The Holy Quraan is undoubtedly one of the greatest miracles of Allah existing on the face of the earth today.

Not only in its beautiful teachings is it a miracle, but also in the eloquence of its language and unique style. It is for this reason the Arabs of the past and present were totally incapable of producing the like of even a single verse of this sacred book.

To show its authenticity and to show that it was not man-made, Allah revealed different challenges to the whole of mankind from the very moment its revelation began. He (Allah) made it clear to them that if they had any doubt about it being from Allah then they should produce a chapter like it.

In Chapter 2 He says, “If you should have any doubts concerning this book then produce a chapter like it”.

Being unable to produce even a short chapter which may consist of only three verses, Allah placed another challenge to them by saying that “produce at least one verse like it”. However history bears witness to the fact that no one until today has ever produced the like of the Holy Quraan, whether it be in its message, teachings or even its beautiful style and eloquence.

Allah also makes an open proclamation about the Holy Quraan saying, “If this Quraan is from other than Allah, then you will find in it many discrepancies”.

In this verse Allah lays down the criterion to test this Holy Book and that is, if the Quraan is not from Allah and it was made by man then most assuredly many mistakes and discrepancies will be found in it. However the truth of the matter is that until today not a single word, verse or statement can be taken out as a mistake, an error, a contradiction or a discrepancy. This gives a clear indication that this Holy Book can only come from one source which is the Creator himself, Allah Ta’ala.

However during the course of time, although no one was able to produce the like of even a verse of the Holy Quraan, there were a few who decided to accept the challenge given by Allah. They tried their best and put their efforts together to compile writings and statements saying that they have produced the like of the Holy Quraan. The result of their painstaking effort was nothing but humiliation and disgrace. At that time and even until now whenever people read their compilations they laugh at them. Allah thus made a laughing stock of those who wanted to compete with him.

An example of such is that of the imposter Musailamah “the liar” who claimed to be a prophet during the period of Abu Bakr (R.A). When he was asked to produce scriptures, he compiled statements like the following: -“By the women who sow the seed in the land. By the women who harvest the crops and grind the grains. And by those who knead the dough and make the bread and then place it into a gravy”.

He (Musailamah) also made the following, “The Elephant. And what is the Elephant? And what do you know about the Elephant? It has a tail, a tusk and a long trunk”.

Similarly, this trend has continued and today in our times, ignorant people have brought about statements and words saying that it is like the Quraan. One such case is that of a book being circulated by Christians known as “Furqanul-Haq;” or “The True Furqan”.

‘Furqanul Haq’ or ‘The True Furqan’ is a fabrication by the unbelievers to misguide the Muslims and to deceive the whole world into believing that their book is an alternative to the Holy Quraan which is acknowledged by all to be an incomparable divine book.

It seeks to create mischief among mankind and it is a means of deception to the non-Muslims as well as the new comers to Islam that this book “The True Furqan” is the Muslim Holy Book. Their claim is that they have brought a like of the Holy Quraan. However a simple glimpse at the book would reveal to the reader that it is nothing more than a compilation of absurdity, craziness, folly, insanity and lunacy. It is a fabrication of their wishful thinking of idle talk and gossip coming from their brainlessness. In order to entrap the Muslims and bamboozle the non-Muslims and newcomers to Islam, they have divided their book into chapters bearing the name of ‘Suras’ and have commenced each chapter with something known as Bismillah, taking many verses from the Holy Quraan as part of their chapters. Their book ‘The True Furqan’ is written in Arabic along with English translation. It begins with a small chapter known as ‘Al- Basmalah’ ‘The Blessing’- comprising of seven verses.

Then the book continues with seventy-seven different chapters with Arabic names and ends with a conclusion known as the epilogue or sequel. The bismillah of their book is ‘Bismil-Ah-Al-Kalimthir-Ruh -Al-Ilahil Waahidil Ahad’. Translated as, “ In the name of the Father, the word, the Holy Spirit, the one and only True God’.

Their first statement bears testimony to the concept of the idolatrous belief of Trinity, which was a fabrication made by Paul into Christianity and was never preached by Jesus (A.S) and his pious disciples. To add to this, many level-headed and sound-minded Christians of today do not accept the doctrine of the Trinity. Thus, when their book begins with such a fabrication, a fiction and a corrupt invention of an idolater, what can we say of the rest of the book.

The style of their book reveals them as nothing but mere copycats, since they could not think for themselves they had to use names and words of the Holy Quraan to forge their figments.

An example of some chapters which they have given in their book are as follows:

1. Sura-Al-Fateha -The Opening
   
2. Suratul-Mahabba - The Chapter of love
   
3. Sura-An-Nur - The light
   
4. Sura-Al-Kafireen - The Unbelievers
   

Such is their dishonesty, trickery and deception. There is absolutely no chapter in their book which exceeds thirty verses. How can they even think about competing with the Holy and magnificent words of Allah with such a senseless and meaningless fabrication which in reality is a revelation of Satan.

Muslims should beware of this book and similar books which are published in order to destroy the true religion of Allah, Al-Islam. We are already forewarned in the Holy Quraan that the efforts of the unbelievers are aimed at destroying the true Guidance of Allah. The Holy Quraan states, “They wish to destroy the light of Allah but Allah will complete His Light even though the unbelievers may dislike it”.

We pray to Allah to destroy the efforts of such people and May He shatter their strategies and protect the believers from their deceitful schemes.


Eid ul Fitr

Eid ul Fitr (Festival of the Breaking of the Fast) is the first day of the 10th lunar month, Shawwaal. It marks the end of the holy month of Ramadaan.

Eid ul Fitr is one of the two days of festivity in Islam. The other being Eid ul Adhaa. This has been established from an authentic Hadith narrated by Anas (RA) that upon arriving in Madinah, the Prophet (SA) found its people celebrating two days which were upheld from the Days of Jaahiliya (Ignorance). The Prophet (SA) said: “When I came upon you, you had two days that you continued to celebrate from Jaahiliya, indeed Allah has substituted them for you with what is better; the Day of Sacrifice and the Day of Fitr.” [Ahmad, Abu Daud]

In another Hadith, the Prophet (SA) said referring to Eid ul Fitr: “Certainly for every community there is a day of Eid and this is our Eid.” [Agreed upon]

The word Eid literally means ‘recurrence’. Thus Eid is an occasion which returns and recurs at specified times with renewed happiness and joy. Muslims will return to the gathering of Eid with renewed zeal and enthusiasm and Allah returns to His servants with renewed bounties and rewards.

Even the nights which precede the Days of Eid have also been marked as a time of great virtue and the scholars have considered it Mustahab (desirable) to do Ibaadah on these nights. Rasulullah (SA) said: “The heart of the person who remains awake (in Ibaadah) during the night of Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adhaa will not die on the Day when hearts will be dead, i.e. the Day of Qiyaamah.” [Tibrani]

The Day of Eid follows its night with the blessings, forgiveness and mercy of Allah to His servants who fasted during the day and who stood up at night in prayer. Allah rewards them immensely for having fulfilled their duties to him by adhering to restraint and guarding against evil; who endeavoured in acts of piety and righteousness; who became engrossed in dua, dhikr and recitation of Quraan; who displayed kindness, love and compassion for others; who, in total, spent the month of Ramadaan seeking His pleasure.

The Day of Eid is also spent in thankfulness to Allah. Muslims will perform the Eid Salaah which is Wajib (incumbent) and listen to the Khutba (sermon) which is Sunnah (commendable).

To give general charity on this day is commendable and rewarding. However Sadaqatul Fitr (Charity of Eid) is Waajib (incumbent) and must be given before the Eid Salaah. It is especially meant for the poor and the needy so that they too can celebrate Eid. It becomes binding to be given by all adults for themselves as well as all their dependants when one possesses wealth beyond his needs for the day.

Some Sunnah (commendable acts) for the Day of Eid are as follows:

• To rise as early as possible;
  
• To perform Ghusl (bath);
  
• To use miswaak;
  
• To apply ‘Itr (Halaal, non alcoholic perfume);
  
• To wear ones best clothes;
  
• To eat something sweet (such as dates) before departing for Eid Salaah;
  
• To give Sadaqatul Fitr before leaving for the Musallah (Eid- Ghah or Masjid);
  
• To walk to the Musallah. However, there is no harm in using any means of conveyance if the Musallah is a distance or there is an excuse;
  
• To go to the Musallah using one route and to return by another route
  
• To recite the Takbeer while going to the Musallah. The takbeer is – Al-laa hu akbar, al-laa hu akbar, laa ilaaha il-lal-laa hu wal-laa hu akbar, wa lil-laa hil hamd.
  

The Day of Eid is indeed a joyous day and one should beware of his action not to displease Allah.

We should keep in mind some of the following:

• To fast on this day is not permissible;
  
• To perform any Nafl Salaah (optional prayer) before the Eid Salaah is not proper;
  
• To intermingle with non-mahrams in actions like shaking hands, kissing, touching, flirting, looking with intent and lust, etc. are not permissible;
  
• To dress against the dress code of the Shariah is not proper, like males wearing natural silk or gold or allowing their clothes to hang beyond the ankles, women exposing their hair, ears, wrist, ankle and other parts which are incumbent to be covered;
  
• To partake of non-halaal foods and drinks as well as to engage in music and dancing are not permissible.
  

Muslims must remember that Allah has made the Day of Eid as a Day of Festivity and thankfulness. It is a special day for greeting and gift giving. It is also a day of fun and play for the young children and the elders should be visited showing to them love, honour and respect which they deserve. Believers must also remember the many lessons of Ramadaan which have been learnt and a firm resolve must be made to be steadfast. May Allah bless us with guidance and a joyous Eid. Aameen.


Fasts of Shawwaal

Fasting for six days in Shawwaal is a commendable act. The Prophet (SA) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadaan then adds the fast of six days in the month of Shawwaal, will reap the reward of fasting for the whole year.” [Muslim]

This Hadith describes the great reward of the six fasts of this month. The scholars have interpreted this Hadith by saying that, according to the recognized rules of the Shariah every good deed is rewarded ten times more reward of its origin, therefore, the reward of 30 days of Ramadaan amounts to the reward of fasting 300 days. If the fast of Ramadaan is followed by six more, they carry the reward of 60 days, raising the total to 360 which is the number of days of one year according to the Islamic Calendar.

Therefore, the muslim should take this opportunity to acquire such an enormous reward from Allah. It is preferable to start these fast from the 2nd of Shawwaal as the 1st is Eid and it is not permissible to fast on Eid and keep fasting until the 7th of Shawwaal.

However if the fasts are kept on other days it is proper that the reward would be the same.


Zakaah

Zakaah, a pillar of Islam, is a command from Allah which is mentioned in many verses of the Holy Quraan and traditions (Ahaadith). Allah says in the Holy Quraan, “Establish Salaah, pay Zakaah and bow your heads with those who bow.” (2:43)

Zakaah is an act of worship and it becomes compulsory on muslims who have reached the age of puberty (baligh) and who owns a certain amount of wealth which is known as the ‘Nisaab’ (Minimum Zakaatable amount). It must be given from all the different forms of wealth, cash, gold and silver, agriculture, stocks, animals, etc.

Failure to pay Zakaah brings about the punishment of Allah. Allah warns us concerning hoarding wealth and not paying its due rights, “Those who hoard gold and silver (money) and do not spend it in the way of Allah, announce to them a grievous penalty. On the Day when the heat will be produced out of that wealth in the fire of Hell and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks and their backs and it will be said to them, ‘This is the treasure which you hoarded for yourselves. Taste you, then, the treasure which you buried.” (9:34-35)

On the other hand paying of Zakaah brings increase and protection of our wealth. The Prophet (SA) said: “Protect your wealth by payment of Zakaah”.

Let us not be neglectful of our duties to Allah.


The Darul Uloom

The Darul Uloom T &T is an Islamic institution disseminating primary to tertiary Islamic Studies and secondary academic education. We are a non-profit organization whose objective is to educate Muslims about the Sacred Deen of Allah (S.W.T.).

To achieve this end the Darul Uloom offers many programmes and courses on a full-time and part-time basis for brothers and sisters separately.

Our five-year full time secondary programme offers training in Islamic and academic studies up to O’levels. Graduates can further their studies for the next three years in the full time A’alim course where they can qualify as Maulana. There is also a full Hifz programme where students can memorize the entire Quraan with the aid of qualified teachers. There are also classes for adults on a part time basis on Monday and Wednesday nights for males and on Saturdays for females.

In addition to these programmes, services such as Counseling, the Issuing of Islamic legal opinions, and collection of Zakaah and Sadaqah are done at the Darul Uloom.

Through the Grace and Mercy of Allah (S.W.T) the Darul Uloom is able to conduct these various programmes and courses only through the kind and generous donations of the Muslim Community.

As a service to Islam you are humbly requested to contribute to these efforts as we strive together to establish the Deen of Allah (S.W.T).