In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds; Most Gracious, Most Merciful; Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek. Show us the straight way, The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray. as-Salamu 'alykum (Peace be upon you) Since the other thread was closed, I will start the second one. Insha'Allah (God Willing) this time there is less trolling. Like the first one, this is for people who are sincerely interested in learning about Islam to ask questions and/or just read what is posted. Muslims and non-Muslims alike are free to post of course, and I am sure both can benefit a lot from a thread like this. Please try and refrain from giving the people who come here to hate the attention they seek. I know, it isn't always easy, but their only purpose is to take the thread off topic. For those who wish to read the first one: http://www.politicalforum.com/religion/223573-islam-thread.html (Yes, I know RiseAgainst started one. However I would prefer this thread not to be started by one of the more hateful anti-Islamic people on this forum. No offense.)
It was We Who created man, and We know what dark suggestions his soul makes to him: for We are nearer to him than (his) jugular vein. Behold, two (guardian angels) appointed to learn (his doings) learn (and noted them), one sitting on the right and one on the left. Not a word does he utter but there is a sentinel by him, ready (to note it).
Today is the third day of Eid al-Adha. The Hajj this year has been completed already, and above is Muslims praying at Masjid al-Haram. Subhan'Allah! I can only imagine the atmosphere there. Millions of Muslims from all over the world coming together in prayer like that. It's beautiful, really. The Masjid literally shines during the night. The Atlantic has many more pictures from the Hajj this year.
Eid Saeed! I never knew there were two Eids. I knew about the one at the end of Ramadan, but I've never heard of this one before. Are the two Eids of equal importance, or is one more important than the other? Dusty
According to the Bishop of Oxford, the Christian British public had mostly accepted that the Bible is not an accurate history book before the end of the 1800s, and therefore had no problem accepting the Theory of Evolution. [video=youtube;Hpb59q55_Bs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hpb59q55_Bs[/video] These days, it seems that most of the Christians who still take a literal view of the Bible live in the US. http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Views_on_Evolution.svg&page=1 I understand that the Quran has basically the same creation story as the Bible, where humans start with Adam and Eve, and are not descended from an earlier species of animal. Yet according to the above survey, over 25% of the population of Turkey agree with the statement: ''human beings, as we know them, developed from an earlier species of animal,'' and 97% of the population of Turkey are Muslims. So what I'm wondering is, do many Muslims not take the Quran literally, or is the Theory of Evolution somehow compatible with a literal interpretation of the Quran? Dusty
The one at the end of Ramadan is Eid ul-Fitr. The one currently on is Eid al-Adha. This one is to honour the Prophet Abraham (pbuh) and the sacrifice he was willing to make for God. We honour this by killing an animal (usually a sheep, cow, etc). Eid al-Adha involves the Hajj (Pilgrimage) which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Fasting is also one. As for which is more important, I think it depends who you ask. I'll have to get back to you on this. I would assume they are equal since both involve one of the Pillars of Islam. But I'll find out Insha'Allah.
I've read a bit about Islam and the Theory of Evolution's... compatibility, if you will. Most of the Muslims who accept the Theory of Evolution don't see it as contradictory to the Quran and that it does involves the intervention of God still. I can't explain the Turkish numbers any better than that without making assumptions. Sorry. But I am not surprised by them, as Turkey it seems has always been a mix of Islam and Western values due to geography. There are some verses and concepts in the Quran which do support the Theory of Evolution. Nothing specifically of people evolving from apes though. Interpretations of these verses vary.
King Saud was a trooper as well. Where do you think all of those princes and princesses came from? He had 45 sons and 22 wives. They didn't count the girls.
Thanks for your replies, they're much appreciated. I was just wondering if perhaps they varied in importance such as say Christmas and Easter do with Christians, but obviously that's not the case. I always thought of Eid as being like the Islamic version of Christmas, insofar as people have a few days off work and give each other gifts etc. Does this happen on both Eids? Dusty
What is the appropiate puishment for adultery of a married woman, prescribed by Islam? What is the appropiate puishment for apostasy, prescribed by Islam?
One of the nicest things in Islam, for me at least, is the way everyone is "Brother" or "Sister". It's so much more than a way to address someone, it's an attitude and an extremely nice one. Islam is often seen as a religion of evil and, sadly, for some it is. The extremists are as much enemies of Islam as they are anyone else. These people defile what is otherwise, a wonderful thing. Peace be upon everyone, Muslim, Christian, Jew or anything else.
In jasper, it is illegal for a husband to beat his wife with a stick larger in diameter than his thumb. In Pennsylvania, it is in opposition to the law to sleep in your refrigerator. In Riverside, California, Kissing on the lips, unless both parties wipe their lips with carbonized rose water, is against the local health ordinance. Illinois A state law requires that a man's female companion shall call him "master" while out on a date. The law does not apply to married couples. Iowa In Ottumwa, It is illegal for any man, within the corporate city limits, to wink at any female with whom he is "unacquainted." New York A fine of $25 can be levied for flirting. This old law specifically prohibits men from turning around on any city street and looking "at a woman in that way." A second conviction for a crime of this magnitude calls for the violating male to be forced to wear a "pair of horse-blinders" wherever and whenever he goes outside for a stroll. It is illegal for a woman to be on the street wearing "body hugging clothing." Ohio In Oxford, It is unlawful for a woman to appear in public while unshaven. This includes legs and face. Michigan - A woman is not allowed to cut her hair without her husband's consent. In Indiana, a man over the age of 18 may be arrested for statutory rape if the passenger in his car is not wearing her socks and shoes, and is under the age of 17. The only acceptable sexual position in Washington D.C. is the missionary position. Any other sexual position is considered illegal. In Iowa, a man with a mustache may never kiss a woman in public. You think there are odd laws in Islam, you Americans really treat your women badly.
In jasper, it is illegal for a husband to beat his wife with a stick larger in diameter than his thumb. In Pennsylvania, it is in opposition to the law to sleep in your refrigerator. In Riverside, California, Kissing on the lips, unless both parties wipe their lips with carbonized rose water, is against the local health ordinance. Illinois A state law requires that a man's female companion shall call him "master" while out on a date. The law does not apply to married couples. Iowa In Ottumwa, It is illegal for any man, within the corporate city limits, to wink at any female with whom he is "unacquainted." New York A fine of $25 can be levied for flirting. This old law specifically prohibits men from turning around on any city street and looking "at a woman in that way." A second conviction for a crime of this magnitude calls for the violating male to be forced to wear a "pair of horse-blinders" wherever and whenever he goes outside for a stroll. It is illegal for a woman to be on the street wearing "body hugging clothing." Ohio In Oxford, It is unlawful for a woman to appear in public while unshaven. This includes legs and face. Michigan - A woman is not allowed to cut her hair without her husband's consent. In Indiana, a man over the age of 18 may be arrested for statutory rape if the passenger in his car is not wearing her socks and shoes, and is under the age of 17. The only acceptable sexual position in Washington D.C. is the missionary position. Any other sexual position is considered illegal. In Iowa, a man with a mustache may never kiss a woman in public. You think there are odd laws in Islam, you Americans really treat your women badly.
I have a question about a particular Surah. It's the one where Mohamed's uncle is wished into fire and his wife yoked and strangled by a burden of sticks on her back. We study Hebrew Lit and Persian Lit in my World lit class, and I have a hard time explaining how if the Koran is Allah's words through Gabriel to Mohammed, what is the deal with God being like that toward Mohammed's uncle? It's the one called "Fibre" and it says, In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful May the hands of Abu-Lahab perish! May he himself perish! Nothing shall his wealth and gains avail him. He shall be burnt in a flaming fire, and his wife, laden with fa.ggots, shall have a rope of fibre round her neck! Also--if God is One according to Islam, why does the Surah "Abundance" say "We have given you abundance..." I hope I'm asking this right so you can know what portions of the Koran I'm referring to.
Really? You bring long forgotten legislation that people dont even know about, much less support or enforce, as some kind of a point? Such things are nothing more than legal curiosity, and exist around the world. When was the last time someone was punished for breaking such laws, or someone advocated that such laws should be enforced in practice?
Will you be sure to add in this thread the explanation of 'judgment day' and end of days and 'the days' and all that prophetic stuff about what is to come, within the embodiment of mankind, just like torah and bible render? Something about a 'second creation' when the reversing of nature is to occur....? What is it that the people of islam awaiting to come? show us your hope. please tell us all, that it aint for 30yr old virgins, as to why all them men walk around a stupid rock. Do you know how many lives the polio vaccine has saved and no one walks around chanting, for that gift of knowledge? observing rituals, is the saddest thing i ever witness (what a waste of life)
Hard to swallow until muslim countries join with us to stomp out radical islam. Heck, we even have muslim countries as our allies hiding radicals. Doesn't give me a warm cozy that the religion is truly peaceful.
I appreciate the questions, please keep them coming It kind of is, because the children get presents and often money (called Eidi) during both Eids. And of course we have big feasts with family and friends. They're similar in that regard. I'm not sure how it is in the other countries, but here, it seems Eid ul-Fitr has the larger celebration though. I think it had more to do with it being after Ramadan amd fasting for 30 days. I would imagine in Saudi Arabia that Eid al-Adha is the larger celebration, because of the Hajj taking place there.
This video does a good job explaining everything you asked above: [video]http://youtube.com/watch? v=hOn6r86UIyo[/video] Because the "We" in the Quran is the Royal "We".
A couple of nights ago I remember something that I ashamed to say I forgot. Years ago, going on five years now, I converted to Islam by saying, sincerely, some words. Apparently this is all that is needed to become a Muslim. I even stopped drinking alcohol to be a 'good' Muslim. I prayed once, but didn't know which direction I was praying in and if I was wrong, I hoped that Allah, if he was truly there, would forgive me for it. Two days ago I was reminded of what I did. I have long been drawn to Islam as a religion, and no matter what has happened in my life, I always felt myself pulled toward it. I guess this is true: You don't choose your religion, it chooses you'. I need to read my Quran again. I can't reveal any of this to my family as they would have a fit, so I guess I am doing this in secret. That is okay, I am now happier within myself. *sigh*
Jazak'Allah khayran I am sure Allah SWT has forgiven you. Learning to pray isn't easy. Fortunately now there is technology (Qibla compasses) for getting the direction right and video instructions if you cannot go to the Mosque. I only recently started praying again myself, had to re-memorize some Surah's again. My advice is right them on a piece of paper, and read from the paper while praying. This is allowed for beginners. It's sad to hear about your family not being supportive, but maybe in time that will change? Insha'Allah.
First you need 4 witnesses, and it is flogging. If they don't repent. Likewise, men who lie about their wives committing adultery and can't produce 4 witnesses are flogged themselves. But it does depend who you ask, some think this is only for unmarried couples (not just women get punished). In the Quran, it says nothing about an Earthly punishment. There are some Hadith, but they contradict the Quran. In Islam, there is no compulsion in religion. So how can an apostate be killed? In Quran, the only legitimate reasons for capital punishment is for murderers and people who cause problems for the community/society. So, if the adulterer or apostate falls in that category, then they could be executed. But everybody is given a chance to truly repent before receiving punishments.
