Maulana Wahiduddin Khan's excerpt from The Sunday Guardian uses Quranic verses to argue that human helplessness is a fundamental truth. He asserts that life's inherent trials and the inevitability of death demonstrate humanity's powerlessness compared to God's omnipotence. This realization of one's own insignificance, Khan suggests, is the crucial first step toward a spiritual awakening, fundamentally altering one's perspective and shaping a life devoted to the divine. The article emphasizes personal experience as the path to understanding this core spiritual principle. THE BEGINNING OF REALIZATION | CPS GLOBAL

As per Islamic teachings, Chapter 23 of the Quran, known as Surah Al-Mu'minun (The Believers), emphasizes the qualities and characteristics of true believers. The chapter opens with the declaration, 'Successful indeed are the believers' (23:1). This verse sets the tone for the entire chapter, highlighting the importance of genuine faith and devotion to God.

The subsequent verses detail the attributes of these believers, including their humility in prayer (23:2), their avoidance of frivolous activities (23:3) and their commitment to maintaining their prayers (23:9). The surah concludes with a reminder of the consequences for those who deny the truth, underscoring the distinction between believers and non-believers.

Moreover, verse 23:11 states, 'they shall abide in it forever,' referring to the eternal rewards that await the believers in Paradise⁵. This illustrates the eternal nature of their success in the Hereafter, provided they lead a life devoted solely to God.

In summary, Surah Al-Mu'minun serves as a reminder of the essential qualities of faith, the significance of prayer, and the ultimate reward for those who adhere to these principles. The chapter encapsulates the journey of a believer, from their attributes to the eternal consequences of their actions, thus providing guidance for a devout life.”

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“As per Islamic teachings, Surah Maryam, or Chapter 19 of the Quran, is dedicated to the story of Maryam (Mary), the mother of Jesus (Isa). This chapter begins with verse 1, which introduces the miraculous aspects of her life, illustrating the mercy of God bestowed upon her. For example, verse 2 states: 'This is an account of your Lord’s mercy bestowed upon His servant Zachariah,' highlighting how even in his old age, Zachariah prayed for a child, showcasing the power of sincere supplication¹.

The chapter details the birth of Maryam, her upbringing, and the miraculous conception of Jesus through divine decree, affirming her chastity and purity. Verse 19:20 captures Maryam's astonishment when she is informed about the miraculous birth: 'She said, 'How can I have a son when no man has touched me; and neither have I been unchaste?'² This emphasizes her unwavering faith and purity, which are central themes in her narrative.

Additionally, the chapter illustrates the challenges faced by Maryam, including societal condemnation when she returned with her newborn. In verse 19:28, she is addressed with disbelief by her community: 'Sister of Aaron, your father was not an evil man, nor was your mother an unchaste woman!'³ Nonetheless, Mary's faith in God remains steadfast, as she points to her son, who speaks in defense of her purity, illustrating the miraculous nature of Jesus' birth⁴.

Maryam holds a significant position in Islamic tradition; she is described as 'exalted above all womankind' and is revered for her complete submission to God’s will, which is a characteristic admired in many figures within Islam⁵. Her story serves as a testament to faith, resilience, and the boundless mercy of God.

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As per Islamic teachings, the chapter 'Al-Anbiya' (The Prophets) of the Quran addresses the stories and lessons of various prophets sent by God. The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith, the reality of the Day of Judgment, and the ultimate success of those who follow the guidance of God. Each verse contributes to illustrating the struggles and triumphs of the prophets, affirming that divine support is granted to those who remain steadfast in their mission to convey God’s message.

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“Surah Al-Kahf, also known as 'The Cave', is the 18th chapter of the Quran and comprises 110 verses. It is a Makki Surah, which was revealed during the time when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) faced significant opposition and challenges from the disbelievers in Makkah.

The Surah covers several key themes, including the story of the People of the Cave, which serves as a powerful reminder of faith, patience, and reliance on God in times of adversity. It emphasizes that true believers will be rewarded for their faith and good deeds, as stated in verse 18:30: 'As for those who believe and do good deeds—We do not let the reward of anyone who does a good deed go to waste'.

Moreover, Surah Al-Kahf also discusses the significance of knowledge and the dangers of arrogance, illustrated through the story of Moses and Khidr. The Surah concludes with reflections on the Day of Judgment and the accountability of one's actions, urging believers to seek knowledge and remain steadfast in their faith.

Overall, Surah Al-Kahf serves as a source of guidance for Muslims, encouraging them to strengthen their faith and seek refuge in God amidst life's trials and tribulations

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Leo Tolstoy's short story, Wisdom of Children, inspires a discussion on achieving peace through education. The author argues that children's natural ability to resolve conflict without lasting animosity offers a model for adult behavior, contrasting the pre-egoistic nature of children with the ego-driven actions of adults. He contends that fiction is insufficient for societal change, advocating for a shift towards rational, evidence-based education, using the transformation in Kashmir as a successful example of peace-building through a grassroots educational campaign. This educational approach, he suggests, replaces violence as a means of social reform.

There are innumerable signs inside the humble honeybee. If man reflects on these signs, he can be overwhelmed with the awareness of the greatness of God. The text emphasizes the critical importance of honeybees to agriculture, noting the potential loss of approximately 100,000 plant species without their pollination services. Ultimately, the passage uses the honeybee as a case study to support a creationist argument.

This text argues for the necessity of believing in an afterlife, presenting a multifaceted case. Psychological evidence suggests humanity's inherent desire for a better world points towards its existence. Moral arguments contend that without an afterlife, justice and accountability for human actions are impossible. Empirical evidence, including psychical research and the persistence of memory, is offered to support the possibility of life after death. The author challenges those who dismiss the concept, highlighting inconsistencies in their reasoning and emphasizing the incompleteness of this world without the promise of a future judgment.