An-Nur (The Light) (24)- 64 M
1> A Surah which We have sent down and which We have ordained: in it have We sent down Clear Signs in order that ye may receive admonition.
2> The woman and the man guilty of adultery or fornication flog each of them with a hundred stripes: let not compassion move you in their case in a matter prescribed by Allah if ye believe in Allah and the Last Day: and let a party of the Believers witness their punishment
#2954 Zina includes sexual intercourse between a man and a woman not married to each other. It therefore applies both to adultery (which implies that one or both of the parties are married to a person or persons other than the ones concerned) and to fornication, which, in its strict signification, implies that both parties are unmarried. The law of marriage and divorce is made easy in Islam, so that there may be the less temptation for intercourse outside the well-defined incidents of marriage. This makes for greater self-respect for both man and woman. Other sex offences are also punishable, but this Section applies strictly to Zina as above defined. Although zina covers both fornication and adultery, in the opinion of Muslim jurists, the punishment laid down here applies only to unmarried persons. As for married persons, their punishment, according to the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be on him), is stoning to death.#
*** The stoning to death of adulterers is prescribed in the Torah
Leviticus 20: "10 And the man who commits adultery with another man's wife, he who commits adultery with his neighbor's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death"
and is not a new idea from the Quran or Islamic Law.
It is important to make the reader aware that, while this rule is in the Torah, rabbinical tradition, realistically, did not actually enforce it.
Unfortunately, in the final analysis, Muhammad, disregarded the above Quranic instruction, and had all fornicators stoned to death as per Torah Law and NOT the
Quran.
According to the Ahadith, Umar ibn al Khattab, after the Quran was collected, swore that the verse of Al Rajm/Stoning did EXIST and that is why Muhammad acted accordingly.
Astoundingly, in the existing Quran, this verse is MISSING from the collection ***
3> Let no man guilty of adultery or fornication marry any but a woman similarly guilty or an Unbeliever nor let any but such a man or an Unbeliever marry such a woman: to the Believers such a thing is forbidden.
4 And those who launch a charge against chaste women and produce not four witnesses (to support their allegation) flog them with eighty stripes: and reject their evidence ever after: for such men are wicked transgressors
#2958 The most serious notice is taken of people who put forward slanders or scandalous suggestions about women without adequate evidence. If anything is said against a woman's chastity, it should be supported by evidence twice as strong as would ordinarily be required for business transactions, or even in murder cases. That is, four witnesses would be required instead of two. Failing such preponderating evidence, the slanderer should himself be treated as a wicked transgressor and punished with eighty stripes. Not only would he be subjected to this disgraceful form of punishment, but he would be deprived of the citizen's right of giving evidence in all matters unless he repents and reforms, in which case he can be readmitted to be a competent witness. The verse lays down the punishment for slandering "chaste women", which by consensus of opinion also covers slandering chaste men. Chaste women have been specifically mentioned, according to Commentators, because slandering them is more abhorrent.#
*** In the Torah, a false witness would suffer the punishment which woud have been meted out to the accused if found guilty.
Deut 19:" 18. And the judges shall make diligent inquiries; and, behold, if the witness is a false witness, and has testified falsely against his brother;19. Then shall you do to him, as he had thought to have done to his brother; so shall you put the evil away from among you"
Since the punishment for adultery would have been stoning to death, a false witness would have been stoned to death and not just got away with 80 lashes. Their punishment in the Torah would have been perfect to fit their crime ***
5 Unless they repent thereafter and mend (their conduct): for Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful.
6 And for those who launch a charge against their spouses and have (in support) no evidence but their own their solitary evidence (can be received) if they bear witness four times (with an oath) by Allah that they are solemnly telling the truth;
7 And the fifth (oath) (should be) that they solemnly invoke the curse of Allah on themselves if they tell a lie.
8 But it would avert the punishment from the wife if she bears witness four times (with an oath) by Allah that (her husband) is telling a lie;
9 And the fifth (oath) should be that she solemnly invokes the wrath of Allah on herself if (her accuser) is telling the truth.
10 > If it were not for Allah's grace and mercy on you and that Allah is Oft-Returning Full of Wisdom (ye would be ruined indeed).
11 Those who brought forward the lie are a body among yourselves: think it not to be an evil to you: on the contrary it is good for you: to every man among them (will come the punishment) of the sin that he earned and to him who took on himself the lead among them will be a Penalty grievous.
#2962 The particular incident here referred to occurred on the return from the expedition to the Banui Mustaliq, A.H. 5-6. When the march was ordered, Hadhrat 'Aisha was not in her tent, having gone to search for a valuable necklace she had dropped. As her litter was veiled, it was not noticed that she was not in it, until the army reached the next halt. Meanwhile, finding the camp had gone, she sat down to rest, hoping that some one would come back to fetch her when her absence was noticed. It was night, and she fell asleep. Next morning she was found by Safwan, a Muhajir, who had been left behind the camp expressly to pick up anything inadvertently left behind. He put her on his camel and brought her, leading the camel on foot. This gave occasion to enemies to raise a malicious scandal. The ringleader among them was the chief of Madinah Hypocrites, 'Abudllah ibn Ubai, who is referred to in the last clause of this verse. He had other sins and enormities to his debit, and he was left to the punishment of an unrepentant sinner, for he died in that state. The minor tools were given the legal punishment of the law, and after penitence mended their lives. They made good. (24.11)2963 It is worse for a scandal to be whispered about with bated breath, than that it should be brought into the light of day and disproved#
*** This and the following verses including No 20, were conveniently 'descended' to absolve Aisha, the teenage wife of Muhammad, from the allegations of infidelity brought against her by primarily Ali ibn abi Talib and others.
It beggars belief, that Allah - the creator of the Universe - should have been so intimately involved into the private affairs of Muhammad's household, to such an extent, as to be spying on Aisha and her conduct.
Even more astounding are the verses that were 'revealed' describing the events, the accusations, the exoneration and the aftermath of a private human drama, that it had to be incorporated in an allegedly 'holy scripture', the Quran ***
12 Why did not Believers men and women when ye heard of the affair put the best construction on it in their own minds and say "This (charge) is an obvious lie"?
13 Why did they not bring four witnesses to prove it? When they have not brought the witnesses such men in the sight of Allah (stand forth) themselves as liars!
*** It is interesting to note, that Muhammad made it IMPOSSIBLE to find his wife guilty by mandating that there should have been at least FOUR witnesses to any event of sexual misconduct.
It begs the question as to why there should be four adult males witnessing such an act, or a rape without interfering on behalf of the female instead of having a voyeur session?
The requirement is totally without merit, without justice, without morality and definitely almost impossible to fulfill in real life ***
14> Were it not for the grace and mercy of Allah on you in this world and the Hereafter a grievous penalty would have seized you in that ye rushed glibly into this affair.
15 Behold ye received it on your tongues and said out of your mouths things of which ye had no knowledge; and ye thought it to be a light matter while it was most serious in the sight of Allah.
16 And why did ye not when ye heard it say "It is not right of us to speak of this: Glory to Allah! this is a most serious slander!"
17 Allah doth admonish you that ye may never repeat such (conduct) if ye are (true) Believers.
18> And Allah makes the Signs plain to you: for Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.
19> Those who love (to see) scandal published broadcast among the Believers will have a grievous Penalty in this life and in the Hereafter: Allah knows and ye know not.
20> Were it not for the grace and mercy of Allah on you and that Allah is full of kindness and mercy (ye would be ruined indeed).
21> O ye who believe! follow not Satan's footsteps: if any will follow the footsteps of Satan he will (but) command what is shameful and wrong: and were it not for the grace and mercy of Allah on you not one of you would ever have been pure: but Allah doth purify whom He pleases: and Allah is One Who hears and knows (all things).
22 Let not those among you who are endued with grace and amplitude of means resolve by oath against helping their kinsmen those in want and those who have left their homes in Allah's cause: let them forgive and overlook: do you not wish that Allah should forgive you? For Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful.
23> Those who slander chaste women indiscreet but believing are cursed in this life and in the Hereafter: for them is a grievous Penalty
24 On the Day when their tongues their hands and their feet will bear witness against them as to their actions.
25> On that Day Allah will pay them back (all) their just dues and they will realize that Allah is the (very) Truth that makes all things manifest.
26 Women impure are for men impure and men impure are for women impure; and women of purity are for men of purity and men of purity are for women of purity: these are not affected by what people say: for them there is forgiveness and a provision honorable.
27 O ye who believe! enter not houses other than your own until ye have asked
permission and saluted those in them: that is best for you in order that ye may heed (what is seemly).
28 If ye find no one in the house enter not until permission is given to you: if ye are asked to go back go back: that makes for greater purity for yourselves: and Allah knows well all that ye do.
29 It is no fault on your part to enter houses not used for living in which serve some (other) use for you: and Allah has knowledge of what ye reveal and what ye conceal.
30 Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do.
*** While most Muhammadan Muslim countries insist on covering their women almost from head to toe so that they would not 'provoke the uncontrollable lust' of Muhammadan men unnecessarily, they instead of being equally modest, flaunt their apparel, reveal their body and their jewellery, unhindered and unashamedly ***
31 And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms [Wal-yadhribna bi-khumurihinna ala juyubihinna] and not display their beauty except to their husbands their fathers their husbands' fathers their sons their husbands' sons their brothers or their brothers' sons or their sisters' sons or their women or the slaves whom their right hands possess or male servants free of physical needs or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O ye Believers! turn ye all together towards Allah that ye may attain Bliss.
#2984 The need for modesty is the same in both men and women. But on account of the differentiation of the sexes in nature, temperaments, and social life, a greater amount of privacy is required for women than for men, especially in the matter of dress and the uncovering of the bosom. 2985 Zinat means both natural beauty and artificial ornaments. I think both are implied here, but chiefly the former. The woman is asked not to make a display of her figure except to the following classes of people: (1) her husband, (2) her near relatives whom a certain amount of neglige is permissible; (3) her women, (4) slaves, male and female, as they would be in constant attendance; but this item would now be blank, with the abolition of slavery; (5) men who are free from sexual desire and who usually frequent the houses; and (6) infants or small children before they get a sense of sex. Cf. also xxxiii. 59. 2986 It is one of the tricks of showy or unchaste women to tinkle their ankle ornaments, to draw attention to themselves, 2987 While all these details of the purity and good form of domestic life are being brought to our attention, we are clearly reminded that the chief object we should hold in view is our spiritual welfare. All our brief life on this earth is a probation, and we must make our individual, domestic, and social life all contribute to our holiness, so that we can get the real success and bliss which is the aim of our spiritual endeavor.#
*** The interpretation of the verse above has been deliberately perverted to give a completely different meaning and implication to suit the agenda of the male dominated and chauvinistic agenda of the Muhammadan scholars.
The Quran says "..Wal yadhribna bi khumurihinna ala juyubihinna…"
which should be translated
"…cover the top opening of their dresses…".
This part of the verse is extremely difficult to translate unless and until one can show the actual meaning of every one of its component words.
The instruction for chastity and modesty does not and should not involve having the women covered from head to toe while the men can be free in their attire. Unfortunately, the male dominated interpreters of the Quran, abuse their position by making onerous and unreasonable as well as demeaning demands and prohibitions on the opposite sex.
Their self centered theological thinking ignores the fact that Khadijah, the wife of Muhammad, was a strong willed and independent woman, who was the first of all mankind to believe in him and support his endeavors and who never wore the hijab as neither did his wives - according to Aisha - after her.
All 'Muslim' women deserve more rights than what they are allowed at the moment in most oppressive and Gender Apartheid operating Muhammadan regimes ***
32 Marry those among you who are single or the virtuous ones among your slaves male or female: if they are in poverty Allah will give them means out of His grace: for Allah encompasseth all and He knoweth all things.
#2988 The subject of sex ethics and manners brings us to the subject of marriage. Single (ayama, plural of Aiyim) here means any one not in the bond of wedlock, whether unmarried or lawfully divorced, or widowed. (24.32)2989 Cf. v. 57. Allah's mercy is for all: it is not confined to a class or grade of people.#
*** It must be pointed out that in the vocabulary of the Quran, the term Nikah has the following meanings:
Marriage, rape and all sexual acts without distinction ***
33 Let those who find not the wherewithal for marriage keep themselves chaste until Allah gives them means out of His grace. And if any of your slaves ask for a deed in writing (to enable them to earn their freedom for a certain sum) give them such a deed if ye know any good in them; yea give them something yourselves out of the means which Allah has given to you. But force not your maids to prostitution when they desire chastity in order that ye may make a gain in the goods of this life. But if anyone compels them yet after such compulsion is Allah Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful (to them).
#2990 A Muslim marriage requires some sort of a dower for the wife. If the man cannot afford that, he must wait and keep himself chaste. It is no excuse for him to say that he must satisfy his natural cravings within or outside marriage. It must be within marriage. (24.33)2991 The law of slavery in the legal sense of the term is now obsolete. While it had any meaning, Islam made the slave's lot as easy as possible. A slave, male or female, could ask for conditional manumission by a written deed fixing the amount required for manumission and allowing the slave meanwhile to earn money by lawful means. Such a deed was not to be refused if the request was genuine and the slave had character. Not only that, but the master is directed to help with money out of his own resources in order to enable the slave to earn his or her own liberty. 2992 Where slavery was legal, what is now called the "white slave traffic" was carried on by wicked people like 'Abdullah ibn Ubai, the Hypocrite leader at Madinah. This is absolutely condemned. While modern nations have abolished ordinary slavery, the "White Slave Traffic" is still a big social problem in individual States. Here it is absolutely condemned. No more despicable trade can be imagined. 2993 I have translated "in" (literally, "if") by "when" because this is not a conditional clause but an explanatory clause, explaining the meaning of "force". "Forcing" a person necessarily means that it is against the wish or inclination of the person forced. Even if they were to give a formal consent, it is not valid.2994 The poor unfortunate girls, who are victims of such a nefarious trade, will yet find mercy from Allah, whose bounties extend to all His creatures#
*** Only on paper are the Quranic instructions regarding slaves salutary and compassionate because in reality, as very well documented, the Muahammadans were the most OPPRESSIVE SLAVE TRADERS of all time.
The interpreter's assertion that the law of slavery is not operative at the moment begs the fact that this is due to Western and world opinion pressure and has nothing whatsoever to do with a change of 'heart' among the followers of Muhammad as well as deliberately and maliciously IGNORING the fact that it is still operative in several Muhammadan Muslim countries.
The historical facts indicate that the Muhmamadan Arabs and their black converts in Africa, were the most oppressive and greatest slave traders of all time. It was they, who brought out their miserable, humiliated and oppressed African men, women and children, to the shores of Africa to be sold mostly to the western traders for the American market.
Contrary to all the false and falsified propaganda emanating from the Muhammadans and their supporters in the West, it was NOT the White traders who ventured into Darkest Africa to do so.
Even today, this trade in Black humanity continues in the Sudan, Masqat, Nigeria etc where slavery is still practiced and enforced especially upon the black Christians and Animists.
The true historical record of Muhammadan Islam and slavery, is a very sorry one indeed.
Most of the African slaves who ended up in the New World were bought by white ship owners at the African ports from Arab and Muhammadan slave traders who kidnapped their victims from all over the continent to sell them to the Europeans ***
34 We have already sent down to you verses making things clear an illustration from (the story of) people who passed away before you and an admonition for those who fear (Allah).
35> Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The parable of His Light is as if there were a Niche and within it a lamp: the Lamp enclosed in Glass: the glass as it were a brilliant star: lit from a blessed Tree an Olive neither of the East nor of the West whose Oil is well-nigh luminous though fire scarce touched it: Light upon Light! Allah doth guide whom He will to His Light. Allah doth set forth Parables for men: and Allah doth know all things.
36> (Lit is such a light) in houses which Allah hath permitted to be raised to honor; for the celebration in them of His name: in them is He glorified in the mornings and in the evenings (again and again)
37> By men whom neither traffic nor merchandise can divert from the Remembrance of Allah nor from regular Prayer nor from the practice of regular Charity: their (only) fear is for the Day when hearts and eyes will be transformed (in a world wholly new)
38> That Allah may reward them according to the best of their deeds and add even more for them out of His Grace: for Allah doth provide for those whom He will without measure.
39 But the Unbelievers their deeds are like a mirage in sandy deserts which the man parched with thirst mistakes for water; until when he comes up to it he finds it to be nothing: but he finds Allah (ever) with him and Allah will pay him his account: and Allah is swift in taking account.
40 Or (the Unbelievers' state) is like the depths of darkness in a vast deep ocean overwhelmed with billow topped by billow topped by (dark) clouds: depths of darkness one above another: if a man stretches out his hand he can hardly see it! for any to whom Allah giveth not light there is no light!
41 Seest thou not that it is Allah Whose praises all beings in the heavens and on earth do celebrate and the birds (of the air) with wings outspread? Each one knows its own (mode of) prayer and praise. And Allah knows well all that they do.
42> Yea to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth; and to Allah is the final goal (of all).
43> Seest thou not that Allah makes the clouds move gently then joins them together then makes them into a heap? then wilt thou see rain issue forth from their midst. And He sends down from the sky mountain masses (of clouds) wherein is hail: He strikes therewith whom He pleases and He turns it away fro whom He pleases. The vivid flash of His lightning well-nigh blinds the sight.
*** According to the 'science' of the Quran, all natural phenomena are determined directly by Allah.
Physics, chemistry and all other laws of nature are irrelevant in this case, since it is only by Allah's will that all these events take place ***
44> It is Allah Who alternates the Night and the Day: verily in these things is an instructive example for those who have vision!
45 > And Allah has created every animal from water: of them there are some that creep on their bellies; some that walk on two legs; and some that walk on four. Allah creates what He wills: for verily Allah has power over all things.
#3021 Cf. xxi. 30, n. 2691. Protoplasm is the basis of all living matter, and "the vital power of protoplasm seems to depend on the constant presence of water". 3022 The creeping things include worms and lowly forms of animal life as well as reptiles (like snakes), centipedes, spiders, and insects. Where these have legs they are small, and the description of creeping or crawling is more applicable to them than that of walking. Fishes and sea-animals generally cannot be said to walk: their swimming is like "creeping on their bellies". Two-legged animals include birds and man. Most of the mammals walk on four legs. This includes the whole of the animal world. 3023 In Allah's Will and Plan, the variety of forms and habits among animals is adapted to their various modes of life and stages of biological development.#
*** The above is a remarkable verse since it totally contradicts the Biblical and biological facts regarding creation and birth.
The Bible says that "God created all the sea animals on the fifth day, in waters and NOT from water".
Genesis 1: "20 God said, ' Let the waters teem with teeming living creatures..."
All the interpreter's asinine 'scientific' explanations to try and explain away the very erroneous verse above, cannot cover up the fact, that protoplasm and all other life forms at the very early stages of life on earth, were created IN water and NOT FROM water ***
46> We have indeed sent down Signs that make things manifest: and Allah guides whom He wills to a way that is straight.
47 They say "We believe in Allah and in the Apostle and we obey": but even after that some of them turn away: they are not (really) Believers
*** While the Quran repeatedly mentions that some of those who professed 'Islam' were actually none believing hypocrites, it does not at the same time condemn ALL those who professed 'Islam'.
Unfortunately, when it comes to the People of the Book, the backsliding of the few is used to condemn ALL the multitudes ***
48 When they are summoned to Allah and His Apostle in order that He may judge between them behold some of them decline (to come).
*** The reason that some declined, is because they did not expect Muhammad to deal jusly with them ***
49 But if the right is on their side they come to him with all submission.
50 Is it that there is a disease in their hearts? Or do they doubt or are they in fear that Allah and His Apostle will deal unjustly with them? Nay it is they themselves who do wrong.
51 The answer of the Believers when summoned to Allah and His Apostle in order that He may judge between them is no other than this: they say "We hear and we obey": it is such as these that will attain felicity.
52 It is such as obey Allah and His Apostle and fear Allah and do right that will win (in the end).
53 They swear their strongest oaths by Allah that if only thou wouldst command them they would leave (their homes). Say: "Swear ye not; obedience is (more) reasonable: verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do."
54 Say: "Obey Allah and obey the Apostle: but if ye turn away he is only responsible for the duty placed on him and ye for that placed on you. If ye obey him ye shall be on right guidance. The Apostle's duty is only to preach the clear (Message)."
*** What the verse is telling the 'believers' is that they should obey Muhammad, especially since Allah in fact does not address the people, but only Muhammad through the INVISIBLE agency of Gabriel.
Hence, Muhammad in one stroke, has all so-called believers, OBEY ONLY HIM ***
55 Allah has promised to those among you who believe and work righteous deeds that He will of a surety grant them in the land inheritance (of power) as He granted it to those before them; that He will establish in authority their religion the one which He has chosen for them; and that He will change (their state) after the fear in which they (lived) to one of security and peace: `They will worship Me (alone) and not associate aught with Me.' If any do reject faith after this they are rebellious and wicked.
56> So establish regular Prayer and give regular Charity: and obey the Apostle; that ye may receive mercy.
57> Never think thou that the Unbelievers are going to frustrate (Allah's Plan) on earth: their abode is the Fire and it is indeed an evil refuge!
58 O ye who believe! let those whom your right hands possess and the (children) among you who have not come of age ask your permission (before they come to your presence) on three occasions before morning prayer; the while ye doff your clothes for the noonday heat; and after the late-night prayer: these are your three times of undress: outside those times it is not wrong for you or for them to move about attending to each other: thus does Allah make clear the Signs to you: for Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.
*** Although the Quran repeatedly enjoins its followers to THREE prayers a day only, the followers of Muhammad non-the-less, follow his Sunna, and pray FIVE times instead, thus over-ruling the Quran ***
59 But when the children among you come of age let them (also) ask for permission as do those senior to them (in age): thus does Allah make clear His Signs to you: for Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.
60 Such elderly women as are past the prospect of marriage there is no blame on them if they lay aside their (outer) garments provided they make not a wanton display of their beauty: but it is best for them to be modest: and Allah is One Who sees and knows all things.
61 it is no fault in the blind nor in one born lame nor in one afflicted with illness nor in yourselves that ye should eat in your own houses or those of your fathers or your mothers or your brothers or your sisters or your father's brothers or your father's sisters or your mother's brothers or your mother's sisters or in houses of which the keys are in your possession or in the house of a sincere friend of yours: there is no blame on you whether ye eat in company or separately. But if ye enter houses salute each other a greeting or blessing and purity as from Allah. Thus does Allah make clear the Signs to you: that ye may understand.
62 Only those are Believers who believe in Allah and His Apostle: when they are with him on a matter requiring collective action they do not depart until they have asked for his leave: those who ask for thy leave are those who believe in Allah and His Apostle; so when they ask for thy leave for some business of theirs give leave to those of them whom thou wilt and ask Allah for their forgiveness: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful.
*** The Quran is the only 'holy scripture' where-in, there are an enormous number of 'revealed verses' concerned with the minute details of Muhammad's personal thoughts, deeds, needs and instructions ***
63 Deem not the summons of the Apostle among yourselves like the summons of one of you to another: Allah doth know those of you who slip away under shelter of some excuse: then let those beware who withstand the Apostle's order lest some trial befall them or a grievous Penalty be inflicted on them.
64> Be quite sure that to Allah doth belong whatever is in the heavens and on earth. Well doth He know what ye are intent upon: and one day they will be brought back to Him and He will tell them the truth of what they did: for Allah doth know all things.
