> > > > ----- Original Message ----- >

> > From: [omitted] >

> > To: [omitted] > > > Cc: [omitted] > > >

Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2000 11:09 AM > > >

Subject: A brief introduction to the Qu'ran

Hello, To my many friends who may be slightly unfamiliar with the religious book of Islam, I'd like to forward a bit of data. Not to much, as I know you're busy. And just for the record, I'm not trying to convert you. I would hope to learn for myself a bit about all the religions of the world and since I have that desire, wondered if you might as well. Since I've been in Egypt, I've noticed how much pride Arab people have when they speak of the Qu'ran. It is according to them, the direct word of God brought down by angel Gabriel -- unlike the Bible which was written by men. Interestingly, the Qu'ran was written not only all in one language, but has never been changed since. Subsequently, many Arab people are amazed that there are so many different versions of the Holy Bible. However, because the Bible was written in more than one language and because very few people speak those languages, translation was a must. It is not with the Qu'ran. Although the Arabic used in the Qu'ran is now antiquated, most native Arabic speakers can read the words -- although the deeper meaning of many phrases or words is disputed by highly educated scholars. This is the case with all great works.Also of particular interest is the number of scientifically accurate statements in the Qu'ran. There are portions on the development of a child within the mother's womb and on plate tectonics which were obviously not available at the time of the Prophet.Here is one of those concepts: This is what Quran has said 1400 years back !!! See the attached picture file, the RED ROSE NEBULA, and see what Quran said in Surah 55 (Ar-Rahman), Ayah 37! This picture is taken from the NASA web-site:http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap991031.html The picture is taken by the NASA Hubble Space Telescope of the "Cat's Eye Nebula." It is an exploding star 3,000 light years away. They should have called it the "Oily Red Rose Nebula." As the Quran states in Ar-Rahman, "When the sky is torn apart, so it was (like)a red rose, like ointment." Quran [Surah55:Ayah37] Humbly, [name omitted]