Questions about Islam

[Illume]

I just have a few questions about the Islamic faith, I posted my first few questions on a previous thread, but one of my fellow members suggested creating a new thread so, here it is.

My first new question is what exactly is the difference between the two main factions of Islam Shi'a and Sunni (excuse my spelling please).

Secondly, I have heard that there are liberal Muslims and I was just wondering what are the differences between liberals and conservatives in terms of pracitces and beliefs.

Please don't post if you aren't going to answer my questions . I honestly want to learn about Islam. I apologize in advance for my christian bretheren which I am positive are going to post on this thread and bash Islam.

 

[Nemesis420]

Islam Shi'a and Sunni, well i guse they created to distory Isam. I am from a Sunni family but i dont belive in these kind of stuff as it says in Quran that any one who trys to break the relgion of Islam will go to hell, they have nothing to do with Islam. It says we should be united.

The Shia Muslims believe that following the Prophet Muhammad's death, leadership should have passed directly to his cousin/son-in-law, Ali.

Sunni belive that leadership should have stayed within the Prophet's own family.

It does say that there will be 73 different sects and only 1 will go to heaven. The one which follow the Quran and prohet(PBUM) teaching.

 

[PurelyIslam]

Hi Illume..

The Sunni and Shiite difference started off as a political difference between a group of muslims upon the formation of an islamic nation a few decades after the death of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. At the time of the prophet peace be upon him all Muslims were on what is called today the sunni sect, the shiite minority which according to the World Almanac and Book of Facts is not more than 10 percent of Muslims differed with the majority of the Muslims on the system of "Imamah"/Leadership.

The Shiite faith belief of "Imamah" implies that after the Prophet peace be upon him, there shall be no other prophet, but the only true leader of the Muslims, at any given time, is an "Imam" who, like the prophets of God, is directly appointed by God. The appointment of the first "Imam"/Leader was made by God through the last Prophet (pbuh), while every subsequent "Imam" is appointed through the "Imam", who precedes him. Another qualification of the "Imam", according to the Shiite belief is that he shall belong to the family of the last Prophet peace be upon him. The Shiite belief holds that the "Imams", like the prophets of God, are "ma`soom" (sinless, innocent) and, therefore, should be obeyed in all matters and under all circumstances. The "Imams", according to the Shiite faith, are thus not just the political leaders of the Muslims but also their religious leaders and clergy. The Sunni school, on the other hand, does not ascribe to any such belief. In Islam there is no priesthood, no priestly mediation between God and the believer, no ordination , no sacraments, no rituals, that only an ordained clergy can perform.



The Sunni school, because of its lack of belief in the institution of "Imamah" holds the last Prophet of God and the book revealed on him as the two primary sources of Islam, while the Shiite school, because of the importance and position it gives to the "Imams" holds them to be an autonomous source of their religion. Anything that an "Imam" says, anything that he does and anything that he narrates is "religion" for the Shiite school. Differing with an "Imam" in any matter is of about the same consequence as differing with a prophet. Not submitting to the directions of an "Imam" is as grave a sin as refusing to submit to the directions of a prophet of God, this is something that the Sunnis absolutely reject.

But inspite of this difference Shiites and Sunnis do maintain many of the same Muslim practices such as fasting, praying five times a day, and making a “haj” to the holy land, Mecca. And those are the basic pillars of Islam...and in a blessed sayings for Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him he defines the minimum requirements a person must do to be a Muslim and to be saved...

The Prophet peace be upon him said, "O Mu'adh! Do you know what Allah's Right upon His slaves is?" I said, "Allah and His Apostle know best." The Prophet said, "To worship Him (Allah) Alone and to join none in worship with Him (Allah). Do you know what their right upon Him is?" I replied, "Allah and His Apostle know best." The Prophet said, "Not to punish them (if they do so)."



Take Care...

Purely..

 

[Illume]

Thank you very much Purely Islam and Nemesis you were very helpful.

I have a few more questions.
1)How do Muslims view Jesus?
2)What kind of a role do women play in Islam.
3)How long is the Qu'ran?

 

[Nemesis420]

We view Jesus as one of the greatest messenger of God. We blieve he was a messenger like all other before him.
Women
Women's rights in Islam could not be judged by individual actions.
Both man and woman were equal in Islam, and were rewarded according to their deeds.
Islam conferred woman the right to own and disown property without husband's consent about 1500 years ago. Whereas the West recognised it in 1817 only. No text in Qur'an or Hadith prohibited woman from working. No one can force her to undertake any job.
There are more.
But i just want to say Isam is growing very fast and 60% who accpect are women.

 

[Gallego]

Women
Both man and woman were equal in Islam, and were rewarded according to their deeds.

Not equal, as when parents die, they will not heredit as much as men

And what about the suphies?

 

[Nemesis420]

thats true aswell, but let me make this point that men and women are not identical, like women can give birth men cant. So they can not be equal in all rights, but Islam give alot of women rights.

What is suphies, i dont know what that means?

 

[Gallego]

What is suphies, i dont know what that means?

The mystics in islams. Sufism?

I don't know how it is correctly written in english.

In spanish their name is "sufíes", and "sufismo" is the name for their vision of the islam.

 

[PurelyIslam]

Thanks for those questions Illume..

As for how do Muslims view Jesus? Nemesis have summed it up quite well. I’d just like to add that Muslims love and revere Jesus peace be upon him, and the Quran speaks very highly of him and His pure mother…Those are some verses in the Quran which speak about Prophet Jesus peace be upon him and which could you a clear picture of how Muslims view Jesus peace be upon him..:

The Quran says in reference to the status of Jesus as a Messenger.."The Messiah (Jesus), son of Mary, was no more than a Messenger before whom many Messengers have passed away; and his mother adhered wholly to truthfulness, and they both ate food (as other mortals do). See how We make Our signs clear to them; and see where they are turning away!" (Quran 5:75).

Like Christians, Muslims believe Mary, Maria in Spanish, or Maryam as she is called in Arabic, was a chaste, virgin woman, who miraculously gave birth to Jesus..."Relate in the Book the story of Mary, when she withdrew from her family, to a place in the East. She screened herself from them; then We sent to her Our spirit (angel Gabriel) and he appeared before her as a man in all respects. She said: I seek refuge from you in God Most Gracious (come not near) if you do fear God. He said: Nay, I am only a Messenger from your Lord, to announce to you the gift of a pure son. She said: How shall I have a son, when no man has ever touched me, and I am not unchaste? He said: So it will be, your Lord says: ‘That is easy for Me; and We wish to appoint him as a sign unto men and a Mercy from Us': It was a matter so decreed" (Quran 19:16-21).

The Quran also says..."She (Mary) said: ‘O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me.' He (God) said: ‘So (it will be) for God creates what He wills. When He has decreed something, He says to it only: ‘Be!'- and it is" (3:47).

We Muslims aslo believe Jesus spoke in the cradle.."Then she (Mary) pointed to him. They said: ‘How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?' He (Jesus) said: ‘Verily! I am a slave of God, He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet; " (19:29-30).

Muslims, like Christians believe Jesus performed miracles. But these were performed by the will and permission of God, Who has power and control over all things..."Then will God say: ‘O Jesus the son of Mary! recount My favor to you and to your mother. Behold! I strengthened you with the Holy Spirit (the angel Gabriel) so that you did speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. Behold! I taught you the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel. And behold: you make out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My leave, and you breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by My leave, and you heal those born blind, and the lepers by My leave. And behold! you bring forth the dead by My leave. And behold! I did restrain the children of Israel from (violence to you) when you did show them the Clear Signs, and the unbelievers among them said: ‘This is nothing but evident magic' (5:110).

Muslims belief regarding Jesus being the son of God.. "Say: "God is Unique! God, the Source [of everything]. He has not fathered anyone nor was He fathered, and there is nothing comparable to Him!" (Quran 112:1-4).

The Quran also states.."Such was Jesus, the son of Mary; it is a statement of truth, about which they vainly dispute. It is not befitting to the majesty of God, that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! When He determines a matter, He only says to it, ‘Be' and it is" (Quran 19:34-35).

 

[PurelyIslam]

As for the length of the Quran..

The Quran is longer than the Old Testament and smaller than the NT…Its made of 30 parts which constitute 114 chapters which in Arabic are called Sura(s)…Its words in the Arabic language in which it was revealed are exactly 6,666 words…
This is a link of 100 one line answer questions about the Quran which are very interesting if you may want to check them out… http://www.angelfire.com/il2/islamicpage/100questions

Take Care...

Purely

 

[Illume]

Thank you very much for the replies. I think those are all the questions I have so far but I may have a few more later. You are very helpful and polite Purely Islam, I would rep and bless you, but I am new to the forums and have none to give. All I can do is ask that God richly bless you.

 

[new_manII]

hello everyone
I have a question

The Quran says in reference to the status of Jesus as a Messenger.."The Messiah (Jesus), son of Mary, was no more than a Messenger before whom many Messengers have passed away; and his mother adhered wholly to truthfulness, and they both ate food (as other mortals do). See how We make Our signs clear to them; and see where they are turning away!" (Quran 5:75).

The Messiah (Jesus), son of Mary, was no more than a Messenger
is that true? no more than a Messenger?
nmII

 

[Nemesis420]

YEs

 

[PurelyIslam]

Hi Gallego..

Sufism is quite a complicated sect and it needs a thorough reading to fully understand how it started why and where its right and where its wrong…

In general the main thing about sufism is that is a form of practicing an ascetic way of life. Some People in early Islam practiced Sufism as a means of rescuing themselves from the throes of materialism…

Now this type of life although is recognized in Islam like any other religion but extreme measures taken in that direction is not from of our beloved Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him’s Sunnah (traditions)…Islam is a moderate religion…It’s the religion of ease and mercy and this is what the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) made very clear to one of his Companions, `Abdullah ibn `Amr ibn Al-`Aaas, who took to extremes in worshipping Allah, to the extent that he gave up eating, sleeping and even his conjugal right. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) warned him against that saying: “...Your eyes have a right on you, and your body and your family (i.e. wife) have a right on you. Give everyone his due right.”

For a detailed reading of Islam & Sufism I strongly recommend u check out this fatwa:

http://www.islamonline.net/fatwa/english/FatwaDisplay.asp?hFatwaID=79051


Take Care..

Purely…

 

[PurelyIslam]

Thank you Illume for your kind note...
Thats by far the kindest post I received since I started writing in those forums.. .May God Bless you & reward you greatly...
I'll be looking forward for any more questions that u may have....Stay well...& keep writing...

 

[Gallego]

where its right and where its wrong

Nobody has the absolute truth about God.
And no group has the totally right interpretation of the Q'ran. Just because they are interpretations, so good or bad as others.

 

[Nemesis420]

The only way we can tell which is right is reading the bible, Quran and other holt books to tell whihch is right and which is wrong

 

[Gallego]

reading the Quran

Yes, but it is no so easy.

Beacuse they are written in a complicated language.

Because they are supposed to be some times literal and other times alegorical. So, what option must be chosen?

 

[wake up call]

Yes, but it is no so easy.

Beacuse they are written in a complicated language.

Because they are supposed to be some times literal and other times alegorical. So, what option must be chosen?

not only that, the Quran claims to have been revealed to "make things clear"
or to" clarify vague things"
yet, a whole lot of its words are "unclear' to most authentic commentators, which makes the Quranic claim a false one.

the Quran should have said it was revealed to " make things vague"

a quick example: Allah orders the believers to chop off what?

إِذْ يُوحِي رَبُّكَ إِلَى الْمَلائِكَةِ أَنِّي مَعَكُمْ فَثَبِّتُوا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا سَأُلْقِي فِي قُلُوبِ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا الرُّعْبَ فَاضْرِبُوا فَوْقَ الْأَعْنَاقِ وَاضْرِبُوا مِنْهُمْ كُلَّ بَنَانٍ (12)
8:12
When thy Lord revealed to the angels, saying, `I am with you; so make firm those who believe. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Smite them above their necks, and smite off all finger-tips.'

now we know how Mr.Paul Johnson was beheaded as Allah gave a description to the faithful

but the faithful don't know yet, what the word "banan" in Arabic means, it was translated here as "finger-tips"
but others say: arms, and others say limbs...and so on
I don't know wheather Allah wanted the believers to cuhop off fingers ,limbs, or other organs of the infidels:

let's see what Ibn Kathir have to say:
وقال ابن جرير: معناه واضربوا من عدوكم أيها المؤمنون كل طرف ومفصل من أطراف أيديهم وأرجلهم،
وقال ابن عباس {واضربوا منهم كل بنان} يعني بالبنان الأطراف (وكذا قال الضحاك وابن جرير والسد&#1610، وقال السدي: البنان الأطراف، ويقال كل مفصل، وقال الأوزاعي: اضرب منه الوجه والعين،

Ibn Jarir commented that this Ayah commands, "O believers! Strike every limb and joint on the hands and feet of your (disbelieving) enemies.and Ibn `Abbas said Banan means the limbs , and Al Suda said it means limbs, and others says joints , and Al Awza'y siad smite his face and eyes

others also said; the word ("Fawq" = above) is un-necessary زائدة as they will smite the necks anyway
and I wonder why Allah 'revealed" it since it was un-necessary according to them !!!

 

[Nemesis420]

This chapter is called AL-ANFAL (SPOILS OF WAR, BOOTY)

15. O ye who believe! when ye meet the Unbelievers in hostile array, never turn your backs to them.

16. If any do turn his back to them on such a day - unless it be in a stratagem of war, or to retreat to a troop (of his own)- he draws on himself the wrath of Allah, and his abode is Hell,- an evil refuge (indeed)!

Talking about the War. Talking about cut them up in a war

30. Remember how the Unbelievers plotted against thee, to keep thee in bonds, or slay thee, or get thee out (of thy home). They plot and plan, and Allah too plans; but the best of planners is Allah.

Even in the bible there is killing, does not prove anything does it?