Islamic Studies Courses in Islamic Studies Courses in De Anza, Mission, Chabot, and Ohlone De Anza, Mission, Chabot, and Ohlone

CollegesCollegesDesigned and Taught ByDesigned and Taught By

Hafiz M. K. Siddiqi, Ph.D.Hafiz M. K. Siddiqi, Ph.D.

First Major Source of First Major Source of

IslamIslamThe Holy Qur’anThe Holy Qur’an

First RevelationFirst Revelation

Prophet Muhammad pbuh received the first revelation Prophet Muhammad pbuh received the first revelation of the Holy Qur’an from 96/1-5, as confirmed in the of the Holy Qur’an from 96/1-5, as confirmed in the following chapterfollowing chapter

We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the night We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the night of power, (in the Holy month of Ramadan) and what of power, (in the Holy month of Ramadan) and what will explain to you what the night of power is? The will explain to you what the night of power is? The night of power is better than a thousand months. night of power is better than a thousand months. Wherein come down the angels and the Spirit by Wherein come down the angels and the Spirit by God’s permission on every errand: Peace! This until God’s permission on every errand: Peace! This until the morning. 97/1-5the morning. 97/1-5

Read in the name of your Sustainer who Read in the name of your Sustainer who has created, created man out of a germ-has created, created man out of a germ-cell. Read for your Sustainer is the most cell. Read for your Sustainer is the most Bountiful one who has taught (Man) the Bountiful one who has taught (Man) the use of pen, taught man what he did not use of pen, taught man what he did not

know. 96/1-5know. 96/1-5This was the most powerful beginning of This was the most powerful beginning of

a civilization which reached three a civilization which reached three continents of the world within first continents of the world within first

centurycentury

The Holy Qur’anThe Holy Qur’an

It has 6349 Ayaat/verses (Ayah, singular), It has 6349 Ayaat/verses (Ayah, singular), It has 30 equal parts (Juz, Ajzaa’), It has 30 equal parts (Juz, Ajzaa’), It has 114 Surahs (Chapters)It has 114 Surahs (Chapters) It was first revealed in the month of RamadanIt was first revealed in the month of Ramadan Its main subject is guidance to the humankindIts main subject is guidance to the humankind Its main theme is God consciousnessIts main theme is God consciousness It is the answer to the question: How should I behave It is the answer to the question: How should I behave

in order to accomplish success in both worldsin order to accomplish success in both worlds

Famous Names of the Qur’anFamous Names of the Qur’an

Qur’an: Reading, recitation, collection 2/185, Qur’an: Reading, recitation, collection 2/185, 17/9, it contains the best and most relevant of 17/9, it contains the best and most relevant of all previous messagesall previous messages

Furqan: Criterion between the right and wrong Furqan: Criterion between the right and wrong 25/1, 2/185, 36/225/1, 2/185, 36/2

Tanzil: Revelation, 26/192Tanzil: Revelation, 26/192 Dhikr: Reminder, 15/9Dhikr: Reminder, 15/9 Nur: Light, 4/174Nur: Light, 4/174 Kitab: Book/scripture, 2/2Kitab: Book/scripture, 2/2

Verily this Qur’an shows the way to Verily this Qur’an shows the way to all that is most upright…17/9all that is most upright…17/9

Maw’idhah: Admonition. Shifaa’: Cure. Huda: Maw’idhah: Admonition. Shifaa’: Cure. Huda: Guidance, Rahmah: Mercy, 10/57Guidance, Rahmah: Mercy, 10/57Mubarak: Blessed. Musaddiq: Confirming the Mubarak: Blessed. Musaddiq: Confirming the truth of previous revelations, 6/92truth of previous revelations, 6/92Azeez: Sublime, Powerful, 41/41Azeez: Sublime, Powerful, 41/41Majeed: Holy, 85/21Majeed: Holy, 85/21Basheer: Herald of glad tidings. Nadheer: Basheer: Herald of glad tidings. Nadheer: Warner, 41/4 Warner, 41/4

Makiyyah and MadaniyyahMakiyyah and Madaniyyah

Makkiyyah: The portions, segments, and verses Makkiyyah: The portions, segments, and verses which were revealed before migration to which were revealed before migration to Madinah, in the first 13 years of the mission of Madinah, in the first 13 years of the mission of prophet Muhammad pbuh, in Makkah or prophet Muhammad pbuh, in Makkah or elsewhereelsewhereMadaniyyah: the portions, segments and verses Madaniyyah: the portions, segments and verses revealed after the migration in last 10 years in revealed after the migration in last 10 years in Madinah or elsewhere Madinah or elsewhere

The revelation of the Qur’an The revelation of the Qur’an The Holy Qur’an was revealed in piece-meal The Holy Qur’an was revealed in piece-meal in a period of 23 years of the mission of in a period of 23 years of the mission of Prophet Muhammad pbuh, to make its Prophet Muhammad pbuh, to make its memorization, understanding and practicing memorization, understanding and practicing Easy. The heavenly guidance was coming to Easy. The heavenly guidance was coming to cover the events on the ground, answer the cover the events on the ground, answer the questions, and provide the wisdom for thequestions, and provide the wisdom for theHumankind.Humankind.

Angel GabrielAngel Gabriel Angel Gabriel used to bring the messages of Angel Gabriel used to bring the messages of

Allah swt to Prophet Muhammad pbuhAllah swt to Prophet Muhammad pbuh His duties were: A. To convey the divine message His duties were: A. To convey the divine message

B. To wait until the Prophet had memorized the B. To wait until the Prophet had memorized the verses/revelation C. To review the revealed verses/revelation C. To review the revealed messages annually in the month of Ramadan messages annually in the month of Ramadan

D. To give reference number of Surah and VerseD. To give reference number of Surah and Verse In the year of the death of Prophet, Angel Gabriel In the year of the death of Prophet, Angel Gabriel

reviewed the whole Qur’an twice reviewed the whole Qur’an twice

Kuttabul-Wahy (writers of Kuttabul-Wahy (writers of revelation)revelation)

There were over thirty companions of Prophet There were over thirty companions of Prophet Muhammad pbuh, who were assigned the duty Muhammad pbuh, who were assigned the duty of writing the Holy Qur’an as and when it was of writing the Holy Qur’an as and when it was received by the Prophet. 5-6 of them were received by the Prophet. 5-6 of them were always present near the Prophet (24/7). always present near the Prophet (24/7).

The writers of revelation were not allowed to The writers of revelation were not allowed to write Hadith (Prophet’s sayings, actions, and write Hadith (Prophet’s sayings, actions, and approvals) or any thing else. approvals) or any thing else.

Famous Qur’anic TermsFamous Qur’anic Terms

Hafiz/Huffaz: a person who renders the whole Hafiz/Huffaz: a person who renders the whole Qur’an to his memoryQur’an to his memory

Qari/Qurraa’, Muqri/Muqri’oon: a person who Qari/Qurraa’, Muqri/Muqri’oon: a person who professionally recites the Holy Qur’an, and has professionally recites the Holy Qur’an, and has completed his education in Qur’anic sciences, completed his education in Qur’anic sciences, especially in Tajweed: the discipline of especially in Tajweed: the discipline of reading Qur’an with all the rules, regulations, reading Qur’an with all the rules, regulations, and styles of chanting.and styles of chanting.

Terms in daily useTerms in daily use

Subhanallah: God is glorified, used when Subhanallah: God is glorified, used when praising something or someonepraising something or someone

Takbeer: to say Allahu Akbar (God is greatest) Takbeer: to say Allahu Akbar (God is greatest) instead of applauding for someone, especially instead of applauding for someone, especially in the Mosque’s gatheringsin the Mosque’s gatherings

Al-Hamdulillah: Praise be to God, when Al-Hamdulillah: Praise be to God, when thanking Him for His numerous bountiesthanking Him for His numerous bounties

In Shaa Allah: God willing, when you want to In Shaa Allah: God willing, when you want to do something in futuredo something in future

Terms……Terms……

Maa Shaa Allah: this is how God willed, to praise Maa Shaa Allah: this is how God willed, to praise someone and also to protect from evil eyesomeone and also to protect from evil eye

Barakallahu Feekum: God bless you, this prayer can Barakallahu Feekum: God bless you, this prayer can be said to anyone to appreciate him/herbe said to anyone to appreciate him/her

Jazakallahu Khayra: May God reward you with best Jazakallahu Khayra: May God reward you with best rewardsrewards

Assalamu Alaykum: peace be with you, this is Assalamu Alaykum: peace be with you, this is Islamic greeting, the answer is: Wa ‘Alaykumus Islamic greeting, the answer is: Wa ‘Alaykumus Salam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh: peace, mercy Salam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh: peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you.and blessings of God be upon you.

Occasions for recitationOccasions for recitation

The Holy Qur’an is recited in every important The Holy Qur’an is recited in every important occasion in the Muslim world and wherever occasion in the Muslim world and wherever Muslims liveMuslims live

The most important occasion is the Holy The most important occasion is the Holy month of Ramadan (9month of Ramadan (9thth month in Islamic lunar month in Islamic lunar calendar year) being the anniversary of the calendar year) being the anniversary of the revelation of the Holy Qur’anrevelation of the Holy Qur’an

In 5 daily, and all other regular, and special In 5 daily, and all other regular, and special occasion’s prayersoccasion’s prayers

Occasions…..Occasions…..

At the birth, death, wedding, conferences, at At the birth, death, wedding, conferences, at the purchase of a new house, beginning of a the purchase of a new house, beginning of a child’s education, graduation, peace and war child’s education, graduation, peace and war times, at natural disasters etc.times, at natural disasters etc.

Muslims are recommended to read it at the Muslims are recommended to read it at the beginning of each day after the morning prayer beginning of each day after the morning prayer for a short while. for a short while.

At the time of sickness its reading is combined At the time of sickness its reading is combined with the medicine for its healing powerwith the medicine for its healing power

General Topics of Qur’anGeneral Topics of Qur’an

Shari’ah, Siyasah, Khilafah: Islamic legal, political, Shari’ah, Siyasah, Khilafah: Islamic legal, political, and caliphate systemand caliphate system

Ibadaat: devotional deeds, including the five pillars of Ibadaat: devotional deeds, including the five pillars of IslamIslam

Akhlaq: Islamic ethical systemAkhlaq: Islamic ethical system Mu’amalaat: Dealings with Muslims and non-Mu’amalaat: Dealings with Muslims and non-

Muslims, relationships with family, friends etc.Muslims, relationships with family, friends etc. Etiquettes of eating, drinking, wedding, socializing, Etiquettes of eating, drinking, wedding, socializing,

visiting, and fighting in self defence, and more…visiting, and fighting in self defence, and more…

The Holy Qur’an stresses on reasonThe Holy Qur’an stresses on reason

Its emphasis on reason as a valid way to faith Its emphasis on reason as a valid way to faith as well as its insistence on the inseparability of as well as its insistence on the inseparability of the spiritual and physical spheres of human the spiritual and physical spheres of human existence, differentiate it from all other sacred existence, differentiate it from all other sacred scriptures.scriptures.

The guidance of Qur’an is not limited to the The guidance of Qur’an is not limited to the spiritual good of the hereafter but equally and spiritual good of the hereafter but equally and frequently includes the good of this life toofrequently includes the good of this life too

The Qur’an was recorded and The Qur’an was recorded and memorized simultaneouslymemorized simultaneously

In Arabia, the people had the habit of memorizing In Arabia, the people had the habit of memorizing due to their prevailing oral culture, so there were due to their prevailing oral culture, so there were 100’s of 1000’s of people who had memorized the 100’s of 1000’s of people who had memorized the Holy Qur’an in the life time of Prophet Muhammad Holy Qur’an in the life time of Prophet Muhammad pbuh pbuh

That oral culture is continuing without any gap till That oral culture is continuing without any gap till today. There were millions of Muslims in every today. There were millions of Muslims in every single frame of history in the Muslim world who had single frame of history in the Muslim world who had memorized the Holy Qur’an completelymemorized the Holy Qur’an completely

Similarly, the written copies of the Qur’an without a Similarly, the written copies of the Qur’an without a single letter difference, were available everywheresingle letter difference, were available everywhere

Ultimate manifestation of Allah’s Ultimate manifestation of Allah’s Grace to manGrace to man

However often individual Muslims may have However often individual Muslims may have misread this answer, and however far many of misread this answer, and however far many of them may have departed from the spirit of its them may have departed from the spirit of its message, the fact remains that to all who message, the fact remains that to all who believed and believe in it, the Qur’an believed and believe in it, the Qur’an represents the ultimate manifestation of represents the ultimate manifestation of Allah’s Grace to man, the ultimate wisdom, Allah’s Grace to man, the ultimate wisdom, and the ultimate beauty of expression: in short, and the ultimate beauty of expression: in short, the true words of God. the true words of God. (The message of the Qur’an: Muhammad Asad).(The message of the Qur’an: Muhammad Asad).

The concept of Oneness as a The concept of Oneness as a foundation of Islamfoundation of Islam

The Holy Qur’an’s Tawheed/Oneness concept The Holy Qur’an’s Tawheed/Oneness concept is extremely powerful and appealing to the is extremely powerful and appealing to the human mind: One Universal God, One human mind: One Universal God, One Universal Humanity, and One Universal Universal Humanity, and One Universal Divine message/truth conveyed by all the Divine message/truth conveyed by all the prophets and messengersprophets and messengers

Qur’anic thesis is that all life, being God-Qur’anic thesis is that all life, being God-given, is a unity and all aspects of it, material given, is a unity and all aspects of it, material or spiritual, are intimately connectedor spiritual, are intimately connected

Authorship of The Qur’anAuthorship of The Qur’an

The first person who recited the Qur’an was The first person who recited the Qur’an was prophet Muhammad pbuh, in 7prophet Muhammad pbuh, in 7 thth century C.E. century C.E.

If someone authors a book, he/she will proudly If someone authors a book, he/she will proudly claim the authorship, but the Prophet did not claim the authorship, but the Prophet did not claim it, he said it is Allah’s wordsclaim it, he said it is Allah’s words

Internal and external evidence has proven that Internal and external evidence has proven that there is no author but Allah swt (God): 96/1, there is no author but Allah swt (God): 96/1, 1/1, repeated 114 times, 57/16, 56/77-80, 25/1, 1/1, repeated 114 times, 57/16, 56/77-80, 25/1, 4/105, 2/185, 15/9, 16/44, 26/192-194 4/105, 2/185, 15/9, 16/44, 26/192-194

The Challenge of The Qur’anThe Challenge of The Qur’an

““Say if all humankind and all Jinns were to Say if all humankind and all Jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this gather together to produce the like of this Qur’an, they could not produce the like Qur’an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they backed up each other with thereof, even if they backed up each other with help and support” 17/88help and support” 17/88

The style: Every verse gives the impression The style: Every verse gives the impression that it is from God: 49/13, 95/4, 51/49, 50/16that it is from God: 49/13, 95/4, 51/49, 50/16

The word: Qul: Say, was repeated in 340 The word: Qul: Say, was repeated in 340 verses as a imperative commandverses as a imperative command

The Holy Qur’an……The Holy Qur’an……

Allah’s address to the Prophet: “We sent Allah’s address to the Prophet: “We sent down (the Qur’an) in truth, and in truth has it down (the Qur’an) in truth, and in truth has it descended, and we sent you but to give glad descended, and we sent you but to give glad tidings and to warn. (It is) a Qur’an which tidings and to warn. (It is) a Qur’an which we have unfolded gradually so that you we have unfolded gradually so that you might read it out to the humankind by stages, might read it out to the humankind by stages, seeing that we have bestowed it from on seeing that we have bestowed it from on high step by step as (one) revelation. 17/105-high step by step as (one) revelation. 17/105-106106

Qur’anic response to those who Qur’anic response to those who doubtdoubt

If you bring them not a revelation, they say do you If you bring them not a revelation, they say do you not seek to obtain it? Say: “I only follow whatever is not seek to obtain it? Say: “I only follow whatever is being revealed to me by my Sustainer; this is a means being revealed to me by my Sustainer; this is a means of insight from your Sustainer, and a guidance and of insight from your Sustainer, and a guidance and grace unto people who will believe. 7/203grace unto people who will believe. 7/203

And (thus it is:) whenever our clear signs are And (thus it is:) whenever our clear signs are rehearsed unto them, those who do not believe that rehearsed unto them, those who do not believe that they are destined to meet us, say, bring us a discourse they are destined to meet us, say, bring us a discourse other than this, or alter this one, say: it is not for me other than this, or alter this one, say: it is not for me on my own accord to change it, I only follow what is on my own accord to change it, I only follow what is revealed to me, if I were to disobey my Lord, I should revealed to me, if I were to disobey my Lord, I should myself fear the penalty of a great day. 10/15 myself fear the penalty of a great day. 10/15

The Qur’an…….The Qur’an…….

The Holy Qur’an kept answering the pagans in The Holy Qur’an kept answering the pagans in all their concerns with divine knowledge and all their concerns with divine knowledge and wisdom, see the following verse: “Say: if wisdom, see the following verse: “Say: if Allah had so willed, I would not have Allah had so willed, I would not have conveyed it to you, nor would He have made it conveyed it to you, nor would He have made it known to you. Indeed a whole life time I have known to you. Indeed a whole life time I have dwelt among you before this (revelation) will dwelt among you before this (revelation) will you not then use your reason?” 10/16you not then use your reason?” 10/16

The Holy Qur’an……The Holy Qur’an……

And you were not able to recite a book before this And you were not able to recite a book before this (Book came) nor are you (able) to transcribe it with (Book came) nor are you (able) to transcribe it with your right hand, in that case, indeed, would the your right hand, in that case, indeed, would the talkers of vanities have doubted. 48/29talkers of vanities have doubted. 48/29

It is not fitting for a man that God should speak to It is not fitting for a man that God should speak to him except by inspiration or from behind a veil or by him except by inspiration or from behind a veil or by sending a messenger to reveal with His permission, sending a messenger to reveal with His permission, whatever He wills, for He is most high, most wise whatever He wills, for He is most high, most wise 42/5142/51

Prophet’s meetings with Jews and Prophet’s meetings with Jews and ChristiansChristians

Allah says: “ We know indeed that they say, it Allah says: “ We know indeed that they say, it is a man that teaches him”. The tongue of him is a man that teaches him”. The tongue of him they wickedly point to is notably foreign, they wickedly point to is notably foreign, while this is Arabic, pure and clear. 16/103while this is Arabic, pure and clear. 16/103

Waraqah son of Noufal, cousin of Prophets Waraqah son of Noufal, cousin of Prophets wife: Khadijah.wife: Khadijah.

The Monk Bahirah of Busra in the southern The Monk Bahirah of Busra in the southern region of al Sham.region of al Sham.

Guarantee of preservationGuarantee of preservation

We have without doubt sent We have without doubt sent down the message and we will down the message and we will assuredly guard it (from assuredly guard it (from corruption). 15/9corruption). 15/9

Sample ReadingsSample Readings

Allah/God: 112/1-4, 42/11, 2/255, 59/22-24Allah/God: 112/1-4, 42/11, 2/255, 59/22-24 Humankind: 4/1, 49/13, 23/52-53, 21/92Humankind: 4/1, 49/13, 23/52-53, 21/92 Message/Religion: 42/13, 4/163-165Message/Religion: 42/13, 4/163-165 Righteousness: 2/177Righteousness: 2/177 The believers: 23/1-11, 25/63-77The believers: 23/1-11, 25/63-77 Repel evil with good: 41/33-36Repel evil with good: 41/33-36 Forgiveness of God: 39/53Forgiveness of God: 39/53 Important commandments: 17/23-39 Important commandments: 17/23-39 Stories of prophets: 19/16-40, 28/1-50, 21/51-73Stories of prophets: 19/16-40, 28/1-50, 21/51-73