hebrew and Aramaic sources.