11. When it is said to them: "Make not mischief on the earth," they say: "Why, we only Want to make peace!"
12. Of a surety, they are the ones who make mischief, but they realise (it) not.
Here we see one of the first grouping of the non-believers and the mischief makers. "they are the ones who make mischief" Who is that? The non-believers of course. We are of course aware that not all non-believers are mischief makers and there are plenty of believing mischief makers as well. But Allah has seems to denounce all non-muslims with this blanket statement. He seems more concerned with denouncing non-belief than he is wicked behaviour.I was recently told this about those verses:
"The story behind this verse is that Allah was talking to Prophet Muhammad pbuh who was very upset about those in Quraish who refused to believe him, worrying perhaps that he did not deliver the message properly. "
Why would God give us a message intended for everyone and insert lines that are intended specifically for Mohammed without making it clear beforehand? Any good book should be consciences of its audience and be consistent in its direction. At my job we make instruction manuals for operators and service manuals for technicians. We would clearly confuse the reader if we inserted service help into an operator guide. If God wanted to give the world a message he could have kept the instructions that applied only to Mohammed's predicament for a separate message.13. When it is said to them: "Believe as the others believe:" They say: "Shall we believe as the fools believe?" Nay, of a surety they are the fools, but they do not know.
14. When they meet those who believe, they say: "We believe;" but when they are alone with their evil ones, they say: "We are really with you: We (were) only jesting."
15. Allah will throw back their mockery on them, and give them rope in their trespasses; so they will wander like blind ones (To and fro).
16. These are they who have bartered Guidance for error: But their traffic is profitless, and they have lost true direction,
17. Their similitude is that of a man who kindled a fire; when it lighted all around him, Allah took away their light and left them in utter darkness. So they could not see.
This is more of the same stuff. Allah has stated 3 times already that he will be pro-active in assuring the non-believers do not learn the truth. This is odd.18. Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will not return (to the path).
19. Or (another similitude) is that of a rain-laden cloud from the sky: In it are zones of darkness, and thunder and lightning: They press their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunder-clap, the while they are in terror of death. But Allah is ever round the rejecters of Faith!
20. The lightning all but snatches away their sight; every time the light (Helps) them, they walk therein, and when the darkness grows on them, they stand still. And if Allah willed, He could take away their faculty of hearing and seeing; for Allah hath power over all things.
Is that it for the redundant similtudes? I get the picture. This is supposedly God's first opportunity to speak to me and so far all he's said is "You're not going to believe this" like ten times!21. O ye people! Adore your Guardian-Lord, who created you and those who came before you, that ye may have the chance to learn righteousness;
22. Who has made the earth your couch, and the heavens your canopy; and sent down rain from the heavens; and brought forth therewith Fruits for your sustenance; then set not up rivals unto Allah when ye know (the truth).
23. And if ye are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant, then produce a Sura like thereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers (If there are any) besides Allah, if your (doubts) are true.
24. But if ye cannot- and of a surety ye cannot- then fear the Fire whose fuel is men and stones,- which is prepared for those who reject Faith.
OK, this is the first evidence we are provided that this is the word of God. Apparently it is so beautiful in Arabic that it can only be written by God. Shakespeare is pretty good too and the Copts who can speak Arabic don?t seem convinced by this argument.25. But give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness, that their portion is Gardens, beneath which rivers flow. Every time they are fed with fruits therefrom, they say: "Why, this is what we were fed with before," for they are given things in similitude; and they have therein companions pure (and holy); and they abide therein (for ever).
26. Allah disdains not to use the similitude of things, lowest as well as highest. Those who believe know that it is truth from their Lord; but those who reject Faith say: "What means Allah by this similitude?" By it He causes many to stray, and many He leads into the right path; but He causes not to stray, except those who forsake (the path),-
I understand what the similtudes mean. I'm just giving constructive creative criticism. I think he's going a bit heavy on the similtudes. But if he disdains not to use them I will let it pass.27. Those who break Allah.s Covenant after it is ratified, and who sunder what Allah Has ordered to be joined, and do mischief on earth: These cause loss (only) to themselves.
28. How can ye reject the faith in Allah.- seeing that ye were without life, and He gave you life; then will He cause you to die, and will again bring you to life; and again to Him will ye return.
Non-muslims do not all reject God. They reject that this book is his message.29. It is He Who hath created for you all things that are on earth; Moreover His design comprehended the heavens, for He gave order and perfection to the seven firmaments; and of all things He hath perfect knowledge.
7 firmaments? Did Allah fail Astronomy? Why is God's knowledge of the universe that of a 7th century man? Why did he not reveal his creation more accurately instead of adhering to an ancient and incorrect understanding of the universe? This is like saying God created the world flat!B
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Topic: Bob reads the Quran from cover to cover