[mahdokht]

Aussiemom asked these questions in another forum so i will post them here and then respond.<br><br><i>Yeah, I'm a bit confused by all the differences in Islam/Islamic law-- sorry, hope that didn't come across too ignorant.....<br><br>
A few more daft questions for you Mahdohkt (or anyone who might have an opinion/ answer)-- Is it that different people have different interpretations of Sharia law, just like people have different interpretations of the Bible? Sharia law is Koran based, right? I guess the little bit of info I get about Sharia is certain punishments for certain crimes-- a woman from Pakistan was explaining this in an interview the other night, something about adultery w/in a marriage is punishable by stoning (to death, from what she said), outside a marriage is punished by whipping, theft is punished by cutting off a hand...... obviously there are other things too, I've at least got a grasp that Sharia isn't just about punishment....... So then, how is it that women in Iran or Iraq (or Pakistan or Indonesia or lots of places) can work outside the home, go to school, drive a car, hold public office, etc., choose how they dress & so on, yet in other countries women cannot leave their home without a male relative, can't go to school, can't work, must be fully covered or be killed, can't drive...... How are these stark (in my eyes) differences reconciled? Or are they?<br><br>
Help! I need a website, or preferably a nice book that explains all this, 'cuz I'm clueless...... Is there an 'Idiot's Guide to Islam' out there anywhere?????<br><br>
And, can I ask, I do hope this isn't rude...... what exactly do you mean in practical day-to-day terms that you live under Sharia law? I'm assuming you live in the States/North America somewhere......... I guess I'd just really love a day in the life description of a Muslim woman living under Sharia law in a western country....... I hope that's not too personal a thing to ask.... ignore me if I'm being cheeky please, but I am very interested........</i>

 

[mahdokht]



Aussiemom asked these questions in another forum so i will post them here and then respond.<br><br><i>Yeah, I'm a bit confused by all the differences in Islam/Islamic law-- sorry, hope that didn't come across too ignorant.....</i><br><br>
The only stupid question is the one that's never asked.<br><br><i>Is it that different people have different interpretations of Sharia law, just like people have different interpretations of the Bible?</i><br><br>
Yes, though, I don't believe that Islamic interpretations vary as much as the bible.<br><br><i>Sharia law is Koran based, right?</i><br><br>
The two primary sources for Islamic law are the Koran and the hadith (sayings/actions of the Prophet Muhammad). Some different interpretations are based on the fact that some people hold certain reports of the deeds/sayings of Prophet Muhammad (saawaws) as inauthentic.<br><br><i>I guess the little bit of info I get about Sharia is certain punishments for certain crimes-- a woman from Pakistan was explaining this in an interview the other night, something about adultery w/in a marriage is punishable by stoning (to death, from what she said), outside a marriage is punished by whipping, theft is punished by cutting off a hand...... obviously there are other things too, I've at least got a grasp that Sharia isn't just about punishment.......</i><br><br>
Yeah, unfortunately that is all you hear about. Obedience to Shari'a also means that you make your prayers, fast in ramadhan, don't hit your kids, treat others with mercy and respect, don't lie, steal, drink alcohol, murder, rape, eat pork.... There is a lot of room for interpretation. Islam has many sects (though Muslims don't like to admit that). Within the largest branch of Islam (sunnism) there are 4 commonly accepted schools of thought. Outside of that you have Wahhabism/salafism, you have shi'a Islam, some say its a fifth school of thought, some don't. Within shi'a Islam (we are about 18% of the Muslim world) you have a variety of interpretations. For example, one of the sunni schools of thought holds that male circumcision is not an obligation (wajib/fard), but rather something that is highly recommended (mustahhab).<br><br><i><br>
So then, how is it that women in Iran or Iraq (or Pakistan or Indonesia or lots of places) can work outside the home, go to school, drive a car, hold public office, etc., choose how they dress & so on, yet in other countries women cannot leave their home without a male relative, can't go to school, can't work, must be fully covered or be killed, can't drive...... How are these stark (in my eyes) differences reconciled? Or are they?</i><br><br>
O.k. well not all Muslim countries base their legal codes on islamic law. Many countries have a legal code that is a mix of their interpretation of Islamic law and some other stuff. No one in any country will be killed for going out uncovered. I could be wrong, but I don't think there is any country where a woman needs a male relative to leave the house either. They are reconciled because of the different interpretations. Saudi Arabia is the most extreme and it has a big history that I don't care to get into right now. Maybe another Muslima can explain, I'm just short on time right now...<br><br><i>Help! I need a website, or preferably a nice book that explains all this, 'cuz I'm clueless...... Is there an 'Idiot's Guide to Islam' out there anywhere?????</i><br><br><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325&tag=motheringhud-20&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fexec%2Fobidos%2Ftg%2Fdetail%2F-%2F0028642333%2Fref%3Dpd_sim_books_1%2F103-3358787-8208653%3Fv%3Dglance%26s%3Dbooks" target="_blank">The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Islam</a><br><br><i>And, can I ask, I do hope this isn't rude...... what exactly do you mean in practical day-to-day terms that you live under Sharia law? I'm assuming you live in the States/North America somewhere......... I guess I'd just really love a day in the life description of a Muslim woman living under Sharia law in a western country....... I hope that's not too personal a thing to ask.... ignore me if I'm being cheeky please, but I am very interested........</i><br><br>
Yeah, I'm here in the US. What I mean when I say that I live by shari'a is that I obey all of the laws that Islam has set down as interpreted by my school of thought. I pray my 5 prayers, on time, every day; I don't eat pork, or drink alcohol or consume meat that hasn't been slaugtered properly; I wear hijab; I try to be humble and remember God constantly and reflect on my actions; I don't lie or steal or kill people or cheat or commit adultery; I don't beat my children or my husband or anyone for that matter....<br><br>
What does cheeky mean?<br><br><br>
I hope that helped. I'm sorry that it wasn't more complete but I'm in a bit of a rush, baby woke up.

 

[DebraBaker]

"Cheeky" is fresh like a wiseass.<br><br>
Thanks for the help understanding Islamic law.<br><br>
I have always taken the Taliban and Saudi Arabia as extremes sort of like some fringe fundie Christians don't represent Biblical Christianity.<br><br>
Personally I get a bit confused with the Hijab(sp) I think because I get mixed mental messages when I see a covered woman. On one hand I think she's pure or good on the other hand I worry that she's oppressed.<br><br>
For example, I was at my son's strings concert last night. One of the students is Muslim and wore a Hijab and long sleeved dress. It was darn tooting *hot* on that stage and the rest of the girls wore short sleeves. On one hand I worried about her being hot on the other hand I thought it was wonderful to have diversity and I pre-judged the girl to be "good". (then I worried about positive steryotyping)<br><br>
I guess the covering thing confuses my thinking but much of the rest sounds similar to Kosher. (sans cutting off the hand which sounds medieval.)<br><br>
I sincerely hope I didn't offend you.<br><br>
Debra Baker

 

[aussiemum]

Mahdokht- thank you for that! I've only just had a chance to check, the kiddos have been sick for the last few days.<br><br>
And DB- yep, about right with cheeky, altho it is a widely used term in some areas, & has probably lost some of the 'smart-arse' association with it..... The way I use it, it's like you think you might be a little out of line, but you're going to go ahead & say it anyway because you're not really sure (& hope that if you ARE being rude, then hopefully not TOO rude, if that makes any sense).... Tough one to explain, actually <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">.<br><br>
thanks for the link too, I'm going to check that out. I think where I got the idea that some women cant leave the house.... comes from 1950's Egypt, actually.... <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/blush.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="blush"> Been reading too many Nagib Mafouz books maybe. And Saudi Arabia, too, which I understand is a whole 'nother thing in & of itself. Hmmmm...... & the occasional story about honour killings, which pretty much...... blows my mind, TBH. BUT, I definitely know that what happens in one part of the world or within one group of people doesn't mean that everyone does exactly the same.<br><br>
Another quick question: Why don't some Muslims like to recognise different 'sects' within Islam?

 

[Heart.Revolution]

as salaam alaikum<br><br><br><div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">Personally I get a bit confused with the Hijab(sp) I think because I get mixed mental messages when I see a covered woman. On one hand I think she's pure or good on the other hand I worry that she's oppressed.</td>
</tr></table></div>
If a muslim women does not want to wear hijab then she might feel that is oppressive. If she chooses to wear it, then it is a symbol of her liberation or faith. In my experience i have never met a muslimah who wears hijab but does not want to.<br><br>
but with that said..wearing the hijab does not make one modest just by putting it on. Muslim women need to have modesty inside as well...so our inward modesty reflects outwardly.<br><br><div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">Another quick question: Why don't some Muslims like to recognise different 'sects' within Islam?</td>
</tr></table></div>
there are people who try to interperate Islam in different ways..moslty due to political agenda. there has become so many different sects that many have become confused...then you have people spreading what they think to be Islam, when really its there own misunderstanding. Often people still hold on to cultural traditions, which get mixed with Islam and people cannot differentiate the two.<br><br>
This is a problem here in the US. Such groups like Wahhabism/salafism/deobandism come to the inner cities and spread "islam" to the masses. There are many things all over the world done in the name of Islam that has nothing to actually do with Islam. Such as honour killings. This has not basis in the Shariah at all, period.<br><br>
What people also have to understand is that the media is not helping either. They are real quick to exploit events that happen in the name of Islam. They dont do anything to actually help spread understanding of the faith.<br><br><div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">I have always taken the Taliban and Saudi Arabia as extremes sort of like some fringe fundie Christians don't represent Biblical Christianity.</td>
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exactly. unfortunatly these are the muslims that you always hear about. there is so much confusion, no wonder its so hard for people to ever hear anything positive about Islam.<br><br><div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">Saudi Arabia is the most extreme and it has a big history that I don't care to get into right now. Maybe another Muslima can explain, I'm just short on time right now...</td>
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here is a link to an article that a friend wrote. scroll down about half way<a href="http://follower.4t.com/terrorism.html" target="_blank">Enemy of IslamThe Wahhabiyya Cult</a><br><br>
~aminah

 

[Artisan]

Can I ask another question? (Thanks to those of you who take the time to educate the rest of us.) Does Islam look favorably upon governments that are religious in nature? For example, is it preferred to live in a country that has an Islamic gov't, or is that a construct of man?

 

[aussiemum]

Slightly OT here, but did you know yuo can get a package deal if you buy both 'Islam for Dummies' & 'Judaism for Dummies'-- quite possibly should be required reading for the entire planet these days......<br><br>
I have been wondering about how culture & religion have been intertwined in Islam-- & thanks for the heads up about honour killings NOT being part of Sharia law. How the media fits into all this...... hmmm...... I know I get pretty decent information, but if the presenters/ journos don't explicitly state 'hey, this isn't actually Sharia' then assumptions are made by people like me who have never really known much about Islam at all...... That's really prejudice, isn't it? ***sigh**** well, I suppose it's better to know these things about yourself & work on it, rather than just live with ignorance.....<br><br>
Humbly off to more research......

 

[Heart.Revolution]

as salaam alaikum<br><br><div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">How the media fits into all this...... hmmm...... I know I get pretty decent information, but if the presenters/ journos don't explicitly state 'hey, this isn't actually Sharia' then assumptions are made by people like me who have never really known much about Islam at all......</td>
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As a Muslim, I personally do NOT listen to anyone who is not muslim tell me about Islam on the news or radio. I never count on journalists to provide accurate information about something they do not live day to day. It's like a plummer telling me about PC repair as if he has some kind of superior knowledge on the subject.<br><br>
A lot of muslims do not know the Sharia, so i dont expect the media to help. Lets take the honor killings for example. I don't know why it is still done, its just a practice left over from cultural tradition that had been mixed with Islamic practices. There family had practiced this murder for so long, They have no idea whats Islam, and whats cultural. So if they dont know, how is the media going to get the correct information to correct the rest of the worlds misunderstanding? Honestly, myself and many muslims that i know feel that this country hates muslims, and seeks no way to try to understand anything about Islam. Islam=terrorism, that's all people think..thanks to the media. Here is a good link to read about honor killings <a href="http://www.mwlusa.org/publications/positionpapers/hk.html" target="_blank">honor killings</a> Also i would like to add that female genital mutilation has nothing to do with Islam either. Here is a link about that. <a href="http://www.mwlusa.org/publications/positionpapers/fgm.html" target="_blank">Female Genital Mutilation</a><br><br>
Most people think they receive good news, but its really watered down here in the states. Other countries receive way different information about what goes on in the world.<br><br><div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">I suppose it's better to know these things about yourself & work on it, rather than just live with ignorance.....</td>
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absolutley. ignorance will never help anyone. we must always seek the truth. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"><br><br><div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">Does Islam look favorably upon governments that are religious in nature? For example, is it preferred to live in a country that has an Islamic gov't, or is that a construct of man?</td>
</tr></table></div>
Yes, i think so. If a country if ruled by religious law, Muslims can be assured that the government will be just. Although there is not a single country in the world today that is strictly governed by the Sharia. Iran is is the closest that it comes.

 

[DebraBaker]

Would you want to live in Iran?<br><br>
Did you consider Afganastan under the Taliban Islamic? (I'm assuming no to both questions)<br><br>
How do non Muslims fare under a government that is ruled by Islamic law?<br><br>
Debra Baker

 

[Heart.Revolution]

as salaam alaikum<br><br><div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">Would you want to live in Iran?<br><br>
Did you consider Afganastan under the Taliban Islamic? (I'm assuming no to both questions)<br><br>
How do non Muslims fare under a government that is ruled by Islamic law?<br><br>
Debra Baker</td>
</tr></table></div>
These are good questions Debra.<br><br>
Actually Iran is a very nice place to live. I have never been, but many friends of mine have lived there, who visit often, and who's children have been schooled there.<br><br>
The taliban is not Islam, just a devient sect with there own political agenda. They are a facist sect, who actually were trained by american back in the day to fight the russians. America ignored them until 2001 on this "war on terrorism" All along knowing about its oppression of women. Note: they are also an off shoot of Wahhabism.<br><br>
Non-Muslims are free to practice there faith in a country that is under Sharia, every citizen would be required to follow the laws that are universally accepted for the good of society.<br><br>
For Example, there are many christians and jews that DO live in Iran. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"><br><br>
A quick note, a muslim who lives in a non-muslim country who practices the Sharia in their daily lives, has nothing to fear living in a country that is governed by sharia. Its the slacking muslims that have something to fear!

 

[mahdokht]

...and since I'm here anyway I will just go ahead and add my thoughts.<br><br>
-Debra-<br>
Cutting off the hand of the thief. Well, there are lots of pre-requisites. I mean would I MIND seeing Dick Cheney's hand cut off: no, but that isn't the point. In an Islamic society there should be NO NEED for anyone to steal. Once an Islamic society can fufill its responsibility to ensure that no one is in need, then it can begin to address punitive measures for thos who steal. Also, we have to remember that Islamic legal system is just like any other, with precendent and loop holes and interpretation. I'll try to come back with more, but no promises.<br><br>
Aussiemonm-<br>
I LOVE Naguib Mahfouz. I just finished Cairo Trilogy. If you read that book you know that the men drank frequently, slept with prostitutes, didn't pray, a few were even athiests. Naguib Mahfouz's books are not about Islamic law, they are about Egyptian life, ya know. I don't know anythign about the "Islam for Dummies book" I have seen "The Complete Idiot's Guide To Islam" and I generally know the work of the author to be pretty fair, so I would trust that book a lot more.<br><br>
Debra (again)-<br><br>
If the economic situation in Iran weren't so difficult and I had family or close friends there AND either my husband or I spoke Farsi then I would consider living in Iran. Iran is a beautiful country with an ancient, welcoming and gracious culture. I have American friends who have lived there and enjoyed it immensely. In fact, you may be surprised to know that I have three American friends who moved there and refused to come back to the states even when their IRanian husbands wanted to return. In the case of two of those women, the husband's spend most of the time here and the women stay in Iran with the children. Also, many foreigners (non-Muslims) have gone to Iran and have many pleasant things to say about it. Check out these links:<br><a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0120/p16s01-legn.html" target="_blank">http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0120/p16s01-legn.html</a><br><a href="http://www.bootsnall.com/travelstories/me/nov01anger2.shtml" target="_blank">http://www.bootsnall.com/travelstori...01anger2.shtml</a><br>
I had another link, but I can't find it now, sorry.<br><br>
I have nothing good to say about Taliban or the Wahhabi/Salafi movement. Sorry, I just don't. There was one Salafi mama who used to participate here so I won't go into too much because I don't want to offend. I believe, that they have done more to destroy Islam than almost any force in history.

 

[aussiemum]

Mahdokht- yes, have read two of the trilogy! ANd loved them. hmmmm... mixed thoughts on the father character in the books- did NOT understand how he could get away with drinking, prostitutes, etc. (& of course there were women who were obviously not folowing Islam either-- as they were prostitutes). Anyway, it is confusing how culture & religion get mixed together....<br><br>
ANd I had to go with Islam for Dummies- the bookstore didn't carry the other one. I hope it's reasonably good- I haven't had a chance to dig in yet.<br><br>
Re: Iran. It is DH's dream to visit Iran one day, & after ages of saying there is no way I'm going to Iran after the hostage thing (okay, so it was 25 years ago!) I've changed my mind. I've learned a lot more about Iran & it's religious plurality- also met a few Iranians as well, which helps. I have never felt comfortable travelling on an American passport with a Jewish surname (long story)....... but I've had a name & country change so maybe one day. And I'm being a bit silly to be concerned, I think. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/eyesroll.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="roll"><br><br>
Amina- thanks for the input & links. I really appreciate the chance to have a dialogue about these issues..... <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[Heart.Revolution]

<div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">Amina- thanks for the input & links. I really appreciate the chance to have a dialogue about these issues.....</td>
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me too! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/thumb.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="thumbs up">

 

[Ravin]

From my recollections and understanding, I know that in most predominantly Muslim countries and under Muslim and Muslim-influenced law, there is a fair amount of religious freedom--i.e., Christians and Jews live there peacefully, etc. What about those who aren't "People of the Book" at all? As a polytheist, could I get into trouble--anything from harassment to being ripped off by merchants, etc.--because of my religion if for some reason I traveled to Iran or Saudi Arabia, etc.?<br><br>
I've been to Bahrain, and as a matter of prudence I put my Thor's Hammer inside my shirt, because we were told not to wear religious symbols (along w/ being told to dress in long sleeves/pants and closed shoes, even though we saw European tourists dressed in CONSIDERABLY less), but I would never lie about my religion if asked. I would never proselytize or be anything but respectful of others' beliefs, nor would I knowingly break the laws of the land. But the circumstances of a sailor on leave and of an extended visit are very different.<br><br>
I tend to think of the terrorist groups and Taliban and such as being like the Branch Davidians are to Christianity, or like the racist skinheads who use the trappings of my own beliefs as excuses for their behavior. They aren't in any way true to the religion in question and not representative of it.

 

[aussiemum]

Well just to give a quick update: I'm working my way thru the synopsis of the history of Islam- origins, connections to Judaism & Christianity, also dipped in a bit to learn about the differences between Sunni & Shi'ite (trying to learn the proper spelling of things too <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"> ). I also have learned that Baghdad was an important city in the early history of Islam.... & the importance of Karbala.... which gives a new perspective on modern events....<br><br>
Thinking about the Sudan as well, in the context of the differences between how groups practice Islam & the tensions that causes..... I read in the newspaper today that the Arab League is pledging reconstuction money, but it's not going to help the Darfur region (but that's a whole nother thread I suppose).<br><br>
OH, & feel free to correct any incorrect assumptions I might make...... I am just learning, as you all know I'm sure..... <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[merpk]

<div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>Ravin</strong></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">From my recollections and understanding, I know that in most predominantly Muslim countries and under Muslim and Muslim-influenced law, there is a fair amount of religious freedom--i.e., Christians and Jews live there peacefully, etc. What about those who aren't "People of the Book" at all? As a polytheist, could I get into trouble--anything from harassment to being ripped off by merchants, etc.--because of my religion if for some reason I traveled to Iran or Saudi Arabia, etc.?</div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
<br><br>
No expert in Muslim history I, but have some background in Jewish history ... and while Jews have fared far better in the Muslim world than the Christian world, it's not all joy and freedom and roses. In other words, the massacres of Jews in Christian Europe were far greater and more common than they were in the Muslim Middle East ... but there *were* massacres there, too.<br><br>
Also, the question of traveling to certain countries is complicated. Who is allowed to enter Saudi Arabia, for instance ... Hindus are not welcome, and neither are Jews. Though in certain circumstances (journalists, politicians) exceptions are worked out through government contacts ... my understanding is that many journalists have two passports for just this situation.<br><br>
Back to your regularly scheduled thread ...<br><br><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/Peace.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Peace"><br><br><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[UmmSamiyah]

Hello! I don't want to step on anyone's feet but the one thing I didn't notice being said and emphasized (I may have overlooked it sorry) but whenever researching anything about Islam the educator must always refer to the Qu-ran and hadith (the teachings and way of life of the prophet, peace be upon him). I say this because with those books not written by muslims there is a lot of propaganda (which I have already heard people state) that is wrong. For instance I don't know much about Wahhabism but with Salafism the goal is to always have a proof backed by a chapter and verse from God's book(Qu'ran) or an authentic hadith. If someone states something that does not have any proof backing him the goal is to reject it as bid'ah (innovation). Of course, I emphasize "goal" because many salafi's call themselves so but still take the opinions of speakers or books with no basis in Qu'ran and Hadith.

 

[aussiemum]

Hello UmmSamiyah! Thank you for your input- I appreciate any tidbits of information I can get about Islam, & so much the better if it comes from someone active in the faith. Please don't be shy about correcting MY assumptions, as you see it- I am interested in learning.<br><br>
I am concerned about reading about Islam from a book written by a Christian minister! However he also teaches theology at Indiana State Uni, I believe, so I'm hoping it will be reasonably accurate/ unbiased.<br><br>
I'm just delving into the hadiths- it's somewhat confusing to read a short-cut version of Islam- not enough detail, but if I get the basics down then I can build on that knowledge, KWIM? I'm starting from zero, so every little bit I learn helps...<br><br>
One thing I'm trying to work out is how does Islam (very general, I know) see/ relate to people who don't believe in any god at all? Merpk mentioned that certain groups are banned from visiting Saudi Arabia- I wonder if that includes atheists as well??<br><br>
And I'm wondering what happens if you can't/don't say your five prayers a day? I've read something about how certain people might be excused- the example they gave was that a soldier in battle would not be expected to stop & pray. Presumably that would also include in this modern age, surgeons, for example, who would not be able to leave an operation..... How does this work? And being a mother, of course I wonder silly things, like what happens if yuo've almost got the baby to sleep, & it's time to pray? Is it okay to finish putting the baby to sleep & then say your prayers? And how long does it take each day to say your daily prayers? So many questions!!

 

[UmmSamiyah]

I am not at home right now, my house flooded so we are staying at a hotel, so I can't do the referencing I would like to. But to answer some of your questions with the best of my memory, a good book of ahadith(plural of hadith) is the 40 hadith of An-Nawawi. The very first hadith is "Every action is rewarded according to it's intenion...." There are very good ahadith that is explained in a pretty easy way. Another really good book is Sharh Al- Aqeedat-il -Wasitiyah. the text on the fundamentals of islam and rejections of false concepts of it's opponents. A good publishing house is dar-us-salam publications. I can't retrieve the site address right now but they only have religious books and most are informational as well as easy to read. Sorri can't help now. I am on a laptop that is not my usual comp and the kids are literally in my face!! Okay to answer some of your questions<br><br>
I don't know that Saudi Arabia disallows people who are not of the book from living peacefully and entering Islam. My question to that person would be how do they know you are not a "person of the book".<br><br>
Second we pray at certain allotted times. For example when it is time to pray fajr(the morning prayer) you pray as early to when it arrives but if you need to nurse( which DS always has to do when I need to pray) you do what you need to do then pray. the time for prayer is not a couple of minutes it is usually a couple of hours. Once I can find some proof, I will PM you. I do apologize. I gotta go though, once I think of some other books, I will post.

 

[UmmSamiyah]

I am not at home right now, my house flooded so we are staying at a hotel, so I can't do the referencing I would like to. But to answer some of your questions with the best of my memory, a good book of ahadith(plural of hadith) is the 40 hadith of An-Nawawi. The very first hadith is "Every action is rewarded according to it's intenion...." There are very good ahadith that is explained in a pretty easy way. Another really good book is Sharh Al- Aqeedat-il -Wasitiyah. the text on the fundamentals of islam and rejections of false concepts of it's opponents. A good publishing house is dar-us-salam publications. I can't retrieve the site address right now but they only have religious books and most are informational as well as easy to read. Sorri can't help now. I am on a laptop that is not my usual comp and the kids are literally in my face!! Okay to answer some of your questions<br><br>
I don't know that Saudi Arabia disallows people who are not of the book from living peacefully and entering Islam. My question to that person would be how do they know you are not a "person of the book".<br><br>
Second we pray at certain allotted times. For example when it is time to pray fajr(the morning prayer) you pray as early to when it arrives but if you need to nurse( which DS always has to do when I need to pray) you do what you need to do then pray. the time for prayer is not a couple of minutes it is usually a couple of hours. Once I can find some proof, I will PM you. I do apologize. I gotta go though, once I think of some other books, I will post.