Explaining Islam in Light of the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ‎)

Archives for September 2001

The Meaning of Al-Nisaa 4: 56

Question One of the objections raised by Ibn Warraq (http://www.secularhumanism.org/wtc.htm) is that in Al-Nisaa 4: 56, the Qur’an says that the non-Muslims are to be greatly tormented. Please explain the referred verse of the Qur’an. Answer The referred verse reads as: إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُ‌وا بِآيَاتِنَا سَوْفَ نُصْلِيهِمْ نَارً‌ا كُلَّمَا نَضِجَتْ جُلُودُهُم بَدَّلْنَاهُمْ جُلُودًا غَيْرَ‌هَا لِيَذُوقُوا […]

Punishments in Islam

Question I have a question regarding the strict punishment in Islam especially when it comes to adultery, robbery etc. What is the reason behind such strict punishments? Answer Before commenting on the nature of punishments prescribed by the Shari`ah, it seems necessary to understand that the punishments prescribed by the Shari`ah are, in fact, the […]

Buying Company Shares

Question Recent events in the world have seriously affected stock markets around the world, the shares of many companies have fallen, substantially. I believe that this might be an opportunity to buy shares in a company, however most of the companies over here are financed through bank loans, on which they pay interest and so […]

What Makes Us Special

Question Salaam, I just thought I might add that there would have been no purpose in creating humans if they were simply to be programmed with virtue and nothing else. We would then be no different than the angels, who have no free will. Since we have the ability to choose between good and evil, […]

Contradiction and Confusion

Question You say that an individual should conduct himself/herself according to the decision of the representatives of his/her respective collectivity.  Also, in response to another question regarding a Muslim serving in a non-Muslim Army, you say that unjust actions of even a Muslim Army are condemnable. This is very contradictory and confusing. What you are […]

The ‘Wrath’ of God

Question The following questions may come off as slightly misplaced, especially considering that I am a believer in the mercy of God. I like to remind myself of the Qur’an’s directive to count the favors of God, which we would never be able to number. And I feel that He has poured His grace and […]

Regarding God’s Mercy

Question How can Allah be “the Most Merciful” when there is so much suffering in the world? For example, genetic diseases, hunger, mental depression, and war etc. I understand that this life is a test, and that these things are for testing purposes, but doesn’t that negate Allah being the Most Mercifull? For example, why […]

Releasing Non-Muslim Slaves as a Good Deed

Question In the Islamic history Muslim masters were encouraged to release their slaves. Qur’an [90:10-13] says :” Did we not show him the two paths? He should choose the difficult path. Which one is the difficult path?  The freeing of slaves”. I know that According to Qur’an and the Sunnah releasing of slaves were a […]

If Jesus (pbuh) Was Not Crucified…

Question I hope you might be able to help me with some confusion I’m having. I am a Christian who is studying the claims of Islam. I’m currently listening to a debate about the crucifixion with Ahmed Deedat, and a question keeps plaguing me.  It appears that God allowed the people to think that it was […]