Page 2 of the most
common questions generally asked about Islam
Why do Muslims follow the lunar
calendar instead of the solar calendar?
Killing an animal is a ruthless
act. Why then do Muslims consume non-vegetarian food?
Why is the eating of pork
forbidden in Islam?
Why is the consumption of
alcohol prohibited in Islam?
Page 3 of common questions about Islam
Choose a section of the common questions
about Islam:
Questions about Jihad and terrorism
Questions about women or woman in Islam
Questions about The Mosque (worshipping place) and prayers in Islam
Questions about Muhammad, Mohammad, or Muhamet peace be upon him.
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Q14-Why do Muslims follow the lunar calendar instead of the solar calendar?
Muslims follow the lunar calendar, which was the way God
taught man how to count time -months and years- from the beginning. That's why many civilizations -ancient and modern- associate
counting time with the moon. The word "Month"; in chronology,
is the conventional period of lunation, i.e. the passage of the moon through
all of its phases. In many other references of religion and history, we find
that all the messengers of God had taught their followers nothing -about
time and calendars- except observing the "lunar calendar".
How can we humans, from the Islamic
prospective, overcome "sin"? The Quran
teaches that life is a test, that earthly life is temporary (67:2). Muslims
believe that there is reward and punishment, that there is life hereafter and
that reward or punishment don't necessarily wait until
the Day of judgment. Muslims also believe in resurrection and accountability.
Islam teachings are always practical,
it teaches that our way to heaven is by being humble and that we cannot achieve
salvation by our own righteousness. The reconciliation of the
"sinful" human with Allah is contingent on three elements; the most
important is; The grace, the mercy and the generosity
of God. Then there are good deeds and of course, the correct belief. Correct
belief and good deeds are prerequisites for God's grace and forgiveness and for
rising above our common shortcomings. Correct belief and good deeds are
the proofs that we are turning -or walking- towards God, not holding
the correct belief or choosing to do what is wrong means that we are walking
away from Him.
To acquire good deeds one must do what
is right and avoid what is wrong according to the teachings and the way shown
to us by Muhammad (pbuh), whenever there is a choice. Allah tells us that there will be times when we will
have no choice,
He already knows that, because He is the All-Knowing. He gives us some
examples:
"O
ye who believe! Fasting is
prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn)
self-restrain. (Fasting) for a fixed number of days. But if any of you is ill or on a journey, the prescribed number
(should be made up) from days later"(2-183,184).
And; "…But if
one is forced
by necessity, without willful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits.
Then he is guiltless, for Allah is Oft-Forgiving most Merciful"(2-173).
How can sin be washed away? The Quran gives the prescription:
"If any one
does evil or wrongs his own soul but afterwards seeks God's forgiveness, he
will find God Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful"(4: 110). However, Islam
does not teach that one can choose to do what is wrong and then go a head and
ask for forgiveness later, for this would be hypocrisy. It teaches repentance,
stopping evil ways, feeling sorry for what one has done and determining to
follow the path of Allah as much as humanly possible.
"On no
soul does Allah place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that
it earns. And it suffers every ill that it earns" (2:286)
Q16-Is Islam
intolerant of other religious minorities? Why do Muslims prosecute people of
other religions in other countries?
Unfortunately, many make this claim that
Islam does not tolerate other religious minorities or that Muslims prosecute
people of other religions in other countries, ignoring these important facts:
1. LET THE 14 MILLION TESTIFY
Muslims were the rules of the Arab world, a
good portion of Asia Minor and all of North Africa for about 1400 years and
that's how the official language have become the language of the Quran, the Arabic language. For a few years the British
ruled, and for a few years the French ruled. Overall, the Muslims ruled the
Arab world most of the time. Yet today, there is an estimated 14 million Arabs
who are Coptic Christians, Christians, Catholics and also Jews. They have held
their religion for all these generations through these 1400 years. If the
Muslims had used the sword as many "CLAIM", there would have
not been a single Arab who would have remained on his other religion.
Especially when we consider that Muslims could have done with Non-Muslims as
they please and did not have to worry about the Geneva Convention or the U.N at
that time.
2. OLD BUILDINGS' TESTIMONY
In countries where the dominant religion is
Islam, there are many old churches and synagogues that are older than the
inception of Islam -- more than 1400 years. If Islam does not teach tolerance
and respect to other faiths, then why would Muslims keep those buildings with
their monks, priests and even their own scriptures, long before any of today's
modern human rights and other world organizations such as the U.N?
3. MORE HYPOCRITES?
The Holy Quran also
warned Muhammad (pbuh) and Muslims against HYPOCRISY
and THE HYPOCRITES. The Quran describes the
hypocrites as:
"Of the people there are some who say:
"We believe in God and the Last Day, but they do not (really)
believe". (2:8)
In fact there is a whole chapter (63) that is
entitled The Hypocrites. Any rational mind will find it extremely difficult to
believe that Islam teaches forcing others to accept it even if they were not
convinced with it, only to create more HYPOCRITES.
4. NO COMPULSION IN RELIGION
It is very clear in (2:256): "Let there
be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from Error, whoever
rejects Taghut (anything other than the real God,
false deities, Satan, idols and so on) and believes in God, hath grasped the
most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And God
heareth and knoweth all
things".
Again we find: "Say: The truth is from
your Lord; Let him who will believe, and let him who
will, reject". (
5. MODERN HISTORY AND POLITICS
A few hundred years ago, Jews were welcomed
and flourished in Muslim Spain even when they were persecuted in the rest of
6. GOVERNMENTS DO WHAT GOVERNMENTS DO
Almost anywhere in the world, there are
governments or rulers who are doing something that is against the teachings of
the major religion in their countries. In the west where the major religion teach "don't kill", governments allow the
killing of the unborn children. There are other example
you probably are already aware of where governments do what they like, and in
many cases what they do is against the teachings of the major religion. If we are to consider that Islam is a bad or evil religion because
some Muslims people or governments do something wrong or evil in its name.
Then how should we regard other religions when countries with the majority of
its people believe in that religion, yet the governments allow the killing of
the unborn children.
Q17-What is
the Islamic view on: Dating and premarital sex, Abortion, Homosexuality and
AIDS and Organ transplantation?
Dating and premarital sex: Islam does not
approve of intimate mixing of the sexes, and forbids premarital or extramarital
sex. Islam encourages marriage as a shield to such temptations and as a means
of having mutual love, mercy and peace.
Abortion: Islam considers abortion as murder
and does not permit it except to save the mother's life (Qur’an
Homosexuality and AIDS: Islam categorically
opposes homosexuality and considers it a sin. However, Muslim physicians are
advised to care for AIDS patients with compassion just as they would for other
patients.
Euthanasia and Suicide: Islam is opposed to
both suicide and euthanasia. Muslims do not believe in heroic measures to
prolong the misery in a terminally ill patient.
Organ transplantation: Islam stresses upon
saving lives (Qur’an
Q18-Why is
it permissible for a Muslim man to marry a Christian or a Jewish woman, and in
the same time, it is forbidden that a Muslim woman marry a non-Muslim man or an
infidel?"
Allowing a Muslim man to marry a Christian or
a Jewish woman, is an exceptional rule applied under
special circumstances. And when a Muslim man marries a Christian or a Jewish
woman, there is no problem, because he believes in all prophets, and all holy
books. There will be no problem between him and his wife in this matter,
especially that his religion -Islam- commands him to be fair with his wife even
if she were Christian or Jewish. And any Muslim man going through such marriage
should have strong belief in his faith, and should strongly abide by his
religion.
The reason for forbidding a Muslim woman from
marrying a non-Muslim, is that a Christian or a Jewish
man believes only in his prophet, and doesn’t believe in prophet Mohamed Salla Allah Allih Wa Salam or any of the other
prophets (blessing be upon them).
For example, when this Muslim woman, tries to
teach her kids to love and respect all prophets and believe in all of them, her
non-Muslim husband will not agree, because he believes only in his prophet. He
will interfere in the way she raises her kids, and prevents her from raising them
in an Islamic way. And here comes the real problem, because she will have only
two options, whether she leaves the whole thing as it is, and does nothing
about it -which will be an insult to her religion- or she argues about the
matter, and this will sure lead to more marital problems.
On the other hand, there will be no such
problems between a Muslim husband, and a non Muslim wife, because if this wife
tried to teach her kids to love and believe in her prophet, her Muslim husband
will not refuse that because he already believes in her prophet and all
prophets. This is why Islam allows the marriage between Muslim man and
non-Muslim woman, and forbids the marriage between Muslim woman, and non-Muslim
man. Because Islam respects the marital relationship and
wants to guarantee its stability, not because it respects men, and disrespects
women …
As for the polytheists or atheists or others
of non-Abrahamic faiths, Muslims cannot take those
for a spouse. Marriage in Islam is not regarded as merely a physical relation
ship; it is regarded as a religious act, with its own rituals, rules and
obligations, similar to those of the people of the Book. Thus, Islam -among
other reasons- can't force any one who does not accept God (an atheist
for example) to be obliged to these religious rules which were set by God.
Q19-What are
some of the denominations or main sects of Islam? How could the same religion
teach people to be in different sects? What are Sunni or Sonni
and what is Shiaa? Why are they always fighting
together?
Muslims have no denominations, they all
follow the same Book - The Quran, the same prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon him), and all offer their
prayers five times a day, fast in the month of Ramadan, give Zakat -the poor due- and go for Hajj, (pilgrimage) to
Mecca.
Even though there are different schools of
thoughts in Islam, since they all hold the same principles or articles of faith
but with minute differences in the secondary matters, these -minute-
differences don't constitute the need for "denominations". Further more, Muslims are encouraged by their scholars to ignore
these differences if they happen to be in an area where other Muslims adopt
them as a sign of unity and the understanding that these differences are
minute.
With the majority of Muslims following the Sunnah or Sunna, which means the
actions of Muhammad (pbuh), they are called Sunni.
However, about 16 percent of the Muslim population do almost the same things
plus holding a political -not a religious-
belief that Ali (Muhammad's son-in-law) should have been granted the leadership
of Muslims after the death of Muhammad, they form a sect of Muslims called Shia or Shiaa. The word Shia means a partisan, as they formed the party of Ali, and
it started more as "a political party",
that was formed after the death of both Muhammad and
Ali. Most Shias live in
There are other smaller sects in Islam
presenting about 3% of Muslims. Differences between these smaller sects are
usually in the ways they express their gratitude, extra thanking or glorifying
Allah.
This is the case with Islam and Muslims as a
majority or in general, then just like they are in any other religion, in Islam there are also the
same people. Those who
hold wrong or foreign beliefs or simply misunderstand their own scriptures. Just as
there are many Christian cults with foreign beliefs such as the KKK for
example, there are some "so called" Muslims who hold some twisted
beliefs that are foreign, strange and in many cases, contrary to the true
teachings of Islam just as the KKK does
As for fighting between some
sects; there is the example of the Catholics and the
Protestants who are fighting with each other in
Q20-If Islam
is the best religion, why are many of the Muslims dishonest, unreliable, and
involved in activities such as cheating, bribing, dealing in drugs, etc.?
1. The teachings of Islam
as Muslims we acknowledge that there are many who are
strong in their faith who always do good and there are those who are weak faith
who act with foolish. Any rational mind would have to agree; just because there
are some Muslims who misrepresent Islam by doing many shameful acts, that does not mean that Islam teaches so. If you want
to judge how good Islam is then judge it according to its authentic sources,
i.e. the Glorious Qur'ân and
the Hadeeth.
2. Muslims are people like other People
Just like any other religion, in Islam there are also the same people. Those who hold wrong or
foreign beliefs or simply misunderstand their own scriptures. Just as
there are many Christian cults with foreign beliefs such as the KKK for
example, there are some "so called" Muslims who hold some twisted
beliefs that are foreign, strange and in many cases, contrary to the true
teachings of Islam just as the KKK does. The religion of Christianity is not responsible
for what some -the KKK- do in its name. And Islam can't be responsible for what
wrong some do in its name.
Holding any
religion responsible for the wrongdoing of its followers is not
fair to:
3. Don’t judge a car by its driver:
If you want to judge how good
is the latest model of the "Mercedes" car and a person who does not
know how to drive sits at the steering wheel and bangs up the car, who will you
blame? The car or the driver? But
naturally, the driver. To analyze how good the car is, a person should
not look at the driver but see the ability and features of the car. How fast is
it, what is its average fuel consumption, what are the safety measures, etc.
Even if I agree for the sake of argument that the Muslims are bad, we can’t judge
Islam by its followers? If you want to judge how good Islam is then judge it
according to its authentic sources, i.e. the Glorious Qur'ân and the Hadeeth.
5. Judge Islam by its best follower
i.e. Prophet Mohammed (pbuh):
If you practically want to check how good a car is put an expert driver behind the steering
wheel. Similarly the best and the most exemplary follower of Islam by whom you
can check how good Islam is, is the last and final messenger of God, Prophet
Muhammad (pbuh). Besides Muslims, there are several
honest and unbiased non-Muslim historians who have acclaimed that prophet
Muhammad was the best human being. According to Michael H. Hart who wrote the
book, ‘The Hundred Most Influential Men in History’, the topmost position, i.e.
the number one position goes to the beloved prophet of Islam, Muhammad (pbuh). There are several such examples of non-Muslims
paying great tributes to the prophet, like Thomas Carlyle, La-Martine, etc.
Muslims best as a whole:
In spite of all the black sheep in the Muslim
community, Muslims taken on the whole, yet form the best community in the
world. We are the biggest community of tea-totallers
as a whole, i.e. those who don’t imbibe alcohol. Collectively, we are a
community that gives the maximum charity in the world. There is not a single
person in the world who can even show a candle to the Muslims where modesty is
concerned.
Q21-Killing
an animal is a ruthless act. Why then do Muslims consume non-vegetarian food?
Islam enjoins mercy and compassion for all
living creatures. At the same time Islam maintains that Allah has created the
earth and its wondrous flora and fauna for the benefit of mankind. It is up to
mankind to use every resource in this world judiciously, as a Niyamat (Divine blessing) and Amaanat
(trust) from Allaah.
Let us look at various other aspects of this
argument.
1. A Muslim can be a pure vegetarian
A Muslim can be a very good Muslim despite
being a pure vegetarian. It is not compulsory for a Muslim to have
non-vegetarian food.
2. Qur'ân
permits Muslims to have non-vegetarian food
The Qur'ân, however
permits a Muslim to have non-vegetarian food. The following Qur'ânic
verses are proof of this fact: "O ye who believe! Fulfil
(all) obligations. Lawful unto you (for food) are all four-footed animals with
the exceptions named." [Al-Qur'ân 5:1]
"And cattle He has created for you
(men): from them Ye derive warmth, and numerous
benefits, And of their (meat) ye eat." [Al-Qur'ân
16:5]
"And in cattle (too) ye have an
instructive example: From within their bodies We
produce (milk) for you to drink; there are, in them, (besides), numerous
(other) benefits for you; and of their (meat) ye eat."
[Al-Qur'ân
3. Meat is nutritious and rich in
complete protein
Non-vegetarian food is a good source of
excellent protein. It contains biologically complete protein i.e. all the 8
essential amino acid that are not synthesized by the body and should be
supplied in the diet. Meat also contains iron, vitamin B1 and niacin.
4. Humans have omnivorous set of teeth
If you observe the teeth of herbivorous
animals like the cow, goat and sheep, you will find something strikingly
similar in all of them. All these animals have a set of flat teeth i.e. suited
for herbivorous diet. If you observe the set of teeth of the carnivorous
animals like the lion, tiger, or leopard, they all have a set of pointed teeth
i.e. suited for a carnivorous diet. If you analyze the set of teeth of humans,
you find that they have flat teeth as well as pointed teeth. Thus they have
teeth suited for both herbivorous as well as carnivorous food i.e. they are
omnivorous. One may ask, if Almighty God wanted humans
to have only vegetables, why did He provide us also with pointed teeth? It is
logical that He expected us to need and to have both vegetarian as well as
non-vegetarian foods.
5. Human beings can digest both
vegetarian and non-vegetarian food
The digestive system of herbivorous animals
can digest only vegetables. The digestive system of carnivorous animals can
digest only meat. But the digestive system of humans can digest both vegetarian
and non-vegetarian food. If Almighty God wanted us to have only vegetables then
why did He give us a digestive system that can digest both vegetarian as well
as non-vegetarian food?
6. Even plants have life
Certain religions have adopted pure
vegetarianism as a dietary law because they are totally against the killing of
living creatures. If a person can survive without killing any living creature,
I would be the first person to adopt such a way of life. In the past people
thought plants were lifeless. Today it is a universal fact that even plants
have life. Thus their logic of not killing living creatures is not fulfilled
even by being a pure vegetarian.
7. Killing a living creature with two
senses less is not a lesser crime
Once a vegetarian argued
his case by saying that plants only have two or three senses while the animals
have five senses. Therefore killing
a plant is a lesser crime than killing an animal. Suppose your brother is born
deaf and dumb and has two senses less as compared to other human beings. He
becomes mature and someone murders him. Would you ask the judge to give the
murderer a lesser punishment because your brother has two senses less? In fact
you would say that he has killed a pure and an innocent person, and the judge
should give the murderer a greater punishment.
8. Over
population of cattle
If every human being was a vegetarian, it would
lead to overpopulation of cattle in the world, since their reproduction and
multiplication is very swift. Allah (swt) in His
Divine Wisdom knows how to maintain the balance of His creation appropriately.
No wonder He has permitted us to have the meat of the cattle.
Islam does not
order Muslims that they must eat meat, and does
not object that one can choose to be a vegetarian. Yet, Allah (swt) in His Divine Wisdom knows how to maintain the balance
of His creation appropriately as He has permitted
us to have the meat.
Q1-What are
the dietary prohibitions in Islam? What are Muslims allowed to eat and what
are they not allowed to eat or drink? What is Halal food and what is Haram food
in Islam?
Diet in Islam is based on the holy Quran and what it teaches. It is very simple and not too
complicated as many would imagine. The basic rule is; all things are good and
pure (Halal) except those that we are told they are
not (Haram). Here are some examples from the Quran to show you the basic guidelines for the correct diet
for Muslims:
"He hath only forbidden you dead
meat, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that on which any other name hath
been invoked besides that of Allah. But if one is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits,- then is he guiltless. For Allah is
Oft-forgiving Most Merciful" (2:173).
The commentary to the verse is as follows:
"Forbidden to you (for food) are:
dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which hath been invoked the
name of other than Allah; that which hath been killed by strangling, or by a
violent blow, or by a headlong fall, or by being gored to death; that which
hath been (partly) eaten by a wild animal; unless ye are able to slaughter it
(in due form); that which is sacrificed on stone (altars); (forbidden) also is
the division (of meat) by raffling with arrows: that is impiety. This day have
those who reject faith given up all hope of your religion: yet fear them not
but fear Me. This day have I perfected your religion
for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen
for you Islam as your religion. But if any is forced by hunger, with no
inclination to transgression, Allah is indeed Oft-forgiving, Most
Merciful" (5:3).
The commentary to the verse is as follows:
"They ask thee what is lawful to
them (as food). Say: lawful unto you are (all) things good and pure: and what
ye have taught your trained hunting animals (to catch) in the manner directed
to you by Allah. Eat what they catch for you, but pronounce the name of Allah
over it: and fear Allah; for Allah is swift in taking account" (5:4).
The commentary to the verse is as follows:
"This day are (all) things good
and pure things made lawful unto you. The food of the People
of the Book (Jews and Christians) is lawful unto you and yours is lawful unto
them…)" (5:5).
The commentary to the verse is as follows:
"O ye who
believe! Intoxicants
and gambling, (dedication of) stones, and (divination by) arrows, are an
abomination,- of Satan's handwork: eschew such
(abomination), that ye may prosper. Satan's plan is (but) to excite enmity and
hatred between you, with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance
of Allah, and from prayer: will ye not then abstain?" (5:90-91).
The commentary to the verse is as follows:
Q2-Why is
the eating of pork forbidden in Islam?
The fact that consumption of pork is
prohibited in Islam is well known. The following points explain various aspects
of this prohibition:
1. Pork prohibited in Qur'ân
The Qur'ân
prohibits the consumption of pork in no less than 4 different places. It is
prohibited in 2:173, 5:3, 6:145 and 16:115.
"Forbidden to you (for food) are:
dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which hath been invoked the
name of other than Allah." [Al-Qur'ân 5:3]
The above verses of the Holy Qur'ân are sufficient to satisfy a
Muslim as to why pork is forbidden.
2. Pork prohibited in the Bible
The Christian is likely to be convinced by
his religious scriptures. The Bible prohibits the consumption of pork, in the
book of Leviticus
"And the swine, though he
divide the hoof, and be cloven footed, yet he cheweth
not the cud; he is unclean to you". "Of their flesh shall ye not eat,
and their carcass shall ye not touch, they are unclean to you." [Leviticus 11:7-8]
Pork is also prohibited in the Bible in the
book of Deuteronomy
"And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth
not the cud, it is unclean unto you. Ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch
their dead carcass." [Deuteronomy
14:8]
A similar prohibition is repeated in the
Bible in the book of Isaiah chapter 65 verse 2-5.
3. Pork has fat building material
Pork has very little muscle building material
and contains excess of fat. This fat gets deposited in the vessels and can
cause hypertension and heart attack. It is not surprising that over 50% of
Americans suffer from hypertension.
4.
Consumption of pork causes several diseases
The other non-Muslims and atheists will agree
only if convinced through reason, logic and science. Eating of pork can cause
no less than seventy different types of diseases. A person can have various
helminthes like roundworm, pinworm, hookworm, etc. One of the most dangerous is
Taenia Solium, which is in
lay man’s terminology called tapeworm. It harbors in the intestine and is very
long. Its ova i.e. eggs, enter the blood stream and can reach almost all the
organs of the body. If it enters the brain it can cause memory loss. If it
enters the heart it can cause heart attack, if it enters the eye it can cause blindness,
if it enters the liver it can cause liver damage. It can damage almost all the
organs of the body.
Another dangerous helminthes is Trichura Tichurasis.
A common misconception about
pork is that if it is cooked well, these ova die. In a research project
undertaken in the
Q3-Why is
the consumption of alcohol prohibited in Islam?
Alcohol has been the scourge of human society
since time immemorial. It continues to cost countless human lives, and causes
terrible misery to millions throughout the world. Alcohol is the root cause of
several problems facing society. The statistics of soaring crime rates,
increasing instances of mental illnesses and millions of broken homes
throughout the world bear mute testimony to the destructive power of alcohol.
1. Prohibition of alcohol in the Qur'ân
The Glorious Qur'ân prohibits the consumption of alcohol in the
following verse: "O ye who believe! Intoxicants and Gambling,
(Dedication of) stones, And (divination by) arrows, Are an Abomination – Of
Satan’s handiwork; Eschew such (abomination), That ye
may prosper." [Al-Qur'ân 5:90]
2. Prohibition of alcohol in the Bible
The Bible prohibits the consumption of
alcohol in the following verses:
a. "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is
raging; and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."
[Proverbs 20:1]
b. "And be not drunk with wine." [Ephesians 5:18]
3. Alcohol inhibits the inhibitory
center
The human beings possess an inhibitory centre
in their brains. This inhibitory centre prevents the person from doing things
that he considers wrong. For instance a person does not normally use abusive
language while addressing his parents or elders. If he has to answer the call
of nature, his inhibitory centre will prevent him from doing so in public. Therefore
he uses the toilet.
When a person consumes alcohol, the
inhibitory centre itself is inhibited. That is precisely the reason that an
inebriated person is often found to be indulging in behaviour
that is completely uncharacteristic of him. For instance the intoxicated person
is found to use abusive and foul language and does not realize his mistake even
if he is addressing his parents. Many even urinate in their clothes. Neither do
they talk nor walk properly. They even misbehave.
4. Cases of adultery, rape, incest and
AIDS are found more among alcoholics
According to National Crime Victimization
Survey Bureau of Justice (U.S. Department of Justice) in the year 1996 alone
everyday on an average 2,713 rapes took place. The statistics tell us that the majority
of the rapists, were intoxicated while committing the
crime. The same is true in cases of molestation.
According to statistics, 8% of Americans
commit incest i.e. one in every twelve to thirteen persons in
One of the major factors associated with the
spread of AIDS, the most dreaded disease, is alcoholism.
5. Every alcoholic was initially a
social drinker
Many may argue in favor of liquor by calling
themselves ‘social drinkers’. They claim that they only have one or two pegs
and they have self-control and so never get intoxicated. Investigations reveal
that every alcoholic started as a social drinker. Not a single alcoholic or
drunkard initially starts drinking with the intention of becoming an alcoholic
or a drunkard. No social drinker can say that I have been having alcohol for
several years and that I have so much self-control that I have never been
intoxicated even a single time.
6. If a person is intoxicated just once
and commits something shameful, it will remain with him for a lifetime.
Suppose a ‘social drinker’ loses his
self-control just once. In a state of intoxication he commits rape or incest.
Even if the act is later regretted, a normal human being is likely to carry the
guilt throughout his life. Both the perpetrator and the victim are irreparably
and irreversibly damaged.
7. Alcohol is prohibited in the Hadith
The Prophet of Islam Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
a. In Sunan Ibn-I-Majah Volume 3, Book of Intoxicants, Chapter 30 Hadith No. 3371.
"Alcohol is the mother of all evils
and it is the most shameful of evils."
b. In Sunan Ibn-I-Majah Volume 3, Book of Intoxicants, Chapter 30 Hadith No. 3392
"Anything which intoxicates in a
large quantity, is prohibited even in a small
quantity."
Thus there is no excuse for a nip or a tot.
c. Not only those who drink alcohol are
cursed but also those who deal with them directly or indirectly are cursed by Allaah.
According to Sunan Ibn-I-Majah Volume 3, Book
of Intoxicants, Chapter 30 Hadith No. 3380.
It was reported by Anas
(may Allah be pleased with him), that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
said: "God’s curse falls on ten groups of people who deal with alcohol.
The one who distills it, the one for whom it has been distilled, the one who
drinks it, the one who transports it, the one to who it has been brought, the
one whom serves it, the one who sells it, the one who utilizes money from it,
the one who buys it and the one who buys it for someone else."
8. Diseases associated with alcoholism
There are several scientific reasons for the
prohibition of consumption of intoxicants i.e. alcohol. The maximum number of
deaths in the world related to any one particular cause is due to the
consumption of alcohol. Millions of people die every year only because of
intake of alcohol. I need not go into the details of all the ill-effects of
alcohol since most of them are commonly known. Below is a simple list of few of
the alcohol related illnesses:
1. Cirrhosis of Liver is the most well known
alcohol associated disease.
2. Others are Cancer of Oesophagus,
Cancer of Head and Neck, Cancer of Liver (Hepatoma),
Cancer of Bowel, etc.
3. Oesophagitis,
Gastritis, Pancreatitis and Hepatitis are linked with
alcohol consumption.
4. Cardiomyopathy,
Hypertension, Coronary Artherosclerosis, Angina and Heart
Attacks are linked with heavy alcohol intakes.
5. Strokes, Apoplexy, Fits and different
types of Paralysis are linked with alcohol intake.
6. Peripheral Neuropathy, Cortical Atrophy, Cerebellar Atrophy are well-known syndromes caused by
alcohol consumption.
7. Wernicke – Korsakoff syndrome with amnesia of recent events,
confabulations and retainment of memory to old events
with different types of paralysis are mainly due to thiamine deficiency due to
excessive alcohol intake.
8. Beriberi and other deficiencies are not
uncommon among alcoholics. Even Pellagra occurs in alcoholics.
9. Delerium Tremens
is a serious complication that may occur during recurrent infection of
alcoholics or post operatively. It also occurs during abstention as a sign of withdrawal
effect. It is quite serious and may cause death even if treated in well
equipped centres.
10. Numerous Endocrine Disorders have been
associated with alcoholism ranging from Myxodema to
Hyperthyroidism and Florid Cushing Syndrome.
11. Hematological ill effects are long and
variable. Folic acid deficiency, however, is the most common manifestation of
alcoholic abuse resulting in Macrocytic Anemia. Zeive’s syndrome is a triad of Hemolytic Anemia, Jaundice
and Hyperlipaedemia that follows alcoholic binges.
12. Thrombocytopenia and other platelet
abnormalities are not rare in alcoholics.
13. The commonly used tablet metronidazole (flagyl) interacts
badly with alcohol.
14. Recurrent infection is very common among
chronic alcoholics. The resistance to disease and the immunological defense
system are compromised by alcohol intake.
15. Chest infections are notorious in
alcoholics. Pneumonia, Lung Abcess, Emphysema and
Pulmonary Tuberculosis are all common in alcoholics.
16. During acute alcoholic intoxication, the drunk person usually vomits, the cough reflexes which are
protective are paralysed. The vomitus thus easily pass to
the lung causing Pneumonia or Lung Abscess. Occasionally it may even cause
suffocation and death.
17. The ill effects of alcohol consumption on
women deserves special mention. Females are more
vulnerable to alcohol-related Cirrhosis than men. During pregnancy alcohol
consumption has a severe detrimental effect on the foetus.
Foetal Alcohol Syndrome is being recognised
more and more in the medical profession.
18. Skin diseases are also related to alcohol
indulgence.
19. Eczema, Alopecia, Nail Dystrophy, Paronychia (infection around the nails) and Angular Stomatitis (inflammation of the angle of the mouth) are
common diseases among alcoholics.
9. Alcoholism is a 'disease'…!?
Medical doctors have now turned liberal
towards alcoholics and call alcoholism a disease rather than an addiction.
The Islamic Research Foundation has published
a pamphlet that says:
If alcohol is a disease, it is the only
disease that:
- Is sold in bottles
- Is advertised in newspapers, magazines, on
radio and television
- Has licensed outlets to spread it
- Produces revenue for the government
- Brings violent deaths on the highways
- Destroys family life and increases crime
- Has no germs or viral cause
ALCOHOLISM IS NOT A DISEASE –
IT IS SATAN’S HANDIWORK
Allaah (swt) in His Infinite
Wisdom has warned us against this snare of Satan. Islam is called the "Deen-ul-Fitrah" or the natural religion of
Q4-What is Sharia?
Sharia is the comprehensive Muslim law derived form two
sources, a) the Qur’an b) the Sunnah
or traditions of Prophet Muhammad (P). It covers every aspect of daily
individual and collective living. The purpose of Islamic laws
are protection of individuals' basic human rights to include right to
life, property, political and religious freedom and safeguarding the rights of
women and minorities. The low crime rate in Muslim societies is due to the
application of the Islamic laws.
Q5-When
Islam is against idol worship why do the Muslims worship, and bow down to the Ka'abah idol in Their Prayer?
Kabah is the cubical structure in the city of Mecca, which
Muslims face at the time of their prayers.
Ka'abah is the Qiblah i.e. the
direction Muslims face during their prayers. It is important to note that
though Muslims face the Ka'abah during prayers, they
do not worship the Ka'abah. Muslims worship and bow
to none but Allah.
It is mentioned in Surah
Baqarah: "We see the turning of thy face (for
guidance) to the heavens: now shall We turn thee to a Qiblah that shall please thee. Turn then thy face in the
direction of the Sacred Mosque: wherever ye are, turn your faces in that
direction." [Al-Qur'ân 2:144]
1. Islam believes in fostering unity
For instance, if Muslims want to offer Salaah (Prayer), it is possible that some may wish to face
north, while some may wish to face south. In order to unite Muslims in their
worship of the One True God, Muslims, wherever they may be, are asked to face
in only one direction i.e. towards the Ka'abah. If
some Muslims live towards the west of the Ka'abah
they face the east. Similarly if they live towards the east of the Ka'abah they face the west.
2. Ka'abah
is at the Center of the World Map
The Muslims were the first people to draw the
map of the world. They drew the map with the south facing upwards and north
downwards. The Kaaba was at the center. Later,
western cartographers drew the map upside down with the north facing upwards
and south downwards. Yet, Alhamdullilah the Ka'abah is at the center of the world map.
3. Tawaf
around Ka'abah for indicating one God
When the Muslims go to Masjid-e-Haram
in Makkah, they perform tawaf
or circumambulation round the Ka'abah. This act
symbolizes the belief and worship of One God, since, just as every circle has
one centre, so also there is only one Allah (swt)
worthy of worship.
4. Hadith
of Umar (may Allaah be
pleased with him)
Regarding the black stone, hajr-e-aswad, there is a Hadeeth
(tradition), attributed to the illustrious companion
of the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh),
Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).
According to Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, book of
Hajj, chapter 56, H.No. 675. Umar (may Allah be
pleased with him) said, "I know that you are a stone and can neither
benefit nor harm. Had I not seen the Prophet (pbuh)
touching (and kissing) you, I would never have touched (and kissed) you".
5. People stood on Ka'abah
and gave the adhaan
At the time of the Prophet, people even stood
on the Ka'abah and gave the ‘adhaan’
or the call to prayer. One may ask those who allege that Muslims worship the Ka'abah; which idol worshipper stands on the idol he
worships?
6. Which direction is Kabah?
Muslims try to find out which direction the Kabah is, in order to face while performing their prayers.
Yet if they were not sure which direction is it then they should pray to the
direction where they would suppose to be the correct one. Had they been
worshipping Kabah itself, it would be unrealistic
that they would be allowed to do their prayers any way even though they are not
facing the correct direction of Kabah. But because
they worship God and not the Kabah, they are allowed
to worship even if they did not know to which direction to turn, because there
will always be…God;
"It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces towards East or West; but it is
righteousness- to believe in God and the Last Day, and…" The Holy Quran (2.177)
Q6-How
could Islam be called the religion of peace when it was spread by the sword, or
that it was spread by force? Isn't it true that the meaning of the word Islam
is submission, meaning that the Muslims must -have the right- to force others
to submit to Islam even by the use of force, sword or under the edge of the
sword?
Without proofs, it is easy for anybody to
make THE CLAIM that Islam was spread by force. We will share with
you some PROOFS of our claim, that nothing other than the force of truth, reason and logic spread Islam.
As we share with you some of the facts, we hope you would consider the source
that makes such "FALSE CLAIM".
1. WESTERN CONVERTS TODAY
If you get to visit any of the Islamic
centers or Mosques in the
How did Muslims force these converts in their
own free western world to accept Islam? What weapon did Muslims use against
those who were born and raised in other faiths to force them to accept Islam?
2. HUGE INCREASE MUSLIM POPULATION IN
50 YEARS
An article in Reader’s Digest ‘Almanac’,
yearbook 1986, gave the statistics of the increase of percentage of the major
religions of the world in half a century from 1934 to 1984. This article also
appeared in ‘The Plain Truth’ magazine. At THE TOP WAS ISLAM, WHICH
INCREASED BY 235%, AND CHRISTIANITY HAD INCREASED ONLY BY 47%…!?
May one ask: Which war did Muslims lead
against the whole world between 1934 and 1984 that converted millions of people
to Islam?
3. ISLAM IN THE DISTANT PARTS OF THE
WORLD
· How did Islam flourish there?
· How was Islam introduced to these
non-Muslim lands, which were simply too far from any "military"
reach?
Islam was introduced to that side of the
world through MERCHANTS, who went there for business. They were
exemplary in character in dealing with the non-Muslims they encountered, by
treating them with respect and trading in commerce honestly (two core
attributes of Muslim character). Muslims did not have the ability to cross all
that land and sea from
4. LET THE 14 MILLION TESTIFY
Muslims were the rules of the Arab world, a
good portion of Asia Minor and all of North Africa for about 1400 years and
that's how the official language have become the language of the Quran, the Arabic language. For a few years the British
ruled, and for a few years the French ruled. Overall, the Muslims ruled the
Arab world most of the time. Yet today, there is an estimated 14 million Arabs
who are Coptic Christians, Christians, Catholics and also Jews. They have held
their religion for all these generations through these 1400 years. If the
Muslims had used the sword as many "CLAIM", there would have
not been a single Arab who would have remained on his other religion.
Especially when we consider that Muslims could have done with Non-Muslims as
they please and did not have to worry about the Geneva Convention or the U.N at
that time.
5. OLD BUILDINGS' TESTIMONY
In countries where the dominant religion is
Islam, there are many old churches and synagogues that are older than the
inception of Islam -- more than 1400 years. If Islam does not teach tolerance
and respect to other faiths, then why would Muslims keep those buildings with
their monks, priests and even their own scriptures, long before any of today's
modern human rights and other world organizations such as the U.N?
6. NO COMPULSION IN RELIGION
It is very clear in (2:256): "Let there
be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from Error, whoever
rejects Taghut (anything other than the real God,
false deities, Satan, idols and so on) and believes in God, hath grasped the
most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And God
heareth and knoweth all
things".
Again we find: "Say: The truth is from
your Lord; Let him who will believe, and let him who
will, reject". (
7. MORE HYPOCRITES?
The Holy Quran also
warned Muhammad (pbuh) and Muslims against HYPOCRISY
and THE HYPOCRITES. The Quran describes the
hypocrites as:
"Of the people there are some who say:
"We believe in God and the Last Day, but they do not (really)
believe". (2:8)
In fact there is a whole chapter (63) that is
entitled The Hypocrites. Any rational mind will find it extremely difficult to
believe that Islam teaches forcing others to accept it even if they were not
convinced with it, only to create more HYPOCRITES.
Q7-Doesn’t
Islam promote violence, bloodshed and brutality since the Qur’an
says that Muslims should kill the Kafirs
(Non-believers, pagans or infidels) where ever they find them (9:5)?
1. Misquoting any scriptures
All scriptures, no matter which ones, are
subject to being misquoted by those who would use them to satisfy their own
agenda or by those who simply lack an underlying understanding of the
contextual elements of the verses at hand. If a scripture says; "God is
one" it will be hard to misquote such a verse. However, other more layered
verses become targets of misquotation. In this paper we will look at some
examples of these misquotations that has been used
against Islam. A proof of that is that we usually hear or read about all these
negative verse, but not once we have heard the context or at least what does
the following verse says…!
2. What's the context?
As a very basic right in any civilized
community, Muslims as well as all other people are entitled to defend
themselves. However, when the Revelation of the Quran
first commenced, Muslims were not even allowed to fight back in self-defense.
The tribe of Quraish
in
During the first few years of Islam, Muslims
were persecuted in
Many Muslims still had the courage to leave
the city on foot for the sake of God, so the Quraish
plotted to kill everyone who left the city for
Unfortunately, this self-defense has been
generally misinterpreted and maliciously misconstrued by many, in an attempt to
show that the commandments were a declaration of war for Muslims against
everybody else. You might have heard this quotation from chapter 9,
which states: "slay the Non-believers (infidels) wherever ye find
them", which has been quoted repeatedly out of context. Let's take a closer
look at this verse and its meaning:
Chapter 9 starts by clearly pointing out to
whom the commandment apply. Specifically, these commandments were
concerning:"…those of the pagans (Non-believers or infidels) with whom ye
have contracted mutual alliances" (9:1). More specifically, those who did
not honor the treaty and committed aggression towards Muslims, as we
will see in (9:4), yet Muslims were still unable to dissolve their treaty until
Allah (God in Arabic) had commanded Muslims to dissolve their part of the
" treaty " too.
(9:2) "Go ye, then, for four months, (as
ye will), throughout the land…" The Prophet was directed to give his
enemies a four-month grace period, a cessation of hostilities, during which
they could review their attitude and plans towards Islam and Muslims. Had the
commandment been just to "storm them all and kill them all" there
would be no need to allow such long period for warning.
Some also have misunderstood the word " people" in verse (9:3) which says: " This
is a proclamation from God and His Messenger to the people on the day of the
greater pilgrimage…" to refer to all humankind. Or to make the verse
sounds as if it is a command for Muslims to wage war against all people, overlooking
the exception found immediately in the next verse. In (9:4), the
exceptions are:
" … Those idolaters who have honored
their treaties with you in every detail and have not aided anyone else against
you"
In (9:5) God commanded Muslims to fight back
after they exercised patience for years, losing many lives and masses of
properties. At that time The unbelievers (infidels) were the enemy who
committed all forms of aggression against the Muslims, that's why God commanded
Muslims at that time to fight back: "Slay the Pagans (Non-believers or
infidels) wherever ye find them". With the exception found in (9:4):
" … Those idolaters who have honored their treaties with you in every
detail and have not aided anyone else against you"
3. Example from another history
We know that
4. What about those caught in the
middle?
In every conflict there are innocent people
who have no inclination to support either of the fighting sides. The prophet
was instructed to guarantee such people safety and security and secure for them
right of passage until they reached their safe lands. God said:
"If one amongst the Non-believers ask thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear
the word of God; and then escort him to where he can be secure. That is because they are people without knowledge" (9:6).
5. Chapter 9 verses 1-6… promote
violence, bloodshed and brutality against Non-Muslims?
Now that you have seen for yourself the
context and the situation in its reality as to when were
these verses revealed, not as some misquoted it. How could these verses be
simply an advocacy of aggression or warmongering? As you have seen, a careful
examination of the above verses reveals the following critical points:
6. Prisoners of war
The Islamic law, "the Shari'a", is a comprehensive law,
it covers most aspects of life in the most practical way, when taken as a
whole or in its complete form, not when misquoted. If it so happen that a
war situation arises and if Muslims should have the upper hand, then what should be done with captives of war (P.O.W)?
With the (false) idea that Muslims are out
there to fight and kill all those who are Non-Muslims, one should expect that
Muslims would not grant captives their lives, especially those who are warriors
who could return to fight again later. This would be the only logical action
against the P.O.W, if Muslims goal were to kill the infidels. Yet, according to
the "Shari'a", Muslims cannot kill
children, women, elders, Monks or the enemy warriors who surrender or those who
were injured and their injuries prevent them from causing harm to Muslims. As
the Holy Quran teaches:
"…When ye have thoroughly subdued them,
bind (the captives) firmly: Thereafter (is the time for) either generosity
(i.e. free them without ransom) or ransom". (4:8)
If Islam commands Muslims to
rage war against all others, why would it forbid them from killing everybody
even the captives? Over fourteen hundred years ago, while every army at the
time cared only of achieving a sweeping victory taking no prisoners, over
thirteen hundred years before the civilized Geneva Convention?
MUHAMMAD (PBUH) THE VICTORIOUS
Right before his death, Muhammad (pbuh) finally was able to come back to
ISLAM BY FORCE
Without proofs, it is easy for anybody to
make the "CLAIM " that Islam was spread by force. We will share with
you some PROOFS of our claim, that nothing other than the force of
truth, reason and logic spread Islam. As we share with you some of the facts
and some history of Islam.
1. Western converts today
If you get to visit any of the Islamic
centers or Mosques in the
2. Huge increase Muslim population in
50 years
An article in Reader’s Digest ‘Almanac’,
yearbook 1986, gave the statistics of the increase of percentage of the major
religions of the world in half a century from 1934 to 1984. This article also
appeared in ‘The Plain Truth’ magazine. At THE TOP WAS ISLAM, WHICH
INCREASED BY 235%, AND CHRISTIANITY HAD INCREASED ONLY BY 47%…!?
May one ask: Which war did Muslims lead
against the whole world between 1934 and 1984 that converted millions of people
to Islam?
3. Islam in the distant parts of the
world
· How did Islam flourish there?
· How was Islam introduced to these
non-Muslim lands, which were simply too far from any "military"
reach?
Islam was introduced to that side of the
world through MERCHANTS, who went there for business. They were
exemplary in character in dealing with the non-Muslims they encountered, by
treating them with respect and trading in commerce honestly (two core
attributes of Muslim character). Muslims did not have the ability to cross all
that land and sea from
4. Let the 14 million testify
Muslims were the rules of the Arab world, a
good portion of Asia Minor and all of North Africa for about 1400 years and
that's how the official language have become the language of the Quran, the Arabic language. For a few years the British
ruled, and for a few years the French ruled. Overall, the Muslims ruled the
Arab world most of the time. Yet today, there is an estimated 14 million Arabs
who are Coptic Christians, Christians, Catholics and also Jews. They have held
their religion for all these generations through these 1400 years. If the
Muslims had used the sword as many "CLAIM", there would have
not been a single Arab who would have remained on his other religion.
Especially when we consider that Muslims could have done with Non-Muslims as
they pleased and did not have to worry about the Geneva Convention or the U.N
at that time.
5. Old buildings' testimony
In countries where the dominant religion is
Islam, there are many old churches and synagogues that are older than the
inception of Islam -- more than 1400 years. If Islam does not teach tolerance
and respect to other faiths, then why would Muslims keep those buildings with
their monks, priests and even their own scriptures, long before any of today's
modern human rights and other world organizations such as the U.N?
6. No compulsion in religion
It is very clear in (2:256): "Let there
be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from Error, whoever
rejects Taghut (anything other than the real God,
false deities, Satan, idols and so on) and believes in God, hath grasped the
most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And God
heareth and knoweth all
things".
Again we find: "Say: The truth is from
your Lord; Let him who will believe, and let him who
will, reject". (
7. More hypocrites?
The Holy Quran also
warned Muhammad (pbuh) and Muslims against HYPOCRISY
and THE HYPOCRITES. The Quran describes the
hypocrites as:
"Of the people there are some who say:
"We believe in God and the Last Day, but they do not (really)
believe". (2:8)
In fact there is a whole chapter (63) that is
entitled The Hypocrites. Any rational mind will find it extremely difficult to
believe that Islam teaches forcing others to accept it even if they were not
convinced with it, only to create more HYPOCRITES.
NON-MUSLIM
PARENTS AND NEIGHBORS
Islam engages all aspects of life, such as
dealings with Non-Muslims in our community and in our immediate family. The Quran
sets the standards for how to treat them:
In the verse (49:13) the Quran
teaches that we all are brothers and sisters of humanity, descended from the
same "single (pair) of a male and a female", so that "ye
may know each other (not that ye may despise each other".
Again we find in 4:36 "Serve God, and
join not any partners with Him; and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans,
those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers. The
companion by your side, the wayfarer -traveler- (ye meet)".
In chapter 107, the Quran
criticizes those who don't do small favors for their neighbors;
"So woe to the
worshippers. Who are neglectful of
their prayers. Those who (want but) to be seen (of
men). But refuse (to supply) (even) neighborly needs. (107:4)
Doing good to one's
parents is the same commandment which Muslims have to follow concerning their neighbors.
Yet, not only do Muslims have to do good and care for
their immediate neighbors, but they also help those who are strangers or far
away neighbors, no matter what belief they hold. Muslims must also assist
those who are travelers, i.e. to those whom they may meet only once in
their lifetime.
Honoring parents is taught in many places in
the Quran (2:83, 2:215,
DONATION MONEY
In chapter 2 verse 215, Muslims are commanded
that their charity: " (must go) to parents and near kindred and orphans and the needy and the wayfarer -an alien traveler",
regardless to their religion. Also according to "Shari'a"
(Islamic Law), money from the general donation (Sadakah)
can be given to those who are Non-Muslims.
If Islam teaches that Non-Muslims are enemies that should be fought at all
times as many claim, then how could it at the
same time allow them to benefit from money that is donated by Muslims?
BUSINESS PARTNERS
According to "Shari'a"
(Islamic Law), Muslims -men and women- can take business partners who
are Non-Muslims. In today's Hi-Tech age, one can take a business partner
over the phone or after signing a piece of paper. Historically in
PARTNERS IN MARRIAGE
According to "Shari'a"
(Islamic Law) and (5:5) in the Quran, a Muslim man
can marry a woman from the people of the Book (Jew or Christian). A tenet of
Islam is respect for these two religions. Since marriage is based on -among
other things- respect, and Islam recognizes Judaism
and Christianity as religions of divine origin. As such, ISLAM guaranties a
Jewish or a Christian wife the respect for the beliefs of her faith, her
Scriptures and her Prophets. There are many sound reasons why a Muslim woman
can't marry a Jewish or a Christian man. One reason is that Islam, like all
other religions, considers the man to be the head of the house and the one
responsible for the major decisions. Unlike Islam, Judaism and Christianity
don't recognize Islam as a divine religion. It would, therefore, be feasible
-from the Islamic perspective- that a Musliim woman would not be granted respect
for her faith or Prophet, since the RELIGION of a Jewish or a
Christian husband does not regard Islam to be "divine" or the
Messenger (Muhammad PBUH) to be a true Prophet.
As for the polytheists or atheists or others
of non-Abrahamic faiths, Muslims cannot take those
for a spouse. Marriage in Islam is not regarded as merely a physical
relationship, nor that it is a social custom; it is regarded as a religious
act, with its own rituals, rules and obligations, similar to those of the
people of the Book. Thus, Islam -among other reasons- can't force anyone
who does not accept God (an atheist for example) to be obliged to these religious
rules which were set by God.
BEFRIEND OR NOT TO BE
Another verse that has been misunderstood by
many from being quoted out of context deals with the issue of Muslims being
friends with Jews or Christians: "O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and
the Christians for your friends and protectors: They are but friends and
protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for
friendship and protection) is of them. Verily God guideth
not a people unjust". (
We have seen earlier how Islam encourages
Muslims to establish a dialogue with the people of the book, urges them to care
for their neighbors regardless to the religion, and allows Muslims to marry
them. So how could it forbid Muslims from having them
as friends? If the meaning intended in (5:51) were not to take "ALL"
the Jews and the Christians as friends, then what would be the meaning
of this verse that follows only 5 verses later: "O ye who believe! Take
not for friends and protectors those who take your religion for a mockery or
sport, whether among those who received the Scripture before you, or among
those who reject Faith; but fear ye God, if ye have
faith (indeed). When ye proclaim your call to prayer they take it (but) as
mockery and sport; that is because they are a people without understanding.
(5:57-58)
Thus, it is clear that what God is commanding
Muslims here is only logical. Those who enjoy mocking Islam and
its way of worshipping God, a way that is similar to the followers of other
Messengers such as Abraham, Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them), can't be true
friends for a Muslim. For friendship would have obligated them to respect
Muslims and their religion.
A closer look to other verses in the same
context will reveal even more details, as we read:
"Your (real) friends and protectors
are (no less than) God, His Apostle, and the believers, those who establish
regular prayers and regular charity, and they bow down humbly (in
worship)". (
Who should be the true friend and protector
for Muslims? The verse answers: "God, His Apostle and the believers".
One can see how to be a friend of other believers, but how could one be a
friend of God?
In Islam, one can establish a strong
relationship with God, where God is present in one's life, overseeing and
protecting him or her. This would be the meaning that most Muslims understand
from verse (
Protection is something that is provided by a
ruler or a government. In any community with certain beliefs, everyone in that
community would like to have a leader with the same beliefs, too. A Christian
community, for example, would support a pious Christian as a ruler and
protector, not somebody who has an opposing belief to that of Christianity to
regulate their lives. So is the case for an Islamic community, whose ruler or
protector (after God) should be a Muslim, too.
As for friendship, you have seen earlier that
a Muslim is obligated to care for his parents even if they were Non-Muslims,
his Non-Muslim neighbors and so on. In fact, Muslims are instructed to be kind
to others regardless of faith: "God forbids you not, with regard to those
who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing
kindly and justly with them: for God loveth those
who are just. (60:8)
DEBATES AND ANSWERS
In many historical incidents, there were
debates between Muhammad (pbuh) and others that held
certain differing beliefs. The Quran has recorded
such incidents and has provided answers to their questions. The story of
chapter 112 -in short- was that a group of Christians debated with the Prophet
and compared what they heard about the new religion with their own beliefs. God
gave the answer in that chapter:
"Say: He is Allah, the One. God, the
Eternal, Absolute. He begetteth not, nor is He
begotten. And there is none like unto Him". (112:1-4)
Had it been the policy of Islam to force
others into accepting it, the following would have been the reality through the
Quran:
KILLING THE AN INNOCENT
Finally, the ruling for killing an innocent
(Muslim or Non-Muslim) in Islam is similar to the ruling that was given to the
children of
"If any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it
would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would
be as if he saved the life of the whole people". (
If Islam teaches the killing of others, it
would have devalued their souls and promised no punishments for killing them,
or made the price much different from killing a Muslim for example.
What about those "negative"
verses we hear about everywhere?
It is easy for anybody can misquote any
scriptures and make it sound negative. Here is an example:
Did you know the Quran
teaches: There is no God…?
So how is it that
Muslims claim to worship the One and the only God?
If you read the rest of the verse you will
find out, as it accurately reads:
"God! There is no god but He, the Living, the
Self-subsisting, Eternal". (2:255)
Did you also know that the Bible teaches the
same? There is no God…!
"Now I know that there is no God
in all the earth but in
Any scripture can fall prey to misquotation, if
the one misquoting it makes a bet that you will not verify it for yourself.
Why the
Islamic culture in the
For many, the culture in the
It is almost normal in all western countries
to allow and protect laws that give pregnant women THE
RIGHT TO KILL THEIR OWN UNBORN CHILDREN. Would it be reasonable to conclude that since the major
religion of such country happened to be Christianity for example, that it is
Christian to kill?
The case is the same with many countries
where the major religion is Islam too. Some of these governments or people do
things that are against Islam. It would be illogical therefore to hold any
religion responsible for what any government or people do, especially when what
is being done is against that religion.
We need to be able to distinguish between
cultures and religions. A western culture is not necessarily a Christian
culture, especially when it adopts that which against Christianity. And the
same goes for the
If one would like to understand Christianity,
he or she should study the religion from its appropriate sources, but not judge
it with what some do. The same is for Islam too, when one needs to find out
what Islam truly is, he or she needs to read the Quran
and the Hadith, but not judge Islam with what some
do.
Why Muslims
can't have Christian or Jews friends? Could a Muslim have friends who are not
Muslims? Why does Quran teach Muslims to be unfriendly
with others (non-Muslims or people of the Book, i.e. the Jews and the
Christians) in (
Another verse that has been misunderstood by
many from being quoted out of context deals with the issue of Muslims being
friends with Jews or Christians: "O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and
the Christians for your friends and protectors: They are but friends and
protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for
friendship and protection) is of them. Verily God guideth
not a people unjust". (
If the meaning intended in (5:51) were not to take "ALL"
the Jews and the Christians as friends, then what would be the meaning
of this verse that follows only 5 verses later: "O ye who believe! Take
not for friends and protectors those who take your religion for a mockery or
sport, whether among those who received the Scripture before you, or among
those who reject Faith; but fear ye God, if ye have
faith (indeed). When ye proclaim your call to prayer they take it (but) as
mockery and sport; that is because they are a people without understanding.
(5:57-58)
Thus, it is clear that what God is commanding
Muslims here is only logical. Those who enjoy mocking Islam and
its way of worshipping God, a way that is similar to the followers of other
Messengers such as Abraham, Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them), can't be true
friends for a Muslim. For friendship would have obligated them to respect
Muslims and their religion.
A closer look to other verses in the same
context will reveal even more details, as we read:
"Your (real) friends and protectors
are (no less than) God, His Apostle, and the believers, those who establish
regular prayers and regular charity, and they bow down humbly (in
worship)". (
Who should be the true friend and protector
for Muslims? The verse answers: "God, His Apostle and the believers".
One can see how to be a friend of other believers, but how could one be a
friend of God?
In Islam, one can establish a strong
relationship with God, where God is present in one's life, overseeing and
protecting him or her. This would be the meaning that most Muslims understand
from verse (
Protection is something that is provided by a
ruler or a government. In any community with certain beliefs, everyone in that
community would like to have a leader with the same beliefs, too. A Christian
community, for example, would support a pious Christian as a ruler and
protector, not somebody who has an opposing belief to that of Christianity to
regulate their lives. So is the case for an Islamic community, whose ruler or
protector (after God) should be a Muslim, too.
As for friendship, you have seen earlier that
a Muslim is obligated to care for his parents even if they were Non-Muslims,
his Non-Muslim neighbors and so on. In fact, Muslims are instructed to be kind
to others regardless of faith: "God forbids you not, with regard to those
who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing
kindly and justly with them: for God loveth those
who are just. (60:8)
Here are a few more examples
from Islam to share with you the truth about being friendly with those who are
not Muslims:
WESTERN CONVERTS TODAY
If you get to visit any of the Islamic
centers or Mosques in the
PARTNERS IN MARRIAGE
According to "Shari'a"
(Islamic Law) and (5:5) in the Quran, a Muslim man
can marry a woman from the people of the Book (Jew or Christian). A tenet of
Islam is respect for these two religions. Since marriage is based on -among
other things- respect, and Islam recognizes Judaism
and Christianity as religions of divine origin. As such, ISLAM guaranties a
Jewish or a Christian wife the respect for the beliefs of her faith, her
Scriptures and her Prophets. There are many sound reasons why a Muslim woman
can't marry a Jewish or a Christian man. One reason is that Islam, like all
other religions, considers the man to be the head of the house and the one
responsible for the major decisions. Unlike Islam, Judaism and Christianity
don't recognize Islam as a divine religion. It would, therefore, be feasible
-from the Islamic perspective- that a Musliim woman would not be granted respect
for her faith or Prophet, since the RELIGION of a Jewish or a
Christian husband does not regard Islam to be "divine" or the
Messenger (Muhammad PBUH) to be a true Prophet.
As for the polytheists or atheists or others
of non-Abrahamic faiths, Muslims cannot take those
for a spouse. Marriage in Islam is not regarded as merely a physical
relationship, nor that it is a social custom; it is regarded as a religious
act, with its own rituals, rules and obligations, similar to those of the
people of the Book. Thus, Islam -among other reasons- can't force anyone
who does not accept God (an atheist for example) to be obliged to these religious
rules which were set by God.
NON-MUSLIM
PARENTS AND NEIGHBORS
Honoring parents is taught in many places in
the Quran (2:83, 2:215,
In chapter 107, the Quran
criticizes those who don't do small favors for their neighbors; "So woe to
the worshippers. Who are neglectful of their prayers.
Those who (want but) to be seen (of men). But refuse (to supply) (even)
neighborly needs. (107:4)
Doing good to one's
parents is the same commandment which Muslims have to follow concerning their
neighbors. Yet, not only do Muslims have to do good
and care for their immediate neighbors, but they also help those who are strangers
or far away neighbors, no matter what belief they hold. Muslims must also
assist those who are travelers, i.e. to those whom they may meet only
once in their lifetime.
DONATION MONEY
In chapter 2 verse 215, Muslims are commanded
that their charity: " (must go) to parents and near kindred and orphans and the needy and the wayfarer -an alien traveler",
regardless to their religion. Also according to "Shari'a"
(Islamic Law), money from the general donation (Sadakah)
can be given to those who are Non-Muslims.
If Islam teaches that Non-Muslims are enemies that should be fought at all
times as many claim, then how could it at the
same time allow them to benefit from money that is donated by Muslims?
BUSINESS PARTNERS
According to "Shari'a"
(Islamic Law), Muslims -men and women- can take business partners who
are Non-Muslims.
In today's Hi-Tech age, one can take a
business partner over the phone or after signing a piece of paper. Historically
in
We have seen how Islam encourages Muslims to
establish a dialogue with the people of the book (Jews and Christians), urges
them to care for their neighbors regardless to the religion, and allows Muslims
to marry them. So how could it forbid Muslims from having them
as friends?
The only way Islam may sound as evil as
that, is ONLY when it is …MISQUOTED.
1-We in the Holy Quran:
Some of us may wonder why does God choose to speak in plural like "We created". If we lookup the word "we" in
the dictionary, we will find out that it can be used for "I" when the
speaker is a king, an emperor or a president. Also, an author who is speaking
of his publication can use the word "we".
Page 3 of common questions about Islam
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questions about Islam:
Questions about Jihad and terrorism
Questions about women or woman in Islam
Questions about The Mosque (worshipping place) and prayers in Islam
Questions about Muhammad, Mohammad, or Muhamet peace be upon him.
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