Welcome to DEEN-UL-ISLAM Da'wah - Frequently Asked Q's

A: The word "Islam" is an Arabic word that means "submitting and surrendering your will to Almighty God", the Creator, the Sustainer, the Exalted and the Redeemer of all things. The word comes from the same root as the Arabic word "salam", which means peace.

Islam is God's eternal message to mankind. Islam originated by our father Adam (as) and then the torch was passed on to other God's elect messengers.

Unlike the names used for other religions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity, the name for the religion of Islam was both revealed by God and carries a deep spiritual meaning — only by submitting one’s will to Almighty God can one obtain true peace both in this life and in the life hereafter.

Islam teaches that all religions originally had the same essential message — which was to submit whole-heartedly to the will of God and to worship Him and Him alone. For this reason, Islam is not a new religion but is the same divinely revealed Ultimate Truth that God revealed to all prophets, including Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus.

Question 2

Question 2: Is ALLAH the same as God?

A: When talking about God, Muslims automatically think of Allah (swt). Allah, in Arabic language, is "God". He is the Almighty, the One Creator who created the universe, mankind and all other forms of life.

Question 3

Question 3: Why can't Muslims accept the term "Son of God", even though it is in the Bible and referring to Jesus?

A: The term "Son of God" was used metaphorically speaking to those who were godly and pious men. It was never meant to be used literally as the case with Christianity toward Jesus (as).

In fact, the term "Son of God" is used all over the Bible referring to people other than Jesus, check out the following verses:

LUKE 3:38 “the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.”

GENESIS 6:2 " that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose.",

EXODUS 4:22 " Then you shall say to Pharaoh, Thus says the LORD, Israel is My son, My firstborn.”

JEREMIAH 31:9 "…For I am a father to Israel, And Ephraim is My firstborn.”

ROMANS 8:14 "For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”

So how come Christians don't regard those people as Gods, the way they regard Jesus (as)?

Question 4

Question 4: Why did God (swt) send messengers, and why not instead, communicated with us directly?

A: First, that is God's (swt) will. Second, and because of God's greatness and might, humans, in their earthly bodies, can't withstand God's direct presence. We would die instantly if God (swt) would to manifest Himself to us. Only from the mercy of God (swt) prophet Moses (as) fell unconscious when God (swt) began manifesting him self near the mount. The mount itself exploded to pieces. God's messengers are nothing but human beings, who ate like us, dressed like us, grew up amongst us; spoke our language in order for mankind to comprehend what they utter. God (swt) equipped His messengers with miracles to prove the authenticity of their message.

Question 5

Question 5: Are you telling me both Moses and Jesus were Muslims? If so, prove it and I would like to see something from the Bible in this regard?

A: Both Moses and Jesus (as) were Muslims, since both had conveyed the very same Message, "Submission and surrendering" to One God (swt). Here is the proof from the Bible: Moses said: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is ONE Lord." (DEUTERONOMY 6:4). Approximately 1500 years later Jesus said: "...The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is ONE Lord." (MARK 12:29), and of course Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) came along approximately 600 years later, bringing identical message again: "And your God is ONE God: There is no God but He, ..." (The QURAN 2:163)

Question 6

Question 6: I am still confused, if Mohammad was to be God's final and most glorified Prophet, how come we don't see his name in the Bible?

A: Mohammad's name is indeed mentioned in the original Bible manuscripts. The word "Mahmad" is found in the original Hebrew manuscript and it means the "desired one", or the "glorified one".

In the 15th century, exactly in 1539, "Great Bible" was the first and official English translated bible to be authorized for public use, and when the Bible was translated to the English language, many words and expressions were translated differently and sometimes omitted altogether, including the word "Mahmad" which is the name of Prophet Mohammad, the prophet of Islam (pbuh).

Here is the verse in the Bible: HAGGI 2:7 "And I (God) will shake all nations, and the "desired one" of all nations shall come."

Also the Bible says: DEUTERONOMY 18:18-19 "" I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.""

Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) was similar to Moses (as) and he was the only prophet from whose mouth the words of God were spoken (Quran).

Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) spoke in God's name all the time.

Also in Isaiah 51:4, it is said that there will be a new law for all the people. Also, in Isaiah 66:20, it was made clear that the prophet would come from BRETHREN, not children of the Israel.

Question 7

Question 7: I heard many comments as in: "bibles aren't identical" or "bibles aren't the same"! In Christianity, we do have the original manuscripts somewhere in Greece, but the bibles we have in our hands are only translation based on those original manuscripts. So, what's the big deal! Don't Muslims have many different English translations that aren't a like?

A: The original Quranic manuscript is written in Arabic Language. Every single Muslim have an identical Arabic copy based on the original Quranic manuscript written in Arabic. When Muslims perform their 5 daily prayers, they recite the Quran in its original language, the Arabic Language. Many Muslims memorize the Quran by heart at young age. The English, Spanish or French Quranic translations are nothing but interpretation to the meanings of the words of the Quran, and they are only used as a reference for those Muslims who don't speak Arabic. Unlike Muslims, almost the majority of Christians don't even know where the original manuscripts are located at. None of the Christian Churches have, in their possession, a copy in either Hebrew or Greek that is based on the original manuscripts. Christians have translations, translations, translations and as for the original Bible, it's buried somewhere overseas collecting dust.

The Bible (OT & NT) has endured many severe predicaments because of the language barrier. The original manuscripts (ancient Hebrew and Aramaic scriptures) were translated to Greek and Latin. In fact, from the year 800 AD to 1539 AD, Latin was the only language of the Bible. Because of the continuous waves of translations; Aramaic, to Greek, to Latin, to English; Christians most definitely and seriously handicapped any attempts to faithfully translate the original author's intended meanings. This problem, all thanks be to the Almighty (swt), has been completely avoided in the Qur'an, since it has remained from the time of its inspiration to the present day in the same language it was originally revealed in, the Arabic Language. The Arabic Language has remained a living language from that day to this, and the book itself has always been in the hands of the people and not "the elite."

The foremost miracle of the Qur'an is in its text. The text of the Arabic language. You can not translate a miracle no matter how you may try. The Arabic language can not be compared to any other language in its intricate complexity, diversity of form, richness of meaning, brevity of parlance, beauty of construct and power of delivery.

Question 8

Question 8: According to Muslims, God vowed to preserve the Quran. How come the earlier scriptures weren't persevered, and after all, they are God's words?

A: Nowhere in the Quran God (swt) promises such protection or preservation to the former scriptures as the case with the Quran. Every prophet was armed with special miracles to prove the authenticity of his message. Moses came to people who rely heavily on magic, so God (swt) gave him immense power through his Cane. Jesus came to people who were known of strong medical abilities, so God (swt) gave him the ability to cure people and even to raise the dead. Both prophets Moses & Jesus (pbut) were sent to specific people (sons of Israel) with the mentioned miracles and the scriptures. On the other hand, Mohammad (pbuh) was sent to people who were fluent in Arabic Language and its grammar. God (swt) gave him the Quran as his Main and lasting Miracle. The Quran is very unique in its originality and delivery, and the Arabic Language is the best to preserve such revelation. Since Mohammad (pbuh) is the final messenger to mankind and the Quran was his Main miracle, God (swt) has promised to protect the Quran forever. Remember, if the miracle dies, then its authenticity will most definitely die and perish. Moses and Jesus (pbut) had their miracles but not in their books, but rather in their actions (the power of the Cane & Healing), and once they're gone, it was easy for people to edit and interpolate their scriptures (Torah & Bible) to fit their own selfish desires. So far, and after 1400 years later, the Quran remains untouched and persevered from corruption. Muslims still believe in Mohammad's original revelation and divine message. The preservation isn't only limited to the text, but to the divine message, and to the delivery and originality.

Question 9

Question 9: Is it true the Quran has scientific and medical facts?

A: Yes it is. But remember though, the Quran is not a scientific book. The Quran carries a divine message and guidance from the Almighty (swt) to all mankind. This message touches upon all aspects of human's life including science and medical aspects. When people embraced Islam, it wasn't because of the scientific facts the Quran brought forward, but rather because of the divine message in the belief of the One, the Almighty (swt). People embraced Islam because Islam is a simple religion that is sensible and harmonize with the human instinct. Islam is a complete way of life that is based on fairness, equality, and purity amongst all mankind.

Question 10

Question 10: Are you telling me, all other religions are bogus and Islam is the only true religion?

A: Well, isn't that the case with all religions! Every religion claims that he is right and others are wrong. Islam is the belief in One God, Allah (swt), the Creator of all things. Islam doesn't believe in the "middleman" fallacy as the case with many religions including Christianity. In Christianity, to be saved you have to believe in Jesus (as) as the Son of God, and without such confession and belief in Jesus, you're most definitely going to Hellfire. Islam, on the other hand, declares that believing in One God, Allah (swt) and that Mohammad is His messenger, and obeying God's laws and His prophet's doctrine is the only passport to Heaven

Question 11

Question 11: Is it true that the Bible had prophesied many Islamic Events?

A: Yes it had. The Bible had clearly prophesied the Conquest of Jerusalem at the time of the Muslim Caliph, Omar Ibn Al-Khattab. In the year 637 AD, The people of Jerusalem, mostly Christians & Jews, refused to give up Jerusalem without a personal pledge from Omar that he will spare their lives and let them practice their religion freely and without restraints. Omar traveled from Medina to Jerusalem on an Ass, when the people of Jerusalem saw him, they ran outside welcoming him since Omar had fulfilled a prophecy in the Bible: The Bible says: ZECHARIAH 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy Leader cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass."
Also the Bible had prophesied the Conquest of Mecca by prophet Mohammad (pbuh) along with his 10,000 followers (Sahaba) in 630 AD. DEUTERONOMY 33:2 " And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with 10,000 of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them."

Question 12

Question 12: Is it really sensible that God will reward Heaven only to Muslims and punish others that can easily add up to millions or even billions of people of various religions?

A: Yes it is very sensible. If you read both the Bible and the Quran you will uncover that God (swt) severely punished the unbelievers and the wicked people through out the history of mankind. That includes the people of Prophet Noah (as), the people of Prophet Abraham (as), Lot, Moses (as), etc... Numbers don't mean a thing in the eyes of God (swt) and that shouldn't be considered as an exception at all. Only faith counts and not numbers.

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Question 13

Question 13: But what about people in our time! We don't know anything about Islam and Mohammad! Would that be considered against us on Judgment Day?

A: Yes it will be considered against you. Before the cometh of prophet Mohammad (pbuh), God (swt) vowed not to punish people or hold them responsible without sending messengers. Unlike Moses & Jesus (as), prophet Mohammad (pbuh) was very distinct since he was sent to all mankind with God's final message to humanity and before Judgment Day. Everybody, the least, heard of Mohammad's name. We live in the information age, and within our finger tips, using computers or TVs, we can learn just about anything including religions. The Prophet (pbuh) told us that everyone of us is born a submitter " Muslim" to the One God, the Almighty Allah (swt), but many factors have tendency to force a person to deviate from the right path such as: Satan's influence, Parents, Society, etc.

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Question 14

Question 14: Who is Muhammad?

A: Mohammad (pbuh) was born in Mecca 570 AD. At age forty he was elected by God (swt) to convey His Message to mankind. The Message is to worship only One God, Allah (swt). Mohammad (pbuh) spent the last 23 years of his life conveying God's Message to all people. Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) died at age 63 and his resting place lies in the city of Medina in Saudi Arabia. He is God's final Messenger to mankind. Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) came to re-institute Islam, the religion of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus (as). The following prophecy is obtained from the Bible regarding Mohammad's cometh from Arabia. In HABAKKUK 3:3 “God (Jesus) came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise." The place of Teman is the area located southeast of Palestine, and Paran is the area of Mecca in Saudi Arabia where the Holy One (Mohammad pbuh) came from.

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Question 15

Question 15: But Mohammad doesn't relate to Abraham?

A: False. Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) is a direct descendent of Prince Kedar. Kedar was the second son of Ishmael, and the children of Kedar later formed a tribe called Quraish, which is Mohammad's tribe. The Bible says: GENESIS 25:13-18 " And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam. And Mishma, and Dumah, and Massa. Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations……"

Question 16

Question 16: I am still confused, I thought Satan was an Angel like Gabriel and he has no free will but to worship God?

A: False. If Satan was an Angel, then we wouldn't have any problems with him at all. Angels are a special creation of God (swt). God (swt) created Angels from divine light (Nur). Angles don't have free will in doing things but to worship God (swt) and obey his commandments. Satan, on the other hand, is a Jinn "spirit", and like humans, Satan and his race "jinn kind" have free will in their actions; free will of doing good and free will of doing bad. Ref. QURAN (18:50)

Question 17

Question 17: What is the total number of Muslims around the world?

A: 2007 Statistics shows a population of 1.35 Billion Muslims.

Question 18

Question 18: Why do Muslims not eat Swine (pork)?

A: For the same reason both Moses & Jesus (as) refused to eat it. God (swt) commanded Muslims not to eat Swine meet. God (swt) also commanded Moses not to eat or even touch the Swine meat as in the following verses in the Bible: LEVITICUS 11:7-8 "and the pig, for though it divides the hoof, thus making a split hoof, it does not chew cud, it is unclean to you. You shall not eat of their flesh nor touch their carcasses; they are unclean to you. "

Question 19

Question 19: Christians believe that Jesus is the way and their Only Savior; could you give me a solid proof to indicate otherwise?

A: Yes I could, and again, it will be from the Bible. The Bible says: ISAIAH 43:9-11 " Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and show us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth. . Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. . I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no Savior."
God (swt) said, to let all nations and people gather together to bear witness to this truth (Islam), and know that I (God) have chosen my servant (Mohammad). And that He is God with none other before or after. The Chapter talks about all nations being unified under one flag (Islam). Also, In verse 11, God very clearly and categorically stated that He is the Only Savior and none else.

Question 20

Question 20: "If God created everything - then who created God?"

Answer: According to the Quran, Allah tells us that He is the only creator and sustainer of all that exists and that nothing and no one exists alongside Him, nor does He have any partners. He tells us that He is not created, nor is He like His creation in anyway. He calls Himself by a number of names and three of them are:

A) The First - (Al-Awal)

B) The Last - (Al Akhir)

C) The Eternal, who is sought after by His creation, while He has no need from them at all. (As-Samad)

He always has existed and He never was created, as He is not like His creation, nor similar to it, in any way.

Question 21

Question 21. "How can you believe in God, when you can't see, hear, touch, smell, taste or even imagine what He is?"

Answer:

We know from the teachings of Muhammad, peace be upon him, that no one has ever actually seen God - at least not in this lifetime. Nor are we able to use our senses to make some kind of contact with Him. However, we are encouraged in Islam to use our senses and our common sense to recognize that all of this universe could not possibly come into existence on its own. Something had to design it all and then put it into motion. That is beyond our ability to do, yet it is something that we can understand.

We don't have to see an artist to recognize a painting, correct? So, if we see paintings without seeing artists painting them, in the same way, we can believe that Allah created everything without having to see Him (or touch, or hear, etc.).

Question 22

Question 22. "Where is God?"

Answer:

Some other religions teach that "God is everywhere." This is actually called "pantheism" and it is the opposite of our believe system in Islam. Allah tells us clearly that there is nothing, anywhere in the universe that resembles Him, nor is He ever in His creation. He tells us in the Quran that He created the universe in six "yawm" (periods of time) and then He "astawah 'ala al Arsh" (rose up, above His Throne). He is there (above His Throne) and will remain there until the End Times.

Question 23

Question 23: "Can God do anything? - Can He make a rock so big that nothing can move it? - If He did make a rock so big that nothing could move it, would that mean that He couldn't move it too? Or would it be impossible for Him to make something so big that He couldn't move it?"

Answer: Allah tells us that "Allah is capable of doing anything that He Wills to do." He can make a rock (or anything for that matter) that is so large or heavy that nothing in the entire universe can move it. As regards Allah "moving" it, He is not in the universe and He does not resemble His creation. Whenever He wants anything done, He merely says "Qun! Faya Qun!" (Be! And so it will be!)

Question 24

Question 24: "Why did God create everything?"

Answer:
Allah says in His Quran that He did not create all of this for any foolish purpose. He tells us that He created us for the purpose of worshiping Him, Alone and without any partners.

Question 25

Question 25: "Is God pure, good, loving and fair? - If so, then where does evil, hatred and injustice come from?"

Answer:
Allah tells us that He is Pure, Loving, and absolutely Just in every respect. He says that He is the Best of Judges. He also tells us that the life that we are in is a test. He has created all the things that exist and He has created all that happens as well. There is nothing in this existence except what He has created. He also says in the Quran that He created evil (although He is not evil). He is using this as one of the many tests for us.

Question 26

Question 26: "Does God really have power of things? - If so, then why does He let people become sick, oppressed and die?"

Answer:
Oppression is something that Allah forbids for Himself to do to anyone and He hates it when anyone oppresses someone else. He does have absolute power over everything. He allows sickness, disease, death and even oppression so that we can all be tested in what we do.

Question 27

Question 27: "Does God know everything that is going to happen? - Does He have absolute control on the outcome of everything? - If so, how is that fair for us? Where is our free will then?"

Answer:

Allah Knows everything that will happen. The first thing that He created was the "pen" and He ordered the pen to write. The pen wrote until it had written everything that would happen. And then Allah began to create the universe. All of this was already known to Him before He created it. He does have absolute and total control at all times. There is nothing that happens except that He is in control of if.

There is a mistake in the Question: "Free Will." Allah alone has Free Will, He Wills whatever He likes and it will always happen as He wills. We have something called, "Free choice." The difference is that what Allah "Wills" always happens and what we choose may or may not happen. We are not being judged on the outcome of things, we are being judged on our choices. This means that at the core of everything will always be our intentions. Whatever we intended, is what we will have the reward for. Each person will be judged according to what Allah gave them to work with, how they used it and what they intended to do with it.

As regards the actual "Judgment Day" - Allah tells us that everything we are doing is being recorded and not a single tiny thing escapes from this record. Even an atom's weight of good will be seen on the Day of Judgment and even a single atom's weight of evil will be seen too.

The one who will bring the evidences against us will be ourselves. Our ears, tongue, eyes and all of our bodies will begin to testify against us in front of Allah on the Day of Judgment. None will be oppressed on that Day, none will be falsely accused.

He could have put everyone in their respective places from the very beginning, but the people would complain as to why they were thrown in Hell without being given a chance. This life is exactly that; a chance to prove to ourselves who we really are and what we would really do if we indeed had a free choice.

Allah Knows everything that will happen, but we don't. That is why the test is fair.

Question 28

Question 28: "If there is only one God, then why are there so many religions?

Answer:

Allah does not force anyone to submit to Him. He has layed out a clear path and then made it known to them the two ways (Heaven or Hell). The person is always free to make his or her own choice. There is not compulsion in the way of "Islam." Whoever chooses to worship Allah without partners and is devoted to Him and is obeying His commands as much as possible, has grasped the firm handhold that will never break. Whoever denies God and chooses some other way to worship or not to believe at all, for them there is an eternal punishment that is most horrible (Hell).

All religions originated with Allah and then people began to add or take away from the teachings so as to take control over each other. Man made religions are an abomination before the Lord and will never be accepted. He will only accept true submission, obedience and in purity and peace to His commandments

Question 29

Question 29: Is Music permissible in Islam?

Neither music nor musical instruments are allowed for the Muslims, for a number of reasons;

1. Allaah Subhaanahu-wa-Ta'alaa created us for one purpose only and that is to worship Him;

56.And I (Allâh) created not the jinns and mankind except they should worship Me (Alone).. Az-Zariyaat

2. He gave us the the Deen-al-Islaam to follow and informed us that this is a serious matter and not amusement;

13.Verily this (the Qur'ân) is the Word that separates (the truth from falsehood,) .. 14.And it is not a thing for amusement.. At-Tariq

3. We are required to take the Deen of Allaah with firmness;

Hold fast to that which We have given you, and remember that which is therein so that you may become Al-Muttaqûn (the pious).. Al-Baqarah

4. Therefore we are required to stay away from every thing that distract us from our main function in this life i.e. the worship of Allaah. Allaah says in soorah Luqmaan:

“And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks (i.e. music, singing) to mislead (mankind) from the path of Allaah…” [Luqmaan 31:6]

Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: this means singing. Mujaahid (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: this means playing the drum (tabl). (Tafseer al-Tabari).

Al-Hasan al-Basri (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: this aayah was revealed concerning singing and musical instruments (lit. woodwind instruments). (Tafseer Ibn Katheer).

Abu'l-Sahbaa' said: I asked Ibn Mas'ood about the aayah (interpretation of the meaning), ‘“And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks' [Luqmaan 31:6]. He said: By Allaah, besides Whom there is no other god, this means singing – and he repeated it three times. (Tafseer Ibn Katheer)

So, it is clear from this explaination that the aayah is referring primarily to music and that music distract a person from the path of Allaah.

5. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
“Among my ummah there will certainly be people who permit zinaa, silk, alcohol and musical instruments” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari).

Every sensible Muslim would notice that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said “there will certainly be people who permit ” means that these things which are mentioned here are not permitted.
And of course no one has doubt about the prohibition of zinaa, silk (for Muslim men) and alcohol, then why doubt about musical instruments which are mentioned in the same catogary.

6. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was also reported to have said:

"Two sounds are cursed in this world and the hereafter, flute on happiness and wailing on calamity". Repoted by Al-Bazarr

7. Al-Tirmidhi (2212) narrated from ‘Imraan ibn Husayn that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “ Among this ummah, people will be transformed into monkeys and pigs, swallowed up in the earth, and pelted with stones.” A man among the Muslims said, “O Messenger of Allaah, when will that be?” He said, “When singing-girls and musical instruments become widespread and wine is drunk. ”

The words of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) " musical instruments will become widespread" are proven to be true to the extent that the latest music on the ringers of cell phones, is heard even inside the mosques, which are places only for the worship of Allaah alone, may Allaah protect us.

Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

Whoever plays these instruments as a form of worship is undoubtedly misguided and ignorant. But if he does it as a form of entertainment, then the view of the four imams is that all musical instruments are haraam. It is proven in Saheeh al-Bukhaari and elsewhere that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said that there would be among his ummah those who regarded zina, silk, alcohol and musical instruments as halaal, and he said that they would be transformed into monkeys and pigs. Majmoo' al-Fataawa ).

The only exception to the musical instruments is the " daff" – without any rings or rattles when used by women among women on Eids and weddings where non-mahram men are not able to hear them. This is indicated by the well known hadeeth of ‘Aa'ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) in which she told about the two young girls of Ansar who were with her on Eid day singing some songs about the bravery of their people.

For someone to use this hadith in support of using musical instruments or listening to music is a real distortion as this hadith in fact is the strongest proofs against them.

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in ( Madaarij al-Saalikeen ; “I am amazed that you quote as evidence for allowing listening to sophisticated songs the report which we mentioned about how two young girls who were below the age of puberty sang to a young woman on the day of Eid some verses of Arab poetry about bravery in war and other noble characteristics. How can you compare this to that? What is strange is that this hadeeth is one of the strongest proofs against them. The greatest speaker of the truth [Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq] called them musical instruments of the Shaytaan, and the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) approved of that coment, but he made an exception in the case of these two young girls who had not yet reached the age of responsibility and the words of whose songs could not corrupt anyone who listened to them. Can this be used as evidence to allow what you do and what you know of listening (to music) which includes (bad) things which are not hidden?! Subhaan Allaah! How people can be led astray”.

Al-Haafiz ibn Hajar (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: A group of the Sufis used this hadeeth – the hadeeth about the two young girls – as evidence that singing is allowed and it is allowed to listen to it, whether it is accompanied by instruments or not. This view is sufficiently refuted by the clear statement of ‘Aa'ishah in the hadeeth, where she says, “They were not singers.” She made it clear that they were not singers as such, although this may be understood from the wording of the report. So we should limit it to what was narrated in the text as regards the occasion and the manner, so as to reduce the risk of going against the principle, i.e., the hadeeth. And Allaah knows best. (Fath al-Baari).

Ibn al-Jawzi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: ‘Aa'ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) was young at that time; nothing was transmitted from her after she reached the age of puberty except condemnation of singing. Her brother's son, al-Qaasim ibn Muhammad, condemned singing and said that it was not allowed to listen to it, and he took his knowledge from her. (Talbees Iblees).

What is even worse nowadays is to teach music at schools and justify this by saying that the prohibition regarding music is not applicable to children.

Since when did Islamic shari'ah provide evidence that music is something that should be taught and children should be trained in this?

Some thing that is not permitted for adults may be permissible for the children because of a need and the fact that they have not yet reached the age of responsibility, so, if children do such an action it can be ignored in certain situations such as Eid day. However to have arrangement to teach and train children for such actions can not be justified. And of course to teach them there has to be a teacher who is an adult and is not permitted to perform this action. Or do people have some evidence from the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that he appointed some people to teach children how to sing?

Indeed it is not difficult at all to argue about something and turn the haraam into halaal as was done by previous nations. Muslims should aim for the best attitude towards the rulings which have the "difference of opinion" especially when it concerns the development of their next generation, and they should take the safest opinion based on the most sound evidence.

Teaching the children music and singing at school is a serious educational issue, because of the immense effect this has on children's development and character.

At this stage the heart and mind of the child is like a blank page; nothing crosses it but it leaves a lasting imprint.

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Tuhfat al-Mawdood :

"One thing that the child desperately needs is for care to be taken with regard to his morals and attitude, for he will grow up with whatever the one who is raising him accustoms him to when he is small, and when he grows older it becomes difficult for him to change what he has got used to; these attitudes and characteristics that have become deeply ingrained in him, even if he tries to suppress them, they will always surface and expose him."

Music and singing destroys the heart and distracts people from the truth; it generates hypocrisy in the heart and is not permissible. As for the Nasheeds these days, If there are no musical instruments involved and good words are used e.g. praising Allaah Subhanahu-wa-Ta'alaa, His Messenger or His Deen, then there is no harm in listening to them once in a while, though this should not become an essential part of one's life on a regular basis nor should it be taught as part of curriculum. A Muslim should give preference to the Book of Allaah and should be attached to its recitation, rather than any other statement, no matter how pleasant it sounds.

And Allaah is the one whose help and guidance we seek as he can guide us to do all that He is pleased with and his Peace and blessings be upon His last Prophet Muhammad [S].