Wives Of The Prophet Muhammad

Peace of God and His mercy to you.

The most documented life of a Prophet is of Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him. But, the most attacked part of his life is his marriages.

The Prophet Solomon had many wives:

Solomon married daughters of neighbouring kings, which according to 1 Kings 11:3 resulted in a total of 700 wives and 300 concubines. His main wife was the daughter of the Egyptian pharaoh. Source: Looklex Encyclopedia

The Prophet Muhammad marriages were not for a personal urge:

One of the difficulties that non-Muslims encounter when reading about Muhammad is that unlike Jesus, who lived a celibate life, Muhammad was married. Furthermore, after the death of Khadija (his first wife) in 619 CE until the time of his death in 632 CE, Muhammad married a total of 11 more wives. Muslims, however, are not alarmed by his numerous marriages, since they know the following: 1) that it was not unusual for a powerful Middle Eastern chieftan to marry a number of wives, and 2) that almost all of these 11 other wives were widows when he married them, and 3) for the most part these marriages were contracted in order to cement political ties with the tribes of the wives. Source: Hadith and the Prophet Muhamma

You can read about the Prophet Muhammad's marriages and wives from here, here and here.

Why did Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) marry young Aisha Siddiqa (r.a.)? Find out here.

Clean Talk

Peace of God and His mercy to you.

One of the important things in Islam is to be peaceful, especially when behaving and talking to people. God says to the Prophet Muhammad:

It was by the mercy of Allah that thou wast lenient with them (O Muhammad), for if thou hadst been stern and fierce of heart they would have dispersed from round about thee. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult with them upon the conduct of affairs. And when thou art resolved, then put thy trust in Allah. Lo! Allah loveth those who put their trust (in Him). (159) Al Imran 3:159

This is a lesson of behaving with people from the God.

Clean Tongue
In the last decades, many people in Western cultures started talking *unclean*. They say bad words when meaning to use them or not. Even on the Internet, they use them and sometimes they replace them with a group of asterisks. In the Middle East, especially Muslim countries, it is a taboo to swear or curse people, animals, fate, ... etc. In a Muslim community, one who says bad words is considered undisciplined by his/her parents and his/her manners are questioned. Islam calls for decency in cloth, behavior, and talk. Refraining from uttering bad words is rewarded.

On the authority of Abu Dhar Jundub bin Junadah, and Muadh bin Jabal that the messenger of Allah said:

"Fear Allah wherever you are, and follow up a bad deed with a good one and it will wipe it out, and behave well towards people." Source: Islam World

On the authority of Ibn Abbas that the messenger of Allah, among the sayings he relates from his Lord is:

"Allah has written down the good deeds and the bad ones." Then he explained it [by saying that] : "He who has intended a good deed and has not done it, Allah writes it down with Himself as a full good deed, but if he has intended it and has done it, Allah writes it down with Himself as from ten good deeds to seven hundred times, or many times over. But if he has intended a bad deed and has not done it, Allah writes it down with Himself as a full good deed, but if he has intended it and has done it, Allah writes it down as one bad deed." Source: Islam World

'A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, reported:

A group of the Jews came to Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) and sought his audience and said: Al-Samu 'Alaikum. 'A'ishah said in response: Al-Samu 'Alaikum (death be upon you) and curse also, whereupon Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: 'A'ishah, verily Allah loves gentleness in every matter. She said: Did you hear what they said? Thereupon he said: Did you not hear that I said (to them): Wa 'Alaikum (and the same to you). Source: al-islam

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported:

Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: Allah is self-respecting and a believer is also self-respecting. The respect of Allah is injured if a believer does what He has forbidden him to do. Source: al-islam

Anas bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated:

The Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him) observed: None among you will be a truthful believer till he likes for his brother or for his neighbor that which he loves for himself. Source: al-islam

When a believer faces a difficulty, s/he should be patient and do not curse his/her life or fate. Abu Sa'id, may Allah be pleased with him, reported:

I heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: whenever a believer is stricken with discomfort, hardship or illness, grief or even with mental worry, Allah shall expiate some of his sins. Source: al-islam

Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "A true believer is not involved in taunting, or frequently cursing (others) or in indecency or abusing.'' Source: Witness-Pioneer

Abud-Darda' (May Allah be pleased with him) said:

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "When a person curses somebody or something, the curse goes up to heaven and the gates of heaven get closed. Then it comes down to the earth and its gates get closed. Then it turns right and left, and if it does not find an entrance to go anywhere, it returns to the person or thing that was cursed; if he or it deserves to be cursed; otherwise it returns to the person who uttered it.'' Source: Witness-Pioneer

Muslims must behaving as great as the Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him, was. God says about Muhammad:

And lo! thou art of a tremendous nature. The Pen 68:4

In the end...
It is really nice to be great than the rest. Try always to keep your tongue and behavior pure and clean :)

Fasting In Islam

Peace of God and His mercy to you.

Although fasting is in the month of Ramadan, and next Ramadan will be before the end of 2008, I just want to share information about fasting to clear things. There was this Anti-Islam US show speaker who called Muslims cockroaches because they fast in Ramadan and they break the fasting at the sunset and before fasting starts they eat, suhur, to start the day. And he said this last Ramadan. It is really sad that such ignorance builds blind hatred. And it sure proves that many non-Muslims do not care to search and know more about Islam.

I will give you a fatwa that explains fasting in Islam and how great a worship it is :)

From Islam Question and Answer Website:

Question:
What is the reason why fasting is prescribed?

Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly we must note that one of the names of Allaah is al-Hakeem (the Most Wise). The word Hakeem is derived from the same root as hukm (ruling) and hikmah (wisdom). Allaah alone is the One Who issues rulings, and His rulings are the most wise and perfect.

Secondly:

Allaah does not prescribe any ruling but there is great wisdom behind it, which we may understand, or our minds may not be guided to understand it. We may know some of it but a great deal is hidden from us.

Thirdly:

Allaah has mentioned the reason and wisdom behind His enjoining of fasting upon us, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)”

[al-Baqarah 2:183]

Fasting is a means of attaining taqwa (piety, being conscious of Allaah), and taqwa means doing that which Allaah has enjoined and avoiding that which He has forbidden.

Fasting is one of the greatest means of helping a person to fulfill the commands of Islam.

The scholars (may Allaah have mercy on them) have mentioned some of the reasons why fasting is prescribed, all of which are characteristics of taqwa, but there is nothing wrong with quoting them here, to draw the attention of fasting people to them and make them keen to attain them.

Among the reasons behind fasting are:

1 – Fasting is a means that makes us appreciate and give thanks for pleasures. For fasting means giving up eating, drinking and intercourse, which are among the greatest pleasures. By giving them up for a short time, we begin to appreciate their value. Because the blessings of Allaah are not recognized, but when you abstain from them, you begin to recognize them, so this motivates you to be grateful for them.

2 – Fasting is a means of giving up haraam things, because if a person can give up halaal things in order to please Allaah and for fear of His painful torment, then he will be more likely to refrain from haraam things. So fasting is a means of avoiding the things that Allaah has forbidden.

3 – Fasting enables us to control our desires, because when a person is full his desires grow, but if he is hungry then his desire becomes weak. Hence the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “O young men! Whoever among you can afford to get married, let him do so, for it is more effective in lowering the gaze and protecting one’s chastity. Whoever cannot do that, let him fast, for it will be a shield for him.”

4 – Fasting makes us feel compassion and empathy towards the poor, because when the fasting person tastes the pain of hunger for a while, he remembers those who are in this situation all the time, so he will hasten to do acts of kindness to them and show compassion towards them. So fasting is a means of feeling empathy with the poor.

5 – Fasting humiliates and weakens the Shaytaan; it weakens the effects of his whispers (waswaas) on a person and reduces his sins. That is because the Shaytaan “flows through the son of Adam like blood” as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, but fasting narrows the passages through which the Shaytaan flows, so his influence grows less.

Shaykh al-Islam said in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 25/246

Undoubtedly blood is created from food and drink, so when a person eats and drinks, the passages through which the devils flow – which is the blood – become wide. But if a person fasts, the passages through which the devils flow become narrow, so hearts are motivated to do good deeds, and to give up evil deeds.

6 – The fasting person is training himself to remember that Allaah is always watching, so he gives up the things that he desires even though he is able to take them, because he knows that Allaah can see him.

7 – Fasting means developing an attitude of asceticism towards this world and its desires, and seeking that which is with Allaah.

8 – It makes the Muslim get used to doing a great deal of acts of worship, because the fasting person usually does more acts of worship and gets used to that.

These are some of the reasons why fasting is enjoined. We ask Allaah to help us to achieve them and to worship Him properly.

And Allaah knows best.

See Tafseer al-Sa’di, p. 116; Ibn al-Qayyim’s footnotes on al-Rawd al-Murabba’, 3/344; al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah, 28/9.

If you want more information about fasting in Islam, click here.

"Why Does Islam Not Tell Us To Eat Less Red Meat?"

Peace of God and His mercy to you.

Today, I would like to share a fatwa with you from Islam Question and Answer Website about food in Islam:

Question:
I would like to ask in the Quran all meat except for pork is halal but doctors say that red meat is full of cholesterol and that it can lead to heart attacks and blockages in the veins so my question is if this food is dangerous to eat then why is it not in the Quran that you should try to limit the amount that you eat.

Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.

It should noted first of all that the Qur’aan’ is a book of guidance and law-giving, it is not a book of medicine or astronomy, so that some people want it to mention everything that has to do with medicine, astronomy, plants or animals.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“(This is) a Book which We have revealed unto you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) in order that you might lead mankind out of darkness (of disbelief and polytheism) into light (of belief in the Oneness of Allaah and Islâmic Monotheism) by their Lord’s Leave to the path of the All‑Mighty, the Owner of all praise”

[Ibraaheem 14:1]

“And this is a blessed Book (the Qur’aan) which We have sent down, so follow it and fear Allaah (i.e. do not disobey His Orders), that you may receive mercy”

[al-An’aam 6:155]

With regard to food, the Qur’aan forbids some foods and mentions them in detail, and some others are mentioned in the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).

The Qur’aan mentions some general principles that have to do with food, then all of that is explained in detail in the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).

Some of the issues that are discussed in detail in the Qur’aan are the following. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): ‘I find not in that which has been revealed to me anything forbidden to be eaten by one who wishes to eat it, unless it be Maytah (a dead animal) or blood poured forth (by slaughtering or the like), or the flesh of swine (pork); for that surely, is impure or impious (unlawful) meat (of an animal) which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allaah (or has been slaughtered for idols, or on which Allaah’s Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering). But whosoever is forced by necessity without willful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits; (for him) certainly, your Lord is Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful’”

[al-An’aam 6:145]

“Forbidden to you (for food) are: Al‑Maitah (the dead animals — cattle — beast not slaughtered), blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which Allaah’s Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering (that which has been slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allaah, or has been slaughtered for idols) and that which has been killed by strangling, or by a violent blow, or by a headlong fall, or by the goring of horns — and that which has been (partly) eaten by a wild animal — unless you are able to slaughter it (before its death) ‑ and that which is sacrificed (slaughtered) on An‑Nusub (stone‑altars). (Forbidden) also is to use arrows seeking luck or decision; (all) that is Fisqun (disobedience of Allaah and sin)”

[al-Maa’idah 5:3]

With regard to some principles, Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“and eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allaah) likes not Al‑Musrifoon (those who waste by extravagance)”

[al-A’raaf 7:31]

This prohibition on extravagance in eating and drinking is general in meaning and does not apply to any particular type of food or drink.

This general prohibition on extravagance is more far-reaching than simply forbidding extravagance in eating red meat or anything else, because this general meaning applies to many things.

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Zaad al-Ma’aad (4/213):

Allaah guided His slaves to consume that which is enough to support the body of food and drink, and told them that it should be to the extent that will benefit the body in terms of quantity and quality. If it goes beyond that then it is extravagance, and both of them pose an obstacle to health and cause sickness; I mean not eating and drinking, or being extravagant in them. Preservation of health is included in these two words. End quote.

Allaah says, describing the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) (interpretation of the meaning):

“he allows them as lawful At‑Tayyibaat (i.e. all good and lawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons and foods), and prohibits them as unlawful Al‑Khabaa’ith (i.e. all evil and unlawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons and foods)”

[al-A’raaf 7:157]

And He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“They ask you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) what is lawful for them (as food ). Say: “Lawful unto you are At‑Tayyibaat [all kinds of Halaal (lawful‑good) foods which Allaah has made lawful (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, milk products, fats, vegetables and fruits)]”

[al-Maa’idah 5:4]

So everything that is good is permissible, and everything that is bad is haraam.

With regard to the Sunnah, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade the eating of every animal that has fangs and every bird that has talons, and he forbade eating the meat of domesticated donkeys, etc.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) also explained how the believer should be with regard to food and drink, as he said: “The human being does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat a few mouthfuls, to keep him going. If he must do that (fill his stomach), then let him fill one third with food, one third with drink and one third with air.”

Narrated by al-Tirmidhi and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi.

And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade every harmful thing, whether that is food, drink or anything else. He said: “There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.” Narrated by Ibn Maajah (2340) and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Irwa’ al-Ghaleel (896).

The food may be halaal in principle, but because of extravagance in eating it that leads to harm, it may be haraam. This does not apply only to meat; everything that will cause harm to a person if eaten is haraam, even dates.

The scholars also stated that it is haraam to eat anything that causes harm.

See: al-Majmoo’, 9/39.

If it is proven that a certain food is harmful then it is haraam to eat it, but it should be noted that harmful foods may vary from one person or country to another, so it is not permissible to say that it is haraam in general terms, rather it is haraam only for the one who will be harmed by it, if he eats the amount that will harm him.

The Anti-Islam Dutch Film 'Fitna' Debunked

Peace of God and His mercy to you.

Will you get angry when a beloved of yours is being laughed at or humiliated? You sure will!

Will you get angry if one of Allah's first Prophets is being mocked? You sure will!

But, when the Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him, was insulted, only the Muslims reacted and showed their devotion. But, do you think that closing mouths will stop the series of mockeries against Islam? I do not think so. People protest against the World Bank meetings and the G8 meetings and they are called heroes and their cause is respected, but when Muslims protest against the disrespect to the religion of the God, they are labeled barbaric!

The film 'Fitna' is really evil and based its conclusion that Islam equals terrorism on the acts of a deviated few and quoting Quranic verses out of context and without referring to their backgrounds. A waste of time! The film in itself is a fitna!

Read this fatwa about the film, and the truth!

Women Are Respected In Islam

Peace of God and His mercy to you.

Allah has completed the guidance to humanity by sending Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him. Some people banned what is halal and made halal banned. The God says in the Holy Quran:

Postponement (of a sacred month) is only an excess of disbelief whereby those who disbelieve are misled; they allow it one year and forbid it (another) year, that they may make up the number of the months which Allah hath hallowed, so that they allow that which Allah hath forbidden. The evil of their deeds is made fair-seeming unto them. Allah guideth not the disbelieving folk. (37) Repentance 9:37

Tafsir:

Postponement [of the sacred month] — that is, the deferment of the sacredness of a given month to another, as they used to do during paganism, such as postponing the sacredness of Muharram, if it arrives while they are at war, to Safar — is only an excess of unbelief, because of their rejection of God’s ruling thereof, whereby those who disbelieve are led astray (yudallu may also be read yadillu, ‘[they] go astray’), one year they make it, the month postponed, profane, and hallow it another, that they may make up, by profaning one month and hallowing another in its place, the number, of months, which God has hallowed, such that they do not hallow more, or less, than the four months, but without observing the individual months themselves; and so they profane what God has hallowed. Their evil deeds have been adorned for them, such that they deem them to be good [deeds]; and God does not guide the disbelieving folk. Source: Altafsir

It is justice what Islam seeks, and Allah insured it:

Perfected is the Word of thy Lord in truth and justice. There is naught that can change His words. He is the Hearer, the Knower. (115) Al Anaam 6:115

There are some people, Jewish, Christian, or non-Muslim who devote most of their times to attack Islam and its message. I talked previously about jihad and its types, which includes fighting the enemy invading a Muslim country as long as the ruler ordered it. The Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him, was the ruler. He did not allow any fight for no reason! The Almighty God, Allah, says:

Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah loveth not aggressors. (190) The Cow 2:190

The topic about jihad has been discussed a lot by Muslim scholars. But still, non-Muslims attacking the peaceful message of Islam, intentionally or not, do not want to listen. Or, they just do not study Islam by themselves. There is a Rabbi who devoted his televised lectures to attack Islam, and most of his evidence of relating barbarism to Islam are based on some deviated cases, like Pakistani Imams urging British Muslims parents to teach their children jihad. Of course, jihad is struggling and you know already its types and we all have to learn them - they are the way of life and by them we can continue on living. But, I do not disagree that some Imams are affected by the ideas of extreme Muslims. Did you know that Osama Bin Laden was not a Muslim scholar and he was a business man?!

In this post I am not going to talk again about jihad. Just talking about it in one of my previous posts proves that many non-Muslims do not search or study Islam and base their ideas about it on deviations.

I am going to talk about women in Islam :) And, YES!, I am a Muslim woman and I am proud to be a Muslim woman :)

Women In Islam
The greatest thing that Islam insured is the protection of women. God says in the Quran:

And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husbands' fathers, or their sons or their husbands' sons, or their brothers or their brothers' sons or sisters' sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigour, or children who know naught of women's nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah together, O believers, in order that ye may succeed. (31) An Noor 24:31

We are living an age that is dangerous. People are not religious anymore except a few! People are not disciplining themselves. They are not following a religion, some are just following a religion by name, and others are struggling to protect themselves and their families from deviating from righteousness. Have not you known that Western children are having sex?! Girls less than 15 conceived AND killed their fetus! What a free country is this?! If people cannot control themselves, they must be controlled to protect themselves and others. Have not you heard about the Austrian man who had sex with his own daughter?! What deviation is this?! Have not you heard about the women who got raped because they were indecent in their clothes and relationships? Do not you see it strange that most of the people praise the Western culture but do not follow it? Because it is a culture that does not discipline its people. A free country is not free anymore of adultery, rape, murders, hate, lies, corruption, and stealing.

Many people are scared of the decent and modest clothes of Muslim women. As a Muslim woman, I find my peace and content in my decent clothes - like nuns, but for better reasons. As Muslims, we love decency. We do not like nakedness, it is a disgrace to humans. As Muslims, we do not like relationships out of wedlock, they bring problems, such as the baby belongs to who? A woman if having many relationships, she becomes like an animal, and sorry for using such a word, but Allah favored us, human beings,:

We have honoured the sons of Adam; provided them with transport on land and sea; given them for sustenance things good and pure; and conferred on them special favours, above a great part of Our Creation. (70) Al Isra

We should have dignity!

In Islam, the rights of the women are secured:

1. she gets a nice name,
2. she has the right of having clothes, food, water, and anything she likes, as long as it is not haram,
3. she has the right to get married,
4. she has the right to travel, but with a male companion from her family for her protection,
5. she has the right to learn,
6. she has the right to do what she likes to do as long as it does not involve anything haram,
7. she has the right to celebrate eid,
8. she has the right to play,
9. she has the right to work, and
   
10. other logical rights every human, whether male or female, must have.
    

I really do not know why some Western people think Islam did not give the women any rights. What Western people do not know: Islam is a widespread religion and it is followed by people of different backgrounds and cultures, and it entered the hearts of the people, but they preferred their traditions because they could not abandon them or they found them suiting their life. Many people, especially tribal, are following the traditions their ancestors followed. Some tribes do not allow their daughters to learn, although Islam insured it and made it obligatory. The Prophet Muhammad said:

Seeking knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim. Arabic Source: Islamweb

And others do not allow their daughters to work. God says:

And whoso doeth good works, whether of male or female, and he (or she) is a believer, such will enter paradise and they will not be wronged the dint in a date-stone. (124) The Women 4:124

And there is nothing in Islam that prohibits the woman from becoming an engineer or a doctor or any noble job which will save her from asking the people for money. The woman must do her job in the correct way - refraining from tempting others, whether knowingly or not, with her looks or her clothes, so she must be decent to protect herself and the others from falling in the Devil's trap.

Asma, the daughter of Abu Bakr, served her husband Al Zubair in their house. She took care of his horse and brought water. Aisha and Um Salama helped the fighters in the War of Uhud giving them water and what they needed. And Ameena Bint Qais did a great job in the War of Khaibar. The Prophet, Peace Be Upon Him, gave her a necklace for her good job, and she wore it and was proud of it until her death.

In my family, my parents do not want me to drive a car because it is, in their opinion and I respect it, that it is the role of the man to take care of his family in bringing them goods they need and driving the car for that. But, it does not mean that I am not allowed to go with my father or brother to the hypermarket. I go with them, but not alone. Because, in my culture, a girl shopping alone is perceived as careless and open to talk to male shoppers. Actually, I do not like cars, even airplanes, because I am not brave enough to through myself in traffic jams. And I know that I am not that responsible to be given a car and drive it. I know I will not drive safely. I want to protect myself and others.

Let me now introduce you to some sayings of the Prophet Muahammad, Peace Be Upon Him, about women:

O People, listen well to my words, for I do not know whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present today.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, and this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (riba), therefore all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn 'Abd'al Muttalib (Prophet's uncle) shall henceforth be waived.

Every right arising out of homicide in pre-Islamic days is henceforth waived and the first such right that I waive is that arising from the murder of Rabi`ah ibn al Harith ibn `Abd al Muttalib.

O Men, the Unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make permissible that which God forbade, and to forbid that which God has made permissible. With God the months are twelve in number. Four of them are sacred, three of these are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumada and Sha`ban. Beware of Shaitan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste. O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, perform your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your financial obligation. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor does a black have any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.

Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, no prophet or messenger will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things: the Qur’an and my example, the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed your message to your people. Source: Wikipedia

And this will is intended for every man and woman to protect the right of every man and woman.

'Abdullah bin 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with them, reported:

A woman was found murdered in one of the battles fought by the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him). (On seeing that) Allah's Messenger disapproved of the killing of women and children. Source: al-islam

Women are not allowed to be killed in war.

'Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, reported:

I heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The best of the women of the world of her time was Mary, daughter of 'Imran, and the best of the women of her time was Khadijah bint Khuwailid. Source: al-islam

In Islam, women are given as examples. Women are encouraged to be as devoted to Allah as Mary was and as loving to their husbands as Khadijah was.

Well, there are many great stories about Muslim women. You can know more about women in Islam here and here. And if you want to know more about the life of Muslim women you can leave your questions as a comment on this post or you can send me an e-mail (you can find my e-mail address in the right menu).

Women Are Not Dirty!
A Muslim wife who is during her menstruation is not dirty as is thought in Judaism. It is not logical. Not allowing the couple to touch, to kiss or even to sit together on the same seat are just violations to their rights and are unfair. In Islam, menstruating women are not allowed to have sex with their husbands because blood of menstruation is considered unclean, just like when blood comes out from a cut on the skin. God says:

They question thee (O Muhammad) concerning menstruation. Say: It is an illness, so let women alone at such times and go not in unto them till they are cleansed. And when they have purified themselves, then go in unto them as Allah hath enjoined upon you. Truly Allah loveth those who turn unto Him, and loveth those who have a care for cleanness. (222) The Cow 2:222

But, the couples are allowed to do what they normally do. Take the Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him, The Teacher, as an example. 'A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, reported:

When anyone among us (among the wives of the Holy Prophet) menstruated, Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) asked her to tie a waist-wrapper over her (body) and then embraced her. Source: al-islam

Umm Salamah, may Allah be pleased with her, reported:

While I was lying with the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) in a bed cover I menstruated, so I slipped away and I took up the clothes (which I wore) in menses. Upon this Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) asked: Have you menstruated? I said: Yes. He called me and I lay down with him in the bed cover. (And she further) said that she and Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) used to take bath from the same vessel after major impurity (sexual intercourse). Source: al-islam

'A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, reported:

Fatimah bint Abi Hubaish came to the Messenger (may peace he upon him) and said: I am a woman whose blood keeps flowing (even after the menstruation period). I am never purified; should I, therefore, abandon the Prayer? He (the Holy Prophet) said; Not at all, for that is only a vein (injured), and is not menstruation, so when menstruation comes, abandon the Prayer, and when it ends, wash the blood from yourself and then pray. Source: al-islam

Read this fatwa. And you can read more about the intimate relationship between the couples in Islam here.

In the end...
Islam protected the rights. And it gives guidelines for protection :)

"Who Do Muslims Worship?"

Peace of God and His mercy to you.

In my previous post, I gave you a link to Islam Question & Answer Website. Today, I would like to post a Q&A from the Website:

Question:
Who do Islams worship? (Edit: it should be 'Muslims')

Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.

Before answering, we would like to express our appreciation for your interest, at such a young age, in the religion of Islam. May Allaah open the door for you to find much blessing through your asking this question, and decree for you guidance such as you have never thought of. Allaah [the Arabic name for the One True God – Translator] says in the Qur’aan [the Holy Book of Islam] (interpretation of the meaning):

“This is the Guidance of Allaah with which He guides whomsoever He will of His slaves…” [al-An’aam 6:88]

“And whomsoever Allaah wills to guide, He opens his breast to Islam…” [al-An’aam 6:125]

With regard to this important question – who do the Muslims worship? – the answer is to be found in the Holy Qur’aan, which is the Scripture of Islam, and in the words of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) who received Revelation from his Lord.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“In the name of Allaah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. All praises and thanks be to Allaah, the Lord of the ‘Aalameen (mankind, jinns and all that exists), the Most Beneficient, the Most Merciful, the Only Owner (and the Only Ruling Judge) of the Day of Recompense (i.e., the Day of Resurrection). You (Alone) we worship, and You (alone) we ask for help (for each and every thing).” [al-Faatihah 1:1-5]

“O mankind! Worship your Lord (Allaah), Who has created you and those before you so that you may become al-muttaqoon (the pious).” [al-Baqarah 2:21]

“Such is Allaah, your Lord! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Creator of all things. So worship Him (Alone), and He is the Wakeel (Trustee, Disposer of affairs, Guardian) over all things.”[al-An’aam 6:102]

“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour.” [al-Isra’ 17:23]

Muslim worship Allaah [the One True God] whom all the Prophets worshipped. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Or were you witnesses when death approached Ya’qoob [Jacob]? When he said unto his sons, ‘What will you worship after me?’ They said, ‘We shall worship your God, the God of your fathers, Ibraaheem [Abraham], Ismaa’eel [Ishmael] and Is-haaq [Isaac], One God, and to Him we submit (in Islam).” [al-Baqarah 2:133]

The Muslims worship Allaah and call others who follow different religions to worship Allaah Alone, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Say [O Muhammad]: ‘O People of the Scripture [Jews and Christians]: come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allaah, and we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allaah.’ Then, if they turn away, say, ‘Bear witness that we are Muslims.’” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:64]

It is Allaah Alone Whom Nooh [Noah] (peace be upon him) called his people to worship, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Indeed, We sent Nooh [Noah] to his people and he said: ‘O my people! Worship Allaah! You have no other god but Him. Certainly, I fear for you the torment of a Great Day!.’” [al-A’raaf 7:59]

It is Allaah Alone whom the Messiah [Jesus] (peace be upon him) called people to worship, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Surely they have disbelieved who say: ‘Allaah is the Messiah [Jesus] son of Maryam [Mary].’ But the Messiah said: ‘O Children of Israel! Worship Allaah, my Lord and your Lord.’ Verily, whosoever sets up partners in worship with Allaah, then Allaah has forbidden Paradise for him, and the Fire will be his abode. And for the zaalimoon (polytheists and wrong-doers) there are no helpers.” [al-Maa’idah 5:73]

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And (remember) when Allaah will say (on the Day of Resurrection): ‘O ‘Eesa [Jesus], son of Maryam [Mary]! Did you say unto men: ‘Worship me and my mother as two gods besides Allaah?’ He will say: ‘Glory be to You! It was not for me to say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, You would surely have known it. You know what is in my inner-self though I do not know what is in Yours. You, only You, are the All-Knower of all that is hidden and unseen.

Never did I say to them aught except what You (Allaah) did command me to say: “Worship Allaah, my Lord and your Lord.” And I was a witness over them while I dwelt amongst them, but when You took me up, You were the Watcher over them, and You are a Witness to all things.’”[al-Maa’idah 5:116-117]

When Allaah spoke to His Prophet Moosa [Moses] (peace be upon him), He said (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, I am Allaah! None has the right to be worshipped but I, so worship Me, and perform al-Salaah [prayer] for My Remembrance.”[Ta-Ha 20:14]

Allaah commanded His Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) as follows (interpretation of the meaning):

“Say [O Muhammad]: ‘O mankind! If you are in doubt as to my religion (Islam), then (know that) I will never worship those whom you worship, besides Allaah. But I worship Allaah Who causes you to die, I am commanded to be one of the believers.” [Yoonus 10:104]

It is Him Alone, with no partner or associate, Whom the angels worship and do not worship anyone or anything besides Him, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“To Him belongs whosoever is in the heavens and on earth. And those who are near Him (i.e., the angels) are not too proud to worship Him, nor are they weary (of His worship).”[al-Anbiya’ 21:19]

Everything that is worshipped instead of Allaah can neither bring benefit nor cause harm, it can neither create nor provide. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Say (O Muhammad, to mankind); ‘How do you worship besides Allaah something which has no power either to harm or to benefit you? But it is Allaah Who is the All-Hearer, All-Knower.’” [al-Maa’idah 5:76]

“You worship besides Allaah only idols, and you only invent falsehood. Verily, those whom you worship besides Allaah have no power to give you provision, so seek your provision from Allaah (Alone), and worship Him (Alone), and be grateful to Him. To Him (Alone) you will be brought back.” [al-‘Ankaboot 29:17]

Having explained this, we must complete the topic by asking: why should we worship Allaah Alone with no partner or associate? The answer is as follows:

Firstly: because there is nothing and nobody else in the universe that deserves to be worshipped, for Allaah is the Creator and Sustainer, Who has created the universe out of nothing and has bestowed so many blessings upon us. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“So glorify Allaah, when you come up to the evening [i.e., offer the Maghrib (sunset) and ‘Isha’ (night) prayers], and when you enter the morning [I.e., offer the Fajr (morning) prayers].

And His is all the praise and thanks in the heavens and the earth, and (glorify Him) in the afternoon [i.e., offer ‘Asr (mid-afternoon) prayer] and when you come up to the time when the day begins to decline [i.e., offer the Zuhr (mid-day) prayer].

He brings out the living from the dead, and brings out the dead from the living. And He revives the earth after its death, and thus shall you be brought out (resurrected).

And among His Signs is this, that He created you (Adam) from dust, and then [Hawwa (Eve) from Adam’s rib, then his offspring from the semen, and], - behold you are human beings scattered!

And among His Signs is this, that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find repose in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect.

And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. Verily in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge.

And among His Signs is the sleep that you take by night and by day, and your seeking of His Bounty. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who listen.

And among His Signs is that He shows you the lightning, by way of fear and hope, and He sends down water (rain) from the sky, and therewith revives the earth after its death. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who understand.

And among His Signs is that the heaven and the earth stand by His Command, then afterwards when He will call you by single call, behold, you will come out from the earth (ie.e, from your graves, for reckoning and recompense).

To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth. All are obedient to Him.

And He it is Who originates the creation, then will repeat it (after it has perished), and this is easier for Him. His is the highest description (i.e., none has the right to be worshipped but He, and there is nothing comparable unto Him) in the heavens and in the earth. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.”[al-Room 30: 17-27]

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Is not He (better than your gods) Who created the heavens and the earth, and sends down for you water (rain) from the sky, whereby We cause to grow wonderful gardens full of beauty and delight? It is not in your ability to cause the growth of their trees. Is there any god with Allaah? Nay, but they are a people who ascribe equals (to Him)!

Is not he (better than you gods) Who has made the earth as a fixed abode, and has placed rivers in its midst, and has placed firm mountains therein, and has set a barrier between the two seas (of salt and sweet water). Is there any god with Allaah? Nay, but most of them know not.

Is not He (better than your gods) Who responds to the distressed one, when He calls Him, and Who removes the evil, generations after generations. Is there any god with Allaah? Little is it that you remember!

Is not He (better than your gods) Who guides you in the darkness of the land and the sea, and Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His mercy (rain)? Is there any god with Allaah? High Exalted be Allaah above all that they associate as partners (to Him)!

Is not He (better than your so-called gods) Who originates creation, and shall thereafter repeat it, and Who provides for you from heaven and earth? Is there any god with Allaah? Say: ‘bring forth your proofs, if you are truthful’

Say: ‘None on the heavens and the earth knows the unseen except Allaah, nor can they perceive when they shall be resurrected.’”

[al-Naml 27:60-65]

So is there anyone or anything besides Allaah that deserves to be worshipped?

Secondly: Allaah did not create us except to worship Him, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And I (Allaah) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone).”[al-Dhaariyaat 51:56]

Thirdly: No one will be saved on the Day of Resurrection except those who used to worship Allaah truly and sincerely. After death Allaah will resurrect His slaves and call them to account, rewarding or punishing them according to their deeds. No one will be saved on that day except for those who used to worship Allaah Alone. The rest will be gathered into a Hell, a terrible fate! The Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), was asked by his Companions: “Will we see our Lord on the Day of Resurrection?” He told them:

“Do you doubt that you can see the sun and the moon when the sky is clear?” We [his Companions] said, “No.” He said, “Then you should not doubt that you will see your Lord on that Day, you will see Him as you see them (the sun and moon).” Then he said, “A caller will call out, ‘Let every people go to that which they used to worship.’ So the worshippers of the cross will go with their cross, the worshippers of idols will go with their idols and the worshippers of every god will go with their gods, until there will be left those who used to worship Allaah, whether they were righteous or otherwise, and a few of the People of the Book [Jews and Christians]. Then Hell will be brought and shown to them as if it is a mirage. It will be said to the Jews, ‘What did you used to worship?’ They will say, ‘We used to worship ‘Uzayr, the son of God.’ It will be said, ‘You have lied. Allaah does not have a wife or son. What do you want?’ They will say, ‘We want something to drink.’ It will be said to them, ‘Drink!’ and they will fall into Hell. Then it will be said to the Christians, ‘What did you used to worship?’ They will say, ‘We used to worship the Messiah, the son of God.’ It will be said, ‘You have lied. Allaah does not have a wife or son. What do you want?’ They will say, ‘We want something to drink.’ It will be said to them, ‘Drink!’ and they will fall into Hell. Then there will be left those who used to worship Allaah, whether they were righteous or otherwise. It will be said to them, ‘What are you waiting for? All the people have gone.’ They will say, ‘We have separated from them and we need Him more today. We heard a caller saying that every people should follow that which they used to worship, so we are waiting for our Lord.’ He will say, ‘Al-Jabbaar [the Compeller, i.e., Allaah] will come…’ And He will say, ‘I am your Lord.’ They will say, ‘You are our Lord,’ but none will speak to Him except the Prophets… then every believer will prostrate to Him.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, no. 6886). These believers are the people of Paradise on whom shall be no fear neither shall they grieve, and they will dwell therein for ever.

We hope that this matter has now become clear. In conclusion we can say nothing except that which Allaah has said (interpretation of the meaning):

“Whoever goes right, then he goes right only for the benefit of his ownself. And whoever goes stray, then he goes astray to his own loss…” [al-Isra’ 17:15]

Peace be upon him who follows the guidance.

Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

Divorce In Islam

Peace of God and His mercy to you.

Today's Friday prayer's sermon was about divorce.

There is a whole sura in the Holy Quran about divorce:

O Prophet! When ye (men) put away women, put them away for their (legal) period and reckon the period, and keep your duty to Allah, your Lord. Expel them not from their houses nor let them go forth unless they commit open immorality. Such are the limits (imposed by) Allah; and whoso transgresseth Allah's limits, he verily wrongeth his soul. Thou knowest not: it may be that Allah will afterward bring some new thing to pass. (1) Then, when they have reached their term, take them back in kindness or part from them in kindness, and call to witness two just men among you, and keep your testimony upright for Allah. Whoso believeth in Allah and the Last Day is exhorted to act thus. And whosoever keepeth his duty to Allah, Allah will appoint a way out for him, (2) And will provide for him from (a quarter) whence he hath no expectation. And whosoever putteth his trust in Allah, He will suffice him. Lo! Allah bringeth His command to pass. Allah hath set a measure for all things. (3) And for such of your women as despair of menstruation, if ye doubt, their period (of waiting) shall be three months, along with those who have it not. And for those with child, their period shall be till they bring forth their burden. And whosoever keepeth his duty to Allah, He maketh his course easy for him. (4) That is the commandment of Allah which He revealeth unto you. And whoso keepeth his duty to Allah, He will remit from him his evil deeds and magnify reward for him. (5) Lodge them where ye dwell, according to your wealth, and harass them not so as to straiten life for them. And if they are with child, then spend for them till they bring forth their burden. Then, if they give suck for you, give them their due payment and consult together in kindness; but if ye make difficulties for one another, then let some other woman give suck for him (the father of the child). (6) Let him who hath abundance spend of his abundance, and he whose provision is measured, let him spend of that which Allah hath given him. Allah asketh naught of any soul save that which He hath given it. Allah will vouchsafe, after hardship, ease. (7) And how many a community revolted against the ordinance of its Lord and His messengers, and We called it to a stern account and punished it with dire punishment, (8) So that it tasted the ill-effects of its conduct, and the consequence of its conduct was loss. (9) Allah hath prepared for them stern punishment; so keep your duty to Allah, O men of understanding! O ye who believe! Now Allah hath sent down unto you a reminder, (10) A messenger reciting unto you the revelations of Allah made plain, that He may bring forth those who believe and do good works from darkness unto light. And whosoever believeth in Allah and doeth right, He will bring him into Gardens underneath which rivers flow, therein to abide for ever. Allah hath made good provision for him. (11) Allah it is who hath created seven heavens, and of the earth the like thereof. The commandment cometh down among them slowly, that ye may know that Allah is Able to do all things, and that Allah surroundeth all things in knowledge. (12) Divorce 65:1-12

You can check the tafsir of this sura and others in Al Tafsir Website.

Divorce
The husband is allowed to seek divorce only if there is a serious reason. God says in the Holy Quran:

O ye who believe! It is not lawful for you forcibly to inherit the women (of your deceased kinsmen), nor (that) ye should put constraint upon them that ye may take away a part of that which ye have given them, unless they be guilty of flagrant lewdness. But consort with them in kindness, for if ye hate them it may happen that ye hate a thing wherein Allah hath placed much good. (19) The Women 4:19

The husband should seek a good thing in his wife that makes him love her. There is no such a totally bad woman!

And if there is no way they can live together in one roof, they should first seek the help of their families. God says:

And if ye fear a breach between them twain (the man and wife), appoint an arbiter from his folk and an arbiter from her folk. If they desire amendment Allah will make them of one mind. Lo! Allah is ever Knower, Aware. (35) The Women 4:35

The husband must always think before deciding the divorce. There will be many serious consequences in the near and far future especially on the wife and their sons and daughters. God says in the Quran:

Allah will not take you to task for that which is unintentional in your oaths. But He will take you to task for that which your hearts have garnered. Allah is Forgiving, Clement. (225) Those who forswear their wives must wait four months; then, if they change their mind, lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (226) And if they decide upon divorce (let them remember that) Allah is Hearer, Knower. (227) Women who are divorced shall wait, keeping themselves apart, three (monthly) courses. And it is not lawful for them that they should conceal that which Allah hath created in their wombs if they are believers in Allah and the Last Day. And their husbands would do better to take them back in that case if they desire a reconciliation. And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in kindness, and men are a degree above them. Allah is Mighty, Wise. (228) Divorce must be pronounced twice and then (a woman) must be retained in honour or released in kindness. And it is not lawful for you that ye take from women aught of that which ye have given them; except (in the case) when both fear that they may not be able to keep within the limits (imposed by) Allah. And if ye fear that they may not be able to keep the limits of Allah, in that case it is no sin for either of them if the woman ransom herself. These are the limits (imposed by) Allah. Transgress them not. For whoso transgresseth Allah's limits: such are wrong-doers. (229) And if he hath divorced her (the third time), then she is not lawful unto him thereafter until she hath wedded another husband. Then if he (the other husband) divorce her it is no sin for both of them that they come together again if they consider that they are able to observe the limits of Allah. These are the limits of Allah. He manifesteth them for people who have knowledge. (230) When ye have divorced women, and they have reached their term, then retain them in kindness or release them in kindness. Retain them not to their hurt so that ye transgress (the limits). He who doeth that hath wronged his soul. Make not the revelations of Allah a laughing-stock (by your behaviour), but remember Allah's grace upon you and that which He hath revealed unto you of the Scripture and of wisdom, whereby He doth exhort you. Observe your duty to Allah and know that Allah is Aware of all things. (231) And when ye have divorced women and they reach their term, place not difficulties in the way of their marrying their husbands if it is agreed between them in kindness. This is an admonition for him among you who believeth in Allah and the Last Day. That is more virtuous for you, and cleaner. Allah knoweth; ye know not. (232) The Cow 2:225-232

'A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, reported:

Regarding the verse:

And if a woman fears cruelty or desertion on her husband's part The Women 4:128

it was revealed in case of a woman who had long association with a man (as his wife) and now he intends to divorce her and she says: Do not divorce me, but retain me (as wife in your house) and you are permitted to live with another wife. It is in this context that this verse was revealed. Source: al-islam

Islam provides guidance. God taught the people how to deal with many issues in their lives both in the Holy Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him. Allah is the Greatest Judge and King!

Why Only The Husband Decides Divorce?
Men are able to judge on things without their emotions affecting their decisions, women cannot. At times of difficulties the men are able to control themselves and think before judging, but the women are not. Women are sentimental.

Divorce is not a good thing at most of the times. It is a difficult choice and can and has caused troubles for the husband, the wife and their sons and daughters.

But, does the woman have the choice to seek divorce? She has the choice! But it is not called divorce. It is called khulu. It is divorce at the request of the wife who pays a compensation to her husband. God says:

Divorce must be pronounced twice and then (a woman) must be retained in honour or released in kindness. And it is not lawful for you that ye take from women aught of that which ye have given them; except (in the case) when both fear that they may not be able to keep within the limits (imposed by) Allah. And if ye fear that they may not be able to keep the limits of Allah, in that case it is no sin for either of them if the woman ransom herself. These are the limits (imposed by) Allah. Transgress them not. For whoso transgresseth Allah's limits: such are wrong-doers. (229) The Cow 2:229

And there is the famous hadith:

that the wife of Thaabit ibn Qays came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and said: “O Messenger of Allaah, I do not blame Thaabit ibn Qays for any defect in his character or his religious commitment, but I would hate to commit an act of kufr when I am a Muslim.” [Ibn Majaah (2056 added): and I cannot stand him ] The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Will you give him back his garden [which he had given as mahr]?” She said, “Yes.” The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said (to Thaabit), “Accept the garden, and divorce her once.” Source: Islam Q&A

And the khulu is for a reason. The Prophet Muhammad said:

Those women who seek khulu’ [without valid grounds] are the hypocrites. Source: Islamweb

In the end...
It is easy to search for things you do not know about in Islam and know better about them. As you know, I am just a Muslim; not a scholar. And the topic of divorce cannot be written by a Muslim not specialized in fiqh.

I will give you links that will help you know more about divorce in Islam through fatwas:

• Separation of spouses
• Fiqh of the family

There Is No Compulsion In Religion

Peace of God and His mercy to you.

During the Pope's speech at the University of Regensburg in Germany on September 12th, 2006, he said that the following Quranic verse was made known by God at the time when Muslims were weak in Mecca, and then it was copied when the Muslims got strong in Medina:

There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in Allah hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower. (256) The Cow 2:256

A man chosen as the Pope must be very well knowledgeable of other religions - read the Holy Books, their tafsirs and history books. What the Pope did not know is that this verse was made known by God in Medina; not in Mecca. According to Asbab Al-Nuzul by Al-Wahidi:

(There is no compulsion in religion…) [2:256]. Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Ja‘far al-Muzakki informed us> Zahir ibn Ahmad> al-Husayn ibn Muhammad ibn Mus‘ab> Yahya ibn Hakim> Ibn Abi ‘Adiyy> Shu‘bah> Abu Bishr> Sa‘id ibn Jubayr> Ibn ‘Abbas who said: “The women of the Helpers whose boys always died in infancy used to vow to bring up their boys as Jews if they were to live. When the Banu’l-Nadir were driven out, they had among them children of the Helpers. The Helpers said: ‘We will not leave our children!’ Upon which Allah, exalted is He, revealed (There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error …)”. Muhammad ibn Musa ibn al-Fadl informed us> Muhammad ibn Ya‘qub > Ibrahim ibn Marzuq> Wahb ibn Jarir> Shu‘bah> Abu Bishr> Sa‘id ibn Jubayr> Ibn ‘Abbas who said regarding the saying of Allah, exalted is He, (There is no compulsion in religion…): “The woman of the Helpers whose boys never survived used to vow that if a boy of hers survived, she would raise him as a Jew. When the Banu’l-Nadir were driven out of Medina they had among them children of the Helpers. The Helpers said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! Our Children!’ Allah, exalted is He, exalted is He, therefore revealed (There is no compulsion in religion…)”. Sa‘id ibn Jubayr said: “Those who wished to leave with the Jews did leave, and those who wished to embrace Islam embraced Islam”. Said Mujahid: “This verse was revealed about a man of the Helpers who had a black boy called Subayh whom he used to coerce to become Muslim”. Al-Suddi said: “This verse was revealed about a man from the Helpers called Abu’l-Husayn. This man had two sons. It happened that some traders from Syria came to Medina to sell oil. When the traders were about to leave Medina, the two sons of Abu’l-Husayn called them to embrace Christianity. These traders converted to Christianity and then left Medina. Abu’l-Husayn informed the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and give him peace, of what had happened. He asked him to summon his two sons. But then Allah, exalted is He, revealed (There is no compulsion in religion…). The Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and give him peace, said: ‘May Allah banish both of them. They are the first to disbelieve’.

As I mentioned in a previous post, there is not a single verse in the Holy Quran that calls the Muslims to fight without a reason. Fighting is only allowed if the Muslims were attacked, and this is a type of jihad in the way of God to keep His words true. God says:

Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah loveth not aggressors. (190) The Cow 2:190

Check this post, Who is Prophet Muhammad?, to know more about the first years of emerging Islam.

And you can always read about Islam from Muslim scholars. Do not hesitate to ask them when you do not know about some issues in Islam.

In the end...
Have not you asked yourselves how Islam spreaded to Iran, Pakistan, India, Pangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and countries in Africa?! It was sure not by the sword!

Allah Is The God

Peace of God and His mercy to you.

The only God Jews, Christians and Muslims worship is one, who is Allah as mentioned in the Holy Quran:

Say: O People of the Scripture! Come to an agreement between us and you: that we shall worship none but Allah, and that we shall ascribe no partner unto Him, and that none of us shall take others for lords beside Allah. And if they turn away, then say: Bear witness that we are they who have surrendered (unto Him). (64) Al Imran 3:64

These religions emerged in the Middle East and the Holy Books of these religions were written in the native languages. But, God is an English word. According to the Free Dictionary, God is:

the sole Supreme Being, Creator and ruler of all, in religions such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

Arab Jews and Christians in Arabia and North Africa call God Allah.

But, was God as a name mentioned in the previous scriptures? Read this article, Islamic Marcionism in Malaysia: Is Allah Equivalent to God?, by Joachim Martillo which is posted on the American Muslim Website.