Quran Talk

Programmed Cell Death / Apoptosis is a process where the cell self-destructs 

Between 50 and 70 billion cells die each day due to apoptosis in the average human adult. For an average child between the ages of 8 and 14, approximately 20 to 30 billion cells die a day.

Fingers and toes self-destruction to eliminate the webbing

Metamorphosis – only the very basic tissues are spared some of the respiratory system, heart, brain tissue, but aside from that just about the entire caterpillar is dissolved into a liquid that is reassembled into a butterfly

Growth requires change

Change requires something to die (to give up one thing for another)

“The idea that cells take an active part in their own death comes from an observation that in certain cases a cell has to make new molecules in order to die. If you prevent this, the cell can’t die. The cell is participating in its own death because it has to participate to make something in order to die.” 

Kill Your Ego

[2:54] Recall that Moses said to his people, "O my people, you have wronged your souls by worshiping the calf. You must repent to your Creator. You shall kill your egos. This is better for you in the sight of your Creator." He did redeem you. He is the Redeemer, Most Merciful.

If you want something you have to sacrifice something else to get it

Can’t have your cake and eat it too 

Has to make the conscious decision to want to change - 

[13:11] Shifts (of angels) take turns, staying with each one of you—they are in front of you and behind you. They stay with you, and guard you in accordance with GOD's commands. Thus, GOD does not change the condition of any people unless they themselves make the decision to change. If GOD wills any hardship for any people, no force can stop it. For they have none beside Him as Lord and Master.

[38:30] To David we granted Solomon; a good and obedient servant. [38:31] One day he became preoccupied with beautiful horses, until the night fell. [38:32] He then said, "I enjoyed the material things more than I enjoyed worshiping my Lord, until the sun was gone.* [38:33] "Bring them back." (To bid farewell,) he rubbed their legs and necks. [38:34] We thus put Solomon to the test; we blessed him with vast material wealth, but he steadfastly submitted.* 

Sometimes to change you need a catalyst a change agent something to speed up the process  

Change direction of the Qibla

[2:142] The fools among the people would say, "Why did they change the direction of their Qiblah?" Say, "To GOD belongs the east and the west; He guides whoever wills in a straight path." [2:143] We thus made you an impartial community, that you may serve as witnesses among the people, and the messenger serves as a witness among you. We changed the direction of your original Qiblah only to distinguish those among you who readily follow the messenger from those who would turn back on their heels. It was a difficult test, but not for those who are guided by GOD. GOD never puts your worship to waste. GOD is Compassionate towards the people, Most Merciful. 

Isolation – the difference between being buried and planted

Joseph well

Brother’s turned against him and through him into the well and left him for dead

Joseph prison

The governor’s wife schemed against Joseph

[12:33] He said, "My Lord, the prison is better than giving in to them. Unless You divert their scheming from me, I may desire them and behave like the ignorant ones." [12:34] His Lord answered his prayer and diverted their scheming from him. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [12:35] Later, they saw to it, despite the clear proofs, that they should imprison him for awhile.

Muhammad Cave  

[9:40] If you fail to support him (the messenger), GOD has already supported him. Thus, when the disbelievers chased him, and he was one of two in the cave, he said to his friend, "Do not worry; GOD is with us." GOD then sent down contentment and security upon him, and supported him with invisible soldiers. He made the word of the disbelievers lowly. GOD's word reigns supreme. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise.

People of the Cave

[18:13] We narrate to you their history, truthfully. They were youths who believed in their Lord, and we increased their guidance. [18:14] We strengthened their hearts when they stood up and proclaimed: "Our only Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. We will never worship any other god beside Him. Otherwise, we would be far astray. [18:15] "Here are our people setting up gods beside Him. If only they could provide any proof to support their stand! Who is more evil than the one who fabricates lies and attributes them to GOD? [18:16] "Since you wish to avoid them, and their worshiping of other than GOD,* let us take refuge in the cave. May your Lord shower you with His mercy and direct you to the right decision."

[18:20] "If they discover you, they will stone you, or force you to revert to their religion, then you can never succeed." 

Mary  

The Birth of Jesus

[19:22] When she bore him, she isolated herself to a faraway place. [19:23] The birth process came to her by the trunk of a palm tree. She said, "(I am so ashamed;) I wish I were dead before this happened, and completely forgotten." [19:24] (The infant) called her from beneath her, saying, "Do not grieve. Your Lord has provided you with a stream. [19:25] "If you shake the trunk of this palm tree, it will drop ripe dates for you.* Footnote [19:26] "Eat and drink, and be happy. When you see anyone, say, 'I have made a vow of silence; I am not talking today to anyone.'" [19:27] She came to her family, carrying him. They said, "O Mary, you have committed something that is totally unexpected. [19:28] "O descendant of Aaron, your father was not a bad man, nor was your mother unchaste." 

The Infant Makes a Statement

[19:29] She pointed to him. They said, "How can we talk with an infant in the crib?" [19:30] (The infant spoke and) said, "I am a servant of GOD. He has given me the scripture, and has appointed me a prophet. [19:31] "He made me blessed wherever I go, and enjoined me to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat) for as long as I live. [19:32] "I am to honor my mother; He did not make me a disobedient rebel. [19:33] "And peace be upon me the day I was born, the day I die, and the day I get resurrected." 

Moses

Left Egypt where he met Shuaib and talked with God

Growth comes with trust in God

[22:15] If anyone thinks that GOD cannot support him in this life and in the Hereafter, let him turn completely to (his Creator in) heaven, and sever (his dependence on anyone else). He will then see that this plan eliminates anything that bothers him.

Ostrich Effect – Avoiding Responsibility

Not to be mistaken by hermitism - these are people who were isolated not necessarily by choice, but by circumstances. 

[57:27] Subsequent to them, we sent our messengers. We sent Jesus the son of Mary, and we gave him the Injeel (Gospel), and we placed in the hearts of his followers kindness and mercy. But they invented hermitism which we never decreed for them. All we asked them to do was to uphold the commandments approved by GOD. But they did not uphold the message as they should have. Consequently, we gave those who believed among them their recompense, while many of them were wicked.

Jonah

[21:87] And Zan-Noon (Jonah, "the one with an 'N' in his name"), abandoned his mission in protest, thinking that we could not control him. He ended up imploring from the darkness (of the big fish's belly): "There is no god other than You. Be You glorified. I have committed a gross sin." 

[68:48] You shall steadfastly persevere in carrying out the commands of your Lord. Do not be like (Jonah) who called from inside the fish.

[11:42] As it sailed with them in waves like hills, Noah called his son, who was isolated: "O my son, come ride with us; do not be with the disbelievers." 

Psychological research reveals more about this unhealthy appetite for ignorance. In one study, students watched a bogus educational film about a serious disease called “TAA Deficiency”. In fact, TAA Deficiency is completely fictional, but the students were not told this information; instead, they were asked whether they wished to provide a cheek swab for assessing their risk of developing the disease.

Half of the students were told that if they ever developed TAA Deficiency, then the treatment would involve them taking a two-week course of pills. Of this group, 52% agreed to provide the diagnostic cheek swab.

The other half of students learned the treatment would involve taking the pills for the rest of their lives. Of this group, only 21% agreed to the swab.

These findings demonstrate a common pattern seen in other studies within and beyond the context of healthcare. That is, people are especially resistant to hearing feedback when they believe it could oblige them to do something difficult or unpleasant. 

The Hypocrites

[9:64] The hypocrites worry that a sura may be revealed exposing what is inside their hearts. Say, "Go ahead and mock. GOD will expose exactly what you are afraid of." [9:65] If you ask them, they would say, "We were only mocking and kidding." Say, "Do you realize that you are mocking GOD, and His revelations, and His messenger?" [9:66] Do not apologize. You have disbelieved after having believed. If we pardon some of you, we will punish others among you, as a consequence of their wickedness.

Exposing the Hypocrites

[47:20] Those who believed said: "When will a new sura be revealed?" But when a straightforward sura was revealed, wherein fighting was mentioned, you would see those who harbored doubts in their hearts looking at you, as if death had already come to them. They were thus exposed.

Proof of Faith During Muhammad's Era

[47:21] Obedience and righteous utterances are expected of them. If only they showed confidence in GOD, when mobilization was called for, it would have been better for them.

This is our final chance 

[7:53] Are they waiting until all (prophecies) are fulfilled? The day such fulfillment comes to pass, those who disregarded it in the past will say, "The messengers of our Lord have brought the truth. Are there any intercessors to intercede on our behalf? Would you send us back, so that we change our behavior, and do better works than what we did?" They have lost their souls, and their own innovations have caused their doom.

[23:99] When death comes to one of them, he says, "My Lord, send me back. [23:100] "I will then work righteousness in everything I left." Not true. This is a false claim that he makes. A barrier will separate his soul from this world until resurrection.

[6:27] If only you could see them when they face the hellfire! They would say then, "Woe to us. Oh, we wish if we could go back, and never reject our Lord's revelations, and join the believers." [6:28] As a matter of fact, (they only say this because) their secrets have been exposed. If they go back, they will commit exactly the same crimes. They are liars. 

[35:37] They will scream therein, "Our Lord, if you get us out of here, we will work righteousness, instead of the works we used to do." Did we not give you a life-long chance, with continuous reminders for those who would take heed? Did you not receive the warner? Therefore, taste (the consequences). The transgressors will have no one to help them. 

Like Locusts – Cannibalizing and Fleeing From One Another

[54:6] Ignore them; the day will come when the caller will announce a terrible disaster. [54:7] With their eyes humiliated, they come out of the graves like scattered locusts.

Mutual Blaming 

On the Day of Resurrection

[34:32] The leaders will say to those who followed them, "Are we the ones who diverted you from the guidance after it came to you? No; it is you who were wicked." [34:33] The followers will say to their leaders, "It was you who schemed night and day, then commanded us to be unappreciative of GOD, and to set up idols to rank with Him." They will be ridden with remorse, when they see the retribution, for we will place shackles around the necks of those who disbelieved. Are they not justly requited for what they did? 

[40:47] As they argue in Hell, the followers will say to their leaders, "We used to be your followers, can you spare us any part of this Hell?" [40:48] The leaders will say, "We are all in this together. GOD has judged among the people." 

Believers are like butterflies

[101:4] That is the day when the people come out like swarms of butterflies. 

Believers like a cocoon come out of the graves like butterflies

Believer’s who grow their soul

[79:1] The (angels who) snatch (the souls of the disbelievers) forcibly. [79:2] And those who gently take (the souls of the believers) joyfully.

[91:7] The soul and Him who created it. [91:8] Then showed it what is evil and what is good. [91:9] Successful is one who redeems it. [91:10] Failing is one who neglects it.

Assyrian Proverb: “The tallest blade of grass is the first to be cut” 

This element of conformity to not be targeted is evolutionarily instilled in us 

Across the entire animal kingdom you see a similar pattern with fish and birds

The reason for this is that it makes it difficult for the animal to focus on anyone out of the group to target so the hunter gets confused and fails in their approach

Zebras blend in to confuse the lion

The thought is that if everyone is responsible then by theory no one is responsible because it is hard to assert blame when everyone is involved

While this works for animals in the wild to preserve their physical survival, the opposite is true for our spiritual survival 

A sure-fire way of not making it to heaven is thinking that if we stick with the majority and just believe what we were told by our parents or religious scholars will be sufficient

[74:49] Why are they so averse to this reminder? [74:50] Running like zebras. [74:51] Who are fleeing from the lion!

We are each responsible for what we believe and how we choose to live our life. On the Day of Judgment, we cannot say that we were only following the group. 

[6:116] If you obey the majority of people on earth, they will divert you from the path of GOD. They follow only conjecture; they only guess. 

The Majority of People Do Not Believe

[12:103] Most people, no matter what you do, will not believe. [12:104] You are not asking them for any money; you simply deliver this reminder for all the people. [12:105] So many proofs in the heavens and the earth are given to them, but they pass by them, heedlessly!

The Majority of Believers Destined for Hell

[12:106] The majority of those who believe in GOD do not do so without committing idol worship.

“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to reform (or pause and reflect).”

“When you're the only sane person, you look like the only insane person.”

[19:73] When our revelations are recited to them, clearly, those who disbelieve say to those who believe, "Which of us is more prosperous? Which of us is in the majority?" 

Luckily for us God made the Quran easy to learn. You don’t need to be a scholar or even know Arabic to understand the Quran

[54:17] We made the Quran easy to learn. Does any of you wish to learn? 

Those who are sincere will understand it 

[6:20] Those to whom we have given the scripture recognize this as they recognize their own children. The ones who lose their souls are those who do not believe.

Additionally, God holds us responsible each individually based on what information we know and the decisions we made in our own lives. And God made the Quran easy to learn.

Crucial Advice

[17:36] You shall not accept any information, unless you verify it for yourself. I have given you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brain, and you are responsible for using them.

Following Parents Blindly

There are millions of beliefs in this world, ask yourself what is the probability that the belief you were born into was the right one? Maybe it was, but statistically this is pretty low.  

Maintaining the Status Quo: A Human Tragedy

[2:170] When they are told, "Follow what GOD has revealed herein," they say, "We follow only what we found our parents doing." What if their parents did not understand, and were not guided? [2:171] The example of such disbelievers is that of parrots who repeat what they hear of sounds and calls, without understanding. Deaf, dumb, and blind; they cannot understand.

We Are Born With Instinctive Knowledge About God*

[7:172] Recall that your Lord summoned all the descendants of Adam, and had them bear witness for themselves: "Am I not your Lord?" They all said, "Yes. We bear witness." Thus, you cannot say on the Day of Resurrection, "We were not aware of this." [7:173] Nor can you say, "It was our parents who practiced idolatry, and we simply followed in their footsteps. Will You punish us because of what others have innovated?" [7:174] We thus explain the revelations, to enable the people to redeem themselves.*

Following the Parents Blindly: A Common Tragedy

[31:21] When they are told, "Follow these revelations of GOD," they say, "No, we follow only what we found our parents doing." What if the devil is leading them to the agony of Hell?

Do Not Follow Your Parents' Religion Blindly

[5:104] When they are told, "Come to what GOD has revealed, and to the messenger," they say, "What we found our parents doing is sufficient for us." What if their parents knew nothing, and were not guided?

We Are Each Responsible For Our Own Souls

[5:105] O you who believe, you should worry only about your own necks. If the others go astray, they cannot hurt you, as long as you are guided. To GOD is your ultimate destiny, all of you, then He will inform you of everything you had done. 

[2:134] Such is a community from the past. They are responsible for what they earned, and you are responsible for what you earned. You are not answerable for anything they have done. 

[6:121] Do not eat from that upon which the name of GOD has not been mentioned, for it is an abomination. The devils inspire their allies to argue with you; if you obey them, you will be idol worshipers.*

Religious Leaders 

Idea is that this person did all the research I’ll just follow them instead of figuring out myself

Religion is too important for it to be left to the religious scholars 

[14:21] When they all stand before GOD,* the followers will say to the leaders, "We used to follow you. Can you spare us even a little bit of GOD's retribution?" They will say, "Had GOD guided us, we would have guided you. Now it is too late, whether we grieve or resort to patience, there is no exit for us."

Upholding the Teachings of Religious Leaders Instead of God's Teachings

[9:31] They have set up their religious leaders and scholars as lords,* instead of GOD. Others deified the Messiah, son of Mary. They were all commanded to worship only one god. There is no god except He. Be He glorified, high above having any partners. [9:32] They want to put out GOD's light with their mouths, but GOD insists upon perfecting His light, in spite of the disbelievers. 

We each choose a path when it comes to belief the thought that I won’t choose, but instead go with the flow is still a choice

[2:148] Each of you chooses the direction to follow; you shall race towards righteousness. Wherever you may be, GOD will summon you all. GOD is Omnipotent.

Don’t follow the group blindly.

Example of Abraham, Muhammad, Lot, Saleh, Hud, Noah

Ego 

But don’t do the other extreme either and be one who follows only their own ego

The Ego as a god

[25:43] Have you seen the one whose god is his own ego? Will you be his advocate? [25:44] Do you think that most of them hear, or understand? They are just like animals; no, they are far worse. 

Common Form of Idolatry: The Ego As A god

[45:23] Have you noted the one whose god is his ego? Consequently, GOD sends him astray, despite his knowledge, seals his hearing and his mind, and places a veil on his eyes. Who then can guide him, after such a decision by GOD? Would you not take heed?

[47:30] If we will, we can expose them for you, so that you can recognize them just by looking at them. However, you can recognize them by the way they talk. GOD is fully aware of all your works. 

[40:56] Surely, those who argue against GOD's revelations without proof are exposing the arrogance that is hidden inside their chests, and they are not even aware of it. Therefore, seek refuge in GOD; He is the Hearer, the Seer.

People with ego lack sincerity

[2:285] The messenger has believed in what was sent down to him from his Lord, and so did the believers. They believe in GOD, His angels, His scripture, and His messengers: "We make no distinction among any of His messengers." They say, "We hear, and we obey. Forgive us, our Lord. To You is the ultimate destiny."

Mastery. Greene, Robert. Penguin Publishing Group.

“In order to master a field, you must love the subject and feel a profound connection to it. Your interest must transcend the field itself and border on the religious. “ 

[6:161] Say, "My Lord has guided me in a straight path—the perfect religion of Abraham, monotheism. He never was an idol worshiper." [6:162] Say, "My Contact Prayers (Salat), my worship practices, my life and my death, are all devoted absolutely to GOD alone, the Lord of the universe. [6:163] "He has no partner. This is what I am commanded to believe, and I am the first to submit." 

[2:165] …Those who believe love GOD the most.

“A false path in life is generally something we are attracted to for the wrong reasons—money, fame, attention, and so on. If it is attention we need, we often experience a kind of emptiness inside that we are hoping to fill with the false love of public approval. “  

[76:8] They donate their favorite food to the poor, the orphan, and the captive. [76:9] "We feed you for the sake of GOD; we expect no reward from you, nor thanks. [76:10] "We fear from our Lord a day that is full of misery and trouble."

We don’t change because of what we know we change because we care 

[13:11] Shifts (of angels) take turns, staying with each one of you—they are in front of you and behind you. They stay with you, and guard you in accordance with GOD's commands. Thus, GOD does not change the condition of any people unless they themselves make the decision to change. If GOD wills any hardship for any people, no force can stop it. For they have none beside Him as Lord and Master. 

Jiro Dreams of Sushi (85 years old – making sushi for over 60 years) 

“We don’t care about money, All I want to do is make better sushi. I do the same thing over and over improving bit by bit. There is always a yearning to achieve more. I’ll continue to climb, trying to reach the top, but no one knows where the top is.“ - Jiro

In an interview with one of Jiro’s apprentices he said that it took him 10 years before they would allow him to cook the eggs for egg sushi. Even then every time he tried it was rejected. It took him 200 tries before Jiro accepted it and he said when that happened he almost cried, but he kept it to himself because he didn’t want to show his excitement. 

You can be completely dedicated to something yet always be doing whatever you are in the cause of God. The two are one in the same. They do not need to be mutually exclusive.

Someone asking if they should be a doctor because they were concerned that it would distract them from worshipping God. 

“Just as a well-filled day brings blessed sleep, so a well-employed life brings a blessed death.” - Leonardo da Vinci

Importance of repetition 

Commencement speech from US Navy Admiral William McRaven,

If You Want to Change the World, Start Off by Making Your Bed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGRXaFf9LFU 

No broken window policy 

Today we want everything new – we want novelty – constant stimulation 

This is what makes apps like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat so popular

The world is full of information, but what we really need is wisdom 

Wisdom is the condensed down optimal use of information 

And wisdom comes through Mastery 

What is the difference between a chess grandmaster and an intermediate chess player, is that the intermediate player will consider more moves, but the grandmaster while looking at fewer moves will look at only the best ones 

So much of the religion is repetition

5 times a day we perform our Contact Prayers 

[70:34] They consistently observe their contact prayers (Salat), on time.

We recite the same things every time

17 times a day we recite the Al-Fãtehah

[14:40] "My Lord, make me one who consistently observes the Contact Prayers (Salat), and also my children. Our Lord, please answer my prayers.

Before we eat we mention God’s name or when we wake up in the morning we say:

Bismillah AlRahman AlRaheem (In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful) 

Every time we get income we give to Zakat

Remembering God Every Chance We Get

[18:23] You shall not say that you will do anything in the future, [18:24] without saying, "GOD willing."* If you forget to do this, you must immediately remember your Lord and say, "May my Lord guide me to do better next time." 

Each night before going to bed we read Quran and at Dawn we recite Quran 

Even the Quran is repetitive 

The number one feedback I hear from people who are new to Quran is that it is repetitive 

They say: “I get it God is Most Gracious, Most Merciful”

But do they really understand? 

It can take a lifetime to even get a small understanding of what this truly means. 

Just because you read it once, does not mean that you understand it 

Knowing vs. Understanding 

Example of changing the orientation of a bike such that left turns right and vice-versa 

The Backwards Brain Bicycle - Smarter Every Day 133

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFzDaBzBlL0

It took him weeks to understand the new way of riding the bike, and despite this when he would challenge people they overestimated their abilities 

In the field of psychology, the Dunning–Kruger effect is a cognitive bias wherein people of low ability suffer from illusory superiority, mistakenly assessing their cognitive ability as greater than it is. The cognitive bias of illusory superiority derives from the metacognitive inability of low-ability persons to recognize their own ineptitude; without the self-awareness of metacognition, low-ability people cannot objectively evaluate their actual competence or incompetence.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect 

Meditation

[17:79] During the night, you shall meditate for extra credit, that your Lord may raise you to an honorable rank. [17:80] And say, "My Lord, admit me an honorable admittance, and let me depart an honorable departure, and grant me from You a powerful support." [17:81] Proclaim, "The truth has prevailed, and falsehood has vanished; falsehood will inevitably vanish." 

[50:40] During the night you shall meditate on His name, and after prostrating. 

Meditation –

144 basketball players split into two groups

1 group practice shooting with one-handed free throws for two weeks

The other group only mentally practiced one-handed free throws for two weeks

At the end of the experiment intermediate and expert players improved by the same amount 

[14:7] Your Lord has decreed: "The more you thank Me, the more I give you." But if you turn unappreciative, then My retribution is severe.

Molecules of Emotion - Candace Pert

When we feel emotions peptides are released through our body

Each cell has receptors for these peptides

When our cells replicate they will form more receptors targeted towards whatever emotions we were feeling more of. 

So if you are happy, your body will find more reasons to find happiness in this world and if you are sad your body will find more reasons to find sadness in this world. 

[22:28] They may seek commercial benefits, and they shall commemorate GOD's name during the specified days for providing them with livestock. "Eat therefrom and feed the despondent and the poor."

Axons & Myelin

Also, when we reinforce a thought we are strengthening the connections in our mind towards that thought.

Our brains are made of axons that carry electrical impulses

These axons are covered with myelin

Myelin serves as an insulator for our axons

When we have a thought certain axons are activated and the more we reinforce this thought the more myelin will insulate these axons reinforcing that thought

How to practice effectively...for just about anything - Annie Bosler and Don Greene

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2O6mQkFiiw

[19:75] Say, "Those who choose to go astray, the Most Gracious will lead them on, until they see what is promised for them—either the retribution or the Hour. That is when they find out who really is worse off, and weaker in power." [19:76] GOD augments the guidance of those who choose to be guided. For the good deeds are eternally rewarded by your Lord, and bring far better returns.

This is the reason why what we do everyday more important than what we do every once in a while

Making belief second nature

Don’t think just do

Some people think it is hard to take action, instead I will wait until I have the motivation then I will take action

But more often than not the opposite is true 

First, take action and then your brain will find the motivation to continue

Want to get to a point where God and belief is so ingrained in our day to day that when something happens our natural response is that of a believer. 

We think that because we “know” how to act that we will under the circumstances, but just like the person “thinks” they can ride a reversed bike we will be mistaken.

[3:155] Surely, those among you who turned back the day the two armies clashed have been duped by the devil. This reflects some of the (evil) works they had committed. GOD has pardoned them. GOD is Forgiver, Clement. 

That is why we need the constant reinforcement and practice…

Humans want novelty, they want new, but what God wants to teach us is repetition

The human being is forgetful

[6:68] If you see those who mock our revelations, you shall avoid them until they delve into another subject. If the devil causes you to forget, then, as soon as you remember, do not sit with such evil people. [6:69] The righteous are not responsible for the utterances of those people, but it may help to remind them; perhaps they may be saved. 

Same thing with Joseph in 12:42 – said that the devil made him forget his Lord.

[38:45] Remember also our servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They were resourceful, and possessed vision. [38:46] We bestowed upon them a great blessing: awareness of the Hereafter. 

One day we will meet our Creator and we will be held responsible for how we used this life and the only thing will matter will be the good deeds we did in this life

[7:51] Those who do not take their religion seriously, and are totally preoccupied with this worldly life, we forget them on that day, because they forgot that day, and because they spurned our revelations. 

[32:14] Taste the consequences of your forgetting this day; now we forget you. You have incurred eternal retribution in return for your own works. 

[39:8] When the human being is afflicted, he implores his Lord, sincerely devoted to Him. But as soon as He blesses him, he forgets his previous imploring, sets up idols to rank with GOD and to divert others from His path. Say, "Enjoy your disbelief temporarily; you have incurred the hellfire." [39:9] Is it not better to be one of those who meditate in the night, prostrating and staying up, being aware of the Hereafter, and seeking the mercy of their Lord? Say, "Are those who know equal to those who do not know?" Only those who possess intelligence will take heed. 

Constantly Remember God

[2:152] You shall remember Me, that I may remember you, and be thankful to Me; do not be unappreciative.

[2:63 & 7:171] …"You shall uphold what we have given you strongly, and remember its contents, that you may be saved."

[7:69] … Remember GOD's blessings, that you may succeed."

[62:10] Once the prayer is completed, you may spread through the land to seek GOD's bounties, and continue to remember GOD frequently, that you may succeed.

[20:14] "I am GOD; there is no other god beside Me. You shall worship Me alone, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) to remember Me. 

Whatever we spend thinking about most the day becomes our god.

“We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” T.S. Elliot   

Moses and the magicians 

These people have made the decisions all their life such that at the moment there was no thinking just reacting 

How To Be A Hero - Radiolab

http://www.radiolab.org/story/how-be-hero/

Man Is Rescued by Stranger on Subway Tracks

https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/03/nyregion/03life.html

New York Subway Hero – Wesley Autrey (CBSNews)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N2zhu5RH34

[2:286] GOD never burdens a soul beyond its means: to its credit is what it earns, and against it is what it commits. "Our Lord, do not condemn us if we forget or make mistakes. Our Lord, and protect us from blaspheming against You, like those before us have done. Our Lord, protect us from sinning until it becomes too late for us to repent. Pardon us and forgive us. You are our Lord and Master. Grant us victory over the disbelieving people."

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[74:18 – 36] For he reflected, then decided. Miserable is what he decided. Miserable indeed is what he decided. He looked. He frowned and whined. Then he turned away arrogantly. He said, "This is but clever magic! "This is human made." … 

Over it is nineteen.

We appointed angels to be guardians of Hell, and we assigned their number (19)

(1) to disturb the disbelievers,

(2) to convince the Christians and Jews (that this is a divine scripture),

(3) to strengthen the faith of the faithful,

(4) to remove all traces of doubt from the hearts of Christians, Jews, as well as the believers, and

(5) to expose those who harbor doubt in their hearts, and the disbelievers;

they will say, "What did GOD mean by this allegory?" GOD thus sends astray whomever He wills, and guides whomever He wills. None knows the soldiers of your Lord except He. This is a reminder for the people.

Absolutely, (I swear) by the moon. And the night as it passes. And the morning as it shines. This is one of the great miracles. A warning to the human race.

In order to access the Quran we need to be sincere.   

[56:75] I swear by the positions of the stars. [56:76] This is an oath, if you only knew, that is awesome. [56:77] This is an honorable Quran. [56:78] In a protected book. [56:79] None can grasp it except the sincere.*

There are two things that can happen when someone who is not sincere receives the Quran. 

1. They disbelieve 

1. They become a hypocrite

Three Categories of People

(1) The Righteous

[2:3] who believe in the unseen, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat),* and from our** provisions to them, they give to charity. [2:4] And they believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you,* and with regard to the Hereafter, they are absolutely certain. [2:5] These are guided by their Lord; these are the winners. 

(2) The Disbelievers

[2:6] As for those who disbelieve, it is the same for them; whether you warn them, or not warn them, they cannot believe. [2:7] GOD seals their minds and their hearing, and their eyes are veiled. They have incurred severe retribution. 

(3) The Hypocrites

[2:8] Then there are those who say, "We believe in GOD and the Last Day," while they are not believers. [2:9] In trying to deceive GOD and those who believe, they only deceive themselves without perceiving. [2:10] In their minds there is a disease. Consequently, GOD augments their disease. They have incurred a painful retribution for their lying. [2:11] When they are told, "Do not commit evil," they say, "But we are righteous!" [2:12] In fact, they are evildoers, but they do not perceive. [2:13] When they are told, "Believe like the people who believed," they say, "Shall we believe like the fools who believed?" In fact, it is they who are fools, but they do not know. [2:14] When they meet the believers, they say, "We believe," but when alone with their devils, they say, "We are with you; we were only mocking." [2:15] GOD mocks them, and leads them on in their transgressions, blundering. [2:16] It is they who bought the straying, at the expense of guidance. Such trade never prospers, nor do they receive any guidance. [2:17] Their example is like those who start a fire, then, as it begins to shed light around them, GOD takes away their light, leaving them in darkness, unable to see. [2:18] Deaf, dumb, and blind; they fail to return. 

They will be blocked out if they are not sincere

Divine Intervention

[18:57] Who are more evil than those who are reminded of their Lord's proofs, then disregard them, without realizing what they are doing. Consequently, we place shields on their hearts to prevent them from understanding it (the Quran), and deafness in their ears. Thus, no matter what you do to guide them, they can never ever be guided.

[35:8] Note the one whose evil work is adorned in his eyes, until he thinks that it is righteous. GOD thus sends astray whoever wills (to go astray), and He guides whoever wills (to be guided). Therefore, do not grieve over them. GOD is fully aware of everything they do.

[15:90] We will deal with the dividers. [15:91] They accept the Quran only partially.

Can’t take the interpretation of one verse when it contradicts the other.

[3:78] Among them are those who twist their tongues to imitate the scripture, that you may think it is from the scripture, when it is not from the scripture, and they claim that it is from GOD, when it is not from GOD. Thus, they utter lies and attribute them to GOD, knowingly.

[4:44] Have you noted those who received a portion of the scripture, and how they choose to stray, and wish that you stray from the path? 

This is part of God’s system

[2:88] Some would say, "Our minds are made up!" Instead, it is a curse from GOD, as a consequence of their disbelief, that keeps them from believing, except for a few of them. 

[3:178] Let not the disbelievers think that we lead them on for their own good. We only lead them on to confirm their sinfulness. They have incurred a humiliating retribution. 

[45:23] Have you noted the one whose god is his ego? Consequently, GOD sends him astray, despite his knowledge, seals his hearing and his mind, and places a veil on his eyes. Who then can guide him, after such a decision by GOD? Would you not take heed?

That is why it is so important to kill our egos in order to understand God’s message

If we want to be sincere we have to kill our egos – start fresh and listen to what God tells us in the Quran

God is Most Gracious, Most Merciful 

Instinctive Knowledge about who our Lord is

[7:172] Recall that your Lord summoned all the descendants of Adam, and had them bear witness for themselves: "Am I not your Lord?" They all said, "Yes. We bear witness." Thus, you cannot say on the Day of Resurrection, "We were not aware of this." [7:173] Nor can you say, "It was our parents who practiced idolatry, and we simply followed in their footsteps. Will You punish us because of what others have innovated?" [7:174] We thus explain the revelations, to enable the people to redeem themselves.* 

[52:25] They will meet each other and reminisce among themselves. [52:26] They will say, "We used to be kind and humble among our people. [52:27] "GOD has blessed us, and has spared us the agony of ill winds. [52:28] "We used to implore Him; He is the Most Kind, Most Merciful.”

[47:29] Did those who harbor doubts in their hearts think that GOD will not bring out their evil thoughts?

[47:30] If we will, we can expose them for you, so that you can recognize them just by looking at them. However, you can recognize them by the way they talk. GOD is fully aware of all your works.

[47:31] We will certainly put you to the test, in order to distinguish those among you who strive, and steadfastly persevere. We must expose your true qualities.

[3:7] He sent down to you this scripture, containing straightforward verses—which constitute the essence of the scripture—as well as multiple-meaning or allegorical verses. Those who harbor doubts in their hearts will pursue the multiple-meaning verses to create confusion, and to extricate a certain meaning. None knows the true meaning thereof except GOD and those well founded in knowledge. They say, "We believe in this—all of it comes from our Lord." Only those who possess intelligence will take heed.

[83:7] Indeed, the book of the wicked is in Sijjeen. [83:8] Do you know what Sijjeen is? [83:9] A numerically structured book.

[83:18] Indeed, the book of the righteous will be in 'Elleyyeen. [83:19] Do you know what 'Elleyyeen is? [83:20] A numerically structured book.

Solomon and The Queen of Sheba 

[27:20] He inspected the birds, and noted: "Why do I not see the hoopoe? Why is he missing? [27:21] "I will punish him severely or sacrifice him, unless he gives me a good excuse." [27:22] He did not wait for long. (The hoopoe) said, "I have news that you do not have. I brought to you from Sheba, some important information. [27:23] "I found a woman ruling them, who is blessed with everything, and possesses a tremendous palace. [27:24] "I found her and her people prostrating before the sun, instead of GOD. The devil has adorned their works in their eyes, and has repulsed them from the path; consequently, they are not guided." [27:25] They should have been prostrating before GOD, the One who manifests all the mysteries in the heavens and the earth, and the One who knows everything you conceal and everything you declare. [27:26] GOD: there is no other god beside Him; the Lord with the great dominion. [27:27] (Solomon) said, "We will see if you told the truth, or if you are a liar. [27:28] "Take this letter from me, give it to them, then watch for their response."

Back in Sheba

[27:29] She said, "O my advisers, I have received an honorable letter. [27:30] "It is from Solomon, and it is, 'In the name of GOD, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.' [27:31] "Proclaiming: 'Do not be arrogant; come to me as submitters.'" [27:32] She said, "O my advisers, counsel me in this matter. I am not deciding anything until you advise me." [27:33] They said, "We possess the power, we possess the fighting skills, and the ultimate command is in your hand. You decide what to do." [27:34] She said, "The kings corrupt any land they invade, and subjugate its dignified people. This is what they usually do. [27:35] "I am sending a gift to them; let us see what the messengers come back with." [27:36] When the hoopoe returned to Solomon (he told him the news), and he responded (to Sheba's people): "Are you giving me money? What GOD has given me is far better than what He has given you. You are the ones to rejoice in such gifts." [27:37] (To the hoopoe, he said,) "Go back to them (and let them know that) we will come to them with forces they cannot imagine. We will evict them, humiliated and debased."

Faster Than the Speed of Light

[27:38] He said, "O you elders, which of you can bring me her mansion, before they arrive here as submitters?" [27:39] One afrit from the jinns said, "I can bring it to you before you stand up. I am powerful enough to do this." [27:40] The one who possessed knowledge from the book said, "I can bring it to you in the blink of your eye." When he saw it settled in front of him, he said, "This is a blessing from my Lord, whereby He tests me, to show whether I am appreciative or unappreciative. Whoever is appreciative is appreciative for his own good, and if one turns unappreciative, then my Lord is in no need for him, Most Honorable." [27:41] He said, "Remodel her mansion for her. Let us see if she will be guided, or continue with the misguided." [27:42] When she arrived, she was asked, "Does your mansion look like this?" She said, "It seems that this is it." (Solomon said,) "We knew beforehand what she was going to do, and we were already submitters."  [27:43] She had been diverted by worshiping idols instead of GOD; she belonged to disbelieving people. [27:44] She was told, "Go inside the palace." When she saw its interior, she thought it was a pool of water, and she (pulled up her dress,) exposing her legs. He said, "This interior is now paved with crystal." She said, "My Lord, I have wronged my soul. I now submit with Solomon to GOD, Lord of the universe."

Solomon – Judgment to cut the baby in half.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judgment_of_Solomon

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[74:18 – 36] For he reflected, then decided. Miserable is what he decided. Miserable indeed is what he decided. He looked. He frowned and whined. Then he turned away arrogantly. He said, "This is but clever magic! "This is human made." … 

Over it is nineteen.

We appointed angels to be guardians of Hell, and we assigned their number (19)

(1) to disturb the disbelievers,

(2) to convince the Christians and Jews (that this is a divine scripture),

(3) to strengthen the faith of the faithful,

(4) to remove all traces of doubt from the hearts of Christians, Jews, as well as the believers, and

(5) to expose those who harbor doubt in their hearts, and the disbelievers;

they will say, "What did GOD mean by this allegory?" GOD thus sends astray whomever He wills, and guides whomever He wills. None knows the soldiers of your Lord except He. This is a reminder for the people.

Absolutely, (I swear) by the moon. And the night as it passes. And the morning as it shines. This is one of the great miracles. A warning to the human race.

In order to access the Quran we need to be sincere.   

[56:75] I swear by the positions of the stars. [56:76] This is an oath, if you only knew, that is awesome. [56:77] This is an honorable Quran. [56:78] In a protected book. [56:79] None can grasp it except the sincere.*

There are two things that can happen when someone who is not sincere receives the Quran. 

1. They disbelieve 

1. They become a hypocrite

Three Categories of People

(1) The Righteous

[2:3] who believe in the unseen, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat),* and from our** provisions to them, they give to charity. [2:4] And they believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you,* and with regard to the Hereafter, they are absolutely certain. [2:5] These are guided by their Lord; these are the winners. 

(2) The Disbelievers

[2:6] As for those who disbelieve, it is the same for them; whether you warn them, or not warn them, they cannot believe. [2:7] GOD seals their minds and their hearing, and their eyes are veiled. They have incurred severe retribution. 

(3) The Hypocrites

[2:8] Then there are those who say, "We believe in GOD and the Last Day," while they are not believers. [2:9] In trying to deceive GOD and those who believe, they only deceive themselves without perceiving. [2:10] In their minds there is a disease. Consequently, GOD augments their disease. They have incurred a painful retribution for their lying. [2:11] When they are told, "Do not commit evil," they say, "But we are righteous!" [2:12] In fact, they are evildoers, but they do not perceive. [2:13] When they are told, "Believe like the people who believed," they say, "Shall we be

1. Allah created man from

Embryo 

[96:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful [96:1] Read, in the name of your Lord, who created. [96:2] He created man from an embryo. [96:3] Read, and your Lord, Most Exalted. [96:4] Teaches by means of the pen. [96:5] He teaches man what he never knew.

Water

[25:54] He is the One who created from water a human being, then made him reproduce through marriage and mating. Your Lord is Omnipotent.

Dust

[30:20] Among His proofs is that He created you from dust, then you became reproducing humans.

Nothing

[19:67] Did the human being forget that we created him already, and he was nothing?

Clay

[15:26] We created the human being from aged mud, like the potter's clay.

[21:30] Do the unbelievers not realize that the heaven and the earth used to be one solid mass that we exploded into existence? And from water we made all living things. Would they believe?

Prior to the big bang there was nothing – so we came from nothing 

After big-bang there was Stardust these are all the elements that make up a human in total I believe there are about 27 different elements that the human body consists of 

If I say I made an apple pie, the ingredients will be dependent on how detailed I want to get. Flour => Wheat => Earth => Water => Stardust etc.

Also, going to link to the audio of a video showing just how profound the first revelation of the Quran the first five verses of Sura 96 are so profound regarding the process of an embryo. Part of it is visual so I’ll link to the actual video, but I think you will still appreciate what is said.

EMBRYO = LEECH | AMAZING QURAN MIRACLE | #MINDBLOW

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYajKl-Xr6c

2. They lost their own souls, who will not believe (6:12) God causes to stray whom He wills (16:93) 

The 6:12 verse does not sound right

[6:12] Say, "To whom belongs everything in the heavens and the earth?" Say, "To GOD." He has decreed that mercy is His attribute. He will surely summon you all on the Day of Resurrection, which is inevitable. The ones who lose their souls are those who disbelieve.

But from 16:93 I think I understand the argument

[16:93] Had GOD willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He sends astray whoever chooses to go astray, and He guides whoever wishes to be guided.* You will surely be asked about everything you have done.

Do human beings have free will according to the Quran. The answer is yes:

[33:72] We have offered the responsibility (freedom of choice) to the heavens and the earth, and the mountains, but they refused to bear it, and were afraid of it. But the human being accepted it; he was transgressing, ignorant.* 

So why does it say that God leads people astray in 16:93?

When we make a choice our minds are designed to confirm that choice – this is by the design of God. That is why it says

[19:75] Say, "Those who choose to go astray, the Most Gracious will lead them on, until they see what is promised for them—either the retribution or the Hour. That is when they find out who really is worse off, and weaker in power." [19:76] GOD augments the guidance of those who choose to be guided. For the good deeds are eternally rewarded by your Lord, and bring far better returns. 

This is called confirmation bias – we look for information that will confirm our existing beliefs.

[9:115] GOD does not send any people astray, after He had guided them, without first pointing out for them what to expect. GOD is fully aware of all things.

3. Will intercession be possible on the Day of Judgment?

[2:123] Beware of the day when no soul will help another soul, no ransom will be accepted, no intercession will be useful, and no one will be helped. 

[2:254] O you who believe, you shall give to charity from the provisions we have given to you, before a day comes where there is no trade, no nepotism, and no intercession. The disbelievers are the unjust.

[20:109] On that day, intercession will be useless, except for those permitted by the Most Gracious, and whose utterances conform to His will.

To believe that anyone, other than God, can intercede on our behalf to have our sins forgiven or our wishes fulfilled, is to set up partners with God. This is idolatry. 

The Quran proclaims that "All intercession belongs to God" (39:44), and that there will be "no intercession on the Day of Judgment" (2:254). 

The myth of intercession is one of Satan's most effective tricks to dupe millions of people into idol worship. Millions of Christians believe that Jesus will intercede for them at God, and millions of Muslims believe that Muhammad will intercede on their behalf.

Consequently, these people idolize Jesus and Muhammad. The concept of intercession is utterly illogical. Those who believe in Muhammad's intercession, for example, claim that he will ask God to forgive them and admit them into Paradise. They imagine Muhammad on the Day of Judgment choosing the candidates for his intercession. If you ask those who believe in intercession: "How will Muhammad recognize those who deserve his intercession?" they tell you, "God will tell him!" According to this concept, a person will go to Muhammad and request his intercession. Muhammad will then ask God whether this person deserves his intercession or not. God will inform Muhammad that the person deserves to go to Paradise. Muhammad will then turn around and tell God that the person deserves to go to Paradise! The blasphemy is obvious; those who believe in intercession make God a secretary of their idol Muhammad. God be glorified. 

Since the Quran is the most accurate book, it acknowledges that everyone in Paradise will intercede on behalf of his or her loved ones: "Please God, admit my mother into Paradise." This intercession will work if the person's mother deserves to go to Paradise (2:255, 20:109, 21:28). Thus, intercession, though it will take place in this manner, is utterly useless.

We learn from the Quran that Abraham, God's beloved servant, could not intercede on behalf of his father (9:114). Noah could not intercede on behalf of his son (11:46). Muhammad could not intercede on behalf of his uncle (111:1-3) or relatives (9:80). What makes anyone think that a prophet or a saint will intercede on behalf of a perfect stranger?! See 2:48, 123; 6:51, 70, 94; 7:53; 10:3; 19:87; 26:100; 30:13; 32:4; 36:23; 39:44; 40:18; 43:86; 53:26 & 74:48. Muhammad's intercession is in 25:30.

[25:30] The messenger* said, "My Lord, my people have deserted this Quran."

4. Does God command to do evil in the Quran? (7:328? & 17:16)

I think they meant 17:38 

[17:38] All bad behavior is condemned by your Lord.

[17:16] If we are to annihilate any community, we let the leaders commit vast corruption therein. Once they deserve retribution, we annihilate it completely. 

God prohibits all bad behavior (17:38), but God gave us freedom of choice & He allows people to commit evil to confirm their true convictions

[3:178] Let not the disbelievers think that we lead them on for their own good. We only lead them on to confirm their sinfulness.

[47:29] Did those who harbor doubts in their hearts think that GOD will not bring out their evil thoughts? [47:30] If we will, we can expose them for you, so that you can recognize them just by looking at them. However, you can recognize them by the way they talk. GOD is fully aware of all your works. [47:31] We will certainly put you to the test, in order to distinguish those among you who strive, and steadfastly persevere. We must expose your true qualities.

[68:42] The day will come when they will be exposed, and they will be required to fall prostrate, but they will be unable to. [68:43] With their eyes subdued, humiliation will cover them. They were invited to fall prostrate when they were whole and able. [68:44] Therefore, let Me deal with those who reject this Hadith; we will lead them on whence they never perceive. [68:45] I will give them enough rope; My scheming is formidable.

5. Can slander of chaste women be forgiven? (24:4-5 & 24:23)

[24:4] Those who accuse married women of adultery, then fail to produce four witnesses, you shall whip them eighty lashes, and do not accept any testimony from them; they are wicked. [24:5] If they repent afterwards and reform, then GOD is Forgiver, Merciful. 

Gross Sin

[24:23] Surely, those who falsely accuse married women who are pious believers have incurred condemnation in this life and in the Hereafter; they have incurred a horrendous retribution. [24:24] The day will come when their own tongues, hands, and feet will bear witness to everything they had done. [24:25] On that day, GOD will requite them fully for their works, and they will find out that GOD is the Truth.

The answer to this dilemma is if they repent. 

[39:53] Proclaim: "O My servants who exceeded the limits, never despair of GOD's mercy. For GOD forgives all sins. He is the Forgiver, Most Merciful.” 

[9:11] If they repent and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), then they are your brethren in religion. We thus explain the revelations for people who know.

6. What will the people of Hell eat? (84:6 & 69:36)

[88:4] Suffering in a blazing Hellfire. [88:5] Drinking from a flaming spring. [88:6] They will have no food except the useless variety. [88:7] It never nourishes, nor satisfies hunger.

[69:36] Nor any food, except the bitter variety. [69:37] Food for the sinners. 

[37:62] Is this a better destiny, or the tree of bitterness? [37:63] We have rendered it a punishment for the transgressors. [37:64] It is a tree that grows in the heart of Hell. [37:65] Its flowers look like the devils' heads. [37:66] They will eat from it until their bellies are filled up. [37:67] Then they will top it with a hellish drink. [37:68] Then they will return to Hell.

[44:43] Surely, the tree of bitterness— [44:44] will provide the food for the sinful. [44:45] Like lye, it will boil in the stomachs. [44:46] Like the boiling of hellish drinks. [44:47] Take him and throw him into the center of Hell. [44:48] Then pour upon his head the retribution of the Inferno. [44:49] "Taste this; you were so powerful, so honorable." [44:50] This is what you used to doubt. 

All descriptions of Heaven and Hell are purely allegorical.

[2:25] Give good news to those who believe and lead a righteous life that they will have gardens with flowing streams. When provided with a provision of fruits therein, they will say, "This is what was provided for us previously." Thus, they are given allegorical descriptions. They will have pure spouses therein, and they abide therein forever.

Why so graphic?

God does not shy away from any allegory.

God is letting us know just how terrible Hell is so that we make the right choice. Otherwise, we will complain that we had no idea it was so bad 

Like a doctor who tells you that if you keep living an unhealthy life you will have health problems and troubles – it isn’t that the doctor is mean they are just the only ones willing to be honest with you.

7. Earth created then heaven or Heaven created then earth?

[2:29] He is the One who created for you everything on earth, then turned to the sky and perfected seven universes therein,* and He is fully aware of all things.

[79:27] Are you more difficult to create than the heaven? He constructed it. [79:28] He raised its masses, and perfected it. [79:29] He made its night dark, and brightened its morn. [79:30] He made the earth egg-shaped.

79:27 - 30 is not a chronology but just two statements.

Also read in 21:30 about the Big Bang

*79:30 The Arabic word "dahhaahaa" is derived from "Dahhyah" which means "egg."

In Arabia, at the time they didn’t have chickens, but more likely to have ostriches

Ostrich egg – oblate spheroid – where it is almost perfectly round but one hemisphere is more narrow than the other just slightly

8. If unbelievers reject the Quran let them be (3:20), If unbelievers reject the Quran you shall fight them (8:38-39)

[3:20] If they argue with you, then say, "I have simply submitted myself to GOD; I and those who follow me." You shall proclaim to those who received the scripture, as well as those who did not, "Would you submit?" If they submit, then they have been guided, but if they turn away, your sole mission is to deliver this message. GOD is Seer of all people. 

[8:38] Tell those who disbelieved: if they stop, all their past will be forgiven. But if they return, they will incur the same fate as their previous counterparts. [8:39] You shall fight them to ward off oppression, and to practice your religion devoted to GOD alone. If they refrain from aggression, then GOD is fully Seer of everything they do.

Rules of War*

[2:190] You may fight in the cause of GOD against those who attack you, but do not aggress. GOD does not love the aggressors.

[2:191] You may kill those who wage war against you, and you may evict them whence they evicted you. Oppression is worse than murder. Do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque (Masjid), unless they attack you therein. If they attack you, you may kill them. This is the just retribution for those disbelievers.

[2:192] If they refrain, then GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[2:193] You may also fight them to eliminate oppression, and to worship GOD freely. If they refrain, you shall not aggress; aggression is permitted only against the aggressors. 

The Quran does not shy away from talking about proper conduct during war. And yes during war lives will be lost – it will not be pillow fights and tickling.

9. Creation was an act of bringing together(41:11), Creation was an act of splitting apart (21:30)?

The Big Bang Theory Confirmed*

[21:30] Do the unbelievers not realize that the heaven and the earth used to be one solid mass that we exploded into existence? And from water we made all living things. Would they believe?

[41:11] Then He turned to the sky, when it was still gas, and said to it, and to the earth, "Come into existence, willingly or unwillingly." They said, "We come willingly.”

10. The first Muslim was Muhammad (6:14, 6:163, 39:12), Moses (7:143), some Egyptians (26:51)?

[6:14] Say, "Shall I accept other than GOD as a Lord and Master, when He is the Initiator of the heavens and the earth, and He feeds but is not fed?" Say, "I am commanded to be the most devoted submitter, and, 'Do not be an idol worshiper.' "

[6:163] "He has no partner. This is what I am commanded to believe, and I am the first to submit."

[39:11] Say, "I have been commanded to worship GOD, devoting the religion absolutely to Him alone. [39:12] "And I was commanded to be the utmost submitter."

[7:143] When Moses came at our appointed time, and his Lord spoke with him, he said, "My Lord, let me look and see You." He said, "You cannot see Me. Look at that mountain; if it stays in its place, then you can see Me." Then, his Lord manifested Himself to the mountain, and this caused it to crumble. Moses fell unconscious. When he came to, he said, "Be You glorified. I repent to You, and I am the most convinced believer."

Context: these are the magicians at the time of Moses

[26:51] "We hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins, especially that we are the first believers."

Muslim just means one who submits to God alone.

[2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, & the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, & (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve

The first person to call us Submitters was Abraham.

Abraham: Original Messenger of Islam*

[22:78] You shall strive for the cause of GOD as you should strive for His cause. He has chosen you and has placed no hardship on you in practicing your religion—the religion of your father Abraham. He is the one who named you "Submitters" originally…

[16:123] Then we inspired you (Muhammad) to follow the religion of Abraham,* the monotheist; he never was an idol worshiper.

James 4:7 - Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

What you just listened to was a trailer for a Netflix original called the Push

The Push is a social experiment conducted by Derren Brown who is a British mentalist. 

If you have been listening to the podcast you might have heard me reference Darren Brown and some of the social illusions he has run.

He really is an experiment of understanding human psychology

The premise in the push is can he create a scenario where within a span of 72 minutes he can create a scenario where a person will push a human off a building to their death.

SPOILER ALERT…. 

IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN IT AND YOU WANT TO SEE IT PLEASE GO WATCH IT FIRST AND THEN LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

IF YOU DON’T CARE ABOUT HEARING WHAT HAPPENED THEN CONTINUE LISTENING 

I think the biggest mistake most people make when watching one of these social experiments is thinking what is wrong with these people…I would never do that

I noticed the people who are in complete denial about their ability to be manipulated are the most susceptible

We need to watch things like this and think no this could be me

I could be the person in this experiment and be cajoled into doing something that I would have never thought I would do in a million years

Example of Adam and Eve in paradise being tempted by the devil

[4:119] "I will mislead them, I will entice them, I will command them to (forbid the eating of certain meats by) marking the ears of livestock, and I will command them to distort the creation of GOD." Anyone who accepts the devil as a lord, instead of GOD, has incurred a profound loss. [4:120] He promises them and entices them; what the devil promises is no more than an illusion.

[7:17] "I will come to them from before them, and from behind them, and from their right, and from their left, and You will find that most of them are unappreciative."

[17:64] "You may entice them with your voice, and mobilize all your forces and all your men against them, and share in their money and children, and promise them. Anything the devil promises is no more than an illusion. 

[7:202] Their brethren ceaselessly entice them to go astray.

[29:3] We have tested those before them, for GOD must distinguish those who are truthful, and He must expose the liars.

[29:10] Among the people there are those who say, "We believe in GOD," but as soon as they suffer any hardship because of GOD, they equate the people's persecution with GOD's retribution. But if blessings from your Lord come your way, they say, "We were with you." Is GOD not fully aware of the people's innermost thoughts? [29:11] GOD will most certainly distinguish those who believe, and He will most certainly expose the hypocrites.

[3:154]… GOD thus puts you to the test to bring out your true convictions, and to test what is in your hearts.

In the push, they showed how they selected participants for the experiment

They wanted to see how agreeable and likely people would be to go with the group 

Sitting and Standing -

They had three actors sitting in a waiting room and then one by one they brought in people who wanted to be on the show then a bell would ring and the actors would stand then a bell ring and they would sit. 

Social Pressure: 

God Strengthens the Messenger

[17:73] They almost diverted you from the revelations we have given you. They wanted you to fabricate something else, in order to consider you a friend. [17:74] If it were not that we strengthened you, you almost leaned towards them just a little bit. [17:75] Had you done that, we would have doubled the retribution for you in this life, and after death, and you would have found no one to help you against us. [17:76] They almost banished you from the land to get rid of you, so they could revert as soon as you left. [17:77] This has been consistently the case with all the messengers that we sent before you, and you will find that our system never changes.

Abraham

Back to Abraham

[29:24] The only response from his people was their saying, "Kill him, or burn him." But GOD saved him from the fire. This should provide lessons for people who believe.

Social Pressure: A Profound Disaster

[29:25] He said, "You worship beside GOD powerless idols due to peer pressure, just to preserve some friendship among you in this worldly life. But then, on the Day of Resurrection, you will disown one another, and curse one another. Your destiny is Hell, wherein you cannot help one another."

[29:26] Lot believed with him and said, "I am emigrating to my Lord. He is the Almighty, the Most Wise." 

Lot and the people of Sodom and Gomorrah

Example of Joseph

God Protects the Believers From Sin

[12:23] The lady of the house where he lived tried to seduce him. She closed the doors and said, "I am all yours." He said, "May GOD protect me. He is my Lord, who gave me a good home.* The transgressors never succeed." Footnote [12:24] She almost succumbed to him, and he almost succumbed to her, if it were not that he saw a proof from his Lord. We thus diverted evil and sin away from him, for he was one of our devoted servants.

Evil invites sin

[3:155] Surely, those among you who turned back the day the two armies clashed have been duped by the devil. This reflects some of the (evil) works they had committed. GOD has pardoned them. GOD is Forgiver, Clement.

[6:132] Everyone will attain a rank commensurate with their deeds. Your Lord is never unaware of anything they do.

Righteousness invites God’s protection and grace

[7:26] O children of Adam, we have provided you with garments to cover your bodies, as well as for luxury. But the best garment is the garment of righteousness. These are some of GOD's signs, that they may take heed.

The Only Criterion For Distinguishing Among The People

[49:13] O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant.

Quran Alone

God's Messenger of the Covenant*

[25:27] The day will come when the transgressor will bite his hands (in anguish) and say, "Alas, I wish I had followed the path with the messenger. [25:28] "Alas, woe to me, I wish I did not take that person as a friend. [25:29] "He has led me away from the message after it came to me. Indeed, the devil lets down his human victims." [25:30] The messenger* said, "My Lord, my people have deserted this Quran."

Quran Should Be Our Only Source for Religious Law

Quran, the Whole Quran, and Nothing But the Quran

[6:19] Say, "Whose testimony is the greatest?" Say, "GOD's. He is the witness between me and you that this Quran* has been inspired to me, to preach it to you and whomever it reaches. Indeed, you bear witness that there are other gods* beside GOD." Say, "I do not testify as you do; there is only one god, and I disown your idolatry."

Quran: The ONLY Source

[17:46] We place shields around their minds, to prevent them from understanding it, and deafness in their ears. And when you preach your Lord, using the Quran alone,* they run away in aversion.

[18:27] You shall recite what is revealed to you of your Lord's scripture. Nothing shall abrogate His words, and you shall not find any other source beside it. 

Following Other Sources Means You Do Not Believe In God 

Hadith & Sunna: Fabrications by the Prophet's Enemies

[6:112] We have permitted the enemies of every prophet—human and jinn devils—to inspire in each other fancy words, in order to deceive. Had your Lord willed, they would not have done it. You shall disregard them and their fabrications.

Important Criterion

[6:113] This is to let the minds of those who do not believe in the Hereafter listen to such fabrications, and accept them, and thus expose their real convictions.* 

The Idols: Innovating New Religious Laws*

[42:21] They follow idols who decree for them religious laws never authorized by GOD. If it were not for the predetermined decision, they would have been judged immediately. Indeed, the transgressors have incurred a painful retribution.* 

[4:60] Have you noted those who claim that they believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you, then uphold the unjust laws of their idols? They were commanded to reject such laws. Indeed, it is the devil's wish to lead them far astray. [4:61] When they are told, "Come to what GOD has revealed, and to the messenger," you see the hypocrites shunning you completely. 

We can get inspiration from anyone or anything, but when it comes to our religious salvation and the religious laws we live by it all comes 100% from God’s infallible message via the Quran

Fully Detailed

Animals and Birds: Submitting Creatures*

[6:38] All the creatures on earth, and all the birds that fly with wings, are communities like you. We did not leave anything out of this book.** To their Lord, all these creatures will be summoned.

Quran: Fully Detailed*

[6:114] Shall I seek other than GOD as a source of law, when He has revealed to you this book fully detailed?* Those who received the scripture recognize that it has been revealed from your Lord, truthfully. You shall not harbor any doubt. [6:115] The word of your Lord is complete,* in truth and justice. Nothing shall abrogate His words. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient. [6:116] If you obey the majority of people on earth, they will divert you from the path of GOD. They follow only conjecture; they only guess. 

[18:54] We have cited in this Quran every kind of example, but the human being is the most argumentative creature. 

[39:27] We have cited for the people every kind of example in this Quran, that they may take heed.

[16:89] The day will come when we will raise from every community a witness from among them, and bring you as the witness of these people. We have revealed to you this book to provide explanations for everything, and guidance, and mercy, and good news for the submitters.

Mathematical Composition of the Quran

[17:88] Say, "If all the humans and all the jinns banded together in order to produce a Quran like this, they can never produce anything like it, no matter how much assistance they lent one another." [17:89] We have cited for the people in this Quran all kinds of examples, but most people insist upon disbelieving.

[7:52] We have given them a scripture that is fully detailed, with knowledge, guidance, and mercy for the people who believe.

No Contradictions

Proof of Divine Authorship

[4:82] Why do they not study the Quran carefully? If it were from other than GOD, they would have found in it numerous contradictions.*

Quran: No Ambiguity

[39:27] We have cited for the people every kind of example in this Quran, that they may take heed. [39:28] An Arabic Quran, without any ambiguity, that they may be righteous. [39:29] GOD cites the example of a man who deals with disputing partners (Hadith), compared to a man who deals with only one consistent source (Quran). Are they the same? Praise be to GOD; most of them do not know.

[12:3] We narrate to you the most accurate history through the revelation of this Quran. Before this, you were totally unaware.

Healing and Mercy or Tool For Tyranny 

[16:67] And from the fruits of date palms and grapes you produce intoxicants, as well as good provisions. This should be (sufficient) proof for people who understand.

Healing and Mercy

[17:82] We send down in the Quran healing and mercy for the believers. At the same time, it only increases the wickedness of the transgressors.

Numerically Structured Books

[83:7] Indeed, the book of the wicked is in Sijjeen. [83:8] Do you know what Sijjeen is? [83:9] A numerically structured book. [83:10] Woe on that day to the rejectors. .. 

[83:18] Indeed, the book of the righteous will be in 'Elleyyeen. [83:19] Do you know what 'Elleyyeen is? [83:20] A numerically structured book. [83:21] To be witnessed by those close to Me. 

[10:57] O people, enlightenment has come to you herein from your Lord, and healing for anything that troubles your hearts, and guidance, and mercy for the believers.

Focus On What Is Important

[5:101] O you who believe, do not ask about matters which, if revealed to you prematurely, would hurt you. If you ask about them in light of the Quran, they will become obvious to you. GOD has deliberately overlooked them. GOD is Forgiver, Clement.

[18:22] Some would say, "They were three; their dog being the fourth," while others would say, "Five; the sixth being their dog," as they guessed. Others said, "Seven," and the eighth was their dog. Say, "My Lord is the best knower of their number." Only a few knew the correct number. Therefore, do not argue with them; just go along with them. You need not consult anyone about this.

[16:39] He will then point out to everyone all the things they had disputed, and will let those who disbelieved know that they were liars.

Ablution Is Only Four Steps

Ablution

[5:6] O you who believe, when you observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), you shall: (1) wash your faces, (2) wash your arms to the elbows, (3) wipe your heads, and (4) wash your feet to the ankles…

[6:121] Do not eat from that upon which the name of GOD has not been mentioned, for it is an abomination. The devils inspire their allies to argue with you; if you obey them, you will be idol worshipers.*

Whole Quran

[47:24] Why do they not study the Quran carefully? Do they have locks on their minds?

[4:44] Have you noted those who received a portion of the scripture, and how they choose to stray, and wish that you stray from the path?

What Nullifies Ablution

[4:43] O you who believe, do not observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) while intoxicated, so that you know what you are saying…

[5:90] O you who believe, intoxicants, and gambling, and the altars of idols, and the games of chance are abominations of the devil; you shall avoid them, that you may succeed.

Ocean’s of Ink

The Quran: Everything We Need

[18:109] Say, "If the ocean were ink for the words of my Lord, the ocean would run out, before the words of my Lord run out, even if we double the ink supply."

These Are All the Words We Need

[31:27] If all the trees on earth were made into pens, and the ocean supplied the ink, augmented by seven more oceans, the words of GOD would not run out. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise.

Be Kind To One Another

Continue on from the last podcast regarding a loan of righteousness… 

Fair vs. Kind 

[5:8] O you who believe, you shall be absolutely equitable, and observe GOD, when you serve as witnesses. Do not be provoked by your conflicts with some people into committing injustice. You shall be absolutely equitable, for it is more righteous. You shall observe GOD. GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do.

Submitters

[41:33] Who can utter better words than one who invites to GOD, works righteousness, and says, "I am one of the submitters"? [41:34] Not equal is the good response and the bad response. You shall resort to the nicest possible response. Thus, the one who used to be your enemy, may become your best friend. [41:35] None can attain this except those who steadfastly persevere. None can attain this except those who are extremely fortunate.

Traits of the Believers

[42:37] They avoid gross sins and vice, and when angered they forgive. [42:38] They respond to their Lord by observing the Contact Prayers (Salat). Their affairs are decided after due consultation among themselves, and from our provisions to them they give (to charity). [42:39] When gross injustice befalls them, they stand up for their rights. [42:40] Although the just requital for an injustice is an equivalent retribution, those who pardon and maintain righteousness are rewarded by GOD. He does not love the unjust. [42:41] Certainly, those who stand up for their rights, when injustice befalls them, are not committing any error. [42:42] The wrong ones are those who treat the people unjustly, and resort to aggression without provocation. These have incurred a painful retribution. [42:43] Resorting to patience and forgiveness reflects a true strength of character.

Don’t be a pushover - Earth will be inhabited by the meek 

Matthew 5:5 - Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Jordan Peterson

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_5:5

[5:54] O you who believe, if you revert from your religion, then GOD will substitute in your place people whom He loves and who love Him. They will be kind with the believers, stern with the disbelievers, and will strive in the cause of GOD without fear of any blame. Such is GOD's blessing; He bestows it upon whomever He wills. GOD is Bounteous, Omniscient.

[52:25] They will meet each other and reminisce among themselves. [52:26] They will say, "We used to be kind and humble among our people. [52:27] "GOD has blessed us, and has spared us the agony of ill winds. [52:28] "We used to implore Him; He is the Most Kind, Most Merciful." 

Charlie Brown & Franz Stigler

• December 20th 1943

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Brown_and_Franz_Stigler_incident 

Dehumanization

• Black vs. whites

The Only Criterion For Distinguishing Among The People

[49:13] O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant.

Quran: The Ultimate Reference

[5:48] Then we revealed to you this scripture, truthfully, confirming previous scriptures, and superseding them. You shall rule among them in accordance with GOD's revelations, and do not follow their wishes if they differ from the truth that came to you. For each of you, we have decreed laws and different rites. Had GOD willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He thus puts you to the test through the revelations He has given each of you. You shall compete in righteousness. To GOD is your final destiny—all of you—then He will inform you of everything you had disputed.

Treat Each Other Amicably

[17:53] Tell My servants to treat each other in the best possible manner, for the devil will always try to drive a wedge among them. Surely, the devil is man's most ardent enemy.

Being King Means Getting Outside Of Your Comfort Zone

[59:8] (You shall give) to the needy who immigrated. They were evicted from their homes and deprived of their properties, because they sought GOD's grace and pleasure, and because they supported GOD and His messenger. They are the truthful. [59:9] As for those who provided them with a home and a refuge, and were believers before them, they love those who immigrated to them, and find no hesitation in their hearts in helping them. In fact, they readily give them priority over themselves, even when they themselves need what they give away. Indeed, those who overcome their natural stinginess are the successful ones.

Self

[12:53] "I do not claim innocence for myself. The self is an advocate of vice, except for those who have attained mercy from my Lord. My Lord is Forgiver, Most Merciful."

60 Minutes – Saving The Children

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/saving-the-children-on-eve-of-world-war-11-60-minutes/?authenticated=1

Nicholas Winton who went to Prague, and ended up saving the lives of 669 children, mostly Jews, from almost certain death. His story begins at the end of 1938, with Europe on the brink of war. In Germany, violence against Jews was escalating and the infamous Munich Agreement paved the way for Hitler's armies to march unopposed into Czechoslovakia.

In London, Nicholas Winton had been following events and knew that refugees fleeing the Nazis were in dire straits. He went to Czechoslovakia to see if there was anything he could do to help. What's strange is that for almost 50 years, he hardly told anyone about what he had accomplished and for 50 years, the children knew nothing about who had saved them or how.

Governor & Joseph

[12:21] The one who bought him in Egypt said to his wife, "Take good care of him. Maybe he can help us, or maybe we can adopt him." We thus established Joseph on earth, and we taught him the interpretation of dreams. GOD's command is always done, but most people do not know. 

Pharaoh’s wife

[28:9] Pharaoh's wife said, "This can be a joyous find for me and you. Do not kill him, for he may be of some benefit for us, or we may adopt him to be our son." They had no idea.

Be Kind To Your Parents

Major Commandments

[17:22] You shall not set up any other god beside GOD, lest you end up despised and disgraced. [17:23] Your Lord has decreed that you shall not worship except Him, and your parents shall be honored. As long as one or both of them live, you shall never say to them, "Uff" (the slightest gesture of annoyance), nor shall you shout at them; you shall treat them amicably. [17:24] And lower for them the wings of humility, and kindness, and say, "My Lord, have mercy on them, for they have raised me from infancy." [17:25] Your Lord is fully aware of your innermost thoughts. If you maintain righteousness, He is Forgiver of those who repent.

If you want to change the world start by helping your parents with the dishes

Feeding Others – Our Instinct to Not Share Food

[22:28] They may seek commercial benefits, and they shall commemorate GOD's name during the specified days for providing them with livestock. "Eat therefrom and feed the despondent and the poor."

We do it to please God

[2:263] Kind words and compassion are better than a charity that is followed by insult. GOD is Rich, Clement.

Feed the captive

[76:8] They donate their favorite food to the poor, the orphan, and the captive. [76:9] "We feed you for the sake of GOD; we expect no reward from you, nor thanks.

Moses Watering

In Midyan

[28:22] As he traveled towards Midyan, he said, "May my Lord guide me in the right path." [28:23] When he reached Midyan's water, he found a crowd of people watering, and noticed two women waiting on the side. He said, "What is it that you need?" They said, "We are not able to water, until the crowd disperses, and our father is an old man." [28:24] He watered for them, then turned to the shade, saying, "My Lord, whatever provision You send to me, I am in dire need for it." [28:25] Soon, one of the two women approached him, shyly, and said, "My father invites you to pay you for watering for us." When he met him, and told him his story, he said, "Have no fear. You have been saved from the oppressive people." 

Abraham

You Shall Disown God's Enemies Abraham Disowned His Father

[9:113] Neither the prophet, nor those who believe shall ask forgiveness for the idol worshipers, even if they were their nearest of kin, once they realize that they are destined for Hell. [9:114] The only reason Abraham asked forgiveness for his father was that he had promised him to do so. But as soon as he realized that he was an enemy of GOD, he disowned him. Abraham was extremely kind, clement.

Roasted Calf vs. Sodom and Gomorrah

Lot & Abraham part company - I cut you choose

Summary 

[90:11] He should choose the difficult path. [90:12] Which one is the difficult path? [90:13] The freeing of slaves. [90:14] Feeding, during the time of hardship. [90:15] Orphans who are related. [90:16] Or the poor who is in need. [90:17] And being one of those who believe, and exhorting one another to be steadfast, and exhorting one another to be kind.  

Think of an investment you missed out on

• Housing provided $1T wealth in the terms of home equity to home owners in 2017

All investments at one point didn’t look so promising so they were valued low. At that time there was no guarantee that the investment would be successful so people stayed away.

There is only a single investment that we can say with absolute certainty

The Best Investment

[2:261] The example of those who spend their monies in the cause of GOD is that of a grain that produces seven spikes, with a hundred grains in each spike. GOD multiplies this manifold for whomever He wills. GOD is Bounteous, Knower.

Return = 70,000% * manifold

They say there is no such thing as a sure thing…

Preoccupation With the Wrong Life

[30:6] Such is GOD's promise—and GOD never breaks His promise—but most people do not know. [30:7] They care only about things of this world that are visible to them, while being totally oblivious to the Hereafter.

Currency in the hereafter is righteousness 

[2:197] Hajj shall be observed in the specified months.* Whoever sets out to observe Hajj shall refrain from sexual intercourse, misconduct, and arguments throughout Hajj. Whatever good you do, GOD is fully aware thereof. As you prepare your provisions for the journey, the best provision is righteousness. You shall observe Me, O you who possess intelligence.

God is the source of righteousness

[74:56] They cannot take heed against GOD's will. He is the source of righteousness; He is the source of forgiveness.

We can take a loan of righteousness and God will pay us back

[2:245] Who would lend GOD a loan of righteousness, to have it repaid to them multiplied manifold? GOD is the One who provides and withholds, and to Him you will be returned.

[57:11] Who would like to loan GOD a loan of righteousness, to have it multiplied for him manifold, and end up with a generous recompense?

[64:17] If you lend GOD a loan of righteousness, He will multiply the reward for you manifold, and forgive you. GOD is Appreciative, Clement.

God is giving us an opportunity to earn credit

[36:47] When they are told, "Give from GOD's provisions to you," those who disbelieve say to those who believe, "Why should we give to those whom GOD could feed, if He so willed? You are really far astray."

God’s resources are inexhaustible

[17:20] For each one of them we provide; we provide those and these from your Lord's bounties. Your Lord's bounties are inexhaustible.

[17:100] Proclaim, "If you possessed my Lord's treasures of mercy, you would have withheld them, fearing that you might exhaust them. The human being is stingy."

Caring only about things in this world 

[3:14] Adorned for the people are the worldly pleasures, such as the women, having children, piles upon piles of gold and silver, trained horses, livestock, and crops. These are the materials of this world. A far better abode is reserved at GOD.

[4:134] Anyone who seeks the materials of this world should know that GOD possesses both the materials of this world and the Hereafter. GOD is Hearer, Seer.

This world is an illusion

• Digital Goods - Sims / 2nd Life - would you be envious of someone who had a nice car or home in the digital world?

If we get more than we can handle we will transgress

[42:27] If GOD increased the provision for His servants, they would transgress on earth. This is why He sends it precisely measured to whomever He wills. He is fully Cognizant and Seer of His servants.

Materials of This World: All That The Disbelievers Get [43:33]

If it were not that all the people might become one (disbelieving) congregation, we would have granted everyone who disbelieves in the Most Gracious mansions with silver roofs, and stairs upon which they could climb. [43:34] Their mansions would have impressive gates, and luxurious furnishings. [43:35] Also many ornaments. All these are the temporary materials of this lowly life. The Hereafter—at your Lord—is far better for the righteous.

God's System Does Not Change

[9:69] Some of those before you were stronger than you, and possessed more money and children. They became preoccupied with their material possessions. Similarly, you have become preoccupied with your material possessions, just like those before you have become preoccupied. You have become totally heedless, just as they were heedless. Such are the people who nullify their works, both in this world and in the Hereafter; they are the losers.

Dirty money- self-justification 

Scott Tucker and payday loans in the United States. CLK Management

made loans with terms that included renewals and fees, as well as interest rates as high as 700% per year. 

Greed monopoly study

Given twice as much money, can roll two dice as opposed to one dice, has the nice car as opposed to the shoe, when pass go gets to collect $200 while the other person gets to collect $100

Even though one player was randomly selected to be rigged to win the game when they asked why they won they said because I deserved to win. They start attributing their success to their own skills and talents and become less in tuned with the circumstantial events that allowed them to win

Qaroon

Qãroon

[28:76] Qãroon (the slave driver) was one of Moses' people who betrayed them and oppressed them. We gave him so many treasures that the keys thereof were almost too heavy for the strongest band. His people said to him, "Do not be so arrogant; GOD does not love those who are arrogant.

[28:77] "Use the provisions bestowed upon you by GOD to seek the abode of the Hereafter, without neglecting your share in this world. Be charitable, as GOD has been charitable towards you. Do not keep on corrupting the earth. GOD does not love the corruptors."

Stinginess & Extravagant

[17:26] You shall give the due alms to the relatives, the needy, the poor, and the traveling alien, but do not be excessive, extravagant. [17:27] The extravagant are brethren of the devils, and the devil is unappreciative of his Lord.

Stinginess Condemned

[17:29] You shall not keep your hand stingily tied to your neck, nor shall you foolishly open it up, lest you end up blamed and sorry.

[28:78] He said, "I attained all this because of my own cleverness." Did he not realize that GOD had annihilated before him generations that were much stronger than he, and greater in number? The (annihilated) transgressors were not asked about their crimes.

[28:79] One day, he came out to his people in full splendor. Those who preferred this worldly life said, "Oh, we wish that we possess what Qãroon has attained. Indeed, he is very fortunate."

The Real Wealth

[28:80] As for those who were blessed with knowledge, they said, "Woe to you, GOD's recompense is far better for those who believe and lead a righteous life." None attains this except the steadfast.

The Tyrants' Inevitable Fate

[28:81] We then caused the earth to swallow him and his mansion. No army could have helped him against GOD; he was not destined to be a winner.

[28:82] Those who were envious of him the day before said, "Now we realize that GOD is the One who provides for whomever He chooses from among His servants, and withholds. If it were not for GOD's grace towards us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us too. We now realize that the disbelievers never succeed."

Owners of the Garden

Property as an Idol*

[18:32] Cite for them the example of two men: we gave one of them two gardens of grapes, surrounded by date palms, and placed other crops between them.

[18:33] Both gardens produced their crops on time, and generously, for we caused a river to run through them.

[18:34] Once, after harvesting, he boastfully told his friend: "I am far more prosperous than you, and I command more respect from the people."

[18:35] When he entered his garden, he wronged his soul by saying, "I do not think that this will ever end.

[18:36] "Moreover, I think this is it; I do not think that the Hour (the Hereafter) will ever come to pass. Even if I am returned to my Lord, I will (be clever enough to) possess an even better one over there."

[18:37] His friend said to him, as he debated with him, "Have you disbelieved in the One who created you from dust, then from a tiny drop, then perfected you into a man?

[18:38] "As for me, GOD is my Lord, and I will never set up any other god besides my Lord.

Important Commandment

[18:39] "When you entered your garden, you should have said, 'This is what GOD has given me (Mã Shã Allãh). No one possesses power except GOD (Lã Quwwata Ellã Bellãh).' You may see that I possess less money and less children than you.

[18:40] "My Lord may grant me better than your garden. He may send a violent storm from the sky that wipes out your garden, leaving it completely barren.

[18:41] "Or, its water may sink deeper, out of your reach."

[18:42] Indeed, his crops were wiped out, and he ended up sorrowful, lamenting what he had spent on it in vain, as his property lay barren. He finally said, "I wish I never set up my property as a god beside my Lord."

[18:43] No force on earth could have helped him against GOD, nor was it possible for him to receive any help.

[18:44] That is because the only true Lord and master is GOD; He provides the best recompense, and with Him is the best destiny.

[18:45] Cite for them the example of this life as water that we send down from the sky to produce plants of the earth, then they turn into hay that is blown away by the wind. GOD is able to do all things.

Rearranging Our Priorities

[18:46] Money and children are the joys of this life, but the righteous works provide an eternal recompense from your Lord, and a far better hope.

[18:47] The day will come when we wipe out the mountains, and you will see the earth barren. We will summon them all, not leaving out a single one of them.

[18:48] They will be presented before your Lord in a row. You have come to us as individuals, just as we created you initially. Indeed, this is what you claimed will never happen.

[18:49] The record will be shown, and you will see the guilty fearful of its contents. They will say, "Woe to us. How come this book leaves nothing, small or large, without counting it?" They will find everything they had done brought forth. Your Lord is never unjust towards anyone.

Preoccupation With This Life Condemned

[57:20] Know that this worldly life is no more than play and games, and boasting among you, and hoarding of money and children. It is like abundant rain that produces plants and pleases the disbelievers. But then the plants turn into useless hay, and are blown away by the wind. In the Hereafter there is either severe retribution, or forgiveness from GOD and approval. This worldly life is no more than a temporary illusion. 

How to not let greed get the best of us? Pick the difficult path…

[90:10] Did we not show him the two paths?

[90:11] He should choose the difficult path.

[90:12] Which one is the difficult path?

[90:13] The freeing of slaves.

[90:14] Feeding, during the time of hardship.

[90:15] Orphans who are related.

[90:16] Or the poor who is in need.

[90:17] And being one of those who believe, and exhorting one another to be steadfast, and exhorting one another to be kind.

[90:18] These have deserved happiness.

God makes the difficult Easy

[65:4] As for the women who have reached menopause, if you have any doubts, their interim shall be three months. As for those who do not menstruate, and discover that they are pregnant, their interim ends upon giving birth. Anyone who reverences GOD, He makes everything easy for him.

[65:5] This is GOD's command that He sends down to you. Anyone who reverences GOD, He remits his sins, and rewards him generously.

[65:7] The rich husband shall provide support in accordance with his means, and the poor shall provide according to the means that GOD bestowed upon him. GOD does not impose on any soul more than He has given it. GOD will provide ease after difficulty. 

Fair Weather & Bad Weather Friends

Need to believe the thesis both during the good times and bad 

Fair Weather Friends

[29:10] Among the people there are those who say, "We believe in GOD," but as soon as they suffer any hardship because of GOD, they equate the people's persecution with GOD's retribution. But if blessings from your Lord come your way, they say, "We were with you." Is GOD not fully aware of the people's innermost thoughts? 

Bad Weather Friends

[17:67] If you are afflicted in the middle of the sea, you forget your idols and sincerely implore Him alone. But as soon as He saves you to the shore, you revert. Indeed, the human being is unappreciative.

[31:32] When violent waves surround them, they implore GOD, sincerely devoting their prayers to Him alone. But as soon as He saves them to the shore, some of them revert. None discards our revelations except those who are betrayers, unappreciative. 

[89:15] When the human being is tested by his Lord, through blessings and joy, he says, "My Lord is generous towards me." [89:16] But if He tests him through reduction in provisions, he says, "My Lord is humiliating me!" [89:17] Wrong! It is you who brought it on yourselves by not regarding the orphan. [89:18] And not advocating charity towards the poor. [89:19] And consuming the inheritance of helpless orphans. [89:20] And loving the money too much.

[56:10] Then there is the elite of the elite. [56:11] They are those who will be closest (to God). [56:12] In the gardens of bliss. [56:13] Many from the first generations.* [56:14] Few from the later generations. 

Howard Marks, CFA, is the Co-Chairman of Oaktree Capital: "In the search for market inefficiencies, it helps to get to a market early, before it becomes understood, popular and respectable. There’s nothing like playing in an “easy game” – an inefficient asset class – where the other investors are few in number, ill-informed or biased negatively. That’s far easier than trying to be the smartest person in a game that everyone understands and is eager to play."