Dear Raquel,

Thank you for your question.

Answering your question, Dr. Mohsen Haredy, PhD in Islamic Studies and Former Executive Manager and Editor-in-Chief of E-Da`wah Committee in Kuwait, states:

Muslims believe that Jesus (peace be upon him) is one of the prophets sent by God (Allah) to guide people to the worship of the One True God.

Muslims believe that Allah revealed a book to Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) and they believe that the name of that book is Al-Injeel (The Gospel). This is a basic principle in Islam.

We read in the Quran:

{The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in God and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], “We make no distinction between any of His messengers.” And they say, “We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination.”} (Quran 2:285)

When Angel Gabriel asked Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) about the meaning of faith, the Prophet said:

Faith means to believe in Allah [God], His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in His divine will and decree, both good and bad. (Al-Bukhari- emphasis added)

Muslims believe that Jesus never claimed divinity. Jesus never claimed that he is God or even the son of God. Jesus preached the same message that all previous prophets preached; i.e. to worship God alone.

We read in the Quran:

{[…] the Messiah has said, “O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.” Indeed, he who associates others with Allah – Allah has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are not for the wrongdoers any helpers.”} (Quran 5:72)

And:

{[Jesus said] I said not to them except what You commanded me – to worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. And I was a witness over them as long as I was among them; but when You took me up, You were the Observer over them, and You are, over all things, Witness.} (Quran 5:117)

With regard to the authenticity of the history of Jesus, Muslims believe that the Christians themselves believe that the books that they have were not revealed in that form from God, nor do they claim that the Messiah wrote the Gospel we find today or that it was written during his lifetime.

Imam Ibn Taymiyyah said:

"With regard to the Gospels that the Christians have, there are four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. They are agreed that Luke and Mark did not see the Messiah; rather he was seen by Matthew and John. These four accounts which they call the Gospel, and they call each one of them a Gospel, were written by these men after the Messiah had been taken up into heaven. They did not say that they are the word of God or that the Messiah conveyed them from God, rather they narrated some of the words of the Messiah and some of his deeds and miracles." (Al-Jawab al-Saheeh 3/21)

Ibn Hazm said: 

"With regard to the Christians, there is no dispute among them or anyone else that only one hundred and twenty men believed in the Messiah during his lifetime… and all of those who believed in him concealed themselves and were afraid during his lifetime and afterwards they called people to his religion in secret and none of them disclosed himself or practised his religion openly, because any of them who was caught was executed. 

They continued in this manner, not showing themselves at all, and they had no place where they were safe for three hundred years after the Messiah was taken up into heaven. 

During this time, the Gospel that had been revealed from Allah disappeared, apart from a few verses which Allah preserved as proof against them and as a rebuke to them. Then when the Emperor Constantine became a Christian, the Christians prevailed and started to practise their religion openly and assemble in safety. 

If a religion is like this, with its followers practicing it in secret and living in constant fear of the sword, it is impossible for things to be transmitted soundly via a continuous chain of narrators and its followers cannot protect it or prevent it from being distorted." (Al-Fasl 2/4-5)  

Muslims also believe that these books did not remain in the languages in which they were originally written; rather they were translated, more than once, by people whose level of knowledge and honesty is unknown.

The contradictions in these books and their shortcomings are among the strongest evidence that they have been distorted and that they are not the Gospel (Injeel) that Allah revealed to His slave and Messenger Jesus (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

Let me raise the following questions:

Could the writers of the Bible, namely- Mark, Luke, Mathew, John, and Paul be pen names?

What are their family names? When did they write the Bible? Did they know Jesus? Did they walk with Jesus? Did they eat with Jesus? Did they talk to Jesus? Who did invent the word “trinity”?

They wrote the Bible, and they often say, “according to”. When you write a letter, do you say, “according to”?

According to means there is a third party. Where in the world would a document with one name attributed to it, with four different writers who did not meet the man they are writing about, be accepted as sound and authentic?

Yet, in their words, the first mentioning of the trinity came from them. The first mentioning of Jesus being divine or a man-God came from them. The first mentioning of Jesus being the son of God came from them. Jesus never said in his own words any such thing.

Some Bible scholars and some Church fathers agree that Mark, Luke, Mathew, John, and Paul never met Jesus and they were not his disciples. They were not even followers of the disciples. They were just writers and historians.

This is what Muslims believe about the records of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him).

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Source: This answer first appeared on www.aboutislam.net.

We hope this answers your questions.

Keep in touch.

About the author:

Dr. Mohsen Haredy holds a PhD in Hadith literature from Leiden University, the Netherlands. He is the former Executive Manager and Editor-in-Chief of E-Da`wah Committee in Kuwait. He graduated from Al-Azhar University and earned his MA in Hadith literature from Leiden University.

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Wa alaikum assalamu wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh

Dear questioner, thank you very much for your very important question that reflects your deep concern about teaching your children the commands of Islam and implanting in them the Islamic faith and practice.

With regard to your question, Dr. Hatem Al-Hajj, a PhD holder in Comparative Fiqh, mentions the following basics for Islamic upbringing:

A) The relation with Allah

The most central and pivotal fundamental is the relation with Allah. In other words, our aim is to develop the personalities of our children to the end that they will be conscious of their responsibility to Allah.

Al-Munawi (a famous Muslim scholar) said, in Fayd Al-Qadeer (2/140): “He who reaches [i.e. the pleasure of Allah] has gained everything and he who misses his besought Lord (Allah) has missed everything.”

The essence and goal of all the messages is to make the human conform to the divine, which is the natural course and only one that will grant us humans success and happiness in both lives.

B) Treating the human being as a whole (body and soul)

Allah said:

[So mention] when your Lord said to the angels, "Indeed, I am going to create a human being from clay. So when I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My [created] soul, then fall down to him in prostration." (Saad 38:71)

This makes Islam works on the refinement without suppression of the genuine human inclinations and directing them for the wellbeing of the individual and the society.

The examples of this concept in the Islamic teachings are many, including how Islam addressed our desires of food and sex. With regard to sex, for instance, you find that Islam didn’t consider it filthy or disgraceful as long as it is done in wholesome way that will protect the honor and rights of both parties, and – equally important- the rights of the fruits of these relations, the children. So when that issue is addressed with the child at the appropriate time, the parent will make sure s/he will respect that this desire is part of the making of their child and make the child feel normal and wholesome having it, but exhort him to exercise it in a way that is wholesome and conducive to the wellbeing of themselves, their partners, children and the society at large.

This concept should make us more balanced in our raising of the kids, not ignoring their need of food, clothes, shelter and the different means of decent living – which may vary in different cultures and places – at the same time we realize that we are not raising cattle, and that our kids need emotional and spiritual sustenance as much as they need the physical one.

Also, we will try to teach them about their religion, without ignoring the importance of math and science and the other fields of beneficial knowledge, which will help them earn a living and function in life in a way that will help them and their ummah.

C) Moderation

Narrated by Anas ibn Malik: “A group of three men came to the houses of the wives of the Prophet asking how the Prophet worshipped (Allah), and when they were informed about that, they considered their worship insufficient and said, ‘where are we from the Prophet as his past and future sins have been forgiven.’ Then one of them said, ‘I will offer the prayer throughout the night forever.’ the other said, ‘I will fast throughout the year and will not break my fast.’ the third said, ‘I will keep away from the women and will not marry forever.’ Allah’s Apostle came to them and said, ‘Are you the same people who said so-and-so? By Allah, I am more submissive to Allah and more afraid of him than you; yet I fast and break my fast, I do sleep and I also marry women. So he who does not follow my tradition in religion is not from me [not one of my followers].” (Al-Bukhari)

Islam doesn’t only teach us moderation in actions or worship, but even in feelings that some may think are beyond our control. The Messenger of Allah said: “Love those you love with moderation, for they may be your foes one day. And hate those you hate with moderation for they may become your beloved one day.” (Ahmad)

In other words, moderation is the way of Islam in all things and one of the most important concepts and pillars of upbringing in Islam.

D) Knowing and respecting the capabilities of man and striking a perfect balance between the potential and goal

Allah said:

Does He who created not know, while He is the Subtle, the Acquainted? (Al-Mulk 67:14)

You need to learn about your child’s capabilities (strengths and weaknesses) because each individual has his own fingerprint and personal print and map. You need to learn the map of your child’s mind and the keys to all the doors.

Some people do a lot of good deeds but at the same time do a lot of bad ones, they have the power of doing great actions but lack the power of abstinence from bad ones. Some people can fast every other day but do not give a lot of sadaqah. So Allah gave us a variety of worships and made 8 doors for the heavens. The Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) were not all scholars or great commanders, yet they all used their potential to the maximum in the work of righteousness and in the service of their religion.

Your son may excel in math and not in social studies, so enhance his math and help him with social studies without undue pressure on him to excel in this subject as he does in the other. Also if he is truthful but selfish, commend him for his truthfulness and try to enhance it by showing him that the truthful one will eventually win. And work with patience on his selfishness while knowing that he may not wind up being a very generous person but at least he should pay his Zakah.

The balance of the child’s potential and the parents’ objectives is quiet essential for good parenting.

E) Habits, characters, personal inclinations and traits all can be changed

Many people think that personalities and personal traits are set in stone and can never be changed such as nervousness and miserliness. However, Islam believes that all these are changeable not only that, Islam makes it mandatory on the person to change himself which indicates that change is possible. Allah said:

Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope. (Al-Baqarah 2:286)

And since Allah made obligatory on us to control our anger then it is understood that this is within our capacity.

Also the Prophet said: ”Becoming knowledgeable is but by seeking knowledge and, becoming patient and wise is by training oneself to be so and, he who seeks good will be given it and he who seeks bad will be given it.”

So, when Allah commands us to control our anger no one can say ‘I can’t because I am a nervous person’. You should emphasize this concept to your child and don’t give up on him and continue to work with him on his “disappointing” personal traits to get the best out of him/her.

Please, keep in touch.

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Source: Taken with modifications from Amjaonline.org

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Dear Charles,

Thank you for your interesting question and your keenness to know about Islam.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) disclosed that God rewards according to the intention of each individual. The non-believer expects to be rewarded for his deeds in the present life because he denies or doubts the existence of another life after his death.

Thus, he is keen that people should recognize what he does; when he is praised and his deed publicized, he is pleased, for this is the reward he sought. He might also obtain a sum of money in payment for it or a prize. This is the compensation he likes most, and God grants it to him. But he is not given additional reward in the Hereafter simply because he neither desired it nor worked for it.

The believer, on the other hand, is not duly concerned with compensation in this life because he is striving for the greater eternal reward of the Hereafter. He does so by worshipping God as He stipulated and by working patiently, honestly and correctly to the best of his ability, even when no person appreciates his efforts. Because his deeds are done seeking God's acceptance, they are appreciated by Him and rewarded.

Islam teaches that there are two conditions for God's approval and reward of any deed: 1) that it is done explicitly for His acceptance and approval and 2) that it is consistent with the methods ordained by Him. In other words, a person must work for God according to the terms He has specified and not according to his own preferences or those of other people. In order to know exactly what God expects of His servants, it is necessary to refer to the legislation revealed by Him in its final form through Muhammad, the final Prophet (peace be upon him).

Related Answers:

Is There Life after Death?

What is a Muslim?

Do Muslims Worship God or Allah?

Is Islam a Universal Message?

Why Only One God?

Why Were We Created?

We hope this answers your question.

_____________ 

Source: This answer is based on the book of Clear Your Doubts about Islam by Sahih International.

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Salam dear questioner, 

Thank you for your question.

Answering your question, we would like to quote the following:

Islam’s code of modesty extends to all aspects of one’s life, including attire. b, the head-covering worn by Muslim women, is an outer manifestation of an inner commitment to worship God. But why actually do Muslim women wear the hijab?

This brochure explores the different dimensions hijab brings to the lives of women and the responsibility men and women share in upholding modesty in society. Along the way, it debunks common stereotypes and celebrates the voices of women who practice hijab with pride!

One of the questions often asked by people is, “Why do Muslim women cover their heads?” The answer lies in understanding the essence of one’s existence as explained in Islam.

Hijab: Act of Worship

Muslims believe that their true purpose in life is to worship God according to His instructions, as revealed in the Qur’an and through the teachings of Muhammad(peace be upon him), the final prophet of Islam.

Worship in Islam is a holistic concept which encourages God-consciousness in every facet of daily life, from charity and neighborliness to prayer and honest dealings in business. Modest clothing is an integral aspect of worship in Islam as well.

In the Qur’an, God says,

And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms… (An-Nur 24:31)

When God revealed this verse, the female companions of the Prophet Muhammad promptly adopted these guidelines. In a similar spirit of obedience, Muslim women have maintained modest covering (hijab) ever since.

Hence, the primary motivation for covering/wearing the hijab is to obey God.

A Personal Journey

Wearing hijab is a personal and independent decision that comes from a sincere yearning to please God while appreciating the wisdom underlying His command. Many people mistakenly believe that women are forced to cover their heads/wear the hijab. This concept is not based on Islamic teachings as God says in the Qur’an, “Let there be no compulsion in religion” (Al-Baqarah 2:256).

Likewise, Prophet Muhammad never forced religion upon anyone. If a woman is being forced to cover, it is contrary to this clear Islamic principle and might be due to cultural or social pressure. According to Islam, a woman willfully chooses to commit to this act of worship.

Days of contemplation, an inevitable fear of consequences as well as reactions and, ultimately, plenty of courage weigh heavily in making the leap.

Katherine Bullock, a Canadian convert to Islam, stated, “For me, the lead up to the decision to wear hijab was more difficult than actually wearing it. I found that, praise be to God, although I did receive negative comments from people, I appreciated the feeling of modesty that wearing the hijab gave me.”

Further, many people make the error of thinking that the hijab is a definitive statement of a woman’s religiosity, as if it is a clear indicator of her spiritual commitment. While veiling is a reflection of one’s beliefs, the hijab simultaneously becomes a tangible reminder to the woman herself: to embody the modesty and dignity it represents and to carry one’s self in a way that pleases God. In that sense, the hijab symbolizes a journey of devotion rather than the end-result of piety.

“After I started wearing hijab,” continued Bullock, “I noticed that people would often behave more cautiously with me, like apologizing if they swore. I appreciated that. I feel that wearing hijab has given me an insight into a decent and upright lifestyle.”

Saba Baig, an American woman converted to Islam, stated, “Before I started wearing hijab my self-perception was rooted in other people’s perceptions of me. I dressed to elicit compliments, keep up with the latest trend, wearing the most desired brand name – which had very little to do with me, and more importantly, what God thought of me.

Before hijab I was in bondage to the surrounding society. After hijab, I became attached to God. With that connection to God came an enormous amount of freedom. Confidence and self-respect were just some of the benefits.”

Ambassadors of Faith

Generalizations and stereotypes about Islam and Muslims are rampant in today’s society and, by extension, in the minds of many people whose worldview is shaped by the media. Muslim women in hijab are frequently stigmatized; they are regarded on the one hand as oppressed and, on the other, as religious fanatics. Due to such misconceptions, unfortunately, the larger society fails to acknowledge and appreciate Muslim women’s courage in standing up to societal norms in their determination to preserve their modesty.

Hijab clearly identifies women as followers of Islam, which can have its disadvantages in a land where misinformation about the faith and its adherents abounds. For instance, some Muslim women are discriminated against in the workplace while others are emotionally abused through insensitive remarks. Yet, drawing on inner strength and resolve, Muslim women take these incidents in stride. Their love for God and commitment to modesty empower them in the face of challenges.

Indeed, Muslim women identify themselves with Mary who is commemorated for her piety and modesty. Aminah Assilmi, who converted to Islam in 1977, was once asked about going out in public without her hijab and she responded, “I cannot help but wonder if they would have ordered Mary, the mother of Jesus, to uncover her hair.”

“By focusing on what God wants from me, and thinks of me, I am no longer a prisoner of other people’s desires,” declared Baig. “Knowing that I am doing what God, my Creator, has ordained for me gives me a contentment and happiness like no other.”

Despite all the odds, Muslim women in hijab have managed to carve a niche for themselves while upholding their Islamic identities. They actively participate in their surroundings, be it as homemakers or professionals, on the sports field or in the artistic arena, in public service or in charitable activities. Conspicuous in their head-coverings, these women have become ambassadors of the Islamic faith.

Cover…Mutual Modesty

More than a dress code, the hijab encompasses modest behaviors, manners and speech. The inner humility as exhibited through etiquettes and morals completes the significance of the physical veil. However, contrary to popular belief, these characteristics are not limited to women alone.

God also commands men to maintain their modesty in the Qur’an:

Tell believing men to lower their glances and guard their private parts: that is purer for them. God is well aware of everything they do. (An-Nur 24:30)

In Islam, the responsibility falls on each gender to protect their own modesty and to control their own desires. Whether a woman dresses modestly or not, it is the obligation of each man to guard his own chastity.

While many people may think that hijab is worn primarily to restrain men’s illicit desires, this is another misconception. Indeed, it is not women’s duty to regulate the behavior of men. Men are accountable for their own conduct; they are equally required to be modest and to handle themselves responsibly in every sphere of their lives.

In reality, Muslim women cover/wear the hijab to seek the pleasure of God and to uphold Islam’s code of modesty. The majority of women who cover consider it a constant reminder that they do not adorn their bodies for men:

“Hijab forces someone to look past the external and focus on the internal. How many women do we know that feel they have to sexualize themselves to gain attention; why don’t we see as many men wearing short bottoms and tighter tops? Because we have always given men a pass on their looks, demanding from them success and intellect instead,” reflected Baig.

“Women however, are valued for their looks, their beauty. We have entire industries built upon making a woman feel that she isn’t pretty enough, or thin enough,” she added. “Hijab, on the other hand, takes one beyond the superficial. It elevates her in society by desexualizing her, and individuating her instead.”

Islam is a religion of moderation and balance; it does not expect women alone to uphold society’s morality and dignity.

Rather, Islam asks men and women to strive mutually to create a healthy social environment of practical values and morality. In short, the concept of modesty in Islam is holistic, and applies to both men and women. The ultimate goal is to please God and to maintain a wholesome and stable society:

…In God’s eyes, the most honored of you are the ones most mindful of Him: God is all knowing, all aware. (Al-Hujurat 49:13)

Islam clearly establishes that men and women are equal in front of God. At the same time, it does recognize that they are not identical. God created men and women with unique physiological and psychological attributes. In Islam, these differences are embraced as vital components to a healthy family and community structure with each individual contributing their own distinctive talents to society.

Hence, God’s rules apply to both genders, but in diverse ways. For example, men are also required to cover parts of their body out of modesty, but not in the same way as women. Similarly, men are prohibited from wearing silk clothing and gold ornaments whereas women have no such restrictions. Therefore, God has ordained different commands for men and women while encouraging both to be modest.

As more and more Muslim women embrace hijab, they renew their commitment to God through their appearance as they continue their lifelong spiritual journey. Unfortunately, such women often seem mysterious to those not acquainted with the religious significance of hijab.

Understanding the beliefs and lifestyle choices of Muslims, and the emphasis Islam places on modesty, eliminates the stereotypes associated with hijab. People of many different faiths and beliefs make up this patchwork world of ours. Muslims are an integral part of this diversity. It’s time we overcome our fears and bridge our distances. So, the next time you see a Muslim, stop and chat with them – and decide for yourself!

_________________________

Source: new-muslims.info

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Dear Kami,

Thank you for your important question.

One of the fundamentals of Islamic creed is the Day of Judgment. All humans who have lived on earth will be held accountable and answerable on that day for their beliefs and willful actions. Allah Almighty says in the Quran,

On the Day when every soul will be confronted with all the good it has done and all the evil it has done, it will wish there were a great distance between it and its evil. But Allah cautions you (to remember) Himself. And Allah is full of kindness to those that serve Him. (Quran 3:30)

Verily, to Us will be their return, then verily, for Us will be their Reckoning. (Quran 88:25–26)

The above verses show that Allah Almighty will hold us accountable for all our doings, and only He can be the true judge of our deeds because Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Deeds are but by intentions and every person shall have what he intended. Thus, whose migration was for the sake of Allah and His Messenger, then his migration was for Allah and His Messenger. And whose migration was for the sake of some worldly benefit or marrying some woman, then his migration was for what he migrated. (Al-Bukhari)

This means that a fair and true judgment of our actions is possible only when the motives behind the actions as well as the circumstances impelling a person to undertake those actions are correctly and fully evaluated. No human can really judge others’ motives and correctly evaluate their compulsions. Only Allah the All-Knowing can do that. Note the following verse of the Qur’an:

Whoever chooses to follow the right path, follows it but for his own good; and whoever goes astray, goes but astray to his own loss; and no bearer of burdens shall be made to bear another’s burden. (Quran17:15)

This verse tells us that in the Final Judgment (1) we are accountable for our actions, and (2) no injustice will be done to anyone.

The Qur’an makes it perfectly clear that all humans will be questioned about their actions on the Day of Judgment. And in this matter even prophets are not spared:

Then surely, We shall question those (people) to whom It (the book) was sent and, verily, We shall question the messengers. (Al-A`raf 7:6-7)

There are Prophetic sayings that teach us that the righteous servants of Allah will have a smooth passage through the questioning and will be able to enter Paradise with ease; whereas the hypocrites and hardened sinners will have a hard time before they are sentenced to Hell.

The Prophet said, “The first thing people will be accountable for on the Day of Judgment is Prayer. Allah will say to His angels (even though He already knows), “Look at My servants’ Prayers. Were they complete or not?” If they are complete, they will be written as complete. If they are not complete, Allah will say, “See if My servant has Voluntary Prayers.” If he has them, Allah will say, “Complete his Obligatory Prayer shortage with his Voluntary Prayers.” Then the rest of his deeds will be dealt with in the same manner” (Ahmad, Abu Dawud, and An-Nasa’i)

Prophet Muhammad has also warned us about five things we will have to answer for: “The son of Adam will not pass away from Allah until he is asked about five things: How he lived his life, how he utilized his youth, what means he earned his wealth with, how he spent his wealth, and what he did with his knowledge. (At-Tirmidhi)

So, all the blessings and delights we have been enjoying in this world, such as our health, wealth, food, and drink, as well as other comforts of life, will be subject to the Last Day’s questioning.

Prophet Muhammad described the manner of questioning on the Day of Judgment thus: “Allah will talk to everyone directly, without a translator. The person will look to his right, and will not see anything but his deeds. Then the person, will look to his front and will see nothing but the Hellfire facing him. So protect yourself from Hellfire even with the charity of half a date.” (Al-Bukhari)

The Prophet also said, “Allah will meet a person and ask him, “O person, wasn’t I generous to you? And didn’t I give you a spouse and make the horses and camels at your disposal?” The servant will reply, “Yes!” Allah will then ask, “Did you think that you will meet Me?” He will reply, “No!” Allah will say, “I will forget you as you forgot Me.”

Then Allah Almighty will meet another person and his reply will be the same as the first person’s. Then again He will meet a third person and will ask similar questions, and the person’s reply will be, “O Lord, I believed in You, in Your books, and in Your messengers. I prayed, I fasted, and I gave charity.” And he will praise Allah as much as he can. Allah will say, “Hold on to your words, now We will bring the witnesses.” The person will ask himself, “Who will testify against me?” Then that person’s mouth will be sealed, and his thighs, flesh, and bones will be asked to speak. They will speak about his bad deeds. He will know that he has no excuse. That is the hypocrite with whom Allah the Exalted will be furious. (Muslim)

The foregoing discussion should be sufficient motivation for us to lead a good life in this world and to be prepared for accountability in the hereafter so that we are not among the losers on the Day of Reckoning.

I hope this answers your questions. Please keep in touch.

_____________________

Source: Taken with modifications from the archive of Islamonline.net

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