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KITAB, QURAN & ARABIC

CHAPTER 1     KITAB, QURAN & ARABIC –     IS "ARABIC" THE NAME OF A LANGUAGE OF MIDDLE EAST AND THE BOOK QURAN ...

Thursday, 6 February 2025

Aamilus salihat - عَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ


Aamilus saulihat -  عَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ 


One of the important phrase aamilus saulihat  عَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ occurred at least 53 times in the entire Quran. It is irresponsibly translated as "do righteous deeds", which is a wrong translation and does not reflect the true connotation of the phrase. 

The right meaning of عَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ is to do reformation, do islah, do amendment, do conciliation, do efforts for the sake of peace and reform (أَصْلَحَ)

The book Quran and Islam gives much importance to reforms and peace. Reforms and peace is the subject of mind therefore the phrase عَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ is linked with our mind and not with our physical action of piety. The phrase aamilos-saulihaat عَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ in the book Quran is often connected with reformation of our own nafs / self. 

First we need to deeply understand the right meaning of the vocabulary in order to form a correct opinion about the context of the Quran, if we seriously want to know or infer any topic, otherwise we will miss the entire message.

Aamilos-saulihat is guidance and related to the entry towards our Hidden Garden of  Enlightenment or Jannah, which is located in our own mind. The emphasis of this phrase aamilos-saulihat is towards reformation of our own mind / self / nafs rather than some common virtuous deeds.

The word for virtuous or righteous deeds in the context of the book Quran is الْبِرَّ / al-Birr. Al-Birr is distinctly explained in 2:177

We see the continuous chain of translators one after another wrongly translate the word الصَّالِحَاتِ / saulihaat as righteous deed thus killing the actual essence of its meaning. righteous deeds

What are the common righteous deed according to the traditional Islam?

1) Helping others 
2) Making dua 3) Respecting others 4) Treating others as equals 5) Being kind and nice to everyone 6) Praying five times a day facing Mecca 7) Giving alms (zakat) 8) Fasting (sawm) 9) Making the pilgrimage (hajj)   10) Counting names of Allah (Tasbih)

What are actual righteousness according to the Quran and Islam?

2:177Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes with Allah, the yaumal aakhirah, the malaikah, the Kitab, and the nabiyeen and gives total inclination, in spite of love for it, to which is close to heart, unique ideas, the, whose thinking is blocked, the pathfinder, those who ask, and those who are  watchful; and who establishes connection (salah) and brings purity / growth (zakah); those who fulfill their commitment when they commit; and those who are patient in suffering and hardship and at the time of stress. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the ones who are thoughtful / take precaution / mindful / cautious / diligent (الْمُتَّقُونَ).









Monday, 3 February 2025

"BEING A LIFE LONG STUDENT OF THE BOOK QURAN"

 

It has become a fashion to call oneself a LIFE-LONG STUDENT OF THE BOOK QURAN and not prepared to unlearn. This statement is even uttered by so called Quranic scholars so that they can easily escape when cornered with tough questions. If every scholars look upon themselves as students then who will be the teacher. If they are not confident enough in their teachings then why they recognize themselves as teachers if they are still a student or still learning? Why misguide who wants to learn and then say to look humble that Allah knows best after every detailed explanation? This is dishonesty; this is cheating with innocent masses.

I had a long exchange of views with a fellow colleague in a Quranic group about this subject; these are some of my deliberation from our discussion regarding the understanding of the book Quran.

He said,

"We're all students of the Qur'an. While we appreciate your understanding remember some will approve other won't. Others will have a different understanding to what you have but it does not mean they're wrong as well and at the same time you might be right as well. Everyone has there own views which they entitled to"

My answer: 

This is wrong approach towards understanding of the book Quran, everybody cannot be right at the same time. 2+2 must have same answer even if it is solved by a layman or an expert; the answer will always remain 4 and no other answers will be accepted. It has to be simple, only one answer can be right. Two different understanding cannot be right. If we want to do justice with the Quran then we must come at same understanding or agree on at least 90% of the understanding since it is not mathematics that we can get 100% right answer. If we do not agree on at least 90% of the content then we are wasting our time by trying to please everyone and doing injustice to the Author of book Quran.

He said,

"So basically you're not prepared to listen to other views in the group at all because that's what you are saying. No other view is correct but yours."

My answer:

This is the problem, I never said I am correct but if someone is saying that they are students but in reality acting like a teacher then this is hypocrisy. Why must anyone comprise when they think that they are right. In the matter of Quran we must express and come to common amicable conclusion rather than quietly listening to others even if according to you they are wrong.  

A student must act like a student, open to unlearn, learn and question respectfully if not understood. If you genuinely think you are a student and you want to understand then your behaviour must be of a student. 

If I am saying that only one view can be right it does not mean that it must be my view. Argue, fight and come to conclusion. keep your ego aside. In this era of IT revolution one cannot remain illiterate or illogical. 

I have no ego but since more than 1400 years we are just acting like students but not ready to unlearn & learn. How long this game of being a lifelong student will last? In this game of ignorance the book Quran is the biggest victim.

Take responsibility and say that this right and fight for it with all your might why shy away from taking responsibility. If you love Quran you must fight for it but never lose the ethics of argument.

Defend your belief, if you cannot defend your belief then listen, be patient, be respectful, don't label those who dare to think differently. 

He said,

"Anyways I will leave the discussion. I think you have missed the whole point completely. No disrespect to you but personally you have to listen other views and not just ignore them. The Qur'an is simple and easy to understand but don't force your views onto others.

If you feel that you the only one right on the group then there's nothing left for you to learn here on the group."

My answer:

I have been listening to other views all along my life, now I must have my own views to share. It is not ego but my urge to put forward my views. I am not imposing my views but sharing so that people with open minds can think, contemplate and come to conclusion. If we keep on listening to all sides we cannot come to any conclusion. What’s the use if we keep on listening to different views and die without coming to any result? I am very emotional about the book Quran and I cannot keep quite if I see any illogical translation. I will express myself, it is up to people to shut their ears and close their eyes. 

If you don't understand the book Quran doesn't matter; use your divine intelligence; you will be accountable as per your own intellect but never follow anyone blindly. Following blindly anyone other than your own Conscience (Allah) can have dangerous repercussions.  

Thank you. Good luck to you my brother. Take care.

End of discussion.








Saturday, 1 February 2025

WHAT IS MECCA TO MADEENA IN ISLAMIC PHILOSOPHY ?

 REVISED - A SHORT SUMMARY OF ISLAMIC PHILOSOPHY.


WHAT IS MECCA TO MADEENA IN ISLAMIC PHILOSOPHY?

 

Hijrat is a very important subject of Islamic Philosophy and it is prudently explained using theophany format in symbolic or figurative language. 

Sadly we have lost that beautiful Islamic Philosophy by interpreting it literally, heavily influenced by various schools of sects thus connecting and confining those vibrant parables in the annals of concocted "Ancient History" crafted by the leaders and enjoyed by every school of thoughts.

The Protagonist of this entire Islamic Parables is our own common sense illustrated by the sign mohammad.

The entire Islamic episode revolves around our commonsense allegorically recognized as mohammad. The revelation is for those who have their commonsense alive in their lives. Arabia is the parabolic sacred land where only our mother tongue is spoken, no foreign (ajami) language is allowed.

Peace of mind cannot be established without our commonsense understanding the revelation and migrating to madeena.

Mecca and Madeena are state of mind. 

Mecca is a state of unrest, anxiety, agitation, insecurity and troubled condition of mind.

Madeena is a state where Peace & Deen is established. Madeena is one of the derivatives of word deen. Mohammad is always settled in the state of Peace.

In the state of Madeena there is no place for anger [abu lahab] and no place for ignorance [abu jahl]

We all need to migrate from Mecca to Madeena if we want to find Peace, Shanti, Shalom or Islam. 

 

www.ahleaqal.com













Saturday, 25 January 2025

ALLAMA PARVEZ'S THOUGHT PROCESS

 

Ninety eight percent of current translations available today are copy-paste of Tafsir-e Tabari (838-923), 10th Century CE. Tabari's first complete translation of the Quran in Persian, along with its tafsir has survived till today and is easily available. 


The base of all later translators in various languages is based on Tafsir-e-Tabari. Although translation and exegesis of the book Quran was done in Arabic, Greek, Sindhi, Kashmiri and Berber languages before Tafsir-e-Tabari but they are not so popular. 


Now coming to 19th, 20th and 21st Century translators, among them the most noteworthy and respected by me is Ghulam Ahmad Parvez (1903-1985). He was a Senior Civil Servant, Department of Interior Ministry, Government of British India and later, Department of Home and Inter…

Ninety eight percent of current translations available today are copy-paste of Tafsir-e Tabari (838-923), 10th Century CE. Tabari's first complete translation of the Quran in Persian, along with its tafsir, which has survived till today. 


The base of all later translators in various languages is based on Tafsir-e-Tabari. Although translation and exegesis of the book Quran was done in Arabic, Greek, Sindhi, Kashmiri and Berber languages before Tafsir-e-Tabari but they are not so popular. 


Now coming to 19th, 20th and 21st Century unconventional translators of Quran, among them the most noteworthy and respected by me is Ghulam Ahmad Parvez (1903-1985). He was a Senior Civil Servant, Department of Interior Ministry, Government of British India and later, Department of Home and Interior Affairs, Karachi, Pakistan; with this political background Gulam Ahmed Parvez pushed for the adoption of Islamic socialism, a political philosophy that seeks to reorganize society in line with Islamic ideals. 


Why I respect Janab Ghulam Ahmed Parvez above other Quranic translators is because he dared to think, speak boldly and differently. He opened a way for people like me to think courageously. Although I have not read him much but I know his thought process through studying Dr. Qamarzaman whom I admire and respect a lot. His understanding of Quran is an upgraded version of Allama Parvez exegesis on Quran. 


After Respected Ghulam Ahmad Parvez's thought process a new breed of translators were born; copying or upgrading his thought process but keeping the same theme of "Islamic Socialism" in mind while translating the book Quran. 


Inspite of their expertise in Arabic language they could not produce a pure honest translation or interpretation or contextual translation because they mainly depend of interpolation to justify their theme of political Islam in Quran. This way they drifted away from the organic message of the Quran of character building to nation building. Their unjustly insertion of socialist theme to suit their own view point, is the heinous thing ever done to an ancient scripture, although done innocently and with utter sincerity. 


The reason this political theme of the book Quran appealed to so many people of Indian subcontinent is because of the political instability and wealth disparity in their own countries. So these noble souls saw fault in the old traditional translation of the book Quran, instead of upgrading the existing organic translation they introduce totally a new version to fill in the long due inner urge to regain the lost glory of Islamic Caliphate thus feeding the idea of establishing just and fair Islamic governance upon the entire world. 


The idea of establishing an utopian model of government on "Madina Charter" attracted some modern Muslim mindset but this idea is against the natural soul of Quran. These new "transformers" became it's sincerest advocates, even ready to ignore the true essence of Quranic words in lieu for their dream for establishing "Just Islamic rule" on planet Earth on their line of thinking.


Blindly following someone's idea is biggest injustice done to one's own divine intellect and to impose that idea on the par excellent scripture like Quran is unforgivable sin. 


Allama Ghulam Ahmad Parvez showed us the flaws in traditional translations, he even dare to challenge the scholars of his time, he did his job of awakening the community very sincerely. All credit of awakening the community to think boldly and differently goes to him but he never said to follow him blindly. 

www.ahleaqal.com










Monday, 20 January 2025

WHAT IS MURAQABAH ?

 

Muraqabah / مراقبة is a derivative of the arabic word Raqeeb / رقیب. It is just an Arabic word for being watchful of oneself. The root is ر ق ب - The basic meaning is to observe, watch, guard, preserve, monitor and supervise. Although the word muraqabah (مراقبة) is not from the book Quran but it has a significant presence in Sufi literature and practice. According to Sufis muraqabah is done by those whose aim is to enter into a transcendental union with God. Al-Raqeeb الرَّقِيبَ (Watchful) is one of the attribute of Allah (5:117)In Urdu raqeeb / رقیب means competitor, rival, contender, challenger.

Muraqabah is a process to be watchful, vigilant and supervise the challenge coming from our own soul's tendency to rebel. It is a heartfelt realization that Allah is watching us so that we don't succumb to undesirable wants of our soul. The intention of muraqabah is to analyze our animate soul and make it completely subservient to Allah (pure conscience). Muraqabah cannot happen without cleansing our heart from jealousy, rivalry, hate, malice, lies, greed, dishonesty, laziness, fear, insecurities, selfishness, pride and ego. These all are hidden qualities of a hypocrite and non believer. Muraqabah is a 24x7 practice of looking inside. For beginners muraqabah starts with observation, realization, supervising their own behaviour and feeling the August Presence of Positive Energy called Allah within.

Murqabah is a process which can be done along with our daily errands. It is an urge to keep checking our own selves of do's and don'ts, for that we need to be watchful of our activities and see that the Energy Allah is not disturbed. Muraqabah helps us to be in the mantle of Allah or be in His color 24x7. An unclean heart and mind cannot rise above the animal level of soul. The aim of the muraqabah is raise our spiritual level and that only happen if we learn to detach from the inclination of the materialistic world.

The real test of Muraqabah is to be in the society and feel isolated from it. The process of muraqabah tends to take you away from the society but the real test is to remain in the society and practice that higher art of living. Keeping Balance of the mind is one of the cornerstone of Islam / Peace. You cannot remain peaceful (Muslim) if you lose your balance, soundness and escape in forest, mountains or enclose yourself in a private room. Escaping and leaving the society would be your downfall. Allah is Everywhere, All Encompassing; if you cannot find Allah in your worldly life then you can find Allah in seclusion.

Basically muraqabah is an urge to be vigilant by keeping an eye on our dishonest activities which may spoil our connection / relation with Allah. It is a never ending thought process or mindfulness. Muraqabah is an unique charger that enliven our mind, body and soul to live an honest life.

Muraqabah is a kind of constant effort (jihad), reminder (zikr) and contemplation (tafakarun) to keep control on our extreme emotions that may harm our connectivity with Allah. Establishing Salat (connection) 24x7 with Allah is the purpose of muraqabah because it is a reminder that keeps us away from all the vices. Heart (Qalb) is the major part of our conscience and it is seat of All emotions. The heart must be kept clean with the help of continuous reminder. Zikr is not lip a service but it helps to constantly maintain the sanctity of Allah in our mind.

Muraqabah is a constant state of being aware of our own pure conscience (Allah) and to feel it's constant presence. Listening to the voice of our conscience and obeying the voice of conscience helps in controlling one's emotions, actions, thoughts, and speech.

It is a way to cultivate mindfulness / vigilance that Allah is always present and watching us from within, this realization polishes the heart of the believer to be on the track of peace (Islam).

Muraqabah is a way to change life by being aware that Allah is always watching from inside us rather than watching from the sky, so that one is constantly conscious about its presence inside. 

By muraqabah, one is always aware of one's actions and keep tap on his/her thoughts because thoughts drive our actions.

It is a way to be always mindful and to be cognizant that Allah is living with us, He is inside us.

Muraqbah is must for everyone:

It is a self analysis process to monitor on our own self. This wonderful practice must not be given religious or sectarian color.

Those who want to perfectly serve their Malik (Owner) must first know Its / His / Her characteristics and be afraid of It's repercussions of not being obedient to Him flawlessly. Muraqabah is done to obtain the favour from the Owner (Malik). Mind, Body and Soul are our Rabb (Consciousness) Malik (Owner) and Rehman (Up-bringer / Teacher). They are beneficial only when we are persistently obedient to them.

Those who desire to establish constant connection with Him/It/Her and yearn to have Allah in their lives. Allah is inseparable Watcher. Understand your Satan so that Satan has no place inside you. Allah and Satan cannot live together.

The practice of muraqabah involves constantly observing one's own actions, thoughts, and speech for the sake of Allah, your own conscience.

It involves being aware that Allah is watching one's actions, thoughts, and speech.

 It involves being mindful and being cognizant that Allah is mercurial energy which must be protected at any cost.

What is the purpose of muraqabah? 

It is a constant process to cultivate mindfulness of Allah.

It is a way to polish the heart; the seat of all emotions.

It is a way to unveil the virtuous Muraqabah is a derivative of the arabic word Qareeb. It is a process to come near to Allah (conscience) It is a 24x7 practice that means "to watch, observe, realize and feel attentively His Presence". It is also known a kind meditation to go within.

Establishing Salat (connection) with our inner script (Al-Kitab) and be vigilant, careful of conversion of our positive energy into Satan. This is the main purpose of muraqabah.

Muraqabah is a state of being aware of our own conscience (Allah) and feel it's constant presence. Listening to the voice of our conscience and obeying the voice of conscience helps in controlling one's emotions, actions, thoughts, and speech.

It is a way to cultivate mindfulness that Allah is within 24x7, this polishes the heart of the believer.

It is a way to change life by being aware that Allah is always watching from inside us rather than watching from the sky, so that one is constantly conscious about its presence inside. 

By this one is always aware of one's actions and keep tap on his/her thoughts because thoughts drive our actions.

It is a way to be always mindful and to be cognizant that Allah is living with us.

Intention to know your Allah

Have strong urge to establish connection with Him.

Know that Allah is with you 24x7. He is inseparable.

Understand your Satan so that Satan has no place inside you. Allah and Satan cannot live together.

This practice involves constantly observing one's actions, thoughts, and speech.

It involves being aware that Allah is watching one's actions, thoughts, and speech.

It involves being mindful and being cognizant that Allah is mercurial energy which must be protected at any cost.

It is a constant process to cultivate mindfulness of Allah.

It is a way to polish the heart; the seat of all emotions.

It is a way to unveil the virtuous nature of the soul (nafs).

It is a way to avoid disobedience and understand the divinity in you, the nature of the pure soul (nafs).

Muraqabah is a way to avoid disobedience and understand the divinity in you.