Saling Berbagi Kajian Agama Islam

Question No.1
Why has Allaah created us?

Answer
To worship Him alone and to worship no other besides Him.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{And I have not created Jinn and human beings except they should worship Me}, {Soorah adh-Dhaariyaat, Aayah 56]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((The right of Allaah upon slaves is to worship Him and not to associate partners with Him)), Transmitted by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]


Question No.2
How should we worship Allaah?

Answer
As Allaah and His Messenger commanded us.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allaah, and worship none but Him alone}, {Soorah al-Bayyinah, Aayah 5]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Whoever does any deed (in religion) which our matter in not in accordance with, it will not be accepted)), [Transmitted by Muslim]


Question No.3
Should we worship Allaah with fear and hope?

Answer
Yes, we worship Him with fear and hope.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{And invoke Him with fear and hope}, {Soorah al-A'raaf, Aayah 56]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((I beseech Allaah to grant me Paradise and I seek refuge in Him from Hellfire)), [Transmitted by Abu Daawood]


Question No.4
What is Ihsaan (perfection in worship)?

Answer
Ihsaan is to be conscious that Allaah sees us during worship.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{Who sees you (O Muhammad) when you stand up (alone at night for Tahajjud prayer)}, {Soorah ash-Shu'araa, Aayah's 218]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Ihsaan is to worship Allaah as if you are seeing Him, yet truly He is seeing you)), [Transmitted by Muslim]


Question No.5
Why did Allaah send the Messengers?

Answer
To call mankind to His worship and to reject the worship of anything besides Allaah.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{And verily We have sent among every nation a Messenger (proclaiming) worship Allaah alone and avoid Taaghoot (false deities)}, {Soorah an-Nahl, Aayah 36]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((The prophets are brothers and their faith is one)), [Transmitted by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]


Question No.6
What is meant by (Tawheed) oneness of Allaah?

Answer
It means devoting worship to him alone like supplication, vow, judgment.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{So know (O Muhammad) that there is no God except Allaah}, {Soorah Muhammad, Aayah 19]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Let the first thing you invite them to do is to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allaah)), [Transmitted by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]


Question No.7
What is the meaning of there is no God but Allaah?

Answer
It means there is no deity that truly deserves to be worshipped except Allaah.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{That is because Allaah, He is the truth and that is which they invoke besides Him is al-Baatil (falsehood, Satan, and all other deities)}, {Soorah al-Hajj, Aayah 62]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Whoever says there is no God except Allaah and rejects whatever is worshipped besides Allaah, his property and blood become sacrosanct and his reckoning with Allaah , the Mighty and Exalted)), [Transmitted by Muslim]


Question No.8
What is meant by oneness of names and attributes of Allaah?

Answer
To confirm the names and attributes as Allaah described them in His Book and as His Messenger described them in authentic Sunnah.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{There is nothing like unto Him and His the All-Hearer, the All-Seer}, {Soorah ash-Shooraa, Aayah 11]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Allaah descends each night to the first heaven)), [Transmitted by Ahmad]


Question No.9
What is the benefit of monotheism (oneness of Allaah) to the Muslim?
Answer
Right guidance in this world and salvation from eternal punishment in the Hereafter.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{It is those who believe (in oneness of Allaah) and confuse not their belief with Thulm (wrong) by worshipping others besides Allaah) for them (only) there is security and they are guided}, {Soorah al-An'aam, Aayah 82]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((The right of worshippers upon Allaah is that He will not punish those who worship none beside Him)), [Transmitted by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]


Question No.10
Where is Allaah?

Answer
Allaah is over the Throne which is above the seven heavens.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{ar-Rahmaan (The Merciful) Istawaa (rose over) the Throne}, {Soorah Taa Haa, Aayah 5]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Allaah wrote out in a book with Him over the throne that His Mercy preceded His Wrath)), [Transmitted by al-Bukhaaree]


Question No.11
Is Allaah with us by His entity or knowledge?

Answer
Allaah with us by His knowledge, He hears and sees us.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{He (Allaah) said: Fear not, verily I am with you both, Hearing and Seeing}, {Soorah Taa Haa, Aayah 46]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((You call upon the one Who hears, Who is near and is with you)), [Transmitted by Muslim]


Question No.12
What is the greatest sin with Allaah?

Answer
It is the major Shirk (polytheism).

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{Verily whoever sets partners with Allaah, then Allaah has forbidden paradise for him and the Fire will be his abode}, {Soorah al-Maa.idah, Aayah 72]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((The Prophet was asked : what is the greater sin , he said: To ascribe partners to Allaah even though he created you)), [Transmitted by al-Bukhaaree]


Question No.13
What is the major shirk (polytheism)?

Answer
It is to devote any forms of worship to one other than Allaah.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{Verily Allaah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him in worship, but He forgives except that to whom He pleases}, {Soorah an-Nisaa., Aayah 48]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((The greatest sins are polytheism etc.)), [Transmitted by Muslim]


Question No.14
What is the harm of major shirk?

Answer
The reason for eternity in Hellfire.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{Verily whoever assigns partners (commits Shirk) to Allaah, Allaah makes it impermissible for him to enter al-Jannah}, {Soorah al-Maa.idah, Aayah 72]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Whoever died while joining partners with Allaah (commits Shirk) enters Hellfire)), [Transmitted by Muslim]


Question No.15
Are good deeds of any benefit to one who worships others besides Allaah?

Answer
No, good deeds are of no benefit to those who worship others besides Allaah.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{But if they had joined in worship others with Allaah, all that they used to do would have been of no benefit to them}, {Soorah al-An'aam, Aayah 88]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Who ever does any deed in which he associates partners with Me, I reject him and his Shirk)), [Transmitted by Muslim]


Question No.16
Does Shirk exist among Muslims today?

Answer
Yes, it does exist.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{And most of them believe not in Allaah except that they attribute partners (unto Him)}, {Soorah Yoosuf, Aayah 106]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((The doom Day will not occur until some tribes of my Ummah (Islaamic nation) have joined the idolaters and they will even worship idols)), [Transmitted by at-Tirmidhee]


Question No.17
What is ruling concerning praying (supplicating) to other than Allaah like the dead?

Answer
Praying to them is a major Shirk.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{Invoke not with Allaah another ilaah (God) Lest you be among those who receive punishment}, {Soorah ash-Shu'araa, Aayah 213]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Whoever dies having called upon partners besides Allaah shall enter Hellfire)), [Transmitted by al-Bukhaaree]


Question No.18
Is supplication a form of worship?

Answer
Yes, supplication is worship.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{And your Lord said: Invoke Me, I will respond to your invocation}, {Soorah Ghaafir, Aayah 60]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Supplication is worship)), [Transmitted by at-Tirmidhee]


Question No.19
Do dead hear our supplication?

Answer
No, they do not hear.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{But you can not make hear those who are in graves}, {Soorah Faatir, Aayah 22]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Allaah Has assigned angels to inform me of my nation salutation)), [Transmitted by Ahmad]


Question No.20
Do we seek help from those who are dead, or from those who are not present?

Answer
No we do not seek help from, we rather seek help from Allaah.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{Remember when you sought help of your Lord, and He answered you}, {Soorah al-Anfaal, Aayah 9]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((O Ever-Living, Self-Subsistent, upon Him all subsist, I seek help through Your Mercy)), [Transmitted by at-Tirmidhee]


Question No.21
Is it permitted to seek help from any other besides Allaah?

Answer
No, it is not permitted.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{You (alone) we worship and you (alone) we ask for help}, {Soorah al-Faatihah, Aayah 5]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((If you ask, ask of Allaah, if you seek help seek help of Allaah)), [Transmitted by at-Tirmidhee]


Question No.22
May seek help from the living?

Answer
Yes, in the matters in which they are able to help.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{Help one another in al-Birr and at-Taqwa (virtue, righteousness)}, {Soorah al-Maa.idah, Aayah 2]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Allaah helps the worshipper as long as the worshipper helps his brother)), [Transmitted by Muslim]


Question No.23
Is it allowed to make vows to other than Allaah?

Answer
No, it is not allowed to swear oaths except in Allaah’s Name.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{O my Lord I have vowed to You what is in my womb to be dedicated for Your services}, {Soorah Aal-'Imraan, Aayah 35]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Whoever vows to obey Allaah should obey Him, and whoever vows to disobey Him should not disobey Him)), [Transmitted by al-Bukhaaree]


Question No.24
Is it allowed to sacrifice in any name besides Allaah?

Answer
No, it is not allowed.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{Therefore turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice (to Him only)}, {Soorah al-Kowthar, Aayah 2]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Allaah curses whoever sacrifices and slaughters in any name other than Allaah)), [Transmitted by Muslim]


Question No.25
Is it permitted to circumambulate the graves of pious men?

Answer
No, it is not allowed.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{And circumambulate the Ancient House (the Ka'bah in Makkah)}, {Soorah al-Hajj, Aayah 29]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Whoever circumambulate the House (Ka'bah) seven times and prays two rak'ah)), [Transmitted by Ibn Maajah]


Question No.26
Is it allowed to pray while the grave is in front of you?

Answer
No, it is not allowed.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{So turn your face in the direction of al-Masjid al-Haraam}, {Soorah al-Baqarah, Aayah 144]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Don‘t sit on the graves and do not pray towards them)), [Transmitted by Muslim]


Question No.27
What is the ruling in Islaam concerning the practice of sihr (black magic/sorcery)?

Answer
The practice of sihr is considered an act of disbelief.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{But the Devils disbelieved, teaching men sihr (magic and such things)}, {Soorah al-Baqarah, Aayah 102]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Avoid seven destroyers: Shirk, sihr…)), [Transmitted by Muslim]


Question No.28
Should we believe the claims of fortunetellers and soothsayers?

Answer
No, we should not believe them.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{Say: None in the heavens and the earth knows the Ghayb (unseen)}, {Soorah an-Naml, Aayah 65]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Whoever goes to a fortuneteller or soothsayer, and believe what they say, has disbelieved in what has been revealed to Muhammad)), [Transmitted by Ahmad]


Question No.29
Does any one have the knowledge of the (unseen)?

Answer
No one but Allaah alone has the knowledge of the unseen.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{And with Him are the keys of Ghayb (unseen), none knows them but He}, {Soorah al-An'aam, Aayah 59]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((No one has the knowledge of the unseen except Allaah)), [Transmitted by at-Tabaraanee]


Question No.30
By what sources do the Muslims govern?

Answer
Muslims govern by laws laid down in the Qur.aan and authentic Ahadeeth.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{And so judge (you O Muhammad) between them by what Allaah has revealed}, {Soorah al-Maa.idah, Aayah 49]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Allaah is the judge and to whom is the return)), [Transmitted by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]


Question No.31
What is the ruling in Islaam concerning applying non – Islaamic laws?

Answer
It is an act of disbelief.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{And whosoever does not judge by what Allaah has revealed, such are the disbelievers}, {Soorah al-Maa.idah, Aayah 44]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((When the leaders do not rule by Allaah’s Book (Qur.aan) and choose the good from that which Allaah has revealed, Allaah will cause conflict among them)), [Transmitted by Ibn Maajah]


Question No.32
Is it permitted to swear by other than Allaah’s Name?

Answer
No, it is not permitted.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{Say: Yes! By my Lord you will certainly be resurrected}, {Soorah at-Taghaabun, Aayah 7]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Whoever swears by anyone other than Allaah, has associated partners with Allaah)), [Transmitted by Ahmad]


Question No.33
Should we wear good luck charms (like amulets or talismans)?

Answer
No, we should not wear them.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{And if Allaah touches you with harm none can remove it but He}, {Soorah al-An'aam, Aayah 17]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Whoever wears an amulet has committed Shirk)), [Transmitted by Ahmad]


Question No.34
Through what may we seek intercession with Allaah?

Answer
By His Names and Attributes.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{And (all ) the most beautiful Names belong to Allaah, so call on Him by them}, {Soorah al-A'raaf, Aayah 180]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((I ask you by all your names, with which you wave named your self)), [Transmitted by Ahmad]


Question No.35
Does any supplication to Allaah require a human intermediary?

Answer
No, prayer does not require a human intermediary.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{And when my slaves ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then I am indeed near (to them by My knowledge)}, {Soorah al-Baqarah, Aayah 186]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((You pray to the one who hears all and He is near and He is with you)), [Transmitted by Muslim]


Question No.36
What is the mediation (waasitah) of the Messenger?

Answer
The mediation of the Messenger is the transmission of Allaah’s Message.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{O Messenger (Muhammad) proclaim what has been sent down to you from your Lord}, {Soorah al-Maa.idah, Aayah 67]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Oh Allaah, have I proclaimed your message? Oh Allaah bear witness. (In response to the statement of the Sahaabah, "Indeed, we bear witness that you have proclaimed the message."))), [Transmitted by Muslim]


Question No.37
From whom may we seek the Messenger’s intercession?

Answer
From Allaah alone.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{Say: To Allaah belongs all intercession}, {Soorah az-Zumar, Aayah 44]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Oh Allaah grant to him (the Prophet) intercession for me)), [Transmitted by at-Tirmidhee]


Question No.38
How do we demonstrate our love for Allaah and his Messenger?

Answer
By obeying and following their commands.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{Say (O Muhammad to mankind) if you really love Allaah then follow me, Allaah will love you}, {Soorah Aal-'Imraan, Aayah 31]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((None of you have perfect faith until you love me more than your parents, children, and all mankind)), [Transmitted by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]


Question No.39
Should we be excessive in our praise for the Messenger?

Answer
No, we should not be excessive in our praise to him.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{Say I am only a man like you. It has been inspired to me that your god is one ilaah (Allaah)}, {Soorah al-Kahf, Aayah 110]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Do not exaggerate in praising me, I am only a slave. So say Allaah’s slave and Messenger)), [Transmitted by al-Bukhaaree]


Question No.40
Who were the first creation?

Answer
From human being was Adam and from things was the pen.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{Remember when your Lord said to the angels truly I am going to create man from clay}, {Soorah Sa'd, Aayah 71]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((The first thing created by Allaah was the pen)), [Transmitted by at-Tirmidhee and Abu Daawood]


Question No.41
From what was Prophet Muhammad created?

Answer
He was created from Nutfah (drops of semen - male and female discharges).

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{It is He Who created you (Adam) from dust, then from a Nutfah}, {Soorah Ghaafir, Aayah 67]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((In every one of you, all components are created together in your mother’s womb by 40 days)), [Transmitted by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]


Question No.42
What is the status of jihad for the sake of Allaah in Islaam?

Answer
It is obligatory with lives, wealth and speech.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{March forth , whether you are light (being healthy, young and wealthy) or heavy (being ill, old and poor) strive hard with your wealth and your lives in the cause of Allaah}, {Soorah at-Towbah, Aayah 41]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Fight against the polytheisms with your wealth, lives and speech)), [Transmitted by Abu Daawood]


Question No.43
What is Walaa (friendship and loyalty)?

Answer
Walaa (friendship and loyalty) is love and help of the faithful believers.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{The believers men and women are Awliyaa (helpers, supporters friends and protectors) of one another}, {Soorah at-Towbah, Aayah 71]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((The faithful believers are as a brick structure, each supporting the other)), [Transmitted by Muslim]


Question No.44
Is seeking the friendship and help of disbelievers permitted?

Answer
No, it s not permitted.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{And if any amongst you take them as Auliyaa then surely he is one of them}, {Soorah al-Maa.idah, Aayah 51]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((The people of such and such clan are not my supporters (Awliyaa))), [Transmitted by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]


Question No.45
Who is Walee (friend)?

Answer
A Walee is a true believer, who fears Allaah very much.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{Verily, Awliyaa of Allaah no fear shall come upon them nor shall they grieve}, {Soorah Yoonus, Aayah's 62-63]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((My only Walee is Allaah then the most pious among the true believers)), [Transmitted by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]


Question No.46
Why did Allaah reveal the Qur.aan?

Answer
So as to apply it to our daily life.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{Follow what has been sent down to you from your Lord}, {Soorah al-A'raaf, Aayah 3]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Read Qur.aan and apply it, do not make your living from it)), [Transmitted by Ahmad]


Question No.47
Is the Qur.aan alone sufficient for us without the Hadeeth (statements, actions, tacit approvals of the Prophet)?

Answer
No, it is not sufficient.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{And We have sent down unto you (O Muhammad ) the reminder and the advice (the Qur.aan) that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them, and that they may give thought}, {Soorah an-Nahl, Aayah 44]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Indeed I have been given Qur.aan and along with it that which is like it)), [Transmitted by Abu Daawood]


Question No.48
Should we give priority to other opinions over the Word of Allaah and His Messengers?

Answer
No, we should not.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{Oh you who believe, do not be forward (hasten not to decide) in the presence of Allaah and His Messenger}, {Soorah al-Hujuraat, Aayah 1]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((There is no obedience to the creatures if it means disobeying the Creator)), [Transmitted by Ahmad]


Question No.49
What should we do if we differ in the religious matters?

Answer
We should refer to holy Qur.aan and authentic Sunnah.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{And if you differ in any thing amongst yourselves, refer back to Allaah and His Messenger}, {Soorah an-Nisaa., Aayah 59]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((I am leaving two things with you, you will never go astray if you hold fast to them, and they are Allaah’s Book and the Sunnah)), [Transmitted by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]


Question No.50
What is (al-bid’ah) innovation in religion?

Answer
It is any thing not based on evidence from Islaamic law.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{Or have they partners with Allaah who have instituted for them a religion which Allaah has not allowed?}, {Soorah ash-Shooraa, Aayah 21]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Whoever adds something new in our matter (Islaam), it will not be accepted)), [Transmitted by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]


Question No.51
Is there good innovation (bid’atun hasanatun) in religion?

Answer
No, there is no good innovation in religion.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed my favour on you, and have chosen for you Islaam as your religion}, {Soorah al-Maa.idah, Aayah 3]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Beware of new things (in the matters of religion) for every new thing is innovation, every innovation is heresy and every heresy leads to Hellfire)), [Transmitted by an-Nasaa.ee]


Question No.52
Is there such a thing as Sunnah Hasanah in Islaam?

Answer
Yes, there is Sunnah Hasanah are good deeds (such as giving charity).

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{And made us leaders of the Muttaqoon (the pious)}, {Soorah al-Furqaan, Aayah 74]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Whoever introduces a good practice into Islaam, will have the reward for it and the reward of those who follow his practice thereafter, yet they will lose nothing of their reward)), [Transmitted by Muslim]


Question No.53
Is it enough for a person to reform himself?

Answer
No, it is a duty on him to reform his relatives also.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{Oh you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire}, {Soorah at-Tahreem, Aayah 6]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((Verily Allaah will ask every shepherd about his flock. Did he protect it or lose it?)), [Transmitted by an-Nasaa.ee who declared it hasan]


Question No.54
When will Muslims be victorious?

Answer
When they apply Qur.aan and Sunnah (fully) in their lives.

Evidence from the Noble Qur.aan
{O you who believe! If you help in the cause of Allaah, He will help you, and make your foothold firm}, {Soorah Muhammed, Aayah 7]

Evidence from the authentic Sunnah
((There will always be a victorious group from my nation)), [Transmitted by Ibn Maajah]



Shaykh Muhammad ibn Jameel Zeenoo

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1) The deen (religion) of Islaam: It is the way of life that Allaah sent the Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) with. By it, Allaah terminated the validity of all other religions, perfected this religion for His worshippers, completed His favour upon them and has chosen only this religion for them - no other religion will be accepted by Him from anyone. Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) said:

{Muhammad is not the father of any man amongst you. Rather he is the Messenger of Allaah and the khaatim (last and final) of the Prophets}, [Soorah al-Ahzaab, Aayah 40]

{This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islaam as your religion}, [Soorah al-Maa.idah, Aayah 3]

{Indeed the religion with Allaah is Islaam}, [Soorah Aal-'lmraan, Aayah 19]

{Whosoever seeks a religion other than Islaam, never will it be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers}, [Soorah Aal-'Imraan, Aayah 85]

And Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) obligated all of mankind to take Islaam as their religion. So Allaah said, whilst addressing His Messenger (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam):

{Say: O mankind! Indeed I have been sent to you all as the Messenger of Allaah; to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. None has the right to be worshipped except Him; it is He who gives life and causes death. So believe in Allaah and His Messenger - the Prophet who can neither read nor write - who believes in Allaah and His Words. So follow the Messenger of Allaah so that you may be rightly-guided}, [Soorah al-A'raaf Aayah 158]

And in Saheeh Muslim (1/93), from Abu Hurayrah radhi-yallaahu 'anhu that Allaah's Messenger (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said:

((By Him in whose Hand is the life of Muhammad! There is no one from this nation, be he a Jew or a Christian, who hears of me and then dies without believing in the Message that I was sent with, except that he will be one of the Companions of the Hellfire)).

And eemaan (faith) in the Prophet implies: affirming that which he was sent with, along with acceptance of it and submission to it. Without these two matters, mere affirmation is not sufficient. This is why even though Abu Taalib (the Prophet's uncle) affirmed what was sent to the Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and that Islaam was the best of religions, yet he did not accept his message nor submit to it; and thus he did not have eemaan, in the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam).

2) The religion of Islaam contains all that was beneficial from the previous religions. It is suitable for implementation in any age, anywhere and by any nation. Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) said, whilst addressing His Messenger (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam):

{And We have sent down to you the Book in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it> testifying to the truth contained therein whilst exposing the falsehood that has been added therein}, [Soorah al-Maa.idah, Aayah 48]

That Islaam is suitable for implementation in any age, anywhere and by any nation does not mean that it becomes submissive to nations - being altered and changed by them - as some people falsely think. But rather it means that whenever it is truly adhered to then it brings benefit and goodness to that nation, as well as reforming and correcting it - in whatever age or place.

3) The religion of Islaam is the religion of truth. It is the way of life that Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) guaranteed His help and victory for those who truly adhere to it, and that He would make it dominant over all other religions.

Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) said:

{It is He who has sent His Messenger with the guidance and the religion of truth, that it may prevail over all other religions, even if the pagans detest it}, [Soorah at-Tawbah, Aayah 33]
And Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) said:

{Allaah has promised to those amongst you who truly have eemaan (true faith and belief) and act in obedience to Allaah and His Messenger, that He will grant them rulership upon the earth, just as He granted it to those before them, and that He will establish their Religion for them and grant them the authority to practice their Religion which He chose and ordered them with. And He will certainly change their situation to one of security, after their fear. Providing that they worship and obey Me, not associating anything else in worship with Me. Then, whoever rejects this favour by disobedience to their Lord - then they are the rebellious transgressors}, [Soorah an-Noor, Aayah 55]

4) The religion of Islaam is a complete religion comprising both 'aqeedah (beliefs) and Sharee'ah (laws).

It commands them with tawheed (to single out Allaah alone for worship) and prohibits them from shirk (associating partners with Allaah in that which is particular to Him).

• It commands them with being truthful and prohibits them from lying.

• It commands them with 'adl (justice) and prohibits them from injustice and oppression.

• It commands them with fulfilling trusts and prohibits them from acting treacherously.

• It commands them with keeping promises and prohibits them from breaking them.

• It commands them with kindness and good treatment of parents and prohibits them from disobedience to them in that which is not sinful.

• It commands them with joining the ties of relations and prohibits them from severing them.

• It commands them with good treatment of neighbours and prohibits the causing of harm to them.

In short, Islaam orders all that is good, from manners and morals, and prohibits all that is evil from it.

Likewise, it orders all actions which are righteous and good and prohibits all actions that are evil and harmful.

Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) said:

{Indeed Allaah enjoins upon you justice, kindness and the giving of good to relatives and near ones. And He prohibits you from all shameful and evil deeds, oppression and transgression. Thus He admonishes you, that you may take heed and be reminded}, [Soorah an-Nahl, Aayah 90].


Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen
Sharh Usool al-Eemaan - Pages 4-7

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The word "Islaam" is an Arabic word that means "submitting and surrendering your will to Almighty God".

The word comes from the same root as the Arabic word "salam", which means peace.

Unlike the names used for other religions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity, the name for the religion of Islaam was both revealed by God and carries a deep spritual meaning - only by submitting one's will to Almighty God can one obtain true peace both in this life and in the life hereafter. Islaam teaches that all religions originally had the same essential message - which was to submit whole-heartedly to the will of God and to worship Him and Him alone.

For this reason, Islaam is not a new religion but is the same divinely revealed Ultimate Truth that God revealed to all prophets, including Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus.


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The Arabic word "Muslim" literally means "someone who submits to the will of God".

The message of Islaam is meant for the entire world and anyone who accepts this message becomes a Muslim.

Some people mistakenly believe that Islaam is just a religion for Arabs, but nothing could be further from the truth, since in actuality over 80% of the world's Muslims are not Arabs! Even though most Arabs are Muslims, there are Arabs who are Christians, Jews and atheists.

If one just takes a look at the various peoples who live in the Muslim World - from Nigeria to Bosnia and from Morocco to Indonesia - it is easy enough to see that Muslims come from all different races, ethnic groups and nationalities.

From the very beginning, Islaam had a universal message for all people. This can be seen in the fact that some of the early companions of the Prophet Muhammad were not only Arabs, but also Persians, Africans and Byzantine Romans. Being a Muslim entails complete acceptance and active obedience to the revealed will of Almighty God.

A Muslim is a person who freely accepts to base his beliefs, values and faith on the will of Almighty God. In the past, even though you don't see it as much today, the word "Mohammedans" was often used as a label for Muslims. This label is a misnomer and is the result of either wilful distortion or sheer ignorance. One of the reasons for the misconception is that Europeans were taught for centuries that Muslims worshipped the Prophet Muhammad in the same way that Christians worship Jesus. This is absolutely not true since a Muslim is not permitted to worship anyone or anything besides Almighty God.


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Very often one will here the Arabic word "Allaah" being used in regards to Islaam.

The word "Allaah" is simply the Arabic word for Almighty God, and is the same word used by Arabic speaking Christians and Jews.

If one were to pick up an Arabic translation of the Bible, one would see the word "Allaah" being use where the word "God" is used in English. Actually, the Arabic word for Almighty God, "Allaah", is quite similar to the word for God in other Semitic languages - for example, the Hebrew word for God is "Elah".

For various reasons, some non-Muslims mistakenly believe that Muslims worship a different God than Jews and Christians. This is certainly not the case, since the Pure Monotheism of Islaam calls all people to the worship of the God of Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and all of the other prophets. However, even though Jews, Christians and Muslims worship the same God -since there is only one God - their concepts concerning Him differ in some significant ways.


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The last and final prophet that God sent to humanity was the Prophet Muhammad.

Muhammad explained, interpreted and lived the teachings of Islaam.

The Prophet Muhammad is the greatest of all prophets for many reasons, but mainly because the results of his mission have brought more people into the pure belief in One God than any other prophet.

Even though other religious communities claimed to believe in One God, over time they had corrupted their beliefs by taking their prophets and saints as intercessors with Almighty God.

Some religions believe their prophets to be manifestations of God, "God Incarnate" or the "Son of God". All of these false ideas lead to the creature being worshipped instead of the Creator, which contributed to the idolatrous practice of believing that Almighty God can be approached through intermediaries. In order to guard against these falsehoods, the Prophet Muhammad always emphasised that he was only a human-being tasked with the preaching of God's message. He taught Muslims to refer to him as "the Messenger of God and His Slave".

To Muslims, Muhammad is the supreme example for all people - he was the exemplary prophet, statesman, military leader, ruler, teacher, neighbour, husband, father and friend. Unlike other prophets and messengers, the Prophet Muhammad lived in the full light of history. Muslims don't need to have "faith" that he existed and that his teachings are preserved - they know it to be a fact. Even when his followers only numbered a few dozen, Almighty God informed Muhammad that he had be sent as a mercy to all of mankind. Because people had distorted or forgotten God's messages, God took it upon Himself to protect the message revealed to Muhammad. This was because Almighty God promised not to send another messenger after him.

Since all of God's messengers have preached the message of Islaam - i.e. submission to the will of God and the worship of God alone - Muhammad is actually the last prophet of Islaam, not the first.


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The foundation of the Islaamic faith is belief in the Unity of God.

This means to believe that there is only one Creator and Sustainer of everything in the Universe, and that nothing is divine or worthy of being worshipped except for Him.

Truly believing in the Unity of God means much more than simply believing that there is "One God" - as opposed to two, three or four.

There are a number of religions that claim belief in "One God" and believe that ultimately there is only one Creator and Sustainer of the Universe. Islaam, however, not only insists on this, but also rejects using such words as "Lord" and "Saviour" for anyone besides Almighty God. Islaam also rejects the use of all intermediaries between God and Man, and insists that people approach God directly and reserve all worship for Him alone. Muslims believe that Almighty God is Compassionate, Loving and Merciful.

The essence of falsehood is the claim that God cannot deal with and forgive His creatures directly. By over-emphasising the burden of sin, as well as claiming that God cannot forgive you directly, false religions seek to get people to despair of the Mercy of God. Once they are convinced that they cannot approach God directly, people can be mislead into turning to false gods for help. These "false gods" can take various forms, such as saints, angels, or someone who is believed to be the "Son of God" or "God Incarnate". In almost all cases, people who worship, pray to or seek help from a false god don't consider it to be, or call it, a "god". They claim belief in One Supreme God, but claim that they pray to and worship others beside God only to get closer to Him. In Islaam, there is a clear distinction between the Creator and the created. There is no ambiguity in divinity - anything that is created is not deserving of worship and only the Creator is worthy of being worshipped. Some religions falsely believe that God has become part of His creation, and this has led people to believe that they can worship something created in order to reach their Creator.

Muslims believe that even though God is Unique and beyond comprehension - He has no "Son", partners or associates. According to Muslim belief, Almighty God "does not beget nor was He begotten" - neither literally, allegorically, metaphorically, physically or metaphysically - He is Absolutely Unique and Eternal. He is in control of everything and is perfectly capable of bestowing His infinite Mercy and Forgiveness to whomever He chooses. That is why is called the All-Powerful and Most-Merciful. Almighty God has created the Universe for man, and as such wants the best for all human beings. Muslims see everything in the Universe as a sign of the Creatorship and Benevolence of Almighty God. Also, the belief in the Unity of God is not merely a metaphysical concept. It is a dynamic belief that effects ones view of humanity, society and all aspects of life. As a logical corollary to the Islaamic belief in the Oneness of God, is its belief in the oneness of mankind and humanity.


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It is the final revelation of the will of Almighty God's to all of mankind, which was conveyed through the Angel Gabriel, in Arabic, to the Prophet Muhammad in its sounds, words and meanings.

The Qur'aan, sometimes spelled Koran, was relayed to the Prophet's companions, which they memorised verbatim, and which has been publicly and continually recited by them and their successors until the present day. In short, the Qur'aan is the book of guidance from God par excellence. The Qur'aan is still memorised and taught by millions of people.

The language of the Qur'aan, Arabic, is still a living language to millions of people, so unlike the scriptures of other religions, the Qur'aan is still read in its original language by countless millions of people. The Qu'raan is a living miracle in the Arabic language; and is known to be inimitable in its style, form and spiritual impact. God's final revelation to mankind, the Qur'aan, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over a period of 23 years. The Qur'aan, in contrast to many other religious books, was always thought to be the Word of God by those who believed in it, i.e. it wasn't something decreed by a religious council many years after being written. Also, the Qu'raan was recited publicly in front of both the Muslim and non-Muslim communities during the life of the Prophet Muhammad.

The entire Qur'aan was completely written down in the lifetime of the Prophet, and numerous companions of the Prophet memorised the entire Qur'aan word-for-word as it was revealed. So unlike other scriptures, the Qur'aan was always in the hands of the common believers, it was always thought to be God's word and, due to wide-spread memorisation, it was perfectly preserved.

In regards to the teachings of the Qur'aan - it is a universal scripture, and it is addressed to all of mankind, and not to a particular tribe or "chosen people". The message that it brings is nothing new, but the same message of all of the prophets - submit to Almighty God and worship Him alone. As such, God's revelation in the Qur'aan focuses on teaching human beings the importance of believing in the Unity of God and framing their lives around the guidance which He has sent. Additionally, the Qur'aan contains the stories of the previous prophets, such as Abraham, Noah, Moses and Jesus; as well as many commands and prohibitions from God. In modern times in which so many people are caught up in doubt, spiritual despair and "political correctness", the Qur'aanic teachings offer solutions to the emptiness of our lives and the turmoil that is gripping the world today.


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In the Holy Qur'aan, God teaches human beings that they were created in order to worship Him, and that the basis of all true worship is God-consciousness.

Since the teachings of Islaamic encompass all aspects of life and ethics, God-consciousness is encouraged in all human affairs. Islaam makes it clear that all human acts are acts of worship if they are done for God alone and in accordance to His Divine Law. As such, worship in Islaam is not limited to religious rituals.

The teachings of Islaam act as a mercy and a healing for the human soul, and such qualities as humility, sincerity, patience and charity are strongly encouraged. Additionally, Islaam condemns pride and self-righteousness, since Almighty God is the only judge of human righteousness.

The Islaamic view of the nature of man is also realistic and well-balanced. Human beings are not believed to be inherently sinful, but are seen as equally capable of both good and evil. Islaam also teaches that faith and action go hand-in-hand.
God has given people free-will, and the measure of one's faith is one's deeds and actions. However, human beings have also been created weak and regularly fall into sin. This is the nature of the human being as created by God in His Wisdom, and it is not inherently "corrupt" or in need of repair. This is because the avenue of repentance of always open to all human beings, and Almighty God loves the repentant sinner more than one who does not sin at all. The true balance of an Islaamic life is established by having a healthy fear of God as well as a sincere belief in His infinite Mercy.

A life without fear of God leads to sin and disobedience, while believing that we have sinned so much that God will not possibly forgive us only leads to despair. In light of this, Islaam teaches that: only the misguided despair of the Mercy of their Lord. Additionally, the Holy Qur'aan, which was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, contains a great deal of teachings about the life hereafter and the Day of Judgement. Due to this, Muslims believe that all human beings will ultimately be judged by God for their beliefs and actions in their earthly lives. In judging human beings, Almighty God will be both Merciful and Just, and people will only be judged for what they were capable of. Suffice it to say that Islaam teaches that life is a test, and that all human beings will be accountable before God. A sincere belief in the life hereafter is key to leading a well-balanced life and moral. Otherwise, life is viewed as an end in itself, which causes human beings to become more selfish, materialistic and immoral.


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In recent years, a great deal of attention in the media have been given to the threat of "Islaamic Fundamentalism". Unfortunately, due to a twisted mixture of biased reporting in the Western media and the actions of some ignorant Muslims, the word "Islaam" has become almost synonymous with "terrorism". However, when one analyses the situation, the question that should come to mind is:

Do the teachings of Islaam encourage terrorism?

The answer: Certainly not!

Islaam totally forbids the terrorist acts that are carried out by some misguided people. It should be remembered that all religions have cults and misguided followers, so it is their teachings that should be looked at, not the actions of a few individuals. Unfortunately, in the media, whenever a Muslim commits a heinous act, he is labeled a "Muslim terrorist".

However, when Serbs murder and rape innocent women in Bosnia, they are not called "Christian terrorists", nor are the activities in Northern Ireland labeled "Christian terrorism". Also, when right-wing Christians in the U. S. bomb abortion clinics, they are not called "Christian terrorists". Reflecting on these facts, one could certainly conclude that there is a double-standard in the media! Although religious feelings play a significant role in the previously mentioned "Christian" conflicts, the media does not apply religious labels because they assume that such barbarous acts have nothing to do with the teachings of Christianity. However, when something happens involving a Muslim, they often try to put the blame on Islaam itself - and not the misguided individual.

Certainly, Islaamic Law (Sharee'ah) allows war - any religion or civilisation that did not would never survive - but it certainly does not condone attacks against innocent people, women or children. The Arabic word "jihaad", which is often translated as "Holy War", simply means "to struggle". The word for "war" in Arabic is "harb", not "jihaad". "Struggling", i.e. "making jihaad", to defend Islaam, Muslims or to liberate a land where Muslims are oppressed is certainly allowed (and even encouraged) in Islaam.

However, any such activities must be done according to the teachings of Islaam. Islaam also clearly forbids "taking the law into your own hands", which means that individual Muslims cannot go around deciding who they want to kill, punish or torture.

Trial and punishment must be carried out by a lawful authority and a knowledgeable judge. Also, when looking at events in the Muslim World, it should be kept in mind that a long period of colonialism ended fairly recently in most Muslim countries. During this time, the people in these countries were culturally, materially and religiously exploited - mostly by the so-called "Christian" nations of the West. This painful period has not really come to an end in many Muslim countries, where people are still under the control of foreign powers or puppet regimes supported by foreign powers.

Also, through the media, people in the West are made to believe that tyrants like Saddam Hussein in Iraq and Moamar Qaddafi in Libya are "Islaamic" leaders - when just the opposite is true. Neither of these rulers even profess Islaam as an ideology, but only use Islaamic slogans to manipulate their powerless populations. They have about as much to do with Islaam as Hitler had to do with Christianity! In reality, many Middle Eastern regimes which people think of as being "Islaamic" oppress the practice of Islaam in their countries. So suffice it to say that "terrorism" and killing innocent people directly contradicts the teachings of Islaam.


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First of all, there is only One God who created the Universe and all of mankind.

Throughout history, people have created false gods in their minds and come up with false ideas about Almighty God, but regardless of this there is still only One True God - and He alone is worthy of worship. Unfortunately, some non-Muslims have come to incorrectly believe that Muslims worship a different God than Jews and Christians. This might be due to the fact that Muslims sometimes refer to God as "Allaah", but also because over the centuries there have been many lies and distortions spread by the enemies of Islaam. In actuality, Muslims worship the God of Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus --- the same God as Christians and Jews.

The word "Allaah" is simply the Arabic word for Almighty God and it is the same word that Arabic speaking Christians and Jews use to refer to God. If you pick up an Arabic translation of the Christian Bible, you will see the word "Allaah" where "God" is used in English. For more information on the word "Allaah", please refer to the article: Who is Allaah? But even though Muslims, Jews and Christians believe in the same God, their concepts about Him differ quite a bit. For example, Muslims reject the idea of the Trinity or that God has become "incarnate" in the world. Also, the teachings of Islaam do not rely on or appeal to "mystery" or "paradox", they are straightforward and clear.

Islaam teaches that God is Merciful, Loving and Compassionate and that He has no need to become man (nor do humans need for Him to). One of the unique aspects of Islaam is that it teaches that man can have a personal and fulfilling relationship with Almighty God without compromising the transcendence of God. In Islaam there is no ambiguity in Divinity, God is God and man is man. Muslims believe that God is the "Most Merciful", and that he deals directly with human-beings without the need of any intermediary. Actually, the phrase "In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful" is one of the most repeated verses in the Holy Qur.aan. Additionally, the pure and straightforward teachings of Islaam demand that Almighty God be approached directly and without intermediaries. This is because Muslims believe that God is completely in control of everything and that He can bestow His Grace and Mercy on His creatures as He pleases - no Atonement, Incarnation or blood sacrifice is necessary. In summary, Islaam calls people to submit to the One True God and to worship Him alone without any partners.


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According to Islaamic belief, the Prophet Muhammad was the last Messenger of God.

He, like all of God's prophets and messengers - such as Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus -- was only a human being.

Christians came to the mistaken assumption that Muslims worship Muhammad by formulating an incorrect analogy - they worship Jesus so they assumed Muslims worship Muhammad. This is one of the reasons that they called Muslims by the incorrect name "Mohammedans" for so many years!

Muhammad, like Jesus, never claimed divine status. He called people to worship only Almighty God, and he continually emphasised his humanity so that people would not fall into the same errors as Christians did in regards to Jesus. In order to prevent his deification (being referred to as a god worthy of worship), the Prophet Muhammad always said to refer to him as "the Messenger of God and His slave".

Muhammad was chosen to be God's final messenger, to communicate the message not only in words but to be a living example of the message. Muslims love and respect him because he was of the highest moral character and he brought the Truth from God - which is the Pure Monotheism of Islaam. Even when Islaam was in its very early stages, God revealed that Muhammad "was sent as a mercy to all of mankind" - thus informing us that the message of Islaam would become very widespread. Muslims strive to follow the great example of Muhammad, peace be upon him, but they do not worship him in any way.

Additionally, Islaam teaches Muslims to respect all of God's prophets and messengers - but respecting and loving them does not mean worshipping them. All true Muslims realize that all worship and prayer must be directed to Almighty God alone. Suffice it to say that worshipping Muhammad, or anyone else, along with Almighty God is considered to be the worst sin in Islaam. Even if a person claims to be Muslim, but they worship and pray to other than Almighty God, this cancels and nullifies their Islaam. The Declaration of Faith of Islaam makes it clear that Muslims are taught only to worship God.

This declaration is as follows: "There is nothing divine or worthy of being worshipped except for Almighty God, and Muhammad is the Messenger and Servant of God".


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The fastest way to prove that this is completely false is to state the fact that only about 15% to 20% of the Muslims in the world are Arabs.
There are more Indian Muslims than Arab Muslims, and more Indonesian Muslims than Indian Muslims!

Believing that Islaam is only a religion for Arabs is a myth that was spread by the enemies of Islaam early in its history. This mistaken assumption is possibly based on the fact that most of the first generation of Muslims were Arabs, the Qur.aan is in Arabic and the Prophet Muhammad was an Arab. However, both the teachings of Islaam and the history of its spread show that the early Muslims made every effort to spread their message of Truth to all nations, races and peoples.

Furthermore, it should be clarified that not all Arabs are Muslims and not all Muslims are Arabs. An Arab can be a Muslim, Christian, Jew, atheist - or of any other religion or ideology. Also, many countries that some people consider to be "Arab" are not "Arab" at all, such as Turkey and Iran (Persia). The people who live in these countries speak languages other than Arabic as their native tongues and are of a different ethnic heritage than the Arabs.

It is important to realise that from the very beginning of the mission of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, his followers came from a wide spectrum of individuals; there was Bilaal - the African slave; Suhayb - the Byzantine Roman; Ibn Saylam - the Jewish Rabbi; and Salmaan - the Persian.

Since religious truth is eternal and unchanging, and mankind is one universal brotherhood, Islaam teaches that Almighty God's revelations to mankind have always been consistent, clear and universal. The Truth of Islaam is meant for all people regardless of race, nationality or linguistic background. Taking a look at the Muslim World, from Nigeria to Bosnia and from Malaysia to Afghanistan is enough to prove that Islaam is a Universal message for all of mankind, not to mention the fact that significant numbers of Europeans and Americans of all races and ethnic backgrounds are entering the fold of Islaam.



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Even though many aspects of Islaam are misunderstood by non-Muslims, the ignorance, misinformation and incorrect assumptions that are made in regards to Islaam's treatment of women are probably the most severe.

Numerous verses of the Qur.aan make it clear that men and women are equal in the sight of God. According to the teachings of Islaam, the only thing that distinguishes people in the sight of God is their level of God-consciousness. Due to this, many people are surprised to find out that Islaamic Law guaranteed rights to women over 1400 years ago and that women in Europe and America only obtained their rights recently. For example, Islaam clearly teaches that a woman is a full-person under the law, and is the spiritual equal of a male. Also, according to Islaamic Law, women have the right to own property, operate a business and receive equal pay for equal work. Women are allowed total control of their wealth, they cannot be married against their will and they are allowed to keep their own name when married.

Additionally, they have the right to inherit property and to have their marriage dissolved in the case of neglect or mistreatment. Also, Islaam does not consider a woman an "evil temptress", and thus does not blame women for the "original sin". Women in Islaam participate in all forms of worship that men participate in. Actually, the rights that Islaam gave to women over 1400 years ago were almost unheard of in the West until the 1900's.

Less than fifty years ago in England and America, a woman could not buy a house or car without the co-signature of her father or husband! Additionally, Islaam gives great respect to women and their role in society; it gives them the right to own property, marry who they want and many other rights. Also, it should be mentioned that the Prophet Muhammad's mission stopped many of the horrible practices in regards to women that were present in the society of his time. For example, the Qur.aan put an end to the pagan Arab practice of killing their baby daughters when they were born.

Additionally, Islaam put restrictions on the unrestricted polygamy of the Arabs of the time, and put many laws in place to protect the well-being of women. Today, most of the so-called reforms in the status of women came about after the West abandoned religion for secularism. Even those in the West who claim to follow the so-called "Judaeo-Christian tradition" really follow the values of Western liberalism, but just to a lesser degree than their more liberal countrymen.

If women in the Muslim World today don't have their rights, it is not because Islaam did not give them to them. The problem is that in many places alien traditions have come to overshadow the teachings of Islaam, either through ignorance or the impact of Colonialisation.



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In addressing this misconception, it is interesting to note that no other religious scripture claims to be the direct word of Almighty God in total and as clear and as often as the Holy Qur.aan.

As the Qur.aan clearly says: "if had been written by man, you would have found many discrepancies therein".

At the time the Qur.aan was revealed, the Arabs recognised that the language of the Qur.aan was unique and that it was distinctly different from the language normally used by the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. The Arabs of that time, by the way, were known for their beautiful poetry and Muhammad was known to be an illiterate man!

The Qur.aan clearly says that Muhammad was unable to read and write, so if this wasn't true, certainly his contemporaries would have protested and rejected him. However, there are no reports of this. Certainly there were people who rejected Muhammad's message, just like other prophets were rejected, but none for this reason. On the contrary, Muhammad, peace be upon him, had thousands of loyal followers and the results of their efforts spread Islaam from Spain to China in just over a century!

It is also interesting to note that even though the Qur.aan is not poetry, the Arabs more or less gave up writing poetry after it was revealed. It could be said that the Qur.aan is the piece of Arabic literature par execellance, and Muhammad's contemporaries realised that they couldn't out do it.

Additionally, it is easy to prove that Muhammad did not possess a great deal of the knowledge which is expounded in the Qur.aan: such as knowledge of historical events, previous prophets and natural phenomenon. The Qur.aan says in several places that Muhammad and his people did not know these things, so again, if this wasn't true, certainly his contemporaries would have rejected his claims. Suffice it to say that not only is the Qur.aan the most memorised and well preserved scripture on earth, it is also unequalled in eloquence, spirtual impact, clarity of message and the purity of its truth.


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Many non-Muslims, when they think about Islaam, picture religious fanatics on camels with a sword in one hand and a Qur.aan in the other.

This myth, which was made popular in Europe during the Crusades, is totally baseless.

First of all, the Holy Qur.aan clearly says "Let there be no compulsion in religion".

In addition to this, Islaam teaches that a person's faith must be pure and sincere, so it is certainly not something that can be forced on someone. In debunking the myth that Islaam was "spread by the sword", the (non-Muslim) historian De Lacy O' Leary wrote: "History makes it clear, however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islaam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever accepted." (Islaam at the Crossroads, London, 1923, p. 8.).

It should also be known that Muslims ruled Spain for roughly 800 years. During this time, and up to when they were finally forced out, the non-Muslims there were alive and flourishing. Additionally, Christian and Jewish minorities have survived in the Muslim lands of the Middle East for centuries. Countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan all have Christian and/or Jewish populations. If Islaam taught that all people are supposed to be killed or forced to become Muslims, how did all of these non-Muslims survive for so long in the middle of the Islaamic Empire?

Additionally, if one considers the small number of Muslims who initially spread Islaam from Spain and Morocco in the West to India and China in the East, one would realise that they were far too few to force people to become converts of a religion against their will. Additionally, the great empire and civilisation established by the Muslims had great staying power, its citizens were proud to be part of it.

The spread of Islaam stands in contrast to the actions of the followers of Christianity, who since the time of the Emperor Constantine have made liberal use of the sword - often basing their conduct on Biblical verses. This was especially true of the colonisation of South America and Africa, where native peoples were systematically wiped-out or forced to convert. It is also interesting to note that when the Mongols invaded and conquered large portions of the Islaamic Empire, instead of destroying the religion, they adopted it. This is a unique occurrence in history - the conquerors adopting the religion of the conquered! Since they were the victors, they certainly could not have been forced to become Muslims! Ask any of the over one billion Muslims alive in the world today whether they were forced! The largest Muslim country in the world today is Indonesia -- and there were never any battles fought there! So where was the sword? How could someone be forced to adhere to a spiritually rewarding and demanding religion like Islaam?


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Many non-Muslims are surprised to find out that according to Muslim belief, Jesus, the son of Mary, is one of the greatest messengers of God.

Muslims are taught to love Jesus, and a person cannot be a Muslim without believing in the virgin birth and miracles of Jesus Christ, peace be upon him.

Muslims believe these things about Jesus not because of the Bible or any other religion, but simply because the Holy Qur.aan says these things about him. However, Muslims always emphasise that the miracles of Jesus, and all other prophets, were by "God's permission". This having been said, many Christians feel to not believe that Jesus is the "Son of God", "God Incarnate" or the "Third Person" of the Trinity. This is because the Qur.aan clearly says that Almighty God does not have a "Son" --- neither allegorically, physically, metaphorically or metaphysically.

The Pure Monotheism of Islaam rejects the notion of "defining" God (which is basically what the "Doctrine of the Trinity" does), saying that someone is "like" God or equal to him, or praying to someone else besides God. Also, Islaam teaches that titles such as "Lord" and "Saviour" are due to God alone.

In order to avoid misunderstanding, it should be clarified that when Muslims criticise the Bible or the teachings of Christianity, they are not attacking "God's Word" or Jesus Christ, peace be upon him. From the Muslim point of view, they are defending Jesus and God's Word, which they have in the form of the Qur.aan. Muslim criticism is targeted at writings that some people claim are God's word, but Muslim's simply don't accept their claim that they are really God's word.

Additionally, Christian doctrines such as the Trinity and the Atonement are criticised by Muslims precisely because they did not originate from Jesus, peace be upon him. In this way, Muslims are the true followers of Jesus, peace be upon him, because they defend him from the exaggerations of the Christians and teach the Pure Monotheism that Jesus himself followed.


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Most Muslims find it rather odd that their religion, which strikes a beautiful balance between faith and action, could be accused of being "fatalistic".

Perhaps this misconception came about because Muslims are taught to say "Praise be to God!" whenever anything good or bad happens. This is because Muslims know that everything comes from Almighty God, who is the All-Knowing Sustainer of the Universe, and that since a Muslim should rely completely on God, whatever happened must have been for the better. However, this does not mean that Muslims are not taught to take action in life, quite simply the opposite is true.

Islaam requires not only faith, but action -- such as regular prayer, fasting and charity. To be more precise, in Islaam actions are part of one's faith. Islaam totally rejects the extreme beliefs of some religions that teach that you shouldn't go to a doctor when sick, but only pray for God to heal you. Islaam's outlook is very positive, since it teaches that human beings can take positive action in this life. This was certainly what was taught by Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, to his followers - since they obviously took the action of spreading Islaam from Spain to Morocco in a very short period of time.

Even though Islaam teaches that God knows what human beings will do before they do it, human beings still have free will.

Certainly God, who is All-Knowing and All-Wise, knows what is going to happen to everyone before it happens -- to deny this would be a denial of God Himself. However, if human-beings did not have free will, it would be ridiculous and un-just for God to demand that they do certain things and believe certain things. Far from being "fatalistic", Islaam teaches that a human-being's main purpose in life is to be God-conscious. Due to this, Muslims worry less about material matters and view their earthly life in a proper perspective. This is due to the fact that Islaam clearly teaches that if people worship and depend on Almighty God alone, then they have nothing to worry about - since God wants what is best for them.

True freedom, from the Islaamic perspective, does not mean aimlessly following all of your human desires for food, drink, wealth and sex. On the contrary, freedom means being able to control one's base desires and fulfilling them in a proper and legal way. This brings one's desires in tune with what God wants for us - only then is a person truly free!

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1) The deen (religion) of Islaam: It is the way of life that Allaah sent the Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) with. By it, Allaah terminated the validity of all other religions, perfected this religion for His worshippers, completed His favour upon them and has chosen only this religion for them - no other religion will be accepted by Him from anyone. Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) said:

{Muhammad is not the father of any man amongst you. Rather he is the Messenger of Allaah and the khaatim (last and final) of the Prophets}, [Soorah al-Ahzaab, Aayah 40]

{This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islaam as your religion}, [Soorah al-Maa.idah, Aayah 3]

{Indeed the religion with Allaah is Islaam}, [Soorah Aal-'lmraan, Aayah 19]

{Whosoever seeks a religion other than Islaam, never will it be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers}, [Soorah Aal-'Imraan, Aayah 85]

And Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) obligated all of mankind to take Islaam as their religion. So Allaah said, whilst addressing His Messenger (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam):

{Say: O mankind! Indeed I have been sent to you all as the Messenger of Allaah; to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. None has the right to be worshipped except Him; it is He who gives life and causes death. So believe in Allaah and His Messenger - the Prophet who can neither read nor write - who believes in Allaah and His Words. So follow the Messenger of Allaah so that you may be rightly-guided}, [Soorah al-A'raaf Aayah 158]

And in Saheeh Muslim (1/93), from Abu Hurayrah radhi-yallaahu 'anhu that Allaah's Messenger (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said:

((By Him in whose Hand is the life of Muhammad! There is no one from this nation, be he a Jew or a Christian, who hears of me and then dies without believing in the Message that I was sent with, except that he will be one of the Companions of the Hellfire)).

And eemaan (faith) in the Prophet implies: affirming that which he was sent with, along with acceptance of it and submission to it. Without these two matters, mere affirmation is not sufficient. This is why even though Abu Taalib (the Prophet's uncle) affirmed what was sent to the Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and that Islaam was the best of religions, yet he did not accept his message nor submit to it; and thus he did not have eemaan, in the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam).

2) The religion of Islaam contains all that was beneficial from the previous religions. It is suitable for implementation in any age, anywhere and by any nation. Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) said, whilst addressing His Messenger (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam):

{And We have sent down to you the Book in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it> testifying to the truth contained therein whilst exposing the falsehood that has been added therein}, [Soorah al-Maa.idah, Aayah 48]

That Islaam is suitable for implementation in any age, anywhere and by any nation does not mean that it becomes submissive to nations - being altered and changed by them - as some people falsely think. But rather it means that whenever it is truly adhered to then it brings benefit and goodness to that nation, as well as reforming and correcting it - in whatever age or place.

3) The religion of Islaam is the religion of truth. It is the way of life that Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) guaranteed His help and victory for those who truly adhere to it, and that He would make it dominant over all other religions.
Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) said:

{It is He who has sent His Messenger with the guidance and the religion of truth, that it may prevail over all other religions, even if the pagans detest it}, [Soorah at-Tawbah, Aayah 33]

And Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) said:

{Allaah has promised to those amongst you who truly have eemaan (true faith and belief) and act in obedience to Allaah and His Messenger, that He will grant them rulership upon the earth, just as He granted it to those before them, and that He will establish their Religion for them and grant them the authority to practice their Religion which He chose and ordered them with. And He will certainly change their situation to one of security, after their fear. Providing that they worship and obey Me, not associating anything else in worship with Me. Then, whoever rejects this favour by disobedience to their Lord - then they are the rebellious transgressors}, [Soorah an-Noor, Aayah 55]

4) The religion of Islaam is a complete religion comprising both 'aqeedah (beliefs) and Sharee'ah (laws).

It commands them with tawheed (to single out Allaah alone for worship) and prohibits them from shirk (associating partners with Allaah in that which is particular to Him).

• It commands them with being truthful and prohibits them from lying.

• It commands them with 'adl (justice) and prohibits them from injustice and oppression.

• It commands them with fulfilling trusts and prohibits them from acting treacherously.

• It commands them with keeping promises and prohibits them from breaking them.

• It commands them with kindness and good treatment of parents and prohibits them from disobedience to them in that which is not sinful.

• It commands them with joining the ties of relations and prohibits them from severing them.

• It commands them with good treatment of neighbours and prohibits the causing of harm to them.

In short, Islaam orders all that is good, from manners and morals, and prohibits all that is evil from it.

Likewise, it orders all actions which are righteous and good and prohibits all actions that are evil and harmful.

Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) said:

{Indeed Allaah enjoins upon you justice, kindness and the giving of good to relatives and near ones. And He prohibits you from all shameful and evil deeds, oppression and transgression. Thus He admonishes you, that you may take heed and be reminded}, [Soorah an-Nahl, Aayah 90].

Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen
Sharh Usool al-Eemaan - Pages 4-7


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A question that repeatedly arises is that concerning the 'position of women in Islaam'. Muslim scholars have been able with great success - despite the onslaught of distortion and mis-representation - to demonstrate the true position of Muslim women; especially of women's liberation in the advent of Islaam. The Islaamic ruling on issues such as inheritance, the right to earn, the right to own property etc. have reinforced this position and have been prescribed by Allaah - the One True God - long before western nations even thought of such concepts!

The issue of two women witnesses in place of one man is the concern of the present treatise. As will become clear to the sincere and objective reader, the intellectual status of a Muslim woman is neither marred nor degraded by the commandment that if two Muslim male witnesses are not available then one Muslim male and two Muslim females should be invited to witness. Rather, this injunction is in perfect harmony with the nature and psychology of the woman as will become evident through quotations from psychologists, psychiatrists and medical research.

The passage of the Qur.aan (Soorah al-Baqarah, Aayah 282) in which the above-mentioned requirement is made has usury, capital and debtor difficulties as its theme. Allaah grants guidelines in matters relating to monetary obligations. Then business transactions are dealt with. In this section, the requirement to commit all transactions into writing is stated most emphatically:

{Reduce them to writing...}

The section after this describes the responsibility of the scribe, or in modern parlance, the person responsible for drawing up the agreement. The following section describes the responsibility and the obligation of the person incurring the liability. The section after this explains how if the party that is liable cannot effectively draw up the contract - out of being deficient or weak mentally, or being unable to dictate - then his or her guardian should help draw out the contract and choose two suitable witnesses to observe. It must be understood that this situation arises if it is not possible for the liable party to draw out the contract by him/herself. The condition to put things into writing is still supreme.

The next section then explains that two men should be called to witness and if two men are not available:

{And if there are not two men...}, then a man and two women.

The legislation then continues and reminds most emphatically that one should not be complacent about putting ALL agreements into writing - no matter whether these agreements are major or minor as this is more JUST in the sight of Allaah and more reliable as evidence. The passage of the Qur.aan further explains that for practical reasons it may not always be possible to commit on-the-spot agreements into writing. In this case, it is also recommended that it be witnessed. The section which follows then lays down the guidelines which should be followed in the event that no witnesses are present.

The purpose in giving the above outline is to draw attention to the fact the question of women witnesses relates, in this instance, to commercial agreements and is not a STATEMENT ON THEIR STATUS.

Let's look at the section under investigation in more detail. Allaah said:

{And get two witnesses of your own men, and if there are not two men then a man and two women such as you choose for witnesses - so that if one of them errs, the other can remind her...}, [Soorah al-Baqarah, Aayah 182]

A number of questions (as well as eyebrows!) are raised when this section of the passage is read. The questions often posed include:

* Do women have weaker memories than men?
* Why should two women be needed in the place of one man?
* Are women inferior to men?

One must remember that Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) was neither a physiologist, a psychiatrist and nor a surgeon. He was an illiterate and could neither read nor write. He passed on the revelation exactly as he received it.
Allaah, the Creator, with His infinite wisdom gave the directives best suited to humankind. He is the Creator, therefore, He knows man better than a man himself.

In this scientific age we can explore the significance of this legislation. A great deal has been discovered since the early days of Islaam. And each day of advancement brings about a better understanding of the the last and final revelation from the Creator, Allaah to the creation, humankind.

As women, we are aware of the cyclical psychological strains that a woman has to encounter every month. The symptoms during early pregnancy, ante-natal and post-natal depressions, the phenomenon of menopause, the physiological and psychological problems due to infertility and last but not least the psychological problems faced after miscarriage.

It is under these situations that women can experience extraordinary psychological strains giving rise to depression, lack of concentration, slow-mindedness and SHORT TERM MEMORY LOSS. Let us examine these episodes in a bit more detail and with medical references from the scientific world. PMT is an umbrella term for more than 140 different symptoms and there is a lot of evidence that it causes a lot of unhappiness in many women, and consequently, to their families.

Psychiatry in Practice, April 1983 issue states: "Forty percent of women suffer from pre-menstrual syndrome in some form and one in if our women have their lives severely disrupted by it. Dr Jill Williams, general practitioner from Bury, gives guidelines on how to recognise patients at risk and suggests a suitable treatment."[1]

In the same issue, George Beaumont reporting on the workshop held at the Royal College of Obstreticians and Gynaecologists in London on pre-menstrual syndrome, says: "Some authorities would argue that 80 percent of women have some degree of breast and abdominal discomfort which is pre-menstrual but that only about 10 percent complain to their doctors - and then only because of severe tenderness of the breasts and mental depression... Other authorities have suggested that pre-menstrual syndrome is a new problem, regular ovulation for 20 years or more being a phenomenon caused by 'civilisation', 'medical progress', and an altered concept of the role of women."[2]

In its examination of the occurrence of physical and psychological change during the period just prior to the onset of menstruation we read in Psychological Medicine: "Many studies have reported an increased likelihood of various negative affects during the pre-menstrual period. In this affective category are many emotional designations including irritability, depression, tension, anxiety, sadness, insecurity, lethargy, loneliness, tearfulness, fatigue, restlessness and changes of mood. In the majority of studies, investigators have found it difficult to distinguish between various negative affects, and only a few have allowed themselves to be excessively concerned with the differences which might or might not exist between affective symptoms."[3]

In the same article dealing with Pre-menstrual Behavioural Changes we read: "A significant relationship between the pre-menstrual phase of the cycle and a variety of specific and defined forms of behaviour has been reported in a number of studies. For the purpose of their review, these forms of behaviour have been grouped under the headings of aggressive behaviour, illness behaviour and accidents, performance on examination and other tests and sporting performance."[4] The lengthy review portrays how female behaviour is affected in these situations.

In 'The Pre-menstrual Syndrome', C. Shreeves writes: "Reduced powers of concentration and memory are familiar aspects of the pre-menstrual syndrome and can only be remedied by treating the underlying complaint." This does not mean, of course, that women are mentally deficient absolutely. It just means that their mental faculties can become affected at certain times in the biological cycle. Shreeves also writes: "As many as 80 percent of women are aware of some degree of pre-menstrual changes, 40 percent are substantially disturbed by them, and between 10 and 20 percent are seriously disabled as a result of the syndrome."

Furthermore, women face the problem of ante-natal and post-natal depression, both of which cause extreme cycles of depression in some cases. Again, these recurring symptoms naturally affect the mind, giving rise to drowsiness and dopey memory.
On the subject of pregnancy in Psychiatry in Practice, October-November 1986, we learn that: "In an experiment 'Cox' found that 16 percent of a sample of 263 pregnant women were suffering from clinically significant psychiatric problems. Eight percent had a depressive neurosis and 1.9 percent had phobic neurosis. This study showed that the proportion of pregnant women with psychiatric problems was greater than that found in the control group but the difference only tended towards significance."[5]

Regarding the symptoms during the post-natal cycle Dr. Ruth Sagovsky writes: "The third category of puerperal psychiatric problems is post-natal depression. It is generally agreed that between10 to 15 percent of women become clinically depressed after childbirth. These mothers experience a variety of symptoms but anxiety, especially over the baby, irritability, and excessive fatigue are common. Appetite is usually decreased and often there are considerable sleep difficulties. The mothers lose interest in the things they enjoyed prior to the baby's birth, and find that their concentration is impaired. They often feel irrational guilt, and blame themselves for being 'bad' wives and mothers. Fifty percent of these women are not identified as having a depressive illness. Unfortunately, many of them do not understand what ails them and blame their husbands, their babies or themselves until the relationships are strained to an alarming degree."[6]

"... Making the diagnosis of post-natal depression is not always easy. Quite often the depression is beginning to become a serious problem around three months postpartum when frequent contact with the health visitor is diminishing. The mother may not present with depressed mood. If she comes to the health centre presenting the baby as the patient, the true nature of the problem can be missed. When the mother is continually anxious about the baby in spite of reassurance, then the primary health care worker needs to be aware of the possibility of depression. Sometimes these mothers present with marital difficulties, and it is easy to muddle cause and effect, viewing the accompanying low mood as part of the marital problem. Sometimes, only when the husband is seen as well does it become obvious that it is a post-natal depressive illness which has led to the deterioration in the marriage."[7]

Again there is a need to study the effects of the menopause about which very little is known even to this day. This phase in a woman's life can start at any time from the mid-thirties to the mid-fifties and can last for as long as 15 years.

Writing about the pre-menopausal years, C.B. Ballinger states: "Several of the community surveys indicate a small but significant increase in psychiatric symptoms in women during the five years prior to the cessation of menstrual periods... The most obvious clinical feature of this transitional phase of menstrual function is the alteration in menstrual pattern, the menstrual cycle becoming shorter with age, and variability in cycle length become very prominent just prior to the cessation of menstruation. Menorrhagia is a common complaint at this time, and is associated with higher than normal levels of psychiatric disturbance."[8]

On the phenomenon of menopause in an article in Newsweek International, May 25th 1992, Dr. Jennifer al-Knopf, Director of the Sex and Marital Therapy Programme of Northwestern University writes: "...Women never know what their body is doing to them... some reporting debilitating symptoms from hot flashes to night sweat, sleeplessness, irritability, mood swings, short term memory loss, migraine, headaches, urinary inconsistence and weight gain. Most such problems can be traced to the drop-off in the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone, both of which govern the ovarian cycle. But every woman starts with a different level of hormones and loses them at different rates. The unpredictability is one of the most upsetting aspects. Women never know what their body is going to do to them..."

Then there are the psychiatric aspects of infertility and miscarriage. On the subject of infertility, Dr. Ruth Sagovsky writes: "Depression, anger and guilt are common reactions to bereavement. In infertility there is the added pain of there being nobody to grieve for. Families and friends may contribute to the feeling of isolation by passing insensitive comments. The gynaecologist and GPs have to try to help these couples against a backdrop of considerable distress."[9]

On the subject of miscarriage the above article continues: "Miscarriage is rarely mentioned when considering abortion. However, miscarriage can at times have profound psychological sequelae and it is important that those women affected receive the support they need. Approximately one-fifth of all pregnancies end in spontaneous abortion and the effects are poorly recognised. If however, the miscarriage occurs in the context of infertility, the emotional reaction may be severe. The level of grief will depend on the meaning of pregnancy to the couple."[10]

Also, the fact that women are known to be more sensitive and emotional than men must not be overlooked. It is well known, for example, that under identical circumstances women suffer much greater anxiety than men. Numerous medical references on this aspect of female behaviour can be given but to quote as a specimen, we read in 'Sex Differences in Mental Health' that: "Surveys have found different correlates of anxiety and neuroticism in the two sexes. Women and men do not become equally upset by the same things, and being upset does not have the same effect in men as in women. Ekehammer (1974; Ekehammer, Magnusson and Ricklander, 1974) using data from 116 sixteen-year-olds, did a factor analysis on self-reported anxiety. Of the eighteen different responses indicating anxiety (sweating palms, faster heart rate, and so on) females reported experiencing twelve of them significantly more often than males. Of the anxiety-producing situations studied, females reported experiencing significantly more anxiety than males reported in fourteen of them."[11]

It is in light of the above findings of psychologist, psychiatrists and researchers that the saying of Allaah, the Exalted:

{And get two witnesses of your own men, and if there are not two men then a man and two women such as you choose for witnesses - SO THAT IF ONE OF THEM ERRS, THE OTHER CAN REMIND HER...}, [Soorah al-Baqarah, Aayah 182]

...can be understood. One must also bear in mind that forgetfulness can be an asset. A woman has to be put up with children presenting all kinds of emotional problems and a woman is certainly known to be more resilient than man. The aim of presenting these research findings on a number of aspects related with the theme is to indicate that a woman by her biological constitution faces such problems. It does not however make her inferior to man but it does illustrate that she is different. Viewed in this way, it can only lead one to the conclusion that Allaah knows His creation the best and has prescribed precise laws in keeping with the nature of humankind.

Allaah, the Creator is - as always - All-Knowing and man (or the disbeliever in Allaah and the final, perfected, revealed way of life, Islaam) is - as usual - either ignorant and arrogant.

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Footnotes

[1] Psychiatry in Practice, April 1993, p.14.

[2] Psychiatry in Practice, April 1993, p.18.

[3] Psychological Medicine, Monograph Supplement 4, 1983, Cambridge University Press, p.6.

[4] Psychological Medicine, Monograph Supplement 4, 1983, Cambridge University Press, p.7.

[5] Psychiatry in Practice, October-November, 1986, p.6.

[6] Psychiatry in Practice, May, 1987, p.18.

[7] Psychiatry in Practice, May, 1987, p.18. As has been mentioned above the Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) was neither a psychologist nor a psychiatrist. Rather, he merely conveyed the truth that was revealed to him. It is in the context of this quotation and the one before it that the following saying of the Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) can be understood:

((Treat your women kindly. The woman has been created from a rib, and the most curved part of a rib is its upper region. If you try to straighten it you will break it, and if you leave it as it is, it will remain curved. So treat women kindly))

And in another narration:

((If you try to straighten her you will break her and breaking her means divorce)), [Reported by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim].

This is very important advice for the man - for him to have patience and not to try to 'reform' the behavioural pattern of the woman during these times i.e. 'to straighten her'. He will not be able to do that, as it is biological in origin. Instead, he should maintain and protect his relationship with her by showing kindness.

[8] Psychiatry in Practice, November, 1987, p.26.

[9] Psychiatry in Practice, Winter, 1989, p.16.

[10] Psychiatry in Practice, Winter, 1989, p.17.

[11] Katherine Blick Hoyenga and Kermit T. Hoyenga in 'Sex Differences in Mental Health', p.336.
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