Your Questions Answered
Queries
(Answered under the supervision of the Editor)
Eating Donkeys
Question: As far as the point of donkey being haram (forbidden to eat) is concerned, if I am not wrong, there are many opinions out of which one emphasizes the point that domestic asses only have been declared haram and not all categories. But my point, on which I wish to get clarified, is that there are some narratives which clearly indicate that the Prophet (sws) had made domestic asses haram for consumption, when he was informed that they were being eaten at the time of a campaign and when the Muslims were in dire need of transportation facility provided in form of these asses. If this is agreed, then do we still have to consider such domestic asses as haram. Please note that in many parts of the world asses have been replaced by cars etc. So, does the consumption of domestic asses still have its stand in form of forbiddance as it was exactly during the times of the Prophet (sws).
Answer: As you may know, the Book of Allah, which is the final version of Divine Law, does not provide us with an exhaustive list regarding what is halal (allowed) and what is haram(forbidden). It maintains a clear stance that Allah has allowed us to eat everything which we, in the light of innate guidance, hold lawful. The Qur’an reads:
They ask you [O Muhammad] what is made lawful for them. Say: pure things are made lawful for you. (5:4)
The Holy Qur’an has only proscribed four things about which mankind was not in a position to adopt a clear stance. The following verse while mentioning this proscription also asserts that every good thing is edible.
Say, I find not in that which is revealed to me anything prohibited to an eater that he eats thereof except it be carrion or blood poured forth, swine flesh for that verily is foul or the abomination which was immolated to the name of other than Allah. (6:145)
I think what needs to be appreciated is the fact that every human being earth knows what is edible. No one teaches a lion how to hunt or what to hunt; he never goes for an eagle or a crocodile. Similarly, a vulture always prefers to feed on carrion; it never goes for a flying bird to first hunt and then eat. The case of humans is no different. They inherently know what they must eat and what not. They would never place on the dining table an eagle cooked in corn oil or a lizard barbecued with spices. They like to eat what their Lord has ordained within their souls as permissible to eat. Therefore, there was no need to give an exhaustive list of what is edible and what not. Allah has only proscribed the above mentioned four things because mankind could not have decided their status regarding eating.
Seen in this perspective, domestic donkey is not an animal to be eaten under all circumstances since human nature abhors the very concept of eating it. The majority of mankind has never taken donkeys as edible though a very nominal minority must have deviated a bit. Such people have always been corrected by their society as the Prophet (sws) corrected some of his Companions (rta) during the campaign. Hence, the proscription does not hinge upon whether they are domestic and are being used for transportation.
(Jhangeer Hanif)
Does Islam permit critical thinking?
Question: I have read that most Muslim schools focus on rote memorization of religious texts and discourage independent thinking. In other words, the students are required to memorize passages from religious books, but they are not allowed to learn about modern scientific ideas such as evolution, history of nations compiled by secular historians, or anything which would conflict with the religious tenants of Islam. Some of the religious schools merely propagandize militant Islamic beliefs and indoctrinate little boys into becoming warriors for the next Jihad. Is it because Islam itself discourages intellectual activity? Does Islam really permit critical thinking?
Answer: I would rather say that Islam encourages critical thinking instead of just permitting it. At scores of places in the Holy Qur’an, the Almighty has exhorted man to think about the signs that are spread around him and that testify to the greatness of Allah. The Holy Qur’an reads:
None will grasp the message but men of intellect? (2:269)
Most certainly the worst of animals in Allah’s sight are the deaf, the dumb who do not use their brains. (8:22)
Behold in the creation of the heavens and the alteration of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of intellect. (3:190)
We are not supposed to close our eyes and live this life being obsessed with worldly pleasures as animals who only know how to strive for their bodily desires. We are rather supposed to ponder, deliberate and choose a proper course of action for whatever undertaking we venture. Thus, critical thinking is not confined to thinking about the stars and the moon. It is rather moving ahead in every field of science and arts. The discoveries that we succeed to make in these fields will evidently guide us how to appreciate the Original Creator of everything, who always partake in our lives like a concerned and active Mentor.
(Jhangeer Hanif)
Using Spells for Captivation
Question: I have a problem. I need to share it with you to get some solution of it. A girl is after my husband. She is making use of magic and spells to control him. My husband is least interested in her, but I don’t know with what magic tricks she is trying to get control of his mind. At times, my husband suffers from fits in which he does not recognize anyone, forgets his past, and starts thinking about her. I am extremely worried and so is my husband. Few days back, my husband had blood spots on the back of his shirt as well. Kindly suggest any type of tasbih (words praising the Lord).
Answer: I am sorry to hear that some woman is contriving to ruin your marital life. She is certainly incurring a grave sin and if she does not stop, she will meet a dreadful fate in the Hereafter and very likely in this world too.
Two surahs from the Holy Qur’an namely Surah al-Falaq and Surah al-Nas would be helpful in this regard. Ask your husband to learn their meanings and recite them whenever he finds time in his day while pondering on the message both surahs communicate. You may please know that there is no strong and lasting shelter than the shelter of God from all that is evil. These surahs are in fact supplications; whoever utters these finds himself under the supreme protection of Allah. He feels that he is wreathed by the divine circle of a large squad of angels who protect him all the time as he seeks his Lord’s refuge.
In addition, you and your husband also need to establish your obligatory prayers five times a day. After saying your obligatory prayer, you should pray to the Lord for your husband. I believe no one can pray for him as sincerely as you—his wife—can do.
There are two other supplications of the Prophet (sws), which you and your husband may recite whenever be in distress. These are:
حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ عَلَى اللَّهِ تَوَكَّلْنَا (تِرْمَذِى رَقَم: 3355)
Allah is sufficient for us. He is the best disposer of affairs. In Allah [only] we repose trust. (Tirmidhi, No: 3355)
إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ اللَّهُمَّ أْجُرْنِي فِي مُصِيبَتِي وَأَخْلِفْ لِي خَيْرًا (مُسْلِم رَقَم: 1565)
We belong to Allah and to Him shall we return; O Allah reward me for my affliction and give me something better in exchange for it.(Muslim, No: 1565)
Spells often cause psychological effects, as you mentioned about your husband that he forgets things. I would very humbly suggest that if this woman is from among your relatives or in a position where you and your husband have to see her, you both should immediately rearrange your plans as to avoid even having a look at her. Your husband especially needs to never come in any sort of contact with her. Let her do, in his absence, what she pleases but ask your husband not to see her anyway. I am very hopeful this will greatly help.
(Jhangeer Hanif)
Why is Sabbath not for the Muslims?
Question: In the Torah, we find the words:
Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever does any work in the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. (Exodus 31:15)
In the Noble Qur’an, however, the Sabbath is not reinforced. The Torah clearly states that it is a sign between God and the Israelites forever (as well as Passover), yet this is not stated in the Qur’an. Why is Sabbath not the Muslims?
Answer: Sabbath, no doubt, is a day of great importance but for the Israelites as you have mentioned. Allah declared for each nation a special day in order to distinguish them from others and to give them a feeling of personal relationship with Allah. This relationship they experience on the day appointed divinely for them.
As far as the Muslims are concerned, the Prophet (sws) has given importance to Friday. On this day, they proclaim the greatness of Allah in large gatherings as compared to normal congregation for other obligatory prayers. This difference is same as the difference of ‘Eid (feast) days. Muslims celebrate and enjoy feasts on days different from those appointed for the People of the Book. Thus, there was no need to reinforce the importance of Sabbath in the Holy Qur’an.
(Jhangeer Hanif)
Qur’anicVerdict regarding Marriages with Non-Muslims
Question: Can you please tell me the verse that states that Muslim women cannot marry non-Muslim men, but it is permissible for Muslim men to marry the Christian or the Jewish women?
Answer: The Holy Qur’an reads:
This day are [all] good things made lawful for you. The food of those who have received the Scripture is lawful for you, and your food is lawful for them. And so are the virtuous women of the believers and the virtuous women of those who received the Scripture before you [lawful for you] when you give them their marriage portions and live with them in honor, not in fornication, nor taking them as secret concubines. Whosoever denies the faith, his work is in vain and he will be among the losers in the Hereafter. (5:5)
The expression of ‘this day’ is very meaningful in this verse and this is why I have quoted the complete verse. It shows that, after revelation of this verse, Muslims were allowed to marry the Christian or the Jewish ladies. As far as the matter of Muslim ladies marrying the Christians or the Jews is concerned, the Holy Qur’an remains silent, which shows that Muslims ladies were not allowed to solemnize such marriages even on ‘that day’.
Our experience also guides us in this regard. A lady, be a westerner or an easterner, lives under the protection of her husband, which definitely gives him an edge over her. He may affect her religious practices and beliefs also over time. It is therefore maintained that Muslim ladies should not marry men from among the People of Book. Muslim men should also exercise prudence as regards what impact their marriage will have on their faith and practices. In a country dominated by Christianity, they should refrain from marrying any Christian lady or when it is clear that their children will be given a Christian upbringing instead of Islamic.
(Jhangeer Hanif)
A Christian Lady Marrying a Muslim
Question I am a westerner who was brought up in the Roman Catholic faith but also brought up in a middle eastern country and adapted to the Arabic and Muslim culture. My partner and I are in love and considering marriage. He is a Muslim and I am not sure what the ‘rules’ are for a Muslim man to marry outside his faith. Does the Qur’an say that Christian women have to convert to Islam and gain knowledge about it to marry Muslim men? And as both are from different religions, would the wedding have to comply with the Muslim man’s culture and be strictly Islamic?
Answer: It is really appreciated that you have tried to seek out advice regarding as important matter as one’s marriage is a commitment which lasts for life.
The Holy Qur’an has placed no restriction if a Muslim man wants to marry a Christian lady. It however has commanded the believers not to marry anyone who associates other partners or deities with God (polytheists) as He is one and alone nor should the believers marry any convicted criminal of adultery. Apart from these two restrictions, the Shari‘ah (Law of God) has placed no restriction on marriage contracts of the believers.
However, this does not mean that we should not use our sense and reason to choose the person we intend to marry. Indeed, there are many things involved that must be considered before a couple decides to get married. The foremost factor is that there should be harmony between both in terms of their financial status and religious set up. Religion is not a trivial matter to be ignored while choosing your prospective husband. Marriage means that two persons are going to live together for the rest of their lives. Do you think that there would be no conflict on religious issues? What about the children that God will bless you with? What religion would they be taught? You may think that such matters are of less importance to modern minds. But I assure you that these matters will of be concern to you both once you come out of the euphoria that people experience before marriage.
As for your saying ‘Does the Qur'an say that the Christian women have to convert to Islam and gain knowledge about it to marry the Muslim men?’, I would like to tell you that the Holy Qur’an does not hold religion as a matter of petty importance. Why would Qur’an ask a lady to renounce her religion for some mortal man? Religion is something very personal in nature. It is a deep relationship — a connection more strong than the one which is established between a man and his wife. It is about God and His servants; it is about God and you. There is no man between you and Him. You accept Him on a very personal basis; you surrender before Him of your own accord. Did you know that Islam gives so much respect to Christians because of the fact that they believe in one God? The bitterest thing is however that they have devised ‘Three’ for the One that is alone and devoid of any partner whosoever. He is One and is the Creator and Master of all humans. Islam calls all the Christians to accept the fact that was also propagated by Jesus (sws) as the Lord is One. What I wish to say is that religion is something that should be chosen with a serious mind and after appreciating the value of the specific teachings that this religion promotes. Islam does not force people to convert. It is the truth that every willing person is welcome to embrace.
Culminating a marital arrangement is very simple. Islam wants that elders from both sides be involved in this matter. Marriages that are contracted without involving the families from both sides often end up in failure. Therefore, I very humbly advise you both to bring the matter to the attention of your families. Marriage is indeed a public announcement that this couple, from now on, would live as a wedded husband and wife—an arrangement which needs to be registered with the relevant government body as well.
The last thing that I want to address is that you have written ‘My partner and I are in love’. I do not know what specific connotation you have in mind when you say this. I however would like you to know that Islam does not like that any intimate relationship should be created between a lady and a gentlemen before marriage. We—the servants of God are supposed to live a pure and good life in order to attain inner purification. Islam repels the very idea of having an intimate relationship before marriage because it divests you of your purity of heart. We must know that this life is transitory in nature. It is a prelude to that life which is eternal and lasting. We must be well conscious of what we do in this life. Anything which is against morality will strictly be dealt with in the Hereafter. The only thing we need to keep in mind is that while marriage is a sacred bond, extramarital relationship is filth, which is abhorrent and intolerable.
(Jhangeer Hanif)
Is Suicide forbidden by the Qur’an?
Question: Is there any reference in the Holy Qur’an why suicide is forbidden?
Answer: In its essence, suicide is taking one human life. The Holy Qur’an has a clear stance regarding taking any human life. It has described only two circumstances where mankind has been allowed to take one person’s life; when he is a criminal guilty of killing another human being or spreading disorder in land. Excepting these two circumstances, every killing is like killing the whole mankind. The Holy Qur’an reads:
He who killed a human being without the latter being guilty of killing someone else or spreading disorder in land, it is as if he killed whole mankind. (5:32)
The Holy Qur’an has announced an eternal punishment in the blazing fire of hell for the one who kills a believer.
And he who intentionally kills a believer, his reward is Hell. He shall abide therein forever, and the wrath and the curse of God are upon him. He has prepared for him a dreadful doom. (4:93)
The collective human conscience has also never approved of this practice not to mention the decree of Islam in this regard. Those who resorted to executing themselves have never been remembered with glorious remarks. The practice of healthy minds toward turbulent circumstances also bears witness to the fact that suicide is not a commendable thing or they would have done the same in trying circumstances. You may take a look at the lives of the Prophets who were subject to excruciatingly painful trials of life. If these noble personalities refrained from taking their own lives, then it could never have been an act of bravery and valor.
As I mentioned earlier, suicide is actually taking one human life. Anyone who kills no matter if his own self will be cast into the dreadful pit of fire. There are also several narratives ascribed to the Prophet (sws) which impart to us the same understanding regarding suicide. It needs to be appreciated that the practice of committing suicide runs quite averse to the scheme of the Almighty regarding creation of this world. He has made it a place of test and trial; his creation will be tested as to what person is good in deeds. The nature of this objective entails that we subsist in this world no matter what circumstances we are placed in. Obviously, taking your life on your own is a sort of rebellion against the Master of this universe. Hence, it is condemned severely.
(Jhangeer Hanif)