Questions And Answers III

Question
Is boxing haram?
Answer
It is intriguing as to why boxing would be considered haram in Islam. I do not know of any Islamic doctrinal evidence to support what you suggest. It is a sport like most other and because of it's potential to be fiery, the rules and regulations should be adhered to most firmly. Wallaho Alam Bissawab.

Question
I would like to make enquiries on the topic of "moortad" (not sure of the spelling). My mother has converted from islam to Christianity. Since then, I terminated contact with her. Recently I met a Muslim male from Morocco. He stressed that my actions are wrong. According to him the Holy Quran teaches us that no matter what a mother does, a child must still obey the mother.
Answer
The Holy Quran is the perfect, timeless guidance for all mankind. It states on several occasions that there is no worldly punishment for apostasy (turning away from a faith). Who ever does so does it at their own peril and will be held accountable by Allah. On the other hand the Holy Quran gives us many directives to be kind and benevolent to our parents. There is a verse in Surah Al-Ankabut which translates as follows: "And We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents; but if they contend with you so that you too may associate partners with Me; of which you have no knowledge whatsoever, then obey them not. Unto Me is your return and I shall inform you of what you did." In my humble opinion this verse is the perfect answer to your dilemma. I understand from your message that your mother is not in anyway forcing you into her new belief. Despite your obvious hurt at her apostasy, fact remains that she is your mother. Your Muslim faith strictly commands you to treat her with benevolence. There are ahadeeth where the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) has enjoined Muslims to treat even pagan parents with kindness and benevolence. Pray for your mother most earnestly that she may one day come back to the beauty of Islam. Amen. Wallaho Alam Bissawab.

Question
Why woman are not allowed to cover their faces during Hajj?
Answer
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings of Allah be on him) taught us to perform Hajj. His practices, traditions and indeed his directives are carried out during the ceremony of Hajj. The directive for women not to cover their face during Hajj is one such instruction. All traditions of the Holy prophet (peace and blessings on him) are full of wisdom. The time and environment of Hajj is steeped in spirituality. Mankind is at it's meekest, most subservient self - in the true spirit of Hajj, paying homage at the House of Allah, the mind and the eye do not wander needlessly, hence the 'relaxing' of the 'purdah'. It could also be "symbolic" of the fact that one arrives at the most spiritual place on earth, in All-Knowing Allah's attendance laying bare one's soul - as most natural, open and forthright. Wallaho Alam Bissawab.

Question
I'm just curious about Islamic beliefs, etc. Do you believe in a God or Gods? I may have some silly questions, so please don't be offended by anything that I may ask in the future. I am just curious about Islam as I am about other religions.
Answer
Thank you for your email. We assure you that if your intention is to find out more about Islam and other religions, then your questions will not be offending in the least - assisting you will be a pleasure. In answer to your first question; the fundamental belief of Islam is that there is One God, that He has no partner, He begets not, neither is He begotten, He always was and always will be. He is All Good, All Mercy and All Power. The Unity of God is the basic Islamic belief and all other articles of our faith are dependent on it. Hope to hear from you again soon.

Question
I am writing a report on the rise of Islam. I know that many people started to believe in the year 622 when Mohammed (PBUH) was around, but what is it that makes your religion today so popular to so many people? I ask this because it is one of the fastest growing religions in the world today, and that fact alone as me curious as to what your religion is all about and why it is growing so fast. If you could help in any way with my questions I would be very appreciative.
Answer
We, as Muslims believe that God taught religion gradually to humanity through His prophets, from Adam to Jesus ( peace be on them). He then perfected Divine teachings, through Muhammad (may peace and blessings be on him) in the form of Islam. The Muslim scripture is the Holy Quran, which was revealed to Muhammad (may peace and blessings be on him). This holy book remains intact in it's Arabic text 1,400 years after being first revealed. The first and foremost belief in Islam is that of the Unity of God. That there is One God and He is a Perfect Being. Islam gives a message of eternal hope. That the path to spiritual development is everlasting and that an individual can embark on it and seek the love of God and establish a permanent relationship with Him. Islam does not claim a monopoly over truth. We believe that divine guidance is a general bounty that has sustained humanity through ages. We do not believe that He is a God of Muslims, rather, He is the Lord of mankind. We believe that the Holy Quran carries message for all humanity until the end of time. It is not a message revealed for the Arabs of circa 600AD, rather it will guide mankind of all ages. The teachings of Islam do not conflict with the laws of nature, they constitute reason and logic. The true message of Islam is that of peace. Indeed the Arabic word 'Islam' means peace and total submission to the will of God. It safeguards an individual's socio-economical rights. It covers and has an answer for all needs of humanity, it conforms to the human nature. In this age of apparent material success and progress, hopelessness and despair have taken hold of the human psyche. It has turned man/woman away from what is the core of our existence, our soul. Indeed when people study Islam with an open mind, it's inherent beauty and logic most naturally brings about acceptance of what is so evidently the perfect and timeless message . Wallaho Alam Bissawab.

Question
Hello. I am a 7th grade student who is learning about the Islamic Religion in my history class. One of our assignments is to explain the symbolism behind the Muslim prayer rugs. I'm not entirely sure what this means. Our teacher has talked about the different colors, the flowers depicted on the rugs and of the varying images they show. I have searched all of the internet and my public library with very little result. I was just wondering if you could help me by just explaining a little but about these rugs and what they mean.
Answer
It is not surprising that you have not found any material on the motifs on the Muslim prayer rugs. They are of no significance at all. Islam is not a religion of symbols. The varied pleasant motifs and colors on prayer rugs are made for mere aesthetics. Indeed the very concept of having a special rug for prayer only stems from the need to offer one's prayer on a clean surface. In the absence of a prayer rug, the prayers can be made on a clean piece of cloth or any other clean material. In tropical countries the traditional prayer mats are made out of plain straw. Wallaho Alam Bissawab.

Question
Is it necessary to wear beard? - Kindly do give the answers to clear my concepts.
Answer
It is not 'fardh', meaning it is not obligatory. Those who do so, do it in keeping with the Sunnah (practices) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings of Allah be on him). Wallaho Alam Bissawab.

Question
What is the basic concept of Syed's and who are those who claim themselves the same?
Answer
There is no 'basic concept' in being a Syed. People who are descendants of the Holy Prophet (may peace and blessings be on him) carry the name of Syed. The Arabic word syed also means, lord; master; chief; a prince. Wallaho Alam Bissawab.

Question
In Islam, social evils such as consuming liquor and gambling are prohibited, but why slavery is not prohibited?
Answer
The Holy Quran, the Muslim scriptures, does not permit slavery. Indeed it emphasizes that all human beings are equal and no one has any kind of superiority over another. Islam recognizes geographical divisions but certainly condemns racial, economic or any such discrimination. At the time when the message of Islam was brought in this world slavery was an intrinsic part of the social fabric. Islam, being a faith of moderation, set about to abolish this system from society gradually, without causing any great upheaval. Indeed, Islam totally rejects depriving a human being of their liberty, the only exception being in the event of a war when taking of prisoners of war is permitted. However, there are strict guidelines to be observed about their captivity and they are entitled to freedom on payment of a ransom.

Question
What are the terms and conditions for the marriage ceremony, I mean can you explain me about the "Den mohor?" According to Shira we are asked to pay a certain amount of money/goods to wife at the first night. In that case if someone would like to offer a Holy Quran as a "Den mohor" instead of money/goods, is this allowable and acceptable according to Shira. If it is not, then what is the best suggestion for me to explain it?
Answer
According to Islamic teaching man is responsible for providing the necessities of life for his wife and children. The Holy Quran says: "Hand over to your women their dowries willingly, but if they, of their own pleasure, remit to you a part thereof, then enjoy it as a thing agreeable and wholesome.” The sum of money, property or any other valuable given to the wife as a dowry, is hers by right. On principle the dowry must be paid immediately at marriage; but with the wife’s consent the payment can be made over a period of time. The nature of the gifts and the method of payment is specified at the time of the Nikah and is incorporated into the marriage contract. The amount depends on the means of the groom but should neither be excessive nor meager. The dowry must be paid to the wife unless she agrees to forego it. The husband can increase the amount of the dowry at a later stage, if he so desires; but he cannot decrease it except with the permission of the wife. Wallaho Alam Bissawab.

Question
What is the foundation of being Muslim?
Answer
The foundation of being a Muslim is to believe in the Unity of God, to believe that He alone is worthy of worship and that Muhammad (may peace and blessings be on him) was God's Messenger. Wallaho Alam Bissawab.

Question
What is the history of the Muslim religion?
Answer
The Muslim religion called Islam started 1,400 years ago in Arabia. It's message was revealed to Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) from God, amidst Arabians who led barbaric lives. Muhammad (peace be upon him) was an upright and thoroughly honest man, and was given to solitude and reflection . He would go outside town to a isolated spot, Hira, to reflect and meditate. It is here that, at the age of forty, God's angel Gabriel came to him with a Divine message and told him that he was God's chosen person and that he was to take the message to the people of Arabia and all mankind. This was the beginning of Islam. A religion in which God brought together all the excellent teachings of the older scriptures through the Holy Quran. Wallaho Alam Bissawab.

Question
What must one do to become Muslim?
Answer
One must believe in the Unity of God, that there is only One God and He alone is worthy of worship and that Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) is His Messenger. Muslims believe in all the prophets of God: From Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus (peace be on all of them); they believe in all the older scriptures, Torah and the Gospels and many more. They believe in angels and they believe in the Day of Judgment.

Question
Who is the founder of the religion?
Answer
As stated above, Muhammad (peace and blessings be on him) gave the message of Islam to the world.

Question
When was this religion founded?
Answer
Muhammad (peace and blessings be on him) received his first revelation from God at the age of forty, this was in 610 AD. He took the message he had received to his family and friends who immediately believed him and thus the Islamic faith was founded.

Question
What percentage of the world are Muslims?
Answer
I believe approximately 10% of the world population is Muslim. Please note this is an estimate and not a precise calculation.

Question
How many Muslims are in North America?
Answer
Accordingly to the most recently available census data there are 8-9 million Muslims in North America.

Question
What are Muslims outlook on other religions?
Answer
Muslims believe in all the prophets of God from Adam to Jesus (peace be on all of them). Muslims believe that Moses (peace be on him) received revelation from God and that Torah was a revealed book. They believe that Jesus (on whom be peace) was a man and a prophet of God. The Holy Quran (the Muslim scriptures) teaches equity for all mankind.

Question
What are Muslims taught about abortions?
Answer
The Muslim outlook on abortion is based on common sense. God gives indeed all life and He alone has the right to take it back - in that abortion to accommodate one's own life style etc. is not permissible. However, Islam has a compassionate view in certain medical conditions/instances and abortion is allowed if carried out within the first few weeks of the pregnancy, before the embryo develops into a fetus. During the embryonic stage, there is only 'physical' life and the 'soul' is not yet placed in the body. Therefore in certain medical cases it is compassionate to allow a termination of the pregnancy. Wallaho Alam Bissawab.

Question
What are Muslims taught about the death penalty?
Answer
This requires a detailed answer. In short, Islamic law of retaliation, under which a person who shows a callous disregard for the life of another human loses his title to live as a member of the human race. This provides effective and practical means to put a stop to murders and safeguard human life. However, in special circumstances the murderer can be saved from the death penalty if the relatives of the slain person decide upon receiving blood-money from him. The bereaved also have the option to fully pardon the murderer. Such pardons are allowed in circumstances where there is a likelihood of matters improving. Muslims believe that the manner in which God has laid down the law of retaliation makes it indispensable for the preservation and protection of human life. The Holy Quran says, "....the recompense of an injury is an injury the like thereof......." The Islamic principles of punishment might not appeal to visionaries but Islam is a most practical religion. Wallaho Alam Bissawab.

Question
Do Muslims believe in an " after life"?
Answer
Indeed. It is one of the articles of the Muslim faith to believe in the Day of Judgment and the Hereafter.

Question
If Muslims believe in an " after life ", what do they believe about it?
Answer
They believe that life after death is not a new phenomenon; in that all it's manifestations will be reflections of what one does in this life. They believe that each soul will be held accountable for what it has done and that God will punish and reward accordingly. They believe life as we know it is only transitory and that life after death is a permanent state.

Question
How do Muslims believe the "after life" interacts with the living?
Answer
Muslims believe that once a soul departs from earth it severs all ties from life as we know it. However, with Allah's permission and at His will, some souls are allowed to have a connection with the present life.

Question
What are Muslims taught about other religions?
Answer
That all great religions of this world were brought by prophets of God and that they received revelation from God to spread their message. However, all scriptures have been interpolated by man. The Muslim holy book, the Holy Quran has a Divine guarantee that it will be safeguarded. It's 1,400 old Arabic text has not been changed a jot to this day and the Muslim belief is that it will stay the same till the end of time.

Question
What things/ideas do other religions most commonly perceive wrong about Muslims?
Answer
There are plenty of misconceptions and misinterpretations of the Muslim faith. The one aspect that springs to mind is the Western media's gross misunderstanding of the Islamic law concerning women.

Question
How many spouses are Muslims able to have?
Answer
Muslim males are allowed up to four wives. However, there are strict laws governing this kind of an arrangement. Men are enjoined to keep emotional balance between the wives and to provide for them most adequately.

Question
What divides the Muslim religion? Are there different beliefs or different denominations?
Answer
The Muslim faith is based on the ONE belief of Unity of God and that Muhammad (peace and blessings be on him) is His Messenger. Indeed as with all major faiths of the world there are different viewpoints, hence different denominations. It is worth mentioning here that the Arabic text of the Holy Quran all the Muslims, despite their different denominations, read and follow through out the world today and have been doing for over a thousand years remains 100% intact and the same as when it was revealed.

Question
My daughter is doing a project for school and needs to know how Mohammed, the founder of Islam, died. We know he died suddenly and unexpectedly, but can you tell us or point us to an article which will tell us how he died. It would be appreciated.
Answer
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings of Allah be on him) passed away at the age of 62 or 63 after a brief illness. He had offered the annual pilgrimage to Mecca where he gave a farewell address, which was an epitome of the entire teachings of Islam. Soon afterwards he started teaching and training his followers, raising their moral standards. He also prepared the Muslims of his own death by this time, through revelations he received. Months later he fell ill. For some days he continued to visit the mosque to lead the prayers. Later he became too weak to do this. He spent his last days with his wife Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her). When his time came and he was on his deathbed, he told his followers to worship the One and Only God. In the end, he said "To my Friend the Highest of the High - to my Friend the Highest of the High,"meaning that he was heading towards God. Wallaho Alam Bissawab.

Question
I want ask (in short) about if I can work in the banking sector or not?
Answer
The simple and correct answer to your question is, why indeed, yes. As an employee you are not responsible for the un-Islamic policies of your employer.

Question
I have a question about Islam. What is the Islamic view about adoption? My husband is a Muslim and he seems reluctant to adopt abandoned children even though I have told him that he could raise them under Islam. Could his reservations be based on the Koran?
Answer
The Islamic view on adoption is quite clear. The adopted child has to be informed of all the facts from the beginning. His family name must remain the same. This insures the child's basic human rights are preserved and his identity is not muddled. There are a few rules about inheritance as well. In general, Islam ensures to safeguard the identity of the child and recognizes that as his birthright. Adoption only facilitates his upbringing takes place in a safe, loving environment rather change his distinctiveness of who he/she was born as. Wallaho Alam Bissawab.

Question
What is Hajj? Why do Muslims take part? Are there any difficulties?
Answer
Hajj is the fifth Pillar of Islam. It is an annual pilgrimage to the holy sites in Mecca which each adult Muslim, who can afford it, has to perform once in life time. Muslims perform Hajj in order to visit for themselves the holy sites where their faith started. More importantly it is a pilgrimage to the Ka'aba, which we believe is the first place of worship ever built on this earth, Muslims thus refer to it as House of God. The ceremony of Hajj is also symbolic of the Unity of God; all Muslims gather from four corners of the earth in one spot at an appointed time and worship God. There are no difficulties to perform Hajj apart from the obvious financial commitment in order to travel to Mecca. That is the reason why, strictly speaking, Hajj is only obligatory to those who have fulfilled all their worldly needs and have no pressing commitments left and indeed can afford the passage to Mecca. It is a Muslim belief that God is everywhere and He answers those who truly seek Him. In this respect indeed going to a particular place to seek the pleasure and nearness to God is the not the issue. However, it is the physical presence of being in the holiest of the holy places for the Muslim faith and indeed the congregational worship with millions of other fellow Muslims that leaves an indelible mark on the spiritual life of a person. It is a most supreme form of worship and is most desirable to God.

Question
Why is allowing a dog to touch you or your clothes haram?
Answer
Upon the touch of a dog nothing gets 'haram', rather it is gets unclean. Muslims pray 5 times a day for which they require to have clean clothes on and cleanliness has a high status in Islam in any case, therefore the touch of an unclean animal is considered foul. Wallaho Alam Bissawab.