EMBRYOLOGY IN QUR’AN

EMBRYOLOGY IN QUR’ANThe Qur’an which was revealed 1400 years back ,  proofs that it was the revelation from Allah by testing and relating it to different natural phenomenon and miracles. Embryology is one among the miracles of Qur’an. Ho w can a person named Muhammed (PBUH) who live in 7^th century have the ability to write such a scientific phenomenon? A person who didn’t have the knowledge to read and write?Qur’an once again proofs that these description were revealed to Muhammed (PBUH) from Allah through the description of the embryonic development in human body which was found out in the recent times.
In the 23^rd chapter of Qur’an, namely Surah Al-Mu’minun (The Believers), Allah describes how a human being is formed from 12^th to 14^th verses.  We created man from an extract of clay.  Then We made him as a drop in a place of settlement, firmly fixed.  Then We made the drop into an alaqah (leech, suspended thing, and blood clot), then We made the alaqah into a mudghah (chewed substance)... (Quran, 23:12-14)

These 2 verses, describes the vast phenomenon of embryology. When we look into the detailed meaning of each lines, we get a clear idea of embryonic development process. This verses are clearly describing the process of the human development in the correct chronological order.In the technology based on the 21^st century, we cannot assure the clear describtion of the first stage. But we can clearly describe the 2^nd stage i.e. Embryo.
In relation to the embryonic development, the specific word used in the verses is ALAQAH. (i)                  Literally, the Arabic word alaqah has three meanings: (1) leech, (2) suspended thing, and (3) blood clot.

When we compare a leech (or bloodsucker) with an embryo at the stage of Alaqah (24-25 days),    we will be able to see that both of them develops a similar look. the embryo at this stage obtains nourishment from the blood of the mother, similar to the leech, which feeds on the bood of others.   (ii)The second is the ‘Suspended’. When we regard suspension of an developing human, we get through the hanging of the umbilical cord. But now, we know the umbilical cord is formed with the connecting stalk. And the connecting stalk is formed just after the embryo is formed. The connecting stalk has been described by different scientist as a suspending object of the developing embryo in the extra embryonic column. Thus, the developing embryo also satisfy this meaning.
(iii)The third meaning is ‘Blood clot’.    At this stage, we find that the developing embryo and its sacs appear similar to a blood clot. This is mainly due to the larger amounts of blood present in the embryo at this time. And also, at this stage, the blood in the embryo does not circulate. In third week of the embryo development, a tube from heart joins with the blood vessels to form a primary cardiovascular system. And by the end of the third week, the blood start circulating and the heart starts to beat on day 21..Thus, the three meanings of Alaqah have satisfied the embryonic development.

The next stage in the process in accordance to the verse is the mudhgah stage. The English meaning of the word is “a chewed substance”. If one were to take a piece of gum and chew it in his or her mouth and then compare it with an embryo at the mudghah stage, we would conclude that the embryo at the mudghah stage acquires the appearance of a chewed substance.  This is because of the somites at the back of the embryo that “somewhat resemble teethmarks in a chewed substance.

These verses describe the clear embryonic development process which had wondered many scientists all over the world. How could Muhammed (PBUH) could have discovered all these things 1400 years ago while scientists have only recently discovered the embryonic development process in the recent times using advanced equipment and powerful microscopes? Hamm and Leeuwenhoek were the first scientists to observe human sperm cells (spermatozoa) using an improved microscope in 1677 (more than 1000 years after Muhammad ).  They mistakenly thought that the sperm cell contained a miniature preformed human being that grew when it was deposited in the female genital tract. 

The descriptions of the human embryology in Qur’an cannot be based on the scientific knowledge in the7th century.The only reasonable conclusion is that these descriptions were revealed to Muhammed (PBUH) from GOD.

Mohammed Nabeel Zubair
XI-A

All these studies states that the one behind the miracle is non-other than Allah,the only God.                                                     








 Islamic studeis
HOD:Mr Abdul Rasheed

ISRA' AND MI'RAJ (PROPHET MUHAMMAD'S NIGHT JOURNEY AND ASCENSION TO HEAVEN)

                                             

بســـــــــــــم اللــــــــــه الرحمــــــــــن الرحيـــــــــــــــــــــم

            Isra and Mi’raj is observed on the 27^th day of the month of Rajab, the 7^th month of Islamic calendar. This incident marks the night that Allah (s.w.t) took Prophet Muhammed on a journey from Makkah to Jerusalem and then to the Seven Heavens. The night journey of the prophet to Jerusalem and his subsequent ascension to heaven are two stages of an incident. The first stage of journey at to Jerusalem is called the Night Journey (isra) and second journey to heavens is called the Ascension (mi'raj).

On the night of al Isra and Mi’raj, Prophet Mohammad was shown heaven and hell . He talked with many prophets in heaven. He also received instructions on the five prayers. Muhammed (saws) returned to Makkah before the end of the night. . His journey is remembered and commemorated on 27th Rajab.

                                               ISRA (Night Journey)

Before the prophet took his night journey, while he was lying on the ground in the Hijr (of the sacred mosque of Makkah), Jibril (A.S) descended. He cut open the chest of Prophet Muhammed and removed his heart and washed it in the water of well of zam- zam before placing it back. He filled it with faith and wisdom to strengthen his belief. Then He took Prophet (s.a.w.s) out of the mosque to where the Buraq (a heavenly steed) was standing. Buraq is a heavenly steed bigger than a donkey and smaller than a mule. According to scholars the name of the steed seems to be derived from ‘Barq’ which means “Lightning”, which refers to the beast’s speed. Buraq could place its hooves at the farthest place it can see. The Prophet, mounted on Al-Buraq, with Jibril at his side sped and northwards beyond Yathrib and Khaybar until they reached Jerusalem. Then they met many prophets including Ibrahim Isa and Musa.When Muhammed (s.aw.s) prayed on the grounds of Al Aqsa mosque, the prophets gathered behind him in the prayer. Then two vessels were brought before him and offered him, of one was milk, and the other of wine. The prophet took the vessel of milk and drank it, and left the vessel of wine, and Jibril (A.S) said; “You Muhammed, have been rightly guided to the nature of man, and so will your people be. Wine is forbidden to you”. The prophet was then taken to up to the Heavens.

                                          MI’RAJ (Ascension)

From the site of Al Aqsa, Muhammed (s.aw.s) mounted on Al Buraq again. Led by Jibril (A.S), they ascended to the heavens. At the entry of each of the seven heavens through which he passed, Jibril (A.S) was asked for his own name and that of his companion; Prophet Muhammed (s.aw.s).they met Adam in the 1^st heaven, Yahya and Isa in the 2^nd, Yusuf in the third, Idris in the fourth, Harun in the fifth, Musa in the sixth and Ibrahim in the seventh heaven. They prayed for Muhammed (s.aw.s)’s well being.

During the night journey, the prophet passed by people who were sowing and harvesting and every time they completed their harvest the crop grew up again. Jibril (A.S):”These are the fighters in the way of Allah.” Then he passed by people whose head were broken into pieces by rocks, and once their head is broken, it becomes whole again. Jibril said:”These are they whose heads were neglectful for prayers”. Then he passed by the people who were naked except for their private parts which were covered in rags. Jibril said:”These are they who did not pay Zakah. Then they passed by people who were eating raw, rotten meat, and were throwing cooked wholesome meat. Jibril said:”These are the adulterators”. Then the Prophet saw men with lips like camels and in their hands were fire-like balls, which when they eat would come out of their posteriors. The Prophet encountered various forms of suffering, which the wrong-doers have to endure as a result of their evil they have done in this world.

After the Prophet’s ascension to the 7^th heaven, he was shown the Bait Al Ma’moor where 70,000 angels perform prayers daily. It is the heavenly house for worship which is the spiritual prototype of al-Ka’bah. They never return when they leave. A new batch comes the next time. And this goes on till the last day. Then he was shown the Sidrat ul Muntaha, The Lote tree of the uppermost end. Prophet (s.aw.s) said:”Then I was taken to Sidrat ul Muntaha whose leaves were like elephant ears and its fruit like big earthenware vessels. And when it was covered by command of Allah (S.W.T), it underwent such a change that none amongst the creation has the power to praise its beauty”.

Thereafter Allah made fifty prayers day and night obligatory. When Prophet went down to Musa(A.S),he asked prophet to return to Allah and ask for reduction of number of prayers as he had been put to test the children of Israel and found them too weak. On Musa’s advice Prophet (s.aw.s) went 9 times to Allah for reduction and each time Allah granted it. But When Musa says five prayers still a lot, prophet refused to go again for reduction. He felt ashamed for asking for further reduction.

This shows us that the burden of Muslims is much lighter than that imposed on our ancestors, and it is within the ability of an individual.

                               Four Things Granted To the Prophet In Al-Mi’raj

1.      Five Obligatory prayers

2.      The concluding ayat of surah al Baqarah

3.      Remission of serious sins for the faithful who associate nothing with Allah

4.      The one who intends to do a good deed and does not do it will have a good deed recorded for him, and if he does it, it will be recorded for him as ten whereas he who intends to do an evil deed and does not do it, will not be recorded for him, and if he does it, only one evil deed will be recorded for him.

The Prophet Returns to Makkah

When he returned to Makkah it was still night. Some scholars say, it took one-third of the night for the whole journey; from Makkah to Jerusalem and from there to the seven heavens and back to Makkah. In the next morning after the night journey Prophet (s.aw.s) told the people of Makkah of his experiences. The Pagan Quraysh Mocked at the prophet claiming that it takes months to get there and back. But when they said this to Abu Bakr, he said:”If the prophet has said like that, it is true”. Abu Bakr was then called As-siddique because he strongly believed in what the prophet said.

The pagan Quraysh asked the prophet to describe Jerusalem as they knew he had never visited there. But the prophet had forgotten what he had seen on his night journey. So Allah enabled him to see Masjid ul Aqsa. And he described Masjid ul Aqsa and its surroundings in exact details. The pagans accepted the description was exact. But they were stubborn that they rejected Islam. ‘Only those whom Allah willed to be guided, will be guided. The person whom Allah did not will to be guided, will not believe’

                                                            By Anas Faziluddeen

11 A

      LABOUR   DIGNITY  IN                                ISLAM 

  

There is no religion or ideology except Islam, which guarantees the rights of the workers and peasants ie the poorest and oppressed classes of the world. Islam not only guarantees the rights of labor but also of the capitalist class. Islam respects all kinds of work for ensuring one’s livelihood so long as there is no injustice involved. The economic aspect of life envisaged by Islam is based upon sound foundations and divine instructions. Earning one’s living through decent labor is not only a duty but a great virtue as well.

The Holy Qur’an provides guidance for all human beings and is a complete code of life. There are clear instructions for the capitalists as well as labors regarding possession of wealth. There are two basic principles laid down in the Holy Qur’an and Hadith for the master as well as the servant. The master shall pay fully for the services rendered and the servant shall work faithfully and honestly. Islam gives directions about the attitude of the employers for equal treatment with servants and subordinates.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: “Your brothers are your servants whom ALLAH has made your subordinate, he should give them to eat for what he himself eats and wear for what he himself wears and do not put on them burden of any labor which may exhaust them. And if you have to put such burden on yourself (in these works). Hazrat Abu Hurrairah (RA) reported that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said “ALLAH says there are three persons whose adversary in dispute shall be on the day of resurrection, a person who makes a promise in My name then acts unfaithfully and a person who devours prices and the person who employs a servant and uses fully the labor from him and then does not pay the remuneration.”

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did business, but he set personal examples of upholding the dignity of labor. He performed a number of tasks that are today considered humble. The ‘King’ of Arabia, and in fact of the entire universe, he would kindle a fire, sweep the floor, milk goats, patch his clothes, mend his shoes and help in household chores. That is why Carlyle regarded him as “the greatest man” and yet the “greatest worker” of the world. His love for manual labor is evident from one of his Traditions. Once when Jabir (R.A.) shook hands with him, he (the Prophet) noted some scars and roughness on his (Jabir’s) palm. He enquired about it. Jabir explained that he was a furrier (one who makes and fits horseshoes). Listening to this, the Prophet kissed his hand.

 Again it is related on the authority of Ibn Majah (RA) that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, “The wages of labor must be paid to him before the sweat dries upon his body. “In another Hadith the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, “It is the duty of employer to take only such work from the employees, which they can do easily. They should not be made to work so that their health is impaired.” The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: “He is not Momin (true Muslim) who eats full stomach while his neighbor is hungry.”

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have said: “Never has anyone eaten a better thing than when he eats of his own hands. “The Holy Qur’an says, “And that man will have nothing but what he strives for.” (53.40). The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) worked with his own hands. Previous Prophets also did labor for their livelihood. Islam fully guarantees the rights of labor and gives direction to the master for fair and good treatment to their subordinates.

Employers have been given the rules of conduct in their day- to-day affairs with the employees. The latter have to be treated justly and kindly (Al Qasas:27). The wages should be reasonable — commensurate with time, skills, and the labor involved. Wages have to be settled at the time of employment and paid “before the sweat of the workman dries up” (promptly). Employees are not to be burdened with excessive workload beyond their capability as Shoaib (A.S.) said while employing Musa (A.S.), “...I intend not to place you under difficulty. ALLAH willing, you will find me one of the righteous” (Al Qasas:27). In the words of the holy Prophet (SAW), “A worker is a friend of God.”

Workers rights in Islam,

All people are equal. It does not make any difference to what race they belong, what color they have, what country they come from, what their gender is or what their occupation is. Young and old, rich and poor, white and black, citizens or foreigners with legal work permits are all equal; and they all should be respected, honored, and treated equally. Almighty ALLAH says: [ O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of ALLAH is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And ALLAH has full Knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)] (Al-Hujurat 49:13).

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said the following words in his last sermon:

"O people, indeed your Lord is one and your father is one. Behold, there is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab, nor for a non-Arab over an Arab, nor for a white person over a black person, nor for a black person over a white person, except through piety." 

Done by
FAYAZ SIRAJUDEEN
XII-C
AL AMEER