since i asked for my other thread to be closed because it was going way off topic i opened this thread,
came across this a few times and need to know the interpretation of those verses that talk about nonmuslims, why are nonmuslims seen as the enemy of Allah?
want to know it from knowledgeable muslims only please that know the quran inside and out.
second the concept of hijab, that i was talking about in the other thread. i think it was misunderstood what i was trying to ask. i might have mixed up the issue in my mind.
when a muslim man or woman observe hijab by covering themselves up by niqaab or burkha in the case of a muslim woman and lowering his gaze or dressing modestly in the case of a muslim man, does it matter whether the people around them are muslims or nonmuslims. does a muslim man need to lower his gaze when the woman is a nonmuslim or does it matter how she is dressed, or does it depend on whether she is practicing hijab in full according to islam as well?
ps: please stay on topic and please talk only in terms of islam. there are no highly knowledgeable representatives of other religions here so i would prefer to talk only about islamic practices and views. also please keep fight inducing comments out, thanku
Re: Clarification needed on a couple things concerning Islam
Well I shall quote a simple refference of our Beloved Nabi Paak Sallalaho Alyahi Wassalam.
At the moment of Victory over the Taif people RasoolAllah's soldiers had captured several enemy Women among them was the Haqim of Taifs Daughter, during the fighting her dress had been torn and many Muslims were looking at her state. Nabi Paak took of his own cloak and placed it over the young Woman, and demanded the men lower thier gaze. Even though they had captured the Daughter of an Enemy. Rasool Allah Sallaho Alayhi Wassalam admonished his own soldiers by saying that even the Daughter of a Kafir leader was still a Daughter and should not be dishonoured but given the respect she deserved.
This is a prime example of Muslim attitudes for men as prescribed by Hadeeth. But I cannot be certain as I am not an Alim and this anecdote is one which is part of the principles and codes i live by, it may not be representative of general attitudes nor may it be taken as absolute gospel.
But I believe an Alim or more learned scholar on the matter of Islamic jurisprudence will give a better answer.
I believe the Order to lower your gaze is universally obligatory when dealing with members of the opposite sex. However I am not a saint, and I ask for forgivness for my many sins great and small.
Re: Clarification needed on a couple things concerning Islam
The Issue of Non-Muslims being enemies of Allah is very sensitive.
Again heres my two cents on the matter. Any person who does not worship Allah is basically a kaafir, but his problem is between him and Allah I dont think I have any say in the matter unless that Kaafir is a direct threat to me or my faith.
As for an enemy of Islam who is actively trying to do fitna against my religoin then I have the obligation of removing said threat by the means according to my faith.
Thats my take on things anyway. :)
Again it might not be 100% correct but I believe the consensus will agree with my view.
Re: Clarification needed on a couple things concerning Islam
Salaam Nisha,
There are arguments from both sides namely exclusivists VS the Pluralists. As per my understanding of Islam (which is very limited and I am always keen to learn more) the only criteria and the only standard eternal happiness and success is the real belief in Allah (swt) and the day of resurrection, accompanied by good deeds. Whoever believes with the right intention and commits right deeds, be it Christian, Jew, or whoever, will find salvation because Allah (swt) is Just.
2:62 Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians, whoever believes in Allah and the Last day and does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord, and there is no fear for them, nor shall they grieve
The above verse also clearly states that Muslim, Jew, Christian are mere titles that we have chosen for ourselves and what really matter is what lies inside our hearts and the deeds that we commit. I know that many of my peers will not like me saying this but us saying we are Muslims does not necessarily constitutes that we are seen by God as such. One clear example is when holy Quran explains the high status of the Holy Prophet and his companions but ends the verse with saying "Allah has promised those among them who believe and do good, forgiveness and a great reward" (48:29). So even the companions are to be judged on the same criteria and as the verse shows only those who believed and did good will be succeeded.
Ponder on the words of Imam Ali (as) when he said "Consider the humankind your brother. Either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity". In nobility and good deeds there are no two standards as demonstrated by a beautiful example given by Faris Udeen.
Re: Clarification needed on a couple things concerning Islam
islam does NOT teach hatred towards non muslims. Allah says..."la kum deena kum wa leya deen" meaning "for u is ur religion and for me is my religion" and in another place Allah says..."la ikraahaa fiddeen" meaning " there is NO compulsion in religion". having said that, i admit that some muslims, those who lack the true understanding and teachings of islam, hate others...i think Bernard Shaw summed up nicely when he said "islam is good and muslims are bad"...i think its very true!
Re: Clarification needed on a couple things concerning Islam
@ramesha
Imam Ali [a] said to Al-Harith al-Hamadani '...Surely, the religion of Allah is not known (or judged) by the people, it is recognized by the sign of Truth. Know the Truth, and you shall know its people. O Harith, surely Truth is the best (and most sublime) narration, and whosoever utters it is indeed a fighter (a soldier of Truth). I have informed you the Truth, so lend me your ear and inform among your friends who have sound judgement....'
Re: Clarification needed on a couple things concerning Islam
i get so many contrasting views from actual practicing muslims about the verses concerning nonmusims and nonmuslim practices/rituals. why are there some knowledgeable muslims that say that it is gunnah for a muslim to say a friendly congratulations to nonmuslims on their festivals b/c that would be promoting sin and the false religions…? or putting up a tree on christmas is gunnah
why are there so many verses that constantly refer to nonmuslims and that muslims should not follow the impure nonmuslim ways. it just seems like so much negativity associated with nonmuslims.
Re: Clarification needed on a couple things concerning Islam
btw, if the wikiislam links have something that is wrong or misinterpreted in them, somebody should make corrections there for them, it would really help
Re: Clarification needed on a couple things concerning Islam
I think those verses have to be read in the context of the events taking place at the time. The Non Muslims in question refer to those who were at war with Muslims living at the time.
I am of the opinion that Islam being a logical relgion, would have to follow basic logic.
So, what logic is there in god contradicting himself? In one place he says that we should respect Non Muslims, and in other places saying otherwise… And why would Non Muslims all be enemies of Muslims for all times and in all situations??? Obviously, none of that is logial. So I think its safe to assume that my first statement is true.
Re: Clarification needed on a couple things concerning Islam
^^^^well that was something i have heard some muslims say, but can you please look at the three links i posted and let me know if wikiislam is legitimate in learning about specifically verses concerning nonmuslims?
plus, i was wondering about the concept of hijab again, is it to prevent temptation in others or is it to prevent temptation in ourselves? how does islam approach it? a woman that is not covered fully from head to toe including her face will cause temptations in a man and will cause disrespect of her body hence she should cover herself up....is that how it's seen?
Re: Clarification needed on a couple things concerning Islam
Hijab is a protection for the woman...protection from temptations of men, as well as temptation that attack every woman to look good. Modesty is a great virtue that protects the woman from getting involved in undesirable situations, so observing hijab is supposed to prevent off the possibilities of crossing the boundaries.
This is not to say that a muslim woman shouldn't wear pretty clothes or look good..but avoid doing so for someone who is a na-mehram.
And you know the philosophy that oh we dress such and such way for ourselves not for others doesn't really work because let's say I wear a revealing outfit and go out for "myself" there's a greater chance of being "noticed" by others so even a passive interaction can turn out to be negative. I think that's where this comes from.
Re: Clarification needed on a couple things concerning Islam
^^^^well that was something i have heard some muslims say, but can you please look at the three links i posted and let me know if wikiislam is legitimate in learning about specifically verses concerning nonmuslims?
plus, i was wondering about the concept of hijab again, is it to prevent temptation in others or is it to prevent temptation in ourselves? how does islam approach it? a woman that is not covered fully from head to toe including her face will cause temptations in a man and will cause disrespect of her body hence she should cover herself up....is that how it's seen?
Perhaps it is or perhaps it isnt. Religion is a personal thing. Go with what your heart tells you. If what you read in Wiki Islam speaks to you, then its valid as long its citing valid text.
Personally I think there is a fundamental premise on which you should base all your readings. That God is merciful, just, and Loving. I believe that anything that deviates from this basic definition of God is inaccurate.
Re: Clarification needed on a couple things concerning Islam
Niksik,
ok i see what your saying and i have nothing against practicing hijab but i think i'm trying to relate it to this bigger idea of temptations and to understand it for my own self.....
temptations are all around us. do we cover up all those temptations as if they are not there so we don't get tempted or tempt others?
is it the fault of the temptation or is it our own fault that we aren't working on that self control as human beings?
like the general thinking behind it is if porn tempts us, it's the fault of the internet, take away internet access, is that the right way of approaching this issue?
if somebody is using the internet to bully others, it's the fault of internet and the social networking sites that all these sinful things are done or do we punish/teach the individuals responsible for doing horrible things to see their faults and be more responsible and better human beings. it isn't the fault of the person being bullied is it?
actually see that humans can be stronger and more responsible by teaching our minds to be stronger and resist temptation? humans are capable of seeing a temptation in front of their eyes and resisting it. why aren't we given that much credit of being able to resist and learn that self control.
why is it many times the really religious people that do things like child molestation or sexual abuse/rape if they've been following these verses every day of their lives(regardless of religion).
Re: Clarification needed on a couple things concerning Islam
Personally I think there is a fundamental premise on which you should base all your readings. That God is merciful, just, and Loving. I believe that anything that deviates from this basic definition of God is inaccurate.
Merciful, just and loving? Is this the same god that wants to burn people for eternity for doing wrongs or being born in a family with a different religion?
Re: Clarification needed on a couple things concerning Islam
Niksik,
ok i see what your saying and i have nothing against practicing hijab but i think i'm trying to relate it to this bigger idea of temptations and to understand it for my own self.....
temptations are all around us. do we cover up all those temptations as if they are not there so we don't get tempted or tempt others?
is it the fault of the temptation or is it our own fault that we aren't working on that self control as human beings?
like the general thinking behind it is if porn tempts us, it's the fault of the internet, take away internet access, is that the right way of approaching this issue?
if somebody is using the internet to bully others, it's the fault of internet and the social networking sites that all these sinful things are done or do we punish/teach the individuals responsible for doing horrible things to see their faults and be more responsible and better human beings. it isn't the fault of the person being bullied is it?
actually see that humans can be stronger and more responsible by teaching our minds to be stronger and resist temptation? humans are capable of seeing a temptation in front of their eyes and resisting it. why aren't we given that much credit of being able to resist and learn that self control.
why is it many times the really religious people that do things like child molestation or sexual abuse/rape if they've been following these verses every day of their lives(regardless of religion).
Well, the thing is that even though you may practice all of what I mentioned above, doesn't mean you can never get into a bad spot. At the end, these measures are guidelines to help you towards eliminating the possibilities but what really matters is your own iman, or belief.
Re: Clarification needed on a couple things concerning Islam
Nisha Non Muslim are considered as enemied of ALLAH because they refuse the ulitamte truth of Islam and do the greatest sin and Shirk butt Muslim are allowed only to fight those who attack Muslim or say **** about ALLAH and his RASOOL SAW otherwise we have to only preach them Islam and every Muslim women have to cover her self according to Islam and also her gaze lower this also stands for man non Muslim women in an Islamic country have to also cover themself up because thise king of freedom is not allowed in Islamic countries butt if a Muslim is a non Muslim country than he or she only have to cover herself up and preach Islam
