Messenger Audio 17.1 (03-Dec-1982)

(0:02) God is great. God is great. (0:07) There's no god but God. (0:11) There's no god but God. (0:17) Come, O Messenger, come, O Messenger. (0:22) Come to the beginning. Come to the beginning. (0:26) Allah hu akbar, Allah hu akbar, la ilaha illa Allah (1:02) Allah hu akbar, Allah hu akbar, la ilaha illa Allah (1:10) Well, this is a continuation of the last khutbah. (1:15) If you still remember what we had during the last khutbah. (1:20) And I hope you are not tired about the subject of the forbidden drink. (1:26) It's a big drink. It's a long story. (1:31) Let's have a little summary of what we had last time. (1:36) That's when our great, great, great grandparents tasted of the forbidden drink. (1:43) They became aware of their bodies. (1:47) And I suggested a kind of an idea that they became ashamed, (1:54) not because of their nakedness, but to, to drink it. (2:01) But because they strove for something that they were not equipped for, (2:08) not prepared for, much less qualified. (2:12) But more important, and I think this is the shame, (2:18) they discovered, they realized that they disobeyed Allah who created them (2:25) and who gave them the garden to live in. (2:30) As I mentioned last time, there was a kind of a disharmony, (2:34) a kind of disequilibrium in their lives. (2:37) There were only two for whom they could turn to. (2:42) It was either Allah or shaytan. (2:47) Allah, shaytan deceived them. (2:52) And they knew that they were deceived by shaytan. (2:56) They did not become angels. (2:59) They did not become immortals. (3:01) On the contrary, as I've been overemphasizing, (3:05) they became aware of their bodies. (3:07) They became aware of their physical bodies, (3:11) their space-time limitations of bodily, (3:15) they realized their mortality, (3:18) they knew they had to die. (3:22) And so, there was no one to turn to except Allah. (3:28) They returned to Him repentant. (3:32) And Allah relented. (3:36) Allah gave them words of revelation and promised them guidance on earth. (3:42) And this is what is very important for us to realize, (3:46) that Adam and Eve now consciously, deliberately, (3:50) accepted Allah as their Lord. (3:54) And Allah was equal to the occasion. (3:58) He relented towards them. (4:00) And here we see the beginning of moral consciousness (4:04) on the part of humanity. (4:08) This is what we understand. (4:10) The question for the Buddha. (4:14) What was the very nature of the temptation? (4:18) What is its deeper meaning? (4:21) And what is the message of this temptation, (4:24) this allegory of the garden? (4:26) What is it to us, children of Adam and Eve? (4:37) What is the significance of this so-called forbidden tree? (4:43) Its symbolism is Matalan or Mutashabihari. (4:50) Well, let's have a little patience for comparative studies. (4:55) And maybe I'll actually increase a little of our sophistication in our knowledge of comparative religion. (5:02) Let us go to the Jewish version. (5:05) I don't know why we cannot get rid of the Jewish tradition. (5:09) Somehow or another, when we talk, the problem of the Jews comes. (5:14) Well, anyhow, this is what the Jewish Bible says. (5:20) While Adam was alone, there was no ill. (5:26) Allah told him already when he was alone, (5:30) he could eat from any tree of the garden (5:34) except that tree of the knowledge of good and evil (5:39) which was situated in the middle of the garden. (5:43) Now this is very important for us to know. (5:48) Adam was alone. (5:50) And Allah said, you can eat of any tree except that one in the middle. (5:55) And that is the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (6:00) For, God said, on the day that you eat it, you will die. (6:06) Allah said. (6:09) Then Eve was convicted. (6:10) She was tempted. (6:12) She was tempted by the devil in the form of a serpent. (6:16) There is also a symbolism there. (6:19) And the serpent told Eve, no Eve, you will not die. (6:25) But you will become like God. (6:28) Or some translation say, like gods. (6:31) Because the word is Elohim. (6:33) And I am in Hebrew, as you know, is the plural. (6:37) It's like in Arabic also, where you say, (6:38) I am is plural in Hebrew. (6:42) You shall be like God or like gods. (6:45) Because the first word, the first line of the Bible says Elohim. (6:51) Gods. (6:54) Whether God or gods. (6:56) You will become like gods, knowing good and evil. (6:59) So it seems that the Jewish Bible is telling us (7:03) that this knowledge of the difference between good and evil (7:07) is a kind of a divine characteristic, right? (7:13) Well, she found the food attractive, ate some of it, (7:18) and gave it to her husband. (7:22) Something always happens, you know. (7:24) Some of you, nice girls, when you cook and want to feed your husband, (7:27) you put your hand before, you take. (7:31) That is the property in Damascus. (7:33) The wives do that in Damascus. (7:34) They trust the food and mouth of their husband. (7:39) And then, the problem of nakedness came, (7:44) and God said, how did you know that you are this and that? (7:48) And then, Adam, like a weak husband, (7:53) blamed Eve. (7:54) She gave it to him. (7:56) And she, like a good woman said, (7:58) no, no, it's the devil who gave it to me. (8:01) So everybody was blaming each other. (8:06) And God says now, and I quote, (8:10) they have become like us. (8:14) Whatever us means here, huh? (8:17) Could mean like gods, Elohim, (8:20) or could mean like Allah and the angels. (8:23) The plural is you. (8:23) I will not go into the linguistic element. (8:28) And I'm still quoting. (8:30) What if he now reaches out his hand (8:32) and takes fruit from the tree of life also? (8:38) Eats it and lives forever. (8:41) I'm saying this. (8:42) There is another tree, huh? (8:44) The tree of life. (8:46) Now he has eaten of this, (8:48) what now if he stretches his hand (8:51) and eats of the tree of life also, (8:55) means also another tree, (8:57) eats it and lives forever. (8:59) I'm quoting. (9:01) And so, Adam and Eve (9:03) were cast out of the garden of Eden (9:08) and God put angels. (9:12) These are cherubim. (9:14) They're usually in theology. (9:17) They're the angels close to the throne of God, (9:20) with flaming swords (9:22) to guard the way to the tree of life. (9:27) So angels with flaming swords were placed (9:29) to prevent them. (9:31) They were kicked out from the garden. (9:33) Angels were placed with flaming swords (9:35) for them not to go. (9:37) What do we get from this biblical story? (9:42) One. (9:43) There are two, (9:45) at least two trees mentioned. (9:49) The tree of the knowledge of good and evil, (9:52) which our parents took, (9:55) and that of the tree of life, (9:59) which will make them eat forever, (10:01) which they were not allowed to take. (10:05) Now this is very important for us to know. (10:08) It has also contact with the Quranic version, (10:11) but not in all aspects. (10:14) Second. (10:15) The serpent, Satan, (10:17) told a half-truth. (10:21) At least he said part of the truth. Why? (10:23) He said they will come to know good and evil. (10:27) And Allah said, (10:28) yes, now they have come to know (10:31) good and evil. (10:33) So that's a half-truth. (10:35) But angels become gods, (10:37) so that they have life. (10:41) Number three. (10:42) They were driven out of the garden of Eden (10:46) to prevent them from tasting the fruit (10:49) of the tree of life. (10:52) Not because of the first tree. (10:55) All right? (10:57) Because what they eat of the fruits (11:00) of the tree of good and evil, (11:01) the knowledge of good and evil, (11:02) well, they eat and eat, (11:03) they can eat as much as they want, (11:05) but they have already eaten it. (11:06) No. (11:07) They are kicked out to prevent them (11:09) from eating of the other tree. (11:10) They tasted of the first tree, (11:13) they must not taste of the second tree. (11:18) And as somebody said, (11:20) not without some malice, (11:23) that if we follow the Jewish scripture (11:25) very well, (11:27) it seems that God would not mind (11:30) if people live forever (11:31) as long as they are innocent like children. (11:35) This is a bit malicious there, (11:37) but comes from another theologian anyway. (11:40) Anyhow, the garden of Eden is on earth. (11:44) It has boundaries, (11:45) and if you read further, (11:46) there are rivers that come (11:48) from the garden of Eden, (11:50) like the Nile, the Tigris, (11:52) the Euphrates, etc., etc. (11:54) Now, back to the Qur'an. (11:57) In the Qur'an, (11:59) there is one, and only one, (12:01) three particular mentions, (12:04) but it has two characteristics. (12:07) Or two alleged characteristics, (12:10) because it is Satan who says (12:12) that they are the characteristics. (12:13) We do not know, I don't know, (12:15) if that tree has these characteristics. (12:17) All what we know is that the Qur'an says (12:19) that that is what the devil said. (12:21) And the devil said, (12:23) aha, you want to become, (12:27) God does not want you to eat of that tree, (12:31) because He does not want you to be angels, (12:33) and He does not want you to become immortal. (12:38) That is in Surah 7, verse 20. (12:42) And in Surah 20, verse 120, (12:46) the tree is more explained. (12:48) I'll explain it in a better manner. (12:51) O Adam, shall I show you, (12:54) or let me show you, (12:56) the tree of immortality (13:00) and an everlasting kingdom, (13:02) or an everlasting kingship, (13:05) I don't remember, (13:06) it's just a paraphrase, (13:07) or a kingdom that will never perish, (13:09) or a sovereignty that will persist. (13:12) And then I mentioned to you something in passing, (13:17) a characteristic of the Arabic language, (13:19) the angel, the word angel, (13:21) is, may angels malign, (13:27) power is also, (13:29) move, sovereignty, (13:30) the letters are M-L-K. (13:34) Malaka, as I said, is to hold. (13:37) Now why am I mentioning this? (13:41) It's for a deeper appreciation of the Arabic language. (13:47) This shows us linguistically (13:49) that angels represent certain forces, (13:53) or certain powers. (13:56) From the word malaka, (13:59) related to moon, to mali, (14:02) king, mali, (14:05) and what is kingdom in Arabic? (14:09) Moon? (14:10) Kingdom? (14:11) Moon? (14:12) No. (14:14) Malaka. (14:15) Malaka is kingdom. (14:16) Yeah, malaka. (14:18) Malaka in Arabic is with me, (14:19) I don't speak. (14:21) Kingdom, power, and so on. (14:23) It's very interesting if you go to Christian theology, (14:26) they classify angels. (14:28) There are Seraphim, (14:30) Cherubim, (14:31) there are archangels, (14:32) there are principalities, (14:34) then there are powers. (14:37) But anyhow, I want to mention this (14:39) because it seems, as many people have pointed out, (14:43) that Arabic is a language (14:45) that is able to carry the burden, (14:48) the weight of revelation. (14:50) It seems that not every language can carry revelation. (14:54) Arabic seems to be the most equipped. (14:57) Maybe that's why Allah chose Arabic for the Qur'an. (15:01) I'm not talking as an Arab, (15:04) or faithful Arab. (15:05) I'm talking as a Muslim, inshallah. (15:09) Now, it's clear (15:11) what was uncovered to A.N.E. (15:13) Oh, excuse me. (15:14) The A.W.G. might not say A.N.E. (15:17) There were neither immortals nor angels, (15:19) but they were destined to die. (15:22) Now let us elaborate on this. (15:25) We all know that A.N.E. was created of clay, (15:29) or earth mixed with water, (15:32) or soil. (15:34) These, all of these, ipso facto means (15:36) that sooner or later, A.N.E. has to die. (15:40) Or, at least the material part of him (15:43) has to perish, (15:44) or transform itself into another form of identity. (15:51) Let me quote. (15:53) In chapter 32, verse 77, (15:59) He, Allah, perfected everything. (16:02) He created and started the creation of man from clay. (16:07) From clay. (16:09) Then He perfected him (16:11) and blew into him from His soul. (16:14) After the clay, the breath of Allah. (16:18) He gave you the hearing, the eyes, and the mind. (16:22) Yet, really, are you appreciative? (16:25) They say, now the disbelievers say, (16:29) after we vanish into the soil. (16:32) Because they see that. (16:33) People see that we vanish. (16:35) We see rascals. (16:36) We have buried people. (16:38) We have seen people dead in the streets. (16:40) We have buried many of them in the soil. (16:42) Especially those who have been in war. (16:44) After we vanish into the soil, (16:46) do we get reconsidered? (16:47) See, these are the unbelievers. (16:50) And Allah says, indeed, they disbelieve (16:53) in meeting the Lord. (16:56) But very clear. (16:58) Allah creates the passion of man out of clay, (17:02) or wet soil. (17:03) He spreads unto him. (17:06) And very interesting, look at the sequence. (17:08) See, another from Allah knows, (17:12) one thousand, one million, (17:13) would know about the sequence. (17:15) We gave you hearing. (17:17) See, this feeling, hearing. (17:18) Then eyes. (17:19) Then mind. (17:20) Don't you see? (17:21) Hearing is the same as you feel by, (17:23) feeling by breath. (17:24) Animals, all animals like oysters and so on, (17:26) they have no eyes. (17:27) But they feel. (17:29) They know they feel by breath. (17:30) Then sight. (17:32) Then mind. (17:32) You see the sequence? (17:34) Another index that this is. (17:37) All information that a man, Muhammad, (17:40) could not have arrived at it through his own. (17:43) It must come from somewhere else. (17:46) Anyhow. (17:47) But these things will vanish into soil. (17:52) But Allah says, (17:54) you will be recreated. (17:56) You will meet your Lord. (17:59) And this is a kind of discovery (18:03) of various verses in the Quran. (18:08) Adam and Eve were meant from the beginning (18:11) to be viceroys or inheritors on earth. (18:16) This means, to my mind, (18:18) that their stay in the garden (18:20) after creation was at most (18:24) or at best to be temporary. (18:28) In Surah 10, verse 14, Allah says, (18:32) Then We made you inherit the earth after them (18:35) to see what you do. (18:37) This is for mankind. (18:39) The stay on earth is a test. (18:44) But this stay on earth, (18:45) even if it's a test, (18:47) is also supposed to be temporary. (18:51) That is, (18:52) if Adam and Eve survive the test on earth, (18:57) just like we. (18:58) We are Adam and Eve. (19:01) If they survive the test on earth, (19:03) they will return to the garden. (19:06) But in a new creation (19:09) and with new kinds of bodies, (19:12) they will be now immortals. (19:15) But with a new body. (19:16) But the other body of soil, (19:18) that will return to the bigger soil. (19:23) Allah says, (19:26) in Surah 21, verse 35, (19:28) Everyone will taste death. (19:31) You are now being tested (19:32) through adversity as well as prosperity. (19:36) Then you will be returned to us. (19:39) What will be returned to us (19:41) when this body will be dissolved? (19:44) There will be a new creation. (19:46) And before this, before 35, (19:48) in 34, verse 34, (19:50) Allah says, (19:51) We never made any human before you immortal. (19:55) On another context. (19:56) But I want to emphasize (19:57) that all men will have to die. (20:00) Every soul will taste of death. (20:03) Kullu nafsi, zalkatu l-mawt. (20:09) And in Surah 3, verse 142, (20:15) it's very clear. (20:17) In order to deserve the garden, (20:21) you must pass, (20:23) or we must pass the test on earth. (20:27) The Quranic doctrine, therefore, is clear. (20:30) Man was created to worship Allah. (20:32) His stay on earth is to be a test (20:35) and temporary. (20:37) Depending on how we measure out the test, (20:40) we will gain reward. (20:43) We should be in the garden. (20:44) But this time, on a permanent basis. (20:47) But after we have died (20:48) and have been recreated (20:52) with a new body, (20:54) our earthly clay, (20:56) our first creation, (20:57) does reduce its individual identity. (21:00) And this is a matter of fact. (21:02) We see that. (21:03) We don't have to ask the scientists. (21:05) We know. (21:06) We have seen bodies. (21:09) And Adam's mistake? (21:11) Or what he failed to see? (21:14) Was that true immortality would come (21:17) only after he was tested (21:19) as viceroy or inheritor on earth. (21:22) True immortality is only after the second creation (21:26) and after the test. (21:29) The earth is transient. (21:31) Everything on it shall perish. (21:35) So are the material benefits on earth. (21:38) Only what is in hereafter (21:41) is what is truly eternal (21:43) and truly imperishable. (21:47) Let us pray for forgiveness in the name of Jesus Christ. (22:00) Dear brothers and sisters, (22:04) can you imagine (22:06) if Adam and Eve, (22:09) after eating of the tree, (22:11) got all the qualities Satan promised them (22:14) that they would have? (22:16) Can you imagine (22:17) if all of these qualities (22:19) would be perpetrated on earth (22:23) by them or with them (22:25) and with their descendants? (22:30) What I mean in particular is that (22:33) if Adam and Eve and all of their descendants (22:37) would become immortal on earth (22:41) with absolute power, (22:43) what would result? (22:44) Not just a population explosion, (22:49) that would be very difficult. (22:53) It would be a world of sheer power, (22:56) power that is irresponsible, (23:00) power that is unanswerable to anyone (23:03) and anyone can do what he wants (23:07) and he does not have to answer (23:09) for the consequences of this. (23:15) Why? (23:17) What Satan was promising (23:19) was absolute power and immortality on earth. (23:25) Satan knew that Adam and Eve will go to earth (23:28) so he is already anticipating. (23:31) He is very smart. (23:33) He knows they will go to earth (23:34) so he is promising them something (23:36) that they will bring with them to earth. (23:39) That is the subject for another podcast. (23:41) We will go deeper into that. (23:45) In other words, (23:46) the temptation is meaningful only on earth. (23:50) It is really tempting man to become like God (23:53) because anyone who has absolute power (23:56) is like God because only Allah (23:58) is the owner of all power. (24:01) Isn't that right? (24:02) Quran says that all power belongs to Allah. (24:05) But here the temptation is (24:07) the tree of immortality (24:10) and power that never fades. (24:14) You heard the story of Jalaluddin Rumi? (24:17) When one day sitting with his students (24:19) they heard a flute, a very sad flute (24:22) and he says, (24:23) What's that flute? How sad! (24:26) One of the students said, (24:27) What sad tune! (24:29) And Jalaluddin Rumi said, (24:31) That is Satan playing with the flute (24:34) and it is very sad (24:35) because he knows that although he promises (24:38) eternity on earth, (24:39) he knows as much as anyone else (24:42) that everything on earth is transient. (24:45) And so Satan is upset (24:48) because it is the opposite of what he promised. (24:55) What Satan was promising was (24:56) absolute power and immortality. (24:58) If a person had these two things (25:00) then he could do anything without fear of restraint. (25:04) If immortal, then to whom (25:06) are we answerable for the use of absolute power? (25:09) Take it with you forever. (25:11) We become gods. (25:14) So, if we become gods, (25:16) this destroys the very argument of the Quran (25:18) that there is only one and only one Allah. (25:22) So the temptation now is involved (25:24) with the concept of shirk. (25:28) When we fall into the temptation of Adam (25:30) we are committing the sin of shirk. (25:33) We are trying to become gods, (25:35) partners to Allah. Why? (25:37) Because we will have absolute power (25:38) and only Allah is supposed to have absolute power. (25:42) And absolute power, as you all know, (25:44) corrupts absolutely. (25:47) And this is the temptation again. (25:49) The desire to live forever on earth (25:51) with absolute power. (25:53) And Adam, or rather Satan, (25:56) knew that Adam was to go to earth. (25:58) And that's why he was able to trust poor Adam. (26:02) And this is really one of the basic problems (26:06) on earth. (26:11) How many people have political power? (26:14) And how many of them use political power (26:16) for personal or dynastic purposes (26:19) than they use it to oppress others? (26:22) And nations that are politically powerful (26:23) oppress other nations. (26:25) Not only on the individual level, (26:27) but also on the national or international level. (26:30) How many politicians cheat in the polls? (26:33) How many do away with personal rivals? (26:34) In some countries, they kill them. (26:39) And then, what proceeds from this, (26:41) or what emanates from this? (26:46) Corruption, injustice, nepotism, and so on. (26:50) How many people have economic power individually, (26:53) or dynastic, or in terms of corporation power? (26:56) They use it to exploit others, (26:58) to increase their power. (27:00) What comes out? Economic inequalities. (27:02) Gross economic inequalities. (27:05) Poverty, the abuse and over-exploitation of nature. (27:10) And therefore, pollution, rain, water, (27:14) toxic rain, and so on. (27:16) Even in matters of physical power. (27:19) We in school have seen that as little children. (27:21) How we have seen boys bullying other boys. (27:25) And these boys grow up, (27:27) they end up still bigger, bigger bullies. (27:30) And forcing others to do odd jobs, and so on. (27:34) And this brings about slavery, oppression, (27:37) when people use physical force to take advantage of others. (27:41) Even in matters of intellectual power. (27:44) How we have seen it being abused in the academic circles. (27:49) How there are professors who quarrel with each other, (27:52) speak of each other out of personal jealousy, (27:55) or force their students to follow their ideas blindly, (27:58) or they begin to excommunicate each other. (28:02) And this is a form of priestly power. (28:05) Priests excommunicate each other, (28:06) popes excommunicate each other, (28:08) they use religion to oppress. (28:09) All of it is really power. (28:12) And then we have a very brutal form of power, (28:14) military power, which I need not anymore discuss (28:18) because we don't have enough time. (28:20) Even in the artistic field, in the creative field, (28:23) how many people think that they are the best, (28:27) the best playwrights, the best craftsmen, (28:30) the best artists, and so on, so on. (28:32) They find the works of others unbearable. (28:35) They forget that Allah is the beautiful, (28:38) and Allah is the source of all beauty. (28:40) Anyhow, all power belongs to Allah. (28:42) And whatever powers we have, (28:46) like the ones we mentioned earlier, (28:47) political, economic, and so on, (28:49) all of these come from Allah, (28:51) and they must be used as a cross, as an amanah, (28:54) as viceroys of Allah, (28:56) to whom we are all answerable to (28:58) in the use of such powers. (29:02) Even in the use of fruit, (29:04) in the use or exploitation of nature, (29:07) this we must explain. (29:09) When we fool around with earth, (29:11) Allah owns the earth. (29:12) Quran says the earth belongs to Allah. (29:14) If we fool around with earth, (29:16) if we destroy the earth, (29:18) by polluting it and so on, (29:20) we have to answer for that. (29:22) And we will suffer. (29:23) We don't. (29:24) Our children and grandchildren will suffer. (29:28) And owning all of these powers is a test. (29:31) And the future you are, (29:33) when you come to this garden, (29:34) will depend, or is a function, (29:37) in the use of such powers forever. (29:40) Thus, every time we use such powers, (29:42) thinking that we will live forever, (29:45) when we use such powers, (29:46) thinking that we will live forever, (29:58) on earth, (29:59) every time we abuse our powers, (30:01) even if it is just hitting somebody in the eye, (30:04) and giving him black eyes. (30:06) We repeat the temptation of Adam. (30:10) But no, here is the question. (30:12) But was not the promise of Satan shown to be false? (30:17) Yet, why do such things appear on earth? (30:21) This is the question, right? (30:24) Adam did not become an angel. (30:26) Adam did not have absolute power. (30:29) He did not give him. (30:35) Actually, they do appear on earth, (30:38) even on a limited level. (30:42) Men do not, in fact, have absolute power, admitted. (30:46) Men on earth, in fact, are not immortal, admitted. (30:50) But this is, dear brothers and sisters, (30:52) besides the point in the football, (30:55) the fact is that men act that way. (30:59) He acts as if he is immortal. (31:02) He acts as if he has absolute power. (31:04) Or he wants to help. (31:05) He may not be absolute, (31:07) but he acts as if his power is absolute. (31:10) This is the point we have to raise on the practical level. (31:13) In other words, when Adam fell into this temptation, (31:16) it reveals that he or mankind (31:19) has the inclination to think that way, (31:23) without being so. (31:25) In other words, why did Adam, (31:29) or why does mankind have such inclination, (31:32) such that he falls into temptation? (31:34) What is it in the physical or mental makeup of Adam (31:38) that made him fall? (31:41) What is it in our makeup (31:42) that makes us fall into this temptation, (31:45) even when, in fact, we will never be immortal on earth? (31:49) This, we will have to make the subject of the next football. (31:55) In other words, the question we will raise is that (31:57) what was the nature of this inclination (32:00) which Satan capitalized upon? (32:03) How did Adam and Eve and their children come to heaven? (32:08) Why and how was it misdirected? (32:13) We all know, having heard the football, (32:15) Allah demands perfect obedience. (32:17) These are the original robes of Adam and Eve in the garden. (32:22) But man decides to exercise the power of God. (32:26) And Allah gave it to him. (32:28) And this can bring about disobedience. (32:31) And Adam and Eve exercised it, (32:33) and Satan was able to tear off this robe from them. (32:37) In surah 14, verse 22, it is very clear. (32:40) Satan assumes all the time that man has a free will. (32:45) He says, because of the Day of Judgment, (32:47) Jesus said, no, no, no, they did it on their own. (32:51) So Satan will deny those who listen to him (32:54) by saying, no, they did it on their own. (32:57) And you can check on this, surah 14, verse 22. (33:04) But, as we know also, Adam and Eve turned to Allah (33:08) in recognition of His Lordship. (33:10) They were not becoming true to their nature. (33:13) They asked Allah for help, (33:14) lest they would become the losers or commit injustice. (33:18) And Allah allows the full play of their power of choice. (33:21) That is, from hence, they can choose to obey or not obey. (33:26) And when Allah gives them the guidance, (33:27) it's up to mankind to follow or not to follow the guidance. (33:32) But, as our Lord, Allah gives us the rules (33:36) on how to use our power of choice. (33:40) He sets the conditions for righteousness. (33:43) He sets the conditions for us that we live as. (33:47) We go to paradise. (33:48) He gives us the guidance. (33:50) If we do things the way Allah wants it, (33:53) we'll be allowed to return to the garden. (33:56) And then stay there forever. (33:58) Now as immortals, but under Allah, (34:01) but with a new body, a second creation. (34:04) It is a guidance that will direct our inclination. (34:12) But then, let's have all of these for the next sermon. (35:30) Insha'Allah. (35:38) A hundred? (35:57) Did you talk about the bible last week? (36:01) No. (36:05) Right, right, that's right. (36:11) Okay, this is a very important session. (36:18) I just want to comment on Abraham. (36:21) If you look at the previous page, (36:24) 10-13, Abraham passes the test. (36:31) Now Abraham is the founder of our religion, Islam. (36:36) And he set the example for us. (36:41) In surah 16, (36:44) surah 16, (36:49) we're told that Abraham set a good example for us. (36:53) Now Abraham was asked to, (36:56) he was not asked, thanks to Din Mahul, (36:59) we must take this out of our mind, (37:01) that he was asked to sacrifice his son. (37:03) He was not asked to sacrifice his son. (37:05) The Quran tells us that he saw in a dream (37:11) that he's sacrificing his son, (37:13) and he thought, or he got the impression from the dream (37:16) that he's receiving a divine command to sacrifice his son. (37:23) And then, just thinking that God wants him to sacrifice his son, (37:27) he said, yes sir. (37:29) And he went to sacrifice his only son. (37:33) Now, he had no children for a long time, (37:36) until he was 80 some years old. (37:39) And finally he got this beautiful boy, Ishmael. (37:44) And then he thinks that God wants him to sacrifice his son, (37:46) and he didn't hesitate. (37:48) And that's submission. (37:51) And this is the example that we learn from Abraham. (37:55) And then Ishmael was an even better example, (37:58) not better example, just as good an example. (38:02) That he said, well father, (38:03) if you think God wants you to sacrifice me, (38:05) then go ahead before I chicken out. (38:10) He didn't hesitate even. (38:12) This is what the Quran says. (38:14) It says, hurry up and do it, before I chicken out. (38:18) He wants to submit to God. (38:21) So, God is not asking any of us to be sacrificed. (38:26) God is not asking you to stick your neck out and have a knife, (38:30) slash it. (38:32) God is not asking you to sacrifice your children. (38:35) He's asking you to pray five times a day. (38:42) And some of us can do it. (38:47) So, this is the example that is set for us. (38:50) It's an extreme example. (38:51) Now God intervened and saved Ishmael. (38:55) Because God is merciful. (38:57) And this is one thing that for the rest of my life, (38:59) I was ordered to be in my home. (39:02) Really. (39:04) I was, you know, the Bible, (39:07) the distortions of the Bible carry on to us. (39:09) Because the Bible says that God ordered him to do this and that. (39:12) The Quran, when I thought about it, the Quran never says that. (39:16) Never says that God ordered Abraham to sacrifice his son. (39:19) Because God says you shall not kill. (39:22) I think five times the Quran says we should not kill our children. (39:26) Right. (39:27) Four times, I don't remember. (39:29) How many times? (39:30) Yeah, four or five times. (39:31) Infanticide is prohibited by Allah. (39:33) So, if Allah prohibits infanticide, how many children? (39:36) Exactly. (39:37) Or murder. (39:37) The founder of Islam should kill his children. (39:39) Exactly. (39:41) So, murder, killing is prohibited in Islam. (39:44) So, we have to stick to the Quran, (39:47) since it has the code that proves it is authentic. (39:51) You know it is from God. (39:52) And it supersedes anything else. (39:56) I think Ibn Mahmood today gave us the story of Adam and Eve, (39:59) and the two trees, and the Bible, and so forth. (40:01) But the Quran supersedes that, as he mentioned. (40:05) He touched on the Quranic story after that. (40:07) So, this is the lesson we learned from Abraham. (40:10) Now, we get to the Bible issue. (40:14) Ustad, can I just interrupt you? (40:16) Maybe you can help me. (40:18) I cannot find the verse, but I am sure you will find it. (40:21) I don't know if you discussed this last time. (40:23) In page 13, verse 128. (40:27) There is a verse that is the answer to verse 128. (40:32) Our Lord make us Muslims to you, (40:35) and from our descendants let there be a Muslim nation to you. (40:39) From our descendants, you know. (40:42) And there is a verse, I think in Surah 2, (40:46) which says that, (40:49) it is almost the same, now you can have it. (40:51) And it says that, (40:54) now Allah has gotten an Arab, a Muhammad. (40:57) It is the answer to verse 128. (41:01) I think it is in Surah 2. (41:07) In verse 129, (41:09) it is the continuation of verse 129. (41:12) Because later on, Allah says, (41:14) And I have raised a messenger from among you. (41:18) What is this? (41:21) Can you tell us? (41:22) It is the last verse of Surah 9, I think. (41:25) No, it is not so fast. (41:33) I think it is in Surah 2. (41:37) It is almost the same language in Arabic. (41:40) Surah 3, I think. (41:42) Can you help us? (41:45) Which verse? (41:48) I think it is in Surah 3 or 2, I think. (42:27) I wanted to relate it. (42:31) 3, 1, 1? (42:39) No, it is not. (42:41) It is not the one? (42:42) No. (42:43) I can't think of any that is really direct. (42:46) Even your translation is almost the same word. (42:50) It is really an answer to (42:53) a continuation of verse 129. (42:59) Where Allah says, (43:00) And I have raised among you (43:06) verse 2. (43:21) Never mind, I am sorry. (43:22) I am sorry that I am taking time. (43:25) But eventually you will come across it. (43:28) Even your translation is very, very... (43:32) The way you translate it, (43:34) it is an immediate answer, actually. (43:39) About Surah 62? (43:40) No, it is too far. (43:42) 2 or 3? (43:44) Yes, 2 or 3. (43:49) Then you will come to it. (43:51) You will come to it and remember it. (43:54) Just think of it, because I am very sure of it. (43:57) I actually made notes of it, to mention it. (44:13) Okay, we are going to start now at 142. (44:16) I seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the accursed. (44:18) In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. (44:21) The fools among the people may ask, (44:24) Why did they change the direction of goodness? (44:27) The direction faced during Salat prayer. (44:29) It says, To God belongs the East and the West. (44:32) He directs whomever He wills to the right path. (44:36) He thus made you an unbiased congregation, (44:40) that you may serve as witnesses among the people, (44:42) just as the Messengers served as witnesses among you. (44:46) We only changed the Qibla as a test, (44:49) in order to distinguish those who would follow the Messengers (44:52) from those who would turn back on their heels. (44:55) Indeed, it was a difficult test, (44:58) but not for those guided by God. (45:01) God never puts your worship to waste. (45:04) Regardless of direction, (45:05) God is compassionate towards the people most merciful. (45:11) We have seen your face, O Muhammad, turning about the sky. (45:15) Therefore, we now appoint for you a Qibla that pleases you. (45:19) Henceforth, you shall turn your face during Salat (45:22) towards the Sacred Mosque of Mecca. (45:25) Wherever you may be, O believers, (45:28) you shall turn your faces towards it. (45:30) Even those who receive and preach the Scripture (45:32) recognize that this is the truth from their Lord. (45:36) God is never unaware of anything they do. (45:40) However, even if you show the followers of previous Scriptures (45:44) every kind of miracle, (45:46) they will not follow your Qibla, (45:48) nor should you follow their Qibla. (45:50) They do not even follow each other's Qibla. (45:53) If you ever acquiesce to their wishes, (45:55) despite the knowledge you have received herein, (45:58) you will be a sinner. (46:00) Okay, so going back to 142, (46:03) what happened here was (46:05) that the Prophet Muhammad and the believers, the Muslims, (46:08) were ordered to pray towards Jerusalem. (46:15) And since Abraham built the Kaaba, (46:18) the prayer was towards the Kaaba. (46:24) And the Arabs became... (46:26) That was their religion, Islam, (46:28) as founded by Abraham. (46:31) And then Muhammad came and he said, (46:34) Now the Kaaba is full of idols, (46:35) and we're going to praise Jerusalem. (46:39) Gabriel gave him a message (46:41) that he and the Muslims should be praying (46:45) as of now, (46:49) praising Jerusalem, (46:51) which is the opposite direction. (46:54) That was the Kaaba would be behind them, (46:57) most of them anyway, (46:58) except for the very few who were (46:59) in the south of Meccan Temple. (47:05) So some of the Muslims (47:07) actually reversed. (47:09) They disobeyed that, (47:10) because their tribal prejudices (47:12) were stronger than their belief in God (47:14) and His message. (47:18) So it was a tough test. (47:20) They had to get rid of their prejudices (47:22) and submit completely to God. (47:26) And if you remember the movie (47:28) that I showed you, (47:30) the last I ran out of film in Damascus (47:32) was the two Qiblahs. (47:34) When you go for Hajj, inshallah, (47:36) you'll see. (47:38) It's a mosque that has both Qiblahs, (47:40) the one towards Jerusalem, (47:41) and then, as you see in verse 144, (47:47) it says now that the test is over, (47:49) you shall test the Kaaba. (47:53) So they changed the Qiblah (47:56) from Jerusalem to Mecca. (47:58) So…