| It
is very common for a Muslim to be asked curious questions
by Non-Muslims. Why aren't you eating meat? Why do women wear
a veil? Do you believe in God? Why do you have to fast for
one month? These are just some of the questions that I personally
have been asked by Non-Muslims.
It
is very important that a Muslim knows how to answer such questions
properly. Not only because their answer plays a major role
in the portrayal of Islam to those particular people, but
more importantly because they need to know the answer for
themselves and their family. How can one expect to teach their
children, if they do not know the answer to a question themselves?
This
page has been set up to help people like this and also for
Non-Muslims wanting to learn more about Islam. Please keep
in mind however, that the answers provided here are very brief
and obviously there are much more detailed answers to the
questions. Further insight can be gained from our Articles
& Resources section or by contacting us.
Do
you believe in God?
Yes, we believe in God. Allah is the name of God in Arabic.
Do
you believe in Jesus (as)?
Believe "in" Jesus? No. Believe he "existed"?
Yes. Muslims believe that Jesus was a Prophet of God just
like we believe in all the other Prophets of God (peace be
upon them all). But we do not believe that Jesus was the son
of God nor is he worthy of worship, for none is worthy of
worship except Allah (swt).
What
do you mean by belief in all the Prophets of God?
By belief in all the Prophets of God (peace be upon them),
it is meant that at different stages of the history of mankind,
God sent Prophets as His Messengers for the guidance of mankind.
Muslims believe in all of them in general and in those whose
names are mentioned in the Holy Quran in particular. These
include Adam (as), Noah (as), Ibrahim (as), Joseph (as), Moses
(as), Jesus (as) and Muhammad (saw).
Who
is a Prophet and what is his duty?
A Prophet is a Servant and Messenger of Allah who receives
the Divine revelations. He is a model for all human beings
and teaches and practices the Commands of Allah (swt).
Will
there be any more Prophets after Muhammad (saw)?
No. There is no need for a Prophet after Prophet Muhammad
(saw). This is because the Message (ie. the Holy Quran) that
he has brought for the whole World, is the final and the most
complete Code of Religion. It is and will be preserved for
all time, absolutely intact in its original form. Besides
the Quran, the authentic record of the Prophet (saw)'s eventful
life, covering all human activities is also existant and will
always remain as a model for mankind. These records are known
as hadith.
What
is the Holy Quran?
The Holy Quran is the Gospel of the Religion of Islam.
The previous commandments and the Codes of Religion are also
incorporated in it. Its verses were inspired and revealed
by God to Prophet Muhammad (saw), through the Angel Gabriel,
and they are still preserved intact in their original form,
in the Arabic language.
Do
you believe in Heaven and Hell?
Yes, we believe in Heaven and Hell. Heaven is called Jannah
in Arabic, and Hell is called Jahannam.
How
many times a day do you pray?
Muslims turn in worship to Allah (swt), five times a day.
Once early in the morning before sunrise. Once early in the
afternoon when the sun begins to decline. Once late in the
afternoon when the sun is about midway on its course to setting.
Once in the evening between the sunset and the dissapearance
of daylight. And once at night when daylight has completely
dissapeared.
What
is Zakat?
Zakat is the amount of kind or coin which a Muslim of
means must distribute among the deserving (needy), every year.
The amount to be given in zakat per year is equal to two and
a half percent of ones capital.
Why
must women wear a veil?
Any honest male will admit that every element of a woman
is attractive to a man. The way she walks, the way she talks,
how she looks etc. Among the things that beautify her looks
are her hair and her figure. God knows this and so he wants
women to cover their hair and not show off their figure (i.e.
wear loose fitting clothes). This stops unwanted desires coming
into a man's mind (who may be married) and also is a form
of protection for women.
What
is meant by 'halal' meat?
The word halal basically means that something is 'permissible'.
The opposite of halal is 'haraam' (forbidden). Muslims can
only eat meat if it is halal. God has ordered mankind not
to take the life of "any" living thing. But he has
provided for us livestock which have many nourishing nutrients
which the human body can benefit from. Thus, God has said
that we may feed from such animals as long as they are slaughtered
in the name of God. This means that the act of taking a life
does not go under the name of the person slaughtering the
animal and in turn, they are not commiting a sin.
Why
do Muslims fast for one month?
During the Islamic month of Ramadan, Muslims fast every
day from the break of dawn till sunset. Not only does fasting
teach good discipline, but it is also a type of worship that
draws one closer to Allah (swt). This is done because the
fasting person must not only abstain from eating and drinking,
but also from any other strong emotional desires such as anger,
behaving foolishly and sexual intercourse to name but a few.
On top of all this, it gives one the feeling that people in
poverty stricken countries have to deal with all their lives.
There are many benefits to fasting and there are also many
rules and regulations which must be strictly adhered to.
Can
you eat anything at all whilst fasting?
No. From the break of dawn till sunset, a fasting person
can not not eat or drink anything at all. To be allowed to
drink water or eat something destroys one of the main purposes
of observing the fast.
Why
cant Muslims drink alcohol?
Alcohol is an addictive intoxicant that is also bad for
your health. Under its influence, people may do things which
are deemed sinful in Islam and not realise it. For this reason,
it is prohibited in Islam along with other mind altering,
addictive drugs.
Why
cant Muslims gamble?
The reason for gambling being prohibited in Islam runs
hand in hand with the prohibition of alcohol. Gambling is
very addictive and such an addiction could not only cause
the gambler harm, but also the gambler's loved ones. Thus,
to avoid any addiction, it has been prohibited in Islam altogether.
How
does someone become a Muslim?
To become a Muslim, a person must declare and believe
that there is no God but Allah (swt), and Muhammad (saw) is
His Servant and Messenger.
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