Subject: the "anthropomorphism' of God, according to the Bible-PT OF A CONVERSATION



SORRY, NO REFERENCES TO A"TRINITY".


3: The LORD is a man of war; the LORD is his name EXODUS 15
6 Thy right hand, O LORD, glorious in power, thy right hand, O LORD, shatters the enemy.
EXODUS 15

11: And he did not lay his hand on the chief men of the people of Israel; they beheld God, and ate and drank.
EXODUS 24

8: And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
GENESIS 3

5: And the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud, and stood at the door of the tent, and called Aaron and Miriam; and they both came forward.
6: And he said, "Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the LORD make myself known to him in a vision, I speak with him in a dream.
7: Not so with my servant Moses; he is entrusted with all my house.
8: With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in dark speech; and he beholds the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?"
NUMBERS 12

8: How can I give you up, O E'phraim! How can I hand you over, O Israel! How can I make you like Admah! How can I treat you like Zeboi'im! My heart recoils within me, my compassion grows warm and tender.
HOSEA 11

In my opinion, Ex. 15:3 MAY BE USED AS "PROOF" THAT GOD IS A MAN. (I WOULD NOT USE IT THOUGH; IT CAN BE INTERPRETED EITHER WAY)

Ex. 15:3 This appears, to me, TO BE Non-Anthropomorpic.

Ex:24:11. I concede, that the first portion of this verse may be non-anthropomorphic. But not the second part; How could God be "beheld" if He is only a spirit? Spirits can't be "beheld".

Gen. 3:8 ...and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden....How could they hide themselves from God, if He is only a spirit? This does not make sense, to me.
Numbers 12:5-8 ...

5: And the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud, and stood at the door of the tent, and called Aaron and Miriam; and they both came forward.
6: And he said, "Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the LORD make myself known to him in a vision, I speak with him in a dream.
7: Not so with my servant Moses; he is entrusted with all my house.
8: With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in dark speech; and he beholds the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?"
NUMBERS 12

These verses are VERY clear, to me. First of all, God, in verse 8, says that HE HAS A " FORM". He says that other prophets are aware of Him, by a "vision" and that He speaks to them, "in a dream". "...7: Not so with my servant Moses; he is entrusted with all my house.
8: With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in dark speech; and he beholds the form of the LORD. (am I missing something?)


Hosea 8:11 I belive this is non-anthropomorphic.

Dr. Freeman, you mentioned the following in your previous letter. It is excellent, and should apply, to us all.

Also, it is important to understand the difference between "exegesis" and "eisigesis":
Eisegesis: "I am study the Bible with my own preconceived ideas. I find certain verses to buttress what I "knew" all along." In my opinion, this is a dangerous way to go. Error and deception is around every corner. Many people use the Bible as a sort of good luck charm, only obeying the verses that they want to enjoy and using other verses to justify/rationalize their ungodly behavior.
Exegesis: "I study the Bible, using the above rules of interpretation along with other proven rules of interpretation), without preconceived notions. I let the Bible speak to me inductively. What ever emerges, I submit to it, even if I cannot wrap my finite brain around it."

In my opinon, this is the best way to study the Bible.


I never recall these verses being brought up,in Church though, I consider them to be VERY important!









Your most sincere and loyal servant
suleiman = wise abdul = servant of
Rahman = The Benificent or The Doer of Good
so, the wise servant of, The Doer of Good
"Pluto sits out there, but still just a touch of the Sun moves her."
__________________________________________________

Salaam aqi:

The Holy Qur'an says:

“It is Allah who is God in Heaven and God on Earth, and He is full of wisdom and knowledge.” (Sura 43:84)

Allah (God), according to the religion of Islam, is the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth. He is in total charge of the entire creation. He has no beginning or ending. He was never born and will never die. He has always been in existence. Allah (God) is not a physical being. The Qur’an says, “No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision and He is above total comprehension, yet He is well acquainted with all things.” The Qur’an also states: “Say He is Allah, the one and only; God the eternal, absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; and there is none like unto Him.” (Sura 112)

The religion of Islam teaches that Allah (God) is one and He has no sons or daughters. He is neither male nor female. He is the source of human life and gender. He just says, “Be” and it is. Allah (God) is responsible for the creation of every human being. He created all colors and made our features beautiful...

The concept of God in the religion of Islam is an extremely vast and important concept. Perhaps the most important aspect of Islam is the belief in the Oneness (tauhid) of God.

Here is the ancient Egyptian concept of God:

“God is one and alone, and none other existeth with Him – God is the One, the One who hath made all things – God is a spirit, a hidden spirit, the spirit of spirits, the great spirit of the Egyptians, the Divine spirit – God is from the beginning, and He hath been from the beginning.

He hath existed from old and was when nothing else had being. He existed when nothing else existed, and what existeth He created after He had come into being.

He is the Father of beginnings – God is the Eternal One, He is eternal and infinite and endureth forever, and yes – God is hidden and no man knoweth His form. No man hath been able to seek out His likeness; He is hidden to the gods and men, and He is a mystery unto His creatures.

No man knoweth how to know Him – His name remaineth hidden; His name is a mystery unto His children. His names are innumerable; they are manifold and none knoweth their number.

God is truth and He feedeth thereon. He is the king of truth, and He hath established the Earth thereupon – God is life and through Him only man liveth. He giveth life to man, He breatheth the breath of life into his nostrils – God is father and mother, the father of fathers and the mother of mothers. He begetteth, but was never begotten; He produceth, but was never produced; He begat himself and produced himself. He createth, but was never created; He is the maker of His own form and the fashioner of His own body.

God Himself is existence, He endureth without increase or diminution, He multiplieth Himself millions of times, and He is manifold in forms and in numbers – God hath made the Universe, and He created all that therein is; He is the Creator of what is in this world, and of what was, of what is, and of what shall be. He is the Creator of the Heavens, and of the Earth, and of the deep, and of the water, and of the mountains.

God hath stretched out the Heavens and founded the Earth – what His heart conceived straightway came to pass, and when He hath spoken, it cometh to pass and endureth forever – God is the father of the gods; He fashioned men and formed the gods – God is merciful unto those who reverence Him, and He heareth him that calleth upon Him. God knoweth him that acknowledges Him; He rewardeth him that serveth Him, and He protecteth him that followeth Him.”

(The Egyptian Book of the Dead: The Papyrus of Ani, transliteration and translation by E.A. Wallis Budge, pp. xcii-xciii)

If God is a mystery, why should we worship Him?

Do you argue that you believe in Islam as you understand it or the ancient Egyptian view that you just quoted? You will agree that the two are not congruent.

If God is a mystery, why should we worship Him?Because He is the Creator of the Universe and all that is contained therein.

Do you argue that you believe in Islam as you understand it or the ancient Egyptian view that you just quoted? You will agree that the two are not congruent.There isn't that much difference...:)

CAN ALLAH BE SEEN?


A chapter from
ALLAH THE ORIGINAL MAN
by Mr. TrueIslam


There are a few verses is the Qur’an which modern exegesis presents as the strongest proof of the non-anthropomorphic, transcendental nature of Allah. Upon closer examination, however, these verses prove not to be anti-anthropomorphic at all. Most of them, when understood in their original context, could just as easily be cited as evidence of an anthropomorphic God. The first is found in Sura 2:3 where Allah is referred to as Ak-Ghayb. Many Muslim writers today translate the word as “Unseen,” but this not an accurate rending. The Arabic word literally means “that which has been concealed, secret” or “absent” from the verb ghaba “to withdraw ones presence from.” This word is similar to the Greek Aoratos and does not mean physical invisibility but unseen due location or distance-absent from view. It is the opposite of As-Shadid, “present.” In theological matters, the term ghayb had a very anthropomorphic connotation. The Shia use this term in reference to their last Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, who disappeared in 873. He is said to have not died but gone into ghayba, “occultation” or “hiding.”


The second standard “anti-anthropomorphic” verse cited by modern Muslim exegetes is 6:104, which reads, “Vision comprehends Him not (la tudrikuha al-absar) and he comprehends all vision. Though this verse is usually cited as proof that God cannot be seen with the eyes, the actual Arabic word proves otherwise. It is reported that Abd’ Allah b. Abbas (d.68 the cousin of the Prophet and one of the first and most famed mufasirrun (Quar’anic exegete) was informing the people one day of their seeing Allah in the Hereafter when a questioner opposed him by citing this verse. Ibn Abbas answered, “Do not you see the sky?” The questioner responded “yes.” Ibn Abbas then answered in the negative, Ibn Abbas explained to him that the denial of perception (idrak) does not necessitate the denial of seeing (ru’ya). The denial of idrak is a denial of seeing a thing in its totality, where as a mere seeing may apply to seeing it but not totally perceiving His Majesty and Power.

Another verse usually adduced by anti-anthropomorphist Muslims to deny that Allah can be seen is Al-Araf 7:143

· And when Moses came to our appointed meeting place and his Lord spoke to him, he said “My Lord Show me yourself so that I may gaze upon you. He replied: You will never see me, but look at the mountain. If it remains in its place you will be able to see me.” When his Lord revealed His glory to the mountain, it was crushed into dust, and Moses fell down unconscious. When he regained his consciousness he said: “Glory be unto you! I turn to you repentant and I am the first of the true believers.”

Again to the early Sunnites this verse in no way implied that Allah “could not” be seen. Ibn Hanbal argued in his Ar-Radd ala z-Zanadiqa wa-l Jahmiyya (The Refutation of the Zanadiqa and Jahmiyya):

· An exposition of the denial by the Jahmiyya of Allah’s words: “On that day shall faces beam with light, looking at their Lord” (75:22). We asked them (Jahmiyya): “Why do you deny that those in Paradise will look at their lord?” They replied: “It is not proper for anyone to look at his Lord: a thing looked at is passable and qualifiable; things are only seen by refraction”…But the Prophet, who knew what Allah meant, said: “You will surly see your Lord.” And Allah said to Moses,”Thou shalt not see me,” but he did not say, “I shall not be seen.” Who then of the two is more deservedly followed: the Prophet who said, “You shall surly see your Lord,” or Jahm who said, “You shall not see your Lord?”




If you take one step towards Him, He runs 2 you!

Because He is the Creator of the Universe and all that is contained therein.

Sounds nice, but how do you worship a mystery? Why not be agnostic if God is a mystery?

There isn't that much difference...:)

Well, there is a difference, you will agree with that won't you? You seem to be thriving on pointing out differences between people who all call themselves muslims and strive to follow Islam. Is there not more commonality between muslims than there is between Ancient Egyptian theology and modern Islam?

If you want to be the broker of peace and understanding between seemingly divergent theologies, then start with those within our own community that exist here and now.

The problem with making peace between the main religions is people don’t follow the advice of their own religion. Every Muslim on earth would agree that the GOD found in the Old Testament is Allah. Every Servant of Jesus would agree that the Father of Jesus is the GOD found in the Old Testament. The Koran advises one to follow Allah, the New Testament advises one to follow the Father, and so what’s the problem?

The Truth is a true Holy Book of Divinity must have within it the ability to distinguish between and separate good and evil people and must establish a faith for evil people upon rejection of GOD.

The people that hold up the Koran but yet reject the GOD of the Old Testament are evil people. The people that hold up the New Testament but yet reject the GOD of the Old Testament are evil people.

A true Holy Book advises you to follow GOD but if you reject that advice then that same book gives you a faith to substitute your disobedient or rejection of GOD. Those that reject GOD are evil in nature or confused of the Truth.

The Creed is:
Follow GOD but if you reject GOD then follow “this”.

“This” is usually a manifestation of a Host of Heaven such as Gabriel, Jesus, Mohamed or an Apostle, not GOD.

Evil people must also have a religion and when you truly study it you will find it is not based upon the Specific Words and Doctrine of GOD except in an evil light.

All the people that have Truly discovered GOD can do is setback and wait for most of the evil people to consume themselves.

Isa:8:17: And I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for Him.

That is what the main religious doctrines advise all of us to do, but most of us are not doing it, we are to busy making up excuses and reasons to reject GOD; which is the First Sin.

Salaam aqi:

The Holy Qur'an says:

“It is Allah who is God in Heaven and God on Earth, and He is full of wisdom and knowledge.” (Sura 43:84)

Allah (God), according to the religion of Islam, is the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth. He is in total charge of the entire creation. He has no beginning or ending. He was never born and will never die. He has always been in existence. Allah (God) is not a physical being. The Qur’an says, “No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision and He is above total comprehension, yet He is well acquainted with all things.” The Qur’an also states: “Say He is Allah, the one and only; God the eternal, absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; and there is none like unto Him.” (Sura 112)

The religion of Islam teaches that Allah (God) is one and He has no sons or daughters. He is neither male nor female. He is the source of human life and gender. He just says, “Be” and it is. Allah (God) is responsible for the creation of every human being. He created all colors and made our features beautiful...

The concept of God in the religion of Islam is an extremely vast and important concept. Perhaps the most important aspect of Islam is the belief in the Oneness (tauhid) of God.

This is the subject matter of, this thread...

according to the Bible, God has a form..

Had nothing to do w/the Qur'an.

But,

Salaam aqi:

The Holy Qur'an says:

“It is Allah who is God in Heaven and God on Earth, and He is full of wisdom and knowledge.” (Sura 43:84)

Allah (God), according to the religion of Islam, is the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth. He is in total charge of the entire creation. He has no beginning or ending. He was never born and will never die. He has always been in existence. Allah (God) is not a physical being. The Qur’an says, “No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision and He is above total comprehension, yet He is well acquainted with all things.” The Qur’an also states: “Say He is Allah, the one and only; God the eternal, absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; and there is none like unto Him.” (Sura 112)

The religion of Islam teaches that Allah (God) is one and He has no sons or daughters. He is neither male nor female. He is the source of human life and gender. He just says, “Be” and it is. Allah (God) is responsible for the creation of every human being. He created all colors and made our features beautiful...

The concept of God in the religion of Islam is an extremely vast and important concept. Perhaps the most important aspect of Islam is the belief in the Oneness (tauhid) of God.

This is the subject matter of, this thread...

according to the Bible, God has a form..

Had nothing to do w/the Qur'an.

But, since you bring it up, please, read the essay, "Can AAlah be seen?", above.

The problem with making peace between the main religions is people don’t follow the advice of their own religion. Every Muslim on earth would agree that the GOD found in the Old Testament is Allah. Every Servant of Jesus would agree that the Father of Jesus is the GOD found in the Old Testament. The Koran advises one to follow Allah, the New Testament advises one to follow the Father, and so what’s the problem?

The problem is ego, plain and simple. If I acknowledge that what you believe is legitimate it forces me to protect my own ideals so as to not give too much power to yours.

The people that hold up the Koran but yet reject the GOD of the Old Testament are evil people. The people that hold up the New Testament but yet reject the GOD of the Old Testament are evil people.

I wouldn't go as far as calling people evil, but I do agree there is misunderstanding/confusion there.

I would call them evil but redeemable. Someone has to be held accountable for the war, death and suffering found in the earth, thus I will call them evil and committers of the First Sin, rejection of GOD.

Stop being nice, it is the only way they will see; you have to outright inform them of what they do and yes it makes them angry, mad, frustrated, boisterous and not like you but who has ever liked anyone that speaks a Truth.

according to the Bible, God has a form..

This is the name of the thread.

It can be proven.

You all seem to be on a "tangent".

But, since you bring it up, please, read the essay, "Can Allah Be Seen?"I read the essay...I have several comments. Mr. TrueIslam states that "there are a few verses is the Qur’an which modern exegesis presents as the strongest proof of the non-anthropomorphic, transcendental nature of Allah. Upon closer examination, however, these verses prove not to be anti-anthropomorphic at all. Most of them, when understood in their original context, could just as easily be cited as evidence of an anthropomorphic God..."

In religion and mythology, "anthropomorphism" refers to the attribution of a human body or of human qualities generally, to a divine being or beings. Many mythologies are almost entirely concerned with anthropomorphic deities who express human characteristics such as jealousy, hatred, or love. The Greek gods, such as Zeus and Apollo were often depicted in human form exhibiting both commendable and despicable human traits.

"...The first is found in Sura 2:3 where Allah is referred to as Ak-Ghayb..." The correct spelling of the word is "al-ghaib" or "al-ghayb" (not "Ak-Ghayb"). Here is Sura 2:3-5:

"This is a perfect Book; there is no doubt in it; it is a guidance for the righteous, who believe in the unseen and observe prayer and spend out of what We have provided for them; and who believe in that which has been revealed to thee, and that which was revealed before thee, and they have firm faith in the Hereafter." (Sura Al-Baqarah 3:1-5)

Al-ghaib means anything hidden or invisible; anything unseen, absent or far away. God, the angels and the Last Day are all al-ghaib. Moreover, the word, as used in the Qur'an, does not mean imaginary and unreal things, but real and verified things, though unseen. It is, therefore, wrong to suppose that Isoam forces upon its followers some mysteries of faith and invites them to believe in them blindly. The word al-ghaib signifies things which, though beyond the comprehension of human senses, can nevertheless be proved by reason or experience. The super-sensible need not necessarily be irrational. Nothing of "the unseen" in which a Muslim is called upon to believe is outside the scope of reason. There are many things in the world which, though unseen, are yet proved to exist by invincible arguments, and nobody can deny their existence.

Mr. TrueIslam states: "The second standard 'anti-anthropomorphic' verse cited by modern Muslim exegetes is 6:104, which reads: 'la tudrikuha al-absar,' 'Vision comprehends Him not, and He comprehends all vision.' Though this verse is usually cited as proof that God cannot be seen with the eyes, the actual Arabic word proves otherwise."

Here is Al-An'am, ayat 102-104:

"The Originator of the Heavens and the Earth. How can He have a son when He has no consort, and when He has created everything and has knowledge of all things? Such is Allah, your Lord. There is no god but He, the Creator of all things; so worship Him. And He is guardian over everything. Eyes cannot reach Him, but He reaches the eyes. And He is Incomprehensible, the All-Aware."

This verse means that human reason alone, unaided by Divine revelation, is incapable of comprehending God. He cannot be seen with physical eyes, but reveals Himself to man through His Prophets or through the working of His attributes. He is also perceived by spiritual eyes...

This is the name of the thread.

It can be proven.

You all seem to be on a "tangent".
Well, the problem is too philosophical. Such as:

If you could be any form you desired to be at any time, do you have a form?

According to the Bible GODs natural form would be a Cloud or a Mist.
According to GOD His form is what ever it takes to maintain a whole system or what ever HE desires at any time. GOD is not bound to one realm of physics.

According to the Bible GODs natural form would be a Cloud or a Mist..


On what is this based?

How 'bout an example?

"This is a perfect Book; there is no doubt in it; it is a guidance for the righteous, who believe in the unseen and observe prayer and spend out of what We have provided for them; and who believe in that which has been revealed to thee, and that which was revealed before thee, and they have firm faith in the Hereafter." (Sura Al-Baqarah 3:1-5)

Salaam,

Something that is "unseen" does NOT mean it CAN NOT be seen.

This verse means that human reason alone, unaided by Divine revelation, is incapable of comprehending God. He cannot be seen with physical eyes, but reveals Himself to man through His Prophets or through the working of His attributes. He is also perceived by spiritual eyes...

The above is merely your "opinion", which you are entitled to.

Another verse usually adduced by anti-anthropomorphist Muslims to deny that Allah can be seen is Al-Araf 7:143.Al-Araf 7:143 reads as follows:

"And when Moses came at Our appointed time and his Lord spoke to him, he said, 'My Lord, show thyself to me that I may look at thee.' Allah replied, 'Thou shalt not see me. But look at the mountain; and if it remains in its place, then shalt thou see Me.' And when his Lord manifested Himself on the mountain, He broke it into pieces and Moses fell down unconscious. And when He recovered, he said, 'Holy art Thou, I turn to Thee and I am the first to believe.'"

Please be advised that this verse lends no support to the anthromoporphic view that God is visible to the physical eyes. Man cannot even see angels; we can only see a manifestation of them. Similarly, only a manifestation of God can be seen, and not God Himself. It is therefore inconceivable that the great Prophet Moses (saw), with all his knowledge of the attributes of God, should have desired an impossibility. He knew that he could only see a manifestation of God and not God Himself...he had already seen a manifestation of God "in the fire" when traveling Midian to Egypt. What then did Moses (saw) mean by his request?

The request seems to refer to the perfect manifestation of God, which was to take place in the person of the Holy Prophet of Islam in some later time. Moses had already been given the promise that there would appear - from among the brethren of the Israelites - a Prophet in whose mouth God would put His word (Deut. 18:18-22). This prophecy implied a greater manifestation of God than had been vouchsafed to Moses, so he was anxious to see what sort of God's Glory and Majesty the promised manifestation would be. He wished that something of that Glory and Majesty might be shown to him. He was told that the manifestation of that Glory was beyond his capacity to bear; it could not take place his heart, and that God had chosen the mountain for its physical manifestation. The mountain shook violently and it appeared as if it had crumbled down, and Moses, being overwhelmed with the impact of the shaking - fell unconscious. The mountain wasn't actually broken into pieces. The words have been used - anthromoporically - to express the great severity of the earthquake (Exodus 24:18).

In this way Moses was made to realize that he had not attained to that high level of spiritual eminence that should have made him the object of that Divine manifestation that he had requested to witness. That unique priviledge was reserved for one much greater than him - the crown of God's creation - the Holy Prophet Muhammad ibn Abdullah (saw).

Moses' request may also be taken as having been prompted by the Elders of the Israelites to see God with the naked eye (2:156), and this very unusual experience made him realize that his request was inopportune. So he cried spontaneously, "I turn towards Thee, and I am the first to believe," which meant that he had realized that he was not endowed with the capacity to see that perfect manifestation of Divine Glory which was to take place on the heart of the Promised Prophet, and that he was the first believer in the great spiritual eminence which that great Prophet was destined to attain.

Ma Salaam.

"This is a perfect Book; there is no doubt in it; it is a guidance for the righteous, who believe in the unseen and observe prayer and spend out of what We have provided for them; and who believe in that which has been revealed to thee, and that which was revealed before thee, and they have firm faith in the Hereafter." (Sura Al-Baqarah 3:1-5)

Salaam,

Something that is "unseen" does NOT mean it CANNOT be seen.Can you give me an example of something unseen that can be seen?

This verse means that human reason alone, unaided by Divine revelation, is incapable of comprehending God. He cannot be seen with physical eyes, but reveals Himself to man through His Prophets or through the working of His attributes. He is also perceived by spiritual eyes... The above is merely your "opinion," which you are entitled to.I am aghast in stupefaction at the supercilious nature of your highly opinionated response. In addition to my comments in an earlier post re: Sura 6:104, let me say this re: Sura Al-Baqarah:

"Those who believe in the unseen and perform the prayer, and expend of that we have provided them." (2:3)

The Qur'an, speaking of a group of nomadic Arabs who came to the Prophet to say, "We believe," says: "You believe not, rather say, 'We surrender,' for belief has not yet entered your hearts. " (Sura 49:14)

Is this a belief in God or His Attributes or in His Prophet and revelation or resurrection? All these are parts of belief, but the Qur'an sums all these up in the first verse of Sura 2: "That is the Book, wherein is no doubt, a guidance for the God-fearing who believe in the unseen.."

Unseen means hidden. Hidden from what? In this enclosed area what is behind these walls is hidden from us, but if we feel sure of what is happening behind them, it is faith in the unseen? No, tomorrow it is hidden from us...but if we can predict what is going to happen tomorrow, is this a faith in the unseen? Again, no. What is the unseen then?

"This is a perfect Book; there is no doubt in it; it is a guidance for the righteous, who believe in the unseen and observe prayer and spend out of what We have provided for them; and who believe in that which has been revealed to thee, and that which was revealed before thee, and they have firm faith in the Hereafter." (Sura Al-Baqarah 3:1-5)

Can you give me an example of something unseen that can be seen?

YES. LET'S SAY, FOR EXAMPLE, I AM HIDING FROM MY BROTHER, OUT OF SIGHT.

TO HIM, I AM "UNSEEN". THIS, IN NO WAY EQUATES TO, "NOT BEING ABLE TO BE SEEN".

I am aghast in stupefaction at the supercilious nature of your highly opinionated response. In addition to my comments in an earlier post re: Sura 6:104, let me say this re: Sura Al-Baqarah:

"Those who believe in the unseen and perform the prayer, and expend of that we have provided them." (2:3)

The Qur'an, speaking of a group of nomadic Arabs who came to the Prophet to say, "We believe," says: "You believe not, rather say, 'We surrender,' for belief has not yet entered your hearts. " (Sura 49:14)

Is this a belief in God or His Attributes or in His Prophet and revelation or resurrection? All these are parts of belief, but the Qur'an sums all these up in the first verse of Sura 2: "That is the Book, wherein is no doubt, a guidance for the God-fearing who believe in the unseen.."

Unseen means hidden.

BUT, "HIDDEN" DOES NOT MEAN "CAN'T BE SEEN"...

Quick definitions (hidden)


adjective: difficult to find (Example: "Hidden valleys")
adjective: designed to elude detection (Example: "A hidden room or place of concealment such as a priest hole")
adjective: covered from view (Example: "Her face buried (or hidden) in her hands")
adjective: not accessible to view (Example: "Concealed (or hidden) damage")



Hidden from what? In this enclosed area what is behind these walls is hidden from us, but if we feel sure of what is happening behind them, it is faith in the unseen? No, tomorrow it is hidden from us...but if we can predict what is going to happen tomorrow, is this a faith in the unseen? Again, no. What is the unseen then?


Syllables: un-seen


Definition 1. not seen, observed, or discovered

"This is a perfect Book; there is no doubt in it; it is a guidance for the righteous, who believe in the unseen and observe prayer and spend out of what We have provided for them; and who believe in that which has been revealed to thee, and that which was revealed before thee, and they have firm faith in the Hereafter." (Sura Al-Baqarah 3:1-5)

Something that is "unseen" does NOT mean it CANNOT be seen.Can you give me an example of something unseen that can be seen?

YES. LET'S SAY, FOR EXAMPLE, I AM HIDING FROM MY BROTHER, OUT OF SIGHT. TO HIM, I AM "UNSEEN."No, to him you are hiding...

THIS IN NO WAY EQUATES TO "NOT BEING ABLE TO BE SEEN."Why doesn't it?

Btw, there are different types of unseen described in the Holy Qur'an. Here are some examples:

Allah (swt) is unseen. [21:49, 35:18, 36:11, 50:33, 67:12]

Life after death is unseen. [27:65-66]

Everlasting paradise in the hereafter is unseen. [19:61]

Al-Saa'at [the day of judgment] is unseen. [16:77, 32:5-6, 34:3, 72:25-26]

The wahi [revelation], before it is revealed, is unseen. [3:44, 11:49, 81:24]

Something/someone that is not in front of our eyes is unseen. [12:52]

The events of the past, of which we do not have knowledge, may be unseen. [18:25-26]

[I]Imaan [faith] in the unseen is the imaan in Allah (swt), the Hereafter, and the unseen consequences of our actions that have not yet manifested...

(Btw 2: I Googled Mr. TrueIslam and I see you're all over the place...:) The responses to the essay are quite intriguing...)

Solomon and Aqil,

It is obvious that the two of you will go back and forth forever because you both believe in Islam but are from different schools of thought. What is the end of all of this? You know you will not convince each other. Where is the unity within the Ummah that focuses on the similarities instead of the differences? If you do not desire unity, then what is the point?

Syllables: un-seen


Definition 1. not seen, observed, or discovered

IS THIS NOT UNDERSTANDABLE?