Topics Till Now

The topics of my Blog so far were as follows:- ( starting with the latest Posts) Note:(Right-click on name of Topic and then Click on "Open in New Window" to open in a New Page.)

• Women in ISLAM : Their Status, Right And Duties

• Polygamy in ISLAM : A Man Having more than one Wife

• Qur'an And Science

• Sayings of Prophet Muhammad(PBUH)

• Signs Of Qayamat or Judgment Day

• Christianity And Islam : Similarities And Diffrences

• Sirat-Al-Mustaqim : Meaning of the word and Translation of Surah Al-Fatiha

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Women in ISLAM

The Post covers topics about

1.Status of Women in Islam

2.Rights of Women in islam

3.Duties of Women in islam

1.Status of Women in Islam

Women have a very important place in Islamic society. Unlike a number of other religions, Islam holds women in high esteem. Her importance as a mother and as a wife has been clearly stated by Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).

The prophet said, “Paradise lies at the feet of your mothers.” Once a person asked the prophet, “Who deserves the best care from me?” the prophet replied, “your mother (he repeated 3 times), then your father and then your nearest relatives.”

In his farewell speech at Arafat in the 10^th year of Hijrah, the prophet said, “O people, your wives have certain rights over you and you have certain rights over them. Treat them well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers.”

The prophet also said, “The best among you is the one who is the best towards his wife.”

These sayings clearly prove the important position given to women in Islam. But there are still people, especially in the west, who have misgivings about the status of women in Islam. To these people, the Muslim woman is seen almost as ‘a prisoner in the four walls of the house, a non-person, and as someone who as no rights and living under the dominance of a man.’ Their notions are totally wrong, and are based on ignorance rather than knowledge of Islam. Unfortunately, most Muslims are ignorant and do things which are against what is taught in Islam. This helps those who are constantly on the look-out to pull down Islam.

In order to judge these false ideas held by western people, it would be useful to survey the attitudes to women in different societies in the past.

• During the roman civilization, a woman was regarded as a slave.
• The Greeks considered her a commodity to be bought and sold.
• Early Christianity regarded women as temptresses, responsible for the fall of Adam.
• In India, in the past, a widow had to jump into the flames of her husband’s funeral pyre. Sati, child marriages and ban on widow remarriages became part of social life in India.The system was abolished by the British and progressive leaders, including women, from the community supported its end.
• In some parts of India, the Devadasis or the temple women were sexually exploited.
• In pre-Islamic state of Arabia, a woman was regarded as a cause for grief and unhappiness, and baby girls were sometimes -buried alive after birth.
• In Cambridge and oxford universities, male and female students were not given same rights until 1964.
• Before 1850, women were not counted as citizens in England and English women had no personal rights until 1882.

If we keep this picture in mind, we must conclude that Islam liberated women from Dark Age of obscurity, 14 hundred years ago…!!

Islam recognizes the realities of life. This does not mean it has recognized equalities of man and woman in every respect. Rather, it has defined their duties in keeping with their different biological make-up (2:228). Allah has not made man and woman identical, so it would be against nature to have total equality. It would destroy social balance; society would not prosper, but would instead have insoluble problems such as broken marriages, illegitimate children and the break-up of family-life.

These problems are already rife in the western society. Teenage pregnancies, abortions, divorce and many other problems have cropped up because of a permissive outlook and so-called freedom. No doubt the western society has started to realize these faults and is trying to find ways to return back to family-life and setting moral standards and every sign of immorality is being dealt with. It’s a slow but a much needed change.

Note: (2:228) implies 2nd chapter, Verse number 228 of the Holy Quran.

2.Rights of Women in Islam

• Allah has created every living being in pairs- male and female (51:49), including mankind.
• Allah has honoured the children of Adam – both male and female (17:70).
• Men and Women who believe are protectors of one another (9:71).
• Allah will reward both men and women in life after death (3:195).
• In Islam, woman has a distinct and separate identity.
• Islam has given women a right to own property.
• She is the owner of her earnings.
• No-one (father, husband or brother) has a right over them.
• She can dispose of her earnings and property as she wishes, within the bounds of Halal (lawful) and Haram (unlawful).
• Islam has given women a right to inheritance.
• She has a part in the property of her dead father, husband or childless brother (4:7, 32, 176).
• She has a right to choose her husband. No-one can impose a decision on her against her will.
• She has a right to seek separation (Khula’) from her husband if their marriage becomes impossible to sustain.
• If any man falsely questions a woman’s chastity, that man is declared unfit for evidence (24:4). This shows how a woman’s honour is safeguarded from false accusations.
• The Quran asks the Muslims to treat women kindly (4:19). It makes Muslim husbands responsible for their wife’s maintenance. The women, in return, are expected to remain obedient and chaste (4:34).
• A woman has a right o develop her talents and to work within the limits of Islam.
• Islam allows a non- Muslim married woman to retain her religion and her husband cannot interfere in this freedom. This applies to Christian and Jewish women with Muslim husbands.

Note: 51:49 implies 51st chapter, Verse number 49 of the Holy Quran.

3.Duties of a woman in Islam

Islam is a fair and balanced system of life. While it specifies the rights of women it also lays down duties. A Muslim woman is expected to observe the following duties:-

• Belief in Tawhid and the practice of Islam comes first. A Muslim woman must perform her Salah (Namaz), observer Sawm (Roza/fast), pay Zakah on her own wealth (if it is applicable), go on Hajj (if she can afford it). She is exempted from Salah and can defer Sawn during her period, but she must make up the days lost afterwards. Friday prayer (Jum’ah) is optional on women.
• She is required to maintain her chastity all the time. She must not have any extra-marital relationship. The same is the case with men.
• It is her duty to bring up children according to the needs of Islam. She has to look after the family and has absolute control over domestic affairs, although the family is run by mutual consent and co-operation. She is the queen of the family and in charge of domestic life.

• She should dress modestly and should put on Hijab while going out , meeting adult males beyond her close relatives (33:59,24:30-31). She should not wear men’s clothing.

• She is her husband’s help-mate. A faithful wife is like a garment, a source of peace, happiness and contentment for her husband (30:21, 2:187).

• If she is asked to go against the commands of Allah, she must defy even her husband, father or brother.

• She is expected to protect her husband’s property and belongings in his absence.

Islam views husband and wife as complementary to each other. Together they form a peaceful and happy family which is the basis for a sound and prosperous society.

Man and women are not exactly equal in Islam. They have different physical and biological features. Islam recognizes the leadership of a man over a woman (4:34, 2:228), but does not mean domination.

Note: (4:34) implies 4th chapter, Verse number 34 of the Holy Quran.

In the west, women have been reduced almost to a commodity of enjoyment and fancy. And women have tended to degrade themselves unwittingly in modern times, for in the name of equality, they have become the objects of exploitation by men, and the slogans of liberty and equality have virtually reduced them to playful commodities. They have neither gained liberty nor achieved equality; rather they have lost their natural place in the home.

Source: - ISLAM-Beliefs and Teachings,

Author:-Ghulam Sarwar, Director, the Muslim Educational Trust (London).

publisher: The Muslim Educational Trust, London, 130 Stroud Green Road, London N4 3RZ( Tel 020 7272 8502).

( Not evrything is from this book, instead, like my other posts, i have taken refrences from other places too . And Allah knows the Best)

Polygamy in ISLAM- Explained

The post will talk about

1. Polygamy( man with more than one wife)

2. Conditions for Polygamy

3. Misuse by the ignorant people

4. Polyandry( a woman with more than one husband)

The overwhelming majority of Muslims are monogamous, that is, they have only one wife. The fact that few Muslims have more than one wife has become a matter for propaganda against Islam and such propaganda can give misleading impression of the Islamic way of life. This is especially so when it is non-practicing Muslims who are highlighted on the issue of being married to more than one wife.

Islam allows restricted polygamy, that is, marriage to more than one woman, to the maximum of four. The normal Muslim practice is monogamy, that is, one man married to one wife. Polygamy is the exception.

The Quran has imposed strict conditions for marrying several wives. “Marry women of your choice, two, or three, or four; but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one."(4:3).

This verse says that to marry more than one woman, a man must be able to be fair and just to each of them. If he is not able to be so, he should marry only one wife.

Note: (4:3) implies 4th chapter, Verse number 3 of the Holy Quran.

Another verse of the Quran says, “You will not be able to deal fairly between your wives, however much you wish. Yet do not turn completely aside (from one) so that you leave another in suspense, if you maintain proper conduct and do your duty. Allah is ever forgiving and Merciful. ” (4:129).

This further emphasizes fair treatment.

But in special circumstances Islam allows polygamy. These situations are:

• When a wife is barren and cannot bear children, but the husband wants children. It is better to have a second wife than to divorce the barren one. But the barren wife has the option to seek separation from her husband if she wishes, on grounds of 2nd marriage of his husband.

• If the first wife is chronically ill and she is unable to carry out her marital and household duties, the husband may marry another woman and so help restore family peace.

• Polygamy may be the solution to the problems of a society which has more women than men. This happens especially after war. The verse in the Quran allowing more than one wife was revealed after the battle of Uhud in which many Muslim men were martyred.

Carefully look at the importance of first two points. In non-Islamic society, such an unfortunate woman is mostly looked down and cursed upon, and it allows the husband to dump or mistreat the first wife and marry another woman. In the process there is no moral binding over the husband to look over the welfare of the 1st wife. There is no accountability. Even his family and the society will be by his side. This is polygamy without Islamic condition of fair and just treatment.

Whereas, in Islamic society, which talks about polygamy with fair treatment, the foremost condition to marry is that there should be fair and just treatment of the wives, thus the husband cannot be unjust to his 1st wife. The husband has fear of Allah. Also the community and family will ensure the 1st wife is given due importance and respect.

But today, in some of the poor Muslim countries, some poor men still practice polygamy. What benefit would it really serve the society and Islam for a person to bring more illiterate and starving kids into this world? I honestly believe Allah Almighty will hold accountable every man who practices polygamy. Poor men practicing polygamy don't provide fairness to the newly born kids and to the economically crippled society, and certainly not to their wives either. Allah Almighty clearly demanded that we be fair and think thoroughly before having multiple wives. He clearly encouraged just having one wife.

But if a rich guy practices polygamy the way some of the oil rich Gulf-Arab multi billionaires practice it; by marrying and divorcing on Thursdays which ensures that he never exceeds four women, and at the same time he always experiences new sexual pleasure with a new woman every week, then believe me Allah Almighty will damn him really bad in the Day of Judgment, because this is not the spiritual point from allowing polygamy in the Holy Quran!

I think practicing polygamy among those who can afford it really depends on the individual case. If the man's wife strongly opposes to polygamy to a point that she would seek a divorce, then obviously he can never satisfy her, and most probably can never be fair enough with her because he would be always fighting and arguing with her, where it may not be the case with the other wife. So destroying a marital life and damaging the kids for a personal reason is really not fair by itself.

In Western society, it is common for a man to have mistresses and/or multiple extra-marital affairs, in which case, the woman leads a disgraceful, unprotected life. The same society, however, cannot accept a man having more than one wife, in which women retain their honourable, dignified position in society and lead a protected life.

Thus the only two options before a woman who cannot find a husband is to marry a married man or to become public property (or lead an unprotected life). Islam prefers giving women the honourable position by permitting the first option and disallowing the second.

Islam strictly forbids any sexual relationships outside marriage. Having more than one wife is better and more dignified than having a number of mistresses. There is no such thing as a mistress in Islamic society. Islam has given dignity to women by marriage and has protected them from the exploitation of greedy and selfish men.

There are several other reasons, why Islam has permitted limited polygyny, but it is mainly to protect the modesty of women.

POLYANDRY

Having more than one husband by a woman is forbidden in Islam. It creates problems rather than solve them.

Question:

If a man is allowed to have more than one wife, then why does Islam prohibit a woman from having more than one husband?

Answer:

Source: http://www.irf.net/irf/faqonislam/index.htm

A lot of people, including some Muslims, question the logic of allowing Muslim men to have more than one spouse while denying the same ‘right’ to women.

Let me first state emphatically, that the foundation of an Islamic society is justice and equity. Allah has created men and women as equal, but with different capabilities and different responsibilities. Men and women are different, physiologically and psychologically. Their roles and responsibilities are different. Men and women are equal in Islam, but not identical.

Surah Nisa’ Chapter 4 verses 22 to 24 gives the list of women with who you can not marry and it is further mentions in Surah Nisa’ Chapter 4 verse 24 "Also (prohibited are) women already married"

The following points enumerate the reasons why polyandry is prohibited in Islam:

1. If a man has more than one wife, the parents of the children born of such marriages can easily be identified. The father as well as the mother can easily be identified. In case of a woman marrying more than one husband, only the mother of the children born of such marriages will be identified and not the father. Islam gives tremendous importance to the identification of parents, mother and father. Psychologists tell us that children who do not know their parents, especially their father undergo severe mental trauma and disturbances. Often they have an unhappy childhood. It is for this reason that the children of prostitutes do not have a healthy childhood. If a child born of such wedlock is admitted in school, and when the mother is asked the name of the father, she would have to give two or more names! I am aware that recent advances in science have made it possible for both the mother and father to be identified with the help of genetic testing. Thus this point which was applicable for the past may not be applicable for the present.

2. Man is more polygamous by nature as compared to a woman.

3. Biologically, it is easier for a man to perform his duties as a husband despite having several wives. A woman, in a similar position, having several husbands, will not find it possible to perform her duties as a wife. A woman undergoes several psychological and behavioral changes due to different phases of the menstrual cycle.

4. A woman who has more than one husband will have several sexual partners at the same time and has a high chance of acquiring venereal or sexually transmitted diseases which can also be transmitted back to her husband even if all of them have no extra-marital sex. This is not the case in a man having more than one wife, and none of them having extra-marital sex.

The above reasons are those that one can easily identify. There are probably many more reasons why Allah, in His Infinite Wisdom, has prohibited polyandry.

More from an Orkut Friend, DANIAL ALI, PAKISTAN.

1) why islam didnt allow women to have multiple husbands

the answer to the question is that of common sense...

a) if a woman was having sex with multiple husbands then how would the father be known (dna tests have only been developed recently)

b) lets say a woman has 3 husbands and all of them want a child at the same time. how would that be possible?? a man can impregnate his 3 wives at the same time and hence fulfill their desire cos theoretically a man can father hundreds of children in a year but a woman, only one.. also multiple husbands would mean most of the womans time spent in making babies for husbands. its for these reasons that multiple marriages for a woman would make no sense and thats the reason islam didnt allow it.

Quran And Science

The Answers are verses of Quran.

AYAT(or ayah)=VERSE

SURAT(or surah)=CHAPTER

First: Q.Who fears God the most?

A:From His human beings, the scholars (experts) indeed awe (fear) Allah. The answer is a translation of Ayat 28 from Surat Fatir.

Q: Does the frightening sound of the thunder mean something? A: And the thunder praises His glory, so do the angels from His awe (fear). And He sends the thunderbolts that strike whom He wants. Yet they argue in Allah and He is a hard plotter (who can punish). Translation (from Arabic into English) of: Ayat 13 Surat AlRa'd.

Q: Are mountains stable in one place? A: You see the mountains and think they are not moving but they pass like the clouds. It's the work of Allah who made everything perfect. Allah is expert with what you do. Translation of: Ayat 88 Surat AlNaml.

Q: If the river pours in a sea, why doesn't the fresh water mix up with the salt water? A: Allah lets flow the two bodies of water, this is fresh water and the other is salty and He made a divider and a forbidden control between them. Translation of: Ayat 53 Surat AlFurkan.

Q: What does Allah do to the shadow? A: Can't you see how your God spread the shadow, and if He wants He could have made it stable (not moving) and then We made the sun a proof for it. Then We easily held it back to Us. Translation of: Ayat 45 Surat AlFurkan.

Q: Why does the shadow move? A: Have not they seen how the shadows of the non-living things that Allah created move to the right and the left, yielding to God by lying flat on the ground in prostration (worship). Translation of: Ayat 48 Surat AlNahl.

Q: What is the human being made of? A: We created the human being from an offspring of clay. Then We made him a sperm in a deep-rooted resting place. Then We created the sperm into a blood clot, then created the clot into a (foetus) lump then we created the lump into bones then We covered the bones with flesh then We made him into another creature so blessed be Allah, the best of creators. Translation of: Ayat 12-14, Surat AlMou'minoun.

Q: Do animals belong to communities? A: There isn't an animal on earth or a bird that flies with its wings but nations like you. We didn't miss in The Book anything then they will come back to their God. Translation of: Ayat 38, Surat AlAna'm.

Q: Is there one sky (heaven)? A:The seven heavens (skies), the earth and all who is there declare His glory. All (created) things praise God but you don't understand their praise. God is tolerant and forgiving. Translation of: Ayat 44 Surat AlIsra'.

Q: Why is the night different from the day? A: And We made the night and the day two wonders then We darkened the wonder of the night and made the wonder of the day with light so that you seek favour from your God and learn the number of years and counting and We classified everything in detail. Translation of: Ayat 12 Surat AlIsra'.

Q: When the birds fly, is it only the gravity that does not pull them down? A: Haven't they seen the birds above them spreading their wings and folding them in, no one holds them up but The Most Merciful (Allah). Indeed He is observant of all things. Translation of: Ayat 19 Surat AlMulk.

Q: When the birds glide (spread their wings in the air without moving them) can that mean something? A: Can't you see how those in the heavens and the earth praise the glory of Allah. Even the birds with their wings spread in a line have known their way of praying and praising. And Allah has infinite knowledge of what they do. Translation of: Ayat 41 Surat AlNoor.

Q: What did God create the animals from? A: Allah created every animal from water. Some of them slither on their bellies, and some of them walk on two legs and some of them walk on four. Allah creates what He wills. Allah is capable of everything. Translation of: Ayat 45 Surat AlNoor.

Q: Has Allah created the world according to a balanced mathematical order? A: He lifted the sky and made the balance. Do not spoil the balance. Set the weight with justice and do not lose the balance. Translation of: Ayat 7-9 Surat AlRahman.

Q: What is the major function of the mountains? A: And He fastened in the earth mountains to protect against the earth shaking with you. And He made rivers and roads so that you might get the right guidance. Translation of: Ayat 15 Surat AlNahl.

Q: Has the Qur'an predicted the man's travel into space? A: You people of Aljin and human beings: If you can penetrate the zones of the heavens and the earth, do penetrate! You will not penetrate without authority (from Allah). So which sign of Allah do you deny? (Otherwise) a flame of fire and copper will be sent on you and you won't win. So which sign of Allah do you deny? Translation of: Ayat 33-36 Surat AlRahman.

Q: Does the size of the land of the earth change? A: Haven't they seen that We reduce the land of the earth from its sides. And Allah rules and there is no reviewer to His rule. And He is quick in judgement. Translation of: Ayat 41 Surat AlRa'd.

Q: Has the science of neurology proved that the human brain becomes dead for some time during the human sleep? A: Allah takes the souls at the time of their death and the souls of those who haven't died during their sleep. Then He holds back those who have died and send the others to a fixed time. Such are the signs for the people who contemplate. Translation of: Ayat 42 Surat AlZumar.

Q: In pre-historic times, were the sky and the earth joined together? A: Haven't those who don't believe in Allah thought that the heavens and the earth were joined together and We separated them. And We made from the water every creature alive, so why they can't have faith. Translation of: Ayat 30 Surat AlAnbiya'.

Q: How do the bees know how to make honey? A: Your God has inspired the bees to make houses in the mountains, trees and what humans raise. Then eat from all the fruits and flowers and follow the channels of your God without difficulty. From their bellies a drink of different colors comes out; in it a healing for people. There is a sign in that for the people who contemplate. Translation of: Ayat 68-69 Surat AlNahl.

Q: Does the Qur'an mention that the body of 'Pharaoh' will be preserved? A:And made the people of Israel cross the sea, so Pharaoh (Phiroun) followed them in tyranny and assault (attack). When he was about to drown he said :" I have faith there is no god but the One in whom the people of Israel have faith and I am from the muslims (submission to God)". Now?! And you rejected before and were from the corruptors. Today We will save your body so as you become a sign to those who come after you and a lot of people are unmindful (careless) about Our signs. Translation of: Ayat 90-92 Surat Yunus.

Q: Do the ants speak in their language? A: Solomon's (Suleiman) soldiers from the jinn, men, and the birds were marshalled for him and they were restrained (stopped). When they reached the valley of the ants, an ant said:" O ants! Enter your dwellings to avoid being crushed by Solomon and his soldiers without their realizing that." So Solomon smiled laughingly from its saying and said:" God allow me to be grateful to your favour which you bestowed on me and my parents and to do good deeds that you accept and admit me in your mercy among your good people". Translation of: Ayat 17-19 Surat AlNaml.

Q: What happens to the clouds before the rain? A: Haven't you seen how Allah moves clouds then He combines them then He makes them in a cumulus (heap). So you can see the rain coming out from them. And He sends down from the sky mountain masses (of clouds) in them hail. So He strikes with it whom He wants and He keeps it away from whom He wants. The flash of its lightning almost takes away the eyesight. He alternates the night and the morning. In this a lesson for those who think. Translation of: Ayat 43-44 Surat AlNoor.

Q: Why doesn't water cover the entire earth? A: And We sent from the sky water according to measurement and We made it stay on earth. And We are capable of taking it away. Translation of: Ayat 18 Surat AlMo'minoun.

Q: Will the history of the first creation be repeated? A: The day We fold the sky like the folding of the book register. As We started the first creation We will repeat it. It is a promise We had undertaken that We are going to do it. Translation of: Ayat 104 Surat AlAnbiya'.

Q: Do the human sperm shape themselves? A: Have you thought about the sperm that you throw out? Do you shape them? It is We who form them (create them into human beings). Translation of: Ayat 58-59 Surat AlWaqi'ah.

Q: What can be the origin of the meteors and meteorites (shooting stars)? A: We had decorated the lower heaven (sky) with the decoration of the stars and to protect the heaven from every rebellious satan (devil) who should not eaves-drop (secretly listen) to the highest assembly (of angels in the heaven) and they (devils) are shot (with meteors) from every side to cast them away and there is a permanent punishment for them. Only who caught a snatch (of the conversation) a sharp meteorite will follow him. Translation of: Ayat 6-10 Surat AlSa'fat.

Q: Is a certain type of apes (monkeys) nowadays the offspring of originally humans? A: And ask them about the village that was near the sea. They used to trespass on the Sabbath. Their whales used to clearly come to them on their Sabbath and on other days they don't come to them. That was how we tested them because of their wrong doing. A group of them said why you advise the people whom Allah will destroy or punish severely. They said it was an apology to God so that they might fear Him. Then when they forgot what they were reminded of We saved those who were forbidding the abuse and inflicted a miserable punishment on those who trespassed because of their wrongdoing. And when they became insolent about what they were forbidden from We said to them be humiliated apes (monkeys). Translation of: Ayat 163-166 Surat AlA'ra'f.

Q: Is the human being superior to other creatures? A: And We had honoured the people of Adam and had carried them on the land and the sea and provided them with good food. And We favoured them a lot upon many of what We created. Translation of: Ayat 7 Surat AlIsra'.

Q: How are the things created by Allah? A: And from everything We created a pair so that you might remember. Translation of: Ayat 49 Surat AlThariyat.

Q: Which is more difficult to create: The Human being or the Sky? A: Are you a more difficult creation or the sky He built? He lifted it very high and He smoothed it. And He darkened its night and brought out its day. Translation of: Ayat 27-29 Surat AlNazi'at.

Q: Is the human being created in stages? A: What's wrong with you that you don't pay Allah His due reverence and He created you in stages. Translation of: Ayat 13-14 Surat Nouh.

Q: What does the Qur'an mention about pregnancy? A: He created you from one soul and then He made from the soul its mate (wife). And He sent down from the livestock eight pairs. He creates you in the wombs of your mothers a shaping after a shaping in three (veils of) darkness. That is Allah your God who owns the universe. No God but Him so to whom you turn away! Translation of: Ayat 6 Surat AlZumar.

Q: Is there a discrepancy (disproportion) in the creation of space? A: (Allah) Who created the seven heavens one above another. You will not see any discrepancy in the creation of The Most Merciful. Then return your vision do you see any crack? Again return your vision a second time your vision will come back to you chased away and regretful. Translation of: Ayat 3 Surat AlMulk.

Q: Why humans can stand up? A: O man, what tempted you away from your God - The Most Generous? Him who created you and put you in order and straightened you out. Translation of: Ayat 6-7 Surat AlInfitar.

Q: Is iron formed on earth or sent down from another place? A: --- And We sent down the iron which has great strength and benefits for people so that Allah knows who supports Him and His prophets without seeing Him. Allah is powerful and almighty. Translation of: Ayat 25 Surat AlHadeed.

Q: When should a mother wean (stop breastfeeding) her infant? A: And We directed the human being to take care of his parents. His mother was pregnant with him: Weakness over weakness and his weaning in two years. You must be grateful to Me (God) and your parents and your destiny is to Me. Translation of: Ayat 14 Surat Luqman.

Q: What happens to humans when they live long? A: And whom We make live long We degenerate him in the creation so won't they understand? Translation of: Ayat 68 Surat Ya'Sin.

Q: Where does the milk that we drink come from? A: And you have in the livestock a lesson. We give you from what is in their bellies from between the digested food and blood pure milk tasteful for the drinkers. Translation of: Ayat 66 Surat AlNahl.

Q: The Qur'an mentions a severe type of punishment by dragging the person who is a sinner and a liar from the forepart of his head. Is the Frontal Lobe (frontal part) of the human brain involved in planning, and controlling speech? A: Can you consider the one who forbids a devoted person from praying --- Can you consider if he lies and turns away? Doesn't he know that Allah is watching. No if he does not stop We will drag him (into fire) by the forepart of his head; a forepart which is lying and sinful. So let him call his society, We will call 'AlZabaniyah' (angels of hell who push the damned into Hell). Never! Do not listen to him and worship and come near (to Allah). Translation of: Ayat 9-10, 13-19 Surat AlAlaq.

Q: Is there light in the sea at 200 meters and below? A: And the deeds of those who have not believed are like a mirage in lowlands, supposed to be water by a thirsty person until he reaches it; he finds nothing and he finds Allah there. So He pays him his account and Allah is swift in taking account. Or like the depths of darkness in a bottomless ocean covered by waves topped by waves topped by clouds: Depths of darkness; One above another. If he stretches his hand, he even cannot hardly see it. And whom Allah does not give light will not have light. Translation of: Ayat 38-40, Surat AlNoor.

Q: Can modern medicine ,during a surgery, replace the lines on the fingertips? A: I do not swear by The Day of Judgement and I do not swear by the repentful soul. Does man think that We will not assemble his bones. Yes! We are capable of making his fingertips (with their lines). Translation of: Ayat 1-4, Surat AlQiyamah.

Q: Is CLONING predicted in the Qur'an? A: Indeed Allah does not forgive who makes partner(s) with Him, and He forgives other than that to whom He wills, and who makes partner(s) with Allah, he had strayed far away from the Right Path. In fact, by excluding Him, they call upon females (goddesses) and in fact they call upon an obstinate rebellious Satan. Allah had cursed him and he (Satan) said: I surely will take a dictated share from your people. And I (Satan) will mislead them and will give them false desires and I will order them to cut the ears of the cattle (livestock), and I will order them and they will change the creation of Allah, and who takes the Satan for a master, leaving Allah, has indeed lost a very clear loss. He (Satan) promises them and gives them false desires and what Satan promises is only a deception. The dwelling of those is The Hell and they will not find a shelter from it. Translation of: Ayat 116-121, Surat AlNisa'.

Source:http://www.in2quran.com/index.html

Sayings Of Prophet Muhammad(PeaceBeUponHim)

Intentions

Deeds are by intentions. Every man shall have all that which he intended for. ( That is , a man is rewarded for his activities in accordance with his intentions. If he intends rewards of the hereafter, then that is for him. If he intends immediate rewards, he is given that sooner or later, in some form or the other. So also if he intends to please Allah, Allah is pleased with him and rewards him both in this world as well as in the next. However if he intends to please people, then his actions are turned to them who reward him in the manner they deem fit. The hadith is from Bukhari).

The Natural State

Every human being is born on nature(that is, uncorrupt, and believing in one Allah). It is his parents who Judaize him, Christianize him or zoroastrianize him. (The hadith is from Bukhari.)

The Simple Demand

Allah will address the least suffering man of Hell and say: “Would you, if you had all the treasures of the world, ransom it to escape this punishment?’ the man will say: ‘Yes, indeed.’ Allah will say, ‘ My demand on you was of less exacting nature. I had instructed you all when were yet in Adam’s back not to ascribe partners unto Me. But you refused and ascribed partners unto Me. ( The reference here is to the pledge taken by Allah from Adam’s progeny while still in their pre-natal stage of creation, to the effect that they shall not associate anyone with God. See Ch.7.verses172-74).(also Bukhari and Muslim)

Essence of Faith

He who loved for God, hated for God, gave for and denied for God, perfected his faith. (Ref:- Abu Da’ud,Tirmidhi, quoted in Kalam-e-Nubuweat by Farooq Khan,vol.1, p.203 )

No one is true in his faith until his desires submit to what I have brought.(Ref:-Sharh as-Sunnah,Kalam,p.251)

Hypocrisy

These 3 are signs of a hypocrite even if he prays and fasts: “when he speaks, he lies; when he promises, he breaks it; and when he is trusted, he deceives.(Ref:-”Jami’ Saghir, Suyuti, hadith no.3473. Some words have been dropped following Munawi’s comment)

Islam

(The house of ) Islam rests on five (pillars): The testimony that God is one and Muhammad is his bondman and prophet, establishment of prayers, payment of zakat, performance of Hajj, and , (observation of) Ramadan fasts. (Ref:-Bukhari and Muslim)

Practice

People! There is nothing that will take you nearer to Paradise and away from Fire, but I have bid you do it. And there is nothing that will take you nearer to Fire and away from Paradise but I have forbidden it. And Ruhul-ameen(according to another report, Ruhul Quds)(Jibra’il is referred to in both the instances) put it in my heart that no soul shall die until it has obtained its share of the world. Fear then Allah and adopt fair means in seeking ( your share of) the world. And let not delay in its coming compel you to seek it through disobedience of God . for what is with him cannot be had but through his obedience.(Ref:-Sharh Sunnah, Baihaqi,Kalam, p.227)

Good Conduct

The best in faith of the faithful are those who are best in conduct. Indeed good conduct can attain the value of prayer and fasts. (Ref:- Al-ahadith Sahiha, Albani no 1590 )

The World

Renounce the world and Allah will love you. And renounce what the people have, they will love you. (Ref:- Al-Arba’in, Nawawi, no 31)

Deterioration

These hearts also get rusted as does iron when it comes in contact with water. It was asked: “ and how are they to be cleansed O apostle of God?” He said: “ through much remembrance of death and recitation of the Quran. (Ref:- Baihaqi in Sho’ab al-Imam, Kalam, p. 340 )

The individual And The Society

The believer who mixes with people and bears their wrongs with patience is better than he who does not mix with them and does not bear their wrongs with patience. (Ref:- Al-ahadith Sahiha, Albani, no 939. )

Usury

Usury has 70 chapters. The least of them (in foulness) is like a man having intercourse with his mother. (Ref:- Ibid, no 1871 )

Oppression

Beware of the oppressed man’s cry. It rises to God as fast as a sparkle(from fire). (Ref:- Jami’Saghir, no 149 )

Wealth

Wealth is not harmful for him who fears God, while good health for one who fears God is better than wealth. And to be of a cheerful disposition is a bounty(of God). (Ref:- Albani, no 174 )

Gratefulness

He who does not thank people does not thank God. (Abu Da’ud, Tirmidhi )

Socializing

The best of food in the eyes of God is that on which many hands fall. (Ref:- Jami’ Sagir, no 213. And the meaning of the hadith is that God likes people sharing their food with as many as they can. )

The Despicable Man

Verily Allah despises every proud, avaricious man(who is) quarrelsome in the markets, a log in the night, a donkey in the day, clever in worldly matters but ignorant of the hereafter. (Ref:- Albani, no 195 )

The Believer

The faithful is like a date-palm tree. He remains green all the year around. (Ref:- Adopted From Bukhari,Kitab al-‘Ilm )

Shame

If you have no shame then do as you please. (Ref:- Bukhari, Kitab Al-anbia )

The Ultimate Loyalty

There is ( to be) no obedience of the created in the disobedience of the creator. (Ref:- Al-Arba’in, Nawawi, no.20 )

Gossip

It is enough of a lie for a man to repeat all that he hears. And it is enough for a man to be a miser to say: “I will take all my right and shall forego none of it.” (Ref:- Sharh as- Sunnah , Kalam, p.228 )

Animals

Mount these beasts unharmingly and dismount them unharmingly. And do not make chairs of them.

(The prophet said this when he saw people mounted on their beasts and engaged in conversation.)

When you return to your people tell them to feed these animals well. And tell them to shorten their nails in order not to hurt them in their udders when milking.

A man called Sumada b. Rabi asked the prophet for economic assistance. The prophet gave him some cattles and advised him in these words. (Ref:- Albaani, no 317 )

Plants

If the day of judgement is called out while one of you is holding a sapling in his hand, then if he can plant it before presenting himself, let him do it. (Ref:-Ibid, no 931 )

Natural Resources

Do not use excess water even at a running stream. (Ref:- Ibn Majah, At-Taharah )

Distances

Verily between the two leaves( of the door of) paradise is the travel-distance of 40 years.( Meaning it is so wide, Note the time scale employed. Ref:- Albani, no 1698)

Sizes

The 7 heavens(meaning the created world) compared to the Kursi are not but like a ring thrown in a large field. And the “Arsh in comparison to the kursi is as large as the field compared to the ring. (Ref:- Ibid, no 109 , it is not known what exactly is meant by the words ‘Arsh and Kursi. The hadith merely says how large the unknown is compared to the known.)

Mercy

When God has brought His creations into being, He wrote down in his Book about Himself and the Book remains with Him in the heavens. “Verily My mercy exceeds My Anger.” (Ref:- Bukhari , Kitab at-Tahuhid)

The Times

Allah the Mighty the Exalted says : “Son of Adam abuses Me. He curses the Time. Indeed I am the Time: In My Hand is the Command and I shuffle the days and nights.” (Ref:- Bukhari , Tafsir, surah al-Jathia )

Tests

A man is tested according to the strength of his faith. If he is strong in it, the test can be severe. But if he is weak, it can be mild.: so that afflictions do not depart from a man but leave him walking on earth without a sin on him. (Ref:- Jami’ saghir, no 1054 )

The House of Praise

When a man’s child dies Allah says to the angels :” you have seized my slave’s child?’. They say: ‘Yes. He says:’ And what did My slave have to say?’ They say: ‘He praised you and said: ‘Verily we belong to God and to Him do we return.’ Allah Most High says then : ‘Build a House for My Slave in Paradise and call it the “House of Praise.” (Ref:-Ibid, no 854)

Fabricator

He who attributed to me what I did not say, may make his dwelling in Hell.(Ref:- Bukhari, Kitab al-Ilm )

******************************************************************

The above material is typed “as it is” by myself from the book with

Cover Page Titled as “MUHAMMAD – The Unlettered Prophet Who Changed the World in 23 Years” ,

By Syed Iqbal Zaheer

And 1^st Page Titled as “ MUHAMMAD- A Brief Life History, By Syed Iqbal Zaheer”

Publisher:- IQRA WELFARE TRUST, Bangalore, India.

Signs of QAYAMAT or Judgement Day..!!

Though Allah only knows when the Last Hour before the Day of Resurrection will come, He has given us 'clues' about its approach through information in the Qur'an and the hadith of the Prophet.This article does not cover all the signs, but most of the important ones are here. All these signs are, of course, based on hadith and/or Qur'an, mainly the former.

The signs are divided into PAST,PRESENT and FUTURE

Past

1. Splitting of the Moon.

2. Death of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.

3. A form of death which will kill thousands of Muslims. (Understood to refer to the plague of Amwas during the caliphate of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab.)

4. A major fighting in Madinah (understood to refer to the battle of al-Harrah during the caliphate of Yazid, 63 AH).

5. The Muslim conquest of Jerusalem.

6. The Muslim conquest of Constantinople.

7. Two large groups of Muslims will fight in war.

8. A war between the Muslims and a reddish people with small eyes, wearing sandals made of hair (understood to refer tothe Mongol Tatar invasion of the Islamic lands.)

9. A peace agreement between the Muslims and non-Muslims from the yellow race (Chinese, Mongols, etc.)

10. Thirty impostors (dajjal) will appear, each thinking he is a prophet.

Present

11. Naked, destitute, barefoot shepherds will compete in building tall buildings. [The modern ex-nomads of Saudi Arabia are an excellent example of this.]

12. The slave-woman will give birth to her master or mistress.

13. A trial (fitnah) which will enter every Arab household.

14. Knowledge will be taken away (by the death of people of knowledge), and ignorance will prevail.

"Knowledge of Islam will be taken away while ignorance will increase. This removal of knowledge will be because old scholars will die and fewer and fewer new scholars will replace them. The leaders of the Muslims will be chosen from ignorant people, and they will rule according to their whims." [Today, studying Islam formally is considered to be an inferior career in most of the Muslim world. The leaders of the Muslim world are more known for their political or military prowess (oppressive ability?) than Islamic knowledge.]

15. Wine (intoxicants, alcohol) will be drunk in great quantities.

16. Illegal s3x will become widespread.

17. Earthquakes will increase.

18. Time will pass more quickly.

19. Tribulations (fitan) will prevail.

20. Bloodshed will increase.

21. A man will pass by the grave of another and wish he was in the latter’s place.

22. Trustworthiness will be lost, i.e. when authority is given to those who do not deserve it.

23. People will gather for prayer, but will be unable to find an imam to lead them.

Future

24. The number of men will decrease, whilst the number of women will increase, until for every man there are 50 women.

25. The Euphrates will reveal a treasure of gold, and

many will die fighting over it, each one hoping to be the one who gains the treasure.

26. The Romans (Europeans) will come to a place called A’maq or Wabiq, and an army of the best people will go forth from Madinah to face them.

27. The Muslim conquest of Rome.

28. The Mahdi (guided one) will appear, and be the Imam of the Muslims.

29. Jesus Christ(Prophet Isaa) will descend in Damascus, and pray behind the Mahdi.

30. Jesus will break the cross and kill the swine, i.e. destroy the false christianity.

31. The Antichrist (al-masih al-dajjal, the false christ) will appear, with all his tools of deception, and be an immense trial. He will be followed by 70,000 Jews from Isfahan (present-day Iran).

32. The appearance of Ya’juj and Ma’juj (Gog and Magog), and the associated tribulations.

("Gog and Magog (two hidden tribes of people) will break free of the dam that holds them back, and ravage the earth. They will drink all the water, and kill people until Allah sends against them a worm which will wipe them out." [This is roughly before/during the time of Isa, although it is not entirely clear.] )

33. The emergence of the Beast from the Earth, carrying the Staff of Moses and the Seal of Solomon, who will speak to the people, telling them they did not believe with certainty in the Divine Signs.

34. A major war between the Muslims (including Jews and Christians who truly believe in Jesus after his return) led by the Imam Mahdi, and the Jews plus other non-Muslims led by the Antichrist.

35. Jesus will kill the Antichrist at the gate of Ludd (Lod in present-day Israel, site of an airport and a major Israeli military base).

36. A time of great peace and serenity during and after the remaining lifetime of Jesus.

37. Wealth will come so abundant that it will become difficult to find someone to accept charity.

38. Arabia will become a land of gardens and rivers. [ it has started, many hotels and big construction projects are being made there, example, Hotel Burj-al-Arab]

39. Society will then decay.

40. The buttocks of the women of the tribe of Daws will again sway in circumambulation (tawaf) around the idol Dhul-Khulsah.

41. A great fire in the Hijaz, seen by the inhabitants of Busra.

42. Three major armies will sink into the earth: one in the east, one in the west, one in Arabia.

43. An Abyssinian leader with thin shins will destroy the Ka’bah.

44. The huge cloud of smoke.

45. The sun will rise from the west (its place of setting).

46. A gentle wind which will take the souls of the believers.

47. There is no-one left on the earth saying, "Allah, Allah" or "There is no god except Allah."

48. Eventually the Day of Judgment is established upon the worst of the people, who copulate like donkeys in public.

49. The blowing in the Trumpet by the Angel Israfil, upon which everyone will faint except as Allah wills.

50. The second blowing in the Trumpet, upon which everyone will be resurrected.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also said:

1. Alcohol will be called Sherbat, and will be considered Halal 2. Interest will be called Trade, and will be considered Halal 3. Bribes will be called Gifts, and will be considered Halal

4. Women will be naked in spite of wearing dresses. This Hadith has baffled the Ulema for a very long time-until now: The 3 kind of naked women are (i) Those who wear see-through dresses (ii) Those who wear tight dresses and (iii) those whose dresses are so short,that they expose the body

5. Women will have hair, like the hump of a camel. (This hadith too, had baffled the Ulema for quite a long time till they saw current hairstyles. I believe it came into fashion about 5 years ago.)

This list is far from complete; there are many other signs. A couple more of interest are: Constantinople (Istanbul) will fall before Rome to Islam (note that this means Rome will indeed fall), and the Muslim political system will go from Prophetic leadership to a just Khilafah to a 'biting' authority to an oppressive authority and finally back to a just Khilafah. It seems that today we are in the next to last stage of this chain; now is a good time to actively work for the reestablishment of the Muslim state and Khilafah.

Finally, the Prophet has said that when the Signs start to come, they will come FAST - like a string of beads falling one after the other.

And Allah Knows Best.

Have fun praying and getting ready for the day of judgement coz that day will NOT be fun :) P.S.: dont forget to make dua for me. !!

CHRISTIANITY & ISLAM

Similarities And Diffrences

Similarities (i) Basic Concepts

Islam	Christianity
Monotheistic -- God (Allah) is recognized as the Creator.	Monotheistic -- God is recognized as the Creator.
God is omnipotent, omniscient, immanent within His creation yet transcendent.	God is omnipotent, omniscient, immanent within His creation yet transcendent.
God has a unique relationship with humans (master and servant).	God has a unique relationship with humans. (master and servant).
God makes agreements or Covenants with humans.	God makes agreements or Covenants with humans.
Have similar eschatology (pertaining to the last days or the end of the world) -- this world will come to an end someday and no-one knows when.	Have similar eschatology (pertaining to the last days or the end of the world) -- this world will come to an end someday and no-one knows when.
A figure referred to as Satan or Antichrist (dajjal) (a figure of evil) will be defeated at the end of the world.	A figure referred to as Antichrist or Satan (a figure of evil) will be defeated at the end of the world.
After the world has ended, God will judge humans, based on their actions in compliance with a moral code, specified in the Covenant which God makes with us.	At the end of the world, God will judge humans based on their actions in compliance with a moral code, specified in the Covenant which God makes with us.
This judgement will determine one's eternal abode, heaven or hell (bliss or punishment).	This judgement will determine one's eternal abode, heaven or hell (bliss or punishment).
Human beings have a spirit (ruh) which is eternal, continuing its existence after our physical death. As to its origin, the Qur'an says, "When I [God] have fashioned him [Adam] (in due proportions) and breathed into him of My spirit . . ." [Qur'an 15:29]	Human beings have a soul which is eternal, continuing its existence after our physical death
Humans have the ability (free will) to choose between good and evil (obeying or disobeying God, complying with the moral code of the Covenant or transgressing).	Humans have the ability (free will) to choose between good and evil (obeying or disobeying God, complying with the moral code of the Covenant or transgressing)
Angels exist who are the servants, and sometimes messengers of God.	Angels exist who are the servants, and sometimes messengers of God
Satan (shaitan) exists, as well as evil spirits who follow him; they are the enemies of humanity.	Satan exists, as well as evil spirits who follow him; they are the enemies of humanity.
Divinely revealed scriptures exist which are the primary source of religious knowledge. The Qur'an was revealed to Muhammad and it is the final scripture given to man.	Divine scriptures exist which are the primary source of religious knowledge; revelation in this department is finished (there are no more biblical books yet to be revealed)
Miracles occur on occasion.	Miracles occur on occasion.
If a person errs or transgresses, God may forgive them, if they sincerely repent.	If a person errs or transgresses, God may forgive them, if they sincerely repent.
Prophets brought spiritual instruction.	Prophets brought spiritual instruction.
There are similarities between the Quranic and biblical version of many stories, such as Adam and Eve, Moses and the children of Israel, etc.	There are similarities between the Quranic and biblical version of many stories, such as Adam and Eve, Moses and the children of Israel, etc.
At the time of the end of the world, Jesus Christ will come again.	At the time of the end of the world, Jesus Christ will come again.
Jesus Christ was born to the virgin Mary.	Jesus Christ was born to the virgin Mary. (Immaculate Conception).

Differences (i) Basic Concepts

Islam	Christianity
Do not believe in the Trinity	Christians believe in the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)
God has informed us of only 99 of His beautiful names (Attributes). Many of them depict His beautiful aspects (jamal), and some of them depict His power, authority and grandeur (jalal).	Christians currently emphasize the beautiful aspects of God (i.e. God is Love)
Jesus is a Prophet and a servant of God. Muhammad is also a Prophet and a servant of God. He was the last Prophet sent by God to guide and teach mankind.	As a member of the Trinity, Jesus is viewed as God Himself.
The Quranic teachings in this regard may be summed up as follows: (1) Christ was neither crucified nor killed by the Jews, notwithstanding certain apparent circumstances which produced that illusion in the minds of some of the enemies; and (2) Jesus was taken up to God (i.e.. God raised him up (raf'a) to Himself.) [Qur'an 4:157, 158 & 3:55 & 4:157]	Christians believe that Jesus was crucified on a cross.
See above.	Christians believe Jesus was resurrected (raised from the dead) three days after being crucified on a cross (Good Friday to Easter Sunday are the days when Christians remember and celebrate this.) Jesus' crucifixion they believe, redeems Christians of their sins.
Eschatology - Judgement will occur on Judgement Day (the end of the world when God will judge all human beings beginning from Adam and Eve). Persons who have been previously deceased, and are in their graves, are given an indication (via 'windows' in the grave) of what his or her future Judgement may be. The punishment of the grave will begin immediately. Rewards begin immediately too. (This intermediate stage of the grave may be regarded as similar to the Catholic Purgatory, and is called barzakh in Islam). The final abode of either Paradise or Hell will be pronounced on the Day of Judgement.	Eschatology - most Christians believe that judgement takes place, immediately upon death (i.e. they will either go to Heaven or Hell, or as in the case of Catholics, they could also go to Purgatory immediately upon death). Christians also believe that the final Judgement Day is only for all those people who have not died yet and will be for those remaining on earth.
Hell is a place of purification, and is permanent. Paradise as a reward, and Hell as a punishment are but graphic terms to make us understand a state of things which is beyond all our notions of life in that world. Paradise will be eternal. Once meriting it, there can be no question of being ejected from it. As to whether Hell is also eternal for the unbelievers, there are two schools of thought: (1) A great majority of Muslims affirm that God may pardon every sin and every crime except disbelief in God. [Qur'an 4:48,116] (2) Others believe that even the punishment of disbelief may one day terminate by the grace of God. [Qur'an 11:107, etc.] The Qur'an 4:124 declares: "If any do deeds of righteousness - be they male or female - and have faith, they will enter Paradise and not the least injustice will be done to them." In other words no religion has a monopoly on salvation!	Hell is eternal, but Purgatory is not (note: Catholics believe in Purgatory whereas Protestants do not). While Catholics believe that Purgatory is precisely the same as Hell, it is not eternal. They believe it is a place or state of punishment wherein the souls of those who die in God's grace may do penance for past sins and hence become cleansed and fit for heaven. Only Christians can go to heaven.
All mankind is born pure and he/she is responsible for his or her own sins and not someone else's.	Christians believe in Original Sin, (all of mankind is held responsible for the sins of Adam and Eve) which only the sacrament of baptism in the name of Christ can expiate.
Muslims do not believe in vicarious atonement. They believe that each person is responsible for his or her own actions and that no-one else can atone for them. However, you can pray to God for His Mercy and Forgiveness on behalf of another person. The Prophet Muhammad, p.b.u.h. -- and some others (like innocent babies who have passed away) are given the special privilege to intercede on behalf of their parents on the Day of Judgement. This is in accord with the Throne Verse in the Qur'an. So with God's graceful permission, they may have a specially bestowed privilege of pleading on behalf of others and begging for God's forgiveness for them on the Day of Judgement. This is known as intercession (shafa't).	Christians believe in vicarious atonement -- that another person can extinguish the guilt incurred by another person's sins. Jesus is believed to have died so as to atone vicariously for man's sins. He was considered to be the Lamb of God, which means that Jesus was considered to be the perfect sacrifice by which the hold of Original Sin was broken. Christians believe in intercession and intercessors such as priests and monks.
The holy Qur'an was revealed ('revelation' [wahi] is the highest form of inspiration with no possibility of error in the message or the conveyance of the message) to the Prophet Muhammad, p.b.u.h. through the angel Gabriel who was carrying out God's precise instructions. This occurred over a period of 23 years. The holy Qur'an is God's Word -- not the word of the Prophet Muhammad, p.b.u.h.	Christians believe that divine inspiration (the Latin word is 'afflatus' which means 'divine wind') inspired the writers of the scripture. Hence they believe that the Gospel of St. Mark (obviously written by St. Mark) or the letters of Paul the Apostle are the "Word of God."
The Qur'an exists today exactly the same as it was revealed to Muhammad, p.b.u.h. There have been absolutely no changes whatsoever made to the wording. Special checks and balances and special means for the preservation of accuracy (.e.g. memorizing of the text by many people, etc. etc.) were put into place so that no error or change could possibly creep into the text.	A council was called, in the early days of Christianity, where the church fathers and elders debated. This was presided over by the Roman (and Christian) Emperor Constantine (circa 324 A.D.). This council codified (systematized) standard Christian belief and gave the New Testament its present form, depriving some books of the status of Scripture (many of which still exist today and are known as the Apocrypha).
All the Prophets, from Adam a.s. to Muhammad p.b.u.h. are pure and sinless/infallible.	In the Old Testament (Jewish scriptures which most Christians regard as authoritative), Prophets are not portrayed as being infallible to say the least.
There are many differences between the Quranic and the Biblical versions in the details of certain Biblical stories.	There are many differences between the Quranic and the Biblical versions in the details of certain Biblical stories.
The first source of Muslim Law, is the Qur'an. The second source of law is the Hadith (Traditions of the Prophet Muhammad, p.b.u.h.). The Hadith literature expounds and explains and interprets the Quranic injunctions and teachings. The Hadith do not contradict the Qur'an in any way.	The source of Christian (or Canon) Law is the scripture, which has been interpreted by the Pope for Catholics; by the Patriarch for members of the Orthodox faith; and by the consensus of the community for other groups. The writings of the church fathers would also be relevant.
For Muslims, Prophets are spiritually advanced and are very pure and sinless. They have been sent by God to guide and teach mankind. There have been 127,000 of them from Adam, a.s. to Muhammad p.b.u.h. who was the last Prophet sent, meaning that no more Prophets will come after him. Hence Muhammad p.b.u.h. was called the "Seal of the Prophets." The Prophets were sent as Messengers of God to people in different countries at different times.	Prophets do not have the same stature in Christianity that they have in Islam.