Topics

316

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / To Bathe or to Wash in Ablution (Wudu)?

« on: April 08, 2012, 12:31:39 AM »

Dear Brother,

Salamun Alaika

I read the following verse

[5:6] O ye who believe! when ye prepare for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands (and arms) to the elbows; Rub your heads (with water); and (wash) your feet to the ankles. If ye are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body. But if ye are ill, or on a journey, or one of you cometh from offices of nature, or ye have been in contact with women, and ye find no water, then take for yourselves clean sand or earth, and rub therewith your faces and hands, Allah doth not wish to place you in a difficulty, but to make you clean, and to complete his favour to you, that ye may be grateful. - Yousuf Ali Translation.

[5:6] O ye who believe! When ye rise up for prayer, wash your face, and your hands up to the elbows, and lightly rub your heads and (wash) your feet up to the ankles. And if ye are unclean, purify yourselves. And if ye are sick or on a journey,or one of you cometh from the closet, or ye have had contact with women, and ye find not water, then go to clean, high ground and rub your faces and your hands with some of it. Allah would not place a burden on you, but He would purify you and would perfect His grace upon you, that ye may give thanks. - Pickthall Translation.

Now I am confused about the two translation the first one say we have to bathe whole body and the last one say purify yourself. And sunni and shia muslim say if you had a intimate relation with women, take water into your mouth, into the nose, and wash whole body.

So, Quran is a fully detailed scripture and explain in details. in this case, If I purify myself washing the specific or impured part, is that make sense or not?

Thank you.

May God bless you.

317

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / The Reasons for Muslim Downfall - Why?

« on: April 07, 2012, 08:13:32 AM »

Salam Dear Brother Joseph,

Pick up any newspaper (or internet news) we find so many negative news about Muslims. Blowing people up in the name of Allah and His Rasool, corruption, bribery, favoritism, illiteracy, disease, poverty, bad governance, honour killings, minority bashing, ignorance, sectarianism, "Me and my group is the best" syndrome, etc etc. Muslim  countries contribute nothing to science, technology, medicine, fine arts, etc. etc. If we were to ask any non Muslim about what their impression of Islam and Muslims is, it is negative.

Muslims are big on rituals. According to a litmus test, simple way to see if rituals are helping the Muslims is to observe their societies. Apparently even rituals are not helping! They have been made to appear as if they are good for individual salvation. Allah always asks the Muslims to do something for a reason (unlike a Dictator). When a medicine is designed to stop the spread of (say) malaria, how smart is it for people to keep taking it? Rituals are designed to create those who do good works the results of which should be not only seen in societies but be an inspiration to others in the world looking for a better system.

I was wondering if you have given thought to this disappointing state of affairs. Once the Muslims were the opposite of what they are today. What led to their downfall and (2) What, in your view, will revive them?

Regards

318

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Definition of Islam and Muslim

« on: April 07, 2012, 07:56:20 AM »

Salam Dear Brother joseph

I post below a short excerpt defining Islam/Muslim from a lengthy article by Ahmed Mansour of Ahle Qur'an which can be read in its entirety at:
 
http://www.ahl-alquran.com/English/show_article.php?main_id=6674

Wonder if you would care to comment? Thanks.
 
Regards,
 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
We start with the understanding of the word [Iman] or "Belief":

According to the Quranic terminology and its particular language, the word "believing" [Aaman], has two meanings in Quranic along with the Arabic language; you can {believe in} or (Aamana be...) or you believe or trust others (Aamana le --);

The first one is related to faith as in this verse "the messenger believed in what was descended to him from His Lord and the believers. All believe in God, His angles, His books. His Messengers." (2: 285) thus to 'believe in' means to have deeply rooted faith in your heart concerning the relationship between man and God.

People have had diversified faiths, even within the same religion or even within the same cult or school of thinking. And the Quranic confirms that people will be judged for the diversity of their faiths by God alone and only on judgment day (as found in verses ( 2: 113 , 3: 55 , 10 : 93 , 16 : 124 , 5 : 48 , 39 : 3 , 7: 46 ).

The second meaning the relationship between people, namely believing or trusting others, implies that when someone is safe and secure people trust him. He is also called a 'believer' because he is trusted by the people, [Aamana laho al naas; Ma'amoun al janeb]. This meaning is repeated in the Quranic especially in the Quranic stories concerning the Prophets. For example in the story of Noah, the arrogant ones told him "Shall we trust you [An'omeno Laka] while it is the meanest that follow you?" (26:111). that means how can we trust you and feel secure with you seeing that you are followed by the lowest of the people. This meaning of 'believing' that is trusting somebody is repeated in the story of Abraham (26 : 29 ), the story of Joseph (12 :17 ) the story of Moses (44 :21) and (23 : 47 ) , and also in the Quranic Narratives of the life of the prophet Mohammed in Medina ( 3 : 37 ) And (2 : 57 ).

This meaning of believing is found in other subject as well.

When somebody behaves in a trust worthy manner he became safe and secure as seen from his outward behavior. According to the Quranic terminology this person is called 'a believer' regardless of his religion or Faith. For that matter he/she can be a Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, Jew or atheist, it is a private matter between the human and God, no creature has the authority to judge him. That is reserved to God alone on the Last Day.

The two meanings of the term 'belief' were simultaneously expressed in God's Verse concerning the prophet Mohammed that says "He believes in God, has faith in the believers [Y'omono bellah wa y'omeno Lel m''omeneen]" (9:61). In the Arabic language and in this Quranic verse the word [Y'omeno] means the two meanings: believe in and trust. Thus this verse shows that to believe in God is to worship him alone, and to believe in others is to trust them. To believe in God is to Acknowledge he is the one and only. The evaluation of this faith, which many people dispute, is to take place in the Judgment Day. Therefore what concerns and should only concern Humans among themselves is to live in trust, safety, security and peace.

Therefore faith in Islam is equivalent to peace among people, and in the same time being a believer means a man of God and a man of peace and trust. This is the understanding of faith in the religion of Islam.

319

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Is the Friday Khutbah Obligatory?

« on: April 05, 2012, 02:12:40 AM »

Salaams

JazahkAllah my dear brother, thank you very much for that.

Another question if I may.

What is the importance of listening to the kutbah? (obviously, I don't mean the Arabic recitation which appears to have little if any relevance to the religion and owes more to Sunni history, seeming to not even come form Hadith).

Is this also obligatory or important?

JazahkAllah once again

Wa Salaam.

320

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Need for Scholars?

« on: April 04, 2012, 12:00:32 PM »

Salam Brother
 
9:122 [Asad] With all this, it is not desirable that all of the believers take the field [in time of war]. From within every group in their midst, some shall refrain from going forth to war, and shall devote themselves [instead] to acquiring a deeper knowledge of the Faith. and [thus be able to] teach their home-coming brethren, so that these [too] might guard themselves against evil.

9:122 [Amatul] It is not possible for the believers to go forth (from their homes learning for religious learning) all together. Then, why should not a party from every section of them go forth, that they may (learn and) become well-versed in religion, and may warn their people when they return (home) to them, so that they too may guard against (unislamic ways of life).
 
Question: Does this suggests that there be a group of "scholars" among Muslims to teach Deen?

Thanks.
 

321

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Does the Testimony of One Male = Two Females?

« on: March 31, 2012, 11:20:35 PM »

Dear Brother Joseph
 
I hope all is well Inshallah.
 
For those of us who follow the true message , glorious Quran, we know that it speaks equality, fairness etc. There is one area however, which some people 'object' to and say 'it shows Islam is not treating Women equally', that is the verse (sorry i don't have the verse/chapter) where it stipulates that Two women witness are required.
 
Can you elaborate or shed any light from the Qurans perspective as to why Two women are required?
 
I noticed a recent article in the Times newspaper by a 'shia Scholar' that he and many others feel 'this is now a redundant verse' or no longer applicable. This is Not my view! But if you can help explain what this two women witness relates too, and any other information, I would very much appreciate.
 
Thank you in advance and look forward to your reply,
 
Your Brother
 

322

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Isra / Meraj

« on: March 29, 2012, 12:00:59 PM »

Salam brother,

I wanted to know about the "Meraj"ascension of the Prophet to the heavens that the Secondary Sources describe. I find the details difficult to believe.

323

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Allah Hu Akbar

« on: March 29, 2012, 11:52:00 AM »

Salam Brother
 
What is your take on this issue being raised on several forums. Linguistically, is it okay to say "Allahu Akbar?"
 
Thanks as always.


Examples:

ALLAH HU AKBAR
http://ourbeaconforum.com/cgi-bin/bbs60x/webbbs_config.pl/page/1/md/read/id/314123119174920

Some Of You Don't believe in "Allahu Akbar"?
http://free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=11596.0

324

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Reward Multiplication

« on: March 29, 2012, 11:42:10 AM »

Br. Joseph:

Assalamu Alaikum. I have two questions: 

1. In sura Lailatul Qadar., Allah (swt) said that the night of power is better than 1000 months.  Religious leaders interpret this ayat as " when someone prays in this night, the reward he gets is more than praying for 1000 months." What is your interpretation ? I feel that the reward of this magnitude is not so easy to get.

2.  When I went for Hajj couple of years ago, I was told by our group leader (Imam) that one prayer in Haram sharif is equivalent to 1 million times prayer in one's own house.   Similarly one prayer in Masjid un Nabi is multiplied 100,000 times and prayer in other mosque is multiplied 27 times.  What is your opinion ?

325

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Repent or Revert to?

« on: March 29, 2012, 10:49:34 AM »

Dear Brother Salam
 
Here are two different translations of 9:3
 
Kamal Omar
 
And (there is) an Announcement from Allah and His Messenger to mankind (on the) Youm ('Day', the afternoon of the 9th Day of the closing month of the lunar year) of Al-Hajj-il-Akbar that Allah is free from (all) obligations to the Mushrikun, and (so is) His Messenger. So if you (Mushrikun) repented (and returned to the teachings of Al-Kitab) then it (is) better for you, and if you turned away (as polytheists or pagans), then know that you are not one who can frustrate Allah. And give tidings to those who have disbelieved for a painful torment;
 
Asad
 
And a proclamation from God and His Apostle [is herewith made] unto all mankind on this day of the Greatest Pilgrimage: "God disavows all who ascribe divinity to aught beside Him, and [so does] His Apostle. Hence, if you repent, it shall be for your own good; and if you turn away, then know that you can never elude God!" And unto those who are bent on denying the truth give thou [O Prophet] the tiding of grievous chastisement.
 
Question: What are these Mushrikeen asked to come back/revert/repent to? Stop breaking treaties and live as peaceful citizens (while keeping their faith)  or renounce Shirk and return to Islam.
 
If we take the latter meaning, then the question is were these Mushrikeen once Muslims? If they were not former Muslims but are being asked to accept Islam then would this not be taken as compulsion in Deen?
 
Thanks.
 
Mubashir

326

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Does the Soul Have a Gender?

« on: March 26, 2012, 04:18:35 AM »

Peace to you Brother,

I dont know if there is already an article on this on your website but could you please shed some light on the gender of the soul or Ruh. Does the Quran say something on this?

327

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Friday Prayer

« on: March 24, 2012, 11:13:49 AM »

Br. Joseph;

Assalamu Alaikum. Do you have any article written about Jumma prayer (Friday Prayer)? I did not find anything about this in Quran.

328

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / The Quran on Homosexuality

« on: March 22, 2012, 10:11:47 AM »

Assalam,

Is there an Aya about this subject? Verse 4:16 does not say two men, are there any others?

Thanks.

329

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Does Shariah Mean Divine Law?

« on: March 22, 2012, 04:25:08 AM »

Salam Brother
 
In the following video, Br Farouq argues that the term Shariah does not mean Divine Law.
 
Wonder if you agree with him?
 
Thanks.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5CBpearXSg&feature=context&context=C48a9fa3VDvjVQa1PpcFM1Q_zLfO5T1HF4RuaChc5x8aITnpTGBgk=

330

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Prophet Muhammad's Letter to the Christian Monks

« on: March 21, 2012, 03:57:59 AM »

Salam brother Joseph,

How authentic is the following document?

Regards

________________________


The Greek Orthodox monks living in the monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai have in their possession many precious documents going back many centuries.
Their library is one of the finest in the world for ancient manuscripts. One of the most precious documents of all is the copy of a letter narrated by Prophet Muhammad  to the monks in the year 628.
 
Its contents might come as a surprise to many, since in this precious manuscript Muslims are exhorted to protect the Christians living within their midst. The words are so beautiful that we repeat them in full here:

- This is a message from Mohamed ibn Abdullah, as a covenant to those who adopt Christianity, near and far, we are with them.
- Verily I, the servants, the helpers, and my followers defend them, because Christians are my citizens; and by Allah! I hold out against anything that displeases them.
- No compulsion is to be on them.
- Neither are their judges to be removed from their jobs nor their monks from their monasteries.
- No one is to destroy a house of their religion, to damage it, or to carry anything from it to the Muslims' houses.
- Should anyone take any of these, he would spoil God's covenant and disobey His Prophet. Verily, they are my allies and have my secure charter against all that they hate.
- No one is to force them to travel or to oblige them to fight.
- The Muslims are to fight for them.
- If a female Christian is married to a Muslim, it is not to take place without her approval. She is not to be prevented from visiting her church to pray.
- Their churches are to be respected. They are neither to be prevented from repairing them nor the sacredness of their covenants.
- No one of the nation (Muslims) is to disobey the covenant till the Last Day (The end of the world - Judgement day.).
     
It should be quite clear from this that, far from being a threat, Islam is actually the guardian of the Christian presence in the Middle East.
These words of the Prophet Mohammed should be made known to Muslims and non-Muslims throughout the world.