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Memphis Inter-Religious Group

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Some selected excerpts from the Quran.

                                                                                                                                                    page edited 7/05/2014
Tanvir Kazmi of Memphis has for some years had a project of collecting Quran verses by subject.  The goal, I think, is eventually to have a collection of materials that will let anyone - Muslim or non-Muslim - find topics within the Quran much more easily than can be done in the standard arrangement.                                                                                

If you'd like to be on his mailing list to see his work as it progresses, e-mail him at   kazmitanvir@gmail.com

We are in the early stages of thinking about how to present this material on line.  Here is a very short sample.

Saul         Korah                  Thanksgiving          Unity
Jacob                                   Ramadan               Orphans

ORPHANS    Thought to share about Orphans in Quran:   (on line July 5 2014)

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[Al-Nisa 4:1]   O people, observe your Lord; the One who created you from one being, and created from it its mate, then spread from the two many men and women. You shall regard GOD, by whom you swear, and regard the parents. GOD is watching over you. You shall hand over to the orphans their rightful properties. Do not substitute the bad for the good, and do not consume their properties by combining them with yours. This would be a gross injustice. If you deem it best for the orphans, And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hand possesses. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice]. Additionally, you are thus more likely to avoid financial hardship. You shall give the women their due dowries, equitably. If they willingly forfeit anything, then you may accept it; it is rightfully yours. Do not give immature orphans the properties that GOD has entrusted with you as guardians. You shall provide for them there from, and clothe them, and treat them kindly. You shall test the orphans when they reach puberty. As soon as you find them mature enough, give them their property. Do not consume it extravagantly in a hurry, before they grow up. The rich guardian shall not charge any wage, but the poor guardian may charge equitably.  When you give them their properties, you shall have witnesses. GOD suffices as Reckoner. The men get a share of what the parents and the relatives leave behind. The women too shall get a share of what the parents and relatives leave behind. Whether it is a small or a large inheritance, a definite share. During distribution of the inheritances, if relatives, orphans, and needy persons are present, you shall give them there from, and treat them kindly. Those who are concerned about their own children, in case they leave them behind, shall observe GOD and be equitable. Those who consume the orphans' properties unjustly, eat fire into their bellies, and will suffer in Hell.

[Al-Nisa 4:36]   You shall worship GOD alone - do not associate anything with Him. You shall regard the parents, the relatives, the orphans, the poor, the related neighbor, the unrelated neighbor, the close associate, the traveling alien, and your servants. GOD does not like the arrogant show-offs.

[Al-Nisa 4:127]   They consult you concerning women: say, "GOD enlightens you regarding them, as recited for you in the scripture.  You shall restore the rights of orphaned girls whom you do bit give their due dowries when you wish to marry them: you shall not take advantage of them. The rights of orphaned boys must also be protected as well. You shall treat the orphans equitably. Whatever good you do, GOD is fully aware thereof."

[Al-Anam 6:152]   You shall not touch the orphans' money except in the most righteous manner, until they reach maturity. You shall give full weight and full measure when you trade, equitably. We do not burden any soul beyond its means.  You shall be absolutely just when you bear witness, even against your relatives. You shall fulfill your covenant with GOD. These are His commandments to you, that you may take heed.

[Bani Israel17:34]   You shall not touch the orphans' money except for their own good, until they reach maturity. You shall fulfill your covenants, for a covenant is a great responsibility.

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[Abraham 14:13]   Those who disbelieved said to their messengers, "We will  banish you from our land, unless you revert to our religion." Their Lord inspired them: "We will inevitably annihilate the transgressors. "And we will let you dwell in their land after them. This is (the reward) for those who reverence My majesty, and reverence My promise." They issued a challenge, and consequently, every stubborn tyrant ended up doomed. Awaiting him is Hell, wherein he will drink putrid water. He will gulp it down, though he cannot stand it, as death comes to him from every direction, but he will never die.  Awaiting him is a terrible retribution. The allegory of those who disbelieve in their Lord: their works are like ashes in a violent wind, on a stormy day.  They gain nothing from whatever they earn; such is the farthest straying. Do you not realize that GOD has created the heavens and the earth for a specific purpose? If He wills, He can remove you, and substitute a new creation in your place. This is not too difficult for GOD.

When they all stand before GOD, the followers will say to the leaders, "We used to follow you. Can you spare us even a little bit of GOD's retribution?" They will say, "Had GOD guided us, we would have guided you. Now it is too late, whether we grieve or resort to patience, there is no exit for us." And the devil will say, after the judgment had been issued, "GOD has promised you the truthful promise, and I promised you, but I broke my promise. I had no power over you; I simply invited you, and you accepted my invitation. Therefore, do not blame me, and blame only yourselves. My complaining cannot help you, nor can your complaining help me. I have disbelieved in your idolizing me.

The transgressors have incurred a painful retribution." As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, they will be admitted into gardens with flowing streams. They abide therein forever, in accordance with the will of their Lord. Their greeting therein is: "Peace." Do you not see that GOD has cited the example of the good word as a good tree whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches are high in the sky? It produces its crop every season, as designed by its Lord. GOD thus cites the examples for the people, that they may take heed. And the example of the bad word is that of a bad tree chopped at the soil level; it has no roots to keep it standing. GOD strengthens those who believe with the proven word, in this life and in the Hereafter. And GOD sends the transgressors astray. Everything is in accordance with GOD's will.



UNITY   posted July 5)
As the U.S. is celebrating the  4th of July, thought to share about Unity in Quran one more time:


[Al-Aaraf 7:2]   This scripture (Quran) has been revealed to you - you shall not harbor doubt about it in your heart - that you may warn with it, and to provide a reminder for th

e believers. You shall all follow what is revealed to you from your Lord; do not follow any idols besides Him. Rarely do you take heed. Many a community we destroyed; they incurred our punishment while they were asleep, or wide awake. Their utterance when our punishment came to them was: "Indeed, we have been transgressors." We will certainly question those who received the message, and we will question the messengers. We will inform them authoritatively, for we were never absent. The scales will be set on that day, equitably. Those whose weights are heavy will be the winners. As for those whose weights are light, they will be the ones who lost their souls as a consequence of disregarding our revelations, unjustly. We have established you on earth, and we have provided for you the means of support therein. Rarely are you appreciative.


[Al-Baqarah 2:30]   Recall that your Lord said to the angels, "I am placing a representative on Earth." They said, "Will You place therein one who will spread evil therein and shed blood, while we sing Your praises, glorify You, and uphold Your absolute authority?" He said, "I know what you do not know."

 

[Al-Baqarah 2:85]   Yet, here you are killing each other, and evicting some of you from their homes, banding against them sinfully and maliciously. Even when they surrendered, you demanded ransom from them. Evicting them was prohibited for you in the first place. Do you believe in part of the scripture and disbelieve in part? What should be the punishment for those among you who do this, except humiliation in this life, and a far worse punishment on the Day of Resurrection? GOD is never unaware of anything you do. It is they who bought this lowly life at the expense of the Hereafter. Consequently, the punishment is never commuted for them, nor can they be helped.

 

[Al-Baqarah 2:136]   Say, "We believe in GOD, and in what was sent down to us, and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs; and in what was given to Moses and Jesus, and all the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among any of them. To Him alone we are submitters."

 

[Al-Baqarah 2:285]   The messenger has believed in what was sent down to him from his Lord, and so did the believers. They believe in GOD, His angels, His scripture, and His messengers: "We make no distinction among any of His messengers." They say, "We hear, and we obey. Forgive us, our Lord. To You is the ultimate destiny."

 

[Al-Imran 3:2]   GOD: there is no god except He; the Living, the Eternal. He sent down to you this scripture (Quran), truthfully, confirming all previous scriptures, and He sent down the Torah and the Gospel

 

[Al-Imran 3:81]   GOD took a covenant from the prophets, saying, "I will give you the scripture and wisdom. Afterwards, a messenger will come to confirm all existing scriptures. You shall believe in him and support him." He said, "Do you agree with this, and pledge to fulfill this covenant?" They said, "We agree." He said, "You have thus borne witness, and I bear witness along with you.

 

[Al-Imran 3:103]   You shall hold fast to the rope of GOD, all of you, and do not be divided. Recall GOD's blessings upon you - you used to be enemies and He reconciled your hearts. By His grace, you became brethren. You were at the brink of a pit of fire, and He saved you there from. GOD thus explains His revelations for you, that you may be guided. Let there be a community of you who invite to what is good, advocate righteousness, and forbid evil. These are the winners. Do not be like those who became divided and disputed, despite the clear proofs that were given to them. For these have incurred a terrible punishment.

 

[Al-Nisa 4:150]   Those who disbelieve in GOD and His messengers, and seek to make distinction among GOD and His messengers, and say, "We believe in some and reject some," and wish to follow a path in between; these are the real disbelievers. We have prepared for the disbelievers a shameful retribution. As for those who believe in GOD and His messengers, and make no distinction among them, He will grant them their recompense. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

 

[Al-Maedah 5:69]   Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the converts, and the Christians; any of them who believe in GOD and believe in the Last Day, and lead a righteous life, have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

 

[Al-Anam 6:159]   Those who divide themselves into sects do not belong with you. Their judgment rests with GOD, then He will inform them of everything they had done.

 

[Al-Anfal 8:46]   You shall obey GOD and His messenger, and do not dispute among yourselves, lest you fail and scatter your strength. You shall steadfastly persevere. GOD is with those who steadfastly persevere. Those who believed and emigrated, and strove in the cause of GOD, as well as those who hosted them and gave them refuge, and supported them, these are the true believers.  They have deserved forgiveness and a generous recompense.

 

[Younus 10:19]   The people used to be one congregation, and then they disputed. If it were not for a predetermined word from your Lord, they would have been judged immediately regarding their disputes.

 

[Hud 11:118]   Had your Lord willed, all the people would have been one congregation. But they will always dispute. Only those blessed with mercy from your Lord. This is why He created them. The judgment of your Lord has already been issued: "I will fill Hell with jinns and humans, all together."

 

[Bani Israel 17:53]   Tell My servants to treat each other in the best possible manner, for the devil will always try to drive a wedge among them. Surely, the devil is man's most ardent enemy. Your Lord knows you best. According to His knowledge, He may shower you with mercy, or He may requite you. We did not send you to be their advocate.

 

[Al-Anbiya21:92]   Your congregation is but one congregation, and I alone am your Lord; you shall worship Me alone. However, they divided themselves into disputing religions. All of them will come back to us (for judgment). As for those who work righteousness, while believing, their work will not go to waste; we are recording it.

 

[Al-Hajj 22:40]   They were evicted from their homes unjustly, for no reason other than saying, "Our Lord is GOD." If it were not for GOD's supporting of some people against others, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques - where the name of GOD is commemorated frequently - would have been destroyed. Absolutely, GOD supports those who support Him. GOD is Powerful, Almighty.

 

[Al-Mominun 23:49]   We gave Moses the scripture, that they may be guided. We made the son of Mary and his mother a sign, and we gave them refuge on a mesa with food and drink. O you messengers, eat from the good provisions, and work righteousness. I am fully aware of everything you do. Such is your congregation - one congregation - and I am your Lord; you shall reverence Me. But they tore themselves into disputing factions; each party happy with what they have.

 

[Al-Shuara 26:13]   He decreed for you the same religion decreed for Noah, and what we inspired to you, and what we decreed for Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: "You shall uphold this one religion, and do not divide it." The idol worshipers will greatly resent what you invite them to do. GOD redeems to Himself whomever He wills; He guides to Himself only those who totally submit. Ironically, they broke up into sects only after the knowledge had come to them, due to jealousy and resentment among themselves. If it were not for a predetermined decision from your Lord to respite them for a definite interim, they would have been judged immediately. Indeed, the later generations who inherited the scripture are full of doubts.

 

[Al-Shuara 26:214]   You shall preach to the people who are closest to you. And lower your wing for the believers who follow you.

 

[Luqman 31:18]   “You shall not treat the people with arrogance, nor shall you roam the earth proudly. GOD does not like the arrogant showoffs. "Walk humbly and lower your voice - the ugliest voice is the donkey's voice."

 

[Al-Shoora 42:12]   To Him belongs absolute control of the heavens and the earth. He is the One who increases the provision for whomever He wills, or reduces it. He is fully aware of all things. He decreed for you the same religion decreed for Noah, and what we inspired to you, and what we decreed for Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: "You shall uphold this one religion, and do not divide it." The idol worshipers will greatly resent what you invite them to do. GOD redeems to Himself whomever He wills; He guides to Himself only those who totally submit. Ironically, they broke up into sects only after the knowledge had come to them, due to jealousy and resentment among themselves. If it were not for a predetermined decision from your Lord to respite them for a definite interim, they would have been judged immediately. Indeed, the later generations who inherited the scripture are full of doubts. This is what you shall preach, and steadfastly maintain what you are commanded to do, and do not follow their wishes. And proclaim: "I believe in all the scriptures sent down by GOD. I was commanded to judge among you equitably. GOD is our Lord and your Lord. We have our deeds and you have your deeds. There is no argument between us and you. GOD will gather us all together; to Him is the ultimate destiny."

 

[Al-Hujarat 49:9]   If two groups of believers fought with each other, you shall reconcile them. If one group aggresses against the other, you shall fight the aggressing group until they submit to GOD's command. Once they submit, you shall reconcile the two groups equitably. You shall maintain justice; GOD loves those who are just. The believers are members of one family; you shall keep the peace within your family and reverence GOD, that you may attain mercy. O you who believe, no people shall ridicule other people, for they may be better than they. Nor shall any women ridicule other women, for they may be better than they.  Nor shall you mock one another, or make fun of your names. Evil indeed is the reversion to wickedness after attaining faith. Anyone who does not repent after this, these are the transgressors. O you who believe, you shall avoid any suspicion, for even a little bit of suspicion is sinful. You shall not spy on one another, nor shall you backbite one another; this is as abominable as eating the flesh of your dead brother. You certainly abhor this. You shall observe GOD.  GOD is Redeemer, Most Merciful.

 

[Al-Suff 61:14]   O you who believe, be GOD's supporters, like the disciples of Jesus, son of Mary. When he said to them, "Who are my supporters towards GOD," they said, "We are GOD's supporters." Thus, a group from the Children of Israel believed, and another group disbelieved. We helped those who believed against their enemy, until they won.


RAMADAN.  Posted July 5, 2014
As Muslims in the world are fasting in this month, thought to share about Ramadan (fasting month) in Quran:

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[Al-Baqarah 2:183]   O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation. Specific days; if one is ill or traveling, an equal number of other days may be substituted. Those who can fast, but with great difficulty, may substitute feeding one poor person for each day of breaking the fast. If one volunteers (more righteous works), it is better. But fasting is the best for you, if you only knew. Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. GOD wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify GOD for guiding you, and to express your appreciation. When My servants ask you about Me, I am always near. I answer their prayers when they pray to Me. The people shall respond to Me and believe in Me, in order to be guided. Permitted for you is sexual intercourse with your wives during the nights of fasting. They are the keepers of your secrets, and you are the keepers of their secrets.  GOD knew that you used to betray your souls, and He has redeemed you, and has pardoned you. Henceforth, you may have intercourse with them, seeking what GOD has permitted for you. You may eat and drink until the white thread of light becomes distinguishable from the dark thread of night at dawn. Then, you shall fast until sunset. Sexual intercourse is prohibited if you decide to retreat to the mosques.  These are GOD's laws; you shall not transgress them. GOD thus clarifies His revelations for the people, that they may attain salvation.

[Al-Qadr 97:1 ] Indeed, We sent the Qur'an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.

[Al-Ahzab33:35] The submitting men, the submitting women, the believing men, the believing women, the obedient men, the obedient women, the truthful men, the truthful women, the steadfast men, the steadfast women, the reverent men, the reverent women, the charitable men, the charitable women, the fasting men, the fasting women, the chaste men, the chaste women, and the men who commemorate GOD frequently, and the commemorating women, GOD has prepared for them forgiveness and great recompense.

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 [Al-Baqarah 2:83]   We made a covenant with the Children of Israel: "You shall not worship except GOD. You shall honor your parents and regard the relatives, the orphans, and the poor. You shall treat the people good (peaceable). You shall observe the Contact Prayers and give the obligatory charity  But you turned away, except a few of you, and you became averse. We made a covenant with you, that you shall not shed your blood, nor shall you evict each other from your homes. You agreed and bore witness.

 

[Al-Qareah 101:1]   The Striking Calamity - What is the Striking Calamity? And what can make you know what is the Striking Calamity? It is the Day when people will be like moths, dispersed, And the mountains will be like wool, fluffed up. Then as for one whose scales are heavy [with good deeds], He will be in a pleasant life. But as for one whose scales are light, His refuge will be an abyss. And what can make you know what that is? The blazing Hellfire.


Taloot (Saul) in Quran:

[Al-Nisa 4:92] No believer shall kill another believer, unless it is an accident. If one kills a believer by accident, he shall atone by freeing a believing slave, and paying a compensation to the victim's family, unless they forfeit such a compensation as a charity. If the victim belonged to people who are at war with you, though he was a believer, you shall atone by freeing a believing slave. If he belonged to people with whom you have signed a peace treaty, you shall pay the compensation in addition to freeing a believing slave. If you cannot find a slave to free, you shall atone by fasting two consecutive months, in order to be redeemed by GOD. GOD is Knower, Most Wise. Anyone who kills a believer on purpose, his retribution is Hell, wherein he abides forever, GOD is angry with him, and condemns him, and has prepared for him a terrible punishment. O you who believe, if you strike in the cause of GOD, you shall be absolutely sure. Do not say to one who offers you peace, "You are not a believer," seeking the spoils of this world. For GOD possesses infinite spoils. Remember that you used to be like them, and GOD blessed you. Therefore, you shall be absolutely sure (before you strike). GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do.

[Bani Israel 17:33] You shall not kill any person - for GOD has made life sacred - except in the course of justice. If one is killed unjustly, then we give his heir authority to enforce justice. Thus, he shall not exceed the limits in avenging the murder; he will be helped.

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[Al-Baqarah 2:246]   Have you noted the leaders of Israel after Moses (Musa)? They said to their prophet, "If you appoint a king to lead us, we will fight in the cause of GOD." He said, "Is it your intention that, if fighting is decreed for you, you will not fight?" They said, "Why should we not fight in the cause of GOD, when we have been deprived of our homes, and our children?" Yet, when fighting was decreed for them, they turned away, except a few. GOD is aware of the transgressors.  Their prophet said to them, "GOD has appointed Taloot (Saul) to be your king." They said, "How can he have kingship over us when we are more worthy of kingship than he; he is not even rich?" He said, "GOD has chosen him over you, and has blessed him with an abundance in knowledge and in body." GOD grants His kingship to whomever He wills. GOD is Bounteous, Omniscient.

And their prophet said to them, "Indeed, a sign of his kingship is that the chest will come to you in which is assurance from your Lord and a remnant of what the family of Moses (Musa) and the family of Aaron (Haroon) had left, carried by the angels. Indeed in that is a sign for you, if you are believers." And when Taloot (Saul) went forth with the soldiers, he said, "Indeed, God will be testing you with a river. So whoever drinks from it is not of me, and whoever does not taste it is indeed of me, excepting one who takes in the hollow of his hand." But they drank from it, except a few of them. Then when he had crossed it along with those who believed with him, they said, "There is no power for us today against Goliath and his soldiers." But those who were certain that they would meet God said, "How many a small company has overcome a large company by permission of God. And God is with the patient."  And when they went forth to [face] Goliath and his soldiers, they said, "Our Lord, pour upon us patience and plant firmly our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving people." So they defeated them by permission of God, and David (Dawood) killed Goliath, and God gave him the kingship and prophet hood and taught him from that which He willed. And if it were not for God checking people by means of others, the earth would have been corrupted, but God is full of bounty to the worlds. 

These are the verses of God which We recite to you, in truth. And indeed, you are from among the messengers. These messengers; we blessed some of them more than others. For example, GOD spoke to one (Moses(Musa)), and we raised some of them to higher ranks. And we gave Jesus (Isa), son of Mary (Marium), profound miracles and supported him with the Holy Spirit.  Had GOD willed, their followers would not have fought with each other, after the clear proofs had come to them.  Instead, they disputed among themselves; some of them believed, and some disbelieved. Had GOD willed, they would not have fought. Everything is in accordance with GOD's will.

Jacob (Yacoub) in Quran:

[Al-Anam 6:159]   Those who divide themselves into sects do not belong with you. Their judgment rests with GOD, then He will inform them of everything they had done.

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[Al-Baqarah 2:132]   Moreover, Abraham exhorted his children to do the same, and so did Jacob (Yacoub): "O my children, GOD has pointed out the religion for you; do not die except as submitters." Had you witnessed Jacob (Yacoub) on his death bed; he said to his children, "What will you worship after I die?" They said, "We will worship your god; the god of your fathers Abraham (Ibrahim), Ismail, and Isaac (Ishaq); the one god. To Him we are submitters."

[Al-Imran 3:84]   Say, "We believe in GOD, and in what was sent down to us, and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac (Ishaq), Jacob (Yacoub), and the Patriarchs, and in what was given to Moses (Musa), Jesus (Isa), and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among any of them. To Him alone we are submitters."

[Al-Nisa 4:163]   We have inspired you, as we inspired Noah and the prophets after him. And we inspired Abraham, Ismail, Isaac (Ishaq), Jacob (Yacoub), the Patriarchs, Jesus (Isa), Job , Jonah (Yunus), Aaron (Haroon), and Solomon. And we gave David (Dawood) the Psalms.

[Hud 11:69]   When our messengers went to Abraham with good news, they said, "Peace." He said, "Peace," and soon brought a roasted calf. When he saw that their hands did not touch it, he became suspicious and fearful of them. They said, "Do not be afraid, we are being dispatched to the people of Lot." His wife was standing, and she laughed when we gave her the good news about Isaac, and after Isaac, Jacob (Yacoub).

[Yousuf 12:36]  Two young men were in the prison with him ((Josef)(Yusuf). One of them said, "I saw (in my dream) that I was making wine," and the other said, "I saw myself carrying bread on my head, from which the birds were eating. Inform us of the interpretation of these dreams. We see that you are righteous." He said, "If any food is provided to you, I can inform you about it before you receive it. This is some of the knowledge bestowed upon me by my Lord. I have forsaken the religion of people who do not believe in GOD, and with regard to the Hereafter, they are really disbelievers. "And I followed instead the religion of my ancestors, Abraham, Isaac (Ishaq), and Jacob (Yacub). We never set up any idols beside GOD. Such is the blessing from GOD upon us and upon the people, but most people are unappreciative. "O my prison mates, are several gods better, or GOD alone, the One, the Supreme? "You do not worship beside Him except innovations that you have made up, you and your parents. GOD has never authorized such idols. All ruling belongs to GOD, and He has ruled that you shall not worship except Him. This is the perfect religion, but most people do not know.

[Mary 19:4]   He (Abraham) said, "My Lord, the bones have turned brittle in my body, and my hair is aflame with gray. As I implore You, my Lord, I never despair. "I worry about my dependants after me, and my wife has been sterile. Grant me, from You, an heir. "Let him be my heir and the heir of Jacob's (Yacub) clan, and make him, my Lord, acceptable."


[Al-Anbya 21:69]   We said, "O fire, be cool and safe for Abraham." Thus, they schemed against him, but we made them the losers. We saved him, and we saved Lot (Lut), to the land that we blessed for all the people. And we granted him Isaac and Jacob (Yacoub) as a gift, and we made them both righteous{

Al-Imran 3:3]   He sent down to you this scripture, truthfully, confirming all previous scriptures, and He sent down the Torah (Tauret) and the Gospel (Injeel) before that, to guide the people, and He sent down the statute book (Quran). Those who disbelieve in GOD's revelations incur severe punishment. GOD


 Thoughts for Thanksgiving in the Quran:

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[Al-Baqarah 2:151]  (Blessings) such as the sending of a messenger from among you to recite our revelations to you, purify you, teach you the scripture and wisdom, and to teach you what you never knew. You shall remember Me, that I may remember you, and be thankful to Me; do not be unappreciative. O you who believe, seek help through steadfastness and the Contact Prayers (Salat). GOD is with those who steadfastly persevere.

[Al-Baqarah 2:172]  O you who believe, eat from the good things we provided for you, and be thankful to GOD, if you do worship Him alone.

[Abrahim 14:6]  Recall that Moses (Musa) said to his people, "Remember GOD's blessings upon you. He saved you from Pharaoh's people who inflicted the worst persecution upon you, slaughtering your sons and sparing your daughters. That was an exacting trial from your Lord." Your Lord has decreed: "The more you thank Me, the more I give you." But if you turn unappreciative, then My punishment is severe. Moses (Musa) said, "If you disbelieve, along with all the people on earth, GOD is in no need, Praiseworthy."

[Al-Anbya 21:79]  We granted Solomon the correct understanding, though we endowed both of them with wisdom and knowledge. We committed the mountains to serve David in glorifying (God), as well as the birds. This is what we did. And we taught him the skill of making shields to protect you in war. Are you then thankful?

[Al-Sajdah 32:7]  He is the One who perfected everything He created, and started the creation of the human from clay. Then He continued his reproduction through a certain lowly liquid. He shaped him and blew into him from His spirit. And He gave you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brains; rarely are you thankful.

[Ya Sin 36:33]   One sign for them is the dead land: we revive it and produce from it grains for their food. We grow in it gardens of date palms, and grapes, and we cause springs to gush out therein. This is to provide them with fruits, and to let them manufacture with their own hands whatever they need.  Would they be thankful? Glory be to the One who created all kinds of plants from the earth, as well as themselves, and other creations that they do not even know.

[Ghafer 40:61]   GOD is the One who designed the night so you can rest in it, and the day lighted. GOD bestows many blessings upon the people, but most people are not thankful. Such is GOD your Lord, the Creator of all things. There is no god except He. How could you deviate?

[Al-Waaqeah 56:68]   Have you noted the water you drink? Did you send it down from the clouds, or did we? If we will, we can make it salty. You should be thankful.



KORAH    Thought to share about Korah (Qaroon) in Quran:   (on line July 5 2014)

[Al-Qasas 28:76]   Korah (Qaaroon) was one of Moses' people who betrayed them and oppressed them. We gave him so many treasures that the keys thereof were almost too heavy for the strongest hand. His people said to him, "Do not be so arrogant; GOD does not love those who are arrogant. "Use the provisions bestowed upon you by GOD to seek the abode of the Hereafter, without neglecting your share in this world. Be charitable, as GOD has been charitable towards you. Do not keep on corrupting the earth. GOD does not love the corruptors." He said, "I attained all this because of my own knowledge." Did he not realize that GOD had destroyed before him generations that were much stronger than he, and greater in number? The (destroyed) transgressors were not asked about their crimes.

One day, he came out to his people in full splendor.  Those who preferred this worldly life said, "Oh, we wish that we possessed what Korah (Qaaroon) has attained. Indeed, he is very fortunate." As for those who were blessed with knowledge, they said, "Woe to you, GOD's recompense is far better for those who believe and lead a righteous life." None attains this except the steadfast. We then caused the earth to swallow him and his mansion.  No army could have helped him against GOD; he was not destined to be a winner. Those who were envious of him the day before said, "Now we realize that GOD is the One who provides for whomever He chooses from among His servants, and withholds. If it were not for GOD's grace towards us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us too. We now realize that the disbelievers never succeed."

We reserve the abode of the Hereafter for those who do not seek exaltation on earth, nor corruption. The ultimate victory belongs to the righteous. Whoever works righteousness receives a far better reward.  As for those who commit sins, the retribution for their sins is precisely equivalent to their works. Surely, the One who decreed the Quran for you will summon you to a predetermined appointment. Say, "My Lord is fully aware of those who uphold the guidance, and those who have gone astray." You never expected this scripture to come your way; but this is a mercy from your Lord. Therefore, you shall not side with the disbelievers. Nor shall you be diverted from GOD's revelations, after they have come to you, and invite the others to your Lord. And do not ever fall into idol worship. You shall not worship beside GOD any other god. There is no other god beside Him. Everything perishes except His presence. To Him belongs all sovereignty, and to Him you will be returned.

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