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Answer
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Name
Mahmood
- Canada
Profession
Student
Question
As-salamu `alaykum,
In Islam, the only fear Muslims should have is of Allah. How is it then, that Muslims should react to other fears? How is this viewed in Islam? In Islam, should Muslims try and overcome their fears with realizing Allah's Power and characteristics? It is known that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the bravest man. Can you provide me with some evidence from the Life of Prophet Muhammad regarding this.
Jazakallah,
Was-Salam,
Answer
Dear Mahmood,
While it is true that believers should only fear Allah , Muslims are at the end of the day human beings with all their weaknesses and different individual ways of dealing with pain, fear,anger and other human feelings.
Of course the more the faith is vivid in the heart of a believer he or she would have less fear of other human beibgs or of the future.
Mentioning Allah and remeberance of Allah (dhikr) calms the human heart and gives strength in times of crisis. However,if the traits of a person include his being overly reactionary to events it does not mean he has weak faith. It simply means that he or she needs to work a bit on his reactions and become stronger.
Prophet Muhammed went back to Khadijah in full fear when he received the first revelation, he paniced and was trembling..but Allah bestowed on him tranquility (Sakina) and confidence, and many da`is mention that, asking Allah to give us strength and help us manage fear, anger and hatred.
There is a verse of the Qur'an mentioning that in Heaven Allah will take away feelings of hostility towards other believers from the heart of those who will all join Paradise while they-though they were all good believers-had feelings of hostility towards each other on a person to person level.
Islam does not deny humans to have fears, but it educates them about it and teaches them how to minimize that feeling. Rememeber that in tims of Jihad even prayers take a different structure in "the prayers of fear". Not only to allow the Mujahedin to be alert to threats and not all join a prayer so they would risk being attacked from the back, but also for psychological reasons assuming the fighter might not be feeling fully safe and might become distracted due to that from concentrating in his or her prayer(in case women are joining the fight).Allah always in a very Merciful way repeats in many verses that he understands human weaknesses and forgives us and that Islam does not put a burden on our shoulder our human nature can not bear.
We should keep trying to become stronger, and we should address Allah to help us become so, but remember that His Mercy is near to those who fail and repent and try again.This is the struggle towards perfection that is not a point we can reach but rather a process and a journey we should embark on with faith and determination.
Name
Chithambaram Palaniappan
- United Kingdom
Profession
Student
Question
What is the Islamic influence on Western law? What contribution has it make to our understanding of the nature of law? And whether any of these contributions have extended beyond a purely academic treatment of abiding practical philosophical questions of how we should live and why?
Answer
Islamic jurisprudence attempted over many centuries to put the philosophical dimensions of theories of rights into practical laws to organize human life, putting 5 major priorities in front of the legislature in any process of law making: preserving human life , faith, reason, honor, and property.
Stemming from that emerged a very sophisticated-yet very flexible-body of codes and detailed laws to orgainze many aspects of life. You can find more details in the books that discuss Islamic Jurisprudence. Joseph Schacht is one of the most calssic writers on Islamic Law and his book is a good introduction on that. I also recommend Lawrence Rosen's book 'The Justice of Islam', especially the theoretical introductory chapter as it explains the societal dimension of the notion of justice and law making in Islam.
Two points should be mentioned here :
The first is that the legal system of Islam though distinct and based on the faith of Islam can overlap with other legal systems whether based on religious origin like Judaism , or on secular foundations like modern secular laws. Hence comparative approaches are very imporatant and also the serious consideration of how Islamic rules can be accomodated within secular legal systems is crucial for preservation of basic human rights for Muslim communities in non-majority situation and vise versa, namely when non-Muslim request special consideration of their faith-based legislations within a frame of equal citizenship.
Second I want to point to the fact that in the Islamic legal system it is not only the law that is important but also the law making process (the political dimensions), the independence of the Judiciary (separation of powers that took place in the history of Islam) and the social justice dimension of law applications.
There is so much to say here, but I assume that this is a very general reply to your important question.
Many thanks.
Name
Sasita
- United Kingdom
Profession
Student
Question
What is Islamic Jurisprudence?
Answer
Please refer to the previous reply and try to go back to some of the references mentioned.
Broadly it is the body of legal literature , laws and legal practices in Muslim societies that were based on an understanding of the Noble Qur'an as a revelation by Allah to human kind.
There are differences and disagreements about interpretation of the verses that include legal implications, hence the difference in respective Islamic jurisprudence in different countries and in different centuries.
The end result is a body of legal texts and legal systems and practices that are taught at departments of law in Muslim countries or studied by those who specialize in Islamic law in any university that offers comparative law courses or has Islamic law programs. The practice is very much related to the social context and in many situations we can see Islamic jurisprudence as a system that grows and develops and is subject to reform in many historical moments.
Thank you and Salam.
Name
Sarah
-
Profession
student
Question
If you are making da`wah with someone and this person has pushed so hard to stress you out, how do you calm down and not to lose your temper?
Answer
Da`wah is not only done by words but by deeds, so may be you are the one who is pushing too hard.We are ordered to inform others about Islam not to convert them. So you do your share and let people choose.If they do not choose Islam then you should still give them Justice, respect their human dignity and the right to choice and freedom of faith guranteed by Islam.This is what Islam teaches us.
May be if you realize that the universe is based on diversity and that Allah told us that no matter what we do there will be people-actuallay the majority as the Qur'an states-who will not surrender to Allah, then you would not loose the passion about calling others to Islam but you would loose the anger and the frustration. It would help you be more patient and more tolerant and realize that it is Allah Who guides to the right path. We only make our testimony, but we can not force others. No comulsion in religion. And Islam came as a mercy to believers and non-believers alike. So be mercy and be light, and leave the reast to Allah. He is the Wisest and the Fair Judge.
Name
SF
- Qatar
Profession
house wife
Question
How should we approach & give da`wah to non-Muslims when we don't know their language?
Answer
Simple:You learn their language to be able to fulfill the basic condition of communicating with them. And till you do, you simply use the global human language: kindness and fairness.
Name
yasmeen
-
Profession
Question
As-salamu `alaykum..
When I was 15 my parents had a divorce. The court gave me and my sister and brother to my father. My father and my mother live in the same country but different far cities.
So when we lived with our dad and our step mother, we were incredibly unhappy and misrable. There were lots of fight and arguments in the house. So, one day we had a fight with our dad, and he said if you guys don't like it here than get out. Although we know he said that out of anger, next morning we ran away to our mother.
Now I'm 18, my sister is 19 and my brother is 15. I feel we did something haram, and that we will be severly punished for this. We told our mom that we want to go to our father. She got very sad and unhappy. She said I don't want you to leave me. So I'm torn in the middle. I don't know what to do. We visit my dad every now and then, and we call him from time to time. So my mom said there is nothing wrong with the situation since we keep in contact with him. I am confused. Please help.
Answer
I agree that there is nothing with the situation. You did not run away from home, you simply chose to stay with your mum, a choice guratnteed to you by law and by Shari`ah.
You did nothing haram, you tried to avoid problems so that you can be more kind to him, which you are doing fine.
I suggest you discuss it with your dad and mum, and if there is a reason for one or two of you to go back to his home, i.e. because the university in his city is better or after you finish studies you can go work in his business, then your mum should be assured you are visiting her. Strike a balance, both deserve your passion and kindness, with a special status of mothers as you know, so try to be wise, diplomatic and fair.
Take time and be delicate.
Insha'Allah, Allah will show you the right path and make the right decision.
Name
Ali
- Pakistan
Profession
Question
As-salamu `alaykum,
I would like to know what Islam says about evolution. Also when life on earth began according to Islam? Animals like Dinosaurs did really exit?
Thanks
Answer
Please check our science and technology pages and communicate with Dr.Nadia Awadi who is the science editor. She can help on that more than me.
Thank you.
Name
Ahmed
-
Profession
Question
Salam,
I would like to know how should Muslims see parying? For example, I Pray as Muslims must pray, just before pray time, or before Adhan. I, then, feel like I have burden on my shoulders. so I pray to take this burden off. Is it wrong to feel this way?
When I pray, I feel Allah is not listening to me. Maybe I ask for too much or I am always asking. I never feel happy with what I have.
How can I improve myself while praying and get rid of these thoughts?
Thanks
Answer
Many of us in our modern busy life feel they carry a lot of responsibilities and have burdens. This is normal, and praying 5 times a day was ordered by Islam to help human beings to re-new their faith and get stronger in facing life.
You should be confident that Allah listens, and that He gives you what you deserve of blessings and support, but may be you did not count your blessings.It is not necessary that what you ask for is given to you, may be it was not meant for you. So rest assured that He is near and that he loves you. And ask Him for mercy and forgiveness, and He will shower you with His blessings Insha'Allah.
Name
muslim
- India
Profession
Question
Assalamu `alaykum,
Last week I recieved an e-mail from my freind regarding Islam. I just wanted to confirm whether its true or not. I have copied the message as it was and pasted it here.
Thanks in advance.
May Allah bless you.
The message is as follows:
Subject: DONT DELETE! IF YOUR A MUSLIM! PLEASE READ THIS!
This is true.From Madina Sheikh Ahmed has sent this news.On a Friday
Sheikh Ahmed fell asleep reading the Quraan. Then he dreamt the Prophet
Muhammed (saw) standing in front of him and saying that in one week
seven thousand people died but not even one was a true Muslim. None did
what ALLAH wanted. He also said now is a bad time. These days Wives dont
look after their Husbands,Girls go round without being covered they do
not respect parents or others,Rich do not look after the poor,they do
not give gifts or money or do not give fulfil zakaat.he also said to
Sheikh Ahmed make people understand to give zakaat,To do prayer and to
keep fast. The day of judgement is near. When There is a single star in
the sky,straight away the path of forgiveness will close. The writing in
the Quraan will disappear (vanish). The Sun will lower itself with
earth.
The Prophet said whoever reads this news to someone else,
" I WILL ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT MAKE HIM A PLACE IN PARADISE, AND IF
SOMEONE DOES NOT BELIEVE THIS NEWS TO BE TRUE THEY WILL BE BANISHED FROM
PARADISE"
If a poor person gives out this news to other people his/her good wish
will come true. Sheikh Ahmed said if this is not true then my death will
be off a Non-Muslim. The Prophet said
" KEEP FAST,DO PRAYERS,GIVE ZAKAAT AND GIVE KINDNESS TO THE POOR"
Whoever Forwards This will get his/her reward in three days. One Person
forward it to 40 people he had 8,000 thousand, take prophit in his
buisness. One Person did not believe this news and his son died. One
kept Saying he will forward it today,tomorrow but never forward this
news he died as well.
PLEASE DO NOT THINK THIS IS NOT TRUE.
PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE!
Answer
Such messages are usually circulated. If they contain good words or authentic Du`aa' select the lines and circulate them, but do not assume any conditions or accept any promises nor threats.They are widely circulated in many cultures and also many faith communities. Do not give them too much attention.
Name
Oum Nour
- Germany
Profession
Question
A Muslim brother asked me to borrow him about 15 thousand Dollars. He needs the money to get an illegal visa and passport. Can I borrow him the money? Or should I decline because he is doing that illegaly?
Thank you very much!!
Answer
You should decline.
Name
Nadeem
-
Profession
Question
Salam,
I would like to know what will be on earth at the end of time? I mean I can not believe that there will be noting. There has to be somethings. What will all the people do after Judgement Day? Is there will be nothing forever?
By asking these questions, does it indicate my iman (faith) is weak? Actually I'm just trying to understand this point but I dont know it just does not seem normal.
Thanks
Answer
Dear..
I assume many of your questions are replied to in many verses of the Qur'an, and that the brothers in the fatwa section have the knowledge to explian to you the different stages we go through after our souls leave our bodies, till we meet Allah on the Day of Judgement. So please forward your question to them for a detailed reply.]
Ask whatever and whenever you want. It is questioning that leads to knowledge , and doubts that leads to faith. Do not worry. Questions are allowed even on the very Day of Judgement. Do not let anyone intimidate you, prevent you from asking questions.
Many thanks and keep asking.
Name
Susie Ombraker
- Alaska
Profession
Question
Are you optimistic or pessimistic about Islam?
Answer
OPTIMISTIC! INSHA'ALLAH!
Name
Hussain
-
Profession
Question
As-salamu `Alaykum
With the current state of our Ummah, one cannot get away from feeling completely helpless. We sit and watch the news and there is nothing we can do. We give sadaqah (charity), we make du`aa' (supplication) for our brothers and sisters but it is not enough. Violence is not the Islamic answer, we are better than that but how can we make a contribution without falling into the trap of violence?
Answer
By keeping the hope, fulfilling the duties and giving to the good cause time, money and effort. Also by having good brothers and sisters who encourage you to continue and keep the optimism , and the faith in Allah.
Welcome, this is the place where you can find people who refuse to give in and think that humans are obliged to act not necessarily by seeing the fruits in their hands as early as they wish or even in their life time. Remember that Muslim are ordered by the Hadith of the Prophet to plant the seeds if they have an opportunity even if it is the Day of Judgement. What more can I say to make you feel better?
Name
H. Toadstool
- New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Profession
Lecturer on Female Anatomy
Question
Salam!
I am seriously considering asking each of my current students to revert to Islam this next semester and I will award them with a higher grade on their final examinations. But two or three are considerably hostile to my suggestion and are threatening to report me to the Dean in charge of our Anatomy Department. Do you have any recommendations?
Answer
This is a session of serious questions and answers Mr Toadstool.
But thank you anyway and you are most welcome.
Name
Fareeha
-
Profession
Question
As-salamu `alykum,
If you go and eat outside in a restuarant in America not knowing the exact indregients but trying to order something that avoids any doubtful thing. Is it ok? And Can we go an eat Chinese food or not since they are not Ahle Kitab (People of the Book)?
Answer
Please check with the fatwa section. It is better anyway to order vegetarian food or seafood and avoid potential use of pork lard in food.
Name
Fareeha
-
Profession
Question
As-salamu `alykum
Accoridng to Islamic teachings can we send our children to American public schools beacuse we know that in Salah five times we ask Allah to show us the right path not the path of those who were lead astray(christians) and nor the path of those whom you are angry with(JEws)? Is this not a clear indication that we should not send our kids to kafir schools?
Jazakallah khair
Answer
You should send them to the educational system that is available because they have the right to education. If you have a good Islamic school in the neighborhood then fine, but if not you send them to the publis school, you become active in the parents meetings and you try to negotiate a space for them to pray and be respected.
You can also seize times of religious celebration to make other children aware of Islamic teachings in a wise and nice way. Building Islamic ghettos and becoming islolated is not the policy of Muslims across history , neither was it the social policy of the Prophet.
Name
Harry Balz
- Costa Rica
Profession
Fumigator
Question
My wife is continually making fun of me because I reverted last year. She says that I did this because I wanted the 72 virgins in Paradise. How should I respond to her using love and kindness?
Answer
Be patient, treat her gently, tell her how much you love her, and become a better husband and a better and more helpful father and she will realize how unfair she is. Be patient and pray for her. Tell her she is worth 140 virgins. You can be sweet and even make jokes! She will be affected by your attitude, but it will take time.
Be aware of trying to convert her now, and give her space of freedom and just focus on your Islamic practices. She will become curious in the course of time. She feels threatened now and probably friends told her you will impose your religion on her. Do not do that. Love and more love is the word. I had a friend who convereted and his wife is a Jew and due to his kindness she threatens him that she would convert to have more rights! She did not so far but they are a lovely couple with a successful marriage. Be patient!
Name
Poopsie
-
Profession
Question
Everytime I bend down to say my morning and evening prayers, I expel gas and noxious fumes. This always happens when I am hungry. Others complain but I tell them that it is not my blame. Am I permitted to eat meals before praying?
Answer
Of course you can eat before Prayer time, and do not pray in a gathering till you sort out this problem. Check with a doctor. You might have a problem.
You are prohibited from offending others and in your case you should pray alone. Check for more details with the fatwa section.
Name
Rasha
-
Profession
Question
Islam= Tolerance, good manners, kindness, humanity, obediance to the Lord, the fruits of this life and the Hereafter, the sucess now and then , many and many good things. In this manner , could you give more explanation for the new comers to Islam. In other words, Islam today=...????
Answer
Please check our Introducing Islam and Islamic Teachings sections that you can access by clicking on the left bar on the home page for detailed information.
