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Books by Harun Yahya Books

Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya) The Qur'an contains all the commands and information necessary for the... more Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya)

The Qur'an contains all the commands and information necessary for the believer's life. It is Allah's book of revelation, valid until the Day of Judgment. One of its greatest miracles is it has retained its relevance to all people, regardless of when they live, since Allah first revealed it as a guide to wisdom and the righteous path.

Its narratives concerning past nations provide guidance to people in so many ways. The lives of the Prophets, their calls to their nations, and their actual practices are examples for the believers to follow. Furthermore, the Qur'an contains signs for the future and some mysteries upon which the believers must reflect. Such is the case with Surat al-Kahf, one of its suras.

Prophet Muhammad (saas) and many Muslim scholars have pointed out Surat al-Kahf for this reason. The Qur'an's account of the Companions of the Cave (Ashab al-Kahf) and Ar-Raqim, Prophet Musa's (as) experiences with Khidhr (as) (the person of knowledge), and the account of Dhu'l-Qarnayn (as) contain many secrets and expressions hinting at the End Times.

Many prophetic hadiths connect Surat al-Kahf with the End Times. Some of them are as follows:

Related by an-Nawwas ibn Sam'an: He who among you will survive to see him (the Dajjal) should recite over him the opening verses of Surah al-Kahf. (Sahih Muslim)

Related by Abu Umamah al-Bahili: Whoever enters his (the Dajjal's) Hell, let him seek refuge with Allah and recite the opening verse of Surat al-Kahf, and it will become cool and peaceful for him, as the fire became cool and peaceful for Abraham. (Ibn Kathir)

One reason why the Prophet (saas) recommended reading Surat al-Kahf is that it contains very important signs pointing to the End Times. Surat al-Kahf contains the signs required for the believers' defense and fight against the Dajjal and the irreligious movements bringing so much evil to humanity, which he wants to spread around the world, as well as many lessons from which the Muslims can learn. Our Prophet's (saas) recommendation to memorize and read this sura attentively is a clear indication of this. As we will see throughout this book, the experiences of Ashab al-Kahf in an unbelieving world, the lessons Prophet Musa (as) learned from Khidhr (as), and Dhu'l-Qarnayn's (as) rule over the world, established to disseminate Islam's values, are matters upon which the believers need to reflect.

We will explain the reasons behind these events so that readers can ponder and meditate upon Surat al-Kahf, which contains very important signs for today, in order to gain insight into these secrets and to abide by the Prophets' (saas) advice. Attentive readers will see that this sura bears the signs of the End Times, a time near the Hour, during which the practices of systems of unbelief and falsehood become widespread and Allah sends forth the truth to destroy them.

By Allah's will, this time is very near, so much so that it has become crucial for people to reflect upon this matter. Thus, Muslims must ponder Surat al-Kahf carefully, bear its verses in mind, and analyze each verse in light of the Qur'an's other verses.

Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya) In the Qur'an Allah reveals a very important truth:""You will not atta... more Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya)

In the Qur'an Allah reveals a very important truth:""You will not attain true goodness until you give of what you love." " (Surah Al 'Imran, 92) Self-sacrifice, one of the basic moral qualities that allows people to attain real goodness, can enable individuals to give up, happily and without a second thought, all that they own, love, and value. When necessary, they will endure every difficulty and exert all of their energy for the sake of their values and loved ones. When faced with choosing between their own advantage and that of their loved ones, they will forego their own benefit and make the greatest physical and emotional sacrifice that they can for their loved ones.

All people are created with negative moral tendencies that direct them toward selfishness and egotism. If one's lower self is not trained, this selfishness will take control of one's moral character. Generally, such people think first - or even exclusively - about themselves. They always want the best of everything and expect to be treated with understanding and kindness. When difficulties arise, they expect others to take risks for them and support them at the cost of their own advantage. They always want to protect their own interests and comfort. When faced with adversity, they renounce whatever they value for the sake of protecting their interests and avoiding any harm to themselves. Allah describes the extent of this selfish passion:

Truly humanity was created headstrong – desperate when bad things happen, begrudging when good things come. (Surat al-Ma'arij, 19-21)

People can overcome their lower self by understanding belief in Allah and practicing the Qur'an's moral teachings. Those who grasp the truths revealed in the Qur'an and understand the morality that Allah has laid down for humanity are always able to sacrifice for others. Allah says that those who master their lower self will attain salvation in this world and the Hereafter: "The people who are protected from the avarice of their own selves are successful." (Surat at-Taghabun, 16)

Allah created the human conscience to help people avoid evil and practice the morality that pleases Him. The conscience always warns against evil and shows the way to goodness. The deep love for Allah and strong fear and respect for Him that reside in the believers' heart prevent them from being overcome by their lower self. They know that the main reasons for their existence are to win Allah's favor and to conduct themselves in ways that earn His good pleasure. They know that this earthly life is very short and that they have to work to attain success in the Hereafter. They do not forget that all of this world's benefits are transitory and that one day they will stand in Allah's Presence and account for their life. They are aware that those who pursue their own interests here, instead of trying to attain Allah's favor, mercy, and Paradise, will suffer eternal agony. In addition, they know that Allah will reward their self-sacrificial moral character with good things in this world and incomparable eternal blessings in the Hereafter:
Those who do good will have the best, and more. Neither dust nor debasement will darken their faces. They are the Companions of the Garden, remaining in it timelessly, forever. (Surah Yunus, 26)

So Allah gave them the reward of this world and the best reward of the Hereafter. Allah loves good-doers. (Surah Al 'Imran, 148)

If anyone desires the reward of this world, We will give him some of it. If anyone desires the reward of the Hereafter, We will give him some of it. We will recompense the thankful. (Surah Al 'Imran, 145)

However, self-sacrifice is far more than just giving part of one's possesssions to someone in need. For believers, it is a way of life that comes from the strength of their belief, pervades their whole life, and requires that they sensitize themselves to their surroundings. This involves feeling a sense of personal responsibility for social problems and trying to solve the problems of oppressed and needy people. Rather than thinking that the rich and powerful will take care of these problems, they consider it a moral imperative and a demand of their conscience to get involved, for being a virtuous person means to act in the knowledge that every believer who listens to his/her conscience and fears and respects Allah has a responsibility:

"Would that there had been more people with a vestige of good among the generations of those who came before you, who forbade corruption in the land, other than the few among them whom We saved. Those who did wrong gladly pursued the life of luxury that they were given and were evildoers. " (Surah Hud, 116)

This book will examine the nature of self-sacrifice from all of these angles. We will see that self-sacrifice is a moral virtue that must dominate a believer's life and that it must be lived in its totality to win Allah's favor. Basing their life on this strong understanding, believers strive toward what is good and thus serve as examples of this goodness both in this life and the Hereafter.

Some people avoid self-sacrifice, preferring this world's transient benefits to winning Allah's favor. But sooner or later, they will suffer great loss in both worlds. Thus, this book will stress the importance of this fact and call upon all believers to follow their conscience and lead lives of self-sacrifice. As Allah states in the Qur'an:

"Say: "My prayer and my rites, my living and my dying, are for Allah alone, the Lord of all the worlds." " (Surat al-An'am, 162)

Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya) Throughout history, human beings have understood the majesty of the mo... more Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya)

Throughout history, human beings have understood the majesty of the mountains and the vastness of the heavens, even through the use of their primitive methods of observation. Though, they mistakenly thought these things would exist forever. This superstitious belief formed the backbone of polytheist and materialist Greek philosophies, and of the deviant religions of Sumer and Egypt.

The Qur'an tells us that those who believe this are in grave error. One of the things that Allah (God) reveals in the Qur'an is that the universe has been created and that it will come to an end. The universe will, as will human beings and all other living things, come to an end. This ordered world, which has functioned perfectly for billions of years, is the work of our Lord, Who created everything, though it will come to a grand end at His command, and at a time that He has determined.

The appointed time when the universe and every creature in it, from microorganisms to human beings, including stars and galaxies, will come to an end, is called the "Hour" in the Qur'an. This "Hour" refers to not just any hour; but is a word used specifically in the Qur'an to refer to that time when the world will come to an end.

Along with the announcement of the end of the world, the Qur'an contains detailed descriptions of the process of that event: "When the sky bursts open," "When the oceans surge into each other," "When the mountains are pulverized," "When the sun is compacted in blackness…" The horror and panic that people will experience at this dreadful calamity is related in detail in the Qur'an; the verses emphasize that there will be no escape and no place to hide. What we can conclude from this that the end of the world will be a catastrophe such as the world has never experienced before. Details of that even may also be found in other books of ours entitled, The Day of Resurrection, Death Resurrection Hell. This present book will treat the events that will happen as the Last Day approaches.

First, it must be stated that it is clear from a number of verses of the Qur'an, that the subject of the inevitable end of the world has excited interest in every period of history. In certain verses, it is related that people had asked the Prophet Muhammad (saas) about when the end of the world would come:

They will ask you about the Hour: when is it due? … (Surat al-A'raf: 187)

They ask you about the Hour: "When will it come?" (Surat an-Nazi'at: 42)

Allah commanded the Prophet (saas) to answer this question in the following way: "… Knowledge of it rests with my Lord alone..." (Surat al-A'raf: 187), meaning that only He knows the date of the Hour. Furthermore Allah has revealed in the Qur'an that He will grant this hidden knowledge to those Messengers whom He wills:

He is the Knower of the Unseen, and does not divulge His Unseen to anyone – except a Messenger with whom He is well pleased, and then He posts sentinels before him and behind him. (Surat al-Jinn: 26-27) Allah has revealed us that He had not kept that knowledge completely out of the reach of humans with the words "I almost keep it from the knowledge of others." (And Allah knows the truth.)

The Hour is coming, I almost keep it from the knowledge of others so that every self can be repaid for its efforts. (Surah Ta-Ha: 15)

Nobody can have knowledge of the Last Hour unless Allah wills otherwise. However, one can make an estimate as to its century based on the hadiths of the Prophet (saas) and signs in the Qur'an, and say, "the Last Hour will come when there are no believers left and disbelief reigns." As a matter of fact, the great ahl al-Sunnah scholars al-Barzanji and as-Suyuti state, based on the hadith of the Prophet (saas), that the life span of the Ummah will not exceed the Islamic year 1500, in other words it will end before Islamic 1600s. Bediuzzaman Said Nursi says, again according to the information given in the hadith, that Muslims will remain on Allah's true path and will be victorious until around Islamic year 1506 with the Last Hour probably taking place in 1545 (2120 according to the Gregorian calendar).

There are many verses that tell of the Hour, and when we examine them we encounter a great truth. The time of the Hour is not indicated in the Qur'an, but those events that will happen prior to it are described. In one verse Allah relates that there are several signs of the Hour:

What are they awaiting but for the Hour to come upon them suddenly? Its Signs have already come. What good will their Reminder be to them when it does arrive? (Surah Muhammad: 18)

Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya) Without their knowing, a superstitious religion has brought the great ... more Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya)

Without their knowing, a superstitious religion has brought the great majority of people under its sway. This hidden religion never openly reveals itself. It has no written commandments, but it controls people's behavior, attitudes and thoughts. People unconsciously implement this religion's rules throughout their lives, and live by its structures and prohibitions. This superstitious religion is not Islam, Christianity or Judaism. When asked, many people who abide by this false religion may well describe themselves as Muslims or Christians or Jews. They may even be atheists. But nevertheless, all are actually members of this secret belief system.

This false religion never presents itself to people as a unified whole. People adopt it as the result of the steady propaganda they are subjected to from birth. Therefore, they're unaware that their behavior, thoughts, and even body language derive from this religion.

To its adherents, this superstitious religion portrays its goal as becoming a respected person. To do so means adopting the value judgments of this religion, implementing its laws, prohibitions and forms of behavior, and assuming its character traits. To be respected is essential to achieve a specific accepted station in society, and not regarded as an eccentric, not out of the ordinary.

This religion is therefore an ignorant one, which is how we'll refer to it for short. Ignorant religion propels people towards insincerity, toward artificial and affected behavior. Adherents of this false religion do not generally behave naturally and spontaneously. They employ modes of behavior, speech and facial expressions in a way they think will be appropriate, and engage in constant role-playing. Yet they imagine that they are living exceedingly natural and normal lives.

This false system produces insincere, artificial human models with false identities. Why does such an evil religion, bringing with it all kinds of trouble and suffering, hold large sections of society under its sway? The most important reason is, as already mentioned, that it lacks any formal name. Adherents of this wicked religion never even think to question, abandon or change it, because they are unaware that the system they live under is actually a religion, and regard it as "the facts, "or" the immutable laws of life."

As long as people fail to remedy this situation and turn away from the religion of the ignorant, they cannot properly comprehend and live by Islam, because sincerity and naturalness are among the fundamental tenets of Islam. A person can live by Islam, and thus achieve true happiness and salvation, only by being uncompromisingly sincere towards Allah, himself and others. Faith can only be built on a foundation of sincerity. In order to free yourself of the effect of the Religion of the Ignorant, that satanic religion must first be identified and defined. That is the aim of this book. The following chapters shall examine the characteristics of Ignorantism in some detail.

The reader's task is to personally weigh and review the characteristics of this false religion. One may be reluctant to admit it, but the Religion of the Ignorant can exert a definite effect on anyone. Ridding yourself of this dark religion that impacts on every moment of people's lives calls, first and foremost, for close attention and sincerity.

Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya) When we think of a superficial person as understood by most people, ge... more Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya)

When we think of a superficial person as understood by most people, generally we imagine an individual ignorant of the rules of etiquette; one who is uneducated, uninformed, immoderate and who often does not know how to behave in certain situations. But what this book will dwell on is not the kind of superficiality as generally understood; we will discuss, in terms of religious morality, how superficiality can become a spiritual state. The superficiality we will examine here is much deeper, more radical: a sickness that is more serious than commonly understood. And, unless Allah wills otherwise, it is a great danger that can draw a person into Hell.

We will discuss the superficiality that infects a person's behavior and thinking when he does not expand his spirit according to the moral teaching of the Qur'an and is unwilling to draw closer to Allah and seek His favor. This superficiality manifests itself when a person has only a weak grasp of Allah's infinite power, of the purposes that lie behind events that transpire in the world at large, and of the true meaning of life. There is a total difference between moral character of a true Muslim, who comprehends Allah's existence and mighty power, and the character, personality and behavior of a superficial person who thinks too little, if at all. Muslims have nobility of spirit, high personal qualities and a deep understanding, whereas superficial individuals are debased by the weakness of their character.

Superficiality—an aberration in behavior, thinking and speaking—stems from a basic inner poverty that, for some individuals, becomes a way of life. But when we speak of superficiality, we must not get the wrong impression. Natural, unpremeditated behavior is not superficial; being natural has its own appealing beauty and integrity. Therefore, avoiding superficiality does not mean restricting spontaneity. Superficiality is quite something different; it comes not from the natural expression of intimacy but from a closed consciousness that remains unaware of compulsive, negative, and trivial behavior that goes against religious morality. In ignorant societies, some individuals think that avoiding superficiality entails a false show of sobriety and dignity. But these individuals have another behavioral aberration at least as false and compulsive as superficiality; they think that dignity requires coolness, officiousness, haughtiness and artificial refinement in behavior.

However, the way to avoid superficiality is not through false dignity, but only through the moral teachings of the Qur'an. Many people see superficiality as an inevitable fact of life. Regarding it as normal, they are not made uncomfortable by either their own or others' behavior in this regard. On the contrary, they urge this unseemly behavior on one another and feel obliged to practice the same superficial behavior that everyone else does. So conditioned are they in this regard that superficiality—with its ways of speaking and thinking and its particular codes of behavior—actually becomes a sort of false religion. However, superficiality is a major behavioral aberration that prevents any individual from living a good moral life, developing a quality personality and thinking admirable thoughts. Anyone who adopts this false "Religion of Superficiality" can never practice true religious morality, even if he claims to be religious. He may claim that he is a Muslim and believes in Allah, but so long as he is not saved from this superficial sickness, he cannot practice the moral teachings of the Qur'an in any valid sense. In this regard, the Qur'an tells us about the shallow and superficial moral understanding of a group of individuals: a group of Bedouins who lived in the time of the Prophet Muhammad (saas). The following chapters will examine the superficial behavior and way of thinking of these Bedouins in the light of the Qur'an. Allah reveals that they were different from real Muslims and that faith had not really taken root in their hearts:

The desert Arabs say, "We believe." Say: "You do not believe." Say rather, "We have become Muslim," for faith has not yet entered into your hearts. (Surat al-Hujurat: 14)
True Muslims who fashion their behavior purely according to the moral teachings of the Qur'an avoid shallow behavior and superficial thinking because they lead a moral life that Allah has chosen for them and that is most befitting their nature. Everything they do, say and think reflects their depth of noble spirit. Muslims judge everything on the basis of the Qur'an and, for this reason,—by relying on what Allah reveals in the Qur'an—they are keenly able to discern superficiality. Individuals who live a superficial life see no great danger in it. And as long as they think that superficiality is a fact of life, they cannot become aware of the harm it does them. Yet superficiality is a debased and blemished culture, totally removed from the morality and understanding of the Qur'an; and it prevents an individual from living the life of a Muslim.

Some people call themselves religious, even though they are far removed from practicing religious morality. This book examines every aspect of the debased culture into which these people have fallen—and offers a solution.

Never forget, those who live debased by superficiality are still responsible for their lives. Such people who live far from the Qur'an and the subtleties of its moral teaching, pursuing superficial ideals, do not consider that they will be held accountable for their lives. And when they see the angels of death coming to take their souls, they will awaken up to the profound error that they have been living. But this awakening comes too late. This is because the purpose of human creation is for them to live their lives practicing a morality that is pleasing to Allah, and the worst possible time for them to realize that purpose is at the moment of death when this life is about to be left behind.

Allah tells us of the reward in the world to come that awaits those who do not renounce superficiality in this world and fail to submit to the true moral teachings of the Qur'an:

Those who did evil used to laugh at those who believed. When they passed by them, they would wink at one another. When they returned to their families, they would make a joke of them. When they saw them, they would say, "Those people are misguided." But they were not sent as guardians over them. So today those who believe are laughing at the disbelievers, on couches, gazing in wonder. Have the disbelievers been rewarded for what they did? (Surat al-Mutaffifin: 29-36)

Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya) The dictionary defines passive as "not active or not participating per... more Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya)

The dictionary defines passive as "not active or not participating perceptibly in an activity, organization, etc." and "inert." When one refers to another as a "passive person," he means someone who lacks zeal, who is not concerned with the outside-world, or with the problems and trials of others, and who makes no effort to seek solutions to their problems. One who is passive lives unto himself, immersed in his own little world. This book explores the nature of this human type, one who consciously adopts this lack of commitment, a degree of moral depravity which he then tries to impart to the rest of the community. When commenting on this sort of character, we will refer to him as a "passive" person, that is, "one who advocates passivity."

Some, among the Muslims, are of a temper that is contrary to the zeal and enthusiasm expected of the believers. Far from feeling the motivation endowed by faith, and believers' inner contentment and peace, these people lead dull and selfish lives. They are loath to involve themselves in any attempt to live according to the morality of Islam, but watch such efforts instead from a distance, being reluctant to grasp Allah's greatness, and to adopt the higher principles espoused in the Qur'an. Vitality is found neither in that which they do, nor in their understanding of faith.

They are devoid of those attributes of moral perfection that please Allah, such as loving-kindness, sincerity, and loyalty. With their lack of enthusiasm and passivity, which they deliberately make apparent, they are aloof, insensitive and overly formal, and are those with whom it is impossible to establish close bonds. Above all else, they are lacking in fear of Allah, being instead highly prone to treachery. Allah informs us about these character traits in the following verse;

Among you there are people who lag behind, and if you encounter a setback then they say, "Allah has blessed me in that I was not there with them." (Surat an-Nisa’, 72)

In several other verses, Allah introduces us to these people, as those who strive to wreak the zeal of the Muslims, in communicating the morality explained in the Qur'an, by "lagging behind." These verses provide important information that will help us perceive the real intentions behind their suspect aloofness.

Such people, who aim to demoralize the Muslims, while living amongst them, may maintain they believe, but exhibit the attitudes of the hypocrites and those with a sickness in their hearts. Or, they may be of weak faith, and have not properly grasped its meaning, and failed to justly assess Allah. Despite being among believers, these people are deficient in their understanding of the morality of Islam, and how to live by it, and wish too for other Muslims to behave as they do. Apart from these, among the unbelievers and those who are ignorant of religion, there may also be found such who make every effort to undermine the Muslims' resolve and morale. These people will act openly or furtively to accomplish their aims. For instance, the hypocrites, and those with a disease in their hearts, may cooperate with the unbelievers against the believers. Their goal, ultimately, is to harm the believers. And, through devious insinuations, by being negative in speech or in action, they may aim deceptively to demoralize the believers.

Nevertheless, these people often have certain characteristics in common. Whether they are amongst the believers, or elsewhere, these people mentioned above consistently exhibit these characteristics—it is inevitable. Effectively, poor wisdom, lack of insight, indolence, fearfulness, treachery, deceptiveness, greed, negativity, lack of love, pride, jealousy, all vices the sincere believers carefully avoid become their salient features. Whether they are together or apart, it is these common traits that allow them to ally themselves against the believers.

Basically, this book will examine both the overt and subtle methods employed by those who live amongst the Muslims, but who strive to demoralize them. And, it will deal with the attributes of those unbelievers who are prone to ally themselves with such people. In this regard, this book will expose all those character-types who aim to deflate the zeal of the Muslims. Finally, it will explain that what is incumbent upon the Muslims is to further the intellectual struggle, as mentioned in the Qur'an, against these ill-willed people, who strive to promote passivity and idleness among the Muslims.

Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya) Fourteen centuries ago, God sent down the Qur'an to mankind as a book ... more Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya)

Fourteen centuries ago, God sent down the Qur'an to mankind as a book of guidance. He called upon people to be guided to the truth by adhering to this book. From the day of its revelation to the day of judgement, this last divine book will remain the sole guide for humanity.

The matchless style of the Qur'an and the superior wisdom in it are definite evidence that it is the word of God. In addition, the Qur'an has many miraculous attributes proving that it is a revelation from God. One of these attributes is the fact that a number of scientific truths that we have only been able to uncover by the technology of the 20th century were stated in the Qur'an 1,400 years ago.

Of course the Qur'an is not a book of science. However, many scientific facts that are expressed in an extremely concise and profound manner in its verses have only been discovered with the technology of the 20th century. These facts could not have been known at the time of the Qur'an's revelation, and this is still more proof that the Qur'an is the word of God.

In order to understand the scientific miracle of the Qur'an, we must first take a look at the level of science at the time when this holy book was revealed.

In the 7th century, when the Qur'an was revealed, Arab society had many superstitious and groundless beliefs where scientific issues were concerned. Lacking the technology to examine the universe and nature, these early Arabs believed in legends inherited from past generations. They supposed, for example, that mountains supported the sky above. They believed that the earth was flat and that there were high mountains at its both ends. It was thought that these mountains were pillars that kept the vault of heaven high above.

However all these superstitious beliefs of Arab society were eliminated with the Qur'an. In Sura Sad, verse 2, it was said: "God is He who raised up the heavens without any support..."(The Qur'an, 13:2). This verse invalidated the belief that the sky remains above because of the mountains. In many other subjects, important facts were revealed at a time when no one could have known them. The Qur'an, which was revealed at a time when people knew very little about astronomy, physics, or biology, contains key facts on a variety of subjects such as the creation of the universe, the creation of the human being, the structure of the atmosphere, and the delicate balances that make life on earth possible.

Now, let us look at some of these scientific miracles revealed in the Qur'an together.

Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya) Fourteen centuries ago, God sent down the Qur'an to mankind as a boo... more Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya)

In order to understand the scientific miracle of the Qur'an, we must first take a look at the level of science at the time when this holy book was revealed.

Now, let us look at some of these scientific miracles revealed in the Qur'an together.

Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya) Throughout every moment of our lives, we encounter countless blessings... more Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya)

Throughout every moment of our lives, we encounter countless blessings and beauties created for us by Allah: the air we breathe, the varied and impressively lovely sights in nature, the splendid beauty in animals, plants and flowers are all examples of this incontestable fact. They, along with many other wonders of the natural world, all have a powerful impact upon the human soul. Yet there is one important fact about the beauties of this world which needs to be understood by man. As our Lord has revealed in His Book, "the life of this world is just the enjoyment of delusion" (Surah Al 'Imran, 185).

The illusory and transitory nature of the life of this world stems from the fact that it is not permanent, that it will one day come to an end. As the Qur'an states, "He Who created death and life to test which of you is best in action" (Surat al-Mulk, 2), Allah has created the Earth and the blessings of the world in order to test man, to separate those who are committed to behaving in a godly manner from those who embrace evil rather than good. Each of us will remain here for only a short time and can only enjoy these blessings for a limited period, according to Allah's will. It is the Hereafter in which people will live their true lives. This is how Allah has revealed in the Qur'an that the Hereafter represents one's true life:

The life of this world is nothing but a game and a diversion. The abode of the Hereafter—that is truly Life if they only knew. (Surat al-'Ankabut, 64)

It is therefore a major error for any person to become disproportionately infatuated with the world's transitory blessings during his brief existence in this life. Recalling that the benefits of this world are ultimately worthless, Allah has issued a warning:

... taking the goods of this lower world, and saying, "We will be forgiven." But if similar goods come to them again they still take them. Has not a covenant been made with them in the Book, that they should only say the truth about Allah and have they not studied what is in it? The Final Abode is better for those who guard against evil. Will you not use your intellect? (Surat al-A'raf, 169)

Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya) To every nation that has passed on, Allah sent a messenger who summone... more Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya)

To every nation that has passed on, Allah sent a messenger who summoned them to His true path. Messengers are those who communicate the existence and oneness of Allah, spread His religion, and inform them about what Allah demands from them, in other words, things that they should do and things that they should abstain from. They also warn them against the punishment of Hell and give them the glad tidings of Paradise.

The lives and struggles of the messengers are abundant in lessons for believers who think and are inclined to learn from them. In the Qur'an, Allah describes in detail the subjects they communicated to their peoples, the methods they employed to persuade them and many other aspects of the messengers themselves. There is instruction in their stories for people of intelligence... (Surah Yusuf, 111)

Believers should not differentiate between any of the messengers and should take their virtuous manners and behaviour as described in the Qur'an as their model. They should follow their advice, and act on it and hold in very high regard their warnings. Again, in accordance with Allah's command, the Prophet (saas) revealed that we should not discriminate between the prophets sent by Allah, and in one hadith, said, “Don't give superiority to any prophet amongst Allah's prophets.” (Sahih Bukhari)

That is because Allah narrates the stories of these distinguished servants of His in the Qur'an not merely as historical facts, but also in order to encourage believers to reflect on, and pay heed to these superior people so that they may take them as their models.

The stories and actions of the messengers as described in the Qur'an contain examples and lessons for believers. This is a fact that is particularly stated in the Qur'an. For instance, it is stated that there is a good example for the believers to follow in Ibrahim (as), and those who adhered to him and their exemplary attitudes are described in the following verses:

You have an excellent example in Ibrahim and those who followed him, when they said to their people, “We wash our hands of you and all that you worship apart from Allah, and we reject you. Between us and you there will be enmity and hatred for ever unless you believe in Allah alone.” But do not emulate Ibrahim’s words to his father: “I will ask forgiveness for you, but I have no power to help you in any way against Allah.” “Our Lord, we have put our trust in You and have repented to You. You are our final destination. Our Lord, do not make us a target for those who disbelieve. Forgive us, our Lord; You are the Almighty, the All-Wise.” There is an excellent example in them for you to follow, that is for those whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day. But if anyone turns away, he shall know that Allah is the Rich Beyond Need, the Praiseworthy. (Surah Mumtahana, 4-6)

Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya) When you hold this book in your hand, you are actually holding molecul... more Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya)

When you hold this book in your hand, you are actually holding molecules. As you sip a cup of coffee, you are actually drinking molecules, and that coffee aroma that reaches your nose actually consists of scent molecules that you are breathing in. Your tongue that tastes the coffee and your eyes that read these lines are also nothing more than assortments of organic molecules.

When you breathe, you are actually inhaling molecules from the outside atmosphere. It is by means of these very molecules that you can see, smell and taste. And just like everything around you, your body itself is also made up of molecules.

But exactly what are these molecules that comprise you, your skin, the chair you sit in, a cat's fur—and indeed, the entire universe? In fact, those molecules are nothing more than the mutual electron bonds shared among atoms far too small to be seen with the naked eye.

By sharing electrons with each other, atoms link up in long-lasting partnerships, forming molecules. The results, invisible to the naked eye, are an astonishing and infinite variety of objects animate and inanimate, from planets to human beings, from rivers to green forests, from antelopes to railways, and from daisies to apples.

In words accessible to everyone, this book examines how Allah (God) has created molecules and their extraordinary features by the seemingly simple means of bonds between atoms. Learning how invisible molecules make up all the matter the universe, using your reason and conscience, you can begin to see our Lord's infinite power, intellect and incomparable creations, will understand just how helpless we are before Him, and bow to Allah's great might.

Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya) Every moment of the 60-80 years that people spend in this earthly life... more Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya)

Every moment of the 60-80 years that people spend in this earthly life before leaving it contains a test. After death, they will give an account of their good and evil words and deeds, and then will begin their eternal existence in the world to come. On the Day of Resurrection, everything that a person did while alive will be taken into account. Those who chose the way of the prophets; those who were true, devout, and sincerely submitted to Allah (God) in faith; those who feared Allah out of awe and respect and so respected the limitations He set upon humanity; and those who hoped to win Allah's favor and mercy and attain Paradise will rejoice in an eternal Paradise. On the other hand, satan and those who rejected Allah, along with idolaters and hypocrites; those who ignored Allah in order to satisfy their own desires; and those who embraced sinful actions will be sent to live in Hell. No one will be treated unjustly.

Believers, to whom Allah has promised the joys of Paradise, are those who sincerely believe that He created the whole universe from nothing, who know and remember the Creator by His most beautiful names and recognize His eternal power and might, and who spend their lives consciously striving to earn His favor. They know that Allah created them and the universe in complete perfection, down to the most subtle detail, and that He is their only Friend and Protector. They behave with the knowledge that He sees and hears them at all times, and that He is aware of everything.

Human beings have different beliefs or follow those that are considered heretical by the orthodox. But the important thing is to acquire knowledge of Allah through contemplating the perfect and incomparably sublime names by which He reveals Himself in the Qur'an. People need to abandon their false beliefs and understand these names. Sincere Muslims know His names and consider them deep within their hearts. Thus, the way they view life is quite different from how others look at it. They know that Allah is the universe's only ruler, has endless power and might, hears and sees everything, shows endless mercy toward His servants, is forgiving and protective, sends and removes difficult times, makes success easy for His servants, is endlessly just and the Judge of those that pass judgment, and that everything belongs to Him. As a result, they live their lives according to this belief. The Qur'an reveals some of His most beautiful names in the following verses:
He is Allah – there is no deity but Him. He is the Knower of the Unseen and the Visible. He is the All-Merciful, the Most Merciful. He is Allah – there is no deity but Him. He is the King, the Most Pure, the Perfect Peace, the Trustworthy, the Safe guarder, the Almighty, the Compeller, the Supremely Great. Glory be to Allah above all they associate with Him. He is Allah – the Creator, the Maker, the Giver of Form. To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names. Everything in the heavens and Earth glorifies Him. He is the Almighty, the All-Wise. (Surat al-Hashr, 22-24)

Allah, there is no deity but Him, the Living, the Self-Sustaining. He is not subject to drowsiness or sleep. Everything in the heavens and Earth belongs to Him. Who can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before and behind them, but they cannot grasp any of His knowledge save what He wills. His Footstool encompasses the heavens and Earth, and their preservation does not tire Him. He is the Most High, the Magnificent. (Surat al-Baqara, 255)

One of the names of Allah revealed in these verses is the All-Merciful and Most Merciful. Of the Qur'an's 114 surahs, only one does not begin with this name. Believers are constantly aware of this name's manifestations, because it encompasses the universe and embraces each believer from birth to death, in sickness and health, weakness and strength, as well as permeates the matchless beauty of all animate and inanimate beings. The divine mercy, compassion, love, help, protection, grace and forgiveness of Allah toward all humans is one of the most beautiful manifestations of our Lord. The manifestations of this name deepens the way in which believers view the universe and all living things and adhere to the Qur'an's moral code. For this reason, when Muslims begin to read the Qur'an, practice the morality within the Qur'an and communicate it to others, advise other believers, and think about why the universe was created, they should breathe the most beautiful names of Allah in their spirits. To comprehend the beauty, contentment, well-being and blessing in these peerless names of our Creator, and to be aware of their sovereignty in Islam, is an important step toward deepening one's faith and coming to know Allah through His most beautiful names.

This book will focus on the place of the names All-Merciful and Most Merciful in the life of Muslims. We will look at the names All-Merciful and Most Merciful as they appear in the Qur'an and are manifested in the universe, and stress the importance of seeing the meaning of life according to these names

Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya) What Do You Know About The Qur'an? Most people would answer this ques... more Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya)

What Do You Know About The Qur'an?

Most people would answer this question as follows: 'The Qur'an is the holy book of Islam.' This is certainly true but in the essence it is a book which Allah has revealed to people and made them responsible with. So, people need to know everything about the content, commands, advices and decrees of the Qur'an. Yet, we encounter an important deficiency at this point. A great many of people do not have much idea about the content of the Qur'an.

There are many superstitions about the Qur'an that are prevalent among people. It is usually hung on the walls of houses within a decorative cover and read usually by older people from time to time. People read it in Arabic, but as they only know how to read Arabic letters without understanding the meaning, most of the time they have no idea of what they have been reading about, and so have no grasp of the content of the Qur'an.

According to these superstitions, the Qur'an is also supposed to afford some very interesting benefits to people. After reading it and performing some strange rituals like breathing hard on another person's face, the reader and his close relatives are believed to be protected from a possible future 'accident or calamity'. The Qur'an is credited with being some sort of amulet that includes talismanic words which protect people.

Some people believe some traditions to have their origin in the Qur'an, although they may be contradictory to the very nature of the Qur'anic message.

Then what is the true nature of the Qur'an? The answer must be derived from the Qur'an itself, as that is where the truth is to be found.

This is a communication to be transmitted to mankind so that they may be warned by it and so that they will know that He is One God and so that people of intelligence will pay heed. (Surah Ibrahim, 52)

We have made the Qur'an easy to remember. But is there any rememberer there? (Surat al-Qamar, 32)

There is instruction in their stories for people of intelligence. This is not a narration which has been invented but confirmation of all that came before, a clarification of everything, and a guidance and a mercy for people who believe. (Surah Yusuf, 111)

That is the Book, without any doubt. It contains guidance for those who guard against evil. (Surat al-Baqara, 2)

Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya) Fascism is known as an ideology that was born and flourished in the ... more Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya)

Fascism is known as an ideology that was born and flourished in the 20th century. It spread rapidly across the world in the wake of World War I, with fascist regimes coming to power in Germany and Italy in particular, but also in such countries as Greece, Spain and Japan, where the people suffered greatly from the oppressive and violent methods employed by their governments. Against this oppression and violence, they could do little more than cower before it. The fascist dictator and his administration heading such systems, where brute force, aggression, bloodshed and violence were the rule of the day, sent waves of terror throughout the society with their secret police and fascist militia, paralyzing the people with fear. Furthermore, fascist administration was implemented in almost all levels of society, from education to culture, religion to art, the governmental structure to the military system, and from the policing organizations to peoples' private lives. Ultimately, World War II, initiated by fascists, was one of the gravest calamities in the history of mankind, leaving as many as 55 million dead.
However, fascism is not an ideology found only in history books. Although today there are no states that call themselves fascist or who practice it openly, there are, nevertheless, in many countries in the world, governments, political groups and parties who follow fascistic policies. Though the names and tactics have changed, they continue to inflict similar suffering on their people. There is also a possibility that the coming deterioration of social conditions could lead to further growth in the support for fascism. For that reason, fascism is a continuing threat to humanity.

This book has been written to confront this impending danger. It is intended to expose fascist tendencies that arise under various methods and forms, and to reveal their true root and aim. Another goal of this book is to remove the "religious" facade that fascism sometimes hides behind, and to reveal it as a system completely opposed to true religion.

In order to cure a sickness, it is first necessary to identify the virus that causes it, to then fight it, and find an antidote to it. In this way, the conditions that enable it to thrive can be eliminated, thus doing away with the sickness itself. In a similar manner, to be free of the horror of "fascism," one must fight its ideological basis and the influences that aid it in its growth. As we shall come to see throughout this book, the fundamental principle behind fascism today is Darwinism, which is deceptively portrayed as a scientific theory although it is not. Nevertheless, Darwinism, which professes such claims as "human beings are developed animals," "Some races have been left behind in the evolutionary process," and "through survival of the fittest, the strong survive and the weak need be eliminated," has been the source of numerous harmful ideologies throughout the 20th century, and, especially, fascism. Therefore, as we shall be exploring in detail, Darwinism bears much of the responsibility for the oppression and violence that has been brought about.

Even if we live in a country where there is not a fascist movement or fascist practices, where those who have sought to promote them have been checked, and where Darwinism has not been widely accepted, we must not lower our guard. All people of conscience must engage themselves in an ideological struggle against all forces and ideologies that cause mischief in the world and aim to destroy peace and order. God has ordered man to live in peace and security. In the Koran He commands:

You who believe! Enter absolutely into peace (Islam). Do not follow in the footsteps of Satan. He is an outright enemy to you. (Koran, 2:208)

Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya) Throughout history, Allah sent messengers to all peoples, showing them... more Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya)

Throughout history, Allah sent messengers to all peoples, showing them how to live a good life in this world and the next. We are told in the Qur'an that this is a wonderful grace and mercy for all believers:

Allah showed great kindness to the believers when He sent a messenger to them from among themselves to recite His signs to them, purify them, and teach them the Book and Wisdom, even though before that they were clearly misguided. (Surah Al 'Imran: 164)

We have only sent you as a mercy to all the worlds. (Surat al-Anbiya': 107)

These messengers were a grace to their communities, for they showed their people the right path, helped them leave the darkness of unbelief and enter into the light of belief, and proclaimed the commands of our Lord, Who created the universe from nothing. They told people that they could have contentment, peace, and security only by living a good religious life. However, Allah also reveals that "...most people have no faith" (Surat al-Ra'd: 1). Thus, few people embraced faith and appreciated what a great mercy these messengers were for them.

Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya) Ever since humankind was first created, two-faced, wicked people who c... more Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya)

Ever since humankind was first created, two-faced, wicked people who cause trouble have always been present. Everyone of those who carried out hypocritical acts have taken their place in history with their ‘vileness and ignominy’. From generation to generation, they were mostly remembered by their treacherous struggle against the believers, and in every era, they were ‘despised and humiliated’. Whether it is small or big, every despicable action is imprinted and recorded in as a part of history.

Just like the names of the famous hypocrites of the past found their way into books and historical records; just like the Pharaoh, Nimrod, Qarun, Samiri, and spouses of the Prophet Lot (pbuh) and the Prophet Noah (pbuh) found their way into the stories told in the Qur’an with their iniquity, contemporary hypocrites will also be the subject of books in the future. Just like the hypocrites of the Prophet Moses’ (pbuh) era were famous for their treachery, the hypocrites of the End Times will be remembered for their evil deeds. Their names too will pass from generation to generation, and their despicable and perfidious actions will be part of the history exactly like those who came before them.

And this act of humiliation will not be limited to life in this world. These evil beings, who will be known as the ‘famous hypocrites of their era,’ will again be known for their despicableness in the hereafter and will forever be debased in disgrace.

In the afterlife, they will taste the pain of witnessing the glorification of believers and how they are rewarded with the heavens and blessings due to their good morals and patience against the villainy of the hypocrites. Hypocrites will forever be tormented by the fact that every evil deed they have carried out against Muslims in this world only increased the believers' glory, honor and position in heaven. Hypocrites who have devoted their whole lives to cause misery and destruction for the Muslims will understand that all they did was prepare for their painful and inevitable end. The anger and hatred they feel towards the Muslims in this world will never cease in the hereafter, and will turn into an irreversible torment that will burn them from inside eternally.

While hypocrites are experiencing this pain, the Muslims, the ones they worked their whole lives to cause misery upon, will be tasting the greatest happiness in the mansions of heaven. They will be experiencing the immense joy of having earned the love and friendship of God.

The purpose of this book is to ‘remind all hypocrites and those who display the characteristics of hypocrites of these important facts while there is still time to repent.’ It is ‘to make these people think and get advice, and help them believe in God with a sincere heart, before they experience the irreversible torment otherwise waiting for them in the hereafter’. It is to help them understand that they can't get anywhere with their immorality, sinister tricks, evil alliances and treacherous ruses; and at the end of the road, the only thing they will receive is the endless torment of hellfire. It is also to make them think that ‘if they repent and start to believe in God with a profound and sincere love, and if they live by the morality that is pleasing to God, they will gain everything they have ever wished for, everything they have longed for not only in this world, but also in the hereafter.’

It is important not to forget that in the Qur’an, God says, "But no one pays heed but people of intelligence." (Surat al-Baqara, 269) As with all verses of the Qur’an, the only people who will benefit from explanations of the verses about hypocrites ‘and from the warnings and reminders about the dangers of hypocrisy, are the true Muslims.’ Therefore, everything in this book -with God's permission- will amplify Muslims' devotion and faith in God, and help them to have better morality.

Those who persist on remaining hypocrites, those who refuse to get advice, think and repent to come back to the way of God, should never forget this:

There is a certain truth that they don't know or refuse to understand. God informs us of this fact with the following verse: "... God will not give the unbelievers any way against the believers.” (Surat an-Nisa’, 141) God will never grant success to those unbelievers or hypocrites who are on a path against the Muslims, who try to play a treacherous and vile trick on Muslims. This is God's promise that will never change. And, God never breaks His promises.

This is the important fact the hypocrites forget. They will endeavor with the most perfidious methods; they will do everything they can to harm Muslims. Maybe even seemingly achieve some success or gain some small benefit. However, these will all be temporary and pseudo benefits. In the end, ‘victory will be with the party of God who are sincere Muslims'. As God reveals in the Qur’an, "… All might belongs to God." (Surah Yunus, 65) Therefore, hypocrites will be the ones who will certainly be defeated in this world and in the hereafter.

Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya) The world is filled with countless blessings, but many people are not ... more Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya)

The world is filled with countless blessings, but many people are not even aware of them. Buried in their own pains and anxieties, they cannot see the beauty around them or take pleasure in the things they experience. If you asked them, they would say that life is a difficult struggle up a steep slope, for they are bored with it and exhausted. They continually complain that they find no pleasure in it any more, that they want to die in order to escape it. Some even go so far as to attempt suicide.

But life does not have to be this way. Of course, it has been created together with many imperfections and limitations. But the way to face them is not to struggle with life; rather, the solution lies in believing in Allah, for:

Anyone who acts rightly, male or female, being a believer, We will give them a good life and recompense them according to the best of what they did. (Surat an-Nahl: 97)

The world, together with its imperfections, is filled with countless blessings. For those who look at life with the eyes of belief, its material and spiritual blessings are endless. As a result, they derive a deep delight from being able to see goodness and beauty everywhere and in all situations.
Most people who live apart from Allah have never even heard of these delights, since their rebellious spirit has long ago caused them to consume whatever pleasure they can find in their blessings. Devoid of belief, they spend what remains of their lives as “lost souls.” Their lives are dominated by weariness, boredom, emptiness, and unfulfilled longing. Time passes, but even if they could see the countless good things around them, they would be unable to take any true pleasure in them. Moreover, the anxieties they experience are not limited by their Earthly life.

Allah says that those who fritter away their joys in this life will be eternally deprived of them in the Hereafter:

On the Day when those who did not believe are exposed to the Fire: “You dissipated the good things you had in your worldly life and enjoyed yourself in it. So today you are being repaid with the punishment of humiliation for being arrogant in the land without any right and for being deviators.” (Surat al-Ahqaf: 20)

But no one would want to be in such a state or receive such a reward in either world. On the contrary, everyone would want to experience the finest pleasures from the possibilities that Allah gives them in both lives. And, if Allah wills, these desires can be attained rather easily.

This book seeks to show the deprivation, loss, and anxiety that come from living apart from religion, show people the state into which they have fallen, inform them how to keep their blessings in this world, and save themselves from the pangs they will suffer in the Hereafter. In addition, we would like to remind all people that this life is full of blessings and other good things that people can enjoy, provided that they believe in Allah. And finally, this book invites everyone to follow His Way, submit to the Qur’an, and live a life of belief.

Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya) Societies that are far from religion have a distorted understanding of... more Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya)

Societies that are far from religion have a distorted understanding of it, and their people, while growing up, gather their information about it entirely from unreliable resources. For this reason, under the guise of religion, people adopt different rituals, rules, rights, and wrongs that they feel are suitable for them. However, the main source of accurate knowledge about the true religion is the Qur'an, for it is the sublime Word of Allah, our Lord Who created the universe from nothing and the One Who knows everything.

The Qur'an's plain style makes it comprehensible to all people so that they can benefit from its unique wisdom. Despite this, however, those who are insincere or even hostile toward Allah and His religion approach the Qur'an with prejudice and, influenced by their distorted rationale, misinterpret its verses. Some people, hoping to present religion as something difficult, fabricate many false beliefs, heresies, and myths.

People of faith, who are well-acquainted with the Qur'an, understand that such fabrications are no more than myths and so do not acknowledge them. However, those who do not know Allah and the Qur'an remain under the influence of these myths out of ignorance and so assume that this false religion, which is not based upon the Qur'an, is the true religion. Moreover, they fail to see the beauties presented by Islam, which Allah has chosen and perfected, for they do not read the Qur'an.

Interestingly, the Qur'an, which Allah sent to guide humanity to the true path, never catches the attention of such people. When they ask something about religion, they look everywhere but the Qur'an, although it is the only accurate source that is applicable to all times. The Qur'an expresses this as: "The Messenger says: 'My Lord, my people treat this Qur'an as something to be ignored'"(Surat al-Furqan: 30).

In fact, the Qur'an is the only reliable source of Islam, for it is Allah's unaltered speech, and the Sunna (that which the Prophet Muhammad [saas] established by his sayings, actions, and tacit approval). Allah revealed the Qur'an so that humanity could read and understand it; acquire accurate knowledge of its Lord, Who created the universe from nothing; learn how to worship Him, and how to abide by His commands in order to earn His good pleasure. Allah explained His verses through examples and stories. As He makes clear in: "We have not neglected anything in the Book"(Surat al-An'am: 38), the Qur'an comprises everything. Numerous details pertaining to this world and the next are explained in the most intelligible way, for, as Allah informs us: "We have sent down the Book to you making all things clear and as guidance and mercy and good news for the Muslims"(Surat an-Nahl: 89).

The purpose of this book is to explain that the Qur'an is the Word of Allah, a guide for humanity that addresses everyone, and that its commands are applicable to all times. Thus it must be the most important reference.

An accurate perception of Islam and the correct understanding of its verses are essential for those who seek to be guided by it. In this respect, it is one of the most important duties of every Muslim who has wisdom, a conscience, and common sense to convey its message to all people.

Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya) Throughout history, prophets have called on their tribes to believe in... more Adnan Oktar (Harun Yahya)

Throughout history, prophets have called on their tribes to believe in the One and Only Allah and to serve only Him. They relayed the Divine religion to humanity and demonstrated the human morality, which can gain Allah's approval by their own lives. Thus, these chosen servants of Allah represent the very finest model of superior characteristics, proper moral values, and ideal behavior and reactions to events. Just as they served as role models for their societies, Allah reveals in the Qur'an that they also showed all future believers how to live in a manner that pleases Allah:

You have an excellent model in the Messenger of Allah, for all who put their hope in Allah and the Last Day and remember Allah much. (Surat al-Ahzab: 21)

Each prophet possesses virtues that are praised in the Qur'an. Therefore, believers must carefully study every detail of these Qur'anic accounts so that they can take these men's lives, moral virtues, and deep devotion to Allah as models for themselves. Each prophet was sent to his own tribe, experienced different situations, and used various methods to explain Allah's existence. For that reason, the natures of the prophets' tribes, and their reactions to the prophets, as well as the difficulties experienced by those who became believers and the prophets themselves, provide us with important information about how we can please Allah.

This book introduces the Prophet Abraham (pbuh), who is praised in the Qur'an in these terms: "You have an excellent example in Abraham and those with him" (Surat al-Mumtahana: 4) and the Prophet Lot (pbuh), who lived during the same period, so that they can serve as role models for our own lives. Since every piece of information about these two prophets contains considerable wisdom, we shall examine their lives closely in this book so that we can follow their example.