# Messenger Audio 17.1 (03-Dec-1982) {% embed url="" %} (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… --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://rashad-khalifa-audios-and-videos.gitbook.io/rashad-khalifa-audios-and-videos/messenger-audios/messenger-audio-17.1-03-dec-1982.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.