What the Qur'an Says about Death, Mercy and Intercession:

Kristenmomof3 asked me what Islam says about this subject, so I will provide a few verses from the Qur'an on the subject.

I provided three different translations of each verse so that you can compare them for a more accurate understanding. The Arabic text never changes, but the translations vary somewhat, according to the opinions of the translators. In short when we die, we are dead until the day of ressurection, then we will be raised up again for judgement. Our choices and deeds in this life have a bearing on the outcome. Allah's mercy, however, also has a strong bearing on the outcome. All of Allah's messengers were also given permission to intercede with Him on our behalf, "...and we do not make distinctions between any of them..."

Death:

002.028
YUSUFALI: How can ye reject the faith in Allah?- seeing that ye were without life, and He gave you life; then will He cause you to die, and will again bring you to life; and again to Him will ye return.
PICKTHAL: How disbelieve ye in Allah when ye were dead and He gave life to you! Then He will give you death, then life again, and then unto Him ye will return.
SHAKIR: How do you deny Allah and you were dead and He gave you life? Again He will cause you to die and again bring you to life, then you shall be brought back to Him.

002.154
YUSUFALI: And say not of those who are slain in the way of Allah: "They are dead." Nay, they are living, though ye perceive (it) not.
PICKTHAL: And call not those who are slain in the way of Allah "dead." Nay, they are living, only ye perceive not.
SHAKIR: And do not speak of those who are slain in Allah's way as dead; nay, (they are) alive, but you do not perceive.

003.027
YUSUFALI: "Thou causest the night to gain on the day, and thou causest the day to gain on the night; Thou bringest the Living out of the dead, and Thou bringest the dead out of the Living; and Thou givest sustenance to whom Thou pleasest, without measure."
PICKTHAL: Thou causest the night to pass into the day, and Thou causest the day to pass into the night. And Thou bringest forth the living from the dead, and Thou bringest forth the dead from the living. And Thou givest sustenance to whom Thou choosest, without stint.
SHAKIR: Thou makest the night to pass into the day and Thou makest the day to pass into the night, and Thou bringest forth the living from the dead and Thou bringest forth the dead from the living, and Thou givest sustenance to whom Thou pleasest without measure.

003.049
YUSUFALI: "And (appoint him, [Jesus]) a messenger to the Children of Israel, (with this message): "'I have come to you, with a Sign from your Lord, in that I make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah's leave: And I heal those born blind, and the lepers, and I quicken the dead, by Allah's leave; and I declare to you what ye eat, and what ye store in your houses. Surely therein is a Sign for you if ye did believe;
PICKTHAL: And will make him [Jesus] a messenger unto the Children of Israel, (saying): Lo! I come unto you with a sign from your Lord. Lo! I fashion for you out of clay the likeness of a bird, and I breathe into it and it is a bird, by Allah's leave. I heal him who was born blind, and the leper, and I raise the dead, by Allah's leave. And I announce unto you what ye eat and what ye store up in your houses. Lo! herein verily is a portent for you, if ye are to be believers.
SHAKIR: And (make him) [Jesus] a messenger to the children of Israel: That I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, that I determine for you out of dust like the form of a bird, then I breathe into it and it becomes a bird with Allah's permission and I heal the blind and the leprous, and bring the dead to life with Allah's permission and I inform you of what you should eat and what you should store in your houses; most surely there is a sign in this for you, if you are believers.

003.169
YUSUFALI: Think not of those who are slain in Allah's way as dead. Nay, they live, finding their sustenance in the presence of their Lord;
PICKTHAL: Think not of those, who are slain in the way of Allah, as dead. Nay, they are living. With their Lord they have provision.
SHAKIR: And reckon not those who are killed in Allah's way as dead; nay, they are alive (and) are provided sustenance from their Lord;

005.110
YUSUFALI: Then will Allah say: "O Jesus the son of Mary! Recount My favour to thee and to thy mother. Behold! I strengthened thee with the holy spirit, so that thou didst speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. Behold! I taught thee the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel and behold! thou makest out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My leave, and thou breathest into it and it becometh a bird by My leave, and thou healest those born blind, and the lepers, by My leave. And behold! thou bringest forth the dead by My leave. And behold! I did restrain the Children of Israel from (violence to) thee when thou didst show them the clear Signs, and the unbelievers among them said: 'This is nothing but evident magic.'
PICKTHAL: When Allah saith: O Jesus, son of Mary! Remember My favour unto thee and unto thy mother; how I strengthened thee with the holy Spirit, so that thou spakest unto mankind in the cradle as in maturity; and how I taught thee the Scripture and Wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel; and how thou didst shape of clay as it were the likeness of a bird by My permission, and didst blow upon it and it was a bird by My permission, and thou didst heal him who was born blind and the leper by My permission; and how thou didst raise the dead by My permission; and how I restrained the Children of Israel from (harming) thee when thou camest unto them with clear proofs, and those of them who disbelieved exclaimed: This is naught else than mere magic;
SHAKIR: When Allah will say: O Isa son of Marium! Remember My favor on you and on your mother, when I strengthened you I with the holy Spirit, you spoke to the people in the cradle and I when of old age, and when I taught you the Book and the wisdom and the Taurat and the Injeel; and when you determined out of clay a thing like the form of a bird by My permission, then you breathed into it and it became a bird by My permission, and you healed the blind and the leprous by My permission; and when you brought forth the dead by My permission; and when I withheld the children of Israel from you when you came to them with clear arguments, but those who disbelieved among them said: This is nothing but clear enchantment.

006.036
YUSUFALI: Those who listen (in truth), be sure, will accept: as to the dead, Allah will raise them up; then will they be turned unto Him.
PICKTHAL: Only those can accept who hear. As for the dead, Allah will raise them up; then unto Him they will be returned.
SHAKIR: Only those accept who listen; and (as to) the dead, Allah will raise them, then to Him they shall be returned.

006.095
YUSUFALI: It is Allah Who causeth the seed-grain and the date-stone to split and sprout. He causeth the living to issue from the dead, and He is the one to cause the dead to issue from the living. That is Allah: then how are ye deluded away from the truth?
PICKTHAL: Lo! Allah (it is) Who splitteth the grain of corn and the date-stone (for sprouting). He bringeth forth the living from the dead, and is the bringer-forth of the dead from the living. Such is Allah. How then are ye perverted?
SHAKIR: Surely Allah causes the grain and the stone to germinate; He brings forth the living from the dead and He is the bringer forth of the dead from the living; that is Allah! how are you then turned away.

006.122
YUSUFALI: Can he who was dead, to whom We gave life, and a light whereby he can walk amongst men, be like him who is in the depths of darkness, from which he can never come out? Thus to those without faith their own deeds seem pleasing.
PICKTHAL: Is he who was dead and We have raised him unto life, and set for him a light wherein he walketh among men, as him whose similitude is in utter darkness whence he cannot emerge? Thus is their conduct made fairseeming for the disbelievers.
SHAKIR: Is he who was dead then We raised him to life and made for him a light by which he walks among the people, like him whose likeness is that of one in utter darkness whence he cannot come forth? Thus what they did was made fair seeming to the unbelievers.

010.031
YUSUFALI: Say: "Who is it that sustains you (in life) from the sky and from the earth? or who is it that has power over hearing and sight? And who is it that brings out the living from the dead and the dead from the living? and who is it that rules and regulates all affairs?" They will soon say, "Allah". Say, "will ye not then show piety (to Him)?"
PICKTHAL: Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Who provideth for you from the sky and the earth, or Who owneth hearing and sight; and Who bringeth forth the living from the dead and bringeth forth the dead from the living; and Who directeth the course? They will say: Allah. Then say: Will ye not then keep your duty (unto Him)?
SHAKIR: Say: Who gives you sustenance from the heaven and the earth? Or Who controls the hearing and the sight? And Who brings forth the living from the dead, and brings forth the dead from the living? And Who regulates the affairs? Then they will say: Allah. Say then: Will you not then guard (against evil)?

015.036
YUSUFALI: (Iblis) said: "O my Lord! give me then respite till the Day the (dead) are raised."
PICKTHAL: He said: My Lord! Reprieve me till the day when they are raised.
SHAKIR: He said: My Lord! then respite me till the time when they are raised.

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016.020
YUSUFALI: Those whom they invoke besides Allah create nothing and are themselves created.
PICKTHAL: Those unto whom they cry beside Allah created naught, but are themselves created.
SHAKIR: And those whom they call on besides Allah have not created anything while they are themselves created;

016.021
YUSUFALI: (They are things) dead, lifeless: nor do they know when they will be raised up.
PICKTHAL: (They are) dead, not living. And they know not when they will be raised.
SHAKIR: Dead (are they), not living, and they know not when they shall be raised.

016.022
YUSUFALI: Your Allah is one Allah: as to those who believe not in the Hereafter, their hearts refuse to know, and they are arrogant.
PICKTHAL: Your Allah is One Allah. But as for those who believe not in the Hereafter their hearts refuse to know, for they are proud.
SHAKIR: Your Allah is one Allah; so (as for) those who do not believe m the hereafter, their hearts are ignorant and they are proud.

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019.065
YUSUFALI: "Lord of the heavens and of the earth, and of all that is between them; so worship Him, and be constant and patient in His worship: knowest thou of any who is worthy of the same Name as He?"
PICKTHAL: Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them! Therefor, worship thou Him and be thou steadfast in His service. Knowest thou one that can be named along with Him?
SHAKIR: The Lord of the heavens and the earth and what is between them, so serve Him and be patient in His service. Do you know any one equal to Him?

019.066
YUSUFALI: Man says: "What! When I am dead, shall I then be raised up alive?"
PICKTHAL: And man saith: When I am dead, shall I forsooth be brought forth alive?
SHAKIR: And says man: What! when I am dead shall I truly be brought forth alive?

019.067
YUSUFALI: But does not man call to mind that We created him before out of nothing?
PICKTHAL: Doth not man remember that We created him before, when he was naught?
SHAKIR: Does not man remember that We created him before, when he was nothing?

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022.006
YUSUFALI: This is so, because Allah is the Reality: it is He Who gives life to the dead, and it is He Who has power over all things.
PICKTHAL: That is because Allah, He is the Truth and because He quickeneth the dead, and because He is Able to do all things;
SHAKIR: This is because Allah is the Truth and because He gives life to the dead and because He has power over all things

022.007
YUSUFALI: And verily the Hour will come: there can be no doubt about it, or about (the fact) that Allah will raise up all who are in the graves.
PICKTHAL: And because the Hour will come, there is no doubt thereof; and because Allah will raise those who are in the graves.
SHAKIR: And because the hour is coming, there is no doubt about it; and because Allah shall raise up those who are in the graves.

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023.034
YUSUFALI: "If ye obey a man like yourselves, behold, it is certain ye will be lost.
PICKTHAL: If ye were to obey a mortal like yourselves, then, lo! ye surely would be losers.
SHAKIR: And if you obey a mortal like yourselves, then most surely you will be losers:

023.035
YUSUFALI: "Does he promise that when ye die and become dust and bones, ye shall be brought forth (again)?
PICKTHAL: Doth he promise you that you, when ye are dead and have become dust and bones, will (again) be brought forth?
SHAKIR: What! does he threaten you that when you are dead and become dust and bones that you shall then be brought forth?

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023.082
YUSUFALI: They say: "What! when we die and become dust and bones, could we really be raised up again?
PICKTHAL: They say: When we are dead and have become (mere) dust and bones, shall we then, forsooth, be raised again?
SHAKIR: They say: What! When we are dead and become dust and bones, shall we then be raised?

025.003
YUSUFALI: Yet have they taken, besides him, gods that can create nothing but are themselves created; that have no control of hurt or good to themselves; nor can they control death nor life nor resurrection.
PICKTHAL: Yet they choose beside Him other gods who create naught but are themselves created, and possess not hurt nor profit for themselves, and possess not death nor life, nor power to raise the dead.
SHAKIR: And they have taken besides Him gods, who do not create anything while they are themselves created, and they control not for themselves any harm or profit, and they control not death nor life, nor raising (the dead) to life.

027.067
YUSUFALI: The Unbelievers say: "What! when we become dust,- we and our fathers,- shall we really be raised (from the dead)?
PICKTHAL: Yet those who disbelieve say: When we have become dust like our fathers, shall we verily be brought forth (again)?
SHAKIR: And those who disbelieve say: What! when we have become dust and our fathers (too), shall we certainly be brought forth?

030.019
YUSUFALI: It is He Who brings out the living from the dead, and brings out the dead from the living, and Who gives life to the earth after it is dead: and thus shall ye be brought out (from the dead).
PICKTHAL: He bringeth forth the living from the dead, and He bringeth forth the dead from the living, and He reviveth the earth after her death. And even so will ye be brought forth.
SHAKIR: He brings forth the living from the dead and brings forth the dead from the living, and gives life to the earth after its death, and thus shall you be brought forth.

030.050
YUSUFALI: Then contemplate (O man!) the memorials of Allah's Mercy!- how He gives life to the earth after its death: verily the same will give life to the men who are dead: for He has power over all things.
PICKTHAL: Look, therefore, at the prints of Allah's mercy (in creation): how He quickeneth the earth after her death. Lo! He verily is the Quickener of the Dead, and He is Able to do all things.
SHAKIR: Look then at the signs of Allah's mercy, how He gives life to the earth after its death, most surely He will raise the dead to life; and He has power over all things.

035.009
YUSUFALI: It is Allah Who sends forth the Winds, so that they raise up the Clouds, and We drive them to a land that is dead, and revive the earth therewith after its death: even so (will be) the Resurrection!
PICKTHAL: And Allah it is Who sendeth the winds and they raise a cloud; then We lead it unto a dead land and revive therewith the earth after its death. Such is the Resurrection.
SHAKIR: And Allah is He Who sends the winds so they raise a cloud, then We drive it on to a dead country, and therewith We give life to the earth after its death; even so is the quickening.

035.022
YUSUFALI: Nor are alike those that are living and those that are dead. Allah can make any that He wills to hear; but thou canst not make those to hear who are (buried) in graves.
PICKTHAL: Nor are the living equal with the dead. Lo! Allah maketh whom He will to hear. Thou canst not reach those who are in the graves.
SHAKIR: Neither are the living and the dead alike. Surely Allah makes whom He pleases hear, and you cannot make those hear who are m the graves.

036.012
YUSUFALI: Verily We shall give life to the dead, and We record that which they send before and that which they leave behind, and of all things have We taken account in a clear Book (of evidence).
PICKTHAL: Lo! We it is Who bring the dead to life. We record that which they send before (them, and their footprints. And all things We have kept in a clear Register.
SHAKIR: Surely We give life to the dead, and We write down what they have sent before and their footprints, and We have recorded everything in a clear writing.

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037.016
YUSUFALI: "What! when we die, and become dust and bones, shall we (then) be raised up (again)
PICKTHAL: When we are dead and have become dust and bones, shall we then, forsooth, be raised (again)?
SHAKIR: What! when we are dead and have become dust and bones, shall we then certainly be raised,

037.017
YUSUFALI: "And also our fathers of old?"
PICKTHAL: And our forefathers?
SHAKIR: Or our fathers of yore?

037.018
YUSUFALI: Say thou: "Yea, and ye shall then be humiliated (on account of your evil)."
PICKTHAL: Say (O Muhammad): Ye, in truth; and ye will be brought low.
SHAKIR: Say: Aye! and you shall be abject.

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037.053
YUSUFALI: "'When we die and become dust and bones, shall we indeed receive rewards and punishments?'"
PICKTHAL: Can we, when we are dead and have become mere dust and bones - can we (then) verily be brought to book?
SHAKIR: What! when we are dead and have become dust and bones, shall we then be certainly brought to judgment?

038.079
YUSUFALI: (Iblis) said: "O my Lord! Give me then respite till the Day the (dead) are raised."
PICKTHAL: He said: My Lord! Reprieve me till the day when they are raised.
SHAKIR: He said: My Lord! then respite me to the day that they are raised.

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041.039
YUSUFALI: And among His Signs in this: thou seest the earth barren and desolate; but when We send down rain to it, it is stirred to life and yields increase. Truly, He Who gives life to the (dead) earth can surely give life to (men) who are dead. For He has power over all things.
PICKTHAL: And of His portents (is this): that thou seest the earth lowly, but when We send down water thereon it thrilleth and groweth. Lo! He Who quickeneth it is verily the Quickener of the Dead. Lo! He is Able to do all things.
SHAKIR: And among His signs is this, that you see the earth still, but when We send down on it the water, it stirs and swells: most surely He Who gives it life is the Giver of life to the dead; surely He has power over all things.

041.040
YUSUFALI: Those who pervert the Truth in Our Signs are not hidden from Us. Which is better?- he that is cast into the Fire, or he that comes safe through, on the Day of Judgment? Do what ye will: verily He seeth (clearly) all that ye do.
PICKTHAL: Lo! those who distort Our revelations are not hid from Us. Is he who is hurled into the Fire better, or he who cometh secure on the Day of Resurrection? Do what ye will. Lo! He is Seer of what ye do.
SHAKIR: Surely they who deviate from the right way concerning Our communications are not hidden from Us. What! is he then who is cast into the fire better, or he who comes safe on the day of resurrection? Do what you like, surely He sees what you do.

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042.009
YUSUFALI: What! Have they taken (for worship) protectors besides Him? But it is Allah,- He is the Protector, and it is He Who gives life to the dead: It is He Who has power over all things,
PICKTHAL: Or have they chosen protecting friends besides Him? But Allah, He (alone) is the Protecting Friend. He quickeneth the dead, and He is Able to do all things.
SHAKIR: Or have they taken guardians besides Him? But Allah is the Guardian, and He gives life to the dead, and He has power over all things.

043.011
YUSUFALI: That sends down (from time to time) rain from the sky in due measure;- and We raise to life therewith a land that is dead; even so will ye be raised (from the dead);-
PICKTHAL: And Who sendeth down water from the sky in (due) measure, and We revive a dead land therewith. Even so will ye be brought forth;
SHAKIR: And He Who sends down water from the cloud according to a measure, then We raise to life thereby a dead country, even thus shall you be brought forth;

046.033
YUSUFALI: See they not that Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, and never wearied with their creation, is able to give life to the dead? Yea, verily He has power over all things.
PICKTHAL: Have they not seen that Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth and was not wearied by their creation, is Able to give life to the dead? Aye, He verily is Able to do all things.
SHAKIR: Have they not considered that Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth and was not tired by their creation, is able to give life to the dead? Aye! He has surely power over all things.

050.011
YUSUFALI: As sustenance for (Allah's) Servants;- and We give (new) life therewith to land that is dead: Thus will be the Resurrection.
PICKTHAL: Provision (made) for men; and therewith We quicken a dead land. Even so will be the resurrection of the dead.
SHAKIR: A sustenance for the servants, and We give life thereby to a dead land; thus is the rising.

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YUSUFALI: That He hath promised a Second Creation (Raising of the Dead);
PICKTHAL: And that He hath ordained the second bringing forth;
SHAKIR: And that on Him is the bringing forth a second time;

067.015
YUSUFALI: It is He Who has made the earth manageable for you, so traverse ye through its tracts and enjoy of the Sustenance which He furnishes: but unto Him is the Resurrection.
PICKTHAL: He it is Who hath made the earth subservient unto you, so Walk in the paths thereof and eat of His providence. And unto Him will be the resurrection (of the dead).
SHAKIR: He it is Who made the earth smooth for you, therefore go about in the spacious sides thereof, and eat of His sustenance, and to Him is the return after death.

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036.077
YUSUFALI: Doth not man see that it is We Who created him from sperm? yet behold! he (stands forth) as an open adversary!
PICKTHAL: Hath not man seen that We have created him from a drop of seed? Yet lo! he is an open opponent.
SHAKIR: Does not man see that We have created him from the small seed? Then lo! he is an open disputant.

036.078
YUSUFALI: And he makes comparisons for Us, and forgets his own (origin and) Creation: He says, "Who can give life to (dry) bones and decomposed ones (at that)?"
PICKTHAL: And he hath coined for Us a similitude, and hath forgotten the fact of his creation, saying: Who will revive these bones when they have rotted away?
SHAKIR: And he strikes out a likeness for Us and forgets his own creation. Says he: Who will give life to the bones when they are rotten?

036.079
YUSUFALI: Say, "He will give them life Who created them for the first time! for He is Well-versed in every kind of creation!-
PICKTHAL: Say: He will revive them Who produced them at the first, for He is Knower of every creation,
SHAKIR: Say: He will give life to them Who brought them into existence at first, and He is cognizant of all creation

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075.037
YUSUFALI: Was he not a drop of sperm emitted (in lowly form)?
PICKTHAL: Was he not a drop of fluid which gushed forth?
SHAKIR: Was he not a small seed in the seminal elements,

075.038
YUSUFALI: Then did he become a leech-like clot; then did (Allah) make and fashion (him) in due proportion.
PICKTHAL: Then he became a clot; then (Allah) shaped and fashioned
SHAKIR: Then he was a clot of blood, so He created (him) then made (him) perfect.

075.039
YUSUFALI: And of him He made two sexes, male and female.
PICKTHAL: And made of him a pair, the male and female.
SHAKIR: Then He made of him two kinds, the male and the female.

075.040
YUSUFALI: Has not He, (the same), the power to give life to the dead?
PICKTHAL: Is not He (Who doeth so) Able to bring the dead to life?
SHAKIR: Is not He able to give life to the dead?

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076.002
YUSUFALI: Verily We created Man from a drop of mingled sperm, in order to try him: So We gave him (the gifts), of Hearing and Sight.
PICKTHAL: Lo! We create man from a drop of thickened fluid to test him; so We make him hearing, knowing.
SHAKIR: Surely We have created man from a small life-germ uniting (itself): We mean to try him, so We have made him hearing, seeing.

076.003
YUSUFALI: We showed him the Way: whether he be grateful or ungrateful (rests on his will).
PICKTHAL: Lo! We have shown him the way, whether he be grateful or disbelieving.
SHAKIR: Surely We have shown him the way: he may be thankful or unthankful.

076.004
YUSUFALI: For the Rejecters we have prepared chains, yokes, and a blazing Fire.
PICKTHAL: Lo! We have prepared for disbelievers manacles and carcans and a raging fire.
SHAKIR: Surely We have prepared for the unbelievers chains and shackles and a burning fire.

076.005
YUSUFALI: As to the Righteous, they shall drink of a Cup (of Wine) mixed with Kafur,-
PICKTHAL: Lo! the righteous shall drink of a cup whereof the mixture is of Kafur,
SHAKIR: Surely the righteous shall drink of a cup the admixture of which is camphor

076.006
YUSUFALI: A Fountain where the Devotees of Allah do drink, making it flow in unstinted abundance.
PICKTHAL: A spring wherefrom the slaves of Allah drink, making it gush forth abundantly,
SHAKIR: A fountain from which the servants of Allah shall drink; they make it to flow a (goodly) flowing forth.

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MERCY:

002.064
YUSUFALI: But ye turned back thereafter: Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allah to you, ye had surely been among the lost.
PICKTHAL: Then, even after that, ye turned away, and if it had not been for the grace of Allah and His mercy ye had been among the losers.
SHAKIR: Then you turned back after that; so were it not for the grace of Allah and His mercy on you, you would certainly have been among the losers.

002.157
YUSUFALI: They are those on whom (Descend) blessings from Allah, and Mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance.
PICKTHAL: Such are they on whom are blessings from their Lord, and mercy. Such are the rightly guided.
SHAKIR: Those are they on whom are blessings and mercy from their Lord, and those are the followers of the right course.

002.187
YUSUFALI: Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts, is the approach to your wives. They are your garments and ye are their garments. Allah knoweth what ye used to do secretly among yourselves; but He turned to you and forgave you; so now associate with them, and seek what Allah Hath ordained for you, and eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast Till the night appears; but do not associate with your wives while ye are in retreat in the mosques. Those are Limits (set by) Allah: Approach not nigh thereto. Thus doth Allah make clear His Signs to men: that they may learn self-restraint.
PICKTHAL: It is made lawful for you to go in unto your wives on the night of the fast. They are raiment for you and ye are raiment for them. Allah is Aware that ye were deceiving yourselves in this respect and He hath turned in mercy toward you and relieved you. So hold intercourse with them and seek that which Allah hath ordained for you, and eat and drink until the white thread becometh distinct to you from the black thread of the dawn. Then strictly observe the fast till nightfall and touch them not, but be at your devotions in the mosques. These are the limits imposed by Allah, so approach them not. Thus Allah expoundeth His revelation to mankind that they may ward off (evil).
SHAKIR: It is made lawful to you to go into your wives on the night of the fast; they are an apparel for you and you are an apparel for them; Allah knew that you acted unfaithfully to yourselves, so He has turned to you (mercifully) and removed from you (this burden); so now be in contact with them and seek what Allah has ordained for you, and eat and drink until the whiteness of the day becomes distinct from the blackness of the night at dawn, then complete the fast till night, and have not contact with them while you keep to the mosques; these are the limits of Allah, so do not go near them. Thus does Allah make clear His communications for men that they may guard (against evil).

002.218
YUSUFALI: Those who believed and those who suffered exile and fought (and strove and struggled) in the path of Allah,- they have the hope of the Mercy of Allah: And Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
PICKTHAL: Lo! those who believe, and those who emigrate (to escape the persecution) and strive in the way of Allah, these have hope of Allah's mercy. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
SHAKIR: Surely those who believed and those who fled (their home) and strove hard in the way of Allah these hope for the mercy of Allah and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

003.107
YUSUFALI: But those whose faces will be (lit with) white,- they will be in (the light of) Allah's mercy: therein to dwell (for ever).
PICKTHAL: And as for those whose faces have been whitened, in the mercy of Allah they dwell for ever.
SHAKIR: And as to those whose faces turn white, they shall be in Allah's mercy; in it they shall-abide.

003.132
YUSUFALI: And obey Allah and the Messenger; that ye may obtain mercy.
PICKTHAL: And obey Allah and the messenger, that ye may find mercy.
SHAKIR: And obey Allah and the Messenger, that you may be shown mercy.

003.157
YUSUFALI: And if ye are slain, or die, in the way of Allah, forgiveness and mercy from Allah are far better than all they could amass.
PICKTHAL: And what though ye be slain in Allah's way or die therein? Surely pardon from Allah and mercy are better than all that they amass.
SHAKIR: And if you are slain in the way of Allah or you die, certainly forgiveness from Allah and mercy is better than what they amass.

004.017
YUSUFALI: Allah accept the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and repent soon afterwards; to them will Allah turn in mercy: For Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.
PICKTHAL: Forgiveness is only incumbent on Allah toward those who do evil in ignorance (and) then turn quickly (in repentance) to Allah. These are they toward whom Allah relenteth. Allah is ever Knower, Wise.
SHAKIR: Repentance with Allah is only for those who do evil in ignorance, then turn (to Allah) soon, so these it is to whom Allah turns (mercifully), and Allah is ever Knowing, Wise.

004.026
YUSUFALI: Allah doth wish to make clear to you and to show you the ordinances of those before you; and (He doth wish to) turn to you (In Mercy): And Allah is All-knowing, All-wise.
PICKTHAL: Allah would explain to you and guide you by the examples of those who were before you, and would turn to you in mercy. Allah is Knower, Wise.
SHAKIR: Allah desires to explain to you, and to guide you into the ways of those before you, and to turn to you (mercifully), and Allah is Knowing, Wise.

004.027
YUSUFALI: Allah doth wish to Turn to you, but the wish of those who follow their lusts is that ye should turn away (from Him),- far, far away.
PICKTHAL: And Allah would turn to you in mercy; but those who follow vain desires would have you go tremendously astray.
SHAKIR: And Allah desires that He should turn to you (mercifully), and those who follow (their) lusts desire that you should deviate (with) a great deviation.

004.175
YUSUFALI: Then those who believe in Allah, and hold fast to Him,- soon will He admit them to mercy and grace from Himself, and guide them to Himself by a straight way.
PICKTHAL: As for those who believe in Allah, and hold fast unto Him, them He will cause to enter into His mercy and grace, and will guide them unto Him by a straight road.
SHAKIR: Then as for those who believe in Allah and hold fast by Him, He will cause them to enter into His mercy and grace and guide them to Himself on a right path.

006.012
YUSUFALI: Say: "To whom belongeth all that is in the heavens and on earth?" Say: "To Allah. He hath inscribed for Himself (the rule of) Mercy. That He will gather you together for the Day of Judgment, there is no doubt whatever. It is they who have lost their own souls, that will not believe.
PICKTHAL: Say: Unto whom belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and the earth? Say: Unto Allah. He hath prescribed for Himself mercy, that He may bring you all together to the Day of Resurrection whereof there is no doubt. Those who ruin their souls will not believe.
SHAKIR: Say: To whom belongs what is in the heavens and the earth? Say: To Allah; He has ordained mercy on Himself; most certainly He will gather you on the resurrection day-- there is no doubt about it. (As for) those who have lost their souls, they will not believe.

006.016
YUSUFALI: "On that day, if the penalty is averted from any, it is due to Allah's mercy; And that would be (Salvation), the obvious fulfilment of all desire.
PICKTHAL: He from whom (such retribution) is averted on that day, (Allah) hath in truth had mercy on him. That will be the signal triumph.
SHAKIR: He from whom it is averted on that day, Allah indeed has shown mercy to him; and this is a manifest achievement.

Allah's Messengers, all the prophets from Adam to Muhammad, were given permission to intercede, in other words they can ask Allah to forgive our sins if we repent, or for His help in what ever way we need it:

004.064
YUSUFALI: We sent not a messenger, but to be obeyed, in accordance with the will of Allah. If they had only, when they were unjust to themselves, come unto thee and asked Allah's forgiveness, and the Messenger had asked forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah indeed Oft-returning, Most Merciful.
PICKTHAL: We sent no messenger save that he should be obeyed by Allah's leave. And if, when they had wronged themselves, they had but come unto thee and asked forgiveness of Allah, and asked forgiveness of the messenger, they would have found Allah Forgiving, Merciful.
SHAKIR: And We did not send any messenger but that he should be obeyed by Allah's permission; and had they, when they were unjust to themselves, come to you and asked forgiveness of Allah and the Messenger had (also) asked forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah Oft-returning (to mercy), Merciful.

This Time...

...I will spoil myself by quality, not quantity,
I will not be over-confidant, so I won't be let down
I will rent a breast pump before the due date
I will not rely on doctors to give me all the right information
if any complications come up, I will research for the solution on my own
I will be more patient with my recovery process
and I promise that I will prolong every minute
and cherish every second of your infancy,
however many you are, one or more.

Hippie for Allah

Hippie for Allah by Hajar Zamzam Ismail featuring Loeffler Randall dresses

Peace

Our God is One by Hajar Zamzam Ismail on Polyvore.com

Only a Few Things Cheer Me up When the Weather and Everything is Dark...

Cloudy all Day Hijabi by Hajar Zamzam Ismail featuring Forever21

Where did the term "Shia" come from?

The Messenger of Allah said to Ali: "Glad tiding O Ali! Verily you and your companions and your Shia (followers) will be in Paradise."

Sunni references:

Fadha'il al-Sahaba, by Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, v2, p655

Hilyatul Awliyaa, by Abu Nu'aym, v4, p329

Tarikh, by al-Khateeb al-Baghdadi, v12, p289

al-Awsat, by al-Tabarani

Majma' al-Zawa'id, by al-Haythami, v10, pp 21-22

al-Darqunti, who said this tradition has been transmitted via numerous authorities.

al-Sawa'iq al-Muhriqah, by Ibn Hajar Haythami , Ch. 11, section 1, p247

Thus the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HF) used to say the phrase of "Shia of Ali". This phrase is not something invented later! Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) said that the TRUE followers of imam Ali will go to Paradise, and this is a great felicity.


Also Jabir Ibn Abdillah al-Ansari narrated that: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HF) said: "The Shia of Ali are the real victorious in the day of resurrection/rising"

Sunni references:

al-Manaqib Ahmad, as mentioned in:

Yanabi al-Mawaddah, by al-Qundoozi al-Hanafi, p62

Tafsir al-Durr al-Manthoor, by al-Hafidh Jalaluddin al-Suyuti, who quotes the tradition as follows: "We were with the Holy Prophet when Ali came towards us. The Holy Prophet said: He and his Shia will aquire salvation on the day of judgment."

The "day of rising" may also refer to the day of rising of al-Mahdi (AS). But in more general term, it means the day of judgment.


Also it is narrated that: The Messenger of Allah said: "O Ali! On the Day of Judgment I shall resort to Allah and you will resort to me and your children will resort to you and the Shia will resort to them. Then you will see where they carry us. (i.e. to Paradise)"

Sunni reference:

Rabi al-Abrar, by al-Zamakhshari


Furthermore, it is narrated that: The Messenger of Allah said: "O Ali! (On the day of Judgment) you and your Shia will come toward Allah well-pleased and well-pleasing, and there will come to Him your enemies angry and stiff-necked (i.e., their head forced up).

Sunni references:

al-Tabarani, on the authority of Imam Ali

al-Sawa'iq al-Muhriqah, by Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Ch. 11, section 1, p236

Dua'e Mashlool / Supplication of the Paraplegic

The depth of sincerity and repentence in this dua'a or supplication is gut-wrenching...

This du-a'a known as "supplication of the youth stricken for his sin," is quoted from the work of Kaf-ami and from Muhaj al Da-wat by Sayyid ibn Tawus. Through Imam Hussain(as) it is reported that one day he and his father, after performing Hajj, caught sight of a paralysed young man crying his eyes out in repentance. They went near to console him and find out the reason of his sorry plight. He was a habitual sinner, always teased his father, disobeyed him and treated him with contempt. One day, disgusted, the father invoked curse upon him. So he was affected with paralysis. Then and there Imam Ali ibn abi Talib(as) wrote his dua'a and gave it to him with instruction to recite after Isha (evening) salat. Next day fully cured, he came to Imam Ali and said that he had recited the dua'a as told and went to sleep. He saw the Holy prophet(sa) in the dream. The holy prophet, gently touched his body with his hand and asked him to remember this dua'a as it contain ismi azam (the great name of Allah). Recite this dua'a after Isha salat. It brings countless blessings. All your legitimate desires will be fulfilled. It drives away poverty and sickness. Sins are for given. Debts are cleared. Enemies become friends. Domestic affairs are set aright. Disputes are settled in your favour. Prisoners are set free mental worries disappear. Prosperity, sound mind and healthy body stand by you at all times. If Allah so wills...
Mercy and forgiveness of sins are the main advantages the almighty Allah makes available if this dua'a is recited regularly.





Here is the same supplication recited by a different person. The emotion in his voice makes my heart tremble! This is only the first half of the supplication, from this person. I could not find the second half from this one on you tube. I used to listen to it in audio only from another website. It was this reciter though.


When I was single I used to play this dua'a on my computer all night long, while I slept. It's invocation of Allah was a great source of comfort, and it filled the silence in my solitary life beautifully. Many of my loneliest nights were blessed by listening to it, I am never tired of hearing it.

A Little Relief from Heavy Philosophical Thoughts:

I needed a little break from my religious studies, so here is something I created on polyvore, just for fun.


American Muslimah by Hajar Zamzam Ismail featuring Donna Karan

I Can't Shine Anymore

I will loiter among the shadows

so that you two can walk in the sun

I will be the wind at your backs

for you are the chicks beneath my wings




Go, go, go, little men, you are my suns

shine for me, I can't shine any more

don't let any clouds hide your faces

keep those smiles beaming forward


Right now you are unaware that you are my heros

or that I am the wind you feel, blowing you along

the light in your eyes gets brighter and the warmth

in your presence tells me I won't shine anymore

You are two little men growing up under my feet

I read the writing in the stones, it's obvious to me

I can't shine, I can't shine, I can't find my heart anymore

it is climbing with you, to your seats in the world

A Trip to the Nature Center...

...Marine Biologists for Green Peace??? I only hope I can influence my darling boys to do something that useful. Right now they are crazy about water and fish, I hope it lasts.

Faith and Etiquette

My article, Iman and Akhlaq, (roughly translated, Faith and Morals and Manners or Faith and Etiquette), which I wrote based on my Islamic Ethics course work, has now been published on the university homepage, for the public to read. Masha Allah, I only seek to please my Lord. I hope someone will be inspired to get closer to God, after reading it, insha Allah. They also asked to publish it in other online groups on yahoo and google. Alhamdulillah.

"Religious Fanatics" in Iraq Arrest Alcohol Sellers!!??

True. However, if you think Muslim countries are alone in forbidding the sale of alcohol, think again. I had the experience of growing up in a "dry county" in Kentucky. Yesterday I watched a documentary, Iraq in Fragments, that showed some "religious fanatics" arresting alcohol sellers in the market. This most likely happens, however, if you have any knowledge at all about our own country, you will know that under the banner of the stars and stripes, there are hundreds of dry counties. Yes, indeed, in about 10% of the United States of America, homes to about 18,000,000 American citizens, alcohol sellers would be arrested and taken to jail. If you think I am kidding, read this article, Dry Counties. According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, there are 22 states that have some cities, towns, or counties which support some sort of "dry laws." In 33 states the local governments of communities, towns, townships, cities or counties etc. have the right to impose dry laws if their local citizens decide they want to do so. See, if we point a finger of judgment at someone, three more are pointing back at ourselves. In the dry counties in Kentucky, as I am sure is true for most dry counties in the United States, most teenagers and adults know where the bootleggers are. Bootleggers are people who sell alcohol illegally in areas where the sale of alcohol is officially forbidden. If caught, these bootleggers are rounded up, arrested and taken away to jail, in roughly the same way that happened in the film. If Democracy means states, or local governments have the right to impose prohibition laws, here in America, then why should the citizens of Iraq, our fifty-first state, not expect the same freedom?

How Old was St. Mary When She was Impregnated by the Holy Ghost?

Mary was still alive at the time of Jesus' crucifixion as she was present at the execution. In those days life expectancy was only 40-50 years of age. We are told that Jesus was around 33 when he was crucified, so it is likely that Mary could not have been much older than 45 - 50. Therefore, she must have been no older than 13 - 16 when she had Jesus. This seems very young by today's culture, but in those days teenage marriages were common. As soon as girls started menstruation (say, at around 12 - 13) they were deemed biologically able to bear children and therefore of marriageable age. It is also likely that Joseph was older, as by the time of the crucifixion he is not featured at all in the gospels, and so we must assume that by then he had died of old age. Link HERE.

See also: Mary the Mother of Jesus

and: "Mary was a virgin betrothed to "a man named Joseph of the house of David" (v. 27). The Hebrew Scriptures set the normal age for betrothal at 12 1/2. "

Ding, ding, ding!

Eid Mubarak Everyone!!!

I extend the warmest and most sincere greetings of this occasion to all Muslims.

I am busy with other things, so blogging is taking a back burner in my life for now, and maybe forever. Blogging has been a huge part of my life, full of interesting experiences etc. I may still blog like once a week or so, but I am not going to be as active. I am enrolled in the Qur'an and Etrat Internet University and want to devote most of my free time and attention to my studies. I want to do something more fulfilling and want to allocate my time accordingly, insha Allah.

Does The Spirit of Allah Dwell Inside Believers?

"God has no body, like we have, so He does not physically dwell inside of us, but His Spirit is deeper inside of us than our own blood...if we want Him to be."
Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah

This is the answer I got from the scholar whose opinions I generally follow. My husband translated it for me.


بإسمه تعالى:

ج) ليس موجوداً فينا بوجود ذاته المقدسة، بل هو معنا إينما كنا، وهو أقرب إلينا من حبل الوريد، فإن الله تعالى هو المهيمن على الأمر كله والعليم بكل شيء.





والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته



مكتب الاستفتاءات لسماحة العلامة المرجع

آية الله العظمى السيد محمد حسين فضل الله

(دام ظله)

26 رمضان 1430هـ

Could one of my dearly respected and adored Sunni Sisters, please ask one of your highest religious authorities and see what they say on the subject? I would appreciate it. Thank you. It does not matter to me, if they agree or not, as long as all sides remain respectful and approach it in a scholarly manner. It is not important to me if they back up their opinion with evidence or not, since this is a very personal matter of faith. However, it would be nice to know what the highest Sunni religious authorities say on the matter. It took mine a couple of weeks to reply, since he recieves such a high volume of questions, but I am happy that he has a system that allows people to send him questions of any nature.

Thought for the Day

Russell considers the ego in "I like it," as an ego solely concerned with its material and physical interests, not as an ego which is concerned with its spiritual nobility or as an ego that is concerned with the interests of its kind. -Eternity of Moral Values

Another of my Poems is Published

O, Fatimah az-Zahra (s.a.) They scrambled it a little, they made 2 columns, and they are slightly uneven, so the verses are a little out of order. Read the first verse in the left column, then the first verse in the right column, then the second verse in the in the left column, then the second verse in the second column. I don't know why they did it like that...

??Can You Handle the Truth??

Do you have the backbone, to handle the truth? These are only a few examples of the axis on which my faith in God, the creation, the prophets, and the Holy Books, is built.

Surah 109: Al-Kafiroon

1. Say: O unbelievers!

2. I do not serve that which you serve,

3. Nor do you serve Him Whom I serve:

4.Nor am I going to serve that which you serve,

5. Nor are you going to serve Him Whom I serve:

6.You shall have your religion and I shall have my religion.