Wake Up Call To Sikhs !

[FireStorm]

Press Release Dated 12th July 2004

AN INVITATION TO SIKHS AND HINDUS TO EMBRACE THE TRUTH

RALLY FOR ISLAM (IX) IN TRAFALGAR SQUARE - SUNDAY JULY 25TH – 1PM – 6PM – ALL WELCOME…

Hundreds of Muslims from across the UK are set to converge in London’s Trafalgar Square on the 25th of July for the Annual Rally for Islam. This year will be the 9th anniversary of the rally and promises to be the best yet. The British public will once again witness many non-Muslims: previously Jews, Christians, Hindus & Sikhs (idol worshippers), Atheists, Socialists etc giving up their false beliefs and ideologies in order to embrace the divine way of life which Islam offers to them openly and publicly. Debates and Discussions on the inimitability of the Qur’an and the finality of the Message (of Islam) from God through the Messenger Muhammad (saw) will be held, with an invitation for all present to either refute Islam or accept its superiority. The speakers will also set out to present Islam as the only real future for Britain and indeed the World in terms of maintaining Honesty, Home-land Security, Morality, Mental well being, Family protection, continued scientific and material progress, psychological health as well as providing a comprehensive code for humanity to live their life by.

The Square will also host a number of Marquees presenting various aspects of Islam such as its unique economic system able to solve the problems of inflation, the hoarding of wealth and the fair distribution of resources - Islam’s unique social system which eradicates the exploitation of the sexes and eliminates promiscuity, pornography and <admin-profanity filter activated> deviancy and Islam’s ruling system based upon the concept of sovereignty for God alone, where man is not a dictator (like Bush or Blair) but rather God’s trustee on Earth managing mankind’s affairs according to God’s infallible law...etc...

Here is a message to all the Sikhs and Hindus; put your pride to one side and accept the Truth. Yes, Islam, the religion that you detest the most is really the only religion that will help you when you leave this life.

To the Hindu’s; forget the caste system and all the fuss about reincarnation and accept the fact that everybody is equal in the eyes of God and all will be accounted on the Day of Judgement. As for the Sikhs, acknowledge, that as a man-made system your belief is really just a hotpot of different religions and opinions “jumbled together”.

The fierce disagreements between Muslims and Hindu’s have been going since the advent of Islam.

Historically, the effect of Islam in the Indian sub-continent region was instant. Its emphasis on One God corrected many of the social issues and “mystical” beliefs associated with Hinduism at the time. The caste system was seen in its true nature; a racist structure geared to preserve the rich over the poor. Islam offered those at the bottom of the organization a way of being equal and simultaneously having a belief system that fitted naturally with the human self.

The Hindu tradition of worshipping idols was (and still is) seen as a major act of ignorance, as creation can never worship creation, particularly when there is a Creator who has designed and established everything from apples to zebras. Also, the heavy emphasis on superstition places the individual under much stress in his daily life. Islam in comparison has no place for false notions as everything is under the control of Almighty God therefore dismissing any talk of good or bad luck.

As mentioned, Islam corrected the numerous inadequacies Hinduism imposed on society; thus impressing on intellectuals such as Guru Nanak (the founder of Sikhism) that the religion of Muhammad (saw) was in fact the truth. However, Nanak could not accept Islam in its entirety so chose just the key features that favoured him and the people.

However, because Sikhism is man-made it has many weaknesses, all Sikhs must ponder the following: Firstly, the religion lacks depth and is easily brainwashed by more dominant systems. Hinduism still has a great influence on the Sikhs as the caste system highlight – the idea that everyone is equal in the eyes of God is rarely practised by the Sikhs, as inter-caste marriage is still a taboo subject. Secondly, Nanak made no claims to divinity or to kinship with God and did not want to be worshipped as a kind of prophet (K.Singh, 1953). But, today many Sikhs do this by hanging a picture of Nanak and directing their prayers towards it. Thirdly, unlike Islam where the doctrine has stood firm for over 1400 years, Sikhism has evolved; taking in new directions with every new Guru. Key elements of the religion have been dramatically altered such as the treatment of the dead; in Nanak’s time they were buried whereas today they are cremated. Surely, these facts that are just a scratch on the surface emphasise the lack of Divinity found in this belief.

Islam offers the individual and society peace, happiness and security as everybody acknowledges his and her Creator, Allah (swt). All the problems that man faces are not sorted out via various mystical ritual acts but through having Trust in Allah (swt). Islam is the religion for the whole of Mankind, whether somebody comes from Africa, Asia or Europe. Furthermore, the love of money, which is so rife in both Hinduism and Sikhism, forcing some people to be treated or considered insignificant because they do not have the latest BMW or Mercedes, is considered unimportant in Islam. The good deeds of an individual in this life and worthwhile actions that are not motivated by economic reasons will help the Believer to attain blissful happiness in Paradise.

The Seal of Messengers, Prophet Mohammad (saw) said that at the lowest level of Paradise each person will have up to 10,000 servants! Another saying of the Holy Prophet (saw) was in relation to the love of this life to the Hereafter. He said (saw) the material life of this world is like a drop of water whereas all the delights in the next life are equivalent to the Ocean.

So, the message to any Sikh and Hindu is do your research and ask yourself "are you Sikh or Hindu because you really want to be or is it because your parents are". Remember, on the Day of Judgment, no religion will be accepted from Allah except Islam. Come to Trafalgar Square on the 25th July 2004 and give up your false beliefs and accept the perfect and embrace Deen of Al-Islam.

“And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.” [EMQ 3:85]


Al-Muhajiroun
The Voice, The Eyes & The Ears of Muslims


P.O. Box 349 London N9 7RR
07956 600 569 or 07956 572 162 – Fax: 0208 803 4541 - Internet: www.muhajiroun.com

 

[BabbarSher]

Response to Muslim Propaganda from Sikh Scholar Gurmukh Singh.

This is a most regrettable, irresponsible, provocative
and bigoted nonsense from Al-Muhajiroun, UK.

Ludicrous statements like the following do much damage
to Islam.

> The Seal of Messengers, Prophet Mohammad (saw)
> said that at the lowest level of Paradise each
> person will have up to 10,000 servants!

The author's challenge is:

> So, the message to any Sikh and Hindu is do your
> research and ask yourself "are you Sikh or Hindu
> because you really want to be or is it because
> your parents are". Remember, on the Day of
> Judgment, no religion will be accepted from
> Allah except Islam. Come to Trafalgar Square on
> the 25th July 2004 and give up your false beliefs
> and accept the perfect and embrace Deen of
> Al-Islam.

Let us do some research into this "Deen of Al-Islam"

The research says:
PLEASE DO GIVE YOUR REAL SCHOLARS AT LEAST A FIGHTING
CHANCE TO SAVE YOUR FAITH IN THE 21ST CENTURY! WE ARE
EVEN PREPARED TO ACCEPT THE MOST LIBERAL
INTERPRETATION OF YOUR RELIGIOUS METAPHOR AND
ALLEGORY! NOW READ ON:

Let us start "In the Name of the Allah, the Merciful,
the Compassionate" :

Is this the religion being compared with Sikhism?

(GGS= Guru Granth Sahib HQ = Holy Quran SM=Sahih
Muslim by Abdul Hamid Sadiqi Lahore SB= Sahih Bukhari
Sharif Ishait-al-Islam Delhi)

Is this "Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate"??
Slavery is permitted in Islam (HQ 4:3). Bilal was
Prophet Muhammad's slave and the Prophet's cousin
Zubair (son of Abu Bakar) had 1000 slaves. A Muslim,
who emancipates a Muslim slave, Allah saves every limb
of his from fire for every limb of the slave, even his
private parts for him" (SM 3604 SB 693V.3 B.46)).
Islam does not condemn slavery.

Slavery is not condoned in Sikhism in any form
whatsoever. Indeed the Guru proclaimed in no uncertain
terms:
"The Gracious Lord has now decreed, "None shall
oppress or inflict pain on another. All shall abide in
peace as the regime shall be compassionate."
(GGS p.74)

Islamic treatment of women and view about sex etc: A
woman's testimony (Shahadah) has half the weight of a
man's (HQ 2: 282, 4:177). When inheritance is to be
shared "A male is equal to the portion of two
females."(SM 3933 HQ4: 177) A man can divorce his wife
by simply saying "Talaaq, talaaq, talaaq" three times
(HQ 2:229-230,SM 3491-93).

Adultery and pornication are punishable in Islam but
not if committed with women captured in war (SM 3234).
A Muslim can also beat his wife (SM, Trimidhi and HQ
4:34). If a slave girl commits adultery she should be
lashed. If she does it thrice then she should be sold
even for a hair rope.(SB 362,435,731 V.3 B.46) Talaaq
literally means, "undoing the knot". A man cannot
marry the same woman twice until she has married
another man and divorced him (Ihya 2:230). "The
proportion of rights and powers between male and
female, as laid down by Islam, naturally demand that
out of the two parties only the former should be
entitled to pronounce divorce" (Maulana Moududi quoted
in CIS page 110)

"Islam allows the conversion of female slaves into
concubines with whom <admin-profanity filter activated> relations
are legitimate
without the necessity of marriage. Once they have been
allotted to their masters they become their property"
(Maulana Moududi quoted in CIS page 112 Also see HQ
4-3) (SM 3432-34)". The Prophet's wife Safia (wife of
Kinana) was a captive at the battle of Khaibar. So
were Rihana and Juwariya (SM 4292 Also see Sirat Rasul
Allah pages 493 and 517)

"And all married women (are forbidden unto you) save
those (captives) whom your right hand possesses. It is
a decree of Allah for you" (HQ 4:24)

"Force not your slave girls to whoredom that ye may
seek enjoyment of the life of the world, if they would
preserve their chastity. And if one forces them, then
Allah, after their compulsion, is All-forgiving,
All-compassionate " HQ 24:33.

"Islam allows the conversion of female slaves into
concubines with whom <admin-profanity filter activated> relations
are legitimate
without the necessity of marriage. Once they have been
allotted to their masters they become their property"
(Maulana Moududi quoted in CIS page 112 Also see HQ
4-3) (SM 3432-34)"

"And all married women (are forbidden unto you) save
those (captives) whom your right hand possesses. It is
a decree of Allah for you" (HQ 4:24)

Islam defines different rights and responsibilities of
men and women.

"Men are in charge of women because Allah hath made
the one to excel the other and because they spend
their property (for the support of women)"(HQ4: 34).

Polygamy is permissible and allows up to four women
(HQ 4:3). The Quran instructs "you will not be able to
deal equally between (your) wives however much ye wish
to do so but turn not altogether away (from one)
leaving her as in suspense." (HQ 4: 129). A woman is
entitled to a dowry (mehar) and a lawful maintenance
(nafqah) but the domination of a husband is paramount,
"Your women are like a tilth for you (to cultivate),
go unto your tilth as ye will"(HQ 2:223 SM 3363). "Had
it not been for Eve, women would never have acted
unfaithfully towards their husbands."(SM 3471)
However, "Thy women have rights similar to those (of
men) over them in kindness, and men are a degree above
them"(HQ 2: 228). "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."(HQ 4:34-35). "Serving a
husband is obligatory since her husband is named her
master in Allah's Book and she is a captive with him
as is shown in the Sunnah of Allah's
Messenger"(Adaab-uz-Zufaaf by Muhammad Nasir-ud-din
page 47). " As for those of your women who are guilty
of lewdness, call to witness four of you against them.
And if they testify (to the truth of the allegation),
then confine them to the houses until death take them
or (until) Allah appoint for them a way (through the
new legislation)"(HQ 4:15) Accoring to Islam " Never
will succeed such a nation as makes a woman their
ruler" (SB 219 V.9 B.88). "No lady should travel on a
journey of two days except with her husband or a
Dhi-Mahram"(SB 215 V3 B31)

Islamic dress for women
There are no restrictions on what men wear. Burqa or
Hijab is a contraption used by the Muslim women to
keep their bodies covered except for the eyes (HQ
33:59, 24:31). Sharia requires women to dress up with
clothes meeting the following criteria
(Adaab-uz-Zufaaf page30).

1. The whole body must be covered except for the oval
of the face and the two hands.
2. The material of the cloth must not be decorative.
3. The material must be thick enough to be opaque.
4. The dress must be loose enough as not to make clear
the shape of the
body.
5. A woman must never wear perfume in public.
6. The dress must not resemble the dress worn by men.
7. The dress must not resemble that worn by
disbelieving women.
8. The dress must not be ostentatious.


Sikhism treats women as equal to men and forbids
adultery or beating of women in any situation. "Like
the companionship of a poisonous snake is the desire
of another's woman"(GGS P.403). Ill treatment of women
captured in war is strictly forbidden. This is what we
read about Sardar Sham Singh Attariwala, "It was
disorder, anarchy and confusion in Punjab, they moved
from Malwa to Majha. Just before settling at Attari
and the process of establishing their control they
came across a helpless Muhammadan bride of the nearby
Amir of Sarai Salamat Khan. The manner in which they
returned her to the Amir became a legend and people
still give example of their noble and moral character"
(Ranjit Singh's Khalsa Raj and Attariwala Sardars,'
National Book Depot Delhi 1944 Edition page 14.)

Sikhism preaches complementary roles of men and women
in all social spheres. However, women are not debarred
from any activities carried out by men; nor are they
restricted to any special dress. Indeed, although
there is a traditional Panjabi dress for women
(salwar, kameez and a light material head cloth), they
may dress exactly like men and go to battle if need
be. Some famous Sikh women have in fact led armies to
battle.

Islamic intolerance: "One who chooses to follow the
code revealed by God becomes a Muslim and one who
refuses to follow it becomes a {censored}."(The Religion of
Islam by Khurshid Ahmed page 4). "Believers are God's
party but un-believers are Devil's party"(HQ4: 76).
"Allah (Himself) is an enemy to the disbelievers" (HQ
2:15, 90,98). "Accursed, they will be seized wherever
found and slain with a (fierce) slaughter (HQ 33:61).
The tribes of Uraina and Ukl had their hands and legs
cut off, their eyes gouged out and no water was given
to them. They died a slow and painful death. (SB 577)

Sikhism: The nearest word to {censored} in Sikhism is
sakat. In Gurbani it is used for those who do not
believe in the existence of God. Unlike Islam, Sikhism
does not order killing of such persons but does advise
to avoid their company. "Shun the company of sakat,
keep him at an arm's length"(GGS p. 1371). Whatever
the extent of enmity, Sikhism does not sanction cruel
treatment. Guru Gobind Singh blessed Bhai Kanhaya when
the latter offered water and assistance to the fallen
enemy in the battlefield. The Guru also instructed him
to treat the wounds of the enemies.

"The True Guru has no anger or vengeance and preaches
the same. He looks upon son and enemy alike. He helps
in removing faults and mistakes and thus purifies the
human body"(GGS 960)


Superstition:

Prophet Muhammad preferred always to travel only on a
Thursday, which is considered auspicious. (SB 199
V.4.B.52) "The year is of twelve months out of which
four months (Dhul Qa'da, Dhul Hijja, Muharrum and
Rajab) are sacred."(SB 419 V4 B54)

In Sikhism no day or month is considered more
auspicious than the others are.
"The same moon rises, the same stars, the same sun
shines in the sky, the earth remains the same and the
same wind blows. How can it be then that some times
are sacred and the others not?" (GGS P.902)


Sacrifice or cruelty to animals? :

All adult Muslims are supposed to sacrifice an animal
on Id-al-Adha (SM 4818-4835) because "There is a
reward annexed to every hair of the animal sacrifice"
(Trimidhi V.1-1392). "On the day of judgement the
horns, hair and hoofs of the sacrificed animal fall in
the pan of pious deeds and thus cancel out the
misdeeds of the devotees"(Mishkwat –al- Masabih Book 4
.Chapter 49-2)

According to Sikhism animal sacrifice has no spiritual
merit and is strictly forbidden.

"The use of force is tyranny even if you call it
halal. When your account is called for in the court of
the Lord, what will your predicament be then?"
(GGS Page 1374)

Sikhism believes in sacrifice for a noble cause or for
the good of humanity when necessary. Guru Gobind
Singh, at Chamkaur, dressed and sent his own two sons
to the battle in a spirit of sacrifice for the right
cause.

Service with humility (sewa), sharing one's food and
earnings with the needy, treading the righteous path
regardless of cost, and inner detachment while living
a full life, is the Guru's way of sacrifice. Sikhism
preaches that a real sacrifice is to lay down one's
own life for a noble cause.

Religious war: Islamic view:
Jihad is defined by H.G. Koenigsberger as "Spreading
Islam by war."
"The various means employed by an Islamic state to
spread Islam are called jihad, if they involve strife
and struggle. The more popular form of jihad is holy
war"(CIS p.54)

"Fight against such of those who have been given the
Scripture as believe not in Allah nor the Last Day,
and forbid not that which Allah hath forbidden by His
Messenger, and follow not the religion of truth, until
they pay the tribute readily, being brought low." (HQ
9:29)

Regarding the spoils of war the Holy Quran says, "Now
enjoy ye what you have won, as lawful and good" (HQ
8:69,48:15). "If a town disobeys Allah and the
Messenger one fifth of the booty seized therefrom is
for Allah and His Apostle and the rest is for you"
said Muhammad (SM 4346)

Sikhism is opposed to spreading religion through war.
The nearest concept to Jihad is dharam yudh (fight for
justice or the righteous cause). Use of force for
propagating religion or for changing another's
ideology or point of view runs contrary to Sikh belief
and practice. The divinely inspired compositions of
Muslim and Hindu saints have been included in Sri Guru
Granth Sahib and given the same status as the hymns of
the Sikh Gurus.

Sikhism, therefore, demonstrably preaches that no
single ideology has the monopoly of access to God or
the Ultimate Truth. The Sikh Guru went further when
Guru Tegh Bahadhur (Nanak IX) gave his life to uphold
another's right of worship in his own way. Sikh Gurus
were fully aware of the need for the use of arms for
defending freedom of religious ideology and the
geo-political implications which were bound to flow
from it. The concept of Khalsa Raj and the just
theo-political aspirations of the Sikhs have brought
(and continue to bring) the Sikh nation into armed
conflict with authoritarian regimes. In certain
circumstances, when all other means have failed,
resort to arms is considered legitimate. Guru Tegh
Bahadur's injunction is:
"Frighten none and accept fear from no-one." (GGS p.
1427)

Guru Nanak's followers could not shirk their
responsibility towards other fellow beings nor could
they accept fear from anyone. Guru Nanak spoke out
against social, political and administrative injustice
and he expected his followers to do the same. The Sikh
Gurus and the bhagats (saints), whose compositions are
recorded in the Holy Granth, were well aware of the
need for resorting to arms for defending human rights
and the freedom of religious ideologies.

"The true warrior is one who fights in defence of the
downtrodden."
(GGS p. 1105)

"When all attempts to obtain justice fail, it is
legitimate to move the hand to the hilt of the sword."
(Guru Gobind Singh's Zafarnama to Moghul Emperor
Aurangzeb).

Wah Bai Wah Gurmkuh Singh Ji - Swaad Aa Gaya ...


Akal Sahai

BabbarSher

Request: Please post this on other sites as well

 

[Critical Singh]

Ha ! Ha!! Ha!!!

I am amazed to gather the level of their spirituality of such people, who take joy in superiority of Religions. This is one of most crapiest and idotic passage i ever read.

10000 servents!! 80 virgins!! Are we living in Stone Age ? It may have been a very easy and effective way of luring people some 1500 years ago along with ruthless forced submission to tyrrant Islamic terrorism but even today if people espacially Sikhs, would believe such piece of bull... then they better embrace Islam casue they would be a utter burden on Sikhism. Just my first reaction. apologies for rudeness. can't help it. Gr8 reply by Gurmukh Singh Ji.

 

[Critical Singh]

their website if down too!! what a bunch of jokers.

 

[Arvind]

Ill -logic is sometimes difficult to be handled by logic.. just my thought.
But certainly, appropriate response with a cool head is always needed.

I guess, sikhs need to be calm in case of such type of calls. Or otherwise, what are we scared of? Are we not sure of our own faith, or principles?

 

[Admin]

LoL!! i think we should invite some Muslims from that website face the music... LoL!!

 

[Neutral Singh]

any updates ??

 

[etinder]

This is a great reply by Gurmukh Singhji, a very critical and methodical,but one thing thai i always ask is are we as human beings evolving? Why irrespective of religions we all are so ethnocentric?

 

[thecoopes]

Dear friends a short while ago around 20:00 on the 1st of Jan UK time, I asked what now appears to me a stupid question... “Islam a threat or benefit to Britain”





I should have read this article first! My apologies to all enlightened ones around the world that such a diatribe of complete utter facile garbage should emanate from a country like Britain.

The only thing I would say to this poor lost soul is. “If these insane ramblings are a true expression of the religion you have become enslaved to then God help us all”!

Your belief of Islam as the cornerstone of some utopia is hollow, Muslims in their tens of thousands clamour to come to the West in their search for freedom and wealth.

All that Islam will do is drag this and any country it grows in back to the Middle ages, one only has to look at the Islamic societies around the world to dispel the myth that our young intolerant friend is trying to pass as truth, most are corrupt and oppressed and this is the reason so many want the freedoms of liberal countries. As he said they haven’t changed for 1400 years, it is sad and a bit worrying that in the 21st century we still have people so willing to hand their reasoning powers over to a medieval religion of total mind control.

 

[lion]

if we want to build a peacefullworld,then i think islam needs to be banned in west and elsewhere...........

 

[Gyani Jarnail Singh]

This book is availbale free from the author who is in the UK.

The book is published by the sikh misiionary Socety ands is a MUST READ for All Sikhs. The distingushed author ahs also written another free book detailing sikhism and christianity as well.

jarnail Singh.

 

[Living Mind]

if we want to build a peacefullworld,then i think islam needs to be banned in west and elsewhere...........

Banned!!! you are putting it very mildly:down:

Just read what ex-muslims have to say about Islam and their reverred Mohammad at www.faithfreedom.org. The only solution is to eradicate them from the face of the earth. And I wholoe-heartedly agree.....:}8-: :}8-:

 

[Living Mind]

This book is availbale free from the author who is in the UK.

The book is published by the sikh misiionary Socety ands is a MUST READ for All Sikhs. The distingushed author ahs also written another free book detailing sikhism and christianity as well.

jarnail Singh.

Which book are you referring to, Gyani Ji? and could I please have the address from where I could avail of it?

Thank you.

 

[muslim]

lol its time to demolish all your arguements. Lol its funny how when on this site if anything is said in offense to sikhism the thread is close or what ever but if islam or other religions its perfectly okay. Anyways back the arguement thingy. I will answer each question you have submitted so here goes.Question:

Why is a man allowed to have more than one wife in Islam? i.e. why is polygamy allowed in Islam?



Answer:

Definition of Polygamy

1. Polygamy means a system of marriage whereby one person has more than one spouse. Polygamy can be of two types. One is polygyny where a man marries more than one woman, and the other is polyandry, where a woman marries more than one man. In Islam, limited polygyny is permitted; whereas polyandry is completely prohibited.

Now coming to the original question, why is a man allowed to have more than one wife?
2. The Qur’an is the only religious scripture in the world that says,"marry only one".



The Qur’an is the only religious book, on the face of this earth, that contains the phrase ‘marry only one’. There is no other religious book that instructs men to have only one wife. In none of the other religious scriptures, whether it be the Vedas, the Ramayan, the Mahabharat, the Geeta, the Talmud or the Bible does one find a restriction on the number of wives. According to these scriptures one can marry as many as one wishes. It was only later, that the Hindu priests and the Christian Church restricted the number of wives to one.

Many Hindu religious personalities, according to their scriptures, had multiple wives. King Dashrat, the father of Rama, had more than one wife. Krishna had several wives.

In earlier times, Christian men were permitted as many wives as they wished, since the Bible puts no restriction on the number of wives. It was only a few centuries ago that the Church restricted the number of wives to one.



Polygyny is permitted in Judaism. According to Talmudic law, Abraham had three wives, and Solomon had hundreds of wives. The practice of polygyny continued till Rabbi Gershom ben Yehudah (95% C.E to 1030 C.E) issued an edict against it. The Jewish Sephardic communities living in Muslim countries continued the practice till as late as 1950, until an Act of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel extended the ban on marrying more than one wife.
3. Hindus are more polygynous than Muslims



The report of the ‘Committee of The Status of Woman in Islam’, published in 1975 mentions on page numbers 66 and 67 that the percentage of polygamous marriages between the years 1951 and 1961 was 5.06% among the Hindus and only 4.31% among the Muslims. According to Indian law only Muslim men are permitted to have more than one wife. It is illegal for any non-Muslim in India to have more than one wife. Despite it being illegal, Hindus have more multiple wives as compared to Muslims. Earlier, there was no restriction even on Hindu men with respect to the number of wives allowed. It was only in 1954, when the Hindu Marriage Act was passed that it became illegal for a Hindu to have more than one wife. At present it is the Indian Law that restricts a Hindu man from having more than one wife and not the Hindu scriptures.



Let us now analyse why Islam allows a man to have more than one wife.
4. Qur’an permits limited polygyny



As I mentioned earlier, Qur’an is the only religious book on the face of the earth that says ‘marry only one’. The context of this phrase is the following verse from Surah Nisa of the Glorious Qur’an:

"Marry women of your choice, two, or three, or four; but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one."

[Al-Qur’an 4:3]

Before the Qur’an was revealed, there was no upper limit for polygyny and many men had scores of wives, some even hundreds. Islam put an upper limit of four wives. Islam gives a man permission to marry two, three or four women, only on the condition that he deals justly with them.

In the same chapter i.e. Surah Nisa verse 129 says:

"Ye are never able to be fair and just as between women...."

[Al-Qur’an 4:129]

Therefore polygyny is not a rule but an exception. Many people are under the misconception that it is compulsory for a Muslim man to have more than one wife.

Broadly, Islam has five categories of Do’s and Don’ts:

• ‘Fard’ i.e. compulsory or obligatory
• ‘Mustahab’ i.e. recommended or encouraged
• ‘Mubah’ i.e. permissible or allowed
• ‘Makruh’ i.e. not recommended or discouraged
• ‘Haraam’ i.e. prohibited or forbidden

Polygyny falls in the middle category of things that are permissible. It cannot be said that a Muslim who has two, three or four wives is a better Muslim as compared to a Muslim who has only one wife.
5. Average life span of females is more than that of males



By nature males and females are born in approximately the same ratio. A female child has more immunity than a male child. A female child can fight the germs and diseases better than the male child. For this reason, during the pediatric age itself there are more deaths among males as compared to the females.



During wars, there are more men killed as compared to women. More men die due to accidents and diseases than women. The average life span of females is more than that of males, and at any given time one finds more widows in the world than widowers.
6. India has more male population than female due to female foeticide and infanticide



India is one of the few countries, along with the other neighbouring countries, in which the female population is less than the male population. The reason lies in the high rate of female infanticide in India, and the fact that more than one million female foetuses are aborted every year in this country, after they are identified as females. If this evil practice is stopped, then India too will have more females as compared to males.


7. World female population is more than male population



In the USA, women outnumber men by 7.8 million. New York alone has one million more females as compared to the number of males, and of the male population of New York one-third are gays i.e sodomites. The U.S.A as a whole has more than twenty-five million gays. This means that these people do not wish to marry women. Great Britain has four million more females as compared to males. Germany has five million more females as compared to males. Russia has nine million more females than males. God alone knows how many million more females there are in the whole world as compared to males.


8. Restricting each and every man to have only one wife is not practical



Even if every man got married to one woman, there would still be more than thirty million females in U.S.A who would not be able to get husbands (considering that America has twenty five million gays). There would be more than four million females in Great Britain, 5 million females in Germany and nine million females in Russia alone who would not be able to find a husband.

Suppose my sister happens to be one of the unmarried women living in USA, or suppose your sister happens to be one of the unmarried women in USA. The only two options remaining for her are that she either marries a man who already has a wife or becomes public property. There is no other option. All those who are modest will opt for the first.

In Western society, it is common for a man to have mistresses and/or multiple extra-marital affairs, in which case, the woman leads a disgraceful, unprotected life. The same society, however, cannot accept a man having more than one wife, in which women retain their honourable, dignified position in society and lead a protected life.

Thus the only two options before a woman who cannot find a husband is to marry a married man or to become public property. Islam prefers giving women the honourable position by permitting the first option and disallowing the second.

There are several other reasons, why Islam has permitted limited polygyny, but it is mainly to protect the modesty of women.

 

[muslim]

Question:

If a man is allowed to have more than one wife, then why does Islam prohibit a woman from having more than one husband?

Answer:

A lot of people, including some Muslims, question the logic of allowing Muslim men to have more than one spouse while denying the same ‘right’ to women.

Let me first state emphatically, that the foundation of an Islamic society is justice and equity. Allah has created men and women as equal, but with different capabilities and different responsibilities. Men and women are different, physiologically and psychologically. Their roles and responsibilities are different. Men and women are equal in Islam, but not identical.

Surah Nisa’ Chapter 4 verses 22 to 24 gives the list of women with who you can not marry and it is further mentions in Surah Nisa’ Chapter 4 verse 24 "Also (prohibited are) women already married"



The following points enumerate the reasons why polyandry is prohibited in Islam:
1. If a man has more than one wife, the parents of the children born of such marriages can easily be identified. The father as well as the mother can easily be identified. In case of a woman marrying more than one husband, only the mother of the children born of such marriages will be identified and not the father. Islam gives tremendous importance to the identification of both parents, mother and father. Psychologists tell us that children who do not know their parents, especially their father undergo severe mental trauma and disturbances. Often they have an unhappy childhood. It is for this reason that the children of prostitutes do not have a healthy childhood. If a child born of such wedlock is admitted in school, and when the mother is asked the name of the father, she would have to give two or more names! I am aware that recent advances in science have made it possible for both the mother and father to be identified with the help of genetic testing. Thus this point which was applicable for the past may not be applicable for the present.


2. Man is more polygamous by nature as compared to a woman.


3. Biologically, it is easier for a man to perform his duties as a husband despite having several wives. A woman, in a similar position, having several husbands, will not find it possible to perform her duties as a wife. A woman undergoes several psychological and behavioral changes due to different phases of the menstrual cycle.


4. A woman who has more than one husband will have several sexual partners at the same time and has a high chance of acquiring venereal or sexually transmitted diseases which can also be transmitted back to her husband even if all of them have no extra-marital sex. This is not the case in a man having more than one wife, and none of them having extra-marital sex.


The above reasons are those that one can easily identify. There are probably many more reasons why Allah, in His Infinite Wisdom, has prohibited polyandry.

 

[muslim]

Question:

Why does Islam degrade women by keeping them behind the veil?

Answer:



The status of women in Islam is often the target of attacks in the secular media. The ‘hijaab’ or the Islamic dress is cited by many as an example of the ‘subjugation’ of women under Islamic law. Before we analyze the reasoning behind the religiously mandated ‘hijaab’, let us first study the status of women in societies before the advent of Islam
1. In the past women were degraded and used as objects of lust



The following examples from history amply illustrate the fact that the status of women in earlier civilizations was very low to the extent that they were denied basic human dignity:

• Babylonian Civilization:
  The women were degraded and were denied all rights under the Babylonian law. If a man murdered a woman, instead of him being punished, his wife was put to death.
  
• Greek Civilization:
  Greek Civilization is considered the most glorious of all ancient civilizations. Under this very ‘glorious’ system, women were deprived of all rights and were looked down upon. In Greek mythology, an ‘imaginary woman’ called ‘Pandora’ is the root cause of misfortune of human beings. The Greeks considered women to be subhuman and inferior to men. Though chastity of women was precious, and women were held in high esteem, the Greeks were later overwhelmed by ego and sexual perversions. Prostitution became a regular practice amongst all classes of Greek society.
  
• Roman Civilization:
  When Roman Civilization was at the zenith of its ‘glory’, a man even had the right to take the life of his wife. Prostitution and nudity were common amongst the Romans.
  
• Egyptian Civilization:
  The Egyptian considered women evil and as a sign of a devil.
  
• Pre-Islamic Arabia:
  Before Islam spread in Arabia, the Arabs looked down upon women and very often when a female child was born, she was buried alive.
  

2. Islam uplifted women and gave them equality and expects them to maintain their status.



Islam uplifted the status of women and granted them their just rights 1400 years ago. Islam expects women to maintain their status.



Hijaab for men

People usually only discuss ‘hijaab’ in the context of women. However, in the Glorious Qur’an, Allah (swt) first mentions ‘hijaab’ for men before ‘hijaab’ for the women. The Qur’an mentions in Surah Noor:

"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."
[Al-Qur’an 24:30]

The moment a man looks at a woman and if any brazen or unashamed thought comes to his mind, he should lower his gaze.

Hijaab for women.

The next verse of Surah Noor, says:



" And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons..."
[Al-Qur’an 24:31]
3. Six criteria for Hijaab.



According to Qur’an and Sunnah there are basically six criteria for observing hijaab:

• Extent:
  
  The first criterion is the extent of the body that should be covered. This is different for men and women. The extent of covering obligatory on the male is to cover the body at least from the navel to the knees. For women, the extent of covering obligatory is to cover the complete body except the face and the hands upto the wrist. If they wish to, they can cover even these parts of the body. Some scholars of Islam insist that the face and the hands are part of the obligatory extent of ‘hijaab’.
  
  All the remaining five criteria are the same for men and women.
  
• The clothes worn should be loose and should not reveal the figure.
  
• The clothes worn should not be transparent such that one can see through them.
  
• The clothes worn should not be so glamorous as to attract the opposite sex.
  
• The clothes worn should not resemble that of the opposite sex.
  
• The clothes worn should not resemble that of the unbelievers i.e. they should not wear clothes that are specifically identities or symbols of the unbelievers’ religions.
  

4. Hijaab includes conduct and behaviour among other things



Complete ‘hijaab’, besides the six criteria of clothing, also includes the moral conduct, behaviour, attitude and intention of the individual. A person only fulfilling the criteria of ‘hijaab’ of the clothes is observing ‘hijaab’ in a limited sense. ‘Hijaab’ of the clothes should be accompanied by ‘hijaab’ of the eyes, ‘hijaab’ of the heart, ‘hijaab’ of thought and ‘hijaab’ of intention. It also includes the way a person walks, the way a person talks, the way he behaves, etc.


5. Hijaab prevents molestation



The reason why Hijaab is prescribed for women is mentioned in the Qur’an in the following verses of Surah Al-Ahzab:

"O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad); that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
[Al-Qur’an 33:59]



The Qur’an says that Hijaab has been prescribed for the women so that they are recognized as modest women and this will also prevent them from being molested.
6. Example of twin sisters



Suppose two sisters who are twins, and who are equally beautiful, walk down the street. One of them is attired in the Islamic hijaab i.e. the complete body is covered, except for the face and the hands up to the wrists. The other sister is wearing western clothes, a mini skirt or shorts. Just around the corner there is a hooligan or ruffian who is waiting for a catch, to tease a girl. Whom will he tease? The girl wearing the Islamic Hijaab or the girl wearing the skirt or the mini? Naturally he will tease the girl wearing the skirt or the mini. Such dresses are an indirect invitation to the opposite sex for teasing and molestation. The Qur’an rightly says that hijaab prevents women from being molested.


7. Capital punishment for the rapists



Under the Islamic shariah, a man convicted of having raped a woman, is given capital punishment. Many are astonished at this ‘harsh’ sentence. Some even say that Islam is a ruthless, barbaric religion! I have asked a simple question to hundreds of non-Muslim men. Suppose, God forbid, someone rapes your wife, your mother or your sister. You are made the judge and the rapist is brought in front of you. What punishment would you give him? All of them said they would put him to death. Some went to the extent of saying they would torture him to death. To them I ask, if someone rapes your wife or your mother you want to put him to death. But if the same crime is committed on somebody else’s wife or daughter you say capital punishment is barbaric. Why should there be double standards?


8. Western society falsely claims to have uplifted women



Western talk of women’s liberalization is nothing but a disguised form of exploitation of her body, degradation of her soul, and deprivation of her honour. Western society claims to have ‘uplifted’ women. On the contrary it has actually degraded them to the status of concubines, mistresses and society butterflies who are mere tools in the hands of pleasure seekers and sex marketeers, hidden behind the colourful screen of ‘art’ and ‘culture’.


9. USA has one of the highest rates of rape



United States of America is supposed to be one of the most advanced countries of the world. It also has one of the highest rates of rape in any country in the world. According to a FBI report, in the year 1990, every day on an average 1756 cases of rape were committed in U.S.A alone. Later another report said that on an average everyday 1900 cases of rapes are committed in USA. The year was not mentioned. May be it was 1992 or 1993. May be the Americans got ‘bolder’ in the following years.



Consider a scenario where the Islamic hijaab is followed in America. Whenever a man looks at a woman and any brazen or unashamed thought comes to his mind, he lowers his gaze. Every woman wears the Islamic hijaab, that is the complete body is covered except the face and the hands upto the wrist. After this if any man commits rape he is given capital punishment. I ask you, in such a scenario, will the rate of rape in America increase, will it remain the same, or will it decrease?
10. Implementation of Islamic Shariah will reduce the rate of rapes



Naturally as soon as Islamic Shariah is implemented positive results will be inevitable. If Islamic Shariah is implemented in any part of the world, whether it is America or Europe, society will breathe easier. Hijaab does not degrade a woman but uplifts a woman and protects her modesty and chastity.

 

[muslim]

Question:

Under Islamic law, why is a woman’s share of the inherited wealth only half that of a man?

Answer:

The Glorious Qur’an contains specific and detailed guidance regarding the division of the inherited wealth, among the rightful beneficiaries.

The Qur’anic verses that contain guidance regarding inheritance are:

* Surah Baqarah, chapter 2 verse 180

* Surah Baqarah, chapter 2 verse 240

* Surah Nisa, chapter 4 verse 7-9

* Surah Nisa, chapter 4 verse 19

* Surah Nisa, chapter 4 verse 33 and

* Surah Maidah, chapter 5 verse 106-108

​

There are three verses in the Qur’an that broadly describe the share of close relatives i.e. Surah Nisah chapter 4 verses 11, 12 and 176. The translation of these verses are as follows:

"Allah (swt) (thus) directs you as regards your children’s (inheritance): to the male, a portion equal to that of two females, if only daughters, two or more, their share is two-thirds of the inheritance; If only one, her share is a half.

For parents, a sixth share of the inheritance to each, if the deceased left children; If no children, and the parents are the (only) heirs, the mother has a third; if the deceased left brothers (or sisters) the mother has a sixth. (The distribution in all cases is) after the payment of legacies and debts. Ye know not whether your parents or your children are nearest to you in benefit. These are settled portions ordained by Allah; and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

In what your wives leave, your share is half. If they leave no child; but if they leave a child, ye get a fourth; after payment of legacies and debts. In what ye leave, their share is a fourth, if ye leave no child; but if ye leave a child, they get an eight; after payment of legacies and debts. If the man or woman whose inheritance is in question, has left neither ascendants nor descendants, but has left a brother or a sister, each one of the two gets a sixth; but if more than two, they share in a third; after payment of legacies and debts; so that no loss is caused (to anyone). Thus it is ordained by Allah; and Allah is All-Knowing Most Forbearing"
[Al-Qur’an 4:11-12]

"They ask thee for a legal decision. Say: Allah directs (them) about those who leave no descendants or ascendants as heirs. If it is a man that dies, leaving a sister but no child, she shall have half the inheritance. If (such a deceased was) a woman who left no child, Her brother takes her inheritance. If there are two sisters, they shall have two thirds of the inheritance (between them). If there are brothers and sisters, (they share), the male having twice the share of the female. Thus doth Allah (swt) makes clear to you (His knowledge of all things).
[Al-Qur’an 4:176]

In most of the cases, a woman inherits half of what her male counterpart inherits. However, this is not always the case. In case the deceased has left no ascendant or descendent but has left the uterine brother and sister, each of the two inherit one sixth. If the deceased has left children, both the parents that is mother and father get an equal share and inherit one sixth each. In certain cases, a woman can also inherit a share that is double that of the male. If the deceased is a woman who has left no children, brothers or sisters and is survived only by her husband, mother and father, the husband inherits half the property while the mother inherits one third and the father the remaining one sixth. In this particular case, the mother inherits a share that is double that of the father. It is true that as a general rule, in most cases, the female inherits a share that is half that of the male. For instance in the following cases:

1. daughter inherits half of what the son inherits,

2. wife inherits 1/8th and husband 1/4th if the deceased has no children.

3. Wife inherits 1/4th and husband 1/2 if the deceased has children

4. If the deceased has no ascendant or descendent, the sister inherits a share that is half that of the brother.

​

In Islam a woman has no financial obligation and the economical responsibility lies on the shoulders of the man. Before a woman is married it is the duty of the father or brother to look after the lodging, boarding, clothing and other financial requirements of the woman. After she is married it is the duty of the husband or the son. Islam holds the man financially responsible for fulfilling the needs of his family. In order to do be able to fulfill the responsibility the men get double the share of the inheritance. For example, if a man dies leaving about Rs. One Hundred and Fifty Thousand, for the children (i.e one son and one daughter) the son inherits One Hundred Thousand rupees and the daughter only Fifty Thousand rupees. Out of the one hundred thousand which the son inherits, as his duty towards his family, he may have to spend on them almost the entire amount or say about eighty thousand and thus he has a small percentage of inheritance, say about twenty thousand, left for himself. On the other hand, the daughter, who inherits fifty thousand is not bound to spend a single penny on anybody. She can keep the entire amount for herself. Would you prefer inheriting one hundred thousand rupees and spending eighty thousand from it, or inheriting fifty thousand rupees and having the entire amount to yourself?

 

[thecoopes]

Hi Muslim friend, your in depth answers deserve some deep consideration so don't let this comment be considered flippant/ Just an observation.

Suppose two sisters who are twins, and who are equally beautiful, walk down the street. One of them is attired in the Islamic hijaab i.e. the complete body is covered, except for the face and the hands up to the wrists. The other sister is wearing western clothes, a mini skirt or shorts. Just around the corner there is a hooligan or ruffian who is waiting for a catch, to tease a girl. Whom will he tease? The girl wearing the Islamic Hijaab or the girl wearing the skirt or the mini? Naturally he will tease the girl wearing the skirt or the mini. Such dresses are an indirect invitation to the opposite sex for teasing and molestation. The Qur’an rightly says that hijaab prevents women from being molested.

Why are the Muslim men so uncontrolled when they see someone not in a Hijaab? Shouldn't the Koran help them to control their lust!

 

[muslim]

Yes they should control themselves and this is not directed at muslim men in particular but all men. Hijjab is there to protect women from men and men from themselves.

 

[thecoopes]

My dear Muslim friend please consider this. You and I are very lucky we are allowed to debate on this website in such a free and open manner.

I enrolled on an Islamic website the other day and found that the level of intolerance and rage against any who commented about Islamic beliefs or political events involving Muslims was unprecedented to the extent that you could be referred to as an ignorant dog.

In my ignorance of Muslim beliefs I made an innocuous lighthearted comment on a posting discussing the twelve Imams. For this I was banned, compared to the things we have been allowed to say on this site it was just innocent.

You have taken a lot of time to compile your answers and I look forward to analyzing and discussing them with you.

Best wishes.

John C