The amazing Quran -I

Calling the Quran amazing is not something done only by Muslims, who have an appreciation for the Book and who are pleased with it; it has been labeled amazing by non-Muslims as well. In fact, even people who hate Islam very much have still called it amazing.

One thing which surprises non-Muslims who are examining the Book very closely is that the Quran does not appear to them to be what they expected. What they assume is that they have an old book which came fourteen centuries ago from the Arabian desert; and they expect that the book should look something like that - an old book from the desert. And then they find out that it does not resemble what they expected at all. Additionally, one of the first things that some people assume is that because it is an old book which comes from the desert, it should talk about the desert. Well, the Quran does talk about the desert - some of its imagery describes the desert; but it also talks about the sea - what it's like to be in a storm on the sea.

Some years ago, the story came to us in Toronto about a man who was in the merchant marine and made his living on the sea. A Muslim gave him a translation of the Quran to read. The merchant marine knew nothing about the history of Islam but was interested in reading the Quran. When he finished reading it, he brought it back to the Muslim and asked, "This Muhammad, was he a sailor?" He was impressed at how accurately the Quran describes a storm on a sea. When he was told, "No, as a matter of fact, Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) lived in the desert," that was enough for him. He embraced Islam on the spot. He was so impressed with the Quran's description because he had been in a storm on the sea, and he knew that whoever had written that description had also been in a storm on the sea. Allah Says (what means): “Or [they are] like darkness within an unfathomable sea which is covered by waves, upon which are waves, over which are clouds darkness…”  [Quran 24:40], this description was not what someone imagining a storm on a sea to be like would have written; rather, it was written by someone who knew what a storm on the sea was like. This is one example of how the Quran is not tied to a certain place and time. Certainly, the scientific ideas expressed in it also do not seem to originate from the desert fourteen centuries ago.

Smaller than the atom:

Many centuries before the onset of Muhammad's  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) Prophethood, there was a well-known theory of atomism advanced by the Greek philosopher, Democritus. He and the people who came after him assumed that matter consists of tiny, indestructible, indivisible particles called atoms. The Arabs too, used to deal in the same concept; in fact, the Arabic word "tharrah" commonly referred to the smallest particle known to man. Now, modern science has discovered that this smallest unit of matter (i.e., the atom, which has all of the same properties as its element) can be split into its component parts. This is a new idea, a development of the last century; yet, interestingly enough, this information had already been documented in the Quran, Allah Says (what means): " And not absent from your Lord is any [part] of an atom’s weight (488) within the earth or within the heaven or [anything] smaller than that…” [Quran, 10:61]. Undoubtedly, fourteen centuries ago that statement would have looked unusual, even to an Arab. For him, the "tharrah" was the smallest thing there was. Indeed, this is a proof that the Quran is not outdated.

In honey there is healing

Another example of what one might expect to find in an "old book" that touches upon the subject of health or medicine is outdated remedies or cures. Various historical sources state that the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) gave some advice about health and hygiene, yet most of these pieces of advice are not contained in the Quran.

At first glance, to the non-Muslims this appears to be a negligent omission. They cannot understand why Allah would not "include" such helpful information in the Quran. Some Muslims attempt to explain this absence with the following argument: "Although the Prophet's  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) advice was sound and applicable to the time in which he lived, Allah, in His infinite Wisdom, knew that there would come later medical and scientific advances which would make the Prophet's  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) advice appear outdated. When later discoveries occurred, people might say that such information contradicted that which the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) had given. Thus, since Allah would never allow any opportunity for the non-Muslims to claim that the Quran contradicts itself or the teachings of the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) He only included in the Quran information and examples which could stand the test of time."

However, when one examines the true realities of the Quran in terms of its existence as a divine revelation, the entire matter is quickly brought into its proper perspective, and the error in such argumentation becomes clear and understandable. It must be understood that the Quran is a divine revelation, and as such, all information in it is of divine origin. Allah revealed the Quran from Himself. It is the Speech of Allah, nothing can be added, subtracted or altered.

There was no "home remedies" in the Quran which one could claim to be outdated; nor does it contain any man's view about what is beneficial to health, what food is best to eat, or what will cure this or that disease. In fact, the Quran only mentions one item dealing with medical treatment, and it is not in dispute by anyone. It states that in honey there is healing. And certainly, I do not think that there is anyone who will argue with that!

Not from Muhammads's  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) mind

If one assumes that the Quran is the product of a man's mind, then one would expect it to reflect some of what was going on in the mind of the man who "composed" it. In fact, certain encyclopedias and various books claim that the Quran was the product of hallucinations that Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) underwent. If these claims are true - if it indeed originated from some psychological problems in Muhammad's  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) mind - then evidence of this would be apparent in the Quran. Is there such evidence? In order to determine whether or not there is, one must first identify what things would have been going on in his mind at that time and then search for these thoughts and reflections in the Quran.

It is common knowledge that Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) had a very difficult life. All of his daughters died before him except one, and he had a wife, may Allah be pleased with her, of several years who was dear and important to him, who proceeded him in death at a very critical period of his life. As a matter of fact, she must have been quite a woman because when the first revelation came to him, he  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) ran home to her afraid. Certainly, even today one would have a hard time trying to find an Arab who would tell you: "I was so afraid that I ran home to my wife." They just aren't that way.

Yet Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) felt comfortable enough with his wife to be able to do that. That's how influential and strong woman she was. Although these examples are only a few of the subjects that would have been on Muhammad's  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) mind, they are sufficient in intensity to prove my point. The Quran does not mention any of these things - not the death of his children, not the death of his beloved companions and wife, may Allah be pleased with them, not his fear of the initial revelations, which he so beautifully shared with his wife - nothing; yet, these topics must have hurt him, bothered him, and caused him pain and grief during periods of his psychological reflections, then these subjects, as well as others, would be prevalent or at least mentioned throughout.

Test of falsification

A truly scientific approach to the Quran is possible because the Quran offers something that is not offered by other religious scriptures, in particular, and other religions, in general. It is what scientists demand. Today there are many people who have ideas and theories about how the universe works. These people are all over the place, but the scientific community does not even bother to listen to them. This is because within the last century the scientific community has demanded a test of falsification. They say: "If you have theory, do not bother us with it unless you bring with that theory a way for us to prove whether you are wrong or not."

Such a test was exactly why the scientific community listened to Einstein towards the beginning of the century. He came with a new theory and said: "I believe the universe works like this; and here are three ways to prove whether I am wrong!" So the scientific community subjected his theory to the tests, and within six years it passed all three. Of course, this does not prove that he was great, but it proves that he deserved to be listened to because he said: "This is my idea; and if you want to try to prove me wrong, do this or try that." This is exactly what the Quran has - falsification tests. Some are old (in that they have already been proven true), and some still exist today.

Basically it states: "If this book is not what it claims to be, then all you have to do is this or this or this to prove that it is false." Of course, in 1400 years no one has been able to do "This or this or this, "and thus it is still considered true and authentic. I suggest to you that the next time you get into dispute with someone about Islam and he claims that he has the truth and that you are in darkness, you leave all other arguments at first and make this suggestion. Ask him: "Is there any falsification test in your religion? Is there anything in your religion that would prove you are wrong if I could prove to you that it exists - anything?" Well, I can promise right now that people will not have anything - no test, no proof, nothing! This is because they do not carry around the idea that they should not only present what they believe but should also offer others a chance to prove they're wrong. However, Islam does that. A perfect example of how Islam provides man with a chance to verify its authenticity and "prove it is wrong" occurs in the 4th chapter. And quiet honestly, I was surprised when I first discovered this challenge. Allah Says (what means): “Then do they not reflect upon the Qur’an? If it had been from [any] other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction.” [Quran 4:82]

This is a clear challenge to the non-Muslim. Basically, it invites him to find a mistake. As a matter of fact, the seriousness and difficulty of the challenge aside, the actual presentation of such a challenge in the first place is not even in human nature and is inconsistent with man's personality. One doesn't take an exam in school and after finishing the exam, write a note to the instructor at the end saying: "This exam is perfect. There are no mistakes in it. Find one if you can!" One just doesn't do that. The teacher would not sleep until he found a mistake!

And yet this is the way the Quran approaches people. Another interesting attitude that exists in the Quran repeatedly deals with its advice to the reader. The Quran informs that reader about different facts and then gives the advice: "If you want to know more about this or that, or if you doubt what is said, then you should ask those who have knowledge." This too is a surprising attitude. It is not usual to have a book that comes from someone without training in geography, botany, biology, etc., who discusses these subjects and then advises the reader to ask men of knowledge if he doubts anything.

Yet in every age there have been Muslims who have followed the advice of the Quran and made surprising discoveries. If one looks to the works of Muslim scientists many centuries ago, one will find them full of quotations from the Quran. These works state that they did research in such a place, looking for something. And they affirm that the reason they looked in such and such a place was that the Quran pointed them in that direction. For example, the Quran mentions man's origin and then tells the reader, "Research it!" It gives the reader a hint where to look and then states that one should find out more about it. This is the kind of thing that Muslims today largely seem to overlook - but not always, as illustrated in the following example. A few years ago, a group of men in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia collected all of the verses in the Quran which discuss embryology - the growth of the human being in the womb. They said: "Here is what the Quran says. Is it the truth?" In essence, they took the advice of the Quran, Allah Says (what means): “So ask the people of the message [i.e. former scriptures] if you do not know.” [Quran 16:43]

Was Prophet Muhammad influenced by Jews or Christians? -II

The tradition that the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) (may Allah exalt his mention), heard Qayss bin Saa`idah preach at the `Ukaath fair isforged and discarded, as one of its narrators, Muhammad bin Hallaaj Al-Laakhmi, is a confirmed liar. The suggestion that the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ), learnt from Zayd bin Haarithah, may Allah be pleased with him, is discarded on the ground that Zayd came to the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention )  as a little boy and as a result he could not have taught Christianity to his foster father. Moreover, Zayd, may Allah be pleased with him, had genuine faith in the Prophet’s message and followed him,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) until his death.

The allegation that the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ), received instructions from Waraqah bin Nawfal on Christianity is rejected on the ground that, if this information is true, then the Quraysh would have made a very big issue about it. The assertion that the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ), was instructed by a foreigner, is already properly addressed and rebutted by the Quran itself, and is not discussed here. If some of the Christians and Jews of Makkah had provided the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) with information about former religions, they would not have faith in the Prophet’s mission and leadership and would never have become Muslims themselves.

The Makkan tribes tortured a number of such converts in order to extort an admission that Prophet Muhammad,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ), had obtained help from them. Jaabir, may Allah be pleased with him, one of the victims of oppression when persecuted and tortured to the extreme, gave a significant reply: "It is not I who teaches Muhammad,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) rather it is he who teaches and guides me." [Tafseer Al-Qurtubi] 

Some of the points raised in this connection by Dr. Jamal Badawi, a renowned propagator of Islam in Canada are worth noting. He says: “It would be highly imaginary to say that through his occasional chats with Jews and Christians, while busy with his caravan, Muhammad,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ), learned enough about either or both religions to formulate a new powerful and viable religion, a task that defies the collective efforts of scholars for centuries.” 

Furthermore, the above assertion raises a number of questions. Dr. Jamal Badawi puts forth the following six questions:

1.     Why is it, that in spite of the abundance of historical material on the life of Prophet Muhammad,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) and in spite of the extensive research on his life for centuries by his critics, why was it not possible to discover the mysterious teacher who allegedly taught Muhammad,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ), all that he learned?

2.     It is known that Muhammad,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ), was opposed, ridiculed and persecuted for nearly thirteen years by his own contemporaries. Was it not possible for his enemies to prove to the masses that Prophet Muhammad's,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) claim of revelation was sheer fabrication? Was it not possible for them to reveal and name whom they alleged to be the human sources of his teachings? Even some of his adversaries who made this assertion changed their minds later on, and accused him, instead, of magic or of being possessed by evil.

3.     Prophet Muhammad,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ), was raised among his people and every aspect of his life was exposed to them, especially by the openness that characterizes tribal life in the desert. How could his contemporaries, including many of his close relatives who knew him so well, believe in his truthfulness if they had any doubt that he was claiming credit for ideas taught to him by some other teachers, without bothering to give them credit?

4.     What kind of teacher might have taught Muhammad,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ), a coherent and complete religion that changed the face of history? Why did he or they (if any) not speak against the alleged student who continued learning from them, while ignoring them and claiming some other Divine source for his teachings?

5.     How could many Jews and Christians amongst his contemporaries become Muslims and believe in his truthfulness, if they knew that he was copying from their scriptures or learning from their priests or rabbis?

6.     It is known that some of the Quranic revelations came to Prophet Muhammad,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ), in the presence of people. The Quran was revealed during the span of 23 years. If the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ), had a teacher, where was he? How could he,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ), have hidden the teacher for so long? On the other hand, how could Prophet Muhammad,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ), who was constantly surrounded by followers, be able to make frequent secret visits to that mysterious teacher or teachers for 23 years without being ‘caught’ even once?

Gradual Growth of Accuracy in the Quran 

The teachings of Islam in the Quran such as the rules and duties are indeed spelt out gradually over a period of 23 years, and the arrangement of the revealed verses and chapters are according to the need of the society at the time. A good example is the warning regarding intoxicants in the Quran, and how they were finally prohibited. The prohibition did not come all of a sudden. The society was first spiritually prepared to accept such a prohibition, and when the prohibition came into effect, it was accepted openly and gladly. This may look as a gradual growth in accuracy for some of the Orientalists who may make an issue out of it, but it is not so. However, it is worth noticing that some of the Orientalists have started to discard this line of thinking. 

The Quran is not a derivation from the Judeo-Christian scriptures as claimed by the Orientalists and as evidenced by the following:

Some Information Given in the Quran that is Not Mentioned in the Bible:  

·        Some of the Prophets mentioned in the Quran i.e. Saalih (for the Thamood) and Hood  (for the `Aad), may Allah exalt their mention, are not even mentioned in the Bible.

·        Information given in the Quran about Prophet Ibraaheem (Abraham), may Allah exalt his mention, specifically about his teachings on monotheism and the resulting struggle is not found in the Bible

·        The incidents of ‘Eesaa (Jesus), may Allah exalt his mention, speaking in the cradle and confirming the chastity of his mother; giving life to the birds made by clay by God's permission, and the table of food descending from heaven

·        Moosaa (Moses), may Allah exalt his mention, traveling to the "meeting place of two seas"

·        The incident of Pharaoh's plan to kill Moosaa, may Allah exalt his mention, and that a "believer" in Pharaoh's court dissuaded him from carrying out his plan

·        Moosaa, may Allah exalt his mention, striking the 12 springs for each Jewish tribe

·        The magicians in Pharaoh’s court dying for their belief in God.

Instances where theQuran contradicts accounts given in the Bible

·        The preaching of Nooh (Noah), may Allah exalt his mention, was specifically monotheism according to Quran

·        The Quran categorically denies the concept of Trinity and confirms that ‘Eesaa, may Allah exalt his mention, was no more than a Prophet -- not god, not the son-of-god and not part of a Trinity

·        The Quran categorically states that ‘Eesaa, may Allah exalt his mention, was not crucified or killed

·        The Quran states that all the Prophets, may Allah exalt their mention, were noble men sent by Allah and clears all the Prophets from evil intention or evil actions, as against what can be found in the Bible

·        The Quran testifies that all the Prophets of God, may Allah exalt their mention,  were sincere in their mission for which they were sent by God, and never betrayed their mission as suggested in the Bible in the case of Moosaa (Moses) and Haaroon (Aaron), may Allah exalt their mention; or sinned as in the case of Loot (Lut), Daawood (David), Sulaymaan (Solomon), may Allah exalt their mention,  and others. 

More Details are given in the Quran as Compared to the Bible

1.Incidents relating to Prophet Nooh (Noah), may Allah exalt his mention.

2. Maryam (Mary), may Allah be pleased with her, being asked to pray to Allah -- implying that she was a human being who required the mercy of God.

3. The whole story of Yoosuf (Joseph), may Allah exalt his mention, delivered in a spiritual atmosphere with more details of his life that are not found in the Bible. 

It is true that some of the historical incidents are mentioned in both the Bible and the Quran, but this does not mean that the Quran selected them from these sources. Instead, it is a confirmation of the events of the past but looking at them with a clear vision. There was no library or museum in Makkah, and the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ), could not read or write. There were no scholars and philologists in Makkah to unravel the secrets of ancient work to the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ).

While casually recognizing that there are new elements in the Quran, the Orientalists seem to have never paid attention to find the sources of these elements. If they had done so, the Orientalists would surely have found reason to see that the assumptions under which they have been laboring so diligently and impressively need revision.  

Was Prophet Muhammad influenced by Jews or Christians? - I

Allegations

The Orientalists allege that Prophet Muhammad,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ), (may Allah exalt his mention) was subject to the Judeo-Christian influence of his time and that the Quran reflects this influence. It was suggested that Prophet Muhammad,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ), had faced two big problems if he were to embrace Judaism or Christianity. If he became a Christian, he would be bringing in the Christian Byzantine regime to Makkah, which would not be tolerated by the people of Makkah. The second problem was that he could not pretend that he knew more than the older members and priests of those two religions -- Judaism and Christianity. Thus, in both instances, he could not acquire leadership. Hence, Orientalists suggest that the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ), decided to reproduce the role of Moosaa (Moses) or ‘Eesaa (Jesus), may Allah exalt their mention, because he saw that "they were men, and he could do what they had done."

Orientalists allege that the monotheistic influence on Islam was due to the presence of Christians and Jews in Makkah. They also suggested that there was a monotheist informant from one of those religions. However at a different stage, they also suggested that what the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ), received from his informant "would be factual knowledge" but the "meaning and interpretation of the facts" came to him "by the usual process of revelation".

They suggested that the gradual growth in accuracy of the Quran’s narration pertinent to biblical stories is evidence that Prophet Muhammad,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ), got these stories from an informant.

They alleged that the Quran replicated contemporary errors that were originally found in the Judeo-Christian scriptures.

Refutations

The Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ), was only 12 years old when he met Baheera (a Christian monk) for a very short period of time on the way to Syria. Such a brief meeting would not have been sufficient to discuss religious doctrines. It is illogical to assume that a young boy could discuss religious doctrines and scriptural prophecy about the coming of the Messenger, etc, at this tender age.

The Orientalists acknowledged a part of this meeting, but they fail to acknowledge the other aspects, which speak about:

Baheera's knowledge concerning the prophecy in the Scriptures regarding the coming of the new prophet

Baheera’s recognition of the sign of prophethood in Muhammad,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention )

Baheera’s advice to Abu Talib to take the boy home.

When confronted with the above information, William Muir (a Scottish Orientalist, 1819 – 1905 CE) even tried to explain it as a mistake or as a forgery of a designing monk. In order to downplay the importance of Baheera’s recognition of the sign of prophethood, Muir wrote a footnote saying that the report is full of absurdities, but later realizing his recklessness, he omitted the footnote in subsequent editions without altering the main text.

It is common knowledge that a trade caravan traveling in the harsh desert would concentrate their trade in populated areas only, and avoid wandering into deserted habitations and ruined townships or empty church assemblies, just for the sight seeing pleasure of a young boy. Yet Muir suggests that the caravan passed near Petra, Jerash, Ammon and other ruined cities and that these sights influenced the young Muhammad,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ).

In Makkah, there were only a few Christians of humble social and intellectual status, being either slaves or petty retailers and mostly immigrants. Only one or two original residents of Makkah such as `Uthmaan bin Al-Huwayrith and Waraqah bin Nawfal had become Christians, the former out of personal or political considerations, and the latter as a result of his search for better faith. The Makkan community had some second-hand knowledge of these two religions of Judaism and Christianity.

The question is, would a person of the stature, knowledge and intelligence of Prophet Muhammad,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) proceed to propound a new religion and challenge the credibility of both the prevailing systems of Judaism and Christianity only on the basis of hearsay and superficial knowledge of them, as suggested by Orientalists?

The Orientalists are not consistent in their allegation that:

The Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ), was ambitious and therefore careful enough to avoid the political implications of embracing either Judaism or Christianity

He was careless enough to institute a new religion based on information picked up from bazaar gossips and Jewish storytellers at wine shops.

Monotheistic Judeo-Christian Influence

It is naïve to say that Islam is blend of second-hand information about Judaism and Christianity with an inkling of Arab elements in it. It is absurd to suggest that the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ), was cognizant of the two religious systems.

The concept of prophethood, the memory of Ibraaheem (Abraham), may Allah exalt his mention, as a prophet and founder of the Ka`bah, which the Arabs universally cherished, as well as the rites of Hajj (pilgrimage to the Ka’bah) instituted by Ibraaheem, may Allah exalt his mention, were unquestionably from before the time of Jews and Christians. Pre-Islamic Arabs, independent of any Jewish or Christian influence, knew the concept of Allah as the supreme God. The teachings of Ibraaheem, may Allah exalt his mention, found haven in Arabia long before the arrival of Judaism or Christianity and the Arabs were already acquainted with the word ‘Haneef’ as the worshipper of One God.

The Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ), accused the contemporary Arabs, Jews and Christians of having deviated from the original teachings of their prophets and of having degenerated into polytheism. He also rejected what they claimed to be the teachings of their scriptures. So he cannot be misconstrued as having conceived the idea of monotheism from the Judeo-Christian influence.

The Quran does not maintain that it is teaching a new religion. Instead it upholds and revives the original teachings God has given through all Prophets of all nations. It claims that its teachings are the same as that of Ibraaheem (Abraham), Moosaa (Moses) and ‘Eesaa (Jesus), may Allah exalt their mention, and speaks about all of them in glowing terms. Since every Orientalist agrees on the fact that Prophet Muhammad,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ), has not read any of the scriptures, therefore, his source of knowledge must be something else.

The rejection of Biblical teachings about the son or father of god was rejected even in the Makkan Soorahs (chapters of the Quran) long before the Prophet’s migration to Al-Madeenah. Hence, it is not correct to say that these renunciations came about, at the wake of the separation from the Jews and Christians in Al-Madeenah.

It was impossible to get even a glimpse of monotheism by observing Judaism and Christianity in those days. The practices of these two religious groups were steeped in the most debasing corruption and superstitions, which are vastly removed from monotheism.

The various reform movements in Christianity, particularly the Cluniac Movement, the Iconoclastic Movement and the Reformation started by Martin Luther bear testimony to the depth of degradation into which the Christians and Christianity of the day had descended. In a way, all these reform movements and the subsequent emphasis on monotheism, in spite of an adherence to the doctrines of Trinity and divinity of Christ are largely, results of the uncompromising monotheism enunciated and propagated by Islam. In other words, it was Islam that influenced the revival movements in Christianity and not the other way around.

Prophet Muhammad and polygyny - II

Second: The Legislative Aspect

The second point of wisdom behind polygny has a legislative dimension. This form of marriage was established to abrogate the repulsive traditions followed by the Arabs in the pre-Islamic times, such as the tradition of adoption. This practice was a norm inherited from past generations. According to this tradition, a man could take a strange boy as his own son, treat him exactly as his real son in terms of heritage, marriage, divorce, unlawful affinity (prohibited relationships through marriage), prohibited forms of marriage, and other matters agreed upon as sacred norms in that pre-Islamic period.

At that time, a man might adopt a son of another person and say to him: “You are my son; I inherit you and you inherit from me.” Islam neither endorsed this habit nor left people to grope in the darkness of ignorance. Allah abolished adoption by inspiring Prophet Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) (may Allah exalt his mention) to adopt a son prior to his messengership. The son he adopted was Zayd bin Haarithah, may Allah be pleased with him, whom people used to call “Zayd bin (the son of) Muhammad.”

Al-Bukhari and Muslim (whose books are the most authentic after the Quran) narrated that 'Abdullah bin 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said: “We used to call Zayd bin Haarithah nothing but (Zayd bin Muhammad) till the revelation of the Quranic verse: “Call them [i.e., those children under your care] by [the names of] their fathers; it is more just in the sight of Allah…” [Quran: 33:5] The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) then said to Zayd: “You are Zayd bin Haarithah bin Sharaheel.”

The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) married his cousin, Zaynab bint Jahsh, may Allah be pleased with her, to Zayd, may Allah be pleased with him, while he was his adopted son. After a lengthy marriage, their relationship deteriorated. Being from a noble, high-class family, Zaynab, may Allah be pleased with her, used to look down on her husband who was a slave before he was adopted by the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ). She occasionally uttered harsh words against him whenever a dispute broke out between them. The consequence of this marital misunderstanding was divorce.

Allah the Exalted then ordered Prophet Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) to marry her, so that the vicious tradition of adoption was abolished practically and the Islamic principles thus established. Being the supreme model of the Muslim Nation, the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) was ordained by his Lord, the Glorious, to practically inaugurate the divine legislation of abrogating adoption.

Third: The Social Aspect

The social dimension of the wisdom of the Prophet’s marriage is clearly manifested in his marriage to the daughter of Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, who was his first faithful minister.

To maintain good relations with his tribe, the Quraysh, he married several women from different family branches of that tribe. This wise strategy, moreover, enhanced the ties amongst those tribal sub-divisions themselves.

These marriage relationships played a vital role in attracting the resistant hearts of those tribesmen, changing their hostility into tender inclination towards the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) and his Message. Brought to the folds of Islam, these tribes became its loyal supporters and devotedly served the Prophet’s cause (religion). They sacrificed their wealth and lives for the pre-eminence and victory of Islam.

The Messenger  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) married 'Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, the daughter of his most intimate, lovable companion – Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, who was the first man to believe in the prophethood of Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ). This loyal follower devoted his life and wealth in the cause of Islam and in defence of the Messenger  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ). The Messenger  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) found no better way of rewarding Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, for his courageous devotion than becoming his son-in-law. This marriage relationship further strengthened their friendship and enhanced their mutual affinity.

He also married Hafsah, daughter of 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with them both – his second faithful minister. This marriage was a matter of honour to 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, and a great reward for his accepting Islam, truthfulness, faithfulness, and complete devotion to the religion. 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, was the prominent hero of Islam by whom Allah reinforced Islam and the Muslims and raised high the banner of the religion. By the marriage of his daughter to the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) 'Umar shared with Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with them, the great honour of being the Prophet’s father-in-law.

Fourth: The Political Aspect

Prophet Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) – as mentioned earlier – made marriage relations with members of some tribes in order to reconcile their hearts with his and to gain their support. It is a fact that when a man marries into a family, he will maintain strong bonds with his in-laws and, accordingly, ensure their assistance and protection. The following examples demonstrate clearly how the political dimension of the Prophet’s marriages was embodied:

Example 1:

The Noble Messenger  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) married Juwayriyah, daughter of Al-Haarith – the chieftain of Bani Al-Mustaliq (a well-known tribe), after she was captured along with her clan. She came to the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) asking for some money to ransom herself. The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) suggested to her that he would pay her due ransom and marry her, which she wholeheartedly accepted. The Muslims then proclaimed: “The Prophet’s in-laws under our hands (i.e. as prisoners)?” They therefore freed all the captives. To this act of noble tolerance and magnanimity by the Muslims, the captives’ reaction was to profess Islam. Thus, they joined the folds of Allah’s religion and became believers.

Example 2:

The Messenger  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) also married Safiyyah, daughter of Huyay bin Akhtab - the chieftain of the Jewish tribe of Bani Quraythah. After the Muslims in the battle of Khaybar killed her husband, she was taken prisoner. The advisory body (a company of men of thought and opinion) suggested that, being the mistress of Bani Quraythah, nobody was as worthy of her company (as a husband) as the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ). After consulting with his Companions, the Noble Messenger  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) ordered her presence and entitled her to choose between two options: either that he frees her and takes her as a wife, or that he frees her to join her tribe.

Admiring his graciousness, tolerance, nobility, and supreme conduct, she chose to be his wife after being set free. With her conversion to Islam, a great number of her tribesmen also converted.

So, deeply reflect upon the magnificent policy of the Noble Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) and ponder his supreme and sublime wisdom.

Prophet Muhammad and polygyny - I

Since the advent of Islam, more than fourteen centuries ago, its opponents have spared no effort to enshroud its Prophet’s character with doubts, drawing a deformed image of him to slander his messengership and damage his reputation.

They did their level best to fabricate fallacies and superstitions in order to corrupt the believers’ faith and turn people away from believing in his Message. It is not surprising to hear such fabrications against the prophets and messengers because the fact is that enemies opposed every prophet. This fact is stressed in the Holy Quran; Allah says what means: “And thus We have made for every prophet an enemy from among the criminals. But Sufficient is your Lord as a guide and a helper.” [Quran: 25:31]

Among the misconceptions repeatedly hammered on by some westerners is that regarding the polygny practiced by Prophet Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) (may Allah exalt his mention). They allege that: “Muhammad was a womaniser, indulging in satisfying his carnal desires. He was not satisfied with only one wife, rather he gathered ten or more wives in order to fully satisfy his excessive lust.”

They also say: “'Eesaa (Jesus) and Muhammad, may Allah exalt their mention, were never alike. There is a great difference between a man who could confound his whims and control his carnal passions (Jesus), and another who was wallowing in sexual indulgence". What a big lie and an atrocious deformation of facts this is!

Prophet Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) was extremely far from being lustful and sexually preoccupied. Rather, he was a messenger of noble conduct and high disposition. He was neither a god nor a son of God, as Christians mistakenly believe 'Eesaa, may Allah exalt his mention, to be. He – Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) - was only a man like other men. The only distinguishing point is that he was singled out by Divine revelation: “Say [O Muhammad]: 'I am only a man like you, to whom has been revealed …'” [Quran: 18:110]

He was in no way different from the Prophets who preceded him. He never came to change their course of life. Of those noble prophets, may Allah exalt their mention, the Holy Quran says: “And we have already sent messengers before you and assigned to them wives and descendents…” [Quran: 13:38]

Why is it, then, that those fanatic falsifiers launch their ignominious campaign against the final of all Prophets?!

Baseless Allegation

To absolutely refute such a misconception, we have to keep in mind two important points that debunk whatever allegations arise in this respect, and shut the mouths of the scandalmongers. These two points are:

1-      Prophet Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) did not practice polygny except after he had passed the age of fifty.

2-      All of his wives, may Allah be pleased with them, were widows except for ‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, who was a virgin. She was the only one whom he married while she was still young.

From these two points we realise how simply absurd and baseless the accusations imputed to the Prophet by the orientalists are. Had his objective of polygny been answering his sexual desires to satisfy his personal whims, he could have married in his youth and not in his old age. Moreover, he  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) could have married young virgins, not old widows.

It is narrated that Jaabir bin 'Abdullaah, may Allah be pleased with him, – a prominent companion of the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) – once came to the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) with a gleeful expression on his face and wearing sweet-smelling perfume. "Have you gotten married?” the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) asked. "Yes, O Messenger of Allah!” Jaabir answered. "A virgin or a widow?” the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) further enquired. "A widow,” was the answer. "Why not a young virgin,” the Prophet asked “so that you may tease (play) and have fun with each other?”

The Noble Messenger  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) advised his follower (Jaabir) to prefer the virgin as a wife. This vividly means that he (the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention )) was not unaware of the path of carnal enjoyment and the way sexual needs are best satisfied.

Is it logical, then, that he married old widows turning his back on the young virgins if his only purpose was sexual satisfaction? Moreover - as mentioned before - his practice of polygny began only when he passed young age and entered old age.

Why Polygny?

The divine wisdom behind the Prophet’s polygamy is of multiple aspects. However, we can sum up these aspects in the following four points:

The Educational Aspect

The Legislative Aspect

The Social Aspect

The Political Aspect

Let us now speak briefly about each one of these points:

First: The Educational Aspect

The main purpose of the Prophet’s polygamy was to qualify several women as teachers to teach the Muslim women the Islamic rulings (Sharee’ah). Women are the inevitable other half of society and they are ordained to undertake their duties as men are.

Muslim women were too bashful to ask the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) about some of the legislative rulings, particularly the female-related concerns, such as those regarding the monthly period (menstruation), postpartum period, ceremonial impurity (post-discharge state), and other marital affairs.

For women, shyness was a great obstacle when they wanted to ask the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) about such matters. The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) on the other hand, was known for his absolute shyness also, which was among his outstanding, conspicuous attributes. It is narrated in the authentic books of Sunnah (Prophet Muhammad’s sayings, practices, and approvals) that he was more bashful than a virgin in her boudoir. Accordingly, he could not answer frankly, using open and direct language, all the questions women raised. He rather made use of metaphorical and a highly refined style of language, which could be too difficult for those laywomen to grasp.

For example:

‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, narrated that a woman from the Ansaar (the inhabitants of Madeenah) came to the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) and asked him about how to purify herself (i.e., wash up) after her menses. The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) taught her how to do so and then said: “Take a perfumed piece of cotton and clean yourself with it.” She said: “O Messenger of Allah! How do I clean myself with it?” to which he embarrassedly replied: “Glory be to Allah! Clean yourself with it!” ’Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, then caught the lady's hand, drew her aside, and said to her in a whisper: “Put the piece of cotton in such and such a place and wipe away the blood.” She explicitly named to her the private place to be cleaned.

Being very shy, it was too embarrassing for the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) to use the direct, open style of language that 'Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, used with the woman. Those women who could, with great difficulty, confound their timidity to ask the Messenger  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) frankly about their affairs were very few.

Was Muhammad a true prophet

Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) the son of `Abdullaah, is Allah's Prophet and the Final Messenger sent by Allah to the inhabitants of the earth. You should know that he  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) is Allah's Messenger in reality and truth. The evidences that show his veracity are abundant. None but an infidel, who out of arrogance alone, could deny these signs.

Among these proofs:

1.    Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) was raised illiterate, unable to read or write, and remained like that till his death. Among all his people, he  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) was known as being truthful and trustworthy. Before receiving revelation, he  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) had no prior knowledge of religion or any previously sent Message. He  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) remained like that for his first forty years. Revelation then came to Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) with the Quran that we now have between our hands. This Quran mentioned most of the accounts found in the previous scriptures, telling us about these events in the greatest detail as if he  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) witnessed them. These accounts came precisely as they were found in the Torah sent down to Moses, may Allah exalt his mention, and in the Gospel sent down to Jesus, may Allah exalt his mention. Never the less, neither the Jews nor the Christians believed anything that he  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said.

2.    Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) also foretold of everything that would occur to him and his community after him, pertaining to victory, the removal of the tyrannical kingdoms of Chosroes [the royal title for the Zoroastrian kings of Persia] and Caesar, and the establishment of the religion of Islam throughout the earth. These events occurred exactly as Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) foretold, as if he  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) was reading the future from an open book.

3.    Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) also conveyed an Arabic Quran that is the peak of eloquence and clarity. The Quran challenged those eloquent and fluent Arabs of his time, who initially belied him, to bring forth a single chapter like the Quran. The eloquent Arabs of his day were unable to contest this Quran. Indeed, till our day, none has ever dared to claim that he has been able to compose words that equal-or even approach-the order, grace, beauty and splendor of this Glorious Quran.

4.    The life history of this Noble Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) was a perfect example of being upright, merciful, compassionate, truthful, brave, generous, distant from all evil character, and ascetic in all worldly matters, while striving solely for the reward of the Hereafter. Moreover, in all his actions and dealings, he  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) was ever mindful and fearful of Allah.

5.    Allah instilled great love for Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) in the hearts of all who believed in and met him  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ). This love reached such a degree that any of his companions would willingly sacrifice his (or her) self, mother or father for him  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ). Till today, those who believe in Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) honor and love him. Anyone of those who believe in him would ransom his own family and wealth to see him  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) even if but once.

6.    All of history has not preserved the biography of any person in the manner it has preserved the life of Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) who is the most influential human in history. Nor has the entire earth known of anyone whom every morning and evening, and many times thereafter throughout the day, is thought of by those who believe in him. Upon remembering Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) the believers in him will greet him and ask Allah to bless him  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) and exalt his status. They do such with full hearts and true love for him  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ).

7.    Nor has there every been a man on earth whom is still followed in all his doings by those who believe in him  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ). Those who believe in Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) sleep in the manner he  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) slept; purify themselves (through ablution and ritual washing) in the manner he  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) purified himself; and adhere to his practice in the way they eat, drink, and clothe themselves.

Indeed in all aspects of their lives, the believers in Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) adhere to the teachings he  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) spread among them and the path that he traveled upon during his life. During every generation, from his day till our time, the believers in this Noble Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) have fully adhered to his teachings. With some, this has reached the degree that they desire to follow and adhere to the Prophet's way in his  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) personal matters regarding which Allah has not sought of them to adhere to in worship. For example, some will only eat those specific foods or only wear those specific garments that the Messenger  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) liked.

Let alone all that, all those who believe in Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) repeat those praises of Allah, special prayers, and invocations that he  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) would say during each of his actions during day and night, like: what he  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) would say when he greeted people, upon entering and leaving the house, entering and leaving the mosque, entering and leaving the bathroom, going to sleep and awaking from sleep, observing the new crescent, observing the new fruit on trees, eating, drinking, dressing, riding, traveling and returning from travel, etc.

Moreover, all those who believe in Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) fully perform - even to the minute detail - every act of worship, like prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage, as this Noble Messenger  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) taught and as he  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) himself performed. All of this allows those who believe in him  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) to live their lives in all aspects with this Noble Messenger  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) as their example, as if he  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) was standing before them, for them to follow in all their doings.

8.    There has never been, nor will there ever be, a man anywhere upon this earth who has received such love, respect, honor, and obedience in all matters, small and large alike, as has this Noble Prophet.

9. Since his days, in every region of the earth and during every period, this Noble Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) has been followed by individuals from all nations, colors and peoples. Many of those who followed him were previously Christians, Jews, pagans, idolaters, or without any religion. Among those who chose to follow him, were those who were known for their sound judgment, wisdom, reflection, and foresight. They chose to follow this Noble Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) after they witnessed the signs of his truthfulness and the evidences of his miracles. They did not choose to follow Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) out of compulsion or coercion or because they had adopted the ways of their fathers and mothers.

Indeed many of the followers of this Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) chose to follow him during the time when Islam was weak, when there were few Muslims, and when there was severe persecution of his followers on earth. People who have followed this Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) have not done so to acquire some material benefits. Indeed many of his followers have suffered the greatest forms of harm and persecution as a result of following him. Despite all this harm and persecution, this did not turn them back from his religion. All of this clearly indicates, to anyone possessing any sense, that this Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) was truly and really Allah's messenger and that he  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) was not just a man who claimed prophethood or spoke about Allah without knowledge.

9.    With all this, Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) came with a great religion in its creedal and legal make-up. Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) described Allah with qualities of complete perfection, and at the same time in a manner that is free of ascribing to Him any imperfection. Neither the philosophers or the wise could ever describe Allah like such. Indeed it is impossible to imagine that any human mind could conceive of an existing being that possesses such complete ability and greatness Who has subdued the creation, Who has encompassed everything in the universe, small or large, and Who possesses such perfect mercy. Nor is it in the ability of any human being to place a perfect law based upon justice, equality, mercy and objectivity for all human activity on earth like the laws that Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) conveyed to all spheres of human activity - like buying and selling, marriage and divorce, renting, testimony, custody, and all other contracts that are necessary to uphold life and civilization on earth.

10. It is impossible that any person conceive wisdom, morals, good manners, nobleness of characters as what this honorable Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) brought. In a full and complete manner, Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) spread a teaching regarding character and manners toward one's parents, relatives, fiends, family, humanity, animals, plants and inanimate objects. It is impossible for the human mind alone to grasp all of that teaching or come with a similar teaching. All of that unequivocally indicates that this Messenger  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) did not bring any of this religion from his own accord, but that it was rather a teaching and inspiration that he  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) received from The One Who created the earth and the high heavens above and created this universe in its miraculous architecture and perfection.

12. The legal and creedal make-up of the religion that the Messenger Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) brought resembles the engineering of the heavens and the earth. All of that indicates that He Who created the heavens and the earth is The One Who sent down this great law and upright religion. The degree of inimitability of the Divine law that was sent down upon Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) is to the same degree of inimitability of the Divine creation of the heavens and the earth. For just as humanity cannot create this universe, in the same manner humanity cannot bring forth a law like Allah's law that He sent down upon His servant and messenger Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ).

Does Islam degrade women?

The image of the typical Muslim woman wearing the veil, forced to stay home, and forbidden to drive is all too common in most peoples' thoughts.

The status of women in Islam is often the target of attacks in the secular media. The ‘Hijaab,’ or Islamic dress code for women, is cited by many as an example of the ‘subjugation’ of women under Islamic law. Before mentioning the reasoning behind the religiously mandated Hijaab, let us first study the status of women in societies before the advent of Islam.

In the past, women were degraded and generally used as objects of lust.  

The following are examples from history which amply illustrate the fact that the status of women in earlier civilisations was very low, to the extent that they were denied basic human dignity:

A.   Babylonian Civilisation:

 Women were degraded and denied all rights under the Babylonian law. If a man murdered a woman, instead of him being punished, his wife was put to death.

B.   Greek Civilisation:

Greek Civilisation is considered the most glorious of all ancient civilisations. Under this very ‘glorious’ system, women were deprived of all rights and were looked down upon. In Greek mythology, an imaginary woman called ‘Pandora’ was the root cause of misfortune of human beings. The Greeks considered women to be subhuman and inferior to men. Prostitution became a regular practice amongst all classes of Greek society.

C.   Roman Civilisation:

When Roman Civilisation was at the zenith of its ‘glory’, a man even had the right to unjustifiably take the life of his wife. Prostitution and nudity were common practice amongst the Romans.  

D.   Egyptian Civilisation:

The Egyptians considered women to be evil and a sign of the devil.  

E.   Pre-Islamic Arabia:

Before Islam spread in Arabia, the Arabs looked down upon women and very often, when a female child was born, she was buried alive.  

When Islam came, it uplifted women and gave them equality and expected them to maintain their status.  Islam raised the status of women and granted them their just rights 1400 years ago.

Too often the image of a covered woman is used to represent what much of the world views as oppression. Her very existence is described in terms that convey ignorance and unhappiness. Words like, beaten, repressed and oppressed are bandied about by the western media in a desperate attempt to convince the readers that women in Islam have no rights.  Descriptive and intrinsically oppressive terms such as shrouded and shackled are used to portray an image of women who have no minds and who are the slaves or possessions of their husbands and fathers.

This is a misconception of the real image of women in Islam. In Islam, a woman has the basic freedom of choice and expression based on recognition of her individual personality. She is free to choose her religion. The Quran states what means: "There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] religion. The right course has become clear from error… " [Quran: 2:256]

In Islam, women are encouraged to contribute their opinions and ideas. There are many traditions of the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam (may Allah exalt his mention) which indicate women would pose questions directly to him and offer their opinions concerning religion, economics and social matters.

A Muslim woman chooses her husband and keeps her name after marriage. A Muslim woman's testimony is valid in legal disputes. In fact, in areas in which women are more familiar, their evidence is conclusive.

The reason why Hijaab is prescribed for women is mentioned in the Quran in the following verses of Surah Al-Ahzaab: "O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known [as chaste, believing women] and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful." [Quran: 33:59]

The Quran says that Hijaab has been prescribed for women so that they are recognised as being modest women, which may also prevent them from being molested. Suppose two equally beautiful twin sisters walk down a street. One of them is attired in the Islamic Hijaab, i.e. the complete body is covered, except for the face and the hands up to the wrists. The other sister is wearing western clothes, such as a miniskirt or shorts. Around the corner is a lout who is waiting for a catch to tease a girl. Whom will he tease - the girl wearing the Islamic Hijaab or the girl wearing the miniskirt or shorts? Naturally, he will tease the girl in the more revealing dress. Such dresses are an indirect invitation to the opposite sex for teasing and molestation. The Quran rightly says that Hijaab prevents women from being molested.  

Under the Islamic Sharee'ah (Law), a man convicted of having raped a woman is given capital punishment. Many are astonished at this ‘harsh’ sentence. Some even say that Islam is a ruthless, barbaric religion! I have asked a simple question to hundreds of non-Muslim men. Suppose, God forbid, that someone were to rape your wife, your mother or your sister. You are made the judge and the rapist is brought in front of you. What punishment would you give him? All of them, without exception, said that they would put him to death. Some went to the extent of saying they would torture him to death. To them I ask that if someone rapes your wife or your mother you want to put him to death, but if the same crime is committed on somebody else’s wife or daughter you say capital punishment is barbaric? Why should there be double standards?  

Western Society Falsely Claims to have Uplifted Women

 In western countries, where liberation encompasses unlimited freedom, women are actually finding themselves living lives that are unsatisfying and meaningless. In their quest for liberation, they have abandoned the ideals of morality and stability and found themselves in marriages and families that bear little resemblance to "real life". What is so liberating about being forced to work all day and coming home at night to housework? What is so liberating about having babies who, at six weeks of age, can be deposited in child care centres to learn their behaviour and morality from strangers?

Western talk of women’s liberation is nothing but a disguised form of exploitation of her body, degradation of her soul, and deprivation of her honour. Western society claims to have ‘uplifted’ women. On the contrary, it has actually degraded them to the status of concubines, mistresses and society butterflies who are mere tools in the hands of pleasure seekers and sex marketers.

In conclusion, the Muslim woman was given a role, duties and rights 1400 years ago that most women do not enjoy today - even in the West. These are from God and are designed to keep balance in society; what may seem unjust or missing in one place is compensated for or explained in another place.

Are Muslim women oppressed?

Among the many topics of interest to non-Muslims, the status of Muslim women and the theme of their rights -- or rather, the perceived lack of them – seems to be foremost.  The media’s portrayal of Muslim women,   usually outlining their “oppression and mystery” seems to contribute to this negative perception.

The main reason for this is that people often fail to distinguish between culture and religion -- two things that are completely different. In fact, Islam condemns oppression of any kind whether it is towards a woman or humankind in general.

The Quran is the sacred book by which Muslims live. This book was revealed 1400 years ago to a man named Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) (may Allah exalt his mention) who would later become the Prophet, may Allah exalt his mention. Fourteen centuries have passed and this book has not been changed since, not one letter has been altered.

In chapter 33, entitled Soorah Al-Ahzaab (The Clans), verse 59 Allah The Exalted Almighty Says (what means): "O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the woman of the believers to bring down over themselves (part) of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known (as free respectable women) and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful." [Quran 33:59] This verse shows that Islam makes wearing a Hijaab necessary. Hijaab is the word used for covering, not only the headscarves (as some people may think) but also wearing loose clothes that are not too bright.

Sometimes, people see covered Muslim women and they think of this as oppression. This is wrong. A Muslim woman is not oppressed, in fact, she is liberated. This is because she is no longer valued for something material, such as her good looks or the shape of her body. She compels others to judge her for her intelligence, kindness, honesty and personality. Therefore, people judge her for who she actually is.

When Muslim women cover their hair and wear loose clothes, they are obeying the orders of their Lord to be modest, not cultural or social mores. In fact, Christian nuns cover their hair out of modesty, yet no one considers them “oppressed”. By following the command of Allah, Muslim women are doing the exact same thing. 

The lives of the people who responded to the Quran have changed drastically. It had a tremendous impact on so many people, especially women, since this was the first time that the souls of man and women were declared equal -- with the same obligations as well as the same rewards. 

For the first time in history, women were granted economic independence in Islam. The money they bring in to marriage is theirs as well as the money they earn. In Islam, women are allowed to choose their own husbands and in extreme cases, ask for divorce. A woman has the right to be educated, contrary to what the contemporary world might think. The responsibility is that of the person who is raising her. 

Islam is a religion that holds women in high regard. Long ago, when baby boys were born, they brought great joy to the family. The birth of a girl was greeted with considerably less joy and enthusiasm. Sometimes, girls were hated so much that they were buried alive. Islam has always been against this irrational discrimination against girls and female infanticide. 

The Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, said: "Seeking knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim (male and female)." Men and women both have the capacity for learning and understanding. Since it is also their obligation to promote good behavior and condemn bad behavior in all spheres of life, Muslim women must acquire the appropriate education to perform this duty in accordance with their own natural talents and interests.

While maintenance of their homes, providing support to the husband and bearing, raising and teaching children are among the first and very highly regarded roles for a woman, if she has the skills to work outside the home for the good of the community, she may do so. However, this is allowed only as long as her family obligations are met and as long as she complies with the Islamic code of dress and conduct, with no intermingling with men in the workplace. 

Islam recognizes and fosters the natural differences between men and women despite their equality. Some types of work are more suitable for men and other types for women. This differentiation in no way diminishes the effort or benefit of one gender over the other. God will reward both genders equally for the value of their work, though it may not necessarily be within the same sphere of activity.

The two great roles a woman plays in life are that of a wife and a mother. The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) once said to a group of Companions, may Allah be pleased with them: "The best among you are those who are the best to their wives." This shows that Islam highly encourages treating the wives well. They should be shown love, respect and care. To foster the love and security that comes with marriage, Muslim wives have various rights. The first of the wife's rights is to receive dowry, a gift from the husband, which is part of the marriage contract and required for the legality of the marriage. 

The second right of a wife is maintenance. Despite any wealth she may have, her husband is obligated to provide her with food, shelter and clothing. He is not forced, however, to spend beyond his capability and his wife is not entitled to make unreasonable demands.

Concerning motherhood, the Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, said: "Heaven lies under the feet of mothers." This implies that the success of a society can be traced to the mothers who raised it. The first and greatest influence on a person comes from the sense of security, affection and training received from the mother. Therefore, a woman having children must be educated and conscientious in order to be a skillful parent. 

A man came to the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, and asked: "Who among my kinfolk is worthy of my good companionship?" The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) replied: "Your mother" three times before saying: "Your father." This indicates the impact that a mother has in a person's life. So women are highly honored in this great religion.

Islam is a religion that treats women fairly. The Muslim woman was given a role, duties and rights 1400 years ago that most women do not enjoy even today in the West. These rights are from God and are designed to maintain a balance in society; what may seem “unjust” or “missing” in one place is compensated for or explained in another place.