Objectives Statement

• To present and enhance the understanding of the Qur’an as a complete way of life to Muslims and non-Muslims; to enlighten them through the Qur’anic topics, also to address their questions.

• To create a tolerant and open-minded environment in which Islamic services and advice can be offered to those who take the time to read this.

• To encourage a sense of Community through the organization of developing a balance Islamic identity and alleviating misconceptions about the Qur’an.

• To implement all of the above according to the Qur’an, teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) and Islamic jurisprudence.

INTRODUCTION TO QUR’ANIC TOPICS AND WEBSITE

This gives an introduction to the Qur’anic topics and the website to help understand its main purpose and what it intends to achieve.

AS-SIRAAT AL-MUSTAQEEM – GUIDE US TO THE STRAIGHT PATH (1:5)
As-Siraat al-Mustaqeem (1:5); is from the very first chapter of the Qur’an and as the name suggests, it means “to guide us to the straight path”. The first chapter and verse 5 holds a very special place in the eyes of Allah (Subanahu Wa-Tala (swt)) (God); it is ‘the opening chapter of seven verses’. Abdullah Yusuf Ali has mentioned in his translation, “Modern English Translation of the Holy Qur’an – meaning & commentary” that it is called ‘the Essence of the Book’. It teaches us the perfect Prayer. He goes on to state as follows:

“Prayer is the heart of religion and faith. But how shall we pray? What words shall convey the yearnings of our miserable ignorant hearts to the Knower of all? Is it worthy of Him or of our spiritual nature to ask for vanities, or even for such physical needs as our daily bread? The Inspired One taught us a Prayer that sums up our faith, our hope, our aspiration in things that matter. We think in devotion of Allah (swt’s) (God’s) name and His Nature; we praise Him for His creation and His cherishing care; we call to mind the Realities, seen and unseen; we offer Him worship and ask His Guidance; and we know the straight from the crooked path by the light of his Grace that illuminates the righteous”.

I have chosen from chapter 1, verse 5 because this is a prayer for guidance, and a contemplation of what guidance means. If the word the English word “guide” is translated, then it is as follows:

“Guide us to and in the straight-way”.
First step is to find the way; and

Second is to keep in the way; our own wisdom may fail in either case.
The straight-way (path) is often the narrow way, or the steep way, which many shun. By the world’s perversity the straight-path is sometimes stigmatised and the crooked way praised. How are we to judge?

We MUST ask for Allah’s guidance. With a little spiritual insight we can then see the people who posses this quality and walk in the light of Allah (swt’s) (God’s) Grace, and those that walk in the darkness of Wrath. This would help our judgment.
The first are those who deliberately break Allah (swt’s) (God) Law;
The second are those who go astray out of carelessness or negligence.
Both groups of people are responsible for their actions or omissions.

What Does Verse 5 Mean?
Verse 1:5 refers to both the guidance of instruction and teaching and the guidance of enlightenment. However, a person cannot adhere to the straight path except with knowledge. How can one worship Allah (swt) (God) upon ignorance? It is not possible. Hence, one must be shown the way and then enlightened. The guidance refers to the guidance of being enlightened to the TRUTH. No one is able to enlighten another to this type of guidance except Allah (swt) (God) alone.

As for the Verse “Guide us to the Straight Path (As-Siraat Al-Mustaqeem)” then this refers to both guidance of instruction and teaching and the guidance of enlightenment. This call, therefore, encompasses both knowledge and acting upon the truth.
As for the way or path (Siraat), then the linguists say it does not refer to the other than a broad path so a narrow road cannot be called Siraat. It refers, therefore, to the spacious, easy path. It is said, ‘sarata ar-Rajulu al-luqma’, meaning the man easily put food in his mouth. So Siraat refers to the spacious, wide path, which a person treads without hardship and difficulty and without hills and valleys. However, the Siraat might divert from the straight path that is why Allah (swt) God) mentioned the path being straight without crookedness (al-Mustaqeem).

So what is the meaning of as-Siraat al-Mustaqeem? Does it refer to a physical path or a metaphorical one?
It refers to a metaphorical path (and) not a physical one. Allah has explained this in His saying, Siraat Allah-dhina An-Amtaa Alai’him, “The Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace,” meaning the path of those You have blessed completely, encompassing the religion and worldly affairs.

This is the most recited chapter in five times daily obligatory prayers. If performed sincerely, then one cannot deviate from the straight path and is sure to be protected by Allah and from the evil forces of Satan.

Opinion of the Scholars
The scholars have said that the first chapter consists of the general meaning of the Qur’an regarding; Oneness of Allah (swt) (God) (Tawheed), rulings and regulations, recompense, showing the different paths the Children of Adam take etc. This is why it is called the ‘Mother of the Qur’an’ (Umm-ul-Qur’an).

The Cure in the First Chapter ‘The Opening’
Chapter 1 is the pillar of the prayer, which, in turn, is the greatest pillar in Islam after testification of faith. It is also a ‘Ruqya’ (used as a cure when read over someone). When read over the sick they are cured by the permission of Allah (swt) because the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said to the one who reads it over a person who had been bitten by a scorpion and was cured, “How did you come to know that it is a ‘Ruqya’ (incantation)?” (Sahih Al-Bukhari – Teachings and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)).

Purpose of this Website
Similarly, the message of the Qur’an is guidance for all mankind as it will be observed, once the website is further explored. The amount of ignorance is astounding regarding the knowledge and understanding of the Qur’an amongst not just Non-Muslims but Muslims too; this is why there is a lack of Islamic knowledge amongst people and hence a greater need for such a website to be available at hand.

Unfortunately, in the West, there is stero-type stigma and peripheral issues taken completely out of context. Most have never even bothered to sit down and completely read and research the Qur’an wholeheartedly and therefore, are unable to appreciate its message delivered by Allah (Subanah Wa-Tala) (swt) (God). One can begin to appreciate that in order to enter into any dialogue, one has to come equipped with an open mind and to be able to stand up to criticism of all kinds and at all levels. I shall attempt to address the most common criticisms the Qur’an has come under and there has already been much research and work done on this but perhaps I can elaborate on it. I must say that when I commenced my work and research on it in terms of as a side project to consolidate my ideas for my PhD, I did not actually think that I would be spending this amount of time but later to find this would become my lifetime project. As time went by, I reflected and realised that much work needs to be done on this aspect to educate people generally, Non-Muslims and Muslims who obviously find it to be a time consuming effort to research such matters from the Qur’an as for me and like most Muslims Arabic is not their first language nor do they speak it. A good starting point would be to learn the Arabic language as I have started learning this; it has begun to already enhance my understanding of the Qur’an’s message. It means then having the direct ability to communicate and understand the Arabic language in which the Qur’an was revealed.

I find that aside the Arabic language, there is very little interest people have in terms of even bothering or setting aside time to even try and read the Qur’an with its translation and commentary or read the exegesis (tafsir). It is understandable that many struggle with the complex English language used and some translations I personally thought were particularly difficult to read and comprehend. This is another reason for making this website accessible in plain English. It makes life so much easier nowadays with technology at your fingertips and it depends for what purpose the internet is being used for and what better way to spend your time than to read and learn about the Qur’an.

I personally found that the more I am researching on the Qur’an the more I am discovering and it is helping to enhance not only my knowledge but also to refine me more spiritually and apply that knowledge in my everyday life.

There has been a lot of effort that has gone into the development of this website and I would like to thank them, especially all those who have participated and assisted with the blessings of Allah (swt) (God) who has made it possible for the launch of this project.

Finally, I have taken just over two years to try and carefully check and eradicate any minor errors which have also been checked by an Islamic scholar. However, I seek forgiveness if there is inadvertently any error found whilst this site is under construction I will use my best endeavours to rectify and improve and develop this.

Authorised Approval/Consent Obtained from Islamic Scholar
There has been Approval sought via the Islamic Scholar whose details are available upon request and another Mosque in London has approved it. It has taken over 9 months to attain this but of course, it was necessary to ensure that everything was meticulously checked before the website went live.

I will attempt to improve the website and would welcome any comments and in particular, in particular to further develop and enhance a Question and Answer section and with the assistance of an Islamic Scholar this will be pursued.
This website will continue to develop and grow with various Du’aas (prayers) from the Qur’an, stories from the Qur’an, miracles of the Qur’an and much more as there are more than 500 topics in the Qur’an. May Allah (swt) (God) accept this work and efforts to bring awareness of the message given in the Qur’an.

Finally, Allah (swt) (God) says in the Qur’an,
“Who is better in speech than the one who calls to Allah, does righteous deeds and says indeed I am from the Muslims”. (Chapter Fussilat (41:33)).
The above is an encouragement and incitement to give da’wah (call to Allah and spread the message) and be patient upon it. If by these means you are able to obtain the same reward as the one whom Allah (swt) guides at your hands, then it is more worthy for you to get qualified and prepared and hurry towards giving da’wah and be patient upon it; for there is great benefit in this.

Furthermore, one of the great favours of Allah (swt) upon the male daa’ee is that he is a cause for the guidance of his father, mother, wife and offspring. Similarly one of the great favours of Allah (swt) upon the woman is her being a cause for the guidance of her husband, father, mother and her children. We learn from the beautiful verse that the admission of parents, spouses and children to Paradise with their relations is due to their righteousness. (Chapter Ar-Ra’d (13:23))

Notes

• Allah is the Arabic word for God (although God can denote other Gods but Allah is unique and it should be used) and throughout this website; it only refers to mean Allah.
• SWT – means Subanah Wa-Tala to indicate the Majestic God and wherever Allah is mentioned, it is better to use (swt).
• Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him); wherever, the Prophet is mentioned abbreviations PBUH is mentioned.