Question The common understanding of Muslims is that when Ramadan begins the devils are chained and the gates of heaven are opened. However, this does not seem to make sense because if the devils are chained then how is it possible to do evil during Ramadan? Is the suggestion then that during Ramadan no human […]
Archives for November 2000
A Clarification Regarding the Parable of Al-Nah’l 16:75
Question The Qur’an says: Allah sets forth a parable: (consider) a slave, the property of another, (who) has no power over anything, and one whom We have granted from Ourselves a goodly sustenance so he spends from it secretly and openly; are the two alike? (All) praise is due to Allah! Nay, most of them […]
Regarding Cloning?
Question I’m doing a paper on the Islamic perspective on Human Cloning for my Bio-Medical Ethics Class and I would like your opinion. Basically Muslim jurist fall into two categories: those who think it should all be banned, from embryo-cloning for therapeutic reasons (like stem-cell research) to actual cloning of humans; and there are those […]
The True Spirit of Fasting
Question Is it haraam for one who is fasting in Ramadan to be bad such as swear and start a fight? Answer Fasting, according to the Qur’an, has been prescribed upon the Muslims as a training program for the elevation of their level of piety and obedience to the Lord of the worlds in their […]
The Different Modes of Revelation to the Prophets – Al-Shura 42:51 – 52
Question In Surah Shoora, verses 51-52, Allah Almighty states: And it is not fitting for a man that Allah should speak to him except by revelation; from behind a veil, or by sending a Messenger to reveal by His Permission, what He pleases; surely He is the High, Wise. And thus have We inspired in […]
Was Woman Created From Man’s Ribs – Explanation of a Hadith
Question What is the meaning of the following hadith? Sahih Bukhari Volume 4 Book 55 #548 Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said, “Treat women nicely, for a woman is created from a rib, and the most curved portion of the rib is its upper portion, so, if you should try to straighten it, it will […]
Clarification of Al-Baqarah 2:223 with Special Reference to Birth-Control
Question Maulana Shams Pirzada has translated verse 2: 223 somewhat to the effect as: Your wives are a tilth for you, so go into your tilth when you like, and PROVIDE FOR THE FUTURE, and be careful (of your duty) to Allah, and know that you will meet Him, and give good news to the […]
A Further Clarification on Sunnah and Hadith
Question I have read your articles on the difference between Sunnah and Hadith. Please clarify the major difference between the transmission between Sunnah and Hadith. After all, the Prophet (PBUH) is not present with us. Therefore, his actions are “reported” to us through the same channels as his words are. The practice of the Ummah […]
Watching Vidoes of Islamic Lectures in Mosques during the Last Few Days of Ramadhan…
Question Some brothers want to organize a program involving watching an Islamic video in the local mosque in the last ten days of Ramadan. Firstly, are there much better ways of spending time in the worship of Allah in Laila-tul-Qadr other than learning from an Islamic video? Another concern that brothers have expressed is that […]
Sending Children for Education in Catholic Schools
Question I have searched your site and have not found an answer to my following question: I would like to send our children to Catholic School as it has a better academic system than the public school system in my city. What is your view or directive on sending them to Catholic School? My reasons for […]