Answer to other questions

Submitted by Nuray (Portugal), Jan 15, 2006 at 15:42

Dear John,

The answers to your other questions are the followings:

2) Is it true that your prophet raided trade caravans?

Yes. Western readers need to consider Muhammed, peace upon him, not only a messenger but also a commander and president of the first Islamic state during his life time. He had holly fights against traders of Mecca. The only way to weaken them economically was to attack their caravan.

3. If your prophet had actually visited heaven during his Miraj trip, why did he not bring down the Quran instead of having 3rd hand information from an angel? The Quran was already present when he was visited by Gabriel the first time.

This question is asked by Jews before and let's read what Allah says

"The people of the Scripture (Jews) ask you to cause a book to descend upon them from heaven. Indeed they asked Mûsa (Moses) for even greater than that, when they said: "Show us Allâh in public," but they were struck with thunder clap and lightning for their wickedness. Then they worshipped the calf even after clear proofs, evidences, and signs had come to them. (Even) so We forgave them. And We gave Mûsa (Moses) a clear proof of authority. "(4:153)

Allah knows nature of man kind. Sending a set of rules is not so big deal. The problem is how to convince them to obey those rules. The way the God chose is to show them an example that's the life of the messengers

I"ndeed in the Messenger of Allâh (Muhammad ) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allâh and the Last Day and remembers Allâh much." (33:21)

Jesus, Abraham, virgin Mary and many others are also given as examples
"He ['Iesa (Jesus)] was not more than a slave. We granted Our Favour to him, and We made him an example to the Children of Israel (i.e. his creation without a father)." (43:59)

"Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Ibrâhim (Abraham) and those with him, when they said to their people: "Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allâh, ... " (60:4)

"And Maryam (Mary), the daughter of 'Imrân who guarded her chastity; and We breathed into (the sleeve of her shirt or her garment) through Our Rûh [i.e. Jibrael (Gabriel)], and she testified to the truth of the Words of her Lord [i.e. believed in the Words of Allâh: "Be!" and he was; that is 'Iesa (Jesus) ­ son of Maryam (Mary); as a Messenger of Allâh], and (also believed in) His Scriptures, and she was of the Qanitîn (i.e. obedient to Allâh)." (66:12)

At the early stages of Islam drinking was not forbidden. Muslims couldn't recite verses of Quran to Allah while praying five times a day. They were shown that they had to quit drinking if they want to worship Allah. Then, finally a verse sent down to ban drinking. Therefore, Muslims are protected from being an alcoholic and a drug user. This is the way how Allah educated people. Isn't it good?

4) Is it true that critics and apostates of Islams are to be killed?

According to Quran the answer is definitely "NO". We Muslims have neither church like mosques nor a religious leader like Pope. We don't have an institution like Inquisition. Some clerics acts so but it is meaningless for all Muslims. What we know in reality some people kill others on the name of Allah. It is simple human nature to find a covering reason to do harm others. It is their decision and responsibility. At the same time, It is not fair to generalize misbehaviour of fanatics to peaceful majority of Muslims. This is common practice among non-Muslims which encourage Muslim fanatics like the one who killed the Dutch film maker and political figures like Ayetullah Humeyni condemned Salman Rushdie to murder because of his 'Satanic Verses'.

There are some apostates claims that they have life threat. One of them wrote to this website.
Her name is Ayesha. You might read her story but I didn't buy it. At the beginning she told us she asked many criticizing questions about Islam to Imams (prayer leader) but she couldn't explained how she was still alive. She is from Asia where Muslims and Hindus couldn't find a peaceful way to live together. I think life threat is a problem in some countries where political crisis exist. Religion is a good cover for suppressing many political problems. I wish people have enough knowledge to distinguish politics from religious teachings.

I answered your question according to my knowledge on Quran, which is unique source of information for Muslims.

Nuray

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