FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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There were many versions of the Qur’an, all of which were burnt by Uthmaan (ra) except for one. Therefore, is it not true that the present Qur’an is the one compiled by Uthmaan (ra) and not the original revelation of God?

It is completely wrong to say that there were several versions of the Qur’an, and Uthmaan (ra) burnt all the different versions after authenticating and compiling one Qur’an. There was only one Qur’an that was authenticated and compiled under the personal supervision of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) himself supervised and authenticated the written texts of the Qur’an

Whenever the Prophet (pbuh) received a revelation, he would first memorize it himself and later declare the revelation and instruct his Companions who would also memorize it. The Prophet (pbuh) would immediately ask the scribes to write down the revelation he had received, and he would reconfirm and recheck it himself. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was an Ummi i.e. one who could not read and write. Therefore, after receiving each revelation, he would repeat it to his Companions. They would write down the revelation, and he would recheck by asking them to read what they had written. If there was any mistake, the Prophet (pbuh) would immediately point it out and have it corrected and rechecked. Similarly, he would even recheck and authenticate the portions of the Qur’an memorized by the Companions. In this way, the complete Qur’an was written down under the personal supervision of the Prophet (pbuh).

Order and sequence of the Qur’an was divinely inspired

The complete Qur’an was revealed over a period of 22½ years portion by portion, as and when it was required. The Qur’an was not compiled by the Prophet (pbuh) in the chronological order of revelation. The order and sequence of the Qur’an too was Divinely inspired and was instructed to the Prophet (pbuh) by Allah (swt) through Archangel Jibraeel. Whenever a revelation was conveyed to his companions, the Prophet (pbuh) would also mention in which surah (Chapter) and after which aayah (Verse) this new revelation should fit. Every Ramadhaan all the portions of the Qur’an that had been revealed, including the order of the Verses, were revised and reconfirmed by the Prophet (pbuh) with Archangel Jibraeel. During the last Ramadhaan, before the demise of the Prophet (pbuh), the Qur’an was rechecked and reconfirmed twice. It is therefore clearly evident that the Qur’an was compiled and authenticated by the Prophet (pbuh) himself during his lifetime, both in the written form as well as in the memory of several of his Companions.

Qur’an copied on one common material

The complete Qur’an, along with the correct sequence of the Verses, was present during the time of the Prophet (pbuh). The Verses however, were written on separate pieces, scrapes of leather, thin flat stones, leaflets, palm branches, shoulder blades of camels, etc. After the demise of the Prophet (pbuh), Abu Bakr (ra), the first caliph of Islam ordered that the Qur’an be copied from the various different materials on to a common material and place, which was in the shape of sheets. These were tied with strings so that nothing of the compilation was lost.

Uthmaan (ra) made copies of the Qur’an from the original manuscript

During the period of Uthmaan (ra), the third Caliph of Islam, disputes arose about the correct manner of reciting the Qur’an, due to different dialects. Since Islam had spread into different regions, the pronunciation of the Qur’an differed in different regions. Hence the need arose to circulate the correct text, pronunciation and dialect of the Qur’an in different parts of the world. Many Companions of the Prophet (pbuh) used to write down the revelation of the Qur’an on their own whenever they heard it from the lips of the Prophet (pbuh). However what they wrote was not personally verified by the Prophet (pbuh) and thus could contain mistakes. All the Verses revealed to the Prophet (pbuh) may not have been heard personally by all the Companions. There were high possibilities of different portions of the Qur’an being missed by different Companions. Uthmaan (ra) borrowed the original manuscript of the Qur’an, which was authorized by the beloved Prophet (pbuh), from Hafsah (may Allah be pleased with her), the Prophet’s wife. Uthmaan (ra) ordered the four Companions who were among the scribes who wrote the Qur’an when the Prophet (pbuh) dictated it, led by Zaid bin Thabit (ra) to rewrite the script in several perfect copies. These were sent by Uthmaan (ra) to the main centres of Muslims. Uthmaan (ra) only appealed to the people to destroy all those copies which did not match the original manuscript of the Qur’an in order to preserve the original text of the Qur’an. Two such copies of the copied text of the original Qur’an authenticated by the Prophet (pbuh) are yet present to this day, one at the museum in Tashkent in erstwhile Soviet Union and the other at the Topkapi Museum in Istanbul, Turkey.

Diacritical marks were added for non-Arabs

The original manuscript of the Qur’an does not have the signs indicating the vowels in Arabic script. These vowels are known as tashkil, zabar, zair, paish in Urdu and as fatah, dhamma and kasra in Arabic. The Arabs did not require the vowel signs and diacritical marks for correct pronunciation of the Qur’an since it was their mother tongue. For Muslims of non-Arab origin, however, it was difficult to recite the Qur’an correctly without the vowels. These marks were introduced into the Quranic script during the time of the fifth ‘Umayyad’ Caliph, Abdul Malik Al-Marwaan (66-86 Hijri / 685-705 CE) and during the governorship of Al-Hajjaaj in Iraq. Some people argue that the present copy of the Qur’an that we have along with the vowels and the diacritical marks is not the same original Qur’an that was present at the Prophet’s time. But they fail to realize that the word ‘Qur’an’ means a recitation. Therefore, the preservation of the recitation of the Qur’an is important, irrespective of whether the script is different or whether it contains vowels. If the pronunciation and the Arabic are the same, naturally, the meaning remains the same too.

Allah Himself has promised to guard the Qur’an

Allah has promised in the Qur’an : “We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly Guard it (from corruption).” [Al-Qur’an 15:9]

According to Darwin’s theory of Evolution, man has evolved from apes. Doesn’t the Qur’an conflict with this theory?

1. There is no book which says, ‘Fact of Evolution’ I have not come across any book which says, ‘Fact of Evolution’. All the books say, ‘Theory of Evolution’. If you read the book by Charles Darwin, ‘The Origin of Species’ - It says that, Charles Darwin went on an island by the name of ‘Galapagos’ on a ship named as ‘HMS Beagle’ and there he found birds pecking at niches. Depending upon the Ecological niches they pecked, their beaks kept on becoming long and short. This observation was made by him in 14 different species of birds. After making these observations Charles Darwin writes in his book, ‘The Origin of Species’, Chapter No. 6: ‘Difficulties on the Theory’ - “Why, if species have descended from other species by insensibly fine gradations, do we not everywhere see innumerable transitional forms?” Charles Darwin himself agreed that there were missing links. If one specie had evolved from the other specie then there ought to be ‘Transitional Forms’ like half-fish / half-reptiles etc. In school we used to joke and say, “If you were present at Darwin’s time this theory would have been proven to be right!” Trying to insinuate that he looks like an Ape! 2. An enemy of my enemy is my friend The reason that this theory in most parts of the world is taught as good as fact, is because in the past the Church was against Science whenever it went against the Bible. So, when Charles Darwin came up with a theory which goes against the Bible, they didn’t want any sufficient proof - An Enemy of my Enemy is my Friend. Most of the Scientists supported the theory, because it went against the Bible, not because it was true. We know the incidence when Galileo was kept under house arrest for 8 years until he died, because he said certain statements in the field of Astronomy, which went against the Bible. Pope John Paul II apologized for this in the end of 20th century more than 350 years after the Roman Catholic Church condemned Galileo. “After 350 years, Vatican Says Galileo Was Right” read the Newspaper Headline of New York Times, 31st October, 1992. 3. Stages of ‘Homonoids’ Science tells us today that there were four ‘Homonoids’ - first is ‘Lucy’ then next came the ‘Homosapians’, who died about five hundred thousand years ago. Then came the ‘Neanderthal Man’, who died hundred to forty thousand years ago. Then came the fourth stage, the ‘Cro-magnon’. ‘There is no link at all between these stages’ - According to P. P. Grasse (in 1971) who held the Chair of Evolutionary Studies in Paris, in Sorbonne University. He also said, “It is absurd, we cannot say who were our ancestors based on fossils.” 4. How did the First Cell come about? Darwin never mentioned the origin of life in his book. In his time, it was believed that bacteria came about from inanimate matter. Spontaneous generation was widely embraced since medieval times because they had a primitive understanding of science: that maggots emerged from meat, mice from wheat, and insects from leftover food. Five years after the publication of Darwin’s book, Louis Pasteur’s groundbreaking findings shattered this very cornerstone of evolution. He designed an experiment to test whether sterile nutrient broth could spontaneously generate microbial life, and this experiment refuted the notion of spontaneous generation. Evolutionists refused to accept his findings for a long time. Pasteur said, ‘Never will the doctrine of spontaneous generation recover from the mortal blow struck by this simple experiment.’ How, then, did the ‘first cell’ originate? Scientific progress has revealed how complex the structure of a cell is, and that it could not have evolved coincidentally. The theory of evolution is confronted with this insurmountable obstacle at the first step, exposing the collapse of Darwinism at its very roots. 5. Mutation as an Evolutionary Mechanism? Mutations are replacements in the DNA molecule, owing to external factors like radiation or chemical action. Evolutionists seeking refuge in mutation make it appear like a magic wand transforming organisms into superior beings. For decades, evolutionists have sweated over the creation of a single useful mutation, but without success. The only instance evolutionary biologists present for beneficial mutation is sickle-cell anemia, which greatly reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood; so, people with sickle-cell anemia suffer increasing respiratory problems. Sickle cell disease gives the carrier partial immunity against malaria. Darwinists claim that this protection by those with this illness is a 'gift of evolution'. Using the same logic, one could say that since people born with genetic leg paralysis are unable to walk, hence saved from traffic accidents, paralysis is a 'useful genetic feature'. This is absurd and unfounded. The direct effects of mutation are obviously disastrous: the death and disability endured by the people of Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Chernobyl; ailments like Down’s syndrome, mongolism, dwarfism and cancer; damage, infirmities, and freaks of nature. Needless to say, a process that leaves organisms crippled and impaired cannot be an ‘evolutionary mechanism’. Pierre-Paul Grassé, former president for the French Academy of Sciences compared mutations to ‘making mistakes in the letters when copying written text.’ Can letter mistakes give rise to useful information, instead of simply damaging the information that already exists? Grassé adds, 'No matter how numerous they may be, mutations do not produce any kind of evolution.' 6. The Pleiotropic Effect The most substantial proof that mutations lead only to damage and disarray is the process of genetic coding: nearly all of the genes in a fully developed organism control more than one genetic feature, for example, height and eye color. This means that any coincidental change in any gene will not be restricted to one organ, but it will exhibit more of its destructive impact elsewhere too. Even if one of these impacts does miraculously turn out to be beneficial, the effects of the other damage will outweigh it by far. Thus, mutation leading to evolution is an established impossibility. 7. Natural selection doesn’t change Species One of the key components of the evolution theory is natural selection, or the ‘survival of the fittest’. For example, in a herd of deer under threat from predators, the ones that can run the fastest will survive. Consequently, the surviving deer will only comprise the fast runners. We do not deny the presence of natural selection. However, no matter how long this process goes on for, it will never transform the deer into another species. The senior paleontologist Collin Patterson states, 'No one has ever produced a species by the mechanism of natural selection. No one has ever gotten near it, and most of the current argument in neo- Darwinism is about this question.' 8. Inadequacy of the Fossil record One of the clearest evidences pointing against the evolution theory is the plain truth presented in the fossil record. According to the theory, every living species sprung from its predecessor, over millions of years; so the existence of intermediary species like half-fish/half-reptiles is critical. Why then, is there no trace whatsoever of these imaginary creatures in the fossil record? Evolutionists world over have toiled hard to uncover these 'transitional forms', only to have their hopes shattered: all the fossils unearthed show, that life appeared all at once and fully formed. But the drowning man clutches at straws. Some 140 years ago, Darwin argued that the fossil record was inadequate, and further research would reveal the required fossils. Is this argument valid today? The sheer wealth of the fossil record will surely answer this question. Billions of fossils have been excavated all over the planet, bearing striking similarity to today's species, and not a single transitory form has been found, contrary to Darwin's assumptions, and the assumptions of his followers. The scientific discoveries of the past two decades have sent shockwaves among the campaigners of Darwinism. One of them, Jerry Coyne, remarks, 'My own reaction resembles the dismay attending my discovery, at the age of six, that it was my father and not Santa who brought the presents on Christmas Eve.' 9. Probability of a Coincidental Origin In a desperate attempt to override the very powerful argument that life could never arise by chance, Richard Dawkins said, “If the odds of life originating spontaneously on a planet were a billion to one against …” A billion to one is only 1 in 109. But the probability of the formation of only one protein molecule is "1 in 10300! The probability of this "1" actually occurring is practically nil. In practice, probabilities smaller than 1 over 1050 are thought of as "zero probability". Even if the whole universe was packed with amino acids combining frantically for billions of years, it would not produce even one such protein molecule let alone produce a living cell. 10. More than a Hundred Scientists have spoken against Darwin’s Theory There is a list of more than a hundred scientists and Noble Prize winners who have spoken against Darwin’s Theory. Albert Szent-Gyorgi who got the Noble prize for inventing the Vitamin ‘C’ wrote the book, ‘The Crazy Ape’, against Darwin’s Theory. Sir Fred Hoyle wrote against Darwin’s Theory. Commenting on ‘Coincidental Origin’ he said, “The chance that higher life forms might have emerged in this way (time and chance) is comparable with the chance that ‘a Tornado sweeping through a junk-yard might assemble a Boeing 747 from the materials therein.’” Sir Frank Salisbury who was an American Plant Physiologist said, “It is illogical to believe in Darwin’s theory.” In the field of Molecular Biology, according to Nancy Craig who is an authority in this field said, “It is unimaginable and the probability of one DNA forming from an Ape to Human being, is Zero.” 11. Darwin’s Theory – A Media Propaganda Today Darwin’s Theory is taught in the schools - Why? because Media is in their hands. Otherwise, there is no proof at all. There are certain proofs at lower level that an Amoeba can change to Paramecia. Qur’an does not say, ‘Amoeba cannot change to Paramecia’. It is not against the Qur’an. 12. Conclusion Those who believe in the theory of evolution are deluded by the bigoted and short-sighted notion that a few atoms accidently thrown together into a huge vat could produce intellectuals like Galileo and Newton, artists such as Da Vinci and Picasso, as well as antelopes, lemon trees and carnations. Darwinism is thus, arguably the most potent spell in history. Never before has a dogma so ensnared people's powers of reason, barred them from thinking rationally, and compelled them to reject the truth while in plain sight. 13. Modern science, evidently, is one of the staunchest critics of Darwinist ideology, and the most ardent advocate of monotheism. There are hundreds of Scientists who speak against that and the Qur’an speaks against that as well. Qur’an says that the first man was Adam (Peace be upon him). In sha Allah the scientists may discover it 100 years afterwards, or may be a 1000 years afterwards but so far it is not conflicting with established Science. Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Fussilat, Chapter 41, Verse 53, “Soon will We show them our Signs in the (furthest) regions (of the earth), and in their own souls, until it becomes manifest to them that this is the Truth.” [Al-Qur’an 41:53]

Doesn’t Islam promote violence, bloodshed and brutality since the Qur’an says that Muslims should kill the Kaafirs wherever they find them?

Answer: A few selected Verses from the Qur’an are often misquoted to prove that Islam promotes violence, and exhorts its followers to kill those outside the fold of Islam. 1. Verse from Surah Al Tawbah The following Verse from Surah Al Tawbah is very often quoted by the critics of Islam, to show that Islam promotes violence, bloodshed and brutality: “Kill the ‘mushrikeen’ (pagans, Kaafirs) wherever you find them.” [Al-Qur’an 9:5] 2. Context of Verse is during battlefield Critics of Islam actually quote this Verse out of context. In order to understand the context, we need to read from Verse 1 of this Surah. It says that there was a peace treaty between the Muslims and the ‘Mushriks’ (pagans) of Makkah. This treaty was unilaterally broken and violated by the ‘Mushriks’ of Makkah. A period of four months was given to the ‘Mushriks’ of Makkah to put things straight, else there would be declaration of war. Verse 5 of Surah Al Tawbah says: “But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); But if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practice regular charity, then open the way for them: For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Al-Qur’an 9:5] This Verse is quoted during a battle. 3. Example of war between America and Vietnam We know that America and Vietnam were once at war. Suppose the President of America or the General of the American Army told the American soldiers during the war: “Wherever you find the Vietnamese, kill them.” Today if I say that the American President said, “Wherever you find Vietnamese, kill them” without giving the context, I will make him sound like a butcher. But if I quote him in context, that he said it during a war, it will sound very logical, as he was trying to boost the morale of the American soldiers during the war. 4. Verse 9:5 quoted to boost the morale of Muslims during battle Similarly in Surah Al Tawbah Chapter 9 Verse 5 the Qur’an, says, “Kill the Mushriks wherever you find them,” during a battle to boost the morale of the Muslim soldiers. What the Qur’an is telling Muslim soldiers is, don’t be afraid during battle; wherever you find the enemy kill him. 5. Arun Shourie jumps from Verse 5 to Verse 7 Arun Shourie is one of the staunchest critics of Islam in India. He quotes the same Verse, Surah Al Tawbah Chapter 9 Verse 5 in his book ‘The World of Fatwas’, on Page 572. After quoting Verse 5 he jumps to Verse 7 of Surah Al Tawbah. Any sensible person will realise that he has skipped Verse 6. 6. Surah Al Tawbah Chapter 9 Verse 6 gives the answer Surah Al Tawbah Chapter 9 Verse 6 gives the answer to the allegation that Islam promotes violence, brutality and bloodshed. It says: “If one amongst the pagans ask thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah, and then escort him to where he can be secure that is because they are men without knowledge.” [Al-Qur’an 9:6] The Qur’an not only says that a ‘Mushrik’ seeking asylum during the battle should be granted refuge, but also that he should be escorted to a place of security. In the present international scenario, even the most kind, peaceloving Army General, during a battle, may let the enemy soldiers go free, if they want peace. But which Army General will ever tell his soldiers, that if the enemy soldiers want peace during a battle, don’t just let them go free, but also escort them to a place of security? This is exactly what Allah (swt) says in the Glorious Qur’an to promote peace in the world.

Does Islam believe in several Gods because the Qur’an uses the word ‘We’ when God speaks in the Qur’an?

Islam is a strictly monotheistic religion. It believes in and adheres to uncompromising monotheism. It believes that God is one, and unique in His attributes. In the Qur’an, God often refers to Himself using the word ‘We’. But this does not mean that Islam believes in the existence of more than one God. Two types of plural In several languages, there are two types of plurals, one is a plural of numbers to refer to something that is more than one. The other plural is a plural of respect. a. In the English language, the Queen of England refers to herself as ‘We’ instead of ‘I’. This is known as the ‘royal plural’. b. Rajiv Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India used to say in Hindi ‘Hum dekhna chahte hain’. ‘Hum’ means ‘We’ which is again a royal plural in Hindi. c. Similarly in Arabic, when Allah refers to Himself in the Qur’an, many a time He uses ‘Nahnu’ meaning ‘We’. It does not indicate plural of numbers but plural of respect. ‘Tawheed’ or monotheism is one of the pillars of Islam. The existence and uniqueness of one and only one God is mentioned several times in the Qur’an. For instance in Surah Al Ikhlaas, it says: “Say He is Allah the one and only.” [Al-Qur’an 112:1]

If God is responsible for our destiny then why should we be held responsible for the evil acts and sins, we commit?

As far as the question on ‘Qadr’ i.e. Destiny is concerned, it’s a common question asked by Muslims as well as non-Muslims and it’s difficult to understand. 1. Belief in ‘Qadr’ is an article of Faith It is mentioned in Sahih Muslim, Vol. 1, The Book of Faith, Hadith No. 93: When Jibraeel asked Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) about Faith, the Prophet (pbuh) said, “Faith is to believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, The Day of Judgement and Al Qadr (Destiny).” Allah says in the Glorious Qur’an, in Surah Al Qamar, Chapter 54, Verse 49 “Indeed, all things We created with predestination.” [Al Qur’an 54:49] And the Prophet (pbuh) said in a Hadith of Sahih Muslim, Vol. 7, The Book of Al Qadr, Hadith No. 6748: “Allaah decided the decrees of creation fifty thousand years before He created the heavens and the earth.” Which means that Allah (swt) already had the knowledge of the future, knowledge of the Unseen i.e. ‘Ilm Al Ghayb’, fifty thousand years before the creation of the Heavens and the Earth. 2. Allah is not to be blamed for the wrong actions we do I’d like to give an example, for people to know that Allah (swt) has ‘Ilm Al Ghayb’ - knowledge of the Unseen, He has the knowledge of the future. In a class room there is a teacher, who teaches the student. After one year has passed before the examinations, the teacher predicts that child ‘A’ will come first class first. Child ‘B’ will get a second class. Child ‘C’ will fail. And once the examination takes place and when the results are out. Student ‘A’ gets a first class first. Student ‘B’ gets a second class. Student ‘C’ fails. Now the question I would like to ask is that just because the teacher predicted that the student ‘C’ would fail can the student ‘C’ blame the teacher saying that because the teacher predicted that I will fail, I have failed. But natural the answer is No. The teacher predicted the student ‘A’ will get a first class first because the teacher knew that the student was studious and was intelligent. Student ‘B’ was an average student. Student ‘C’ used to play hooky, used to bunk school, never used to study, never used to do the homework. So based on that the teacher predicted that student ‘C’ would fail. But student ‘C’ cannot blame the teacher; because the teacher predicted I would fail therefore I’ve failed. The student himself is responsible. 3. It is not what Allah has written we do but what we will do Allah has already written Similarly Allah (swt) has ‘Ilm Al Ghayb’ of what choices we will make or what actions we will do. For example, when a human being comes at a crossroad, there are five roads from which he can choose, Road one, two, three, four, five. He has the free will to choose any. He chooses Road three and that’s already mentioned in the Destiny that he will choose road three. It is not because Allah has mentioned he will choose Road three, that he has chosen road three, it is because he will be choosing road three Allah (swt) writes it in advance because He has ‘Ilm Al Ghayb’. Like how the teacher predicts in advance, so Allah knows this person has a choice to choose any of the roads from the five roads available but he chooses Road three. So Allah knows in advance he will be choosing Road three therefore He mentions in the Qadr, in the Destiny that he’ll be choosing Road three. Now once he goes to road three after some time he comes on another crossroad, one, two, three, he chooses Road three. Now because he will be choosing Road three Allah knows in advance, he has ‘Ilm Al Ghayb’, so He has mentioned that after some time he’ll come at another crossroad and this particular person will choose again Road three. It is not because Allah has mentioned in Qadr that he’s choosing Road three. It is because he has chosen Road three Allah has written in advance because He has ‘Ilm Al Ghayb’. 4. Allah has given us the freewill to choose between good and evil. Same way a person if he wants to earn his livelihood, he has both choices, either he can strive hard, work hard and do a honest job and earn that money or he can rob or he can steal, the choice is his. Allah says in the Glorious Qur’an in Surah Al Balad, Chapter 90 Verse 10 “And have shown him the two ways (the good and the evil)” [Al Qur’an 90:10] If suppose a person prefers to steal, now Allah knows in advance that at the age of 25 years he has an option of working hard, earn a honest living or stealing. But this person steals. So Allah knows in advance he will be stealing therefore Allah has written in his Qadr he’ll steal. It is not because Allah has written he has stolen. It is because he will be stealing Allah has written in advance. During the Caliphate of the Second Caliph of Islam Umar (ra), a thief was brought to the court of law to carry out the Hadd punishment on him for stealing. The thief argued with Umar (ra) saying that, “O Umar (ra) if Allah had already written in my destiny that I would steal, why should I be blamed and receive the punishment for it. In response Umar (ra) said, “Yes, it was written in your destiny that you would steal and also be convicted and punished for it.” So similarly, if a person commits murder, it’s his choice. He can either commit a murder or not commit it, the choice is his. If he commits a murder, who is to be blamed? He is to be blamed. So here we realize that Allah has ‘Ilm Al Ghayb’ and He has written our destiny even before we were born. 5. Dua’ can change your Destiny The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Nothing can change the Qadr except Dua’.” (Silsilah Al Saheehah, Hadith No. 145) If a student appears for an examination and does not perform well, he knows that he is going to fail. He comes home and prays to Allah (swt) that he should pass. Allah accepts his prayer and passes him. Initially in the Qadr it was written that he would not perform well in the examination and that he would fail, but Allah (swt) also knew in advance that he would later pray and ask Allah for help. It was also mentioned in the Qadr that Allah (swt) would accept his prayer and pass him in the examination.

Muslims believe in the theory of abrogation, i.e. they believe that certain earlier Verses of the Qur’an were abrogated by Verses revealed later. Does this imply that God made a mistake and later on corrected it? Don’t these two Verses of the Qur’an contradict each other?

1. Two different interpretations The Glorious Qur’an says in the following Verse: “Whatever of our revelations do we abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but we substitute something better or similar: knowest thou not that Allah hath power over all things?” [Al-Qur’an 2:106] A reference to this is also made in Chapter 16 Verse 101 of Surah Al Nahl. The Arabic word mentioned is ‘Aayaat’ which means ‘Signs’ and which can also mean ‘revelation’. This Verse of the Qur’an can be interpreted in two different ways: a. The revelations that are abrogated are those revelations that were revealed before the Qur’an, for example the Torah, the Zaboor and the Injeel. Here Allah (swt) says that He does not cause the previous revelations to be forgotten but He substitutes them with something better or similar, indicating that the Torah, the Zaboor and the Injeel were substituted by the Qur’an. b. If we consider that the Arabic word ‘Aayaat’ in the above Verse refers to the Verses of the Qur’an, and not previous revelations, then it indicates that none of the Verses of the Qur’an are abrogated by Allah but substituted with something better or similar. This means that certain Verses of the Qur’an that were revealed earlier were substituted by Verses that were revealed later. I agree with both the interpretations. Many Muslims and non-Muslims misunderstand the second interpretation to mean that some of the earlier Verses of the Qur’an were abrogated and no longer hold true for us today, as they have been replaced by the later Verses of the Qur’an i.e. ‘Naasikh’ or the abrogating Verses. This group of people even wrongly believes that both these Verses the ‘Mansookh’ and the ‘Naasikh’ contradict each other. Let us analyze a few such examples. 2. Produce a Recital like the Qur’an / 10 Surahs / 1 Surah: Some pagan Arabs alleged that the Qur’an was forged by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Allah (swt) challenged these Arabs in the following Verse of Surah Al-Israa: “Say: if the whole of Mankind and Jinns were together to produce the like of this Qur’an they could not produce the like thereof, even if they backed up each other with help and support.” [Al-Qur’an 17:88] Later the challenge was made easy in the following Verse of Surah Hood: “Or they may say, ‘He forged it.’ Say, ‘Bring ye then ten Surahs forged, like unto it, and call (to your aid) whomsover ye can, other than Allah, if ye speak the truth!’.” [Al-Qur’an 11:13] It was made easier in the following Verse of Surah Yunus: “Or do they say, ‘He forged it’? Say: ‘Bring then a Surah like unto it, and call (to your aid) anyone you can, besides Allah, if it be that ye speak the truth!’ ” [Al-Qur’an 10:38] Finally, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (swt) further eased the challenge: “And if ye are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant, then produce a Surah like thereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers (if there are any) besides Allah if your (doubts) are true. But if ye cannot, and of a surety ye cannot, then fear the Fire whose fuel is Men and Stones – which is prepared for those who reject faith.” [Al-Qur’an 2:23-24] Thus Allah (swt) made the challenges progressively easier. The Verses of the Qur’an first challenged the pagans to produce a book like the Qur’an, then challenged them to produce ten Surahs (Chapters) like those in the Qur’an, then one Surah and finally it challenges them to produce one Surah somewhat similar (mim mislihi) to the Qur’anic Surahs. This does not mean that the later Verses that were revealed i.e. of Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 Verses 23 and 24 contradict the earlier three Verses. Contradiction implies mentioning two things that cannot be possible simultaneously, or cannot take place simultaneously. The earlier Verses of the Qur’an i.e. the abrogated Verses are still the word of God and the information contained in it, is yet true to this day. For instance, the challenge to produce a recital like the Qur’an stands to this day. Similarly the challenge to produce ten Surahs and one Surah exactly like the Qur’an also holds true and the last challenge of producing one surah somewhat similar to the Qur’an does not contradict the earlier challenges, but this is the easiest of all the challenges posed by the Qur’an. If the last challenge cannot be fulfilled, the question of anyone fulfilling the other three more difficult challenges does not arise. Suppose I say about a person that he is so dumb, that he would not be able to pass the 10th standard in school. Later I say that he would not be able to pass the 5th standard, and further say that he would not be able to pass even the 1st standard. Finally I say that he is so dull that he would not even be able to pass K.G. i.e. kindergarten. One has to pass kindergarten before one can be admitted to school. My four statements do not contradict each other, but my last statement or challenge i.e. the person would not be able to pass the kindergarten is sufficient to indicate the intelligence of that person. If a person cannot even pass kindergarten, the question of him passing the first standard or 5th or 10th, does not arise. 3. Gradual prohibition of intoxicants Another example of such Verses is related to the gradual prohibition of intoxicants. The first revelation of the Qur’an to deal with intoxicants was the following Verse from Surah Al Baqarah: “They ask thee concerning wine and gambling say: ‘in them is great sin, and some profit, for men; but the sin is greater than the profit’…” [Al-Qur’an 2:219] The next Verse to be revealed regarding intoxicants is the following Verse from Surah Al Nisaa’: “O ye who believe approach not prayer with a mind befogged, until ye can understand all that ye say…” [Al-Qur’an 4:43] The last Verse to be revealed regarding intoxicants was the following Verse from Surah Al-Maa’idah: “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’an 5:90] The Qur’an was revealed over a period of 23 years. Many reforms that were brought about in the society were gradual so that the people could adapt and follow it. It wouldn’t have been easy, had it been instructed all at once. The prohibition of intoxicants was revealed in three stages. The first revelation only mentioned that in the intoxicants there is great sin and some profit but the sin is greater than the profit. The next revelation prohibited praying in an intoxicated state, indicating that one should not consume intoxicants during the day, since a Muslim has to pray five times a day. This Verse does not state that when one is not praying at night one is allowed to consume intoxicants. It means one may have or one may not have. The Qur’an does not comment on it. If this Verse had mentioned that one is allowed to have intoxicants while not praying then there would have been a contradiction. Allah (swt) chose words appropriately. Finally, the total prohibition of intoxicants at all times was revealed in Verse 90 of Surah Al Maa’idah (Chapter 5). This clearly indicates that the three Verses do not contradict each other. Had they been contradicting, it would not have been possible to follow all the three Verses simultaneously. Since a Muslim is expected to follow each and every Verse of the Qur’an, only by following the last Verse i.e. of Surah Al Maa’idah (5:90), he simultaneously agrees and follows the previous two Verses. Suppose I say that I do not live in Los Angeles. Later I say that I do not live in California. Finally, I say, I do not live in the United States of America. This does not imply that these three statements contradict each other. Each statement gives more information than the previous statement. The third statement includes the information contained in the first two statements. Thus, only by saying that I do not live in the United States of America, it is obvious, that I also do not live in California or Los Angeles. Similarly, since consuming alcohol is totally prohibited, it is obvious that praying in an intoxicated state is also prohibited and the information that in intoxicants is “great sin and some profit for men; but the sin is greater than profit” also holds true. Thus, the Theory of Abrogation doesn’t mean that God made a mistake and later corrected it but God revealed the Prohibition in stages so that it would be easier for the human beings to implement it. Even the challenges for the human beings were revealed in stages to make the challenges easier. Allah says in the Glorious Qur’an in Surah Taa Haa, Chapter 20, Verse 52 “…My Lord never errs, nor forgets.” [Al Qur’an 20:52]

Why do certain Surahs in the Qur’an begin with ‘Alif Laam Meem’, ‘Haa Meem’, ‘Yaa Seen’ and what is the significance of such terms or phrases?

1. Abbreviated Letters Alif Laam Meem, Yaa Seen, Haa Meem, etc. are known as Al-Muqatt’aat i.e. the abbreviated letters. There are 29 letters in the Arabic Alphabet (if hamza and alif are considered as two letters) and there are 29 Surahs i.e. Chapters in the Glorious Qur’an that have the abbreviated letters prefixed to them. These abbreviated letters sometimes occur alone, sometimes in a combination of two letters and sometimes in a combination of three, four or five letters. a. Three Surahs are prefixed with only one letter: (i) Surah Saad Chapter 38 with Saad (ii) Surah Qaaf Chapter 50 with Qaaf (iii) Surah Noon or Al Qalam Chapter 68 with Noon b. The combination of two letters occurs in ten Surahs: Three of them occur only once each: (i) Surah Taa Haa Chapter 20 has Taa Haa (ii) Surah Al Naml Chapter 27 has Taa Seen (iii) Surah Yaa Seen Chapter 36 has Yaa Seen Haa Meem occurs in seven consecutive Surahs from Surah 40 to Surah 46: (i) Surah Ghaafir or Al-Mu’min Chapter 40 (ii) Surah Fussilat or Haa Meem Chapter 41 (iii) Surah Al Shooraa Chapter 42 (iv) Surah Al Zukhruf Chapter 43 (v) Surah Al Dukhaan Chapter 44 (vi) Surah Al Jaathiyah Chapter 45 (vii) Surah Al Ahqaaf Chapter 46 c. There are three combinations of three letters each occurring in 13 Surahs. Alif Laam Meem occurs in six Surahs (i) Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 (ii) Surah Aali ‘Imran Chapter 3 (iii) Surah Al ‘Ankaboot Chapter 29 (iv) Surah Al Room Chapter 30 (v) Surah Luqmaan Chapter 31 (vi) Surah Al Sajdah Chapter 32 Alif Laam Raa occurs in five Surahs from Surah 10 to Surah 15 except Surah 13: (i) Surah Yoonus Chapter 10 (ii) Surah Hood Chapter 11 (iii) Surah Yoosuf Chapter 12 (iv) Surah Ibraaheem Chapter 14 (v) Surah Al Hijr Chapter 15 Taa Seen Meem occurs in two Surahs: (i) Surah Al-Shu’araa Chapter 26 (ii) Surah Al-Qasas Chapter 28 d. Combination of four letters occurs twice: (i) Surah Al A’raaf Chapter 7: Alif Laam Meem Saad (ii) Surah Al Raa’d Chapter 13: Alif Laam Meem Raa e. Combination of five letters occurs twice: (i) Surah Maryam Chapter 19 begins with Kaaf Haa Yaa ‘Ayn Saad (ii) Surah Al-Shooraa Chapter 42 begins with Haa Meem ‘Ayn Seen Qaaf Surah Al-Shooraa Chapter 42 has a double combination of abbreviated letters, one set of two letters followed by one set of three letters. 2. Meanings of these abbreviated letters The meaning and purpose of these letters is uncertain. There have been a variety of explanations offered by Muslim scholars through the ages. A few among them are: i. These letters might be abbreviations for certain sentences and words for instance, Alif Laam Meem means ‘Ana-Allahu-a’Lam’ or Noon meaning Noor (light), etc. ii. These letters are not abbreviations but symbols and names of Allah or something else. iii. These letters were used for rhyming. iv. These letters have some numerical significance as the semitic letters also have numerical values. v. These letters were used to attract the attention of the Prophet (and later his audience). Several volumes have been written on the significance of these abbreviations. 3. Best explanation of abbreviated letters Of all the explanations given by various scholars, the one which is authentic and also supported by Tafsir of Ibn Katheer, Zamakshari and Ibn Taiymiyyah (ra) is the following: The human body, clay and dust are composed of the same fundamental elements. Yet it would be absurd to say that a human being is exactly the same as the dust. We can all go to the market and purchase or have access to the elements that are found in the human body, and add a few gallons of water. This is the constitution of the human body. We know the elements in the human body and yet we cannot understand the secret of life. Similarly the Qur’an addresses those people who reject its Divine authority. It tells them that this Qur’an, is in your own language, and composed of the same letter over which the Arabs took pride. The Arabs were very proud of their language and Arabic was at its peak when the Qur’an was revealed. With the letters Alif Laam Meem, Yaa Seen, Haa- Meem, etc., (in Engllish we would say A, B, C, D) the Qur’an challenges mankind to produce a Surah at least somewhat similar to the Qur’an in beauty and eloquence, if they doubt its authenticity. Initially, the Qur’an challenges all the men and jinn to produce a recital like the Qur’an and adds that they would not be able to do it even if they back each other. This challenge is mentioned in Surah Al Israa’ Chapter 17 Verse 88 and in Surah Al Toor Chapter 52 Verse 34. Later the Qur’an repeats the challenge in Surah Hood Chapter 11 Verse 13 by saying produce ten Surahs like it and later in Surah Yunus Chapter 10 Verse 38 produce one Surah like it and finally the easiest challenge is given in Surah Al-Baqarah Chapter 2 Verses 23 and 24. “And if ye are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant, then produce a Surah like thereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers (if there are any) besides Allah if your doubts are true. But if ye cannot - and of a surety ye cannot - then fear the fire whose fuel is men and stones - which is prepared for those who reject faith.” [Al-Qur’an 2:23-24] To compare the skill of two artisans, they must be given samples of the same raw material and their performance is evaluated in performing the same task. If they are tailors they must be provided with the same fabrics. The raw materials of the Arabic language are these letters Alif Laam Meem, Yaa Seen (in English it is A, B, C, D, etc.) The miraculous nature of the language of the Qur’an does not lie only in the fact that it is the Word of Allah, but also in the fact that although made up of the same letters in which the pagan Arabs took pride, it has not been rivalled. The Arabs are noted for their rhetoric ability, eloquence and meaningful expression. Just as the constituents of the human body are known to us and can be obtained by us, the letters comprising the Qur’an, such as Alif Laam Meem are known to us, and used frequently to formulate words. Life cannot be created by us, even if we possess knowledge of the constituents of the human body. Similarly, we cannot produce the same eloquence and beauty of expression that we find in the Qur’an, despite knowing the letters that constitute the Qu’ran. The Qur’an thus proves its Divine origin. 4. Miraculous quality of the Qur’an mentioned immediately after these broken letters Therefore, immediately after these broken letters are mentioned in the Qur’an, the following Verses speak about the miracle of the Qur’an, and its authority, e.g. in Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 Verses 1-2: “Alif Laam Meem. This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah.” [Al-Qur’an 2:1-2]

The Qur’an says that Allah has made the earth for humans as a carpet, which gives an indication that the earth is flat. Does this not contradict with the modern science?

1. Earth made as a carpet The question refers to a Verse from the Qur’an in Surah Nooh: “And Allah has made the earth for you as a carpet (spread out).” [Al-Qur’an 71:19] But the sentence in the above Verse is not complete. It continues in the next Verse, explaining the previous Verse. It says: “That ye may go about therein, in spacious roads.” [Al-Qur’an 71:20] A similar message is repeated in Surah Taa Haa: “He Who has made for you the earth like a carpet spread out; has enabled you to go about therein by roads (and channels)...” [Al-Qur’an 20:53] The surface of the earth i.e. the earth’s crust is less than 30 kms or 18 miles in thickness and is very thin as compared to the radius of the earth, which is about 6371 kms or 3959 miles. The deeper layers of the earth are very hot, fluid and hostile to any form of life. The earth’s crust is a solidified shell on which we can live. The Qur’an rightly refers to it like a carpet spread out, so that we can travel along its roads and paths. 2. Carpet can also be spread on other than an absolute flat surface Not a single Verse of the Qur’an says that the earth is flat. The Qur’an only compares the earth’s crust with a carpet. Some people have a misconception that carpet can only be put on an absolute flat surface. It is very possible to spread a carpet on a large sphere such as the earth. It can easily be demonstrated by taking a huge model of the earth’s globe covering it with a carpet. Carpet is generally put on a surface, which is not very comfortable to walk on. The Qur’an describes the earth’s crust as a carpet, without which human beings would not be able to survive because of the hot, fluid and hostile environment beneath it. The Qur’an is thus not only logical, it is mentioning a scientific fact that was discovered by geologists centuries later. 3. Earth has been spread out Similarly, the Qur’an says in several Verses that the earth has been spread out. “And We have spread out the (spacious) earth: how excellently We do spread out!” [Al-Qur’an 51:48] Similarly, the Qur’an also mentions in several other Verses that the earth is an expanse: “Have We not made the earth as a wide expanse” “And the mountains as pegs?” [Al-Qur’an 78:6-7] None of these Verses of the Qur’an contain even the slightest implication that the earth is flat. It only indicates that the earth is spacious and the reason for this spaciousness of the earth is mentioned. The Glorious Qur’an says: “O My servants who believe! Truly, spacious is My Earth: therefore serve ye Me – (And Me alone)!” [Al-Qur’an 29:56] Therefore, none can give the excuse, that he could not do good and was forced to do evil because of the surroundings and circumstances. 4. Earth is Geo spherical in Shape The Qur’an mentions the actual shape of the earth in the following Verse: “And we have made the earth egg shaped.” [Al-Qur’an 79:30] The Arabic word ‘Dahaha’ means egg-shaped. It also means an expanse. ‘Dahaha’ is derived from Duhiya, which specifically refers to the egg of an ostrich, which is geospherical in shape, exactly like the shape of the earth. Thus the Qur’an and modern established science are in perfect harmony.

The Qur’an says that only Allah knows the sex of the child in the womb of the mother but now science has advanced and we can easily determine the sex of the child in the womb by Ultrasonography. Isn’t this Verse of the Qur’an conflicting with Science?

1. Allah has knowledge of all things Many people believe that the Qur’an claims that Allah alone knows the sex of the child in the mother’s womb. The Glorious Qur’an says: “Verily the knowledge of the Hour is with Allah (alone). It is He who sends down Rain, and He who knows what is in the wombs….” [Al-Qur’an 31:34] A similar message is given in the following Verse: “Allah doth know what every female (womb) doth bear, by how much the wombs fall short (of their time of number) or do exceed. Every single thing is before His sight, in (due) proportion.” [Al-Qur’an 13:8] 2. Sex can be determined by Ultrasonography Today science is advanced and we can easily determine the sex of the child in the womb of a pregnant mother, using ultrasonography. 3. The word ‘sex’ is not mentioned in the Verse of the Qur’an It is true that many translations and commentaries of this Verse of the Glorious Qur’an say that only Allah knows the sex of the child in the mother’s womb. If you read the Arabic text of this Verse, there is no Arabic word corresponding to the English word ‘sex’. In fact, the Qur’an says the knowledge of what is in the womb is with Allah alone. Many commentators have misunderstood it to mean only Allah knows the sex of the child in the womb which is a mistake. 4. No one besides Allah can determine the nature This Verse does not refer to the sex of the child in the womb but it refers to how the child in the mother’s womb will be. How will his nature be? Will he be a blessing or a curse to his parents? Will he be a boon or a bane to the society? Will he be good or evil? Will he go to heaven or hell? The complete knowledge of all things is with Allah alone. No scientist in the world, no matter how advanced his equipment, will ever be able to accurately determine the knowledge of these things about the child in the mother’s womb.

The Qur’an says that Allah has put a seal on the hearts of the Kaafirs and they will not believe. Science tells us today that the brain is responsible for understanding and believing and not the heart. Isn’t this contradicting with Science?

1. Allah has set a seal on the heart of the Kaafirs The Glorious Qur’an says: “As to those who reject Faith it is the same to them whether thou warn them or do not warn them; they will not believe. Allah hath set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing and on their eyes is a veil - Great is the penalty they incur.” [Al-Qur’an 2:6-7] 2. The word ‘Qalb’ in Arabic means heart as well as intelligence The Arabic word ‘Qalb’ used in these Verses means the heart. It also means intelligence. Thus, the above Verses also mean that Allah has put a seal on the intelligence of the Kaafirs (unbelievers) and they will not understand and believe. 3. In the Arabic language heart is also used as a center of understanding In the Arabic language the word ‘Qalb’ which means ‘heart’ is also used for one’s center of understanding. 4. Several words used in English language whose literal meaning is different Even in English language there are several words which are used to explain something, though the literal meaning of these words are different. Consider the following examples a. Lunatic - struck by the moon The word ‘lunatic’ literally means ‘struck by the moon’. Today people use the word lunatic for a person who is insane or mentally unstable. People very well know that a mad or a mentally unstable person is not struck by the moon. Yet even a medical doctor uses this word. This is how a language is developed. b. Disaster – An evil star The word ‘disaster’ literally means an evil star. Today the word disaster is used for a great or sudden misfortune or calamity. We know very well that a misfortune has nothing to do with an evil star. c. Trivial – three roads meet The word trivial literally means where three roads meet. Today the word trivial is used for something of small nature or little importance. We know very well that something of small value has nothing to do with where three roads meet. d. Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise literally means rising of the sun. Today when the word sunrise is used most of the people know that the earth is rotating and is moving in relation to the sun. Most of us know that the sun does not rise during sunrise. However even an astronomer uses the word sunrise. Similarly, we know that during sunset, the sun does not actually set. 5. In the English language heart is the center of love and emotion In the English language heart means an organ in the body which pumps blood. The same word heart is also used for the center of thought, love and emotion. Today we know that brain is the center of thought, love and emotion. Yet while expressing emotions a person is likely to say ‘I love you from the bottom of my heart’. Imagine a scientist telling his wife, ‘I love you from the bottom of my heart’ and the wife replies, “Don’t you even know the basics of science, that the brain is responsible for the emotions and not the heart?” In fact, you should say, “I love you from the bottom of my brain.” 6. Arabs know that heart is also used for center of thought and understanding No Arab will ever ask the question as to why Allah has sealed the hearts of the Kaafir because he knows that in this context it refers to the center of thought, understanding and emotions.

According to the Qur’an when a man enters Paradise, he will get ‘hoor’, i.e. beautiful maidens. What will a woman have when she enters Paradise?

1. Hoor mentioned in the Qur’an The word ‘hoor’ occurs in the Qur’an in no less than four different places: (1) In Surah Al Dukhaan Chapter 44, Verse 54 “Moreover, We shall join them to companions with beautiful, big and lustrous eyes.” [Al-Qur’an 44:54] (2) In Surah Al-Toor Chapter 52 Verse 20 “...And We shall join them to companions, with beautiful, big and lustrous eyes.” [Al-Qur’an 52:20] (3) In Surah Al Rahmaan Chapter 55 Verse 72 “Companions restrained (as to their glances), in goodly pavilions.” [Al-Qur’an 55:72] (4) In Surah Al-Waaqi’ah Chapter 56 Verse 22 “And (there will be) companions with beautiful, big, and lustrous eyes.” [Al-Qur’an 56:22] 2. Hoor Translated as Beautiful Maidens Most translators of the Qur’an have translated the word ‘hoor’ as ‘beautiful maidens’. If ‘hoor’ means ‘beautiful maidens’ or girls, then they are meant only for the men. Hence, what will the women get if they enter Paradise? 3. Women will get something exceptional in Paradise Most scholars say that in context, the word ‘Hoor’ used in the Qur’an refers only to ladies since gents are addressed. A reply that would be accepted by all types of people would rather be the answer given in the Hadith of Sahih Al Bukhari, Vol. 4, The Book of Beginning of Creation, Chapter No. 8, Hadith No. 3244, The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Allah said: I have prepared for My pious slaves (whether man or woman) things which have neither been seen by an eye, nor heard by an ear, nor (even) imagined by a human being. If you wish, you can recite this verse from the Glorious Qur’an: ‘No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy’ (Surah Al Sajdah 32:17)”, indicating that even the women will get something exceptional in Paradise.

If Allah has sealed the hearts of the Kuffaar i.e. non-Muslims, then why are they to be blamed for not accepting Islam?

1. Allah has sealed the hearts of those who are continuously bent on rejecting the truth Allah (swt) mentions in Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 Verses 6 and 7 “As to those who reject Faith, it is the same to them whether thou warn them or do not warn them; they will not believe. Allah hath set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing, and on their eyes is a veil; great is the penalty they (incur).” [Al-Qur’an 2:6-7] These Verses do not refer to common Kuffaar who reject faith. The Arabic words used are ‘Al-lazeena kafaroo’, those who are bent on rejecting the truth. It will not make any difference to such people whether you warn them or not, they will not believe. Allah has set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing and on their eyes is a veil. It is not because Allah has set a seal on their hearts that these Kuffaar do not understand and believe, but it is the viceversa. It is because these Kuffaar are bent on rejecting the truth and whether you warn them or not they will not believe. Allah has set a seal on their hearts. Therefore, Allah is not to be blamed, but these Kuffaar who are bent on rejecting the faith are responsible. 2. Example of teacher predicting a student will fail Suppose an experienced teacher, before the final examinations, predicts that a particular student will fail in the exams, since the student is very mischievous, not attentive in class and does not do his homework. If after the student appears for the examination, he fails, who is to be blamed for the student failing: the teacher or the student? Just because the teacher predicted, it does not mean that the teacher is to be blamed but the student himself is responsible for his failure. Similarly, Allah (swt) knows in advance that there are some people who are bent on rejecting the faith and Allah has put a seal on their hearts. Thus these Non-Muslims themselves are responsible for rejecting the faith and not Allah (swt).

The Qur’an mentions in several places that the heavens and the earth were created in 6 days but in Surah Fussilat it says that the heavens and the earth were created in 8 days. Isn’t this a contradiction? The same Verse also says that the earth was created in 6 days and then later on the heavens were created in 2 days. This is against the Big Bang theory that the heavens and the earth was created simultaneously. Doesn’t the Qur’an conflict with modern science?

1. Heavens and the Earth created in Six days I do agree that the Qur’an says that the heavens and the earth were created in 6 days i.e. 6 epochs and it is mentioned in several places including: Surah Al A’raaf Chapter 7 Verse 54 Surah Yoonus Chapter 10 Verse 3 Surah Hood Chapter 11 Verse 7 Surah Al Furqaan Chapter 25 Verse 59 Surah Al Sajdah Chapter 32 Verse 4 Surah Qaaf Chapter 50 Verse 38 Surah Al Hadeed Chapter 57 Verse 4 The Verses of the Qur’an which according to you say that the heavens and the earth were created in 8 days are Surah Fussilat Chapter 41 Verses 9 to 12: “Say: Is it that ye deny Him Who created the earth in two days? And do ye join equals with Him? He is the Lord of (all) the Worlds; He set on the (earth) mountains standing firm, high above it, and bestowed blessings on the earth, and measured therein all things to give them nourishment in due proportion, in four days, in accordance with (the needs of) those who seek (sustenance).” Moreover, He comprehended in His design the sky, and it had been (as) smoke. He said to it and to the earth. “Come ye together, willingly or unwillingly. They said: “We do come (together), in willing obedience.” So He completed them as seven firmaments in two days and He assigned to each heaven its duty and command and We adorned the lower heaven with lights, and (provided it) with guard. Such is the decree of (Him) the exalted in might, full of knowledge. [Al-Qur’an 41:9-12] On the face of it, it seems that these Verses of the Qur’an give the initial impression that the heavens and the earth were created in 8 days. Allah says in the beginning of this Verse that those who exploit this information contained in this passage to raise doubts about its authenticity are equally interested in promulgating blasphemy and denying His unity. Allah is telling us that in course of time, there will emerge unbelievers who will make use of this apparent contradiction. 2. ‘Summa’ means moreover If you analyze these Verses carefully, it speaks about 2 different creations: the earth and the heaven. The earth excluding the mountains was created in 2 days and the mountains were set on the earth standing firm and blessed and measured its sustenance in 4 days. Therefore, the earth along with the mountains were created in 6 days according to Verse 9 and 10. Verse 11 and 12 say, moreover the heavens were created in 2 days. The Arabic word used in the beginning of Verse 11 of Surah Fussilat is ‘summa’ which means; ‘then’, ‘moreover’ or ‘simultaneously’. There are certain Qur’anic translations, which have used ‘then’ for the word ‘summa’ which, indicates ‘afterwards’. If ‘then’ is wrongly used for ‘summa’ then the total of the creation of heaven and earth will be 8 days which will conflict with other Verses of the Qur’an which say heavens and the earth were created in 6 days and will also conflict with the Big Bang Theory as well as the Verse of the Qur’an Surah Al Ambiya Chapter 21 Verse 30 which says that heavens and the earth were created simultaneously. Qur’an mentions in Surah Al Ambiyaa’, Chapter No. 21, Verse No. 30 “Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit of creation), before we clove them asunder?” [Al-Qur’an 21:30] Therefore, the correct translation of the word ‘summa’ in this Verse would be ‘moreover’. Abdullah Yusuf Ali has rightly translated the word ‘summa’ as moreover which clearly gives an indication that while the earth along with the mountains, etc. were created in 6 days, simultaneously the heavens were created in 2 days. Therefore, the total does not come to 8 days but 6 days. If a builder says that he will construct a 10 storied building and surrounding compound wall in 6 months and after completion of his project he gives a more detailed account saying that the basement of the building was built in 2 months and the 10 storied took 4 months. Simultaneously, while the basement and the building were being constructed, he also constructed the surrounding of the building along with the compound wall which took 2 months. Therefore, both his first and second descriptions are not contradicting but the second statement gives a more detailed account for the construction. 3. Heavens and the Earth created simultaneously The Qur’an describes the creation of the universe in several places, sometimes it says the heavens and the earth (7:54, 10:3, 11:7, 25:59, 32:4, 50:38, 57:4) while in other places it says earth and the heaven (49:9-12, 2:29, 20:4) thus further supplementing the Verse of Surah Al Ambiya Chapter 21 Verse 30 which speaks about the Big Bang and that the heavens and the earth were created simultaneously. Similarly, in Surah Al-Baqarah Chapter 2 Verse 29 “It is He Who hath created for you all things that are on earth; Moreover He turned to the heaven and made them into seven firmaments. And of all things He hath perfect knowledge.” [Al-Qur’an 2:29] “It is who has created for you all things on the earth ‘summa’ (simultaneously) made the heaven into seven firmaments.” Here also if you wrongly translate ‘summa’ as ‘then’, only then would this Verse contradicts the Big Bang theory and other Verses of the Qur’an. Therefore, the correct translation of the word ‘summa’ is ‘moreover’ or ‘simultaneously’.

At one place the Qur’an mentions that man is created from sperm and in another place it mentions that man is created from dust. Doesn’t the Qur’an contradict itself?

1. Man created from sperm and dust The Qur’an mentions that the human beings are created from sperm, in several Verses including the following Verse from Surah Al-Qiyaamah, Chapter No. 75, Verse No. 37: “Was he not a drop of sperm emitted (in lowly form)?” [Al-Qur’an 75:37] The Qur’an also mentions in several places that humans were created from dust. The following Verse makes a reference to the origin of humans: “(Consider) that We created you out of dust.” [Al-Qur’an 22:5] We now know that all the elements present in the human body, i.e. the constituents of the human body are all present in the earth in small or great quantities. Scientifically it gives weightage to the Qur’anic Verse that says that man was created from dust. In certain Verses, the Qur’an says that man was created from sperm, while in other Verses it says that man was created from dust. However, this is not a contradiction. Contradiction means statements, which are opposite or conflicting and cannot both be true simultaneously. 2. Man created from water In certain places the Qur’an also says that man was created from water. For instance in Surah Al-Furqaan it says: “It is He Who has Created man from water…” [Al-Qur’an 25:54] Science has proved all the three statements to be correct. Man has been created from sperm, dust as well as water. 3. It is a Contradistinction and not Contradiction Suppose I say that in order to make a cup of tea one needs water. One also needs tea leaves or tea powder. The two statements are not contradictory since both water and tea leaves are required in order to make a cup of tea. Furthermore, if I want sweet tea, I can even add sugar. Thus, there is no contradiction in the Qur’an when it says that man is created from sperm, dust and water. It is not a contradiction but a contradistinction. Contradistinction means speaking about two different concepts on the same subject without conflict. For instance, if I say that a man is always honest, kind and loving, it is a contradistinction, but if I say that the man is always truthful and a habitual liar then it is a contradiction.

It is mentioned in one Verse of the Qur’an that Allah is the Lord of two Easts and two Wests. How can you explain this Verse of the Qur’an scientifically?

1. Qur’an mentions Allah is the Lord of two Easts and two Wests The Verse of the Qur’an which refers to Allah being the Lord of two easts and two wests is the following Verse from Surah Al-Rahmaan: “(He is) Lord of the two Easts and Lord of the two Wests” [Al-Qur’an 55:17] In the original Arabic script, the words east and west have been used in the dual form. It implies that Allah is the Lord of two easts and two wests. 2. Allah is the Lord of both the extremes of East and West We learn in geography that the sun rises from the east, but the point of sunrise keeps shifting throughout the year. Only on two days of the year known as ‘equinox’, does the sun rise exactly from due east. On the remaining days, it rises either from a little north or a little south of due east. During summer solstice the sun rises from one extreme of the east and during winter solstice it rises from the other extreme. Similarly, the sun sets in one extreme of the west in summer solstice. It sets in the other extreme of the west in winter solstice. This phenomenon can be easily seen in Mumbai or any other city, by people living in certain areas, or in tall skyscraper buildings, from where the rising or setting of sun can be seen. They are able to notice that during the summer solstice the sun rises from one extreme of east and during winter solstice it rises from the other extreme of east. In short, through-out the year, the sun keeps rising from different points of the east and sets on different points of the west. Thus when the Qur’an refers to Allah as the Lord of two easts and two wests, it means that Allah is the Lord of both the extremes of east and both the extremes of west. 3. The Glorious Qur’an mentions ‘Mashriqaini’ i.e. two easts in Surah Al Zukhruf Chapter 43, Verse 38: “At length, when (such a one) comes to Us, he says (to his evil companion): Would that between me and thee were the distance of east and west! Ah! Evil is the companion (indeed)! Most commentators have translated the Arabic words ‘Ba’dal Mashriqaini’ as distance of east and west meaning poles apart for easy understanding. In classical Arabic, if two opposites are referred, then one is referred in the dual form. But the literal translation means distance between 2 easts i.e. the two extreme points of east which similarly means poles apart. 4. Allah is the Lord of all the points of the East and West Arabic language has two types of plurals. One is the dual plural i.e. the plural that implies the existence of two. The other is the plural for more than two, i.e. three and above. In Surah Al Rahmaan Verse 17 the Arabic words used are ‘mashriqaini’ and ‘magribaini’ which are in dual plural and therefore imply two easts and two wests. Consider the following Verse of the Qur’an: “Now I do call to witness the Lord of all points in the East and the West.” [Al-Qur’an 70:40] The Arabic words for east and west used in this verse are ‘mashaariqi’ and ‘maghaaribi’ which are plurals that imply the existence of more than two. We can thus conclude that the Qur’an refers to Allah being the Lord of all the points in the east and all the points of the west, as well as the Lord of both the extreme points of east and both the extreme points of west, as well as all the points in between both the extremes.

A particular Verse of the Qur’an says that one day in the sight of Allah is equal to 1000 years. In another Verse of the Qur’an it says that one day is equal to 50,000 years. Isn’t the Qur’an contradicting itself?

1. Time of Allah is incomparable to earthly time The Qur’an says in two Verses, (22:47 and 32:5), that the measure of one day in the sight of Allah is equal to 1,000 years of our reckoning. In another Verse (70:4) it says that the measure of one day in the sight of Allah is equal to 50,000 years of our reckoning. These Verses generally mean that the time of Allah (swt) is incomparable to the earthly time. The examples given are of one thousand years and fifty thousand years of the earthly time. In other words, thousands of years or a very, very long time of the earth is equal to a day in the sight of Allah: 2. ‘Yaum’ also means Period The Arabic word used in all these three Verses is ‘yaum’, which, besides meaning a day also means a long period, or an epoch. If you translate the word yaum correctly as ‘period’ there will be no confusion. a) The Verse from Surah Al Hajj reads as: “Yet they ask thee to hasten on the Punishment! But Allah will not fail in His promise. Verily a Day in the sight of thy Lord is like a thousand years of your reckoning”. [Al-Qur’an 22:47] When the unbelievers asked to hasten the punishment, the Qur’an says that Allah will not fail in His promise. Verily a period in the sight of Allah is like a thousand years of your reckoning. b) The Verse from Surah Al-Sajdah says: “He rules (all) affairs from the heavens to the earth: in the end will (all affairs) go up? To Him, on a Day, the space whereof will be (as) a thousand years of your reckoning”. [Al-Qur’an 32:5] This Verse indicates that a period required for all the affairs to go up to Allah (swt), is a thousand years of our reckoning. c) A Verse from Surah Al-Maa’arij says: “The angels and the spirit ascend unto Him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years”. [Al-Qur’an 70:4] This Verse means that the period required for angels and the spirits to ascend unto Allah (swt) is fifty thousand years. d) The period for two different acts need not be the same. For example, the period required for me to travel from Mumbai to destination ‘A’ say Panvel is one hour and the period required for me to travel to destination ‘B’ i.e. Srinagar is 50 hours. This does not indicate that I am making two contradictory statements. Thus, the Verses of the Qur’an not only do not contradict each other, they are also in perfect harmony with established modern scientific facts.

The Qur’an in several places says that Iblees was an angel, but in Surah Al Kahf, it says that Iblees was a Jinn. Isn’t this a contradiction in the Qur’an?

1. Incidence of Iblees and Angel mentioned in the Qur’an The story of Adam and Iblees is mentioned in the Qur’an in various places in which Allah (swt) says, “We said to the angels bow down to Adam: and they bowed down: not so Iblees.” This is mentioned in: Surah Al-Baqarah Chapter 2 Verse 43 Surah Al-A’raaf Chapter 7 Verse 11 Surah Al-Hijr Chapter 15 Verses 28-31 Surah Al-Israa’ Chapter 17 Verse 61 Surah Taa Haa Chapter 20 Verse 116 Surah Saad Chapter 38 Verses 71-74 But in Surah Al-Kahf Chapter 18 Verse 50, the Qur’an says: “Behold! We said to the angels, ‘Bow down to Adam.’ They bowed down except Iblees, he was one of the Jinns…” [Al-Qur’an 18:50] 2. Arabic Rule of Taghleeb The English translation of the first part of the Verse ‘We said to the angels bow down to Adam: they bowed down except Iblees’, gives us the impression that Iblees was an angel. The Qur’an was revealed in Arabic. In Arabic grammar there is a rule known as ‘Taghleeb’, according to which, if the majority is addressed even the minority is included. If for example, I address an audience of 100 people of whom 99 are doctors and one is an engineer, and if I say in Arabic that all the doctors should stand up, it includes the engineer as well. I need not mention him separately. Similarly, in the Qur’an, when Allah addressed the angels, even Iblees was present, but it is not required that he be mentioned separately. Therefore according to that sentence Iblees may be an angel or may not be an angel but we come to know from Surah Al-Kahf Chapter 18 Verse 50 that Iblees was a Jinn. Nowhere does the Qur’an say that Iblees was an angel. Therefore there is no contradiction in the Qur’an. 3. Jinns have freewill and can disobey Allah Secondly, Jinns have a freewill and may or may not obey Allah, but angels have no freewill and always obey Allah. Therefore the question of an angel disobeying Allah does not arise. This further supplements that Iblees was a Jinn and not an angel.

According to Arun Shourie there is a mathematical error in the Qur’an. In Chapter 4 Verses 11 and 12 when you add up the different parts of inheritance given to the heirs; it is more than one. Therefore, the author of the Qur’an does not know mathematics.

The Qur’an mentions about inheritance in many places, in: Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 Verse 180 Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 Verse 240 Surah Al Nisaa’ Chapter 4 Verses 7 to 9 Surah Al Nisaa’ Chapter 4 Verses 19 and 33 Surah Al Maa‘idah Chapter 5 Verses 105 and 108 Regarding the share of inheritance, it is clearly given in Surah Al Nisaa’ Chapter 4 Verses 11, 12 and 176. Let us examine these Verses quoted by Arun Shourie: “Allah (swt) (thus) directs you as regards your children’s (inheritance): to the male, a portion equal to that of two females: if only daughters, two or more, their share is two-thirds of the inheritance; if only one, her share is a half. For parents, a sixth share of the inheritance to each, if the deceased left children; if no children, and the parents are the (only) heirs, the mother has a third; if the deceased left brothers (or sisters) the mother has a sixth. (The distribution in all cases is) after the payment of legacies and debts. Ye know not whether your parents or your children are nearest to you in benefit. These are settled portions ordained by Allah; and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.” “In what your wives leave, your share is a half, if they leave no child; but if they leave child, ye get a fourth; after payment of legacies and debts. In what ye leave, their share is a fourth, if ye leave no child; but if ye leave a child, they get an eighth; after payment of legacies and debts.” [Al-Qur’an 4:11-12] Islam explains the law of inheritance in great detail. The broad and basic outline is given in the Qur’an and the minute details are given in the Ahadith i.e. the tradition and sayings of the Prophet (pbuh). A person can spend his full life only on the research of the Islamic law of inheritance with its various permutations and combinations. Arun Shourie expects to know the law only by superficially reading two Verses of the Qur’an without knowing the criteria. It is similar to a person who wants to solve a mathematical equation but does not know the basic rule of mathematics, i.e. BODMAS which says that in a mathematical equation, irrespective of which mathematical sign appears first, you will first solve BODMAS: 1st Brackets Off, 2nd Division, 3rd Multiplication, 4th Addition and 5th Subtraction. If Arun Shourie does not know mathematics and first does multiplication then subtraction, then brackets off, then division and finally addition, the answer that he will obtain is bound to be wrong. Similarly, when the Qur’an mentions the law of inheritance in Surah Al Nisaa’ Chapter 4 Verses 11 and 12, even though the children’s share is mentioned first and then that of the parents and spouses, according to the law of inheritance in Islam after paying off the debts and liabilities first, the share is given to the spouses and the parents depending on whether the deceased has left children or not, and whatever portion of wealth is remaining is divided between the sons and the daughters according to their respective shares. So where does the question arise of the total coming to more than one? So it is not Allah who does not know mathematics but it is Arun Shourie himself who is ignorant about mathematics.

The Qur’an says several times that Allah is the Most Merciful and Forgiving but also says many times that He gives severe punishment. Is He Forgiving or Revengeful?

1. Allah is Most Merciful The Qur’an says several times that Allah is the Most Merciful. Infact all the 114 Surahs i.e. Chapters of the Glorious Qur’an except for Surah Al Tawbah, (Chapter 9) begin with the beautiful formula, which means, “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.” 2. Allah is Forgiving The Glorious Qur’an mentions in several Verses including Surah Al Nisaa’, Chapter 4 Verse 25 and Surah Al Maa’idah, Chapter 5 Verse 74: “And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” 3. Allah gives severe punishment to the deserving Allah besides being Merciful and Forgiving is also strict in giving punishment to the deserving. The Qur’an mentions in several Verses that Allah will give severe punishment to the unbelievers and rejecters of faith. He will give punishment to all those who disobey Him. Several Verses of the Qur’an describe the various types of severe punishments that Allah will give in hell to all those who disobey. “Those who reject our Signs, we shall soon cast into the Fire; as often as their skins are roasted through, We shall change them for fresh skins, that they may taste the Penalty: for Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.” [Al-Qur’an 4:56] 4. Allah is Just The question is whether Allah is forgiving or revengeful. An important point to be noted is that Allah besides being Merciful and Forgiving, He also has to give severe punishment to the deserving wicked or evil people, because He is also Just. The Qur’an mentions in Surah Al Nisaa’: “Allah is never unjust in the least degree.” [Al-Qur’an 4:40] It is further mentioned in Surah Al-Ambiyaa’: “We shall set up scales of justice for the day of Judgement, so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least. And if there be (no more than) the weight of a mustard seed, we will bring it (to account): and enough are we to take account.” [Al-Qur’an 21:47] 5. Example - Teacher forgives a student who copies in the examination If during an examination, a student copies and the teacher who supervises in the examination catches the student red-handed. The teacher out of mercy and kindness, forgives him and allows him to continue copying. Those students who have worked hard for the examination will not call the teacher merciful and kind but will call him unjust. This merciful act of the teacher will encourage the other students to also copy. If all the teachers are ‘merciful’ and ‘kind’ and allow the students to copy then no student will ever study for examinations and all will pass with flying colours by copying. The theoretical results of the examinations will be excellent in which all the students will pass with first class and distinction but practically these students will be a failure in life. The whole purpose of the examination would be defeated. 6. This Life is a Test for the Hereafter: The life of this world is a test for the Hereafter. The Qur’an says in Surah Al Mulk: “He who created Death and Life, that He may try which of you is best in deed; and He is the Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving.” [Al-Qur’an 67:2] 7. If Allah forgives all and punishes none, who will obey him? If Allah (swt) forgives each and every human being and punishes no one, then why should the human beings obey His commands. I do agree that no one will go to hell, but this world would become hell to live in where most of the people would be robbing, cheating, raping, killing etc. Furthermore if all human beings are going to go to heaven then this life cannot be called a test for the hereafter. 8. Allah only forgives if a person repents Allah (swt) only forgives if a person repents. The Qur’an says in Surah Al- Zumar, Chapter 39 Verses 53-55: “Say: ‘O my servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives all sins for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” “Turn ye to your Lord (in repentance) and bow to His (will), before the penalty comes on you - after that ye shall not be helped.” “And follow the best of (the courses) revealed to you from your Lord, before the penalty comes on you - of a sudden, while ye perceive not!’ ” [Al-Qur’an 39:53-55] There are four criteria for repentance: first, agree that the act is wrong. Secondly, stop it immediately. Thirdly, never do it again in the future and lastly, compensate for the loss if caused to anyone.

Why does Islam allow the Muslims to kill others in the name of ‘Jihaad’?

1. Most misunderstood word – ‘Jihaad’ The first, number one misconception regarding Islam, the top of the charts is regarding Jihaad. Today Jihaad is the most misunderstood word regarding Islam. It is not only misunderstood by the Non-Muslims, it is even misunderstood by many of us Muslims. Non-Muslims and many Muslims think that Jihaad means any war fought by any Muslim for any reason, whether it be for power, whether it be for wealth, whether it be for land, whether it be for language, etc. Any war fought by any Muslim for any reason, is called as Jihaad. Jihaad does not mean any war fought by any Muslim for any reason, whether it be for money, whether it be for power, whether it be for land, whether it be for language, etc. 2. Meaning of Jihaad ‘Jihaad’ is an Arabic word which comes from the word ‘Jahada’ which means to strive, which means to struggle. So Jihaad basically means to strive and struggle. In the Islamic context,Jihaad means to strive and struggle against one’s own evil inclinations. Jihaad also means to strive and struggle to make the society better. Jihaad also means to fight against oppression. Jihaad also means to fight in self defense in the battlefield. So Jihaad basically means to strive and struggle. For example if a student is striving and struggling to pass in the examination, in Arabic we say the student is doing Jihaad. He’s striving and struggling. 3. Jihaad can also be done by Non-Muslims Many people have a misconception and they think that Jihaad can only be done by a Muslim. There are no less than two verses in the Qur’an, which say that even Non-Muslims do Jihaad. 4. Qur’anic Quotations Qur’an says in, 4(a) Surah Luqmaan, Chapter No. 31, Verse No. 14, “We have enjoined on the human beings to be kind to their parents, in travail upon travail the mother bore them and in pain did she give them birth” Immediately after praising the parents, especially the mother, the verse continues… 4(b) Surah Luqmaan, Chapter No. 31, Verse No. 15, says that “But if your parents (do Jihaad), strive and struggle to make you worship somebody else besides Allah (swt) of whom you have no knowledge then don’t obey them but yet live with them with love and compassion” Here the Qur’an is talking about Non-Muslim parents, doing Jihaad, striving and struggling to make their children do Shirk, worship somebody else besides Allah (swt). 4(c) A similar message is given in Surah Al Ankaboot, Chapter No.29, Verse No. 8, that “We have enjoined on human beings to be kind to the parents but if the parents (do Jihaad), strive and struggle to make them worship somebody else besides Allah (swt) don’t obey them. You all have to return to Me, and I will tell you (the truth) of all that you did.” So here the Qur’an is talking about Non-Muslim parents doing Jihaad. 5. Jihaad Fi Sabilish Shaitaan and Jihaad Fi Sabilillah Such examples of Qur’an mentioning Non-Muslims doing Jihaad is ‘Jihaad Fi Sabilish Shaitaan,’ Jihaad in the way of Satan. What we Muslims should do is ‘Jihaad Fi Sabilillah,’ Jihaad in the way of Allah. And whenever the word ‘Jihaad’ is mentioned individually, in the Islamic context, it is understood to be ‘Jihaad Fi Sabilillah’. 6. Jihaad is not Holy War Most of the Non-Muslims including many so called ‘Muslim Scholars’, they translate Jihaad as ‘Holy War’. If you translate ‘Holy War’ into Arabic it means ‘Harbum Muqaddasah’. If you read the Qur’an or the Hadith, there is neither a single Qur’anic verse nor a Hadith, which uses the word ‘Harbum Muqaddasah’. The word ‘Holy War’ neither exists in the Qur’an nor in the Hadith. 7. Qitaal Jihaad as I mentioned basically means to strive and struggle. One type of Jihaad is also fighting in the way of Allah (swt), that is Qitaal in the way of Allah (swt). But Jihaad doesn’t basically mean a War. There are various types of Jihaad like Jihaad bin Nafs – striving and struggling against our own evil inclinations, also one type of Jihaad is fighting in self defense in the way of Allah (swt). 8. The word ‘Jihaad’ revealed multiple times in Makkah, but no war in Makkah If we see the life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), the first thirteen years of his Prophethood that he lived in Makkah, there were many Qur’anic verses that were revealed in Makkah and many a time in these verses the word ‘Jihaad’ was used and never did the Muslims ever physically fight. Only when they migrated to Madinah did the War take place. But yet you find the word ‘Jihaad’ in several verses of the Qur’an, which were revealed in Makkah. 9. Qur’anic Quotations For example the Qur’an says, 9(a) Surah Al Ankaboot, Chapter No. 29, verse No. 69, that “..those who strive In Our (cause), - We will certainly guide them to Our paths, for Verily Allah is with those who do right.” When this verse was revealed there was no war at that time. 9(b) Qur’an says in Surah Al Furqaan, Chapter No. 25, verse No. 52, That “Therefore listen not to the Unbelievers, but strive against them with the utmost strenuousness with the (Qur’an).” That means you do Jihaad with the Qur’an. Jihaad with the Qur’an means to strive to convey the message of Allah (swt). Do you think you are going to fight with the Qur’an? 10. Killing any innocent human being is prohibited in Islam One verse of the Qur’an is sufficient to prove that killing any innocent human being is strictly prohibited in Islam. It’s mentioned in the Glorious Qur’an, Surah Al Maa’idah, Chapter 5 Verse 32, Allah says, “…If any one killed a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he killed the whole of humanity: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole of humanity…” If you read the scriptures of the other religions, you will not find any verse similar or close to the above verse of the Qur’an, which says, “If you kill one innocent human being it is as if you have killed the whole of humanity and if you save one human being it is as if you have saved the whole of humanity.” 11. Media maligns, brainwashes and dictates minds of people The misconception regarding this word ‘Jihaad’ is created by the Media. This word ‘Jihaad’ wasn’t a problem a couple of decades earlier. After 9/11 it came on top of the charts, Number one. Previously it wasn’t there. So depending upon how the Media portrays Islam, these misconceptions arise in the minds of the Non-Muslims.

Why are most of the Muslims Fundamentalists?

This question is often hurled at Muslims, either directly or indirectly, during any discussion on religion or world affairs. Muslim stereotypes are perpetuated in every form of the media accompanied by gross misinformation about Islam and Muslims. Infact, such misinformation and false propaganda often leads to discrimination and acts of violence against Muslims. A case in point is the anti- Muslim campaign in the American media following the Oklahoma bomb blast, where the press was quick to declare a ‘Middle Eastern conspiracy’ behind the attack. The culprit was later identified as a soldier from the American Armed Forces. Let us analyze this allegation of ‘fundamentalism’: 2. Definition of the word ‘fundamentalist’ A fundamentalist is a person who follows and adheres to the fundamentals of the doctrine or theory he is following. For a person to be a good doctor, he should know, follow, and practice the fundamentals of medicine. In other words, he should be a fundamentalist in the field of medicine. For a person to be a good mathematician, he should know, follow and practice the fundamentals of mathematics. He should be a fundamentalist in the field of mathematics. For a person to be a good scientist, he should know, follow and practice the fundamentals of science. He should be a fundamentalist in the field of science. 3. Not all ‘fundamentalists’ are the same One cannot paint all fundamentalists with the same brush. One cannot categorize all fundamentalists as either good or bad. Such a categorization of any fundamentalist will depend upon the field or activity in which he is a fundamentalist. A fundamentalist robber or thief is a bad person since he causes harm to the society. A fundamentalist doctor, on the other hand, is a good person as he benefits the society. 4. I am proud to be a Muslim fundamentalist I am a fundamentalist Muslim who, by the grace of Allah, knows, follows and strives to practise the fundamentals of Islam. A true Muslim does not shy away from being a fundamentalist. I am proud to be a fundamentalist Muslim because, I know that the fundamentals of Islam are beneficial to humanity and the whole world. There is not a single fundamental of Islam that causes harm or is against the interests of the human race as a whole. Many people have misconceptions about Islam and consider several teachings of Islam to be unfair or improper. This is due to misinformation and incorrect knowledge of Islam. Moreover, many observe the teachings of Islam only superficially or out of context. If one critically analyzes the teachings of Islam with an unbiased and open mind, one has to agree that Islam is the best way of life. 4. Dictionary meaning of the word ‘fundamentalism’ According to Webster’s dictionary ‘fundamentalism’ was a movement in American Protestantism that arose in the earlier part of the 20th century. It was a reaction to modernism, and stressed the infallibility of the Bible, not only in matters of faith and morals but also as a literal historical record. It stressed on belief in the Bible as the literal word of God. Thus fundamentalism was a word initially used for a group of Christians who believed that the Bible was the verbatim word of God without any errors and mistakes. 5. Definition of ‘fundamentalist’ according to Oxford Dictionary When we read the Oxford dictionary, the Oxford dictionary says that, “‘fundamentalist’ is a person who strictly adheres to the ancient or fundamental doctrine of any religion.” But when we read the revised edition of the Oxford Dictionary, there’s a slight change, it says, “‘fundamentalist’ is a person who strictly adheres to the ancient scriptures or fundamentals of any religion, especially Islam” “Especially Islam” has been added in the revised edition of Oxford Dictionary. The moment you hear the word fundamentalist, immediately you start thinking of a Muslim. 6. Every Muslim should be an Extremist Media says, “Muslims are Fundamentalists, Muslims are Extremists.” And we Muslims are becoming apologetic. No..no..no.. I’m not a fundamentalist. No..no..no.. I’m not an extremist. I say, I’m an extremist. I’m extremely honest, I’m extremely just, I’m extremely kind, I’m extremely merciful, I’m extremely loving. Can anyone tell me why being extremely just, extremely honest, extremely loving, extremely merciful, extremely kind is bad? What’s wrong in being an extremist? 7. The Qur’an says ‘Be an Extremist’ The Qur’an says you have to be extremely honest. You can’t be partly honest. When it benefits you, you’re honest, when it doesn’t benefit you, you’re dishonest. The Qur’an says you have to be extremely honest, extremely just. If you are a practicing Muslim you have to be extremely kind, extremely honest, extremely just. We have to be extremist in the correct direction. We should not be extremist in the wrong direction. But a Muslim should be extremist in following the Qur’an. Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Al Baqarah, Chapter No. 2, Verse No. 208, “O ye who believe! Enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and follow not the footsteps of the evil one; for he is to you an avowed enemy.” [Al-Qur’an 2:208] So why are the Muslims becoming apologetic? The Media is attacking Islam and unfortunately, we Muslims are afraid. We have the best Deen, but why are we afraid? Why are we apologetic? It’s time that we turn the tables over.

Why are most of the Muslims Terrorists?

The third most common misconception is ‘Muslims are Terrorists.’ And after 9/11, you had the 7th July or 7/7, that’s the London Bombing and there was a common statement, which said, “All Muslims are not Terrorists but All Terrorists are Muslims”. 1. Meaning of the word ‘Terrorist’ What is the meaning of the word ‘Terrorist’? ‘Terrorist’ by definition means a person who causes terror. For example, if a criminal sees a policeman, he is terrified. So, for the criminal, the policeman is a terrorist. I’m aware that ‘Terrorist’ more commonly means a person who terrorizes innocent human beings. 2. Two different labels given to the same individual for the same action We know from the Media that many a time two different labels are given to the same individual for his same activity. For example, more than 60 years back there were many Indians who were fighting for the freedom of the country. These people by the British Government were called as ‘Terrorists’. But we common Indians, we call these people as ‘Freedom Fighters’, as ‘Patriots’; same people, same activity, but two different labels. If you agree with the view of the British Government that they had a right to rule over India, then you have to call these people as ‘Terrorists’. But if you agree with the view of the common Indians that the Britishers came to India to do business, they had no right to rule over us then you have to call these people as Patriots or Freedom Fighters. Same people, same activity, but two different labels. 3. Check before you pass the information The Qur’an says in Surah Al Hujuraat, Chapter No. 49, Verse No. 6 “O ye who believe! If a wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, lest ye harm people unwittingly, and afterwards become full of repentance for what ye have done.” [Al-Qur’an 49:6] 4. George Washington When the Britishers were ruling America, during the American Revolution in 1775, George Washington was called as the ‘Terrorist No. 1’ by the British Government. Later on, when America gets its freedom, George Washington is made the President of USA. Imagine ‘Terrorist No. 1’ becomes the President of USA. 5. Nelson Mandela We have the example of Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela several decades earlier when the White Apartheid Government ruled South Africa, was arrested and imprisoned in Robin Islands for more than 25 years. The White Apartheid Government called Nelson Mandela as ‘Terrorist No. 1’. Later on when South Africa gets its freedom and the White Apartheid Government is removed, Nelson Mandela is given freedom and he gets the ‘Noble Prize for Peace’. Imagine ‘Terrorist No. 1’ of the world gets the ‘Noble Prize for Peace’! Not that he was bad and then he became good, but for the same activity for which he was called a Terrorist, 30 years later he gets the ‘Noble Prize for Peace’! 6. Powerful Media dictates Idea We realize whoever is in power, whatever the label that person gives, it gets stuck on to that person. This is Media. Media is very powerful. According to me it is the most important weapon today. It can convert black into white, day into night, hero into a villain, villain into a hero, this is Media. Unfortunately we Muslims are very backward as far as Media is concerned. Whatever technology is Halaal, what is permitted in Qur’an and Sunnah we have to use it. Televison per se is not Haraam. We have to convert it to Halaal. In future do not believe blindly whatever the Media says. Please check it, confirm it and only after verification believe in it. Hence, it is very important that before one gives any label to any person, one should critically analyse the situation, the reason for the activity and the intention of the person.

How can Islam be called the religion of peace when it was spread by the sword?

It is a common complaint among some non-Muslims that Islam would not have millions of adherents all over the world, if it had not been spread by the use of force. The following points will make it clear, that far from being spread by the sword, it was the inherent force of truth, reason and logic that was responsible for the rapid spread of Islam. 1. Islam means peace Islam comes from the root word ‘salm’ or ‘salaam’, which means peace. It also derived from the root word ‘silm’, which means submitting one’s will to Allah (swt). Thus Islam is a religion of peace, which is acquired by submitting one’s will to the will of the Supreme Creator, Allah (swt). 2. Sometimes force has to be used to maintain peace Each and every human being in this world is not in favor of maintaining peace and harmony. There are many, who would disrupt it for their own vested interests. Sometimes force has to be used to maintain peace. It is precisely for this reason that we have the police who use force against criminals and anti-social elements to maintain peace in the country. Islam promotes peace. At the same time, Islam exhorts its followers to fight where there is oppression. The fight against oppression may, at times, require the use of force. In Islam, force can only be used to promote peace and justice. 3. Opinion of historian De Lacy O’Leary The best reply to the misconception that Islam was spread by the sword is given by the noted historian De Lacy O’Leary in the book “Islam at the Crossroads” (Page 8): “History makes it clear however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated.” 4. Muslims ruled Spain for 800 years Muslims ruled Spain for about 800 years. The Muslims in Spain never used the sword to force the people to convert. Later the Christian Crusaders came to Spain and wiped out the Muslims. There was not a single Muslim in Spain who could openly give the adhaan that is the call for prayers. 5. 9 million Arabs are Coptic Christians Muslims were the lords of Arabia for 1400 years. For a few years the British ruled, and for a few years the French ruled. Overall, the Muslims ruled Arabia for 1400 years. Yet today, there are 9 million Arabs who are Coptic Christians i.e. Christians since generations. If the Muslims had used the sword there would not have been a single Arab who would have remained a Christian. 6. More than 80% non-Muslims in India The Muslims ruled India for about a thousand years. If they wanted, they had the power of converting each and every non-Muslim of India to Islam. Today more than 80% of the population of India are non-Muslims. All these non- Muslim Indians are bearing witness today that Islam was not spread by the sword. 7. Indonesia and Malaysia Indonesia is a country that has the maximum number of Muslims in the world. The majority of people in Malaysia are Muslims. May one ask, “Which Muslim army went to Indonesia and Malaysia?” 8. East Coast of Africa Similarly, Islam has spread rapidly on the East Coast of Africa. One may again ask, if Islam was spread by the sword, “Which Muslim army went to the East Coast of Africa?” 9. Thomas Carlyle The famous historian, Thomas Carlyle, in his book “Heroes and Hero worship”, refers to this misconception about Islam being spread by the sword: “The sword indeed, but where will you get your sword? Every new opinion, at its starting is precisely in a minority of one. In one man’s head alone. There it dwells as yet. One man alone of the whole world believes it, there is one man against all men. That he takes a sword and tries to propagate with that, will do little for him. You must get your sword! On the whole, a thing will propagate itself as it can.” 10. No compulsion in religion With which sword was Islam spread? Even if Muslims had it they could not use it to spread Islam because the Qur’an says in the following verse: “Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.” [Al-Qur’an 2:256] 11. Sword of the Intellect It is the sword of intellect. The sword that conquers the hearts and minds of people. The Qur’an says in Surah Al Nahl, Chapter 16 Verse 125: “Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious...” [Al-Qur’an 16:125] 12. Increase in the world religions from 1934 to 1984 An article in Reader’s Digest ‘Almanac’, yearbook 1984, 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 took place in the 20th century which converted millions of people to Islam? 13. Islam is the fastest growing religion in America and Europe. Today the fastest growing religion in America is Islam. The fastest growing religion in Europe is Islam. Which sword is forcing people in the West to accept Islam in such large numbers? Today the Media is attacking Islam saying that it subjugates the women. Do you know, out of those accepting Islam in America and Europe, 2/3rd of them are women. If Islam subjugates the women, why are the American women, why are the European women accepting Islam? Who is forcing them? 14. Dr Joseph Adam Pearson. Dr Joseph Adam Pearson rightly says, “People who worry that nuclear weaponry will one day fall in the hands of the Arabs, fail to realize that the Islamic bomb (the bomb of Peace) has been dropped already, it fell the day MUHAMMAD (pbuh) was born.”

Why is a man allowed to have more than one wife in Islam? i.e. why is polygamy allowed in Islam?

1. Definition of Polygamy Polygamy means a system of marriage whereby a person has more than one spouse. Polygamy can be of two types. One is polygyny where a man marries more than one woman, and the other is polyandry, where a woman marries more than one man. In Islam, limited polygyny is permitted; whereas polyandry is completely prohibited. Now coming to the original question, why is a man allowed to have more than one wife? 2. The Qur’an is the only religious scripture in the world that says, ‘Marry Only One.’ The Qur’an is the only religious book, on the face of this earth, that contains the phrase ‘Marry Only One’. There is no other religious book that instructs men to have only one wife. In none of the other religious scriptures, whether it be the Vedas, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, the Geeta, the Talmud or the Bible does one find a restriction on the number of wives. According to these scriptures one can marry as many as one wishes. It was only later, that the Hindu priests and the Christian Church restricted the number of wives to one. Many Hindu religious personalities, according to their scriptures, had multiple wives. King Dashrat, the father of Rama, had more than one wife. Krishna had 16,108 wives. Some Hindus may argue that Krishna did not marry these women for sex but to give them protection. After the battle thousands of women became widows and Krishna, in order to give them protection married them. Then, how come Krishna had 160,000 children from them. In earlier times, Christian men were permitted as many wives as they wished, since the Bible puts no restriction on the number of wives. It was only a few centuries ago that the Church restricted the number of wives to one. Polygyny is permitted in Judaism. According to the Talmudic law, Abraham had three wives, and Solomon had seven hundred wives. The practice of polygyny continued till Rabbi Gershom ben Yehudah (960 CE to 1030 CE) issued an edict against it. The Jewish Sephardic communities living in Muslim countries continued the practice till as late as 1950, until an Act of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel extended the ban on marrying more than one wife. 3. Hindus are more polygynous than Muslims The report of the ‘Committee of The Status of Women in Islam’, published in 1975 mentions on page numbers 66 and 67 that the percentage of polygamous marriages between the years 1951 and 1961 was 5.06% among the Hindus and only 4.31% among the Muslims. According to Indian law only Muslim men are permitted to have more than one wife. It is illegal for any non-Muslim in India to have more than one wife. Despite it being illegal, Hindus have more multiple wives as compared to Muslims. Earlier, there was no restriction even on Hindu men with respect to the number of wives allowed. It was only in 1954, when the Hindu Marriage Act was passed that it became illegal for a Hindu to have more than one wife. At present it is the Indian Law that restricts a Hindu man from having more than one wife and not the Hindu scriptures. Let us now analyse why Islam allows a man to have more than one wife. 4. Qur’an permits limited polygyny As I mentioned earlier, Qur’an is the only religious book on the face of the earth that says ‘Marry Only One’. The context of this phrase is the following verse from Surah Al Nisaa’ of the Glorious Qur’an: “Marry women of your choice, two, or three, or four; but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one…” [Al-Qur’an 4:3] Before the Qur’an was revealed, there was no upper limit for polygyny and many men had scores of wives, some even hundreds. Islam put an upper limit of four wives. Islam gives a man permission to marry two, three or four women, only on the condition that he deals justly with them. In the same chapter i.e. Surah Al Nisaa’ verse 129 says: “Ye are never able to be fair and just as between women, even if it is your ardent desire: But turn not away (from a woman) altogether, so as to leave her (as it were) hanging (in the air). If ye come to a friendly understanding, and practise self-restraint, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Al-Qur’an 4:129] Therefore, polygyny is not a rule but an exception. Many people are under the misconception that it is compulsory for a Muslim man to have more than one wife. Broadly, Islam has five categories of Do’s and Don’ts: (i) ‘Fard’ i.e. compulsory or obligatory (ii) ‘Mustahab’ i.e. recommended or encouraged (iii) ‘Mubah’ i.e. permissible or allowed (iv) ‘Makruh’ i.e. not recommended or discouraged (v) ‘Haraam’ i.e. prohibited or forbidden Polygyny falls in the middle category of things that are permissible. It cannot be said that a Muslim who has two, three or four wives is a better Muslim as compared to a Muslim who has only one wife. 5. Average life span of females is more than that of males By nature, males and females are born in approximately the same ratio. A female child has more immunity than a male child. A female child can fight the germs and diseases better than the male child. For this reason, during the paediatric age itself there are more deaths among males as compared to the females. During wars, there are more men killed as compared to women. More men die due to accidents and diseases than women. The average life span of females is more than that of males, and at any given time one finds more widows in the world than widowers. 6. India has more male population than female due to female foeticide and infanticide India is one of the few countries, along with the other neighbouring countries, in which the female population is less than the male population. The reason lies in the high rate of female foeticide and female infanticide in India. “Daily around 7000 girls are killed in the womb or immediately after birth in India” – UN Report, Quoted in Al Jazeera, 6th July 2015. If you multiply this figure by 365, the number of days in a year you will get more than 2.5 million females being aborted or killed immediately after birth every year in India. If this evil practice is stopped, then India too will have more females as compared to males. 7. World female population is more than male population According to CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) The World Factbook, in July 2015, in the USA, women outnumbered men by 4.8 million. New York alone has 0.5 million more females as compared to the number of males. Germany has more than 1.2 million more females as compared to males. Bangladesh has more than 4.2 million females as compared to males. Russia has more than 10 million females as compared to males. The European Union, which constitutes 28 Countries of Europe, has more than 10.2 million females as compared to males. 8. Restricting each and every man to have only one wife is not practical Even if every man got married to one woman, there would still be more than 4.8 million females in USA who would not be able to get husbands. There would be more than 1.2 million females in Germany, more than 4.2 million females in Bangladesh, more than 10 million females in Russia, more than 10.2 million females in the European Union alone, who would not be able to find a husband. Suppose my sister happens to be one of the unmarried women living in USA, or suppose your sister happens to be one of the unmarried women in USA. The only two options remaining for her are that she either marries a man who already has a wife or becomes a public property. There is no other option. All those who are modest will opt for the first. In Western society, it is common for a man to have mistresses and/or multiple extra-marital affairs, in which case, the woman leads a disgraceful, unprotected life. The same society, however, cannot accept a man having more than one wife, in which women retain their honourable, dignified position in society and lead a protected life. Thus, the only two options before a woman who cannot find a husband is to marry a married man or to become public property. Islam prefers giving women the honourable position by permitting the first option and disallowing the second. 9. Other Reasons for Polygyny being permitted Excess of women is not the only reason why a man is allowed to marry more than one woman. There are several other reasons besides this. 1. WIFE IS STERILE: COUPLE HAS NO CHILDREN Suppose the wife is sterile or barren and the couple is unable to have children for several years. Islam does not permit legal adoption (for which there are several reasons). But may be the husband and wife both desire children and the wife does not mind sharing her husband. So what’s the harm in a man having two wives as long as he deals with them justly. Even if the wife may not desire to have a child and the husband wishes to continue his progeny, then the only option remaining for him is to either divorce his first wife and take another wife or keep the first wife and marry a second and treat both the wives with justice and equality. 2. WIFE MAY MEET WITH AN ACCIDENT AND BECOME HANDICAP Suppose a young girl within a few months of her marriage meets with an accident and gets handicapped, after which she is unable to perform her duty as a wife. The only option for the young husband is that he either divorces his first wife and takes another wife or keeps the first wife and marries another woman and treats both the wives with justice and equality. 3. WIFE SUFFERING FROM SEVERE ILLNESS OR DISEASE Suppose a wife suffers from a severe illness or disease, and is unable to look after her young children and satisfy her husband. The first option you can find here is that the husband keeps the first wife and takes the second wife. This wife will act as a help and support to the first wife and her children. Many may argue that you can always keep a full-time nurse or a maid-servant for this purpose. I do agree that this full-time nurse or maid-servant will surely support the wife and the children, but very soon will also start “supporting” the young husband. Therefore, the only modest option is to keep the first wife and take the second wife and treat them equally with justice. There are several other reasons, why Islam has permitted limited polygyny, but it is mainly to protect the modesty of women.

If a man is allowed to have more than one wife, then why does Islam prohibit a woman from having more than one husband?

A lot of people, including some Muslims, question the logic of allowing Muslim men to have more than one spouse while denying the same ‘right’ to women. Let me first state emphatically, that the foundation of an Islamic society is justice and equity. Allah has created men and women as equal, but with different capabilities and different responsibilities. Men and women are different, physiologically and psychologically. Their roles and responsibilities are different. Men and women are equal in Islam, but not identical. Surah Al Nisaa’ Chapter 4 verses 22 to 24 gives the list of women with whom you can not marry and it is further mentioned in Surah Al Nisaa’ Chapter 4 verse 24, “Also (prohibited are) women already married” [Al-Qur’an 4:24] The following points enumerate the reasons why polyandry is prohibited in Islam: 1. If a man has more than one wife, the parents of the children born of such marriages can easily be identified. The father as well as the mother can easily be identified. In case of a woman marrying more than one husband, only the mother of the children born of such marriages will be identified and not the father. Islam gives tremendous importance to the identification of both parents, mother and father. Psychologists tell us that children who do not know their parents, especially their father undergo severe mental trauma and disturbances. Often, they have an unhappy childhood. It is for this reason that the children of prostitutes do not have a healthy childhood. If a child born of such wedlock is admitted in school, and when the mother is asked the name of the father, she would have to give two or more names! I am aware that recent advances in science have made it possible for both the mother and father to be identified with the help of genetic testing. Even if we agree that the test is 100% accurate, this test was discovered recently and this is not the only reason for not allowing Polyandry. 2. Man is more polygamous by nature as compared to a woman. 3. Biologically, it is easier for a man to perform his duties as a husband despite having several wives. A woman, in a similar position, having several husbands, will not find it possible to perform her duties as a wife. A woman undergoes several psychological and behavioral changes due to different phases of the menstrual cycle and also due to the release of sex hormones, estrogen. The mental state of a woman is not as stable as compared to normal times. According to a report, most crimes committed by women in USA, are done during their menstrual periods. A woman has more chances of having a quarrel or disagreement with the husband during these periods. Therefore, Islam prohibits a man to give divorce to his wife while she undergoes her menstrual cycle. Thus, in polyandrous marriages, for a woman to have good relations with more than one husband at the same time will be too much of a mental trauma. 4. A woman who has more than one husband will have several sexual partners at the same time and has a high chance of acquiring venereal or sexually transmitted diseases, which can also be transmitted back to her husband even if all of them have no extra-marital sex. This is not the case in a man having more than one wife, and none of them having extramarital sex. The above reasons are those that one can easily identify. There are probably many more reasons why Allah, in His Infinite Wisdom, has prohibited polyandry.

Why does Islam degrade women by keeping them behind the veil?

The status of women in Islam is often the target of attacks in the secular media. The ‘hijaab’ or the Islamic dress is cited by many as an example of the ‘subjugation’ of women under Islamic law. Before we analyze the reasoning behind the religiously mandated ‘hijaab’, let us first study the status of women in societies before the advent of Islam. 1. In the past women were degraded and used as objects of lust The following examples from history amply illustrate the fact that the status of women in earlier civilizations was very low to the extent that they were denied basic human dignity: a) Babylonian Civilization: The women were degraded and were denied all rights under the Babylonian law. If a man murdered a woman, instead of him being punished, his wife was put to death. b) Greek Civilization: Greek Civilization is considered the most glorious of all ancient civilizations. Under this very ‘glorious’ system, women were deprived of all rights and were looked down upon. In Greek mythology, an ‘imaginary woman’ called ‘Pandora’ is the root cause of misfortune of human beings. The Greeks considered women to be subhuman and inferior to men. Though chastity of women was precious, and women were held in high esteem, the Greeks were later overwhelmed by ego and sexual perversions. Prostitution became a regular practice amongst all classes of Greek society. c) Roman Civilization: When Roman Civilization was at the zenith of its ‘glory’, a man even had the right to take the life of his wife. Prostitution and nudity were common amongst the Romans. d) Egyptian Civilization: The Egyptians considered women evil and as a sign of a devil. e) Pre-Islamic Arabia: Before Islam spread in Arabia, the Arabs looked down upon women and very often when a female child was born, she was buried alive. 2. Islam uplifted women and gave them equality and expects them to maintain their status Islam uplifted the status of women and granted them their just rights 1400 years ago. Islam expects women to maintain their status. Hijaab for men People usually only discuss ‘hijaab’ in the context of women. However, in the Glorious Qur’an, Allah (swt) first mentions ‘hijaab’ for the men before ‘hijaab’ for the women. The Qur’an mentions in Surah Al Noor: “Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do.” [Al-Qur’an 24:30] The moment a man looks at a woman and if any brazen or unashamed thought comes to his mind, he should lower his gaze. Hijaab for women The next verse of Surah Al Noor, says: “And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons...” [Al-Qur’an 24:31] 3. Six criteria for Hijaab According to Qur’an and Sahih Hadith there are basically six criteria for observing hijaab: i. Extent: The first criterion is the extent of the body that should be covered. This is different for men and women. The extent of Hijaab for the male is to cover the body at least from the navel to the knees. For women, the complete body should be covered except the face and the hands upto the wrists. If they wish to, they can cover even these parts of the body. Some scholars of Islam insist that the face and the hands are also part of the obligatory extent of ‘hijaab’. All the remaining five criteria are the same for men and women. ii. The clothes worn should be loose and should not reveal the figure. iii. The clothes worn should not be transparent or translucent such that one can see through them. iv. The clothes worn should not be so glamorous as to attract the opposite sex. v. The clothes worn should not resemble that of the opposite sex. vi. The clothes worn should not resemble that of the unbelievers i.e. they should not wear clothes that are specifically identities or symbols of the unbelievers’ religions. 4. Hijaab includes conduct and behaviour among other things Complete ‘hijaab’, besides the six criteria of clothing, also includes the moral conduct, behaviour, attitude and intention of the individual. A person only fulfilling the criteria of ‘hijaab’ of the clothes is observing ‘hijaab’ in a limited sense. ‘Hijaab’ of the clothes should be accompanied by ‘hijaab’ of the eyes, ‘hijaab’ of the heart, ‘hijaab’ of thought and ‘hijaab’ of intention. It also includes the way a person walks, the way a person talks, the way a person behaves, etc. 5. Hijaab prevents molestation The reason why Hijaab is prescribed for women is mentioned in the Qur’an in the following Verse of Surah Al-Ahzaab: “O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad); that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Al-Qur’an 33:59] The Qur’an says that Hijaab has been prescribed for the women so that they are recognized as modest women and this will also prevent them from being molested. 6. Example of twin sisters Suppose two sisters who are twins, and who are equally beautiful, walk down the street. One of them is wearing the Islamic Hijaab i.e. the complete body is covered, except for the face and the hands up to the wrists. The other sister is wearing western clothes, a mini-skirt or shorts with a low neckline. Just around the corner there is a hooligan or ruffian who is waiting for a catch, to tease a girl. Whom will he tease? The girl wearing the Islamic Hijaab or the girl wearing the skirt or the mini with a low neckline? Naturally he will tease the girl wearing the skirt or the mini with a low neckline. Such dresses which expose more than what they cover are an indirect invitation to the opposite sex for teasing and molestation. The Qur’an rightly says that Hijaab prevents women from being molested. 7. Capital punishment for the rapists Under the Islamic Shari’ah, a man convicted of having raped a woman, is given capital punishment. Many are astonished at this ‘harsh’ sentence. Some non-Muslims may say that ‘Capital punishment in this age of science and technology! Islam is a ruthless, barbaric religion!’ I have asked a simple question to hundreds of non-Muslim men. Suppose, God forbid, someone rapes your wife, your mother or your sister. You are made the judge and the rapist is brought in front of you. What punishment would you give him? All of them said they would put him to death. Some went to the extent of saying they would torture him to death. To them I ask, if someone rapes your wife or your mother you want to put him to death. But if the same crime is committed on somebody else’s wife or daughter, you say capital punishment is barbaric. Why should there be double standards? 8. Western society falsely claims to have uplifted women Western talk of women’s liberalization is nothing but a disguised form of exploitation of her body, degradation of her soul, and deprivation of her honor. Western society claims to have ‘uplifted’ women. On the contrary it has actually degraded them to the status of concubines, mistresses and society butterflies who are mere tools in the hands of pleasure seekers and sex marketeers, hidden behind the colorful screen of ‘art’ and ‘culture’. 9. USA has one of the highest rates of rape United States of America is supposed to be one of the most advanced countries of the world. It also has one of the highest rates of rape in any country in the world. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, in the year 2005, every day on an average 1997 cases of rape were committed in USA alone. A decade later according to the U.S. Department of Justice, in the year 2014 on an average everyday 2318 cases of rape were committed in USA. May be the Americans got ‘bolder’ in a decade. Every 37 seconds one rape is being committed in USA. Consider a scenario where the Islamic Shari’ah is implemented in America. Whenever a man looks at a woman and any brazen or unashamed thought comes to his mind, he lowers his gaze. Every woman wears the Islamic Hijaab that is the complete body is covered except the face and the hands upto the wrists. After this if any man commits rape he is given capital punishment. I ask you, in such a scenario, will the rate of rape in America increase, will it remain the same, or will it decrease? 10. Implementation of Islamic Shar’iah will reduce the rate of rapes Naturally as soon as Islamic Shar’iah is implemented positive results will be inevitable. If Islamic Shar’iah is implemented in any part of the world, whether it is America, Europe or India, society will breathe easier. Hijaab does not degrade a woman but uplifts a woman and protects her modesty and chastity.

When Islam is against idol worship, why do the Muslims worship, and bow down to the Ka’bah in their prayer?

Ka’bah is the Qiblah i.e. the direction Muslims face during their prayers. It is important to note that though Muslims face the Ka’bah during prayers, they do not worship the Ka’bah. Muslims worship and bow to none but Allah. It is mentioned in Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 Verse 144: “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’an 2:144] 9. Islam believes in 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’bah. If some Muslims live towards the west of the Ka’bah they face the east and if they live towards the east of the Ka’bah they face the west. Similarly if some Muslims live towards the north of the Ka’bah they face the south and if they live towards the south of the Ka’bah they face the north. 2. Ka’bah is at the Centre 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 Ka’bah was at the centre. Later, western cartographers drew the map upside down with the north facing upwards and south downwards. Yet, Alhamdullilah the Ka’bah is at the centre of the world map. 3. Tawaaf around the Ka’bah is for indicating one God When the Muslims go to Masjid Al Haram in Makkah, they perform the awaf or circumambulation round the Ka’bah. 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 Allah be pleased with him) Regarding the black stone, hajr al aswad, there is a hadith, attributed to the illustrious companion of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), Umar (may Allah be pleased with him). According to Sahih Al Bukhari, Volume 2, Book of Hajj, Chapter 50, Hadith No. 1597: Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “No doubt 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 the Ka’bah and gave the adhaan At the time of the Prophet, people even stood on the Ka’bah and gave the ‘adhaan’ or the call to prayer. One may ask those who allege that Muslims worship the Ka’bah, which idol worshipper stands on the idol he worships?

Why are non-Muslims not allowed in the Holy cities of Makkah and Madinah?

It is true that non-Muslims are not allowed in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, by law. The following points will serve to elucidate the possible reasoning behind such a restriction. 1. All citizens are not permitted in the cantonment area I am a citizen of India. Yet, I am not permitted to enter certain restricted areas like the cantonment. In every country there are certain areas where a common citizen of that country cannot enter. Only a citizen who is enrolled in the military or those who are connected with the defence of the country are allowed in the cantonment area. Similarly Islam is a Universal Religion for the entire world and for all human beings. The cantonment areas of Islam are the two holy cites of Makkah and Madinah. Here, only those who believe in Islam and are involved in the defence of Islam i.e. the Muslims are allowed. It would be illogical for a common citizen who is not involved in defending the country, to object against the restriction on entering a cantonment area. Similarly it is not appropriate for non-Muslims to object against the restriction on non-Muslims entering Makkah and Madinah which are the cantonment areas of Islam. 2. Visa to enter Makkah and Madinah a. Whenever a person travels to a foreign country he has to first apply for a visa i.e. the permission to enter that country. Every country has its own rules, regulations and requirements for issuing a visa. Unless their critera are satisfied they will not issue a visa. b. One of the countries which is very strict in issuing a visa is the United States of America, especially when issuing visas to citizens of the third world countries. They have several conditions and requirements to be fulfilled before they issue a visa. c. When I visited Singapore, it was mentioned on their immigration form - death to drug traffickers. If I want to visit Singapore I have to abide by the rules. I cannot say that death penalty is a barbaric punishment. Only if I agree with their requirements and conditions will I be permitted to enter the country. d. The Visa – The primary condition required for any human being to enter Makkah or Madinah is to say with his or her lips, Laa ilaaha ill-Allah Muhammadur Rasoolullah meaning that ‘there is no God but Allah and Muhammad (pbuh) is His Messenger.’

Killing an animal is a ruthless act. Why then do Muslims consume nonvegetarian food?

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’an permits Muslims to have non-vegetarian food The Qur’an, however permits a Muslim to have non-vegetarian food. The following Qur’anic verses are proof of this fact: “O ye who believe! Fulfill (all) obligations. Lawful unto you (for food) are all four-footed animals with the exceptions named…” [Al-Qur’an 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’an 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’an 23:21] 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 acids 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 food. 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 non-vegetarian food. But the digestive system of humans can digest both vegetarian and nonvegetarian 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. Hindu scriptures give permission to have non-vegetarian food a. There are many Hindus who are strictly vegetarian. They think it is against their religion to consume non-vegetarian food. As a matter of fact the Hindu scriptures permit a person to have non-vegetarian food. The scriptures mention Hindu sages and saints consuming non-vegetarian food. b. It is mentioned in Manusmriti, the Law Book of Hindus, in Chapter 5 Verse 30 “The eater who eats the flesh of those to be eaten does nothing bad, even if he does it day after day, for God himself created some to be eaten and some to be eater.” c. Again next verse of Manusmriti, that is, Chapter 5 Verse 31 says “Eating meat is right for the sacrifice, this is traditionally known as a rule of the gods.” d. Further in Manusmriti Chapter 5 Verse 39 and 40 says “God himself created sacrificial animals for sacrifice, ..., therefore killing in a sacrifice is not killing.” e. Mahabharata Anushashan Parva Chapter 88 narrates the discussion between Dharmaraj Yudhishthira and Bhishma Pitamah about what food one should offer to Pitris (ancestors) during the Shraddha (ceremony of dead) to keep them satisfied. Paragraph reads as follows: “Yudhishthira said, “O thou of great puissance, tell me what that object is which, if dedicated to the Pitris (dead ancestors), become inexhaustible! What Havi, again, (if offered) lasts for all time? What, indeed, is that which (if presented) becomes eternal?” “Bhishma said, “Listen to me, O Yudhishthira, what those Havis are which persons conversant with the rituals of the Shraddha (the ceremony of dead) regard as suitable in view of Shraddha and what the fruits are that attach to each. With sesame seeds and rice and barley and Masha and water and roots and fruits, if given at Shraddhas, the pitris, O king, remain gratified for the period of a month. With fishes offered at Shraddhas, the pitris remain gratified for a period of two months. With the mutton they remain gratified for three months and with the hare for four months, with the flesh of the goat for five months, with the bacon (meat of pig) for six months, and with the flesh of birds for seven. With venison obtained from those deer that are called Prishata, they remain gratified for eight months, and with that obtained from the Ruru for nine months, and with the meat of Gavaya for ten months, With the meat of the bufffalo their gratification lasts for eleven months. With beef presented at the Shraddha, their gratification, it is said, lasts for a full year. Payasa mixed with ghee is as much acceptable to the pitris as beef. With the meat of Vadhrinasa (a large bull) the gratification of pitris lasts for twelve years. The flesh of rhinoceros, offered to the pitris on anniversaries of the lunar days on which they died, becomes inexhaustible. The potherb called Kalaska, the petals of kanchana flower, and meat of (red) goat also, thus offered, prove inexhaustible.” So but natural if you want to keep your ancestors satisfied forever, you should serve them the meat of red goat. f. It’s mentioned in Ayodhya Khanda, Book 2, Chapter 20, Verse 29 when Rama was sent to exile to a forest for 14 years, Kaushalya, his mother asked him to take food. So he said to his mother: “I shall live in a solitary forest like a sage for fourteen years leaving off meat and living with roots, fruits and honey”. It means that Rama had meat. If Rama can have meat then why can’t the Hindus have meat? 7. Hinduism was influenced by other religions Though Hindu Scriptures permit its followers to have non-vegetarian food, many Hindus adopted the vegetarian system because they were influenced by other religions like Jainism etc. 8. 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. 9. Even plants can feel pain They further argue that plants cannot feel pain, therefore killing a plant is a lesser crime as compared to killing an animal. Today science tells us that even plants can feel pain. But the cry of the plant cannot be heard by the human being. This is due to the inability of the human ear to only hear sounds that are not in the audible range i.e. 20 Hertz to 20,000 Hertz. Anything below and above this range cannot be heard by a human being. A dog can hear up to 40,000 Hertz. Thus there are silent dog whistles that have a frequency of more than 20,000 Hertz and less than 40,000 Hertz. These whistles are only heard by dogs and not by human beings. The dog recognizes the master’s whistle and comes to the master. There was a research done by a farmer in USA who invented an instrument which converted the cry of the plant so that it could be heard by human beings. He was able to realize immediately when the plant itself cried for water. Latest researches show that the plants can even feel happy and sad. It can also cry! 10. 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 mute 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 had two senses less? Infact you would say that he has killed a masoom, an innocent person, and the judge should give the murderer a greater punishment. The Qur’an says in Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 Verse 168: “O ye people! Eat of what is on earth, lawful and good…” [Al-Qur’an 2:168] 11. 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. 12. Cost of meat is reasonable since all aren’t non-vegetarians I do not mind if some people are pure vegetarians. However they should not condemn non-vegetarians as ruthless. In fact, if all Indians become nonvegetarians then the present non-vegetarians would be losers since the prices of meat would rise.

Why do Muslims slaughter the animal in a ruthless manner by torturing it and slowly and painfully killing it?

The Islamic method of slaughtering animals, known as Zabiha has been the object of much criticism from a large number of people. Before I reply to the question, let me relate an incidence about a discussion between a Sikh and a Muslim regarding animal slaughter. Once a Sikh asked a Muslim, “Why do you slaughter the animal painfully by cutting the throat instead of the way we do with one stroke i.e. jhatka?” The Muslim replied “We are brave and courageous and attack from the front. We are mard ka baccha (macho men), you are cowards and attack from behind.” Jokes apart, one may consider the following points, which prove that the Zabiha method is not only humane but also scientifically the best: 1. Islamic method of slaughtering animal Zakkaytum is a verb derived from the root word Zakaah (to purify). Its infinitive is Tazkiyah, which means purification. The Islamic mode of slaughtering an animal requires the following conditions to be met: a. Animal should be slaughtered with sharp object (knife): The animal has to be slaughtered with a sharp object (knife) and in a fast way so that the pain of slaughter is minimized. b. Cut windpipe, throat and vessels of neck: Zabiha is an Arabic word which means ‘slaughtered.’ The ‘slaughtering’ is to be done by cutting the throat, windpipe and the blood vessels in the neck causing the animal’s death without cutting the spinal cord. c. Blood should be drained: The blood has to be drained completely before the head is removed. The purpose is to drain out most of the blood which would serve as a good culture medium for micro-organisms. The spinal cord must not be cut because the nerve fibers to the heart could be damaged during the process causing cardiac arrest, stagnating the blood in the blood vessels. 2. Blood is a good medium for germs and bacteria Blood is a good media of germs, bacteria, toxins, etc. Therefore, the Muslim way of slaughtering is more hygienic as most of the blood containing germs, bacteria, toxins, etc. that are the cause of several diseases are eliminated. 3. Meat remains fresh for a longer time Meat slaughtered by the Islamic way remains fresh for a longer time due to deficiency of blood in the meat as compared to other methods of slaughtering. 4. Animal does not feel pain The swift cutting of vessels of the neck disconnects the flow of blood to the nerve of the brain responsible for pain. Thus, the animal does not feel pain. While dying, the animal struggles, writhes, shakes and kicks, not due to pain, but due to the contraction and relaxation of the muscles deficient in blood and due to the flow of blood out of the body.

Science tells us that whatever one eats, it has an effect on one’s behaviour. Why then, does Islam allow Muslims to eat non-vegetarian food, since eating of animals could make a person violent and ferocious?

1. Only eating of herbivorous animals is allowed Some non-Muslims may argue that if a person eats non-vegetarian food, he becomes ferocious and violent like the animals. I agree that, what a person eats have an effect on his behavior. This is one of the reasons why Islam prohibits the eating of carnivorous animals like lion, tiger, leopard, etc. who are violent and ferocious. The consumption of the meat of such animals would probably make a person violent and ferocious. Islam only allows the eating of herbivorous animals like cow, goat, sheep, etc. that are peaceful and docile. We Muslims eat peaceful and docile animals because we are peace loving and non-violent people. 2. The Qur’an says that the Prophet prohibits what is bad The Qur’an says: “The Prophet commands them what is just and prohibits what is evil.” “He allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them what is bad (and impure)…” [Al-Qur’an 7:157] “…So take what the Messenger assigns to you and deny yourselves that which he withholds from you…” [Al-Qur’an 59:7] For a Muslim, the Prophet’s statement is sufficient to convince him that Allah does not wish humans to eat some kinds of meat while allowing some other kinds. 3. Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) prohibiting the eating of carnivorous animals According to various authentic Ahadith narrated in Sahih Al Bukhari and Sahih Muslim including hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas (r.a.) in Sahih Muslim, Vol. 5, The Book of Hunting and Slaughter, Chapter No. 3, Hadith No. 4994 and Sunan Ibn-e-Majah, Vol. 3, The Book of Hunting, Chapter No. 19, Hadith No. 3248 to 3250, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) prohibited the eating of: (13) Wild animals with canine teeth, i.e. meat eating carnivorous animals. These are animals belonging to the cat families such as lion, tiger, cats, dogs, wolves, etc. (ii) Certain rodents like mice, rats, rabbits with claws, etc. (iii) Certain reptiles like snakes, alligators, etc. (iv) Birds of prey with talons or claws, like vultures, eagles, crows, owls, etc.

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 the Qur’an The Qur’an prohibits the consumption of pork in no less than 4 different places. It is prohibited in Surah Al Baqarah 2:173, Surah Al Maa’idah 5:3, Surah Al An’aam 6:145 and Surah Al Nahl 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’an 5:3] The above verses of the Glorious Qur’an 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 clovenfooted, 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 Verses 2-5. 3. 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 helminths like roundworm, pinworm, hookworm, etc. One of the most dangerous is Taenia Solium, which is in layman’s terminology called tapeworm. It harbours in the intestine and is very long. It’s 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 helminth is Trichura Tichurasis. A common misconception about pork is that if it is cooked well, these ova die. In a research project undertaken in America, it was found that out of twenty-four people suffering from Trichura Tichurasis, twenty-two had cooked the pork very well. This indicates that the ovas present in the pork do not die under normal cooking temperature. 4. 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. 5. Pig is one of the filthiest animals on earth The pig is one of the filthiest animals on earth. It lives and thrives on muck, faeces and dirt. It is the best scavenger that I know that God has produced. In the villages they don’t have modern toilets and the villagers excrete in the open air. Very often excreta is cleared by the pigs. Some may argue that in advanced countries like Australia, pigs are bred in very clean and hygienic conditions. Even in these hygienic conditions the pigs are kept together in sties. No matter how hard you try to keep them clean they are filthy by nature. They eat and enjoy their own as well as their neighbor’s excreta. Some may argue that even the chickens eat the excreta. The chicken does many a time peck the excreta and dirt but does not survive on it. The chicken has a second stomach i.e. the gizzard. Whenever the chicken consumes faeces and other dirt, it enters the gizzard and is directly excreted. On the other hand, the pig has only one stomach and everything passes through the normal digestive system. Therefore, the pork also contains this dirt, which is indirectly consumed while eating pork. 6. Pig is the most shameless animal The pig is the most shameless animal on the face of the earth. It is the only animal that invites its friends to have sex with its mate. In America, most people consume pork. Many times after dance parties, they have swapping of wives i.e. many say “you sleep with my wife and I will sleep with your wife”. If you eat pigs then you behave like pigs. We Indians look upon America to be very advanced and sophisticated. Whatever they do, we follow after a few years. According to an article in Island magazine, this practice of swapping wives have become common in the affluent circles of Mumbai. 14. PROHIBITION OF ALCOHOL Question: Why is the consumption of alcohol prohibited in Islam? Answer: 1. Prohibition of alcohol in the Qur’an The Glorious Qur’an 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’an 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.” [Book of Proverbs 20:1] b. “And be not drunk with wine…” [Book of 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 intoxicated person is found to use abusive and foul language and does not realize his mistake even if he is addressing his parents. Neither do they talk nor walk properly. They misbehave and many even urinate in their clothes. 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 2014 alone everyday on an average 2,318 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 America is involved in incest. Almost all the cases of incest are due to intoxication of one or both the persons involved. The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Alcohol is the mother of all evils, the greatest of Major Sins. Whoever drinks it may end up committing incest with his mother, his maternal aunt and his paternal aunt.” [Al Silisilah al-Saheehah, Hadith No. 1853] 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 favour of alcohol by calling themselves ‘social drinkers’. They claim that they only have one or two pegs and they have self-control and never get intoxicated. Investigations reveal that every alcoholic starts 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 and in a state of intoxication he commits rape or incest, then any good and modest human being will never forgive himself throughout his life. The damage caused, both to the rapist and the victim is irreparable and irreversible. 7. Alcohol is prohibited in the Hadith The Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: a. In Sunan Ibn Maajah, Volume 4, Book of Intoxicants, Chapter 1 Hadith No. 3371. “Do not drink wine, for it is the key to all evils.” b. In Sunan Ibn Maajah, Volume 4, Book of Intoxicants, Chapter 10 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 it directly or indirectly are cursed by Allah. According to Sunan Ibn Maajah, Volume 4, Book of Intoxicants, Chapter 6 Hadith No. 3381. 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 Atherosclerosis, 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 wellknown 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 Myxoedema to Hyperthyroidism and Florid Cushing’s Syndrome. 11. Haematological ill effects are long and variable. Folic acid deficiency, however, is the most common manifestation of alcoholic abuse resulting in Macrocytic Anaemia. Zeive’s syndrome is a triad of Haemolytic Anaemia, Jaundice and Hyperlipidemia 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 drunken person usually vomits, the cough reflexes which are protective are paralysed. The vomitus thus easily passes 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 deserve 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 sympathetic 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 the Internet, 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

Why are two witnesses who are women, equivalent to only one witness who is a man?

1. Two female witnesses are equal to one male witness only in financial transaction. It is not true that two female witnesses are always considered as equal to only one male witness. It is true only in certain cases. There are no less than eight verses in the Qur’an that mention witnesses, without specifying male or female. There is only one verse in the Qur’an that says two female witnesses are equal to one male witness. This verse is in Surah Al Baqarah, Chapter 2 Verse 282. This is the longest verse in the Qur’an and deals with financial transactions. It says: “O’ ye who believe! When ye deal with each other, in transactions involving future obligation in a fixed period of time, reduce them to writing… and get two witnesses out of your own men and if there are not two men, then a man and two women, such as ye choose, for witnesses, so that if one of them errs, the other can remind her…” [Al-Qur’an 2:282] This verse of the Qur’an deals only with financial transactions. In such cases, it is advised to make an agreement in writing between the parties and take two witnesses, preferably both of which should be men only. In case you cannot find two men, then one man and two women would suffice. For instance, suppose a person wants to undergo an operation for a particular ailment. To confirm the treatment, he would prefer taking references from two qualified surgeons. In case he is unable to find two surgeons, his second option would be one surgeon and two general practitioners who are plain MBBS doctors. Similarly in financial transactions, two men are preferred. Since financial responsibility is shouldered by men, they are expected to be well versed in financial transactions as compared to women. As a second option, the witness can be one man and two women, so that if one of the women errs the other can remind her. The Arabic word used in the Qur’an is ‘Tazil’ which means ‘confused’ or ‘to err’. Many have wrongly translated this word as ‘to forget’. Thus financial transaction is the only case in the Qur’an in which two female witnesses are equal to one male witness. 2. Two female witnesses equal to one male witness even in the case of murder However, some scholars are of the opinion that the feminine attitude can also have an effect on the witness in a murder case. In such circumstances a woman is more terrified as compared to a man. Due to her emotional condition she can get confused. Therefore, according to some jurists, even in cases of murder, two female witnesses are equivalent to one male witness. In all other cases, one female witness is equivalent to one male witness. 3. Two female witnesses not always considered equal to one male Witness There are no less than eight verses in the Qur’an, which speak about witnesses without specifying man or woman. a) While making a will of inheritance, two just persons are required as witnesses. In Surah Al Maa’idah Chapter 5 Verse 106, the Glorious Qur’an says: “O’ you who believe! When death approaches any of you, (take) witnesses among yourself when making bequests, two just persons of your own (brotherhood) or other from outside if you are journeying through the earth and the chance of death befalls you...” [Al-Qur’an 5:106] b) Two persons endued with justice in case of Talaaq (Divorce). “And take for witness two persons from among you, endued with justice, and establish the evidence (As) before Allah” [Al-Qur’an 65:2] c) Four witnesses are required in case of charge against chaste women “And those who launch a charge against chaste women, and produce not four witnesses (To support their allegations), flog them with eighty stripes; and reject their evidence ever after: for such men are wicked transgressors.” [Al-Qur’an 24:4] d) It is also mentioned in Surah Al Nisaa’ Chapter No. 4, Verse No. 6, Surah Al Nisaa’ Chapter No. 4, Verse No. 15, Surah Al Noor, Chapter No. 24, Verse No. 8, as well as Surah Al Noor, Chapter No. 24, Verse No. 13, which all speak about witnesses without specifying man or woman. 4. Qur’an clearly specifies that one female witness is equal to one male Witness There are some scholars who are of the opinion that the rule of two female witnesses equal to one male witness should be applied to all the cases. This cannot be agreed upon because one particular verse of the Qur’an from Surah Al Noor Chapter 24, Verse 6 clearly equates one female witness and one male witness: “And those who launch a charge against their spouses, and have (in support) no evidence but their own - their solitary evidence can be received.” [Al-Qur’an 24:6] 5. Solitary witness of Ayesha (May Allah be pleased with her) is sufficient for hadith to be accepted Ayesha (May Allah be pleased with her) the wife of the beloved Prophet (pbuh) has narrated no less than 2220 Ahadith, which are considered authentic only on her solitary evidence. This is a sufficient proof that one witness of a woman can also be accepted. Many jurists agree that even one witness of a woman is sufficient for the sighting of the crescent of the moon. Imagine one woman witness is sufficient for one of the pillars of Islam, i.e. fasting and the whole Muslim community agree and accept her witness! Some jurists say that one witness is required at the beginning of Ramadhaan and two witnesses at the end of Ramadhaan. It makes no difference whether the witnesses are men or women. 6. Female witnesses are preferred in some cases Some incidents require only female witness and that of a male cannot be accepted. For instance, in dealing with the problems of women, while giving the burial bath to a woman, the witness has to be a woman. 16. INHERITANCE Question: Under Islamic law, why does a woman inherit only half the wealth as compared to the man? Answer: 1. Inheritance in the Qur’an The Qur’anic verses that contain guidance regarding inheritance are: o Surah Al Baqarah, Chapter 2 Verse 180 o Surah Al Baqarah, Chapter 2 Verse 240 o Surah Al Nisaa’, Chapter 4 Verses 7-9 o Surah Al Nisaa’, Chapter 4 Verse 19 o Surah Al Nisaa’, Chapter 4 Verse 33 and o Surah Al Maa’idah, Chapter 5 Verses 106-108 2. Specific shares of inheritance for the relatives There are three verses in the Qur’an that broadly describe the share of close relatives i.e. Surah Al Nisaa’, Chapter 4, Verses 11, 12 and 176. The verses are as follows: “Allah (thus) directs you as regards your children’s (inheritance): to the male, a portion equal to that of two females, if only daughters, two or more, their share is two-thirds of the inheritance; if only one, her share is a half. For parents, a sixth share of the inheritance to each, if the deceased left children; if no children, and the parents are the (only) heirs, the mother has a third; if the deceased left brothers (or sisters) the mother has a sixth. (The distribution in all cases is) after the payment of legacies and debts. Ye know not whether your parents or your children are nearest to you in benefit. These are settled portions ordained by Allah; and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.” “In what your wives leave, your share is half if they leave no child; but if they leave a child, ye get a fourth; after payment of legacies and debts. In what ye leave, their share is a fourth if ye leave no child; but if ye leave a child, they get an eighth; after payment of legacies and debts. If the man or woman whose inheritance is in question, has left neither ascendants nor descendants, but has left a brother or a sister, each one of the two gets a sixth; but if more than two, they share in a third; after payment of legacies and debts; so that no loss is caused (to anyone). Thus it is ordained by Allah; and Allah is All- Knowing Most Forbearing.” [Al-Qur’an 4:11-12] “They ask thee for a legal decision. Say: Allah directs (them) about those who leave no descendants or ascendants as heirs. If it is a man that dies, leaving a sister but no child, she shall have half the inheritance. If (such a deceased was) a woman who left no child, her brother takes her inheritance. If there are two sisters, they shall have two thirds of the inheritance (between them). If there are brothers and sisters, (they share), the male having twice the share of the female. Thus doth Allah makes clear to you (His law), lest ye err. And Allah hath knowledge of all things.” [Al-Qur’an 4:176] 3. Female sometimes inherits same or more than the male counterpart In most of the cases, a woman inherits half of what her male counterpart inherits. However, this is not always the case. In case the deceased has left no ascendant or descendent but has left the uterine brother and sister, each of the two inherits one sixth. If the deceased has left children, both the parents that is the mother and the father get an equal share and inherit one sixth each. In certain cases, a woman can also inherit a share that is double that of the male. If the deceased is a woman who has left no children, brothers or sisters and is survived only by her husband, mother and father, the husband inherits half the property while the mother inherits one third and the father the remaining one sixth. In this particular case, the mother inherits a share that is double that of the father. 4. Female usually inherits half the share of that of the male counterpart It is true that as a general rule, in most cases, the female inherits a share that is half that of the male. For instance, in the following cases: o Daughter inherits half of what the son inherits. o Wife inherits 1/4th and husband 1/2 if the deceased has no children. o Wife inherits 1/8th and husband 1/4th if the deceased has children. o If the deceased has no ascendant or descendent, the sister inherits a share that is half that of the brother. 5. Male inherits double than the female because he financially supports the family In Islam, a woman has no financial obligation and the economical responsibility lies on the shoulders of the man. Before a woman is married it is the duty of the father or brother to look after the lodging, boarding, clothing and other financial requirements of the woman. After she is married it is the duty of the husband or the son. Since the financial burden to look after the family is put on the men, in order to do justice to this responsibility they get double the share of inheritance. For example, if a man dies leaving about One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars for the children (i.e one son and one daughter), the son inherits One Hundred Thousand Dollars and the daughter only Fifty Thousand Dollars. Out of the One Hundred Thousand Dollars which the son inherits, as his duty towards his family, he may have to spend on them almost the entire amount or say about Eighty Thousand Dollars and thus he has a small percentage of inheritance, say about Twenty Thousand Dollars, left for himself. On the other hand, the daughter, who inherits Fifty Thousand Dollars, is not bound to spend a single penny on anybody. She can keep the entire amount for herself. Would you prefer inheriting One Hundred Thousand Dollars and spending Eighty Thousand Dollars from it, or inheriting Fifty Thousand Dollars and having the entire amount for yourself?

How can you prove the existence of the Hereafter i.e. life after death?

1. Is believing in the Hereafter a blind belief? Many people wonder as to how a person who believes in science and logic believes in the existence of life after death. People assume that anyone believing in the Hereafter is doing so on the basis of blind belief. My belief in the Hereafter is also based on a logical argument. 2. Believing in Hereafter is a logical belief There are more than a thousand verses in the Glorious Qur’an, containing scientific facts (refer to my book, “The Qur’an and Modern Science - Compatible or Incompatible?”). Many facts mentioned in the Qur’an have been discovered in the last few centuries. But science has not advanced to a level where it can confirm every statement of the Qur’an. Suppose 80% of all that is mentioned in the Qur’an has been proved to be 100% correct. About the remaining 20%, science makes no categorical statement, since it has not advanced to a level, where it can either prove or disprove these statements. With the limited knowledge that we have, we cannot say for sure whether even a single percentage or a single verse of the Qur’an from this 20% ambiguous portion is wrong. Thus when 80% of the Qur’an is 100% correct and the remaining 20% is not disproved, my logic says that even the 20% ambiguous portion is correct. The existence of the Hereafter, which is mentioned in the Qur’an, falls in the 20% ambiguous portion, which my logic says is correct. 3. Concept of peace and human values is useless without the concept of Hereafter Is robbing good or bad? Any normal human being would say it is bad. How would a person who does not believe in the Hereafter convince a powerful and influential criminal that robbing is bad? Suppose I am the most powerful and influential criminal in the world. At the same time I am an intelligent and a logical person. I say that robbing is good because it helps me to lead a luxurious life. Thus robbing is good for me. If any person can give me a single logical reason or argument as to why it is bad for me, I will stop immediately. People usually put forward the following arguments: a. The person who is robbed will face difficulties Some may say that the person who is robbed will face difficulties. I do agree that it is bad for the person who is robbed. But it is good for me. If I rob a thousand dollars, I can enjoy a good meal at a 5-star restaurant. b. Someone may rob you Some people argue that someday I may be robbed. No one can rob me because I am a very powerful criminal and I have hundreds of bodyguards. I can rob anyone but no one can rob me. Robbing may be bad for a common man but not for an influential person like me. c. The police may arrest you Some may say, if you rob, you can be arrested by the police. The police cannot arrest me because I have the police in my pocket. I have the ministers on my payroll. I agree that if a common man robs, he will be arrested and it will be bad for him, but I am an extraordinarily influential and powerful criminal. Give me one logical reason why it is bad for me and I will stop robbing. d. It’s easy money Some may say it’s easy money and not hard-earned money. I totally agree that it is easy money, and that is one of the main reasons why I rob. If a person has the option of earning money the easy way or the hard way, any logical person would choose the easy way. e. It is against humanity Some may say it is against humanity and that a person should care for other human beings. I counter argue by asking as to who wrote this law called ‘humanity’ and why should I follow it? This law may be good for the emotional and sentimental people but I am a logical person and I see no benefit in caring for other human beings. f. It is a selfish act Some may say that robbing is being selfish. I agree that robbing is a selfish act; but then why should I not be selfish? It helps me enjoy life. 4. No logical reason as to why robbing is bad Hence all arguments put forth to prove that robbing is bad are illogical. It may satisfy a common man but not a powerful and influential criminal like me. Similarly raping, cheating etc. can be justified as good for a person like me and there is no logical argument that can convince me that these things are bad. 5. A Muslim can convince a powerful and influential criminal Now let us switch sides. Suppose you are the most powerful and influential criminal in the world, who has the police and the ministers in his pocket. You have hundreds of bodyguards to protect you. I am a Muslim who will convince you that robbing, raping, cheating, etc. are bad. Even if I put forth the same arguments to prove that robbing is bad, the criminal will respond the same way as he did earlier. I agree that the criminal is being logical and all his arguments are only true when he is the most powerful and influential criminal. 6. Every human being wants justice Each and every human being wants justice. Even if he does not want justice for others, he wants justice for at least himself. Some people who are powerful and influential would not mind doing injustice to others. However, the same people would surely object if some injustices were done to them. The reason such people do not mind doing injustice to others is because they think their power and influence besides helping them in doing injustice to others, will also prevent others from doing injustice to them. 7. God is Most Powerful and Just As a Muslim I would convince the criminal about the existence of Almighty God (refer to my answer on proving the existence of God). This God is more powerful than you and at the same time is also just. The Glorious Qur’an says: “Allah is never unjust in the least degree” [Al-Qur’an 4:40] 8. Why does God not punish me? The criminal, being a logical and scientific person, agrees that God exists, after being presented with scientific facts from the Qur’an but he may argue as to why God, if He is Powerful and Just, does not punish him. 9. The people who do injustice should be punished Every person who has suffered injustice, irrespective whether he is rich or poor, influential or not, would surely want the perpetrator of injustice to be punished. Every normal person would like the robber or the rapist to be punished. Though a large number of criminals are punished, many even go scot-free. They lead a pleasant, luxurious life, and even live peacefully. If injustice were done to a powerful and influential person, by someone more powerful and more influential than he, even such a person would want that person to be punished. 10. This life is a test for the Hereafter This life is a test for the Hereafter. The Glorious Qur’an says: “He who created Death and Life that He may try which of you is best in deed; and He is the Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving.” [Al-Qur’an 67:2] 11. Final justice is on the Day of Judgement The Glorious Qur’an says: “Every soul shall have a taste of death: and only on the Day of Judgement shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have attained the object (of life): For the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception.” [Al-Qur’an 3:185] Final justice will be done on the Day of Judgement. After a person dies, he will be resurrected on the Day of Judgement. It is possible that a person receives part of his punishment in this world. The final reward and punishment will only be in the Hereafter. God Almighty may not punish a robber or a rapist in this world but he will surely be held accountable on the Day of Judgement and will be punished in the Hereafter i.e. life after death. 12. What punishment can the human law give to Hitler? Hitler incinerated six million Jews. Even if the police had arrested him, what punishment can the human law give Hitler for justice to prevail? The most they can do is to incinerate Hitler. But that will only compensate for the killing of one Jew. What about the remaining five million, nine hundred and ninetynine thousand, nine hundred and ninety-nine Jews? 13. Allah can burn Hitler more than six million times in the Hellfire Allah says in the Glorious Qur’an: “Those who reject Our signs, We shall soon cast into the Fire; as often as their skins are roasted through, We shall change them for fresh skins, that they may taste the penalty: for Allah Is Exalted in Power, Wise.” [Al-Qur’an 4:56] If Allah wishes He can incinerate Hitler six million times in the Hereafter in the Hellfire. 14. No concept of human values or good and bad without the concept of Hereafter It is clear that without convincing a person about the Hereafter, i.e. life after death, it is impossible to prove the concept of human values or the good and bad to any person who is doing injustice especially when he is influential and powerful.

When all the Muslims follow one and the same Qur’an, then why are there so many sects and different schools of thought among Muslims?

1. Muslims should be United The Glorious Qur’an says: “And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves;” [Al-Qur’an 3:103] Which is the rope of Allah that is being referred to in this verse? It is the Glorious Qur’an and the Sahih Hadith. The Glorious Qur’an and the authentic Hadith are the rope of Allah, which all Muslims should hold fast together. There is double emphasis in this verse. Besides saying ‘hold fast all together’ it also says, ‘be not divided’. The Glorious Qur’an further says, “Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger…” [Al-Qur’an 4:59] All the Muslims should follow the Qur’an and authentic Ahadith and be not divided among themselves. 2. It is Prohibited to make sects and divisions in Islam The Glorious Qur’an says: “As for those who divide their religion and break up into sects, thou hast no part in them in the least: their affair is with Allah: He will in the end tell them the truth of all that they did.” [Al-Qur’an 6:159] But when one asks a Muslim, “who are you?”, the common answer is either ‘I am a Sunni, or ‘I am Shia’. Some call themselves Hanafi, or Shafa’ee or Maaliki or Hambali. Some say ‘I am a Deobandi’, while some others say ‘I am a Barelvi.’ 3. Our Prophet (pbuh) was a Muslim One may ask such Muslims, “What was our beloved Prophet (pbuh)? Was he a Hanafi or a Shafa’ee, or a Hambali or a Maaliki?” No! He was a Muslim, like all the other prophets and messengers of Allah before him. It is mentioned in Surah Aali Imraan Chapter 3 Verse 52 of the Glorious Qur’an that Jesus (pbuh) was a Muslim. Further, in Surah Aali Imraan Chapter 3 Verse 67, the Glorious Qur’an says that Ibraheem (pbuh) was not a Jew or a Christian but was a Muslim. 4. The Qur’an says to call yourselves a Muslim a. If anyone poses a Muslim the question who are you, he should say, “I am a MUSLIM”, not a Hanafi or a Shafa’ee. Nowhere does the Qur’an say that you should call yourself a Hanafi or a Shafe’ee. Surah Fussilat Chapter 41 Verse 33 says: “Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allah, works righteousness, and says, ‘I am of those who bow in Islam (Muslim)?” [Al-Qur’an 41:33] The Qur’an says, “Say: I am of those who bow in Islam.” In other words, say, “I am a Muslim”. b. The Prophet (pbuh) dictated letters to non-Muslim kings and rulers inviting them to accept Islam. In these letters he mentioned the verse of the Qur’an from Surah Aali Imraan Chapter 3 Verse 64: Say ye: “Bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims (bowing to Allah’s Will).” [Al-Qur’an 3:64] 5. Respect all the Great Scholars of Islam We must respect all the great scholars of Islam, including the four Imaams, Imaam Abu Haneefah, Imaam Shafa’ee, Imaam Hambal and Imaam Maalik (may Allah have mercy on all of them). They were great scholars and may Allah reward them for their research and hard work. One can have no objection if someone agrees with the views and research of Imaam Abu Haneefah or Imam Shafa’ee, etc. But when posed a question, ‘who are you?’, the reply should only be ‘I am a Muslim’. Some may argue by quoting the hadith of our beloved Prophet (pbuh) from Sunan Abu Dawood Vol. 5, The Book of Sunnah, Chapter No. 1, Hadith No. 4596. In this hadith the Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said, “My Ummah (community) will be split up into seventy-three sects.” This hadith reports that the Prophet (pbuh) predicted the emergence of seventy-three sects. He did not say that Muslims should be active in dividing themselves into sects. The Glorious Qur’an commands us not to make sects. Those who follow the teachings of the Qur’an and Sahih Hadith and do not make sects are the people who are on the true path. According to Sunan Al Tirmidhi, Vol. 5, Hadith No. 2641, the Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said, “…My Ummah will split into seventythree sects. All of them will be in Hellfire except one sect.” The companions asked Allah’s messenger, which group that would be? Where upon he (pbuh) replied, “It is the one to which I and my companions belong.” The Glorious Qur’an mentions in several verses, “Obey Allah and obey His Messenger.” A true Muslim should only follow the Glorious Qur’an and the Sahih Hadith. He can agree with the views of any scholar as long as they conform to the teachings of the Qur’an and Sahih Hadith. If such views go against the Word of Allah, or the Sunnah of His Prophet, then they carry no weight, regardless of how learned the scholar might be. If only all Muslims read the Qur’an with understanding and adhere to Sahih Hadith, In sha Allah most of these differences would be solved and we could be one united Muslim Ummah.

All religions basically teach followers to do good deeds. Why should a person only follow Islam? Can he not follow any of the religions?

1. Major difference between Islam and other religions All religions basically teach its followers to do good deeds, but the difference between Islam and other religions is that Islam shows us the way how to achieve that state of goodness. 2. Example - Islam does not only prohibit robbery but also prescribes methods of eliminating robbery a. Islam prescribes a method of eliminating robbery All major religions teach that robbing is an evil act. Islam teaches the same. So, what is the difference between Islam and the other religions? The difference lies in the fact that Islam, besides teaching that robbing is evil, shows a practical way on how to achieve that state in which people will not rob. b. Islam prescribes Zakaah Islam prescribes a system of Zakaah (obligatory annual charity). Islamic law prescribes that every rich person who has a saving of more than the nisaab level i.e. more than 85 grams of gold, should give 2.5% of that saving every lunar year in charity. If every rich person in the world gives Zakaah sincerely, poverty will be eradicated from this world. Not a single human being would die of hunger. c. Chopping off the hands as punishment for robbery Islam prescribes chopping off the hands for the robber. The Glorious Qur’an says in Surah Al Maa’idah: “As to the thief, male or female, cut off his or her hands: a punishment by way of example, from Allah, for their crime: and Allah is Exalted in power, full of wisdom.” [Al-Qur’an 5:38] The non-Muslim may say, “Chopping off the hands in this 21st century. Islam is a barbaric and ruthless religion!” d. Results achieved when Islamic Shar’iah is Implemented America is supposed to be one of the most advanced countries in the world. Unfortunately it also has one of the highest rates of crime, theft, and robbery. According to National Crime Victimization Survey Bureau of Justice Statistics (US Dept. of Justice), in the year 2014 alone 664,210 cases of robbery took place in America. Everyday 1,820 cases of Robbery. Every Second 1.26 cases of robbery took place in America in the year 2014. According to National Crime Victimization Survey Bureau of Justice Statistics (US Dept. of Justice), in 2013 alone 6,126,420 Violent Crimes took place in America. Everyday 16,785 cases of Violent Crime. Every second about 12 Violent Crimes were committed in America in the year 2013. Suppose the Islamic Shar’iah is implemented in America i.e. every rich person gives Zakaat (i.e. 2.5% of his savings in charity above 85 grams of gold every lunar year), and every convicted robber has his or her hands chopped off as a punishment. Will the rate of theft and robbery in America increase, remain same or decrease? Naturally it will decrease. It’s a practical law. The moment the Shar’iah is implemented, it gets results. I agree that the amount of theft that takes place in the world today is so tremendous that if you chop off the hands of all the thieves, there will be tens of thousands of people whose hands will be chopped off. The point here is that the moment you implement this law, the rate of theft will decline immediately. The robber will think 10 times before robbing. The mere thought of the punishment itself will discourage majority of the robbers. There will barely be a few who would rob. Hence only a few person’s hands would be chopped off but millions would live peacefully without fear of being robbed. Islamic Shar’iah is therefore practical, and achieves results. 3. Example - Islam prohibits the molestation and rape of women. It enjoins Hijaab and prescribes capital punishment for a rapist a. Islam prescribes methods of eliminating molestation and rape All the major religions teach its followers not to molest or rape women. Islam teaches the same. What then is the difference between Islam and the other religions? The difference lies in the fact that Islam does not merely prohibit but also shows a way about how to achieve a state in which people will not molest or rape women. b. Hijaab for men Islam has a system of Hijaab. The Glorious Qur’an first mentions Hijaab for the men and then for the women. Hijaab for the men is mentioned in the following verse: “Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do.” [Al-Qur’an 24:30] The moment a man looks at a woman and if any brazen or unashamed thought comes to his mind, he should lower his gaze. c. Hijaab for women Hijaab for women is mentioned in the following verse: “And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons...” [Al-Qur’an 24:31] The extent of Hijaab for a woman is that her complete body should be covered. The only part that can be seen, are the face and the hands up to the wrists. If they wish to cover, they can even cover these parts of the body. However some Islamic scholars insist that even the face should be covered. d. Hijaab prevents molestation The reason why Allah has prescribed Hijaab for the women is given in the Qur’an in the following verse of Surah Al-Ahzaab: “O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women, that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad): that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Al-Qur’an 33:59] The Qur’an says that Hijaab has been prescribed for the women so that they are recognized as modest women, and this would prevent them from being molested. e. Example of twin sisters Suppose two sisters who are twins and who are equally beautiful, walk down a street. One of them is wearing the Islamic Hijaab i.e. the complete body is covered except for the face and the hands up to the wrists, and the other twin is wearing a mini skirt or shorts with a deep neck. Around the corner there is a hooligan who is waiting for an opportunity to tease a girl. Who will he tease? The girl wearing the Islamic Hijaab or the girl wearing the mini skirt or shorts with a deep neck? Dresses that expose more than they conceal, are an indirect invitation to the opposite sex for teasing, molestation and rape. The Qur’an rightly says that the Hijaab prevents women from being molested. f. Capital punishment for rapist The Islamic Shar’iah prescribes capital punishment for a rapist. The non-Muslim may say, “Capital punishment in the age of science and technology! Islam is a ruthless and barbaric religion.” Many accuse Islam of being ruthless and barbaric. I have asked a common question to hundreds of non-Muslim men. Suppose God-forbid, some one rapes your wife, your mother or your sister and you are made the judge. The rapist is brought in front of you. What punishment would you give him? All of them said, “we would put him to death”. Some went to the extent of saying, “we would torture him to death”. If your wife or your mother is raped you want the rapist to be put to death. But if someone else’s wife or mother is raped, capital punishment is a barbaric law. Why the double standards? g. USA has one of the highest rates of Rape The United States of America is supposed to be one of the most advanced countries of the world. An FBI report in the year 1990 says that 1,02,555 cases of rape were reported. It further says that only 16% of the cases of rapes were reported. Thus, in order to know the actual number of rapes that took place in 1990, the reported figure should be multiplied by 6.25. We get a total of 6,40,968 rape cases that took place in the year 1990. If the total is divided by 365, the number of days in a year, we get an average of 1,756 rape incidents everyday. The FBI report of 1990 continues and says that out of the rape cases that were reported only 10% of the rapists were arrested, that is only 1.6% of the actual rapes committed. Out of those arrested, 50% were let free before the trial. This would mean that only 0.8% of the rapists faced a trial. In other words if a person commits 125 rapes the chances that he will get a punishment for rape is only once. Many would consider this a good gamble. And the report says that of those people who faced trial, 50% received sentences of less than a year’s imprisonment though the American law says rape carries a seven-year sentence of imprisonment. For a rapist, the judge is lenient to first time offenders. Imagine a person commits 125 rapes and the chances of being convicted is only once, and 50% of the time the judge will be lenient and give a sentence of less than a year! According to National Crime Victimization Survey Bureau of Justice Statistics (US Dept. of Justice), in 2014 alone 2,84,350 cases of rape were reported and only 33.6% of the actual cases of rape were reported. Thus, 2,84,350 X 2.976 = 8,46,280 rapes took place in 2014. That is, an average of 2,318 cases of rape took place everyday in America in 2014. Every 37 seconds one rape is taking place in America. Maybe American rapists got bolder. h. Results achieved when Islamic Shar’iah is implemented Suppose the Islamic Shar’iah is implemented in America. Whenever a man looks at a woman and if any brazen or unashamed thought comes to his mind, he lowers his gaze. Every woman wears the Islamic Hijaab that is the complete body is covered except the face and the hands upto the wrists. After this if any man commits rape, he gets capital punishment. The question is, will the rate of rape in America increase, will it remain the same or will it decrease? Naturally it will decrease. Islamic Shar’iah gets results. 4. Islam has Practical Solutions for the Problems of Mankind Islam is the best way of life because it provides practical solutions for the problems of mankind. Islam is a universal religion. It can be followed by any group of people in any part of the world, yet it will get results.

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. Media maligns Islam a. Islam is without doubt the best religion but the media is in the hands of the westerners who are afraid of Islam. The media is continuously broadcasting and printing information against Islam. They either provide misinformation about Islam, misquote Islam or project a point out of proportion, if any. b. When any bomb blasts take place anywhere, the first people to be accused without proof are invariably the Muslims. This appears as headlines in the news. Later, when they find that non-Muslims were responsible, it appears as an insignificant news item. c. If a 50-year old Muslim marries a 15-year old girl after taking her permission, it appears on the front page but when a 50-year old non- Muslim rapes a 6-year old girl, it may appear in the news in the inside pages as ‘Newsbriefs’. Everyday in America on an average 2,318 cases of rape take place but it doesn’t appear in the news, since it has become a way of life for the Americans. 2. Black sheep in every community I am aware that there are some Muslims who are dishonest, unreliable, who cheat, etc. but the media projects this as though only Muslims are involved in such activities. There are black sheep in every community. I know Muslims who are alcoholics and who can drink most of the non-Muslims under the table. 3. Muslims best as a whole Inspite 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 tee totallers as a whole, i.e. those who don’t imbibe alcohol. Collectively, we are a community, which 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; where sobriety is concerned; where human values and ethics are concerned. 4. Don’t judge a car by its driver Suppose 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’an and the Sahih Hadith. 5. Judge Islam by its best follower i.e. Prophet Muhammad (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 (pbuh) was the best human being. According to Michael H. Hart who wrote the book, ‘The 100 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 (pbuh), like Thomas Carlyle, La-Martine, etc.

Why do Muslims abuse non-Muslims by calling them Kaafirs?

1. Kaafir means one who rejects ‘Kaafir’ is derived from the word ‘kufr’, which means ‘to conceal’ or ‘to reject’. In Islamic terminology, ‘Kaafir’ means one who conceals or rejects the truth of Islam and a person who rejects Islam is in English called a ‘non-Muslim’. 2. If non-Muslims are hurt - they should accept Islam If any non-Muslim considers the word ‘Kaafir’ i.e. ‘non-Muslim’ as an abuse, he may choose to accept Islam and then we will stop referring to him as or call him a Kaafir i.e. a non-Muslim.