Messages

16

General Discussions / Quranic support for muslim immigration to Abbasinia

« on: August 20, 2019, 07:47:53 PM »

As Salam Alaykum,

I was thinking about the issue of the early muslims migrating to Abbasinia after persecution increased in Mecca.

Is there any Quranic support for a model where muslims as a minority seek protection in a non-muslim land ?
Does this go against the Quranic verses stating not to take unbelievers as (Awleyaa) Guardians/protectors ?

Thank you
Regards

17

General Discussions / Re: Is it okay for a man to perform Hajj for other person or a dead person ?

« on: July 18, 2019, 08:19:55 AM »

Dear Beyond Tradition,

You might find this post useful.
http://quransmessage.com/forum/index.php?topic=121.0

Hope this helps

Regards,
Ahmad.

18

Islamic Duties / Re: Prayer

« on: July 06, 2019, 09:00:46 AM »

Dear QuestionIslam,

In addition to what has been shared. I believe its important to note that the Quranic silence on the exact form of prayer could also mean that the prophet was given the responsibility to unite believers on a single form of prayer, especially for congregations. Its also not far stretched to say that our current prayer was influenced by the prayer of the people of the book [1]. And whether the prophetic prayer was simply based on best practice / assimilation only or  if it involved an aspect of divine inspiration is hard to say with certitude.

However, what we can be certain of is that the prayer we pray today was based on the prayer set forth by the prophet (PBUH) in some way. Even if some aspects of it have been changed with time. In addition, we need not to authenticate the practice historically. Its sufficient to know, as brother Joseph pointed out, that our current prayer does not contradict the Quran for the most part and fulfills the Quranic requirement for prayer. This is with regards to form. As for timing I suggest that you look at brother Joseph's article (Five prayers from the Quran) [2]

Hope this helps in a small way.
Regards,

References:

[1] A JEWISH PRAYER IN COMPLETE RESONANCE WITH QURANIC VERSES ON THE REQUIREMENTS OF PRAYER
http://quransmessage.com/articles/jewish%20prayer%20FM3.htm

[2]THE FIVE PRAYERS FROM THE QURAN
http://quransmessage.com/articles/the%20five%20prayers%20from%20the%20quran%20FM3.htm

[3] HOW CAN WE LEARN PRAYER IF WE DON'T HAVE HADITH TO TEACH US?
http://quransmessage.com/articles/prayer%20without%20hadith%20FM3.htm

19

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Re: Fasting during other months

« on: June 30, 2019, 03:42:30 AM »

Wa alaykum al Salam brother Amin,

You may find the following links useful:

(Fasting in Muharram and the Four Sacred Months) http://quransmessage.com/forum/index.php?topic=181.0

(Fasting on the Day of Ashura) http://quransmessage.com/forum/index.php?topic=194.0


Hope this helps in a small way,
Regards,
Ahmad.

20

General Discussions / Re: Honey Bees eating fruits

« on: June 23, 2019, 07:56:13 AM »

Walaykum al Salam Baandaar,

Its very good that you are teaching your kids the Quran at a young age, May God bless them.
Regarding your Question, I did a google search and it seems that bees actually do eat fruits.

Take a look here: https://honeybeesuite.com/do-honey-bees-eat-fruit/
And here is a video about it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ryx9TL3C4E

Regards,
Ahmad.

21

Posts on Facebook / Re: Feedback Regarding Quora Sought

« on: June 16, 2019, 08:51:29 PM »

Dear brother Joseph,

I believe Quora is an excellent platform. It has a large following and good answers really get a lot of exposure. And with time, you can build a large following. Atheist/Theist debates are common and many misconceptions arise that need to be answered from a Quran-Centric approach. It will allow the Quran centric message to spread to people with very different backgrounds/religions/sects. It is also academically oriented, so detailed, thoughtful answers are appreciated and upvoted.

For example, here are two Questions that would really benefit from your input:

- ( How do Quranist Muslims perform the obligatory prayers? )
https://www.quora.com/How-do-Quranist-Muslims-perform-the-obligatory-prayers

-(Are Quranist (Hadith Rejectors) Kafir or hypocrites according to Islam?)
https://www.quora.com/Are-Quranist-Hadith-Rejectors-Kafir-or-hypocrites-according-to-Islam

Regards,
Ahmad.

22

Discussions / A quote by Muhammad ibn Zakariya Al-Razi

« on: June 11, 2019, 06:46:56 PM »

If the people of this religion are asked about the proof for the soundness of their religion, they flare up, get angry and spill the blood of whoever confronts them with this question. They forbid rational speculation, and strive to kill their adversaries. This is why truth became thoroughly silenced and concealed.

Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi

Abū Bakr Muhammad ibn Zakariyyā al-Rāzī (Persian: ابوبكر محمّد زکرياى رازى‎ Abūbakr Mohammad-e Zakariyyā-ye Rāzī, also known by his Latinized name Rhazes (/ˈrɑːziːz/)[3] or Rasis; 854–925 CE), was a Persian[4][5][6] polymath, physician, alchemist, philosopher, and important figure in the history of medicine. He also wrote on logic, astronomy and grammar.[7]
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_ibn_Zakariya_al-Razi

It is quite surprising that this quote was said during the Islamic Golden age. Apparently nothing changes...

Regards,

23

General Discussions / Is concept of equal rights for men and women affect on Quran’s perspective?

« on: June 01, 2019, 11:35:55 PM »

Dear Beyond tradition,

The following is a quote from Brother Joseph regarding this matter:

In the confines of a household, the Quran places huge weight and the 'primary' burden to ensure financial responsibility, maintenance, fairness, justice and accountability on the shoulders of men. The Quran thus espouses a 'broadly' patriarchal approach to how it views an ideal familial structure should operate. However, this does not mean 'male domination' or a lack of compassion/justice. The Quran also brings forth rights to protect the interests of women (rights to inheritance / property/ earnings / opportunities / marital rights et al) which women have often been deprived of in many cultures today and of yore.

You can see the full post here:
https://www.facebook.com/joseph.a.islam/posts/1416375901832866

It is also important to appreciate the fact that although men and women are given different capacities thus responsibilities. They remain spiritually equal.

033:035
"Indeed the Muslim men and the Muslim women, and the believing men and the believing women, and the obedient men and the obedient women, and the truthful men and the truthful women, and the patient men and the patient women, and the humble men and the humble women, and the men who give charity and the women who give charity, and the men who fast and the women who fast, and the men who guard their private parts / chastity and the women who guard it, and the men who remember God much and the women who remember - God has prepared for THEM forgiveness and a mighty / great reward."

Regards,
Ahmad.

24

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Re: Issue About God - Multiple Questions for Brother Joseph Islam

« on: May 24, 2019, 05:58:34 PM »

As Salam Alaykum,

Just wanted to point out that link number 4 is repeated.

Regards

25

General Discussions / Re: Spiritual benefits of praising the prophet ?

« on: May 20, 2019, 05:11:59 AM »

Dear Truth seeker,

Thank you for your reply and for the resources.

Regards

26

General Discussions / Spiritual benefits of praising the prophet ?

« on: May 16, 2019, 09:23:05 PM »

As salam alaykum,
God asks believer to praise the prophet [33:56]. I wanted to ask if there is a deeper spiritual benefit from doing so apart from the fact that we are obeying Allah.

Also is there a thing as excessive praise and do we have to balance praising our prophets with praising previous prophets ?

Thank you

Regards

27

Posts on Facebook / Re: Avoiding Unnecessary Disputes / Arguments in Religion - Verse: 042:016

« on: April 29, 2019, 05:11:01 PM »

Dear brother Joseph,

In my humble opinion, I believe the same should be done when discussing the Quran centric approach with the masses. The Quran being the word of God, only discussed key aspects of the beliefs of the people of the book (Trinity, Messengership of Muhammad, certain distortions in the book).

Although an in depths analysis and criticism has its place. I think its not suited for public discourse. It will only create confusion and distractions. We should learn from the Quran on how it addressed previous communities to be able to address our own communities.

Actually, the issue of Prayer and Zakat when addressed from a Quran centric approach would dissolve 70% of the resistance genuine seekers may have. I wish that a resource would be put up to address these key issues in a simple and clear way. It may go a long way.

Regards,
Ahmad.

28

General Discussions / Re: How do you think God will judge those who were following the narrations but..

« on: April 04, 2019, 12:59:08 AM »

As-Salam Alaykum,

Matters of judgement ultimately belong to God. However there is some wisdom that can be extracted from the Quran regarding this issue. I believe brother Joseph addressed this in some way or another. Let's ponder on the following passage:

[6:75]And thus did We show Abraham the realm of the heavens and the earth that he would be among the certain [in faith]
[6:76] So when the night covered him [with darkness], he saw a star. He said, "This is my lord." But when it set, he said, "I like not those that disappear."
[6:77] And when he saw the moon rising, he said, "This is my lord." But when it set, he said, "Unless my Lord guides me, I will surely be among the people gone astray.
[6:78] And when he saw the sun rising, he said, "This is my lord; this is greater." But when it set, he said, "O my people, indeed I am free from what you associate with Allah.
[6:79] Indeed, I have turned my face toward He who created the heavens and the earth, inclining toward truth, and I am not of those who associate others with Allah."

ٍImagine if God had taken the life of prophet Abraham while he believed he's lord was the Star or the moon or the sun. Would he be treated equally as those who blindly worship these entities because their forefathers did so ? Arguably not.

Prophet Abraham was in a journey of the pursuit of truth. For it to unfold it required effort and sacrifice. Truth is not handed on a plate. Prophet Abraham had a sound heart (37:84), it was a matter of time until he reaches the final stage of truth.

Similarly, there are those who follow narrations who also have a sound heart. They do not do so out of blind following. Instead its just the best argument they have been able to reach. And as soon as a better argument manifests itself to them, they will arguably accept it just as prophet Abraham did.

I would like to end with brothers Joseph's sentiment:

We should endeavour to reserve an inclination to judge anyone else in matters of their faith or their sincerity of pursuits. How could we? How could we ever begin to know their PATHS, the matters of their hearts or what is right for them AT THAT POINT in time of their lives? [1]

Regards

[1]  [Varying degrees of truth] https://www.facebook.com/joseph.a.islam/posts/206526606151141

29

General Discussions / Re: Beautiful Recitation

« on: March 28, 2019, 11:27:10 PM »

Thanks for sharing.

I also like the following reciter. Not very known also.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRn8Xc41nUI

Regards,
Ahmad.

30

General Discussions / Re: The most beloved deeds to Allah ? (Hadith)

« on: March 01, 2019, 02:42:58 AM »

Dear brother Athman,

Thank you for your reply and insights. Much appreciated.

Regards,