LI Islamic Forum - View Single Post - 10 Non-Muslim Q's

Talha777 · **Re: 10 Non-Muslim Q's - Please answer with great detail. -** 12-17-2007

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1) What is the meaning of praying 5times a day? Isnt that rather restricting?

Salaat is a form of prayer which is commanded for all Muslims and is the second most fundamental religious obligation upon man next to bearing witness to Islam itself. The obligatory salaat which Allah has enjoined is a religious requirement, and has set times throughout the day. However, prayer is not restricting for Muslims, because we are allowed to superagatory prayers (known as nawafil), and we may also offer supplications (dua) anytime we want. In fact, we Muslims are encouraged to learn many supplications and prayers for virtually every aspect of daily routine. So Islam is a religion that is defined by prayers and supplications, so Muslims should be those people who pray the most and have a close relationship with Allah that no other religious community has.

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2) Why was their so much controversy over the women who named that teddy bear in Sudan, isnt that extreme, should she have not just said "sorry"?

What happened was this unfortunate woman compared our Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa salaam) to an animal - audhubillah - and this is deeply offensive to Muslims because we love Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa salaam) more than our own children, our own parents mother and father, even more than our own life. We Muslims are outraged when our Prophet is insulted and it is a sign of our faith to feel such anger.

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3) Although he is not gay, why is homosexuality not permitted in islam, isnt that not just discrimination?

Homosex is not natural and is a perversion. Allah punished the people of Sadum (Sodom) for this transgression of theirs. It is a serious sin. Islam teaches strict chastity and having sexual relations only with your wife or what your right hand possesses:

And those who guard their chastity, except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (then) they are not to be blamed
(Al Maarig 70:29-30)

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4) How was the Quran passed down exactly if it is meant to be the words of God (He is an atheist)

The Quran is indeed the speech of Allah Himself, so it is not something that is created, it is eternal because Allah is eternal including all His attributes such as speech. The Quran was revealed by being conveyed word for word by the Angel Gabriel, who is the Holy Spirit and is the means that Allah uses to convey His revelations and inspirations to His chosen Prophets.

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5) Why does so much extremism and controversy cloud islam, and not other languages such as Christianity for example (eg, when was the last time you heard of a be-heading in the newpapers in which islam was not involved)

Western media is Christian dominated, obviously it likes to report violence around the world that involves Muslims. However, in this day and age it is the Christians who are doing most of the killing, invading and plundering and Muslims are the victims of this. We rarely hear about the atrocities of the Christians in western media.

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6) Why do Muslims fast, how does that help the poor?

It has nothing to do with helping the poor, fasting is a form of worship that helps to purify the self and bring one closer to Allah. It makes one appreciate that Allah is Ar-Razzaq, He alone is the Provider and Nourisher. Fasting during Ramadhan is a religious obligation for every Muslim, but Muslims are encouraged to keep fast throughout the year, especially on Monday and Tuesday as this is the sunnah (practice) of Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa salaam).

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7) Why cannot a muslim drink? Even it is just a little in a pub to socialise, they will not go extreme?

Because Allah has forbidden wine (khamr) so we should not ever even think of taking even a sip of it. Islam teaches absolute submission to Allah and not following you desires and living just to pleasure oneself. Wine has some benefits, but its harm outweighs the benefits so this is why Allah has forbidden it for the Believers.

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8) Why are there so many killings, attacks, difficulties... if a God exists?

The Quran says:

Or do ye think that ye shall enter the Garden (of bliss) without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? they encountered suffering and adversity, and were so shaken in spirit that even the Messenger and those of faith who were with him cried: "When (will come) the help of Allah." Ah! Verily, the help of Allah is (always) near!
(Al Baqarah 2:214)

Allah purposely makes many trials for the Believers to test their faith and patience, even those who are nearest to God, the Prophets, endure the greatest trials and hardships of the entire mankind. Righteousness and piety develop and cultivate by way of trials, how else can they be manifested if a person goes through a life of complete ease and no hardship? Allah sends trials so that our righteousness can be manifested, but we should pray fervently that Allah does not give us a trial.

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9) What evidence is their that God does actually exist?

The Rububiyah (Lordship) of Allah is manifest. Meaning any reasonable person can see and realize that we and everything in the universe is created, and this requires a Creator with special exclusive attributes, such as being All Powerful, All Knowing, Eternal, One, without any Partner, without any origin and without any end, these are the exclusive qualities which must belong to the Creator of the worlds, and that is Allah. The evidence for His existence besides His manifest Rububiyah is that He has revealed Himself and His will for mankind through the thousands of Prophets and Messengers whom He sent throughout human history.

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10) Why does not body know what the prophet Muhammed (pbuh) looks like? or cannot know?

Many Muslims know exactly how Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa salaam) looked like (physical attributes). They are described in well known ahadeeth:

Al-Bara' reported that Allaah's Messenger (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) was of medium height, having broad shoulders, with his hair hanging down on the lobes of his ears. He put on a red mantle over him, and never have I seen anyone more handsome than Allaah's Prophet (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam).
(Sahih Muslim)

From what I know Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa salaam) was a beautiful man, he was medium above average height, he had soft radiant skin and light was emitting from his attractive face, he had beautiful black hair, not to curly and not to straight, that was a little long and reaching over his earlobes. He had a beautiful black beard. He looked very young even at advanced age of sixty, he had very few grey hairs. He had a heart melting smile. He had very serene looks, he was indeed a sign from God.