a deen is not a religion

1. Introduction Ask most Muslims when the Quran was revealed, and you'll hear a familiar story: the first verses came to Prophet Muhammad in the Cave of Hira, then more verses were revealed gradually over 23 years, responding to various events, situations, and questions. This piecemeal revelation narrative forms the foundation of traditional Islamic scholarship. But what does the Quran itself say about how it was revealed? The answer might surprise you. The Quran makes clear,

🔍 Introduction Our investigation acts as an expert guide committed to understanding the Qur'an as a complete, self-referencing source of guidance for the Deen  (a holistic system of life and accountability). We adhere strictly to the Arabic text, using contextual self-referencing  and Lane's Lexicon as our sole tools to derive meaning, thereby isolating the text from all external interpretations, including Hadith, historical accounts, and traditional jurisprudence. Our found

Introduction The Quran as Holistic Guidance: A Thematic Analysis Using Hermeneutical Methodology This study examines the main themes of the Quran when approached as a comprehensive book of guidance (هدى - huda) for Deen rather than merely a religious text. Employing a hermeneutical methodology that prioritizes contextual self-referencing within the Arabic text itself, this analysis identifies eight interconnected core themes that emerge from the Quranic discourse: Tawhid (Div

Introduction: A Book of Guidance, Not Supernatural Tales The Quran presents itself as a book of guidance (2:2) for deen  - a complete way of life grounded in reality and reason. Yet throughout history, it has been interpreted through the lens of supernatural miracles that defy natural law. This reading misunderstands the Quranic framework and creates unnecessary conflict between divine guidance and observable reality. By applying careful hermeneutics - allowing the Quran to i

Introduction The Quran describes itself as guidance (2:2) - but how are we meant to understand this guidance? Surprisingly, the answer lies within the Quran itself. Ayah 3:7 provides not just information about the Quran's structure, but a complete methodology for understanding it. When examined carefully using the Quran's own words, this verse reveals a profound system of self-explanation that empowers every reader while warning against the very structures that have historica

For centuries, discussions around Muslim dress have centred on detailed lists of rules—measurements, colours, and specific garments like the "hijab." But when we turn exclusively to the Qur’an, we find a foundational guidance that is far less prescriptive and far more focused on behaviour, context, and consciousness. The Qur’anic imperative is not a wardrobe checklist; it is a set of universal principles designed to foster dignity, safety, and modest conduct in all societies.

Introduction: What the Quran Says About Itself Before developing any method to study the Quran, we should first ask: What does the Quran itself say about how it should be understood? The Quran makes remarkable claims about its own nature: It is free from internal contradiction  (4:82) It is consistent within itself , with parts explaining other parts (39:23) It repeats its teachings from multiple angles  (39:23) It is fully detailed  and requires no external explanation (6:11

Introduction Most readers and traditional readings of the Qur'an assume verse 4:3 permits men to marry multiple wives, but the Arabic text says otherwise. The verse speaks about fairness and responsibility toward dependents, not marriage. When read contextually, fa-inkiḥū  means “formalize agreements,” and mā ṭāba lakum  refers to what is proper or manageable — not women. Together with 4:129, the passage limits overextension and demands justice, dismantling the idea of Qur’an

Introduction The phrase “Abrahamic religion”  suggests that Judaism, Christianity, and Islam form a single religious family tracing back to Abraham. The Qur’an, however, never uses this term and does not group guidance in that way. It presents one dīn  — a just and upright system of truth — revealed to all communities through different messengers, languages, and contexts. Limiting this universal message to an “Abrahamic” lineage distorts what the Qur’an repeatedly emphasises:

What is Code 19? In the 1980s, Rashad Khalifa claimed that the Qur’an contains a hidden mathematical structure based on the number 19. He...

Pre-history References to same-sex relationships, behaviors, and roles appear in texts and records older than the Torah. Here’s a...

For the longest time, I've wondered why the Qur'an is called a "Reminder". Because we know God doesn't use words frivolously, this word...

What does the Qur'an mean when it talks about Nisāʾ and Rijāl, and contrast this with Unthā and Dhakar to elicit what the guidance is.

Introduction The traditional translation of verse 4;59 is as follows Believers, obey God and obey the Messenger وَأُولِي الْأَمْرِ (and...

The Qur'an's attitude towards science and scientific evidence can be examined by considering its use of reasoning, observation, and...

Most blessed is He who revealed to His servant the Criterion of right and wrong so that it might be a warning to the entire world. (25:1)...

Original article assembled by brother Irfan Shaikh Introduction: A Shift in Understanding For many years, I stopped giving talks. It...

Let's start with what the Qur'an declares إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةٍ مُبَارَكَةٍ ۚ إِنَّا كُنَّا مُنْذِرِينَ We have revealed it...

In collaboration with Adam Saiyid. The Qur'anic term ٱلدِّينِ (ad-dīn) is often translated as "religion," but this translation does not...

2:170 When it is said to them, "Follow what God has revealed", they say, "Nay! We will follow the ways of our ancestors.” What! Even...