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Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board
| More Questions for Muslims |
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| Anonymous |
| 08/13/02 at 21:09:24 |
| I have a few questions. One being, if you can let Non-Muslim folks know two things what would they be? Two, if you could ask two things of Non-Muslims what two would they be? Three, what exactly is a kaafer? And if someone doesn't accept Islam but is res[ectful and kind to Muslims are they still kaafers? I may not be spelling that right. Four, is it true Muslims are not to be friends with non-Muslims? and why if the non-Muslim is respectful and kind? |
| Re: More Questions for Muslims |
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| Palestine__Love |
| 08/13/02 at 23:54:28 |
| [quote author=Anonymous link=board=madrasa;num=1029287364;start=0#0 date=08/13/02 at 21:09:24] One being, if you can let Non-Muslim folks know two things what would they be? I would let all the non-Muslims know what is REALLY going on around the Muslilm world-the truth. Everything the US media covers up. I would let them know that Islam really does teach PEACE and Muslims are not terrorist. I would tell non-Muslims that all the sterotypes you hear about Muslims are not true. Two, if you could ask two things of Non-Muslims what two would they be? #1 Why are so many (NOT ALL) non-Muslims scared of Muslims. #2. What do really think when you see a Muslim who wears a headscarf-what the first thing that crosses your mind? Three, what exactly is a kaafer? A disbeliever-someone who is not Muslim And if someone doesn't accept Islam but is res[ectful and kind to Muslims are they still kaafers? Yes. Four, is it true Muslims are not to be friends with non-Muslims? and why if the non-Muslim is respectful and kind? Muslims are allowed to be friends w/anyone they want to be with. The Quran teaches love, peace, kindness, and harmony towards others--no matter what there race is. I have sooo many non-Muslim friends. :) [/quote] |
| Re: More Questions for Muslims |
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| bhaloo |
| 08/14/02 at 00:57:56 |
| [slm] Mashallah, very good answers Palestinian Love. |
| Re: More Questions for Muslims |
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| Traveler |
| 08/14/02 at 03:26:15 |
| Hi anonymous, palestine_love has given good answers but I felt I should add some more to two of her answers. First, what exactly does a kaafer(Kafir) mean? Kafir literally means to conceal or cover up. For instance, when you sow a seed into the ground you cover or conceal the seed with dirt. So in the context of religion, kafir means one who conceals or covers up the Truth. Second, "if someone doesn't accept islam but is respectful and kind to Muslims are they still kafirs? In light of the above definition of the word kafir, I don't see a relation between being kind to muslims and being kafirs. Traveler PS: those who know arabic correct me if I'm wrong. |
| Re: More Questions for Muslims |
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| theOriginal |
| 08/14/02 at 09:00:17 |
| [slm] Again, I am not an Arabic speaker, but my understanding of the word "Kaafir" is "Disbeliever." Much in the way "Kufr" means "an act of disbelief". So in order to be a disbeliever, you are rejecting belief, or Faith. What is faith? (From a previous thread...truthfinder wrote and Muneerah added:) [quote]belief in (the singularity and divinity of) Allah, His messangers (Mohammad (saw) inclusive), His angels, His books, Qadar(its good and bad), belief in the Day of Judgement. [/quote] Again, pleeeeeez correct me if I'm wrong. SF. |
| Re: More Questions for Muslims |
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| Kathy |
| 08/14/02 at 09:14:35 |
| [quote author=Anonymous link=board=madrasa;num=1029287364;start=0#0 date=08/13/02 at 21:09:24]One being, if you can let Non-Muslim folks know two things what would they be?[/quote] The meaning behind Li Ilallah il Allah- There is no god but Allah.(The God) The different forms of shirk- worshipping others than Allah [quote] Two, if you could ask two things of Non-Muslims what two would they be?[/quote] Why are they scared to study another religion,such as ours? Why do you think the Bible is accurate? [quote]Three, what exactly is a kaafer? [/quote] A term Muslims often use inaccurately. It means to cover up, to move away from. In a simplistic form it means to prevent the true relgion from others. [quote] And if someone doesn't accept Islam but is res[ectful and kind to Muslims are they still kaafers?[/quote] edited by admin [quote]Four, is it true Muslims are not to be friends with non-Muslims? and why if the non-Muslim is respectful and kind?[/quote] Depends on your meaning of friends. If you are talking generically, respectfully and being kind, of course we can. If you are talking a soulmate type friendship it is just pretty hard to be that way because our beliefs and lifestyles are so different. |
| 08/15/02 at 20:30:46 |
| bhaloo |
| Re: More Questions for Muslims |
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| sabri |
| 08/14/02 at 09:19:38 |
| [slm] [quote author=Anonymous link=board=madrasa;num=1029287364;start=0#0 date=08/13/02 at 21:09:24]I have a few questions. Four, is it true Muslims are not to be friends with non-Muslims? and why if the non-Muslim is respectful and kind? [/quote] I think this refers to verse 28 of Surah Imran (that's surah/chapter 3) in the Quran, the translation of which begins something like this: Let not the believers take the disbelievers as Auliya instead of the believers... This obviously means that muslims should not prefer non muslims to muslims as auliya. The word auliya could mean friends (someone correct me if I'm wrong), but it could also mean helpers, supporters, guardians, protectors, etc. [wlm] |
| 08/14/02 at 09:22:02 |
| sabri |
| Re: More Questions for Muslims |
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| Siddeeq |
| 08/14/02 at 15:19:51 |
| This was taken from http://www.islamonline.net/fatwaapplication/english/display.asp?hFatwaID=8886 Wa`alaykum As-Salaamu Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh. In The Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger. Dear questioner, thank you very much for having confidence in us, and we hope our efforts, which are purely for Allah's Sake, meet your expectations. In his response to the question, Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, former president of the Islamic Society of North America, states the following: “The Qur'an does not say that non-Muslims cannot be Muslims' friends, nor does it forbid Muslims to be friendly to non-Muslims. There are many non-Muslims who are good friends of Muslim individuals and the Muslim community. There are also many good Muslims who truly and sincerely observe their faith and are very friendly to many non-Muslims at the same time. Islam teaches us that we should be friendly to all people. Islam teaches us that we should deal even with our enemies with justice and fairness. Allah says in the Qur'an in the beginning of the same Surat Al-Ma’dah: “O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah as witnesses to fair dealings and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just, that is next to piety. Fear Allah, indeed Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.” (Al-Ma’dah :8) In another place in the Qur'an, Allah Almighty says: “Allah forbids you not with regard to those who fight you not for your faith, nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them. For Allah loves those who are just. Allah only forbids you with regard to those who fight you for your faith, and drive you out of your homes and support others in driving you out, from turning to them for protection (or taking them as wali). Those who seek their protection they are indeed wrong- doers.” (Al-Mumtahinah: 8-9) Moreover, Allah Almighty has described Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, as "a mercy" to the worlds. He was a sign of Allah's Mercy to all, Muslims as well as non-Muslims. In his kindness and fair treatment he did not make any difference between the believers and non-believers. He was kind to the pagans of Makkah and fought them only when they fought him. He made treaties with the Jews of Madinah and honored the treaties until they broke them. He, peace and blessings be upon him, is reported to have received the Christians of Najran with kindness in his Masjid in Madinah. They argued with him about Islam, but he returned them with honor and respect. There are many examples from his life that show that he was the friendliest person to all people. In the verse you quoted, the word "Awliya" is used. It is a plural and its singular is "wali". The correct translation of the word ""wali"" is not "friend" but it is someone who is very close and intimate. It is also used to mean "guardian, protector, patron, lord and master". In the Qur'an this word is used for God, such as “Allah is the Protector (or Lord and Master) of those who believe. He takes them out from the depths of darkness to light…” (Al- Baqarah: 257) There are many other references in the Qur'an that give this meaning. The same word is also sometimes used in the Qur'an for human beings, such as “And whosoever is killed unjustly, We have granted his next kin "wali" the authority (to seek judgement or punishment in this case)…”(Al-‘Isra' :33) The correct translation of the verse in Surat Al-Ma’idah is: “O you who believe! Do not take Jews and Christians as your patrons. They are patrons of their own people. He among you who will turn to them for patronage is one of them. Verily Allah guides not a people unjust.” (Al-Ma'dah :51) It is obvious that Jews patronize the Jews and Christians patronize the Christians, so why not Muslims patronize Muslims and support their own people. This verse is not telling us to be against Jews or Christians, but it is telling us that we should take care of our own people and we must support each other. In his Tafsir, (Qur’an exegesis) Imam Ibn Kathir has mentioned that some scholars say that this verse (i.e. the one you referred to) was revealed after the Battle of Uhud when Muslims had a set back. At that time, a Muslim from Madinah said, "I am going to live with Jews so I shall be safe in case another attack comes on Madinah." And another person said, "I am going to live with Christians so I shall be safe in case another attack comes on Madinah." So Allah revealed this verse reminding the believers that they should not seek the protection from others, but should protect each other. (See Ibn Kathir, Al-Tafsir, vol. 2, p. 68) Muslims are allowed to have non-Muslims as friends as long as they keep their own faith and commitment to Islam pure and strong. You are correct in pointing out that a Muslim man is also allowed to marry a Jewish or Christian woman. It is obvious that one marries someone for love and friendship. If friendship between Muslims and Jews or Christians was forbidden, then why would Islam allow a Muslim man to marry a Jew or Christian woman? It is the duty of Muslims to patronize Muslims. They should not patronize any one who is against their faith or who fights their faith, even if they were their fathers and brothers. Allah says: “O you who believe! Take not for protectors (awliya') your fathers and your brothers if they love unbelief above faith. If any of you do so, they are indeed wrong-doers.” (Al-Tawbah : 23) In a similar way, the Qur'an also tells Muslims that they should never patronize the non-Muslims against other Muslims. However, if some Muslims do wrong to some non-Muslims, it is Muslims duty to help the non-Muslims and save them from oppression . The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said that he himself will defend a Dhimmi living among Muslims to whom injustice is done by Muslims. But Islam also teaches that Muslims should not seek the patronage of non-Muslims against other Muslims. They should try to solve their problems among themselves. Allah Almighty says, “Let not the Believers take the unbelievers as their patrons over against the Believers…” (Aal-'Imran :28) He Almighty also says: “O you who believe! Take not for patrons unbelievers rather than Believers. Do you wish to offer Allah an open proof against yourselves?” (An-Nisaa’:144) May Allah guide you to the straight path, and guide you to that which pleases Him, Amen. Allah Almighty knows best. |
| NS |
| Re: More Questions for Muslims |
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| sabri |
| 08/14/02 at 17:07:18 |
| [slm] One thing I want to make clear...I'm not the original poster. Also, jazakallah khair for correcting me. ;-) [wlm] |
| 08/14/02 at 17:17:45 |
| sabri |
| Re: More Questions for Muslims |
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| It_Dont_Matter |
| 08/14/02 at 21:32:33 |
| ANS to Q1 : *That the word jihad can mean so much more than what the media defines it to be ( holy war). The complete definition of holy war is the struggle to fight oppressors ( who must NOT be women, children, elderly, or unarmed soldiers) and oppression. The struggle against ones own desires and temptations and the struggle to better oneself as a Muslim. *That life is short. It seems to me that people are getting farther and farther away from what is really important and why Allah (swt) put us on this Earth. They feel invincable and that there is no room for religion in their lives. It is taken lightly and what isn't realized is that we can go at any moment. And to what? And to where? I would tell them to seek knowledge and truth with a pure heart. ANS to Q2 : * First I would ask them if they studied other religions before they made up their minds that what they were following was right. * Secondly, I'd ask their opinion of Islam. ANS to Q3 : A kaafir is someone who commits shirk. Shirk means to associate partners with Allah (swt). For example we say Christians are kuffar (plural) because they say Jesus (pbuh) is the son of God/ God. In Islam that is shirk because Allah (swt) does NOT have the characteristics of man. He is unknown and the mind canNOT concieve of what or how He is. To attempt to do so is the greatest lie against our Creator. It is the one thing that Allah (swt) says is unforgiven unless the person repents. ANS to Q4 : They are still kaafir becuase their belief has not changed. They still commit shirk. Being nice to a Muslim does not change that. ANS to Q4 : * Yes and no. Muslims can be friendly with non- Muslims. In fact I believe they must so that they can have a better understanding of us and our religion. It is also a must that we try to invite them to Islam but not force them ( surat Al-Kafiroon). But sometimes friendships with non-Muslims can have a bad effect on the Muslim. They may ask him to go have a few drinks ( alcohol) or maybe go partying ( mixing of the sexes), etc that go against our beliefs. Peer pressure may come into the picture and this is where the Muslim must pull back as to protect his/her deen. Hope the answers were helpful! :-) |
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