In contemporary spiritual discussions, especially those influenced by psychology and Eastern traditions, the concept of “being present in the Now” or Mindfulness is often described as the secret of power. It is argued that when the mind ceases its wandering—away from regrets of the past and anxieties of the future—and rests fully in the present moment, one touches peace, focus, and even a form of awakening.

This idea has undeniable benefits for mental health and well-being. Yet from the perspective of the Qur’an and Islamic spirituality, we must ask: Is the ultimate secret of power truly just presence in the Now? Or is it something greater—the awareness of God, the Infinite Being who created both time and the moment?

The Qur’an consistently points us to a reality far beyond mere “mindfulness.” It calls us to Taqwa—God-consciousness—an awareness that not only encompasses the present moment but transcends it by connecting us to the Eternal.

1. The Appeal and Limits of Mindfulness

The practice of Mindfulness as taught in modern psychology and spirituality emphasizes anchoring attention in the present—through breathing, sensations, or the immediate environment. The benefit is clear: when attention is freed from the endless cycle of past and future thoughts, the mind feels clarity and calm.

But this state remains fundamentally self-referential. The individual becomes aware of their inner processes, their breath, their body, their immediate sensations—but not necessarily of anything beyond themselves. It produces tranquility, but this tranquility is fragile. It depends on the discipline of practice and can vanish as soon as external stress intrudes.

In other words, mindfulness treats the symptoms of distraction, but does not address the metaphysical hunger of the soul.

2. The Qur’anic Perspective: Presence with God

The Qur’an invites us to a form of presence infinitely greater: the awareness of God (Allah), the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of all existence.

“And He is with you wherever you are.”
(Qur’an 57:4)

This verse presents a paradigm-shift. The human being is never merely “in the moment”; the human being is always already in the presence of God. What is required is not simply mindfulness, but God-consciousness (Taqwa)—the act of remembering, sensing, and responding to that Divine Presence.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ captured this reality in one of the most profound hadiths of all spirituality:

“That you worship Allah as though you see Him, and if you cannot see Him, then indeed He sees you.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

This is not just presence in the Now; it is presence with the Eternal. It is not simply about silencing thoughts but about orienting thought, feeling, and action toward the Infinite.

3. Why Awareness of God is the Strongest Presence

The Qur’an presents Taqwa as the key to strength, liberation, and clarity in life:

“And whoever is mindful of Allah, He will make for him a way out, and will provide for him from where he does not expect.”
(Qur’an 65:2–3)

Here, the fruit of God-consciousness is not merely inner peace, but concrete transformation: escape from difficulty, provision beyond calculation, and alignment with Divine Wisdom.

Mindfulness may calm the mind, but only God-consciousness reshapes destiny.

This is because:

• Mindfulness connects you to your breath.
• God-consciousness connects you to the One who grants you breath.
• Mindfulness frees you from mental chatter.
• God-consciousness frees you from illusion itself, anchoring you in truth.

4. Fitrah: The Human Nature That Seeks the Infinite

Human beings are created with an innate nature—the Fitrah—that yearns for the Absolute. This is why presence without God always feels incomplete. A person may experience calm in mindfulness, but an existential restlessness lingers, because the soul was not created to be satisfied with the self; it was created to be satisfied with the Creator.

“So set your face towards the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created people.”
(Qur’an 30:30)

When a human being awakens to God-consciousness, they see the world with new eyes: every moment is no longer empty time, but a mirror of Divine Reality. The “Now” becomes a sacred sign. This is the true presence.

5. The Language of Modern Spirituality vs. Qur’anic Reality

Secular or non-theistic spirituality often speaks of:

• Transcendence of Thought
• Consciousness Beyond Thought
• Enlightenment

These concepts attempt to describe states where the human mind transcends its ordinary limits. But they often stop short of pointing to the Source of existence itself. They remain descriptive of psychological states, not metaphysical realities.

By contrast, the Qur’an speaks of Taqwa (mindfulness of God), Ihsan (excellence through awareness of His presence), Khushu‘ (humble attentiveness to Him). These are not mere psychological conditions; they are existential orientations toward the Infinite. They do not just transcend thought—they transcend creation by connecting directly to the Creator.

“Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.”
(Qur’an 13:28)

This is the Qur’anic definition of true “enlightenment.”

6. The Real Secret of the Now

Thus we arrive at the decisive comparison:

• Presence in the Now may grant momentary clarity.
• Presence with God grants eternal clarity.
• Mindfulness offers self-mastery.
• Taqwa offers alignment with Divine mastery.
• Mindfulness ends in the self.
• God-consciousness opens into the Infinite.

The Now is powerful not because it is the Now, but because it is the arena in which God reveals Himself to you.

As the Qur’an reminds us:

“We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the Truth.”
(Qur’an 41:53)

Conclusion

Mindfulness teaches us to “be present in the moment.” But the Qur’an calls us to something greater: be present with Allah in the moment.

This is not only the highest form of consciousness but the essence of human existence. To live with Taqwa is to transform the fleeting Now into a doorway to eternity.

Modern spirituality calls this Consciousness Beyond Thought or Enlightenment. The Qur’an names it more beautifully: Taqwa, Ihsan, and Dhikr Allah—God-consciousness, excellence through His presence, and remembrance of Him.

And this is not just the secret of psychological strength. It is the secret of existence itself.

The concept of “abrogation” (naskh) is arguably one of the biggest obstacles to a fully peaceful and coherent understanding of the Qur’an.

▲ In short, here’s why this is a major obstacle:

It allows for selective quoting: extremist groups or hard-line preachers often say, “Don’t quote the peaceful verses; they’ve been abrogated.” That opens the door to a one-sided, militant theology.

▲ How the concept of abrogation enables extremist violence:

The concept of abrogation (naskh) is itself a highly debated issue among scholars. There is no unified consensus. While some claim fewer than ten verses are abrogated, others raise the number to over 500. Shockingly, some assert that verse 9:5 alone abrogates more than 100 peaceful Meccan verses. Even more troubling is the claim by certain scholars that Hadith can override or abrogate Qur’anic verses—a view that fundamentally challenges the Qur’an’s authority.

▲ What typically are the verses that they abrogate?

ISIS and similar extremist ideologues often declare that the following verses have been abrogated:

• 2:256 – “…There is no compulsion in religion…”
• 2:190—”Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.”
• 22:39 – “Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being oppressed…”
• 60:8 – “Allah does not forbid you from being kind and just to those who have not fought you…”

They claim that all these verses have been overridden by verses like;

• 9:5 – “When the sacred months are over, fight the idolaters wherever you find them, lie in ambush for them, arrest and besiege them. However, if they repent, perform the prayer, and pay Zakat, then let them go. Allah is Most Forgiving and Kind.”
• 9:29 – “Fight those who believe not in God and in the Last Day, and who do not forbid what God and His Messenger have forbidden, and who follow not the Religion of Truth among those who were given the Book, till they pay the jizyah with a willing hand, being humbled.”

But here’s the riddle. If you think that verses 2:256, 2:190, 22:39, and 60:8 are not abrogated, you would believe that in verses 9:5 and 9:29 god instructs us only to fight back in self-defense. However, if you feel that verses 2:256, 2:190, 22:39, and 60:8 are nullified, then verses 9:5 and 9:29 give the message of aggressive wars—Muslims are commanded to fight for colonial expansion and mass conversion.

So, the doctrine of abrogation (naskh) has become a theological weapon. Groups like ISIS have employed this concept to invalidate core Qur’anic principles of justice, peace, and restraint, thereby legitimizing horrific crimes under the guise of “religion.”

One must know that this interpretation is not rooted in the Qur’an itself, which consistently emphasizes justice, mercy, and ethical warfare. Nowhere does the Qur’an say that verse 9:5 cancels earlier peaceful commands—it’s context-specific, relating to specific hostile groups who broke treaties and attacked the Muslims first.

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▲ The Real-World Consequences

Because of this concept of abrogation, ISIS has been able to justify atrocities like:

• Aggressive warfare
• Forced conversions and extermination campaigns, i.e., atrocities against the Yazidis and Christians
• Kidnapping and systematic rape of Yazidi women, branding them “spoils of war”

Claiming sexual slavery is religiously sanctioned by referring to a twisted reading of verses involving “what your right hands possess” (ma malakat aymanukum)

A 12-year-old Yazidi girl recounted how her ISIS captor would pray before and after raping her, claiming it was allowed by “religious texts.”

ISIS fighters told survivors that enslaving non-Muslim women and using them sexually was “permissible in Islam” because the peaceful verses had been abrogated.

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▲ Abrogation as a theological shortcut to brutality

This shows how the weaponization of abrogation enables a theology where mercy is erased, justice is distorted, and violence becomes a virtue.

As long as extremists can declare peaceful Qur’anic teachings as “abrogated,” any act of barbarity can be passed off as religiously justified.

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▲ A call for ethical reclamation

If Muslims want to counter extremist narratives, a critical re-evaluation of abrogation is necessary:

The Qur’an presents itself as coherent and free of contradiction (4:82).

• So, ethical verses cannot be cancelled by the so-called aggressive ones
• Verses 2:106 and 16:101 require careful reexamination and consideration

You can read my response in this regard by clicking the link below:

Rezaul Haque’s answer to Can you explain the concept of abrogated and abrogating verses in the Quran?

We hear a great deal today about a “war,” “conflict,” or “clash” between Islam and Christianity. The topic is so prominent in the media that many people assume that there is something irreconcilable between these two approaches to God. It is not surprising, then, that so many Christians of good will have concluded that Islam and Christianity are fundamentally incompatible. Yet, if, by “Christianity,” we mean “that which Jesus Christ (pbuh) meant to convey to his hearers,” I believe that these people of good will are mistaken when they tell us that Islam is incompatible with Christianity.

What’s more, I believe we can now prove that the historically oldest Gospel verses reflecting the reported sayings of Jesus (pbuh) are entirely compatible with Islam.

A WAVE OF CONVERSIONS

If you are a Christian, the idea that Jesus (pbuh) practiced the same faith that today’s news broadcasts hold responsible for so many of the world’s problems may seem far-fetched to you. It seemed far-fetched to me when I first encountered it, before I consulted the Gospels closely. Yet you should know that many, many contemporary Christians have reached life-changing personal conclusions about the Gospel message and its relation to Islam.

“There is compelling anecdotal evidence of a surge in conversions to Islam since September 11, not just in Britain, but across Europe and America. One Dutch Islamic centre claims a tenfold increase, while the New Muslims Project, based in Leicester and run by a former Irish Roman Catholic housewife, reports a steady stream of new converts.”  (London Times, January 7, 2002.)

MAINSTREAM MEDIA IGNORES US

The Western news media only rarely shares the stories of these individual converts to Islam with the world at large, but I strongly suspect that most of these people — if they are like me — found themselves, at the end of the day, concerned about the consequences of calling Jesus (pbuh) “Lord” without obeying his instructions … found themselves far more concerned about that, in fact, than about any media coverage of geopolitical issues.

This kind of concern causes people to change their lives.

THE CHALLENGE OF Q

Speaking personally, I changed my own life because I could not ignore the implications of the authentic, stand-alone Gospel passages that today’s most accomplished (non-Muslim!) scholars believe to be of the earliest date available.

These sayings, which form a reconstructed text known as Q, can all be found in the New Testament. They are almost certainly the closest we will ever be able to come to an authentic oral tradition reflecting the actual sayings of Jesus (pbuh).

Q CONFIRMS ISLAM

If you are new to Q, you should know what the best New Testament scholars now know, namely that today’s scholarship identifies certain Gospel passages as not only instructive, but historically more relevant than other passages. This scholarship has led to some fascinating discussions among scholars (and a comparatively few lay readers).

I believe the Q verses tend to confirm Islam’s depiction of Jesus (pbuh) as a human Prophet with a Divine mandate essentially indistinguishable from that of Muhammad (pbuh).

A HUMAN PROPHET

I did not develop the theory of Q. It has been around for years. “Traditionalist” Christian clergy and theologians are generally hostile to it. They claim that students of Q are somehow eager to diminish the status of Jesus (pbuh). Actually, we are eager to learn what  he is most likely to have actually said.

Q represents a major challenge for contemporary Christianity, not least because it strongly suggests that Islam’s picture of Jesus (pbuh) is historically correct. The fact that Q essentially confirms Islam’s image of Jesus (pbuh) as a distinctly human Prophet has not, I think, been widely noticed by today’s Christians. And it must be. Because a careful review of the scriptures demonstrates that Jesus (pbuh) is in fact calling his people to Islam.

JESUS (PBUH) BROUGHT ME TO ISLAM!

I came to Islam, alhamdulillah, after three decades of restless dissatisfaction with conventionial Christianity. Although I’ve read a lot of conversion stories since I embraced Islam in March of 2003, I haven’t found many that cited the Gospels as a point of entry to the Holy Qur’an. This is how it was for me.

I was drawn to the Gospels at a young age — eleven — and I read them compulsively on my own, despite the fact that I did not live in a Christian household. I soon learned to keep religious matters to myself. 
 
EARLY QUESTIONS

For most of my adolescence I studied the Christian scriptures on my own. I still have the red King James Bible I bought as a child; my own handwritten note on the front page proclaims June 26, 1974, as the date I accepted Jesus (pbuh) as my personal savior.
 
When I say I read the scriptures compulsively, I mean that I was drawn to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John like a magnet. There are plenty of notes and highlightings in that old Bible of mine in Psalms, in Ecclesiastes, in Proverbs — but most of the notes and underlinings are in the Gospels. But I sensed, even at an early age, that there were some internal problems with the texts I loved so dearly. 
  
WHO TAMPERED WITH THE GOSPELS?
 
I can clearly remember reading the account in the 22nd chapter of Luke where Jesus (pbuh) withdrew from the disciples, prayed, and returned to find them fast asleep. Who, I wondered, could have possibly observed him praying … and then related the incident so that it eventually could be included in the Gospel of Luke? There’s another passage in the Gospels where Jesus (pbuh) supposedly includes the words “let him who reads understand” in one of his spoken discourses, which seemed odd to me. And there was yet another spot where the New Testament author assured first-century Christians that their generation would see the second coming of the Messiah — a passage I found difficult to square with modern Christian doctrine. These and other queries about the New Testament arose while I was still quite young, certainly before I was fifteen. Had someone manipulated the Gospels? If so, who? And why? 

I “filed” my questions for later, and decided that the real problem was that I was not part of a vigorous Christian faith community.

CATHOLIC 

At eighteen, I headed East for college and entered the Roman Catholic Church. In college, I met a beautiful and compassionate Catholic girl who was to become the great love and support of my life; she was not particularly religious, but she appreciated how important these matters were to me, and so she supported me in my beliefs. I do a great injustice to her seemingly limitless resources of strength, support, and love by compressing the beginning of our relationship into a few sentences here.
 
AN ENCOUNTER WITH A PRIEST

I asked the campus priest — a sweet and pious man — about some of the Gospel material that had given me trouble, but he became uncomfortable and changed the subject. On another occasion, I remember telling him that I was focusing closely on the Gospel of John because that Gospel was (as I thought then) a first-person account of the events in question.

Again, he stammered and changed the subject and did not want to discuss the merits of one Gospel over another; he simply insisted that all four were important and that I should study all of them. This was a telling conversation, and a fateful one, as it turned out.

CHRISTIANITY? OR PAULISM? 

Now, this is not my life story, but rather my reversion account, so I’m going to fast-forward over a lot of important events. That sweet campus priest eventually married my girlfriend and me, and we settled in suburban Massachusetts. We each moved ahead professionally and became grownups. We had three beautiful children. And I kept reading and rereading the Bible. I was drawn, as ever, to the sayings about the lamp and the eye, the Prodigal Son, the Beatitudes, the importance of prayer, and so many others — but I had steadily more serious intellectual problems with the surrounding “architecture” of the New Testament, particularly with the Apostle Paul. The fact that Paul never seemed to build a theological argument around anything that Jesus (pbuh) actually said was a big, big problem for me.
 
In the mid-1990s, my wife and I both became deeply disenchanted with the Catholic Church, in part because of a truly terrible priest who gave very little attention to the spiritual needs of his community. We later learned that he had been covering up for a child abuser! 
 
PROTESTANT
 
I found it necessary to immerse myself in a faith community. I joined, and became active in, the local Protestant denomination, a Congregational Church. 
 
So I led Sunday School classes for children, and briefly taught a Gospel class on the Parables for the adults. In the Sunday School classes for the kids I stayed right with the curriculum I had been given; but in the adult class, I tried to challenge the participants to confront certain parables directly, without filtering everything through the Apostle Paul.We had interesting discussions, but I sensed some resistance, and I didn’t try to teach an adult class again. My wife eventually joined my church. (She is a member there today.)
 
By this point, I had become deeply affected by the apparent intersection of the Christian mystic tradition and that of the Sufis and the Zen Buddhists. And I had even written on such matters. But there seemed to be no one at my church who shared my zeal for these issues. 
 
 
FOCUSING ON THE GOSPEL SAYINGS
 
In particular, I was interested in the research being done that indicated that the oldest strata of the Gospels reflected an extremely early oral source known as Q, and that each of the individual sayings of Jesus (pbuh) needed to be evaluated on its own merits, and not as part of the narrative material that surrounded it.

This is because that narrrative material was added many years later.

AN EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT?

In fact, the more I researched this subject, the more I found myself thinking of that conversation about the Gospel of John with my priest.I realized that what he had been unwilling or unable to tell me was that the author(s) of the Gospel of John had been lying. This was manifestly not an eyewitness account, though it claimed to be.
 
I was in a strange situation. I was certainly enjoying the fellowship of the Christians at my church, who were all committed and prayerful people. Being part of a religious community was important to me. Yet I had deep intellectual misgivings about the supposed historicity of the Gospel narratives. What’s more, I was, increasingly, getting a different message from the Gospel sayings of Jesus (pbuh) than that which my fellow Christians were apparently getting. 
 
WRESTING WITH THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY

The more I looked at these sayings, the more impossible it became for me to reconcile the notion of the Trinity with that which seemed most authentic to me in the Gospels. I found myself face-to-face with some very difficult questions. 
 

• Where in the Gospels did Jesus use the word “Trinity”?
• If Jesus (pbuh) was God, as the doctrine of the Trinity claims, why did he worship God?
• AND — if Jesus (pbuh) was God, why in the world would he say something like the following?
   
  “Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is, God.” (Mark 10:18)
   
  Did he somehow forget that he himself was God when he said this?
   
  (A side note — I had a discussion with a woman who assured me that this passage was not really in the Gospels, and who refused to believe that it appeared there until I gave her the chapter and verse number and she looked it up for herself!)
   

THE HOLY QUR’AN
 
In November of 2002, I began to read a translation of the Qur’an.
 
I had never read an English translation of the entire text of the Qur’an before. I had only read summaries of the Qur’an written by non-Muslims.(And very misleading summaries at that.) 
 
Words do not adequately describe the extraordinary effect that this book had on me. Suffice to say that the very same magnetism that had drawn me to the Gospels at the age of eleven was present in a new and deeply imperative form. This book was telling me, just as I could tell Jesus (pbuh) had been telling me, about matters of ultimate concern.

AUTHORITATIVE GUIDANCE

The Qur’an was offering authoritative guidance and compelling responses to the questions I had been asking for years about the Gospels.

“It is not (possible) for any human being to whom God has given the Book and Wisdom and Prophethood to say to the people: ‘Be my worshippers rather than God’s.’ On the contrary, (he would say): ‘Be devoted worshippers of your Lord, because you are teaching the Book, and you are studying it.’ Nor would he order you to take angels and Prophets for lords. Would he order you to disbelieve after you have submitted to God’s will?” (Qur’an 3:79-80)

The Qur’an drew me to its message because it so powerfully confirmed the sayings of Jesus (pbuh) that I felt in my heart had to be authentic. Something had been changed in the Gospels, and that something, I knew in my heart, had been left intact in the text of the Qur’an. 

STARTLING PARALLELS

Below, you will find just a few examples of the parallels that made my heart pliant to the worship of Allah (swt). Each Gospel verse comes from the reconstructed text known as Q — a text that today’s scholars believe represents the earliest surviving strata of the teachings of the Messiah. Note how close this material is to the Qur’anic message.

Q AGREES WITH QUR’AN ON TAWHEED (MONOTHEISM) 

In Q, Jesus (pbuh) endorses, in no uncertain terms, a rigorous monotheism.

“Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, ‘Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.’ (Luke 4:8)

Compare:

“Children of Adam, did We not command you not to worship Satan? He was your sworn enemy. Did We not command you to worship Me, and tell you that this is the straight path?” (Holy Qur’an 36:60-61)

Q AGREES WITH QUR’AN ON AQABA (THE UPHILL PATH) 

Q identifies a Right Path that is often difficult, a path that unbelievers will choose not to follow.

“Enter ye in through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there are who go in there. Narrow is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

Compare:

“The worldly life is made to seem attractive to the disbelievers who scoff at the faithful, but the pious, in the life hereafter, will have a position far above them.” (Holy Qur’an 2:212)

“Would that you knew what the uphill path is! It is the setting free of a slave or, in a day of famine, the feeding of an orphaned relative and a downtrodden destitute person, (so that he would join) the believers who cooperate with others in patience and kindness.” (Holy Qur’an 90:12-17)

Q AGREES WITH QUR’AN ON TAQWA (FEAR OF GOD) 

Q warns us to fear only the judgment of God.

“And I say unto you, my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear. Fear Him, which after He hath killed, hath the power to cast into Hell. Yea, I say unto you, fear Him!” (Luke 12:4-5)

Compare:

“To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth. God’s retribution is severe. Should you then have fear of anyone other than God?” (Holy Qur’an 16:52)

Q AGREES WITH QUR’AN ON THE TRAPS OF DUNYA (EARTHLY LIFE) 

In Q, Jesus (pbuh) warns humanity plainly that earthly advantages and pleasures should not be the goal of our lives:

“Woe unto you that are rich! For you have received your consolation. Woe unto you who are full! You shall be hungry. Woe unto you who laugh now! You shall weep and mourn.” (Luke 6:24)

Compare:

“The desire to have increase of worldly gains has preoccupied you so much (that you have neglected the obligation of remembering God) — until you come to your graves! You shall know. You shall certainly know (about the consequences of your deeds.) You will certainly have the knowledge of your deeds beyond all doubt. You will be shown hell, and you will see it with your own eyes. Then, on that day, you shall be questioned about the bounties (of God). (102:1-8)

Q WARNS MANKIND NOT TO ASSUME ENTRY TO HEAVEN IS ASSURED!

Consider also the following chilling words from the Messiah, which should (!) make every heart humble, choke off all forms of arrogance in spiritual matters, and quiet every attack upon a fellow monotheist:

“And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But those who believe they own the kingdom of heaven shall be cast out into the outer darkness. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 8:11-12)

Obviously, this is an important teaching for all people of good will to bear in mind … and to etch upon the memory.

Q SAYS NOTHING OF CRUCIFIXION OR SACRIFICE!

You have seen how the historically earliest verses — the Q verses — parallel the major teachings of the Qur’an. Also worthy of mention is the fact that Q teaches nothing whatsoever of the Crucifixion, of the sacrificial nature of the mission of Jesus (pbuh) … an intriguing omission indeed!

We are left then with an amazing early Gospel — a Gospel that (non-Muslim) scholars believe is historically closest to Jesus (pbuh) — a Gospel that has the following characteristics:

• Agreement with the Qur’an’s uncompromising message of God’s Oneness.
• Agreement with the Qur’an’s message of an afterlife of salvation or hellfire … based on our earthly deeds.
• Agreement with the Qur’an’s warning not to be misled by dunya — the attractions and pleasures of worldly life.

AND …

• A complete ABSENCE of any reference to Christ’s death on the cross, resurrection, or sacrifice for humanity!

This is the Gospel that today’s most advanced non-Muslim scholars have identified for us … and this Gospel is pointing us, if only we will listen to it, in precisely the same direction as the Qur’an!

MY DEAR CHRISTIAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS — I BEG YOU TO ASK YOURSELVES PRAYERFULLY, TO SEEK ALMIGHTY GOD’S GUIDANCE ON THIS QUESTION: CAN THIS POSSIBLY BE A COINCIDENCE?

SHARE THE WORD!

I became a Muslim on March 20, 2003. It became obvious to me that I had to share this message with as many thoughtful Christians as I could. I wrote a book of Dawah to share with open-minded students of the Gospels.   There are many, many more parallels between the oldest words of Jesus (pbuh) and the Holy Qur’an; I discuss them at length in my book Beyond Mere Christianity.

Please share this book’s message  with the Christians in your life!

A BOOK FOR THOUGHTFUL CHRISTIANS

I wrote Beyond Mere Christianity to help people reach an informed conclusion about the true nature of the mission of Jesus (pbuh). Because media coverage of Islam in the West is so unremittingly hostile, I decided to rely primarily on the words of Jesus (pbuh), appealing only rarely to the Holy Qur’an. To the degree that they realize that the oldest Gospel verses accurately mirror the teachings of Islam, thoughtful Christians may, Godwilling, become more curious about the teachings of the Qur’an.

Reasonable people may disagree on the age and authenticity of the Q sayings of Jesus (pbuh) that I appeal to in Beyond Mere Christianity. All followers of Jesus (pbuh) must agree, though, that the words in Q cited in this book also appear in the Gospels found in every Bible and are binding on every Christian. For those who insist on the importance of following Jesus (pbuh), surely that is enough.

What you have read here is a brief summary of why I believe Jesus (pbuh) was a Muslim. To learn more about the recent New Testament scholarly breakthroughs that support this point, please read my book.

I would love to hear from you. I hope you will e-mail me.

The Holy Quran is the Divine Book sent to the final prophet of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It is not just a book of guidance for all Muslims, past, present, and future, but also the ultimate miracle of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎.

Revealed over the course of 23 years, the Holy Quran contains guidance, commands, laws, historical narratives, predictions of the future, and a glimpse into the unseen realms. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ has condensed in the Holy Book everything we need to know to live a morally upright life. It is a comprehensive message that has remained unadulterated and unaltered for over 1400 years.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ says in the Holy Quran:

“Easy have We made the Qur’an to understand: So is there anyone who will be warned?” [54:40]

His verse clearly indicates that the Holy Quran is meant to be read and understood. We must make a concerted effort to improve understanding and knowledge of the Quran.

The Holy Quran and the West

The Holy Quran’s contents and its miraculous preservation make it a revered Book for Muslims globally. Translated into most languages spoken worldwide and memorized by thousands of people, the Holy Quran is a unique piece of literature. The beauty of the language recited and written, is incomparable. The Arabic recitation moves many to tears, even when they do not comprehend the meaning behind the words. That is the power of the Holy Quran.

Unfortunately, even the most sacred text of the world’s second-largest religion in the world is not safe from propaganda and negative press. The cherry-picking of out-of-context verses of the Holy Quran and the abetment of desecration of the Holy Quran, such as incidences of Quran burnings, under the guise of freedom of expression, are major issues that must be tackled.

There is a need to remove the misconceptions that exist within the Western sphere about the Holy Quran. Proper education, not just about the content but also the relevant context, is necessary. With millions of Muslims residing in the West, there is an urgent need for a plan of action that encourages a deep understanding of the Holy Quran, especially in the West, where Islamophobia is widespread and on the rise.

Ways to Improve the Understanding of the Holy Quran

Improving understanding of the Holy Quran and Islam in general in the West is important for creating an environment where Muslims can thrive rather than be discriminated against. Here are some ways we can encourage a better understanding of the Holy Book:

Translations Accompanied by Linguistic Explanations

It is common to find translated versions of the Holy Quran in nearly every language. You can even find a copy of the Quran that includes translation and the original Arabic text online for free.

Yet, translation is not sufficient. Much of the meaning in the Quran is specific to Arabic. Nuances of the language, like parables and the use of similar-sounding words, are lost during translation. It is better to include notes and explanations to showcase such instances when they occur in the text.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)‎ states in the Quran:

“We have, therefore, revealed to you the eloquent Qur’an that you may warn the people of the Metropolis, and those who live around it, of the Day of Gathering, of which there is no doubt, (when mankind would be assembled) some in Heaven, some in Hell.” [42:7]

The verse proves that the use of Arabic holds great significance. Arabs were proud of their eloquence and use of language. This is why the revelation of the Quran in Arabic and the open challenge to the Arabs to produce even a single verse similar to it was so groundbreaking,

Improving the Availability of Commentaries of the Holy Quran

Commentaries of the Holy Quran contain a wealth of information. These include meanings, context, linguistic explanations, and even references from authentic traditions of the Holy Prophet (ﷺ). Commentaries expound upon the meaning beyond mere translations.

This in-depth exploration into the meaning removes any kind of misunderstanding one might have about the verses of the Holy Quran. authors of these commentaries possess a deep knowledge of the Quran, the Arabic language, other authentic sources, and the historical context for every event mentioned.

Encourage Academic Studies and Debates

While commentaries on the Holy Quran exist, it is necessary to encourage academic research and debate as well. The Holy Quran is a source of unlimited knowledge and wisdom. Many scientific facts that are present in the Holy Quran have been identified in recent years.

It shows that the information in the holy Book is not exhaustive despite detailed studies by numerous individuals. Bringing the Holy Quran into the academic arena would encourage a deeper understanding of the text.

Foster Interfaith Dialogue

The Holy Book is not just for the Muslims. It is necessary to invite people from other religious backgrounds to study the Quran and provide their opinions. If anything, this would transform their views on Muslims as a whole.

Muslims have long been stereotyped and even Islam is vilified by many in the West. Studying the Holy Quran and exchanging ideas will help with dispelling these stereotypes and improving relations between Muslims and non-Muslims all over the world.

Publicize and Promote the True Message

It is not enough to have individuals study and explore the Holy Quran. The word of the Holy Book must be publicized through media, mainstream and digital. Propaganda against Islam and Muslims is blasted across various media platforms. It only makes sense to develop a strategy to counter negative press.

Improving understanding of the Holy Book is necessary in this day and age of rampant misinformation. It is important to provide one’s perspective to rival the bias that exists in media.

Beyond Comprehension

The Holy Quran is not just another text. It is the Divine Book sent down to us for understanding and guidance. reading, reciting, and understanding the Quran is important, but so is the practical application of its teachings. The Holy Book is meant to tell us how to live our lives; this is why knowledge without practice is useless. We must follow the Holy Quran and turn to it at all times so we can live a righteous life.

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Author Bio:
Mughees Qureshi provides copywriting services and writes quality articles and blogs. He is experienced in writing on topics related to all domains with impactful knowledge. He occasionally writes articles for Muslim & Quran.

Then do they not reflect upon the Qur’an?
if it had been from [any] other than Allah,
they would have found within it much contradiction. 
– Quran an-Nisa` 4:82

1. What is the purpose of Life? 
   
   [He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed – and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving  
   – Qur’an al-Mulk 67:2
   –
2. For what reason do we exist? 
   
   And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me. 
   – Qur’an adh-Dhariyat 51:56
   –
3. Who is God? 
   
   He is Allah , other than whom there is no deity, Knower of the unseen and the witnessed. He is the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. He is Allah , other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, the Perfection, the Bestower of Faith, the Overseer, the Exalted in Might, the Compeller, the Superior. Exalted is Allah above whatever they associate with Him. He is Allah , the Creator, the Inventor, the Fashioner; to Him belong the best names. Whatever is in the heavens and earth is exalting Him. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. 
   – Qur’an al-Hashr 59:22–24  
   –
4. Why would a Merciful God allow us to suffer? 
   
   Do the people think that they will be left to say, ‘We believe’ and they will not be tried? But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars. 
   – Qur’an al-`Ankabut 29:2–3
   –
5. Where is God during all this chaos and suffering we see ? 
   
   And never think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them for a Day when eyes will stare [in horror]. Racing ahead, their heads raised up, their glance does not come back to them, and their hearts are void. 
   – Qur’an Ibrahim 14:42–43 
   
   And if Allah were to impose blame on the people for their wrongdoing, He would not have left upon the earth any creature, but He defers them for a specified term. And when their term has come, they will not remain behind an hour, nor will they precede [it]. 
   – Qur’an an-Nahl 16:61
   –
6. If God really exists, then why did He allow such and such to happen to me? 
   
   Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned… 
   – Qur’an al-Baqarah 2:286
   
   For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease 
   – Qur’an al-Inshirah 94:5–6
   –
7. I keep asking God for such and such and yet God hasn’t answered me. 
   
   …perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not. 
   – Qur’an al-Baqarah 2:216
   
   And man supplicates for evil as he supplicates for good, and man is ever hasty. 
   – Qur’an al-Isra` 17:11
   –
8. If God exists, then why doesn’t He just appear or speak to us? 
   
   Those who do not know say, “Why does Allah not speak to us or there come to us a sign?” Thus spoke those before them like their words. Their hearts resemble each other. We have shown clearly the signs to a people who are certain [in faith]. 
   – Qur’an al-Baqarah 2:118 
   
   Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, and the [great] ships which sail through the sea with that which benefits people, and what Allah has sent down from the heavens of rain, giving life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness and dispersing therein every [kind of] moving creature, and [His] directing of the winds and the clouds controlled between the heaven and the earth are signs for a people who use reason. 
   – Qur’an al-Baqarah 2:164
   –
9. What is the soul? and what happens to us when we die? 
   
   And they ask you, [O Muhammad], about the soul. Say, “The soul is of the affair of my Lord. And mankind have not been given of knowledge except a little.” 
   – Qur’an al-Isra` 17:85 
   
   Say, “The angel of death will take you who has been entrusted with you. Then to your Lord you will be returned.” 
   – Qur’an as-Sajdah 32:11 
   –
10. If this Qur’an is truly a guide for all of Mankind then why was it revealed in Arabic? 
    
    And if We had made it a non-Arabic Qur’an, they would have said, “Why are its verses not explained in detail [in our language]? Is it a foreign [recitation] and an Arab [messenger]?” Say, “It is, for those who believe, a guidance and cure.” 
    – Qur’an Fussilat 41:44 
    –
11. If God exists, then why do evil people live lavishly and good people suffer? 
    
    And if it were not that the people would become one community [of disbelievers], We would have made for those who disbelieve in the Most Merciful – for their houses – ceilings and stairways of silver upon which to mount And for their houses – doors and couches [of silver] upon which to recline And gold ornament. But all that is not but the enjoyment of worldly life. And the Hereafter with your Lord is for the righteous. 
    – Qur’an az-Zukhruf 43:33–35
    
    …do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said,”When is the help of Allah ?” Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near. 
    – Qur’an al-Baqarah 2:214 
    –
12. What does God tell us to do, or not do?
    
    Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you. Indeed, Allah is ever Hearing and Seeing.
    – Qur’an an-Nisa` 4:58 
    
    Say, “Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited to you. [He commands] that you not associate anything with Him, and to parents, good treatment, and do not kill your children out of poverty; We will provide for you and them. And do not approach immoralities – what is apparent of them and what is concealed. And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed] except by [legal] right. This has He instructed you that you may use reason.”
    – Qur’an al-An`am 6:151 
    –
13. Do we have the previous scriptures (the Torah and Gospel)? Are they valid?
    
    Among the Jews are those who distort words from their [proper] usages and say, “We hear and disobey” and “Hear but be not heard” and “Ra’ina,” twisting their tongues and defaming the religion. And if they had said [instead], “We hear and obey” and “Wait for us [to understand],” it would have been better for them and more suitable. But Allah has cursed them for their disbelief, so they believe not, except for a few.
    – Qur’an an-Nisa` 4:46 
    
    So for their breaking of the covenant We cursed them and made their hearts hard. They distort words from their [proper] usages and have forgotten a portion of that of which they were reminded. And you will still observe deceit among them, except a few of them. But pardon them and overlook [their misdeeds]. Indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.
    – Qur’an al-Ma`idah 5:13 
    –
14. Even the Gospel?
    
    And to warn those who say, “Allah has taken a son.”
    They have no knowledge of it, nor had their fathers. Grave is the word that comes out of their mouths; they speak not except a lie.
    – Qur’an al-Kahf 18:4–5

This list was inspired by a post in Reddit.

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Highly Effective Qur’an Understanding

Allah promises in al-Qiyamah 75:19 that He explains the Qur’an.

Of course this does not mean anyone can just open the Qur’an and gain some sort of instant mystical wisdom. We have to follow the methods the Creator Who sent the Qur’an lays out for us. 

And the Qur’an is the only book ever that teaches the reader how to understand itself…

BEFORE WE START, we seek refuge with Allah from satan the rejected. We do this before we read the Qur’an or take any of the following actions. This means not just saying the words of seeking refuge: we actually clear our minds of all other ideologies or agendas and seek refuge with Allah to understand His Book as Muslims for Him.
Then proceed.

1. Read (iqra). 
   We need to regularly READ the Qur’an. 
   This habit molds our thinking to see the world as He would have us see it.
   
2. Consider it with care. 
   Reading/reciting with no understanding is NOT enough. 
   Reading with an agenda, or preconceived notions, will dim our vision. 
   
3. Pray. 
   Perform salaat as called for AND make dua for increased understanding.  
   
4. Convey it to others. 
   Invite to the teachings in the Qur’an, 
      openly or subtly,
      one ayat at a time, 
      or even just one idea at a time.
   
5. Practice the teachings. 
   The Qir’an has too many invitations to do good to list here.  
      Find them. Do them. 
   Primarily: Remember Allah Often and Help Others.
   
6. Consult with others
   Do not assume you or they have any final ‘correct’ understanding;
   we must listen with open-minds while avoiding blind acceptance; 
   this must be a continuous and on-going process;
   
7. Be patient. 
   Allah will manifest His will in His time. 
   Trust him.
   
   

There are ayat to support each of the above habits;
and this is still a work in progress.
(As it will likely ever be.)

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Let us also always maintain Habit Zero: Self-Examination.  

There are reports that early Muslims, particularly in the second generation of the Islamic era, were fond of examining themselves critically. Before going to bed at night, each person would try and recall his offensive action, thoughts, utterances and dealings for the day, then analyze them and identify their own moral faults. 
This same practice is found in almost every legitimate faith, and is also found in ‘Recovery’ groups all over the world today.

We find this process of looking at ourselves critically to be a necessary tool in all arenas of growth; it is not limited to learning to understand the Qur’an or to dealing with our fellow Muslims. But it is very much a necessity.

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This article is mirrored here, for safety.
https://kavalec.medium.com/the-seven-habits-of-highly-effective-quran-understanding-fa6247552696

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Some newcomers to Islam try to rapidly learn and obey every command in the Qur’an, and they try to learn and emulate every possible example of the Prophet(saws) recorded in the traditions.

The result – all too often – is “burnout“.

Islam does indeed tell us to strive as if in a race to do good (al-Ma’idah 5:48), but Islam is not itself a race. We do not get to Allah “faster” by trying to take on more than He gives us; and what Allah gives us is One Day – today – and the tools which enable us to make the best use of this One Day.

No one is guaranteed tomorrow, and yesterday is gone. 

When we open our Qur’ans we find 6,236 verses (6,248 with bismillah’s) each of which can and will have a meaning in our lives exactly as Allah wills.  Some verses give us clear commands and limits we should learn to be aware of at all times, others have meanings which are metaphorical – meanings which may only manifest in our lives in as yet unencountered situations. We are also warned not to accede too quickly to anyone else’s interpretation of such verses (al-Imran 3:7).

But what of the many clear commands? There seem to be so many!

Can a believer be obeying every single one every single minute of every day?

Of course not. That is the path to “burnout”.

Some commands do indeed lay out the attitudes, and tasks, which must be regular and constant in the life of a Muslim… we must be regular in our salaat, we must be conscious of Allah at all times.  
Other commands are the TOOLS that Allah has blessed us with.

Yes. TOOLS.

The Qur’an is the largest and most complete spiritual TOOLKIT ever given to mankind:
 

We cannot feed an orphan every minute of every day, but ON THAT DAY when we are feeling unblessed or ungrateful – feeding that orphan is the fastest way to remember and be grateful for our own blessings.

• That is the TOOL that Allah has provided for ADJUSTING that attitude.
   

Are we having a day of doubt in our deen? Turn to and obey an-Nahl 16:125 – invite others to submission to our Creator. 

• Telling others about the peace of Islam is the TOOL that Allah has provided for INCREASING that peace in ourselves.
   

It is not for me to speak for Allah and to tell each of you which tool is the one Allah would have you use in every situation in your life, it is only for me to tell you that the tools are there… and the more time we spend reading our Qur’an the easier will finding the correct tool be. This is true for merely human toolkits, it is infinitely more the case when we have the help of Allah in using the tools He has blessed us with.

Learn the tools Allah has provided for maintaining your life;
they have the best guarantee possible, and they never break.

Any truth herein is from Allah, any errors are mine alone.

As always,
Allahu Alam

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1. Always Respond to a ‘Greeting’:
   
   “When greeted with a greeting, you shall respond with a better greeting or at least an equal one. Allah reckons all things.” 
   (an-Nisa’ 4:86)
   
2. Always Say ‘Good’ things:
   
   “Do you not see that Allah has cited the example of a good word as a good tree whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches are high in the sky. It produces its crop every season, as designed by its Lord. Allah thus cites the examples for the people, that they may take heed.” 
   (Ibrahim 14:24-25)
   
3. Be ‘Humble’, and speak ‘Lightly’:
   
   “Walk humbly and lower your voice, the ugliest voice is the donkey’s voice.” 
   (Luqman 31:19)
   
4. Invite to Allah with wisdom and kindness:
   
   “Invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kind enlightenment, and debate with them in the best possible manner. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best who are the guided ones.” 
   (an-Nahl’ 16:125)
   
   “It was mercy from Allah that you became compassionate towards them. Had you been harsh and mean-hearted, they would have abandoned you. Therefore, you shall pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult them. Once you make a decision, carry out your plan, and trust in Allah. Allah loves those who trust in Him.” 
   (al-E-Imran 3:159)
   
5. Be Kind to your parents:
   
   “Your Lord has decreed that you shall not worship except Him, and your parents shall be honored. As long as one or both of them live, you shall never say to them, “Uff” [the slightest gesture of annoyance], nor shall you shout at them; you shall treat them amicably. And lower for them the wings of humility, and kindness, and say, “My Lord, have mercy on them, for they have raised me from infancy.” 
   (al-Isra’ 17:23-24)
   
6. Suppress Anger & Forgive People:
   
   “who [the righteous] give to charity during the good times, as well as the bad times. They are suppressors of anger, and pardoners of the people. Allah loves the charitable.” 
   (al-E-Imran 3:134)
   
7. Counter Evil with Good:
   
   “Not equal is the good response and the bad response. You shall resort to the nicest possible response. Thus, the one who used to be your enemy, may become your best friend.” 
   (Fussilat 41:34)
   
   “They steadfastly persevere in seeking their Lord, observe the Salat, spend from our provisions to them secretly and publicly, and counter evil with good. These have deserved the best abode.” 
   (al-Ra’d 13:22)
   
8. Do NOT Say ‘Bad’ things:
   
   “And the example of the bad word is that of a bad tree chopped at the soil level; it has no roots to keep it firm.” 
   (Ibrahim 14:26)
   
9. Do NOT be ‘Arrogant’ or ‘Carefree’:
   
   “You shall not treat the people with arrogance, nor shall you roam the earth carefree. Allah does not like the arrogant showoffs.” 
   (Luqman 31:18)
   
10. Do NOT engage in ‘ignorant’ talk:
    
    “The servants of the Almighty are those who tread the earth gently, and when the ignorant speak to them, they only utter peace.” 
    (al-Furqan 25:63)
    
11. Do NOT Curse the Idolaters:
    
    “And do not curse those who call on other than Allah, lest they blaspheme and curse Allah, out of ignorance. We have adorned the works of every group in their eyes. Ultimately, they return to their Lord, then He informs them of everything they had done.” 
    (al-An’ am 6:108)
    
12. Do NOT make fun of others, or call them names:
    
    “O you who believe, no people shall ridicule other people, for they may be better than they. Nor shall any women ridicule other women, for they may be better than they. Nor shall you mock one another, or call each other names. Evil indeed is the reversion to wickedness after attaining faith. Anyone who does not repent after this, these are the transgressors.” 
    (al-Hujarat 49:11)
    
13. Do NOT be suspicious, or spy on one another, or backbite:
    
    “O you who believe, if a wicked person brings any news to you, you shall first investigate, lest you commit injustice towards some people, out of ignorance, then become sorry and remorseful for what you have done.” 
    (al-Hujarat 49:6)
    
    “O you who believe, you shall avoid any suspicion, for even a little bit of suspicion is sinful. You shall not spy on one another, nor shall you backbite one another; this is as abominable as eating the flesh of your dead brother. You certainly abhor this. You shall observe Allah. Allah is Redeemer, Most Merciful.” 
    (al-Hujarat 49:12)
    
14. Do NOT be ‘Racist’:
    
    “O people, We created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous. Allah is Omniscient, Cognizant.” 
    (al-Hujarat 49:13)
    

Note: 
The above points are some of the etiquette we learn from Qur’an that apply to our general living, 
and the verses of the Qur’an from which the guideline is drawn.

For various English interpretations of the meaning, follow the links or research further at https://IslamAwakened.com/Quran

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