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The common misconceptions about Islam arise in the minds of a majority of non-Muslims, because they are constantly being bombarded with misinformation about Islam. The most common questions about Islam are different in different periods and eras. This set of most common questions is based on present times.
In order to convey the message of Islam, dialogue and debate become inevitable. The Glorious Qur’an says: “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]
Most Common Questions asked about Islam
Most Common Questions asked by Non-Muslims who has Some Knowledge about Islam
Most Common Questions asked by Atheists about Islam
Most Questions asked by Christian Missionaries to Prove Divinity of Jesus
Ten most Questions asked by Christian Missionaries Against Islam
Common Questions asked by Hindus about Islam
Most Common Questions asked by Women in Islam
It is mentioned in the Glorious Qur’an in Surah Al Ikhlaas Chapter 112 Verses 1 to 4: “Say: He is Allah, The One and Only. Allah, the Eternal, Absolute. He begets not, nor is He begotten. And there is none like unto Him.” [Al-Qur’an 112:1-4]
Muslims prefer calling Allah (swt) as ‘Allah’, instead of the English word ‘God’. The Arabic word ‘Allah’ is pure and unique, unlike the English word ‘God’ which can be played around with.
If you add the alphabet ‘S’ to ‘God’, it becomes ‘Gods’, that is plural of God. Allah is One and Singular. There is no plural of Allah.
If you add ‘dess’ to ‘God’ it becomes ‘Goddess’, that is a female God. There is nothing like male ‘Allah’ or female ‘Allah’. Allah (swt) has no gender.
If you add the word ‘father’ to ‘God’, it becomes ‘Godfather’. “He is my Godfather” i.e. he is my guardian. There is nothing like ‘Allah Abba’ or ‘Allah father’ in Islam.
If you add the word ‘mother’ to ‘God’ it becomes ‘Godmother’. There is nothing like ‘Allah Ammi‘ or ‘Allah mother’ in Islam.
If you put ‘tin’ before ‘God’ it becomes ‘Tin-God’ i.e. a fake God. There is nothing like ‘tin Allah’ or ‘fake Allah’ in Islam.
‘Allah’ is a unique word, which can neither conjure up a mental picture, nor can it be played around with. ‘Allah’ is the name mentioned for the One Unique and True God, in the Qur’an. Therefore, Muslims prefer calling God, ‘Allah’. But sometimes while speaking to non-Muslims we may have to use the inappropriate word ‘God’, for Allah.
In most of the languages we have three genders - Masculine, Feminine and Neuter genders. But in Arabic we have only 2 genders - Masculine and Feminine. There is no Neuter gender. a. ‘Huwa’ in Arabic means ‘He’ or ‘It’ b. ‘Hiya’ in Arabic means ‘She’ or ‘It’ c. There is no specific Neuter gender in Arabic
There are certain rules for using feminine gender in Arabic a. Either specific word for female, for example ‘Ummun’ for ‘mother’. b. If the Arabic word ends with ‘t’ for example ‘mirwahatun’ which means fan (Allah does not end with a ‘t’). c. Anything which is dual in pairs for example ‘ainun’ for eyes, ‘yadun’ for hands (Allah is singular).
Fasting is abstaining from food, drink and sex from dawn to sunset in the complete month of Ramadhaan. The Qur’an mentions in Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 Verse 183 “O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint”. [Al-Qur’an 2:183] Psychologists say that if you can control your hunger, you can control almost all your desires. The Qur’an rightly mentions that fasting helps you to learn self-restraint i.e. in controlling your desires.
Along with fasting during the holy month of Ramadhaan many Muslims do good deeds like charity, helping the poor, etc. which later on become a part of their routine activity in their lives.
In the holy month of Ramadhaan, besides fasting, the person tends to be more pious which helps to overcome many evils. If a person can abstain from smoking cigarettes from dawn to sunset in Ramadhaan, he can also abstain from smoking cigarettes from the cradle to the grave. Smoking is haraam i.e. forbidden in Islam. If a person can abstain from drinking alcohol from dawn to sunset, he can also abstain from drinking alcohol from the cradle to the grave. All intoxicants are forbidden in Islam.
Every Machine requires regular servicing. We service our car or motorcycle once every 3 to 4 months. The more complicated a machine is, more is the requirement for servicing.
If you allow me to call human being a machine, I would say it is the most complicated machine on the face of the earth. Don’t you think it requires servicing? According to me, fasting during the month of Ramadhaan is the annual servicing of the human body and spirit, i.e. once in a year during one complete month.
During fasting Muslims abstain from food, drink, sex etc. from dawn to sunset. While fasting many organs of the body get rest, which is important for their good health.
a. Fasting increases intestinal absorption. b. Fasting also lowers cholesterol level, which prevents several Cardio- Vascular diseases.
Salaah does not merely mean to pray. According to the Oxford dictionary, ‘pray’ means ‘to beseech’ or ‘to ask earnestly’ e.g. “He prayed to be released in the court of law.” It also means supplication. In other religions, they pray i.e. ‘beseech or supplicate’ e.g. ‘Our Lord! Give us this day our daily bread.’ The Du’a we Muslims make after Salaah is actually prayer i.e. supplication.
Salaah is much more than merely praying. In Salaah we not only ask from Allah but we also thank Him, praise Him, and at the same time receive guidance from Him. Salaah in the true sense is ‘programming’ or ‘conditioning’.
Computers require programming because they do not have a freewill of their own. Humans have their own freewill and with the various kinds of evil that are present in society such as eve-teasing, cheating, bribing, robbing, alcoholism, drug addiction, obscenity, etc., there is every possibility of the human being getting deprogrammed. Thus it is compulsory that we should regularly be programmed to remain on the Siraatal Mustaqeem that is, the Straight Path.
For a healthy body three meals a day are required. Similarly for a spiritual soul, a minimum five times Salaah is required in a day. You cannot remain healthy by having only one meal a day.
According to the Qur’an a Muslim should pray minimum five times a day. It is mentioned in: (i) Surah Hood Chapter 11 Verse 114: “And establish regular prayers at the two ends of the day and at the approaches of the night: for those things that are good remove those that are evil: be that the word of remembrance to those who remember (their Lord).” [Al-Qur’an 11:114] (ii) Surah Al-Israa’ Chapter 17 Verse 78: “Establish regular prayers – at the sun’s decline till the darkness of the night, and the morning prayer and reading: for the prayer and reading in the morning carry their testimony.” [Al-Qur’an 17:78] (iii) Surah Taa Haa Chapter 20 Verse 130 “Therefore be patient with what they say, and celebrate (constantly) the praises of thy Lord before the rising of the sun, and before its setting; Yea, celebrate them for part of the hours of the night, and at the sides of the day: that thou mayest have (spiritual) joy.” [Al-Qur’an 20:130] (iv) Surah Al Room Chapter 30 Verses 17-18: “So (give) glory to Allah, when ye reach eventide and when ye rise in the morning; Yea, to Him be praise, in the heavens and on earth; and in the late afternoon and when the day begins to decline.” [Al-Qur’an 30:17-18] (v) Timings of 5 times Salaah: The 5 daily prescribed Salaah are: Fajr – Between the break of dawn and sunrise. Zuhar – After the sun reaches its highest point that is when the sun starts declining early in the afternoon till the shadow becomes equal in size of the object. Asr – Late in the afternoon after Zuhar until sun turns yellow or until sun begins to set. Maghrib – After sunset until disappearance of twilight. Isha – Late in the evening or in the night after disappearance of twilight before midnight.
For example the months of March, April and May in India will always have summer, while July, August, September will always have monsoon i.e. rain and November, December and January will always have winter.
The lunar calendar has about 11 days less than the solar calendar, thus, every year, the month of the lunar calendar occurs 11 days prior to what it had occurred in the previous solar year. Thus, in a span of about 33 lunar years a human being will have a taste of all the different seasons for one particular month of the lunar calendar. This is very important because the yearly activities of a Muslim are based on the lunar calendar and certain months like Ramadhaan and Hajj are very important to the Muslims. During Ramadhaan a Muslim has to fast which includes abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset. If the Islamic months were based on the solar calendar where the seasons were fixed, then people living in certain parts of the world would have Ramadhaan in summer while in other parts of the world it would be winter. Some Muslims would have to fast for a longer period of time where the days are long while other Muslims would have to fast for a shorter period of time where the days are short. If the seasons did not change, then Muslims living in some parts of the world would be at a disadvantage throughout their lives. By following the lunar calendar, every Muslim has a taste of fasting in different seasons and for a different time period, in a span of about 33 years of his life.
It is not Fardh or compulsory for a Muslim man to be circumcised. However, it is a highly recommended Sunnah. It is Mustahab i.e. encouraged in Islam for Muslim men to be circumcised. It is a Sunnah of Prophet Ibraheem (pbuh), which was also taught by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Even in various other religions like Judaism and Christianity, a person should be circumcised. It is mentioned in the Gospel of John, Chapter 7 Verse 22: “Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision.” [John 7:22] It is mentioned in the Book of Acts, Chapter 7 Verse 8: “And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day.” [Acts 7:8] According to the Bible, Jesus Christ (pbuh) was also circumcised. It is mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 2 Verse 21: “And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” [Gospel of Luke 2:21] Even though the Bible mentions that Jesus (pbuh) was circumcised, yet we find that Christians do not follow the law of circumcision. Let us analyse the scientific and the logical reasons behind circumcision. Normally, in circumcision the prepuce or the foreskin of the male organ i.e. the excess skin is cut, which prevents several diseases. For example a person who is not circumcised has chances of having Meatal Phimosis i.e. narrowing of the opening of the prepuce which causes difficulty in micturating i.e. urination. There can be Paraphimosis in which the prepuce of an uncircumcised male organ is constricted. It becomes tight when it is inverted and does not go back to its normal position. There can be Balanoposthitis i.e. inflammation of the glans and the foreskin in uncircumcised males. It is very painful. It can lead to aversion of the skin. There are several cases that I as a doctor have come across in which the prepuce of the males gets stuck in the zip of the trouser causing ulceration. It is quite common. Hence, if one is not circumcised, there are chances of several diseases. Due to lack of hygiene in uncircumcised males, there are chances of carcinoma i.e. cancer of the penis which is very dreadful. The life itself can be jeopardised. Muslims use water after they micturate (urinate) or answer the call of nature. It is a very hygienic practice. However we find that non-Muslims do not use water apart from being uncircumcised. There are more chances of itchiness and inflammation due to this unhygienic practice. Stones may also develop in infants if the prepuce is not cleaned. Men who are uncircumcised are more likely to get infection like genital herpes. There can be gangrene. Even the wife of the man who is not circumcised has chances of getting affected. Several medical reports suggest that a woman can acquire cancer of the cervix if she is the wife of an uncircumcised man. She can also acquire similar diseases like genital herpes. That is the reason in America today, there is hardly a small percentage of the American population who do not get circumcised. The moment a male child is born in America, the first thing that the doctors ask, “Do you want your son to be circumcised?” More than 50% of the children in America are circumcised the moment they are born. Muslims have a religious practice of having their children circumcised. These are a few reasons why Islam has asked a man to get circumcised and Wallahu A’lam, Allah knows the other reasons
‘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’.
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
1. Belief in the hereafter is not based on blind faith
Many people wonder as to how a person with a scientific and logical temperament, can lend any credence to the belief 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 based on a logical argument.
2. ‘Hereafter’ is a logical belief
There are more than a thousand verses in the Glorious Qur’an, containing scientific facts (refer my book “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 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% portion is wrong. Thus when 80% of the Qur’an is 100% correct and the remaining 20% is not disproved, logic says that even the 20% 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 a good or an evil act? A normal balanced person would say it is evil. How would a person who does not believe in the hereafter convince a powerful and influential criminal that robbing is evil? 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 lead a luxurious life. Thus robbing is good for me.
If anybody can put forward a single logical argument as to why it is evil 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 certainly 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 anybody but nobody can rob me. Robbing may be a risky profession 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 on my payroll. 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 agree completely 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 as well as 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. It is true that robbing is a selfish act; but then why should I not be selfish? It helps me enjoy life.
4. No logical reason for robbing being an evil act
Hence all arguments that attempt to prove that robbing is an evil act are futile. These arguments may satisfy a common man but not a powerful and influential criminal like me. None of the arguments can be defended on the strength of reason and logic. It is no surprise that there are so many criminals in this world.
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 on his payroll. You have army of thugs to protect you. I am a Muslim who will convince you that robbing, raping, cheating, etc. are evil acts.
Even if I put forth the same arguments to prove that robbing is evil, the criminal will respond the same way as he did earlier.
I agree that the criminal is being logical and all his arguments are true only when he is the most powerful and influential criminal.
6. Every human being wants justice
Each and every human being desires justice. Even if he does not want justice for others he wants justice for himself. Some people are intoxicated by power and influence and inflict pain and suffering on others. The same people, however, would surely object if some injustice was done to them. The reason such people become insensitive to the suffering of others is that they worship power and influence. Power and influence, they feel, not only allow them to inflict injustice on others but also prevent others from doing likewise 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 answer 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 doesn’t God punish me?
The criminal, being a logical and scientific person, agrees that God exists, after being presented with scientific facts from the Qur’an. 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 of financial or social status, almost certainly wants the perpetrator of injustice to be punished. Every normal person would like the robber or the rapist to be taught a lesson. Though a large number of criminals are punished, many even go scot-free. They lead a pleasant, luxurious life, and even enjoy a peaceful existence. If injustice is done to a powerful and influential person, by someone more powerful and more influential than him, even such a person would want that perpetrator of injustice to be punished.
This life is a test for the hereafterThis 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 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 meted out on the day of judgement. After a person dies, he will be resurrected on the day of judgement along with the rest of humankind. 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 Hitler?
Hitler incinerated six million Jews during his reign of terror. 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 send Hitler to the gas chamber. But that will only be punishment for the killing of one Jew. What about the remaining five million, nine hundred and ninety-nine thousand, nine hundred and ninety-nine Jews?
13. Allah can burn Hitler more than six million times in the hellfire
Allah say 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 concept of hereafter
It is clear that without convincing a person about the hereafter, i.e. life after death, the concept of human values and the good or evil nature of acts is impossible to prove to any person who is doing injustice especially when he is influential and powerful.
Alcohol has been the scourge of human society since time immemorial. It continues to cost countless human lives, and causes terrible misery to millions throughout the world. Alcohol is the root cause of several problems facing society. The statistics of soaring crime rates, increasing instances of mental illnesses and millions of broken homes throughout the world bear mute testimony to the destructive power of alcohol.
1. Prohibition of alcohol in the Qur’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 centre
The human beings possess an inhibitory centre in their brains. This inhibitory centre prevents the person from doing things that he considers wrong. For instance, a person does not normally use abusive language while addressing his parents or elders. If he has to answer the call of nature, his inhibitory centre will prevent him from doing so in public. Therefore he uses the toilet.
When a person consumes alcohol, the inhibitory centre itself is inhibited. That is precisely the reason that an inebriated person is often found to be indulging in behaviour that is completely uncharacteristic of him. For instance, the intoxicated person is found to use abusive and foul language and does not realize his mistake even if he is addressing his parents. Many even urinate in their clothes. Neither do they talk nor walk properly. They even misbehave.
4. Cases of adultery, rape, incest and AIDS are found more among alcoholics
According to National Crime Victimization Survey, Bureau of Justice (US Department of Justice) in the year 1996 alone everyday on an average 2,713 rapes took place. The statistics tell us that the majority of the rapists, were intoxicated while committing the crime. The same is true in cases of molestation.
According to statistics, 8% of Americans commit incest i.e. one in every twelve to thirteen persons in America is involved in incest. Almost all the cases of incest are due to intoxication of one or both the persons involved.
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 liquor by calling themselves ‘social drinkers’. They claim that they only have one or two pegs and they have self-control and so never get intoxicated. Investigations reveal that every alcoholic started as a social drinker. Not a single alcoholic or drunkard initially starts drinking with the intention of becoming an alcoholic or a drunkard. No social drinker can say that I have been having alcohol for several years and that I have so much self-control that I have never been intoxicated even a single time.
6. If a person is intoxicated just once and commits something shameful, it will remain with him for a lifetime
Suppose a ‘social drinker’ loses his self-control just once. In a state of intoxication he commits rape or incest. Even if the act is later regretted, a normal human being is likely to carry the guilt throughout his life. Both the perpetrator and the victim are irreparably and irreversibly damaged.
7. Alcohol is prohibited in the Hadith
The Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Do not drink wine, for it is the key to all evils"
a. In Sunan Ibn Maajah Volume 3 Book of Drinks Chapter 30 Hadith 3371:
"Do not drink wine, for it is the key to all evils."
b. In Sunan An Nasai Volume 6 Book of Drinks Hadith 5669:
“Alcohol is the mother of all evils."
c. In Sunan Ibn Maajah Volume 3 Book of Intoxicants Chapter 30 Hadith 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.
d. Not only those who drink alcohol are cursed but also those who deal with them directly or indirectly are cursed by Allah.
According to Sunan Ibn Maajah Volume 3 Book of Intoxicants Chapter 30 Hadith 3381:
"It was reported by Anas (ra), that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) cursed ten with regard to wine: The one who squeezes (the grapes etc.), the one who asks for it to be squeezed, the one for whom it is squeezed, the one who carries it, the one to whom it is carried, the one who sells it, the one for whom it is bought, the one who pours it, the one for whom it is poured, until he counted ten like this."
8. Diseases associated with alcoholism
There are several scientific reasons for the prohibition of consumption of intoxicants i.e. alcohol. The maximum number of deaths in the world related to any one particular cause is due to the consumption of alcohol. Millions of people die every year only because of intake of alcohol. I need not go into the details of all the ill-effects of alcohol since most of them are commonly known. Below is a simple list of few of the alcohol related illnesses:
1. Cirrhosis of Liver is the most well-known alcohol associated disease.
2. Others are Cancer of Oesophagus, Cancer of Head and Neck, Cancer of Liver (Hepatoma), Cancer of Bowel, etc.
3. Oesophagitis, Gastritis, Pancreatitis and Hepatitis are linked with alcohol consumption.
4. Cardiomyopathy, Hypertension, Coronary Artherosclerosis, Angina and Heart Attacks are linked with heavy alcohol intakes.
5. Strokes, Apoplexy, Fits and different types of Paralysis are linked with alcohol intake.6. Peripheral Neuropathy, Cortical Atrophy, Cerebellar Atrophy are well-known syndromes caused by alcohol consumption.
7. Wernicke – Korsakoff syndrome with amnesia of recent events, confabulations and retainment of memory to old events with different types of paralysis are mainly due to thiamine deficiency due to excessive alcohol intake.
8. Beriberi and other deficiencies are not uncommon among alcoholics. Even Pellagra occurs in alcoholics.
9. Delirium 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 Myxedema to Hyperthyroidism and Florid Cushing Syndrome.
11. Hematological ill-effects are long and variable. Folic acid deficiency, however, is the most common manifestation of alcoholic abuse resulting in Macrocytic Anemia. Zeive’s syndrome is a triad of Hemolytic Anemia, Jaundice and 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 drunk person usually vomits, the cough reflexes which are protective are paralysed. The vomitus thus easily pass to the lung causing Pneumonia or Lung Abscess. Occasionally it may even cause suffocation and death.
17. The ill-effects of alcohol consumption on women deserve special mention. Females are more vulnerable to alcohol-related Cirrhosis than men. During pregnancy alcohol consumption hasa severe detrimental effect on the foetus. Foetal Alcohol Syndrome is being recognised more and more in the medical profession.
18. Skin diseases are also related to alcohol indulgence.
19. Eczema, Alopecia, Nail Dystrophy, Paronychia (infection around the nails) and Angular Stomatitis (inflammation of the angle of the mouth) are common diseases among alcoholics.
9. Alcoholism is a ‘disease’
Medical doctors have now turned liberal towards alcoholics and call alcoholism a ‘disease’ rather than an addiction.
The Islamic Research Foundation has published a pamphlet that says:
If alcohol is a disease, it is the only disease that:
- Is sold in bottles
- Is advertised in newspapers, magazines, on radio, television and Internet
- Has licensed outlets to spread it
- Produces revenue for the government
- Brings violent deaths on the highways
- Destroys family life and increases crime
- Has no germs or viral cause
ALCOHOLISM IS NOT A DISEASE – IT IS SATAN’S HANDIWORK
Allah (swt) in His infinite wisdom has warned us against this snare of satan. Islam is called the “Deenul-Fitrah” or the natural religion of Man. All its injunctions are aimed at preserving the natural stateof man. Alcohol is a deviation from this natural state, for the individual as well as for society. It degrades man to a level below that of the beasts he claims to be superior to. Hence the consumption of alcohol is prohibited in Islam
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 ‘salaam’, which means peace. It also 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 favour 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 cross road” (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. 14 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 14 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 the spread of Islam:
“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 try to propagate with that, will do little for him. You must first 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”[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 An 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’, year book 1986, gave the statistics of the increase of percentage of the major religions of the world in half a century from 1934 to 1984. This article also appeared in ‘The Plain Truth’ magazine. At the top was Islam, which increased by 235%, and Christianity had increased only by 47%. May one ask, which war took place in this 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?
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 has been dropped already, it fell the day MUHAMMAD (pbuh) was born.”
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 lead 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’ and ‘terrorism’:
1. 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
2. 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 causes harm to society and is therefore undesirable. A fundamentalist doctor, on the other hand, benefits society and earns much respect.
3. I am proud to be a Muslim fundamentalist
I am a fundamentalist Muslim who, by the grace of Allah, knows, follows and strives to practice 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 harbour misconceptions about Islam and consider several teachings of Islam to be unfair or improper. This is due to insufficient and incorrect knowledge of Islam. If one critically analyzes the teachings of Islam with an open mind, one cannot escape the fact that Islam is full of benefits both at the individual and collective levels.
4. Dictionary meaning of the word ‘fundamentalist’
The Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English language (published by Konemann) says that ‘fundamentalism’ was a movement which was first used to describe the Protestant Christians in America in the early part of the 20th century. Earlier the church believed that the complete message of the Bible was from God. But Protestant Christians protested and said that not only is the message of the Bible from God, but every word, every letter of the Bible is from Almighty God. If any person can prove that every word and every letter of the Bible is from Almighty God, then this movement of ‘fundamentalism’ of the Protestant Christians is a good movement.
On the other hand, if someone can prove that the Bible is not the word of God, then this movement of ‘fundamentalism’ of the Protestant Christians is not a good movement.
According to the earlier edition of the Oxford Dictionary, “a ‘fundamentalist’ is a person who strictly adheres to the ancient teachingsof any religion.” But the second edition of the Oxford English Dictionary (published by Clarendon Press) has changed the definition. This second edition says that “a ‘fundamentalist’ is a person who strictly adheres to the ancient teachings of any religion, especially Islam!”
Today the moment a person uses the word fundamentalist he thinks of a Muslim who is a terrorist.
5. Different labels given to the same individual for the same action, i.e. ‘terrorist’ and ‘patriot’
Before India achieved independence from British rule, some freedom fighters of India who did not subscribe to non-violence were labelled as ‘terrorists’ by the British government. The same individuals have been lauded by Indians for the same activities and hailed as ‘patriots’. Thus two different labels have been given to the same people for the same set of actions. One is calling them ‘terrorists’ while the other is calling them ‘patriots’. Those who believed that Britain had a right to rule over India called these people terrorists, while those who were of the view that Britain had no right to rule India called them patriots and freedom fighters.
It is therefore important that before a person is judged, he is given a fair hearing. Both sides of the argument should be heard, the situation should be analyzed, and the reason and the intention of the person should be taken into account, and then the person can be judged accordingly.
6. Islam means peace
Islam is derived from the word ‘salaam’ which means peace. It is a religion of peace whose fundamentals teach its followers to maintain and promote peace throughout the world.
Thus every Muslim should be a fundamentalist i.e. he should follow the fundamentals of the Religion of Peace – Islam. He should be a ‘terrorist’ only towards the anti-social elements in order to promote peace and justice in the society.
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 four different places. It is prohibited in 2:173, 5:3, 6:145 and 16:115.
“Forbidden to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which hath been invoked the name of other than Allah.”[Al Qur’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 cloven footed, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you.”
“Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch, they are unclean to you.”[Book of 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 carcase.”[Book of 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 lay man’s terminology called tapeworm. It harbours in the intestine and is very long. Its ova i.e. eggs, enter the blood stream and can reach almost all the organs of the body. If it enters the brain it can cause memory loss. If it enters the heart it can cause heart attack, if it enters the eye it can cause blindness, if it enters the liver it can cause liver damage. It can damage almost all the organs of the body.
Another dangerous helminthes is Trichuris trichiura. 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 Trichuris trichiura, twenty-two had cooked the pork very well. This indicates that the ova 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 million 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 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 neighbour’s excreta.
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 has become common in the affluent circles of Mumbai.
‘Vegetarianism’ is now a movement the world over. Many even associate it with animal rights. Indeed, a large number of people consider the consumption of meat and other non-vegetarian products to be a violation of animal rights.
Islam enjoins mercy and compassion for all living creatures. At the same time Islam humaintains that Allah has created the earth and its wondrous flora and fauna for the benefit of humankind. It is upto humankind to use every resource in this world judiciously, as a Ne’mah (Divine blessing) and Amaanah (trust) from Allah.
Let us look at various other aspects of this argument.
1. A Muslim can be a pure vegetarian
A Muslim can be a very good Muslim despite being a pure vegetarian. It is not compulsory for a Muslim to have non-vegetarian food.
2. Qur’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! Fulfil (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 acid that are not synthesized by the body and should be supplied in the diet. Meat also contains iron, vitamin B1 and niacin.
4. Humans have Omnivorous set of teeth
If you observe the teeth of herbivorous animals like the cow, goat and sheep, you will find something strikingly similar in all of them. All these animals have a set of flat teeth i.e. suited for herbivorous diet. If you observe the set of teeth of the carnivorous animals like the lion, tiger or leopard, they all have a set of pointed teeth i.e. suited for a carnivorous diet. If you analyze the set of teeth of humans, you find that they have flat teeth as well as pointed teeth. Thus they have teeth suited for both herbivorous as well as carnivorous food i.e. they are omnivorous. One may ask, if Almighty God wanted humans to have only vegetables, why did He provide us also with pointed teeth? It is logical that He expected us to need and to have both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian food.
5. Human beings can digest both vege-tarian and non-vegetarian food
The digestive system of herbivorous animals can digest only vegetables. The digestive system of carnivorous animals can digest only meat. But the digestive system of humans can digest both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. If Almighty God wanted us to have only vegetables then why did He give us a digestive system that can digest both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian food?
6. 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. But the true fact is that the Hindu scriptures permit a person to have meat. The scriptures mention Hindu sages and saints consuming non-vegetarian food.
b. It is mentioned in Manusmruti, the law book of Hindus, in Chapter 5 Verse 30:
“The eater who eats the fleshof those to be eatendoes 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 Manusmruti, that is, chapter 5 verse 31 says
c. Again next verse of Manusmruti, 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 Manusmruti Chapter 5 Verses 39 - 40 say:
“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 Pitamah Bhishma 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 barely 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 flesh of hare for four months, with the flesh of the goat, flesh of O King, they remain gratified for five months, with the bacon (meat of pig) for six months, and with theflesh of birdsfor 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 Kalasaka, the petals of Kanchana flower, and meat of the goat also, thus offered, prove inexhaustible."
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.
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 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 upto 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 masters’ whistle and comes to the master. There was 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 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
The Glorious Qur’an says:
“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 non-vegetarians then the present non-vegetarians would be losers since the prices of meat would rise.
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 a 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 minimised.
b. Cut wind pipe, 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 fibres 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 is eliminated.
3. Meat remains fresh for a longer time
Meat slaughtered by 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
1. Only eating of herbivorous animals allowed
I agree that, what a person eats has an effect on his behaviour. 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 Prophet(pbuh) prohibits what is bad
The Qur’an says:
For he (the Prophet) commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from 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 (pbuh) 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 Muhammad (pbuh) prohibi-ting eating of carnivorous animals
According to various authentic Ahadith narrated in Sahih Al Bukhari and Sahih Muslim including hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas in Sahih Muslim, Book of hunting and slaughter, Hadith 4752 and Sunan Ibn Maajah Chapter 13 Hadith 3232 - 3234, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) prohibited the eating of:
(i) 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, hyenas, etc.
(ii) Certain rodents like mice, rats, etc.
(iii) Certain reptiles like snakes, alligators, etc.
(iv) Birds of prey with talons or claws, like vultures, eagles, crows, owls, etc.
Ka’bah is the Qibla 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:
“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]
1. Islam believes in fostering unity
For instance, if Muslims want to offer Salaah(Prayer), it is possible that some may wish to face north, while some may wish to face south. In order to unite Muslims in their worship of the One True God, Muslims, wherever they may be, are asked to face in only one direction i.e. towards the Ka’bah. If some Muslims live towards the west of the Ka’bah they face the east. Similarly if they live towards the east of the Ka’bah they face the west.
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 Ka’bah for indicating one God
When the Muslims go to Masjid-e-Haram in Makkah, they perform tawaaf 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-e-aswad, there is a hadith (tradition), 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 57, Hadith 1605. Umar (ra) said, “I know that you are a stone and can neither benefit nor harm. Had I not seen the Prophet (pbuh) touching (and kissing) you, I would never have touched (and kissed) you”
5. People stood on Ka’bah and gave the ‘adhaan’
At the time of the Prophet (pbuh), 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?
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 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 against entering Makkah and Madinah.
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 criteria 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. 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 withhis lips, La ilaaha illallah Muhammadur Rasoolullah meaning that ‘there is no God but Allah and Muhammad (pbuh) is His Messenger’.
1. Muslims should be united
It is a fact that Muslims today, are divided amongst themselves. The tragedy is that such divisions are not endorsed by Islam at all. Islam believes in fostering unity amongst its followers.
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. The Glorious Qur’an is 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 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]
In this verse Allah (swt) says that one should disassociate oneself from those who divide their religion and break it up into sects.
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 Maliki or Hambali. Some say ‘I am a Deobandi’, while some others say ‘I am a Barelvi’.
3. Our Prophet 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 Maliki?” No! He was a Muslim, like all the other prophets and messengers of Allah before him.
It is mentioned in Chapter 3 Verse 52 of Al Qur’an that Jesus (pbuh) was a Muslim.
Further, in Chapter 3 Verse 67, Al Qur’an says that Ibraheem (pbuh) was not a Jew or a Christian but was a Muslim.
4. Qur’an says call yourselves 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”. 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 nonMuslim kings and rulers inviting them to accept Islam. In these letters he mentioned the verse of the Qur’an from Surah Ale Imran 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, Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Shafa’ee, Imam Humbal and Imam Malik (may Allah have mercy on all of them). They were great scholars and may Allah reward them for their research and hardwork. One can have no objection if someone agrees with the views and research of Imam Abu Hanifa or Imam Shafa’ee, etc. But when posed a question, ‘who are you?’, the reply should only be ‘I am a Muslim’
6. Some may argue by quoting the hadith of our beloved Prophet (pbuh) from Sunan Abu Dawood, Vol. 5 Hadith 4596. In this hadith the prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said, “My 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 create sects. Those who follow the teachings of the Qur’an and Sahih Hadith, and do not create sects are the people who are on the true path.
According to Tirmidhi, Vol. 5, Hadith 2641, Abdullah ibn Amr narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, "My Ummah will split into seventy-three sects. All of them are in the Fire except one sect”. He said: "And which is it O! Messenger of Allah?" He said: "What I am upon and my Companions.”
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, (pbuh) 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, InshAllah most of these differences would be solved and we could be one united Muslim Ummah.
1. Major difference between Islam and most other religions
All religions basically exhort humankind to be righteous and eschew evil. But Islam goes beyond that. It guides us towards practical ways of achieving righteousness and eliminating evil from our individual and collective lives. Islam takes into account human nature and the complexities of human society. Islam is guidance from the Creator Himself. Therefore, Islam is also called the Deen-ulFitrah (the natural religion of Man).
2. Example - Islam commands us to shun robbery and also prescribes method of eliminating robbery
a. Islam prescribes method of eliminating robbery
All major religions teach that theft 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 of creating a social structure in which people will not rob
b. Islam prescribes Zakaat
Islam prescribes a system of Zakaat (obligatory annual charity). Islamic law prescribes that every person who has a saving that exceeds 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 Zakaat sincerely, poverty will be eradicated from this world. Not a single human being would die of hunger.rob
c. Chopping-off the hand as punishment for robbery
Islam prescribes chopping-off the hand of the convicted robber. The Glorious Qur’an says in Surah Al Maidah:
“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 hand in this 20th century. Islam is a barbaric and ruthless religion!”
d. Results achieved when Islamic Shari’ah 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. Suppose the Islamic shari’ah is implemented in America i.e. every rich person gives Zakaat ( 2.5% of his savings in charity above 85 grams of gold every lunar year), and every convicted robber has his or her hand chopped-off as a punishment. Will the rate of theft and robbery in America increase, remain same or decrease? Naturally it will decrease. Moreover, the existence of such a stringent law would discourage many a potential robber.
I agree that the amount of theft that takes place in the world today is so tremendous that if you chop-off the hand 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 potential robber would give it a serious thought before jeopardizing his limbs. 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 persons’ hand would be chopped-off but millions would live peacefully without fear of being robbed.
Islamic Shari’ah 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 convicted rapist
a. Islam prescribes method of eliminating molestation and rape
All the major religions declare the molestation and rape of women as grave sins. 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 preach respect for women, or abhor molestation and rape as serious crimes, but also gives clear guidance as to how society can eliminate such crimes.
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 upto 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 folowing 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 upto the wrists, and the other twin is wearing a miniskirt or shorts. Around the corner there is a hooligan who is waiting for an opportunity to tease a girl. Whom will he tease? The girl wearing the Islamic hijaab or the girl wearing the miniskirt or shorts? Dresses that expose more than they conceal, are an indirect temptation 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 shari’ah prescribes capital punishment for a convicted rapist. The nonMuslim may be horrified at such a stringent punishment in this age. Many accuse Islam of being ruthless and barbaric. I have asked a common question to hundreds of non-Muslim men. Suppose God-forbid, someone 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 rape are reported. Thus, in order to know the actual number of rape 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.
Later another report said that an average of 1900 cases of rape are committed in USA every day. According to National Crime Victimization Survey, Bureau of Justice Statistics (US Department. of Justice) in 1996 alone 3,07,000 cases of rape were reported. Only 31% of the actual cases of rape were reported. Thus, 3,07,000 x 3.226 = 9,90,322 rapes took place in 1996. That is, an average of 2,713 cases of rape took place everyday in America in 1996. Every 32 seconds one rape is taking place in America. Maybe American rapists got bolder. 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 grant leniency and give a sentence of less than a year!
h. Results achieved when Islamic Shari’ah is Implemented
Suppose the Islamic shari’ah 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 Shari’ah gets results.
4. Islam has practical solutions for the problems of humankind
Islam is the best way of life because its teachings are not doctrinaire rhetoric but practical solutions for the problems of humankind. Islam achieves results both at the individual and collective levels. Islam is the best way of life because it is a practical and universal religion not confined to any ethnic group or nationality.
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 blast takes 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 2,713 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. Blacksheep 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 blacksheep 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 blacksheep in the Muslim community, Muslims taken on the whole, yet form the best community in the world. We are the biggest community of teetotallers 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
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.
1a. First time the word ‘Riba’ was revealed in Surah Al Room Chapter 30 Verse 39 “That which ye lay out for increase through the property of (other) people, will have no increase with Allah: but that which ye lay out for charity, seeking the Countenance of Allah, (will increase): it is these who will get a recompense multiplied.”[Al-Quran 30:39]
b. The Arabic word ‘Riba’ means ‘Addition’ to or an ‘increase’ of a thing over and above its original size or amount. In the Qur’an, it signifies unlawful addition which includes usury and interest.
c. The first time when the Qur’an mentioned ‘Riba’ in the chronological order i.e. (in order of revelation) was in Surah Al Room Chapter 30 Verse 39, it did not prohibit dealing with Riba i.e. usury or interest, but gave a basic guidance that it will have no increase in the sight of Allah. It is similar to the guidance given in the Qur’an regarding intoxicants. The first revelation in the Qur’an regarding intoxicants was in Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 Verse 219
Later it was revealed in Surah Al Nisaa’ Chapter 4 Verse 43
“O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are
intoxicated until you know what you are saying…”
[Al-Quran 4:43]
And finally the total prohibition of intoxicants was revealed in Surah Al
Maa’idah Chapter 5 Verse 90
“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]
2a. In the similar fashion regarding ‘Riba’, it was later revealed in Surah Al
Nisaa’ Chapter 4 Verses 160 and 161:
“For the iniquity of the Jews We made unlawful for them certain
(foods) good and wholesome which had been lawful for them;- in that
they hindered many from Allah's Way”
“That they took usury, though they were forbidden; and that they
devoured men's substance wrongfully;- we have prepared for those
among them who reject faith a grievous punishment.”
[Al-Qur’an 4:160-161]
b. These verses of the Qur’an describe how certain lawful foods which were good and wholesome were made unlawful for the Jews because of their sins and that they took usury even though it was forbidden too.
3a. The Qur’an also specifies in Surah Aali Imraan Chapter 3 Verse 130: “O ye who believe! Devour not usury, doubled and multiplied; but fear Allah; that ye may (really) prosper.” [Al-Qur’an 3:130] Here the Qur’an reconfirms the prohibition of ‘Riba’ on all the believers.
b. Many Muslims argue and debate that ‘Riba’ which the money-lenders charge is usury and not interest and therefore the interest of modern banks is lawful in Islam. ‘Interest’ according to the Oxford dictionary means ‘Money paid for the use of money lent’ (borrowed). ‘Usury’ according to the Oxford dictionary means ‘the act or practice of lending money at interest especially at an exorbitant rate’. Riba means ‘addition’ to or an ‘increase’ of a thing over and above its original size or amount. Therefore according to the Qur’an, usury and interest, irrespective whether they are exorbitant or less, both are prohibited.
4a. Some may further argue that interest is like business and the answer to the question is already given by Allah (swt) in Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 Verse 275:
b. Allah continues in Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 Verse 276 “Allah will deprive usury of all blessing, but will give increase for deeds of charity: For He loveth not creatures ungrateful and wicked.” [Al-Qur’an 2:276]
c. Some may further argue that the type of interest prohibited by Allah and His Messenger is referred to as ‘RIBA-AL-ISTEHLAK’ (interest on loans taken for the purpose of meeting basic needs of life) i.e. claiming interest on loans taken for buying of food grains, clothing and other basic needs is unlawful because this leads to exploitation of basic human needs. Interest on loans taken for business and merchandise is lawful, such an interpretation was never expressed by any Islamic jurists in the past thirteen centuries. This argument is only put forward by modern Muslims who have little or no knowledge of Islam. There were two types of business dealings that were prevalent during the Pre-Islamic period i.e. the ‘Ayyaamul Jahiliyyah’. The more popular one was MUDAARABA, i.e. the profit, if any, was shared between the owner and the ‘mudaarib’ i.e. (tradesman) in an agreed proportion and the loss, if any, was entirely borne by the owner. In the other system, goods used were given at an agreed rate of interest.
d. Allah (swt) further says in the Glorious Qur’an in Surah Al Baqarah
Chapter 2 Verse 278
“O you who have believed, fear Allah and give up what remains [due
to you] of interest, if you should be believers.”
[Al-Qur’an 2:278]
The seven verses of Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 Verses 275-281 were
the last seven verses revealed of the Qur’an to our beloved Prophet
Muhammad (pbuh), a few days before the Prophet (pbuh) expired.
Therefore the companions of the Prophet (pbuh) had no opportunity to
ask him about Sha’riah implications.
Imaam Ibn-e-Katheer (may Allah have mercy on him), mentions in his Tafsir of the Qur’an under the Tafsir of Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 Verse 275, Umar (ra) said that Riba was one of the three questions on which he wished he had more light from the Prophet (pbuh), the other two being Grandfather inheriting from his grandchildren and Kalaalah (those who leave neither descendants nor ascendants or heirs). History tells us that after the revelation of this verse, our beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said that I am making a beginning by remitting the amount of interest which Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib (ra) has to receive. No rational person can ever allege that Abbas (ra) would be earning his livelihood on interest be giving loan to needy people (for their basic needs) like the greedy and miserly Jews did. But naturally Abbas (ra) gave loans to people for business and took interest for which the Prophet (pbuh) annulled as interest of any sort whether Riba Al Istehlak (interest on loans for basic needs) or interest on loans for business. Riba includes all types of interest, i.e. fixed amount paid for the use of money.
“And if you do not, then be informed of a war [against you] from Allah
and His Messenger. But if you repent, you may have your principal -
[thus] you do no wrong, nor are you wronged.”
“If the debtor is in a difficulty, grant him time till it is easy for him to
repay. But if ye remit it by way of charity, that is best for you if ye only
knew.”
[Al-Quran 2:279-280]
“The parable of those who spend their substance in the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn: it groweth seven ears, and each ear Hath a hundred grains. Allah giveth manifold increase to whom He pleaseth: And Allah careth for all and He knoweth all things.” [Al-Quran 2:261]
Riba is of two kinds:
a. Riba Al Nasee’ah i.e. to take interest of the money lent.
b. Riba Al Fadl i.e. taking a superior thing of the same kind by giving
more of the same thing of inferior quality e.g. dates, some other
food stuff, or gold and silver.
Islam strictly prohibits any kind of usury.
DNarrated Aisha (ra): “When the last verses of Surah Al Baqarah were revealed, Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) went out and recited them in the mosque and prohibited the trade of Liquors.” Narrated Ibn Abbas (ra): “The last verse in the Qur’an revealed to the Prophet (pbuh) was the verse dealing with Riba.”
Abdullah bin Masood (ra) said that: “Allah’s messenger (pbuh) cursed the one who accepted interest and the one who paid it.”
Discussing slavery and asking questions about it on the part of those who promote Christianity and try to divert people from following the religion of Islam is something that annoys the wise person and makes him point the finger of accusation towards the ulterior motives that lie behind these questions. That is because slavery is well established in Judaism and Christianity, where it has taken unjust forms. They have many books which discuss that in detail and condone it. Therefore it makes you wonder: how can these churchmen call people to Christianity when Christianity condones and legitimizes slavery? In other words: how can they stir up an issue when they themselves are up to their necks in it?! The issue of slavery is completely different when discussed from the angles of Christianity and Islam, and when compared with the situation that prevailed at the advent of Islam. Hence we must discuss this topic in some detail with reference to what is said in Judaism, Christianity and contemporary culture on this matter, then we will speak of slavery in Islam. Many lies have been fabricated about Islam on this topic, at a time when criminals with lengthy track records are safe and nobody points a finger at them.
Islam affirms that Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted, created man fully accountable, and enjoined duties upon him, to which reward and punishment are connected on the basis of man’s free will and choice. No human being has the right to restrict this freedom or take away that choice unlawfully; whoever dares to do that is a wrongdoer and oppressor. This is one of the basic principles of Islam. When the question is asked: why does Islam permit slavery? We reply emphatically and without shame that slavery is permitted in Islam, but we should examine the matter with fairness and with theaim of seeking the truth, and we should examine the details of the rulings onslavery in Islam, with regard to the sources and reasons for it, and how to deal with the slave and how his rights and duties are equal to those of the free man, and the ways in which he may earn his freedom, of which there are many in sharee’ah, whilst also taking into consideration the new types of slavery in this world which is pretending to be civilized, modern and progressive. When Islam came, there were many causes of slavery, such as warfare, debt (where if the debtor could not pay off his debt, he became a slave), kidnapping and raids, and poverty and need. Slavery did not spread in this appalling manner throughout all continents except by means of kidnapping; rather the main source of slaves in Europe and America in later centuries was this method. The texts of Islam took a strong stance against this. It says in a hadeeth qudsi: “Allaah, may He be exalted, said: ‘There are three whose opponent I will be on the Day of Resurrection, and whomever I oppose, I will defeat … A man who sold a free man and consumed his price.’” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (2227). It is worth pointing out that you do not find any text in the Qur’aan or Sunnah which enjoins taking others as slaves, whereas there are dozens of texts in the Qur’aan and the ahaadeeth of the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) which call for manumitting slaves and freeing them. There were many sources of slaves at the time of the advent of Islam, whereas the means of manumitting them were virtually nil. Islam changed the way in which slavery was dealt with; it created many new ways of liberating slaves, blocked many ways of enslaving people, and established guidelines which blocked these means. Islam limited the sources of slaves that existed before the beginning of the Prophet’s mission to one way only: enslavement through war which was imposed on kaafir prisoners-of-war and on their womenfolk and children. Shaykh al-Shanqeeti (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: The reason for slavery is kufr and fighting against Allaah and His Messenger. When Allaah enables the Muslim mujaahideen who are offering their souls and their wealth, and fighting with all their strength and with what Allaah has given them to make the word of Allaah supreme over the kuffaar, then He makes them their property by means of slavery unless the ruler chooses to free them for nothing or for a ransom, if that serves the interests of the Muslims. End quote from Adwa’ al-Bayaan (3/387). He also said: If it is said: If the slave becomes Muslim then why keep him as a slave, when the reason for slavery is kufr and fighting against Allaah and His Messenger, so this reason no longer applies? The answer is that the well known principle among the scholars and all wise people, which is that the previously established right cannot be erased by a right that is established later, and that what came first takes precedence, is obvious. When the Muslims captured kuffaar, their right to possession was affirmed by the law of the Creator of all, Who is All Wise and All Knowing. So this right is confirmed and established. Then if the slave became Muslim after that, his right to escape slavery by embracing Islam was superseded by the mujaahid’s prior right to take possession of him before he became Muslim, and it would be unjust and unfair to annul the prior right because of a subsequent right, as is well known to all wise people. Yes, it is good for the master to free the slave if he becomes Muslim. The Law giver enjoined and encouraged that, and opened many doors to it. Glory be to the Most Wise, the All Knowing. It is mentioned in Surah Al An’aam Chapter 6 Verse 115: “And the Word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and in justice. None can change His Words. And He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower” [Al-Qur’an 6:115]. “in truth” means in what He tells us, and “in justice” means in His rulings. Undoubtedly this justice refers to owning slaves and other rulings of the Qur’aan. How many people criticize something sound when their problem is their own misunderstanding. End quote from Adwa’ al-Bayaan (3/389). Capture of prisoners during war was the most common way of acquiring slaves. Prisoners would inevitably be captured during any war, and the prevalent custom at that time was that prisoners had no protection or rights; they would either be killed or enslaved. But Islam brought two more options: unconditional release or ransom. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Thereafter (is the time) either for generosity (i.e. free them without ransom), or ransom (according to what benefits Islam)” [Muhammad 47:4]. During the battle of Badr the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) accepted ransoms from the mushrik prisoners of war and let them go, and the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) let many of the prisoners go for free, releasing them with no ransom. During the conquest of Makkah it was said to the people of Makkah: “Go, for you are free.” During the campaign of Banu’l-Mustaliq, the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) married a female prisoner from the defeated tribe so as to raise her status, as she was the daughter of one of their leaders, namely the Mother of the Believers Juwayriyah bint al-Haarith (may Allaah be pleased with her). Then the Muslims let all of these prisoners go. Islam is not thirsty for the blood of prisoners, nor is it eager to enslave them. Thus we may understand the limited ways that can lead to slavery. Islam did not abolish it altogether, because the kaafir prisoner who was opposed to truth and justice was a wrongdoer, or was a supporter of wrongdoing or was a tool in the execution or approval of wrongdoing. Letting him go free would give him the opportunity to spread wrongdoing and aggression against others and to oppose the truth and prevent it reaching people. Freedom is a basic human right which cannot be taken away from a person except for a reason. When Islam accepted slavery within the limits that we have described, it put restrictions on the man who exploits his freedom in the worst possible way. If he was taken prisoner in a war of aggression in which he was defeated, then the proper conduct is to keep him in reasonable conditions throughout his detention. Despite all that, Islam offers many opportunities to restore freedom to him and people like him. The principle of dealing with slaves in Islam is a combination of justice, kindness and compassion. One of the means of liberating slaves is allocating a portion of zakaah funds to freeing slaves; the expiation for accidental killing, zihaar (a jaahili form of divorce that is forbidden), breaking vows and having intercourse during the day in Ramadaan, is to free a slave. In addition to that, Muslims are also encouraged in general terms to free slaves for the sake of Allaah. This is a brief summary of some of the principles of dealing with slaves in a just and kind manner:
It was narrated that Abu Dharr (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “They are your brothers whom Allaah has put under your authority, so if Allaah has put a person’s brother under his authority, let him feed him from what he eats and clothe him from what he wears, and let him not overburden him with work, and if he does overburden him with work, then let him help him.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (6050).
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I heard Abu’l-Qaasim (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “Whoever accuses his slave when he is innocent of what he says will be flogged on the Day of Resurrection, unless he is as he said.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (6858). Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) manumitted a slave of his, then he picked up a stick or something from the ground and said: There is no more reward in it than the equivalent of this, but I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “Whoever slaps his slave or beats him, his expiation is to manumit him.” Narrated by Muslim (1657).
It was narrated that ‘Uthmaan ibn ‘Affaan tweaked the ear of a slave of his when he did something wrong, then he said to him after that: Come and tweak my ear in retaliation. The slave refused but he insisted, so he started to tweak it slightly, and he said to him: Do it strongly, for I cannot bear the punishment on the Day of Resurrection. The slave said: Like that, O my master? The Day that you fear I fear also. When ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn ‘Awf (may Allaah be pleased with him) walked among his slaves, no one could tell him apart from them, because he did not walk ahead of them, and he did not wear anything different from what they wore. One day ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab passed by and saw some slaves standing and not eating with their master. He got angry and said to their master: What is wrong with people who are selfish towards their servants? Then he called the servants and they ate with them. A man entered upon Salmaan (may Allaah be pleased with him) and found him making dough – and he was a governor. He said to him: O Abu ‘Abd-Allaah, what is this? He said: We have sent our servant on an errand and we do not want to give him two jobs at once.
- with regard to any religious or worldly matters in which he excels over him. For example, it is valid for a slave to lead the prayer. ‘Aa’ishah the Mother of the Believers had a slave who would lead her in prayer. Indeed the Muslims have been commanded to hear and obey even if a slave is appointed in charge of their affairs.
If a person is enslaved for some reason but then it becomes apparent that he has given up his wrongdoing and forgotten his past, and he has become a man who shuns evil and seeks to do good, is it permissible to respond to his request to let him go free? Islam says yes, and there are some fuqaha’ who say that this is obligatory and some who say that it is mustahabb. This is what is called a mukaatabah or contract of manumission between the slave and his master. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning) in Surah Al Noor Chapter 24 Verse 33: “And if any of your slaves ask for a deed in writing (to enable them to earn their freedom for a certain sum), give them such a deed if ye know any good in them: yea, give them something yourselves out of the means which Allah has given to you” [Al-Qur’an 24:33] This is how Islam treats slaves justly and kindly. One of the results of these guidelines is that in many cases, the slave would become a friend of his master; in some cases the master would regard him as a son. Sa’d ibn Haashim al-Khaalidi said, describing a slave of his: He is not a slave, rather he is a son whom [Allaah] has put under my care. He has supported me with his good service; he is my hands and my arms. Another result of the Muslims treating slaves in this manner is that the slaves became part of Muslim families as if they were also family members. Gustave le Bon says in Hadaarat al-‘Arab (Arab Civilization) (p. 459-460): What I sincerely believe is that slavery among the Muslims is better than slavery among any other people, and that the situation of slaves in the east is better than that of servants in Europe, and that slaves in the east are part of the family. Slaves who wanted to be free could attain freedom by expressing their wish. But despite that, they did not resort to exercising this right. End quote.
According to the Jews, mankind is divided into two groups: the Israelites form one group and all of mankind is another group. As for the Israelites, it is permissible to enslave some of them, according to specific teachings contained in the Old Testament. As for people other than the Israelites, they are a low-class race according to the Jews, who may be enslaved via domination and subjugation, because they are people who are doomed to humiliation by the heavenly decree from eternity. It says in Exodus 21:2-6: 2 “If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free, without paying anything. 3 If he comes alone, he is to go free alone; but if he has a wife when he comes, she is to go with him. 4 If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free. 5 But if the servant declares, 'I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,' 6 then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life” As for enslaving non-Hebrews, this is done by taking them captive or overpowering them, because they believe that their race is superior to others, and they try to find a justification for that slavery in their distorted Torah. So they say that Ham the son of Noah – who was the father of Canaan – angered his father, because Noah was drunk one day and became naked as he was sleeping in his tent, and Ham saw him like that. When Noah found out about that after he woke up, he got angry and he cursed his progeny who were descendents of Canaan, and he said – according to the Book of Genesis 9:25-26): “Cursed be Canaan! The lowest of slaves will he be to his brothers.’ He also said, ‘Blessed be the LORD, the God of Shem! May Canaan be the slave of Shem.’” In the same chapter (v. 27) it says: “May God extend the territory of Japheth; may Japheth live in the tents of Shem, and may Canaan be his [or their] slave”. In the Book of Deuteronomy 20:10-14, it says: 10 “When you march up to attack a city, make its people an offer of peace. 11 If they accept and open their gates, all the people in it shall be subject to forced labor and shall work for you. 12 If they refuse to make peace and they engage you in battle, lay siege to that city. 13 When the LORD your God delivers it into your hand, put to the sword all the men in it. 14 As for the women, the children, the livestock and everything else in the city, you may take these as plunder for yourselves”
Christianity confirmed slavery as it had been affirmed beforehand by Judaism. There is no text in the Gospels that prohibits or denounces slavery. It is remarkable that the historian William Muir criticized our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) for not immediately abolishing slavery, whilst overlooking the attitude of the Gospels concerning slavery, as there is no report from the Messiah, or from the Disciples, or from the churches concerning this issue. Rather, in his Epistles, Paul advised that slaves should be loyal to their masters, as he says in his Epistle to the Ephesians, where he enjoins slaves to obey their masters as they would obey the Messiah: “5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free” (Ephesians 6:5-9). In Grand Larousse encyclopédique, it says: It comes as no surprise that slavery has continued among Christians until today; the official representatives of the faith have affirmed its validity and accepted its legitimacy. … to sum up: the Christian religion approved fully of slavery and still does so today. It is very difficult for anyone to prove that Christianity strove to abolish slavery. The saints affirmed that nature makes some people slaves. Churchmen did not prevent slavery or oppose it; rather they supported it, to such an extent that the philosopher saint Thomas Aquinas supported the philosophical view that agreed with the view of religious leaders, and he did not object to slavery, rather he praised it because – according to the view of Aristotle – it is one of the conditions in which some people are created naturally, and it does not contradict faith for a man to be content with the lowest position in life. Haqaa’iq al-Islam by al-‘Aqqaad (p. 215). In the Dictionary of the Bible by Dr. George Yousuf it says: Christianity did not object to slavery for political or economic reasons, and it did not urge believers to oppose their generation’s views with regard to slavery, or even debate it, and it did not say anything against the rights of slave owners or motivate the slaves to seek independence; it did not discuss the harm or harshness of slavery and it did not enjoin the immediate release of slaves. It did not change anything in the nature of the relationship between master and slave; on the contrary, it affirmed the rights and duties of both parties.
It is the reader’s right, in this era of advancement and progress, to ask questions about the pioneers of this progress and the numbers of people who died because of the way in which they were hunted, and who died on their way to the coast where the ships of the English Company and others would wait, then the rest died due to changes in climate. Approximately 4% died as they were being loaded onto the ships, and 12 % during the journey, let alone those who died in the colonies. The slave trade continued at the hands of English companies that obtained the right of monopoly with the permission of the British government, then gave free rein to British subjects to enslave people. Some experts estimate that the total number of people seized by the British during slavery and exiled to the colonies between 1680 and 1786 CE was around 2,130,000. When Europe made contact with Black Africa, this contact led to human misery during which the black people of that continent were faced with a major calamity that lasted for five centuries. The states of Europe came up with evil ways of kidnapping these people and bringing them to their lands to serve as fuel for their revival, where they burdened them with more work than they could bear. When America was discovered, the calamity increased and they became slaves in two continents instead of just one. The Encyclopaedia Britannica says (2/779) on the topic of slavery: Hunting slaves in the villages that were surrounded by the jungle was done by lighting fires in the straw of which the corrals surrounding the villages were made, then when the villagers fled to open land, the British hunted them down with whatever means they had at their disposal. During the period from 1661 to 1774, for every million Black Africans who reached the Americas, a further nine million died during the hunting, loading and transportation. In other words, only one tenth of those who were hunted survived and actually reached the Americas, where they found no rest or relief, rather they were subjected to hard labour and torture. At that time, they had laws which any wise person would be ashamed of. Among these evil laws were those which said that any slave who transgressed against his master was to be killed, and any slave who ran away was to have his hands and feet cut off, and he was to be branded with hot iron; if he ran away again, he was to be killed. How could he run away if his hands and feet had been cut off?! It was forbidden for a black man to become educated, and the jobs of whites were forbidden to coloureds. In America, if seven black people gathered together, that was regarded as a crime, and if a white man passed by them it was permissible for him to spit at them and give them twenty lashes. Another law stated that the blacks had no soul and that they possessed no smartness, intelligence or willpower, and that life existed only in their arms. To sum up, with regard to his duties and service to his master, the slave was regarded as sane, responsible and punishable if he fell short, but with regard to his rights, he had no soul and no being, and he was not more than a strong pair of arms! Finally, after many centuries of enslavement and oppression, there came the protocol to abolish slavery and strive to put an end to it, in a resolution issued by the United Nations in 1953 CE. Hence their consciences did not awaken until the last century, after they had built their civilization on the corpses of free men whom they had enslaved unlawfully. What fair-minded person can compare this with the teachings of Islam, which came fourteen hundred years ago? It seems that accusing Islam with regard to this topic is like the saying, “She accused me of her problem then walked away.” And Allaah knows best. See: Shubahaat Hawl al-Islam by Muhammad Qutub; Talbees Mardood fi Qadaaya Khateerah by Shaykh Dr. Saalih ibn Humayd, the Imam of the Haram in Makkah.
It is mentioned in the Qur’an in Surah Al Nisaa’ Chapter 4 Verse 86 “When a (courteous) greeting is offered you, meet it with a greeting still more Courteous, or (at least) of equal courtesy. Allah takes careful account of all things.” [Al-Qur’an 4:86] If someone wishes you ‘Assalaamu Alaikum’ (Peace be upon you) you have to wish back more courteously ‘Wa Alaikum Assalaam Wa Rahmatullah’ (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you). If someone wishes you ‘Assalaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah’ then you have to wish back ‘Wa Alaikum Assalaam Wa Rahamatullahi Wa Barakaatuhu’ (May peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you). If someone says ‘Assalaamu Alaikum’, you can say loudly, with expression of enthusiasm ‘Walaikum Assalaam’. Though the words are the same they emerge from the depth of one’s heart with more feelings. This is also more courteous. If someone wishes you (with expression) ‘Assalaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuhu’ and if you cannot greet back more courteously then at least greet back with equal courtesy (with expression) ‘Wa Alaikum Assalaam Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakaatuhu’.
There is a misconception among many Muslims who think that a Muslim cannot wish ‘Assalaamu Alaikum’ to a Non-Muslim nor can he reply to their greeting based on the following hadiths. Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) is reported to have said, “When the Jews offer you salutations, some of them say ‘Assaam- Alaikum’ (death be on you). You should say (in response to it) ‘Alaikum’ i.e. ‘let it be upon you’.” [Sahih Muslim, Vol. 6, The Book of Salaam, Chapter 4 Hadith No. 5654] Narrated Abdullah bin Umar (ra): Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said, “When the Jews greet you, they usually say, ‘As-Saamu ‘Alaikum (death be on you)!’, so you should say (in reply to them) ‘Wa’alaikum (and on you)’.” [Sahih Al Bukhari, Vol. 8, Book of Asking Permission, Chapter 22, Hadith 6257]
a. The Qur’an mentions in Surah Maryam Chapter 19 Verses 41 to 46 that the father of Prophet Ibraaheem (pbuh) was a Mushrik (polytheist) and associated partners with God. When Prophet Ibraaheem (pbuh) asked his father not to serve the satan, his father replied, ‘I will stone you’ and he removed Ibraaheem out of the house. Prophet Ibraaheem (pbuh) replies in Surah Maryam Chapter 19 Verse 47 “Abraham said: ‘peace be on thee (Assalaamu Alaikum): I will pray to my Lord for thy forgiveness: for He is to me Most Gracious.’” [Al-Qur’an 19:47] b. Allah instructs Moses (pbuh) and Aaron (pbuh) in Surah Taa Haa Chapter 20 Verse 47, that when they go to Pharoah they should say: “And Peace (Salaams) to all who follow guidance”. [Al-Qur’an 20:47] This was the same greeting also used by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to greet Non-Muslim rulers. c. Surah Al Furqaan Chapter 25 Verse 63 “And the servants of (Allah) Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, ‘Peace!’ (salaam).” [Al-Qur’an 25:63] d. Surah Al Qasas Chapter 28 Verse 55 “And when they hear vain talk, they turn away therefrom and say: ‘To us our deeds, and to you yours; peace (Salaam) be to you: we Seek not the ignorant.” [Al-Qur’an 28:55] e. Surah Al An’aam Chapter 6 Verse 54 “When those come to thee who believe in Our signs, Say: "Peace be on you” [Al-Qur’an 6:54] f. From Ibn-e-Katheer (May Allah have mercy on him), Ibn-e-Abbas (ra) says whoever wishes you among the creation of Allah, even if he is a Magian you reply them back because Allah says in Surah Al Nisaa’ Chapter 4 Verse 86: “When a (courteous) greeting is offered you, meet it with a greeting still more Courteous, or (at least) of equal courtesy. Allah takes careful account of all things.” [Al-Qur’an 4:86] g. Qatadah (May Allah have mercy on him) says that more courteous greeting is for the Muslims and equal greeting back is for the Zimmi people (Jews, Christians, Kaafirs etc.). We cannot wish the Zimmi people first nor can we greet them more than what they have greeted. But as per Sahih Al Bukhari and Sahih Muslim you should say “Wa’alaikum” (and on you). h. Sufyaan Ibn-e-Uyainah (May Allah have mercy on him) was asked if one can wish salaam to Kaafirs, he said yes. For Allah says in the Glorious Qur’an in Surah Al Mumtahinah Chapter 60 Verse 8: “Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just.” [Al-Qur’an 60:8] i. Allah says in the Glorious Qur’an in Surah Al Mumtahinah Chapter 60 Verse 4: “There is for you an excellent example (to follow) in Abraham and those with him.” [Al-Qur’an 60:4] And Abraham (pbuh) said to his father: “Abraham said: ‘peace be on thee (Assalaamu Alaikum): I will pray to my Lord for thy forgiveness: for He is to me Most Gracious.’” [Al-Qur’an 19:47] Allah says that Abraham (pbuh) said “Peace be on thee” Abraham (pbuh) was not unkind towards his father in his reply, for he was not permitted to be so, despite his father being in the state of kufr. The Jamhoor (Majority) Scholars: (They say) that this salaam of Abraham (pbuh) is the wishing words like seeing off, it was not words of blessings. Al Tabari (May Allah have mercy on him) says: that it [salaam of Abraham (pbuh)] means that his father is safe from his side, therefore you cannot wish Kaafir with Salaam. Others say: This is “words of blessings” at the time of wishing off. Therefore you can wish Kaafirs with Salaam as well as wish them first. j. Ibn Al Naqqaash (May Allah have mercy on him) said: One who is humble spoke to an ignorant and Allah said: “And the servants of (Allah) Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, "Peace!" [Al-Qur’an 25:63] Allah also says in Surah Al Qasas Chapter 28 Verse 55: “And when they hear vain talk, they turn away therefrom and say: ‘To us our deeds, and to you yours; peace (Salaam) be to you: we Seek not the ignorant.” [Al-Qur’an 28:55]
a. Narrated Abu Hurairah (ra): Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said, “Do not greet the Jews and Christians with Salaam and when they meet on street make their path narrow.” [Sahih Muslim, Vol. 6, The Book of Salaam, Chapter 4, Hadith No. 5661] b. Usama bin Zaid (ra) said, “…The Prophet (pbuh) passed by a mix gathering in which there were Muslims, Polytheists, idolaters and Jews. Among them there was ‘Abdullah bin Ubayy, and there was Abdullah bin Rawaha (ra) too. The Prophet (pbuh) greeted them and invited them to Allah. [Sahih Al Bukhari, Vol. 8, Book of Asking Permission, Chapter 20, Hadith No. 6254] c. The first hadith mentions not to greet the Jews and Christians because Salaam is a mark of respect and Kaafirs do not deserve respect. And the second hadith points out to greet the Kaafirs when in the mixed gathering. d. Al Tabari (May Allah have mercy on him) says these two hadiths do not contradict, for Abu Huraira’s (ra) hadith is a general law and Usama bin Zaid’s (ra) hadith is of at specific occasion. e. Ibraheem Al-Nakha’ee (May Allah have mercy on him) says: When you are in need from Jews and Christians then you can greet them with Salaam. Therefore the hadith of Abu Huraira (ra) means that when you are not required to greet them you should not, but if you need anything from them or they are in your company or they are your neighbours or you are in their company while travelling, in such occasions you can greet them. f. Al Tabari (May Allah have mercy on him) says: From the Salafs we know that they wished people of the book with ‘Salaam’. For example Ibn-e- Masood (ra) wished those with him in Duhqaan (name of place). Alqama [student of Ibn-e-Masood (ra)] asked him, is it not incorrect to wish them first? He said: Yes, but they have the right of companions. g. When Abu Usaamah (ra) returned to his home he never passed Muslims, Christians, Children or Adult without wishing them with ‘Salaam’. He was asked why wish them ‘Salaam’, he said aren’t we commanded to spread ‘Salaam’. h. Al Hasan Al Basri (May Allah have mercy on him) says, when you pass a mixed gathering of Muslims and Kaafirs then wish them with Salaam. i. Imam Auzaa’ee (May Allah have mercy on him) was asked about a Muslim who passes by a Kaafir and wishes Salaam? He said even the Salaf us Saaliheen before you wished them and if you avoid then even the Salaf us Saaliheen avoided wishing them with Salaam.
Suppose you are a principal of a school and you have to select a Mathematics teacher. It is obvious that you will interview the candidates. If one teacher says that 2 + 2 = 3, the other says 2 + 2 = 4 and the third says 2 + 2 = 5, whom will you select? Since you know mathematics is logical, you will never select or allow a person to teach mathematics who doesn’t even know the basics of arithmetic that 2 + 2 = 4.
Similarly in the field of religion, Muslims are the best and the Qur’an clearly mentions in Surah Aali Imraan, Chapter 3, Verse 19: “The Religion before Allah is Islam (submission to His will).” [Al-Qur’an 3:19] It is further mentioned In Surah Aali Imraan Chapter 3, Verse 85: “If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (All spiritual good).” [Al-Qur’an 3:85]
There is no other religious scripture on the face of the earth besides the Qur’an, which says that only its religion is true, correct and acceptable to Almighty God, and that all the other religions are false and hence not acceptable to Almighty God. If you are a principal who knows Maths, you will never allow a person to teach Maths in your school who does not know Maths. Similarly we Muslims who are experts in the field of religion and know that Islam is the only true religion, will not allow anyone to preach any other religion besides Islam. We Muslims also know that what the true concept of Almighty God i.e. Allah (swt) is, and thus we will not permit anyone to build a place of worship where they worship anyone besides Allah (swt).
1a. All those who believe in a God also believe He is supernatural. The fact is God is not supernatural. Supernatural means something beyond the laws of nature. He is not natural. The Concept of God according to the Qur’an is, God made nature. So it can never be the case that nature wants to do this and God wants to do that. b. God is natural. He made nature, he made your Fitrah, i.e. the innate nature of the human being. 2a. One of the ninety nine names of Allah (swt), which is given in the Qur’an i.e. Asmaa-ul-Husna of Allah (swt) is ‘FAATIR’. It is also the title of the 35th Surah of the Qur’an. Faatir is derived from the root word ‘Fitrah’. b. Faatir means the ‘Originator of Creation’, which implies the creation of primeval matter, to which further creative processes have to be added by Allah. In brief it means ‘The Creator’, ‘The Former’, ‘The Shaper’, ‘The Splitter’, etc. Therefore for the breaking of the fast we use the Arabic word ‘Iftaar’ i.e. to break fast. 3a. The first verse of Surah Faatir Chapter 35 ends with the phase: “for Allah has power over all things.” [Al-Qur’an 35:1] It is also mentioned in Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 Verses 2, 106, 109, 148 and 284, Surah Aali Imraan Chapter 3 Verse 165, Surah Al Noor Chapter 24 Verse 45, Surah Al Nahl Chapter 16 Verse 77, Surah Al Ankaboot Chapter 29 Verse 20. The Qur’an asks us to observe and ponder over the signs i.e. Aayaats of Allah i.e. the trees, the birds, the sun, the moon and verify for ourselves. All the signs of Allah have a nature i.e. they are natural. The sun travels its course, the moon travels its course and they follow the laws of nature. b. Similarly according to the Qur’an Allah too has a nature, a characteristic, a practice i.e. Sunnah and there is no change or alteration in the Sunnah of Allah. i. According to Surah Al Ahzaab Chapter 33 Verse 62 “No change wilt thou find in the practice (approved) of Allah.” [Al-Qur’an 33:62] ii. Surah Al Room Chapter 30 verse 30 says “(Establish) Allah's handiwork according to the pattern on which He has made mankind: no change (let there be) in the work (wrought) by Allah: that is the standard Religion: but most among mankind understand not.” [Al-Qur’an 30:30] 4. Quantum and Modern Science tells us, if you don’t have an observer, you don’t have anything. A Universe without an Observer is useless. Modern Scientists pose the question who was the first Observer. Another attribute of Allah (swt) in the Qur’an is ‘ASH-SHAHEED’ which means ‘the Witness’. Therefore unless you don’t have someone observing or looking at the world, the world is useless. Thus you cannot imagine a world without God.
God does everything! No God does not do everything. I do realize that all the people who believe in God whether Muslims or non-Muslims may be shocked when I said God does not do every thing. 1. Let me ask you a poser for better understanding. If I ask the question can God create everything? Almost all will reply yes, can God destroy anything. Almost all will say yes. My third question will be, can God create a thing which He cannot destroy? If the reply is ‘yes’ then the 2nd answer that, God can destroy anything is wrong. If the reply is ‘no’ then the first answer that God can create anything is wrong. You have trapped yourselves. 2a. Similarly a person cannot be tall and short at the same time, it is meaningless. God does not create a tall, short man. He either creates a tall man or a short man. He can make a tall man short but then the tall man, no longer remains tall. Similarly God can make a short man tall but then the short man, no longer remains short. Therefore a person cannot be tall and short both at the same time. He can either be tall or short or none, i.e. medium height. b. Similarly God does not create a fat thin man. 3. God only does Godly things. He does not do ungodly things. I can list more than a 1,000 things that:- i. God of the Qur’an does not do, for example, God does not tell a lie, the moment He tells a lie, He seizes to be God. The Qur’an says God does not lie. ii. God does not do injustice, the moment He does injustice He seizes to be God. The Qur’an says God is not unjust in Surah Al Nisaa’ Chapter 4 Verse 40. “Allah is never unjust in the least degree” [Al Qur’an 4:40] iii. God does not become cruel. iv. God does not forget God will not throw me out of His domain because to Him belongs everything and the whole universe. He can kill me, He can obliterate me but will not throw me out of His domain. 4a. No where does the Qur’an say God does everything. The Qur’an says, “…for God has power over all things.” This statement is mentioned in several places in the Qur’an: Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 Verse 106 Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 Verse 109 Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 Verse 148 Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 Verse 284 Surah Aali Imraan Chapter 3 Verse 165 Surah Al Nahl Chapter 16 Verse 77 Surah Al Noor Chapter 24 Verse 45 Surah Al Ankaboot Chapter 29 Verse 20 Surah Faatir Chapter 35 Verse 1 There is a world of a difference between God does everything and God has power over everything b. Without His permission nothing can happen. Qur’an mentions in Surah Al Burooj Chapter 85 Verse 16 “Allah is the doer of all that He intends” [Al Qur’an 85:16]
1. Why does God not take human form? God can take a human form but then He will seize to be God. A God cannot take human form and be God at the same time. They are 2 opposite things. As you cannot have a tall, short man, similarly you cannot have God in human form. God is immortal, human being is mortal, therefore you cannot have a person who is mortal and immortal at the same time. Human beings are born and are created, God is uncreated. Human beings have a beginning, God has no beginning. Human beings have an end, God has no end. 2. All human beings require to eat and drink and survive. The Quran says in Surah Al An’aam Chapter 6 Verse 14 Say: "Shall I take for my protector any other than Allah, the Maker of the heavens and the earth? And He it is that feedeth but is not fed." [Al Qur’an 6:14] Human beings require sleep and rest, God according to the Qur’an in Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 Verse 255 i.e. ‘Ayatul Kursi’, He does not require sleep. “Allah! There is no god but He,- the Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him nor sleep.” [Al Qur’an 2:255] Human beings have wants, “Allah is free of all wants”. It is mentioned in Surah Luqmaan Chapter 31 Verse 26 and Surah Faatir Chapter 35 Verse 15. “O ye men! It is ye that have need of Allah: but Allah is the One Free of all wants, worthy of all praise.” [Al Qur’an 35:15] 3. Many people while describing God, give Him human qualities unknowingly i.e. God can be born, God eats, God drinks (milk), God gets tired, God sleeps etc. You are giving a whip to the Atheist to beat you with. Why should he worship a God which has human qualities like himself. Therefore he says ‘La Ilaaha’ there is no God. The Muslim says the same ‘La Ilaaha’. We don’t believe in such gods that eat, drink, get tired, sleep etc. The same people will further agree, God does everything. Possible, the other gods with a small ‘g’ do everything, they can take human forms, tell lies, do injustice but the God of Islam with a capital ‘G’ only does Godly things. The same people if they are unable to logically explain the concept of their God, they further use another illogical reason that God is not natural. He is Supernatural, which they themselves are unable to understand and explain. According to Islam there is only one God for the whole humankind, Who is not Supernatural but Natural. He does not do everything. He only does Godly things and He does not take human form.
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).
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).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).
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.
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.
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.
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 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]
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.
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]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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]
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.
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.
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.
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’.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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]
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.
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.
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.
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]
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?
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.
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.
Similarly, the Qur’an says in several Verses that the earth has been spreadout. “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.
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.
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]
Today science is advanced and we can easily determine the sex of the child in the womb of a pregnant mother, using ultrasonography.
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’. Infact 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.
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 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]
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.
In the Arabic language the word ‘Qalb’ which means ‘heart’ is also used for one’s centre of understanding.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
In the English language heart means an organ in the body which pumps blood. The same word heart is also used for the centre of thought, love and emotion. Today we know that brain is the centre 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?” Infact you should say, “I love you from the bottom of my brain.”
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 centre of thought, understanding and emotions.
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]
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?
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.
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.
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).
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.
If you analyse 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 storey 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 storeys took 4 months. Simultaneously, while the basement and the building was 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
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 contradict the Big Bang theory and other Verses of the Qur’an. Therefore the correct translation of the word ‘summa’ is ‘moreover’ or ‘simultaneously’.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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:
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 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]
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.
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.
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. 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.”
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.”
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]
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]
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.
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]
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.
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.
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]
This is a very tricky Question asked usually by atheists and rationalists. Once a close friend of mine, while beginning a da’wah discussion with a rationalist in an atheist organisation in Mumbai asked, “This is a pencil, how did it come into existence? It has to have a creator. This is a book. How did it come into existence? It has to have a creator.” Thus by giving answers to his own questions, he proved that everything has a creator. He then posed the following questions: “If the pencil is created in a factory, who created the factory? The answer is an engineer or some similar person. Who created that engineer? There also has to be a Creator of this engineer. Similarly who created the sun, the moon, the stars, etc.? There has to be a creator for everything.” Then he posed the question, “Do you agree that everything has a creator?” The atheist replied, “We will agree only on the condition that you should not back out in future from your own statement that everything has a creator.” My friend was satisfied. He thought he had succeeded in convincing him about God and said, “Yes I will stick to my statement that everything has a creator, but you still have not replied my Question: that who created the human beings, the sun, the moon, the stars, etc.?” He further helps the atheist with the answer by saying, “It is God Almighty”. The atheist replied, “We will believe in God if you tell us who created God?” My friend got the biggest shock of his life. He knew he was trapped. He was so disturbed that he did not sleep for the whole night.
Next day, he narrated this incident to me. I realised that he was using the methodology of proving the existence of God advocated by some scholars. In this methodology, a very important rule of logic, i.e. self-analysis, is overlooked.
During my talks, while proving the existence of Allah (swt), I never make any statement saying everything has a creator. I start by asking the atheist, “Who will be the first to know the mechanism of an unknown object?” It is the atheist who replies the creator, the manufacturer, not I. Using his answer that the creator is the first person who knows the mechanism of any object, I further prove to him using scientific knowledge that the creator of the Universe, i.e. Almighty God is the first to know the mechanism of the universe and has mentioned it in His book ‘The Qur’an’. But if somebody was to pose to me the same question that who will be the first to know the mechanism of an unknown object, I will not reply just by saying ‘the creator’ or ‘the manufacturer’ but I will reply, that every object and all things that are created, which have a beginning, the mechanism of all these things will be first known by its creator. Even after using this answer of mine, we can still scientifically prove that all the signs that we see i.e. the sun, the moon, the earth, etc. have a beginning. Their mechanism or the way they function has been discovered only recently by science, while the Qur’an mentions it 1400 years ago which proves that it is a book revealed by Allah (swt).
Now if someone asks me the Question “Who created Allah?” I will reply that once my friend asked me a similar question that his brother Tom was admitted to the hospital and he conceived and gave birth to a baby: guess, is the baby a girl or a boy? It is an absurd statement. Only females can conceive and give birth to a baby. It is impossible for Tom, who is a male, to conceive and give birth to a child. One of the qualities and characteristics of a male is that he cannot conceive nor give birth to a child. Similarly one of the characteristics of Allah is that He is uncreated and does not have a beginning. Therefore asking a question, “Who created the uncreated?” is as absurd as asking, “My brother Tom conceived and gave birth to a child, is the child a girl or a boy?”
1. Saying ‘Allahu Akbar’ doesn’t make Allah Greater
Allah (swt) does not require our praises for His benefit. When we say ‘Allahu Akbar’ meaning ‘Allah is the Greatest’, He does not become greater. He is already the Greatest whether we say a million times ‘Allahu Akbar’ or we don’t say it. It will make no difference in His greatness. He will yet remain the Greatest.
2. We praise Allah for our benefit
It is mentioned in the Qur’an in Surah Faatir Chapter 35 Verse 15 “O ye men! It is ye that have need of Allah: but Allah is the One Free of all wants, worthy of all praise.”
[Al-Qur’an 35:15]
Allah (swt) is free of all wants. He does not require us to praise Him. It is we human beings who require Allah (swt) and we praise Him for our own benefit.
3. Prefer treatment and advice from the best doctor
If you are sick and have a heart problem and two persons give you advice. One of them is the best heart specialist in the world who is also the most famous cardiologist. The other is a stranger or a quack. But naturally you will follow the advice of the best heart specialist in the world.
4. We praise Allah to convince ourselves that He is worthy to be obeyed and served
We normally follow the advice of a person who is great, famous and important. A person who is intelligent and wise. We will not follow the advice of a stranger who is unknown or a person who is not intelligent nor wise. That is the reason that we praise Allah (swt) that He is the Greatest, The Most Wise, The All Knowing, etc., to first convince ourselves that He is worthy to be followed, then we ask Him to guide us and help us.
5. In Surah Al Faatihah we first recite praises of Allah then we seek His help
That is the reason why Surah Al Faatihah, the Opening Chapter of the Glorious Qur’an is always recited in every Raka’ah of the Salaah. In the first 5 verses of Surah Al Faatihah we initially praise Allah (swt).
“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds: Most Gracious, Most Merciful;
Master of the Day of Judgement.
Thee do we worship and Thine aid we seek.”
[Al-Qur’an 1:1-5]
Then later we ask Him for help for our own benefit.
“Show us the straight way,
The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray.”
[Al-Qur’an 1:6-7]
Thus we first praise Allah (swt) in Surah Al Faatihah and agree that He is the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, The Cherisher, The Sustainer, The Master, etc., and then we ask Him for guidance and help.
6. If all the oceans were ink, it would exhaust to praise Allah
Thus we praise Allah (swt) for our own benefit. However much we may praise Him it is insufficient because the Glorious Qur’an says in Surah Al Kahf Chapter 18 Verse 109:
Say: "If the ocean were ink (wherewith to write out) the words of my Lord, sooner would the ocean be exhausted than would the words of my Lord, even if we added another ocean like it, for its aid."
[Al-Qur’an 18:109]
7. If trees were pens and oceans were ink yet words of Allah would not be exhausted
A similar message in repeated in Surah Luqmaan Chapter 31 Verse 27 “And if all the trees on earth were pens and the ocean (were ink), with seven oceans behind it to add to its (supply), yet would not the words of Allah be exhausted (in the writing): for Allah is Exalted in Power, full of Wisdom.”
[Al-Qur’an 31:27]
8. We praise Allah to follow His commandments:
Allah (swt) does not require us to praise Him for His benefit but He requires us to praise Him for our benefit. In Salaah while reciting verses of the Qur’an, we agree that He is Supreme and Ultimate and commit that we will follow His advice and commandments so that we stay on the Siraatal Mustaqeem (the straight path).
1. You may dislike a thing which is good for you
The reply to this question is given in the Glorious Qur’an in Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 Verse 216
“… It is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knoweth, and ye know not.”
[Al-Qur’an 2:216]
2. Praying for a motor cycle
There may be a very pious person who prays to Allah (swt) for a motorcycle but the prayer is not answered. Allah knows very well that if the person acquires a motorcycle he will have an accident and get crippled. The Qur’an rightly says you may love a thing, which is bad for you but Allah knows and you know not.
-3. Businessman misses flight due to traffic jam
Once a rich businessman was supposed to catch a flight to New York in order to click a deal which would fetch him a million dollar. While going to the airport to catch the flight, there was an unusual traffic jam on the road, which prevented him from reaching the airport on time. The businessman misses the flight and sorrowfully says, “This is the worst thing that has ever happened to me in my life.”
4. Surah Al Shooraa Chapter 42 Verse 27
The Qur’an mentions in Surah Al Shooraa Chapter 42 Verse 27 “If Allah were to enlarge the provision for His Servants, they would indeed transgress beyond all bounds through the earth; but he sends (it) down in due measure as He pleases. For He is with His Servants Wellacquainted, Watchful.”
[Al-Qur’an 42:27]
5. Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 Verse 186
It is mentioned in the Qur’an in Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 Verse 186
“When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me.”
[Al-Qur’an 2:186]
6. Surah Ghaafir Chapter 40 Verse 60
It is mentioned in Surah Ghaafir Chapter 40 Verse 60 “And your Lord says: "Call on Me; I will answer your (Prayer): but those who are too arrogant to serve Me will surely find themselves in Hell - in humiliation!”
[Al-Qur’an 40:60]
7. Allah answers your prayer by not answering
Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an that you call on Me and I will answer the prayer. These verses of the Qur’an are not falsified when your prayers are not answered. Infact Allah (swt) in His divine wisdom answers your prayers by not answering them.
8. Allah gives one of the three things in response to our prayers
It is mentioned in Musnad Ahmad Hadith No. 10749 and in Saheeh al- Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb, Hadith No. 1633
“There is no Muslim who does not offer any du’aa’ in which there is no sin or severing of family ties but Allaah will give him one of three things in return: either He will answer his du’aa’ sooner, or he will store it up for him in the Hereafter, or He will divert an equivalent evil away from him because of it.” They said: “We will say a lot of du’aa’.” He said: “Allaah is more generous.”
9. Unbelievers and unpious people have luxury
Some people wonder how is it that several unbelievers and unpious people lead a luxurious life. They worship false gods and pray to them for wealth. Since these people worship false gods yet, Allah (swt) answers their prayers and gives them wealth which is actually a material that will lead them away from Allah (SWT) and in the long run it is nothing but loss.
10. Believer remembers Allah whether rich or poor
A true believer is a person who, irrespective of whether he is rich or poor, remembers Allah (swt). Allah (swt) has described such people in Surah Al Noor Chapter 24 Verse 37
“By men whom neither traffic nor merchandise can divert from the remembrance of Allah, nor from regular Prayer, nor from the practice of regular Charity: Their (only) fear is for the Day when hearts and eyes will be transformed (in a world wholly new)”
[Al-Qur’an 24:37]
11. A True believer always says Alhamdulillah
A true believer is a person who irrespective of whatever happens says, ‘Alhamdulillah’ - Praise be to Allah. Even when he goes in loss he says Alhamdulillah, because he has faith in Allah that if Allah permitted the loss to be incurred it has to be beneficial in the long run. In short, he has faith in Allah, that whatever happens, happens for the good.
12. I am more happy if my prayer is not answered
If I pray to Allah (swt) and my prayer is answered, I am happy. If it is not answered I am more happy because the first was my choice and the second was Allah’s.
1. This life is a test for the hereafter
According to Surah Al Mulk Chapter 67 Verse 2
“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]
2. Allah tests different human beings in different ways
Every year the question paper in an examination keeps on changing. It does not remain the same. Similarly Allah tests different human beings in different ways. He gives health to some people while others are born with defects or are handicapped. To some people He gives wealth, while others are poor.
-3. Judgement will be based upon the difficulty of the test
Depending upon what facilities and qualities Allah has provided to each human being, Allah (swt) will judge him accordingly. If the test is difficult then Allah will be lenient while judging. If the test is simple then Allah will not be lenient while judging. A poor person does not have to give Zakaah. He gets full marks where Zakaah is concerned. On the other hand a rich person is supposed to give Zakaah. Many rich people give much less than what they actually are supposed to give, thus getting less marks (or negative marks) where Zakaah is concerned.
4. More difficult the test, higher is the rewardv
If you pass the Bachelor’s degree in Arts, since the examination is easy you only get a Bachelor of Arts (BA) certificate. But if you pass a Bachelor of Medicine (MBBS) exam besides getting a degree certificate of medicine you also get a title ‘Doctor’ before your name.
5. Human beings with congenital defects are a test for their parents
Many infants are born with congenital defects. Some are deaf and mute, while others are handicapped. An infant is not responsible for his or her defect. In such cases perhaps Allah is testing the parents, whether they yet have faith in Him after this calamity.
May be Allah (swt) wants to give Jannatul Firdous to the parents. Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Al Anfaal Chapter 8 Verse 28 “And know ye that your possession and your progeny are but a trial; and that it is Allah with whom lies your highest reward.”
[Al-Qur’an 8:28]
Overall I agree that religion as a way of life should be flexible and not rigid, but a few set of rules are necessary for any system to function properly. For example, if the government of India has to function well, there should be a few set of rules e.g. no one should rape, no one should rob, no one should cheat, etc. If you do not have these rules, so as to be flexible, then people may cheat, rob, or even rape. Would you like to live in a society where cheating, robbing and raping are common? Hence if a country has to run properly at least a few rules have to be enacted / implemented to prevent such crimes. Other things are optional e.g. whether one wants to become a doctor or an engineer, whether one prefers to stay in Mumbai or Delhi etc. Similarly in Islam, there are a few do’s and don’ts like one should believe in only One God, offer Salaah, give charity if one is rich, fast during the month of Ramadhan and so on. Remaining things are optional like a Muslim can live in India, America or Saudi Arabia. Whether one is black or white, yellow or brown, rich or poor, one can still be a good Muslim. Therefore Islam is also flexible in many things.
For any system to be successful, there has to be a basic set of rules which are fixed. For example, if you want to learn English, you should know A,B,C,D. The styles of teaching may differ. St. Peter’s School may have a different style of teaching English language i.e. reading, writing and understanding. St. Mary’s School may have a different style from Rosary School. If you go to America, they have a different type of English from Britain, but the basic rule is the same i.e. A,B,C,D. Whether you are in America or India, St. Peter’s School or St. Mary’s School, if you want to read, write and understand English, first you should know A,B,C,D. There is no other option. That rule is fixed. Other things like pronunciation etc. may differ. You may teach with pictures, pencils or with paper - the styles may differ. The Basic rules should be the same. If you want to know Maths, you should know 1,2,3, or else you cannot learn maths. Thus, the basic set of rules should remain the same. Similarly in Islam, there are a few do’s and don’ts, whereas the remaining things are optional. When it comes to wearing clothes, a few basic rules exist. A man should cover himself from navel to knees whereas a woman’s complete body except the face and hands up to the wrists should be covered. The clothes should not be tight, transparent or translucent. The clothes should not be glamorous. The clothes should not resemble that of the opposite sex or the unbeliever. One can wear cotton or terrycot, or georgette, whether the latest style or the old style shirt. Whether one wears a blue shirt or green shirt, white shirt or black shirt, as long as the Islamic criteria are fulfilled, the rest becomes optional.
-For every system to be successful, a little rigidity must be there. So I agree that life should not be fully rigid. Islam is also not fully rigid but it is the media which portrays Islam as very rigid. For a successful life, the basic fundamentals should be fixed, along with a few options. For example, in Islam eating of Pork is haram. On the other hand, one can have chicken biryani, mutton biryani, veg. pulav or roti. There are many options but the do’s and don’ts are few. The major do’s and don’ts are only 70. Therefore, in Islam, a few of the rules are rigid and the remaining are flexible. Alhamdulillah Islam is a complete way of life which caters to the body as well as to the soul. As every machine requires a manual, human beings also require a manual with the essential do’s and don’ts. The Glorious Qur’an is the last and final instruction manual for the human beings.
1. LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE BESIDES EARTH
According to the Scientists there are possibilities of life besides the planet Earth. No wonder they are sending rockets and spaceships to nearby planets such as Mars etc. Till today there is no authentic scientific proof that life exists besides the Earth.
The Glorious Qur’an says in Surah Al Shoora, Chapter 42, Verse 29:
“And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the living creatures that He has scattered through them: and He has power to gather them together when He wills.”
[Al-Qur’an 42:29]
From the above verse we come to know that life is not confined to our little planet earth and Allah has scattered living creatures throughout His universe i.e. through out the heavens and the earth.
-Science may discover after a 100 years or a 1,000 years regarding life on other heavenly planets.
Scientists wonder and analyse to find out if there are any similar earth as ours, elsewhere in the Universe.
A Mathematician Scientist by the name Frank Drake has worked out a probability equation that earth similar to ours does exist.
The Glorious Qur’an says in Surah Al Talaaq Chapter 65 Verse 12: “Allah is He Who created seven Firmaments and of the earth a similar number…”
[Al-Qur’an 65:12]
2. End of the Universe
Several scientists have given their prediction and hypothesis regarding the end of the universe. Some of these hypothesis are as follows:-
a. The mountains will collapse and the face of the earth will change.
b. The mountains and rocks will become smooth
c. There will be excessive heat and the oceans will dry up.
d. Few scientists say that the sun will increase in size and all living beings on earth will vanish while many say that the sun will shrink in size and vanish. Thus extinguishing life on earth.
e. Some say that the earth and the planet will come to an end by entering into a black hole.
Many theories of the scientists regarding the end of the Universe are compatible with the Qur’anic concept of the end of the world. The Qur’an describes several factors and signs regarding the end of the world.
i. In Surah Al Ahqaaf Chapter 46 Verse 3
“We created not the heavens and the earth and all between them but for just ends, and for a Term Appointed”
[Al-Qur’an 46:3]
The above verse indicates that the universe is created for a specified time period and will come to an end.
ii. Surah Al Qiyaamah Chapter 75 Verses 8 and 9 describes a few signs of the end of the world
“And the moon is buried in darkness, And the sun and moon are joined together.”
[Al-Qur’an 75:8-9]
ii. In Surah Al Takweer Chapter 81 Verses 1,2,3 and 6
“When the sun (with its spacious light) is folded up;
When the stars fall, losing their lustre;
When the mountains vanish (like a mirage);
When the oceans boil over with a swell”
[Al-Qur’an 81:1-3 and 6]
iv. In Surah Al Infitaar Chapter 82 Verses 1 to 3
“When the Sky is cleft asunder;
When the Stars are scattered;
When the Oceans are suffered to burst forth.”
[Al-Qur’an 82:1-3]
f. In a Universe that expands for all future time, the galaxies get even further apart. Astronomers think that about 1012 years (about a hundred times the present age of the Universe) all the hydrogen and helium in the interstellar medium will have been used up. At that stage star birth stops and the galaxies flicker out as the final generation of star dies.
3. NEW CREATION
a. In Surah Al Ambiyaa’ Chapter 21 Verse 104
“The Day that We roll up the heavens like a scroll rolled up for books (completed),- even as We produced the first creation, so shall We produce a new one: a promise We have undertaken: truly shall We fulfil it.”
[Al-Qur’an 21:104]
b. In Surah Ibraheem Chapter 14 Verse 48
“One day the earth will be changed to a different earth, and so will be the heavens, and (men) will be marshalled forth, before Allah, the One, the Irresistible.”
[Al-Qur’an 14:48]
From the above verses it is clear that a new creation has been promised by Allah on the Day of Judgement. He will repeat the creation based on the memory of the previous creation.
The new creation will be different from the world that we know now and our life will be eternal.
The Qur’an described this new creation with symbols and metaphors because it is impossible to have a concept of the new world in our present life on earth.
4. FIRST MAN ADAM (PBUH)
5. THE SOUL
6. JINNS AND ANGELS
7. LIFE AFTER DEATH (HEREAFTER)
The Qur’an has mentioned in several verses that there is life after death which science has not yet proved.
8. HELL AND HEAVEN
9. ITS NOT A BLIND BELIEF BUT A LOGICAL BELIEF. IF 80% PROVED CORRECT THEN EVEN 20% WILL BE CORRECT
The media today is in the hands of the Westerners. We read in the texbooks that from 8th to 12th centuries. it was the Dark Ages. It was dark for the Europeans not for the world. The Arabs and the Muslims were very much advanced. Today, because Science is advanced we are able to make so many discoveries. Back then, the amount of facilities were limited. With the limited instruments and technology, the discoveries that the Muslim Scientists made were unbelievable. Let me give you the names and achievements of Muslim scientists of the ‘Dark Ages’:
1. Ibn Nafis (1210 to 1288 CE) – He discovered blood circulation. However the credit is given to William Harvey who made it famous to the western world four centuries later.
2. Muhammad Al Idrisi – He completed World Geography and Map of Mediterranean in 1154 CE. Muslims drew the map with North Pole down and South Pole on top. Western Cartographers came and turned the map upside down, but amazingly, Ka’bah is yet in the centre of both the maps.
3. Mohammed Al Khowarizmi – Zero was learnt from the Indians and made its way to the Middle East. Mohammed Al Khowarizmi in 773 CE was the first who synthesised Indian Arithmetic and showed how the zero could function in Algebraic equations, and by the 9th century the zero had entered the Arabic Numerals system in a form of resembling the oval shape we use today.
4. Al Tusi – He proved Pythagoras Theorem in the 13th century.
5. Biruni – He was an expert in Trigonometry.
6. Al Kindi – He wrote around 200 works on Mathematics, Geometry and Logic. Galileo, Descartes and Newton believed all Physical phenomena to be absolute. Al Kindi said they are relative. Later Albert Einstein propounded the theory of relativity.
7. Mohammad, Ahmed and Hasan Shakir – They calculated the size of the earth from the measurement of a degree on the shore of the Red sea.
8. Jabir Ibn Hayyan – He compiled 2000 pages on various Chemical phenomena. The word Alcohol is derived from the Arabic word ‘Al Gul’. Alkali etc. are Arabic words.
9. Mohammed Zakariya Ar-Razi (865 to 925 CE) – He wrote 200 medical works. His findings on smallpox and measles were at one time an authority on the subject. He wrote a book on children’s disease. He also prepared mercury ointment.
10. Ali Ibn Abbas – He wrote 20 volumes on the theory and practice of medicine.
11. Ali Ibn Sina (Avicenna) (980 to 1037 CE) – He was a Philosopher, Astronomer and a Physician. He was given the title ‘Aristotle of East’. He wrote the book ‘Al Kanoon’ (The Canon) and it was the main text book of medicine till the 17th century.
12. Ibn Zuhor (1162 CE) – He was the first to concede the idea of Bronchotomy.
13. Az Zahrawi – He was a surgeon, dentist and obstetrician. He did treatment for deformities of mouth and dental arches. He invented several instruments of Surgery, Gynaecology as well as Dentistry. I do agree that today Muslims are getting backward in Science. The Europeans are very much advanced. The Muslims are getting backward, because we are going away from the Glorious Qur’an and our religion, Islam. The Europeans are getting advanced because they too are going away from their religion. If Muslims read the Qur’an with understanding and implement it in their daily lives, then In sha Allah, again we will be on top of the world.
I am aware that in the 6th century BC the Pythagoreans defended the theory of the rotation of the earth on its own axis and the movement of planets around the sun. This theory was confirmed later by modern science. People may allege that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) copied these points from the Pythagoreans. It must be remembered that the same Pythagoreans also defended the theory that the sun was fixed in space and they also believed that the sun was the centre of the universe. To imagine that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) copied only those points, which were to be proved later by modern science to be correct and left out those points, which were to be proved as false, is highly difficult.
It may be probable for a few points but considering more than a 1000 verses in the Qur’an speaking about science it is impossible if the theory of probability is applied.
It is quite common in the works of great Philosophers of antiquity to find a mixture of valid and invalid ideas about the universe and other phenomenon. These people were great thinkers and were brilliant in their works, but one should not overlook the other wrong and mistaken concepts, which they left behind. People boast about the fulfilled prophecies of Nostradamus but do not speak about several inaccuracies in them, which were totally false. From a strict scientific point of view, this is what distinguishes them from the Qur’an where the works of the philosophers contain mixed valid and invalid points whereas in the Qur’an there is not a single statement or verse which conflicts with established modern scientific facts.
Allah says in the Glorious Qur’an in Surah Al Nisaa’ Chapter 4 Verse 82
“Do they not consider the Qur'an (with care)? Had it been from other than
Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy.”
[Al Qur’an 4:82]
The Qur’an describes the various embryological stages of the human beings in Surah Al Mu’minoon Chapter 23 Verses 12 to 14 which have been confirmed scientifically today. At the end of Surah Al Mu’minoon Chapter 23 Verse 14 it is mentioned:
“So blessed be Allah, the best to create!”
[Al-Qur’an 23:14]
The Arabic word used i.e. ‘Khaaliq’, is derived from ‘Khalaqa’ which has four meanings:-
i. Creation from nothing and without a previous example which is only possible for Allah (swt).
ii. Creation of something new from a pre-existing material.
iii. Planning or Program
iv. Making smooth
The Qur’an poses the question in Surah Al Toor Chapter 52 Verse 35 “Were they created of nothing”
[Al-Qur’an 52:35]
The answer is obviously ‘No’ because nothingness cannot originate anything. One of the basic principles of Modern Science is to find a cause for every observation.
The second question is posed in the same Verse of Surah Al Toor Chapter 52 Verse 35
“Or were they themselves the creators?”
[Al-Qur’an 52:35]
The answer is again negative. If man could create himself then he would have brought himself back from the dead. We know it is impossible for man even to create a fly. Moreover one cannot imagine that the origin of man was the work of the reproductive system, the testes, ovaries, uterus or genes etc. The creation of the new individual is not possible without the work of all vital systems in the father and the mother, which enable the reproductive system to function and this further includes the system of our ancestors. Therefore neither nothingness nor parts of man can give rise to a new individual, nor can man create himself.
The Qur’an poses another question in Surah Al Waaqiyah Chapter 56 Verses 58 and 59
Do ye then see?- The (human Seed) that ye throw out,-
Is it ye who create it, or are We the Creators?
[Al-Qur’an 56:58-59]
The only option remains is that as some people may say that the origin of man was the result of random chance. Let’s analyse the probability of the creation of man as a result of random chance.
They are made up of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur. These molecules are structures that may contain tens of thousands of atoms. There are about 92 naturally occurring elements which are randomly scattered. The probability of union of 5 elements of protein molecule to form one protein molecule by chance was calculated by Frank Allien as only 1 in 10160 that is once in one zero zero zero zero… 160 zeros and the quantities of interacting substances to produce this molecule have been estimated to be so colossal as to be millions of times bigger than the universe.
According to Charles Ugene Guy, the time required was calculated to be 10243 years. If one calculates how many protein molecules are there in one cell, how many molecules of other compounds and how many molecules are there in all the cells of the body, the total comes to about 6 billion at birth. The making of all this takes only 9 months. Does this process repeat itself in millions of embryos by a mere chance?
Al-Nutfah Al-Amshaaj (the zygote) develops into billions of cells by the end of the term. Each group of cell carry out specific function and are directed to specific position in body of the embryo with perfect timing during the complex process of ever-changing creation. Each of these organs has been constructed physically and chemically for the physiological and biochemical functions for which it was planned. Furthermore, each organ system has been closely related and connected with other systems for coordinations of their functions. Can all of this occur by chance and repeat itself regularly and consistently in human embryos and those of animals and plants?
It is far more logical to assume that all the alphabets and words in an encyclopaedia containing 1000’s of pages along with its chapters, headings and figures alongwith 1000’s of its similar copies have come together by chance. If you can imagine that all the millions of alphabets present in the encyclopaedia some of which are capital, others are small, some bold, some italics, some normal etc. are all mixed together then an alphabet is picked up at random and placed one after the other. The probability of it forming the same huge encyclopaedia of 1000’s of pages can be imagined. This act is repeated a 1000 times is still more logical and easier coming by chance than the creation of a human being.
The creation of a human being surely does not take place by chance or by nature but is surely planned and programmed by the Creator. Furthermore this Creator creates all the living creatures in the world and you see His signs throughout the universe, the sun, the moon, the stars etc., all of these are programmed by the same Creator.
The Qur’an calls this Creator i.e. ‘Khaaliq’ as Allah (swt) and in English language it’s referred to as ‘God’.
Science is not eliminating God but eliminating models of God which in Arabic means ‘La ilaaha ill-Allah’.
The birth of Jesus (pbuh) without any male intervention is a miracle. A miracle is anything that takes place out of the normal course of life for which humankind has no scientific explanation. All the miracles, which took place previously, only a few can be proved scientifically today. Majority of them cannot be analyzed or verified by us today because these miracles happened in the past. If a miracle takes place today then it is a phenomenon for which there is no scientific explanation.
Regarding the birth of Jesus (pbuh) the Qur’an mentions in Surah Aali Imraan Chapter 3 Verses 45 to 47
Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah; "He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. And he shall be (of the company) of the righteous."
She said: "O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man hath touched me?" He said: "Even so: Allah createth what He willeth: When He hath decreed a plan, He but saith to it, 'Be,' and it is!
[Al-Qur’an 3:45-47]
Since the Qur’an mentions very clearly that Jesus (pbuh) was born without any male intervention i.e. without any father, all the Muslims believe in it. Though a similar message is also given in the Bible in the Gospel of Luke Chapter 1 Verse 35 and Gospel of Matthew Chapter 1 Verse 18, there are many modern day Christians who do not believe that Jesus (pbuh) was born without any male intervention.
If you ask me today how can I prove it scientifically, I can only give you a simile, and an example that scientifically it is a proven fact that this thing takes place in certain animals and beings. Modern Science has confirmed that many animals are born and reproduced without fertilization from the male of that specie. For example, a male bee is no more than an egg which has not been fertilized by the male. Moreover male bees are created from the eggs of the Queen but without fertilization by a male. On the other hand, the egg which has been fertilized by the male functions as a female bee. Today we also have scientific means of stimulating the female’s egg of some organism (specie) so that the egg develops without fertilization by a male. According to Prof. G. C. Goeringer who is a Prof. of Anatomy at Georgetown Medical School Washington, USA, he says “In another type of approach unfertilized eggs of many species of invertebrates, amphibians and lower mammals can be activated by mechanical (such as pricking with a needle), physical (such as thermal shock) or chemical means by any of a number of different chemical substances and continue to advance to stages of development. In some species, this system of parthenogenesis development is natural.’
I personally do not know how Jesus (pbuh) was born without any male intervention. I have only proved to you that scientifically it is possible in animals and other species. This is due to the plan of Allah (swt). Similarly it is only Allah’s will and desire that it happened as the Qur’an says: “Allah createth what He willeth: When He hath decreed a plan, He but saith to it, 'Be,' and it is!”
[Al-Qur’an 3:47]
For Allah (swt) to create a human being without male intervention is very easy. If He wishes, it’s easy for Him to even create a million human beings without male intervention.
Previously it was the age of miracles therefore the previous Prophets performed miracles to prove that they were from God. But most of these miracles do not hold good today since it does not give us the option to verify them today.
All the Prophets that came before Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) were only sent for their people and their message was meant only for a particular time. Therefore the miracles they performed may not be applicable for all times. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the last and final messenger of God and was not sent only for a group of people but for the whole humankind and the message revealed to him i.e. the Glorious Qur’an is applicable till eternity. Though Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) himself performed several miracles he only emphasized on the Glorious Qur’an. Even though the Muslims believe in the miracles performed by him, we boast about the ultimate miracle i.e. the Glorious Qur’an which satisfied the people of that time, can even be proved to be a miracle today scientifically, as well as in future. It is a miracle of all times.
The Glorious Qur’an says in Surah Al Hadeed Chapter 57 Verse 25 “We sent down Iron, in which is (material for) mighty war, as well as many benefits for mankind…”
[Al-Qur’an 57:25]
The Arabic word used is ‘Anzala’ which means ‘to send down’. Now ‘Anzala’ can be looked at in two different ways. One way is ‘Allah has sent down’ meaning ‘Allah has revealed’. So Allah has revealed that in ‘Iron’ there is material for war and benefits for humankind. We know today that iron is one of the most important metals by which we get ‘Steel’. Steel and Iron are used for making instruments of war, like weapons, swords, spears, guns, etc. It’s even used for making instruments of peace, like brick layer, instruments of an engineer, instruments of an architect, knife, fork, spoon, etc. So if you read the first meaning, it says that Allah has revealed that in Iron there are various benefits and material for war.
The other way is to take it literally, that ‘Iron has been sent down from the Heaven’. This verse of Surah Al Hadeed Chapter 57 Verse 25 was shown to Professor Armstrong from NASA to comment. “Iron has been sent down from Heaven”
He tells us that recently Scientists have come to know about the formation process of various elements. They say that the energy required to make one atom of Iron is so enormous that the energy of the whole Solar System is not sufficient. A calculation was made that energy four times that of the Solar System is made to produce one atom of Iron. It means the energy of the Moon, the Stars, the Sun, the Planets, etc. will not be sufficient to produce one atom of Iron. Scientists today tell us that ‘Iron’ is an extra terrestrial metal, which is confirming the Qur’anic Verse if taken literally, that Iron has been sent down from the Heaven.
It is mentioned in the Glorious Qur’an in Surah Al Sajdah Chapter 32 Verse 7: “He Who has made everything which He has created most good: He began the creation of man with (nothing more than) clay”
[Al-Qur’an 32:7]
Evil cannot be attributed to God
The Prophet (pbuh) made it clear that evil is not attributable to Allah by saying: "I respond to your call (O Allah!), and I am obedient to your orders, all Good is in Your Hands, and the evil is not attributable to You, I am by You, and to You, Blessed are Thee and Exalted… "(Collected by Muslim)
Evil is the outcome of our evil actions hence part of the Decree
The authentic texts indicate clearly that evil and good are part of the decree
but Evil is decreed in Allah’s creation and Allah does not attribute evil actions
or creation of Evil to Himself it is therefore the outcome of Evil.
It is mentioned in the Glorious Qur’an in Surah Al Nisaa’ Chapter 4 Verse 79:
“Whatever good, (O man!) happens to thee, is from Allah; but whatever evil
happens to thee, is from thy (own) soul. and We have sent thee as a
messenger to (instruct) mankind. And enough is Allah for a witness”
[Al-Qu’ran 4:79]
It is mentioned in the Glorious Qur’an in Surah Al Room Chapter 30 Verse 41
"Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of (the meed) that the hands
of men have earned, that (Allah) may give them a taste of some of their
deeds: in order that they may turn back (from Evil)."
[Al-Qur’an 30:41]
When Jibrael came to RasoolAllah (pbuh) and asked what eeman was?” The
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “It is to believe in
Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Last Day, and to believe
in divine destiny (qadr), both the good and the evil of it.”
[Sahih Muslim]
Hasan bin Alee(raa) reported that the Prophet(pbuh) used to supplicate the
dua Qunoot in witr prayer which he taught him” and save me from the evil of
what you have decreed”
[Muslim, Ahmed 1723, Jami Tirmidhi-464]
Quote of Ibn Taymiyah (ra)
“The creation of evil means the inaction of acts that are absolutely evil in
every respect and do not have any element of good in it. Allah does not create
or will anything absolutely evil, as His wisdom rejects it. It is neither an
element of His attributes nor His actions.”
A. Allah does not create something absolutely evil:
Allah created Satan which only brings forth evil alone apparently. As a result, man sins and repents, he controls his desires abstains from Satan’s temptation and does righteous deeds and strives against his way . This resorts a believer to Allah’s protection, seeking of His refuge and shelter. Satan’s actions are the stimuli for man’s good deeds. Moreover, positive repercussions of his actions outweigh its negative effects so it is more pleasing for Allah (Swt) to create Satan than not to have him. It is His divine wisdom. (Ibn taymiyyah)(2)
B. Allah’s are Wisdom, Mercy & Just denies creation of Absolute evil
(Mukhtasir al Qada wal Qadar)(3)
Moreover Allah also mentions that He has created everything with reason and
purpose. So if there is an apparent evil outcome of creation; it too has a
purpose. Its creation would be purposeless if it only brought forth evil which
outweighed good. Even human beings would not let anything thrive which is
completely harmful according to their intellect; this conveys Allah’s Wisdom.
(Radiance of Faith)
It is mentioned in the Glorious Qur’an in Surah Saad Chapter 38 Verse 27
“Not without purpose did We create heaven and earth and all between! that
were the thought of Unbelievers! but woe to the Unbelievers because of the
Fire (of Hell)!”
[Al-Qur’an 38:27]
C. Calamites are decreed by Allah but take place as a result of man’s evil actions.
It is mentioned in the Glorious Qur’an in Surah Al Raad Chapter 13 Verse 11
“For each (such person) there are (angels) in succession, before and behind
him: They guard him by command of Allah. Allah does not change a people's
lot unless they change what is in their hearts. But when (once) Allah willeth a
people's punishment, there can be no turning it back, nor will they find,
besides Him, any to protect.”
[Al-Qur’an 13:11]
In the verse above “Good”, implies ” blessings” and bad means” calamities”.
Allah clearly states that misfortune, evil and destruction is decreed by Allah
but that is the fruit of their own actions. Allah does not decree evil to happen
unjustly. He is Just and Wise so avenges the astray through Calamities.
(Islamic creed Series-Dr.Umar S al Ashqar)(4)
Why does Allah allow evil to happen?
The most evil of creation is Satan. It is the wisdom of Allah to create such evil because of it good repercussions. Ibn al-Qayyim has responded to this question in under the heading, “”In the creation of Satan and his troops there is wisdom that none can completely grasp save Allah”. Among the wisdoms include
Evil (in absolute sense) is done by creation and not Creator
Evil happens by His Creational will only; not His Legal Wish. Though the
actions and creation are created by Allah (swt); however the acts are
attributed to the latter.
He only allows this evil to happen so much so or so long as its ultimate
repercussions are good. (Mukhtasir Al Qada wa Qadar) This good greatly
outweighs the evil and so the deed with respect to relative to Allah is not evil,
but is good.it is completely evil relative to the doer of the action, thus he is
punished for it.
An act is can be classified as evil or good with respect to the doer and the one
who receives it.
What man considers evil and destruction may actually be good for him. It is
his limited knowledge and finite intellect which tells him so.(ibn taymiyyah)(6)
It is mentioned in the Glorious Qur’an in Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 Verse
216:
“Fighting is prescribed for you, and ye dislike it. But it is possible that ye dislike
a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But
Allah knoweth, and ye know not.”
[Surah Al Baqarah 2:216]
Cutting off the thief’s hand or stoning the adulterer is an evil thing for the thief
and the adulterer, but it is good for them in one respect because it is
purification for them so that the punishment of this life and the Hereafter are
not combined for them.
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 no less than 52 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.
Allah says in Surah Al Nisaa’ Chapter 4 Verse 56:
“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
Besides being Merciful and Forgiving, Allah 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’ Chapter 4 Verse 40:
“Allah is never unjust in the least degree.”
[Al-Qur’an 4:40]
It is further mentioned in Surah Al-Ambiyaa’ Chapter 21 Verse 47:
“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 Chapter 67 Verse 2:
“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.
1. This Life is a test for the hereafter
It is mentioned in the Glorious Qur’an in Surah Al Mulk Chapter 67 Verse 2
“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]
Even if a student is good in studies he will not be promoted to a higher class
until he undergoes the test or the examination. Similarly a good person has to
undergo the test of this life to get success in the Hereafter.
2. Trials may elevate one’s status in the Hereafter
It is mentioned in the Glorious Qur’an in Surah Al Anfaal Chapter 8 Verse 28:
“And know ye that your possessions and your progeny are but a trial; and that
it is Allah with Whom lies your highest reward.”
[Al-Qur’an 8:28]
Suppose a child is born with congenital defects to parents who are good and righteous. Allah (swt) may be testing the parents whether they yet are thankful to their Creator or not. May be the parents are righteous and pious and deserve Jannah. If Allah wants to give them a higher place in Jannah, He will test them further. Yet if they are thankful to their Creator, they will deserve a higher reward i.e. the Jannatul Firdous.
3. Sometimes trials are put for good reasons
Suppose a child suffers from a severe disease due to which the doctor advises
to amputate his leg. A loving and caring father will allow the doctor to
amputate the leg of his son. There is no doubt that the father loves his son.
Yet his action was for the benefit of his beloved son, although it may seem
cruel to his child who may not understand the circumstances.
Allah mentions in the Qur’an in Surah Al Baqarah Chapter 2 Verse 216
“…But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye
love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knoweth, and ye know not.”
[Al-Qur’an 2:216]
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “If Allah wants to do good to someone, he puts him
to trials”
[Sahih Al-Bukhari Vol. 7, The Book of Patients, Chapter 1, Hadith No. 5645]
The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “On the Day of Resurrection, when
people who had suffered affliction are given their reward, those who were
healthy will wish their skins had been cut to pieces with scissors when they
were in the world.”
[Sunan Al Tirmidhi, Vol. 4, The Book of Zuhd, Chapter 58, Hadith No. 2402]
4. Trials brings a person closer to His Creator
It is apparent that man in times of crisis gets closer to Allah while in times of
ease and comfort he tends to forget Allah. One recognizes his weakness when
afflicted with a trial and it makes him humble.
It is mentioned in the Glorious Qur’an in Surah Al An’aam Chapter 6 Verse 42:
“Before thee We sent (messengers) to many nations, and We afflicted the
nations with suffering and adversity, that they might learn humility.”
[Al-Qur’an 6:42]
5. Allah expiates the sins
Calamities are a means of expiation of sin.
The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, "No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor
hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a
thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that."
[Sahih Al-Bukhari Vol. 7, The Book of Patients, Chapter 1, Hadith No. 5641]
In the Bible God has sons by the tons.
Consider the following verses from the Bible.
“…Adam, which was the son of God”
“That the son of God saw the daughters of men, that they were fair…”
“…Israel is my son, even my firstborn”
“…for I (God) am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn”
“…the Lord hath said unto me, thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee.”
“For as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” According to the Bible every righteous person who follows the commandment of God is referred to as the son of God.
The Christian agrees with the reasoning that in the Bible God has got many sons but says that “Jesus was not like that”, Adam was made by God, every living thing was made by God, but Jesus (pbuh) was the begotten son of God. Begotten not made.
And the Christian quotes from the Gospel of John Chapter 3 Verse 16:“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
a. The Qur’an mentions in Surah Maryam Chapter 19 Verses 88 to 92. They say: "(Allah) Most Gracious has begotten a son!" Indeed ye have put forth a thing most monstrous! At it the skies are ready to burst, the earth to split asunder, and the mountains to fall down in utter ruin, That they should invoke a son for (Allah) Most Gracious. For it is not consonant with the majesty of (Allah) Most Gracious that He should beget a son. [Al-Qur’an 19:88-92]
b. The Qur’an mentions in Surah Al Ikhlaas Chapter 112 Verse 3 “He begetteth not, nor is He begotten” [Al-Qur’an 112:3]
In order to know the answer, we need to read this verse “I and my father are one” in context, which is from Gospel of John Chapter 10 Verse 30. The context begins from Verse 23:
23. “And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.”
24. “Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.”
25. “Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.”
26. “But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.”
27. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”
28. “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
29. “My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.”
30. “I and my Father are one.”
One in what? In their Omniscience? In their Nature? In their Omnipotence? No! One in purpose! That once a believer has accepted faith, the Messenger sees to it that he remains in faith, and God Almighty also sees to it that he remains in faith. This is the purpose of the "Father" and the "son" and the "Holy Ghost" and of every man and every woman of faith. Let the same John explain his difficulty. It is mentioned in Gospel of John Chapter 17 Verses 21 to 23:
21. That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23. I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
If Jesus is "one" with God, and if that "oneness" makes him God, then the traitor Judas, and the doubting Thomas, and the satanic Peter, plus the other nine who deserted him when he was most in need will be Gods. Will the Christians accept Jesus (pbuh) alongwith his disciples as Gods? Wll they believe in the Concept of 13 Gods i.e. Jesus (pbuh) and his 12 disciples?
It is mentioned in Gospel of John Chapter 10 Verses 31 to 36:
31. Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
32. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
33. The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
34. Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
35. If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
36. Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
"Ye are gods:" He is obviously quoting from the 82nd Psalms, Verse 6, "I have said, ye are gods: and all of you are the children of the most High." Jesus, continues: "If he (i.e. God Almighty) called them gods, unto whom the word of God came (meaning that the prophets of God were called 'gods') and the scripture cannot be broken..." (John 10:35), in other words he is saying: "you can't contradict me!" Jesus knows his Scripture; he speaks with authority; and he reasons with the Jews that: "If prophets of God are being addressed as 'gods' in the Old Testament, with which you find no fault, then why do you take exception to me?
Hence, the expression "I and my Father are one," was very innocent, meaning nothing more than a common purpose with God.
In the Gospel of John Chapter 14 Verse 6 Jesus (pbuh) said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the father, but by me.” To understand the verse better we should read the context i.e. Gospel of John Chapter 14 Verses 1 to 6
1. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2. In my father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.
4. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know
5. Thomas, saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the father, but by me.
Jesus (pbuh) being a Prophet of God, rightly said that he was the way to God. Every Prophet of God during his time is the way, the truth and the life and no man comes to God but through him.
Moses (pbuh) during his time was the way, the truth and the life, no man could come to God but through Moses (pbuh). Every Prophet of God in his time is the ultimate path and guidance to God.
Today the last and final messenger of God is Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who is the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto God but through the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Some Christians consider the statement of Jesus (pbuh) “he that hath seen me hath seen the Father” in the verse of Gospel of John Chapter 14 Verse 9, as a proof that Jesus (pbuh) claimed divinity.
If you read in context, its mentioned in Gospel of John Chapter 14 Verses 7 to 9
7. “If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
8. Philip saith unto him, Lord shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
9. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?”
Jesus (pbuh) says in the Gospel of John Chapter 14 Verse 7,
“If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him and have seen him.”
Seeing according to Jesus (pbuh) means knowing. Thus he who knows Jesus (pbuh) also knows God. The Miracles and works of the Prophets bear testimony to the existence of God.
It is mentioned in Gospel of John Chapter 1 Verse 1: “In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God”?
These words are not the words of Jesus (pbuh), but of St. John (or whoever is the author of this Gospel). Christian scholars say that these were the words of a Jew, Philo of Alexandria who wrote them before Jesus (pbuh) and John were born and claimed no divine inspiration for them.
If we substitute the word ‘word’ with the word ‘God’ then it will be, “In the beginning was the God, and the God was with God, and God was God.” Does this mean there were two Gods?
The New Testament is written in Greek. The Greek word used for ‘God’ when it occurs for the first time in the quotation is ‘Hotheos’ which literally means ‘the God’ i.e. “and the word was with God”. But the second time when God appears in the quotation, the Greek word used is ‘Tontheos’, which means ‘a god’ i.e. “and the word was god”.
In Hebrew there is nothing like capital ‘G’ and small ‘g’ like in the English language. Thus ‘Hotheos’ is ‘the God’ with capital ‘G’ and Tontheos is ‘a god’ with small ‘g’
The Biblical scholars have reversed their system while translating the verse of II Corinthians Chapter 4 Verse 4 “(and the devil is) the god of this world.” Here ‘Hotheos’ has been wrongly translated as ‘the god’, instead of ‘the God’.
In Exodus Chapter 7 Verse 1 the Lord said unto Moses, see, I have made thee god to Pharoah” Why is a small ‘g’ used for God instead of Capital ‘G’?“
a. Jesus (pbuh) said in the Book of Revelation Chapter 1 Verse 7:
"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending."
b. He repeated the statement in the Book of Revelation Chapter 1 Verse 11:
“I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.”
c. Jesus (pbuh) says in the Book of Revelation Chapter 22 Verse 13
"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last."
Book of Revelation is a book of dream seen by St. John. In his dream he sees absurd and weird things such as beast with seven heads and ten horns etc. In this unrealistic dream St. John says that Jesus (pbuh) said that he was Alpha and Omega. So in reality Jesus (pbuh) never uttered these words.
Jesus (pbuh) was not Alpha i.e. the first or the beginning because Jesus (pbuh) had a beginning in the stable when he was born. Thus he was not the first or the beginning.
Every Messenger at his time is the Alpha and Omega as far as the Law of the religion is concerned. At the time of Jesus (pbuh), he was the Alpha and Omega as far as the teachings of Almighty God were concerned.
The Qur’an mentions in Surah Aali ‘Imraan, Chapter 3, Verse 45
“Behold! The angels said: O Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus. The son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those Nearest to Allah.” [Al-Qur’an 3:45]
Jesus (pbuh) is referred in the Qur’an as a word from Allah and not as ‘the word of Allah’.
“A word” from Allah means a message of Allah. If a person is referred to as “a word” from Allah, it means that he is a Messenger or a Prophet of Allah.
Different titles are given to different Prophets (pbut). Whenever a title is given to a Prophet (pbuh), it does not necessarily mean that the other Prophets (pbut) do not have the same characteristic or quality. For example Prophet Abraham (pbuh) is referred to in the Qur’an as Khaleelullah, a friend of Allah.
This does not indicate that all the other Prophets (pbuh) were not the friends of Allah. Prophet Moses (pbuh) is referred to in the Qur’an as Kaleemullah, indicating that God spoke to him. This does not mean that God did not speak to others. Similarly when Jesus (pbuh) is referred to in the Qur’an as Kalimatullah, “a word from Allah”, it does not mean that the other Prophets were not “the word,” of Allah.
Yahya (pbuh) i.e. John the Baptist (pbuh) is also referred to in the Qur’an as Kalimatullah i.e. a word from Allah in Surah Aali ‘Imran, Chapter 3, Verses 38- 39.
“There did Zakariya pray to his Lord, saying: “O my Lord! Grant unto me from Thee a progeny that is pure: for Thou art He that heareth prayer! While he was standing in prayer in the chamber, the angels called unto him: “Allah doth give thee glad tidings of Yahya, witnessing the truth of a Word from Allah, and (be besides) noble, chaste, and a Prophet – of the (goodly) company of the righteous.” [Al-Qur’an 3:38-39]
Jesus (pbuh) also never referred to as Roohullah “a spirit of Allah” but as a spirit from Allah in Surah Al Nisaa’ Chapter 4 verse 171
“O People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion: nor say of Allah aught but the truth. Jesus Christ the son of Mary was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah, And His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a Spirit proceeding from Him: so believe in Allah and His Messengers. Say not ‘Trinity’: desist: it will be better for you: for Allah is One God: glory be to Him: (Far Exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is Allah as a Disposer of affairs.” [Al-Qur’an 4:171]
A spirit from Allah does not indicate that Jesus (pbuh) is God. The Qur’an mentions in several places that Allah breathed into the human beings “His Spirit” in Surah Al-Hijr, Chapter 15, Verse 29 in Surah Al Sajdah, Chapter 32, Verse 9
Surah Al Hijr Chapter 15 Verse 29:
“When I have fashioned him (in due proportion) and breathed into him of My spirit, fall ye down in obeisance unto him.” [Al-Qur’an 15:29]
Surah Al Sajdah Chapter 32 verse 9:
“But He fashioned him in due proportion, and breathed into him something of His spirit. And He gave you (the faculties of) hearing and sight and feeling (and understanding): little thanks do ye give!” [Al-Qur’an 32:9]
It is mentioned in Gospel of John Chapter 20 Verse 28
“And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.” To understand what Thomas meant when he said to Jesus (pbuh), “My Lord and my God”, we have to read the context.
It is mentioned in Gospel of John Chapter 20 Verses 24 to 29:
24. But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Did’-y-mus, was not with them when Jesus came.
25. The other disciples therefore said unto him, we have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
26. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: Then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
27. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
28. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
29. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
From the context it is clear that when Thomas said to Jesus (pbuh), ‘My Lord and my God, it was a statement of exclamation and surprise. Thomas did not believe other disciples when they said that Jesus (pbuh) was seen alive. Thomas says, until he does not see the print of the nails of Jesus (pbuh) hand and put his finger into the prints and thrust his hand into his sides, he will not believe that Jesus (pbuh) is alive, when Jesus (pbuh) appears and asks him to do the same, Thomas answers, ‘My Lord and my God’.
This is the statement of shock and surprise and he could not believe it. ‘My God and my Lord’ does not signify that Jesus (pbuh) was called ‘Lord’ and ‘God’ by Thomas.
For instance, if I am speaking with my friend for a very long time without realizing it, and I suddenly see my watch and say, “My God, it is so late” or “My God” it does not indicate that I am caling my friend ‘My God’.
It' is mentioned in the Bible in Gospel of John Chapter 8 Verse 58:
“Jesus said unto them, verily, verily, I say unto you, before Abraham was, I am”
The Christians derive two meanings from the above verse.
The Christians say that since Jesus (pbuh) said, that he was present before Abraham (pbuh), indicates that he was God. Jesus (pbuh) does not become God because he was present before Abraham (pbuh), since each and every human being was present in the knowledge of God, before he was born and came to this world.
It is mentioned in the Bible in Jeremiah Chapter 1 Verse 5
"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."
Christians claim that ‘I am’ means ‘God’, because when Moses (pbuh) asks God that by what name should he call God, when he says to the children of Israel that the God of your Father has sent me. The reply is given in Exodus Chapter 3 Verse 14
"And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, ‘I AM’ hath sent me unto you."
If ‘I AM’ is the name of God then the name remains the same in all the languages. The Hebrew words used in Exodus Chapter 3 Verse 14 for, "I am that I am" are “Yehehe Ashar Yehehe” and the Greek word used for 'I am' in John Chapter 8 Verse 58 is Ego-eme.
Some Christians claim that ‘I am’ is the name of God and thus Jesus (pbuh) claimed divinity. Even if I agree for the sake of argument that ‘I am’ means God, then Jesus (pbuh) only said that before Abraham was God, which does not mean that Jesus (pbuh) is God.
Some argue that ‘I am’ means I am, meaning Jesus (pbuh) was, and at the same time say that ‘I am’ is the name of god. A person can choose one of the above explanations but not both at the same time. If ‘I am’ means Jesus (pbuh) was, then we agree that Jesus (pbuh) was, present in the knowledge of God before Abraham (pbuh). If ‘I am’ is name of God then too we agree that before Abraham (pbuh) was God. It is not possible to follow both the explanations at the same time, it’s like a person saying, ‘I will eat the complete cake and at the same time keep the complete cake.’
The word ‘Trinity’ does not exist anywhere in the whole Bible but it is mentioned in the Glorious Quran:
a) Surah Al Nisaa’ Chapter 4 Verse 171
“Say not "Trinity": desist: it will be better for you: for Allah is one Allah.” [Al-Qur’an 4:171]
b) Surah Al Maa’idah Chapter 5 Verse 73
“They do blaspheme who say: Allah is one of three in a Trinity: for there is no god except One Allah. If they desist not from their word (of blasphemy), verily a grievous penalty will befall the blasphemers among them.” [Al-Qur’an 5:73]
The Verse in the Bible which is closest to Trinity and is often quoted by Christian missionaries is first Epistle of John Chapter 5 Verse 7
"For there are three that bear record in heaven, the father, the word and holy ghost; and these three are one"
In the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, revised by 32 Christian Scholars of the highest eminence backed by 50 different cooperating denominations, this verse which is the keystone of the Christian faith has been removed as an interpolation, as a fabrication, as a concoction. It has not been expunged by the Muslims or non-Christian Scholars but by 32 Christian Scholars of the highest eminence backed by 50 different cooperating denominations because according to them this verse does not exist in the original manuscripts. We Muslims must congratulate the galaxy of Doctors of Divinity who have been honest enough to eliminate another lie from the English R.S.V. Bible thus bringing it closer to the teachings of Islam and the Glorious Quran, which says,
“Say: He is Allah, the One and Only”
Jesus (pbuh) never spoke about Trinity i.e. three in one but he said:
a. Gospel of Mark Chapter 12 Verses 29
"Shama Israel Adonai Ila Hayna Adna Ikhad" It’s a Hebrew quotation
which means; "Hear, O Israel, The Lord our God is one Lord".b. In Gospel of John Chapter 14 Verse 28
"My Father is Greater than I”
c. In Gospel of John Chapter 10 Verse 29
"My Father is Greater than all”
d. In the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 12 Verse 28
"…. I cast out devils by the spirit of God…."
e. In the Gospel of Luke Chapter 11 Verse 20
"…. I with the finger of God cast out devils …."
f. In the Gospel of John Chapter 5 Verse 30
“I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I Judge and my Judgement is just; because I seek not my own will, but the will of the father which hath sent me.”
a. According to the Catechism of the Christian Church, "Father is a person, the son is a person and the Holy Ghost is a person but they aren’t three persons but one person." Person, person, person but not 3 persons, but one person! What language is this? 1+1+1=3 not 1. 1x3=3 and not 1. What makes a person different than the other person, it’s his personality.
b. If we have 3 identical triplets and if one of them commits murder, can we hang the other? The answer is ‘no’ because he is a different person having a different personality.
c. When the Christians speak about the Father in heaven they have a certain mental picture in mind of an elderly man somewhat like Santa Claus sitting on one of the planets with earth as his footstool. When they speak about the son, they have a certain mental picture in their mind. A tall handsome man who has a beard and long hair somewhat like Geoffery Hunter in the film ‘King of Kings’ one who did the role of Jesus (pbuh). When they speak about the Holy Ghost they have a certain mental picture in mind like that of a dove that came upon Jesus (pbuh) when he was baptised or like a spirit at the feast of Pentecost. If we ask the question to the Christian that how many mental pictures do they have when they speak about Trinity they say only one. They are lying to you, because 1+1+1=3 and not 1.
I agree that water can be present in three 3 states that is solid, liquid and gas, as ice, water and vapour but in all the three states the matter is the same i.e. H2O and contains 2 atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen. The material and components are the same only the form of matter differs. Water remains H2O in the form of solid i.e. ice. It remains H2O in the form of liquid i.e. water. It remains H2O in the form of gas i.e. vapour. In case of Trinity besides the form changing even the components and material differ. Father is God, Jesus is Man, and the Holy Ghost is a spirit and all three are not made up of the same matter or component. Man contains flesh and bones. God and Spirit do not contain flesh and bones. Man requires to eat etc. God doesn’t require to eat. No wonder Jesus (pbuh) in the last supper in the upper room mentioned in Gospel of Luke Chapter 24 Verses 39 to 43 (Luke 24:39-43)
39. "Behold my hands & feet that it is I myself, handle me and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have"
40. “And when he had thus Spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.”
41. “And while thing yet believed not for Joy and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any mean"
42. “And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of the honey comb."
43. "And he took it and did eat before them"
a. Regarding the 2nd example that a human being can be a father, a brother and a businessman at the same time so why can’t God be father, son and holy ghost. I do agree that the human being can be father, brother and a businessman at the same time but suppose the sister of that man tells him a secret but natural even the father and the businessman will know about it. But Jesus (pbuh) said in the Bible in Gospel of Mark Chapter 13 Verse 32
“But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in the heaven, neither the son, but the father".
Here the knowledge of the hour is only known to the father and not to the son indicating that God and Jesus Christ (pbuh) are not one and the same person.
b. A human can be a father, a brother, and a businessman at the same time but if the brother dies, even the father and the businessman will die. So when the Christians say that Jesus (pbuh) died on the Cross they will also have to agree that God and the Holy spirit died too.
No where does the Qur’an mention that the Bible is the word of God. However the Qur’an says that Injeel was the Wahi – Revelation revealed to Jesus Christ (pbuh). The Injeel revealed to Jesus Christ (pbuh) has not been preserved in its pure form.
The present day Bible is not the Injeel which we Muslims believe was revealed
to Jesus (pbuh), which was the word of God. The present day Bible is the
corrupted form of the Injeel. Allah says in the Glorious Qur’an in Surah Al
Baqarah, Chapter 2, Verse 79:
“Then woe to those who write the Book with their own hands, and then say:
"This is from Allah," to traffic with it for miserable price! - Woe to them for
what their hands do write, and for the gain they make thereby.”
[Al Qur’an 2:79]
The Bible may contain the word of God but it also contains the words of the
Prophets, the words of Historians, as well as, I am sorry to say, Pornography.
If I have to speak about a person who is present then his name need not be
taken and can be referred as ‘he’ or ‘brother’ etc. But if I have to speak about
a person who is not present then his name has to be taken at least at the
beginning.
The Glorious Qur’an was revealed to the last and final messenger, Muhammad
(pbuh). Since the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and he
was present, thus his name need not be taken when the Qur’an was referring
to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). He is referred in the Qur’an more than a
hundred times as ‘Thee’, ‘Thou’, ‘The Prophet’ etc.
Since Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was not present when the Qur’an was being
revealed thus whenever his incident is mentioned in the Qur’an, his name had
to be taken at least in the beginning of the incident.
Prophet Moses (pbuh) is mentioned in the Qur’an by name 136 times. Does this make Prophet Moses (pbuh) superior to Prophet Jesus (pbuh), who is only mentioned 25 times in the Qur’an. The answer is No.
If being born without a mother makes a person a god then being born without
a mother and a father will make a person a greater god. The Bible and the
Qur’an both say that Adam (pbuh) was born without a mother and a father.
Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Aali ‘Imraan, Chapter 3, Verse 59
“The similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam; He created him from
dust, then said to him: "Be". And he was.”
[Al-Qur’an 3:59]
The Christians will immediately realise their mistake.
King Melchizedek had no mother, no father, no beginning, no end, no ascent,
no descent.
Melchizedek the Priest is mentioned in the Bible in Hebrews Chapter 7, verses
1 to 3.
“For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met
Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,
and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by
translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of
Salem, that is, king of peace.
He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days
nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever.”
[Hebrews 7:1-3]
Jesus Christ (pbuh) says in the Bible, Gospel of Matthew, Chapter No. 24,
Verse No. 24.
“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great
signs and wonders; in so much that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the
very elect.”
Thus according to Jesus Christ (pbuh) Miracle is not the test to identify a
Prophet.
The incidence where Jesus Christ (pbuh) gave life to the dead is mentioned in
Gospel of John, Chapter No. 11. It is clearly mentioned in Gospel of John,
Chapter 11, Verses 41 and 42,
Jesus (pbuh) says to Almighty God, “Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard
me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people
which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.”
Then Jesus (pbuh) says in Verse 43, “And when he thus had spoken, he cried
with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. ” That means Jesus Christ (pbuh) gave
life to the dead with God’s permission.
All the Miracles done by all the Prophets are done with God’s help. Jesus Christ
(pbuh) gave life to the dead with God’s permission. He healed those born
blind and leper with God’s permission.
Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Aali ‘Imraan, Chapter 3, Verse 49
"And (appoint him) a messenger to the Children of Israel, (with this message):
"'I have come to you, with a Sign from your Lord, in that I make for you out of
clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird
by Allah's leave: And I heal those born blind, and the lepers, and I quicken the
dead, by Allah's leave; and I declare to you what ye eat, and what ye store in
your houses. Surely therein is a Sign for you if ye did believe;” [Al-Qur’an 3:49]
Yet, if the Christian Missionaries illogically claim that Jesus (pbuh) is God because he gave life to the dead, then they have to also agree that Moses (pbuh) was a greater God. Not only did he give life to the dead but also changed the vegetable kingdom to animal kingdom when he converted the stick into snake.
Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was the only Prophet who was raised up alive because he was the only Prophet amongst all the Prophets of Allah (swt) whose followers as a whole mistook him that he claimed divinity. Almighty God Allah (swt) raised Jesus Christ (pbuh) alive so that in his second coming he would testify to the Christians that he never claimed Divinity.
In his second coming Jesus Christ (pbuh) will not bring any new message because he will not come as a Messenger of Allah but as a follower of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Later in the Hereafter Jesus Christ (pbuh) would testify to Almighty God that he never told his followers to worship him. It is mentioned in Surah Al Maa’idah, Chapter 5, Verse 116 And behold! Allah will say: "O Jesus the son of Mary! Didst thou say unto men, worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of Allah'?" He will say: "Glory to Thee! never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, thou wouldst indeed have known it. Thou knowest what is in my heart, Thou I know not what is in Thine. For Thou knowest in full all that is hidden.”[Al-Qur’an 5:116]
The Qur’an mentions in Surah Maryam, Chapter 19 Verses 27-28
“At length she brought the (babe) to her people, carrying him (in her arms).
They said: ‘O Mary! Truly an amazing thing hast thou brought!
O sister of Aaron! Thy father was not a man of evil, nor thy mother a woman
unchaste!’”[Al-Qur’an 19:27-28]
Christian missionaries say that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) did not know the
difference between Mary, the mother of Jesus (pbuh) and Miriam, the sister of
Aaron (pbuh). The time span between both was more than a thousand years.
In the Arabic construction of the sentence, sister is also considered as a
descendant. Thus, when the people said to Mary, Ukhta Haroon i.e. ‘sister of
Aaron’ it actually means descendant of Aaron (pbuh).
It is mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 1 Verse 1
>“Jesus Christ, the son of David,....”.
[Matthew 1:1]
Gospel of Luke Chapter 3, Verse 23
“And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was
supposed) the son of Joseph, .....”
[Luke 3:23]
What do you call a person who has two fathers? The explanation of the phrase that Jesus (pbuh) was the son of David (pbuh), is that Jesus (pbuh) was a descendant of David (pbuh). ‘Son’, here means a descendant.
It is mentioned in Surah Maryam, Chapter 19, Verse 33
“So Peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die and the Day that I
shall be raised up to life (again)”.[Al-Qur’an 19:33]
The Qur’an mentions that Jesus (pbuh) said “Peace is on me the Day I was
born, the day that I die”. It is not stated “the day that I died.” It is in the
future tense and not in the past tense.
The Qur’an further says in Surah Al Nisaa’, Chapter 4, Verses 157-158:
“That they said (in boast), ‘We killed Jesus Christ the son of Mary, the
Messenger of Allah’ – But they killed him not, Nor crucified him, but so it was
made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with
no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they
killed him not –
Nay, Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is exalted in Power, Wise.“[Al-Qur’an 4:157-158]
