Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

271. Why a drunken person cannot perform Salah?

Answer: A drunken person is prohibited from performing Salah (daily prayers) for several fundamental reasons, primarily revolving around the state of mind and the purity required for the act of worship:

 

  1. Mental Clarity and Presence: Salah requires a person to be fully conscious and aware of their actions and intentions. Being in a state of intoxication impairs one's mental faculties, preventing them from achieving the necessary focus and reverence that prayer demands. The Quran explicitly states, "O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying..." (Quran 4:43). 

This directive ensures that a person is fully aware and mindful of the prayers they are performing.

 

  1. Spiritual Purity: Prayer is not only a physical act but also a spiritual one that requires purity of body, mind, and spirit. Intoxication is considered a state of impurity because it diminishes one's self-control and awareness. It is believed that a person should approach God in a clear and pure state, reflecting respect and sincerity in their worship.

 

  1. Respect for the Sacred Act: Salah is a sacred communication with God and should be conducted with the utmost respect and solemnity. Being under the influence of alcohol shows a lack of respect for the sacredness of the prayer and for the presence of God. It undermines the seriousness and the sanctity of the act.

 

  1. Preservation of Dignity: In a state of intoxication, individuals may not be able to maintain their composure or perform the physical actions of Salah correctly, such as standing, bowing, and prostrating, which are crucial elements of the prayer. This can lead to a loss of dignity in the ritual, detracting from its purpose and significance.

 

For these reasons, Islam mandates that individuals must be sober and possess a clear mind to perform Salah, ensuring that the act of worship is conducted in the most sincere, respectful, and meaningful manner possible.

272. Why Muslims do not consume pork?

Answer: Muslims are prohibited from consuming pork and pork products based on clear directives in their religious texts, specifically the holy Quran. The prohibition is mentioned explicitly in several verses:

1. Divine Command: The primary reason for this prohibition is the divine command, mentioned in the holy Quran, where it is stated multiple times. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:173), Surah Al-An'am (6:145), and Surah An-Nahl (16:115), it is mentioned that pork is forbidden because it is considered impure or unclean.

The text typically reads, "He has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah."

2. Concept of Purity and Impurity: The concept of purity (Tahara) is significant in Islam, and it encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions. Pork is regarded as ritually unclean or impure (Najis), and consuming it is believed to affect one's spiritual purity.

3. Health Considerations: According to many hadiths, the prohibition also serves to protect the health of the community. The dietary laws are seen as a means of promoting good health and preventing diseases, some of which are historically associated with pork consumption due to the animal's diet and living conditions.

The prohibition of pork in Islam is thus multi-faceted, rooted in theological, spiritual, and practical considerations, and is an integral part of Islamic dietary laws.

273. What is the concept of Fasting?

Answer: Fasting, a practice found in many religions, involves abstaining from food, drink, and other specific activities for a set period. In Islam, fasting is second of its 10 main branches and is particularly observed during the month of Ramadan, though there are other times when fasting is practiced or recommended.

1. Ramadan Fasting: During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until the Maghrib time. This means abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking, and marital relations during daylight hours. The fast begins at pre-dawn with a meal called "Suhoor" and is broken at Maghrib time with "Iftaar", often starting with the eating of dates and water.

2. Purpose: The fast is intended to obey the divine command and to teach Muslims self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate, thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity. It is also a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, reading the Quran, and increasing one's devotion and closeness to God.

3. Spiritual Significance: Fasting during the month of Ramadan is seen as a way to cleanse the soul and have ones past sins forgiven. The month of Ramadan is also believed to be when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, making it a time of profound spiritual significance in Islam.

Exemptions: Certain groups are exempt from fasting, including the sick, the elderly, pregnant or nursing women, travellers, and children. These individuals are not required to fast but must compensate by feeding a needy person for each day missed or, in some cases, make up the days later in the year.

To learn more about fasting, please follow the link: https://findtruth.co.uk/understanding-the-practice-of-fasting-sawm 

274. Why do Muslims perform Hajj?

Answer: Hajj, a sacred obligation, holds a profound meaning for many. This pilgrimage is a journey full of rituals and mystery that deepens with each passing year.

At its core, Hajj means "intending pilgrimage," but in Islam, it involves visiting the House of God and performing specific rites on certain days.

So, what's the purpose of Hajj?

Hajj is mandated by God for those who are able, as stated in the Quran:

“It is the duty of all people to make pilgrimage to the House, for those who can afford it. Those who reject this duty, Allah is free from need of the worlds.” (3:97)

Imam Ali (AS) explained that Hajj shows our humility before God's greatness. It reaffirms our submission and desire for forgiveness.

Hajj is more than a journey; it represents unity, servitude, and a stand against injustice. It brings Muslims together from around the world, fostering connection and trade.

In an ideal world, Hajj would offer solutions to the challenges facing the Muslim Ummah. It would inspire worship of one God, sincerity, piety, and divine virtue. It would also promote trade, alleviate poverty, and honour the legacies of Prophet Ibrahim and Ismael.

However, the modern practice of Hajj sometimes falls short of these ideals. Instead, it can become a routine of dry rituals, with little impact on the Muslim community. This opens the door for the enemies of Islam to exploit it for economic gain.

We need to rethink our approach to Hajj. Muslim governments, scholars, and leaders must come together in an international conference to rediscover the true purpose of Hajj and address the challenges facing Islamic societies.
 

275. How to perform Hajj?

Answer: Hajj, the pilgrimage to Makkah, is a significant religious obligation in Islam, required once in a lifetime for Muslims who meet specific conditions. These conditions include maturity, sanity, physical and financial capability, and safe access to Makkah. 

Key components include performing the Hajj in one of its three forms—Hajj at-Tamattu, Hajj al-Qiran, and Hajj al-Ifrad—with Hajj at-Tamattu being most common. This involves initial rituals of Umrah followed by the main Hajj activities such as entering a state of ihram, performing Tawaf and Sa’iy, and completing acts at Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina, including stone throwing, hair trimming, and animal sacrifice. The pilgrimage is completed with additional Tawaaf and prayers, with specific prohibitions lifted at stages throughout. To learn how to perform hajj in details, please follow the link:  https://findtruth.co.uk/how-to-perform-hajj-step-by-step-guide-to-performing-hajj

276. What is Zakat?

Answer: Zakat is the third of ten branches of Islam. It is a form of almsgiving treated in Islam as a religious obligation or tax. It is a mandatory charitable contribution. There are two main categories of zakat: Zakat al-Fitrah and Zakat al-Maal.  Zakat al-Fitrah is a form of zakat paid at the end of Ramadan by every self-supporting adult Muslim. It aims to purify those who fast from any indecent act or speech and to help the poor and needy. The zakat al-Maal is a form of tax on wealth from the specific items that meet specific criteria of nisab and the holding period.

Zakat should be distributed among eight categories of beneficiaries mentioned in the Quran. However, according to Shia Muslims, the divine Imam or his representative has the authority to distribute the zakat to ensure it serves its purpose most effectively.

The role of the religious authority or jurist (Marja'), who is considered the representative of the Imam of the time during his Major Occultation, is central in the administration of zakat. This includes deciding the eligibility of recipients and the proper uses of zakat funds in accordance with current needs and circumstances.

The practice of Zakat is meant to prevent hoarding, encourage economic activity, and foster social cohesion and fairness by redistributing wealth and supporting those in need within the community.

To watch video about Zakat, please click here: https://findtruth.co.uk/zakat-unveiled-purifying-wealth-empowering-lives or to read more on Zakat, 

Please click this link: https://books.findtruth.co.uk/ebooks/zak%C3%A3t-in-sh%C4%AB%E2%80%98a-fiqh

277. What is Khums?

Answer: Khums is a form of Islamic tax that is particularly emphasized in Shia Islam. The term "khums" literally means "one-fifth" or 20%. This tax applies to the profit or surplus income of a person after deducting expenses for their family's annual living costs. It is a religious obligation mandated by the Quran and has significant theological and legal implications within Shia doctrine.

Khums is divided into two equal parts: 1. Sahm-e Imam (Share of the Imam): In the times of the physical presence of a divine Imam, this share would be given directly to him. In the absence of the Imam (during the Major Occultation of the Twelfth Imam), this portion is given to Shia religious leaders (Marja' or a qualified jurist), who use it for religious and charitable activities, educational development, and supporting the religious institutions that benefit the Shia community. 2. Sahm-e Sadaat (Share of the Sadaat): This part is given to the descendants of the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatima and son-in-law Ali, who are known as Sadaat or Sayyids. This portion is meant to help those among them who are needy, or to fund any project that benefits the poor Sadaat.

To watch video about Khums, please click: https://youtu.be/EMSyrqQKLmg?si=QwhsDQpHWS9mt-L_

 or to read more on Khums, Please click this link: 

https://books.findtruth.co.uk/ebooks/khums-the-fund-of-independence-of-bait-al-mal

278. What is the concept of Jihad?

Answer: The concept of Jihad is a fundamental Islamic principle that is considered one of the 10 main branches of Islam. This noble practice is often misunderstood. It encompasses a range of meanings, from an inner spiritual struggle to maintain faith and moral integrity, to an external struggle for justice or defence of the Islamic community.

In the broader Islamic context, jihad is primarily about striving for personal betterment and social justice. It's an essential part of practicing faith, emphasizing moral conduct, righteousness, and the communal obligation to support justice and oppose oppression.

To watch a video about Jihad, please follow the link:  https://findtruth.co.uk/understanding-jihad-breaking-misconceptions

Or to read more on the concept of Jihad, Please click this link: 

https://books.findtruth.co.uk/ebooks/peace-and-jihad-in-islam

279. What is the concept of Amr bil Ma'ruf (Enjoining Good)?

Answer: The concept of "Amr bil Ma'ruf" (Enjoining Good) is a significant Islamic principle that encourages Muslims to promote what is morally right and virtuous according to Islamic teachings. It is often paired with "Nahi Anil Munkar" (Forbidding Evil), forming a critical component of Islamic ethics and social conduct. These principles are derived from the Quran and Hadith and serve as a means to maintain social harmony and uphold the moral order of society.

"Amr bil Ma'ruf" literally translates to "commanding what is good." It is based on several Quranic verses and Hadiths. For instance, the Quran states:

"Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity." (Quran 3:104)

Scope and Application:

1. Personal and Community Levels: At a personal level, this duty encourages individuals to lead by example, practicing good deeds and ethical behaviour in daily life. At the community level, Muslims are expected to encourage each other to adhere to Islamic values, such as honesty, justice, and compassion.

2. Methods of Implementation: The approach to enjoining good should be gentle and respectful, aiming to persuade rather than to compel. It involves advising, reminding, or guiding others towards better practices. The method and intensity of enjoining good can vary depending on the situation and the receptiveness of the person being addressed. It should always be done with wisdom and beautiful preaching, as emphasized in the Quran.

3. Limits and Considerations: Enjoining good must be practiced without infringing on others' rights or provoking hostility. It should be balanced with wisdom and a deep understanding of Islamic teachings. To watch the video on "Amr bil Ma'ruf" please click the link: https://findtruth.co.uk/amr-bil-maroof-nahi-anil-munkar-the-essence-of-islamic-morality

280. What is the concept of Nahy anil Munkar (Forbidding Wrong)?

Answer:  The concept of “Nahy anil Munkar” (Forbidding Wrong) is a fundamental Islamic principle that refers to the obligation of Muslims to prevent and speak out against actions and behaviours considered sinful or wrong according to Islamic teachings. This concept is paired with "Amr bil Ma'ruf" (Enjoining Good), forming a key component of Islamic ethics and social justice.

The roots of Nahy anil Munkar are deeply embedded in the Quran and Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad). The Quran emphasizes the importance of this duty in several verses, positioning it as a defining feature of the Muslim community. For instance:

Quran 3:104 states: "Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity."

Quran 3:110 describes Muslims as the best community ever raised for mankind because they enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.

 

Objectives: The main objectives of Nahy anil Munkar include:

- Maintaining social order by preventing actions that can harm individuals or the society at large.

- Educational impact by raising awareness about Islamic values and laws.

- Moral rectitude by fostering a community guided by the ethical teachings of Islam.

Methodology: The methodology of forbidding wrong is guided by wisdom, kindness, and a clear understanding of the circumstances. Islamic teachings stress that the approach should be:

1. Non-confrontational: Initially, advising privately to avoid embarrassing or provoking the individual.

2. Gradual: If the private advice does not work, more public methods may be considered.

3. Proportional: The response should be proportionate to the severity of the wrong being committed.

Ethical and Practical Considerations: Wisdom and tact: It is crucial to approach situations with understanding and not in a way that may lead to greater harm or discord. Knowledge: One must be knowledgeable about what is actually considered wrong in Islam before taking action. Circumstance: Considering the context and the likely impact of any intervention is essential. Sometimes, it may be more prudent to refrain if the action could lead to greater harm.

In contemporary times, the application of Nahy anil Munkar is often discussed in terms of social activism, ethical governance, and community leadership. It plays a role in motivating Muslims to engage in social justice issues, fight corruption, and promote ethical behavior in both public and private spheres.

 

In essence, Nahy anil Munkar is about actively preserving the moral integrity of the community by preventing vice and promoting virtue, driven by compassion and a genuine desire for the well-being of others. This principle is considered a communal obligation, meaning if enough members of the community perform it, the obligation is lifted from the rest. However, its importance cannot be overstated, as it contributes directly to the moral and ethical fabric of Muslim societies. Preventing and discouraging evil and sinful actions within the community.

To learn more click the link: 

https://findtruth.co.uk/amr-bil-maroof-nahi-anil-munkar-the-essence-of-islamic-morality

How Would You Rate This Course?

Select Rating:

Search

Peace be upon you, Welcome to the most reliable platform.
Quiz User