Answer: The holy Quran, also spelled as Qur'an, is considered the word of God (Allah) as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny) through Gabriel (Jibril) in two different ways. Firstly, it was revealed as a whole upon the heart of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWAS) on the Night of Qadr in the holy month of Ramadan. Secondly, it was revealed gradually, over a period of approximately 23 years. The Quran is written in classical Arabic which is known as the linguistic miracle and is divided into 114 chapters, known as Surahs, which vary in length. Each Surah is further divided into verses, known as Ayahs.

The Quran encompasses a wide range of topics and serves as a comprehensive guide for Human beings and Jinn. It covers aspects of theology, morality, law, guidance for personal conduct, and social justice.

In net shell, the holy Quran is not just a religious text but a comprehensive guide for life, embodying the core beliefs, values, and laws for humanity. Its teachings continue to inspire and guide over a billion Muslims around the world, making it one of the most influential books in human history.

Answer: The Qur’an is not the creation or work of any human being. It is the divine revelation from Allah, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny). Therefore, Allah is considered the true author of the Qur’an.

The process of revelation began in the year 610 CE, when the first verses were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny) in the Cave of Hira near Makkah. Over the next 23 years, until the Prophet's passing in 632 CE, the Qur’an was revealed in stages to guide humanity in various aspects of life.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny), ensured the preservation of these revelations by immediately dictating them to his appointed scribes. These scribes, including Imam Ali bin Abi Talib and notable companions such as Zayd ibn Thabit, would write down the verses on available materials like parchment, leather, and palm leaves. In addition to being written, the Qur’an was memorized and recited regularly by the Prophet and his followers, ensuring its preservation in both written and oral forms.

Thus, the Qur’an was revealed gradually between 610 and 632 CE, and while the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny) supervised its recording, the content itself is solely the word of Allah.

Answer: The Qur'an has been translated into more than 100 languages, making it one of the most widely translated religious texts in the world. While it is difficult to provide an exhaustive list, translations are available in almost all major languages of Asia, Europe, and other parts of the world.

Indigenous and Lesser-Known Languages:

• Many indigenous languages in regions such as Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Americas have translations to make the Qur'an accessible to local communities.

Preservation of Original Meaning

While translations help non-Arabic speakers understand the message of the Qur'an, it is important to note that Muslims consider the Arabic Qur'an as the original and literal word of Allah. Translations are viewed as interpretations of the meaning of the Qur'an rather than exact equivalents, due to the richness and depth of the Arabic language.

Answer: While the Quran is indeed easy to take lessons from, as stated in the verse:

"And We have certainly made the Quran easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?" (Surah Al-Qamar, 54:17), it also requires interpretation and explanation.

Given the presence of complex elements such as ambiguous and clear verses, abrogating and abrogated verses, and absolute and conditional statements, it is not straightforward for everyone to understand fully. Therefore, an interpreter is necessary. Allah Himself has appointed interpreters for the Quran:

"And We revealed to you the message that you may make clear to the people what was sent down to them" (Surah An-Nahl, 16:44). 

In this verse, the duty of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWAS) to explain and interpret the Quran is explicitly stated.

Additionally, the verse: "Our Lord, and raise up in their midst a messenger from among them who shall recite to them Your revelations, and shall instruct them in the Book and in wisdom, and shall purify them" (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:129) shows that teaching the Book refers not just to reading it, but to explaining its meanings and interpreting its verses.

Hadiths, such as the Hadith of Thaqalayn, which pairs the Quran with the Prophet's family (Ahlul Bayt), also indicate that the full understanding of the Quran cannot be achieved without them.

Therefore, while everyone can understand the Quran to some extent according to their knowledge and capacity, to reach a deeper and more accurate understanding, an interpreter is necessary. The true interpreters of the Quran, who are most knowledgeable about Allah's intentions, are the Prophet Muhammad (SAWAS) and the Imams from his family.

Answer: Reading the Bible is not inherently a sin in Islam. However, it is essential to approach it with an informed perspective and a clear understanding of its origins and status in Islamic teachings. Here's a detailed explanation:

Understanding the Bible's Origins

1. Old Testament (Torah): 
   • The Old Testament includes the Torah, traditionally attributed to Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him). However, Islamic scholars and many historians assert that the Torah as it exists today was compiled approximately 1,000 years after Prophet Musa, with significant alterations, additions, and edits over time.
2. New Testament (Gospels): 
   • The New Testament is often referred to as "The Gospel of Jesus Christ." However, none of the books in the New Testament are believed to have been written directly by Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him). The authorship of even the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) is uncertain and debated among scholars.

Islamic Perspective on Reading the Bible

• Belief in Previous Revelations: 
  • As Muslims, belief in the original Torah, Zabur (Psalms), and Injil (Gospel) as divine revelations is a fundamental part of faith. However, Islam teaches that these scriptures have been altered over time and are no longer in their original form.
• Authenticity Concerns: 
  • Reading the Bible with the belief that it is entirely authentic and unchanged may conflict with Islamic teachings. For Muslims, the Qur’an is the final, complete, and preserved word of Allah.

Conditions for Reading the Bible

1. Adequate Knowledge of Islam:
   • If you have a strong foundation in Islamic teachings and a good understanding of the Qur’an and Hadith, reading the Bible can be an educational exercise to understand the commonalities and differences between Islam and Christianity.
2. Awareness of Alterations:
   • It is important to recognize that the Bible, as it exists today, contains modifications, interpolations, and human interpretations that may not reflect the original divine message.
3. Purpose of Reading:
   • If your purpose is academic, comparative religious study, or dawah (inviting others to Islam), reading the Bible can be beneficial. However, reading it without sufficient knowledge of Islamic teachings may lead to confusion or misunderstanding.

Recommendation

For those interested in understanding the Bible from an Islamic perspective, it is advisable to:

• Seek Guidance: Consult knowledgeable Islamic scholars or reliable resources to clarify questions or concerns.
• Supplement with Islamic Literature: Read books like "The Qur’an and the Bible in the Light of History and Science" by Dr. Maurice Bucaille or other Islamic texts that discuss the history of the Bible.

In conclusion, reading the Bible is not a sin if done with the right intention, adequate knowledge, and a critical understanding of its origins. However, it is crucial to prioritize the Qur’an and authentic Islamic sources to maintain a strong foundation in your faith.

Answer: Islam and Christianity share a common origin, as both religions are rooted in the message of monotheism and guidance sent by God through His prophets. However, there are key theological and doctrinal differences that distinguish the two faiths. Below is a comprehensive explanation:

1. The Nature of God (Monotheism)

Islam: Muslims believe in the absolute oneness of God (Allah). The Qur'an emphasizes:
"Say, He is Allah, the One; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begets not, nor is He begotten; and there is none like unto Him." (Surah Al-Ikhlas, 112:1-4)

Allah is unique, without partners, children, or any form of multiplicity.

Christianity: Christians profess belief in the Trinity, which describes God as three persons in one essence: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.

This concept of "three in one" is central to Christian theology but is not comprehensible in logical terms. Christians often assert that it must be accepted on faith.

2. Jesus Christ (Prophet hood vs. Divinity)

Islam: Muslims regard Jesus (Isa, peace be upon him) as one of the greatest prophets sent by Allah.

He was born miraculously without a father, but this does not imply divinity. The Qur'an compares his creation to that of Adam:
"The example of Jesus before Allah is like that of Adam; He created him from dust, then He said to him, 'Be,' and he was." (Surah Al-Imran, 3:59)

Muslims reject the idea that Jesus is the "Son of God" or divine. Allah is beyond human attributes like fatherhood.

Christianity:

• Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God and part of the divine Trinity.
• They hold that Jesus' virgin birth and miracles affirm his divinity.
• Jesus is seen as both fully God and fully man, an idea that Islam rejects.

3. Original Sin and Salvation

Islam: Muslims believe every individual is born free of sin and responsible for their own actions. The Qur'an states:
"No bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another." (Surah Al-An'am, 6:164)

Forgiveness is attained through repentance, good deeds, and Allah’s mercy.

Christianity: Christians believe in the concept of Original Sin, which holds that humanity inherited sin from Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden.

To atone for this sin, Christians believe Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross.

Salvation is granted through faith in Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, which is viewed as the ultimate act of redemption.

4. Crucifixion and Resurrection

Islam: Muslims reject the idea that Jesus was crucified. Instead, they believe that Jesus was raised to the heavens by Allah and that someone else was made to appear like him:
"They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but it was made to appear so to them." (Surah An-Nisa, 4:157)

Jesus will return before the Day of Judgment to fulfill his role as a servant of Allah.

Christianity: Christians believe Jesus was crucified, died for the sins of humanity, and rose from the dead on the third day.

His resurrection is considered the cornerstone of Christian faith and a sign of victory over sin and death.

5. Universality of Message

Islam: Islam is viewed as the final and universal message for all of humanity, revealed through the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is meant to guide people until the end of time.

Christianity: Christianity, as originally preached by Jesus, was directed toward the "lost sheep of Israel" (Matthew 15:24). Over time, it expanded to include all nations and peoples through missionary work.

Conclusion: While Islam and Christianity share some commonalities, such as their monotheistic roots and belief in prophets, they differ fundamentally in their views of God, Jesus, salvation, and the nature of divine guidance. Islam emphasizes the pure oneness of Allah, personal responsibility, and the finality of the Prophet Muhammad’s message. Christianity focuses on the Trinity, Jesus' divinity, and salvation through his death and resurrection. These distinctions form the core theological divide between the two faiths.

Answer: While Muslims hold previous divine books in high regard and believe in the prophets to whom they were revealed, they do not follow these books because they consider the Quran to be the final, complete, and unaltered revelation from God. The Quran’s preservation, comprehensive guidance, universal applicability, and the role of Prophet Muhammad (SAWAS) as the last and final messenger form the core reasons why Muslims adhere solely to the Quran as their primary source of divine guidance.

Answer: The authenticity of the Quran as a divine revelation is supported by its preservation, linguistic excellence, scientific insights, accurate prophecies, historical consistency, transformative impact, internal harmony, divine promise, and the trustworthy character of Prophet Muhammad (SAWAS). These factors collectively affirm for anyone who is seeking the truth, that the Quran is indeed the authentic word of God.

Answer: Surah Yasin, often referred to as "the heart of the Qur'an," holds a central place in Islamic tradition and spirituality. Its significance lies in its profound themes, spiritual lessons, and encouragement for the believers.

Here is a detailed explanation of its significance:

1. Title and Spiritual Importance:
   • Surah Yasin is the 36th chapter of the Qur'an, consisting of 83 verses.
   • It is widely regarded as the "heart of the Qur'an" due to its comprehensive message, eloquent style, and ability to touch the hearts of its readers and listeners.
2. Key Themes:
   • Monotheism (Tawhid): The Surah emphasizes the oneness of Allah and rejects polytheism and idolatry.
   • Prophethood: It highlights the truthfulness of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the final messenger and the importance of following his guidance.
   • Resurrection and the Hereafter: Surah Yasin underscores the reality of life after death, the resurrection, and the ultimate accountability of all humans.
   • Divine Signs: The Surah draws attention to the signs of Allah in nature, human creation, and the universe, encouraging reflection and gratitude.
3. Exhortation to Follow the Right Path:
   • The Surah repeatedly calls believers to abstain from Satanic schemes and misguidance, urging them to follow the straight path shown by Allah through His final messenger, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
   • It reminds the faithful of the consequences of their choices, warning against heedlessness and disobedience while offering hope and reassurance for those who remain steadfast.
4. Comfort and Guidance:
   • Surah Yasin is often recited for seeking blessings, comfort, and guidance in times of difficulty. It serves as a reminder of Allah's mercy and the eternal rewards awaiting the righteous.
5. Tradition of Recitation:
   • The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, "Recite Yasin upon your dead," highlighting its role in offering spiritual comfort and supplication for the deceased.

In summary, Surah Yasin serves as a powerful reminder of faith, accountability, and divine mercy. Its timeless message continues to inspire and guide Muslims to remain steadfast on the path of righteousness and devotion to Allah.

Answer: If a Muslim fasts properly during the month of Ramadan, they will receive a reward for the act of fasting itself. However, their overall accountability to Allah encompasses all obligatory acts of worship, including prayers and knowledge of the Qur’an. Neglecting these duties may lead to punishment, as every Muslim is accountable for their comprehensive practice of Islam. It is essential for such a person to seek guidance and strive to fulfil all aspects of their faith to ensure success in this life and the Hereafter.