CULTURE OF ISLAM

110 The Phrase Zaalikal Kithaab

Imtiaz Muhsin 28-Dec-12

The main objective of these talks (and therefore the scripts of these talks), is to stimulate thinking. Sensible, rational and logical thinking. So, my message, think, think & think! Be sensible, be rational and be logical.

110 The phrase Zaalikal Kithaab

Please Note
1. I have had the great privilege, (since Aug 2010), of presenting talks on the weekly Radio Program Culture of Islam [Every Friday 8 to 8.30 pm, Radio Sri Lanka - FM 97.4] 2. Since these are Radio Talks, I refer to, or address the audience as listeners 3. I am well aware that the audience to these talks would consist of people belonging to a variety of faiths. So as to make people of all faiths feel included, I very often use words and names that are common to all religions. 4. For these reasons, I use the name GOD, as well as Abraham, Moses, Jesus etc as well as the names Allah, Ibrahim (Alaihis Salaam), Moosa (Alaihis Salaam), Easa (Alaihis Salaam) etc 5. Muslims by habit usually say Sallallahu Alaihiwasallam, when the name of Prophet Muhammad is mentioned, and Alaihis Salaam' when the name of a Prophet is mentioned. However, in these series of talks I have reduced the use of these prayers & sayings to the bare minimum. 6. Muslims, also by habit, use a number of Arabic prayers or sayings, such as Alhamdulillah, Insha Allah and so on. Again, I have reduced the use of these prayers or sayings to the bare minimum. 7. Sometimes I have to write Arabic words in the English script. I have devised my own way of writing Arabic in English, as follows;

th TH

s Ss SW

DHL DHZ

H h

Gh GH

Information on these talks along with all download links can be found on my on my Blog (http://imtiazm.wordpress.com/) The dates or the schedules of these talks can be viewed on the Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/ImtiazMuhsin786) The Scripts of these talks can be downloaded from www.ScribD.com (www.ScribD.com Author Imtiaz Muhsin) The audio files of these talks can be downloaded from YouTube (YouTube Channel Imtiaz Muhsin) The YouTube Link to this talk is at http://youtu.be/WP5nKXdgDUk

All Praise and Thanks is due to Allah and Allah alone Alhamdulillah!

110 The phrase Zaalikal Kithaab

110 Thje Phrase Zaalikal Kithaab

Dear Friends, Assalamu Alaikum, Alhamdulillah, during the last few weeks, I have been reading Aayaths from the Holy Quran and trying to work out its message through also reading the other many connected Aayaths in the Quran. I am now reading the 1st 5 Aayaths of Surah Baqarah and discussing these Aayaths through the phrases that make up these Aayaths. I pointed out eleven such phrases in these 5 Aayaths. My intention is to take a phrase or two a week, but these phrases may not necessarily be in the order that they appear in these Aayaths. For example, last week I spoke on the phrases Yuminoona bil ghaib (believe in the unseen) and Laa Raiyba Feehi (there is no doubt in it) Yuminoona bil ghaib is part of the first phrase in the third Aayath and Laa Raiyba Feehi is the second phrase in the 2nd Aayath. Today, I wish to discuss the first phrase in the second Aayath Zaalikal Kithaab meaning that book Two weeks ago too I discussed this phrase, but then I concentrated on the word Zaalika. Today I hope to concentrate on the word Kithaab. The word Kithaab means book. However regarding the Quran, God uses more than one word. I like to discuss three of them. These words are the Kithaab, the Quran and the Aayaths. Kithaab means Book, Quran means the reading or the recitation and Aayath means Signs. There are over 6,000 Aayaths in the Quran and since the language in the Quran is so eloquent, people recognize it as high quality poetry, and thus mistakenly refer to the word Aayaths as verses of the Quran. This is not correct. Each Aayath that we read from the Quran is actually the Signs of God. Now, the purpose of these talks or the series of talks where I discuss the 1st 5 Aayaths in Surah Baqarah is to study how amazing the Quran really is. All Aayaths are the signs of God and the Quran answers many fundamental questions that Man has been asking right through history and will always be asking till the end of this world. To many of us, even to Muslims, though we read the Quran, we cannot understand what the Quran is actually instructing us. The language and the wording is difficult for us to get around, however, if we were to devote time to reading and then meditating on its Aayath then gradually, Insha Allah, the deeper meanings or the deeper significance that these Aayaths are pointing out to us, would begin to emerge. Believe me, it is a very interesting exercise, as all you listeners would know by now, I like to describe it as an intellectually stimulating exercise. Now, before getting on to discussing the phrase Zaalikal Kithaab, I would like to very briefly describe some of the points that I spoke on last week, from the phrases Yuminoona bil ghaib (believe in the unseen) and Laa Raiyba Feehi (there is no doubt in it)

110 The phrase Zaalikal Kithaab

This is important because the purpose of these series of talks on the first 5 Aayaths of Surah Baqarah is to get a better understanding as to what all these 5 Aayaths as one lot really mean. Even though I am discussing them through the phrases that these Aayath carry, the final overall message is most the important. Many thoughts we had in our minds, many unasked questions, because we did not know how to ask them, would be automatically answered, Insha Allah! So coming back to a brief account of what I spoke on, last week, about those 2 phrases. Now Yuminoona Bil ghaib means believe in the unseen. So I ask, How can I believe in the unseen? Isnt seeing, believing? That is correct, but then God has blessed us with very special faculties, these are the faculties that make us superior to the whole animal Kingdom and one major specialty of these faculties is our ability to see and then to infer. Actually most of our knowledge or beliefs are not seen knowledge or even seen beliefs, most of them; maybe over 90% is inferred knowledge. So God is telling us, use your eyes, your ears, your thinking, your intelligence, your ability to discern facts from decoration, or to discern truth from falsehood, and infer that there is some powers working behind the scenes, we cannot see them, we cannot hear them, we cannot touch them, nor can we smell them, but it is these powers that is running this world, this universe. Then we should be able to continue to study the creations, the systems and the phenomena established in this Universe and discern the message enshrined in all of them. This, in short describes believing in the unseen Yuminoona bil ghaib. Then we have this phrase Laa Raiyba Feehi, it means that there is no doubt in it We are told that there is no doubt in the Kithaab. The Kithaab consists of all the Aayaths or the Signs. There are two paths we can follow, one would be the path of materialism, every thing in materialism contains elelments of doubt. The other path is the path of spiritualism, or the path to inculcating good qualities in ourselves as well as purifying ourselves from evil qualities. This process or processes are descibed through the Aayaths in the Kithaab. That path as described through the Aayaths have no doubt. These are the two points that I explained last week, as explanation to these two phrases Yuminoona bil ghaib (believe in the unseen) and Laa Raiyba Feehi (there is no doubt in it). Now, we must try to understad the differences in the words Kithaab, Quran, Aayath and Mushaf. The first word revealed to Prophet Muhammad, when he was meditating in a small cave in a Mountain called Mount Hira, a few miles outside Mecca was Iqra which means read! This marked the beginning of the reveleation of the Quran. These revelations took 23 years to complete, and we are surprised to learn that during this 23 years, the Quran as we know it, was never in the form of a printed book, as we know it. So then what did the Sahaba, that is the companions of the Prophet, read? Now, that is what is realy interesting. They read the Kithaab. Where did they read it from? If they were illiterate, then how? They read the Aayaths of the Quran. How did they read them?

110 The phrase Zaalikal Kithaab

This needs finding out. So let us now read a few Aayaths that give us more meaning to the words Kithaab, Aayath and Quran. There is so much to learn. Aayath No 29 of Surah Saad gives us an objective of the Kithaab. Let me read this. (38:29) This is a blessed Book We have sent down to you, so that they deliberate in its Aayaths (Signs), and so that the men of understanding may do Zikr.

So, the Kithaab is revealed to the Prophet. Now, who are the They - let us try to think out as to who this they really are And then the Men of understanding, the Oolul Albaab who do Zikr on the Aayaths. Now obvioulsy we want to be amongst those who are called the Oolul Albaab Who are the Oolul Albaab? This is indicated in Aayth No 190 in Surah Aal E Imraan (3:190) Surely, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are signs (Aayaath) for the people of wisdom,

Though we are trying to work out who the Oolul Albaab really are, this Aayath also gives us an indication of what an Aayath really is. So we have pointers to 2 things; 1. The Oolul Albaab 2. The Aayath First let us try to undrstand what is meant by Aayaath it literally means signs, and here we are told that these Aayaath are in the creation of the Heavens and the Earth Khalqis Samaawaathi wal Ardhli and in the phenomena of the alternation of the night and the day wakhthilaafil laiyli wannahaari So now I think, all this time I thought that Aayaths were what we read from a printed book, a printed Quran, but now it looks like Aayath have to be read from the creations of God as well as the phenomena God has estabished in this Universe This is corroborated in quite a few other Aayaths; For example; (41:53) We will show them Our Aayaath in the universe and within their own beings until it will become manifest to them that it is the truth.

110 The phrase Zaalikal Kithaab

Let me describe this in point form I find that easier. 1. The Kithaab has been sent down to the Prophet, they will deliberate in its Aayaath and the Oolul albaab the wise ones would do Zikr of the Aayaths. 2. The Aayath are in the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the phenomena of the alternation of the night and day 3. The Aayath is in the Universe and within our own selves. Let us build up these points as we go along. Now the Kithaab was revealed to the Prophet, so what does he do; God describes the duties of the Prophet in Surah Jummah, Aayath No 2 (62:2) He is the One who raised amidst the unlettered people a messenger from among themselves who recites to them His verses, and purifies them, and teaches them the Book and the wisdom, while they were earlier in open error.

Let me read these 4 processes as 4 phrases; 1 2 3 4 God gets him to recite to them His Aayaath, and purifies them, and teaches them the Book and the wisdom

So we find, the Prophet would recite the Aayaths, and those who listen to these Aayath the way they should be listened, they would get purified. Then God will teach them the Kithaab, and God will teach them wisdom. Remember it is the Aayath that is being recited, but those who listen correctly, for example, remember the Oolul albaab, they would do Zikr of the Aayaths. Then God will teach them the Kithaab, which means many many other Aayaths, and teach them wisdom too.

(7:204) When the Qurn is recited, listen to it and be silent, so that you may be blessed.

110 The phrase Zaalikal Kithaab

So we now have a better idea of what Kithaab means and what Aayath means. Now what does Quran mean? The Arabic word Quran actually means that which is being recited Qa-ra-ah and when someone is being ordered to recite, the statement in Arabic is iqra. And one who recites is called a qaari. Quran the recitation Now let me read 5 Aayaths form Surah Ankabut, in which all three words, Kithaab, Aayath and Quran appear it would give us a bettter understanding; (29:47) Thus We have sent down to you the Kithaab (the Book). So those to whom We have given the Kithaab (the Book) believe in it. And from these, there are ones who believe in it, and no one rejects Our Aayaths (signs) except the Kaafiroon (the rejecters). (29:48) You (O Prophet,) have never been reciting any book before this, nor have you been writing it with your right hand; had it been so, the adherents of falsehood would have raised doubts. (29:49) But it is Aayaths clear in the SWudhoor of the Oothul ghilm (those who are given knowledge) and none rejects Our Aayaths except the Dhzaalimoon (the wrongdoers)

So the Aayaths are read from the creation and the phenomena, and the Aayath baiyyinath or the Aayaths that are clear, is in the SWudhoor (translated as chest) of the Oothul ilm (those who are imbued with knowledge) Let me now continue to list these points; 1. The Kithaab has been sent down to the Prophet, they will deliberate in its Aayaath and the Oolul albaab the wise ones would do Zikr of the Aayaths. 2. The Aayath are in the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the phenomena of the alternation of the night and day 3. The Aayath is in the Universe and within our own selves. 4. The Aayaath Baiyyinaath or the Aayaths that are clear is in the SWudhoor of the Oothul ghilm. Now we are told that the Aayath Baiyyinaath is in the SWudhoor. We are also instructed in Sura Naas or Sur No 114, to seek refuge in God from the following;
110 The phrase Zaalikal Kithaab

(114:1) Say, I seek refuge with the Rabb of mankind, (114:2) the Malik (King) of mankind, (114:3) the Allah of mankind, (114:4) from the evil of the whisperer who withdraws (114:5) the one who whispers in the SWudhoor (hearts) of people, (114:6) from amongst the Jinn and Mankind.

So we are instructed to seek refuge with God from oswaas or the whispering of evil Jinns and Men, and we are told that this whispering takes place in the SWudhoor. We are also intructed in Surah 16 (16:98) So, when you recite the Qurn, seek refuge with Allah against Satan, the accursed. We are also instructed; (75:18) Therefore, when it is recited by Us follow its recitation (by concentration of your heart). Then (7:204) When the Qurn is recited, listen to it and be silent, so that you may be blessed. (075:016 019) (75:16) do not move your tongue for (reciting) it (the Qurn) to receive it in hurry. (75:17) It is for Us to collect it and to promulgate it: (75:18) Therefore, when it is recited follow its recitation (75:19) Then, it is undertaken by Us to explain it.

110 The phrase Zaalikal Kithaab

We also read that the Oolul albaab would do Zikr of the Aayaths. Let me now read a few Aayaths about Zikr of the Aayaths. (006:126) This is the way of thy Rabb, leading straight: We have detailed the signs for those who do Zikr.

(050:037) Verily in this is a Message for any that has a heart and understanding or who gives ear and earnestly witnesses (the truth).

(087:008 011) (087:008) And We will facilitate for you (to reach) the easiest way (087:009) and therefore give Zikr (admonition) in case the Zikr (admonition) benefits (the hearer) (087:010) The one who fears (Allah) will take heed of the Zikr (the advice) (087:011) and it will be avoided by those most unfortunate ones,

So now we have a few more points. Let me now continue to list these points; 1. The Kithaab has been sent down to the Prophet, they will deliberate in its Aayaath and the Oolul albaab the wise ones would do Zikr of the Aayaths. 2. The Aayaath are in the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the phenomena of the alternation of the night and day 3. The Aayaath is in the Universe and within our own selves. 4. The Aayaath Baiyyinaath or the Aayaths that are clear is in the SWudhoor of the Oothul ghilm. 5. We seek refuge in God from the evil whisperings in to our Swudhoor. 6. Before reciting the Quran we must seek refuge with God from the Shaithan. 7. We should be silent and listen intently when the Quran is recited 8. Wise people would do Zikr of these Aayaths 9. For the Zikr of these Aayaths we should concentrate or engage all our faculties. Our seeing, our hearing, our Qalb or our hearts, our Aql or our intellingence and our Afidha, that is our feelings. The purpose of this talk or the present series of talks is to take a deeper look in to the first 5 Aayaths of Surah Baqarah.

110 The phrase Zaalikal Kithaab

What I am doing is taking the phrases that make up these 5 Aayaths and I am going through these phrases. The phrase for today was Zaalikal Kithaab or that book. When discussing the book or the Kithaab we found that there are some words that we associate with Kithaab. These words are Aayath and Quran. So I read some Aayaths so that we could get a better understanding of these words. Now finally let me read some Aayaths that further describes the Kithaab the Quran and the Aayaths; (2:2) That Book has no doubt in it - a guidance for the God-fearing,

The phrase we are studying is from that Aayathso the first intorduction to the Kithaab, that we get fromtreading the printed Quran, the better word for that would be the Mushaf, is that the Kithaab has no doubt in it and that it is a guide to the MuththaQi. Then in Surah Yaa Seen; (36:1) Y Sn (36:2) By the Qurn, that is full of wisdom, Surah Haam Meem (43:1) H Mm. (43:2) By the manifest Book, (43:3) We have made it an Arabic Qurn, so that you may understand. (43:4) And it is, in the Mother of the Book (the Preserved Tablet) with us, surely sublime, full of wisdom. Surah Nisaa (4:174) O people, a proof has come to you from your Rabb, and We have sent down to you a vivid clear light.

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110 The phrase Zaalikal Kithaab

Surah Yunus

(10:57) O men, there has come to you an advice from your Lord, and a cure for the ailments of your hearts (Swudhoor), and guidance and mercy for the believers.

(10:58) Say, With the grace of Allah and with His mercy (this book has been revealed). So they should rejoice in it. It is much better than that (the wealth) which they accumulate.

And finally (7:2) (This is) a book sent down to you. Therefore, your Swadhr (chest) must not be straitened because of it. so that you may warn through it, and it may be an advice for the believers. (7:3) (O humankind,) follow what has been sent down to you from your Rabb, and do not follow any Auwliyaa or protecting friends other than Him. Little do you follow the Zikr!

So dear listeners, as you can see, I amy be talking about just a single phrase from an Aayath, but then for research, actually the better word would be for Zikr, there are so many other Aayaths and phrases that add meaning, that enlighten us on the knowledge that we refer to as unseen. The knowledge that we must infer. I hope that all you listeners enjoyed listening to this talk as much as I enjoyed doing research for it and then presenting it. May Allah Taaalah guide us all and accept us all. Jazza Kalla Khairan

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110 The phrase Zaalikal Kithaab

Assalamu Alaikum!
Imtiaz Muhsin Colombo Sri Lanka crescent786@hotmail.com

You Tube Channel - HaneefanMusliman

The YouTube Link to this talk is at http://youtu.be/WP5nKXdgDUk

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110 The phrase Zaalikal Kithaab