According to the Quran we are living on a flat, fixed, immovable, stationary earth inside the firmament of the sky.
Yeah, I know, it sounds mad – or will do if you haven’t looked at flat earth in depth.
Here, I don’t set out to convince you. I just lay out some Quranic verses on the earth and the sky. The Quran is clear: the earth is flat and the sky is a structure. If you don’t like that, take it up with the Quran.
Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDSMK34QNfI
The Traditionalist constantly pours honourifics upon the prophet Muhammad whenever he mentions his name. One is given to believe that this is a mark of piety. And it may be.
However, the formulation typically is claimed to have origins in the Quran only at 33:56 – and here it is simply impossible for the text to mean what the Traditionalist wishes it to mean: that believers should “greet” or “send blessings” upon the prophet.
And this is only one example of the type of bait and switch practiced by the Traditionalist upon the believers.
Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aefrhBwIpqA
Here I add to my thoughts on the number 19 mathematical phenomenon which was the focus of Rashad Khalifa and is that of many of his followers.
The expression the companions of the fire occurs a total of 20 times (2:39, 2:81, 2:217, 2:257, 2:275, 3:116, 5:29, 7:36, 7:44, 7:47, 7:50, 10:27, 13:5, 39:8, 40:6, 40:43, 58:17, 59:20, 64:10, 74:31)
In all cases outside of the one under discussion at 74:31 it unquestionably references those who are to suffer in Hell. In the absence of explicit, incontrovertible evidence to the contrary, a reasonable man must assume that what is meant in each of the remaining 19 instances is what is meant here also; this simple process of analysis also, incidentally, provides us with a reasonable answer to what is referenced by the number 19 here (which itself has served as the catalyst for so much generative and speculative output of a mathematical nature beginning with Rashad Khalifa) – i.e. all the other cases of the companions of the fire; thus, the cardinal number found here at 74:30 merely indicates the number of the remaining cases of the companions of the fire all of which precede this one in the text, and acts as a parity bit by means of which we receive a proof point supportive of the Qur’an’s claim to be complete, preserved and in the correct order – something which Rashid Khalifa in part, in effect, was compelled to dispute in order to attempt to bend the facts to his theories.
You can find my original talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JXT_h8qgBA
Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqROgVn3Vbw
Here I look at a simple definition of VIRTUE in the Quran; specifically the verse at 2:177.
People get wrapped up in theories and minutia. What is important is faith and good words. This one verse has enough to keep any of us focused and busy with what matters and to attain good in this life and in the life to come.
This life is a test. Hardships draw the ungodly further way from God; and they purify those who believe. Just because you are serving God, doesn’t mean that now everything should just be hunky dory. At least, that’s not my experience.
We should love God and immerse ourselves in his words. But it is better to hold small portions of his word close to our hearts and apply them every day than it is to memorise huge portions or to be able expound on complicated theories.
At the end of the day, we are going to be judged on our faith and our deeds.
Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ7-GXnl_JM
This looks at 9:36-37 specifically – where the Traditionalist claims the Quran speaks about four sacred months (Dhu al Qa’dah, Dhu al Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab).
It also addresses the question of jizya in Islam – or tax on non-Muslims – on the basis of the Quranic text, the value for which – according to analysis on a pan-textual basis – is the jubilee (forgiveness of all debts every 50 years) enjoined upon those who received previous revelation.
https://www.quranite.com/year-of-jubilee-not-tax-on-non-muslims/
Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFQdx5Ol8M0
The question of jihad – or “Holy War” – in the Quran is a highly politicised one, especially at this time when the Elite are busy engineering a clash of civilisations.
Certainly, war is a part of life; and there are things worth fighting for.
At the same time, there are those – both for and against brand Islam – who quote small parts of verses in order to claim points which run entirely contrary to thread of the broader Quranic narrative.
In this video, I discuss the verses found at 4:71-104 in the Quran in some detail. Understanding this segment is a good way to unpick part of the mess the Traditionalist has made of the Quran by importing his values for key terms from a separate literature (the hadith) while providing those who wish to understand my work a place to begin.
Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HucKIpd2pRo
I get sincere and moving messages the essence of which is: “Since I decided to serve God alone my life has begun falling apart.”
I don’t want to be glib or to tell others what they should do. The best way I can contribute is to share something of my own experience; what the path serving God alone has been like for me; what changes I have undergone as an individual and in my married life.
Serving God alone is a decision which each person can only make alone. No-one can help. We have intelligence and reason; we are meant to use them.
The Christian scriptures talk about not being “unequally yoked with unbelievers”. There is a lot to that. Often, also, family and friends don’t or won’t understand.
This is to be expected. It is the example of the prophets. Look at Moses or Abraham in the Quran. The life we are called to is tough. But the rewards are the best.
I can’t and won’t say what anyone else should do on this; each situation is different. But I can say that whom God guides, he is guided. So look to the Quran for that guidance.
God is the best of allies.
Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSgjCCQSqXY