Question What is Taqdeer and is it constant or changeable? Answer The question of Taqdeer has remained an enigma for philosophers and scholastics. Among Muslims, it was endlessly debated among rival schools of theology. In the Holy Qur’an it is presented as a much less complex belief, made tremendously complicated by the two thousand year […]
The Concept of Satan
Question The concept or person of satan is an interesting one. Recently in a conversation I was having with a non-Muslim friend of mine, I began to think about the concept of satan a little bit more. I was wondering if you could elaborate on the concept of satan in the Qur’an. First, I was […]
Pictures & Photography
Question I want to know about photography of living beings like humans and animals. Is it allowed in Islam? I will be very grateful if you help me regarding this. Jazakallah Answer In my opinion, pictures of anything, whether living or non-living things are not prohibited per se. Although there are a number of narratives […]
‘The Two Easts’ & ‘The Two Wests’ – The Meaning of Al-Rahman 55:17
Question I want your comments on the explanation I have given below of the verse ’17’ of Surah 55 (Al-Rahman), i.e. The Lord of two Easts and two Wests I think this verse points towards the tilt, the axes of spin of earth have with the axes of spin perpendicular to the line joining the […]
Why Does the Qur’an Arouse Man’s Attraction Towards the Opposite Sex?
Question Many non-Muslims and some Muslims have criticized the Qur’an in terms of its explanation of paradise. In some Surahs (55: 56) it mentions “in them will be maidens, chaste, restraining their glances”. Critics like to say that this is ‘giving the wrong impression’. So could you please explain to me how to argue this […]
Clarification of Al-Ahzab 33:72 – The Meaning of Al-Amanah
Question I was recently reading Surah 33: 72 in the Qur’an and was a bit confused. Is the Surah stating that humans chose “al-amanah” (which I am translating as reason….) but that it was a mistake? Is the Surah implying that one should not use one’s reason? Could you clarify? Answer First of all, I […]
Praying at Shrines
Question Is there any basis for the belief that you can pray at some religious scholar’s shrine and ask for their intercession on the Day of Judgment? Is this not a form of Shirk1? Answer There is absolutely no basis for the referred practice. Islam teaches a direct relationship between man and God. The Qur’an […]
Can We Benefit the Dead With Any Good Deeds?
Question Can the living reward the dead by doing hajj for them and reading the Qur’an? In the case of the latter is there any significance in doing Qur’anic recital 3 days and 40 days after someone’s passing? This appears to be a common practice by some segments of the Pakistani society. Is there any […]
Is The Prophet (pbuh) to Be Followed in Religious Matters Only?
Question I asked my father a question, and he referred me to this site. I want to congratulate you on this very noble and useful effort. As I recall, When The Holy Prophet (PBUH) came to Medina, He found that the date farmers use to graft their crop. He advised them against this. At the […]
Was Iblis an Angel?
Question My question is about Surah 2: 34: And behold, we said to ANGELS: “bow down to Adam”. And they bowed down, except Iblis. He refused and was haughty. My understanding from the holy Qura’n about the angels, is that they always obey Allah Ta`ala1 and they don’t have any free will. What I would […]