Preparations are under way for a new English translation of Qur’an, and the signs are already abundant that it is going to be a historical event. For example, if you look in my first translation you will see that Verse 9 of Sura 2 indicates that the hypocrites attempt to deceive God and the believers. This is wrong. While preparing the new translation, backed by the wealth of experience, feedback and education gained from the first translation, it became evident that the hypocrites are not trying to deceive anybody; they simply are unaware that they do not believe. The Arabic word Yukhaadi’oon does not mean "attempting to deceive." Hence, the new translation is:

See the difference? These people actually, and sincerely, believe that they are true believers. This, of course, is confirmed by Verse 22 of Sura 6, where the idol worshipers, even face to face with the Almighty God, will swear by God that they were not idolaters.

To participate in this historic project, the only qualification you need is to be a true Muslim: one who upholds Qur’an, the whole Qur’an and nothing but Qur’an. Let me assure you that only those worthy of this divinely guided project will be able to participate.

No one is going to screen the potential participants. God is the only one who knows the innermost convictions, and He alone knows who is worthy of participating.

You do not need to know Arabic (see the ONLY qualification above). Let me give you a perfect example of not needing Arabic to participate. I mailed the first few pages of the new translation to Sister Soussan Rey of Monte Carlo. She phoned back and said that Verse 6 of Al Faatihah should be changed from "Guide us in the right path" to "Guide us in the straight path." She convinced me immediately by saying that there are Christians and Jews who are on the right path (see Qur’an 3:113-114 for example), but they are not on the "straight" path. Because Islam did not lose the basic duties of worship such as the contact prayer (Salat) (see 19:59), the true Muslims are on the shortest, fastest and most efficient path to God, the straight path. Since I agreed to incorporate Soussan’s excellent suggestion, I have to give her credit. This led to the idea that all believers can contribute if given the chance. It didn’t take me long to see that this is the way God has willed it. So I am asking all the believers out there to help me with the translation.

If you are fortunate enough to participate, God will teach you the Qur’an in accordance with His word in 55:2; in the best manner ever. Your name will be immortalized as a contributor to this God-authorized English version of God’s message to the world.

IN SIIAA ALLAH I will send to you 10 pages of the new translation at a time. You will study those 10 pages critically, and compare them with any other translation or commentary, then write down your suggested modifications, if any. You mail back the 10 pages in the self addressed envelope supplied. As soon I receive your corrected 10 pages, 1 will mail another set of 1 0 pages, and so on.

Naturally, I cannot afford to send hundreds of copies every week or every other week by first class mail. Each one of you will bear the cost, and at the same time help publish the new translation. With each segment you receive, you will get an invoice, at the rate of $1 per page, that you can send back with your corrections, at your own pace.

If this sounds good to you, fill out the application form below and mail it to me right away. You will receive the first installment within a week IN SHAA ALLAH.

Congratulations, and God bless you.

P.S. This project conforms to the Qur’anic principle that the "believers’ affairs are based on consultation" (Sura 42, Verse 38).

Despite all of the evidence you are presenting (which is irrefutable) people stifi deny the cold hard facts of the (mathematical) miracle (of Qur’an) — one is tempted to think that the shield that Allah has placed on their hearts is made out of six feet thick of concrete and lead.

Abdullah Shams, Sidney, Australia

The October issue of M.P. on Ismail Farooqi provoked a large number of responses: letters and telephone calls One typical response was that of Brother Muhammad Chima of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The main point voiced by Brother Chima was that we should not pass judgment on anyone. I told the Brother that we never do; only God is judge, and we are allowed to determine anyone’s stand or destiny based on one’s own confessions and God’s criteria as given to us in Qur’an. Never judge anyone is a ploy and a devilish trick. I asked Brother Chima, "Would you say that disbelievers are going to Hell?" "Yes," he agreed. God has told us in Qur’an that disbelievers and idol worshipers are going to Hell. Thus, if a person’s own confessions prove beyond doubt that he or she is a disbeliever or idol worshiper, then God’s judgment says that such a person is heading for Hell.

Brother Chima retorted, "how can you condemn to Hell a man who said ‘Laa Elaaha Ella Allah:

There is no God except the one God?" I answered, "Ismail Farooqi did not say, ‘Laa Elaaha Ella Allah,’ he used to say, ‘Laa Elaha Ella Allah; Muhammad Rasoolul-Laah: There is no god except the One God; Muhammad is a messenger of God,’ and this is Shirk (idol— worship)." Brother Chima sounded surprised, "Isn’t Muhammad Rasoolul—Laah?" I answered, "Yes indeed, and so is Moses, Jesus, Lot, Noah, Abraham, David, Solomon, Saalih, flood, and many others. When you consistently say, ‘Muhammad Rasoolul-Lul-Laah,' and neglect to say, ‘Saalih (for example) Rasoolul—Laah,’ this amounts to de facto denial of all other messengers. The Qur’an calls people who do this

(These are the real disbelievers)."

"So, there is something wrong with saying ‘Muhammad Rasoolul-Laah’ after saying ‘Laa Elaaha Ella Allah?’" Brother Chima interrupted. "Certainly," I said, "For one thing, it represents disobedience of God and His messenger Muhammad. The words of God that came out of Muhammad’s mouth command us never to give distinction to any one prophet or messenger. Verse 285 (19x15) of Sura 2 orders us to give no distinction to any messenger, and to say, "We hear, and we obey." This last statement is significant, because obviously God knew that the vast majority of Muslims will fall into Satan’s trap and will say, "We hear, but we disobey."

Brother Chima said, "Don’t you believe that Muhammad is Rasoolul—Laah?" I said, "Certainly; the fact that we are strict Qur’anists means that we definitely KNOW that Muhammad is Rasoolul-Laah; God’s final prophet. And it is precisely because we uphold Qur’an that we know that LAA ELAAHA ELLA ALLAH must stand by itself if we are worshipers of Allah ALONE. To add MUHAMMAD RASOOLUL-LAAH represents idol worship and a clear defiance of God and His messenger."

Brother Chima’s surprise alerts us as to the condition of most Muslims; they have fallen into Satan’s trap without being aware. The time to discover Satan’s tricks is NOW, for it will be too late in the Hereafter.

By the end of the conversation, I felt that Brother Chirna was in full agreement with me, and that I have induced a lot of reflection and soul-searching by Brother Chima. I was truly impressed by his open mindedness and his sincere and scientific approach.

One of the questions I asked was, "How do you explain the overwhelming signs surrounding Dr. Farooqi, as detailed in the October issue?"

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