Posts

Surah 96: Our Inner Abu Jahl

Image
Assuming you have read Surah 96 and the associated commentary in The Study Quran , you know who Abu Jahl is (cf.  Amr ibn Hisham | Wikipedia ). If, like me, you have experimented with prostration and understand how the ego-intellect can raise doubts about the efficacy of this practice, you also know who Abu Jahl is! Here are some follow-up lessons from Gemini AI. 1. I'd like to explore the mystical side of Surah 96 and particularly the idea that Abu Jahl represents the intellect, the ego, and pride, while the prostrating Muslim represents the heart. https://share.google/aimode/zHwu53bmPntnN4LDQ 2. Now I'd like to look further into the specific Sufi commentaries regarding the lying forelock and the ego-intellect. https://share.google/aimode/2vBsOcNaBSv0PflR8 3. Is it common to have doubts about the efficacy of prostration as a beginning Muslim or even after years of faithful submission? https://share.google/aimode/XuFaw80b3JQhApMVi 4. Say more about Sujud of the ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Surah 96: The Call to Prostrate

Image
A dialogue with Google Gemini. The implications for Abrahamic spiritual direction are profound. 1. What is the role of prostration in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and did the ancient Greeks really refuse to prostrate? https://share.google/aimode/NqqzO4dXp9TPKDXYs 2. Can God in all three Abrahamic religions fairly be described as "Unity" and "Unity-Consciousness" or are these merely attributes of God? https://share.google/aimode/a41lYQyoITpu903zA 3. I would like to learn more about the master-servant relationship between God and the human being as reflected in the symbolism of prostration. https://share.google/aimode/Yh7ns2BJamzmYb4UR 4. Do Muslim scholars agree that there are two ways to prostrate, either ritualistically or in spontaneous response to an encounter with divine presence? https://share.google/aimode/gADPty67y7J2y7DML 5. Why does Islam require five daily prayers, not six or four - does it really matter to God, if the intention is sincere? https:/...
Post a Comment
Read more

Surah 96: A Prayer for Unity

Image
Inspired by Surah 96, generated by Gemini AI: O Sovereign of the Universe, the One who is Most Merciful and Most Compassionate. We come before You from many paths, seeking the light of Your guidance. You are the Creator of all humanity, the One who provides for every soul and knows every heart. Grant us the wisdom to respect our differences while seeking the common ground of Your truth. Lead us from darkness into light, and from discord into peace. Help us to serve our neighbors and care for Your creation, acting as instruments of Your justice and kindness in the world. To You alone we turn for help, and in Your mercy, we find our strength. Amen.   Source:  https://share.google/aimode/6JuUXfkWWNYI6vE8Y
Post a Comment
Read more

Surah 96: Four Recitations

Image
1. First, here is a YouTube playlist of all 114 Surahs of the Quran in chronological order, beginning with Surah 96 . These are recited without translation by Abdelbasset Abdessamad (1927–1988), a legendary Egyptian Quran reciter renowned for his sublime vocalization: 2. Second is this version of Surah 96 from The Meaning of Islam .  The reciter is  Mishary Rashid Alafasy, "a contemporary reciter known for his clear and modern style."  This recitation includes English text AND audio translation between every verse : 3. Third is this version of Surah 96 by Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, "a world-renowned Quran reciter and the Chief Imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, known for his emotional, melodic recitation." This version  provides an English translation in text only, without interrupting the flow of the Arabic recitation: 4. Fourth is this version of Surah 96 by Muhammad Siddiq al-Minshawi (1920–1969), "renowned for his deeply emotional...
Post a Comment
Read more

Surah 96: The Blood Clot

Image
Last night, I carefully read pp. 1535-1538 in The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary . I will say more as time allows. For now, I am wondering whether God is calling me to prostrate in prayer more often than I have been lately, and if there is a way to pray like this daily that supports dialogue and peace between Jews, Christians and Muslims. This is how Hans Küng puts it at the beginning of his book on Islam: No peace among the nations without peace among the religions. No peace among the religions without dialogue between the religions. No dialogue between the religions  without investigation of the foundations of the religions. Shalom.
Post a Comment
Read more