“And We had certainly brought them a Book which We detailed by knowledge – as guidance and mercy to a people who believe.” Qur’an 27V77

Our Khutbah today is a continuation of the decolonisation of the Muslim minds. In this Khutbah, we have made two major points as part of the introduction to the Curriculum and Syllabus of the Teachings of the Prophet, the Glorious Qur’an. The two points can be summarized as follows:

The Qur’an is guidance, proof of guidance, criterion for right or wrong knowledge and action and mercy to believers (Q2:186; 25:1; 27:77; 7:52; 41:3 etc). It is complete in its contents, detailing every subject without omitting a dot (Q6:38).

Any alternative to the Qur’an is, however, invitation to perdition as Allah warns in Qur’an 7:3 thus: “Follow, (O mankind), what has been revealed to you from your Lord and do not follow other than Him any allies. Little do you remember.” Also, in Qur’an 6:155, Allah says: “And this (Qur’ān) is a Book We have revealed (which is) blessed, so follow it and fear Allāh that you may receive mercy.” Relevant to this discussion is the warning in Qur’an 6 V116: “And if you obey most of those on the earth, they will mislead you far away from Allah’s path.”

Unfortunately, we have concocted all kinds of alternative forms of guidance for ourselves today and the results are becoming evident in healthcare manipulation, economic abracadabra, insecurity and the consequent global hardships. I ask Allah (SWT) to grant us the best understanding of the Qur’an.

The Qura’nic Coding and Epistemic System: A threat for whoever claims that the Qur’an is magic. Before the Qur’an was revealed, previous revelations had been subjected to satanic interpretation, manipulation and magical exploitation through Geomancy. When the Qur’an was revealed, it displays a wonderful distinction from the prevailing knowledge system by resisting satanic influence and teaching. The qualification to benefit from its miracles is, however, not just sound intelligence, but correct Taqwah (piety) which is simpler than intellectual prowess and superior to material knowledge.  It is, for example, two digits above the familiar old and modern Geomantic 16 magical base (Ifa, Hisabi, Computer, Mathematics, Algorithm, magic and satanism of all shades). It is also two digits binary unlike the 01. It is zaojain Ithnain and while the 16 of magic merely produces 7 the 19 produces 10 and anything multiplied by 1 produces itself while a product of any figure (1-10) multiplied by 9 produces 9 (9×9=81 which produces 9 when you add 8 and 1). The Qura’nic configuration, therefore, smashed previous knowledge and pushed the unbelievers to regard it as magic beyond the contemporary art of or science of magic.
Allah explains the purpose of the 19 configuration in Qur’an 74:31 thus: “And We have not made the keepers of the Fire except angels. And We have not made their number except 1. as a TRIAL for those who disbelieve; 2. that those who were given the Scripture will be convinced; 3. those who have believed will increase in faith; 4. those who were given the Scripture and the believers will not doubt; 5. that those in whose hearts is disease (i.e., hypocrisy) and the disbelievers will say, ‘What does Allāh intend by this as an example?’ Thus does Allāh send astray whom He wills and guide whom He wills. And none knows the soldiers of your Lord except Him. And it (i.e., mention of the Fire) is not but a reminder to humanity.”

That is why the recitation of the Qur’an is largely incantatory and knowledge and miracle driving. It is not difficult to understand why scientists are now turning to the sciences of the Qur’an for knowledge economy while Muslims bother themselves only with its memorisation and its correct recitation with Tajwid without paying attention to the lessons of faith and the harvest of its guidance and mercy.

While faith has little to do with learning the deep meaning and material knowledge of the Qur’an (Q3:7), it is the only means of acquiring the Taqwah which qualifies us for its GUIDANCE and MERCY. May Allah (SWT) grant us the right understanding.

State of The Nation

WE should understand and be reminded of the permanent position of Allah and options each nation has: “And there is no city but that We will DESTROY it before the Day of Resurrection* or *PUNISH* it with a severe punishment. That has ever been in the Register inscribed.” Al-Isra’ 17:58.

Insecurity is the cause of hunger and it does not only affect us a people, it also affects those in power in terms of reasons for unfriendly policies. It is, however, due to various Dhulm (wrongdoing) that we mix with our Imaan as our father, Prophet Ibrahim explained to his (Mushriqun) people: “Those who believe in the One God – and who do not mingle their faith with wrongdoing – it is these who shall have security from God’s Judgment. For they are, indeed, guided.” Al-An’am 6:82.

Dua’ (supplication) is the key like Prophet Ibrahim did in Qur’an 14:35, “And (mention, O Muḥammad), when Abraham said, ‘My Lord, make this city (i.e., Makkah) secure and keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols.”

And to say Istighfar as Allah says: “But Allāh would not punish them while you, (O Muḥammad), are among them, and Allāh would not punish them while they seek forgiveness.” Al-Anfal 8:33.
Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Allah sent down to me two safe shelters for the benefit of my Ummah: ‘And Allah would not punish them while you are among them, nor will He punish them while they seek (Allah’s) forgiveness’. When I die, I will leave the seeking of forgiveness with them, until the Day of Resurrection.”

Abu Sa`id narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ says: “Allah sent down to me two safe shelters for the benefit of my Ummah. (And Allah would not punish them while you are among them, nor will He punish them while they seek (Allah’s) forgiveness. When I die, I will leave the seeking of forgiveness with them, until the Day of Resurrection.”

(Shaytan said, `By Your might, O Lord! I will go on luring Your servants as long as their souls are still in their bodies.’ The Lord said, `By My might and majesty! I will keep forgiving them, as long as they keep invoking Me for forgiveness.

I ask Allah (SWT) to forgive our sins, big or small, previous and subsequent, apparent and hidden.

• Professor Taofiq Adesina Azeez is the Chief Imam, the University of Abuja Muslim Community.