The "other" misconceptions about Muslims

"Hey Ali" my non-Muslim friend said to me. "You're the Ramadan religion, right"? I replied by saying "Um.. yes". My non-Muslim friend then said "There's a really good looking Ramadan girl in my class. I want to ask her out." To which I replied "Don't you know us Ramadanians (Ramadanees?) don't date or marry non-Muslims?" My non-Muslim friend said "Yeah yeah I know. But she's totally westernized cuz she doesn't have a male constantly watching her and she doesn't wear that hoojab headscarf thing."

You can go around and find on online dating forums and stuff which show there's many people like my non-muslim friend above. It doesn't just apply to Muslim girls, it applies to Muslim guys too. I read a paragraph by a woman who said she wanted to go on a date with a Muslim guy. She ended up fighting with other users on the forum that he's not the Taliban/Saudi type of guy because he doesn't have a beard, meaning he's totally cool with alcohol and sex outside marriage. Apparently, not having a beard distinguishes us Muslims from being suicide bombing, anti-education crazy tribal people.

These types of misconceptions about Muslims are not talked about that much. We certainly don't want to be viewed as misogynistic, uncivilized, intolerant, violent people. But at the same time we don't want to be in any way associated with sex, drugs, alcohol, dating, and tight/revealing clothes. There's many non-muslims who do hold the view that we aren't bad people, and that our religion isn't bad either, but within that category there are people who think we're fine with the western lifestyles. I myself am a Muslim living in the west, so by western life styles, I again refer to the sex, drugs, alcohol, dating, and improper clothing. I think one time I was watching a Youtube video about famous Muslim women, and the top rated comment was something like "Not all Muslims are traditional and conservative, many want to date and live like how we want to" or something along those lines. The problem is, just because we don't dress (hijbab/burka/beards) like the Muslims in our countries DOESN'T MEAN we have ditched Islam or its core teachings. This goes out to the Muslims who live in Muslim countries as well, as many of them think just because we live here we're automatically acting like those Hollywood models and actors.

What does it mean when the Quran says to lower the gaze?

How rude is it when the person of the opposite gender whom you speak to keeps their head away when talking? Isn't it even more annoying when its a co-worker or student? And how rude is it when strange men are checking you out, or even sexually assaulting you?

"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" (24:30).

Many people throw this verse in when they say its haraam to speak of the opposite gender, or look at the opposite gender. Sadly, many of these people don't even know there's instances in the Quran and hadith where men and women interacted. I have compiled a list of fatwas on male-female interaction here: http://truefatwas.blogspot.ca/search/label/male-female%20interaction
And Darul Ifta (a legal advisor to Egypt's justice ministry) has several fatwas on this: http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewCategory.aspx?ID=44

The Islamic scholar Dr. Shabir Ally has a couple of excellent videos on this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxvp48KJEg0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPBE9uhRCDU

The links also have fatwas on what it means to lower the gaze.

So we now know gender mixing is NOT HARAAM, but just WHAT goes on. And those of us living in the West know that people just talking WILL NEVER lead to sex, as many idiots believe. The dating, then the boyfriends and girlfriends stuff will lead to it. We are first hand witnesses of what happens here and what leads to what and how.

Anyways lets go back and analyze the verse. My view might slightly differ from what is in the links above, BUT I'll be in the ballpark. As the links showed, there seems to be a consensus that this verse doesn't really mean to drag your eyes on the floor. The links also show that there's a consensus among scholars that this verse really DOENS'T SPEAK of gender interaction either.

I've mentioned a few times that I live in Canada. I have grown up n an environment of sex, drugs, dating, haraam clothes and so on. I have come to realize that merely looking at a woman (for whatever reason) does not cause any kind of lust. Sometimes you might find them good looking, but that's about it. The LUST part happens if there's tight and revealing clothes which show the shapes of the breasts, the butt, and the vagina. These three areas of a woman cause intense desires. They can arouse a man in a way that other parts don't (like the face or hair). WHEN you feel lust, THAT is when you don't look. In other words, this verse is telling men NOT TO LOOK at the areas of a woman which might cause sexual arousal. If you DON'T look at those areas, then you will not get aroused. If you DON'T get aroused, its greater purity, as Allah SWT says in the verse.

This verse ALSO means we are to respect the opposite gender's space, not eye-rape them or check them out. This is something many of our people don't get. They'll RUDELY stare and joke around with their friends. They might even sexually assault you. But the blame often goes to the woman.

Lowering of the gaze also APPLIES TO WOMEN. They shouldn't check out other men:

"And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty;" (Quran 24:31)

IN CONCLUSION:
-Lowering the gaze just means NOT to look at the parts of a woman that cause arousal (butt, breasts, vagina)
-RESPECT the person. Don't check them out, and be MATURE (don't make jokes about them that will make them uncomfortable and DON'T touch them either).
-DON'T make lewd comments about women (unfortunately many of our fellow Pakistanis and Arabs don't get this. They make some of the most sickest comments about innocent women on facebook and youtube).
-Lowering of the gaze also applies to women

Chapter 4 verse 5 does NOT REFER TO WOMEN

Look at this verse:

"And do not give the weak-minded your property, which Allah has made a means of sustenance for you, but provide for them with it and clothe them and speak to them words of appropriate kindness."

I just saw on an Islamic forum that female leadership in Islam is not allowed because of the above verse. If women are weak minded to handle the property, then they can't lead a state.

 Firstly, the worlds oldest and highest Islamic authority has said women in fact CAN be rulers of a state and become judges too: 1) http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/f.aspx?ID=882435 2) http://eng.dar-alifta.org/foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=6809 

Also this semi-liberal salafist site has said women can be rulers or judges too (its questions 109 and 110 you'll need to scroll down): http://worldreminder.com/Q-A-ABOUT-ISLAM/The-first-group/Chapter-7-Family-and-Women-Affairs

If women were indeed weak minded, then why does the Quran allow inheritance for women? This automatically refutes the statement that this verse refers to women. We also know in Islam women can own property and be in the workforce.

This verse refers to those who are not yet old enough to be on their own. So it most likely refers to children. 

Why are people so misguided on polygamy? Because they ignore what the Quran ACTUALLY says!

Ummah forums (a usual culprit) had a thread about polygamy. Many users were telling the woman who started the thread that polygamy cannot be objected to because its in the Quran and Allah says men can have up to four wives. Then there were some sadistic women who said they would absolutely love to be in a polygamous relationship because then all of the wives could be friends. Another woman on there said she was looking for a second wife for her husband (lets pray to Allah that she's unsuccessful). One other woman said she wants to be in a polygamous relationship because "all of the great men in Islamic history had more than one wife". Furthermore many of them say a man who marries a second wife doesn't have to tell his first wife. Smh.

And then we've got the ever so famous fatwa site Islam QA which says polygamy is pretty much mandatory for males even if they live in a non-muslim country: http://islamqa.info/en/11744

The woman who asked the question pisses me off, and it makes me want to headshot the idiot husband who is proposing to the woman. And it makes me further angry that Islam QA is fine with all of this.

A lot of what Islam QA writes isn't reliable. They themselves stake things out context. If you look they quoted a hadeeth where the Prophet said those who have the most wives are the best of the ummah. I forwarded this to onislam and they put Islam QA in their place: http://www.onislam.net/english/ask-about-islam/society-and-family/social-life/457613-polygamy-not-a-sixth-pillar-of-islam.html

If you look at that link, the scholar didn't mention the reason for polygamy. Which is why its up to us to interpret and understand.

If you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, marry women of your choice, two, or three, or four; but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with them), then (marry) only one….   (Qur’an 4:3)

Notice how this verse on polygamy speaks of doing justice TO THE ORPHANS. Women at the time were not educated or involved in every day life. They were heavily dependent on men. Many men died in wars. I did an article about interfaith marriage here: http://mymuslimthoughts.blogspot.ca/2015/02/why-muslims-should-only-marry-muslims.html
I've already explained interfaith marriages are no longer Islamic and Muslims should marry only Muslims. At the time, Muslims also fought Romans (Christians) and certain jewish tribes. When their men died, their women were in the same position. This is a reason why both polygamy and interfaith marriages were permitted AT THE TIME. But if we look today, many Muslim women are independent. They do not need a man's help or his support (except maybe in cases like pregnancy). SO this verse is NO LONGER VALID. It SPECIFICALLY spoke about doing justice to a CERTAIN GROUP at a CERTAIN TIME. In addition to, there were RESTRICTIONS. You had to deal with them justly. There's well known hadiths that say a man who favored one wife over another will have his body twisted on the day of judgment.

Its unfortunate, but today in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, imaams unconditionally marry already married muslim men to other women WITHOUT the first wife knowing. And considering the very poor status of women in those countries, the first wives are often ditched and left alone with the kids. These women sometimes have to get involved into prostitution or selling drugs to support themselves and their kids. Who's fault is this? It's the man, its the imaam for not properly knowing the context of polygamy, and that asshole woman (ASSUMING she knows the man is married, and ASSUMING she chose to marry him).

Please read my intro at the top of the blog again, and see how corrupt this ummah is becoming, and how all of this is causing many Muslims to question Islam, or flat out leave it. Islam QA, ummah forums, and the situation caused by scholars in the countries I mentioned only continue to prove my point.

Sheikh Assim Al Hakeem blames the wife for her husband neglecting her

This guy is known to target women.

Is it better to live in the West, or in a Muslim country?

Recall the fatwa by Islam QA on how they said its haraam to live in non-Muslim countries.

Extremely often, the people who spread the message of Islam in a hideous way constantly point at the flaws of western countries. They go on and on about alcohol, drugs, fornication and adultery (all this by the way is also prevalent in Muslim countries). And they can't stop bragging how clothing leads to rape (Muslim countries like Egypt and Pakistan have higher sexual assault and rape rates than western countries). I am not in any way a proponent of those flaws. I've said before it breaks my heart when Muslims engage in those acts (whether they live in the west or a muslim country). But the West is not only made up of those things. There's MANY MORE aspects to these countries which make life a lot easier. If Muslim countries were smart, they'd start following the west.

I've mentioned before how I live in Canada. Aside from the issues affecting to aboriginal people, this country really is a great place. For example, the status of women. We have no laws targeting women, we don't frown upon women for making the choices that they do, and we definitely don't kill women for personal honor. The women here are very successful in politics, law, science and technology, arts and entertainment, literature, and so on. There's laws to protect women and girls from sexual assault and domestic violence, and laws to ensure women are getting educated. Many Muslim women are also becoming increasingly successful here in Canada.

Now lets look at our Muslim countries. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iran have laws on women in regards to their clothing, employment, transportation, education, and physical recreation. We know how Iran and Saudi treat women. I had some hope for Kuwait, then I found out they have several conservative areas of society (such as publishing a woman's name in the news or in literature causes parents to disown their daughters). And they also recently passed a bill forbidding women to work pass 8 o clock. In Saudi a woman can be legally under house arrest if the husband doesn't want her to leave the house. Only in our own countries do people sink to this level of stupidity.

In Canada, we are taught and expected to be polite, kind, and be good Samaritans, to EVERYONE. It doesn't matter what religion or culture people have, being helpful is an icon of Canadian identity. Now in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, and other countries, you are only suppose to be kind and helpful to SPECIFIC sects of Islam, and only to SPECIFIC tribes. Because being from, or helping/being kind to other sects of Islam and other tribes means you are unworthy. All tribes see other tribes as kaffir, and all sects see each other as kaffir. So in other words, being from a certain sect of Islam, or a certain tribe, means you are no different than a Christian or a Jew, or an atheist.

In Pakistan, the huddud laws imposed by the dictator Zia Ul Haq required raped women to bring 4 witnesses. To this day, there's over 10 000 rape victims in jail because they couldn't bring the witnesses. Many more women can't tell the police otherwise they'd be jailed, and many can't tell their families because in the tribal regions women are routinely killed for getting raped. There's also discrimination for women who enter the workforce. The society is hell bent on promoting and regulating various forms of sexism. None of this happens in Canada. Canadians know that sexual harassment and sexism is wrong. Which is why you don't find men eye raping women here. In Pakistan and Egypt, the men will state you down good and they might even follow you around. This never happens here in Canada. Because Canadian society knows this is wrong.

And then we have a crapload of injustice and corruption. In Canada, you can't bribe a police officer, and a police officer will not ignore claims of rape and sexual assault. In Pakistan, our police take bribes and hardly ever fill out forms for rape or sexual assault. Also in Canada, there's no fighting between Shia's and Sunnis. In our countries, shias and sunnis target each other like crazy, spilling blood quite often. Also here in Canada there's no inter-ethnic violence. In Pakistan, they take their tribes religiously and its dishonorable to marry from another tribe, or caste. In Canada, there's no gunmen hired by the political parties and you are not killed for supporting one particular party over another. In Pakistan, political violence is extremely common. I mentioned only Pakistan here, but many other Muslim countries fall here as well.

In many muslim countries, journalists and reporters and comedians risk their lives by questioning, reporting, or critisizing political and military leaders. This doesnt happen in the West.

Oh and another example is public transport. Here in Canada, the bus stops and train stations can become pretty crowded. This is the same in Pakistan and Egypt. But there's a difference. In Pakistan and Egypt, women are routinely sexually harassed and assaulted. This NEVER happens in Canada. Women and girls are taking the trains and buses by themselves all the time, whether its during the day or at night time. NO ONE does anything to them. Sadly, this isn't the case in Pakistan and Egypt. The men there have no control over themselves. Its just sad and wrong on so many levels.

BEHIND all the atrocious stupidity and idiocy, there's scholars who either promote the above, or just sit silent.

Muslims today, both men and women, feel MUCH safer, MUCH more connected, and MUCH more helped out by non-muslims in these non-muslim countries. The manners, the respect shown by non-muslims here is NOT MATCHED by Muslims in our own countries. Why do you think many of us choose to have non-muslim friends? Because they UNDERSTAND us much more than other Muslims. This isn't to say Muslims don't have other Muslims as friends, but I'm speaking in the context of western countries, where everything is developed and correct. But in our countries, everything is wrong, often backed by scholars.

Now of course there's problems in western countries too. But the difference is how society responds. Year after year Muslim countries dominate in honor killings, oppression of women and minorities, political instability, corruption, injustice, incredibly flawed Islamic views, and so on. Aside from the last point I mentioned, the other problems also occur in the west, but to LESSER degrees, and only in CERTAIN contexts. And the citizens work hard to get rid of those problems. For example, in Winnipeg, it was ranked as Canada's most racist place. Obviously not everyone is racist there, but how did the society react? They were heavily disappointed. The citizens of Winnipeg are not proud of that label, and they're all chipping in to make things right. Now compare this to a place, like Karachi, a city in Pakistan which has numerous problems, but one specific one is honor killings. How do citizens react knowing women are routinely killed for family honor? There isn't much of an outcry. Now I am Pakistani and I know the Pakistani media. Very few mention the problems and very few offer solutions. In Winnipeg, radio stations, magazines, and tv stations all rallied against racism and attempted to come up with solutions on how to solve this issue. And in Karachi? Little to nothing. Because society ACCEPTS such forms of brutality.

Something that I have come to realize: We can't judge other Muslims

"O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful." (Quran verse 49:12)

I recently wrote an article about the Muslims who make you sad. These ones were the ones who drink alcohol, gamble, fornicate, wear tight and revealing clothes, do sinful movie scenes and sinful dances. What I didn't mention was that we cannot judge others, no matter how big their sin is. BECAUSE there could be reasons they commit those sins. This is something I really want to make clear.

A few years ago I read a news article about the Italian Prime minster (Berlus... something) who was being investigated for sleeping with an under age prostitute. It turns out the prostitute came from a Muslim family (her name is Karima). Like many Muslims, I felt pretty upset at how a Muslim woman could resort to such a thing. Other commenters flat out threw insults and names. But later on, it was revealed she came from a very abusive household. Her uncles repeatedly raped her for years. And her mother knew about it but told Karima not to tell her father otherwise he would kill her. She ended up fleeing from her house and started working for night clubs, and is now engaged to a non-muslim night club owner. Are we seeing what just happened? It is because of her family she lives the life she does now. Her parents, in the name of Islam, caused this girl to become a prostitute. Could this have been prevented? Doesn't it make sense that if her family was good, loving, and caring, she would be standing as a pious Muslimah today?

A couple of days ago I stumbled upon a site called the student room. It's a british-based site where students come on and talk. There was a thread started up by a Muslim girl who said she was tired of being Muslim and wanted to live like her non-muslim friends. She revealed that she came from a very strict household (chewing gum for girls is haraam, girls playing sports is haraam, girls not cooking or cleaning is haraam, and, yeah, too much education is haraam). She also told how her parents forced her to memorize the Quran, and she wasn't allowed to ask about the Quran, because that was also haraam. Furthermore, her parents beat her quite often. Add this all up and what happens? She NO LONGER wants to be Muslim. Its in her head now that being a Muslim means you can't do such little things. Obviously, those of us who know Islam will understand that NONE of what she mentioned is haraam, and forcing our kids to do things which are not mandatory (memorizing the Quran) is just against Islam. And then there were other people on there too, who no longer call themselves Muslim, trying to encourage her to leave Islam. They all spoke about their experiences of being Muslim, and how oppressive their household was. And now they live a life of boyfriends/girlfriends, fornication, marrying non-muslims, drinking, and so on.

There was one woman on the site whom I admire though. She grew up in a tough and very strict household too (her mother put a knife to her throat when she was eight years old, and said killing disobedient children is not sinful and Allah will give her sawaab (she'll get good deeds if she does kill her). She was also told having friends is haraam, and many other things). Surprisingly, she still hangs on to Islam. Even though she says she has a non-muslim boyfriend and has committed fornication many times, the fact that she says she still does her prayers, and her taraweeh prayers tells that she still is a Muslim. Many others in her position would have ditched Islam (like the above people I mentioned). It also turns out she's praying that she gets into some kind of law firm. Lets just hope Allah helps her out both in this world and the after, and may he help other Muslims in that are in her position.

If we see another Muslim drink, fornicate, gamble, and dress in tight revealing clothes, lets remember verse 49:12. Because there could be A LOT MORE to them that we do not know. I recently ranted about Pakistani models and actors doing haraam scenes and dressing haraam, but I didn't realize there may be reasons why they chose this path. It might be they were never taught Islam (if that's the case, then they won't feel anything in their conscience when doing sinful acts). Or they might be doing this because its a response to how they were brought up. I know in Pakistan, the families can be very strict and dominating. I know that there are mullahs who back the families because they're too concerned about the hell fire, so they're willing to have oppressive families cause incredible pain to their children, which might cause them to leave Islam later on in their lives. Great job, mullahs!!

We also need to consider that the people who openly engage in haraam acts COULD CHANGE as early as the next day. They could even become more religious than us regular Muslims. Have a look at verse 24:46 (Sahih International translation) "We have certainly sent down distinct verses. And Allah guides whom He wills to a straight path." This is saying God guides whomever he wants. He can guide the worst Muslim to become a better Muslim within a split second. I have seen Muslims who use to drink and fornicate become people who no longer do that stuff. This verse could also speak about non-muslims. Many of them who converted to Islam were previously having the time of their lives drinking, fornicating, gambling, wearing haraam clothes etc. Now many of them are standing examples of what it means to be a true Muslim.

Also, we don't know what is in the hearts of other Muslims. We don't know how strong their faith could be, even if they don't show it externally. They could have more fear in Allah, they could have more confidence in our religion than anyone else, yet we won't care about all that because we're too busy criticizing them for their dress, the way they talk, or the way they act. They might be doing something God really likes.

So I'm not recanting what I wrote about Muslims who disappoint and sadden, but just that we have to be mindful not to judge.

What does Allah mean by rebellious women in verse 4:34?

I've already discussed the first part of this verse here: http://mymuslimthoughts.blogspot.ca/2015/02/what-does-it-mean-when-quran-says-men.html

What we know so far about this verse (I'm carrying on from what I came  up with in the above link):

1) Gender roles are not mentioned for women in Islam, and are only indirectly mentioned for men
2) Gender roles are culturally constructed and interpreted as religion by some Muslim countries
3) There's no difference between men and women, as we see women excel in many things along side men (but remember these are branded as "unnatural" by some Muslim "scholars" and their blind worshippers).
4) There's many pro-women and gender neutral Quran verses and hadiths. There's also hadiths than condemn the beating of women.
5) Women are very independent today. They don't need a man's assistance, as they can assist themselves.
6) Verse 4:34 does not say men are to control or dominate women. When the Quran says men are the protectors and maintainers of women, it refers to the context at the time (women we not treated well by the society) and a woman's physical and emotional ability during pregnancy, something which does not affect men.
7) When the verse speaks of obedience, it means obedience to ALLAH, not the husband. We know from hadiths that if there were disagreements between Aisha and the Prophet Muhammed, they would go to someone and ask who's correct. Notice how the Prophet didn't say Aisha had to obey him.
8) According to Tahir Ul Qadri and Laleh Bakhtiar, two scholars on Islam, verse 4:34 doesn't mean to "beat" women, but to separate from them (like the well known saying "beat it", or striking a separation (Qadri's translation)). And even if some take the view that beating is the correct translation, there has always been a consensus among scholars throughout history, and even among the hardline orthodox ones today, that this "beating" refers to a light tap only.

But there's the main question: WHY?? Why isn't there a similar verse for men being beaten/separated by their wives?? I've researched this for quite some time, and I'm CONFIDENT I got the real answer.

If ya'll read fatwas from Islam QA and other screwed up scholarly sites, women need to be disciplined, because apparently it a man's job to make sure they don't go to hell. And the reason she needs to be disciplined is for not sleeping with the husband, not beautifying herself, not doing her chores, and other insanely demented reasons. One thing I'll give them is that they all seem to agree the beating shouldn't be harsh and it shouldn't cause any pain or marks. Great. But I don't buy any of those reasons. They make ZERO sense.

Lets just get the verse out of the way. Like always, I'll post 6 translations from Quran.com. Like I said above, I've already explained much of the verse in my other article, so I won't be talking about anything other than this specific part of women being rebellious.

Sahih International

"Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband's] absence what Allah would have them guard. But those [wives] from whom you fear arrogance - [first] advise them; [then if they persist], forsake them in bed; and [finally], strike them. But if they obey you [once more], seek no means against them. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted and Grand."

Muhsin Khan

"Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support them) from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient (to Allah and to their husbands), and guard in the husband's absence what Allah orders them to guard (e.g. their chastity, their husband's property, etc.). As to those women on whose part you see ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (next), refuse to share their beds, (and last) beat them (lightly, if it is useful), but if they return to obedience, seek not against them means (of annoyance). Surely, Allah is Ever Most High, Most Great."

Pickthall

"Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah hath guarded. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo! Allah is ever High, Exalted, Great."

Yusuf Ali

 

Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband's) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means (of annoyance): For Allah is Most High, great (above you all).
       

Shakir

 

"Men are the maintainers of women because Allah has made some of them to excel others and because they spend out of their property; the good women are therefore obedient, guarding the unseen as Allah has guarded; and (as to) those on whose part you fear desertion, admonish them, and leave them alone in the sleeping-places and beat them; then if they obey you, do not seek a way against them; surely Allah is High, Great."

 

Dr. Ghali Men are the ever upright (managers) (of the affairs) of women for what Allah has graced some of them over (some) others and for what they have expended of their riches. So righteous women are devout, preservers of the Unseen for. And the ones whom you fear their non-compliance, then admonish them and forsake them in their beds, (Literally: a madajic= reeclining) and strike them, (i.e. hit them lightly) yet in case they obey you, then do not seek inequitably any way against them; surely Allah has been Ever-Exalted, Ever-Great.

So again, lets just concentrate on the "WHY" part. The "WHY" is what we're wondering about. What does God mean by women who deserve a (light) beating or a separation?

I'm gonna introduce verse 4:19 real quickly:

"O ye who believe! Ye are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should ye treat them with harshness, that ye may Take away part of the dower ye have given them,-except where they have been guilty of open lewdness; on the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If ye take a dislike to them it may be that ye dislike a thing, and Allah brings about through it a great deal of good."

This is Yusuf Ali's translation. You can search up others that might make more sense. Anyways look at the bolded part. It says you cannot treat women with harshness (which INCLUDES not sleeping with them or lightly hitting them) UNLESS they're openly lewd. Translations have differed on this, like Sahi International says "clear immorality". Now go look at the translations I have for 4:34. Look at how they all speak of wives needing to guard what Allah wants them to. And what would that be? The answer is in Quran verse 24:30-31

"Say to the believing men that they Should lower their gaze and guard Their modesty: that will make for Greater purity for them: And God is well-acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: and they should not display beauty and ornaments expect what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they must draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their Beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husband's sons, or their women, or their 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 ornaments." 

So to understand we gotta go from 4:34 to 4:19 to 24:30-31. 4:34 says women must guard what God wants them to (they're bodies), 4:19 says men cannot be harsh in ANY WAY AT ALL to women EXCEPT when they show clear immorality. Verse 24:30-31 speak of women needing to dress properly. EVEN THOUGH the Quran calls men also to dress modestly, the Quran addresses women in a more specific manner. The Quran says women should not dress in a provocative way (tight, revealing, short clothes). How do we know that the verse speaks of provocative clothes? A woman's "ornaments" here refer to the parts which cause arousal (breasts, butt, vag, legs). Now lets put in a little context. Women's bodies are used to sell products, and they're used to putting other women down. When a woman is portrayed in a sexual way, it is very offensive and many men don't like it when their wives are getting eye raped, or worse, assaulted. Now I am NOT IMPLYING CLOTHING WILL LEAD TO RAPE. It does however, cause sexual advances, and causes men to get all turned out in a way only MEN can understand (it's some universal understanding that we men share, regardless of religion, or lack of it). I've seen teen boys pertending to "text" when they're actually filming a woman's @$$. It wouldn't have happened if the woman didn't dressed in tight revealing clothes. Many men, regardless of religion, don't like it when they're wives or daughters get a good stare down. Remember by distinction between finding someone beautiful and finding them lustfully attractive. The first causes men to warn others, while the latter causes them to get pretty angry (this is yet another universal understanding among men in how we want others to see our wives and daughters-NOT in a sexual way).

There's a concept in Islam called gheerah. It basically means protective jealousy, and there's hadiths that say a man should have it towards his women (wives, daughters, sisters). There's hadiths where women should have it too. But like I mentioned above, many men have this inside them where they do not like it when their wives or daughters or sisters dress inappropriately or if they get lustful stares. You also see this in our favorite tv shows- husbands and dads protective of their women. Look, I know Muslim parents who don't give a crap about what their daughters wear or who looks at them in a lustful way. This is NOT right. I also know sometimes the wives don't object to their daughters or sisters outfits and how they present themselves to others. Sometimes the wives are against the husband's wishes in his objections towards his daughters choice of clothing. IF she's like that, then she's also falling within the women described by verse 4:34.

Obviously, the levels of protective jealousy should NOT be too much. It should NOT be to a point where the husbands dominate and control their wives, daughters, and sisters. And try not to google this gheera term too much, as there are a BUNCH of salafist and wahabist sites which use the word to dominate and control their women.

SO, the Quran is calling on wives NOT TO show off your body, and not to let their daughters show off either. THIS is the message 4:34 sends. Women must not wear tight, short, revealing clothes. Using your body for immoral purposes means you are not thankful to Allah SWT for giving you that body. HOWEVER, I don't want people to get the wrong perspective here. The women who don't cover their heads DON'T FALL INTO THIS CATEGORY. I'm literally talking about TIGHT, SHORT and REVEALING clothes.

Muhammed Al-Munajjid is a DEVIANT. Do not follow his fatwas!

I can only think of the idiots who support this fool as mentally unstable offspring of incestual marriages.

Muhammed Al Munajjid runs the salafi website Islam QA. It amazes me how popular this website is. I can't believe we have "scholars" who say all this crap! It's very clear they have a dislike for women (except for cases like sex, cooking, and cleaning). Do they really think Allah SWT sent women to the earth just so they can be haraam and do haraam things? How idiotic of them is it that they FAIL to see women properly? Properly like HUMANS?

1) This fatwa approves the marriage of a 26 year old man to a 13 year old girl. The dumbass who asked the question is a pedophile clearly: https://islamqa.info/en/27305

 2) They called a believing Muslim a kaffir: http://islamqa.info/en/ref/5281/Husband%20does%20not%20pray

3) They say its haraam to live in a non-Muslim country: http://islamqa.info/en/ref/27211/non%20muslim%20country
4) They have said its haraam to take Christians and Jews as friends, based on verse 5:51, but they have mistranslated it. They also said one who has non-Muslim friends is just like them (i.e a kaffir).  Actual explanations of verse 5:51 is presented by the following scholarly sources AFTER the two Islam QA links:
http://islamqa.info/en/ref/47322/christian%20friend
http://islamqa.info/en/ref/59879/christian%20friend

http://www.onislam.net/english/ask-the-scholar/international-relations-and-jihad/relations-during-peace/174411.html
http://www.aboutjihad.com/terrorism/quran_misquote_part_5.php
http://askthescholar.com/AskTheScholar2.aspx?q=902

5) They say its haraam for women to drive because it'll cause sexual immorality: http://islamqa.info/en/ref/45880/women%20driving

If you keep reading that it later on says that women driving is comparable to drinking and gambling.

6) They say a woman should stay at home because they wrongly quote a verse where it tells the Prophet's wives to stay at home: http://islamqa.info/en/ref/22397/wife%20work

We already know the Prophet's wives were given special orders and privileges. They do not apply to regular Muslim women.

7) Now look at what they wrote on polygamy: http://islamqa.info/en/ref/11744/polygamy

Look at how stupidly they answser the question. In Islam polygamy IS NOT A RIGHT, it is a condition with restrictions. The polygamy verses spoke about doing JUSTICE TO THE ORPHANS. It was ONLY meant for that reason! THAT'S IT!! NOTHING ELSE.

I forwarded this question to Onislam.net (OnIslam is from the creators of Islamonline, a site which is affiliated with Al Azhar, the world's highest and oldest Islamic authority). They refute Islam QA on this and put the hadith back in context (which Islam QA took out of it's original meaning):

http://www.onislam.net/english/ask-about-islam/society-and-family/social-life/457613-polygamy-not-a-sixth-pillar-of-islam.html

You might also want to check out these: http://www.irfi.org/articles/articles_151_200/quranic_views_on_polygamy.htm

http://www.irfi.org/articles/women_in_islam/polygamy_in_islam.htm

8) Women who don't marry "are well known" to become prostitutes, and they need to be looked after. This link also says children being illigitinate is reflected in their behavior : http://islamqa.info/en/14022

9) They say that it is fobidden for women to visit graves based on the hadith that the Prophet cursed that woman who visited graves:
http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/8198/women%20graves

Now NUMEROUS scholars have corrected this, saying it's perfectly allowed for women to visit the grave sites. See the following:

http://askthescholar.com/question-details.aspx?qstID=11237

http://www.onislam.net/english/ask-the-scholar/acts-of-worship/prayer/funerals/174860

http://www.onislam.net/english/ask-the-scholar/acts-of-worship/prayer/funerals/174363.html

http://www.onislam.net/english/ask-the-scholar/acts-of-worship/prayer/funerals/175257.html

10) They say women who do not wear hijab should be divorced: http://islamqa.info/en/ref/169563

Hijab is not mandatory in Islam: http://www.irfi.org/articles/articles_1_50/is_hijab_compulsory.htm

http://www.irfi.org/articles/articles_1_50/women_in_islam.htm

Here is an article I did about hijab: http://mymuslimthoughts.blogspot.ca/2017/04/no-hijab-is-not-islamic-requirement.html

11) They say it was haraam for a boy to get to know a girl on two seperate occassions: http://islamqa.info/en/ref/36618/girl 

http://islamqa.info/en/ref/47405/girl

I'll have a more detailed article about gender interaction later on, but for the time being there are a bunch of sane fatwas on male-female interaction in the following link:

http://truefatwas.blogspot.ca/search/label/male-female%20interaction

12) NUMEROUS times they say women are to obey husbands, like here: http://islamqa.info/en/ref/70177
They do not know what this obedience thing means. It is explained by the following links:

http://askthescholar.com/question-details.aspx?qstID=14437
http://truefatwas.blogspot.ca/2012/07/the-meaning-of-wifes-obedience.html

Many scholars also say this obedience refers to Allah SWT, not the husband. I have mentioned this in my previous article: http://mymuslimthoughts.blogspot.ca/2015/02/what-does-it-mean-when-quran-says-men.html

 13) Not allowed for women to act in theatre, even if she wears hijab: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/index.php?page=showfatwa&Option=FatwaId&Id=85085

My sister has acted on stage. Any asshole who comes at me saying what she did is haraam will be visiting a dentist, after spending a week in the hospital.

 14) Look how stupid this one is: http://islamqa.com/en/20051

"A woman may compensate for her weaknesses by striving hard, and surpass men when they are negligent. Hence we find that in some colleges, female students surpass male students because of their greater efforts and their keenness to succeed when many of the male students are negligent and are not eager to learn."

So the only way women can be more intellectual than men is if men don't try? BULLSHIT.

15) Movies are okay to watch as long as there's no women: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/index.php?page=showfatwa&Option=FatwaId&Id=89099

16) Haraam for women to ride horses, and also her face is a source of temptation: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/index.php?page=showfatwa&Option=FatwaId&Id=87602

17) Those who say women should take part in politics are "weak, defeated and dazzled."
http://islamqa.info/en/ref/3285/women's%20testimony

BUT Aisha, our beloved mother in Islam, was involved in politics:
http://askthescholar.com/question-details.aspx?qstID=13566

Isn't Islam QA blaspheming Aisha?

18) Not a correct way to guide a non-Muslim to Islam if you're going to attack their religious texts:
http://www.islamweb.net/womane/nindex.php?page=showfatwa&FatwaId=137211

19) Men and women are not equal, and men are wiser than women:

http://islamqa.info/en/1105

Check this one out: http://islamqa.info/en/930

"Men are more intelligent and have a better ability to distinguish right from wrong."

Gee, then I guess this religion is not for women then, huh Munajjid?

12) Not allowed to appreciate the skills of non-muslim football players, because they're non-muslim
http://islamqa.info/en/146844

"This applies if it is free of other evils; if it is accompanied by other evils, such as if the viewer begins to venerate a kaafir player for example, then it is undoubtedly haraam, because it is not permissible for us to venerate the kuffaar at all, no matter how far they have advanced."

21) Women working as broadcasters will lead to them having illegitimate children. They also say men do this job better: http://islamqa.info/en/111839

22) Needing to quit work if women work there as well: http://islamqa.info/en/27304

Those of us who are MATURE, and PROFESSIONAL, will KNOW how to work with people of the opposite sex in a PROPER manner. This is no problem for us, at ALL. This just shows how much sex Islam QA has on their dirty minds, and how weak they are.

23) Can't watch films like heurcules because we might actually believe gods like him will exist. Also, they say such movies are popular in the west because the lack of religion LOL

http://islamqa.info/en/1107

24) Competition is not allowed in any way, except for things that can help in jihad:
http://islamqa.info/en/114530

So what about family game nights? What  about playing sports?

25) Not allowed to show respect to non-muslims. They also quote a false hadith about forcing Christians and jews to the side of the roads when you meet them: https://islamqa.info/en/13730

26) Muslim women are not wise if they choose not to marry (last paragraph)
https://islamqa.info/en/1665

27) Sufi's make up false hadiths LOL
https://islamqa.info/en/answers/241728/two-false-hadiths-fabricated-by-some-ignorant-people-among-those-who-exaggerate-about-the-messenger-of-allah-blessings-and-peace-of-allah-be-upon-him

Why Muslims should ONLY marry Muslims

This has been bothering me for some time now. Maybe I'm overreacting. In this day and age, when Muslims, both men and women, are marrying outside their religion, and the kids that they have grow up non-muslim, it is painful for another to see this. Below is what I have thought of. For some, it might not make sense, others might call me a blasphemer (you'd be surprised what muslims say to one another these days), but I firmly believe in what I have researched about interfaith marriages. My conclusion: Muslims can ONLY marry Muslims. Period.

Hey, did you know both Christianity and Judaism see Islam as a false religion? Did you know Christians and Jews they see our Prophet Muhammed as a false prophet? Does it really make sense to marry such people? What does the New Testament say about marrying non-Christians?
1 Corinthians 7:39- A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord. 

And then there's 2 Corinthians 6:14 which says "Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?"

But the Bible also says Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives,(1 Peter 3:1).

So two verses say not to marry non-Christians, another says to marry non-Christians just so they can be converted. Would Allah allow Muslims to marry people of other religion's just so we can loose our faith and convert to a different religion? I don't think so.

Also, Jewish law (Halakkah) forbids Jews to marry non-Jews. See the following: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interfaith_marriage_in_Judaism
http://jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/8137-intermarriage

Lets move on to the Quran. Here is verse 4:25 from Sahih International. All translations say the exact same but this one is worded better:

 

"And whoever among you cannot [find] the means to marry free, believing women, then [he may marry] from those whom your right hands possess of believing slave girls. And Allah is most knowing about your faith. You [believers] are of one another."

Allah knows about our faith. He then says in verse 5:3 (Sahih)

"This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion."

Question: Why is Allah SWT telling us to marry Muslims? If not free, then believing slaves? Note: This verse applies to women as well. He also says that he knows about our faith. He says islam is our religion. He also says that the believers are one of another.

Verse 9:71 from Sahih International, Muhsin Khan, Pickthall, Yusuf Ali, and Shakir:

"The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. Those - Allah will have mercy upon them. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise."

"The believers, men and women, are Auliya' (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma'ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden); they perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) and give the Zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. "

"And the believers, men and women, are protecting friends one of another; they enjoin the right and forbid the wrong, and they establish worship and they pay the poor-due, and they obey Allah and His messenger. As for these, Allah will have mercy on them. Lo! Allah is Mighty, Wise."

 

"The Believers, men and women, are protectors one of another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, practise regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise."

"And (as for) the believing men and the believing women, they are guardians of each other; they enjoin good and forbid evil and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, and obey Allah and His Messenger; (as for) these, Allah will show mercy to them; surely Allah is Mighty, Wise."

And who exactly are these people? The Quran answers again:

Whoever works righteousness — whether male or female — while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter)." (Quran 16:97)

"Lo! men who surrender unto Allah, and women who surrender, and men who believe and women who believe, and men who obey and women who obey, and men who speak the truth and women who speak the truth, and men who persevere (in righteousness) and women who persevere, and men who are humble and women who are humble, and men who give alms and women who give alms, and men who fast and women who fast, and men who guard their modesty and women who guard (their modesty), and men who remember Allah much and women who remember - Allah hath prepared for them forgiveness and a vast reward." (Quran 33:35)
 

So, as we can see, the believing men and women are allies, protectors and guardians of each other. When Allah SWT stated Islam is the religion, then what makes up those who follow islam? It's the above verse. Clearly, connections can be seen from all of these verses. Which means Muslims CAN ONLY marry other Muslims!

But what about verse 5:5?

"This day [all] good foods have been made lawful, and the food of those who were given the Scripture is lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. And [lawful in marriage are] chaste women from among the believers and chaste women from among those who were given the Scripture before you, when you have given them their due compensation, desiring chastity, not unlawful sexual intercourse or taking [secret] lovers. And whoever denies the faith - his work has become worthless, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers."

Like other verses in the Quran (polygamy, traditional interpretations of verse 4:34, inheritance (see here: http://www.irfi.org/questions_answers/women_as_witnesses_and_their_sha.htm), slavery, not taking Christians and jews as friends), verse 5:5 is NO LONGER APPLICABLE today. Because modern day Christianity and Judaism, even the most orthodox and conservative branches, are offshoots of the reformations that have occurred within those religions. Both of those religions are made up of radically different views than the time of the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh). The views that they have today are not consistent with the views of early Islam. In addition to, many Christians and Jews are not practicing. Or they think they're practicing but will run around in bikinis, gamble, fornicate etc. We see this with our own eyes-from schools to Hollywood, modern day Christians and Jews are not the same as before. As a matter of fact, there's reports that show the majority of Christians and Jews in America are clueless about their scriptures. There's been so many liberal and secular influences on both religions that even the Pastors and Rabbi's don't know much about the bible or Torah. They just serve as symbolic features of the religions (marriage, divorce, funerals). The ones that seem conservative and orthodox are still following watered down versions of Christianity and Judaism. In addition to, many Churches have statues of Jesus, and Christians sing and pray towards them. This is now idol worship. You may find very conservative Jews and Christians, but they still follow the reformed versions of their religions.

Also, its no secret that many muslim men use this verse to justify lusting after women whom they think are Christian or Jewish (tight/revealing clothes, sexual gestures etc). You really think Allah SWT sent this verse for muslim men to behave like this? Its sickening and saddening that men use this verse to raise their gaze, make sexual comments, maybe even harass or assault, all because they think they're allowed to do so. How retarded are these fools? And its also no secret that some Muslim women use the verse also. Because there's several views that say the same condition of marrying Christians and Jews also applies to Muslim women. Whether that view is right or wrong, some Muslim girls are also think that they're "Islamically" allowed to check out non-muslim boys and date them and marry them. THOUGH, its much more severe and common for Muslim men to do all of this rather than Muslim women. On top of this, it's so annoying to see Imaams who blindly initiate marriages to "Christian" and "Jewish" women. These Imaams are misguided and blinded with ignorance.

ALSO, Muslims at the time fought certain Christians and Jews. Many of the Christian and Jewish men died in wars. Their women were in similar situations of other women at the time- they could not support themselves or their kids. Marrying them increased the territory and power of the ummah, and increased converts. And yeah, we all share most of the Prophets and have similar views about religious obligations and stuff. This isn't possible to do with other religions EXCEPT Christianity and Judaism, as they're also Abrahamic faiths.

(I just want to quickly point something out- If you go and listen to some of the interpretations why of this verse allows Muslim men to marry Christians and Jews, well they're just incredibly stupid. The most common reasoning among these people is that a Muslim man respects all the Prophets of the other religions. And this is the reason they give. How stupid does this sound? I mean, won't a Muslim wife of a Christian or Jewish husband also believe in the same Prophets as him? See how it makes no sense? And then there's also the view that a Christian or Jewish husband might not treat his Muslim wife properly. How stupid does this sound? So just because they're of different faiths they wont be kind and fair to their wives? These two insanely screwed up views are unfortunately common when trying to understand verse 5:5. Also, their views FURTHER make no sense, as the most horrible places on earth for women just happen to be Muslim countries. The rates of domestic and sexual violence against females is shocking. Whereas the rates for domestic and sexual violence is MUCH LOWER in western countries. See how again, those views make no sense? And we wonder why so many Muslim women are hesitant to marry Muslim men from Muslim countries).

BUT LIKE I SAID, such times no longer occur. Especially with many of us living in the West, marrying outside our religion is a stab in the back for the muslim community.

If we think about a interfaith marriages, we need to think about the children and how they'll grow up. I know the common saying from non-muslim spouses: I don't care if the kids are brought up Muslim, I just love my (Muslim) husband/wife. Children are very vulnerable and it is at this time that Islamic education is the KEY, otherwise if they're older and you try to teach them Islam, they won't really care. When a child see's his/her non-Muslim parent NOT praying, NOT reading the Quran, and NOT fasting, then the child will weigh this with what his/her muslim parent does. Obviously, the non-Muslim parent's life seems a lot easier and better. I mean they don't have to turn off the TV when they're favorite show or movie is on. They get to relax while the child and the Muslim parent has to pray five times a day, read the Quran, and so on. The non-Muslim parent's life seems so much better. This will have SEVERE implications for the child.

Now compare that with this: BOTH parents are Muslim, BOTH read the Quran, BOTH pray 5 times a day, BOTH practice the dietary and hygienic practices of Islam, BOTH follow the sunnah, COMBINED with PROPERLY raising their children islamically (not being too strict or too liberal or too extreme. All three of these can have negative effects on the child. In addition to, showing kindness and love towards the children), then the child will follow the footsteps of the parents. And then when the child is grown up and married, then they can pass on their knowledge to their own kids.
 

The Muslims that make your blood boil, and the Muslims who break your heart

If you read the content on this blog, you've realized why the fitnah caused in this ummah is by those who think they're practicing Islam and using this religion for hatred, insults, bloodshed, oppression and so on. What I've written here is evident throughout the Muslim world. These are the people who make your blood boil. I've written about extremists who cause people to become apostates and how they ruin the image of Islam for everyone, and how their activities causes hatred and violence against Muslims. These are the ones whom I also mentioned in a 24-point article. NO ONE has caused for fitnah than these abu lahab worshipping pigs.  For those who don't know, Abu Lahab is an individual already condemned to hell according to the Quran for his atrocities against the Prophet Muhammed and his people
Justifying haraam acts with Islam is the greatest form of blasphemy, ever. These idiots come with big beards, the black flags, and throw around quran verses left and right. They try to stun you with their "knowledge", when its just their plain stupidity. And they only quote from their own species (their "imams" and "scholars"). These morons are found everywhere (youtube, forums, facebook) and look like such FOOLS the way they present Islam.

Now the above should get any sane minded Muslim angry. But there's another category, and these ones cause you to feel incredibly sad. Look, when you see a Muslim drinking alcohol, going to college parties, dressing in tight, short, and revealing clothes, when you see them gamble, when you see them have boyfriends and girlfriends, and when they openly talk about fornicating, you FEEL it. You feel strike of pain in your heart. These Muslims could have avoided all of this if they were properly taught Islam. One thing I will give this category is that they don't use Islam to justify wrong things, like the above group does. On an Islamic scale, this second group is like a pious God fearing Muslim, compared to the first group. Like I said, the first group is obsessed with worshipping abu Lahab. They are a species whom will make up the fuel for hell.

So anyways, many of us like watching our Pakistani/indian dramas and movies. I'm not into it that much, but I can still identify with the people that do watch. Many of the shows and movies are fine, but there's certain actors who just break our hearts. Sometimes there's kissing scenes (I know I know, its just acting right? But so is pornography)., sometimes theres scenes of alcohol, or dirty clothing and dirty dances. Speaking of dances, I have no problem with them. Whether they are on tv or at weddings, there's nothing wrong with them as that is our culture. BUT there's standards. When it involves dirty poses, then it becomes haraam. The same goes for clothing. I don't believe in hijabs or burkas. BUT again, there's standards. If the clothing is too tight or revealing or short, then it becomes haraam. There's also many Muslims in Bollywood. Too many of them are engaging in tight, revealing, short clothes, and haraam scenes. Like I've said before, those who engage in these acts cause many of us to feel sad. Its only natural if you are a practicing Muslim to feel this way when you see someone of the same faith as you openly committing sins.

For example, here in Canada we have a beauty pageant called Miss Pakistan. Pakistani women from around the world come and dress in bikinis and other provocative and offensive clothing. If we confront them, then they say we should be worried about more important things, like the status of women in Pakistan. And that's true. We need to fix that up. But running around in bikinis is definitely not the answer. It makes me wonder, if the status of women in Pakistan was MUCH BETTER than it is right now, would these women be competing in these pageants? If they would, then what would be their response? And would it not be easier to guide them back to islam?

It's definitely necessary that we educate ourselves and others about Islam. BUT we shouldn't over do it or go to extreme, nor should we determine whatever we feel like as haraam. Wearing bikinis will NOT help your cause. And just a side not, those please don't compare us to extremists if we object to bikinis or other haraam clothing. Just because we against what is openly against Islam does not mean we are like those who use this religion to oppress others, especially women. I am not that person. And I'm heavily against the ones who do engage in that kind of behavior (as if it wasn't obvious enough already), but I'm also against those who try to justify things that are openly against our religion (in this very case I'm talking about bikinis, alcohol, gambling, etc).

Some of us have seen our muslim friends on Facebook, whom unfortunately show a different side. There's pictures and videos of haraam things, and there's "relationship status's" that tell about how they are in a relationship with someone. People need to realize this hurts other Muslims. If you're gonna engage in this type of activity, why show it off while still saying you're a good Muslim?? And then on top of this, we have fellow Muslims saying "aww you two look so cute" and stuff like that. Muslims are congratulating other Muslims for sinful relationships.

So the second category really irks other Muslims. I don't (and I'm sure many of you don't either) like going to school or work and seeing MSA students or Muslim co-workers engaged in haraam things. This itself, has implications. The ones who engage in this activity don't realize it but it makes us feel bad when we see these things. It's like a dagger through the heart. Now don't think that what I think haraam is refers to music, being hijbaless, women working/dancing/playing sports in front of men (shocker!). Because I'M NOT that person. The haraam I refer to is the universal agreement on what haraam things are.

Now I'm going to stop saying haraam.

Muslims are the reason why Muslims leave Islam

I just found out there's a branch of ex muslims opening up in Canada, and with many ex muslims rushing to join it. Soon, there's going to be another one in South Korea, one in East Mexico, one in upper Guatamala, one inner Iceland, and so on. Yeah, those who leave islam will be coming from many countries we've never heard of. And this isn't funny.

Muslim countries are failing in pretty much every field- human rights, education, science, peace, professionalism, maturity, justice, arts and entertainment, kindness, honesty, and so on. And often, the mentioned characteristics are suppressed in the name of Islam. Western countries have all of this, but they don't have Islam. So what happens? People don't want to be a part of this ummah anymore.

It's unfortunate. But can they be blamed for leaving Islam?  This can ALL BE PREVENTED if we educate ourselves and others about Islam in a PROPER way. It's so annoying seeing the people in our ummah act like such douchebags. These fools don't get it that their actions have IMPLICATIONS for many other Muslims. The ones who use Islam to incite hatred and bloodshed, those who use islam to oppress human rights, those who use islam to degrade and insult muslims and non-muslims, only causes other Muslims to QUESTION this faith. Those trolls on Islamic forums (like ummah forums), those who raid youtube videos and create facebook pages, all for the purpose of spreading islam in such an ignorant and disgusting way (but hey, it's islam to them) cause MANY to leave Islam.

MUSLIM PARENTS are also at fault. Those of us who come from the Pakistani/Indian heritage would note that our parents force Islam on us without properly explaining the religion. And it often involves a few smacks here and there. And then on top of that they force us into marriages. You can find stories of this on google of people writing what they went through and how it was justified (according to their parents) as "Islamic".

I'm sick and tired of what our countries do in the name of Islam. I'm sick and tired of the Pakistani, Afghani, and Arab ulema ignoring the human rights abuses that go on daily. These "scholars", whom are the most educated on islam, refuse to condemn honor killing, domestic violence, oppression of Christians, shias, ahmadees, and so on. These IDIOTS do not get it how BAD they make Muslims look, and how BAD they make this religion look. Is this not blasphemy? Isn't this among the most severe forms of blasphemy?

But hey, it's islam to them. And if we criticize them, then we criticize islam. And then, according to them, we are considered apostates.

JUST THINK, if we had what I mentioned in the second paragraph, then it would be a LOT EASIER to be a Muslim. We would be at ease, knowing our religion is not against that stuff, and that we are all on the same page. It would also be much easier to guide misguided Muslims (those who drink, adultery/fornicate, gamble, wear haraam clothing (tight, short, see-through clothes)). But that's not the case, is it?

The difference between a cultual Muslim and a non-cultural Muslim

People might be mislead by the term "cultural". It usually refers to those who aren't religious and use Islam only for things like marriages, funerals, the occasional prayer, community identifying, and so on. But that's not what cultural means here. What I want to draw attention to is that many of us living in developed western countries view Islam from a cultural-free perspective. We practice the religion without any cultural interference. Those who are a part of this category are called "non-cultural Muslims". We have many rights and freedoms here, and these are not available in many of our own muslim countries. Many of our countries view Islam from their own cultural and tribal values. It can range from things drinking alcohol, belly dancing, marriages to actual Qurans (happen in tribal areas of Pakistan) to much more serious things like murder, rape, and suppression of rights and freedoms (like passing laws on women and non-muslims) which are unfortunately evident in many of our "Islamic" countries. These are the cultural muslims.

There is NO DOUBT, that the place we live in influences our views of Islam. Those of us living in the west don't relate our culture to our religion, and many of those who live in Muslim countries do. So obviously those engaging in the horrible acts and those who live in western countries cause cultural clashes. They claim we don't follow Islam because we don't attack others, or call people out for what they do (if you disagree with those Pakistanis who put up videos of actresses and news anchors then you're a kaffir for not agreeing with them), or don't spread bloodshed. They call us out for not supporting the Taliban, Al Queda, or ISIS. You can find these people posting this crap from their countries via facebook, youtube, forums (like ummah.com). On the other hand there's us, who can understand Islam PURELY because we live in places where's there's many cultures, united under one national culture of peace, tolerance, rights etc. Whats especially more disappointing is when we have "scholars" who also engage in that idiotic behavior. Saudi scholars are afraid of women driving and working, and Pakistani scholars never condemn domestic violence, honor killings, killings of minorities etc. And in Libya there's a scholar (can't remember his name, but he's out there if you google about his behavior) who said those who support women voting or working are flat-out apostates. Its the CULTURE that causes these people to think the way that they do.

What does it mean when the Quran says "men are a degree above women"? An analysis of Quran verse 2:228

This post will be pretty similar to my last one. We need to make connections in Islam. If we can determine verse 4:34 refers to pregnant women, we need to use the same mindset and apply here as well. It may be more helpful if you read my last article first, as it might give a better understanding: http://mymuslimthoughts.blogspot.ca/2015/02/what-does-it-mean-when-quran-says-men.html

Just like my last article, I'll be only focusing on the part where I want to draw attention. The first half of the verse isn't really relevant, so I wont post it. And just like last time I'll post 6 different translations (from Quran.com/2/228). Also note this verse speaks about gender equality as well (I mentioned this in my last article) IF interpreted correctly.

Aright so here we go:

Sahih International:

"And due to the wives is similar to what is expected of them, according to what is reasonable. But the men have a degree over them [in responsibility and authority]. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise."

Muhsin Khan:

"And they (women) have rights (over their husbands as regards living expenses, etc.) similar (to those of their husbands) over them (as regards obedience and respect, etc.) to what is reasonable, but men have a degree (of responsibility) over them. And Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise."

Pickthall:

"And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in kindness, and men are a degree above them. Allah is Mighty, Wise."

Yusuf Ali:

"And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable; but men have a degree (of advantage) over them. And Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise."

Shakir:

"and they have rights similar to those against them in a just manner, and the men are a degree above them, and Allah is Mighty, Wise."

Dr. Ghali:

"And they (the women) have (rights) like (the obligations) they are under with beneficence; and men have a degree above them; and Allah is Ever-Mighty, Ever-Wise."

What we can conclude is that the translators have a consensus that there are things which are "similar". If we continue with the idea of pregnancy, then it'll fit in perfectly here. When a woman becomes pregnant, she is both physically and psychologically hindered. Men are not affected by this. Therefore they have an advantage over women in this, and must use this advantage to continue working when women take leaves from their jobs. Think about it, does it make sense for God to say its okay for men to stay at home and do nothing, event though there's NOTHING hindering them? NO. It's only logical this way; it makes sense. We have concluded there are pro-women and pro-gender equal verses in the Quran, and we know there are pro-women and pro-gender equal hadiths. We also know gender roles do not appear for women (and only indirectly appear for men). USING the same context, we can determine there is no superiority of men, EXPCET in cases like this. We know women don't differ in IQ, so men are not psychologically superior. All the translators are adding in their own emphasis, and attempting to explain the Quran according to THEIR societal and cultural standards. So don't be shocked by Muhsin Khan (he also thinks its necessary for women to cover their faces).

What does it mean when the Quran says "Men are the protectors and maintainers of women"?

Does it mean for men to control women? Does it mean they must be dominated, because that's what Allah wants? I want this to be an alternate explanation as to what it means by men being the "protectors and maintainers of women", because unfortunately right wing/conservative/hardline Muslims will go well beyond what this verse says and say all kinds of illogical and nonsensical things.

I think what we first need to get out of the way is when the verse speaks of "obedience" a little later on, it refers to ALLAH, not the husband. A scholar clarifies this: http://www.irfi.org/articles/articles_251_300/does_the_quran_allow_beating_of.htm

Secondly, I now hold the view of Tahir Ul Qadri (Pakistani scholar) and Laila Bakhtiar (American scholar) who have translated the verse as to separate, instead of beat (not that I previously held the view it was okay to beat women, but it was just a light tap (which is the consensus among scholars, its not an actual "beating")). To me, its easier to explain and understand Islam.

Thirdly, we know there is no Quran verse or hadith where it says women are to be housewives and need to cook and clean and raise children. These are culturally constructed gender roles which have no place in Islam. There is that verse where it speaks of women needing to stay at home, however this verse was for the Prophet's wives ONLY. All tafseer confirms this. There's another verse where it says the Prophet's wives are not like any other women. So we need to differentiate between regular Muslim women and the wives of the Prophet.

Let me give a little background info. I live in Canada, where gender equality is highly valued. Those of us who live here are know that women excel in the same areas men excel. We see this, its an undeniable fact. We see them as scholars, as lawyers, as judges, as politicians, as directors of big companies, as athletes, and so on. In some countries like Saudi and Pakistan, women are discouraged from working because its against their "nature". And for those whom worship Islam QA (a salafist website which is unfortunately popular among (third world) Muslims), then you know they quote this verse to show men are the breadwinners whereas women are to be housewives. Islam QA also says men are wiser than women, so they outdo women in all scientific fields. This again is a cultural construction. There is no IQ difference between men and women. Had it been so, Allah would have mentioned it in the Quran, but HE DIDN'T.

There's numerous pro-women, pro-gender equality, and marriage (the Quran speaks of both husbands and wives being a comfort for each other and both NEEDING to live happily and peacefully) verses in the Quran (4:19, 2:231, 65:6, 4:35, 4:128, 30:21, 2:187, 7:189, 49:13, 16:97, 33:35, 9:71, 9:72, 42:38, 2:233, 2:228, 4:135, 28:9, and 28:26). We also know there's many pro-women and pro-gender equality hadiths ("The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) said 'None but a noble man treats women in an honorable manner, and none but an ignorant treats women disgracefully.' (Sunan At-Tirmidhî); "When a husband and wife look at each other with Love, Allah looks at both with Mercy" [Bukhari 6:19 & Tirmidhi 14:79]; "God enjoins you to treat women well, for they are your mothers, daughters, aunts."; "Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim, male and female"; "Assuredly, women are the twin halves of men."; "Paradise lies at the feet of the mother. ").

So it annoys me that many of the rights and freedoms we have in the west are islamically haraam according to third world Muslims. Both of my sisters play sports, go out with friends, and work. In Saudi, Afghanistan, Somalia, Yemen, Iraq, and Pakistan, this is not the reality.

Anyways, here are 6 translations of verse 4:34 (taken from Quran.com/4/34). I'm only giving the first few lines as that is what I want to concentrate on.

Sahih International:

"Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth."

Muhsin Khan:

"Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support them) from their means."

Pickthall:

"Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women)."

Yusuf Ali:

"Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means."

Shakir:

"Men are the maintainers of women because Allah has made some of them to excel others and because they spend out of their property;"

Dr. Ghali:

"Men are the ever upright (managers) (of the affairs) of women for what Allah has graced some of them over (some) others and for what they have expended of their riches."

Aright so, lets go back and conclude what we know so far:
1) Gender roles are not mentioned for women in Islam
2) Gender roles are culturally constructed and interpreted as religion by some Muslim countries
3) There's no difference between men and women, as we see women excel in many things along side men (but remember these are branded as "unnatural" by some Muslim "scholars" and their blind worshippers).
4) There's many pro-women and gender neutral Quran verses and hadiths
5) Women are very independent today. They don't need a man's assistance, as they can assist themselves.

So what exactly does it mean when men are to protect/maintain/manage/ be in charge of women? Keep in mind we need to keep the above three points into consideration when explaining and understanding the verse. We need to ignore the perspectives of Saudi and other extreme or culturally based scholars because they cannot differentiate between their culture/screwed up views and Islam.

There is only TWO THINGS I can think of why God put 4:34 in the Quran. Firstly, what's one thing women are affected by, whereas men are not? Pregnancy. Pregnant women have a tough time both physically and psychologically. Men are not hindered by this. Many pregnant women have trouble walking in their own homes, so how can they be expected to work outside the home and deal with all that stressful shit? It makes no sense. There's a reason why developed countries like Canada try to make it easier for women by giving them leaves from work, because its way too damn difficult having another human inside you and still trying to act as if everything is A-Okay. Lets face it, the troubles pregnant women get are pretty hard. Men are not affected by this, so there's no reason for them NOT TO WORK. It is during this time where women are pretty weak, in many ways. Again, men are not affected by this. It is during this time men can excel women, both psychologically and physically and emotionally. We know nowadays women are independent. And that's fine. But during this time, a woman will need help. She may need financial support even after giving birth, as its just as hard taking care of a new born. God is just trying to make life easier for women by having their husbands still work while the wife rests. The cash still needs to come in, right? The husband has no excuse for NOT WORKING. If you ask around, many women would not like it if their husbands stayed at home. Many would actually laugh at the concept of men staying at home and being house husbands.

The other idea that I have is this verse was revealed at a time where women were not protected by the society and there were numerous injustice acts against them. Most likely, it was by men. This verse is telling that they must be protected. Islam honors women (remember the verses above) and targeting them, harassing them, insulting and degrading them is totally CONTRADICTORY to the notion they must be protected. Even if we look today, Muslim countries rank among the worst places for women. They're not protected by the law or society. Any sane Muslim knows there's many acts of injustice against women (we have gone back to the pre-islam era of the treatment of women) today. I mentioned a verse above (4:135) where it calls upon Muslims to establish justice against any violator of human rights and freedoms. If we look, there's a correlation between 4:135 and 4:34. Protecting and maintain women also means their rights and freedoms are also protected. We definitely need to act on those two verses today. Men should not let their wives, daughters, sisters be harmed in ANY way. We have to understand this is an order from the Almighty, because at the time wives and daughters and sisters were not treated well.

Many men, whether Muslim or not, naturally are protective of their wives, daughters, and sisters. But they shouldn't be DOMINATING and CONTROLLING and should not restrict their rights and freedoms. This verse shouldn't give men a license to obsess how their wives, sisters, or daughters dress or whom they talk to. In other words, men should not become jealous or suspicious and then try to justify it with this verse.

What we have above challenges the dominant discourse of Muslim countries and their way of thinking about gender roles.

Do you all get it now? This verse has NOTHING to do with dominating women or controlling them. Some clerics in Saudi and Pakistan, and other shithole countries even try to say this verse means men are suppose to be leaders and women are suppose to silently remain submissive to the husbands sexual needs. I have no idea how the hell these tools make connections like this. They also say this verse means men must protect their wives from doing wrong and immoral things. Really? Women can't think for themselves? They can't stop themselves from doing haraam things and need a husband to keep them in line? If you all know about the site Islam QA, this is how they feel about verse 4:34.

I'm sure many of you have also heard that Muslim men need to protect women from specific kinds of dangers, like protection from creepy men. Well this makes no sense because those creepy men who catcall women on the streets are going to do it if she is alone OR with her husband. Is there any evidence that suggests these creepy men are suddenly going to stop harassing random women if their husbands are around? No. Go back to what I said about Canada. I see women here walking alone, going to work alone, living alone, and so on. And I'm telling you they are not in danger. They are perfectly fine. This is why so many Muslim women are taking advantage of this and going about their lives, without close mehram men, and without being bothered by anyone. Societies who respect women as equals do not produce creepy men (or controlling men either). Yes in some areas, especially in poorer ghettos, women are not safe, even when they are with close male relatives with them, because as I said, creepy perverted men will go after women regardless if she is with someone or not. They will go after women if she is in a hijab or in tight revealing clothes. All the blame falls on the creepy men, and not on women. Also, we need to realize Muslim women can tell off creeps. We men don't need to do that for them. Actually, women telling creeps and perverts off is much more effective because then those  creeps and perverts will realize this kind of woman is not to be messed with. If her brother or father stand up for the Muslim woman, well the creep or pervert will still think he has a chance with the woman because it wasn't her that told the creep or pervert to leave.

Let's hope and pray that third word Muslims (and even Muslims in the West who still possess third world mentalities) start accepting modern day, sane, civilized, and gender neutral interpretations of Islam. This is the only cure for an Ummah which is so backwards, corrupt, and disunited.

The purpose of this blog

Have there been Muslims who preach Islam in a way that makes you want to vomit, or even consider apostasy? Have there been people coming at you with those big beards, throwing Quran verses and hadiths at you for a shock effect? Do you live in a Muslim country where scholars refuse to denounce domestic violence, honor killings, oppression of non-muslims, and other shameful acts? Do you live in a Muslim country where their views of Islam are shaped by the culture and ways of life? And when you object to them, they say you're misguided, or just a non-Muslim for not following them? Doesn't it annoy you that so many misguided people use this religion to promote hatred and bloodshed? Doesn't it annoy you how so many people in this religion overreact and resort to extreme measures? Doesn't it annoy you MORE when those who engage in any of the above cause Muslims to become insecure about Islam, and even become apostates?

If you think people leave Islam just because they want to drink or have sex outside of marriage, then you're an idiot. You fit in with the above morons who think they're getting extra judgment day points by using Islam to suit their emotions and stupidity. It's becoming increasingly difficult to remain a part of this ummah with all the lunatics we sadly produce. And if you can't see this then YOU HAVE NO FAITH, and you don't want to admit the problems that are affecting many young Muslims.

It's becoming increasingly difficult to be a Muslim today because of what happens in the name of our religion. Every single day someone or some group does something ridiculous in the name of Islam. And you know what? Those morons who use this religion for violence, hatred, stupidity, and oppression DON'T CARE what we have to go through. To them, they're doing God a favor by presenting Islam this way. They think they're getting extra judgment day points by causing hatred and fear!