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2Non-Muslims Most Common Questions Answered by Zakir Naik: 
3Zakir Tag INCLUDED: https://gofile.io/?c=yc0yXe
4Zakir Tag EXCLUDED: https://gofile.io/?c=LN4FZY
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6Abdullah Yusuf Translation Of Quran: 
7With Commentary And Tafsir: https://gofile.io/?c=08q8cu
8Without Commentary And Tafsir: https://gofile.io/?c=iqgc14
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10Saheeh International English Translation Of Quran: 
11https://gofile.io/?c=XFXV7p
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16zakir,naik,abdullah yusuf ali, quran,translation saheeh international translation of quran 
1718. ALL RELIGIONS TEACH PEOPLE TO BE
18RIGHTEOUS, THEN WHY FOLLOW ONLY
19ISLAM?
20Question
21All religions basically teach followers to do good deeds. Why should a person
22only follow Islam? Can he not follow any of the religions?
23Answer
241. Major difference between Islam and most other religions
25All religions basically exhort mankind to be righteous and eschew evil. But Islam
26goes beyond that. It guides us towards practical ways of achieving
27righteousness and eliminating evil from our individual and collective lives. Islam
28takes into account human nature and the complexities of human society. Islam
29is guidance from the Creator Himself. Therefore, Islam is also called the Deen-
30ul-Fitrah (the natural religion of Man).
312. Example - Islam commands us to shun robbery and also
32prescribes method of eli-minating robbery
33a. Islam prescribes method of eliminating robbery
34All major religions teach that theft is an evil act. Islam teaches the same. So
35what is the difference between Islam and the other religions? The difference
36lies in the fact that Islam, besides teaching that robbing is evil, shows a
37practical way of creating a social structure in which people will not rob.
38b. Islam prescribes Zakat
39Islam prescribes a system of Zakat (obligatory annual charity). Islamic law
40prescribes that every person who has a saving that exceeds the nisab level
41i.e. more than 85 grams of gold, should give 2.5% of that saving every lunar
42year in charity. If every rich person in the world gave Zakat sincerely,
43poverty will be eradicated from this world. Not a single human being would
44die of hunger.
45c. Chopping off the hands as punishment for robbery
46Islam prescribes chopping off the hands of the convicted robber. The
47Glorious Qur’an says in Surah Maidah:
48“As to the thief, male or female, cut off his or her hands:a punishment
49by way of example, from Allah, for their crime: and Allah is Exalted in
50power, full of wisdom.” [ Al-Qur’an 5:38]
51The non-Muslim may say, “Chopping off the hands in this 20th century.
52Islam is a barbaric and ruthless religion!”
53d. Results achieved when Islamic Shariah Implemented
54America is supposed to be one of the most advanced countries in the world.
55Unfortunately it also has one of the highest rates of crime, theft, and
56robbery. Suppose the Islamic shariah is implemented in America i.e. every
57rich person gives Zakat ( 2.5% of his savings in charity above 85 grams of
58gold every lunar year), and every convicted robber has his or her hands
59chopped off as a punishment. Will the rate of theft and robbery in America
60increase, remain same or decrease? Naturally it will decrease. Moreover
61the existence of such a stringent law would discourage many a potential
62robber.
63I agree that the amount of theft that takes place in the world today is so
64tremendous that if you chop off the hands of all the thieves, there will be
65tens of thousands of people whose hands will be chopped off. The point
66here is that the moment you implement this law the rate of theft will decline
67immediately. The potential robber would give it a serious thought before
68jeopardizing his limbs. The mere thought of the punishment itself will
69discourage majority of the robbers. There will barely be a few who would
70rob. Hence only a few person’s hands would be chopped off but millions
71would live peacefully without fear of being robbed.
72Islamic Shariah is therefore practical, and achieves results.
733. Example: Islam prohibits the molestation and rape of women. It
74enjoins hijab and prescribes capital punishment for a convicted rapist.
75a. Islam prescribes method of eliminating molestation and rape
76All the major religions declare the molestation and rape of women as grave
77sins. Islam teaches the same. What then is the difference between Islam and
78the other religions? The difference lies in the fact that Islam does not merely
79preach respect for women, or abhor molestation and rape as serious crimes,
80but also gives clear guidance as to how society can eliminate such crimes.
81b. Hijab for men
82Islam has a system of hijab. The Glorious Qur’an first mentions hijab for the men
83and then for the women. Hijab for the men is mentioned in the following verse:
84“Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard
85their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is
86well acquainted with all that they do.” [Al-Qur’an 24:30]
87The moment a man looks at a woman and if any brazen or unashamed
88thought comes to his mind, he should lower his gaze.
89c. Hijab for women
90Hijab for women is mentioned in the following verse:
91“And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and
92guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and
93ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should
94draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to
95their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons....”
96[Al-Qur’an 24:31]
97The extent of hijab for a woman is that her complete body should be
98covered. The only part that can be seen, are the face and the hands up to
99the wrists. If they wish to cover, they can even cover these parts of the body.
100However some Islamic scholars insist that even the face should be covered.
101d. Hijab prevents molestation
102The reason why Allah has prescribed Hijab for the women is given in the
103Qur’an in the folowing verse of Surah Al-Ahzab:
104“O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing
105women,that they should cast their outer garments over their persons
106(when abroad): that is most convenient, that they should be known (as
107such) and not molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, most Merciful.”
108[Al-Qur’an 33:59]
109The Qur’an says that Hijab has been prescribed for the women so that they are
110recognized as modest women this would prevent them from being molested.
111e. Example of twin sisters
112Suppose two sisters who are twins and who are equally beautiful, walk
113down a street. One of them is wearing the Islamic Hijab i.e. the complete
114body is covered except for the face and the hands up to the wrists, and the
115other twin is wearing a mini skirt or shorts. Around the corner there is a
116hooligan who is waiting for an opportunity to tease a girl. Who will he tease?
117The girl wearing the Islamic Hijab or the girl wearing the mini skirt or shorts?
118Dresses that expose more than they conceal, are an indirect temptation to
119the opposite sex for teasing, molestation and rape. The Qur’an rightly says
120that the hijab prevents women from being molested.
121f. Capital punishment for rapist
122The Islamic shariah prescribes capital punishment for a convicted rapist.
123The non-Muslim may be horrified at such a stringent punishment in this age.
124Many accuse Islam of being ruthless and barbaric. I have asked a common
125question to hundreds of non-Muslim men. Suppose God-forbid, some one
126rapes your wife, your mother or your sister and you are made the judge. The
127rapist is brought in front of you. What punishment would you give him? All
128of them said, “we would put him to death.” Some went to the extent of
129saying, “we would torture him to death”, If your wife or your mother is raped
130you want the rapist to be put to death. But if someone else’s wife or mother
131is raped, capital punishment is a barbaric law. Why the double standards?
132g. U.S.A. has one of the highest rate of Rape
133The United States of America is supposed to be one of the most advanced
134countries of the world. An F.B.I report in the year 1990 says that 1,02,555
135cases of rape were reported. It further says that only 16% of the cases of
136rapes are reported. Thus, in order to know the actual number of rapes that
137took place in 1990, the reported figure should be multiplied by 6.25. We get
138a total of 6,40,968 rape cases that took place in the year 1990. If the total is
139divided by 365 the number of days in a year, we get an average of 1,756
140rape incidents everyday.
141Later another report said that an average of 1900 cases of rape are
142committed in U.S.A every day. According to National Crime Victimization
143Survey Bureau of Justice Statistics (U. S. Dept. of Justice) in 1996 alone
1443,07,000 cases of rape were reported. Only 31% of the actual cases of rape
145were reported. Thus, 3,07,000 X 3.226 = 9,90,322 rapes took place in 1996.
146That is, an average of 2,713 cases of rape took place everyday in America
147in 1996. Every 32 seconds one rape is taking place in America. Maybe
148American rapists got bolder. The FBI report of 1990 continues and says that
149out of the rape cases that were reported only 10% of the rapist were
150arrested, that is only 1.6% of the actual rapes committed. Out of those
151arrested, 50% were let free before the trial. This would mean that only 0.8%
152of the rapists faced a trial. In other words if a person commits 125 rapes the
153chances that he will get a punishment for rape is only once. Many would
154consider this a good gamble. And the report says that of those people who
155faced trial 50% received sentences of less than a year’s imprisonment
156though the American law says rape carries a seven year sentence of
157imprisonment. For a rapist, the judge is lenient to first time offenders.
158Imagine a person commits 125 rapes and the chances of being convicted is
159only once, and 50% of the time the judge will grant leniency and give a
160sentence of less than a year!
161h. Results achieved when Islamic Shariah Implemented
162Suppose the Islamic shariah is implemented in America. Whenever a man
163looks at a woman and if any brazen or unashamed thought comes to his
164mind, he lowers his gaze. Every woman wears the Islamic Hijab, that is the
165complete body is covered except the face and the hands upto the wrists.
166After this if any man commits rape, he gets capital punishment. The
167question is, will the rate of rape in America increase, will it remain the same
168or will it decrease? Naturally it will decrease. Islamic Shariah gets results.
1694. Islam has Practical Solutions for the Problems of Mankind
170Islam is the best way of life because its teachings are not doctrinaire rhetoric but
171practical solutions for the problems of mankind. Islam achieves results both at
172the individual and collective levels. Islam is the best way of life because it is a practical, universal religion not confined to any ethnic group or nationality.
173
174Question:
175Why do Muslims abuse non-Muslims by calling them Kafirs?
176Answer:
177Kafir means one who rejects.
178‘Kafir’ is derived from the word ‘kufr’, which means to conceal or to reject. In
179Islamic terminology, ‘Kafir’ means one who conceals or rejects the truth of Islam
180and a person who rejects Islam is in English called a ‘non-Muslim’.
181If a ‘non-Muslim’ considers being called a ‘non-Muslim’ or ‘Kafir’, which are one
182and the same, an abuse, it is due to his misunderstanding about Islam. He or
183she needs to reach out to proper sources of understanding Islam and Islamic
184terminology, and not only will he not feel abused but appreciate Islam in the
185proper perspective.
18617. WHY ARE MUSLIMS DIVIDED INTO SECTS /
187DIFFERENT SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT?
188Question:
189When all the Muslim follow one and the same Qur’an then why are there so
190many sects and different schools of thoughts among Muslims?
191Answer:
1921. Muslims Should be United
193It is a fact that Muslims today, are divided amongst themselves. The tragedy is
194that such divisions are not endorsed by Islam at all. Islam believes in fostering
195unity amongst its followers.
196The Glorious Qur’an says:
197“And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for
198you), and be not divided among yourselves;” [Al-Qur’an 3:103]
199Which is the rope of Allah that is being referred to in this verse? It is the Glorious
200Qur’an. The Glorious Qur’an is the rope of Allah which all Muslims should hold
201fast together. There is double emphasis in this verse. Besides saying ‘hold fast
202all together’ it also says, ‘be not divided’.
203Qur’an further says,
204“Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger” [Al-Qur’an 4:59]
205All the Muslim should follow the Qur’an and authentic ahadith and be not
206divided among themselves.
2072. It is Prohibited to make sects and divisions in Islam
208The Glorious Qur’an says:
209“As for those who divide Their religion and break up into sects, thou
210hast no part in them in the least: Their affair is with Allah: He will in the
211end tell them the truth of all that they did.” [Al-Qur’an 6:159]
212In this verse Allah (swt) says that one should disassociate oneself from those
213who divide their religion and break it up into sects.
214But when one asks a Muslim, “who are you?”, the common answer is either ‘I
215am a Sunni, or ‘I am Shia’. Some call themselves Hanafi, or Shafi or Maliki or
216Humbali. Some say ‘I am a Deobandi’, while some others say ‘I am a Barelvi’.
2173. Our Prophet was a Muslim
218One may ask such Muslims, “Who was our beloved prophet (pbuh)? Was he a
219Hanafi or a Shafi, or a Humbali or a Maliki?” No! He was a Muslim, like all the
220other prophets and messengers of Allah before him.
221It is mentioned in chapter 3 verse 52 of Al-Qur’an that Jesus (pbuh) was a Muslim.
222Further, in chapter 3 verse 67, Al-Qur’an says that Ibrahim (pbuh) was not a
223Jew or a Christian but was a Muslim.
2244. Qur’an says call yourselves Muslim
225a. If anyone poses a Muslim the question who are you, he should say “I am a
226MUSLIM, not a Hanafi or a Shafi”. Surah Fussilat chapter 41 verse 33 says
227“Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allah, works
228righteousness, and says, ‘I am of those Who bow in Islam (Muslim)?’ ”
229[Al-Qur’an 41:33]
230The Qur’an says “Say I am of those who bow in Islam”. In other words, say,
231“I am a Muslim”.
232b. The Prophet (pbuh) dictated letters to non-Muslim kings and rulers inviting
233them to accept Islam. In these letters he mentioned the verse of the Qur’an
234from Surah Ali Imran chapter 3 verse 64:
235Say ye: “Bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims (bowing to Allah’s Will).”
236[Al-Qur’an 3:64]
2375. Respect all the Great Scholars of Islam
238We must respect all the great scholars of Islam, including the four Imaams,
239Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Shafi, Imam Humbal and Imam Malik (may Allah be
240pleased with them all). They were great scholars and may Allah reward them for
241their research and hardwork. One can have no objection if someone agrees
242with the views and research of Imam Abu Hanifa or Imam Shafi, etc. But when
243posed a question, ‘who are you?’, the reply should only be ‘I am a Muslim’.
244Some may argue by quoting the hadith of our beloved Prophet from Sunan Abu
245Dawood Hadith No. 4579. In this hadith the prophet (pbuh) is reported to have
246said, “My community will be split up into seventy-three sects.”
247This hadith reports that the prophet predicted the emergence of seventy-three
248sects. He did not say that Muslims should be active in dividing themselves into
249sects. The Glorious Qur’an commands us not to create sects. Those who follow
250the teachings of the Qur’an and Sahih Hadith, and do not create sects are the
251people who are on the true path.
252According to Tirmidhi Hadith No. 171, the prophet (pbuh) is reported to have
253said, “My Umma will be fragmented into seventy-three sects, and all of them will
254be in Hell fire except one sect.” The companions asked Allah’s messenger
255which group that would be. Where upon he replied, “It is the one to which I and
256my companions belong.”
257The Glorious Qur’an mentions in several verses, “Obey Allah and obey His
258Messenger”. A true Muslim should only follow the Glorious Qur’an and the
259Sahih Hadith. He can agree with the views of any scholar as long as they
260conform to the teachings of the Qur’an and Sahih Hadith. If such views go
261against the Word of Allah, or the Sunnah of His Prophet, then they carry no
262weight, regardless of how learned the scholar might be.
263If only all Muslims read the Qur’an with understanding and adhere to Sahih
264Hadith, Inshallah most of these differences would be solved and we could be
265one united Muslim Ummah.
266WAS ISLAM SPREAD BY THE SWORD?
267Question:
268How can Islam be called the religion of peace when it was spread by the sword?
269Answer:
270It is a common complaint among some non-Muslims that Islam would not have
271millions of adherents all over the world, if it had not been spread by the use of
272force. The following points will make it clear, that far from being spread by the
273sword, it was the inherent force of truth, reason and logic that was responsible
274for the rapid spread of Islam.
2751. Islam means peace.
276Islam comes from the root word ‘salaam’, which means peace. It also means
277submitting one’s will to Allah (swt). Thus Islam is a religion of peace, which is
278acquired by submitting one’s will to the will of the Supreme Creator, Allah (swt).
2792. Sometimes force has to be used to maintain peace.
280Each and every human being in this world is not in favour of maintaining peace
281and harmony. There are many, who would disrupt it for their own vested
282interests. Sometimes force has to be used to maintain peace. It is precisely for
283this reason that we have the police who use force against criminals and anti-
284social elements to maintain peace in the country. Islam promotes peace. At the
285same time, Islam exhorts it followers to fight where there is oppression. The
286fight against oppression may, at times, require the use of force. In Islam force
287can only be used to promote peace and justice.
2883. Opinion of historian De Lacy O’Leary.
289The best reply to the misconception that Islam was spread by the sword is given by
290the noted historian De Lacy O’Leary in the book “Islam at the cross road” (Page 8):
291“History makes it clear however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping
292through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races
293is one of the most fantastically absurd myth that historians have ever repeated.”
2944. Muslims ruled Spain for 800 years.
295Muslims ruled Spain for about 800 years. The Muslims in Spain never used the
296sword to force the people to convert. Later the Christian Crusaders came to
297Spain and wiped out the Muslims. There was not a single Muslim in Spain who
298could openly give the adhan, that is the call for prayers.
2995. 14 million Arabs are Coptic Christians.
300Muslims were the lords of Arabia for 1400 years. For a few years the British
301ruled, and for a few years the French ruled. Overall, the Muslims ruled Arabia
302for 1400 years. Yet today, there are 14 million Arabs who are Coptic Christians
303i.e. Christians since generations. If the Muslims had used the sword there would
304not have been a single Arab who would have remained a Christian.
3056. More than 80% non-Muslims in India.
306The Muslims ruled India for about a thousand years. If they wanted, they had
307the power of converting each and every non-Muslim of India to Islam. Today
308more than 80% of the population of India are non-Muslims. All these non-
309Muslim Indians are bearing witness today that Islam was not spread by the
310sword.
3117. Indonesia and Malaysia.
312Indonesia is a country that has the maximum number of Muslims in the world.
313The majority of people in Malaysia are Muslims. May one ask, “Which Muslim
314army went to Indonesia and Malaysia?”
3158. East Coast of Africa.
316Similarly, Islam has spread rapidly on the East Coast of Africa. One may again
317ask, if Islam was spread by the sword, “Which Muslim army went to the East
318Coast of Africa?”
3199. Thomas Carlyle.
320The famous historian, Thomas Carlyle, in his book “Heroes and Hero worship”,
321refers to this misconception about the spread of Islam: “The sword indeed, but
322where will you get your sword? Every new opinion, at its starting is precisely in
323a minority of one. In one man’s head alone. There it dwells as yet. One man
324alone of the whole world believes it, there is one man against all men. That he
325takes a sword and try to propagate with that, will do little for him. You must get
326your sword! On the whole, a thing will propagate itself as it can.”
32710. No compulsion in religion.
328With which sword was Islam spread? Even if Muslims had it they could not use
329it to spread Islam because the Qur’an says in the following verse:
330“Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from
331error”
332[Al-Qur’an 2:256]
33311. Sword of the Intellect.
334It is the sword of intellect. The sword that conquers the hearts and minds of
335people. The Qur’an says in Surah Nahl, chapter 16 verse 125:
336“Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching;
337and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious.”
338[Al-Qur’an 16:125]
33912. Increase in the world religions from 1934 to 1984.
340An article in Reader’s Digest ‘Almanac’, year book 1986, gave the statistics of
341the increase of percentage of the major religions of the world in half a century
342from 1934 to 1984. This article also appeared in ‘The Plain Truth’ magazine. At
343the top was Islam, which increased by 235%, and Christianity had increased
344only by 47%. May one ask, which war took place in this century which converted
345millions of people to Islam?
34613. Islam is the fastest growing religion in America and Europe.
347Today the fastest growing religion in America is Islam. The fastest growing
348religion in Europe in Islam. Which sword is forcing people in the West to accept
349Islam in such large numbers?
35014. Dr. Joseph Adam Pearson.
351Dr. Joseph Adam Pearson rightly says, “People who worry that nuclear
352weaponry will one day fall in the hands of the Arabs, fail to realize that the
353Islamic bomb has been dropped already, it fell the day MUHAMMED (pbuh) was
354born”.
355 VAST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ISLAM AND THE
356ACTUAL PRACTICE OF MUSLIMS
357Question:
358If Islam is the best religion, why are many of the Muslims dishonest, unreliable,
359and involved in activities such as cheating, bribing, dealing in drugs, etc.?
360Answer:
3611. Media maligns Islam
362a. Islam is without doubt the best religion but the media is in the hands of the
363westerners who are afraid of Islam. The media is continuously broadcasting
364and printing information against Islam. They either provide misinformation
365about Islam, misquote Islam or project a point out of proportion, if any.
366b. When any bomb blasts take place anywhere, the first people to be accused
367without proof are invariably the Muslims. This appears as headlines in the
368news. Later, when they find that non-Muslims were responsible, it appears
369as an insignificant news’ item.
370c. If a 50 year old Muslim marries a 15 year old girl after taking her permission, it
371appears on the front page but when a 50 year old non-Muslim rapes a 6 year
372old girl, it may appear in the news in the inside pages as ‘Newsbriefs’. Everyday
373in America on an average 2,713 cases of rape take place but it doesn’t appear
374in the news, since it has become a way of life for the Americans.
3752. Black sheep in every community:
376I am aware that there are some Muslims who are dishonest, unreliable, who
377cheat, etc. but the media projects this as though only Muslims are involved in
378such activities. There are black sheep in every community. I know Muslims who
379are alcoholics and who can drink most of the non-Muslims under the table.
3803. Muslims best as a whole:
381Inspite of all the black sheep in the Muslim community, Muslims taken on the
382whole, yet form the best community in the world. We are the biggest community
383of tee-totallers as a whole, i.e. those who don’t imbibe alcohol. Collectively, we
384are a community which gives the maximum charity in the world. There is no
385community as a whole in the world which can show even a candle to the
386Muslims where modesty is concerned; where sobriety is concerned; where
387human values and ethics are concerned.
3884. Don’t judge a car by its driver:
389If you want to judge how good is the latest model of the “Mercedes” car and a
390person who does not know how to drive sits at the steering wheel and bangs up
391the car, who will you blame? The car or the driver? But naturally, the driver. To
392analyze how good the car is, a person should not look at the driver but see the
393ability and features of the car. How fast is it, what is its average fuel
394consumption, what are the safety measures, etc. Even if I agree for the sake of
395argument that the Muslims are bad, we can’t judge Islam by its followers? If you
396want to judge how good Islam is then judge it according to its authentic sources,
397i.e. the Glorious Qur’an and the Sahih Hadith.
3985. Judge Islam by its best follower i.e. Prophet Mohammed (pbuh):
399If you practically want to check how good a car is put an expert driver behind the
400steering wheel. Similarly the best and the most exemplary follower of Islam by
401whom you can check how good Islam is, is the last and final messenger of God,
402Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Besides Muslims, there are several honest and
403unbiased non-Muslim historians who have acclaimed that prophet Muhammad
404was the best human being. According to Michael H. Hart who wrote the book,
405‘The Hundred Most Influential Men in History’, the topmost position, i.e. the
406number one position goes to the beloved prophet of Islam, Muhammad (pbuh).
407There are several such examples of non-Muslims paying great tributes to the
408prophet, like Thomas Carlyle, La-Martine, etc.
409PROHIBITION OF ALCOHOL
410Question:
411Why is the consumption of alcohol prohibited in Islam?
412Answer:
413Alcohol has been the scourge of human society since time immemorial. It
414continues to cost countless human lives, and causes terrible misery to millions
415throughout the world. Alcohol is the root cause of several problems facing
416society. The statistics of soaring crime rates, increasing instances of mental
417illnesses and millions of broken homes throughout the world bear mute
418testimony to the destructive power of alcohol.
4191. Prohibition of alcohol in the Qur’an
420The Glorious Qur’an prohibits the consumption of alcohol in the following verse:
421“O ye who believe! Intoxicants and Gambling, (dedication of) stones,
422and (divination by) arrows, are an Abomination – of Satan’s handiwork;
423eschew such (abomination), that ye may prosper.” [Al-Qur’an 5:90]
4242. Prohibition of alcohol in the Bible
425The Bible prohibits the consumption of alcohol in the following verses:
426a. “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and whosoever is
427deceived thereby is not wise.” [Proverbs 20:1]
428b. “And be not drunk with wine.” [Ephesians 5:18]
4293. Alcohol inhibits the inhibitory centre
430The human beings possess an inhibitory centre in their brains. This inhibitory
431centre prevents the person from doing things that he considers wrong. For
432instance a person does not normally use abusive language while addressing his
433parents or elders. If he has to answer the call of nature, his inhibitory centre will
434prevent him from doing so in public. Therefore he uses the toilet.
435When a person consumes alcohol, the inhibitory centre itself is inhibited. That
436is precisely the reason that an inebriated person is often found to be indulging
437in behaviour that is completely uncharacteristic of him. For instance the
438intoxicated person is found to use abusive and foul language and does not
439realize his mistake even if he is addressing his parents. Many even urinate in
440their clothes. Neither do they talk nor walk properly. They even misbehave.
4414. Cases of adultery, rape, incest and AIDS are found more among
442alcoholics
443According to National Crime Victimization Survey Bureau of Justice (U.S.
444Department of Justice) in the year 1996 alone everyday on an average 2,713
445rapes took place. The statistics tell us that the majority of the rapists, were
446intoxicated while committing the crime. The same is true in cases of
447molestation.
448According to statistics, 8% of Americans commit incest i.e. one in every twelve
449to thirteen persons in America is involved in incest. Almost all the cases of
450incest are due to intoxication of one or both the persons involved.
451One of the major factors associated with the spread of AIDS, the most dreaded
452disease, is alcoholism.
4535. Every alcoholic was initially a social drinker
454Many may argue in favour of liquor by calling themselves ‘social drinkers’. They
455claim that they only have one or two pegs and they have self-control and so
456never get intoxicated. Investigations reveal that every alcoholic started as a
457social drinker. Not a single alcoholic or drunkard initially starts drinking with the
458intention of becoming an alcoholic or a drunkard. No social drinker can say that
459I have been having alcohol for several years and that I have so much self-
460control that I have never been intoxicated even a single time.
4616. If a person is intoxicated just once and commits something
462shameful, it will remain with him for a lifetime.
463Suppose a ‘social drinker’ loses his self-control just once. In a state of
464intoxication he commits rape or incest. Even if the act is later regretted, a
465normal human being is likely to carry the guilt throughout his life. Both the
466perpetrator and the victim are irreparably and irreversibly damaged.
4677. Alcohol is prohibited in the Hadith
468The Prophet of Islam Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
469a. In Sunan Ibn-I-Majah Volume 3, Book of Intoxicants, Chapter 30 Hadith No.
4703371.
471“Alcohol is the mother of all evils and it is the most shameful of evils.”
472b. In Sunan Ibn-I-Majah Volume 3, Book of Intoxicants, Chapter 30 Hadith No.
4733392
474“Anything which intoxicates in a large quantity, is prohibited even in a small
475quantity.”
476Thus there is no excuse for a nip or a tot.
477c. Not only those who drink alcohol are cursed but also those who deal with
478them directly or indirectly are cursed by Allah.
479According to Sunan Ibn-I-Majah Volume 3, Book of Intoxicants, Chapter 30
480Hadith No. 3380.
481It was reported by Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), that Prophet
482Muhammad (pbuh) said:
483“God’s curse falls on ten groups of people who deal with alcohol. The one who
484distills it, the one for whom it has been distilled, the one who drinks it, the one
485who transports it, the one to who it has been brought, the one whom serves it,
486the one who sells it, the one who utilizes money from it, the one who buys it and
487the one who buys it for someone else.”
4888. Diseases associated with alcoholism
489There are several scientific reasons for the prohibition of consumption of
490intoxicants i.e. alcohol. The maximum number of deaths in the world related to
491any one particular cause is due to the consumption of alcohol. Millions of people
492die every year only because of intake of alcohol. I need not go into the details
493of all the ill-effects of alcohol since most of them are commonly known. Below
494is a simple list of few of the alcohol related illnesses:
4951. Cirrhosis of Liver is the most well known alcohol associated disease.
4962. Others are Cancer of Oesophagus, Cancer of Head and Neck, Cancer of
497Liver (Hepatoma), Cancer of Bowel, etc.
4983. Oesophagitis, Gastritis, Pancreatitis and Hepatitis are linked with alcohol
499consumption.
5004. Cardiomyopathy, Hypertension, Coronary Artherosclerosis, Angina and
501Heart Attacks are linked with heavy alcohol intakes.
5025. Strokes, Apoplexy, Fits and different types of Paralysis are linked with
503alcohol intake.
5046. Peripheral Neuropathy, Cortical Atrophy, Cerebellar Atrophy are well-known
505syndromes caused by alcohol consumption.
5067. Wernicke – Korsakoff syndrome with amnesia of recent events,
507confabulations and retainment of memory to old events with different types
508of paralysis are mainly due to thiamine deficiency due to excessive alcohol
509intake.
5108. Beriberi and other deficiencies are not uncommon among alcoholics. Even
511Pellagra occurs in alcoholics.
5129. Delerium Tremens is a serious complication that may occur during recurrent
513infection of alcoholics or post operatively. It also occurs during abstention as
514a sign of withdrawal effect. It is quite serious and may cause death even if
515treated in well equipped centres.
51610. Numerous Endocrine Disorders have been associated with alcoholism
517ranging from Myxodema to Hyperthyroidism and Florid Cushing Syndrome.
51811. Hematological ill effects are long and variable. Folic acid deficiency,
519however, is the most common manifestation of alcoholic abuse resulting in
520Macrocytic Anemia. Zeive’s syndrome is a triad of Hemolytic Anemia,
521Jaundice and Hyperlipaedemia that follows alcoholic binges.
52212. Thrombocytopenia and other platelet abnormalities are not rare in
523alcoholics.
52413. The commonly used tablet metronidazole (flagyl) interacts badly with
525alcohol.
52614. Recurrent infection is very common among chronic alcoholics. The
527resistance to disease and the immunological defense system are
528compromised by alcohol intake.
52915. Chest infections are notorious in alcoholics. Pneumonia, Lung Abcess,
530Emphysema and Pulmonary Tuberculosis are all common in alcoholics.
53116. During acute alcoholic intoxication, the drunk person usually vomits, the
532cough reflexes which are protective are paralysed. The vomitus thus easily
533pass to the lung causing Pneumonia or Lung Abscess. Occasionally it may
534even cause suffocation and death.
53517. The ill effects of alcohol consumption on women deserves special mention.
536Females are more vulnerable to alcohol-related Cirrhosis than men. During
537pregnancy alcohol consumption has a severe detrimental effect on the
538foetus. Foetal Alcohol Syndrome is being recognised more and more in the
539medical profession.
54018. Skin diseases are also related to alcohol indulgence.
54119. Eczema, Alopecia, Nail Dystrophy, Paronychia (infection around the nails)
542and Angular Stomatitis (inflammation of the angle of the mouth) are
543common diseases among alcoholics.
5449. Alcoholism is a ‘disease’
545Medical doctors have now turned liberal towards alcoholics and call alcoholism
546a disease rather than an addiction.
547The Islamic Research Foundation has published a pamphlet that says:
548If alcohol is a disease, it is the only disease that:
549- Is sold in bottles
550- Is advertised in newspapers, magazines, on radio and television
551- Has licensed outlets to spread it
552- Produces revenue for the government
553- Brings violent deaths on the highways
554- Destroys family life and increases crime
555- Has no germs or viral cause
556ALCOHOLISM IS NOT A DISEASE – IT IS SATAN’S HANDIWORK
557Allah (swt) in His Infinite Wisdom has warned us against this snare of Satan.
558Islam is called the “Deen-ul-Fitrah” or the natural religion of Man. All its
559injunctions are aimed at preserving the natural state of man. Alcohol is a
560deviation from this natural state, for the individual as well as for society. It
561degrades man to a level below that of the beasts he claims to be superior to.
562Hence the consumption of alcohol is prohibited in Islam.
563PORK FORBIDDEN
564Question:
565Why is the eating of pork forbidden in Islam?
566Answer:
567The fact that consumption of pork is prohibited in Islam is well known. The
568following points explain various aspects of this prohibition:
5691. Pork prohibited in Qur’an
570The Qur’an prohibits the consumption of pork in no less than 4 different places.
571It is prohibited in 2:173, 5:3, 6:145 and 16:115.
572“Forbidden to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine,
573and that on which hath been invoked the name of other than Allah.”
574[Al-Qur’an 5:3]
575The above verses of the Holy Qur’an are sufficient to satisfy a Muslim as to why
576pork is forbidden.
5772. Pork prohibited in the Bible
578The Christian is likely to be convinced by his religious scriptures. The Bible
579prohibits the consumption of pork, in the book of Leviticus
580“And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be cloven footed, yet he cheweth
581not the cud; he is unclean to you”.
582“Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcass shall ye not touch,
583they are unclean to you.” [Leviticus 11:7-8]
584Pork is also prohibited in the Bible in the book of Deuteronomy
585“And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud,
586it is unclean unto you. Ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their
587dead carcass.” [Deuteronomy 14:8]
588A similar prohibition is repeated in the Bible in the book of Isaiah chapter 65 verse 2-5.
5893. Consumption of pork causes several diseases
590The other non-Muslims and atheists will agree only if convinced through reason,
591logic and science. Eating of pork can cause no less than seventy different types
592of diseases. A person can have various helminthes like roundworm, pinworm,
593hookworm, etc. One of the most dangerous is Taenia Solium, which is in lay
594man’s terminology called tapeworm. It harbours in the intestine and is very long.
595Its ova i.e. eggs, enter the blood stream and can reach almost all the organs of
596the body. If it enters the brain it can cause memory loss. If it enters the heart it
597can cause heart attack, if it enters the eye it can cause blindness, if it enters the
598liver it can cause liver damage. It can damage almost all the organs of the body.
599Another dangerous helminthes is Trichura Tichurasis.
600A common misconception about pork is that if it is cooked well, these ova die.
601In a research project undertaken in America, it was found that out of twenty-four
602people suffering from Trichura Tichurasis, twenty two had cooked the pork very
603well. This indicates that the ova present in the pork do not die under normal
604cooking temperature.
6054. Pork has fat building material
606Pork has very little muscle building material and contains excess of fat. This fat
607gets deposited in the vessels and can cause hypertension and heart attack. It is
608not surprising that over 50% of Americans suffer from hypertension.
6095. Pig is one of the filthiest animals on earth
610The pig is one of the filthiest animals on earth. It lives and thrives on muck,
611faeces and dirt. It is the best scavenger that I know that God has produced. In
612the villages they don’t have modern toilets and the villagers excrete in the open
613air. Very often excreta is cleared by pigs.
614Some may argue that in advanced countries like Australia, pigs are bred in very
615clean and hygienic conditions. Even in these hygienic conditions the pigs are
616kept together in sties. No matter how hard you try to keep them clean they are
617filthy by nature. They eat and enjoy their own as well as their neighbour’s
618excreta.
6196. Pig is the most shameless animal
620The pig is the most shameless animal on the face of the earth. It is the only
621animal that invites its friends to have sex with its mate. In America, most people
622consume pork. Many times after dance parties, they have swapping of wives;
623i.e. many say “you sleep with my wife and I will sleep with your wife.” If you eat
624pigs then you behave like pigs.
625Question:
626Why is a man allowed to have more than one wife in Islam? i.e. why is
627polygamy allowed in Islam?
628Answer:
6291. Definition of Polygamy
630Polygamy means a system of marriage whereby one person has more than one
631spouse. Polygamy can be of two types. One is polygyny where a man marries
632more than one woman, and the other is polyandry, where a woman marries
633more than one man. In Islam, limited polygyny is permitted; whereas polyandry
634is completely prohibited.
635Now coming to the original question, why is a man allowed to have more than
636one wife?
6372. The Qur’an is the only religious scripture in the world that says,
638“marry only one”.
639The Qur’an is the only religious book, on the face of this earth, that contains the
640phrase ‘marry only one’. There is no other religious book that instructs men to
641have only one wife. In none of the other religious scriptures, whether it be the
642Vedas, the Ramayan, the Mahabharat, the Geeta, the Talmud or the Bible does
643one find a restriction on the number of wives. According to these scriptures one
644can marry as many as one wishes. It was only later, that the Hindu priests and
645the Christian Church restricted the number of wives to one.
646Many Hindu religious personalities, according to their scriptures, had multiple
647wives. King Dashrat, the father of Rama, had more than one wife. Krishna had
648several wives.
649In earlier times, Christian men were permitted as many wives as they wished,
650since the Bible puts no restriction on the number of wives. It was only a few
651centuries ago that the Church restricted the number of wives to one.
652Polygyny is permitted in Judaism. According to Talmudic law, Abraham had
653three wives, and Solomon had hundreds of wives. The practice of polygyny
654continued till Rabbi Gershom ben Yehudah (960 C.E to 1030 C.E) issued an
655edict against it. The Jewish Sephardic communities living in Muslim countries
656continued the practice till as late as 1950, until an Act of the Chief Rabbinate of
657Israel extended the ban on marrying more than one wife.
658(*Interesting Note:- As per the 1975 census of India Hindus are more
659polygynous than Muslims. The report of the ‘Committee of The Status of
660Woman in Islam’, published in 1975 mentions on page numbers 66 and 67 that
661the percentage of polygamous marriages between the years 1951 and 1961
662was 5.06% among the Hindus and only 4.31% among the Muslims. According
663to Indian law only Muslim men are permitted to have more than one wife. It is
664illegal for any non-Muslim in India to have more than one wife. Despite it being
665illegal, Hindus have more multiple wives as compared to Muslims. Earlier, there
666was no restriction even on Hindu men with respect to the number of wives
667allowed. It was only in 1954, when the Hindu Marriage Act was passed that it
668became illegal for a Hindu to have more than one wife. At present it is the Indian
669Law that restricts a Hindu man from having more than one wife and not the
670Hindu scriptures.)
671Let us now analyse why Islam allows a man to have more than one wife.
6723. Qur’an permits limited polygyny
673As I mentioned earlier, Qur’an is the only religious book on the face of the earth
674that says ‘marry only one’. The context of this phrase is the following verse from
675Surah Nisa of the Glorious Qur’an:
676“Marry women of your choice, two, or three, or four; but if ye fear that
677ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one.”
678[Al-Qur’an 4:3]
679Before the Qur’an was revealed, there was no upper limit for polygyny and
680many men had scores of wives, some even hundreds. Islam put an upper limit
681of four wives. Islam gives a man permission to marry two, three or four women,
682only on the condition that he deals justly with them.
683In the same chapter i.e. Surah Nisa verse 129 says:
684“Ye are never able to be fair and just as between women....”
685[Al-Qur’an 4:129]
686Therefore polygyny is not a rule but an exception. Many people are under the
687misconception that it is compulsory for a Muslim man to have more than one wife.
688Broadly, Islam has five categories of Do’s and Don’ts:
689(i) ‘Fard’ i.e. compulsory or obligatory
690(ii) ‘Mustahab’ i.e. recommended or encouraged
691(iii) ‘Mubah’ i.e. permissible or allowed
692(iv) ‘Makruh’ i.e. not recommended or discouraged
693(v) ‘Haraam’ i.e. prohibited or forbidden
694Polygyny falls in the middle category of things that are permissible. It cannot be
695said that a Muslim who has two, three or four wives is a better Muslim as
696compared to a Muslim who has only one wife.
6974. Average life span of females is more than that of males
698By nature males and females are born in approximately the same ratio. A
699female child has more immunity than a male child. A female child can fight the
700germs and diseases better than the male child. For this reason, during the
701pediatric age itself there are more deaths among males as compared to the
702females.
703During wars, there are more men killed as compared to women. More men die
704due to accidents and diseases than women. The average life span of females
705is more than that of males, and at any given time one finds more widows in the
706world than widowers.
7075. India has more male population than female due to female
708foeticide and infanticide
709India is one of the few countries, along with the other neighbouring countries, in
710which the female population is less than the male population. The reason lies in
711the high rate of female infanticide in India, and the fact that more than one
712million female foetuses are aborted every year in this country, after they are
713identified as females. If this evil practice is stopped, then India too will have
714more females as compared to males.
7156. World female population is more than male population
716In the USA, women outnumber men by 7.8 million. New York alone has one
717million more females as compared to the number of males, and of the male
718population of New York one-third are gays i.e sodomites. The U.S.A as a whole
719has more than twenty-five million gays. This means that these people do not
720wish to marry women. Great Britain has four million more females as compared
721to males. Germany has five million more females as compared to males. Russia
722has nine million more females than males. God alone knows how many million
723more females there are in the whole world as compared to males.
7247. Restricting each and every man to have only one wife is not
725practical
726Even if every man got married to one woman, there would still be more than
727thirty million females in U.S.A who would not be able to get husbands
728(considering that America has twenty five million gays). There would be more
729than four million females in Great Britain, 5 million females in Germany and nine
730million females in Russia alone who would not be able to find a husband.
731Suppose my sister happens to be one of the unmarried women living in USA, or
732suppose your sister happens to be one of the unmarried women in USA. The
733only two options remaining for her are that she either marries a man who
734already has a wife or becomes 'public property'. There is no other option. All
735those who are modest will opt for the first.
736Most women would nto like to share their husband with other women. But in
737Islam when the situation deems it really neccessary Muslim women in due faith
738could bear a small personal loss to prevent a greater loss of letting other Muslim
739sisters becoming 'public properties'.
7408. Marring a married man preferable to becoming 'public property'
741In Western society, it is common for a man to have mistresses and/or multiple
742extra-marital affairs, in which case, the woman leads a disgraceful, unprotected
743life. The same society, however, cannot accept a man having more than one
744wife, in which women retain their honourable, dignified position in society and
745lead a protected life.
746Thus the only two options before a woman who cannot find a husband is to
747marry a married man or to become 'public property'. Islam prefers giving
748women the honourable position by permitting the first option and disallowing the
749second.
750There are several other reasons, why Islam has permitted limited polygyny, but
751it is mainly to protect the modesty of women.
752POLYANDRY
753Question:
754If a man is allowed to have more than one wife, then why does Islam prohibit a
755woman from having more than one husband?
756Answer:
757A lot of people, including some Muslims, question the logic of allowing Muslim
758men to have more than one spouse while denying the same ‘right’ to women.
759Let me first state emphatically, that the foundation of an Islamic society is justice
760and equity. Allah has created men and women as equal, but with different
761capabilities and different responsibilities. Men and women are different,
762physiologically and psychologically. Their roles and responsibilities are different.
763Men and women are equal in Islam, but not identical.
764Surah Nisa’ Chapter 4 verses 22 to 24 gives the list of women with whom
765Muslim men can not marry. It is further mentioned in Surah Nisa’ Chapter 4
766verse 24 “Also (prohibited are) women already married”
767The following points enumerate the reasons why polyandry is prohibited in
768Islam:
7691. If a man has more than one wife, the parents of the children born of such
770marriages can easily be identified. The father as well as the mother can
771easily be identified. In case of a woman marrying more than one husband,
772only the mother of the children born of such marriages will be identified and
773not the father. Islam gives tremendous importance to the identification of
774both parents, mother and father. Psychologists tell us that children who do
775not know their parents, especially their father undergo severe mental
776trauma and disturbances. Often they have an unhappy childhood. It is for
777this reason that the children of prostitutes do not have a healthy childhood.
778If a child born of such wedlock is admitted in school, and when the mother
779is asked the name of the father, she would have to give two or more names!
780I am aware that recent advances in science have made it possible for both
781the mother and father to be identified with the help of genetic testing. Thus
782this point which was applicable for the past may not be applicable for the
783present.
7842. Man is more polygamous by nature as compared to a woman.
7853. Biologically, it is easier for a man to perform his duties as a husband despite
786having several wives. A woman, in a similar position, having several
787husbands, will not find it possible to perform her duties as a wife. A woman
788undergoes several psychological and behavioral changes due to different
789phases of the menstrual cycle.
7904. A woman who has more than one husband will have several sexual
791partners at the same time and has a high chance of acquiring venereal or
792sexually transmitted diseases which can also be transmitted back to her
793husband even if all of them have no extra-marital sex. This is not the case
794in a man having more than one wife, and none of them having extra-marital
795sex.
796The above reasons are those that one can easily identify. There are probably
797many more reasons why Allah, in His Infinite Wisdom, has prohibited polyandry.
798NON-VEGETARIAN FOOD MAKES MUSLIMS
799VIOLENT
800Question:
801Science tell us that whatever one eats, it has an effect on one’s behaviour. Why
802then, does Islam allow Muslims to eat non-vegetarian food, since eating of
803animals could make a person violent and ferocious?
804Answer:
8051. Only eating of herbivorous animals allowed
806I agree that, what a person eats has an effect on his behaviour. This is one of
807the reasons why Islam prohibits the eating of carnivorous animals like lion, tiger,
808leopard, etc. who are violent and ferocious. The consumption of the meat of
809such animals would probably make a person violent and ferocious. Islam only
810allows the eating of herbivorous animals like cow, goat, sheep, etc. that are
811peaceful and docile. Muslims eat peaceful and docile animals because Muslims
812are peace loving and non-violent people.
8132. The Qur’an says Prophet prohibits what is bad
814The Qur’an says:
815“The Prophet commands them what is just and prohibits what is evil”.
816“He allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them
817what is bad (and impure),”
818[Al-Qur’an 7: 157]
819“So take what the Messenger assigns to you and deny yourselves that
820which he withholds from you.”
821[Al-Qur’an 59: 7]
822For a Muslim, the Prophet’s statement is sufficient to convince him that Allah does
823not wish humans to eat some kinds of meat while allowing some other kinds.
8243. Hadith of Mohammad (pbuh) prohibi-ting eating of carnivorous
825animals
826According to various authentic Ahadith narrated in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih
827Muslim including hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas in Sahih Muslim, Book of hunting
828and slaughter, Hadith No. 4752 and Sunan Ibn-I-Majah chapter 13 Hadith no.
8293232 to 3234, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) prohibited the eating of:
830(i) Wild animals with canine teeth, i.e. meat eating carnivorous animals. These
831are animals belonging to the cat families such as lion, tiger, cats, dogs,
832wolfs, hyenas, etc.
833(ii) Certain rodents like mice, rats, rabbits with claws, etc.
834(iii) Certain reptiles like snakes, alligators, etc.
835(iv) Birds of prey with talons or claws, like vultures, eagle, crows, owl, etc.
836There is no scientific evidence that proves beyond doubt that eating non-
837vegetarian food makes one violent.
838 NON-MUSLIMS NOT ALLOWED IN MAKKAH
839Question:
840Why are non-Muslims not allowed in the Holy cities of Makkah and Madinah?
841Answer:
842It is true that non-Muslims are not allowed in the holy cities of Makkah and
843Madinah, by law. The following points will serve to elucidate the possible
844reasoning behind such a restriction.
8451. All citizens are not permitted in the cantonment area
846I am a citizen of India. Yet, I am not permitted to enter certain restricted areas
847like the cantonment. In every country there are certain areas where a common
848citizen of that country cannot enter. Only a citizen who is enrolled in the military
849or those who are connected with the defence of the country are allowed in the
850cantonment area. Similarly Islam is a Universal Religion for the entire world and
851for all human beings. The cantonment areas of Islam are the two holy cites of
852Makkah and Madinah. Here only those who believe in Islam and are involved in
853the defence of Islam i.e. the Muslims are allowed.
854It would be illogical for a common citizen to object against the restriction on
855entering a cantonment area. Similarly it is not appropriate for non-Muslims to
856object against the restriction on non-Muslims against entering Makkah and
857Madinah.
8582. Visa to enter Makkah and Madinah
859a. Whenever a person travels to a foreign country he has to first apply for a
860visa i.e. the permission to enter that country. Every country has its own
861rules, regulations and requirements for issuing a visa. Unless their critera
862are satisfied they will not issue a visa.
863b. One of the countries which is very strict in issuing a visa is the United States
864of America, especially when issuing visas to citizens of the third world. They
865have several conditions and requirements to be fulfilled before they issue a
866visa.
867c. When I visited Singapore, it was mentioned on their immigration form -
868death to drug traffickers. If I want to visit Singapore I have to abide by the
869rules. I cannot say that death penalty is a barbaric punishment. Only if I
870agree with their requirements and conditions will I be permitted to enter the
871country.
872d. The Visa – The primary condition required for any human being to enter
873Makkah or Madina is to say with his lips, La ila ha illallah Muhammed ur
874Rasulullah meaning that ‘there is no God but Allah and Muhammed (pbuh)
875is His Messenger.’
876MUSLIMS WORSHIP THE KAABA
877Question:
878When Islam is against idol worship why do the Muslims worship, and bow down
879to the Kaaba in their prayer?
880Answer:
881Kaaba is the Qibla i.e. the direction Muslims face during their prayers. It is
882important to note that though Muslims face the Kaaba during prayers, they do
883not worship the Kaaba. Muslims worship and bow to none but Allah.
884It is mentioned in Surah Baqarah:
885“We see the turning of thy face (for guidance) to the heavens: now shall
886We turn thee to a Qiblah that shall please thee. Turn then thy face in the
887direction of the Sacred Mosque: wherever ye are, turn your faces in that
888direction.” [Al-Qur’an 2:144]
8891. Islam believes in fostering unity
890For instance, if Muslims want to offer Salaah (Prayer), it is possible that some
891may wish to face north, while some may wish to face south. In order to unite
892Muslims in their worship of the One True God, Muslims, wherever they may be,
893are asked to face in only one direction i.e. towards the Kaaba. If some Muslims
894live towards the west of the Kaaba they face the east. Similarly if they live
895towards the east of the Kaaba they face the west.
8962. Kaaba is at the Centre of the World Map
897The Muslims were the first people to draw the map of the world. They drew the
898map with the south facing upwards and north downwards. The Kaaba was at
899the centre. Later, western cartographers drew the map upside down with the
900north facing upwards and south downwards. Yet, Alhamdullilah the Kaaba is at
901the centre of the world map.
9023. Tawaf around Kaaba for indicating one God
903When the Muslims go to Masjid-e-Haram in Makkah, they perform tawaf or
904circumambulation round the Kaaba. This act symbolizes the belief and worship
905of One God, since, just as every circle has one centre, so also there is only one
906Allah (swt) worthy of worship.
9074. Hadith of Umar (may Allah be pleased with him)
908Regarding the black stone, hajr-e-aswad, there is a hadith (tradition), attributed
909to the illustrious companion of the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh), Umar (may Allah
910be pleased with him).
911According to Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, book of Hajj, chapter 56, H.No. 675.
912Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “I know that you are a stone and
913can neither benefit nor harm. Had I not seen the Prophet (pbuh) touching (and
914kissing) you, I would never have touched (and kissed) you”.
9155. People stood on Kaaba and gave the adhaan
916At the time of the Prophet, people even stood on the Kaaba and gave the
917‘adhaan’ or the call to prayer. One may ask those who allege that Muslims
918worship the Kaaba; which idol worshipper stands on the idol he worships?
919MUSLIMS ARE FUNDAMENTALISTS AND
920TERRORISTS
921Question:
922Why are most of the Muslims fundamentalists and terrorists?
923Answer:
924This question is often hurled at Muslims, either directly or indirectly, during any
925discussion on religion or world affairs. Muslim stereotypes are perpetuated in every
926form of the media accompanied by gross misinformation about Islam and Muslims.
927In fact, such misinformation and false propaganda often leads to discrimination and
928acts of violence against Muslims. A case in point is the anti-Muslim campaign in the
929American media following the Oklahoma bomb blast, where the press was quick to
930declare a ‘Middle Eastern conspiracy’ behind the attack. The culprit was later
931identified as a soldier from the American Armed Forces.
932Let us analyze this allegation of ‘fundamentalism’ and ‘terrorism’:
9331. Definition of the word ‘fundamentalist’
934A fundamentalist is a person who follows and adheres to the fundamentals of
935the doctrine or theory he is following. For a person to be a good doctor, he
936should know, follow, and practise the fundamentals of medicine. In other words,
937he should be a fundamentalist in the field of medicine. For a person to be a
938good mathematician, he should know, follow and practise the fundamentals of
939mathematics. He should be a fundamentalist in the field of mathematics. For a
940person to be a good scientist, he should know, follow and practise the
941fundamentals of science. He should be a fundamentalist in the field of science.
9422. Not all ‘fundamentalists’ are the same
943One cannot paint all fundamentalists with the same brush. One cannot
944categorize all fundamentalists as either good or bad. Such a categorization of
945any fundamentalist will depend upon the field or activity in which he is a
946fundamentalist. A fundamentalist robber or thief causes harm to society and is
947therefore undesirable. A fundamentalist doctor, on the other hand, benefits
948society and earns much respect.
9493. I am proud to be a Muslim funda-mentalist
950I am a fundamentalist Muslim who, by the grace of Allah, knows, follows and
951strives to practise the fundamentals of Islam. A true Muslim does not shy away
952from being a fundamentalist. I am proud to be a fundamentalist Muslim
953because, I know that the fundamentals of Islam are beneficial to humanity and
954the whole world. There is not a single fundamental of Islam that causes harm or
955is against the interests of the human race as a whole. Many people harbour
956misconceptions about Islam and consider several teachings of Islam to be
957unfair or improper. This is due to insufficient and incorrect knowledge of Islam.
958If one critically analyzes the teachings of Islam with an open mind, one cannot
959escape the fact that Islam is full of benefits both at the individual and collective
960levels.
9614. Dictionary meaning of the word ‘fundamentalist’
962According to Webster’s dictionary ‘fundamentalism’ was a movement in
963American Protestanism that arose in the earlier part of the 20th century. It was
964a reaction to modernism, and stressed the infallibility of the Bible, not only in
965matters of faith and morals but also as a literal historical record. It stressed on
966belief in the Bible as the literal word of God. Thus fundamentalism was a word
967initially used for a group of Christians who believed that the Bible was the
968verbatim word of God without any errors and mistakes.
969According to the Oxford dictionary ‘fundamentalism’ means ‘strict maintenance
970of ancient or fundamental doctrines of any religion, especially Islam’.
971Today the moment a person uses the word fundamentalist he thinks of a Mus-
972lim who is a terrorist.
9735. Every Muslim should be a terrorist
974Every Muslim should be a terrorist. A terrorist is a person who causes terror.
975The moment a robber sees a policeman he is terrified. A policeman is a terrorist
976for the robber. Similarly every Muslim should be a terrorist for the antisocial
977elements of society, such as thieves, dacoits and rapists. Whenever such an
978anti-social element sees a Muslim, he should be terrified. It is true that the word
979‘terrorist’ is generally used for a person who causes terror among the common
980people. But a true Muslim should only be a terrorist to selective people i.e. anti-
981social elements, and not to the common innocent people. In fact a Muslim
982should be a source of peace for innocent people.
9836. Different labels given to the same individual for the same action,
984i.e. ‘terrorist’ and ‘patriot’
985Before India achieved independence from British rule, some freedom fighters of
986India who did not subscribe to non-violence were labeled as terrorists by the
987British government. The same individuals have been lauded by Indians for the
988same activities and hailed as ‘patriots’. Thus two different labels have been
989given to the same people for the same set of actions. One is calling him a
990terrorist while the other is calling him a patriot. Those who believed that Britain
991had a right to rule over India called these people terrorists, while those who
992were of the view that Britain had no right to rule India called them patriots and
993freedom fighters.
994It is therefore important that before a person is judged, he is given a fair hearing.
995Both sides of the argument should be heard, the situation should be analyzed,
996and the reason and the intention of the person should be taken into account,
997and then the person can be judged accordingly.
9987. Islam means peace
999Islam is derived from the word ‘salaam’ which means peace. It is a religion of
1000peace whose fundamentals teach its followers to maintain and promote peace
1001throughout the world.
1002Thus every Muslim should be a fundamentalist i.e. he should follow the
1003fundamentals of the Religion of Peace: Islam. He should be a terrorist only towards
1004the antisocial elements in order to promote peace and justice in the society.
1005ISLAMIC METHOD OF SLAUGHTERING
1006ANIMALS APPEARS RUTHLESS
1007Question:
1008Why do Muslims slaughter the animal in a ruthless manner by torturing it and
1009slowly and painfully killing it?
1010Answer:
1011The Islamic method of slaughtering animals, known as Zabiha has been the
1012object of much criticism from a large number of people.
1013One may consider the following points, which prove that the Zabiha method is
1014not only humane but also scientifically the best:
10151. Islamic method of slaughtering animal
1016Zakkaytum is a verb derived from the root word Zakah (to purify). Its infinitive is
1017Tazkiyah which means purification. The Islamic mode of slaughtering an animal
1018requires the following conditions to be met:
1019a. Animal should be slaughtered with sharp object (knife)
1020The animal has to be slaughtered with a sharp object (knife) and in a fast
1021way so that the pain of slaughter is minimised.
1022b. Cut wind pipe, throat and vessels of neck
1023Zabiha is an Arabic word which means ‘slaughtered’. The ‘slaughtering’ is
1024to be done by cutting the throat, windpipe and the blood vessels in the neck
1025causing the animal’s death without cutting the spinal cord.
1026c. Blood should be drained
1027The blood has to be drained completely before the head is removed. The
1028purpose is to drain out most of the blood which would serve as a good
1029culture medium for micro organisms. The spinal cord must not be cut
1030because the nerve fibres to the heart could be damaged during the process
1031causing cardiac arrest, stagnating the blood in the blood vessels.
10322. Blood is a good medium for germs and bacteria
1033Blood is a good media of germs, bacteria, toxins, etc. Therefore the Muslim way
1034of slaughtering is more hygienic as most of the blood containing germs,
1035bacteria, toxins, etc. that are the cause of several diseases are eliminated.
10363. Meat remains fresh for a longer time
1037Meat slaughtered by Islamic way remains fresh for a longer time due to
1038deficiency of blood in the meat as compared to other methods of slaughtering.
10394. Animal does not feel pain
1040The swift cutting of vessels of the neck disconnects the flow of blood to the
1041nerve of the brain responsible for pain. Thus the animal does not feel pain.
1042While dying, the animal struggles, writhers, shakes and kicks, not due to pain,
1043but due to the contraction and relaxation of the muscles defecient in blood and
1044due to the flow of blood out of the body.
1045 INHERITANCE
1046Question:
1047Under Islamic law, why is a woman’s share of the inherited wealth only half that
1048of a man?
1049Answer:
10501. Inheritance in the Qur'an
1051The Glorious Qur’an contains specific and detailed guidance regarding the
1052division of the inherited wealth, among the rightful beneficiaries.
1053The Qur’anic verses that contain guidance regarding inheritance are:
1054* Surah Baqarah, chapter 2 verse 180
1055* Surah Baqarah, chapter 2 verse 240
1056* Surah Nisa, chapter 4 verse 7-9
1057* Surah Nisa, chapter 4 verse 19
1058* Surah Nisa, chapter 4 verse 33 and
1059* Surah Maidah, chapter 5 verse 106-108
10602. Specific share of inheritance for the relatives
1061There are three verses in the Qur’an that broadly describe the share of close
1062relatives i.e. Surah Nisah chapter 4 verses 11, 12 and 176. The translation of
1063these verses are as follows:
1064“Allah (thus) directs you as regards your children’s (inheritance): to the
1065male, a portion equal to that of two females, if only daughters, two or
1066more, their share is two-thirds of the inheritance; If only one, her share
1067is a half.
1068For parents, a sixth share of the inheritance to each, if the deceased left
1069children; If no children, and the parents are the (only) heirs, the mother
1070has a third; if the deceased left brothers (or sisters) the mother has a
1071sixth. (The distribution in all cases is) after the payment of legacies
1072and debts. Ye know not whether your parents or your children are
1073nearest to you in benefit. These are settled portions ordained by Allah;
1074and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
1075In what your wives leave, your share is half. If they leave no child; but
1076if they leave a child, ye get a fourth; after payment of legacies and
1077debts. In what ye leave, their share is a fourth, if ye leave no child; but
1078if ye leave a child, they get an eight; after payment of legacies and
1079debts. If the man or woman whose inheritance is in question, has left
1080neither ascendants nor descendants, but has left a brother or a sister,
1081each one of the two gets a sixth; but if more than two, they share in a
1082third; after payment of legacies and debts; so that no loss is caused (to
1083anyone). Thus it is ordained by Allah; and Allah is All-Knowing Most
1084Forbearing”
1085[Al-Qur’an 4:11-12]
1086“They ask thee for a legal decision. Say: Allah directs (them) about
1087those who leave no descendants or ascendants as heirs. If it is a man
1088that dies, leaving a sister but no child, she shall have half the
1089inheritance. If (such a deceased was) a woman who left no child, Her
1090brother takes her inheritance. If there are two sisters, they shall have
1091two thirds of the inheritance (between them). If there are brothers and
1092sisters, (they share), the male having twice the share of the female.
1093Thus doth Allah (swt) makes clear to you (His knowledge of all things).
1094[Al-Qur’an 4:176]
10953. Female some times inherits same or more than male counter part
1096In most of the cases, a woman inherits half of what her male counterpart inherits.
1097However, this is not always the case. In case the deceased has left no ascendant
1098or descendent but has left the uterine brother and sister, each of the two inherit
1099one sixth.
1100If the deceased has left children, both the parents that is mother and father get
1101an equal share and inherit one sixth each. In certain cases, a woman can also
1102inherit a share that is double that of the male. If the deceased is a woman who
1103has left no children, brothers or sisters and is survived only by her husband,
1104mother and father, the husband inherits half the property while the mother
1105inherits one third and the father the remaining one sixth. In this particular case,
1106the mother inherits a share that is double that of the father.
11074. Female usually inherits half the share of that of the male counter part
1108It is true that as a general rule, in most cases, the female inherits a share that
1109is half that of the male. For instance in the following cases:
11101. daughter inherits half of what the son inherits,
11112. wife inherits 1/8th and husband 1/4th if the deceased has no children.
11123. Wife inherits 1/4th and husband 1/2 if the deceased has children
11134. If the deceased has no ascendant or descendent, the sister inherits a share
1114that is half that of the brother.
11155. Male inherits double than the female because he financially
1116supports the family
1117In Islam a woman has no financial obligation and the economical responsibility
1118lies on the shoulders of the man. Before a woman is married it is the duty of the
1119father or brother to look after the lodging, boarding, clothing and other financial
1120requirements of the woman. After she is married it is the duty of the husband or
1121the son. Islam holds the man financially responsible for fulfilling the needs of his
1122family. In order to do be able to fulfill the responsibility the men get double the
1123share of the inheritance. For example, if a man dies leaving about Rs. One
1124Hundred and Fifty Thousand, for the children (i.e one son and one daughter) the
1125son inherits One Hundred Thousand rupees and the daughter only Fifty
1126Thousand rupees. Out of the one hundred thousand which the son inherits, as
1127his duty towards his family, he may have to spend on them almost the entire
1128amount or say about eighty thousand and thus he has a small percentage of
1129inheritance, say about twenty thousand, left for himself. On the other hand, the
1130daughter, who inherits fifty thousand is not bound to spend a single penny on
1131anybody. She can keep the entire amount for herself. Would you prefer
1132inheriting one hundred thousand rupees and spending eighty thousand from it,
1133or inheriting fifty thousand rupees and having the entire amount to yourself?
1134HIJAB FOR WOMEN
1135Question:
1136Why does Islam degrade women by keeping them behind the veil?
1137Answer:
1138The status of women in Islam is often the target of attacks in the secular media.
1139The ‘hijab’ or the Islamic dress is cited by many as an example of the
1140‘subjugation’ of women under Islamic law. Before we analyze the reasoning
1141behind the religiously mandated ‘hijab’, let us first study the status of women in
1142societies before the advent of Islam
11431. In the past women were degraded and used as objects of lust
1144The following examples from history amply illustrate the fact that the status of
1145women in earlier civilizations was very low to the extent that they were denied
1146basic human dignity:
1147a. Babylonian Civilization:
1148The women were degraded and were denied all rights under the Babylonian
1149law. If a man murdered a woman, instead of him being punished, his wife
1150was put to death.
1151b. Greek Civilization:
1152Greek Civilization is considered the most glorious of all ancient civilizations.
1153Under this very ‘glorious’ system, women were deprived of all rights and
1154were looked down upon. In Greek mythology, an ‘imaginary woman’ called
1155‘Pandora’ is the root cause of misfortune of human beings. The Greeks
1156considered women to be subhuman and inferior to men. Though chastity of
1157women was precious, and women were held in high esteem, the Greeks
1158were later overwhelmed by ego and sexual perversions. Prostitution
1159became a regular practice amongst all classes of Greek society.
1160c. Roman Civilization:
1161When Roman Civilization was at the zenith of its ‘glory’, a man even had the
1162right to take the life of his wife. Prostitution and nudity were common
1163amongst the Romans.
1164d. Egyptian Civilization:
1165The Egyptian considered women evil and as a sign of a devil.
1166e. Pre-Islamic Arabia:
1167Before Islam spread in Arabia, the Arabs looked down upon women and
1168very often when a female child was born, she was buried alive.
11692. Islam uplifted women and gave them equality and expects them
1170to maintain their status.
1171Islam uplifted the status of women and granted them their just rights 1400 years
1172ago. Islam expects women to maintain their status.
1173Hijab for men
1174People usually only discuss ‘hijab’ in the context of women. However, in the
1175Glorious Qur’an, Allah (swt) first mentions ‘hijab’ for men before ‘hijab’ for the
1176women. The Qur’an mentions in Surah Noor:
1177“Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard
1178their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is
1179well acquainted with all that they do.”
1180[Al-Qur’an 24:30]
1181The moment a man looks at a woman and if any brazen or unashamed thought
1182comes to his mind, he should lower his gaze.
1183Hijab for women.
1184The next verse of Surah Noor, says:
1185“ And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and
1186guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and
1187ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they
1188should draw veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty
1189except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their
1190sons...”
1191[Al-Qur’an 24:31]
11923. Six criteria for Hijab.
1193According to Qur’an and Sunnah there are basically six criteria for observing
1194hijab:
11951. Extent:
1196The first criterion is the extent of the body that should be covered. This is
1197different for men and women. The extent of covering obligatory on the male
1198is to cover the body at least from the navel to the knees. For women, the
1199extent of covering obligatory is to cover the complete body except the face
1200and the hands upto the wrist. If they wish to, they can cover even these
1201parts of the body. Some scholars of Islam insist that the face and the hands
1202are part of the obligatory extent of ‘hijab’.
1203All the remaining five criteria are the same for men and women.
12042. The clothes worn should be loose and should not reveal the figure.
12053. The clothes worn should not be transparent such that one can see through
1206them.
12074. The clothes worn should not be so glamorous as to attract the opposite sex.
12085. The clothes worn should not resemble that of the opposite sex.
12096. The clothes worn should not resemble that of the unbelievers i.e. they
1210should not wear clothes that are specifically identities or symbols of the
1211unbelievers’ religions.
12124. Hijab includes conduct and behaviour among other things
1213Complete ‘hijab’, besides the six criteria of clothing, also includes the moral
1214conduct, behaviour, attitude and intention of the individual. A person only
1215fulfilling the criteria of ‘hijab’ of the clothes is observing ‘hijab’ in a limited sense.
1216‘Hijab’ of the clothes should be accompanied by ‘hijab’ of the eyes, ‘hijab’ of the
1217heart, ‘hijab’ of thought and ‘hijab’ of intention. It also includes the way a person
1218walks, the way a person talks, the way he behaves, etc.
12195. Hijab prevents molestation
1220The reason why Hijab is prescribed for women is mentioned in the Qur’an in the
1221following verses of Surah Al-Ahzab:
1222“O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women
1223that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when
1224abroad); that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such)
1225and not molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
1226[Al-Qur’an 33:59]
1227The Qur’an says that Hijab has been prescribed for the women so that they are
1228recognized as modest women and this will also prevent them from being
1229molested.
12306. Example of twin sisters
1231Suppose two sisters who are twins, and who are equally beautiful, walk down
1232the street. One of them is attired in the Islamic hijab i.e. the complete body is
1233covered, except for the face and the hands up to the wrists. The other sister is
1234wearing western clothes, a mini skirt or shorts. Just around the corner there is
1235a hooligan or ruffian who is waiting for a catch, to tease a girl. Whom will he
1236tease? The girl wearing the Islamic Hijab or the girl wearing the skirt or the mini?
1237Naturally he will tease the girl wearing the skirt or the mini. Such dresses are an
1238indirect invitation to the opposite sex for teasing and molestation. The Qur’an
1239rightly says that hijab prevents women from being molested.
12407. Capital punishment for the rapists
1241Under the Islamic shariah, a man convicted of having raped a woman, is given
1242capital punishment. Many are astonished at this ‘harsh’ sentence. Some even
1243say that Islam is a ruthless, barbaric religion! I have asked a simple question to
1244hundreds of non-Muslim men. Suppose, God forbid, someone rapes your wife,
1245your mother or your sister. You are made the judge and the rapist is brought in
1246front of you. What punishment would you give him? All of them said they would
1247put him to death. Some went to the extent of saying they would torture him to
1248death. To them I ask, if someone rapes your wife or your mother you want to put
1249him to death. But if the same crime is committed on somebody else’s wife or
1250daughter you say capital punishment is barbaric. Why should there be double
1251standards?
12528. Western society falsely claims to have uplifted women
1253Western talk of women’s liberalization is nothing but a disguised form of
1254exploitation of her body, degradation of her soul, and deprivation of her honour.
1255Western society claims to have ‘uplifted’ women. On the contrary it has actually
1256degraded them to the status of concubines, mistresses and society butterflies
1257who are mere tools in the hands of pleasure seekers and sex marketeers,
1258hidden behind the colourful screen of ‘art’ and ‘culture’.
12599. USA has one of the highest rates of rape
1260United States of America is supposed to be one of the most advanced countries
1261of the world. It also has one of the highest rates of rape in any country in the
1262world. According to a FBI report, in the year 1990, every day on an average
12631756 cases of rape were committed in U.S.A alone. Later another report said
1264that on an average everyday 1900 cases of rapes are committed in USA. The
1265year was not mentioned. May be it was 1992 or 1993. May be the Americans
1266got ‘bolder’ in the following years.
1267Consider a scenario where the Islamic hijab is followed in America. Whenever
1268a man looks at a woman and any brazen or unashamed thought comes to his
1269mind, he lowers his gaze. Every woman wears the Islamic hijab, that is the
1270complete body is covered except the face and the hands upto the wrist. After
1271this if any man commits rape he is given capital punishment. I ask you, in such
1272a scenario, will the rate of rape in America increase, will it remain the same, or
1273will it decrease?
127410. Implementation of Islamic Shariah will reduce the rate of rapes
1275Naturally as soon as Islamic Shariah is implemented positive results will be
1276inevitable. If Islamic Shariah is implemented in any part of the world, whether it
1277is America or Europe, society will breathe easier. Hijab does not degrade a
1278woman but uplifts a woman and protects her modesty and chastity.
1279 HEREAFTER - LIFE AFTER DEATH
1280Question
1281How can you prove the existence of hereafter, i.e. life after death?
1282Answer
12831. Belief in the hereafter is not based on blind faith?
1284Many people wonder as to how a person with a scientific and logical
1285temperament, can lend any credence to the belief of life after death. People
1286assume that anyone believing in the hereafter is doing so on the basis of blind
1287belief.
1288My belief in the hereafter is based on a logical argument.
12892. Hereafter a logical belief
1290There are more than a thousand verses in the Glorious Qur’an, containing
1291scientific facts (refer my book “Qur’an and Modern Science-Compatible or
1292Incompatible?”). Many facts mentioned in the Qur’an have been discovered in
1293the last few centuries. But science has not advanced to a level where it can
1294confirm every statement of the Qur’an.
1295Suppose 80% of all that is mentioned in the Qur’an has been proved 100% correct.
1296About the remaining 20%, science makes no categorical statement, since it has
1297not advanced to a level, where it can either prove or disprove these statements.
1298With the limited knowledge that we have, we cannot say for sure whether even a
1299single percentage or a single verse of the Qur’an from this 20% portion is wrong.
1300Thus when 80% of the Qur’an is 100% correct and the remaining 20% is not
1301disproved, logic says that even the 20% portion is correct. The existence of the
1302hereafter, which is mentioned in the Qur’an, falls in the 20% ambiguous portion
1303which my logic says is correct.
13043. Concept of peace and human values is useless without the
1305concept of hereafter
1306Is robbing a good or an evil act? A normal balanced person would say it is evil.
1307How would a person who does not believe in the hereafter convince a powerful
1308and influential criminal that robbing is evil?
1309Suppose I am the most powerful and influential criminal in the world. At the
1310same time I am an Intelligent and a logical person. I say that robbing is good
1311because it helps me lead a luxurious life. Thus robbing is good for me.
1312If anybody can put forward a single logical argument as to why it is evil for me,
1313I will stop immediately. People usually put forward the following arguments:
1314a. The person who is robbed will face difficulties
1315Some may say that the person who is robbed will face difficulties. I certainly
1316agree that it is bad for the person who is robbed. But it is good for me. If I rob
1317a thousand dollars, I can enjoy a good meal at a 5 star restaurant.
1318b. Some one may rob you
1319Some people argue that someday I may be robbed. No one can rob me
1320because I am a very powerful criminal and I have hundreds of bodyguards. I can
1321rob anybody but nobody can rob me. Robbing may be a risky profession for a
1322common man but not for an influential person like me.
1323c. The police may arrest you
1324Some may say, if you rob, you can be arrested by the police. The police cannot
1325arrest me because I have the police on my payroll. I have the ministers on my
1326payroll. I agree that if a common man robs, he will be arrested and it will be bad
1327for him, but I am an extraordinarily influential and powerful criminal.
1328Give me one logical reason why it is bad for me and I will stop robbing.
1329d. Its easy money
1330Some may say its easy money and not hard-earned money. I agree completely
1331that it is easy money, and that is one of the main reasons why I rob. If a person
1332has the option of earning money the easy as well as the hard way, any logical
1333person would choose the easy way.
1334e. It is against humanity
1335Some may say it is against humanity and that a person should care for other
1336human beings. I counter argue by asking as to who wrote this law called
1337‘humanity’ and why should I follow it?
1338This law may be good for the emotional and sentimental people but I am a
1339logical person and I see no benefit in caring for other human beings.
1340f. It is a selfish act
1341Some may say that robbing is being selfish. It is true that robbing is a selfish act;
1342but then why should I not be selfish? It helps me enjoy life.
13431. No logical reason for robbing being an evil act
1344Hence all arguments that attempt to prove that robbing is an evil act are futile.
1345These arguments may satisfy a common man but not a powerful and influential
1346criminal like me. None of the arguments can be defended on the strength of reason
1347and logic. It is no surprise that there are so many criminals in this world.
1348Similarly raping, cheating etc. can be justified as good for a person like me and
1349there is no logical argument that can convince me that these things are bad.
13502. A Muslim can convince a powerful and influential criminal
1351Now let us switch sides. Suppose you are the most powerful and influential
1352criminal in the world, who has the police and the ministers on his payroll. You
1353have army of thugs to protect you. I am a Muslim who will convince you that
1354robbing, raping, cheating, etc. are evil acts.
1355Even if I put forth the same arguments to prove that robbing is evil the criminal
1356will respond the same way as he did earlier.
1357I agree that the criminal is being logical and all his arguments are true only
1358when he is the most powerful and influential criminal.
13593. Every human being wants justice
1360Each and every human being desires justice. Even if he does not want justice
1361for others he wants justice for himself. Some people are intoxicated by power
1362and influence and inflict pain and suffering on others. The same people,
1363however, would surely object if some injustice was done to them. The reason
1364such people become insensitive to the suffering of others is that they worship
1365power and influence. Power and influence, they feel, not only allows them to
1366inflict injustice on others but also prevents others from doing likewise to them.
13674. God is Most Powerful and Just
1368As a Muslim I would convince the criminal about the existence of Almighty God
1369(refer to answer proving the existence of God). This God is more powerful than
1370you and at the same time is also just. The Glorious Qur’an says:
1371“Allah is never unjust in the least degree”
1372[Al-Qur’an 4:40]
13735. Why does God not punish me?
1374The criminal, being a logical and scientific person, agrees that God exists, after
1375being presented with scientific facts from the Qur’an. He may argue as to why
1376God, if He is Powerful and Just, does not punish him.
13776. The people who do injustice should be punished
1378Every person who has suffered injustice, irrespective of financial or social
1379status, almost certainly wants the perpetrator of injustice to be punished. Every
1380normal person would like the robber or the rapist to be taught a lesson. Though
1381a large number of criminals are punished, many even go scot-free. They lead a
1382pleasant, luxurious life, and even enjoy a peaceful existence. If injustice is done
1383to a powerful and influential person, by someone more powerful and more
1384influential than he, even such a person would want that person perpetrators of
1385injustice to be punished.
13867. This life is a test for the hereafter
1387This life is a test for the hereafter. The Glorious Qur’an says:
1388“He who created Deathand life that He may try which of you is best in
1389deed; and He is the Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving”
1390[Al-Qur’an 67:2]
13918. Final justice on day of judgement
1392The Glorious Qur’an says:
1393“Every soul shall have a taste of death: and only on the Day of
1394Judgement shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is
1395saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have attained
1396the object (of life): for the life of this world is but goods and chattels of
1397deception.”
1398[Al-Qur’an 3:185]
1399Final justice will be meted out on the Day of Judgement. After a person dies, he
1400will be resurrected on the Day of Judgement along with the rest of mankind. It
1401is possible that a person receives part of his punishment in this world. The final
1402reward and punishment will only be in the hereafter. God Almighty may not
1403punish a robber or a rapist in this world but he will surely be held accountable
1404on the Day of Judgement and will be punished in the hereafter i.e. life after
1405death.
14069. What punishment can the human law give Hitler?
1407Hitler incinerated six million Jews during his reign of terror. Even if the
1408police had arrested him, what punishment can the human law give Hitler
1409for justice to prevail? The most they can do is to send Hitler to the gas
1410chamber. But that will only be punishment for the killing of one Jew.
1411What about the remaining five million, nine hundred and ninety nine
1412thousand, nine hundred and ninety-nine Jews?
141310. Allah can burn Hitler more than six million times in hellfire
1414Allah say in the Glorious Qur’an:
1415“Those who reject Our signs, We shall sooncast into the Fire;as often as
1416their skins are roasted through, We shall change them for fresh skins,
1417that they may taste the penalty: for Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise”
1418[Al-Qur’an 4:56]
1419If Allah wishes he can incinerate Hitler six million times in the hereafter in the
1420hellfire.
142111. No concept of human values or good and bad without concept
1422of hereafter
1423It is clear that without convincing a person about the hereafter, i.e. life after
1424death, the concept of human values and the good or evil nature of acts is
1425impossible to prove to any person who is doing injustice especially when he is
1426influential and powerful.
1427EQUALITY OF WITNESSES
1428Question:
1429Why are two witnesses who are women, equivalent to only one witness
1430who is a man ?
1431Answer:
14321. Two female witnesses not always considered equal to one male
1433witness
1434There are no less than three verses in the Qur’an which speak about witnesses
1435without specifying man or woman.
1436a) While making a will of inheritance, two just persons are required as
1437witnesses. In Surah Maidah chapter 5 verse 106, the Glorious Qur’an says:
1438“Oh you who believe! When death approaches any of you, (take)
1439witnesses among yourself when making bequests,– two just persons
1440of your own (brotherhood) or others from outside if you are journeying
1441through the earth and the chance of death befalls you.” [Al-Qur’an 5:106]
1442b) Two persons endued with justice in case of talaq.
1443“And take for witness two persons from among you, endued with
1444justice, and establish the evidence (as) before Allah”. [Al-Qur’an 65:2]
1445c) Four witnesses are required in case of charge against chaste women
1446“And those who launch a charge against chaste women, and produce
1447not four witnesses (to support their allegatios) flog them with eighty
1448stripes; and reject their evidence even after: for such men are wicked
1449transgressors”
1450[Al-Qur’an 24:4]
14512. Two female witnesses is equal to male witness only in financial
1452transaction
1453It is not true that two female witnesses are always considered as equal to only
1454one male witness. It is true only in certain cases. There are about five verses
1455in the Qur’an that mention witnesses, without specifying male or female. There
1456is only one verse in the Qur’an, that says two female witnesses are equal to one
1457male witness. This verse is Surah Baqarah, chapter 2 verse 282. This is the
1458longest verse in the Qur’an and deals with financial transactions. It says:
1459“Oh! ye who believe! When ye deal with each other, in transactions
1460involving future obligation in a fixed period of time reduce them to
1461writing and get two witnesses out of your own men and if there are not
1462two men, then a man and two women, such as ye choose, for witnesses
1463so that if one of them errs the other can remind her.” [Al-Qur’an 2:282]
1464This verse of the Qur’an deals only with financial transactions. In such cases,
1465it is advised to make an agreement in writing between the parties and take two
1466witnesses, preferably both of which should be men only. In case you cannot find
1467two men, then one man and two women would suffice.
1468For instance, suppose a person wants to undergo an operation for a particular
1469ailment. To confirm the treatment, he would prefer taking references from two
1470qualified surgeons. In case he is unable to find two surgeons, his second option
1471would be one surgeon and two general practitioners who are plain MBBS
1472doctors.
1473Similarly in financial transactions, two men are preferred. Islam expects men to
1474be the breadwin ners of their families. Since financial responsibility is
1475shouldered by men, they are expected to be well versed in financial transactions
1476as compared to women. As a second option, the witness can be one man and
1477two women, so that if one of the women errs the other can remind her. The
1478Arabic word used in the Qur’an is ‘Tazil’ which means ‘confused’ or ‘to err’.
1479Many have wrongly translated this word as ‘to forget’. Thus financial
1480transactions constitute the only case in which two female witnesses are equal
1481to one male witness.
14823. Two female witnesses equal to one male witness even in the case
1483of murder
1484However, some scholars are of the opinion that the feminine attitude can also
1485have an effect on the witness in a murder case. In such circumstances a woman
1486is more terrified as compared to a man. Due to her emotional condition she can
1487get confused. Therefore, according to some jurists, even in cases of murder,
1488two female witnesses are equivalent to one male witness. In all other cases,
1489one female witness is equivalent to one male witness. In all other cases, one
1490female witness is equivalent to one male witness.
14914. Qur’an clearly specifies that one female witness equal to one male
1492witness
1493There are some scholars who are of the opinion that the rule of two female
1494witnesses equal to one male witness should be applied to all the cases. This
1495cannot be agreed upon because one particular verse of the Qur’an from Surah
1496Noor chapter 24, verse 6 clearly equates one female witness and one male
1497witness:
1498“And those who launch a charge against their spouses, and have (in
1499support) no evidence but their own - their solitary evidence can be
1500received.” [Al-Qur’an 24:6]
15015. Solitary witness of Ayesha (May Allah be pleased with her) is
1502sufficient for Hadith to be accepted
1503Ayesha (May Allah be pleased with her) the wife of the beloved Prophet has
1504narrated no less than 2220 Ahadith which are considered authentic only on her
1505solitary evidence. This is sufficient proof that one witness of a women can also
1506be accepted.
1507Many jurists agree that even one witness of a woman is sufficient for the
1508sighting of the crescent of the moon. Imagine one woman witness is sufficient
1509for one of the pillars of Islam, i.e. fasting and the whole Muslim community of
1510men and women agree and accept her witness! Some jurists say that one
1511witness is required at the beginning of Ramadaan and two witnesses at the end
1512of Ramadaan. It makes no difference whether the witnesses are men or women.
15136. Female witnesses are preferred in some cases
1514Some incidents require only female witness and that of a male cannot be
1515accepted. For instance, in dealing with the problems of women, while giving the
1516burial bath i.e. ‘ghusl’ to a woman, the witness has to be a woman.
1517The seeming inequality of male and female witnesses in financial transactions
1518is not due to any inequality of the sexes in Islam. It is only due to the different
1519natures and roles of men and women in society as envisaged by Islam.
1520EATING NON-VEGETARIAN FOOD
1521Question:
1522Killing an animal is a ruthless act. Why then do Muslims consume non-
1523vegetarian food?
1524Answer:
1525‘Vegetarianism’ is now a movement the world over. Many even associate it with
1526animal rights. Indeed, a large number of people consider the consumption of
1527meat and other non-vegetarian products to be a violation of animal rights.
1528Islam enjoins mercy and compassion for all living creatures. At the same time
1529Islam maintains that Allah has created the earth and its wondrous flora and
1530fauna for the benefit of mankind. It is upto mankind to use every resource in this
1531world judiciously, as a niyamat (Divine blessing) and amanat (trust) from Allah.
1532Let us look at various other aspects of this argument.
15331. A Muslim can be a pure vegetarian
1534A Muslim can be a very good Muslim despite being a pure vegetarian. It is not
1535compulsory for a Muslim to have non-vegetarian food.
15362. Qur’an permits Muslims to have non-vegetarian food
1537The Qur’an, however permits a Muslim to have non-vegetarian food. The
1538following Qur’anic verses are proof of this fact:
1539“O ye who believe! Fulfil (all) obligations. Lawful unto you (for food) are
1540all four-footed animals with the exceptions named.”
1541[Al-Qur’an 5:1]
1542“And cattle He has created for you (men): from them Ye derive warmth,
1543and numerous benefits, And of their (meat) ye eat.”
1544[Al-Qur’an 16:5]
1545“And in cattle (too) ye have an instructive example: From within their
1546bodies We produce (milk) for you to drink; there are, in them, (besides),
1547numerous (other) benefits for you; and of their (meat) ye eat.”
1548[Al-Qur’an 23:21]
15493. Meat is nutritious and rich in complete protein
1550Non-vegetarian food is a good source of excellent protein. It contains
1551biologically complete protein i.e. all the 8 essential amino acid that are not
1552synthesized by the body and should be supplied in the diet. Meat also contains
1553iron, vitamin B1 and niacin.
15544. Humans have Omnivorous set of teeth
1555If you observe the teeth of herbivorous animals like the cow, goat and sheep,
1556you will find something strikingly similar in all of them. All these animals have
1557a set of flat teeth i.e. suited for herbivorous diet. If you observe the set of teeth
1558of the carnivorous animals like the lion, tiger, or leopard, they all have a set of
1559pointed teeth i.e. suited for a carnivorous diet. If you analyze the set of teeth of
1560humans, you find that they have flat teeth as well as pointed teeth. Thus they
1561have teeth suited for both herbivorous as well as carnivorous food i.e. they are
1562omnivorous. One may ask, if Almighty God wanted humans to have only
1563vegetables, why did He provide us also with pointed teeth? It is logical that He
1564expected us to need and to have both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian
1565food.
15665. Human beings can digest both vege-tarian and non-vegetarian
1567food
1568The digestive system of herbivorous animals can digest only vegetables. The
1569digestive system of carnivorous animals can digest only meat. But the digestive
1570system of humans can digest both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. If
1571Almighty God wanted us to have only vegetables then why did He give us a
1572digestive system that can digest both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian
1573food?
15746. Hindu scriptures give permission to have non-vegetarian food
1575a. There are many Hindus who are strictly vegetarian. They think it is against
1576their religion to consume non-vegetarian food. But the true fact is that the
1577Hindu scriptures permit a person to have meat. The scriptures mention
1578Hindu sages and saints consuming non-vegetarian food.
1579b. It is mentioned in Manu Smruti, the law book of Hindus, in chapter 5 verse 30
1580“The eater who eats the flesh of those to be eaten does nothing bad,
1581even if he does it day after day, for God himself created some to be eaten
1582and some to be eater.”
1583c. Again next verse of Manu Smruti, that is, chapter 5 verse 31 says
1584“Eating meat is right for the sacrifice, this is traditionally known as a rule of
1585the gods.”
1586d. Further in Manu Smruti chapter 5 verse 39 and 40 says
1587“God himself created sacrificial animals for sacrifice, ... , therefore killing in
1588a sacrifice is not killing.”
1589e. Mahabharata Anushashan Parva chapter 88 narrates the discussion
1590between Dharmaraj Yudhishthira and Pitamah Bhishma about what food
1591one should offer to Pitris (ancestors) during the Shraddha (ceremony of
1592dead) to keep them satisfied. Paragraph reads as follows:
1593“Yudhishthira said, “O thou of great puissance, tell me what that object is
1594which, if dedicated to the Pitiris (dead ancestors), become inexhaustible!
1595What Havi, again, (if offered) lasts for all time? What, indeed, is that which
1596(if presented) becomes eternal?”
1597“Bhishma said, “Listen to me, O Yudhishthira, what those Havis are which
1598persons conversant with the rituals of the Shraddha (the ceremony of dead)
1599regard as suitable in view of Shraddha and what the fruits are that attach to
1600each. With sesame seeds and rice and barely and Masha and water and
1601roots and fruits, if given at Shraddhas, the pitris, O king, remain gratified for
1602the period of a month. With fishes offered at Shraddhas, the pitris remain
1603gratified for a period of two months. With the mutton they remain gratified
1604for three months and with the hare for four months, with the flesh of the
1605goat for five months, with the bacon (meat of pig) for six months, and with
1606the flesh of birds for seven. With venison obtained from those deer that
1607are called Prishata, they remaingratified for eight months, and with that
1608obtained from the Ruru for nine months, and with the meat of Gavaya for
1609ten months, With the meat of the bufffalo their gratification lasts for eleven
1610months. With beef presented at the Shraddha, their gratification, it is said ,
1611lasts for a full year. Payasa mixed with ghee is as much acceptable to the
1612pitris as beef. With the meat of Vadhrinasa (a large bull) the gratification
1613of pitris lasts for twelve years. the flesh of rhinoceros, offered to the pitris
1614on anniversaries of the lunar days on which they died, becomes
1615inexhaustible. The potherb called Kalaska, the petals of kanchana flower,
1616and meat of (red) goat also, thus offered, prove inexhaustible.
1617So but natural if you want to keep your ancestors satisfied forever, you
1618should serve them the meat of red goat.
16197. Hinduism was influenced by other religions
1620Though Hindu Scriptures permit its followers to have non-vegetarian food, many
1621Hindus adopted the vegetarian system because they were influenced by other
1622religions like Jainism.
16238. Even plants have life
1624Certain religions have adopted pure vegetarianism as a dietary law because
1625they are totally against the killing of living creatures. If a person can survive
1626without killing any living creature, I would be the first person to adopt such a way
1627of life. In the past people thought plants were lifeless. Today it is a universal fact
1628that even plants have life. Thus their logic of not killing living creatures is not
1629fulfilled even by being a pure vegetarian.
16309. Even plants can feel pain
1631They further argue that plants cannot feel pain, therefore killing a plant is a
1632lesser crime as compared to killing an animal. Today science tells us that even
1633plants can feel pain. But the cry of the plant cannot be heard by the human
1634being. This is due to the inability of the human ear to hear sounds that are not
1635in the audible range i.e. 20 Hertz to 20,000 Hertz. Anything below and above
1636this range cannot be heard by a human being. A dog can hear up to 40,000
1637Hertz. Thus there are silent dog whistles that have a frequency of more than
163820,000 Hertz and less than 40,000 Hertz. These whistles are only heard by
1639dogs and not by human beings. The dog recognizes the masters whistle and
1640comes to the master. There was research done by a farmer in U.S.A. who
1641invented an instrument which converted the cry of the plant so that it could be
1642heard by human beings. He was able to realize immediately when the plant
1643itself cried for water. Latest researches show that the plants can even feel happy
1644and sad. It can also cry.
164510. Killing a living creature with two senses less is not a lesser crime
1646Once a vegetarian argued his case by saying that plants only have two or three
1647senses while the animals have five senses. Therefore killing a plant is a lesser
1648crime than killing an animal. Suppose your brother is born deaf and dumb and
1649has two senses less as compared to other human beings. He becomes mature
1650and someone murders him. Would you ask the judge to give the murderer a
1651lesser punishment because your brother has two senses less? In fact you would
1652say that he has killed a masoom, an innocent person, and the judge should give
1653the murderer a greater punishment.
1654In fact the Qur’an says:
1655“O ye people! Eat of what is on earth, lawful and good”
1656[Al-Qur’an 2:168]
165711. Over population of cattle
1658If every human being was a vegetarian, it would lead to overpopulation of cattle
1659in the world, since their reproduction and multiplication is very swift. Allah (swt)
1660in His Divine Wisdom knows how to maintain the balance of His creation
1661appropriately. No wonder He has permitted us to have the meat of the cattle.
166212. Cost of meat is reasonable since all aren’t non-vegetarians
1663I do not mind if some people are pure vegetarians. However they should not
1664condemn non-vegetarians as ruthless. In fact if all Indians become non-
1665vegetarians then the present non-vegetarians would be losers since the prices
1666of meat would rise.
166718. ALL RELIGIONS TEACH PEOPLE TO BE
1668RIGHTEOUS, THEN WHY FOLLOW ONLY
1669ISLAM?
1670Question
1671All religions basically teach followers to do good deeds. Why should a person
1672only follow Islam? Can he not follow any of the religions?
1673Answer
16741. Major difference between Islam and most other religions
1675All religions basically exhort mankind to be righteous and eschew evil. But Islam
1676goes beyond that. It guides us towards practical ways of achieving
1677righteousness and eliminating evil from our individual and collective lives. Islam
1678takes into account human nature and the complexities of human society. Islam
1679is guidance from the Creator Himself. Therefore, Islam is also called the Deen-
1680ul-Fitrah (the natural religion of Man).
16812. Example - Islam commands us to shun robbery and also
1682prescribes method of eli-minating robbery
1683a. Islam prescribes method of eliminating robbery
1684All major religions teach that theft is an evil act. Islam teaches the same. So
1685what is the difference between Islam and the other religions? The difference
1686lies in the fact that Islam, besides teaching that robbing is evil, shows a
1687practical way of creating a social structure in which people will not rob.
1688b. Islam prescribes Zakat
1689Islam prescribes a system of Zakat (obligatory annual charity). Islamic law
1690prescribes that every person who has a saving that exceeds the nisab level
1691i.e. more than 85 grams of gold, should give 2.5% of that saving every lunar
1692year in charity. If every rich person in the world gave Zakat sincerely,
1693poverty will be eradicated from this world. Not a single human being would
1694die of hunger.
1695c. Chopping off the hands as punishment for robbery
1696Islam prescribes chopping off the hands of the convicted robber. The
1697Glorious Qur’an says in Surah Maidah:
1698“As to the thief, male or female, cut off his or her hands:a punishment
1699by way of example, from Allah, for their crime: and Allah is Exalted in
1700power, full of wisdom.” [ Al-Qur’an 5:38]
1701The non-Muslim may say, “Chopping off the hands in this 20th century.
1702Islam is a barbaric and ruthless religion!”
1703d. Results achieved when Islamic Shariah Implemented
1704America is supposed to be one of the most advanced countries in the world.
1705Unfortunately it also has one of the highest rates of crime, theft, and
1706robbery. Suppose the Islamic shariah is implemented in America i.e. every
1707rich person gives Zakat ( 2.5% of his savings in charity above 85 grams of
1708gold every lunar year), and every convicted robber has his or her hands
1709chopped off as a punishment. Will the rate of theft and robbery in America
1710increase, remain same or decrease? Naturally it will decrease. Moreover
1711the existence of such a stringent law would discourage many a potential
1712robber.
1713I agree that the amount of theft that takes place in the world today is so
1714tremendous that if you chop off the hands of all the thieves, there will be
1715tens of thousands of people whose hands will be chopped off. The point
1716here is that the moment you implement this law the rate of theft will decline
1717immediately. The potential robber would give it a serious thought before
1718jeopardizing his limbs. The mere thought of the punishment itself will
1719discourage majority of the robbers. There will barely be a few who would
1720rob. Hence only a few person’s hands would be chopped off but millions
1721would live peacefully without fear of being robbed.
1722Islamic Shariah is therefore practical, and achieves results.
17233. Example: Islam prohibits the molestation and rape of women. It
1724enjoins hijab and prescribes capital punishment for a convicted rapist.
1725a. Islam prescribes method of eliminating molestation and rape
1726All the major religions declare the molestation and rape of women as grave
1727sins. Islam teaches the same. What then is the difference between Islam and
1728the other religions? The difference lies in the fact that Islam does not merely
1729preach respect for women, or abhor molestation and rape as serious crimes,
1730but also gives clear guidance as to how society can eliminate such crimes.
1731b. Hijab for men
1732Islam has a system of hijab. The Glorious Qur’an first mentions hijab for the men
1733and then for the women. Hijab for the men is mentioned in the following verse:
1734“Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard
1735their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is
1736well acquainted with all that they do.” [Al-Qur’an 24:30]
1737The moment a man looks at a woman and if any brazen or unashamed
1738thought comes to his mind, he should lower his gaze.
1739c. Hijab for women
1740Hijab for women is mentioned in the following verse:
1741“And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and
1742guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and
1743ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should
1744draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to
1745their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons....”
1746[Al-Qur’an 24:31]
1747The extent of hijab for a woman is that her complete body should be
1748covered. The only part that can be seen, are the face and the hands up to
1749the wrists. If they wish to cover, they can even cover these parts of the body.
1750However some Islamic scholars insist that even the face should be covered.
1751d. Hijab prevents molestation
1752The reason why Allah has prescribed Hijab for the women is given in the
1753Qur’an in the folowing verse of Surah Al-Ahzab:
1754“O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing
1755women,that they should cast their outer garments over their persons
1756(when abroad): that is most convenient, that they should be known (as
1757such) and not molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, most Merciful.”
1758[Al-Qur’an 33:59]
1759The Qur’an says that Hijab has been prescribed for the women so that they are
1760recognized as modest women this would prevent them from being molested.
1761e. Example of twin sisters
1762Suppose two sisters who are twins and who are equally beautiful, walk
1763down a street. One of them is wearing the Islamic Hijab i.e. the complete
1764body is covered except for the face and the hands up to the wrists, and the
1765other twin is wearing a mini skirt or shorts. Around the corner there is a
1766hooligan who is waiting for an opportunity to tease a girl. Who will he tease?
1767The girl wearing the Islamic Hijab or the girl wearing the mini skirt or shorts?
1768Dresses that expose more than they conceal, are an indirect temptation to
1769the opposite sex for teasing, molestation and rape. The Qur’an rightly says
1770that the hijab prevents women from being molested.
1771f. Capital punishment for rapist
1772The Islamic shariah prescribes capital punishment for a convicted rapist.
1773The non-Muslim may be horrified at such a stringent punishment in this age.
1774Many accuse Islam of being ruthless and barbaric. I have asked a common
1775question to hundreds of non-Muslim men. Suppose God-forbid, some one
1776rapes your wife, your mother or your sister and you are made the judge. The
1777rapist is brought in front of you. What punishment would you give him? All
1778of them said, “we would put him to death.” Some went to the extent of
1779saying, “we would torture him to death”, If your wife or your mother is raped
1780you want the rapist to be put to death. But if someone else’s wife or mother
1781is raped, capital punishment is a barbaric law. Why the double standards?
1782g. U.S.A. has one of the highest rate of Rape
1783The United States of America is supposed to be one of the most advanced
1784countries of the world. An F.B.I report in the year 1990 says that 1,02,555
1785cases of rape were reported. It further says that only 16% of the cases of
1786rapes are reported. Thus, in order to know the actual number of rapes that
1787took place in 1990, the reported figure should be multiplied by 6.25. We get
1788a total of 6,40,968 rape cases that took place in the year 1990. If the total is
1789divided by 365 the number of days in a year, we get an average of 1,756
1790rape incidents everyday.
1791Later another report said that an average of 1900 cases of rape are
1792committed in U.S.A every day. According to National Crime Victimization
1793Survey Bureau of Justice Statistics (U. S. Dept. of Justice) in 1996 alone
17943,07,000 cases of rape were reported. Only 31% of the actual cases of rape
1795were reported. Thus, 3,07,000 X 3.226 = 9,90,322 rapes took place in 1996.
1796That is, an average of 2,713 cases of rape took place everyday in America
1797in 1996. Every 32 seconds one rape is taking place in America. Maybe
1798American rapists got bolder. The FBI report of 1990 continues and says that
1799out of the rape cases that were reported only 10% of the rapist were
1800arrested, that is only 1.6% of the actual rapes committed. Out of those
1801arrested, 50% were let free before the trial. This would mean that only 0.8%
1802of the rapists faced a trial. In other words if a person commits 125 rapes the
1803chances that he will get a punishment for rape is only once. Many would
1804consider this a good gamble. And the report says that of those people who
1805faced trial 50% received sentences of less than a year’s imprisonment
1806though the American law says rape carries a seven year sentence of
1807imprisonment. For a rapist, the judge is lenient to first time offenders.
1808Imagine a person commits 125 rapes and the chances of being convicted is
1809only once, and 50% of the time the judge will grant leniency and give a
1810sentence of less than a year!
1811h. Results achieved when Islamic Shariah Implemented
1812Suppose the Islamic shariah is implemented in America. Whenever a man
1813looks at a woman and if any brazen or unashamed thought comes to his
1814mind, he lowers his gaze. Every woman wears the Islamic Hijab, that is the
1815complete body is covered except the face and the hands upto the wrists.
1816After this if any man commits rape, he gets capital punishment. The
1817question is, will the rate of rape in America increase, will it remain the same
1818or will it decrease? Naturally it will decrease. Islamic Shariah gets results.
18194. Islam has Practical Solutions for the Problems of Mankind
1820Islam is the best way of life because its teachings are not doctrinaire rhetoric but
1821practical solutions for the problems of mankind. Islam achieves results both at
1822the individual and collective levels. Islam is the best way of life because it is a practical, universal religion not confined to any ethnic group or nationality.