[meridiasas]

I was going through some videos on youtube and I found an interesting claim by some Atheists that the best way to become an Atheist (assuming that you were Christian) would be -- to read the Bible cover to cover.

Now this claim is interesting because the Bible does have its weak points being a skewed and translated misinterpretation due to the years of people changing the original word of God. True enough.

But would this claim have an effect if somebody read (as in actually read to understand not recite it like a parrot) the Qur'an cover to cover? I am currently undertaking this endeavor because I believe this book is in fact the word of Allah. It will take me some time to finish the book, of course, especially since its not an easy read to say the least.

I wanted to inquire those of you who read (again, read not recite -- read with understanding of the words and meanings) the entire Qur'an cover to cover and your experience from doing so.

Were there parts that you found surprising? Unsettling? Inspiring?
Are there parts that challenged your faith in the book's Divinity, if any of course, and what were they?
What chapters made stand out as parts that make you stop and think?

I am interested in your experiences and look forward to your personal experiences.

[Attarderb]

Salam,

I think it depends on who you are and what you are like on how the Quran would affect you. The Bible has some serious issues and everyone knows that. The Quran although i have had some moments where i thought what? about a verse, usually the context and the tafsir clears it up.

The Quran has some amazingly inspiring verses and some really strong verses which have the most amazing similes I have ever read. For example the Quran talking about this life and how we collect material things, the Quran says "it is like plants when they grow and then a storm destroys them and it is flat dead earth..." (Not exact words), explaining perfectly how futile collecting material goods really is.

It talks about arrogance and says "the arrogant walk on the earth with a high head, acting arrogant, how do they know the earth won't swallow them up?" (Again not exact words), amazing verse on the arrogant.


It's important not to jump to your own conclusions about verses you do not understand. Just like you wouldn't jump to conclusions about a medical issue on your own judgement. Before we doubt we have to make sure we have asked the expert. Logic. We are all guilty of this.

The Quran changes to make it more personal to the reader, so brilliantly. It says "He is There, so ask ME..." It has verses saying "We" and then will change to "I" in the middle of a verse, showing the personal touch of that part.

The Arabic alone is amazing on it's own, but obviously a person who cannot speak Arabic like me cannot appreciate this.


Some other inspiring verses from the Quran:

"Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: ‘My Lord! bestow on them Thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood' "(17:23-24).

"No matter where you may be, death is going to reach you, even if you are in fortified towers..."

"When anyone greets you in a courteous manner, let your greetings be better that his- or at least return the same, Allah keeps account of everything."

and one of my personal favourites "Why don't you stop the soul from leaving your body, if you are truthful (in unbelieving)" (Not exact words).


So no I don't think the Quran can turn you into an Atheist.

[PriniMai]

I was going through some videos on youtube and I found an interesting claim by some Atheists that the best way to become an Atheist (assuming that you were Christian) would be -- to read the Bible cover to cover.

Now this claim is interesting because the Bible does have its weak points being a skewed and translated misinterpretation due to the years of people changing the original word of God. True enough.

But would this claim have an effect if somebody read (as in actually read to understand not recite it like a parrot) the Qur'an cover to cover? I am currently undertaking this endeavor because I believe this book is in fact the word of Allah. It will take me some time to finish the book, of course, especially since its not an easy read to say the least.

I wanted to inquire those of you who read (again, read not recite -- read with understanding of the words and meanings) the entire Qur'an cover to cover and your experience from doing so.

Were there parts that you found surprising? Unsettling? Inspiring?
Are there parts that challenged your faith in the book's Divinity, if any of course, and what were they?
What chapters made stand out as parts that make you stop and think?

I am interested in your experiences and look forward to your personal experiences.

They only say this because they were already leftist/marxist idiots before. So anything that contradicts their worldview is automatically wrong to them, regardless.

They aren't approaching these books objectively to start with.

[RicardoHun]

I was going through some videos on youtube and I found an interesting claim by some Atheists that the best way to become an Atheist (assuming that you were Christian) would be -- to read the Bible cover to cover.

Now this claim is interesting because the Bible does have its weak points being a skewed and translated misinterpretation due to the years of people changing the original word of God. True enough.

But would this claim have an effect if somebody read (as in actually read to understand not recite it like a parrot) the Qur'an cover to cover? I am currently undertaking this endeavor because I believe this book is in fact the word of Allah. It will take me some time to finish the book, of course, especially since its not an easy read to say the least.

I wanted to inquire those of you who read (again, read not recite -- read with understanding of the words and meanings) the entire Qur'an cover to cover and your experience from doing so.

Were there parts that you found surprising? Unsettling? Inspiring?
Are there parts that challenged your faith in the book's Divinity, if any of course, and what were they?
What chapters made stand out as parts that make you stop and think?

I am interested in your experiences and look forward to your personal experiences.

If one turns away from the Quran, then there is a high probality to turn into an ape minded atheist.

[Draftcasino.com]

What? Don't a lot of people read at least a juz a day? I've read the (translation) of the Quran Sharif cover to cover numerous times and it only strengthened my Islam .

[fuslkdhfma]

You are assuming that the "Bible" we have today was ever actually the word of "God". I don't believe that it ever was. It's just a collection of folk tales, anecdotes, and object lessons, with a bit of hearsay about actual scriptures sprinkled in for good measure.

I grew up on that book. I have read it cover to cover. I know what I'm talking about. If you follow it, that book will mess you up Akhi.

[masterso]

I haven't studied the Qur'an in a scholarly fashion but I have read the Sahih international translation of the Qur'an from beginning to end. Did it surprise me? Yes, I was intrigued by the beauty and wisdom of the Qur'an, even in the English language. The way certain things are repeated over and over again, the way advice is given (especially in surah Luqman) and the dialogues (especially between Musa (as) and Fir'awn).

In the end, it only strengthened my iman (faith)

Also, I've listened to the tafseer of the last Juz (last 36 surahs) of the Qur'an, and it absolutely blew me away.
You can look them up on youtube, tafseer by Nouman Ali Khan.

[Eromaveabeara]

You are assuming that the "Bible" we have today was ever actually the word of "God". I don't believe that it ever was. It's just a collection of folk tales, anecdotes, and object lessons, with a bit of hearsay about actual scriptures sprinkled in for good measure.

I grew up on that book. I have read it cover to cover. I know what I'm talking about. If you follow it, that book will mess you up Akhi.

Salam Aleykum,

Are you a convert? I'd like to hear more from you.

[masterso]

I agree with brother kuffs, The Qur'an has an amazing way of talking about certain things.

For example, on the vastness of Hell, Allah says:
"On the Day We will say to Hell, "Have you been filled?" and it will say, "Are there more?" (50:30)

On Charity:
‘The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of God is that of a grain, out of which grow seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains.’
(al-Baqarah 2: 261)

On day and night:
"do not you see that Allah merges Night into Day and He merges Day into Night; that He has subjected the sun and the moon , each running its course for a term appointed; and that Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do?" (31:29).
"He wraps the night over the day and wraps the day over the night and has subjected the sun and the moon" (39:5)


Surah Rahman is one the most beautiful surah's in the Qur'an, in that it repeats the same verse 31 times throughout the whole surah. "So which of the favors of your lord would you deny" (55:13)

I can give you hundreds of more examples, but I'll stop here.

[interbaoui]

The big difference between Muslims and non-Muslims is that almost every Muslim has at least heard or read the Qur'an from start to finish once in his or her life and some Muslims are Arabs or understand Arabic perfectly, yet you do not see mass apostasy by Arabic-speaking Muslims, whereas you see mass apostasy by Christians, leaving for other religions or taking the easy way out to Atheism.

Also, the Qur'an is one of the things that attracts non-Muslims to Islam. It has been doing so before it was even completely revealed, with Umar trying to wipe out Islam to being one of its greatest warriors and leaders after hearing just a few verses from it.

It is rare to see people who become Christians citing the Bible as the reason for their conversion. That is because the Bible of today cannot be considered preserved revelation, having been through dozens if not hundreds of editors and authors.

[fuslkdhfma]

Salam Aleykum,

Are you a convert? I'd like to hear more from you.

Yes. Although I know some people prefer the term "revert" instead, it's all the same to me.

I see your username starts with "Tripoly". Are you from Libya akhi? If so how are things there?

[Enliseell]

Yes. Although I know some people prefer the term "revert" instead, it's all the same to me.

I see your username starts with "Tripoly". Are you from Libya akhi? If so how are things there?

MashaAllah good to hear that. Hope your are doing fine.

P.s. He is actually from the other 'Tripoly' in Lebanon. I too made the same mistake before once.

[fuslkdhfma]

MashaAllah good to hear that. Hope your are doing fine.

P.s. He is actually from the other 'Tripoly' in Lebanon. I too made the same mistake before once.

I'm doing well. Thanks akhi. I pray that you are as well.

I didn't know there was a Tripoli/Tripoly in Lebanon! I learn something new every time I visit this forum.

[phinno13]

There are some people who read the Book of ALLAH (alQur'an) and become closer to ALLAH.
There are also others who read the Qur'an but lead them further away.

ALLAH swt guides whomsoever He wills and lead astray whomsoever He wills.

"Alif Laam Miim. This is the Book (the Qur'ân), whereof there is no doubt, a guidance for those who have taqwa" - alBaqarah ayaat 1&2

wallaahu a'lam.

[pesty4077]

There are verses concerning "inheritance" (Faraa'idh) whose translation I found a bit hard to read, because it's a lot of math and divisions. This much for that person, this much for this person, your dad gets so much, your aunt gets this portion etc. Even Imam Ghazali (ra) mentioned in his Ihya' that people who are sensitive and inspired by the verses on inheritance are extremely rare.

Inheritance is without doubt very important, but sometimes important things are, quite unavoidably, dull. Fara'idh was my least favourite subject at school. I very much preferred to read about Munakahat.

But no, the Qur'an won't turn me atheist. The Book is not uniform, that's all. It's like life, some parts are unavoidable and important although a bit dull.

[nursopoutaras]

No.
(That is the answer to the OP. Sorry for chipping-in inspite of the fact that the question has been answered multiple times.)

Now let us have a chit chat. In Surah Baqarah we have:

2. This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah.

3. Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them;

4. And who believe in the Revelation sent to thee, and sent before thy time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter.

5. They are on (true) guidance, from their Lord, and it is these who will prosper.

The least we can conclude from here is that Allah(SWT) will guide (and not misguide) those who have any one of the attributes listed above. Fearing Allah. Who believe in unseen. Who are steadfast in Prayers. Spend out of what Allah(SWT) has given them. Who believe in Qur'an. (Gotcha - brother you are there for you said that you are reading it as a book from Allah(SWT). And mind you I am not discounting you at any of the other points.) Who believe in revelations sent before. (You see even Jewish and Christians will be guided to Islam - only if they'll open this book.) Those who are sure of hereafter.

This is a list of at least seven attributes. Then at other places there are other attributes - Allah(SWT) will guide those also who possess anyone of them.

And if we refer to Verse 7 above we realize that such people are already on guidance! Sub-han Allah!

And then there is the experience of reading the words of Allah (SWT) who loves us most. When you read it then your experience starts falling into place like a jigsaw puzzle. What an experience!

And all praise is due to our Lord Most High.

[Eujacwta]

They only say this because they were already leftist/marxist idiots before. So anything that contradicts their worldview is automatically wrong to them, regardless.

They aren't approaching these books objectively to start with.

lol this hits the nail on the head in so many cases

[Eujacwta]

Recite unto them the tale of him to whom We gave Our revelations,

but he sloughed them off,

so Satan overtook him and he became of those who lead astray.

( سورة الأعراف Surah Al-Araf verse175 (Pickthall)

the question reminds me of this verse

and also this one

Hast thou seen him who maketh his desire his god,

and Allah sendeth him astray purposely,

and sealeth up his hearing and his heart,

and setteth on his sight a covering?

Then who will lead him after Allah (hath condemned him)?

Will ye not then heed?

( سورة الجاثية Surah Al-Jathiya verse 23 (Pickthall)

[WrinnaArraple]

I think there's a problem with the language, not the content. I'll be honest. I'm a very English-minded person. To read a translation of the Qur'an as-is with no background knowledge whatsoever (like a non-Muslim or a Muslim who knows nothing) would probably turn me off. The English sounds kind of strange if you don't know what the original Arabic is supposed to be like.

But this has never happened to me. I've been inspired countless times just stumbling around into random verses. The impact of it kind of does carry over somewhat if you know how to read it. When I read additional context, like the Ma'ariful Qur'an for example, it just completely blows me away.

I'm not sure how to put it... but if you don't know that the Qur'an is in "classical Arabic", that it has its own style of Arabic which is not like normal speech or prose yet rhymes anyway. Once you understand that "style" then understanding the translation can be easier because you look past the literal arrangement of words to the meaning. There should be some kind of small guide to introduce new people to the Qur'an like this.

That said I'm still amazed by the number of non-Muslims who turn to Islam just from reading these barebones literal translations. The text is amazing. Even if the wording can seem weird in a different language people can still sense the nature of what they're reading.

One thing which works for me is reading verses on Islamawakened.com (where they have all English translations lined up).

[nursopoutaras]

One thing which works for me is reading verses on Islamawakened.com (where they have all English translations lined up). Good arrangement.
I've been inspired countless times just stumbling around into random verses. It is just like spaceship docking. Words of our Lord Most High fit perfectly with our psyche.