Psychological Foundation of the Qur'an Ii: Current Deterioration N Muslim Ummah (Analysis with Solutions)

By Muhammad Shoaib Shahid

My goal is to introduce logical and scientific results and analysis of the observation of the deteriorated state of the Muslim Ummah, which has been dependant over semi-educated, non-Arabic speaking Imams/Mullahs presenting Islam with personal agendas and misinterpretation of the Qur'an due to a foreign language or lack of insight to find solutions to all human issues presented by the Creator for His beloved creature.
My sole reference in all the presentation is only the Qur'an to unite the Muslims who have split into various sectarian, political and social divisions through issues like terrorism, Bidaha, misconceptions over human and women's rights, and power struggles, under one umbrella of the Ummah based on One God, one Last Prophet (Muhammad PBUH) with one Holy Book (the Qur'an) for guidance in individual affairs and social justification. Outdated preaching practices (with projection of fear of punishment), mishandling of adolescent anxieties and concerns, intolerant attitudes, and indulging in rituals instead of religious obligations have confused the laypersons and those ignorant of Islam about the original Islmaic intention presented in the Qur'an.
I have presented the data for all English-speaking populations settled globally, with logic and observation on scientific tools, at the layperson's mental level to answer the misunderstandings or objection about Islam and the Qur'an. This present publication is a solution to meet this noble mission of Allah for preaching His message to the derailed population, particularly among the Muslims.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 5, 2016
• ISBN: 9781514454985

Muhammad Shoaib Shahid

Dr. Muhammad Shoaib Shahid, born in Jhang City, Pakistan, completed his higher education in USA. He has forty-five years of professional experience in research, teaching, training in psychotherapeutic and psychological evaluation both in the USA and Pakistan, has participated in national workshops and seminars, and is equipped with versatile cultural knowledge of psychological aspects of human nature. As an NYC and NJ school psychologist, he has worked as a CSE bilingual psychologist in the NYC Department of Education and has also presented media programs for community mental health. As a foreign professor in Pakistan, he developed HEC projects syllabi, research, and national presentations on extremism and terrorism, and as chief psychologist in the National Task Force of the Prime Minister of Pakistan for training psychologists for rehabilitation of earthquake affectees of Pakistan and AJK. Dr. Shahid retired as a dean of social sciences and now has relocated to the suburbs of Charlotte, where he is serving as the president of Psychological Foundation for Human Innovation in research and professional services to the deprived classes in underdeveloped countries.

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Copyright © 2016 by Muhammad Shoaib Shahid.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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The author has attempted to provide all the citations and verses from the Qur’an as accurately as possible.

Rev. date: 02/04/2016

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CONTENTS

Preface

Chapter 1-Transcription of the Qur’an

Chapter 2-Role of Ahale-Kitab & Munafqeens as Stated in the Qur’an

Chapter 3-Belief System in the Qur’an as a Moderate & Logical Path of Life

Chapter 4-A Short of History of Muslim Rise & Fall

Chapter 5-Unique Role and Status of the Prophets as Prescribed in the Qur’an

Chapter 6-BIDAHA (Introduction/Innovations in Islam) as Fabricated Acts by Muslim Community

Chapter 7-A General Discussion about the Present Human Issues with Qur’anic Verdicts

Chapter 8-Role of Muslims who Daily Follow Non-Islamic Practices in the Present

Chapter 9-Power Struggle within Various Sects & Countries in the Muslim World

Chapter 10-Role of Certain Mullahs/Imams in Preaching and Practices as Negative Contributory Forces in Islam

Chapter 11-Practices & Preaching of Muslims in the Golden Era with Introduction of Modern Psychology & Mass Media for Religious Awareness

Chapter 12-Islamic Concepts Regarding Women’s Rights & Integrated Family Unit

Chapter 13-I-Analysis and Solution of the Current Flow of Extremism & Terrorism Defaming Islam

Chapter 13-II-Psychological Profile of a Terrorist & A Precise Analysis with Solution of this Social Cancer

Chapter 14-Qur’anic Knowledge about Ruh, Angels & Jinns

Chapter 15-Resurrection & Judgment with Awards

Whoever goes right, then he goes right only for the benefit of his own-self. And whoever goes astray, then he goes astray to his own loss. No one laden with burdens can bear another’s burden. And We never punish until We have sent a Messenger (to give warning). And when We decide to destroy a town (population), We (first) send a definite order (to obey Allah and be righteous) to those among them [or We (first) increase in number those of its population] who are given the good things of this life. Then, they transgress therein, and thus the word (of torment) is justified against it (them). Then We destroy it with complete destruction.

(V-17:15-16)

PREFACE

E VEN IF NOTHING can come out of nothing, we are still left with believing e ither in a preexisting Creator and Sustainer of the Universes and of all that is contained in them, or in a preexisting ethereal energy that has evolved into all that we have at present. In both cases, the process has taken the same length of time, which is estimated to be zillions of years. In former case, it all has been a process of creation and then its evolution as planned and programmed. In the latter case, everything has depended on chance developments and, in the case of living beings, under the rule of natural selection and survival of the fittest.

SINCE we are anyway expected to be honest, modest, kind and generous, whether because of society’s demand, by the country’s law or in obedience to God’s guidance, it would be better to connect to God everyday by praying, to stay charged. Even if it happens to be a placebo effect, it would provide us with hope, a sense of belonging and prevent us from falling prey to despair. Whether or not we are accountable for our actions in the Afterlife, it would be prudent to be prepared for it in case it happens to be a reality. Being able to deal with uncertainty is a sign of maturity. It would be better for one to lay trust in God and just as well accumulate the points for one’s performed righteous deeds.

SINCE faith goes beyond reason, it would be vital to build it on a strong foundation, on evidence as reliable as an axiom. The Holy Qur’an does not expect anyone to believe in God blindly. The Holy Qur’an invites everyone to learn from History, to observe and explore Nature, to ponder on one’s own birth, and then to decide whether or not to believe in God. Believing in God but not believing in the Sovereignty of God is a farce. Observing God’s Guidance in some and ignoring it in some other aspects of one’s life is hypocrisy. Muslims do not have a separate God of their own – the Arabic word for God is Allah.

HOLY QUR’AN provides complete guidance to lead an admirable, successful life encompassing all aspects of human life. No Qur’anic Verse abrogates any other Verse of Holy Qur’an. Allah has taken the responsibility of preserving every letter of the Qur’an. Even Prophet Muhammad (peace is upon him) has no authority to make any addition, subtraction or alteration in the Qur’anic Text or in its intended meanings. The only way to safeguard oneself from the prevailing myths about Islam and from falling into the pitfalls of distortions created in the Holy Qur’an is to study the Qur’an Word-for-Word; translations and commentaries made by the scholars of different schools of thought can be helpful in seeing which explanation fits best to the Qur’anic Text.

ACCORDING to the Holy Qur’an, we are supposed to make technological advancements, formulate pre-calculated lunar and solar calendar to fix dates and timings for use in everyday life. There is no punishment for blasphemy or apostasy, Allah wants us to observe patience despite feeling grief. Stoning to death punishment is inconsistent with the Holy Qur’an.

HUMANS are a distinct entity among all living beings. Just compare the change of lifestyle in chimpanzees and the change of lifestyle in case of human during the last five thousand years. Allah created both Adam and Eve from the same Nafs. The Holy Qur’an holds both Adam and Eve equally responsible for getting enticed and eating the forbidden fruit. Men and women have equal rights upon one another.

PURPOSE of this preface is not to quench thirst but to make the Reader feel thirsty and to get ready to set on the odyssey Dr. Shoaib Muhammad Shahid has set. Dr. Shahid is an eminent psychologist, an effective psychotherapist, an accomplished author and an eloquent speaker. People of different fields have also appreciated the Holy Qur’an from their specialty’s point of view. Dr. Shahid’s is a scientific contribution of Psychology in the study of the Holy Qur’an. Dr. Shahid’s book is about the scientific basis of psychology (a scientific knowledge based on observation, law of causation, objective in nature with own references and terminology).

THE book contains three volumes based on logical analysis and research on human nature, origin of the universe, psychology of religions and history of mankind, prophets’ role as human guides on all human affairs by meeting the challenges of all the critiques, and adolescents’ present day psychological issues which need directions from the Qur’an.

THE author has provided logical data about various human social aspects of human beings by addressing the current deterioration in Muslim Ummah like Bidaha, terrorism, insufficient women’s rights, outdated teachings and practices, mis-information created by certain Mullah/Imams in the masses, and craze for power in the Muslim world (Analysis & Resolution). Dr. Shahid has done a laborious job in presenting a comprehensive research about Human Nature and Related Issues Addressed in the Qur’an with Reasoning, current psychological mental health directions, socio-cultural system in the Qur’an with unique data as well as the preventive and curative measures revealed in the Qur’an about Mental Health Directions (Analysis & Solutions) preserved since 1,430 Years. THE book appears to be based on decades of professional experiences of the author about human psychology. Instead of traditional writing about faith, all the data is explained with logic and reasoning. The author has tried to present each concept supported by the holy verses of Qur’an only. He states that it is a challenge to all the present day psychologists that the Qur’an revealed 1,430 years ago by the Creator is more objective than the human (creature) psychological knowledge, as the Qur’an is authentic in nature and endorses the previous books. Dr. Shahid narrates that his goal is to cut down the sectarian versions and personal interpretations in Islam and reunite the Ummah only under one umbrella that is Allah (monotheism), the Holy Prophet (Muhammad PBUH as the human servant and Rasool) and only one Holy Book of Qur’an revealed to mankind for guidance in life.

I see that Dr. Shahid has dealt with the subject matter in an exhaustive manner and presented it in a lucid style free of technical jargon. Islamists and terrorists misunderstand or misinterpret the Qur’anic Verses. Like the Message of the Holy Qur’an, the exemplary Noble character of Prophet Muhammad (peace is upon him) is timeless. I highly recommend Dr. Shahid’s book in English for the truth seekers and young generation about Qur’an as it generates insight and retrospective process for self-correction and peace in a serious reader.

Ahmed K. Nazir, M.D.

New York State Licensed Psychiatrist and Author.

(09/22/2015)

CHAPTER 1

Transcription of the Qur’an

This is the Book (the Qur’an), whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqun [the pious and righteous persons who fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)]

(V-02:02)

M USLIMS BELIEVE THAT the Qur’anic text, which is Allah’s words addressing the humanity at large, uses intellectual reason, critical thinking, and the process of reflection as a means to not only reinforce the faith of the believers but also to call non-believers to ponder the authenticity of Islam as a way of life. Although no religious beliefs can be fully based on logic and reasoning, Islam and Qur’an provide more than enough examples and an opportunity to examine the truth and the soundness of its message through the lens of empirical evidence and knowledge.

No one (Muslim or otherwise) would argue that critical thinking and reflection can be a major catalyst for changing of one’s life. Critical thinking has been used by many to improve their lives simply because a critical thinker asks probing questions about a situation, collects as much information as possible, reflects on the ideas collected and generated in context of the information available, keeps an open and unbiased mind and carefully scrutinizes assumptions and seeks alternatives.

This is the reason therefore that new Muslim converts would attribute the use of intelligent reasoning, reflection and critical thinking when explaining their journey to Islam. Such people cut through the hysteria created by some in the media to view Islam from a critical lens and following the truth thus comes naturally to them as part of this process. How else can one explain the increase in conversions with the increase of anti-Islam rhetoric? How else can one explain that more non-Muslim preachers have been converting to Islam than ever before? Although as Muslims we believe that the guidance (hidaya) comes only from Allah, the use of a person’s God-gifted intellectual reasoning has a very powerful role to play in Muslim converts making that destiny changing decision. And once converted, they rarely go back to their old faiths simply because a faith whose foundations are built on logic and reason is much less likely to be shaken down than one which builds simply upon a set of rites and sacraments.

When people challenged the Prophet about the revealing of Qur’an, it answered with reason V-25:30-34, And the Messenger (Muhammad) will say: O my Lord! Verily, my people deserted this Qur’an (neither listened to it, nor acted on its laws and orders). Thus have We made for every Prophet an enemy among the Mujrimun (disbelievers, polytheists, criminals, etc.). But Sufficient is your Lord as a Guide and Helper. And those who disbelieve say: Why is not the Qur’an revealed to him all at once? Thus (it is sent down in parts), that We may strengthen your heart thereby. And We have revealed it to you gradually, in stages. (It was revealed to the Prophet in 23 years.). And no example or similitude do they bring (to oppose or to find fault in you or in this Qur’an), but We reveal to you the truth (against that similitude or example), and the better explanation thereof. Those who will be gathered to Hell (prone) on their faces, such will be in an evil state and most astray from the (Straight) Path."

The Qur’an provides details of other prophet sent with Holy books but opposed by the pagans described for warning V-25:35-40.

The Qur’an reveals that all activities are in knowledge of Allah, V 27-30, See you not that Allah sends down water (rain) from the sky, and We produce therewith fruits of varying colors, and among the mountains are streaks white and red, of varying colors and (others) very black. And of men and Ad-Dawab (moving living creatures, beasts, etc.), and cattle, in like manner of various colors. It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Mighty, Oft-Forgiving. Verily, those who recite the Book of Allah (this Qur’an), and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and spend (in charity) out of what We have provided for them, secretly and openly, hope for a (sure) trade-gain that will never perish. That He may pay them their wages in full, and give them (even) more, out of His Grace. Verily! He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Ready to appreciate (good deeds and to recompense).

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Qur’an has been marveled by the best of Arab linguists and scholars from the days it was revealed until today. The more knowledgeable people are in the language, the more they appreciate the wonders of the textual fluency of the Qur’an.

Divine wisdom behind various social issues – The Qur’an provides a solution to numerous social issues, a deviation from which has known to cause societal chaos at all levels.

Arguments rooted in intellectual reasoning – Qur’an is the only known religious text that challenges mankind to think, reflect and ponder over the creation at large, social issues, God’s existence, and more. The Qur’an in many instances challenges people to reflect and think on their own rather than heeding to the loose talk of those whose criticism is based on baseless foundations.

A confident assertion of a supreme being – Qur’an is the only known religious book that has a confident assertion of a supreme being on all issues ranging from the creation of the universe to social issues.

Divine Text – Qur’an’s language and prose is very different from the language in the hadith (Prophet’s sayings) thus proving that Qur’an is not the imagination or words of the prophet, as many doubters have alleged in the past and do so even today.

Qur’an’s challenge to people on thinking and reflection. The Qur’an on numerous occasions challenges humanity to think, reflect and ponder over their affairs. Here is some of what the Qur’an states: V-10:24, V-30:8, V-10:67, V-75:36, V-23:115, V-25:44, V-7:184, V-59:21.

When studying the many cases of new Muslim converts, we see that engaging in critical thinking and intellectual reasoning have led people to change their non-Islamic faiths – the same faiths that earlier supposedly could have moved mountains, get diluted by the voices of reason easily heard in the roots of Islam. A mere process of thinking and reflection brings so much to the limelight that otherwise remains veiled by distractions and forces of the anti-Islam pundits. Those who are bent to see only the negative, fail to see the light of truth and instead engage in a never ending superficial analysis to unsuccessfully prove their misguided philosophies.

Karen Armstrong, a well-known religious writer while narrating the facts about Qur’an and Muhammad as presented in A History of God, the 4000 year quest of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, describes in various segment about the Qur’an, It is not surprising that Muhammad found the revelations such an immense strain. He believed that he was putting him ineffable Word of God into Arabic, for the Koran is as central to the spirituality of Islam as Jesus, the Logos, is to Christianity. In the Koran, whose various sutras or chapters can be dated with reasonable accuracy, we can see how his vision gradually evolved and developed, becoming ever more universal in scope. Muhammad did not see at the outset all that h e had to accomplish, but this was revealed to him little by little, as he responded to the inner logic of events. In this scared book, God seems to comment on the developing situation: he answer some of Muhammad’s critics, explain the significance of a battle or a conflict within the early Muslim community and points to the divine dimensions of human life. It did not come to Muhammad in the order we read today but in a more random manner as event dictated and as he listened to their deeper meaning. As each new segment was revealed, Muhammad, who could neither read nor write, recited it aloud, the Muslim learned it by heart and those few who were literate wrote it down. Some twenty years after Muhammad’s death, the first official compilation of the reevaluations was made. The editor put the longest sutras the beginning and the shortest in the end. This arrangement is not as arbitrary as it might appear because the Koran is neither a narrative nor an argument that needs a sequential order. Indeed it reflects on various themes: God’s presence in the natural world, the lives of the prophets or the Last Judgment. To a Westerner, who cannot appreciate the extraordinary beauty of the Arabic, the Koran seems boring and repetitive. It seems to go over the same ground again and again. But Koran was not meant for private perusal but for liturgical recitation. She added that when Muslim hear a sure chanted in the mosque, they are reminded all the central tenets of their faith.

Great truth of the Creator described for reasoning to understand Him, such as narrated in V-30:40-46. Moreover the mankind is challenged to apply observation and reasoning skills as it demanded to understand Allah through the witnesses of nature, in various verses such as revealed in V-30:19-27.

Only Allah is great who provides insight to the knowledge seekers and not to the rigid disbelievers who knowingly do not observe and accept it, V-30:28-29, He sets forth for you a parable from your own selves, - Do you have partners among those whom your right hands possess (i.e. your slaves) to share as equals in the wealth We have bestowed on you? Whom you fear as you fear each other? Thus do We explain the signs in detail to a people who have sense? Nay, but those who do wrong follow their own lusts without knowledge, and then who will guide him whom Allah has sent astray? And for such there will be no helpers.

It explains that knowledge of hidden intentions is only known to Allah and prophets only know what is revealed to them by Allah, V-28:68-70." And your Lord creates whatsoever He wills and chooses, no choice have they (in any matter). Glorified be Allah, and exalted above all that they associate as partners (with Him). And your Lord knows what their breasts conceal, and what they reveal. And He is Allah; La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). His is all praise, in the first (i.e. in this world) and in the last (i.e.in the Hereafter). And for Him is the Decision, and to Him shall you (all) be returned."

It explains the limitations of all human and living beings as they have to die without any discrimination, V-29:57, "Everyone shall taste the death. Then unto Us you shall be returned."

It explains the great reward for devotion and true deeds, V-6:160, Whoever brings a good deed (Islamic Monotheism and deeds of obedience to Allah and His Messenger) shall have ten times the like thereof to his credit, and whoever brings an evil deed (polytheism, disbelief, hypocrisy, and deeds of disobedience to Allah and His Messenger) shall have only the recompense of the like thereof, and they will not be wronged.

Qur’an describes the historical facts and the continuity of prophets and books revealed to Ahale-kitab as a proof of monotheism, V-6:161, Say (O Muhammad): Truly, my Lord has guided me to a Straight Path, a right religion, the religion of Ibrahim (Abraham), Hanifa [i.e. the true Islamic Monotheism - to believe in One God (Allah i.e. to worship none but Allah, Alone)] and he was not of Al-Mushrikun".

Qur’an presents the facts of life, guidelines with set principles to follow with logic and reason. It gives freedom to select the right path by declaring reward and punishment in disobeying the realities of life. In spite of all, Allah gives a chance to the people by saying to His prophet that there is no compulsion in the religion, V-2:256-257, "There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah, and then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower. Allah is the Wali (Protector or Guardian) of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into light. But as for those who disbelieve, their Auliya (supporters and helpers) are Taghut [false deities and false leaders, etc.], they bring them out from light into darkness. Those are the dwellers of the Fire, and they will abide therein forever."

Qur’an has verified the authenticity of the sole Creator (Allah). So, while debating the pagans who accept the witnesses of Allah, it is left a lesson for the awareness of the mankind, as stressed in V-23:84-89

Only Allah is in command of the universal system with definite rules which are applied to each living beings in life and on rebirth, is precisely stated for the awareness of the mankind in V-22:60-66.

After submitting to the religion, Muslims are instructed to take complete responsibility, V-24:54. Say: Obey Allah and obey the Messenger, but if you turn away, he (Messenger Muhammad) is only responsible for the duty placed on him (i.e. to convey Allah’s Message) and you for that placed on you. If you obey him, you shall be on the right guidance. The Messenger’s duty is only to convey (the message) in a clear way (i.e. to preach in a plain way)."

The common man is told to observe around him the witnesses for faith Allah created the process of day and night, built heaven hell etc. V-91:1-6, And by the sun and its brightness; And by the moon as it follows it (the sun); And by the day as it shows up (the sun’s) brightness; And by the night as it conceals it (the sun); And by the heaven and Him Who built it; And by the Earth and Him Who spread it, Allah created the process of day and night, built heaven.

Facts are quoted for the intelligent with examples, V-2:28-29. Allah says and it is done V-16:40. Verily! Our Word unto a thing when We intend it, is only that We say unto it: Be! and it is." Therefore those who plotted against the Prophets were severely punished as stated in V-16:24.26.

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CHAPTER 2

Role of Ahale-Kitab & Munafqeens as Stated in the Qur’an

(From Concept of Trinity to

Abraham Faith of Monotheism)

You [true believers in Islamic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah (legal ways, etc.)] are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma’ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden), and you believe in Allah. And had the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) believed, it would have been better for them; among them are some who have faith, but most of them are Al-Fasiqun (disobedient to Allah - and rebellious against Allah’s Command). They will do you no harm, barring a trifling annoyance; and if they fight against you, they will show you their backs, and they will not be helped. Indignity is put over them wherever they may be, except when under a covenant (of protection) from Allah, and from men; they have drawn on themselves the Wrath of Allah, and destruction is put over them. This is because they disbelieved in the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah and killed the Prophets without right. This is because they disobeyed (Allah) and used to transgress beyond bounds (in Allah’s disobedience, crimes and sins). Not all of them are alike; a party of the people of the Scripture stands for the right, they recite the Verses of Allah during the hours of the night, prostrating them in prayer. They believe in Allah and the Last Day; they enjoin Al-Ma’ruf (Islamic Monotheism, and following Prophet Muhammad) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and opposing Prophet Muhammad); and they hasten in (all) good works; and they are among the righteous.

(V-3: 110.-114))

O NE OF THE laws of human nature in achieving knowledge and further developing insight for inventions and discoveries is to use the previous or already exiting formations to draw conclusions. Allah provided insight to humans to learn from the faults and wrong deeds which lead toward destruction. So, it is up to people to apply deductive logical conclusions, otherwise they will meet the same consequences. Allah sent the prophets for the guidance and correction of various nations. He sent Holy books to the nations of Israel and Christians. Detailed incidences and behavior of the Ahale-kitab are repeatedly presented in the Qur’an to clarify the wrongdoings of these people and correct them; Muslims must learn from this and avoid committing the mistakes of the Ahale-kitab.

It is essential to know the oppositions and treacheries of all the Arab tribal chiefs, pagans, Ahale- kitab and hypocrites against the Prophet and how he became victorious to prove his worth as the chosen last prophet on Earth. It is important to analyze the religious basis, socio-economic conditions, cultural and tribal life in the Arabia as well as the neighboring civilizations that led to be the cause of revealing the