Topics Starting with Alif

Aaba' [Forefathers]

Aakhrat [The Hereafter]

Aadaab-e-Muashrat [Social Manners]

Adam

Aazar

Aaal

Aala'

Ayaat

Aaba' [Forefathers]

1. Remember Allah during Hajj the way you used to remember your forefathers (in the period of Jahiliyyah/ignorance) (2:200)

2. If your forefathers become dearer to you than Allah, his messenger and the struggle in the cause of Islam (Jihad), then wait for Allah's justice. (9:23 ; 57:22)

3. The reality of the gods of falsehood is nothing but a few names concocted by your forefathers before and now by you. (7:71 ; 12:40 ; 53:23)

4. The Unbelievers ask, "Will our dead forefathers who have become dust now, be raised to life once again?". (23:82-83 ; 27:67-68 ; 37:17 ; 44:36 ; 45:25 ; 56:48)

5. Your and your forefathers' Rabb. (26:26 ; 37:126 ; 44:8)

6. Just because a person is someone's father does not entitle him to enter Heaven, it is necessary for that person's father to be righteous. (13:23 ; 40:8)

[ For Abb (plural Aaba'), please see heading Abb ]

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The Hereafter [Aakhrat]

(also see: world, Sa'a, The Judgment Day, Heaven, Hell)

Belief And Disbelief In The Hereafter

1. Those who say that they believe but in reality do not believe (i.e., the hypocrites). (2:8 ; 2:264 ; 4:38 ; 4:39)

2. Belief in the Hereafter. (2:4 ; 2:62 ; 2:126 ; 2:177 ; 2:228 ; 2:232 ; 3:114 ; 4:59 ; 4:162 ; 5:69 ; 9:18 ; 9:19 ; 9:44 ; 9:99 ; 24:2 ; 29:36 ; 31:4 ; 33:21 ; 39:9 ; 58:22 ; 60:6 ; 65:2)

3. Abraham's prayer that those who believe in the Hereafter may be granted the bounties of life abundantly. (2:126)

4. Righteousness is to believe in the Hereafter (among other things). (2:177)

5. Obeying Divine orders with belief in the Hereafter. (2:28 ; 2:32 ; 4:59 ; 24:2 ; 65:2)

6. Believers have faith in the Hereafter. (2:4 ; 3:114 ; 4:162 ; 9:18 ; 27:3 ; 31:4)

7. Denial of life in Hereafter. (2:264 ; 4:38 ; 4:39 ; 4:136 ; 6:113 ; 6:150 ; 7:45 ; 9:29 ; 9:45 ; 11:19 ; 12:37 ; 16:22 ; 16:60 ; 17:10 ; 17:45 ; 23:33 ; 23:74 ; 27:4 ; 30:16 ; 34:8 ; 34:21 ; 39:45 ; 41:7 ; 53:27 ; 74:52 ; 75:21)

8. Deeds of charity alone cannot be considered equal to belief in God and the Hereafter. (9:19)

9. Do Jihad against the deniers of belief in the Hereafter. (9:29)

10. The belief in the Hereafter is tested by one's actions. (9:44-45 ; 24:2 ; 57:22)

11. Those who have hopes of a pleasant life in the Hereafter. (29:36 ; 33:21 ; 60:6)

12. Those who have faith in the Hereafter are not afraid of death, rather they desire it. (2:94)

13. Those who have faith in the Hereafter are the ones who have faith in the Quran. (6:93)

14. The enemies of the messengers' teachings draw the deniers of the Hereafter towards themselves. (6:113)

15. Do not follow the deniers of the Hereafter. (6:150)

16. Those who create complications in Deen (the way of life) of Allah, are the deniers of the Hereafter. (7:45 ; 11:19-21)

17. The deeds of those who deny the meeting in the Hereafter are fruitless. (4:147) ---- Punishment. (16:22-29)

18. Signs for those who fear the punishment in the Hereafter. (11:103)

19. Prophet Yousuf said that he had abandoned the ways of a people who do not believe in the Hereafter.(12:37)

20. The result of denying the Hereafter is a deceitful and arrogant intellect. (16:22) ---- And their moral values become cheap and imbalanced. (16:60) ----And their heart become open to disbelief. (16:106-107)

21. Denial of the Hereafter will bring grievous chastisement. (17:10 ; 34:8)

22. A veil comes between the Believers and the ones who deny the Hereafter. (17:45)

23. Those who think that Allah will not help him in this world and the Hereafter, should try depending only on material resources and sever all links with Divine values. (22:15)

24. People who deny the Hereafter oppose the mission of the God's messengers. (23:33)

25. are the ones who are deviated from the right path. (23:74)

26. Those who deny the Hereafter, their actions seem pleasing to them, but this will bring them dismal consequences in the Hereafter. (27:4-5)

27. These people keep having doubts about the Hereafter due to their lack of knowledge; most among these are blind to the truth. (27:66)

28. They only have the worldly knowledge, but they are heedless of the Hereafter. (30:7)
16. And the wives of the messenger of God were told that if they sought the abode of the Hereafter, there would a mighty reward for them. (33:29)

29. Those who have doubts about the Hereafter, they are overpowered by Iblis. (34:20-21)

30. The Believers remain extremely cautious regarding the Hereafter. (39:9)

31. When Allah alone is mentioned, their hearts of those who do not believe in the hereafter shrink, and when those besides Him are mentioned, they are joyful. (39:45)

32. Those who do not pay Zakat and are deniers of belief in the. (41:7)

33. Those who deny the Hereafter consider the angels to be their gods/deities and give them feminine names. (53:27)

34. Do not be friendly with those people who have despaired of the Hereafter. (60:13)

35. These people do not fear the hereafter (74:53)

The Hereafter Versus The Life Of This World

1. Those who sell the Hereafter for the life of this world. (2:86 ; 2:102) ---Fight with those. (4:74)

2. Those who gain pleasures of this world by unfair means, they have no share in the Hereafter. (2:102 ; 3:177)

3. Those who desire this world alone will have no portion in the Hereafter. (2:200 ; 11:15-16)

4. Those who sell the covenant of Allah and their own oaths for the worldly gain, shall have no portion in the Hereafter. (3:77)

5. Whoever desires a reward in this life, shall get it; and whoever desires a reward in the Hereafter, shall get it. (3:145 )

6. In the battle some of you desired immediate worldly gains (war booty), and some of you desired the Hereafter. (3:152; 8:67 ; 9:38)

7. The enjoyment of this world is short; and the Hereafter is better compared to it. (4:77 ; 9:38 ; 12:57)

8. Those who love the life of this world more than the Hereafter have utterly gone astray. (14:3) - They become prone to disbelief. (16:107 ; 87:16-17)

9. Those who desire quick gains, shall have ample reward for their efforts in this world. Those who desire the Hereafter as well, shall have their efforts rewarded continuously. God allows both categories to progress, He does not deny either of them His bounties. (17:18-19 ; 42:20)

10. Qaroon was advised to take his portion in this world and to desire the abode in the Hereafter as well. (28:77)

11. The abode in the Hereafter is for those who do not create mischief on earth. (28:83)

12. Those who desire this world - those who neglect the Hereafter. (30:7 ; 75:20-21)

13. O' Messenger, the life in the Hereafter will be better for you than this world, i.e., the future will be better for you than the present. (93:4)

14. In the battle of Uhad, some of you desired immediate worldly gains (war booty), and some of had your eyes on the future. (3:152)

15. The life in the Hereafter is the continuation of the life in this world. Hence those who are blind in this world will be blind in the Hereafter as well. (17:72) - Those who turn away from Divine laws will have their means of subsistence restricted and they are raised blind in the Hereafter. The punishment in the Hereafter is even worse than that in this world. (20:124-127)

When There Is A Conflict Between The Worldly Gains And The Reward In The Hereafter …

1. We should give preference to the reward in the Hereafter. (4:77 ; 6:32 ; 7:169 ; 9:38 ; 12:57 ; 12:109 ; 16:30 ; 43:35)

2. The ranks in the Hereafter are higher and bounties far greater than the ones in this world. (17:21) - The Hereafter is better and more lasting. (87:17)

3. The life in the Hereafter is indeed the real life. (29:64) - The Hereafter is the enduring home. (40:39)

4. The abode in the Hereafter is better. (33:29)

5. A comparison of both worlds - a comprehensive verse. (57:20)

Bounties Of Both This World And Of The Hereafter

1. Abraham was chosen in this world, and he will be among the righteous in the Hereafter. (2:130) - The same was Jesus. (3:45 ; 16:122 ; 29:27)

2. Those who desire the bounties in this life world as well as in the Hereafter. (2:201 ; 3:148 conventional / 3:147 Pervez exposition ; 4:134 ; 7:156 ; 10:64)

3. To ponder over the life of this world as well the Hereafter. (2:220)

4. God is the protector in this world and the hereafter. (12:101) - God's grace and mercy. (24:14)

5. Those who follow the righteous ideology in life are established by God both in this world and in the hereafter. (14:27)

6. Those who leave their homes due to persecution, God will surely grant a great reward in this world and in the hereafter. (16:41)

7. God (or the angels) is the protector of the Believers in this world and in the Hereafter. (41:31)

Punishment In This World As Well As In The Hereafter

1. Those who prohibit the remembrance of God in Masjids will be disgraced in this world and punished in the Hereafter. (2:114)

2. Those whose works shall become null in this world as well as the hereafter. (2:17; 3:22 ; 5:5 ; 7:147 ; 9:69)

3. Disbelief leads to punishment in this world as well as in the Hereafter. (3:56 ; 27:5)

4. Those who wage war against God will be disgraced in this world and punished in the Hereafter. (5:33 ; 5:41 ; 39:26) - Also for Jews, mischief-makers (5:41 ; 59:3) - the hypocrites (9:74) - the deniers of Divine revelation (39:26)

5. Those who oppose and scheme against the truth will be punished in this world and in the Hereafter (13:34)

6. Those who are blind in this world, will be blind in the Hereafter (17:72)

7. Those who do obey the Divine Laws, but they are always on the edge, will have disgrace in the world as well as in the Hereafter (22:11)

8. Making mischief in society brings punishment in the world and in the Hereafter, and it is God's grace and mercy that protects us from this mischief (24:14 ; 24:19 ; 24:23)

9. Disgrace in this world and in the Hereafter, for those who malign Allah and His messenger (33:57)

10. Punishment in this world and in the Hereafter for the tribe of A'ad (41:16) - also for the Pharaoh (79:25)

11. For those who deny God's favour and blessings (68:33)

12. Punishment in this life and in the Hereafter for followers of Pharaoh (79:25)

13. A wrong economic system causes misfortune in this world and in the Hereafter (68:17-33)

Punishment And Loss In The Hereafter

1. Those who desire a religion other than Islam, in the hereafter they shall be the losers. (3:85 ; 3:176; 5:5)

2. The hearts of those will be sealed who desire the life of this world rather than the Hereafter, and they will be the losers in the Hereafter (11:22 ; 16:107-109 ; 27:4-5)

3. The punishment of the Hereafter is far more grievous and more enduring (20:127)

4. Those who deny the meeting in the Hereafter will be punished (30:16)

5. Those who sell their faith will have no portion in the Hereafter (3:77)

Whatever Man Sends Ahead And Whatever He Leaves Behind

1. On that day man will be told all that which he has sent before and which he has left behind (75:13 ; 82:5)

2. God knows those who hasten forward, and those who lag behind (15:24)

Miscellaneous

1. He who wants to go forward can go forward, and he who wants to stay behind can stay behind; the field of action is open for everyone (15:24 ; 17:18-20 ; 74:37)

2. The world versus the Hereafter (17:18-19 ; 75:20-21)

3. In the battle some had their eyes on the worldly gains and others on the future(the Hereafter). Here the by the Hereafter is meant the future welfare in the life of this world (3:152; 8:67 ; 9:38)

4. Creation in the Hereafter (29:20)

5. All praise is due to God in the Hereafter (34:1) - To God belongs the first and the last (28:70)

6. Anyone other than Allah is not fit to be called to, whether in this world or the Hereafter (40:43)

7. To Allah belongs the beginning and the end (53:25 ; 92:13)

8. Ponder over this world and the Hereafter (2:220)

9. There is a sign in the law of Requital for those who fear the punishment of the Hereafter (11:103)

10. Those who believe that God will help them neither in this world nor in the Hereafter should…. (22:15)

11. Those who do not want high-handedness or mischief on earth will triumph in the Hereafter (7:146 ; 28:83)

12. Those who call to disbelief have no claim in the world or in the Hereafter (40:43)

13. Prophet Muhammad was told that the latter period of his life (in Madina) will be better than the earlier period (in Makka) (93:4)

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AAdaab-e-Muashrat [Social Manners]

Social Relations

1. When a courteous greeting is offered you, meet it with a greeting still more courteous, or at least of equal courtesy. (4:86) - greet your family in a similar way when you go to your own house. (24:61) - and when you go to other peoples' houses (24:27) - greet in the same way even the ignorant and the people who are unknown to you (25:63 ; 28:55) ------- The greeting that Muslims use is "Assalamo Alaikum", which means "I wish you peace in every way", and this greeting is returned by saying "Wa Alaikum Assalam".

2. Prophet Muhammad was asked to say "Salaamo Alaikum" (Peace be upon you) when Believers came to see him. (6:54)

3. The inhabitants of Heaven will use the same greeting. (7:46 ; 10:10 ; 13:24 ; 16:32 ; 39:73) - This greeting will be heard everywhere in Heaven (56:26)

4. Peace to the prophets from Allah. (37:79,109,120,181)

5. Do not say to anyone who offers you peace that he is not a Believer (2:94) - This verse may also mean that when a person extends his hand in peace, our first reaction should not be of doubting his intentions.

6. The Believers are a single Brotherhood (49:10) - They are each others' friends (9:71) - If they quarrel among each other, make peace between them. And take the guilty party to task. (49:9)

Etiquettes Of Conversation

1. Always converse in clear, straightforward and decisive language, which contains no ambiguity: (33:70)

2. Use language, which is considered to be polite by the society. (4:5)

3. Adopt an elegant manner for speech: (2:83 ;17:53)

4. Do not speak with a shrieking voice. (31:19)

5. Speak with justice and equity (6:152)

6. Avoid the words that are deceitful and showy (22:30)

7. Cover not truth with falsehood, nor knowingly conceal the truth (2:42)

Immodest and Absurd Talk

1. Avoid all absurdities (6:152 ; 23:3)

2. Do not listen to vain talk (28:55)

3. If you happen to come upon places where frivolous matters are being discussed, quietly pass by in a dignified manner without getting involved (28:55).

4. There will be no vain talk in Heaven (19:63 ; 52:23 ; 56:25 ; 78:35)

Immodesty

1. You should not get anywhere close to indecency - either in thought or in action, be it open or secret (6:151) - Allah has deemed it unlawful (7:33) - The Believers avoid such things (4:37 ; 53:32)

2. If an indecency is committed by a Believer, he/she should instantly ask forgiveness of Allah (3:135)

3. Do not spread slander in society (24:19) - This includes all types of lewd literature, cinema, theatre, TV, etc., which may become the instruments of spreading indecency.

Walking

1. Do not walk arrogantly (17:37 ; 31:18) - Be moderate in your pace (31:19 )

2. Women should be modest in their pace (28:25)

3. Believing men and women should lower their gaze and guard their modesty while walking (24:30-31)

4. Transgression can also be committed with eyes; believers should avoid it (40:19)

Investigate Matters

1. Do not pursue matters until you have investigated them yourself (17:36)

2. Always think good about others (24:12 ; 49:12)

3. When you hear something bad about someone, your first reaction should be of doubt. Only believe and tell others about it after you have investigated it to be true. This may also mean that we should consider a person innocent until proven guilty (24:12-15-16)

4. If a wicked person starts a rumour, do not spread it without ascertaining its truth 49:6) - inform the relevant authorities about it, so that they can investigate it (4:83)

5. No one is allowed to publicising evil except for the one who has been wronged (4:148)

6. Do not probe into other people's affairs, nor should you backbite others (49:12)

False Accusation / Slander

1. Do not slander anyone (24:23) - Slandering chaste women is a crime and is to be punished with 80 lashes if the accuser failed to support his accusation with proof (24:4 ; 33:58)

2. It is a grave crime to commit a sin and then accuse an innocent person of it (4:112)

Molesting Chaste Women

This is a grave sin and the society should take severe action against it (33:59-60)

Backbiting, False Accusation, Jealousy, Etc

1. Do not backbite each other, it is detestable deed (49:12) - Backbiting means saying something about a person in his absence which one would not like to say in his presence.

2. Do not laugh at/scoff each other (49:11) - Laughing at someone comprises of everything that implies insult - The Disbelievers used to scoff at the Believers (2:212 ; 9:79) - Forsake those who take their religion for a pastime and a jest (6:70) - nor sit with such people (4:140)

3. Do not falsely accuse each other (49:11)

4. Do not give each others bad nicknames (49:11)

5. Do not be jealous of anyone. Jealousy means to get distressed by seeing someone doing well in life. You should work hard and achieve such good life for yourselves. Jealousy is a psychological disease cause by lack of self confidence (4:54) - Jealous people are dangerous, protect yourselves from such people (113:5)

Anger, Revenge

Restrain your anger (3:134 )
This does not mean suppressing or repressing one's anger in the usual sense. It actually means re-channeling the energy produced by anger, so that this negative energy may be used beneficially. When this is done, one becomes bighearted and broadminded and one learns to be forgiving (42:37). But forgiveness is not warranted unless the wrongdoer repents and is willing to amend his conduct (6:54). If the wrongdoer persists in wrongdoing, then he should be punished according to the severity of his crime (42:40), and not unduly so (42:40-43), because the purpose of this approach is the correction of behaviour of the wrongdoer as well as the protection of individuals in the society, and not retribution, which is due to God only.

General Manners For Social Living

1. Do not enter someone's house without permission (24:27)

2. Do not enter a house if there is no one at home; and if you are asked to go back, then go back without any ill feelings (24:28)

3. You do not need permission to enter houses not meant for living, such as where goods belonging to you are kept (24:29)

4. When you are told to make room in the assemblies, make room. And leave when the gathering is over and you are asked to leave (58:11)

5. Do not commit shameful deeds in open assemblies (29:29)

6. If you have to leave an assembly for some personal matter, do not go without asking for the host's leave (24:62)

7. Do not go to a meal before time, and leave when you have finished the meal and do not sit for idle talk (33:53)

8. If you need something, ask from outside and do not just casually enter the house (33:53)

Health And Cleanliness

1. Knowledge and physical prowess, both are necessary (2:247)

2. If you become ill, treat yourself according to the laws appointed by God (26:80 ; 16:69)

3. Cleanliness is necessary for health (9:108)

4. Wudu, cleaning oneself after a call of nature and the bath after sexual intercourse (4:43 ; 5:6)

Clothing And Adornments

1. Things of adornment are lawful. No one can declare them unlawful (7:32)

2. Clothing serves the purpose of covering up the body as well as of adornment (7:26)

Eating And Drinking

1. The forbidden things (2:173)

2. Eat of what is lawful and good and what are good for health (2:168)

3. Do not be extravagant in eating and drinking. Eat moderately (7:31 ; 17:26)

4. Eat alone or with family and friends (24:61)

5. Eat freely at your relatives' or your friends' houses (2:61)

Living Expenses

1. Work hard for a living (29:17)

2. Make a living in the honest way (2:188)

3. Be moderate in spending. Neither be a extravagant nor a miser (6:141 ; 17:26-27,29 ; 25:67)

Domestic Life

1 - Conduct With Relatives

It is the responsibility of the elderly of the family that they try to stop their family members (and friends) away from wrongdoing. The Quran states, "O you who believe! Save yourselves and your families from a fire whose fuel is men and stones…" (66:6) - This a comprehensive advice which encompasses all kinds of education and training of the family. At another place, the Quran states, "The losers surely are those who shall have lost themselves and their families on the day of resurrection;.." (39:15 ; 42:45)

2 - Relationship Between Husband And Wife

1. The relationship between husband and wife should be based on tranquility, love and mercy. (30:21) - The relationship between family members should be such to give comfort to their eyes. (25:74)

2. The responsibility of financial maintenance the family lies with the husband (4:34)

3 - Children

1. Not giving one's children proper upbringing, education and training is tantamount to killing them. (6:141 ; 17:31) - (The Arabic word Qatl not only means "to kill" but it also means "to disgrace").

2. The Quran do not discriminate between boys and girls. We should not discriminate between boys and girls when it comes to their upbringing, education and training (See more detail under "Aurat"/ Woman)

3. Do not use unfair means to provide for your family, nor do anything sinful to support them. If one does sinful things to make his family happy, those people, according to the Quran, are his enemies (64:14) and mischief-makers (8:28)

4 - Parents

1. We should treat our parents kindly (6:152)

2. Old age makes a people physically and mentally weak (36:68) - memory will also worsen (16:70 ; 22:5) - when that happens, do not reproach them or speak to them with contempt, rather speak to them graciously (17:23-24)

5- Relatives

Treat your relatives kindly (2:83) - and spend your wealth as much as possible on the needy among them (2:177)

6 - Servants And Subordinates

1. Treat your servants and subordinates in a good manner (4:36)

2. A worker/employee should be strong as well as honest (28:26)

7 - Neighbours

Treat your neighbours with kindness, be they your relatives or strangers (4:36)

8 - Friends

Treat your friends kindly (4:36) - It should be noted that those who do not believe in the Quranic philosophy of life (the non-Muslims) cannot be our friends (3:28 conventional / 3:27 Pervaiz Expo) - even if they are your parents or your siblings (9:23)

9 - Orphan

1. Anyone who is left alone and unprotected comes under the definition of "orphan". We should not only try to help them, but also give them respect (89:17) - We should not treat them with harshness nor oppress them (93:9)

2. Protect the belongings of orphans (6:153)

10 - The Needy, The Poor And Those Who Seek Help

1. Treat the needy kindly (2:83) - Do not chide the one who seeks help (93:10) - They have a share in your wealth (51:19)

2. By "Saayal" (the one who seeks) is meant the self respecting needy, and not the common professional beggar. (2:273)

3. Do not keep people beholden to you after you have extended them a favour (2:64) - Kind speech and forgiveness is better than charity followed by injury (2:63)

11 - The Wayfarer

1. Treat the wayfarer kindly (4:36) - Help them if they are in need (17:26)
(The orders for individual charity and loan, etc, are for the interim period until an Islamic State is formed. After that it will be the responsibility of the Islamic State to take care of the needs of it people.)

Loan/Debt

1. One way of helping the needy is to loan them money. Interest (Rabwa) is unlawful according to the Quran, so no interest is allowed on loan. – Transactions involving debt should always be put down in writing (2:282) – If the transaction cannot be put down in writing for some reason, then you should take something as a token of pledge (2:283)

2. The promise of paying back the loan on time should be kept, but if the debtor is in straitened circumstances, give him respite until it becomes convenient for him to repay your loan (2:280) - But if he is not able to pay you back, it is better that you should forego the loan (2:280)

Keeping Promises

Keep your promises (17:34) – individual as well as collective (5:1)

Trust

You should render back your Trusts to their owners (4:58)

Mutual Consultation / Cooperation / Social Contact

1. Settle your affairs by mutual consultation (42:38)

2. Cooperate with one another in matters of righteousness (5:2) – Do not help each other in matters relating to sin and transgression (5:2)

3. Keep social contact with each other. Do not be harsh to others (31:18)

Behaviour With Non-Muslims

1. Be courteous to everyone irrespective of their religious beliefs. Do not insult the deities of non-Muslims (6:108) – Protect their places of worship (22:40)

2. The Quran tells us that God sent Messengers among every nation, therefore we should respect the founders of others religions (3:84; 4:164 ; 16:36) – But it should be clear that none of the followers of other religions have the Divine message in its pure form. The Quran is the only Book that contains the Divine message in its uncorrupted form and Islam is the only true way of life.

3. There is no compulsion in Deen (2:256 ; 9:6 ; 18:29)

4. Invite all to the way of the Truth with wisdom and beautiful preaching (16:125) – If you argue with them, do it in a gracious way (16:125)

Correcting Others

1. Do not just counsel others to do good, try to rectify your own ways as well (2:44) - substantiate your advice about doing good with your own good conduct (61:2)

2. Do not go around ascribing  purity to your own yourselves (53:32) – Never be a hypocrite (3:167 )

3. Listen to those who invite you to do good; do not just tell them to act on their own advice first and then preach to others. If they do not do as they preach, they are the ones who will be punished for it. (5:105)

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Adam

Creation Of Adam

1. Before the creation of man there lived another creature on earth which is called “Al Jaan” (the invisible) in the Quran. Man is the successor of that creature on earth. This is what is meant by “Khalifah” (successor) (2:30 ; 15:27-28 ; 38:71)

2. The Quran uses the Arabic plural verb form (instead of singular or dual form) when it mentions Adam or the couple (Adam and his wife). It is clear from this that the Quran uses the word Adam as a concept to describe the whole mankind, rather than a single person. Similarly “the couple” represents “man and woman”. (2:38-39 ; 7:11 ; 20:123)

3. Creation of Jesus was like the creation of Adam(man) (3:58)

4. “Adam” and “Bashar (man)” mean one and the same thing (15:28 ; 15:33 ; 30:20 ; 38:71)

Human Potentials

1. Man has been given the “knowledge of all the names”, meaning that he has been given the potential for acquiring knowledge about the workings of this universe. These are the Laws of Nature. This is what is meant by angels prostrating before Adam. (15:29 ; 38:72)

2. God breathed into man His spirit and thus gave him free will and choice. This is what is called the “human personality” (15:29 ; 38:72)

Prostration Of Angels

The forces of Nature can bow before man. This is what is meant by the prostration of angels. Meaning that, when man acquires the knowledge about the forces of Nature, he will be able to harness these forces. (2:34 ; 7:11 ; 15:29 ; 17:61 ; 18:50 ; 20:116 ; 38:72-73)

The Challenge Of  Iblis And His Rebellion  

1. Man’s own desires refuse to bow down to him and become rebellious. This is what is meant by “arrogance of Iblis”. (2:34 ; 7:11-18 ; 15:30-41 ; 17:61 ; 20:116 ; 38:74-78)

2. Respite until the Day of Resurrection (that is, man’s desires will stay with him as long as he is in this world) 7:12-14 ; 15:36-38 ; 17:62 ; 18:50 ; 38:79-80)

3. Shaitan will never be able to overpower God’s devoted servants (15:40 ; 17:45 ; 38:83)

Enticement By Iblis

1. Adam did not want to die. Iblis told him that he could have “eternal life” through his offspring. This is what is meant by the awakening of sexual consciousness within Adam. (7:19-26 ; 20:120-121)

2. This is how feelings of racial discrimination were aroused in man, and how the human brotherhood divided into tribes, groups and, eventually, into nations. The object of the Quran is to remove this discrimination and to turn mankind into a single community on the basis of Divine principles. ( 2:213)

Adam’s Paradise

1. The nature of that Paradise (the heavenly society) was such that there was no question of “yours” or “mine”. A person could freely eat anything in abundance from anywhere he wanted. (2:35 ; 7:19)

2. In that heavenly society everyone had the resources to satiate their hunger, quench their thirst and to protect themselves from heat and cold. No one needed to work extra hard for these things. Everyone had access to basic necessities of life. (20:116-119)

3. Whoever turns away from the Divine Laws, his means of subsistence will be restricted as a result. (20:124)

The Forbidden Tree

Mankind was asked to live their lives as one brotherhood and not to create dissension and differences. But man’s rebellious emotions and selfish desires created discord, and that is how man lost that heavenly life. (2:36 ; 7:19 ; 20:120)

Adam’s Penitence

1. Adam was told that there would come to them Divine guidance. Whosoever abides by it, he would have no fear, and whosoever turns away from it, he would be destroyed. (2:37-39 ; 7:23-25 ; 7:35-36 ; 20:121-123)

2. Adam admitted his error. His repentance was accepted by God when he held himself responsible for his own actions. While Iblis maintained that God made him sin and did not hold himself responsible for his actions, and was cursed. (7:16-23) – Those who do not admit their faults, can never correct themselves.

Adam’s Bloodshed

The allegorical narration of Adam’s (man’s) two sons describing how bloodshed between them came about (5:27-31)

The Children of Adam (i.e., Mankind)

1. Warning to the mankind to take a lesson from the story of Adam. (7:26-36)

2. God bestowed raiment upon man. (7:26)

3. Eat and drink and obey the Divine laws in a beautiful manner. The beauties of life are not be abhorred. (7:31)

4. Messengers would be sent to you. (7:35)

5. God honored mankind. (17:70)

6. Messengers were from the seed of Adam (mankind). ( 19:58)

7. Mankind was asked not to be subservient to Satan. (36:60)

Mention Of Adam As An Individual

The Quran has used the name Adam for an individual at only one place, where it says that God honored Adam, Noah, the children Abraham and the children of Imran. (3:33) – It is apparent from this fact that there was an individual whose name was Adam (Adam is a name even in this day and age). The Quran does not mention prophet-hood of Adam. “Istafa” (honour) does not necessarily mean prophet-hood. The Quran mentions Noah as the first prophet ever at many places.  

Miscellaneous

1. Despite various hindrances and problems, the continuation of human race is a living example that God’s program of creation and Rabubiyyat is in operation continuously. (7:172)

2. God has honored all the Children of Adam. We should not discriminate among people on the basis of their birth. This dismisses the Christian claim that every human child is born a sinner. (17:70)

3. Adam’s fault was that he lacked firmness in his resolutions. He used to forget things. (20:115) - (This is an indication of his psychological weakness).

 (Note: For the birth of Adam and the propagation of human race, refer to the heading “Insaan” (Man).

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Aazar

The Quran mentions Aazar:  “ Lo! Abraham said to his father Azar….” (6:74)

It is said that Aazar was the name of an idol whose guardian was Abraham’s father whose name was Taarakh. He was called Aazar due to this association with the idol.

Some say that Aazar is the Arabic translation of the word Taarakh, but it seems like a weak explanation. In any case, the Quran mentions the name Aazar at one place only, without any further explanations. (Abraham’s father is mentioned under the heading “Ibrahim”)

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Aal

Aal (Root letters Alif-Wao-Laam) is used for a person’s family and children, as well as for his friends and followers. This is word is used for respectable people, not for the disreputable.  

Pharaoh’s People

The Quran mentions Pharaoh’s people several time in the story of the Children of Israel (and in the conflict between Moses and Pharaoh), e.g., the Children of Israel were saved from the evil of Pharaoh’s people. (2:49 ; 7:141 ; 14:6)  - The people of Pharaoh were punished with calamities (7:130) – The people of Pharaoh were drowned. (2:50) – It is apparent that by the word “Aal” is meant Pharaoh’s friends, followers or the people of his nation. (3:11 ; 8:2 ; 8:54) – The Believer in the story of the people of Pharaoh. (40:28) – The people of Pharaoh were engulfed by a dreadful doom. (40:45 ; 54:41)

The People Of Lot

God’s messengers came to the people of Lot. (1:61) – By this it is meant the nation to whom Prophet Lot was sent. But the Quran states in the preceding verses that punishment from God was going to overtake the people of Lot. At that particular place, by the “people” of Lot is meant Lot’s friends and followers (15:49 ; 27:56 ; 54:34). Here Lot’s wife is not included in the “people” of Lot, as she was not a Believer. (15:60)

The House Of Abraham, Etc

1. God bestowed upon the house of Abraham, the Book, the wisdom and a great kingdom. (4:54) – There is no doubt that here it literally means the offspring of Abraham. Although this chain of prophets was confined to Abraham’s offspring, this does not mean they became prophets just because of the fact that they were Abraham’s offspring. They had to fulfill the condition of being virtuous. God promised Abraham that He would make him and his offspring the leaders of mankind. But this promise did not include the unjust. (2:124) – Abraham said, “whoever follows me, he is surely of me”. (14:36) – It is clear from this that just being an offspring of a prophet does not automatically entitle a person to respect and honour. Prophet Noah’s son did not qualify as Noah’s family because he had gone astray. (See under topic “Nooh/Noah).

2. In the story of Solomon, he is called of the children of David. (34:13) – So are mentioned the children of Jacob (12:6 ; 19:6) -  Also the children of Moses and children of Aaron (2:248) – Even the house of Imran. Imran was the father Moses. (3:32) – By this are meant the children of Israel. And due to this reason Maryam has been called the daughter of Imran (66:12).

The People of Muhammad

There is nothing to effect mentioned in the Quran.

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Aala’

This word has two sets of root letters “alif-laam-wao” and “alif-laam-yay”. The singular is “Alwun”. It is used to mean both blessings and omnipotence,  and is also used for strange deeds of workmanship. This word is present in almost every verse of the 55th Chapter of the Quran “Ar Rahman”. (Fa bi ayye aala’ e kuma tukazzibaan”) (55:13). We have to derive the meaning of this word in each verse in its correct context to see whether it means a blessing, omnipotence or a phenomenon. Apart from Chapter 55 (Ar Rahman), this word occurs in the following verses:

1. The people of ‘Aad were told, “Remember (all) the bounties of your Lord” (7:69)

2. The People of Thamood were told the same thing. (7:74)

3. It says in Chapter An Najm, “Which of your Lord's bounties will you then dispute about?” (53:55)

(See also topic “Ne’amat”(bounties)

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Aayat /Ayaat

The Perceivable Things In The Universe Are The Ayaat (The Signs) Of Allah 

1. There are signs of God in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the succession of day and night. (2:164 ; 3:190  ; 10:6 ; 10:67 ; 17:12 ; 21:3 ; 27:86 ; 29:44 ; 30:20 ; 30:22-26 ; 36:37 ; 40:13 ; 41:37-44 ; 42:29 ; 45:3-6 ; 5:20)
2. The heavenly bodies (the sun, the moon and the stars, etc.) are the signs of Allah. (6:97  ; 10:67 ; 41;37)
3. Signs of Allah in the produce of the land. (7:58 ; 10:24 ; 20:53-54 ; 36:33 ; 40:13 ; 41:37-40 ; 57:17)
4. The signs of Allah are scattered throughout the heavens and the earth. (12:105 ; 13:2-5 ; 16:10-13 ; 17:12 ; 30:19-2736:33-43 ; 42:29)
5. Signs in the creation of man. (30:21) – Signs in sleep and in death. (39:42)
6. Signs in the variations in language and colour. (30:22)
7. The winds are a sign of Allah. (30:46 ; 42:32-35)
8. Signs in the sailing of ships in the ocean. (31:31 ; 40:80-81 ; 42:32-35)
9. There are signs in the perfect harmony in the workings of this universe. (34:9)
10.  There are signs in the horizons of the universe and within our own selves. (41:53 ; 51:20-21)
11. The Quranic laws and the laws of Nature are both signs of Allah. In what tiding, if not in God’s messages, will they, then believe? (45:2-6)
12. The signs of Allah are of no benefit to those who do not use their reason. (10:100-101)
13. Those who turn away from these Signs. (21:32)

 Ayaat Meaning The Laws And Orders Given Through Divine Revelation 

1. Do not sell the Divine code for worldly gains. (2:41 ; 5:44 ; 9:9)
2. Orders regarding fasting. (2:187)
3. Orders regarding spending in God’s cause. (2:219)
4. Orders regarding family life. (2:221 ; 2:241-242)
5. Do not make fun of Divine orders. (2:231 ; 4:140)
6. Verses with established meanings and the allegorical verses. (3:7 ) - Verses with established meaning and verses which are explained in detail. (11:1) - Verses of the Book, explained in detail. (12:1 ; 13:1 ; 41:3)
7. Ask the people of the Book why they deny the Divine messages. (3:98  ; 6:124 )
8. Allah makes clear His revelations. (3:103 ; 3:118 ; 6:126  ) – Explanation of the Divine message by various facets. (6:105 ) - Explanation of the Divine message by parables. (2:26 ; 30:28)
9. Mercy for those who believe in Divine revelation. (7:156)
10. When the revelations of the Allah were recited to the prophets, they used to  bow down to them. (19:58)
    11. Divine Ayaat meaning the Quran. (6:33 ; 10:1 ; 19:73 ; 22:16 ; 24:1 ; 24:34 ; 26:2 ; 27:1 ; 28:2 ; 28:87 ; 29:49 ; 31:2 ; 33:34 ; 34:43 ; 38:29 ; 40:69-70 ; 41:3 ; 41:44)
    12. God does not take any nation to account and destroy it unless they are sent the Divine revelation first. (28:59)
    13. Denying the Divine revelation mean Kufr. (29:23 ; 40:4 ; 74:16) – The one who calls the Divine revelations "Tales of the ancients". (68:15 ; 83:13)
    14. The good people from among the Children of Israel had faith in Divine revelations. (32:24)
    15. The Divine revelation used to be in accordance with the Divine Laws. (40:78)
    16. The Quranic orders and the laws of nature, both are signs of Allah. (45:2-6)
    17. When they were presented with the signs of Allah (Divine laws and the arguments in proof of these laws), they stubbornly say, "If the dead can really be brought to life, then bring our ancestors back.  Only then will we believe that your claim is true!" (45:25)
    18. Whenever clear revelations are read out to the denier of truth they say, "This is a manifest lie!" (46:7)
    19. A prophet reflects upon the realities of the universe in the light of the Divine message. (53:18) – reflection on the heavens and the earth. (6:75-80)
    20. The prophets used to present the Divine message to the people (Yatlu Alaikum Ayaatullah). (2:129; 2:151 ; 3:101; 39:71 ; 62:2 ; 65:11)
    21. The mo’mineen used to recite the Quran. This may also mean that they used to follow the Divine orders. (3:113) – This strengthened their faith. (8:2) – They believe in the Divine message. (23:58 ; 32:15 ; 43:69) -  This faith is based on reason and insight. (25:73)
    22. The Divine messages were revealed to the prophets. (2:99 ; 3:58; 3:108)
    23. If people do not have belief in the Divine messages (Divine Laws), then they will be destroyed by rebellious nations. (27:82)

 Ayaat Meaning Reason and Proof

1. It was said about the dead person of Israel that God shows his signs in this way so that people would reflect and use their intellect. (2:73)

2. Even if you bring to the people of the Book every sign (reason and proof) they would not follow your Qiblah. (2:145)

3. The children of Israel were given many signs (reason and proof). (2:221)

4. The examples of pleasant results as a consequence of spending in the name of God, are signs of Allah. (2:66) - Other examples as well. (30:58; 67:16-17)

5. Even if they saw each one of the signs,  they will not believe in them. (6:25)

6.  Moses was sent with signs to Pharaoh. Here, the signs may mean either orders, or proof. (7:103; 10:75; 14:5; 17:101; 20:17-23; 20:42; 27:12; 28:32-35; 40:23)

7. These people will not believe even if signs (proofs) were brought to them. (10:96-97)

8. Is it not a Sign (proof) to them that the learned of the Children of Israel know it as true? (26:197)

9. One can attain faith by reflecting on the signs of Allah using one's intellect. ( Here "signs" may mean natural phenomena, Divine laws, or reason and proof). (27:80-81; 30:52-53)

10. The victory of the Divine system will be the sign of its truth. (3:13; 27:93; 40:78;)

11. Signs in the abundance of wealth. (30:37; 39:52)

12. Sign in the re-birth after being dead for a hundred years (the slavery and freedom of the children of Israel). (2:259)

13. The results of Jesus' revolutionary teachings were the signs (of their truth). (3:48-49)

14. There are clear signs of Allah in Ka'aba because it is the centre of the Divine system, and the life giving consequences of following this system are the proofs of its authority. (3:97)

15. Whenever a Sign of God came to them, they turned away from it (6:4)

16. If people do not have belief in the signs of Allah (Divine Laws), then they will be destroyed by rebellious nations. (27:82)

Destruction As A Result Of Denying The Signs Of Allah

1. Denial of the signs of Allah leads to punishment in Hell (and destruction in this world as well as in the Hereafter). (2:39 ;  3:4 ; 3:19 ; 3:21 ; 3:31 ; 3:112; 5:10 ; 5:86 ; 7:36 ; 7:72 ; 7:175-76 ; 7:183 ; 10:7 ; 10:96 ; 18:105 ; 20:126-27 ; 22:52 ; 22:57 ; 23:66-67 ; 23:105 ; 27:83-84 ; 30:16 ; 31:7 ; 34:5 ; 34:38 ; 39:58-59 ; 39:63 ; 40:35 ; 40:56 ; 40:63 ; 40:69 ; 41:28 ; 42:35 ; 45:2-14)

2. “Ilhaad fi ayaat allah” means going to extremes in any one direction. Deen (way of life) is a balance between different orders and principles. (41:40)

3. Those who deny signs of Allah are wicked (Zaalim), and they will never succeed. (6:21 ; 10:17)

4. Those who deny the signs of Allah live in the dark shadows of ignorance. (6:39)

5. The scales of good deeds become lighter as a result of denying the signs of Allah. (7:9) and the actions do not give the desired good results. (7:146-47)

6. Those who make fun of the signs of Allah. (18:56 ; 31:61 ; 45:9 ; 45:36) – And those who  turn away from them (18:57)

7. Rejection of signs of Allah results in despair of God’s Mercy. (29:23)

8. There is no refuge for those who deny the laws of nature. (42:35) – the result is Hell. (45:2-14)

9. “Takzeeb” means verbally acknowledging something but denying it with ones actions. (62:5) – the result of doing that is Hell. (64:10 ; 78:28) – they establish a wrong social system. (90:12-19)

10. Calling signs of Allah “fables of ancient times”. (68:15 ; 83:13)