SalaamOne سلام : Theology

Showing posts with label Theology. Show all posts

1.8.15

Concept of Evil

In Medieval Islamic Philosophy, it is difficult to find any direct analogue to the problem of evil in medieval Islamic philosophy. However, some positions held by early Muslim thinkers may be relevant to the free will defense. Early Muslim Aristotelian thinkers like Ibn Sina held that God is a necessary being, who had no other attributes besides His existence, and that all other beings emanated from the divine by necessity. Despite holding this position, they attempted to reconcile it with Islamic doctrines. Ghazzali points out that this is not possible. That is, to say that whatever proceeds from God does so by necessity denies God agency, i.e. it denies Him Free Will. If God has no will, since he has no attributes, then God has no free choice to decide which world to create. It seems that Ghazzalis criticism can be equally applied to advocate of the problem of evil who states that God by necessity must always in a way that will ensure that its consequences are wholly good. This would then break down the dilemma posed by trying to reconcile the divine attributes of omniscience, omnipotence, wholly goodness versus the reality of evil in the world. Since, now God would not be obliged to abide by the condition of wholly goodness. Another stream of thought in Islam, advocated by Ghazzali, Ibn Arabi, Al-Attas and Islamic mystical traditions, is to argue that the only true way to grasp the ultimate reality, and thus resolve this problem is through a Direct Awareness of Reality,(Religious Experience) unencumbered by intellectual interference.
Modern Attempts: The lack of intense debate on the problem of evil may be, because the problem was not formulated at the time or those Muslim thinkers were preoccupied by other issues. In modern times, the 20th century Muslim philosopher Iqbal did attempt to address this problem. He suggested that Goodness would not be possible without the resistance of evil. The evil in the world is meant to be overcome. Whoever asks why must there be evil when God can remove it is missing the point. Iqbal insists that without evil there could be no moral or spiritual development. He sites a simile used by Kant in which he refers to birds who resent the resistance of air, yet it is the very air that allows them to fly high, they would be unable to do so in a vacuum. Likewise, a certain amount of evil is necessary for the inner growth of humans, so that they may be able to overcome it. As the Quran states, And for trial will We test you with evil and with Good (Quran;21:35).
Iqbal could be subject to criticism, since he has ignored the victims of evil. What about those people who suffered so the rest of mankind could build itself? Iqbals answer here would be consistent with his philosophy of self. Like Nietzche (1844-1900 C.E, German philosopher who reasoned that Christianity's emphasis on the afterlife makes its believers less able to cope with earthly life), Iqbal believed that ultimately the self, the individual is the only thing of utmost importance. That is we have no concrete knowledge of the external world and factors therein. What we can be sure of is only ourselves; hence, we must view happenings to beings other than ourselves only in the capacity in which they help to build ourselves. The fact that the suffering of an innocent victim serves to bolster our personality is sufficient. [Islamic concept of Divine justice and reward, in hereafter to those who suffered takes care of sufferings here] The independent suffering of the external individual cannot be verified. Nietzsche has criticized Christian theology for placing mankind in a state of guilt for the original sin, Iqbal had pointed out that this concept of original sin is absent in Islam, and that the Quran encouraged a positive self image of the self or man. Many modern Christian theologians also adopt this view.

http://freebookpark.blogspot.com/2012/06/islam-phisophy.html

2.2.15

Challenging Atheism

There are many intriguing articles in the battle between religion and atheism. Anyone having faith in God, may find some of the arguments put forward by many religious folk easy to “shoot down”. In other words, though originating from a genuine faith and belief, many religious arguments fail to challenge the hardened atheist. The typical atheist is generally looking for genuine proof or sound logic pointing to the existence of God. Many people however opine that there is no conclusive scientific evidence on the existence of God, so the only way forward is to examine known facts and attempt to find meaning using reasonable logic. Indeed, this is far from the traditional approach to faith, but as said: “To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews and to those who follow the law I became like one under the law, so as to win those under the law”. So it is hoped that more and more believers start engaging atheists with not only scriptures, but also with scientific facts and principles.

Can a person come to know God through Science and logic? Not traditionally, but considering how the mind of an atheist works, this is the correct avenue to take. Moreover, a lot of atheists have placed their hope on science in order to explain our existence. So to challenge that mindset, we must start with the science behind their ‘faith’, or lack thereof. With this in mind, the typical starting point for any engagement with an atheist is to try and arrive at a common understanding on the possible origins of matter or energy.
The central question being that if energy cannot be created or destroyed, then where did everything we see around us come from? Some scientists have suggested that our universe originated from a previous universe that collapsed, but the question still remains, where did that original energy or universe come from? An alternate theory is that the energy has “always” existed. One view which is shared by many scientists is that before the universe(s) existed, something else must have existed. And from this "thing", the extremely large amount of energy needed to create our universe is somehow "created" or "generated".

This view suggests a possible violation of the law of conservation of energy in order to “create” matter or energy. That said, a lot of research has gone into trying to determine where all that energy might have come from, and one of the promising areas in this quest is the area of quantum fluctuations. These have been observed to "create" virtual particles without necessarily violating the law of conservation of energy. So there certainly is strong sentiment within the scientific community that the energy needed to drive the Big Bang originated from somewhere else.

Even if one assume that God did not create the energy, the energy could have easily come from another natural process altogether. So this cannot be viewed as conclusive evidence, but a view on the possible origins of matter or energy is essential going forward.

Moving away from this, a common argument often put across by atheists to challenge the possible existence of a creator is to present the problem of Infinite Regress. The argument being that if this universe was created by God, who then created God? Further to that, who then created God’s creator, and so on. This creates an endless chain of creators; each creator needing his or her own creator until “infinity”. [by definition God is uncreated, ever existent] This is a divergent problem thought to mean that God "cannot" exist or that he did not create the universe. One "logical" way this argument can be countered is by using an analogy to the Infinite Monkey Theorem. This theorem can be taken to mean that in a random system, and given a sufficiently large enough amount of time, anything that can happen has a good chance that it will eventually happen. This theorem has in some instances and in some variants been used in arguments to illustrate, but not prove the idea that life on Earth could have arisen through random interactions of matter over time. So if life on earth could have arisen through the random interactions of matter over billions of years, it is also possible that given a significantly large enough amount of time, an intelligent being, aka God, could also have possibly come into existence. So, “God” does not necessarily need a creator, much like the universe or life does not necessarily need a creator. Note; although religion considers God to be self-existent, the supposed creation of God or the universe discussed here implies they are both created from something already there. The other implication would be that once God came into existence, he then proceeds to intelligently create this universe, setting up all the natural laws of physics, and planting the seeds of life.

Again, a counter argument known as the Ultimate Boeing 747 Gambit, would be to say if God is complex or intelligent enough to create our universe and indeed time itself, then “God's” existence by whatever means would be infinitely less likely than the possibility of our universe spontaneously existing on its own. In other words, the possibility of a spontaneous universe is more likely than the possibility of the existence of a complex and intelligent God. To counter this, we only need to look at human scientific advancement over the past millennia. We currently have the technology to simulate star and planet formation, we can even clone living organisms. In say 100 000 years, who is to say we won’t be able to do what “God” can do? So if God needed to be created, then creating “God” does not necessarily need to be infinitely more complex or harder than our own supposed creation through random interactions and luck. The key trait behind “God” is intelligence, not necessarily complexity.

Going back to the problem of Infinite Regress, though atheists use this argument to discredit the possible existence of God, the reality is they also face the same problem in trying to explain the existence of our universe. Where did the universe come from? If it came from another universe or from something else, where did that universe or "other thing" come from, and so on until infinity. In spite of this apparent paradox, we exist. So whatever chain of events led to our existence; somehow Infinite Regress is not a problem for our universe, else we simply wouldn't be here. In my view, the only way this is possible is if something in the creation chain or hierarchy is somehow self-existent or self-creating, else our present reality collapses by virtue of Infinite Regress. In other words, through a chain of creation originating from a self-existent object or being, our universe is ultimately formed. All other creation “scenarios” succumb to Infinite Regress. So my conclusion is that we did not come from “nothing”, but from something already there. Self-existence is perhaps cemented by the fact that not a single scientific theory attempts to explain our existence from “nothing”.

How can anything exist without being created or formed from other things? I don't know. Does the idea of self-existence surprise me? Not at all, especially if you consider that a lot of what we call science today sounds very strange. For instance, aspects of Special Relativity and Quantum Mechanics sound more like science fiction; we have discovered properties of matter and the universe that are far from intuitive. It appears the more we understand the universe, the stranger it gets. Its because of things like this that I feel self-existence is well within reason. And although this concept is frowned upon by both atheists and conventional science, it might in fact be the central one to our existence.

Logically our universe needs a self-existent or self-creating “being” to sustain its existence. This can be taken as evidence suggesting that God exists. It is cemented by pointing out that not a single scientific theory attempts to explain our existence from “nothing”. Even the Big Bang assumes that “something” had to be have been there at the “beginning”. A lot of the atheists who responded to these arguments fail to counter the logic, but resort to presenting several questions of their own that underpinned their lack of faith. It appears that, even when faced with reasonable logic suggesting God’s possible existence, many atheists still feel inclined to cling to their non-belief on account of perceived injustices or wrongs they see in the world. In other words, atheists would have expected a more ordered and just world if God really existed. Some of the questions which highlight this thinking includ; “Why are there so many contradictions in the bible?”, “If God exists, why doesn't he come forward and remove all doubt?”, and “If God exists, why does he allow all this suffering?”. I t is attempted to answer these questions.

In this quest for answers, one may came across something that Albert Einstein once said when asked a similar question. Most of us would probably agree that Einstein was arguably one of the most intelligent person that ever lived. In the later part of his life, Einstein would focus most of his energy on what he called the Unified Field Theory. He would ultimately fail, succumbing to death in 1955 before completing this significant task. In spite of having faced this and other complex physical and mathematical problems in his lifetime, when asked about the subject of God before his death, Einstein responded by saying; “Your question about God is the most difficult in the world. It is not a question I can answer simply with yes or no. The problem involved is too vast for our limited minds”. So lets highlight the depth of difficulty in dealing with this topic.

Why are there so many contradictions in the bible? - The bible is considered the “word of God” by most Christian believers. Yet on “critical” inspection, it reveals several contradictions. This is simply because you cannot take the human aspect out of it. All the authors of the bible obviously had their biases on certain views and these biases worked their way into it’s writing. To Illustrate this point, if you were asked to write a biography on say President Robert Mugabe, obviously your portrayal of him would to a large part be shaped by your own personal view of him. Secondly, the concept of context comes in. Certain books in the bible were written for certain audiences, and were addressing particular issues unique to certain times. So something considered relevant in one period might not have been considered relevant a 100 years down the line. [So Bible is not the literal word of God, Quran claims to be]

Thirdly, some of the writers might not have been aware of other scriptures that contradicted their own views. Mind you, the bible only existed in its present compiled form long after these authors had died. So we can not assume that all the writers has access to the full body of writing when they wrote their books. In addition, the authors would most likely not have been trained “critical” writers. Most of the writers were ordinary citizens working as say fishermen and shepherds, and only took up writing part time. And this was over 2000 years ago. So judging their writing by todays post-renaissance standards almost seems unfair. You need to be aware of these things when reading the bible. But none of this implies that the authors did not have genuine “encounters” with God.

If God exists, why doesn't he come forward and remove all doubt? - The Christian view is that God came in human form as Jesus, and he revealed everything to us. The bible also mentions that God had spoken to humanity before that using other men and women of faith like Moses and Esther. So to the believer, God has already come forward, and many believe he still does. That said, not everyone subscribes to biblical or religious teachings. So casting biblical “evidence” aside, what reason might God exist and not reveal himself? Well, the only reason that I can think of is that perhaps God believes we can deal with our own problems as he can. In fact, Jesus himself calls us “gods” (John 10:34). If God’s existence had been more evident, would we have progressed scientifically thus far as a species? Probably not, so perhaps this is his way of encouraging us to advance as a species? It’s a difficult path, but perhaps this is the only way to our eventual full “enlightenment”.

If God exists, why does he allow all the suffering? - This question is in a way related to the previous one. If the bible is to be considered as a source of answers to this question, then the answer is that God’s original plan was that man live in “paradise”. According to Genesis, the “first” man and woman supposedly lived in a paradise, having everything they needed and were immune even to death. It’s only when “sin” or disobedience came in that everything fell apart.
If someone else “sinned”, then why should we pay the price today? Tough ask, I don’t know. And again, not everyone subscribes to biblical views. So why would God allow all this suffering if he really existed? I’m afraid I have to say it once more, I do know. I think I speak for most believers when I say I've encountered enough things that have made me question my faith. Having said that, many believe that human suffering is God’s way of moulding our character and getting the best out of us. Others say it’s a way to keep humanity humble. Who knows. [Read more click <<here>>]

One underlying explanation to all this is that a lot of people approach “God” on their own terms. So in their minds they have a mental picture of who they think God should be and how he should respond to them. When this doesn't happen, they get disheartened and move on. If you were “God”, would you allow your creation to set terms for you? This single point is the reason a lot of people do not have faith. Humility appears to be one of the keys in the path to knowing God, while human pride is portrayed as an obstacle. According to Andrew Murray; “Humility is our saviour… pride and humility are the two master powers that strive for the eternal possession of man”.

To sum this up, the world can indeed be a cruel place, and in many cases we struggle to find answers and meaning to our existence. As those deeper questions “how did we get here” and “why are we here” continue to resonate throughout human history without contentious explanation. It appears that religion is one half of humanities attempt to cope with life’s harsh realities and find meaning in the face of the genuine possibility that we are truly alone in this gargantuan Universe. Similarly, atheism appears to be the other half of humanities attempt at making sense of it all, and perhaps a “mental” escape from the genuine possibility that someone put us here, and that one day, we might have to give account.
Note: This is article is based upon 'Excerpts' with minor changess from the originnal article by Xfactor, m.news24.com
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18.9.13

Is Quran from Satan?

A common allegation, which was raised by polytheists of Makka, responded by Quran is again raised by Christian brothers:

"Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was under the influence of Satan, who dictated Quran."

Let's analyze this claim, allegation logically. As it is said the "the taste of pudding is in eating".
Jesus Christ said:

Matthew 7:16-18
"You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? "So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. "A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.…

Matthew 12:33
"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.

Matthew 12:35
A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.

If Quran was from Satan, the teachings should reflect the same, there should be praises for Satan and appreciation not curses. All messengers of God from Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, to Jesus Christ preached : Obedience and worship of One God. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) did not preach worship of 2 or 3 gods or Gods. His message is the same monotheistic: Obedience and surrender to the will of God [one word for it in Arabic word ISLAM] hence it is rightly claimed that the religion of all TRUE messengers of God is same. God is "All Knowing" how can a true God change His basic message? Change was only in law. Shari'a according to the people and time. Now it stands resolved for ever for humanity.

The Quran makes it clear that God is the author of the Quran…not Satan:

26:210-212:
The devils did not bring it (the Quran) down. It is not meet for them, nor is it in their power, Lo! verily they are banished from the hearing.

55:1-2:
The Most Beneficent (Allah)! Has taught (you mankind) the Qur’an (by His Mercy).

The Quran opposes Satan as a staunch enemy…

2:168 :
O mankind! Eat of that which is lawful and wholesome in the earth, and follow not the footsteps of the devil. Lo! he is an open enemy for you.

7:200 :
And if a slander from the devil wound thee, then seek refuge in Allah. Lo! He is Hearer, Knower.

16:98:
“Whenever you read the Qur’an seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the accursed”

36:60:
Did I not charge you, O ye sons of Adam, that ye worship not the devil – Lo! he is your open foe! -

Now anyone who studies the Quran and knows about its scientific miracles , prophecies , falsification tests etc. can do nothing but conclude that it came from a supernatural source, the God.

If Jesus Christ heard such allegation he would have rebuked it just like how he rebuked the Pharisees who accused him of casting out Satan with the power of Satan…

Mark 3:22-26:

"And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebub[c]! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” So Jesus called them and spoke to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come."

The story is repeated in the gospel of Matthew…

Matthew 12:24-26: 24
But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebub,[d] the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.” 25Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. 26If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand?

Devil tempted Adam, Eve got them out of gardens of bliss , tempted Jesus Christ but was rebuked:

“Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”[Matthew 4:10]

The disappointed Satan later got Paul in vision [as did David Koresh and Jim Jones] and possessed him. It is not allegation its proved from Bible:

Paul under Satanic influence:

According to 2 Corinthians 12:6-9, Paul, in the Bible says:
“But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. ” -2 Corinthians 12:6-7

”According to ‘Saint’ Paul, God sent a Messenger of Satan to teach him the reality of grace.

If it is a Messenger from God,why then, does Paul call it a Messenger of Satan?
Since it is from God, shouldn’t it be a Messenger of God? Since Paul calls Messengers sent by Christ to teach him grace, Satan, and since Paul is tormented and Christ is unwilling to remove the ‘Messenger of Satan’,

then we must conclude that Paul was a man possessed by some demon. His teachings contradict Jesus Christ, so it suffice to prove the Satanic influence:

"A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him."(Matthew 12:35)

The dubious VISION of Paul and conversion story is exposed due to conflicting account at Act, chapters 9,22 & 26. Then the influence of Messenger of Satan, resulted in such doctrines which Jesus Chrsit never preached, he said:

Matthew 7:21-26:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Master, Master ‘will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will tell me in that day, ‘Master, master didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’ Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.‘ “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand.”

“For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.” [Matthew 13:15]

“But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand” [Matthew 7:26]

“And He said to them, “Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME. ‘And in vain they pay reverence [Greek sebomai sebomai, revere, worship, adore] to me as they teach doctrines of commandments of the sons of men.’ “Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.” [Mark 7:6-10]

These arguments should satisfy our Christian brothers and create awareness in their hearts to follow true teachings of Jesus Christ not of the Paul.

"But nay! I swear by all that ye see . And all that ye see not. That it is indeed the speech of an illustrious messenger. It is not poet's speech - little is it that ye believe! Nor diviner's speech - little is it that ye remember! It [Quran] is a revelation from the Lord of the Worlds. And if he had invented false sayings concerning Us, We assuredly had taken him by the right hand. And then severed his life-artery, And not one of you could have held Us off from him. And lo! it is a warrant unto those who ward off (evil). And lo! We know that some among you will deny (it). And lo! it is indeed an anguish for the disbelievers. And lo! it is absolute truth. So glorify the name of thy Tremendous Lord. (Quran; 69:38-52)

REJECT SATAN AND SATANISM.... GOD BLESS AND GUIDE TO TRUE PATH.. AMIN

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10.11.12

Ahmed Deedat's Books on Islam & Christianity

Dear brethren and sistres,

As you may already know, how our beloved scholar Sheikh Ahmed Deedat refreshed the science of debating in the Islamic tradition. When you flip through the Islamic books, you will come across Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Ibn Taimiah, Imam Abul Baqaa', Alama Ramatullah Al-Hindi, and so many scholars describing their debates, explaining their arguments, and refuting the opposites'. When it comes to the 21st century we just have one in mind: Sheikh Ahmad Deedat. Here I present before you my collection of Sheikh Ahmad Deedat's debates and lectures in 3 different qualities(whenever possible) to spread the good word among us and to others, hoping that Allah (Subhanah Wa Ta'alla) guides us and them to the right path. Finally, please feel free to copy and distribute the material provided in this website and do not forget me in your prayers nor Sheikh Ahmad Deedat and every person made this videos accessible to the public.

Contact me: truthway@hotmail.com

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50000 Errors in the Bible
Al-Quran - The Miracle of Miracles
Arabs And Israel Conflict Or Conciliation
Can You Stomach The Best Of Rushdie
Christ In Islam
Combat Kit Against Bible Thumpers
Crucifixion Or Cruci-fiction
Is The Bible God's Word
Muhammad (pbuh) The Greatest
Muhummed (pbuh) The Natural Successor To Christ
Resurrection Or Resuscitation
The Choice Part 1 The Choice Part 2
The God That Never Was
Was Jesus Crucified
What is His Name
What The Bible Says About Muhammad (pbuh)
What Was The Sign Of Jonah
Who Moved The Stone?

Source: http://english.truthway.tv

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20.10.12

Proof of Islam - Videos by Abdurraheem Green

Lanky, blonde, green-eyed, Abdurraheem Green appears to be a character straight out of the Hollywood movie "Ben Hur". He was born to British parents in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in 1964. He attended a famous Roman Catholic monastic school called Ampleforth College and proceeded to study history at the University of London. He was dissatisfied with Christianity since the age of eight, and was practicing Buddhism for nearly three years, though he never formally accepted it. After reading the Quran, he embraced Islam in 1988, and has since been a very active da‘iyah (caller to Allah). Presently, he is working with an Islamic media company based in England and is involved in da’wah activities including lectures on Islam in London’s famous Hyde Park, where he is well known for his efforts at the “Speaker’s Corner”.
Here Abdur Raheem Green embarks on a journey, a journey to take you through a very amazing and interesting topic and that is the proof that Islam is the Truth. In this series of episodes, he shows that Islam truly is the religion that has been revealed by Allah, the creator of the heavens and the Earth for the guidance and the benefit of all the humanity.

1 - Proof of Islam ( English )

10 - Historical Facts ( English )

11 - Witness of The People of The Book ( English )

12 - Muhammad PBUH in the Bible (Part 1) ( English )

13 - Muhammad PBUH in the Bible (Part 2) ( English )

14 - Prophecies of the Prophet PBUH ( English )

15 - Signs of the last days ( English )

2 - Preservation of The Quran ( English )

3 - Oral Transmission of the Quran ( English )

4 - The Preservation of the Sayings of the Prophet (PBUH) ( English )

5 - The Miracle of the Quran ( English )

6 - Stories of Those Who Heard The Quran ( English )

7 – Embryology ( English )

8 - Scientific Facts in the Quran (Part 1) ( English )

9 - Scientific Facts in the Quran (Part 2) ( English )
Page Link :http://www.islamhouse.com/p/320629

Culture Confusion ( English )

Deception of the World ( English )

Does God Exist? ( English )

Islam and Democracy ( English )

Islam at Crossroads ( English )

Islam: The Religion Of Truth ( English )

Islamic Shari'ah - Modern Challenges, Islamic Solutions ( English )

Loving Allah and His Messenger ( English )

Major Sins - Questions and Answers ( English )

Meaning of the word ISLAM ( English )

Mohammad ( Peace Be Upon Him) ( English )

Passion of Jesus: Son of Mary - Questions & Answers ( English )

Real Meaning of Peace ( English )

Reasoning the Revelation from God ( English )

Sharia Law ( English )

The Many Aspects Of Shirk ( English )

The Proof That Islam Is The Truth ( English )

Towards a More Peaceful Society ( English )

Was Muhammad (pbuh) really a prophet? ( English )

Women in Islam, Liberated or Subjugated? ( English )

2.9.12

In quest of truth: By Mubarak Ali

Generally in a Muslim society and particularly in Pakistan, there are poets, writers and religious scholars, but no philosophers, thinkers and scientists whose approach to knowledge is analytical, empirical and rational. The main task of philosophy is the pursuit of truth as it constantly probes and searches truth which evolves with time.

Societies which believe that they have found the truth do not bother to look at the changing times to realise that a new concept of truth has emerged as a result of human progress in knowledge.

This is evident from the study of the history of Greece and India where philosophers were keen to know about the nature of this world and human beings and consequently produced philosophical thoughts to understand this phenomenon.

When Greek philosophy was translated into Arabic, some Muslim philosophers were influenced by it and produced commentaries on Greek philosophers. They made attempts to lay down the foundation of philosophical thoughts in the Muslim society. However, they failed to have any impact as their efforts were countered by religious scholars like Ghazali, (1111 C.E) who condemned philosophy as a danger to revealed truth. The Muslim society therefore failed to produce philosophers and put an end to the creation of new ideas.

Those who tried to carry on Greek philosophical traditions were condemned and excluded from the Muslim intellectual traditions. Razi, Farabi, Ibn Sina and Ibi Rushd were not given due recognition by the society. Abul Fazl, a brilliant historian and thinker was completely ignored. Ghazali was accepted as the champion of faith who saved it from blasphemous ideas of the philosophers.

On the other hand, the western society inherited the philosophical legacy from Greece and added to it new ideas and thoughts which enriched the western civilisation. In the 17th and 18th centuries, there was a scientific revolution which presented the universe from quite a different angle. The enlightened movement was based on reason, knowledge and progress which gradually transformed the society. The age of enlightenment produced great philosophers and thinkers whose ideas guided the society to abandon outdated traditions and values and create new values for the new age. It unfolded a new truth which superceded old and obsolete ideas.

The process of western thinking and its search of truth did not end with the enlightened period. It continued to search for the truth. Later the Romantic Movement challenged the enlightened ideas and tried to understand nature and man differently with passion rather than reason. Positivism, nationalism, socialism and feminism movements followed, with the result that there were innovations and changes in art, literature, architecture and social, and cultural values of the western society. The new philosophical thoughts created a dynamism which discovered new versions of truth.

The problem of Muslim society has been that it is afraid of new ideas and new truth. It is particularly fearful of philosophy as it creates doubts and questions the existing truth.

Iqbal, who is also called a philosopher, exhorted his community not to study philosophy as it challenged the prevailing values.
He believed in the truth inherited from our ancestors and accepted it as it is. When the religious seminary of Deoband was founded in 1868, the subject of philosophy was not included in its curriculum.

In the absence of new philosophical ideas and believing in the unchanging truth, the society has become stagnant and intellectually barren. It fails to understand not only its own environment but also the global process. It relies on poetical and theological emotionalism and encourages our intellectuals to borrow western ideology without changing and understanding it.
Although ideas develop as societies evolve, our intellectuals implant advanced ideas in a backward society which are not accepted by the majority of people.

As our society believes in absolute truth, it is not ready to accept any new ideas which contradict or challenge it. This leaves no space for thinkers and philosophers to create new thoughts. The only use of philosophy is to support religious belief. This is what the philosophy was used for during the Medieval period in Europe when through scholasticism it subordinated religion. In the Muslim society it is known as ‘ilm al Kalam. Philosophy plays a vital role in a society only when it is liberated from faith and can bring about radical change. Whether this is possible in the Muslim society or not, is a question we must analyse and respond to.
http://dawn.com/2012/09/02/past-present-in-quest-of-truth/

Please visit: http://aftabkhan.blog.com

18.8.12

Quran: Intellect and Reason

The difference between human and animals is the 'intellect', the ability to learn and reason; the capacity for knowledge and understanding. intellect enables man to think rationally and discern right from wrong, truth from falsehood. Quran repeatedly emphases and urge the people to use their intellect to understand its message. Blind faith without reason is faith of ignorants. Islam is a religion without any mythology. Its teachings are simple and intelligible. It is free from superstitions and irrational beliefs.

"No self can believe except with God’s permission. He places a blight on those who do not use their intellect" (The Qur’an, 10:100)

The oneness of God, the prophet-hood of Muhammad (pbuh), and the concept of life after death are the basic articles of its faith. They are based on reason and sound logic. All of the teachings of Islam flow from those basic beliefs and are simple and straightforward. There is no hierarchy of priests, no farfetched abstractions, no complicated rites or rituals. Islam awakens in man the faculty of reason and exhorts him to use his intellect: And in the alternation of night and day, and in the provision God sends down from the sky, bringing Earth to life by it after it has died, and in the varying direction of the winds, there are Signs for people who use their intellect. (Qur'an, 45:5)Quran enjoins people to see things in the light of reality. “Verily, the vilest of all creatures in the sight of God are those deaf, those dumb ones who do not use their intellect.” (Quran; 8:22) “..he who perished might perish by a clear proof and he who survived might survive by a clear proof “(Quran; 8:42) "There is no compulsion in religion. Certainly, right has become clearly distinct from wrong. Whoever rejects the devil and believes in God has firmly taken hold of a strong handle that never breaks. God is All-hearing and knowing."(Quran;2:256) Most frequently used words in this context in Quran are; albāb (أَلْبَٰب), aqal (عَقَلُ) meaning, understanding, intellect, fuād (فُؤَاد), qalb (قَلْب) & Sadr (صَدْر).The heart (♥) has long been used as a symbol to refer to the spiritual, emotional, moral, and in the past, also intellectual core of a human being. According yo recent scientific research indicate that that heart is not merely a pump but has its own mini brain. Despite the importance of the brain, the heart seems to be serving as an organ of intelligence in its own right [click for details].

Quran also refers to brain for intellect as commonly perceived now:

بَلْ نَقْذِفُ بِالْحَقِّ عَلَى الْبَاطِلِ فَيَدْمَغُهُ فَإِذَا هُوَ زَاهِقٌ ۚ وَلَكُمُ الْوَيْلُ مِمَّا تَصِفُونَ

"Nay, We hurl the Truth against falsehood, and it knocks out its brain, and behold, falsehood doth perish! Ah! woe be to you for the (false) things ye ascribe (to Us)". [Quran;21:18]

"Behold, in the heavens as well as on earth there are indeed messages for all who [are willing to] believe. (3) And in your own nature, and in [that of] all the animals which He scatters [over the earth] there are messages for people who are endowed with inner certainty. (4) And in the succession of night and day, and in the means of subsistence which God sends down from the skies, giving life thereby to the earth after it had been lifeless, and in the change of the winds: [in all this] there are messages for people who use their reason."(Quran;45:2-5)

Quran repeatedly exhorts the humanity to; Ponder [يَتَدَبَّرُ] over Signs [āyat ءَايَة], Albāb أَلْبَٰب understand, Think[فَكَّرَ ],seek Proof [بُرْهَانٌ] seek and employ Knowledge [il'mعِلْم] and Wisdom [Hik'matحِكْمَة] to be guided to true path for salvation. Those who reject the guidance are Ignorant جَاهِل. Some examples are mentioned below:- Albāb أَلْبَٰب:The triliteral root lām bā bā (ل ب ب) occurs 16 times in the Quran as the noun albāb (أَلْبَٰب), meaning, understanding. For more details click here>>> Ponder: yatadabbaru (يَتَدَبَّرُ): Four times as the form verb yatadabbaru (يَتَدَبَّرُ) is used meaning 'ponder'

Ponder, Thought, فَكَّرَ

The triliteral root fā kāf rā (ف ك ر) to mean 'thought, ponder, reflect'occurs 18 times in the Quran, in two derived forms: once as the form II verbfakkaraفَكَّرَ, times as the form V verb yatafakkaru (يَتَفَكَّرُ). For details click here >>>

Proof بُرْهَانٌ :

The quadriliteral root bā rā hā nūn (ب ر ه ن) occurs 8 times in the Quran as the noun bur'hān (بُرْهَٰن). For more details click here>>>

**ʿKnowledge il'mعِلْم**

The triliteral root ʿayn lām mīm (ع ل م) meaning 'Knowledge' occurs 854 times in the Quran, in 14 derived forms, including 105 times as the noun ʿil'm (عِلْم) meaning 'knowledge' For details click here >>

Ignorant جَاهِل

Opposed to knowledgeable, the triliteral rootjīm hā lām(ج ه ل) 'ignorant' occurs 24 times in the Quran, in six derived forms: five times as the form I verbyajhalu(يَجْهَلُ), once as the nounjāhiliyyat(جَٰهِلِيَّة), three times as the proper nounjāhiliyyat(جَٰهِلِيَّة), four times as the nounjahālat(جَهَٰلَة), once as the adjectivejahūl(جَهُول), 10 times as the active participlejāhil(جَاهِل). Say, [O Muhammad], "Is it other than Allah that you order me to worship, O ignorant ones?"[38:64] Right Minded رَشِيدٌ Derived from the triliteral root rā shīn dāl (ر ش د) occurs 19 times in the Quran, in seven derived forms: right path, rightly guided, rightly minded, guidance & guide. Hik'matحِكْمَة Hik'mat (حِكْمَة) noun, meaning ''wisdom' appears 20 times in Quran. Signs; āyatءَايَة The triliteral root hamza yā yā (أ ي ي) occurs 382 times in the Quran as the noun āyat (ءَايَة) it is means 'sign or proof' at 172 places, which also include miracles. The other meaning is 'verse', in fact each verse of Quran is also a 'sign' of Allah. "The example of [this] worldly life is but like rain which We have sent down from the sky that the plants of the earth absorb - [those] from which men and livestock eat - until, when the earth has taken on its adornment and is beautified and its people suppose that they have capability over it, there comes to it Our command by night or by day, and We make it as a harvest, as if it had not flourished yesterday. Thus do We explain in detail the signs for a people who give thought."(10:24) And indeed We sent Musa (Moses) with Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and a manifest authority;(11:96) 10:24) l-āyāti the Signs كَذَٰلِكَ نُفَصِّلُ الْآيَاتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ (2:99) āyātin Verses وَلَقَدْ أَنْزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ آيَاتٍ بَيِّنَاتٍ وَمَا يَكْفُرُ بِهَا إِلَّا الْفَاسِقُونَ (11:96 biāyātinā with Our Signs وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا مُوسَىٰ بِآيَاتِنَا More details >>>> Intellect عَقَلُThe triliteral root ʿayn qāf lām (ع ق ل) occurs 49 times in the Quran as the form of verb ʿaqalu عَقَلُ. Which means; mind, reason, brains, intellect, intelligence, sense, understand, understanding. For all 49 verses please click here >>> On عَقَلُ aql and Rationale:

By: Abd-Allah Muhammad bin Abdul Karim and Hazreen Haizi binti Harith

Verses that contain the word عَقَلُ aql (ع ق ل ain-qaf-lam) or its derivatives are 49 in the Quran. Verses that contain any word that have similar meaning, like fikr (fa-kaf-ra), faqaha (fa-qaf-ha), dhikr (dha-kaf-ra), lubb (lam-ba-ba) or it's plural, albab are numerous, which shows that the concept of thinking is indeed highly promoted in the Quran. However, for the purpose of simplicity, only verses containing the word عَقَلُ aql or its derivatives are being analyzed here, which is a total of 49 verses.

The word عَقَلُ aql means intellect or reason, or to restrain. The use of عَقَلُ aql is encouraged in the Quran, as mentioned when Allah says: ع And We have certainly left of it a sign as clear evidence for a people who use reason.' (29:35). In all 49 verses, it was concluded that they could be divided into 2 main categories, which are:

1) verses inviting mankind in general to use their عَقَلُ aql and reflect upon the creations and signs of Allah, and; 2) verses addressing specific groups of people with regards to the use of their عَقَلُ aql.

In those verses that invite all kinds of people to use their عَقَلُ aql, there were few recurring themes or signs that were mentioned. Among them were: i) the development and life of human, ii) the life, through water, and death of the earth and its produces, and iii) the alteration of night and day. For example, the Quran states, "And it is He who gives life and causes death, and His is the alternation of the night and the day. Then will you not reason?' (23:80), and ˜Know that Allah gives life to the earth after its lifelessness. We have made clear to you the signs; perhaps you will understand.' (57:17), as well as, "And he to whom We grant long life We reverse in creation; so will they not understand?' (36:68)

Upon further reflection on these verses, some of the lessons that could be extracted is that Allah is in control of each of His creation, He gives life to any, and as such, He gives death to any, and most importantly, none of His creation is exempted from death.

In the second category, the verses were addressed to specific groups of people. These verses can be further divided into 4 categories, which are, verses addressed to: i) the non-believers who needs further guidance, ii) the non-believers who rejects the belief in Allah, iii) the people of the book [Jews & Christians] and iv) the believers.

For the first group of people, they are those who still need guidance in putting their عَقَلُ aql to appropriate usage. After being invited to reflect on the signs and creations of Allah, and to believe that Allah is in control of everything, human could still be directed into different directions depending on the use of the عَقَلُ aql. However, Allah guides human further by rejecting the concept of worshipping multiple gods, idol-worshipping or blind faith. For example, the Quran states, He presents to you an example from yourselves. Do you have among those whom your right hands possess any partners in what We have provided for you so that you are equal therein [and] would fear them as your fear of one another [within a partnership]? Thus do We detail the verses for a people who use reason.' (30:28), also, "And when it is said to them, “Follow what Allah has revealed,” they say, “Rather, we will follow that which we found our fathers doing.” Even though their fathers understood nothing, nor were they guided?' (2:170)

As mentioned in the Quran, the non-believers from different generations rejected their prophet(s) with various accusations, and Allah tells them to use their عَقَلُ ˜aql and ponder about this matter, when He says, Say, “If Allah had willed, I would not have recited it to you, nor would He have made it known to you, for I had remained among you a lifetime before it. Then will you not reason?”' (10:16)

Furthermore, they were also reminded to reflect upon and learn about the fate of previous generations who rejected their prophet and the message of Islam, in at least 3 different places. An example is, "So have they not travelled through the earth and have hearts by which to reason and ears by which to hear? For indeed, it is not eyes that are blinded, but blinded are the hearts which are within the breasts.' (22:46)

The second group of people addressed are the non-believers who refused to believe and submit to the Oneness of Allah even after being invited to ponder upon the creations and signs of Allah, to reflect on His Oneness, His messengers and their roles, and the fate of the previous generations who refused to believe. For this group, the Quran simply state that they are those whom do not use their عَقَلُ aql, or do not think at all. Among others, they are addressed as; 1) the deaf, dumb and blind, as in this verse,˜The example of those who disbelieve is like that of one who shouts at what hears nothing but calls and cries cattle or sheep – deaf, dumb and blind, so they do not understand.' (2:171), and 2) the worst of creatures in this verse, Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf and dumb who do not use reason.' (8:22)

It is also mentioned that, they have hearts that are divided as shown in this verse,˜They will not fight you all except within fortified cities or from behind walls. Their violence among themselves is severe. You think they are together, but their hearts are diverse. That is because they are a people who do not reason.' (59:14)

And because they are people whom do not utilize their عَقَلُ aql, and consequently do not believe, their fate in this world is that they are defiled, while in the hereafter, their destination is the hell fire while regretting not using there عَقَلُ aql properly, as mentioned in these two verses, and He will place defilement upon those who will not use reason.' (10:100), and ˜And they will say, “If only we had been listening or reasoning, we would not be among the companions of the Blaze.”' (67:10)

The third group of people addressed is the People of the Book [Jews, Christians]. In the time of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), some of them claimed that they believed, but refused to accept the message of Prophet (pbuh). For these people, the Quran addressed them by posing rhetorical questions, which portrayed the acts that they were questioned with looked even worse. From the analysed verses, none of the verses mentioned them as people who do not think directly. Some of the acts that were questioned were, first, them not practising what they preach in this verse, "Do you order righteousness of the people and forget yourselves while you recite the Scripture? Then will you not reason?' (2:44), second, their argument about Abraham (pbuh) in this verse, ˜O People of the Scripture, why do you argue about Abraham while the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed until after him? Then will you not reason?' (3:65), and, third, them preferring the lowly life as mentioned in this verse, And there followed them successors who inherited the Scripture [while] taking the commodities of this lower life and saying, “It will be forgiven for us.” And if an offer like it comes to them, they will [again] take it. Was not the covenant of the Scripture taken from them that they would not say about Allah except the truth, and they studied what was in it? And the home of the Hereafter is better for those who fear Allah, so will you not use reason?' (7:169)

One important lesson that could be extracted from these verses is that, they used their عَقَلُ aql based on their whims and desire, and their refusal to believe was due to sheer arrogance.

The final group of people addressed is the believers, who submit to the Oneness of Allah, who worship Allah alone, and obey the teachings of His messenger, Muhammad (pbuh). Upon reflecting on the signs and creations of Allah, the Eeman or faith of the believers should be reaffirmed and solidified, resulting in increased `ubudiyyah (worship acts) to Allah. However, the use of عَقَلُ ˜aql for a believer has to be accompanied with knowledge i.e. in the light of the Quran and the Sunnah. As mentioned in the Quran, none would properly understand, except people with knowledge, ˜And these examples We present to the people, but none will understand them except those of knowledge.' (29:43) In addition, in few occasions, the Quran tells the believers, to ponder and learn from the Quran itself, Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur'an that you might understand.' (12:2)

In the remaining of the verses addressed to the believers, most begins by Allah mentioning His commands, and ends with عَقَلُ so that you may understand', implying that, it is not for the believer to question the details of these commands, rather, obey it and be assured that there are lessons to be learned from these commands. For example, "Say, “Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited to you. [He commands] that you not associate anything with Him, and to parents, good treatment, and do not kill your children out of poverty; We will provide for you and them. And do not approach immoralities – what is apparent of them and what is concealed. And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed] except by [legal] right. This has He instructed you that you may use reason.”' (6:151), and ˜O you who have believed, do not take as intimates those other than yourselves, for they will not spare you [any] ruin. They wish you would have hardship. Hatred has already appeared from their mouths, and what their breasts conceal is greater. We have certainly made clear to you the signs, if you will use reason.' (3:118)

The believers are also reminded to reflect upon the deceptions of Satan (shaytaan) that has led many astray, ˜And he had already led astray from among you much of creation, so did you not use reason?' (36:62).

Also, in lieu of the lesson of life and death and that no creation of Allah could escape from death (from the first main category), which invites people to ponder upon the signs of Allah, the believers were asked to think beyond this life through rhetorical questions. For example, ˜And the worldly life is not but amusement and diversion; but the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allah, so will you not reason?' (6:32). As well as, ˜And whatever thing you [people] have been given – it is [only for] the enjoyment of worldly life and its adornment. And what is with Allah is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason?' (28:60)

In conclusion, even though these verses are directed towards different groups, each of it serves as a reminder for the believers. As for the verses directed towards those who do not submit to the Oneness of Allah and the people of the book, a believer should continue reexamining him/herself so that he/she is free from the characteristics associated with these groups. As for the verses directed to the believers, one should always pause and reflect upon them. Indeed there are great lessons to be learned. Allahu ta`ala a`lam.

http://muslimmatters.org/2008/06/18/heavenly-hues-aql-and-rationale/

Quran emphasizes use of intellect, reason and understanding to ponder over Quran to grasp the real message. Translation of some verses is given below:.

"...We explain our signs clearly for those who use reason." [Quran 30:28]

"They will say: If only we had listened or used reason, we would not have ended up as inmates in the burning fire." [Quran 67:10]

"We have made the revelations clear to you, if you will use your reason." [Quran 3:118]

"But none will grasp the message except the men of intellect." (Quran 2:269)

We have made it a Quran in Arabic, that ye may be able to understand. (Quran 43:3)

Verily, We have made this (Quran) easy, in your tongue, in order that they may give heed. (Quran 44:58)

This is a Book full of Blessings that we have revealed unto you so people ponder upon its verses and men of intellect may reflect. (Quran 38:29)

Do they not then ponder on the Quran, or are there locks on the hearts? (Quran 47:24) "He did lead me astray from the Message (of Allah) after it had come to me! Ah! The Satan is but a traitor to man!" The messenger said, "My Lord, my people have deserted this Quran."(Quran 25:29-30) Say: Bring your proof if you are truthful. (2:111) God changes not what is in a people, until they change what is in themselves ... (13:11)

They follow nothing except conjecture, and what the self desires ... (53:25)

If thou obeyest the most part of those on earth, they will lead thee astray from the path of God: they follow only surmise, merely conjecturing. (6:116)

And pursue not that thou has no knowledge of ... (17:36)

And when it is said to them: 'Follow what God has sent down', they say, 'No; but we will follow such things as we found our fathers doing.' What? Even if their fathers had no understanding of anything, and if they were not guided ? (2:170)

In the creation of the heavens and Earth, and the alternation of the night and day, and the ships that sail the seas to people's benefit, and the water that God sends down from the sky—by which He brings Earth to life when it was dead and scatters about in it creatures of every kind—and the varying direction of the winds, and the clouds subservient between heaven and Earth, there are Signs for people who use their intellect. (Qur'an, 2:164)

How many Signs there are in the heavens and Earth! Yet they pass them by, turning away from them. Most of them do not believe in God without associating others with Him. (Qur'an, 12:105-06)

Such metaphors—We devise them for humanity, but only those with knowledge understand them. (Qur'an, 29:43)

Among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and Earth and the variety of your languages and colors. There are certainly Signs in that for those who know. (Qur'an, 30:22)

What about the one who spends the night hours in prayer, prostrating and standing up, mindful of the Hereafter, hoping for the mercy of his Lord? Say: "Are they the same—those who know and those who do not know?" It is only people of intelligence who pay heed. (Qur'an, 39:9)

Rather, We hurl the truth against falsehood and it cuts right through its brain and it vanishes clean away! Woe without end for you for what you portray! (Qur'an, 21:18)

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Heart & Intellect

The word 'Heart' is described in dictionary with multiple meanings, 1. As the chambered, muscular organ in vertebrates that pumps blood received from the veins into the arteries, thereby maintaining the flow of blood through the entire circulatory system. A similarly functioning structure in invertebrates. 2. The area that is the approximate location of the heart in the body; the breast. 3. The vital centre and source of one's being, emotions, and sensibilities. The repository of one's deepest and sincerest feelings and beliefs: an appeal from the heart; a subject dear to her heart. The seat of the intellect or imagination: the worst atrocities the human heart could devise. 4. Emotional constitution, basic disposition, or character: a man after my own heart. One's prevailing mood or current inclination: We were light of heart. My heart is not in it. 5. Capacity for sympathy or generosity; compassion: a leader who seems to have no heart. Love; affection: The child won my heart. 6. Courage; resolution; fortitude: The soldiers lost heart and retreated. The firmness of will or the callousness required to carry out an unpleasant task or responsibility: hadn't the heart to send them away without food. 7. A person esteemed or admired as lovable, loyal, or courageous: a dear heart. 8. The central or innermost physical part of a place or region: the heart of the financial district. synonyms at centre. The core of a plant, fruit, or vegetable: hearts of palm. 9. The most important or essential part: get to the heart of the matter. 10. A conventionalized two-lobed representation of the heart, usually coloured red or pink. 11. Games. A red, heart-shaped figure on certain playing cards. A playing card with this figure. hearts n (used with a sing. or pl. verb. The suit of cards represented by this figure. A card game in which the object is either to avoid hearts when taking tricks or to take all the hearts) [Excerpted from American Heritage Dictionary]. The use of word 'heart' with multiple metaphoric meanings in English, in many cases is also in vogue in other languages.

The debate on heart or brain to be the centre of intellect is very old. The cardiocentric model of Aristotle [384–322 B.C.E] went against the encephalocentric (brain-centered) model of his teacher, Plato. Aristotle may not have been completely wrong in his belief that the heart is an organ of intelligence. Brain is the portion of the vertebrate central nervous system that is enclosed within the cranium, continuous with the spinal cord, and composed of gray matter and white matter. It is the primary centre for the regulation and control of bodily activities, receiving and interpreting sensory impulses, and transmitting information to the muscles and body organs. It is also the seat of consciousness, thought, memory, and emotion. While it most certainly is true that the brain is the major relay centre for cognitive function, it seems that the heart is not just a muscle pump, as many believe it to be. Now let's examine the functions of heart from latest scientific research. While it most certainly is true that the brain is the major relay centre for cognitive function, it seems that the heart is not just a muscle pump, as many believe it to be. Human heart has its own nervous system that is composed of approximately 40,000 neurons. These neurons are connected differently and more elaborately than elsewhere in the body and while they’re capable of detecting circulating chemicals sent from the brain and other organs, they operate independently in their own right. Having it’s own “mini-brain” is the reason why heart transplants work, given the fact that severed nerve connections do not reconnect in a different body. Furthermore, this elaborate nervous centre in the heart has more functions than simply regulating the electrical activities of the heart to keep it pumping. However, it is interesting to note that the heart starts beating in the unborn fetus even before the brain has been formed. Instead of simply pumping blood, it may actually direct and align many systems in the body so that they can function in harmony with one another.

In support of the mind-gut connection, one could say that sometimes the "gut feeling" is a lot smarter than the "brain droppings" The latter is a fancy name for such brain activity as thinking and reasoning. Gershon says, that the digestive system has its own nervous system and constantly communicates with the brain. It learns and it remembers. The heart communicates with the brain and the rest of the body in three ways documented by solid scientific evidence: neurologically (through transmissions of nerve impulses), biochemically (through hormones and neurotransmitters), and biophysically (through pressure waves). In addition, growing scientific evidence suggests that the heart may communicate with the brain and body in a fourth way – energetically (through electromagnetic field interactions). Through these biological communication systems, the heart has a significant influence on the function of our brains and all our Systems. Scientists are discovering that our hearts may actually be the "intelligent force" behind the intuitive thoughts and feelings we all experience.

Dr. J. Andrew Armour is a neurocardiologist that has shown some fascinating facts about the heart’s nervous system. You can review his book “Neurocardiology: Anatomical & Functional Principles” if you’re interested in the technical details. For example, while the heart can be influenced by messages sent from the brain, it doesn’t necessarily obey it all the time. Furthermore, the heart’s “mini-brain” can send its own signals to the brain and exercise its influence on it. To give one illustration: oxytocin, which is typically referred to as the “love hormone”, has been shown to be released not only from the brain, but also from the heart. Oxytocin is not only important for love and bonding, especially for pregnant and lactating mothers, but it also has roles in social behavior, wound healing, learning, memory, and empathy. In short, it’s one hormone that affects a very wide variety of important functions.

It’s generally assumed that learning and memory are a central nervous system function. Meaning, this is a function for that organ inside our heads. However, due to some bizarre, controversial and anomalous observations, there is a growing push towards a systemic memory mechanism. In other words, not to limit intelligence functions to the brain. This came from observations in organ transplant patients – more specifically, heart-transplant recipients.

In a study from 2002, researchers from the University of Arizona and University of Hawaii collaborated to publish a paper titled “Changes in Heart Transplant Recipients that Parallel the Personalities of their Donors”. Ten recipients who received heart or heart-lung transplants underwent evaluation through a series of open-ended interviews. These interviews involved the transplant recipients, recipient families or friends, and donor families or friends, in hospitals in various parts of the US. Several parallels were being investigated including, changes in food, music, art, sexual, recreational, and career preferences, as well as specific instances of perceptions of names and sensory experiences related to the donors.

The interview transcripts are beyond astounding to read. There was a case of a straight vegetarian health-consious donor that turned a militant gay McDonalds-loving recipient into a straight vegetarian health food seeking person after the transplant. Another case was of a young donor who was a violin musician that made the older classical-music-hating recipient all of a sudden want to listen to hours of it after surgery. A third case was of a young woman who was a “hell-raiser” all of a sudden picking up her donor’s love for music and poetry. She was even able to finish the words to his songs, which she never heard before. A funny one was the 47-year-old man receiving the heart of a 14-year-old girl injured in a gymnastics accident. His wife commented at how he changed after surgery, “Gus is a teenager. No doubt about that. He’s a kid – or at least he thinks he’s a kid. Even when we’re bowling, he yells and jumps around like a fool. He’s got this weird laugh now. It’s a girl’s laugh and we tell him that. He doesn’t care.”

This study is only an example of many others. Overall, the researchers here found that on average, the recipients picked up two to five parallels per case from the ones they investigated. This is a very high transfer of personality traits that immunosuppressant drugs, stress of surgery, and statistical coincidence cannot explain.

All of us at one point or another have experienced situations where we mentally worked it out, and despite the calculations that show it to be a good thing to be involved in, something was off and it just didn’t feel right. Most of the time we realize that our “strange feelings” feeling, or “gut-instinct” was confirmed.

The human body is much more mysterious than reductionist science would like us to believe. While Aristotle’s cardiocentric view lost the battle, it hasn’t necessarily lost the war. Despite the importance of the brain, the heart seems to be serving as an organ of intelligence in its own right. There is an interesting difference in definition that seems appropriate to point out here. Intelligence is defined as the capacity for learning, reasoning, understanding, and having the aptitude in grasping truths and meanings. It comes from the Latin meaning “faculty of understanding, comprehension, and discerning”. Cognition on the other hand is the act or process of knowing and perception, and it comes from the Latin meaning, “a getting to know; acquaintance; and knowledge”. The definition implies that intelligence is a higher faculty than cognition, and the question that poses itself in turn becomes: Is the heart our organ of intelligence, while the brain is our organ of cognition? Another research has revealed the gut-brain

[Excerpts: Mohamed Ghilan, UVic Neuroscience & Heart is the Seat of Emotions and More:by VijaiP.Sharma, Ph.D and American Heritage Dictionary]

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Quranic Terminology for Intellect

"Nay, We hurl the Truth against falsehood, and it knocks out its brain, and behold, falsehood doth perish! Ah! woe be to you for the (false) things ye ascribe (to Us)". [Quran;21:18].

The sixth word of verse (21:18) فَيَدْمَغُهُ fayadmaghuhu translated as: 'and it breaks its head / it knocks out its brain. It is divided into 3 morphological segments. A conjunction, verb and object pronoun. The prefixed conjunction 'fa' is usually translated as "and". The imperfect verb (فعل مضارع) is third person masculine singular and is in the indicative mood (مرفوع).

The verb's triliteral root is dāl mīm ghayn (د م غ).

دماغ means brain. Moreover while talking about 'intellect' and 'understanding' Quran also uses other terms like; albāb (أَلْبَٰب) understanding', fuād (فُؤَاد) 'heart', qalb (قَلْب) heart & Sadr (صَدْر) breast. The heart (♥) has long been used as a symbol to refer to the spiritual, emotional, moral, and in the past, also intellectual core of a human being. Metaphoric use of words is common in all all languages. [click here for more details]

Albāb (أَلْبَٰب) The triliteral root lām bā bā (ل ب ب) 'understanding' occurs 16 times in the Quran as the noun albāb (أَلْبَٰب). For details Click here >> Fuād (فُؤَاد) The triliteral root fā hamza dāl (ف أ د) 'heart', occurs 16 times in the Quran as the noun fuād (فُؤَاد). For more details click here >>>

Qalb (قَلْب) The triliteral root qāf lām bā (ق ل ب) , 'heart' occurs 168 times in the Quran, in nine derived forms: 132 times as the noun qalb (قَلْب), For more click here Sadr (صَدْر) The triliteral root ṣād dāl rā (ص د ر) occurs 46 times in the Quran, 44 times as the noun ṣadr (صَدْر) breast. For more details click here >>

Comments by Dr. Zakir Naik

The Arabic word qalb means the heart. It also means intelligence. In the Arabic language the word 'heart' is also used to connote one's centre of understanding. Several words used in English language whose literal meaning is different. Even in English language there are several words which are used to explain something, though the literal meaning of these words are different. Consider the following examples

a. Lunatic - Struck by the moon:

The word 'lunatic' literally means struck by the moon. Today people use the word lunatic for a person who is insane or mentally unstable. People very well know that a mad or a mentally unstable person is not struck by the moon. Yet even a medical doctor uses this word. This is normal in the evolution of a language.

b. Disaster - An evil star

The word 'disaster' literally means an evil star. Today the word disaster is used for a great or sudden misfortune or calamity. We know very well that a misfortune has nothing to do with an evil star.

c. Trivial - Three roads meet

The word 'trivial' literally means where three roads meet. Today the word 'trivial' is used for something of small nature or little importance. We know very well that if something is of small value it has nothing to do with where three roads meet.

d. Sunrise and Sunset

'Sunrise' literally means rising of the sun. Today when the word 'sunrise' is used most of the people know that the earth is rotating and is moving in relation to the sun. Most of us know that the sun does not rise during sunrise. However even an astronomer uses the word 'sunrise'. Similarly we know that during sunset, the sun does not actually set.

5. In the English language heart is the centre of love and emotion

In the English language heart means an organ in the body which pumps blood. The same word heart is also used for the centre of thought, love and emotion. Today we know that brain is the centre of thought, love and emotion. Yet while expressing emotions a person is likely to say "I love you from the bottom of my heart". Imagine a scientist telling his wife, "I love you from the bottom of my heart" and the wife replies, "Don't you even know the basics of science, that the brain is responsible for the emotions and not the heart? In fact you should say I love you from the bottom of my brain."

6. Arabs know that the word heart in Arabic is also used for centre of thought and understanding

No Arab will ever ask the question as to why Allah has sealed the hearts of the kafir because he knows that in this context it refers to the centre of thought, understanding and emotions.

Dr.Zakir Naik www.irf.net

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