Originally posted by Friendship

Assalamu alaikum. Abu Loren.Then it is better you die as an ignorant believer. Is Qur'an:96 a command to you? Do you think that I am commanding you to read that book? It is Allah. So you will tell Allah that you refused to read or that nobody has ever advised you? Yes, indeed you said that that book is rubbish. What do I stand to gain by forcing you repent and amend?Friendship.

Originally posted by Friendship

Assalamu alaikum. Abu Loren.

The position of prayer is critical. It is the most important pillar of Islam after  Kalimat Shahadatyn. You and me cannot do anything to correct the mistakes of at least 750 million on whom prayer is compulsory. This year 3 million believers observed the pilgrimage without knowing what to do. This has been the trend for a long time. I understand your concern and desire to be corrected. I advise we suspend this topic to give others chance to read what the author says generally on the obligatory prayers.There must be a joint action for this an unpardonable crime that must be corrected as pointed out in the conclusion of the author.
I agree: Let us forget going to Jerusalem. Let us clear Makka of idols!

Friendship.

Originally posted by Friendship

<font face="Times New Roman, Times, serif" size="3">Assalamu alaika Honeto.I must admit that I find it difficult to explain myself because of the nature of Arabic language. It is difficult to translate. If you try to explain it becomes monotonous to some.  Nonetheless, I will not be held responsible for misguiding any one. First of all, recall the encounter of the holy apostle with angel Gabriel. This is explained by him in his hadith: seeking knowledge is obligatory on all believers, even if he were to go to China. No one is exempted therefore. Individuals have their own motives and intentions.There are guidelines set up from the time of Umar ibn Khattab that was consolidated in the 1st century of Hijra on the one to give a Fatwa. The Tabi'un for example stated that the one who does not know Asbab-al-nuzul is not allowed to explain the Qur'an. These were Arabs, yet they set that criteria because the life history of the holy apostle is described. If you take the books on the Tafsir of the Qur'an in Arabic from al-Itqan fi ulum-alqur'an to al-mubahith fi ulum-al-qur'an by for example Luayy you will see that they even demand knowing the time of revelation in winter or summer at night or day.An American Dr. bilal Phillips in item 3 of hois conditions for translating the Qur'an said: The Mufassir must have working knowledge of classical Arabic, its grammatical constructions and its figures of speech because this is the language of the Qur'an. Any Tafseer which is based solely on a translation of some of the meanings of the Qur'an will be liable to distortion. As Mujaahid, stuident of ibn 'Abbas said, "It is not allowable for anyone who believes in Allah and the last day to explain Allah's Book if he is not knowlegeable in the Arabic language." The Mufassir should also know the other Islamic sciences which are connected in one way or another to the Quraan such as, Hadeeth and Fiqh....For example you quote Qur'an 1:159. Its correct Tafsir includes:1. It is an early Madinan verse probably in the third year.2. It was revealed in relation to the stoning of an adultress. In addition to Muadth ibn Jabbal, Sa'eed ibn Muadth, Hrijah bin Zayd3. It has a general application. For example I know that the Arafat is observed wrongly. What will happen to me if I keep silent?  Abu Loren has refused to answer my questions and probably you. Why are you concealing the truth?4. You should know the remarks of Abu Huaraira. 5. You should know what the holy apostle told Barra'a ibn Azib during the funeral prayer.6. The explanation given by Imam Shatibi in his book Muwafiqat: Vol. 1 pp.95-104; Vol.4 pp77-78, 125. I hope you have understood me. I am not trying to be arrogant or over assuming. I am just trying to know the truth. I believe that I am on the Right path.Note I always check my understanding with the meaning of the words as given in Lisan 'Arab by Ibn Manzur.I could have been in Florida today for my book signing had it not that my visa to USA was delayed. I may visit Guadalajara in Dec. if I can get visa. I will contact you next time I am in USA probably in March.May Allah bring you back to your family safely.Friendship.