Islam

Dear scholars,a few days ago I (no muslim) had a dicussion with a close friend of mine (muslim)about the status of slavery in Islam. Unfortunatly he couldn't answer me all my questions, but pointed me to your web site. I found some statements in the quran that you should treat your slaves right etc. But I didn't find anything explicit saying that slavery is wrong.Regarding to wikipedia Mohamed also owned himself some female slaves like Safiyya bint Huyayy (-> Former slave, then his wife) or Maria al-Qibtiyya.So here comes the questions:1. What is the exact status of slavery in islam? 2. Is it true that slavery was common in the early islam communities? 3. Did Mohamed really own slaves or concubines like the two above? 4. Is it, regarding to the quran, ok for a muslim to own slaves?thanks in advance for our reply.K.S.

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Can a person convert to Islam for the purpose of marriage and he might think of growing into the faith later if he's convinced? Jazakum Allahu khayran.

Assalamoalikum scholars, I wanted to inquire about the meaning of the following verse of the Holy Quran:allah Almighty says: "O Prophet! Tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close round them (when they go abroad). That will be better, so that they may be recognized and not annoyed. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful." (Al-Ahzab: 59) I want to know that here in the verse it says ?so that they may not be recognized? here does it refer to the fact that hijab will help distinguish between muslim and non muslim females in the same way that maybe a beard and a muslim cap distinguishes between a muslim and non muslim male?I mean that these things also act as muslim labels especially in an environment where there are muslim and non muslim people together. So what I want to know is that if for example in a mixed environment(muslims non-muslims together) if a muslim male or female doesn?t have an Islamic label on him or her like a beard or hijab or anything which would show his or her Islamic identity and there is a risk that they maybe considered a mushrik because obviously no other person would have a good enough reason to assume that they are muslims on sight especially in a mixed environment where muslims and non muslims are dressed alike(I don?t mean to say that muslims have on certain religious symbols of other religions I just mean that they are dressed such that there is no differentiating factor that whose a muslim and whose a non muslim)so will that put that person out of the fold of islam? I also want to know if this hadith is authentic. I don?t remember the actual quotation but the central idea was that our prophet Mohammad(peace be upon him) said that there will come a time that salat would remain as the only differentiating factor between a muslim and a mushrik.Please explain if this hadith is authentic then what is the reconciliation between the above ayat, what I have asked you and this hadith? May Allah bless you all.

A person to whom the actual teachings of Islam haven?t reached. Like for example, the west, where although there is freedom of everything, but it?s still difficult to get the actual information about Islam that hides behind the infinite veils of Islamophobic propaganda. Would it be correct to call them Kafir . Or are they ahl al fatrah . Or is there some other term used for them in Quran & Hadeeth . What do imams/scholars say about them?

Some people accuse Islam of being an outdated religion that does not suit the modern age. This is a result of the voices that call for adopting the old principles and boycotting the modern ones. How can we refute such accusations?

Assalamaoalaikum, I have two questions: Firstly, can you please list each and everything thing that puts a muslim out of islam? Secondly i wanted to ask if i eat american products nowadays am i considered a non-muslim even though i dont support american-israel support?We have to go to america to get our immigration purposes my mother said we could go get it done do some sight seeing and then come back so i want to know if i spend on anything in america does it put me out of islam, as it is well known that there are taxes on each and every thing there and probably some part of that goes to the american army.So even if i dont buy from companies that are openly hostile to palestine i will still be paying that little bit of tax. So does that put me out of islam. I dont support the americans against palestinians at all. Please reply soon. We are already in the process of booking a flight.Jazak Allah Khairan

As-salamu `alaykum. Could you please furnish me with an answer regarding Islam's stance on cremation?

I am a doctor who needs to know the Islamic ruling concerning female sterilization (ligation of the Fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy). Does the ruling that applies to Muslim women apply to non-Muslim women as well?

Respected scholars, as-Salamu `alaykum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuh! Just recently we had a discussion about poetry in Islam. The search in Imam Al-Bukhari's collection of Hadith revealed that a Sahabi (Prophet's Companion) `Amir Al-Akwa` on the way to Khaybar recited poetry to the Muslims and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) praised him. Then there are another hadith, which projects a negative attitude towards poetry. We would like to seek your explanation on this subject. Jazakum Allah khayran.

Hello, I am a non-Muslim Canadian employer, and have Muslims and non-Muslims working for me. Amongst the Muslim women that work for me, there are a few who insist on adhering to a particular type of religious dress, but the majority does not. I find it strange that only a minority insists on covering themselves from top to bottom, and want to know why should I cater to them?

As SalamualaikumMy question is, my brother speaks to me and to almost all the women in my family, , two other sisters, sister in law, cousins, etc,  in a very harsh manner. He talks down to us , yet he practices islam and he is a fairly good muslim. But he thinks men are a degree above women so much so that he talks so harshly to us. Is this appropriate behavior? In Pakistan, boys are favored more than girls, is this alright in Islam also? Him being a man, does it make him right always and give him the authority to do this to me? I am married with kids, yet he speaks to me as if I were a street girl. He literally "orders" us around or thinks he knows everything. Isnt there anything in Islam that says be kind to your sisters?

Assalamu alaykum,People are from nature different, some are kind, some are villain, some are quiet, some are loud, some are patient some not,etc. So how can all people be judged by Allah in the same way. I mean f.ex when someone is loud or unpatient, it is a sin??? But there are people who are from nature nervous and loud, unpatient,etc. Why then punish them for their born character?

Dear Respected Scholars,Is it permissable to practice oral sex with my wife during intercourse?Jazakum Allah kull Khair

Assalam O' Alaikum! my question is that is this obligatory for Muslim women to cover their faces? plz explain the views of different schools of thought and then also tell the one which is better. i also want to know that is there any punishment in Islam if a women does not cover her face? plz tell me in detail i am confused about it.

Assalamu Alaikum, I just wanted to know, is music haram? If the music I listen to doesnt contain explicit lyrics, and profanity. If so, can you tell me the Ayah in the Qur'an or if it's in the Hadiths, the hadith. Secondly what kind of music, if any, would be considered halal?

I have a query that concerns investments. Is it haram for a Muslim to invest in Unit Trusts or to buy shares of companies, even if those companies are not dealing with things that are clearly haram such as alcohol? This has been on my mind quite a lot lately and I would really appreciate a clear reply so that I may put the matter to rest once and for all. Thank you.

Greetings! I have heard that Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) is responsible for the spread of Islam.  I have heard that by allowing the prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to spread Allah's message she (may Allah be pleased with her) thus furthered Islam.  Is this true?thank you.

Scholars of Islam, I have come across a news-storyon the BBC that tells about a village in Turkey where its Muslim people are very active and successful in running their business on the basis of Islamic directives. Hard-working people in this village consider that working hard is a form of worship. For them, religion is all about the here and now, not the next life, and making money is a sign of God's approval.However, some intellectuals and writers regarded this phenomenon as Islamic Calvinism. However, the label of Islamic Calvinism has caused a furor in the Turkish press. Some people say it's a Western conspiracy to Christianize Islam, but others have passionately argued in its favor, holding it up as a model for how Islam and modernity can co-exist.What do you think of this issue? Thanks for your efforts.

Asalam alaykum, Please what is the Islamic judgement on FOREX trading. Is it Halal? What are the do's and dont's?

assalam walekum i want to tell that is love is permissable in islam can u tell me plz

Respected scholar, As-Salamu `alaykum. Why is it that Palm-reading should not be practiced? I really need your advice based on Qur’an and Hadith about reading hand lines. Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholar,Assalam AlekumI have two questions.the first one is that many Muslims in the sub-continent hold what I find to be superstitions. They say that the janamaaz (prayer mat) should be folded after use else Shaytan will pray on it. They also advise young women to not walk under trees during the night because djinns live there. Can you please clarify what the correct Islamic conclusion is to these thoughts. My second question is if reading tea leaves is a legitimate Islamic practice to unearth what is wrong with one's CURRENT (not future) life. Is using numbers associated with one's name to see if a decision is good also a legitimate practice?thank you for your time. Allah Hafiz

I would like to know the importance of Islam for humanity. Many people do not know that Islam presents the solution for modern society to solve its problems. Please let me know about this issue.

Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states the following: “A person willing to convert to Islam should remember that there is nothing so hard and complicated in Islam in terms of fundamental beliefs or practices. Islam is a natural way, which appeals to common

Hello scholars of Islamonline.net. I have a question for you. Though I'm not a Muslim I believe in all what is divine. As we know now that the world's attention is focused on Iraq and its weapons of mass destruction, I want you to enlighten me on how your religion views the concept of force. I need a fatwa on this, to help me on my research. Thanks

As salamu alaikum. As I know, Some people like to provide mohar equals Mohar-e-Fatimi before marriage though they have ability to provide much more money as mohar. Sometimes they do so as sunnah, sometimes just because Mohar-e-Fatimi demands comparatively very less money. I want to know is it good or valid for a man to give mohar equaling Mohar-e-Fatimi while he has ability to give much more money?

how is democracy viewed in ith eyes of islam?is their any problem practising democracy in the name of islam or being a muslim?

AA Please explain the issue that the only faith revealed by Allah (swt) is Islam and that all Prophets are Muslims, thus why does the Qur'an refer to people of the book as "jews and christians" where did that come from since they should be Muslims?thank You

Dear Sheikh, as-salamu `alaykum wa rahmatu Allah wa barakatuh. Could you please shed light on the position of work in Islam? Also, I appreciate if you clarify the term "Islamic activism". Jazakum Allah khayran.

Assalamu alaykum,I have heared that there are things that can be modernized in Islam. For sure not the basic things like prayers and so. But give me some examples in things that can be modernized.there is also a hadith where the prophet (s.a.s) said: God sents every 100 years people to refresh/modernize this religion. In what way?

As salaam o alaikum,I live in Canada and I want to gain knowledge about islam, the prophet, etc in detail, because I feel that the internet alone can not provide all the information. What can I do to get well-acquainted with islamic theology? And as for islamic knowledge, are the Qur'an and hadith the only sources of information for us to study islam?I also wanted to know what constitutes an islamic state and how it can operate in present times, because, for example, in all the different economies today, it is very difficult for them to develop without ribaa.My last question is: to gain Al-Firdaus, highest level of Jannah, does one have to be a scholar, or an imam working at a mosque, or to die while striving for Allah's cause (shaheed), etc? Or is any normal person capable of doing so?Jazakallah.

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. How much freedom has Islam given to a woman? For example, in today's world where there is so much of controversy surrounding our religion, is a woman allowed to spread the message of Islam outside her house to other women or join a profes sion like using media to provide knowledge to others or even go as far as opening her own production house for this cause? Surely if I am acquiring knowledge I must utilize it for positive purpose. Jazakum Allahu khayran.

Salam ou 3alaykoumtwo years ago  someone started to spread rumors about me according to its I do some act to bother the people around me. En deed  I do some of this act but owing of illness  and not to bother the others. In the town where I used to live people didn't pay attention to those acts.the local habitant apparently feeling offended: react toward this.After that time has gone and the things were clarified.And now I classified people into those categories:1-people who act normally toward me 2-people who dislike me and don't miss any opportunity to annoy me (in the street, on Tv, in my native town...) 3-people who deal with me with caution and can from time to time ( under the pressure and because of habit apparently ) to do as the second category 4-new people who heard bad rumors from the second category...until now I was dealing differently with this situation trying more to focus on the main purpose of being here (Studies).But recently I had learned about a Hadith in which the Prophet PBUH relates to have sawn in a vision angel pouring liquid lead in the ears of some people an angel said to the prohet PBUH that those people used to listen to those who dislike them.To which limit should I apply this hadith?Jazakoum Allaho khairan

Is politics haraam?

I am just begining to discover Islam and would like recommendations on books I should read.  I finished reading "The Heart of Islam" and it was one of the best things I have ever read.  I hope you can help.  Peace.

Assalamu alikum! islam& slavery of woman -------------- at first;i really often read articles and texts from fatwa bank, they are really veryhelpful, but this time i thought much by myself and read in books and online but i didnt find answer. I prayed to Allah swt that He will let me find ananswer , that gives my heart again peace.. so here it is: 1. can in islam a muslim woman be a slave of a muslim man? --> Quran 4:25 "..marry...believing maids" --> does that means he can marry a believing maid and that means he can Have a believing (muslim?!) woman as maid ("whomher rights u posses) 2. can the man have so many female slaves like he wants ? And have intercourse with them? next to his woman/ women? 2.1 do they buythem or only from war, like i read? ( from war would be more islam-logic cause if buying it would an active way of pushing slavery) 3. Do the female slave (because she is property of man) have a right to say "no" to s.intercourse ? If the man wants intercourse with her. 4. can the man have intecourse with her although she is maybe married with someone else? and if she prayes to many gods? May Allah all of u reward much and may Allah theallmighty make ur Iman much more and more stronger!!! wassalam Sakina

Assalamu Aleikum, Is slavery permitted in Islam? I've read your answers to similar questions and got more confused. I really didn't see the proof from Quran that Islam prohibits slavery. You said that it was aimed to be taken away in steps as prohibition of alcohol is, and there is indeed Quran verse prohibiting that. In terms of slavery, I haven't seen such verse(s) except those encouraging Muslims to free slaves, which by any circumstances doesn't mean that slavery is haram. On the contrary it recognizes slavery as institution.Please advise. May Allah reward you for your efforts

Dr. Marawan Shahin, Professor of Hadith and its Sciences, Faculty of Usul Ad-Din (Theology), Al-Azhar Univ. states: “The Arabic terminology for sodomy in Islam is Luat which refers to the act of people of Prophet Lut (peace and blessings be upon him) as they used to practice the perverted sexual relationship between man and man. They

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. What are the ways in which a Muslim may worship Allah? Is salah the only way of worship or does it include dhikr, da`wah, etc.? Please list various ways. Jazakum Allahu khayran.

Why do some Islamic scholars believe that TV and music are Haraam?

Please tell me what is the first step in converting a Christian to Islam? What is the easiest thing I can say or teach to invite them to Islam without offending them? Is there a book I can buy?

1) What is the structure of leadership in Islamic faith? How are leaders chosen? Who can be a leader? 2) How doctrine is established and changed? What are the sources of "truth" and who interprets them? 3) How Islamic faith handles change. How does it deal with secular autority when it conflicts with religious authority?

Dear scholars, As-salamu `alaikum. My question is regarding the relevance of Islam in modern times. What do you think: Is it possible that Islamic teachings are to be altered to cope with modern changes? Are they changeable with the passage of time?

I am a Muslim who firmly believes in the fairness of the Islamic justice system. I understand the translation and the meaning of verse 178 of surat al-Baqarah, but I want to know how it applies today. For instance, when a man kills a slave or a free man, does the judge give ANY SLAVE OR ANY FREE MAN from the killer's tribe to be killed in retaliation?1) Who chooses the ones to be killed in retaliation?2) On what grounds is the choice made? Please give me a thorough explanation that I can present to those who do not believe in the fairness of the Islamic justice system.

Could you please enlighten me on what ‘Islam’ means. Thanks in advance!

What is your opinion about the Nation of Islam and their leader Louis Farakhan?

Respected scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Does the concept of "luck" or "coincidence” exist in Islam? Or is it that everything is strictly planned by Allah, since we are supposed to believe that we have a destiny that has been laid out for us and all the decisions we make and experiences that occur to us will finally lead us there? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. I have a simple question: what is the reality of Islam, and what does “Islam is a new title for an old truth” mean? Jazakum Allah khayran.

As-salamu `alaykum. the fifth argument that the Christian group posed, which caused much perplexity to Muslims in the area, is related to the claim that the Prophet used to rent out and hire many slaves and hence Islam is a religion of slavery. Could you please send my question to Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi to refute such a claim?

Dear Brothers in Islam, Assalamualaikum...... I wanted to know if there is any scientific reason in Islam persuing their months as per the lunar calender than the usual months which are followed in the world.

It is circulated that Islam is a religion of terrorism and it opposes peace. Is this right?

Why should anyone choose Islam as a religion and as a way of life? In other way: Why are we Muslims?

As-salamu `alaykum. I want to know the Islamic view of studying philosophy. Is there any Islamic reservation against studying philosophy?

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum!thank you very much for the wonderful service you provide and more grease to your elbow! Could you please furnish me with the Islamic view on celebrating the Valentine’s Day?

Dear scholars, As-Salaam `Alaykum. Would you please shed some light on what is meant by Allah's saying, 'We made of you a Middle Ummah' (Ummatan Wasatan) [2: 143]? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Respected scholars: I am really impressed by your answers. Really, I am torn from within. Islam has been subject to so many attacks, brandishing it as a religion that has nothing to offer to humanity. As we are now approaching another Sep. 11, questions are being poured on what Islam has to offer humanity. Can you answer this question?

What does Islam say about establishing a university or a faculty where Islamic Shari`ah and Christian Theology are taught in the same place? The purpose of this university is to alleviate the tension between Muslims and Christians and to bring them closer and allow an opportunity for mutual co-operation.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Please enlighten me on the issue of the relation between science and our noble religion, Islam. Do we find any relation between both? What does Islam say about science and how can we look to the scientific facts through the Qur’an? Jazakum Allah khayran.

As-Salamu `alaykum! I have a friend who likes gambling a lot. Can you give me the Islamic opinion on it so that I would convince him to stop doing this act?

Respected scholars of Islam, As-Salaam `Alaykum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuh. What is the Islamic view of cremation? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. What is the Islamic view of surrogate motherhood? Is a married couple allowed to use this procedure to have a child? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear Sheikh! As-Salaam `Alaykum! I am really interested in having a clear information on how Islam view the global civilization; how Islam managed to embrace all different cultures and civilization. Thanks

What is political Islam?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Can we consider Kashmir to be a Muslim land in the sense of saying that Muslims have a legitimate right to claim it? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear Sheikh! Kindly inform me about the ruling of smoking according to Islam. Jazakum Allah Khairan

What does Islam say about terrorism and the fight for religion?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum wa Ramatullah wa Barakatuh! What does Islam say on the preservation of environment? May Allah bless you all!

I have encountered this question many times from non-Muslims: What will be the destiny of people who live in remote places like the Arctic Circle, and have never heard about Islam and die as a non-Muslims. Will they go to Hell?

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Non-Muslims often comment about Islam saying that most Muslims are Muslims because of the death penalty for apostasy. Many claim that there is inherent hypocrisy as converts from other religions are eagerly awaited for, while if a Muslim decides not to follow Islam he is put to death. Please clarify.

As-salamu `alaykum. First of all, I would like thank all the brothers and sisters behind IslamOnline who provide this wonderful service. My question is regarding nationalism and whether it is compatible with Islam. My personal view is that Allah created one world for all of humanity and He never divided them into nations or territorial regions. Nationalism and patriotism are practices of jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic ignorance) that run against the fabric of unity and brotherhood that Islam stands for. I believe that there can be only two nations: one in which its people have accepted Islam and are under Islamic rule or a caliphate, the other nation consists of people who refuse to do so. I would like to have the view of scholars on this subject.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Kindly furnish me with fatwa as to the nature of the war waged by Abu Bakr against the apostates, and tell me: is it true that Islam was originally forced on people?

Dear Sheikh! I have a question to raise. I would like you to enlighten me on the concept of unity in Islam and the effect of the lack of this concept in our modern world?

Dear Sheikh! I would like to know to what extent religion and sports are related? What are the etiquette and the morals by which a Muslim should abide while practicing sports?

As-salam-u-alikumSir I want to ask questions on the following Hadeeth,On the occasion of His Last Hajj, while standing on the camel along with Hazrat Ali (R.A)The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) said,(Meaing of Hadeeth)"Whoever considers me LORD (RAB), he considered ALI (R.A) as RAB. Who ever insulted him, he insulted me.(We often hear these words near 9th and 10th Muharram especially in PAKISTAN) Is there any hadeeth like this?? If yes, is it authentic?? I, rather every muslim, believe that Our Holy Prophet (S.A.W) can't consider himself RAB. My friend also says that we pray to ALLAH through Hazrat ALI (R.A). In other words, he is a source of the acceptance of our prayers.and perhaps I will not be a muslim if I do not believe in this hadeeth.He also says that ALLAH appointed Hazrat Ali (R.A) to distribute Rizq (livelihood).He also says that Hazrat Ali (R.A) and Our Holy Prophet (S.A.W) both are two arms of ALLAH by which ALLAH spreads Food i.e Rizq.He also says that Our Holy Prophet (S.A.W) prayed to ALLAH for help. Then ALLAH blessed him with Hazrat Ali (R.A) as a difficulty-solver. What would you say??? Jazakallah.

We often hear about the tolerance of Islam and its concern for the rights of others, but what happened in Texas was so odd. What is your viewpoint in this regard?

Dear scholars, As-salamu `alaykum. Was there Islam before Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was sent as a prophet to mankind? I pose this question because I wonder what the following verse refers to: (Ibrahim was not a Jew nor a Christian, but he was (an) upright (man), a Muslim, and he was not one of the polytheists) (Aal `Imran 3: 67). Jazakum Allahu khayran.