People who have confusions regarding thought-provoking questions are urged to read this. Its very useful!

Courtesy, Brought to you by: Samia Khan (shama)

A THOUGHT PROVOKING ARTICLE(ANSWER QUESTION)

Misconception # 1: It is not civilized to have more than one wife at a time.

Reply: The only religious book that says: "? then marry only once" is the
Quran, the holy book of the Muslims. This injunction is not found in the
Christian Bible, in the Hindu Geeta, or in the Jewish holy book etc. In the
Bible there are so many references to various prophets and kings who had
numerous wives. Abraham had three wives, while King Solomon had seven
hundred wives, etc. In the Hindu literature the various gods have hundreds
of wives and concubines. Krishna had one thousand women. Similarly, the Jews used to marry more than once as late as the 1950s. None of these faiths regulated the number of wives a man could have at a time. Only Islam limits the wives to four.

The monogamy that the Christians, the Hindus, and Jews practice today, is
not from their religion, but from their government. So it has no religious
significance; it is a man-made rule. Monogamy was the result of an act of
parliament, not their faith. Example: The Indian Parliament in 1954 passed
the Hindu Marriage Act prohibiting the Hindu male from taking up more than
one wife. The Jewish Rabbis in the 10th Century AD made monogamy a rule.
Similarly, the European countries and the American government passed laws to make monogamy the rule in their lands.

In Surah Nissah God allows a Muslim to marry, one, two, three or four women
as long as he can do justice between them. If the man can't do justice, the
exhortation for him is: "? then marry only once".

Marrying more than once is not compulsory, but only an option to tide over
unique circumstances that societies face from time to time. You will find in
many societies today that the ratio between females and males is not 50:50.
There are more females than men in Europe, USA and elsewhere. On the other
hand, in India, because of the rampant female fetus abortions, the number of
females is dropping, and a crisis is in the making, as not enough number of
females will be available for Hindu men to marry a few years from now.

The option for women in countries with a bigger female ratio than men is to
share a husband with another woman, to remain single, or to become public
property. "Become public property" is a decent phrase I'm using for what it
really means. Ask any woman who cannot find an unmarried man to marry, if it
is a better choice to share a husband with another woman, or to become a
mere mistress. As a lawfully wedded wife she will get the same right as the
first wife, get legal status for herself and her children, get inheritance
rights for herself and her children, and most importantly, get respect and
dignity. Becoming a mistress is no choice. In the West becoming a mistress
or a girlfriend is no problem, but becoming a second wife is totally
unacceptable. The Government will come after you, the society will come
after you?

Misconception # 2: There is no equality between genders in Islam, as Islam
gives men the right to have more than one wife, but does it not give the
same right to women to have more than one husband.

Reply: Islam does not approve of polyandry, i.e., a woman taking up more
than one husband. It is the male whose children the women bear. If a woman
had multiple husbands, it would not be easy to know who is the father of the
child. When a child is conceived, God puts love and affection in the hearts
of the parents so that they can bring up the child. Without this love, life
cannot be sustained. But if there were dispute about who really has fathered
the child, there would be no love in the heart of the fathers. Psychologists
say that children who grow up without knowing who their father is, are
lacking in stability and maturity. Now because of scientific progress in DNA
testing, one can say who the father is; but these tests were not available
for mankind till now. Islam is about peace in the family, not discord.

Misconception # 3: Islam subjugates women in a veil.

Reply: If you look at history, to ancient civilizations, you will find that
women were the oppressed people. They had no individual merit. The
Babylonians used to punish the woman for her husband's mistakes. The ancient Egyptians did the same. Ancient Arabs buried their newly-born daughters.

It was Islam that uplifted the status of women. It gave women rights they
never had before. Surah Nissah exhorts believing men to lower their gaze if
a lady is passing by. Similarly, there are exhortations for women to lower
their gaze if strange men are around. The Quran also speaks about the hijab
for men and women to protect the modesty. The hijab for men is to cover
their bodies minimally from their navel to the knees. The hijab for women is
to cover their whole bodies except for their faces and hands below their
wrists. There are descriptions for a female hijab. that is should cover the
endowments including head, not be tight, not be transparent, not be like the
clothes of non-believers, and not be like the clothes of the other gender,
etc.

Let me ask you a question: Suppose two identical twin sisters are walking
down a street, and one of them is dressed in revealing clothing, while the
other one is wearing a hijab. Who will the boys in the street whistle at or
tease: the one who is scantily dressed in a mini-skirt, or the one who is
modestly attired? The answer is obvious. The hijab is designed to prevent
women from being molested. It brings peace to society and prevents mischief.

Misconception # 4: Capital punishment is that barbaric.

Reply: There are crimes for which Islam prescribes capital punishment, eg.
for rape, murder etc. This is to protect society from criminals and
anti-social elements. In USA there are 2713 rapes taking place every day. In
Islam, the penalty is to award the death penalty so that the criminal is not
around to repeat this crime, and to teach others a lesson. Americans say
that this is a severe punishment. They say that the rapist must be put in
jail for the first rape. If later he rapes again, then it is ok to put him
to death. Friends, statistics in USA shows that 95 percent of the rapists,
after release from jail, rape again. Islam prevents this second rape.
Following the Hijib dress code prevents the rapist from temptation to rape.


Misconception # 5: Islam was spread by the sword.

Reply: Nothing is far from the truth. Islam was spread by traders who served
as excellent role models. In the book: Islam at cross-roads, the author on
page 8 says that this belief is a myth. Look at the number of Coptic
Christians in Egypt. They number 14 million. Couldn't the Arabs have wiped
them out and converted them to Islam? Look at India. In the 1000 years that
the Muslims ruled over this subcontinent, every one could have been
forcefully converted to Islam. How can you explain that there are 800
million Hindus and others still in India? Which Muslim army went to
Indonesia and Malaysia to convert them? These people converted by seeing the good behaviors of the Muslim/Arab traders. Readers' Digest says that between 1943 and 1984, a period of 50 years, saw more conversion to Islam in Europe and USA than to any faith. I am asking you, who went with a sword to convert these people to Islam? The sword of the intellect converts people.
If Islam is the best religion, why are many of the Muslims dishonest,
unreliable, and involved in activities such as cheating, bribing, dealing in
drugs, etc.?

1. Media maligns Islam

a. Islam is without doubt the best religion but the media is in the hands of
the westerners who are afraid of Islam. The media is continuously
broadcasting and printing information against Islam. They either provide
misinformation about Islam, misquote Islam or project a point out of
proportion, if any.

b. When any bomb blasts take place anywhere, the first people to be accused
without proof are invariably the Muslims. This appears as headlines in the
news. Later, when they find that non-Muslims were responsible, it appears as
an insignificant news' item.

c. If a 50 year old Muslim marries a 15 year old girl after taking her
permission, it appears on the front page but when a 50 year old non-Muslim
rapes a 6 year old girl, it may appear in the news in the inside pages as
'Newsbriefs'. Everyday in America on an average 2,713 cases of rape take
place but it doesn't appear in the news, since it has become a way of life
for the Americans.

2. Black sheep in every community:

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

3. Muslims best as a whole:

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

4. Don't judge a car by its driver:

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

5. Judge Islam by its best follower i.e. Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him
):

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

Q. Why do Muslims abuse non-Muslims by calling them Kafirs?

1. Kafir means one who rejects.

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

2. If non-Muslims are hurt - they should accept Islam.

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

Q. Why are two witnesses who are women, equivalent to only one witness who
is a man?

A.
It is not true that two female witnesses are always considered as equal to
only one male witness. It is true only in certain cases. There are about
five verses in the Qur'an that mention witnesses, without specifying male or
female. There is only one verse in the Qur'an, that says two female
witnesses are equal to one male witness. This verse is Surah Baqarah,
chapter 2 verse 282. This is the longest verse in the Qur'an and deals with
financial transactions. It says:

Oh! ye who believe! When ye deal with each other, in transactions involving
future obligation in a fixed period of time reduce them to writing and get
two witnesses out of your own men and if there are not two men, then a man
and two women, such as ye choose, for witnesses so that if one of them errs
the other can remind her.[Al-Qur'an 2:282]

This verse of the Qur'an deals only with financial transactions. In such
cases, it is advised to make an agreement in writing between the parties and
take two witnesses, preferably both of which should be men only. In case you
cannot find two men, then one man and two women would suffice.

For instance, suppose a person wants to undergo an operation for a
particular ailment. To confirm the treatment, he would prefer taking
references from two qualified surgeons. In case he is unable to find two
surgeons, his second option would be one surgeon and two general
practitioners who are plain MBBS doctors.

Similarly in financial transactions, two men are preferred. Islam expects
men to be the breadwinners of their families. Since financial responsibility
is shouldered by men, they are expected to be well versed in financial
transactions as compared to women. As a second option, the witness can be
one man and two women, so that if one of the women errs the other can remind
her. The Arabic word used in the Qur'an is 'Tazil' which means 'confused' or
'to err'. Many have wrongly translated this word as 'to forget'. Thus
financial transactions constitute the only case in which two female
witnesses are equal to one male witness.

However, some scholars are of the opinion that the feminine attitude can
also have an effect on the witness in a murder case. In such circumstances a
woman is more terrified as compared to a man. Due to her emotional condition
she can get confused. Therefore, according to some jurists, even in cases of
murder,two female witnesses are equivalent to one male witness. In all other
cases, one female witness is equivalent to one male witness. There are about
five verses in the Qur'an which speak about witnesses without specifying man
or woman.

While making a will of inheritance, two just persons are required as
witnesses. In Surah Maidah chapter 5 verse 106, the Glorious Qur'an says:

"Oh you who believe! When death approaches any of you, (take) witnesses
among yourself when making bequests." [Al-Qur'an 5:106]

"two just persons of your own (brotherhood) or other from outside if you are
journeying through the earth and the chance of death befalls you. [Al-Qur'an
65:2]

Two persons endued with justice in case of talaq.

"Four witnesses are required in case of charge against chaste women,"
[Al-Qur'an 24:4]

There are some scholars who are of the opinion that the rule of two female
witnesses equal to one male witness should be applied to all the cases. This
cannot be agreed upon because one particular verse of the Qur'an from Surah
Noor chapter 24, verse 6 clearly equates one female witness and one male
witness:

"And those who launch a charge against their spouses, and have (in support)
no evidence but their own - their solitary evidence can be received."
[Al-Qur'an 24:6]

Hazrat Ayesha (RA) hadith narrated of one witness

Many jurists agree that even one witness of a woman is sufficient for the
sighting of the crescent of the moon. Imagine one woman witness is
sufficient for one of the pillars of Islam, i.e. fasting and the whole
Muslim community of men and women agree and accept her witness! Some jurists
say that one witness is required at the beginning of Ramadaan and two
witnesses at the end of Ramadaan. It makes no difference whether the
witnesses are men or women.

Some incidents require only female witness and that of a male cannot be
accepted. For instance, in dealing with the problems of women, while giving
the burial bath i.e. 'ghusl' to a woman, the witness has to be a woman.
The seeming inequality of male and female witnesses in financial
transactions is not due to any inequality of the sexes in Islam. It is only
due to the different natures and roles of men and women in society as
envisaged by Islam.

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

1. Belief in the hereafter is not based on blind faith?

Many people wonder as to how a person with a scientific and logical
temperament, can lend any credence to the belief of life after death. People
assume that anyone believing in the hereafter is doing so on the basis of
blind belief.

My belief in the hereafter is based on a logical argument.

2. Hereafter a logical belief

There are more than a thousand verses in the Glorious Qur'an, containing
scientific facts (refer my book "Qur'an and Modern Science-Compatible or
Incompatible?"). Many facts mentioned in the Qur'an have been discovered in
the last few centuries. But science has not advanced to a level where it can
confirm every statement of the Qur'an.

Suppose 80% of all that is mentioned in the Qur'an has been proved 100%
correct. About the remaining 20%, science makes no categorical statement,
since it has not advanced to a level, where it can either prove or disprove
these statements. With the limited knowledge that we have, we cannot say for
surewhether even a single percentage or a single verse of the Qur'an from
this 20% portion is wrong. Thus when 80% of the Qur'an is 100% correct and
the remaining 20% is not disproved, logic says that even the 20% portion is
correct. The existence of the hereafter, which is mentioned in the Qur'an,
falls in the 20% ambiguous portion which my logic says is correct.

3. Concept of peace and human values is useless without the concept of
hereafter

Is robbing a good or an evil act? A normal balanced person would say it is
evil. How would a person who does not believe in the hereafter convince a
powerfuland influential criminal that robbing is evil?

Suppose I am the most powerful and influential criminal in the world. At the
same time I am an Intelligent and a logical person. I say that robbing is
good because it helps me lead a luxurious life. Thus robbing is good for me.

If anybody can put forward a single logical argument as to why it is evil
for me, I will stop immediately. People usually put forward the following
arguments:

a. The person who is robbed will face difficulties

Some may say that the person who is robbed will face difficulties. I
certainly agree that it is bad for the person who is robbed. But it is good
for me. If I rob a thousand dollars, I can enjoy a good meal at a 5 star
restaurant.

b. Some one may rob you

Some people argue that someday I may be robbed. No one can rob me because I
am a very powerful criminal and I have hundreds of bodyguards. I can rob
anybody but nobody can rob me. Robbing may be a risky profession for a
common man but not for an influential person like me.

c. The police may arrest you

Some may say, if you rob, you can be arrested by the police. The police
cannot arrest me because I have the police on my payroll. I have the
ministers on my payroll. I agree that if a common man robs, he will be
arrested and it will be bad for him, but I am an extraordinarily influential
and powerful criminal.

Give me one logical reason why it is bad for me and I will stop robbing.

d. Its easy money

Some may say its easy money and not hard-earned money. I agree completely
that it is easy money, and that is one of the main reasons why I rob. If a
person has the option of earning money the easy as well as the hard way, any
logical person would choose the easy way.

e. It is against humanity

Some may say it is against humanity and that a person should care for other
human beings. I counter argue by asking as to who wrote this law called
'humanity' and why should I follow it?

This law may be good for the emotional and sentimental people but I am a
logical person and I see no benefit in caring for other human beings.

f. It is a selfish act

Some may say that robbing is being selfish. It is true that robbing is a
selfish act; but then why should I not be selfish? It helps me enjoy life.


1. No logical reason for robbing being an evil act

Hence all arguments that attempt to prove that robbing is an evil act are
futile. These arguments may satisfy a common man but not a powerful and
influential criminal like me. None of the arguments can be defended on the
strength of reason and logic. It is no surprise that there are so many
criminals in this world.

Similarly raping, cheating etc. can be justified as good for a person like
me and there is no logical argument that can convince me that these things
are bad.

2. A Muslim can convince a powerful and influential criminal

Now let us switch sides. Suppose you are the most powerful and influential
criminal in the world, who has the police and the ministers on his payroll.
You have army of thugs to protect you. I am a Muslim who will convince you
that robbing, raping, cheating, etc. are evil acts.

Even if I put forth the same arguments to prove that robbing is evil the
criminal will respond the same way as he did earlier.

I agree that the criminal is being logical and all his arguments are true
only when he is the most powerful and influential criminal.

3. Every human being wants justice

Each and every human being desires justice. Even if he does not want justice
for others he wants justice for himself. Some people are intoxicated by
power and influence and inflict pain and suffering on others. The same
people, however, would surely object if some injustice was done to them. The
reason such people become insensitive to the suffering of others is that
they worship power and influence. Power and influence, they feel, not only
allows them to inflict injustice on others but also prevents others from
doing likewise to them.

4. God is Most Powerful and Just

As a Muslim I would convince the criminal about the existence of Almighty
God (refer to answer proving the existence of God). This God is more
powerful than you and at the same time is also just. The Glorious Qur'an
says:
"Allah is never unjust In the least degree" [Al-Qur'an 4:40]

5. Why does God not punish me?

The criminal, being a logical and scientific person, agrees that God exists,
after being presented with scientific facts from the Qur'an. He may argue as
to why God, if He is Powerful and Just, does not punish him.

6. The people who do injustice should be punished

Every person who has suffered injustice, irrespective of financial or social
status, almost certainly wants the perpetrator of injustice to be punished.
Every normal person would like the robber or the rapist to be taught a
lesson. Though a large number of criminals are punished, many even go
scot-free. They lead a pleasant, luxurious life, and even enjoy a peaceful
existence. If injustice is done to a powerful and influential person, by
someone more powerful and more influential than he, even such a person would
want that person perpetrators of injustice to be punished.

7. This life is a test for the hereafter

This life is a test for the hereafter. The Glorious Qur'an says:

"He who created Death and life that He may try which of you is best in deed;
And He is the Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving" [Al-Qur'an 67:2]

8. Final justice on day of judgement

The Glorious Qur'an says:
"Every soul shall have a taste of death: And only on the Day of Judgement
shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the
Fire and admitted to the Garden will have attained the object (of life): For
the life of this world Is but goods and chattels Of deception." [Al-Qur'an
3:185]

Final justice will be meted out on the Day of Judgement. After a person
dies, he will be resurrected on the Day of Judgement along with the rest of
mankind. It is possible that a person receives part of his punishment in
this world. The final reward and punishment will only be in the hereafter.
God Almighty may not punish a robber or a rapist in this world but he will
surely be held accountable on the Day of Judgement and will be punished in
the hereafter i.e. life after death.

9. What punishment can the human law give Hitler?

Hitler incinerated six million Jews during his reign of terror. Even if the
police had arrested him, what punishment can the human law give Hitler for
justice to prevail? The most they can do is to send Hitler to the gas
chamber. But that will only be punishment for the killing of one Jew. What
about the remaining five million, nine hundred and ninety nine thousand,
nine hundred and ninety-nine Jews?

10. Allah can burn Hitler more than six million times in hellfire

Allah say in the Glorious Qur'an:

"Those who reject our signs, We shall soon cast into the Fire; As often as
their skins are roasted through, We shall change them for fresh skins, that
they may taste the penalty: for Allah Is Exalted in Power, Wise" [Al-Qur'an
4:56]

If Allah wishes he can incinerate Hitler six million times in the hereafter
in the hellfire.

11. No concept of human values or good and bad without concept of hereafter

It is clear that without convincing a person about the hereafter, i.e. life
after death, the concept of human values and the good or evil nature of acts
is impossible to prove to any person who is doing injustice especially when
he is influential and powerful.

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


1. Major difference between Islam and most other religions

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

2. Example - Islam commands us to shun robbery and also prescribes method of
eleminating robbery

a. Islam prescribes method of eliminating robbery

All major religions teach that theft is an evil act. Islam teaches the same.
So what is the difference between Islam and the other religions? The
difference lies in the fact that Islam, besides teaching that robbing is
evil, shows a practical way of creating a social structure in which people
will not rob.

b. Islam prescribes Zakat

Islam prescribes a system of Zakat (obligatory annual charity). Islamic law
prescribes that every person who has a saving that exceeds the nisab level
i.e. more than 85 grams of gold, should give 2.5% of that saving every lunar
year in charity. If every rich person in the world gave Zakat sincerely,
poverty will be eradicated from this world. Not a single human being would
die of hunger.

c. Chopping off the hands as punishment for robbery

Islam prescribes chopping off the hands of the convicted robber. The
Glorious Qur'an says in Surah Maidah:

"As to the thief, male or female, cut off his or her hands:a punishment by
way of example, from Allah, for their crime: and Allah is Exalted in power,
full of wisdom." [ Al-Qur'an 5:38]

The non-Muslim may say, "Chopping off the hands in this 20th century. Islam
is a barbaric and ruthless religion!"

d. Results achieved when Islamic Shariah Implemented

America is supposed to be one of the most advanced countries in the world.
Unfortunately it also has one of the highest rates of crime, theft, and
robbery. Suppose the Islamic shariah is implemented in America i.e. every
rich person gives Zakat ( 2.5% of his savings in charity above 85 grams of
gold every lunar year), and every convicted robber has his or her hands
chopped off as a punishment. Will the rate of theft and robbery in America
increase, remain same or decrease? Naturally it will decrease. Moreover the
existence of such a stringent law would discourage many a potential robber.

I agree that the amount of theft that takes place in the world today is so
tremendous that if you chop off the hands of all the thieves, there will be
tens of thousands of people whose hands will be chopped off. The point here
is that the moment you implement this law the rate of theft will decline
immediately. The potential robber would give it a serious thought before
jeopardizing his limbs. The mere thought of the punishment itself will
discourage majority of the robbers. There will barely be a few who would
rob. Hence only a few person's hands would be chopped off but millions would
live peacefully without fear of being robbed.

Islamic Shariah is therefore practical, and achieves results.

3. Example: Islam prohibits the molestation and rape of women. It enjoins
hijab and prescribes capital punishment for a convicted rapist.

a. Islam prescribes method of eliminating molestation and rape

All the major religions declare the molestation and rape of women as grave
sins. Islam teaches the same. What then is the difference between Islam and
the other religions? The difference lies in the fact that Islam does not
merely preach respect for women, or abhor molestation and rape as serious
crimes, but also gives clear guidance as to how society can eliminate such
crimes.

b. Hijab for men

Islam has a system of hijab. The Glorious Qur'an first mentions hijab for
the men and then for the women. Hijab for the men is mentioned in the
following verse:

"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their
modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well
acquainted with all that they do." [Al-Qur'an 24:30]

The moment a man looks at a woman and if any brazen or unashamed thought
comes to his mind, he should lower his gaze.

c. Hijab for women

Hijab for women is mentioned in the following verse:

"And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard
their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments
except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their
veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their
husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons...." [Al-Qur'an
24:31]

The extent of hijab for a woman is that her complete body should be covered.
The only part that can be seen, are the face and the hands up to the wrists.
If they wish to cover, they can even cover these parts of the body. However
some Islamic scholars insist that even the face should be covered.

d. Hijab prevents molestation

The reason why Allah has prescribed Hijab for the women is given in the
Qur'an in the folowing verse of Surah Al-Ahzab:

"O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women, that they
should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad): that is
most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested. And
Allah is Oft-Forgiving, most Merciful." [Al-Qur'an 33:59]

The Qur'an says that Hijab has been prescribed for the women so that they
are recognized as modest women this would prevent them from being molested.

e. Example of twin sisters

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

f. Capital punishment for rapist

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

g. U.S.A. has one of the highest rate of Rape

The United States of America is supposed to be one of the most advanced
countries of the world. An F.B.I report in the year 1990 says that 1,02,555
cases of rape were reported. It further says that only 16% of the cases of
rapes are reported. Thus, in order to know the actual number of rapes that
took place in 1990, the reported figure should be multiplied by 6.25. We get
a total of 6,40,968 rape cases that took place in the year 1990. If the
total is divided by365 the number of days in a year, we get an average of
1,756 rape incidents everyday.

Later another report said that an average of 1900 cases of rape are
committed in U.S.A every day. According to National Crime Victimization
Survey Bureau of Justice Statistics (U. S. Dept. of Justice) in 1996 alone
3,07,000 cases of rape were reported. Only 31% of the actual cases of rape
were reported. Thus, 3,07,000 X 3.226 = 9,90,322 rapes took place in 1996.
That is, an average of 2,713 cases of rape took place everyday in America in
1996. Every 32 seconds one rape is taking place in America. Maybe American
rapists got bolder. The FBI report of 1990 continues and says that out of
the rape cases that were reported only 10% of the rapist were arrested, that
is only 1.6% of the actual rapes committed. Out of those arrested, 50% were
let free before the trial. This would mean that only 0.8% of the rapists
faced a trial. In other words if a person commits 125 rapes the chances that
he will get a punishment for rape is only once. Many would consider this a
good gamble. And the report says that of those people who faced trial 50%
received sentences of less than a year's imprisonment though the American
law says rape carries a seven year sentence of imprisonment. For a rapist,
the judge is lenient to first time offenders. Imagine a person commits 125
rapes and the chances of being convicted is only once, and 50% of the time
the judge will grant leniency and give a sentence of less than a year!

h. Results achieved when Islamic Shariah Implemented

Suppose the Islamic shariah is implemented in America. Whenever a man looks
at a woman and if any brazen or unashamed thought comes to his mind, he
lowers his gaze. Every woman wears the Islamic Hijab, that is the complete
body is covered except the face and the hands up to the wrists. After this
if any man commits rape, he gets capital punishment. The question is, will
the rate of rape in America increase, will it remain the same or will it
decrease? Naturally it will decrease. Islamic Shariah gets results.

4. Islam has Practical Solutions for the Problems of Mankind

Islam is the best way of life because its teachings are not doctrinaire
rhetoric but practical solutions for the problems of mankind. Islam achieves
results both at the individual and collective levels. Islam is the best way
of life because it is a practical, universal religion not confined to any
ethnic group or nationality.






Misconception # 6: Muslims are fundamentalists.

Reply: What is the definition of the word fundamentalist? The dictionary
says any one who understands the basics of a discipline is a fundamentalist.
Can you call yourself a mathematician if you can't understand the
fundamentals of maths? No! Similarly, to be called a scientist, you must
understand the fundamentals of science. There can be a positive
fundamentalist and a negative fundamentalist. A thief/robber who is an
expert at the fundamentals of robbing is bad; but a doctor who knows the
fundamentals of healing is good. I submit that no fundamentals of Islam are
against humanity. How can you be a good Muslim if you do not understand and
practice the fundamentals of Islam? According to the Webster's dictionary,
the word fundamentalist was first used on Christians; however, the new
Oxford dictionary lists Muslims as fundamentalists.

Every Muslim should understand the fundamentals of Islam, and should be a
fundamentalist. I am proud to call myself a 'Muslim Fundamentalist'. I
submit that every Muslim should be a terrorist. Just as the policeman
strikes terror in the heart of the thief, so should every Muslim strike
terror in the heart of the thief, the rapist and other anti-social elements.

The word fundamentalist is open to wide interpretation, just like the word
freedom fighter. In olden days, the British would label those Indians
fighting for India's freedom as terrorists; while for the Indians, these
were freedom-fighters.

Misconception # 7: Muslims are ruthless non-vegetarian people.

Reply: God has granted Muslims the choice to be vegetarians as well as
non-vegetarians. He has ordained in the holy book that everything that he
has created in this world is for the enjoyment/pleasure of man (with certain
restrictions and limits). It is ok for a Muslim to be a vegetarian by
choice; it is also ok for him to be a non-vegetarian by choice.

Science tells us that animal flesh is a complete protein food. It is easier
to digest than the vegetarian food. If you look at the teeth of carnivorous
animals like a tiger or a lion they are sharp and pointed, designed to tear
flesh. The tiger and lion can eat only flesh; they cannot digest vegetables
and grass. On the other hand, the teeth of herbivorous animals like the cow
and camel are flat, designed to chew grass and plants. These herbivorous
animals can't digest flesh. But if you examine the teeth of human beings,
they are both canine i.e. sharp and pointed ones as well as flat. Therefore
human beings can chew both vegetarian foods as well as non- vegetarian
foods. Humans can digest plant foods as well as flesh. It is a gift of God
to humans.

Hindu scriptures permit the eating of flesh. In fact, their books are
replete with incidents showing festivals and ceremonies where meat was
served. When Jainism and Buddhism started to become popular with their
philosophies of ahimsa, ie., non-violence toward animals, and started to win
converts from Hinduism, the Hindus adapted the same philosophy to win back
those who had left the Hindu fold. This is how Hinduism changed over to
vegetarianism.

If no one eats meat the number of cattle will be uncontrollable. It will be
a big problem about how to dispose of them.

Misconception # 8: Muslims eat animals and behave like animals.

Reply: There is a saying that you are what you eat. Since Muslims eat only
herbivorous animals who are peaceful animals, ie., animals that eat only
plants, grass etc, like goat, lamb etc. Therefore, we are peaceful people.
Muslims are prevented from eating carnivorous animals, i.e, animals who eat
other animals. The holy prophet has prohibited us from eating snakes,
lizards, cats, dogs, birds of prey etc. Some non-Muslims say that allowing a
slaughtered to bleed to death is torturing the animal. It is better to
behead it in one quick shot. Some Muslims' response to this is that the
non-Muslims attack the animals from behind, like cowards; while Muslims
confront the animal in a manly manner, face-to-face, from the front. Of
course this is not a good reason; it is only a joke.

Scientific tests have proven that when the animal's throat is slit along
with the windpipe and the vein (without damage to the spinal cord), the
animal dies a painless death. The heart pumps out all the blood from the
body. Blood carries toxins and impurities that are harmful for humans. Islam
prohibits the eating/drinking of blood. Meat without blood lasts longer than
meat with blood in it.

Misconception # 9: Going around the Kabah is idol worship.

Reply: No religion is more vocal in condemning idol worship than Islam. The
Muslims do not worship Kabah, only Allah. While circumambulating the Kabah
they chant: La Illa ha ill-lal-lah. (There is no object worthy of worship
but Allah).

The Kabah is for proving unity. It would be chaotic if Muslims prayed in any
direction they chose. The Kabah provides a chance to unify in prayer as all
Muslims face one spot. Throughout the globe people from various countries
face North, South, East and West only to face the Kabah. When the Arabs drew
the map of the globe, they put Makkah in the center; but when the Western
people gained power, they put Greenwich in the center. But if you look at
the map, Makkah continues to be in the center of the globe. Alhamdulillah!

Some accuse Muslims to be idol worshippers because the kiss the black rock
at Kabah. This they do only because they saw the prophet do it. The black
stone has no power to benefit or harm you. In olden times, the call to
prayer was given by standing on the top of Kabah. If Muslims were idol
worshippers, would they stand on to of their idol and call people to prey.
Does a Hindu or a Christian stand on their idol and call others to join in
the worship?

Misconception # 10: Muslims are wrong in preventing non-Muslims from
visiting Makkah.

Reply: Allah has prohibited this. It is not a place of tourism, but
reverence and worship. A non-Muslim has no reverence for Makkah, and
therefore should not be there as a mere spectator.

Although I am an Indian, I can't go to the cantonment area where the
military is based. I need a special permit. Similarly, all countries have
their own rules to allow visitors. Applicants must met certain conditions
insisted by the host country. I had to meet the conditions of the US
Government to visit USA. Similarly, there are conditions to visit Makkah.
The condition is: You recite from your heart La illa-ha ill lal lah,
Mohammed-ur rasul Allah ("I bear witness that there is no object worthy of
worship except Allah, and that Mohammed id the messenger of Allah" ) .


Misconception # 11: Muslims wrongly don't eat pork

Reply: God has prohibited pork. There are several references in the Bible
where swine meat is prohibited. Science has associated 70 diseases with
swine meat, the most dangerous being tapeworm, from which there is no cure.
It causes irreparable damage to the insides. Even if a pig has been raised
on a farm and its flesh is cooked very well at high temperatures, certain
germs never die. The pig is a filthy animal; it eats human excreta. It has
no protective instinct for its female. It is a shameless animal. Therefore
people who eat its flesh, have no shame if their females mate with other
men.


Q. Why is the consumption of alcohol prohibited in Islam?

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

1. Prohibition of alcohol in the Qur'an

The Glorious Qur'an prohibits the consumption of alcohol in the following
verse:

"O ye who believe! Intoxicants and Gambling, (Dedication of) stones, And
(divination by) arrows, Are an Abomination - Of Satan's handiwork; Eschew
such (abomination), That ye may prosper." [Al-Qur'an 5:90]

2. Prohibition of alcohol in the Bible

The Bible prohibits the consumption of alcohol in the following verses:

a. "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and whosoever is deceived
thereby is not wise."

[Proverbs 20:1]

b. "And be not drunk with wine." [Ephesians 5:18]

3. Alcohol inhibits the inhibitory centre

The human beings possess an inhibitory centre in their brains. This
inhibitory centre prevents the person from doing things that he considers
wrong. For instance a person does not normally use abusive language while
addressing his parents or elders. If he has to answer the call of nature,
his inhibitory centre will prevent him from doing so in public. Therefore he
uses the toilet.

When a person consumes alcohol, the inhibitory centre itself is inhibited.
That is precisely the reason that an inebriated person is often found to be
indulging in behaviour that is completely uncharacteristic of him. For
instance the intoxicated person is found to use abusive and foul language
and does not realize his mistake even if he is addressing his parents. Many
even urinate in their clothes. Neither do they talk nor walk properly. They
even misbehave.

4. Cases of adultery, rape, incest and AIDS are found more among alcoholics

According to National Crime Victimization Survey Bureau of Justice (U.S.
Department of Justice) in the year 1996 alone everyday on an average 2,713
rapes took place. The statistics tell us that the majority of the rapists,
were intoxicated while committing the crime. The same is true in cases of
molestation.

According to statistics, 8% of Americans commit incest i.e. one in every
twelve to thirteen persons in America is involved in incest. Almost all the
cases of incest are due to intoxication of one or both the persons involved.

One of the major factors associated with the spread of AIDS, the most
dreaded disease, is alcoholism.

5. Every alcoholic was initially a social drinker

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

6. If a person is intoxicated just once and commits something shameful, it
will remain with him for a lifetime.

Suppose a 'social drinker' loses his self-control just once. In a state of
intoxication he commits rape or incest. Even if the act is later regretted,
a normal human being is likely to carry the guilt throughout his life. Both
the perpetrator and the victim are irreparably and irreversibly damaged.

7. Alcohol is prohibited in the Hadith

The Prophet of Islam Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

a. In Sunan Ibn-I-Majah Volume 3, Book of Intoxicants, Chapter 30 Hadith No.
3371.

"Alcohol is the mother of all evils and it is the most shameful of evils."

b. In Sunan Ibn-I-Majah Volume 3, Book of Intoxicants, Chapter 30 Hadith No.
3392

"Anything which intoxicates in a large quantity, is prohibited even in a
small quantity."

Thus there is no excuse for a nip or a tot.

c. Not only those who drink alcohol are cursed but also those who deal with
them directly or indirectly are cursed by Allah.

According to Sunan Ibn-I-Majah Volume 3, Book of Intoxicants, Chapter 30
Hadith No. 3380.

It was reported by Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), that Prophet
Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him ) said:

"God's curse falls on ten groups of people who deal with alcohol. The one
who distills it, the one for whom it has been distilled, the one who drinks
it, the one who transports it, the one to who it has been brought, the one
whom serves it, the one who sells it, the one who utilizes money from it,
the one who buys it and the one who buys it for someone else."

8. Diseases associated with alcoholism

There are several scientific reasons for the prohibition of consumption of
intoxicants i.e. alcohol. The maximum number of deaths in the world related
to any one particular cause is due to the consumption of alcohol. Millions
of people die every year only because of intake of alcohol. I need not go
into the details of all the ill-effects of alcohol since most of them are
commonly known. Below is a simple list of few of the alcohol related
illnesses:

1. Cirrhosis of Liver is the most well known alcohol associated disease.

2. Others are Cancer of Oesophagus, Cancer of Head and Neck, Cancer of Liver
(Hepatoma), Cancer of Bowel, etc.

3. Oesophagitis, Gastritis, Pancreatitis and Hepatitis are linked with
alcohol consumption.

4. Cardiomyopathy, Hypertension, Coronary Artherosclerosis, Angina and Heart
Attacks are linked with heavy alcohol intakes.

5. Strokes, Apoplexy, Fits and different types of Paralysis are linked with
alcohol intake.

6. Peripheral Neuropathy, Cortical Atrophy, Cerebellar Atrophy are
well-known syndromes caused by alcohol consumption.

7. Wernicke - Korsakoff syndrome with amnesia of recent events,
confabulations and retainment of memory to old events with different types
of paralysis are mainly due to thiamine deficiency due to excessive alcohol
intake.

8. Beriberi and other deficiencies are not uncommon among alcoholics. Even
Pellagra occurs in alcoholics.

9. Delerium Tremens is a serious complication that may occur during
recurrent infection of alcoholics or post operatively. It also occurs during
abstention as a sign of withdrawal effect. It is quite serious and may cause
death even if treated in well equipped centres.

10. Numerous Endocrine Disorders have been associated with alcoholism
ranging from Myxodema to Hyperthyroidism and Florid Cushing Syndrome.

11. Hematological ill effects are long and variable. Folic acid deficiency,
however, is the most common manifestation of alcoholic abuse resulting in
Macrocytic Anemia. Zeive's syndrome is a triad of Hemolytic Anemia, Jaundice
and Hyperlipaedemia that follows alcoholic binges.

12. Thrombocytopenia and other platelet abnormalities are not rare in
alcoholics.

13. The commonly used tablet metronidazole (flagyl) interacts badly with
alcohol.

14. Recurrent infection is very common among chronic alcoholics. The
resistance to disease and the immunological defense system are compromised
by alcohol intake.

15. Chest infections are notorious in alcoholics. Pneumonia, Lung Abcess,
Emphysema and Pulmonary Tuberculosis are all common in alcoholics.

16. During acute alcoholic intoxication, the drunk person usually vomits,
the cough reflexes which are protective are paralysed. The vomitus thus
easily pass to the lung causing Pneumonia or Lung Abscess. Occasionally it
may even cause suffocation and death.

17. The ill effects of alcohol consumption on women deserves special
mention. Females are more vulnerable to alcohol-related Cirrhosis than men.
During pregnancy alcohol consumption has a severe detrimental effect on the
foetus. Foetal Alcohol Syndrome is being recognised more and more in the
medical profession.

18. Skin diseases are also related to alcohol indulgence.

19. Eczema, Alopecia, Nail Dystrophy, Paronychia (infection around the
nails) and Angular Stomatitis (inflammation of the angle of the mouth) are
common diseases among alcoholics.

9. Alcoholism is a 'disease'

Medical doctors have now turned liberal towards alcoholics and call
alcoholism a disease rather than an addiction.

The Islamic Research Foundation has published a pamphlet that says:

If alcohol is a disease, it is the only disease that:

- Is sold in bottles
- Is advertised in newspapers, magazines, on radio and television
- Has licensed outlets to spread it
- Produces revenue for the government
- Brings violent deaths on the highways
- Destroys family life and increases crime
- Has no germs or viral cause


ALCOHOLISM IS NOT A DISEASE - IT IS SATAN'S HANDIWORK

Allah (SubHana Wa Ta`ala ) in His Infinite Wisdom has warned us against this
snare of Satan. Islam is called the "Deen-ul-Fitrah" or the
natural religion of Man. All its injunctions are aimed at preserving the
natural state of man. Alcohol is a deviation from this natural state, for
the individual as well as for society. It degrades man to a level below that
of the beasts he claims to be superior to. Hence the consumption of alcohol
is prohibited in Islam.


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

1. Muslims Should be United

It is a fact that Muslims today, are divided amongst themselves. The tragedy
is that such divisions are not endorsed by Islam at all. Islam believes in
fostering unity amongst its followers.

The Glorious Qur'an says:
"And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for
you), and be not divided among yourselves;" [Al-Qur'an 3:103]

Which is the rope of Allah that is being referred to in this verse? It is
the Glorious Qur'an. The Glorious Qur'an is the rope of Allah which all
Muslims should hold fast together. There is double emphasis in this verse.
Besides saying 'hold fast all together' it also says, 'be not divided'.

Qur'an further says,
"Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger" [Al-Qur'an 4:59]

All the Muslim should follow the Qur'an and authentic ahadith and be not
divided among themselves.

2. It is Prohibited to make sects and divisions in Islam

The Glorious Qur'an says:
"As for those who divide their religion and break up into sects, thou hast
no part in them in the least: Their affair is with Allah: He will in the end
tell them the truth of all that they did." [Al-Qur'an 6:159]

In this verse Allah (SubHana Wa Ta`ala ) says that one should disassociate
oneself from those who divide their religion and break it up into sects.

But when one asks a Muslim, "who are you?", the common answer is
either 'I am a Sunni, or 'I am Shia'. Some call themselves Hanafi, or Shafi
or Maliki or Humbali. Some say 'I am a Deobandi', while some others say 'I
am a Barelvi'.

3. Our Prophet was a Muslim

One may ask such Muslims, "Who was our beloved prophet (Peace Be Upon
Him )? Was he a Hanafi or a Shafi, or a Humbali or a Maliki?" No! He
was a Muslim, like all the other prophets and messengers of Allah before
him. It is mentioned in chapter 3 verse 52 of Al-Qur'an that Jesus (Peace Be
Upon Him ) was a Muslim.

Further, in chapter 3 verse 67, Al-Qur'an says that Ibrahim (Peace Be Upon
Him ) was not a Jew or a Christian but was a Muslim.

4. Qur'an says call yourselves Muslim

a. If anyone poses a Muslim the question who are you, he should say "I am a
MUSLIM, not a Hanafi or a Shafi";. Surah Fussilat chapter 41 verse 33 says

"Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allah, works
righteousness, and says, 'I am of those who bow in Islam (Muslim)?'
[Al-Qur'an 41:33]

The Qur'an says "Say I am of those who bow in Islam". In other
words, say, "I am a Muslim"

b. The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him ) dictated letters to non-Muslim kings and
rulers inviting them to accept Islam. In these letters he mentioned the
verse of the Qur'an from Surah Ali Imran chapter 3 verse 64:

Say ye: "Bear witness That we (at least) are Muslims (bowing to Allah's
Will)."
[Al-Qur'an 3:64]

5. Respect all the Great Scholars of Islam We must respect all the great
scholars of Islam, including the four Imaams, Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Shafi,
Imam Humbal and Imam Malik (may Allah be pleased with them all). They were
great scholars and may Allah reward them for their research and hardwork.
One can have no objection if someone agrees with the views and research of
Imam Abu Hanifa or Imam Shafi, etc. But when posed a question, 'who are
you?', the reply should only be 'I am a Muslim'.

6. Some may argue by quoting the hadith of our beloved Prophet from Sunan
Abu Dawood Hadith No. 4579. In this hadith the prophet (Peace Be Upon Him )
is reported to have said, "My community will be split up into seventy-three
sects."

This hadith reports that the prophet predicted the emergence of
seventy-three sects. He did not say that Muslims should be active in
dividing themselves into sects. The Glorious Qur'an commands us not to
create sects. Those who follow the teachings of the Qur'an and Sahih Hadith,
and do not create sects are the people who are on the true path.

According to Tirmidhi Hadith No. 171, the prophet (Peace Be Upon Him ) is
reported to have said, "My Umma will be fragmented into seventy-three sects,
and all of them will be in Hell fire except one sect." The companions asked
Allah's messenger which group that would be. Where upon he replied, "It is
the one to which I and my companions belong."

The Glorious Qur'an mentions in several verses, "Obey Allah and obey His
Messenger." A true Muslim should only follow the Glorious Qur'an and the
Sahih Hadith. He can agree with the views of any scholar as long as they
conform to the teachings of the Qur'an and Sahih Hadith. If such views go
against the Word of Allah, or the Sunnah of His Prophet, then they carry no
weight, regardless of how learned the scholar might be.

If only all Muslims read the Qur'an with understanding and adhere to Sahih
Hadith, Inshallah most of these differences would be solved and we could be
one united Muslim Ummah

This article should be posted all over the world. It is such an awesome interpretation of the universal truth with plenty reasoning and backup logics. GOOD job!!! I'm sending this one to all people i know cuz the most confused ones are Muslims themselves... also, this article can help non-muslims understand Islam with a broader perspective.

Unless or until we translate the teachings into our life styles and incorporate islamic values in the ISLAMIC SOCITY, we will only be a laughing stocks to the rest of the world.
HEY JURMI ZAEEFI KI SAZA MERGEY MUFAJAT
regards.

Its sad how Islam has been misrepresented in the west... A random Muslim nutter who bombs a building for a political cause or just for the hell of it is NOT a "Muslim Terrorist" ... he's a political terrorist who just so happens to be a MUSLIM!!!

thanks for apreciating the artical Busharraf

@ Sameera:
First of all, its not must that the suicide bombers were muslims in the first place. We can't believe everything that the media shows us. The 9/11 was a wild card for the west that they played to further their ambitions of setting up bases in Asia.

@ SibgaKhan:
Did you post the article? I thought it wuz written by some 'Shama'... anyways, thanks for appreciating my appreciation... eyes:

ya u r rite .. thats the reason 9/11 will never be fully exposed. i mean who will ever trust the us again ?

Sibgakhan – (i also thought it was by “samia” khan) … the article’s very nice but let me make a lil correction .. Busharraf I agree wid u ..the most confused ones are Muslims themselves … misconception # 1 is NOT a misconception indeed.. The misconception would’ve been “It is civilized to have more than one wife at a time” I don’t know why Many men believe polygamy is a God-given right enshrined in the Quran

"In Surah Nissah God allows a Muslim to marry, one, two, three or four women
as long as he can do justice between them. If the man can't do justice, the
exhortation for him is: "? then marry only once"."

let me point out what the Quranic verses on polygamy actually say: “ if u fear that u shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, marry women of ur choice, two or three or four; but if u fear that u shall not be able to deal justly (with them) then only one (Al Nisa'. 4:3).

Now we r all familiar wid the above verses. What we tend to forget is its subsequent verse..

A subsequent verse states: “You are never able to be fair and just between women even if that were your ardent desire" (Al Nisa', 4:129).


The condition was as long as he can do justice between them.. now Allah stated u r never able to be just n fair …so the clear intention in the Quran is to restrict polygamy.

Marrying more than once is not compulsory, but only an option to tide over
unique circumstances that societies face from time to time. You will find in
many societies today that the ratio between females and males is not 50:50.

it is often forgotten that there was a socio-historical context within which the verse was revealed. Polygamy is permitted within the context of war and orphans. It is permitted only if the men fear they would not be able to deal justly with the orphans. It has nothing to do wid the ratio of males n females in a society.

"The option for women in countries with a bigger female ratio than men is to
share a husband with another woman, to remain single, or to become public
property."

This is ridiculous! The solution to an immoral society, whether in the West or in the Muslim world, is not polygamy. The solution, as found in the Quran and the hadith is self-discipline and respect for the opposite sex.

We shud all go back to the Quran and read its words carefully.

Sameera, i agree with you, that the Qur'an says that you won't be able to be just between women...... but you are taking it in a very biased context just like my fellow muslim men have taken certain matters.

Look, Islam does allow wives upto 4. But, it is an undeniable truth, that in a world, where it is hard to keep one wife happy, how do you expect to keep more than one happy? and as a result, you are not rightful in having more than one wives if you can't do justice to them, however, there have been dignitaries who have done it and it is possible. Nonetheless, the verse does not state that polygamy is prohibited by any chance. We follow our religion through the examples set by our religion's most authentic personnel i.e. the Prophet S.A.W and his sahaabah. Our men don't follow the sahaabah in their own character and want to have 4 wives like them, so ofcourse, they are not rightful in that case.


however, i agree that polygamy is not a solution to the crisis that the world is currently facing. and sameera, that statement:
"The option for women in countries with a bigger female ratio than men is to
share a husband with another woman, to remain single, or to become public
property."

is meant for the west. Basically, this is an abstract from Zakir Naik's answers to certain questions(you must've noticed that at one point the writer states i am an indian...). It has not been written by any samia or whoever. so that statement DOES justify their claims of islam being wrong by allowing four marriages and stuff...

I didn’t say its prohibited … what im saying is polygamy is discouraged in islam and by stressing the need for equal treatment of each wife and recognizing the difficulty (if not the impossibility) of doing so.. that verse in fact advocates monogamy as the original and ideal state of marriage in Islam.