Questions for Sharia Muslims
April 2009

 

Part 1: Discrepancy Questions

These questions are things for radical Muslims to think about.

Suicide

Suicide Q1a: Do you think there are bombs in Hell, for the suicide bombers?

The following hadiths say that those who commit suicide will be punished eternally in Hell with what they used to kill themselves with. Bukhari vol.7 book 71 no.670 p.450-451; Sahih Muslim vol.1 book 1 no.201 p.62; Sunan Nasa'i vol.2 no.1969 p.496. Ditto for poison. Ibn-i-Majah vol.5 book 31 no.3460 p.16

Suicide Q1b: Some Muslim imams have said ignored these and given out mis-information, that the Sharia teaches that suicide bombers are OK. Do you know what the hadiths of Sharia Islam teach about those who ascribe false things to Mohammed?

Hell-fire is for those who ascribe false things to Mohammed. Bukhari vol.2 book 23 no.378 p.212-218

Those who tell a lie about Mohammed go to Hell. Ibn-i-Majah vol.1 book 1 no.30-37 p.17-18

False witness is equivalent to ascribing a partner to Allah. Abu Dawud vol.3 book 18 no.3592 p.1022; Ibn-i-Majah vol.3 book 13 no.2372 p.414

Suicide Q1a: Are suicide bombers like a Muslim warrior who is injured and deliberately commits suicide?

According to these hadiths, he went to Hell. Bukhari vol.8 book 77 no.603-604 p.393-395; Ibn-i-Majah vol.2 book 6 no.1526 p.409; al-Tabari vol.7 p.135-136

Suicide Q2b: When do you think people treat as a hero someone Allah chose to send to torment in Hell?

Someone once said "better the devil we know than the devil we don't know." Actually better than both is not supporting any devils at all!

 

Killing Other Muslims Sends a Muslim to Hell

Killing Q1a: Why do both Muslims go to Hell if one Muslim kills the other?

No two Muslims kill each other except that both are in Hellfire. Ibn-i-Majah vol.5 book 36 no.3963,3965 p.296,297; Sahih Muslim vol.4 book 41 no.7172-7173 p.1554; Bukhari vol.9 book 83 no.1,5,7,8 p.1,3,4. Muslims should not kill Muslims or lie. Ibn-i-Majah vol.1 book 1 no.46 p.26.

Killing Q1b: Some Muslims were working in the World Trade Center on 9/11/2001. If the hadiths are correct, are these Muslims going to Hell, simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time?

Killing Q1c: Over 1.5 million (primarily) Muslims were killed in the fighting between Iraq under Saddam and Iran. Saddam started the war, but when he wanted to end it the Iranians did not want to. Which side, Saddam or the Iranians, should be considered a hero to Muslims? Which side, if either, was worthy of the support of Muslims?

Killing Q1c: Why do you think that Osama bin Laden said that Muslims "should support Saddam, even though he is an infidel."? (Infidel was bin Laden's choice of word.)

Killing Q1d: Chemical weapons (poison gas) is a very, very painful way to die. When should someone who gasses to death both Sunni Muslims (Kurds), and Shi'ites be supported by honorable people?

Killing Q1e: A suicide bomber gave as one (of many) reasons for his actions that the west gassed Muslims. But this did not happen. When is it OK to lie? When is it OK to lie to a Muslim to get him to kill someone else?

Killing Q1f: When (if ever) do think it is justified that loyalty to a cause, or hatred of a country, is a more important and higher priority than obeying God?

Killing Q2a: Are Talha and al-Zubair going to Hell for rebelling against 'Ali and fighting and killing other Muslims in battle?

However, all Muslims did not take too seriously the statement that Muslims who killed other Muslims were going to Hell. A'isha and two generals, Talha, and al-Zubair rebelled against 'Ali and fought against other Muslims at the Battle of the Camal (Jamal) in 35 A.H.. At this battle, both sides were heavily armored, so both sides concentrated on hacking off limbs according to al-Tabari vol.17 p.135. Both generals were killed by other Muslims. It is significant that Talha and al-Zubair were two of the ten people Mohammed gave glad news that they were guaranteed paradise.

There were ten recipients of glad tidings of Paradise. Sunan Nasa'i vol.1 #50 p.126

Ten people were given glad tidings of Paradise. Eight of them were: Abu Bakr, 'Umar, 'Uthman, Talha, Zubair, Sa'd, 'Abdur-Rahman.and Riyah b. Harith. Ibn-i-Majah vol.1 book 1 no.133 p.75

Killing Q2b: If those who kill other Muslims are going to Hell, and Talha and al-Zubayr were generals leading the fight against other Muslims, does this command override Mohammed promising them paradise, or does Mohammed promising them paradise mean they could kill other Muslims and still go to heaven no matter what?

Killing Q2c: 'Aisha was one of Mohammed's favorite wives, yet she was the leader of the faction that Talha and al-Zubayr were generals in. Is 'Aisha in Hell for leading this faction, or is she in heaven because she did not kill anyone herself?

Killing Q2d: If a Muslim never kills another Muslim directly, but raises an army to fight Muslims, according to Islam can they still go to heaven like 'Aisha (presumably) did?

Q3: If someone thinks a Muslim leader is wrong, when is it OK to assassinate him?

This was probably a question that plagued both 'Uthman's killers and the people of Medina who did nothing to stop them. al-Tabari vol.15 p.159; al-Tabari vol.17 p.40

Submit to your ruler, even if he were an Abyssinian slave. Ibn-i-Majah vol.1 book 1 no.43 p.23

 

Killing Women and Children

KWC Q1a: If there was a choice between following Allah and supporting Muslims (or at least some Muslims) who do what Allah disapproves, which would you do?

Allah disapproves killing women and children. Bukhari vol.4 book 52 no.257 p.159; vol.4 no.258 p.160

KWC Q1b: If the hadiths are clear that it was against Allah's command to kill women and children (except accidentally in night raids), why would a Muslim support foreign fighters in Iraq killing even Muslim children?

The hadiths that show women and children (and some also add hired servants) except in night raids are: Abu Dawud vol.2 no.2662,2663,2666 p.739-740; Sahih Muslim vol.3 book 17 no.4321-4323 p.946-947 and footnote 2225 p.947

 

Burning Down Mosques

Mosques Q1: When do you think it is OK to burn down a mosque built by Muslims?

Mohammed apparently was the first to order Muslims to burn down a mosque. He did it while Muslims were still in it. "The[n] the Messenger of God proceeded until he halted in Dhu Awan, a town an hour's daytime journey from Medina. The people who had built the Mosque of Dissent (masjid al-dirar) had come to him while he was preparing for Tabuk saying, 'O Messenger of God, we have built a mosque for the sick and needy and for rainy and cold nights, and we would like you to visit us and pray for us in it.' [The Prophet] said that he was on the verge of traveling, and he was preoccupied, or words to that effect, and that when he returned, God willing, he would come to them and pray for them in it. When he stopped in Dhu Awan, news of the mosque came to him, and he summoned Malik b. al-Dukhshum, a brother of the Banu Salim b. 'Awf, and Ma'n b. 'Adi, or his brother 'Asim b. 'Adi, brothers of the Banu al-'Ajlan, and said, 'Go to this mosque whose owners are unjust people and destroy and burn it.' They went out briskly until they came to the Banu Salim b. 'Awf who were Malik b. al-Dukhshum's clan. Malik said to Ma'n, 'Wait for me until I bring fire from my people.'... Then both of them ran until they entered the mosque, its people inside, set fire to it and destroyed it and the people dispersed. Sura 9:107 speaks of this. al-Tabari vol.9 p.61. Footnote 425 on the same page says that Waqidi says the fire was set after the evening prayer.

Mosques Q2: Sunnis have burned down Sh'ite mosques in Pakistan, and other branches of Sunni mosques in Sudan. Is that wrong, or is that OK, because they were a different sect of Islam?

Mecca, Sunnis, and Shi'ites

Mecca Q1a: Was it right for Iraqi Sunni Muslims to fight against Iranian Shi'ite soldiers? Was this Muslim vs. Muslim carnage, or was it different, because one group is not true Muslims?

Mecca Q1b: If one side fighting in the Iran-Iraq war were not true Muslims, then why are both Sunnis and Shi'ites allowed to journey to Mecca. Yet, non-Muslims who have not killed any Muslims are not?

Mecca Q1c: If the Sunnis are not true Muslims and the Shi'ites are, then why would the Shi'ites allow Mecca to be in non-Muslim hands. Why don't they pray to Allah and go take back Mecca now?

Mecca Q1d: If the Sh'ites are not true Muslims, and they are not people of the book (Christians, Jews, and Sabi), either, then why do violent Sunni Muslims seem much more interested in fighting those far away, and not Shi'ite renegades.

 

Honor and Women

Honor Q1: In your opinion, when is it OK for a Muslim warrior to take away a woman's honor, even without her consent?

Here is what the hadiths say.

Stripping female captives of their clothes is OK, according to Sahih Muslim vol.3 book 17 no.4345 p.953 and Ibn-i-Majah vol.4 no.2840 p.187.

Sex with captives among the Bani Al-Mustaliq. Bukhari vol.9 no.506 p.372; Abu Dawud vol.2 no.2167 p.582

The fact that it was OK for Muslims to have sex with captive women is in Sahih Muslim vol.2 book 8 no.3371-3374 p.732-735; Abu Dawud vol.2 no.2150 and footnote 1479 p.577-578.

"Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri that while he was sitting with Allah's Apostle he said, 'Oh Allah's Apostle We get female captives as our share of booty, and we are interested in their prices, what is your opinion about coitus interruptus?' [a sexual practice] The Prophet said, 'Do you really do that? It is better for you not to do it, No soul that which Allah has destined to exist, but will surely come into existence." Bukhari vol.3 no.432 p.237. See also Bukhari vol.5 book 59 no.459 p.317; vol.7 no.136-137 p.102-103; vol.8 no.600 p.391; Abu Dawud vol.2 no.2166,2168 p.582

"Abu Sai'd al-Khudri said : The Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) sent a military expedition to Awtas on the occasion of the battle of Hunain. They met their enemy and fought with them. They defeated them and took them captives. Some of the Companions of the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) were reluctant to have intercourse with the female captives in the presence of their husbands who were unbelievers. So Allah, the Exalted, sent down the Qur'anic verse: (Sura 4:24) "And all married women (are forbidden) unto you save those (captives) whom your right hands possess." That is to say, they are lawful for them when they complete their waiting period. (1479)" Abu Dawud vol.2 no.2150 p.577

A Muslim warrior has to wait until a woman's menstrual course is finished before having sex with her. Abu Dawud vol.2 no.2153-2154 p.578

"After the distribution of the spoils of war a man may have intercourse with the female slave after passing one menstrual period, if she is not pregnant. If she is pregnant one should wait till she delivers the child. This is the view held by Malik, al-Shafi'i and Abu Thawr. Abu Hanifah holds that if both the husband and wife are captivated together, their marriage tie still continues; they will not be separated. According to the majority of scholars, they will be separated. Al-Awza-I maintains that their marriage tie will continue till they remain part of the spoils of war. If a man buys them, he may separate them if he desires, and cohabit with the female slave after one menstrual period. ('Awn al-Ma'bud II.213)" Note that Mohammed married Safiyah right after the battle. Abu Dawud vol.2 footnote 1479 p.577-578.

Narrated Ibn Muhairiz : I saw Abu Sa'id and asked him about coitus interruptus. Abu Sa'id said, "We went with Allah's Apostle in the Ghazwa of Bani Al-Mustaliq and we captured some of the Arabs as captives and the long separation from our wives was pressing us hard and we wanted to practice coitus interruptus. We asked Allah's Apostle (whether it was permissible). He said, "It is better for you not to do so. No soul, (that which Allah has) destined to exist, up to the Day of Resurrection, but will definitely come into existence." Bukhari vol.3 no.718 p.432

Notice that the captives were in no way considered "wives". They were neither wives nor concubines, or they would not have seen any need to ask Mohammed about this.

Honor Q2: The Muslim solders in Mohammed's army were virile men, but do you think they were all honorable men?

Honor Q2b: Do you think it was honorable for the leaders to tolerate such behavior?

Honor Q2c: All agree 'Ali had no part in Caliph 'Uthman's murder, but Mu'awiyah and other Muslims fought 'Ali giving a reason that he did not do anything to those who murdered the previous caliph, even though the hadiths and al-Tabari show their names were known. Was 'Ali wrong in this? If so, then why was 'Ali wrong in this, but early Muslims not wrong in disciplining soldiers who took away the honor of women captives against their will?

 

These questions are for someone who thinks the Sharia is a good thing.

 

 

One can put Muslims in three groups based on their thinking:

a) No Sharia: Those who think Sharia is not a good thing to today

b) Sharia: Those who think Sharia is good for today and consistently follow it

c) Hypocritical Muslims, who claim Sharia is good for others, but they do not want to follow all of it themselves.

Sharia Q1: Which group are you in? Here are some of the Sharia Laws that some hypocrites disobey today.

Muslims are forbidden to sell wine, carcasses, pigs, and idols. Sahih Muslim vol.3 book 9 no.3840 p.830; No buying or selling wine. Abu Dawud vol.3 no.3666 p.1042; Abu Dawud vol.2 no.3478-3484 p.991-992

Interest is responsible for the economic crisis in the world Sahih Muslim vol.3 footnote 2021 p.831-832

No interest allowed. Ibn-i-Majah vol.1 book 1 no.18 p.10; Ibn-i-Majah vol.3 book 12 no.2253-2261 p.347-352

Not only should Muslims not drink wine, but they should not buy or sell wine. Ibn-i-Majah vol.4 book 30 no.3382 p.494

Women are to abandon prayer during their time of month. Sahih Muslim vol.1 book 3 no.652 p.188-189, vol.1 book 1 no.142 p.48; Bukhari vol.1 book 6 no.322 p.194, book 6 no.327 p.196; Sunan Nasa'i vol.1 no.355-361 p.281-284; vol.1 no.364-368 p.285-286

Sharia Q2: If you are a Muslim wife, would you permit your husband to have sex with women his right hand possesses? If so, would you tell your husband you are obedient to the Sharia here?

"Can one travel with a slave-girl without knowing whether she is pregnant or not? Al-Hasan found no harm in her master's kissing or fondling with her.

Ibn 'Umar said, 'If a slave-girl who is suitable to have sexual relations is given to somebody as a gift, or sold or manumitted [freed], her master should not have sexual intercourse with her before she gets one menstruation so as to be sure of absence of pregnancy, and there is no such necessity for a virgin.'

'Ata said, 'There is no harm in fondling with one's pregnant (1) slave-girl without having sexual intercourse with her. Allah said: 'Except with their wives and the (women captives) whom their right hands possess (for in this case they are not to be blamed).'" Footnote (1) says, "Pregnant from another man, not her present master." Bukhari vol.3 ch.113 after no.436 p.239-240. (Same 'Ata as previous.)

"And 'Ata disliked to look at those slave girls who used to be sold in Mecca unless he wanted to buy." Bukhari vol.8 no.246 p.162.

Mohammed was asked about sex with slave girls. - It is fine. Sahih Muslim vol.2 book 8 no.3377,3383-3388 p.734-735. In contrast to this, in the Old Testament a man who had sex with a slave, and not his wife, was killed.

Sex with slave girls is OK. Ibn-i-Majah vol.1 no.89 p.52; vol.3 no.1920 p.158; vol.3 no.1927-1928 p.162. See also Ibn-i-Majah vol.3 no.1851 p.117.

However, A Muslim slave owner is not allowed to look at the nakedness of a slave girl if she is married to someone else. Otherwise it is OK; she does not have to be married to him, only owned by him at the time of sex. Abu Dawud vol.1 no.496 and footnote 198 p.126.

ShariaQ3: So for Muslims, are you a "no-Sharia" type of Muslim? Otherwise, do you believe and follow these things? Otherwise, are you a Sharia-hypocrite type?

Warning: According to the hadiths, a hypocrite's intestines will pour forth in Hell, according to Sahih Muslim vol.4 book 40 no.7122 p.1539

 

Veils Are Of Extreme Importance

Veils Q1a: While some western Muslim women with the option choose to wear a veil do so some of the time, do you think veils are mandatory for all Muslim women?

The law that a woman must cover her face is included in the law that she must cover her private parts. Abu Dawud vol.2 footnote 2749 p.935

The hadiths state that veils were for all Muslim women. Sahih Muslim vol.2 book 7 no.2789 p.606-607

"...Allah does not accept the prayer of a woman who has reached puberty unless she wears a veil." Abu Dawud vol.1 no.639 p.168

When the decree to veil women came. "Narrated 'Aisha the wife of the Prophet : 'Umar bin Al-Khattab used to say to Allah's Apostle, 'Let your wives be veiled.' But he did not do so. The wives of the Prophet used to go out to answer the call of nature at night only at Al-Manasi'. Once Sauda, the daughter of Zam'a went out and she was a tall woman. 'Umar bin Al-Khattab saw her while he was in a gathering, and said, 'I have recognized you, O Sauda!' He ('Umar) said so as he was anxious for some Diving orders regarding the veil (the veiling of women.) So Allah revealed the Verse of veiling. (Al-Hijab; - a complete body cover excluding the eyes)." Bukhari vol.8 no.257 p.170

Modernist Muslims are wrong. Veils and seclusion of women from men in Muslim society [today] is required according to Abu Dawud vol.1 footnote 506 p.267

Veils Q1b: Exactly why are Muslim women supposed to all be veiled?

Interestingly, it is OK for a woman to stay in another man's house if he is blind. Abu Dawud vol.2 no.2282 -2283 p.621

It is still OK for a woman to adorn herself for seekers in marriages. Abu Dawud vol.2 no.2299 p.627-628

One should have a look at a woman, you want to marry to create harmony. Ibn-i-Majah vol.3 no.1865 p.126

It is good to look at a woman's face before marrying her. Abu Dawud vol.2 no.2077 p.557

Veils Q1c: Out of curiosity, why did early free women of Muslim men need to be veiled, but slave women did not?

Veils are not required for slave women Sahih Muslim vol.2 book 8 no.3325,3328 p.721-722. It says, "...and if he [Mohammed] would make her wear the veil, then she would be a (free married) woman, and if he would not make her wear the veil, then she should be a slave woman." Apparently the point was not the temptation of men, but simply modesty of Muslim women.

When Mohammed "took" Safiyah, the other Muslims waited to see if he would have her be veiled to see if she was going to be a regular wife, or unveiled for either a concubine or a "sex captive". He had her veiled, and made her a regular wife. Bukhari vol.4 no.143 p.92.

"And 'Ata disliked to look at those slave girls who used to be sold in Mecca unless he wanted to buy." Bukhari vol.8 no.246 p.162.

"He [Mohammed] replied, 'Conceal your private parts except from your wife and from whom your right hands possess (slave-girls).'" Abu Dawud vol.3 no.4006 p.1123

On a related note, the owner of a slave girl counts as a Mahram. One can seat the slave girl on the same camel. Note that there would not have been any issue raised if he had been married to her. Abu Dawud vol.2 no.1724 p.454

Veils Q5: When a Muslim army captures a woman, how should she be veiled?

Stripping female captives of their clothes is OK, according to Sahih Muslim vol.3 book 17 no.4345 p.953 and Ibn-i-Majah vol.4 no.2840 p.187.

Sex with captives among the Bani Al-Mustaliq. Bukhari vol.9 no.506 p.372; Abu Dawud vol.2 no.2167 p.582

The fact that it was OK for Muslims to have sex with captive women is in Sahih Muslim vol.2 book 8 no.3371-3374 p.732-735; Abu Dawud vol.2 no.2150 and footnote 1479 p.577-578.

"Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri that while he was sitting with Allah's Apostle he said, 'Oh Allah's Apostle We get female captives as our share of booty, and we are interested in their prices, what is your opinion about coitus interruptus?' [a sexual practice] The Prophet said, 'Do you really do that? It is better for you not to do it, No soul that which Allah has destined to exist, but will surely come into existence." Bukhari vol.3 no.432 p.237. See also Bukhari vol.5 book 59 no.459 p.317; vol.7 no.136-137 p.102-103; vol.8 no.600 p.391; Abu Dawud vol.2 no.2166,2168 p.582

"Abu Sai'd al-Khudri said : The Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) sent a military expedition to Awtas on the occasion of the battle of Hunain. They met their enemy and fought with them. They defeated them and took them captives. Some of the Companions of the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) were reluctant to have intercourse with the female captives in the presence of their husbands who were unbelievers. So Allah, the Exalted, sent down the Qur'anic verse: (Sura 4:24) "And all married women (are forbidden) unto you save those (captives) whom your right hands possess." That is to say, they are lawful for them when they complete their waiting period.(1479)" Abu Dawud vol.2 no.2150 p.577

"After the distribution of the spoils of war a man may have intercourse with the female slave after passing one menstrual period, if she is not pregnant. If she is pregnant one should wait till she delivers the child. This is the view held by Malik, al-Shafi'i and Abu Thawr. Abu Hanifah holds that if both the husband and wife are captivated together, their marriage tie still continues; they will not be separated. According to the majority of scholars, they will be separated. Al-Awza-I maintains that their marriage tie will continue till they remain part of the spoils of war. If a man buys them, he may separate them if he desires, and cohabit with the female slave after one menstrual period. ('Awn al-Ma'bud II.213)" Note that Mohammed married Safiyah right after the battle. Abu Dawud vol.2 footnote 1479 p.577-578.

Sex with captives is OK. Sahih Muslim vol.2 book 8 no.3371-3376 p.733; Ibn-i-Majah vol.3 no.2517 p.506

Narrated Ibn Muhairiz : I saw Abu Sa'id and asked him about coitus interruptus. Abu Sa'id said, "We went with Allah's Apostle in the Ghazwa of Bani Al-Mustaliq and we captured some of the Arabs as captives and the long separation from our wives was pressing us hard and we wanted to practice coitus interruptus. We asked Allah's Apostle (whether it was permissible). He said, "It is better for you not to do so. No soul, (that which Allah has) destined to exist, up to the Day of Resurrection, but will definitely come into existence." Bukhari vol.3 no.718 p.432

"...We went out with Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) on the expedition to the Bi'l-Mustaliq and took captives some excellent Arab women; and we desired them, for we were suffering from the absence of our wives (but at the same time) we also desired ransom for them. So we decided to have [sex] with them but by observing .... But we said: We are doing an act whereas Allah's Messenger is amongst us; why not ask him? So we asked Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him), and he said: It does not matter if you do not do it, for every soul that is to be born up to the Day of Resurrection will be born." Sahih Muslim vol.2 book 8 no.3571 p.732-733.

Notice that the captives were in no way considered "wives". They were neither wives nor concubines, or they would not have seen any need to ask Mohammed about this.

Veils Q2a: Are veils important enough that Muslim women should be struck, or even worse, if they are not wearing a veil?

'Aisha was hit. In Sahih Muslim vol.2 book 7 no.2789 p.606-607 'Aisha was on a camel with her relative 'Abd al-Rahman bin Abu Bakr, and she took off her veil since no one was around in the empty desert. "...I lifted my head covering and took it off from my neck. He struck my foot as if he was striking the camel. I said to him: Do you find anyone here?..." Footnote 1648 says "What A'isha meant was that it was wilderness and there was none from whom she was required to observe purdah. 'Abd al-Rahman was, however, over-cautious and he was afraid lest anyone should abruptly appear before her." Leaving aside the question of whether she should have been veiled when no one else was around there are three things to note:

1) When people were around she should have been veiled

2) It is OK to strike her

3) There was no criticism for striking her first, and explaining why she was struck after that.

In Afghanistan today, even after the Taliban were driven out, Afghan women are still being abused, harassed and threatened, according to the Human Rights Watch report "We Want to Live as Humans" (52 pages). (Source: The Dallas Morning News 12/17/2002). This would happen when they are caught without wearing their burqa.

An unveiled women outside of the house was almost stabbed by her husband (Sahih Muslim vol.4 book 24 no.5557 p.1213). "The man carried the weapons and then came back and found his wife standing between the two doors. He bent towards her smitten by jealousy and made a dash towards her with a spear in order to stab her. She said : Keep your spear away and enter the house until you see that which has made me come out. He entered and found a big snake coiled on the bedding...."

See also Abu Dawud vol.3 no.5237-5238 p.1448-1449.

Veils Q2b: Exactly how hard do you think women should be struck, when they are deliberately struck?

"One night 'Umar (Allah be pleased with him) arranged a feast. When it was midnight, he got up and went towards his wife to beat her. I separated them both. When he went to his bed, he said to me, "O 'Ash'ath, preserve from me a thing that I heard from Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). (These things are): A man will not be taken to task for beating his wife (for valid reasons) and do not sleep without observing witr prayer." I forgot the third (exhortation)." Ibn-i-Majah vol.3 book 9 no.1986 p.195. Note that (for valid reasons) is a qualification in the translation; it is not in the Arabic.

"'How does anyone of you beat his wife as he beats the stallion camel and then he may embrace (sleep with) her?' And Hisham said, 'As he beats his slave.'" Bukhari vol.8 no.68 p.42.

Why does the Qur'an say in Sura 4:34 to "beat" or "scourge" your wife, if she is disobedient? Dr. Badawi on p.25 acknowledges that a man can "administer a gentle pat". However, he is toying with words here. The Arabic word "beat" or "scourge" does not mean tap lightly; it is the same word used to beat a violent criminal or a camel.

In Sura 4:34 the Arabic word idreb is a conjugate of daraba which means "to beat, strike, or hit" according to Hans Wehr Dictionary of Modern Written Arabic p.538.

Mohammed himself once deliberately struck 'Aisha "on the chest which caused me pain", according to Sahih Muslim vol.2 book 4 no.2127 p.462.

In Egypt they do not think much of Dr. Badawi's novel interpretation. The Guardian Weekly reported that in 1987 and Egyptian court ruled that a husband had the duty to educate his wife, and therefore he could punish her as he wished. (from Voices Behind the Veil p.152).

Umm Kulthum did not want to marry the caliph 'Umar because "he leads a rough life and is severe with his womenfolk." al-Tabari vol.14 p.101.

'Aisha explained to the Caliph 'Umar, "You are rough and ready. ... How will it be with (Umm Kulthum) if she disobeys you on any matter and you punish her physically? al-Tabari vol.14 p.102

Likewise al-Tabari vol.15 p141 footnote 251 said that all four caliphs had family ties to Mohammed except 'Umar, "since Muhammad thought him too harsh for any of his daughters." So Muhammad thought him too harsh for his daughters, but did not stop him from being harsh towards others.

Ibn-i-Majah vol.3 no.1850 p.116 in discussing the responsibilities of a husband says that a husband cannot beat the face of his wife, or denounce her as ugly, or fail to materially support her. See also Abu Dawud vol.2 no.2137 p.574; vol.2 no.2138-2139 p.574-575. In all these references, only the face is exempt from beating.

Beat women, but not severely, if they allow anyone whom you dislike to lie on their beds. Abu Dawud vol.2 no.1900 p.505

Mu'awiya and Abu Jahm both asked to marry Fatimah bint Qais. Abu Jahm doesn't put his stick down from his shoulder. Abu Dawud vol.2 no.2277 p.619-620. Mohammed knew this, but never did it say he rebuked Abu Jahm.

According to the Muslim historian al-Tabari, Job was allegedly ordered to beat his wife. al-Tabari vol.2 p.140

Today the penal code of Egypt and Libya Article 212 says that if a woman disobeys her husband, the man can file a complaint with the local judge. The judgments can be implemented in a coercive manner if the situation demands it. The house can be besieged by the forces of order if the need arises following the instructions of the judge." (See Why I Am Not A Muslim p.314 for more info.)

"'A'ishah said: Habibah daughter of Sahl was the wife of Thabit b. Qais b. Shimmas. He beat her and broke some of her part. So she came to the Prophet (may peace be upon him) after morning, and complained to him against her husband. The Prophet (may peace be upon him) called on Thabit b. Qais and said (to him): Take a part of her property and separate yourself from her. He asked: Is that right, Apostle of Allah? He said: Yes. He said: I have given her two gardens of mint as a dower, and they are already in her possession. The Prophet (may peace be upon him) said: Take them and separate yourself from her."

Note that the man still got the gardens back after beating his wife and breaking part of her. Abu Dawud vol.2 no.2220 p.600

"This shows that wives should obey their husbands. In case they do not obey or become emboldened towards their husbands, they should try to amend them by preaching and education. Beating is the last resort. But it is better to avoid beating as far as possible." Abu Dawud vol.2 footnote 1467 p.575.

In a January 2004 Associated Press article by Mar Roman, a Muslim imam in Fuengirola, Spain, Mohammed Kamal Mustafa, was fined $2,735 and given a 15-month suspended prison sentence for writing and distributing the book Women in Islam, which urged husbands to hit their wives ``on the hands and feet using a rod that is thin and light so that it does not leave scars or bruises on the body.'' The imam argued that he was interpreting passages of the Qur'an and said he opposed violence against women.

"'Umar b. al-Khattab reported the Prophet (may peace be upon him) as saying: A man will not be asked as to why he beat his wife.(1468)" Abu Dawud vol.2 no.2142 p.575

"This means that a man tries his best to correct his wife, but he fails to do so, he is allowed to beat her as a last resort. This tradition never means that a husband should beat her [his] wife without any valid reason. If he beats her without any fault on her part, he will be responsible and called to answer." Abu Dawud vol.2 footnote 1468 p.375

 

Women

Women Q1: While Shi'ites think mu'tah (temporary marriage for a very short contracted period of time) is fine for today, the hadiths teach it was fine for Muslims until Mohammed abolished it near the end of his life, at Khaibar. Why was it fine for Muslims during most of Mohammed's career?

"Narrated 'Ali bin Abi Talib: On the day of Khaibar, Allah's Apostle forbade the Mut'a (i.e. temporary marriage) and the eating of donkey meat." Bukhari vol.5 book 59 no.527 p.372 as well as Ibn-i-Majah vol.3 no.1961,1963 p.180,182. Bukhari vol.7 no.50,52 p.36,37 also discuss temporary marriage.

"Narrated Abu Jamra : I heard Ibn 'Abbas (giving a verdict) when he was asked about the Mut'a with the women and he permitted it (Nikah-al-Mut'a) On that a freed slave of his said to him, 'That is only when it is very badly needed and women are scarce.' On that, Ibn 'Abbas said, 'Yes.'" Bukhari vol.7 book 62 no.51 p.36-37

"Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah and Salama bin Al'Akwa, "While we were in an army, Allah's Apostle came to us and said, 'You have been allowed to do the Mut'a (marriage) so do it.' Salama bin Al-Akwa said: Allah's Apostle said, 'If a man and a woman agree (to marry temporarily), their marriage should last for three nights, and if they like to continue, they can do so; and if they want to separate, they can do so. I do not know whether that was only for us or for all the people in general Abu 'Abdullah (Al-Bukhari) said: 'Ali made it clear that the Prophet said, 'The Mut'a marriage has been cancelled (made unlawful).'" Bukhari vol.7 book 62 no.52 p.37

Women Q2: Why do Muslim countries have "mustahils", which are men who are paid to have briefly consummate a marriage with a woman so that they can divorce and the woman return to her former husband?

Abu Dawud vol.2 no.2302 p.629 also discusses the disgusting role of a mustahil in Islamic society.

A divorced woman cannot remarry the same man until she has consummated a marriage with someone else. Bukhari vol.7 book 63 no.186,187 p.136; Abu Dawud vol.2 no.2192 p.592-593

Note that if a man remarries the same woman, he does not need to consummate a marriage with anybody.

When a man "irrevocably" divorces a woman, she must consummate a marriage with someone else before they can get back together again. Ibn-i-Majah vol.3 no.1933-1936 p.165-168. There is no such strange rule for a man.

Women Q3: The hadiths of Islam teach many ways to get reward in heaven that are not often known today.

Rewards to a man (no mention of a woman) for his wife taking a bath: "If anyone makes (his wife) wash and he washes himself on Friday, goes our early (for Friday prayer), attends the sermon from the beginning, walking, not riding, takes his seat near the Imam, listens attentively, and does not indulge in idle talk, he will get the reward of a year's fasting and praying at night for every step he takes." Abu Dawud vol.1 book 1 no.345 p.91. The reward is for the husband: no reward for the wife is explicitly mentioned.

 

Marriage and Divorce

Marriage Q1: Why did Mohammed need to marry Zainab bint Jahsh?

Zainab was married for desire: Mohammed ordered his adopted son Zaid to divorce Zainab, and then Mohammed married Zainab. Zaid had no choice, because Mohammed recited Sura 33:36-38. Muslims believe the Qur'an is uncreated and inscribed on a tablet in heaven, but Sura 33:36-38 mentions Zaid by name saying he was not to have any choice in divorcing Zainab. Later Zainab bint Jahsh "used to boast before the other wives of the Prophet and used to say, 'Allah married me (to the Prophet) in the Heavens.'" Bukhari vol.9 no.517 p.382. Also vol.9 no.516,518 p.381-383.

Zainab bint Jahsh was married to Mohammed's adopted son, until Mohammed spoke the Sura that she was to divorce his son and marry Mohammed. Zainab "used to boast before the other wives of the Prophet and used to say, 'Allah married me (to the Prophet) in the Heavens.'" Bukhari vol.9 no.517 p.382. Also vol.9 no.516,518 p.381-383. In other words, in the eternally existing uncreated Qur'an in heaven, Zainab's marriage was mentioned.

This marriage to Mohammed was for Mohammed's desire. 'Aisha remarked, "It seems to me that your Lord hastens to satisfy your desire." Sahih Muslim vol.2 book 8 no.3453-3454 p.748-749.

Marriage Q2: Mohammed married a widow: Safiya. Do you know how long she was a widow?

Mohammed married Safiya after slaughtering her husband and the men at Khaibar, and enslaving the women and children. Bukhari vol.2 book 14 no.68 p.35 and vol.4 book 14 no.143,280.

Mohammed led a surprise attack against Bani Mustaliq and got his wife Juwairiya as a captive then. Bukhari vol.3 book 46 no.717 p.431-432

Marriage Q3: Why did Mohammed need so many wives, that Islamic scholars cannot agree on how many wives he had?

Mohammed briefly married Fatima/Fatema/Fatimah bint al-Dahhak bin Sufyan (also called al-Kilabiyyah). al-Tabari vol.9 p.39

It is said that Mohammed married Khawlah bint al-Hudayl. al-Tabari vol.9 p.139. She was a wife of Mohammed's according to al-Tabari vol.39 p.166

Marriage Q4: When women declined Mohammed's marriage proposals were they a) wrong and went against Allah, b) proper, and Mohammed should not have asked them to marry him, c) other?

Mohammed asked to marry Ghaziyyah on account of her beauty, but she declined. Tabari claims she was in a state of infidelity but provides no evidence. al-Tabari vol.9 p.136. There is no evidence she was unfaithful and Mohammed was lax in not punishing her, or that she was and Mohammed punished her.

Layla clapped Mohammed's shoulder from behind and asked him to marry her. Mohammed accepted. Layla's people said she did a bad thing, so Layla returned to Mohammed and asked him to revoke [annul] the marriage and Mohammed complied. al-Tabari vol.9 p.139

Marriage Q5: Why were some women divorced from Mohammed?

When Sauda was old she was afraid Mohammed would divorce her, so she gave her turn to 'A'isha. Abu Dawud vol.2 no.2130 p.572 (Mohammed ended up not divorcing Sauda, but he did divorce others.)

'Umar said Mohammed divorced Hafsah (revocable divorce) and then took her back. Abu Dawud vol.2 no.2276 p.619 and . According to Ibn Ishaq, Mohammed divorced Hafsa but then took her back. al-Tabari vol.9 footnote 884 p.131.

Mohammed married Ghaziyyah bint Jabir. "When the Prophet went to her he found her to be an old woman, so he divorced her." al-Tabari vol.9 p.139

Daughter of Al-Jaun [Jahal] was married very briefly to Mohammed. Bukhari vol.7 book 63 no.181 p.131,132

Mulaykah bint Ka'b was married very briefly to Mohammed. A'isha asked her if she wanted to marry the man who killed her husband. She "took refuge in God" from Mohammed, so Mohammed divorced her. al-Tabari vol.39 p.165

Mohammed married (married is the word in the text) Mulaykah bint Dawud al-Laythiyyah, but when she was told that Mohammed was the one who had her father killed, she took refuge in Allah from Mohammed. So Mohammed separated from her. al-Tabari vol.8 p.189. The same thing is told of Mulaykah bint Ka'b (who is likely the same person) in al-Tabari vol.39 p.165

Mohammed divorced one woman Mohammed because she took refuge in Allah from Mohammed. He divorced another because she had leprosy. There is some mixup of which name is with which case in al-Tabari vol.39 p.187.

Mohammed married al-Shanba bint 'Amr al-Ghifariyyah; her people were allies of the banu Qurayza. When Ibrahim died, she said that if he were a true prophet his son would not have died. Mohammed divorced her before consummating his marriage with her. al-Tabari vol.9 p.136

Mohammed married Asma bint al-Nu'man bin al-Aswad bin Sharahil. However, she had leprosy, so Mohammed gave her money and divorced her. al-Tabari vol.9 p.137. Why would he do that to a woman he loved?

Mohammed divorced a woman because she had leprosy. al-Tabari vol.39 p.187

Mohammed divorced 'Amrah bint Yazid because she had leprosy. al-Tabari vol.39 p.188

Mohammed divorced an unnamed woman because she would peek at those leaving the mosque. al-Tabari vol.39 p.187

Mohammed stayed with 'Aliyah bint Zabyan bin 'Amr bin 'Awf bin Ka'b a while, then divorced her. al-Tabari vol.9 p.138; al-Tabari vol.39 p.188

Mention of Mohammed's brief marriage with Sana bint Sufyan. al-Tabari vol.39 p.188

Some thought Mohammed married al-Ash'ath, but that is false according to al-Tabari vol.39 p.190i

Mohammed divorced 'Amra. Ibn-i-Majah vol.3 no.2054 p.233 vol.3 no.2030 p.226 (daif [weak], not Sahih)

Mohammed married al-Nashat bint Rifa'ah of the Banu Kilab bin Rabi'ah, allies of the Qurayzah. She was also called Sana. However, she died before the Prophet consummated his marriage with her. al-Tabari vol.9 p.135-136. al-Tabari vol.39 p.166 says the same thing about Sana bint al-Salt.

Q6: Can Muslim men marry non-Muslim women or not?

No. "Whenever Ibn 'Umar was asked about the marrying of a Christian or Jewish woman, he replied: 'Truly, God has made polytheistic women unlawful for true believers, and I do not know anything worse in polytheism than for a woman to say 'Our Lord is Jesus', though he was merely just one of God's servants!'" [Apparently this did not apply to having sex with slave-girls, or to Mohammed who had Christian concubines.] Bukhari vol.7 book 63 no.209 p.155-156. Also quoted in Women in Islam p.53

Ibn 'Umar said it was unlawful for Muslim men to marry Christian or Jewish women. Bukhari vol.7 book 63 no.209 p.155-156

If one of a couple becomes a Muslim, divorce is automatic. Bukhari vol.7 book 63 chapter 20 p.158

Yes. 17. Mary/Mariya the Copt/Christian was a wife [concubine] of the Holy Prophet according to Sahih Muslim vol.4 footnote p.2835. p.1351. Mary the Copt gave birth to Mohammed's son Ibrahim in al-Tabari vol.9 p.39.

A Muslim might say Mohammed had to marry her because she was a gift from Egypt, but her sister Sirin was also a gift, and he did not marry Sirin, but gave her to another Muslims, Hassan bin Thabit, to marry.. Mary was a gift from the governor of Alexandria. al-Tabari vol.39 p.193; al-Tabari vol.8 p.66,131

Rayhanah bint Zayd al-Quraziyyah of the Banu al-Nadir was another concubine of Mohammed's, and there is no indication that she was a Muslim. Mohammed offered to make her a wife instead of a slave, but she decline and remained Jewish according to al-Tabari vol.8 p.39. See also al-Tabari vol.9 p.137. However, the source in al-Tabari vol.39 p.164-165 says Mohammed set her free and then married her.

 

Torment of the Grave

Torment Q1a: Why was Mohammed himself terrified of the grave?

Mohammed trembled at the thought of his torment in the grave. Sahih Muslim vol.1 book 4 no.1214 p.290

"She ('Ai'isha) said : Never did I see him (the Holy Prophet) afterwards but seeking refuge from the torment of the grave in prayer." Sahih Muslim vol.1 book 4 no.1214 p.290

Torment in the grave: "...she had heard the Prophet seeking refuge with Allah from the punishment in the grave." Bukhari vol.2 book 23 no.458 p.258.

A Jewish woman told Mohammed "May Allah protect you from the torment of the grave. After that, Mohammed prayed for refuge from the torment of the grave. Sunan Nasa'i vol.2 no.1479 p.281-282

Mohammed sought refuge from the torment of the grave. Sunan Nasa'i vol.2 no.2065 p.535; vol.2 no.2069 p.537; vol.2 no.2071 p.538

Mohammed would beg deliverance from the torment of Hell. Ibn-i-Majah vol.2 book 5 no.1351 p.303

Torment Q1b: Could Mohammed have learned the torment in the grave idea from a Jewish woman?

A Jewish woman told Mohammed "May Allah protect you from the torment of the grave. After that, Mohammed prayed for refuge from the torment of the grave. Sunan Nasa'i vol.2 no.1479 p.281-282

A Jewess told either Mohammed or a Muslim man they would be put to trial in the grave. Sunan Nasa'i vol.2 no.2068 p.537

"'Amra reported that a Jewess came to 'A'isha to ask (about something) and said: May Allah protect you from the torment of the grave! ... I heard 'A'isha say: I listened after this to the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) seeking refuge form the torment of Fire and the torment of the grave." Sahih Muslim vol.2 book 4 no.1973,1974 p.428

"She ('Ai'isha) said : Never did I see him (the Holy Prophet) afterwards but seeking refuge from the torment of the grave in prayer." Sahih Muslim vol.1 book 4 no.1214 p.290

Mohammed heard two dead people being tormented in their graves. Sunan Nasa'i vol.2 no.2072A, vol.2 no.2072B p.539

A Jew was tormented in the grave for going to the bathroom and wetting himself. Ibn-i-Majah vol.1 book 1 no.347-349 p.198-199

A Jewish woman died, and Mohammed said her relatives' lamenting was tormenting her in her grave. Ibn-i-Majah vol.2 book 6 no.1595 p.446

Torments Q1c: According to Islam, do you think other true Muslims could be tormented in their graves?

There is some torment for Muslims in their graves. Sunan Nasa'i vol.2 no.2066 p.536

A Muslim must pay zakat or he will be tormented. Ibn-i-Majah vol.3 book 8 no.1784-1786 p.76-77

The torment of the grave is a fact. Sunan Nasa'i vol.2 no.1311 p.199

 

Islamic Slavery

Slave Q1a: Was do you think Mohammed and his wives needed to own slaves?

Mohammed was a slave owner, who owned at least one black slave. Bukhari vol.6 book 60 no.435 p.407; Bukhari vol.7 book 62 no.119 p.90; vol.9 no.368 p.275

Maimunah was the freed slave girl of Mohammed. Abu Dawud vol.1 book 2 no.457 p.118

Mohammed received a few slave girls. Bukhari vol.7 book 64 no.274 p.210

"Narrated Anas: ... And Anjashah, the slave of the Prophet [Mohammed], was driving their camels..." Bukhari vol.8 book 73 no.221 p.142. Also Bukhari vol.8 book 73 no.182 p.117

Mohammed's black slave was at the top of the stairs when Mohammed was in his balcony room. Bukhari vol.9 book 91 no.368 p.275

A'isha had a slave girl. Abu Dawud vol.1 book 1 no.371 p.96

Barirah was a female slave of A'ishah's, whom she later freed. Abu Dawud vol.2 no.2223 and footnote 1548 p.601

Slave Q2b: Do you think they just temporarily owned slaves in order to set them free?

Better to give a slave girl to a relative than set her free Sahih Muslim vol.2 book 5 no.2187 p.480

"And 'Ata disliked to look at those slave girls who used to be sold in Mecca unless he wanted to buy." Bukhari vol.8 book 74 chapter 2 p.162

'Amr bin Shu'aib on his father's authority said that his grandfather reported the Prophet (may peace be upon him) as saying: If one of you marries a woman or buys a slave, he should say: 'O Allah, I ask Thee for the good in her, and in the disposition Thou hast given her; I take refuge in Thee from the evil in her, and in the disposition Thou hast given her.' When he buys a camel, he should take hold of the top of its hump and say the same kind of thing." Abu Dawud vol.2 no.2155 p.579

'Aisha reluctantly freed many slaves due to a broken vow. "He [Ibn Az-Subair] sent her ['Aisha] ten slaves whom she manumitted [freed] as an expiation for (not keeping) her vow. 'Aisha manumitted more slaves for the same purpose till she manumitted forty slaves. She said, 'I wish I had specified what I would have done in case of not fulfilling my vow when I made the vow, so that I might have done it easily.'"(1) Footnote (1) says, "'Aisha did not specify what she would do if she did not keep her promise, this is why she manumitted so many slaves so that she might feel at ease as to the adequacy of her expiation." Bukhari vol.4 book 56 no.708 p.465.

Slave Q1c: If they temporarily owned slaves just to free them, when why did a) they beat slaves, b) not permitted to beat their wives as harshly as they beat their slaves?

Mohammed in a sermon said "It is not wise for anyone of you to lash his wife like a slave," Apparently that would be too severe - for the wife that is, not the slave. Bukhari vol.6 book 60 no.466 p.440

"If somebody beats a slave, he should spare his face." Bukhari vol.3 book 46 before no.734 p.440.

Slaves Bukhari vol.7 book 65 no.344 p.252; vol.7 book 65 no.345 p.253; vol.7 book 65 no.346 p.254 vol.7 book 65 no.352,371 p.257,268

"'How does anyone of you beat his wife as he beats the stallion camel and then he may embrace (sleep with) her?' And Hisham said, 'As he beats his slave.'" Bukhari vol.8 book 73 no.68 p.42.

Abu Bakr beat his [male] slave while Mohammed was present and smiling. Abu Dawud vol.2 no.1814 p.480

n a sermon Mohammed criticized Muslim men who beat their wives like they beat their slave girls. Ibn-i-Majah vol.3 book 9 no.1983 p.194

Slave Q2: Did you know Mohammed bought and sold slaves?

Mohammed bought a slave for two slaves. Abu Dawud vol.2 no.3352 p.954

"The Sale of Mudabbar (i.e. a slave who is promised by his master to be manumitted [freed] after the latter's death). Narrated Jabir: The Prophet sold a Mudabbar (on behalf of his master who was still living and in need of money)." Bukhari vol.3 book 34 no.433 and prior p.238.

"Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah: A man amongst us declared that his slave would be freed after his death. The Prophet called for that slave and sold him(1) The slave died the same year." The footnote for (1) says "The liberator was needy, so the Prophet sold the slave for him, permitting him to cancel his promise of freeing the slave after his death." Bukhari vol.3 book 46 no.711 p.427. Also Bukhari vol.3 book 34 no.351 p.198; Ibn-i-Majah vol.3 book 19 no.2513 p.503-504

'Adda' purchased a slave or slave girl from Mohammed. Ibn-i-Majah vol.3 book 12 no.2251 p.346

Mohammed sold two black slaves to a man so that the man would free one slave that had become a Muslim. Ibn-i-Majah vol.4 book 24 no.2869 p.202

Mohammed sold a [Mudabbar] slave for 800 dirhams to Nu'aim bin Nahham after the owner's death. Bukhari vol.9 book 89 chapter 32 p.224 and vol.9 book 89 no.296 p.224

Mohammed sold a non-Muslim slave Sahih Muslim vol.3 no.4116 p.889

After 'Aisha had married Mohammed, she had a slave girl named Barira. Bukhari vol.9 book 92 no.462 p.342.

Mohammed sold a Coptic slave. Bukhari vol.8 book 79 no.707 p.464

"An Ansari man made his slave a Mudabbar and he had no other property than him. When the Prophet heard of that, he said (to his companions), 'Who wants to buy him (i.e. the slave) for me?' Nu'aim bin An-Nahham bought him for eight hundred Dirhams." Bukhari vol.8 book 79 no.707 p.464; Sunan Nasa'i vol.2 no.1962 p.493

Mohammed sold a slave Sahih Muslim vol.2 book 5 no.2183-2184 p.479

Slave Q3: Is slavery of black people, or others, OK today?

The London Economist reported that Muslims in the Sudan are enslaving and selling women and children of the Dinka tribe. The May 4, 1992 special ed. of Newsweek on slavery also reported that Muslims are still enslaving blacks as did the Austin American Statesman on 2/2/1996. Reader's Digest 3/1996 p.77-81 "Slavery's Shameful Return to Africa" also tells about this.

Beating a slave Sahih Muslim vol.2 book 5 no.2237 p.491

One form of beating a slave was slapping him. Sahih Muslim vol.3 book 13 no.4079 p.883

A slave girl said something and was slapped. Suwaid was enraged, because you were not supposed to slap in the face. Sahih Muslim vol.3 no.4083-4084 p.883

Slave Q3b: Do you think the child of a slave woman should belong to her, or her master, even if the master was not the father?

The child belongs to the owner of the bed, whether the mother was a free lady or a slave girl. Bukhari vol.8 book 80 chapter 18 p.489

 

Magic, Bewitching, and the Evil Eye

Magic Q1: From the hadiths, why would Allah let one of his apostles be bewitched, where magic was worked on him?

Mohammed at one point was bewitched: "Narrated 'Aisha: Magic was worked on the Prophet so that he began to fancy that he was doing a thing which he was not actually doing. One day he invoked (Allah) for a long period and then said, 'I feel that Allah has inspired me as how to cure myself.'..." Bukhari vol.4 book 54 no.490 p.317. See also Bukhari vol.4 book 53 chapter 43; Bukhari vol.4 no.400 p.267, vol.8 no.89 p.56-57, vol.8 no.400 p.266-267. vol.7 book 71 no.658-660 p.441-443.

Mohammed was bewitched. Bukhari vol.4 book 53 chapter 34 and vol.4 no.400 p.267

Mohammed was under a spell Sahih Muslim vol.2 book 4 no.1888 p.411

Mohammed was bewitched Sahih Muslim vol.3 book 24 no.5428-5429 p.1192-1193

Labid bin el-Asam the Jew put Mohammed under a spell. Ibn-i-Majah vol.5 book 31 no.3435 p.60-61

Magic Q2: Do you believe in the evil eye, and see a need for a cure for it?

"...The influence of the evil eye is a fact." Sahih Muslim vol.3 book 24 no.5426 p.1192. See also al-Tabari vol.39 p.134. Mohammed gave A'isha an incantation to cure the evil eye Sahih Muslim vol.3 book 24 no.5445,5447-5450 p.1196

Superstition: The evil eye. Bukhari vol.4 book 55 no.590 p.386

Science: "The evil eye is a fact." Bukhari vol.7 book 71 no.636 p.427, vol.7 book 71 no.827 p.538.

Superstition: Revere Mohammed's hair as a cure for the evil eye. Bukhari vol.7 book 72 no.784 p.518

Superstition: Mohammed speaking on the evil eye. Sahih Muslim vol.3 book 24 no.5424-5427 p.1192

Superstition: "...The influence of the evil eye is a fact." Sahih Muslim vol.3 book 24 no.5426 p.1192

The evil eye is a truth. Ibn-i-Majah vol.5 book 31 no.3506,3507 p.39

Amir bin Rabia was said to have given the evil eye. Ibn-i-Majah vol.5 book 31 no.3508 p.40

Incantation cures the evil eye. Ibn-i-Majah vol.5 book 31 no.3510,3511 p.41; vol.5 book 31 no.3512 p.42

Last two suras of the Qur'an were given against the evil eye. Ibn-i-Majah vol.5 book 31 no.3517 p.41

Incantation is permissible against the evil eye and a scorpion. Ibn-i-Majah vol.5 book 31 no.3513-3518 p.42-44

Mohammed used incantation against the evil eye and poisonous reptiles. Ibn-i-Majah vol.5 book 31 no.3525 p.48

Husain bin 'Abd al-Rahman was stung by a scorpion, and practiced a charm. He did this based on a hadith. "The charm is of no avail except in the case of the (evil influence) of an eye or the sting of a scorpion." (Sahih Muslim vol.1 book 1 no.425 p.141)

Incantation is permissible against the evil eye and a scorpion. Ibn-i-Majah vol.5 book 31 no.3513-3518 p.42-44

Magic Q3: Do you believe that scorpion stings can be cured by chanting a hadith or part of a sura?

Incantation is permissible against the evil eye and a scorpion. Ibn-i-Majah vol.5 book 31 no.3513-3518 p.42-44

Mohammed used incantation against the evil eye and poisonous reptiles. Ibn-i-Majah vol.5 book 31 no.3525 p.48

Mohammed believed in the evil eye, and there were charms against it. al-Tabari vol.39 p.134

Husain bin 'Abd al-Rahman was stung by a scorpion, and practiced a charm. He did this based on a hadith. "The charm is of no avail except in the case of the (evil influence) of an eye or the sting of a scorpion." (Sahih Muslim vol.1 book 1 no.625 p.141) See also Sahih Muslim vol.3 book 24 no.5442-5444,5448 p.1192,1196.

Husain bin 'Abd al-Rahman was stung by a scorpion, and practiced a charm. He did this based on a hadith. "The charm is of no avail except in the case of the (evil influence) of an eye or the sting of a scorpion." (Sahih Muslim vol.1 book 1 no.425 p.141)

Sa'id bin Jubair practiced charm when he was stung by a scorpion. He learned this from Mohammed. Sahih Muslim vol.1 book 1 no.425 p.141

Cured a scorpion sting by reciting the Qur'an. Abu Dawud vol.2 no.3411 p.973

Abu Sa'd [Sa'id] Khudri was a Muslim sorcerer who recited verses of the Qur'an to heal someone from the pain of a scorpion. Ibn-i-Majah vol.3 book 10 no.2156 p.298

Incantation is permissible against the evil eye and a scorpion. Ibn-i-Majah vol.5 book 31 no.3513-3518 p.42-44

 

Deception

Deception Q1: Why will Allah deceive Muslims?

Sura 3:54 says the Allah is the greatest of deceivers/schemers. But why would He deceive his own followers too? Allah will come in a deceiving shape. "When there remain only those who used to worship Allah (Alone), both the obedient ones and the mischievous ones, [and they will say] 'and now we are waiting for our Lord.' Then the Almighty will come to them in a shape other than that which they saw the first time, and He will says, 'I am your Lord,' and they will say, 'You are not our Lord.' And none will speak to Him then but the Prophets, and then it will be said to them, 'Do you know any sign by which you can recognize Him?' They will say, 'The Shin,' and so Allah will then uncover His Shin whereupon every believer will prostrate before Him and there will remain those who used to prostrate before Him just for showing off and for gaining good reputation. These people will try to prostrate but their backs will be rigid like one piece of a wood (and they will not be able to prostrate). Then the bridge will be laid across Hell," Bukhari vol.9 book 93 no.532 p.396

On the Day of Resurrection Allah will appear to his people in other than his real form, and deceive the hypocrites who will follow Allah to their doom. Sahih Muslim vol.1 book 1 no.349 p.115

 

Mohammed's Medical Advice - Good for Today?

Medicine Q1: Do you think cupping is a good medical practice for today? Cupping is the old medical practice of placing hot cups on a sick person's body, and when the cups cool a vacuum is created that (supposedly) pulls out the sickness out. If Mohammed in the hadiths said cupping was not only a good practice, but could be a remedy for every disease, would you believe it?

Cupping is the best medicine. Abu Dawud vol.3 no.3848,2850,2851 p.1084

Mohammed said that if anyone gets themselves cupped on the 17th, 19th, or 21 of the month, it will be a remedy for every disease. Abu Dawud vol.3 no.3852 p.1084

Cupping is the archaic medical practice of placing heated cups over a sick person's skin. As the cup and the air in side them cools, it creates a vacuum that draws blood to the surface.

Mohammed said that the medical practice of cupping was a good remedy. Sahih Muslim vol.3 book 24 no.5467 p.1199; Sahih Muslim vol.2 p.594; Ibn-i-Majah vol.5 no.3476 p.24; vol.5 no.3478 p.25

the month, it will be a remedy for every disease. Abu Dawud vol.3 no.3852 p.1084

Abu Hind cupped Mohammed according to Abu Dawud vol.2 no.2097 p.562. See also Abu Dawud vol.3 ch.1464 no.3855 p.1085; Ibn-i-Majah vol.3 no.2162-2163 p.302-303; Bukhari vol.3 book 29 no.361,62 p.38-39 Bukhari vol.7 book 71 no.598-602 p.403-405. This was while fasting in ihram. Ibn-i-Majah vol.4 no.3081 p.330

Even the angels told Mohammed to get himself cupped. Ibn-i-Majah vol.5 no.3477 p.25 vol.5 no.3480-3481 p.26

Medicine Q2: Some people think they know more about medicine than Allah and Mohammed, but some good Muslims do not. If you are in the latter category, could you explain the following?

Collyrium sharpens the eyes and makes the hair grow. Ibn-i-Majah vol.5 no.3497 p.35

Poison antidote: "He who eats seven 'Ajwa dates every morning, will not be affected by poison or magic on the day he eats them." Bukhari vol.7 book 65 no.356 p.260,451

"'Aisha has narrated to me that she heard the Prophet saying, 'This black cumin is healing for all diseases except As-Sam.' 'Aisha said, 'What is As-Sam?' He said, 'Death.'" Bukhari vol.7 book 71 no.591 p.400. Also vol.7 book 71 no.592 p.400

Islamic medicine. Bukhari vol.7 book 71 no.596 p.402

Nigella Sativa cures everything except death. Sahih Muslim vol.4 book 24 no.5489-5490; Ibn-i-Majah vol.5 no.3447 p.8; vol.5 no.3449 p.9

A remedy for sciatica is the buttocks of a sheep. Ibn-i-Majah vol.5 no.3463 p.18-19

A remedy for pleurisy is [an herb called] wars, Indian aloeswood, and olive oil. Ibn-i-Majah vol.5 no.3467 p.21

Mohammed told people with a pain in their legs to die themselves with henna. Abu Dawud vol.3 no.3849 p.1084

Medicine Q3: Some modern people think they know more about sanitation than Mohammed, but many Muslims think that Mohammed's good advice is timeless. Could you explain the following?

After eating, you should either lick your hand or else give it to someone to lick. Abu Dawud vol.3 book 21 no.3838 p.1081

When people asked about drinking from a well with menstrual clothes, dead dogs, and stinking things in it, Mohammed said that water is pure and is not defiled by anything. Abu Dawud vol.1 ch.35 no.66-67 p.16-17

"If a fly falls in the drink of anyone of you, he should dip (in the drink), for one of its wings has a disease and the other has the cure (antidote for the disease)(1). Footnote (1) says "See Hadith no.673 vol.7th (for details)" Bukhari vol.4 book 54 no.531 prior p.335.

"Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, 'If a house fly falls in the drink of anyone of you, he should dip it (in the drink), for one of its wings has a disease and the other has the cure for the disease." Bukhari vol.4 book 54 no.537 p.338.

"Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, 'If a fly falls in the vessel of any of you, let him dip all of it (into the vessel) and then throw it away, for in one of its wings there is a disease and in the other there is healing (1) (antidote for it) i.e. the treatment for that disease." Bukhari vol.7 book 71 no.673 p.452-453. Footnote (1) says, "Medically it is well known now that a fly carries some pathagens on some parts of its body as mentioned by the Prophet (before 1400 years. approx. when the humans knew very little of modern medicine.) Similarly Allah created organisms and other mechanisms which kill these pathagens e.g. penicillin Fungus kills pathogenic organisms like Staphalococci and others etc. Recently experiments have been done under supervision which indicate that a fly carries the disease (pathagens) plus the antidote for those organ-isms. Ordinarily when a fly touches a liquid food it infects the liquid with its pathogens, so it must be dipped in order to release also the antidote for those pathogens to act as a counter balance to the pathogens. Regarding this subject I also wrote through a friend of mine to Dr. Muhammad M. El-SAMAHY chief of Hadith Dept. in Al-Azhar University CAIRO (Egypt) who has written an article upon this Hadith and as regards medical aspects he has mentioned that the microbiologists have proved that there are longitudinal yeast cells living as parasites inside the belly of the fly and these yeast cells in order to repeat their life-cycle protrude through respiratory tubules of the fly and if the fly is dipped in liquid, these cells burst in the fluid and the content of those cells is an antidote for the pathogens which the fly carries."

One wing of a fly has a disease, and the other the cure. Abu Dawud vol.3 book 21 no.3835 p.1080

If a fly falls in a drink, dip the other wing in the drink. Ibn-i-Majah vol.5 book 31 no.3504-3505 p.38-39

 

Are These Superstitions or Should They Be Followed Today?

Superstition Q1: Do you think Muslims today should observe what Mohammed in the hadiths taught about odd numbers?

Mohammed regularly ate an odd number of dates. Bukhari vol.2 book 15 no.73 p.38

On prayers, make sure you end with an odd number of rak'ahs. Sahih Muslim vol.1 book 4 no.1632-1644 p.362-364

Apply collyrium or use pebbles an odd number of times. Abu Dawud vol.1 book 1 no.35 p.8

Odd numbers of stones for cleaning oneself are better. Sahih Muslim vol.2 book 7 no.2982 p.655

One should apply collyrium an odd number of times. Ibn-i-Majah vol.5 book 31 no.3498 p.35-36A man who says certain things will not suffer sudden affliction that day or night. Abu Dawud vol.3 no.5069 p.1411

Superstition Q2: Do you believe as Mohammed and early Muslims were reported to have believed about eclipses?

Allah has an eclipse to produce dread in Allah's servants. Abu Dawud vol.1 book 2 no.1173 p.304; vol.1 book 2 no.1181 p.306-307

Allah uses the eclipse of the sun and moon to frighten his devotees. Sunan Nasa'i vol.2 no.1494 p.291 vol.2 no.1505 p.305

"He [Mohammed] continued. When the sun rises, it rises upon its chariot form one of those springs accompanied by 360 angels.... When God wishes to test the sun and the moon, showing His servants a sign and thereby asking them to stop disobeying Him and to start to obey, the sun tumbles from the chariot and falls into the deep of that ocean, which is the sphere. When God wants to increase the significance of the sign and frighten His servants severely, all of the sun falls, and nothing of it remains upon the chariot. That is a total eclipse of the sun, when the day darkens and the stars come out." al-Tabari vol.1 p.236

Mohammed was frightened during an eclipse. Sunan Nasa'i vol.2 no.1488 p.289; Ibn-i-Majah vol.2 book 5 no.1262 p.252

Mohammed was bewildered by the eclipse. Sunan Nasa'i vol.2 no.1489 p.289-290

 

 

Part 2: Illuminating Questions

Ask these questions to paint a Picture so they can see themselves more clearly. Try to minimize their defensiveness so that they will want to hear more. These questions assume you have already asked a number of questions in the preceding category.

Q1: If the hadiths do not actually represent teaching of the true God, then there would not be a problem, would there?

I suppose it all depends on whose Ox is being gored. An old Islamic folk tale goes like this. One day a Muslim man went to the local imam, and asked for a ruling. He said that his ox had gotten out of a pen and gored the local imam's ox to death. He asked, according to Islamic Law, what he should do? The imam said that the law was clear, he had to pay for the ox. The man apologized and said I had made a little mistake in explaining it; actually it was the imam's ox that had gotten loose and gored the man's to death. Then the imam said it was not so clear; he would have to look it up and see.

Q2: So why do many intelligent Muslims appear to have one standard for the hadiths and Qur'an, and another standard of believability for other things?

Anwar Sadat of Egypt and Begin were at an impasse in negotiations. An American reporter was interviewing Sadat, and he asked him, what did he think would happen if Begin just gave in and said "OK I'll agree to your way." Sadat chuckled and said that he would sure have big trouble back at home! Within a couple of days, Sadat softened his negotiating stance and they had an agreement. While it is not certain the reporter's question had an effect on Sadat's thinking, in general it is good if you can be able to look at things from the other person's perspective.

Q3: Have you ever looked at the Sharia Law, and wondered how it would look to a non-Muslim who wanted to follow the One, True God?

Q4: Do you think it really matters what someone who claims to be a prophet teaches?

Q5: Do you think it matters what people believe?

Q6: Why didn't Mohammed get this right?

Q7: Do you think Mohammed's followers got it wrong, Mohammed got it wrong, or Allah got it wrong. Why not all of them?

The famous Scottish poet Robert Burns said (translating into modern English), "Would the gift that God would give us, to see ourselves as others see us."

Q8: How do you think others see radical Muslims? How do you think the One True God sees radical Muslims? Are they really true Muslims at all, or should they not be allowed to visit Mecca?

Q9: How can a person who wants to follow the true God tell a true prophet from a false prophet?

Q10: How would you explain what the word "truth" means in Islam, to a non-Muslim?

 

 

Part 3: Questions to Uncover the Real Barriers

Q1: How could a good God say this?

Q2: If Allah is real, why would this happen?

Q3a: If someone had to chose between following what they had believed was the correct religion and following what they know the One True God wants, what would you advise them to do?

Q3b: What would you do if you were in that position?

Q4a: If the One True God were to ask you to leave what was familiar, the religion of your surroundings, and follow Him to who knows where, what would you do?

Q4b: How do you think someone we both respect, Abraham or Ur, felt when God commanded him to do that?

Q4c: Abraham might have thought it dangerous to set out west just following God, but when God wants someone to leave idols and other things behind and follow Him, is it more dangerous for the person to follow God, or more dangerous to stay?

Even if a person dies following God, it is more eternally to stay. However, in Abraham's case, within 50 to 100 years after he left, the city of Ur was sacked by the Elamites and Abraham's people enslaved.

even if it might be dangerous

Q5: If the Taliban really followed the true God, why was Afghanistan taken over?

For one things, Afghanistan was conquered by people who were kinder to Muslims than the Taliban was.

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