[Muramoursuard]

Hello

I have alot of questions about Islam. But here I will ask a few so as to not overwhelm.

Does Islam condone violence? If it does not, what about all of these hadiths that talk about for example Muhammad ordering a treasurer hider to be tortured or about how the Quran says that men are superior to women?

What are some of the main problems that confront the Ummah today?

Is it really true that Islam is scientific? Is there any contradiction between Islam and science?

What does Islam say about environmental protection and preservation? What does it say about problems such as overpopulation and abortion?

Well my friend's family is Christian and her friends are atheists. If she chose to convert, it would be difficult for them to accept... How should she go about this?


Thank You

[Jorcelirl]

...

[emupsMaispubs]

Hello

I have alot of questions about Islam. But here I will ask a few so as to not overwhelm.

Does Islam condone violence? If it does not, what about all of these hadiths that talk about for example Muhammad ordering a treasurer hider to be tortured or about how the Quran says that men are superior to women?

First of all what does violence have to do with the fact that the Quraan says that men are superior to women? These are two separate issues.

As for violence, then Islaam says that some violence is not only necessary, but even an obligation (i.e. Jihaad) under certain circumstances. Islaam says that the purpose of Islaamic states and armies is to conquer and fight for the sake of glorifying Allaah's Name:

“And fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and worshipping of others along with Allaah) and (all and every kind of) worship is for Allaah (Alone). But if they cease, let there be no transgression except against Az-Zaalimoon (the polytheists, and wrong-doers)”

[al-Baqarah 2:193]

“And fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and polytheism, i.e. worshipping others besides Allaah), and the religion (worship) will all be for Allaah Alone [in the whole of the world]. But if they cease (worshipping others besides Allaah), then certainly, Allaah is All-Seer of what they do”

[al-Anfaal 8:39]

The Prophet said:
“I have been sent just before the Hour with the sword, so that Allaah will be worshipped alone with no partner or associate.”

Narrated by Ahmad, 4869; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 2831.

So the purpose of this holy war is to purify the world from all shirk and to make worship purely for Allaah.

The second issue you raised is that the Quraan says men are superior to women. Actually, the Quraan says men are given authority over women, because Allaah has preferred them. This preference is in several ways, for example, Allaah has only preferred males to become prophets, there was never any female prophet. Since men have more responsibilities given to them by Allaah, therefore Allaah has given them more authority. Women need a man to have authority over them, because of their nature, otherwise things will get out of control. Just like how children need parents to have authority over them.

What are some of the main problems that confront the Ummah today? the biggest problem is shirk and turning away from worshiping Allaah alone. This is why the Ummah of Muslims is in the situation it is in today. The solution to this problem is to call the Ummah back to Tawheed and educate them about the Oneness of Allaah in worship.

Is it really true that Islam is scientific? Is there any contradiction between Islam and science? Science just means humans' understanding of the world around them through observation and experimentation. Science is therefore constantly evolving as human beings gain more and more understanding of nature. Therefore, what was "Scientific" a hundred years ago may not always remain "Scientific" as time progresses. However, Islaam is the universal truth based on divine revelation. Revelation can never be wrong, but our "scientific" understanding can be wrong, so if there is a supposed contradiction between Islaam and science, we follow Islaam, not science.

What does Islam say about environmental protection and preservation? What does it say about problems such as overpopulation and abortion? Islaam encourages protection and preservation of the environment. Islaam is against waste, which leads to pollution and corruption of the environment, which leads to sickness and disease.

As for overpopulation...this is just a hysteria that has no meaning. Islaam encourages having many children. The world is large and spacious. The problem is not overpopulation...the problem is wasting resources and not conserving.

As for abortion, it is a very big crime and can never be justified...except when the mother's life is in danger. The Quraan repeatedly says not to kill your children.

Well my friend's family is Christian and her friends are atheists. If she chose to convert, it would be difficult for them to accept... How should she go about this? First pray for guidance from Allaah to overcome all social and family pressures. The biggest test for new Muslims these days is to overcome family pressure and peer pressure. Almost all the Prophets had to experience it. Be inspired by their example, and remember, on the Day of Judgment, everyone will have to answer to Allaah alone...your family and friends can do nothing for you when you will be questioned in the grave and when you will be questioned on the Day of Judgment.

[VodsNittats]

Assalum alykum,

There are hundreds of thousands of hadith and there is One Quran, which is superior to all hadith literature. If there is a hadith--a reported story about the Prophet's (PBUH) words or actions--that seems to condone indiscriminate violence then it must be considered inauthentic because, as Quran translator Abdel Haleem points out, the Quran teaches a religion of peace.

Our brother is incorrect to suggest that the purpose of Islamic armies is to conquer other nations. The purpose of raising an army, according to the Quran, is self-defense. (4.75) The Quran, again as Haleem points out, is very strict in its conditions for the use of force. When the offending party ceases its hostilities, Muslims are called to seek peace and even to provide protection for its enemies, if requested to do so.

The idea of forced conversion is also a myth because the Quran states in 2.256, "There is to be no compulsion in religion." If you study the Quran thoroughly, especially in its original Arabic, you will find it to be a Book of Peace, a healing, and a guidance for life.

PEACE