Islam = Submission to Allah alone (The One and Only God)

• New information is added towards the end of the pages.
• In the Qur'an, Allah (The God) speaks both in the 'I' or 'We' forms.
• Explanatory notes are added in ( ).

The order of the following paragraphs is:


• A question (Q).
• An answer (A) is a translation (from Arabic into English) of specific lines (ayat) in the holy Qur'an.
• Number of Ayah (line)in the Qur'an).
• Name of Surah or Surat (chapter) in the Qur'an.
• A transliteration (spelling) in English of selected Arabic words from the ayah, to help you learn the Arabic language.

Q: What is the relationship between Islam and the religion of the prophet Abraham (Before Judaism and Christianity)?
A: --- He (Allah) had chosen you and did not include any complication in the religion - The religion of your forefather Abraham (Ibraheem) - it is He (Allah) who had before named you Muslims; And in this (the Qur'an) the prophet (Muhammad) to be a witness upon you (contemporary people) and you (Muslims of all times) become witnesses upon mankind---.
Translation of: Ayah 78, Surat AlHajj.
Words: Milat = Religion, Abeekum = Your Father, AlRasool = The prophet, Shahid = Witness, Shuhada' = Witnesses, AlNaas = Mankind - All people.

Q: What was the religion of the prophet Abraham (Ibraheem), peace be upon him?
A: And no one turns away from the religion of Abraham but who has fooled himself and We had chosen him in this World and in the Other World he is from the righteous people; When His God told him submit (= aslim) he said I have submitted (= Aslamtu) to the God of all people; And Abraham directed with it his (two) sons and Jacob (Ya'qoub) O my sons Allah has chosen the Religion for you so make sure not to die without submitting to Allah (= Muslimoun); Or were you witnesses (present) when Jacob (= Ya'qoub) was about to die he said to his sons what will you worship after me - They said we will worship your God and the God of your forefathers Abraham (Ibraheem) and Ishmael (Ismail) and (father) Isaac (Is'haq) - One God and to Him we are submitting (= Muslimoun); That is a nation which passed - for it what it earned (of deeds) and for you (Muslims following the Prophet Muhammad) what you earned and you will not be asked about what they were doing.
Translation of: Ayat 130 - 134, Surat AlBaqarah.
Words: Safiha = Fooled, Nafsuhu = Himself, AlDunya = This world, AlA'khira = The Other World, AlSaliheen = The good people. Kala = Said, Aslim = Sumit to Allah, Aslamtu = I have submitted (to Allah), Rub AlAlameen = The God of all people - The God of the inhabitants of the worlds, Wassa = Directed, Istafa = Had chosen, Lakum = For You, AlDeen = The religion. La Tamoutuna = Don't die, Shuhada' = present, witnesses, Tabudoun = You worship, Ilah = God, Wahid = One, Kasabtum = You earned.

Q: What is the relationship between Islam and the other Heavenly religions (Judaism and Christianity)?
A: He (Allah) passed for you from the Religion what He directed Noah (Nooh) and what We have revealed to you (Prophet Muhammad) and what We directed Abraham (Ibraheem) and Moses (Moosa) and Jesus (Issa) to practice the Religion (of Allah) and do not divide yourselves in it. It becomes hard for the disbelievers what you (all) call them for Allah picks up towards Himself whom He wills and He guides towards Himself who turns to Him in repentance (= Tawbah).
Translation of: Ayah 13, Surat AlShoura.
Words: Shara' = Passed (as a law), AlDeen = The Religion, Wassa = Directed - Ordered, Awha = Revealed, Tatafaraqow = Divide yourselves, Kabura = It becomes hard, Yajtabi = Picks up - Chooses, Ilayhi = Towards Himself, Yahdi = Guides, Yuneeb = Turns to God in repentance.

Q: Are Muslims allowed to be divided into sects (parties)?
A: Indeed those who divided their Religion and became religious sects - you (Prophet Muhammad) are not from them in anything rather their case is turned to Allah then He will inform them about what they were doing.
Translation of: Ayah 159, Surat AlAn'am.
Words: Farraqou = Divided, Shiya'an = Religious sects - Factions - Groups - Parties, Lasta = You are not, Shaye' an = Thing, Amruhum = Their Case - Their Affair, Yunab'eohum = He will informs, Yaf'aloun = They were doing.

Q: Why were the Muslims at the time of the Prophet, peace be upn him, in a better situation than the Muslims nowadays?
A: You (Muslims) were the best nation that was brought out to people; you were commanding kind acts (Islamic acts) and you were forbidding bad acts and you had Faith in Allah and if the People of the Book believed (as Muslims) it would be better for them - from them are the believers and most of them are who sinfully strayed away (from Allah's Path).
Translation of: Ayah 110, Surat AlImran.
Words: Khair = Best, Ummah = Nation, Ukhrijat = Brought out, Lilnas = For people, Ta'morouna = You order - dictate, Ma'rouf = Kind acts, Tanhoun = You forbid, Munkar = Bad acts, Aamana = Believed, Khairan = Better, Akstharuhum = Most of them, AlFasiqoun = Who sinfully strayed away (from Allah's Path - Wo transgressed (Allah's limits).

Q: What religion does Allah consider the best?
A: And who can be better in religion than who submitted (aslam) himself to Allah while being good, and followed the way of Abraham (Ibraheem): Believing in One God, and Allah had made Abraham a chosen one.
Translation of: Ayah 125, Surat AlNisa'.
Words: Ahsen = Better, Deen = Religion, Muhsin = Good, Ittaba' = Followed, Milat = The way - Religion, Haneefan = Worshipping One God, It'takhatha = Made, Khaleel = Chosen One (like a special friend).

Q: If a person becomes Muslim and his parents don't, what type of behaviour he has to conduct with them?
A: And if they (parents) tried hard to make you partner with Me (Allah) what you don't have knowledge of; Do not obey them; Yet befriend them (parents) in This Life with kindness; And follow the way of who turned to Me. Then to Me is the return of all of you and I will tell you about what you were doing.
Translation of: Ayah 15, Surat Luqman.
Words: Jahadak = Tried hard to make you, Tushrik = Partner, Ilm = Knowledge, Tute' = Obey, Sa'hib = Befriend, Ma'rouf = Kindness, It'tabe' = Follow, Anab = Turned, Unab'be' = Tell, Ta'mal = Do.

Q: Whom does Allah like and will admit in His Paradise?
A: And perform the prayer and give the prescribed charity (AlZakat) and what you prepare for yourselves of good work you will find it with Allah for Allah of what you do is All-Watchful; And they said no one will enter Paradise except who was a Jew or a Christian - those are their desires - say (command to Prophet Muhammad) bring about your proof if you were telling the truth; Yes indeed! Whoever submitted (aslama) himslef to Allah while being perfect in Faith (= Muhsin) he will have his reward with his God and no fear for them and they will not grieve.
Translation of: Ayah 110 - 112, Surat AlBaqarah.
Words: Akimou = Perform (plural), Salat = Prayer, Aatou = Give (plural), Zakat = Prescribed charity - Fixed amount of alms, Tuqaddimou = You prepare, Khair = Good work, Yadkhul = Enter, Hooda = Jew, Nasara = Christian, Amaniahum = There desires, Burhan = Proof, Sadiqeen = Telling the truth, Aslama = Submitted - Devoted, Wajhuhu = His Face - Himself, Khawf = Fear, Yahzun = Grieve.

Q: Are Jews and Christians the only guided people whose good people are promised of The Paradise?
A: And they said be Jews or Christians to be guided (To Allah's Path); Say (command to Prophet Muhammad): But the religion of Abraham (Ibraheem) believing in One God and he (Abraham) was not from the polytheists (worshippers of many gods).
Translation of: Ayah 135, Surat AlBaqarah.
Words: Kalou = Said, Hood = Jews, Nasara = Christians, Tahtadou = You'll be guided, Bel = But, Milat = Religion, Haneef = Worshipping One God, Mushrikeen = polytheists - Worshippers of many gods.

Q: Were the followers of the prophets BEFORE Moses and Jesus peace be upon them called Jews or Christians?
Note: The Map of the Prophets.
A: Or do you say that Abraham (Ibraheem) and Ishmael (Ismail) and Isaac (Is'haq) and Jacob (Yaqoub) and the offspring of Jacob (= AlAsbat) were Jews or Christians? Say (command to Prophet Muhammad): Do you know more or Allah does? And who is more a sinner than who had concealed a testimony (a witnessed statement) from Allah that he has; And Allah is Not Unaware of what you are doing.
Translation of: Ayah 140, Surat AlBaqarah.
Words: Em = Or, Takoul = Say, A'lam = Know more, Men = Who, Adhlum = Sinner, Katama = Concealed, Shahadah = Testimony - Proof, Gha'fil = Unaware, Ta'maloun = You do (plural).

Q: Are people allowed to say that they are faithful yet sometimes they make fun of some lines of the Qur'an?
A: They swear by Allah to you so as to satisfy you and Allah and His prophet have more right to be satisfied if they were faithful. Didn't they know that who opposes Allah and His prophet, certainly for him is the Fire of Hell permanent in it; That is the greatest disgrace. The hypocrites are afraid that a chapter (surah from Quran) might be sent down telling them about what is in their hearts; Say (order to Muhammad) make fun! Indeed Allah is going to reveal what you were afraid of. And if you question them they will say: But we were indulging (in a subject) and making fun! Say: In Allah and His lines and His prophet you were making fun?! Do not make excuses! You have disbelieved after your faith. If We forgive a group of you We will punish another group because they were sinners. The hypocrites, men and women, are like one another: They order the wrongdoing and they object to the good, and they hold their hands tight (miser); They have forgotten Allah - they are the immoral. Allah has promised the hypocrites, men and women, and the disbelievers the fire of Hell permanent in it; It is enough for them and Allah has cursed them and for them is a dwelling punishment. Just like those before them: They were more than them in power and more in wealth and in boys so they enjoyed their part of fortune and you have enjoyed your part of fortune; And you have indulged (sinfully) just as they had indulged; The deeds of those have lowered in Life and the Other Life and those are the losers. Have they not received the news of those before them: The nation of Noah and Aad and Thamud and the nation of Abraham (Ibraheem) and the people of Medyen* and the Cities overthrown**: Our prophets came to them with the signs so Allah wasn't to inflict injustice upon them but they were inflicting injustice upon themselves. And the faithful, men and womem, are supporters of one another: They command the good and they object to the wrongdoing, and they perform the prayer and they give the imposed charity and they obey Allah and His prophet; Those Allah will be Merciful upon them; Indeed Allah is All-Powerful, All-Wise.
Translation of: Ayat 62 - 72, Surat AlTawbah.
* Madyen: Normad people who were punished by Allah.
** Cities overthrown (mu'tafikat) refer to Plain, Sodom and Gomorrah to whom the prophet Lut preached.
Words: Yardoukum = To satisfy you, Yuhadid = Opposes, Khiz'yi = Disgrace, Istah'za'ou = Make fun (plural), Mukhrij = Going to reveal, Yahthar = Are afraid, Nakhoudh = Indulging in a subject, Nal'ab = Play, Ta'tathir = Make excuse, Ya'mur = Orders, Yanha = Opposes - Objects to, Yaqbidhouna Aydi'yahum = Tighten their hands (become miser), Nasaw = They forgot.

Q: Why does Allah inflict suffering and problems on the faithful people?
A: Have the people thought that they will be left to say we have faith and they will not be tested? And We (Allah) had tested those before them and Allah certainly knows those who have told the truth and He certainly knows the liars. Or have those who make the bad deeds (from the faithful) thought that they will get ahead of Us; What an evil whatsoever they judge! Whoever looks forward to meeting Allah then the Time (Day of Judgment) of Allah is coming and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. And who has struggled (against evil) so he has struggled for himself; Indeed Allah is in no need for any of all people. And those who have faith and did the righteous deeds We will cover for certain their bad deeds and We will reward them with the best of what they were doing.
Translation of: Ayat 2 - 7, Surat AlAnkaboot.
Words: Hasiba = Thought, Yutrak = Will be left, Yuften = Will be tested, Ya'lamanna = Certainly knows, Sadaqa = Told the truth, Ka'thib = Liar, Yasbiq = gets ahead of, Sa'a = What an evil, Yahkum = Judges, Yarju = Looks forward, Liqa' = Meeting, Ajel = Time, Ja'hada = Has struggled, Ghani = In no need of, Nukaffir = We cover up, Najzi = Reward, Ahsen = The best, Ya'maloun = They were doing.

Q: How much patience should people who believe in Allah have when they face problems and suffering?
A: And from the people who say: We have faith in Allah; And when he is harmed in (the cause of) Allah he makes the oppression of people like the punishment of Allah. And when a victory comes from your God he will certainly say: We were with you! Well does not Allah know the best of what is in the hearts of people? And Allah will certainly make known those who have believed and He will certainly make known the hypocrites.
Translation of: Ayat 10 - 11, Surat AlAnkaboot.
Words: Uthiya = Is harmed, Fitnat (fitnah) = Oppression - Punishment, Athab = Punishment, Nasr = Victory, A'lam = Knows the best, Sodour = Hearts - Chests, Yalamanna = Makes known, Munafiq = A hypocrite.

Q: To which people the message of Islam is sent through the Prophet Muhammad?
A: And We have not sent you (Prophet Muhammad) except for all mankind as a bringer of good news and a warner but most people do not know! And they say: When is this promise (Day of Judgment) if you are telling the truth? Say: You have the appointment of One day: You will not be delayed from it an hour neither will you be brought in advance (an hour).
Translation of: Ayat 28 - 30, Surat Saba'.
Words: Arsala = Sent, Kaaffah = All, Nas = Mankind - People, Ya'lam = Knows, Wa'd = Promise, Sadiq = telling the truth, Mey'ad = Appointment, Tasta'khir = Delayed, Tastaqdim = Brought in advance.

Q: The whole Message of Islam is a huge responsibility. Why did man accept to carry it?
A: For We (Allah) have offered the Responsibility (of Islam) for safekeeping to the Heavens and the earth and the mountains but they refused to carry it and they were worried about it and man carried it! Indeed he was too much unfair, too much ignorant*.
Translation of: Ayah 72, Surat AlAhzab.
* About the extreme importance of safekeeping the Responsibility of Islam that man volunteered to carry.
. Words: Ara'da = Offered, Amanah = Responsibility for safekeeping - Trust, Samawat = Heavens, Jibal = Mountains, Aba = Refused, Yahmil = Carries, Ashfaqa = Was worried, Hamala = Carried, Dhaloum = Too much unfair - Too much unjust, Jahoola = Too much ignorant.

Q: Which religions are approved by Allah?
A: Indeed those who have faith (Muslims) and the Jews and the Christians and the Sabians*: Whoever (from them) believes in Allah and the Last Day and he does good; For them their reward with Allah; And no fear upon them and they will not grieve.
Translation of: Ayah 62, Surat AlBaqarah.
Note: Nowadays the followers of each of the mentioned religions have been devided into sects. Pure religions from Allah are the ones that came with their prophets. All the prophets came with One cornerstone Message: Worship Allah and do not partner with him. Forms of partnership can be whatever you call on when you mean to call on Allah: Idols - self - other people - heroes - nature forces etc.: Anybody or anything other than Allah.
* Sabians: Rejecters of the common religion who follow another religion. When the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, first met the Angel Gabriel, the Prophet went home shaking, His wife Khadija went to her cousin 'Waraqa Bin Noofel' for advice. 'Waraqa' was a monotheist worshipper of One God (= Hanafi) , in Arabia on, the religion of Abraham. He gave her the good news that Muhammad is a Prophet as was announced in the early Scriptures. To differentiate them from Christians and Jews, pagan Arabs then called such people 'sabi'een'
Note: Remember that the Qur'an mentions that the Prophet Muhammad is the last and the seal of the prophets.
Words: Amanou = Those who have faith (Muslims), Al'latheena Hadou = The Jews, Nasara = Christians - Supporters of Jesus, Sabi'een = Sabians: Those who rejected one religion and entered another religion, Amana = Believes - Amala = He does - He did, Salih = Good - Good deeds, Ajr = Reward, Khawf = Fear, Yahzan = Grieves.

Q: Our forefather the first man to be created 'Adam' peace be upon him, sinned by not listening to Allah. But did he repent and did Allah forgive him?
A: So Satan made them (Adam and Eve) slip from it (the Garden where Adam was created) so he got them out from what they where in (affluence) and We (Allah) said: Get down (to earth)! Some of you are enemies of the others; And for you on earth a dwelling place and enjoyment for some time. So Adam received from His God words* so He (Allah) forgave him; Indeed He is the Forgiving, the Merciful. We said: Get down all of you (humanity) from it (Garden of Heaven) so when Guidance from Me (Allah) reaches you then whoever follows My Guidance so there will be no fear upon them and they will not grieve. And those who disbelieve and reject Our lines as lies those are the companions of Hell: In it they are living for eternity.
Translation of: Ayat 36 - 39, Surat AlBaqarah.
* Words of repentance: "They (Adam and Eve) said: Our God! We had made injustice to ourselves so if you do not forgive us and have Mercy on us we will certainly be from the losers." Translation of Line 23 in Surat "AlA'raf".
Words: Azalla = Made them slip, Akhraja = Got out, Ehbet = Go down, Adou = Enemy, Mustaqir = Staying place, Mata' = Enjoyment, Talaqqa = Received, Kalimat = Words, Taba = Forgave, Huda = Guidance, Khawf = Fear, La Yahzan = Not grieve.

Q: Islam means submission to Allah alone. Which prophet has Allah appointed as a great example to follow for Muslims besides the example of Muhammad peace be upon him (Ayah 21 Surat AlAhzab)?
A: There was for you a great example in Abraham (Ibraheem) and those with him; When they said to their people: We are clear of you and of whatever you worship besides Allah; We have rejected you and enmity as well as hatred has arisen between us for ever until you believe in Allah alone; Except * the saying of Abraham to his father: I will certainly pray for forgiveness for you and I do not have control on anything for you from Allah; Our God! Upon You we depend and to You we repent and to You is the Final Return. Our God! Do not make us subject to persecution from those who disbelieved and forgive us; Our God! You are the AlMighty, the Wise. Indeed you had in them a good example for those who look forward to (meeting) Allah and the Last Day; And whoever turns away for Allah is Who can do without, the Praise-Worthy. Perhaps Allah makes between you and those whom you hold as enemies from them affection (love) and Allah is Capable and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
Translation of: Ayat 4 - 7, Surat AlMomtahanah.
* Do not follow Abraham's example in praying to Allah for forgiveness for his father who was a pagan. Abraham prayed for his father because he had promised him to do it. When Abraham knew that he shouldn't, he made himself clear of his father.
Words: Uswah = Example - Model, Bura' = Clear of (plural), Min Doun Allah = Besides Allah, Adawah = Enemity, Baghda' = Hatred, Astaghfir = I Pray for forgivesness, Fitnatan = Suject to persecution - Punishment Ordeal, Maseer = Final Return on Day of Judgment, AlGhani = Who can do without, A'daytum = You (plural) Held as an enemy, Mawaddah = Affection - Love.

Q: Has history witnessed the example of some faithful people who gave their lives rather than giving up their faith in Allah alone?
Note: In a summary of a saying by Muhammad peace be upon him: In the old times a magician became old so he asked the king to send him a young man to pass on his knowledge to him. On his way to the magician the young man used to meet a monk (religious man). The monk taught him to have faith in Allah alone. The magician also converted to worshipping Allah. The king saw that the youth could do miracles like bringing the dead to life. So he said the magician taught you this? The boy replied that it is from the God of the Worlds. The king killed the magician and the monk. However whenever he tried to kill the youth he couldn't. So the youth told the king that he could only kill him if he followed the youth's instructions: To crucify him and to say: In the name of the youth's God. The king did and the youth died. Many people witnessing the youth's death said: We have faith in the youth's God. The king ordered a big trench (hole) to be made ready with blazing fire. Anyone who does not convert back to paganism to be thrown in it. Many faithful were burnt in that trench.
A: Condemned to ruin are the makers of the trench, the fire with the fuel, when they over it (fire) sitting; And they are witnesses of what they do with the believers; And they did not revenge against them except because they believed in Allah, the AlMighty, the Praise-Worthy; (Allah) Who has the control of the Heavens and the earth; And Allah upon everything is a Witness; For those who punish for trial the faithful males and the faithful females then they do not repent so for them is the punishment of Hell and for them is the punishment of the Blazing Fire (extra punishment). Indeed those who believed and did the righteous deeds for them are Gardens underneath which the rivers flow; That is the great triumph. Indeed the attack of your God is truly forceful; For He is Who Begins (a creation) and He repeats; And He is The Forgiving, The Loving (of faithful); Owner of the Glorious Throne; Doer of what He wills.
Translation of: Ayat 4 - 16, Surat AlBurouj.
Words: Qutila = Condemned to ruin - Damned, Ashab = Makers, Ukhdoud = Trench - Pit, Wuqoud = Fuel, Shuhoud = Witnesses, Naqama = Revenged, Mulk = Control, Fatana = Punished for trial, Jahanam = Hell, Hareeqh = Blazing Fire, Fawz = Triumph - Victory - Winning, Batsh = Attack, Yubde' = Begins, Yueed = Repeats, Fa'aal = Doer, Yureed = Wills - Wants.

Q: Did all the prophets preach submission to Allah (Islam)?
A: So the Scream (of Gabriel that made the tempest) took them (nation of Thamud) away with justice so We (Allah) made them scum (like dry wood on top of water) so away with the unfair people! Then We raised after them other generations; No nation can advance its appointed time neither can they delay (it). Then We sent Our prophets one after the other; Every time a nation received its prophet they rejected him as a liar so We made them follow each other and We made them (disbelieving nations) tales so away with the people who do not believe! Then We sent Moses and his brother Aaron (Harun) with Our Signs and evident authority to Pharaoh (Phiroun) and his assembly so they became proud and they were arrogant people. So they said: Shall we believe two humans like us and their people (Bani Israel) to us are worshippers?! So they rejected them (Moses and Aaron) as liars so they (Pharaoh's assembly) were from the destroyed. And We gave Moses The Book so they (Bani Israel) may be guided. And We made the son of Mary (Maryam) and his mother a Sign and We gave them shelter on high ground of dwelling place and a spring. O you the prophets! Eat (all of you) from the good food and do the righteous deeds for I (Allah) am with what you are doing Knowledgeable. And this is your (all of you) nation: One nation! And I (Allah) am your God so fear Me. Then they (people) cut off their affair (of unity): Every sect is rejoicing in their own. So (order to Muhammad) leave them in their ignorance for some time. So they think that We are supporting them with wealth and sons! We do hasten their good stuff yet they are unaware*. Indeed those who from the fear of their God are pitiful; And those who in the Lines (Signs) of their God they believe; And those who do not with their God make partners; And those who perform what they gave (charity) while their hearts are fearful - (for) they are to their God going back: Those do hasten in (doing) the good deeds and for them they are winners.
Translation of: Ayat 41 - 61, Surat AlMo'minoun.
* In a summary of the Prophet Muhammad's speech: Omar Bin AlKhatab (the Prophet's friend) asked the Prophet to call on Allah to grant them like some of what the pagan Persian King (Kisra) had. So the Prophet told him: What is wrong with you son of Ibn AlKhattab. These are people to whom their good stuff is hastened in life (to test them with it so they will have nothing in the Other Life except punishment).
Words: Sayhah = Scream, Gus(th)a' = Scum, Bu'dan = Far away, Quroun = Generations, Tasbiq = Advances, Yasta'khir = Delays, Ahadeesth = Tales - Narratives, Mala' = Assembly, Istakbara = Became proud, A'li = Became high, Muhlik = Destroyed, Rabwah = High ground, Qarar = Dwelling place, Ma'een = Spring, Rusul = Prophets, Ummah = Nation, Hizb = Sect, Gamrah = Ignorance - Under cover, Yahsib = Thinks, Numid = Support, Mal = Wealth, Baneen = Sons, Nusa'rie' = We Hasten, Mushfiq = Pitiful, Yu'toun = Perform, A'tau = gave, Wajilah =.Fearful, Sa'biq = Winner.

Q: Despite the disbelievers' attempts why is Islam (submission to Allah alone) is prevailing?
A: For those who show enmity to Allah and His prophet (Muhammad) are (doomed) among the humiliated: Allah had decreed: Certainly I (Allah) with my prophets shall win; For Allah is AlMighty, Potent.
Translation of: Ayat 20 - 21, Surat AlMujadilah.
Words: Yuhad = Shows enemity - Opposes, Kataba = Decreed, Had written, Rusul = prophets, Qawi = AlMighty, Axeez = Potent - Powerful.

Q: Why should Muslims refrain (avoid) from making the Religion of Islam look difficult and complicated extremism)?
A: --- Allah wants easiness for you and does not want difficulty for you ---.
Translation of: Ayah 185, Surat AlBaqarah.
Note: In a summary of the Prophet Muhammad's speech: Spread the religion (bashshirou) and do not scare away (naffirou); Make it easy (Yassirou) and do not make it difficult (Tuassirou) because you (Muslims) have been sent to make the religion easy and not to make it difficult.
Note: It was reported that the wife of the Prophet Muhammad "Aisha" may Allah be pleased with her said: When the Prophet was given the choice between two matters he used to choose the easiest.
Note: In a summary of the Prophet Muhammad's speech: Any one puts himself in a tug-of-war (pulling) with Religion, the religion will win because of its multiple ways (of handling difficult situations).
Words: Yureed = Wants, Yusr = Easiness, Usr = Difficulty.

Q: What word did the Prophet Abraham (Ibraheem) the forefather respected by the Jews, Christians and the Muslims leave behind?
A: And when Abraham said to his father and his people: I am innocent from what you are worshipping (idols); Except Who had created me so He is going to guide me; And he made it a saying remaining in his descendants so that they may come back (to worshipping Allah). Yet I (Allah) let to enjoy those (idol worshippers of Arabia)* and their forefathers throughout their lives until the Truth (Quran) and a clear Prophet (Muhammad) reached them And when the Truth reached them they said: This is magic and we reject it as a lie.
Translation of: Ayat 26 - 30, Surat AlZukhruf.
* Originally descendants from the Prophet Ishmael (Ismail) the eldest son of the Prophet Abraham. There was a long time gap between the Prophet Ishmael and the Prophet Muhammad Refer to Prophets' Map.
Words: Bara' = Innocent, Ta'bud = Worship, Yahdeeni = Guides me, Kalimah = Saying - Word, Aqib = Descendants - Offspring, Matta'tu = I Let to enjoy throughout their lives.

Q: When should the Religion be part of a believer's daily life?
A: Say (command to Prophet Muhammad) for Allah has guided me to a Straight Path - A valuable Religion - the Religious Sect of Abraham (Ibraheem) and he was not from the polytheists; Say my prayer and my rituals and my life and my death is for Allah - The God of the inhabitants of all worlds; There is no partner with Him and of that I was commanded and I am first of the Muslims.
Translation of: Ayat 161 - 163, Surat AlAn'am.
Words: Hada = Guided, Sirat = Path, Mustaqeem = Straight, Deen = Religion, Millat = Religious Sect - Creed - Religion, Qayyem = Valuable, Salat = Prayer, Nusuk = Rituals, Mahya = Life, Mamat = Death, AlAlameen = The inhabitants of all worlds - All people, Umirtu = I was commanded, Awwal = First, AlMuslimeen = Who submit to Allah.

Q: What makes a person a major transgressor (unfair) against Allah?
A: And direct yourself to the Religion worshipping One God and do not be from the polytheists.
Translation of: Ayah 105, Surat Yunus.
Words: Aqim Wajhaka = Direct yourself, Haneefa = Worshipping One God, Mushirkeen = Polytheists - Worshippers of god/gods with Allah.

Q: Why should not the Muslims argue about the clear commands of Islam?
A: Or do you (Muslims) want to question (why, what, when, where...etc) your prophet (Muhammad) as Moses was questioned from before; And whoever replaces faith with disbelief then he had strayed away from the Straightforwardness of the Path (of Allah).
Translation of: Ayah 108, Surat AlBaqarah.
Note: In a summary of a speech of the Prophet Muhammad: Follow whatever I left you! For what destroyed the people before you is the multitude of their questions and their disagreement with their propehts. So if I prohibited you from something then avoid it! And if I ordered you about something, do of it as much as you can.
Words: Am = Or, Tureed = You want, Tas'al = You question, Yatabadal = Replaces, Dhalla = Strayed away, Sawa' AlSabeel = The Straightforwardness of the Path.

Q: How can Muslims not divide themselves in their Faith in Allah?
A: And hold tight to the Beam (Straight Path) of Allah and do not be divided and remember the favour of Allah upon you when you were enemies (before Islam) so Allah brought together your hearts so with His Grace you became brothers - And you were on the edge of a pit of Fire (Hell)* so He saved you from it - That is how Allah explains to you His Lines so perhaps you become guided.
Translation of: Ayah 103, Surat AlImran.
* Pre-Islam era.
Words: E'tasimou = Hold tight, Habl = Beam - Rope, Tafarraqou = Be divided (plural), Uthkur = Remember, Ni'mat = Favour, A'da' = Enemies, Allafa = Brought together - Reconciled, Shafa Hufrah = Edge of a pit, Anqadha = Saved, Yubayyen = Explains.

Q: What is the primary message of Islam?
A: Say (command to Prophet Muhammad): O people! If you have been in doubt about my religion so I do not worship those whom you worship other than Allah but I worship Allah Who takes your souls and I am commanded to be from the believers. And devote yourself to the Religion believing in One God and do not be from the polytheists. And do not call upon other than Allah whatever does not benefit you neither does it harm you and if you do then you are certainly from the transgressors (against Allah). And if Allah makes harm befall you then there is no reliever from it except He (Allah) and if He makes a good thing happen to you so none can prevent His Favour - He grants it to whoever He pleases from His servants and He is The Most-Forgiving, The Most-Merciful. Say: O people! Truly the Truth has reached you from Your God so whoever follows Guidance so he certainly follows Guidance for his own self and whoever strays (away from Allah's Path) so he does stray upon himself and I (Prophet Muhammad) am not upon you a protector.
Translation of: Ayat 104 - 108, Surat Yunus.
Words: Shak = Doubt, Deen = Religion, Yatawaffa = Takes souls - Makes dead, Mushrik = Polytheist - Worshipper of more than one God, Yanfe' = Benefits, Yadhur = Harms, Kashif = Reliever - Remover, Ehtada = Follows Guidance, Wakeel = Protector - Disposer of affairs.

Q: Why does the Prophet Muhammad has a right to the Prophet Abraham (Ibraheem)?
Hint: The Prophet Muhammad is from the offspring of the Prophet Ishmael (= Ismaeel) - the elder son of the Prophet Abraham. The younger son is the Prophet Isaac.
A: Certainly the people who have the first right to Abraham are those who followed him and this Prophet (Muhammad) and those who believed and Allah is the Supporter of the believers.
Translation of: Ayah 68, Surat AlImran.
Words: Awla = Has the first right, AlNasI = The people, Ettaba' = Followed, Hatha = This, Nabi = Prophet, Amanou = Have faith, Wali = Supporter, Mou'mineen = Believers.

Q: Does Islam allow freedom of religion?
A: Say (order to Muhammad): O disbelievers; I (Muhammad) do not worship what you are worshipping; And you are not worshipping Which I worship; And I am not going to worship what you did worship; And you are not going to worship Which I worship; For you is your religion and for me is my religion (Islam).
Translation of: Ayat 1 - 6, Surat AlKafiroun.
Note: The Chapter (Surah) (AlKafiroun) is one of the most recited chapter during Muslims' daily prayers.
Words: Kafir = Disbeliever, A'bud = Worship, Ana = I, Antum = You (plural), Ma = Which, Deen = Religion.

Q: Why are Muslims called Allah's chosen people?
Note: People of Israel were also favoured by Allah since most of the prophets were from Beni Israel. Line 32 in Chapter AlDukhan in the Qur'an is translated as: "And We (Allah) did save the people of Israel from the humiliating suffering; From Pharaoh (= Phiroun) for he was from the transgressors; And We had chosen them deliberately over all people."

A: Then We (Allah) allowed the Book (the Qur'an) to be inherited by those whom We had chosen (Muslims) from our servants (mankind) so among them who is unjust (unfair) to himself (disbeliever or sinner) and among them who is just on the Straight Path (moderate without excess = muqtasid) and among them who is racing with the good deeds* with Allah's permission - for that is the Highest Grace.
Translation of: Ayah 32, Surat Fatir.
Note: Remember that the people of Paradise will be divided into two main categories.
Words: Awrasthna = We allowed to be inherited, AlKitab = The Holy Book, Estafa = Chose, Ibad = Servants, Dhalim Unjust - Transgressor, Nafs = Self, Muqtasid = Just on the Straight Path (moderate without excess worship or extremism), Sabiq BilKhairat = Racing with the good deeds, Fadhl = Grace, AlKabeer = Highest.

Q: What is the Word of Allah upon which the whole concept of Islam is formed?
Hint: A person becomes a Muslim if he willingly says the Word of Allah.
A: For He (Allah) made those who disbelieved to have in their hearts enthusiasm (to fight Muslims) - the enthusiasm of ignorance while Allah sent down His Tranquility upon His prophet (Muhammad) and the believers and He (Allah) made them devoted to The Word of God-fearing* (= Kalimat AlTaqwa) and they were worthy of It and they were entitled to It and Allah is always with everything Knowledgeable.
Translation of: Ayah 26, Surat AlFathh.
* The short form is: There is no god but Allah. The long form is: There is no god but Allah Alone; No partner with Allah, To Him belongs The Absolute Authority and The Praise and He is upon everything Capable. (In Arabic transliteration = La Ilaha Illa AlLah Wahdahu la shareeka Lahu, lahu AlMulk wa lahu AlHamd wa Huwa ala kuli shaye'in Qadeer.
Words: Ja'ala = Made, Qalb = Heart, Hammiyah = Enthusiasm - Zeal, Jahiliyah = Ignorance, Sakeenah = Tranquility, Alzama = Made them devoted, Kalimat = The Word - The Lines of Allah, AlTaqwa = God-fearing - Piety, Ahaq = Worthy, Ahlaha = Entitled to It.

Note: In the Qur'an Allah is Weli AlMou'mineen (= Protector of the faithful). Allah is AlWeli (The Protector). And the righteous people are Awliya' Allah (= lovers of Allah). Some Muslims are confused and think that the righteous people are protectors and helpers with Allah, Praise be to Allah! Does Allah need a helper?!

Q: Nowadays some Muslims (especially from the non-Arab Muslims) who think that they are knowledgeable about the Qur'an recite verses from the Qur'an and then they pray to Allah to gift it to one or more of the dead righteous men who loved Allah (awliya' Allah) so that those awliya' help them in this life and the Other Life. Is it allowed in the Qur'an?
A: --- Besides Him (Allah) you have no Protector (= weli) nor a Mediator (shafee')* so will you not remember.
Translation of: Ayah 4, Surat AlSijdah.
* No one will be able to mediate without permission from Allah. Line 87 from Chapter 'Maryam" in the Qur'an is translated as: They will not have the power of intercession (mediation) except who has received a Word from the Most-Merciful (Allah gives him permission). Line 3 in Chapter Yunus in the Qur'an is translated as: --- There is no mediator except after His permission - That is Your God so (all of you) worship Him, so will you not bear (this) in mind.
Words: Weli = Protector - Supporter, Shafee' = Mediator, Tatathakkar = Bear in mind - Remember - Realize.

Q: Often we tell someone we love to pray for example or to fear Allah but the person does not do it why?
A: For you cannot lead to Guidance whoever you love but Allah guides whoever He wills and He knows Best the ones who are on the Straight Path (of Allah).
Translation of: Ayah 56, Surat AlQasas.
Words: Tahdi = Leads to guidance, Ahbabt = You loved, A'lem = Knows Best, Muhtadeen = Who are on the Straight Path.

Q: According to Allah what is the Major Sin and why?
A: And when Luqman* said to his son while advising him: My son! Do not join partners with Allah for false worship (= shirk) is a grave wrongdoing (Injustice).
Translation of: Ayah 13, Surat Luqman.
* A righteous person. According to Abdullah Yusuf Ali, the famous translator of the Qur'an: He is referred by some to be from the ancient people of Aad.
Words: Qala = Said, Ibn = Son, Ya'ith = Advises, Tushrik = Join partners, Shirk = False worship - polytheism, Dhulm = Wrongdoing - Injustice, Atheem = Grave - Great.

Q: What sin Allah does not ever pardon?
A: For Allah does not pardon to be partnered with and He pardons other than that to whoever He wills and who partners with Allah then he has committed a grave sin.
Translation of: Ayah 48, Surat AlNisa'.
Words: Yaghfir = Pardons - Forgives, Yushrak = To be partnered with, Ma Doun Thalika = Other than that, FaQad = Then, Eftara = Committed, Isthm = Sin, Adheem = Grave - Very terrible.

Q: Other than the people around the Prophet, at the time of the descending of the Qur'an who are those that Allah praised as will be the future believers in Allah?
A: He (Allah) is Who sent among the uneducated a prophet from them to recite to them His lines (Qur'an) and to purify them and to teach them the Scripture and wisdom and even though they were before in manifest error; And others from them yet to join them and He is The All-Mighty, The All-Wise.
Translation of: Ayat 2-3, Surat AlJumah.
Note: In a summary of the Prophet Muhammad's speech: As reported by Abu Hurairah may Allah be pleased with him: When the Qur'anic lines 2-3 of Chapter AlJumah were revealed to the Prophet, Abu Hurairah asked the prophet who are those (yet to join). After asking three times and Salman AlFarisi (Salman from Faris (= Persia = Iran) was among them, the Prophet put his hand on Salman and said: If faith (iman) was near the Pleiades (= Alsthurayya in Arabic: A star cluster obvious to the naked eyes), people (or man) will have it from these (Iranians) (Published in "AlLou'lou' WalMarjan Fima Itafaqa Alayhi AlSheikhan AlBokhari Wa Muslim" - the book was originally compiled more than 1000 years ago (now 2009).
Words: Ba'stha = Sent. Ummi = Uneducated - Without knowledge - Who does not write or read, Yuzakki = Purifies, Yuallim = Teaches, Dhallal = Error - Straying away from Allah's Path, Akhareen = Others, Minhum = From them, Yalhaqou = Yet to join.

Q: After believing in Allah what to do?
A: Say (command to Prophet Muhammad): For I am only a human being like you, it is being revealed to me that your God is certainly One God so do take the Straight Path (Allah's Path) to Him and do ask Him for forgiveness and woe to the polytheists; Those who (also) do not give the prescribed alms and of the Other World they are rejectors as lies.
Translation of: Ayat 6 - 7, Surat Fusilat.
Words: Bashar = Human being, Misthl = Like - As, Yuha = Is being revealed, Ilah = God, Estaqeemou = Take the Straight Path (plural), Estaghfir = Ask for forgiveness, Wayl = Woe - Destruction, Mushrik = Polytheist, Ya'ti = Gives, Zakat = Prescribed alms - Predetermined amount of charity.

Q: Why should Muslims avoid praying to or calling upon anyone even the Prophet Muhammad (Oh Muhammad! = Ya Muhammad!) besides Allah?
A: Say (command to Prophet Muhammad) for I am commanded to worship Allah devoting the religion entirely to Him; And I am commanded to be the first of Muslims; Say for I fear if I disobeyed my God the punishment of a severe Day (of Judgment); Say Allah - I do worship, devoting to Him entirely my religion.
Translation of: Ayat 11 - 14, Surat AlZumar.
Words: Umira = Commanded, A'bud = Worship, Mukhlisan = Devoting entirely, Deen = Religion, Muslimeen = Muslims, Akhafu = I fear, Asaytu = I disobeyed.

Q: Which way are all Muslims supposed to follow to avoid being divided into sects?
Hint: The way of Muslims which is based on Allah's Qur'an and the Sunnah (sayings and actions) of the Prophet Muhammad. All the other known sects of Islam emerged in history after the Prophet Muhammad's death.
A: And this is My (Allah's) Path leading Straight (to Paradise) so do follow it and do not follow the (other) ways so they will scatter you about away from his Path - this is what He (Allah) commands you of so that you may protect yourselves by fearing Allah.
Translation of: Ayah 153, Surat AlAn'am.
Note 1: In s summary of a saying of the Prophet Muhammad, originally narrated by AlImam Ahmad Bin Hanbal through the authority of Abdullah Bin Masoud: The Prophet drew a straight line with his hand and said: This is Allah's Straight Path. Then he drew other lines on its right and its left and said: These ways, there is no way from them except with a Satan calling to follow it. Source: The Abridged Version of Ibn Kastheer's Explanation of the Qur'an (in Arabic) volume 1 page 633.

Note 2: In a summary of a saying of the Prophet Muhammad: The people of the Book (Jews and Christians) divided themselves into 72 sects (following desires and whims = Ahwa'). And this nation (of Islam) will divide itself into 73 sects (following desires and whims). All of them are in Hellfire except one (the collective group that sticks together = AlJama'ah). And in my nation, the Prophet continued, will come out people they will follow whims as the dog completely fondles his companion dog. The Prophet also added: O community of Arabs! If you do not follow what your prophet brought you then other people have the right to follow it (as it should be followed and performed). Source: The mentioned above page 307. Note: After the death of the Prophet Muhammad it is some Arabs from the Arabian Peninsula who first started diverting away from Islam by refusing to pay the prescribed Zakat. Abu Bakr with the Prophet's other companions stood up for Islam. Abu Bakr said: If anyone was worshiping Muhammad so let him know that Muhammad is dead. But if anyone is worshiping Allah so let him know that Allah is Ever-Alive and does not die. Then fights among Muslims started for keeping Islam purified
Words: Sirati = My (Allah's) Path, Mustaqeeman = Leading straight, Etabe'ouh = Follow it (plural), Tafaraq = Scatters about, Wassa = Commands, Tattaqoun = Protect yourselves by fearing Allah.

Q: The Prophets Isaac and Ishmael were step brothers. How does Allah describe them both?
A: And mention (in the Qur'an) Our (Allah's) servants Abraham (Ibraheem), Isaac (Is'haq) and Jacob (Ya'qoub) - the men of strength (in Allah's obedience) and vision; For We purified them through a devoted quality - remembrance of the (Eternal) Dwelling (the Other World); And in Our (Allah's) Sight they are certainly from the chosen* (Guidance with a Scripture), the best of all people; And mention (in the Qur'an) Ishmael (Ismaeel) and Elisha (AlYase') and Thul Kifl and all of them are from the best of all people; This is a Message (Qur'an) and for those who protect themselves by fearing Allah is certainly a good returning place (in the Other World).
Translation of: Ayat 45 - 49, Surat Saad.
* Abraham received a written Scripture (called Suhuf Ibraheem) which is now lost. Source: The Holy Qur'an - English Translation of the Meanings and Commentary based on the translation of Abdullah Yusuf Ali, 1410 Hijri, pages 363-364.
Note: The Prophet Ishmael's mother was Hagar and the Prophet Isaac's mother was Sarah. Ishmael was 13 years older than Is'haq. The Prophet Ishamel is the forefather of the new Arab nation. The Prophet Muhammad is from the descendants of the Prophet Ishmael. The Bible mentions that great nations will be from Isaac and Ishmael's descendants. (Reference: "King James Version Bible Commentary copyright 2005 page 49" and "Greatest Heroes and legends of the Bible: Sodom and Gomorrah" DVD.
Words: Uthkur = Mention, Ibad = Servants, Uli AlAydi = Men of strength, Absar = Vision, Akhlasnahum = We purified them, Khalisah = Devoted Quality - Purifying quality, Thikra = Remembrance, AlDar = The Other World, Mustaffen = From the chosen, Akhyar = Best of all people, Mutaqeen = Those who protect themselves by fearing Allah - The righteous, Husn Ma'ab = Good returning place.

Q: What type of Muslims does Allah want Muslims to be?
A: O people who have Faith (= Iman) fear Allah as is His due (= Ihsan) and do not die except being Muslims (= Islam).
Translation of: Ayah 102, Surat AlImran.
Important Note: Throughout the Qur'an Allah speaks to: People who have Faith (Belief) = Ya Ayuha Allatheena Amanou.
Important Note: In a summary of a saying of the Prophet Muhammad: Fear Allah as His due: To be obeyed and not be disobeyed, to be thanked and not to be ungrateful to and to be remembered and not to be forgotten.
Note: In a summary of the Prophet Muhammad's saying: It was reported that Umar Bin AlKhattab, a companion of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with him said: While we were sitting with the Prophet an unknown traveler in very white clothes reached us with no mark on him which indicates that he came from far away. He asked the Prophet Muhammad about what Islam is and the Prophet answered him: Islam is to testify there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is a messenger of Allah, and to perform Prayer, give Zakat, fast in Ramadan, and perform the pilgrimage to the House (in Mecca) if you can afford the journey. The man said: You said the truth. Then he asked what Faith (Belief = Iman) is and the Prophet answered him: It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His inspired Books, His messengers, the Last Day, and in destiny, its good and evil (Belief that is reposed in the heart and dictates your actions). The man said. You said the truth. Then he asked what the perfection of Faith (= AlIhsan) is. The Prophet said: To say or do something as if you were seeing Allah in front of you because if you cannot see Allah, Allah sees you. The man said. You said the truth. Then the man asked when the Day of Judgment is. The Prophet said: Both the one who is being asked and the one who asks do not know anything about it. The man said: You said the truth! Then he turned away and went. Later on the Prophet said: The man was Angel Gabriel (Jibreel). He came to teach you (all) your Religion.
Explanatory Note: Islam (A stage of the Religion: submitting to Allah), Iman (Another stage of the Religion: Being Faithful, being believer) and Ihsan (Another stage of the Religion: Being with perfection of faith).
Words: Etaqou = Fear, Haq Tuqat = His due fear, Tamout = Die.

Q: What is the First Covenant (Contract) between Allah and all humans?
A: And when your God took from the sons of Adam from their backs (= dhohourihim) their offspring and He (Allah) made them testify upon themselves - Am I (Allah) not your God? They said of course yes we have testified - (Allah says) so that you (humans) do not say on the Day of Judgement that we were of this (Testimony) unaware; Or you say indeed our forefathers had taken false gods (with Allah = ashraka) before and we were an offspring after them so do you destroy us for what the invalidators of the Truth (Testimony) did; And this is how We (Allah) explain the lines of the Quran in detail and perhaps they may return (to their God).
Translation of: Ayat 172 - 174, Surat AlA'raf.
Note: In a summary of a saying of the Prophet Muhammad: When Allah created Adam Allah rubbed Adam's backbone (= sulb) and He took out from it everyone He created to the Day of Judgement. Then Allah took from them the Covenant that they worship Him and they do not join any partner with Him and Allah will give humans sustenance then He returned them to his backbone (sulb). And whoever dies according to the First Covenant he dies on Allah's creating nature upon which He created man (= AlFitrah: Nature chosen by Allah). Source: Mukhtasar Tafseer Ibn Kastheer, volume 2, page 63.
Words: Akhadha = Took, Beni = Sons - Offspring, Dhohour = Backs - Rear parts, Ash'hada = Made them testify, Ghafil = Unaware, Ashraka = Worshipped false gods, Thurriyah = Offspring, Tuhlik = Destroy, Mubtil = Invalidator - Liar, Nufasil = Explain in detail, Yarje' = Return.

Q: When you become a Muslim and submit to Allah what is the first thing you should not do?
A: Say (command to Prophet Muhammad): For I am prevented from worshipping those whom you pray to other than Allah when the Clear Signs (Qur'an) from my God reached me and I am commanded to submit to the God of the Worlds*.
Translation of: Ayah 66, Surat Ghafir.
* of humans, Jinn, angels, this World, Other World, etc.
Words: Nuhiy = Is prevented, A'bud = Worship, Allatheena = Those, Tadouna = You pray to - You call upon, Min Doun = Other than, Ja'ani = Reached me, Bayyenat = Clear signs.

Q: A warning for Muslims: Why should Muslims avoid adding novice things (= Bida') to Allah's Religion "Islam"? (The biggest Bida' are the sects in Islam.)
Hint: Since the beginning of humanity Allah sent chosen human messengers to their peoples with the Message of His Oneness and commandments for a just and stable society. Whenever peoples deviated from Allah's Religion Allah sent other messengers to bring them back to his Path. The messengers kept on coming and coming because peoples kept on deviating and deviating away from Allah's Path. The last chance of salvation for humanity was the sending down of the Prophet Muhammad to all humanity.
A: Like those (old generations) who were before you - they were mightier* than you (Arabs of Arabia) and more in wealth and children so they enjoyed (made it to their benefit) their religion and you (Hypocrites among Muslims) enjoyed your religion as the ones before you (people of the Book)** enjoyed their religion and you indulged in a pointless talk similar to what they indulged in - Such people (who deviate from their Religion) their deeds have failed (no reward from Allah) in this Life and the Other Life and such are the losers.
Translation of: Ayah 69, Surat AlTawbah.
* With limited resources they built great civilizations.

** Read the Bible to see the huge number of prophets and messengers Allah sent to Bani Israel beginning with the Prophet Moses peace be upon him. Line 44 in Chapter "AlMo'minoun" in the Qur'an is translated "Then We sent our messengers one after another - evertime a group of people receive their messenger they treat him as a liar so We made them follow each other ...".
Note: In a summary of a speech of the Prophet Muhammad: The Prophet said: By the One in whose Hand is my soul you will follow the methods of those before you inch by inch (= shibr) and cubit (18 inches) by cubit and arm-length (thira') by arm-length even if they enter the hole of a lizard you will enter it. They said: Who are they, O Prophet of Allah, People of the Book? The Prophet answered: Who else? And the Prophet recited Ayah 69 in Chapter AlTawbah.As for "and they indulged ..." they said: As the Persians (before Islam) and Romans did? The Prophet said: Are not the people but them?! (The biggest civilizations at the time of the Prophet Muhammad were of the Romans and Persia). Source: Tafseer Ibn Kastheer, volume 2, page. 70.
Words: Ashad Quwwah = Mightier - With more strength, Aksthar = More, Amwal = Wealth, Estamta'ou = They enjoyed - They made it to their benefit, Khalaq = Religion - Positive qualities of relgion, Khudhtum = You indulged in pointless talk, Habitat = Has failed, A'mal = Deeds, Khasir = Loser.

Q: Why are Allah's messengers special?
A: And (remember) when We (Allah) took from the messengers their Covenant (pledge) and from you (Prophet Muhammad and from Noah and Abraham (Ibraheem) and Moses (Moosa) and Jesus (Issa) son of Maryam and We took from them a solemn Covenant*.
Translation of: Ayah 7, Surat AlAhzab.
* Ayah 253 in Chapter AlBaqarah in the Qur'an is translated: " Those messengers We (Allah) favoured some of them ranks above the others".
Note: What is the top Message in Allah's Covenant with His messengers? Line 14 in Chapter "Fusilat" in the Qur'an is translated: "When the messengers reached them in front of them and before them (in the past): Do not worship except Allah".
Words: Akhatha = Took, Nabbiyyeen = Messengers, Meethaq = Covenant - Pledge - Agreement, Ghaleedth = Solemn - Great.

Q: Can Muslims introduce modification to Islam?
A: Among the believers (in Allah) are men who honoured what Covenant they entered into with Allah (Islam) - so of them is who completed his time (died) and of them is who is still waiting and they did not modify* any modification.
Translation of: Ayah 23, Surat AlAhzab.
* They did not alter, break or modify their Covenant of Islam with Allah.
Note: Islam (submission to Allah) is the Covenant (contract) between Allah and humanity.
Note: Example of such believers is "Sa'd Bin Ma'adth" who was the leader of the tribe of 'AlAwas' who welcomed and supported the Prophet in 'AlMadina' when the Prophet was widely rejected among Quraish in Mecca. In a summary of a saying of the Prophet Muhammad: The throne of Allah moved when Sa'd died. And seventy thousand angels witnessed his funeral.
Words: Mou'mineen = Believers, Sadaqou = Honoured, A'hadou = Covenant they entered into, Qadha Nahbahu = Completed his time - Died, Tantathir = Is waiting, Ma Baddalou = They did not modify, Tabdeela = Modification.

Q: How do you know when a person is ready to accept Islam?
A: So whoever Allah wants to guide He makes his chest open to Islam and whoever He wants to leave straying then He makes his chest narrow (uneasy), tight (annoyed) as if heaving (deep sighs) into the sky - that is how Allah places impurity (uncleanliness of soul) upon those who do not believe.
Translation of: Ayah 125, Surat AlAn'am.
Note: In a summary of a saying of the Prophet Muhammad: The Prophet was asked how the heart becomes open to Islam (= AlSharh)? The Prophet answered: Light is cast into the heart. The Prophet was asked if there are signs for it? The Prophet said: Turning to the World of Eternity (the Other Life), turning away from the World of arrogance (this Life) and getting ready for death (with good deeds) before death arrives. Source: Tafseer Ibn Kastheer, volume 2, page 255.
Words: Yurid = Wants, Yahdi = Guides, Yashrah = Makes open - Delights, Sadr = Chest - Heart, Yudhil = Leaves straying, Dayeq = Makes narrow, Harajan = Tight, Yassaad = Heaving (deep sighs), AlSama' = The sky, Yaj'al = Places, Rijs = Impurity, La You'minoun = Do not believe.

Q: What type of deeds do Muslims who ask for blessings from some special persons they call awliya' Allah (lovers of Allah) accumulate?
A: The parable of those who took besides Allah protectors* (= awliya') is like the spider - it took a house and the frailest** of the houses is certainly the house of the spider if they only knew; For Allah knows whatever they call upon besides Him (Allah) and He is the Al-Mighty, the All-Wise; And those parables We draw them for people and only those with (profound) knowledge (of the Qu'ran) can grasp them.
Translation of: Ayat 41 - 43, Surat AlAnkaboot.
* Allah is the Only Protector. Line 18 from Chapter "AlKahf" in the Qur'an is translated: "--- they do not have other than Him (Allah) any protector (= weli) and He does not share His Ruling (no partner) with anyone."
** The deeds of the followers of awliya' Allah can easily fail in Allah's balance of deeds just like the house of the spider which can easily break.
Words: Masthal = Parable - Example, Etakhathou = They took, Min Doun = Besides - Other than, Awliya' = Protectors, Ankaboot = Spider, Awhan = The frailest, Bayt = House, Ya'lamoun = They know, Amsthal = Ma Ya'qiloha Illa AlAlimoun = Only those with (profound) knowledge can grasp them.

Q: "So do not make the graveyards places of worship!" "Well I am prohibiting you from that!" The Prophet Muhammad repeated each sentence separately three times.* Who should be worshipped in each and every place of worship?
Hint: Many Muslims in some Muslim countries such as Pakistan and Egypt adore Awliya' Allah. They visit their graves, touch their graves with their hands and bless their own bodies with that.
A: And the places of worship are for Allah (Alone) so do not pray to anyone else with Allah; And that when the servant of Allah (Prophet Muhammad) stood up calling upon Allah they** were about to weigh him (Prophet Muhammad) down.
Translation of: Ayat 18 - 19, Surat AlJinn.
* In as summary of a saying of the Prophet Muhammad: Allah's anger is increased against those who were before you (Jews and Christians included). They took the graveyards of their prophets and their righteous people as places of worship... Source: Sheikh Wajdi Ghunaim. "AlWaliya'. Cassette in Arabic.
** Satan and his followers from Jinn and humans.
Note: The two lines are from Chapter AlJinn. It starts when a group of Jinn went to listen secretly to the Prophet Muhammad when he was praying to Allah. They believed and rushed back to their people of Jinn to tell them what they heard.
Note: In a summary of a saying of the Prophet Muhammad in which the Prophet prayed: My God! Do not allow my grave to be after me an idol worshipped.
Note: The Prophet Muhammad was buried in the room of his wife Aishah may Allah be pleased with her. The room had an exit to the Mosque of the Prophet in AlMadinah. The Mosque was expanded in the time of the second Caliph Umar then the third Caliph Ustham. The expansion was towards the west, north, then south, west and north. The grave remained outside. Then during the Caliph AlWaleed Bin AbdulMalik the Mosque was expanded towards the east and the room was erroneously brought inside the Mosque. However a wall divides the grave from the Mosque. Source: Sheikh Wajdi Ghunaim. "AlWaliya". Cassette.
Note: In a summary of a saying narrated by Abi AlAyyad AlAsthari that the Caliph Ali Bin Abi Taleb said: I am sending you according to the instructions of the Prophet Muhammad: Whenever you see a grave raised up (mushrifan) level it closer to the ground (only it should indicate that there is a grave here). Source: Sheikh Wajdi Ghunaim. "AlWaliya". Cassette.
Note: Until today Muslims do not know for sure where the grave of the Caliph Ali may Allah be pleased with him and the three Caliphs before him. Allah knows best.
Words: Tadou = Pray - Call upon, Qama = Stood up, Libada = Weigh each other down - Heap up - Stack up.

Q: What struggle had been going on in the world from the dawn of humanity until today?
A: It is because Allah is the Truth and whatever they call upon other than Him is Falsehood and Allah is the Most-Hight, the Most-Great.
Translation of: Ayah 62, Surat AlHajj.
Words: Thalika = It is because, AlHaq = The Truth - The Reality, Ma Yadoun = Whatever they call upon, Min Dounihi = Other than him, AlBatil = The Falsehood - THe compilation of lies, AlAly = The Most-High, AlKabeer = The Most-Great.

Q: Why having faith in all the prophets who were sent before the Prophet Muhammad is a basic pillar of Islam?
A: Say (command to Prophet Muhammad) we have faith in Allah and what was sent to us (Qur'an) and what was sent to Abraham (Ibraheem) and Ishmael (Ismaeel) and Isaac (Ishaq) and Jacob (Yaqoub) and the offspring of Jacob (AlAsbat)* and what was given to Moses (Moosa) and Jesus (Issa) and what was given to the prophets from their God. We do not differentiate among any of them and to Him (Allah) we do submit. (Muslimoun).
Translation of: Ayah 136, Surat AlBaqarah.
* The Israelites = the Children of Jacob (Israel) no. 10 on the map.
Words: A'manna = We have faith, AlNabiyoun = The prophets, Min = From, Rabihim = Their God, Nufarreq = Differentiate, Ahad = Any, Muslimoun = We do submit.

Q: What should you adhere to in order to become a Muslim who follows strictly Allah's Path?
A: So if they (believers in Allah) have faith like what you (Muslims around the Prophet Muhammad) have faith in so they found Guidance (to Allah's Path) and if they turn away so they are certainly in disunity and Allah is Enough for you (Prophet Muhammad) and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing*; (Islam is) The Hue (The Religion by nature) of Allah and who is better than Allah in giving a Hue and to Him we are all worshipping.
Translation of: Ayah 137 - 138, Surat AlBaqarah.
* The third Caliph in Islam Ustman Bin Affan was stabbed to death when he was reading the Qur'an. His Qu'ran was in his lap and his blood fell on the (bold) line 137 "= Fasayakfeekahum Allah waHowa AlSamee' AlAleem". Source: Tafseer Ibn Kastheer, volume 1, page, 276.
Note: Muslims nowadays as well as the People of the Book are divided into different sects. Line 14 in Chapter "AlZumar" in the Qur'an is translated " --- Say: Allah - I do worship devoting to Him entirely my religion."
Words: Amanou = Have faith - Believe, Misthl = Like what, Ehtadou = They found Guidance - They are guided, Tawallau = Turned away, Yakfi = Enough, Sibghat = Hue - Colour - By nature - Touch - Religion, Abidoun = Worshipping.

Q: What did Allah reveal to each and every messenger?
A: And We (Allah) did not send before you (Prophet Muhammad) any messenger without revealing to him that there is no god but I (Allah) so do worship Me (alone)*.
Translation of: Ayah 25, Surat AlAnbiya'.
* Allah desires to be worshipped. This is why Allah created man and the whole universe.
Words: Arsalna = We sent, Rasoul = Messenger, Nuwhi = We reveal, U'boudni = Worship Me.

Q: When does one whose tongue says he is a believer but his conduct reveals the opposite?
Note: Believing in Allah should be both by the tongue and the conduct of Islam.
A: Do you know who treats the Religion (of Allah) as lies; Then he is who insults the orphan*; And he does not insist on feeding the poor; So woe to those who pray; Those who are inattentive** about their prayers; Those who play the hypocrites, And they deny (lending even) the kitchen vessel***.
Translation of: Ayat 1 - 7, Surat AlMa'oun.
* An orphan in Islam is who lost his father and has not reached the age of adulthood.
** They keep unnecessarily postponing the time of the prayer until the next time comes because they only pray on time if they are being noticed (hypocrites).
*** Islam encourages the solidarity of the society by both good words and good actions no matter how small the kindness is.
Words: Ara'ayta = Do you know, Yukaththib = Treats as lies, AlDeen = Religion, Yadu' = Insults, Yateem = Orphan, Yahudh = Insists - Encourages, Miskeen = Poor, Salatihim = Their prayers, Sahoun = Inattentive, Yura'oun = Paly the hypocrites - Want only to be seen, Yamna'oun = Deny - Object to.

Q: Does the offspring of a spiritual leader (imam) has the hereditary right in Islam to become an imam?
Note: A: And when Abraham (= Prophet Ibraheem) was tested by His God with (certain) commands so he fulfilled them He (Allah) said: I am making you for people a leader in the Religion (= imam) - he (Abraham) said: And from my offspring - He (Allah) said: My part of the Covenant* (= Ahdi) does not include the transgressors** (against Allah).
Translation of: Ayah 124, Surat AlBaqarah.
* Allah's Covenant with humanity includes Allah's Top Command to worship Allah alone according to Allah's doctrine (= minhaj) that was practiced by Allah's messengers.
** Spiritual leadership is not to be inherited for an heir may not be practising Allah's Religion according to Allah's doctrine as practiced by His Prophet Muhammad.
Words: Ebtala = Tested, Kalimat = Words - Commands, Jaailuka = Making you, Imam = A leader in the Religion - Religious leader, Thurriyati = My offspring, Yanal = Includes, Ahdi = My part of the Covenant.

Q: What should a Muslim do to remain on Allah's Straight Path?
A: And whoever submits himself (= Wajhuhu) to Allah (as a Muslim) while perfecting his religion (= Mushin*) then he has held firm (loyal) to the most reliable bond** (with Allah = AlUrwah AlWusthqa) and to Allah refers the outcome of everything.
Translation of: Ayah 22, Surat Luqman.
* Muhsin from "Ihsan" (= Perfection of the Religion including righteousness) is the third level above the first level of Islam (submission to Allah) and the second level Iman (Belief).
** Remember the Covenant of Islam (submitting to Allah alone).
Words: Yuslim = Submits, Wajhahu = Himself - His face, Muhsin = Righteous, Estamsaka = Held firm to - Was loyal, Urwah = Bond - loop in a rope - handle of something, AlWusthqa = The most reliable, Aqibat = Outcome, Umour = Everything - Matters, Affairs.

Q: Why is the Covenant with Allah (being a Muslim) binding and a Muslim cannot break away from it?
A: There is no compulsion in the Religion (of Allah) for the Guidance (to Allah's Path) has become distinct from the Misguiding (of Satan) so whoever disbelieves in other than Allah (false gods) and believes in Allah then he has held firm (loyal) to the most reliable bond (with Allah = AlUrwah AlWusthqaa) - with no splitting* of it (cannot be divided into factions or parties) and Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowledgeable.
* Since the Covenant with Allah is binding (imposes an obligation) a Muslim cannot convert to any other religion. Neither can Muslims create new groups away from the major group of Muslims.
Translation of: Ayah 256, Surat AlBaqarah.
Words: La = No, Ikrah = Compulsion, Tabayyana = Has bcome distinct - Has become clear, AlRushd = The Guidance, AlGhayy = The Misguiding, Taghout = Other than Allah, La infisam = No splitting - Dividing.

Q: What is the top obligation of those who believe in the Qur'an and what it contains?
A: So is then the one who knows that what has been sent to you (Prophet Muhammad) from your God is the Truth similar to the one who is blind (lacks the insight)* - for certainly who bear in mind (Allah's Message) are men of understanding; Those who fulfill Allah's Part** (= Ahd Allah) of the Covenant and they do not violate the Covenant (= AlMeesthaq).
Translation of: Ayat 19 - 20, Surat AlRa'd.
* Line 46 in Chapter AlHajj in the Qur'an is translated: Have they not walked on earth (contemplate) so that they have hearts with which they understand or ears with which they listen because it does not make the eyes blind but it blinds the hearts which are in the chests.
** Allah's Commandments (Requirements).
Words: AlHaq = The Truth, A'ma = Blind - Lacks the insight, Uli AlAlbab = Men of understanding - Who use their brains properly, Yufown = They fulfill, Ahd Allah = Allah's Part (Commandments) of the Covenant, Yuniqidhoun = Violate - Break.

Q: For whom will Allah fulfill His Promise in their part of the Covenant and how?

Q: What other Allah's Commandments for Bani Israel besides honouring Allah's Covenant and fearing Him?
Note: The coming lines follow the lines 19 - 20 of Surat AlRa'd which are posted immediatly above this.
A: And those who maintain close relations with what (kinship) Allah commanded to be maintained and they are in awe of their God and they fear the bad outcome of the Reckoning; And those who remained patient desiring the Face (Sake) of their God and they performed the prayer and spent from what sustenance We gave them secretly and openly and they repel the bad deed with a good deed* - for them is the happy outcome of the Dwelling (the Other World); The Gardens of Eden (Bliss) - they enter them as well as who was righteous among their ancestors, their spouses and their offspring and the angels will enter to them from every Gate (of Paradise); (Saying) Peace be upon you (all) for what perseverance you showed and how excellent is the happy outcome of the (Eternal) Dwelling.
Translation of: Ayat 21 - 24 , Surat AlR'ad .
Words: Yasiloun = Maintain close relations, An Yuwsal = To be maintained - Not to be severed, Yakhshoun = They are in awe, Yakhafoun = They fear, Sabarou = Remained patient, Ebtigha' = Desiring, Siran = Secretly, Openly - In public, Aabaaihim = Their ancestors - Their forefathers, Bima sabartum = For the perseverance you showed - For being patient, Ni'ma = How excellent, Uqba AlDar = The happy outcome of the Dwelling.

Q: What happens to those who violate Allah's Part (Allah's Commandments) of the Covenant with them?
A: And those who violate Allah's Part of the Covenant after its attestation and they cut relations with what (kinship) Allah commanded to be maintained and they make corruption on earth - those for them is the Curse (away from Allah's Mercy) and for them is the harm of the (Eternal) Dwelling.
Translation of: Ayah 25, Surat AlR'ad.
Words: Meestahqihi = Its attestation - Its authentication by being a witness, Yaqta'oun = They cut - They sever, Yufsidoun = Make corruption, AlLa'nah = The Curse, Suw' = The harm - The damage, AlDar = The Dwelling - The Other World.

Q: Which special people does Allah remind them about the Covenant He made with them?
A: O people of Israel - remember My (Allah's) favour that I bestowed upon you and fulfill My Part* of the Covenant I will fulfill your Part** of the Covenant and of Me (Allah) then be in awe.
Translation of: Ayah 40, Surat AlBaqarah.
* Allah's Commanadments.
** Allah's Promise for Bani Israel (for example the reward of Paradise).

Note: 1. Remember the first Covenant of Allah was made with Adam after his creation.
2. Allah made a Covenant with all prophets.
3. Allah made Covenant with some of His chosen messengers. They represent their people and the Prophet Muhammad represents all people
Words: Uthkorou = Remember, Ni'mati = My favour, Awfou = Fulfill (plural), Iyyaay = Me, Ferahbouni = Of Me then be in awe - Me then do fear.

Q: What does Allah command the People of Israel to do after honouring Allah's Covenant with them?
Note: The coming lines follow the line 40 which is posted immediatly above this.
A: (Allah commands Bani Israel) And do believe in what (the Qur'an) I sent down confirming what you have and do not be the first to disbelieve in it and do not purchase with My Lines (Verses of the Holy Book) a small price (value) and Me then do fear to protect yourselves; And do not obscure (mix) Truth with Falsehood and conceal the Truth while you know (it); And do perform the prayer and give the prescribed alms and do kneel with those who kneel (to Allah); Do you command people the performance of good deeds and you forget (to do it) yourselves while you are reciting the (Holy) Book so will you not realize; And seek (Allah's) support from patience and prayer; and this is hard except for those who show reverence (humble to Allah); Those who believe that they are going to meet their God and to Him they are returning.
Translation of: Ayat 41 - 46, Surat AlBaqarah.
Note: Lines 45 - 46 were originally posted in the Prayer page in this site.
Words: Musadiqan = Confirming, Tashtarou = Purchase, FaIyyaya Tattaqoun = Me then do fear to protect yourselves, Talbisou = Obscure, AlHaq = Truth, AlBatil = Falsehood, Ata'morouna = Do you command, Birr = Performance of good deeds, Tansouna = You forget, Ta'qiloun = Realize - Understand, Ista'eenou = Seek support (plural), Sabr = Patience, Salat = Prayer, Kabeerah = Hard, Khashi'een = Who show reverence, Who yield to Allah - Humble themselves to Allah - Those who are emotionally touched, Yadhunouna = They believes - They knows, Mulaqouna = Going to meet, Raje'oun = Returning.

Q: What can unite the believers in Allah?
Hint: Allah's Mercy on them because they love Allah.
A: And He (Allah) reconciled them* (Muslims at the time of the Prophet) with each other - if you (Prophet Muhammad) spent all that is in the earth you would not have reconciled them with each other but Allah reconciled them with each other for He is Al-Mighty, Most-Wise.
Translation of: Ayat 63, Surat AlAnfal.
* For example there were many wars between "AlAws" and "AlKhazraj", the two famous tribes of "AlAnsar" Muslims in AlMadinah.
Words: Allafa Bayna Quloubihim = Reconciled them with each other - United them - Brought their hearts together, Law = If, Anfaqta = You spent, Ma = All.

Q: Does being a Muslim imply that the person did a favour to the Religion of Allah?
Hint: For example in North America when some Muslims are asked why they openly commit sins especially during the month of Ramadan they simply answer we are not good Muslims.
A: They consider it a favour done to you (Prophet Muhammad) when they became Muslims say do not consider your accepting Islam a favour done to me yet Allah reminds you of His Favour when He guided you to Faith if you were telling the truth.
Translation of: Ayah 17, Surat AlHujurat.
Words: Yamounouna Alika = They consider it a favour done to you, Hadakum = He guided you, Sadiqeen = Telling the truth.

Q: What do people who describe Islam as modern, fundamental or radical lack?
A: And those who are given knowledge (of Allah's Religion) see that what (Qur'an) has been sent down to you (Prophet Muhammad) from your God is the Truth* and it leads to the Path** of the Al-Mighty, The Praiseworthy.
Translation of: Ayah 6, Surat Saba'.
* Islam should be described with accurate names for it is the Religion of Truth.
** The Path that leads straight to Paradise.
Words: Utou = Are given, AlIlm = Knowledge, AlHaq = the Truth, Sirat = Path.

Q: Why can not the believers force the disbelievers into following Islam?
A: He (Prophet Noah) said O my people see if I was well-informed (being a prophet) by my God and He bestowed on me Mercy (Allah's Religion) from Him and it became obscure (hidden) from you so do we force you to accept it while you are disliking it.
Translation of: Ayah 28, Surat Hood.
Note: No compulsion in Allah's Religion.
Words: Ara'aytum = See - Think, Kuntu Ala Bayyenah Min = I was well-informed from, Aatani = Bestowed on me - Gave me, FaUmiyat = It was made obscure, Anulzimukumoha = Do we force you to accept it, Laha Karihoun = Disliking it

Q: Who guarantees that Islam* is going to prevail in the world?
A: He (Allah) is Who sent His messenger (Prophet Muhammad) with the Guidance (AlQur'an) and the Religion of Truth (Islam) to make it prominent over all religions and enough for Allah as a Witness (of this prophecy).
Translation of: Ayah 28, Surat AlFathh.
* Islam's basic pillar is that there is no god but Allah (the One and the Only).
Words: Arsala = Sent, BilHuda = With the Guidance, Deen = Religion, Alhaq = Truth, LiYuthhirahu = To make it prominent - To make it above, Kafa = Enough, Shaheeda = Witness.

Q: Which prophet was sent by Allah with the religion of Islam?
A: Say (command to Prophet Muhammad) we (Muslims) have Faith in Allah and what is sent down to us (Qur'an) and what was sent down (Islam) to Abraham* (Ibraheem), Ishma'el (Ismaeel), Isaac (Is'haq), Jacob (Ya'qoub), and the offspring of Jacob (= AlAsbat) and what Moses (Moosa), Jesus (Issa) and (all) the prophets were given from their God - we do not make a distinction between them and to Him (Allah) we are submitting (= Muslimoun); And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam** then it will not be accepted from him and in the Other Life he is from the losers.
Translation of: Ayah 84 - 85, Surat AlImran.
* All of Allah's prophets were Muslims (submitting to Allah the One and Only God).
** The religion of Islam.
Words: Aamanna = We have Faith - We believe, Unzila = Was sent down, AlNabiyoun = The Prophets, Min Rubihim = From their God, La Nufarriq = We do not make a distinction - We do not make one above the other, Yabtagey = Seeks - Goes after, Len Yuqbal = It will not be accepted, AlKhasireen = The losers.

Q: According to Islam what is Faith (= Iman)?
Note: Islam is the first step to Faith.
A: O people who have Faith have Faith* in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad) and the Book (Qur'an) that was sent down upon his Prophet and the Book (Scripture) that was sent from before (Torah, Bible) and whoever disbelieves in Allah and His angels and His Books and His messengers and the Last Day (Day of Judgment) then he has strayed away - far straying away.
Translation of: Ayah 136, Surat AlNisa'.
* When Faith settles in a Muslim's heart it keeps him away from sins for it reminds him that Allah is watching Him.
Words: Aminou = Have Faith, AlKitab = The scripture, Malaaikatihi = His angels, Rusulihi = His messengers, Dhalla = Strayed away.

Q: Why was the Prophet Muhammad commanded to follow the Religion of another Prophet?
A: Say (command to Prophet Muhammad) Allah has spoken the truth* - so (all of you) do follow the Religion of Abraham (= Ibraheem) worshipping One God** and he was not from those who join partner(s) with Allah.
Translation of: Ayah 95, Surat AlImran.
* about what is mentioned in the Qu'ran.
** Allah's Religion is One and all Prophets came with the same Religion of Islam. Some Evidence: Prophet Moses, Disciples of Jesus peace be upon him.
Words: Sadaqa = Has spoken, Fattabe'ou = So do follow, Milat = Religion, Hanfeefa = Worshipping One God, AlMushrikeen.= Those who join partner(s) with Allah - The polytheists.

Q: Why is it better for Muslims to avoid new "religious - like" practices (= bide') that were not known during the Prophet Muhammad's time?
Note: Example building graves and making them "sacred" so people pay visitations of awe to them. In Islam Muslims are encouraged to visit graves to remember death and the Other World.
A: Say (command to Prophet Muhammad) my God casts away (falsehood) with Truth - (He is) The All-Knowing of the Unseen; Say Truth has come and nothing will start falsehood (disbelieving in Islam) nor will it repeat it.
Translation of: Ayat 48 - 49, Surat Saba'.
Words: Yakdif = Casts away, AlHaq = Truth, Batil = Falsehood, Yubde' = Starts, Yu'eed = Repeats.

Q: As mentioned in the Qur'an, Who appointed the rituals for Muslims to follow?
A: To every nation We (Allah) appointed rituals they have to follow so let them not dispute with you on the matter and call to your God* for you are on Straight Guidance (on Allah's Path).
Translation of: Ayah 67, Surat AlHajj.
* Muslims' gatherings should aim towards the Objective of calling to Allah, His Limits and His Commands.
Note: Reference is to some Muslims celebrating the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad many times per year. One such speech is taking place today in Toronto, Canada (We are in the Islamic Month of Jamadai AlUla and the Prophet Muhammad was born in the Month of Rabee' AlAwwal).
Words: LiKuli = To every, Ummah = Nation, Nasikouh = They have to follow, Yunaziunnaka = Dispute with you, Fi AlAmr = On the matter, Udu = Call, Huda = Guidance.

Q: What aspect of Islam marks where disbelieving in Allah ends and the religion devoted to Allah begins?
A: So (all of you) do call upon Allah devoting entirely to Him the Religion even if the disbelievers hated* it.
Translation of: Ayah 14, Surat Ghafir.
* Disbelievers either they join partner(s) with Allah and they reach Allah through them or they do not believe in Allah. (Recently in Toronto, 2011, I asked a Muslim co-worker why she has the picture of a contemporary fair looking man on the wall of her office. She said this is my god through him only I reach Allah).
Note: Allah commands Muslims to devote the Religion entirely to Him.
Words: Fad ou = So do call upon, Mukhliseen Lahu AlDeen = Devoting the only to Him the Religion, WaLaw = Even if, Kariha = Hated, AlKafiroun = The disbelievers.

Q: What is the attitude of the disbelievers towards the Covenant (Agreement) of Allah with them?
A: Those (ancient) towns We (Allah) narrate to you (Prophet Muhammad) of their news and their messengers (of Allah) reached them with the clear Signs (of Allah's Existence) but they were not going to believe in what they rejected as lies before - in this way Allah stamps on the hearts of the disbelievers; And We (Allah) did not find most of them men of their word* though We found most of them indeed sinfully straying away (from Allah's Path).
Translation of: Ayat 101 - 102, Surat AlA'raf.
* What Word of Covenant did Allah entrust man with?
Note: Remember Allah's Covenant ('Ahd' of 'Meesthaq') with humanity during Adam - the father of humanity.
Words: AlQura = Towns, Naqus = We narrate, Anba'iha = Their news, FaMa Kanou = They were not going, Kaththabou = They rejected as lies, LiAkstharihim Min Ahd = Most of them men of their word - Most of them men keeping their word, WaIn Wajadna Though We found, LaFasiqeen =Indeed sinfully straying away.

Q: Why is it not allowed in Islam to degrade (lower in status) the early devout Muslim companions of the Prophet Muhammad?
Note: Some of the ignorant among the Shia (Shiite) Muslims degrade the second Caliph Umar Bin AlKhattab because of governing incidents happened after the death of the Prophet Muhammad. Remember that Umar Bin AlKhattab was described by the Prophet Muhammad as "the most conservative (strict)" in the Religion of Allah.
A: And the first winners* among the Meccans who emigrated ** (Muhajireen) and the Medinan followers *** (Ansar) and those who followed them by perfecting their religion - Allah was pleased with them and they were pleased with Him and He had prepared for them Gardens underneath which the rivers flow - remaining for eternity in them forever - that is the great triumph.
Translation of: Ayah 100, Surat AlTawbah.
* The group of winners in Paradise.
** Based on the command of the Prophet Mohammad and fleeing with their religion of Islam they emigrated from Mecca to AlMadinah (in Saudi Arabia now). The four companions who became successively the caliphs of Islam were among the Muhajireen.
*** The Medinan followers who granted the Prophet and the first Muslims refuge in AlMedinah.
Words: AlSabiqoun =The winners, AlAwwaloun = First, Etaba'ouhum = Followed, BiIhsan = By perfecting their religion, Radhiya = Was pleased, AlFawz The Triumph - The Winning.

Q: Why should Muslims look in their own Religion of Islam instead of seeking answers from others?
A: O believers if you obey those who disbelieved they will revert you (to disbelieving) so you will turn back into losers; Rather Allah is your Guardian and He is the Best among supporters.
Translation of: Ayat 149 - 150, Surat AlImran.
Words: In Tuteeu = If you obey, Yarodoukum Ala A'qaikum = They will revert you - Turn you back on your heels, FaTanqlibou = So you will turn back, Khasireen = Losers, Bel = Rather, Mawlakum =Your Guardian - Who takes care of your affairs - Your Protector, Khair = Best, AlNasireen = Supporters.

Q: Who do not have to fear the outcome of the Day of Judgement?
A: For those who said our God is Allah then they remained on the Straight Path* (of Allah) then no fear on them neither will they grieve.
Translation of: Ayah 13, Surat AlAhqaf.
* The Path to Paradise.
Words: Rubbuna = Our God, Estaqamou = Remained on the Straight Path, Khawf = Fear, Yahzanoun = Grieve.

Q: Which Muslims are perfectly guided towards Allah?
Note: Line 17 in Surat AlZumar that precedes the line translated in this posting.
A: Those who pay attention to the Word (of Allah) so they follow what perfects their religion (Ahsanahu)* - those are whom Allah have guided and those are the people of understanding.
Translation of: Ayah 18, Surat AlZumar.
* 'AlIhsan' in Islam.
Words: Yastamiouna = Pay attention, FaYattabe'ouna = They follow, Ahsanahu = What perfects their religion, Ulou AlAlbab = People of understanding.

Q: Does Allah want Muslims to identify themselves with a sect-related adjective before the word Muslims?
Note: Some Muslims identify their religious sects by adding their sect's name before 'Muslims'. They also pay special attribute to their religious leaders (other than the Prophet Muhammad) by hanging their photos even in their places of worship.
A: And Allah gave you from what He created shades and He gave you from the mountains places of shelter and He gave you garments to protect you from the heat and garments (of war) to protect you from your violence - in this way He completed His Favour upon you so that you may become Muslims.
Translation of: Ayah 81, Surat AlNahl.
Words: Ja'ala = Gave, Khalqa = Created, Dhilal = Shades, AlJibal = Mountains, Aknana = Places of shelter, Sarabeel = Garments, Taqeekum = Protect you, AlHar = The heat, Ba'sakum = Your violence - Your wars, Yuttim = Completes, La'Allakum = So that you may, Tuslimoun = You become Muslims - You submit to Him as Muslims.

Q: Why should Muslims beware of dividing themselves into main streams and sects?
Note: Remember that in Surat AlAnbiya' in the Qur'an Ayah 159 Allah cleared Prophet Muhammad from the sectarians in Islam.
A: O believers whoever defects from his Religion then Allah will bring about a people He loves them and they love Him - humble to the people of Faith - mighty against the disbelievers (at wars) - they strive in the Path of Allah and they do not fear the blame of one who blames - that is Allah's grace - He grants it to whoever He wills and Allah is Resourceful Knowledgeable.
Translation of: Ayah 54, Surat AlMa'idah .
Note: Muslims are divided nowadays into main streams and sects. Read an article on 'Toronto Star' of 29 January 2012 to know how Islam is divided and hence it is very confusing for those who want to become Muslims.
Note: Remember that it was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad that his nation will be divided so peace be upon him warned against the division.
Words: Tartad = Defects from - Deenihi = His Religion, Yuhibuhum = He loves them, Athillatun = Humble, A'izzatun = Mighty - Strong, Yujahidoun = Strive - Make Jihad, Yakhafoun = Fear, Lawmata = The blame, Waai'e = Resourceful, Aleem = Knowledgeable.

Q: Before marrying new converts to Islam what should the believers make sure of?
A: And do not marry disbelieving women until they become believers* (= yo'minna) and certainly a believing slave man is better (according to Allah) than a disbelieving woman even if she appeals to you - and do not give your women in marriage to disbelieving men until they become believers and certainly a believing slave man is better than a disbelieving man even if he appeals to you - those (disbelievers) call for Fire (of Hell) and Allah calls for Paradise and Forgiveness with His Permission and He makes clear His Miraculous Signs (of the Qur'an) to people so that they may remember (Allah).
Translation of: Ayah 221, Surat AlBaqarah.
* Belief (= Iman) that is reposed in their hearts and dictates their actions. 'Belief (Faith = Iman) is a step higher than Islam.
Words: Tankihou = Do not marry, AlMushrikat = Disbelieving women, Yu'minna = They become believers, Amah = Slave woman, A'jabatkum = She appeals to you - He pleases you, Abd = Slave man, Ulaika = Those, Yatathakkaroun = Remember (Allah).

Q: Why is it easy and obtainable for some people to do good deeds?
Note: Note the opposites in the beginning Ayat.
Note: The past, the present and the future is an open (really written) book to Allah.
A: By the night when it covers (everything); And the day when it becomes clear; And what He (Allah) created (everything alive) of male and female; Indeed your work is certainly different*; So the one who gave (charity) and protected himself (by fearing Allah); And he believed as true in the Best Outcome (Paradise); Then We (Allah) would make it easy for him to work for affluence (in Paradise); But whoever became miser and made without (belief in Allah); And he rejected as lies the Best Outcome (Paradise); Then We would make it easy for him to work for hardship (in Hell); And what is the use of his wealth when he is ruined.
Translation of: Ayat 1 - 11, Surat AlLayl.
* According to Allah's Knowledge of your work (pre-written with Allah).
Note: Remember that the first thing Allah created was the pen.
Allah's knowing of everything does not contradict with that man is endowed with free will.
Note: In a summary of a saying of the Prophet Muhammad when he was asked by Abi Bakr: Do we work according to what has been finished (pre-written with Allah) or according to an on-going matter? The Prophet said: Rather according to a matter that is already settled. Abu Bakr asked: So why should we work then, O Messenger of Allah? The Prophet said: It is made obtainable for everyone to follow what he was created for (= Kulun muyassar lima khuliqa lahu). Source: Tafseer Ibn Kastheer, volume 4, page 786.
Words: AlLayl = Night, Yaghsha = Covers, AlNahar = Day - Morning, Tajalla = Becomes clear, Khalqa = Ma = What, Created, AlUnstha = Female, Sa'yakum = Your work, LaShatta = Certainly is different, A'ta = Gave, Saddaqa = Believed as true, Kaththaba = Rejected as lies, AlHusna = The Best Outcome, FaSaNuyassiruhu = So We will make it easy for him to work, Yusra = Affluence, Bakhila = Became miser, Usra = Hardship, Yughni = is the use, Tarrada = is ruined.