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This page is for answers to questions people have raised
about the lessons and on the message board.
Question: <Admin>
How do we deal with incest especially to those very young and vulnerable?
Answer: <Admin>
Incest and other sexual misdemeanors are prevented by early and continous marriage that provides mutual
sexual satisfaction. Men who are hyperactive sexually, should either fast, or use their right to marry up to 4 wives. This
is how Islam prevents zina and all other out of the marriage affairs. Societies that allow free interaction between men and
women have very few cases of incest, but zina(fornication and adultery) is rampant. It is societies that managed to control
zina that commit this terrible sin. Isn't polygamy preferable to uncontrolled sexual relations and incest? What do you think?
Reply and give us your views.
________________________________________
Question: <sabi>
Response to lesson 26: Dear S_Ibrahim
I recently read your lesson
26, and I found it to be very interesting particularly as it is a subject that we are frequently in contention about. Considering
the current state of the Islamic Ummah, I personally believe it is about time a message like this came out.
I agree
that this obsession with national identity is one of the sole reasons for the disunity within our ummah. It has undermined
the sacred brotherhood to the effect that man will lay down his life for his countryman, but is too afraid to bat an eye-lash
when his muslim brother is being murdered in his own home. That isn’t right!
The really sad thing is, we’ve
got our priorities crossed. We were not created Arabs and Asians and Americans and Africans and Europeans and Native Americans
etc…! We aren’t even quite sure what color Adam was let alone what race he was. We were, however, created as Allah’s
devotees on Earth. We were created MUSLIMS. Therefore if one wanted to be petty and speak genealogy, then logically your muslim
brother is the one to whom your first loyalty belongs. We were created to serve Allah, and if someone deviates from that cause
– no matter you are from the same country, then he can hardly be your brother now can he be? You aren’t going
to run off with some random guy at the park just because he happens to be wearing the same color shirt as you!
However,
there are some in the ummah, who some of us find impossible to call, brother or sister, because as you say they have humiliated
and disgraced us. Taken away our self worth, insulted our brothers and sisters and made us know in every way that they could
that we are not welcome.
And here it is that I disagree with you. Why would we want to know such people? Why would
we care if they cross over? They could rot in her for all we care, and sometimes in our secret hearts we pray that they shall.
Of course such violent anger is not suitably Islamic, but I propose a compromise. I do not believe that we should
have to accept them as brothers and sisters. They are muslims, and our compatriots, but a brother you trust with your life.
Your honor. These? You don’t even trust to cook the food you eat.
You mentioned Bilal as a slave, he bore the
ill will of the meccans, and I commend him, but I highly doubt Bilal would run up to any one of those people who mistreated
him and ever call him brother. I don’t think he would have even looked at them.
When it comes right down to
it, I don’t think that we should have to be the ones to always have to look the other way. Always sunnah councils us
to forgive the transgressors, to not make a bad person make you bad. But why bother with all that energy? Why not just forget
about them and leave them to their own devices.
We may learn to bear them no ill will but they shall not be brothers
until, maybe until they learn what it is exactly they do to their fellow muslim.
Massalama
Assalam Alaykum
I fully understand your views and I think you are right most of the time.The only
point Iwanted to clarify is that of attitude to a Muslims who practice color racism. We should not hate them or wish them
bad because they are ignorant. We should pray for Allah to guide them and if they change we can embrace them. I however do
not advocate going out of the way to make contact with a racist Muslim who has no signs of remorse. He is better left alone.
This is because by being racist he denies a basic tenet of Islam that Allah created all human beings and that all Allah's
creation is beautiful. If they look at any human as being lesser than perfect they have to make a choice between two beliefs
either of which puts them outside the pale of Islam: (a) some Muslims were created by a different God (b) God makes mistakes
in creation so that some Muslims are inferior and deserve being hated because of their race.
Wassalam
Assalam S_Ibrahim,
But why call them ignorant? They are perfectly cognizant of what
they are doing. In fact some of the worst racists are the ones who know the message of Allah and turn around and be racist
anyway!
Answer: <Admin>
Assalam Alaykum,
Race and nation are a fire our enemies are fanning for us and unfortunately, we
have caught on. It is burning wildly and is almost out of control in our Ummah. Our prophet, Muhammad (S.W.A) taught us that
Shaitan was made from fire and when one is angry he/she should bathe and perform ablution. Sabi and all of you others who
agree with her, if we respond to this crisis of discrimination in race and nation with anger, rejection and hatred, we are
trying to extinguish fire with fire which makes more fire. Two wrongs cannnot equal to one right.
Hard as it is, the
most efficient way to handle discrimination is to show love, kindness and care to those who discriminate. You may be surprised
but the problem of discrimination has roots in those that discriminate. Many are the causes of discrimination and we cannot
outline them all here. However, love, kindness and care are very good cures to this problem in general.
As you said
sabi, we muslims have got our priorities crossed. I find this statement true and I am of the opinion that discrimination has
a lot to do with it. So to put our priorities right, we have got to do something about discrimination. Our prophet taught
us that charity begins at home. We cannot implement this hadith until we find it in our hearts to overlook the faults and
forgive those who injure our pride.
"Why would we want to know such people?" (racists and nationalists), you asked.
It is because to serve Allah (S.W.A) we have to serve our families, our brothers and sisters in Islam, all of humanity, and
all other created beings, in that order; otherwise, we will get our priorities crossed. If we abandon or reject our brothers
and sisters in Islam, we will not be able to execute our duty of service to Allah (S.W.A) properly. Remember, service is one
reason for our creation. So, I say, we must choose unity, unselfishness, love for Allah (S.W.A) and for man, as opposed to
selfish aggrandizement, unjust suppression of fellow men, and false worship (of men, material wealth, etc...). According to
brother Yusouf Ali, (A.S), faith, duty, or religion is not a matter to dispute about. The formation of sects is against religion
and unity. Hence, to preserve our religion, we must be steadfast in faith and unity among our fellow believers.
You
suggested we treat those who injure us as compatriots, but it is not enough; we have to do as our prophet, Muhammad (S.A.W),
directed us, "Be you brothers". Treat the muslims you termed as "impossible to call brothers and sisters" as a naughty and
obnoxious brother. When he gets on your nerves you may wish he were never born. Nevertheless, if anything threatens his well-being
you would jump to his rescue at a moment's notice.
This is what I am asking you to do. Treat all your brothers and sisters
in Islam that injure you in the same way. You do not have to grovel over them; give them space if that is what they want.
Ignore their excesses, but when they need you, it is your duty to protect their lives, property and honor - this is service
to Allah (S.W.A).
You mentioned Bilal (A.S). Maybe he did not embrace those who mistreated him and remained disbelievers,
but believers he bore them with patience and served Islam side by side with them.
Those who discriminate failed Allah
(S.W.A)'s test. The dscriminated will fail when he or she gets angry, begins to hate, and cuts the bond of brotherhood. All
in all our enemy, the evil shaitan, wins. The most efficient and suited person to correct this problem is the discriminated.
It is too difficult, though not imposisble, for the discriminators to shed off the shell that blinds them on the virtues of
those they discriminate. They are weak, sick and need the discriminated to treat them- that is showing them the virtues of
being human. How can this be done? Well, the discriminated must not accept the ridicule for truth and then wither. The discriminated
must control his/her anger and not hate and abandon his/her brothers. The discriminated must be extremely forgiving and must
overlook the baseless ridicule. The reward for this tremendous trial and sacrifice is spiritual growth, wisdom, maturity
and much more as it will please Allah (S.W.A).
For one to serve, worship, and obey Allah (S.W.A) properly,
one must recognize the communitarian nature of Al-Islam. It is Allah (S.W.A)'s duty to judge and punish his servants as He
pleases; it is our duty to obey, worship and serve Him. Let us not mix these two up.
________________________________________
Question: <Admin>
What is Iman?
Once a man asked the prophet (S.A.W), 'what is iman?'and the prophet replied, 'When your good deeds make
you happy and your bad deeds make you sad, you have iman'
The prophet (S.A.W) cursed the one who takes a bribe and
also the one who offers it.
----- Abu Daud & Ibn Majah
________________________________________
Question: <Imran Khan>
Salam,
Eid Mubarak Everyone!
How come this eid isn't always celebrated
as much as the other ones? We should remember the ways of our Prophet more, because he was the perfect human (or at least
as perfect as they get).
Ws,
Imran Khan
<Admin>
Assalam Alaykum, Imran,
I am very happy that you joined us. You are very welcome.
I believe
that before Allah (S.W.A) the two Eids have equal importance. Peaple tend to celebrate Eidil Fitri more because of the end
of fasting. This is no reason to think that Eidil Adhuha is in any way less important. It is very important as well because
it reminds us of two great men who went an extra mile to obey Allah (S.W.A), Prophet Ibrahim (A.S)and Prophet Ismail(A.S).
Prophet Ibrahim(A.S) was ready and willing to sacrifice his son, and the son was willing to lay down his life all in obedience
to Allah)S.W.A).
Indeed, Imran, the Prophet's character was impeccable and well pleasing to Allah (S.W.A). He speaks:
"You
have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in Allah and the last day,
and who engages much in the praise of Allah (33:21)."
<Sabirah K>
Yup, Fitri gets the big celebration because we're very atached to our stomachs and when we
can finally eat we celebrate.
_______________________________________
Question: <hanifah>
If you are surrounded by gossipers. back stabbers and all how to you deal with them? Do you just say nothing
while they say bad things or do you try to correct them?
Answer: <Admin>
It is equally wrong to keep quiet or to correct them. keeping quiet implies support for what
they are doing. Trying to correct them will elicit opposition because they do not want to know that they are doing something
wrong. You have 2 choices either to pick on some word in their talk and divert the discussion to a different topic,or if you
cannot do this, you have to go away.
The answer above is satisfactory if Hanifah was part of the group. Now, imagine that Hanifah is the victim
of gossip, backbiting and back stabbing. What can she do?
Gossip, backbiting, backstabbing are all abominations before Allah(S.W.A), and He commands us to avoid such
behavior. He speaks:
" Woe to every scandalmonger and backbiter(104:1)"
"Oh You who believe!
Let not some men among you laugh at others: Nor let some women laugh at others: It may be that the (latter) are better than
the (former):Nor defame, nor be sarcastic to each other, nor call each other by (offensive) nicknames: ill-seeming is a name
connoting wickedness, (to be used of one)after he has believed: and those who do not desist are (indeed) doing wrong(49:11)"
"Oh you who believe! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin: and spy not
on each other behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay! You would abhor it...But
fear Allah: for Allah is oft -returning, most merciful(49:12)"
Backbiting is bad and so is suspicion. Allah(s.W.A)
wishes us to think and talk only the best about one another.
However, if some people are mean and their favorite free time
is spent in gossip, backbiting and backstabbing, this is what the victim should do.
1. Make sure that those who backbite
you are not just shy persons who want to be friends with you but don't know how to start. If they are, then you just talk
to them politely in a relaxed voice that " I heard you mention my name. Can I help you with something?" If it is the shy kind,
they will reply, "No, no, we were just talking". They will not whisper about you again, but you also must continue to be friendly
to them by, for example, greeting them.
2. If it is the mean people only bent to cause you pain, still relax, keep calm
and do not get angry ever. Mean people derive joy from your anger because anger means that you are hurt, and your pain gives
them pleasure. So they will continue to hurt you. Stay calm and ignore them so much so that it would as if you and them are
not in the same room. Just erase them from your mind as long as they are still bad to you. When you do this ignoring really
well, they will notice and either leave you alone or contact you in a more friendly manner.
For backbiting, backstabbing
and gossip without any attack on the body or property, the advice above should do, insha-Allah.
In conclusion, Allah(S.W.A)
speaks:
"And the servants of (Allah) most gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the
ignorant ones address them, they say,"Peace(25:63)!"
<hanifah>
Thank you, that was very informative! I think continuing to be friendly is the best idea. 
I am glad you liked being friendly as an option to deal with bad people. In fact Allah(S.W.A) advises us
to repel evil with that which is better, and being friendly does not only melt the meanness of the bad people, it also keeps
your soul healthy. Allah(S.W.A) speaks:
"Repel evil with that which is better. We are well acquainted
with the things they say(23:96)."
"Nor can goodness and evil be equal. Repel (evil) with what is better: Then will
he between whom and you was hatred become as it were your friend and intimate!(41:34)."
Those who patiently persevere,
seeking the face of their Lord; establish regular prayers; spend out of (the gifts ) we have bestowed for their sustenance,
secretly and openly; and turn off evil with good: for such there is the final attainment of the eternal home(13:22)".
Can you give a concise, but really really good explanation that one
would give a non-muslim to tell him/her why we wear the hijab?
Answer: <Admin>
All the peoples of the world dress to cover what they perceive as nakedness. Islam considers a woman's head
naked when exposed to people that she can marry. Therefore, she covers it not to expose her 'aura' to those outside people.
One may say, but I do not feel naked when I expose my head to anyone. It does not matter what we individuals feel when Allah
(S.W.A), the all knowing, says it is the right thing to do. And as concerns the hair, every woman knows the importance of
her hair on her head. Like all other parts of the body which can trigger Zina, the head, too, is ordered to be covered except
for the face.
Conclusion:
Muslim women and girls wear hijab to protect themselves from being molested.
"Oh
Prophet! Tell your wives and daughters, and the believing women, that they should cast their outer garments over their persons:
that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested. And Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful (33:59)."
<sabirah k>
Hey S_Ibrahim,
not to disagree with the Qur'an or anything but I have to disagree
with the whole being friendly to the backstabbers and the gossipers!!
First off, being friends with these people is
like you're saying that you agree with their "evil", which, being a muslim you should NOT! And if you're friendly to them
it is almost like a cowardly thing. Most people remain friendly to such individuals because they are afraid of what will happen
if they aren't or they don't want to be backstabbed themselves, you know? No one should have to do anything out of fear.
Second
off, if you hang out with known backstabbers and gossipers, even if you yourself aren't one, everyone will believe you are.
It's like that quote that says,
"If you want to judge a man's character, look at his friends,"
My third point
relates back to the Qur'an. Isn't there a hadith talking about, when you hang out with believers who are reading the qur'an
(even if you aren't) and the angel comes down, when he goes back to report to Allah you will get the same reward that those
who were reading will get.
On the flip-side if you were with disbelievers and the angel reports you, you may get the
same punishment that they get. So if you have no plans to change these people, why bother sticking around them? They are ONLY
going to drag you down with them.
Fourth point is also related to the Qur'an. There is another Hadith which says, if
confronted by wrong doing, remove it with your hands, and if you can't do that, remove it with your mouth (speak out against
it) and if you can't do that, reject it with your heart - but that is the weakest of the three.
Yup, that's it from
me!
~SK~
<Admin>
Assalam Alaykum, Sabira? Your discussion is very interesting and infact I am here smiling.
I want you, though, my dear friend, to go back and read from where the discussion on the bad people started. Many questions
you raised will be found there answered.
Not all bad people are equal in degree. Some really don't want to be bad, but
situations force them. Do not fear to be friendly to those who give you a mean look. Just return them a smile; it may melt
away their meanness.
I really want you to go carefully over the material already written on the bad people. Try to understand
the stages of the relationship and how to deal with each stage. Today I intend to post the last stage question of this backstabbing
problem. Don't miss it. Wassalam and thank you for your time.
What if the animosity between Hanifah and the backbiters escalates to property and/or bodily harm; what
should she do then?
<sabirah k>
Then you call the police and hide! Actually no. In the first place you should not have stayed aorund long
enough for that to happen. Second of all, if it already has happened you're only making it worse by being there. Third of
all, if they are harming her she does need to call in some authority of some kind, and do it in such a way that she doesn't
look like a tattle-tale (there is no reason to make them hate her more...)
<Admin>
At this stage, when bullying reaches throwing ball papers at the victim, the victim must
let the teacher know that someone is making her/him uncomfortable. Make sure the teacher understands that you do not seek
his/her help to punish the bullies, but you just wanted her to know. The teacher will automatically start to watch the behavior
of the bullies toward you from the corners of her/his eyes. If the bullies go as far as slapping you on the head, then in
the same manner let at least one administrator know about this situation. While playing or outside of the classroom, this
administrator will be watching. Last but not least, learn from the bullies themselves. Bullies, most of whom are superior
in strength, never ever act alone. They draw strength not from their muscles but from their numbers. Victims of bullying must
learn this. Instead of running away from one another and remain solitary, form a united front of the bullied. If you do that,
( bullies are terrified of numbers because they know that there is great strength in numbers resulting from the solidarity
of members) the bullies will think very hard before they do anything. If they do it anyway, never ever show them fear; be
firm, and always stay near your support group. You and your support group should adopt and learn the Musketeer slogan 'One
for all and all for one'. Bullies hate firmness and determination in their victims. These two factors will
drive them away, and they might never find courage to challenge you to an open fight.
________________________________________
Question: <omar>
i would like to ask about the punishment murtards face on earth
is it true that it is death?
Answer: <Admin>
Dear Omar,
Don't worry about attaining the death penalty
for becoming a murtad in this world. The death of this world is actually one way of wiping out our sins, or purification or
relief from pain. It is the hellfire that awaits the murtad in the hereafter, which is very certain, that you should be worried
about. Normally, after excrutiating pain, either Allah (S.W.A) grants relief from the sickness or just takes the soul back
to himself by causing its death. Hellfire, however, is different. It is being in this excrutiating pain forever without relief
that death brings to the soul. In hell fire one will neither die nor live. I guess you haven't really experienced this pain,
but if you ask a mother who has given birth to a child would know. The mothers reach this maximum pain right before the baby
is born. When this excrutiating pain vanishes, then the baby is born. You are a man; you can just imagine it, but all women
who have had or will have children will experience this excrutiating pain and they can you imagine staying in that pain forever?
It is horrible!
***
Question:<Hanifah>
I guess all sins are major and harmful... even lying. Besides, what is a NON major sin?
Answer: <Admin>
Dear Hanifah,
Lying is categorically mentioned in the Quran as a big sin. Other sins,
being small or big, I want to refer you to lesson seven.
Answer: <theoriginalfish>
You know Curios, this question puzzled me for a very long time.. you will find many quotes
warning you against it but the only way you learn how bad it is, is to actually stop even if for a week and just notice how
needless it is and how much you respect yourself afterwards. I mean it makes matters so much easier, you learn to live with
what you have and deal with problems so much more efficiently, it lifts your heart and eases you conscience!
But as
a warning.. you might find you will adopt it as a long term proceudre, insha Allah.
***
Question:<Omar>
i have a question about why allah gave us the urge to disbay but
asks us not to do it? afater all he could simply make us unable to sin.
Answer: <Admin>
Omar, I have explained why man has the freedom to obey Allah
(S.W.A) for the good of man or to do otherwise to man's suffering. It was, if your remember, I quoted in the lessons, man's
choice that he was given this freedom to do as he pleases. All other creatures declined the responsiblity and they opted to
obey willingly or unwillingly. Man chose the choice of freedom but Allah thought that man was foolish in so doing. As you
can see it takes strong will power to obey Allah (S.W.A). Do you know how hard it is to wake up in the morning and pray? Do
you know how hard it is to forgo buying your precious toy so that you can give the money as sadaqah to the blind man standing
by the entrance of the mall? Omar, it is really hard to do the right thing, but we promised Allah we can try and that is all
Allah wants and He is ready to help us all the way. That's why he says in his Holy book that if he doesn't help man to the
right guidance, every one of the humans would have been for hellfire, meaning that doing right, that is what is true and what
is just, is almost impossible without Allah's help. He also encourages us not to fear him, but to come to him and ask him
to forgive us when we go wrong. He promised to forgive us as long as we come to him even if our sins were as many and as high
as the clouds. That is a hadith. So Omar we have no choice, you may not remember but Allah does. Long before you were born
you asked for your 'will' to choose between right and wrong. Do your utmost; push yourself to the limits and do what is right.
It will illuminate your life right here in this world. It will protect your from harm. It will give you honor. You can have
all you want if Allah thinks it is good for you. You can only have the purity of the above rewards if you surrender your will
to the will of God, that is do only that which will please Allah and avoid anything, no matter how appealing, that will incur
Allah's displeasure. You will have power. You will be rich. The only thing standing between you and all of those good things
is you ability to tame your will to conform to the will of God. This means that you have no desires of your own outside that
which is desired by God. This freedom to choose is only useful to humankind if it is used in accordance to the will of God.
Otherwise man is a slave to all of that which is desired for itself. And this is really bad for man. Man is actually free
when he manifests his will with the will of God. In here man will find satisfaction, contentment , happiness and real life.
***
Question: <Omar>
i was reading the news papers and i saw that 50 - 60 people were
killed in the london bombings and it has benn the highlight of attention recently but then i saw a small article saying that
100 iraqis were killed yet they had no publicty or remorse when you compare it to the london bombings why is this, is someone
conrolling the media?
Answer: <Admin>
Dear Omar,
Human kind is bleeding profusely - in the Philippines,
in Myanmar, in South America, in Indonesia, in Europe, in the US, in Uganda, in Sudan, in Afghanistan, in Chechnya, in Bosnia,
the whole of the Middle East - but most of all in Iraq, and in Rwanda.
It matters less intrinsically whose death recieves
more publicity. The unbearable truth remains that prescious human life is lost. From Allah (S.W.A) we come and to him is our
return, Ameen.
***
Question: <theoriginalfish>
Question 8 troubles me  .. I try and cross check most information, as in most religious and educational info, no matter who has told me.
Is
it an islamic thing to be obliged to trust people with information? Is there evidence of this obligation in the Qur'an and
sunnah? I just have doubt as to how they got the info and what info they initially had and how it was built upon.. 
Answer: <Admin>
Dear theoriginalfish,
Really to tell you the truth I think that in this regardof knowledge
the prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) only trusted for us his Sunnah and the Qur'an. Anything we hear and we intend to put them into
action must conform with the teachings of our prophet and the holy Qur'an.
Another thing, actually every man, God knows
best, knows what is right and what is not. This is called Fitrah. We all know as much as anybody else could know. The only
difference is that some people arrive or translate thougts into words faster than others. You will find out that the things
you read about and you believe in them, even if you didn't know them before, will be more interesting and easier to understand.
Book qualifications don't make people trustworthy. The only thing we can rely on and trust is people's faith, or belief, but
this is hidden even from the possessor of faith itself. That is Allah forbids us to thinik of ourselves as more rightous than
others. He says we don't know this. So if the owner of the faith cannot certify it, who are we to do so? All of this analysis
leads us to trust ourselves the Sunna and the Qur'an. Many things you hear from people will be straight forward. What creates
doubt in you, you have to verify it with Qur'an and the Sunna, or someone still can help you, but they have to support their
evidence with those two sources - Qur'an and Sunnah.
***
Answer <Question 9>: <Hanifah>
Belief is just blindly agreeing sothing "is there" without a second
thought. Understanding is actually knowing what and why you believe.
RE: Answer: <Admin>
Dear Hanifah,
Belief is not really blindly
agreeing that something is there without a second thought. As theoriginalfish put it,
"Belief is when you have
no tangible proof to the existence of something yet have a strong feeling it is right. So it's a mixture of what you understand
plus some hope"
To add to theoriginalfish's definition belief, espescially in Allah (S.W.A) results from understanding
the signs of Allah (S.W.A)'s creation that point to him, strong hope that He exists, as theoriginalfish put it, and it
is just a gift from Allah (S.W.A) to us.
We believe not out of nothing. We believe out of understanding that comes from observing and
studying Allah (S.W.A.)'s signs in his creations. Blind following is dangerous. Allah (SWA) praises those who understand.
Figuratively , in Islam we are not allowed to close our eyes while praying. We have to look; we have to understand; We have
to face Allah (S.W.A.) with a clear consious and a steady heart. Although our sense cannot help us to create the reality of
Allah (S.W.A.) into a being we can relate to. studying and appreciating his design in nature helps us to strengthen our belief
that he exists and that he is the greatest. Take for example, technology. We are in the age of technology. Man is witnessing
almost everyday, miracles that man performs with technology. Nevertheless, wonderful as technology is, still Allah (S.W.A.)
is the greatest.
Man makes technology but Allah (S.W.A.) made this ingenious man and the material man uses to develop
technology. Therefore, not man, not technology, but Allah (S.W.A.) is the greatest for whatever miracle we might witness.
***
Question: <Omar>
Dose Islam condone terrorism?
Answer: <theoriginalfish>
I think you've
worded your question funny.. If you're asking whether it condones indiscrimante murder, I'd say no, but that applies anywhere.
***
Question: <Admin>
9. What is the difference between belief and understanding?
Answer: <theorignalfish>
Belief.. is when you have no tangible proof to the existence of
something yet have a strong feeling it is right. So it's a mixture of what you understand plus some hope? - wheras understanding
something doesn't necessarily mean agreeing with it
RE: Answer <Admin>
Thank you original fish for the answer. You have added a dimension
to the topic. Actually it is true that to understand something is not to believe in it, at least some of the time. And to
believe as you said is to have a strong feeling that something is true and hope for the best.
Answer: <Bilal>
The difference between belief and understanding:
First
and foremost muslims must believe in Tawheed. That is, belief in the oneness of Allah (S.W.A) as the sovereign ruler
of the universe, belief in His attributes, and belief in his names. Thereafter we begin to understand our natural world based
on Tawheed. All knowledge that must be sought and understood for the purposes of obedience, service, and worship
of Allah (S.W.A) must be grounded in Tawheed - the way it is sought, and the way it is used. Any knowledge that denies
or overlooks Taweed, is harmful and misleading to human kind. Hence we need to believe in Tawheed and then seek
knowledge, understand it, and use it, in ways that please Allah (S.W.A).
Answer: <Curios>
The difference between Belief and Understanding is in my opinion:
You
don't have to understand to believe, but to understand you have to believe.
Answer: <Admin>
Belief is a gut feeling. We just say we believe something
is true or is a reality but we cannot prove it using our senses. Belief takes place in the soul. Our souls, or selves, the
entity that defines who we are, the individual, the one that makes a distinction between identical twins, the spirit that
takes us in sleep wandering in places far off, or places we have never been before, the 'I' which everyone knows has but no
one has seen, touched or felt, is a sure sign to convince us that there is a knowledge beyond our senses and understanding.
This is the knowledge of the unseen (2:3) and this is the truth, the reality we just have to believe in without explanations
or proofs. Belief relies on trust.
Take for example, The pillars of Iman , that is believing that there is only
and only one God, Allah (S.W.A), and that Prophet Muhammad (S.W.A) is his prophet and messenger; to believe in Allah (S.W.A)'s
angels; to believe in Allah (S.W.A)'s revealed books; to believe in Allah (S.W.A)'s messengers; to believe in the Day of Judgement
where man will be judged based on his actions or inactions on earth, and finally to believe in Allah (S.W.A)'s predetermination
of events, good or bad.
Everyone who professes the religion of Islam must believe in these six pillars of Iman wholeheartedly.
None of the above statements can be proven beyond doubt by science which uses the senses to garner knowledge. Nevertheless,
we must believe in them if we are muslims. We must believe out of trust that emenates from examples or signs from the natural
environment. We believe because of us. We know we are and therefore we must have come from somewhere. A diety must be responsible
for our being. We believe because for ages truth and justice have always prevailed over falsehood. Therefore, we believe because
truth and justice are stable and can be trusted with our lives and happiness. Hence we believe in Allah (S.W.A) who originates
truth and justice. We despise falsehood which is fickle and always manages to spill disaster in our lives.
Understanding
is the work of the mind. Understanding uses signs in nature and reasoning to construe reality. Understanding relies on observation,
experimentation, deduction and induction, and learning from reading or being taught. Understanding relies on our senses. For
example, we believe that Allah (S.W.A) is the greatest. From here the mind explores the natural environment, which is Allah's
creation, for signs of his greatness. The conclusions we draw from studying the natural environment unveil the reality of
Allah's greatness and existence, but still we can't see it, touch it or feel it.
So the learning, or understanding only
reinforces and strengthens belief in Allah (S.W.A).
Understanding can be limited due to inability to control the occurence
of events, inability to process information correctly, or even inability to manage information well and above all some information
is just out of reach for human understanding. These factors keep us away from grasping reality fully with only our minds.
Therefore,
believers in Allah (S.W.A) depend on both trust and understanding as a basis for belief in Allah (S.W.A), the only true reality.
When
we are young, we must depend mainly on belief. Although our minds are active and fully developed, our lack of practical experience
in the practical world limits our understanding of reality. We may for example pray, but it doesn't really feel anything special.
We don't connect with the worshiped. It may feel like talking in a vacuum. Nevertheless we must continue to pray because we
believe that Allah exists. He sees and hears us very well. It may be hard to trust without knowing for sure what to expect,
but we must hang on because we believe that Allah (S.W.A) holds only the best plans for us and that truth always prevails
and this truth comes from Allah. We must hold on belief and trusting Allah (S.W.A) stubbornly until at his own choosing he
unveils the awareness of his reality to us. Don't give up worship; maybe at the moment it doesn't make much sense but later
it will, and it is a very good experience when it does.
All we have to do in absence of miracles, is to long for Allah
(S.W.A), place our hope in him, and trust him for protection and help. We must do this because we believe in his goodness
and therefore we trust him. Believing in Allah or not to do so is the real test for teenagers; we want so much to experience
the reality in a way we can understand, but it remains aloof. The test is, can we still believe and trust Allah (S.W.A) even
if it were in a vacuum?
As we get older physically, mentally, and spiritually, all along remaining firm in our belief,
Allah (S.W.A) improves our understanding. Here is Allah's promise to us:
"But to those who receive guidence,
He (Allah (S.W.A)) increases the (light of) guidence, and bestowes on them their piety and restraint (from evil)." (47:17)
"Verily, those who say ('Our Lord is Allah'), and remain firm, on them shall
be no fear, nor shall they grieve" (46:13)
Understanding
coupled with strong belief and trust that has been nurtured since childhood brings us very close to actually perceiving reality.
This awareness of the reality is a reward by Allah (S.W.A) to those who believe and trust him.
In teenage, we rely
heavily on our brains. We reason, we question, we argue, and as a result we become very skeptical and rebellious. At around
the age of 15 years, scientists say that a human brain has fully developed. Probably that's why we feel the urge to use it
ceaselessly doubting and questioning the status quo. We muslims must remember that our brains may ask what they may, but
belief and trust in Allah remain unnegotiable. As regard Allah (S.W.A) and his religion, we believe first then we try to understand
later. We must not encourage the brain questioning unanswerable questions about Allah (S.W.A) because if the Qur'an and
the Sunnah of the prophet cannot provide answers, we may be led to rebellion and hence astray. This is how Allah (S.W.A) instructs
us about the subject:
"Oh you who believe! Ask not questions about things which, if made plain to you, may cause
trouble. But if you ask about things when the Qur'an is being revealed, they will be made plain to you, Allah will forgive
those: For Allah is Oft Forgiving, Most Forbearing." (5:101)
The
hadith below is from Imam Al-Nawawi's 40 hadith. It is hadith no. 30. It clarifies the matter more. It says:
The
messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) "Allah the Almighty has laid down religious duties so do not neglect them. He
has set boundaries so do not overstep them. He has prohibited some things so do not violate them. About some things he was
silent out of compassion for you nd not forgetfullness, so seek not after them.
So dear brothers and sisters, continue to believe and trust in Allah (S.W.A) as experience slowly grows our understanding
of the reality. The awareness of reality comes to people at different times as Allah (S.W.A) wills, but basically by the age
of 40 years of age, the reality of Allah (S.W.A) is clear to many people. They know without doubt that Allah (S.W.A) exists
and works in their lives without the need to prove it with their senses. The reality continues to get clearer with strong
belief and trust.
Unfortunately if we denied Allah (S.W.A) in our formative years, that is childhood and teenage, the
reality may never unveil itself to us. In the Holy Qur'an Allah (S.W.A) mentions in many places that He will veil the rejectors
of faith in Him, and they wont see him; He will not talk to them; and He will not clean them; so for the rejectors of faith,
the reality of Allah (S.W.A) will forever remain hidden.
It is the soul that deals with the matters of faith and belief.
A strong mind that can explain the world of senses (nature) is very important to improve and strengthen the soul in its belief
and faith. The mind though needs the soul for guidence. An unguided mind may meander in forbidden fields. The soul guides
to Allah (S.W.A) - to truth and to justice - to that which is right. A mind being an information machine does not discriminate
what it takes in. With a weak soul it will take in anything: useless, useful or even destructive information. Hence, true
and useful understanding must be guided by a strong soul that has faith, that trusts, and that fully believes in its creator
- Allah (S.W.A). The mind understands, and the soul believes, and together they worship, obey, and serve their creator.
***
Question: <Admin>
8. We
must always cross-check what we hear from strangers with those for whom our trust is a natural obligation.
Who
do you think these people are?
Answer:
These are our guardians, our parents; our grandparents; people who
are responsible for our well-being, our health, our education, and our spiritual well-being - our primary caregivers.
***
Question: <Admin>
5. State the argument shaitan used to swindle our father, Prophet Adam (A.S.), into disobeying his Lord. What can we
learn from the experience?
Answer:
Bismillah,
The argument Shaitan used to trap our father is as the Qur'an
explains:
"Then began Shaitan to whisper suggestions
to them, in order to reveal to them their shame that was hidden from them (before): he (Shaitan) said: 'Your Lord only forbade
you this tree lest you should become angels or such beings as would live forever' (7:20)
And he swore to them both,
that he was their sincere advisor (7:21)"
These are some of the points we can learn from this experience:
Sometimes
it is hard to distinguish a lie from the truth. People who lie to us are always camouflaged as friends or well-wishers. Therefore
we should do the following to reduce the damage of this kind of deception.
1. We must always cross-check what we hear
from strangers with those for whom our trust is a natural obligation. We must talk over evertyhing with them before we acto
on strangers suggestions.
2. We must never be disloyal to our guardians in favor of strangers. Allah (S.W.A) appointed
these guardians to care for us therefore they deserve our trust before anyone else if they are to discharge their duty effectively
and efficiently.
3. We must hold on to doing right even if it is not in our favor. It is a sure way to defeat deception
tinted with our self interest.
4. Think, think, and think some more before you act! Weight the pros and the cons before
you do anything.
5. Let your actions and decisions be based on Taqwa (fearing Allah (S.W.A)'s displeasure or seeking
his pleasure.
You are welcome viewers and members to add to what I have written here. Afterall many heads are better
than one.
Wassalam
***
Question:
<Curious>
You know I found out recently about something really weird. Christians have this thing called confirmation where they
decide that they want to be christian or whatever. We muslims don't have anything like that.
And it got me thinking.
Why don't we have a confirmation type thing? Or maybe we confirmed from the day we are born or...
Anyway, what
do you think? Would you have wanted a confirmation?
Answer: Is there such a thing as confirmation
in Islam as is in Christianity? The logic used in the word confirmation in Christianity does not exist in Islam. Curios, you
said that confirmation in Chrisitianity is when a person chooses to be a christian or otherwise. Such a thing dont not - i
repeat - does not exist in Islam.
Allah (S.W.A) says:
"The
religion before Allah is Islam, (ubmission to His will): nor did the people of the book dissent therefrom except through envy
of each other, after knowledge had come to them. But if any denies the signs of Allah, Allah is swift in calling to account.
(3:19)
"So if they dispute with you, say: 'I have submitted my whole self to Allah and so have those who follow me!
And say to the people of the book and those who are unlearned, 'Do you too submit yourselves?' If they do, they are in the
right guidance, but if they turn back, your duty is only to convery the message and in Allah's sight are all his servants.
(3:20)"
So, Curios, you see, for muslims there is no better alternative religion than the one that commands total
submission to the will of Allah (S.W.A). In fact a muslim who leaves Islam for any other religion is called a murtad.
Allah (S.W.A) says he will reject and deprive of blessing the work of a murtad if he dies so, both in this world and in the
hereafter his or her place of rest will be in hell. (2:217)
However, confirmation in the logic of affirming the truth
of the unity of Allah (S.W.A) exists; and it is encouraged to be done very often. In fact it is advised that the words affirming
the truth of unity of Allah (S.W.A) that is la-illaha-illalah-muhammada-rasullallah should be one's last words before
death. So whenever you are near someone's death bed remind them to recite the confirmation.
Again Curios, everyday
it is compulsory for a muslim to confirm his or her belief in the unity of Allah (S.W.A) nine times. Some blessed people can
confirm more than the compulsory nine times embedded in the compulsory 5 prayers a day if they perform the non-obligatory
prayers or just confirm out of habit to remember Allah (S.W.A).
***
2.
Life is transitional and temporary
Life is transitional and temporary means that life as we know it now and its termination
at death is not all there is to man’s existence. Life will show up again in a different dimension, which everyone only
dreams about when we sleep. Sleep is the twin brother of death. Death defers from sleep for in sleep, one’s body is
kept functioning when the soul exists and returns to Allah (S.W.A). At death, the body’s mechanisms are all shut down
and the soul never returns to it. This is how Allah speaks about it.
“It
is he who does take your souls by night, and has knowledge of all that you have done by day; by day does he raise you up again;
that a term appointed be fulfilled; in the end onto him will be your return; then will he show you the truth of all that you
did (6:60)
“It
is Allah that takes the souls (of men) at death; and those that die not (he takes) during their sleep; those on whom he has
passed the decree of death, he keeps back (from returning to life). The rest he sends (to their bodies) for a term appointed.
Verily in this are signs for those who reflect. (39:42)”
In addition here are some verses that are in support of the assertion that life is
temporary and transitory. Allah says:
“How can you reject the faith in Allah? -Seeing that you were without
life and he gave you life; then will he cause you to die, and will again bring you to life; and again to him will you return
(2:28)”
“You shall surely travel from stage to stage (84:19).
What then
is the matter with them that they believe not (84:20)?”
“Nay,
you prefer the life of this world; (87:16)
But
the hereafter is better and more enduring (87:17)”
Can we really afford not to submit our wills when we are certain that by all means
we are to return to Allah (S.W.A) to answer for our actions and our inactions? We can’t afford to wait and see what
actually happens. It is bad enough to live in this world a life style contrary to obedience, worship, and service to Allah
(S.W.A). We must submit our wills to that of Allah (S.W.A) now before Mr. Death pays us a visit. When death approaches, it
means that man has reached a point of no return. Nothing can stop him from going. Our good and bad actions’ book is
closed, and man descends to another life to wait for judgment day.
Allah describes the drama of death for a person who rejected Him here:
“Yes, when (the soul) reaches to the collar bone (in its exit) (75:26)
And there
will be a cry: ‘who is a magician (to restore him?) (75:27)’
And he will
conclude that it was (the time) of parting; (75:28)
And one
leg will be joined with another: (75:29)
That day
the drive will be to your Lord! (75:30)
So he gave
nothing in charity, nor did he pray! – (75:31)
But on the
contrary, he rejected truth and turned away! (75:32)
Then did
he stalk to his family in full conceit! (75:33)
Woe to you,
(oh man!), yes, woe! (75:34)
Again, woe
to you, (oh man!), yes, woe! (75:35)
Does man
think that he will be left uncontrolled (without purpose)? (75: 36)”
After death, it is all over for man. There is nothing he can do to change his record. He can only do one thing –
wait.
***
1. How is life
a test?
Once upon a time,
long ago, Allah (S.W.A) informed the angels that He was going to create a man. The angels protested bitterly, arguing that
man will make mischief and will spill blood. Besides why should Allah (S.W.A) create man when the angels sang his praises,
the angels reasoned. Allah (S.W.A) replied to them that He knew something they didn’t know. Then Allah (S.W.A) proceeded
to teach man the names of all things. He then asked the angels to name all the things, but they could not, and they had to
admit that the only knowledge they had was what Allah (S.W.A) had given them, and that Allah (S.W.A) was the omniscient, the
most wise. So, Allah (S.W.A), ordered Adam, that is the name given to the first man, to tell the angels the names of all things,
and he did. Thereafter Allah (S.W.A) ordered the angels to bow before the prophet Adam (A.S). They all did except one high-ranking
angel named Iblis (2:30 – 34)
Allah (S.W.A) says that
Iblis refused because he was haughty and he become of those who rejected faith. Allah (S.W.A) asked Iblis what prevented him
from bowing when He, Allah (S.W.A) had commanded him? Iblis replied that it was
because he was better than man, for Allah (S.W.A) had created him from fire free of smoke and man, Allah (S.W.A) had created
from clay. Allah (S.W.A) renounced and dubbed him as the meanest of creatures. So Iblis begged Allah (S.W.A) to give him time
till the Day of Judgment when man will be raised up from his death. Allah (S.W.A) granted him the time. Iblis said to Allah
(S.W.A) that since Allah (S.W.A) had thrown him out of the way, he will lie in wait for man on Allah’s straight path
(7:11-14).
From here Allah continues
the story directly:
“Then
will I [Iblis] assault them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left: nor will you find in most
of them gratitude (for your mercies) (7:17)
“(Allah)
Said: ‘Get out from this disgraced and expelled. If any of them follow you – hell will I fill with you all’
(7:18)
Allah (S.W.A) gave Adam
(A.S) his blessed home. At this time Allah (S.W.A) had made him a companion, Hawa (A.S). Allah (S.W.A) gave them leave to
enjoy while in the garden and eat of the bountiful things in it any time they wanted. Allah (S.W.A) forbade them however,
to eat of only one certain tree, for it would cause them harm and transgression (2:35).
Iblis on the other hand
did not forget his disgrace and rejection by Allah (S.W.A) caused by man. He vowed to bring man down with him.
Here is the story again
in Allah’s words:
“Then
began Shaitan to whisper suggestions to them, in order to reveal to them their shame that was hidden from them (before): He
said: ‘Your Lord only forbade you this tree lest you should become angels or such creatures as live forever (7:20),
“And
he swore to them both, that he was their sincere advisor (7:21)
“So
by deceit he brought about their fall: when they tested of the tree, their shame became manifest, and they began to sew the
leaves of the garden over their bodies. And their Lord called on to them: ‘Did I not forbid you that tree, and tell
you that Shaitan was an avowed enemy to you?’ (7:22)
“They
said: ‘Our Lord! We have wronged our own souls and if you do not forgive us and bestow not upon us your mercy we shall
certainly be lost (7:23).
(Allah) said:
Get you down with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling place and your means of livelihood for
a time (7:24)
“He
[Allah] said: ‘Therein shall you live, and therein you shall die; but from it shall you be taken out (at last) (7:25).
So that was how man’s
predicament began. These following verses will tell us how man’s life on earth is a test.
“Oh
you children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover your shame, as well as to be an adornment to you. But the
raiment of righteousness – that is the best. Such are among the signs of Allah that they may receive admonition (7:26)!
“Oh
you children of Adam! Let not Shaitan seduce you, in the same way as he got your parents out of the garden, stripping them
of their raiment to expose their shame: for he and his tribe watch you from a position where you can not see them: he made
the evil ones friends to those without faith (7:27)
“Say:
‘My Lord has commanded justice; and that you set your whole selves (to him) at every time and place of prayer, and call
upon him making your devotion sincere as in his sight: such as he created you in beginning, so shall you return’ (7:29)
“Some
he has guided: Others have by their choices deserved the loss of their way in that they took the evil ones in preference to
Allah for their friends and protectors and think that they receive guidance (7:30).
“Oh children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer.
Eat and drink: but waste not by excess, for Allah loves not the wasters (7:31)
“Say:
‘Who has forbidden the beautiful gifts of Allah which he has produced for his servants, and the things, clean and pure,
(which he has provided) for sustenance?’ Say: They are, in the life of this world for those who believe, (and) purely
for them on the Day of Judgment. Thus do we explain the signs in detail for those who understand (7:32).
“Say: The things that my Lord has indeed forbidden are: shameful deeds whether
open or secret, sins and trespasses against truth or reason, assigning of partners to Allah, for which he has given no authority;
and saying things about Allah of which you have no knowledge (7:33).
“To
every people is a term appointed: when their term is reached, not an hour can they cause delay, nor (an hour) can they advance
(it in anticipation) (7:34)
“Oh you children of Adam! Whenever there come to you messengers from among you,
rehearsing My signs onto you – those who are righteous and mend (their lives) – on them shall be no fear nor shall
they grieve (7:35)
“But
those who reject our signs and treat them with arrogance – they are companions of the fire, to dwell therein (7:36).
“Who
is more unjust than one who invents a lie against Allah or rejects his signs? For such, their portion appointed must reach
them from the book (of decrees): until, when our messengers (of death) arrive and take their souls, they say: ‘where
are the things that you used to invoke besides Allah?’ They will reply, ‘they have left us in the lurch,’
and they will bear witness against themselves, that they had rejected Allah (7:37).
“He
(Allah) will say: ‘ Enter you in the company of the peoples who passed
away before you – men and jinns – into the fire’. Every time a new people enters, it curses its sister people
(that went before), until they follow each other into the fire. Says the last about first: ‘Our Lord! It is these that
misled us! So give them a double penalty in the fire’. He will say: ‘Doubled for all’: but this you do not
understand (7:38).
“Then
the first will say to the last: ‘See then! No advantage have you over us; so taste you of the penalty for all that you
did!’ (7:39)
“For those who reject our signs and treat them with arrogance, no opening will
there be of the gates of heaven, nor will they enter the garden until the camel can pass through the eye of the needle: such
is our reward for those in sin (7:40).
“For
them there is hell, as a coach (below) and folds and folds of covering above: such is our requital of those who do wrong (7:41)
“But those who believe and work righteousness, no burden do we place on any soul,
but that which it can bear – they will be companions of the garden, therein to dwell (7:42).
“And we shall remove from their hearts any lurking sense of injury – beneath
them will be rivers flowing – and they shall say: ‘Praise be to Allah who has guided us to this (felicity): never
could we have found guidance had it not been for the guidance of Allah: Indeed it was the truth that the messengers of our
lord brought onto us.’ And they shall hear the cry: ‘Behold! The garden before you! You have been made its inheritors
for your deeds of righteousness (7:43).
“The companions of the garden will call out to the companions of the fire: ‘We
have indeed found the promises of our Lord to us true: have you found your Lord’s promises true?’ They shall say:
‘Yes’; but a crier shall proclaim between them: ‘The curse of Allah is on the wrongdoers (7:44).
To sum up the whole lot in a few words, the real test is, Can we manage to live this
short life of ours in complete submission to Allah (S.W.A) and turn deaf to the callings of Shaitan and gallantly defy his
cunning tricks? If we do, then we will be returned to our original home – paradise. Can we really do it? Can we resist
the temporary sweet coated and mind blasting fun offered by the wrong ways for the everlasting serenity both in this world
and in the hereafter? We must do our best!
Those are the verses that related to
my questions ‘How is life a test?’. Continue to read surah 7 from verse 45 to 53. These verses shed more light
on the lives of those who would have passed the test of this life and those who would have failed. It is important we know
all about it, so we can make our choices wisely.
***
Question:<Syed>
Salaam,
So i get this email asking me to invite muslim teenagers
to this new website called: Muslim Teen Chat... already the name sounds fishy, but I decide to give it the benifit of doubt
and check it out. At first it seems well made and well intended - but i cant get over the name and wonder why call it that
if there is no element of chat involved... then I see a link to message boards. Once clicked it takes me to what I feared
- further links to other chat rooms, including Gay and Lesbian! What on earth is going on? This may never see light of day,
but if the initiators of this site see this please reasses what it is your doing...I make no judgment for that has already
been made my dear Brothers and Sisters! May Allah Protect us from such open unashamed indulgence in that which is wrong, ameen.
Answer: Dear Syed,
I thank you very much for your contribution. It is this contribution
I need from all of you members. Now, here are the answers to your worries. First of all, I truly think we teenagers, at this
time, need to know where we are going. So that we start right as adults. Secondly, it is sad - this is a free website, and
because it is free, the owners of tripod, have the right to advertise whatever they want on the site. But if I consider this,
and I stop this program, a lot of good will be stopped. What I ask you, and all members, is to keep on this site when you
come no matter what you see advertised. Just don't look! After all, you did not come for that. Ignore the adversitement and
concentrate on our lessons and on our board and 'Question & Answer' pages. I have no power over the ads and over other
people's boards. I can only answer for this site and the messages that are coming through it. Now for the name, 'Muslim Teen
Chat', I meant it to be because I need you all muslims to come and talk freely on the board. 'Chat' is to talk, to talk freely
to one another and discuss what is happening to you in your lives. From the board, I will gather all your chat and answer
to your worries in the 'Question and Answer' page. There will be many issues that will arise in the lessons page, and I want
you and everybody else to discuss these issues on the chat board. I will be monitering that chat and addressing the issues
that are developping.
Don't worry, not many people are there at the moment because it is very new. Visit regularly,
one day it will be fillled with young muslims like yourself. Come especially for the lessons which I intend to renew every
two weeks.
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