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

Archives for June 2002

Meaning of the Word ‘Iqra’ – Al-‘Alaq 96: 1

Question It seems that the literal meaning of the word ‘Iqra’ is ‘Read’. The translation of the first verse of Surah Al-‘Alaq by different scholars also shows that it is ‘Read’ i.e. ‘Read in the name of your Lord, Who created’ (Al-‘Alaq 96:1) When the Angel Gabriel ordered the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to read; the […]

Solomon (pbuh) and the Horses – Saad 38: 31 – 33

Question It is generally held by the commentators that Sulayman (AS) forgot the remembrance of Allah because of his horses.  Because of this, he killed them slashing their head and necks.  What is your interpretation of the incident in Surah Saad? Thanks Answer According to my present understanding, I agree with the referred interpretation. A […]

How Does Offering Sacrifices Contribute to Piety?

Question In both the Qur’an and the Bible, there is an emphasis on the offering of animal sacrifices in conjunction with prayer, fasting, alms-giving and other pious, cleansing activities. I can understand how praying, fasting, and donating charity helps to cleanse oneself of wrongdoing, but how does shedding the blood of a goat or a […]

Etiquette of Du`a – Supplication

Question Is it true that the best way to make du`a is to give praise to Allah and make selawat at the beginning and end of du`a. Is it supported by sound nus? What about if you just need to make one quick du`a in situation that it is inconvenient to make the proper etika. […]

The Opinion Regarding Istikharah

Question I have studied all your articles on Istikharah. Most scholars that I have come across would say that one should try to feel what his heart’s inclination after the istikharah or having a sign/vision/dream-that would tell him what is good for him. But it seems you have a different opinion on it i.e. you […]

Non-Muslims & Kaafirs

Question Please clarify the difference between Non-Muslims & Kafirs. Which peoples are Non Muslims & Kafirs. Please tell me in detail in the light of Quran & Sunnah. Thank you very much Answer From the perspective of the life of this world ‘non-Muslim’ is primarily a legal term implying a person, who does not ascribe […]

Regarding the Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ (pbuh)

Question Is there any other Apostle, besides Jesus, that was born to a virgin mother? Answer There is no other prophet besides Jesus (pbuh), who was born to a virgin mother. Jesus (pbuh) is the only prophet, who was born without the process of male-female copulation that is normally a prerequisite for the conception of […]

Why Does Passing Gas Invalidate Wudu While Burping Does Not?

Question My question is regarding Wudu. Why does passing gas invalidate Wudu while burping does not? It seems like a similar body function. Thank you much. Regards Answer As a principle, the Shari`ah requires us to renew our Wudu whenever we pass anything through the urinary or the fecal passage. It is, thus, not the […]