It is about that time. The time to plant the flag on a hill saying, “There is no god but ALLAH and Muhammad is HIS Prophet.” Reporters don’t get mountains to climb just only hills. So it is time to plant the flag and pass the torch as the saying goes for every warrior has to pay the price. For everything there is a price: you pay it in money, time sweat or blood but you pay it.
It has been a long haul since the publication of my first book in 2005. The idea behind the writings of the books and the many articles shown here on this website was to bring in a certain kind of awareness to as many people as possible about several things.
One thing that was uppermost in my mind was the clarion call to acknowledge the GREATNESS and ONENESS of the CREATOR LORD through verifiable and trustworthy records for those who had a disposition to deep and careful thinking. With many people in various lands believing that religion does more harm than good, the written word cried out, “Stop and think a bit.” Think about the clarity of the records versus some of mankind’s devious and selfish nature to twist things into something that is not truthful.
But society is society and it keeps getting in the way of meaningful communication of just what is important and what is not. However, one never knows what chord of the heart can be touched so the ‘presenter’ just hopes from ALLAH that he or she is helping to make a difference.
Another thing that needs to be said is that these writings present a different facet on what can be called ‘comparative religion’. Not only were they meant to be challenging, they were also meant to show a harmony between the records and to reveal that these records had more to show than just what man might consider just religion.
In addition to this, the writings should address those who have a type of mentality which is called an Islamaphobic attitude. People with an Islamaphobic attitude are free to find any way they chose to belittle the religion of Islam or Muslims in general or in fact any faith but as in all things they will be answerable to the ONE GOD for their slandering unless of course their belief systems encourage these vices from on HIGH!
So these presented records had to in a certain sense ‘come alive’ as if the reader could be put into the story being discussed rather than on the outside looking in. In other words, a tale had to be told to envelope the reader and present a realistic background which rote memory or closed mindedness fails to accomplish.
There are other websites out there that present tales of events but are NOT linked up between other relevant events and other so-called religions. So when one calls out about GOD’s LOVE for mankind does one usually consider the good JEW, the good CHRISTIAN and the good MUSLIM representing man’s development and salvation? Obviously, the answer to that is NO!
However, the ‘awakening to this harmonious spirit’ is NOT in man’s hands because man is not in full control of his own destiny, creation, or where he will end up in the HEREAFTER. He most definitely has a part to play in the scheme of things because he has been given certain tools, guidance and direction but life is many times a ‘fighting through’ the trash that would draw him away from the importance of reality.
So, in effect, man needs to realize just who he is and how to seek wisdom and salvation and all credible and truthful religions tell him the pathway is not so easy but one must come with a humbled spirit literally crying for life – REAL LIFE and not just a physical presence for those who wish to prosper in the END.
With this in mind it became a daunting task to try by ALLAH’s WILL to bring some relevant things in perspective or one can say if one is careful to ‘tell the truth even though it may be bitter’.
The records speak for themselves so why stand like a baboon and pretend it to be otherwise and I do mean the records are ONE within the concept of bringing to the ‘light’ the important truths that were delivered by all of the acceptable prophets (messengers) ordained and sent by the ONE GOD.
When all is said and done, it can only be said that man, who is his own worst enemy, has by his lust, greed, selfishness, arrogance and false pride, turned away from the LIGHT in varying degrees causing his own foolishness to come down on his head. Can one make the dead to hear even when they are sitting at your own table? So if those who are dead persist in pursuing pipedreams, then the dead will have to bury the dead.
But Jesus said unto him, “Follow me and let the dead bury their dead.” Matthew (8: 22)
Truly you cannot cause the Dead to listen nor can you cause the Deaf to hear the call {to truth} especially when they turn back in retreat.
Nor can you be a guide to the Blind (to prevent them) from straying: only those who you will get to listen {will be those} who believe in OUR SIGNS so they {will} submit. Q (27: 80-81)
Another facet of these writings was to plug up as many holes as could be plugged. These holes are used by various people to prove their philosophies and outrages thoughts. Go online and check out the ‘Flat Earth Society’ and investigate how they can prove scientifically and historically (according to them) how the world is really flat! The twisted thoughts used to make an unreal point just shows how some people are removed from commonsense!
I wanted to plug some very tough holes that are used to dodge the truth so that by ALLAH there would be very little wiggle room left for the devious designs of what can be called ‘outright fabrications’ or the twisting of the truth. This had to be done not with insults or cruel words but with showing that there was truth in the verses that many use but that truth was NOT presented in the correct way.
I agree that some of the things stated in my writings are hard to understand. One reason is that some things are difficult to put into physical writing because of the nature of the ‘spiritual concepts’. Therefore, a ‘new look’ at an old problem from a different perspective can often give insights as to trends or meanings that at first are not so clear.
So those who claim a great love for their scriptures should be tested especially by the inner self to see if they are seeing a truer picture of REALITY or just a narrow but faulty interpretation. That is for those who can. The others seemingly depend upon ‘higher authorities’ to deliver the goods. Therefore, without much independent thought, they follow their ‘religious guides’ like yes men and believe what is being told them like sheep following blindly the shepherd.
In some cases what they are told is the truth but in other cases it is not and what is a shame is that they might not feel the need for thinking about the subject at hand. These poor souls find it easier to be in the dark on matters of religion while finding comfort in bland but stifling ignorance. What a person puts into something that in general is what he gets out of it.
In reviewing my works, it is important for the reader to see if there is a consistency of the written word over time based on the various topics presented. These topics cover a wide area: history, science, events depicted in the various scriptures and some things seemingly outside the ‘normal range’ of what people might perceive as religion. Also a story is told, which is not commonly accepted in so-called western circles, and as things go that is not surprising.
The first thing that I want to say is that before we get onto the more important things is that I totally admit that my writings show a certain peculiarity which even has me stumped. This peculiarity is seen often when I discuss a subject and then bring in other subjects in an attempt to clarify or show similarities.
The big question is, ‘why can’t I hold on to just one subject featuring one line of thought and continuously keep on that line’? For example, the so-called crucifixion issue which I have covered at various and numerous places and at unheard of depths’?
The only answer that I can honestly come up with is that when something comes into my head at the time of writing that is what I write. In some ways it is helpful to see the ‘bigger picture’ for clarity purposes as well as a ‘unified field of thinking’ but at other times it becomes annoying to those who want all related issues to be put down in a compact order under one roof so to speak.
To my knowledge, the non-crucifixion issue/ Anti-christ issue has never been covered in such depth as in these books and articles. The only suggestion that I can think of is for people to do a computer search using the Find function under the various topics that I have written like the non-crucifixion or the Anti-christ (Dajjal). In this way, the various writings on these topics as well as other topics can be ‘picked out’ and put into a single compiled form by anyone who would be enlightened to do so.
That is one of the reasons why I have argued for the inclusion (I am hopeful for that) of all of my books to be free and available online along with my articles on this website.
In this article, I will continue to drop certain things concerning the non-crucifixion of Jesus the son of Mary (pbh) and the Dajjal to the possible delight of the few and the puzzlement of the many. One might with tongue-in-cheek say that habits are at times hard to break.
The second thing that I want to say is that it is hard for some complainers to believe this author is not anti-Semitic. That monstrous thought cannot be substantiated in any of my writings. In fact it doesn’t make any sense at all when all of my writings are taken in their true context.
I am neither anti-Jew nor anti-Christian. In fact I am not anti-Zion at all! Of course I readily admit to being anti-Zionistic in the sense that I used in my writings but that was based on the Holy Records not on drawing lots or other absurdities.
There are many reasons why a person should not develop hate in his heart concerning those who understand NOT and belong to the other Peoples of the scriptures. One of the biggest reasons is in trust of the CREATOR LORD.
Ibn ‘Umar reported Allah’s Messenger as saying, “Your appointed period in relation to that of the peoples who have passed away is just the time between the afternoon prayer and sunset. A comparison between you and the Jews and Christians is like a man who employed laborers and said, ‘Who will work for me till midday for a qurat each?’ The Jews worked till midday for a qurat each and then he said, ‘Who will work for me from midday till the afternoon prayer for a qurat each?’ The Christians worked from midday till the afternoon prayer for a qurat each and then he said, ‘Who will work for me from the afternoon prayer till sunset for two qurat each?’ I assure you that you are the ones {O Muslims} who work from the afternoon prayer till the sunset and that you will have the reward twice over. The Jews and the Christians were angry and said, ‘We have done more work and received less pay,’ but ALLAH MOST HIGH asked, ‘Have I wronged you in any respect regarding what was due to you?’ When they admitted that HE had NOT, ALLAH MOST HIGH said, ‘It is MY extra favor which I grant to whosoever I will.’ (Bukhari)
That does not mean people should not seek out justice especially where ignorance and tyranny seem to overrule the passions of the heart thus creating disharmony amongst peoples. Nevertheless, it is an uphill battle to communicate wisdom to those who are entrenched in their stubborn ways of thinking.
To every People have WE appointed rites (rituals) which they must follow: Let them not then dispute with you on the matter but do you invite (them) to your LORD: for you are assuredly on the RIGHT WAY. Q (22: 67)
There are people who go about the world preaching one thing and practicing another. Among these people are the ones who claim a certain ‘moral high ground’ based on their belief systems which they proudly claim are based on their Holy Books. If so, they ought to be ashamed of themselves for ‘pitching ignorance’ and covering up the truth.
In my first article, Islam and the Rise and Fall of the Teachings of Jesus, it was easy to see, based on former scriptures and NOT on wild prognostications how the teachings of Jesus (pbh) became polluted from the foolishness of the Greeks (gentiles). The reference points given can be easily looked up using the internet.
My last article, Here Be Monsters, gave the Jewish connection in this form of detestable corruption. This was not based on forged history but actual religious scripture both from the Old and New Testaments that show things that many people are not aware of or perhaps they may even want to hide.
It would be detestable and sacrilegious to utter a falsehood based on personal whims or fantasies but when the records are clear and understood in the true light of history, why would any human being who has a hope in the HEREAFTER be ashamed of speaking the truth?
As to the non-crucifixion of Jesus the son of Mary (pbh), it might seem obvious that there are more historical and religious references to him being crucified than there is against him NOT being crucified. That I have shown to be just wishful thinking and in fact with a truer understanding of the facts just the opposite is true.
So here is a poser for one. Dr. Jamal Badawi has spent a long time studying the Old Testament and the New Testament and in his capacity has come up with the knowledge even from the Old Testament that Jesus the son of Mary (pbh) would NOT be crucified nor killed.
The poser is this. Do you think that Dr. Badawi has more knowledge than Jesus the son of Mary (pbh) on this issue seeing that ALLAH gave HIS servant Jesus the wisdom of the Torah (Old Testament) and Injeel (New Testament)?
Then Allah says, “O Jesus, the son of Mary! Recount MY favor on you and your mother, when I strengthened you with the Angel Gabriel so that you {could} speak to the people in childhood and maturity, and behold! I taught you the book and wisdom the Torah {the original Old Testament} and Injeel {the original New Testament}…” Q (5: 110)
He (Jesus) said, “Verily, I am a servant of Allah. He has given me Revelation and made me a prophet.” Q (19: 30)
In their footsteps WE sent Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming the Torah {the original Old Testament} that had come before him: We sent him the Injeel {the original New Testament}, therein was guidance and light and confirmation of the Torah that had come before him: {containing} guidance and an admonition to those who {truly} fear ALLAH. Q (5: 46)
Those who follow the Apostle, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find {with diligent search} mentioned in their own (scriptures) – in the Torah and the Injeel – for he {this Prophet} commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure); he {by instruction} releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. So it is those who believe in him, honor him, help him and follow the LIGHT that is sent down with him – it is they who will prosper {in the End}. Q (7: 157)
Well if Dr. Badawi can figure it out, I am sure that Jesus (pbh) was completely certain that he was NOT going to be crucified nor killed. Indeed, my writings show a confident servant who did not doubt his LORD but understood that he was NOT going to be crucified or killed!
What, therefore, is the idea of Jesus’ passion then? That I have written about at length and it bears some similarity to what occurred to Prophet Muhammad (pbh) and the people of Taif and the angel in charge of the mountains.
Here is Jesus (pbh) who showed some anger over the money-changers in the Temple faced with a horrific challenge. A man who is given over 12 legions of angels to come to his defense as the New Testament says AND a man who is of those who are of the highest of quality that has ever existed with power imputed unto him has now got to face the most disgusting display for the hatred of the ONE GOD and HIS messenger (Jesus). That is to say that this ‘precious gift’ offered to ‘the world at large’ as an example of DIVINE GRACE as a Sign for salvation and a proclaimer of the ‘Truthful one’ to come (Prophet Muhammad pbh) was treated as lower than animal dung.
In effect, I would not blame Jesus (pbh) if he were to literally explode in a fit of wrath and put that human trash out of their misery. However, that was not meant to be and Jesus (pbh) retained his dignity and followed ALLAH’s Will to the letter and maintained his subservience (patience and obedience) to his LORD even under the most difficult of trials. Hence, his passion to undergo in quiethood and patience what certainly was a most trying and disgusting event!
There definitely are mysteries that abound in religion but those are not the quest of the believer. However, if by making things clear helps the understanding of faith, and if those things have credible backing through scripture or valid religious works and can be shown to be true, then that is okay.
For example, in the Old Testament Chapter 53 of Isaiah has given people throughout the ages a great deal to puzzle about. And some people have gone so far as to base their ‘corruptions’ from these verses. In the first article on this website, Islam and the Rise and Fall of the Teachings of Jesus, it was positively shown that ‘being buried with the rich’ as applied to the Messiah (pbh) had quite a meaning when understood in an Islamic way and not the way the modern day Christians were presenting it.
The important point here is that this subject was not approached in an amorphous way but substantiated and verified through the understanding of religious, concrete materials. To be sure, there are other mysteries to be found but can these thoughts be substantiated or are they just wishful thinking? That is the whole point in dealing with fairness and understanding especially in such a sensitive science as comparative religion.
Another bugaboo is the topic of the Anti-christ or Dajjal. Most Islamic sites mention him by listing hadiths without detailing the events. Certain events are relatively easy to digest but other events take a great deal of care and study.
It is with this in mind that I took up the challenge in my second book, Kill The Beast as well as in my other writings. A clearer picture of this villain and more obvious picture began to emerge. Some might declare that this vile individual is now living on an island jumping up and down like a lunatic and that he will be able to visit all the cities on Earth which probably includes the small hamlets found at the North and South Poles.
Such thoughts are bizarre to say the least. First of all, I mentioned that he is mostly a Middle Eastern phenomenon and he is too insignificant for what some people declare his powers to be such as zipping around the Earth in his ‘Dajjalian’ state which will last approximately one year, two months and a few days.
And because he will exist in that state for such a short period, he cannot assume this state in babyhood or else imagine the site of a toddler under one year of age being the terror of the ages! A careful study of comparative religion and hadith material gives us the knowledge that he will undergo a condition of change or metamorphosis by which he will then become that feared individual.
As to him being on an island the point revolves around what I have called ‘paranormal’ hadiths in the book, Kill The Beast. Without going into mysteries or what is forbidden in Islam, suffice it to say that this hadith about him being on an island, the hadith about him circumambulating the Kabah while holding onto the shoulders of two men as is also mentioned about Jesus the son of Mary (pbh) and the vision of the holy precincts in Jerusalem as told to the caravan of pagan Arabs coming back from that place and ready to challenge the Prophet (pbh) as to the truthfulness of his ‘Night Journey’, what can be said especially since the Dajjal can’t enter Makkah in the first place?
If one doesn’t understand these things, it is better to leave such things alone. That is sound advice and it applies to me also.
As to the thoughts about the unscrupulous and insidious character known in Islam as Ibn Sayyad, that is NOT a subject for daily thought. Frankly speaking, the most intuitive of Prophet Muhammad’s Companions was ‘Umar. And frankly speaking, it is none of his business to know what became of that individual as to his death or non-death or who he was. And if it is not his business to know that, then it most assuredly is NOT my business or anybody else’s either!
So what does that show? It truly shows just like a ton of other things swirling around man’s happy-go-lucky carefree, live for the moment life that man is a fragile creature (whether he admits to it or not) and that he is completely dependent on his ONE AND ONLY LORD. That is a special MERCY from HIM and we should be truly thankful for that.
Therefore, the important thing is in the doing of those practices that bring the fruitful increase even though man is still charged with fighting through the darkness to approach the understanding of faith.
Otherwise, faith becomes like a dry leaf kept in a book as a bookmark – dry and lifeless while faded in color and not vibrant or renewing. Faith is a living thing and much like the cells of the body, it should be refreshed and renewed every so often. This can be done, for example, in the way of prayer, supplications, reading of the Record (the Holy Book), and of course in Remembrance of HIM WHO has no partners but WHO is LORD of all.
An excellent scholar by the name of ibn Kathir had once fretted over the fact that the Dajjal is apparently not mentioned in THE BOOK – THE QURAN. So he apparently wrote a treatise whereby he tried to explain this phenomenon.
It bothered him a lot because he knew that the Quran did not leave out anything of importance. Anyway, he came to the conclusion that the reason the Dajjal is not mentioned in the Quran is that because he is too insignificant in the ‘eyes’ of ALLAH to be mentioned and probably too mean-spirited also. However, that reasoning doesn’t make any sense at all considering that the minutest of things and the meanest of men such as Pharaoh are mentioned.
Well to make a long story short that is his opinion but not mine. Of course, the name Dajjal (Anti-christ) is not mentioned per say in the Quran. However, the earliest of companions would definitely state a truism. ALLAH did NOT leave out anything of importance in HIS WORD THE QURAN.
Even though that is the case, it is another invariable fact that HE did not want to burden the believers with things that might cause them harm lest they should lose sight of the importance of what is really crucial in Islam and go flying off on a tangent that would prove in the long run to be destructive to the soul or the community of believers.
On the authority of Abu Thalaba al-Khushani Jurthum ibn Nashir that the Messenger of Allah (pbh) said, “Allah the Almighty has laid down religious duties, so do not neglect them; HE has set boundaries, so do not overstep them; HE has prohibited some things, so do not violate them; about some things HE was silent – out of compassion for you and NOT forgetfulness – so seek NOT after them. (related by ad-Daraqutni)
Of course there are many questions about this vile creature that people may ponder over. However, is it practical or soul-building to do that for the many? The answer is NO! Suffice it to say that this very bad man got what he desired the most even beyond reason or commonsense. And that is verified through the knowledge that Allah grants to man his ‘desires’ {some of that which is wished for but NOT the QUALITY or QUANTITY or else some would even vie with the LIVING GOD which is a monstrous, outrages and criminal thought!!!}
Therefore, have no pity on that vile creature who must come and torment the believers. So the most important thing about this evil one is in what the Prophet (pbh) had declared. That is in how one can protect oneself from this evil villainous charmer. That is the sure way and that is the best way and that is better than philosophical debates on grounds that are unstable and shifting!
Still another thought concerns what I wrote in my third book, The Real Holy Grail: The Messiah on Trial. Going by so-called historical records, it was shown that the ancient kingdom of Egypt gave credence to a long lost kingdom (‘continent’) featuring an advanced civilization of elevated arts and sciences.
According to these records, this long ago destroyed continent which vanished beneath the waves some 12, 500 years ago or so, was situated to the ‘East’ of Egypt. So how come this fabled land is believed by many to be West of Egypt? That knowledge I failed to mention because quite frankly, the thought did not occur to me to break this idea down.
Egypt is like an upside down kingdom. Upper Egypt is south while Lower Egypt is north. Therefore, reverse the directions of East and West and the answer to that simple puzzle is that this fabled land would actually be to the West of Egypt. If that helps to clear up the issue, so be it.
I have read the Quran several times and it does not surprise me that an advanced civilization existed in the so-called distant past with what might appear to be surprising powers. After all, man that oftentimes foolish creature thinks that in every age he has achieved the pinnacle of human greatness and that what came before was sort of ‘lowbrow’.
The important point can be summed up in ‘where is this so-called fabled land now’? That is a humbling question. If any book can give that answer, then it will be found in the Quran not so much as specifics but as a generality or pattern as man would call it.
This is a good jumping off point for some of the things I talked about in my writings that may appear out of normalcy. One such topic which has been exposed was that of UFOs. It is now a common acknowledged fact that this is a real phenomenon according to recently released governmental papers. That is, it is not a fairytale but a real existing phenomenon.
There are two reasons why this topic was discussed. The first reason was concerning Islam and to the knowledge that it contains and the second reason was that many people around the world seem somehow excitable about this phenomenon. So I leave it at that.
As to the ‘Age of Noah’ (pbh), that can be easily proven through the science of geology and geography if anyone is interested. The answers found would pose a problem for man especially in a historical sense. That is the time factor would not seem to go along with what mankind has built up for his comfort.
Finally, in the book, The Great Sacrifice of Jesus the Christ, there was mentioned ‘The Wall’ and what a revelation that would turn out to be. Unlike fabricated fairytales, The Wall does exist in a known, easy to get to location. Some of its secrets can be unraveled by a mere dredging process that would not be expensive.
Science and history would naturally be turned upside down on their collective heads with that research and the things that it would reveal. However, if people want to invest lots of money in trying to find some dead microbes on the planet Mars that is not my business or my problem. Priorities are set by those who set priorities – and that is that.
Now in some of my writings I talked about science. To be more specific, some time was spent on discussions of super volcanoes, super tsunamis, super (?) earthquakes and super solar flares. The modern day researcher should content himself with certain facts and then take a very close look at hadith material, for example.
In this respect, these things introduce an awareness of what Prophet Muhammad (pbh) was discussing. In all things time, patience and understanding along with diligent research can show some amazing things in relationship to our world in those times by taking a close look at concrete science. What is revealed but what has not yet come about are ‘distinct possibilities’ backed by hardcore logic in relationship to what can be called the semi-endtimes.
The meaning of the word ‘semi-endtimes’ as I am using it here denotes the end of the Fourth Age and the ushering in of the Fifth Age of man. Another word called the endtimes would be quite different in that there will be the destruction of the Earth and the Day of Judgment.
That understanding clears up a lot of questions concerning the so-called end of the world versus the end of an era and puts things in a new light that shows Islam is correct when it comes to prophecy as opposed to the wild imaginations of those who understand little or nothing of these things and have twisted the Holy Records out of due proportion.
The first thing to be aware of when discussing these issues is the important question of ‘super catastrophes’ and other phenomena. Are they a reality or non-reality of probable events? That is according to science, have these phenomena ever taken place BEFORE and if they have, what have been the consequences to the ecological systems, life on Earth and human interrelationships if any?
Well it is a known fact that these things have happened in the past. It is also a well known fact that huge consequences have followed these events which have devastated large areas of the land and the seas causing dire occurrences for the sparse populations living near and around such events.
Two things can be quickly noted. First, these events happened in relatively unpopulated areas or at such times when a few hundred thousand lives were spread out over vast areas of this planet. In today’s world, we are looking at tens of millions of people that would suffer and suffer greatly. Why is that so?
It is so due to the numbers of people living on this planet today and the interdependency of the nations with each other and their technological capacities. Hence, the world of a few tens of thousands of years ago and its lack of technological advancement and population make-up could get on with life even under conditions that ravaged a large section of this planet’s surface. That would definitely NOT happen in today’s world.
The second thing to be aware of is what patterns have been shown when certain ‘events’ either related to or unrelated to the physical disruption of this planet have occurred. The title for the article, Times Change but People Do Not represented a ‘pattern’ of behavior that can be seen within the human race.
Whether it is the Ivory Coast, Rwanda, the Serbian aggression, the former Belgian Congo, or Darfur it doesn’t matter. What matters are the reactions of the peoples to ‘hidden perceived thoughts’. It is similar to the man whose leg feels great on sunny days but when the weather changes, his leg starts to throb and gives its owner all kinds of problems and pain. Hence, his unhappiness and the man curses his misfortune.
What is happening here is quite an irrational phenomenon whereby when the ‘lights go out’ even close neighbors, friendly, smiling, helpful neighbors may turn against each other over perceived grievances and start mass killings and go on a rampage of bloodshed, rape and terror. Hence, what was hidden in the depth of the heart was unleashed and became a rampaging monster.
In the quietude of someone’s home, this seems far away and unreal but historical evidence proves otherwise. So mass murder, looting, rape and clan versus clan, tribe versus tribe can and has sprung forth to take ‘perceived revenge’.
So what happens when the Great Signs come and the ‘dark soul’ fed by the whisperings of Satan emerge? This is yet another reason and a very good reason for people to turn to their LORD, the ONE GOD in earnest devotion and seek out HIS PROTECTION.
What does this have to do with hadith material concerning certain events? It has a lot to do with it and the trials that mankind must go through and of course the wisdom of the Records deal with these things especially the multitude of sayings from Prophet Muhammad (pbh).
Now one hadith discussing the ‘land of the Arabs being filled with streams and plentiful rivers’ is one example for study. Scientists would consider this as a global weather pattern change brought about through what has a great deal effect on weather patterns: land changes and ocean current movements.
Scientists know that dinosaurs lived in proximity to the North and South Poles many millions of years ago but the world looked different than it does now. The Sun was weaker, the ocean currents were different and the climate was of course not the same as in today’s world. The laws of physics didn’t change but the Earth did. So based on modern science, one can see land changes occurring which will affect climate and these changes must by necessity be somewhat overwhelming.
Another hadith by Abu Huraira discusses how food will be in very, very short supply even though the rain will continue to fall and therefore there will not be a drought to take away the food. Some people might suggest a continuous rainfall affecting crops which would turn the land of the Arabs into a marshland area.
Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (pbh) said, “The famine would NOT break out because of drought but there would be famine despite heavy rainfall as nothing would grow from the Earth. (Muslim)
A continuous rainfall would probably turn the land of the Arabs into a semi-Noah-type condition of super floods AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. It is not going to happen because ALLAH gave HIS PROMISE to the Prophet (pbh) concerning that it would not happen for the destruction of his peoples and that is that.
So, if it is not a continuous rain, what could it be according to scientists? If the problem lies in the composition of the rain particles itself, then one can understand the lack of vegetation growth especially for crops and hence the huge reduction of vegetation and living animals.
Scientists have studied this phenomenon for years and know of it as ‘acid rain’, which if continuous enough and carrying enough destructive by-products from certain events in the rain droplets, will go on to wipeout most plants, animals and sea life. That is a fact!
Scientists have wondered why the dinosaurs didn’t survive the 65 million year mark in such far flung nations as New Zealand. They found the answer to that question by studying what was laid down in the rock deposits and what was not. The plants so abundant at that time just failed to grow and when the food chain was broken, these giants collapsed due to starvation as the normal food chain was broken.
Mankind of course is different than the dinosaurs and has been known to adapt to varying conditions. It is called in today’s world ‘the survival of the fittest’ and implies some very intriguing thoughts when peoples of various ‘persuasions, tribes, etc’, try to figure a genteel way of who lives and who dies!
This horrendous thought may be taken as a fairytale or voodoo science but tell that to those who even in this century have been somewhat unceremoniously dumped into mass graves or left to rot in the open. So in retrospect, when the ‘lights go out’ on mankind and he is being tossed to and fro in fear, will he remember his LORD or will he curse in darkness the LIGHT he so stubbornly refused to follow?
Soon will WE show them OUR SIGNS in the (furthest) regions (of the Earth) and in their own souls until it becomes manifestly clear to them that this is the TRUTH. Is it not enough that your LORD does witness ALL THINGS? Q (41: 53)
What is voodoo science and what has affected a certain section of mankind and unfortunately found on some Islamic websites is the dealing in strange wonders such as numerology. Based on the knowledge that the Quran is very deep in its makeup, some have gone too far overboard and have tried to ‘predict’ certain outcomes by using numerology as a basis of so-called facts.
This practice is very, very wrong. Of course some may accuse me in some of my writings of using the ‘devils tool’ of numerology but that I deny. For when I opened the subject, I closed it right away but took note of some peculiarities and then left it alone! For example, the number 40 which has occurred with certain events amongst the prophets was just mentioned with no conclusions drawn concerning detailed specifics.
The pathway to knowledge starts out with a broad highway but narrows down considerably as one advances and on each side of the pathway there are ‘things’ that are not human-friendly that will strive to mislead. Trying to decipher so-called numbers in the Quran is basically foolhardy and not very intelligent because man will try to match his puny brain with the MIND OF ALLAH and will NOT succeed.
And pursue not that of which you have no knowledge; for surely the hearing, the sight and the heart – all of those shall be questioned (concerning this) Q (17: 36)
Narrated An-Numan bin Bashir: I heard Allah’s Messenger (pbh) say, “Both legal and illegal things are evident but in between them there are doubtful (unclear) things and most of the people have no knowledge about them. So whoever saves himself from these unclear things, he saves his religion and his honor. And whoever indulges in these unclear things is like a shepherd who grazes (his animals) near the Hima (private pasture) of someone else and at any moment he is liable to get in it. (O people!) Beware! Every king has a Hima and the Hima of Allah on the earth is HIS illegal (forbidden) things. Beware! There is a piece of flesh in the body if it becomes good (reformed), the whole body becomes good, but if it gets spoiled, the whole body gets spoilt and that is the heart.” (Bukhari)
On the authority of Abu Huraira who said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (pbh) say, “What I have forbidden you, avoid; what I have ordered you (to do), do as much of it as you can. It was only their excessive questioning and their disagreeing with their prophets that destroyed those who were before you.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
A very great harm can result in this pseudoscience of numerology when ‘weak believers’ put their trust in certain unapproved signs. For example, predicting almost to the month, day, week or even year of the start of the Great Signs or the coming of the REAL MESSIAH or the Anti-christ. The weak believer gets his hope up and lays down his faith as established in these things and when they fail to materialize, he or she becomes delusional and feels the religion of Islam has cheated him.
In truth, that person was led on the pathway of error and put his trust in numerology instead of the LORD and therefore the devil just made sport with that person in the form of humiliation.
Those who study my writings know that I never have mentioned the hour, day, week, month or even year of certain events that surely must come. Nor was it mentioned the certainty of the precise decade. Getting within a decade and a half is not what I call down-to-the-second specifics of exactitude.
So I would plead to those who find numerology to be an addictive sport to remember ALLAH and HIS Prophet (pbh) and not go on a wild goose chase which could in any way reflect backwards in tarnishing the religion of Islam or misleading others down a very dangerous pathway.
There is one little known phenomenon that has quite a historical backing and that is the land of Palestine more specifically called the Holy Land. Since time immemorial this land has been fought over by various factions for reasons not quite understood. It seems like the Holy Land is important for some reasons and this has led to many ‘nations’ trying to control its destiny.
There have been many attempts to gain, control, possess, manipulate and put under one’s thumb this much disputed territory. Even nations and tribes, who could not express the reasons why, have sought to control this area. Some people might suggest that it somehow seems to be in one’s ‘blood’ or others might look at it as being an area that is geographically important somehow.
Even if the reason can’t be pinpointed, it is no accident or whim of chance. It is no accident that Prophet Muhammad (pbh) prayed with the prophets of Allah standing behind him at this Holy place. It is no accident that the Old Testament and the New Testament recall spiritual feelings for this area. It is no accident that Jesus the son of Mary (pbh) will rule from there. It is no accident that the Anti-christ will be killed there and it is no accident that the Gog and Magog will come to their doom there.
So there must be something deep in one’s soul, one’s psyche that has led and will lead man to that land – to disfigure it or to honor it, to fill it with false gods and philosophies, to dominate others or to worship in truth. But instilled in the heart there is something about that land that attracts a calling. Indeed it is the Holy Land and make no doubt about it. It will one day be cleansed from all the rot and falsehoods that have tried to tarnish it.
Mankind was but one nation but differed (later). Had it not been for a Word that went forth before from your LORD, their differences would have been settled between them. Q (10: 19)
Some Stories
Two men were in a discussion about choosing some person to follow as a guiding light. One person, who was the youngest, asked the other, “If you had a choice between Ibn al-arabi and Ibn Taymiyah who would you choose to follow?” The elder person said, “I would choose to follow Ibn Taymiyah.” Then the youngest one said, “Who would you follow next?” The elder said, “Ibn Taymiyah.” The younger questioner asked his question a third time and got the same reply.
Being somewhat flustered and bothered by the answer, the younger enquirer stated, “Well let us take Ibn Taymiyah out of the equation and now who would you follow?” “That is easy,” said the older of the two. “If you only give me that one choice then I would rather follow myself!”
They tell of a story of two prospectors who went out in search of very specific riches that the company which they belonged to wanted. Well they found a land that was just about overflowing, or so it was said, with the riches the company boss wanted. According to the youngest prospector who had been in that land before, the land contained a lot of gold ore. The older prospector agreed but told his partner, “This is where we were told by our boss to search for black gold so let us get on with the job of finding this stuff.
Both prospectors went in different directions over some black gooey ground. While the oldest of the prospectors started to work on collecting the treasure, the other prospector went on top of a mountain he had visited before because it showed promise of lots of gold. Well that prospector dug and dug until he brought down one-fourth of the mountain but all he could find was shinny, yellow gold.
On his way back after such hard and laborious work, he kept thinking of all his hard labors that brought nothing but vast quantities of yellow gold. To make matters worse, he had to traverse over large tracks of land with nothing but oozing, black goo from the ground.
On reaching his partner who seemed happy and content with his labors, the unhappy prospector cried out, “What a misfortune I ran into! All I could find in the place I searched was this yellow gold. One would think that if there is yellow gold to be had, I should have come across some of that black gold you were talking about.”
The older, astonished prospector proclaimed, “How could you miss this black gold seeing that it is leaking out all over the place?” Said the other amazed but unhappy prospector, “Well why didn’t you tell me that black gold meant oil and not some type of rare gold?” The other prospector said, “That is a good question. However, a better question is, “why didn’t you understand my speech in the first place?”
They tell a story of two men who died and were waiting Judgment Day. One man was carrying a large sack filled with sin while another man was carrying three large sacks filled with sin. Both of these men looked somewhat worried but the man with the three large sacks of sin looked less worried than his companion. The man who had but one large sack filled with sin said with a touch of pride to the other man who he considered much less fortunate, “What do you have in your arsenal that you may seek out forgiveness from your LORD?”
The man who labored under the three large sacks of sin turned to the other man with only one large sack and said with an aura of calmness, “My LORD is GREATER than my sins. He is the ONE WHO created me and HE KEEPS HIS PROMISES!”
“So big deal said the man with the large sack of sin. You are the one who carries more weight than I do on his back on this Terrible of Days. What do you have to be so nonchalant about?”
Said the one man with the three large sacks of sin on his back, “It is not that I am like what you said. I am not nonchalant but rather say I am hopeful and filled with wonder. You asked me what I have in my arsenal. Well I tell you what I expect.
Those who go out to seek knowledge in praising their LORD in truth will have the inhabitants of heaven pray to their LORD for their forgiveness, the inhabitants of the Earth pray to their LORD for their forgiveness and even the creatures in the sea pray to their LORD for their forgiveness.
This is not due to our greatness but it is due to HIS GREATNESS and HIS BOUNDLESS KINDNESS and MERCY. So now I turn to you and ask you the same question you asked me. So, what do you have in your arsenal that you may seek out forgiveness from your LORD?”
Kathir b. Qais said, “I was sitting with Abu al-Darda in the mosque of Damascus. A man came to him and said, “Abu Darda, I have come to you from the town of the Apostle of Allah (pbh) for a tradition I heard that you relate from the Apostle of Allah (pbh). I have come for no other purpose. He said, “I heard the Apostle of Allah (pbh) say, ‘If anyone travels on a road in search of knowledge, Allah will cause him to travel on one of the roads of Paradise. The angels will lower their wings in their good pleasure with one who seeks knowledge, the inhabitants of the heavens and the Earth and the fish in the deep waters will ask forgiveness for the learned man. The superiority of the learned man over the devout is like that of the moon, on the night when it is full, over the rest of the stars. The learned are the heirs of the Prophets, and the Prophets leave neither dinar nor dirham {money}, leaving only knowledge, and he who takes it takes an abundant portion. (Sunan Abu-Dawud).
Narrated Abu Huraira: “Allah’s Messenger said, “A person who acquires a path for acquiring knowledge, Allah will make easy the passage for Paradise for him.” (Muslim)
