Q: Which Hadith should we follow? Does Quran say anything about this? Does it say we have to follow Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidi etc? If not then why are we following these books?
A: In the Quran, our dear Prophet Muhammad is ordered to follow the hadith of Hazrat Ibrahim. There neither was nor is any written hadith of Hazrat Ibrahim. As mentioned in the Quran, Hazrat Ibrahim was a 'hanif' and submitted totally to Allah's commands, so did Hazrat Muhammad. And as Hazrat Muhammad's life was complete obedience of the Quran, so his hadith for us to follow is complete obedience of the Quran. Quran itself begins with Alif Lam Meem The book in which there is no doubt. It is a guidance for Muttaqieen. Those who….
Then how can we take a doubtful book(s) [ ie the hadith books] for guidance?
Oh Allah,ehdinas sirat al mustaqeem. Amen.
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query hadith. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query hadith. Sort by date Show all posts
Friday, November 14, 2008
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Are Ahadith also Divine Revelation (Wahi)?
In an ongoing email debate, on which I was copied, on the validity of Hadith collection, I asked:
The Quran confirms that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah and indeed in him is a beautiful pattern of conduct for us. Allah sent human Prophets and Messengers to us so that we know that it is humanly possible to reach a high level of piety.
If you take 53:3,4 to mean that everything that the Prophet ever said was divine revelation, then why does 33:1,2 instruct the Prophet to not to hearken to the unbelievers (kafireen and munafiqeen), and advises to follow that which comes to him by revelation, and then in 33:37 specifically quotes his advice and narrates his hesitance regarding a command of Allah, out of fear of what the people might say?
The pro-hadith debater responded:
33:1,2 and 33:37 were for the education of the ummah and these aayaat do not mean he was'nt doing under the wahi. All verbal instructions, teachings of halal and haram, methods of conducting prayers etc that Rasoolullah Sallallahu A'laihi wa Sallam gave are all all Hadees and what he practically did are sunnah and both were under wahi and hence revelations. You can't deny whatever is recorded in Hadees books isn't revelation and hence to find an excuse to deny them totally. If you deny, then it is most likely that you deny everything even Quran, then what deen is left with the hadees deniers, like that of ... ??
I know that some of the hadees were invented, that doesn't mean you deny every hadees. The hadees you doubt to be fake, present it to Quran, if it goes against it, it is false otherwise not. TOTAL REJECTORS OF HADEES LOSE THEIR DEEN TOTALLY.
My Response: I am not denying all the Hadith collection. Prophets and Messengers were our greatest teachers. The scholars who compiled the Hadith and those who tried to explain the Quran put in a lot of effort. They have left us a rich legacy. May Allah accept and reward their efforts.
However, we cannot shun our responsibility to study and understand the Quran according to the best of our abilities. We can study the works of past scholars, but we cannot let our beliefs tell us what to read in the Quran. Rather, we have to allow the Quran to guide us and shape our faith and beliefs!
You state that 33:1,2 and 33:37 are for the education of the Ummah. Do you mean to state that Allah is informing us about what the Prophet feared and stated, or do you mean that the Prophet never feared the people and/or never advised as quoted?
The pro-hadith debater quotes and questions:
QUOTE:we have to allow the Quran to guide us and shape our faith and beliefs!
UNQUOTE:Provided you research under proper scholars, and the scholar you are associated with, we readers found many defects in his understanding of Quran.So how do you think Quran would guide you and shape your faith and beliefs??
My Response: You assume that since I shared an article of a religious scholar, a few weeks after I started being copied in this email list and was horrified to find Muslims fighting each other, to dissuade you all from declaring each other kafirs.
I'm not studying under any scholar. I listen to and have taken short courses in Arabic grammar with various scholars, but I'm not studying religion with them. However, I do respect and esteem all those who have helped me come closer to the Quran.
What you refer to as defects are differences in understanding and levels of comprehension. As Muslims, we are ordered to cooperate and be united. Differences in comprehension are to be discussed with an aim to understand better, and help each other along the path. We can learn from all while exercising our own minds as to what we find convincing and what does not or no longer persuades us.
If you are referring to my emails and blogs as defective, please note that the responsibility is solely mine. No religious scholar or scientist is assisting me or endorsing my writings. I simply share my understanding and findings. If you do not find them useful, that's okay.
Just for the record, my study is focused on the Quran. I try to understand the verses of the Quran by comparing related verses across the text, and look up scientific findings relevant to the claims in the Quran. The more I search, the more amazing it gets!
I focus on the Quran because I'm convinced that the Arabic text is original and complete. I do not study the Hadith as such. However, while trying to understand right and left orientation mentioned in the Quran (signsandscience.blogspot.com/2015/03/orientation-right-or-left.html), I came to the humble realisation that just because I do not understand the rationale of some ahadith does not mean that it's wrong, I still have much to learn.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Stoning to death
Question: Samiya, I beg to differ. The Quran (as well as the Bible) both prescribe STONING TO DEATH as a solution to certain undesirable behaviors. Just follow the links in that article that SHOW you the places in the Quran that prescribe this.
The question is not that scriptures prescribe barbaric behavior, but why do some cultures FOLLOW these barbaric behaviors and others don't. Jews and Christians have scripture support for stoning people to death but we don't hear of them do that any more. Why then do the Muslims still embrace this. And I will add that as this article pointed out we don't hear much or any from Muslims AGAINST this behavior. If there was a public uproar against this type of behavior in the MUSLIM community then I would see a movement toward change, but there is none that I have ever heard of.
My question is WHY? And why, Samiya, do you stick your head in the sand and ignore the fact that the Quran supports this behavior?
Answer: Quran DOES NOT prescribe stoning to death. All the sources quoted are from hadith compilation according to Bukhari. Hadith are historical compilation of oral traditions and stories and are subject to many human limitations. Records in it may be wrong or may be right, each has to be evaluated and cross-checked with the Quran.
Unfortunately, some people still think it is divine law. The reasons are:
-Lack of knowledge of the Quran
-Belief in Hadith books as divine source of guidance
-Illiteracy
-Feudal mindset
There was an era when muslims were highly educated and progressive and Islamic countries were the centre of learning. During those times, much of Europe was in its infamous Dark Ages and many terrible things were done in the name of religion. For various reasons, free thinking and enquiry came to a halt in Muslim countries, and along with sciences and other disciplines, religion also suffered and the door to development of fiqh and sharia work (interpretation of religious edicts to formulate laws consistent with divine guidance and the needs of the time) was also closed.
You, on the outside, find such things reprehensive. Imagine how difficult it is for a muslim to believe in such things and maintain faith. The religion of Islam has suffered much at the hands of those who have misrepresented religion and prevented people from studying and understanding the original texts and taking guidance from it.
As we muslim nations progress and develop our people, it is hoped that more open thought and objectivity will replace the old mindset and thus such practices will be eradited.
What is perhaps central to interfaith discussion is that we evaluate each religion for its merit/demerit based upon its core beliefs and book, rather than take the practices of certain groups and label that as the real religion.
My earlier response to a video posted:
Quran does not prescribe STONING TO DEATH though certain groups do think its a divine law, based upon other books.
I do not believe in those books, and the scholars I know also DO NOT BELIEVE it to be a divine law nor do they think that the Prophet would have ordered it.
The reason I do not believe it: http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2008/11/which-hadith-should-we-follow.html
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2008/11/sects-in-islam.html
I had answered the issue of punishment for adultery earlier. The following are the links
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2009/06/shariah-law-and-flogging-as-form-of.html
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2010/09/punishment-for-adultery-according-to.html
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2008/11/theft-and-adultery.html
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2008/11/to-be-or-not-to-be-equal-comments-on.html
You may also find this of some interest: http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2010/05/status-of-women-in-islam.html
The question is not that scriptures prescribe barbaric behavior, but why do some cultures FOLLOW these barbaric behaviors and others don't. Jews and Christians have scripture support for stoning people to death but we don't hear of them do that any more. Why then do the Muslims still embrace this. And I will add that as this article pointed out we don't hear much or any from Muslims AGAINST this behavior. If there was a public uproar against this type of behavior in the MUSLIM community then I would see a movement toward change, but there is none that I have ever heard of.
My question is WHY? And why, Samiya, do you stick your head in the sand and ignore the fact that the Quran supports this behavior?
Answer: Quran DOES NOT prescribe stoning to death. All the sources quoted are from hadith compilation according to Bukhari. Hadith are historical compilation of oral traditions and stories and are subject to many human limitations. Records in it may be wrong or may be right, each has to be evaluated and cross-checked with the Quran.
Unfortunately, some people still think it is divine law. The reasons are:
-Lack of knowledge of the Quran
-Belief in Hadith books as divine source of guidance
-Illiteracy
-Feudal mindset
There was an era when muslims were highly educated and progressive and Islamic countries were the centre of learning. During those times, much of Europe was in its infamous Dark Ages and many terrible things were done in the name of religion. For various reasons, free thinking and enquiry came to a halt in Muslim countries, and along with sciences and other disciplines, religion also suffered and the door to development of fiqh and sharia work (interpretation of religious edicts to formulate laws consistent with divine guidance and the needs of the time) was also closed.
You, on the outside, find such things reprehensive. Imagine how difficult it is for a muslim to believe in such things and maintain faith. The religion of Islam has suffered much at the hands of those who have misrepresented religion and prevented people from studying and understanding the original texts and taking guidance from it.
As we muslim nations progress and develop our people, it is hoped that more open thought and objectivity will replace the old mindset and thus such practices will be eradited.
What is perhaps central to interfaith discussion is that we evaluate each religion for its merit/demerit based upon its core beliefs and book, rather than take the practices of certain groups and label that as the real religion.
My earlier response to a video posted:
Quran does not prescribe STONING TO DEATH though certain groups do think its a divine law, based upon other books.
I do not believe in those books, and the scholars I know also DO NOT BELIEVE it to be a divine law nor do they think that the Prophet would have ordered it.
The reason I do not believe it: http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2008/11/which-hadith-should-we-follow.html
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2008/11/sects-in-islam.html
I had answered the issue of punishment for adultery earlier. The following are the links
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2009/06/shariah-law-and-flogging-as-form-of.html
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2010/09/punishment-for-adultery-according-to.html
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2008/11/theft-and-adultery.html
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2008/11/to-be-or-not-to-be-equal-comments-on.html
You may also find this of some interest: http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2010/05/status-of-women-in-islam.html
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Principles of Quranic Study
Some people think that Quran is for the aalim (religious scholar) only, and ordinary humans cannot take guidance from it. Nothing can be farther from the truth. The Quran is a guidance for all humans (2:2, 2:185, 10:57, 39:41)
Sometimes we find verses which appear to be contradicting each other, and it does get confusing, but there are certain principles that I've learned from some very learned scholars which all of us can apply to our studies.
1. Allah is arRehman and RabulAalameen
2. There is no contradiction in Allah's message. If things appear contradictory, delve deeper to try and understand
3. Since Allah exhorts us to use our intelligence (aql), it is a religious obligation to use this precious gift
4. Collect all verses related to a particular issue and then try to understand it in the light of them
5. The Quran is a message and a guidance for all humans till the end of our world. It is simple, general and applicable to all situations, as well as easily adoptable, and highly compatible with conscience
6. The direct addressee of the Quran were the people of Arabia at the time of Prophet Muhammad
7.The Quran is replete with warnings that those who deny the message are destroyed in the lifetime of the prophet. The Arabs, specifically the Meccans who denied and opposed Prophet Muhammad were wiped out in the wars, starting with Ghazwa-e-Badar where a substantial number of Quraish leadership was wiped out. Hence, we cannot generalize verses given in specific situations such as call of war and apply them out of context in our human conflicts
8. Hadith is a great historical resource, we highly appreciate the efforts of those who compiled it, but its a human compilation based upon human memory
9. Hadith which appear to contradict the Quranic verses cannot be authentic, no matter which book they are from
10. Till about 200 years after Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.), the hadith was scattered and with very few people. The masses were still practicing Islam then. How were they if Hadith is an intrinsic part of guidance?
11. Where people could not make any changes in the Quran, they found other means, such that we find certain tafsirs and hadiths quoting and attributing immoral conduct to the prophets and other holy personages... things we cannot imagine or dare to attribute to our fathers, how can we tolerate when such nonsense is spoken of about those highly revered pious people and/or accept it as part of our deen? Can we begin to imagine that they could have indulged in anything prohibited? Most of such stories and licences originate from other sources, and we need to guard our beliefs against such corruption
Sometimes we find verses which appear to be contradicting each other, and it does get confusing, but there are certain principles that I've learned from some very learned scholars which all of us can apply to our studies.
1. Allah is arRehman and RabulAalameen
2. There is no contradiction in Allah's message. If things appear contradictory, delve deeper to try and understand
3. Since Allah exhorts us to use our intelligence (aql), it is a religious obligation to use this precious gift
4. Collect all verses related to a particular issue and then try to understand it in the light of them
5. The Quran is a message and a guidance for all humans till the end of our world. It is simple, general and applicable to all situations, as well as easily adoptable, and highly compatible with conscience
6. The direct addressee of the Quran were the people of Arabia at the time of Prophet Muhammad
7.The Quran is replete with warnings that those who deny the message are destroyed in the lifetime of the prophet. The Arabs, specifically the Meccans who denied and opposed Prophet Muhammad were wiped out in the wars, starting with Ghazwa-e-Badar where a substantial number of Quraish leadership was wiped out. Hence, we cannot generalize verses given in specific situations such as call of war and apply them out of context in our human conflicts
8. Hadith is a great historical resource, we highly appreciate the efforts of those who compiled it, but its a human compilation based upon human memory
9. Hadith which appear to contradict the Quranic verses cannot be authentic, no matter which book they are from
10. Till about 200 years after Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.), the hadith was scattered and with very few people. The masses were still practicing Islam then. How were they if Hadith is an intrinsic part of guidance?
11. Where people could not make any changes in the Quran, they found other means, such that we find certain tafsirs and hadiths quoting and attributing immoral conduct to the prophets and other holy personages... things we cannot imagine or dare to attribute to our fathers, how can we tolerate when such nonsense is spoken of about those highly revered pious people and/or accept it as part of our deen? Can we begin to imagine that they could have indulged in anything prohibited? Most of such stories and licences originate from other sources, and we need to guard our beliefs against such corruption
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Study from original sources
Q: A few years ago, I mentioned to my wife that all news about Islam was so negative that I wondered what Islam really teaches. She told me there were no secrets and that everything was written in the books. Of course, I had Muslims confirm that these were the best sources and I could buy them from online Islamic bookstores. I searched the Internet to make a list of original source-books on Islam and I purchased these books. I have read the following 20 books:
1. The Quran
2. The authentic traditions of Muhammad (Sahih Hadith) by Bukhari: 9 books
3. A summary of the authentic traditions of Muhammad by (Sahih) Muslim: 2 books
4. Life of the Prophet: oldest biography by Ibn Ishaq
5. Life of the Prophet: Tabari: 4 books
6. Life of the Prophet: Ibn Sa'd: 2 books
7. Shariah book called Umdat as-salik / Reliance of the Traveller of the Shafi'i school (1 of the 4 large schools of Islam recognized by the Al-Azhar university in Egypt). This is not an original source but it is how the Quran, the hadith and the biographies of the Muhammad are interpreted by Muslim scholars and are being turned into laws. This book is incredibly user-friendly and I use it to check my interpretation of the Quran and the Hadith.This Shariah book does not contain any surprises because it is consistent with the Quran and the Sahih Hadith.
After reading these books, I could no longer remain a Muslim. There is no greater insult to Muhammad as a prophet and for Islam as an ideology, than the Quran and the original sources of Islam: books written by Allah and Muslims for Muslims. That is why websites that criticise Islam advise everyone to study Islam from these original sources.What is written in these books is too crazy for words. Many practices that we consider as immoral in the 21st century have been permitted by Muhammad.
A: Only the Quran is Allah’s words and a guidance for mankind. The rest are works of humans……….. whether they were honest mistakes, or deliberate attempts to taint Islam, I do not know, and I shall not judge. But, personally, I can only accept the Quran as the final true revelation of Allah Almighty for my guidance and I find it sufficient enough.
1. The Quran
2. The authentic traditions of Muhammad (Sahih Hadith) by Bukhari: 9 books
3. A summary of the authentic traditions of Muhammad by (Sahih) Muslim: 2 books
4. Life of the Prophet: oldest biography by Ibn Ishaq
5. Life of the Prophet: Tabari: 4 books
6. Life of the Prophet: Ibn Sa'd: 2 books
7. Shariah book called Umdat as-salik / Reliance of the Traveller of the Shafi'i school (1 of the 4 large schools of Islam recognized by the Al-Azhar university in Egypt). This is not an original source but it is how the Quran, the hadith and the biographies of the Muhammad are interpreted by Muslim scholars and are being turned into laws. This book is incredibly user-friendly and I use it to check my interpretation of the Quran and the Hadith.This Shariah book does not contain any surprises because it is consistent with the Quran and the Sahih Hadith.
After reading these books, I could no longer remain a Muslim. There is no greater insult to Muhammad as a prophet and for Islam as an ideology, than the Quran and the original sources of Islam: books written by Allah and Muslims for Muslims. That is why websites that criticise Islam advise everyone to study Islam from these original sources.What is written in these books is too crazy for words. Many practices that we consider as immoral in the 21st century have been permitted by Muhammad.
A: Only the Quran is Allah’s words and a guidance for mankind. The rest are works of humans……….. whether they were honest mistakes, or deliberate attempts to taint Islam, I do not know, and I shall not judge. But, personally, I can only accept the Quran as the final true revelation of Allah Almighty for my guidance and I find it sufficient enough.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
The original injeel
Q: When the word "Injeel (Gospel)" was used in the Quran, is it referring to the four gospels of the Christians? If yes, why is it stated in the 3rd Sunnah: "48. And He (Allâh) will teach him ['Iesa (Jesus)]the Book and Al-Hikmah (i.e. the Sunnah, the faultless speech of the Prophets, wisdom, etc.), (and) the Taurât(Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)." when the gospels came to be written after the lifetime of Jesus? If no. Do have a copy of that Injeel?
A: First of all, it is not the 3rd Sunnah. You are referring to Chapter 3 Verse 48 of the Holy Quran.What Allah is saying here is that He will teach Jesus the message of theTaurat (the Book that was revealed to Prophet Moses), and reveal the Injeel to Prophet Jesus. That what we have today as the New Testament is a collection of the Gospels written by people based on their memory of the teachings of Prophet Jesus. The teachings of Prophet Jesus are what we understand to be the "injeel".
Injeel refers to the revelations made to Prophet Jesus (Isa) by Allah. The New Testament that we have today is not the original, exact and complete Injeel, but rather contains portions of it as it 'according to' the memory of Mark, Mathew, Luke, John, Barnabas, and so on. They do contain the teachings of Jesus, but as it is based on the memory of the scribes who compiled it, it obviously contains may errors, omissions, lapses, contradictions, etc which are but human errors. Same is with the Torah, and other sacred texts. The reason why The Holy Quran did not suffer such a fate is because it was memorized by multiple people, word by word, right from the days of Prophet Muhammad upto this day. That is why the message has stayed intact. I do not know if any copy of the original injeel, torah, or any other book has survived to this day.
Hadith is a different story. Hadith books were compiled approximately 300 years after the death of Prophet Muhammad. They are based on the memory of the people that these scribes went to in search of the sayings of the Prophet, which in turn, is based on the memory of those from whom they heard it, and so on. Hence, there are many mistakes and contradictions in this body of work, and as such, this 'writing of men' cannot be taken as anyauthority. We can study it as historical documents, but we need to be careful to always check if a hadith is compatible with what Allah says in the Quran, otherwise it is not acceptable, as Prophet Muhammad lived his life totally in accordance with the injunctions of the Holy Quran, and we cannot imagine him doing or saying anything contradictory to the Quran. I would sincerely advice you to first study the Quran on its own, and then, after you've completed reading it, to branch out into studying the Hadith, Sunnah, historical books, and other sources. The Holy Quran(in Arabic) is the only document that we can vouch for as being authentically from Allah Almighty himself. Best is to study it in Arabic so as to be able to grasp the depth of meaning of each word, but if that is not possible, the next best thing is to comparatively study translations by different people to understand the closest meanings to the original message.
May Allah bless you and guide you, and may you find the true path. Amen.
A: First of all, it is not the 3rd Sunnah. You are referring to Chapter 3 Verse 48 of the Holy Quran.What Allah is saying here is that He will teach Jesus the message of theTaurat (the Book that was revealed to Prophet Moses), and reveal the Injeel to Prophet Jesus. That what we have today as the New Testament is a collection of the Gospels written by people based on their memory of the teachings of Prophet Jesus. The teachings of Prophet Jesus are what we understand to be the "injeel".
Injeel refers to the revelations made to Prophet Jesus (Isa) by Allah. The New Testament that we have today is not the original, exact and complete Injeel, but rather contains portions of it as it 'according to' the memory of Mark, Mathew, Luke, John, Barnabas, and so on. They do contain the teachings of Jesus, but as it is based on the memory of the scribes who compiled it, it obviously contains may errors, omissions, lapses, contradictions, etc which are but human errors. Same is with the Torah, and other sacred texts. The reason why The Holy Quran did not suffer such a fate is because it was memorized by multiple people, word by word, right from the days of Prophet Muhammad upto this day. That is why the message has stayed intact. I do not know if any copy of the original injeel, torah, or any other book has survived to this day.
Hadith is a different story. Hadith books were compiled approximately 300 years after the death of Prophet Muhammad. They are based on the memory of the people that these scribes went to in search of the sayings of the Prophet, which in turn, is based on the memory of those from whom they heard it, and so on. Hence, there are many mistakes and contradictions in this body of work, and as such, this 'writing of men' cannot be taken as anyauthority. We can study it as historical documents, but we need to be careful to always check if a hadith is compatible with what Allah says in the Quran, otherwise it is not acceptable, as Prophet Muhammad lived his life totally in accordance with the injunctions of the Holy Quran, and we cannot imagine him doing or saying anything contradictory to the Quran. I would sincerely advice you to first study the Quran on its own, and then, after you've completed reading it, to branch out into studying the Hadith, Sunnah, historical books, and other sources. The Holy Quran(in Arabic) is the only document that we can vouch for as being authentically from Allah Almighty himself. Best is to study it in Arabic so as to be able to grasp the depth of meaning of each word, but if that is not possible, the next best thing is to comparatively study translations by different people to understand the closest meanings to the original message.
May Allah bless you and guide you, and may you find the true path. Amen.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Hadith
Question:If my recall is correct, there are over 40 volumes of hadith. how does one know which are inspired and which are not?
Answer: Difficult, if not impossible, indeed. Even the Sahih Hadith collection (that which scholars narrow down as the only reliable ones) contain contradictions.
The best thing to do is perhaps check it with the Quran, if it is consistent with the message, then its probably reliable.
I don't know... scholars do attach a lot of importance to it, as they say that it is compulsory to obey the Prophet. My position is that the Prophet brought the Quran and asked us to follow it. Why not concentrate on that? The breadth and scope of the Quran is quite extensive, and every re-read adds to understanding. Besides, if we can just folllow the edicts in it, won't we be following the Prophet as he was the ideal and exemplary follower of the Quran?
The Prophet Muhammad has been directed in the Quran to follow the 'hadith' of Prophet Abraham. There was no written record of that. I understand that the concept is to follow the essence of their purity of faith, worshipping solely the only God, and submitting willingly and completely. The Quran contains many broad guidelines and just following them would make anyone an ideal human being.
Moreover, we have been directed to not to try and make religion difficult. There are examples of the Bani Israel (Jews) in the Quran where they asked so many unneccessary questions that they made practice of their religion more and more difficult for themselves. If my religion is good and easy and based upon common sense and a healthy conscience, why complicate it? After all, religion is for all human beings in all sorts of situations all over the globe, not just for a privileged few.
May Allah guide me and correct me where I may be wrong,
Answer: Difficult, if not impossible, indeed. Even the Sahih Hadith collection (that which scholars narrow down as the only reliable ones) contain contradictions.
The best thing to do is perhaps check it with the Quran, if it is consistent with the message, then its probably reliable.
I don't know... scholars do attach a lot of importance to it, as they say that it is compulsory to obey the Prophet. My position is that the Prophet brought the Quran and asked us to follow it. Why not concentrate on that? The breadth and scope of the Quran is quite extensive, and every re-read adds to understanding. Besides, if we can just folllow the edicts in it, won't we be following the Prophet as he was the ideal and exemplary follower of the Quran?
The Prophet Muhammad has been directed in the Quran to follow the 'hadith' of Prophet Abraham. There was no written record of that. I understand that the concept is to follow the essence of their purity of faith, worshipping solely the only God, and submitting willingly and completely. The Quran contains many broad guidelines and just following them would make anyone an ideal human being.
Moreover, we have been directed to not to try and make religion difficult. There are examples of the Bani Israel (Jews) in the Quran where they asked so many unneccessary questions that they made practice of their religion more and more difficult for themselves. If my religion is good and easy and based upon common sense and a healthy conscience, why complicate it? After all, religion is for all human beings in all sorts of situations all over the globe, not just for a privileged few.
May Allah guide me and correct me where I may be wrong,
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Authentic Source of Islam
S. A. wrote and asked:
Dear Sister,
There is only one authentic source of Islam and that is alQuraan. The very belief in the second source is the rejection of the first one and that is a serious crime leading straight out of the heavens of ALLAH taala.
Please confirm if that is your chosen path.
وَهَـذَا كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ مُبَارَكٌ فَاتَّبِعُوهُ وَاتَّقُواْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ 6:155
6:155 And this is a Book which We have revealed as a blessing: so follow it and be righteous, that ye may receive mercy.
S.A. ,
Muslim.
My Reply:
Brother S. A.,
Salam.
Yes, of course, the arabic Quran is the authentic and primary source of guidance for Muslims.
As it states in the Quran that all things have been explained in detail in the Quran[1], it is an article of faith for me to believe that it contains guidance in all matters.
As it states in the Quran that we have been given but little knowledge [3], I humbly believe that there is much left to know and learn.
As the Quran directs us to ask those who 'follow the reminder' [4], I do refer to the interpretations of various scholars to help broaden my perspective and understanding.
As it states in the Quran itself that belief in the revelation of the prior scriptures (reminders) is a pre-requisite for the God-conscious (muttaqin) [5], hence I also believe that the prior scriptures have been sent by Allah, the Ar-Rehman, who has been guiding humanity, as promised, since our exile here on Earth [2].
However, as the Quran also informs us that those to whom the prior scriptures were entrusted have corrupted their scriptures, as well as hidden portions of it, thus I only refer to or abstain from consulting the prior scriptures, as guided in the Quran [6]. Hence, I have kept this in consideration when researching, as mentioned in my blogposts [7].
As regards the hadith attributed to our dear Prophet (may peace be upon him), I think it is a monumental human effort to try to document and preserve the sayings of our dear Prophet. However, as all human efforts are riddled with errors and mistakes, I do not take hadith works as an article of faith. However, I do try to follow the example and some of the teachings. For more on my position on hadith, please see: [8].
Please find listed below the verses and links to my blogposts, as referenced above.
[1] All Kinds of Similitudes:
Quran 17:89 And verily We have displayed for mankind in this Qur'an all kind of similitudes, but most of mankind refuse aught save disbelief.
Explained in Detail [http://signsandscience.blogspot.com/2015/03/explained-in-detail.html]
Abstract
Starting with verses 7:52 and 7:58, the relevant verses of the Quran have been collected in this post to help realise the significance of the Quran’s insistence upon itself being well-explained. Life is an open-book exam, and we cannot afford to put off taking guidance from the Quran. As verse 7:53 begins with the question: ‘Do they await except its result?’
[2] Guidance promised:
Quran 2:38 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.
[3] Little Knowledge
Quran 17:85 They are asking thee concerning the Spirit. Say: The Spirit is by command of my Lord, and of knowledge ye have been vouchsafed but little.
[4] Consult those who Know
Quran 16:43 And We sent not (as Our messengers) before thee other than men whom We inspired - Ask the followers of the Remembrance if ye know not! -
Quran 21:7 And We sent not (as Our messengers) before thee other than men, whom We inspired. Ask the followers of the Reminder if ye know not?
[5] Belief in prior scriptures:
Quran 2:4 And who believe in what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what was revealed before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith].
Quran 4:136 O you who have believed, believe in Allah and His Messenger and the Book that He sent down upon His Messenger and the Scripture which He sent down before. And whoever disbelieves in Allah , His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day has certainly gone far astray.
[6] Changes in Prior Scriptures, and when to or not to take guidance from People of the Book:
Quran 5:15 O People of the Scripture! Now hath Our messenger come unto you, expounding unto you much of that which ye used to hide in the Scripture, and forgiving much. now hath come unto you light from Allah and plain Scripture,
Quran 18:22 They will say there were three, the fourth of them being their dog; and they will say there were five, the sixth of them being their dog - guessing at the unseen; and they will say there were seven, and the eighth of them was their dog. Say, [O Muhammad], "My Lord is most knowing of their number. None knows them except a few. So do not argue about them except with an obvious argument and do not inquire about them among [the speculators] from anyone."
Quran 29:46 And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best, except for those who commit injustice among them, and say, "We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you. And our God and your God is one; and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him."
[7] Relevant Blogposts
People of the Cave [http://signsandscience.blogspot.com/2014/05/people-of-cave.html]:
Al-Qur’an Chapter 18 starts with the statement that Allah has sent this Book and allowed therein no crookedness. It then goes on to relate three very strange stories, the first of which is about the People who slept in a Cave, in verses 9-26. The following is an attempt to understand these verses in the light of what scientists have discovered so far. As verse 22 warns us that there are debates & guesswork regarding the number of Sleepers, and expressly forbids us from entering into controversies regarding them, comparisons with similar stories in other religions have been deliberately avoided.
Mission of the Messengers [http://signsandscience.blogspot.com/2015/06/mission-of-messengers.html]:
Biblical Predictions
Quran 29:43 asserts that though these examples are being presented, none will understand it except the learned / knowledgable. Quran 29:46 states that: And (do) not argue (with the) People of the Book except by which [it] (is) best, except those who (do) wrong among them,and say, "We believe in that (which) has been revealed to us and was revealed to you. And our God and your God (is) One, and we to Him submit.”
So, what do the books of the People of the Book say about these past civilisations? The following passages of the Bible help comprehend the meanings of the Quranic passages further:
Matthew 24:37-39 and Luke 17:26-30 both foretell that as was in the days of Noah, so shall be the coming of the Son of Man be. The Luke 17 passage compares the coming to the days of Lot as well.
What was the sin of these civilisations?...
[8] Hadith
My understanding, as explained in various posts over the years [http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/search?q=hadith]
Humble softening of my stance [http://signsandscience.blogspot.com/2015/03/orientation-right-or-left.html]
May Allah guide us to a clearer understanding and perfect our light for us.
Hope the above answers your question.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Status of Women in Islam
A's post [Joys of Muslim Women by freemenow / Nonie Darwish] about the status and condition of muslim women is a classic case of the use of media to misrepresent and place the blame on Islam for the actions of individuals. People across ages, cultures and civilizations have misused religion and laws to serve their own vested interests. Whether the story reported is or not true, the article must have raised a few questions and misgivings about Islam and its treatment of women. Before I go on to state the position of Quran on the issues, let me point out a few things which are crucial to the discussion:
The primary source of guidance in Islam is the Quran (arabic), which all muslims, no matter which sect they may or may not belong to, agree to be the very word of God. The Shariah (Laws) dictated by God, in the Quran are very few.
Shariah, as a broad term, is applied to the collection of juristic interpretations based upon historical evidences, as recorded and applied over a period of time, extending a few centuries after the Prophet's death. They are prone to human errors of judgement, transmission, recording and application without context.
There are Muslims who just take the Quran as their source of guidance, others who take it as the primary source of guidance while recognizing the hadith and shariah as secondary and tertiary sources, whereas others give more or less just an equal weightage to all three.
Those who subscribe to the ideology of certain sects, adhere to the collection of the hadith and shariah which their sect deems to be most authentic. Thus, from the wide range of works, different groups chose some overlapping and some totally different works, thus opinions, understanding and application vary.
I, for one, take the Quran to be the primary source of guidance. Though I recognize the collection of hadith and jurisprudence as a rich collection of historical data, it is just that. These are human recordings based on human understanding and memory, and as such need careful scrutiny before acceptance.
Furthermore, it would do well to remember that all religious texts have been corrupted by human interpolations over time. As God has Himself taken the responsibility of protecting the arabic Quran from changes, poeple with a different agenda have put in a lot of objectionable, questionable material in the secondary and tertiary sources. Those who are naive enough to take these sources as also authentic run the risk of being misguided, especially when they do not cross-check its consistency with the Quran.
Another important point is that religion and those who profess it are two different entities. Those who profess to follow a certain religion may or may not be good examples of the religion itself. Therefore, all religions need to be examined on their own merit instead of taking the actions of a few to be respresentative of the beliefs and teachings of the religion.
Now to briefly explain my understanding of the issues raised, as I understand and interpret the Quran.
Islam envisages women not as objects to be sought or bought, but rather as individuals who play a very valuable and fundamental role in society. Islam does not allow sex outside marriage. Marriage is a sacred institution, and is supposed to be a source of peace for the spouses. As women have been exploited over ages, across cultures and religions, Islam specifically orders muslim men to give their wife a gift money at the time of marriage as a form of security, which is her's and the muslim man cannot ask it back ever, even if he has given her a treasure, even if he's divorcing her.
The concept of paying the family is cultural, finding its origins in non-muslim traditions. That it has sadly crept in the practice of some muslim families does not make it Islamic.
The right to give divorce has been given to men, and the right to ask for a divorce has been given to women. The arabic term for this right of women is 'khula'. As men have been given a degree over women (in familial administrative matters), therefore it logically extends that he has the right to dissolve the marriage, though the Quran details conditions such as witnesses(two persons from among them, endued with justice, to establish the evidence) of both the spouses who will try to reconciliate / discuss on behalf of the individual why the marriage should or should not be dissolved. Similarly, if a woman wishes to end her marriage, she can also request it, and the same process is to be ideally followed. Islam places a great emphasis on the pivotal role a proper family unit plays in the life of individuals and seeks to minimize the number of broken homes in society. Thus, divorce/separation and reconciliation is allowed two times, but if the spouses recourse to divorce a third time, then they may no longer be united again, as marriage is not a game to be taken lightly.
The concept of child marriages finds its origins in weak traditions which purport that the Prophet married Ayesha when she was only nine years old. This is not true, and scholars have researched and established that she was around 19 or 20 years old at the time of consummation of marriage. Furthermore, the Quran exhorts muslims to obey the law of the land as well, thus since all modern nations have a minimum marriagable age, child marriages are absolutely out of the question. That its practiced by certain people does not mean its okay or islamic.
Human life is sacred. Honour killings are an evil practiced by certain groups of people in the name of the religion, though it has no basis in the religion, rather is totally reprehensible.
Islam attaches great importance to a woman's honour and good name. Thus to make it absolutely difficult, Allah has indeed made it extremely difficult for anybody to accuse anybody else for adultery. To even admit the case in court you need atleast 4 witnesses, how is it possible to get 4 witnesses for such a thing? Then again, if the accusation is found to be false, the accuser is to be flogged with eighty stripes, and never again is his testimony to be accepted throughout his life! And if a person accuses his/her spouse of adultery, he/she is required to take oath 4 times that the accusation is true, and a fifth oath that if he/she is lying, may the wrath of Allah fall upon him/her. And then they can go their separate ways in life, with the judgement left to God. Therefore, only the openly promiscuous can be found guilty and punished with a hundred lashes.
Muslim women have played an active role in society right since the Prophet's time, and upto this day. We have female muslim scientists, politicians, engineers, doctors, nurses, etc etc. The only difference is that Islam places women on a higher pedestal than men, not requiring women to earn a living and provide for the family. They can practice whatever trade and profession they wish, but they do not have to. Men are responsible for earning 'the bread', leaving women with the flexibility to be 'stay-at-home mothers' as the need may be. Sadly, very few women in the 'western nations' enjoy such a luxury.
As far as veiling and seclusion is concerned, we are only directed to dress modestly. Different cultures have developed their own concepts of modesty, but veiling or seclusion is not a requirement of Islam. In fact, in the Grand Pilgrimage that the muslims undertake, women are not allowed to cover their faces, and pray and perform all the rites side by side with the men.
Below are the links to some of the answers I've posted earlier on similar and related issues.
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2008/11/position-of-women.html
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2008/11/to-be-or-not-to-be-equal-comments-on.html
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2008/11/to-spankbeat-wives-is-not-crime.html
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2008/11/conditional-polygamy-permitted-in-islam.html
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2009/11/shariah-law.html
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2009/06/shariah-law-and-flogging-as-form-of.html
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2009/08/intolerance-and-misuse-of-religion.html
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2010/03/comments-on-islam-muslims-terrorism-and.html
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2008/12/scientific-accuracy-of-hadith.html
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2008/11/which-hadith-should-we-follow.html
The primary source of guidance in Islam is the Quran (arabic), which all muslims, no matter which sect they may or may not belong to, agree to be the very word of God. The Shariah (Laws) dictated by God, in the Quran are very few.
Shariah, as a broad term, is applied to the collection of juristic interpretations based upon historical evidences, as recorded and applied over a period of time, extending a few centuries after the Prophet's death. They are prone to human errors of judgement, transmission, recording and application without context.
There are Muslims who just take the Quran as their source of guidance, others who take it as the primary source of guidance while recognizing the hadith and shariah as secondary and tertiary sources, whereas others give more or less just an equal weightage to all three.
Those who subscribe to the ideology of certain sects, adhere to the collection of the hadith and shariah which their sect deems to be most authentic. Thus, from the wide range of works, different groups chose some overlapping and some totally different works, thus opinions, understanding and application vary.
I, for one, take the Quran to be the primary source of guidance. Though I recognize the collection of hadith and jurisprudence as a rich collection of historical data, it is just that. These are human recordings based on human understanding and memory, and as such need careful scrutiny before acceptance.
Furthermore, it would do well to remember that all religious texts have been corrupted by human interpolations over time. As God has Himself taken the responsibility of protecting the arabic Quran from changes, poeple with a different agenda have put in a lot of objectionable, questionable material in the secondary and tertiary sources. Those who are naive enough to take these sources as also authentic run the risk of being misguided, especially when they do not cross-check its consistency with the Quran.
Another important point is that religion and those who profess it are two different entities. Those who profess to follow a certain religion may or may not be good examples of the religion itself. Therefore, all religions need to be examined on their own merit instead of taking the actions of a few to be respresentative of the beliefs and teachings of the religion.
Now to briefly explain my understanding of the issues raised, as I understand and interpret the Quran.
Islam envisages women not as objects to be sought or bought, but rather as individuals who play a very valuable and fundamental role in society. Islam does not allow sex outside marriage. Marriage is a sacred institution, and is supposed to be a source of peace for the spouses. As women have been exploited over ages, across cultures and religions, Islam specifically orders muslim men to give their wife a gift money at the time of marriage as a form of security, which is her's and the muslim man cannot ask it back ever, even if he has given her a treasure, even if he's divorcing her.
The concept of paying the family is cultural, finding its origins in non-muslim traditions. That it has sadly crept in the practice of some muslim families does not make it Islamic.
The right to give divorce has been given to men, and the right to ask for a divorce has been given to women. The arabic term for this right of women is 'khula'. As men have been given a degree over women (in familial administrative matters), therefore it logically extends that he has the right to dissolve the marriage, though the Quran details conditions such as witnesses(two persons from among them, endued with justice, to establish the evidence) of both the spouses who will try to reconciliate / discuss on behalf of the individual why the marriage should or should not be dissolved. Similarly, if a woman wishes to end her marriage, she can also request it, and the same process is to be ideally followed. Islam places a great emphasis on the pivotal role a proper family unit plays in the life of individuals and seeks to minimize the number of broken homes in society. Thus, divorce/separation and reconciliation is allowed two times, but if the spouses recourse to divorce a third time, then they may no longer be united again, as marriage is not a game to be taken lightly.
The concept of child marriages finds its origins in weak traditions which purport that the Prophet married Ayesha when she was only nine years old. This is not true, and scholars have researched and established that she was around 19 or 20 years old at the time of consummation of marriage. Furthermore, the Quran exhorts muslims to obey the law of the land as well, thus since all modern nations have a minimum marriagable age, child marriages are absolutely out of the question. That its practiced by certain people does not mean its okay or islamic.
Human life is sacred. Honour killings are an evil practiced by certain groups of people in the name of the religion, though it has no basis in the religion, rather is totally reprehensible.
Islam attaches great importance to a woman's honour and good name. Thus to make it absolutely difficult, Allah has indeed made it extremely difficult for anybody to accuse anybody else for adultery. To even admit the case in court you need atleast 4 witnesses, how is it possible to get 4 witnesses for such a thing? Then again, if the accusation is found to be false, the accuser is to be flogged with eighty stripes, and never again is his testimony to be accepted throughout his life! And if a person accuses his/her spouse of adultery, he/she is required to take oath 4 times that the accusation is true, and a fifth oath that if he/she is lying, may the wrath of Allah fall upon him/her. And then they can go their separate ways in life, with the judgement left to God. Therefore, only the openly promiscuous can be found guilty and punished with a hundred lashes.
Muslim women have played an active role in society right since the Prophet's time, and upto this day. We have female muslim scientists, politicians, engineers, doctors, nurses, etc etc. The only difference is that Islam places women on a higher pedestal than men, not requiring women to earn a living and provide for the family. They can practice whatever trade and profession they wish, but they do not have to. Men are responsible for earning 'the bread', leaving women with the flexibility to be 'stay-at-home mothers' as the need may be. Sadly, very few women in the 'western nations' enjoy such a luxury.
As far as veiling and seclusion is concerned, we are only directed to dress modestly. Different cultures have developed their own concepts of modesty, but veiling or seclusion is not a requirement of Islam. In fact, in the Grand Pilgrimage that the muslims undertake, women are not allowed to cover their faces, and pray and perform all the rites side by side with the men.
Below are the links to some of the answers I've posted earlier on similar and related issues.
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2008/11/position-of-women.html
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2008/11/to-be-or-not-to-be-equal-comments-on.html
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2008/11/to-spankbeat-wives-is-not-crime.html
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2008/11/conditional-polygamy-permitted-in-islam.html
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2009/11/shariah-law.html
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2009/06/shariah-law-and-flogging-as-form-of.html
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2009/08/intolerance-and-misuse-of-religion.html
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2010/03/comments-on-islam-muslims-terrorism-and.html
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2008/12/scientific-accuracy-of-hadith.html
http://islam-qna.blogspot.com/2008/11/which-hadith-should-we-follow.html
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Scientific accuracy of the hadith
Question: http://www.quran.org/science/origin.htm Well done! A fascinating exposition. Do the Hadith also contain examples?
Answer: Hadith are books written by humans........ they are prone to a lot of errors and memory lapses; scholars try to sift out the authentic, but even then, again its human work and subject to errors. Can't take it as an article of faith. I personally feel that since we have the Quran in its original form, why not concentrate on getting all spiritual information from it first, and then diversify to other books. Having been born in a muslim family, I've been blessed to have the Quran in my life all along, and I still find it to be an inexhaustible source of knowledge; as I age, and hopefully grow 'wiser', I continue to keep learning more and more from the same verses....... its just amazing how this book addresses all mental levels, and continues to fascinate and educate. Thus, I choose not to diversify yet. I do keep hearing different hadiths, I do read up books about the Prophet and his times, but I do know that all these are works of history, and just that.
Answer: Hadith are books written by humans........ they are prone to a lot of errors and memory lapses; scholars try to sift out the authentic, but even then, again its human work and subject to errors. Can't take it as an article of faith. I personally feel that since we have the Quran in its original form, why not concentrate on getting all spiritual information from it first, and then diversify to other books. Having been born in a muslim family, I've been blessed to have the Quran in my life all along, and I still find it to be an inexhaustible source of knowledge; as I age, and hopefully grow 'wiser', I continue to keep learning more and more from the same verses....... its just amazing how this book addresses all mental levels, and continues to fascinate and educate. Thus, I choose not to diversify yet. I do keep hearing different hadiths, I do read up books about the Prophet and his times, but I do know that all these are works of history, and just that.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Study of Islam
Question: It is hard to believe that this is the work of a Supreme Being. One has to be unbelievably brainwashed to think this is sublime. In Pakistan however, you will be beheaded if you throw the Quran in a waste-bin.Many a Muslim will claim that what I have written has nothing to do with Islam and that all of it are culture-related issues. This is completely false. The situation of the Muslim has nothing to do with a so called backward culture in Islamic countries but has everything to do with true Islam itself. In my opinion Islam is in violation with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on many issues and poses a danger to society. Reformation of Islam is impossible since everything is described in detail in the Quran and the Hadith/traditions of Muhammad. The Quran and the Hadith are complementary and provide explanations for one another. The so-called reformers or moderate Muslims pretend that a large part of the Quran does not exist. Or they try to distort the truth because it so ugly.The extremists (Wahabi, Salafists, ... ) or so-called “radicalized youth” just go for the whole story. If in the West Islam is considered as an “approved” religion, one cannot blame these people that they use their right to effectively follow the Quran and the Hadith.One forgets that Islam is not only a religion but also a culture, a social system, a legislation, a political system, a military system, ....and that these cannot easily be separated. An example: one would expect that prayer belongs to the religious domain. During prayer muslims read a chapter of the Quran. When they choose chapter 9 and recite that polytheists should be killed (9:5) and that Christians and Jews have to be fought until they submit (9:29) and that you may not spend time with your ‘unbelieving’ family members (9:23), one enters in the military, social and political domain. And then muslims are surprised that they have to explain to those Polytheists, Jews, Christians or atheist relatives that these verses are no longer valid and were meant only for specific circumstances, wherease Islamic scholars claim the exact opposite. When I put everything in perspective I cannot understand how anyone who has studied Islam thoroughly on the basis of the Islamic sources, still can remain a Muslim. I am no longer a Muslim. i hope every Muslim will study Islam thoroughly and follow suit.
Answer: If any were to study Talmud and other writings along with the Torah, if one were to study all the literature ascribed to all the world religions, one would most definitely become an ‘non-believer’ in any or all of those religions simply because most of the religious literature is human work……….. full of errors, mistakes, omissions, aspirations, motives, slander, lies and the list can go on. The primary works: the books which were revealed to humans, example the Torah, the Bible, the Vedas, the Quran, etc, can only be considered as sources; the rest, if one is not careful, is all misleading!
Answer: If any were to study Talmud and other writings along with the Torah, if one were to study all the literature ascribed to all the world religions, one would most definitely become an ‘non-believer’ in any or all of those religions simply because most of the religious literature is human work……….. full of errors, mistakes, omissions, aspirations, motives, slander, lies and the list can go on. The primary works: the books which were revealed to humans, example the Torah, the Bible, the Vedas, the Quran, etc, can only be considered as sources; the rest, if one is not careful, is all misleading!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Sects in Islam
Question: Does the whole of Islam agree on the contents and meaning of the Qur'an, or are there different groups who claim that only they are true and that all others Muslims fall short of the standard set by God? Western News coverage tends to suggest that Islam is not one big happy global family, and that even in Islam, experts disagree.
Answer: Alas, no, like all followers of all other religions, Muslims too are divided into sects, each believing what they have is right. But let me explain. Firstly, you may have noticed when I quote the Quran, at times I post translations by more than one translators of the same verse. Arabic language has great depth, and the same word can have different shades of meaning. When there is a difference of opinion, I usually tend to compare what others have understood, and try to pick the meaning I feel is the most appropriate. But this happens in very few verses, and it is, I believe, a kind of test for us. The major part is very clear and easy to understand and follow. Also, no matter how many times a person has studied the Quran, each new reading takes the reader to a new depth of meaning, so it is continuously instructing and spiritually elevating the indivisual……….. it is like a course book right from the pre-school to the PhD level! And beyond!Secondly, the major source of disagreements comes from sources other than the Quran. For instance, the books of hadith, the sayings of the Prophet, based on the memory of generations, compiled a 150 to 300 years after the death of Prophet Muhammad, are the main source of confusion. As I do not have any evidence of ‘purported ill intentions’, I like to believe that these were all good people like you and me, who tried to find and preserve whatever they could find attributed to the Prophet. But, as this was a human effort, based on memory of people who had heard from other people, this body of work definitely contains many many contradictions, with the Quran as well as within itself, and there are many sayings which the scholars say are falsely attributed to the Prophet. Treating the Hadith books as works of history would have been a great source for scholarly research, but treating them as articles of faith, with different sects believing in different sets of Hadith, has led to so much sectarian division.Also, some of the divisions started essentially as political divisions, such as the Shia-Sunni divide, and later on religious differences also germinated. The Heirs of the Prophet Muhammad and the Roots of the Shia-Sunni Schism by Barnaby Rogerson traces an interesting account.
Allah does not like sectarianism:
Chapter 6: 159 As for those who divide their religion and break up into sects, thou hast no part in them in the least: their affair is with Allah. He will in the end tell them the truth of all that they did.
Scholars from different sects have lately started sitting together, and are glad to report that there are few differences, and mostly minor in nature, amongst many sects. But, yes, there are some major differences also, but one hopes, with better education and easy access to research material, people will come more and more to common ground, and start treating differences in interpretation as human limitations, and not as reasons to part ways.
May Allah guide us all.
Answer: Alas, no, like all followers of all other religions, Muslims too are divided into sects, each believing what they have is right. But let me explain. Firstly, you may have noticed when I quote the Quran, at times I post translations by more than one translators of the same verse. Arabic language has great depth, and the same word can have different shades of meaning. When there is a difference of opinion, I usually tend to compare what others have understood, and try to pick the meaning I feel is the most appropriate. But this happens in very few verses, and it is, I believe, a kind of test for us. The major part is very clear and easy to understand and follow. Also, no matter how many times a person has studied the Quran, each new reading takes the reader to a new depth of meaning, so it is continuously instructing and spiritually elevating the indivisual……….. it is like a course book right from the pre-school to the PhD level! And beyond!Secondly, the major source of disagreements comes from sources other than the Quran. For instance, the books of hadith, the sayings of the Prophet, based on the memory of generations, compiled a 150 to 300 years after the death of Prophet Muhammad, are the main source of confusion. As I do not have any evidence of ‘purported ill intentions’, I like to believe that these were all good people like you and me, who tried to find and preserve whatever they could find attributed to the Prophet. But, as this was a human effort, based on memory of people who had heard from other people, this body of work definitely contains many many contradictions, with the Quran as well as within itself, and there are many sayings which the scholars say are falsely attributed to the Prophet. Treating the Hadith books as works of history would have been a great source for scholarly research, but treating them as articles of faith, with different sects believing in different sets of Hadith, has led to so much sectarian division.Also, some of the divisions started essentially as political divisions, such as the Shia-Sunni divide, and later on religious differences also germinated. The Heirs of the Prophet Muhammad and the Roots of the Shia-Sunni Schism by Barnaby Rogerson traces an interesting account.
Allah does not like sectarianism:
Chapter 6: 159 As for those who divide their religion and break up into sects, thou hast no part in them in the least: their affair is with Allah. He will in the end tell them the truth of all that they did.
Scholars from different sects have lately started sitting together, and are glad to report that there are few differences, and mostly minor in nature, amongst many sects. But, yes, there are some major differences also, but one hopes, with better education and easy access to research material, people will come more and more to common ground, and start treating differences in interpretation as human limitations, and not as reasons to part ways.
May Allah guide us all.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Hadith
Someone asked:
Dear Sister in Islam
assalamu alikum...
This ... is a committed die hard munkir hadith...
I hope you are not his fold but in line with the Ijma'a (continuous unanimity ) of the ummah in this regard!!!
Thanks
Sincerely
My response:
Walaikumsalam and thank you for your concern.
I'm not persuaded either ways. I acknowledge our dear Prophet (May peace be upon him) and the prophets before him as the greatest teachers of mankind.
However, I also distinguish between primary scriptures (revelations) and secondary sources (as collected and recorded by humans) of guidance that all religions have.
I also distinguish between Sunnah ( living traditions transmitted continuously through practice) and Hadith ( recorded statements in books), which sometimes contradict with the Quran or each other).
I am still studying the Quran and have not yet studied the secondary sources, so I cannot take a position either ways.
Regards,
Samiya
Dear Sister in Islam
assalamu alikum...
This ... is a committed die hard munkir hadith...
I hope you are not his fold but in line with the Ijma'a (continuous unanimity ) of the ummah in this regard!!!
Thanks
Sincerely
My response:
Walaikumsalam and thank you for your concern.
I'm not persuaded either ways. I acknowledge our dear Prophet (May peace be upon him) and the prophets before him as the greatest teachers of mankind.
However, I also distinguish between primary scriptures (revelations) and secondary sources (as collected and recorded by humans) of guidance that all religions have.
I also distinguish between Sunnah ( living traditions transmitted continuously through practice) and Hadith ( recorded statements in books), which sometimes contradict with the Quran or each other).
I am still studying the Quran and have not yet studied the secondary sources, so I cannot take a position either ways.
Regards,
Samiya
Monday, March 3, 2025
Accepting Responsibility
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فَلَوْلَآ أَنَّهُۥ كَانَ مِنَ ٱلْمُسَبِّحِينَ ١٤٣
Prophet Jonah (Yunus عليه السلام) was caught in a storm, thrown overboard, and swallowed by a fish, as he was blameworthy. He was running away from a mission. He remained inside the fish for three days, and then he was granted relief. The reason for the relief was that he was doing 'tasbeeh' of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى when caught in that situation. After being delivered on the shore, and health restored, he was sent on a mission to a hundred thousand or more. They believed and thus were saved from Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى 's punishment.
The word 'tasbeeh' means declaring that Allah is free from any imperfection. In Prophet Jonah's situation, he thought that he should not be asked to preach to the sinful people, of which was perhaps the most sinful and largest city of its time, in the world. He didn't consider them worthy of being saved. Yet, Allah knew what was in their hearts. He knew that it was worth trying to save them. He commanded Jonah to go as His Messenger, and to inform them that they have only forty days before their punishment comes. They believed, repented, fasted, abstained, and made amends. Therefore, they were saved from the punishment.
Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى is perfect in His Justice. He does not punish people without just cause. He gives everyone enough opportunities and time to repent and do acts of reform. Also, Allah does not compel people to believe. Many nations have been punished and annihilated when they refused to believe the Messengers of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى , and failed to undertake the required acts of reform.
Those who have been granted guidance by Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى , they have a duty to preach to others. They have to inform people about Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى and His perfect justice, endorsing the lawful, decent, recognised (maroof), and forbidding the unlawful, wicked, unrecognised (munkar), while remaining within their limits of authority. People in power and position can legislate accordingly and enforce it as well, ordinary citizens can advise but not compel the general public, yet those who have been placed under their care, be it children or employees, they should try to do what they can to help them save themselves. Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى knows who to grant guidance to, and who will willingly submit, yet we must do our part.
There is a famous Hadith [1] attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that when a town was about to be destroyed, the punishment came upon its most religious person first as his face never displayed displeasure for Allah's sake. Another Hadith [2] is about punishment befalling people for not stopping the wrongdoer from doing wrong. (references below)
Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى intends no injustice towards anyone. We must strive to establish Allah's Deen. Worship of Allah only, social justice, and peace are all linked together in one grand scheme.
Various translators translate the word for the one who does tasbeeh variously:
Had he not ˹constantly˺ glorified ˹Allah˺,[1]
— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran
[1] Before being swallowed and while inside the whale (see 21:87). The lesson is: good deeds are of great help during difficult times.
And had he not been of those who exalt Allāh,
— Saheeh International
Had he not been of those who proclaim Allah’s purity,
— T. Usmani
If he had not been one of those who glorified God,
— M.A.S. Abdel Haleem
Had he not been one of those who glorify Allah,1
— A. Maududi (Tafhim commentary)
[1]It has two meanings and both are implied: (1) That the Prophet Jonah (peace be upon him) was not of the people who are heedless of God, but was of those who glorify and adore Allah constantly and perpetually. (2) That when he went inside the fish, he turned to Allah alone and glorified Him. In Surah Al-Anbiya it has been said: He invoked Us from the depths of the darkness, saying: There is no god but You: Glory be to You: I am indeed blameworthy. (verse 87).
And had he not been one of those who glorify (Allah)
— M. Pickthall
Had it not been that he (repented and) glorified Allah,
— A. Yusuf Ali
Had he not been of them who glorify Allâh,
— Al-Hilali & Khan
۔ اب اگر وہ تسبیح کرنے والوں میں سے نہ ہوتا
— Fe Zilal al-Qur'an
اب اگر وہ تسبیح کرنے والوں میں سے نہ ہوتا 1
— Tafheem e Qur'an - Syed Abu Ali Maududi
[1] اس کے دو مطلب ہیں اور دونوں ہی مراد ہیں ۔ ایک مطلب یہ ہے کہ حضرت یونس علیہ السلام پہلے ہی خدا سے غافل لوگوں میں سے نہ تھے ، بلکہ ان لوگوں میں سے تھے جو دائماً اللہ کی تسبیح کرنے والے ہیں ۔ دوسرے یہ کہ جب وہ مچھلی کے پیٹ میں پہنچے تو انہوں نے اللہ ہی کی طرف رجوع کیا اور اس کی تسبیح کی۔ سورہ انبیا میں ارشاد ہوا ہے فَنَا دٰ ی فِی الظُّلُمٰتِ اَن ْ لَّآ اِلٰہَ اِلَّا اَنْتَ سُبْحَا نَکَ اِنِّی کُنْتُ مِنِ الظَّا لِمِیْنَ ۔ پس ان تاریکیوں میں اس نے پکارا ’’ نہیں ہے کوئی خدا مگر تو، پاک ہے تیری ذات ،بے شک میں قصور وار ہوں ۔‘‘
پھر اگر وہ (خدا کی) پاکی بیان نہ کرتے
— Fatah Muhammad Jalandhari
تو اگر وہ تسبیح کرنے والوں میں سے نہ ہوتا۔
— بیان القرآن (ڈاکٹر اسرار احمد)
پھر اگر نہ ہوتی یہ بات کہ وہ یاد کرتا تھا پاک ذات کو
— Shaykh al-Hind Mahmud al-Hasan(with Tafsir E Usmani)
پس اگر یہ پاکی بیان کرنے والوں میں سے نہ ہوتے.
— Maulana Muhammad Junagarhi
Ab agar woh tasbeeh karne walon mein se na hota to
— Abul Ala Maududi(Roman Urdu)
پس اگر وہ تسبیح کرنے والوں میں سے نہ ہوتا
— Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
[Al-Quran 37:143]
Hadith References:
[2] https://sunnah.com/urn/740600
Related Posts:
Acknowledging the Perfection of our Lord
Anger, Anguish & The Repentance
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Thursday, June 10, 2010
Quran, Muhammad and willful submission
A, you write frequently and claim that your view of a godless universe is indeed the correct view. You probably have followers (people who agree with your contention and world-view). If some of them were to relate what you said about something, and they to others, and yet others, and the chain was to go on... ever played Chinese whispers??? Can you guess what the message would morph into? And throw in a mix of some devious mischief-mongers who deliberately make some changes to your views and comments. Imagine!
As I have stated earlier, the arabic Quran is the word of Allah, guarded and preserved by Him as a guidance for all humanity. The hadith books are human compilation and subject to scrutiny just as much as any other human work. If some people choose to follow it without question and evaluation, they are just as free to do so as they are to follow (or not) any religion. As for your accusation about Allah being discriminatory in giving guidance, the fact of the matter is that we all have been equally blessed with life, signs in nature, a conscience, and the Quran. Though He blesses all of us with all these as well as varying degrees of wordly comforts and joys (or trials and tribulations), He wishes willful obedience from us. Had He wished, He could have made us all Muslims, but that is not the idea. He has sent us here on trial, and those who choose to willfully submit to His will qualify for Heaven. The Quran is a message, confirming the Prophets, Books and Messages of old, a message of glad tidings for those who believe and do good deeds, and a warning for those who choose not to. It's purpose is to guide those who choose guidance. Only those who choose and seek guidance will be guided. Those who reject will not be forced against their will. But, God makes plain His warning, so that those who reject, the Word is proven against them and they have no excuse on the Day of Judgement. The Prophets will be allowed to intercede only on behalf of those whom Allah allows them to intercede for. The command will indeed completely belong to God. The verses describing the Day of Judgement are only intended to convey a feel of the magnificence and awe. We cannot really begin to appreciate it while trapped in our mortal bodies and limited knowledge, or atleast I can't.
Mainstream Islam believes that Muhammad was mortal and that he died. Though we greatly love and honour our dear Prophet and those who went before him, we firmly believe that he is human. The hadith books did not exist at the time the Quranic verse of obedience to the Prophet was revealed. Simply explained, as the Prophet's entire life was complete obedience of Allah as revealed in the Quran, we are to follow his example and try to obey the Quran in letter and in spirit. Furthermore, as we are told, our dear Prophet was extremely humble and decent and would never tell others if they were being too forward or disrespectful of him, which is why Allah revealed the verses instructing proper conduct (the Prophet was obliged to recite all revealed verses, so he had no choice in the matter).
As for people belonging to other religions, when the Quran was being revealed, Jews and Christians also lived there. Jews were those who did not believe in Jesus, and Christians were those who believed in Jesus as well as all the prophets before him. In either case, both these groups did not believe Muhammad to be a prophet. Yet, in certain verses, Allah speaks very highly of certain People of the Book who were extremely pious. As I understand, belief in one God and continuous search for truth and guidance, and willful submission and piety is what is required, not a particular religious brand.
Holy Quran 5:119 Allah will say: "This is a day on which the truthful will profit from their truth: theirs are gardens, with rivers flowing beneath,- their eternal Home: Allah well-pleased with them, and they with Allah. That is the great salvation.
As for the muslim confession of shahdah, the translation is: there is no deity but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. Whenever we recite it, we are immediately reminded that only Allah is divine. Religions of afore have repeatedly made the mistake of glorifying their prophets to the extent that they've deified them; we are reminded over and over again to remember to not to commit this grave mistake. There is only one God, the Creator and Sustainer of all, and to whom shall be the final return.
May Allah guide us all.
Regards,
Samiya
As I have stated earlier, the arabic Quran is the word of Allah, guarded and preserved by Him as a guidance for all humanity. The hadith books are human compilation and subject to scrutiny just as much as any other human work. If some people choose to follow it without question and evaluation, they are just as free to do so as they are to follow (or not) any religion. As for your accusation about Allah being discriminatory in giving guidance, the fact of the matter is that we all have been equally blessed with life, signs in nature, a conscience, and the Quran. Though He blesses all of us with all these as well as varying degrees of wordly comforts and joys (or trials and tribulations), He wishes willful obedience from us. Had He wished, He could have made us all Muslims, but that is not the idea. He has sent us here on trial, and those who choose to willfully submit to His will qualify for Heaven. The Quran is a message, confirming the Prophets, Books and Messages of old, a message of glad tidings for those who believe and do good deeds, and a warning for those who choose not to. It's purpose is to guide those who choose guidance. Only those who choose and seek guidance will be guided. Those who reject will not be forced against their will. But, God makes plain His warning, so that those who reject, the Word is proven against them and they have no excuse on the Day of Judgement. The Prophets will be allowed to intercede only on behalf of those whom Allah allows them to intercede for. The command will indeed completely belong to God. The verses describing the Day of Judgement are only intended to convey a feel of the magnificence and awe. We cannot really begin to appreciate it while trapped in our mortal bodies and limited knowledge, or atleast I can't.
Mainstream Islam believes that Muhammad was mortal and that he died. Though we greatly love and honour our dear Prophet and those who went before him, we firmly believe that he is human. The hadith books did not exist at the time the Quranic verse of obedience to the Prophet was revealed. Simply explained, as the Prophet's entire life was complete obedience of Allah as revealed in the Quran, we are to follow his example and try to obey the Quran in letter and in spirit. Furthermore, as we are told, our dear Prophet was extremely humble and decent and would never tell others if they were being too forward or disrespectful of him, which is why Allah revealed the verses instructing proper conduct (the Prophet was obliged to recite all revealed verses, so he had no choice in the matter).
As for people belonging to other religions, when the Quran was being revealed, Jews and Christians also lived there. Jews were those who did not believe in Jesus, and Christians were those who believed in Jesus as well as all the prophets before him. In either case, both these groups did not believe Muhammad to be a prophet. Yet, in certain verses, Allah speaks very highly of certain People of the Book who were extremely pious. As I understand, belief in one God and continuous search for truth and guidance, and willful submission and piety is what is required, not a particular religious brand.
Holy Quran 5:119 Allah will say: "This is a day on which the truthful will profit from their truth: theirs are gardens, with rivers flowing beneath,- their eternal Home: Allah well-pleased with them, and they with Allah. That is the great salvation.
As for the muslim confession of shahdah, the translation is: there is no deity but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. Whenever we recite it, we are immediately reminded that only Allah is divine. Religions of afore have repeatedly made the mistake of glorifying their prophets to the extent that they've deified them; we are reminded over and over again to remember to not to commit this grave mistake. There is only one God, the Creator and Sustainer of all, and to whom shall be the final return.
May Allah guide us all.
Regards,
Samiya
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
Fasting
The Quran, Surah al-Baqarah, Rukuh 23, Ayaat 183-186:
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183 يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous - |
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184 أَيَّامًا مَّعْدُودَاتٍ ۚ فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۚ وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ ۖ فَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّهُ ۚ وَأَن تَصُومُوا خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ ۖ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ [Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] - then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew. |
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185 شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful. |
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186 وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ ۖ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ ۖ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُوا لِي وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا بِي لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided |
Ayat 183 declares that fasting is decreed (prescribed, ordained) upon the believers, as was ordained upon people before us. People of almost all religions practice some form of fasting.
Ayat 184 states fasting is for a few days (3 or more)
Ayat 185 states to fast the month of Ramadhan (29 or 30 days)
The commands in ayaat 184 and 185 overlap, and generally people assume that this entire ruku is only about the fasting in the month of Ramadhan. Yet, there are some differences in the commands also, which seems clear only if we consider them as two separate decrees:
Ayat 184 for a few days (every month?)
Ayat 185 specifically for the entire month of Ramadhan
Ayat 184 for a few days
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184 أَيَّامًا مَّعْدُودَاتٍ ۚ فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۚ وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ ۖ فَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّهُ ۚ وَأَن تَصُومُوا خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ ۖ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ [Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] - then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew. |
1) for a limited number of days
2) if sick or on a journey, then an equal number of days later
3) those who are able, a ransom of feeding a poor person
4) whoever volunteers excess, it is better for him
5) but to fast is best for you, if only you knew
Scholars relate that our dear Prophet advised his companions to fast a few days, ideally three days, every month.
Please read:
https://islamqa.info/amp/en/answers/49867
Furthermore, ayat Q2:196 that prescribes fasting as ransom during pilgrimage also commands three days during the pilgrimage journey, and the rest seven to be completed upon return home.
…
Ayat 185 specifically for the entire month of Ramadhan
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185 شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful. |
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186 وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ ۖ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ ۖ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُوا لِي وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا بِي لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided |
1) Al-Quran was revealed in the month of Ramadhan
2) whoever witnesses the month should fast in it
3) whoever is sick or on a journey, should make up the count in later days
4) Allah wants ease with you, and not hardship with you
5) Allah wants you to complete the count
6) so that you glorify the greatness of Allah that He has guided you
7) perhaps you will become grateful
Ayat 186 directs to inform anyone who asks about Allah that:
1) Allah is near
then the pronoun changes and Allah directly speaks:
2) I respond to the call of anyone who calls Me, when he calls Me (even if the caller calls only once)
3) so let them respond to Me
4) and believe with Me (The Quran that I’ve revealed)
5) so that they are rightly guided
Taqwa: the Purpose of Fasting
Ayat 183 states the purpose of fasting is to acquire taqwa. Taqwa is variously translated as: to become righteous; to be conscious of God; be mindful of Allah; to ward off (evil); to guard. Compare 50+ translations:
https://www.islamawakened.com/quran/2/183/default.htm
Rest of Rukuh 23 of Surah al-Baqarah: Ayaat 187-188
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187 أُحِلَّ لَكُمْ لَيْلَةَ الصِّيَامِ الرَّفَثُ إِلَىٰ نِسَائِكُمْ ۚ هُنَّ لِبَاسٌ لَّكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لِبَاسٌ لَّهُنَّ ۗ عَلِمَ اللَّهُ أَنَّكُمْ كُنتُمْ تَخْتَانُونَ أَنفُسَكُمْ فَتَابَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَعَفَا عَنكُمْ ۖ فَالْآنَ بَاشِرُوهُنَّ وَابْتَغُوا مَا كَتَبَ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ ۚ وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَكُمُ الْخَيْطُ الْأَبْيَضُ مِنَ الْخَيْطِ الْأَسْوَدِ مِنَ الْفَجْرِ ۖ ثُمَّ أَتِمُّوا الصِّيَامَ إِلَى اللَّيْلِ ۚ وَلَا تُبَاشِرُوهُنَّ وَأَنتُمْ عَاكِفُونَ فِي الْمَسَاجِدِ ۗ تِلْكَ حُدُودُ اللَّهِ فَلَا تَقْرَبُوهَا ۗ كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ اللَّهُ آيَاتِهِ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ It has been made permissible for you the night preceding fasting to go to your wives [for sexual relations]. They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He accepted your repentance and forgave you. So now, have relations with them and seek that which Allah has decreed for you. And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the sunset. And do not have relations with them as long as you are staying for worship in the mosques. These are the limits [set by] Allah, so do not approach them. Thus does Allah make clear His ordinances to the people that they may become righteous. |
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188 وَلَا تَأْكُلُوا أَمْوَالَكُم بَيْنَكُم بِالْبَاطِلِ وَتُدْلُوا بِهَا إِلَى الْحُكَّامِ لِتَأْكُلُوا فَرِيقًا مِّنْ أَمْوَالِ النَّاسِ بِالْإِثْمِ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful] |
Hadith about Fasting
There are many ahadith about fasting. Some recommend completing the fast, while sick or on a journey; and others exhort taking the ease that Allah has provided of not fasting while sick or on a journey.
The apparent contradiction disappears if we consider:
1) the recommendation to complete the fast pertaining to the few days’ fast of ayat 184
2) the exhortation to take the ease provided by Allah pertaining to the fasts during the month of Ramadhan
Moreover, there is a famous Hadith stating that fasting six days of Shawwal, after completing the fasting of the month of Ramadhan is equivalent to fasting throughout the year.
Ramadhan 30 + Shawwal 6 = 36 days
Every month 3 * months 12 = 36 days
And Allah knows best
Fasting around the world
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting
Last updated on: May 9, 2022
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