Newspapers over the past few weeks have been flooded with articles related to the ban on Hijaab in some country or the other. Issues raised have related to women’s emancipation, their independence, equality, their status in society, and lately, about Hijaab being a threat to security!
For this post, I intend to look at the concept of Hijaab or Purdah, from five angles. And then leave it to you, dear reader, to arrive at your own conclusions.
A. Definition of Hijaab in Islam
B. Extent of observing Hijaab in the manner of dressing
C. Removal of purdah and the effect on society (no moral preaching, just a few thoughts)
D. Hijaab in other religions
E. Hijaab for men
So here I go.
A. Definition of Hijaab in Islam
The Arabic word ‘Hijab’ literally means curtain or cover. Most Islamic legal systems define this type of modest dressing as covering everything except the face and hands in public. According to Islamic scholarship, Hijab is given the wider meaning of modesty, privacy, and morality. (Wikipedia)
In other words, it means to either hide oneself or be modest in the manner of dressing in front of strangers of the opposite gender. At the same time – and this is often forgotten - it also means avoiding looking at strangers of the opposite gender. (Strangers here would mean any person who one can technically marry).
When I am watching a movie and gaze upon the actress on screen, both she and I are guilty of not observing Hijaab.
B. Extent of observing Hijaab in the manner of dressing
Dr. Zakir Naik, in his book, “Answers to non-Muslims’ Common Questions about Islam” has succinctly mentioned the types of clothes to be worn, and I quote-
According to Qur’an and Sunnah there are basically six criteria for observing hijab:
1. Extent:
The first criterion is the extent of the body that should be covered. 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 hands 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.
2. The clothes worn should be loose and should not reveal the figure.
3. The clothes worn should not be transparent such that one can see through them.
4. The clothes worn should not be so glamorous as to attract 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.e. they should not wear clothes that are specifically identities or symbols of the unbelievers’ religions.
(Unquote)
The following verse of the Qur’an sums up the requirement of Hijab from believing women.
Waqul lilmu/minati yaghdudna min absarihinna wayahfathna furoojahunna wala yubdeena zeenatahunna illa ma thahara minha walyadribna bikhumurihinna AAala juyoobihinna wala yubdeena zeenatahunna illa libuAAoolatihinna aw aba-ihinna aw aba-i buAAoolatihinna aw abna-ihinna aw abna-i buAAoolatihinna aw ikhwanihinna aw banee ikhwanihinna aw banee akhawatihinna aw nisa-ihinna aw ma malakat aymanuhunna awi alttabiAAeena ghayri olee al-irbati mina alrrijali awi alttifli allatheena lam yathharoo AAala AAawrati alnnisa-i wala yadribna bi-arjulihinna liyuAAlama ma yukhfeena min zeenatihinna watooboo ila Allahi jameeAAan ayyuha almu/minoona laAAallakum tuflihoona
And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O ye Believers! turn ye all together towards Allah, that ye may attain Bliss. (Qur’an 24:31; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
There is another verse that explains the manner of covering of a believing woman.
Ya ayyuha alnnabiyyu qul li-azwajika wabanatika wanisa-i almu/mineena yudneena AAalayhinna min jalabeebihinna thalika adna an yuAArafna fala yu/thayna wakana Allahu ghafooran raheeman
O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women, 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. (Qur’an 33:59; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
One of the Hadiths of the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) clearly mentions the extent that a Muslim woman should cover herself.
Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin:
Asma, daughter of AbuBakr, entered upon the Apostle of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) wearing thin clothes. The Apostle of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) turned his attention from her. He said: O Asma, when a woman reaches the age of menstruation, it does not suit her that she displays her parts of body except this and this, and he pointed to her face and hands. (Abu Dawood: Book 32, Hadith 4092)
To sum up, the most important term in the manner of dressing is that it should be such that even if a stranger sees you, it should not (sexually) attract him or her towards you.
C. Removal of purdah and the effect on society
A Marketing Head of a music channel, sharing the results of a study they had conducted in 2008 on the youth of today, summed up of the attitudes of girls in a single statement, “Let me show you what you can’t have”.
In the guise of openness, isn’t this moral turpitude?
As I’ve mentioned earlier, I’m not going to preach, so let me just ask some questions, which my readers may answer for themselves.
When we see beauty contests, Fashion TV and similar TV channels, Film Awards shows or even the kind of photographs of actresses, models, WAGs etc. that keep being printed daily in respectable ‘family’ newspapers, do we look at those women as individuals, or as “...mmmmmmm”?
What first strikes our mind when we see a demure looking girl in a nice loose dress walking down the street vis-a-vis when we see a similar girl in a cleavage revealing, figure-hugging dress?
Finally, have things like dancing, stage shows, small dresses, bikinis etc really made women equal to men, or elevated their position in society?
D. Hijaab in other religions
Both Christianity and Judaism have laid emphasis on the veil. Till the 12th century, Christian women traditionally wore veils. The exception was young girls (note the similarity to Islam?). It was only from the 15th century onwards that veils were replaced with hoods, and then slowly over the next 500 years, we see what we see today.
Judaism requires both men and women to substantially cover their bodies. Men are generally required to wear long trousers and long-sleeve shirts, and women wear blouses with sleeves below the elbow and skirts that cover the knees. Women are also required to wear loose clothes and not trousers in the presence of men. Men and women of the conservative Haredi community still do not wear tight clothes, skirts with slits, thin or bright clothes etc. (again, note the similarity?).
Similar to Islam, Judaism also follows the concepts of ‘Yichud’ – the non-permissibility of a man and a woman not married to each other being allowed to meet in seclusion – and ‘Negiah’ – non-permissibility of physical contact with a member of the opposite sex, except for one's spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, and grandparents – people one cannot marry.
We have a strong Jewish community here in Mumbai. Do we remember seeing Jewish men and women without proper loose-fitting dresses? I, for sure, don’t!
As regards Christianity, let me just begin and end with this quote.
But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. (Corinthian 11:5-6, King James Bible)
Buddhist, Jain and Hindu nuns have been either covering or shaving their heads for centuries.
E. Hijaab for men
Which brings me to my last point. Is Hijab only for women in Islam?
While we all keep talking about covering women etc., Hijaab is as strictly enjoined for men in Islam – maybe even more strictly.
Regarding the manner of dressing, certain types of dresses and ornaments that would make women attracted towards them are forbidden for men. There are numerous Hadith to that effect. Let me quote two.
Narrated AbuSa'id al-Khudri:
AbdurRahman said: I asked AbuSa'id al-Khudri about wearing lower garment. He said: You have come to the man who knows it very well. The Apostle of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: The way for a believer to wear a lower garment is to have it halfway down his legs and he is guilty of no sin if it comes halfway between that and the ankles, but what comes lower than the ankles is in Hell. On the day of Resurrection. Allah will not look at him who trails his lower garment conceitedly. (Abu Dawood: Book 32, Hadith 4082)
Narrated Ali ibn AbuTalib:
The Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) took silk and held it in his right hand, and took gold and held it in his left hand and said: both of these are prohibited to the males of my community. (Abu Dawood: Book 32, Hadith 4046)
Clearly, Muslim men are also required to cover their body from the navel upto the ankles. Additionally, Muslim men are forbidden from wearing gold jewellery, silk or any similar things that could be considered as a display of wealth on one’s body.
That’s not strict!
But the strict part of the Hijaab for men is not in their dress. It is in this verse of the Qur’an.
Qul lilmu/mineena yaghuddoo min absarihum wayahfathoo furoojahum thalika azka lahum inna Allaha khabeerun bima yasnaAAoona
Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: And Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. (Qur’an 24:30; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
In the Qur’an, men are strictly ordered to lower their eyes in front of strange women, and not to look at them in the face.
Difficult?
Now let’s see what the Bible says about it.
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. (Mathew 5:27-29, King James Bible)
This post has become much longer than what I’d envisaged when I started writing it. But let me end this post with a story from the Ramayana that I’d heard when I was a child. I do not have a reference for this; yet I’m mentioning it here - as an apt ending to this topic.
This was after Sita was kidnapped by Ravan. As he was carrying her to Lanka, she started dropping her jewellery one by one to guide Ram and Lakshman. When the jewellery was shown to them, Ram recognised all of it as Sita’s. But Lakshman could not recognise any jewellery – necklace, earrings, bangles. The only jewellery he recognised was Sita’s ‘bichiyas’ (toe rings worn by married women). When questioned, he said, “How could I look at Sita’s face when she was a strange woman to me? All my life, I have only looked at her feet, and I’m sure that these are her bichiya.”
(References and Acknowledgements: Al Qur’an; The Books of Hadith; ‘Answers to non-Muslims’ Common Questions about Islam’ by Dr. Zakir Naik; The Bible; Wikipedia; yaqb.org. Thanks once again to my brothers and cousins)
Showing posts with label Islam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Islam. Show all posts
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The Qur’an on the Cosmos
It has been a fortnight since I’ve written the last post, and what a hectic fortnight it has been!
Added to that, when I sat down to make my notes related to this post, it ran into more than 20 pages!
It has taken a lot of editing to bring this post down to manageable size, although I’ve had to leave a lot of references out.
What I’ll try and do in this post is to mention a few theories, relating to the earth and the universe, prevailing in the 6th century AD or later, give one or two references (if needed) on each, and mention what the Qur’an has to say about them. Later in the post, I shall specifically mention a couple of celestial phenomena that were completely unknown when the Qur’an was revealed – phenomena discovered only in the past 40-odd years – and see if the Qur’an has any references to these.
Theory 1: The Universe is without beginning or end
As late as the first three decades of the 20th century, scientists believed that the universe was static - without beginning or end. Even Albert Einstein, in his general theory of relativity, added a cosmological constant to his theory to try to force it to allow for a static universe with matter in it.
The idea of the universe expanding was proposed by Hubble only in 1929. And it was only in the 60s, with the works of Stephen Hawking and Roger Penrose that the majority of cosmologists accepted the Big Bang theory, where the universe began a finite time ago.
On this point, the Qur’an says,
Awa lam yara allatheena kafaroo anna alssamawati waal-arda kanata ratqan fafataqnahuma wajaAAalna mina alma-i kulla shay-in hayyin afala yu/minoona
Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit of creation), before we clove them asunder? We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe? (Qur’an 21:30; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
Revelation – 6th century. Acceptance by scientists – 20th century. And an interesting use of words – ‘clove them asunder’. Striking resemblance to the Big Bang, isn’t it?
There’s another verse which has a clear reference to the Big Bang.
Thumma istawa ila alssama-i wahiya dukhanun faqala laha walil-ardi i/tiya tawAAan aw karhan qalata atayna ta-iAAeena
Moreover He comprehended in His design the sky, and it had been (as) smoke: He said to it and to the earth: "Come ye together, willingly or unwillingly." They said: "We do come (together), in willing obedience." (Qur’an 41:11; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
Another verse clearly mentions that the Universe will come to an end.
Yawma natwee alssamaa katayyi alssijlli lilkutubi kama bada/na awwala khalqin nuAAeeduhu waAAdan AAalayna inna kunna faAAileena
The Day that We roll up the heavens like a scroll rolled up for books (completed),- even as We produced the first creation, so shall We produce a new one: a promise We have undertaken: truly shall We fulfil it. (Qur’an 21:104; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
Each of these verses pointed to things that were unknown till the last couple of hundred years to humans!
Theory 2: The earth is static and the centre of the universe
Around 150 AD, Ptolemy theorised that the earth was static, and that the Sun and all other planets revolved around it.
Around 1543 AD or so, Tycho Brahe proposed a geo-centric universe, with a static Earth at the centre of the Universe with the Moon and the Sun orbiting it, with the rest of the planets going around the Sun.
Two key proponents of the theory that the earth is not static and not the centre of the universe - Copernicus (around 1543 AD) and Galileo (17th century) – were both accused of heresy. While Copernicus’s book was banned, Galileo was given life imprisonment and was under house arrest till his death. Remember, both these events happened during the Renaissance!
To be fair, the idea of a heliocentric system had actually already been proposed around 200 B.C. However, Aristotle had asked some very simple - and very logical – questions; way earlier, around 350 B.C. This father of formal logic had asked, (1) If the Earth spun on an axis, why didn't objects fly off?; (2) If the Earth was moving (around the Sun), why didn't it leave behind the birds flying in the air?; (3) If the Earth was orbiting the sun, why didn't the stars appear to change their position since they were being viewed from a different perspective? And these seemingly logical questions held sway for a geo-centric system till the Renaissance.
And then this theory turned around on its head, to another theory.
Theory 3: The Sun is static and the centre of the Universe
First Copernicus and then Galileo propounded the heliocentric theory of planetary motion. This theory was supported by Yohann Keppler, who, around 1609, showed that planets revolve around the sun and also rotate upon their axes.
However, post these discoveries, it was thought that the Sun was stationary and did not rotate about its axis like the Earth.
On both these theories, the Qur’an says
Wahuwa allathee khalaqa allayla waalnnahara waalshshamsa waalqamara kullun fee falakin yasbahoona
It is He Who created the Night and the Day, and the sun and the moon: all (the celestial bodies) swim along, each in its rounded course. (Qur’an 21:33; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
Simple line, yet very profound!
This is re-stated in the Sura Ya-Seen.
La alshshamsu yanbaghee laha an tudrika alqamara wala allaylu sabiqu alnnahari wakullun fee falakin yasbahoona
It is not permitted to the Sun to catch up the Moon, nor can the Night outstrip the Day: Each just swims along in its own orbit according to Law. (Qur’an 36:40; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
Theory 4: The earth is flat
I allude to this theory also because of one of my readers – swap – who has mentioned this in his/her comments. (Just an aside for swap - it would be great if you could identify yourself. You could e-mail me at khanmubin@gmail.com).
While Zaffer has replied to this, giving references in his reply, let me refer to two verses from the Qur’an which prove this theory wrong.
Alam tara anna Allaha yooliju allayla fee alnnahari wayooliju alnnahara fee allayli wasakhkhara alshshamsa waalqamara kullun yajree ila ajalin musamman waanna Allaha bima taAAmaloona khabeerun
Seest thou not that Allah merges Night into Day and he merges Day into Night; that He has subjected the sun, and the moon (to his Law), each running its course for a term appointed; and that Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do? (Qur’an 31:29; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
Khalaqa alssamawati waal-arda bialhaqqi yukawwiru allayla AAala alnnahari wayukawwiru alnnahara AAala allayli wasakhkhara alshshamsa waalqamara kullun yajree li-ajalin musamman ala huwa alAAazeezu alghaffaru
He created the heavens and the earth in true (proportions): He makes the Night overlap the Day, and the Day overlap the Night: He has subjected the sun and the moon (to His law): Each one follows a course for a time appointed. Is not He the Exalted in Power - He Who forgives again and again? (Qur’an 39:5; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
The English translations of both these verses really fall short of explaining the true meaning of the Arabic words.
In the former verse, the Arabic word 'yooliju' refers to the night slowly and gradually changing to day and vice versa. Such gradual changes can happen only if the earth is round. It stands to reason that if the earth was flat, this change would be sudden and not gradual.
In the latter verse, the Arabic word ‘yukawwiru’ literally means ‘to overlap’ or ‘to coil’. As eloquently explained by Dr. Zakir Naik many times, this overlapping or coiling is in the way a turban is wound around the head. The overlapping or coiling of the day and night can only take place if the earth is spherical.
But wait, I’m keeping on proving that the earth is round, but it really is not. We have found in the last century that the earth is flat at the poles – egg-shaped, as it were!
So what does the Qur’an say?
Waal-arda baAAda thalika dahaha
And the earth, moreover, hath He extended to a wide expanse (Qur’an 79:30; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
The key word in this verse is ‘dahaha’, which means an ostrich-egg. Anyone who has seen an ostrich-egg will see the resemblance with the spherical shape of the earth.
Do we need any more proof?
I realise that the post has become quite long, and I’ve not even touched the tip of the iceberg which is the minefield of scientific information in the Qur’an. So let me quickly move to verses pointing to three phenomena which really have been discovered only in the past 3-4 decades.
Phenomenon 1 – The Universe is expanding
Waalssamaa banaynaha bi-aydin wa-inna lamoosiAAoona
With power and skill did We construct the Firmament: for it is We Who create the vastness of space (Qur’an 51:47; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
When translated word for word, the literal meaning of the verse is ‘And the sky/space We built/constructed it with power/support, and We are extending/spreading (it)’. The key Arabic word here is ‘moosioona’ which means ‘expanding’.
Phenomenon 2 - Presence of interstellar matter
I remember studying in my physics class in school that space between two celestial bodies is a vacuum. And I went to school in the 80s! Only recently, astrophysicists discovered the presence of plasma - consisting of completely ionized gas containing equal number of free electrons and positive ions - in this interstellar space.
In the 6th century AD, the Qur’an said,
Allathee khalaqa alssamawati waal-arda wama baynahuma fee sittati ayyamin thumma istawa AAala alAAarshi alrrahmanu fais-al bihi khabeeran
He Who created the heavens and the earth and all that is between, in six days, and is firmly established on the Throne (of Authority): Allah Most Gracious: ask thou, then, about Him of any acquainted (with such things). (Qur’an 25:59; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
‘All that is in between’? Why does the verse not stop at heavens and the earth? Interesting, isn’t it?
Phenomenon 3 - Pulsars
First discovered in 1967, pulsars are highly magnetised neutron stars that emit beams of radiation. These radiations from the pulsars make sounds like a knock or of a hammer. Scientists have also discovered that these radiations have the ability to penetrate or pierce anything, including the earth.
Nearly 1,400 years before this discovery, the Qur’an said,
Waalssama-i waalttariqi. Wama adraka ma alttariqu. Alnnajmu alththaqibu.
By the Sky and the Night-Visitant (therein); And what will explain to thee what the Night-Visitant is? (It is) the Star of piercing brightness. (Qur’an 86:1-3; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
Two key Arabic words in these three verses accurately describe pulsars. ‘Taariq’ means ‘knocking sounds’, reflecting the sounds emitted by pulsars; and ‘Thaaqib’ means ‘penetrating waves’, accurately describing the beams of radiation of a pulsar.
Is it any surprise then that the chapter itself is called ‘At-Taariq’?
And for someone who wants to debate on the ‘six day’ comment, it would be worth remembering that the Arabic word for day is ‘youm’, and it could stand for different measures of time, from a day to an eon.
There are a few verses in the Qur’an which point to this fact. Consider these-
TaAAruju almala-ikatu waalrroohu ilayhi fee yawmin kana miqdaruhu khamseena alfa sanatin
The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years. (Qur’an 70:4; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
WayastaAAjiloonaka bialAAathabi walan yukhlifa Allahu waAAdahu wa-inna yawman AAinda rabbika kaalfi sanatin mimma taAAuddoona
Yet they ask thee to hasten on the Punishment! But Allah will not fail in His Promise. Verily a Day in the sight of thy Lord is like a thousand years of your reckoning. (Qur’an 22:47; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
For educated people like us, who now know that a day on Earth is not the same as a day on Mars, which is different from a day on Saturn, this concept should not be difficult to grasp.
Even after editing, I realise this post has run too long. I trust it would hold the attention of readers of my blog.
And let me end with a reference to the one verse that all Muslims – and most non-Muslims – know. It is in the first chapter of the Qur’an, and it says,
Alhamdu lillahi rabbi alAAalameen
Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds (Qur’an 1:2; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
I have always found this to be a very interesting verse. Why did Allah not choose the word ‘Al Kawn’ (The Universe). Why did He choose to use the word Aalameen (the worlds). After all, He has mentioned that He created the universe, and the description is similar to the Big Bang theory (we’ve read that earlier in this post).
Is this a signal to mankind that there is extra-terrestial life elsewhere in this Universe?
(References and Acknowledgements: Al Qur’an; The Qur’aan and Modern Science-Compatible or Incompatible by Dr. Zakir Naik; The Bible, The Qur’an and Science by Dr. Maurice Bucaille; www.islam.about.com; Wikipedia; www.windows.ucar.edu; yaqb.org and many other websites, books, notes and presentations. Thanks to Zaffer, Mudassar, Naeem, Waseem, Khalid, Irfan and my other brothers and sisters who have been feeding me with information over time and enriching my knowledge of our religion )
Added to that, when I sat down to make my notes related to this post, it ran into more than 20 pages!
It has taken a lot of editing to bring this post down to manageable size, although I’ve had to leave a lot of references out.
What I’ll try and do in this post is to mention a few theories, relating to the earth and the universe, prevailing in the 6th century AD or later, give one or two references (if needed) on each, and mention what the Qur’an has to say about them. Later in the post, I shall specifically mention a couple of celestial phenomena that were completely unknown when the Qur’an was revealed – phenomena discovered only in the past 40-odd years – and see if the Qur’an has any references to these.
Theory 1: The Universe is without beginning or end
As late as the first three decades of the 20th century, scientists believed that the universe was static - without beginning or end. Even Albert Einstein, in his general theory of relativity, added a cosmological constant to his theory to try to force it to allow for a static universe with matter in it.
The idea of the universe expanding was proposed by Hubble only in 1929. And it was only in the 60s, with the works of Stephen Hawking and Roger Penrose that the majority of cosmologists accepted the Big Bang theory, where the universe began a finite time ago.
On this point, the Qur’an says,
Awa lam yara allatheena kafaroo anna alssamawati waal-arda kanata ratqan fafataqnahuma wajaAAalna mina alma-i kulla shay-in hayyin afala yu/minoona
Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit of creation), before we clove them asunder? We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe? (Qur’an 21:30; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
Revelation – 6th century. Acceptance by scientists – 20th century. And an interesting use of words – ‘clove them asunder’. Striking resemblance to the Big Bang, isn’t it?
There’s another verse which has a clear reference to the Big Bang.
Thumma istawa ila alssama-i wahiya dukhanun faqala laha walil-ardi i/tiya tawAAan aw karhan qalata atayna ta-iAAeena
Moreover He comprehended in His design the sky, and it had been (as) smoke: He said to it and to the earth: "Come ye together, willingly or unwillingly." They said: "We do come (together), in willing obedience." (Qur’an 41:11; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
Another verse clearly mentions that the Universe will come to an end.
Yawma natwee alssamaa katayyi alssijlli lilkutubi kama bada/na awwala khalqin nuAAeeduhu waAAdan AAalayna inna kunna faAAileena
The Day that We roll up the heavens like a scroll rolled up for books (completed),- even as We produced the first creation, so shall We produce a new one: a promise We have undertaken: truly shall We fulfil it. (Qur’an 21:104; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
Each of these verses pointed to things that were unknown till the last couple of hundred years to humans!
Theory 2: The earth is static and the centre of the universe
Around 150 AD, Ptolemy theorised that the earth was static, and that the Sun and all other planets revolved around it.
Around 1543 AD or so, Tycho Brahe proposed a geo-centric universe, with a static Earth at the centre of the Universe with the Moon and the Sun orbiting it, with the rest of the planets going around the Sun.
Two key proponents of the theory that the earth is not static and not the centre of the universe - Copernicus (around 1543 AD) and Galileo (17th century) – were both accused of heresy. While Copernicus’s book was banned, Galileo was given life imprisonment and was under house arrest till his death. Remember, both these events happened during the Renaissance!
To be fair, the idea of a heliocentric system had actually already been proposed around 200 B.C. However, Aristotle had asked some very simple - and very logical – questions; way earlier, around 350 B.C. This father of formal logic had asked, (1) If the Earth spun on an axis, why didn't objects fly off?; (2) If the Earth was moving (around the Sun), why didn't it leave behind the birds flying in the air?; (3) If the Earth was orbiting the sun, why didn't the stars appear to change their position since they were being viewed from a different perspective? And these seemingly logical questions held sway for a geo-centric system till the Renaissance.
And then this theory turned around on its head, to another theory.
Theory 3: The Sun is static and the centre of the Universe
First Copernicus and then Galileo propounded the heliocentric theory of planetary motion. This theory was supported by Yohann Keppler, who, around 1609, showed that planets revolve around the sun and also rotate upon their axes.
However, post these discoveries, it was thought that the Sun was stationary and did not rotate about its axis like the Earth.
On both these theories, the Qur’an says
Wahuwa allathee khalaqa allayla waalnnahara waalshshamsa waalqamara kullun fee falakin yasbahoona
It is He Who created the Night and the Day, and the sun and the moon: all (the celestial bodies) swim along, each in its rounded course. (Qur’an 21:33; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
Simple line, yet very profound!
This is re-stated in the Sura Ya-Seen.
La alshshamsu yanbaghee laha an tudrika alqamara wala allaylu sabiqu alnnahari wakullun fee falakin yasbahoona
It is not permitted to the Sun to catch up the Moon, nor can the Night outstrip the Day: Each just swims along in its own orbit according to Law. (Qur’an 36:40; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
Theory 4: The earth is flat
I allude to this theory also because of one of my readers – swap – who has mentioned this in his/her comments. (Just an aside for swap - it would be great if you could identify yourself. You could e-mail me at khanmubin@gmail.com).
While Zaffer has replied to this, giving references in his reply, let me refer to two verses from the Qur’an which prove this theory wrong.
Alam tara anna Allaha yooliju allayla fee alnnahari wayooliju alnnahara fee allayli wasakhkhara alshshamsa waalqamara kullun yajree ila ajalin musamman waanna Allaha bima taAAmaloona khabeerun
Seest thou not that Allah merges Night into Day and he merges Day into Night; that He has subjected the sun, and the moon (to his Law), each running its course for a term appointed; and that Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do? (Qur’an 31:29; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
Khalaqa alssamawati waal-arda bialhaqqi yukawwiru allayla AAala alnnahari wayukawwiru alnnahara AAala allayli wasakhkhara alshshamsa waalqamara kullun yajree li-ajalin musamman ala huwa alAAazeezu alghaffaru
He created the heavens and the earth in true (proportions): He makes the Night overlap the Day, and the Day overlap the Night: He has subjected the sun and the moon (to His law): Each one follows a course for a time appointed. Is not He the Exalted in Power - He Who forgives again and again? (Qur’an 39:5; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
The English translations of both these verses really fall short of explaining the true meaning of the Arabic words.
In the former verse, the Arabic word 'yooliju' refers to the night slowly and gradually changing to day and vice versa. Such gradual changes can happen only if the earth is round. It stands to reason that if the earth was flat, this change would be sudden and not gradual.
In the latter verse, the Arabic word ‘yukawwiru’ literally means ‘to overlap’ or ‘to coil’. As eloquently explained by Dr. Zakir Naik many times, this overlapping or coiling is in the way a turban is wound around the head. The overlapping or coiling of the day and night can only take place if the earth is spherical.
But wait, I’m keeping on proving that the earth is round, but it really is not. We have found in the last century that the earth is flat at the poles – egg-shaped, as it were!
So what does the Qur’an say?
Waal-arda baAAda thalika dahaha
And the earth, moreover, hath He extended to a wide expanse (Qur’an 79:30; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
The key word in this verse is ‘dahaha’, which means an ostrich-egg. Anyone who has seen an ostrich-egg will see the resemblance with the spherical shape of the earth.
Do we need any more proof?
I realise that the post has become quite long, and I’ve not even touched the tip of the iceberg which is the minefield of scientific information in the Qur’an. So let me quickly move to verses pointing to three phenomena which really have been discovered only in the past 3-4 decades.
Phenomenon 1 – The Universe is expanding
Waalssamaa banaynaha bi-aydin wa-inna lamoosiAAoona
With power and skill did We construct the Firmament: for it is We Who create the vastness of space (Qur’an 51:47; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
When translated word for word, the literal meaning of the verse is ‘And the sky/space We built/constructed it with power/support, and We are extending/spreading (it)’. The key Arabic word here is ‘moosioona’ which means ‘expanding’.
Phenomenon 2 - Presence of interstellar matter
I remember studying in my physics class in school that space between two celestial bodies is a vacuum. And I went to school in the 80s! Only recently, astrophysicists discovered the presence of plasma - consisting of completely ionized gas containing equal number of free electrons and positive ions - in this interstellar space.
In the 6th century AD, the Qur’an said,
Allathee khalaqa alssamawati waal-arda wama baynahuma fee sittati ayyamin thumma istawa AAala alAAarshi alrrahmanu fais-al bihi khabeeran
He Who created the heavens and the earth and all that is between, in six days, and is firmly established on the Throne (of Authority): Allah Most Gracious: ask thou, then, about Him of any acquainted (with such things). (Qur’an 25:59; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
‘All that is in between’? Why does the verse not stop at heavens and the earth? Interesting, isn’t it?
Phenomenon 3 - Pulsars
First discovered in 1967, pulsars are highly magnetised neutron stars that emit beams of radiation. These radiations from the pulsars make sounds like a knock or of a hammer. Scientists have also discovered that these radiations have the ability to penetrate or pierce anything, including the earth.
Nearly 1,400 years before this discovery, the Qur’an said,
Waalssama-i waalttariqi. Wama adraka ma alttariqu. Alnnajmu alththaqibu.
By the Sky and the Night-Visitant (therein); And what will explain to thee what the Night-Visitant is? (It is) the Star of piercing brightness. (Qur’an 86:1-3; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
Two key Arabic words in these three verses accurately describe pulsars. ‘Taariq’ means ‘knocking sounds’, reflecting the sounds emitted by pulsars; and ‘Thaaqib’ means ‘penetrating waves’, accurately describing the beams of radiation of a pulsar.
Is it any surprise then that the chapter itself is called ‘At-Taariq’?
And for someone who wants to debate on the ‘six day’ comment, it would be worth remembering that the Arabic word for day is ‘youm’, and it could stand for different measures of time, from a day to an eon.
There are a few verses in the Qur’an which point to this fact. Consider these-
TaAAruju almala-ikatu waalrroohu ilayhi fee yawmin kana miqdaruhu khamseena alfa sanatin
The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years. (Qur’an 70:4; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
WayastaAAjiloonaka bialAAathabi walan yukhlifa Allahu waAAdahu wa-inna yawman AAinda rabbika kaalfi sanatin mimma taAAuddoona
Yet they ask thee to hasten on the Punishment! But Allah will not fail in His Promise. Verily a Day in the sight of thy Lord is like a thousand years of your reckoning. (Qur’an 22:47; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
For educated people like us, who now know that a day on Earth is not the same as a day on Mars, which is different from a day on Saturn, this concept should not be difficult to grasp.
Even after editing, I realise this post has run too long. I trust it would hold the attention of readers of my blog.
And let me end with a reference to the one verse that all Muslims – and most non-Muslims – know. It is in the first chapter of the Qur’an, and it says,
Alhamdu lillahi rabbi alAAalameen
Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds (Qur’an 1:2; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
I have always found this to be a very interesting verse. Why did Allah not choose the word ‘Al Kawn’ (The Universe). Why did He choose to use the word Aalameen (the worlds). After all, He has mentioned that He created the universe, and the description is similar to the Big Bang theory (we’ve read that earlier in this post).
Is this a signal to mankind that there is extra-terrestial life elsewhere in this Universe?
(References and Acknowledgements: Al Qur’an; The Qur’aan and Modern Science-Compatible or Incompatible by Dr. Zakir Naik; The Bible, The Qur’an and Science by Dr. Maurice Bucaille; www.islam.about.com; Wikipedia; www.windows.ucar.edu; yaqb.org and many other websites, books, notes and presentations. Thanks to Zaffer, Mudassar, Naeem, Waseem, Khalid, Irfan and my other brothers and sisters who have been feeding me with information over time and enriching my knowledge of our religion )
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Homosexuality – Revolt against nature
This post has been written by Mudassar Khan, who had written this e-mail to me in September as a response to my post then.
Sorry Muddu, for not posting it earlier.
---
Allah SWT is the creator and the Lord of the whole universe. He gave existence to everyone and everything and He gave a natural system for His slaves. Whenever this natural system is broken, chaos set in.
Allah SWT has kept the natural system of sexual relations between men and women, which grant physical and mental solace and give material and spiritual pleasure. It also acts as the means of propagation of the human race. As a result of which the society remains at peace and happy.
On the other hand, men forming relationships with men and women with women is a serious crime, which is disliked by each and every religion and by every cultured person. These kind of relations harm the society, give rise to and spread fatal diseases like AIDS and destroy humanity as a whole.
Homosexuality is such a serious sin that it is a collection of all other types of immodesty. This is a revolt against nature. It is a sign of being away from the mercy of Allah SWT and invites the wrath and anger of Allah SWT.
the nation which was involved in this, the Ummah of Hadhrat Lut (Peace be upon him), was punished by Allah SWT in different ways. In the last part of the night, an angel gave such a shout that it destroyed them. A population of 4 million i.e. 40 lakhs was lifted up to the sky and thrown headlong. Then stones were rained on them which wiped them away from the slate of existence.
The Holy Quran mentions this incident in many places. The reason is that people should realize that if they are also involved in this sin, then the wrath of Allah SWT will destroy them as well. Allah SWT says:
And We rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): then see what was the end of those who indulged in sin and crime! Surah A’araaf – (7:84)
It is given in Surah Ankabut:
And (remember) Lut; behold he said to his people: "Ye do commit lewdness, such as no people in Creation (ever) committed before you. Surah Ankaboot (29:28)
To highlight the disgusting and nasty nature of homosexuality, here in the Holy Quran, the word “Al-Faahisha has been used.” At another place, for adultery, the word “Faahishatun” has been used. The intended meaning is that adultery is one of the types of immodesty and indecency, but homosexuality is a collection and compendium of all types of immodesty. This disgusting act has been termed as “Al-Faahisha” 3 times in the Holy Quran:
We also (sent) Lut: he said to his people: "Do ye commit lewdness such as no people in creation (ever) committed before you? Surah A’araaf (7:80)
In Surah Naml:
We also sent Lut (as a messenger): behold, he said to his people "Do ye do what is shameful though ye see (its iniquity)? Surah Naml (27:54)
In Surah Ankaboot:
And (remember) Lut; behold he said to his people: "Ye do commit lewdness, such as no people in Creation (ever) committed before you. Surah Ankaboot (29:28)
This is such an act of immodesty, that all religions, cultures and cultured persons hold it to be so.
Apart from this Allah SWT has declared homosexuals to be those who break the rules of Allah SWT and Islam. Allah SWT says:
"Of all the creatures in the world, will ye approach males. (165) "And leave those whom Allah has created for you to be your mates? Nay, ye are a people transgressing (all limits)!" Surah Shuara (166)
And in Surah A’araaf:
"For ye practise your lusts on men in preference to women: ye are indeed a people transgressing beyond bounds." Surah A’araaf (7:81)
Among all the evils of the society and the kinds of immodesty, there is none worse than homosexuality. The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has given strict warnings about this act:
Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abdullah bin Abbas (May Allah be well pleased with them), that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: May Allah SWT curse the person who does what the nation of Lut (Peace be upon him) had done. May Allah SWT curse that person. He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) repeated this thrice. (Musnad Imam Ahmad, Hadith No: 2677)
There is a Hadith in Kanz Ul ‘Ummal:
Translation: The nation of Lut (Peace be upon him) was punished because of 10 bad practices. My Ummah will be involved in one more bad practice. They had homosexual relations between men and men and this Ummah will have homosexual relations between women and women. (Kanz Ul ‘Ummal, Hadith No: 13014)
There is Hadith in Jame Tirmidhi, Sunan Ibn Majah and Mustadrak ‘Alas Sahihain:
Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Jabir (May Allah be well pleased with him) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: What I most fear about My Ummah is the act of the nation of Lut (Peace be upon him). (Mustadrak ‘Alas Sahihain, Hadith No: 8171)
Homosexuality – Takes one away from the Mercy of Allah SWT.
There is a Hadith in Al Mojam Kabeer and Majma Uz Zawaaid:
Translation: Hadhrat Jabir bin Abdullah (May Allah be well pleased with them) narrates that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: When the Dhimmis (non-Muslims under Islamic rule) are oppressed, then the enemies will rule. When adultery will become too much, then there will be too many prisoners and when those who do what the nation of Lut (Peace be upon him) did, then Allah SWT will remove His hand of Mercy from the creation. Then He will not care in which valley they are killed.
There is a Hadith in Mojam Ausat, Shu’abul Iman and Majma Uz Zawaaid:
Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be well pleased with him) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: There are 4 persons whose days and nights are in the anger and wrath of Allah SWT. Among them is the man who has sexual relations with another man.
There is a Hadith in Jame Tirmidhi and Sahih Ibn Hibban:
Translation: Allah SWT does not even look at the person with mercy who has homosexual relations with men or women. (Sahih Ibn Hibban, Hadith No: 4418)
There is a Hadith in moa Tabarani and Majma Uz Zawaaid:
Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be well pleased with him) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Allah SWT curses 7 from His creation from above the seven heavens and repeats His curse thrice on each one of them. Who does what the nation of Lut (Peace be upon him) is cursed, Who does what the nation of Lut (Peace be upon him) is cursed, Who does what the nation of Lut (Peace be upon him) is cursed. (Mojam Ausat, Hadith No: 8734,Majma Uz Zawaaid, Vol. 6, Pg No: 272)
Personal and social loss of homosexuality:
One among the wisdoms of keeping marriage as permissible is that the race of humans, which is the cream of all creation (Ashraful Makhlooqat) should not end. If human beings satisfy their sexual desires through some other way, then the mentioned benefit of the Shariah will not be gained. These kind of relationships may prove to be start of the end of the human race.
The sexual relations between men and women are not only for fulfilling the sexual desires, but children are sought through it. Satisfying sexual desires through homosexuality is to fall from the heights of humanity to the depths of the animals.
Imam (May Allah be well pleased with him) (May Allah shower His Mercy on him) writes in the Tafseer of verse no: 81 of Surah A’araaf:
Translation: The wise Lord has granted extraordinary strength to the womb of the women to absorb the semen. When a man performs this act (in the natural way), then all the drops of semen are absorbed by the womb of the woman. But when a man does this with a man, then as the anus of the man is not granted this strength, some drops of semen still remain in the genital organ, because of which the organ swells and suffers from many diseases. These details can be known only through the science of medicine. (Tafseer Kabir, Surah A’araaf, verse no:81)
Giving legal status to homosexuality is to push humanity towards destruction. At this stage, when AIDS is already swallowing innocent people, providing legal status to homosexuality is to promote AIDS. Humanity is struck as to how the new generation will survive when men will marry men and women will marry women, that new generation, who is the future of the nation and the world. If the cover of legal status is granted to this revolt of nature, then new problems will be created in the society which will shake the very foundations of the society. Many sections of the society are supporting the decision of the government and are declaring it as modern culture, free thinking etc. When this is culture, we don’t even want to know what uncultured means.
It is the responsibility of each and every religion along with the government to curb these attempts to build a virtuous and harmonious society. We hope that the government will not accept this as per article 377.
Sorry Muddu, for not posting it earlier.
---
Allah SWT is the creator and the Lord of the whole universe. He gave existence to everyone and everything and He gave a natural system for His slaves. Whenever this natural system is broken, chaos set in.
Allah SWT has kept the natural system of sexual relations between men and women, which grant physical and mental solace and give material and spiritual pleasure. It also acts as the means of propagation of the human race. As a result of which the society remains at peace and happy.
On the other hand, men forming relationships with men and women with women is a serious crime, which is disliked by each and every religion and by every cultured person. These kind of relations harm the society, give rise to and spread fatal diseases like AIDS and destroy humanity as a whole.
Homosexuality is such a serious sin that it is a collection of all other types of immodesty. This is a revolt against nature. It is a sign of being away from the mercy of Allah SWT and invites the wrath and anger of Allah SWT.
the nation which was involved in this, the Ummah of Hadhrat Lut (Peace be upon him), was punished by Allah SWT in different ways. In the last part of the night, an angel gave such a shout that it destroyed them. A population of 4 million i.e. 40 lakhs was lifted up to the sky and thrown headlong. Then stones were rained on them which wiped them away from the slate of existence.
The Holy Quran mentions this incident in many places. The reason is that people should realize that if they are also involved in this sin, then the wrath of Allah SWT will destroy them as well. Allah SWT says:
And We rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): then see what was the end of those who indulged in sin and crime! Surah A’araaf – (7:84)
It is given in Surah Ankabut:
And (remember) Lut; behold he said to his people: "Ye do commit lewdness, such as no people in Creation (ever) committed before you. Surah Ankaboot (29:28)
To highlight the disgusting and nasty nature of homosexuality, here in the Holy Quran, the word “Al-Faahisha has been used.” At another place, for adultery, the word “Faahishatun” has been used. The intended meaning is that adultery is one of the types of immodesty and indecency, but homosexuality is a collection and compendium of all types of immodesty. This disgusting act has been termed as “Al-Faahisha” 3 times in the Holy Quran:
We also (sent) Lut: he said to his people: "Do ye commit lewdness such as no people in creation (ever) committed before you? Surah A’araaf (7:80)
In Surah Naml:
We also sent Lut (as a messenger): behold, he said to his people "Do ye do what is shameful though ye see (its iniquity)? Surah Naml (27:54)
In Surah Ankaboot:
And (remember) Lut; behold he said to his people: "Ye do commit lewdness, such as no people in Creation (ever) committed before you. Surah Ankaboot (29:28)
This is such an act of immodesty, that all religions, cultures and cultured persons hold it to be so.
Apart from this Allah SWT has declared homosexuals to be those who break the rules of Allah SWT and Islam. Allah SWT says:
"Of all the creatures in the world, will ye approach males. (165) "And leave those whom Allah has created for you to be your mates? Nay, ye are a people transgressing (all limits)!" Surah Shuara (166)
And in Surah A’araaf:
"For ye practise your lusts on men in preference to women: ye are indeed a people transgressing beyond bounds." Surah A’araaf (7:81)
Among all the evils of the society and the kinds of immodesty, there is none worse than homosexuality. The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has given strict warnings about this act:
Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abdullah bin Abbas (May Allah be well pleased with them), that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: May Allah SWT curse the person who does what the nation of Lut (Peace be upon him) had done. May Allah SWT curse that person. He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) repeated this thrice. (Musnad Imam Ahmad, Hadith No: 2677)
There is a Hadith in Kanz Ul ‘Ummal:
Translation: The nation of Lut (Peace be upon him) was punished because of 10 bad practices. My Ummah will be involved in one more bad practice. They had homosexual relations between men and men and this Ummah will have homosexual relations between women and women. (Kanz Ul ‘Ummal, Hadith No: 13014)
There is Hadith in Jame Tirmidhi, Sunan Ibn Majah and Mustadrak ‘Alas Sahihain:
Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Jabir (May Allah be well pleased with him) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: What I most fear about My Ummah is the act of the nation of Lut (Peace be upon him). (Mustadrak ‘Alas Sahihain, Hadith No: 8171)
Homosexuality – Takes one away from the Mercy of Allah SWT.
There is a Hadith in Al Mojam Kabeer and Majma Uz Zawaaid:
Translation: Hadhrat Jabir bin Abdullah (May Allah be well pleased with them) narrates that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: When the Dhimmis (non-Muslims under Islamic rule) are oppressed, then the enemies will rule. When adultery will become too much, then there will be too many prisoners and when those who do what the nation of Lut (Peace be upon him) did, then Allah SWT will remove His hand of Mercy from the creation. Then He will not care in which valley they are killed.
There is a Hadith in Mojam Ausat, Shu’abul Iman and Majma Uz Zawaaid:
Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be well pleased with him) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: There are 4 persons whose days and nights are in the anger and wrath of Allah SWT. Among them is the man who has sexual relations with another man.
There is a Hadith in Jame Tirmidhi and Sahih Ibn Hibban:
Translation: Allah SWT does not even look at the person with mercy who has homosexual relations with men or women. (Sahih Ibn Hibban, Hadith No: 4418)
There is a Hadith in moa Tabarani and Majma Uz Zawaaid:
Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be well pleased with him) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Allah SWT curses 7 from His creation from above the seven heavens and repeats His curse thrice on each one of them. Who does what the nation of Lut (Peace be upon him) is cursed, Who does what the nation of Lut (Peace be upon him) is cursed, Who does what the nation of Lut (Peace be upon him) is cursed. (Mojam Ausat, Hadith No: 8734,Majma Uz Zawaaid, Vol. 6, Pg No: 272)
Personal and social loss of homosexuality:
One among the wisdoms of keeping marriage as permissible is that the race of humans, which is the cream of all creation (Ashraful Makhlooqat) should not end. If human beings satisfy their sexual desires through some other way, then the mentioned benefit of the Shariah will not be gained. These kind of relationships may prove to be start of the end of the human race.
The sexual relations between men and women are not only for fulfilling the sexual desires, but children are sought through it. Satisfying sexual desires through homosexuality is to fall from the heights of humanity to the depths of the animals.
Imam (May Allah be well pleased with him) (May Allah shower His Mercy on him) writes in the Tafseer of verse no: 81 of Surah A’araaf:
Translation: The wise Lord has granted extraordinary strength to the womb of the women to absorb the semen. When a man performs this act (in the natural way), then all the drops of semen are absorbed by the womb of the woman. But when a man does this with a man, then as the anus of the man is not granted this strength, some drops of semen still remain in the genital organ, because of which the organ swells and suffers from many diseases. These details can be known only through the science of medicine. (Tafseer Kabir, Surah A’araaf, verse no:81)
Giving legal status to homosexuality is to push humanity towards destruction. At this stage, when AIDS is already swallowing innocent people, providing legal status to homosexuality is to promote AIDS. Humanity is struck as to how the new generation will survive when men will marry men and women will marry women, that new generation, who is the future of the nation and the world. If the cover of legal status is granted to this revolt of nature, then new problems will be created in the society which will shake the very foundations of the society. Many sections of the society are supporting the decision of the government and are declaring it as modern culture, free thinking etc. When this is culture, we don’t even want to know what uncultured means.
It is the responsibility of each and every religion along with the government to curb these attempts to build a virtuous and harmonious society. We hope that the government will not accept this as per article 377.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Homosexuality
Well, India has become the latest in the list of ‘enlightened’ countries which are allowing homosexuality in the name of equality. And we have so many ‘intellectuals’ among us who advocate accepting this, as it is ‘hereditary’, ‘natural’ and what not.
The immediate provocation for this blog was actually an article that appeared in a leading newspaper which quoted someone named 'Saleem Kidwai, author of Same Sex Love in India, a Muslim'. In that article, he says, “I can quote numerous examples of Muslims, including saints and poets, who were venerated even though they supported homosexuality or were gay themselves. Mir Taqi Mir is one example. Look at Sarmat Shaheed aka ‘Hare Bhare Shah’ whose grave is at Delhi’s Jama Masjid. Thousands of Muslims go there to pay respects though Shah’s homosexuality is well-known.”
Stop this BS.
Don’t use examples of people doing something to prove a point that has been clearly pointed out as an abomination in the Qur’an. Do I use the Qur’an – which I believe is the word of Allah – or these two examples of individuals that this person points out? I am not aware of Hare Bhare Shah, but I am clear on one thing – either this person is not a homosexual or he is not a shaheed / holy man. We have all seen how incidents are corrupted and people deified over time, especially in our part of the world.
Since Saleem Kidwai has quoted two examples - neither of which really stick - let me quote only two verses from the Qur’an here.
Walootan ith qala liqawmihi ata/toona alfahishata ma sabaqakum biha min ahadin mina alAAalameena. Innakum lata/toona alrrijala shahwatan min dooni alnnisa-i bal antum qawmun musrifoona.
We also (sent) Lut: He said to his people: “Do ye commit lewdness such as no people in creation (ever) committed before you?” “For ye practise your lusts on men in preference to women : ye are indeed a people transgressing beyond bounds.” (Qur’an 7:80-81; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
Just two verses in Chapter 7 (Al-A’raf), clearly stating that homosexuality is transgression beyond bounds.
And what happened to the people of Lut who transgressed?
Waamtarna AAalayhim mataran faonthur kayfa kana AAaqibatu almujrimeena
And we rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): Then see what was the end of those who indulged in sin and crime! (Qur’an 7:84; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
For anyone who needs more proof, I would suggest reading Chapter 26 (Ash-Shu’araa), Verses 161-174, which relate the entire episode of Lut and what happened to the people who chose homosexuality over legal married life.
And as for myself, I shall repeat a prayer said by Lut himself.
rabbi onsurnee AAala alqawmi almufsideena
"O my Lord! help Thou me against people who do mischief!" (Qur’an 29:30; Translation by Yusuf Ali – part of verse)
That is Islam’s stance on homosexuality. What about the other major religions?
Let’s look at Christianity? Only 2 verses again.
Do you not know that the unrighteous and wrong doers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God. Do not be deceived, (misled); neither the immoral and impure, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality, Nor cheats - swindlers and thieves; nor greedy graspers, nor drunkards, nor foulmouthed revilers and slanderers, nor extortioners and robbers will inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
And most predominantly Christian countries count homosexuality as natural!
Judaism? I personally found this to be strongest in its denouncement of homosexuality. And I shall content myself by sticking to two verses once again.
And if a man lie with mankind, as with womankind, both of them have committed abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. (Leviticus 20:13)
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind; it is abomination. (Leviticus 18:22)
And this is where I find what I mentioned earlier as the strongest denouncement.
The Oxford English dictionary defines abomination as a cause of disgust or hatred. In other words, one can read the above verse as lying with a male as with a woman is a cause of disgust or hatred in the eyes of God!
Now consider the position of this verse. It is interspersed between two other verses – one referring to child sacrifice (Leviticus 18:21 - And thou shalt not give any of thy seed to set them apart to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD) and the other pertaining to bestiality (Leviticus 18:23 - And thou shalt not lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith; neither shall any woman stand before a beast, to lie down thereto; it is perversion).
The Jewish word for abomination is ‘Toaiva’. Let us consider some other acts in the Jewish religion that are also considered ‘Toai’va’.
Eating non-kosher foods is also called a Toaiva-abomination, so is incest (specific mentions in Leviticus for the interested), child sacrifice to their gods, using a seer or magician to contact the dead or predict the future.
If there was a clearer proof of the abhorrence of such act, I am yet to see it!
Hey, but I am referring to all the three monotheistic religions. And we’re in India, where all these three religions are in a minority. C’mon folks, haven’t we seen Kama Sutra, Khajuraho etc.
Right, and then some people have seen the ancient Hindu religious and moral texts, like the Manu Smriti for instance, which says-
A kanya [unmarried woman] who pollutes (another) kanya must be fined two hundred (panas), pay the double of her (nuptial) fee, and receive ten (lashes with a) rod. But a stree [married woman] who pollutes a kanya shall instantly have (her head) shaved or two fingers cut off, and be made to ride (through the town) on a donkey. (Manusmriti 8:370-371)
Giving pain to a Brahmana (by a blow), smelling at things which ought not to be smelt at, or at spirituous liquor, cheating, and an unnatural offence with a man, are declared to cause the loss of caste (Gatibhramsa) (Manusmriti 11:68)
I have again restricted myself to two verses here, but again, it is interesting to see the punishment for a homosexual coming immediately after that of someone committing bestiality. See the parallel with Judaism? Those interested could check out Manusmriti 11:174-175.
And as for Saleem Kidwai and others of his ilk, I would only say-
Summun bukmun AAumyun fahum la yarjiAAoona
Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will not return (to the path). Qur’an 2:18; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
The immediate provocation for this blog was actually an article that appeared in a leading newspaper which quoted someone named 'Saleem Kidwai, author of Same Sex Love in India, a Muslim'. In that article, he says, “I can quote numerous examples of Muslims, including saints and poets, who were venerated even though they supported homosexuality or were gay themselves. Mir Taqi Mir is one example. Look at Sarmat Shaheed aka ‘Hare Bhare Shah’ whose grave is at Delhi’s Jama Masjid. Thousands of Muslims go there to pay respects though Shah’s homosexuality is well-known.”
Stop this BS.
Don’t use examples of people doing something to prove a point that has been clearly pointed out as an abomination in the Qur’an. Do I use the Qur’an – which I believe is the word of Allah – or these two examples of individuals that this person points out? I am not aware of Hare Bhare Shah, but I am clear on one thing – either this person is not a homosexual or he is not a shaheed / holy man. We have all seen how incidents are corrupted and people deified over time, especially in our part of the world.
Since Saleem Kidwai has quoted two examples - neither of which really stick - let me quote only two verses from the Qur’an here.
Walootan ith qala liqawmihi ata/toona alfahishata ma sabaqakum biha min ahadin mina alAAalameena. Innakum lata/toona alrrijala shahwatan min dooni alnnisa-i bal antum qawmun musrifoona.
We also (sent) Lut: He said to his people: “Do ye commit lewdness such as no people in creation (ever) committed before you?” “For ye practise your lusts on men in preference to women : ye are indeed a people transgressing beyond bounds.” (Qur’an 7:80-81; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
Just two verses in Chapter 7 (Al-A’raf), clearly stating that homosexuality is transgression beyond bounds.
And what happened to the people of Lut who transgressed?
Waamtarna AAalayhim mataran faonthur kayfa kana AAaqibatu almujrimeena
And we rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): Then see what was the end of those who indulged in sin and crime! (Qur’an 7:84; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
For anyone who needs more proof, I would suggest reading Chapter 26 (Ash-Shu’araa), Verses 161-174, which relate the entire episode of Lut and what happened to the people who chose homosexuality over legal married life.
And as for myself, I shall repeat a prayer said by Lut himself.
rabbi onsurnee AAala alqawmi almufsideena
"O my Lord! help Thou me against people who do mischief!" (Qur’an 29:30; Translation by Yusuf Ali – part of verse)
That is Islam’s stance on homosexuality. What about the other major religions?
Let’s look at Christianity? Only 2 verses again.
Do you not know that the unrighteous and wrong doers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God. Do not be deceived, (misled); neither the immoral and impure, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality, Nor cheats - swindlers and thieves; nor greedy graspers, nor drunkards, nor foulmouthed revilers and slanderers, nor extortioners and robbers will inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
And most predominantly Christian countries count homosexuality as natural!
Judaism? I personally found this to be strongest in its denouncement of homosexuality. And I shall content myself by sticking to two verses once again.
And if a man lie with mankind, as with womankind, both of them have committed abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. (Leviticus 20:13)
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind; it is abomination. (Leviticus 18:22)
And this is where I find what I mentioned earlier as the strongest denouncement.
The Oxford English dictionary defines abomination as a cause of disgust or hatred. In other words, one can read the above verse as lying with a male as with a woman is a cause of disgust or hatred in the eyes of God!
Now consider the position of this verse. It is interspersed between two other verses – one referring to child sacrifice (Leviticus 18:21 - And thou shalt not give any of thy seed to set them apart to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD) and the other pertaining to bestiality (Leviticus 18:23 - And thou shalt not lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith; neither shall any woman stand before a beast, to lie down thereto; it is perversion).
The Jewish word for abomination is ‘Toaiva’. Let us consider some other acts in the Jewish religion that are also considered ‘Toai’va’.
Eating non-kosher foods is also called a Toaiva-abomination, so is incest (specific mentions in Leviticus for the interested), child sacrifice to their gods, using a seer or magician to contact the dead or predict the future.
If there was a clearer proof of the abhorrence of such act, I am yet to see it!
Hey, but I am referring to all the three monotheistic religions. And we’re in India, where all these three religions are in a minority. C’mon folks, haven’t we seen Kama Sutra, Khajuraho etc.
Right, and then some people have seen the ancient Hindu religious and moral texts, like the Manu Smriti for instance, which says-
A kanya [unmarried woman] who pollutes (another) kanya must be fined two hundred (panas), pay the double of her (nuptial) fee, and receive ten (lashes with a) rod. But a stree [married woman] who pollutes a kanya shall instantly have (her head) shaved or two fingers cut off, and be made to ride (through the town) on a donkey. (Manusmriti 8:370-371)
Giving pain to a Brahmana (by a blow), smelling at things which ought not to be smelt at, or at spirituous liquor, cheating, and an unnatural offence with a man, are declared to cause the loss of caste (Gatibhramsa) (Manusmriti 11:68)
I have again restricted myself to two verses here, but again, it is interesting to see the punishment for a homosexual coming immediately after that of someone committing bestiality. See the parallel with Judaism? Those interested could check out Manusmriti 11:174-175.
And as for Saleem Kidwai and others of his ilk, I would only say-
Summun bukmun AAumyun fahum la yarjiAAoona
Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will not return (to the path). Qur’an 2:18; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
Thursday, May 21, 2009
My first blog - with thanks
Hi there everyone!
After weeks of deliberating, here's my first blog. Just an introduction about myself and what my blogs are going to be all about -
I'm pretty bad at introducing myself, but still, here goes.
Mubin Khan, 41 years old, stay in Navi Mumbai, work in Mumbai in Media Sales. Also have worked as a media planner and media buyer, and dabbled in research. Like my field of work (media), like cricket (most Indians do - yawn!), passionate about Islam and about religions (have studied comparative religions - Hinduism and Christianity). Get hugely irritated about a lot of things that one sees on the streets daily - and you'll soon know what I mean by this.
Enough of I, me, myself. Here's what my blogs are going to be about-
I'm going to write about topics that concern me - and make me the person I am. Also, about things that bug me, and things that hopefully I can do something about - change for the better, hopefully. These would mainly cover my country, city, religion, work and passions. So there you are - my blogs would cover India, Mumbai/Navi Mumbai, Islam, Media (planning, buying, selling and research) and training and coaching.
It is an accepted fact that people generally like to inaugurate any new venture at the hands of some VIP or the other; whether a film star or a politician. And then there are all the "Thank You" speeches. So why should I be different? Let me also inaugurate this blog with none other than the Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra. And here's my "Thank You" speech...
Thank You, Mr. CM, for giving us a dream - a dream of the city of the 21st century! And thanks for giving us such amazing reasons in the last century to convince me to move here - lock, stock and two smoking barrels!
Thanks, Mr. CM - for giving us this amazing city, where there is no electricity for 3 hours daily. Thanks for preparing our children for the harsh world that awaits them.
Thanks Sir, for giving us training for the Moto GP through the dug up roads. The road between Sectors 5 and 6, Koparkhairane is dug for the past 2 months, ostensibly to put in a new water pipeline. I'm not exaggerating - 2 tankers have nearly overturned, 1 truck had its load thrown off, a lady broke her leg, and the road is not repaired yet! Hutments have sprung up, local goons have already broken the pipeline and started stealing water - and all this within 300 meters from the Ward Office, and the Ward Officers do not know!
Thank You for the video parlour and liquor store within 20 meters from a school (I thought there was some law about it somewhere?). Makes life so easy for all of us, na!
And we are seeing this daily and grinning and bearing it! Thank You, Mr. CM, for teaching us patience!
Thank You Sir, for the unruly auto rickshaw drivers who stop as they wish, using 3/4th of the road (no jokes!!!) leaving less than a lane for traffic at Teen Tanki, right outside the police chowky, while there is not a single policeman to be seen!
Thank You Sir, for the 90 minute drive from office weaving through trucks and tourist buses who make it a point to use 2 lanes on the right side at Vashi Bridge, while there is a police van standing right at the start of the bridge.
And lastly, Thank You Sir, for charging me Rs.30 everytime I have to go into Mumbai and Rs.30 everytime I return home (which is daily), just for the privilege of staying in this wonderful city of the 21st century.
(Disclaimer: This is not a personal note to the present CM. He was not even in politics when I was swayed to move to this city. And also, despite all the above, Navi Mumbai is a lovely place to be in - just get used to sharing your living space with stray dogs and mosquitoes - that's all!)
After weeks of deliberating, here's my first blog. Just an introduction about myself and what my blogs are going to be all about -
I'm pretty bad at introducing myself, but still, here goes.
Mubin Khan, 41 years old, stay in Navi Mumbai, work in Mumbai in Media Sales. Also have worked as a media planner and media buyer, and dabbled in research. Like my field of work (media), like cricket (most Indians do - yawn!), passionate about Islam and about religions (have studied comparative religions - Hinduism and Christianity). Get hugely irritated about a lot of things that one sees on the streets daily - and you'll soon know what I mean by this.
Enough of I, me, myself. Here's what my blogs are going to be about-
I'm going to write about topics that concern me - and make me the person I am. Also, about things that bug me, and things that hopefully I can do something about - change for the better, hopefully. These would mainly cover my country, city, religion, work and passions. So there you are - my blogs would cover India, Mumbai/Navi Mumbai, Islam, Media (planning, buying, selling and research) and training and coaching.
It is an accepted fact that people generally like to inaugurate any new venture at the hands of some VIP or the other; whether a film star or a politician. And then there are all the "Thank You" speeches. So why should I be different? Let me also inaugurate this blog with none other than the Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra. And here's my "Thank You" speech...
Thank You, Mr. CM, for giving us a dream - a dream of the city of the 21st century! And thanks for giving us such amazing reasons in the last century to convince me to move here - lock, stock and two smoking barrels!
Thanks, Mr. CM - for giving us this amazing city, where there is no electricity for 3 hours daily. Thanks for preparing our children for the harsh world that awaits them.
Thanks Sir, for giving us training for the Moto GP through the dug up roads. The road between Sectors 5 and 6, Koparkhairane is dug for the past 2 months, ostensibly to put in a new water pipeline. I'm not exaggerating - 2 tankers have nearly overturned, 1 truck had its load thrown off, a lady broke her leg, and the road is not repaired yet! Hutments have sprung up, local goons have already broken the pipeline and started stealing water - and all this within 300 meters from the Ward Office, and the Ward Officers do not know!
Thank You for the video parlour and liquor store within 20 meters from a school (I thought there was some law about it somewhere?). Makes life so easy for all of us, na!
And we are seeing this daily and grinning and bearing it! Thank You, Mr. CM, for teaching us patience!
Thank You Sir, for the unruly auto rickshaw drivers who stop as they wish, using 3/4th of the road (no jokes!!!) leaving less than a lane for traffic at Teen Tanki, right outside the police chowky, while there is not a single policeman to be seen!
Thank You Sir, for the 90 minute drive from office weaving through trucks and tourist buses who make it a point to use 2 lanes on the right side at Vashi Bridge, while there is a police van standing right at the start of the bridge.
And lastly, Thank You Sir, for charging me Rs.30 everytime I have to go into Mumbai and Rs.30 everytime I return home (which is daily), just for the privilege of staying in this wonderful city of the 21st century.
(Disclaimer: This is not a personal note to the present CM. He was not even in politics when I was swayed to move to this city. And also, despite all the above, Navi Mumbai is a lovely place to be in - just get used to sharing your living space with stray dogs and mosquitoes - that's all!)
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