MOST COMMON QUESTIONS ASKED BY NON-MUSLIMS

Q1. Why is a man allowed to have more than one wife in Islam? i.e. why
is polygamy allowed in Islam?
Q2. If a man is allowed to have more than one wife, then why does
Islam prohibit a woman from having more than one husband?
Q3. Why does Islam degrade women by keeping them behind the veil?
Q4. How can Islam be called the religion of peace when it was spread
by the sword?
Q5. Why are most of the Muslims fundamentalists and terrorists?
Q6. Killing an animal is a ruthless act. Why then do Muslims consume
non-vegetarian food?
Q7. Why do Muslims slaughter the animal in a ruthless manner by
torturing it and slowly and painfully killing it?
Q8. Science tell us that whatever one eats, it has an effect on one's
behaviour. Why then, does Islam allow Muslims to eat non-vegetarian
food, since eating of animals could make a person violent and
ferocious?
Q9. When Islam is against idol worship why do the Muslims worship, and
bow down to theKaaba in their prayer?
Q10. Why are non-Muslims not allowed in the holy cities of Makkah and
Madinah?
Q11. Why is the eating of pork forbidden in Islam?
Q12. Why is the consumption of alcohol prohibited in Islam?
Q13. Why are two witnesses who are women, equivalent to only one
witness who is a man ?
Q14. Under Islamic law, why is a woman's share of the inherited wealth
only half that of a man?
Q15. IS THE QUR'AN GOD'S WORD?
Q16. How can you prove the existence of hereafter, i.e. life after
death?
Q17. When all the Muslim follow one and the same Qur'an then why are
there so many sects and different schools of thoughts among Muslims?
Q18. All religions basically teach followers to do good deeds. Why
should a person only follow Islam? Can he not follow any of the
religions?
Q19. If Islam is the best religion, why are many of the Muslims
dishonest, unreliable, and involved in activities such as cheating,
bribing, dealing in drugs, etc.?
Q20. Why do Muslims abuse non-Muslims by calling them 'Kafirs'?

POLYGAMY
Question:
Why is a man allowed to have more than one wife in Islam? i.e. why is
polygamy allowed in Islam?
Answer:
Definition of Polygamy
1. Polygamy means a system of marriage whereby one person has more
than one spouse. Polygamy can be of two types. One is polygyny where a
man marries more than one woman, and the other is polyandry, where a
woman marries more than one man. In Islam, limited polygyny is
permitted; whereas polyandry is completely prohibited.

Now coming to the original question, why is a man allowed to have more
than one wife?

2. The Qur'an is the only religious scripture in the world that
says,"marry only one".
The Qur'an is the only religious book, on the face of this earth, that
contains the phrase 'marry only one'. There is no other religious book
that instructs men to have only one wife. In none of the other
religious scriptures, whether it be the Vedas, the Ramayan,
theMahabharat, the Geeta, the Talmud or the Bible does one find a
restriction on the number of wives. According to these scriptures one
can marry as many as one wishes. It was only later, that the Hindu
priests and the Christian Church restricted the number of wives to
one.
Many Hindu religious personalities, according to their scriptures, had
multiple wives. KingDashrat, the father of Rama, had more than one
wife. Krishna had several wives.
In earlier times, Christian men were permitted as many wives as they
wished, since the Bible puts no restriction on the number of wives. It
was only a few centuries ago that the Church restricted the number of
wives to one.
Polygyny is permitted in Judaism. According to Talmudic law, Abraham
had three wives, and Solomon had hundreds of wives. The practice of
polygyny continued till Rabbi Gershom benYehudah (95% C.E to 1030 C.E)
issued an edict against it. The Jewish Sephardic communities living in
Muslim countries continued the practice till as late as 1950, until an
Act of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel extended the ban on marrying more
than one wife.

3. Hindus are more polygynous than Muslims
The report of the 'Committee of The Status of Woman in Islam',
published in 1975 mentions on page numbers 66 and 67 that the
percentage of polygamous marriages between the years 1951 and 1961 was
5.06% among the Hindus and only 4.31% among the Muslims. According to
Indian law only Muslim men are permitted to have more than one wife.
It is illegal for any non-Muslim in India to have more than one wife.
Despite it being illegal, Hindus have more multiple wives as compared
to Muslims. Earlier, there was no restriction even on Hindu men with
respect to the number of wives allowed. It was only in 1954, when the
Hindu Marriage Act was passed that it became illegal for a Hindu to
have more than one wife. At present it is the Indian Law that
restricts a Hindu man from having more than one wife and not the Hindu
scriptures.
Let us now analyse why Islam allows a man to have more than one wife.

4. Qur'an permits limited polygyny
As I mentioned earlier, Qur'an is the only religious book on the face
of the earth that says 'marry only one'. The context of this phrase is
the following verse from Surah Nisa of the Glorious Qur'an:
"Marry women of your choice, two, or three, or four; but if ye fear
that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one."
[Al-Qur'an 4:3]
Before the Qur'an was revealed, there was no upper limit for polygyny
and many men had scores of wives, some even hundreds. Islam put an
upper limit of four wives. Islam gives a man permission to marry two,
three or four women, only on the condition that he deals justly with
them.
In the same chapter i.e. Surah Nisa verse 129 says:
"Ye are never able to be fair and just as between women...."
[Al-Qur'an 4:129]
Therefore polygyny is not a rule but an exception. Many people are
under the misconception that it is compulsory for a Muslim man to have
more than one wife.
Broadly, Islam has five categories of Do's and Don'ts:
i. 'Fard' i.e. compulsory or obligatory
ii. 'Mustahab' i.e. recommended or encouraged
iii. 'Mubah' i.e. permissible or allowed
iv. 'Makruh' i.e. not recommended or discouraged
v. 'Haraam' i.e. prohibited or forbidden
Polygyny falls in the middle category of things that are permissible.
It cannot be said that a Muslim who has two, three or four wives is a
better Muslim as compared to a Muslim who has only one wife.

5. Average life span of females is more than that of males
By nature males and females are born in approximately the same ratio.
A female child has more immunity than a male child. A female child can
fight the germs and diseases better than the male child. For this
reason, during the pediatric age itself there are more deaths among
males as compared to the females.
During wars, there are more men killed as compared to women. More men
die due to accidents and diseases than women. The average life span of
females is more than that of males, and at any given time one finds
more widows in the world than widowers.

6. India has more male population than female due to female
foeticide and infanticide
India is one of the few countries, along with the other neighbouring
countries, in which the female population is less than the male
population. The reason lies in the high rate of female infanticide in
India, and the fact that more than one million female foetuses are
aborted every year in this country, after they are identified as
females. If this evil practice is stopped, thenIndia too will have
more females as compared to males.

7. World female population is more than male population
In the USA, women outnumber men by 7.8 million. New York alone has one
million more females as compared to the number of males, and of the
male population of New York one-third are gays i.e sodomites. The
U.S.A as a whole has more than twenty-five million gays. This means
that these people do not wish to marry women. Great Britain has four
million more females as compared to males. Germany has five million
more females as compared to males. Russia has nine million more
females than males. God alone knows how many million more females
there are in the whole world as compared to males.

8. Restricting each and every man to have only one wife is not
practical
Even if every man got married to one woman, there would still be more
than thirty million females in U.S.A who would not be able to get
husbands (considering that America has twenty five million gays).
There would be more than four million females in Great Britain, 5
million females in Germany and nine million females in Russia alone
who would not be able to find a husband.
Suppose my sister happens to be one of the unmarried women living in
USA, or suppose your sister happens to be one of the unmarried women
in USA. The only two options remaining for her are that she either
marries a man who already has a wife or becomes public property. There
is no other option. All those who are modest will opt for the first.
In Western society, it is common for a man to have mistresses and/or
multiple extra-marital affairs, in which case, the woman leads a
disgraceful, unprotected life. The same society, however, cannot
accept a man having more than one wife, in which women retain
theirhonourable, dignified position in society and lead a protected
life.
Thus the only two options before a woman who cannot find a husband is
to marry a married man or to become public property. Islam prefers
giving women the honourable position by permitting the first option
and disallowing the second.
There are several other reasons, why Islam has permitted limited
polygyny, but it is mainly to protect the modesty of women.

POLYANDRY
Question:
If a man is allowed to have more than one wife, then why does Islam
prohibit a woman from having more than one husband?
Answer:
A lot of people, including some Muslims, question the logic of
allowing Muslim men to have more than one spouse while denying the
same 'right' to women.
Let me first state emphatically, that the foundation of an Islamic
society is justice and equity. Allah has created men and women as
equal, but with different capabilities and different responsibilities.
Men and women are different, physiologically and psychologically.
Their roles and responsibilities are different. Men and women are
equal in Islam, but not identical.
Surah Nisa' Chapter 4 verses 22 to 24 gives the list of women with who
you can not marry and it is further mentions in Surah Nisa' Chapter 4
verse 24 "Also (prohibited are) women already married"
The following points enumerate the reasons why polyandry is prohibited
in Islam:

1. If a man has more than one wife, the parents of the children born
of such marriages can easily be identified. The father as well as the
mother can easily be identified. In case of a woman marrying more than
one husband, only the mother of the children born of such marriages
will be identified and not the father. Islam gives tremendous
importance to the identification of both parents, mother and father.
Psychologists tell us that children who do not know their parents,
especially their father undergo severe mental trauma and disturbances.
Often they have an unhappy childhood. It is for this reason that the
children of prostitutes do not have a healthy childhood. If a child
born of such wedlock is admitted in school, and when the mother is
asked the name of the father, she would have to give two or more
names! I am aware that recent advances in science have made it
possible for both the mother and father to be identified with the help
of genetic testing. Thus this point which was applicable for the past
may not be applicable for the present.

2. Man is more polygamous by nature as compared to a woman.

3. Biologically, it is easier for a man to perform his duties as a
husband despite having several wives. A woman, in a similar position,
having several husbands, will not find it possible to perform her
duties as a wife. A woman undergoes several psychological and
behavioral changes due to different phases of the menstrual cycle.

4. A woman who has more than one husband will have several sexual
partners at the same time and has a high chance of acquiring venereal
or sexually transmitted diseases which can also be transmitted back to
her husband even if all of them have no extra-marital sex. This is not
the case in a man having more than one wife, and none of them having
extra-marital sex.

The above reasons are those that one can easily identify. There are
probably many more reasons why Allah, in His Infinite Wisdom, has
prohibited polyandry.

HIJAAB FOR WOMEN
Question:
Why does Islam degrade women by keeping them behind the veil?
Answer:
The status of women in Islam is often the target of attacks in the
secular media. The 'hijaab'or the Islamic dress is cited by many as an
example of the 'subjugation' of women under Islamic law. Before we
analyze the reasoning behind the religiously mandated 'hijaab', let us
first study the status of women in societies before the advent of
Islam

1. In the past women were degraded and used as objects of lust
The following examples from history amply illustrate the fact that the
status of women in earlier civilizations was very low to the extent
that they were denied basic human dignity:
1. Babylonian Civilization:
The women were degraded and were denied all rights under the
Babylonian law. If a man murdered a woman, instead of him being
punished, his wife was put to death.
2. Greek Civilization:
Greek Civilization is considered the most glorious of all ancient
civilizations. Under this very 'glorious' system, women were deprived
of all rights and were looked down upon. In Greek mythology, an
'imaginary woman' called 'Pandora' is the root cause of misfortune of
human beings. The Greeks considered women to be subhuman and inferior
to men. Though chastity of women was precious, and women were held in
high esteem, the Greeks were later overwhelmed by ego and sexual
perversions. Prostitution became a regular practice amongst all
classes of Greek society.
3. Roman Civilization:
When Roman Civilization was at the zenith of its 'glory', a man even
had the right to take the life of his wife. Prostitution and nudity
were common amongst the Romans.
4. Egyptian Civilization:
The Egyptian considered women evil and as a sign of a devil.
5. Pre-Islamic Arabia:
Before Islam spread in Arabia, the Arabs looked down upon women and
very often when a female child was born, she was buried alive.

2. Islam uplifted women and gave them equality and expects them to
maintain their status.
Islam uplifted the status of women and granted them their just rights
1400 years ago. Islam expects women to maintain their status.
Hijaab for men
People usually only discuss 'hijaab' in the context of women. However,
in the GloriousQur'an, Allah (swt) first mentions 'hijaab' for men
before 'hijaab' for the women. The Qur'anmentions in Surah Noor:
"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard
their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah
is well acquainted with all that they do."
[Al-Qur'an 24:30]
The moment a man looks at a woman and if any brazen or unashamed
thought comes to his mind, he should lower his gaze.
Hijaab for women.
The next verse of Surah Noor, says:
" And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and
guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and
ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they
should draw veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty
except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers,
their sons..."
[Al-Qur'an 24:31]

3. Six criteria for Hijaab.
According to Qur'an and Sunnah there are basically six criteria for
observing hijaab:
1. Extent:

The first criterion is the extent of the body that should be covered.
This is different for men and women. The extent of covering obligatory
on the male is to cover the body at least from the navel to the knees.
For women, the extent of covering obligatory is to cover the complete
body except the face and the hands upto the wrist. If they wish to,
they can cover even these parts of the body. Some scholars of Islam
insist that the face and the hands are part of the obligatory extent
of 'hijaab'.
All the remaining five criteria are the same for men and women.
2. The clothes worn should be loose and should not reveal the
figure.
3. The clothes worn should not be transparent such that one can
see through them.
4. The clothes worn should not be so glamorous as to attract the
opposite sex.
5. The clothes worn should not resemble that of the opposite
sex.
6. The clothes worn should not resemble that of the unbelievers
i.e. they should not wear clothes that are specifically identities or
symbols of the unbelievers' religions.

4. Hijaab includes conduct and behaviour among other things
Complete 'hijaab', besides the six criteria of clothing, also includes
the moral conduct,behaviour, attitude and intention of the individual.
A person only fulfilling the criteria of 'hijaab' of the clothes is
observing 'hijaab' in a limited sense. 'Hijaab' of the clothes should
be accompanied by 'hijaab' of the eyes, 'hijaab' of the heart,
'hijaab' of thought and 'hijaab' of intention. It also includes the
way a person walks, the way a person talks, the way he behaves, etc.

5. Hijaab prevents molestation
The reason why Hijaab is prescribed for women is mentioned in the
Qur'an in the following verses of Surah Al-Ahzab:
"O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women that
they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when
abroad); that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such)
and not molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
[Al-Qur'an 33:59]
The Qur'an says that Hijaab has been prescribed for the women so that
they are recognized as modest women and this will also prevent them
from being molested.

6. Example of twin sisters
Suppose two sisters who are twins, and who are equally beautiful, walk
down the street. One of them is attired in the Islamic hijaab i.e. the
complete body is covered, except for the face and the hands up to the
wrists. The other sister is wearing western clothes, a mini skirt or
shorts. Just around the corner there is a hooligan or ruffian who is
waiting for a catch, to tease a girl. Whom will he tease? The girl
wearing the Islamic Hijaab or the girl wearing the skirt or the mini?
Naturally he will tease the girl wearing the skirt or the mini. Such
dresses are an indirect invitation to the opposite sex for teasing and
molestation. The Qur'an rightly says that hijaab prevents women from
being molested.

7. Capital punishment for the rapists
Under the Islamic shariah, a man convicted of having raped a woman, is
given capital punishment. Many are astonished at this 'harsh'
sentence. Some even say that Islam is a ruthless, barbaric religion! I
have asked a simple question to hundreds of non-Muslim men.Suppose,
God forbid, someone rapes your wife, your mother or your sister. You
are made the judge and the rapist is brought in front of you. What
punishment would you give him? All of them said they would put him to
death. Some went to the extent of saying they would torture him to
death. To them I ask, if someone rapes your wife or your mother you
want to put him to death. But if the same crime is committed on
somebody else's wife or daughter you say capital punishment is
barbaric. Why should there be double standards?

8. Western society falsely claims to have uplifted women
Western talk of women's liberalization is nothing but a disguised form
of exploitation of her body, degradation of her soul, and deprivation
of her honour. Western society claims to have 'uplifted' women. On the
contrary it has actually degraded them to the status of concubines,
mistresses and society butterflies who are mere tools in the hands of
pleasure seekers and sex marketeers, hidden behind the colourful
screen of 'art' and 'culture'.

9. USA has one of the highest rates of rape
United States of America is supposed to be one of the most advanced
countries of the world. It also has one of the highest rates of rape
in any country in the world. According to a FBI report, in the year
1990, every day on an average 1756 cases of rape were committed in
U.S.A alone. Later another report said that on an average everyday
1900 cases of rapes are committed in USA. The year was not mentioned.
May be it was 1992 or 1993. May be the Americans got 'bolder' in the
following years.
Consider a scenario where the Islamic hijaab is followed in America.
Whenever a man looks at a woman and any brazen or unashamed thought
comes to his mind, he lowers his gaze. Every woman wears the Islamic
hijaab, that is the complete body is covered except the face and the
hands upto the wrist. After this if any man commits rape he is given
capital punishment. I ask you, in such a scenario, will the rate of
rape in America increase, will it remain the same, or will it
decrease?

10. Implementation of Islamic Shariah will reduce the rate of rapes
Naturally as soon as Islamic Shariah is implemented positive results
will be inevitable. If Islamic Shariah is implemented in any part of
the world, whether it is America or Europe, society will breathe
easier. Hijaab does not degrade a woman but uplifts a woman and
protects her modesty and chastity.

WAS ISLAM SPREAD BY THE SWORD?

Question:
How can Islam be called the religion of peace when it was spread by
the sword?
Answer:
It is a common complaint among some non-Muslims that Islam would not
have millions of adherents all over the world, if it had not been
spread by the use of force. The following points will make it clear,
that far from being spread by the sword, it was the inherent force of
truth, reason and logic that was responsible for the rapid spread of
Islam.

1. Islam means peace.
Islam comes from the root word 'salaam', which means peace. It also
means submittingone's will to Allah (swt). Thus Islam is a religion of
peace, which is acquired by submitting one's will to the will of the
Supreme Creator, Allah (swt).

2. Sometimes force has to be used to maintain peace.
Each and every human being in this world is not in favour of
maintaining peace and harmony. There are many, who would disrupt it
for their own vested interests. Sometimes force has to be used to
maintain peace. It is precisely for this reason that we have the
police who use force against criminals and anti-social elements to
maintain peace in the country. Islam promotes peace. At the same time,
Islam exhorts it followers to fight where there is oppression. The
fight against oppression may, at times, require the use of force. In
Islam force can only be used to promote peace and justice.

3. Opinion of historian De Lacy O'Leary.
The best reply to the misconception that Islam was spread by the sword
is given by the noted historian De Lacy O'Leary in the book "Islam at
the cross road" (Page 8):
"History makes it clear however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims
sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword
upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myth that
historians have ever repeated."

4. Muslims ruled Spain for 800 years.
Muslims ruled Spain for about 800 years. The Muslims in Spain never
used the sword to force the people to convert. Later the Christian
Crusaders came to Spain and wiped out the Muslims. There was not a
single Muslim in Spain who could openly give the adhan, that is the
call for prayers.

5. 14 million Arabs are Coptic Christians.
Muslims were the lords of Arabia for 1400 years. For a few years the
British ruled, and for a few years the French ruled. Overall, the
Muslims ruled Arabia for 1400 years. Yet today, there are 14 million
Arabs who are Coptic Christians i.e. Christians since generations. If
the Muslims had used the sword there would not have been a single Arab
who would have remained a Christian.

6. More than 80% non-Muslims in India.
The Muslims ruled India for about a thousand years. If they wanted,
they had the power of converting each and every non-Muslim of India to
Islam. Today more than 80% of thepopulation of India are non-Muslims.
All these non-Muslim Indians are bearing witness today that Islam was
not spread by the sword.

7. Indonesia and Malaysia.
Indonesia is a country that has the maximum number of Muslims in the
world. The majority of people in Malaysia are Muslims. May one ask,
"Which Muslim army went to Indonesiaand Malaysia?"

8. East Coast of Africa.
Similarly, Islam has spread rapidly on the East Coast of Africa. One
may again ask, if Islam was spread by the sword, "Which Muslim army
went to the East Coast of Africa?"

9. Thomas Carlyle.
The famous historian, Thomas Carlyle, in his book "Heroes and Hero
worship", refers to this misconception about the spread of Islam: "The
sword indeed, but where will you get your sword? Every new opinion, at
its starting is precisely in a minority of one. In one man's head
alone. There it dwells as yet. One man alone of the whole world
believes it, there is one man against all men. That he takes a sword
and try to propagate with that, will do little for him. You must get
your sword! On the whole, a thing will propagate itself as it can."

10. No compulsion in religion.
With which sword was Islam spread? Even if Muslims had it they could
not use it to spread Islam because the Qur'an says in the following
verse:
"Let there be no compulsion in religion:
Truth stands out clear from error"
[Al-Qur'an 2:256]

11. Sword of the Intellect.
It is the sword of intellect. The sword that conquers the hearts and
minds of people. TheQur'an says in Surah Nahl, chapter 16 verse 125:
"Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord
with wisdom and beautiful preaching;
and argue with them in ways that are
best and most gracious."
[Al-Qur'an 16:125]

12. Increase in the world religions from 1934 to 1984.
An article in Reader's Digest 'Almanac', year book 1986, gave the
statistics of the increase of percentage of the major religions of the
world in half a century from 1934 to 1984. This article also appeared
in 'The Plain Truth' magazine. At the top was Islam, which increased
by 235%, and Christianity had increased only by 47%. May one ask,
which war took place in this century which converted millions of
people to Islam?

13. Islam is the fastest growing religion in America and Europe.
Today the fastest growing religion in America is Islam. The fastest
growing religion in Europein Islam. Which sword is forcing people in
the West to accept Islam in such large numbers?

14. Dr. Joseph Adam Pearson.
Dr. Joseph Adam Pearson rightly says, "People who worry that nuclear
weaponry will one day fall in the hands of the Arabs, fail to realize
that the Islamic bomb has been dropped already, it fell the day
MUHAMMED (pbuh) was born".

MUSLIMS ARE FUNDAMENTALISTS AND TERRORISTS

Question:
Why are most of the Muslims fundamentalists and terrorists?
Answer:
This question is often hurled at Muslims, either directly or
indirectly, during any discussion on religion or world affairs. Muslim
stereotypes are perpetuated in every form of the media accompanied by
gross misinformation about Islam and Muslims. In fact, such
misinformation and false propaganda often leads to discrimination and
acts of violence against Muslims. A case in point is the anti-Muslim
campaign in the American media following the Oklahoma bomb blast,
where the press was quick to declare a 'Middle Eastern conspiracy'
behind the attack. The culprit was later identified as a soldier from
the American Armed Forces.
Let us analyze this allegation of 'fundamentalism' and 'terrorism':

1. Definition of the word 'fundamentalist'
A fundamentalist is a person who follows and adheres to the
fundamentals of the doctrine or theory he is following. For a person
to be a good doctor, he should know, follow, andpractise the
fundamentals of medicine. In other words, he should be a
fundamentalist in the field of medicine. For a person to be a good
mathematician, he should know, follow andpractise the fundamentals of
mathematics. He should be a fundamentalist in the field of
mathematics. For a person to be a good scientist, he should know,
follow and practise the fundamentals of science. He should be a
fundamentalist in the field of science.

2. Not all 'fundamentalists' are the same
One cannot paint all fundamentalists with the same brush. One cannot
categorize all fundamentalists as either good or bad. Such a
categorization of any fund amentalist will depend upon the field or
activity in which he is a fundamentalist. A fundamentalist robber or
thief causes harm to society and is therefore undesirable. A
fundamentalist doctor, on the other hand, benefits society and earns
much respect.

3. I am proud to be a Muslim fundamentalist
I am a fundamentalist Muslim who, by the grace of Allah, knows,
follows and strives topractise the fundamentals of Islam. A true
Muslim does not shy away from being a fundamentalist. I am proud to be
a fundamentalist Muslim because, I know that the fundamentals of Islam
are beneficial to humanity and the whole world. There is not a single
fundamental of Islam that causes harm or is against the interests of
the human race as a whole. Many people harbour misconceptions about
Islam and consider several teachings of Islam to be unfair or
improper. This is due to insufficient and incorrect knowledge of
Islam. If one critically analyzes the teachings of Islam with an open
mind, one cannot escape the fact that Islam is full of benefits both
at the individual and collective levels.

4. Dictionary meaning of the word 'fundamentalist'
According to Webster's dictionary 'fundamentalism' was a movement in
AmericanProtestanism that arose in the earlier part of the 20th
century. It was a reaction to modernism, and stressed the
infallibility of the Bible, not only in matters of faith and morals
but also as a literal historical record. It stressed on belief in the
Bible as the literal word of God. Thus fundamentalism was a word
initially used for a group of Christians who believed that the Bible
was the verbatim word of God without any errors and mistakes.
According to the Oxford dictionary 'fundamentalism' means 'strict
maintenance of ancient or fundamental doctrines of any religion,
especially Islam'.
Today the moment a person uses the word fundamentalist he thinks of a
Muslim who is a terrorist.

5. Every Muslim should be a terrorist
Every Muslim should be a terrorist. A terrorist is a person who causes
terror. The moment a robber sees a policeman he is terrified. A
policeman is a terrorist for the robber. Similarly every Muslim should
be a terrorist for the antisocial elements of society, such as
thieves, dacoits and rapists. Whenever such an anti-social element
sees a Muslim, he should be terrified. It is true that the word
'terrorist' is generally used for a person who causes terror among the
common people. But a true Muslim should only be a terrorist to
selective people i.e. anti-social elements, and not to the common
innocent people. In fact a Muslim should be a source of peace for
innocent people.

6. Different labels given to the same individual for the same
action, i.e. 'terrorist' and 'patriot'
Before India achieved independence from British rule, some freedom
fighters of India who did not subscribe to non-violence were labeled
as terrorists by the British government. The same individuals have
been lauded by Indians for the same activities and hailed as
'patriots'. Thus two different labels have been given to the same
people for the same set of actions. One is calling him a terrorist
while the other is calling him a patriot. Those who believed that
Britainhad a right to rule over India called these people terrorists,
while those who were of the view that Britain had no right to rule
India called them patriots and freedom fighters.
It is therefore important that before a person is judged, he is given
a fair hearing. Both sides of the argument should be heard, the
situation should be analyzed, and the reason and the intention of the
person should be taken into account, and then the person can be judged
accordingly.

7. Islam means peace
Islam is derived from the word 'salaam' which means peace. It is a
religion of peace whose fundamentals teach its followers to maintain
and promote peace throughout the world.
Thus every Muslim should be a fundamentalist i.e. he should follow the
fundamentals of the Religion of Peace: Islam. He should be a terrorist
only towards the antisocial elements in order to promote peace and
justice in the society.

EATING NON-VEGETARIAN FOOD
Question:
Killing an animal is a ruthless act. Why then do Muslims consume non-
vegetarian food?
Answer:
'Vegetarianism' is now a movement the world over. Many even associate
it with animal rights. Indeed, a large number of people consider the
consumption of meat and other non-vegetarian products to be a
violation of animal rights.
Islam enjoins mercy and compassion for all living creatures. At the
same time Islam maintains that Allah has created the earth and its
wondrous flora and fauna for the benefit of mankind. It is upto
mankind to use every resource in this world judiciously, as a
niyamat(Divine blessing) and amanat (trust) from Allah.
Let us look at various other aspects of this argument.

1. A Muslim can be a pure vegetarian
A Muslim can be a very good Muslim despite being a pure vegetarian. It
is not compulsory for a Muslim to have non-vegetarian food.

2. Qur'an permits Muslims to have non-vegetarian food
The Qur'an, however permits a Muslim to have non-vegetarian food. The
following Qur'anicverses are proof of this fact:
"O ye who believe! Fulfil (all) obligations. Lawful unto you (for
food) are all four-footed animals with the exceptions named."
[Al-Qur'an 5:1]
"And cattle He has created for you (men): from them Ye derive warmth,
and numerous benefits, And of their (meat) ye eat."
[Al-Qur'an 16:5]
"And in cattle (too) ye have an instructive example: From within their
bodies We produce (milk) for you to drink; there are, in them,
(besides), numerous (other) benefits for you; and of their (meat) ye
eat."
[Al-Qur'an 23:21]

3. Meat is nutritious and rich in complete protein
Non-vegetarian food is a good source of excellent protein. It contains
biologically complete protein i.e. all the 8 essential amino acid that
are not synthesized by the body and should be supplied in the diet.
Meat also contains iron, vitamin B1 and niacin.

4. Humans have Omnivorous set of teeth
If you observe the teeth of herbivorous animals like the cow, goat and
sheep, you will find something strikingly similar in all of them. All
these animals have a set of flat teeth i.e. suited for herbivorous
diet. If you observe the set of teeth of the carnivorous animals like
the lion, tiger, or leopard, they all have a set of pointed teeth i.e.
suited for a carnivorous diet. If you analyze the set of teeth of
humans, you find that they have flat teeth as well as pointed teeth.
Thus they have teeth suited for both herbivorous as well as
carnivorous food i.e. they are omnivorous. One may ask, if Almighty
God wanted humans to have only vegetables, why did He provide us also
with pointed teeth? It is logical that He expected us to need and to
have both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian food.

5. Human beings can digest both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food
The digestive system of herbivorous animals can digest only
vegetables. The digestive system of carnivorous animals can digest
only meat. But the digestive system of humans can digest both
vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. If Almighty God wanted us to have
only vegetables then why did He give us a digestive system that can
digest both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian food?

6. Hindu scriptures give permission to have non-vegetarian food
a. There are many Hindus who are strictly vegetarian. They think it is
against their religion to consume non-vegetarian food. But the true
fact is that the Hindu scriptures permit a person to have meat. The
scriptures mention Hindu sages and saints consuming non-vegetarian
food.
b. It is mentioned in Manu Smruti, the law book of Hindus, in chapter
5 verse 30

"The eater who eats the flesh of those to be eaten does nothing bad,
even if he does it day after day, for God himself created some to be
eaten and some to be eater."
c. Again next verse of Manu Smruti, that is, chapter 5 verse 31
says

"Eating meat is right for the sacrifice, this is traditionally known
as a rule of the gods."
d. Further in Manu Smruti chapter 5 verse 39 and 40 says

"God himself created sacrificial animals for sacrifice, ....,
therefore killing in a sacrifice is not killing."
e. Mahabharata Anushashan Parva chapter 88 narrates the
discussion betweenDharmaraj Yudhishthira and Pitamah Bhishma about
what food one should offer toPitris (ancestors) during the Shraddha
(ceremony of dead) to keep them satisfied. Paragraph reads as follows:
"Yudhishthira said, "O thou of great puissance, tell me what that
object is which, if dedicated to the Pitiris (dead ancestors), become
inexhaustible! What Havi, again, (if offered) lasts for all time?
What, indeed, is that which (if presented) becomes eternal?"
"Bhishma said, "Listen to me, O Yudhishthira, what those Havis are
which persons conversant with the rituals of the Shraddha (the
ceremony of dead) regard as suitable in view of Shraddha and what the
fruits are that attach to each. With sesame seeds and rice and barely
and Masha and water and roots and fruits, if given at Shraddhas, the
pitris, O king, remain gratified for the period of a month. With
fishes offered at Shraddhas, the pitris remain gratified for a period
of two months. With the mutton they remain gratified for three months
and with the hare for four months, with the flesh of the goat for five
months, with the bacon (meat of pig) for six months, and with the
flesh of birds for seven. With venison obtained from those deer that
are called Prishata, they remaingratified for eight months, and with
that obtained from the Ruru for nine months, and with the meat of
Gavaya for ten months, With the meat of the bufffalo their
gratification lasts for eleven months. With beef presented at the
Shraddha, their gratification, it is said , lasts for a full
year.Payasa mixed with ghee is as much acceptable to the pitris as
beef. With the meat of Vadhrinasa (a large bull) the gratification of
pitris lasts for twelve years. The flesh of rhinoceros, offered to the
pitris on anniversaries of the lunar days on which they died, becomes
inexhaustible. The potherb called Kalaska, the petals of
kanchanaflower, and meat of (red) goat also, thus offered, prove
inexhaustible.
So but natural if you want to keep your ancestors satisfied forever,
you should serve them the meat of red goat.

7. Hinduism was influenced by other religions
Though Hindu Scriptures permit its followers to have non-vegetarian
food, many Hindus adopted the vegetarian system because they were
influenced by other religions like Jainism.

8. Even plants have life
Certain religions have adopted pure vegetarianism as a dietary law
because they are totally against the killing of living creatures. If a
person can survive without killing any living creature, I would be the
first person to adopt such a way of life. In the past people thought
plants were lifeless. Today it is a universal fact that even plants
have life. Thus their logic of not killing living creatures is not
fulfilled even by being a pure vegetarian.

9. Even plants can feel pain
They further argue that plants cannot feel pain, therefore killing a
plant is a lesser crime as compared to killing an animal. Today
science tells us that even plants can feel pain. But the cry of the
plant cannot be heard by the human being. This is due to the inability
of the human ear to hear sounds that are not in the audible range i.e.
20 Hertz to 20,000 Hertz. Anything below and above this range cannot
be heard by a human being. A dog can hear up to 40,000 Hertz. Thus
there are silent dog whistles that have a frequency of more than
20,000 Hertz and less than 40,000 Hertz. These whistles are only heard
by dogs and not by human beings. The dog recognizes the masters
whistle and comes to the master. There was research done by a farmer
in U.S.A. who invented an instrument which converted the cry of the
plant so that it could be heard by human beings. He was able to
realize immediately when the plant itself cried for water. Latest
researches show that the plants can even feel happy and sad. It can
also cry.

10. Killing a living creature with two senses less is not a lesser
crime
Once a vegetarian argued his case by saying that plants only have two
or three senses while the animals have five senses.
Therefore killing a plant is a lesser crime than killing an animal.
Suppose your brother is born deaf and dumb and has two senses less as
compared to other human beings. He becomes mature and someone murders
him. Would you ask the judge to give the murderer a lesser punishment
because your brother has two senses less? In fact you would say that
he has killed a masoom, an innocent person, and the judge should give
the murderer a greater punishment.
In fact the Qur'an says:
"O ye people! Eat of what is on earth, lawful and good"
[Al-Qur'an 2:168]

11. Over population of cattle
If every human being was a vegetarian, it would lead to overpopulation
of cattle in the world, since their reproduction and multiplication is
very swift. Allah (swt) in His Divine Wisdom knows how to maintain the
balance of His creation appropriately. No wonder He has permitted us
to have the meat of the cattle.

12. Cost of meat is reasonable since all aren't non-vegetarians
I do not mind if some people are pure vegetarians. However they should
not condemn non-vegetarians as ruthless. In fact if all Indians become
non-vegetarians then the present non-vegetarians would be losers since
the prices of meat would rise.

ISLAMIC METHOD OF SLAUGHTERING ANIMALS APPEARS RUTHLESS
Question:
Why do Muslims slaughter the animal in a ruthless manner by torturing
it and slowly and painfully killing it?
Answer:
The Islamic method of slaughtering animals, known as Zabiha has been
the object of much criticism from a large number of people.
Before I reply to the question, let me relate an incidence about a
discussion between a Sikh and a Muslim regarding animal slaughter.
Once a Sikh asked a Muslim, "Why do you slaughter the animal painfully
by cutting the throat instead of the way we do with one stroke i.e.
jhatka?" The Muslim replied "We are brave and courageous and attack
from the front. We are marad ka baccha (macho men), you are cowards
and attack from behind".
Jokes apart, one may consider the following points, which prove that
the Zabiha method is not only humane but also scientifically the best:

1. Islamic method of slaughtering animal
Zakkaytum is a verb derived from the root word Zakah (to purify). Its
infinitive is Tazkiyahwhich means purification. The Islamic mode of
slaughtering an animal requires the following conditions to be met:
a. Animal should be slaughtered with sharp object (knife)
The animal has to be slaughtered with a sharp object (knife) and in a
fast way so that the pain of slaughter is minimised.
b. Cut wind pipe, throat and vessels of neck
Zabiha is an Arabic word which means 'slaughtered'. The 'slaughtering'
is to be done by cutting the throat, windpipe and the blood vessels in
the neck causing the animal's death without cutting the spinal cord.
c. Blood should be drained
The blood has to be drained completely before the head is removed. The
purpose is to drain out most of the blood which would serve as a good
culture medium for micro organisms. The spinal cord must not be cut
because the nerve fibres to the heart could be damaged during the
process causing cardiac arrest, stagnating the blood in the blood
vessels.
2. Blood is a good medium for germs and bacteria
Blood is a good media of germs, bacteria, toxins, etc. Therefore the
Muslim way of slaughtering is more hygienic as most of the blood
containing germs, bacteria, toxins, etc. that are the cause of several
diseases are eliminated.
3. Meat remains fresh for a longer time
Meat slaughtered by Islamic way remains fresh for a longer time due to
deficiency of blood in the meat as compared to other methods of
slaughtering.
4. Animal does not feel pain
The swift cutting of vessels of the neck disconnects the flow of blood
to the nerve of the brain responsible for pain. Thus the animal does
not feel pain. While dying, the animal struggles, writhers, shakes and
kicks, not due to pain, but due to the contraction and relaxation of
the muscles defecient in blood and due to the flow of blood out of the
body.

NON-VEGETARIAN FOOD MAKES MUSLIMS VIOLENT
Question:
Science tell us that whatever one eats, it has an effect on one's
behaviour. Why then, does Islam allow Muslims to eat non-vegetarian
food, since eating of animals could make a person violent and
ferocious?
Answer:

1. Only eating of herbivorous animals allowed
I agree that, what a person eats has an effect on his behaviour. This
is one of the reasons why Islam prohibits the eating of carnivorous
animals like lion, tiger, leopard, etc. who are violent and ferocious.
The consumption of the meat of such animals would probably make a
person violent and ferocious. Islam only allows the eating of
herbivorous animals like cow, goat, sheep, etc. that are peaceful and
docile. We Muslims eat peaceful and docile animals because we are
peace loving and non-violent people.

2. The Qur'an says Prophet prohibits what is bad
The Qur'an says:
"The Prophet commands them what is just and prohibits what is evil".
"He allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them
what is bad (and impure),"
[Al-Qur'an 7: 157]
"So take what the Messenger assigns to you and deny yourselves that
which he withholds from you."
[Al-Qur'an 59: 7]
For a Muslim, the Prophet's statement is sufficient to convince him
that Allah does not wish humans to eat some kinds of meat while
allowing some other kinds.

3. Hadith of Mohammad (pbuh) prohibiting eating of carnivorous
animals
According to various authentic Ahadith narrated in Sahih Bukhari and
Sahih Muslim including hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas in Sahih Muslim,
Book of hunting and slaughter,Hadith No. 4752 and Sunan Ibn-I-Majah
chapter 13 Hadith no. 3232 to 3234, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) prohibited
the eating of:
i. Wild animals with canine teeth, i.e. meat
eating carnivorous animals. These are animals belonging to the cat
families such as lion, tiger, cats, dogs, wolfs, hyenas, etc.
ii. Certain rodents like mice, rats, rabbits with
claws, etc.
iii. Certain reptiles like snakes, alligators, etc.
iv. Birds of prey with talons or claws, like
vultures, eagle, crows, owl, etc.

MUSLIMS WORSHIP THE KAABA
Question:
When Islam is against idol worship why do the Muslims worship, and bow
down to theKaaba in their prayer?
Answer:
Kaaba is the Qibla i.e. the direction Muslims face during their
prayers. It is important to note that though Muslims face the Kaaba
during prayers, they do not worship the Kaaba. Muslims worship and bow
to none but Allah.
It is mentioned in Surah Baqarah:
"We see the turning of thy face (for guidance) to the heavens: now
shall We turn thee to aQiblah that shall please thee. Turn then thy
face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque: wherever ye are, turn your
faces in that direction."
[Al-Qur'an 2:144]

1. Islam believes in fostering unity
For instance, if Muslims want to offer Salaah (Prayer), it is possible
that some may wish to face north, while some may wish to face south.
In order to unite Muslims in their worship of the One True God,
Muslims, wherever they may be, are asked to face in only one direction
i.e. towards the Kaaba. If some Muslims live towards the west of the
Kaaba they face the east. Similarly if they live towards the east of
the Kaaba they face the west.

2. Kaaba is at the Centre of the World Map
The Muslims were the first people to draw the map of the world. They
drew the map with the south facing upwards and north downwards. The
Kaaba was at the centre. Later, western cartographers drew the map
upside down with the north facing upwards and south downwards. Yet,
Alhamdullilah the Kaaba is at the centre of the world map.

3. Tawaaf around Kaaba for indicating one God
When the Muslims go to Masjid-e-Haram in Makkah, they perform tawaaf
or circumambulation round the Kaaba. This act symbolizes the belief
and worship of One God, since, just as every circle has one centre, so
also there is only one Allah (swt) worthy of worship.

4. Hadith of Umar (may Allah be pleased with him)
Regarding the black stone, hajr-e-aswad, there is a hadith
(tradition), attributed to the illustrious companion of the Prophet
Muhammed (pbuh), Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).
According to Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, book of Hajj, chapter 56, H.No.
675. Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "I know that you are a
stone and can neither benefit nor harm. Had I not seen the Prophet
(pbuh) touching (and kissing) you, I would never have touched (and
kissed) you".

5. People stood on Kaaba and gave the adhaan
At the time of the Prophet, people even stood on the Kaaba and gave
the 'adhaan' or the call to prayer. One may ask those who allege that
Muslims worship the Kaaba; which idol worshipper stands on the idol he
worships?

NON-MUSLIMS NOT ALLOWED IN MAKKAH
Question:
Why are non-Muslims not allowed in the holy cities of Makkah and
Madinah?
Answer:
It is true that non-Muslims are not allowed in the holy cities of
Makkah and Madinah, by law. The following points will serve to
elucidate the possible reasoning behind such a restriction.

1. All citizens are not permitted in the cantonment area
I am a citizen of India. Yet, I am not permitted to enter certain
restricted areas like the cantonment. In every country there are
certain areas where a common citizen of that country cannot enter.
Only a citizen who is enrolled in the military or those who are
connected with the defence of the country are allowed in the
cantonment area. Similarly Islam is a Universal Religion for the
entire world and for all human beings. The cantonment areas of Islam
are the two holy cites of Makkah and Madinah. Here only those who
believe in Islam and are involved in the defence of Islam i.e. the
Muslims are allowed.
It would be illogical for a common citizen to object against the
restriction on entering a cantonment area. Similarly it is not
appropriate for non-Muslims to object against the restriction on non-
Muslims against entering Makkah and Madinah.

2. Visa to enter Makkah and Madinah
a. Whenever a person travels to a foreign country he has to
first apply for a visa i.e. the permission to enter that country.
Every country has its own rules, regulations and requirements for
issuing a visa. Unless their critera are satisfied they will not issue
a visa.
b. One of the countries which is very strict in issuing a visa
is the United States of America, especially when issuing visas to
citizens of the third world. They have several conditions and
requirements to be fulfilled before they issue a visa.
c. When I visited Singapore, it was mentioned on their
immigration form - death to drug traffickers. If I want to visit
Singapore I have to abide by the rules. I cannot say that death
penalty is a barbaric punishment. Only if I agree with their
requirements and conditions will I be permitted to enter the country.
d. The Visa – The primary condition required for any human being
to enter Makkah orMadina is to say with his lips, La ila ha illallah
Muhammed ur Rasulullah meaning that 'there is no God but Allah and
Muhammed (pbuh) is His Messenger.'

PORK FORBIDDEN
Question:
Why is the eating of pork forbidden in Islam?
Answer:
The fact that consumption of pork is prohibited in Islam is well
known. The following points explain various aspects of this
prohibition:

1. Pork prohibited in Qur'an
The Qur'an prohibits the consumption of pork in no less than 4
different places. It is prohibited in 2:173, 5:3, 6:145 and 16:115.
"Forbidden to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of
swine, and that on which hath been invoked the name of other than
Allah." [Al-Qur'an 5:3]
The above verses of the Holy Qur'an are sufficient to satisfy a Muslim
as to why pork is forbidden.

2. Pork prohibited in the Bible
The Christian is likely to be convinced by his religious scriptures.
The Bible prohibits the consumption of pork, in the book of Leviticus
"And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be cloven footed, yet
he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you".
"Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcass shall ye not
touch, they are unclean to you."
[Leviticus 11:7-8]
Pork is also prohibited in the Bible in the book of Deuteronomy
"And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud,
it is unclean unto you. Ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch
their dead carcass."
[Deuteronomy 14:8]
A similar prohibition is repeated in the Bible in the book of Isaiah
chapter 65 verse 2-5.

3. Consumption of pork causes several diseases
The other non-Muslims and atheists will agree only if convinced
through reason, logic and science. Eating of pork can cause no less
than seventy different types of diseases. A person can have various
helminthes like roundworm, pinworm, hookworm, etc. One of the most
dangerous is Taenia Solium, which is in lay man's terminology called
tapeworm. Itharbours in the intestine and is very long. Its ova i.e.
eggs, enter the blood stream and can reach almost all the organs of
the body. If it enters the brain it can cause memory loss. If it
enters the heart it can cause heart attack, if it enters the eye it
can cause blindness, if it enters the liver it can cause liver damage.
It can damage almost all the organs of the body.
Another dangerous helminthes is Trichura Tichurasis. A common
misconception about pork is that if it is cooked well, these ova die.
In a research project undertaken in America, it was found that out of
twenty-four people suffering from Trichura Tichurasis, twenty two had
cooked the pork very well. This indicates that the ova present in the
pork do not die under normal cooking temperature.

4. Pork has fat building material
Pork has very little muscle building material and contains excess of
fat. This fat gets deposited in the vessels and can cause hypertension
and heart attack. It is not surprising that over 50% of Americans
suffer from hypertension.

5. Pig is one of the filthiest animals on earth
The pig is one of the filthiest animals on earth. It lives and thrives
on muck, faeces and dirt. It is the best scavenger that I know that
God has produced. In the villages they don't have modern toilets and
the villagers excrete in the open air. Very often excreta is cleared
by pigs.
Some may argue that in advanced countries like Australia, pigs are
bred in very clean and hygienic conditions. Even in these hygienic
conditions the pigs are kept together in sties. No matter how hard you
try to keep them clean they are filthy by nature. They eat and enjoy
their own as well as their neighbour's excreta.

6. Pig is the most shameless animal
The pig is the most shameless animal on the face of the earth. It is
the only animal that invites its friends to have sex with its mate. In
America, most people consume pork. Many times after dance parties,
they have swapping of wives; i.e. many say "you sleep with my wife and
I will sleep with your wife." If you eat pigs then you behave like
pigs. We Indians look upon America to be very advanced and
sophisticated. Whatever they do, we follow after a few years.
According to an article in Island magazine, this practice of swapping
wives has become common in the affluent circles of Bombay.

PROHIBITION OF ALCOHOL

Question:
Why is the consumption of alcohol prohibited in Islam?
Answer:
Alcohol has been the scourge of human society since time immemorial.
It continues to cost countless human lives, and causes terrible misery
to millions throughout the world. Alcohol is the root cause of several
problems facing society. The statistics of soaring crime rates,
increasing instances of mental illnesses and millions of broken homes
throughout the world bear mute testimony to the destructive power of
alcohol.

1. Prohibition of alcohol in the Qur'an
The Glorious Qur'an prohibits the consumption of alcohol in the
following verse:
"O ye who believe!
Intoxicants and Gambling,
(Dedication of) stones,
And (divination by) arrows,
Are an Abomination –
Of Satan's handiwork;
Eschew such (abomination),
That ye may prosper."
[Al-Qur'an 5:90]

2. Prohibition of alcohol in the Bible
The Bible prohibits the consumption of alcohol in the following
verses:
a. "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and whosoever is
deceived thereby is not wise."
[Proverbs 20:1]
b. "And be not drunk with wine."
[Ephesians 5:18]

3. Alcohol inhibits the inhibitory centre
The human beings possess an inhibitory centre in their brains. This
inhibitory centre prevents the person from doing things that he
considers wrong. For instance a person does not normally use abusive
language while addressing his parents or elders. If he has to answer
the call of nature, his inhibitory centre will prevent him from doing
so in public. Therefore he uses the toilet.
When a person consumes alcohol, the inhibitory centre itself is
inhibited. That is precisely the reason that an inebriated person is
often found to be indulging in behaviour that is completely
uncharacteristic of him. For instance the intoxicated person is found
to use abusive and foul language and does not realize his mistake even
if he is addressing his parents. Many even urinate in their clothes.
Neither do they talk nor walk properly. They even misbehave.

4. Cases of adultery, rape, incest and AIDS are found more among
alcoholics
According to National Crime Victimization Survey Bureau of Justice
(U.S. Department of Justice) in the year 1996 alone everyday on an
average 2,713 rapes took place. The statistics tell us that the
majority of the rapists, were intoxicated while committing the crime.
The same is true in cases of molestation.
According to statistics, 8% of Americans commit incest i.e. one in
every twelve to thirteen persons in America is involved in incest.
Almost all the cases of incest are due to intoxication of one or both
the persons involved.
One of the major factors associated with the spread of AIDS, the most
dreaded disease, is alcoholism.

5. Every alcoholic was initially a social drinker
Many may argue in favour of liquor by calling themselves 'social
drinkers'. They claim that they only have one or two pegs and they
have self-control and so never get intoxicated. Investigations reveal
that every alcoholic started as a social drinker. Not a single
alcoholic or drunkard initially starts drinking with the intention of
becoming an alcoholic or a drunkard. No social drinker can say that I
have been having alcohol for several years and that I have so much
self-control that I have never been intoxicated even a single time.

6. If a person is intoxicated just once and commits something
shameful, it will remain with him for a lifetime.
Suppose a 'social drinker' loses his self-control just once. In a
state of intoxication he commits rape or incest. Even if the act is
later regretted, a normal human being is likely to carry the guilt
throughout his life. Both the perpetrator and the victim are
irreparably and irreversibly damaged.

7. Alcohol is prohibited in the Hadith
The Prophet of Islam Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
a. In Sunan Ibn-I-Majah Volume 3, Book of Intoxicants, Chapter
30 Hadith No. 3371.

"Alcohol is the mother of all evils and it is the most shameful of
evils."
b. In Sunan Ibn-I-Majah Volume 3, Book of Intoxicants, Chapter
30 Hadith No. 3392

"Anything which intoxicates in a large quantity, is prohibited even in
a small quantity."
Thus there is no excuse for a nip or a tot.
c. Not only those who drink alcohol are cursed but also those
who deal with them directly or indirectly are cursed by Allah.
According to Sunan Ibn-I-Majah Volume 3, Book of Intoxicants, Chapter
30 HadithNo. 3380.
It was reported by Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), that Prophet
Muhammad (pbuh) said:
"God's curse falls on ten groups of people who deal with alcohol. The
one who distills it, the one for whom it has been distilled, the one
who drinks it, the one who transports it, the one to who it has been
brought, the one whom serves it, the one who sells it, the one who
utilizes money from it, the one who buys it and the one who buys it
for someone else."

8. Diseases associated with alcoholism
There are several scientific reasons for the prohibition of
consumption of intoxicants i.e. alcohol. The maximum number of deaths
in the world related to any one particular cause is due to the
consumption of alcohol. Millions of people die every year only because
of intake of alcohol. I need not go into the details of all the ill-
effects of alcohol since most of them are commonly known. Below is a
simple list of few of the alcohol related illnesses:
1. Cirrhosis of Liver is the most well known alcohol associated
disease.
2. Others are Cancer of Oesophagus, Cancer of Head and Neck,
Cancer of Liver (Hepatoma), Cancer of Bowel, etc.
3. Oesophagitis, Gastritis, Pancreatitis and Hepatitis are
linked with alcohol consumption.
4. Cardiomyopathy, Hypertension, Coronary Artherosclerosis,
Angina and Heart Attacks are linked with heavy alcohol intakes.
5. Strokes, Apoplexy, Fits and different types of Paralysis are
linked with alcohol intake.
6. Peripheral Neuropathy, Cortical Atrophy, Cerebellar Atrophy
are well-known syndromes caused by alcohol consumption.
7. Wernicke – Korsakoff syndrome with amnesia of recent events,
confabulations andretainment of memory to old events with different
types of paralysis are mainly due to thiamine deficiency due to
excessive alcohol intake.
8. Beriberi and other deficiencies are not uncommon among
alcoholics. Even Pellagra occurs in alcoholics.
9. Delerium Tremens is a serious complication that may occur
during recurrent infection of alcoholics or post operatively. It also
occurs during abstention as a sign of withdrawal effect. It is quite
serious and may cause death even if treated in well equipped centres.
10. Numerous Endocrine Disorders have been associated with
alcoholism ranging fromMyxodema to Hyperthyroidism and Florid Cushing
Syndrome.
11. Hematological ill effects are long and variable. Folic acid
deficiency, however, is the most common manifestation of alcoholic
abuse resulting in Macrocytic Anemia.Zeive's syndrome is a triad of
Hemolytic Anemia, Jaundice and Hyperlipaedemiathat follows alcoholic
binges.
12. Thrombocytopenia and other platelet abnormalities are not rare
in alcoholics.
13. The commonly used tablet metronidazole (flagyl) interacts badly
with alcohol.
14. Recurrent infection is very common among chronic alcoholics. The
resistance to disease and the immunological defense system are
compromised by alcohol intake.
15. Chest infections are notorious in alcoholics. Pneumonia, Lung
Abcess, Emphysema and Pulmonary Tuberculosis are all common in
alcoholics.
16. During acute alcoholic intoxication, the drunk person usually
vomits, the cough reflexes which are protective are paralysed. The
vomitus thus easily pass to the lung causing Pneumonia or Lung
Abscess. Occasionally it may even cause suffocation and death.
17. The ill effects of alcohol consumption on women deserves special
mention. Females are more vulnerable to alcohol-related Cirrhosis than
men. During pregnancy alcohol consumption has a severe detrimental
effect on the foetus. Foetal Alcohol Syndrome is being recognised more
and more in the medical profession.
18. Skin diseases are also related to alcohol indulgence.
19. Eczema, Alopecia, Nail Dystrophy, Paronychia (infection around
the nails) and Angular Stomatitis (inflammation of the angle of the
mouth) are common diseases among alcoholics.

9. Alcoholism is a 'disease'
Medical doctors have now turned liberal towards alcoholics and call
alcoholism a disease rather than an addiction.
The Islamic Research Foundation has published a pamphlet that says:
If alcohol is a disease, it is the only disease that:
- Is sold in bottles
- Is advertised in newspapers, magazines, on radio and television
- Has licensed outlets to spread it
- Produces revenue for the government
- Brings violent deaths on the highways
- Destroys family life and increases crime
- Has no germs or viral cause
ALCOHOLISM IS NOT A DISEASE – IT IS SATAN'S HANDIWORK
Allah (swt) in His Infinite Wisdom has warned us against this snare of
Satan. Islam is called the "Deen-ul-Fitrah" or the natural religion of
Man. All its injunctions are aimed at preserving the natural state of
man. Alcohol is a deviation from this natural state, for the
individual as well as for society. It degrades man to a level below
that of the beasts he claims to be superior to. Hence the consumption
of alcohol is prohibited in Islam.

EQUALITY OF WITNESSES
Question:
Why are two witnesses who are women, equivalent to only one witness
who is a man ?
Answer:
It is not true that two female witnesses are always considered as
equal to only one male witness. It is true only in certain cases.
There are about five verses in the Qur'an that mention witnesses,
without specifying male or female. There is only one verse in the
Qur'an, that says two female witnesses are equal to one male witness.
This verse is Surah Baqarah, chapter 2 verse 282. This is the longest
verse in the Qur'an and deals with financial transactions. It says:
"Oh! ye who believe!
When ye deal with each other,
in transactions involving future obligation
in a fixed period of time
reduce them to writing and get two witnesses
out of your own men and if there are not two men,
then a man and two women, such as ye choose,
for witnesses so that if one of them errs
the other can remind her."
[Al-Qur'an 2:282]
This verse of the Qur'an deals only with financial transactions. In
such cases, it is advised to make an agreement in writing between the
parties and take two witnesses, preferably both of which should be men
only. In case you cannot find two men, then one man and two women
would suffice.
For instance, suppose a person wants to undergo an operation for a
particular ailment. To confirm the treatment, he would prefer taking
references from two qualified surgeons. In case he is unable to find
two surgeons, his second option would be one surgeon and two general
practitioners who are plain MBBS doctors.
Similarly in financial transactions, two men are preferred. Islam
expects men to be the breadwinners of their families. Since financial
responsibility is shouldered by men, they are expected to be well
versed in financial transactions as compared to women. As a second
option, the witness can be one man and two women, so that if one of
the women errs the other can remind her. The Arabic word used in the
Qur'an is 'Tazil' which means 'confused' or 'to err'. Many have
wrongly translated this word as 'to forget'. Thus financial
transactions constitute the only case in which two female witnesses
are equal to one male witness.
However, some scholars are of the opinion that the feminine attitude
can also have an effect on the witness in a murder case. In such
circumstances a woman is more terrified as compared to a man. Due to
her emotional condition she can get confused. Therefore, according to
some jurists, even in cases of murder, two female witnesses are
equivalent to one male witness. In all other cases, one female witness
is equivalent to one male witness. There are about five verses in the
Qur'an which speak about witnesses without specifying man or woman.
While making a will of inheritance, two just persons are required as
witnesses. In SurahMaidah chapter 5 verse 106, the Glorious Qur'an
says:
"Oh you who believe!
When death approaches any of you,
(take) witnesses among yourself when making bequests."
[Al-Qur'an 5:106]
two just persons of your own (brotherhood)
or other from outside if you are journeying
through the earth and the chance of death befalls you."
[Al-Qur'an 65:2]
Two persons endued with justice in case of talaq.

"Four witnesses are required
in case of charge against chaste women,
[Al-Qur'an 24:4]
There are some scholars who are of the opinion that the rule of two
female witnesses equal to one male witness should be applied to all
the cases. This cannot be agreed upon because one particular verse of
the Qur'an from Surah Noor chapter 24, verse 6 clearly equates one
female witness and one male witness:
"And those who launch a charge
against their spouses, and have (in support)
no evidence but their own -
their solitary evidence can be received."
[Al-Qur'an 24:6]
Hazrat Ayesha (RA) hadith narrated of one witness
Many jurists agree that even one witness of a woman is sufficient for
the sighting of the crescent of the moon. Imagine one woman witness is
sufficient for one of the pillars of Islam, i.e. fasting and the whole
Muslim community of men and women agree and accept her witness! Some
jurists say that one witness is required at the beginning of Ramadaan
and two witnesses at the end of Ramadaan. It makes no difference
whether the witnesses are men or women.
Some incidents require only female witness and that of a male cannot
be accepted. For instance, in dealing with the problems of women,
while giving the burial bath i.e. 'ghusl' to a woman, the witness has
to be a woman.
The seeming inequality of male and female witnesses in financial
transactions is not due to any inequality of the sexes in Islam. It is
only due to the different natures and roles of men and women in
society as envisaged by Islam.

INHERITANCE
Question:
Under Islamic law, why is a woman's share of the inherited wealth only
half that of a man?
Answer:
The Glorious Qur'an contains specific and detailed guidance regarding
the division of the inherited wealth, among the rightful
beneficiaries.
The Qur'anic verses that contain guidance regarding inheritance are:
* Surah Baqarah, chapter 2 verse 180
* Surah Baqarah, chapter 2 verse 240
* Surah Nisa, chapter 4 verse 7-9
* Surah Nisa, chapter 4 verse 19
* Surah Nisa, chapter 4 verse 33 and
* Surah Maidah, chapter 5 verse 106-108
There are three verses in the Qur'an that broadly describe the share
of close relatives i.e.Surah Nisah chapter 4 verses 11, 12 and 176.
The translation of these verses are as follows:
"Allah (swt) (thus) directs you as regards your children's
(inheritance): to the male, a portion equal to that of two females, if
only daughters, two or more, their share is two-thirds of the
inheritance; If only one, her share is a half.
For parents, a sixth share of the inheritance to each, if the deceased
left children; If no children, and the parents are the (only) heirs,
the mother has a third; if the deceased left brothers (or sisters) the
mother has a sixth. (The distribution in all cases is) after the
payment of legacies and debts. Ye know not whether your parents or
your children are nearest to you in benefit. These are settled
portions ordained by Allah; and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
In what your wives leave, your share is half. If they leave no child;
but if they leave a child, ye get a fourth; after payment of legacies
and debts. In what ye leave, their share is a fourth, if ye leave no
child; but if ye leave a child, they get an eight; after payment of
legacies and debts. If the man or woman whose inheritance is in
question, has left neither ascendants nor descendants, but has left a
brother or a sister, each one of the two gets a sixth; but if more
than two, they share in a third; after payment of legacies and debts;
so that no loss is caused (to anyone). Thus it is ordained by Allah;
and Allah is All-Knowing Most Forbearing"
[Al-Qur'an 4:11-12]
"They ask thee for a legal decision. Say: Allah directs (them) about
those who leave no descendants or ascendants as heirs. If it is a man
that dies, leaving a sister but no child, she shall have half the
inheritance. If (such a deceased was) a woman who left no child,
Herbrother takes her inheritance. If there are two sisters, they shall
have two thirds of the inheritance (between them). If there are
brothers and sisters, (they share), the male having twice the share of
the female. Thus doth Allah (swt) makes clear to you (His knowledge of
all things).
[Al-Qur'an 4:176]
In most of the cases, a woman inherits half of what her male
counterpart inherits. However, this is not always the case. In case
the deceased has left no ascendant or descendent but has left the
uterine brother and sister, each of the two inherit one sixth. If the
deceased has left children, both the parents that is mother and father
get an equal share and inherit one sixth each. In certain cases, a
woman can also inherit a share that is double that of the male. If the
deceased is a woman who has left no children, brothers or sisters and
is survived only by her husband, mother and father, the husband
inherits half the property while the mother inherits one third and the
father the remaining one sixth. In this particular case, the mother
inherits a share that is double that of the father. It is true that as
a general rule, in most cases, the female inherits a share that is
half that of the male. For instance in the following cases:
1. daughter inherits half of what the son inherits,
2. wife inherits 1/8th and husband 1/4th if the deceased has no
children.
3. Wife inherits 1/4th and husband 1/2 if the deceased has children
4. If the deceased has no ascendant or descendent, the sister inherits
a share that is half that of the brother.
In Islam a woman has no financial obligation and the economical
responsibility lies on the shoulders of the man. Before a woman is
married it is the duty of the father or brother to look after the
lodging, boarding, clothing and other financial requirements of the
woman. After she is married it is the duty of the husband or the son.
Islam holds the man financially responsible for fulfilling the needs
of his family. In order to do be able to fulfill the responsibility
the men get double the share of the inheritance. For example, if a man
dies leaving about Rs. One Hundred and Fifty Thousand, for the
children (i.e one son and one daughter) the son inherits One Hundred
Thousand rupees and the daughter only Fifty Thousand rupees. Out of
the one hundred thousand which the son inherits, as his duty towards
his family, he may have to spend on them almost the entire amount or
say about eighty thousand and thus he has a small percentage of
inheritance, say about twenty thousand, left for himself. On the other
hand, the daughter, who inherits fifty thousand is not bound to spend
a single penny on anybody. She can keep the entire amount for herself.
Would you prefer inheriting one hundred thousand rupees and spending
eighty thousand from it, or inheriting fifty thousand rupees and
having the entire amount to yourself?

IS THE QUR'AN GOD'S WORD?
Question
How can you prove that the Qur'an is the word of God?
Answer
(to be corrected and provided after a few days)
* approximately 5 pages

HEREAFTER - LIFE AFTER DEATH

Question
How can you prove the existence of hereafter, i.e. life after death?
Answer

1. Belief in the hereafter is not based on blind faith?
Many people wonder as to how a person with a scientific and logical
temperament, can lend any credence to the belief of life after death.
People assume that anyone believing in the hereafter is doing so on
the basis of blind belief.
My belief in the hereafter is based on a logical argument.

2. Hereafter a logical belief
There are more than a thousand verses in the Glorious Qur'an,
containing scientific facts (refer my book "Qur'an and Modern Science-
Compatible or Incompatible?"). Many facts mentioned in the Qur'an have
been discovered in the last few centuries. But science has not
advanced to a level where it can confirm every statement of the
Qur'an.
Suppose 80% of all that is mentioned in the Qur'an has been proved
100% correct. About the remaining 20%, science makes no categorical
statement, since it has not advanced to a level, where it can either
prove or disprove these statements. With the limited knowledge that we
have, we cannot say for sure whether even a single percentage or a
single verse of theQur'an from this 20% portion is wrong. Thus when
80% of the Qur'an is 100% correct and the remaining 20% is not
disproved, logic says that even the 20% portion is correct. The
existence of the hereafter, which is mentioned in the Qur'an, falls in
the 20% ambiguous portion which my logic says is correct.

3. Concept of peace and human values is useless without the concept
of hereafter
Is robbing a good or an evil act? A normal balanced person would say
it is evil. How would a person who does not believe in the hereafter
convince a powerful and influential criminal that robbing is evil?
Suppose I am the most powerful and influential criminal in the world.
At the same time I am an Intelligent and a logical person. I say that
robbing is good because it helps me lead a luxurious life. Thus
robbing is good for me.
If anybody can put forward a single logical argument as to why it is
evil for me, I will stop immediately. People usually put forward the
following arguments:
a. The person who is robbed will face difficulties
Some may say that the person who is robbed will face difficulties. I
certainly agree that it is bad for the person who is robbed. But it is
good for me. If I rob a thousand dollars, I can enjoy a good meal at a
5 star restaurant.
b. Someone may rob you
Some people argue that someday I may be robbed. No one can rob me
because I am a very powerful criminal and I have hundreds of
bodyguards. I can rob anybody but nobody can rob me. Robbing may be a
risky profession for a common man but not for an influential person
like me.
c. The police may arrest you
Some may say, if you rob, you can be arrested by the police. The
police cannot arrest me because I have the police on my payroll. I
have the ministers on my payroll. I agree that if a common man robs,
he will be arrested and it will be bad for him, but I am an
extraordinarily influential and powerful criminal.
Give me one logical reason why it is bad for me and I will stop
robbing.
d. Its easy money
Some may say its easy money and not hard-earned money. I agree
completely that it is easy money, and that is one of the main reasons
why I rob. If a person has the option of earning money the easy as
well as the hard way, any logical person would choose the easy way.
e. It is against humanity
Some may say it is against humanity and that a person should care for
other human beings. I counter argue by asking as to who wrote this law
called 'humanity' and why should I follow it?
This law may be good for the emotional and sentimental people but I am
a logical person and I see no benefit in caring for other human
beings.
f. It is a selfish act
Some may say that robbing is being selfish. It is true that robbing is
a selfish act; but then why should I not be selfish? It helps me enjoy
life.
1. No logical reason for robbing being an evil act
Hence all arguments that attempt to prove that robbing is an evil act
are futile. These arguments may satisfy a common man but not a
powerful and influential criminal like me. None of the arguments can
be defended on the strength of reason and logic. It is no surprise
that there are so many criminals in this world.
Similarly raping, cheating etc. can be justified as good for a person
like me and there is no logical argument that can convince me that
these things are bad.
2. A Muslim can convince a powerful and influential criminal
Now let us switch sides. Suppose you are the most powerful and
influential criminal in the world, who has the police and the
ministers on his payroll. You have army of thugs to protect you. I am
a Muslim who will convince you that robbing, raping, cheating, etc.
are evil acts.
Even if I put forth the same arguments to prove that robbing is evil
the criminal will respond the same way as he did earlier.
I agree that the criminal is being logical and all his arguments are
true only when he is the most powerful and influential criminal.
3. Every human being wants justice
Each and every human being desires justice. Even if he does not want
justice for others he wants justice for himself. Some people are
intoxicated by power and influence and inflict pain and suffering on
others. The same people, however, would surely object if some
injustice was done to them. The reason such people become insensitive
to the suffering of others is that they worship power and influence.
Power and influence, they feel, not only allows them to inflict
injustice on others but also prevents others from doing likewise to
them.
4. God is Most Powerful and Just
As a Muslim I would convince the criminal about the existence of
Almighty God (refer to answer proving the existence of God). This God
is more powerful than you and at the same time is also just. The
Glorious Qur'an says:
"Allah is never unjust
In the least degree"
[Al-Qur'an 4:40]
5. Why does God not punish me?
The criminal, being a logical and scientific person, agrees that God
exists, after being presented with scientific facts from the Qur'an.
He may argue as to why God, if He is Powerful and Just, does not
punish him.
6. The people who do injustice should be punished
Every person who has suffered injustice, irrespective of financial or
social status, almost certainly wants the perpetrator of injustice to
be punished. Every normal person would like the robber or the rapist
to be taught a lesson. Though a large number of criminals are
punished, many even go scot-free. They lead a pleasant, luxurious
life, and even enjoy a peaceful existence. If injustice is done to a
powerful and influential person, by someone more powerful and more
influential than he, even such a person would want that person
perpetrators of injustice to be punished.
7. This life is a test for the hereafter
This life is a test for the hereafter. The Glorious Qur'an says:
"He who created Death
And life that He
May try which of you
Is best in deed;
And He is the Exalted
In Might, Oft-Forgiving"
[Al-Qur'an 67:2]
8. Final justice on day of judgement
The Glorious Qur'an says:
"Every soul shall have
A taste of death:
And only on the Day
Of Judgement shall you
Be paid your full recompense.
Only he who is saved
Far from the Fire
And admitted to the Garden
Will have attained
The object (of life):
For the life of this world
Is but goods and chattels
Of deception."
[Al-Qur'an 3:185]
Final justice will be meted out on the Day of Judgement. After a
person dies, he will be resurrected on the Day of Judgement along with
the rest of mankind. It is possible that a person receives part of his
punishment in this world. The final reward and punishment will only be
in the hereafter. God Almighty may not punish a robber or a rapist in
this world but he will surely be held accountable on the Day of
Judgement and will be punished in the hereafter i.e. life after death.
9. What punishment can the human law give Hitler?
Hitler incinerated six million Jews during his reign of terror. Even
if the police had arrested him, what punishment can the human law give
Hitler for justice to prevail? The most they can do is to send Hitler
to the gas chamber. But that will only be punishment for the killing
of one Jew. What about the remaining five million, nine hundred and
ninety nine thousand, nine hundred and ninety-nine Jews?
10. Allah can burn Hitler more than six million times in hellfire
Allah say in the Glorious Qur'an:
"Those who reject
Our signs, We shall soon
Cast into the Fire;
As often as their skins
Are roasted through,
We shall change them
For fresh skins,
That they may taste
The penalty: for Allah
Is Exalted in Power, Wise"
[Al-Qur'an 4:56]
If Allah wishes he can incinerate Hitler six million times in the
hereafter in the hellfire.
11. No concept of human values or good and bad without concept of
hereafter
It is clear that without convincing a person about the hereafter, i.e.
life after death, the concept of human values and the good or evil
nature of acts is impossible to prove to any person who is doing
injustice especially when he is influential and powerful.

WHY ARE MUSLIMS DIVIDED INTO SECTS / DIFFERENT SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT?

Question:
When all the Muslim follow one and the same Qur'an then why are there
so many sects and different schools of thoughts among Muslims?
Answer:

1. Muslims Should be United
It is a fact that Muslims today, are divided amongst themselves. The
tragedy is that such divisions are not endorsed by Islam at all. Islam
believes in fostering unity amongst its followers.
The Glorious Qur'an says:
"And hold fast,
All together, by the rope
Which Allah (stretches out for you),
and be not divided among yourselves;"
[Al-Qur'an 3:103]
Which is the rope of Allah that is being referred to in this verse? It
is the Glorious Qur'an. The Glorious Qur'an is the rope of Allah which
all Muslims should hold fast together. There is double emphasis in
this verse. Besides saying 'hold fast all together' it also says, 'be
not divided'.
Qur'an further says,
"Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger"
[Al-Qur'an 4:59]
All the Muslim should follow the Qur'an and authentic Ahadith and be
not divided among themselves.

2. It is Prohibited to make sects and divisions in Islam
The Glorious Qur'an says:
"As for those who divide
Their religion and break up
Into sects, thou hast
No part in them in the least:
Their affair is with Allah:
He will in the end
Tell them the truth
Of all that they did."
[Al-Qur'an 6:159]
In this verse Allah (swt) says that one should disassociate oneself
from those who divide their religion and break it up into sects.
But when one asks a Muslim, "who are you?", the common answer is
either 'I am a Sunni, or 'I am a Shia'. Some call themselves Hanafi,
or Shafi or Maliki or Humbali. Some say 'I am a Deobandi', while some
others say 'I am a Barelvi'.

3. Our Prophet was a Muslim
One may ask such Muslims, "Who was our beloved prophet (pbuh)? Was he
a Hanafi or aShafi, or a Humbali or a Maliki?" No! He was a Muslim,
like all the other prophets and messengers of Allah before him.
It is mentioned in chapter 3 verse 52 of Al-Qur'an that Jesus (pbuh)
was a Muslim.
Further, in chapter 3 verse 67, Al-Qur'an says that Ibrahim (pbuh) was
not a Jew or a Christian but was a Muslim.

4. Qur'an says call yourselves Muslim
a. If anyone poses a Muslim the question who are you, he should
say "I am a MUSLIM, not a Hanafi or a Shafi". Surah Fussilat chapter
41 verse 33 says
"Who is better in speech
Than one who calls (men)
To Allah, works righteousness,
And says, 'I am of those
Who bow in Islam (Muslim)?' "
[Al-Qur'an 41:33]

The Qur'an says "Say I am of those who bow in Islam". In other words,
say, "I am a Muslim".
b. The Prophet (pbuh) dictated letters to non-Muslim kings and
rulers inviting them to accept Islam. In these letters he mentioned
the verse of the Qur'an from Surah AliImran chapter 3 verse 64:
Say ye: "Bear witness
That we (at least)
Are Muslims (bowing
To Allah's Will)."
[Al-Qur'an 3:64]

5. Respect all the Great Scholars of Islam
We must respect all the great scholars of Islam, including the four
Imaams, Imam AbuHanifa, Imam Shafi, Imam Humbal and Imam Malik (may
Allah be pleased with them all). They were great scholars and may
Allah reward them for their research and hardwork. One can have no
objection if someone agrees with the views and research of Imam Abu
Hanifa or Imam Shafi, etc. But when posed a question, 'who are you?',
the reply should only be 'I am a Muslim'.
Some may argue by quoting the hadith of our beloved Prophet from Sunan
Abu DawoodHadith No. 4579. In this hadith the prophet (pbuh) is
reported to have said, "My community will be split up into seventy-
three sects."
This hadith reports that the prophet predicted the emergence of
seventy-three sects. He did not say that Muslims should be active in
dividing themselves into sects. The Glorious Qur'ancommands us not to
create sects. Those who follow the teachings of the Qur'an and
SahihHadith, and do not create sects are the people who are on the
true path.
According to Tirmidhi Hadith No. 171, the prophet (pbuh) is reported
to have said, "MyUmmah will be fragmented into seventy-three sects,
and all of them will be in Hell fire except one sect." The companions
asked Allah's messenger which group that would be. Where upon he
replied, "It is the one to which I and my companions belong."
The Glorious Qur'an mentions in several verses, "Obey Allah and obey
His Messenger". A true Muslim should only follow the Glorious Qur'an
and the Sahih Hadith. He can agree with the views of any scholar as
long as they conform to the teachings of the Qur'an and SahihHadith.
If such views go against the Word of Allah, or the Sunnah of His
Prophet, then theycarry no weight, regardless of how learned the
scholar might be.
If only all Muslims read the Qur'an with understanding and adhere to
Sahih Hadith, Inshallahmost of these differences would be solved and
we could be one united Muslim Ummah

ALL RELIGIONS TEACH MEN TO BE RIGHTEOUS, THEN WHY FOLLOW ONLY ISLAM?

Question
All religions basically teach followers to do good deeds. Why should a
person only follow Islam? Can he not follow any of the religions?
Answer

1. Major difference between Islam and most other religions
All religions basically exhort mankind to be righteous and eschew
evil. But Islam goes beyond that. It guides us towards practical ways
of achieving righteousness and eliminating evil from our individual
and collective lives. Islam takes into account human nature and the
complexities of human society. Islam is guidance from the Creator
Himself. Therefore, Islam is also called the Deen-ul-Fitrah (the
natural religion of Man).

2. Example - Islam commands us to shun robbery and also prescribes
method ofeleminating robbery
a. Islam prescribes method of eliminating robbery
All major religions teach that theft is an evil act. Islam teaches the
same. So what is the difference between Islam and the other religions?
The difference lies in the fact that Islam, besides teaching that
robbing is evil, shows a practical way of creating a social structure
in which people will not rob.
b. Islam prescribes Zakaat
Islam prescribes a system of Zakaat (obligatory annual charity).
Islamic law prescribes that every person who has a saving that exceeds
the nisaab level i.e. more than 85 grams of gold, should give 2.5% of
that saving every lunar year in charity. If every rich person in the
world gave Zakaat sincerely, poverty will be eradicated from this
world. Not a single human being would die of hunger.
c. Chopping off the hands as punishment for robbery
Islam prescribes chopping off the hands of the convicted robber. The
Glorious Qur'ansays in Surah Maidah:
"As to the thief, male or female, cut off his or her hands:a
punishment by way
of example, from Allah, for their crime: and Allah is Exalted in
power, full of wisdom."
[ Al-Qur'an 5:38]
The non-Muslim may say, "Chopping off the hands in this 20th century.
Islam is a barbaric and ruthless religion!"
d. Results achieved when Islamic Shariah Implemented
America is supposed to be one of the most advanced countries in the
world. Unfortunately it also has one of the highest rates of crime,
theft, and robbery. Suppose the Islamic shariah is implemented in
America i.e. every rich person givesZakaat ( 2.5% of his savings in
charity above 85 grams of gold every lunar year), and every convicted
robber has his or her hands chopped off as a punishment. Will the rate
of theft and robbery in America increase, remain same or decrease?
Naturally it will decrease. Moreover the existence of such a stringent
law would discourage many a potential robber.
I agree that the amount of theft that takes place in the world today
is so tremendous that if you chop off the hands of all the thieves,
there will be tens of thousands of people whose hands will be chopped
off. The point here is that the moment you implement this law the rate
of theft will decline immediately. The potential robber would give it
a serious thought before jeopardizing his limbs. The mere thought of
the punishment itself will discourage majority of the robbers. There
will barely be a few who would rob. Hence only a few person's hands
would be chopped off but millions would live peacefully without fear
of being robbed.
Islamic Shariah is therefore practical, and achieves results.

3. Example: Islam prohibits the molestation and rape of women. It
enjoins hijaaband prescribes capital punishment for a convicted
rapist.
a. Islam prescribes method of eliminating molestation and rape
All the major religions declare the molestation and rape of women as
grave sins. Islam teaches the same. What then is the difference
between Islam and the other religions? The difference lies in the fact
that Islam does not merely preach respect for women, or abhor
molestation and rape as serious crimes, but also gives clear guidance
as to how society can eliminate such crimes.

b. Hijaab for men
Islam has a system of hijaab. The Glorious Qur'an first mentions
hijaab for the men and then for the women. Hijaab for the men is
mentioned in the following verse:
"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard
their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah
is well acquainted with all that they do."
[Al-Qur'an 24:30]
The moment a man looks at a woman and if any brazen or unashamed
thought comes to his mind, he should lower his gaze.
c. Hijaab for women
Hijaab for women is mentioned in the following verse:
"And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and
guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and
ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they
should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty
except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers,
their sons...."
[Al-Qur'an 24:31]
The extent of hijaab for a woman is that her complete body should be
covered. The only part that can be seen, are the face and the hands up
to the wrists. If they wish to cover, they can even cover these parts
of the body. However some Islamic scholars insist that even the face
should be covered.
d. Hijaab prevents molestation
The reason why Allah has prescribed Hijaab for the women is given in
the Qur'an in the folowing verse of Surah Al-Ahzab:
"O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women,that
they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when
abroad): that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such)
and not molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, most Merciful."

[Al-Qur'an 33:59]
The Qur'an says that Hijaab has been prescribed for the women so that
they are recognized as modest women this would prevent them from being
molested.

e. Example of twin sisters
Suppose two sisters who are twins and who are equally beautiful, walk
down a street. One of them is wearing the Islamic Hijaab i.e. the
complete body is covered except for the face and the hands up to the
wrists, and the other twin is wearing a mini skirt or shorts. Around
the corner there is a hooligan who is waiting for an opportunity to
tease a girl. Who will he tease? The girl wearing the Islamic Hijaab
or the girl wearing the mini skirt or shorts? Dresses that expose more
than they conceal, are an indirect temptation to the opposite sex for
teasing, molestation and rape. The Qur'an rightly says that the hijaab
prevents women from being molested.

f. Capital punishment for rapist
The Islamic shariah prescribes capital punishment for a convicted
rapist. The non-Muslim may be horrified at such a stringent punishment
in this age. Many accuse Islam of being ruthless and barbaric. I have
asked a common question to hundreds of non-Muslim men. Suppose God-
forbid, some one rapes your wife, your mother or your sister and you
are made the judge. The rapist is brought in front of you. What
punishment would you give him? All of them said, "we would put him to
death." Some went to the extent of saying, "we would torture him to
death", If your wife or your mother is raped you want the rapist to be
put to death. But if someone else's wife or mother is raped, capital
punishment is a barbaric law. Why the double standards?

g. U.S.A. has one of the highest rate of Rape
The United States of America is supposed to be one of the most
advanced countries of the world. An F.B.I report in the year 1990 says
that 1,02,555 cases of rape were reported. It further says that only
16% of the cases of rapes are reported. Thus, in order to know the
actual number of rapes that took place in 1990, the reported figure
should be multiplied by 6.25. We get a total of 6,40,968 rape cases
that took place in the year 1990. If the total is divided by 365 the
number of days in a year, we get an average of 1,756 rape incidents
everyday.
Later another report said that an average of 1900 cases of rape are
committed in U.S.A every day. According to National Crime
Victimization Survey Bureau of Justice Statistics (U. S. Dept. of
Justice) in 1996 alone 3,07,000 cases of rape were reported. Only 31%
of the actual cases of rape were reported. Thus, 3,07,000 X 3.226 =
9,90,322 rapes took place in 1996. That is, an average of 2,713 cases
of rape took place everyday in America in 1996. Every 32 seconds one
rape is taking place in America. Maybe American rapists got bolder.
The FBI report of 1990 continues and says that out of the rape cases
that were reported only 10% of therapist were arrested, that is only
1.6% of the actual rapes committed. Out of those arrested, 50% were
let free before the trial. This would mean that only 0.8% of the
rapists faced a trial. In other words if a person commits 125 rapes
the chances that he will get a punishment for rape is only once. Many
would consider this a good gamble. And the report says that of those
people who faced trial 50% received sentences of less than a year's
imprisonment though the American law says rape carries a seven year
sentence of imprisonment. For a rapist, the judge is lenient to first
time offenders. Imagine a person commits 125 rapes and the chances of
being convicted is only once, and 50% of the time the judge will grant
leniency and give a sentence of less than a year!
h. Results achieved when Islamic Shariah Implemented
Suppose the Islamic shariah is implemented in America. Whenever a man
looks at a woman and if any brazen or unashamed thought comes to his
mind, he lowers his gaze. Every woman wears the Islamic Hijaab, that
is the complete body is covered except the face and the hands upto the
wrists. After this if any man commits rape, he gets capital
punishment. The question is, will the rate of rape in America
increase, will it remain the same or will it decrease? Naturally it
will decrease. Islamic Shariahgets results.

4. Islam has Practical Solutions for the Problems of Mankind
Islam is the best way of life because its teachings are not
doctrinaire rhetoric but practical solutions for the problems of
mankind. Islam achieves results both at the 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.

VAST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ISLAM AND THE ACTUAL PRACTICE OF MUSLIMS
Question:
If Islam is the best religion, why are many of the Muslims dishonest,
unreliable, and involved in activities such as cheating, bribing,
dealing in drugs, etc.?
Answer:

1. Media maligns Islam
a. Islam is without doubt the best religion but the media is in the
hands of the westerners who are afraid of Islam. The media is
continuously broadcasting and printing information against Islam. They
either provide misinformation about Islam, misquote Islam or project a
point out of proportion, if any.
b. When any bomb blasts take place anywhere, the first people to be
accused without proof are invariably the Muslims. This appears as
headlines in the news. Later, when they find that non-Muslims were
responsible, it appears as an insignificant news' item.
c. If a 50 year old Muslim marries a 15 year old girl after taking her
permission, it appears on the front page but when a 50 year old non-
Muslim rapes a 6 year old girl, it may appear in the news in the
inside pages as 'Newsbriefs'. Everyday in Americaon an average 2,713
cases of rape take place but it doesn't appear in the news, since it
has become a way of life for the Americans.

2. Black sheep in every community:
I am aware that there are some Muslims who are dishonest, unreliable,
who cheat, etc. but the media projects this as though only Muslims are
involved in such activities. There are black sheep in every community.
I know Muslims who are alcoholics and who can drink most of the non-
Muslims under the table.

3. Muslims best as a whole:
Inspite of all the black sheep in the Muslim community, Muslims taken
on the whole, yet form the best community in the world. We are the
biggest community of tee-totallers as a whole, i.e. those who don't
imbibe alcohol. Collectively, we are a community which gives the
maximum charity in the world. There is not a single person in the
world who can even show a candle to the Muslims where modesty is
concerned; where sobriety is concerned; where human values and ethics
are concerned.

4. Don't judge a car by its driver:
If you want to judge how good is the latest model of the "Mercedes"
car and a person who does not know how to drive sits at the steering
wheel and bangs up the car, who will you blame? The car or the driver?
But naturally, the driver. To analyze how good the car is, a person
should not look at the driver but see the ability and features of the
car. How fast is it, what is its average fuel consumption, what are
the safety measures, etc. Even if I agree for the sake of argument
that the Muslims are bad, we can't judge Islam by its followers? If
you want to judge how good Islam is then judge it according to its
authentic sources, i.e. the Glorious Qur'an and the Sahih Hadith.

5. Judge Islam by its best follower i.e. Prophet Mohammed (pbuh):
If you practically want to check how good a car is put an expert
driver behind the steering wheel. Similarly the best and the most
exemplary follower of Islam by whom you can check how good Islam is,
is the last and final messenger of God, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Besides Muslims, there are several honest and unbiased non-Muslim
historians who have acclaimed that prophet Muhammad was the best human
being. According to Michael H. Hart who wrote the book, 'The Hundred
Most Influential Men in History', the topmost position, i.e. the
number one position goes to the beloved prophet of Islam, Muhammad
(pbuh). There are several such examples of non-Muslims paying great
tributes to the prophet, like Thomas Carlyle, La-Martine, etc.

NON-MUSLIMS REFERRED AS 'KAFIRS'
Question:
Why do Muslims abuse non-Muslims by calling them 'Kafirs'?
Answer:

'Kafir' means one who rejects.
'Kafir' is derived from the word 'kufr', which means to conceal or to
reject. In Islamic terminology, 'Kafir' means one who conceals or
rejects the truth of Islam and a person who rejects Islam is in
English called a 'non-Muslim'.

If non-Muslims are hurt - they should accept Islam.
If any non-Muslim considers the word 'Kafir' i.e. 'non-Muslim' as an
abuse, he may choose to accept Islam and then we will stop referring
to him as or call him a kafir i.e. a non-Muslim.

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