Hadith is Full of Internal Contradictions

16 Nov 201756min

Send your comments, questions and episode suggestions to: qurantalk@gmail.com   [4:105] We have sent down to you the scripture, truthfully, in order to judge among the people in accordance with what GOD has shown you. You shall not side with the betrayers. Example of David [38:21] Have you received news of the feuding men who sneaked into his sanctuary? [38:22] When they entered his room, he was startled. They said, "Have no fear. We are feuding with one another, and we are seeking your fair judgment. Do not wrong us, and guide us in the right path. [38:23] "This brother of mine owns ninety-nine* sheep, while I own one sheep. He wants to mix my sheep with his, and continues to pressure me."   [38:24] He said, "He is being unfair to you by asking to combine your sheep with his. Most people who combine their properties treat each other unfairly, except those who believe and work righteousness, and these are so few." Afterwards, David wondered if he made the right judgment. He thought that we were testing him. He then implored his Lord for forgiveness, bowed down, and repented.*   [38:25] We forgave him in this matter. We have granted him a position of honor with us, and a beautiful abode. [38:26] O David, we have made you a ruler on earth. Therefore, you shall judge among the people equitably, and do not follow your personal opinion, lest it diverts you from the way of GOD. Surely, those who stray off the way of GOD incur severe retribution for forgetting the Day of Reckoning. *38:24 In this clear example, 99 on one side vs 1 on the other side, David's extreme care to render the correct judgment caused him to ask forgiveness. Are we this careful? Suspicion Is Sinful [49:12] O you who believe, you shall avoid any suspicion, for even a little bit of suspicion is sinful. You shall not spy on one another, nor shall you backbite one another; this is as abominable as eating the flesh of your dead brother. You certainly abhor this. You shall observe GOD. GOD is Redeemer, Most Merciful.   We all have an inherent bias when we judge How to judge fairly without bias?  Abraham – I cut you choose Divide-and-choose is mentioned in the Bible, in the Book of Genesis (chapter 13). When Abraham and Lot come to the land of Canaan, Abraham suggests that they divide it among them. Then Abraham, coming from the south, divides the land to a "left" (western) part and a "right" (eastern) part, and lets Lot choose. Lot chooses the eastern part which contains Sodom and Gomorrah, and Abraham is left with the western part which contains Beer Sheva, Hebron, Beit El and Shechem. Genesis 13 5 Now Lot, who was moving about with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. 6 But the land could not support them while they stayed together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to stay together. 7 And quarreling arose between Abram’s herders and Lot’s. The Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land at that time. 8 So Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives. 9 Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.” 10 Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) 11 So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company: 12 Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom. 13 Now the people of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord. You Shall Not Bear False Witness [4:135] O you who believe, you shall be absolutely equitable, and observe GOD, when you serve as witnesses, even against yourselves, or your parents, or your relatives. Whether the accused is rich or poor, GOD takes care of both. Therefore, do not be biased by your personal wishes. If you deviate or disregard (this commandment), then GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do    Witnessing A Will [5:106] O you who believe, witnessing a will when one of you is dying shall be done by two equitable people among you. If you are traveling, then two others may do the witnessing. After observing the Contact Prayer (Salat), let the witnesses swear by GOD, to alleviate your doubts: "We will not use this to attain personal gains, even if the testator is related to us. Nor will we conceal GOD's testimony. Otherwise, we would be sinners."   Dan Aeriely – An Extreme Take on The Ten Commandments Experiment http://danariely.com/2012/07/01/an-extreme-take-on-the-ten-commandments-experiment-2/  [5:107] If the witnesses are found to be guilty of bias, then two others shall be asked to take their places. Choose two persons who were victimized by the first witnesses, and let them swear by GOD: "Our testimony is more truthful than theirs; we will not be biased. Otherwise, we will be transgressors."   What about when you have to judge other’s disputes.    HOW TO DETERMINE GUILT AGAINST A LIAR Trial by ordeal is judicial practice by which the guilt or innocence of the accused is determined by subjecting them to a painful, or at least an unpleasant, usually dangerous experience. The test was one of life or death and the proof of innocence was survival. In some cases, the accused was considered innocent if they escaped injury or if their injuries healed. Trial by combat – two people in dispute would fight Trial by Fire – person would have to walk over hot metals or holding a red hot iron – if after 3 days their wounds were healed they were innocent Trial by Hot Water (like we saw) Trial by Cold Water (would be bound and submerged in water) Trial by Cross (hold hands in a cross or T-shape. First person to put hands down is the loser) Trial by ingestion/poison (if survive they were innocent)  Trial by Oil | National Geographic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgJXXo97D4c  Let people self-incriminate without force on their own merit Kind of Trial by Ordeal as Instituted in the Quran  [24:4] Those who accuse married women of adultery, then fail to produce four witnesses, you shall whip them eighty lashes, and do not accept any testimony from them; they are wicked. [24:5] If they repent afterwards and reform, then GOD is Forgiver, Merciful.   In the Torah, if someone gives a false testimony the punishment the accused would have gotten falls on the person bearing false witness  Deuteronomy 19: Laws of Landmark and Testimony 14“You shall not move your neighbor’s boundary mark, which the ancestors have set, in your inheritance which you will inherit in the land that the LORD your God gives you to possess. 15“A single witness shall not rise up against a man on account of any iniquity or any sin which he has committed; on the evidence of two or three witnesses a matter shall be confirmed. 16“If a malicious witness rises up against a man to accuse him of wrongdoing, 17then both the men who have the dispute shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges who will be in office in those days. 18“The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is a false witness and he has accused his brother falsely, 19then you shall do to him just as he had intended to do to his brother. Thus you shall purge the evil from among you. 20“The rest will hear and be afraid, and will never again do such an evil thing among you. 21“Thus you shall not show pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.  TRUSTLESS SOCIETY – How to build a society where people voluntarily self-identify  In Case of War [60:10] O you who believe, when believing women (abandon the enemy and) ask for asylum with you, you shall test them. GOD is fully aware of their belief. Once you establish that they are believers, you shall not return them to the disbelievers. They are not lawful to remain married to them, nor shall the disbelievers be allowed to marry them. Give back the dowries that the disbelievers have paid. You commit no error by marrying them, so long as you pay them their due dowries. Do not keep disbelieving wives (if they wish to join the enemy). You may ask them for the dowry you had paid, and they may ask for what they paid. This is GOD's rule; He rules among you. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise.   Solomon’s Judgment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_az3eNb0fI    Honesty is Our Responsibility  One of the absolute top necessities for a society to prosper is the need for honesty. We make our decisions based on the information we have. If someone provides false information then we could make wrong decisions. Crucial Advice [17:36] You shall not accept any information, unless you verify it for yourself. I have given you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brain, and you are responsible for using them.   Investigate Rumors Before Believing Them [49:6] O you who believe, if a wicked person brings any news to you, you shall first investigate, lest you commit injustice towards some people, out of ignorance, then become sorry and remorseful for what you have done.   Fearing the Lord is the start of wisdom Proverbs 9:  9vGive instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning. 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Wisdom: A Great Treasure [2:269] He bestows wisdom upon whomever He chooses, and whoever attains wisdom, has attained a great bounty. Only those who possess intelligence will take heed. Stephan Molyneux – eliminating religion the fabric of society starts falling apart [8:73] Those who disbelieved are allies of one another. Unless you keep these commandments, there will be chaos on earth, and terrible corruption.  You Shall Keep Your Word [16:91] You shall fulfill your covenant with GOD when you make such a covenant. You shall not violate the oaths after swearing (by God) to carry them out, for you have made GOD a guarantor for you. GOD knows everything you do. [16:92] Do not be like the knitter who unravels her strong knitting into piles of flimsy yarn. This is your example if you abuse the oaths to take advantage of one another. Whether one group is larger than the other, GOD thus puts you to the test. He will surely show you on the Day of Resurrection everything you had disputed. [16:93] Had GOD willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He sends astray whoever chooses to go astray, and He guides whoever wishes to be guided.* You will surely be asked about everything you have done. Violating Your Oath: A Serious Offense [16:94] Do not abuse the oaths among you, lest you slide back after having a strong foothold, then you incur misery. Such is the consequence of repelling from the path of GOD (by setting a bad example); you incur a terrible retribution. [16:95] Do not sell your oaths before GOD short. What GOD possesses is far better for you, if you only knew. [16:96] What you possess runs out, but what GOD possesses lasts forever. We will surely reward those who steadfastly persevere; we will recompense them for their righteous works.   Example of Adultery [24:6] As for those who accuse their own spouses, without any other witnesses, then the testimony may be accepted if he swears by GOD four times that he is telling the truth. [24:7] The fifth oath shall be to incur GOD's condemnation upon him, if he was lying. [24:8] She shall be considered innocent if she swears by GOD four times that he is a liar. [24:9] The fifth oath shall incur GOD's wrath upon her if he was telling the truth. [24:10] This is GOD's grace and mercy towards you. GOD is Redeemer, Most Wise. Divine Law [64:11] Nothing happens to you except in accordance with GOD's will. Anyone who believes in GOD, He will guide his heart. GOD is fully aware of all things.  [5:54] O you who believe, if you revert from your religion, then GOD will substitute in your place people whom He loves and who love Him. They will be kind with the believers, stern with the disbelievers, and will strive in the cause of GOD without fear of any blame. Such is GOD's blessing; He bestows it upon whomever He wills. GOD is Bounteous, Omniscient. You Shall Not Bear False Witness [5:8] O you who believe, you shall be absolutely equitable, and observe GOD, when you serve as witnesses. Do not be provoked by your conflicts with some people into committing injustice. You shall be absolutely equitable, for it is more righteous. You shall observe GOD. GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do. [5:9] GOD promises those who believe and lead a righteous life forgiveness and a great recompense. [5:10] As for those who disbelieve and reject our revelations, they are the dwellers of Hell. God Defends the Believers [5:11] O you who believe, remember GOD's blessings upon you; when some people extended their hands to aggress against you, He protected you and withheld their hands. You shall observe GOD; in GOD the believers shall trust.   Good things do not happen to bad people Psalm 91 9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. [3:174] They have deserved GOD's blessings and grace. No harm ever touches them, for they have attained GOD's approval. GOD possesses infinite grace.   Abraham was thrown into the fire [37:91] He then turned on their idols, saying, "Would you like to eat? [37:92] "Why do you not speak?" [37:93] He then destroyed them. [37:94] They went to him in a great rage. [37:95] He said, "How can you worship what you carve? [37:96] "When GOD has created you, and everything you make!" [37:97] They said, "Let us build a great fire, and throw him into it." [37:98] They schemed against him, but we made them the losers. Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den (Book of Daniel Chapter 6) Daniels constituents were thrown into the fire Daniel 3: The Fiery Furnace …25He said, "Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!" 26Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the furnace of blazing fire; he responded and said, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, come out, you servants of the Most High God, and come here!" Then Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego came out of the midst of the fire. 27The satraps, the prefects, the governors and the king's high officials gathered around and saw in regard to these men that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men nor was the hair of their head singed, nor were their trousers damaged, nor had the smell of fire even come upon them.…  [85:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful [85:1] The sky and its galaxies. [85:2] The promised day. [85:3] The witness and the witnessed. [85:4] Woe to the people of the canyon. [85:5] They ignited a blazing fire. [85:6] Then sat around it. [85:7] To watch the burning of the believers. [85:8] They hated them for no other reason than believing in GOD, the Almighty, the Praiseworthy. [85:9] To Him belongs the kingship of the heavens and the earth. And GOD witnesses all things. [85:10] Surely, those who persecute the believing men and women, then fail to repent, have incurred the retribution of Gehenna; they have incurred the retribution of burning. [85:11] Surely, those who believed and led a righteous life, have deserved gardens with flowing streams. This is the greatest triumph. Pharaoh and the magicians? Joseph was thrown into the well, accused by the governor’s wife (twice) We can’t affect the outcome, but we can trust in God that justice will be served   LET GOD JUDGE - Justice comes from God  [42:39] When gross injustice befalls them, they stand up for their rights. [42:40] Although the just requital for an injustice is an equivalent retribution, those who pardon and maintain righteousness are rewarded by GOD. He does not love the unjust. [42:41] Certainly, those who stand up for their rights, when injustice befalls them, are not committing any error. [42:42] The wrong ones are those who treat the people unjustly, and resort to aggression without provocation. These have incurred a painful retribution. [42:43] Resorting to patience and forgiveness reflects a true strength of character. [16:126] And if you punish, you shall inflict an equivalent punishment. But if you resort to patience (instead of revenge), it would be better for the patient ones. [16:127] You shall resort to patience—and your patience is attainable only with GOD's help. Do not grieve over them, and do not be annoyed by their schemes. [16:128] GOD is with those who lead a righteous life, and those who are charitable.

10 Nov 201735min

Revolutionary: Michael Behe and the Mystery of Molecular Machines https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ToSEAj2V0s

1 Nov 201717min

Minimum Requirements For Salvation [5:69] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the converts, and the Christians; any of them who (1) believe in GOD and (2) believe in the Last Day, and (3) lead a righteous life, have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. Unity of All Submitters [2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who  (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.   INTRODUCTION “While every religion has been corrupted by innovations, traditions, and false, idolatrous doctrines, there may be "Submitters" within every religion. There may be Submitters who are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or anything else. These Submitters, collectively, constitute the only religion acceptable to God. As emphasized by the theme on the front page of this book, all Submitters who are devoted to God ALONE, and do not set up any idols beside God, are redeemed into God's eternal kingdom (2:62). A criterion of the true submitters is that they will find nothing objectionable in the Quran.”  All Believers Constitute the One Acceptable Religion As expected from the Creator's final message, one of the prominent themes in the Quran is the call for unity among all believers, and the repeated prohibition of making any distinction among God's messengers. If the object of worship is one and the same, there will be absolute unity among all believers. It is the human factor, i.e., devotion and prejudice to such powerless humans as Jesus, Muhammad, and the saints that causes division, hatred, and bitter wars among the misguided believers. A guided believer is devoted to God ALONE, and rejoices in seeing any other believer who is devoted to God ALONE, regardless of the name such a believer calls his or her religion. Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in God, (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord; they have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. [2:62, 5:69] So does this mean that we don’t need to do our Salat, pay our Zakat, give to charity, believe in any of God’s messengers or scriptures, or angles?   Minimum Requirement is this minimum to all people or does it vary from person to person? I am going to argue that the minimum will vary from person to person We know that Zakat is 2.5% of our income, but this does not mean everyone will give the same amount. For instance the person who makes more money will pay more than the person who makes less money. Both are meeting the requirement, but to look at what each person’s level of Zakat is will not be the right metric to determine if they are meeting the requirement, and I believe that the minimum requirement will operate in the same manner  If you do not know about the Quran you are not responsible for following it. If you do not know of God’s messengers you are not responsible for following them God holds us responsible for what we know and our circumstances  Greater Miracles Bring Greater Responsibility* [5:114] Said Jesus, the son of Mary, "Our god, our Lord, send down to us a feast from the sky. Let it bring plenty for each and every one of us, and a sign from You. Provide for us; You are the best Provider." [5:115] GOD said, "I am sending it down. Anyone among you who disbelieves after this, I will punish him as I never punished anyone else."* *5:114-115 The Quran's overwhelming miracle (Appendix 1) is described in 74:35 as "One of the greatest miracles," and brings with it an uncommonly great responsibility.  Miracles Bring Greater Responsibility* [2:211] Ask the Children of Israel how many profound miracles have we shown them! For those who disregard the blessings bestowed upon them by GOD, GOD is most strict in retribution. *2:211 The Quran's mathematical miracle is a great blessing, and brings with it an awesome responsibility (please see 5:115). [33:36] No believing man or believing woman, if GOD and His messenger issue any command, has any choice regarding that command. Anyone who disobeys GOD and His messenger has gone far astray. Major Prophecy Fulfilled* God's Messenger of the Covenant [3:81] GOD took a covenant from the prophets, saying, "I will give you the scripture and wisdom. Afterwards, a messenger will come to confirm all existing scriptures. You shall believe in him and support him." He said, "Do you agree with this, and pledge to fulfill this covenant?" They said, "We agree." He said, "You have thus borne witness, and I bear witness along with you." Rejectors of God's Messenger of the Covenant are Disbelievers [3:82] Those who reject this (Quranic prophecy) are the evil ones. [4:159] Everyone among the people of the scripture was required to believe in him (Jesus) before his death. On the Day of Resurrection, he will be a witness against them. [24:61] The blind is not to be blamed, the crippled is not to be blamed, nor the handicapped is to be blamed, just as you are not to be blamed for eating at your homes, or the homes of your fathers, or the homes of your mothers, or the homes of your brothers, or the homes of your sisters, or the homes of your fathers' brothers, or the homes of your fathers' sisters, or the homes of your mothers' brothers, or the homes of your mothers' sisters, or the homes that belong to you and you possess their keys, or the homes of your friends. You commit nothing wrong by eating together or as individuals. When you enter any home, you shall greet each other a greeting from GOD that is blessed and good. GOD thus explains the revelations for you, that you may understand. The Test for Early Generations [48:16] Say to the sedentary Arabs who stay behind, "You will be invited to face powerful people and to fight them, unless they submit. If you obey, GOD will reward you with a generous recompense. But if you turn away again, as you did in the past, He will requite you with a painful retribution." [48:17] The blind is not to be blamed, the crippled is not to be blamed, and the sick is not to be blamed. Those who obey GOD and His messenger, He will admit them into gardens with flowing streams. As for those who turn away, He will requite them with a painful retribution.  Apathy Condemned [4:97] Those whose lives are terminated by the angels, while in a state of wronging their souls, the angels will ask them, "What was the matter with you?" They will say, "We were oppressed on earth." They will say, "Was GOD's earth not spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?" For these, the final abode is Hell, and a miserable destiny. [4:98] Exempted are the weak men, women, and children who do not possess the strength, nor the means to find a way out. [4:99] These may be pardoned by GOD. GOD is Pardoner, Forgiver. So if you are whole and able If you have the hearing, eyesight and mind If you are more intelligent If you are leader If you are rich If you have influence You bear more responsibility than ones who are not Someone who dies before the age of 40 will be forgiven Someone who is born mentally or physically deficient will be forgiven 40: The Age of Decision* [46:15] We enjoined the human being to honor his parents. His mother bore him arduously, gave birth to him arduously, and took intimate care of him for thirty months. When he reaches maturity, and reaches the age of forty,* he should say, "My Lord, direct me to appreciate the blessings You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and to do the righteous works that please You. Let my children be righteous as well. I have repented to You; I am a submitter." Christians, too, Must Obey God's Messenger [5:14] Also from those who said, "We are Christian," we took their covenant. But they disregarded some of the commandments given to them. Consequently, we condemned them to animosity and hatred among themselves, until the Day of Resurrection. GOD will then inform them of everything they had done. The Quran: God's Message to the Jews and Christians [5:15] O people of the scripture, our messenger has come to you to proclaim for you many things you have concealed in the scripture, and to pardon many other transgressions you have committed. A beacon has come to you from GOD, and a profound scripture. [5:16] With it, GOD guides those who seek His approval. He guides them to the paths of peace, leads them out of darkness into the light by His leave, and guides them in a straight path. Salvation For Jews and Christians [5:65] If only the people of the scripture believe and lead a righteous life, we will then remit their sins, and admit them into gardens of bliss. They Must Believe in This Quran [5:66] If only they would uphold the Torah and the Gospel, and what is sent down to them herein from their Lord, they would be showered with blessings from above them and from beneath their feet. Some of them are righteous, but many of them are evildoers.   (1) Believe in God?  What does it mean to believe in God? Just his mere existence? The devil believes in God.  Believe in God means believing in God’s qualities God is One [17:42] Say, "If there were any other gods beside Him, as they claim, they would have tried to overthrow the Possessor of the throne." [4:36] You shall worship GOD alone—do not associate anything with Him… Most Gracious, Most Merciful, Most Just, All Knowing, All Powerful etc. Knowing God [10:61] You do not get into any situation, nor do you recite any Quran, nor do you do anything, without us being witnesses thereof as you do it. Not even an atom's weight is out of your Lord's control, be it in the heavens or the earth. Nor is there anything smaller than an atom, or larger, that is not recorded in a profound record. God [59:22] He is the One GOD; there is no other god besides Him. Knower of all secrets and declarations. He is the Most Gracious, Most Merciful. [59:23] He is the One GOD; there is no other god besides Him. The King, the Most Sacred, the Peace, the Most Faithful, the Supreme, the Almighty, the Most Powerful, the Most Dignified. GOD be glorified; far above having partners. [59:24] He is the One GOD; the Creator, the Initiator, the Designer. To Him belong the most beautiful names. Glorifying Him is everything in the heavens and the earth. He is the Almighty, Most Wise. As we grow in our understanding God will allow us to better understand His character  Appendix 9 - Abraham: Original Messenger of Islam God Never Ordered Abraham to Sacrifice His Son God is the Most Merciful. He never violates His own law (7:28). Any person who believes that the Most Merciful ordered Abraham to kill his son cannot possibly make it to God's Heaven. Such evil thought about God is grossly blasphemous. Nowhere in the Quran do we see that God ordered Abraham to kill his son. On the contrary, God intervened to save Abraham and Ismail from Satan's plot (37:107), and He told Abraham: "You believed the dream" (37:105). Undoubtedly, it was a dream inspired by Satan. God's irrevocable law is: "God never advocates sin" (7:28) Examine All Inherited Information [7:28] They commit a gross sin, then say, "We found our parents doing this, and GOD has commanded us to do it." Say, "GOD never advocates sin. Are you saying about GOD what you do not know?"  If we believe then our actions should correspond to that belief   So do we need to do our Salat? If God tells us that Salat is a meal for our soul and we decide not to do our Salat it shows that we do not believe. Traits of the Believers [42:37] They avoid gross sins and vice, and when angered they forgive. [42:38] They respond to their Lord by observing the Contact Prayers (Salat). Their affairs are decided after due consultation among themselves, and from our provisions to them they give (to charity). [42:39] When gross injustice befalls them, they stand up for their rights. [42:40] Although the just requital for an injustice is an equivalent retribution, those who pardon and maintain righteousness are rewarded by GOD. He does not love the unjust. [42:41] Certainly, those who stand up for their rights, when injustice befalls them, are not committing any error. [42:42] The wrong ones are those who treat the people unjustly, and resort to aggression without provocation. These have incurred a painful retribution. [42:43] Resorting to patience and forgiveness reflects a true strength of character.  If God tells us that Zakat is needed to attain God’s mercy and we choose not to pay Zakat does that mean we believe? Requirements For Attaining God's Mercy: The Importance of Zakat [7:156] "And decree for us righteousness in this world, and in the Hereafter. We have repented to You." He said, "My retribution befalls whomever I will. But My mercy encompasses all things. However, I will specify it for those who (1) lead a righteous life, (2) give the obligatory charity (Zakat),* (3) believe in our revelations, and [7:157] "(4) follow the messenger, the gentile prophet (Muhammad), whom they find written in their Torah and Gospel.* He exhorts them to be righteous, enjoins them from evil, allows for them all good food, and prohibits that which is bad, and unloads the burdens and the shackles imposed upon them. Those who believe in him, respect him, support him, and follow the light that came with him are the successful ones." In addition to believing in God’s qualities if we believe in God we need to believe in His word By following the Quran which is His proven word via the mathematical miracle of the Quran   (2) believe in the Last Day,  Hadith & Sunna: Fabrications by the Prophet's Enemies [6:112] We have permitted the enemies of every prophet—human and jinn devils—to inspire in each other fancy words, in order to deceive. Had your Lord willed, they would not have done it. You shall disregard them and their fabrications. Important Criterion [6:113] This is to let the minds of those who do not believe in the Hereafter listen to such fabrications, and accept them, and thus expose their real convictions.* *6:113 The Quran provides criteria that tell us whether we truly believe in the Hereafter or merely give it lip service. These important criteria are stated here and in 17:45-46 and 39:45. *6:113-115 Upholding any source beside the Quran reflects disbelief in the Quran (Appendix 18).  Quran, the Whole Quran, and Nothing But the Quran [6:19] Say, "Whose testimony is the greatest?" Say, "GOD's. He is the witness between me and you that this Quran* has been inspired to me, to preach it to you and whomever it reaches. Indeed, you bear witness that there are other gods* beside GOD." Say, "I do not testify as you do; there is only one god, and I disown your idolatry." [6:20] Those to whom we have given the scripture recognize this as they recognize their own children. The ones who lose their souls are those who do not believe. [6:21] Who is more evil than one who lies about GOD, or rejects His revelations? The transgressors never succeed. Quran: Fully Detailed* [6:114] Shall I seek other than GOD as a source of law, when He has revealed to you this book fully detailed?* Those who received the scripture recognize that it has been revealed from your Lord, truthfully. You shall not harbor any doubt. [6:115] The word of your Lord is complete,* in truth and justice. Nothing shall abrogate His words. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. Footnote [6:116] If you obey the majority of people on earth, they will divert you from the path of GOD. They follow only conjecture; they only guess. The Greatest Criterion* [39:45] When GOD ALONE is mentioned, the hearts of those who do not believe in the Hereafter shrink with aversion. But when others are mentioned beside Him, they become satisfied.* *39:45 Despite the clear commandment in 3:18 that the First Pillar of Islam is proclaiming: "Ash-hadu An Lã Elãha Ellã Allãh (there is no other god beside God)," the majority of "Muslims" insist upon adding the name of Muhammad. This Greatest Criterion alerts us that rejoicing in adding the name of Muhammad, or any other name, exposes disbelief in the Hereafter. See also Footnote 17:46. You Shall Not Make Any Distinction Among God's Messengers [2:285] The messenger has believed in what was sent down to him from his Lord, and so did the believers. They believe in GOD, His angels, His scripture, and His messengers: "We make no distinction among any of His messengers." They say, "We hear, and we obey.* Forgive us, our Lord. To You is the ultimate destiny."  The Most Important Commandment* [3:18] GOD bears witness that there is no god except He, and so do the angels and those who possess knowledge. Truthfully and equitably, He is the absolute god; there is no god but He, the Almighty, Most Wise. [63:1] When the hypocrites come to you they say, "We bear witness that you are the messenger of GOD."* GOD knows that you are His messenger, and GOD bears witness that the hypocrites are liars. Disbelievers Cannot Understand Quran [17:45] When you read the Quran, we place between you and those who do not believe in the Hereafter an invisible barrier. Quran: The ONLY Source [17:46] We place shields around their minds, to prevent them from understanding it, and deafness in their ears. And when you preach your Lord, using the Quran alone,* they run away in aversion. (3) leads a righteous life, Righteousness Defined [2:177] Righteousness is not turning your faces towards the east or the west. Righteous are those who believe in GOD, the Last Day, the angels, the scripture, and the prophets; and they give the money, cheerfully, to the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the traveling alien, the beggars, and to free the slaves; and they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat); and they keep their word whenever they make a promise; and they steadfastly persevere in the face of persecution, hardship, and war. These are the truthful; these are the righteous. [3:92] You cannot attain righteousness until you give to charity from the possessions you love. Whatever you give to charity, GOD is fully aware thereof. Attributes of the Righteous [3:133] You should eagerly race towards forgiveness from your Lord and a Paradise whose width encompasses the heavens and the earth; it awaits the righteous, [3:134] who give to charity during the good times, as well as the bad times. They are suppressors of anger, and pardoners of the people. GOD loves the charitable. [3:135] If they fall in sin or wrong their souls, they remember GOD and ask forgiveness for their sins—and who forgives the sins except GOD—and they do not persist in sins, knowingly. Traits of the Righteous [25:63] The worshipers of the Most Gracious are those who tread the earth gently, and when the ignorant speak to them, they only utter peace. [25:64] In the privacy of the night, they meditate on their Lord, and fall prostrate. [25:65] And they say, "Our Lord, spare us the agony of Hell; its retribution is horrendous. [25:66] "It is the worst abode; the worst destiny." [25:67] When they give, they are neither extravagant, nor stingy; they give in moderation. [25:68] They never implore beside GOD any other god, nor do they kill any soul—for GOD has made life sacred—except in the course of justice. Nor do they commit adultery. Those who commit these offenses will have to pay. Additional Traits of the Righteous [25:72] They do not bear false witness. When they encounter vain talk, they ignore it. [25:73] When reminded of their Lord's revelations, they never react to them as if they were deaf and blind. [25:74] And they say, "Our Lord, let our spouses and children be a source of joy for us, and keep us in the forefront of the righteous." (1) The Righteous [2:3] who believe in the unseen, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat),* and from our** provisions to them, they give to charity. [2:4] And they believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you,* and with regard to the Hereafter, they are absolutely certain. [2:5] These are guided by their Lord; these are the winners. Can you call someone who witnessed God’s miracle and message and chooses not to follow it righteous? This shows that their actions do not match their belief

26 Okt 201737min

King of Chaos –  By Dr. Rashad Khalifa (Video Link) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU5hzVjRo2Q

19 Okt 201749min

Two economist are walking past a car dealership and see a fully restored 1967 Chevy Camaro for sale and one of the economist says wow – I really want that car. And the other economist laughs and says no you don’t.  The last thing you want to do is explain a joke, but since that joke isn’t inherently funny we will make this exception. If the economist really wanted the car he would be willing to part way with his money for that car. Or if he didn’t have the money he would get an extra job earn extra money to obtain that car. Since he wasn’t willing to make the tradeoff then he didn’t “really want to get that car” Common shortcoming for all of us A lot of things in life we want to have but we are not willing to do the work to do what it takes to obtain it Adam and Eve is an example of people wanting what they have not earned [7:20] The devil whispered to them, in order to reveal their bodies, which were invisible to them. He said, "Your Lord did not forbid you from this tree, except to prevent you from becoming angels, and from attaining eternal existence." [20:120] But the devil whispered to him, saying, "O Adam, let me show you the tree of eternity and unending kingship." Immediate Results with No To Little Work Marketers and advertisers use these tricks all the time                         The quick way to get rich                         The easiest way to lose weight  Penn Jillette – "There is only one trick in magic, and that is that we are willing to work harder than you think we will."    Example of Darren Brown - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHNq4SQxyv0                  How to Lose Weight in 4 Easy Steps – Aaron Bleyaert https://medium.com/@AaronBleyaert/how-to-lose-weight-in-4-easy-steps-1f135f7e1dec https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mbp0DugfCA 1.) NO BEER 2.) PORTION CONTROL 3.) HAVE YOUR HEART BROKEN 4.) NO FRUIT JUICE  Guy sneaks into Floyd Mayweather vs. Connor McGregor fight   The Sedentary [9:42] If there were a quick material gain, and a short journey, they would have followed you. But the striving is just too much for them. They will swear by GOD: "If we could, we would have mobilized with you." They thus hurt themselves, and GOD knows that they are liars. [17:11] The human being often prays for something that may hurt him, thinking that he is praying for something good. The human being is impatient.  [21:37] The human being is impatient by nature. I will inevitably show you My signs; do not be in such a hurry. The Secret – The law of attraction – whatever you think about you will attract  People think about wanting money and all they get is more wanting of money God knows exactly how much we can handle and if He was to give us one penny more than we can handle we would transgress. Materials of This World: All That The Disbelievers Get [43:33] If it were not that all the people might become one (disbelieving) congregation, we would have granted everyone who disbelieves in the Most Gracious mansions with silver roofs, and stairs upon which they could climb. [43:34] Their mansions would have impressive gates, and luxurious furnishings. [43:35] Also many ornaments. All these are the temporary materials of this lowly life. The Hereafter—at your Lord—is far better for the righteous. Growth only occurs in states of discomfort Moses with his teacher – how can you stand that which you do not understand  Karate Kid – wax on wax off So instead of asking for more provisions think about asking God for the ability to handle more provisions Solomon's Exemplary Devotion [38:30] To David we granted Solomon; a good and obedient servant. [38:31] One day he became preoccupied with beautiful horses, until the night fell. [38:32] He then said, "I enjoyed the material things more than I enjoyed worshiping my Lord, until the sun was gone. [38:33] "Bring them back." (To bid farewell,) he rubbed their legs and necks. [38:34] We thus put Solomon to the test; we blessed him with vast material wealth, but he steadfastly submitted.* [38:35] He said, "My Lord, forgive me, and grant me a kingship never attained by anyone else. You are the Grantor." [38:36] We (answered his prayer and) committed the wind at his disposal, pouring rain wherever he wanted. [38:37] And the devils, building and diving. [38:38] Others were placed at his disposal. [38:39] "This is our provision to you; you may give generously, or withhold, without limits." [38:40] He has deserved an honorable position with us, and a wonderful abode. *38:32 Solomon missed his afternoon prayer because of his horses. To nullify Satan's possible claim that Solomon loved his horses more than loving God, he got rid of his horses. “History is filled with the sound of silken slippers going downstairs and wooden shoes coming up.” ―Voltaire Societies are founded by stoics and fall by epicureans             Doing the hardwork vs. pleasure seeking             Instant gratification Persevere past failure Cyrus the Great - Pasargadae remained the capital of the Achaemenid empire until Cambyses II moved it to Susa; later, Darius founded another in Persepolis. Easy choice, hard life hard choice easy life             Steadfastly persevere [47:31] We will certainly put you to the test, in order to distinguish those among you who strive, and steadfastly persevere. We must expose your true qualities. [90:10] Did we not show him the two paths? [90:11] He should choose the difficult path. [90:12] Which one is the difficult path? [90:13] The freeing of slaves. [90:14] Feeding, during the time of hardship. [90:15] Orphans who are related. [90:16] Or the poor who is in need. [90:17] And being one of those who believe, and exhorting one another to be steadfast, and exhorting one another to be kind. [90:18] These have deserved happiness. when you haven’t earned something you give it up easily Now that we know this - what is it that we really want?  [53:24] What is it that the human being desires? [53:25] To GOD belongs both the Hereafter, and this world. [7:26] O children of Adam, we have provided you with garments to cover your bodies, as well as for luxury. But the best garment is the garment of righteousness. These are some of GOD's signs, that they may take heed. [7:27] O children of Adam, do not let the devil dupe you as he did when he caused the eviction of your parents from Paradise, and the removal of their garments to expose their bodies. He and his tribe see you, while you do not see them. We appoint the devils as companions of those who do not believe. Choose Your Priorities Carefully This Life [17:18] Anyone who chooses this fleeting life as his priority, we will rush to him what we decide to give him, then we commit him to Gehenna, where he suffers forever, despised and defeated. The Hereafter [17:19] As for those who choose the Hereafter as their priority, and work righteousness, while believing, their efforts will be appreciated. [17:20] For each one of them we provide; we provide those and these from your Lord's bounties. Your Lord's bounties are inexhaustible. [17:21] Note how we preferred some people above others (in this life). The differences in the Hereafter are far greater and far more significant. [42:20] Whoever seeks the rewards of the Hereafter, we multiply the rewards for him. And whoever seeks the materials of this world, we give him therefrom, then he receives no share in the Hereafter. [4:134] Anyone who seeks the materials of this world should know that GOD possesses both the materials of this world and the Hereafter. GOD is Hearer, Seer.

13 Okt 201721min

Sam Harris argues trying to convince someone there is no free will does not negate that there is still no free will – he equates this to knowing that 2 + 2 = 4 – regardless if you know this information or not doesn’t change the fact. I would disagree if you know 2 + 2 = 4 then that changes your decisions and the way you engage in life. So if information can change our trajectory in life then therefore there is free will because we can pick and choose what knowledge we pursue. (with a caveat 19:75, 76) Belief changes our mind and ultimately changes our understanding Neuroplasticity shows that our brains can change. When our brains change it changes our biology. Molecules of emotion. When someone has their brain controlled that makes there hand want to move there is another part of us that wills for the hand not to move out of our control.  – Candace Pert God designed a system in this world where whatever it is we believe God will lead us by that belief. This is apparent with the list of cognitive biases that we have that make us so believable to whatever it is we want to believe.  [10:9] As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, their Lord guides them, by virtue of their belief. Rivers will flow beneath them in the gardens of bliss. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cognitive_biases [19:75] Say, "Those who choose to go astray, the Most Gracious will lead them on, until they see what is promised for them—either the retribution or the Hour. That is when they find out who really is worse off, and weaker in power." [19:76] GOD augments the guidance of those who choose to be guided. For the good deeds are eternally rewarded by your Lord, and bring far better returns.  Tragic Statement: "My mind is made up!" [2:88] Some would say, "Our minds are made up!" Instead, it is a curse from GOD, as a consequence of their disbelief, that keeps them from believing, except for a few of them. So how do we change if God veils some people from believing? [7:146] I will divert from My revelations those who are arrogant on earth, without justification. Consequently, when they see every kind of proof they will not believe. And when they see the path of guidance they will not adopt it as their path, but when they see the path of straying they will adopt it as their path. This is the consequence of their rejecting our proofs, and being totally heedless thereof. [45:23] Have you noted the one whose god is his ego? Consequently, GOD sends him astray, despite his knowledge, seals his hearing and his mind, and places a veil on his eyes. Who then can guide him, after such a decision by GOD? Would you not take heed?  How do we come out of being veiled? How do we know we are fooled vs. if we have the truth? Abraham [21:51] Before that, we granted Abraham his guidance and understanding, for we were fully aware of him.* Footnote [21:52] He said to his father and his people, "What are these statues to which you are devoting yourselves?" [21:53] They said, "We found our parents worshiping them." [21:54] He said, "Indeed, you and your parents have gone totally astray." [21:55] They said, "Are you telling us the truth, or are you playing?" [21:56] He said, "Your only Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, who created them. This is the testimony to which I bear witness. [21:57] "I swear by GOD, I have a plan to deal with your statues, as soon as you leave." [21:58] He broke them into pieces, except for a big one, that they may refer to it. [21:59] They said, "Whoever did this to our gods is really a transgressor." [21:60] They said, "We heard a youth threaten them; he is called Abraham." [21:61] They said, "Bring him before the eyes of all the people, that they may bear witness." [21:62] They said, "Did you do this to our gods, O Abraham?"   Abraham Proves His Point [21:63] He said, "It is that big one who did it. Go ask them, if they can speak." [21:64] They were taken aback, and said to themselves, "Indeed, you are the ones who have been transgressing." [21:65] Yet, they reverted to their old ideas: "You know full well that these cannot speak." Secondly, cognitive dissonance is the moment when we see the fault in our logic and we have the ability to change. If we choose to capitalize on it, it is for our own good. And if we choose not to then it is to our own detriment.   https://aeon.co/ideas/cognitive-dissonance-helps-old-dogs-with-their-new-tricks  Abraham's Courageous Debate [2:258] Have you noted the one who argued with Abraham about his Lord, though GOD had given him kingship? Abraham said, "My Lord grants life and death." He said, "I grant life and death." Abraham said, "GOD brings the sun from the east, can you bring it from the west?" The disbeliever was stumped. GOD does not guide the wicked. Like being on a train track with the occasional opportunity to change tracks  [13:11] Shifts (of angels) take turns, staying with each one of you—they are in front of you and behind you. They stay with you, and guard you in accordance with GOD's commands. Thus, GOD does not change the condition of any people unless they themselves make the decision to change. If GOD wills any hardship for any people, no force can stop it. For they have none beside Him as Lord and Master. [9:115] GOD does not send any people astray, after He had guided them, without first pointing out for them what to expect. GOD is fully aware of all things. Cognitive Dissonance and Changing One's Heart  Examine Yourself [18:103] Say, "Shall I tell you who the worst losers are? [18:104] "They are the ones whose works in this life are totally astray, but they think that they are doing good." The first principle is that you must not fool yourself – and you are the easiest person to fool. – Richard Feynman   *************************************  Righteousness is all that matters  What is the real self – people select the best version of themselves as their real self Phineas Gage Phineas P. Gage (1823–1860) was an American railroad construction foreman remembered for his improbable survival of an accident in which a large iron rod was driven completely through his head, destroying much of his brain's left frontal lobe, and for that injury's reported effects on his personality and behavior over the remaining twelve years of his life‍—‌effects sufficiently profound (for a time at least) that friends saw him as "no longer Gage."  Scenario #1 Phineas is extremely kind; he really enjoys helping people. He is also employed as a railroad worker. One day at work, a railroad explosion causes a large iron spike to fly out and into his head, and he is immediately taken for emergency surgery. The doctors manage to remove the iron spike and their patient is fortunate to survive. However, in some ways this man after the accident is remarkably different from Phineas before the accident. Phineas before the accident was extremely kind and enjoyed helping people, but the man after the accident is now extremely cruel; he even enjoys harming people.  Scenario #2 Phineas is extremely cruel; he really enjoys harming people. He is also employed as a railroad worker. One day at work, a railroad explosion causes a large iron spike to fly out and into his head, and he is immediately taken for emergency surgery. The doctors manage to remove the iron spike and their patient is fortunate to survive. However, in some ways this man after the accident is remarkably different from Phineas before the accident. Phineas before the accident was extremely cruel and enjoyed harming people, but the man after the accident is now extremely kind; he even enjoys helping people.  All participants rated whether they thought the (improved or deteriorated) man after the accident was still Gage. They rated this on a scale from 1 (still the same person) to 7 (not the same person); those who read the deterioration scenario rated on average 3.48, while those who read the improvement scenario rated on average 2.68. Those who read and rated the ‘Improvement Case’ were more inclined to see the man after the accident as still Gage than those who read the scenario based on the classic ‘Deterioration Case’. This suggests that large changes do not always affect perceived personal identity in the same way: intuitions about personal identity can depend on the direction of change. Further evidence that direction of change affects identity can be seen in popular examples. Take, for example, ‘The Enemy Within’ (1968), an episode of the original Star Trek television series. A transporter malfunction splits the ship’s Captain Kirk into two people, one with the properties of his negative side, the other with the properties of his positive side. Positive-Kirk and Negative-Kirk are both dissimilar from the original captain, yet the ship’s crew refers to Positive-Kirk as Captain Kirk and Negative-Kirk as the impostor. Improved Positive-Kirk is taken as identical and deteriorated Negative-Kirk as non-identical to the original. https://aeon.co/essays/how-a-change-for-the-worse-makes-for-a-different-person When someone rights an obituary they focus on the good things the person did in life (not the bad)  [7:26] O children of Adam, we have provided you with garments to cover your bodies, as well as for luxury. But the best garment is the garment of righteousness. These are some of GOD's signs, that they may take heed. [2:245] Who would lend GOD a loan of righteousness, to have it repaid to them multiplied manifold? GOD is the One who provides and withholds, and to Him you will be returned. [57:11] Who would like to loan GOD a loan of righteousness, to have it multiplied for him manifold, and end up with a generous recompense?  [64:17] If you lend GOD a loan of righteousness, He will multiply the reward for you manifold, and forgive you. GOD is Appreciative, Clement.

6 Okt 201717min

Matrix Reloaded – Neo visits the Oracle Neo: I suppose the most obvious question is, how can I trust you? Oracle: Bingo! It is a pickle, no doubt about it. The bad news is, there's no way if you can really know whether I'm here to help you or not. So it's really up to you. Just have to make up your own damn mind to either accept what I'm going to tell you, or reject it. (she holds something out to him) Candy? Neo: (pauses) You already know if I'm going to take it? Oracle: Wouldn't be much of an Oracle if I didn't. Neo: But if you already know, how can I make a choice? Oracle: Because you didn't come here to make a choice. You've already made it. You're here to try to understand WHY you made it. (Neo takes the candy, but just holds it) I thought you'd have figured that out by now. There is no free will as everything is biologically determined RadioLab - Fault Line - man has seizures has brain surgery increases sex drive gets addicted to porn. Has major OCD with porn collection. Downloads the most foul disgusting acts and then gets caught by police? Should he be held responsible? http://www.radiolab.org/story/317627-fault-line/ One of the characteristics of God is that He is All Knowing. This means that even before we were created He knows every single one of our actions. God is Omniscient Profound Fact* [57:22] Anything that happens on earth, or to you, has already been recorded, even before the creation. This is easy for GOD to do. [16:1] GOD's command has already been issued (and everything has already been written), so do not rush it.* Be He glorified; the Most High, far above any idols they set up.  God already knows who is going to heaven and hell The Disbelievers [39:71] Those who disbelieved will be led to Hell in throngs. When they get to it, and its gates are opened, its guards will say, "Did you not receive messengers from among you, who recited to you the revelations of your Lord, and warned you about meeting this day?" They will answer, "Yes indeed. But the word 'retribution' was already stamped upon the disbelievers."  [40:6] Thus, the judgment of your Lord is already stamped upon those who disbelieve, that they are the dwellers of Hell. For instance if I give my kids a choice of eating ice cream or rocks – I know they are going to choose the ice cream. Does that mean that they did not have a choice in this matter? God knows us better than we know ourselves  [50:16] We created the human, and we know what he whispers to himself. We are closer to him than his jugular vein. [8:24] ...You should know that GOD is closer to you than your heart, and that before Him you will be summoned.    [40:56] Surely, those who argue against GOD's revelations without proof are exposing the arrogance that is hidden inside their chests, and they are not even aware of it. Therefore, seek refuge in GOD; He is the Hearer, the Seer.  Is there Free Will?  Freedom of Choice [33:72] We have offered the responsibility (freedom of choice) to the heavens and the earth, and the mountains, but they refused to bear it, and were afraid of it. But the human being accepted it; he was transgressing, ignorant.* Great Feud The Great Feud [38:67] Say, "Here is awesome news. [38:68] "That you are totally oblivious to. [38:69] "I had no knowledge previously, about the feud in the High Society.* Planets, stars, animals accepted God’s gracious offer while the human being did not he wanted to choose for himself Before we came down as humans, we were offered a choice, but we opted for the freedom of choice. We wanted to see the demonstration ourselves. [21:51] Before that, we granted Abraham his guidance and understanding, for we were fully aware of him.* *21:51 Was Abraham so smart as to discover God, or, did God grant him the intelligence because He knew that he deserved to be saved? As it turns out, this whole world was created to redeem those among us who deserve redemption. When the angels suggested that all the rebels, humans and jinns, must be banished out of God's kingdom, God responded that 'I know what you do not know' (2:30). At the same time, this world proves Satan's incompetence as a god (App. 7). We had no say in: Who our parents or siblings are When or where we would be born If they we would be rich or poor or an orphan What skin color, apperance, height, bone structure  Epigenetics Decision to follow God or follow Satan The Devil is the Other Alternative [36:60] Did I not covenant with you, O Children of Adam, that you shall not worship the devil? That he is your most ardent enemy? [36:61] And that you shall worship Me alone? This is the right path. [36:62] He has misled multitudes of you. Did you not possess any understanding?  Interesting difference between “freedom of choice” vs. “Free will” God is the Doer of Everything* [4:78] Wherever you are, death will catch up with you, even if you live in formidable castles. When something good happens to them, they say, "This is from GOD," and when something bad afflicts them, they blame you. Say, "Everything comes from GOD." Why do these people misunderstand almost everything? Nothing Bad Comes From God [4:79] Anything good that happens to you is from GOD, and anything bad that happens to you is from you. We have sent you as a messenger to the people,* and GOD suffices as witness. *4:78 Bad things are consequences of our own deeds (42:30, 64:11), though God is the doer of everything (8:17). God created the fire to serve us, but you can decide to put your finger in it. We thus hurt ourselves. It is God's law that if you put your finger in the fire, it will hurt.  [42:30] Anything bad that happens to you is a consequence of your own deeds, and He overlooks many (of your sins). [64:11] Nothing happens to you except in accordance with GOD's will. Anyone who believes in GOD, He will guide his heart. GOD is fully aware of all things.  God Is Doing Everything* [8:17] It was not you who killed them; GOD is the One who killed them. It was not you who threw when you threw; GOD is the One who threw. But He thus gives the believers a chance to earn a lot of credit. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient. [36:47] When they are told, "Give from GOD's provisions to you," those who disbelieve say to those who believe, "Why should we give to those whom GOD could feed, if He so willed? You are really far astray."  Distinguish who would do better: [57:25] We sent our messengers supported by clear proofs, and we sent down to them the scripture and the law, that the people may uphold justice. And we sent down the iron, wherein there is strength, and many benefits for the people. All this in order for GOD to distinguish those who would support Him and His messengers, on faith. GOD is Powerful, Almighty. [67:2] The One who created death and life for the purpose of distinguishing those among you who would do better.* He is the Almighty, the Forgiving. The Test is Mandatory [29:2] Do the people think that they will be left to say, "We believe," without being put to the test? [29:3] We have tested those before them, for GOD must distinguish those who are truthful, and He must expose the liars. [47:31] We will certainly put you to the test, in order to distinguish those among you who strive, and steadfastly persevere. We must expose your true qualities. Believe For Our Own Good Believe For Your Own Good [39:7] If you disbelieve, GOD does not need anyone. But He dislikes to see His servants make the wrong decision. If you decide to be appreciative, He is pleased for you. No soul bears the sins of any other soul. Ultimately, to your Lord is your return, then He will inform you of everything you had done. He is fully aware of the innermost thoughts.

28 Sep 201718min