Topics

436

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Prophet Abraham's Test

« on: November 11, 2011, 12:12:51 PM »

Salam ...
 
Today when I went for Jummah Salah
 
The Imam said:
 
1. Allah tested Ibrahim (AS) with respect to sacrifthe sacrfice of his son. Why does Allah need to test anybody? Does He not know the future as well the present as well as the past?
 
[Should not the proper way of putting is Allah was making Ibrahim to test his faith against what he (Ibrahim) claimed to believe?]
 
2. In memory of that incident of sacrifice, Muslims all over the world MUST offer an animal for sacrifice. Not just those at Hajj. [Is this true?] The Imam also said that based on a hadith, when a Muslim sacrfices an animal the amount of sins washed away are equal to the hair in his body!!
 
3. We celeberate Eid because to pariticpate in the joy of the Hajis who complete this obligation and the fact that all their sins are washed off (per hadees) and they come back as newborn babies. Meat must be distributed in three portions. One for relatives, One for the poor, One for (I forgot who!). What is the point of sending meat to our relatives who are participating in the Qurbani and sending meat to our house anyway? Should not all the meat be given to those in need starting with relatives who cannot afford a sacrifice and then to those in need (like a food bank?).
 
[If the purpose of Qurbani is to sacrifice something for Allah why not, in this day and age, donate money in His cause?]
 
Regards,
 
Mubashir

437

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Is a Muslim Anyone That Believe in a Peaceful Existence?

« on: November 11, 2011, 11:53:01 AM »

"With respect to the term Muslim, there are some scholars who say that anybody who believes in peaceful existence, is a Muslm (regardless of faith for which Allah alone is the judge)"

Mubashir

438

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Stops or Prevents? Verse 29:45

« on: November 11, 2011, 11:48:38 AM »

Dear Brother,

Salam
 
Could you please explain what the proper translation of 29:45 should be? Does Salat forbids, restrains, prohibits, prevents OR stops shameful and bad deeds?
 
The reason I am asking it that there is a difference between the terms used by translators below. Compared to other terms used, "stops" is totally different; It implied that a person who regularly performs salat does not engage in fuwahishaat and Munkar.

Taken to wider meaning of the term Salaat (establishing a system) "Stops" makes sense as in an Islamic state steps are taken by law enforcing authorities to stop people from engaging in objectionable behavior.
 
Thanks.
 
Mubashir

439

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Aqsa

« on: November 11, 2011, 11:43:00 AM »

Dear Br Joe Salaam
 
Thanks for sending the links below and particularly the Aqsa article.
 
Parwez and a few other scholars attribute Masjid Aqsa (farthest mosque) to be in Medina and not Jerusalem. Before the Apostle immigrated to Medina there was a budding Muslim community and regular prayers were being held there at a designated place. We also find that then and later on that Masjid and it's environs were blessed by Allah.
 
Parwez's Exposition can be read here: http://www.tolueislam.com/Parwez/expo/exposition.htm:
 

SURAH 17 : BANI ISR'AEL

(1) (The atmosphere in Makkah had become unbearable for the Jama'at-ul-Momineen and there was a little hope that the message of Islam would be accepted by those who had not only rejected it but planned to kill the Rasool.) Limitless glory to Allah who moved his devotee one night from the sacred mosque (of Makkah) to the farthest mosque (in Madina - where atmosphere was much more conducive) and its environs We had blessed. The purpose of the migration was that the promises made by Allah with him in Makkah should be fulfilled. Most certainly Allah is all Hearing and All-Seeing (20/23). (Therefore every decision of His is based on Knowledge and Wisdom.)
 
(2) (Hijra is not a new phenomenon. It was part of the programme of almost all the Rusul. It played an especially prominent part in the case of Moses.) Moses was given the book for the guidance of the Bani-Isr'ael enjoining them not to take for guidance, any one but Allah.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Wonder if you ever thought in these terms as well? We all well know according to the Hadees story the Apostle went there and led Salaat of all the previous messengers and then went up to meet Allah. However this does not makes sense as in those days there was no masjid or temple there. The place was in ruins !!
 
On another note when we read this Sura (17) we find Allah promised to bring the children of Israel back to their promised land (which they had lost due to their misdeeds). If this is true and we did find them coming back over there in 1947 despite all odds and heavy opposition they were able to establish a foothold back in that land, then a question that arises is what are Palestinians supposed to do whose lands the Jews took over? Should they have accommodated them on basis of this Prophecy? Was/is it right for them to oppose them politically, religiously and militarily? Wonder what are your views on this point?
 
I am reading an Urdu article that seems to suggest that Qibla Awwal was always the Sacred House in Mecca and not the temple in Jerusalem. The verse that deals the "fools" commenting over why were the Muslims turning towards Mecca to pray actually refers to a question asked by the Jews, says the writer. He says it were the Jews and their sympathisers and others non believers  who wanted to know why the Muslims pray towards the Sacred House in Mecca when the established Qibla (according to their understanding) was in Jerusalem?. I have not read the entire article yet but the writer has given ample proofs from the Qur'an to claim that the First House that was established to represent One God by Abraham was in Mecca and never in Jerusalem. He wants to know why the Jews changed it from Mecca to Jerusalem? With respect to the verse in Qur'an where we read  Allah was letting the Apostle know that He noticed Muhammad (PBUH) turning his face to the sky and that soon He would fulfil his desire,  was, according to the rider, the Apostle's wish to have jurisdiction over Mecca and not (as alleded) that he wished to turn his direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Mecca. He was already praying towards Mecca!
 
 
Regards,
 
Mubashir 

440

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Why Rituals Don't Work

« on: November 11, 2011, 11:35:16 AM »

Dear Brother Joe, Salaam
 
I think those trying to question the traditional definition of different rituals in Islam and particularly Salaat seem to be influenced by it's emphasis in the Qur'an verses what they see in their societies where the objectives of these rituals are failing to give them decent life.
 
I wonder if you have written or thinking of writing an article to explain why rituals are not helping the Ummah not only in this day and age but over the past many hundreds of years of Muslim decline?

Here is food for thought:

[A litmus test for a society to see that their dedication to religion is working or not is to see how people behave.]

Right now in Muslim countries, the situation of human rights, justice for the poor, good governance, is really pathetic and does not suit people who live and die by Qur'an and Hadith/Sunnah. Little they wonder in spite of all their rituals, why their countries suffer from:

-Bad governance

- Corruption, nepotism, discrimination based on ethnicity, bribery, favoritism
- Lack of affordable education
- Lack of affordable health care
- Lack of affordable housing
- Lack of employment opportunities
- Lack of clean streets and drinking water
- Women bashing justified by questionable interpretation of religion
- Lack of respect for those visiting government institutions to get things done
- Child molestation
- Child marriages
- Feudal lords
- Tribalism
- Honour killings
- It is not what you know, who you know syndrome
- Superstition and asking favours from long dead saints
- Lack of tolerance and aversion to healthy debates
- Lack of discipline and aversion to following regulations
- No rule of Law
- Obscurantism and sectarianism runs supreme. Extremism is taken as true faith.
- Lack of affordable justice
- Showing off and tendency to 'œthrow one's weight around'
- Lack of common courtesy
-Lack of contribution towards ethics, science and technology
-Treating minorities like trash and hoping they would be influenced by Islam

As patients belonging to a sick Ummah, we need to sit up and ask the doctors of religion what are they feeding us in the name of a cure? It is not working for hundreds of years!! We need to examine the medicine to make sure it is the right one.
 
That is, as a thinking people, our responsibility.
 
Thanks,
 
Mubashir

441

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Why do we say 'Qul' (say) in our Prayers?

« on: November 11, 2011, 09:40:17 AM »

I hope you will help me to clear my confusion.
----------------------------------------

We, Muslims, widely recite Sura 'Ikhlas in prayer, dua or at many other occasions. This and many other sura starts with word 'Qul' translated as 'Say'.

While reading grammar book 'The Essential Arabic: A learner's Practical Guide' by Rafi'el 'Imad Faynan (Professor of Arabic at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi), I came across conjugation of word 'Qala' and grammar rules of imperative verb. 

On page no. 98, author provides conjugation of word 'Qala' (I took only three forms relevant to our discussion) which are as follow:

'Qul' (Say) is a 2nd person masculine singular imperative verb (fi'lul-amri)

'Aaqoolu' (I say) is a 1st person singular present tense verb (al-mudaari'u)

'Naqoolu' (We say) is a 1st person plural present tense verb (al-mudaari'u)

On page 53 of book, author writes:

'Imperative verb' is called ' fi'lul-amri '. It is a verb through which we order or request someone to do something. For example:

Go (Order) or Please go (Request).

In other words: One (Speaker) orders / requests someone (listener) to do something (to go)'
Now, let me apply this rule to Sura 'Ikhkas to demonstrate the problem, if we recite it 'as it is'.

One (Allah SWT) orders someone (Prophet SAW) to do something (to say - i.e. recite or convey to his followers - :  'He is Allah, the One. Allah is Absolutely Independent. He begets not, nor is He begotten. And there is absolutely none like Him.') This is perfect construction with reference to Quran. But problem arises when we recite 'as it is' in prayer, dua or at many other occasions.

Now, imagine when we recite Sura- Ikhlas 'as it is' what will be scenario considering the listener in this case is Allah SWT.

One (who recites the Sura Ikhlas) requests someone (who listens - Allah SWT) to do something (to say: 'He is Allah, the One. Allah is Absolutely Independent. He begets not, nor is He begotten. And there is absolutely none like Him.')
In other words, we are requesting Allah SWT to say that 'Allah SWT (another one?)' is He who is One and so on.
Isn't this scenario problematic?

What is solution to this problem?

We have other two conjugations: 'Aaqoolu' mean 'I say' and 'Naqoolu' mean 'We say'

So, will it not be appropriate to replace word 'Qul' with 'Aaqoolu' when reciting individually and 'Naqoolu' when reciting in congregation?

Note: I am not suggesting in any way to replace word in Quran, I am saying that when we recite this type of sura in namaz, dua or at any other occasion, Will it not proper to be mindful of language?


Regards...

442

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Shirk in non-pagan times

« on: November 11, 2011, 06:37:45 AM »

Peace brother Joseph,

According to the Quran there is emphasis on shirk as the worst evil. Would it still be applicable in our present non-pagan times?

443

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / How will Abu Talib be judged?

« on: November 11, 2011, 06:28:36 AM »

Abu Talib is considered by Sunnis to have died a non-believer while Shias say he was hiding his belief to best protect the Prophet.
 
Sunni hadeeth says Abu Talib will recieve the least punishment in hell for his efforts to help the Prophet and that only his feet or shins will be in hell.
 
But according to the Qur'an, would Abu Talib be more or less punished in comparison to a born Muslim like Yazid who killed many of the Prophet's family at Karbala?  Probably Yazid would be considered a munafiq and thus worse than Abu Talib and according to the Qur'an potentially at at the lowest part of hell?

444

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Who is better? A good Hindu or an unrighteous Muslim?

« on: November 11, 2011, 06:07:14 AM »

Joseph,

Do you think according to the Qur'an, a mushrik who has clearly heard about the truth of Islam like a Hindu for instance but still remains a Hindu until death is still a worse person than someone who is a Muslim who is only a Muslim presumably because he/she is born to a Muslim family and (would have been a Hindu if he or she was born a Hindu) and who is engaging in theft of people?

445

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Ibn-e-Abbas's Tafsir

« on: November 11, 2011, 05:19:36 AM »

Dear Brother Joseph.

Salaam.

Ibne Abbas wrote Tafseer of Quran for some Suras where are these originals available?

446

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Does Cannabis come under the category of 'Khamar'?

« on: November 11, 2011, 04:44:17 AM »

Salaam,

What is your opinion on cannabis being under the category of 'khamar'?

447

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Is sacrifice compulsory for those not performing Hajj?

« on: November 11, 2011, 04:41:06 AM »

Dear brother,
 
According to this article abot Hajj you mentioned animal sacrifice is part of Hajj.
 
http://quransmessage.com/articles/hajj%20FM3.htm
 
But Muslims around the world perform animal sacrifice while celebrating Eid ul Adha . Is there any commandment or Quranic reference for this?
 
Peace

448

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Meaning of the Arabic word 'maAAahumu'

« on: November 11, 2011, 04:25:54 AM »

Dear brother,
 
I was reading your article on Prophets & Messengers accroding to Quran.
 
http://quransmessage.com/articles/end%20of%20prophethood%20FM3.htm
 
Quranic context is quite definitive that Prophets are bearer of scripture. But what about 57:25  where its mentioned that book is sent down with the messenger(waanzalna maAAahumu alkitaba) in sam()e way as mentioned in 2:213 for prophets(waanzala maAAahumu alkitaba)?
 
2:213 The people used to be one nation, then God sent the prophets as bearers of good news and as warners, and He sent down with them the book with the facts so that they may judge between the people in what they were disputing. But after receiving the proof, the people disputed in it due to animosity between them. God guided those who acknowledged with His permission regarding what they disputed in of the truth. God guides whoever/whomever (He) wishes to a straight path.
 
 
57:25 We have sent Our messengers with clear proofs, and We sent down with them the book and the balance, that the people may uphold justice. We sent down the iron, wherein there is great strength, and many benefits for the people. So that God would distinguish those who would support Him and His messengers on acknowledgement. God is Powerful, Noble.
 
 
Though from both of the verses above it dosent mention new/old scripture  , simply mentions the book is send down with   prophet (2:213)  and messenger (57:27) .
 
 
But it seems that the meaning of the word مَعَهُمُ maAAahumu could be  with/ together with/ for  them.
 
I have noticed some translation used  through them and To them.
 
For example Mohammad Asad  used Through them in both verses
 
2:213 (Asad) ALL MANKIND were once one single community; [then they began to differ - ] whereupon God raised up the prophets as heralds of glad tidings and as warners, and through them bestowed revelation from on high, setting forth the truth, so that it might decide between people with regard to all on which they had come to hold divergent views. [197] Yet none other than the selfsame people who had been granted this [revelation] began, out of mutual jealousy, to disagree about its meaning after all evidence of the truth had come unto them. But God guided the believers unto the truth about which, by His leave, they had disagreed: for God guides onto a straight way him that wills [to be guided]. [198]
 
57:25 (Asad) Indeed, [even aforetime] did We send forth Our apostles with all evidence of [this] truth; and through them [41] We bestowed revelation from on high, and [thus gave you] a balance [wherewith to weigh right and wrong], so that men might behave with equity; and We bestowed [upon you] from on high [the ability to make use of] iron, in which there is awesome power as well as [a source of] benefits for man: [42] and [all this was given to you] so that God might mark out those who would stand up for him and His Apostle, [43] even though He [Himself] is beyond the reach of human perception. [44] Verily, God is powerful, almighty!
 
 
Rashad Khalifa used  "with them" in 2:213 and "to them"  in 57:25
 
 2:213 The people used to be one community when GOD sent the prophets as bearers of good news, as well as warners. He sent down with them the scripture, bearing the truth, to judge among the people in their disputes. Ironically, those who received the scripture were the ones who rejected any new scripture, despite clear proofs given to them. This is due to jealousy on their part. GOD guides those who believe to the truth that is disputed by all others, in accordance with His will. GOD guides whoever wills in a straight path.
 
  57:25 We sent our messengers supported by clear proofs, and we sent down to them the scripture and the law, that the people may uphold justice. And we sent down the iron, wherein there is strength, and many benefits for the people. All this in order for GOD to distinguish those who would support Him and His messengers, on faith. GOD is Powerful, Almighty.
 
However irrespective of the form of preposition used its not clear if new scripture is sent to prophets and messengers are assigned the previous scripture to use for their preaching.
 
The only difference I can see is that scripture/book is sent down with prophets to judge between people in 2:213  whereas   scripture/book  and balance(almeezana)  is sent down with messengers so that people may upholod justice/observer right measure/ behave with equity(alnnasu bialqisti).
 
-------------------
 
I think translating   maAAahumu as  "with them" is not appropriate as for the case of prophet a new scripture is sent down after prophethood. So the person is already born and then granted the prophethood and scripture some time in his life ( Prophet Muhammad received at the age of 40).
 
And in case of Messenger if the messenger is not a prophet have to use the existing books sent down to earlier prophet ( old scripture).
 
In both cases if we use "for them"  then sending down both old or new scripture/book   to prophet or messenger could be understood contexually.
 
In 57:25   it is  also mentioned that Iron was sent down where there are lots of usage for mankind.  If we consider Iron is sent down for humand being then definately it didnt come to earth after life started in this planet. Iron is formed during formation of planet from  space .  I think the only verse mention sending down of iron for mankind just with sending down books for messenger is to clarify that not necessarily the book was sent down after the messenger was born , that means already existing book received by earlier prophet.
 
Please let me know your thought about the similarity or difference between the verses 2:213 and 57:25 .

Peace

449

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / Are the covenants in 3:81 and 33:7 the same covenant or different ?

« on: November 11, 2011, 04:18:54 AM »

Dear brother,
 
http://quransmessage.com/articles/3-81%20FM3.htm
 
Are the coventants in 3:81 d 33:7 same coventant or different ?
 
Peace

450

Q&As with Joseph Islam - Information Only / How do we know that God is all-knowing and won't make any mistakes?

« on: November 11, 2011, 03:54:41 AM »

Peace brother Joseph,

How do we know that God is all-knowing and won't make any mistakes with us?