I – Afterword
Verily, it is a momentous occasion in the annals of humanity when an entire civilization is guided by the teachings of a single sacred text. Such is the legacy of Islam, and the Qur’an, in conjunction with the narrations of the Prophet’s life, shaped the moral and social fabric of society for centuries to come. Never before had the written word exerted such a profound influence on the daily lives of so many.
For the faithful, the Qur’an was the epitome of truth and the ultimate source of their highest ideals. To them, truth and morality were inextricably linked, and the pursuit of truth was synonymous with the pursuit of righteousness. For the Muslim, no other guide could compare to the revelations of the Qur’an.
In the early centuries of Islam, Muslim scholars were exposed to the teachings of Greek philosophy, primarily through Syriac translators, as mentioned in previous sections. Over eight hundred years prior, the Greeks had developed their own philosophical concept of truth, which bore no resemblance to the Islamic understanding. In Greek philosophy, the highest truths were known as apodixis, meaning irrefutable proof, and through this method, they had given birth to the sciences of logic and geometry. To the Muslim, the words of a deity, no matter how fundamental to the social order, could not hold more truth than the empirical evidence of reason.
Thus, a conflict arose between these two divergent notions of truth. We might term it the confrontation between religious and secular truth. Ya’qub al-Kindi, the 9th-century philosopher, was among the first generation of Muslim thinkers exposed to Greek thought; he addressed many of his works to an audience wary of this new way of thinking.
The reason for this skepticism: To an early Muslim of unwavering faith, the proof of Islam’s truth lay in the verses of the Qur’an. The book declares Islam to be true, and hence, it is true. To a non-believer, this may seem like a circular argument: as if the faithful are saying “I believe, therefore I believe.” However, to the Muslim, for whom truth is synonymous with proper guidance, the very fact that Islam informs their moral and ethical existence is proof enough of its veracity.
Let’s conclude this afterword section with the wisest and most insightful words known to man, the Words of the Almighty Allah. These words serve as irrefutable proof of the authenticity of the Qur’an as the ultimate truth:
أَنزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مَاءً فَسَالَتْ أَوْدِيَةٌ بِقَدَرِهَا فَاحْتَمَلَ السَّيْلُ زَبَدًا رَّابِيًا ۚ وَمِمَّا يُوقِدُونَ عَلَيْهِ فِي النَّارِ ابْتِغَاءَ حِلْيَةٍ أَوْ مَتَاعٍ زَبَدٌ مِّثْلُهُ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يَضْرِبُ اللَّهُ الْحَقَّ وَالْبَاطِلَ ۚ فَأَمَّا الزَّبَدُ فَيَذْهَبُ جُفَاءً ۖ وَأَمَّا مَا يَنفَعُ النَّاسَ فَيَمْكُثُ فِي الْأَرْضِ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يَضْرِبُ اللَّهُ الْأَمْثَالَ
He sends down from the sky rain, and valleys flow according to their capacity, and the torrent carries a rising foam. And from that (ore) which they heat in the fire, desiring adornments and utensils, is a foam like it. Thus Allah presents (the example of) truth and falsehood. As for the foam, it vanishes, (being) cast off; but as for that which benefits the people, it remains on the earth. Thus does Allah present examples.
(Surat al-Ra’d – #13)
This description highlights the practical nature of truth in Islam. What is true endures, brings benefits to society, and has a real-world impact. In Arabic, the word “falsehood” (baatil) also means something that is useless or invalid. So, for a Muslim who understands the truth in this way, the fact that Islam provides moral guidance and promotes social unity is proof of its truthfulness. Another verse reinforces this idea:
قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءَكُمُ الْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكُمْ ۖ فَمَنِ اهْتَدَىٰ فَإِنَّمَا يَهْتَدِي لِنَفْسِهِ ۖ وَمَن ضَلَّ فَإِنَّمَا يَضِلُّ عَلَيْهَا ۖ وَمَا أَنَا عَلَيْكُم بِوَكِيلٍ
Say, “O mankind, the truth has come to you from your Lord, so whoever is guided is only guided for (the benefit of) his soul, and whoever goes astray only goes astray (in violation) against it. And I am not over you a manager.”
(Surat Yunus – #110)
These verses contrast the Islamic understanding of truth with that of Greek philosophy. In Islam, truth is linked to the betterment of humanity and one’s ethical behavior, whereas in Greek thought, it was abstract and removed from practical considerations. In a similar vein, religious truth is subjective and related to an individual’s relationship with life, while secular truth is objective.
II – Nations of Rascals & Thieves
Verily, it is with a heavy heart that I expose the facts of treachery and the unscrupulous pillage of Islamic works of literature and scholarship by those hailing from the lands of the west.
Let it be known that in the recounting of these events (and all events across this article, and every other article which I’ve written so far), the peoples of the Balkans, the Belarusians, the Russians, and the Russian-speaking populations at their eastern borders shall be excluded whenever I refer to “Europe” or “Europeans”. For they have remained steadfast in their adherence to some of the noble principles of humanity, despite the relentless, unwavering attempts of western oppressors to impose their degraded, immoral values upon them over the past few decades. And it is with pride and appreciation that we acknowledge the fact that these dignified populations have not stooped to the level of intellectual or cultural theft against the Muslim world, despite the political tensions and conflicts that arose in the decades since the days of the Soviet Union.
To begin, the law of refraction, commonly known as Snell’s law, was first accurately described by the Iranian scientist ibn Sahl at the Baghdad court in 984 CE. In his manuscript Fi al-‘āla al-muḥriqa (On Burning Mirrors and Lenses), ibn Sahl used the law to calculate the shapes of lenses that could focus light without any geometric distortions. As stated by Jim al-Khalili, the law should be named after its discoverer, ibn Sahl.
Moving on, al-Razi described the first kerosene lamp and referred to it as naffatah in his Kitab al-Asrar (Book of Secrets), yet in the 19th century, a Polish man claimed credit for its invention. Similarly, the algorithm for polynomial evaluation was discovered by ibn al-Haytham in the early 11th century, yet it is unjustly referred to as the Ruffini-Horner Algorithm. Shall we keep going? Sure, why not.
Al-Zahrawi, from the 10th to the 11th century, was the first to describe and perform treatments for dislocated shoulders, yet the credit was later taken by Europeans and is now known as Kocher’s method and the Walter position. How about some more?
The world map titled Nuzhat al-mushtāq fī ikhtirāq al-āfāq, which was developed for the King of Sicily in 1154 CE, was the most accurate of its time and was likely used by Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama, along with al-Mas’udi’s map which hints at the vast land of the Americas in the far west. Yet, al-Idrisi’s work is commonly referred to as the Map of Roger or Tabula Rogeriana with little recognition of al-Idrisi.
One more instance of western theft is the decipherment of the Rosetta Stone; a thousand years before the Frenchman Champollion claimed to have deciphered it, ibn Wahshiyya had already deciphered it along with his deep analysis of other ancient alphabets in his Kitab Shawq al-Mustaham. More? How about the planetary models of Copernicus, which were duplicates of the models developed by the Marigha astronomers, yet appeared 150 years after the time of ibn al-Shatir.
Let’s keep going. Another instance of western fraud is the subject of disease transmission. In his treatise about the plague Muqni’at al-Sā’il ‘an al-Maraḍ al-Hā’il, ibn al-Khatib explored the idea of disease transmission through contagion, centuries before Louis Pasteur conducted his experiments in Europe, yet the mainstream narrative incorrectly attaches the term “breakthrough” to Louis Pasteur.
Western theft of Islamic scientific and intellectual achievements has a long, ugly history. It’s bad enough that their entire livelihood and economies today (and throughout history) are based on stolen natural resources. But it isn’t only from us that they have stolen; other civilizations from around the world have suffered under the tyrannic yoke of these criminal-minded racists. Putting aside the sharp tongue, I shall now talk briefly about some interesting inventions from around the Asian world (not necessarily stolen by the westerners; it’s just a general show of the origins of things that mainstream media may not be showcasing in their mainstream propaganda):
Anesthetics, a breakthrough in the field of medicine, was first developed in China. The Arabs revolutionized the field of astronomy and made significant contributions to it. The invention of the printer is also credited to the Chinese. Black ink, a crucial element in the world of writing, was first developed in ancient Egypt. The shirt button, a common item in everyday life, was invented in India. Algebra, a fundamental branch of mathematics, was developed in Iran. Shampoo, a daily consumable, was first produced in India. The distillation process, used in the production of various products, was perfected by the Arabs. The toothbrush, a device used for oral hygiene, was also invented in Arabia. The compass, a vital tool for navigation, was first developed in China. Paper, a medium for the dissemination of knowledge, was also first produced in China. Cataract surgery, a medical procedure to restore vision, was first performed in India (Shushruta). The convex lens, used in various optical instruments, was developed by the Arabs. Pediatrics, a branch of medicine dealing with the health of children, was developed in Iran.
These are just a few examples of the countless contributions made by Asian civilizations to the world of science and innovation in general.
Even More Criticisms
For now, I shall start to wrap up this subject. I aim to preserve the legacy of our great forefathers (and the legacy of all true speakers and teachers of knowledge from yesteryears) and protect it from the malicious intentions of any and all oppressors regardless of where they come from, particularly that of colonial scoundrels. What the ignorant of today and yesterday don’t understand is that it is decreed by God that the earth shall return to the righteous after a brief moment of trials and tribulations which we have been enduring for quite some time now.
وَلَقَدْ كَتَبْنَا فِي الزَّبُورِ مِن بَعْدِ الذِّكْرِ أَنَّ الاَرْضَ يَرِثُهَا عِبَادِيَ الصَّالِحُونَ
“And We have written in the Zabur (the book of Prophet Dawud – the Psalms), after the Reminder (the Torah), ‘My righteous slaves shall inherit the earth’.”
(Surah al-Anbiyaa – #105)
As a non-academic historian of the Islamic civilization, I must correct the misconceptions and lies spread by the western oppressors who seek to rob our civilizations’ brilliant minds of their rightful place in history (in addition to the exploitation of the blessing of our lands). In matters of intellectuality and science, they have attempted to erase our contributions and present themselves as the sole purveyors of knowledge and progress. However, the truth cannot be silenced.
The innovations that have been credited to the so-called “modern” western world are nothing but a mere fraction of the wealth of knowledge and wisdom that has been generated by the great minds of the Asian civilizations. From anesthetics in China to the invention of the toothbrush in Arabia, the world has much to thank the civilized Asian cultures for. Verily, it is the duty of every emancipated individual, be it man or woman, to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the rich and diverse legacy of their civilization. For, only through such mastery can they rightfully claim the mantle of authority and impart their civilization’s wisdom to the world, unencumbered by the ignorance of outsiders.
After all, many western scholars, with their insatiable thirst for fame and prestige, have sought to monopolize knowledge and present themselves as the ultimate authority on all subjects, be they relevant or not. It is imperative that we, as the inheritors of rich and vibrant civilizations, take up the mantle of stewardship and ensure that our heritage is not misrepresented or distorted by those who seek to exploit it for their own gain, for if they do, then aside from the numerable disadvantages we would face, it is they who get to decide what information is transmitted and what stays hidden.
A Dear Land Held Hostage
As for the Muslim world, it is with a heavy heart that I must also note the brutal colonial policies imposed by the British, French, and other criminal imperialists since WWI, who sought to silence the voices of the Muslim people. Despite their futile attempts at punishing and demonizing the Arabic language (e.g., in their private educational institutions – I personally attest to that), they will never succeed. Yet, it is a sad state of affairs to see, for example, that when someone speaks in Arabic on an airplane, they are deemed a threat; on the contrary, this is how fabulous and grand the Arabic language attests itself in front of the hate-filled hearts of the bigot, the draft, and the ignorant.
As the great ibn Shubrumah, may God be pleased with him, so splendidly stated:
“Men have never worn a garment more beautiful than Arabic.”
Umar ibn al-Khattaab, may God be pleased with him, also said:
“Learn Arabic, for it strengthens the intelligence and increases one’s noble conduct”
Educational Degradation
In this era of ours, we bear witness to the tragic consequences of the malevolent foreign forces that have dared to defile our sacred institutions of knowledge. This isn’t new, however, for it is but an episode among many episodes in a long and bitter history of attacks against our civilization, since even before the French terrorists butchered West African Muslim scholars to eliminate Islamic learning and the spread of the Arabic language in that part of the continent.
The oppressors seek to destroy what we are (and what we were) and remold us in a worse image than they are, to create a generation of individuals who are bereft of the moral, ethical, and spiritual values that have long guided our people. Their weapon is the manipulation of our system of learning, through which they seek to shape the minds of our young and shape the course of our future. They seek to turn us away from the path of righteousness and virtue that was set by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and lead us into a world of immorality and decadence, which, as we can see today, has partially succeeded in a significant extent throughout the Muslim world. It is our solemn duty to resist their sinister efforts and uphold the legacy of our forefathers, for the sake of future generations, if not for ourselves.
In so-called educational institutions, the students, our future generations, are reduced to mere marginalia, their minds subjected to a monotonous curriculum that transforms them into mere automatons, devoid of creativity, critical thinking, or the ability to do something with their lives once they are made to believe that they are ready to set off into the real world via a jest in the form of a piece of paper that they call a diploma, degree, or certificate. This is a lamentable truth that has been made manifest through my travels and observation of a dozen different educational systems throughout the world, particularly in the lands that have fallen under the yoke of neo-colonialism, such as the MENA and Africa; and so, this uniformized result is evident before our eyes wherever we go.
Indeed, in the lands of the West, the situation is not much different. The students there are being taught inaccuracies and falsehoods, particularly in the subjects of history and geography (and perhaps anthropology too, since we are humorously, but shockingly witnessing a new gender being created now and then). It is a great sorrow that the people of these lands are being misled and their understanding of the world is being distorted. One of the most pressing examples of this is the fact that even the simplest of subjects, such as geography, is marred by inaccuracies. The map of the world they are taught is greatly flawed, with Africa being shamefully reduced in size and importance. This is but one of the many examples of the deliberate attempt to diminish the contributions and significance of non-Western civilizations in the annals of history.
But, verily, the most staggering evidence of sinister, shadowy interference in the Muslim world’s educational systems as a whole is the stark contrast between the glorious educational curricula of our forebears, those who were taught in the early Islamic era – where students were nurtured and developed into learned individuals – and the pitiful curricula that now permeate almost every educational institution around the world, a uniformity that belies the richness and diversity of our scholarly heritage.
How far we have fallen, from the days when education was a source of pride and enlightenment, to these times when it is merely a means to acquire a meaningless piece of paper that pitifully tries to attest to one’s certifiability in a given subject. Let us reject this state of affairs (in our minds first) and rediscover the wisdom and efficacity of the educational methods of our ancestors, and improve upon them to suit our times, for they hold the key to begin reclaiming our legacy as the guardians of knowledge and civilization.
Let it be known that humanity must not succumb to the machinations of these nefarious forces, seeking to rob us of our intellectual and spiritual sovereignty. We must not permit our minds to be dulled and our spirits to be crushed for the sake of their unquenchable thirst for global domination via total mind control. We must stand steadfast and resist their attempts to reduce us to mere automatons, devoid of the very qualities that make us human. The future of our civilization rests upon our ability to retain our independence, our wisdom, and our humanity.
Healthcare Today
Now, allow me to relate another serious matter that greatly concerns our noble profession of healing. The use of medicine is a sacred matter, a gift of Allah to alleviate the sufferings of His creations. However, in these times, there are many who would seek to profit from this noble endeavor (most are, unfortunately).
Verily, the merchants of medicine, the Pharmaceutical Companies, do shower great wealth upon the likes of so-called famous practitioners and regulators (e.g., Hematologists, Medical Oncologists, and so on). What big pharma does is create what they call “Commercial Advisory Boards,” which are in truth, gatherings of those who would sell their loyalty for but a few pieces of fiat currency (which many call “money” nowadays). Then they offer to pay these practitioners and regulators for their “advice,” though in truth, it is only their own interests they seek to promote. Bear in mind that these are not merely my words alone, but a combination of testaments from various outspoken critics that are highly renowned in the world of medicine and healthcare.
And so, these vile merchants also employ a cunning strategy, for they pay for the creation of advertisements that target the patients themselves, in hopes that they might convince the practitioners and regulators to prescribe their foul, rotten wares. But that’s not all, for they even have messengers, known as Pharmaceutical Representatives, Medical Science Liaisons, and the like, who are tasked with the persuasion of these practitioners’ good selves (at any cost whatsoever). And they spare no expense, for they pay “experts” to speak in their defense, and they sponsor gatherings under the guise of education.
And so, I say unto thee, to all you medical professionals out there, that you must remain steadfast in your commitment to the true purpose of your noble profession, to heal the sick and ease their suffering, and not be swayed by the siren songs of the merchants of medicine. After all, a physician in Arabic is called a “hakeem”; the same word that is used to refer to a wise man. Physicians have always been wise men in the past, knowledgable in many different fields, and not just medicine; it is a sad state of affairs to see the majority stoop to a level so low, that even a lowlife criminal would feel ashamed.
I also say unto thee, esteemed Mr. and Mrs. Ph.D., M.D, and any other titles thou hast claimed based upon the validation of mere parchment displayed upon thy wall of vanity, to ponder upon thy actions and inquire of thyself, what hast thou done and what art thou doing for the betterment of humanity with thy vast wealth of medicinal knowledge? For all humanity’s sake, set aside thy haughty demeanor and refrain from flaunting thy title at meaningless conferences and social gatherings, for it serves only to inflate thy ego and detract from thy true purpose of benefiting mankind.
Islam Under Attack
It is also with great lamentation that the decent people of Islam must bear witness to the blatant oppression of our revered sheikhs, who are prevented from openly discussing matters of faith and religion apart from what is allotted to them, whether in Friday sermons or any other public events. Meanwhile, the forces of evil have been nurturing a scourge of disingenuous imposters, whose sole purpose is to corrode the moral fabric of our societies. These charlatans that grow beards and pretend to be among us, seek to laud and impose upon us the permissibility of the degraded values of the west, while the true voices of modern-day Islam, the revered, legitimate, and credible sheikhs, continue to counter their sinister agendas.
It might not be long, however, before these miscreants attempt to justify and laud the repugnant western values of today such as gender confusion, climate change, insect and plant-based foods, women’s empowerment, and feminism (in Islam, women have had their full rights and equality alongside men since Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, brought the message of Islam to all humanity), and even the abhorrent practice of homosexuality.
For many years (possibly long before the planting of freemasons among Egypt’s religious leadership during the early era of British rule over Egypt), these deceitful fraudsters sought to spread false narratives about our beloved religion of Islam, while presenting themselves as credible authorities on religion matters. These conmen with fake beards receive ample support from political forces, but their efforts, however, ultimately end up in vain, for their true nature as clowns and jesters are immediately exposed by our steady-hearted men and women of faith. And so, till today, the foreign imperialist continues to search for new ways to corrupt and debase our noble society, just as their own has become completely corrupted and decadent.
﴾يَوْمَ نَقُولُ لِجَهَنَّمَ هَلِ امْتَلَأْتِ وَتَقُولُ هَلْ مِن مَّزِيدٍ﴿
On the Day when We will say to Hell: “Are you filled?” It (hell) will say: “Are there any more (to come)?”
(Surat Qaf – #30)
Sanad: A Verified & Preserved Method
Let us now turn our gaze to the revered Sanad system, a testament to the unyielding fortitude of our Islamic faith. This system, still in practice to this day, has served as a cornerstone in the education of our young men, imparting upon them a wealth of religious and theological knowledge and inculcating in them a profound understanding of the Qur’an and the Hadith. For, in Islam, the term Sanad, or Isnaad, refers to the chain of transmission of knowledge from learned authorities to the next generation of knowledge seekers. The validity of a Hadith, for example, rests upon the reliability of its Sanad, ensuring that the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions are preserved in their original form and spirit. In short, a Sanad is a chain of scholars through which knowledge is passed over time – precisely the type of teachers we need for all subject matters.
Moreover, the Sanad system in regards to the Qur’an refers to the personal transmission of knowledge from teacher to student, certifying the student’s mastery of its recitation and granting them the credibility and responsibility to impart this knowledge to others. This tradition of transmission has been a hallmark of Islamic education since its inception, a bond between teacher and student where knowledge and wisdom are passed down through generations.
In stark contrast, and as I mentioned earlier, modern education has been marred by greed and self-interest. Teachers today teach for the sake of their monthly salary, and some for the advancement of their own egos and fame. Academic institutions have become a scourge upon the pursuit of true knowledge, offering only shallow and unfulfilling education. To truly hone one’s skills and earn a livelihood, it is necessary to seek an apprenticeship, where the foundations of a trade can be learned from the ground up. And, compared to the inane and shallow examination systems of the modern university, institutions that provide hands-on training and practical experience are far more effective in imparting knowledge and skills to future generations (e.g., craft workshops, etc.).
Alas, these modern institutions that are touted and marketed for publicity’s sake (Harvard, Yale, Stanford, etc.) breed nothing but arrogance and pride among the youth and the aged, granting naught but a lofty sense of self-importance through the mere possession of a gilded diploma, obtained at the expense of the exorbitant sums of admission fees (blindly) extorted from students across the globe. Such institutions are naught but playthings for the wealthy, where they may send their offspring to bask in the glow of their own self-aggrandizement and prestige.
Yet, in the golden age of Islam, our scholars and educators did not seek worldly riches or glory, but instead, dedicated themselves to the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, passing on their learning to future generations through rigorous, yet compassionate, teachings and instruction; so too, did the wise sages of China and elsewhere. This system of education was far more effective, producing luminaries and leaders who were not only knowledgeable, but also humble, just, and virtuous.
To end this critical section of the article, I shall reiterate a wonderful anecdote that was told to us recently during Khotba.
The Bread, The Heart, and The Qur’an
In the early days of Islam, there was a story that was told of two simple, humble, pious Muslim men who roamed the scorching sands of the desert climate in search of a serene place to rest. As they rested beneath the shade of a tree, one of the men produced a piece of bread that had been reduced to a dry, rock-like state, inedible in its current form. In their search for water to soften the bread, they came upon a tiny pond left over from recent rain. One of the men began to dip the bread in the water, while the other smiled as he pondered the similarities between the rock-like bread and a hardened heart.
The man spoke to his companion, attesting that the recitation of the Qur’an was like the water that softened the bread, and in the same manner, it softens the reciter’s heart. But he also warned that if the kings and their descendants were to learn of the joy and contentment that came from having a softened heart through the recitation of the Qur’an, they would take it away from the people, just as they did with their worldly possessions. And so, the two men laugh and enjoy their moment of peace under the shade of the tree.
This anecdote serves as a reminder of Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) teachings, that the Qur’an and the remembrance of death are the most effective ways to soften the heart and draw oneself closer to God. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also warned us that those who are furthest from God are those with hardened hearts. May this tale inspire us all to recite more Qur’an and tend to our hearts, so that we may find sufficient contentment in this world, and eternal one in the hereafter.
ثُمَّ قَسَتْ قُلُوبُكُم مِّن بَعْدِ ذَٰلِكَ فَهِيَ كَالْحِجَارَةِ أَوْ أَشَدُّ قَسْوَةً ۚ وَإِنَّ مِنَ الْحِجَارَةِ لَمَا يَتَفَجَّرُ مِنْهُ الْأَنْهَارُ ۚ وَإِنَّ مِنْهَا لَمَا يَشَّقَّقُ فَيَخْرُجُ مِنْهُ الْمَاءُ ۚ وَإِنَّ مِنْهَا لَمَا يَهْبِطُ مِنْ خَشْيَةِ اللَّهِ ۗ وَمَا اللَّهُ بِغَافِلٍ عَمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ
“Then your hearts became hardened after that, being like stones or even harder. For indeed, there are stones from which rivers burst forth, and there are some of them that split open and water comes out, and there are some of them that fall down for fear of Allah. And Allah is not unaware of what you do.”
(Surat al-Baqara – #74)
Alas, it is our duty, as historians, students, enthusiasts, or any member of the Islamic civilization, to ensure that the truth and the guidance to the path of righteousness are not only revealed, but also protected from the fiendish malignant forces of evil that seek nothing other than to fulfill the objectives of the accursed Iblees. And so, let us use our collective voice to bring to the world a new narrative, one that is not dominated by the victors but by the truth; a narrative that celebrates the positive life-changing contributions of all civilizations, without bias or prejudice.
