Misconceptions About Islam – Page 2

How does one become a Muslim?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ

We will begin by eradicating the misconception that Islam is more inclined to the people that are born in Muslim families. This is a big issue especially in the time we live in today.

The advantage of guidance is not in favour of those born into Muslim or non-Muslim families. Allah knows His creation; the souls He put in Muslim surroundings are just as inclined to Islam as those who are not. We are all given signs throughout our lives for the existence of the creator and it is up to us to follow these signs.

Disbelief is not ‘not knowing’ about Allah – disbelief is disobedience. Therefore, someone who claims to be a Muslim can still disbelieve.

Let us take note of an important aspect when it comes to Islam: deep down every living soul yearns for the worship of Allah:

And [mention] when your Lord took from the children of Adam – from their loins – their descendants and made them testify of themselves, [saying to them], “Am I not your Lord?” They said, “Yes, we have testified.” [This] – lest you should say on the day of Resurrection, “Indeed, we were of this unaware.” 7:172

Every soul before placed in the bodily form stood upon the creator and testified of His dominion. This was then wiped as we were put in the human form in order to be tested.

This is why we reach points in 0ur lives in which we question our existence. Why are we here and what happens when we pass? Curiosities were placed upon the humans in order to find their way to Allah.

There is no limit as to who can be become a Muslim. In Islam we believe that every human is born a Muslim up until the age of puberty then one is to make their choice. It is as this age that questions arise within us – the natural urge to seek guidance in life pre-programmed by Allah. We choose whether to follow these feelings. With sincerity, an open mind and most importantly an open heart, one will undoubtedly find that Islam has the answers to everything and that Allah is the one and only creator.

The Islamic message sent with many prophets in history teaching the world about the way of Allah and showing people the truth with proof.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“He has ordained for you of religion what He enjoined upon Noah and that which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what We enjoined upon Abraham and Moses and Jesus – to establish the religion and not be divided therein. Difficult for those who associate others with Allah is that to which you invite them. Allah chooses for Himself whom He wills and guides to Himself whoever turns [to Him].” 42:13

Allah simply orders mankind to open up to Him. Put aside the bias and what we hear from the people opposing Islam without any knowledge. One must be sincere and Allah will guide one to Him.

His scripture is unparalleled with zero contradictions; scientific, mathematical and historical miracles; and guidance unlike any other. Allah challenges the world to form anything similar to the Qur’an:

“If all mankind and the jinn would come together to produce the like of this Quran, they could not produce its like even though they exerted all their strength in aiding one another.” 17:88

It is also mentioned in the Qur’an that any other scripture claiming to be the word of God will contain contradictions:

“Then do they not reflect upon the Qur’an? If it had been from [any] other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction.” 4:82

The way to Allah is made easy. Open your heart, ponder over Allah’s words and seek knowledge. He does not turn His back on His creation.

NOTE: When one is given a reference of the Qur’an or narration of the prophet (ﷺ) one must always find the source. Where was this information obtained from? If it is not from the word of Allah or from the teachings of the prophet (ﷺ) then one must know that it is not from Islam – this will ensure the teachings are correct.

Let us not allow this world to cloud our minds and our true purpose in life. Let us call on those who are lost, looking for guidance and show them the path to Allah. May Allah guide us all, Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Allah knows best.

Homosexuality in Islam

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ

From the start we must understand that it is the homosexual act that is prohibited in Islam. Many of us forget that feelings are not what is condemned in our religion but merely the actions we commit and the intentions that go with those acts.

There are many people in the world who are being tested by Allah through the feelings they may have for the same gender. These feelings do not account for the actions they proceed with as it is merely following their desires.

Just as the rest of the world is tested through their lives, these people are also tested with this burden as Islam does not allow same sex relations at all. We must see however, that there are people tested in much more severe manners in the world thus the homosexual feelings issue is not to be seen as something unfair.

Allah is just and knows his creation – He mentions in the Qur’an:

“Allah does not burden a soul except [with that within] its capacity. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned.” 2:286

Many Muslims in the world act as the judge, jury and executioner when it comes to this matter. We immediately jump into conclusions about such people when in reality we are obliged to call them to the correct path whether Muslim or not.

It is not our place to judge people, neither do we have the right to put people below us. This right belongs to Allah alone and only He has the right to see His creation as He pleases.

On the other hand Allah in the Qur’an gives us the example of the people of Lut who took these feelings and acted upon them:

Indeed, you approach men with desire, instead of women. Rather, you are a transgressing people.” 7:81

But the answer of his people was only that they said, “Evict them from your city! Indeed, they are men who keep themselves pure.” 7:82

So We saved him and his family, except for his wife; she was of those who remained [with the evildoers]. 7:83

And We rained upon them a rain [of stones]. Then see how was the end of the criminals. 7:84

They as a nation were destroyed due to their obscene behaviour and rampant homosexual acts. This puts it very clearly that these acts are a major sin in Islam. Just because one has feelings does not give one the right to act upon them.

We must understand that Islam does not condone the capital punishment for acts which an individual harms oneself i.e. done privately. These judgements will be between them and Allah. It is only condoned upon major acts done publicly; harming the people in society around them after a rigorous trial and proof with witnesses.

We see today in Muslim countries the killings of homosexual people and others carried out without trial, proof or any other means. This is not the way of Islam and the people carrying out these killings will be questioned by Allah for their actions.

Let us call these people and others to the way of the true Islam that teaches us peace and mercy. What image are we putting out there for the people looking for a way of life?

Allah knows best.

What does Islam say about Hijab?

Let us begin by clearing up the misconception that hijab is only to do with women. Although the term generally refers to the headscarf, this is merely the basic explanation. Hijab has many responsibilities for both men and women.

Women

For the believing woman she is obliged to cover her entire body from men except the mahrams as explained in the following ayah:

“And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons, their sisters’ sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed.” 24:31

We can derive from this verse that covering is not the only part of hijab but also how a woman carries herself. As explained by Ibn Kathir (a renowned mufassir of the Qur’an) the section talking about stamping of the feet relates to the women that wore anklets in ancient Arabia – they would stamp their feet for the anklets to ring as to attract attention.

From that he explains that wearing scent and perfume outside the home is prohibited lest men should smell it: “Every eye commits fornication and adultery, and when a woman puts on perfume and passes through a gathering, she is such and such” – meaning an adulteress. [Tirmidhi].

This is all part of modesty and nothing to do with oppressing women as the opposers of Islam will claim.

The covering of the head and body explained in the above ayah is accompanied the authentic narration, the prophet (ﷺ) spoke to Asma the daughter of Abu Bakr: “O Asma’! Once a girl reaches puberty, nothing of her body may be seen (by non-mahrams) except this and these, (he pointed to his face and hands while saying so).” [Abu Dawud (confirmed authentic by Albani)].

There are many other narrations and ayahs related to hijab and there is differentiation in the opinions of scholars regarding whether the niqab (veil covering the face) is compulsory. However, looking at this authentic hadith we can conclude that it is not.

The hijab is derived from the Qur’anic term ‘khimar’ which in basic terms means ‘to cover’. In the sense of hijab it is to cover the body with loose garments which hide the shape of the body.

We must understand that this is not merely for men to not feel enticed but as a symbol of Islam. When a muslim woman wears the hijab she is obeying and submitting to Allah. She is liberating herself from the vain desire to show off her beauty – it is a great test from Allah.

Allah also mentioned in Surah Nur:

“Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.” 24:30

You will notice that Allah mentioned this first before the previous Ayah above talking about the women covering. This means that men are responsible for lowering their gaze whether or not the women are covered. It also breaks any link between the two aspects.

Shaytan’s plot against humankind is to reveal our coverings – lesson derived from the story of Adam:

We must take heed of these lessons as the prophet (ﷺ) mentioned: “There will be women who will be dressed but they will be naked.” [Muslim]

The explanation of this hadith is that this group of women will be wearing tight or transparent clothing revealing the shape of their bodies. He mentioned (ﷺ) that these people will not even smell the scent of jannah. Let us not be part of this.

Men

The men’s ‘hijab’ is something many do not talk about in our time. We see many males referring to women as deviant due to their dress code yet they themselves are not complying with the laws set for men.

There are many narrations and guidelines for how a man is to dress and carry themselves. The first thing we should tackle is the issue of the beard. For those of us who are confused as to what the ruling is in Islam regarding facial hair the scholars are in agreement when it comes to shaving being prohibited.

A man is not to remove the beard as mentioned in the hadith, the prophet (ﷺ) said: “Trim (your) moustaches and lengthen/grow (your) beards.” [Muslim].

Scholars of hadith only differ as to whether the narration means leave the beard to grow continually or not as there is no hadith regarding the length of the prophet’s (ﷺ) beard.

However, the strongest opinion backed up by what the great companions of the prophet (ﷺ) used to do is to cut any hair more than a fist’s length: “Ibn Umar used to, if he performed Hajj or Umrah hold his beard in a fist and cut whatever was extra. [Bukhari]. Abu Zura’a bin Jareer said: “Abu Hurairah would take a hold of his beard, and whatever was under his fist he would cut it.”

There are specific hairstyles for men which are also prohibited in Islam – namely “al-qaza'” which is shaving part of the head and leaving other parts. In our time the hairstyle is known as the fade or mohawk. It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade al-qaza’. This should not be taken lightly.

Moving further into the man’s hijab comes what is known in islam as ‘isbal’ which is wearing trousers that go below the ankles. There are many hadiths on this matter.

The prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whatever of the izaar (lower garment) is below the ankles is in the Fire.” [Bukhari]

“There are three whom Allaah will not look at or praise on the Day of Judgement and theirs will be a painful punishment: the one who wears his garment below his ankles, the one who reminds others of his favours, and the one who sells his product by means of making false oaths” [Muslim]

“Isbal may apply to the izaar (lower garment), the shirt or the turban. Whoever allows any part of these to trail on the ground out of arrogance, Allah will not look at him on the Day of Judgement.” [Abu Dawud]

“Allaah will not look at the one who wears his lower garment below his ankles.” [Ibn Abaas]

“The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) took hold of the muscle of my calf (or his calf) and said, This is where the izaar should stop; if you insist, it may be lower, but it should not reach the ankles.” [Tirmidhi]

“Allaah will not look at the one who trails his izaar on the ground out of pride.” [Bukhari]

These narrations make the matter of isbal very clear and the exact worldly reason is not spoken of but we must realise that Allah is all-knowing and all-wise.

Men must also follow the rules regarding the ‘awrah’ which refers to the private areas which must be covered. These are explained by the prophet (ﷺ) who mentioned:

“The ‘awrah of the believing man is what is between his navel and his knees.” [Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri]

This is something many of the Muslim men forget especially when going to the beach or swimming pool. The navel must be covered along with the thighs and knees.

Conclusion

We must understand as Muslims that hijab is more than just the way we dress – it is how we carry ourselves and our conduct. It is a day to day responsibility for us all. The only way we can ensure that we are following the correct path is to follow Allah’s perfect example – His messenger Muhammad (ﷺ).

Allah knows best.

Islam is an inherently violent religion

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ

Extremists and militant groups have given Islam a bad name and people that have no knowledge of the religion believe that it is inherently violent – “spread by the sword” as many have have quoted from their own beliefs.

If we look at the history of the true Islam at the time of our prophet (ﷺ) we see many examples of how Islam was spread. Compulsion in religion itself is prohibited looking at what Allah mentioned in the Qur’an:

“There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.” 2:256

This ayah is very clear. Nobody can be forced to believe or forced to follow the way of Islam – it will always be a choice. There is no authentic narration in the history of the prophet’s (ﷺ) life that mentions anyone being forced to believe.

A further example of Islamic peace is the day the prophet (ﷺ) returned triumphant to Makkah after being cruelly driven out years earlier. The people were forgiven for their prosecution of the Muslims and set free. Yet we see militant groups in our time murdering innocent people labelling it Islam. Those people have nothing to do with our religion and shall be punished accordingly in the hereafter as Allah mentioned in His book:

“Whoever kills an innocent soul it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved all mankind. And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely. And our messengers had certainly come to them with clear proofs. Then indeed many of them, [even] after that, throughout the land, were transgressors.” 5:32

Branching from this Qur’anic quote is another misconception some non-Muslims like to use against Islam claiming that “innocent” here applies to only to believers of the religion. We must understand that the Qur’an is very specific in its wording. Allah here mentions “nafs” meaning “soul” which refers to all souls not merely a Muslim. He could have easily replaced the word with “mu’min” referring only to the believers but He specifically mentioned soul.

For those non-Muslims labelling Muslims as violent, here is an interesting clip to watch:

The facts speak for themselves.

Allah knows best.

Islam started 1400 years ago

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ

One big misconception about Islam is that it started with the prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). This mistake is usually made by the non-Muslim community but even quite a lot of people from this Ummah also believe in this notion. If one was to do a quick search on the origin of Islam, almost all the results mention that it was with the prophet (ﷺ) many years after the introduction of Christianity (approximately 600 years) making Islam “one of the youngest religions”.

We must first understand what Islam means by definition. A simple way to put it is submission to Allah. When Adam (the first human created) was first sent down to earth he was sent with guidance. Allah mentions in the Qur’an:

“We said, “Go down from it, all of you. And when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance – there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.” 2:38

This proves that Islam was not originated with the prophet (ﷺ) and the Qur’an was not the first scripture sent as guidance. We as Muslims understand that there were prophets and messengers sent long before the birth of Muhammad (ﷺ) thus making Islam the original way of life.

Allah knows best.