Things in Islam I am curious about...

[samah12]

A very interesting thread. I did not know musical instruments were considered harmful in Islam, or pork was forbidden.
I also did not know until doing some reading here men were forbidden to wear silk, or that the growing of a beard was commanded by the prophet(pbuh).
Praying five times a day, facing east, ceremonial washing, fasting during ramadan, pilgrimage....those that are reverts have undergone more of a transformation than I thought.
What other behavior things must be done and changes must be made.....or dare I ask?

Or perhaps to keep on topic I should say Grace Seeker, what other things have you wondered about in Islam?

Ok, just to put the cat amongst the pigeons some scholars say singing and music are forbidden some say they are not. Big 'discussions' going on about that one on other threads.

Obviously alcohol is forbidden. Men are also not allowed to wear gold, as in wedding bands are made of silver for men gold for women. Dating is not allowed, even when a woman is engaged to be married she is not allowed to be alone with her fiance. Paying zakat (money to the poor), there is a prescribed amount in percentage of personal wealth to pay each year. Obviously as a revert I have had to cover my body and head, I cannot now leave the house without my head covered and if my husband brings a friend home I must cover my hair. Foul language is not allowed.

Gosh there are so many, I could be typing all night. But please be aware that these changes to our lives are not a burden, we make them to please Allah.

 

[samah12]

A very interesting thread. I did not know musical instruments were considered harmful in Islam, or pork was forbidden.
I also did not know until doing some reading here men were forbidden to wear silk, or that the growing of a beard was commanded by the prophet(pbuh).
Praying five times a day, facing east, ceremonial washing, fasting during ramadan, pilgrimage....those that are reverts have undergone more of a transformation than I thought.
What other behavior things must be done and changes must be made.....or dare I ask?

Or perhaps to keep on topic I should say Grace Seeker, what other things have you wondered about in Islam?

Sorry I made that sound as though only women change their dress code. Men are prescribed ways to dress as well, men must also be modest. Men must cover from the navel to the knees - so speedo's are a no-no. If a woman (other than mother, sister, wife) visits our home then my husband must dress modestly too.

 

[don532]

Ok, just to put the cat amongst the pigeons some scholars say singing and music are forbidden some say they are not. Big 'discussions' going on about that one on other threads.

Obviously alcohol is forbidden. Men are also not allowed to wear gold, as in wedding bands are made of silver for men gold for women. Dating is not allowed, even when a woman is engaged to be married she is not allowed to be alone with her fiance. Paying zakat (money to the poor), there is a prescribed amount in percentage of personal wealth to pay each year. Obviously as a revert I have had to cover my body and head, I cannot now leave the house without my head covered and if my husband brings a friend home I must cover my hair. Foul language is not allowed.

Gosh there are so many, I could be typing all night. But please be aware that these changes to our lives are not a burden, we make them to please Allah.

Yes, thank you. I had assumed these changed practices were done not as a burden, but as a part of the practice of Islam.

 

[syilla]

I have already answered that above. I would remind them of the words of Jesus: "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me." (Matthew 10: 37-38)
and
"If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." (Luke 9:26)


I have a friend who grew up a Christian in Malaysia, he said that the scenario you suggest is exactly what they lived with. That on more than one occassion police came into the church to arrest Muslims who had sought to convert to Christianity.

Not all Christians are asked to suffer, but many do --sometimes in big ways, sometimes in small ways. It is part of being in the world but not of the world. And so we are reminded: "If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name." (1 Peter 4:15-16)

Good day Grace. How are you? Hope you are doing well.

May i suggest you to read a bit on the Malaysia history. It would make you understand a little bit more about Malaysia.

I suggest you to go the below link.
http://www.islamicboard.com/world-affairs/32010-natrahs-riots.html

Thank you.

 

[MustafaMc]

Gosh there are so many, I could be typing all night. But please be aware that these changes to our lives are not a burden, we make them to please Allah.

Yes, these are correct. One thing that I want to point out is that Islam is a complete way of life. So just as some things are commanded to be done, some others are forbidden. A few other forbidden things are prostitution, homosexuality, gambling, fortune telling, astrology, and relying upon good luck charms to name a few.

The Muslim intention in all of this is not to earn salvation through our works, but to do as we are instructed to. We strive to do be obedient to the best of our ability, but in the end we know that it is Allah's judgment and mercy that determine whether we will go to heaven or to hell. He alone knows our inner most intentions for each deed or word better than we know ourselves.

 

[noodles]

Ok, just to put the cat amongst the pigeons some scholars say singing and music are forbidden some say they are not. Big 'discussions' going on about that one on other threads.

Obviously alcohol is forbidden. Men are also not allowed to wear gold, as in wedding bands are made of silver for men gold for women. Dating is not allowed, even when a woman is engaged to be married she is not allowed to be alone with her fiance. Paying zakat (money to the poor), there is a prescribed amount in percentage of personal wealth to pay each year. Obviously as a revert I have had to cover my body and head, I cannot now leave the house without my head covered and if my husband brings a friend home I must cover my hair. Foul language is not allowed.

Gosh there are so many, I could be typing all night. But please be aware that these changes to our lives are not a burden, we make them to please Allah.

Just a note, after a Nikah is done(which is the signing of the contract, also referred to as engagement period) they are free to be in each other's presence.

They can date all they want and if it so happens that they find some qualities that they don't like in each other, then they are free to divorce and go about their own ways.

Just thought I'd point that out.

(Someone correct me if I'm wrong)

Salameleikum

 

[samah12]

Just a note, after a Nikah is done(which is the signing of the contract, also referred to as engagement period) they are free to be in each other's presence.

They can date all they want and if it so happens that they find some qualities that they don't like in each other, then they are free to divorce and go about their own ways.

Just thought I'd point that out.

(Someone correct me if I'm wrong)

Salameleikum

Thank you for that brother, it is a new one for me. In our area engaged couples are not allowed to be alone until the wedding day, perhaps that is tradition? Can anyone answer that am curious now.

 

[noodles]

Take a look at this thread.

http://www.islamicboard.com/marriage-islam/34160-clarification-celibate-marriage.html

It is practised in many areas of the world, I only wish it was practised more in western countries.

As for the couples not able to see each other, its cultural aspect. For instance, I heard that in india or pakistan when a couple is getting married it is not allowed for the the bride to be alone with the groom (or vice versa).

Some may call it Bid'ah and some just accept it as a cultural aspect.

In essense it is stated in the Quran too, I will look up verses for you shortly.


(As far as celibate marriage goes, in indian sub-continent and much of eastern islamic states it isn't practised much, they try to get married as soon as possible so as to leave no reason to doubt their significant other.)

 

[Muslim Woman]

Salaam/peace ,

Thank you for that brother, it is a new one for me. In our area engaged couples are not allowed to be alone until the wedding day, perhaps that is tradition? Can anyone answer that am curious now.

if engagement means just to give her a ring , then they are not married & staying alone is not permitted.

If Imam comes & asks the lady , u agree to marry the man ....son of .......ur mohar ( compulsory marriage gift from husband ) is so & so and she says yes , then the Imam asks the man .......he says yes in front of 2 men , then the couple is legally married .

They don't have to wait for a grand party or reception & can stay like wife & husband as marriage conditions were fulfilled.

 

[samah12]

Salaam/peace ,

if engagement means just to give her a ring , then they are not married & staying alone is not permitted.

If Imam comes & asks the lady , u agree to marry the man ....son of .......ur mohar ( compulsory marriage gift from husband ) is so & so and she says yes , then the Imam asks the man .......he says yes in front of 2 men , then the couple is legally married .

They don't have to wait for a grand party or reception & can stay like wife & husband as marriage conditions were fulfilled.

Thankyou sis, am still confused but only because of the cultural thing. My husbands cousin just got engaged to be married a couple of months ago, they did the two male witness thing, dowry of gold etc but at the moment her fiance (or whatever you call him) can't afford all the furnishing for the flat. So from this I would assume they have a 'celibate marriage' but 3 weeks ago she went by herself to have coffee in a cafe with her fiance. There was a huge fight between the family because her father and brothers found out and beat the poor girl from one end of the street to the other. I had to take it in turns with other women from the family to stay with her so she could not be alone with her fiance again. I understand her father and brothers still won't speak to her now.

 

[noodles]

From what I understand about marriage I'd assume that was ok and there shouldn't have been a need to beat the poor girl. After all, my family friend got engaged a year ago and the marriage was put off a little later because the female wanted to complete her education and spend more time with her family.

Its completely acceptable.

I'm quite sure its a cultural thing

People now a days take the western engagement and the Islamic engagement to be the same thing. From what I understand, in the west, when the male proposes to the female(no vows are taken) they are claimed to be engaged.

However, in Islam, you become engaged, the moment your Nikah is performed, which happens to be the act of signing the contract. It is said that once you are engaged, both parties allow the male and female to be together Islamically. As for not allowing the female to see the male, that is just a cultural practice.

 

[samah12]

From what I understand about marriage I'd assume that was ok and there shouldn't have been a need to beat the poor girl. After all, my family friend got engaged a year ago and the marriage was put off a little later because the female wanted to complete her education and spend more time with her family.

Its completely acceptable.

I'm quite sure its a cultural thing

People now a days take the western engagement and the Islamic engagement to be the same thing. From what I understand, in the west, when the male proposes to the female(no vows are taken) they are claimed to be engaged.

However, in Islam, you become engaged, the moment your Nikah is performed, which happens to be the act of signing the contract. It is said that once you are engaged, both parties allow the male and female to be together Islamically. As for not allowing the female to see the male, that is just a cultural practice.

Thank you for clearing that up for me, I shall now go back to Egypt and throw large rocks at her father.

 

[Muslim Woman]

Salaam/peace ,

Thankyou sis, am still confused but only because of the cultural thing. My husbands cousin just got engaged to be married a couple of months ago, they did the two male witness thing, dowry of gold etc but at the moment her fiance (or whatever you call him) can't afford all the furnishing for the flat. So from this I would assume they have a 'celibate marriage' but 3 weeks ago she went by herself to have coffee in a cafe with her fiance. There was a huge fight between the family because her father and brothers found out and beat the poor girl from one end of the street to the other. I had to take it in turns with other women from the family to stay with her so she could not be alone with her fiance again. I understand her father and brothers still won't speak to her now.

----the couple signed the contract in front of 2 male witnesses & the man gave her mohr ( at least a part of it ? ) If yes , then surely they are married. If they want , they can start their married life.

They don't need to take the permission from dad or bro.....though it's good if family members agree & have their blessings but they can't force the couple to stay away from each other.

Why not talk to the local Imam ? When tradition contradicts with Islamic law , surely it's the Islam who wins

spend time with husband & a married lady is beaten by dad & bro .....ask the parent to show proof from Quran or haidth that they can do it. It's their duty to prove that they are right.



[MAD]I shall now go back to Egypt and throw large rocks at her father[/MAD]


---hahaha , best of luck

oh poor dad & bro , let me know when they go to hospital....i will pray for them :statisfie

but before doing anything , pl . make sure that they are really married & not only a discussion took place & they fixed a date . Ask the cousin if they really signed on the contract.

 

[Grace Seeker]

Salaam/peace ,





so , u believe Abraham (p) should have told the whole but not the half :giggling: truth & let the king killed him & made Sarah (ra ) a widow ?

Is it a sin if out of fear for life , one hides info ?

I think that Abraham should have had as much faith with regard to God being in control of the situation involving him and Sarah has he was later with regard to himself and his son.

Then whatever would have happened we know would have been in the will of God. As it was, Abraham at this time in his life showed less than perfect faith in God. I'm just glad he didn't stumble later on with respect to God asking Abraham to be faithful with regard to his son.

Or do you think that Abraham should have showed fear that God wanted his son and and hidden his son from God?

 

[samah12]

Salaam/peace ,





----the couple signed the contract in front of 2 male witnesses & the man gave her mohr ( at least a part of it ? ) If yes , then surely they are married. If they want , they can start their married life.

They don't need to take the permission from dad or bro.....though it's good if family members agree & have their blessings but they can't force the couple to stay away from each other.

Why not talk to the local Imam ? When tradition contradicts with Islamic law , surely it's the Islam who wins

spend time with husband & a married lady is beaten by dad & bro .....ask the parent to show proof from Quran or haidth that they can do it. It's their duty to prove that they are right.



[MAD]I shall now go back to Egypt and throw large rocks at her father[/MAD]


---hahaha , best of luck

oh poor dad & bro , let me know when they go to hospital....i will pray for them :statisfie

but before doing anything , pl . make sure that they are really married & not only a discussion took place & they fixed a date . Ask the cousin if they really signed on the contract.

I am away on holiday at the moment but I will certainly call my father in law tomorrow and ask about this. I don't want to cause a problem if I have misunderstood the situation. Thankyou for your advise though, it is true we learn something new every day.

 

[YusufNoor]

I think that Abraham should have had as much faith with regard to God being in control of the situation involving him and Sarah has he was later with regard to himself and his son.

Then whatever would have happened we know would have been in the will of God. As it was, Abraham at this time in his life showed less than perfect faith in God. I'm just glad he didn't stumble later on with respect to God asking Abraham to be faithful with regard to his son.

Or do you think that Abraham should have showed fear that God wanted his son and and hidden his son from God?

A`udhu Billahi mina Shaytanir Rajeem,

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

Assalamu alaykum wa'rahma-tullahi, wa'barakatahu,

Hi Gene,

that's a good question for the Rabbi! i've seen some great exegis(sp??) on that issue! did he have faith enough to know that Allah(SWT) would stop him and/or that Allah(SWT) would bring him back to life if he actually did it. and the Jewish Rishonims get into the whole "what was Isaac thinking" issue as well.[cuz, in Judaic Literature, Isaac KNEW he was going to be the "offering"!]of course, NOT in Islamic Literature! :blind:

regarding the "wife" issue, in Islamic literature, i've heard that what he regretted was lying, but he probably HAD faith that Allah(SWT) would save her despite the prediciment that he put her in; so faith after all, in spite of an appearing lack of it...

 

[Malaikah]

I think that Abraham should have had as much faith with regard to God being in control of the situation involving him and Sarah has he was later with regard to himself and his son.

Then whatever would have happened we know would have been in the will of God. As it was, Abraham at this time in his life showed less than perfect faith in God. I'm just glad he didn't stumble later on with respect to God asking Abraham to be faithful with regard to his son.

Or do you think that Abraham should have showed fear that God wanted his son and and hidden his son from God?

I think none of us here are in the position to criticise Abraham... if he, of all people, was lacking in faith, then I hate to think what the condition of the rest of us is.

But then again... you are basing that on the bible, and I know the bible does tend to have more than a few 'problems' with regards to the lives of the prophets. :rollseyes They aren't portrayed to be as God-fearing in the bible as they are in the Quran.

 

[Muslim Woman]

Salaam/peace ,

....... do you think that Abraham should have showed fear that God wanted his son and and hidden his son from God?

--hehe, nope , no way


there is not any place that is hidden from God ; also as a believer , we have to obey God . But , the situation was different with the king . Hiding info from a human being is not like disobeying God .


Ok , let's see the matter like this. May be personally u would love to tell the whole truth without hiding info even in danger time but what if one does that ? Can it be considered as a sin or Jesus (p) will be really angry for that ?

Say , a riot is going on between Christians & Muslims .......so , if Christians want to go to a safe place & hide their identity while crossing Muslim majority areas , how it can be a sin ? Is there any verse in Bible that says that under any situation , Christians won't hide info ?

 

[Grace Seeker]

there is not any place that is hidden from God ; also as a believer , we have to obey God . But , the situation was different with the king . Hiding info from a human being is not like disobeying God .

I would agree with that assessment, thought that does keep people from acting like they can hide things from God.

Ok , let's see the matter like this. May be personally u would love to tell the whole truth without hiding info even in danger time but what if one does that ? Can it be considered as a sin or Jesus (p) will be really angry for that ?

I'm not saying it is a sin. Though I think some types of hiding are so deceptive as to be the equivalent of lying.

Is lying a sin? Use the very situation you created: Say , a riot is going on between Christians & Muslims .......so , if some group is going though the city looking for members of the other religion that they are going to take hold of, torture, perhaps even kill. And then say that the persecuted group comes to your house asking your to hide them, can a you lie to protect them?

If lying is a sin, but lying in this situation would be permissable, aren't we really saying that it is the situation not the lie which determines whether something is a sin or not?

 

[Hemoo]

when prophet abrahim (peace be upon him) said that his wife is his sister he wasn't lying

in islam we say that this is a "TA3reed" it means to say a word that have two meanings ,the near one and the far one

so when he said that Sarah is his sister it was a right statment because she is a sister to him in islam

and all muslim womens in this forum is my sisters in islam...