Messages

91

General Discussions / Re: Was Adam created mortal?Or he lost immortality after disobeying God?

« on: January 12, 2015, 09:35:49 PM »

Thank you brother Hamzeh, but, as you might have noticed, my question had nothing to do with the real location of paradise or whether he was created in earth or another location. My question was in regards to Adam's nature before he ate the fruit (let me repeat it again):
Did he lose immortality after eating that fruit, or he never had it to begin with? As we know, The Quran is crystal-clear: the paradise is an eternal abode and those who abide in it, abide in it for ever. And if Adam was placed there, that's because he was immortal, just like will be those who are sent there after the day of judgment. The moment he was banished from paradise, he was sent down to earth for a limited time. His life as 'an appointed time'' is never mentioned while he was in paradise, but only after disobeying God, when he was banished from paradise (2:38). Now, if he was created immortal, why would Satan tempt him with something he already had:(immortality)? And if he was created mortal, why after eating the fruit was his life reduced into ''an appointed time'', when it was an appointed time anyway, since he was mortal? And how would God place a mortal being in an eternal abode (paradise)?
You see, as an ardent and enthusiastic student of brother Joseph, I have read all of his articles (ok, maybe that's a big word, let's say 99% of his articles), and everytime I ask a question here, you can be sure that I have searched through his articles, and through this forum, and I haven't found something that answers that question. Otherwise I would never disturb anyone with questions that are already answered.
I think these answers might be beneficial for others as well, since we are asked all the time how were we created, why were we banished from paradise, is there a way to go back there, and so on.
God bless you and thank you for your input,
Your sister Seraphina

92

General Discussions / Was Adam created mortal?Or he lost immortality after disobeying God?

« on: January 11, 2015, 11:32:31 PM »

Quran, 7:20 (Yusuf Ali) :"Then began Satan to whisper suggestions to them, bringing openly before their minds all their shame that was hidden from them (before): he said: "Your Lord only forbade you this tree, lest ye should become angels or such beings as live for ever."
This verse popped into my sight during my daily Quran reading/studying. This insinuation of the Devil is something to reflect upon, and very thought-provoking. Here's why.
As we are aware, this conversation took place during Adam and Eve's sinless condition, while they hadn't approached the forbidden fruit yet, and were living in Paradise. Paradise, as we know, is an eternal abode - whoever enters there, dwells there forever. Why would Satan tempt them with eternity if they already had the eternity? Weren't Adam and Eve created to abide eternally in Paradise, but after they disobeyed their Lord they were sent down to earth to live ''for an appointed (limited) time''? It just doesn't make sense to me that they would be created to live in Paradise for a limited time as mortals, and after their death what would they be rewarded with? Paradise? Furthermore, if they were mortals, why would God punish their disobedience with something they already had-mortality?
I would be so thankful if brother Joseph would give us an opinion on this matter, although I'm aware of his busy schedule and limited time. May Allah ease your works and tasks,and give you health and strength, brother Joseph
Your sister Seraphina Rosa.

93

Discussions / Re: Is there Quranic support for bad dreams foretelling terrible future events?

« on: January 10, 2015, 08:14:11 AM »

Dear sister Zara, thank you for your input.
I liked it and, even though I don't know if it finds 100% support from the Quran, yes, it makes sense. I was calmed before I embraced Quran and Islam, because devil was the winner. But the moment I started to get closer to God, he had to do something-after all, he's our sworn enemy, and anxiety attacks are one of his most frequent weapon. I just hope God protects us and doesn't let our nightmares come true, for I have no fear from devil's traps - the only one I fear is God. May Allah help you and protect you too, dear sister, and broyher Joseph, and other members of this forum. Salam

94

Islamic Duties / Re: Aswai Husna

« on: January 10, 2015, 07:57:29 AM »

Selam brother, I would suggest brother Joseph's article "Beautiful character of prophet Muhammad". I never thought that Quran tells us about prophet's character and heart until i read this article. I was always taught that his life and character are only known in secondary sources. God bless

95

Discussions / Re: Is there Quranic support for bad dreams foretelling terrible future events?

« on: January 08, 2015, 05:28:59 AM »

Salam brother Ahmad, thank you for your input,
The link was helpful, but it still didn't answer the questions i had:

According to the Quran, where do the bad dreams/nightmares come from? Just because the bad dream of Pharaoh's servant (surah Yusuf) became true, does it mean that bad dreams always come true? Is there a Quranic dua or action to protect ourselves from having them, or at least prevent them from becoming reality or disturbing our inner peace?

I pray God to send brother Joseph here, see this post and share any tips and advices, since, believe me or not, many people struggle with similar issue like this.
Salam, God bless

96

Discussions / Is there Quranic support for bad dreams foretelling terrible future events?

« on: January 07, 2015, 06:28:54 PM »

Salam to all,
There's an issue upon which I'd like to know more. I almost never had bad dreams, but ever since I started to study the Quran and perform the 5 daily prayers, I've been having bad dreams and nightmares. Those of you who are familiar with Islamic Secondary Sources may have heard of dream interpretations according to Prophet's traditions. According to these interpretations, my dreams foretell terrible events taking place - possibly death of beloved ones.
I always pray to God to give me strength and not to let me sink in despair and fear that usually bad dreams bring with them. But sometimes, it's stronger than me, and I'm finding myself afraid to go to sleep because of what I might see there, and the lack of sleep causes problems in daily life and overall health. And the worst part is that every-time I wake up screaming from a nightmare, my family members are like "that's what happens when you go to deep in religion. You never slept well eversince you started praying and studying. Hey, many people have even gone insane after reading religious scriptures". (''going too deep in religion" means praying salat and striving to apply Quran in your life. Some people think having a good heart it's enough to earn God's pleasure.).
My question is: According to the Quran, where do the bad dreams/nightmares come from? Just because the bad dream of Pharaoh's servant (surah Yusuf) became true, does it mean that bad dreams always come true? Is there a Quranic dua or action to protect ourselves from having them, or at least prevent them from becoming reality or disturbing our inner peace?
Brother Joseph and others, what is your opinion on these issues?
God bless,
Your sister Seraphina.

97

General Discussions / Re: Does Quran 24:32-33 state that marriage is REQUIRED?

« on: January 07, 2015, 01:10:55 AM »

You're welcome brother, furthermore, I would add that even the greatest supporters of ahadith support the view that marriage is a strong sunnah, a sin-protecting strongly recommended sunnah, but just a sunnah, not a compulsion. It's simply a choice based in your feelings and your circumstances. If you don't want to get married, it's ok, but you should strive to guard your chastity. If you fall in love with someone or you're finding it difficult to stay chaste, then get married.
To make it short: Stay single but be chaste, or get married to share the bed with spouse. No middle choice.
Your sister Seraphina

98

General Discussions / Re: Does Quran 24:32-33 state that marriage is REQUIRED?

« on: January 01, 2015, 10:38:55 PM »

Salam everyone,
You are required to get married only if you can't control yourself from illegal sexual intercourse. In that case, the Quran gives instructions as to who can you get married (chaste believing women who are pious, or chaste women from people of the book, or if you can't afford a free women of the above categories, then a chaste, believing slave woman). But if you are sure you can guard your chastity, then there is no compulsion to get married, only if it's your wish.
God bless

99

General Discussions / Re: Gender roles according to the Quran ?

« on: December 24, 2014, 10:42:07 PM »

You're most welcome brother I hope it was useful to you.

100

General Discussions / Re: Gender roles according to the Quran ?

« on: December 22, 2014, 06:17:11 AM »

Aleikum wa salam dear brother Ahmad,
Here's an interesting post about the subject you are talking about. I read it a few days ago, and the moment I saw the topic of your post, I remembered to have read something very beautiful about it, and I don't think I would have anything to add to it. It was posted from sister Hope about a year ago (I hope she doesn't mind me orientating you towards it) :
http://quransmessage.com/forum/index.php?topic=886.0
I hope i was of help,
Your sister Seraphina

101

General Discussions / Re: Quran according to Joseph Islam

« on: December 19, 2014, 03:33:42 AM »

Alaikum wa salam brother Donald,
I'm so glad you joined the forum for two reasons Firstly, because I get where you're coming from, I've been there before, I've had similar questions to yours ever since my logic entered into usage . What's worse, I was rounded by people who blamed God for everything that happened to them, and everything that happened in any part of the world. There has been many confusion in religious doctrines, that it has become nearly impossible to find the truth, at least for me, until I found brother Joseph and the other brothers and sisters of this forum, that is my family in faith. I'm sure it will be like that for you as well.
Secondly, There are things that our logic can't understand yet, since they have to be seen and lived to be clear (for example the descriptions about hereafter), God has described them up in detail up to a certain point. And there are things that can be understood and accepted even with our fallible logic, and God has given us all of their answers in the Quran. Brother Joseph has studied the Holy Scriptures for a long time, and has helped many others like you and I understand it better and put it into practice For your info: he doesn't reject hadith in toto (neither of us do), we just want them examined in the light of Quran. However, I would advice you to be patient, don't expect to take all of your answers immediately. These are things that need some time, some effort, and some good will, in order to be understood and accepted correctly. But most important, approach with a pure heart, and with a prejudice-free mind. Set yourself free from all of the doctrines you've been taught. You will see that 'slowly but surely' you will get all the answers you (like many others) are looking for. 
Sincerely from a sister in faith,
Seraphina

102

General Discussions / Re: Does each people judge by what they have been given?

« on: December 17, 2014, 08:23:23 PM »

May peace and God's blessings be with you too, dear brother Hamzeh,
To be honest, I'm having a tough day today and forgive me if you feel my answer doesn't match your posts. Maybe I should've answered later, but perhaps I won't be able, so here's a quick reply with some clarifying points from brother Joseph on People of the Book:

*The Quran asks the People of the Book to recognise that what has come to the final prophet is the truth which is confirming the truth which is also with them.
*God's message of truth has always been the same. Believe in One God of the Universe, believe in the unseen hereafter, associate no partners with God and to do righteous deeds.
*Verses dealing with fighting Christians and Jews deal with a specific people who broke treaties, committed evil etc. They cannot be applied to all Christians and Jews for all times.
*Non-Muslims are not always Kaafir (Disbelievers) and the Quran does not refer to Jews and Christians as disbelievers but as 'Ahl-e-Kitab' (People of the Book). Even idolaters are not necessarily 'Kaffirs'.
*Jews and Christians can be Muslims.
*There are also 'believers' amongst the People of the Book.
*The Quran does not demand the Jews and Christians to 'convert' or abandon their laws. Until the People of the Book are convinced of the veracity of the message of the Quran, the people of the Book must follow the laws of their own scriptures in truth as Muslims and God will judge them equitably. (Bolds and emphasises mine)
Your sister hopes she makes more sense now
God bless you!
(Source: brother Joseph's article "People of the book")

103

General Discussions / Re: Does each people judge by what they have been given?

« on: December 17, 2014, 01:14:32 AM »

I have taken up much of your time lately with my questions in the past couple days. And I honestly only intend for the best and the truth and not to exhaust you but to help you(something which I might not be able to do but Insha'Allah). Only reply if you find it a topic that will benefit others and not only myself as there is other important things going on.

Peace be upon you

Peace be with you dear brother Hamzeh (not "upon you" - that's the salavat for prophets )
I feel the same way as you in that quote. I have also taken much time from brother Joseph lately, with many questions and discussions, and since we're not the only ones that need him, we show some patience until he is free and comfortable enough to answer us back in the meantime, sorry for 'interfering' in this post, since you were directed towards brother Joseph, but I thought one humble opinion more wouldn't hurt
First of all, I always try to apply brother Joseph's advice to take the verses within the context and to take all the verses that treat the matter, not to isolate just one (or two) of them. In surah Al Maideh, verse 44 becomes clearer if you see the verses 42 and 43 that also talk about jews of Madinah:
"[They are] avid listeners to falsehood, devourers of [what is] unlawful. So if they come to you, [O Muhammad], judge between them or turn away from them. And if you turn away from them - never will they harm you at all. And if you judge, judge between them with justice. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly."  As we know, the constitution of Madinah allowed all religious groups to follow their religion and their laws, for as long as they don't disturb public order and harmony. Jews were not exception .  But it was customary that almost all citizens used to come to prophet to ask his advice if they had any dispute, so God orders our prophet to judge between them with justice. Arguably, prophet would have used the laws of Allah(Quran) to judge any dispute. But jews often disagreed with his decisions.  The following verse 43 informs us that since the verdicts from Quran are being disputed, then he should judge between them from their own law, the Torah: "But how is it that they come to you for judgement while they have the Torah, in which is the judgment of Allah ? Then they turn away, [even] after that; but those are not [in fact] believers.". Then verse 44 clarifies that judging them with Torah doesn't mean that prophet was abandoning the laws of Allah: "Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light. The prophets who submitted [to Allah] judged by it for the Jews, as did the rabbis and scholars by that with which they were entrusted of the Scripture of Allah, and they were witnesses thereto. So do not fear the people but fear Me, and do not exchange My verses for a small price. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed - then it is those who are the disbelievers."
The moment a person converts to Islam, Quran is his religious law. Quran is the law that the believers will follow up until the Judgment Day. So, the jews and christians are required to accept Muhammad as a prophet (7:157-158). But the jews of Madinah had accepted our prophet as the leader/judge of Madinah, but not as a prophet of God, which means they were not muslims yet. So judging them with their own laws was in perfect harmony with the Quran (there is no compulsion on religion) and with the constitution of Madinah, that guaranteed religious freedom, peace harmony for all citizens of Madinah regardless of their beliefs. 
Hope I was of help inshallah,
Your sister Seraphina

104

Women / Can a woman get the child custody in case of divorce?

« on: December 14, 2014, 05:19:10 PM »

Salamun alaikum, brothers and sisters! I hope you're having a great Sunday!
My family is not familiar with Islam (as portrayed in the Quran), they have only seen some tv talk shows with mullahs or scholars, so you can imagine they have many misconceptions about Islam, and they often come up with questions. Yesterday in a tv show a religious clerk was stating that "prophet Muhammad pbuh said that a woman can keep the custody of her children after divorce for as long as she doesn't remarry. And, almost always a father is favored regarding the custody, because he's the one charged from God to provide provisions for his children (for his family in general). Even if the father dies, and the widow has to remarry someday, someone from father's family takes care of children (grandfathers, uncle, aunt...)".
I have some issues with this theory. First of all, I'm not a scholar but I have known Quranic laws well enough to know that this theory has no basis in it. Second of all, when God gave the divorced and widowed woman the right to remarry, He never put such conditions on them . Besides, take the verse 23 of surah Nisa: "Prohibited to you (For marriage) are:- Your mothers, daughters, sisters; father's sisters, Mother's sisters; brother's daughters, sister's daughters; foster-mothers (Who gave you suck), foster-sisters; your wives' mothers; your step-daughters under your guardianship, born of your wives to whom ye have gone in,- no prohibition if ye have not gone in;- (Those who have been) wives of your sons proceeding from your loins; and two sisters in wedlock at one and the same time, except for what is past; for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful."(Yusuf Ali translation). How can it be forbidden for a woman to take her children with her if she remarries, when God clearly recognizes that a man can have (at least) the daughters of his wife under his guardianship?
Even if we'd take hadith and sunnah as authority (as most of muslims do), we have arguments to prove them wrong. Prophet Muhammad himself was born an orphan and his mother raised him, until she died as well. Ramla bint Abu Sufian got divorced (and later widowed) from first husband and married prophet and had her daughter living with her, when her husband was alive, and after he died. Hind bint Abu Umeya was widowed, and had three children, the fourth being born in prophet's house after he married her, and he (prophet) raised them as his own. There were attempts to take at least one of her children from her, but in the end she had them with her.
What is your view on this issue? I believe it's important for every woman to know her rights on this matter, because we never know what will tomorrow bring.
Sorry if I made it too long,
Your sister Seraphina

105

General Discussions / Re: The Evil Eye

« on: December 10, 2014, 09:27:09 PM »

Selam 8pider,
In my home country the 'evil eye' is understood to be someone's staring that has the power to cause you harm. I guess it has the same meaning among all the cultures and religions where it is accepted as real, existing phenomenon. I've seen brides and newborn babies being given a necklace with a blue eye medallion, because it is believed that the blue eye keeps it away from you. If the bride feels tired from the wedding ceremony, she was hit from evil eye, the long ceremony had nothing to do with it. If a child steps on a rock and falls down, he/she caught the evil eye from someone who stared at them, stone had nothing to do with it. And so on. My point is, it is something purely superstitious. I've seen the Quran mentioning the existence of black magic (blowing of knots and similar), but I haven't seen anywhere the mentioning of the evil eye phenomenon, or how to be protected from it, like it is the case from the evil of those who blow on knots. If it is there, I have yet to see it.
God bless you,
Your sister Seraphina