WONDER BOY OF AFRICA WHO KNOWS 
THE QUR'ÂN BY HEART

By Brother Ayazabdulhamid

There is a great deal of noise being raked up by people who are going around speaking in awe of a young boy somewhere in Africa who allegedly knows the Qur'ân by heart and and can answer questions on the Qur'ân. A number of people have been informing me about this boy and his miraculous powers. I was first informed about this last Ramadhaan at the mosque after Taraaweeh and the brother was really irritated by my response of " so what?" when he informed me about this young boy. My reasoning was, perhaps its true perhaps its not and even if it is true, SO WHAT?

You see a Christian when asked as to why does he believe in Christianity and  its teachings  they replies saying that Jesus (pbuh) died for his sins on the cross, Jesus (pbuh) gave life to the dead, etc. etc. He is saying that he believes because some thousands of years ago somebody allegedly died on a cross. You realize the first thing about this statement is that it is not verifyable. Similarly with all the other major religions of the world, they do what they are doing because of something allegedly taking place some thousands of years ago which is not verifyable today. The muslim on the other hand has his proof with him. All that a muslim has to do when asked as to why does he follow Islaam and think that it is the one and only true path is hand over a copy of the Qur'ân.

Our proof is verifyable by each and every single person wishing to do so.  We Muslims do not need any new miracles to strengthen or rejuvenate our faith in Islaam. The teachings of Allaah (swt) and his messenger (saws) are sufficient for us.

We believe that the teachings of Islaam were completed by Muhammed (pbuh). Allaah (swt) tells us in the Qur'ân in Chapter 5 verse 3 that he has perfected our religion for us and completed his favour on us. No incidents or happenings which occur(ed) after the prophet (pbuh) can have any change in our religious beliefs and practices.

No matter what occurred after the Prophet (pbuh), no matter which person did what, no matter who was martyred and who allegedly became an apostate we have to firmly hold on to the path shown to us by Allaah and his messenger. You have to decide, were the teachings of Islaam completed by the messenger (pbuh) or were they not? Did he do the job assigned to him or did he not. Did he leave his job incomplete so now you need others to complete it? You cannot have it both ways. One cannot say that Islaam was complete and yet add things to Islaam.

If you say that the teachings of Islaam were completed by the messenger of Allaah then that ends the discussion rendering all practices like grave worship, "baba's", self inflicted torture in muharram etc etc. null and void. If you say that today you can add things then there are a couple of questions which need to be answered.

1. how will you decide what to add and what not to add.
2. what will be your criteria for deciding on these additions.
3. who will be that person who will decide and why him and no other?
4. who will decide that this person will decide on the innovations?

A lot of people narrate stories about "saints" and their so called miraculous powers. The reply here too is "SO WHAT?".  Even if for the sake of argument I agree with the stories, what difference does that make? The gentlemen buried here may have been the most pious of people but what do you want me to do?? No person or incident can in any way change any of the Islaamic beliefs and practices.

What was not a part of Islaam at the time of prophet Muhammed (pbuh) cannot be  part of Islaam today. Islaam does not evolve.

Just a thought on these so called saints - how do we know that they were genuinely good and pious people. I thought only Allaah knew what was in the hearts of people. Outward appearances and actions can be deceptive!!!!!! So one can never really be sure that just because someone appears to be a holy man, he really is a holy man.

This young boy who people are going so gaa gaa about, what if he makes some weirdo claims tomorrow?? Who is willing to take the guarantee that this young boy will never speak anything which may be in opposition to the Qur'ân and the Sunnah?

Tomorrow if someone claims that there is a young boy who knows the Bible or the Bhagwat Geeta  by heart and can answer questions will we then believe that Hinduism or Christianity is the correct way of life??? I am merely trying to show you the uselessness of these so called miracles. They in no way prove anything and hence we ought not to  give them the undeserved attention they are getting.

By adhering to innovations and jumping to conclusions and welcoming every person who claims to perform miracles, we only succeed in earning the displeasure of Allaah and the ridicule of the non-muslims.

It is high time that the Muslims get their priorities right and hold on to the rope of Allaah strongly and not be divided as told to us by Allaah in the Qur'ân in Ch.3 Verse 103.

Subhanak allaahuma wa bihamdik/Glory & praise/gratitude is to You OH Allaah, ash-hadu allaa illahaa illa Anta/I bear witness there is none that has the right to my worship but You, astaghfiruka wa a tubu Eellaik/I ask Your forgiveness and repent unto You.