Quran Talk

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com The Quran has a lot of prophecies Sura 44 is about the prophecy of the smoke Sura 54 is about the prophecy of the splitting of the moon Prophecy for the end of the world etc. Muhammad prophesied in Quran [61:6] Recall that Jesus, son of Mary, said, "O Children of Israel, I am GOD's messenger to you, confirming the Torah and bringing good news of a messenger to come after me whose name will be even more praised (Ahmad)." Then, when he showed them the clear proofs, they said, "This is profound magic." Deuteronomy 18:15 - "A prophet like me will the Lord, your God, raise for you from among your kinsmen; to him you shall listen. Deuteronomy 18:17-19 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among them, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him. 19 I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name. Acts 3:22-23 For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. 23Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’ a Acts 7:37: This is the same Moses who told the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers.’ Prophecy of Quran John 14:16 - 17 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[c] in you. John 16:13 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. [65:10] GOD has prepared for them severe retribution. Therefore, you shall reverence GOD, O you who possess intelligence and believed. GOD has sent down to you a message—[65:11] a messenger who recites to you GOD's revelations, clearly, to lead those who believe and work righteousness out of the darkness into the light. Anyone who believes in GOD and leads a righteous life, He will admit him into gardens with flowing streams; they abide therein forever. GOD will generously reward him. [17:85] They ask you about the revelation (Rooh). Say, "The revelation (Rooh) comes from my Lord. The knowledge given to you is minute.” [2:89] When this scripture came to them from GOD, and even though it agrees with, and confirms what they have, and even though they used to prophesy its advent when they talked with the disbelievers, when their own prophecy came to pass, they disbelieved therein. GOD's condemnation thus afflicts the disbelievers. [26:192] This is a revelation from the Lord of the universe. [26:193] The Honest Spirit (Gabriel) came down with it. [26:194] To reveal it into your heart, that you may be one of the warners. [26:195] In a perfect Arabic tongue. [26:196] It has been prophesied in the books of previous generations. [26:197] Is it not a sufficient sign for them that it was known to the scholars among the Children of Israel? Gospel of Truth "For he revealed it as a knowledge with which all its emanations agree, namely, the knowledge of the living book which he revealed to the Aeons at last as his letters, displaying to them that these are not merely vowels nor consonants, so that one may read them and think of something void of meaning; on the contrary, they are letters which convey the truth. They are pronounced only when they are known. Each letter is a perfect truth like a perfect book, for they are letters written by the hand of the unity, since the Father wrote them for the Aeons, so that they by means of his letters might come to know the Father.” Messenger of the Covenant Malachi 3 3 “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty. 2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. [3:81] GOD took a covenant from the prophets, saying, "I will give you the scripture and wisdom. Afterwards, a messenger will come to confirm all existing scriptures. You shall believe in him and support him." He said, "Do you agree with this, and pledge to fulfill this covenant?" They said, "We agree." He said, "You have thus borne witness, and I bear witness along with you.” [33:7] Recall that we took from the prophets their covenant, including you (O Muhammad), Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus the son of Mar

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com Theorem: a general proposition not self-evident but proved by a chain of reasoning; a truth established by means of accepted truths. In mathematics, the Pythagorean theorem, relation of the three sides of a right triangle. It states that the square of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. The theorem can be written as an equation relating the lengths of the sides a, b and c, where c represents the length of the hypotenuse and a and b the lengths of the triangle's other two sides. a^2+b^2=c^2 There are over 350 proofs to how to prove that this is true for all conditions Fermat's last theorem Pierre de Fermat, (born August 17, 1601, Beaumont-de-Lomagne, France—died January 12, 1665, Castres), French mathematician who is often called the founder of the modern theory of numbers. Together with René Descartes, Fermat was one of the two leading mathematicians of the first half of the 17th century. Andrew Wiles spent 7 years in secrecy working on the theorem First heard about the theorem when he was 10 years old In 1986, when he was 33 years old he was a professor at Princeton and spent the next 7 years of his life working in secret trying to prove this theorem In June 1993, he presented his proof to the public for the first time at a conference in Cambridge. He gave a lecture a day on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with the title "Modular Forms, Elliptic Curves and Galois Representations". There was no hint in the title that Fermat's last theorem would be discussed, Dr. Ribet said. ... Finally, at the end of his third lecture, Dr. Wiles concluded that he had proved a general case of the Taniyama conjecture. Then, seemingly as an afterthought, he noted that that meant that Fermat's last theorem was true. Q.E.D.[17] In August 1993, it was discovered that the proof contained a flaw in one area. Wiles tried and failed for over a year to repair his proof. According to Wiles, the crucial idea for circumventing, rather than closing, this area came to him on 19 September 1994, when he was on the verge of giving up. Together with his former student Richard Taylor, he published a second paper which circumvented the problem and thus completed the proof. Both papers were published in May 1995 in a dedicated issue of the Annals of Mathematics.[18][19] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Wiles [9:109] Is one who establishes his building on the basis of reverencing GOD and to gain His approval better, or one who establishes his building on the brink of a crumbling cliff, that falls down with him into the fire of Hell? GOD does not guide the transgressing people. [59:29] If we revealed this Quran to a mountain, you would see it trembling, crumbling, out of reverence for GOD. We cite these examples for the people, that they may reflect. [4:82] Why do they not study the Quran carefully? If it were from other than GOD, they would have found in it numerous contradictions. Treat the Quran like a theorem If there is a contradiction then it is our understanding that needs to be redefined Quran is consistent no contradiction [39:23] GOD has revealed herein the best Hadith; a book that is consistent, and points out both ways (to Heaven and Hell). The skins of those who reverence their Lord cringe therefrom, then their skins and their hearts soften up for GOD's message. Such is GOD's guidance; He bestows it upon whoever wills (to be guided). As for those sent astray by GOD, nothing can guide them. [39:27] We have cited for the people every kind of example in this Quran, that they may take heed. [39:28] An Arabic Quran, without any ambiguity, that they may be righteous. [39:29] GOD cites the example of a man who deals with disputing partners (Hadith), compared to a man who deals with only one consistent source (Quran). Are they the same? Praise be to GOD; most of them do not know. [3:7] He sent down to you this scripture, containing straightforward verses—which constitute the essence of the scripture—as well as multiple-meaning (ambiguous) or allegorical verses. Those who harbor doubts in their hearts will pursue the multiple-meaning verses to create confusion, and to extricate a certain meaning. None knows the true meaning thereof except GOD and those well founded in knowledge. They say, "We believe in this—all of it comes from our Lord." Only those who possess intelligence will take heed. Abrogation indicate that there is a contradiction [2:106] When we abrogate any miracle, or cause it to be forgotten, we produce a better miracle, or at least an equal one. Do you not recognize the fact that GOD is Omnipotent? [10:20] They say, "How come no miracle came down to him from his Lord?" Say, "The future belongs to GOD; so wait, and I am waiting along with you." [6:115]

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com [40:13] He is the One who continuously shows you His proofs, and sends down to you from the sky provisions. Only those who totally submit will be able to take heed. Process of you hearing this sound I am pushing oxygen through my mouth My vocal chords vibrating mouth and tongue are manipulating that air to generate a sound Then forget the aspect that my voice is being digitized and processed and transforming my analog output to digital 1s and 0s that is being beamed to your device that is generating sound that is being picked up by your ears that vibrates little hairs that generate electrical pulses that your brain is transcribing into speech and applying meaning to that is stimulating thought Not to mention what else you may be doing while listening - driving, exercising, doing house chores Are you in awe of God’s creation? [64:3] He created the heavens and the earth for a specific purpose, designed you and perfected your design, then to Him is the final destiny. The fact that you can recognize faces of millions of people apart or feel love when you see the face of a loved one Are you in awe? The fact that God designed a system where are parasympathetic nervous system, your heart, lungs etc. can operate without you consciously being aware of it Have you ever got a cut and you see the scab form - you didn’t have to will that scab to form You didn’t have to will your body to heal this all happens naturally Or the fact that we can sleep That a chemical is released throughout our body that paralyzes our body so we don’t hurt ourselves or others in our sleep when we dream Mike Birbiglia comedian has a condition where his body doesn’t release this chemical that paralyzes his body Also, heard of a professor who had another condition where if he was anxious or excited his body would faulty produce this chemical and he would be paralyzed but fully conscious and just have to wait till he could gain access to his body again The fact that we don’t urinate or dedicate when we sleep [82:7] The One who created you, designed you, and perfected you. So much to be in awe of God’s design The more we learn the more we have to be in awe of Pulp Fiction Genes are composed of DNA, and it is predicted that there are over 3 billion basepairs in the human genome. Therefore it would take 6 billions letters in plain text to represent the entire genome. There are ~300,000 letters in the Quran, so to fit the entire human genome would be equivalent to 10,000 Qurans Human Genome Project - Craig Venture - we are more confused now than we were before we started [40:64] GOD is the One who rendered the earth habitable for you, and the sky a formidable structure, and He designed you, and designed you well. He is the One who provides you with good provisions. Such is GOD your Lord; Most Exalted is GOD, Lord of the universe. Membrane for a cell let alone for a body The fact that we can even conduct scientific endeavors The Big Bang Theory Confirmed [21:30] Do the unbelievers not realize that the heaven and the earth used to be one solid mass that we exploded into existence? And from water we made all living things. Would they believe? Footnote [21:31] And we placed on earth stabilizers, lest it tumbles with them, and we placed straight roads therein, that they may be guided. [21:32] And we rendered the sky a guarded ceiling. Yet, they are totally oblivious to all the portents therein. [21:33] And He is the One who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon; each floating in its own orbit. [51:47] We constructed the sky with our hands, and we will continue to expand it. April 29th, 2019 - New measurements from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope confirm that the Universe is expanding about 9% faster than expected based on its trajectory seen shortly after the big bang, astronomers say. http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/New_Hubble_measurements_confirm_universe_is_expanding_faster_than_expected_999.html [41:11] Then He turned to the sky, when it was still gas, and said to it, and to the earth, "Come into existence, willingly or unwillingly." They said, "We come willingly." [31:10] He created the heavens without pillars that you can see. He established on earth stabilizers (mountains) lest it tumbles with you, and He spread on it all kinds of creatures. We send down from the sky water to grow all kinds of beautiful plants. [13:2] GOD is the One who raised the heavens without pillars that you can see, then assumed all authority. He committed the sun and the moon, each running (in its orbit) for a predetermined period. He controls all things, and explains the revelations, that you may attain certainty about meeting your Lord. Dark energy 68% Dark Matter 27% Visible matter 5% [27:88] When you look at the mountains, you think that they are s

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com [4:48] GOD does not forgive idolatry, but He forgives lesser offenses for whomever He wills. Anyone who sets up idols beside GOD, has forged a horrendous offense. [4:146] Only those who repent, reform, hold fast to GOD, and devote their religion absolutely to GOD alone, will be counted with the believers. GOD will bless the believers with a great recompense. [39:53] Proclaim: "O My servants who exceeded the limits, never despair of GOD's mercy. For GOD forgives all sins. He is the Forgiver, Most Merciful." [31:13] Recall that Luqmãn said to his son, as he enlightened him, "O my son, do not set up any idols beside GOD; idolatry is a gross injustice."* *31:13 How will you feel if you take care of a child, give him the best education, and prepare him for life, only to see him thank someone else? Thus is idolatry; injustice. [3:64] Say, "O followers of the scripture, let us come to a logical agreement between us and you: that we shall not worship except GOD; that we never set up any idols besides Him, nor set up any human beings as lords beside GOD." If they turn away, say, "Bear witness that we are submitters." What is an idol? More than just statues Property as an idol: [18:42] Indeed, his crops were wiped out, and he ended up sorrowful, lamenting what he had spent on it in vain, as his property lay barren. He finally said, "I wish I never set up my property as a god beside my Lord.” Baby as an idol: [7:189] He created you from one person (Adam). Subsequently, He gives every man a mate to find tranquility with her. She then carries a light load that she can hardly notice. As the load gets heavier, they implore GOD their Lord: "If You give us a good baby, we will be appreciative." [7:190] But when He gives them a good baby, they turn His gift into an idol that rivals Him. GOD be exalted, far above any partnership. What is an idol: thinking that anything independent of God can benefit or harm you [5:76] Say, "Would you worship beside GOD powerless idols who can neither harm you, nor benefit you? GOD is Hearer, Omniscient." [7:191] Is it not a fact that they are idolizing idols who create nothing, and are themselves created? [7:192] Idols that can neither help them, nor even help themselves? Ego as an idol: [45:23] Have you noted the one whose god is his ego? Consequently, GOD sends him astray, despite his knowledge, seals his hearing and his mind, and places a veil on his eyes. Who then can guide him, after such a decision by GOD? Would you not take heed? [6:121] Do not eat from that upon which the name of GOD has not been mentioned, for it is an abomination. The devils inspire their allies to argue with you; if you obey them, you will be idol worshipers.* [39:3] Absolutely, the religion shall be devoted to GOD alone. Those who set up idols beside Him say, "We idolize them only to bring us closer to GOD; for they are in a better position!" GOD will judge them regarding their disputes. GOD does not guide such liars, disbelievers. If we believe Muhammad, Jesus, the saints etc. can hear our prayer then we are equating god like powers of omniscience and omnipresence to these people If we believe that these individuals can intercede on our behalf then (1) they would have to be able to witness all our deeds and know our innermost thoughts (2) that they have the power to absolve sins [35:18] No soul can carry the sins of another soul. If a soul that is loaded with sins implores another to bear part of its load, no other soul can carry any part of it, even if they were related. The only people to heed your warnings are those who reverence their Lord, even when alone in their privacy, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat). Whoever purifies his soul, does so for his own good. To GOD is the final destiny. Abraham couldn’t intercede on behalf of his father Noah couldn’t intercede on behalf of his son Lot couldn’t intercede on behalf of his wife If these righteous individuals could not intercede on behalf of the ones they knew and loved then how are we supposed to think that they will have any possibility of interceding on our behalf [9:80] Whether you ask forgiveness for them, or do not ask forgiveness for them - even if you ask forgiveness for them seventy times - GOD will not forgive them. This is because they disbelieve in GOD and His messenger. GOD does not guide the wicked people. Messengers are worried about their own neck [26:82] "The One who hopefully will forgive my sins on the Day of Judgment. [7:188] Say, "I have no power to benefit myself, or harm myself. Only what GOD wills happens to me. If I knew the future, I would have increased my wealth, and no harm would have afflicted me. I am no more than a warner, and a bearer of good news for those who believe.” Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods beside

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com God in the Quran puts a lot of emphasis on the rights of orphans. And this is representative of a Quranic society where the individuals with the least say the smallest voices and the least protected are disproportionately emphasized in the Quran to make sure that their rights are not violated and that they are not taken advantage of or victimized. The ones in society with the smallest voice the least protected Mahatma Ghandi who said “A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.” What is the definition of orphan: Someone who doesn’t have a mother or father 4:3 marrying the mothers of orphans Merriam Webster: one deprived of some protection or advantage Helping children who do not have a bread earner / protector But what about the children of the future who are not even born yet? They do not have a mom or dad They have no say Parents and schools No parent guardian to speak on the child’s behalf can easily be taken advantage of So how do the decisions we make impact the orphans.. Yet the decisions we make in our life can have a direct impact on their well being [89:15] When the human being is tested by his Lord, through blessings and joy, he says, "My Lord is generous towards me." [89:16] But if He tests him through reduction in provisions, he says, "My Lord is humiliating me!" [89:17] Wrong! It is you who brought it on yourselves by not regarding the orphan. [89:18] And not advocating charity towards the poor. [89:19] And consuming the inheritance of helpless orphans. [89:20] And loving the money too much. How many people would this apply to The Earth is an inheritance for future generations [7:100] Does it ever occur to those who inherit the earth after previous generations that, if we will, we can punish them for their sins, and seal their hearts, causing them to turn deaf? [10:14] Then we made you inheritors of the earth after them, to see how you will do. [6:165] He is the One who made you inheritors of the earth, and He raised some of you above others in rank, in order to test you in accordance with what He has given you. Surely, your Lord is efficient in enforcing retribution, and He is Forgiver, Most Merciful. Future generations - Do not roam the earth corruptingly [2:204] Among the people, one may impress you with his utterances concerning this life, and may even call upon GOD to witness his innermost thoughts, while he is a most ardent opponent. [2:205] As soon as he leaves, he roams the earth corruptingly, destroying properties and lives. GOD does not love corruption. [7:74] "Recall that He made you inheritors after `Ad, and established you on earth, building mansions in its valleys, and carving homes from its mountains. You shall remember GOD's blessings, and do not roam the earth corruptingly.” [25:63] The worshipers of the Most Gracious are those who tread the earth gently, and when the ignorant speak to them, they only utter peace. Environmentalism [30:41] Disasters have spread throughout the land and sea, because of what the people have committed. He thus lets them taste the consequences of some of their works, that they may return (to the right works). "The curious task of economics is to demonstrate to men how little they really know about what they imagine they can design.” Frederick Hayek Economics $22 trillion dollars of public debt Each child in America is born with $62k of public debt not included unfunded liabilities Leave the place nicer than you started [26:84] "Let the example I set for the future generations be a good one. Gym retract your weights Person wants to help the poor but not willing to help his parents with the dishes Let everyone sweep in front of his own door, and the whole world will be clean. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe [4:85] Whoever mediates a good deed receives a share of the credit thereof, and whoever mediates an evil work, incurs a share thereof. GOD controls all things. [36:12] We will certainly revive the dead, and we have recorded everything they have done in this life, as well as the consequences that continue after their death. Everything we have counted in a profound record. [18:49] The record will be shown, and you will see the guilty fearful of its contents. They will say, "Woe to us. How come this book leaves nothing, small or large, without counting it?" They will find everything they had done brought forth. Your Lord is never unjust towards anyone.

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com Why is it that despite in aggregate people’s economic situation has gotten better than it was years ago, people feel ever more disenfranchised than they have in the past? Children are kind of micro examples of adults. The challenges and issues they deal with are elementary examples of how we are as adults. They are kind of digestible simplified representations of ourselves Kind of like Aesop Fables - little lessons for us to be more conscientious of our own behavior So I learn a lot about myself from my kids - amazing little life lessons So the other day I surprised my daughter after school and told her that we were going to go rock climbing She was excited so we head over When we park the car she tells me she wants to get rock climbing shoes At first I explain that they don’t have her size and she is better off using her tennis shoes but she is getting upset so I said sure if you prefer to have rock climbing shoes it is up to you Then when we get to the floor she says that she wants her own chalk bag Then she says that she wants to get dinner across the street at this Vietnamese restaurant Then she says after dinner she wants to get Boba I finally said no. Then she said she didn’t want to climb anymore so after 15 minutes we changed our shoes packed up and just went home And we had a conversation She was happy to go rock climbing rather than going home, but ended up more upset because of some other factor rather than being appreciative that she was able to go rock climbing Because she was unappreciative now she stopped climbing and also we didn’t go out to dinner Be appreciative for we have rather than being unappreciative for what we don’t have Dan Ariely Weekend in Rome all-expense paid - flight, hotel, breakfast Weekend in Paris all-expense paid - flight, hotel, breakfast (no coffee) We put a disproportionate value on things that should have little value and when we do this we impact our overall happiness Rock climbing in itself for my daughter should = happiness Rock climbing without shoes, chalk bag, Vietnamese food, boba = unhappy We get fixated on what others have and this impacts our own happiness People tend to compare themselves upwards As society gets richer as a whole the distribution between the richest and the poorest will naturally be increased [3:196] Do not be impressed by the apparent success of disbelievers. [3:197] They only enjoy temporarily, then end up in Hell; what a miserable destiny! God’s System [6:44] When they thus disregard the message given to them, we open for them the gates of everything. Then, just as they rejoice in what was given to them, we punish them suddenly; they become utterly stunned. * [6:45] The wicked are thus annihilated. Praise be to GOD, Lord of the universe. *6:44 Before the guilty are thrown out the window, they are taken up to a high floor. Example of Qaroon [28:76] Qãroon (the slave driver) was one of Moses' people who betrayed them and oppressed them. We gave him so many treasures that the keys thereof were almost too heavy for the strongest band. His people said to him, "Do not be so arrogant; GOD does not love those who are arrogant. [28:77] "Use the provisions bestowed upon you by GOD to seek the abode of the Hereafter, without neglecting your share in this world. Be charitable, as GOD has been charitable towards you. Do not keep on corrupting the earth. GOD does not love the corruptors." [28:78] He said, "I attained all this because of my own cleverness." Did he not realize that GOD had annihilated before him generations that were much stronger than he, and greater in number? The (annihilated) transgressors were not asked about their crimes. [28:79] One day, he came out to his people in full splendor. Those who preferred this worldly life said, "Oh, we wish that we possess what Qãroon has attained. Indeed, he is very fortunate." The Real Wealth [28:80] As for those who were blessed with knowledge, they said, "Woe to you, GOD's recompense is far better for those who believe and lead a righteous life." None attains this except the steadfast. The Tyrants' Inevitable Fate [28:81] We then caused the earth to swallow him and his mansion. No army could have helped him against GOD; he was not destined to be a winner. [28:82] Those who were envious of him the day before said, "Now we realize that GOD is the One who provides for whomever He chooses from among His servants, and withholds. If it were not for GOD's grace towards us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us too. We now realize that the disbelievers never succeed.” [57:20] Know that this worldly life is no more than play and games, and boasting among you, and hoarding of money and children. It is like abundant rain that produces plants and pleases the disbelievers. But then the plants turn

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com [2:183] O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation. [2:184] Specific days (are designated for fasting); if one is ill or traveling, an equal number of other days may be substituted. Those who can fast, but with great difficulty, may substitute feeding one poor person for each day of breaking the fast. If one volunteers (more righteous works), it is better. But fasting is the best for you, if you only knew. [2:185] Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. GOD wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify GOD for guiding you, and to express your appreciation. [2:186] When My servants ask you about Me, I am always near. I answer their prayers when they pray to Me. The people shall respond to Me and believe in Me, in order to be guided. [2:187] Permitted for you is sexual intercourse with your wives during the nights of fasting. They are the keepers of your secrets, and you are the keepers of their secrets. GOD knew that you used to betray your souls, and He has redeemed you, and has pardoned you. Henceforth, you may have intercourse with them, seeking what GOD has permitted for you. You may eat and drink until the white thread of light becomes distinguishable from the dark thread of night at dawn. Then, you shall fast until sunset. Sexual intercourse is prohibited if you decide to retreat to the masjid (during the last ten days of Ramadan). These are GOD's laws; you shall not transgress them. GOD thus clarifies His revelations for the people, that they may attain salvation. [17:78] You shall observe the Contact Prayer (Salat) when the sun declines from its highest point at noon, as it moves towards sunset. You shall also observe (the recitation of) the Quran at dawn. (Reciting) the Quran at dawn is witnessed. [2:189] They ask you about the phases of the moon! Say, "They provide a timing device for the people, and determine the time of Hajj." It is not righteous to beat around the bush;* righteousness is attained by upholding the commandments and by being straightforward. You shall observe GOD, that you may succeed. The new moon timings to determine the month of Ramadan are as follows: May 04, 2019: 22:45 (10:45PM; UTC/GMT) = 3:45pm PST / 6:45pm EST June 03, 2019: 10:02 AM (UTC/GMT) = 3:02am PST / 6:02am EST https://www.onlineconverter.com/utc-to-pst http://masjidtucson.org/submission/practices/ramadan/#dates Sunset New York on May 4th 2019 = 6:45 pm EST Sunset San Francisco on May 4th 2019 = 8:01pm PST 05 May 2019 - 03 June 2019: God willing the first day of Ramadan is 05 May, and the last day of Ramadan is 03 June for USA and Canada (e.g., we checked for Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, Phoenix, Tucson, Chicago, Dallas, Miami New York, Washington DC, Ottawa, Toronto). Please verify / check with the information available for your location using the Ramadan Calculation Assistant and the US Naval Observatory solar & lunar data. 06 May 2019 - 03 June 2019: God willing the first day of Ramadan is 06 May, and the last day of Ramadan is 03 June for Europe (e.g., we checked for London, Berlin, Rome, Moscow, Istanbul), much of Asia (e.g., we checked for Mecca, Tehran, Dubai, Karachi, Mumbai, Chennai, Dhaka, Hong Kong) and Africa (e.g., we checked for Lagos, Tripoli, Cairo, Johannesburg, Nairobi). Please check with the information available for your location using the Ramadan Calculation Assistant and the US Naval Observatory solar & lunar data. 06 May 2019 - 04 June 2019: God willing the first day of Ramadan is 06 May, and the last day of Ramadan is 04 June for parts of Asia (e.g., we checked for Tokyo), Australia, New Zealand. Please check with the information available for your location using the Ramadan Calculation Assistant and the US Naval Observatory solar & lunar data (moon phase calculator). The Night of Destiny (Night of Power) will start, God willing, at sunset on May 30, 2019 for those places that start fasting May 5. For those locations that start Ramadan on May 06 (a day later), the Night of Destiny falls on May 31, 2019 God willing. Sura 97: Destiny (Al-Qadr) [97:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful [97:1] We revealed it in the Night of Destiny. [97:2] How awesome is the Night of Destiny! [97:3] The Night of Destiny is better than a thousand months. [97:4] The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by their Lord's leave, to carry out every command. [97:5] Peaceful it is until the advent of the dawn.

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com Has world poverty gotten worse or better in the last 30 years? (less than a $1/day adjusted to inflation in 1970 to $1.90/day) From 1990 to today there has been ~65% reduction in extreme poverty (from 36% of world population to

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com Rolling Stones - Keith Richards & Mick Jagger - I can’t get no satisfaction https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VZ4mAfta3s Cow never asks am I satisfied with my life two central questions that people ask themselves when determining whether they’re satisfied with something in their life: Am I doing better than I was before? Am I doing better than other people? This applies to wealth, but also to attractiveness, height, and other things that people fret about. “But the problem is,” Norton says, “a lot of the things that really matter in life are hard to measure. So if you wanted to be a good parent, it’s a little hard to know if you’re being a better parent now than you were a year ago, and it’s also hard to know if you’re a better parent than the neighbors.” So people turn to dimensions of comparison that can be quantified. “Money is a terrific one,” Norton says. “If I need to know if I’m doing better than I was, the easy thing to ask is, Am I making more money? or Does my house have more square feet? or Do I have more houses than I used to?” The research Norton has conducted illustrating this phenomenon is dispiriting. In a paper published earlier this year, he and his collaborators asked more than 2,000 people who have a net worth of at least $1 million (including many whose wealth far exceeded that threshold) how happy they were on a scale of one to 10, and then how much more money they would need to get to 10. “All the way up the income-wealth spectrum,” Norton told me, “basically everyone says [they’d need] two or three times as much” to be perfectly happy. https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2018/12/rich-people-happy-money/577231/ [30:6] Such is GOD's promise—and GOD never breaks His promise—but most people do not know. [30:7] They care only about things of this world that are visible to them, while being totally oblivious to the Hereafter. Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts. Some of the things that matter the most are not measurable in the worldly sense? Righteousness, virtue, honesty, etc. [7:26] O children of Adam, we have provided you with garments to cover your bodies, as well as for luxury. But the best garment is the garment of righteousness. These are some of GOD's signs, that they may take heed. Hoarding [102:1] You remain preoccupied with hoarding. [102:2] Until you go to the graves. التَّكاثُرُ = the competitive quest for more / hoarding. “We buy things we don't need with money we don't have to impress people we don't like.” God makes us satisfied [53:48] He is the One who makes you rich or poor. أَغْنَىٰ = Ag-nah-ah = Rich = free from need وَأَقْنَىٰ = ag-nah-ah = poor = makes satisfy Root = ق ن ي = to acquire a thing; to cause to acquire; make contended; satisfy; preserve; make satisfy with a given thing GOD is the only one who can make us satisfied Motley Crue movie - Dirt Being impressed by the abundance of sin [5:100] Proclaim: "The bad and the good are not the same, even if the abundance of the bad may impress you. You shall reverence GOD, (even if you are in the minority,) O you who possess intelligence, that you may succeed.” [9:55] Do not be impressed by their money, or their children. GOD causes these to be sources of retribution for them in this life, and (when they die) their souls depart while they are disbelievers. [9:85] Do not be impressed by their money or their children; GOD causes these to be sources of misery for them in this world, and their souls depart as disbelievers. God has everything we need Addiction - drug, porn, depression etc. root cause is lack of satisfaction Depression - some people have a genuine psychological imbalance I think out of the 9 different traits for depression only 2 have to do with biology "no food one problem- lots of food many problems” Diogenes - Apocryphal Greek philosopher and one of the founders of Cynic philosophy. ~350BC Stories of him take minimalism to a whole new extreme All he had was a cup to drink from then one day he saw a boy drinking from his hand and he cursed his cup and got rid of it Alexander and Diogenes While Diogenes was relaxing in the morning sunlight, Alexander, thrilled to meet the famous philosopher, asked if there was any favor he might do for him. Diogenes replied, "Yes, stand out of my sunlight." Alexander then declared, "If I were not Alexander, then I should wish to be Diogenes." "If I were not Diogenes, I would still wish to be Diogenes," Diogenes replied. In another account of the conversation, Alexander found the philosopher looking attentively at a pile of human bones. Diogenes explained, "I am searching for the bones of your father but cannot distinguish them from those of a slave.” Choose Your Priorities Carefully This Life [17:18] Anyone who c

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com 4 Requirements for Marriage Mutual desire and intention that the a man and a women would like to get married to spend the rest of their lives as a strictly monogamous couple Man provides the dowry - agree between the two what that is Solemn pledge man makes to the women Consummation Should you do a formal marriage under state law? Should you announce it? Should you have a ceremony? Ask yourself why not? Are you trying to make it easy to divorce Only Mutually Acceptable Transactions Can Be Made [4:29] O you who believe, do not consume each others' properties illicitly - only mutually acceptable transactions are permitted. You shall not kill yourselves. GOD is Merciful towards you. The expectation is that the marriage is supposed to be for their entire lives Protection for the Women [4:20] If you wish to marry another wife, in place of your present wife, and you had given any of them a great deal, you shall not take back anything you had given her. Would you take it fraudulently, maliciously, and sinfully? [4:21] How could you take it back, after you have been intimate with each other, and they had taken from you a solemn pledge? You Shall Keep Your Word [16:91] You shall fulfill your covenant with GOD when you make such a covenant. You shall not violate the oaths after swearing (by God) to carry them out, for you have made GOD a guarantor for you. GOD knows everything you do. [16:92] Do not be like the knitter who unravels her strong knitting into piles of flimsy yarn. This is your example if you abuse the oaths to take advantage of one another. Whether one group is larger than the other, GOD thus puts you to the test. He will surely show you on the Day of Resurrection everything you had disputed. God discourages divorce (temporary marriages) is just prostitution [24:33] Those who cannot afford to get married shall maintain morality until GOD provides for them from His grace. .… You shall not force your girls (women) to commit prostitution, seeking the materials of this world, if they wish to be chaste. If anyone forces them, then GOD, seeing that they are forced, is Forgiver, Merciful. [2:191] ...Oppression is worse than murder. Age [17:38] All bad behavior is condemned by your Lord. Morality - all bad behavior is prohibited - not sure what that is ask 10 people do you think this is good behavior if 9/10 people tell you that isn’t moral behavior then it probably isn't Word for marriage is full grown / working age / done with puberty (women) 4:127 - النِّسَاءِ = (al-neesa - like name of cousin) the orphan women ن س و = women Root = ف ت ي to be young; full-grown; brave; generous; youth; generosity; manly qualities; young man; bold; courageous; young slave; fine fellow; servant; to advise; explain; give opinion or instruction; judgment or decision in a matter of law; give a formal legal decree; issue a (divine) decree or a sacred law; explain the meaning; pronounce; to consult; ask opinion or advice; decision; opinion; advice 4:25 - فَتَيَاتِكُمُ = (fatty yateh koom ) full-grown young women 24:33 - full-grown women (young women) - in context of forcing to prostitution Root for female - irrespective of age is ا ن ث = female = أُنْثَىٰ [3:36] When she gave birth to her, she said, "My Lord, I have given birth to a girl"—GOD was fully aware of what she bore—"The male is not the same as the female. I have named her Mary and I invoke Your protection for her and her descendants from the rejected devil." The age of marriage also means puberty ن ك ح = to tie; make a knot; contract; cement; marriage (age of marriage / age to sign a contract) النِّكَاحَ - age of marriage / puberty / sexual maturity / age to be able to sign a contract independently 4:6 Khalifa You shall test the orphans when they reach puberty. As soon as you find them mature enough, give them their property. Do not consume it extravagantly in a hurry, before they grow up. The rich guardian shall not charge any wage, but the poor guardian may charge equitably. When you give them their properties, you shall have witnesses. GOD suffices as Reckoner. Yusuf Ali Make trial of orphans until they reach the age of marriage; if then ye find sound judgment in them, release their property to them; but consume it not wastefully, nor in haste against their growing up. If the guardian is well-off, Let him claim no remuneration, but if he is poor, let him have for himself what is just and reasonable. When ye release their property to them, take witnesses in their presence: But all-sufficient is God in taking account. Pickthal Prove orphans till they reach the marriageable age; then, if ye find them of sound judgment, deliver over unto them their fortune; and devour it not by squandering and in haste lest they should grow up Whoso (of the guardians) is rich, let him

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com Evolution vs. De-evolution Sign of intelligence is that new information is created E. coli Long-term Experiment on Evolution - Started 24 February 1988.[2] 66,000 in November 2016.[3] No new molecular machines No newly designed cell structures No new protein-coding sections of DNA Evolution vs De-Evolution Example of how to make a car go faster - throw out the seats http://myxo.css.msu.edu/ecoli/ Because it is easier to destroy than to build Ask you what are some decisions in your life you can make to make your life worse? Easy Run out in front of traffic Poke your eyes out Burn all your savings Hit your head with a hammer Hold your breath underwater until you pass out If I ask you what can be done to make the future WORSE You can probably come up with a whole bunch of ideas Ask you what decisions you can make to make your life BETTER? Little harder - At best you will come up with ideas of what to remove not what to add Easier to break down rather than to build Because it is easier to destroy than to build If I ask you what can you do to make the future better More difficult Easier to point out the downside and all the reasons something can fail rather than how it can succeed But more ideas does not mean that the ideas are any better - but makes us feel smart Typically an inherent bias that we equate things that we can imagine as more likely than things we can’t …e.g.e shark attacks Pessimism isn't just more common than optimism, it also sounds smarter. Pessimist are intellectually captivating, and people pay more attention to them rather than optimist who are often viewed as an oblivious sucker. If you say the world has been getting better you may get away with being called naïve and insensitive. Harvard professor Teresa Amabile shows that those publishing negative book reviews are seen as smarter and more competent than those giving positive reviews of the same book. "Only pessimism sounds profound. Optimism sounds superficial," she wrote. Why? Here are a few other reasons I've observed for why pessimism gets so much attention. [4:147] What will GOD gain from punishing you, if you became appreciative and believed? GOD is Appreciative, Omniscient. Complaining makes us feel like we are smart There is a form of an iQ/creativity test where the objective is to see how many ideas you can come up in a given amount of time: What can you do with a brick? Come up with different ways that someone can go from place to another? The more answers one comes up with the smarter they feel This is good for creativity, but there are somethings that the quantity of answers is not what is important but the quality 1. Optimism appears oblivious to risks, so by default pessimism looks more intelligent. 2. Pessimism requires action, whereas optimism means staying the course. Pessimism is "SELL, GET OUT, RUN," which grabs your attention because it's an action you need to take right now. You don't want to read the article later or skim over the details, because you might get hurt. Optimism is mostly, "Don't worry, stay the course, we'll be alright," which is easy to ignore since it doesn't require doing anything. 3. Optimism sounds like a sales pitch, while pessimism sounds like someone trying to help you. And that's often the truth. But in general, most of the time, optimism is the correct default setting, and pessimism can be as big a sales pitch as anything – especially if it's around emotional topics like money and politics. 4. Pessimists extrapolate present trends without accounting for how reliably markets adapt. That's important, because pessimistic views often start with a foundation of rational analysis, so the warning appears as reasonable as it is scary. Thomas Malthus 1800 Prophets were the ultimate optimist - that after we die we can be redeemed in God’s kingdom How we respond to God’s promise determines if we believe in God’s promise or not… [3:174] They have deserved GOD's blessings and grace. No harm ever touches them, for they have attained GOD's approval. GOD possesses infinite grace. [33:11] That is when the believers were truly tested; they were severely shaken up. [33:12] The hypocrites and those with doubts in their hearts said, "What GOD and His messenger promised us was no more than an illusion!" [33:13] A group of them said, "O people of Yathrib, you cannot attain victory; go back." Others made up excuses to the prophet: "Our homes are vulnerable," when they were not vulnerable. They just wanted to flee. Psalm 91 1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a] 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feath

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com If I went back two hundred years and I explained to the people back then that life has gotten so easy in our time that we literally have to pay money to go to a facility to lift heavy objects only to put them back where you got them and to run on a machine that doesn’t take you anywhere they would think that we have all gone crazy The reason is because in the past doing hard labor was part of life Let’s suspend disbelief for one second and imagine that reincarnation was real, then statistically there is a +90% chance that in all your past lives you were a farmer. This is what makes people who believe reincarnation so comical is that they were never a farmer in their past lives instead they were some knight or king/queen or general - a very prestigious historical figure, but in reality, most likely they were farmers, they never traveled more than 25 miles from where they were born in their whole life. They probably lost children due to illness or disease, they were probably illiterate, probably got up before dawn every morning and worked all day till sunset and then went to bed only to do the same thing again the next day and the day after that. Life back then was intrinsically hard, and the ones who survived had the same genes of their ancestors but as time progressed things shifted When in the past 90% of the population were famers now only 2% of the population are farmers Rather than doing physically demanding work for a job we now predominately do mentally demanding work And as a society, we quickly came to realize that because our lives have gotten so less physically demanding our health has taken a major impact We now sit more than ever, we sit in our cars as we commute to work, we sit in front of a computer for many hours during the day and then we sit and watch Netflix or YouTube Because of this gap we understood that in order to stay physically fit and healthy we needed to create ARTIFICIAL physical hardship. We started exercising, going to the gym, running, we sign up for exercise classes (yoga, pilates, cardio kickboxing). We go on hikes (not to tend to our flock or to savage for food) but for leisure. And in return, our health and vitality improved, because our physiology was designed to need stress. If our muscles are not used they atrophy, we get weak, we get prone to injury and our health and overall wellness deteriorates. To someone 200 years ago this would seem Now what is interesting is that this change in lifestyle didn’t just impact our physical lives it also affected our mental ones as well. And for some reason despite realizing that we require physical stresses in order to keep our bodies healthy, we somehow came to believe that by eliminating any mental hardships that somehow this will not have a strain on our mental resilience Today we have life easier than ever Anything we want we can pretty much have instantly. Walk into a grocery and year-round you can choose from any variety of fresh meats, fruits, grains etc. Don’t feel like cooking probably within a five-mile radius of where you are there are a whole list of options of different restaurants and food styles you could select to. Spend five minutes and instantly there will be a team of trained professionals ready to serve you. The concept of being bored is no longer possible. We have such an abundance of entertainment that if you spent your whole life just watching Netflix or YouTube you would never even dent a fraction of one percent of the content that is continuously being produced for your personal entertainment. While this is a HUGE blessing there is no doubt that this life of ease and abundance, if not handled correctly, will have severe consequences on our mental resilience - NO DIFFERENT THAN THE CHANGE IN PHYSICAL WORK has had ************************ DOWNSIDE OF LACK OF MENTAL RESILIENCE What happens to a society that has begotten soft on mental resilience? "History is filled with the sound of silken slippers going downstairs and wooden shoes coming up." —Voltaire This has to do with the physical demand, but what about the mental toll of living too comfortable of a life? Cyrus didn’t want to move the capital from Pasargadae to Susa because he thought that it would make his people soft Under Cyrus' son Cambyses II, Susa became a center of political power as one of 4 capitals of the Achaemenid Persian empire, while reducing the significance of Pasargadae as the capital of Persis. Following Cambyses' brief rule, Darius the Great began a major building program in Susa and Persepolis. During this time he describes his new capital in the DSf inscription: "History is filled with the sound of silken slippers going downstairs and wooden shoes coming up." —Voltaire History is filled with societies who complain more despite havi

Subscribe to the podcast and notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com What causes a nation to fail? There are lots of theories Maybe it is disease? When the Europeans arrived, carrying germs which thrived in dense, semi-urban populations, the indigenous people of the Americas were effectively doomed. They had never experienced smallpox, measles or flu before, and the viruses tore through the continent, killing an estimated 90% of Native Americans. Maybe it is poor financial planning like Communist Russia Maybe it is a revolution like Iran in 1978 One of the theories I particularly like states that: when the complexity of operating a society outstrips its utility then it is destined to fail… There are endless books and theories to what causes a nation to fail, but these are all by products of one single criteria that God tells us in the Quran: [16:112] GOD cites the example of a community that used to be secure and prosperous, with provisions coming to it from everywhere. But then, it turned unappreciative of GOD's blessings. Consequently, GOD caused them to taste the hardships of starvation and insecurity. Such is the requital for what they did. [14:7] Your Lord has decreed: "The more you thank Me, the more I give you." But if you turn unappreciative, then My retribution is severe. Word: رَغَدًا (raghadan) Root: ر غ د to be abound in a good thing; (eat) freely and plentifully and with ease; live in ease and affluence; be amble and pleasant (in life); freely; plentifully; with ease This root and this word occurs only 3 times in the Quran, one of those times was in 16:112 as we just read (2) Adam in Paradise [2:35] We said, "O Adam, live with your wife in Paradise, and eat therefrom generously, as you please, but do not approach this tree, lest you sin.” [20:116] Recall that we said to the angels, "Fall prostrate before Adam." They fell prostrate, except Satan; he refused. [20:117] We then said, "O Adam, this is an enemy of you and your wife. Do not let him evict you from Paradise, lest you become miserable. [20:118] "You are guaranteed never to hunger therein, nor go unsheltered. [20:119] "Nor will you thirst therein, nor suffer from any heat." [7:17] "I will come to them from before them, and from behind them, and from their right, and from their left, and You will find that most of them are unappreciative." [20:120] But the devil whispered to him, saying, "O Adam, let me show you the tree of eternity and unending kingship." [20:121] They ate from it, whereupon their bodies became visible to them, and they tried to cover themselves with the leaves of Paradise. Adam thus disobeyed his Lord, and fell. (2) Children of Israel Word: رَغَدًا (raghadan) Lack of Confidence in God: They Refuse to Enter Jerusalem [2:58] Recall that we said, "Enter this town, where you will find as many provisions as you like. Just enter the gate humbly, and treat the people nicely. We will then forgive your sins, and increase the reward for the pious." [2:59] But the wicked among them carried out commands other than the commands given to them. Consequently, we sent down upon the transgressors condemnation from the sky, due to their wickedness. So much of what we have we did zero work for: [56:57] We have created you, if you could only believe! [56:58] Have you noted the semen that you produce? [56:59] Did you create it, or did we? [56:60] We have predetermined death for you. Nothing can stop us— [56:61] from substituting new generations in your place, and establishing what you do not know. [56:62] You know about the first creation. Do you not remember? [56:63] Have you noted the crops you reap? [56:64] Did you grow them, or did we? [56:65] If we will, we can turn it into hay. Then you will lament: [56:66] "We lost. [56:67] "We are deprived." [56:68] Have you noted the water you drink? [56:69] Did you send it down from the clouds, or did we? [56:70] If we will, we can make it salty. You should be thankful. [56:71] Have you noted the fire you ignite? [56:72] Did you initiate its tree, or did we? [56:73] We rendered it a reminder, and a useful tool for the users. [56:74] You shall glorify the name of your Lord, the Great. Psalm 8:4 What is man that you are mindful of him There is no appreciative without believing and glorifying God alone Appreciation comes from worshipping God alone [68:17] We have tested them like we tested the owners of the garden who swore that they will harvest it in the morning. [68:18] They were so absolutely sure. [68:19] A passing (storm) from your Lord passed by it while they were asleep. [68:20] By morning, it was barren. [68:21] They called on each other in the morning. [68:22] "Let us harvest the crop." [68:23] On their way, they confided to each other. [68:24] That from then on, none of them would be poor. [68:25] They were so absolutely sure of their harvest. [68:26] But

Subscribe to the podcast and show notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com What about when the right path is almost impossible to find? So I have been watching a Netflix series called Ozark and the premise of the show is how one family keeps getting further and further away from righteousness and how they keep thinking that if they just do one more bad deed they will be able to get back to their normal lives. In one of the episodes of Ozark, one of the main characters made the following quote that really resonated with me. “evil comes when the righteous path is so hidden it looks like there is only one way out.” What do you do when you reach a crossroads and you are being tested and you know the right path but it is too hard to make the right decision? Scent of a women - I’ve been to the crossroads The question is what should we do when temptation is too high. [29:2] Do the people think that they will be left to say, "We believe," without being put to the test? [29:3] We have tested those before them, for GOD must distinguish those who are truthful, and He must expose the liars. God's Tests Are Never Unreasonable [4:66] Had we decreed for them: "You must offer your lives," or "Give up your homes," they would not have done it, except for a few of them. (Even if such a command was issued,) had they done what they were commanded to do, it would have been better for them, and would prove the strength of their faith. In consumer electronics and specifically semiconductors there are different grades of product quality. And each grade was more expensive. Commercial: 0 °C to 70 °C - test at 25C Industrial: −40 °C to 85 °C Automotive: −40 °C to 125 °C Military: −55 °C to 125 °C The higher the test the higher the cause [6:132] Everyone will attain a rank commensurate with their deeds. Your Lord is never unaware of anything they do. know what the right path is but too hard Cognitive dissonance kicks in and convince yourself the wrong path is the right path The right path is so blocked that it is almost impossible to see The worst thing that can happen to someone is when they can’t differentiate right from wrong. And this occurs when we persist in sins knowingly. Cognitive dissonance - people like to think that they are good righteous, virtuous, but when their actions do not align this causes discomfort and they have a choice They can continue to try to improve and do better They can convince themselves that their sins are actually righteous Better to sin out of weakness and admit it is a sin rather than lie to one’s self and deny it is sinful or worst yet call it righteous [35:8] Note the one whose evil work is adorned in his eyes, until he thinks that it is righteous. GOD thus sends astray whoever wills (to go astray), and He guides whoever wills (to be guided). Therefore, do not grieve over them. GOD is fully aware of everything they do. (3) The Hypocrites [2:8] Then there are those who say, "We believe in GOD and the Last Day," while they are not believers. [2:9] In trying to deceive GOD and those who believe, they only deceive themselves without perceiving. [2:10] In their minds there is a disease. Consequently, GOD augments their disease. They have incurred a painful retribution for their lying. [2:11] When they are told, "Do not commit evil," they say, "But we are righteous!" [2:12] In fact, they are evildoers, but they do not perceive. [6:43] If only they implored when our test afflicted them! Instead, their hearts were hardened, and the devil adorned their works in their eyes. [2:186] When My servants ask you about Me, I am always near. I answer their prayers when they pray to Me. The people shall respond to Me and believe in Me, in order to be guided. [3:135] If they fall in sin or wrong their souls, they remember God and ask forgiveness for their sins - and who forgives the sins except God - and they do not persist in sins, knowingly. Joseph being tempted [12:23] The lady of the house where he lived tried to seduce him. She closed the doors and said, "I am all yours." He said, "May GOD protect me. He is my Lord, who gave me a good home. The transgressors never succeed." [12:24] She almost succumbed to him, and he almost succumbed to her, if it were not that he saw a proof from his Lord. We thus diverted evil and sin away from him, for he was one of our devoted servants. This revelation is not about an ordinary guy, it is about Joseph who was blessed with wisdom and knowledge. Joseph knew what is right and what is wrong but with all knowing, he was about to fail, but he was saved. How? Joseph was saved because he implored to God. God save him by showing a proof from his lord, a mercy, how about us? Do we implore to God? Or can we see a proof from the God when we are at a crossroad and temptation is too high? [17:73] They almost diverted you from the revelations we have give

Subscribe to the podcast and show notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com Mary [3:42] The angels said, "O Mary, GOD has chosen you and purified you. He has chosen you from all the women. [3:43] "O Mary, you shall submit to your Lord, and prostrate and bow down with those who bow down.” [3:45] The angels said, "O Mary, GOD gives you good news: a Word from Him whose name is 'The Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary.' He will be prominent in this life and in the Hereafter, and one of those closest to Me. [3:46] "He will speak to the people from the crib, as well as an adult; he will be one of the righteous.” [19:23] The birth process came to her by the trunk of a palm tree. She said, "(I am so ashamed;) I wish I were dead before this happened, and completely forgotten." [2:216] Fighting may be imposed on you, even though you dislike it. But you may dislike something which is good for you, and you may like something which is bad for you. GOD knows while you do not know. [10:61] You do not get into any situation, nor do you recite any Quran, nor do you do anything, without us being witnesses thereof as you do it. Not even an atom's weight is out of your Lord's control, be it in the heavens or the earth. Nor is there anything smaller than an atom, or larger, that is not recorded in a profound record. When faced with hardship do you believe: “this is happening to me” or “is this happening for me?” Sura 18 - There is a good reason for everything the people who own a boat; the parents of the child; the treasure for the orphans Job 3 1-7 1. After a while, Job opened his mouth to speak. He cursed the day he had been born. 2 He said, 3 “May the day I was born be wiped out. May the night be wiped away when people said, ‘A boy is born!’ 4 May that day turn into darkness. May God in heaven not care about it. May no light shine on it. 5 May gloom and total darkness take it back. May a cloud settle over it. May blackness cover it up. 6 May deep darkness take over the night I was born. May it not be included among the days of the year. May it never appear in any of the months. 7 May no children ever have been born on that night. May no shout of joy be heard in it. Job 38:4 -7 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? 6 On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone— 7 while the morning stars sang together and all the angels[a] shouted for joy? [21:83] And Job implored his Lord: "Adversity has befallen me, and, of all the merciful ones, You are the Most Merciful." [21:84] We responded to him, relieved his adversity, and restored his family for him, even twice as much. That was a mercy from us, and a reminder for the worshipers. Example of Joseph - Left for dead by his brothers Sold into slavery Falsely accused and thrown into prison Even if what happens is a consequence of our actions, God can use this for our good if we trust in Him. Tough Love If we trust in God he can transform any situation God who designed a system where: coal can be transformed into diamonds, sand into pearls, and a caterpillar into a butterfly can transform any situation in our lives as well. God who can take the most putrid water and transform it to clean fresh nourishing and delicious for us to drink can also take any situation in our life that the devil has made for our bad into being for our good [56:68] Have you noted the water you drink? [56:69] Did you send it down from the clouds, or did we? [56:70] If we will, we can make it salty. You should be thankful. [15:22] ... and cause water to come down from the sky for you to drink. Otherwise, you could not keep it palatable. Joseph extended stay in prison [12:36] Two young men were in the prison with him. One of them said, "I saw (in my dream) that I was making wine," and the other said, "I saw myself carrying bread on my head, from which the birds were eating. Inform us of the interpretation of these dreams. We see that you are righteous." [12:41] "O my prison mates, one of you will be the wine butler for his lord, while the other will be crucified— the birds will eat from his head. This settles the matter about which you have inquired." [12:42] He then said to the one to be saved "Remember me at your lord."* Thus, the devil caused him to forget his Lord, and, consequently, he remained in prison a few more years. Imagine trying to crack an egg prematurely to help the chick before it was ready to get out on it’s own [32:21] We let them taste the smaller retribution (of this world), before they incur the greater retribution (of the Hereafter), that they may (take a hint and) reform. How much worse would it be to spend an eternity in Hell rather than waking up and taking a hint now? [4:147] What will GOD gain from punishing you, if

Subscribe to the podcast and show notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com F$%! the poor video Three kinds of people 1. the ones who are indifferent 2. The ones who only react when they are offended 3. The ones who give to charity in either situation [7:176] Had we willed, we could have elevated him therewith, but he insisted on sticking to the ground, and pursued his own opinions. Thus, he is like the dog; whether you pet him or scold him, he pants. Such is the example of people who reject our proofs. Narrate these narrations, that they may reflect. It is good to speak up, but it shouldn’t be the only time we react is to an external stimulus This is the difference between a thermometer and a thermostat Thermometer only reacts to the external environment Thermostat adjusts the settings of the environment If we are only going through life reacting to events then we are just being a thermometer This isn’t bad, but it shouldn’t be our end destination. Think of these moments as our call to action. David vs. Goliath Example of Moses Kills a man Almost kills a person again Comes back as a change agent Rather than just getting mad at the person who is saying these terrible things about the poor. Go and give to the poor. [2:274] Those who give to charity night and day, secretly and publicly, receive their recompense from their Lord; they will have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. [3:92] You cannot attain righteousness until you give to charity from the possessions you love. Whatever you give to charity, GOD is fully aware thereof. [25:63] The worshipers of the Most Gracious are those who tread the earth gently, and when the ignorant speak to them, they only utter peace. [84:19] You will move from stage to stage. Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. [3:175] It is the devil's system to instill fear into his subjects. Do not fear them and fear Me instead, if you are believers. The devil wants to fear, to incite, to get you outraged But fear and outrage are not virtues The question is what do you do when you experience them? 7 stages of grief Shock & Denial Pain & guilt Anger & bargaining Depression, reflection, loneliness The upward turn Reconstruction and working through Acceptance and hope Why so angry? Same thing we go from fear to love of God. [72:13] " `When we heard the guidance, we believed therein. Anyone who believes in his Lord will never fear any injustice, nor any affliction. Injustice only exists if you don’t believe in a Hereafter [4:79] Anything good that happens to you is from GOD, and anything bad that happens to you is from you. We have sent you as a messenger to the people, and GOD suffices as witness. It is easier to destroy than to build ************************************ Why do people like spicy food? Believed to originally be because to mask the taste of food particularly meat that was not fresh. Found that in climates the more hot the more the use of spices in their recipes But this for the most part no longer applies as we have plenty of access to fresh meat by means of refrigeration yet I don’t think there is a decline in human desire towards spicy food With the exception of the tree shrews, I don’t think there is any other mammal that has a fondness of spicy food https://www.mnn.com/food/healthy-eating/stories/man-is-the-only-animal-to-find-pleasure-in-the-pain-of-peppers https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/21/science/21peppers.html?pagewanted=2&_r=2&ref=science https://www.thrillist.com/health/nation/what-makes-some-people-like-spicy-food-and-others-hate-it And the only reason that tree shrews like particular chili peppers is because they have a mutation that lowers the sensitivity to the compound that gives spicy food that burning sensation in all other mammals. Dr. Paul Bloom: “How Pleasure Works: The New Science of Why We Like What We Like,” First we do it because we see other people doing it Then since we do it we convince ourselves that we like it Then we start actually liking it Then we want more and more of it to the point that regular food just tastes bland without it This shows how we can train ourselves to like unpalatable things This can be true for much of what we do. Outrage associate the feeling with excitement Animals, for the most part, don’t get angry (monkey grapes and cucumbers experiment) Outrage is a learned behavior Entice / provoke - devils tool [17:64] "You may entice them with your voice, and mobilize all your forces and all your men against them, and share in their money and children, and promise them. Anything the devil promises is no more than an illusion. How cheap is your happiness? When we get angry and stay in a state of anger we are showing that we are doubting God’s promise… [4:85] Whoever mediates a good deed receives a share of the credit ther

Which friend would you value more? Friend #1 If you go out to eat they cover the bill If you are going to watch Netflix or go to a movie they let you pick what to watch They let you pick the music when you are driving They take care of you when you are sick They even cook and clean for you In short, they expect very little in return just some appreciation Friend #2 They always want to pick what to watch If you go out to eat they expect you to cover the bill If they don’t get their way they yell at you and get angry They expect you to do things for them - to cook for them and clean up after them In short, expect everything from you and provide very little in return Why do we have more favor towards our children rather than our parents? It doesn’t make sense our parents raised us, they took care of us, they fed us, provided us with shelter and protection, they poured tons of money and made huge sacrifices to raise us… yet our children do the opposite They complain, they are mean to us, they demand things, they expect us to do things for them and to take care of them. Not all of us are parents but all of us were children Cake Mix https://www.bonappetit.com/entertaining-style/pop-culture/article/cake-mix-history When they first introduced cake mix in the 1930s it wasn’t a success until the 1950’s The reason was that prior to 1950’s all one needed to do was just add water, There was no sense of ownership or accomplishment - can’t take credit In the 1950s they changed it where you would need to add eggs / sometimes butter and all of a sudden it was a big success? You would think adding steps would be worse, but it made people’s love of the product more Ikea Effect – Dan Ariely The more effort we put into something the more we like it Paper Origami experiment Split up into two groups: Builder and Buyers The builders would make the origami and the buyers would value the work Builders value their work as more valuable then buyers But builders also thought that other people would love their work more than they actually did When they re-did the experiment and gave more difficult instructions regarding how to make the origami (so they took out some of the detail) the builders liked their work even more and the buyers valued it even less This only holds true if the builder has something to show for in their endeavor - if they are left with a disappointed crumpled paper then this does not hold true. Or if you cook dinner you think it taste better than others Or if you make art The effort we put into it is a big portion of how much we value it Example of Adam and Eve - they were in Paradise they had everything it was just given to them, yet they gave it all up because they didn’t value what they had. Abraham [37:95] He said, "How can you worship what you carve? [37:96] "When GOD has created you, and everything you make!” [26:69] Narrate to them Abraham's history. [26:70] He said to his father and his people, "What is this you are worshiping?" [26:71] They said, "We worship statues; we are totally devoted to them." [26:72] He said, "Can they hear you when you implore? [26:73] "Can they benefit you, or harm you?" [26:74] They said, "No; but we found our parents doing this." [26:75] He said, "Do you see these idols that you worship. [26:76] "You and your ancestors. [26:77] "I am against them, for I am devoted only to the Lord of the universe. [26:78] "The One who created me, and guided me. [26:79] "The One who feeds me and waters me. [26:80] "And when I get sick, He heals me. [26:81] "The One who puts me to death, then brings me back to life. [26:82] "The One who hopefully will forgive my sins on the Day of Judgment. [9:24] Proclaim: "If your parents, your children, your siblings, your spouses, your family, the money you have earned, a business you worry about, and the homes you cherish are more beloved to you than GOD and His messenger, and the striving in His cause, then just wait until GOD brings His judgment." GOD does not guide the wicked people. [30:7] They care only about things of this world that are visible to them, while being totally oblivious to the Hereafter. So we are here to learn appreciation for God and all that He has given us [90:4] We created the human being to work hard (to redeem himself).* This is the reason I believe God has set up rules and commandments for us to follow so we can earn our appreciation Getting up for Salat and performing it 5 times a day Giving Zakat Giving to charity Fasting during Ramadan War, fight battles, or persecution and oppression We are working hard to foster the love with God that He deserves The reason we are unappreciative is because we don’t value what we have not earned. Go to a restaurant and get a food that is slightly off and we complain Make a meal ourselves that at best could be considered so-so and we think it is the most delicious meal - and we contemplate opening a restaurant. Go give someone a $1000 and see how much they value that money versus the person who e

Animals and Birds: Submitting Creatures [6:38] All the creatures on earth, and all the birds that fly with wings, are communities like you. We did not leave anything out of this book. To their Lord, all these creatures will be summoned. List of animals mentioned in the Quran: Elephant, Zebra, Lion, Fly, Mosquito, Raven, Camel, Sheep, goats, cattle, birds, dog, pig, ape, monkey, Cow, fish, serpent, donkey, locusts, butterfly, lice, frogs, horses, mules, quails, snake, wolf, Hoopoe, Spider, Ant, Bee, Eusocial - (of an animal species, especially an insect) showing an advanced level of social organization, in which a single female or caste produces the offspring and nonreproductive individuals cooperate in caring for the young. Ants, Bees, Termites Ant roles David and Solomon [27:15] We endowed David and Solomon with knowledge, and they said, "Praise GOD for blessing us more than many of His believing servants." [27:16] Solomon was David's heir. He said, "O people, we have been endowed with understanding the language of the birds, and all kinds of things have been bestowed upon us. This is indeed a real blessing." [27:17] Mobilized in the service of Solomon were his obedient soldiers of jinns and humans, as well as the birds; all at his disposal. [27:18] When they approached the valley of the ants, one ant said, "O you ants, go into your homes, lest you get crushed by Solomon and his soldiers, without perceiving.” [27:19] He smiled and laughed at her statement, and said, "My Lord, direct me to be appreciative of the blessings You have bestowed upon me and my parents, and to do the righteous works that please You. Admit me by Your mercy into the company of Your righteous servants.” Ant Colony As the ant colony matures they are not as quick to go to battle and wage war against competing colonies Bees vs. Wasp A single wasp can take on hundreds of bees killing unto 30 in a single attack The bees fight back when the wasp stops to rest. They will lock onto the wasp in a group and start to vibrate in unison increasing the temperature inside their huddle till it cooks the wasp to death Operate as a single organism Termite Mounds [34:14] When the appointed time for his death came, they had no clue that he had died. Not until one of the animals (a creature of the earth) tried to eat his staff, and he fell down, that the jinns realized that he was dead. They thus realized that if they really knew the unseen, they would have stopped working so hard as soon as he died. Never would the heart be so selfish to keep all the blood for itself Operate by choice not by force Disbelievers use force and intimidation / believers use logic and reason Pharaoh and Moses and Believing Egyptian [20:47] "Go to him and say, 'We are two messengers from your Lord. Let the Children of Israel go. You must refrain from persecuting them. We bring a sign from your Lord, and peace is the lot of those who heed the guidance. [20:69] "Throw what you hold in your right hand, and it will swallow what they fabricated. What they fabricated is no more than the scheming of a magician. The magician's work will not succeed." [20:70] The magicians fell prostrate, saying, "We believe in the Lord of Aaron and Moses." [20:71] He said, "Did you believe in him without my permission? He must be your chief; the one who taught you magic. I will surely sever your hands and feet on alternate sides. I will crucify you on the palm trunks. You will find out which of us can inflict the worst retribution, and who outlasts whom.” Are you going to force us [7:88] The arrogant leaders among his people said, "We will evict you, O Shu'aib, together with those who believed with you, from our town, unless you revert to our religion." He said, "Are you going to force us? [7:89] "We would be blaspheming against GOD if we reverted to your religion after GOD has saved us from it. How could we revert back to it against the will of GOD our Lord? Our Lord's knowledge encompasses all things. We have put our trust in GOD. Our Lord, grant us a decisive victory over our people. You are the best supporter." Cain and Able The First Murder* [5:27] Recite for them the true history of Adam's two sons. They made an offering, and it was accepted from one of them, but not from the other. He said, "I will surely kill you." He said, "GOD accepts only from the righteous. [5:28] "If you extend your hand to kill me, I am not extending my hand to kill you. For I reverence GOD, Lord of the universe. [5:29] "I want you, not me, to bear my sin and your sin, then you end up with the dwellers of Hell. Such is the requital for the transgressors." [5:30] His ego provoked him into killing his brother. He killed him, and ended up with the losers. [5:31] GOD then sent a raven to scratch the soil, to teach him how to bury his brother's corpse. He said, "Woe to me; I failed to be as intelligent as this raven, and bury my brother's corpse." He became ridden with remorse. Abraham and father (stone you) [19:45] "O my fat

Subscribe to the podcast and show notes: https://qurantalk.podbean.com/ Quran translation on iOS: https://apple.co/2C1YGXj Additional Resources: http://www.masjidtucson.org Contact: qurantalk (at) gmail (dot) com If you could have a super power what would it be? Would you want to fly like Superman - faster than a speeding bullet Or teleportation like Nightcrawler Would you want to be super smart like professor Xavier Or have rehealing process like Wolverine or an adamantium skeleton As you are thinking which superpower you would want to have pay attention to your thought process? What are you thinking as you are assessing any one of these superpowers? Are you thinking that maybe if you had the ability to fly that you would never have to pay for a plane ticket again or commute to work Are you thinking that maybe if you had super strength you could be a professional athlete, join the Olympics, impress people at the gym? Or if you were super smart you could be the world’s best investor or be the next Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg and imagine how much money you could make? So did you think of what superpower you want and did you pay attention to what made you want to select that superpower? If so, now ask yourself did the reason you want that superpower was so you could benefit others or so you could benefit yourself? If it was to benefit yourself then I am sorry to tell you this but that would make you more akin to being a supervillain and not a superhero. A supervillain is someone who has superpowers that they utilize to benefit themselves A superhero on the other hand has superpowers and their being revolves around using these superpowers to help others What is funny is you can ask hundreds of people this question and rarely will you hear someone say they would use their superpower to fight crime. People like to think that when they watch a movie like Schindler’s List that they would be Schindler But realistically they are much more likely to be one of the Nazi’s or the many who didn’t fight the status quo and quietly went along hoping they wouldn’t be drawn to attention God has given each of us God-given [2:3] who believe in the unseen, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat)*, and from our provisions to them, they give to charity. Moses had strength Moses Commits Manslaughter [28:15] Once he entered the city unexpectedly, without being recognized by the people. He found two men fighting; one was (a Hebrew) from his people, and the other was (an Egyptian) from his enemies. The one from his people called on him for help against his enemy. Moses punched him, killing him. He said, "This is the work of the devil; he is a real enemy, and a profound misleader." [28:16] He said, "My Lord, I have wronged my soul. Please forgive me," and He forgave him. He is the Forgiver, Most Merciful. [28:17] He said, "My Lord, in return for Your blessings upon me, I will never be a supporter of the guilty ones." [28:18] In the morning, he was in the city, afraid and watchful. The one who sought his help yesterday, asked for his help again. Moses said to him, "You are really a troublemaker." Moses' Crime Exposed [28:19] Before he attempted to strike their common enemy, he said, "O Moses, do you want to kill me, as you killed the other man yesterday? Obviously, you wish to be a tyrant on earth; you do not wish to be righteous." [28:20] A man came running from the other side of the city, saying, "O Moses, the people are plotting to kill you. You better leave immediately. I am giving you good advice." [28:21] He fled the city, afraid and watchful. He said, "My Lord, save me from the oppressive people.” [28:22] As he traveled towards Midyan, he said, "May my Lord guide me in the right path." [28:23] When he reached Midyan's water, he found a crowd of people watering, and noticed two women waiting on the side. He said, "What is it that you need?" They said, "We are not able to water, until the crowd disperses, and our father is an old man." [28:24] He watered for them, then turned to the shade, saying, "My Lord, whatever provision You send to me, I am in dire need for it.” Sir Nicholas Winton from London (late 20’s) WWII Prague saved 669 children On a ski vacation to Switzerland 1938 violence against Jews was escalating went to Prague Czechoslovakia to see if there is anything he could do to help For almost 50 years he hardly told anyone about what he had accomplished For almost 50 years the children didn’t know who saved them or how October 1st 1938 Nazi’s march into Czechoslovakia Prague the Czech capital was flooded with people trying to escape A fortunate few were able to send their children abroad Back in London Winton was a successful stock broker with a passion for sports Winton went to go visit the camps in Czech where people were displaced and it was cold some 150k people Winton wanted to see how he could at least get the children out of there He had no experience in this work No country would take any of the children and started

What do you think the proper response should be for people who wish us ill? People who want to see us abandon God and our religion. People that want to see us disbelieve? [2:109] Many followers of the scripture would rather see you revert to disbelief, now that you have believed. This is due to jealousy on their part, after the truth has become evident to them. You shall pardon them, and leave them alone, until GOD issues His judgment. GOD is Omnipotent. [2:110] You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat). Any good you send forth on behalf of your souls, you will find it at GOD. GOD is seer of everything you do. Don’t Get Mad, Get Even Don’t Get Mad, Get More Righteous [15:94] Therefore, carry out the orders given to you, and disregard the idol worshipers. [15:95] We will spare you the mockers, [15:96] who set up another god beside GOD. They will surely find out. [15:97] We know full well that you may be annoyed by their utterances. [15:98] You shall sing the praises of your Lord, and be with the prostrators. [15:99] And worship your Lord, in order to attain certainty.* If you want to get vengeance become a better person If you spend the energy to get the revenge on improving your soul the rewards will be far better: [2:245] Who would lend GOD a loan of righteousness, to have it repaid to them multiplied manifold? GOD is the One who provides and withholds, and to Him you will be returned. [2:261] The example of those who spend their monies in the cause of GOD is that of a grain that produces seven spikes, with a hundred grains in each spike. GOD multiplies this manifold for whomever He wills. GOD is Bounteous, Knower. Think about all the time we spend mulling over in our heads about how we were wronged, I can’t believe they did that, how can I retaliate…If instead we spend that time making our selves a better person not only will we be better off spiritually but also emotionally and mentally [13:22] They steadfastly persevere in seeking their Lord, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), spend from our provisions to them secretly and publicly, and counter evil with good. These have deserved the best abode. [28:54] To these we grant twice the reward, because they steadfastly persevere. They counter evil works with good works, and from our provisions to them, they give. [28:55] When they come across vain talk, they disregard it and say, "We are responsible for our deeds, and you are responsible for your deeds. Peace be upon you. We do not wish to behave like the ignorant ones.” [3:134] who give to charity during the good times, as well as the bad times. They are suppressors of anger, and pardoners of the people. GOD loves the charitable. When we hold on to anger and resentment, we are only hurting ourselves. holding onto anger is like holding a hot coal with the intention of throwing it at someone else. [23:96] Therefore, counter their evil works with goodness; we are fully aware of their claims. To Be Protected From Satan [23:97] Say, "My Lord, I seek refuge in You from the whispers of the devils. [23:98] "And I seek refuge in You, my Lord, lest they come near me.” Submitters [41:33] Who can utter better words than one who invites to GOD, works righteousness, and says, "I am one of the submitters"? [41:34] Not equal is the good response and the bad response. You shall resort to the nicest possible response. Thus, the one who used to be your enemy, may become your best friend. [41:35] None can attain this except those who steadfastly persevere. None can attain this except those who are extremely fortunate. Example of Joseph and his brothers or the governor's wife When the Devil Entices You [41:36] When the devil whispers an idea to you, you shall seek refuge in GOD. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [7:198] When you invite them to the guidance, they do not hear. And you see them looking at you, but they do not see. [7:199] You shall resort to pardon, advocate tolerance, and disregard the ignorant. [7:200] When the devil whispers to you any whisper, seek refuge in GOD; He is Hearer, Omniscient. [7:201] Those who are righteous, whenever the devil approaches them with an idea, they remember, whereupon they become seers. [7:202] Their brethren ceaselessly entice them to go astray. Don’t pray that it is easier pray to be better Do Not Use Bad Language [4:148] GOD does not like the utterance of bad language, unless one is treated with gross injustice. GOD is Hearer, Knower. [4:149] If you work righteousness—either declared or concealed—or pardon a transgression, GOD is Pardoner, Omnipotent. Joseph sold to slavery - did better Joseph sent to prison - did better Or Joseph’s prison mate forgetting about him [4:146] Only those who repent, reform, hold fast to GOD, and devote their religion absolutely to GOD alone, will be counted with the believers. GOD will bless the believers with a great recompense. [4:147] What will GOD gain from punishing you, if you became appreciative and b

Don’t Turn God’s Blessing into Idols God gave each of us so many blessings [16:18] If you count God's blessings, you cannot possibly encompass them. God is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [14:34] And He gives you all kinds of things that you implore Him for. If you count God's blessings, you can never encompass them. Indeed, the human being is transgressing, unappreciative. When God blesses us we have a tendency to turn those blessings into idols that actually repulse us from God and from acting in a way that is pleasing to him [41:50] And when we bless him after suffering some adversity, he says, "This belongs to me. I do not believe that the Hour will ever come to pass. Even if I am returned to my Lord, I will find at Him better things." Most certainly, we will inform the disbelievers of all their works, and will commit them to severe retribution. [17:83] When we bless the human being, he becomes preoccupied and heedless. But when adversity strikes him, he turns despondent. Exodus 12:31-36 The Exodus Begins 31Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, “Get up, leave my people, both you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested. 32Take your flocks and herds as well, just as you have said, and depart! And bless me also.” 33 And in order to send them out of the land quickly, the Egyptians urged the people on. “For otherwise,” they said, “we are all going to die!” 34 So the people took their dough before it was leavened, carrying it on their shoulders in kneading bowls wrapped in clothing. 35 Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. 36 And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians. [20:87] They said, "We did not break our agreement with you on purpose. But we were loaded down with jewelry, and decided to throw our loads in. This is what the Samarian suggested." [20:88] He produced for them a sculpted calf, complete with a calf's sound. They said, "This is your god, and the god of Moses." Thus, he forgot. [20:89] Could they not see that it neither responded to them, nor possessed any power to harm them, or benefit them When we become slaves to these blessings we are making these blessings into our idols When we idolize something we are slaves to that thing Slave to our children Our spouses Our business Our property Our selves Our ego [2:61] Recall that you said, "O Moses, we can no longer tolerate one kind of food. Call upon your Lord to produce for us such earthly crops as beans, cucumbers, garlic, lentils, and onions." He said, "Do you wish to substitute that which is inferior for that which is good? Go down to Egypt, where you can find what you asked for." They have incurred condemnation, humiliation, and disgrace, and brought upon themselves wrath from GOD. This is because they rejected GOD's revelations, and killed the prophets unjustly. This is because they disobeyed and transgressed. [14:7] Your Lord has decreed: "The more you thank Me, the more I give you." But if you turn unappreciative, then My retribution is severe. Whatever occupies our mind most of the day becomes our idol [33:41] O you who believe, you shall remember GOD frequently. [33:42] You shall glorify Him day and night. Those who make this world a priority are like those who only drink salt water. It will never quench their thirst and it will only make them more thirsty But those who make the hereafter their priority this is like drinking fresh water. Not only are you going to feel full but your body and soul will actually be hydrated. [24:39] As for those who disbelieve, their works are like a mirage in the desert. A thirsty person thinks that it is water. But when he reaches it, he finds that it is nothing, and he finds God there instead, to requite him fully for his works. God is the most efficient reckoner. [13:14] Imploring Him is the only legitimate supplication, while the idols they implore beside Him, cannot ever respond. Thus, they are like those who stretch their hands to the water, but nothing reaches their mouths. The supplications of the disbelievers are in vain. Idolizing Our Children Our Children Can be Idols [7:189] He created you from one person (Adam). Subsequently, He gives every man a mate to find tranquility with her. She then carries a light load that she can hardly notice. As the load gets heavier, they implore GOD their Lord: "If You give us a good baby, we will be appreciative." [7:190] But when He gives them a good baby, they turn His gift into an idol that rivals Him. GOD be exalted, far above any partnership. [7:191] Is it not a fact that they are idolizing idols who create nothing, and are themselves created? [64:14] O you who believe, your spouses and your children can be your enemies; beware. If you pardon, forget, and forgive, then God is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [9:85] Do not be impressed by their mone

[3:154] …They said, "If it was up to us, none of us would have been killed in this battle." Say, "Had you stayed in your homes, those destined to be killed would have crawled into their death beds." [3:156] O you who believe, do not be like those who disbelieved and said of their kinsmen who traveled or mobilized for war, "Had they stayed with us, they would not have died or gotten killed." GOD renders this a source of grief in their hearts. GOD controls life and death. GOD is Seer of everything you do. Never fear never grief [16:1] GOD's command has already been issued (and everything has already been written), so do not rush it.* Be He glorified; the Most High, far above any idols they set up. [57:22] Anything that happens on earth, or to you, has already been recorded, even before the creation. This is easy for GOD to do. Moses and his Teacher [18:68] "How can you stand that which you do not comprehend?” Moses mother threw Moses into the river Jospeh’s brother threw him into the well Gross Injustice / Bad Language [4:148] GOD does not like the utterance of bad language, unless one is treated with gross injustice. GOD is Hearer, Knower. [4:43] O you who believe, do not observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) while intoxicated, so that you know what you are saying. [5:90] O you who believe, intoxicants, and gambling, and the altars of idols, and the games of chance are abominations of the devil; you shall avoid them, that you may succeed. Was Joseph thrown into prison bad? [2:281] Beware of the day when you are returned to GOD, and every soul is paid for everything it had done, without the least injustice. Shows we believe in the Hereafter [4:40] GOD does not inflict an atom's weight of injustice. On the contrary, He multiplies the reward manifold for the righteous work, and grants from Him a great recompense. If you believe God is doing everything we would never fear injustice [72:13] "'When we heard the guidance, we believed therein. Anyone who believes in his Lord will never fear any injustice, nor any affliction. To God belongs the ultimate scheming - He holds all the cards [13:42] Others before them have schemed, but to GOD belongs the ultimate scheming. He knows what everyone is doing. The disbelievers will find out who the ultimate winners are. [8:30] The disbelievers plot and scheme to neutralize you, or kill you, or banish you. However, they plot and scheme, but so does GOD. GOD is the best schemer. Coyote and the Road Runner Knowing God [10:61] You do not get into any situation, nor do you recite any Quran, nor do you do anything, without us being witnesses thereof as you do it. Not even an atom's weight is out of your Lord's control, be it in the heavens or the earth. Nor is there anything smaller than an atom, or larger, that is not recorded in a profound record. Happiness: Now and Forever* [10:62] Absolutely, GOD's allies have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. [10:63] They are those who believe and lead a righteous life. [10:64] For them, joy and happiness in this world, as well as in the Hereafter. This is GOD's unchangeable law. Such is the greatest triumph.

[6:59] With Him are the keys to all secrets; none knows them except He.

[2:49/7:141] Recall that we saved you from Pharaoh's people who inflicted upon you the worst persecution, slaying your sons and sparing your daughters. That was an exacting test from your Lord. [14:6] Recall that Moses said to his people, "Remember GOD's blessings upon you. He saved you from Pharaoh's people who inflicted the worst persecution upon you, slaughtering your sons and sparing your daughters. That was an exacting trial from your Lord.” Some people read this and think it is sexist, why is this the worst persecution? What kind of a society is that for the women who survive where their warriors and protectors have been killed? Sexual assault against women higher in colleges where the women % is higher than the men [3:195] Their Lord responded to them: "I never fail to reward any worker among you for any work you do, be you male or female—you are equal to one another… [4:32] You shall not covet the qualities bestowed upon each other by GOD; the men enjoy certain qualities, and the women enjoy certain qualities. You may implore GOD to shower you with His grace. GOD is fully aware of all things. With every privilege comes responsibility [4:34] The men are made responsible for the women, and GOD has endowed them with certain qualities, and made them the bread earners. [4:75] Why should you not fight in the cause of GOD when weak men, women, and children are imploring: "Our Lord, deliver us from this community whose people are oppressive, and be You our Lord and Master.” [4:98] Exempted are the weak men, women, and children who do not possess the strength, nor the means to find a way out. [2:246] Have you noted the leaders of Israel after Moses? They said to their prophet, "If you appoint a king to lead us, we will fight in the cause of GOD." He said, "Is it your intention that, if fighting is decreed for you, you will not fight?" They said, "Why should we not fight in the cause of GOD, when we have been deprived of our homes, and our children?" Yet, when fighting was decreed for them, they turned away, except a few. GOD is aware of the transgressors. Rules of War* [2:190] You may fight in the cause of GOD against those who attack you, but do not aggress. GOD does not love the aggressors. [2:191] You may kill those who wage war against you, and you may evict them whence they evicted you. Oppression is worse than murder. Do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque (Masjid), unless they attack you therein. If they attack you, you may kill them. This is the just retribution for those disbelievers. [2:192] If they refrain, then GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [2:193] You may also fight them to eliminate oppression, and to worship GOD freely. If they refrain, you shall not aggress; aggression is permitted only against the aggressors. "The society that separates its scholars from its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting by fools” [43:16] Has He chosen from among His creations daughters for Himself, while blessing you with sons? [43:17] When one of them is given news (of a daughter) as they claimed for the Most Gracious, his face is darkened with misery and anger! [43:18] (They say,) "What is good about an offspring that is brought up to be beautiful, and cannot help in war?" [43:19] They claimed that the angels, who are servants of the Most Gracious, are females! Have they witnessed their creation? Their claims are recorded, and they will be asked. [37:149] Ask them if your Lord has daughters, while they have sons! [37:150] Did we create the angels to be females? Did they witness that? [37:151] Indeed, they grossly blaspheme when they say— [37:152] "GOD has begotten a son." Indeed, they are liars. [37:153] Did He choose the girls over the boys? [37:154] What is wrong with your logic? [37:155] Why do you not take heed? [37:156] Do you have any proof? [37:157] Show us your book, if you are truthful. [19:90] The heavens are about to shatter, the earth is about to tear asunder, and the mountains are about to crumble. [19:91] Because they claim that the Most Gracious has begotten a son. [19:92] It is not befitting the Most Gracious that He should beget a son. [19:93] Every single one in the heavens and the earth is a servant of the Most Gracious. [19:35] It does not befit GOD that He begets a son, be He glorified. To have anything done, He simply says to it, "Be," and it is. [112:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful [112:1] Proclaim, "He is the One and only GOD. [112:2] "The Absolute GOD. [112:3] "Never did He beget. Nor was He begotten. [112:4] "None equals Him.” [43:81] Proclaim: "If the Most Gracious did have a son, I would still be the foremost worshiper.”

One of the key tenants is not to lie or bear false witness But there is a form of lying that most people overlook, don’t acknowledge or give a pass to and this is what makes it so dangerous It is called intellectual dishonesty We each have beliefs that we hold, either religious or non-religious, that we consider to be true. And it is scary to think that we have understandings and belief that may not be true. So rather than try to understand these fallacies that we may believe we ignore them. A description of a submitter should be truth-seeker, a person who loves the truth irrespective where it takes us. [43:78] "We have given you the truth, but most of you hate the truth." We all consider ourselves virtuous. We think that we would be on the side of righteousness. We try to avoid the disconnect we would feel to think that some of our beliefs may not be true. Don’t believe everything you think. My favorite definition of Truth is that which does not change. If we think we have the truth then that means there is no evidence that will change our belief But as Submitters we are constantly learning and evolving our beliefs. Foundationally our belief in God, in the last Day and leading a righteous life should never change, but as we learn our understanding continues to evolve and progress. But the only way that is going to happen is by being receptive to different points of views. Most people, when presented with differing points of views, will become immediately defensive. They see a different point of view as an attack on themselves [8:8] For He has decreed that the truth shall prevail, and the falsehood shall vanish, in spite of the evildoers. [17:81] Proclaim, "The truth has prevailed, and falsehood has vanished; falsehood will inevitably vanish.” If our beliefs are true they will stand on their own The truth doesn’t need us to exagerate, to fabricate or morph the other side argument to make it seem more appealing It is tempting to demonize the other side before you assess the validity of their argument Often times people believe that “My side is right the other side are terrible human beings” Or they cannot perceive how a decent human being can have a different opinion than they do They think that anyone who disagrees with me is an idiot = they can’t be right and they must be stopped We need to separate the beliefs we hold from ourselves This form of tribalism will not draw us any closer to God. You Shall Not Bear False Witness [4:135] O you who believe, you shall be absolutely equitable, and observe GOD, when you serve as witnesses, even against yourselves, or your parents, or your relatives. Whether the accused is rich or poor, GOD takes care of both. Therefore, do not be biased by your personal wishes. If you deviate or disregard (this commandment), then GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do. In the Quran God tells us: How to Spread God's Message [16:125] You shall invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kind enlightenment, and debate with them in the best possible manner. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best who are the guided ones. It is tempting when debating with others to frame their argument in the weakest form imaginable or even worse to twist the other sides viewpoints to make them seem ridiculous to believe This is called a straw-man argument When we do this we are being intellectually dishonest We are framing the other side in a manner that they are not representing and when we do this we are bearing false witness: [5:8] O you who believe, you shall be absolutely equitable, and observe GOD, when you serve as witnesses. Do not be provoked by your conflicts with some people into committing injustice. You shall be absolutely equitable, for it is more righteous. You shall observe GOD. GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do. When we lie we are revealing our insecurity and trying to preserve our egos Create the strongest form of argument for the other side. One that they agree to and then begin to tear it down. At the same time you understand your position even better If the end goal is to come to the truth and better understanding then we shouldn’t be insecure in our belief. Ad hominem attack Example of Moses (fugitive, hardly speak, crazy) Example of Noah (worst among us first to follow you) [26:111] They said, "How can we believe with you, when the worst among us have followed you?" Be Lenient [66:3] The prophet had trusted some of his wives with a certain statement, then one of them spread it, and GOD let him know about it. He then informed his wife of part of the issue, and disregarded part. She asked him, "Who informed you of this?" He said, "I was informed by the Omniscient, Most Cognizant.” Just like God overlooks many of our sins, give people the benefit of the doubt. If they say they meant something else in their message or that they misspoke give them that courtesy. When we are being intellectually dishonest we are attempting to exalt oursel

So who is the Quran for? Is it for the Arabs? Yes, it is written in Arabic, but it surprisingly does not speak well of the Arabs. It is interesting that the group of people that is addressed the most is the Children of Israel [68:52] It is in fact a message to the world. [38:87] "This is a reminder for the world. Arabs only mentioned ~9 times in the Quran and most the mentions do not speak highly of them Moses is the most frequently cited prophet in the Quran Muhammad mentioned 4 times Jesus / Adam each mentioned 25 times Abraham 69 times Moses is mentioned 136 The Quran is a book meant for the Children of Israel (39 times) Divine Commandments to All Jews: "You Shall Believe in This Quran." [2:40] O Children of Israel, remember My favor, which I bestowed upon you, and fulfill your part of the covenant, that I fulfill My part of the covenant, and reverence Me. [2:41] You shall believe in what I have revealed herein, confirming what you have; do not be the first to reject it. Do not trade away My revelations for a cheap price, and observe Me. [2:42] Do not confound the truth with falsehood, nor shall you conceal the truth, knowingly. [2:47] O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I blessed you more than any other people. [2:48] Beware of the day when no soul can avail another soul, no intercession will be accepted, no ransom can be paid, nor can anyone be helped. Interesting that God sent Moses to Pharaoh who had a speech impediment and similarly God sent the Quran in Arabic to the Children of Israel [2:49] Recall that we saved you from Pharaoh's people who inflicted upon you the worst persecution, slaying your sons and sparing your daughters. That was an exacting test from your Lord. [2:50] Recall that we parted the sea for you; we saved you and drowned Pharaoh's people before your eyes. [2:51] Yet, when we summoned Moses for forty nights, you worshiped the calf in his absence, and turned wicked. [2:52] Still, we pardoned you thereafter that you may be appreciative. [2:53] Recall that we gave Moses scripture and the statute book, that you may be guided. As expected from the Creator's final message, one of the prominent themes in the Quran is the call for unity among all believers, and the repeated prohibition of making any distinction among God's messengers. If the object of worship is one and the same, there will be absolute unity among all believers. It is the human factor, i.e., devotion and prejudice to such powerless humans as Jesus, Muhammad, and the saints that causes division, hatred, and bitter wars among the misguided believers. A guided believer is devoted to God ALONE, and rejoices in seeing any other believer who is devoted to God ALONE, regardless of the name such a believer calls his or her religion. Unity of All Submitters [2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. Honoring Previous Scripture [5:44] We have sent down the Torah, containing guidance and light. Ruling in accordance with it were the Jewish prophets, as well as the rabbis and the priests, as dictated to them in GOD's scripture, and as witnessed by them. Therefore, do not reverence human beings; you shall reverence Me instead. And do not trade away My revelations for a cheap price. Those who do not rule in accordance with GOD's revelations, are the disbelievers. The Gospel of Jesus: Guidance and Light [5:46] Subsequent to them, we sent Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming the previous scripture, the Torah. We gave him the Gospel, containing guidance and light, and confirming the previous scriptures, the Torah, and augmenting its guidance and light, and to enlighten the righteous. [5:47] The people of the Gospel shall rule in accordance with GOD's revelations therein. Those who do not rule in accordance with GOD's revelations are the wicked. Quran: The Ultimate Reference [5:48] Then we revealed to you this scripture, truthfully, confirming previous scriptures, and superseding them. You shall rule among them in accordance with GOD's revelations, and do not follow their wishes if they differ from the truth that came to you. For each of you, we have decreed laws and different rites. Had GOD willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He thus puts you to the test through the revelations He has given each of you. You shall compete in righteousness. To GOD is your final destiny—all of you—then He will inform you of everything you had disputed. A Witness From the Children of Israel [46:10] Proclaim: “What if it is from God, and you disbelieved in it? A witness from the Children of Israel has borne witness to a similar phenomenon, and he has believed, while you have turned too arrogant to believe. God does not guide the wicked.” The following quotation is taken

[1:1] In the name of GOD, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. [1:2] Praise be to GOD, Lord of the universe. [1:3] Most Gracious, Most Merciful. [1:4] Master of the Day of Judgment. [1:5] You alone we worship; You alone we ask for help. [1:6] Guide us in the right path; [1:7] the path of those whom You blessed; not of those who have deserved wrath, nor of the strayers. 2:62/5:69 Unity of All Submitters [2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. Awesome aspect of a fractal it has infinite perimeter but a fixed volume [31:27] If all the trees on earth were made into pens, and the ocean supplied the ink, augmented by seven more oceans, the words of GOD would not run out. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise. [18:109] Say, "If the ocean were ink for the words of my Lord, the ocean would run out, before the words of my Lord run out, even if we double the ink supply." Mathematical Structure of The Quran Verses 6234 + 112 = 6346 = 19x334 Sura 114 = 19 x 6 This was discovered and published in 1974 Sura 74 is the only chapter that mentions the number 19 The Quran's Common Denominator [74:30] Over it is nineteen. [74:31] We appointed angels to be guardians of Hell, and we assigned their number (19) (1) to disturb the disbelievers, (2) to convince the Christians and Jews (that this is a divine scripture), (3) to strengthen the faith of the faithful, (4) to remove all traces of doubt from the hearts of Christians, Jews, as well as the believers, and (5) to expose those who harbor doubt in their hearts, and the disbelievers; they will say, "What did GOD mean by this allegory?" GOD thus sends astray whomever He wills, and guides whomever He wills. None knows the soldiers of your Lord except He. This is a reminder for the people. [74:32] Absolutely, (I swear) by the moon. [74:33] And the night as it passes. [74:34] And the morning as it shines. One of the Great Miracles [74:35] This is one of the great miracles. [74:36] A warning to the human race. 74:31 has 57 words = 19 x 3 First 19 verses of Sura 74 contains 57 words = 19x3 words The number of words from the beginning of sura 74 to 74:30 where it mentions “nineteen" = 19 x5 = 95 words The number of letters from the beginning of sura 74 to the word “nineteen” in 74:30 = 361 = 19 x 19 letters Sura 42 and 50 both contain the letter Q The occurrence of the letter Q in both chapters is 57 despite sura 42 being twice as long as sura 57 50:1 Q. And the glorious Quran 57 + 57 = 114 = 19 x 6 (number of suras in the Quran) This Quran is mentioned in the Quran 57 times = 19 x 3 Majid = glorious = M(40) + J(3) + I(10) + D(4) = 57 = 19 x 3 Sura 42 contains 53 verses = 42 + 53 = 95 = 19x5 Sura 50 contains 45 verses = 50 + 45 = 95 = 19 x5 If you count the letter Q in every 19th verses of the Quran you get 76 = 19 x 4 42 also contains the letters ASQ. HM ‘ASQ = 209 = 19 x 11 (Ayn Seen Qaf) ‘A = 98 Seen = 54 Q = 57 HM occurs in suras 40 - 46 for a total occurrence of 2147 = 19 x 113 Sura 96:1-5 is the first revelation of the Quran [96:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful [96:1] Read, in the name of your Lord, who created. [96:2] He created man from an embryo. [96:3] Read, and your Lord, Most Exalted. [96:4] Teaches by means of the pen. [96:5] He teaches man what he never knew. 19 words Letters = 76 = 19 x4 Letters in entire chapter = 19 x 15 = 285 Verse in chapter = 19 Sura is 19 till the end of the Quran Bismallah = 19 letters Ism = 19 times Allah = 2698 = 19 x142 AlRahaman = 114 = 19 x 6 AlRaheem = 57 = 19 x3 This expression occurs 114 times despite the 9th Sura of the Quran not having it But the 27th chapter of the Quran 27:30 27 + 30 = 57 Interesting to note that 30 is also 74:30 where it states the number 19 From sura 9 to sura 27 there are 19 suras (inclusive) From missing Bismallh to 27:30 number of verses that state Allah = 513 = 19 x 27 The number of words from the first Basmalah of 27 to the second Basmalah in 27:30 is 342 = 19 x 18 The Quran has numbered and unnumbered verses Sura 1:1 is the only numbered bismillah and gives 6234 numbered verses There are 113 unnumbered verses 6234 + 112 = 6346 = 19x334 From the missing Basmalah to the extra Basmalah, the number of verses containing the word "Allah" is 513, 19x27. Note that 27 is the sura number where the extra Basmalah occurs. The data are in Table 1. Jesus and Adam occur 25 times The number of occurrences of certain words in the Quran has been known to carry significance The ratio of the number of times sea and land are mentioned is 71% The number of times that the word “day” is mentioned is 365 The number of times that Jesus and Adam are mentioned is 25 3:59 Jesus and Adam is similar in the site of God [3:59] The example of Jesus, as far as GOD is concerned, is the same as that of Adam;

In order to be able to understand the Quran there is one single requirement…Sincerity Only the Sincere Can Understand the Quran [56:75] I swear by the positions of the stars. [56:76] This is an oath, if you only knew, that is awesome. [56:77] This is an honorable Quran. [56:78] In a protected book. [56:79] None can grasp it except the sincere. And this is true for all righteous endeavors. In order for people to be guided, they need to be sincere. Moment of Truth There was a game show called the Moment of Truth where contestants would be asked a series of questions after conducting a thorough lie-detector screening. If they truthfully answer all the questions they get $1M. Have you stole something from work Do you think your mom is unattractive Did you cheat on your husband Did you wish you married your ex-boyfriend Do you think you are a good person? [41:19] The day will come when the enemies of GOD will be summoned to the hellfire, forcibly. [41:20] Once they get there, their own hearing, eyes, and skins will bear witness to everything they had done. [41:21] They will say to their skins, "Why did you bear witness against us?" They will reply, "GOD made us speak up; He is the One who causes everything to speak. He is the One who created you the first time, and now you have been returned to Him." [41:22] There is no way you can hide from your own hearing, your eyes, or your skins. In fact, you thought that GOD was unaware of much of what you do. Self-deception is the blindfold we wear that hides the presence of the firing squad Self-deception leads to self-destruction because if we do not know if we are being sincere then how would we know if we are guided? As indicated at the beginning of Sura 2 there are three kinds of people: The Righteous - who reads the Quran and understands it and applies it The Disbeliever - who rejects the Quran The Hypocrite - who reads the Quran, but is insincere and therefore doesn’t really understand the Quran [2:8] Then there are those who say, "We believe in GOD and the Last Day," while they are not believers. [2:9] In trying to deceive GOD and those who believe, they only deceive themselves without perceiving. So how do we know if we are being sincere? Sincere: free from pretense or deceit; proceeding from genuine feelings. [16:98] When you read the Quran, you shall seek refuge in GOD from Satan the rejected. [23:97] Say, "My Lord, I seek refuge in You from the whispers of the devils. [23:98] "And I seek refuge in You, my Lord, lest they come near me." When we read the Quran are we going there to try to find verses to justify what we already know? Or to genuinely search for what God is telling us? When you read the Quran are you able to put all your preconceived notions aside and listen to what God is saying? [28:50] If they fail to respond to you, then know that they follow only their own opinions. Who is farther astray than those who follow their own opinions, without guidance from GOD? GOD does not guide such wicked people. “The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions.” - Leonardo Da Vinci [5:101] O you who believe, do not ask about matters which, if revealed to you prematurely, would hurt you. If you ask about them in light of the Quran, they will become obvious to you. GOD has deliberately overlooked them. GOD is Forgiver, Clement. There are going to be in the Quran it may not make sense when we first read it… Why would God say this… What does this mean… [20:114] Most Exalted is GOD, the only true King. Do not rush into uttering the Quran before it is revealed to you, and say, "My Lord, increase my knowledge." God's Revelation is Heavy [11:12] You may wish to disregard some of that which is revealed to you, and you may be annoyed by it. Also, they may say, "How come no treasure comes down to him, or an angel?" You are only a warner; GOD controls all things. No different than when you go to the doctor and the prescribe medication or a regiment it may not make sense, but you have to trust in God Moses and the Teacher [18:67] He said, "You cannot stand to be with me. [18:68] "How can you stand that which you do not comprehend?” Like Mr. Miyagi from Karate Kid You cannot wake a person who is pretending to be asleep Don’t believe everything you think [40:56] Surely, those who argue against GOD's revelations without proof are exposing the arrogance that is hidden inside their chests, and they are not even aware of it. Therefore, seek refuge in GOD; He is the Hearer, the Seer. [3:7] He sent down to you this scripture, containing straightforward verses—which constitute the essence of the scripture—as well as multiple-meaning or allegorical verses. Those who harbor doubts in their hearts will pursue the multiple-meaning verses to create confusion, and to extricate a certain meaning. None knows the true meaning thereof except GOD and those well founded in knowledge. They say, "We believe in this—all of it comes from our Lord." Only those who possess intelligence wi

1. It’s normal for you to think you have “special knowledge” no one else around you has access to, and this makes you feel like you have an “up” on others. [56:77] This is an honorable Quran. [56:78] In a protected book. [56:79] None can grasp it except the sincere. [2:171] The example of such disbelievers is that of parrots who repeat what they hear of sounds and calls, without understanding. Deaf, dumb, and blind; they cannot understand. 2. Is it common for you to walk into a room full of submitters and think “they don’t get it”? [2:13] When they are told, "Believe like the people who believed," they say, "Shall we believe like the fools who believed?" In fact, it is they who are fools, but they do not know. [83:29] The wicked used to laugh at those who believed. [83:30] When they passed by them, they used to poke fun. [83:31] When they got together with their people, they used to joke. [83:32] Whenever they saw them, they said, "These people are far astray! 3. Are you quick to label fellow submitters as hypocrites, idol worshipers or disbelievers? [6:52] And do not dismiss those who implore their Lord day and night, devoting themselves to Him alone. You are not responsible for their reckoning, nor are they responsible for your reckoning. If you dismiss them, you will be a transgressor. [7:198] When you invite them to the guidance, they do not hear. And you see them looking at you, but they do not see. [7:199] You shall resort to pardon, advocate tolerance, and disregard the ignorant. [7:200] When the devil whispers to you any whisper, seek refuge in GOD; He is Hearer, Omniscient. [7:201] Those who are righteous, whenever the devil approaches them with an idea, they remember, whereupon they become seers. 4. When you give the message are people more offended by you and your delivery than the actual message? [2:44] Do you exhort the people to be righteous, while forgetting yourselves, though you read the scripture? Do you not understand? Treat Each Other Amicably [17:53] Tell My servants to treat each other in the best possible manner, for the devil will always try to drive a wedge among them. Surely, the devil is man's most ardent enemy. How to Spread God's Message [16:125] You shall invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kind enlightenment, and debate with them in the best possible manner. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best who are the guided ones. Submitters [41:33] Who can utter better words than one who invites to GOD, works righteousness, and says, "I am one of the submitters"? [41:34] Not equal is the good response and the bad response. You shall resort to the nicest possible response. Thus, the one who used to be your enemy, may become your best friend. [41:35] None can attain this except those who steadfastly persevere. None can attain this except those who are extremely fortunate. When the Devil Entices You [41:36] When the devil whispers an idea to you, you shall seek refuge in GOD. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. 5. Do you guilt far more people to action than you inspire? The Messenger's Kindness [3:159] It was mercy from GOD that you became compassionate towards them. Had you been harsh and mean-hearted, they would have abandoned you. Therefore, you shall pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult them. … [9:103] Take from their money a charity to purify them and sanctify them. And encourage them, for your encouragement reassures them. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient. 6. Do you judge/correct/remind out of love or out of moral superiority? Basic Law Regulating Relations With Unbelievers [60:8] GOD does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them. GOD loves the equitable. [60:9] GOD enjoins you only from befriending those who fight you because of religion, evict you from your homes, and band together with others to banish you. You shall not befriend them. Those who befriend them are the transgressors. [3:104] Let there be a community of you who invite to what is good, advocate righteousness, and forbid evil. These are the winners. [36:47] When they are told, "Give from GOD's provisions to you," those who disbelieve say to those who believe, "Why should we give to those whom GOD could feed, if He so willed? You are really far astray." 7. Do you say things on Facebook that you would never say in person? [3:77] As for those who trade away GOD's covenant, and their obligations, for a cheap price, they receive no share in the Hereafter. GOD will not speak to them, nor look at them, on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them. They have incurred a painful retribution. [9:9] They traded away GOD's revelations for a cheap price. Consequently, they repulsed the people from His path. Miserable indeed is what they did! Responsibility [4:85] Whoever mediates a good deed receives a share of the credit thereof, and whoever media

The Qur'an does not mention the act of stoning (Rajm) for any crime. Stoning is called rajm (Arabic: رجم) in Islamic literature, and is a practice found in: Saudi Arabia Iraq Afghanistan Yemen Somalia Sudan Northern Nigeria Qatar Iran (Islamic Republic) Stoning is in the Quran, but it is only done by the disbelievers Sleepers of Ephesus [18:20] "If they discover you, they will stone you, or force you to revert to their religion, then you can never succeed.” Messengers [36:18] They said, "We consider you bad omens. Unless you refrain, we will surely stone you, or afflict you with painful retribution.” Shu’aib [11:91] They said, "O Shu`aib, we do not comprehend many of the things you are telling us, and we see that you are powerless among us. If it were not for your tribe, we would have stoned you. You have no value for us.” Noah [26:116] They said, "Unless you refrain, O Noah, you will be stoned.” Abraham [19:46] He said, "Have you forsaken my gods, O Abraham? Unless you stop, I will stone you. Leave me alone.” [6:74] Recall that Abraham said to his father Ãzer, "How could you worship statues as gods? I see that you and your people have gone far astray.” There is a Hadith that while the people were preparing the funeral for the prophet a goat came and ate the verses of the Quran having to do with stoning [7:185] Have they not looked at the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all the things GOD has created? Does it ever occur to them that the end of their life may be near? Which Hadith, beside this, do they believe in? [6:19] Say, "Whose testimony is the greatest?" Say, "GOD's. He is the witness between me and you that this Quran has been inspired to me, to preach it to you and whomever it reaches. Indeed, you bear witness that there are other gods beside GOD." Say, "I do not testify as you do; there is only one god, and I disown your idolatry.” [6:38] All the creatures on earth, and all the birds that fly with wings, are communities like you. We did not leave anything out of this book. To their Lord, all these creatures will be summoned. Abrogation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x41Oz3PpeRs Q&A: Is Stoning Part of Islamic Sharia? | Dr. Shabir Ally Abrogate = to abolish to indicate that certain verses no longer apply that they have been voided and replaced with something new [2:106] When we abrogate any miracle, or cause it to be forgotten, we produce a better miracle, or at least an equal one. Do you not recognize the fact that GOD is Omnipotent? 2:106 word = ayat = miracle, sign and verse [17:101] We supported Moses with nine profound miracles—ask the Children of Israel. When he went to them, Pharaoh said to him, "I think that you, Moses, are bewitched." [18:27] You shall recite what is revealed to you of your Lord's scripture. Nothing shall abrogate His words, and you shall not find any other source beside it. Hadith & Sunna: Fabrications by the Prophet's Enemies [6:112] We have permitted the enemies of every prophet—human and jinn devils—to inspire in each other fancy words, in order to deceive. Had your Lord willed, they would not have done it. You shall disregard them and their fabrications. Important Criterion [6:113] This is to let the minds of those who do not believe in the Hereafter listen to such fabrications, and accept them, and thus expose their real convictions.* [6:114] Shall I seek other than GOD as a source of law, when He has revealed to you this book fully detailed?* Those who received the scripture recognize that it has been revealed from your Lord, truthfully. You shall not harbor any doubt. [6:115] The word of your Lord is complete,* in truth and justice. Nothing shall abrogate His words. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [6:116] If you obey the majority of people on earth, they will divert you from the path of GOD. They follow only conjecture; they only guess. Abraham [21:51] Before that, we granted Abraham his guidance and understanding, for we were fully aware of him. [21:52] He said to his father and his people, "What are these statues to which you are devoting yourselves?" [21:53] They said, "We found our parents worshiping them." [21:54] He said, "Indeed, you and your parents have gone totally astray." [21:55] They said, "Are you telling us the truth, or are you playing?" [21:56] He said, "Your only Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, who created them. This is the testimony to which I bear witness. [21:57] "I swear by GOD, I have a plan to deal with your statues, as soon as you leave." [21:58] He broke them into pieces, except for a big one, that they may refer to it. [21:59] They said, "Whoever did this to our gods is really a transgressor." [21:60] They said, "We heard a youth threaten them; he is called Abraham." [21:61] They said, "Bring him before the eyes of all the people, that they may bear witness." [21:62] They said, "Did you do this to our gods, O Abraham?" Abraham Proves His Point [21:63] He said, "It is that big one who did it. Go ask them, if they

[2:183] O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation. [16:18] If you count GOD's blessings, you cannot possibly encompass them. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [13:28] They are the ones whose hearts rejoice in remembering GOD. Absolutely, by remembering GOD, the hearts rejoice. [5:7] Remember GOD's blessing upon you, and His covenant that He covenanted with you: you said, "We hear and we obey." You shall observe GOD; GOD is fully aware of the innermost thoughts. [2:152] You shall remember Me, that I may remember you, and be thankful to Me; do not be unappreciative. [14:7] Your Lord has decreed: "The more you thank Me, the more I give you." But if you turn unappreciative, then My retribution is severe. [6:141] He is the One who established gardens, trellised and untrellised, and palm trees, and crops with different tastes, and olives, and pomegranate - fruits that are similar, yet dissimilar. Eat from their fruits, and give the due alms on the day of harvest, and do not waste anything. He does not love the wasters. [7:69] … Remember GOD's blessings, that you may succeed.

[7:58] The good land readily produces its plants by the leave of its Lord, while the bad land barely produces anything useful. We thus explain the revelations for people who are appreciative. Matthew 13 - The Parable of the Sower 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.” 18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” The seed sown along the path [47:16] Some of them listen to you, then as soon as they leave they ask those who were enlightened, "What did he just say?" GOD thus seals their hearts and, consequently, they follow only their opinions. The seed falling on rocky ground [29:10] Among the people there are those who say, "We believe in GOD," but as soon as they suffer any hardship because of GOD, they equate the people's persecution with GOD's retribution. But if blessings from your Lord come your way, they say, "We were with you." Is GOD not fully aware of the people's innermost thoughts? The seed falling among the thorns [7:169] Subsequent to them, He substituted new generations who inherited the scripture. But they opted for the worldly life instead, saying, "We will be forgiven." But then they continued to opt for the materials of this world. Did they not make a covenant to uphold the scripture, and not to say about GOD except the truth? Did they not study the scripture? Certainly, the abode of the Hereafter is far better for those who maintain righteousness. Do you not understand? The seed falling on good soil [2:261] The example of those who spend their monies in the cause of GOD is that of a grain that produces seven spikes, with a hundred grains in each spike. GOD multiplies this manifold for whomever He wills. GOD is Bounteous, Knower. [2:265] The example of those who give their money seeking GOD's pleasure, out of sincere conviction, is that of a garden on high fertile soil; when heavy rain falls, it gives twice as much crop. If heavy rain is not available, a drizzle will suffice. GOD is Seer of everything you do. [14:24] Do you not see that GOD has cited the example of the good word as a good tree whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches are high in the sky? [14:25] It produces its crop every season, as designed by its Lord. GOD thus cites the examples for the people, that they may take heed. [14:26] And the example of the bad word is that of a bad tree chopped at the soil level; it has no roots to keep it standing. [79:1] The (angels who) snatch (the souls of the disbelievers) forcibly. [79:2] And those who gently take (the souls of the believers) joyfully. [71:17] And GOD germinated you from the earth like plants. [22:18] Do you not realize that to GOD prostrates everyone in the heavens and the earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the mountains, and the trees, and the animals, and many people? Everything Glorifies God [17:44] Glorifying Him are the seven universes, the earth, and everyone in them. There is nothing that does not glorify Him, but you do not understand their glorification. He is Clement, Forgiver. You are a tree in a farm There are many workers who work for the owner at the farm who tend to all your needs and the needs of the farm. All your needs are being met and because of this you produce delicious fruit generously One day it dawns on you, how do you know that the farm you reside at is the best one for you? Perhaps there is another farmer who can tend better or just as well to you somewhere else. The farmer who owned the farm who heard your question gave you an opportunity He said that he will let you decide for yourself if there can be a farm better for you than the one He provided, but he will do you one b

[2:183] O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation. [2:184] Specific days (are designated for fasting); if one is ill or traveling, an equal number of other days may be substituted. Those who can fast, but with great difficulty, may substitute feeding one poor person for each day of breaking the fast. If one volunteers (more righteous works), it is better. But fasting is the best for you, if you only knew. [2:185] Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. GOD wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify GOD for guiding you, and to express your appreciation.

Is the Quran’s Mathematical Miracle a Coincidence? Pennsylvania Lottery - 666 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980_Pennsylvania_Lottery_scandal On the night of April 24, 1980, more than six million viewers tuned in to the Pennsylvania lottery to watch The Daily Number to find out the winning three numbers for the $3.5 million jackpot. Since the money drawn in by the lottery was for the benefit of senior citizens they would have a senior citizen draw the numbers and on that day they drew the numbers 6, 6, 6. So what? A large number of winners than normal? So what? Lottery authorities and local bookmakers became suspicious when they noticed that a large number of tickets were purchased for the eight possible combinations all involving the numbers 4 and 6. So what? They found out that the 4 & 6 balls of the drawing were lighter than the other digits at the time of the drawing that the other digits were covered in a thick latex to make them heavier. So what? They got a tip from a bar that there were two brothers going from shop to shop purchasing large quantities of lottery tickets in combinations of 4 & 6. So what? Well at one of the bars that they bought tickets they made a phone call from the payphone to the studio that was doing the drawing. So what? The bartender said it sounded like the person was speaking Greek, and the host of the lottery drawing, Nick Perry happened to also speak Greek. So what? When the brothers were questioned they saw that they had a previous vending machine business with the announcer of the lottery, Nick Perry. So what? The brothers confessed that the idea was Nick Perry’s So what? They found the latex paint in Nick Perry’s studio that was used to weigh down the other digits of the balls for the drawing. So what? Nick Perry and the brothers all confessed to the crime… So what? Everything in the investigation points to the fact that the drawing was rigged. No sensible person would attribute all these coincidences to pure luck e.g. there are so many lotteries and this just happens to be the one that had a high rate of participants pick numbers eerily close to the winning numbers and a large number of individuals claim to win. When determining if an event is random or by design, we need to investigate No different than when police investigating a death - they need to determine was the death caused by natural causes or was there foul play Probability alone is not a reason to suspect design Coin Flip If I flip a coin 50 times in a row That outcome of heads and tails is incredibly rare such that it probably never happened before in the history of the universe, but there is no significance to that outcome it is purely random In order to prove that something is not just random, but by design there is a term known as Specified Complexity Specified complexity is when an event is not only statistically unlikely but the significance of that event occurring is also relevant Here is an example… I preemptively obtain a random series of 50 coin flips and am told that I am to flip a coin 50 times that unless I get this exact outcome of heads in tails in the exact order my life will be terminated. So to my amazement, I flip the coin and obtain that exact outcome and my life is spared. Is it more likely that I just got really lucky or that the outcome of the coin flip was designed to give that outcome, or that perhaps I just lied and said that I got the same outcome? This event would posses specified complexity and point towards design License Plate Here is another example, a real one from my life I was in college in a retail parking lot and see a car swerving around the corner driving faster than they should be in a public parking lot. I look at the plate and see it says CATHUGS I am thinking I am in California The car does seem a little beat down and could be driven by a thug So assume that the plate was not randomly generated by the DMV as it the letters are not just random but point towards things of significance But I was wrong The car drives past me and is driven by a larger white woman with pigtails and glasses wearing something out of hot topic and as she drives away I see that the back of her window is full of stuffed cat dolls and stickers of cat paws. So it didn’t say CA THUGS, but CAT HUGS You see we do this every day. We see something on the wall of a building and we know that wind and erosion didn’t cause the symbols and that these are actually signs written by intelligent beings. This is a famous example in regards to being in an alien planet and stumbling upon a watch. No one is going to look at that watch and think that it was created via wind and erosion. It is obvious that the watch was a product of design by an intelligent being not only because of its complexity but because of the application of its design e.g. the ability to be able to tell time. So now that we set the groundwork Let’s look at the Mathematical Structure of the Quran And determine if it is a mere coincidence or a

I Shouldn’t Be Alive (TV Show) - Skydiver stranded in middle of ocean should he stay on the log or try to swim to shore Happiness Now, and Forever [22:15] If anyone thinks that GOD cannot support him in this life and in the Hereafter, let him turn completely to (his Creator in) heaven, and sever (his dependence on anyone else). He will then see that this plan eliminates anything that bothers him. Baby umbilical cord Sometimes have to make the decision to throw it down Moses Staff [20:17] "What is this in your right hand, Moses?" [20:18] He said, "This is my staff. I lean on it, herd my sheep with it, and I use it for other purposes." [20:19] He said, "Throw it down, Moses." [20:20] He threw it down, whereupon it turned into a moving serpent. [20:21] He said, "Pick it up; do not be afraid. We will return it to its original state. Moses Mom throw him into the river [20:38] "When we revealed to your mother what we revealed. [20:39] "Saying: 'Throw him into the box, then throw him into the river. The river will throw him onto the shore, to be picked up by an enemy of Mine and an enemy of his.' I showered you with love from Me, and I had you made before My watchful eye. Sometimes God has us thrown down because He knows what is best for us Joseph was thrown into well Joseph's Fate Already Decided by God* [12:9] "Let us kill Joseph, or banish him, that you may get some attention from your father. Afterwards, you can be righteous people." [12:10] One of them said, "Do not kill Joseph; let us throw him into the abyss of the well. Perhaps some caravan can pick him up, if this is what you decide to do.” Believers are Blessed with God's Assurances [12:15] When they went away with him, and unanimously decided to throw him into the abyss of the well, we inspired him: "Some day, you will tell them about all this, while they have no idea." Joseph was thrown into prison [12:32] She said, "This is the one you blamed me for falling in love with. I did indeed try to seduce him, and he refused. Unless he does what I command him to do, he will surely go to prison, and will be debased." [12:33] He said, "My Lord, the prison is better than giving in to them. Unless You divert their scheming from me, I may desire them and behave like the ignorant ones." [12:34] His Lord answered his prayer and diverted their scheming from him. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [12:35] Later, they saw to it, despite the clear proofs, that they should imprison him for awhile. Jonah was thrown overboard /Jonah thrown to the shore Jonah [37:139] Jonah was one of the messengers. [37:140] He escaped to the loaded ship. [37:141] He rebelled and thus, he joined the losers. [37:142] Consequently, the fish swallowed him, and he was the one to blame. [37:143] If it were not that he resorted to meditation (on God), [37:144] he would have stayed in its belly until the Day of Resurrection. [37:145] We had him thrown up into the desert, exhausted. [37:146] We had a tree of edible fruit grown for him. [37:147] Then we sent him to a hundred thousand, or more. [37:148] They did believe, and we let them enjoy this life. Disbelievers Throw - When we throw for the wrong reasons we will be disappointed Moses & Magicians [7:112] "Let them summon every experienced magician." [7:113] The magicians came to Pharaoh and said, "Do we get paid if we are the winners?" [7:114] He said, "Yes indeed; you will even become close to me." [7:115] They said, "O Moses, either you throw, or we are throwing." [7:116] He said, "You throw." When they threw, they tricked the people's eyes, intimidated them, and produced a great magic. [7:117] We then inspired Moses: "Throw down your staff," whereupon it swallowed whatever they fabricated. Golden Calf [20:86] Moses returned to his people, angry and disappointed, saying, "O my people, did your Lord not promise you a good promise? Could you not wait? Did you want to incur wrath from your Lord? Is this why you broke your agreement with me?" [20:87] They said, "We did not break our agreement with you on purpose. But we were loaded down with jewelry, and decided to throw our loads in. This is what the Samarian suggested." [20:88] He produced for them a sculpted calf, complete with a calf's sound. They said, "This is your god, and the god of Moses." Thus, he forgot. [20:95] He said, "What is the matter with you, O Samarian?" [20:96] He said, "I saw what they could not see. I grabbed a fistful (of dust) from the place where the messenger stood, and used it (to mix into the golden calf). This is what my mind inspired me to do.” [20:97] He said, "Then go, and, throughout your life, do not even come close. You have an appointed time (for your final judgment) that you can never evade. Look at your god that you used to worship; we will burn it and throw it into the sea, to stay down there forever." Pharaoh and his troops [28:39] Thus, he and his troops continued to commit arrogance on earth, without any right, and thought that they would not be returned t

Every year news publications post the best places to work. The best places to work in 2018 World Wide Technology... In order to get a job at these companies there are certain criteria their employees need to meet And if someone doesn’t possess these criteria their prospects of getting a job at one best places to work for looks grim. Each angel has a specific purpose The Angels [37:164] Each one of us has a specific job. [37:165] We are the arrangers. [37:166] We have duly glorified (our Lord). [13:11] Shifts (of angels) take turns, staying with each one of you—they are in front of you and behind you. They stay with you, and guard you in accordance with GOD's commands… [50:16] We created the human, and we know what he whispers to himself. We are closer to him than his jugular vein. [50:17] Two recording (angels), at right and at left, are constantly recording. When we opted to come to this earth in this one last chance to denounce our original sin and to prove that we deserved to be redeemed back into God’s kingdom, God asked the angels to serve the human being during this experiment. It was at this point that Satan was exposed as he refused to serve the human being. His argument was that he was better than us, therefore he could not bring himself to carry out such a request. For this, he was banished from God’s kingdom as God had no need for subordinates who refuse to follow His commandments. [18:51] I never permitted them to witness the creation of the heavens and the earth, nor the creation of themselves. Nor do I permit the wicked to work in My kingdom.* While some people are solely fixated on getting the best job in this world, what most people are oblivious to is that this life is our schooling, internship, and acceptance for our job in the Hereafter that will last for eternity. We are going through a curriculum in this life to prepare us for our eternal job. [36:54] On that day, no soul will be wronged in the least. You will be paid precisely for whatever you did. [36:55] The dwellers of Paradise will be, on that day, happily busy. During the schooling for our eternal career some people never show up to class, some people show up but don’t pay attention and thus fail, and other show up and succeed. Proof of Work: Good works vs. Evil Works [3:30] The day will come when each soul will find all the good works it had done brought forth. As for the evil works, it will wish that they were far, far removed. GOD alerts you that you shall reverence Him alone. GOD is Compassionate towards the people. [27:46] He said, "O my people, why do you hasten to commit evil instead of good works? If only you implore GOD for forgiveness, you may attain mercy.” [27:89] Those who bring good works (in their records) will receive far better rewards, and they will be perfectly secure from the horrors of that day. [27:90] As for those who bring evil works, they will be forced into Hell. Do you not get requited for what you did? God gives us the opportunity to serve Him by doing good deeds and thus earn a place in His kingdom [36:47] When they are told, "Give from GOD's provisions to you," those who disbelieve say to those who believe, "Why should we give to those whom GOD could feed, if He so willed? You are really far astray.” The Purpose of Our Life* [67:2] The One who created death and life for the purpose of distinguishing those among you who would do better. He is the Almighty, the Forgiving. [90:4] We created the human being to work hard (to redeem himself).* [3:195] Their Lord responded to them: "I never fail to reward any worker among you for any work you do, be you male or female—you are equal to one another… [43:32] Are they the ones who assign your Lord's mercy? We have assigned their shares in this life, raising some of them above others in ranks, in order to let them serve one another. The mercy from your Lord is far better than any material they may hoard. [6:165] He is the One who made you inheritors of the earth, and He raised some of you above others in rank, in order to test you in accordance with what He has given you. Surely, your Lord is efficient in enforcing retribution, and He is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [49:13] O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant. How can I serve In Midyan [28:22] As he traveled towards Midyan, he said, "May my Lord guide me in the right path." [28:23] When he reached Midyan's water, he found a crowd of people watering, and noticed two women waiting on the side. He said, "What is it that you need?" They said, "We are not able to water, until the crowd disperses, and our father is an old man." [28:24] He watered for them, then turned to the shade, saying, "My Lord, whatever provision You send to me, I am in dire need for it." [28:25] Soon, one of the two women approached him, shyly, and said, "My fa

Jupiter is the 5th planet from the Sun, and the largest planet in the Solar System. How much bigger is Jupiter than Earth? Just to give you a sense of scale, Jupiter is 2.5 times more massive than all the rest of the planets in the Solar System combined. Jupiter’s diameter is 11.2 times larger than Earth. In other words, you could put 11.2 Earths side-by-side to match the diameter of Jupiter. And Jupiter’s volume is even bigger. It would take 1321.3 Earths to fill up the volume of Jupiter. In terms of surface area, Jupiter is 121.9 times bigger than the Earth. That’s how many Earths could be flattened out to cover the surface of Jupiter. Jupiter has 317.8 times the mass of the Earth. Jupiter from earth is ~588km or 365miles Comet Shomemaker July 1994: astronomers had not expected to see the fireballs from the impacts and did not have any idea in advance how visible the other atmospheric effects of the impacts would be from Earth. Observers soon saw a huge dark spot after the first impact. The spot was visible even in very small telescopes, and was about 6,000 km (3,700 mi) (one Earth radius) across. This and subsequent dark spots were thought to have been caused by debris from the impacts, and were markedly asymmetric, forming crescent shapes in front of the direction of impact. Over the next six days, 21 distinct impacts were observed, with the largest coming on July 18 at 07:33 UTC when fragment G struck Jupiter. This impact created a giant dark spot over 12,000 km (7,500 mi) across, and was estimated to have released an energy equivalent to 6,000,000 megatons of TNT (600 times the world's nuclear arsenal). Two impacts 12 hours apart on July 19 created impact marks of similar size to that caused by fragment G, and impacts continued until July 22, when fragment W struck the planet. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comet_Shoemaker%E2%80%93Levy_9 [16:18] If you count GOD's blessings, you cannot possibly encompass them. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. Rare Earth: Right distance from the sun Too close and could have phase lock Liquid water 92 different elements occur naturally on earth Plate tectonics (mountains) [78:6] Did we not make the earth habitable? [78:7] And the mountains izers? 71% liquid water [25:2] The One to whom belongs all sovereignty of the heavens and the earth. He never had a son, nor does He have any partners in sovereignty. He created everything in exact measure; He precisely designed everything. *25:2 When we launch astronauts into space, we measure precisely the amount of food, water, oxygen, and other needs throughout the journey. Similarly, God has launched us into space—on board spaceship Earth—and He has designed all kinds of renewable provisions for us and other creatures, a perfect design. Think, for example, of the symbiotic relationship between us and the plants; we use the oxygen they produce in photosynthesis, while they use the carbon dioxide we produce in respiration. [15:19] As for the earth, we constructed it, and placed on it stabilizers (mountains), and we grew on it a perfect balance of everything. [15:20] We made it habitable for you, and for creatures you do not provide for. [15:21] There is nothing that we do not own infinite amounts thereof. But we send it down in precise measure. Perfect solar eclipse Certain size moon (1/4 the size of earth) 23.5 degree axis of the earth 4 seasons Tides climate control [36:37] Another sign for them is the night: we remove the daylight therefrom, whereupon they are in darkness. [36:38] The sun sets into a specific location, according to the design of the Almighty, the Omniscient. [36:39] The moon we designed to appear in stages, until it becomes like an old curved sheath. [36:40] The sun is never to catch up with the moon—the night and the day never deviate—each of them is floating in its own orbit. Atmosphere Right planetary mass Too big and can lose atmosphere The iron core provides a magnetic force field around the earth protecting it’s inhabitants The atmosphere of earth blocks the light spectrum that is harmful but allows visible light for photosynthesis Earth's atmosphere is 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0.9% argon, and 0.03% carbon dioxide with very small percentages of other elements. With each 1% increase in oxygen in the atmosphere the likeliness of combustion increases by 70% Think how much more fires there would be With each 1% decrease in oxygen in the atmosphere the likeliness of combustion drops by 70% Think how much harder it would have been to harness the power of fire Signs of God [36:33] One sign for them is the dead land: we revive it and produce from it grains for their food. [36:34] We grow in it gardens of date palms, and grapes, and we cause springs to gush out therein. [36:35] This is to provide them with fruits, and to let them manufacture with their own hands whatever they need. Would they be thankful? [36:36] Glory be to the One who created all kinds of plants from the earth, as well as themselves, and other cre

Messenger selection process [38:45] Remember also our servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They were resourceful, and possessed vision. [38:46] We bestowed upon them a great blessing: awareness of the Hereafter. [38:47] They were chosen, for they were among the most righteous. [38:48] Remember Ismail, Elisha, and Zal-Kifl; among the most righteous. [6:124] When a powerful proof comes to them, they say, "We will not believe, unless we are given what is given to GOD's messengers!" GOD knows exactly who is best qualified to deliver His message. Such criminals will suffer debasement at GOD, and terrible retribution as a consequence of their evil scheming. [21:7] We did not send before you except men whom we inspired. Ask those who know the scripture, if you do not know. Messengers are just humans… [25:7] And they said, "How come this messenger eats the food and walks in the markets? If only an angel could come down with him, to serve with him as a preacher!” [14:11] Their messengers said to them, "We are no more than humans like you, but GOD blesses whomever He chooses from among His servants. We could not possibly show you any kind of authorization, except in accordance with GOD's will. In GOD the believers shall trust. [18:110] Say, "I am no more than a human like you, being inspired that your god is one god. Those who hope to meet their Lord shall work righteousness, and never worship any other god beside his Lord." [7:188] Say, "I have no power to benefit myself, or harm myself. Only what GOD wills happens to me. If I knew the future, I would have increased my wealth, and no harm would have afflicted me. I am no more than a warner, and a bearer of good news for those who believe.” They have to go through the hardship and be tested like any other believer. They don’t get a free pass. [2:214] Do you expect to enter Paradise without being tested like those before you? They were tested with hardship and adversity, and were shaken up, until the messenger and those who believed with him said, "Where is GOD's victory?" GOD's victory is near. Victory, Ultimately, Belongs to the Believers [12:110] Just when the messengers despair, and think that they had been rejected, our victory comes to them. We then save whomever we choose, while our retribution for the guilty people is unavoidable. Did the messengers make mistakes? 60:1 - Abraham prayed for forgiveness for this father 21:87 - Jonah abandoned his mission 12:42 - Joseph implored his prison mate to get out 28:15 Moses killed someone 7:22 - Adam approached the tree 38:31 - Solomon got distracted with his horses All creatures have committed the original sin [35:45] If GOD punished the people for their sins, He would not leave a single creature on earth. But He respites them for a predetermined interim. Once their interim is fulfilled, then GOD is Seer of His servants. No distinction among God’s messengers You Shall Not Make Any Distinction Among God's Messengers [2:285] The messenger has believed in what was sent down to him from his Lord, and so did the believers. They believe in GOD, His angels, His scripture, and His messengers: "We make no distinction among any of His messengers." They say, "We hear, and we obey.* Forgive us, our Lord. To You is the ultimate destiny." God Knows We Don't [17:55] Your Lord is the best knower of everyone in the heavens and the earth. In accordance with this knowledge, we preferred some prophets over others. For example, we gave David the Psalms. Muhammad was just a messenger like the messengers before him [3:144] Muhammad was no more than a messenger like the messengers before him. Should he die or get killed, would you turn back on your heels? Anyone who turns back on his heels, does not hurt GOD in the least. GOD rewards those who are appreciative. Muhammad had the same shortcomings as any other human or messenger [48:1] We have bestowed upon you (O Messenger) a great victory. [48:2] Whereby GOD forgives your past sins, as well as future sins, and perfects His blessings upon you, and guides you in a straight path. God Strengthens the Messenger [17:73] They almost diverted you from the revelations we have given you. They wanted you to fabricate something else, in order to consider you a friend. [17:74] If it were not that we strengthened you, you almost leaned towards them just a little bit. [17:75] Had you done that, we would have doubled the retribution for you in this life, and after death, and you would have found no one to help you against us. The Blind Man - Favoritism Sura 80: He Frowned (‘Abasa) [80:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful [80:1] He (Muhammad) frowned and turned away. [80:2] When the blind man came to him. [80:3] How do you know? He may purify himself. [80:4] Or he may take heed, and benefit from the message. [80:5] As for the rich man. [80:6] You gave him your attention. [80:7] Even though you could not guarantee his salvation. [80:8] The one who came to you eagerly. [80:9] And is really reveren

Programmed Cell Death / Apoptosis is a process where the cell self-destructs Between 50 and 70 billion cells die each day due to apoptosis in the average human adult. For an average child between the ages of 8 and 14, approximately 20 to 30 billion cells die a day. Fingers and toes self-destruction to eliminate the webbing Metamorphosis – only the very basic tissues are spared some of the respiratory system, heart, brain tissue, but aside from that just about the entire caterpillar is dissolved into a liquid that is reassembled into a butterfly Growth requires change Change requires something to die (to give up one thing for another) “The idea that cells take an active part in their own death comes from an observation that in certain cases a cell has to make new molecules in order to die. If you prevent this, the cell can’t die. The cell is participating in its own death because it has to participate to make something in order to die.” Kill Your Ego [2:54] Recall that Moses said to his people, "O my people, you have wronged your souls by worshiping the calf. You must repent to your Creator. You shall kill your egos. This is better for you in the sight of your Creator." He did redeem you. He is the Redeemer, Most Merciful. If you want something you have to sacrifice something else to get it Can’t have your cake and eat it too Has to make the conscious decision to want to change - [13:11] Shifts (of angels) take turns, staying with each one of you—they are in front of you and behind you. They stay with you, and guard you in accordance with GOD's commands. Thus, GOD does not change the condition of any people unless they themselves make the decision to change. If GOD wills any hardship for any people, no force can stop it. For they have none beside Him as Lord and Master. [38:30] To David we granted Solomon; a good and obedient servant. [38:31] One day he became preoccupied with beautiful horses, until the night fell. [38:32] He then said, "I enjoyed the material things more than I enjoyed worshiping my Lord, until the sun was gone.* [38:33] "Bring them back." (To bid farewell,) he rubbed their legs and necks. [38:34] We thus put Solomon to the test; we blessed him with vast material wealth, but he steadfastly submitted.* Sometimes to change you need a catalyst a change agent something to speed up the process Change direction of the Qibla [2:142] The fools among the people would say, "Why did they change the direction of their Qiblah?" Say, "To GOD belongs the east and the west; He guides whoever wills in a straight path." [2:143] We thus made you an impartial community, that you may serve as witnesses among the people, and the messenger serves as a witness among you. We changed the direction of your original Qiblah only to distinguish those among you who readily follow the messenger from those who would turn back on their heels. It was a difficult test, but not for those who are guided by GOD. GOD never puts your worship to waste. GOD is Compassionate towards the people, Most Merciful. Isolation – the difference between being buried and planted Joseph well Brother’s turned against him and through him into the well and left him for dead Joseph prison The governor’s wife schemed against Joseph [12:33] He said, "My Lord, the prison is better than giving in to them. Unless You divert their scheming from me, I may desire them and behave like the ignorant ones." [12:34] His Lord answered his prayer and diverted their scheming from him. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [12:35] Later, they saw to it, despite the clear proofs, that they should imprison him for awhile. Muhammad Cave [9:40] If you fail to support him (the messenger), GOD has already supported him. Thus, when the disbelievers chased him, and he was one of two in the cave, he said to his friend, "Do not worry; GOD is with us." GOD then sent down contentment and security upon him, and supported him with invisible soldiers. He made the word of the disbelievers lowly. GOD's word reigns supreme. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise. People of the Cave [18:13] We narrate to you their history, truthfully. They were youths who believed in their Lord, and we increased their guidance. [18:14] We strengthened their hearts when they stood up and proclaimed: "Our only Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. We will never worship any other god beside Him. Otherwise, we would be far astray. [18:15] "Here are our people setting up gods beside Him. If only they could provide any proof to support their stand! Who is more evil than the one who fabricates lies and attributes them to GOD? [18:16] "Since you wish to avoid them, and their worshiping of other than GOD,* let us take refuge in the cave. May your Lord shower you with His mercy and direct you to the right decision." [18:20] "If they discover you, they will stone you, or force you to revert to their religion, then you can never succeed." Mary The Birth of Jesus [19:22] When she bore him, she isolated herself to a fara

Assyrian Proverb: “The tallest blade of grass is the first to be cut” This element of conformity to not be targeted is evolutionarily instilled in us Across the entire animal kingdom you see a similar pattern with fish and birds The reason for this is that it makes it difficult for the animal to focus on anyone out of the group to target so the hunter gets confused and fails in their approach Zebras blend in to confuse the lion The thought is that if everyone is responsible then by theory no one is responsible because it is hard to assert blame when everyone is involved While this works for animals in the wild to preserve their physical survival, the opposite is true for our spiritual survival A sure-fire way of not making it to heaven is thinking that if we stick with the majority and just believe what we were told by our parents or religious scholars will be sufficient [74:49] Why are they so averse to this reminder? [74:50] Running like zebras. [74:51] Who are fleeing from the lion! We are each responsible for what we believe and how we choose to live our life. On the Day of Judgment, we cannot say that we were only following the group. [6:116] If you obey the majority of people on earth, they will divert you from the path of GOD. They follow only conjecture; they only guess. The Majority of People Do Not Believe [12:103] Most people, no matter what you do, will not believe. [12:104] You are not asking them for any money; you simply deliver this reminder for all the people. [12:105] So many proofs in the heavens and the earth are given to them, but they pass by them, heedlessly! The Majority of Believers Destined for Hell [12:106] The majority of those who believe in GOD do not do so without committing idol worship. “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to reform (or pause and reflect).” “When you're the only sane person, you look like the only insane person.” [19:73] When our revelations are recited to them, clearly, those who disbelieve say to those who believe, "Which of us is more prosperous? Which of us is in the majority?" Luckily for us God made the Quran easy to learn. You don’t need to be a scholar or even know Arabic to understand the Quran [54:17] We made the Quran easy to learn. Does any of you wish to learn? Those who are sincere will understand it [6:20] Those to whom we have given the scripture recognize this as they recognize their own children. The ones who lose their souls are those who do not believe. Additionally, God holds us responsible each individually based on what information we know and the decisions we made in our own lives. And God made the Quran easy to learn. Crucial Advice [17:36] You shall not accept any information, unless you verify it for yourself. I have given you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brain, and you are responsible for using them. Following Parents Blindly There are millions of beliefs in this world, ask yourself what is the probability that the belief you were born into was the right one? Maybe it was, but statistically this is pretty low. Maintaining the Status Quo: A Human Tragedy [2:170] When they are told, "Follow what GOD has revealed herein," they say, "We follow only what we found our parents doing." What if their parents did not understand, and were not guided? [2:171] The example of such disbelievers is that of parrots who repeat what they hear of sounds and calls, without understanding. Deaf, dumb, and blind; they cannot understand. We Are Born With Instinctive Knowledge About God* [7:172] Recall that your Lord summoned all the descendants of Adam, and had them bear witness for themselves: "Am I not your Lord?" They all said, "Yes. We bear witness." Thus, you cannot say on the Day of Resurrection, "We were not aware of this." [7:173] Nor can you say, "It was our parents who practiced idolatry, and we simply followed in their footsteps. Will You punish us because of what others have innovated?" [7:174] We thus explain the revelations, to enable the people to redeem themselves.* Following the Parents Blindly: A Common Tragedy [31:21] When they are told, "Follow these revelations of GOD," they say, "No, we follow only what we found our parents doing." What if the devil is leading them to the agony of Hell? Do Not Follow Your Parents' Religion Blindly [5:104] When they are told, "Come to what GOD has revealed, and to the messenger," they say, "What we found our parents doing is sufficient for us." What if their parents knew nothing, and were not guided? We Are Each Responsible For Our Own Souls [5:105] O you who believe, you should worry only about your own necks. If the others go astray, they cannot hurt you, as long as you are guided. To GOD is your ultimate destiny, all of you, then He will inform you of everything you had done. [2:134] Such is a community from the past. They are responsible for what they earned, and you are responsible for what you earned. You are not answerable for anything they have done. [6:121

Mastery. Greene, Robert. Penguin Publishing Group. “In order to master a field, you must love the subject and feel a profound connection to it. Your interest must transcend the field itself and border on the religious. “ [6:161] Say, "My Lord has guided me in a straight path—the perfect religion of Abraham, monotheism. He never was an idol worshiper." [6:162] Say, "My Contact Prayers (Salat), my worship practices, my life and my death, are all devoted absolutely to GOD alone, the Lord of the universe. [6:163] "He has no partner. This is what I am commanded to believe, and I am the first to submit." [2:165] …Those who believe love GOD the most. “A false path in life is generally something we are attracted to for the wrong reasons—money, fame, attention, and so on. If it is attention we need, we often experience a kind of emptiness inside that we are hoping to fill with the false love of public approval. “ [76:8] They donate their favorite food to the poor, the orphan, and the captive. [76:9] "We feed you for the sake of GOD; we expect no reward from you, nor thanks. [76:10] "We fear from our Lord a day that is full of misery and trouble." We don’t change because of what we know we change because we care [13:11] Shifts (of angels) take turns, staying with each one of you—they are in front of you and behind you. They stay with you, and guard you in accordance with GOD's commands. Thus, GOD does not change the condition of any people unless they themselves make the decision to change. If GOD wills any hardship for any people, no force can stop it. For they have none beside Him as Lord and Master. Jiro Dreams of Sushi (85 years old – making sushi for over 60 years) “We don’t care about money, All I want to do is make better sushi. I do the same thing over and over improving bit by bit. There is always a yearning to achieve more. I’ll continue to climb, trying to reach the top, but no one knows where the top is.“ - Jiro In an interview with one of Jiro’s apprentices he said that it took him 10 years before they would allow him to cook the eggs for egg sushi. Even then every time he tried it was rejected. It took him 200 tries before Jiro accepted it and he said when that happened he almost cried, but he kept it to himself because he didn’t want to show his excitement. You can be completely dedicated to something yet always be doing whatever you are in the cause of God. The two are one in the same. They do not need to be mutually exclusive. Someone asking if they should be a doctor because they were concerned that it would distract them from worshipping God. “Just as a well-filled day brings blessed sleep, so a well-employed life brings a blessed death.” - Leonardo da Vinci Importance of repetition Commencement speech from US Navy Admiral William McRaven, If You Want to Change the World, Start Off by Making Your Bed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGRXaFf9LFU No broken window policy Today we want everything new – we want novelty – constant stimulation This is what makes apps like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat so popular The world is full of information, but what we really need is wisdom Wisdom is the condensed down optimal use of information And wisdom comes through Mastery What is the difference between a chess grandmaster and an intermediate chess player, is that the intermediate player will consider more moves, but the grandmaster while looking at fewer moves will look at only the best ones So much of the religion is repetition 5 times a day we perform our Contact Prayers [70:34] They consistently observe their contact prayers (Salat), on time. We recite the same things every time 17 times a day we recite the Al-Fãtehah [14:40] "My Lord, make me one who consistently observes the Contact Prayers (Salat), and also my children. Our Lord, please answer my prayers. Before we eat we mention God’s name or when we wake up in the morning we say: Bismillah AlRahman AlRaheem (In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful) Every time we get income we give to Zakat Remembering God Every Chance We Get [18:23] You shall not say that you will do anything in the future, [18:24] without saying, "GOD willing."* If you forget to do this, you must immediately remember your Lord and say, "May my Lord guide me to do better next time." Each night before going to bed we read Quran and at Dawn we recite Quran Even the Quran is repetitive The number one feedback I hear from people who are new to Quran is that it is repetitive They say: “I get it God is Most Gracious, Most Merciful” But do they really understand? It can take a lifetime to even get a small understanding of what this truly means. Just because you read it once, does not mean that you understand it Knowing vs. Understanding Example of changing the orientation of a bike such that left turns right and vice-versa The Backwards Brain Bicycle - Smarter Every Day 133 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFzDaBzBlL0 It took him weeks to understand the new way of riding th

Public Key Cryptography One Public Key one Private Key Public Key validates the sender of the message Private Key unlocks the message #19 is the public key - anyone anywhere can validate every letter, word, verse, sura of the Quran, but does not mean that they will have access to it Sincerity is the private key - this is what allows someone to unlock the message of the Quran. If someone is not sincere - they will not be able to understand Quran [74:18 – 36] For he reflected, then decided. Miserable is what he decided. Miserable indeed is what he decided. He looked. He frowned and whined. Then he turned away arrogantly. He said, "This is but clever magic! "This is human made." … Over it is nineteen. We appointed angels to be guardians of Hell, and we assigned their number (19) (1) to disturb the disbelievers, (2) to convince the Christians and Jews (that this is a divine scripture), (3) to strengthen the faith of the faithful, (4) to remove all traces of doubt from the hearts of Christians, Jews, as well as the believers, and (5) to expose those who harbor doubt in their hearts, and the disbelievers; they will say, "What did GOD mean by this allegory?" GOD thus sends astray whomever He wills, and guides whomever He wills. None knows the soldiers of your Lord except He. This is a reminder for the people. Absolutely, (I swear) by the moon. And the night as it passes. And the morning as it shines. This is one of the great miracles. A warning to the human race. In order to access the Quran we need to be sincere. [56:75] I swear by the positions of the stars. [56:76] This is an oath, if you only knew, that is awesome. [56:77] This is an honorable Quran. [56:78] In a protected book. [56:79] None can grasp it except the sincere.* There are two things that can happen when someone who is not sincere receives the Quran. They disbelieve They become a hypocrite Three Categories of People (1) The Righteous [2:3] who believe in the unseen, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat),* and from our** provisions to them, they give to charity. [2:4] And they believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you,* and with regard to the Hereafter, they are absolutely certain. [2:5] These are guided by their Lord; these are the winners. (2) The Disbelievers [2:6] As for those who disbelieve, it is the same for them; whether you warn them, or not warn them, they cannot believe. [2:7] GOD seals their minds and their hearing, and their eyes are veiled. They have incurred severe retribution. (3) The Hypocrites [2:8] Then there are those who say, "We believe in GOD and the Last Day," while they are not believers. [2:9] In trying to deceive GOD and those who believe, they only deceive themselves without perceiving. [2:10] In their minds there is a disease. Consequently, GOD augments their disease. They have incurred a painful retribution for their lying. [2:11] When they are told, "Do not commit evil," they say, "But we are righteous!" [2:12] In fact, they are evildoers, but they do not perceive. [2:13] When they are told, "Believe like the people who believed," they say, "Shall we believe like the fools who believed?" In fact, it is they who are fools, but they do not know. [2:14] When they meet the believers, they say, "We believe," but when alone with their devils, they say, "We are with you; we were only mocking." [2:15] GOD mocks them, and leads them on in their transgressions, blundering. [2:16] It is they who bought the straying, at the expense of guidance. Such trade never prospers, nor do they receive any guidance. [2:17] Their example is like those who start a fire, then, as it begins to shed light around them, GOD takes away their light, leaving them in darkness, unable to see. [2:18] Deaf, dumb, and blind; they fail to return. They will be blocked out if they are not sincere Divine Intervention [18:57] Who are more evil than those who are reminded of their Lord's proofs, then disregard them, without realizing what they are doing. Consequently, we place shields on their hearts to prevent them from understanding it (the Quran), and deafness in their ears. Thus, no matter what you do to guide them, they can never ever be guided. [35:8] Note the one whose evil work is adorned in his eyes, until he thinks that it is righteous. GOD thus sends astray whoever wills (to go astray), and He guides whoever wills (to be guided). Therefore, do not grieve over them. GOD is fully aware of everything they do. [15:90] We will deal with the dividers. [15:91] They accept the Quran only partially. Can’t take the interpretation of one verse when it contradicts the other. [3:78] Among them are those who twist their tongues to imitate the scripture, that you may think it is from the scripture, when it is not from the scripture, and they claim that it is from GOD, when it is not from GOD. Thus, they utter lies and attribute them to GOD, knowingly. [4:44] Have you noted those who received a portion of the scripture, and how they choose

1. Allah created man from Embryo [96:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful [96:1] Read, in the name of your Lord, who created. [96:2] He created man from an embryo. [96:3] Read, and your Lord, Most Exalted. [96:4] Teaches by means of the pen. [96:5] He teaches man what he never knew. Water [25:54] He is the One who created from water a human being, then made him reproduce through marriage and mating. Your Lord is Omnipotent. Dust [30:20] Among His proofs is that He created you from dust, then you became reproducing humans. Nothing [19:67] Did the human being forget that we created him already, and he was nothing? Clay [15:26] We created the human being from aged mud, like the potter's clay. [21:30] Do the unbelievers not realize that the heaven and the earth used to be one solid mass that we exploded into existence? And from water we made all living things. Would they believe? Prior to the big bang there was nothing – so we came from nothing After big-bang there was Stardust these are all the elements that make up a human in total I believe there are about 27 different elements that the human body consists of If I say I made an apple pie, the ingredients will be dependent on how detailed I want to get. Flour => Wheat => Earth => Water => Stardust etc. Also, going to link to the audio of a video showing just how profound the first revelation of the Quran the first five verses of Sura 96 are so profound regarding the process of an embryo. Part of it is visual so I’ll link to the actual video, but I think you will still appreciate what is said. EMBRYO = LEECH | AMAZING QURAN MIRACLE | #MINDBLOW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYajKl-Xr6c 2. They lost their own souls, who will not believe (6:12) God causes to stray whom He wills (16:93) The 6:12 verse does not sound right [6:12] Say, "To whom belongs everything in the heavens and the earth?" Say, "To GOD." He has decreed that mercy is His attribute. He will surely summon you all on the Day of Resurrection, which is inevitable. The ones who lose their souls are those who disbelieve. But from 16:93 I think I understand the argument [16:93] Had GOD willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He sends astray whoever chooses to go astray, and He guides whoever wishes to be guided.* You will surely be asked about everything you have done. Do human beings have free will according to the Quran. The answer is yes: [33:72] We have offered the responsibility (freedom of choice) to the heavens and the earth, and the mountains, but they refused to bear it, and were afraid of it. But the human being accepted it; he was transgressing, ignorant.* So why does it say that God leads people astray in 16:93? When we make a choice our minds are designed to confirm that choice – this is by the design of God. That is why it says [19:75] Say, "Those who choose to go astray, the Most Gracious will lead them on, until they see what is promised for them—either the retribution or the Hour. That is when they find out who really is worse off, and weaker in power." [19:76] GOD augments the guidance of those who choose to be guided. For the good deeds are eternally rewarded by your Lord, and bring far better returns. This is called confirmation bias – we look for information that will confirm our existing beliefs. [9:115] GOD does not send any people astray, after He had guided them, without first pointing out for them what to expect. GOD is fully aware of all things. 3. Will intercession be possible on the Day of Judgment? [2:123] Beware of the day when no soul will help another soul, no ransom will be accepted, no intercession will be useful, and no one will be helped. [2:254] O you who believe, you shall give to charity from the provisions we have given to you, before a day comes where there is no trade, no nepotism, and no intercession. The disbelievers are the unjust. [20:109] On that day, intercession will be useless, except for those permitted by the Most Gracious, and whose utterances conform to His will. To believe that anyone, other than God, can intercede on our behalf to have our sins forgiven or our wishes fulfilled, is to set up partners with God. This is idolatry. The Quran proclaims that "All intercession belongs to God" (39:44), and that there will be "no intercession on the Day of Judgment" (2:254). The myth of intercession is one of Satan's most effective tricks to dupe millions of people into idol worship. Millions of Christians believe that Jesus will intercede for them at God, and millions of Muslims believe that Muhammad will intercede on their behalf. Consequently, these people idolize Jesus and Muhammad. The concept of intercession is utterly illogical. Those who believe in Muhammad's intercession, for example, claim that he will ask God to forgive them and admit them into Paradise. They imagine Muhammad on the Day of Judgment choosing the candidates for his intercession. If you ask those who believe in intercession: "How will Muhammad recognize

What you just listened to was a trailer for a Netflix original called the Push The Push is a social experiment conducted by Derren Brown who is a British mentalist. If you have been listening to the podcast you might have heard me reference Darren Brown and some of the social illusions he has run. He really is an experiment of understanding human psychology The premise in the push is can he create a scenario where within a span of 72 minutes he can create a scenario where a person will push a human off a building to their death. SPOILER ALERT…. IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN IT AND YOU WANT TO SEE IT PLEASE GO WATCH IT FIRST AND THEN LISTEN TO THE PODCAST IF YOU DON’T CARE ABOUT HEARING WHAT HAPPENED THEN CONTINUE LISTENING I think the biggest mistake most people make when watching one of these social experiments is thinking what is wrong with these people…I would never do that I noticed the people who are in complete denial about their ability to be manipulated are the most susceptible We need to watch things like this and think no this could be me I could be the person in this experiment and be cajoled into doing something that I would have never thought I would do in a million years Example of Adam and Eve in paradise being tempted by the devil [4:119] "I will mislead them, I will entice them, I will command them to (forbid the eating of certain meats by) marking the ears of livestock, and I will command them to distort the creation of GOD." Anyone who accepts the devil as a lord, instead of GOD, has incurred a profound loss. [4:120] He promises them and entices them; what the devil promises is no more than an illusion. [7:17] "I will come to them from before them, and from behind them, and from their right, and from their left, and You will find that most of them are unappreciative." [17:64] "You may entice them with your voice, and mobilize all your forces and all your men against them, and share in their money and children, and promise them. Anything the devil promises is no more than an illusion. [7:202] Their brethren ceaselessly entice them to go astray. [29:3] We have tested those before them, for GOD must distinguish those who are truthful, and He must expose the liars. [29:10] Among the people there are those who say, "We believe in GOD," but as soon as they suffer any hardship because of GOD, they equate the people's persecution with GOD's retribution. But if blessings from your Lord come your way, they say, "We were with you." Is GOD not fully aware of the people's innermost thoughts? [29:11] GOD will most certainly distinguish those who believe, and He will most certainly expose the hypocrites. [3:154]… GOD thus puts you to the test to bring out your true convictions, and to test what is in your hearts. In the push, they showed how they selected participants for the experiment They wanted to see how agreeable and likely people would be to go with the group Sitting and Standing - They had three actors sitting in a waiting room and then one by one they brought in people who wanted to be on the show then a bell would ring and the actors would stand then a bell ring and they would sit. Social Pressure: God Strengthens the Messenger [17:73] They almost diverted you from the revelations we have given you. They wanted you to fabricate something else, in order to consider you a friend. [17:74] If it were not that we strengthened you, you almost leaned towards them just a little bit. [17:75] Had you done that, we would have doubled the retribution for you in this life, and after death, and you would have found no one to help you against us. [17:76] They almost banished you from the land to get rid of you, so they could revert as soon as you left. [17:77] This has been consistently the case with all the messengers that we sent before you, and you will find that our system never changes. Abraham Back to Abraham [29:24] The only response from his people was their saying, "Kill him, or burn him." But GOD saved him from the fire. This should provide lessons for people who believe. Social Pressure: A Profound Disaster [29:25] He said, "You worship beside GOD powerless idols due to peer pressure, just to preserve some friendship among you in this worldly life. But then, on the Day of Resurrection, you will disown one another, and curse one another. Your destiny is Hell, wherein you cannot help one another." [29:26] Lot believed with him and said, "I am emigrating to my Lord. He is the Almighty, the Most Wise." Lot and the people of Sodom and Gomorrah Example of Joseph God Protects the Believers From Sin [12:23] The lady of the house where he lived tried to seduce him. She closed the doors and said, "I am all yours." He said, "May GOD protect me. He is my Lord, who gave me a good home.* The transgressors never succeed." Footnote [12:24] She almost succumbed to him, and he almost succumbed to her, if it were not that he saw a proof from his Lord. We thus diverted evil and sin away from him, for he was one of our devoted

Quran Alone God's Messenger of the Covenant* [25:27] The day will come when the transgressor will bite his hands (in anguish) and say, "Alas, I wish I had followed the path with the messenger. [25:28] "Alas, woe to me, I wish I did not take that person as a friend. [25:29] "He has led me away from the message after it came to me. Indeed, the devil lets down his human victims." [25:30] The messenger* said, "My Lord, my people have deserted this Quran." Quran Should Be Our Only Source for Religious Law Quran, the Whole Quran, and Nothing But the Quran [6:19] Say, "Whose testimony is the greatest?" Say, "GOD's. He is the witness between me and you that this Quran* has been inspired to me, to preach it to you and whomever it reaches. Indeed, you bear witness that there are other gods* beside GOD." Say, "I do not testify as you do; there is only one god, and I disown your idolatry." Quran: The ONLY Source [17:46] We place shields around their minds, to prevent them from understanding it, and deafness in their ears. And when you preach your Lord, using the Quran alone,* they run away in aversion. [18:27] You shall recite what is revealed to you of your Lord's scripture. Nothing shall abrogate His words, and you shall not find any other source beside it. Following Other Sources Means You Do Not Believe In God Hadith & Sunna: Fabrications by the Prophet's Enemies [6:112] We have permitted the enemies of every prophet—human and jinn devils—to inspire in each other fancy words, in order to deceive. Had your Lord willed, they would not have done it. You shall disregard them and their fabrications. Important Criterion [6:113] This is to let the minds of those who do not believe in the Hereafter listen to such fabrications, and accept them, and thus expose their real convictions.* The Idols: Innovating New Religious Laws* [42:21] They follow idols who decree for them religious laws never authorized by GOD. If it were not for the predetermined decision, they would have been judged immediately. Indeed, the transgressors have incurred a painful retribution.* [4:60] Have you noted those who claim that they believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you, then uphold the unjust laws of their idols? They were commanded to reject such laws. Indeed, it is the devil's wish to lead them far astray. [4:61] When they are told, "Come to what GOD has revealed, and to the messenger," you see the hypocrites shunning you completely. We can get inspiration from anyone or anything, but when it comes to our religious salvation and the religious laws we live by it all comes 100% from God’s infallible message via the Quran Fully Detailed Animals and Birds: Submitting Creatures* [6:38] All the creatures on earth, and all the birds that fly with wings, are communities like you. We did not leave anything out of this book.** To their Lord, all these creatures will be summoned. Quran: Fully Detailed* [6:114] Shall I seek other than GOD as a source of law, when He has revealed to you this book fully detailed?* Those who received the scripture recognize that it has been revealed from your Lord, truthfully. You shall not harbor any doubt. [6:115] The word of your Lord is complete,* in truth and justice. Nothing shall abrogate His words. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [6:116] If you obey the majority of people on earth, they will divert you from the path of GOD. They follow only conjecture; they only guess. [18:54] We have cited in this Quran every kind of example, but the human being is the most argumentative creature. [39:27] We have cited for the people every kind of example in this Quran, that they may take heed. [16:89] The day will come when we will raise from every community a witness from among them, and bring you as the witness of these people. We have revealed to you this book to provide explanations for everything, and guidance, and mercy, and good news for the submitters. Mathematical Composition of the Quran [17:88] Say, "If all the humans and all the jinns banded together in order to produce a Quran like this, they can never produce anything like it, no matter how much assistance they lent one another." [17:89] We have cited for the people in this Quran all kinds of examples, but most people insist upon disbelieving. [7:52] We have given them a scripture that is fully detailed, with knowledge, guidance, and mercy for the people who believe. No Contradictions Proof of Divine Authorship [4:82] Why do they not study the Quran carefully? If it were from other than GOD, they would have found in it numerous contradictions.* Quran: No Ambiguity [39:27] We have cited for the people every kind of example in this Quran, that they may take heed. [39:28] An Arabic Quran, without any ambiguity, that they may be righteous. [39:29] GOD cites the example of a man who deals with disputing partners (Hadith), compared to a man who deals with only one consistent source (Quran). Are they the same? Praise be to GOD; most of them d

Be Kind To One Another Continue on from the last podcast regarding a loan of righteousness… Fair vs. Kind [5:8] O you who believe, you shall be absolutely equitable, and observe GOD, when you serve as witnesses. Do not be provoked by your conflicts with some people into committing injustice. You shall be absolutely equitable, for it is more righteous. You shall observe GOD. GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do. Submitters [41:33] Who can utter better words than one who invites to GOD, works righteousness, and says, "I am one of the submitters"? [41:34] Not equal is the good response and the bad response. You shall resort to the nicest possible response. Thus, the one who used to be your enemy, may become your best friend. [41:35] None can attain this except those who steadfastly persevere. None can attain this except those who are extremely fortunate. Traits of the Believers [42:37] They avoid gross sins and vice, and when angered they forgive. [42:38] They respond to their Lord by observing the Contact Prayers (Salat). Their affairs are decided after due consultation among themselves, and from our provisions to them they give (to charity). [42:39] When gross injustice befalls them, they stand up for their rights. [42:40] Although the just requital for an injustice is an equivalent retribution, those who pardon and maintain righteousness are rewarded by GOD. He does not love the unjust. [42:41] Certainly, those who stand up for their rights, when injustice befalls them, are not committing any error. [42:42] The wrong ones are those who treat the people unjustly, and resort to aggression without provocation. These have incurred a painful retribution. [42:43] Resorting to patience and forgiveness reflects a true strength of character. Don’t be a pushover - Earth will be inhabited by the meek Matthew 5:5 - Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Jordan Peterson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_5:5 [5:54] O you who believe, if you revert from your religion, then GOD will substitute in your place people whom He loves and who love Him. They will be kind with the believers, stern with the disbelievers, and will strive in the cause of GOD without fear of any blame. Such is GOD's blessing; He bestows it upon whomever He wills. GOD is Bounteous, Omniscient. [52:25] They will meet each other and reminisce among themselves. [52:26] They will say, "We used to be kind and humble among our people. [52:27] "GOD has blessed us, and has spared us the agony of ill winds. [52:28] "We used to implore Him; He is the Most Kind, Most Merciful." Charlie Brown & Franz Stigler December 20th 1943 B-17 Bomber 40 years later they meet https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Brown_and_Franz_Stigler_incident Dehumanization Black vs. whites Jewish Today’s Refugees The Only Criterion For Distinguishing Among The People [49:13] O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant. Quran: The Ultimate Reference [5:48] Then we revealed to you this scripture, truthfully, confirming previous scriptures, and superseding them. You shall rule among them in accordance with GOD's revelations, and do not follow their wishes if they differ from the truth that came to you. For each of you, we have decreed laws and different rites. Had GOD willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He thus puts you to the test through the revelations He has given each of you. You shall compete in righteousness. To GOD is your final destiny—all of you—then He will inform you of everything you had disputed. Treat Each Other Amicably [17:53] Tell My servants to treat each other in the best possible manner, for the devil will always try to drive a wedge among them. Surely, the devil is man's most ardent enemy. Being King Means Getting Outside Of Your Comfort Zone [59:8] (You shall give) to the needy who immigrated. They were evicted from their homes and deprived of their properties, because they sought GOD's grace and pleasure, and because they supported GOD and His messenger. They are the truthful. [59:9] As for those who provided them with a home and a refuge, and were believers before them, they love those who immigrated to them, and find no hesitation in their hearts in helping them. In fact, they readily give them priority over themselves, even when they themselves need what they give away. Indeed, those who overcome their natural stinginess are the successful ones. Self [12:53] "I do not claim innocence for myself. The self is an advocate of vice, except for those who have attained mercy from my Lord. My Lord is Forgiver, Most Merciful." 60 Minutes – Saving The Children https://www.cbsnews.com/news/saving-the-children-on-eve-of-world-war-11-60-minutes/?authenticated=1 Nicholas Winton who went to Prague, and ended up saving the lives of 669 children, mostly Jews

Think of an investment you missed out on Housing provided $1T wealth in the terms of home equity to home owners in 2017 Amazon & Apple if invested years ago could have made so much money. Bitcoin going up from nothing to being worth ~$10k – Store of Value All investments at one point didn’t look so promising so they were valued low. At that time there was no guarantee that the investment would be successful so people stayed away. There is only a single investment that we can say with absolute certainty The Best Investment [2:261] The example of those who spend their monies in the cause of GOD is that of a grain that produces seven spikes, with a hundred grains in each spike. GOD multiplies this manifold for whomever He wills. GOD is Bounteous, Knower. Return = 70,000% * manifold They say there is no such thing as a sure thing… Preoccupation With the Wrong Life [30:6] Such is GOD's promise—and GOD never breaks His promise—but most people do not know. [30:7] They care only about things of this world that are visible to them, while being totally oblivious to the Hereafter. Currency in the hereafter is righteousness [2:197] Hajj shall be observed in the specified months.* Whoever sets out to observe Hajj shall refrain from sexual intercourse, misconduct, and arguments throughout Hajj. Whatever good you do, GOD is fully aware thereof. As you prepare your provisions for the journey, the best provision is righteousness. You shall observe Me, O you who possess intelligence. God is the source of righteousness [74:56] They cannot take heed against GOD's will. He is the source of righteousness; He is the source of forgiveness. We can take a loan of righteousness and God will pay us back [2:245] Who would lend GOD a loan of righteousness, to have it repaid to them multiplied manifold? GOD is the One who provides and withholds, and to Him you will be returned. [57:11] Who would like to loan GOD a loan of righteousness, to have it multiplied for him manifold, and end up with a generous recompense? [64:17] If you lend GOD a loan of righteousness, He will multiply the reward for you manifold, and forgive you. GOD is Appreciative, Clement. God is giving us an opportunity to earn credit [36:47] When they are told, "Give from GOD's provisions to you," those who disbelieve say to those who believe, "Why should we give to those whom GOD could feed, if He so willed? You are really far astray." God’s resources are inexhaustible [17:20] For each one of them we provide; we provide those and these from your Lord's bounties. Your Lord's bounties are inexhaustible. [17:100] Proclaim, "If you possessed my Lord's treasures of mercy, you would have withheld them, fearing that you might exhaust them. The human being is stingy." Caring only about things in this world [3:14] Adorned for the people are the worldly pleasures, such as the women, having children, piles upon piles of gold and silver, trained horses, livestock, and crops. These are the materials of this world. A far better abode is reserved at GOD. [4:134] Anyone who seeks the materials of this world should know that GOD possesses both the materials of this world and the Hereafter. GOD is Hearer, Seer. This world is an illusion Digital Goods - Sims / 2nd Life - would you be envious of someone who had a nice car or home in the digital world? Instagram lives When we know this world is an illusion and we are not taking anything of this world with us to the Hereafter, then why do we get so caught up with material posseessions? If we get more than we can handle we will transgress [42:27] If GOD increased the provision for His servants, they would transgress on earth. This is why He sends it precisely measured to whomever He wills. He is fully Cognizant and Seer of His servants. Materials of This World: All That The Disbelievers Get [43:33] If it were not that all the people might become one (disbelieving) congregation, we would have granted everyone who disbelieves in the Most Gracious mansions with silver roofs, and stairs upon which they could climb. [43:34] Their mansions would have impressive gates, and luxurious furnishings. [43:35] Also many ornaments. All these are the temporary materials of this lowly life. The Hereafter—at your Lord—is far better for the righteous. God's System Does Not Change [9:69] Some of those before you were stronger than you, and possessed more money and children. They became preoccupied with their material possessions. Similarly, you have become preoccupied with your material possessions, just like those before you have become preoccupied. You have become totally heedless, just as they were heedless. Such are the people who nullify their works, both in this world and in the Hereafter; they are the losers. Dirty money- self-justification Scott Tucker and payday loans in the United States. CLK Management made loans with terms that included renewals and fees, as well as interest rates as high as 700% per year. Greed monopoly study Given twice as much mone

Do you know what you are made of? Moses [26:10] Recall that your Lord called Moses: "Go to the transgressing people. [26:11] "Pharaoh's people; perhaps they reform." [26:12] He said, "My Lord, I fear lest they disbelieve me. [26:13] "I may lose my temper. My tongue gets tied; send for my brother Aaron. [26:14] "Also, they consider me a fugitive; I fear lest they kill me." [26:15] He said, "No, (they will not). Go with My proofs. We will be with you, listening. [20:41] "I have made you just for Me. [20:42] "Go with your brother, supported by My signs, and do not waver in remembering Me. [2:286] GOD never burdens a soul beyond its means: to its credit is what it earns, and against it is what it commits. "Our Lord, do not condemn us if we forget or make mistakes. Our Lord, and protect us from blaspheming against You, like those before us have done. Our Lord, protect us from sinning until it becomes too late for us to repent. Pardon us and forgive us. You are our Lord and Master. Grant us victory over the disbelieving people." [7:42] As for those who believe and lead a righteous life—we never burden any soul beyond its means—these will be the dwellers of Paradise. They abide in it forever. [23:62] We never burden any soul beyond its means, and we keep a record that utters the truth. No one will suffer injustice. Planet Earth Season II – Episode 4 - Deserts Kalahari Desert watering hole 100km from the nest’s of the sandgrouse chicks Father has to make a 200km round trip to get water for their young Threat of getting trampled by zebras, elephants or eaten by hawks Go on every day for two months Human being wants the easy way out – think it is better for them [17:11] The human being often prays for something that may hurt him, thinking that he is praying for something good. The human being is impatient. Sometimes you need God to save you from what you want so He can give you what you need Uber Uber drivers thinking they want Uber to incorporate tips, but when they did their wages actually went down? Why, because when the announcement that they added the ability to include tips was made this caused more people to want to drive for Uber and this increased the supply of drivers, but not the demand for rides. Believers: The Ultimate Victors [2:216] Fighting may be imposed on you, even though you dislike it. But you may dislike something which is good for you, and you may like something which is bad for you. GOD knows while you do not know. Jonah Nineveh - thinking he can abandon his mission Assyrians Very bad reputation as a ruthless people Using the skins and bones of the people they conquered Stone carvings of their ruthlessness as opposed to the Persian showing diversity and friendship Cutting off the heads and sticking them on spikes Eyes poked out heads cut off The Mesopotamian god Ashur was the head of the Assyrian pantheon, and hence every decision made by the ruler was taken under the symbolic ‘validation’ of Ashur – ranging from plundering, massacres to even domestic policies. "Yahweh again commands Jonah to travel to Nineveh and prophesy to its inhabitants.[11] This time he goes and enters the city, crying, "In forty days Nineveh shall be overthrown."[12] After Jonah has walked across Nineveh, the people of Nineveh begin to believe his word and proclaim a fast.[13] The king of Nineveh puts on sackcloth and sits in ashes, making a proclamation which decrees fasting, the wearing of sackcloth, prayer, and repentance.[14] God sees their repentant hearts and spares the city at that time.[15] The entire city is humbled and broken with the people (and even the animals)[16][17] in sackcloth and ashes.[18]” Nineveh Syriac: ܢܝܼܢܘܹܐ‎ was an ancient Assyrian city of Upper Mesopotamia, located on the outskirts of Mosul in modern-day northern Iraq. It is located on the eastern bank of the Tigris River, and was the capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Nowadays it is a common name for the half of Mosul which lies on the eastern bank of the Tigris. Battle of Mosul (2016–2017)[edit] Main articles: Mosul offensive (2016) and Battle of Mosul (2016–17) After more than two years of IS occupation of Mosul, Iraqi, Kurdish, American and French forces launched a joint offensive to recapture the city on 16 October 2016.[89][90] The battle for Mosul was considered key in the military intervention against IS.[91] Turkish warplanes participated in the coalition strikes on Mosul, amid the escalating dispute between Baghdad and Ankara about the Turkish presence in Bashiqa.[92] A military offensive to retake the city was the largest deployment of Iraqi forces since the 2003 invasion by U.S. and coalition forces[93] On July 9, 2017, Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi arrived in preparation to announce the full liberation of Mosul and reclaim the city after three years of ISIL control.[94] A formal declaration was made on the next day.[95] Ancient Warfare: Assyrian Empire and Macedonian Army https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPle6IzDuoU https://www.

Inception Wasp virus turns ladybugs into zombie babysitters http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2015/02/wasp-virus-turns-ladybugs-zombie-babysitters Zombie spider builds a stronger web for the parasitic wasp that's sucking its blood https://www.theverge.com/2015/8/6/9103979/parasitic-wasp-spiders-zombie-stronger-web Satan infects the human with an idea The human believes they came up with the idea The human will foster the idea and the idea will grow The human will protect and defend the idea And the idea will manifest to action [17:64] "You may entice them with your voice, and mobilize all your forces and all your men against them, and share in their money and children, and promise them. Anything the devil promises is no more than an illusion. Satan Hypnotizes His Constituents [7:179] We have committed to Hell multitudes of jinns and humans. They have minds with which they do not understand, eyes with which they do not see, and ears with which they do not hear. They are like animals; no, they are far worse—they are totally unaware. Advertisers spend billions (Ben Shapiro - Hollywood) Darren Brown – How To Get Someone The Perfect Gift https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTwCMX5sUQU When we think we own something we give it more value Mug social experiment When someone comes up with a business plan they think it is better than it actually is Satan will infect us with predominately two kinds of ideas #1 Ego #2 Doubt There are several things that our faith needs to be unshakeable regarding #1 – There is no god beside God [3:18] GOD bears witness that there is no god except He, and so do the angels and those who possess knowledge. Truthfully and equitably, He is the absolute god; there is no god but He, the Almighty, Most Wise. #2 – There will be a Day of Judgment [22:7] And that the Hour is coming, no doubt about it, and that GOD resurrects those who are in the graves. [40:59] Most certainly, the Hour (Day of Judgment) is coming, no doubt about it, but most people do not believe. [13:2] GOD is the One who raised the heavens without pillars that you can see, then assumed all authority. He committed the sun and the moon, each running (in its orbit) for a predetermined period. He controls all things, and explains the revelations, that you may attain certainty about meeting your Lord. #3 – God’s word is the absolute truth [7:2] This scripture has been revealed to you—you shall not harbor doubt about it in your heart—that you may warn with it, and to provide a reminder for the believers. [35:40] Say, "Consider the idols you have set up beside GOD; show me what on earth have they created." Do they own any partnership in the heavens? Have we given them a book wherein there is no doubt? Indeed, what the transgressors promise one another is no more than an illusion. It is okay to have doubt with the expectation that we will work to eliminate the doubt Abraham Every Believer Needs Assurance [2:260] Abraham said, "My Lord, show me how You revive the dead." He said, "Do you not believe?" He said, "Yes, but I wish to reassure my heart." He said, "Take four birds, study their marks, place a piece of each bird on top of a hill, then call them to you. They will come to you in a hurry. You should know that GOD is Almighty, Most Wise." Jesus’s Disciples The Feast [5:112] Recall that the disciples said, "O Jesus, son of Mary, can your Lord send down to us a feast from the sky?" He said, "You should reverence GOD, if you are believers." [5:113] They said, "We wish to eat from it, and to reassure our hearts, and to know for sure that you have told us the truth. We will serve as witnesses thereof." Greater Miracles Bring Greater Responsibility* [5:114] Said Jesus, the son of Mary, "Our god, our Lord, send down to us a feast from the sky. Let it bring plenty for each and every one of us, and a sign from You. Provide for us; You are the best Provider." [5:115] GOD said, "I am sending it down. Anyone among you who disbelieves after this, I will punish him as I never punished anyone else."* Submitters Strive for Certainty Muslim vs Mu'men [49:14] The Arabs said, "We are Mu'mens (believers)." Say, "You have not believed; what you should say is, 'We are Muslims (submitters),' until belief is established in your hearts." If you obey GOD and His messenger, He will not put any of your works to waste. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [49:15] Mu'mens (believers) are those who believe in GOD and His messenger, then attain the status of having no doubt whatsoever, and strive with their money and their lives in the cause of GOD. These are the truthful ones. [49:16] Say, "Are you informing GOD about your religion? GOD knows everything in the heavens and the earth. GOD is Omniscient." [2:118] Those who possess no knowledge say, "If only GOD could speak to us, or some miracle could come to us!" Others before them have uttered similar utterances; their minds are similar. We do manifest the miracles for those who have attained certainty. [5:50] Is it the law o

Louis CK | Everything is Awesome https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TviGil-U2HE [14:34] And He gives you all kinds of things that you implore Him for. If you count GOD's blessings, you can never encompass them. Indeed, the human being is transgressing, unappreciative. [16:18] If you count GOD's blessings, you cannot possibly encompass them. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. If we try to count all the blessings that God has provided us just for a single day there is no way we can wrap our heads around so many There are blessings that we can fathom and ones that we cannot even grasp Site, sound, touch, smell, taste We think we have only five senses but we have so many more being able to feel pain being able to feel heat/cold being able to tell up from down (vertigo) Being able to tell acceleration Knowing where your limbs are proprioception Being able to sense the passing of time But for us this is all normal so we forget When you woke up this morning did you thank God when you took your first breath and life was resurrected back into your body That during night time your body was immobile – Mike Biglia - Acts out his dreams Story of a professor whose body will randomly go immobile as if he is sleeping though he is a awake. When you opened your eyes and you first sensed light and awareness Did you know we can see 7 million different colors you saw the faces of your loved ones and were able to recognize them Prosopagnosia– face blindness I am talking with you and are you in astonishment in the process that is taking place? Your heart beats 115,200 times per day All day your lungs will be breathing pulling in oxygen and energy to your body 16 hours of your day your eyes will process all the things that you see in the world your legs will walk thousands of steps When you went to the fridge and you grabbed breakfast Milk Cereal Apple Eggs Microwave or stove That your stomach and intestines can operate and extract the nutrients you need without any willpower on your part Maybe you took a shower and in a few seconds you have fresh clean water at the perfect temperature for you Then you got into your car where you can adjust the temperature and travel faster than you could ever on your feet without breaking a sweat That you live in a world with laws and human rights that you are not fleeing from the lion or tiger struggling to survive I am pushing air through my lungs and vibrating this air as it is passing my throat to sounds that are bouncing off the hairs in your ears that is vibrating your ear drums then translating those vibrations to an electrical signal that is being sent and deciphered in your brain to language and a message Habituation Can you smell your nose? Can you see your nose? Can you feel the ground beneath your feet? We get used to all the infinite blessings that God has given us Remember you did nothing to deserve any of these blessings… We remember God when we lose it... Job 38:4-7New Life Version (NLV) 4 Where were you when I began building the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. 5 Who decided how big it was to be, since you know? Who looked to see if it was as big as it should be? 6 What was it built upon? Who laid its first stone, 7 when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God called out for joy? Old Man And His Eyes A man reached 75 years of age and started having problems with his eyes. He could not see. He went to the hospital and he was diagnosed, and the doctors informed him that he was in need of an operation otherwise he would never be able to see again. He agreed to have the operation done as he truly missed being able to see like he used to. When the operation was completed, his doctor gave him the bill which covered all the costs. The old man looked at the bill and started to cry. Upon seeing this, the doctor told him that if the cost was too high then they could make some other arrangements. The old man said “I am not crying because of the money but I am crying because God let me see without any problems for 75 years and He never sent me a bill.” We are more blessed in history than ever before yet we are more miserable Happiness = expectations - reality Set the right expectations you have everything and deserve nothing Person at the gym who was recovering from a bone infection The angels said send them all to Hell Let’s say I give you $1M then take $500k back versus I just give you $500k Think of the movie you had low expectations for - Why are movies on planes so much better Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment Everything you have is a gift Be in a state of awe Earth is spinning 1000mph Earth is rotating around the sun at 67,000 mph Sun is moving at 72,000mph Milkyway Galaxy is moving through space at 1.3M mph Earth is 7,915mi diameter ~25mi is the thickness of the earth’s crust Equivalent of the skin of an apple compared to the fruit Under the 25mi is molten rock - a sea of lava - at 4000 degrees Celcius On this thin crust of the earth you put a piece of dead