What Are The Roles of Men And Women?

I would like to know what the roles of men and women are.

The roles of men and women are to worship Allah. You can do that as you see fit. There is no law against a woman being the breadwinner, or working. However, in Islam, a woman's money is her own, and she is under no obligation to spend it on the household. It is the man's obligation to spend on all the necessities of his household.

Islam has given women so many rights that were unheard of... a woman can choose whom she marries, has rights to inheritance, her money is her own, and does not belong to her husband, father, or any other male figure, and she is treated as her own person, with her own thoughts, beliefs, and opinions, and this was 1429 years ago!

There are Muslim women scholars, Muslim businesswomen and they are very much respected. To help answer your question further, I've posted an email I sent my prof last year when she posted an article that advocated many misconceptions regarding women in Islam... I also wrote an essay about it for my professor:

Good Afternoon,

I took a look at the Religion and Human Rights Assignment folder and I have to say that I am a bit offended at the subject "Sharia’ and Women's Rights," and not because I'm Muslim, but simply because the articles are just not true.

Sharia’ Law in itself does not violate women's rights. You may be a bit confused as to why I'm saying this, and probably the first thing that happens now is your mind wanders to Saudi Arabia and their treatment of women. I have to say now, that currently, there is no country in today's world that actually applies Sharia’. Some people think that the way supposedly "Muslim" countries govern is in adherence with Islamic Jurisprudence. However, this is not true. Islamic Jurisprudence are laws which are not only set in the Quran, but laws that the Prophet (peace be upon him) enforced. These two criteria must be met for something to be considered as Islamic Jurisprudence. The reason why we also follow the Prophet's example is because if we didn't, corrupt leaders would interpret the Quran as they see fit in order to justify their own agenda. In issues which involve no precedence by the Prophet (example: technology, etc.) The opinion of the majority of scholars is taken as law, and they must show proof of why their opinion is valid.

That being said, all of the examples in the articles are falsely attributed to Sharia’. For instance, article one gives the example of a woman who died and left behind her nine-year-old daughter and abusive husband, and how the family feared for the daughter. Of course, abuse is not tolerated in Islam, just like it is not tolerated in any other religion. The ruling of this is available at this link.

The article also mentions the story of a woman who had to give all her money to her husband and "had to beg him for money to buy a cup of coffee." This is absolutely absurd since under Sharia’ it states that a woman's money is her own, and her husband has no right over it. In fact, the husband is obligated to spend on all her needs and she does not have to give him even a penny. Not only that, but he is also obligated to spend on the needs of her children (be them his own or someone else's). So, in reality, a Muslim woman is allowed to work, but does not have to spend this money on anything, as her husband is obligated to provide for all her needs. One may think this is unfair to the man, however, it is completely fair. Men have always been stronger than women in both the physical sense and the social status sense. This law ensures that they do not abuse this strength, and actually teaches them that with strength comes responsibility. You can find proof of this at this link.

The article also claimed that the woman’s husband punished her by not sleeping with her, and also, he marred a “temporary wife” to fulfill his sexual desires. This is not in accordance with Islamic Jurisprudence, in that the woman did not commit wrong to begin with (as proved in the previous paragraph) and that marriage with the intention of divorce is not allowed in Islam. So if you marry someone, you truly marry them and plan to spend the rest of your life with them. Of course, if things don’t work out, divorce is permissible. (see link)

I am not arguing with this article for any reason other than the statements in the article are completely untrue. I do not mind arguing between secularism and the enforcement of Sharia’ law, but it is not fair to take the patriarchal beliefs of uneducated Muslims and blame it on Sharia’ law. That is why I would really appreciate if you could either find articles that are truthful, or at the very least claim that is what some people conceive to be Sharia’ law.

Thank you for your time.

What is the Muslim View of The Afterlife?

I just thought of one [a question]. What is your view of death and after death? Is there a type of judgement, heaven, hell, etc. concepts and what are they?

Death and the Hereafter:

This topic is very important. It was narrated by ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “What do I have to do with this world? My relationship with this world is like that of a traveller on a hot summer’s day, who seeks shade under a tree for an hour, then moves on.” (Reported by Ahmad and al-Haakim. Saheeh al-Jaami’, 5545)

The Messenger of Allah was also reported to have said: “If you but knew what I know, you would laugh little and cry a lot.” (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim).

Thus was the Messenger’s relationship with this world, and this is how our relationship with it should be as well.

There is Al-Qiyama al-Soghra and Al-Qiyama al-Kobra (The Minor and Major Day of Judgement).

Al-Qiyama al-Soghra starts with death.

There is the good ending and the bad ending and the righteous get a good ending.

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “When Allah wills good for His slave, He sweetens him.” He was asked, “What is this sweetening?” He said, “Allah guides him to do righteous deeds before he dies, then He takes (his soul) whilst he is in that state.” Narrated by Ahmad, 17330

Allah gives the believers glad tidings at the time of death:

“Verily, those who say: ‘Our Lord is Allah (Alone),’ and then they stand firm, on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): ‘Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!’” [Fussilat 41:30]

This is also indicated by the hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6507; Muslim, 2683 from the Mother of the Believers ‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever loves to meet Allah, Allah loves to meet him, and whoever hates to meet Allah, Allah hates to meet him.” I said, “O Prophet of Allah, do you mean hating death, for all of us hate death?” He said, “It is not like that; but when the believer is given the glad tidings of the mercy and pleasure of Allah, and His Paradise, he loves to meet Allah, And when the kaafir is given the tidings of the wrath and punishment of Allah, he hates to meet Allah and Allah hates to meet him.”

Al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: What this hadeeth means is that the love and hate that are referred to here are those that happen when one enters the stage in which repentance is not accepted, where the dying person is told of his situation and he is shown his destiny.

Signs of a good end:

1 – Uttering the shaahadah (testimony of faith) when dying, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “A person whose last words are Laa ilaaha ill-Allah [there is no go but Allah] will enter Paradise.” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 3116.

2 – Dying with sweat on the forehead, because al-Buraydah ibn al-Husayb (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say, “The believer dies with sweat on his forehead.” Narrated by Ahmad, 22513; al-Tirmidhi, 980; al-Nasaa’i, 1828.

3 – Dying on the night or day of Friday, because the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “there is no Muslim who dies on the day of Friday or the night of Friday, but Allah will protect him from the trial (fitnah) of the grave.” Narrated by Ahmad, 6546; al-Tirmidhi, 1074.

4 – Dying as a fighter for the sake of Allah, because Allah says:

“Think not of those as dead who are killed in the way of Allah. Nay, they are alive, with their Lord, and they have provision. They rejoice in what Allah has bestowed upon them of His Bounty and rejoice for the sake of those who have not yet joined them, but are left behind (not yet martyred) that on them no fear shall come, nor shall they grieve. They rejoice in a grace and a bounty from Allah, and that Allah will not waste the reward of the believers” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:169]

And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever is killed for the sake of Allah is a martyr, and whoever dies for the sake of Allah is a martyr.” Narrated by Muslim, 1915.

5 – Dying of the plague, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The plague is martyrdom for every Muslim.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 2830; Muslim, 1916.

It was narrated that ‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), the wife of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), said: I asked the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) about the plague, and he told me that it is a punishment that Allah sends upon whomsoever He will, and that Allah has made it a mercy for the believers, for there is no one who stays in his land at the time of a plague, bearing that with patience and seeking Allah’s reward, knowing that nothing will befall him but that which Allah has decreed for him, but he will be given a reward like that of a martyr.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3474.

6 – Dying of a stomach disease. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “… and whoever dies of a stomach disease is a martyr.” Narrated by Muslim, 1915.

7 – Dying because of being crushed by a falling wall or by drowning, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The martyrs are five: the one who dies of plague, the one who dies of a stomach disease, the one who drowns, the one who is crushed by a falling wall, and the one who is martyred for the sake of Allah.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 2829; Muslim, 1915.

8 – If a woman dies as a result of childbirth, or when she is pregnant. The evidence for that includes the hadeeth narrated by Abu Dawood (3111), according to which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “A woman who dies with child is a martyr.” al-Khattaabi said: What this means is if she dies with a child in her womb. ‘Awn al-Ma’bood.

And Imam Ahmad narrated (17341) that ‘Ubaadah ibn al-Saamit said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) told us about the martyrs and mentioned among them, “A woman who is killed by the child in her womb attains martyrdom, and her child will drag her by his umbilical cord to Paradise.”

9 – Death caused by burning, pleurisy (a disease) and tuberculosis. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Being killed for the sake of Allah is martyrdom; the plague is martyrdom; drowning is martyrdom; dying of a stomach disease is martyrdom; and the woman who dies in childbirth, her child will drag her by his umbilical cord to Paradise.” (Abu’l-Awaam, the custodian of Bayt al-Maqdis added: and burning and tuberculosis).

10 – Dying to defend one’s religion, one’s wealth or one’s life, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever is killed defending his wealth is a martyr; whoever is killed defending his religion is a martyr; whoever is killed in self-defence is a martyr.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 1421.

Al-Bukhaari (2480) and Muslim (141) narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say: “Whoever is killed defending his wealth is a martyr.”

11 – Dying guarding the borders of Islam for the sake of Allah. Muslim (1913) narrated that Salman al-Farisi (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Guarding the borders of Islam for one day and one night is better than fasting and praying at night for a whole month, and if he dies (whist performing this duty), he will go on receiving the reward for this great deed and his provision (continually), and he will be spared the questioning in the grave. ”

12 – One of the signs of a good end is dying whilst doing a righteous deed, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

“Whoever says La ilaha ill-Allah, seeking the Countenance of Allah thereby, and that is the last of his deeds, will enter Paradise. Whoever gives charity and that is the last of his deeds will enter Paradise.” Narrated by Imam Ahmad, 22813.

These are the good signs which point to a good end, but despite that we cannot be certain that a specific person is one of the people of Paradise unless the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) testified that he will go to Paradise, such as the four khalefahs (the four rightly guided caliphs).

Life in the grave:

With regard to the questioning in the grave and the state of the deceased, this questioning is real. The deceased person’s soul will be restored to him; saheeh reports to that effect have been narrated from the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). The life of the deceased in the grave is different from his life in this world; it is a special kind of life in al-barzakh (the interval between his death and the Day of Resurrection) which is not like his life in this world, where he needs food and drink etc. It is a special kind of life wherein he can understand the questions and answers, so the two angels will ask him, Who is your Lord? What is your religion? Who is your Prophet?

The believer will say, My Lord is Allah, Islam is my religion and Muhammad is my Prophet. This will be the answer of believing men and women. Then he will be asked, What do you know about this man (Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him))? He will say, He is the Messenger of Allah. He brought us guidance and we believed in him and followed him. It will be said: we knew that you were a believer. Then a gate to Paradise will be opened for him, and he will feel its rest and provision and blessings. It will be said, This is your place until Allah resurrects you to it. And he will be shown his place in Hell, and it will be said to him, This would have been your place if you had disbelieved in Allah, but now Allah has granted you refuge from it and you have ended up in Paradise.

As for the kafir (disbeliever), he will be asked about his Lord and his religion and his Prophet, and he will say, Oh, oh, I don’t know, I heard the people saying something so I said the same. Then he will be beaten with an iron rod and will utter a scream that will be heard by all things apart from al-thaqalayn, i.e. jinn and men; the animals will hear it. Then a gate to Hell will be opened for him, and his grave will constrict until his ribs intermingle, and his grave will be like one of the pits of Hell. A gate to Hell will be opened for him and he will feel its heat and torment. It will be said, This is your place until Allah resurrects you to it. Then a door to Paradise will be opened for him and he will be shown his place in Paradise, and it will be said to him, This would have been your place if Allah had guided you.

From this we know that the grave will be either one of the gardens of Paradise or one of the pits of Hell. The torment or blessing will happen to the body as well as the soul in the grave, and also in the Hereafter, in either Paradise or Hell.

Signs of the Day of Judgement:

There are minor signs and major signs

The signs and portents of the Day of Resurrection are the things that will happen before the Resurrection takes place and will indicate that it is close at hand. They have been divided into lesser and greater signs. The lesser signs, for the most part, will occur a long time before the Resurrection begins. Some of them have happened and ended – although they may be repeated – and some of them have appeared and are ongoing, and some have not yet happened, but they will happen as the truthful one (the Prophet) (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has told us.

The major signs are serious matters, the appearance of which will indicate that the Day of Resurrection is at hand and that there is only a short time until that great Day comes.

Minor Signs of the Day of Judgement:

The lesser signs of the Hour are many, and are mentioned in many saheeh ahadith. We will list them together without quoting the ahadith, because there is not enough room to do so here. We will provide references to trustworthy books on the topic for those who wish to know more about this matter and the evidence for these signs. These include al-Qiyamah al-Sughra by Shaykh ‘Umar Sulaymaan al-Ashqar [this book is available in English translation under the title The Minor Resurrection, published by International Islamic Publishing House, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia] and Ashraat al-Saa’ah by Shaykh Yoosuf al-Waabil.

The lesser signs of the Hour include the following:

1. The sending of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)

2. The death of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

3. The conquest of Jerusalem.

4. The plague of Amwaas (Emmaus), which is a city in Palestine.

5. Widespread wealth and lack of need for charity.

6. The appearance of fitan (tribulations). Among the tribulations that occurred in the early years of Islam were: the killing of ‘Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him), the battle of the camel and the battle of Siffeen, the emergence of the Khawarij, the battle of al-Harrah, and the opinion that the Qur’an is a creation.

7. The emergence of claimants to Prophethood, such as the liar Musaylimah and al-Aswad al-‘Anasi.

8. The appearance of fire in the Hijaz, which appeared in the middle of the 7th century AH, in 654 AH. This was a great fire, which the scholars who were alive at the time of its appearance and those who came after them described in great detail. Al-Nawawi said: There appeared in our time a fire in Madeenah, in the year six hundred and fifty-four. It was a very great fire on the eastern side of Madeenah, beyond the Harrah, and knowledge of it was widespread throughout Syria and all lands. Those of the people of Madeenah who were present told me about it.

9. Loss of trust. One of the manifestations of loss of trust is people’s affairs being entrusted to those who are not qualified or able for that.

10. The taking away of knowledge and the prevalence of ignorance; the taking away of knowledge will occur with the disappearance of the scholars.

11. The spread of zina (adultery, fornication)

12. The spread of riba (usury, interest)

13. The prevalence of musical instruments.

14. Widespread drinking of alcohol.

15. Shepherds competing in the construction of tall buildings.

16. A slave woman giving birth to her mistress, as is stated in al-Saheehayn. There are several views among the scholars as to what this means. The view favoured by Ibn Hajar is that there will be widespread disobedience among children, so that a child will treat his mother as a master treats his slave woman, with negligence and insults.

17. Widespread killing.

18. Widespread earthquakes.

19. Appearance of landslides, transformations and stones from heaven.

20. Appearance of women who are clothed yet naked.

21. Believer’s dreams coming true.

22. Widespread giving of false testimony and concealment of true testimony.

23. Large numbers of women.

24. The land of the Arabs becoming once again meadows and rivers.

25. The Euphrates will uncover a mountain of gold.

26. Wild animals and inanimate objects will speak to people.

27. The “Romans” will increase in number and fight the Muslims.

28. The conquest of Constantinople.

Major Signs of the Day of Judgement:

Muslim narrated that Hudhayfah ibn Aseed al-Ghifaari (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came out to us when we were discussing. He said: “What are you discussing?” They said: “We are talking about the Hour.” He said: “It will never begin until you see ten signs before it.” He mentioned the smoke, the Dajjal (the anti-Christ), the Beast, the rising of the sun from its place of setting, the descent of ‘Eesa ibn Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj (the Biblical Gog and Magog), and three landslides, one in the east, one in the west and one in the Arabian Peninsula, and the last of that is a fire which will emerge from Yemen and drive the people to their place of gathering.

There is no saheeh text which states the order in which these signs will occur, rather the order of some of them is to be understood from the context of the texts.

However, the order of some of the major portents is known, and in the case of others the order is not known. Among those whose order is known are the descent of ‘Eesa ibn Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary), the emergence of Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj (the biblical Gog and Magog), and the Dajjal (anti-Christ), for the Dajjal (anti-Christ) will be sent, then ‘Eesa ibn Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary), will come down and kill him, then Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj (the biblical Gog and Magog), will emerge.

Paradise and Hell:

The believers will go to paradise and the disbelievers to hell.

However, some people are exempt from being brought to judgement:

The mentally ill and the child:

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The pen is lifted from three (i.e., their deeds are not recorded): the sleeper until he awakes, the child until he grows up, and the insane until he regains his sanity or regains consciousness.” This was narrated by the authors of Sunan and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Irwa’, no. 297.

Others will be tested on the Day of Judgement to determine their fate:

The prophet (PBUH) said: “Four types of people will be tested on the day of judgement: a deaf man who cannot hear anything, a mad man, an old aged man and a man who died during fatrah (a period of time when no messenger was sent to people). The deaf man will say: “Oh Allah, Islam came while I cannot hear anything!”. The mad man will say: “Oh Allah, Islam came while the boys throw animals’ excrement on me!”. The old aged man will say: “Oh Allah, Islam came while I can understand nothing”. And the man who died during a fatrah (a time between prophets; they did not hear the message) will say: “Oh Allah, I witnessed no messenger from You”. Then Allah takes a promise from them to obey Him. Then He will command them to enter hell, and who enters it will find it peace and cool, and who disobeys will be dragged to hell”

Paradise:

With regard to Paradise, it is the abode of reward on the Day of Resurrection for those who believed and did righteous deeds. In it there are whatever delights people could desire. In it there is what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, nor has it ever entered the mind of man. Those who enter it will enjoy real pleasures in both a physical and a spiritual sense, and they will live there forever. It will never cease to exist and they will never leave, and their joy will never come to an end, and they will have nothing to disturb their joy. This is according to the definitive texts and the consensus of the scholars and believers. Allah says:

“The description of the Paradise which the Muttaqun (the pious) have been promised: Underneath it rivers flow, its provision is eternal and so is its shade; this is the end (final destination) of the Muttaqun (the pious), and the end (final destination) of the disbelievers is Fire. [al-Ra’d 13:35]

“Truly, the Muttaqun (the pious) will be amidst Gardens and water-springs (Paradise). (It will be said to them): ‘Enter therein (Paradise), in peace and security.’ And We shall remove from their breasts any deep feeling of bitterness (that they may have). (So they will be like) brothers facing each other on thrones. No sense of fatigue shall touch them, nor shall they (ever) be asked to leave it” [al-Hijr 15:45-47]

“This is a Reminder. And verily, for the Muttaqun (the pious) is a good final return (Paradise), —‘Adn (Eden) Paradise (everlasting Gardens), whose doors will be opened for them. Therein they will recline; therein they will call for fruits in abundance and drinks; And beside them will be Qasiraat-at-Tarf [chaste females (wives) restraining their glances (desiring none except their husbands)], (and) of equal ages. This it is what you (Al-Muttaqun — the pious) are promised for the Day of Reckoning! (It will be said to them)! Verily, this is Our provision which will never finish” [Saad 38:49-54]

“Friends on that Day will be foes one to another except Al-Muttaqun (the pious). (It will be said to the true believers of Islamic Monotheism): My worshippers! No fear shall be on you this Day, nor shall you grieve, (You) who believed in Our Ayat (proofs, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and were Muslims (i.e. who submit totally to Allah’s Will, and believe in the Oneness of Allah — Islamic Monotheism). Enter Paradise, you and your wives, in happiness. Trays of gold and cups will be passed round them; (there will be) therein all that inner-selves could desire, and all that eyes could delight in and you will abide therein forever. This is the Paradise which you have been made to inherit because of your deeds which you used to do (in the life of the world). Therein for you will be fruits in plenty, of which you will eat (as you desire)” [al-Zukhruf 43:67-73]

Hell:

“Truly, Hell is a place of ambush — A dwelling place for the Taaghoon (those who transgress the boundary limits set by Allah, like polytheists, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, hypocrites, sinners, criminals), They will abide therein for ages. Nothing cool shall they taste therein, nor any drink. Except boiling water, and dirty wound discharges — An exact recompense (according to their evil crimes). For verily, they used not to look for a reckoning. But they belied Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, and that which Our Prophet brought) completely. And all things We have recorded in a Book. So taste you (the results of your evil actions). No increase shall We give you, except in torment” [al-Naba’ 78:21-30]

“Surely, those who disbelieved in Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), We shall burn them in Fire. As often as their skins are roasted through, We shall change them for other skins that they may taste the punishment” [al-Nisa’ 4:56]

“This, because you took the Revelations of Allah (this Qur’aan) in mockery, and the life of the world deceived you. So this Day, they shall not be taken out from there (Hell), nor shall they be returned to the worldly life (so that they repent to Allah, and beg His Pardon for their sins)” [al-Jaathiyah 45:35]

Do You Believe the Christian Bible?

I have a question too. I believe I read somewhere that the Quran "corrected" parts of the Christian Bible. Is there a link or something where I can read more about what parts Muslims believe were in need of correction?

Thanks in advance!

I hope that the following answers your questions (and 'Eesa means Jesus in Arabic):

"The Muslims are all obliged to believe in the Gospel (Injeel) that Allah revealed to His Prophet Jesus the Messiah (peace be upon him). The one who denies that is a kafir (disbeliever) according to scholarly consensus.

Allah says:

“And in their footsteps, We sent ‘Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), confirming the Tawrat (Torah) that had come before him, and We gave him the Injeel (Gospel), in which was guidance and light and confirmation of the Tawrat (Torah) that had come before it, a guidance and an admonition for Al-Muttaqun (the pious)” [al-Maa’idah 5:46]

Our belief in the Gospel dictates that we should also believe that it exists and that it was revealed completely, and we believe that everything that he brought from Allah was true.

But there is nothing in Islam to tell us whether this Gospel was written and compiled at the time of ‘Eesa (peace be upon him) or who wrote it, or who preserved it and disseminated it, or whether the Messiah taught it to the people orally or whether the disciples transmitted it and who believed in it, or whether some of it was written down and some was not. These are questions that we cannot answer for certain nowadays, rather some researchers deny that there was even a true Gospel that was compiled in the form of a book; rather it was just words that were transmitted."

Copyright Islam Q&A

Basically, we believe that there was a Gospel, and that it was the word of God, however, we believe that through translation, transmission, and on purpose, several parts lost their meanings, or several parts were omitted or added, so the Bible that exists today is not the one that existed in the time of Jesus (peace be upon him).

For instance, we believe that pig and alcohol were also forbidden for Christians, but the people allowed it for themselves and changed the text.

Therefore, any verse from the bible, as a Muslim, I cannot tell you with certainty that it is true, nor can I say it is untrue because we do not know which parts of the Bible contain some truths from the time of Jesus and which parts were made up. We also believe the same thing with the Torah (that certain parts have changed from the time of Moses, peace be upon him).

Why Do You Cover Your Head and/or Face?

Is deciding to cover your face/head just a matter of personal preference, or is there some level of liberal/conservative groups within Islam that one would get guidance from on that issue?

All scholars agree that hijab (covering the hair) is required and proof of that is this verse:

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, headcover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. the their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons, or their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful” [al-Noor 24:31]

Regarding niqaab (covering the face) there is a difference of opinion whether it is required or not. In Islam, if there is a difference of opinion between scholars on a certain issue, then you choose the opinion that you feel is right.

Would You Come Over For Dinner?

Let us say that you and your family have just moved into my neighborhood and I would like to invite you over for dinner. Would you come? If not, are there any considerations I could offer that would change your mind?

Yeah, of course I would :) The only reason I haven't been visiting my neighbours in the past 2 years is because I lived in an apartment building and it's hard to really meet people as opposed to when you live in a house... but two considerations I would suggest: no alcohol and have a vegetarian option because Muslims eat their meat slaughtered in a certain way (it's called halal) some grocery stores have it, some don't, but for just everyone's peace of mind, have a vegetarian meal, and do not use in the ingredients any pig-derivatives (lard, gelatin, etc.).

Let us say that I have the most delicious recipe for pot roast ever, but I can't find a single halal grocery! Could I use kosher beef?

A lot of Muslims do eat kosher food, but some don't... there is a difference in scholarly opinion there, but as long as you tell everyone what the ingredients are, then they can pick and choose...

The Six Pillars of Faith: Part VI - Belief in Divine Will and Decree (Al-Qada' wal-Qadar)

Belief in al-Qada’ wa’l-Qadar (Divine will and decree) is one of the pillars of faith. The Muslim’s faith is not complete unless he knows that whatever befalls him could not have missed him, and whatever misses him could not have befallen him. Everything is subject to the will and decree of Allah, as Allah says:

“Verily, We have created all things with Qadar (Divine Preordainments of all things before their creation as written in the Book of Decrees Al Lawh Al Mahfooz). [al-Qamar 54:49]

Qadar means that Allah has decreed everything that happens in the universe according to His prior knowledge and the dictates of His wisdom.

Belief in al-Qadar includes four things:

1 – The belief that Allah knows all things, in general and in detail, from eternity to eternity, whether that has to do with His actions or the actions of His slaves.

2 – The belief that Allah has written that in al-Lawh al-Mahfooz (the Book of Decrees).

Concerning these two matters Allah says:

“Know you not that Allah knows all that is in the heaven and on the earth? Verily, it is (all) in the Book (Al‑Lawh Al‑Mahfooz). Verily, that is easy for Allah” [al-Hajj 22:70]

In Saheeh Muslim (2653) it is narrated that ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say: “Allah wrote down the decrees of creation fifty thousand years before He created the heavens and the earth.”

And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The first thing that Allah created was the Pen, and He said to it, ‘Write!’ It said, ‘O Lord, what should I write?’ He said: ‘Write down the decrees of all things until the Hour begins.” [Narrated by Abu Dawud, 4700]

3 – The belief that whatever happens only happens by the will of Allah – whether that has to do with His actions or the actions of created beings.

Allah says concerning His actions:

“And your Lord creates whatsoever He wills and chooses” [al-Qasas 28:68]

“and Allaah does what He wills” [Ibrahim 14:27]

“He it is Who shapes you in the wombs as He wills” [Aal ‘Imran 3:6]

And He says concerning the actions of created beings:

“Had Allah willed, indeed He would have given them power over you, and they would have fought you” [al-Nisa’ 4:90]

“If your Lord had so willed, they would not have done it” [al-An’aam 6:112]

All events, actions and happenings occur only by the will of Allah. Whatever Allah wills happens, and whatever He does not will does not happen.

4 – The belief that all things that happen are created by Allah in their essence, their attributes and their movements.

Allah says:

“Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the Wakeel (Trustee, Disposer of affairs, Guardian) over all things” [al-Zumar 39:62]

“He has created everything, and has measured it exactly according to its due measurements” [al-Furqan 25:2]

And Allah tells us that the Prophet of Allah Ibrahim [Abraham] (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to his people:

“While Allah has created you and what you make” [al-Saffat 38:96]

If a person believes in all these things then he believes correctly in the divine will and decree (al-qadar).

Belief in al-qadar as we have described it above does not contradict the idea that a person has free will with regard to actions in which he has free choice. He can choose whether to or not to do things that he is able to do of acts of worship or sinful actions.

Allah says concerning man's will:

“That is (without doubt) the True Day. So, whosoever wills, let him seek a place with (or a way to) His Lord (by obeying Him in this worldly life)!” [al-Naba’ 78:39]

“so go to your tilth, when or how you will” [al-Baqarah 2:223]

And He says concerning man’s ability:

“So keep your duty to Allah and fear Him as much as you can” [al-Taghabun 64:16]

“Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned” [al-Baqarah 2:286]

These verses confirm that man has a will and the ability to do what he wants and not to do what he does not want.

With regard to real life, everyone knows that he has a will and the ability to do what he wants and not to do what he does not want. And he can distinguish between the things that happen when he wants them to, such as walking, and those that happen without him wanting them to, such as shivering. But the will and ability of man are subject to the will and decree of Allah, because Allah says:

“To whomsoever among you who wills to walk straight.

And you cannot will unless (it be) that Allah wills; the Lord of the ‘Alameen (mankind, jinn and all that exists)” [al-Takweer 81:28-29]

But the entire universe is the dominion of Allah, and nothing can happen in His dominion without His knowledge and will.

The Six Pillars of Faith: Part V - Belief in the Last Day

What is meant by belief in the Last Day (i.e. the Day of Judgment) is:

Firmly believing that everything that Allah has told us about in His Book and that His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has told us about what will happen after death, will indeed happen and come to pass.

That includes believing in the signs of the Hour which will happen before the Last Day;

• in death and things that accompany it when a person is on his deathbed;
  
• what comes after death, namely the trial of the grave and torment or blessing therein;
  
• the Trumpet-blast and resurrection;
  
• the standing and terrors of the Day of Resurrection;
  
• the details of the gathering and reckoning;
  
• Paradise and its delights, the greatest of which will be looking upon the Face of Allah;
  
• Hell and its torments, the most severe of which will be their being veiled from seeing their Lord.
  

And belief in the Last Day includes acting in accordance with what is implied by these beliefs.

If this belief is firmly established in a person’s heart, it will bear great fruits, including the following:

1 – The desire to do acts of obedience and worship, and to strive hard in doing so, in the hope of attaining the rewards of that Day.

2 – Fear of committing sin or approving of it, for fear of the punishment of that Day.

3 – The believer will be consoled for whatever he misses out on of worldly luxuries and delights, because of his hope for the delights and rewards of the Hereafter.

The Six Pillars of Faith: Part IV - Belief in the Messengers

Belief in the Messengers implies four things:

1 – Firm belief that Allah sent to every nation a Messenger from amongst them, to call them to worship Allah alone and to disbelieve in everything that is worshipped instead of Him, and that they (the Messengers) were all truthful, speakers of the truth, righteous, wise, pious and honest, and that they conveyed everything with which Allah sent them, concealing and altering nothing. They did not add even one letter from themselves or omit anything.

“Are the Messengers charged with anything but to convey clearly the Message?” [al-Nahl 16:35]

Their message was the same, from the first to the last of them, based on the principle of Tawheed, i.e., that all kinds of worship should be devoted to Allah alone, beliefs, words and deeds alike, and that everything that is worshipped instead of Allah is to be rejected. The evidence for that is the verses:

“And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad) but We revealed to him (saying): Laa ilaaha illa Ana [none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah)], so worship Me (Alone and none else)”[al-Anbiya’ 21:25]

“And ask (O Muhammad) those of Our Messengers whom We sent before you: ‘Did We ever appoint aalihah (gods) to be worshipped besides the Most Gracious (Allah)?’”[al-Zukhruf 43:45]

And there are very many similar aayahs.

With regard to the obligatory duties by which Allah is to be worshipped and the minor details of legislation, prayers and fasts may have been enjoined on some nations but not on others, and some things may have been forbidden to some and permitted to others, as a test from Allah.

“Who has created death and life that He may test you which of you is best in deed”
[al-Mulk 67:2]

The evidence for that is the verses:

“To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way” [al-Maa’idah 5:48]

Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) said “(This means) a way and a path.” Mujaahid, ‘Ikrimah and many of the mufassireen said likewise.

In Saheeh al-Bukhaari (3443) and Saheeh Muslim (2365) it is narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘The Prophets are like brothers from one father, their mothers are different but their religion is one’” – i.e., the Prophets are united on the principle of Tawheed, the message with which Allah sent every Messenger whom He sent, and which He included in every Book that He revealed, but their laws differed as to command and prohibitions, what was permitted and what was forbidden.

Whoever disbelieves in the message of one of them has disbelieved in all of them, as Allah says:

“The people of Nuh (Noah) belied the Messengers” [al-Shu’ara’ 26:105]

Allah described them as disbelieving in all of the Messengers even though there was no Messenger other than Nuh at the time when they disbelieved.

2 – Belief in those Messengers whose names we know, such as Muhammad, Ibraheem, Musa, ‘Eesa and Nuh (may blessings and peace be upon them all). With regard to those who have been mentioned in general terms but whose names we do not know, we are obliged to believe in them in general terms, as Allah says:

“The Messenger (Muhammad) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. (They say,) ‘We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers’” [al-Baqarah 2:285]

“And, indeed We have sent Messengers before you (O Muhammad), of some of them We have related to you their story. And of some We have not related to you their story” [Ghaafir 40:78]

And we believe that the Final Messenger was our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and there is no Prophet after him, as Allah says:

“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the last (end) of the Prophets. And Allah is Ever All-Aware of everything” [al-Ahzaab 33:40]

In al-Bukhari (4416) and Muslim (2404) it is narrated from Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) went out to Tabuk, and appointed ‘Ali as his deputy (in Madeenah). ‘Ali said, “Are you leaving me in charge of the children and women?” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Does it not please you that you are to me like Harun to Musa? But there will be no Prophet after me.”

Allah favoured him and singled him out for great blessings which were given to no other Prophet. For example:

1- Allah sent him to all of the two races of mankind and jinn, whereas each Prophet who came before him was sent only to his own people.

2- Allah supported him against his enemies by striking fear into the hearts of all his enemies within the radius of one month’s travel.

3- The earth was made a place of prayer and a means of purification for him.

4- War booty was made permissible for him, where it had not been permitted to any Prophet before him.

5- He will be granted the position of greater intercession.

And there are many other special favours that have been bestowed upon him (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

3 – Believing in the sound reports that have been narrated from the Messengers.

4 – Following the laws of the Messenger who has been sent to us, namely the Final Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), who was sent to all of mankind. Allah says:

“But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission”[al-Nisa’ 4:65]

We should note that belief in the Messengers bears great fruit, such as:

1- Knowledge of the mercy of Allah towards His slaves and His care for them, as He sent the Messengers to guide them to the path of Allah and to show them how to worship Allah, for human reason alone cannot come to know that.

2- Giving thanks to Him for this great blessing.

3- Loving and venerating the Messengers (blessing and peace be upon them), and praising them in the manner that befits them, because they are the Messengers of Allaah, and because they worshipped Him and conveyed His Message, and were sincere towards His slaves.

The Six Pillars of Faith: Part III - Belief in the Holy Books

Belief in the Books implies four things:

1 – Firm belief that all of them were revealed from Allah, and that Allah spoke them in a real sense. Some of them were heard from Him from behind a veil, without there being any intermediary from among the angels. Some were conveyed by an angelic Messenger to a human Messenger. Some were written by Allah’s own Hand, as He says:

“It is not given to any human being that Allah should speak to him unless (it be) by Revelation, or from behind a veil, or (that) He sends a Messenger to reveal what He wills by His Leave. Verily, He is Most High, Most Wise”[al-Shoora 42:51]

“and to Musa (Moses) Allah spoke directly” [al-Nisa’ 4:164]

And Allah said concerning the Tawrat (Torah):

“And We wrote for him on the Tablets the lesson to be drawn from all things and the explanation for all things” [al-A’raaf 7:145]

2 – The Books that Allah has mentioned by name, we must believe in by name. These are the Books which Allah has named in the Qur’an, i.e., the Qur’an, the Tawrat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), the Zaboor (Psalms), and the Scriptures of Ibraheem and Musa.

Those which Allah has mentioned in general terms, we must believe in them in general terms, so we say concerning them what Allah and His Messenger have commanded us to say:

“…say: “I believe in whatsoever Allah has sent down of the Book [all the holy Books…]” [al-Shoora 42:15]

3 – Believing whatever is true of what they say, such as what is said in the Qur’an, and whatever has not been altered or distorted in the previous Books.

4 – Believing that Allah revealed the Qur’an as a witness over these Books and to confirm them, as Allah says:

“And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad) the Book (this Qur’an) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and Muhaymin (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over it (old Scriptures)”[al-Maa'idah 5:48]

The mufassireen said that Muhaymin means trustworthy and a witness over the Books that came before it, and confirming them, i.e., confirming whatever is true in them and rejecting whatever alterations, distortions and changes have occurred in them, and ruling that the previous rulings have been abrogated – i.e., they are no longer applicable – and that new rulings and laws have been promulgated. Hence all those who were following previous books and who have not turned on their heels should submit to it, as Allah says:

“And when it is recited to them, they say: We believe in it. Verily, it is the truth from our Lord. Indeed even before it we have been from those who submit themselves to Allah in Islam as Muslims” [al-Qasas 28:52-53]

It is obligatory for all the ummah (nation) to follow the Qur’an both outwardly and inwardly, and to adhere to it, and give it its due, as Allah says:

“And this is a blessed Book (the Qur’an) which We have sent down, so follow it and fear Allah”[al-An’am 6:155]

What is meant by adhering to the Qur’an and giving it its due is: regarding what it permits as permitted, regarding what it forbids as forbidden, obeying its commands, avoiding that which it prohibits, paying heed to its lessons, learning from its stories, understanding its clear and unambiguous texts, referring the exact meaning of its ambiguous texts to Allah, not overstepping its limits and defending it, whilst memorizing it, reciting it in a proper manner, pondering the meanings of its verses, reciting it in prayer night and day, being sincere towards it in all senses, and calling others to do likewise with understanding.

This belief will bear great fruit for a person, the most important of which is:

1- Knowledge of Allah’s care for His slaves, for He has revealed to each people a Book by which they may be guided.

2- Knowledge of the wisdom of Allah in the laws which He has set out for each people, laws which are suited to their circumstances as Allah says: “To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way” [al-Ma’idah 5:48].

3- Fulfilling the duty of giving thanks to Allah for this great blessing.

4- The importance of paying attention to the Qur’an, by reading it, pondering its meanings, understanding its meanings and acting accordingly.

The Six Pillars of Faith: Part II - Belief in the Noble Angels

Belief in the Noble Angels:

The angels form an unseen world; they were created by Allah from light and they obey the commands of Allah:

“who disobey not, (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allah, but do that which they are commanded” [al-Tahreem 66:6]

Belief in the angels implies four essential things:

1 – Affirming that they exist and that they are part of the creation of Allah, subject to His Lordship and subjugated to Him.

“…honoured slaves.

They speak not until He has spoken, and they act on His Command” [al-Anbiya’ 21:26-27]

“who disobey not, (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allah, but do that which they are commanded” [al-Tahreem 66:6]

“And those who are near Him (i.e. the angels) are not too proud to worship Him, nor are they weary (of His worship).

They (i.e. the angels) glorify His Praises night and day, (and) they never slacken (to do so)” [al-Anbiya’ 21:19-20]

2 – Belief in the names of those whose name we know, such as Jibreel, Mika’eel, Israfeel, Malik, Radwan and others – peace be upon them.

3 – Belief in the attributes of those whose attributes we know, as we know the description of Jibreel from the Sunnah, and that he has six hundred wings which filled the horizon or the sky.

4 – Belief in the actions which we know some of them do, so Jibreel (peace be upon him) was entrusted with that which revives the heart, namely the Revelation. Israfeel is entrusted with sounding the Trumpet-blast (to herald the onset of the Day of Resurrection); Mika’eel is entrusted with the rain; Malik is entrusted with Hell, and so on.

One of the most important things that we must believe in is that every person has two angels with him who record his deeds. Allah says:

“(Remember) that the two receivers (recording angels) receive (each human being), one sitting on the right and one on the left (to note his or her actions)

Not a word does he (or she) utter but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it)”[Qaaf 50:17-18]

i.e., a watcher from among these angels who is present. So beware lest these two angels record anything from you that will be bad for you on the Day of Resurrection, for everything that you say will be recorded against you, and when the Day of Resurrection comes, each person’s book of deeds will be brought out,

“…and on the Day of Resurrection, We shall bring out for him a book which he will find wide open.

(It will be said to him): ‘Read your book. You yourself are sufficient as a reckoner against you this Day.’” [al-Isra’ 17:13-14].