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- Introduction
- Global PsychoSocial Issue
- Past Featured Work
- Self-Recognition, A Path
- Human Greed
- Clinical Impressions
- Quest for Knowledge
- Glimpses of Human Nature
- Terrorism Defaming Islam
- Sex & Love in Religion
- Islamic Mental Health
- Mullahs' Negative Role
- Bidah Disgracing Islam
- Logical Data About Ruh
- Nonstop Change in Life
- Demarcation in Thinking
- Role of Psychotherapist
- Client's Confused Mind
- Affluence & Ingratitude
- Insight for Daily Life
- Artificiality vs. Nature
- Women's Rights in Islam
- Adolescent Issues
- Resolution of Compulsion
- Rights & Duties in Islam
- HUMAN NEEDS & ADJUSTMENT
- Science Religion Related
- ISLAMIC & NEW PSYCHOLOGY
- Misconceptions in Islam
Quest for Universal Human Knowledge
Psychological Foundation of the Qur'an Creating Comprehension in the Truth Seekers
After observing the religious practices in various parts of Muslim community, sects and the role of non-Muslim and Muslim rulers to crush the Muslim countries, the author feels obligated to clarify the true concepts of Islam based on the most authentic Holy Book Qur’an and the mannerism of last Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), so that an objective conclusion may be drawn to correct the destructive actions of the Muslims who are ruining the unity, image and entity of Islam. The role of media, cultural pressures, non-Muslim propaganda and their missionary forces are harming Muslims by presenting a negative picture to the Muslim youth and semi-educated Muslims. This period of crisis and fights among the Muslims, instead of being resolved through methods explained in the Qur’an, has been exaggerated by certain Muslim wealthy class for personal motives. This has harmed the Muslim nation as a whole (Ummah).
The non-Arabic Muslims from various cultures, particularly the youth who do not comprehend the Qur’an and its practices due to a foreign language, are at the mercy of their politically oriented mullahs/Imams who have a strong hold on the listeners in the mosques and religious centers. They present the simple faith as complicated by interpreting a terrible picture of Islam with severe punishment by Allah (God), and by applying self-created meanings of Qur’an for their personal agenda like the Ahale-kitab.
It is essential for the author, who is a student of psychology and psychotherapy, to present the true Islamic concepts and practices based on the Qur’an. Moreover, it appears necessary to express the Qur’an and Islamic basis as logical in nature, which will open a healthy dialogue among educated Muslims and non-Muslims to see the foundations of the Holy Book in which Allah (God) invites all the human beings to use observation, reason, thinking, and reconsideration of the rational realities of the Creator (God).
In order to present its clarification, it appears necessary to deal with the main issues as a subject data:
1. Certain prevailing misconceptions of Islam consider it as an outdated, orthodox presentation of ritual.
2. Non-Muslim negative attitudes about Islam in the mass media.
3. Abuse of orthodox Mullahs of the masses due to ignorance of the true spirit of Islam and knowledge of script of the Qur’an in a foreign Arabic language.
4. The negative propaganda about women’s abuse, suppression of women rights and family violence is the result of unawareness of the Qur’an, as these are contradictory to Islamic prescribed integrated family system.
5. Psychological aspects of adolescence, impact of media, poor insight about the Arabic Qur’an, and strict role of Mullahs/Imams lead the young generation astray. Resultantly, there is a reactive attitude in Muslim families in the present century of IT and media services.
6. Preaching patterns, theoretical concepts with poor and contradictory models, with least application of reasoning about the true scripts of Qur’anic verses, are leading to confusion in the young generation.
7. Psychological causes of extremism and terrorism in Muslims, particularly the aggressive youth, are due to weak models of Muslim scholars and religious ignorance of family heads.
8. In reference to 1-7 items, there is further alarm in American, European and other non-Muslim culture where rival forces propagate against Islam, creating sectarian rivalries in the Muslim world.
9. In comparison to modern psychotherapies and individual difference, Islamic knowledge exposes human nature, the causes of sufferings, human development in a social environment, with comprehensive solutions presented in the Qur’an; these are already practicable in the existing social mechanism based on religious and social obligations to meet the psychological challenges faced by a materialistic and self-centered world.
10. The need is to introduce the true rational basis of Islam in the Qur’an which revealed 1430 years ago the comprehensive knowledge of psychology, its meaning and research data based on the principles of science, reasoning, and mental health for a harmonious society. This will clear misconceptions about Islam, develop awareness in all types of Muslims, Non-Muslims, adolescents, old, people of all colors and continents to get insight about Creator and His purpose of creating this world and creatures.
All these solutions are available in the Qur’an and can only be achieved through an unbiased and logical approach to find out data and insight, and not to take it for granted as born Muslims. It needs wisdom and not rejection due to one’s belief as a Non-Muslim purely for the sake of opposition. The ground principle should be to observe data objectively by applying law of reasoning and derive the conclusion with logic by applying the full senses without any predispositions.
According to the APA, psychology is the science which studies the functioning of mind and behavior. This discipline embraces all aspects of the human experiences—from the functions of the brain to the actions of the nations, from child development to the care of the aged. In every conceivable setting from research centers to mental healthcare services, “the understanding behavior “is the enterprise of the psychologists.
By definition, psychology is a science which studies the mental process and human behavior in references to the social environment. In this respect, scientific basis of an authentic knowledge is always based on some basic principles of data collection and its verification through logic and reasoning. So, the data should be based on reasonable explanation and established criterion with scientific evidence, objective observation, assessment based on law of causation toward a logical conclusion leading to predictions. It should have its own references, terminology, and its contents should be interlinked not only within its own subject matter rather also with other related fields of proven realities. It should be an organized body of knowledge within the main subject of discussion. It should have fixed properties and facilitate communication for further research and benefit for the masses.
According to the APA, psychology is a diverse discipline, grounded in science, but with nearly boundless applications in everyday life. Some psychologists do basic research, developing theories and testing them through carefully honed research methods involving observation, experimentation and analysis. Other psychologists apply the discipline's scientific knowledge to help people, organizations and communities function better.
As psychological research yields new information, whether it's improved interventions to treat depression or how humans interact with machines, these findings become part of the discipline's body of knowledge and are applied in work with patients and clients, in schools, in corporate settings, within the judicial system, even in professional sports.
Psychology is a doctoral-level profession. Psychologists study both normal and abnormal functioning and treat patients with mental and emotional problems. They also study and encourage behaviors that build wellness and emotional resilience. Today, as the link between mind and body is well-recognized, more and more psychologists are teaming with other health care providers to provide whole-person healthcare for patients.
In correlation and descriptive research based on research designs, a data collection method is mostly used. Archival research and content analysis along with observational methods are applied in longitudinal studies of various nations to get specific data with authenticity.
Keeping in view the narrated criteria and tools, the author has tried to present the psychological foundations of Qur’an revealed about 1432 years ago when there was no concept of subject of Psychology which has taken shape within one and a half century. Psychology is still under the process of shaping and is based on the presentation of personal views of various psychologist and specialists who have been contradicting each other’s theoretical concepts.
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Man, from his origin, struggles not only for his survival but is also in search of new horizons in life. It is his nature to quest to explore the universe and to explore the best options in various aspects of nature. With the passage of time, progress and search has enabled mankind to create various subjects of knowledge in the form of science, technology, fine arts and philosophy etc. All the faculties of knowledge have been generated for the services, facilities and the betterment of human beings. In this respect, Psychology is the main field which studies the human beings. Therefore, it is essential to study the human behavior and mental faculties, environmental challenges and available mental health services to address the issues faced by him in this materialist world. Keeping in view this key essential issue of human nature, besides discoveries and solutions about his own self, there seems to have more research than progress, which has drawbacks and is incomplete in its present shape. Suppose if the entire world’s professionals on physical health may join to save an individual from death, they won’t be able to do so as death is the ultimate end of all living beings. In the same way, if all the world’s professionals on psycho-analysis, behavioral analysis, mental hygiene and human services may applied all the knowledge they posses, they still cannot absolutely diagnose, understand or cure an individual with reliability and validity. The reason is that in each person there are billions of brain cells which each have billions of mental functioning and programming interacting with uncountable overt, covert and intermittent stimuli so that nothing can be absolutely said about an individual who is in variation of feelings or moods each moment during his life span. In other words, the present day knowledge about human beings is based on speculation or subjective judgments of individuals with definite basis and outputs.
Therefore, it appears that whatever man has gained in his search of learning about him, he can never be definite, accurate and reliable about his knowledge. The subject of psychology will remain subjective in nature and limited in making definite conclusion as psychologist are helpless to control the causes to get an accurate control in these findings. Even the natural disasters like catastrophes, crisis, human unrest, etc., all are unmanageable, even with achieving nuclear energy. The most civilized nations, under the grab of authority and imperialist agenda, have become wild under the influence of instinct. The desire for power and control over other human beings have turned them to be aggressive and they directly or indirectly use tactics to grab or snub the freedom of underdeveloped nations. Perhaps it’s time to balance the wild nature of the civilized world with awareness and reason of the human beneficial self for the betterment of humanity.
As a student of psychology and psychotherapy, I have tried to equip myself with the knowledge of both eastern and western education and civilizations. My professional practices and human analysis and research work further created awareness about human nature. I have continued my quest for human knowledge after retirement, and when I repeatedly studied the Qur’an with authentic translation in the English, each time I found answers to my above- quoted queries which were not available otherwise. As Greek philosopher Aristotle quoted, “Drink deep in the fountain of knowledge or taste it not,” I did further research within the Qur’an. I found that this world is not created by chance; otherwise it would have collapsed by itself. It is controlled by a single superior authority since if there were more than one controller of the universe, it would have smashed due to individual differences. If there is some controller then he is immortal as manmade gods, self-created gods, living beings, etc., all are mortal and have no control on life or death, space and time. Living beings have instinctive needs, need family, have subjectivity and personal liking, so they cannot be objective and do justice to subordinates. A creature cannot claim to be a creator of nature and living beings. Therefore, logically it becomes clear that there is only One creator who is Immortal, is running the universe under the law of causation and all the living beings in the universe are working under His programming. The evidence of the universe and universal running system support this logical notion. Every one of his creation is dependent to Him but He is independent and Master of all. If He has blessed one of His creatures, then He will ask him whether he has done the job for which he was created. In order to know His presence, one needs to observe His system of nature. Such a Creator would have complete knowledge, control on all the antecedents and consequences, and would have all the details of the origin and fall of the universe and other future programs known to him. I found the name of this almighty power and Creator as Allah, God, in various languages.
When I studied the Qur’an with scientific tools of observation, logical reasoning, comparison and references of various religious interpretations, I found it is a reformation and continuation of the Abraham religion of monotheism with the Holy books of Tawrat (Torah), Injil (Gospel), and Zabur (Psalms) revealed to the holy prophets of great nations. The precious knowledge of the Qur’an was revealed in the Arabic language to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was in an Arab barbaric society. Historically, like the rise and fall of various great civilizations, Muslims at their peak, not only revolutionized science, technology and commerce, but also got lost in the pursuits of wealth and power. They ignored the foundations of their religion in minute debates which led to further sectarian disintegration and Bidaha, rituals that are contradictory to Islamic monotheism and life model of the Prophet. This prevailing trend has generated extremism, rivalries and fights in the Ummah.
Saudi Arabia research and translation of the Holy book is supervised by the government and private owned cells to promote the rich knowledge in the world media. The current Arab nations, instead of becoming the source of wisdom of the Qur’an and creating awareness in the world, have preferred to be involved in the race of materialism, gain shares in the world market and raise worldly pleasure centers. In answer to prayers of the great prophet Ibrahim, the desert turned into a prosperous zone with liquid gold (great reservoirs of oil); but these wealthy nation use wealth to sponsor their favorable agents in other Muslim countries for political hold. Instead of creating insight of the treasures of the Qur’an, they have infused sectarian fights and terrorism in peaceful Muslim countries and local communities. So, the job of preaching about the Qur’an and its practices by model scholars has been taken by the Mullahs/Imams and tribal heads. After the war of Afghanistan induced by the western allies of Arabs to crush the Russian stronghold, innocent Muslims were used under the name of Jihadists in Islam. As a result, the unruly Jihadist and power hungry Muslim sponsors of these groups have become unmanageable even by the world’s superpowers and allies of Arab states. Life and lands are at the risk of such terrorists who are using Islam’s name to fight sectarian groups instead of the enemies of Islam.
My task is not political, or to say who is right and who is wrong in the terrorism and chaos of Muslim nations. My Goal is just to keep on focusing on the last and authentic book of Allah (God), i.e. the Qur’an, revealed to his last prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his mannerisms. Qur’an is a complete and comprehensive guideline to get out of the confusion and chaos faced by the Muslim world. As its verdicts are based on the previous Holy books and prophets, and it is free of corruption since its revelation (1430 years), it is a balanced and moderate form of psychosocial life plan which needs to be practiced, and not just listened or read without any comprehension.
The factors noted above have helped me in the quest of my knowledge of psychology and psychotherapy. I have tried to meet these issues through the Qur’an. As the subject is vast and there are so many queries, certain mis-understanding has been created about it. The new Muslim generation grew up in semi-educated Muslim families, and above all my own co-religionists may like to get benefit from this presentation. I will request the reader to study this whole book in its order instead of reading random paragraphs. I studied repeatedly the Qur’an with an open mind from various angles and, every time, found more insight in my quest of psychology. I considered the findings that the present fall of Muslims by sectarian fights and terrorism are the fault of the Muslims who are playing in the hands of their old rival religious groups. I realized the fault is not with the Creator and His Holy Book revealed to this nation; actually it is poor knowledge, comprehension and, above all, application and practices of the directions by Muslims. My quest of knowledge is an action to share my findings with the truth-seekers, scholars, scientists, psychologists and humanists, as well as adolescents and non-believers to comprehend this Holy Book with an objective mind without any reservations or favoritism. Perhaps this may lead to new horizons in knowledge and healthy practices to shape a practical humanistic society for the peace and prosperity of the entire world, not just certain powers.
It is also a call to the world’s superpowers who have a hold on the all possible resources – history is full of the rise and fall of various nations who did not learn from their predecessors and ended with the same fate. The main reason of this study is that mankind, in spite of all the knowledge and materialistic gains, is still hanging in confusion and madness of power and control, has divided in groups, and is still empty inside. The theme of the writer is to find some hidden treasure of knowledge provided by an eternal Creator about the purpose of life, the nature of mankind, and the ultimate end result of departing from the present life. It seems that there is a system of nature working as programmed as out of nothing a baby comes to life, goes through various stages, and achieves all but dies, leaving all his gains and relations in life. It is interesting to share that some of the objections and misunderstandings about the Lord, the universe and human beings, which were difficult to explain to a common person, has been made easy to answer comprehend through the revelation of the Qur’an by contemporary science, technology and IT services. I tried to find out these answer with an objective approach by studying the psychological foundation of the Qur’an and its answer to those questions about this universe and human beings that science is trying to explore further and of which it was ignorant before.
As a student of psychology, I was surprised the knowledge of human nature which is contributed by various psychologists and humanists so far individually, appears to be limited in front of psychological foundation presented in the Qur’an. About 1430 years ago, an Arab descendent, who did not have any formal education and was, brought up in a barbaric and uncivilized society brought a revolution to the world within twenty-three years of rigorous and tiresome efforts. For psychologists, scholars, knowledge-seekers from various walks of life, it is great food of thought to know the realities of mankind and the universe in the present century. An unbiased and serious facts-finding attempt can confirm the present day psychological contributions of the scholars. Yet, it also reveals that human knowledge has lots of limitations due to their subjective nature of studying their own mental faculties. A scientist always observes the facts, analyzes it and repeatedly checks it with the available data and references to draw a conclusion. Although it is difficult, the struggle and quest of human nature is to seek the hidden realities of mankind. The Qur’an is the word of Allah (God) who is the Creator of human beings, so the Creator knows better about His creature than the creature themselves like a watch-maker knows better about the mechanism of the watch then the wearer of that watch. In fact, knowledge is never complete in its form and human beings always remain in search of better results. This quest for knowledge is the goal of the writer for this presentation.
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“Man is created of haste; I will show you My Ayat (torments, proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.).So ask Me not to hasten (them). And they say: "When will this promise (come to pass), if you are truthful." If only those who disbelieved knew (the time) when they will not be able to ward off the Fire from their faces, nor from their backs; and they will not be helped. Nay, it (the Fire or the Day of Resurrection) will come upon them all of a sudden and will perplex them, and they will have no power to avert it, nor will they get respite. Indeed (many) Messengers were mocked before you (O Muhammad), but the scoffers were surrounded by that, whereat they used to mock.” (V-21:37-41)
“And your Ilah (God) is One Ilah (God - Allah), La ilaha illa Huwa (there is none who has the right to be worshipped but He), the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.” (V-02:163.)
Human Aspects & Related Issues as Discussed in the Qur’an
Human nature has variant aspects, both constructive and destructive in nature. Man needs guidelines and insight to follow the right moderate path in life. As a book of human psychology, the Qur’an has narrated details about individual and group behavior, personality traits, personality disorders, and variant mental functioning process of different nations from Adam till the period of the Holy Prophet. Prejudice, enmity, misery, greed, aggression and revenge are the instinctive nature of mankind but the patience, forgiveness, contentment and supporting the needy persons are the graceful aspects declared in those blessed by the Creator. Allah will provide great reward in paradise to those who keep patience when tested under hardships and trust Him by praying to Him, V-2: 155-157,” And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.). Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: "Truly! To Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return." They are those on whom are the Salawat (i.e. blessings, etc.) (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided-ones.”As human being are emotional and are coerced by their wishes without using reasoning, they are reminded their nature demands knowledge, V-70: 19-21,” Verily, man (disbeliever) was created very impatient; Irritable (discontented) when evil touches him; and niggardly when good touches him;-“ Allah is aware of the hypocrites and Munafqeens who are dual-minded people looking for worldly benefits by playing with religious sentiments and derailing the true people. The fate of such people is declared in V-2:6-18. For the guidance of mankind, it is stated in V-16:23, “Certainly, Allah knows what they conceal and what they reveal. Truly, He likes not the proud.” Since the creation of human beings, one of the sensitive issues is sexual affairs. Sexual provocation and exhibitionism, extramarital affairs, rape, sexual abuse and harassment lead toward extreme homicidal or suicidal acts. Human beings are restrained to control the weakest part of human nature which leads to painful consequences. Most of the fights in civilized society are the aftermath of sexual interaction. In this respect, the children of Adam are articulated to avoid exhibitionism and sinful activities as Satan misleads them to make them disobedient to the Creator V-7:26-28,” O Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts, etc.) and as an adornment, and the raiment of righteousness, that is better. Such are among the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, that they may remember (i.e. leave falsehood and follow truth). O Children of Adam! Let not Shaitan (Satan) deceives you, as he got your parents [Adam and Howa (Eve)] out of Paradise, stripping them of their raiment’s, to show them their private parts. Verily, he and Qabiluhu (his soldiers from the jinns or his tribe) see you from where you cannot see them. Verily, We made the Shayatin (devils) Auliya' (protectors and helpers) for those who believe not. And when they commit a Fahisha (evil deed, going round the Kaaba in naked state, every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse, etc.), they say: "We found our fathers doing it, and Allah has commanded us of it." Say: "Nay, Allah never commands of Fahisha. Do you say of Allah what you know not?” Human Freedom of Choice & Tendency to construct for the Accountability Psychologically, each individual is born with a clean slate and its life starts with individual mental functioning skills to know, feel, think and react with his own free will in his environment. As Allah is Unique, He has created various species and living creatures but each creature is blessed with an individual entity. According to the Qur’an, each individual is blessed with insight, and is responsible in deciding his fate after getting knowledge of the universe. An individual cannot blame the other for his misdeeds or abnormal aggressive behavior as he has got senses to judge his own activities and the freedom to choose good or bad aspects. This logical rule is given priority in Qur’an for deciding the fate of human actions on the Day of Judgment. Each person will be called and questioned for deeds objectively without taking away a minute action done in public or private. God’s decision, or mandate, to make humans His successors or caliphs on Earth is a great honor to them, but it is also a grave responsibility. Human have the ability to learn, to accumulate knowledge, to process that knowledge, to make rules and laws on the basis of their knowledge, and to make use of what they have learned. Allah, praise to Him, facilitated for humans to learn by making Earth abundant in food and resources and protected it from harmful cosmic effects. This phenomenon is quoted in V-2: 282, V-55: 1-4, V- 2: 239 and V- 53: 4-5). The children of Adam are provided set criteria of life based on reward and punishment to follow for correction. He blessed knowledge to mankind about other species on Earth but still they are renegade and do not pray and thank the Master, V-96:1-8. Human beings have potentials for good or evil deeds and are blessed with the reasoning skill to draw accurate judgments. The Creator sent His messengers as and when needed for a nation. Therefore, it is up to an individual which direction he pursues for his destiny, as revealed in V-2:256,” 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”. Nature of mankind is described in detail for creating insight in human beings that no one will be supportive to anyone on the Day of Judgment. It is quoted that they are selfish in nature, so they are guided to feel the needs of fellow human beings, V-70:1-35……It is further quoted that the righteous people are those who do good deeds constantly with devotion, “Honorable and successful will be rewarded after judgment are those who strictly follow the given directions of Qur’an such as .Except those devoted to Salat (prayers). Those who remain constant in their Salat (prayers); And those in whose wealth there is a known right, For the beggar who asks, and for the unlucky who has lost his property and wealth, (and his means of living has been straitened); And those who believe in the Day of Recompense, And those who fear the torment of their Lord, Verily! The torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure, and those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). Except with their wives and the (women slaves and captives) whom their right hands possess, for (then) they are not to be blamed, But whosoever seeks beyond that, then it is those who are trespassers. And those who keep their trusts and covenants; and those who stand firm in their testimonies; and those who guard their Salat (prayers) well, Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise) honored.” In the Qur’an, Allah addresses human beings that He has provided great knowledge through the Holy Book, so they should apply reason and observation to understand the Creator and His universe. Human beings of all the races, lands and religions are warned in the Holy Book about the clear cut laws of Nature which will be applied to all mankind without any discrimination in time and space, V-17:77,” (This was Our) Sunnah (rule or way) with the Messengers We sent before you (O Muhammad), and you will not find any alteration in Our Sunnah (rule or way, etc.)". It is the law of nature that God blesses insight to human beings; it is reminded that each individual has to decide to seek guidance from the holy messages. So the persons who seek the advice are the wise ones (V-2:269).Thankless human beings do not consider the blessings of Allah due to their limitation. Allah revealed and reminded such scoundrels in details, as stated in V-80: 18-42,” From what thing did He create him? From Nutfah (male and female semen drops) He created him, and then set him in due proportion; Then He makes the Path easy for him; Then He causes him to die, and puts him in his grave; Then, when it is His Will, He will resurrect him (again). Nay, but (man) has not done what He commanded him. Then let man look at his food, That We pour forth water in abundance, And We split the Earth in clefts, And We cause therein the grain to grow, And grapes and clover plants (i.e. green fodder for the cattle), And olives and date-palms, And gardens, dense with many trees, And fruits and Abba (herbage, etc.), (To be) a provision and benefit for you and your cattle. Then, when there comes As-Sakhkhah (the Day of Resurrection's second blowing of Trumpet), that Day shall a man flee from his brother, and from his mother and his father, and from his wife and his children. Everyman, that Day, will have enough to make him careless of others. Some faces that Day, will be bright (true believers of Islamic Monotheism). Laughing, rejoicing at good news (of Paradise). And other faces, that Day, will be dust-stained; Darkness will cover them, such will be the Kawarau (disbelievers in Allah, in His Oneness, and in His Messenger Muhammad (), etc.), the Fujairah (wicked evil doers). “ Historical data indicates that mostly the poor, meek, spiritual, and wise people paid attention to the message of God while the healthy, wealthy, aggressive hypocrites refuted the prophets and revolted against Allah.
(Cont'd in the Book)