Originally Published in Patheos
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association has been conducting a successful #MeetAMuslim campaign across the country where our youth take to the streets to introduce themselves to the community and spread peace and understanding. Taking note of this campaign, an anti-Islam website called JihadWatch put together a set of questions for their readers to ask: https://www.jihadwatch.org/
1. What is the meaning of Jihad?
Jihad means to strive. The Quran describes only one form of Jihad as the “great Jihad”, which is the Jihad of explaining the message of the Quran. The Quran says, “So obey not the disbelievers and strive against them by means of it (the Qur’an) a great striving.” (25:53) All other forms of Jihad are lesser Jihad to this Great Jihad.
The only permission in the Quran for the lesser Jihad of fighting is in self defense: “Permission to fight is given to those against whom war is made, because they have been wronged” (22:40)
2. Why are Christians and Jews required to pay the Jizyah to Muslims?
Jizya only applies after fighting according to the Quran: “Fight those from among the People of the Book who believe not in Allah, nor in the Last Day, nor hold as unlawful what Allah and His Messenger have declared to be unlawful, nor follow the true religion, until they pay the tax with their own hand and acknowledge their subjection.” (9:29)
The only permission for fighting in the Quran is in self defense: “Permission to fight is given to those against whom war is made, because they have been wronged” (22:40)
Fighting can only happen in self defense. Jizya can only be paid by the aggressor after defeat in a war they initiated. This tax is reparations for the crime of initiating aggressive religious warfare.
3. Why does it say in the Qur’an that Muslims should not take Christians and Jews as friends, for they are friends only with each other?
This only applies to those disbelievers who make aggressive religious warfare against Muslims, not disbelievers who are peaceful. The Quran is clear in its commandment:
“Allah forbids you not, respecting those who have not fought against you on account of your religion, and who have not driven you forth from your homes, that you be kind to them and act equitably towards them; surely Allah loves those who are equitable.
Allah only forbids you, respecting those who have fought against you on account of your religion, and have driven you out of your homes, and have helped others in driving you out, that you make friends of them, and whosoever makes friends of them — it is these that are the transgressors.” (60:9-10)
4. It says in the Qur’an that “there is no compulsion in religion” (Qur’an 2.256). If there is no compulsion in religion, then why are people who leave Islam threatened with death?
Ask the people who make such threats, they are responsible for justifying their own actions. Islam is a religion. Religion is what is written in its scripture, which in Islam is the Quran and the authentic Ahadith that do not contradict the Quran.
As for apostasy, opponents of Islam usually misquote 4:90 in a misleading way by leaving out the words “until they emigrate”. The verse under question is: “They wish that you should disbelieve as they have disbelieved, so that you may become all alike. Take not, therefore, friends from among them, until they emigrate in the way of Allah. And if they turn away, then seize them and kill them wherever you find them; and take no friend nor helper from among them;” (4:90)
This verse refers to people who “turn away” after “they emigrate”. Emigration is moving from one territory to another territory and changing political alliance. The crime described in this verse is not religious apostasy, the crime is political treason. Treason during warfare is punishable by death.
The Quran rejects there being any worldly punishment for religious apostasy: “And obey Allah and obey the Messenger, and be on your guard. But if you turn away, then know that on Our Messenger lies only the clear conveyance of the Message.” (5:93), “[O Muhammad], Admonish, therefore, for you art but an admonisher; You are not a warden over them; But whoever turns away and disbelieves, Allah will punish him with the greatest punishment.” (88:22-25), “And if thy Lord had enforced His will, surely, all who are on the earth would have believed together. Wilt thou, then, force men to become believers?” (10:100), “There should be no compulsion in religion.” (2:257)
As for the Bible, it commands concerning apostates: “If your brother, the son of your mother, your son or your daughter, the wife of your bosom, or your friend who is as your own soul, secretly entices you, saying, ‘Let us go and serve other gods,’ which you have not known, neither you nor your fathers, of the gods of the people which are all around you, near to you or far off from you, from one end of the earth to the other end of the earth, you shall not consent to him or listen to him, nor shall your eye pity him, nor shall you spare him or conceal him; but you shall surely kill him; your hand shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. And you shall stone him with stones until he dies, because he sought to entice you away from the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. So all Israel shall hear and fear, and not again do such wickedness as this among you.” (Deuteronomy 13:6-11)
5. Why did the Ayatollah Khomeini lower the marriageable age of girls to 9?
Ask the Ayatollah Khomeini, he is responsible for justifying his own actions. Islam is a religion. Religion is what is written in its scripture, which in Islam is the Quran and the authentic Ahadith that do not contradict the Quran.
As for the age of Aisha, the fact is that no one knows how old anyone was in 7th century Arabia. Prophet Muhammad (sa) is the most important individual in Islamic history, and no one has a clear idea of how old he was. Sahih Bukhari narrates: “The Prophet (ﷺ) died when he was sixty three years old.” (https://sunnah.com/bukhari/
The minimum age of marriage as established throughout human civilization and human nature is when a person reaches intellectual and physical maturity. This is also established in the Quran, which refers to the minimum age of marriage: “And prove the orphans until they attain the age of marriage; then, if you find in them sound judgment, deliver to them their property;” (4:7) “And come not near the property of the orphan, except in the best way, until he attains his maturity, and fulfil the covenant” (17:35) The Quran refers to the age of marriage as when individuals are intellectually mature enough to manage their own property and when they are physically mature.
6. What is the surest way for a Muslim to get to Heaven?
With belief and good works. The Quran repeatedly says, “And give glad tidings to those who believe and do good works, that for them are Gardens beneath which flow streams.” (2:26)
7. Why did Muhammad attack the Jewish date farmers at the Khaybar Oasis?
What narration says that date farmers were attacked? Sahih Bukhari narrates that the farmers took refuge in the fort before battle began: “The Prophet (ﷺ) reached Khaibar in the morning, while the people were coming out carrying their spades over their shoulders. When they saw him they said, “This is Muhammad and his army! Muhammad and his army!” So, they took refuge in the fort. The Prophet (ﷺ) raised both his hands and said, “Allahu Akbar, Khaibar is ruined, for when we approach a nation (i.e. enemy to fight) then miserable is the morning of the warned ones.”” (https://sunnah.com/bukhari/
Only after the people of Khaibar were given opportunity to prepare did battle between 1,600 Muslims and 10,000 Jews begin. Sahih Bukhari narrates: “Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) reached Khaibar at night and it was his habit that, whenever he reached the enemy at night, he will not attack them till it was morning.” (https://sunnah.com/bukhari/
8. How many wives did Muhammad have, and why was he allowed more than anyone else?
All of his wives mentioned in authentic Ahadith were widows except for one wife who was divorced and one wife who was a virgin. He was allowed to marry more than anyone else to set an example for his people on how to fulfill the responsibilities of supporting older widows and their orphan children.
9. Did Muhammad own slaves?
It is forbidden to make any free person into a slave. Sahih Bukhari narrates: “The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Allah says, ‘I will be against three persons on the Day of Resurrection: -1. One who makes a covenant in My Name, but he proves treacherous. -2. One who sells a free person (as a slave) and eats the price, -3. And one who employs a laborer and gets the full work done by him but does not pay him his wages.'”” (https://sunnah.com/bukhari/
Islam teaches that those who are already slaves are to be integrated and then gradually emancipated. Islam does not teach that slaves all slaves should be emancipated all at once. To emancipate without first integrating those who have been institutionalized into slavery is a meaningless emancipation.
Those captured as prisoners of war are not slaves, they can at the most only be held until the end of the war: “And when you meet in regular battle those who disbelieve, smite their necks; and, when you have overcome them, bind fast the fetters — then afterwards either release them as a favour or by taking ransom — until the war lays down its burdens. That is the ordinance.” (47:5) The Quran places the further restriction that enemy soldiers can only be captured on the battlefield: “It does not behove a Prophet that he should have captives until he engages in regular fighting in the land.” (8:68)”
10. Did Muhammad approve of slavery?
It is forbidden to make any free person into a slave. Sahih Bukhari narrates: “The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Allah says, ‘I will be against three persons on the Day of Resurrection: -1. One who makes a covenant in My Name, but he proves treacherous. -2. One who sells a free person (as a slave) and eats the price, -3. And one who employs a laborer and gets the full work done by him but does not pay him his wages.'”” (https://sunnah.com/bukhari/
Islam teaches that those who are already slaves are to be integrated and then gradually emancipated. Islam does not teach that slaves all slaves should be emancipated all at once. To emancipate without first integrating those who have been institutionalized into slavery is a meaningless emancipation.
Those captured as prisoners of war are not slaves, they can at the most only be held until the end of the war: “And when you meet in regular battle those who disbelieve, smite their necks; and, when you have overcome them, bind fast the fetters — then afterwards either release them as a favour or by taking ransom — until the war lays down its burdens. That is the ordinance.” (47:5) The Quran places the further restriction that enemy soldiers can only be captured on the battlefield: “It does not behove a Prophet that he should have captives until he engages in regular fighting in the land.” (8:68)”
11. Why is Muhammad called the Perfect Man (“al-insan al-kamil”), and the Model of Conduct (“uswa hasana”)?
Because his conduct was in perfect conformity with the Quran.
In Islam, the Quran is perfect: “This is a perfect Book; there is no doubt in it;” (2:3)
Sahih Muslim narrates: “’Aishah said: The conduct of the Prophet (ﷺ) was entirely according to the Qur’an.” (https://sunnah.com/
The character of Prophet Muhammad (sa), found in those narrations that do not contradict the Quran, is a Model of Conduct.
12. Exactly how many prisoners of the Banu Qurayza tribe were killed while Muhammad watched?
Exactly as many as the Bible commanded. The Jews of Medina insisted that they be judged according to the Bible, which was ratified in the charter of Medina. The Bible commands: “When you march up to attack a city, make its people an offer of peace. If they accept and open their gates, all the people in it shall be subject to forced labor and shall work for you. If they refuse to make peace and they engage you in battle, lay siege to that city. When the Lord your God delivers it into your hand, put to the sword all the men in it. As for the women, the children, the livestock and everything else in the city, you may take these as plunder for yourselves. And you may use the plunder the Lord your God gives you from your enemies. This is how you are to treat all the cities that are at a distance from you and do not belong to the nations nearby. However, in the cities of the nations the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, do not leave alive anything that breathes. Completely destroy[a] them—the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—as the Lord your God has commanded you. Otherwise, they will teach you to follow all the detestable things they do in worshiping their gods, and you will sin against the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 20:10-18)
Sahih Bukhari narrates that “The people of Quraiza agreed to accept the verdict of Sa`d bin Mu`adh.” (https://sunnah.com/bukhari/
13. How many military expeditions did Muhammad take part in?
As many as self defense required. The Quran commands: “And fight in the cause of Allah against those who fight against you, but do not transgress. Surely, Allah loves not the transgressors.” (2:191)
14. When, according to the Qur’an, is killing Infidels prohibited?
Fighting is only allowed as long as an aggressor persists in hostilities, otherwise the Quran commands desisting from war: “And if they incline towards peace, incline thou also towards it, and put thy trust in Allah.” (8:62)
Anytime the aggressors ask for peace, the Quran commands that their request be granted: “And if anyone of the idolaters ask protection of thee, grant him protection so that he may hear the word of Allah; then convey him to his place of security.” (9:6)
15. How did Muhammad react when he heard that Asma bint Marwan had been killed?
Where is the name Asma bint Marwan mentioned anywhere in the six authentic books of Hadith?
As for blasphemy, the Quran rejects any worldly punishment against those who mock the signs of Allah, their account will be in the hereafter: [4:141] “And He has already revealed to you in the Book that, when you hear the Signs of Allah being denied and mocked at, sit not with them until they engage in a talk other than that; for in that case you would be like them. Surely, Allah will assemble the hypocrites and the disbelievers in Hell, all together;”(4:141), “And bear patiently all that they say; and part with them in a decent manner.” (73:11)
As opposed to this, the Bible teaches: “Anyone who blasphemes the name of the Lord is to be put to death. The entire assembly must stone them. Whether foreigner or native-born, when they blaspheme the Name they are to be put to death.” (Leviticus 24:16)
16. How did Muhammad react when he heard that a 120-year-old Jewish poet, Abu ‘Afak, had been killed?
Where is the name Abu ‘Afak mentioned anywhere in the six authentic books of Hadith?
As for blasphemy, the Quran rejects any worldly punishment against those who mock the signs of Allah, their account will be in the hereafter: [4:141] “And He has already revealed to you in the Book that, when you hear the Signs of Allah being denied and mocked at, sit not with them until they engage in a talk other than that; for in that case you would be like them. Surely, Allah will assemble the hypocrites and the disbelievers in Hell, all together;”(4:141), “And bear patiently all that they say; and part with them in a decent manner.” (73:11)
As opposed to this, the Bible teaches: “Anyone who blasphemes the name of the Lord is to be put to death. The entire assembly must stone them. Whether foreigner or native-born, when they blaspheme the Name they are to be put to death.” (Leviticus 24:16)
17. How are non-Muslims described in the Qur’an? (see 98.6)
Opponents of Islam who try to quote this verse usually misquote it in a misleading way by leaving out the words “those who disbelieve from among”.
The verse under question: “Verily, those who disbelieve from among the People of the Book and the idolaters will be in the Fire of Hell, abiding therein. They are the worst of creatures.” (98:7)
The Quran does not give blanket endorsements or condemnations of people, it speaks of actions. The Quran always praises the People of the Book when they do good actions and condemns them when they do evil actions. The Quran says: “They are not all alike. Among the People of the Book there is a party who stand by their covenant; they recite the word of Allah in the hours of night and prostrate themselves before Him.They believe in Allah and the Last Day, and enjoin what is good and forbid evil, and hasten, vying with one another, in good works. And these are among the righteous. And whatever good they do, they shall not be denied its due reward; and Allah well knows the God-fearing.” (3:114-116)
When the People of the Book did evil actions, they were condemned as the worst of creation. When they did good actions, they were praised as the best of people in the Quran: “O children of Israel! remember My favour which I bestowed upon you and that I exalted you above the peoples.” (2:48, 123)
18. How are Muslims described in the Qur’an? (see 3.110)
Again, the Quran does not give blanket endorsements or condemnations of people, it speaks of actions.
The Quran praises the Muslims as long as they do the good actions of enjoining good and forbidding evil: “You are the best people raised for the good of mankind; you enjoin what is good and forbid evil and believe in Allah.” (3:111)
However, if they do evil actions, the Quran describes Muslims as hypocrites who will be the worst of people: “The hypocrites shall surely be in the lowest depth of the Fire; and thou shalt find no helper for them,” (4:146)
If Muslims do good actions, they are the best of people, and if Muslims do evil actions, they are the worst of people.
19. Why do so many non-Arab Muslims take Arabic names?
Ask those non-Arab Muslims who take Arabic names, they are responsible for justifying their own actions. Islam is a religion. Religion is what is written in its scripture, which in Islam is the Quran and the authentic Ahadith that do not contradict the Quran.
The Quran teaches that true honor comes from one’s righteousness, not one’s tribe: “O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female; and We have made you into tribes and sub-tribes that you may recognize one another. Verily, the most honourable among you, in the sight of Allah, is he who is the most righteous among you. Surely, Allah is All-knowing, All-Aware.” (49:14)
20. When does the doctrine of “abrogation” (naskh) in Qur’anic interpretation apply?
The first verse that is used to justify “abrogation” is, “And when We bring one Sign (اية) in place of another — and Allah knows best what He reveals — they say, ‘Thou art but a fabricator.’ Nay, but most of them know not” (16:102). Here, the word اية is sometimes translated as ‘verse’ or ‘message,’ but it primarily means ‘sign.’ Signs can be changed, but the words of Allah Almighty can never be changed, “No change is there in the words of Allah.” (10:65)
The second verse that is used to justify the idea of abrogation is 2:107, which is quoted here with its preceding verse, “They who disbelieve from among the People of the Book, or from among those who associate gods with Allah, desire not that any good should be sent down to you from your Lord; but Allah chooses for His mercy whomsoever He pleases; and Allah is of exceeding bounty. Whatever Sign (اية) We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, We bring one better than that or the like thereof. Dost thou not know that Allah has the power to do all that He wills?”(2:106-107)
Here, again, the word اية is used which primarily has the meaning of ‘sign.’ If the word ‘sign’ is interpreted to mean ‘verse,’ then this verse simply means that God Almighty sends down the perfect teachings of the Quran to replace those teachings of previous religions that are deficient or forgotten. To interpret this verse to mean that certain verses of the Quran cancel other verses of the Quran is an interpretation that goes contrary to the context of the verse itself. On one hand, God Almighty says that disbelievers from the People of the Book do not desire that any good be sent down to the Prophet (sa), and then immediately after He says that He sends down verses that are obsolete and cancelled by others; such an interpretation goes contrary to common sense and can only be forced by ignoring context and the remainder of the Quran.
In authentic sayings of the Prophet (sa), there is no mention anywhere of the Prophet (sa) saying that any verse was cancelled. There is clear mention of abrogation of far less significant teachings, like Ahadith. Prophet Muhammad (sa) said, “I forbade you to visit graves, but you may now visit them; I forbade you to eat the flesh of sacrificial animals after three days, but you way now keep it as along as you feel inclined; and I forbade you nabidh except in a water-skin, you may (now) drink it from all kinds of water-skins, but you must not drink anything intoxicating.” (Sahih Muslim) In Ahadith, there are repeated mentions of instances when verses were revealed; and even mention of the abrogation of certain Ahadith. The abrogation of a verse of the Holy Quran would have been of highest significance. The complete absence of any mention of it leaves this entire idea as nothing more than a speculation of people after Prophet Muhammad (sa), and no Muslim is religiously obliged to believe in or defend the speculations of scholars.
21. Under what conditions can a Muslim man beat his wife?
A Muslim should follow the example of Prophet Muhammad (sa) and never hit his wife. Sahih Muslim narrates: “’A’isha reported that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) never beat anyone with his hand, neither a woman nor a servant” (https://sunnah.com/muslim/43/
If people do want to resolve their differences with physical friction, no one can stop two consenting adults from hitting each other if no one is harmed. All one can do is give both husband and wife complete freedom to leave the relationship whenever either wants. Islam places restrictions on men in such situations. Tirmidhi narrates the final guidance of Prophet Muhammad (sa) at the Farewell Pilgrimage, where he commanded men to be good to women. However “if they come with manifest Fahishah (evil behavior). If they do that, then abandon their beds and beat them with a beating that is not harmful.” (https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi/
22. What is the Muslim Heaven like?
Heaven as described in Islam as an experience that a person will perceive through their spiritual senses. It is explained in metaphors. To interpret heaven literally is an interpretation that contradicts the Quran: “But whoso is blind in this world will be blind in the Hereafter, and even more astray from the way.” (17:73)
To interpret the women in paradise literally is also an absurdity. Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim describe the beauty of the women in paradise as follows: “the marrow of the bones of the wives’ legs will be seen through the flesh” (https://sunnah.com/
23. When can a Muslim father punish his daughter without fear of being punished himself?
Never.
Where is this mentioned anywhere in the Quran or sayings of Prophet Muhammad (sa)?
24. According to Islamic law, what must a Muslim husband do to be divorced from his wife?
The Quran says, “Such divorce may be pronounced twice; then, either retain them in a becoming manner or send them away with kindness.” (2:230) A husband must divorce his wife multiple times, with a required period of time in between each divorce where reconciliation is encouraged. “And when you divorce your wives and they approach the end of their appointed period, then either retain them in a becoming manner; or send them away in a becoming manner; but retain them not wrongfully so that you may transgress. And whoso does that, surely wrongs his own soul. And do not make a jest of the commandments of Allah” (2:232)
A woman can seek divorce from her husband for any reason. Sahih Bukhari narrates: “The wife of Thabit bin Qais bin Shammas came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! I do not blame Thabit for any defects in his character or his religion, but I am afraid that I (being a Muslim) may become unthankful for Allah’s Blessings.” On that, Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said (to her), ‘Will you return his garden to him?” She said, “Yes.” So she returned his garden to him and the Prophet (ﷺ) told him to divorce her.” (https://sunnah.com/bukhari/
Although divorce is a right, using this right carelessly is discouraged for both men and women. Ibn Majah narrates, “The Messenger of Allah said: “The most hated of permissible things to Allah is divorce.”” (https://sunnah.com/urn/
25. Why is the testimony of a Muslim woman worth only half that of a Muslim man?
This guidance is given only in context of testimony in financial matters (2:283). Islam places the primary responsibility of caring for the children and home on women. In a society where women are generally homemakers and men are breadwinners, the responsibility of giving testimony on financial matters is placed primarily on breadwinners.
For all other situations, the testimony of women and men is the same. For example, Sahih Bukhari narrates how the Prophet Muhammad (sa) decided a case based solely on the testimony of one woman (https://sunnah.com/bukhari/
26. In what ways does Islam tend to favor Arabs over non-Arabs?
The Quran teaches that true honor comes from one’s righteousness, not one’s tribe: “O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female; and We have made you into tribes and sub-tribes that you may recognize one another. Verily, the most honourable among you, in the sight of Allah, is he who is the most righteous among you. Surely, Allah is All-knowing, All-Aware.” (49:14)
27. How did Islam spread all the way from the Hejaz to the Iberian peninsula?
Muslim rule existed in the Iberian Peninsula for over 7 centuries and it still remained majority non-Muslim throughout that time because of the religious freedom that was generally preserved by Muslims. Religious freedom promptly disappeared when Christian rule began again with the end of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula.
As for exceptional cases where individuals went against the human rights established the Quran, those individuals are responsible for justifying their own actions.
28. Why did Muslims blow up the Bamiyan Buddhas?
Ask those individuals. They are responsible for justifying their own actions. Islam is a religion. Religion is what is written in its scripture, which in Islam is the Quran and the authentic Ahadith that do not contradict the Quran.
As for the Bible, it teaches: “You shall utterly destroy all the places where the nations which you shall dispossess served their gods, on the high mountains and on the hills and under every green tree. And you shall destroy their altars, break their sacred pillars, and burn their wooden images with fire; you shall cut down the carved images of their gods and destroy their names from that place.” (Deuteronomy 12:2-3)
29. Why did Muslims threaten to blow up a church in Bologna with a fresco depicting Muhammad?
Ask those individuals. They are responsible for justifying their own actions. Islam is a religion. Religion is what is written in its scripture, which in Islam is the Quran and the authentic Ahadith that do not contradict the Quran.
As for the Bible, it teaches: “You shall utterly destroy all the places where the nations which you shall dispossess served their gods, on the high mountains and on the hills and under every green tree. And you shall destroy their altars, break their sacred pillars, and burn their wooden images with fire; you shall cut down the carved images of their gods and destroy their names from that place.” (Deuteronomy 12:2-3)
30. Why have there been more than 30,000 terrorist attacks by Muslims since 9/11/2001?
Ask those individuals. The primary victims of terrorist attacks are Muslims. Those terrorists are responsible for justifying their own actions. Islam is a religion. Religion is what is written in its scripture, which in Islam is the Quran and the authentic Ahadith that do not contradict the Quran.
31. Who was Kinana, and what did Muhammad order should be done with him?
Where is this ’order’ mentioned anywhere in the six authentic books of Hadith?
32. Does Islam have a Golden Rule?
Yes.
“O ye who believe! be steadfast in the cause of Allah, bearing witness in equity; and let not a people’s enmity incite you to act otherwise than with justice. Be always just, that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah. Surely, Allah is aware of what you do.” (5:9)
33. What is the doctrine of al-wala’ wal-bara’?
Holy Quran is clear in its commandment:
“Allah forbids you not, respecting those who have not fought against you on account of your religion, and who have not driven you forth from your homes, that you be kind to them and act equitably towards them; surely Allah loves those who are equitable.
Allah only forbids you, respecting those who have fought against you on account of your religion, and have driven you out of your homes, and have helped others in driving you out, that you make friends of them, and whosoever makes friends of them — it is these that are the transgressors.” (60:9-10)
34. Why are there so many people in Pakistan named “Sayid”?
Ask those individuals. They are responsible for justifying their own actions. Islam is a religion. Religion is what is written in its scripture, which in Islam is the Quran and the authentic Ahadith that do not contradict the Quran.
The Quran teaches that true honor comes from one’s righteousness, not one’s tribe: “O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female; and We have made you into tribes and sub-tribes that you may recognize one another. Verily, the most honourable among you, in the sight of Allah, is he who is the most righteous among you. Surely, Allah is All-knowing, All-Aware.” (49:14)
35. What kinds of music does Islam allow?
Sahih Bukhari narrates: “Narrated Aisha: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) came to my house while two girls were singing beside me the songs of Buath (a story about the war between the two tribes of the Ansar, the Khazraj and the Aus, before Islam). The Prophet lay down and turned his face to the other side. Then Abu Bakr came and spoke to me harshly saying, “Musical instruments of Satan near the Prophet ?” Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) turned his face towards him and said, “Leave them.”” (https://sunnah.com/bukhari/
36. What is Dar al-Harb?
Where is the term “Dar al-Harb” mentioned anywhere in the Quran or sayings of Prophet Muhammad (sa)?
37. What is Dar al-Islam?
Where is the term “Dar al-Islam” mentioned anywhere in the Quran or sayings of Prophet Muhammad (sa)?
38. When does Jihad come to an end?
The Quran describes only one form of Jihad as the “great Jihad”, which is the Jihad of explaining the message of the Quran. The Quran says, “So obey not the disbelievers and strive against them by means of it (the Qur’an) a great striving.” (25:53) This Jihad never ends, in fact you are witnessing it right now while reading this response.
There is a common mistake in the academic approach of almost all who attack Islam: a reliance on the weakest sources in Islamic literature. In Islamic scripture, the Quran is the only book that has made a claim of absolute perfection: “Allah has sent down the best Message in the form of a Book, whose verses are mutually supporting and repeated in diverse forms” (39:24), “This is a Book whose verses have been made unchangeable and then they have been expounded in detail. It is from One Wise, and All-Aware.” (11:2), “This is a perfect Book; there is no doubt in it”. (2:3) After the Quran, all authentic Ahadith and then narrations in Sirah that are not self-contradictory carry weight. If you cannot support your point without contradicting the Quran, then you don’t have much of a point.
