AAWW
Allah SWT mentioned the word “Qetal” and “ Al Jihad be al maaal wal nafs” in several occasions in the Quran. Can you please comment on some of these verses and explain to us why does Allah SWT always mention Al Jihad with Money “maal” and Soul “nafs” together whenever he mentions the word Jihad? And when is it an obligation for all the Muslims to fight and follow the chant “Hayya Ala Al Jihad”?
Thanks a lot Dr Jamal for everything you do for the Umma and Jazaak Allah alf khair.
WAWW
Your student,
Ahmed El-Astal
Canada, Halifax
Answer
AAWW Akh Ahmad,
Jihad in its broad sense means to srtive in the way of God. This includes stuggling against evil inclinations and purifying one's soul. Making Jihad with one's person [Nafs] refers to both time, effort as well as self-sacrifice when no alternative to repel aggression and/or oppression is available. Jihad with money refers to the payment of charity to the poor and other legitimate causes. Another meaning of Jihad is to stop aggression and/or oppression provided all means and attempts at just and peaceful solution fail to stop that, and provided further that the ethical and restraint behavior in the battlefield is observed [such as sparing non-combatants, refraining from un-necessary destruction and ceasing when a chance is presented for peaceful and just solution]. That last form of Jihad is commonly called Qital.
Name
Azzizah
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Profession
Question
Dear Dr. Jamal :
Can you provide some context to the so called "Jihad Verses" that are constantly quoted in the media to show that Islam is a violant and hateful religion. It seems that these groups want to look at Islam with Christian glasses and assume that religion should never talk about war and fighting and therefore since Islam addresses the issue of war it can not be a proper religion.
Answer
AAWW Sr. Azzizah,
In my answer to the previous questioner [Al-Astal], I explained the true meaning of Jihad and its various forms. The Qur'an teaches love [not hate] and concern for humankind irrespective of their faith choice. More than 200 verses in the Qur'an address all humankind, not just Muslims [e.g. 4:1; 49:13]. It teaches acceptance of others' right to choose their faith, condemns compulsion in religion and accepts plurality of humankind [though not plurality in ultimate truths]. Please check 2:256; 10:19; 11:118-119. Nowhere in the Qur'an does it say "do not take Jews and Christians for friends" as misquoted or mistranslated [5:52 speaks of protectors not friends and for context see 5:53]. In fact Islam allows more intimate relationship than friendship; some form of interfaith marriage [5:5, see also 30:22 for the nature of marital relationship irrespective of the wife' s faith; Muslim, Jewess or Christian]. Non-Muslims who are co-existing peacefully with Muslims are to be treated like one's parents; justice, kindness, respect and love [60:8-9, note that the Arabic term Tabarroohom comes from Birr, a term used in the Qur'an and Hadeeth to refer to one's relationship with parents!]. Other verses relating to fighting or "killing" refer to those who aggressed against Muslims and mostly [especially in Chapters 8&9 of the Quran] refer to idolatrous Arabs who committed "war crimes" against Muslims. My PowerPoint file on this topic should be available soon, INS on www.isna.net
Name
Yusuf
- United States
Profession
Question
What are the best ways to explain Islam to our non-muslim friends and neighbores given the fact that they already have some negative preconieved notions about Islam. Moreover, how do we express our frustrations as muslims from the constant oppression that is taken place on muslims largly as a result of Western governments and establishments biased and oppressive policies, yet make Islam apealing to the Western general public?
Answer
AAWW Br. Yusuf,
Wrongs done to Muslims do not justify deviation from Islamic ethics even in the battlefield as Islam is not a passive religion and it does stand for justice which is the best promoter of peace and the best means of avoiding senseless violence and extremism. Best ways to introduce Islam is to draw a distinction between its authentic and documented teachings and actions of some frustrated Muslims driven to extremes, even violation of its preachings because of the gross injustices against them. We need also to be good examples of what we profess and to reach out to the community not only to correct misunderstandings but to also to be involved and compassionate citizens. We are up against a huge legacy of false propaganda that goes back for centuries, but we must be patient and persistent. Truth will ultimately prevail, INS
Name
mohamed jaffer
- Tanzania
Profession
clerk
Question
i want to know that when our prophet was on his last hajj( comminigback)he deliverd his last sermon,he told his muazin to call all the hujjajs east, west,north ,south, he then asked for mumber,sayyadina Ali made the mimber of the seats from the horse saddles,and then the prophet gave the speech saying that after his death sayyadina ali should be his sucssesorand sayydina omar was first to congregulate sayydina ali pls give some light on this.
Answer
AAWW Br. Mohamed,
It should be noted first that no Muslim can be a true Muslim without respecting and loving the pious members of the household of the Prophet [p], which according to Ch. 33 includes his wives. Secondly, the most important issue facing the Ummah today with all its schools of Fiqh is the common challenge and danger to its very existence, not the various interpretations of ancient historical events. The Hadeeth you referred to is also understood to mean that Ali [RAA] will be Khalifah, after the Prophet [p], not necessarily the first. Indeed the prophecy was fulfilled.
Name
Azeem
- United States
Profession
Programmer/Consultant
Question
Can a Married Muslim Couple hold hands in public? If the answer is dependent on where they are... then when should they refrain from holding hands in public?
Answer
AAWW Br. Azeem,
No evidence that this is Haraam. It may be prudent, however, in conservative communities to avoid that if it is likely to lead to misinterpretation or unjustified harassment
Name
Jamil
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Profession
Mubarek
Question
Islam is a religion of peace. But why are there so many hateful articles against Jews on Islam Online.net?
Answer
AAWW Br. Jamil,
My very busy schedule does not enable me to read everything on the Internet. I cannot judge without specifics; which article [s] and only after having a chance to read it carefully. The principle on relationship with other faith communities was answered today [Al-Astal and Azziza questions]. The problem with some is the extension of verses that deal with a subset of a group, in a given historical context and apply to all. For example "Al-Naas" could mean all humanity or in a given context a group but not all. Same for term "Jew" or "people of the book". Neither undue generalization nor stereotypes is acceptable against anyone.
Name
urgent
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Profession
Question
If it is really that Islam does not teach us violence, why is it that so many Muslims in the Irqi oppsition help the America in ousting Saddam.
Also, why do Saddam, of course considered a MUsluim, kill so many Kurdish people without any reason?
Answer
AAWW. Islam is not responsible for actions of its claimed followers, any more than Jesus [p] is responsible for the Crusades, the Inquisition, the Rev. Jim Jones suicidal cult or David Koresh. A true Muslim is not one who claims so and commit atrocities condemned by Islam. A true Muslim is one who lives Islam, not just claim it
Name
Azeem
- United States
Profession
Programmer
Question
Should muslims go to candle light vigils? Does this American tradition stem from paganism? Should Muslims refrain from this, and show our moral support in other ways? If it is wrong what can we tell other muslims to stop them?
Answer
AAWW Br. Azeem,
Showing moral support and consoling those who lost loved ones, irrespective of their faith is a fine Islamic tradition practiced by the Prophet [p] himself. I am not sure about the origin of using candles, how it had transformed over time and what does it symbolize; hope, light, remembrance or paganism. I stand ready to learn.
Name
Azeem
- United States
Profession
Programmer
Question
Should we publically condemn groups like Al-Muhajiroun who held an event called "911 a towering day in history".. they are making Muslims look really bad... how can we combat thier sensationalism?
Answer
AAWW. There is need first to verify info. as I have little faith in the dominant media. If true, it is indefensible and we should make our position public, not on the basis of "political correctness" , but on the basis of Islamic teachings that prohibit "shamaatah” or celebration of other peoples' sufferings who should be condoled instead.
Name
Kamal
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Profession
Question
Dear eminent scholar, sorry that this question may sound digressing. But it's very urgent. I heard that you have done an extensive research on the case of Shari`ah in Nigeria. So I'd like to ask: Isn't it correct that the Qur'an is silent on stoning as a punishment for adultery? What will be the case if both the accused plan to get married, will that drop the penalty? What if the woman in question changes her plea from confession of committing adultery to rape, will that change anything? What do you think personally on the issue of Shari`ah in a country like Nigeria, given the bloody consequence that has followed that? Thanks alot
Answer
AAWW. Br. Kamal,
Hope you realize that a full answer takes a lot oft time. The main issue is the lack of understanding of the text and spirit of the Shari’ah aspect that deals with Hudud. There is ample evidence that the Prophet [p] discouraged people from even reporting such moral failings. Even when some came to confess to him, he was avoiding listening or asking for details, giving a subtle message that private repentance is better. A claim of rape is "shobhah" and the Prophet [p] taught that with the slightest doubt or extenuating circumstances, the severe punishment should not be meted. Some jurists do not consider childbirth even as a conclusive proof as it could have been rape or other reasons!
Name
if it is peace then why...
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Profession
Question
is it true that all that one has to know in order to be accountable in front of Allah and whether to become an enemy of Islam is that there is only one God who is truely worthy of worship and that Mohammad was His last messenger?, and rejected it? what if one heard it but didn't understand it?
I heard that this is all that the prophet or sahaba would say to someone upon "entering" a town and that that was sufficient enough to submit to Islam or fight and be faught or pay taxes? Is this true about Islam?
Answer
AAWW. The Qur'an clearly states that Allah in His Mercy will not punish until the [CORRECT & UNDERSTOOD]message was received [and deliberately rejected] 17:15. Can we say that a rejecter of Islam knew the truth in his/her heart, when the Prophet [p] taught that we were not required to inspect people's hearts?. The question of accepting Islam [w/o compulsion as per 2:256], or paying Jizyah [which entitles the person for protection and social security, or fighting is related to those who showed enmity and aggression against the early Muslims. Fighting is not allowed on the sole ground of their belief in a different faith, but only if and when aggression or preparation for aggression is obvious. Problem is lack of an in-depth study of these Ayaat in their historical context and in the light of other texts on the same subject. I call that the integrative approach. Allah knows best
