Can Muslim say SALAAM to non Muslim?

Can Muslim say SALAAM to non Muslim?

 By Khurshid imam

  1. Introduction

 One of the issues that are of much discomfort for our Hindu brethren is the issue of Salaam. Many Hindus complain that when they greet Muslims with Salaam or AsSalaam  o alaikum then Muslims  don’t say walaikum asSalaam . Our Hindu brethren expect walaikum asSalaam from Muslims. “Why Muslims don’t say Walaikum AsSalaam to us”? – is one of the questions very often asked by non Muslims to Muslims.

On the other hand most of Muslims are of the idea that a Muslim can not say Salaam or AsSalaam  o alikum or walaikum asSalaam  to any non Muslims. One can find lot of fatwas (religious verdict) against saying Salaam to non Muslim. The same group of Muslims is also of the idea that it is prohibited to seek forgiveness or do dua of maghfirat to any non Muslim.

What is the reality if this issue? Can a Muslim say Salaam to non Muslim? Can a Muslim do dua (prayer or supplication) of forgiveness for non Muslim / mushrik / kafir? Let’s understand this issue with unbiased and open mind.

* Salaam  means ‘Peace’. AsSalaam  o alaikum means ‘Peace be upon you’. walaikum asSalaam   means ‘Peace be upon you too’.

* Mushrik means one who associates partner with God. In simple words one who worship something else as God.

 2. Claim of some Muslims and the misunderstanding

 Some Muslims claim that Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) has told to not to initiate Salaam to non Muslims. Also people say that Prophet told us to say only walaikum when greeted by a non Muslim.

 This wrong conclusion is the result of failing to derive correct guidance from hadees.

Claim of such people is based on following ahadees mainly:

A> Narrated AbuHurayrah Allah’s Messenger  said: Do not greet the Jews and the Christians before they greet you and when you meet any one of them on the roads force him to go to the narrowest part of it. (Hadith – Sahih Muslim, Book 026, Number 5389)

B> ‘A’isha reported that some Jews came to Allah’s Apostle (may peace be upon him) and they said: Abu’l-Qasim (the Kunya of the Holy Prophet), as-Sam-u-‘Alaikum (Death be upon you), whereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: Wa ‘Alaikum (On you too). A’isha reported: In response to these words of theirs, I said: But let there be death upon you and disgrace also, whereupon Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: ‘A’isha, do not use harsh words. She said: Did you hear what they said? Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: Did I not respond to them when they said that; I said to them: Wa’Alaikum (let it be upon you). (Hadith – Sahih Muslim, Book 026, Number 5386)

By quoting these types of ahadees people arrive at the conclusion that:

a. A muslim should only say WALAIKUM when greeted by non Muslims.

b. A muslim should not initiate Salaam to non Muslims.

 3. Reason for the misunderstanding

 Again: the most commonly repeated mistake of the majority of Muslim. Not understanding an issue UNDER THE PRINCIPLE OF QURAN. When people don’t look at Quran, don’t analyze what Allah has revealed, don’t ponder over how Quran has guided and directly try to reach at conclusion just by looking at hadees in isolation then they are bound to make mistake.

Based on mainly above ahadees people conclude that it’s not allowed to say Salaam to ALL non Muslims. This erroneous and false understanding is due to:

a> Not understanding an issue under the guidance of Quran.

b> Not considering Quran as the ultimate guidance and final criteria from almighty God.

c> Taking the meaning of hadees by completely ignoring the context, background of issue.

d> Also people don’t try to find out if the ruling was only for certain people and for certain time or for all people till the day of qiyamah.

4. Ahadees under consideration

 As far as above ahadees are concerned then following points should be very clear to all:

1. “Do not initiate Salaam with them….” – It is not difficult to understand that this injunction was specifically when Muslims were going to Banu Quraizah – who were in hostile terms with Muslims. And these Jews were the open enemy of Islam who has rejected the prophet hood of Prophet Muhammad even though prophet was alive among them. People who rejected Prophet Muhammad as Prophet were much severe in kufr (denying) compared to today’s non Muslims  – as far as rejecting prophet hood is concerned because that time Prophet was alive among them.

2. “……this hadîth relates to “a state of hostilities” which had erupted at that time against the Muslims. It was, in fact, at the time of the campaign against Banû Qurayzah. This is established by another authentic hadîth where the Prophet [peace be upon him] said: “…We are going forth in the morning against a group of Jews, so do not initiate the greeting of Peace with them….” [ Musnad Ahmad 26695 and Mu’jam al-Tabarani al-Kabir  22 / 291. See also Musnad Ahmad 16844 and.17584.]. Ibn Hajar al-`Asqalani relates the same from al-Bukhari’s al-Adab al-Mufrad and from Sunan.al-Nasa’I while.discussing.this.topic.in.“Fath.al-Bari”.[.11./.39.]

3. The second hadees is very clearly mentioning why Prophet told walaikum. It says that since Jews wished death to prophet by saying “as-Sam-u-‘Alaikum” i.e. death be on you so he replied Walaikum i.e. same to you. Is it difficult to understand why prophet said ONLY walaikum? Do non Muslims around you wish you by saying ‘Death be on you’? Obviously not. So this commandment of prophet was specific to a particular situation and not a general commandment for all non Muslims till the day of qiyamah.

4. If someone is hell bend on taking these ahadees without context, situation and background and argues – “No No! Since ahadees tells us not to initiate Salaam  to Jews and Christians so one should not greet ANY non Muslims ” – then my argument is –  “OK, so using this understanding it can be said that hadees speaks about not initiating Salaam  to Jews and Christians; it does not prohibit initiating Salaam  to Hindus, jainis, Buddhist, Sikh etc – So it means one can say Salaam  to Hindus and all other non Muslims except Jews and Christian – do you agree???” Can you get me fatwa from any scholar that saying Salaam to jews and Christians is prohibited but it is allowed for other faith people like Hindus, Buddhist, Sikh etc? It is very obvious one will not get such fatwa.

Also the first hadees also mentions that “when you meet any one of them on the roads force him to go to the narrowest part of it” – if you believe that this hadees injunction was for you also today then will you force your Christian friends or teachers to narrow path when you meet them in road? No! This instruction was temporary in nature for a specific case.

5. Also if you consider this commandment of Prophet to be generic in nature and for all non Muslims till the day of qiyamah then you should realize that this judgment contradicts Quran. Wait!!!! Don’t open your fatwa bank. Have patience. Kindly read complete article to find out what ruling Almighty God has given to us in this matter. If Almighty God has guided us that we can say Salaam to non Muslims (Not each and every non Muslim) and seek forgiveness for them (Not each and every non Muslim) then can prophet go against the rulings of God? No! Never! Impossible.

6. The commandment of Prophet not to initiate greetings to SOME of non Muslims is in perfect harmony with the guidance of Quran (It is explained later). To what kind of non Muslims we should not initiate Salaam ? For what kind of non Muslims we can not do dua of forgiveness? Read these in later part of article.

5. Revisiting basics

 A. Quran is NOT the book of history or story but it’s the book of guidance

 Though Muslims  day and night swear that “Quran is the word of Almighty God, we should follow the teachings of Quran into our life, we should rule by Quran” – but when it comes to seeking guidance then first thing people do is set aside Quran and look at other sources.

Remember: Though quran contains science, history, mathematics, logic etc – its MAIN purpose is guidance of mankind. When it tells you events of past prophet and past community then it is not for only for information but it is for giving guidance. When Quran tells the crime of past community then you should not think that – “Ok! This was the crime of past community. thats it!!”. No No! This incidence is mentioned in quran to warn you, so that you don’t commit error committed by past community, you should take guidance from these events. So the purpose of revelation for Quran is to get guidance and then rule your life by that.

” The month of Ramadhan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion …….” [Quran, Surah Baqrah 2: 185]

Please mark the purpose of Quran.

1. It is for whole mankind. Quran is not exclusive property of any particular sect, religion, group of race.
2. Quran contains clear proofs. The proofs given by Quran are self explanatory.
3. Quran is for guidance purpose. We MUST seek guidance from Quran.
4. Quran is the criterion – it means in any matter Quran will have the last say; what is right and what is wrong – what Quran decides will be final.

 B. Those who don’t follow rulings from Quran are kafir and fasiq and zalim

 Quran is word of Almighty God.

Quran is word of Almighty God.

Quran is word of Almighty God.

No wonder Muslims claim Quran to be word of God loudly but when it comes to ACTUALLY believing and practicing it they fail miserably.

Quran says that one MUST judge as per the revelation of Almighty God.

It was we who revealed the law (to Moses): therein was guidance and light. By its standard have been judged the Jews, by the prophets who bowed (as in Islam) to Allah’s will, by the rabbis and the doctors of law: for to them was entrusted the protection of Allah’s book, and they were witnesses thereto: therefore fear not men, but fear me, and sell not my signs for a miserable price. If any do fail to judge by what Allah hath revealed, they are Unbelievers (kaferoon). [Quran, Surah Maida 5:44]

We ordained therein for them: “Life for life, eye for eye, nose or nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth, and wounds equal for equal.” But if any one remits the retaliation by way of charity, it is an act of atonement for him. And if any fail to judge by what Allah hath revealed, they are wrong-doers (Zalemoon). [Quran, Surah Maida 5:45]

Let the people of the Gospel judge by what Allah hath revealed therein. If any do fail to judge by what Allah hath revealed, they are those who rebel (Faseqoon). [Quran, Surah Maida 5:47]

To you We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety: so judge between them by what Allah hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging from the Truth that hath come to thee…….;[Quran, Surah Maida 5:48]

And this (He commands): you judge between them by what Allah hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, but beware of them lest they beguile thee from any of that (teaching) which Allah hath sent down to thee. And if they turn away, be assured that for some of their crime it is Allah’s purpose to punish them. And truly most men are rebellious. [Quran, Surah Maida 5:49]

Above ayah of Quran make very clear that if we judge against the guidance of Quran then it is kufr / zulm / fisq / absolutely wrong. See how much emphasis Allah has given on judging from what he has revealed.

  C. Quran permits saying Salaam  to non Muslims. It prohibits only for a certain types of non muslims

 I know very well that i have taken much time before arriving at the crux of the article – the reason is: to remind Muslims about the basics of Islam. Muslims – by large- have abandoned Quran and that is what will be complain of Prophet on the Day of Judgment.

“Oh my Lord! My people have abandoned this Quran” Quran, Surah Furqan (25) – Ayah 30

Let’s see What Almighty God has told us about the greetings or saying Salaam or seeking forgiveness for non Muslims.

A. “When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it, or (at least) return it equally” [Quran – Surah al-Nisa’ 4:86]

In the above ayah Allah mentions a generic rule regarding greeting – that when anyone wishes you with a greeting then you should respond with better greeting or at least with equal greeting.

B. “And the servants of (Allah) Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, ‘Salaam !’ (Peace).” [Al-Qur’an, Surah Furqan 25:63]

Here also Allah instructs us that as a good believer we should be humble and when dealing with jahil or ignorant (they may be Muslim or non muslim) we should say Salaam.

C. “And when they hear vain talk, they turn away there from and say: ‘to us our deeds, and to you yours; Salaam  u alaikum (peace be to you): we Seek not the ignorant.’ ” [Al-Qur’an, Surah Qasas 28:55]

Here again Almighty God instructs us that when vain talk or useless talk is going on then turn away from such group (they may be Muslims or non muslims) by saying AsSalaam  u alaikum.  Here also Quran proves that it’s allowed to say Salaam to non Muslims.

D. Then Allah makes crystal clear in the matter of saying Salaam to non Muslim or kafir or mushrik and also about doing dua of maghfirat for them i.e. seeking forgiveness for them.

And mention in the Book (the Qur’an) Ibrahim (Abraham). Verily he was a man of truth, a Prophet.

When he said to his father: “O my father! Why do you worship that which hears not, sees not and cannot avail you in anything?

“O my father! Verily there has come to me of the knowledge that which came not unto you. So follow me, I will guide you to the Straight Path.

“O my father! Worship not Shaitan (Satan). Verily Shaitan (Satan) has been a rebel against the Most Gracious (Allah).

“O my father! Verily I fear lest a torment from the Most Gracious (Allah) should overtake you, so that you become a companion of Shaitan”

He (the father) said: “Do you reject my gods, O Ibrahim (Abraham)? If you stop not (this), I will indeed stone you. So get away from me safely (before I punish you).”

قَالَ سَلَامٌ عَلَيْكَ ۖ سَأَسْتَغْفِرُ لَكَ رَبِّي ۖ إِنَّهُ كَانَ بِي حَفِيًّا

Ibrahim (Abraham) said: “Peace be on you! (AsSalaam  u alikum) I will ask Forgiveness of my Lord for you. Verily He is unto me Ever Most Gracious.

 [Quran – Surah Maryam 19:41-47]

E. Finally Almighty God describes the universal principal regarding saying Salaam and seeking forgiveness for non Muslims.

It is not (proper) for the Prophet and those who believe to ask Allah’s Forgiveness for the Mushrikun, even though they be of kin, after it has become clear to them that they are the dwellers of the Fire.

And Ibrahim’s (Abraham) invoking (of Allah) for his father’s forgiveness was only because of a promise he [Ibrahim (Abraham)] had made to him (his father). But when it became clear to him [Ibrahim (Abraham)] that he (his father) is an enemy of Allah, he dissociated himself from him. Verily Ibrahim (Abraham) was Awwah (one who invokes Allah with humility, glorifies Him and remembers Him much) and was forbearing.

[Quran – Surah Tauba 9:113-114]

Here is the key to the whole issue. Few important points from above two references i.e Surah maryam 19:41-47 and Surah Tauba 9:113-114

1. Prophet Abraham invited his father to monotheism. His father was a mushrik who was committing shirk (Associating partner with Almighty God) knowingly. We know father of Prophet Abraham used to make idol for worship purpose.

2. His father rejected the invitation and got angry at Abraham. He threatened Prophet Abraham with stoning-to-death and asked him to leave. Thus in simple words – Prophet Abraham invited his father to the religion of God and his father rejected it thus becoming kafir.

3. But even then Prophet Abraham said Assalam u alaikum i.e Peace be upon you. Not only this, but also Prophet Abraham told that he will seek forgiveness for his father from Allah i.e he would do dua of maghfirat for his father. Imagine!

4. And afterwards when he became dead sure (After continuous and strong rejection of Islam by his father) that his father will never return to truth that he stopped praying for his father.

5. Allah gives a principal here that if you are dead sure that a person will never return to the truth then you should not seek his forgiveness or do dua of maghfirat or say SALAM.. Before this one CAN do dua of maghfirat or seek forgiveness from God or say Salam.

6. So in layman’s language one can say:

No Salam category> You feel that this person has constantly rejected the truth of God after being explained about Islam many times and he will never ever return to deen of almighty God then you can NOT say Salam to him.

 If it is not the case No Salam category> then you CAN do Salam or seek his forgiveness from God.

 How many non Muslims around you fall under category < No Salam category >??? Hardly a few!!!!

 D. Prophet’s instruction is as per quran

I hope now it is clear that which category of people were there for whom Prophet advised Muslims to not to say Salaam. Of course they were those people who fall under < No Salam category >

Prophet prohibited Muslims from saying Salam to those non Muslims who fell under the category mentioned by Quran in Surah Tauba 9:113-114

The prohibition of saying Salam to non Muslims will apply to ONLY this category of people about whom one is sure that he is going to be in hell.

6. Conclusion

1. Saying Salaam means “AsSalaam -o-alaikum” i.e. May peace of Almighty God be upon you.
2. Some Muslims have misconception that Islam does not allow saying Salaam to all non Muslims.
3. Almighty God instructs us that one can NOT say Salaam or do dua of forgiveness for those mushriks (mushrik means one who associate partner with Almighty God) about whom you are dead sure that they are going to be in hell because of their constant rejection of truth. Under this category those people will come who have been very open and continuous rejecter of truth.
4. To rest of non Muslims one can say Salaam or reply walaikum asSalaam .

 * If you don’t agree with the mail then instead of giving fatwa of deviation / kufr / shirk / biddat – have faith in Allah and leave it to him to judge.

 * Author: Khurshid Imam is software engineer at Bangalore. For any criticism / feedback / suggestion feel free to mail – serviceforhumanity@gmail.com

The article can be found at: http://khurshidimam.blogspot.com/2011/12/can-muslim-say-salam-to-non-muslim.html

The Haraam (forbidden) concept of halala

The Haraam (forbidden) concept of halala

 

by Khurshid Imam

 

 

A. Introduction

 

Ask a mufti or maulana on an islamic scholar – “Can i marry a lady for one or two night?”

—- “What do you mean?”

 

“I mean i want to marry a lady for one or two night and after that i will divorce her. Is it ok? Is it permissible in islam?”

— — “No. No. its absolutely prohibited in islam. Its haraam. Its nothing less than zina i.e. illegal physical relation.”

 

Though any person with the sane mind and little bit of knowledge of islam will agree that marrying someone for one or two night or for fixed time is prohibited in islam yet there exists a similar unislamic practice called halala. Thanks to blind and unconditional following of their-set-of-scholars. Thanks to utter most ignorance about islam.

 

 

B. What is Halala?

 

Note: The correct way of divorce or talaq in islam is hardly practiced by people. Almighty God has clearly guided us regarding the procedure of talaq yet muslims as a whole mock at ruling of Allah and adopt other method of talaq contrary to the one described by Almighty God. If a couple really try to follow the proper way of talaq then very very few talaq will happen between a husband and wife. This is different topic and inshallah i will write over it in future. Wait for the article:Nikah and Talaq : As described by Almighty God

 

One must keep in mind that the correct procedure of talaq is such that a couple is highly encouraged to reconcile. It is actually very difficult and requires high degree of conviction for divorce; that a couple will get separated.

However, if a couple agrees for divorce and complete all formalities for divorce then they are to be separated. Let’s assume husband was Mr. H and wife was Ms. W. Now, after divorce they are to be separated. Here both H and W are free to marry any person. However they both can not get married to each other. They both can get married if (here comes two different ways 1- islamic way 2 – Un-islamic way called halala) :

 

1. Islamic way –

a. The wife W marries to someone else – say Mr. E. They marry as per islamic way.

b. They have not decided or put condition that their marriage will be only for one night or any fixed number of time.

c. Then if within their married life at any point of time due to any unavoidable reason they decide for divorce and go for separation and they complete all formalities of talaq or divorce as per Quran.

d. Then this lady W can marry her first husband W.

e. The important point is that W can not marry to E with the intention of divorce.

 

2. Unislamic way called halala

All above steps except that W or E or both have decided in advance that they will go for divorce so as to facilitate marriage of W with H. 

Its utter non-sense and against common sense that a marriage happens for a fixed time. This is because of ignorance and blind following of people. This halala has become business in some part of india-pakistan. There are halala expert men whose job is to marry a lady, divorce her after 1 night so that she can marry her first husband. 

 

 

C. Important point:

Marriage is a very important and sacred bond. Due to not following God’s way of life we know the horrific result of western world where more children and getting borne out of  (without their parents being married) wedlock.  

 

A. Just over 40% of births were outside of marriage in 2002 

Source: http://www.marriedornot.org.uk/PDF/Factsheet.pdf

 

B. Nearly half of all children born out of wedlock, official figures show (22 Oct 2010)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8078478/Nearly-half-of-all-children-born-out-of-wedlock-official-figures-show.html

 

Since islam is a complete way of life (and not only theoretical gossip) hence islam prescribes best ways to deals with issues and day-today problems. One should not take marriage as game of doll. Its holiness need to be maintained. So Islam has prescribed the tough condition for re-marriage with the former husband IF talaq was complete in all aspects.

A Nikah in Islam is an Ibadat and is a contract of permanent nature till it is impossible for them to adjust later on for reasons unforeseen at the time of marriage. Describing the nature of permanency in a contract of Nikah, the Qur’an says: “They (the wives) have taken from you a solemn covenant.” (Quran, Surah Nisa 4:21)

 

 

D. Conclusion

1.      The Quranic way of talaq is hardly practiced by Muslims. The real method of talaq leaves no stone unturned in reconciliation between couple.

2.      After complete talaq husband and wife can marry only if wife marries a person without the intention of seeking divorce. If later in her married life, due to unavoidable reason she gets divorced, then only she can marry her former husband. This is Islamic way.

3.      The haraam concept of halal makes a wife marry a person for one night or a few days with the intention of divorce so that she can marry her former husband.

4.      Ignorance, distance from Quran is the main reason fro halala.

5.      For details on Nikah and Talaq kindly wait for the article: Wait for the article: Nikah and Talaq : As described by Almighty God

 

 

Note: * If you don’t agree with the mail then instead of giving fatwa of deviation / kufr / shirk / biddat – have faith in Allah and leave it to him to judge.

 

* Author: Khurshid Imam is software engineer at Bangalore, India. For any criticism / feedback / suggestion feel free to mail – serviceforhumanity@gmail.com

 

The article can be found at:  http://khurshidimam.blogspot.in/2012/04/haraam-concept-of-halala.html  and same has been attached in the mail.

 

The article can be downloaded as pdf from: http://www.scribd.com/KHURSHIDIMAM/d/86652568-Use-of-Previous-Scripture-for-Dawah

Haraam-Halaal contradiction and islam

Haraam-Halaal contradiction and islam

Khurshid Imam

A. Introduction

………….       This is haraam in islam.

………………..         That is not permissible in islam.

………………………………            This is not allowed in islam.

……………………………………………………….            That is against Quran and sunnah.

We hear these statements umpteen number of times. Muslims Scholars come up with frequent fatwas on a number of issues. Just have a glimpse on some of issues and the ruling of majority of muslim scholars on these issues AND the CHANGING trend:

B. Wearing collar Shirts, using english etc was deemed Haraam, Now….? – It was during British era that WE had declared that using things that looks like imitating Britishers – was haraam or prohibited. So wearing Shirt, using english etc was declared haraam. Ask your elders about it.

C. Drinking coffee was Haraam, Now…?  During the early days of coffee some of US have declared that drinking coffee was haraam.

D. Using mike for adhan was Haraam. Now…? It was till recently that WE deemed mike for adhaan etc to be haraam. 

 E. Wearing Tie was Haraam earlier. Now…?  Till recently wearing tie was considered taboo by US. WE considered wearing tie as imitating kuffaar.Even today some of US equate wearing tie equal to imitating kuffar and hence a forbidden act.

F. Photography / making photos was Haraam. Now…? If u would have asked till 1990s to a muslim scholar about the ruling on photography – most probably you would have got the answer that it is haraam. Muslim world had an unanimous understanding that photography is not allowed at all. Its absolutely haraam. Even today some of them SAY its haraam.  

G. TV / Videography was Haraam, Now…? Similar to the case of photography even videography was deemed prohibited or haraam by ulema till very recently. Islamic Scholars – probably from all school of thoughts – deemed it absolutely prohibited. Making video of human being was considered unislamic. A very generic understanding was in the air there that having TV at home is haraam.

Note: When i mention that we/some of us/muslims scholars have declared haraam then of course that does not means all muslim scholars.

H. Did islam change? New revelation came? Or understanding of muslims was wrong?

If you prevent a muslim from drinking coffee because u think it is haraam then you will be declared lunatic.

If you say wearing shirt, using english is prohibited in islam then you will be mocked.

Similarly if u start propagating that tie is haraam then most probably people will say that this fellow does not know about islam.

Photography and videography is very interesting. Some of the opinions of Scholars are:

. Some say photography or videography for non living things is allowed and for others haraam.One can find plant photography / videography being allowed. ( I say: are plants living things or Non living things?)

. Some say photography or videography for human beings is haraam, for others it is allowed.

. Many of scholars are now saying (at least practically) that photography / videography for good purpose is allowed – whether of human beings or non living things.

Just ponder over the fact that:

1. Our tableeghi jamaat brothers and other “pious” muslims were strictly against photography / videography EARLIER. They would not hesitate in burning old photos at home (assuming it was HARAAM to have photographs at home). Now?

Now they are not that much vocal against photography and videography. A large number of bayaan (talks) of Maulana Tariq jameel sahab (A prominent tableeghi jamaat member) and others is available on Internet in videos. Lot of photos of tableeghi brother is available on net. Many members have their profile picture in facebook as their picture. The voice that photography/videography is haraam has diminished.

2. Old journals of jamat-e-islami never had photographs of human beings. Why? They thought its HARAAM to have it. Now? No seminar/ program / meeting / gathering of jamat-e-islami is complete without more-than-sufficient photographs flashing around newspaper, journals and magazines, TV etc.

3. Our salafi brothers too had been very very vocal on this topic. For them – since things fall only under allowed or HARAAM – so it was not surprise that their scholars too considered it absolutely HARAAM. The impression given was that a person indulging in photography / videography will have to enter hell fire.

Now? Of all the available islamic websites on the Internet; islamic videos / lectures – that contains large amount of photos and videos of human beings – probably more than 50% belongs to salafis (My observation). Tons of videos of salafi scholars are available on youtube.

4. Similarly a unanimous voice from deoband was that photography/videography was haraam but now that voice seems to have disappeared or least not much discussed now.

5. We hear that so many people are coming to islam because of widespread use of islamic lectures / documentaries in the form of audio, video and print media. Muslims and Non muslims are understanding islam very easily through tonns of videos available on internet. If videography was haraam then muslims scholars – today –  must make it absolutely haraam to propagate islam though videos. In fact – all “students of islam and comparative religion” type “orators” make sure that their no programs go unrecorded and then distributed among masses in all good ways.

Several things that were deemed haraam or prohibited by ulemas some years back are considered permitted or encouraged today. Is it logical and valid? Somewhere something is wrong. If something was absolutely forbidden 20 years back then it should be wrong even today and even after 20 years.

This is the characteristics of unislamic society that they declare something as permissible though it was considered wrong earlier. For example: Drinking alcohol was considered bad thing decades back in medium family in india. Today its considered a norm. Similarly premarital affair was paap i.e. great sin in indian society sometimes back, today its encouraged. Unislamic society change their values and rulings because they are not bound by any laws viz: Quran or Prophet.

But how come muslims too made similar mistakes. My analysis is as follows:

1. Intention of ulemas had been noble and good – by and large.

2. Due to abandoning Quran as a whole – we failed to grasp the faham of Quran. Things that are haraam and prohibited are mentioned clearly by Allah. Now what about new inventions like TV, photography, videography etc? For these intellectual brainstorming is required in the light of Quran.

3. Unfortunately muslim world took any new invention from non-believers as unislamic. Advancement in science and technology was directly or indirectly discouraged giving the impression that islam is against exploring science.

4. Had we used our intellectual capacity to its best we would not have ended up in this situation.

5. The ONLY solution for above all problems is that people hold Quran very very strongly and understand that islam is deen-e-fitrat i.e. religion of nature. Understanding faham of deen-islam is an important aspect that is ignored by masses.

6. Quranic principles are forver and do not changes with time. Implementation of these principle may change with time.

In the language of software (java): Quranic principles are abstract class while its rulings/implementations are concrete class.

Note: Intentionally skipping the details of islamic rulings on photography / videography / TV.

I. Conclusion

1. Islam is religion of nature. It is as simple and as natural as 2+2=4.

2. Principles of islam are eternal and never changes with time. Implementation of an islamic principle may change from time to time.

3. Its ONLY Allah or Almighty GOD who can make a thing Haraam. One need to be extremely careful while declaring anything as haraam. Declaring something today as haraam and tomorrow halal makes us laughing stock.

4. Haraam always remain Haraam – never a Haraam can become Halaal. People have misconception that haraam can become halal in necessity. The ayah 5:3 does NOT say that haraam will become Halaal in necessity, rather it says that if you are forced in unbearable situation then for haraam thing you will not get gunah or sin. Please note this important difference. In unbearable situation when you can not refrain from haraam then if u do that; then you will not be sinned – it does NOT mean that haraam will become halal in unbearable situation. Due to not understanding this delicate and basic difference many wrong rulings have been deduced in fiqh.

5. For future generations it will be hard to believe that WE had declared photography and videography HARAAM. Just like its hard for present generation to believe that once upon a time coffee, english, shirt, tie was declared haraam

Note: * If you don’t agree with the mail then instead of giving fatwa of deviation / kufr / shirk / biddat – have faith in Allah and leave it to him to judge.

* Author: Khurshid Imam is software engineer at Bangalore, India. For any criticism / feedback / suggestion feel free to mail – serviceforhumanity@gmail.com

The article can be found at: http://khurshidimam.blogspot.in/2012/04/haraam-halaal-contradiction-and-islam.html

The article can be downloaded as pdf from: http://www.scribd.com/KHURSHIDIMAM

Eliminate the cancer of Shia / Qadiyani genocide

A. IntroductionA quick glance of Shia murder in pakistan alone.

1. 6-01-1963 – 118 Shia Muslims including many children were killed on Ashura Day in Therih, Khair Pur

2. 17-May-1988 – 800 Shias killed by attack form Kohistan, Chilas, Darel, Tangir, assisted by military govt

3. 10-Sep-1996 FATA ; Parachinar – 200 shia killed

4. 1-10- Aug-1997 – Punjab, Lahore- 100 Shia killed

5. 11-Jan-1988 – punjab, Lahore – 25 Shia Muslims including children were killed and many injured when Sipah e Sahaba terrorists opened fire at a funeral gathering at a graveyard in Momin Pura, Lahore

6. 4 July 2003 – balochistan, Quetta –  killing of 53 worshippers at the main Shia Friday Mosque in Quetta.

7. 10 April 2007 – Attack on Shia mosque and villages in Parchinar 60 killed

8. 16-23 Nov 2007 – FATA, Parachinar 183 Shia killed

9. 17 jan 2008 – A suicide bomber killed 10 and wounded 25 in an attack on a Shia mosque in Peshawar.

10. 1 sep 2008 FATA 100 Shia killed

11. 5 feb 2009 – Bomb attack on a Shia procession 35 killed

12. 20 oct 2009 -Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – Shia funeral attacked 40 Shia killed

13. 5 april 2009 suicide attack on imambargah – 30 shia killed

14. 28 dec 2009- Sindh – 40 people killed in a suicide bombing on a Shia procession in Karachi

15. 1 sep 2010 – 43 Shias were killed and 230 people  injured in a blast during a procession in Lahore

16. 4 sep 2010 – 73 people killed in a suicide bombing at a Shia Al-Quds rally in Quetta

17. 28 feb 2010 – Gilgit, Massacre – bus , identity card checked for sect, 19 Shia killed

18. 3 april 2010 – Gilgit – Over 200 Shia Muslims taken out of buses and killed, 6 buses burnt, two dozens kidnapped.

Are we addressing the REAL reason?

This string of attack against Shia is going in pakistan unabated. Somewhat similar is the story of murder of qadiyanis in pakistan. A complete failed state – pakistan; is completely unable to protect its own citizen. Every time one hear about innocent being killed – an honest person condemns. One disagree with these kind of brutal attack and demand strongest punishment for perpetrators of such dastardly act.. every time we condemn attack.. we condemn… what we condemn? Attack? But what happens afterwards? Again attack on Shia / qadiyani. Such attacks will not reduce or fizzle out unless we condemn and work for elimination of “root reason”. We – every time – fail to address the root reason behind such attacks. Please Note: i am talking about attacks that is because of “he / she is Shia” / “he / she is a qadiyani”. We are not talking about robbery, murder for gain or for personal reason – we are talking about attack that is because of “islamic” reason. We are talking about attack that originates due to hate for shia.

Think about this sequence:
A Salafi / Sunni is taught by his set of “scholars” that Shia are deviated.
He consider Shia to have gone astray.
He is taught that Shia abuse Sahaba, they have different Quran, they consider hazrat Ali superior to Prophet Muhammad, Shia are betrayer….. his blood is made to boil.
He starts hating Shia, his hatred for Shia grows with each sermon / lecture on topic related to Shia.
Some scholars go to another extreme and start preaching that Shia are apostate or murtad (means they are out of islam).
………
……..
… so anger against Shia is growing. A Salafi / Sunni starts considering hatred for Shia part of his deen.
— he is getting angry. Every kind of catalyst is provided to him to despise Shia. What is required is a mere push / emotional push.

His “Scholars” give final touch by declaring Shia to be muratd / kafir / wajib-ul-qatl.. i.e. you “can” kill Shia, … gradually things turn out that — in fact one “should” kill Shia because they abuse Sahaba, they are kafir…
…and..they should be killed… that days is ashura… kill them when they will be celebrating a “biddah”… kill..
…………..
…………. Then……
……
10-Jan-2013: BREAKING NEWS — A Bomb blast on Thursday 10th January 2013 occurred at a snooker club which was close to a police station and a Shia Mosque. “First suicidal attack was conducted and then a car bomb exploded on Alamdar Road,” Said Mir Zubair Mehmood, the Capital City Police Officer.The bomb exploded 8:50p.m local time. As police, rescuers and media personal rushed to the blast site, another bomb fixed to a vehicle parked nearby the site went off, causing an even greater number of causalities. Over 140 were killed and 121 wounded in the second twin bomb attack. Lashkae-e-jhangvi, a extremist terrorist group banned by the government has claimed responsibility for all the blasts.

More than 400 Shiites were killed in targeted attacks in Pakistan in 2012
Think about people killed. What if they were your brother? Your own sister? Your own father? What if these kids were your own kids?? Making suicide bombers for killing innocent human being in the name of islam??
Attacking people in masjid?? When they were remembering Allah you murdered them??
Shameless act!! Astaghfirullah. Killing people in the name of islam?? What has happened to muslim scholars?

Providing catalyst for murder of Shia

Though there are tons of material of hatred and despise available, i am quoting only three here. Many Sunni / Salafi knows why he “should” hate shia.

1. Wikipedia says:  “In recent decades the late leading Saudi cleric, Abd al-Aziz ibn Abd Allah ibn Baaz, issued fatwa denouncing Shia as apostates, and according to Shia scholar Vali Nasr “Abdul-Rahman al-Jibrin, a member of the Higher Council of Ulama, even sanctioned the killing of Shias,[145] a call that was reiterated by Wahhabi religious literature as late as 2002.”[147]”

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shi’a%E2%80%93Sunni_relations

2. While answering about Shia, a leading Salafi website says:

“Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: As for the one who goes further and claims that they apostatized after the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) died, apart from a small number, no more than ten or so, or that they (referring to Shia) became evildoers, there is no doubt that he is a kaafir, because he is rejecting what it says in the Qur’aan in more than one place, that Allaah was pleased with them and praised them. Indeed, the one who doubts that such a person is a kaafir is to be labelled as a kaafir himself, because what this view implies is that those who transmitted the Qur’aan and Sunnah were kuffaar or rebellious evildoers. …… End quote from al-Saarim al-Maslool ‘ala Shaatim al-Rasool (p. 590).

This does not mean that every sect that calls itself Muslim is actually Muslim, rather they may be kaafirs and apostates, such as the extreme Raafidis (referring to Shia), the extreme Sufis and the baatini sects such as the Druze, Nusayris and others. These are all beyond the pale of Islam and are not regarded as being among the sects mentioned in the hadeeth.”

Source: http://islamqa.info/en/ref/101272

3. A pseudo jihadi Salafi-website – taking “knowledge” from “Scholars of knowledge” (Such as above) says:

“..Furthermore, the Raafidah Shi’a are indeed Murtadeen (Murtad means one who has abandoned religion) (as we will come to see) so treating them like Muslims is out of the question as well as Jizya. Therefore, there is no practical solution with the Raafidah Shi’a except force since they are not even a sect within Islam; they are Murtadeen and the hudood must be implemented on them unless if they accept the true Islam. The same goes for the Ahmadiyya group who thinks they are a part of Islam.
……..
So we say: It should be clear to everyone here that the Shi’a Raafidah are Murtadeen and are not in the folds of Islam. We must avoid them and their gatherings and let others know of their disbelief so that they are not inclined towards them in any way. This is only done for the protection of Tawheed and its purity. Furthermore, others must know of them and their evil beliefs so that they can be confronted whenever they are around the people of Sunnah. All of this should tell us that we cannot unite with the Shi’a Raafidah on any bases and should refrain from making such ignorant statements.”

http://theunjustmedia.com/Islamic%20Perspectives/Shia%20are%20kafirs%20here%20is%20the%20proof.htm

Eliminate this “islamic” terrorism

1. One can find such numerous fatwas / opinion coming from the mouth of bloodthirsty / firebrand “s-c-h-o-l-a-r” and its “followers of Quran and Sunnah”. Let me assure you all – don’t get scared after reading above 3 points, don’t hate islam after reading above 3 points because they are diametrically opposite to teachings of islam; they are completely against the spirit of islam; they are completely against the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
Above fatwas / wordings has nothing to do with Quran.

2. Please note here we are not discussing the exact status of Shia belief, Qadinai belief, Salafi belief. We are not discussing whose accusation is correct. We are – on the first level – discussing that even if each and every accusation against Shia is correct then do they have right to kill Shia?
Can a muslim kill someone because he does not agree with the belief of opponent?
Has Allah given right to anyone to kill people because of belief?
Instead of correcting others (whom you feel have gone astray) why you are indulging in spreading hatred, despise and arising emotions??

3. All such nonsense fatwas are  because of completely abandoning Quran. In fact Shia-Sunni-Salafi itself is result of abandoning Quran. For details listen to this with open mind both parts ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZ7AMW1ei_I

4. Allah has not FORCED people to believe in something. Allah has made people free to believe in whatever they want. Allah has shown the way. Why you are interfering? Your job was to convey.

“There is no compulsion in religion” [Quran, Surah Baqrah 2:256]

“Say, ‘The truth is from your Lord’: Let him who wills believe it, and let him who wills, reject (it).” [Quran, Surah Kahaf 18:29]

“If it had been your Lord’s will, they all would have believed – all who are on earth. Will you, then, compel the people, against their will, to believe?” [Quran, Surah Yunus 10:99]

Please note this last ayah specially. Its not part of Allah plan that people should be forced to believe in something. How dare you kill people because of their faith and belief???

2. If you believe in day of judgment then why don’t you leave it to Allah to judge who was kafir, murtad? If you think that by calling yourself Shia / Sunni / Salafi you have certificate of jannah and rest all will go to hell then you can continue living in fool’s paradise. If you get some, try to read Quran. You abandoned Quran, Allah abandoned you and made you divide into sects.

Who is kafir as per GOD? read here: http://khurshidimam.blogspot.in/2011/09/who-is-kafir-clear-misconception_24.html

You are sending people to hell on petty issues; see the universal message of Quran which you would not be able to digest you sectarian muslims.

“Those who believe (in the Qur’an), those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Sabians and the Christians,- any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness,- on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” Quran 5: 69

Now some ill-informed people will say that this ayah is abrogated – leveling another charge against GOD.
For deatils about abrogation in Quran- read this: http://khurshidimam.blogspot.in/2012/05/how-many-ayah-of-quran-are-abrogated.html

3. If you feel that certain teachings of Shia or Sunni or Salafi is incorrect and wrong then all you can do is tell them things which you deem correct… but not with sword and knife but with wisdom, love and beautiful preaching. That is what is taught by Almighty God.

“Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knoweth best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.” Quran 16:125

a. You don’t agree, don’t fight; rather educate; have dialogue, have discussion. Is it necessary to hate; to despise; to kill? If your scholars have taught you to hate then they are presenting evil picture of islam. Islam is pure and clean from such blame.

b. Is not it surprising that prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is mentioned as Rahmatul-alemeen i.e. mercy for all worlds .. yet followers of so-called Quran and “SUNNAH” are proving to be zalim, brutal, intolerant and inhumane?

c. Is not it surprising that though people made several accusation against Prophet; terming his sorcerer (Quran 10:2); poet; majnu… yet prophet Never ordered to KILL them??

d. IS not it surprising that in whole Quran Almighty God has addressed “real kafir” as KAFIR ONLY one time… i repeat – in whole Quran Almighty God has addressed “real kafir” as KAFIR ONLY one time… i.e in Surah kaferoon (Qul Ya ayyohal kaferoon);  rest all places God has referred them as HUMAN BEING (Ya ayyohannaas)… but follower of “Quran and Sunnah” has made it part of their faith to declare people kafir, send them to hell and kill them.

e. Is not it surprising that there are terrorist groups in pak whose very purpose is to kill Shia? And please mind it – these terrorist groups are leaded by scholars with “long beard” who are scholars of Quran and Sunnah?? Something is horribly wrong going the way muslim world is understanding islam.

f. Killing people because of their faith??? Not permitted in islam at least. God permits killing only in case wherein either one has murdered someone OR he is the cause of fasad on earth (refer to Quran 5:32). Fasaad means disturbing the balance of peace on earth. Its a broad term.

g. The Quran – whose 113 out of 114 chapter / surah starts with the introduction of Almighty GOD as “‘In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful” — the pathetic condition of some muslims is that – because of influence of some lunatic and fanatic scholars they are giving the opposite picture of God. Are those muslims anywhere closer to being merciful and compassionate due to their hatred and killings?

Conclusion

1. Murder of anyone – from any faith / cast / creed — if he is innocent — is against islam, against Quran. If any scholar / muslim preaches contrary to it then mind it he is wrong; no matter how long his beard is.

2. You have difference of opinion – discuss, have dialogue. That is the only way. This discussion need to be done under guidance of Quran.

3. You are bearing fruits of abandoning Quran that you are divided into sects. Hold firmly Quran and inshallah all sects will disappear – viz: Shia, Sunni, Salafi.

4. Respect, be tolerant, and learn to live with difference. Murder of one innocent is murder of whole humanity.

Note: * If you don’t agree with the mail then instead of giving fatwa of deviation / kufr / shirk / biddat – have faith in Allah and leave it to him to judge.

* Author: Khurshid Imam is software engineer at Bangalore, India. For any criticism / feedback / suggestion feel free to mail – serviceforhumanity@gmail.com

The article can be found at: http://khurshidimam.blogspot.in/2013/01/condemn-and-eliminate-real-reason.html

The article can be downloaded as pdf from: http://www.scribd.com/KHURSHIDIMAM

How many Ayah of Quran are abrogated?

Khurshid Imam

 

 

A. Introduction

 

Muslim: “You know Quran is word by word God’s word. Quran provides way of life.  Its language is so eloquent, its word so perfect that it does not resemble human work. Each word, each ayah is beautiful, choice of word is so perfect that …….”

Not yet Muslim: “Oh! Is it? I would love to read this book and understand it. Please give me Quran”

 

Muslim: “Sure brother! Take it. But… you know there are many Ayah in Quran that are not relevant now. Their orders / commandments are cancelled. You can read those ayah but can not practice it. I don’t identify those ayah. Some scholars told hundreds of such ayah exists in Quran while some have pointed out only 5. So I can’t point out who is correct.”

Not yet Muslim: “I am confused. You told Quran is God’s word, it should be free from any weakness or defect. Is not God most-wise?”

 

Muslim: “Also there were some ayah in Quran EARLIER but they are lost now. They are not to be found in Quran any more. But we need to practice those lost ayah. Lost ayah will be practiced even by going against some Quranic ayah”

Not yet Muslim: “I am ultra confused!!!!”

 

Muslim: “Wait!! I have to tell some more aspects of Quran also ….”

Not yet Muslim: “God’s word is not source of confusion and imperfection. Bye bye, I m going.”

 

B. The myth of abrogation in Quran

 

If you ask about the concept of abrogation in Quran, then most probably you will get answer that:

1. Sometimes Allah enforces a legal edict that is relevant only to a particular situation.

2. Later, in His infinite wisdom, He cancels the order and enforces a new one in its place.

3. This action is known as “abrogation” (naskh), and the replaced order is then termed “abrogated”  (mansukh) while the new replacing order is called “abrogator” (nasikh).

4. It means the abrogated ayah of the quran was meant only till the abrogator ayah was revealed. Abrogated ayah can never ever be practiced.

Abrogation concept says – “Allah gave a ruling for a particular issue. But later on Allah changed the ruling through another Ayah. Hence the previous ruling is cancelled and irrelevant now.” Abrogation is translated from the Arabic word naskh which literally means “to erase; to compensate.” Its technical definition is “to repeal a legal order through legal argument”.

The concept of abrogation opens door for some serious questions as it is full of flaws. It goes against Quran and common sense. All arguments given in favor of abrogation are extremely bogus-can not go down well to any honest and logical person. In order to justify abrogation people come up with weak arguments which puts islam into dock and make us laughing stock. Anti-islamic writers exploit it to defame Quran and islam.

 

Why abrogation came into existence?

 

1. The root reason for the evolution of the concept of abrogation was inability to explain the “seemingly-contradiction” in the Quran. When we felt that a particular ayah of the Quran contradicts with other ayah of Quran and both can not be practiced then we declared one of the ayah to be abrogated. It means this ayah is not relevant today; its ruling / command / order was cancelled by Allah by another ayah.

 

2. This concept was accepted by the general body of scholars as a fundamental aspect of Islamic legislation, and there is therefore not a single book on Usul al-Fiqh (The basic legal theories of source methodology in Islam) which does not have a section on the issue. 

 

3. Let me give you one horrible example of abrogation concept:

While explaining the ayah – “There is no compulsion in religion…” (Quran, Surah Baqrah 2:256) – a famous salafi website says that this ayah is abrogated and hence invalid now.
Please read carefully what is told on this site about ayah 2:256

“Other scholars said that this applied in the beginning, but was subsequently abrogated by Allaah’s command to fight and wage jihad. So whoever refuses to enter Islam should be fought when the Muslims are able to fight, until they either enter Islam or pay the jizyah if they are among the people who may pay jizyah. The kuffaar should be compelled to enter Islam if they are not people from whom the jizyah may be taken, because that will lead to their happiness and salvation in this world and in the Hereafter.“

Source: http://www.islamqa.com/en/ref/34770/abrogated

 

[I am very sorry to say that above quoted statements from the site is completely alien to islam; contradicting to the very basic of islam; it projects islam as a violent, illogical and inhumane religion. Tell me why non muslims
will not hate islam if one teaches such things? 
No wonder the general perception created by us is that all ayah revealed in mecca which speaks about peace, love and harmony were abrogated by ayah speaking about fighting with non-muslims revealed during medina life!!!!!

 

Oh Allah! Have mercy on the ummah and its learned people.]

 

A contemporary Scholar, Muhammad Al-Ghazali’s (Born 1917) says:
“The allegation that 120 verses on the invitation to Islam were abrogated by the verse of the sword [Surah tauba 9:5], is in fact one of crassest stupidity and only serves to show that the great number of Muslims are in a stage of regression of either knowledge or intelligence in our time, and have become ignorant of the Qur’an. As a result of this ignorance therefore, they have forgotten how to call to the way of God, how to facilitate the call to Islam, and how to be proper examples, and how to present a good perspective. Perhaps this is the reason for the failure in the propagation of Islam, and the prolonged stagnation of the Islamic message being affected—for it has been assumed that the sword is that which fulfills the obligation of delivering the message. Such a concept is, by the agreement of all those who are rational and discerning, totally absurd.

“Family members of abrogation

As if this shock is not enough we have some more from the “misunderstanding of Quran” list. Abrogation concept has its whole family ruling over minds of muslims for centuries.
Once the concept of abrogation was given sanction from the Qur’an and hadith, the jurists started categorizing the different types of abrogation. Three types of abrogation in Quran are explained as:

(1) Abrogation of the text and its ruling: It is said that there were some Ayah in the Quran earlier; they no more exists in Quran now; so their recitation and command – both are cancelled and abrogated. For example: We are told that earlier there were some ayah in Surah ahzab (Surah number 33) that were as long as Surah Baqrah (Surah number 2). But these ayah are not part of Quran now. (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 21245)

(2) Abrogation of the text, but not its ruling: We are told that there were some ayah in Quran that no more exists in Quran now but they should be followed today. According to this story, the ‘stoning verse’ was recorded in Quran during the time of Prophet Muhammad; but after his death, a goat ate the page on which that verse was inscribed. Thus, the stoning verse has been abrogated physically. Ibn Maja, Nikah, 36/1944 and Musnad Imam Ibn Hanbal, 5/131,132,183; 6/269.

(3) Abrogation of the ruling, but not the text: It means there are ayah in Quran that will be recited but will not be practiced. For example: Ayah dealing with prohibition of alcohol; Ayah quoted above from the website about 2:256; Ayah dealing with kalala; Ayah dealing with fidya in context with fasting; Ayah dealing with marriage with ahle-kitab women etc. This is the type of abrogation which we are dealing in this article.

One important observation

Quran is a book that constantly urges its reader to ponder over it, understand its meaning and not be blind minded. The more one ponder over Quran better will be understanding. Scholars who declare abrogation in Quran have good intention. But piety does not always refer to intelligence level of a person. The passing of time has seen a tremendous fluctuation in the number of ayah alleged to have been abrogated.

 

Al-Zuhri (8th century AD), one of the first to write on the subject, mentioned 42 abrogated ayah in Quran,

Al-Nahhas (10th century AD), mentioned 138 abrogated ayah in Quran,

Ibn Salama (11th century AD), mentioned 238 abrogated ayah in Quran,

Ibn al-Ata’iqi (14th century AD), mentioned 231 abrogated ayah in Quran,

al-Suyutti (16th century AD),  declared 20 ayah of quran to be abrogated!

Shah Wali Allah (18th century AD), mentioned only 5 instances of abrogation in Quran!!

 

Will not Quran become a laughing stock where; as per some scholars there are 500 ayah in Quran which will be recited but not practiced; while some scholars say that 200 such ayah exists; and on the other extreme some scholars will tell that only 5 such ayah exists in Quran. The whole Quran will loose its beauty, its divinity. Why were they given to us in our constitution and guidance if we are not to obey them? Tell me-how come then Quran is divine? How come Quran is so wonderful book?

 

Attention: All so-called-examples of abrogation in Quran can be very well explained by pondering over the Quran. I am not going into detail for those. Each so-called-examples of abrogation require separate article.

 

Visit http://khurshidimam.blogspot.in/2011/12/marriage-with-ahle-kitab-women.html  for explanation regarding so called abrogation for “marriage with mushrik women” ayah.

If any human being had the right to declare some ayah of Quran to be abrogated then this right was for the one on whom Quran was revealed i.e. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). But he never declared any such thing.

.

C. Concept of abrogation clearly contradicts with Quran

 

An anti-islamic writer writes – “Muslim authorities try to explain the internal apparent contradictions in the Qur’an by stating that certain passages of the Qur’an are annulled (Mansukh) by verses revealed chronologically later, known as Nasikh verses. Yet, there is by no means any certainty as to which disagreeing verses are mansukh and which are nasikh, since the order in which the Qur’an was compiled was not done chronologically“.

 

1. As it is crystal clear that the reason for evolution of abrogation concept is to solve the problem of seemingly-contradictory ayah in Quran. For example: Ayah dealing with prohibition of alcohol (2:219; 4:43; 5:90) perplexed scholars as they found it impossible to practice all three ayah. They misunderstood that there is contradiction in commandment of these 3 ayah; hence they declared first two ayah to be abrogated.

Actually no way there is any contradiction in these 3 ayah.

But, but, but… those people who feel that any two ayah of Quran is contradicting then they are agreeing that Quran is NOT AT ALL from GOD!!! Wait- don’t get angry. Look what Allah has to say:

.
“Do they not consider the Qur’an with care? Had it been from other Than Allah, they would surely have found therein many contradictions“. Quran-Surah Nisa 4:82

Quran tells that if Quran contains contradiction then Quran is not from God. So those people who believe in abrogation – which is because of assuming Quran contains contradictory ayah – are proving that Quran is not from God. The miracle of Quran is that it distinguishes right from wrong. Abrogation is clearly in contradiction to Quran.

 

2. How can Quran be a unique masterpiece, divine message if it cancels its own ruling?

What was the need then in the first place to reveal such ayah if Allah already knew that he is going to cancel his words? Its human words that contradict – word of Allah can never contradict, God can not go against his own words.

 

“No change can there be in the Words of Allah (Quran, Surah yunus 10:64)

“There is none that can alter the Words of Allah (Quran, Sura Anam 6:34)

 

If the Qur’an is indeed of divine authorship, and is perfect in its construction and style, no Ayah can be better than another; how then could one Ayah abrogate another? Is God not Wise and Far-Seeing enough to give rulings that are permanent? Abrogation of a law meant that it became illegal in the face of the one replacing it, and that this latter one was illegal while the former was in place. This would be to declare good as evil and evil as good, clearly not a divine activity

Almighty God mentions clearly that Allah can not change his words. It means if he has given a ruling for a particular issue-in a particular context and situation-then this can not change.

 

D. Does Quran support abrogation?

 

Supporter of abrogation quote one particular ayah in their support.

 

1. مَا نَنسَخْ مِنْ آيَةٍ أَوْ نُنسِهَا نَأْتِ بِخَيْرٍ مِّنْهَا أَوْ مِثْلِهَا

“None of Our Ayah (sign) do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but We substitute something better or similar: Knowest thou not that Allah Hath power over all things?” Quran-Surah Baqrah 2:106

 

a. People think that in this ayah Allah is talking about abrogation of Quranic ayah. They fail to realize that this ayah is also speaking about “forgetting of ayah”. So if you mean that Allah abrogates ayah in Quran then you have to agree that Allah makes you forget some of ayah of the Quran!!! This is ridiculous. 

The words “cause to be forgotten” could not be applicable if the word ‘Ayah’ in this ayah meant a verse in the Quran. How can a ayah in the Quran become forgotten? For even if the ayah was invalidated by another (as supporters of abrogation falsely claim) it will still be part of the Quran and thus could never be forgotten.

 

b. In this ayah-in fact-Allah is speaking about previous revelations. Previous revelations were forgotten with the passage of time and its some portion were abrogated by ayah of Quran. Abrogation  and  forgetting of ayah (With the passage of time previous revelation could not be preserved, hence gradually lost and forgotten)- both can be applied for previous revelation and NOT for Quran. This is simple and logical understanding.

 

c. The words “ We substitute something better or similar ” would be meaningless if the word ‘Ayah’ in this verse meant a Quranic verse, simply because it would make no sense for God to invalidate one verse then replace it with one that is identical to it! So actually this ayah is talking about abrogation of ayah (some ayah, not all ayah) of previous revelations. It is not talking about abrogation of quranic ayah.

 

E. Where we went wrong

 

With due respect to our pious scholars – the concept of abrogation propounded is not in sync with Quran. Quran is a miraculous book whose miracles would be revealing from time to time. If we don’t understand clearly what an ayah mean then we should say we don’t understand its meaning. Instead of this if we declare that this ayah is abrogated by some other ayah then we are moving in wrong direction. If we don’t understand something then lets leave it for future generations. May be – with more and more knowledge with time they will be able to comprehend it better.

 

For example – think about how number of abrogated ayah decreased from 500 to 20 and then 5. Piety is not necessarily an index of intelligence level of a person. When people pondered more and more over the Quran then they rejected 500 instances of abrogation and Imam syuti concluded that only 20 ayah of Quran are abrogated. Imam syuti did not make any mistake by disagreeing with early scholars in the number of instances of abrogation in Quran. He had full right to ponder over Quran and understand it. Similarly when Shah waliullah dehlavi disagreed with Imam syuti and solved the invalidated abrogation of 15 such ayah then he too did not do any wrong. He concluded that not 20 but actually only 5 ayah of Quran are abrogated.

So with the passage of time, with more wisdom, intellectual level and knowledge; muslim world made abrogation instances to be 5. So now if people ponder more over Quran and then they reduce instances of abrogation in Quran to be zero then they are not mistaken as they are trying honestly to do more pondering over Quran. Remember: time and again Quran asks its readers to ponder more and more over Quran.

 

E. Prohibition of Alcohol – An example of abrogation?

.

The best example given in support of abrogation is prohibition of alcohol. People say that Alcohol was prohibited in 3 stages. People misunderstand that initially Quran permitted alcohol consumption, then it asked people not to consume alcohol for some time and then finally Allah prohibited it completely. So – they say – first two ayah of this series are abrogated by the third ayah. Lets analyze it using simple translation and common sense.a. They ask you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) concerning alcoholic drink and gambling. Say: “In them is a great sin, and (some) benefit for men, but the sin of them is greater than their benefit.”…. (Quran, Surah baqrah 2:219)

b. O you who believe! Approach not As-Salat (the prayer) when you are in a drunken state until you know (the meaning) of what you utter……. (Quran, Surah Nisa 4:43)

c. O you who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, and Al-Ansab , and Al-Azlam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Satan’s handiwork. So avoid that, in order that you may be successful. (Quran, Surah Maidah 5:90)

Traditional understanding is:
1. Quran initially permitted Alcohol. They cite 2:219 and 4:43 for their support.
2. Later these two ayah were abrogated by 5:90 in which Allah prohibited alcohol.
This example is the best example of abrogation as per the supporters pf abrogation.

However, a serious and careful understanding of these ayah make clear that none of the ayah is abrogated, none of the ayah contradict with any other one, all 3 ayah can be practised even today. This is the miracle of Quran that its each letter, each word and each sentence is divine.

1. 2:219 says that in alcohol there is some benefit for men, but harm is far more than benefit. That is true. Human being DO use it in chemical industry, in medicine. In cold countries people drink it to get warmth. It is also used in thermometers, as a solvent, and as a fuel.

Important point to note is that Quran is not saying that Alcohol is permitted for consumption. Had Quran mentioned here that “you can have alcohol” then it would have directly contradicted with 5:90 and then as per 4:82 we could say that Quran is not God’s word. But, alhamdulillah, God’s word is superior to human misunderstanding.

2. 4:43 says that do not approach for salah when you are in drunken state. Here many people get confused and assume that this ayah means that one can have alcohol when not going for salah. [If A is father of B then that does not always mean B is son of A. B can be daughter of A 🙂 ] They are mistaken. The word of Quran is very balanced. It conveys the meaning, give command and maintain the principle that Quranic ayah can NOT contradict. This ayah is not abrogated and it can be practised even today. Alcohol is prohibited (As per 5:90), yet there would be some bad muslims who would consume alcohol. Just like; zina (illegal physical relation) is prohibited but some people may do zina – that is why we have punishment for those who commit zina. Similarly for people who have consumed alcohol – for them instruction is that if they want to repent through salah or they want to offer salah then they should not go for salah till they are in sound mind, till the intoxicating effect of alcohol has gone. Please note-even in this ayah Allah is not saying at all that alcohol is permitted. This ayah does not contradict with 2:219 and 5:90

3. Finally 5:90 said that Alcohol is prohibited. It does not contradict any ayah; viz 2:219 and 4:43

Appreciate the beauty of Quran

This is the beauty of quran. Quranic ayah have multiple aspects. On the one hand these 3 ayah were prohibiting the custom of alcohol among arabs. The ayah revealed were perfectly in sync with human psychology. Its difficult for human beings to shun alcohol in one go. In gradual manner it is easier to stop drinking habit.
See how it was relevant that time when it was revelaed:
a. 2:219 gave indication to arabs that alcohol has bad effects. Quran told them that even though it has some good yet overall it is bad for human being.

b. Next ayah 4:43 made these arabs to stop alcohol for at least some hours a day. As per this ayah they should not approach salah when in drunken state. So for them that time they were supposed to avoid alcohol for 3-4 hours a day at least. Lets assume that 30 – 45 minutes before salah they should not consume it in order to be in sound state at the time of salah.

c. So with the passage of time people that time had decreased their drinking habit. Many had already shunned. As a last nail in the coffin – 5:90 made clear that it is prohibited. So keeping in the mind the psychological condition of human being these 3 ayah eradicated the evil of alcohol from the society.

These 3 ayah were practised that time by arabs. Even today these 3 ayah are relevant as explained earlier. Hence there is no contradiction in these 3 ayah, there is NO abrogation at all. Nothing is abrogated from Quran, not even a letter, not a word, not a sentence.

F. Conclusion

1. Majority of muslim scholars believe in the concept of abrogation in Quran. It means there are some ayah in the quran which does not hold good today. Its ruling has been cancelled by other particular ayah of the Quran.

 

2. This concept of abrogation makes Quran a laughing stock in the eyes of non-muslims. How a book that is divine and from Almighty God – can cancel and repeal its command? Is not God Most wise and far sighting?

 

3. There is difference of opinion among scholars how many and which all ayah of Quran are abrogated. While early scholars pointed out 500 such ayah, Imam suyuti narrowed down to 20 and as per Shah Waliulalh dehlavi Quran has 5 such ayah that are abrogated. Muslim world is NOT at all unanimous on what all ayah of Quran do not hold good today.

4. With the passage of time-as scholars pondered more and more over the Quran the number of abrogated ayah decreased from 500 to 5. Does not it mean that if we ponder more then this 5 can come down to zero?

 

5. The concept of abrogation of ayah came into existence because of seemingly contradictory meaning of two ayah. When it is found that two ayah of Quran can not hold true simultaneously then scholars declare one of of ayah to be abrogated. In simple words in order to get rid-off contradictory ayah in quran concept of abrogation was given. I am sorry to say-this understanding / concept is horribly wrong and against Quran, logic and common sense.

 

6. Quran makes clear that you will not find any two ayah of Quran contradicting. If you believe that Quran contains contradictory ayah then you have to agree that Quran is not from Allah (Surah Nisa 4:82). If there is abrogation in Quran then Quran is not God’s word.

 

7. If someone is unable to decipher the apparent contradiction in Quran then its better to keep silent on the issue rather declaring it abrogated. May be with the passage of time and with more and more pondering over Quran we will understand its clear meaning. In no case Quran can contain contradictory Ayah.

 

8. A general understanding among muslims is that prohibition of Alcohol, kalala, pace making wit non Muslims, inheritance etc – are examples of abrogation. All these ayah can be understood clearly without un-Quranic concept of abrogation.

 

9. Not a single letter, word or ayah of Quran is abrogated.

 

 

 

Note: * If you don’t agree with the mail then instead of giving fatwa of deviation / kufr / shirk / biddat – have faith in Allah and leave it to him to judge.

 

* Author: Khurshid Imam is software engineer at Bangalore, India. For any criticism / feedback / suggestion feel free to mail – serviceforhumanity@gmail.com

 

The article can be found at: http://khurshidimam.blogspot.in/

The article can be downloaded as pdf from: http://www.scribd.com/KHURSHIDIMAM

Does Islam teach to kill apostate?

By Khurshid Imam

Warning: This article is useful for people from any faith who are not blind followers of their-set-of-scholars. Blind followers with closed mind can ignore the article. Others: kindly read the whole article before concluding.

A. Welcome to the religion of peace?

“Welcome to Islam – the religion of peace! ! ! !”
“Islam stands for peace, justice and humanity. ! ! ! !”
“There is no compulsion in religion! ! ! !”
“Islam is religion of God. ! ! ! !”
“Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was rahmatul-alemeen i.e. mercy for all the worlds.”
……
Wait…… learn one more teachings alleged-to-be-of-Islam…
………………
if ..you.. want.. to.. leave.. Islam.. then…….. you deserve death penalty!!!!
What??? Did not understand?
Your head MUST be cut off if you abandon Islam.. -@#$%^&*
You know why?
Because Islam says that apostate should be killed .. killed .. killed .. killed .. killed!
What? Barbaric religion? No way – Islam is religion of peace and gives utmost freedom of thought.

B. What is this issue: Death-for-apostasy?

1. Why this issue is relevant?

• A person who leaves / abandons / shuns a faith or religion is called apostate.
• In Islamic context if a muslim become atheist or starts following another religion or just leaves Islam is called apostate of Islam.
• The horrific understanding of majority of Muslims is that Islam prescribes death for apostasy.
• The interesting point is: this issue is in the limelight not because many Muslims become apostate; but because of hue and cry made by non Muslims and a few Muslims. Common non-Muslims hate and abhor Islam saying how can one accept that God of Islam says that an apostate deserve death. Anti Islamic forces ridicule and lambaste Muslims, Quran and Prophet Muhammad saying “is this religion of peace? Is this freedom of thought in Islam? Islam is barbaric and inhumane religion. Why should one accept a religion when it’s a one way road-you enter alive but when you leave then you MUST die?”
• In today’s scenario; killings in the name of shia – sunni or sects is influenced by death-for-apostasy understanding. Equation is simple:

Equation A- a sunni “scholar” declares some shia as apostate because of some reasons (in most cases silly reasons).
Equation B – Apostate should be killed
Matching equation A & B – Shia should be killed and this is as per “teachings of Islam”. Hence proved.

2. Wait!! Don’t be biased. Be honest and just.

• Whether Islam prescribes death penalty for apostasy or not – we will see later; but the
billion dollar question is – whom should we please? Muslims? Islamic scholars? Non Muslims? Anti Islamic forces? Or Allah – the almighty God? If you say Allah then you MUST find out what Allah or Almighty God has told about this issue.

• If Almighty God guides us on any topic then will you still follow what you have been following? Will you prefer your set of scholars to God?

• “I will follow what I found my forefathers doing” – this mentality is condemned by Almighty God if it goes against the teachings of God.

When it is said to them: “Follow what God has sent down,” they say, “Nay! We shall follow what we found our fathers following.” What! Even if their fathers did not understand (ya‘qilun) anything and they were not guided? (Quran, Surah Baqrah 2:170)

• And when it is said to them: “Come to what God has sent down and to the Messenger,” they say, “Enough for us is that which we found our fathers following. What! Even if their fathers did not know anything and they were not guided? (Quran,Surah Maida 5:104)

C. The Misconception and its reason

The popular myth regarding apostasy is that “Apostate should be killed”.
Proof: People cite a few hadees from which they conclude that Islam prescribes death penalty for apostasy. Most oft-repeatedly cited statement is – Prophet told that whoever changes religion – kill him.

1. Reason for this misunderstanding

Again: the most commonly repeated mistake of the majority of Muslim. Not understanding an issue UNDER THE PRINCIPLE OF QURAN. When people don’t look at Quran, don’t analyze what Allah has revealed, don’t ponder over how Quran has guided and directly try to reach at conclusion just by looking at hadees in isolation then they are bound to make mistake.

2. Revisiting basics

“The month of Ramadhan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion …….” [Quran, Surah Baqrah 2: 185]

Please mark the purpose of Quran.
1. It is for whole mankind. Quran is not exclusive property of any particular sect, religion, group or race.
2. Quran is for guidance purpose. We MUST seek guidance from Quran.
3. Quran is the criterion – it means in any matter Quran will have the last say; what is right and what is wrong – what Quran decides will be final.

No wonder Muslims claim Quran to be word of God loudly but when it comes ACTUALLY believing and practicing it they fail miserably.

Quran says that one MUST judge as per the revelation of Almighty God.
……… If any do fail to judge by what Allah has revealed, they are Unbelievers (kaferoon). [Quran, Surah Maida 5:44]

………..And if any fail to judge by what Allah has revealed, they are wrong-doers (Zalemoon). [Quran, Surah Maida 5:45]

……… If any do fail to judge by what Allah has revealed, they are those who rebel (Faseqoon). [Quran, Surah Maida 5:47]

To you We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety: so judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging from the Truth that hath come to thee…….;[Quran, Surah Maida 5:48]

And this (He commands): you judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and follow not their vain desires,…….. [Quran, Surah Maida 5:49]

Above ayah of Quran make very clear that if we judge against the guidance of Quran then it is kufr / zulm / fisq / absolutely wrong. See how much emphasis Allah has given on judging from what he has revealed.

D. There is absolutely NO punishment just for apostasy

1. Almighty God and Quran give absolute freedom to believe or disbelieve.

“There is no compulsion in religion” [Quran, Surah Baqrah 2:256]

You can not force anyone to become muslim. If you say that death should be awarded to apostate then it means you are forcing him not to leave islam. You are threatening him with death if he/she leaves islam.

“Say, ‘The truth is from your Lord’: Let him who wills believe it, and let him who wills, reject (it).” [Quran, Surah Kahaf 18:29]

“If it had been your Lord’s will, they all would have believed – all who are on earth. Will you, then, compel the people, against their will, to believe?” [Quran, Surah Yunus 10:99]

It is illogical-absurd-non sense-injustice to force someone to believe or enter Islam. Neither physical nor psychological force can be applied on anyone to believe in Islam. Faith comes from inner conviction and NOT from external compulsion.

2. Killing of human being in the house of Islam

• Life is sacred. Killing of one innocent is like killing whole mankind. [Quran, Surah Maidah 5:32]
• In order to safeguard the peace and human life; Quran permits capital punishment- but only in two cases – murder and spreading mischief. [Quran, Surah Maidah 5:32]

3. Quran is against death penalty for apostasy.

Does Quran mentions about apostasy? “YES” – “several times.”
What punishment it prescribes? “No worldly punishment for sure. It always speaks about punishment in the life hereafter.”

Quran address the issue of apostasy at several places. Almighty God tells about the people leaving Islam-but at not a single place God says that such people should be killed. Look at 2:217, 3:86-90, 4:137, 9:66,74, 16:106-109, 47:25-27

A)”… And if anyone among you turns back from his religion and dies as a disbeliever, then the works of such as these will be lost in this life and in the hereafter they will be the dwellers of the fire, abiding therein forever. [Quran, Surah Baqrah 2:217]

B) How shall God guide those who reject faith after their belief and after they bore witness that the Messenger was true and after clear (signs) had come unto them? God guides not unjust people.
They are those whose recompense is that on them (rests) the curse of God, of the angels, and of all humankind.
They will abide therein. Their torment will not be lightened and they will not be given any respite –
Except for those that repent after that, and make amends (by righteous deeds), for, verily God is forgiving, most merciful.
But surely those who disbelieved after their belief and then went on increasing in their disbelief, never will their repentance be accepted; for they are those who have gone astray. [Quran, Surah Ale Imran 3:86-90]

C) Surely those who believe, then disbelieve, then believe (again) and (again) disbelieve, and go on increasing in disbelief, God will not forgive them nor guide them nor guide them on the way. [Quran, Surah Nisa 4:137]

Please note: this ayah talk about an apostate coming back to islam and then again becoming apostate – if you kill apostate then how he will get chance to again come to islam? So this ayah directly contradicts with death-for-apostasy.
D) Make no excuses. You have disbelieved after your belief. If We pardon some of you, We (may) punish others amongst you, for they are guilty. [Quran, Surah Tauba 9:66]

They swear by God that they did not say, but they did say the word of disbelief and they disbelieved after their islam and meditated a plot which they were unable to carry out. And (by this) they avenged nothing except that God and his Messenger had enriched them of his bounty! If they repent, it will be better for them; but if they turn away, God will punish them with a grievous penalty in this world and in the hereafter. And there is none for them on earth as a protector or helper. [Quran, Surah Tauba 9:74]

E) Whoever disbelieved in God after his belief – not he who is forced to do so while his heart is content with faith but he who opens his breast to disbelief – on such wrath from God, and theirs will be a great torment. [Quran, Surah Nahal 16:106]
No doubt, in the hereafter they will be losers. [Quran, Surah Nahal 16:109]

F) 47:25 Surely those who have turned back (to their state of kufr) after the guidance was made manifest to them, Shaytan has enticed them and filled them with false hopes. [Quran, Surah Muhammad 47:25]

The crux of the issue:
1. Quran gives absolute freedom of belief / disbelief. None can be forced to believe in Islam. None can be threatened with death for leaving Islam.

2. Quran mentions about apostasy issues several times, but not a single time Allah says that apostate should be killed. Please mind it – almost every place Almighty God talk about punishment in the life hereafter.

3. The biggest irony is that almost all ayah that deal with apostasy were revealed in medina where Islamic state was established. Imagine – even Surah taubah (which was revealed during war time) speaks about apostasy but stop short of execution of apostates. In medina Islamic state was established and criminal laws were implemented. In this situation what big deal it was to reveal that apostates should be killed?

4. What difficult it was to say in such place that punishment for apostasy is capital punishment? But no, Quran never said so.

5. Any unbiased Muslim / non-Muslim after going through above ayah of Quran will agree that Quran does NOT prescribe death penalty for apostasy.

6. Death-for-apostasy directly contradicts with several ayah of Quran: 2:256, 3:90, 4:137

7 Quran clears in 5:32 the situations when capital punishment can be given – one is murder; another is spreading mischief in land. A person can be given death for apostasy if his apostasy falls under the category of “fasad” i.e. spreading mischief on the land or better to say – “misbalancing the peace of earth”. It will be up to the Islamic state rulers to decide whether a particular case of apostasy can be termed as fasad-fil-ard i.e. spreading mischief in land. This term fasad or spreading mischief on land is abstract term and its implementation will vary from time to time and case to case. Important point to note is that then death punishment will be because of spreading mischief in land and NOT because of ONLY apostasy.

4. Can death punishment be left for hadees?

Some people will come up with childish argument. They say – “death-for-apostasy” is not in Quran but not in hadees.” These people fail to realize that it’s crystal clear from Quran that death-for-apostasy contradicts with several ayah of Quran.
Life is extremely scared in Islam; a crime that deserves death has to be stated in Quran clearly.
When Almighty God mentions about various crimes and its punishment – some even less severe than death; for example – cutting off hands for theft, flogging for wrong accusation of zina – then how come Allah will leave it to hadees to explain a crime and the punishment that is more severe? As I mentioned earlier – apostasy may or may not come under spreading mischief on land depending upon the situation. However, saying apostasy per-se is crime and deserve death penalty is against Quranic.

Note: For a real “Muslim” or believer in God and his teachings – this article is complete at this stage in its purpose. However, since most of so-called-Muslims have abandoned Quran and actually don’t believe in Quran in totality (practically) – hence further information is provided.

E. Analysis of hadees that allegedly prove that apostate should be killed

1. Hadees saying – “WHOEVER CHANGED HIS RELIGION, KILL HIM”

As should become clear in the sequel, the only hadith that legislates or prescribes as a law the death penalty for apostasy is found, with some variations, in Bukhari 2794, 6411, Abu Da`ud 3787, Tirmidhi 1378, Nasa`i 3991-7, Ibn Majah 2526, Ahmad 1776, 2420, 2813 (cf. Ahmad 1802).

Ahmad ibn Muhammad bin Hanbal related to us: Isma‘il bin Ibrahim related to us: Ayyub informed us from ‘Ikrimah that ‘Ali, peace be upon him, burned some people who abandoned Islam. This reached Ibn ‘Abbas and he said: I would not have burnt them with fire. Indeed, the Messenger of God said: ‘Do not punish with the punishment of God.’ I would have killed them in accordance with the word of the Messenger of God. For, surely the Messenger of God said: ‘Whoever changed his religion kill him’.” This reached ‘Ali, peace be upon him, and he said: ‘Woe to Ibn ‘Abbas’. (Abu Da`ud 3787)

Grave problems with this hadees:

1. This hadees mentioned in different books of ahadees gives contradictory statement in the last part. There are several differences in the various narrations of the hadith, some of which are important. As per different traditions Hazrat Ali said different things:
“Woe to Ibn ‘Abbas” (wayha Ibn ‘Abbas).
“Woe to the mother of Ibn ‘Abbas” (wayha umm Ibn ‘Abbas)
“Ibn ‘Abbas said the truth.” (sadaqa Ibn ‘Abbas).

2. One of the crucial narrator of this hadees -‘Ikrimah, the slave of Ibn ‘Abbas, has received mixed reviews from the scholars of hadith. Though some have considered or are reported to consider him reasonably trustworthy while others considered him a liar or at least untrustworthy. He is reported by many as liar, cheater and saying wrong words in the name of hazrat ibn abbas.

3. The hadith requires us to believe that either Sayyidna ‘Ali did not know the prohibition by the Messenger of God against burning people or he knowingly acted contrary to it. Both possibilities are extremely remote.
And even if for some reason Hzrat ‘Ali was ignorant about the hadith against burning, some of the many other senior Companions alive at the time would have known about it. We expect them to bring the Prophet’s words to ‘Ali’s notice when he was deciding to burn people or after he had done so.

4. Quite apart from the hadith prohibiting the burning of people, there is no report of burning of a human being by the Prophet, or Abu Bakr, or ‘Umar, or ‘Uthman. So why would ‘Ali depart from the practice of his illustrious predecessors? Perhaps he became very angry at those people and wanted to punish them in the severest way. But it was not the style of the khulafa` rashidun to act in anger in this way. ‘Ali’s character was closer to the one depicted in the tradition in which he was about to kill a disbeliever during a battle when the man spat on him. ‘Ali withdrew his sword and let the man go. When asked about why he withdrew his sword, ‘Ali replied in effect that the man’s spitting on him might have tainted the purity of his intention of fighting only for the sake of God. Hence killing people because of excessive anger is not expected from ‘Ali. It was something that came after the time of al-khulafa` al-rashidun when the rulers became power-loving, dictatorial and unjust.

5. Furthermore had ‘Ali burned some people many Muslims would have come to know about it, not least because of the unprecedented nature of the punishment. Consequently, reports about the burning would have found their way in many books of history. But we do not seem to have any independent report about it in any reputed source.

There are several other reasons that put big question marks over the authenticity of this hadees.
For more analysis on this hadees: please read here – http://islamicperspectives.com/PunishmentOfApostasy_Part2.html

2. A few apostates killed because of murder

It should not be difficult for any person with common sense that in the following hadees where prophet ordered execution of some apostates who have murdered people – the execution was because of MURDER and not apostasy. This is in sync with Quran and Prophets come to implement Quran ONLY.

A group of people from ‘Ukal and ‘Urainah came to Madinah and accepted Islam. Subsequently they apostated , killed and tortured a Sheppard [other version say sheppards] and mutilated their bodies. The Prophet ordered their arrest and they were executed. Sahih Al-Bukhari, op. cit., Vol.8, Hadeeths # 794, 795, 796, 797, pp. 519-522.

F. Prophet not ordering killing of apostate

There are proofs from the book of ahadees where Prophet did not order execution of apostate. Had death been divine punishment from Allah then definitely Prophet would have followed the commandment. This is in sync with the Quranic spirit that apostasy does not require death punishment.
1. The below hadees says that how a person accepted Islam and then left it, yet prophet didn’t order to execute him.

Yahya related to me from Malik from Muhammad bin al-Munkadir from Jabir bin ‘Abd Allah: A Bedouin gave a pledge of allegiance for embracing Islam. The next day he came with fever and so came to the Prophet, saying: “O Messenger of God! Cancel my pledge.” The Prophet refused. He came to him again and said: “Cancel my pledge”. He refused. He came to him another time and said: “Cancel my pledge.” He refused again. The Bedouin then went out. Then the Messenger of God said: “Madinah is exactly like a furnace; it expels out the impurities and retains the good.” (Muwatta 1377)

2. Also we know the famous case of ‘Abd Allah bin Abi Sarh. He became a Muslims, used to write for the Messenger of God but Shaytan made him slip and he joined the disbelievers. The Messenger of God ordered his execution on the day of the conquest (of Makkah). This order was because of him being an open enemy and not just because of apostasy. But ‘Uthman bin ‘Affan sought protection for him and the Messenger of God granted it to him. Now we see he was not finally executed. If apostasy deserved a mandatory capital punishment then definitely Prophet would have got him executed. (Refer to Abu Da`ud 3792, see also Nasa`i 4001)

No wonder a large number of people are coming open against this Anti-Quranic concept of death-for-apostasy.
Read http://apostasyandislam.blogspot.in/

G. Conclusion

1. It is one of the wide spread myth that Islam prescribe death penalty for apostates.

2. Islam gives utmost freedom of faith; one is free to believe or disbelieve. 2:256; 18:29; 10:99

3. Though Quran mentions about the issue of apostasy several times but not for once it prescribes any worldly punishment for it. In fact – at all such places – Allah speaks about punishment in life hereafter. Read 2:217, 3:86-90, 4:137, 9:66,74, 16:106-109, 47:25-27

4. Death for apostasy contradicts with several ayah of quran. For ex- 4:137 ; 2:256

5. Almost all ayah dealing with apostasy were revealed in medina where Islam state was established and Islamic criminal system was implemented. In this favorable situation it was not difficult for Allah to reveal that apostasy deserves death penalty.

6. God can not leave it to hadees to prescribe divine punishment for apostasy when Quran clearly mentions about crimes and punishment less severe compared to apostasy. 5:32-33; 5:38; 24:2

7. Since Muslims, as a whole have abandoned Quran (25:30) so they think that apostate should be killed.

8. A very few hadees that gives idea that apostate should be killed is full of contradiction and have several flaws.

9. Prophet never ever ordered execution for apostasy. Several instances from ahadees prove that even though people left Islam Prophet did not order their execution.

Note: * If you don’t agree with the mail then instead of giving fatwa of deviation / kufr / shirk / biddat – have faith in Allah and leave it to him to judge.

* Author: Khurshid Imam is software engineer at Bangalore, India. For any criticism / feedback / suggestion feel free to mail – serviceforhumanity@gmail.com

The article can be found at: http://khurshidimam.blogspot.in/2012/09/does-islam-teach-to-kill-apostate.html.

The article can be downloaded as pdf from: http://www.scribd.com/KHURSHIDIMAM

Who is KAFIR – Clear the misconception

Who is KAFIR 

 

By khurshid Imam

 

Introduction

Very few Islamic terms are as misunderstood as the term “Kafir”. A few Muslims use this term to humiliate some non Muslims. On the other hand our non Muslim brothers perceive this word as an abuse and take umbrage to it. So what is so great about this term – kafir? And million dollar question is to whom this term-kafir-applies i.e. WHO REALLY IS KAFIR?

It is no wonder that today many so-called-Muslims are living in the world of illusion wherein they think that:

1.      Just because they are born is a Muslim family they are Muslim and will get paradise. 

2.      Just because their name is khan or ahmed or Muhammad they are Muslim and will get paradise.

3.      Just because they go for namaz once in a week (for juma) they are Muslim and will get paradise.

4.      Just because they believe in Allah and akhrat they are Muslim and will get paradise.

 

Almighty God has strictly put two conditions for the salvation or for entering paradise – 1. Faith 2. Actions. 

If anyone reads Quran then these two conditions echoes throughout the Quran for getting paradise. In simple word only with faith AND action a person will be really a Muslim.

But look at the tragic part. When a Muslim read Quran and when Almighty God is speaking about punishment or condemnation for Kafir then the Muslim reader will automatically translate the word Kafir as NON-Muslim in his mind. He will think that these punishments and condemnations are certainly not for me but for Non Muslims. Similarly when God is talking about reward for momin(believer) or Muslim then reader will think – ‘yes! This ayah is talking about me’. Thus the dream of illusion continues for such type of Muslims and only in the life hereafter they will realize how wrong they were.

Three meanings of word – kafir

The Arabic word Kafir has three meaning. And certainly kafir does not mean Non-Muslim. Quran has used the word kafir in any of the three meaning everywhere.

 

1.      One who conceals: The act of concealing something is called kufr in Arabic. In Islamic and Quranic terminology kufr will mean concealing teachings of God / concealing the truth / concealing what is right and divine / concealing the message of God. Now we Muslim proudly say that Quran is the word of God, it is the truth; it contains the message of God. 

 

                    الَّذِينَ يَبْخَلُونَ وَيَأْمُرُونَ النَّاسَ بِالْبُخْلِ وَيَكْتُمُونَ مَا آتَاهُمُ اللَّهُ مِن فَضْلِهِ ۗ وَأَعْتَدْنَا لِلْكَافِرِينَ عَذَابًا مُّهِي

Those who are miserly and enjoin miserliness on other men and hide what Allah has bestowed upon them of His Bounties. And We have prepared for those who hide (kafir word is used here).  a disgraceful torment. Quran, Surah Nisa 4:37

 

Now be ready for a straight forward Question:  As per this definition of kafir who is MORE entitled to be called kafir – Non Muslims or so-called-…….?

 

2.      One who is ungrateful: The act of being ungrateful is called is called kufr in Arabic. Gratefulness is shown towards some very important and precious thing. We say Quran is the most precious thing. In Islamic and Quranic terminology kufr will mean not being grateful to emaan (faith)/ quran / not being grateful to the message of God. Now we Muslim proudly say that Quran is the word of God, it is the truth; it contains the message of God; emaan is the biggest wealth. As per this definition of kafir who is MORE entitled to be called kafir – Non Muslims or so-called-…….?  Think honestly.

 

They recognize the favors of Allah. Then they deny them; and most of them are ungrateful (kafir word is used here). Quran: Surah Nahal 16:83

 

“Any who is (so) grateful does so to the profit of his own soul: but if any is ungrateful (Arabic Kafara), verily Allah is free of all wants, Worthy of all praise.” Quran: Surah Luqmaan 31:12

 

3.      One who rejects:The act of rejecting something is called kufr in Arabic. In Islamic and Quranic terminology kufr will mean rejecting teachings of God / rejecting the truth / rejecting the message of God. As per this definition of kafir those Non Muslims will be called who have REJECTED the truth / the message of God.

 

قُلْ يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لِمَ تَكْفُرُونَ بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ شَهِيدٌ عَلَىٰ مَا تَعْمَلُونَ

 

 Say: “O people of the Scripture ! Why do you reject the Ayat of Allahwhile Allah is Witness to what you do?”  Quran, Surah Al imran 3:98

 

 It is not that by default any non Muslim will be called kafir. And for this action it is required that truth is presented to them; otherwise they can be called ghafil or unaware.

 

 

In simple words

Going by the above 3 definitions of kafir the whole perception of word kafir changes and it can shiver one from inside and force to think more and more about Quranic ayah. 

 

Those who conceal teachings of God have done KUFR as per Arabic language. Whether they are / were scholars of torah/zabur/injeel OR bible who know the truth of the message of GOD; whether they be scholars of Hinduism who know the monotheism of Vedas and the prophecy of prophet Muhammad; whether it be so-called-Muslims who conceal the truth of Islam from the masses. As of today the uncorrupted and pure message of God is with Muslims mostly so the act of concealment can be done mostly by them.

 

Those people who were given revelation from God and they were not grateful to God-too have done kufr. Remember the last revelation-Quran- is in the house of Muslims mostly.

 

Those who reject the teachings of God-too have done kufr. So our non Muslim brethren should understand that this is not an abusive term rather its misunderstood term. If they reject the teachings of God they can be called kafir as per Arabic language or “saty-tiraskari” in Sanskrit.

 

Let us read Quran with proper understanding rather withy preconceived ideas and thoughts.And Allah knows the best. 

 

Conclusion:

1.      Word kafir is one of the most misunderstood terms by Muslims and non Muslims.

2.      Quran has used kafir word in any of the 3 meaning: one who conceals one who is ungrateful and one who rejects.

3.      Out of these three definitions this word will apply more to so-called-Muslim in 2 cases as of today.

 

 

Author Khurshid imam is a software engineer at bangalore. Mail serviceforhumanity@gmail.com for feedback

Note: If you don’t agree with the post then instead of giving fatwa of kufr/shirk/deviation – have faith in Allah and leave uo to him to judge.

DOES ISLAM PERMIT SEX WITH SLAVES ?

 

Rethinking and introspecting whether Islam permits sex with slaves and encourages slavery system.

Imagine!
A young muslim lady captured by US troop in iraq/Afghanistan/ Somalia/ Yemen. She is held captive by her captor. The captor wishes to have physical relation with her.And he had it.
What do you call it? Rape? Or illegal relation? Un Islamic? Against humanity? Barbaric? I am sure you will call one of these.

Now again imagine!
There is Islamic state established in near future. Muslim army is fighting with a nation. A young lady is captured by muslim forces. Now; be honest and tell me: If the Muslim captor wishes to have physical relation with the lady without marriage – can he?
If you have not read my above paragraph then may be you will take some time to answer but eventually you will answer – YES.

A. Introduction to this sensitive issue

One of the favorite topics of anti-Islamic writers is the issue of “physical relation with slaves”. They humiliate Muslims by saying that what is the religion Islam which permits physical relation with slaves. An innocent Muslim tries to defend by saying that Islam absolutely permits physical relation with slave without marriage; because he thinks this is the permission of Almighty God. The common understanding among Muslims is that Islam absolutely permits to maintain physical relationship with slave women – without marrying them – who are possession of Muslims in a war.
Islam is deen-e-fitrat i.e. religion as per the nature. Not a single teaching of Islam can be against humanity or against the law of nature. If some so-called-teachings of Islam is against humanity then one need to seriously ponder over the issue and analyze and try to find out what exactly Islam say about the issue. In no case one should go against the revelation of Almighty God i.e. QURAN.

B. Pre Quranic Arabian culture and social system

Before understanding this issue; let’s first understand that social culture of Arab was very different from today.

1. Black people were considered inferior. Slavery system was flourishing. Slaves were sold, bought, disposed off. Slave women could be used as concubines. One could have maintained physical relationship with as many slave women he wished. War of that time was also very different from today. Captives of war were also considered as possessions. Captive’s women would become slaves.

2. Women were considered inferior to men. People burying their baby girl alive were one of the evil cultures. No rights for women in the property.

3. Alcohol was rampant. People would drink alcohol very fondly. People had different kind of alcohol for different occasions.

Such was the situation when Prophet Muhammad claimed Prophet Hood in the desert of Arabia. As Islam is the complete way of life and it deals with the all aspects of life so it has to deal with these notorious customs also. How it dealt? In a very sophisticated way – keeping in mind the human psychology.

C. How Islam dealt with this unjust system

Islam gave the concept of one brotherhood. No one is better than other on the basis of color, birth, race, language, region or wealth. Quran, Surah Hujrat 49:13

Also Almighty God made clear that men and women are equal in the sight of God. They have different priorities in some duties but they are equal. Elaborating these points is out of the scope of the subject.

We all are aware that Alcohol was eradicated from the society in gradual manner.

1. In first step people were informed that though alcohol has something good but as a whole it’s harmful and sinful.

”They ask you concerning wine and gambling. Say: “In them is great sin, and some profit, for men; but the sin is greater than the profit……“. Quran, Surah baqrah 2:219

2. As a second step Almighty God commanded people that they should not approach prayer when they are intoxicated i.e. had alcohol. So this way people were forced to reduce the alcohol. At least for 6-7 hours a day people could not have alcohol.

“O you who believe! Approach not As-Salat (the prayer) when you are in a drunken state until you know (the meaning) of what you utter…..”. Quran, Surah Nisa 4:43

3. And then finally Almighty God straightforwardly prohibited alcohol.

“O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), and gambling, and Al-Ansab , and Al-Azlam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaitan’s (Satan) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful.” Quran, Surah Maida 5:90

Almighty God in his divine wisdom prohibited alcohol in steps. Had Almighty God ordered in one go it would have been very difficult for people to stop.
It’s natural and logical because any addict will find it difficult to give up addiction of alcohol in one go.
Now let’s come to the main point – what about physical relation with slaves?

D. Sex with slave – PROHIBITED in Islam in stages!!!!!!!

Islam prohibited it in stages: why?

There is no doubt that unjust system of physical relation-with-slave had to be eradicated. So what approach Islam adopted? In one go? No. It would have proved disastrous because of following reasons:

A. There were numerous slaves present that time: young, poor, elderly, handicapped, women, widows, and children. They were dependent on their master for their food, clothing and shelter. If all of a sudden slavery system was abolished then there would have been a large number of poor people left in the society who would have no means to support them.

B. Similarly there was a great chance of exploitation of large number of slave women in the form of prostitution or brothel because they would have become helpless with nothing to sustain and nowhere to go. Please keep in mind most of these slaves were people foreign to the land of Muslims.

C. There was no proper system for the rehabilitation and taking care of large number of slaves if all of a sudden slavery system was banned.

Islam started discouraging the slavery system:

In no verse, Qur’an has approved of slavery. Please note that the phrase, ‘whom your right hands possess’, has been used on all such occasions instead of being kept in jails, be distributed among the victorious believing men where they can observe the living examples of Islam in practice. Though Quran has used the word ‘whom your right hands possess’ I will be using this word and “slave” interchangeably through this article.

1. Muslims were encouraged to free the slaves.

Almighty God encouraged people to give freedom to slaves. Freeing of slave was one of the ways of repentance of the sin of Muslims. This was great wisdom as people would gradually free slaves.

a. “It is not for a believer to kill a believer except (that it be) by mistake; and whosoever kills a believer by mistake, (it is ordained that) he must set free a believing slave and a compensation (blood-money, i.e. Diya) be given to the deceased’s family unless they remit it…..”. Quran, Surah Nisa 4:92

b. “Allah will not punish you for what is unintentional in your oaths, but He will punish you for your deliberate oaths; for its expiation feed ten Masakin (poor persons), on a scale of the average of that with which you feed your own families, or clothe them or manumit a slave…” Quran Surah Maida 5:89

c. “Those who divorce their wives by Zihar(Zihar was an pre-Quranic evil practice in which a wife would be considered mother to a person if her husband would call her as “MY MOTHER”. Also marriage in this case would become invalid), then wish to retract the words they uttered, shall have to free a slave before they touch each other. This is enjoined (as a penalty for doing so). Allah is well-aware of all your actions”. Quran Surah Mujadila 58 : 3

Muslims were told to raise the status of slaves. Treat them with more honor and respect. Give them proper food and clothing. Look at the teaching of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him):

d. Narrated Abu Musa: The Prophet said, “Set free the captives and accept invitations.” (Bukhari Volume 9, Book 89, Number 285)
(Bukhari Book #62, Hadith #103)
(Bukhari Book #70, Hadith #552)

e. Narrated Al-Ma’rur: At Ar-Rabadha I met Abu Dhar who was wearing a cloak, and his slave, too, was wearing a similar one. I asked about the reason for it. He replied, “I abused a person by calling his mother with bad names.” The Prophet said to me, ‘O Abu Dhar! Did you abuse him by calling his mother with bad
names You still have some characteristics of ignorance. Your slaves are your brothers and Allah has put them under your command. So whoever has a brother under his command should feed him of what he eats and dress him of what he wears. Do not ask them (slaves) to do things beyond their capacity (power) and if you do so, then help them.(Bukhari Volume 1, Book 2, Number 29)

f. Hilal b. Yasaf reported that a person got angry and slapped his slave-girl. Thereupon Suwaid b. Muqarrin said to him: You could find no other part (to slap) but the prominent part of her face. See I was one of the seven sons of Muqarrin, and we had but only one slave-girl. The youngest of us slapped her, and Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) commanded us to set her free. (Muslim Book 015, Number 4082)

g. Narrated Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari: “The Prophet said, “Give food to the hungry, pay a visit to the sick and release (set free) the one in captivity (by paying his ransom).” (Bukhari,Volume 7, Book 65, Number 286)”

h. Narrated Ali ibn AbuTalib: The last words which the Apostle of Allah spoke were: Prayer, prayer; fear Allah about those whom your right hands possess. (Sunan abudawud Book #41, Hadith #5137)

2. Encourage the marriage between slaves so that they can lead independent life away from slavery.

“And marry those among you who are single the Salihun (pious, fit and capable ones) of your (male) slaves and maid-servants (female slaves). If they be poor, Allah will enrich them out of His Bounty. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knowing (about the state of the people)”. Quran, Surah Nur 24:32

The teaching of Porphet Muhammad(Peace be upon him) is:
Narrated Abu Musa: Allah’s Apostle said, “He who has a slave-girl (or a woman of captivity) and educates and treats her nicely and then manumits and marries her, will get a double reward.” (Bukahri Volume 3, Book 46, Number 720)

3. Above all were methods to discourage the slavery system. It was putting a psychological pressure on people against the slavery system.

Initially only unmarried men were permitted to have physical relation with slaves:

1. Now we are entering the area where one needs to seriously ponder over the Quranic Ayah. The ayah that people quote in justification of sex-with-slaves is mainly these 2 ayah.

2. Elaborating the good qualities of a true believer Allah speaks about maintaining modesty in the two ayah: Surah Momenun 23:5-6 and Surah Marij 70:29-30

لَّا عَلَىٰ أَزْوَاجِهِمْ أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُهُمْ

“And those who guard their chastity, except from their wives OR (the slaves) that their right hands possess”

Now both of these ayah talk about maintaining sexual relationship with wife OR those whom your right hand possess. Please mark the key word OR here.The Arabic word “AW” means OR. Unfortunately some of the Quran translation wrongly translates here “AW” as AND. The correct translation is OR. The key is: permission of having physical relationship is given with wife OR those whom your right hand possess. It’s not that by chance or by mistake (nauzbillah) God has mentioned OR, rather it is deliberate. The initial restriction was to have physical relation with wife OR slave. So initial permission for physical relation with slave girl was ONLY for unmarried person.

Please note that both of this ayah were revealed in mecca. Don’t believe? Please confirm. So it was an early regulation of Quran.

Finally Allah ordered that one has to do MARRY a slave girl in order to maintain sexual relationship:

1. Whenever we want to understand final and complete ruling for an issue then we need to take into account all related / relevant ayah. As we have seen with the two ayah that initially only for unmarried person it was permitted that they could have maintained physical relationship with slaves lets see what is the final and complete ruling on this issue.

2. After few years of revelation of above mentioned 2 ayah (Surah Momenun 23:5-6 and Surah Marij 70:29-30) the below ayah was revealed regarding maintaining physical relation with slave girls.

“If any of you have not the means wherewith to wed free believing women, they may wed believing girls from among those whom your right hands possess: And Allah hath full knowledge about your faith. Ye are one from another: Wed them with the leave of their owners, and give them their dowers, according to what is reasonable: They should be chaste, not lustful, nor taking paramours: when they are taken in wedlock, if they fall into shame, their punishment is half that for free women. This (permission) is for those among you who fear sin; but it is better for you that ye practice self-restraint. And Allah is Oft-forgiving, most Merciful.” Quran, Surah Nisa 4:25

This ayah was revealed in medina. Through this ayah last nail in the coffin of sex-with-slave was hammered. Pondering over the above ayah we find that:

A. Obviously a person will look for girl according to his status. In case he is unable to afford then he should MARRY slave girl. However Allah made clear that all people are from one man and woman – so slave or free person – they all are from one man and woman. None is greater than other except by the reason of
virtue.
B. This permission of marriage with slave is if he fears that he will not be able to practice restraint, and fears to commit sin, he is permitted to marry the possessed women. Please note If Islam permitted sex with captive women, there was no need for the above elaboration.
C. Also if having physical relation with slave girls was allowed then there was no need of committing sin as Allah has mentioned in this ayah – This (permission) is for those among you who fear sin.
D. So Allah made very clear in this Ayah that if you don’t have means to marry free women and if you fear that you can commit zina by having illegal relationship (It automatically closes the door for permissibly of having physical relation with slave) then you can MARRY slave girl. Still Almighty God encourages self
restrain (restraining from what? Obviously illegal physical relation. So how come illegal physical relation with slave is permissible?) i.e. you wait till you get means to marry free believing women.

Prophet Muhammad was exception for the above ruling. Apart from his wife he was permitted to have relation with slave. I will not go into detail now. Separate article is required for this issue.

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ إِنَّا أَحْلَلْنَا لَكَ أَزْوَاجَكَ اللَّاتِي آتَيْتَ أُجُورَهُنَّ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ يَمِينُكَ

“O Prophet! We have made lawful to you your wives to whom thou hast paid their dowers; and those whom thy right hand possesses out of the prisoners of war whom Allah has assigned to thee; and daughters of thy paternal uncles and aunts, and daughters of thy maternal uncles and aunts, who migrated (from Makka) with thee; and any believing woman who dedicates her soul to the Prophet if the Prophet wishes to wed her;- this only for you, and not for the Believers (at large); We know what We have appointed for them as to their wives and the captives whom their right hands possess;- in order that there should be no difficulty for thee. And Allah is Oft- Forgiving, Most Merciful.” Surah ahzab 33:50
This ayah of surah ahzab 33, Ayah 50 was revealed for prophet and it says:
1. It is lawful for the prophet – his wives AND whom your right hand possess.Note the arabic word “WA” (AND) here. Remember for believers the word “AW” was used in the context of slave women while in case of Prophet word “WA” which means AND is used. So this ayah is telling that ONLY for prophet – wives AND slave women both are lawful.
2. And then Allah made very clear that this SPECIAL permission of having wives AND slaves is ONLY FOR YOU. And this permission is NOT for the believers. Then again Allah provide the context of this special permission by saying – “this only for you, and not for the Believers (at large); We know what We have appointed for them as to their wives and the captives whom their right hands possess“. Thus Allah made clear that in the matter of slave rulings for prophet and believers is different.
3. SO through 33:50 Allah says that for prophet only wives+slaves is allowed while for believers it is NOT the ruling.

The final ruling of Quran on the issue of sex with slave:


The sequence of orders of the holy Qur’an is a very clear cut. Those who have misunderstood it, have erred, however great they were. After the completion of Quran Islam was complete. Whatever guidance has been given by Quran – that will always be final and not semi-final. So on the issue of physical relationship with slave-girl; teaching of Islam is that ONLY after marrying them one can have physical relation with slave girl. Any physical relation outside the bond of marriage is haraam / prohibited / adultery / major sin.

Any doubt?

A. Some people may have doubt that since ayah of Quran can NEVER be abrogated hence what relevance Surah Momenun 23:5-6 and Surah Marij 70:29-30 and other such ayah have today or in future? The answer is simple – YES; not a single ayah of Quran can be abrogated. Ayah speaking about slave girls in Surah Momenun 23:5-6 and Surah Marij 70:29-30 is valid even today.
The only thing is that since 4:25 maintains that slave girl should be taken into nikah in order to maintain physical relation, so if a person is not married and wants to follow Surah Momenun 23:5-6 and Surah Marij 70:29-30 then he has two option-
a> Marry a lady
b> If slave system persists then take into nikah to the slave girl. Also remember 4:25 discourages marriage with slave girls because of obvious reasons. That is why Allah has prescribed self restrain in this case.
Please note that slavery system is nowhere today so second option is eliminated today.  However, if a person is married then he has to maintain physical relation ONLY with wife.

B. Some people may have this misunderstanding that in case when a person can not marry free believing woman (may be because of financial reason) – as per 4:25 then how he will marry his OWN slave girl (assuming that the person financial condition is bad then how come he is possessing slave?). Please clear this misunderstanding by reading 4:25 carefully. This ayah speaks about marrying slave girl from AMONG slave girls; also it says wed them with the permission of THEIR folk. This ayah makes clear that slave MAY or MAY not be your own slave-that is why it mentions marrying them with the permission of their master. Here again i would like to emphasize that one should MARRY a slave girl in case he fear he will not be able to practice self restraint. If he can then he should wait till he is able to marry a free lady. In no any case islam permits adultery or any relation outside the bond of nikah.

E. Conclusion

1. Slavery system was in full business during the pre Quranic era.
2. Slaves were bought, sold, treated badly, not considered dignified human beings. People captured in war were treated as slaves.
3. Worst situation was for women. Their masters would treat them as concubines. Their masters could have had physical relations with them.
4. Eradicating gradually this menace; Islam proceeded in steps.
5. In the first step: earlier only unmarried Muslims were allowed to have physical relations with slaves. Surah muminoon 23:5-6 and Surah Marij 70:29-30.
6. Afterwards in Almighty GOD commanded people to MARRY slaves if they wanted to have physical relationship 4:25
7. Today Quran is complete. Any practice that was prevalent earlier and when Quran puts an end to it then we have to see the final ruling from Quran. As in the case of Alcohol when 5:90 was revealed then it was made absolutely prohibited to have alcohol. Similarly in 4:25 Allah made clear that one has to MARRY a slave if he wants to have physical relationship.
8. Any physical relation relationship outside the bond of NIKAH / MARRIAGE is absolutely haraam.
9. No matter how much you try to convince a non muslim you will never be able to justify – through out your life – that Islam permits having sex with slaves without marriage. Neither can you convince yourself nor anyone.

1. If you don’t agree with the mail then instead of giving fatwa of deviation/kufr/shirk/biddat – have faith in Allah and leave it to him to judge.
2. I am very well aware that the general understanding among the muslim world is that Islam permits sex with slaves. In spite of this I have dared to go against the tide.
3. Believe me I have thought dozens of time before; whether to write on this subject or not. I tried my best to avoid it. However I realized that anti Islamic writers are attacking Islam on this issue on which Muslims are on the wrong side – unfortunately. So I have to be honest. What should I do?
4. Should I go with the majority of muslim world even though their understanding contradicts Quran and law of nature?
Or should I go by what GOD has mentioned in Quran?
I chose second option.

Author: Khurshid Imam is software engineer at Bangalore. For any criticism / feedback / suggestion feel free to mail – serviceforhumanity@gmail.com

On the day of Qiyamah Prophet will complain to Almighty God – “Oh God! My people had LEFT / ABANDONED Quran” – Quran, Surah Furqan 25:30

Does Quran prohibit befriending non muslims?

 

 

Clear your misconception: Not to take disbelievers as friends

 

by Khurshid imam

 

One of the prevalent misconceptions among our Muslim brethren is that we should not take ALL non Muslims as friend. This misconception is very harmful as it is one of the obstacles in dawah. People get excuse not to do dawah.

Quran DOES say not to take non Muslims as friends ….. But ALL non Muslims or only certain non Muslims? The beauty of Quran is that explanation of an ayah of Quran is found in another ayah of Quran. So when we conclude anything from Quran then we MUST take all ayah of Quran into consideration.

 

The Quran speaks about not to take non Muslim friends in following ayah:

a. Surah Al Imran 3-118

b. Surah Nisa 4-89, 139, 144

c. Surah Maidah 5-51

d. Surah Mujadilah 58-14, 22

e. Surah Mumtahanah 60-1, 8, 9

 

If one analyzes these ayah then it becomes clear that people who are enemies of Muslims and Islam and who all hell bend on working against the mulsims – should not be taken as friend or helper.

 

Statements of those ayah of Quran that speaks about not taking non Muslims as friends:

1. Surah Al ‘Imran 3: 118 says “don’t take non Muslims as friends as they will not fail to do their best to corrupt you, they are already full of hatred for you…”.
2. Surah Nisa 4 : 89 says not to take those people as friends who have rejected the faith.
3. Surah Mujadilah 58 : 14 refers to these people as one upon whom is the wrath of Allah.
4. Surah Mujadilah 58, Ayah 22 clearly says “You will not find any people who believe in Allah and the last day, making friendship with those who oppose Allah and his messenger, even though they were their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their kindred…”
5. Surah Mumtahanah 60 explains in details whom not to take as friends. In Ayah 1 Allah says “Take not my enemies and your enemies as friends, showing affection towards them, while they have disbelieved in what has come to you of the truth, and driven out the messenger and yourselves because you believe in Allah your Lord.”.
6. In Ayah 8 Allah says – “Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove you out of your homes…”
7. In Ayah 9 Allah says – “It is ONLY as regards those who fought against you on account of religion, and have driven you out of your homes, and helped to drive you out, that Allah forbids you to befriend them. ..”

 

So it is clear from the analysis of Quran that Allah does prohibit us to take those non Muslims as friends who:

1. Are enemies of Islam, working against Muslims and Islam

2. Oppressing Muslims on account of Islam.

3. Driven Muslims out of their home or helped to do so.

4. Rejected the truth after it was presented to them and rebelled against Allah.

i. For rest of other non Muslims we should behave well with them, deal justly with them.

 

 

ONLY Allah knows what is in mother’s womb????

Allah knows what is in mother’s womb


One of the prevelant misconceptions about Quran is that – Quran says that “no one except Allah knows what is in the mother’s womb” or “only Allah knows what is in mother’s womb”.
The Ayah quoted for reference is from Surah Luqman, Surah No 31, Ayah No 34Now, any educated person knows that with the medical technique of ultrasound it is possible to determine the sex of unborn child. So does this mean Quran is wrong?
When asked this questions- Usually a knowledgeable person will answer – “See, this ayah is not talking about sex of child, rather it is talking about qualities of child, like will this child become boon for the society or bane for the society, will this child become Doctor or engineer, will this child be among hell dwellers or paradise dwellers etc ?
But unfortunately this typical answer is just a good way to avoid the question by giving false answer. Moreover Medical science has advanced to a stage that it is possible today to impart and predetermine qualities to an unborn child. So this answer does not hold good at all.
So, what do you mean? Does it mean Quran is wrong, it is contradicting to the established science?
Of course NOT, Quran is infallible. Quran can never ever contradict a fact. Islam is Deenul fitr (Deen of nature).It can never ever contradict a FACT or nature.. Allah says in Quran, Surah Nisa, Surah No 4 ,Ayah No 82 –“Do not they ponder over Quran with care, if it would have been from anyone besides Allah then there would have been many contradictions”
So where we are going wrong as far as the subject is concerned.

Or wait…….. is it because of lack of Arabic knowledge that we have understood that Quran is going wrong. Yes, yes, this is the reason.
Also the hundred billion dollar question is – Does Allah says that ONLY Allah knows what is in the mother’s womb?

Just check up Exact Arabic to English translation of this Ayah
“Innallaha (Verily Allah) Indahu (he possess) ilm-u-ssa’ate (Knowledge of Qiyamah) way o nazzelo (And he reveals) Al ghaisa (Rain) Wa yalamu (And he knows) ma (what) fi-l-arham (inside womb) wama (and No) tadri (knows) nafsun (any nafs) ma za (What) taksebo (he will do) ghadan (tomorrow) wama tadri (and does not know) nafsun (any nafs) be aye (which) ar dhin (earth or land) tamuto (he will die) innallaha (verily Allah) aleemun (knowledgeable) khabeer (well aware)

There is no arabic word for ONLY. What Quran tells here is VERILY. And of course verily does not mean ONLY.

So the interpretation of the above Ayah will be – “Verily Allah possess the knowledge of Qiyamah and he reveals the rain and he knows what is in mother’s womb and No nafs knows what he will do tomorrow and no any nafs know which place he will die. Verily Allah is knowledgeable and well aware”.

Note: Intentionally I have not translated nafs as person or human being or man or soul because actually nafs and person or soul are two different term.


Following things can be concluded from the Ayah:
1. Allah Knows about Qiyamah
2. Allah reveals the rain
3. Allah knows what is in mother’s womb
4. No nafs knows what he/she will do tomorrow
5. No nafs knows where he/she will die
6. Allah is full of knowledge and well aware of all things.
So it is possible for entities other than Allah to know what is in the mother’s womb. So when science today tells about the qualities of embryo or the not-yet-delivered child then it is NOT contradicting Quran.
So it is misconception that Quran says that Only Allah knows what is in the mother’s womb. Actually Quran says that verily Allah knows what is in the mother’s womb.

 

Note: Author Khurshid Imam is a software engineer, bangalore. For any feedback mail to serviceforhumanity@gmail.com

If you don’t agree with the mail then instead of giving fatwa of kufr/shirk/deviation have faith in Allah and leave him to judge.