Claimed of Inconsistence in waiting period (Iddah) rulings for divorced and widowed Women

 

Salam,

Surah 2:228 - Divorced women shall wait concerning themselves for three monthly periods. Nor is it lawful for them to hide what Allah Hath created in their wombs, if they have faith in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands have the better right to take them back in that period, if they wish for reconciliation. And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable; but men have a degree (of advantage) over them. And Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.

 

The perceived problem is the waiting period (iddah) rules for divorced and widowed women appear to be arbitrary and inconsistent according to the Quran. As a general rule when a marriage ends whether by a divorce or by the death of the husband, Islam prescribes a waiting period ('iddah) for the woman before she can marry again. S2:228 above is being prescribed is for divorced woman a waiting period of three month but in S65:4 is for those pregnant it says “for those who carry (life within their wombs), their period is until they deliver their burdens.” However in S2:234 it says “If any of you die and leave widows behind, they shall wait concerning themselves four months and ten days: When they have fulfilled their term, there is no blame on you if they dispose of themselves in a just and reasonable manner. And Allah is well acquainted with what ye do.

 

The discrepancy is a woman who was divorced by her husband has to wait (at least) three monthly periods and a woman whose husband died has to wait (at least) four months and ten days before they can marry again. The main objective appears to be that there should be no doubts as to the identity of the father if the woman gives birth to a child later on. Within this period it should become obvious whether or not a woman is pregnant. If she turns out to be pregnant, then her waiting period lasts until the birth of the child, otherwise she is free to remarry after the three months are over. One could certainly wonder why a widow has to wait longer than a divorced woman, and view this as an inconsistency or injustice, but this issue shall not be the disputant concern in the present paper.

 

More interesting is the observation that the Qur'an makes an explicit exception to the above mentioned rule for divorced women:

 

O you who believe: When you marry believing women and then divorce them before you have touched them, no period of waiting (iddah) have you to count in respect of them: so give them a present and set them free in a graceful manner. (S. 33:49)

 

This ayah also by interpretation contains a command from Allah that requires the wives whose husbands die, that they should observe a period of `Iddah of four months and ten nights, including the cases where the marriage was consummated or otherwise, according to the consensus (of the scholars).

 

Here, however, is the inconsistency: The Qur'an does not grant the widow the same exception as the divorcee. If the marriage is terminated before it was consummated — whether by divorce or by the death of the husband — why does the widow have to undergo a waiting period of four months and ten days, but the divorcee is free to marry as soon as she likes? Why are these two women not treated equally?

 

Furthermore the Qur'an states explicitly that divorced and widowed women have to observe a waiting period of three months or four months and ten days respectively, see S. 2:228, 65:4 and 2:234 quoted above. There are no exceptions stated for widowed women. There are two exceptions stated for divorced women: (a) If the woman is pregnant then her waiting period ends with the delivery of the child (S. 65:4), (b) if the couple has not consummated their marriage, then there is no waiting period at all (S. 33:49).

 

This reveals the second inconsistency. Both exceptions are stated for the divorced woman only but the commentators apply exception (a) also to widowed women, while they do not accept that exception (b) is also applied to them.

 

To summarize again the inconsistency: There are two inconsistencies. (1) When a marriage is terminated before it is consummated, the women are treated vastly differently. The divorcee can marry again immediately, but the widow has to wait at least four months and ten days. (2) In the Qur'an, there are two exceptions to the normal waiting period for a divorced woman. There are no exceptions mentioned for the widowed woman. The Muslim commentators and jurists apply one of the exceptions that is given for the case of a divorce also to the case of the widow, i.e. they extend the application of the law based on analogy, but they refuse the application of the second exception even though the same kind of analogy could be used.

 

(Excursus: For illustration, imagine the following two cases: Couple A and couple B just married. As is still common in many parts of the Islamic world, it may even be a marriage arranged by relatives, i.e. husband and wife may hardly have known each other before the wedding ceremony. Shortly after the wedding something happens which greatly upsets the husband and he becomes very angry at his wife. Husband A pronounces a divorce against his new wife. Husband B has a weak heart, and before he can divorce his wife, he dies of a heart attack. The situation is very similar in both cases, but the Quran ruling is very different. None of the couples ever consummated their marriage. Both women find themselves without husband shortly after their wedding. Yet, the first one is free to marry immediately, while the second one has to observe a waiting period of four months and ten days.)

 

The above misunderstanding by any disputant or doubter can be put to order if one puts the different situation in it right perspective. There is a different in situation the reason the Quran allows the divorcee can remarry immediately but the widow could not do the same. In the former the divorced couple is still living and both can stand witnesses that no consummation took place and there is therefore guaranty by each of them that no pregnancy will take place. In addition the Quran specify that the divorced husbands are given priority to mend and take their wife back in which S2:228 stated “And their husbands have the better right to take them back in that period, if they wish for reconciliation.” They can reconcile their differences and immediately remarry. However in the case of the widow there in none to bear witness except herself and therefore the ruling is making surety that the four months period will clear any doubt on pregnancy is therefore fair to be observed.

 

Furthermore the amount of dowry is also a factor to the different of waiting period in the above when a divorced case happen without consummation the divorcee is allowed to retain half for herself and return the other half to the former husband as stated in S2:237 “ And if ye divorce them before consummation, but after the fixation of a dower for them, then the half of the dower (Is due to them), unless they remit it or (the man's half) is remitted by him in whose hands is the marriage tie; and the remission (of the man's half) is the nearest to righteousness. And do not forget Liberality between yourselves. For Allah sees well all that ye do.” Whereas in the case of the widow the full sum of the dowry can be kept for her own self and naturally that will commensurate with the period of waiting.

 

Nevertheless the waiting period for the widow of four month and ten days compared to none for the divorcee is more to express a period of mourning an expression of one who has suffered a time of bereavement and also showing respect during that period to the family of her late husband. It is not proper or decent for a widow to immediately remarry when the family members are in period of bereavement and thus the period of waiting is morally acceptable in any community.

 

Asar

 

 



Refutation of a Christian claimed that Prophet Muhammad is now in hell

 

Salam,

 

The allegation he said the truth about Islam has been one of the world’s best-kept secrets. But things have changed. With the advent of the Internet, it is now impossible for Muslims to keep the dark teachings of Islam a secret. People are now becoming aware of the true nature of Islam and Muslims are unable to silence everyone. The entire structure of Islam is built upon the belief that Muhammad was mankind’s greatest prophet. As such, we would expect Allah to reward him with heavenly bliss immediately upon his death. Yet, Islam itself teaches that following his death, Allah’s greatest prophet descended into Hell. Consider now the evidences provided by Islam. The Qur'an teaches that all Muslims, including Muhammad, will go into Hell?

 

Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 12, Number 770:

“He will order the angels to take out of Hell those who worshipped none but Him alone. The angels will take them out by recognizing them from the traces of prostrations, for Allah has forbidden the (Hell) fire to eat away those traces. So they will come out of the Fire, it will eat away from the whole of the human body except the marks of the prostrations. At that time they will come out of the Fire as mere skeletons. The Water of Life will be poured on them and as a result they will grow like the seeds growing on the bank of flowing water...”

 

Muslims may find the above narration incredible. Again, this shows the ignorance of Muslims regarding their religion. There is no ambiguity in this Hadith. It clearly states that Muhammad and his followers are in “Hell.” According to this Hadith, Muhammad is not in heaven but in “Hell,” awaiting for the arrival of the “Day of Judgment” to get into heaven. And he will be the first to cross the bridge with his followers to go to heaven. Please note, this bridge (As-Sirat) is “laid across Hell” and serves as an exit to heaven. Since the bridge is “laid across Hell,” Muhammad has to be in “Hell” for the Hadith to speak of him as being among the first to use it to come out from there.

 

This is a clear case of Christian ignorance of the religion of Islam and the message of the Quran. Heaven and hell is only set in motion after mankind has been judged for their deeds as stated:-

 

When the scrolls are laid open; when the world on High is unveiled; When the Blazing Fire is kindled to fierce heat; and when the Garden is brought near; (Then) shall each soul know what it has put forward. (Surah 81:10-14).

 

When a Christian uses a hadith to support his argument Muslims can be reassured himself that the person is bankrupt of idea as those kinds of narrations would normally contradict the message of the Quran. Here is the evidences when a man dies he is not thrown in hell yet that will happen after he in being judged on the Day of Judgment his soul is now actually with Allah and he is in a state like sleeping as this verses illustrate:-

 

It is Allah that takes the souls (of men) at death; and those that dies not (He takes) during their sleep: those on whom He has passed the decree of death, He keeps back (from returning to life), but the rest He sends (to their bodies) for a term appointed verily in this are Signs for those who reflect. (Surah 39:42).

 

It is only on the Day of Judgment the dead will be awakened as if they had just slept over the night as this verses show:-

 

The trumpet shall be sounded, when behold! From their graves men will rush forth to their Lord! They will say: "Ah! Woe unto us! Who hath raised us up from our beds of repose?"... (A voice will say) "This is what ((Allah)) Most Gracious had promised. And true was the word of the apostles!" It will be no more than a single Blast, when lo! They will all be brought up before Us! Then, on that Day, not a soul will be wronged in the least, and ye shall but be repaid according of your past deeds. (Surah 36:51-54)

 

Or (take) the similitude of one who passed by a hamlet, all in ruins to its roofs. He said: "Oh! How shall Allah bring it (ever) to life, after (this) its death?" but Allah caused him to die for a hundred years then raised him up (again). He said: "How long didst thou tarry (thus)?" He said: (Perhaps) a day or part of a day." He said: "Nay, thou hast tarried thus a hundred years; (Surah 2:259)

 

Thus when one is awaken on the Day of Judgment one will feel as if one had only a night sleep even if he was dead a thousand years. So the Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) is sleeping while his soul is with Allah so is the situation with the other souls. No one is yet in hell!

 

And this Christian claimed the “Day of Resurrection” or “Qiyamah” refers to the time of the end. This means as he claimed, even as you are reading this article, Muhammad is in “Hell” awaiting to be rescued. This fact he claimed is further substantiated by the admission that even pious Muslims who pray regularly will be consumed by fire, leaving only the “marks of their prostration” untouched. According to the above Hadith, the bodies of those in “Hell” will be consumed by fire. “At that time – the Day of Resurrection – they will come out of the Fire as mere skeletons.” In corroboration with the above Hadith, the Qur'an says that all Muslims – every single one of them – will be taken to Hell. The verse states:-

 

Not one of you but will pass over it: this is, with thy Lord, a Decree which must be accomplished. But then We shall save those who guarded against evil, and We shall leave the wrong-doers therein, (humbled) to their knees. (Surah 19:71-72)

 

He explained the word “Then” (Thumma) used in this verse exemplify that there is a chronological order of events. First the entry into Hell, “Then” they being saved from it. Note the wordings of Surah 19:72: “We shall rescue those who kept from evil, and leave the evil-doers crouching there.” You only “rescue” someone who is in some kind of danger. However, this rescue operation will only take place on “Judgment Day.” Until then – for centuries – pious Muslims will be consumed by fire. Only the dark spots on the skin of their foreheads caused by years of prostration to Allah will escape the effects of the fire. This is Allah’s reward for their faithful prayers to him.

 

However the truth of the chronological order of events is nobody is in hell yet until they woke up to be tried on the Day of Judgment as the following verses verifies:-

 

Then it will be a single (compelling) cry; and behold, they will begin to see! They will say, "Ah! Woe to us! This is the Day of Judgment!"  (A voice will say,) "This is the Day of Sorting Out, whose truth ye (once) denied!" "Bring ye up", it shall be said, "The wrong-doers and their wives, and the things they worshipped- "Besides Allah, and lead them to the Way to the Fire! (Surah 37:19-23).

 

And the trial will be over the fire and those who fail will be dragged into the fire but those who believe and do righteous will be saved by Allah as reflected in these sequences:-

 

They ask, "When will be the Day of Judgment and Justice?" (It will be) a Day when they will be tried over the Fire! (Surah 51:12-13)

 

Only those who failed will meet the penalty:-

 

The Day they will be dragged through the Fire on their faces, (they will hear) "Taste ye the touch of Hell!" (54:48)

 

However Allah will save those who guarded themselves against evil which mean instead of being dragged to the fire they are taken to the gardens which was promised to them:-

  

 

Not one of you but will pass over it: this is, with thy Lord, a Decree which must be accomplished. But then We shall save those who guarded against evil, and We shall leave the wrong-doers therein, (humbled) to their knees. (Surah 19:71-72)

 

As to the Righteous, they will be in the midst of Gardens and Springs, taking joy in the things which their Lord gives them, because, before then, they lived a good life. (Surah 51:15-16)

 

Those Christians who fabricated that Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) will be in hell will be disappointed as the Quran confirmed on his status as follows:-  

 

Nay, verily for thee is a Reward unfailing: And thou (standest) on an exalted standard of character. (Surah 68:3-4)

 

Muhammad is the messenger of Allah; and those who are with him are strong against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other. Thou wilt see them bow and prostrate themselves (in prayer), seeking Grace from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure. On their faces are their marks, (being) the traces of their prostration. This is their similitude in the Taurat; and their similitude in the Gospel is: like a seed which sends forth its blade, then makes it strong; it then becomes thick, and it stands on its own stem, (filling) the sowers with wonder and delight. As a result, it fills the Unbelievers with rage at them. Allah has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds forgiveness, and a great Reward. (Surah 48:29)

 

On the other hand the Christians who put partner to Allah will never taste the pleasure of the garden  but land themselves here:-

 

They do blaspheme who say: "Allah is Christ the son of Mary." But said Christ: "O Children of Israel worship Allah my Lord and your Lord." Whoever joins other gods with Allah, Allah will forbid him the garden, and the Fire will be his abode. There will for the wrong-doers be no one to help. They do blaspheme who say: Allah is one of three in a Trinity: for there is no god except One Allah. If they desist not from their word of blasphemy, verily a grievous penalty will befall the blasphemers among them.

(Surah 5:72-73)

 

Asar

 



Is Bakkata the same as Makkata?

Salam,

 

Most of the Muslim scholars claimed that the place Bakkata in the Quran at Surah 3:96-97 is referring to the presence Mekah or  Makkata  which is being quoted in the Quran at Surah 48:24 as stated below:-----

 

The first House (of worship) appointed for men was that at Bakkata: Full of blessing and of guidance for all kinds of beings: In it are Signs Manifest; (for example), the Station of Abraham; whoever enters it attains security; Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah, those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures.” (3:96-97).

 

And it is He Who has restrained their hands from you and your hands from them in the midst of Makkata, after that He gave you the victory over them. And Allah sees well all that ye do. (48:24)

 

However nowadays many skeptics cast their doubt on the above being so as there is no evidence in the Quran or any other sources of Muslims authentic hadiths showing a recording of a change of name from the original Bakkata to Makkata. Bakkata is Makkata to them is mere speculation to justify the place as the original place of pilgrimage to date back to the story of Abraham (Pbuh).

 

Actually if we study the Quran in earnest we will come to the conclusion that Makkata is Bakkata but Bakkata is not equal to Makkata. This is because Makkata or Mekah as a city is ever growing and expanding its size areas as new development set in motion to an expanding economy and infrastructure of a modern city.

 

On the contrary the area of Bakkata remained intact with it boundary well defined as a blessed precinct for pilgrimage to be traced back to the time of Abraham (Pbuh) until present time. The Blessed Precinct is clearly stated in the Quran as the area between two mosques and the description fit well to be in similarity to that of the Blessed area of Bakkata The Blessed Precinct as stated:-----

 

Glory to (Allah) Who did take His servant for a Journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque, whose precincts We did bless, in order that We might show him some of Our Signs: for He is the One Who heareth and seeth (all things). (Surah 17:1)

 

In the above verse many Muslim exegesis claimed that the Furthest Mosque refer to the site of the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem on the hill of Moriah at or near which stands the Dome of the Rock. But this is just not possible as the mosque was never built during the time the Prophet (Pbuh) but was built and completed by the Amir “Abd al Malik in A.H. 68 which is about A.D. 691 in the Gregorian calendar. And the other technical error those who take the Furthest Mosque to be in Jerusalem is the distance between Makkata and Jerusalem a night journey cannot be done in those days.  Makkah is located around 1239 KM away from Jerusalem so if you travel at the constant speed of 50 KM per hour you can reach Jerusalem in 24.79 hours. Your Jerusalem travel time may vary due to your bus speed, train speed or depending upon the vehicle you use. Thus if one is to take a night journey in those time when the Quran was revealed as stated in Surah 17:1 to reach one another of the two mosques then the likelihood is that the Furthest Mosque was not in Jerusalem but located within the boundary of the Blessed Precinct in Makkata itself.

 

The evidences shown in the Quran the pilgrimage is done in Bakkata the Blessed Precinct (Surah 17:1) is an area flanked by two mosques the Sacred Mosque on one side and the other by the Furthest Mosque. The Sacred Mosque is where the Station of Abraham (Pbuh) is located as stated in 3:97 and substantiated by the verse which says “Remember We made the House a place of assembly for men and a place of safety; and take ye the station of Abraham as a place of prayer;” (Surah 2:125). So this is the Sacred Mosque.

 

The other end of the Blessed Precinct of Surah 17:1 is mentioned the area of Arafat where the pilgrims were also to fulfill their rituals during pilgrimage season as the verse says “It is no crime in you if ye seek of the bounty of your Lord (during pilgrimage). Then when ye pour down from (Mount) Arafat, celebrate the praises of Allah at the Sacred Monument, and celebrate His praises as He has directed you, even though, before this, ye went astray.” (Surah 2:198). The Sacred Monument at Arafat is where the pilgrims do their prayer and this is the Furthest Mosque mentioned in Surah 17:1. The distance between the Sacred Mosque at the Station of Abraham to the Furthest Mosque at the Sacred Monument in Arafat is 21 KM and it is about 30 minutes cruise by car but a ride on a camel will take about 4 hours thus the Prophet’s night journey was between these two places mentioned above.

 

 

There is however a claim that the servant of Allah mentioned in the Surah 17:1 does not refers to Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) but it refers to Prophet Moses (Pbuh) as the immediate verse after it is tied with the conjunction “wa or and” which make it looks like The Quran is talking about Moses (Pbuh) rather than Muhammad (Pbuh). However the argument can be discarded as it was during the Prophet Muhammad’s time that there is command to face the Sacred Mosque as stated:- “Turn then Thy face in the direction of the sacred Mosque: Wherever ye are, turn your faces in that direction.” (Surah 2:144) Whereas Prophet Moses was commanded to face a different kind of Qiblah as stated:- We inspired Moses and his brother with this Message: "Provide dwellings for your people in Egypt, make your dwellings into Qiblah and establish regular prayers: and give glad tidings to those who believe!" (Surah 10:87)

 

 

It is therefore crystal clear the two mosques known as the Sacred Mosque and the Furthest Mosque are within the boundary of the Blessed Precinct in Bakkata and this boundary for pilgrimage has not changed since the time of Abraham (Pbuh) but Makkata as a city is ever progressing and expanding its boundary. Thus there is no necessity of a change of name from Bakkata to Makkata because Bakkata is an area in Makkata and is known as the Blessed Precinct.

 

Asar   

 

What and where is the location of the Sacred Mosque (Masjidil Haram)

 

A mosque is a place of worship for Allah alone and it is based on piety.

"And the places of worship are for Allah (alone): So invoke not any one along with Allah; (72:18) and the preferable mosque is where one is supposed to worship Allah by remembering Him, praising, magnified and glorying Him with a firm commitment to obey all His command regarding the salat  or the prayer in the Quran.

 

To congregate in a mosque one must be aware of the following.

And there are those who put up a mosque by way of mischief and infidelity - to disunite the Believers - and in preparation for one who warred against Allah and His Messenger aforetime. They will indeed swear that their intention is nothing but good; But Allah doth declare that they are certainly liars. Never stand thou forth therein. There is a mosque whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety; it is more worthy of the standing forth (for prayer) therein. In it are men who love to be purified; and Allah loveth those who make themselves pure. (9:107-108)

 

Earlier place of worship by Abraham and Ishmael during their pilgrimage.

Abraham and Ismael were commanded to make the surroundings of God’s House a place of worship (musalla) by offering the salat or prayer as stated:-----

 

Remember We made the House a place of assembly for men and a place of safety; and take ye the station of Abraham as a place of prayer (musalla); and We covenanted with Abraham and Ishmael that they should sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or use it as a retreat and bow to prostrate themselves (therein in prayer). (2:125)

 

And in another verse Allah commanded those who believe to bow and prostrate and to circumambulate around His House:-

 

Behold! We gave the site, to Abraham, of the House, (saying): "Associate not anything (in worship) with Me and sanctify My House for those who compass it round, and stand up and bow to prostrate themselves (therein in prayer). (22:26)

 

Kaabah the Sacred House

And Allah made His House (2:125 My House) sacred and He called it The Sacred House and named it as the Kaabah where Muslims do their circumambulating, do salat and as a place of pilgrimage as stated:- Allah made the Kaabah, the Sacred House, an asylum of security for men (5:97).

 

The Kaabah as the Sacred House is the first House appointed for men

The Kaabah as the Sacred House being the first House is also known as the Ancient House where the circumambulating takes place for the pilgrimage season as stated:-

 

"Then let them complete the rites prescribed for them, perform their vows, and (again) circumambulate the Ancient House." (22:29) and the Ancient House being the Sacred House is located in Bakkata in an area in Makkah as confirmed by the Quran in the following verses:-

 

The first House (of worship) appointed for men was that at Bakkata: Full of blessing and of guidance for all kinds of beings: In it (Bakkata) are Signs Manifest; (for example), the Station of Abraham; whoever enters it attains security; Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah, those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures. (3:96-97)

 

And this place of prayer or “musalla” (2:125) which is surrounding the Sacred House the Kaabah (5:97) was declared as the Sacred Mosque when Allah commanded the Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) to turn his face towards it in the following verse of the Quran as stated:-

 

We see the turning of thy face (for guidance) to the heavens: now shall We turn thee to a Qiblah that shall please thee. Turn then Thy face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque: Wherever ye are, turn your faces in that direction. The people of the Book know well that that is the truth from their Lord. Nor is Allah unmindful of what they do. (2:144)

The location of the Sacred Mosque or earlier known as the “musalla” (2:125) during Prophet Abraham (Pbuh) time is supported by the following verse to show that it is an area located in presence day Makkah where Muslims make their pilgrimage:-

 

And it is He Who has restrained their hands from you and your hands from them in the midst of Makkah, after that He gave you the victory over them. And Allah sees well all that ye do. They are the ones who denied Revelation and hindered you from the Sacred Mosque and the sacrificial animals, detained from reaching their place of sacrifice. (48:24-25)

 

Since Makkah is a city and still growing the original area of Bakkata reminds unchanged

and this blessed area is where the Sacred Mosque is located the qiblah for Muslims to turn to as a common direction. In the Quran Makkah is known as the Mother of Cities and the Quraish Arab have a covenant to fulfill with Allah as stated in the following verses:-

 

And call in remembrance the favor of Allah unto you, and His covenant, which He ratified with you, when ye said: "We hear and we obey": And fear Allah, for Allah knoweth well the secrets of your hearts. (5:7)

 

And this is a Book which We have sent down, bringing blessings, and confirming (the revelations) which came before it: that thou mayest warn the mother of cities and all around her. Those who believe in the Hereafter believe in this (Book), and they are constant in guarding their prayers. (6:92)

 

For the covenants (of security and safeguard enjoyed) by the Quraish, Their covenants (covering) journeys by winter and summer, Let them worship the Lord of this House, Who provides them with food against hunger, and with security against fear (of danger). (Surah Quraish)

 

Asar



Salatil Fajri and Salatil Ishaa are not names of obligatory salat in the Quran

 

Obligatory prayers is commanded at specific times

 

In the Quran it is stated that the command to establish obligatory prayers or “As Salat” Is based on the timing and the timing is be done at specific  and not a span of time as most scholar claimed as seen by this verse will verify as stated:----- “but when you are free from danger set up regular prayers: For such prayers are enjoined on believers at stated times.(Surah 4:103).

 

The following verses are the specific times being mentioned in the Quran:-

And establish regular prayers at the two ends of the day and at the approaches of the night: For those things, that are good remove those that are evil: Be that the word of remembrance to those who remember (their Lord): (Surah 11:114).

 

In the above verse since it is mentioned the day at its two ends will give the meaning that it qualifies the time at sunrise and the time of sunset as both timings are in the daytime with sunrise being just turning bright at the early morning part of the day while the other end at sunset still has its brightness but moving towards darkness during the late part of the day. The time of early night has no problem to be defined it is the situation when there is no sun can be seen and total darkness had prevailed. Thus from Surah 11:114 alone the prayers that is to be established are at sunrise, sunset and at early night.

 

The next clear verse mentioning a specific time is as follows:-

Establish regular prayers at the sun's decline towards (ila) the darkness of the night (Surah 17:78) this is the time of the sun’s decline at noon from its zenith. Although some translators uses the Arabic “ila” to mean “until the darkness of the night” it is inaccurate as no one can establish the prayer continuously until night time so it is more prudent to describe it is the sun which is turning towards the darkness of the night to indicate a specific time to establish the prayer. And there are others who claimed that this time “dulukish shamsi” at Surah 17:78 is not noon but sun set then again the argument can be dispelled as there is the Arabic “maghribas shamsi” at Surah 18:86 to mean sunset. The Surah 17:78 cannot be other than a specific time at noon.

 

Thus so far the specific times extracted are sunrise (11:114), noon (17:78), sunset (11:114) and early night (11:114) and the next specific time can be deduced from the verse mentioning a specific time to be in the middle of the above four timings in the following verse of the Quran as stated:-

 

O ye who believe! When the call is proclaimed to prayer on Friday (the Day of Assembly), hasten earnestly to the remembrance of Allah, and leave off business (and traffic): That is best for you if ye but knew! (Surah 62:9)

 

The above prayer is also to be done at a specific time which is clearly defined in the Quran as the time when the sun settled at the middle point between the time of the sun’s decline at noon and sunset. This specific time in the Quran is known as “business or trading time” and this specific timing is at late noon but before sunset and is also known as the Middle Prayer. This time is the only specific time that can be done in congregation prayer as the other four times are not suitable as it fall under the category of privacy time as stated:-

 

O ye who believe! let those whom your right hands possess, and the (children) among you who have not come of age ask your permission (before they come to your presence), on three occasions: before morning prayer; the while ye doff your clothes for the noonday heat; and after the late-night prayer: these are your three times of privacy: outside those times it is not wrong for you or for them to move about attending to each other: Thus does Allah make clear the Signs to you: for Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom. (Surah 24:58)

 

It can be seen that morning, noon, and early night are privacy times and that of sunset is also near to privacy time at night or Ishaa as the Surah 62:10 mentioned after prayer there is command to seek bounty but it can only be done during late noon but not after sunset when everybody will be at home with the family.

 

Although this prayer is mentioned to be establish on a weekly basis at Surah 62:9 but in another verse Allah commanded this specific time to be observed as a daily prayer will all the other four prayers as obligatory as the following verse indicated:-

 

Guard strictly your (habit of) prayers, and the Middle Prayer; and stand before Allah in a devout (frame of mind). (Surah 2:238).

 

From the above verses it is clearly defined in the Quran that Allah ordained five times of salat prayers daily for Muslims to obey as follows:----------

 

Sunrise (11:114), noon (17:78), Middle Salat (2:238 and 62:9), sunset (11:114) and early night (11:114) are the timings for the obligatory prayer.

 

 

 

The names of prayers mentioned in the Quran

There is only one prayer name being mentioned in the Quran not three names as many now claimed. Although there are those who establish three times of prayer because they claimed there are three names mentioned in the Quran this is however a false belief as there is only one salat or prayer name being mentioned in the Quran which is “The Middle Prayer” stated in the Surah 2:238.

 

The claimed that the Surah 24:58 mentioned the other two specific names of daily obligatory salat is misinterpreted:-

 

O ye who believe! let those whom your right hands possess, and the (children) among you who have not come of age ask your permission (before they come to your presence), on three occasions: before morning prayer (salaawatil Fajri); the while ye doff your clothes for the noonday heat; and after the late-night prayer (salaawatil Ishaa): these are your three times of undress: outside those times it is not wrong for you or for them to move about attending to each other: Thus does Allah make clear the Signs to you: for Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom. (Surah 24:58).

 

The “Salaawatil Fajri” and the “Salaawatil Ishaa” are not specific names of the daily obligatory prayers as the Arabic word “Salaawatun” in the above verse indicate that the word is not singular in meaning but to be plural in activities. There are other verses in the Quran showing similar words with the same spelling and it does not mean the obligatory daily prayer or salat as stated:-

 

They are those on whom descend blessings (salaawatun) from Allah, and Mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance. (Surah 2:157).

 

But some of the desert Arabs believe in Allah and the Last Day, and look on their payments as pious gifts bringing them nearer to Allah and obtaining the prayers (salaawati) of the Messenger. Aye, indeed they bring them nearer (to Him): soon will Allah admit them to His Mercy: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surah 9:99).

 

(They are) those who have been expelled from their homes in defiance of right,- (for no cause) except that they say, "our Lord is Allah". Did not Allah check one set of people by means of another, there would surely have been pulled down monasteries, churches, synagogues (salaawatun), and mosques, in which the name of Allah is commemorated in abundant measure. (Surah 22:40)

 

So the word “salaawatun” do not take the meaning of daily obligatory prayer but of other meanings and it is therefore wrong to base on the argument on names of salat mentioned in the Quran. Also to be noted in the Quran all the words indicating to mean the daily obligatory prayer, the Arabic word “salat” must carry the prefix definite article “Al” or “The” in English to denote it is referring to that specific word. This can be shown by several examples in the Quran as follows:-

 

And be steadfast in prayer (Assalat); practice regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship). (Surah 2:43)

 

O ye who believe! When ye prepare for prayer (Assalat), wash your faces, and your hands (and arms) to the elbows; Rub your heads (with water); and (wash) your feet to the ankles. (Surah 5:6)

 

And establish regular prayers (Assalat) at the two ends of the day and at the approaches of the night: (Surah 11:114)

 

Thus the word “salat or prayer” without the definite article “Al” or “The” before the word does not carry the meaning of the daily obligatory salat or prayer it means something else as the various verses above indicated. So the only word salat or prayer to indicate by name is the “AssalatulWusta” or “The Middle Prayer” but the name carry the definite article “Al” or “The” before the word “Salat” to indicate that it refers to the obligatory prayer and it also indicate the specific timing linked to its name “middle”.

 

Asar

 

 



Is chopping or amputating the hands a true punishment for the thieves in the Quran?

 

Salam,

 

In the Quran it can be found two examples of punishment for the thieves in that it says the cutting of the hands and imprisonment as stated:----------

 

As to the thief, male or female cut off his or her hands: a punishment by way of example, from Allah, for their crime: and Allah is Exalted in power. (Surah 5:38)……….

 

(The brothers) said: "By Allah! Well ye know that we came not to make mischief in the land, and we are no thieves!" They said: "What then shall be the penalty of this, if ye are (proved) to have lied?" They said: "The penalty should be that he in whose saddle-bag it is found should be held (as bondman) to atone for the (crime). Thus it is we punish the wrong-doers!" (Surah 12:73-75)

 

The Quran is self-explanatory which means the verses in the Quran will interpret the meaning as in the example of the cutting of the hands and the imprisonment of the thieves.

 

However since many deny the truth of the Quran how the punishment for the thieves is to be carried out It then reveals and interprets Muhammad’s policy outside of the Quran. The following passages indicate that the penalty cannot be explained away as anything but literal and physical. This is a quick compilation taken from the two most reliable collectors and compilers of the Hadith, Bukhari (AD 810-870) and Muslim (c. AD 817-875):

 

Aisha [favorite wife of Muhammad] reported Allah’s Messenger as saying, "The hand of a thief should be cut off but for a quarter of a dinar and what is above that." (Bukhari 8:6789; Muslim 3:4175-79). A dinar, a word taken from the Roman denarius, was not a small sum, but not exorbitant, either. It could buy a shield, and many of the very poor in Muhammad’s army could not afford one.

 

Abu Huraira reported the Prophet as saying, "God curses the thief who steals an egg, for which his hand is to be cut off, or steals a rope for which he has his hand cut off!" (Bukhari 8:6799; Muslim 3:4185)

 

Some commentators say that an "egg" was really a helmet, and the rope was a ship’s rope, which was sizable and costly. However, the translation above is usually accepted, and this means that the penalty could be imposed for trivial thefts. But even if the more expensive items are in view here, are they still worth a human hand?

 

Next, it should be recalled that 5:39 says that Allah accepts the repentance of a thief, and it seems to imply that the repentance before the penalty blocks the mutilation that a court imposes. However, the earliest Muslim sources interpret the verse more differently.

 

Ibn Kathir, referencing two hadiths from Bukhari and Muslim, summarizes an application of the punishment in early Islam (vol. 3, pp.175-76). A woman committed theft during Muhammad’s conquest of Mecca, and she was brought to him. A devout Muslim interceded for her, wanting her repentance to be accepted before the penalty. But Muhammad’s face turned red with anger and he rebuked the intercessor, saying that even if his own daughter were to steal, he would have her hand cut off. Allah’s command must be carried out no matter what. So Muhammad had the woman’s hand cut off, and Aisha reported that her repentance afterwards was sincere. Narrated Aisha: The prophet cut off the hand of a lady ... and she repented, and her repentance was sincere. (Bukhari 8:6800; Muslim 3:4187 and 4188).

 

It can be seen from the hadith above the Prophet (Pbuh) is being portrayed as cruel and unjust that whatever amount being stolen the hands is to be chopped off. On the contrary the verses that were inspired by the Prophet (Pbuh) in the Quran portrayed another example the cutting of the hand with the same Arabic word incurred by the ladies in the story of Joseph as follows:---------

 

“She gave each of them a knife: and she said (to Joseph), "Come out before them." When they saw him, they did extol him, and (in their amazement) cut their hand”: (Surah 12:31)

 

From the above example if cutting the hands (Arabic qatha’uu) is defined as above then the same action can be imposed on the thieves whereby he is given a knife and it is for him to cut his own hand for his atonement of the crime he did. He must cut his hands but whether the feeling of guilt make him chopped of his hands entirely, or his finger or sliced part of his hands it is for his own atonement as the ladies did in Surah 12:31 and none should have any interference whatsoever. This self-inflicted atonement for his crime comes in conjunction with the relevancy to the successive verse after Surah 5:38 which says:---------

 

But if the thief repents after his crime, and amends his conduct, Allah turneth to him in forgiveness; for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surah 5:39).

 

It can be concluded that if the thief repent after cutting his own hand and make amend by returning all that is being stolen then Allah is to him forgiven and merciful. However even after cutting his own hands to atone his sin, the thieves did not repent then it is only fair that he should be sentenced to imprisonment depending on the seriousness of his crime. The higher the value he stole the longer he has to stay in prison. The imprisonment of the thieves is referred in the Quran as at Surah 12:73-75.

 

Without doubt It is proven the verses of the Quran refuted the stories of the hadith written by 9^th century Persian morons that it is glaring their message is to smeared the good name of the Prophet (Pbuh) as a cruel and unjust man whereas by taking the examples of the verses of the Quran inspired through him justice prevails as the punishment of the thieves can be achieved through compassion and consideration upon the thieves themselves.

 

Allah doth command you to render back your Trusts to those to whom they are due; And when ye judge between man and man, that ye judge with justice: Verily how excellent is the teaching which He giveth you! For Allah is He Who heareth and seeth all things. (Surah 4:58)

 

Say: "I believe in the Book which Allah has sent down; and I am commanded to judge justly between you. Allah is our Lord and your Lord: for us (is the responsibility for) our deeds, and for you for your deeds. There is no contention between us and you. Allah will bring us together, and to Him is (our) Final Goal. (Surah 42:15)

 

Asar



Most misunderstood verse by Christians and Jews of the Quran at Q10:94

 

Salam,

 

According to the Christians and the Jews they see Muslims are ignorant of their own scripture as they claimed that the Quran itself testified that the Bible is inspired, preserved and authoritative Word of God. It is proven according to them that in many ways the verses of the Quran itself says so. What does the Quran says about the Bible? Did the Quran say that the Bible is corrupted?

 

The following are 10 reasons claimed by Christians why the Bible should be acknowledged as the true Word of God based on direct quotations from the Quran:

 

1. The Quran gives the Bible many noble titles and honorable characteristics.

A guidance and light (Surah 5:44); A guidance and mercy (Surah 28:43); The book of enlightenment (Surah 3:184); Insight to men (Surah 28:43); The book (Surah 45:16); Allah’s book (Surah 5:44); The word of Allah (Surah 2:75);  A Guide to mankind (Surah 3:3).

 

2. The Quran states that all parts of the Bible were given by God.

And He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion (of judgment between right and wrong). (Surah 3:3); and to David we gave the Psalms (Surah 4:163).

 

3. The Qur'an teaches that all scripture should be respected in the same way, and that no distinction is to be made between any of the holy books.

We believe in Allah, and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in (the Books) given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets, from their Lord: We make no distinction between one and another among them,... (Surah 3:84).

 

4. The Qur'an demands that people regard the Bible as the revelation of the Lord which must be obeyed.

O, People of the Book! Ye have no ground to stand upon unless ye stand fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that has come to you from your Lord.' It is the revelation that cometh to thee from thy Lord (Surah 5:68).

 

5. The Quran declares that the Scriptures of the Jews and Christians are for all mankind and not to be made obscure.

And remember Allah took a covenant from the People of the Book, to make it known and clear to mankind, and not to hide it; but they threw it away behind their backs... (Surah 3:187).

 

6. The Quran encourages those who follow the revelation of the Bible and declares that they will have a reward.

Those who believe (in the Qur'an), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. (Surah 2:62).

 

7. The Qur'an encourages Christians to judge any revelation by the truth of their Scriptures.

Let the people of the Gospel judge by what Allah hath revealed therein. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed, they are (no better than) those who rebel (Surah 5:47).

Note: Allah did not refer to the People of the Abrogated Scriptures" or "the People of the Corrupted Scriptures" or "the People of the Ascended Scriptures" as the Christian Scriptures were considered true and divine during the prophets time.

 

8. The Quran exhorted the prophet of Islam to test the truthfulness of his message against previous divine revelation.

If thou wert in doubt as to what We have revealed unto thee, then ask those who have been reading the Book from before thee: the Truth hath indeed come to thee from thy Lord: so be in no wise of those in doubt. (Surah 10:94)

Note: The Quran demands that Mohammed take the writings of the Jews and Christians as a model, and when he is in doubt to seek guidance in them. Surely Allah would not advise his messenger to seek understanding from the People of the Book if their Scripture was corrupted. Thus this earlier Scripture must have been preserved to make such a request.

 

9. The Qur'an insists that Gods revelation and words will never change.

There is none that can alter the words (and decrees) of Allah (Surah 6:34).  No change can there be in the words of Allah this is indeed the supreme felicity (Surah 10:64).

Note: Claiming that Gods Word is corrupted is a severe insult to God, implying He could not keep His Word from forgery.

 

10. The Qur'an declares that the Bible contains commands from God which are the foundation of sound decision; whoever disbelieves the Bible has lost his way.

But why do they come to thee for decision, when they have (their own) law before them?- therein is the (plain) command of Allah; yet even after that, they would turn away (Surah 5:43). O ye who believe! Believe in Allah and His Messenger, and the scripture which He hath sent to His Messenger and the scripture which He sent to those before (him) (Surah 4:136).

Based on what were proved, the Quran does not teach that the Bible is corrupted. Historically, the complete Scriptures (that was already in the Bible) were used since the end of the first century. The Old Testament Scriptures were compiled, also. Therefore, the Bible was already there. Now, we need to think of it. Did Muhammad confirm his message through the corrupted book? Therefore, Muslims must have to admit that they don’t know what they are saying.

 

It is true the Quran acknowledged the former scriptures were from Allah but it confirmed not without reservation. Most Christians and the Jews missed the point that the Quran is “Mohaiminan” or “Quality Control” over previous scriptures meaning one of the functions of the Quran is to expose the falsehood inserted into those scriptures. The following verse of the Quran played the role of “guardian” over previous scripture is to check the truth by the Quran and not the other way round as stated:--------------

 

To thee We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety: so judge between them by what Allah hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging from the Truth that hath come to thee. (5:48).

 

And this is the verse of the Quran where Allah exposed the Christians and the Jews for their role to invent falsehood and hide the truth from their scriptures as stated:-------------

 

O people of the Book! There hath come to you our Messenger, revealing to you much that ye used to hide in the Book, and passing over much (that is now unnecessary): There hath come to you from Allah a (new) light and a perspicuous Book, Wherewith Allah guideth all who seek His good pleasure to ways of peace and safety, and leadeth them out of darkness, by His will, unto the light, guideth them to a path that is straight.  (5:15-16)

 

For those People of the Book salvation is theirs if they also believe in the Quran and the apostle who brings it as the Quran clearly says believing in either one they will never achieve salvation as stated:---------

 

Those who follow the messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (scriptures), in the law and the Gospel; for he commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure); He releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. So it is those who believe in him, honor him, help him, and follow the light which is sent down with him,- it is they who will prosper." (7:157).

 

If there is no record of this in their scriptures then know that the truth has been erased from their books to support their evil agenda. The Quran had confirmed this and the truth is only from Allah in the Quran and we are being commanded not to be of those who doubt as stated:-  The Truth (comes) from Allah alone; so be not of those who doubt. (3:60).

 

Similarly one can check the validity of the verse Surah 10:94 intelligently whether the Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) was of those who doubt the truth from Allah as claimed by the Christians and the Jews that he went and ask those who have knowledge of previous scriptures as this verse indicated:-

 

If thou wert in doubt as to what We have revealed unto thee, then ask those who have been reading the Book from before thee: the Truth hath indeed come to thee from thy Lord: so be in no wise of those in doubt. (10:94)

 

The Christians and the Jews failed to see that there are two parts of the above verse the first part imply only those Muslims who are in doubt of the revelation from Allah of the Quran will make reference to those who have been reading previous scriptures but for sure the Prophet (Pbuh) will not be among those who ask those who have been reading the books before him as he was never of those who doubt as he said:-------------

 

Say: "O my Lord! Let my entry be by the Gate of Truth and Honor, and likewise my exit by the Gate of Truth and Honor; and grant me from Thy Presence an authority to aid (me)." And say: "Truth has (now) arrived, and Falsehood perished: for Falsehood is (by its nature) bound to perish." (17:80-81)

 

Never will the Jews or the Christians be satisfied with thee unless thou follow their form of religion. Say: "The Guidance of Allah,that is the (only) Guidance." Wert thou to follow their desires after the knowledge which hath reached thee, then wouldst thou find neither Protector nor helper against Allah. (2:120)

 

Asar