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Name
Noreen
-
Profession
Question
As-Salamu`alykum, recently Will Cummins described Muslims as 'dogs' and 'nazis' in the Sunday Telegraph he turned out to be the press officer of the British Council a lobby campaign by MPACUK and others led to him being dismissed by the British Council, however despite also lobbying the Sunday Telegraph there was no apology or resignation. Should we continue to lobby them? Should groups such as MPACUK be supported in such campaigns? How can we ensure more Muslims are active?
Answer
I believe we should continue to oppose all forms of bigotry against anyone, and there is no harm in joining forces with other fellow citizens who share the ideals of peaceful, harmonious, and mutually respectful co-existence.
We need to mobilize Muslims and persuade them that one should light a candle of hope rather than curse the state of darkness.
Name
Mahmoud
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Profession
Question
How do you see the rise of the anti-Islamic literature that has been coming out since 9/11 and even before? What are the main intents behind it? Is this a sign of the progress of Islam and the victory promised by Allah?
Answer
Many were hoping that the claims made after 9/11 that the war is against the so-called "terrorism" and violence and not a war against Islam. I would have loved to believe that as well. Yet, the conduct of the war, invasion of Iraq under false pretenses even though there was no threat to the security of the US, the conduct of occupying forcers in Iraq, the killing of more than 100 thousands civilians let alone the military, the destruction of towns especially in Fallujah – all of that fly in the face of these early excuses.
Furthermore, the harassments, jailing and detention of large numbers of Muslims, torturing them in the most inhumane way, the so-called secret evidence, the virtual shutting down of the charities even think tanks, is also part of the context of answering this question.
Alongside these developments, we see also a recycling of the fanatical, medieval propaganda against Islam and Muslims that coincided with the crusades.
However, the ferocity of attacks on Islam, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), the Qur'an, etc. may be also a sign of frustration that Islam continues to spread and attract level-minded people all of over the world.
Allah SWT did promise ultimate victory to the truth over falsehood, the message of universal mercy and justice over the new forms of colonialism and repression. But we as Muslims need to better ourselves in every respect and abide by the rules and limits of resistance to various forms of tyranny.
Name
Suhaib (Scotland)
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Profession
Question
As-Salamu`alykum respected teacher! Would you agree with my view that the ongoing (and increasingly more heated) debates over how to balance free speech with tolerance and respect reflect inherent paradoxes in the prevailing systems of secularism? To clarify: I believe that we can live harmoniously in countries like the UK, but it seems that issues like this will remain unresolved without a "religious" framework. Even then, of course, not everybody would agree with the resolution! I hope I've made a little sense, and I'd love to know your views on this...
Answer
1. We as Muslims believe in all types of freedom, including freedom of speech. The Qur'an, Sunnah, and the action of early Muslims bear testimony to that.
2. Whether under normative Islam or under the secular systems, no freedom is totally absolute and unqualified. For example, freedom of speech does not mean freedom of slander, inciting hatred or racism. In many western countries there are laws against anti-Semitism. There should be also laws against anti-Arab Semitism, as many Arabs are Semites. Also against any hate incitement. When free speech is abused, it could result in actual, physical violence against the innocence and destruction of their properties and institutions.
3. There is a difference between disapproving religion or certain beliefs in a respectful and objective manner and hate incitement.
Name
sajjdo
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Profession
Question
Do you think that if we had a less conservative administration headlined the US foreign policies today, hatred against Muslims by groups like the 700 club or other organizations that support terrorisms against Muslims will be less like if John Kerry or John Macain were president today?
Answer
I am not sure what could have happened. Yet, many observers, including Americans, British, and other Europeans, see the new conservative aggressive unilateral attendances as a threat to world peace and the US itself.
Name
muslimah
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Profession
Question
As-Salamu`alykum, what do you suggest people should do when they see such attacks in the media on Islam? It is very difficult also to respond since scholars tend to be talking amongst themselves and do not guide the masses on how to respond given the evidence from the Qur'an.
Answer
All Muslims have a joint responsibility on many levels.
First, as individual Muslims, we need to educate ourselves about Islam so as to answer or write letters to editors to the best of our ability.
Secondly, we need as groups and organizations to organize special training programs which focus on common misconceptions about Islam and how to respond to them in an objective and effective manner. This area of training is badly neglected.
Thirdly, scholars need to include these issues in their presentations and writings. In fact, some are doing that already. For example, this humble servant of Allah has written a paper that deals with Muslim/non-Muslims relations, Jihad vs. violence, and other issues which may be made available soon on islamonline.
Name
Concerned
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Profession
Question
Why it is good for the non-Muslim to convert to Islam and it is a taboo for the Muslim to do the same?
Answer
First, I do not agree with the term "convert"; I prefer to use the term "revert". Islam is the faith that resonates with pure human nature; it teaches belief in Allah, devotion to Him and love of Him. It also teaches universal morality, justice and compassion. We believe as Muslims that these positive and constructive qualities are not a monopoly of Muslims but are embedded upright human nature. So when the person accepts Islam, he or she is reverting back to his/her true spiritual self.
However, people may decide on different paths as free agents. Therefore, the Qur'an forbids compulsion in religion. That is why it is surely good to "revert" to Islam.
As to rejecting Islam after becoming a Muslim, there is no Qur'anic text that provides a worldly punishment. As far as the "law of apostasy" is concerned, which many jurists have spoken about and incorporated in the laws of few countries, it is all related to how some hadiths are to be interpreted.
Some scholars are of the view that any punishment mentioned in the hadiths are meant only for those who join their apostasy with betrayals of Muslims and fighting against them (high treason as we call it today). This issue needs a much detailed treatment and there is evidence to that last statement in Sahih Muslim (collection of the Sayings of the Prophet). In his book Punishment in Islamic Law, Dr. Al-Awwa deals with this issue in detail, so you may refer to it for further discussion.
Name
Suhaib
-
Profession
Question
What are your comments on Charles Moore's recent article, in which he made derogatory remarks about the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)? Specifically: do you feel that it should actually be against the law for someone to claim publicly that he (peace and blessings be upon him) was a pedophile (God Forbid!)? If so, how would you justify such legislation?
Answer
This issue should be placed in its proper personal and cultural perspectives.
First, the moral character of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is totally unblemished. As a youth in a corrupt society, he maintained his chastity and he never engaged in any illicit act even though he was not a Prophet yet.
Secondly, at the age of 25, he was offered marriage to Khadija (may Allah be pleased with her) who was 15 years senior to him, and who remained his only wife for 25 years.
Thirdly, for his entire life as single and married he never committed any morally questionable act or else his many enemies would have used it to discredit him and his teachings as they were desperately trying to.
Fourthly, we all know that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was an extremely busy person and his achievements in 23 years are astounding to imagine. That is inconsistent with anyone who is obsessed with women or any other matters like that.
Now, if we look at the cultural context, we may outline the following:
1. As for the marriage age, there is a considerably difference across culture and times. In the US, for example, as late as early 20th century marriage age was much lower than today. In New York I watched on TV, according to a lawyer I saw on TV, a 14-year girl may marry with the consent of her parent/guardian.
2. From the perspective of Islamic law, the minimum requirement for marriage is majority, and that age also varies from one person to another. Even today it is possible for a girl who is not yet 10 years old (technically 9 years old) to reach adolescence.
3. In Islamic law there is a difference between a marital contract which may take place of minors and actual consummation of marriage. The latter cannot take place till the parties reach the age of majority and approve of their marriage.
4. Age difference is not a moral issue in itself. Even today in the western world there are marriages that take place between parties whose age disparity is quite considerable.
Then, we should look at the historical context:
1. How could any parent give his daughter and the apple of his eye to anyone if this involves "molestation"?!
2. Abu Bakr, Aisha's father, was a highly respected and rich merchant, not one who is looking for any favors at the expense of his beloved daughter.
3. Abu Bakr was not acting like some of today's politicians seeking succession to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and we know that it was not his choice to succeed the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), but it was made by the early Muslim committee after consultation and debate.
4. It is well-known also that Aisha was engaged to another person before being engaged to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). This shows that there was nothing usual or reprehensible of this type of marriage. Indeed if there was any impropriety, his many adversaries would have used it to defame and discredit him.
5. It is known that between the marriage contract and Aisha's moving to the Prophet's household, there was a 3-year gab during which she stayed with her parents.
6. It is also known that her moving to the Prophet's household took place in the first or second year after migration from Makkah to Madina. It is also known that the Makkan period lasted for 13 years, and the famous biographer Ibn Is-haq lists the name of Aisha among the very early persons who accepted Islam in the first few months of the Prophet's mission. If we were to add a minimum age of Aisha to understand what she was accepting, say 4 + the 13 years in Makkah + 1 or 2 years in Madina, it adds up probably to 19 years and not only 9, which is the number reported in Al-Bukhari.
7. While the above is more than enough, it is noted also that many historians have debated the age of Aisha when she married the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). One is that some say that Aisha died at the age of 50 after migration, at the age of 67, which means that she was born 17 years old before migration, and since her marriage was consummated one or two years after migration, it must have taken place at the age of 19.
8. It is also known that her sister Asmaa was 10 years her senior. It is interesting to note that Asmaa died in the year 73 after migration, at the age of 100, this means she was born 27 years before migration (100-73). Since she was 10 years older, then Aisha was born 17 years before migration, which is consistent with these other reports.
A recommended reference is a small book published by Ruqaya Warith Maqsood published by IPCI in Birmingham.
In conclusion, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) was an extremely intelligent and knowledgeable person whose talents and knowledge was considerably increased through company of the Prophet (Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) from early age and was proved to be an instrumental source of knowledge about Islam and the life of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), that is why she is known as one of Mother of Believers.
Name
Stephanie
- United States
Profession
Question
What should every Muslim do in his daily life to fight back in the war on Islam?
Answer
1. To do Jihad (struggle to purify our own soul) and renew our commitment to Allah.
2. To manifest this commitment in our actions at all levels, family, community at large.
3. To do our best to gently and effectively convey the message of Islam to our friends and fellow citizens.
Name
H.
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Profession
Question
Apostasy laws in the Muslim world is a clear example of the lack of freedom in the Muslim world, can you deny this?
Answer
Absence of freedom in the Muslim world does mean absence of freedom in the teachings of Islam.
Absence of freedom in the Muslim world is all embracive and includes lack of freedom, economically and politically.
Islam is not to be blamed for failure of application or misapplication or for that matter, doing wrong in its name.
Name
Hatem
- United States
Profession
Question
As-Salamu`alykum, how do you think Muslim organizations can be more effective in their societies and have more political power in the West? Is it through being more and more active with non-Muslim charitable activities? Or is there any other way of having the voice of Muslims heard? Jazakum Allahu Khairan.
Answer
Islam teaches positive involvement in society. There are many common values we share with other communities of faith. Charity to Muslims and non-Muslim is commendable. There is nothing haram (forbiden) about social and political participation in non faith-based systems as long as one believes that no system is superior to Allah's, and so long as this protects and promotes the legitimate rights of Muslims and lets their voices be heard.
Name
Saeed
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
With the attacks on Sheikh al-Qaradawi (July and onwards), we have witnessed a new method of "war on Islam" - attacking its scholars. By so doing, the aggressors claim that they have nothing against Islam, but attack a scholar for saying things that are plain and universally accepted from the Qur'an.
For example, it would be contradicting clear texts to state that homosexuality is "normal" [7:80] or "permissible" [7:81]. It would also be wrong to say that the verse [4:34] which allows 'darb' (translated "striking", but not involving violence) is not applicable. It is, but scholars such as al-Qaradawi (and you, may Allah reward you) have explained in depth the scope and restrictions of this measure.
So my questions are:
1. What do you see as the outcome of this method of attack on Islam?
2. What other methods can you see coming into use in the media?
Answer
The strategy of claiming to have nothing against Islam while killing tens of thousands of Muslims, occupying their lands, harassing them and attacking their scholars is nothing short of deception and a cover-up of persecution. Media may continue and intensify their attack as part of this overall plan, more distortions of Islam will probably continue. However, be assured that Allah will protect His deen, but we have to do what we can in the most effective and peaceful manner. Jazakum Allahu Khairan.
Name
syed
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Profession
marke
Question
10 years back when I lived in USA and read about Islam's stance of living in USA. My understanding from books of Maulana Maudoodi and Syed Qutub was that it is not justified until and unless there are 3 reasons: a) da'wah b) education c) temporary work/ income.
Taking a nationality of a Western country meant that you are taking oath that the secular law would be the most supreme which is against "inil hukmu illa lillah" (Surely the judgment is only from Allah).
But recently I am seeing fatwas in a sense encouraging taking nationality of Western countries. What is your opinion?
Answer
Scholars debated this issue and varied in their interpretations of primary texts that relate to this issue. Many are of the view that with some qualifiers, it is not haram to live in a non-Muslim society. Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him) was a high official under the Pharaoh of Egypt and did his best to achieve justice. 1/3 of Muslims live as minorities in non-Islamic societies and where should American reverts to Islam for example go?
Name
Imran
- Australia
Profession
Question
I am appalled at the attacks that the western media has lashed out against Islam. My question is what can we do as Muslims to avert such problems?
Answer
Questions were answered earlier in some detail. Please refer to the previous question in this dialogue. Jazakum Allahu Khairan.
Name
Md.
-
Profession
Question
We Muslims always blame western media for their negative coverage about Islam. But unfortunately we are not interested to develop our own media. There are more than 50 Muslim countries in the world. But hardly in any of the countries, will you get a free media. Media are controlled, gauged to the service of the ruling elites - Sheikhs and autocrats. This is really an irony as Islam has always promoted truth. Please give your comments.
Answer
I agree. The problem is whether the leaders of these many countries really care about Islamic causes, try to unite and co-ordinate and act independent of pressures and sometimes orders of "powerful" adversaries of the Ummah.
Name
Umm Samir
- Netherlands
Profession
teacher
Question
Salaam u alaikoum, My sister has just lost her 16 year old son (rahimahu allah) and she is still in our native country morocco with family who help and support her in her loss, we all live in Holland but we are from Moroccan origine.
I have a questions considering the grave of my nephew,his mother wants to place a stone on the head of his grave with his name date of decease, and surat Yassin, on the side of his grave she wants to place a small brick wall of 3 or 4 inches just to make sure no one steps on her sons grave while visiting other graves, is this sustained in our religion? because the men in our family says that this is haram? and what about visiting the grave as a woman? we have heard so many things that we have lost our sense in this matter, please inform us with the right sunah rules.
Jazaku allah bikhair..
Answer
A 3-4" mound or wall to prevent people from stepping on or sitting on the grave is OK. So is the identification of the grave for future visits. Would not recommend posting Qur'anic verses or any other writing other than the name.
May Allah have mercy on him and give his loved ones Sabr.
Name
a.n.s.
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Profession
Question
Assalamu alaikum, Dr. Jamal
i wanted to ask some fiqh questions about translating arabic islamic texts? is it ok in this live dialogue?
Answer
WAWW. No problem as this is needed for effective communication.
Name
SARRAH
-
Profession
Question
I AM MARRIED HAVE 2 CHILDREN AND DO NOT WISH ANY MORO BUT I HAVE RECENTLY FOUND OUT I AM PREGNANT ABOUT 6 WEEKS NOW, I WISH I WASN'T PREGNANT SINCE I WOULD HAVE TO STOP WORKING , IT WOULD BUT PRESSURE ON ME & MY HUSBAND RELATIONSHIP, IS ABORTION AN OPTION..
Answer
Not at this stage [over 40-42 days, which is the more correct period]. May Allah give you and your husband Barakah even though you may be out of work temporarily. As you know, the responsibility of maintenance is the husband's only unless the wife voluntarily helps.
