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Divine omniscience

8 passages · search this phrase →

Often appears with: religious persecution and toleration · providence and divine governance · justice as a virtue · judgment, heaven, and hell · the nature and attributes of God · sin, guilt, and repentance · warning against evil-doers · temples, shrines, and sacred places · sealing of mouths on judgment day · sacred months · rejection of muhammad in mecca · reckoning with believers and hypocrites

Usually: argument (4) · wonder (3) · reflection (2) · confronting death (2) · censure (2) · detachment (2) · exhortation (2) · indignation (2) · skepticism (2) · commentary or gloss (1)

Quotable
“Moreover this Koran could not have been devised by any but God: but it confirmeth what was revealed before it, and is a clearing up of the Scriptures–there is no doubt thereof–from the Lord of all creatures.” Muhammad (Al-Qur'an content traditionally attributed; Rodwell as translator), The Koran (Al-Qur'an) · insight
“Know ye that this world's life is only a sport, and pastime, and show, and a cause of vainglory among you!” Muhammad (Al-Qur'an content traditionally attributed; Rodwell as translator), The Koran (Al-Qur'an) · observation
“Nothing is (incumbent) on the Messenger but to deliver (the message), and Allah knows what you do openly and what you hide.” Ali, Abdullah Yusuf; Pickthall, Marmaduke William; Shakir, M. H., Three translations of the Koran (Al-Qur'an) side by · insight
“O you who believe! do not put questions about things which if declared to you may trouble you, and if you question about them when the Quran is being revealed, they shall be declared to you; Allah pardons this, and Allah is Forgiving, Forbearing.” Ali, Abdullah Yusuf; Pickthall, Marmaduke William; Shakir, M. H., Three translations of the Koran (Al-Qur'an) side by · precept
“On that day will we set a seal upon their mouths; yet shall their hands speak unto us, and their feet14 shall bear witness of that which they shall have done.” G. Margoliouth (George), The Koran (Al-Qur'an) · observation

The Koran (Al-Qur'an) secondary

G. Margoliouth (George) · 610-632 CE (revelations compiled progressively; book published after the prophet’s death)
Book carefully concocted from various sources, and with much extraneous aid, and published as a divine oracle, then it would seem that the author is at once open to the charge of the grossest imposture, and even of impious blasphemy. The evidence rather shews, that in all he did and wrote, Muhammad was actuated by a sincere desire to deliver his countrymen from the grossness of its debasing idolatries-that he was urged on by an intense desire to proclaim that great truth of the Unity of the Godhead which had taken full possession of his own soul-that the end to be attained justified to his mind the means he adopted in the production of his Suras-that he worked himself up into a belief that he had received a divine call-and that he was carried on by the force of circumstances, and by gradually increasing successes, to believe himself the accredited messenger of Heaven. The earnestness of those convictions which at Mecca sustained him under persecution, and which perhaps led him, at any price as it were, and by any means, not even excluding deceit and falsehood, to endeavour to rescue his countrymen from idolatry,-naturally stiffened at Medina into tyranny and unscrupulous violence. At the same time, he was probably, more or less, throughout his whole career, the victim of a certain amount of self-deception. A cataleptic13 subject from his early youth, born-according to the traditions-of a highly nervous and excitable mother, he would be peculiarly liable to morbid and fantastic hallucinations, and alternations of excitement and depression, which would win for him, in the eyes of his ignorant countrymen, the credit of being inspired. It would be easy for him to persuade himself that he was "the seal of the Prophets," > Book," "the Seven Verses of Repetition." The Muhammadans always say "Amen" (56/56)

Continuing the translator’s critique of Muhammad, it then presents Quranic material about Hell, final judgment, sealing of sinners’ mouths, divine knowledge, and the rejection of Muhammad’s message by idolaters in Mecca.

Did I not enjoin on you, O sons of Adam, 'Worship not Satan, for that he is your declared foe,' But 'Worship Me: this is a right path'? But now hath he led a vast host of you astray. Did ye not then comprehend? This is Hell with which ye were threatened: Endure its heat this day, for that ye believed not." On that day will we set a seal upon their mouths; yet shall their hands speak unto us, and their feet14 sha…

The Koran (Al-Qur'an) primary

Muhammad (Al-Qur'an content traditionally attributed; Rodwell as translator) · c. 610–632 CE (revelations compiled into the Qur'an after the prophet’s death)
Book carefully concocted from various sources, and with much extraneous aid, and published as a divine oracle, then it would seem that the author is at once open to the charge of the grossest imposture, and even of impious blasphemy. The evidence rather shews, that in all he did and wrote, Muhammad was actuated by a sincere desire to deliver his countrymen from the grossness of its debasing idolatries–that he was urged on by an intense desire to proclaim that great truth of the Unity of the Godhead which had taken full possession of his own soul–that the end to be attained justified to his mind the means he adopted in the production of his Suras–that he worked himself up into a belief that he had received a divine call–and that he was carried on by the force of circumstances, and by gradually increasing successes, to believe himself the accredited messenger of Heaven. The earnestness of those convictions which at Mecca sustained him under persecution, and which perhaps led him, at any price as it were, and by any means, not even excluding deceit and falsehood, to endeavour to rescue his countrymen from idolatry,–naturally stiffened at Medina into tyranny and unscrupulous violence. At the same time, he was probably, more or less, throughout his whole career, the victim of a certain amount of self-deception. A cataleptic13 subject from his early youth, born–according to the traditions–of a highly nervous and excitable mother, he would be peculiarly liable to morbid and fantastic hallucinations, and alternations of excitement and depression, which would win for him, in the eyes of his ignorant countrymen, the credit of being inspired. It would be easy for him to persuade himself that he was "the seal of the Prophets," > Book is no other than a warning and a clear Koran, (58/104)

The passage closes Sura XI by depicting continued prophetic warnings (including Moses and Pharaoh), emphasizing the inevitability of the last judgment, forbidding dependence on wrongdoers, and urging trust in God’s encompassing knowledge.

Have thou no doubts therefore concerning that which they worship: they worship but what their fathers worshipped before them: we will surely assign them their portion with nothing lacking. Of old gave we Moses the Book, and they fell to variance about it. If a decree of respite had not gone forth from thy Lord, there had surely been a decision between them. Thy people also are in suspicious doubts about the Koran. …

The Koran (Al-Qur'an) primary

Muhammad (Al-Qur'an content traditionally attributed; Rodwell as translator) · c. 610–632 CE (revelations compiled into the Qur'an after the prophet’s death)
Book carefully concocted from various sources, and with much extraneous aid, and published as a divine oracle, then it would seem that the author is at once open to the charge of the grossest imposture, and even of impious blasphemy. The evidence rather shews, that in all he did and wrote, Muhammad was actuated by a sincere desire to deliver his countrymen from the grossness of its debasing idolatries–that he was urged on by an intense desire to proclaim that great truth of the Unity of the Godhead which had taken full possession of his own soul–that the end to be attained justified to his mind the means he adopted in the production of his Suras–that he worked himself up into a belief that he had received a divine call–and that he was carried on by the force of circumstances, and by gradually increasing successes, to believe himself the accredited messenger of Heaven. The earnestness of those convictions which at Mecca sustained him under persecution, and which perhaps led him, at any price as it were, and by any means, not even excluding deceit and falsehood, to endeavour to rescue his countrymen from idolatry,–naturally stiffened at Medina into tyranny and unscrupulous violence. At the same time, he was probably, more or less, throughout his whole career, the victim of a certain amount of self-deception. A cataleptic13 subject from his early youth, born–according to the traditions–of a highly nervous and excitable mother, he would be peculiarly liable to morbid and fantastic hallucinations, and alternations of excitement and depression, which would win for him, in the eyes of his ignorant countrymen, the credit of being inspired. It would be easy for him to persuade himself that he was "the seal of the Prophets," > Book is no other than a warning and a clear Koran, (93/104)

It closes the Jonah material by contrasting paradise and the fire, describing judgement where “added gods” will deny followers, urging fear of God, challenging polytheists to bring suras like the Qur’an, and declaring God’s knowledge of transgressors.

And God calleth to the abode of peace;5 and He guideth whom He will into the right way. Goodness6 itself and an increase of it for those who do good! neither blackness nor shame shall cover their faces! These shall be the inmates of Paradise, therein shall they abide for ever. And as for those who have wrought out evil, their recompense shall be evil of like degree, and shame shall cover them–no protector shall the…

The Koran (Al-Qur'an) primary

Muhammad (Al-Qur'an content traditionally attributed; Rodwell as translator) · c. 610–632 CE (revelations compiled into the Qur'an after the prophet’s death)
Book carefully concocted from various sources, and with much extraneous aid, and published as a divine oracle, then it would seem that the author is at once open to the charge of the grossest imposture, and even of impious blasphemy. The evidence rather shews, that in all he did and wrote, Muhammad was actuated by a sincere desire to deliver his countrymen from the grossness of its debasing idolatries–that he was urged on by an intense desire to proclaim that great truth of the Unity of the Godhead which had taken full possession of his own soul–that the end to be attained justified to his mind the means he adopted in the production of his Suras–that he worked himself up into a belief that he had received a divine call–and that he was carried on by the force of circumstances, and by gradually increasing successes, to believe himself the accredited messenger of Heaven. The earnestness of those convictions which at Mecca sustained him under persecution, and which perhaps led him, at any price as it were, and by any means, not even excluding deceit and falsehood, to endeavour to rescue his countrymen from idolatry,–naturally stiffened at Medina into tyranny and unscrupulous violence. At the same time, he was probably, more or less, throughout his whole career, the victim of a certain amount of self-deception. A cataleptic13 subject from his early youth, born–according to the traditions–of a highly nervous and excitable mother, he would be peculiarly liable to morbid and fantastic hallucinations, and alternations of excitement and depression, which would win for him, in the eyes of his ignorant countrymen, the credit of being inspired. It would be easy for him to persuade himself that he was "the seal of the Prophets," > Book had believed, it had surely been better for them! Believers there are among them, but most of them are perverse. (11/73)

SURA LVII (“Iron”) affirms God’s omniscience and creation in six days, commands faith, almsgiving, and a “generous loan,” and describes judgement contrasting believers’ light and gardens with hypocrites and infidels in torment.

angels shall say to them, "Good tidings for you this day of gardens beneath whose shades the rivers flow, in which ye shall abide for ever!" This the great bliss! On that day the hypocrites, both men and women, shall say to those who believe, "Tarry for us, that we may kindle our light at yours." It shall be said, "Return ye back, and seek light for yourselves." But between them shall be set a wall with a gateway, w…

The Confessions of St. Augustine primary

Augustine, of Hippo, Saint · Composed during Augustine’s episcopate at Hippo, largely 397–400 (Book I opens with prayer typical of the initial composition).
BOOK I > BOOK V (1/13)

Augustine presents a prayer-like theology of confession: God sees and heals a hard heart, and the universe itself praises God as seekers are drawn back from hiding.

Accept the sacrifice of my confessions from the ministry of my tongue, which Thou hast formed and stirred up to confess unto Thy name. Heal Thou all my bones, and let them say, O Lord, who is like unto Thee? For he who confesses to Thee doth not teach Thee what takes place within him; seeing a closed heart closes not out Thy eye, nor can man's hard-heartedness thrust back Thy hand: for Thou dissolvest it at Thy will …

Three translations of the Koran (Al-Qur'an) side by side primary

Ali, Abdullah Yusuf; Pickthall, Marmaduke William; Shakir, M. H. · -610 to -632 (revelation); Qur'an as compiled afterward
Chapter 1: > Book before you and the unbelievers; and be careful of (your duty to) (9/14)

It links the Ka'ba and sacred months to security and sanctified offerings, states that Allah knows all in heaven and earth, and sets out contrasting divine attributes: severe punishment alongside forgiveness and mercy.

garlands that mark them: That ye may know that Allah hath knowledge of what is in the heavens and on earth and that Allah is well acquainted with all things. P: Allah hath appointed the Ka'bah, the Sacred House, a standard for mankind, and the Sacred Month and the offerings and the garlands. That is so that ye may know that Allah knoweth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth, and that Allah is …

Three translations of the Koran (Al-Qur'an) side by side primary

Ali, Abdullah Yusuf; Pickthall, Marmaduke William; Shakir, M. H. · -610 to -632 (revelation); Qur'an as compiled afterward
Chapter 1: > Chapter 6: (1/16)

It begins the next chapter on cattle (al-An'am) with praises to Allah, asserts divine creation and omniscience, recounts that earlier generations were destroyed for sins, and addresses objections that demand angels or physical proof.

AL-ANAAM (CATTLE, LIVESTOCK) Total Verses: 165 Revealed At: MAKKA --------------------------------------------------------------------- In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. 006.001 Y: Praise be Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, and made the darkness and the light. Yet those who reject Faith hold (others) as equal, with their Guardian-Lord. P: Praise be to Allah, Who hath crea…

The Colloquies of Erasmus, Volume I. primary

Desiderius Erasmus · 1522-1524
Book to all* Protestants *in general, and cause them to recommend it to be read by their Children, that there is no Book fitter for them to read, which does in so delightful and instructing a Manner utterly overthrow almost all the Popish Opinions and Superstitions, and erect in their Stead, a Superstructure of Opinions that are purely Protestant. > Book, nothing being cross'd out. When the Sum is cast up, we contend about it, and I for the most Part get the better, tho' it be by forswearing myself. Then besides, I have this Trick, I make up my (12/18)

The “Young Man and Harlot” colloquy begins with Lucretia and Sophronius talking privately, stressing God and the angels see all, and then framing prostitution as a shameful, miserable life to be abandoned.

*Bert.* Pray relate it. I never had the Opportunity of travelling in them. *Will.* I have not Leisure now, and the Master of the Ship bid me be on board by three a Clock, unless I would lose my Passage. Another Time we shall have an Opportunity of prating our Bellies full. *The YOUNG MAN and HARLOT.* The ARGUMENT. _This is certainly a divine Colloquy, that makes even a Bawdy-House a chaste Place! God can't b…