CHAPTER FOURCHAPTER FOUR

Miraculous Book of Miraculous Book of TelegramsTelegrams

The Noble Qur'an can be The Noble Qur'an can be appropriately described as appropriately described as 'A 'A Book of Telegrams'Book of Telegrams'..

For this is how the Book was For this is how the Book was revealed in the form of revealed in the form of telegraphically addressed telegraphically addressed Messages in answer to the Messages in answer to the questions on:questions on:

1. ALCOHOL AND 1. ALCOHOL AND GAMES OF CHANCEGAMES OF CHANCE

““THEY ASK THEE CONCERNING THEY ASK THEE CONCERNING WINE AND GAMBLING.WINE AND GAMBLING. SAY: "IN THEM IS GREAT SIN, SAY: "IN THEM IS GREAT SIN, AND SOME PROFIT, FOR MEN; AND SOME PROFIT, FOR MEN; BUT THE SIN IS GREATER BUT THE SIN IS GREATER THAN THE PROFIT".THAN THE PROFIT".““

““AND THEY ASK THEE HOW AND THEY ASK THEE HOW MUCH THEY ARE TO SPEND MUCH THEY ARE TO SPEND (IN CHARITY); (IN CHARITY); SAY: "WHAT IS BEYOND YOUR SAY: "WHAT IS BEYOND YOUR NEEDS", NEEDS", THUS DOTH ALLAH MAKE THUS DOTH ALLAH MAKE CLEAR TO YOU HIS SIGNS: CLEAR TO YOU HIS SIGNS: IN ORDER THAT YE MAY IN ORDER THAT YE MAY REFLECT–”REFLECT–”(SURA BAQARAH) (SURA BAQARAH) Holy Qur'an 2:11-219Holy Qur'an 2:11-219

[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

"SAY!" "SAY!" That is Muhammad (PBUH) is That is Muhammad (PBUH) is commanded to commanded to answeranswer: "tell them!" O : "tell them!" O Muhammad! "Proclaim, express it in Muhammad! "Proclaim, express it in words, utter aloud, pronounce, speak words, utter aloud, pronounce, speak out!".out!".

I cannot urge too strongly upon my I cannot urge too strongly upon my Muslim brethren to memorize the Muslim brethren to memorize the verses in Arabic with their English verses in Arabic with their English meaning and share it with all who will meaning and share it with all who will give you a hearing.give you a hearing.

QUR'AN AND HADITHQUR'AN AND HADITH

The above is just one example of The above is just one example of how God speaks! Other examples how God speaks! Other examples are to follow. Can any sincere are to follow. Can any sincere seeker of truth be convinced in seeker of truth be convinced in any easier way? The answer is any easier way? The answer is 'No!' Yet He (God) Reasons with 'No!' Yet He (God) Reasons with the recalcitrant in the following the recalcitrant in the following words: words:

““Say: "Are the blind equal, Say: "Are the blind equal, With those who see?“”With those who see?“”

(SURA RA`D) (SURA RA`D) Holy Qur'an 13:16Holy Qur'an 13:16[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

Of course not!Of course not!

Now compare the above Words of Now compare the above Words of God Almighty on the subject of God Almighty on the subject of "WINE" (intoxicants) with the words "WINE" (intoxicants) with the words of His Chosen Messenger of His Chosen Messenger Muhammad (PBUH), NOT Muhammad (PBUH), NOT FORGETTING that the above verse FORGETTING that the above verse 2:219 and what follows from the 2:219 and what follows from the HadithHadith below were heard from the below were heard from the lips of the Prophet (PBUH) and lips of the Prophet (PBUH) and recorded by his Companions. recorded by his Companions.

Ibn-Anas (RA) reported that the Ibn-Anas (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah cursed every Messenger of Allah cursed every one who was associated in any one who was associated in any way with the production and way with the production and consumption of any kind of consumption of any kind of intoxicating beverages. intoxicating beverages.

He said: He said:

Cursed is he who grows grapes Cursed is he who grows grapes for brewing.for brewing.

Cursed is he who sells it.Cursed is he who sells it. Cursed is he who crushes it.Cursed is he who crushes it. Cursed is he who bottles its, Cursed is he who bottles its,

andand Cursed is he who drinks it, Cursed is he who drinks it,

or words to this effect. or words to this effect.

It is brewing or fermenting that It is brewing or fermenting that invites the curse. invites the curse.

Otherwise, the planting of fruit Otherwise, the planting of fruit trees for the purpose of eating or trees for the purpose of eating or selling their fruits is an act of selling their fruits is an act of virtue for which Allah will reward virtue for which Allah will reward us.us.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) is also The Holy Prophet (PBUH) is also reported to have said:reported to have said:

"Whatever intoxicates if taken "Whatever intoxicates if taken in greater quantity is also in greater quantity is also forbidden in smaller forbidden in smaller quantity".quantity".

There is no excuse in the House of There is no excuse in the House of Islam for a nip or a tot, unlike Islam for a nip or a tot, unlike Paul's advice to Timothy –Paul's advice to Timothy –

"Drink no longer water, but use "Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often sake and thine often infirmities.infirmities.

(Holy Bible) (Holy Bible) 1 Timothy 5:231 Timothy 5:23

Or Solomon's sanguine yet humorous Or Solomon's sanguine yet humorous recommendation for enslaving and recommendation for enslaving and subjugating a conquered people:subjugating a conquered people:

"Give strong drink unto him that is "Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts".those that be of heavy hearts".

Let them drink, and forget his Let them drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery poverty, and remember his misery no more".no more".

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Proverbs 31:6-7 Proverbs 31:6-7

Hard liquor is for sick men at Hard liquor is for sick men at the brink of death and wine the brink of death and wine for those in deep depression.for those in deep depression._ _

Is the alternative rendering of the Is the alternative rendering of the verse in the verse in the Living Bible,Living Bible,_ not a _ not a sure dath to the dying?sure dath to the dying?

Lest we forget, please look again at Lest we forget, please look again at the Qur'anic diction and the the Qur'anic diction and the words of the Prophet (PBUH) words of the Prophet (PBUH) above, and you cannot help above, and you cannot help agreeing that the two are words agreeing that the two are words apart in style, structure, and apart in style, structure, and sublimity though articulated by sublimity though articulated by the same lips.the same lips.

2. NEW MOONS2. NEW MOONS

Another example is replying Another example is replying telegraphically to a question regarding telegraphically to a question regarding the new moonsthe new moons

““They ask thee concerning the new They ask thee concerning the new moons.moons.

Say:Say: they are but signs to mark they are but signs to mark fixed periods of time in (the affairs) fixed periods of time in (the affairs) of men, and for pilgrimage.”of men, and for pilgrimage.”

(SURA BAQARAH) (SURA BAQARAH) Holy Qur'an 2:189Holy Qur'an 2:189[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

"There were many superstitions "There were many superstitions connected with the New Moon, as there connected with the New Moon, as there are to the present day. We are told to are to the present day. We are told to disregard such superstitions. disregard such superstitions.

As a measure of time, where the lunar As a measure of time, where the lunar calendar is used, the New Moon is one calendar is used, the New Moon is one great sign, for which people watch with great sign, for which people watch with eagerness. eagerness.

Muslim festivals, including the Pilgrimage, Muslim festivals, including the Pilgrimage, are fixed by the appearance of the New are fixed by the appearance of the New Moon".Moon".

A.Yusuf AliA.Yusuf Ali

A telegram, in an identical vein to A telegram, in an identical vein to the question of –the question of –

3. C-H-A-R-I-T-Y 3. C-H-A-R-I-T-Y

““They ask thee (O Muhammad!) what They ask thee (O Muhammad!) what they should spend (in charity).they should spend (in charity).

Say:Say: whatever ye spend that is good, whatever ye spend that is good, Is for parents and kindred and Is for parents and kindred and orphans and those in want and for orphans and those in want and for wayfarers.wayfarers.

And whatever ye do that is good, - And whatever ye do that is good, - Allah knoweth it well.”Allah knoweth it well.”

(SURA BAQARAH) (SURA BAQARAH) Holy Qur'an 2:215Holy Qur'an 2:215[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali] [English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

Three question arise in charity:Three question arise in charity: What shall we give?What shall we give? To whom shall we give?To whom shall we give? How shall we give?How shall we give?

The answer is here, giving anything The answer is here, giving anything that is good, useful, helpful, that is good, useful, helpful, valuable. valuable.

It may be property or money; it It may be property or money; it may be a helpful hand; it may be may be a helpful hand; it may be advice, it may be a kind word:advice, it may be a kind word: "WHATEVER YE DO THAT IS "WHATEVER YE DO THAT IS GOOD" GOOD" is is charity.charity.

On the other hand, if you throw away On the other hand, if you throw away what is useless, there is no charity what is useless, there is no charity in it.in it.

Or if you give something with harmful Or if you give something with harmful intent, e.g. a sword to a madman, or intent, e.g. a sword to a madman, or a drug or sweets or even money to a drug or sweets or even money to some one whom you want to entrap some one whom you want to entrap or corrupt.or corrupt.

““IT IS NO CHARITY BUT A GIFT OF IT IS NO CHARITY BUT A GIFT OF DAMNATION".DAMNATION".

TO WHOM SHOULD TO WHOM SHOULD YOU GIVE?YOU GIVE?

It may be tempting to earn the It may be tempting to earn the world’s praise by a gift that will world’s praise by a gift that will be talked about, but are you be talked about, but are you meeting the needs of those who meeting the needs of those who have the first claim on you? have the first claim on you?

If you are not, YOU ARE A PERSON If you are not, YOU ARE A PERSON WHO DEFRAUDS CREDITORS: it is WHO DEFRAUDS CREDITORS: it is not charity!not charity!

"Every gift is judged by its unselfish "Every gift is judged by its unselfish character: the degree of need or character: the degree of need or claim is a factor which you must claim is a factor which you must consider.consider.

If you disregard it, there is If you disregard it, there is something selfish behind it. something selfish behind it.

HOW SHOULD IT BE HOW SHOULD IT BE GIVEN?GIVEN?

As in the sight of Allah; it shuts out As in the sight of Allah; it shuts out all pretence, show, and all pretence, show, and insincerity".insincerity".

A. Yusuf AliA. Yusuf Ali

Muhammad (PBUH) received yet Muhammad (PBUH) received yet another telegram in answer to the another telegram in answer to the query in the nature of: -query in the nature of: -

4. THE SOUL4. THE SOUL

““They ask thee (O Muhammad!) They ask thee (O Muhammad!) concerning (the nature of) the soul.concerning (the nature of) the soul.

Say:Say: "The soul is by the command of "The soul is by the command of my Lord: And of the knowledge of it my Lord: And of the knowledge of it very little is communicated to you, very little is communicated to you, (O Men!)“”(O Men!)“”

(SURA BANI ISRA-IL) (SURA BANI ISRA-IL) Holy Qur'an 17:85Holy Qur'an 17:85[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

I cannot help over-emphasizing the I cannot help over-emphasizing the fact that:fact that:

THE RECITATION OF THE HOLY THE RECITATION OF THE HOLY QUR’AN IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER QUR’AN IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER BOOK ON EARTH. BOOK ON EARTH.

IT SPEAKS STRAIGHT AND TO IT SPEAKS STRAIGHT AND TO THE POINT. THE POINT.

THERE ARE NO IFS AND BUTS, THERE ARE NO IFS AND BUTS, NO PREVARICATIONS, NO NO PREVARICATIONS, NO BEATING ABOUT THE BUSH.BEATING ABOUT THE BUSH.

In the whole vast volume you will In the whole vast volume you will not get the type of script out of not get the type of script out of which a "box-office hit", or a which a "box-office hit", or a record breaking film like the record breaking film like the "Ten "Ten Commandments"Commandments",, "Samson "Samson and Delilah"and Delilah", or a, or a "David and "David and Bath-sheba"Bath-sheba" can be produced can be produced for the silver screen – the cinema. for the silver screen – the cinema.

In this regard, the Holy Bible is the In this regard, the Holy Bible is the script writer's delight. script writer's delight.

It is all there for easy transmuting It is all there for easy transmuting into pots of gold! into pots of gold!

While we are at it, let me remind my While we are at it, let me remind my readers that search as you may you readers that search as you may you will not find within the covers of the will not find within the covers of the Holy Qur'an even the name of Holy Qur'an even the name of Muhammad's (PBUH) father or Muhammad's (PBUH) father or mother.mother.

You will not discover the names of his You will not discover the names of his wives or the names of his daughters, wives or the names of his daughters, nor the names of his beloved nor the names of his beloved companions. companions.

Amazingly! though you will find a Amazingly! though you will find a whole chapter dedicated to Mary, whole chapter dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ (PBUH) the mother of Jesus Christ (PBUH) … … Sura MaryamSura Maryam, , or Mary, or Mary, chapter 19 of the Holy Qur'an. chapter 19 of the Holy Qur'an.

Jesus (Jesus (PBUHPBUH) is mentioned in ) is mentioned in this Book of God no less than this Book of God no less than twenty-five times, whereas twenty-five times, whereas the name of the Prophet the name of the Prophet ((PBUHPBUH) only five times) only five times, ,

Reason? Reason?

Are Jesus and his mother more Are Jesus and his mother more important than Muhammad and important than Muhammad and his mother (peace be upon them his mother (peace be upon them all)? all)?

"No! not at all" "No! not at all"

Then why this infordinate coverage? Then why this infordinate coverage?

Simply because the integrity of Simply because the integrity of Jesus and his mother (peace be Jesus and his mother (peace be upon them) was at stake. upon them) was at stake.

There were various false charges, There were various false charges, insinuations and innuendos insinuations and innuendos against mother and son which against mother and son which had to be cleared. had to be cleared.

Hence the story of the annunciation, Hence the story of the annunciation, the immaculate conception and the the immaculate conception and the birth of Jesus (PBUH) had to be birth of Jesus (PBUH) had to be recorded. recorded.

Nobody ever questioned the genealogy Nobody ever questioned the genealogy of the Prophet of Islam at any time, of the Prophet of Islam at any time, therefore not a word was wasted in therefore not a word was wasted in the whole book about the Prophet's the whole book about the Prophet's birth or parentage. birth or parentage.

The Qur'an is not a biography The Qur'an is not a biography of Muhammad (PBUH)! of Muhammad (PBUH)!

This is difficult for the unbeliever to This is difficult for the unbeliever to understand. understand.

Let us give one more example of Let us give one more example of the telegraphic communication the telegraphic communication from the Holy Qur'an on the from the Holy Qur'an on the subject of the Last Day, the End subject of the Last Day, the End of Time, that is – of Time, that is –

5. THE FINAL HOUR5. THE FINAL HOUR

““They ask thee (O Muhammad!) They ask thee (O Muhammad!) about the (final) hour – when will about the (final) hour – when will be its appointed time?be its appointed time?

Say: "the knowledge thereof is with Say: "the knowledge thereof is with my Lord (alone): none but He can my Lord (alone): none but He can reveal as to when it will occur.reveal as to when it will occur.

Heavy were its burden through the Heavy were its burden through the heavens and the earth.heavens and the earth.

Only, all of a sudden will it come to Only, all of a sudden will it come to you.“”you.“”

(SURA A`RAF) (SURA A`RAF) Holy Qur'an 7:187Holy Qur'an 7:187[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

A simple test to distinguish A simple test to distinguish man-made books from the man-made books from the Word of God. Word of God.

It will be worth while to compare It will be worth while to compare this one verse above with thethis one verse above with the whole of chapter thirteen of the whole of chapter thirteen of the Gospel of St. Mark, which uses all Gospel of St. Mark, which uses all of the thirty-seven verses there to of the thirty-seven verses there to reach the conclusion of the single reach the conclusion of the single aayahaayah (verse) above. (verse) above.

You will find the Qur'an free from You will find the Qur'an free from frills and verboseness!.frills and verboseness!.

Many other examples can be given Many other examples can be given from the Book of God to prove that from the Book of God to prove that its narration is not in the style of its narration is not in the style of men; that it is an absolutely men; that it is an absolutely unique Book. unique Book.

In fact a volume can be written on In fact a volume can be written on this theme itself. this theme itself.

However we will end this chapter However we will end this chapter with one last example from the with one last example from the Noble Qur'an. Noble Qur'an.

It is a classical short chapter of only four It is a classical short chapter of only four verses:verses:

SAY: He is God, SAY: He is God, The One and Only, The One and Only, God, the Eternal, Absolute; God, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not,He begetteth not,

Nor is He begotten; Nor is He begotten; And there is none And there is none

Like unto Him.Like unto Him. (SURA IKHLAS)(SURA IKHLAS) Noble Qur’an 112:1-4 Noble Qur’an 112:1-4

[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

All the four verses put together are All the four verses put together are less in wording than the five less in wording than the five examples of a single verse each examples of a single verse each given above. You will note five given above. You will note five numbers to the four verses, Nos. numbers to the four verses, Nos. 6296 to 6300. 6296 to 6300.

In the complete translation of A. In the complete translation of A. Yusuf Ali, you will find his learned Yusuf Ali, you will find his learned commentary. You may or may not commentary. You may or may not agree with his elucidations. agree with his elucidations.

They are not infallible. They are not infallible.

The word of God The word of God IS THE ARABIC IS THE ARABIC TEXTTEXT, and the English is , and the English is accepted as the best human accepted as the best human effort at translation.effort at translation.

You will do yourself and your You will do yourself and your Muslim and non-Muslim friends a Muslim and non-Muslim friends a great favour by making this great favour by making this translation available to them.translation available to them.

I will now give you my own I will now give you my own observation from the angle of observation from the angle of Revelation that we are discussing, Revelation that we are discussing, e.g., e.g.,

Divine inspiration – Word of God, Divine inspiration – Word of God, under the title:under the title:

ACID TEST OF ACID TEST OF THEOLOGY THEOLOGY

6. ACID TEST OF 6. ACID TEST OF THEOLOGYTHEOLOGY

On the authority of the Messenger On the authority of the Messenger of Allah, it is universally accepted of Allah, it is universally accepted that a Muslim reciting the above that a Muslim reciting the above four verses in its original form, four verses in its original form, three times, will derive the three times, will derive the spiritual blessings of reading the spiritual blessings of reading the whole Qur'an. whole Qur'an.

What makes this short What makes this short SuraSura (chapter) so invaluable? (chapter) so invaluable?

It is not the sound, nor the music of It is not the sound, nor the music of that inimitable symphony which that inimitable symphony which move men to ecstasy and tears. move men to ecstasy and tears.

It is the Message, that acid test of It is the Message, that acid test of religion which gives it that high religion which gives it that high and sublime status.and sublime status.

There is not a theology, or a There is not a theology, or a concept of God which is out of the concept of God which is out of the purview of these four short purview of these four short verses. verses.

They are the touchstones about the They are the touchstones about the knowledge of God. knowledge of God.

Through these you can accept or Through these you can accept or reject any idea of God, or know reject any idea of God, or know right from wrong. right from wrong.

This is exactly like the This is exactly like the "touchstone""touchstone" the jewellers use the jewellers use for testing gold. Ask a jeweller for testing gold. Ask a jeweller friend how a touchstone works. friend how a touchstone works.

How did our Qur'anic How did our Qur'anic touchstone come about? touchstone come about?

FROM THE "HEAD FROM THE "HEAD COMPUTER"COMPUTER"

Arrangements were under way for Arrangements were under way for me to visit Zambia on a lecture me to visit Zambia on a lecture tour in mid-1975. tour in mid-1975.

I received a phone call from Lusaka I received a phone call from Lusaka that an air ticket was sent to that an air ticket was sent to Durban which I could pick up from Durban which I could pick up from the headquarters of the South the headquarters of the South African Airways in the city centre. African Airways in the city centre.

I walked up to the airways office and I walked up to the airways office and approached the information counter approached the information counter and told the man in charge that I had and told the man in charge that I had come to pick up my air ticket which come to pick up my air ticket which had been sent from Lusaka. had been sent from Lusaka.

He told me to see one of the ladies, out He told me to see one of the ladies, out of a dozen that were seated in a semi-of a dozen that were seated in a semi-circle, each with a computer terminal circle, each with a computer terminal with a visual screen in front. with a visual screen in front.

As most of them were attending to As most of them were attending to other customers, I asked "Which other customers, I asked "Which one?" one?"

The officer was obviously irritated and The officer was obviously irritated and flayed his hands and said roughly, flayed his hands and said roughly, "Any one!" Pointing in the direction "Any one!" Pointing in the direction of the seated ladies.of the seated ladies.

At that moment, I could not At that moment, I could not understand the reason for this understand the reason for this otherwise polite gentleman getting otherwise polite gentleman getting ruffled with my humble and innocent ruffled with my humble and innocent question. question.

I was looking forward to receiving a I was looking forward to receiving a long booklet of ticket vouchers. long booklet of ticket vouchers.

I had handled and used them a few I had handled and used them a few times before in my life so there was times before in my life so there was no mistaking in what I was no mistaking in what I was anticipating. anticipating.

How can any one of those women How can any one of those women have my ticket? I wondered. But the have my ticket? I wondered. But the irritated tone of the man's voice left irritated tone of the man's voice left me no choice but to seek further me no choice but to seek further information as indicated. information as indicated.

Sheepishly, I approached the fist Sheepishly, I approached the fist lady that I saw free to serve and lady that I saw free to serve and told her of my mission. told her of my mission.

I was informed about a ticket I was informed about a ticket waiting to be picked up. waiting to be picked up.

She asked me my name which I She asked me my name which I spelled out for her. spelled out for her.

As I spelt it, she began typing it on As I spelt it, she began typing it on the keyboard before her. the keyboard before her.

She was watching the screen as She was watching the screen as she typed. I could not see the she typed. I could not see the wording from where I stood. wording from where I stood.

She nodded her head and said, She nodded her head and said, "Yes", suggesting that she had "Yes", suggesting that she had got it. got it.

I said that I wanted to leave Durban I said that I wanted to leave Durban for Johannesburg on Tuesday for Johannesburg on Tuesday evening. evening.

She offered me a 6 p.m. flight which I She offered me a 6 p.m. flight which I accepted, and she punched a few accepted, and she punched a few more words on the keyboard. more words on the keyboard.

I told her, further, that I wanted to I told her, further, that I wanted to leave Johannesburg to arrive in leave Johannesburg to arrive in Lusaka at about 3 p.m. the next day. Lusaka at about 3 p.m. the next day.

That was the instruction from my That was the instruction from my hosts there as they wanted the hosts there as they wanted the news media and the TV news to news media and the TV news to cover my arrival.cover my arrival.

She typed some more words and She typed some more words and enquired whether I wanted to go enquired whether I wanted to go to Lusaka via Gaborone or Maputo.to Lusaka via Gaborone or Maputo.

I said, it didn't matter as long as I I said, it didn't matter as long as I arrived at my destination on arrived at my destination on Wednesday at 3 p.m. Wednesday at 3 p.m.

She hit the keyboard again and She hit the keyboard again and scanning the screen said, "I am sorry scanning the screen said, "I am sorry but you are booked on Zambian but you are booked on Zambian Airlines.Airlines.

““We cannot transfer your ticket to We cannot transfer your ticket to another airline because we cannot another airline because we cannot contact Zambian Airlines today as contact Zambian Airlines today as they are closed on account of a they are closed on account of a national holiday in that country". national holiday in that country".

So I was asked to return the next So I was asked to return the next day. Very interesting! day. Very interesting!

I thought, but I was sorely I thought, but I was sorely disappointed as the ticket was disappointed as the ticket was almost within my reach but not almost within my reach but not within my grasp. within my grasp.

I still imagined that she had the I still imagined that she had the tickets in her desk drawer.tickets in her desk drawer.

IGNORANCE REMOVED IGNORANCE REMOVED

In my puzzlement, I asked her, In my puzzlement, I asked her, "Where did you get all that "Where did you get all that information from?“information from?“

She said, "It was from the Head She said, "It was from the Head Computer in Johannesburg". Computer in Johannesburg".

She was kind enough to explain She was kind enough to explain further that every other computer further that every other computer in the country with similar end in the country with similar end terminals had access to that terminals had access to that computer at the press of a button. computer at the press of a button.

I I enquired that whilst she was trying enquired that whilst she was trying to book me on that 6 p.m. flight to to book me on that 6 p.m. flight to Johannesburg, and if there was Johannesburg, and if there was only one seat left, and if there only one seat left, and if there were other terminals trying for were other terminals trying for that seat, what would happen? that seat, what would happen?

She said the first one within the She said the first one within the second would get the seat and the second would get the seat and the rest would draw a blank. I thanked rest would draw a blank. I thanked her profusely and left the airways her profusely and left the airways building. building.

On my way back to my office, my mind On my way back to my office, my mind began to buzz with ideas. began to buzz with ideas.

This is how it happened, I thought, I This is how it happened, I thought, I mean the mean the wahywahy (the Revelation of God (the Revelation of God to Muhammad (PBUH)) His Chosen to Muhammad (PBUH)) His Chosen Messenger, came from the "Head Messenger, came from the "Head Computer" – THE PRESERVED TABLET!:Computer" – THE PRESERVED TABLET!:

““Nay this is a Glorious Qur’an,Nay this is a Glorious Qur’an,(Inscribed) in a Tablet Preserved!”(Inscribed) in a Tablet Preserved!”

(SURA BURUJ) (SURA BURUJ) Noble Qur’an 85: 21-22 Noble Qur’an 85: 21-22 [English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

This This "Tablet""Tablet" is not like the one is not like the one Moses (PBUH) used for inscribing Moses (PBUH) used for inscribing the Ten Commandments, a tablet the Ten Commandments, a tablet of stone. of stone.

It is unlike the ones teachers use in It is unlike the ones teachers use in schools, called "blackboards" or schools, called "blackboards" or "green boards". "green boards".

Neither it is the Tablet of a computer Neither it is the Tablet of a computer screen or the silicone chip. screen or the silicone chip.

It is God's Own tablet guarded and It is God's Own tablet guarded and protected.protected.

It is not to be understood in any It is not to be understood in any material sense for it is not made material sense for it is not made of stone or metal.of stone or metal.

IT IS SPIRITUAL!IT IS SPIRITUAL! How does it operate? How does it operate? We can only guess –We can only guess –

CHRISTIANS FROM CHRISTIANS FROM NAJRANNAJRAN

Whilst Islam was getting a firm Whilst Islam was getting a firm foothold in Madinah, the foothold in Madinah, the reputation of the Messenger of reputation of the Messenger of God spread throughout the length God spread throughout the length and breadth of Arabia. and breadth of Arabia.

A community of Arab Christians living in A community of Arab Christians living in Najran, around Yemen, heard that an Najran, around Yemen, heard that an Arab in Arabia was now claiming Divine Arab in Arabia was now claiming Divine inspiration and had proclaimed himself to inspiration and had proclaimed himself to be the mouthpiece of God – a Prophet. be the mouthpiece of God – a Prophet.

A deputation set out for Madinah to cross-A deputation set out for Madinah to cross-examine the Prophet, to match their wits examine the Prophet, to match their wits against his to test his knowledge about against his to test his knowledge about God and religion in general.God and religion in general.

On their arrival they were housed On their arrival they were housed in al- in al- Masjid an-NabawiMasjid an-Nabawi (the (the Prophet’s mosque): a simple Prophet’s mosque): a simple structure of mud walls with a structure of mud walls with a thatched roof of palm leaves. thatched roof of palm leaves.

The Christians, ate and slept in the The Christians, ate and slept in the Mosque and had discussions with Mosque and had discussions with the Messenger for three days and the Messenger for three days and three nights in the mosque. three nights in the mosque.

The details of the dialogue can be The details of the dialogue can be found in the Books of Traditions.found in the Books of Traditions.

During the course of the dialogue, During the course of the dialogue, the spokesman for the Christians, the spokesman for the Christians,

amongst many other things, amongst many other things, posed the question, "posed the question, "Now tell us Now tell us

O Muhammad, what is your O Muhammad, what is your concept of Godconcept of God?" ?"

The Prophet did not prevaricate, he The Prophet did not prevaricate, he did not beat around the bush, did not beat around the bush, fumbling for words and ideas, to fumbling for words and ideas, to gather his thoughts, as anyone of gather his thoughts, as anyone of us would have done if we did not us would have done if we did not have a ready answer. have a ready answer.

Muhammad (PBUH), so to speak, Muhammad (PBUH), so to speak, presses his spiritual buttons presses his spiritual buttons (there were no buttons to press) (there were no buttons to press) but as I said: but as I said: "So to speak""So to speak" as if, as if, like the lady above, in the airways like the lady above, in the airways office contacting the "Head office contacting the "Head Computer." Computer."

He is seeking an answer from Allah He is seeking an answer from Allah through the "PRESERVED through the "PRESERVED TABLET", the head computer of all TABLET", the head computer of all revelational knowledge. revelational knowledge.

He is asking, again I said, so to He is asking, again I said, so to speak "O my Lord! What shall I speak "O my Lord! What shall I say?" say?"

Came the answer – Came the answer –

““Say: (O Muhammad) He is Allah Say: (O Muhammad) He is Allah the one and only; the one and only; Allah, the eternal absolute; Allah, the eternal absolute;

He begetteth not, nor is He He begetteth not, nor is He begotten, begotten, And there is none like unto And there is none like unto him.”him.”

((SURA IKHLASSURA IKHLAS ) )Npble Qur'an 112:1-4Npble Qur'an 112:1-4[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

After uttering the above formula on After uttering the above formula on the Purity of Faith, the the Purity of Faith, the conversation returned to the conversation returned to the usual discourse of words. usual discourse of words.

No Arab worth his name could have No Arab worth his name could have missed the difference in tone and missed the difference in tone and intensity between the two intensity between the two discourses. discourses.

The words above were not the The words above were not the Prophet's but were God's words. Prophet's but were God's words.

They were literally being put into They were literally being put into his mouth. his mouth.

While he recited them, he was only While he recited them, he was only being used as a mouthpiece of being used as a mouthpiece of God, like the "speaker" in the God, like the "speaker" in the radio. radio.

This data material was This data material was programmed into his own, God-programmed into his own, God-given, computer, into his heart given, computer, into his heart and mind a decade earlier in and mind a decade earlier in Makkah, under identical Makkah, under identical circumstances. circumstances.

The foregoing is a perfect example of how The foregoing is a perfect example of how God Almighty sent His revelation to his God Almighty sent His revelation to his chosen Messenger – by verbal chosen Messenger – by verbal inspiration – and how His Messenger inspiration – and how His Messenger had it protected and preserved, and had it protected and preserved, and how His human mouthpiece used and how His human mouthpiece used and re-used that Message, and how we, the re-used that Message, and how we, the followers of the Prophet (PBUH), are to followers of the Prophet (PBUH), are to have that Message imbibed to use it at have that Message imbibed to use it at every opportunity.every opportunity.

In the religious literature of the In the religious literature of the world there is nothing to compare world there is nothing to compare with even this short chapter of with even this short chapter of Sura IkhlasSura Ikhlas quoted above! quoted above!

If this chapter 112 is the acid test of If this chapter 112 is the acid test of theology – God's concentrated theology – God's concentrated word, then the rest of the Qur'anic word, then the rest of the Qur'anic text is its explanation, with which text is its explanation, with which we are to discover the Qualities of we are to discover the Qualities of God, and avoid the pitfalls into God, and avoid the pitfalls into which men and nations have fallen which men and nations have fallen repeatedly in trying to understand repeatedly in trying to understand God.God.

At that time he was being prodded At that time he was being prodded by the Jews who were trying to by the Jews who were trying to trip him on the subject of the trip him on the subject of the "identity and genealogy of "identity and genealogy of God".God". Not unlike the Pharisees of Not unlike the Pharisees of old who were dogging the old who were dogging the footsteps of Jesus, their waited footsteps of Jesus, their waited Messiah (PBUH).Messiah (PBUH).