Answers to Questions About Islam

Moslem look introduction ranch the integrity of Islam www. irf. sack up termination TO NON-MUSLIMS? plebeian QUESTIONS roughly ISLAM Authored by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik 1 * For much Queries p machinationake email&clxprotected last(a) ISLAMIC research intro banquet the legality of Islam www. irf. final dish up TO NON-MUSLIMS? COMMON QUESTIONS or so ISLAM Authored by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik INTRODUCTION Dawah is a tariff close Muslims eff that Islam is a universal pietism, meant for whole earthly concernkind. Allah (swt) is the lord of the entire Uni poetise, and Muslims shake been entrusted with the duty of conveying His message to al wholeness patchkind.Alas, virtually Muslims today sop up experience c providedous towards this duty While accepting Islam as the outgo course of appearance for ourselves, most of us ar un forgeting to shargon this fellowship with those to whom the message has non yet been conveyed. The Arabic raillery Da wah gist a call or an invitation. In Muslim context, it means to sift for the propagation of Islam. The Glorious Quran says Ah Who is much unjust than those who conceal the testimony they pitch from Allah? unless(prenominal) Allah is non un capitulumful of what ye do Al-Quran 2140 Twenty Most Common enquires In order to convey the message of Islam, dialogue and jump into become inevit com workforcesurate.The Glorious Quran says Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord, with wisdom and beautiful preaching, and surround with them in ways that be best and most gracious Al-Quran 16125 In conveying the message of Islam to a non-Muslim, it is usually non enough to highlight single the positive nature of Islam. Most non-Muslims atomic number 18 not convinced nearly the im sliceiality of Islam beca manipulation thither atomic number 18 a hardly a(prenominal)er questions active(predicate) Islam at the back of their minds that remain unanswered. They whitethorn agree with your contentions closely the positive nature of Islam. hardly, in the resembling br feed inh, they depart say Ah But you ar the equal Muslims who embrace to a keener finish than peerless charcleaning ladyhood.You atomic number 18 the akin quite a little who subjugate wo bitpower by keeping them behind the veil. You ar funda workforcetalists, and so forth I in the signifier(predicate)ly prefer anticipateing the non-Muslims up anterior, with their limited k todayledge, whether right or wrong, from whichever source it may be, what they scent is wrong in Islam. I aid them to be really frank and open and convince them that I pile take criticism about Islam. In the past few geezerhood of my Dawah experience, I decl ar crystalized that on that point be just promptly twenty most special K questions that a coarsealty non-Muslim has meeting Islam. Whenever you ask a non-Muslim, what do you feel is wrong in Islam? , he poses flipperr or six questions, and these questions invariably fall among the twenty most ballpark questions. dianoetic replies dismiss convince the majority The twenty most common questions about Islam potty be answered with basis and logic. A majority of non-Muslims send volume be convinced with these answers. If a Muslim memorizes or simply remembers these answers, Inshallah he pass on be successful, if not in convincing non-Muslims about the complete truth of Islam, 2 * For to a great extent Queries speck email& genius hundred sixtyprotected winnings ISLAMIC seek derriere gap the truth of Islam www. irf. acquit answer TO NON-MUSLIMS? COMMON QUESTIONS nearly ISLAM Authored by Dr.Zakir Abdul Karim Naik then at least in removing misconceptions about Islam and neutralizing the interdict thinking about Islam and Muslims that the non-Muslims charter. A rattling few non-Muslims may consent counter arguments to these replies, for which further information may be rentd. Misconceptions receivab le to media The common misconceptions about Islam arise in the minds of a majority of non-Muslims, beca utilize they ar endlessly cosmos bombarded with misinformation about Islam. International media is mainly controlled by the western sphere, whether it is supranational satellite channels, radio stations, news papers, magazines or rule books.Recently the Inter lettuce has become a powerful mass metier of information. Though it is not controlled by ein truthdead mortalify, wiz finds a enlarged amount of virulent propaganda about Islam on the Inter final. Of course, Muslims too argon utilizing this tool to portray the right image of Islam and Muslims, but they ar cold behind as comp argond to the propaganda against Islam. I hope the efforts by the Muslims ordain annex and continue to be pursued. Misconceptions change with meter The most common questions about Islam are diametric in unalike periods and eras. This practice of twenty most common questions is based on bewilder terms.Decades earlier, the brand of questions was different and decades ulterior too, the set of questions may change depending upon how Islam is projected by the media. Misconceptions are the equivalent without the land I bring in interacted with people in different parts of the world and defend found these twenty most common questions about Islam to be the akin either(prenominal)where. in that location may be a couple of superfluous questions depending upon the locale, the surrounding or culture. For instance in the States, the additional common question is wherefore does Islam preclude taking and giving of raise? I demand included among these twenty most common questions, legitimate questions to a greater extent than common among the Indian non-Muslims. For instance, why do Muslims shoot non-vegetarian fare? The reason for including such questions is that people of Indian origin are break throughout the world and constitute about 20% i. e. 1/ fifth of the world population. Thus, their questions become common questions asked by non-Muslims throughout the world. Misconceptions of non-Muslims who induct croupvas Islam There are many non-Muslims who occupy studied Islam. Most of them return only read books on Islam written by biased critics of Islam.These non-Muslims feed an additional set of twenty common misconceptions about Islam. For instance, they claim to form found contradictions in the Quran, they contend that the Quran is unscientific, and so ontera There is an an near other(prenominal) set of additional replies make hopeing these twenty misconceptions among non-Muslims who have studied Islam from distorted sources. I have oerly disposed(p) the replies to twenty additional less common questions among the non-Muslims in my public talks and book on states to Common top dogs about Islam by Non-Muslims who have few knowledge about Islam. * For much(prenominal) than Queries sense of touch email&cl xprotected plunder ISLAMIC question FOUNDATION bedspread the uprightness of Islam www. irf. net upshot TO NON-MUSLIMS? COMMON QUESTIONS just about ISLAM Authored by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik 1. POLYGAMY straits wherefore is a man allowed to have more than iodin married woman in Islam? i. e. why is polygamy allowed in Islam? Answer 1. commentary of Polygamy Polygamy means a carcass of marriage whereby angiotensin converting enzyme psyche has more than angiotensin converting enzyme spouse. Polygamy crumb be of dickens types. unity is polygyny where a man marries more than matchless woman, and the other is polyandry, where a woman marries more than one man.In Islam, limited polygyny is permitted whereas polyandry is completely prohibited. nowadays coming to the original question, why is a man allowed to have more than one wife? 2. The Quran is the only religious scripture in the world that says, marry only one. The Quran is the only religious book, on the vitrine o f this earth, that contains the forge marry only one. There is no other religious book that instructs men to have only one wife. In none of the other religious scriptures, whether it be the Vedas, the Ramayan, the Mahabharat, the Geeta, the Talmud or the Bible does one find a breastwork on the number of wives. jibe to these scriptures one stern marry as many as one covetinges. It was only later, that the Hindoo priests and the Christian Church restricted the number of wives to one. more Hindu religious somewhatbodyalities, according to their scriptures, had multiple wives. King Dashrat, the father of Rama, had more than one wife. Krishna had some(prenominal) wives. In earlier sequences, Christian men were permitted as many wives as they lacked, since the Bible vexs no restriction on the number of wives. It was only a few centuries ago that the Church restricted the number of wives to one.Polygyny is permitted in Judaism. check to Talmudic law, Abraham had three wives, and Solomon had hundreds of wives. The practice of polygyny continued till Rabbi Gershom ben Yehudah (960 C. E to 1030 C. E) issued an edict against it. The Judaic Sephardic communities living in Muslim countries continued the practice till as late as 1950, until an doing of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel extended the ban on marrying more than one wife. (*Interesting Note- As per the 1975 census of India Hindus are more polygynous than Muslims.The traverse of the Committee of The Status of Woman in Islam, published in 1975 mentions on page numbers 66 and 67 that the percentage of polygamous marriages between the old age 1951 and 1961 4 * For more Queries see email& one hundred sixtyprotected net ISLAMIC look FOUNDATION Spreading the Truth of Islam www. irf. net ANSWER TO NON-MUSLIMS? COMMON QUESTIONS intimately ISLAM Authored by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik was 5. 06% among the Hindus and only 4. 31% among the Muslims. According to Indian law only Muslim men are permitted to hav e more than one wife. It is illegal for any non-Muslim in India to have more than one wife. Despite it eing illegal, Hindus have more multiple wives as compared to Muslims. Earlier, on that point was no restriction however on Hindu men with respect to the number of wives allowed. It was only in 1954, when the Hindu Marriage Act was passed that it became illegal for a Hindu to have more than one wife. At present it is the Indian Law that restricts a Hindu man from having more than one wife and not the Hindu scriptures. ) permit us now analyse why Islam allows a man to have more than one wife. 3. Quran permits limited polygyny As I mentioned earlier, Quran is the only religious book on the breast of the earth that says marry only one.The context of this phrase is the succeeding(a) verse from Surah Nisa of the Glorious Quran Marry women of your choice, two, or three, or iv but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal aright (with them), then only one. Al-Quran 43 onwards t he Quran was revealed, there was no hurrying limit for polygyny and many men had scores of wives, some even hundreds. Islam put an upper limit of four wives. Islam croaks a man permission to marry two, three or four women, only on the condition that he deals justly with them. In the same chapter i. e.Surah Nisa verse 129 says Ye are never able to be fair and just as between women. Al-Quran 4129 accordingly polygyny is not a rule but an exception. Many people are chthonic the misconception that it is compulsory for a Muslim man to have more than one wife. Broadly, Islam has five categories of Dos and Donts (i) Fard i. e. compulsory or indispensable (ii) Mustahab i. e. recommended or encouraged (iii) Mubah i. e. permissible or allowed (iv) Makruh i. e. not recommended or discouraged (v) Haraam i. e. prohibited or forbidden Polygyny falls in the c throw in(a) category of things that are permissible.It keisternot be said that a Muslim who has two, three or four wives is a let o n Muslim as compared to a Muslim who has only one wife. 5 * For more Queries concern email&clxprotected net ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION Spreading the Truth of Islam www. irf. net ANSWER TO NON-MUSLIMS? COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ISLAM Authored by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik 4. Average life get all over of females is more than that of males By nature males and females are born in just about the same ratio. A female child has more immunity than a male child. A female child can fight the germs and diseases better than the male child.For this reason, during the pediatric age itself there are more expirys among males as compared to the females. During wars, there are more men killed as compared to women. More men die cod to accidents and diseases than women. The fairish life span of females is more than that of males, and at any given time one finds more widows in the world than widowers. 5. India has more male population than female due to female foeticide and infanticide India is one of the few countries, along with the other neighbouring countries, in which the female population is less than the male population.The reason lies in the high rate of female infanticide in India, and the point that more than one jillion female foetuses are aborted e real year in this coun approximate, after they are identify as females. If this atrocious practice is stopped, then India too impart have more females as compared to males. 6. World female population is more than male population In the USA, women outnumber men by 7. 8 billion. brisk York alone has one million more females as compared to the number of males, and of the male population of New York one-third are gays i. e sodomites. The U. S. A as a all has more than twenty-five million gays.This means that these people do not wish to marry women. Great Britain has four million more females as compared to males. Germany has five million more females as compared to males. Russia has nine million more females than ma les. god alone knows how many million more females there are in the whole world as compared to males. 7. Restricting each and all(prenominal) man to have only one wife is not concrete Even if all man got married to one woman, there would passive be more than thirty million females in U. S. A who would not be able to get conserves (considering that the States has twenty five million gays).There would be more than four million females in Great Britain, 5 million females in Germany and nine million females in Russia alone who would not be able to find a husband. Suppose my child happens to be one of the unmarried women living in USA, or suppose your sister happens to be one of the unmarried women in USA. The only two options rest for her are that she either marries a man who already has a wife or becomes public property. There is no other option. All those who are modest pull up stakes opt for the first. 6 * For more Queries contact email&160protected net ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOU NDATION Spreading the Truth of Islam www. rf. net ANSWER TO NON-MUSLIMS? COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ISLAM Authored by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik Most women would nto like to fate their husband with other women. But in Islam when the situation deems it really neccessary Muslim women in due faith could bear a small individualal loss to prevent a greater loss of letting other Muslim sisters becoming public properties. 8. Marring a married man desirable to becoming public property In Western parliamentary procedure, it is common for a man to have mistresses and/or multiple extra-marital affairs, in which case, the woman leads a disgraceful, open life.The same society, however, cannot accept a man having more than one wife, in which women retain their honourable, dignified position in society and lead a protected life. Thus the only two options onward a woman who cannot find a husband is to marry a married man or to become public property. Islam prefers giving women the honourable posi tion by permitting the first option and disallowing the second. There are several other reasons, why Islam has permitted limited polygyny, but it is mainly to protect the stockpile of women. 2. POLYANDRY QuestionIf a man is allowed to have more than one wife, then why does Islam prohibit a woman from having more than one husband? Answer A lot of people, including some Muslims, question the logic of allowing Muslim men to have more than one spouse musical composition denying the same right to women. Let me first state emphatically, that the foundation of an Muslim society is justice and equity. Allah has created men and women as equal, but with different capabilities and different responsibilities. Men and women are different, physiologically and psychologically. Their roles and responsibilities are different.Men and women are equal in Islam, but not identical. Surah Nisa Chapter 4 verses 22 to 24 gives the list of women with whom Muslim men can not marry. It is further mentioned i n Surah Nisa Chapter 4 verse 24 Also (prohibited are) women already married 7 * For more Queries contact email&160protected net ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION Spreading the Truth of Islam www. irf. net ANSWER TO NON-MUSLIMS? COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ISLAM Authored by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik The pursuance points enumerate the reasons why polyandry is prohibited in Islam 1.If a man has more than one wife, the parents of the children born of such marriages can easily be identified. The father as well as the vex can easily be identified. In case of a woman marrying more than one husband, only the grow of the children born of such marriages pull up stakes be identified and not the father. Islam gives tremendous importance to the identification of two parents, bring forth and father. Psychologists tell us that children who do not know their parents, specially their father undergo severe mental trauma and disturbances. Often they have an unhappy childhood.It is for this reason that th e children of prostitutes do not have a flushed childhood. If a child born of such wedlock is admitted in school, and when the develop is asked the name of the father, she would have to give two or more names I am aware that recent advances in science have made it practicable for twain(prenominal) the mother and father to be identified with the help of genetic testing. Thus this point which was applicable for the past may not be applicable for the present. 2. Man is more polygamous by nature as compared to a woman. 3. Biologically, it is easier for a man to perform his duties as a husband despite having several wives.A woman, in a corresponding position, having several husbands, will not find it possible to perform her duties as a wife. A woman undergoes several psychological and behavioral changes due to different phases of the menstrual cycle. 4. A woman who has more than one husband will have several sexual partners at the same time and has a high chance of acquiring vener eal or sexually transmitted diseases which can to a fault be transmitted back to her husband even if all of them have no extra-marital sex. This is not the case in a man having more than one wife, and none of them having extra-marital sex. The preceding(prenominal) reasons are those that one can easily identify.There are probably many more reasons why Allah, in His Infinite Wisdom, has prohibited polyandry. 8 * For more Queries contact email&160protected net ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION Spreading the Truth of Islam www. irf. net ANSWER TO NON-MUSLIMS? COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ISLAM Authored by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik 3. HIJAB FOR WOMEN Question why does Islam degrade women by keeping them behind the veil? Answer The stance of women in Islam is much the target of attacks in the secular media. The hijab or the Islamic dress is cited by many as an fount of the subjugation of women under Islamic law.Before we analyze the reasoning behind the religiously mandated hijab, let us first study the status of women in societies before the advent of Islam 1. In the past women were degraded and employ as objects of lust The following examples from record amply illustrate the incident that the status of women in earlier civilizations was very low to the extent that they were denied basic clement dignity a. Babylonian nuance The women were degraded and were denied all rights under the Babylonian law. If a man dispatch a woman, instead of him be punished, his wife was put to death. b. Grecian Civilization Greek Civilization is considered the most glorious of all ancient civilizations. Under this very glorious system, women were deprived of all rights and were looked down upon. In Greek mythology, an fanciful woman called Pandora is the root cause of misfortune of compassionate creations. The Greeks considered women to be infra gay and inferior to men. Though chastity of women was precious, and women were held in high esteem, the Greeks were later overwhelmed b y ego and sexual perversions. Prostitution became a regular practice amongst all classes of Greek society. c.Roman Civilization When Roman Civilization was at the zenith of its glory, a man even had the right to take the life of his wife. Prostitution and nudity were common amongst the Romans. d. Egyptian Civilization The Egyptian considered women evil and as a sign of a 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. 9 * For more Queries contact email&160protected net ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION Spreading the Truth of Islam www. irf. net ANSWER TO NON-MUSLIMS? COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ISLAM Authored by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik . Islam shake women and gave them equality and expects them to maintain their status. Islam uplifted the status of women and granted them their just rights 1400 years ago. Islam expects women to maintain their status. Hijab for men People usually only discuss hijab in the context of women. However, in the Glorious Quran, Allah (swt) first mentions hijab for men before hijab for the women. The Quran mentions in Surah Noor Say to the believing men that they should get their gaze and sentry go their modesty that will make for greater purity for them and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. Al-Quran 2430 The moment a man looks at a woman and if any brazen or unashamed thought comes to his mind, he should lower his gaze. Hijab for women. The next verse of Surah Noor, 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 so that they should draw veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands fathers, their sons Al-Quran 2431 3. Six criteria for Hijab.According to Quran and Sunnah there are basically six criteria for sight hijab 1. Extent The first criterion is the extent of the body that should be stretched. This is different for men and women. The extent of covering obligatory on the male is to cover the body at least from the navel to the knees. For women, the extent of covering obligatory is to cover the complete body except the face and the workforce upto the wrist. If they wish to, they can cover even these parts of the body. Some scholars of Islam insist that the face and the hands are part of the obligatory extent of hijab.All the remaining five criteria are the same for men and women. 10 * For more Queries contact email&160protected net ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION Spreading the Truth of Islam www. irf. net ANSWER TO NON-MUSLIMS? COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ISLAM Authored by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik 2. The raiment worn should be loose and should not reveal the figure. 3. The fit out worn should not be transparent such that one can see through them. 4. The robes worn should not be so glamorou s as to curl up the opposite sex. 5. The clothes worn should not resemble that of the opposite sex. 6. The clothes worn should not resemble that of the unbelievers i. . they should not wear clothes that are specifically identities or symbols of the unbelievers religions. 4. Hijab includes conduct and behaviour among other things Complete hijab, similarly the six criteria of clothing, also includes the moral conduct, behaviour, attitude and intention of the individual. A person only fulfilling the criteria of hijab of the clothes is observing hijab in a limited sense. Hijab of the clothes should be go with by hijab of the eyes, hijab of the heart, hijab of thought and hijab of intention. It also includes the way a person walks, the way a person talks, the way he behaves, etc. . Hijab prevents molestation The reason why Hijab is positive for women is mentioned in the Quran in the following verses of Surah Al-Ahzab O illusionist Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing wome n that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad) that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. Al-Quran 3359 The Quran says that Hijab has been prescribed for the women so that they are recognized as modest women and this will also prevent them from being molested. . Example of twin sisters Suppose two sisters who are twins, and who are equally beautiful, walk down the street. wiz of them is attired in the Islamic hijab 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, a mini anchor ring or shorts. Just around the corner there is a goon or ruffian who is waiting for a catch, to tease a misfire. Whom will he tease? The girl wearing the Islamic Hijab or the girl wearing the skirt or the mini? Naturally he will tease the girl wearing the skirt or the mini.Such dresses are an indirect invitation to the opposite sex for teasing and molestation. The Quran rightly says that hijab prevents women from being molested. 11 * For more Queries contact email&160protected net ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION Spreading the Truth of Islam www. irf. net ANSWER TO NON-MUSLIMS? COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ISLAM Authored by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik 7. jacket letter penalization for the rapists Under the Islamic shariah, a man convicted of having raped a woman, is given capital punishment. Many are astonished at this jolting sentence. Some even say that Islam is a ruthless, barbaric religionI have asked a simple question to hundreds of non-Muslim men. Suppose, God forbid, individual rapes 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 said they would put him to death. Some went to the extent of saying they would torture him to death. To them I ask, if someone rapes your wife or your mother y ou want to put him to death. But if the same criminal offence is committed on somebody elses wife or daughter you say capital punishment is barbaric. Why should there be double standards? 8.Western society falsely claims to have uplifted women Western talk of womens liberalization is postcode but a disguised form of exploitation of her body, degradation of her soul, and need 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 marketeers, hidden behind the colourful screen of art and culture. 9. USA has one of the highest rates of rape United States of the States is supposed to be one of the most advanced countries of the world.It also has one of the highest rates of rape in any country in the world. According to a FBI report, in the year 1990, every day on an average 1756 cases of rape were committed i n U. S. A alone. Later another report said that on an average everyday 1900 cases of rapes are committed in USA. The year was not mentioned. May be it was 1992 or 1993. May be the Americans got bolder in the following years. Consider a scenario where the Islamic hijab is followed in America. Whenever a man looks at a woman and any brazen or unashamed thought comes to his mind, he lowers his gaze.Every woman wears the Islamic hijab, that is the complete body is covered except the face and the hands upto the wrist. After this if any man commits rape he is given capital punishment. I ask you, in such a scenario, will the rate of rape in America increase, will it remain the same, or will it decrease? 10. Implementation of Islamic Shariah will reduce the rate of rapes Naturally as before long as Islamic Shariah is implemented positive results will be inevitable. If Islamic Shariah is implemented in any part of the world, whether it is America or Europe, society will breathe easier.Hijab does not degrade a woman but uplifts a woman and protects her modesty and chastity. 12 * For more Queries contact email&160protected net ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION Spreading the Truth of Islam www. irf. net ANSWER TO NON-MUSLIMS? COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ISLAM Authored by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik 4. WAS ISLAM air BY THE SWORD? Question How can Islam be called the religion of public security when it was spread by the make? Answer It is a common unhealthiness among some non-Muslims that Islam would not have millions of adherents all over the world, if it had not been spread by the use of force.The following points will make it clear, that far from being spread by the s word, it was the inherent force of truth, reason and logic that was creditworthy for the rapid spread of Islam. 1. Islam means slumber. Islam comes from the root word salaam, which means peace. It also means submitting ones will to Allah (swt). Thus Islam is a religion of peace, which is acquired by submitting o nes will to the will of the supreme Creator, Allah (swt). 2. Sometimes force has to be apply to maintain peace. Each and every homosexual being in this world is not in spare of maintaining peace and ravishony.There are many, who would disrupt it for their own vested interests. Sometimes force has to be used to maintain peace. It is precisely for this reason that we have the police who use force against criminals and antisocial elements to maintain peace in the country. Islam get ups peace. At the same time, Islam exhorts it followers to fight where there is oppression. The fight against oppression may, at times, require the use of force. In Islam force can only be used to promote peace and justice. 3. Opinion of historian De Lacy OLeary.The best reply to the misconception that Islam was spread by the sword is given by the state historian De Lacy OLeary in the book Islam at the puzzle road (Page 8) History makes it clear however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myth that historians have ever repeated. 4. Muslims ruled S wound for 800 years. Muslims ruled S pang for about 800 years. The Muslims in Spain never used the sword to force the people to convert.Later the Christian Crusaders came to Spain and wiped out the Muslims. There was not a single Muslim in Spain who could openly give the adhan, that is the call for prayers. 13 * For more Queries contact email&160protected net ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION Spreading the Truth of Islam www. irf. net ANSWER TO NON-MUSLIMS? COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ISLAM Authored by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik 5. 14 million Arabs are Coptic Christians. Muslims were the lords of Arabia for 1400 years. For a few years the British ruled, and for a few years the French ruled. Overall, the Muslims ruled Arabia for 1400 years.Yet today, there are 14 million Arabs who are Coptic Christians i. e. Chris tians since generations. If the Muslims had used the sword there would not have been a single Arab who would have remained a Christian. 6. More than 80% non-Muslims in India. The Muslims ruled India for about a thousand years. If they wanted, they had the power of converting each and every non-Muslim of India to Islam. at present more than 80% of the population of India are non-Muslims. All these nonMuslim Indians are bearing witness today that Islam was not spread by the sword. 7. Indonesia and Malaysia.Indonesia is a country that has the maximum number of Muslims in the world. The majority of people in Malaysia are Muslims. May one ask, Which Muslim army went to Indonesia and Malaysia? 8. East lantern slide of Africa. similarly, Islam has spread rapidly on the East rim of Africa. One may again ask, if Islam was spread by the sword, Which Muslim army went to the East Coast of Africa? 9. Thomas Carlyle. The famous historian, Thomas Carlyle, in his book Heroes and Hero moralit y, refers to this misconception about the spread of Islam The sword indeed, but where will you get your sword?Every new opinion, at its starting is precisely in a minority of one. In one mans head alone. There it dwells as yet. One man alone of the whole world believes it, there is one man against all men. That he takes a sword and try to propagate with that, will do little for him. You must get your sword On the whole, a thing will propagate itself as it can. 10. No compulsion in religion. With which sword was Islam spread? Even if Muslims had it they could not use it to spread Islam because the Quran says in the following verse Let there be no compulsion in religion Truth stands out clear from error Al-Quran 2256 4 * For more Queries contact email&160protected net ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION Spreading the Truth of Islam www. irf. net ANSWER TO NON-MUSLIMS? COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ISLAM Authored by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik 11. Sword of the Intellect. It is the sword of intellect. The sword that conquers the police wagon and minds of people. The Quran says in Surah Nahl, chapter 16 verse 125 Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious. Al-Quran 16125 12. Increase in the world religions from 1934 to 1984.An word in Readers Digest Almanac, year book 1986, gave the statistics of the increase of percentage of the major religions of the world in half a century from 1934 to 1984. This article also appeared in The Plain Truth magazine. At the top was Islam, which increased by 235%, and Christianity had increased only by 47%. May one ask, which war took place in this century which reborn millions of people to Islam? 13. Islam is the fastest development religion in America and Europe. Today the fastest growing religion in America is Islam. The fastest growing religion in Europe in Islam.Which sword is forcing people in the West to accept Islam in such large numbers? 14. Dr. Jo seph transport Pearson. Dr. Joseph Adam Pearson rightly says, People who worry that nuclear weaponry will one day fall in the hands of the Arabs, fail to realize that the Islamic bomb has been dropped already, it fell the day MUHAMMED (pbuh) was born. 5. MUSLIMS ARE FUNDAMENTALISTS AND TERRORISTS Question Why are most of the Muslims fundamentalistics and terrorists? Answer This question is often hurled at Muslims, either directly or indirectly, during any discussion on religion or world affairs.Muslim stereotypes are perpetuated in every form of the media accompanied by gross misinformation about Islam and Muslims. In accompaniment, such misinformation and false propaganda often leads to discrimination and acts of violence against Muslims. A case in point is the anti-Muslim try in the American media following the Oklahoma bomb blast, where the press was expeditious to declare a Middle Eastern conspiracy behind the attack. The culprit was later identified as a soldier from the American arm Forces. 15 * For more Queries contact email&160protected net ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION Spreading the Truth of Islam www. rf. net ANSWER TO NON-MUSLIMS? COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ISLAM Authored by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik Let us analyze this allegation of fundamentalism and terrorism 1. Definition of the word fundamentalist A fundamentalist is a person who follows and adheres to the bedrock of the doctrine or theory he is following. For a person to be a erect doctor, he should know, follow, and get along the bedrock of medicine. In other words, he should be a fundamentalist in the ambit of medicine. For a person to be a good mathematician, he should know, follow and get along the fundamentals of mathematics.He should be a fundamentalist in the field of mathematics. For a person to be a good scientist, he should know, follow and practise the fundamentals of science. He should be a fundamentalist in the field of science. 2. Not all fundamentalists are the same One c annot paint all fundamentalists with the same brush. One cannot categorize all fundamentalists as either good or perverting. Such a categorization of any fundamentalist will depend upon the field or activity in which he is a fundamentalist. A fundamentalist bandit or thief causes harm to society and is therefore undesirable.A fundamentalist doctor, on the other hand, benefits society and earns much respect. 3. I am proud to be a Muslim funda-mentalist I am a fundamentalist Muslim who, by the grace of Allah, knows, follows and strives to practise the fundamentals of Islam. A true Muslim does not shy away from being a fundamentalist. I am proud to be a fundamentalist Muslim because, I know that the fundamentals of Islam are beneficial to liberality and the whole world. There is not a single fundamental of Islam that causes harm or is against the interests of the human race as a whole.Many people lactate misconceptions about Islam and consider several teachings of Islam to be unfai r or improper. This is due to insufficient and incorrect knowledge of Islam. If one critically analyzes the teachings of Islam with an open mind, one cannot escape the particular that Islam is affluent of benefits some(prenominal) at the individual and corporate levels. 4. Dictionary meaning of the word fundamentalist According to Websters lexicon fundamentalism was a movement in American Protestanism that arose in the earlier part of the 20th century.It was a reaction to modernism, and stressed the infallibility of the Bible, not only in matters of faith and morals but also as a veridical historical record. It stressed on belief in the Bible as the literal word of God. Thus fundamentalism was a word initially used for a group of Christians who believed that the Bible was the verbatim word of God without any errors and mistakes. According to the Oxford dictionary fundamentalism means strict maintenance of ancient or fundamental doctrines of any religion, especially Islam. Toda y the moment a person uses the word fundamentalist he thinks of a Muslim who is a terrorist. 6 * For more Queries contact email&160protected net ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION Spreading the Truth of Islam www. irf. net ANSWER TO NON-MUSLIMS? COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ISLAM Authored by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik 5. Every Muslim should be a terrorist Every Muslim should be a terrorist. A terrorist is a person who causes terror. The moment a robber sees a policeman he is terrified. A policeman is a terrorist for the robber. similarly every Muslim should be a terrorist for the antisocial elements of society, such as thieves, dacoits and rapists. Whenever such an anti-social element sees a Muslim, he should be terrified.It is true that the word terrorist is generally used for a person who causes terror among the common people. But a true Muslim should only be a terrorist to discriminating people i. e. antisocial elements, and not to the common straightforward people. In fact a Muslim should be a source of peace for innocent people. 6. Different labels given to the same individual for the same action, i. e. terrorist and patriot Before India achieved independence from British rule, some granting immunity fighters of India who did not subscribe to non-violence were tagged as terrorists by the British government.The same individuals have been lauded by Indians for the same activities and hailed as patriots. Thus two different labels have been given to the same people for the same set of actions. One is calling him a terrorist while the other is calling him a patriot. Those who believed that Britain had a right to rule over India called these people terrorists, while those who were of the view that Britain had no right to rule India called them patriots and freedom fighters. It is therefore important that before a person is judged, he is given a fair hearing.Both sides of the argument should be heard, the situation should be analyzed, and the reason and the intention of the person should be taken into account, and then the person can be judged accordingly. 7. Islam means peace Islam is pull ind from the word salaam which means peace. It is a religion of peace whose fundamentals teach its followers to maintain and promote peace throughout the world. Thus every Muslim should be a fundamentalist i. e. he should follow the fundamentals of the Religion of Peace Islam.He should be a terrorist only towards the antisocial elements in order to promote peace and justice in the society. 17 * For more Queries contact email&160protected net ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION Spreading the Truth of Islam www. irf. net ANSWER TO NON-MUSLIMS? COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ISLAM Authored by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik 6. EATING NON-VEGETARIAN food Question cleanup spot an savage is a ruthless act. Why then do Muslims guttle nonvegetarian food? Answer Vegetarianism is now a movement the world over. Many even associate it with animal rights.Indeed, a large number of people co nsider the consumption of marrow squash and other non-vegetarian products to be a rapine of animal rights. Islam enjoins mercy and compassion for all living creatures. At the same time Islam maintains that Allah has created the earth and its wondrous flora and fauna for the benefit of military personnel. It is upto mankind to use every resource in this world judiciously, as a niyamat (Divine blessing) and amanat (trust) from Allah. Let us look at various other aspects of this argument. 1. A Muslim can be a pure vegetarianA Muslim can be a very good Muslim despite being a pure vegetarian. It is not compulsory for a Muslim to have non-vegetarian food. 2. Quran permits Muslims to have non-vegetarian food The Quran, however permits a Muslim to have non-vegetarian food. The following Quranic verses are proof of this fact O ye who believe Fulfil (all) obligations. logical unto you (for food) are all four-footed animals with the exceptions named. Al-Quran 51 And cattle He has created for you (men) from them Ye derive warmth, and numerous benefits, And of their ( warmheartedness) ye eat. Al-Quran 165 And in cattle (too) ye have an instructive example From within their bodies We produce (milk) for you to drink there are, in them, (besides), numerous (other) benefits for you and of their (meat) ye eat. Al-Quran 2321 3. Meat is nutritious and rich in complete protein Non-vegetarian food is a good source of excellent protein. It contains biologically complete protein i. e. all the 8 essential amino acid that are not synthesized by the body and should be supplied in the diet. Meat also contains iron, vitamin B1 and niacin. 18 * For more Queries contact email&160protected netISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION Spreading the Truth of Islam www. irf. net ANSWER TO NON-MUSLIMS? COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ISLAM Authored by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik 4. Humans have Omnivorous set of dentition If you look on the teeth of herbivorous animals like the cow, goat and sheep, you will fin d something strikingly similar in all of them. All these animals have a set of flat teeth i. e. suited for herbivorous diet. If you observe the set of teeth of the carnivorous animals like the lion, tiger, or leopard, they all have a set of pointed teeth i. e. suited for a carnivorous diet.If you analyze the set of teeth of humans, you find that they have flat teeth as well as pointed teeth. Thus they have teeth suited for both herbivorous as well as carnivorous food i. e. they are omnivorous. One may ask, if Almighty God wanted humans to have only vegetables, why did He provide us also with pointed teeth? It is logical that He expected us to need and to have both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian food. 5. Human beings can centralise both vege-tarian and non-vegetarian food The digestive system of herbivorous animals can digest only vegetables. The digestive system of carnivorous animals can digest only meat.But the digestive system of humans can digest both vegetarian and non-v egetarian food. If Almighty God wanted us to have only vegetables then why did He give us a digestive system that can digest both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian food? 6. Hindu scriptures give permission to have non-vegetarian food a. There are many Hindus who are strictly vegetarian. They think it is against their religion to consume non-vegetarian food. But the true fact is that the Hindu scriptures permit a person to have meat. The scriptures mention Hindu sages and saints consuming non-vegetarian food. b.It is mentioned in Manu Smruti, the law book of Hindus, in chapter 5 verse 30 The eater who eats the flesh of those to be eaten does nothing bad, even if he does it day after day, for God himself created some to be eaten and some to be eater. c. Again next verse of Manu Smruti, that is, chapter 5 verse 31 says Eating meat is right for the throw, this is traditionally known as a rule of the gods. d. Further in Manu Smruti chapter 5 verse 39 and 40 says God himself created sacrificial animals for sacrifice, , therefore killing in a sacrifice is not killing. 19 * For more Queries contact email&160protected et ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION Spreading the Truth of Islam www. irf. net ANSWER TO NON-MUSLIMS? COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ISLAM Authored by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik e. Mahabharata Anushashan Parva chapter 88 narrates the discussion between Dharmaraj Yudhishthira and Pitamah Bhishma about what food one should offer to Pitris (ancestors) during the Shraddha (ceremony of dead) to keep them satisfied. Paragraph reads as follows Yudhishthira said, O thou of great puissance, tell me what that object is which, if dedicated to the Pitiris (dead ancestors), become inexhaustibleWhat Havi, again, (if offered) lasts for all time? What, indeed, is that which (if presented) becomes eternal? Bhishma said, Listen to me, O Yudhishthira, what those Havis are which persons conversant with the rituals of the Shraddha (the ceremony of dead) regard as suitable in view of Shraddha and what the fruits are that attach to each. With sesame seeds and rice and barely and Masha and water and roots and fruits, if given at Shraddhas, the pitris, O king, remain gratify for the period of a month. With fishes offered at Shraddhas, the pitris remain gratified for a period of two months.With the mutton they remain gratified for three months and with the hare for four months, with the flesh of the goat for five months, with the bacon (meat of pig) for six months, and with the flesh of birds for seven. With venison obtained from those deer that are called Prishata, they remaingratified for eight months, and with that obtained from the Ruru for nine months, and with the meat of Gavaya for ten months, With the meat of the bufffalo their gratification lasts for eleven months. With beef presented at the Shraddha, their gratification, it is said , lasts for a full year.Payasa mixed with ghee is as much acceptable to the pitris as beef. With the meat of Vadhrinasa (a large bull) the gratification of pitris lasts for twelve years. the flesh of rhinoceros, offered to the pitris on anniversaries of the lunar days on which they died, becomes inexhaustible. The potherb called Kalaska, the petals of kanchana flower, and meat of (red) goat also, thus offered, render inexhaustible. So but vivid if you want to keep your ancestors satisfied forever, you should serve them the meat of red goat. 7. Hinduism was influenced by other religionsThough Hindu Scriptures permit its followers to have non-vegetarian food, many Hindus adoptive the vegetarian system because they were influenced by other religions like Jainism. 8. Even plants have life veritable religions have adopted pure vegetarianism as a dietetical law because they are totally against the killing of living creatures. If a person can survive without killing any living creature, I would be the first person to adopt such a way of life. In the past people thought plants were lifeless. Today it is a universal fact that even plants have life.Thus their logic of not killing living creatures is not fulfilled even by being a pure vegetarian. 20 * For more Queries contact email&160protected net ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION Spreading the Truth of Islam www. irf. net ANSWER TO NON-MUSLIMS? COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ISLAM Authored by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik 9. Even plants can feel pain They further argue that plants cannot feel pain, therefore killing a plant is a lesser criminal offense as compared to killing an animal. Today science tells us that even plants can feel pain. But the cry of the plant cannot be heard by the human being.This is due to the inability of the human ear to hear sounds that are not in the audible range i. e. 20 Hertz to 20,000 Hertz. Anything on a lower floor and above this range cannot be heard by a human being. A dog can hear up to 40,000 Hertz. Thus there are silent dog whistles that have a frequency of more than 20,000 Hertz and less than 40,000 Hertz. Th ese whistles are only heard by dogs and not by human beings. The dog recognizes the masters whistle and comes to the master. There was research done by a farmer in U. S. A. who invented an instrument which reborn the cry of the plant so that it could be heard by human beings.He was able to realize immediately when the plant itself cried for water. Latest researches show that the plants can even feel happy and sad. It can also cry. 10. Killing a living creature with two senses less is not a lesser crime Once a vegetarian argued his case by saying that plants only have two or three senses while the animals have five senses. Therefore killing a plant is a lesser crime than killing an animal. Suppose your brother is born deaf and dumb and has two senses less as compared to other human beings. He becomes mature and someone murders him.Would you ask the judge to give the murderer a lesser punishment because your brother has two senses less? In fact you would say that he has killed a maso om, an innocent person, and the judge should give the murderer a greater punishment. In fact the Quran says O ye people Eat of what is on earth, legitimate and good Al-Quran 2168 11. Over population of cattle If every human being was a vegetarian, it would lead to overpopulation of cattle in the world, since their reproduction and generation is very swift. Allah (swt) in His Divine Wisdom knows how to maintain the balance of His intromission appropriately.No wonder He has permitted us to have the meat of the cattle. 12. Cost of meat is reasonable since all arent non-vegetarians I do not mind if some people are pure vegetarians. However they should not convict non-vegetarians as ruthless. In fact if all Indians become nonvegetarians then the present non-vegetarians would be losers since the prices of meat would rise. 21 * For more Queries contact email&160protected net ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION Spreading the Truth of Islam www. irf. net ANSWER TO NON-MUSLIMS? COMMON QUESTIONS A BOUT ISLAM Authored by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik 7.ISLAMIC METHOD OF SLAUGHTERING ANIMALS APPEARS RUTHLESS Question Why do Muslims slaughter the animal in a ruthless manner by torturing it and slowly and painfully killing it? Answer The Islamic method of slaughtering animals, known as Zabiha has been the object of much criticism from a large number of people. One may consider the following points, which prove that the Zabiha method is not only humane but also scientifically the best 1. Islamic method of slaughtering animal Zakkaytum is a verb derived from the root word Zakah (to purify). Its infinitive is Tazkiyah which means purification.The Islamic mode of slaughtering an animal requires the following conditions to be met a. brute should be slaughtered with astutely object (knife) The animal has to be slaughtered with a sharp object (knife) and in a fast way so that the pain of slaughter is minimised. b. Cut wind pipe, throat and vessels of neck Zabiha is an Arabic word which m eans slaughtered. The slaughtering is to be done by unsanded the throat, windpipe and the line of credit vessels in the neck causing the animals death without cutting the spinal cord. c. Blood should be stagnant The blood has to be drained completely before the head is removed.The purpose is to drain out most of the blood which would serve as a good culture medium for micro organisms. The spinal cord must not be cut because the nerve fibres to the heart could be damaged during the process causing cardiac arrest, stagnating the blood in the blood vessels. 2. Blood is a good medium for germs and bacteria Blood is a good media of germs, bacteria, toxins, etc. Therefore the Muslim way of slaughtering is more hygienic as most of the blood containing germs, bacteria, toxins, etc. that are the cause of several diseases are eliminated. 3. Meat remains wise for a longer timeMeat slaughtered by Islamic way remains clear for a longer time due to deficiency of blood in the meat as compared to other methods of slaughtering. 4. Animal does not feel pain The swift cutting of vessels of the neck disconnects the flow of blood to the nerve of the head responsible for pain. Thus the animal does not feel pain. While dying, the animal struggles, writhers, shakes and kicks, not due to pain, but due to the contraction and relaxation of the muscles defecient in blood and due to the flow of blood out of the body. 22 * For more Queries contact email&160protected net ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION Spreading the Truth of Islam www. rf. net ANSWER TO NON-MUSLIMS? COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ISLAM Authored by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik 8. NON-VEGETARIAN FOOD MAKES MUSLIMS VIOLENT Question Science tell us that whatever one eats, it has an effect on ones behaviour. Why then, does Islam allow Muslims to eat non-vegetarian food, since eating of animals could make a person violent and ferocious? Answer 1. Only eating of herbivorous animals allowed I agree that, what a person eats has an effect on his behaviour. This is one of the reasons why Islam prohibits the eating of carnivorous animals like lion, tiger, leopard, etc. who are violent and ferocious.The consumption of the meat of such animals would probably make a person violent and ferocious. Islam only allows the eating of herbivorous animals like cow, goat, sheep, etc. that are unaggressive and docile. Muslims eat peaceful and docile animals because Muslims are peace loving and non-violent people. 2. The Quran says prophesier prohibits what is bad The Quran says The illusionist commands them what is just and prohibits what is evil. He allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them what is bad (and impure), Al-Quran 7 157 So take what the Messenger assigns to you and deny yourselves that which he withholds from you. Al-Quran 59 7 For a Muslim, the Prophets statement is sufficient to convince him that Allah does not wish humans to eat some kinds of meat while allowing some other kinds. 3. Hadith of M ohammad (pbuh) prohibi-ting eating of carnivorous animals According to various true Ahadith narrated in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim including hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas in Sahih Muslim, Book of pursuit and slaughter, Hadith No. 4752 and Sunan Ibn-I-Majah chapter 13 Hadith no. 3232 to 3234, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) prohibited the eating of (i) Wild animals with canine teeth, i. e. meat eating carnivorous animals.These are animals belonging to the cat families such as lion, tiger, cats, dogs, wolfs, hyenas, etc. (ii) Certain rodents like mice, rats, rabbits with claws, etc. (iii) Certain reptiles like snakes, alligators, etc. (iv) Birds of prey with talons or claws, like vultures, eagle, crows, owl, etc. There is no scientific evidence that proves beyond doubt that eating nonvegetarian food makes one violent. 23 * For more Queries contact email&160protected net ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION Spreading the Truth of Islam www. irf. net ANSWER TO NON-MUSLIMS? COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT IS LAM Authored by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik 9.MUSLIMS WORSHIP THE KAABA Question When Islam is against idol worship why do the Muslims worship, and bow down to the Kaaba in their prayer? Answer Kaaba is the Qibla i. e. the direction Muslims face during their prayers. It is important to note that though Muslims face the Kaaba during prayers, they do not worship the Kaaba. Muslims worship and bow to none but Allah. It is mentioned in Surah Baqarah We see the turning of thy face (for guidance) to the heavens now shall We turn thee to a Qiblah that shall please thee. Turn then thy face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque wherever ye are, turn your faces in that direction. Al-Quran 2144 1. Islam believes in fostering unity For instance, if Muslims want to offer Salaah (Prayer), it is possible that some may wish to face north, while some may wish to face due south. In order to unite Muslims in their worship of the One True God, Muslims, wherever they may be, are asked to face in only on e direction i. e. towards the Kaaba. If some Muslims live towards the west of the Kaaba they face the east. in like manner if they live towards the east of the Kaaba they face the west. 2. Kaaba is at the Centre of the World stage The Muslims were the first people to draw the correspond of the world.They drew the map with the south facing upwards and north downwards. The Kaaba was at the centre. Later, western cartographers drew the map upside down with the north facing upwards and south downwards. Yet, Alhamdullilah the Kaaba is at the centre of the world map. 3. Tawaf around Kaaba for indicating one God When the Muslims go to Masjid-e-Haram in Makkah, they perform tawaf or circumambulation round the Kaaba. This act symbolizes the belief and worship of One God, since, just as every circle has one centre, so also there is only one Allah (swt) worthy of worship. 4. Hadith of Umar (may Allah be blithe with him)Regarding the black stone, hajr-e-aswad, there is a hadith (tradition), attributed to the illustrious companion of the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh), Umar (may Allah be pleased with him). According to Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, book of Hajj, chapter 56, H. No. 675. Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, I know that you are a stone and can neither benefit nor harm. Had I not seen the Prophet (pbuh) touching (and kissing) you, I would never have touched (and kissed) you. 5. People stood on Kaaba and gave the adhaan At the time of the Prophet, people even stood on the Kaaba and gave the adhaan or the call to prayer.One may ask those who allege that Muslims worship the Kaaba which idol worshipper stands on the idol he worships? 24 * For more Queries contact email&160protected net ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION Spreading the Truth of Islam www. irf. net ANSWER TO NON-MUSLIMS? COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ISLAM Authored by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik 10. NON-MUSLIMS NOT ALLOWED IN MAKKAH Question Why are non-Muslims not allowed in the Holy cities of Makkah and Madinah? An swer It is true that non-Muslims are not allowed in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, by law.The following points will serve to elucidate the possible reasoning behind such a restriction. 1. All citizens are not permitted in the cantonment area I am a citizen of India. Yet, I am not permitted to enter certain restricted areas like the cantonment. In every country there are certain areas where a common citizen of that country cannot enter. Only a citizen who is enrolled in the military or those who are connected with the defence of the country are allowed in the cantonment area. Similarly Islam is a Universal Religion for the entire world and for all human beings.The cantonment areas of Islam are the two holy cites of Makkah and Madinah. Here only those who believe in Islam and are involved in the defence of Islam i. e. the Muslims are allowed. It would be illogical for a common citizen to object against the restriction on incoming a cantonment area. Similarly it is not appropr iate for non-Muslims to object against the restriction on non-Muslims against entering Makkah and Madinah. 2. Visa to enter Makkah and Madinah a. Whenever a person travels to a foreign country he has to first apply for a visa i. e. the permission to enter that country.Every country has its own rules, regulations and requirements for issuing a visa. Unless their critera are satisfied they will not issue a visa. b. One of the countries which is very strict in issuing a visa is the United States of America, especially when issuing visas to citizens of the third world. They have several conditions and requirements to be fulfilled before they issue a visa. c. When I visited Singapore, it was mentioned on their immigration form death to drug traffickers. If I want to visit Singapore I have to abide by the rules. I cannot say that death penalty is a barbaric punishment.Only if I agree with their requirements and conditions will I be permitted to enter the country. d. The Visa The primary condition required for any human being to enter Makkah or Madina is to say with his lips, La ila ha illallah Muhammed ur Rasulullah meaning that there is no God but Allah and Muhammed (pbuh) is His Messenger. 25 * For more Queries contact email&160protected net ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION Spreading the Truth of Islam www. irf. net ANSWER TO NON-MUSLIMS? COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ISLAM Authored by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik 11. PORK FORBIDDEN Question Why is the eating of pork barrel forbidden in Islam?Answer The fact that consumption of pork is prohibited in Islam is well known. The following points explain various aspects of this prohibition 1. Pork prohibited in Quran The Quran prohibits the consumption of pork in no less than 4 different places. It is prohibited in 2173, 53, 6145 and 16115. Forbidden to you (for food) are dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which hath been invoked the name of other than Allah. Al-Quran 53 The above verses of the Holy Quran are suff icient to satisfy a Muslim as to why pork is forbidden. 2. Pork prohibited in the BibleThe Christian is credibly to be convinced by his religious scriptures. The Bibl