The first surprising issue for Professor Miller was the challenging tone in many ayahs1 such as the ayahs that can be translated as “Will they not then contemplate the Quran? And if it had been from (anywhere) other than the Providence of Allah, indeed they would have found in it many difference (s).” (TMQ2 4:82) and “And in case you are suspicious (Literally: in suspicion) about what We have been sending down upon Our bondman, (i.e., the prophet. A bondman or slave is the highest title conferred by Allah upon his chosen men) then come up with a surah of like (manner), and invoke your witnesses, apart from Allah, in case you are sincere.” (TMQ 2:23) Although Professor Miller was challenging at the beginning he ended astonished at what he found.

The following are some of the points he mentioned in Miller’s lecture The Amazing Quran3 :
There is no such author who writes a book and then challenges others that this book is errorless. As for the Noble Quran, it is the other way round. It tells the reader that there are no errors in it and then challenges all people to find any, if any.
The Noble Quran does not mention the hard events in Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH)4 personal life, such as the death of his dear wife Lady Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) , death of his daughters and sons. Strangely enough, the ayahs that were revealed as a comment on some of the setbacks proclaimed victory while those revealed at time of victory warned against arrogance and called for more sacrifices and efforts. If one writes his own autobiography, he would magnify the victories and justify the defeats. The Noble Quran did the opposite and this is consistent and logical: it was not a history of a specific period but rather a text that sets general rules for the relationship between Allah (the Almighty) and worshippers.

Miller thought about a particular ayah that can be translated as “Say, “Surely I admonish you with one (thing) only, that you rise up to Allah by twos and singly; thereafter meditate: in no way is there any madness in your Companion. Decidedly he is nothing except a constant warner to you, before (Literally: between the hands of) a strict torment.” (TMQ 34:46) He indicated the experiments one researcher had carried out at Toronto University on “Effectiveness of Collective Discussion”. The researcher had gathered different numbers of interlocutors in discussions and compared results. He discovered that the maximum efficiency of the discussion was achieved when the interlocutors were two while the more the number the less the efficiency.

There is a surah5 in the Noble Quran called Maryam (Mary) in which Lady Maryam (may Allah be pleased with her) is eulogized in a way not even found in the Bible. At the same time, there is no surah in the name of Lady Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) or Lady Fatimah (may Allah be pleased with her). The name of prophet Isa (PBUH) (Jesus) is mentioned 25 times in the Noble Qur’an while the name of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is mentioned only five times.

Some attackers say that devils used to dictate to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) what to write in the Noble Quran. But the question is how could this be while it contains ayahs that can be translated as “And in no way have Ash-Shayatîn (The ever-Vicious (ones), i.e., the devils) been coming down with it; And in no way does it behoove them, And in no way are they able to do (that).” (TMQ 29:209-210) and “So when you read the Quran, then seek refuge in Allah from the outcast Shaytan (The all-vicious, i.e., the Devil).” (TMQ 16:98)

If you were in the situation of the Prophet (PBUH) while he and Abu-Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) were inside the Cave of Hira’6 surrounded by the unbelievers who could have seen them if they had looked down. The human reaction would be to search for a back exit or some other way out or to shush in order not to be heard. However, the Prophet (PBUH) told Abu-Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) “Grieve not; surely Allah is with us.” (TMQ 9:40). This is not the mentality of a deceiver; it is the mentality of a prophet who has the confidence that Allah (the Almighty) would surely take care of him.

Surat al-Masad (Palm Fibres)7 was revealed ten years before the death of Abu-Lahab, the Prophet’s (PBUH) uncle. He had ten complete years to prove that the Noble Quran was wrong. However, he did not believe or even pretend to believe. How could the Prophet (PBUH) be that confident unless he was sure that the Noble Quran was Allah’s (the Almighty) revelation?

Commenting on the ayah that can be translated as “That is of the tidings of the Unseen that We reveal to you; in no way did you (yourself) know it, neither your people, even before this. So (endure) patiently; surely the (fair) end is for the pious.” (TMQ: 11:49) Miller writes that none of the Scriptures uses this kind of style; that is, giving the reader the piece of information and then tells him it is new information. It is really a unique challenge. What if the people of Makkah, even by pretence, had said they knew that before? What if one scholar discovered later that this information was already known before? However, this did not happen.

Professor Miller mentioned what Contemporary Catholic Encyclopedia includes under the entry ‘Quran’. It mentions that despite the plethora of studies, theories, and attempts to attack the veracity of Quranic revelation under many pretexts none of them can be logically adopted. The Church itself did not dare to adopt any of such theories but at the same time it did not admit the truthfulness of the Muslims’ theory that the Noble Quran is, without doubt, the last heavenly revelation.

In fact, Professor Miller was fair enough and was honest enough to change his position and choose the right way. Blessed be he and those who search for truth and do not allow their prejudices to prevent them from reaching it.

Final Comment

In 1977, Professor Miller had a famous debate with Islamic preacher Ahmad Deedat. His logic was clear and his justifications seemed based on intent to reach the truth without pride or prejudice. Many wished at the time that this man would embrace Islam.

In 1978 Professor Miller embraced Islam and called himself Abdul-Ahad8 . He worked for some years at Oil and Minerals University in Saudi Arabia and then devoted his life to da’wa9 through TV programs and public lectures.

Just think and do not let your prejudices prevent you from the right path.

_________________________________________________

1-A verse in the Quran.
2- Translation of the Meaning of the Quran. This translation is for the realized meaning, so far, of the stated (Surah: Ayah) of the Quran. Reading the translated meaning of the Quran can never replace reading it in Arabic, the language in which it was revealed.
3- It is a small tract of about 25 pages but a very thick one indeed.

4- [All Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him].
5- A chapter; the Qur’an is comprised of 114 surahs.
6- This was during the hejira to al-Madinah. The Cave of Hira’ is in the Mount an-Nour. It is only two miles from Makkah, a small cave 4 yards long and 1.75 yard wide.
7- It can be translated as “Would the hands of Abu Lahab be cut up, (i.e., perish) and would he be cut up (too)! In no way did his wealth avail him, neither whatever he earned; He will roast at a flaming Fire, (Literally: fire comprising flame). And his wife, the constant bearer of firewood, Upon her (long) neck she will have a rope of palm-fibers.” (TMQ: 111:1-5)
8- This name literally means ‘Worshipper of the Only One.’
9- Islamic call.

It is related from Hazrat Ata bin Abi Ribah (RA) that Rasulullah (SAW) said:
“Whoever reads S.Ya’seen in the beginning of the day, all his needs for that day will be fulfilled.”

According to another Hadith, Allah Ta’aala recited S.Ya’seen and Surah Taha 1000 years before the creation of the Heavens & the Earth , and on hearing this, the angels said: “Blessing is for that Ummat unto whom the Qur’an will be sent down, blessing is for the hearts which will bear (memorize it) and blessing is for the tongues which will recite it.”

Another narration says: Whoever reads Surah Ya’seen for the pleasure of Allah only, all his previous sins are forgiven. Therefore, make a practice of reading this Surah over your dead.”
According to another hadith, S.Ya’seen is named in the Torah as Mun’mah (‘giver of good things‘) because it contains benefits for its readers in this life as well as in the Hereafter, it removes from him the afflictions of this world and the next and takes away the dread of the next life. This Surah is also known as “Rafi’ah Khafidah” (that which exalts the status of the believers and degrades that of the unbelievers). According to a narration, Rasulullah (SAW) said:

“My heart desires that Surah Ya’seen should be present in the heart of everyone of my Ummat.”

Another hadith relates that if anybody recites S.Ya’seen every night and then dies, he dies as a Shaheed (martyr).
(Tabaraani)

It is reported in a hadith that: “Whoever reads it in hunger, will be satisfied; whoever reads it while having lost his way, will find his way; whoever reads it on losing an animal, will find the same. And when one reads it apprehending that his food will run short, that food will become sufficient; and if one reads it beside a person who is in the agonies of death, his agonies will be made easy for him; and if anyone reads it on a women experiencing difficulty in child-birth, her delivery will become easy.”

Rasulullah said: “The person who reads S.Ya’seen every night, (he) will be pardoned.”
(Baihaqi)

Hazrat Maqri (RA) said: “If S.Ya’seen is read by one who fears the ruler or an enemy, will have his fears removed.”

Therefore, in the light of the above ahaadith, every believing Muslim should attempt to read the heart of the Qur’an every night (or, at least frequently) and it has been said that it should be recited any time between Maghrib & bedtime. Insha-Allah, Allah ta’aala will reward the reciter in abundance both in this world and the Hereafter. Morover, with the approach of Ramadhan, for those of us who may not be able to recite the entire Qur’an, one may keep in mind the hadith in Tirmidhi that, “Whoever reads the heart of the Qur’an – ‘Ya’seen‘ in Ramadhan will receive the thawaab of reading 10 Qur’ans.”

While hypocrites can be judged by the fact that they act and speak as if they believed but when the time comes they are cowards, they are insincere to the Cause of Allah and they are not willing to sacrifice their lives. A pity that they do not even understand the simplest spiritual truths. However they are warned that Allah knows what they are doing. They are told that they should repent for their mistakes because when the punishment will come it will be too late.

Therefore only true believers are the ones who persevere for the Cause, and are willing to sacrifice their lives. The tests and trials that we undergo throughout our life are for our own good. That is why we must use this the time on earth as a preparation of the next life, and should be ready to take risks. We are again reminded that Allah has no need for us. He only uses us for our own benefit, and we are the receivers of the innumerable blessings that He bestows upon us. So if we abandon Allah’s cause then we are the losers because there will be other better people who will take our place.

Summary: This is a Makki surah. It begins with the defense of the Holy Prophet who was accused by the Quraish chiefs of: 1) going astray, 2) of being misled by forces of evil, 3) trying to make an impression by imposing upon people his own beliefs. However it is stated that none of this is true and that Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) was guided directly by Allah. Then reference to the event of Miraj is given where the Holy Prophet saw such things that would leave us awestruck. One of these was the “Al Bait Al Ma’mur” (Allah’s House) where 70,000 Angels offer prayers daily, and every day new batches of Angels come. Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) said “If anyone of you says Amin (during prayer at the end of Surah Al-Fathiha), and the angels in heaven say the same, and the two sayings coincide, all his past sins will be forgiven”. He also saw “Sidrat-ul-Muntaha” which is a tree whose boundary is so vast that it extends over the seventh heaven beyond which none can pass, and near this lies (Jannat al-Mawa).

The three major goddesses: Lat, Uzza, and Manat have been mentioned, to point out that it was the height of degradation that females who were lowly in the eyes of Arabs, were chosen by them to be their God. To worship anything other than Allah be it idols or Angels is futile. This is simply something men have done themselves. This can lead to nothing but destruction, so we should simply follow the path shown to us by Allah. For if we repent or mend our ways, Allah’s forgiveness comes into action, and we are rewarded more than we deserve. He asks us to strive against evil.

Then the eleven sayings of Hazrat Ibrahim are given: 1) Man himself bears the burden of his sins, 2) & 3) Man must make every effort in trying to attain his goal 4), 5) & 6) Allah gives us everything, therefore our hopes should be with Him and none other, 7) He has made pairs, 8 ) He will raise the dead and grant a new life in the Hereafter, 9) All material and spiritual gains are awarded to man according to Allah?s plan, 10) Allah is the creator of the magnificent star ‘Sirius’, which the Pagan Arabs worshipped, 11) Allah wiped out the most powerful and capable nations because of their sins.

Meaning of the name: It takes its name from Ayat no 28 where the word ‘Jathiya’ has been mentioned which means “bowing of the knee”.

Summary: This is a Makki surah. It is stated that the greatest folly on part of humans is to reject Allah’s signs that have been scattered around us, because by doing so we are then actually following are own man-made laws. Such people are not worthy of His guidance and blessings. It is unfortunate for we can find these signs in ourselves, in animals and in the environment that we live in. And everyone gets the opportunity to develop their qualities and to reap the fruits of their earnest endeavours. The Jews are referred here for they were a highly favoured nation. Yet it was due to their actions that they stopped receiving the divine blessings.

The disbelievers think that only time can destroy them, but what is time? Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) once said “Allah said; the son of Adam annoys Me, for he abuses Ad-Dahr (time) though I am Ad-Dahr (time); in My Hands are all things and I cause revolution of day and night”
It is stated that on the Day of Judgement every disbeliever will have to submit before Allah on his knees, and then a record of their conduct will be read out for the recording Angel has been recording all his deeds during his life. Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) said “When carried to his grave, a dead person is followed by three, two of which return (after burial) and one remains with him: his relatives, his property and his deeds follow him, relatives and his property return back while his deeds remain with him”.

Meaning of the name: It takes its name from Ayat no 10 where the word ‘Dukhan’ has been mentioned which means “smoke”.

Summary: This is a Makki surah. It begins with stating in Ayat no 3 that the Holy Quran was sent down on a blessed night. The Quraish have mainly been addressed in the surah as their hostility was increasing towards Islam. Therefore the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prayed to Allah to send famine which might change the attitude of the people of Makkah. There was a slight change, as some Quraish Chiefs then came to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asking him to pray to Allah to relieve them of this calamity. This was the occasion that the surah was revealed, however Allah had told the Prophet (PBUH) that these people cannot learn from a mere calamity, as they have turned away from his teachings, and also they lie if they say that they will believe when they have been saved from the terrible ordeal.

Reference is given of the people of Pharaoh, who refused to accept the signs such as their prosperous land of Canaan, their thriving Kingdom under David and Solomon and the teachings of the prophets that were so clearly shown by Allah and when they conspired to kill Hazrat Moosa (AS) they met their end.

It is stated that we must realize that worldly status cannot help oneself or anyone else on the Day of Judgment, it is only Allah’s mercy that can.

Meaning of the name: It takes its name from ayat no 1 meaning the “winds that scatter”.

Summary: This is a Makki surah. In the beginning the characteristics of the winds are given which are: a) they produce changes in the pressure and temperature of air which revolutionizes animal and vegetable life, b) they carry seeds and sow them in different places, similarly they carry the clouds from place to place, c) they fill the sails of ships so that they may reach their destinations, d) they distribute moisture and rain at different places. This is a natural phenomenon which takes place on Allah?s command. Revelation is similar to the wind in many aspects, for it also brings about great changes. In addition it distributes its blessings wherever it goes, and its effects are far and reaching.

Then the characteristics of good people are mentioned for they are those who sleep little and spend a portion of the night in worship, for they prefer to serve Allah and His beings then the Self. These people pray for forgiveness of all sins committed and those not yet committed. They also pray for whom they care for. These people also give charity to the needy and especially those who are in need yet cannot ask due to various reasons. We must realize that charity in the higher sense includes all help, from the one more able to the one whom is not. Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) said “Everyday two angels come down from heaven and one of them says, ‘O Allah! Compensate every person who spends in Your Cause,” and the other angels says, ‘O Allah! Destroy every miser’

The surah ends on the admonition that every nation who acted as his antecedent will suffer a similar fate. For those who have acquired evil ways will not only get their punishment in the Hereafter, but in this life as well.

O you who believe! Eat not Riba (usury) doubled and multiplied, but fear Allah that you may be successful.(3:130)

And obey Allah and the Messenger (Muhammad PBUH) that you may obtain mercy.(3:132)

And march forth in the way (which leads to) forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for Al-Muttaqun .(3:133)

Those who spend (in Allah’s Cause) in prosperity and in adversity , who repress anger , and who pardon men; verily, Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (the good-doers).(3:134)

Dont’s

Surely, We have sent down to you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) the Book (this Qur’an) in truth that you might judge between men by that which Allah has shown you (i.e. has taught you through Divine Revelation), so be not a pleader for the treacherous.(4:105)

And argue not on behalf of those who deceive themselves. Verily, Allah does not like anyone who is a betrayer, sinner.(4:107)

And whoever earns sin, he earns it only against himself. And Allah is Ever All-Knowing, All-Wise.(4:111)

And whoever earns a fault or a sin and then throws it on to someone innocent, he has indeed burdened himself with falsehood and a manifest sin. (4:112)

There is no good in most of their secret talks save (in) him who orders Sadaqah (charity in Allah’s Cause), or Ma’ruf (Islamic Monotheism and all the good and righteous deeds which Allah has ordained), or conciliation between mankind; and he who does this, seeking the good Pleasure of Allah, We shall give him a great reward.(4:114)

It will not be in accordance with your desires (Muslims), nor those of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), whosoever works evil, will have the recompense thereof, and he will not find any protector or helper besides Allah.(4:123)

Say (O Muhammad ): “O Allah! Possessor of the kingdom, You give the kingdom to whom You will, and You take the kingdom from whom You will, and You endue with honour whom You will, and You humiliate whom You will. In Your Hand is the good. Verily, You are Able to do all things.
You make the night to enter into the day, and You make the day to enter into the night (i.e. increase and decrease in the hours of the night and the day during winter and summer), You bring the living out of the dead, and You bring the dead out of the living. And You give wealth and sustenance to whom You will, without limit (measure or account). (3:26,27)

(2) Incorruptible:
It is the only religious sacred writing which has been in circulation for such a long time and yet remains as pure as it was in the beginning. The Quran was kept intact. Nothing was added to it; nothing was changed in it; and nothing was taken away from it ever since it was completely revealed 1400 years ago.

(3) Unsurpassable:
The Quran is God’s final revelation to humankind. God revealed the Torah to Moses, the Psalms to David, the Gospel to Jesus, and finally the Quran to Muhammad. Peace be upon all of them. No other book will come from God to surpass his final revelation.

(4) Indisputable:
The Quran withstands the test of time and scrutiny. No one can dispute the truth of this book. It speaks about past history and turns out right. It speaks about the future in prophecies and it turns out right. It mentions details of physical phenomena which were not known to people at the time; yet later scientific discoveries confirm that the Quran was right all along. Every other book needs to be revised to accord with modern knowledge. The Quran alone is never contradicted by a modern discovery.

(5) Your Roadmap for Life and Afterlife:
The Quran is the best guidebook on how to structure your life. No other book presents such a comprehensive system involving all aspects of human life and endeavor. The Quran also points out the way to secure everlasting happiness in the afterlife. It is your roadmap showing how to get to paradise.

(6) God’s Gift of Guidance:
God has not left you alone. You were made for a reason. God tells you why he made you, what he demands from you, and what he has in store for you. If you operate a machine contrary to it’s manufacture specification you will ruin that machine. What about you? Do you have an owner’s manual for you? The Quran is from your function for success lest you fail to function. It is a healing mercy from God. It satisfies the soul, and cleans the heart. It removes doubts and brings peace.

(7) Your Calling Card to Communicate with God:
Humans are social creatures. We love to communicate with other intelligent life. The Quran tells us how to communicate with the source of all intelligence and the source of all life- the One God. The Quran tells us who God is, by what name we should address God, and the way in which to communicate with God. Are these not seven sufficient reasons for reading the Quran?