The Beautiful Names of the Quran

The Beautiful Names of the Quran- Islamic Culture

In recent times, much has been written, discussed and debated about the beautiful names and attributes of Allah (swt), both in the form of articles and talks. However, one thing which is rarely discussed is the various names and meanings of the Glorious Qur'an itself, which Allah (swt) Himself has attributed to His Kitab.

In this blessed month of Ramadhan, when the dry fasting lips and tongues of the believing men and women are in constant engagement in the recitation of the verses of the Qur'an, it is an ideal moment to take a step back and contemplate about the unique names of the Glorious Qur'an as well as unravelling the deep meanings that these names allude to.

Indeed, there is immense reward for the believers in the contemplation of these beautiful names and meanings of the Qur'an. This is similar to the reward gained in contemplating about the universe and its existence, which leads to the inevitable revering and worshipping of the Omnipotent Creator.

It is in this light that I wish to briefly discuss some selected names and meanings of the Qur'an ul Kareem so as to make the readers think beyond the apparent meanings of these names, and focus and reflect on the essence of the terms used by Allah (swt) to describe His Kitab, and its wider implications for the Muslims in their endeavour to worship Allah (swt).

To begin with, one of the most obvious points to mentions is that Allah (swt) refers to His Qur'an asKalamullah (Word of Allah), as in the following ayah from Surah At-Taubah:

'And if anyone of the Mushrikun seeks your protection then grant him protection, so that he may hear the Word of Allah (Qur'an), and then escort him to where he can be secure, that is because they are men who know not.'

It is a sad reality that many Muslims today just give lip service to this term. Many are quick to acknowledge the Qur'an as the Word of Allah, but show little manifestation in living it. If a Muslim deeply reflects on the magnitude of this statement, he would realise that this Kitab is like no other book in history, as this is the very sacred words of Allah (swt), the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, which has been communicated to mankind via His Messenger Muhammad (saw). In it there is salvation for mankind who choose to follow and live a pious and obedient life fulfilling their duties towards their Lord.

In other parts of the Qur'an Allah (swt) describes His Kitab as Al-Huda (the guidence). In Surah Al-Imran Allah (swt) says:

'This (the Qur'an) is a plain statement for mankind, a guidance and instruction to those who are Al-Muttaqun (the pious).' (Al-Imran: 2)

In numerous ayats Allah (swt) describes this Qur'an as guidance for mankind. In it are the solutions to life's problems both in the dunya and the akhira. If this Qur'an is taken as the basis of our lives then we will see a profound and radical change in the society around us. The Qur'an will fulfil its guidance for mankind in every sphere of our lives, and it will bring about the necessary divine intervention in the political and socio-economics of the society we live in. It is only then that we will truly appreciate and witness the noor (sacred light) of the Qur'an spreading over the world with itsrahma (mercy) and huda (guidance).

In another part of the Qur'an, Allah (swt) describes His Qur'an in the most amazing manner by metaphorically referring to it as the Ruh (the Book which gives life to faith).

'And thus We have sent to you (Oh Muhammad) Ruhan of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, not what is faith? But We have made it (this Qur'an) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you are indeed guiding (mankind) to the straight path.'  (Ash-Shura: 52).

If one analyses and reflects on the use of this term, then he would realise the striking resemblance that has been made with the ruh of human beings i.e. secret of life. Just as mankind is nothing without the presence of the ruh (secret of life) in the body, likewise, the believers would have no purpose in life without the ruh of the Qur'an. The believers devoid of this guidance could be likened to a rock or a stone without any life or purpose. It is just present amongst the many other countless matter devoid of this spirit of life and a purpose for which to live for.

Another beautiful name by which Allah (swt) describes His Kitab is by the use of the term Shifa' (healing/cure). In Surah Yunus Allah (swt) mentions:

'Oh mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord (i.e. the Qur'an), and a healing for that (disease of ignorance) in your breasts, a guidance and a mercy for the believers.' (Yunus: 57)

The prophet Muhammad (saw) said in a hadith reported by Imams Bukhari and Muslim,

'In the body, there is a piece of flesh, if it is good, the whole body is good, and if it is bad, the whole body is bad; truly it is the heart.'

Islam has placed the deeds of the heart much higher than then deeds of the limbs. The heart is the essence of the human being and is the ultimate deciding entity of man's righteousness or corruption. This is why in Islam the action of the believer would be futile without the correct intention. Those who tread the path of ignorance and transgress the limits set by Allah (swt) will have a disease in their hearts, which can potentially cause their spiritual death. It is only through the embracing of the verses of the Qur'an and its application in the hearts and limbs, would the believers find a healing and remedy for their spiritual disease, leading to the path of guidance.

If the hearts and limbs are not inclined towards Allah and His Messenger through the beautiful zikr(remembrance) of the Qur'an, then Allah (swt) reminds mankind of the stern consequences of their rejection of faith and their subsequent evil deeds. Allah (swt) uses An-Nadhir (warner) to describe the Qur'an so as to warn the kafiroon (disbelievers), munafiqoon (hypocrites) and the fasiqoon(sinners) of what awaits them for their constant indulgent of sin and kufr.

'Good tidings and a warning. But most of them turn away so that they hear not.' (Fussilat: 4)

Indeed, those who indulge in the disobedience and rejection of the Message of the Lord of the worlds will face the punishment of the hereafter by being thrown into the hellfire.

The only path of salvation for mankind is in the acceptance of the Islamic faith and the complete submission to the will of Allah (swt). It requires the believers to adopt the shariah as their code of conduct in life's affairs. Indeed, Allah (swt) refers to the Qur'an as Al-Furqan (the criterion of judgement). In Surah Al-Furqan, He (swt) says:

'Blessed be He who sent down the criterion (of right and wrong i.e. this Qur'an) to His slave (Muhammad) that he may be a warner to the 'Alamin (mankind and jinns).' (Al-Furqan: 1)

The Arabic word 'Al-Furqan' literally means 'that which distinguishes between right and wrong'. Allah's (swt) revelation and expression of His will, is certainly, the true standard of right and wrong. The Qur'an distinguishes between good and evil, between truth and falsehood, and between knowledge and ignorance. It demands that the believers follow the commands of their Lord, by following the ahkam shariah in all aspects of their lives, by abstaining from the haram (forbidden) and fulfilling the faraid (obligations), as well as enjoining the good and forbidding the evil.

Al-Furqan reminds us of the ayat in Surah Al-Zalzalah, where Allah (swt) says:

'So whoever does an atom's weight of good shall see it. And whoever does an atom's weight of evil shall see it.' (Zalzalah: 7-8)

Lastly, I would like to remind the sincere believers that by fulfilling their covenant with Allah (swt) it will result in the manifestation of goodness both in this life and the hereafter. Allah (swt) refers to His Qur'an as Bushra (glad tidings) because of the sheer volume of good news it contains. The Qur'an gives good news about forgiveness, about the achievement of salvation and about life in paradise. All it requires is for the followers to submit themselves to this Qur'an and emulate the footstep of the Prophet of Allah (saw) by becoming a living Qur'an both in speech and deed.

'Say (oh Muhammad) Ruh-ul-Qudus (jibreel) has brought it (Qur'an) down from your Lord with truth, that it may make firm and strengthen those who believe as a guidance and glad tidings to those who have submitted.' (An-Nahl: 102).

Abu Safiyyah

Allahalone rewards those who fast

"And it is reported from [the Prophet] – Allah bless him and grant him peace – that he said: 'Every action from the son of Adam is multiplied [s: in its reward]. Every good action has the likes of ten rewards or multiplied up to seven hundred times. Allah [Mighty and Exalted is He] then said: Except for fasting. It is for me and I alone reward it. A person abandons both his desires and his food because of me…'[1] [...] In Allah's saying – Mighty and Exalted is He 'except for fasting. It is for me and I alone reward it. A person abandons both their desires and their food because of me', there is an ascription made to Himself that is an ascription of ennoblement (idafat tashrif) and no ostentation (riya') enters into it because it is in secret and because hunger and thirst is not a means of drawing near to any king on this earth nor any idol. And Allah saying, 'I alone reward it' is the case only if the person remains constant in all acts of worship. Its meaning is: it has immense reward because Allah alone is the one who grants that favour [...] and [Allah] saying, 'a person abandons both his desires and his food because of me' means: when a person prefers obeying [s: and worshipping] Allah over and above obeying his own desires, even when the desires are so strong and one's whims are overpowering, Allah will reward that person by granting it Himself. So, whoever prefers Allah, Allah prefers him and Allah is with His servants as He is with Himself. Therefore, whoever desires to commit acts of disobedience but then abandons it out of fear of Allah, Allah then commands the angel: 'write down a reward for him because he abandoned the agitations of his desire for my sake',[2] i.e. because of me…"[3]

Ustadh ibn Kemaludeen al-Hanafi

CENTRAL AND EASTERN AFRICA: IRIN weekly humanitarian round-up 668 1 February 2013

	humanitarian news and analysis a service of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Table of contents 1. The poverty of the DRC's gold miners 2. Analysis: Small steps to land reform in eastern DRC 3. Uganda begins rollout of provider-initiated HIV testing 4. DRC considers cholera vaccination The poverty of the DRC's gold miners IGA-BARRIER, 29 January 2013 (IRIN) - There is no refuge from the blistering heat at this artisanal gold mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Any trees that might have provided shade have been consumed by the mine, which covers an area the size of five or six football fields. Read report online Analysis: Small steps to land reform in eastern DRC KINSATI, 29 January 2013 (IRIN) - Shukuru Rudahunga keeps a wary eye on the steep slope above her as she weeds her patch of sorghum in the eastern province of North Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); she knows the risks are deadly. Read report online Uganda begins rollout of provider-initiated HIV testing KAMPALA, 30 January 2013 (PlusNews) - All people who seek treatment in health centres in Uganda will be offered HIV testing and counselling under a new plan to increase access to HIV prevention and treatment. Read report online DRC considers cholera vaccination KINSHASA, 31 January 2013 (IRIN) - Health experts, including those from the UN World Health Organization (WHO) and Medicines Sans Frontiers (MSF), are considering introducing immunization campaigns as a way of dealing with cholera in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the disease is endemic. Read report online

Somaliland: MP’s Husband Passes Away

Somaliland: MP's Husband Passes Away

Inaa Lilaahi Wa Inaa Ilayhi RaajicuunMP Baar Saeed loses spouse By: Latifa Yusuf Masai HARGEISA (Somalilandsun) – The death has occurred of late Saeed Elmi Horri in the capital Hargeisa. King Mohamed Nuh, Mr Hussein Mohamed Ali, Mr Ismail Hussein Farjar and Ambassador Abdirizaq Ahmed Toor have extended condolences to Honourable Baar Saeed on the occasion of the death of her husband, the late  Saeed Elmi Horri. While praying to Allah for succour to the soul of the departed King Mohamed Nuh asked MP Baar Saeed to grief for her departed husband with grace while promising support to her children and family. Late Saeed Elmi Horri will be remembered for the support both moral and material that he unwaveringly gave towards the political ambitions of his wife Ms Baar Saeed who is currently the only female member of the Somaliland House of Representatives. The late Saeed Elmi who was engaged in spearheading development of rural communities will also be remembered for the various projects he initiated in his native Sanaag region and Erigavo town.

Somaliland: Somalia’s International Recognition: So What Does That Now Mean for Somaliland?

Somaliland: Somalia's International Recognition: So What Does That Now Mean for Somaliland?

Fighters display date of US recognition of Somalia, termed Bad OmenBy: Ramaa Reddy Raghavan Somalilandsun - Somalia, located in the Horn of Africa, has for years been plagued with problems of instability, piracy and extremism. But on January 18, after about two decades without formal relations, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton officially recognized the government of Somalia, for having turned itself around. For Somalia, this is wonderful news, but what does this statement mean for Somaliland, an unrecognized state, located in the northern tip of Somalia, that declared its independence from Somalia in 1991? The country is a fledgling democracy which has its own constitution, held peaceful elections, opened schools and universities, established a central bank that prints its own currency and has its own security mechanism. Karthik Pottipatti, 24, an Indian American graduate of Claremont Mckenna College in politics and winner of a German fellowship to study economics at the Freie Universitaet, Berlin, spent six months last year teaching at the University of Hargeisa -- Somaliland's flagship public University. Karthik is currently studying law at Harvard University. His experience living, working and traveling, with a military style canvas duffle bag, has shed light on a country which he describes as a peaceful forward thinking Islamic democracy. I interviewed Karthik about his experience and the following is an excerpt of the interview: So why did you decide to go to Somaliland? I was interested and curious about Somaliland because it's a functioning democracy without any interference or influence from the west. The country has built democratic institutions without having a modern history of democracy. What did you teach at the University of Hargeisa and what was your experience like? Under the foreign teacher's program, I taught English and Economics to freshmen, sophomores and juniors. There are more than 1500 students enrolled in bachelor degree programs at the University of Hargeisa. The school runs a comprehensive program, including the important task of training the countries medical doctors. But unfortunately the university does not compare when it comes to faculty or facilities or resources for students. This is not for lack of effort but more of a reality of living in an area where resources are very limited, and where international recognition limits how much assistance they can get from other universities and other governmental and non-governmental organizations. You speak about Somaliland's lack of recognition. How does that impact the students? Since the country is unrecognized there are not many international scholarship programs available for these students. Personally this is a shame as Somaliland is a democracy just like ours and there are a few students I felt who could take advantage of an education in the U.S. or Europe. For a country where the educational infrastructure is being built from the ground up, it is important for students to go to other countries and learn best practices and bring it back to Somaliland. The country needs professionals -- from well-trained economists who can run the central bank, and design an Islamic banking system that is conducive to growth and investment, to medical professionals who can educate the next generation of doctors in the country. Secondly, the lack of recognition serves as a disincentive for other organizations to make partnerships with universities within Somaliland. This has effected the University of Hargeisa as it is currently not internationally accredited. Somaliland was completely destroyed when Said Barre's forces bombed the country during the civil war. When the war ended in the early 90's the country had to rebuild from scratch. The intellectual community that fled Somaliland prior to the war left a void that now needs to be filled. Maybe the international community is weary of getting involved because of the security situation in Somaliland? What was your experience there like? Somaliland is mainly a stable country, and all foreigners must live with security personnel. We had guards living with us in the house, but this did not deter me from going on runs in the morning with my colleagues. I did not feel that we were in danger and this has a lot to do with the Somaliland government's interest in keeping at bay terrorist groups like the Al Shabab, which was an active force in southern Somalia (the Shabab is a militant group that has ties to al-Qaeda). Somaliland has been vigilant in fighting the Shabab. And this is not just the police. Ordinary Somaliland citizens recognize that the Shabab is a dangerous and intolerant group. Because the country is clan based, outsiders are immediately spotted and the Somaliland police work with NGO's to eliminate the threat. What was your experience living in a Muslim country? Were you under pressure to convert to Islam? I had to dress conservatively in business casual clothes. In a Muslim country there is less freedom in what you can do and in expressing yourself. They did encourage me to convert but I never felt pressured to convert as they don't believe in forced conversions to Islam. Somaliland is a testament to capitalism. You can find things here from the U.S., China and India. When we talk of Islam and democracy, many times we feel these are odds with each other. But here is a country that has generated a working democracy by itself. Soon after Karthik left Somaliland, the foreign teachers program was closed. After hearing of Somalia's recognition he said, "This is an opportunity for us to re-examine our policy towards Somaliland and hopefully recognize the sovereignty of an independent Muslim democracy in Africa". Source: huffingtonpost Follow Ramaa Reddy Raghavan on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ramaredrag

Somaliland Security Services Arrest Six Suspects With Links To Al-Shabab

Somaliland Security Services Arrest Six Suspects With Links To Al-Shabab


Hargeisa,(Qaran news)-The Somaliland Security Services have arrested on Friday six suspects with alleged links or ties to Al-Shabab. The six include the brother of the head of Al-Shabab Ahmed Abdi Godane.

According to reliable sources two other individuals were arrested as they left their local Masjid after Friday prayers whilst another individual was arrested on the main control check-point in the eastern district of Hargeisa.

Sources also confirm that another individual was arrested in Berbera. According to reliable sources this particular individual had join Al-Shabab during then subsequently defected to the security forces and then re-defected again back to Al-Shabab.

Meanwhile the head of the Somaliland Security Services Jama Mohamed Botan departed for an unspecified trip to Ethiopia. Prior to his departure, Jama Mohamed sacked the head of the Hargeisa office of the Security Services, Muhsin Aw-Ali.

The Head of the Somaliland Security Services is expected to meet with UK counterparts in Ethiopia in order to discuss areas of mutual co-operation.

All in all, the arrests of these six individuals clearly shows that the Somaliland government is taking all necessary measures to combat terrorism and assure its friends across the globe that the stability and security country is in good hand.

President Silaanyo Award Ranks To Somaliland Forces

President Silaanyo Award Ranks To Somaliland Forces


Hargeisa- The Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud "Silaanyo" has officially awarded military ranks to the Somaliland Forces.

In a move that had been anticipated widely in Somaliland, and which formed a part of Kulmiye's campaign pledges prior to the presidential elections in 2010, the president awarded 12 seniors officers their rank insignia.

The officers included all heads of Somaliland's forces, The Somaliland Defence Forces commander, the Somaliland Police Forces commander, the head of the Custodial Corps and the commander of the Somaliland Naval Forces.

The Somaliland Defence Forces commander was awarded the rank of Major-General whilst all other services head were awarded the ranks of Brigadier Generals.

It is anticipated the ranks and file of all of Somaliland's Armed Forces will be awarded their ranks in the coming weeks and months.

In a historic day for the Somaliland Armed Forces which had for more than two decades eschewed ranks insignia, and instead operated on a chain of command based on meritocracy, reputation and mutual respect.

All in all, these new development in the structure of the Somaliland Armed Forces will not in any way dilute the operations capacity of the forces who have a reputation for cooperation, obedience, and mutual respects among all its members.

The list of the officers awarded their ranks;

Ismail Shaqale, Major-General, Somaliland Defence Forces Commander

Abdillahi Fadal Iman, Brigadier General, Somaliland Police Commander
Mohamed Hussein Hirane, Brigadier General, Custodial Corp Commander
Ahmed Osman Hassan, Rear Admiral, Somalilad Naval Forces Commander

Abdillahi Alas, Brigadier General, Somaliland Defence Forces, Chief of Staff
Libah Rayaale, Brigadier General, Somaliland Defence Forces, Deputy -Chief of Staff
Mohamed Aden Saqadhi, Colonel, Somaliland Defence Forces, Armed Forces Command

Abdirahman Fohle, Brigadier General, Somaliland Police Force, Deputy-Commander
Dahir Ali Wa'ays, Brigadier General, Somaliland Police Force, Deputy-Commander
Hassan Ali Dhere, Brigadier General, Custodial Corps, Deputy-Commander
Ali Omar Ahmed, Brigadier General, Custodial Corps, Deputy-Commander
Reer Admiral, Deputy Commander, Somaliland Naval Forces.