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Hamza Tzortzis and Pervez Hoodbhoy on Religion & Rationality

dahliaaaa asked: Salamwalakum :) i know i have asked this before but could you recommend some islamic books to me, prefrerrably on women. Or just islam in general or maybe the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH). I really want to learn more to defend islam and i feel like i don't know enough about the truth to do so. I just hear how people interpret islam as a negative religion. I search things online but idk whats actually reliable or the truth. Thanks <3

Salaam love!

• reading the Translation of the Quran. This website is by far the most clear and easiest way to search through a given chapter of the Quran (we have 114 chapters altogether) with the given translator that suits your intellect best. The buttons and options are phenomenal, so feel free to check that out. Also, this site — that practically does the same thing — isn’t bad as well. 
• Read about the nature of Quran. You can read up Muhammad Asad’s “The Message of the Quran,” free on PDF here.

After you feel comfortable approaching more literature that describes Islam, feel free to search through these free sources:

• Books and Articles from authors like Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, Dr. Abdul Wadud, and Dr. Mansoor Alam
• Articles and publications by Hamza Yusuf
• Hamza Tzortzis essay and articles related to philosophy and theology
• Quranology blog about the notion of Partnership of the Divine, also known as Shirk.
• Quran Studies, Hadith Studies, and other important things.

I hope this helps. Oh, and any publication from the following authors:

• Tariq Ramadan (start with What I Believe)
• Haifa Jawad (her books The Rights of Women in Islam)
• Lesley Hazelton (her book After the Prophet)
• Karen Armstrong (her novel Muhammad)
• Asma Barlas (her works like The Quran, Sharia, and Women’s Rights)
• Omid Safi (his book Memories of Muhammad)
• Leila Ahmed (her excellent piece Women and Gender in Islam) 
• Hamza Yusuf (his book Purification of the Heart) 
• Amina Wadud (start with Quran and women) 
• Fazlur Rahman (read his book Prophecy in Islam)
• Reza Aslan (his work No God but God)

I hope this isn’t overwhelming and that it helps! — Dee

hayaisbeauty asked: Salam! :) I was wondering, what's your idea or thoughts upon makeup? Is it haram? Thanks so much :)

Islam trains the soul to be humble in posture and in attitude, wise in dealing with neighbors and with the self, intelligent in decision making and in decision execution, intentional in deed and in spirit, and honest with the self that seeks to do good and honest with the self that slants on doing wrong.

if makeup, music, drugs, or dating hinders any of the following, you should try to modify your relationship with Islam. and yet, if it hinders none, identify that which does. 

inshaAllah this helps. — Dee. 

fadumodiriye asked: salam.I have a question i have been wearing the hajab for most of my life but being a teen it;s hard to explain why i wear the hajab do you know how to explain to my friends why i wear the hajab with deatail instead of saying its part of my religion

Peace and many blessings,

we received a similar question like this, which you can read here. However, I don’t mind providing you with questions you can ask yourself as bullet points that can be used as some what of a starting point for some self reflection:

• does the physical hijab help me? can the physical hijab help me? 
• how does the physical hijab help me? what are some ways that it helps me?
• what are the dimensions that the physical hijab uplifts me? does it make me closer to Allah? to Allah’s message? Does it help me understand myself?
• who do I see when I see myself wearing the physical hijab? Do I find myself in the physical hijab?
• what are some good characteristics the physical hijab allows me to further exercise as a human being? charity? salah? peaceful behavior?
• Do I feel complete observing it? Do I feel incomplete when I neglect it?

When you answer these questions on a personal level for yourself, you begin to further investigate the physical hijab and what it means for you. And inshaAllah, I hope it enables you to be able to answer questions about it.

Much peace. — Dee.

w0nderlustrous asked: I'm not religious and don't know a whole lot about Islam. My question is in the Quran, does it explain what happens after one reaches heaven/paradise? I mean is that the ultimate goal or is there does our journey continue on another stage?

Peace and many blessings dear,

I think you’ll find this video extremely pleasing; subtitles included. 

little-viking asked: I am seeking answers from Muslims about Islam.... I know in Christianity it is believed that if you don't accept Jesus as the son of God and your Savior, you will not be able to enter heaven. Do Muslims believe that you cannot enter heaven without believing Islam? For example, can someone like Ghandi, a person who does good their whole life without being Muslim, enter heaven?

Peace and many blessings,

First and for most, I appreciate you being considerate and wise about actually asking Muslims about Islam (even though we continually learn about our faith just like everyone else does). With that said, thank you, we truly appreciate and admire that.

You pose an interesting question and I think that the whole notion of being saved within religious doctrine is only a means to an end. Unfortunately, many of us have made it the ends, completely confusing people who are willing to discover and learn about God.

For example, many Orthodox Muslims strongly believe that the only way one can enter the gates of Heaven is if one believes in an One and Only God. Shirk, or associating partners with God, is a huge, unforgivable sin in the religion of Islam. So if someone commits shirk, they are no longer under the folds of being saved from destruction in the After Life.

However, I would argue otherwise (only because avoiding shirk is a means to achieving the end). After having read an interesting piece on Shirk by one of my good friends Joshim, I rationalized that the this whole notion of sin, saviorism (for a lack of a better term), and Paradise and Hell are interesting idioms that we need to further investigate and research because we fail to deeply place much thought into what they are and what they mean.

So to answer your question, I would humbly suggest that anyone who fails to achieve their greatest ambition in life whilst not being among “those who believe and do righteous deeds” (since in the Quran says: ina latheena amanu wa amilu salihat, are the fundamental prerequisites to attaining the Good, or Paradise) are not only failures in this life, but in the next. And please note, this decision of wanting to be rightfully placed in a good place in the Hereafter is based on two things:  one, the Mercy of God (for without His mercy, we can not earn anything) and two, our decision to want to live up to our greatest potential in the most sincerest and humblest way possible.

But whether Ghandi will be in Paradise or Hell is not only an odd question, but is a question that Islam suggests we shouldn’t answer nor ponder about. It is up to Ghandi’s level of sincerity and righteousness that will place him in his just position in the Hereafter, not our judgement of his overall character that does.

With that said, I would like to quote a profound statement made by Rabia Basri that always leaves me a reflective state of self, and this is it: O God, if I am worshipping You out of fear of Your hellfire, cast me into it. And if I am worshipping You out of desire for Your Paradise, prohibit me from entering it. But if I am worshipping You for the sake of Your Noble Face, do not prohibit me from seeing You.

— Dee.

Where is God?

Remember Allah - Wisam Sharieff - Quran Weekly

shebedreamin asked: Salamu Alaykum! I know this is a question that may be difficult to answer. I am a revert living in a Catholic household. I have had to pray in secret and hide my faith and practices from my parents whom I love dearly. The time will come soon to tell them and I don't even know where to start. Any helpful resources you know of or advice you could give me? It's a very scary prospect because my parents seem very anti-Islam from the media. Help much needed! Thank you so much. Salam

Walaykum assalam sister,

I hope all is well and that as a fellow sister who has gone through a similar experience, that I can be of some help. First of all, only you know your parents. Any advice I would give you should be considered carefully alongside your own family dynamics, every parent-child relationship is different and often, I feel like people make blanket statements about how to tell your parents without considering that. If you are under 18, or otherwise in a position where you’re financially or physically dependent on your parents, make sure you first consider your personal safety. If you’re going to be in danger or things will get extremely difficult for you if you tell them, it’s perfectly acceptable to wait until you’re older, there is no obligation on you to inform them if that’s the case. I know that might seem a little extreme but I want to make sure than any advice I give you doesn’t bring you more harm and difficulty, insha’Allah.

First of all, read about the common misconceptions about Islam and how to concisely refute them. Often the most common ones are so obviously false that we tend to ignore them, but often they’re the ones that our non-Muslim parents hold. The best way to start to tell your parents is kind of like how when you were a kid and wanted to go to your friend’s house, you waited until Mom was in a good mood. Make sure it’s a good time, they’re not too stressed out and busy, and you’re on good terms. Picking the right moment can make a real difference.

Try starting with explaining that things have changed in your life, that you’ve become happier, you’ve found a way to be closer to God, and you’ve found a way to help you become a better and more caring person.You want to share with them the thing that’s making you change for the better because you love them and you want them to know you as a person and you don’t want to conceal with them, and that thing is becoming a Muslim. Starting with “I’ve converted to Islam,” might be a little blunt.

Try to connect with them on common ground. You mentioned your parents are both Catholics, and so reassuring them this is how you’ve become closer to God and how you still respect, admire and follow the teachings of Jesus (Isa) might share with them something that they didn’t expect about Islam. Maybe try to tell them that although the religions seem worlds apart, they have many important similarities. It’s a good time to tell them as well, that if they have things they want to ask you about, please ask you. If you’re not open to talking about it, it might lead them to Google things, and often you don’t want that.

Be patient. If they react badly, react calmly and with compassion. Never stop being patient, even when you feel close to your breaking point. You said you loved your parents, so I’m sure the case is that they love and care for you immensely. Any bad reaction they have is only on their part because they don’t want to see you come to harm, and obviously there are bad impressions given out by the media. If you keep that in mind and constantly remind yourself of it, insha’Allah you’ll be able to deal with any less-than-good reaction with sabr. The Prophet (sawas) dealt with people who hated him so much they want and tried to kill him, let his struggles put things into perspective. When one woman used to throw animal entrails and rubbish onto his back, he bore it with patience. When she didn’t show one day and he discovered she was sick, he even went to her house and nursed her to health.

God bless, my duas are with you! :D — Carys. 

 I answered her by saying we choose to follow only those things in Islam that best suit us, that we are able to explain, she says nono in her country whatsoever they do such and such, which is CULTURE, other people in the class were like ‘u think so pure of ur country (Pakistan) and the way it follows islam, i like how HER country (Palestine) follow islam because they are not trying to scare people away) I was like first of all, my country has its own culture, please dont confuse that with RELIGION. because all muslim countries follow one religion. they make exceptions and what not, but Islam is clearly one religion that ALL muslims follow. we only have ONE holy-book, and she was just saying yeah yeah my country doesnt scare people away we dont want people to think certain way of islam and what not, then i explained, religion (Islam) doesn’t even support our cultures, if a women is half sleeved, without a hijab = culture. women with hijab burqa = following islam. and that was a nono its just the way countries think of it. u know its a headache. people are so lost.

oh and another thing, about women in islam not allowed to marry non-muslim men and men being able to do so, eh, that chick well she was like “its not fair because they get married and don’t convert their wifes and we dont give a shit because they’re MEN” im like nope. we do give a shit. because we are supposed to say listen you guy, Islam says such and such. but we fail to do so because we dont have the time or dont want to waste our breath and it was like eh nono noone steps up to a man. another headache. in palestine as i heard today, muslim women intermarry with non-muslim men even if they ( the men ) don’t convert, is that even possible? Can you please explain this marriage stuff a bit please i know the general stuff, but just please. and culture vs. religion, what’s your view on the argument? sorry this is long :X so sorry! hoping for ur reply! Thank you! 

— yourbeeautiful

Ah, the whole “but there’s only one way of Islam issue.” Brilliant question, inshaAllah you forgive us for taking so long to get to it. 

Before I address your other points, let me just place my stance on this concept of one Islam. Yes, there is only one Islam. There is the Islam that has been decreed to Prophet Abraham in which God spoke to Him in various ways to declare that idolatry was deviation and worshipping the true and only Deity was the correct means of worship. Yes, there is only one Islam; the one that has been sent to Prophet Moses to declare to the people of Israel that as long as they abide by the Prophet’s orders and prayed to the one true God, Allah will make them  a victorious nation. And yes, technically, there is still one Islam, especially the Islam that was observed by the apostles of Christ and Jesus himself in which they all bowed down to one Creator. 

But there are multiple ways to understand, discover, worship, and observe Allah. I find to be myself so close to Allah when I feel the most oppressed in my home; when I am living in comfort and joy, I speak to Him. Others find Allah through music. Some find Allah in the night and only in the night. And sometimes, people never find Him at all until their lives are at stake. And mashaAllah, we have others who find Allah when they bow their heads five times a day. And like a good friend told me, she finds Allah in the depths of her sins. So yes, there is one Islam. But no, there is not only one way to discover it.

And another thing, there is a difference between what we choose from Islam out of desire and what we choose out of rational choice. I don’t see what is wrong in choosing things in Islam that best suits us (but I do see a problem with people who choose things from Islam that is comforting and rejecting other things that seem difficult, but that’s a whole other subject in of itself). We were all created from the same turab, as Quran describes, but we were not all created from the same innate feature(s). I tend to be more spiritual and religious when I listen to latmiyas that commemorate the family of the Prophet Muhammad; I have chosen that part of Islam because this is where I tend to be truly in touch with Allah and His Messenger. Now, if I chose that because it suits my desires, than that’s a completely different matter.  But I think we should stay out of other people’s businesses and what they choose to observe or not from Islam, especially when we haven’t fully acknowledged what we have chosen or not.

In terms of the politics both of you have discussed, this is understood as Shariah. At this point in time, every Muslim country claims to be implementing laws from Quran and Sunnah. But how they tend to do so is obviously relative. This debate of what country is more Muslim is a silly discussion only when two sides become bias in thought and in character when presenting their argumentation(s). There’s not right answer for this; Muslims want to establish Islam in their country, but have obviously have had years of trouble in doing so. I don’t think we’ll ever come to a point in time where Shariah will be practiced without acknowledging it’s relative form.

InshaAllah this helped; we have done our best to provide justice to your question. Much love. —Dee.

There are 6236 ayahs in the Quran. Women’s dress is mentioned in only two of them and yet we go on and on about it as if it is the most essential part of being Muslim. Mathematically it means that at most only 0.04% of our holy book deals very loosely about our appearance. We go on and on about hijab like it is the most important thing in our deen when in fact the issue of women’s dress from memory is only mentioned a mere two (possible three) times in all of the Quran. There are 6236 ayahs in the Quran. Mathematically it means that at most only 0.04% of our holy book deals very loosely about our appearance. Shouldn’t we be more concerned about our character and personality? I’m not saying that we shouldn’t dress modestly. We should be covered but when we wear hijab, it’s like a symbol of Islam. I see way too many girls doing non-islamic things wearing hijab. & I’m really scared I’d be one of them. I don’t want to give the world a negative idea of Islam. Islam teaches us humanity. I thank Allah for the most minor things in life all the time. But I am still afraid that I’m going wrong somewhere.. Isn’t being thankful to Allah and being a good, kind human being enough? 

— thedesigirl

What a brilliant and fascinating question, mashaAllah. Might I add, I appreciate such critical thinking questions; it’s to show that the intellect Allah has provided us all with is in gear. May Allah bless you for that.

That said, I must say, the stats of the whole Quran and appearance issue is interesting, but I’m not sure how true that is. We find in Quran that Allah addresses men when needed and women when needed; this isn’t to suggest that women are of less value (and trust me, if Quran suggested something so preposterous, I wouldn’t be abiding by it), but that men as a gender were more oblivious to certain issues than women were.

With that said, you’re absolutely right. Hijab is merely a small idiom in contrast to the entire ideology, especially when compared to the religion of Islam as a way of life. But I must add, I believe piety in terms of internal and outer hijab is quite important, but I don’t think it was ever intended to be described so dramatically and with such emphasis like some Muslims do now. So yes, I do agree with you on this point.

And what’s interesting to note is that I’ve always suggested that fact as well. I think Muslims are more concerned with whether homosexuality is a sin or not rather than trying to find means to perfect their character and morals as a human being. We spend more time discussing issues like hijab rather than standing aside and saying: well, maybe that is important, but teach me how I can read Quran. So you’re most definitely right, I couldn’t agree more. 

niqabisinparis-deactivated20130 asked: I am a high school junior who has no idea what she wants to study. I am from Sudan and I know for sure that none of the things I want to study are taught there because they mainly focus on medicine and engineering. It's going to be near damn impossible to convince my parents to study abroad. I know I will be good because I am not weakened by temptations but my parents aren't even giving the idea a chance. Is it really haram for a girl to live abroad alone even if it's for studying? Shukran :)

Salam wa rahmatullah,

you’re asking two things; one, how can you get your parents to say yes. And two, is it haram for a woman to walk the streets of the world on her own. We will answer this for you inshaAllah.

I don’t think we can particularly convince your parents to say yes to you if they have already made up their mind. You need to understand that they are highly concerned for you and your well being, so its understandable why they would say no to something like that. Parents fear for their children to grow up and leave their home, despite how much they joke around wanting us to get married. In fact, they need us so much to be here that they don’t even understand how true that is. So don’t be disappointed, the situation is what it is. 

And trust me, I don’t think that a short answer off a religious blog will change that fact for them. 

In terms of your second question, I am not expert in Shariah doctrine; hence, I can’t pull up fatwas or religious rulings that will justify my stance. I’m sure Osama would do a great job figuring this question out, but I can most assuredly provide my rational argumentation on this whole idea of leaving the home issue. 

If one argues that because women are weak, they can not leave the house without the permission of a male, this is false. In fact, Quran teaches us that a woman is the strongest creature, especially when she gives birth and spends two years to raise her children. If one argues that because women are emotional and can not make correct judgments for themselves, and because of this, they need a man to give them permission, this is false. Not only misogynistic and patriarchal rulings abhorred, they are against the teachings of Islam. Also, if one argues that because a Muslim woman is a woman and therefore needs a males permission, this is sexist. Sexism is not allowed in Islam; hence, it is wrong. I mean, I can go on and on. But if we are to ask whether a Muslim woman can study abroad - the answer being no - and then ask whether a Muslim man can study abroad - the answer being yes - then this is wrong. If a Muslim man is allowed to study abroad for the sake of studies, so should Muslim women. And anyone who argues otherwise needs to bring Quran to prove it to me.

Much love, Dee.