Quran-Based Islam

Much of what you've been taught about Islam is not supported by the Quran

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 0 - READ ME FIRST

Purpose and Intent of This Website and Pre-Reading Preparation

Sources and Recognition

Who Created This Website?

PART 1 - SOURCES OF INFORMATION

1

The Quran - The Final and Complete Message from God

Proof that the Quran is final, complete and the one and only acceptable source of Islamic law

  • The Quran and previous scriptures (e.g. the Jewish Torah and Christian Gospel) are all from the one and only God (3:2-3) (5:46) (61:6)
  • The Quran replaces previous scriptures and tells everyone to believe in it (4:47)
  • Some verses are specific and others are unspecific for a reason (3:7)
  • God never runs out of words (31:27)
  • The Quran is without a doubt clear guidance (huda) (2:2)
  • The Quran is clear proof (burhan) from God (4:174)
  • The Quran is complete (6:115) (6:38)
  • The Quran is fully detailed (fussilat) of all things (6:114) (12:111) (41:3) (11:1)
  • The Quran is clarification (tibyana) of all things (16:89)
  • The Quran provides its own best explanation (ahsan tafsir) (25:33)
  • The Quran is the ultimate scale (mizaan) (42:17)
  • The Quran is evidence (bayyinah) (20:133)
  • The Quran is the criterion (furqan) between right and wrong (25:1)
  • God forbids people from following any law except God’s laws in the Quran (6:114)
  • Whoever judges by other than the Quran, they are Kafir (disbelievers) (5:44)
  • The best hadith (statement) is God’s statement (the Quran) (39:23)
  • The Quran forbids you from following or believing in something without understanding it (17:36)
  • The Quran expects you to study and think deeply about its verses (47:24)
  • God protects the Quran from human tampering / corruption (15:9)
  • No one can alter God’s words (6:115)
  • Don’t spread false information / say a lie against God (16:116)
  • The Quran is in Arabic but only due to circumstances
  • How the Quran was transmitted and preserved
  • Muhammad is the seal of the prophets and the Quran is the last book of God (33:40)

2

The Ahadeeth - Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

Proof that the ahadeeth is an unacceptable source of Islamic law

  • What is ahadeeth?
  • Not everything Muhammad said was a revelation. Muhammad himself only followed what was revealed to him. (10:15), (46:9), (6:50), (7:203)
  • God forbids people from believing in any statement (hadith) or book besides the Quran (45:6) (68:36-38)
  • God forbade the prophet from forbidding something that God never forbade (66:1)
  • The Quran forbids any other source, e.g. ahadeeth, to be used as law (6:114)
  • The prophet’s job was to deliver a message (the Quran) and nothing more (5:99) (42:48) (13:40)
  • Examples of “saheeh” ahadeeth that contradict each other
  • Examples of “saheeh” ahadeeth that contradict the Quran
  • Examples of “saheeh” ahadeeth that are unacceptable and questionable

3

Parents, Islamic Scholars, Popular / Majority Belief, Government, and Tradition

Many people are blind followers and don’t use their brains. Some overcomplicate religion.

  • Many Muslims are blind followers just like Prophet Abraham’s (pbuh) father and his people (21:52-68) (2:170)
  • If you follow and believe most people on earth, they will mislead you (6:116)
  • If you follow some Islamic scholars, they may also mislead you
  • Humans overcomplicate religion
    • Yellow cow example (2:67-71)
    • Astronaut example (2:177) (64:16)
  • The majority belief in something is not a valid proof or argument that it is correct
  • God gave humans a brain for a reason, not to be like cows (8:22) (7:179) (25:44)
  • Circular reasoning
  • Trained monkeys

4

Quran Translations

Examples showing that Quran translations are not always accurate and sometimes misleading

  • Inconsistent translations and interpretations (tafsir)
  • Inaccurate translations

5

Classical Arabic Dictionaries

Reputable dictionaries that can be used to help understand the Quran

6

Conclusion and Method of Analysis

The Quran, Quran Translations and Dictionaries, Common Sense Logic

PART 2 - TOPICS

POPULAR BELIEFS

1

Righteousness - Based on Lineage, Relationships, Companionship, etc.?

Proof that no one, including Muhammad’s wives, are automatically righteous

2

Will There Be a Bridge Over Hell (As-Sirat)?

The Quran doesn’t mention any such bridge and doesn’t indicate there will be any such thing

3

What Does the Quran Mean by “Ask Those That Have Knowledge”?

It doesn’t mean you can just blindly accept the advice of others, e.g. parents, scholars, gurus, etc.

4

Can I Just Blindly Follow What Others (Scholars, Imams, etc) Teach Me?

No. You may only follow what you understand and have proven to yourself.

5

Black Magic - Is It Real?

Proof that black magic is real and can, among other things, cause divorces

6

Gold and Silk - Is Wearing It Forbidden by Men?

Proof that men are allowed to wear gold and silk

7

Ablution (Wudu) - Must You Perform It Before Touching the Quran?

Proof that making ablution before touching the Quran is not required

8

Idolatry (Shirk) - More Than Just Worshipping Statues

An explanation of the different types of idolatry

9

Imam and the Shi’a Imamate - What Exactly is It?

An Quranic examination of the term “Imam”

10

Intercession - Can Anyone Help You on the Day of Judgement?

Proof that no one, including Muhammad (pbuh), can help anyone on the Day of Judgment

11

Gabriel (Jibril) - An Angel or a Spirit?

An Quranic examination as to whether Gabriel is an angel or The Holy Spirit

12

Punishment of Hell - Temporary or Eternal?

A Quranic examination of whether hell is eternal for everyone who goes there

13

Prophet Jesus (pbuh) - Will He Come Back?

Proof that Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will not come back

14

Music and Singing - Is it Forbidden?

Proof that listening to music and singing are not forbidden

15

Nikaah Al-Mut’ah (Temporary Marriage) – Is It Permitted?

Proof that temporary marriage with predetermined duration is forbidden

16

Sects (Sunni, Shia, etc) - Can You Join or Create One?

Proof that dividing into or joining a sect is forbidden

17

Death and Punishment in the Grave - Is There Such a Thing?

A Quranic examination of what happens after death

18

Radhi Allah Unho - A Potentially Dangerous Saying

An Quranic examination of the meaning and whether saying it is allowed

19

Superstitions - One of Satan’s Weapons

Proof that believing in and following superstitions contradictory to the Quran is forbidden

20

Taqiyya (Lying for a Greater Good or Lying to Save Your Life) - Permitted or Forbidden?

Proof that taqiyya is forbidden except in dire situations, e.g. threat of persecution or death

21

The Christian Concept of the “Trinity” and Jesus as Son of God

Proof that the Christian Bible, which Muslims must believe, does not teach the “Trinity”

23

Hadith and Sunna - What’s the Difference?

An explanation of the difference between “hadith” and “sunna”

24

The Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj) - Did it Really Happen?

An examination of the sources describing The Night Journey

25

The Qibla Change - Mecca to Jerusalem and Back to Mecca Again

An analysis showing that the Qibla was originally at the Kaa’ba and was not once, but twice

26

Will an Actual Trumpet be Blown on the Day of Calamity and Resurrection?

An analysis as to whether an actual “trumpet” will be blown on the Day of Calamity and Resurrection

27

The Sunna of Muhammad (pbuh) - Is it an Islamic Requirement?

Proof that the Sunna is time-bound and not a religious requirement

28

Jihad - Holy War Against Non-Muslims or Something Else?

A Quranic explanation of what “jihad” really means

29

Wasilah - A Means of Access to God

An Quranic analysis of “wasilah”, what it means and how it’s often misunderstood

30

What is a Muslim Name - A Misnomer

There’s no such thing as a Muslim name

31

What is Quranic Ruh (Spirit)?

Ruh as the holy spirit and ruh as divine energy

32

Zam Zam Water - Is it Blessed or Just Believed to Be So?

The Quran says nothing about Zam Zam water but does talk about rain water and honey

BELIEVERS, MUSLIMS AND NON-MUSLIMS

33

Death Penalty for Apostasy (Rejecting and Leaving Islam)?

The Quran does not prescribe the death penalty as punishment for apostasy

34

Some Muslims Today are No Different Than Christian and Hindu Polytheists

A Quranic analysis showing how some Muslims are actually polytheists (mushrikeen)

35

Death Penalty for Blasphemy (Ridiculing Islam)?

The Quran does not prescribe the death penalty as punishment for blasphemy

36

Don’t Judge! Not All Jews and Christians are Kafir

Quranic proof that some Jews and Christians are actually righteous

37

Forced Faith is No Faith

Proof that it is forbidden to force any aspect of religion on anyone

38

Marriage With the People of the Book (Jews and Christians)

Muslims may marry Jews and Christians but only under certain conditions

39

Muslim (Submitter) and Mu’min (Believer) - What’s the Difference?

Many people (including some Jews and Christians) are Muslim but not all Muslims are Mu’mins

40

People of the Book (Jews and Christians)

A Quranic explanation of the People of the Book

41

The Walking Dead

To some people, God closes the door of forgiveness before death. They live only to wait for Hell.

42

Understanding “Kufr” (Disbelief) and “Kafir” (Disbelievers)

Not all Non-Muslims are automatically Kafir. Only certain people under certain circumstances are Kafir.

43

Islam - The Religion of Muhammad or Also of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, etc?

Proof that Islam existed before Muhammad and was inspired in all prophets before him

44

Who are Muslims?

Many people (including some Jews and Christians) are Muslim but not all Muslims are Mu’mins

45

Will the Sins of Muslims be Transferred to Jews and Christians?

The ahadeeth say “Yes”. The Quran says “No”. So, “No”. Common sense also says, “No”, by the way!

QURAN

46

Are Some Verses of the Quran Replaced with Other Verses or the Hadeeth?

An analysis showing that no verse in the Quran is canceled or replaced by another verse or source

47

How the Quran Describes Itself

Absolutely clear guidance and proof explained in detail of all things; a judge between truth and falsehood

48

Lailat Al-Qadr - Is it Like an Islamic Lottery?

The Quran does not tell one to find it as if to reap some huge reward or to wash away all sins.

49

Mother of the Book (Umm Al-Kitaab)

It is a master source within God’s presence from which the Quran was derived.

50

Some Commandments from the Quran

Some obvious and not-so-obvious commandments from the Quran

51

Some Prayers from the Quran

A collection of prayers taken directly from the Quran

52

The Best Hadeeth is Not Any of the Prophet’s “Ahadeeth”

The Quran states that it itself is the best hadeeth and that one should not follow any other hadeeth

53

When and How Was the Quran Compiled into a Book?

The Quran was completely written down on paper during the lifetime of the prophet

54

The Quran is the ONLY Acceptable Source of Religious Guidance

The hadeeth or any other book are not allowed to be used as religious guidance

GOD

55

How Does God Communicate with Humans?

Through inspiration and signs, behind a veil, and by sending a messenger

56

What Does it Mean to Say “Ameen”?

"So be it", "Truly" or '"Verily"

57

“Allah” is Not the Only Name for God

Other prophets knew God as “El” and “Yahweh” but any beautiful name is the name of God

PROPHET ABRAHAM (pbuh)

58

Are the Arabs and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) Descendants of Prophet Abraham (pbuh)?

There is no evidence in the Quran that they are related

59

Did Prophet Abraham (pbuh) Really Send His Wife Hagar and Son Ishmael Away Alone to a Barren Land?

There is no evidence in the Quran that this occurred

60

Prophet Abraham’s (pbuh) Original Sanctuary - At Makkah (Mecca) or Bakkah (Baca)?

An analysis that strongly indicates that the original site was a Baca, not at Makkah.

61

Prophet Abraham’s (pbuh) Sacrificial Son - Ishmael or Isaac (pbut)?

Strong arguments that indicate that the sacrificial son was actually Isaac, not Ishmael.

PROPHET MUHAMMAD (pbuh)

62

“Iktatabaha” - Did Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) Write the Quran Himself?

An analysis indicating that he himself, rather than anyone else, wrote the Quran

63

Can Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) Help You?

Proof that no one, including Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), can help you on the Day of Judgement

64

Is Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) Exclusive and More Special Than the Other Prophets?

Quranic proof that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is no different than the other prophets

65

Follow the Example of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) - What is That Example?

Quranic analysis that the example is not his personal preferences, e.g. having a long beard

66

God and the Angels Bless Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) - What About Everyone Else?

Proof that God and the Angels also bless the believers

67

Did Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) Perform Any Miracles as Did Some Other Prophets?

No. The only sign given to Prophet Muhammad was the Quran.

68

Does “Obey God and His Messenger” Mean I Must Follow the Hadeeth and Sunna?

No. It means to obey his authority with matters related to the Quran.

69

Is Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) Alive in His Grave “Hazir” (Present) and “Nazir” (Witnessing) Us?

No. He’s dead. And he had no knowledge of the unseen.

70

Is Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) a Mercy to All Mankind?

No. But the Quran is, which Muhammad brought by Divine inspiration.

71

Does “Take What the Prophet Gives You” Mean I Must Follow His Sunna?

No. That is a reference to the booty (valuables) acquired during war.

72

Was Prophet Muhammad’s Mission Superior to That of Other Prophets?

No. All prophets are equal. They all faced varying degrees of challengers. Some were even murdered.

73

Was Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) Illiterate (Couldn’t Read and Write)?

No. He actually wrote the Quran himself.

73

Was Every Word the Prophet Said a “Wahi” (Revelation) from God? (Divinely Inspired)?

No. It was only his sayings that were then than written in the Quran that were from God.

PROPHETS AND MESSENGERS

74

Adam (pbuh) and Jannah - Was Jannah on Earth or in Paradise?

Arguments indicating that Adam’s “Jannah” was actually on Earth

75

Are All Messengers of God Equal? Or Are Some Superior to Others?

They are all equal. Not even Muhammad is superior to the others.

76

Have There Been or Will There Be Any Other Prophets or Messengers after Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) ?

Muhammad was the last prophet and the Quran is the last scripture. There can be other messengers.

77

Exodus of Prophet Moses’ (pbuh) People Across the Red Sea?

An analysis that compares the stories from the Bible and the Quran

78

PBUH (Peace Be Upon Him) - For Prophet Muhammad Only or For All Prophets?

An analysis of the use of PBUH as a suffix

79

Mary’s Virgin Birth of Prophet Jesus

An analysis showing agreement between the Bible and the Quran

80

The Limits of Obeying a Messenger

The limit is to what is considered right and just

81

The Crucifixion of Jesus (pbuh)

A Quranic analysis of what happened

82

Was Prophet Jesus (pbuh) Sent to the Gentiles (Non-Jews) or To Just the Jews?

The Quran confirms that he was only sent to warn the Jews. The Bible supports this.

83

What is the Injeel?

Quranic analysis that suggests that it may be the wisdom given to Prophet Jesus (pbuh)

HISTORICAL SOURCES

84

Hadith Qudsi (Sacred or Divine Sayings)

Supposed sayings of God that are not included in the Quran. You must disregard them.

85

Ibn Ishaq’s Sira of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

The earliest surviving Muslim source of the prophet’s biography after the Quran

86

Non Muslim Sources of Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) Ministry

Greek and Syriac writings from within decades of the prophet’s death

87

Poetry From a Quran’s Perspective

The Quran isn’t poetry and considers poetic speech as to deliberately confuse and mislead

88

The Shi’a Doctrine

An explanation of the Shi’a belief and how the Quran doesn’t support it

LANGUAGE

89

Is Arabic a Holy or Superior Language?

Quranic analysis indicating that Arabic is not a holy or superior language

90

Understanding the Challenge “Produce a Surah Like It”

A Quranic analysis of why the target audience could not meet the challenge

91

Why Was The Quran Revealed in Arabic?

For no reason other that so that the designated primary audience at the time (Arabs) could understand it clearly

WOMEN

92

“Daraba” (To Beat) - A Deeper Look in the Context of Wives

In context of wives, “daraba” means to “turn away from”, not “beat” your wife

93

“Khimar” (A Cover) - Does it Only Mean a Head Cover / Hijab?

“Khimar” means anything that covers, e.g. a shirt covers a chest, a hat covers one’s hair, etc.

94

Aggressive (Mis)Translations of the Quran to Enslave Women

Does the Quran say that wives are enemies and that they should stay fixed at home? No.

95

Are Menstruating Women Required Fast?

Yes, unless they become ill / feel pain or are generally unwell during the menstruation.

96

Does the Quran Confine Widows to Their Homes in Their Waiting Period (Iddat)?

No, widows may leave their home during the waiting paid.

97

Does the Quran Really Allow the Beating of Wives?

An analysis that indicates that, rather than “beat”, one may “shun” or “separate” with their spouse

98

Does the Quran Allow Consummating a Marriage with Female Minors?

A Quranic examination that indicates that this is now allowed

99

Hijab / Veil / Head Covering - Do Women Have to Wear It?

Quranic proof that women are not required to cover their hair, face, and neck

100

Can a Man Have Multiple or Up to Four Wives (Polygny) in Islam?

The Quran does not seem to encourage nor discourage polygny nor specify a particular maximum number of wives

101

Nikaah - The Islamic Marriage Contract

An explanation of the contract

102

Nikaah Al-Mut’ah (Temporary Marriage) - Allowed or Forbidden?

Marriage may only be entered into for sincere and honest wedlock and not for temporary lust

103

Will Men Get Sexy Female Virgins in Paradise?

Not necessarily. Both men and women will be recreated and have purified and righteous companions.

104

Should Women Lead Mixed Prayer Congregations or Religious Leaders?

A Quranic and historical examination of this topic

105

Stoning for Adultery

There is no directive in the Quran regarding stoning whatsoever

106

Thobe and Jilbab

A detailed explanation of what they are

107

Was Ayesha (One of Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) Wives) a Child?

The Quran says nothing of this and based on Quranic marriage requirements, probably not

108

Was Adam’s (pbuh) Wife Created From His Rib?

The Quran says nothing about this

109

Where Do We Learn About Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) Wives?

The Quran hardly says anything about his wives. Most information if from unreliable hadith.

110

Do Women Have the Right to Earn Equally as Men?

According to the Quran, yes.

PRACTICES

111

Circumcision - Is it Required?

There is nothing in the Quran that requires circumcision.

112

Cutting the Hands of a Thief - No Ordinary Thief

A Quranic analysis that indicates that this punishment is meant only for extreme cases

113

Eating with Your Left Hand - Is It Forbidden?

Proof that eating with your left hand is not forbidden

114

Eid Festival After Ramadan - Is it Required?

The Quran says nothing about the Eid festival. Therefore, practicing it is permitted.

115

Must We Fast Until Maghrib (Sunset) or Night (Layl)?

Despite popular belief and practice, the Quran says to fast until “night”, not “sunset”

116

Homosexuality - Is it Permitted or Forbidden?

The Quran clearly says that homosexuality is forbidden

117

Inheritance Law According to the Quran

A explanation of inheritance law according to the Quran

118

Divorce Law According to the Quran

A explanation of divorce law according to the Quran

119

Kissing the Black Stone - Veneration or an Idolatrous Practice?

The Quran says nothing about kissing the Black Stone. So why do people do it?

120

Riba (Interest) and Whether Charging and Paying Interest is the Same Thing

Riba is clearly forbidden but paying interest, e.g. on a home loan, is not forbidden

121

Sadaqah (Charity)

An explanation of sadaqah (optional charity) and how it differs from zakah

122

Zakah

An explanation of zakah (required alms giving similar to tax) and how it differs from sadaqah

123

The Hajj and Umrah

A Quranic explanation of what is required or not regarding the Hajj and Umrah

124

Begin Fasting at the Time of Fajr or the End of Sehri

You may eat until dawn when you start to see the a bit of light, which is later than the time of Fajr

125

Do You Have to Circle the Kaa’ba Seven (7) Times?

You must circle the Kaa’ba but the Quran does not require you to circle it seven times

126

Must You Wash Your Feet in Wudu (Ablution) or Can You Wipe it?

The Quran clearly says your must wipe your feet to your ankles so washing it is okay as well

127

(Wudu) Ablution Instructions

How to perform wudu (ablution) according to the Quran

ISLAM

128

Are Dogs Impure? Can I Have a Pet Dog?

The Quran does not forbid anything with respect to dogs

129

Is it Forbidden (Haram) to Have Statues and Images?

No. They are only forbidden if you worship them.

130

Does the Quran Encourage War or to Live by the Sword?

No. Fighting is only permissible in self defence with those who aggress and oppress believers

131

Quranic Punishment - Murder VS Manslaughter

Killing is only allowed in two circumstances: 1) retribution for committing evil beyond bounds and 2) retribution for murder

132

The Concept of Hijrah (Emigrating)

If all attempts to resolve issues in one place fails, emigrate to a different place (city, country)

133

Can You Only Perform the Hajj during the 5 Days (8th - 12th) of Dhul-Hijjah?

The Hajj pilgrimage, which takes a certain number of days to complete, can be performed anytime by any person during the four sacred months beginning from the new moon (Dhul Hijjah) until four lunar months later.

134

The True Definition of “Deen” According to the Quran

“Deen” is a “system” and does not have to be religious in nature

FOOD AND DRINK

135

Are Intoxicants, e.g. Wine, Alcohol, Forbidden (Haram) in the Quran?

Whether considered “haram” or not, the Quran clearly says to stay away from intoxicants

136

Does the Quran Allow the Eating of Lions, Dogs, Cats, Rats, etc?

A Quranic analysis of what can and cannot be eaten

137

Eat and Drink But Don’t be Extravagant

The Quran clearly tells people not to consume food and drinks excessively and wastefully

138

What You Can and Cannot Eat

A list of the types of food you are permitted to and forbidden from eating

139

Is it Okay to Eat Jewish Kosher Meat?

Yes, but only if certain conditions are met

140

Why is it Forbidden to Eat Pig / Swine Flesh?

The Quran doesn’t say why. You’re just not allowed to eat it.

141

How to Correctly Slaughter an Animal for Sacrifice

A Quranic analysis of how to correctly slaughter an animal

142

Thakaytum - Slaughtering Lawfully to Make Food Fit for Consumption

An analysis of the word “thakaytum”

COSMOS

143

Are There Seven (7) Heavens or Several Heavens?

The word “seven” in the Quran and in classical Arabic can mean “several”

144

Do Aliens Exist?

According to the Quran, yes!

145

Heaven(s) and Paradise - What’s the Difference?

The heavens are the wider universe and paradise is Jannah - the Gardens of Eternal Bliss

146

The Jinn

A Quranic analysis of the invisible creature called “jinn. Satan is a jinn.

PRAYER

147

Jewish Prayer VS Muslim Prayer - Same or Different?

Ancient (original) Jewish prayers are in complete resonance with Quranic verses on the requirements of prayer

148

Darud Shareef Prayer

An examination of the meaning of the prayer about prophets Muhammad and Abraham (pbut)

149

Do We Have to Pray in Arabic?

An examination of the Quran indicating that one can pray in any language, not just Arabic.

150

How Can We Learn How to Pray If We Don’t Have Hadith to Teach Us?

The Quran explains all requirements for prayer, not the hadith.

151

Verse 2:239 “Pray As We Have Taught You How to Pray”

An Quranic analysis that supports the fixed form of prayer that we have today

152

Praying “For” The Dead is Different From Praying “Through” The Dead

You can pray for the dead but not through the dead

153

Preparing a Dead Body for Burial - A Quran’s Persective

There is not right or wrong way, as long as it’s with dignity and respect

154

Shortening of Prayers - Even on Vacation?

You may only shorten your prayer if you are in danger, e.g. at war.

155

The Five (5) Daily Prayers From The Quran

Proof of the five daily prayers and when to do them

156

The Importance of Congregational Prayer (Praying Together)

A Quranic analysis of congregational prayer

157

The Tahajjud Prayer

The Tahajjud prayer was only required on prophet Muhammad; it’s optional for everyone else.

158

What is “Salaat” (Prayer) According to the Quran

A Quranic analysis of various aspects of prayer including form, speech, direction, ablution, etc

159

Why Do We Have to Recite the Quran Back to God When We Pray?

The Quran actually doesn’t require nor forbid one to recite the Quran during prayer. So why not?

WISDOM

160

Do the Best You Can with Sincerity

Everyone has different limits. The Quran doesn’t expect you to do more than what you can handle.

161

Is the Mixing of Men and Women Forbidden, e.g. In School or Work?

The Quran does not forbid free mixing. But it does require modest attire and good behavior.

162

inna Lillaahi Wa inna ilayhi Raajiuun - A Saying When Someone Dies?

The Quran actually encourages saying this whenever you are hit with any misfortune

163

Behavior Towards Parents - Justice Over Blind Obedience

Obey them unless they breach Quranic values; remain civil and respectful even if they are unjust.

164

A Simple Summary of Quranic Prohibitions

1. Shameful deeds, 2. sin and oppression, 3. associate partners with God, 4. say things about God of what you don’t know

165

Quranic Wisdom

A selection of verses

166

Salaam Alaikum (Peace Be Upon You) - What is an Islamic Greeting?

The best greeting offers peace, regardless of language. It doesn’t have to be in Arabic.

167

How Satan (The Devil) Attacks Us and Leads Us Astray?

In the end, most people will be led astray.

168

How to Present Your World Views and Religious Understandings

Not by shouting and yelling but by, according to the Quran, polite and gentle speech

169

Are We Required to Stand Up for Justice or Can We Just Mind our Own Business?

Believers are required to side with truth and justice, even if against ourselves or relatives

170

Suffering and Hardship

Everyone will be tested and will suffer, including righteous people. No one is exempt.

171

Following Tradition Instead of God - A Small Lesson From the Bible

Unfortunately, many people, including Muslims and Christians, follow tradition instead of God.

172

Why Me? What Did I Do? - Understanding Our Trials

How and why we are tested

173

God Will Test Us

Everyone will be tested and will suffer, including righteous people. No one is exempt.

174

Transfer of Sin - Will Someone Who Has Wronged Me Get My Sins?

Fortunately, yes, to some extent, per the story of Adam’s two sons (5/27-37)

175

Judgement Day Questions

A hypotheticial dialogue between God and a man name Ahmed

TOC

Ibn Ishaq’s Sira of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

Who was Ibn Ishaq?

A historian (b c.704CE) and a professional storyteller whose 'sirat rasul-Allah' is the earliest extant Muslim source of the Prophet's biography after the Quran

Does Ibn Ishaq's work survive?

No

Does his student's work survive?

No

How do we get his works?

Through various transmitters (his students) who have passed on the information to others who have edited it. Transmitters include: Al Bakkai - Ibn Hisham (d.833CE); Salm bin-Fadl-Tabari; Yunus Bin Bukayr-Ibn Al-Athir; harun bin Isa -Ibn Saad and many others [See References Below - Entitled Ibn Ishaq Transmitters]

What is the most popular transmission?

Ibn Ishaq - Al Bakkai - Ibn Hisham

Do we know much about Al-Bakkai?

No

Quick Timeline

Prophet Muhammad: Died 632 AD

Ibn Ishaq: Died 767 CE

Al Bakkai: Little known.

Ibn Hisham: Died 833 CE

When did Ibn Ishaq supposedly complete his work?

Nearly 130 years after the prophet’s death at around c. 760-763CE

Who did he write for?

Caliph Mansur of the Abbasid Dynasty (Royal courts)

Are there differences between his transmitted works?

Yes, some very significant.

Criticisms?

Yes. Many serious ones by his own contemporary scholars including Imam Malik (Malik ibn Anas).

"Ibn Ishaq was eventually compelled to leave Medina. After his conflict with Malik, there was widespread suspicion of his beliefs in Medina, and he was no longer able to hold classes for his students. the transmission of his materials in Medina itself was henceforth discouraged. (99)" [1]

Please see further criticisms below.

Any political or theological motives?

Other than writing for the Abbasid courts who had their own political motives, Ibn Ishaq had pro-Alid views which are clear from a scholarly scrutiny of his works. He was generally accepted to have Shia learnings as did Al Waqidi (c.748-822CE), another well known early historian of Islam.

"ibn Ishaq had certainly voiced 'Alid sympathies in his biography of the Prophet, naming him as the first male convert to Islam (89) and claiming that it was 'Ali whom Muhammad had chosen to be his 'brotherly-partner' soon after their immigration to Medina (90) [2]

Al-Sumuk, investigating the issue, points to the numerous accounts which indicate the harsh treatment meted out to Ibn Ishaq by the Umayyad authorities, and compares it to the encouragement proferred him by the Abbasids (91) [3]

That al-Waqidi had 'Alid sympathies is clearly indicated by the fact that he is reported to have written a book on the birth of Hasan and Husayn. According to al-Nadim, "it was he who quoted that 'Ali ... was one of the miracles of the Prophet, ... as the rod was to Musa (Moses), and the raising of the dead to Isa (Jesus) (33) [4]

Al Waqidi is commonly known to give Islam the original narrative of the 'Satanic Verses' (narrated through his secretary, Ibn Saad (784-845CE))

Is there an immediate verification point or another writer contemporaneous to Ibn Ishaq?

No. There is no extant contemporary immediate verification of Ibn Ishaq's work. In fact, we don't even possess Ibn Ishaq's own original work. Rather, we have received what Ibn Ishaq allegedly wrote through various transmitters who have passed on his work and have edited it. Al Waqidi was writing nearly half a century later and there is much criticism in scholarly circles with regards his work, his influences from Ibn Ishaq's work and the information he drew from a similar (yet ever embellishing) genre pool of traditionalists. These discussions are outside the remit of this article but the reader is encouraged to conduct their own research which they will no doubt find very informative. Please see the next section for more information on how to initiate a study with regards Ibn Ishaq.

INTRODUCTION TO IBN ISHAQ

Those wanting to initiate and study the works of Ibn Ishaq deeply, will find a plethora of scholarship literature available which puts this early formative period of Islam through the eyes of early historians to much scrutiny. It is difficult to recommend literature as research style and source selection can be very personal, especially when researching privately. Good scholarship works usually cite excellent bibliographies and references which are always useful to further probe and examine.

I have suggested some sources below which should help to initiate a study of Ibn Ishaq. They have been primarily selected as they are very easy to source and study as they have been written in a style which will appeal to a wide readership. They also provide a very good platform to further expand on one's expertise in this area if the appetite remains.

Ibn Ishaq and Al-Waqidi Revisited: A Case Study of Muhammad and the Jews in Biographical Literature

This PhD thesis by Dr. Rizwi Faizer is easily accessible from the following site and provides a firm platform to understand not only Ibn Ishaq's work, but also Al-Waqidi. It also provides a good comparative analysis of the two historians.

Digital Archive at McGill eScholarship Library and Collections

http://digitool.library.mcgill.ca/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=28738&local_base=GEN01-MCG02

The Life of Muhammad: A Translation of Ishaq's Sirat Rasul Allah

This translation by A.Guillaume provides access for the English readers to Ibn Ishaq's Sira which is held in the rescension of Ibn Hisham as he received it from Al-Bakkai. You will be able to find this source from any good Islamic bookshop or online bookshops

New Light on the Story of Banu Qurayza and the Jews of Medina

Journal Article from the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland (1976, pp. 100-107)

By Dr. W. N. Arafat

A copy of this article can be found at:

http://www.haqq.com.au/~salam/misc/qurayza.html

The Making of an Image: The Narrative Form of Ibn Ishaq's Sirat Rasul Allah

Katherine Amanda Milby

Link: Digital Archive at Georgia State University

http://digitalarchive.gsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1015&context=rs_theses&sei-redir=1#search="katherine+milby+ibn+ishaq"

IBN ISHAQ CRITICISMS & NOTES

In his book 'The Life of Muhammad: A Translation of Ishaq's Sirat Rasul Allah (Published by Oxford University Press), Dr. Alfred Guillaume cites I.Sayyidu’l-Nas’s ‘Uyun al-Athar fi fununi’l-maghazi wa’l-shama’ili wa’l-siyar' as the best and most comprehensive summary of Muslim opinion of Ibn Ishaq. Both favourable and unfavourable comments are noted in summary form. Opinions favouring Ibn Ishaq can be noted from the Introduction page xxxv and it is suggested that this is read in context till the end (xl). It is also suggested that Ibn Ishaq’s Sira and his methodology is studied through the works and analysis of other scholars that specialise in the area.

I have extracted some criticisms relating to Ibn Ishaq work and reputation which Alfred Guillaume has cited. It is suggested that as a bare minimum, the Introduction section of Ibn Ishaq’s sira is read. Please note that the comments in bold black (brackets) are my own.

Ibn Hisham mentions the following in his 'notes' section:

Quote:

"...and omitting some of the things that I.I (Ibn Ishaq) has recorded in this book in which there is no mention of the apostle and about which the Quran says nothing and which are not relevant to anything in this book or an explanation of it or evidence for it; poems which he quotes that no authority on poetry whom I have met knows of; things which it is disgraceful to discuss; matters which would distress certain people; and such reports as al-Bakka'i told me he could not accept as trustworthy - all these things I have omitted" [5]

Source: The Life of Muhammad - A Translation of Ishaq's Sirat Rasul Allah (A.Guillaume)

"Ibn Ishaq excited the enmity of Malik b. Anas, for whose work he showed his contempt, and it was not long before his own writings and his orthodoxy was called in question" [6]

"He was accused of being a Qadari and a Shi'a" [7]

"Another man attacked his veracity: he often quoted Fatima, the wife of Hisham bin Urwa, as the authority for some of his traditions. The husband was annoyed and denied that he had ever met his wife" [8]

"It is not known whether Ibn Ishaq was compelled to leave Medina or whether he went away voluntarily" (His chief informants were there and also the enmity of Malik bin Anas would not have helped). [9]

"While Mansur (Caliph) was at Hashimiya he attached himself to his following and presented him with a copy of his work doubtless in the hope of a grant from the caliph" [10]

(Aban son of Caliph Uthman - born c.20 took part in campaigns with Talha and Zubayr against his fathers slayers). " ...Al Waqidi in reference to Ibn Mughira says 'he had nothing written down about hadith except the prophet's maghazis which he had acquired from Aban'. It is strange that neither Ibn Ishaq nor Al Waqidi should have cited this man who must have had inside knowledge of many matters not known to the public. Possibly as a follower of Ali he preferred to ignore the son of the man the Alids regarded as a usurper" [11]

"Like I.I (Ibn Ishaq), he (Urwa bin Zubayr) was given to inserting poetry in his traditions and justified the habit by the example of Aisha who uttered verses on every subject that presented it (1). He was a friend of the erotic poet Umar b, Rabia but thought very little of the prophet's poet Hassan b Thabit (2)" [12]

"Of Shurahbil b. Sa'd, a freedman, presumably of South Arabian origin, little is known beyond the fact he wrote a Maghazi book. I.I (Ibn Ishaq) would have none of him, and he is seldom quoted by other writers. He reported traditions from some of the prophet's companions and Musa b.Uqba records that he wrote lists of the names of the emigrants and the combatants at Badr and Uhud" (It is intriguing that not only 'Aban' but other early historians are also not used as sources by Ibn Ishaq even though they were closer to the event in history). [13]

"Another important Tabi was Wahb b. Munabbih (34-110) a Yamanite of Persian origin. His father was probably a Jew. He is notorious for his interest in, and knowledge of Jewish and Christian scriptures and traditions" "...much that was invented later was fathered on him" [14]

"He (Asim b. Umar b. Qatada al-Ansari - d.c.120 AH) lectured in Damascus on the campaigns of the prophet and the exploits of his companions and seems to have committed his lectures to writing. He too is inconsistent in naming his authorities: sometimes he gives an isnad, more often he does not. He returned to Medina to work, and I.I (Ibn Ishaq) attended his lectures. Occasionally he inserted verses in his narrative, and sometimes gave his own opinion" [15]

"..I.I. (bn Ishaq) relied on Jewish and Christian informants on the book of Abu Abdullah Wahb b.Munabbih (34-110 or 114) known as Kitab al Mubtada and also al-Israiliyat of which the original title was Qisas-ul-Anbiya" [16]

"We do not know Muhammad's age when he first came forth publicly as a religious reformer: some say he was forty, others say forty-five; we do not know his precise relation to the Banu Najjar; the poverty of his childhood ill fits the assertion that he belonged to the principal family in Mecca. The story of those years is filled out with legends and stories of miraculous events which inevitably undermine the modern reader's confidence in the history of this period as a whole." [17]

(The Story of the night journey and ascent to heaven) - "The story is everywhere hedged with reservations and terms suggesting caution to the reader." [18]

"A rather difficult problem in literary and historical criticism is posed by the rival traditions (5) collected by the indefatigable T. (Tabari) from two if I.I's (Ibn Ishaq's) pupils, Yunus b. Bukayr and Salama b. Al-Fadl, the latter supported by another pupil of I.I's named Ali b. Mujahid. The first had attended his lectures in Kufa and the other two his lectures in Ray. All three claim they transmit what I.I (Ibn Ishaq) told them on the authority of 'Afif'. I do not know of a parallel in I.I's work to a contradiction resting on the authority of the same original narrator. Different traditions from different rawis from different sources are to be expected in any history; but here the same man is introduced as the authority for conflicting traditions such as are to be found in the later collections of hadith." [19]

"The prophet summoned a tree to him and it stood before him. He told it to go back again and back it went. It is interesting to notice that the personal for whose benefit this miracle was wrought regarded it as sorcery. The author's father, Ishaq b. Yasar, is responsible for the tale." [20]

"The story of the throne of God shaking when the doors of heaven were opened to receive Sa'd shows how these stories grew in the telling." [21]

There are lots of anonymous informants 'Someone I have no reason to doubt or trust'. In others isnads are fully furnished. Why are some informants anonymous?

"Doubts and misgivings about the authenticity of the poems in the Sira are expressed so often by Ibn Hisham that no reference to them needs to be given here" [22]

"He (Ibn Ishaq) even went to the length of including poems from Ad and Thamud!" [23]

"I. al-Nadim (8) goes farther by suggesting that I.I. (Ibn Ishaq) was party to the fraud: the verses were composed for him, and when was asked to include them in his book he did so and brought himself into ill repute with the rhapsodists." [24]

"Ancient poetry has suffered greatly at the hands of forgers, plagiarists and philologists, and the diwans of later poets have not escaped the dishonest rawi. Hasan b. Thabit', the prophets own poet has many poems to his name which he would be astounded to hear, and there are comparatively few poets of whom it could be said that the diwans bearing their names contained nothing for which they were not responsible" [25]

There is also Ansari-Shia propaganda, "'The one you killed was the best of us. The one who lived is lord over us and all of you are lords'" (lord - al Husayn and the lords - Ummayads) [26]

"Dr. Arafat notes that in the Sira there are seventy-eight poems attributed to Hassan; the authenticity of fifteen of them is questioned or denied outright" [27]

"Al Waqidi makes no mention of Ibn Ishaq among his authorities. The reason for this is doubtless that he did not want to refer to a man who already enjoyed a great reputation as an authority on Maghazi and so let it seem that his own book was a mere amplification of his predecessors" [28]

"Apostolic tradition in Islam, as Goldziher showed long ago, is the battlefield of warring sects striving for the mastery of men's minds and the control of their behaviour with all the weight that Muhammad's presumed or fabricated example could bring to bear. The earlier the tradition, or collection of traditions, the less this tendency is in evidence; but we have already seen that I.I. (Ibn Ishaq) occasionally succumbed to the temptation to glorify Ali at the expense of Abbas" [29]

"Muhammad b. 'Abdullah b. Numayr said that when I.I. (Ibn Ishaq) reported what he had heard from well-known persons, his traditions were and good and true, but he sometimes reported worthless sayings from unknown people" [30]

"Yahya b. al-Qattan would never quote him" [31]

"Ahmad b. Hanbal quoted him with approval, and when it was remarked how excellent the stories (qisas) were he smiled in surprise. His son admitted that Ahmad incorporated many of I.I. (Ibn Ishaq's) traditions in his Musnad, but he never paid heed to them. When he was asked if his father regarded him as an authority on what a Muslim must or must not do he replied that he did not. He himself would not accept a tradition that only I.I. (Ibn Ishaq) reported. He used to relate a tradition which he gathered from a number of people without indicating who had contributed its separate parts" [32]

"Al-Duri said he was trustworthy but not to be used as an authority on fiqh, like Malik and others" [33]

"Al Nasa'i said that he was not strong" [34]

"Al-Maymuni reported that I. Ma'in 156-233 said he was 'weak" [35]

"Al-Daraqutni said that a tradition from I.I. (Ibn Ishaq) on the authority of his father was no legal proof" [36]

"Yahya b. Sai'd said that though he knew I.I. (Ibn Ishaq) in Kufa he abandoned him intentionally and never wrote down traditions on his authority" [37]

"Abu Da'ud al-Tayalisi (131-203) reported that Hammad b. Salima said that unless necessity demanded it he would not hand on a tradition from I.I. (Ibn Ishaq)". [38]

"When Malik b. Anas mentioned him he said, 'he is one of the antichrists" [39]

"When Hisham b. 'Urwa was told that I.I (Ibn Ishaq) reported something from Fatima he said, 'the rascal lies; when did he see my wife?'" [40]

"I. Idris said that he talked to Malik about they Madhazi and how I.I. (Ibn Ishaq) had said that he was their surgeon and he said, 'We drove him from Medina'" [41]

"Al Mufaddal b. Ghassan said that he was present when Yazid b. Harun was relating traditions in al-Baqi' when a number of Medinans were listening. When he mentioned I.I. (Ibn Ishaq) they withdrew saying: 'Don't tell us anything that he said. We know better than he' Yazid went among them, but they would not listen and so he withdrew" [42]

"Abu Daud said that he heard Ahmad. b. Hanbal say that I.I. (Ibn Ishaq) was a man with a love of tradition, so that he took other men's writings and incorporated them in his own" [43]

"Ahmad said that he used to relate traditions as though from a companion without intermediaries" [44]

"Abu Abdullah said that I.I. (Ibn Ishaq) came to Baghdad and paid no attention to those who related hadith from Al-Kalbi and others saying that he was no authority" [45]

"Al Fallas (d.249) said that after being with Wahb b. Jarir reading before him the Maghazi book which his father had got from I.I. (Ibn Ishaq) we met Yahya b. Qattan who said that we had brought a pack of lies from him" [46]

"Ibn Ma'in did not like to use him as an authority in legal matters" [47]

"Abu Hatim said that he was weak in tradition yet preferable to Aflah b. Said and his traditions could be written down" [48]

"Sulayman al-Taymu called him a liar..." [49]

"...Yahya al Qattaan said that he could only abandon his hadith to God; he was liar" (Malik's view regarding using Hisham's wife, Fatima as a source) [50]

"Among the reasons for rejecting his authority was that he was a Shi'i, that he was said to hold the view that man had free will, and that his isnads were defective" [51]

Notes:

Please find below an example of the popular story of the 'Night Journey' of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and the Ascent to Heaven'. Note in particular, how Ibn Ishaq acquires the information:

SOME AUTHORITIES GIVEN:

 THE NIGHT JOURNEY AND THE ASCENT TO HEAVEN

"Ziyad b. 'Abdullah al-Bakka'i from Muhammad b.Ishaq told me the following"

"The following account reached me from 'Abdullah b. Mas'ud and Abu Sa'id al-Khudri, and Aisha the prophet's wife, and Mu'awiya b.Abu Sufyan, and al-Hasan b. Abul-Hasan al-Basri, and Ibn Shihab al Zuhri and Qatada and other traditionalists, and Umm Hani' d. of Abu Talib. It is pieced together in the story that follows, each one contributing something of what he was told about what happened ..." [52]

3RD PERSON REFERENCE:

 THE NIGHT JOURNEY AND THE ASCENT TO HEAVEN

"I was told that al-Hasan said that the apostle said: 'While I was sleeping ..."

"I was told that Qatada said that he was told that the apostle said: 'When I came up ..." [53]

NO NAMES GIVEN:

THE ASCENT TO HEAVEN

"A traditionalist who had got it from one who had heard it from the apostle told me that the latter said: "All the angels who met me when I entered the lowest heaven ..." [54]

REFERENCE TO STORIES:

THE NIGHT JOURNEY AND THE ASCENT TO HEAVEN

"In his story al-Hasan said: 'The apostle and Gabriel went their way until ..." [55]

SOMETIMES JUST PASSING ON THE INFORMATION OF OTHERS WITHOUT ANY VERIFICATION:

THE NIGHT JOURNEY AND THE ASCENT TO HEAVEN

"According to what I have heard 'Abdullah b. Masud used to say: Buraq, the animal whose every stride ..." [56]

CONCEALING THE IDENTITY OF THE SOURCES:

THE ASCENT TO HEAVEN

"One whom I have no reason to doubt told me on the authority of Abu Sa'id al-Khudri: I heard the apostle say, ..." [57]

REFERENCES

IBN ISHAQ'S TRANSMITTERS

According to Islamic Scholar J.F.

  1. Ibrahim b. Sa'd (110/728 - 184/800), in Madinah
  2. Ziyad b. 'Abd Allah al-Bakkai
  3. Abd Allah b. Idris al-Awdi (115/733 - 192/808)
  4. Yunus b. Bukayr
  5. Abda b.Sulayman
  6. Abd Allah b. Numayr (115/733 - 199/815), in Kufa
  7. Yahya b. Sa'id al-Umawi (114/732 - 194/810), in Baghdad
  8. Jarir b. Kazim (85/704 - 170/787)
  9. Harun b. Isa, in Basra
  10. Salama b. Al-Fadl al Abrash (d.191/807)
  11. Ali b. Mujahid
  12. Ibrahim b. al-Mukhtar, in Rayy
  13. Sa'id b. Bazi
  14. Uthman b.Saj

15 Muhammad b. Salama al-Harrani

Islamic Scholar Abbot adds three more:

  1. Abu Yusuf (113/731 - 182/798)
  2. The Kufan Husayn ibn Hassan al-Awfi (d.201 or 202/816 or 817)
  3. Muhammad ibn Sa'id al-Umawi.

[SOURCE] FAIZER. R.S, Ibn Ishaq and al-Waqidi Revisted, A Case Study of Muhammad and the Jews in Biographical Literature, Ph.D thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, National Library of Canada [online], Chapter 2, Page 48, Available at Digital Archive at McGill eScholarship Library and Collections [Accessed 13th April 2011]

[1] FAIZER. R.S, Ibn Ishaq and al-Waqidi Revisted, A Case Study of Muhammad and the Jews in Biographical Literature, Ph.D thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, National Library of Canada [online], Chapter 2, Page 64, Available at Digital Archive at McGill eScholarship Library and Collections [Accessed 13th April 2011]

Reference cited:

(99) Abbott, Historical Texts, 91

[2] Ibid., Page 62

References cited:

(89) Ibn Sihaq, Kitab sirat rasul Allah, 158-59

(90) Ibid., 344

[3] Ibid., Page 63

References cited:

(91) "Die Nachrichten über das Leben Ibn ishâq's, die wir bei Yâqut (lrsâd 18: 6f.), al-Xatîb (1: 214-34), ad Dahabî (Mîzân 2: 343-47; Tadkira 1: 164) oder Ibn Nadîm (Fihrist s. 92) finden, zeigen die Schwierigkeiten, die Ibn Ishâq von den Umaiyaden zu ertragen hatte." See al-Samuk, Die historischen Überlieferungen nach Ibn lshâq. 12, r. n.12.

[4] Ibid., Chapter 3, Page 142

Reference cited:

(33) Ibn al-Nadîm, The Fihrist, 214; also see Jones, introduction to Kitâb al-maghâzî, by al Wâqidî, 16-18.

[5] GUILLAUME. A, The Life of Muhammad: A Translation of Ishaq's Sirat Rasul Allah, Oxford University Press, Page 691 Highlights in black text are my own insertions and are for clarification and emphasis only.

[6] Ibid., Author, Page xiii

[7] Ibid., Page xiii

[8] Ibid.

[9] Ibid.

[10] Ibid., Page xiv

[11] Ibid., The Sira, Page xiv

[12] Ibid., The Sira, Page xv

References cited:

(1) Fischer, Asanid, 46;

(2) Horovitz, op. cit. 251

[13] Ibid., Page xv

[14] Ibid.

[15] Ibid.

[16] Ibid. Page xviii

[17] Ibid. Page xix

[18] Ibid. Page xx

[19] Ibid. Page xxi

Reference cited:

(5) T.i. 1162. 8-1163.2

[20] Ibid. Page xxiii

[21] Ibid.

[22] Ibid. The Poetry, Page xxv

[23] Ibid.

[24] Ibid.

Reference cited:

(8) Al Fihrist, Cairo, 136

[25] Ibid. Page xxvi

[26] Ibid. Page xxvii

[27] Ibid. Page xxviii

[28] Ibid. Page xxxii

[29] Ibid. Page xxxiv

[30] Ibid. Page xxxvi

[31] Ibid.

[32] Ibid.

[33] Ibid.

[34] Ibid.

[35] Ibid.

[36] Ibid.

[37] Ibid.

[38] Ibid.

[39] Ibid.

[40] Ibid.

[41] Ibid.

[42] Ibid.

[43] Ibid.

[44] Ibid.

[45] Ibid.

[46] Ibid.

[47] Ibid.

[48] Ibid.

[49] Ibid.

[50] Ibid.

[51] Ibid.

[52] Ibid., Page 181

[53] Ibid., Page 182

[54] Ibid., Page 185

[55] Ibid., Page 182

[56] Ibid.

[57] Ibid., Page 184