You are welcome to blog ANY of your questions freely, and I shall research and answer them.
Who was Muhammad bin Abdallah ?
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1. What does Islam mean?
Islam means peace and submission to the one Almighty God. It means attaining peace through submission to the will of God. It means continually corresponding our current actions with those that please God, which brings us inner peace. It opens doors for more good deeds/actions. Ultimately, it scores points which will count on Judgment Day towards attaining Heaven.
The basic Islamic Belief is that there is just One, Unique, Incomparable God, and Muhammed as HIS last prophet.
2. What is the Qur’an?
Qur’an is a record of the exact words that God revealed to Prophet Muhammad through Angel Gabriel fourteen hundred years ago. NOT one word has been changed since its origination. It provides guidelines for a just society and proper human conduct. The ORIGINAL Quran in its original form exists in a museum in Turkey.
3. When was the Qur’an actually written down? Many religions were taught by word of mouth for years. The books in the Christian Bible were written long ago and were merely assembled into the Christian Bible at the time of Daniel.
Prophet Muhammed recited the verses, memorized them and had them written down, as they came. He, himself was illiterate. The revelations came to him from time to time, in bits and pieces, thus giving him time to swallow each piece, during the last twenty-three years of his life. Since then, there have been no additions or subtractions. The Qur’an has been well-preserved in its original form, in Arabic, a language that is still alive today. It was canonized 20 years after the death of the Prophet, by his son-in-law, Uthman.
Whenever you rely on “word of mouth” or “assembled” by a number of people, the probability of human error increases drastically!
The books regarding Jesus were written in the first century of the C.E. The picking and choosing, canonization process took place in the Year 325CE, NOT in 167BCE, which was the time Daniel was written.
4a. Do the books in the Qur’an match the books in the Christian Bible like some of the books of the Bible match the Torah?
According to Islam:
God revealed his message to Prophet Moses in the Old Testament (Torah), and continued the message through Prophet Jesus in the Scriptures. God completed his final message in Qur’an. The Bible today does NOT reflect the original scriptures given to Jesus. The Bible was written by 40 men, and compiled about three hundred years after Jesus. It was compiled by a committee, who added and subtracted from the material. After much editing, they got some of the material correct but NOT all. In fact the Book of John, almost did not make it in. SOME of the material does match the Quran, after all they are from the same ORIGINAL source.
According to Bible.com: The entire New Testament as we know it today was canonized before the year 375 A.D.
4b. You indicated that you studied the Bible, did they know that your a Muslim?
I took BSF- Bible Study Fellowship classes at the Church of the Nazarene. The purpose was to learn true Christianity. I went to authentic Christian sources. I worked very hard on the homework questions. Most people learn Islam from Zionists like Bridgette Gabriel, then they simply echo her words. If I had gone to apostates or Anti-Christians as such, then I would have condemned myself to ignorance. I recommend this site for those wanting to learn True Islam.
In our small group study sessions, they knew that I am Muslim. In the large lecture hall, they could not tell that I am a Muslim because I did NOT wear the hijab over there. It was all women, therefore, I removed the hijab. Once in a while, when we had a male teacher, then I would quickly put on the hijab. Once they came to know that I am a Muslim, there was MUCH curiosity and confusion among them as to why a Muslim wants to learn the Bible. There is no room for ignorance in this world. That is why I took the BSF classes!!
Bloggers have asked me how come I did not become Christian upon studying the Bible. My answer is that one can study anything. It is God who influences the heart. Islam is what makes sense to me. I recognized the Bible as originating from the same source as the Quran. I believe that both books had the same original author and that the Bible has been subjected to distortion.
For example, according to Islam, Prophet Lot had no sons, only two daughters and he did NOT commit incest with his daughters. I can confidently say that the Bible is incorrect.
5. Who is the head of a Mosque?
An Imam is a Muslim spiritual leader who has studied the religion and leads congregational prayers. If the Imam seems to be straying from the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith, lay persons have every right to question him. For example, at a Mosque picnic event, an Imam asked us women to vacate an area, so that men can occupy it!! I told the Iman that this is inconsistent with the treatment of women that Islam preaches. He then backed off.
Many Anti-Muslims have sent me videos of “Imams” given sermons that reflect extremist views, claiming that these “Imams” speak for Islam. It is important to note that there is NO Pope, nor any central religious leader that speaks for Islam. We all have the Quran and the hadiths as our guide.
6. Tell me more about Hell?
HELL has seven doors leading to a fiery crater of various levels, the lowest of which contains the tree Zaqqum and a cauldron of boiling pitch. The level of hell depends on the degree of offenses. Suffering is both physical and spiritual. Satan never repented for his sin and exhibited
7. Why does Islam require that a woman should wear a hijab (scarf)?
The Hijab is worn only in the presence of men and worn during prayers. The Hijab represents modesty. The society puts too much pressure on women: breast implants, high heels, fancy hairdos…. Often a woman’s self-image is correlated with how attractive she looks to men. Oppression is living in fear that if a woman will lose her value if she loses her looks. One friend who is a News Director for CBS told me that the female newscasters have to get “augmented” otherwise they cannot get jobs!! This is subjugation to a society where woman’s being is UNDER-valued. Watch this sitcom, depicting what I mean. Modesty and the hijab are liberation of women from the pressures of society. Also, I do it as an act of obedience to my Creator.
Women were required to wear scarves to Church for prayers some time back. 1st Corinthians also stressed hijab. Also, the original Jewish traditions required the same for women. Then, the Church and Synagogues changed the rules. This is how religions become man-made. However, I went recently went to a Catholic Church for an interfaith meeting. I saw some ladies wearing hijabs and I thought that they were Muslims, attending the Interfaith event. They were actually Catholic!!
Bloggers on some of the Anti-Muslim sites that I visit, denigrate those like me who wear the hijab, by referring to us as “rag heads.” I find that interesting because they are the same ones who claim to have respect for Virgin Mary, the “rag head.”
Watch this video of the Hijab experiment in NYC.
8. How come men don’t need to cover their beauty to prevent women from feeling inappropriate sexual attraction? This seems unfair!!
Men also have to practice modesty, with loose attire and not excessively revealing. However, the body structure of a woman is different from that of a man. Also, a woman is the weaker one of the sexes and needs more protection. It is unlikely for a man to get raped. Therefore, a woman is required to practice modesty to a higher degree than a man.
9. In Mosques, why are women praying separately from men? Why are women usually placed in the back?
In most Mosques, women are designated a separate area. Men usually lead the prayer. Muslims perform salat (prayer ritual) by sitting on prayer rugs, and bending into different positions on the floor during prayer. In some parts of the salat, the head is on the floor, and the buttocks in the air. Also, I could not remove the hijab, if men were present. I am glad that women are in the back or segregated during prayers for privacy reasons. Therefore, I think separation of the genders helps to keep one’s mind pure and enables one to concentrate on the prayer.
On one occasion, we had invited Christian pastors to visit our Mosque and they wanted to observe our prayers and sat in the back. I asked them to reseat themselves in front of us instead. I explained to them that when my butt goes up in the air, I prefer NOT to have men sitting behind me. They, then understood. Initially, they had thought that it is demeaning for women to occupy the back.
Some NON-Muslim women have brought up this separation of sexes as demeaning to women. I certainly do NOT see it that way.
SALAT is the second pillar of Islam. Click here for a detailed Video Representation.
10. How does the Christian concept of original sin contrast with the Islamic perspective?
According to Christian tradition, God cursed Adam and Eve and their ALL their progeny!!! HE then sent Jesus to save them from HIS curse.
According to Islam:
Adam and Eve disobeyed God, and HE sent them out of Paradise and onto earth. — God, is Almighty and Merciful–. HE FORGAVE Adam and Eve. God then made Adam, the first prophet on earth. Then HE sent to earth a series of prophets to every nation to guide mankind. Jesus was the second-to-last prophet. Muhammed was the very last prophet. All of the Prophets and Messengers of Allah preached the ONE-ness of God as opposed to Paganism and they all warned of the Day of Judgment, when each of will be scrutinized for our actions and then obtains the sentence for our deeds. No one died to atone the sins of mankind. Everyone is responsible for his/her own actions.
After reading the above paragraph, a Christian blogger asserted that there is no evidence to support that God ever forgave Adam and Eve. Then, he went on to assert that God is more forgiving under the umbrella of Christianity than under Islam. I disagree. According to Islam, every sin is forgivable if one repents earnestly. However, God states that HE will NOT forgive Shirk, which is equating other partners with God. THEREFORE, I cannot place Jesus, nor his pious-Godly mother, Mary, nor Muhammad on the same platform as God!! This will earn me a place in HELL!!
11A. A human being is impure and cannot ever be good enough to be judged by God. If Muslims do not believe that Jesus died for your sins, how do you think that you will be saved from Hell fire?
God created me as a HUMAN, and on judgment day, HE will judge me by my actions. I do not expect to come out on Judgment Day and get a perfect report card. My creator knows that I am a human being, and not an angel. HE is the ONE and ONLY who can forgive my sins and shortcomings. HE has given me free will. I am NOT responsible for the actions of any ancestors who sinned before me. I need to conduct myself according to the guidance HE has provided in the scriptures. HE is the beneficent, and the most Merciful.
After reading the above paragraph someone mentioned that angels (created of light) have free will, referring to Satan, ” the fallen angel.” The Islamic perspective states that Satan was NEVER an angel. He is a Jinn (created of fire). Jinns, like humans have free will. There are some good ones and some evil ones. Jinns will be judged for their actions, on Judgment Day and God will sentence them to Heaven or Hell. Like Angels, Jinns are not visible to us humans.
11B. What is the Islamic version of Original Sin:
Original sin occurred when God gathered all the Angels and Jinns together to announce HIS new creation of Adam. HE then commanded them all to show respect for Adam, by bowing. Satan/Ibless disobeyed!! Iblees felt that he was superior since he was made of FIRE and Adam was made of clay. This is more or less analogous to Whites feeling superior to Africans. I think to a certain degree we all possess a sense of arrogance perhaps for our God-given good looks, or intelligence and look down on others. I am as guilty as anyone else in this regard. We each have to keep reminding ourselves that we have ALL been created by the SAME creator and in HIS eyes we are all equal. It should be our Jihad (struggle) to purify our thoughts towards others in obedience to God.
Anyway Adam and Eve repented for their sin and God FORGAVE them for HE is most merciful. Satan/Iblees NEVER repented!! He vowed to take as many mankind and jinn with him to Hell as possible. God then allowed him the ability to do as a method of testing us. Those of us who pass will earn Heaven one day.
12. Are there Muslim missionaries who actively go around converting people like Christian missionaries? Why is Islam spreading so rapidly?
Allah, (God in Arabic) invites mankind to accept the Guidance voluntarily and to submit to Him, and to believe in the Quran, His final revelation. God has provided humans with a mind that can explore and promote individual thinking. I do not believe that one person can convert another into anything. In India, I have seen many missionaries reaching out to the poor communities, and providing them monetary support, in the hope of converting them to a different religion. In the long run, I do not believe that this method will be effective. Islam clearly states that there is to be no coercion in acceptance of the message. It is up to an individual to think for himself/herself. I fought to free Meriam, the Christian Sudanese woman from her Muslim oppressors.
13. What is the Muslim population in Los Angeles, in America, in the world? Are Muslims living in our area, inconspicuous because I haven’t seen too many?
There are about 300,000 Muslims residing in the LA area. According to the CIA World Facts book, there are 10 million Muslims in America. Worldwide there are about 1.3 billion Muslims.
It is not easy to follow one’s religion, in a place where that religion is a small minority. It is a humanly need to feel acceptance, and blend in with one’s peers. It is much easier to go with the flow then to swim against the current. There was so much anti-Muslim sentiment especially after 9/11 that Muslims literally feared for their safety. To a lesser degree, they feared losing their jobs, and/or clients. Therefore, many chose to live inconspicuously. Not me!! Thank God, that HE has given me the courage to live my life according to my beliefs.
14a. Why does Islam require a man to pay dowry to his bride at the time of marriage? This is unfair burden on the man!
A woman has a right to demand dowry (gift) from the man that she is about to marry. The man is obligated to pay this amount. This gift becomes a part of her personal property. It is called MAHER. She may use the money as she sees fit. (I invested mine in Mutual funds.) She may need it for financial support in case he deserts her. This dowry symbolizes the man’s commitment of his willingness to undertake to responsibilities of marriage. Islam establishes that a man remains solely responsible for providing for his wife and children. For the wife, the decision to work is solely hers. She may spend her income as she likes. The husband cannot force her to work, cook, or nurse their children. She is allowed to keep her maiden name if she chooses.
14b. I heard that a Muslim man can easily divorce his wife and that a wife cannot even initiate a divorce at her will. Explain.
In case a wife is not happy with her husband, she may ask for divorce. In this case she is not entitled to the maher and the husband may ask her to return the maher that he gave her at the time of marriage.
The husband or wife or both can approach the court to dissolve their marriage due to some irreconcilable differences. In this case the judge makes the decision and he may grant some compensation to the wife or some relief to the husband.
15. Does Islam allow a Muslim to marry someone who practices some other faith?
Marriage with a non-believer is forbidden. Marriage between a Muslim and a Hindu, Budhist, etc. is simply not recognized as marriage. However, there is an exception:
Muslim men ARE allowed to marry Jewish and Christian women, who are referred to as “People of the Book.” Jewish and Christians have received revelations from God’s previous messengers, even though they do not recognize HIS final messenger, Muhammad. People of the Book are treated with respect for the most part in the Quran. There are places, however, where God expresses anger that Jews did NOT accept HIS last two messengers, Jesus and Mohammad. The Jewish or Christian woman is entitled to receive/enjoy the dower from her husband, the same way a Muslim woman would have been entitled. The Jewish or Christian woman does NOT have to convert to Islam. She can maintain her own religion. My cousin married a Jewish lady. She has remained Jewish. The thing that bothers us is that she is raising their children as Jewish. May God help them towards Islam is my wish. If the children remain Jewish, then, I must remember that God will be the judge and HE may very well be pleased with Christians and Jews who live a righteous life according to HIS guidance. Muslims must NOT make judgment upon
Jews and Christians by sentencing them to Hell.
Some Zionists have brought up a question to me telling me that my religion preaches to kill Jews and Christians. If that were true, then why would God ALLOW such marriages? I have seen many such successful marriages with children. The men are NOT killing their in-laws, nor their wives, who are the mothers of their children!!
16a. Can a Muslim woman marry a Christian or Jewish man?
A Muslim woman is required to marry a Muslim man. As head of the household, the husband provides leadership for the family. A Muslim woman does not follow the leadership of someone who does not share her faith and values. Since the husband is given MORE responsibility to care for his wife and family, for which he will face higher accountability on Judgment Day, he is also given a degree higher in status. However, this verse has been misused by men to control and oppress women. The best way to combat the oppression is with education.
Women have rights similar to those (of men) over them in kindness, and men are a degree above them. Allah is Mighty, Wise. (2:228)
16b. It appears that you are against Jews. Correct?
Jews are referred to People of the Book. See above. In some places in the Quran, God expresses HIS anger towards them for disobeying HIS rules of Sabbath and for trying to KILL Jesus. For the most part, though, they are referred to with respect in the Quran. I have Jews among family members. I am certainly NOT against them. I have a problem with Zionists. It is important to understand the difference!!
17. How come Islam says that a man can marry more than one woman?
The permission to practice polygamy is not associated with mere satisfaction of passion. It is rather associated with compassions toward widows and orphans, a matter that is confirmed by the atmosphere in which the verse was revealed to Prophet Muhammed.
Dealing justly with one’s wives is an obligation. This applies to housing, food, clothing, kind treatment…etc., for which a man is fully responsible. If one is not sure of being able to deal justly with them, the Qur’an says: “then (marry) only one.”
The Qur’an warns that this challenge of equality and justice towards the wives in polygamy is difficult to attain. I do not believe that a woman would want to share her husband. However, in certain situations, this might make sense. She may be barren or ill and see in polygamy a better solution than divorce:
In the case of John Edwards, if I were in Elizabeth’s shoes, I would give my husband full blessings to have another wife, knowing that he has humanly needs. I would not make him suffer through my illness. He can still be a good husband and take responsibility for the love and care of Elizabeth, until death do them apart. What about the mistress? She became known as a home-wrecker. She has had to lie about the father of her baby, in order to protect John. The baby carries the label of a child conceived in shame. She could have played the role of a home-maker!! Thus, John, Elizabeth, their children, as well as the new wife and child could all have enjoyed a life of dignity, rather than the humiliation that was inflicted on them.
Some wives have been sharing their husbands all the time, for example the wives of: Reverend Jim Baker, Reverend Jimmy Swaggart, Reverend Jesse Jackson, . .. The interesting point is that many of these men degraded Islam for allowing polygamy, while practicing it themselves! Their wives, these cases, who decided to stay with their husbands could have considered polygamy. At least then, things can progress in a controlled manner, and there would be less chances of STD.
All over the world many married men visit brothels regularly. This has resulted in sex slavery and trafficking of young girls. POLYGAMY would be a better choice. —Islam insists that if a man wants to enjoy sexual relations with a woman, he MUST marry her, and treat her with respect, and take responsibility for her, and any resulting children—.
In the case of Tiger Woods, Islam would have encouraged him to be just and faithful to ONE wife, and control his excessive desires. The practice of Ramadan helps in this respect, to control one’s bodiliy needs, rather than be conrolled by them. However, Islam would have limited Tiger by allowing him up to four wives. He would then have to find and marry up to four women, who would be willing to share him. Quran warns that it is difficult, if not impossible to exercise fairness towards all wives. He would then have to love, support, and comfort each one, like a true husband and divide his time and money equally among them. Polygamy, when practiced properly actually elevates the status of women.
Suppose that Tiger puts his excessive desires to good use.. Suppose he marries up to four women, who are societies’ Rejects:
- Women with children, who need support
- Older women who need companionship
- Divorcees, who needed emotional well-being
He would score some good points with his Creator, who would reward him on Judgment Day. Prophet Muhammad had practiced polygamy and married women in the categories above.
Sometimes, when I see women, who are divorced and widowed, I can feel their loneliness, and pain. They have no outlet for their emotional and physical needs. It is difficult for them to find another husband, since good men are hard to fine. At the same time, they cannot engage in dating or other behavior, which may lead to a life-style with sexual relations outside of marriage. I know that if I were in their place, I would want somebody to share her husband with me. I wish that I were big-hearted enough to share my husband, in this respect. But I am not. The humanness in me dominates the prudence needed to solve problems, on a bigger scale. Islam places precedence on solving real problems on the bigger scale over individual scales. Islam is NOT about idealism.
18. See: Why did Prophet Muhammad marry so many women under polygamy? We need to examine his life with a birdseye view, then it will make sense.
19. Since he married mostly older widows and divorcees, how come one of his wives was so young?
I would NOT want an early marriage for my daughter. We have to look at the cultural context that existed back then.
Prophet’s young wife, Ayesha was betrothed to someone else at the age of six. That means this practice was common back then, in the 600s. Her father Abu Bakr, had her engagement broken, then arranged for her engagement to Prophet Muhammad. The marriage was then consummated upon the age of puberty. Mahatma Ghandhi was betrothed for third time by the age of seven, in the mid 1800s. Read: Gandhi An Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments With Truth.
The Talmud, however, teaches that a father can betroth his daughter (on her journey from ketannah to na’arah to bogeret) of only THREE years and one day old (Sanhedrin 55b, Kiddushin 41). In medieval Jewish Ashkenazi communities, girls were married at VERY young ages.
Marriage age was 10 in Britain until the end of the Nineteenth century. Source: Vaknin, Sam. Malignant Self Love. Narcissism Revisited. Narcissus Publications, Prague & Skopje 2007. p.506
Here is an interesting lecture on British India by a UCLA Professor regarding the life-expectancy in India up until the early TWENTIETH century. Life expectancy was ONLY 19.4 YEARS. Less than 20!!! In fact, British workers OVER 16 were considered TOO old to join the East India Company. Based on these facts, does it seem unusual for a girl to get married upon reaching puberty back in the SEVENTH century? Most societies throughout time equated adulthood with puberty.
Historically, the age of consent for a sexual union was determined by tribal custom, or was a matter for families to decide. In most cases, this coincided with signs of puberty such as menstruation for a girl. See: Marriageable age Wikipedia
Even the Bible established puberty as the minimum age for marriage.
We CANNOT view the marriage of Prophet Muhammad with his young wife Ayesha based on our current standards. In fact, our current mindset would even reject the first marriage of Prophet Muhammad at the age of 25 to an older woman, Khadija of age of 40. He remained monogamous in his marriage to Khadija for 25 years until her death. Would a man who marries solely for sexual indulgence marry a much older woman during the prime of his life and stay monogamous with her?
Even today, it is not unusual for girls to marry upon reaching puberty , although I disagree with this arrangement. In some parts of the world, lifespan is only around thirty years old, thus encouraging early marriage and reproduction. Currently, Massachusetts allows girls as young as age 12 to get married with parental consent. Ayesha became a widow very young. She became a great scholar, and offered Islamic perspective in many issues, including women’s. In fact, Ayesha is the main source for many of the Hadiths and information about his life.
One of bloggers wrote this:
” I have decried the calumnious claim that Mohammed was a pedophile, as the betrothal of young girls and the consummation of marriage upon the onset of menses were practical survival strategies in that day and age. But as those practices were rational for the day, they do not translate well to our culture, and it seems folly for them to be imposed today.”
Hamza Yosuf has provided an interesting perspective on this subject.
Yasser Qadhi commented on this point as well.
20. How come a Muslim woman cannot marry more than one man? This does not seem right.
If a woman were allowed to have more than one husband, imagine the chaos it would cause. She would not know who is the father of her baby! Moreover, it would be unfair burden on a woman to take on wifely responsibilites for more that one man. Polygamy should be viewed as responsibility for the care and support of an additional spouse. It should not be viewed as a form of mere sexual pleasure. After our marriage ceremony, my husband became extremely emotional. He later told me that that the reason was that the ceremony affirmed his commitment with God to take responsibiity for the well-being of another human being.
21. Overall, it seems that a woman’s role is inferior to a man’s role in Islam. How do you respond?
Islam offers protection for women:
The Quran, contrary to the Bible, places equal blame on both Adam and Eve for their mistake. According to the Qur’an, woman is not blamed for the “fall of man.” Pregnancy and childbirth are not seen as punishments for “eating from the forbidden tree.” On the contrary, the Qur’an considers them to be grounds for love and respect due to mothers. The Prophet said, ” The best among is the one who is good to his wife.”
Given the widespread view in the west that Islam treats women poorly, it is ironic that western women are embracing Islam at a much higher rate than men. In the United States, women converts outnumber men by four to one. In Britain women make up the bulk of the converts. See: Aol News.
22. What is Sharia? Should we be afraid of it?
Sharia is the information set forth in the Quran, and practices of the Prophet. See Sharia Within.
23a. What is Sharia law?
Sharia laws are laws derived from values in the Quran, or the life of the Prophet. Quran is NOT a book of Law. Sharia is continuously growing and evolving through scholarly-reasoning, according to different situations and circumstances. There is NO Country in existence that is applying the Sharia in its purity. Even in the countries that claim to be Sharia-compliant, there is much corruption. Muslims are NOT living according to principles of Islam. The MODEL of rights and responsibilites, set under Islam, have a big potential for individual and societal reform. But as of now, I am not aware of any nation incoroprating the Sharia-Level of Morality and Fairness, correctly.
23b. One blogger wrote:
24. How come women are denied basic rights in Sharia- compliant countries?
In Islam, women have the right to vote, receive inheritance, participate in legal and political affairs, and obtain an education. Muslim societies struggle to correctly implement the human rights in Islam. This exemplifies how human-run societies fall short of carrying out God’s will. This is analogous to how many socieites struggle to implement Equality versus racism and discrimination.
25. Why does a woman have to produce four male individuals testifying to prove rape in Islamic countries?
A raped woman is a victim that must be treated with honor and kindness. She is not required to produce four witnesses, as such to prove the crime done against her. Nor should she be punished for the crime done against her. There is no Islamic precedence for punishing the victim of sexual assault, even if the assault is not proven. A woman who has been raped cannot be asked to produce witnesses; her claim shall be accepted unless there are tangible grounds to prove otherwise.
There is NO Country that is practicing Sharia today, in the manner prescribed by the religion. — Not Saudi Arabia, nor Afghanistan, not Sudan. — Thus countries may be demanding four male individuals as stated in the question. However, this is NOT based on Islamic precedence and should be stopped!
In actuality, what Islam says is that if a woman is accused of lewd behavior such as prostitution, then the accuser must present FOUR male witnesses, who have ACTULLY caught her in the act. If the accuser can’t produce the required witnesses and then he/she must SHUT UP. Ruining the reputation of a woman has series consequences for the accusers. Quran (4:15).
In Pakistan, the law is requiring that a raped victim produce 4 witnesses to prove rape, while the guilty individual is let free to rape others. To add insult to injury, the woman gets accused of adultery UNLESS she can prove the rape. This is simply UNLAWFULLY ridiculous. Human rights violati0n. What is causing this oppression? The answer is that oppression trickles down from above. We have caused chaos and PTSD in the population by promoting Drone strikes. Drug abuse is rampant. Economic conditions are depressed. The women who have lost their husbands in the drone attacks are now becoming female suici de bombers. Anarchy has resulted here as in Iraq. The oppressed men, in turn oppress women, who in turn oppress children. This is the bigger picture that one has to examine.
Quran (5:29) And do NOT kill yourselves (nor kill one another). Surely, Allâh is Most Merciful to you.
26. What is the punishment for adultery/fornication according to Islam?
Prophet Muhammed’s wife was accused of adultery. He told her that if the allegations are correct, then pray to Allah for forgiveness. God is oft-forgiving.
Islam says that Adultery has to be proven by eye-witness accounts of four different individuals. Therfore, adultery is virtually impossible to prove. Islam gives the adulterer the option to ask for forgiveness directly from his Creator and try as much as possible to replace his bad deeds with good ones.
If the adulterer thinks it is better for him/her to undergo the punishment and cleanse himself from the sin in this life itself, rather that facing the consequences in the hereafter, then it is public flagging, and or stoning. The purpose was to publicly discourage such acts, to set an example for others, as to the seriousness of adultery. The punishment is equal for both men and women. Scholars agree that in this day and time, punishment cannot and should not be carried out in this manner. It should be left to God.
27. Why are women stoned to death so mercilessly, in Islamic countries?
There is NO verse of Stoning in the Quran. Verses of Stoning reside in the Bible. In many Islamic societies, Stoning is misused and carried out against ONLY women, which creates societies that oppress women. We need to stand against unfairness of any type; it is our Jihad to right what is wrong.
Just because Islamic countries carry out an act, does not necessarily mean that the act is being performed correctly, according to Islam.
28A. Is there anything like Baptism in Islam?
A child does NOT inherit sin from anyone. Conception CANNOT take place unless God wants it. Even if the child is a result of adultery, or rape, God will question the parents, but not the child. A child upon developing as an adult and practicing righteous deeds, with Guidance from God’s scriptures attains salvation. In Islam, a child is God’s creation born pure of sin. Baptism is not practiced as such. Islam does not believe that any holy spirit’s descent is required to purify a child since Allah has created every child sinless.
Even the infant in this picture, who was baptized, was born SINLESS. He was instrumental in bringing about European CHRISTIAN Fascism resulting in MASS murders. Yet, people constantly try to point out that Islamic History portrays fascism. THERE IS SIMPLY NO COMPARISON between the level of terrorism.
Adolf Hitler
28B. Baptizing is more or less like Cleansing. Is there NO such method in Islam?
Prior to performing the official 5 daily prayers. We have to perform ablution rituals. Women are excused from the official daily prayers during menstruation. Also, sexual relations are banned during menstruation. After the period is over, women have to perform the ablution rituals prior to resuming the official prayers and sexual activities with their husband. The ablution serves as a mechanism of cleansing similar to baptizing in some respects. Also, Muslims wash their private parts with water during each bathroom visit. Water, along with toilet paper serve as cleaning agents after excretion. In ALL religions water is used in purification rites.
29. How come there is no picture or statue of Prophet Muhammed anywhere?
Suppose I had a picture of Prophet Muhammed. I would put it up on some pedestal. Then in no time at all, I would start praying towards it. Then probably, I would ask Muhammed to intervene in my prayers to God. Spontaneously, I would teach my younger generations that Muhammed was a divine being. Then they would in turn teach their offspring that he was somehow related to God, son of God, or even God himself! This would be Christianity all over again in the form of ‘Muhammedism’. This process is so natural.
I have seen Catholics pray to statues of Mary. I have seen Hindus pray to various different statues and gods depicted in pictures. I visited the Prophet’s gravesite in Medina, when I went for Hajj. Muslims started encircling his gravesite as a form of worship. The authorities there stopped people from encircling and worshiping Muhammed. Prophet Muhammed said that he was bringing the same message as Prophet Jesus before him. Muhammed made it clear to his followers that he is NOT to be worshipped. Therefore, he did not allow anyone to sculpture a statue of him, or to paint his picture. A man looking out for his personal gain, would NOT have been so humble. He was only concerned about depicting God’s greatness—The one and only true God–. Unfortunately, there are still some Muslims, under the Shei sect who venerate Prophet Muhammad and his progeny. This comprises of a form of Shirk, which God clearly states will NOT be forgiven.
30. The Statues mentioned above provide a place to focus during prayers. Why do Muslims pray towards the Kaba? What is the history of the Kaba?
After building the Kaba, Prophet Abraham would come to Makkah to perform Hajj every year, and after his death, this practice was continued by his son, Ishmael. Gradually with the passage of time, both the form and the goal of the Hajj rites were changed. As idolatry spread throughout Arabia, the Kaba lost its purity and idols were placed inside it. Its walls became covered with poems and paintings, including one of Jesus and his mother Maryam,and eventually over 360 idols came to be placed around the Kaba.
Prophet Muhammed wiped out idolatry in Makkah, about 3K years after Abraham. Now the Kaba is a place that Muslims turn towards to pray five times daily. It is the focal point of prayer. The Kaba is not worshipped. Originally, the focal point of prayer was the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Then Prophet Muhammad got a revelation from God that the point of prayer should now be towards the Kaba in Mecca.
31. What is Jihad?
Jihad means struggle, that one may undergo in trying to bring people towards the message of God. Jihad could be a simple action, such as speaking up against oppression.. It may also take the form of reminding people of their Islamic duties and motivating them to conduct their lives according to Islam. Jihad could comprise of removing peer pressure from Muslims, who get ridiculed for praying. Migration could be a form of Jihad to move to a place where one can practice freely.
Example: In the Chinese town of Xing Jiang, Muslims are oppressed and cannot practice their religion. They are watched constantly, especially in Ramadan to test whether or not they are Muslims, by who is eating. Best case scenario, they lose their jobs. Worst case, they may get fined or imprisoned. In either case, they lose their livelihood.
In this case, Jihad may involve organizing peacefully and protesting to the mayor. One may write letters to the editor. If all else fails, then warfare is the final resort. Sitting on one’s ass and doing nothing does not earn respect in the eyes of God. God says fight bravely in the cause of betterment of religious freedom even if there is chance that you may be killed. If you die in such a cause as a martyr, then God promises great reward in Heaven. However, an outright suicide mission will earn one HELL. Suicide is a grave sin. Islam does not permit, condone or promote violence. Just the opposite, it abhors violence and allows it only in self-defense. Engaging in warfare for the control of another’s wealth or resources such as oil contradicts the message of Islam. This type of warfare is NOT Jihad.
Jihad in a way is to defend yourself, family and country against any invasion or enemy. The key word here is DEFFEND, not to do any pre-emptive attack against helpless civilians.“
I have been engaging with Anti-Muslims and trying to conduct dialogues on Anti-Muslim sites, like Freedom Outpost, Eagle-Rising and Constitution.com, thus far. I call the bloggers there the “Christian Taliban.” They are extremely “RIGHT.” Many think that I worship some moon god and other false thoughts. I have been called a “Troll, Whore, Witch….” I have been threatened as well. My goal has been to simply provide them CORRECT information on Islam.
I see this as my Jihad to struggle to set them straight on the correct beliefs of Islam. My family has expressed their concerns for my safety. I decided not to stay in my closet where it is safe. If I get killed in this process than what better way to go? May God help me in this endeavor to fight for HIS cause and may God keep me safe. Ameen!!
32. Why do Muslims hate us Westerners: freedom-loving people?
Muslims’ ‘hatred” of the West is just rhetoric of the Western leaders. We all need to look into reasons how our actions may have caused anger in others. I recommend that people read Failed States by Naom Chomsky. Also, people should listen to news from Independent sources like NPR or KPFK (FM 90.7). Jimmy Carter’s book, We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land, describes the plight of the Palestinians, which can drive anyone to desperate measures.
Guess who controls our news? One needs to gain a clear idea of what is really happening around the world. When you watch the news you get a controlled-limited view through colored contact lenses. Try removing the contact lenses: Watch Aljazeera, and other news sources.
33. The biggest problem between the Palestinians and Jews is religion. How do you, as a Muslim feel about this problem?
This issue pertains to the land, not to religion. Muslims feel that the Zionist have expanded into the territories where Muslims have lived for centuries. Muslims view the situation as similar to that of the colonial expansion into the lands of the Native Americans. Palestinians feel oppressed. Islam does not permit Muslims to compromise with oppression.
Palestinian land from 1950- 2000.
But criticizing Israel isn’t anti-Semitic. The State Department plays this card when one opposes the Israeli aggression!!! Both Jews and non-Jews — who speak out against Israel’s human rights abuses get labeled “Anti-Semitic.”
If you want to know why an Indian-born, American-raised, US citizen like me connect with Palestine, then click HERE to read my essay.
This Christian couple expresses my grievances well.
34. Does Islam promote suicide and the killing of others, with the promise of virgins awaiting in Paradise?
Suicide is NOT allowed in Islam, under ANY circumstance. The religion says fight bravely in the cause of Islam, even if there is a chance you may get killed. However, an outright suicide mission, when one knows that he will be killed is totally a repugnant act , forbidden by Islam. Islam condemns Killing of innocent civilians. God promises that all sorts of good things await in Paradise for those who practice righteous deeds and engage in charity. “Promise of Virgins” is a speculation regarding the unknowns of Paradise.
I even heard rumors that there are 72 gorgeous men in heaven, awaiting my arrival!! If that is the case, then Heaven would feel like HELL!! I can hardly handle the ONE gorgeous man that I do have in my life!! (Now, I can’t stop laughing!!!)
On a serious note, suicide earns God’s wrath in the life hereafter, where God sentences such people to Hell:
Quran (87: 12-13) Who will enter the great Fire (and will be made to taste its burning). There he will neither die (to be in rest) nor live (a good living). The 72 virgins awaiting the suicide bombers simply do not exist in the Quran.
35. Why then are so many Muslims blowing themselves up?
Prior to America’s invasion in March 2003, Iraq had NEVER experienced a suicide bombing in its history.
1980-2003- 350 Suicide attacks worldwide
2004- 2009- 1833 Suicide attacks worldwide
Read the book: Dying to Win: The Strategic Logic of Suicide Terrorism by Robert Pape, University of Chicago Political Scientist. There is a close correlation between foreign occupation and suicide terrorism. Basically when the foreign occupier has military might that the native cannot compete with, suicide attacks are seen as evening the playing field. Although most of these acts have been commited by Muslims, Islam is NOT the driving force. For example, Palestinians, who have had their homes bulldozed feel they have nothing to lose by committing suicide attacks on those who have settled in their homes. In order for one to rationalize, first his basic needs have to be met, and his status on the Maslow scale has to be reach a certain level. In Iraq and other places, our aggressive strikes have left the locals on the bottom of the Maslow scale, where they cannot think clearly and resort to desperate measures. Basically, a suicide attack is a poor man’s weapon.
One who is able to rationalize would understand that suicide earns one a ticket to HELL: QURAN(4:29-30) O ye who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities: but let there be amongst you traffic and trade by mutual good-will: nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily Allah hath been to you Most Merciful. (29) If any (one) does that in rancour and injustice,― soon shall We cast him into the Fire: and easy it is for Allah. (30)
Many media outlets have stated that those committing such acts are doing it for a quick ticket to heaven and the virgins awaiting them. We need to examine the statistics and get to the root cause. Pape provides a good analysis of causes and prevention of suicide terrorism. The Israeli General’s son offers a good perspective of the reasons behind suicide attacks.
Obama has been dropping drones on civilian populations in the hope of killing extremists. This has resulted in the death of many children, especially in the tribal areas of Pakistan, known as Waziristan. Women who have lost their husbands in the drone attacks are now going after the government targets who they perceive as supporting the US and blowing themselves up. Instead of investing in the education and betterment of lives of women, which would have a positive global impact, we are investing in processes that turning girls into female suicide bombers!! May God help us!!
I recently heard the American Ambassador to Pakistan give a speech at UCLA. He said that the US is helping women in Pakistan through education. He was bragging about the success of the drone program. He claimed to have spoken to people on the ground and how they are applauding the drone strikes. BAAAARF!!
I almost threw up at that dinner event!!. I stood up and spoke the truth that the people on the ground there are terrorized by the noise of the familiar drones and suffer from PTSD and other Psychiatric disorders, wondering if their house/children are going to be next. I asked the Ambassador how he would feel if his wife and kids get written off as “casualties” in the drone strikes, in our efforts to get rid of the bad guys in his neighborhood!!!!
36. What type of sects exist in Islam? Why are they fighting each other?
Sunni, and Shei comprise the major sects. Sunni Muslims make up the majority (85%) of Muslims all over the world. Significant populations of Shei Muslims can be found in Iran and Iraq, and large minority communities in Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, and Lebanon.
Prophet Muhammad was neither Sunni nor Shei. Tranmissions from God to mankind, via Angel Gabriel came to a halt after the Prophet’s death. Since he was God’s final last messenger, the world would receive no more. The prophet left no instructions on how to continue with God’s divine plan, thus Political control over the Muslim Ummah (Nation) commenced the differences. Some believed that the leaders of the Muslim faith should be those of the Prophet’s lineage, like Ali and Ali’s sons. They called themselves the Shei party. Others believed that since the Prophet left no such instructions, that any one of his well-informed companions may lead, like Abu Bakr, Umar, or Uthman. They call themselves the Sunni party. Therefore, the four people who lead the Muslims, after the Prophet’s death comprised the chronological order:
1. Abu Bakr- Prophet’s Companion and Father-in-law
2. Umar- Prophet’s Companion and Father-in-law
3. Uthman- Prophet’s Son-in-law
4. Ali- Prophet’s cousin (son of Uncle Abu Talib), and Son-in-law
It is important to note that none of the four men claimed to belong to either party. Their followers however made such claims. The last three leaders above were assassinated. After that, central leadership of the Muslim nation continued for few centuries. Now, there exists no central leader, nor a central Church (Mosque) as such.
Although, both groups follow the same basic teachings of the Quran, the Sheis have added in rituals which the Sunnis ABHOR. For example, the Sheis commemorate the death of Ali and his sons by causing self-inflicted wounds. Similarly, the Catholics and Protestants exemplify how divergence of opinions leads to conflicts. Many lands have experienced the violence stemming from the feuding denominations of Christianity and Islam. In Iraq, the Shei/Sunni conflict has escalated to a high degree. The social and economic conditions fueled by the Political struggle for control have worsened the fighting. MEDIATION IS NEEDED!!
Dr. Shabir Ally has an interesting perspective.
Most Muslims do not distinguish themselves by claiming membership in any particular group, but prefer to call themselves simply, “Muslims.”
37a. Muslim terrorists justify their actions by their interpretations of the Qur’an. If, as you say the Qur’an doesn’t condone terrorism, why doesn’t the “church” banish or expel the terrorists? Or why don’t they publically discredit them, rather than keep mum about it?
In Islam, there is NO central Church or central figure, like the Pope. Therefore, no one has authority to banish anyone from anywhere. Many Imams have issued orders (Fatwas) against the perpetrators. NUMEROUS leaders have voiced their anger. The media displays actions that increase ratings. Criminal activity and vociferous ravings of the small percentage of extremists is what generates revenues for the Radio/TV/Newspaper companies, not the actions of the majority of the Muslims, who strive to live a morally-decent existence.
For example, threats of Quran Burnings by the extremist Pastor Terry Jones, echoed all over the world. Practically no one heard the voices of regular practicing Christians, who labeled the behavior as despicable. News of Priests’ molestation of children sells papers, NOT the opposition of the respectable Catholics, who condemn the acts. I am working with Mediators Beyond Borders, and Rotary International to help bring about World Peace. Give us suggestions on what we can do together to resolve this issue.
I am not responsible for the Muslim Nuts anymore than you are responsible for the Christian Nuts: Timothy McVeigh was raised as a Catholic. Anders Breivick from Norway killed 93 people. He felt threatened by Muslims, who he perceived as outnumbering his fellow Christians.
37b. What have you personally done to STOP the atrocities committed by Muslims? How can we help you in the process?
a. I fought to free Meriam, the Sudanese Woman.
b. I am fighting against ISIS.
c. The Heads of the Mosque had kicked out the Boston Brothers for bizarre behavior.
d. In fact, the FBI had planted extremists into Mosques in the hopes of recruiting the same. It was the Muslim community members who called the FBI to report the same individuals that the FBI themselves had planted. This created distrust in the Muslim community against the agencies and other community members at large. The officials then came and apologized and they want to work WITH us.
If one wants peace, then one must work WITH us Muslims.
37c. What about the Quranic verse promoting the Beheadings:
“When ye encounter the infidels, strike off their heads till ye have made a great slaughter among them, and of the rest make fast the fetters.” This doesn’t sound like merely “fighting back.”
Let’s examine the context:
The Meccan era was a SEVERE era of persecution. Prophet Muhammad always stopped people from fighting back. He stopped followers from taking any revenge. Even after migrating to Medina to escape the persecution, the
Meccans were constantly harassing and looting the caravans and killing the
believers. This verse came down before Battle of Badr. It says to Fight back against those who are persecuting constantly you, BUT within LIMITS. If
God wills, He would have wiped them out Himself. Instead he wants to test those of you who will stand up for his cause. He will help you here and reward you in the hereafter.
(Soldiers are given orders to kill by breaking the necks of the enemies. i.e. break their strength. Those soldiers who lost their lives will be rewarded in the hereafter.)
Now when ye meet in battle those who disbelieve, then it is smiting of the necks until, when ye have routed them, then making fast of bonds; and afterward either grace or ransom till the war lay down its burdens. That (is the ordinance). And if Allah willed He could have punished them (without you) but (thus it is ordained) that He may try some of you by means of others. And those who are slain in the way of Allah, He rendereth not their actions vain. (47:4)
Fighting is mandated ONLY for the purposes of self-defense against persecution. ISIS and others who use religion to forward their own political agenda of control do NOT represent me!! That is why I am fighting them.
Those who follow the EVIL teachings of the Scofield Bible are no different than groups like ISIS. In fact, the Scofield Bible is widely used and the followers have MUCH control in the political processes that have led to pre-emptive wars and sanctions against others leading to the death of 500K children in Iraq and destruction across the globe in order to bring about the Battle of Armageddon. These people are far more dangerous than ISIS or anyone else.
See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IO6VpMYAVms
37b. What has initiated the conception of ISIS?
ISIS has filled a vacuum in Iraq AFTER Anglo-Americans have caused the death of around 1M Iraqis, especially children during the sanctions. Then again Anglo-American leaders killed another 1M Iraqis in the 2003+ invasion. ISIS are extreme fundamentalists who were even rejected by Al-Qaeda. We Americans have been providing ammunition for ISIS as our allies in Syria and simultaneously bombing them in Iraq. I think our leader are the ones who are screwed up.
38. Is the Islam Sabbath day Friday? Do all Muslims observe it?
GOD had given the command of Sabbath to the offspring of Prophet Jacob (Israel), though Prophet Moses in the previous scriptures. But God has eased up on that requirement for the rest of us. Only HE knows the reasons for HIS actions!!
Fridays are holy days for Muslims. Men are required to make the afternoon prayer in congregation, followed by the sermon, at the Mosques. For women, praying at the Mosque in congregation is Optional.
There is a big difference between what an individual is supposed to do, and what he/she actually does. Many Muslims do not observe the Friday prayers. Many Muslims do not actually follow the five pillars, although they are supposed to. Many Muslims lie, cheat, steal, and beat their wives, eventhough they are NOT supposed to. Anyone who claims that there is only one GOD, and Muahmmad is HIS last messenger, is a MUSLIM. Being a Muslim, does NOT guarantee one salvation, in the way that other religions guarantee salvation by simply believing in a Savior.
39. Why are there such horrific “HONOR KILLINGS” among Muslims?
I have seen Hindu, Muslim, Sikh families living in England, get their young daughters engaged to men back home in India. Family honor is tied social norms that must be upheld. The immediate concern is to save face from having being shamed by your daughter, who may have had sexual relations with a boyfriend. Their identity is closely tied with what others think about them. Facing Allah for the consequences for killing on Judgment Day is NOT their immediate/imminent concern. They act on the fear, whether it is perceived or real. Neither Hinduism, Islam, or Sikhism condone these horrific actions!!! In their cultural mindset, being guilty of murder, is better than living through societal, tribal embarrassment. The book, The Thistle and the Drone, provides good insight into the everyday aspects of tribal life, which drives people into performing honor killings. Tribal influence prevailed in the society of ignorance where Prophet Muhammad was born. He knew that this would prove difficult to combat.
In many parts of the world tribal allegiances are stronger than nominal religious, ethnic, or political ones. This exemplifies how people can engage in violence without moral quandary due to the cultural aspects that make it acceptable. The group supports haughtiness of its members and encourages rage when its values are contradicted.
“Honor Killings” as well as abortions are categorized as murder according to Islam, for which one awaits severe consequences on Judgment Day. Muslims who engage in these acts obviously feel that life is cheap and they move forward in order to fulfill their immediate need of honor, since the consequences of facing God down the road on Judgement Day are not of immediate concern. The roots of honor reach back to the Ancient Greek world, where life without honor was not worth living.
It is important to keep in my mind that group identity is what leads to honor killings as opposed to individual identity and responsibility. We need to exercise caution upon hearing, “Are you with us or against us?” rhetoric.
Politically, culturally, ethnically, financially, religiously, geographically, even age- and gender- wise, we seem hardwired to self-identify ourselves as belonging to a group(s), which by definition means that we do NOT belong to other groups, setting us all up immediately into groups of “us” and “other.” The 2003 Iraq invasion was a large scale honor killing. George Bush convinced Americans that that Iraqis had to pay the price to rectify the US honor lost on 9/11. Bush played upon the feelings of disgust that embodied Americans post 9/11. Conservatives are most aroused than liberals by stimuli of disgust, happiness, fear..
Question: Why do we humans continue to perpetuate violence in small- and large-scale contexts?
Answer: Identity politics.
40. In certain Muslim countries, women are denied education. They are also denied the privelege of driving. Is this correct according to Sharia?
Prophet said seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave. This applies to all men and women. Those who deny women education are ignorant themselves. Women should be allowed to drive and move around. Most Islamic countries recognize that and provide safe roadways and conditions. Those countries that disallow this privelege need to work on improving the local conditions.
My aunt worked as a Physician in Saudi Arabia. She said that they treated her well. She complained though that she had to hire a male-driver and wished that they would make the roadways safe for women. The traffic is out of control and my Uncle struck a pedestrian. My Uncle was then imprisoned without a trial. Like I said, things have to change before women can attain the privilege of driving.
41. What is the Islamic perpective on Birth Control?
Prophet said whoever Allah wishes to be born, he/she WILL be born.
Hence the use of Birth Control was not stopped.
However the consensus of Muslim scholars declared contraceptives permissible subject to three conditions:
- As offspring are the right of both the husband and the wife, the birth control method should be used with both parties’ consent.
- The method should not cause permanent sterility.
- The method should not otherwise harm the body.
43. What about Abortion?
Allah forbids abortion in the Quran. (Do not kill your children for fear of poverty for it is We who shall provide sustenance for you as well as for them.” (Surah Al-An’am, 6:151)
Abortion is permissible only if continuing the pregnancy poses a risk to the mother’s life. Mother’s life is given precedence in such cases.
44. You fast from Sunrise to Sunset for 30 days during the month of Ramadan. It seems that this is harsh. How do you do it?
We have an early breakfast before Surise. We have to refrain from all food, water, and sexual relations until Suset. It takes willpower. It takes patience. One becomes more compassionate for the hungry around the world. We have to fast from back-biting, temper, hypocrisy, hautiness, idleness, and our basic desires and instincts. It is self-discipline that should hopefully continue Post-Ramadan.
45. Why does female circumcision take place in Islamic countries?
This barbaric-ancient act is performed on both Muslim and Christian girls in Egypt and Sudan, but is extremely rare in most of the rest of the Arab world. The roots originate from Tribalism. It is also common in Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia. It is an African practice that it NOT found in the Quran. In Nigeria FGM is slightly more common in the southern, predominantly Christian regions, but it is practiced within both Christian and Muslim communities across the country.
The practice is often viewed as a way to protect their chastity. It involves cutting off part or all of the clitoris and other female genitalia, sometimes by a doctor but also often by a relative or midwives. Side effects can include hemorrhage, shock and sexual dysfunction Neither the Quran nor the Bible demand or mention female circumcision. This is an example of the influence of culture of the land, and how it can supersede religious teachings. Prophet Muhammad had inherited a society, in which infanticide of girls and other abuses against women were prevalent. In her book, Muhammad, Karen Armstrong observes that Muhammad made “extraordinary” advances for women.
Click here to see how the Muslim Public Affairs Council is working to eliminate FGM.
Click here to see how you can help to eradicate the problem.
I personally do NOT know anyone who has had it done. Thank God. Due to public outcry, I think this problem has been alleviated to a great extent. NOW, let us work together to ELMINATE it just as we are working together to eliminate polio.
46. Sura 9:5 in the Quran says “Kill the idolaters, where you find them…” How do you explain that?
Muhammad was born into a family and clan of idol worshippers. His tribe, the Quresh, controlled the commerce around the Kaba.
The Kaba was built by Prophets Abraham and Ishmael for the purposes of worshiping the ONE and ONLY God of Abraham.
Over a period of 2K+ years, the Kaba became the center of commerce of Pagan worshippers. It housed MANY idols of ALL sorts. Many people from all over came to pay homage to their personal gods. Mohammad then started preaching about the ONE and ONLY God of Abraham to the locals. This undermined the livelihood of Quresh and his OWN family members turned against him. He and his followers escaped persecution by migrating to Medina. Nine years later, God commanded him to re-instate the Kaba for its original purpose that HE had prescribed under Abraham. Muhammad then returned to Mecca and crushed all the idols and brought back monotheism. Verse (9:5) came down on the Battlefield at that time, when Muhammad was given orders to cleanse Mecca. Pagans had to convert in that area of the Kaba or leave, this even included Muhammad’s Pagan family members too.
(9:5) does NOT serve as permission to kill Non-Muslims. For example, if US is at war with Vietnam and the US President gives orders to the soldiers to “kill the Vietnamese where you find them,” it does NOT mean that outside of the battlefield we Americans have the right to kill Vietnamese where we find them!!!
See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQOIXuw1gFw
47. ISIS members are raping Christian women!! How dare you defend your religion!! How do you defend such horrific atrocities?
I pray for ALL victims of rape. May God help the victims to carry on a normal life with dignity. Rape has been used as a weapon in war for centuries. In the Indian state of Gujrat, MANY upper-caste Hindu men brutally raped the lower caste women. During the Rwandan genocide in the nineties, each side was Christian. Nuns, priests, and teachers contributed to the violence. Many Christian men raped the women brutally. Aside from Rwanda, the genocide in Bosnia provides another example. I just met with an official from the US State Department, who resides in Bosnia. He indicated to me how the stench of the genocide still exists over there. Christian Serbs had brutally raped and impregnated MANY Bosnian Muslim women. If Muslim men are also engaging in rapes, may PUNISH THEM!!
To answer the question, I certainly do NOT defend rapes. May Allah bring ANY and ALL perpetrators to justice, regardless of their religion, or lack of it!
48. Muslims are taught to lie to advance their cause. This is called taqyiya. Please explain.
I had honestly never heard that word before until I started engaging on Zionists’ blogs. Then when I started blogging, people said that I was lying and that my religion teaches me to deceive them. I asked around in all the Muslim circles if anyone had heard the word taqyiya and no one had. Misrepresenting the words of God is a big offense. Then, Tim Brown, a Zionist author, brought up several verses in the Quran, which he claimed, preach deceit. A common verse that most of the bloggers bring up constantly to support his claim is (3:54):
Qur’an (3:54)
– “And they (the disbelievers) schemed, and Allah schemed (against them):
and Allah is the best of schemers.” The Arabic word used here for scheme
(or plot) is makara, which literally means ‘deceit’. If Allah is supremely
deceitful toward unbelievers, then there is little basis for denying that
Muslims are allowed to do the same.
Above is the Zionists’ translation of the verse from Arabic. This is how they claim that Muslims are taught to deceive people. NOW, let us take an in-depth look at this verse with the correct translation of Arabic:
“And (then unbelievers) plotted and planned, and Allah too
planned, and the best of planners is Allah. “(54)
(This is referring to the Jews who were planning to kill Jesus, posing false accusations of sorcery and wizardry against him. Allah also planned ahead of them and SAVED his messenger, Jesus. Neither the Jews nor the Romans killed the Almighty messenger of God. Jesus was raptured, taken straight up into Heaven, and he will be returning again. There was an imposter on the cross.)
Like I said, when I challenged people to prove taqiya, that I am supposed to lie to them, they always seem to bring up this verse, which is regarding God SAVING Jesus, from a humiliating death!! HOW DOES THIS VERSE TEACH ME TO DECEIVE OTHERS? Someone, PLEASE explain how they get Taqiya out of it???
49. Jesus is my SAVIOR. He is God in human form, who came to earth, to redeem us from our sins. What is the Islamic perspective on Jesus?
Jesus is the Almighty messenger of God. God enabled him to perform many miracles that the Christians never even heard of. Muslims believe that he was born of a virgin. Muslims believe in his second coming. God created Jesus without a father. God created Adam without a mother nor a father. God, the creator and sustainer of the Universe has the ability to as HE pleases.
Here is a Quranic verse (2:253) regarding Jesus:
Those messengers We endowed with gifts some above others: to one of them Allah spoke; others He raised to degrees (of honour); to Jesus the son of Mary We gave clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. If Allah had so willed, succeeding generations would not have fought among each other, after clear (Signs) had come to them, but they (chose) to wrangle, some believing and others rejecting. If Allah had so willed they would not have fought each other; but Allah fulfilleth His plan. (253)
(This verse says that God gave some of HIS messengers more power than others. Jesus was ONE special one. There are many verses relating to Jesus and his virgin mother in the Quran. God created him without a father. God created Adam without a mother nor father. God the creator and sustainer of the Universe certainly has the technology to do as HE pleases.)
In the Book of Mark, Jesus is considered a teacher, Rabbi, a source of information, i.e. a Prophet of God.
In the Book of John, Jesus is God incarnate. (Consistent with the Hindu god Krishna who came to earth in human form!!)
When the bishops voted at the Council of Nicaea, the Book of John almost did not make it in. The same situation existed with the Book of Revelations. I believe that some other books, which CORRECTLY depicted the true identity of Jesus Christ were burnt in the Library of Alexandria, in the latter part of the 3rd century, prior to the meeting of the Council of Nicaea. (People burnt books which were inconsistent with their own views.)
50. Verses (2:190-192) – COMPLAINT- Quran commands Offense in warfare: Muslims have to fight the non-believers until Allah alone is worshipped.
Wars and fighting have taken place since the beginning of time. Prior to Muhammad’s time, in Arab culture, like everywhere else, fighting took place for the sake of accumulating wealth and resources at the expense of others. We cannot simply write off the warring factions as barbaric since our own society engages in them currently. For example, we engage in pre-emptive wars for the purposes of controlling another’s oil fields and justify our actions using any excuse possible and slaying millions in the process. We regularly engage in taking over the land of others while displacing and slaying the natives. Look at what we have done to native Americans, Palestinians and others. Most of us consider nothing wrong with our practices and we simply reward ourselves with the “war booty.”
These Quranic verses, HOWEVER, do NOT promote fighting to expand territories nor to control assets of others. These verses provide direction in the event of religious persecution.
Angel Gabriel brought down these verses to Prophet Muhammad, right after he migrated to Medina, with his followers to escape religious persecution in Mecca. Even after the migration, the Meccans still caused problems for the believers and continually prevented the Muslims from practicing their religion. Until this point, the prior verses kept saying to exercise patience with those who oppress you. But now God gives permission to DEFEND yourself against those who fight you. Fight them until they stop persecuting you. In the fight if they do NOT surrender, then slay them. If not they will slay you or make you surrender your religion. Warring is BAD, but persecution is worse. If they become believers, then forgive the oppressors for their previous persecution and spare their lives. One must not go to excesses, while seeking revenge. Revenge is allowed on them ONLY to the extend they have harmed you. Based on this verse, I believe that Muslims should have organized and warred against King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, for their rights to practice Islam. Those Muslims who would have died in the processas martyrs would have received their reward in Heaven.
Here are exact verses:
“Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah loveth not aggressors. (190) And slay them wherever ye find them, and drive them out of the places whence they drove you out, for persecution is worse than slaughter. And fight not with them at the Inviolable Place of Worship until they first attack you there, but if they attack you (there) then slay them. Such is the reward of disbelievers. (191) But if they desist, then lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (192)”
51. Islam allows sex with one’s wives and with those who the “right hand possesses.” This category can mean slaves. This has confused many Muslims. Anti-Muslims have had a field day with this. I have written an essay on the subject after doing research. I would like you to read and provide feedback please.
Click here to read an article by Anti-Muslim author Onan Coca on this subject.
Click here to read my response. Hope you find it enlightening. Please let me know what you think.
52. The execution-style of the three MUSLIM students at Chapel Hill and the environment of hate warrants a moment of national reflection: What is it that we are doing to create such a toxic atmosphere? Where does this anti-Muslim sentiment stem from? Who are the individuals and groups who are peddling this hate?
I saw this question on the news. I know exactly who is fueling it. HERE are some HATE-MONGER websites and my experience in dealing with them:
a. Vision to America– They have never posted ANY of my comments.
b. Freedom Outpost– They constantly run Anti-Muslim articles and especially about Muslim women and how we are oppressed. They continually express their need to “rescue” us. Then, when I started blogging, they simply could not handle the truth. They let me blog for a year though. Now they have banned me and deleted my comments.
c. Eagle Rising– They let me blog comments for 10 months. Then, suddenly the screen would start to shake, EVERYTIME, I started typing my comments. Then after 10 months, I was officially banned and my comments removed.
d. Political Outcast– Safe thus far.
What all these sites have in common is painting people like me as sub-human, monsters. Taqiya is their favorite term. They preach that Muslims are taught to lie and even my gender has come into question. Here is what one blogger wrote:
“I’ve done some research on Esma Ali and I’m convinced
she knows full well the truth concerning islam. She is evil,
please don’t trust anything she says.”
How else can you sell to the world that it is OKAY to kill and displace 750K people from their homes using WMDs and bulldozers. How else can you explain away the pre-emptive wars and drone strikes killing innocents?
Here is what another Blogger wrote:
Now you have done it. Well up until this point I had respect for you. But unfortunate that just went to the bottom of my list. What Israeli atrocities? You of course must speaking of those downtrodden Palestinians at the hands of the Jews. If the Palestinians want peace, then show the Israelis you want peace. But the Pales don’t want peace. They want Jerusalem. That will never happen, ever! They are not entitled to anything associated with Israel! Esma, I would DIE defending Israel from the HAMAS Muslims Palestinians. I have NO sympathy what so ever for the Pales! They are dogs! I knew you would show your true colors, sooner or later!
Perhaps the son of the Israeli General can convince the Blogger otherwise!!
Muslims are NOT the only ones suffering at the hands of Israel. Many Christians suffer as well. Gaza comprises of the BIGGEST concentration camp, which has 2M people trapped within the apartheid WALL.
52. If you could be the one making the final decision, regarding Israel, what would it be?
I do NOT know.. I just went to a Rotary Peace Conference a few days back. This was the topic!!!
Norman Finklestein was a panelist. Dr. Laila Almaryit, a Palestinian Muslim woman was also a panelist. There were others panelists there too but I cannot remember their names. One question written by an audience member on a card was addressed to one of the individuals on the panel. The questioner asked if Palestine ever even existed since most Palestinians were just Jordanians to begin with. The Panelist responded that Palestine most CLEARLY existed and that Israel kept taking away more and more land form the natives.
Then, Dr. Laila intervened and said that she found it interesting how that question was NOT addressed to the Palestinian on the Panel!! Her family home has been bulldozed. Aside from physical property, she said that culture has been taken away and that she has been marginalized like she does NOT exist!! She is treated like a nobody!! She said that some doctor at the hospital where she works told her that her people in Palestine who have been there for centuries do NOT even have the right to be there!!! In other words they should be on the list of EXTINCT species.!!!!
I put this comment on a blog site and here is a response:
“They shoud be….and their lands turned into a Giant Glass Factory!!”
Dear Visitor,
Thank you for dropping in. Hope you enjoyed reading my Q/A. I want to let you know that I have been banned as a commenter on certain websites, I believe that they are owned and run by Fundamentalists/Zionists. You can see my “BANNED” comments still:
https://disqus.com/by/esma_ali/
They are Hate-mongers. Here they are:
a. Vision to America- They have never posted ANY of my comments.
b. FREEDOM Outpost- They constantly ran articles fighting for their FREEDOM to draw cartons and ridicule Prophet Muhammad. Then, when I started commenting on their articles. They could NOT handle it. They refuse to recognize my FREEDOM to express my opinion which opposes theirs. They let me blog for 12 months before banning me.
c. Eagle Rising- They let me blog comments for 10 months. Then, suddenly the screen would start to shake, EVERYTIME, I started typing my comments. Then after 10 months, I was officially banned and my comments removed.
d. Political Outcast- Here I am safe to comment thus far.
Regarding the top three websites, their names are so misleading. They present themselves as patriots when in reality their actions are leading to the downfall of the US in the eyes of the global society. They are racists and fascists. By banning me they have displayed their bigotry for the world to see. I request you the visitor to make up your mind about me. Here is what one commenter wrote about me:
“I’ve done some research on Esma Ali and I’m convinced
she knows full well the truth concerning islam. She is evil,
please don’t trust anything she says.”
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