ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF THE MEANING OF THE QURAN

Prefaceviidid not send you (O Prophet), except as a mercy to all worlds.” [21.107]“And We have not sent you (O Muhammad) except as one to give them goodnews, and to warn them (of the punishment; As a messenger and a guide tomankind), but most men do not understand.” [34.28]. The religion of all theprophets was ‘total submission to God’s Will’ and the one word for that inthe Arabic language is ‘Islam’; and the person who does that is a ‘Muslim’.Allah (swt) says in the Quran that Abraham (pbuh) was a Muslim. “Ibrahim(Abraham) was neither a Jew nor even a Christian; But he was true in Faith,and surrendered his will to Allah’s, (like a Muslim) and He did not join godswith Allah.” [3.67]It is mentioned in the Quran that Jesus (pbuh) was a Muslim [3.52]. Jesus(pbuh) also says in the Bible. “I seek not my own will, but the will of theFather which hath sent me.” [Gospel of John 5:30]. And anybody who seeksthe Will of God is referred to as a Muslim.Islam is the first religion and the only religion, which is acceptable in thesight of God. Therefore Allah (swt) says: “If anyone desires a religion otherthan Islam (submission to Allah), it will never be accepted from him; In theHereafter, he will be with those who have lost (all spiritual reward).” [3.85]Allah (swt) has sent a revelation in every age. Allah (swt) says in the Quran,“Allah permitted (or ordered, for) each period is a Book (revealed).” [13.38]There are several revelations sent by Allah (swt) in different ages for theguidance of human beings of the respective ages. Only four revelations arementioned by name in the Quran. These are the Torah, Zabur, Injeel and theQuran.Torah is the Wahi, the revelation that was revealed to Prophet Moses (pbuh).Zabur is the Wahi, the revelation that was revealed to Prophet David (pbuh).Injeel is the Wahi, the revelation which was revealed to Prophet Jesus (pbuh)and the Quran is the last and final Wahi, the final revelation, that wasrevealed to the Last and Final Messenger Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).The Arabic word ‘Quran’ comes from the root word ‘qara’a’ or ‘qa- ra-a’,which means to read, to recite, and to proclaim. The Quran is a collection tobe read or to be recited.Since there was to be no messenger after Muhammad (pbuh), the bookrevealed to him (i.e., the Quran) was preserved word for word so that itshould be a source of Divine Guidance for all times. Each of the revelations,prior to the revelation of the Quran, was meant only for a particular periodand for a particular group of people.

PrefaceviiiAs the Quran was the last and final revelation of Almighty Allah, it wasrevealed not just for Muslims or Arabs but it was revealed for the whole ofHumankind. Further, the Quran was not revealed only for the era of theProphet but it was revealed for all of Humankind until the Last Day.Allah (swt) says in the Quran, “Alif Lám Ra: A Book (the Quran) whichWe have revealed to you, (O Prophet!) so that you may lead mankind fromthe depths of darkness into Light- By the permission of their Lord- To thePath (towards Him), the Exalted in Power, the (One) Worthy of all Praise”[14.1]“The month of Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Quran asa guide to mankind, also Clear (Signs for) guidance and judgment (betweenright and wrong)” [2.185]Islam and Universal BrotherhoodThere are various types of brotherhoods - brotherhood based on bloodrelations, brotherhood based on regional affiliations, or brotherhood on thebasis of race, caste, creed, ideology, etc. But all these types of brotherhoodare limited in their scope, coverage and benefits.Islam, on the other hand, prescribes Universal Brotherhood. It rejects thethought that human beings have been created in castes or in different levels.In Surah Al-Hujurat [49:13], Allah (SWT) describes the Islamic concept ofUniversal Brotherhood.“O mankind! We have created you from a single (pair) of male and female,and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another (notthat you may hate each other). Surely, the most honorable of you, in the Sightof Allah is (he, who is) the most righteous of you. Verily, Allah is AllKnowing (Aleem) and is Well-Aware (Khabir, of all things).”This verse of the Quran indicates that the entire human race originated from asingle pair of male and female. All humans have common great-grandparentsand ancestors.Further, Allah (swt) says that he has made nations and tribes, so that humanscan recognize each other, and not so that they may despise each other andfight amongst themselves.This verse also clarifies that the criteria for judgment in the sight of Allah(swt) does not depend on caste, color, creed, gender or wealth, but on Taqwai.e. God’s consciousness, piety and righteousness. Anyone who is righteous,pious and God-conscious is honored in the sight of Allah (swt).Further it is stated in Surah Ar-Rum [30.22], that, “And among His Signs is

Prefaceixthe creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference in yourlanguages, and your colors. Surely, there are signs in this for those whoknow.”These variations in color and language are not for the purpose of creatinganimosity or differences between groups of humans. Every language on earthhas its own beauty and significance. A foreign language may sound strangeand funny to you, but it sounds sweet to those who speak it.Allah says in Surah Al-Isra [17.70], “We have honored the children ofAdam.” Allah has not honored only Arabs or Americans or any particularrace uniquely. He states that He has honored all the children of Adam,irrespective of race, caste, color, creed or gender.While there are some religions that believe that humankind originated from asingle pair - Adam and Eve (peace be upon them), there are some faiths thatsay, that it is because of the sin of the woman (Eve -may Allah be pleasedwith her) that the humans are born in sin. They blame only the woman, whois Eve, for the downfall of human beings. The Quran speaks about the storyof Adam and Eve (peace be upon them) in several Surahs, but in all theplaces, the blame is placed equally on both - Adam and Eve (peace be uponthem). According to Surah Al-A’raf [7.19-27], both of them disobeyed Allah(swt), both of them repented, and both were forgiven.Both are equally blamed for the mistake. There is not a single verse in theQuran, which puts the blame only on Eve (may Allah be pleased with her).In Surah Taha [20.121], it is stated that Adam (pbuh) disobeyed Allah (swt).Certain faiths, on the other hand state that because Eve disobeyed God, she isresponsible for the 'sin of humankind’. Hence, God cursed the woman, andsaid that she will bear labor pains. This implies that pregnancy is a curse.Islam of course does not support this unjust perspective. In Surah Nisa [4.1],Allah states, “And revere (and respect) the wombs (that bore you):” InIslam, pregnancy does not degrade a woman. On the contrary, it elevates thestatus of a woman. In Surah Luqman [31.14], it is stated that, “And We havecommanded man (to be good) to his parents: In weakness and hardship his motherbore him, and in two years (after) was his weaning:”The Quran says in Surah Al-Ahqaf [46.15], “ And We have commanded thatit is essential for man to be kind to his parents: In pain did his mother bear him,and in pain did she give him birth.”Islam states that men and women are created equal. The foundation of anIslamic society is justice and equity. Allah has created men and women asequal, but with different capabilities and different responsibilities. Men andwomen are different, physiologically and psychologically. Their roles and

Prefacexresponsibilities are different. Men and women are equal in Islam, but notidentical.According to a Hadith mentioned in Sahih Bukhari, Vol.No. 8, in the Bookof Adab, Chapter 2, Hadith No. 2.“A person came to Prophet Mohammed (saw), and asked him, ‘Who is theperson who deserves the maximum love and companionship in this world?’The Prophet replied, ‘Your mother.’The man asked, 'Who next?’The Prophet said, ‘Your mother.’The man asked, ‘After that who?’The Prophet repeated for the third time, ‘Your mother.’The man asked, ‘After that who?’Then the Prophet said, ‘Your father.’”So, 75% or 3/4 of the love and companionship of the children are due to themother and only 25% or 1/4 of the love and companionship goes to thefather. In other words, the mother gets the gold medal, she gets the silvermedal, as well as the bronze medal. The father has to be satisfied with a mereconsolation prize.Amongst the teachings of Islam, it is stated that men and women are equal but being equal does not mean that both are identical. There are manymisconceptions about the status of women in Islam. Such misconceptions canbe removed if one studies the authentic sources of knowledge of Islam andtheir teachings - the Quran and the Sahih Hadith. Let’s take an example. In aclass, two students - student ‘A’ and ‘B’ get the highest marks in a subject,say - 80 out of 100. The question paper consisted of 10 questions, each of 10marks. In the first answer student ‘A’ gets 9 out of 10, student ‘B’ gets 7 outof 10. So in question 1 student ‘A’ has a degree of advantage than student‘B’. In question 2, student ‘B’ gets 9 out of 10, and student ‘A’ gets 7 out of10. So in question 2, student ‘B’ has a degree of advantage, than student ‘A’.In the remaining 8 questions, both get 8 out of 10, and if you total the marksof both students, both get 80 out of 100. So if you analyze, both student ‘A’and ‘B’ have got over all equal marks. But in answers to some questions,student ‘A’ has a degree of advantage and in answers to some otherquestions, student ‘B’ has a degree of advantage - but in terms of overallmarks, both are equal. Similarly, in Islam, men and women are equal.As another example, if a robber enters my house, I will not say, ‘I believe in

Prefacexiwomen’s rights, and I believe in women’s liberation and therefore my sister,my wife or my mother, should go and fight the robber.’Allah says in Surah Nisa [4.34], “Allah has given the one more (strength)than the other.” Normally, men have more strength than the women. Sowhere strength is concerned, men have a degree of advantage. Since theyhave been given more strength, it is their duty to protect women.Where love and companionship from children is concerned, the mother getsthree times more love and companionship than the father. Here women havea degree of advantage.Brotherhood in Islam does not only mean that the same sexes are equal.‘Universal Brotherhood’ in Islam means, that besides race, caste, and creed,even the sexes are overall equal. Men and women are equal in Islam, but insome aspects, men have a degree of advantage while in some other aspects,women have a degree of advantage - but overall both are equal.The miracle of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), i.e. the Quran, is for alltimesThe miracles performed by the previous prophets such as parting of sea byProphet Moses (pbuh), giving life to the dead by Prophet Jesus (pbuh), etc.convinced the people of that time but these miracles cannot be analyzed andverified by us today.Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the last and final Messenger of God, sent forthe whole of humankind and the message he delivered is for eternity.Therefore, the miracle of the last and final Messenger should also beeverlasting, examinable and verifiable by people of all ages. While ProphetMuhammad (pbuh) performed several miracles as are mentioned in theHadith (recorded traditions, sayings and actions of the Prophet), he neveremphasized them. Though we Muslims believe in these miracles we onlyboast of the ultimate miracle given to him by Almighty God, which is theQuran.The Quran is the miracle of all times which proved itself to be a miracle1400 years ago and which can be reconfirmed today and forever. In short, itis the Miracle of Miracles.FALSIFICATION TEST OF THE QURANThe scientific community adopts the following approach – they say, “if youhave a theory, do not bother us with it unless you bring with that theory away to prove that you and the theory are wrong". This is called aFalsification test.

PrefacexiiThis is the same reason why they paid attention to the theory of AlbertEinstein who said, “I think the universe works like this and these are threeways to prove me wrong”. Scientists subjected his theory to tests and within6 years it passed the tests, which he offered. This does not prove that he isgreat but it proves that he deserves to be paid attention to, because of thefalsification tests, which accompanied his theory.The Quran too offers its readers several falsification tests. Some of thesewere only meant for the past, yet others for all times. The Quran says that if itis not what it claims then all you have to do is this or that, to prove that it isfalse. This unique falsification test is not to be found in any other religiousscripture. The Quran gives several such opportunities to prove it wrong.Some such falsification tests offered by the Quran are.a. The story of Abu Lahab:The Prophet had an uncle who was known by the nickname ‘Abu Lahab’which means ‘Father of the flame’ because of his fiery temper. This unclewas one of the staunchest enemies of the prophet and of Islam. There is aSurah in the Quran called Surah Al-Lahab [111] named after Abu Lahab.This Surah prophesied that Abu Lahab and his wife will perish in the hell fire– implying he will never become a Muslim and therefore will enter the hellfire.This Surah was revealed 10 years before Abu Lahab died as an unbeliever inthe battle of Badr. Abu Lahab was always eager to prove that the Quran wasfalse and was a human invention. All that Abu Lahab had to do to prove theQuran and Surah Abu Lahab wrong was state “I am a Muslim” – the Quranwould have been proved wrong. He did not have to behave like a Muslim.Even if he falsely, for namesake had said that he was a Muslim, the Quranwould have been proved wrong in the eyes of men. Imagine Abu Lahab had10 years to think over it but yet he never uttered this statement. No logicalperson will ever put such a claim in his book. The Quran is a revelation andnot the handiwork of the Prophet.b. Produce a Surah like it.Muslims and non-Muslims alike acclaim that the best Arabic literatureavailable on the face of the earth is the Glorious Quran. Its language is rich,noble and eloquent. When the pagans alleged that Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) had committed forgery and thus produced the Quran, the Quranimmediately challenged them and offered them a falsification test.(i) In Surah Al-Isra [17.88], “Say: ‘If the entire mankind and jinns' wereto get together to produce (something) like this Quran, they could notproduce (anything) like it, even if they tried altogether with help and

xiiisupport.’”Preface(ii) Later the falsification test was made easier in Surah Hud, [11.13],“Or they say, ‘He has forged it (made it up himself).’ Say: ‘Then you bringTEN Surahs made up, similar to it, and call anyone you can (to help), otherthan Allah! If you speak the truth!’”(iii) The Quran repeats the challenge and further simplifies thefalsification test in Surah Yunus [10.38], “Or do they (the disbelievers) say,‘He made it up?’ Say: ‘Bring then a (ONE) Surah of its like, and call (foryour help) anyone you can, besides Allah, if it is that you speak the truth!’”Even this easy challenge was unmet and thus the pagans had no ground tosay that Prophet Muhammad had presented the Quran through forgery.(iv) Lastly, the Quran puts forward a falsification test, which is theeasiest of all. In Surah Al-Baqara [2.23 and 2.24], “And if you are in doubtabout what We have revealed (from time to time) to Our servant (theProphet), then produce a Surah like the one here (in the Quran); And callyour witness (or helpers if there are any) besides Allah, if you are truthful.(2.24.) But if you cannot - And surely you cannot - Then fear the Fire whosefuel is Men and Stones- Which is prepared for those who reject Faith.” TheQuran says ‘mim mislihi’ i.e. somewhat similar, it does not say ‘mislihi’ i.e.exactly similar, like in the previous challenge.Certain Surahs of the Quran hardly contain three verses that consist of only afew words. Not that people did not take up the challenge – the best poets ofArabia at that time tried their level best but they miserably failed. Some ofwhat they produced has been preserved in historical books to show that theywere the laughing stock. This is yet a standing challenge and a falsificationtest that is unanswered for the past 1400 years and will not be answered tilleternity.c. The Quran does not contain a single contradiction.The Quran also gives a falsification test in Surah Al-Nisa [4.82] that any onein the world can try. “Do they not consider the Quran (with care)? If it wasfrom (any) other than Allah, they would surely have found in there lot ofdiscrepancy (and contradictions).”Today if any one wants to prove that the Quran is not the word of God, hejust has to point out a single contradiction in the Quran. There are manydisbelievers who tried to point out several alleged contradictions in theQuran, but all of their attempts were either out of context, mistranslations ormisquotations.EXHAUSTING THE ALTERNATIVES

PrefacexivThere is an approach that is known as ‘Exhausting the Alternatives’. TheQuran says that it is a revelation from the Creator of all that exists. If forsome reason you do not believe that it is from the Creator, then what is it?You have to give some explanation. It says that it is a revelation. If not thenwhat is its source of origin? Where did it come from? Whatever answerspeople have given since the time the Quran was revealed have all beendisproved. The alternatives have been exhausted.The Quran earns your respect because you cannot disqualify it. The Qurangives the answer that it is a revelation from God Almighty. In Surah Al –Jathiyah, [45.2], “The Revelation of the book is from Allah, the Almightyand All Wise.”The Quran reconfirms that the Revelation is from Almighty God in severalverses: In Surah Al-An’aam [6.19], in Surah Al-An’aam [6.72], in SurahYusuf [12.1-2], in Surah Taha [20.113], in Surah Al-Naml [27.6], In SurahAl-Sajdah [32.1-3], in Surah Yasin [36.1-3], in Surah Al-Zumar [39.1], inSurah Ghafir [40.2], in Surah Al-Jathiyah [45.2], in Surah Al-Rahman [55.12], in Surah Al-Waqiah [56.77-80], and in Surah Al-Insan [76.23].EVERY THEIST SHOULD AGREE THAT THE QURAN IS THEWORD OF GODNo logical person who believes in the existence of God can deny that theQuran is God’s word after being presented with all these proofs To theatheist who does not believe in the existence of god, the question, “is theQuran God’s word?” is baseless. He does not believe in God, therefore sucha question does not arise in his mind.LOGICAL CONCEPT OF GODThe first question to the atheist is: “What is the definition of God?” For aperson to say there is no God, he should know what the meaning of God is.Suppose I hold a book and say ‘this is a pen’. The opposite person shouldknow the definition of a pen for him to refute and say that it is not a pen. In asimilar manner, for an atheist to say ‘there is no god’, he should at least knowthe concept of God. His concept of God is derived from the surroundings inwhich he lives or has been brought up.

The Quran was, is, and forever shall be, in ARABIC only. To truly understand the meaning of the Quran one must learn Arabic. The power and impact that the original verses carry, cannot be duplicated in any other language. This translation is an attempt to bring the Glory of the Message to those who s