Fatwas Part Sixty-Three

Issued by: Dr. Ahmed Subhy Mansour, translated by: Ahmed Fathy

About The Verse 2:286

Published in November 18, 2017

Question: … Dear Sir, …  I do not quite understand the supplication which begins with "Our Lord..." in this verse: "God does not burden any soul beyond its capacity. To its credit is what it earns, and against it is what it commits. "Our Lord, do not condemn us if we forget or make a mistake. Our Lord, do not burden us as You have burdened those before us. Our Lord, do not burden us with more than we have strength to bear; and pardon us, and forgive us, and have mercy on us. You are our Lord and Master, so help us against the disbelieving people."" (2:286) … I mean, how come that when God does not burden any soul beyond its capacity, we must supplicate Him by saying: "...do not condemn us if we forget or make a mistake...do not burden us with more than we have strength to bear..."? Similarly, why should we say, "...do not burden us as You have burdened those before us..." while we read these verses: "...and unloads the burdens and the shackles that are upon them..." (7:157); "...There is no blame on you if you err therein, barring what your hearts premeditates..." (33:5)? Could you briefly explain this to me? … Thank you for your time …    

Answer:

  When someone dies, his/her record of deeds is closed forever, and no one can add to it or omit anything from it, and such deeds will be transformed into either Hell or Paradise in the Hereafter; yet, God commands us to pray for the dead believers: "And those who came after them, saying, "Our Lord, forgive us, and our brethren who preceded us in faith, and leave no malice in our hearts towards those who believe. Our Lord, You are Clement and Merciful."" (59:10); why does this Quranic command exist? Because supplications and prayers are part of acts of worship. God commands real believers to supplicate to Him and He promises to answer our prayers, while those who are too arrogant to obey God's commands will enter into Hell: "Your Lord has said, "Pray to Me, and I will respond to you. But those who are too proud to worship Me will enter Hell by force."" (40:60). Hence, one is to pray for the goodness for oneself and others, within piety and fear of our Lord God, with a devout, sincere heart that relies only on God, the Master of the Day of Judgment: "It is You we worship, and upon You we call for help." (1:5). This is how sincere, true, pious believers seek to follow the Straight Path of the Dominant Lord God. Thus, supplication in 2:286 is part of acts of worship to acknowledge God's bounties bestowed on us and to be thankful for Him. Glorified by His Holy Name.    

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This Is My Mother!

Published in November 18, 2017

Question: …  Dear Sir, … I wanna narrate my story before I pose my question to you … When I reached the age of 20, my father died and I discovered by accident that my late father was my mother's second husband! I saw her divorce papers when I was looking for some other papers. I confronted her and she told me was divorced by her first husband upon her demand, and she has three sons from him who are now married and have children and never see her because she never sought or cared to know them! As far as I remember, I never received any tender, loving care from my mother; my late father was the one who was very kind to me. My mother and my father used to quarrel a lot, because she is a spendthrift and a selfish person. My mother deserted me, left the house, and married another man in less than one year after my father's death. She spent her share of inheritance in just two months! I had to depend on myself to surmount all hardships, until I settled in a good job and I got married; I have one son now. My mother never contacted me all these years! She does not care about anyone in the whole world but herself! Her third husband (who is dead now) was an old man; I heard she dominated him fully and made him desert his own children. Of course, she received her share inheritance when he died and spent the whole sum in a very short duration! Nobody loves her; she is hated by everyone! My son and wife never saw my mother; but I keep good contact and excellent relations with my elder brothers and they admire me; they told me they hate my mother very much because she chose divorce and left them to her ex-husband (their father) and never sought to contact them at all. She used to quarrel with her first husband because of her extravagance and demands, and he was sorry and angry to lose assets and capital of his trade because of her! This was the same reason of trouble and quarrels between her and my father! I guess her third husband suffered from her in the same way! … My question is as follows: my mother now is alone and very ill; no one cares to visit her. Should I visit her?! My wife says that my mother does not deserve any attention; she must suffer God's wrath alone. I feel so much hurt by my mother! Shall I visit her and take care of her, after all?!   … Thank you …  

Answer:

  You must visit your mother and take care of her during her illness. God commands all of us in the Quran to be unconditionally kind and charitable toward our parents in general, regardless of their being good/bad, sinful/righteous, or believing/disbelieving persons. We typically never remember our early childhood (when we were between 1-5 years old); mothers naturally care for their babies and small children at this age-group, and there are the safe haven of protection, care, food, cure, etc. We only remember the faults of our parents when we (and when they) grow up. We feel as if our parents do not need us and we do not need them. In fact, your mother needs you now very badly; you ought to visit her and to treat her kindly, while forgiving and forgetting what she has done to you. You should advice your brothers to do the same. Of course, her errors are very grave, but this does not mean that you desert her as she has done to you. Of course, your treating her kindly in her old age and taking care of her in her illness will be a good deed rewarded by God.

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Seeking Political Asylum

Published in November 19, 2017

Question: …  Dear Sir, … I'm a Quranist & I'd like you to help me please to seek political asylum in the USA … Thank you …

Answer:

  We do not know you; you are not a writer among our fellow Quranists; we never bear false witness by saying that a non-Quranist is a Quranist. We cannot do anything for you regarding political asylum.  

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This Is Not a Mother

Published in November 19, 2017

Question: … Dear Sir, … After giving birth to her baby boy, she placed him in an orphanage days later, and she married a rich old man as she sought to be rich after inheriting him after his death … She is a rich businesswoman now, and after many years, she sought to see her son, and she found out that he has been adopted by good people and he is a young man now. My question is as follows. As per Quranism, should this son visit and get to know his biological mother as part of her 'rights' or not after she disowned him? What do you think? …Thank you …    

Answer:

 This woman does not deserve to be called a mother; parentage is not by giving birth but by upbringing and care. This young man should care only for treating his adoptive parents kindly and to bear patiently with their old-age.

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Praying for Evil

Published in November 20, 2017

Question: … Dear Sir, … Could you explain this verse to me: "The human being prays for evil as he prays for good. The human being is very hasty." (17:11)? … Thank you …      

Answer:

  This verse refers to the fact that some people when angry, pray for evil things to occur and invoke God's wrath on others, and this is wrong. For instance, a mother might get mad at her son and invoke God against him, but she regrets it after she would calmed down; she had better implore God to guide her son. It is a bad human habit to turn prayers, originally an act of worship, into verbal abuse and a vindictive wishes. One is to pray for goodness and prosperity. Yet, of course, the wronged ones have the right to invoke God's wrath against the unjust ones who harmed them.   

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The Fasting of Mary and Zachariah

Published in November 20, 2017

Question: … Dear Sir, … Did fasting of some Israelites include to stop talking (alongside with not to eat and drink) like Mary (see 19:26) and Zachariah (see 19:10)? If so, why they stopped talking while fasting?… Thank you …   

Answer:

  Fasting does NOT include never to talk; as we have said before, the Quranic sharia legislations are never taken from Quranic stories. Mary was commanded by God not to talk about her son, Jesus, to whom she gave birth miraculously, and her baby talked miraculously on her behalf. "The labor-pains came upon her, by the trunk of a palm-tree. She said, "I wish I had died before this, and been completely forgotten." Whereupon he called her from beneath her: "Do not worry; your Lord has placed a stream beneath you. And shake the trunk of the palm-tree towards you, and it will drop ripe dates by you." "So eat, and drink, and be consoled. And if you see any human, say, 'I have vowed a fast to the Most Gracious, so I will not speak to any human today.'" Then she came to her people, carrying him. They said, "O Mary, you have done something terrible. O sister of Aaron, your father was not an evil man, and your mother was not a whore." So she pointed to him. They said, "How can we speak to an infant in the crib?"  He said, "I am the servant of God. He has given me the Book, and made me a prophet. And has made me blessed wherever I may be; and has enjoined on me prayer and charity, so long as I live. And kind to my mother, and He did not make me a disobedient rebel. So Peace is upon me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the Day I get resurrected alive."" (19:23-33).

 As for Zachariah, he implored Almighty God to make him have a son, and God answered his prayers, and Zachariah asked for a sign that proves to him he ill beget a son, and God made him unable to talk to people for three days: " A mention of the mercy of your Lord towards His servant Zachariah. When he called on his Lord, a call in seclusion. He said, "My Lord, my bones have become feeble, and my hair is aflame with gray, and never, Lord, have I been disappointed in my prayer to you. "And I fear for my dependents after me, and my wife is barren. So grant me, from Yourself, an heir. To inherit me, and inherit from the House of Jacob, and make him, my Lord, pleasing." "O Zachariah, We give you good news of a son, whose name is John, a name We have never given before." He said, "My Lord, how can I have a son, when my wife is barren, and I have become decrepit with old age?" He said, "It will be so, your Lord says, 'it is easy for me, and I created you before, when you were nothing.'" He said, "My Lord, give me a sign." He said, "Your sign is that you will not speak to the people for three nights straight." And he came out to his people, from the sanctuary, and signaled to them to praise morning and evening." (19:2-11).

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The Meaning of 77:33

Published in November 21, 2017

Question:  … Dear Dr. Mansour, … I don't understand the meaning of 77:33. Could you explain this verse to me? … Thank you …         

Answer:

   God says in the Quran: "Proceed to what you used to deny. Proceed to a shadow of three different masses. Offering no shade, and unavailing against the flames. It shoots sparks as castles. As if they were yellow camels. Woe on that Day to the liars." (77:29-34). The meaning of the verse "As if they were yellow camels." (77:33) is understood from the figurative style of the Quran. we cannot imagine with our limited mind the torment of Hell and the bliss of Paradise; this is why God uses figurative style that includes similes and metaphors to describe them; 77:33 describes the sparks of Hell-fire like fast, big yellow camels running through the deserts.

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Marriage Is NOT Enslavement

Published in November 22, 2017

Question: … Dear Sir, … I am an Egyptian wife with children; I left the chance of being a university teacher because my husband desired that I would not work to dedicate my time to my family: to him and to my children, and he urged me to quit my postgraduate studies. Now, my children are teenagers, and my husband's income is no longer enough to cover their needs or to make ends meet. After long arguments, my husband agreed to let me work and to seek immigration; I obtained a degree with honors in a new field of postgraduate studies, and I was so excellent that I obtained a scholarship (with good remuneration) in a European country for one year. My husband got so mad and furious and threatened to divorce me if I traveled abroad. I told him I must seek a better standard of living for my children, but he bragged of his being the only breadwinner! Would I leave this chance to please and obey him?! if I would travel, my parents will take care of my children during that year… Any advice? … Thank you …   

Answer:

 Do not lose this great chance, our daughter. Your past sacrifices are enough; you have paid your dues to your family and children despite your excellence in your studies and you left the chance to be a university teacher. It is your right and the children's right to seek better chances to work and live abroad if possible. Your husband must understand and appreciate this and he must be proud of you. Marriage in Islam is not enslavement; wives are not slaves serving their husbands who act as masters! Wives should obey their husbands ONLY in ways of goodness and justice. We implore Almighty God to grant you success in your journey abroad.    

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About The Verse 10:26

Published in November 22, 2017

Question: … Dear Sir, … what does the expression (and more) in the verse 10:26 mean? … Thank you …   

Answer:

  God says in the Quran: "For those who have done good is goodness, and more. Neither gloom nor shame will come over their faces. These are the inhabitants of Paradise, abiding therein forever." (10:26). The term (goodness) in this verse refer only to Paradise, and the increase of the expression (and more) means that God will be pleased, content, and satisfied with them and grant them more bliss and sheer happiness, and we infer this from the following verses: "As for those who believe and lead a righteous life-these are the best of creatures. Their reward is with their Lord: Gardens of Eternity beneath which rivers flow, where they will abide forever. God is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. That is for whoever fears His Lord." (98:7-8); "Say, "Shall I inform you of something better than that? For those who are righteous, with their Lord are Gardens beneath which rivers flow, where they will remain forever, and purified spouses, and acceptance from God." God is Observant of the servants." (3:15); "God will say, "This is a Day when the truthful will benefit from their truthfulness." They will have Gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will remain forever. God is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. That is the great attainment." (5:119); "...And He will admit them into Gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will dwell forever. God is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. These are the allies of God. Indeed, it is God's allies who are the successful." (58:22); "God promises the believers, men and women, gardens beneath which rivers flow, abiding therein forever, and fine homes in the Gardens of Eden. But approval from God is even greater. That is the supreme achievement." (9:72); "The Forerunners - The first of the Migrants and the Supporters, and those who followed them in righteousness. God is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens beneath which rivers flow, where they will abide forever. That is the sublime triumph." (9:100); "Those who believe, and emigrate, and strive in God's path with their possessions and their persons, are of a higher rank with God. These are the winners. Their Lord announces to them good news of mercy from Him, and acceptance, and gardens wherein they will have lasting bliss. Abiding therein forever. With God is a great reward." (9:20-22). As always, God says nothing but the Absolute Truth.

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Of Course, This Is Obligatory

Published in November 23, 2017

Question: …  Dear Sir, … If a Muslim man ejaculates semen (through wet dreams, having sex with his wife, or even masturbating), should he take a shower/bath (i.e., complete ablution)?… Thank you …      

Answer:

  Of course, as this is obligatory in that case so that he can pray, as per the Quran.

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More Intelligent

Published in November 23, 2017

Question: …  Dear Sir, … Could Quranist researchers settle the endless debate of who are more intelligent women or men? …Thank you …        

Answer:

 Intelligence has several levels for all male and female human beings regardless of their sex.

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About The Verse 2:212

Published in November 24, 2017

Question: … Dear Sir,  … God says in the Quran: "Beautified is the life of this world for those who disbelieve, and they ridicule those who believe. But the righteous will be above them on the Day of Resurrection. God provides to whomever He wills without measure." (2:212). I have two questions here: does this verse mean that that the affluent ones are disbelievers and believers must be impecunious? Why does the second half of the verse mention the righteous and not all believers? … What do you think? … Thank you …

Answer:

  Thank you for your good question. As for your first question, no real, God-fearing, pious believers are affluent or filthily rich; because to be so, one commits crimes and/or never pays zakat, alms, and charity donations. Believers may be moderately rich. This is a mercy from God: "If God were to increase the provision to His servants, they would transgress on earth; but He sends down in precise measure whatever He wills. Surely, regarding His servants, He is Expert and Observant." (42:27). The major life test for disbelievers is wealth, and they ridicule the impecunious believers: "Those who committed crimes used to laugh at those who believed. And when they passed by them, they would wink at one another. And when they went back to their families, they would go back exulting. And if they saw them, they would say, "These people are lost. But on that Day, those who believed will laugh at the unbelievers. On luxurious furnishings, looking on. Have the unbelievers been repaid for what they used to do?" Yet they were not sent as guardians over them." (83:29-36). As for your second question, not all believers will enter into Paradise; rather, only the pious ones among them will be the real winners in the Hereafter: "Winners are the believers. Those who are humble in their prayers. Those who avoid idle talk. Those who work for charity. Those who keep their chastity. Except from their spouses, or their dependents - for then they are free from blame. But whoever seeks anything beyond that-these are the transgressors. Those who are faithful to their trusts and pledges. Those who keep their prayers. These are the inheritors. Who will inherit Paradise, wherein they will dwell forever." (23:1-11).

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Pagan Idols

Published in November 25, 2017

Question: … Dear Sir, … What is the difference between pagan idols and heathen statues? And what did Abraham mean when he said this about idols to his people: "...You have chosen idols instead of God, out of affection for one another in the worldly life. But then, on the Day of Resurrection, you will disown one another, and curse one another. Your destiny is Hell, and you will have no supporters." (29:25) … Thank you …    

Answer:

 The Quranic term (idols) subsumes the heathen statues; i.e., it refers to all things/items/creatures worshipped and deified beside Allah: mortals, mausoleums, heathen/pagan statues of deities, the so-called 'saints', false, imaginary gods, certain animals or elements of nature, etc. God says in the Quran: "...So stay away from the abomination of idols..." (22:30); "O you who believe! Wine, gambling, idolatry, and mausoleums are abominations of Satan's doing. Avoid them, so that you may prosper." (5:90). As for Abraham's people, they used to worship pagan statues as deities and merrily celebrate such deified statues, and such merriment will be turned into torment and sorrow forever in Hell. We infer from these verses that Abraham's people worshipped deified statues: "Abraham said to his father Azar, "Do you take idols for gods? I see that you and your people are in evident error."" (6:74); "When he said to his father and his people, "What do you worship?" They said, "We worship idols, and we remain devoted to them."" (26:70-71); "When he said to his father and his people, "What are these statues to which you are devoted?"" (21:52); ""By God, I will have a plan for your statues after you have gone away."" (21:57); "You worship idols besides God, and you fabricate falsehoods. Those you worship, instead of God, cannot provide you with livelihood. So seek your livelihood from God, and worship Him, and thank Him. To Him you will be returned."" (29:17).   

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Homosexuality, Again

Published in November 26, 2017

Question: …  Dear Sir, … I know that homosexual practices are denounced in the Quran; I denounce such debaucheries myself, but what about those men who were raped in prisons or within any other situations? Do they have the right (within Quranism or a given Quran-based country) to file complaints about such crimes of rape and to pursue criminals in court? … Most men are too shy and do not like to expose themselves as victims of rape; what do you think? … Thank you …  

Answer:

 Of course, the wronged parties have the right to file complaints, to prosecute the criminals, and to demand punishment for such offenders. Rape is a crime prohibited by the Quran and man-made laws in all countries, and it is penalized; we urge victims never to remain silent for fear of being scandalized, as aggressors must be punished. As for homosexual practices within consent of two men, the only punishment for them in the Quran is severe rebuke to urge them to repent and be chaste, and NOT death penalty decreed by the Sunnite religion of Satan. We have inferred this notion of severe rebuke from this Quranic verse: "If two men among you commit it, reproach them both. But if they repent and reform, leave them alone. God is Redeemer, Full of Mercy." (4:16).    

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About The Verse 3:90

Published in November 26, 2017

Question: … Dear Sir, … Why does not God accept repentance in this case mentioned in the verse 3:90? … Thank you …      

Answer:

 God mentions in the Quran: "As for those who disbelieve after having believed, then plunge deeper into disbelief, their repentance will not be accepted; these are the lost. As for those who disbelieve and die disbelievers, even the earth full of gold would not be accepted from any of them, were he to offer it for ransom. These will have a painful torment, and will have no supporters." (3:90-91). Hence, 3:90 is explained in 3:91. We mean to say that God does not accept repentance of disbelievers who die as such, without repentance. "But repentance is not available for those who commit evils, until when death approaches one of them, he says, "Now I repent," nor for those who die as disbelievers. These - We have prepared for them a painful torment." (4:18); "Those who believe, then disbelieve, then believe, then disbelieve, then increase in disbelief, God will not forgive them, nor will He guide them to a way." (4:137).  

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About The Verse 2:257

Published in November 27, 2017

Question: … Dear Sir, … What does the verse 2:257 mean? … Thank you … 

Answer:

 God says in the Quran: " God is the Lord of those who believe; He brings them out of darkness and into Light. As for those who disbelieve, their lords are the evil ones; they bring them out of Light and into darkness - these are the inmates of Hell, in which they will abide forever." (2:257). This means that when certain ones sincerely believe in God within monotheism and piety, God will increase their faith/belief (symbolized by Light) and will bring them out of darkness of disbelief. The ones who choose disbelief/polytheism are likened to those who choose darkness instead of Light, as devils misguide them, and if they die without repentance, their fate is Hell for eternity.

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Paying Zakat after the Taxes

Published in November 27, 2017

Question: …  Dear Sir, … Does paying taxes (as such money goes partially to the needy an impecunious) replace donating for charity and zakat/alms? … What do you think? … Thank you …

Answer:

 Alms/zakat money collected formally and officially by the State for social solidarity, subsidies, building hospitals, etc. will not replace individual spending for charity for God's sake; you should pay such money for those who deserve it: "They ask you what they should give. Say, "Whatever charity you give is for the parents, and the relatives, and the orphans, and the poor, and the wayfarer. Whatever good you do, God is aware of it." (2:215).

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My Wife Did Not Fast Last Ramadan

Published in November 28, 2017

Question: …  Dear Dr. Mansour, … My wife did not fast last Ramadan, because she was very ill; does she have to fast for 30 days now in the winter (that have short days and long nights) or in the summer (as last Ramadan occurred in the summer, with long days and short nights)?… What do you think?… Thank you …    

Answer:

  She should fast the days she missed anytime she likes, but not during the fasting month, of course.

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They Must Be Performed

Published in November 28, 2017

Question: … Dear Sir, … When I miss a prayer because I overslept, should I perform it in its timing in the next day, or anytime in the same day? … Thank you …  

Answer:

 Missed prayers are debts that must be settled and they are never to be replaced by alms or any type of acts of worship as atonement. When you miss a prayer, perform it as soon as possible anytime you like. Sadly, this fact is often forgotten by most people.

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Questions from a Female Friend

Published in May 5, 2013

Question: … Dear Sir, … I am a Quranist woman since months ago; I admire your great website very much … My female friend who likes my Quranism and curious about knowing about it posed these questions to me and I pass it to you … She is working in a pharmaceutical company as a medical representative who offers free samples to pharmacists and medical doctors  so that they may have deals with the company, and she gets a commission accordingly, as she convinced them to make deals with the company; her male boss forces her to wear mini-jupe and other revealing clothes, is that OK? She is convinced (like me) that in Islam, women are not required to cover their hair, but what about their bare legs? She and I pray while wearing a special gown that covers the whole body and head-hair, is it OK? … Some of her colleagues sell the samples instead of distributing them for free; is this called stealing or not? …  Thank you        

Answer:

 Of course, selling 'free' samples is stealing and this is prohibited in Islam; such money gained this way is ill-gotten money. Head-hair of women is never require to be covered either indoors, outdoors, or during prayers. As for women baring their legs or wearing revealing clothes, this is a mistake or a small sin that can be pardoned if they ask God's forgiveness and atone for it by performing good deeds. We think in your friend's case, God will pardon her as she has to keep her job.