An interesting article to note:

This article is based on Ustaz Zhulkeflee's experience in Inter-faith dialogue, delivered in 2005

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?saved&¬e_id=500701233281

Question 7

"I have a non-Muslim friend who wants to get married to a Muslim guy. She is willing to convert and believe in Islam but she will not be able to get her parent's approval. If she goes ahead and marries the boy, will their marriage be a blessed one? Will she be sinned because she disobeyed her parents? Her parents disapprove of the guy only because he is Muslim."

Al-Hamdulillah! (All Praises belongs to God).
Whomsoever Allah guides, none can lead astray and Allah will be the Protector of those who believe in Him, and He will bring them out from darkness into light.

Lest people may misunderstand Islam and Muslim converts, please allow me to make some clarifications first, before responding directly to your question.

CLARIFICATION

A person’s willingness to accept any religion, especially Islam, is a personal decision which he or she should make without being coerced nor deceived into it. In my experience, people ‘come’ to Islam or ‘come to know’ Islam, because of many different reasons or circumstances. Some were born into a Muslim family, while others may be through conversion. Yet, to ‘become’ a Muslim, we are taught in Islam that it should be because of the truth of its teachings, in which one has learnt and is willing to accept. This is because religion is a personal matter between a person and God, for which he or she will be held accountable for it in the Hereafter. Religion should be accepted sincerely, as Allah stated in the Qur’an:

“And they have been commanded no more than this: to (serve or) worship Allah, offering Him sincere devotion, being True (in faith)” 

(Qur’an: Bayyina: 98: 5)

NO FORCE IN MATTER OF ACCEPTING RELIGION

One of the cornerstone of Islamic teaching is the individual right to a religion. And no person should be compelled or forced, nor deceived into accepting any religion. This is clearly stated by Allah :

“Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from Error; whoever rejects Evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold that never breaks. And Allah hears and knows all things. Allah is the Protector of those who have faith: from the depths of darkness, He will lead them forth into light.”

(Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 256-257)

“And pursue not that of which thou hast no knowledge; for every act of hearing, or of seeing or of (feeling in) will be enquired into (on the Day of Reckoning).”

(Qur’an: Isra’: 17: 36)

IMPORTANT ADVICE ON CONVERSION

Thus as much as I am happy at her willingness, and would welcome the sister to Islam, I have to advise her firstly that she find out, study and assess Islam by the teachings, without it being mixed with the idea of the marriage to a Muslim.

Only if she is already convinced of its Truth, should she convert. Do not accept Islam and embrace it as a matter of convenience. I always respect Muslim converts because they become Muslims by choice, not by chance.

MY ADVICE TO HER IN DEALING WITH HER PARENTS

Your parent’s objection precisely is because they think that if you marry a Muslim man, then you are going to be ‘forced’ to convert to Islam. Their fear should be appreciated, although somewhat misplaced if you truly accept Islam because of your conviction of its truth, rather than because of marriage to a Muslim.

As I understand from the question, your parents’ objection is ‘Islam’, and not so much the Muslim guy. You need to remove that fallacy which they have. So share with them the truth of Islam (rather than the goodness of the guy). Respectfully if you can, try to remove their ‘misperceived fear’ of your becoming a Muslim, and tell them about Islam. This would be better.

When your parents have no objection to your becoming a Muslimah, then the issue of marriage to a Muslim guy would become easier. But, please ensure that he is a good Muslim.

Now in seeking your parent’s permission, you need to consult them for advice respectfully because, as a Muslim daughter you must show the utmost kindness and filial piety even to non-Muslim parents:

“Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour.”

(Qur’an: Isra’: 17: 23)

“And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: in travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in years twain was his weaning: (hear the command) "Show gratitude to Me and to thy parents: to Me is (thy final) Goal.” 

"But if they strive to make the join in worship with Me things of which thou hast no knowledge obey them not; Yet bear them company in this life with justice (and consideration) and follow the way of those who turn to Me (in love): in the End the return of you all is to Me, and I will tell you the truth (and meaning) of all that ye did."

(Qur’an: Luqman: 31:14-15)

MARRIAGE WITHOUT CONSENT

Family in Islam is to be regarded as a sacred trust and marriage, an act of worship to Allah. And in Islam, women are to be protected and role of guardianship (Waliy) and their consent is very important. Although your non-Muslim parents must be consulted, their objections (if any) should be on matters of safeguarding your interest as their daughter, not because of your new religion. Even if they may object to you (who is already a Muslim) to marry another Muslim (but he is one who qualify to ensure your rights and welfare would be looked after by him responsibly), then a Muslim (Shari’ah court judge or appointed by him) as guardianship (Waliy) for you would suffice. This is because you would be only striving to comply or obey Allah, and the marriage would still be regarded as blessed. We are taught:

“There can be no obedience to creation in matters of disobedient to the Creator”

BEAR COMPANY WITH THEM

InshaAllaah, if you do marry, your family ties (even as non-Muslims) must be strengthened, for your duty (obligation) still is also to be the best daughter and your husband, the best son-in-law to them. Impress upon them that in Islam, marriage does not mean they have lost a daughter, but that they gain another son.

BE WITNESSES

All these are actually obligatory for all Muslims who have testified that they bear witness to the truth “That there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”

Allah commands:

“And thus have We willed you to be a community of the middle way (ummatan wasotan) [i.e. justly balanced], so that [with your lives] you might bear witness to the truth before all mankind (shuhadaa-a ‘alan-naas), and the Messenger as a witness over you.“

(Qur’an: al- Baqarah: 2:143)

May Allah grant His Guidance with success

WaAllaahu a’lam
(And Allah knows the best)

Question 6

According to Islam, Jesus prophesized the coming of Muhammad. Is this recorded in the Christian Bible? In other words, how do we know Qur'an is not biased?

Note: This question was answered in 2 parts.

"According to Islam, Jesus prophesized the coming of Muhammad. Is this recorded in the Christian Bible?"

Yes, Muslims believe that the coming of Prophet Muhammad was foretold by many prophets amongst the Israelites, not just Jesus a.s. We accept this as revealed by Allah. Some these verses in the Qur’an thus are:

Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; and those who are with him are strong against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other. Thou wilt see them bow and prostrate themselves (in prayer) seeking Grace from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure. On their faces are their marks, (being) the traces of their prostration. This is their similitude in the Towrah; and their similitude in the Gospel is: like a seed which sends forth its blade, then makes it strong; it then becomes thick and it stands on its own stem (filling) the sowers with wonder and delight. As a result, it fills the Unbelievers with rage at him. Allah has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds Forgiveness and a great Reward.

(Qur’an: Fath: 48: 29)

Say: "See ye? If (this teaching) be from Allah, and ye reject it, and a witness from among the Children of Israel testifies to its similarity (with earlier scriptures), and has believed while ye are arrogant, (how unjust ye are!) Truly, Allah guides not a people unjust."

(Qur’an: Ahqaf: 40:10)

And remember Jesus, the son of Mary, said: "O Children of Israel! I am the Messenger of Allah (sent) to you confirming the Law (which came) before me, and giving glad Tidings of an Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad." But when he came to them with Clear Signs they said "This is evident sorcery!"

(Qur’an: Saff: 69:6)

In these verses, Muslim believes Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. coming has been prophesised by previous prophets. As regard whether are there any explicit (clear-cut) verses in today’s’ Bible, it would be difficult to determine due to the nature of their (Biblical) textual preservation – especially the unavailability of the original text; their determination of what constitute canonical bible what is not (we are aware that there are many discovered text or manuscripts regarded as ‘apocrypha’ as in recent discoveries in Nag Hamadi, the Dead Sea scrolls, Gospels of Thomas, Barnabas, James or the recent one alleged to be of Judas, etc.).

As in almost all prophecies, even the approach by Biblical scholars, interpretations are required. It is in this manner that some Muslim scholars attempted in identifying those prophecies relating to Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. You may wish to read them yourself. Here are a few:

“Muhammad in the Bible” by a former Bishop of Uramiah Rev. David Benjamin Keldani

“What the Bible says about Muhammad ” by Sheikh Ahmad Deedat

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"In other words, how do we know Qur'an is not biased?"

We Muslims are taught to ascertain any claim before accepting it (especially) in matters of belief:

“And pursue not that of which thou hast no knowledge; for every act of hearing, or of seeing or of (feeling in) will be enquired into (on the Day of Reckoning).”

(Qur’an: Isra’ : 17: 36)

Before judging something to be bias or not, whether reliable or unreliable etc. its veracity ought to be checked on its own, without we ourselves being bias. So, we invite you to critically assess the Qur’an on its own merit – whether you think it is revelation from God or the work of a man.

For Muslims, we have accepted it to be from God, by applying the following criteria to the Qur’an. Perhaps you may wish know we apply this, not just the Qur’an but any Book claiming to be from God, and come to the conclusion regarding its total reliability:

“Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from Error”;

(Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 256)

“This Qur’an is not such as can be produced by other than Allah. On the contrary it is a confirmation of revelations that went before it, and a fuller explanation of the Book wherein there is no doubt - from the Lord of the Universe”

(Surah Yunos : 37)

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Question 5

"Since Mohammad received the messages in dreams, how can we know he's not just another Joseph Smith?"

Let me first correct some inaccuracies in your question.

Prophet Muhammad s.a.w., as also the other prophets in the past, they were people who received revelation from God (Allah). The message or revelation may come in a dream, or directly placed in their hearts or as a reverberation sound as of a bell, but mostly through the archangel Jibra-il a.s. (the trusted spirit from God) who came to convey and teach them.

Amongst the message he received, is the Book (Al-Qur’an) in perfect Arabic which also serve as proof or testimony to Muhammad’s claim to be the prophet sent by Allah. You are invited to analyse his claim:

“Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from Error” 

(Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 256)

AL-QUR’AN

The first evidence available for you to verify is “Al-Qur’an”. This ‘Book’ has been meticulously preserved exactly as it was recited, through an unbroken chain of reciters, memorisers, scholars, as well in the recorded form as collated, checked and compile during Muhammad’s time until today. There is only one Qur’an (the one in Arabic).

Also, his life, saying and teachings have been well-documented by Muslims and non-Muslims – stands a testimony to his claim of being Allah’s Prophet. And today over 1.5 Billion people acknowledges and follow him as the Final Messenger of God.

You should rather try comparing him to ancient luminaries like Abraham, Moses and Jesus (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon them) and compare his teachings with theirs for, Muhammad - he is not “just another Joseph Smith” as suggested by you. Know the man: by their fruits you will know them.

waAllahu a’lam

Question 4

"Will a holy monotheist be accepted by Allah? In other words, is the belief in Muhammad absolutely necessary, considering that he's just a human and not a divine being?"

We believe 'Islam' as a revealed religion has existed since the Prophet Adam a.s. and since then it has been continuously re-affirmed by many prophets of God until it culminated with Muhammad, the Last or the seal of the Prophethood.

It’s basic teaching is to invite mankind to the belief and worship of the One God, Allah the Unique without partners, the unseen Creator and Sustainer of the worlds and to shun all evil by a life of submission to the will of Allah (this is what the term 'Islam' means).

The primary message of all these prophets is “That there is no god but Allah”.

Although some may regard this as ‘monotheism’, our understanding of this is in the term “Tauheed” (Attestation to the Oneness of God). Surely there is a difference between a claim to believe and the imperative to attesting to a believe.

Inherent in this term is not merely the belief that God is One, but includes the required attestation to this truth by way of one’s submission to His Will in one’s life (al-Islam). Thus, how or in what manner a person has to submit requires the Guide (prophets) and the relevant guidance from God (Revelation), in accordance to the period and circumstance. Although, these prophets are not divine, they are to be obeyed because they were divinely ordained as teachers and Guide.

As mankind gradually evolve from a simple nomadic life to more settled and later a higher form of civilization, earlier prophets were superseded by subsequent prophets until the coming the Last, Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

Yes, it is true that any person who acknowledges that there is only One God, and do not ascribe partners to Him will enter Paradise. This is affirmed by Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. in his famous saying : “The key to Paradise is (to affirm) that there is no god except Allah.”

Yet it is important to note that all the prophets including Muhammad, who came as the Prophet of Mercy, were sent also to save mankind from the torments of Hell-fire. Even Muslims must strive to protect themselves from thhe torments of Hell. Islam teaches that although those who died acknowledging the Oneness of God (Allah) without committing ‘shirk’ (ascribing partners to God) but has sins which have not been forgiven (especially sins towards fellow humans) may have to be placed in hell. But his believe in the Oneness of God, ultimately will make him to be amongst those brought out hell and made to enter into Paradise for eternity.

Also, if the knowledge of God is faulty, one’s claim to believe in one God (monotheism) may not remain true but may become corrupted, as had happened to followers of ancient prophets who were known to deviate into polytheism and even idolatry.

Thus the need to follow the relevant prophet is crucial and necessary. In our time, since Muhammad s.a.w. being the last and therefore nearest to us, his pristine teaching (preserved in Al-Qur’an and As-Sunnah) is the most relevant and available to everyone now.

Those who truly and faithfully follows the teachings of previous prophets, while having no knowledge nor opportunity to receive the message of Muhammad will not be rejected, as Allah says:

“On no soul doth Allah place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns and it suffers every ill that it earns.”

(Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 289)

“Those who believe (in the Qur'an) and those who follow the Jewish (Scriptures) and the Christians and the Sabians, any who believe in Allah and the Last Day and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve."

(Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 62)

But if they know the truth of Muhammad and reject it, they will have to account for their ‘kufr’ (unbelief or denying or rejecting truth) in the Hereafter.

waAllaahu a’lam

Question 3

"How old does the Quran say the Earth is? And does the Quran support evolution of species?"

No. The Qur’an does not state the age of the Earth.

And no, the Qur’an does not support the Darwinian ‘evolution of species’.

Neither does it agree totally with the alternative explanations of the ‘Creationists’ (anti-Evolutionist group) of the West.

The Islamic standpoint is that human species were created as humans from the onset – and was not linked to other life-forms as imagined by the evolutionist. Yet we do not dismiss ‘evolution’ totally as a biological process for human formation within its historical development in the various stages.

Just as in embryology, human form (as a new creation) biologically came about after the zygote went through several stages of life forms, evolving finally into human form. This view has been stated in the Qur’an 1400 years ago, even when the Western scientists believed in the ‘Pre-formation Theory’ where they ‘imagined’ human form must have already existed in male spermatozoa when it impregnated the ova. This view was shattered with the discovery of microscope and the study of modern embryology, which upheld the Qur’anic standpoint as described:

“We (Allah) created man from a quintessence (gentle extraction) of clay; We then placed him as a drop (nutfah) in a place of rest firmly fixed; then We made the drop into an “alaqah” (leech-like); and then We change the “alaqah” into “mudghah” (chewed-like substance); then We made out of that “mudghah” bones (‘izam); then We clothed the bones with flesh (‘lahm); then We developed out of it another creation. So blessed be Allah, the best to create.”

(Qur’an :Surah al- Mu’minun : 23:12-15)

And Islam accepts the evolution in terms of mankind’s features (as colour, physiology, etc.) but not that he has evolved from other species nor will he evolve to become another specie.

“And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colours: verily in that are Signs for those who know.” 

(Qur’an: Rum: 30:22)

"O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you." 

(Qur’an: Hujurat: 49:13)

waAllaau a’lam

Question 2

"Is it true that non-muslims who are not bad human beings will go to hell? If yes, why?"

An interesting question indeed, yet it implicitly insinuates as though Islam is exclusivist in its teachings, and Muslims are conceited people. This is far from the truth.

Yet, a simple “No!” or” Yes!” response may not be satisfactory, in this web-site addressing a constituency of highly educated intellectuals.

My initial response is to invite us to ponder:

The phrase “not a bad human beings” in the question is ambiguous. Yes, many would say that it mean “a good person”! Still, the “good or bad” are relative terms to be understood in a certain context, depending upon what ethical principle one holds viz. secular or religious.

And when your question is then linked to “hell,” it begs the question, as to whether that “non-Muslim” person do believe in ‘paradise and hell’ or not? If he does not, then the question is irrelevant to him.

But if a person do believe in after-life – in reward and punishment in the Hereafter; in Paradise and Hell (as amongst those who still adhere to past revelations ) – then they would still have to adhere (comply) to certain concept or criteria (i.e. what kind of “goodness”) that the person should possess that can qualify his entrance into either of these two domains (Paradise or Hell).

RE-PHRASE

So if we are to re-phrase the question to this:

“Does Islam believe that a non-Muslim person will still go to hell, although he/she has been a good person in this life?”

And the answer is:

“No! A non-Muslim person will neither go to hell (nor to Paradise) because of the ‘good’ the person has done. It depends.

CLARIFICATION

From the Islamic point of view, Hell and Paradise is to be understood in the context of life and the purpose of human existence. This worldly life is a temporary place for man to be tested.

“Blessed be He (Allah) in Whose hands is Dominion: and He over all things Hath Power― He Who created Death and Life, that He may try which of you is best in deed: and He is the Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving―”

(Qur’an: Mulk: 67: 1-2)

CONCEPT OF GOOD (RIGHTEOUNESS)

The most crucial test is in acknowledgement of truth the Allah is God our Creator and Sustainer; who grants us life and showed us the ‘good’ and the promise of eternal of Paradise in the Hereafter; as well warning us of the ‘bad’ (or what is termed ‘sin, sinful’) and it consequence for indulging in such with the torments of Hell. Still, every sin can be forgiven by Allah in this world and the message of Mercy has been proclaimed by Allah through His Messenger Muhammad s.a.w.:

Say (tell them of my message O Muhammad): "O my Servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

"Turn ye to your Lord (in repentance) and bow to His (Will), before the Penalty comes on you: after that ye shall not be helped."

(Qur’an: Zumar: 39: 53-54)

Those who believe and are conscious of this, directs their life towards this goal, guided by the rules or ways which Allah has revealed (Shari’ah). ‘Bad’ (sinful) deeds are to be totally shunned, and cannot be justified merely by having good intent. Whereas the actions in doing ‘good’, would be weighted by the doers intention accordingly because Prophet Muhammad said:

“Action (deeds) are by intention, and verily the worth of the deeds is based upon what is intended.”

(Hadith reported by Muslim)

As to those who do not believe in the One God and the Hereafter, their ‘goodness or good actions’ will still receive reward good consequences here in this world, but has no merit in the hereafter.

The most crucial message is: if any person who knows about the message and Truth of the One God (Allah) and His Prophets, but do not acknowledge but reject it, and ascribe others as their ‘gods’ and worship them (and even their desires can be regarded as their ‘gods’), and persist in this till his death, although many opportunity for him to be forgiven have been given but were ignored, then he has lost his very worth for being created. He is said to be one ‘unjust to himself’, or ‘to be most ungrateful’ or ‘kafir’ (deniers of truth and favour of Allah, his creator and bestower of every favours), etc.

It is for such people that Hell has been created:

“Lost indeed are they who treat it as a falsehood that they must meet Allah,― until on a sudden the hour is on them, and they say: "Ah! woe unto us that we took no thought of it"; for they bear their burdens on their backs; and evil indeed are the burdens that they bear!.

What is the life of this world but play and amusement? But best is the Home in the Hereafter, for those who are righteous. Will ye not then understand?”

(Qur’an: An-‘am: 6: 31-32)

Say (O Muhammad): "I am but a man like yourselves, (but) the inspiration has come to me, that your God is one God: whoever expects to meet his Lord, let him work righteousness, and in the worship of his Lord, admit no one as partner."

(Qur'an: Kahfi: 18: 110)

WaAllaahu a’lam