CHAPTER THREECHAPTER THREE

Al-Qur'an: Absolutey Al-Qur'an: Absolutey Unique In Its Recording Unique In Its Recording

Among all the extant religious Among all the extant religious literature of the world, the Noble literature of the world, the Noble Qur'an is absolutely unique. Qur'an is absolutely unique.

Its recording and preservation are Its recording and preservation are miraculous! miraculous!

It stands out distinctly from the It stands out distinctly from the ordinary human pattern of ordinary human pattern of narration; the short-sighted and narration; the short-sighted and the inimical say that it is the inimical say that it is incoherent or incongruous. incoherent or incongruous.

The pattern definitely is different. The pattern definitely is different.

It is unique, it is miraculous. It is unique, it is miraculous.

Let me substantiate what I assert.Let me substantiate what I assert.

THE THE HUMAN STYLEHUMAN STYLE

Every other religious book is set on Every other religious book is set on the pattern of, "the pattern of, "Once upon a Once upon a time…" time…" or " or "The fox and the The fox and the grapes … the wolf and lamb,grapes … the wolf and lamb," " etc, etc, i.e.etc, etc, i.e.

1- a)1- a) IN THE BEGINNING IN THE BEGINNING (once (once Upon a Time) Upon a Time) God created the God created the heaven and the earth … heaven and the earth …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Genesis 1:1 Genesis 1:1

The first verse of the Bible speaks The first verse of the Bible speaks about "the heaven and the earth" about "the heaven and the earth" in the singular. in the singular.

In the Noble Qur'an the word earth In the Noble Qur'an the word earth is always singular whereas the is always singular whereas the word heavens is in the plural. word heavens is in the plural.

Some thing to ponder upon!Some thing to ponder upon!

The word The word "Genesis" "Genesis" itself means itself means the beginning this is, after all, the beginning this is, after all, how every human tale ought to how every human tale ought to start. start.

It should begin with the It should begin with the "beginning!"."beginning!".

b) b) IN THE BEGINNING IN THE BEGINNING (once (once Upon a Time) Upon a Time) was the word, was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was with God, and the word was God … and the word was God …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) John 1:1 John 1:1

In the original Greek manuscripts of In the original Greek manuscripts of the New Testament there is no the New Testament there is no such thing as a capital letter and a such thing as a capital letter and a small letter. The Christian small letter. The Christian theologians have contrived capitals theologians have contrived capitals according to their religious according to their religious prejudices into their translations of prejudices into their translations of the Bible i.e. God and god. the Bible i.e. God and god.

c)c) THIS IS THE GENEALOGY THIS IS THE GENEALOGY (The Origin, The Beginning) (The Origin, The Beginning) of of Jesus Christ, the son of David, Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham … the son of Abraham …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Matthew 1:1 Matthew 1:1

2.2. NOW AFTER THE DEATH NOW AFTER THE DEATH OF MOSES THE SERVANT OF OF MOSES THE SERVANT OF THE LORD IT CAME TO PASS THE LORD IT CAME TO PASS (So it happened, Once Upon a (So it happened, Once Upon a Time) Time) that the Lord spake unto that the Lord spake unto Joshua … Joshua …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Joshua 1:1 Joshua 1:1

3.3. NOW AFTER THE DEATH NOW AFTER THE DEATH OF JOSHUA IT CAME TO PASS OF JOSHUA IT CAME TO PASS (So it happened, Once Upon a (So it happened, Once Upon a Time) Time) the children of Israel the children of Israel asked the Lord … asked the Lord …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Judges 1:1 Judges 1:1

The editors of the RSV (the Revised The editors of the RSV (the Revised Standard Version) of the Bible, Standard Version) of the Bible, supported by 32 scholars of the supported by 32 scholars of the highest eminence; backed by 50 highest eminence; backed by 50 co-operating denominations, co-operating denominations, concluded their verdict regarding concluded their verdict regarding its authorship – NOT God but its authorship – NOT God but "Possibly "Possibly Samuel!".Samuel!".

4.4. NOW IT CAME TO PASS NOW IT CAME TO PASS (So (So it happened, Once Upon a Time) it happened, Once Upon a Time) in the days when the Judges in the days when the Judges ruled, that there was famine ruled, that there was famine in the land … in the land …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Ruth 1:1 Ruth 1:1

Their verdict again – Their verdict again –

"Not "Not definitelydefinitely known, known, perhapsperhaps Samuel!" Most definitely NOT Samuel!" Most definitely NOT God!”God!”

5.5. NOW THERE WAS A NOW THERE WAS A CERTAIN MAN CERTAIN MAN (Once Upon a (Once Upon a Time) of Time) of Ramathaimzophim, of Ramathaimzophim, of the mount Ephraim … the mount Ephraim …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Samuel 1:1 Samuel 1:1

Amazingly, the inspired editors of Amazingly, the inspired editors of the RSV say about the authorship the RSV say about the authorship of the Book of Judges – "Possibly of the Book of Judges – "Possibly Samuel" and for the Book of Ruth Samuel" and for the Book of Ruth – "Perhaps Samuel", but when – "Perhaps Samuel", but when they come to the Book of Samuel they come to the Book of Samuel himself they declare – Author – himself they declare – Author – "Unknown!""Unknown!"

6.6. NOW IT CAME TO PASS NOW IT CAME TO PASS (So (So it happened, Once Upon a Time) it happened, Once Upon a Time) after the death of Saul … after the death of Saul …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) 2 Samuel 1:1 2 Samuel 1:1

7.7.NOW NOW (Once Upon a Time) (Once Upon a Time) King David King David was oldwas old (Gone Old) (Gone Old) and stricken in and stricken in years, and they covered him with years, and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat.clothes, but he gat no heat.

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) 1 King 1:1 1 King 1:1

The same (editors’ verdict) – Author – The same (editors’ verdict) – Author – "Unknown!""Unknown!"

8.8. NOW NOW (Once Upon a Time) (Once Upon a Time) in in the first year of Cyrus King of the first year of Cyrus King of Persia …Persia …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Book of Ezra 1:1 Book of Ezra 1:1

Again they unashamedly confess – Again they unashamedly confess – author – author – "Probably"Probably written or written or edited by Ezra!" edited by Ezra!"

Note their guarded semantics- Note their guarded semantics- "Possibly, perhaps, probably, etc" "Possibly, perhaps, probably, etc"

Get my book Get my book "Is the Bible God's "Is the Bible God's Word?"Word?" from the IPCI for a fuller from the IPCI for a fuller insight. insight.

9.9. NOW IT CAME TO PASS NOW IT CAME TO PASS (So (So it happened, Once Upon a Time) it happened, Once Upon a Time) in the thirtieth year, in the in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day fourth month, in the fifth day of the month … of the month …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Ezekiel1:1 Ezekiel1:1

If these examples do not confuse If these examples do not confuse and bewilder you, then nothing and bewilder you, then nothing else will! You are inevitably struck else will! You are inevitably struck with the "once upon a time" with the "once upon a time" syndrome. You have cultivated a syndrome. You have cultivated a predilection for man-made predilection for man-made stories, even if they be true. stories, even if they be true.

The style, the pattern, the narration The style, the pattern, the narration is what I am speaking about. is what I am speaking about.

This is how humans think, talk and This is how humans think, talk and write. write.

No blame on them for humans will No blame on them for humans will be humans! be humans!

All the above references are from All the above references are from the authorized King James Version the authorized King James Version (KIV) which is the most popular (KIV) which is the most popular version among the Christians of version among the Christians of the world.the world.

You must have noted that every You must have noted that every verse in the above quotations is verse in the above quotations is 1:1, 1:1, meaning the 1:1, 1:1, meaning the firstfirst chapter and the chapter and the firstfirst verse of verse of every bookevery book of the Bible.; each of the Bible.; each starts with starts with NOWNOW, NOW, now!". , NOW, now!".

Try it out, see for yourself how many Try it out, see for yourself how many more such beginnings you can find more such beginnings you can find in the in the "Book of Books“. "Book of Books“.

[Book of Books[Book of Books: A title of the Holy : A title of the Holy Bible.]Bible.]

I must, however warn you that your I must, however warn you that your Bible Concordances will not help Bible Concordances will not help you. You will have to page through you. You will have to page through the Bible the same way as I did. the Bible the same way as I did.

CONCORDANCES WON'T CONCORDANCES WON'T HELPHELP

I consulted two Bible I consulted two Bible Concordances:Concordances:

The first was published by the The first was published by the Jehovah's Witnesses – The fastest Jehovah's Witnesses – The fastest growing Christian sect in growing Christian sect in Christendom. Christendom.

The second is "Young's Analytical The second is "Young's Analytical Concordance to the Bible". Concordance to the Bible".

Both these concordances boast Both these concordances boast over 300000 entries each. over 300000 entries each.

The latter has no less than 277 The latter has no less than 277 now'snow's listed, but there is not a listed, but there is not a single "NOW" (once upon a time) single "NOW" (once upon a time) of the examples given above. of the examples given above.

You can guess the reason!You can guess the reason!

[Because they represent childish [Because they represent childish redundancies ("ONCE UPON A redundancies ("ONCE UPON A TIME"); which ill-befits the word of TIME"); which ill-befits the word of God even according to their own God even according to their own standards.]standards.]

I do not want to tax your patience I do not want to tax your patience any further. I realize that you will any further. I realize that you will want proof. want proof.

"Alright now"Alright now, please tell us , please tell us youryour story about story about youryour Qur'anic Qur'anic revelation!"revelation!"

"It was the night of the 27th of the "It was the night of the 27th of the month of Ramadaan that month of Ramadaan that Muhammad (PBUH) the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) the prophet of Islam, was in cave of Hira, in of Islam, was in cave of Hira, in the outskirts of the City of the outskirts of the City of Makkah. Makkah.

““He used to retire to Mount Hira for He used to retire to Mount Hira for peace and contemplation. peace and contemplation.

He used to worry about the He used to worry about the problems of his people – their problems of his people – their drunkenness, adulteries, drunkenness, adulteries, idolatries, wars, their rank idolatries, wars, their rank injustices and cruelties. injustices and cruelties.

So much so that Gibbon, the master So much so that Gibbon, the master historian, was constrained to historian, was constrained to record in his record in his "Decline and fall of "Decline and fall of the roman empire"the roman empire"::

""THE HUMAN BRUTE (THE ARAB), THE HUMAN BRUTE (THE ARAB), ALMOST WITHOUT SENSE IS ALMOST WITHOUT SENSE IS POORLY DISTINGUISHED FROM THE POORLY DISTINGUISHED FROM THE REST OF THE ANIMAL CREATION.REST OF THE ANIMAL CREATION.""

The recluse of Hira was yearning The recluse of Hira was yearning for a solution. for a solution.

He used to retire to his retreat He used to retire to his retreat often alone, but sometimes with often alone, but sometimes with his dear wife his dear wife Umm-ul-Umm-ul-Mo'mineen Mo'mineen (Mother of the (Mother of the Faithful)Faithful) Khadija-tul-Kubra. Khadija-tul-Kubra.

THE FIRST CALL THE FIRST CALL

One night – the night of Lailatul-One night – the night of Lailatul-Qadr – (the Night of Power and Qadr – (the Night of Power and Excellence) when Divine peace Excellence) when Divine peace rests on creation, and all nature is rests on creation, and all nature is lifted up towards its Lord – in the lifted up towards its Lord – in the middle of that night the book of middle of that night the book of God was opened to the thirsting God was opened to the thirsting soul. soul.

Gabriel, the angel of God, appears Gabriel, the angel of God, appears to him, and commands him in his to him, and commands him in his mother tongue: mother tongue: إقرأإقرأ Iqra'Iqra', which , which mean "read!" or "recite" or mean "read!" or "recite" or "rehearse!" or "proclaim" aloud! "rehearse!" or "proclaim" aloud!

Muhammad (PBUH) was too Muhammad (PBUH) was too terrified and was totally terrified and was totally unprepared for this shock. unprepared for this shock.

This was no graduating or gowning This was no graduating or gowning ceremony. ceremony.

In fear and trepidation he cries outIn fear and trepidation he cries out بقارئ أنا بقارئ ما أنا -Maa-ana-beqaa-Maa-ana-beqaa ما

Ri'inRi'in" " "I am not learned!" "I am not learned!"

The angel repeats the command The angel repeats the command Iqra'Iqra' for the second time, with for the second time, with the identical response from the identical response from Muhammad (PBUH). Muhammad (PBUH).

Gabriel embraces him hard and Gabriel embraces him hard and commands him the third time:commands him the third time:

““READ! IN THE NAME OF THY READ! IN THE NAME OF THY LORD AND CHERISHER WHO LORD AND CHERISHER WHO CREATED …”CREATED …”

Muhammad (PBUH) now grasps Muhammad (PBUH) now grasps that what he was required to do, that what he was required to do, was to repeat what was being was to repeat what was being said, since this Arabic word said, since this Arabic word Iqra'Iqra' means all these things – read, means all these things – read, recite or repeat! recite or repeat!

Following the above first verse Following the above first verse (English meaning) of (English meaning) of Sura Al-Sura Al-Alaq Alaq (Chapter 96 of the Noble (Chapter 96 of the Noble Qur'an), four more verses were Qur'an), four more verses were repeated and recited on repeated and recited on Muhammad's (PBUH) first call and Muhammad's (PBUH) first call and subsequently recorded in written subsequently recorded in written form in the Noble Qur'an …form in the Noble Qur'an …

"Hold it, Mr. Deedat! "Hold it, Mr. Deedat! ““I can almost hear you shriek. I can almost hear you shriek. ““All this that you are telling us about All this that you are telling us about

your "Qur'anic revelation" is no your "Qur'anic revelation" is no different from the other numerous different from the other numerous examples you have to prove to have examples you have to prove to have had a human hand in it. had a human hand in it.

““Were they all fallible and not divine?"Were they all fallible and not divine?"

Exactly! I am happy that you see Exactly! I am happy that you see clearly how the subjective mind of clearly how the subjective mind of man thinks, talks, and records. man thinks, talks, and records.

From the time you asked me From the time you asked me "please tell us your STORY "please tell us your STORY about your Qur'anic about your Qur'anic revelation"revelation" and I began to and I began to respond – respond –

"It was the night of the 27th of "It was the night of the 27th of the month of Ramadaan …"the month of Ramadaan …" up up to – to – "and subsequently recorded "and subsequently recorded in written form in the Noble in written form in the Noble Qur'an"Qur'an" were my own words. were my own words.

I borrowed them from the Noble I borrowed them from the Noble Qur'an, from the Books of Tradition, Qur'an, from the Books of Tradition, from history and from the lips of from history and from the lips of learned men I heard over the learned men I heard over the decades. decades.

The Qur'anic Scripture has no such The Qur'anic Scripture has no such taint from the hands of men. This taint from the hands of men. This is how it is preserved. is how it is preserved.

I will list the first five verses of the I will list the first five verses of the first revelation to Muhammad first revelation to Muhammad (PBUH), for your critical (PBUH), for your critical observation and study – observation and study –

1. 1. PROCLAIM! (OR READ!)PROCLAIM! (OR READ!) IN THE NAME OF THY IN THE NAME OF THY LORD AND CHERISHER,LORD AND CHERISHER,

WHO CREATED –WHO CREATED –

2. CREATED MAN, OUT OF A 2. CREATED MAN, OUT OF A (MERE) CLOT OF CONGEALED (MERE) CLOT OF CONGEALED BLOOD:BLOOD:

3. PROCLAIM! AND THY LORD 3. PROCLAIM! AND THY LORD IS MOST BOUNTIFUL, -IS MOST BOUNTIFUL, -

4. HE WHO TAUGHT4. HE WHO TAUGHT(THE USE OF) THE PEN, -(THE USE OF) THE PEN, -

5. TAUGHT MAN THAT WHICH HE 5. TAUGHT MAN THAT WHICH HE KNEW NOTKNEW NOT

[English interpretation by A. Yusuf [English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali] Ali]

CHAPTER 3 (Contd.)CHAPTER 3 (Contd.)

A UNIQUE RECORDA UNIQUE RECORD

Every Qur'anic text, in Arabic or in Every Qur'anic text, in Arabic or in a a translatedtranslated form in any form in any language will follow this pattern. language will follow this pattern.

There are no ifs and buts. There are no ifs and buts. You will You will NOTNOT find in the text or find in the text or

translation that Muhammad translation that Muhammad (PBUH) "WAS FORTY YEARS OLD (PBUH) "WAS FORTY YEARS OLD WHEN HE RECEIVED HIS FIRST WHEN HE RECEIVED HIS FIRST CALL" CALL"

You will You will NOTNOT find that "HE WAS IN find that "HE WAS IN THE CAVE OF MOUNT HIRA" THE CAVE OF MOUNT HIRA"

You will You will NOTNOT find that "HE SAW THE find that "HE SAW THE ANGEL GABRIEL" ANGEL GABRIEL"

Or that "HE WAS TERRIFIED" Or that "HE WAS TERRIFIED" Or how he reached and responded to Or how he reached and responded to

the command "Iqra’!" That when the command "Iqra’!" That when the angel departed after having the angel departed after having completed the first five verses. completed the first five verses.

"MUHAMMAD RAN HOME SOME "MUHAMMAD RAN HOME SOME THREE MILES SOUTH TO MAKKAH THREE MILES SOUTH TO MAKKAH TO HIS DEAR WIFE KHADIJA AND TO HIS DEAR WIFE KHADIJA AND RELATED WHAT HAD HAPPENED RELATED WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND REQUESTED HER TO COVER AND REQUESTED HER TO COVER HIM UP, COVER HIM UP!" HIM UP, COVER HIM UP!"

All this is what I call a All this is what I call a "Once upon "Once upon a time!"a time!" style. style.

The Noble Qur'an narrates nothing The Noble Qur'an narrates nothing of this.of this.

It is absolutely unique in its It is absolutely unique in its narration and its preservation. narration and its preservation.

In short it is Miraculous! In short it is Miraculous!

Further, unlike any human Further, unlike any human endeavor of literary art, where endeavor of literary art, where every thing begins with the every thing begins with the beginning, the first word and the beginning, the first word and the first verse of the Qur'anic first verse of the Qur'anic inspiration is inspiration is notnot the the first first chapterchapter and the and the first versefirst verse of of the Noble Qur'anthe Noble Qur'an

It occupies the 96th chapter of the It occupies the 96th chapter of the Noble Qur’an, as the divine Noble Qur’an, as the divine author (GOD ALMIGHTY) had author (GOD ALMIGHTY) had instructed His Chosen Messenger instructed His Chosen Messenger Muhammad (PBUH). Muhammad (PBUH).

No religious book on earth is like it No religious book on earth is like it or follows this pattern, because or follows this pattern, because no alleged Revelation was no alleged Revelation was preserved in its pristine purity preserved in its pristine purity when it was when it was revealed!revealed!

A CANADIAN A CANADIAN PSYCHOLOGISTPSYCHOLOGIST

I had the privilege of sharing my I had the privilege of sharing my thoughts on the first call of thoughts on the first call of Muhammad (pbuh), as contained Muhammad (pbuh), as contained in the first five verses of Sura Al-in the first five verses of Sura Al-`Alaq (chapter 96) as seen above, `Alaq (chapter 96) as seen above, with a young man from Canada. with a young man from Canada.

I was taking him on a guided tour I was taking him on a guided tour of the largest Mosque in the of the largest Mosque in the southern hemisphere. southern hemisphere.

Whilst chatting, I enquired as to his Whilst chatting, I enquired as to his occupation. He said that he was occupation. He said that he was doing a post-graduate course, doing a post-graduate course, majoring in psychology. majoring in psychology. "Psychology?" I said, and "Psychology?" I said, and immediately drew his attention to immediately drew his attention to the first five verses of the chapter the first five verses of the chapter under discussion. under discussion.

I asked him as to how he would I asked him as to how he would account for the Message and account for the Message and experience of Muhammad (PBUH), experience of Muhammad (PBUH), speaking about speaking about "Reading, "Reading, Writing and learning things Writing and learning things unknown before,"unknown before," things which things which were not his immediate problem were not his immediate problem nor the problem of his people. nor the problem of his people.

How could the subjective mind of How could the subjective mind of man, as if out of the blue [Blue: as man, as if out of the blue [Blue: as from nowhere!] rehearse these from nowhere!] rehearse these words. words.

I said, "Account for it!" I said, "Account for it!"

He said that he could not. He said that he could not.

He confessed that he had already He confessed that he had already grappled with that problem. grappled with that problem.

I said, "In that case we would have I said, "In that case we would have to accept the man at his word. to accept the man at his word. "And I quoted the first verses "And I quoted the first verses from from Sura al-NajmSura al-Najm::

““BY THE STAR WHEN IT GOES DOWN, BY THE STAR WHEN IT GOES DOWN, - YOUR COMPANION IS NEITHER - YOUR COMPANION IS NEITHER ASTRAY NOR BEING MISLED. NON ASTRAY NOR BEING MISLED. NON DOES HE SAY (AUGHT) OF (HIS DOES HE SAY (AUGHT) OF (HIS OWN) DESIRE. IT IS NO LESS THAN OWN) DESIRE. IT IS NO LESS THAN INSPIRATION SENT DOWN TO HIM: INSPIRATION SENT DOWN TO HIM: HE WAS TAUGHT BY ONE MIGHTY IN HE WAS TAUGHT BY ONE MIGHTY IN POWER.”POWER.”

(SURA NAJM) Noble(SURA NAJM) Noble Qur'an 53:1-5 Qur'an 53:1-5[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

1 "By the star"1 "By the star": an oath, an adjuration.: an oath, an adjuration.

2 “Your Companion”:2 “Your Companion”: Muhammad Muhammad (PBUH) (PBUH)

3 INSPIRATION3 INSPIRATION: Our concept of the : Our concept of the revelation to Muhammad (PBUH) is a revelation to Muhammad (PBUH) is a verbal inspiration. The words of the Holy verbal inspiration. The words of the Holy Qur'an were so to say Qur'an were so to say "Put into his "Put into his mouth"mouth" (Deut, 18:18). (Deut, 18:18).

4 “One mighty in power”: 4 “One mighty in power”: This is This is referred to by the commentators to the referred to by the commentators to the Archangel Gabriel through whom the Archangel Gabriel through whom the revelation came.revelation came.

And Muhammad (PBUH) is repeatedly And Muhammad (PBUH) is repeatedly made to tell the people:made to tell the people:

““SAY: I AM BUT A MAN LIKE SAY: I AM BUT A MAN LIKE YOURSELVES, (BUT) THE YOURSELVES, (BUT) THE INSPIRATION HAS COME TO ME, INSPIRATION HAS COME TO ME, THAT YOUR GOD IS ONE GOD ….“THAT YOUR GOD IS ONE GOD ….“

(SURA KAHF) Noble Qur'an 18:110(SURA KAHF) Noble Qur'an 18:110[English interpretation by A. Yusuf [English interpretation by A. Yusuf

Ali]Ali]

The young Canadian politely The young Canadian politely responded, "I will have to give responded, "I will have to give this matter serious thought".this matter serious thought".

If only we would familiarize If only we would familiarize ourselves with the facts from the ourselves with the facts from the Holy Qur'an, we would be able to Holy Qur'an, we would be able to open a conversation with the open a conversation with the specialists in any science.specialists in any science.

MIRACLE OF JOURNALISM MIRACLE OF JOURNALISM

Being a beehive of activity, the IPCI Being a beehive of activity, the IPCI Centre attracts a lot of people for Centre attracts a lot of people for dialogue and discussions, dialogue and discussions, including the journalist and the including the journalist and the newspaperman. newspaperman.

As soon as I discover that my As soon as I discover that my interviewer's field of activity is interviewer's field of activity is journalism, I tell him that I would journalism, I tell him that I would like to show him the Holy Qur'an like to show him the Holy Qur'an as a as a "Miracle of"Miracle of Journalism!"Journalism!"

No one refuses to hear. I begin with No one refuses to hear. I begin with the story of the Holy prophet Moses the story of the Holy prophet Moses (PBUH), in the style and pattern of (PBUH), in the style and pattern of "Once upon a time." It can't be "Once upon a time." It can't be helped.helped.

Yet we cannot afford the luxury of the Yet we cannot afford the luxury of the details of details of "Moses and the "Moses and the Bulrushes"Bulrushes", or even the details of , or even the details of "his childhood, mother, and his "his childhood, mother, and his sister", (Holy Qur'an 20:38-40 and sister", (Holy Qur'an 20:38-40 and 28:7-13). 28:7-13).

HIS MISHAP IN THE CITYHIS MISHAP IN THE CITY

Moses (PBUH) came upon two men Moses (PBUH) came upon two men fighting, a man belonging to his fighting, a man belonging to his own tribe and the other an enemy own tribe and the other an enemy of his people. of his people.

He went to help the Jew against the He went to help the Jew against the Egyptian and in the altercation Egyptian and in the altercation slapped the tyrant too hard so slapped the tyrant too hard so that he died.that he died.

Moses (PBUH) then fled the country Moses (PBUH) then fled the country into the Sinai Desert and found into the Sinai Desert and found himself among the Midianites. himself among the Midianites.

Here he helped two damsels in Here he helped two damsels in distress and was offered a job by distress and was offered a job by their father Jethro. their father Jethro.

After having completed his indenture After having completed his indenture for a period of over eight years. for a period of over eight years. Moses (PBUH) was beginning to get Moses (PBUH) was beginning to get bored with his rustic existence. bored with his rustic existence.

For a man who had grown up with For a man who had grown up with royalty in the midst of the huste royalty in the midst of the huste and bustle of the city, he was and bustle of the city, he was getting restless. getting restless.

He wanted a change and asked for He wanted a change and asked for permission to become permission to become independent from his in-laws. independent from his in-laws.

Jethro was a very reasonable, and a Jethro was a very reasonable, and a practical man. practical man.

He grants Moses (PBUH) leave. He grants Moses (PBUH) leave.

MOSES PIONEERS A TREK MOSES PIONEERS A TREK

Moses (PBUH) left with his wife and Moses (PBUH) left with his wife and children, together with his share of children, together with his share of the sheep and the goats which he the sheep and the goats which he used to herd for his father-in-law.used to herd for his father-in-law.

After some time he found himself After some time he found himself with his family in Sinai. He had lost with his family in Sinai. He had lost direction from the last habitation direction from the last habitation with whom he had rested. with whom he had rested.

He had run out of stocks of the braised He had run out of stocks of the braised meat that he was carrying. meat that he was carrying.

There was still enough Matzos, the There was still enough Matzos, the dried unleavened bread of the Jews. dried unleavened bread of the Jews.

The problem was the meat. The problem was the meat.

He had to slaughter a sheep or a goat.He had to slaughter a sheep or a goat.

That would be easy. That would be easy.

The difficulty was to start a fire which The difficulty was to start a fire which was a laborious task. was a laborious task.

It could take as long as half a day of It could take as long as half a day of rubbing two dissimilar materials. rubbing two dissimilar materials.

Obviously there were no matches or Obviously there were no matches or lighters in those days. He was lighters in those days. He was procrastinating. procrastinating.

Putting things off for today, or tomorrow Putting things off for today, or tomorrow and his meat problem would be and his meat problem would be solved, he thought … solved, he thought …

"Where is the promised miracle "Where is the promised miracle then!" Mr. Deedat?then!" Mr. Deedat?

So far I have given only the So far I have given only the background to the story. The background to the story. The miracle is to condense all the miracle is to condense all the above and more in just four terse above and more in just four terse verses – four short sentences in verses – four short sentences in the most beautiful prose. the most beautiful prose.

But to appreciate the feat, I must But to appreciate the feat, I must draw your attention to what I draw your attention to what I would like you to notice in what is would like you to notice in what is to me, the acme of journalism.to me, the acme of journalism.

NEWSPAPER PLACARDSNEWSPAPER PLACARDS

I live some thirty kilometers north I live some thirty kilometers north of the city of Durban, where I of the city of Durban, where I have my offices. have my offices.

Prior to the construction of the N2 Prior to the construction of the N2 (Freeway) linking the city of (Freeway) linking the city of Durban, I usually took the beach Durban, I usually took the beach (seaside) road to Durban, this (seaside) road to Durban, this route took me past the route took me past the amphitheatre on the Durban amphitheatre on the Durban beachfront. beachfront.

At the intersection of the amphitheatre I At the intersection of the amphitheatre I regularly observed a news vendor regularly observed a news vendor offering the morning paper – offering the morning paper – "The Natal "The Natal Mercury"Mercury", for sale. He had a placard , for sale. He had a placard daily with headline to attract buyers. daily with headline to attract buyers.

Again and again on reading the placard, I Again and again on reading the placard, I made up my mind not to buy the made up my mind not to buy the newspaper that day, but on parking my newspaper that day, but on parking my car in central Durban on passing other car in central Durban on passing other news vendors, I nevertheless bought the news vendors, I nevertheless bought the paper.paper.

After numerous such changes of After numerous such changes of decision, I began to question decision, I began to question myself as to the reasons for my myself as to the reasons for my change of mind.change of mind.

I discovered that though the same I discovered that though the same newspaper was being offered for newspaper was being offered for sale, the placards were different. sale, the placards were different.

On the beachfront the placards On the beachfront the placards were made appealing to were made appealing to European clientele, whereas the European clientele, whereas the placards in the area I passed placards in the area I passed were directed to the Asian were directed to the Asian community. community.

By extension, the placard for the By extension, the placard for the African and the Coloured areas African and the Coloured areas would be slanted to induce them would be slanted to induce them to buy the same paper.to buy the same paper.

So the master journalist would be So the master journalist would be the one who could invent a single the one who could invent a single placard that would appeal to the placard that would appeal to the four major race groups each day. four major race groups each day.

That would be the masterpiece That would be the masterpiece of journalism!of journalism!

Journalists no doubt all agree with Journalists no doubt all agree with this reasoning. this reasoning.

Let us then analyse the Let us then analyse the Holy Qur'an on this basis.Holy Qur'an on this basis.

UNIVERSAL APPEALUNIVERSAL APPEAL

Muhammad (PBUH), the prophet of Muhammad (PBUH), the prophet of Islam is in Madinah, and is Islam is in Madinah, and is surrounded by Jews, Christians. surrounded by Jews, Christians. Muslims, Mushriks and Munaafiqs Muslims, Mushriks and Munaafiqs in the City. in the City.

The Holy Prophet is to broadcast The Holy Prophet is to broadcast his news (Divine Revelation) to all his news (Divine Revelation) to all these various people. these various people.

"Mushriks""Mushriks": the pagans, the : the pagans, the idolators of Makkah. idolators of Makkah.

"Munaafiqs""Munaafiqs": The hypocrites, : The hypocrites, running with the hare and hunting running with the hare and hunting with the hounds. with the hounds.

What must he write on his placard What must he write on his placard to attract the attention of each of to attract the attention of each of these varied groups? these varied groups?

He is made to proclaim:He is made to proclaim:““HAS THE STORY OF MOSES HAS THE STORY OF MOSES

REACHED YOU?”REACHED YOU?”(SURA TA-HA) (SURA TA-HA) Noble Qur'an 20:9Noble Qur'an 20:9

[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali] [English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

Can you imagine the excitement? Can you imagine the excitement?

The Christians and the Jews would be The Christians and the Jews would be waiting to hear further, wanting waiting to hear further, wanting Muhammad (PBUH) to make a fool of Muhammad (PBUH) to make a fool of himself, for they reason within himself, for they reason within themselves what could this Arab know themselves what could this Arab know about Moses (PBUH) since he is an about Moses (PBUH) since he is an ummiummi (unlettered). (unlettered).

The Muslims are thirsty for knowledge, The Muslims are thirsty for knowledge, they would be yearning – please tell us they would be yearning – please tell us everything you can about Moses (PBUH).everything you can about Moses (PBUH).

The The MushriksMushriks and the and the Munaafiqs Munaafiqs were lolling their tongues to enjoy were lolling their tongues to enjoy the three-sided debate on Moses the three-sided debate on Moses (PBUH): between the Muslims, the (PBUH): between the Muslims, the Christians and the Jews. Christians and the Jews.

Everybody is Everybody is "all-ears""all-ears" (acutely (acutely attentive)! attentive)!

Muhammad (PBUH) continues. Muhammad (PBUH) continues.

BEHOLD, HE SAW A FIRE!BEHOLD, HE SAW A FIRE! رأ رأ إذ ىىإذ نارانارا

Dramatization! Dramatization!

You can almost visualize the scene. You can almost visualize the scene.

Muhammad (PBUH) is talking Muhammad (PBUH) is talking telegraphically. telegraphically.

It took about two thousand years It took about two thousand years after the birth of Jesus Christ after the birth of Jesus Christ (PBUH) for the largest Christian (PBUH) for the largest Christian and Jewish nations on earth, the and Jewish nations on earth, the mighty United States to reach the mighty United States to reach the height of perfection in the height of perfection in the advertising field to formulate the advertising field to formulate the slogan, in the words of the slogan, in the words of the Western Union Telegraph Western Union Telegraph Company, Company,

"Don't Write – Telegraph!""Don't Write – Telegraph!"

The mightiest Christian nation on The mightiest Christian nation on earth is the USA because it boasts earth is the USA because it boasts a Christian population of over 200 a Christian population of over 200 million. The USA is also the million. The USA is also the largest Jewish nation because largest Jewish nation because there are more Jews in America there are more Jews in America than in Israel or in any other than in Israel or in any other country. country.

Which school of journalism did Which school of journalism did Muhammad (PBUH) attend to Muhammad (PBUH) attend to master this super American master this super American sizzlemanship? sizzlemanship?

[[SizzlemanshipSizzlemanship: The art of : The art of American high-pressure American high-pressure salesmanship.]salesmanship.]

He is made to carry on:He is made to carry on:

““SO HE SAID TO HIS FAMILY, SO HE SAID TO HIS FAMILY, "TARRY YE; I PERCEIVE A FIRE; "TARRY YE; I PERCEIVE A FIRE; PERHAPS I CAN BRING YOU SOME PERHAPS I CAN BRING YOU SOME BURNING BRAND THEREFROM, OR BURNING BRAND THEREFROM, OR FIND SOME GUIDANCE AT THE FIND SOME GUIDANCE AT THE FIRE".”FIRE".”

(SURA TA-HA) (SURA TA-HA) Noble Qur'an 20:10Noble Qur'an 20:10[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

DICTATING SHORTHAND DICTATING SHORTHAND

Please compare the above with any Please compare the above with any other English translation of the other English translation of the Noble Qur'an by friend or foe, and Noble Qur'an by friend or foe, and you will find the same brevity and you will find the same brevity and economy of words.economy of words.

Muhammad (PBUH) was not doing Muhammad (PBUH) was not doing any exercise in précis writing. any exercise in précis writing.

He was only articulating God's Words He was only articulating God's Words as they were whispered into his as they were whispered into his heart and mind through the heart and mind through the medium of the Archangel Gabriel. medium of the Archangel Gabriel.

We must remember that there was We must remember that there was no Arabic Bible, in the sixth century no Arabic Bible, in the sixth century of the Christian era, when the Holy of the Christian era, when the Holy Prophet dictated the Qur'an. Prophet dictated the Qur'an.

Now do yourself a favour. Now do yourself a favour.

Please contrast this Qur'anic Please contrast this Qur'anic Revelation with the Biblical story as Revelation with the Biblical story as contained in the second Book of the contained in the second Book of the Holy Bible, the Holy Bible, the Book of ExodusBook of Exodus, , chapters 1,2 and 3 which discusses chapters 1,2 and 3 which discusses this very aspect of the life of the this very aspect of the life of the Holy Prophet Moses (PBUH) we are Holy Prophet Moses (PBUH) we are dealing with here. dealing with here.

I quote the beginning of the story I quote the beginning of the story from the Bible –from the Bible –

NOW these are the names of the NOW these are the names of the children of Israel, which came children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob.household came with Jacob.

[“Now!” Here we stand again – the once [“Now!” Here we stand again – the once upon a time_ story! Give another glance upon a time_ story! Give another glance to all other examples on the preceding to all other examples on the preceding pages.]pages.]

Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Is-sa-char, Ze-bu-lun, Judah, Is-sa-char, Ze-bu-lun, and Benjamin, Dan, and Naph-and Benjamin, Dan, and Naph-ta-li, Gad, and Asher,ta-li, Gad, and Asher,

And all the souls that came out And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already,in Egypt already,

(HOLY BIBLE) (HOLY BIBLE) Exodus 1:1-5Exodus 1:1-5

CHAPTER 3 (Contd.)CHAPTER 3 (Contd.)

MOSES SET-UPMOSES SET-UP

Simply warming up! Simply warming up!

Is this how God speaks? Is this how God speaks?

Please compare these five verses Please compare these five verses from the Bible with the four from the Bible with the four verses from the Holy Qur'an verses from the Holy Qur'an reproduced below.reproduced below.

To continue with the Qur'anic To continue with the Qur'anic narrative, Moses (PBUH) was hungry narrative, Moses (PBUH) was hungry for two things whilst wandering in for two things whilst wandering in the Sinai with his flock and family. the Sinai with his flock and family.

He wanted 'fire' to cook his meat, and He wanted 'fire' to cook his meat, and 'direction' to some hospitable 'direction' to some hospitable community in the desert. community in the desert.

Allah was unfolding his plan.Allah was unfolding his plan.

Moses (PBUH) was being 'SET-UP' Moses (PBUH) was being 'SET-UP' for his mission from the illusion of for his mission from the illusion of burning coal to the reality of the burning coal to the reality of the spiritual fire burning in the souls spiritual fire burning in the souls of mankind for thousands of years of mankind for thousands of years and a true direction for the and a true direction for the guidance of humanity.guidance of humanity.

The 'fire' that Moses (PBUH) saw, The 'fire' that Moses (PBUH) saw, was no ordinary fire. was no ordinary fire.

To him it meant an easy kindling of To him it meant an easy kindling of his own fire, the fire also his own fire, the fire also indicated the presence of other indicated the presence of other human beings from whom he human beings from whom he could get information: and could get information: and guidance.guidance.

““BUT WHEN HE CAME TO THE BUT WHEN HE CAME TO THE FIRE, A VOICE WAS HEARD: "O FIRE, A VOICE WAS HEARD: "O MOSES! VERILY I AM THY MOSES! VERILY I AM THY LORD! THEREFORE (IN MY LORD! THEREFORE (IN MY PRESENCE) PUT OFF THY PRESENCE) PUT OFF THY SHOES: THOU ART IN THE SHOES: THOU ART IN THE SACRED VALLEY OF TUWA".”SACRED VALLEY OF TUWA".”

(SURA TA-HA) (SURA TA-HA) Holy Qur'an 20:11-12Holy Qur'an 20:11-12[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

The spiritual history of Moses The spiritual history of Moses (PBUH) begins here and this was (PBUH) begins here and this was his spiritual birth. his spiritual birth.

In Biblical terminology – "In Biblical terminology – "This day This day have I begotten thee!" have I begotten thee!" this is this is how God spoke to David (pbuh) how God spoke to David (pbuh) about his appointment, in the about his appointment, in the Book of Psalms 2:7.Book of Psalms 2:7.

The whole Qur'anic passage above is The whole Qur'anic passage above is full of the highest mystic meaning, full of the highest mystic meaning, which is reflected in the short which is reflected in the short rhymed verses in the original rhymed verses in the original (Arabic). (Arabic).

Both the rhythm and the meaning in Both the rhythm and the meaning in the text suggest the highest the text suggest the highest mystery. mystery.

For easier comparison I reproduce the For easier comparison I reproduce the four verses together -four verses together -

““Has the story of Moses reached you? Has the story of Moses reached you? Behold, he saw a fire: so he said to his Behold, he saw a fire: so he said to his

family, tarry ye; I perceive a fire, family, tarry ye; I perceive a fire, perhaps I can bring you some perhaps I can bring you some burning brand therefrom, or find burning brand therefrom, or find some guidance at the fire". some guidance at the fire".

But when he came to the fire, a voice But when he came to the fire, a voice was heard: "O Moses! was heard: "O Moses!

Verily I am thy Lord! Therefore (in my Verily I am thy Lord! Therefore (in my presence) put off thy shoes: for thou presence) put off thy shoes: for thou art in the sacred valley of Tuwa.”art in the sacred valley of Tuwa.”

(SURA TA-HA) (SURA TA-HA) Holy Qur'an 20:9-12Holy Qur'an 20:9-12[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

TuwaTuwa was the valley just below Mount was the valley just below Mount Sinai, where subsequently Moses Sinai, where subsequently Moses (PBUH) was to receive the Law. (PBUH) was to receive the Law.

In the parallel mystic meaning we are In the parallel mystic meaning we are selected by trials in this humble life, selected by trials in this humble life, whose valley is just as sacred and whose valley is just as sacred and receive God's glory just as much as receive God's glory just as much as the heights of the Mount (Tur) Sinai, if the heights of the Mount (Tur) Sinai, if we but have the insight to perceive it. we but have the insight to perceive it.

And the And the 'shoes''shoes' were to be put off were to be put off as a mark of respect. as a mark of respect.

In the parallel mystic meaning In the parallel mystic meaning again, Moses (PBUH) was now to again, Moses (PBUH) was now to put away his mere worldly put away his mere worldly interests, and anything of mere interests, and anything of mere worldly utility, he having been worldly utility, he having been chosen by the Most High God.chosen by the Most High God.

WHAT IS YOUR VERDICT?WHAT IS YOUR VERDICT?

How is one, inured to folklore and How is one, inured to folklore and fairy tales to evaluate this pure fairy tales to evaluate this pure elixir from Heaven? elixir from Heaven?

Even a sympathetic critic like Thomas Even a sympathetic critic like Thomas Carlyle, one of the greatest thinkers Carlyle, one of the greatest thinkers of the past century, could not of the past century, could not fathom its incisive brevity and fathom its incisive brevity and prespicuousness. prespicuousness.

He called the Qur'anic reading -He called the Qur'anic reading -

""A WEARISOME CONFUSED A WEARISOME CONFUSED JUMBLE CRUDE, INCONDITE; - JUMBLE CRUDE, INCONDITE; - INSUPPORTABLE STUPIDITY…"INSUPPORTABLE STUPIDITY…"

Incondite, meaning a badly Incondite, meaning a badly constructed literary or artistic constructed literary or artistic composition: and 'unsupportable composition: and 'unsupportable stupidity?' stupidity?'

After contrasting the Qur'anic and the After contrasting the Qur'anic and the Biblical narrations, how would your verdict Biblical narrations, how would your verdict go?go?

I have yet to come across a journalist who I have yet to come across a journalist who failed to recognize the brilliance of failed to recognize the brilliance of Muhammad (PBUH), in dictating direct Muhammad (PBUH), in dictating direct facts, without any attempt on his part at facts, without any attempt on his part at analyzing or interpreting it.analyzing or interpreting it.

Exactly as a master journalist would do for Exactly as a master journalist would do for today's newspaper or magazine. today's newspaper or magazine.

It is nothing short of the It is nothing short of the miraculous! miraculous!

Do you agree?Do you agree?