Page 66 - Signs of the End Times in Surat Al-Kahf
P. 66

SIGNS OF THE END TIMES IN SURAT AL-KAHF

                  It was said: "Nuh, descend with peace from Us and with blessings

                  on you and on the nations that will issue from those who are with
                  you. But there are nations to whom we will give enjoyment, and
                  then a painful punishment from Us will afflict them." That is
                  some of the news of the Unseen that We reveal to you. Neither
                  you nor your people knew it before this time. So be steadfast. The
                  best end-result is for those who do their duty. (Surah Hud, 48-49)
                  Surat al-Kahf 22 reveals the appropriate methods of argument: "… do
               not enter into any argument concerning them, except in relation to what
               is clearly known." When arguing with others, believers must provide ev-
               idence that is compatible with the Qur'an, whereas those who reject reli-
               gion do the contrary, for they seek to create disputes in order to display
               their hostility to the believers and their religion. Allah states in "just for ar-
               gument's sake…" (Surat az-Zukhruf, 58), that the deniers use blasphe-
               mous arguments because they are "a disputatious people" who have an
               argumentative and hostile nature. This is why people living the Qur'an's
               morality must distance themselves from all of this and behave in the way
               that earns Allah's good pleasure. Allah provides an example as to how
               they should speak with the unbelievers:
                  So call and go straight, as you have been ordered to. Do not follow
                  their whims and desires, but say: "I believe in a Book sent down
                  by Allah and am ordered to be just between you. Allah is our

                  Lord and your Lord. We have our actions and you have your ac-
                  tions. There is no debate between us and you. Allah will gather us
                  all together. He is our final destination." (Surat ash-Shura, 15)
                  The phrase "do not seek the opinion of any of them regarding them"
               at the end of Surat al-Kahf 22 advises all believers to refrain from seeking
               views other than that of Revelation, because only Allah knows the
               Unseen. Thus, believers believe that arguments based only upon people's
               faulty speculation, knowledge, presumptions, and interpretations are
               worthless. Therefore, giving any credence to such "information" is forbid-
               den.


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