Question Are the differences between Shiite Islam and Sunni Islam as huge as many people seem to imply? Answer In my opinion, there really are major differences in the two sects. However, on the other hand, I believe that if one were to consider the similarities, rather than the differences, one would have found a […]
Archives for December 2000
Was Pharaoh Drowned or Saved?
In one of his articles1 Mr. Jochen Katz has pointed out a contradiction in Yunus 10: 92 and Al-Qasas 28: 40, Al-Israa 17: 103 and Al-Zukhruf 43: 55. According to Mr. Katz: In Sura 10:92, Allah speaks to Pharaoh who ferociously chased the Children of Israel, “But this day We save you in your body, […]
Are Step Brothers & Sisters Mehram for Each Other?
Question Am I supposed to wear hijab around my stepbrothers? Are they Mahrems for me? My dad got married about 7 years ago and his wife has 3 sons. Two of them live here now. I am just wondering because I’m not sure some people say yes and some say no. Allahu alim and Jazakullah […]
What Were the Names Which Adam Was Taught (Al-Baqarah 2:31)?
Question In your translation of Surah Baqarah, you have interpreted the meaning of Adam being taught all the names differently from a majority of the commentators. Many of them interpret the ability of naming things in philosophical terms, i.e. conceptual knowledge. You, on the other hand, refer to it as the names of those people who […]
What is the Implication of ‘Al-Bayaan’ in Surah Al-Rehmaan 55: 4?
Question What is the meaning of bayan, as in Surah Al-Rehman and how does it relate to man being taught the Qur’an? Does it refer to the quality of speech or does it have greater implications? All animals have modes of communication, i.e. speech. Answer To fully understand the correct implication and meaning of the […]
What Does the ‘Forbidden Tree’ (Al-Baqarah 2:35) Stand For?
Question In your translation of Surah Al-Baqarah you have pointed out that the ‘tree of temptation’ seems to indicate the sexual act. Can you clarify? The Qur’an also speaks of how Shaytan [i.e. Satan] deceived man into believing this tree as possessing the keys of eternity and the kingdom that never fails. This seems to […]
What is the Challenge in Surah Al-Rahman 55:33
Question In Surah Al-Rehman, there is a challenge for both men and jinn to penetrate the heavens. What is this referring to and what are its implications. Many people find in this a reference towards space travel, which to my mind is a stretch of imagination. Answer I fully agree with you that the referred […]
A Political Revolution Supported by the Majority…
Question In your discussion of Khaleefah you have clearly illustrated the attitude of perseverance in response to a corrupt rule. The main reason behind the injunctions of the Prophet in this regard, it seems, is because any law is better than anarchy. This begs the question of what if a revolution is supported by the […]
Will Christians Enter Paradise or Go to Hell?
In one of his articles1 Mr. Jochen Katz has pointed out a contradiction in two sets of verses of the Qur’an. According to Mr. Katz, Al-Baqarah 2: 62 and Al-Maaidah 5: 69 contradict with Aal Imraan 3: 85 and Al-Maaidah 5: 72. Al-Baqarah 2: 62 reads as: إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَالَّذِينَ هَادُوا وَالنَّصَارَىٰ وَالصَّابِئِينَ مَنْ […]
Donating to a Christian Organization for a Human Cause
Question If you have time I would like to forward a query which was written by a friend. Could someone please help me decide on what to do about this issue I have. Recently in our building here downtown a group from WORLDVISION had a child sponsorship program set up. I went by and the […]