Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Q 21. RE-APPEARANCE OF IMAM MAHDI (A.S.)

One of the brothers asked me about Imam Al-Mahdi (a. s.) I tried to explain from surah Baqarah verses 30 and 38, and also surah Qadr Will you, please, tell me if there Is any verse which says that Imam Al-Mahdi (a.s.) will come before Qiyamah?

A You will not find every thing explicitly written in the Qur'an. Otherwise, there would have been no need of any interpreter of the Qur'an. Allah has ordained that the Qur'an and Ahlul-Bait (a.s.) shall always remain together, so that the true meaning of the Qur'an may be known to the Muslims.So far as the re-appearance of our beloved 12th Imam (a.s.) is concerned. there are some 'Ayat which point to it very clearly. For example, 'Aya No. 33 of Surah At-Taubah, which says:

"He it is who sent His Apostle with Guidance and the religion of Truth, so that He may prevail it over all religions, though the polytheists may detest it "

This Ayat is repeated in Sura As-Saf (Ayat 9); and also 'Aya 28 of Sura Al-Fath says:

"He it is who sent His Apostle with the Guidance and the religion of Truth, so that He may prevail it over all religions; and enough is Allah for a witness."

In these 'Ayat a promise has been given to our Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) that Islam will prevail over all other religions. This victory is of two kinds: First, the triumph of Islam over all other religions; acceptance of Islamic tenets and ideologies by non-Muslim religions and societies is an established fact. The world is inevitably marching towards Islamic tenets - even if it shies away from acknowledging its debts to Islam. Secondly, the triumph of Islam over all religions in such a way that no other religion remains extant in the world This part of the promise will be fulfilled after the re-appearance of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) There are many traditions from our Imams (a.s.) interpreting this 'Aya in this way. Here I am quoting from Tafsir Safi:"Qummi said: It was revealed in the matter of Qa'ime-'Al-e-Muhammad; And (Qummi) said that it is among those 'ayat which I have told that its fulfilment will be delayed from its revelation"

"And in Majma'ul-Bayan a tradition is narrated from Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) concerning this 'aya that 'this would happen at the time of appearance of Mahdi (a.s.) from the family of Muhammad (s.a w.)'.Thus there would remain none but would accept (the

truth) of Muhammad (s.a.w.)

"And there is a tradition from Imam Ja'far Sadiq (a.s) about this 'aya He said: 'When Qa'im (a.s.) will appear there will be no pagan or unbeliever but that he would detest his appearance" "And it is recorded in Majma'ul-Bayan that the Holy Prophet (s a.w) said (mentioning the reappearance of Imam Mahdi): There will not remain any house or tent but Allah will bring Islam into it Sunni commentators have said that this promise will be fulfilled when Hadrat 'Isa (a.s.) will come again on this earth Well. it makes no difference, because it is accepted even by them that Hadrat 'Isa (a.s.) will come again when Imam Mahdi will appear So the 'Aya refers to the re-appearance of Imam Mahdi (a s) even according to their own interpretation

Q 22: ABOUT IMAM MAHDI (A S)

What is the proof that Imam Mahdi Sahibuzzaman will rise again? Will he rise wit Hadrat Isa (a s.) or later?

A. He will not rise again, for the simple reason that he is not dead. You cannot use the word 'Rise again' for a living person He will re-appear before Hadrat 'Isa For more details, refer to my works entitled "Muhammad Is The Last Prophet", and "Day of Judgement".

Q 23 WIVES OF ALI (A S.)

How many times did Hadrat Ali (a.s) marry.'

A He married 8 or 9 wives in all, 4 of them were alive at the time of his martyrdom

Q 24: WAS BIBI SHAHR BANU ALIVE ON ASHURA DAY?

Was Bibi Shahrbano (4th Imam's mother) present in Karbala? Others say that she couldn't he there, because her son was lmam-e-Zaman just after the martyrdom of Imam Husain (a.s)

A. She died within ten days of the birth of Imam Zainul-'Abidin (as.). This is an historical fact. But the reason alluded to in your question is absurd. Imam Hasan 'Askari (a.s.)'s mother survived him, and was one of the Special Representatives of our 12th Imam (a s.).

Q 25: WE WERE ABLE TO KNOW FROM YOUR ARTICLE IN THE LIGHT THAT FATIMAH KUBRA WAS DAUGHTER OF UMM-E-LS-HAY (FATHER. IMAM HUSAIN) THE MARRIAGE OF FATIMAH KUBRA AND HASAN MUTHANNA (SON OF IMAM HASAN (A S) WAS DONE AS PER YOUR ARTICLE. BUT IT IS FAMOUS BY 'RIVAYAT" THAT FATIMAH KUBRA WAS MARRIED TO JANABE QASIM S/O IMAM HASSAN (A S) WE WANT TO KNOW FACT OF ISLAMIC HISTORY REGARDING THIS MATTER

A. What was written in the Light is an historical fact. The myth of marriage of Qasim on 'Ashura day was started by one Husain Waez Kashefi a scholar of 9th century of Hijra, more than 800 years after the Karbala events He wrote in his book of Majlis, "Rawdatush-Shuhada" that the Imam (a.s.) married Qasim with one of his daughters You will note that he did not write the name of the supposed daughter. Then this myth spread, and every generation added some more details in it, till gradually Zakirs who were ignorant of history attributed this story to Fatimah Kubra, not realizing that she had already been married, and that by mentioning her sacred name in that connection they were insulting her in the worst possible way May Allah forgive us and them all. Amen

Then came the poets who used the word "the bride of one night" meaning Fatimah Kubra If the marriage was performed on Ashura day as written in "Rawdatush-Shuhada,"then from where comes the "night"? Some story-tellers built another story on that "foundation" and said that Fatimah Kubra became pregnant and later gave birth to a son who was called Qasim, the second.

So, you see, how one small invented story grew and grew and grew till now people are surprised when they are told the truth. I should end this letter with the remarks of the famous Muhaddith Shaikh 'Abbas Qummi in the first volume of his famous book "Muntahal-'Amal":

"It should be known that the story of the marriage of Hadrat Qasim in Karbala and his marrying Fatimah the daughter of Imam Husain is not true, because it has not been seen in reliable books. Moreover, Hadrat Imam Husain (a.s.) had two daughters, as has been mentioned in reliable books. One Sakinah, about whom Shaikh Tabrasi said that Imam Husain had given her in marriage to 'Abdullah (s/o Imam Hasan a.s.)and 'Abdullah was martyred in Karbala before Hadrat Sakinah could be sent to his house; second. Fatimah who was the wife of Hasan Muthanna. who was present in Karbala, as we mentioned in the history of Imam Hasan (a.s.).

"And if. relying on unreliable Rewayat, it is said that Imam Husain (a.s.) had another daughter named Fatimah. we have to point out that she was Fatimah Sughra and at that time she was in Madina and, as the story is told, she could not have been given in marriage (in Karbala on 'Ashura day) to Hadrat Qasim bin Hasan(a.s.).

"And the honoured Shaikh (Muhaddith. the expert in matters of Hadith and Riwayat, Thiqatul-Islam) Aqa-e-Hajj Mirza Husain Nun (May Allah fill his grave with Light) has said in his book. "Lulu wa Marjan": "According to all reliable old books, written on the subjects of Hadith, Geneology of Ahlul-Bait, and biographies, it is impossible to find (that there was in Karbala) an unmarried (but of marriageable age) daughter of Hadrat Seyyid ush-shohada; (if such a daughter could be found) only then such an event could have been possible.This is quite apart from other considerations concerning authenticity or falsity of this story. As regards the stories of Zubaida and Shahr Bano and Qasim the second, in the area of Ray and its neighbourhood, which have become current with the masses, they are such frivolous imaginations that they should be written on the back of Dastan-a-Amir Hamza and other such novels, and there are many proofs of its falsity.

Q 26: PROGENY OF HADHRAT 'ABBAS

What happened to the sons of Hadrat 'Abbas (a.s) after his martyrdom in Karbala?

A. Hadrat 'Abbas's family was perpetuated through his son, Ubaidullah.

Q 27: DIFFERENCES IN MECCAN AND MADINITE SURAS

What are the differences between the Suras revealed in Mecca and Madina?

A There is a marked difference between the Makki and Madani Suras For example:

1) Makki suras. mostly, describe matters of basic faith-Refutation of paganistic beliefs, evidence of the oneness of Allah, His Attributes, proof of the resurrection on the Day of Judgment, prophethood of the Holy Prophet and that of previous prophets, building good character, removal of rust of evil from hearts of people etc. etc Madani suras deal, mostly, with the code of life, rules of Shari'ah, like prayers. fast, zakah. khumus. etc

2) Makki 'ayat and suras are mostly short; Madani 'ayat and suras are mostly long. For example the 28th Part is mostly Madani and it has 137 'ayat while Part 29 and 30 (mostly Makki have 431 and 570 'ayat respectively.

3) In Makki suras, whenever the audience has been addressed, the words (O People) or (O children of 'Adam) have mostly been used; in Madam suras on such occasions, mostly the words (O ye who believe) have been used.

4) All the Suras in which one is ordered (or recommended) to do Sajdah were revealed at Mecca - thus emphasizing the worship of One and Only Allah

Q 28: HOW MANY 'AYA T IN QUR'AN?

I happened to glance one of your books, viz "Qur'an and Hadith." I find you have not stated the exact number of 'ayat 'verses) of the Qur'an Based on your extensive research, is there any authentic tradition to confirm the number of 'ayat which the Qur'an contains? Why a number of 'Ulama could manage to count the letters and vowels in the Qur'an rather than state at first, the complete verses. As testified by Hadith collected by Sunnis, the Qur'an has 6,666 verses I personally counted twice the Holy Quran 114 Suras; there are only 6,268 verses excluding 113 Bismillah. So, we could just imagine the big difference. How many Muslims could really admit that our holy Qur'an as we have now is incomplete?

A. Some writers say that there are 6,666 'ayat in the Qur'an. A Sunni tradition mentions 6263 verses (It is not very for from your 6268). But I did not quote these sayings in my book as I had not checked whether any of them were true.

self.”Bismilla Hirrahman Nirrahim” is a part of every Sura (except Sura 9) according to Shi'a Ithna-'ashari Madh-hab. Counting.there are 6350 ayat. Some reciters have treated some 'ayat as being broken into more than one 'aya. For example, in the last Sura (Annas) some reciters treat the 4th 'aya as being 2 'ayat: according to them is the 4th and is the 5th 'aya. Such controversial breaks are marked as a in the Qur'an. Just to satisfy my curiousity, I also counted such Ayat..They are107 in all.Even if we add this number to 6350, the total will be 6,457, and not 6,666. It seems that someone in old days counted the 'ayat carelessly and wrote in his book that the Qur'an contained 6,666 'ayat, and those who came after him just went on copying it without taking the trouble of verifying that statement.

In any case, there has been no deletion whatsoever from the Qur'an. It is the total number given by the writers which is wrong, not the Qur'an sent by Allah.

Q 29:ISLAM AND SCIENCE SUBJECTS

Does Islam teach that the earth rotates on its own axis around the Sun '

A. Islam is a religion whose aim is to improve your relationship with your Creator, by enhancing your spiritual qualities and perfecting your character. It is not a science or an arts club. The Qur'an is a guide for life and a code of conduct, not a treatise on

physics or astronomy. Therefore, your question is not properly framed.

Of course if Islam or Qur'an had said that the earth was static, then you could have protested why it gave the wrong information. So. you have to keep in mind this basic principle: Qur'an is a book meant primarily for religious, spiritual and ethical uplift of mankind. If it fulfils this need, you should be thankful to Allah; and try to follow its teachings.

Then, if in passing, it throws some light on any scientific or historical subject, it is just incidental and not its main purpose.

Of. course, if it contained any wrong information e.g. if it said that Nabi Ibrahim was before Nabi Nuh, such error could be used to prove that it was not the word of Allah. Because it was not accurate.

On the other hand, if this book remains silent on any such subject, no objection can be raised against it

I hope this explanation will enlighten you on the role of Islam and Qur'an in our life.

Q 30: TAFSIR OF FIRST 4 AYAT OF AN-NAJM

"By the star when it goes down. Erred not your Companion (i.e., Muhammad) nor was he led astray: and he speaks not of (his own) inclination- it is naught but a revelation which is

revealed" (Sura An-Najm, verses l -4) Are these verses concerning Prophet Muhammad (s a w) or Hadrat 'Ali (as.)?

A. These 'ayat refer to our Holy Prophet (s.a.w), and they are a clear proof of his infallibility

The commentators of Qur'an (Shi'a and Sunni alike) have narrated two traditions concerning these 'ayat. In short they are as follows:

The houses of the emigrants from Mecca were built round the Mosque at Madina with the doors of the houses opening in to the Mosque. When, with the spread of Islam, the number of the believers increased, the Holy Prophet received God's command to have all the doors, opening into the Mosque, closed, save that of 'Ali. When the revelation was announced, the first one who was prepared to carry out the divine order was 'Ali, but the Holy Prophet said "0 'Ali' the order does not apply to thee, for thou art of me and I am of thee." Some people remarked that the Holy Prophet had in his love for 'Ali lost his sanity and had gone astray. Then the 'ayat were revealed.

Another hadith is as follows:

Ibn ' Abbas says that once we offered our 'Isha prayer with the Holy Prophet who after concluding the prayer turned to us and said "At dawn a star will descend from heaven. On whomsoever's house it inclines he shall be my heir, my Khalifa and the Imam", (i.e., the Divinely Commissioned Guide). Every one sat waiting for the star, and 'Abbas, the uncle of the Holy Prophet. coveted more than anyone. for the star, but the descent of the star from heaven was toward 'Ali's house.

The Holy Prophet told 'Ali "O 'Ali! By the One Who has sent me as His Apostle, I say that thou hast been assigned by God, to be my Heir, my Khalifa and Imam." (MS). The hypocrites who did not like it said that the Holy Prophet, in his love for

'Ali had lost his sanity or gone astray. On this occasion, this verse was revealed.

Q 31 - SUR4 'ASR

I believe that Sura 'Asr is connected with Imam Husain (a s.) Is it correct?

A. It is not specifically about Imam Husain (a.s.). Of course, he and his companions and family members were perfect example of "those who believe, and do good deeds, and exhort each other to truth and exhort each other to patience"

Q 32: MEANING OF “KAF,HA,YA,AIN,SAD”?

What is the interpretation of "Kaf, Ha, Ya, Ain, Sad "?

A. Such 'ayat are called "Muqatt'at" (Separated letters), because they are recited one by one. Their meaning is known only to Allah, His Prophet and the 12 Imams. If anybody tries to interpret them according to his own notion he commits a great sin. So far as the above-mentioned "Muqatta'at" are concerned, there are two interpretations which have been narrated from our Imams:(1) Each of the 5 letters stands for a divine attribute.

"Kaf" - Stands for "kafi" (Charitable Giver or Self-Sufficient); "Ha" - stands for "Hadi" (Guide);

"Ya" - stands for "Yad" (Hand, i.e.; Powerful);

"'Ain" -stands for "Alim" (the All-Knowing);

"Sad" - stands for "Sadiq" (The True One).

(2) According to another tradition Allah ordered Gabriel to teach Nabi Zakariya the sacred names of the Holy Prophet and his immediate Ahlul-Bait. When Gabriel mentioned the first 4 names (Muhammad, 'Ali, Fatimah, Hasan) Zakariya felt great joy. But with the mention of the name of Husain, he was filled with grief and sorrow When he asked Gabriel about this strange phenomenon, the latter acquainted him with the heart-rending tragedy of Karbala. According to that Hadith, these 5 letter- symbols were used to convey to Zakariya the sad tidings of Karbala:

"Kaf" - stands for "Karbala";

"Ha" - is for "Halakat" (Anihilation of the Holy Family);

"Ya" - stands for "Yazid";

"'Ain" - stands for "'A tash" (Thirst) of Imam Husain and his companions;

"Sad" - denotes their "Sabr" (patience).

Q 33. PEARL AND CORAL

I am asking about Sura Rahman, verse 19 Does this verse refer to Imam Hasan and Imam Husain (a.s)?

A:The 'ayat are as follows:

"He has let loose two seas that they flow together meeting each other; between them is a barrier so that they encroach not. Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you two belief?

"Come forth out of the two (seas) pearl and coral. Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you two belie?"(Ar-Rahman, 'Ayat 19-23)

According to the tradition of the Holy Prophet "The meeting of the two seas indicates the matrimonial union between 'Ali and Fatimah, and the "Barzakh", i.e., the barrier between the two seas is the Holy Prophet (so that they do not encroach upon the rights of each other), and the Pearl and Coral which come out of the two seas are Hasan and Husain "

This tradition has been narrated by Ibn 'Abbas and Anas bin Malik and is quoted in the Sunni Tafsir, Ad-Durrul-Manthur

Q 34 MEANING OF AN AYA

Surah Baqarah V 18: "Deaf, dumb and blind so they will not turn bark " The word 'La Yarji'un" (will not turn back) confuses me Does this word mean that once they die they will not be raised from their graves on the day of Qiyamah? If so. then how they will be rewarded for their good and bad deeds?

A It means "hence they will return not from their darkness'.

Q 35: HOW THE NIGHT PASSES INTO DAY?

Sure Al 'Imran, verse 27: "Thou makest the night to pass into the day and What is the actual meaning of this verse?

A. It refers to variations in the duration of nights and days in various seasons. It means "Thou causest the night to enter into day (so that the night becomes longer and the day shorter), and Thou causest the day to enter into night (so that the day becomes longer and the night shorter).

Q 36: WHY THE ORDER TO KILL THE PAGANS?

The verse 9:5 of the holy Qur'an reads "So when the sacred months are past then slay the idolaters whenever you find there; and seize them and besiege them and lie in wait for them in every ambush, then if they repent and establish prayer, and give the poor-rate, than leave their way to them... “

In your book "Islam" in the topic of "Jihad" it is said "Islam does not like to exterminate wrong-doers" which looks vary much contrary to the above verse.

On the other hand it is emphasized in that book that the Prophet (s. a. w) himself never started any war unless it was thrust upon him by the enemies. In other words, the Prophet (s. a. w) being the "spiritual doctor' nothing should have prevented him from deciding (starting) "surgical operation" (exterminate idolaters) when he saw it essential to save "other parts" (Moslems) of mankind from 'trouble" (idolaters) who would not repent and establish prayer, and give the poor-rate".

All this appears to indicate that Islam may legally be spread by the sward! If not please, Maulana, elaborate for tree.

A. This order was given specifically in respect of the "Mushrikin" of Mecca, because they repeatedly broke their covenants their Muslims. The 'ayat 8-10 and 13 amply show their attitude towards agreements and covenants. “How (can there be any alliance) while they overcome you they regard not in you any tie nor of any covenant;… They pay not regard in the case of a believer, to any tie not to any covenant….What will you not fight the people who violated their oaths… and they attacked you first…” It was for this reason that the prophet was ordered by Allah to repudiate all covenants with them and treat them as open enemies of Islam. Even then, a clause was inserted that “so long as they stand faithful to you (i.e. to the covenant) then be you too faithful to them” (IX:12) Also read ‘ayat No. 4 & 6: ‘Except those (with whom) you have entered into a pact, from the idolaters who thereafter failed you not in aught and have backed not any one against you, you then fulfill their pact unto the end of their term…”

“Any if anyone form the idolaters ask thee for protection, grant protection to him..” You should not be perturbed by the words “if they repent…them leave their way free to them” Surely, if any one accepted Islam, he was not to be punished for the crimes which he might have committed when he was an infidel; because after Islam “they are your brethren in faith” (IX:11). Such savings clauses were necessary to protect the new Muslim converts from the misguided zeal of some Muslims.

Q 37 AUTHENTIC SHI’A TRANSLATIAN OF QUR’AN

Even though the Holy Qur'an is in Original form without any change, the commentators have difference of opinion in certain places. Many people have written the translation of the Holy Book with commentaries. Many people here say that Abdullah Yusuf Ali's translation is the best. So I have read it completely. There are still others who say that Muhammed Ali's -translation is the best. I couldn't get a copy to read Now I want to know your opinion. I shall be pleased if you can help me by sending a copy of holy Quran with Arabic text, English translation and commentaries which depicts the Shia views and is more authentic according to your belief (Asked by a Sunni Muslim from Ceylon).

A. Abdullah Yusuf Ali's comments represent the Sunni point of view. Mohammad Ali's writings represent the views of the Lahori group of the Qadianis.

A Shia scholar, Mir Ahmad Ali of Madras. has translated the Holy Qur'an in English which was published (with very detailed commentary) from Karachi. Its first edition is now out of stock. The second revised edition has been printed by M/s. Peermohamed Ebrahim Trust, Karachi.

Q 38: AUTHENTIC SHI'A BOOKS OF AHADITH

Regarding the traditions (Hadith), it is a pity that there are contradictory Ahadith. So, the authenticity of the Ahadith cannot be relied upon. Do you acknowledge and accept as authentic the six books in which the Sunnis have confidence and trust? If not, what are your books? Will I be fortunate to have a copy/copies?

A. There are several collections of Ahadith from Shi'a sources the earliest of which is AI-Kafi, collected by Thiqatul Islam Abu Ja'far Muhammad bin Ya'qab A1-Kulaini Ar-Razi, who was bom in 260 A.H. and died in 329 A.H.

His life-span coincided exactly with the period of Ghaibat-e-Sughra (the Lesser Occultation), when our 12th Imam lived in Samarra, but people were not allowed to meet the Imam. His Chief Deputies resided in Baghdad. Abu Jafar Kulaini also lived in Baghdad, and was highly respected by all the Deputies of imam (a.s.). He had a unique opportunity to sift and analyse the Ahadith. And, thus, after 20 years' continuous back-breaking effort, AI-Kafi came into being. This book alone contains more ahadith than all the six authentic books (Sihah-e-Sitta) of the Sunnis put together. Some other scholars have also collected the ahadith from other books; famous among them are: Abu Ja'far Muhammad bin 'Ali (bin Husain bin Musa bin Babwayh Qummi), popularly known as Shaikh Saduq (died 381 A.H.) wrote 'Man La Yahduruhul Faqih.'

Abu Ja'far Muhammad bin Hasan bin 'Ali At-Tusi, popularly known as Shaikhut-Taifa and Shaikh Tusi (born. 385 A.H. died 466 A.H.) wrote Tahzib-ul-Ahkam and "Al-Istibsar".

The later two books opened the way for critical study of Ahadith, and, thus, laid the foundation of Ijtihad.

You may have noticed that all the three authors of these four books were named Muhammad, and had Kunya of "Abu Ja'far". If a hadith is found in any of the above-mentioned books, it does not follow that that "hadith is automatically authentic. Likewise if a hadith is found in other collections which are compiled by trustworthy scholars and fulfils all conditions of authenticity, it will be accepted as authentic even if it is not found in any of the above mentioned books.

In the later period collections of Ahadith by the following jurists became very popular:

"Biharul-Anwar" (in 25 bulky volumes) by 'Allama Majlisi (Muhammad Baqir bin Muhammad Taqi) (died in 1011 A.H.).

"WAFI" by Mulla Muhsin Faid (Muhammad bin Murtada bin Muhammud) (Died in 1091 A.H.).

"WASAYIL-US-SHIA" written by a 'Allama Muhammad bin Hasan AL-HURR (Died in 1104 A.H.). You will notice that these three Traditionalists also were named Muhammad.

They are called "The Later Three Muhammads In this century. 'Allama Husain Nun wrote "Mustadrakul-Wasel" in 1319 A.H. (died in 1320 A.H.).

Q 39 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DIRTY AND NAJIS

What is the difference between things which are Nails and those that are dirty?

A: A thing which comes into contact with any of 10 Najasat (pollutions) becomes Najis (polluted) even if it looks otherwise clean You cannot pray dressed in a Najis cloth; but you may say your prayers even if you have put on dirty cloth provided it is not Najis (polluted).

Najasat are as follows:

1 and 2 Urine and stool of those animals whose meat is Haram and whose blood comes out with a gush (other than birds)

3. & 4. Blood and semen of those animals whose blood comes out with a gush.

5 Dead body of those things whose blood comes out with a gush (There are some details.)

6. The dog

7 The pig

8 The Kafir

9. The liquor (Liquid intoxicant.)

10. The beer.

Q 40: USE OF TOILET PAPER

Can we use toiler paper instead of water when we go for passing urine?

A Paper may be used for cleaning stool but not for urine. If you are unable to use water for "Taharat" of urine, then you may use paper to make your body completely dry. Thus, at least, your cloth will not be unclean. Then, when conditions permit you must make your body "Tahir" (cleanse it); otherwise your prayer will not to valid.

Q 41: CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF SEMEN

Someone's penis is tainted with a colourless liquid. Is it 'Mani" (semen). Is Ghusl-e-Janabat wajib in this case?

A Not every liquid is 'Mani' (semen). For a healthy person there are three characteristics to identify mani:

(1) It comes out when he is sexually aroused. (2) It comes out with force and (3) the body becomes a bit fatigued after its ejaculation Also, the 'Mani' smells like yeast.

If these features are found, then it is "Mani", and Ghusl will be wajib (compulsory).

Q 42. MOISTURE SECRETED IN WOMAN

Is Moisture secreted from a woman when she has sexual excitement (without sexual intercourse) najis? If it is najis is there Ghusl-e-Janabat for it?

A. No. It is not Najis, and compulsory bath (Ghusl) is not necessary.

Q 43. VAGINAL CHECKING

An expectant women goes for general checking every month. The midwife inserts her finger inside her sexual passage but wearing rubber gloves. Has that women to perform the “Ghusl” before praying Namaz?

A. No there is no need to perform Ghusl. Of course, if the skin of the body had become Najis because of Najis medicine or by touch of Najis hands or gloves, then she should only make that part Tahir in the usual way.

Q 44. ARE PERFUMES , LOTIONS ETC. TAHIR?

Whether the English and other foreign products of perfumes, shaving lotion, hair lotion, spray and all such products containing spirit/alcohol, are permitted for use, and are not Najis provided you are not aware that the spirit or alcohol contained in it is intoxicated.

Q 45. RULINGS ON INDUSTRIAL ALCOHOL

The late Agha Seyyid Mohsin Al-Hakim had given the ruling that industrial alcohol is Najis. I hear that Agha Seyyid Abul Qasim Al-Khoui has given the ruling that it is Tahir. Is it correct?

A. Yes. Agha Seyyid Mohsin Al-Hakim (r.a) gave a ruling that industrial alcohol was Najis things. Now, Agha-e-Al-Khoui has been told by many chemists that absolute alcohol (i.e. having less than one percent water) in itself is not intoxicating; it only intoxicates when it is mixed with some other liquids.

Acting on this information, Agha-e-al-Khoui has said that alcohol in itself is not Najis; but when it is mixed with other liquids and creates intoxication then that liquid is najis.

Q 46. MEDICINES CONTAINING ALCOHOL

There are a lot of substitute drugs containing alcohol. What do you suggest for them?

A. According to the Fatwa of Ayatullah Khoui, “alcohol” itself is not Najis, because it is not in itself an intoxicant. It intoxicates when it is mixed with some other liquids. And it is then that it becomes najis.

Accordingly, a drug which contains alcohol, but does not intoxicate, is not najis.

Q 47. SKULL OF MAN

Is the skull of a dead man Najis? In Biology Lab we frequently touch man’s skull. If it is Najis is it wajib to take bath (i.e. Ghusl-e-Mase-Mayyit)?

A. Yes, Ghusl of Mas-e-Mayyit becomes Wajib, if one touches the bocy or the bone of a dead person after the body has become cold (and, in the case of a Muslim’s dead body, after it has become cold and before Ghusl-e-Mayyit has been given). If he/she touches it in the night, Ghusl-e-Masse-Mayyit should be performed before morning prayers (if because of unbearable cold or illness, one is unable to perform this Ghuls even with hot water, tayammum should be done in its place.)

Q 48: DOG AS A PET

Can we keep dog as a pet? What should one do if the dog smells him?

A. A dog may be kept for herding the sheep or cattle, guarding the house, garden or farm, or to help in hunting lawful animals. But such a dog should not be allowed to wander freely into the house in order that it may not touch clothes or utensils etc.

If a dog smells someone, there is no harm. But if it touches him either the person when the cloth or that part of body or his cloth is wet, then will be Najis.

Q 49: PRAYER IN A CLOTH WASHED BY A NON-MUSLIM?

We send our clothes to ‘dhobi’ for washing because I don’t know how to wash. But the dhobi is Hindu. Now can we pray with those clothes? We don’t have any alternative.

A. No. You should keep some tahir clothes for prayer. If you put the cloth under running or Kur water and leave it there till water runs through it, then after rinsing it (so that water is squeezed out) it will become Tahir. If you are using still water which is less than a Kur, then you should rinse it twice.

Q 50: OILY SKIN

My face produces a lot of oil. Should I make sure that all that oil is removed before making wudu or Ghusl?

A. That liquid is not Oil, and there is no need to remove it from the face before Wudu, unless it sets like a film on your skin.

Q 51: PLASTIC SURGERY AND WUDU

Can we do Wudu if we have done plastic surgery on the face or hand?

A. Yes. There is nothing to worry once the grafted part becomes a part of the face or the hand.

Q 52: WUDHU ON NAIL POLISH

Can a woman do Wudu for prayer while wearing nail polish?

A. If someone does Wudu for prayer while wearing nail polish, that Wudu will be invalid, as the polish does not allow to reach the nails.

Q 53: WITH LONG HAIR

In U.K. our boys are keeping long hair like girls. Can they pray in that condition?

A. If they keep their hair in such a way that the “Masah” of head is done on the skin of the front area of the head then it does not affect the validity of the prayer.

If a man keeps long hair he is required by Sheria to keep it clean, comb it very often, and trim it in such a way that it does not look dirty.

Q 54: HOW TO CALCULATE TIMES OF PRAYERS?

How can we calculate the prayer time in U.K, because here we do not see the sun very often?

A. Sunrise and Sunset may be ascertained from Meteorological Department announcements (which are often published in newspapers). Thus you can know the time of 'Subh' and Maghrib prayers. The time of Subh prayer in your part of the world may start about one hour before sunrise. Maghrib time will start about 9 minutes afer the announced sunset.

Zohr: Calculate the exact middle of the sunrise and the sunset, as announced in the newspapers; you may safely start Zohr prayer a few minutes after that calculated time.

Asr: This prayer should be offered after Zohr, and 'Isha after Maghrib.

Q 55: HOW TO FIND DIRECTION OF QIBLA?

I am not exactly sure about Qibla in Peterborough, UK But we were told by Sunni Muslims that we should take the North as on 26 and then take N.E as our Qibla, Also, during Ziyarat which way should we turn?

A. Here is a relatively simple method of finding the direction of Qibla. Draw a straight line on the map from your place to Mecca and another straight line from North Pole to your place Then look at the angle and notice how many degrees it is from North. Then you may turn the some number of degrees from North to face

Kibla. If you find this complicated then you may act as the Sunnis do; because they have been there longer than you and they must have come to that conclusion after having done some calculation. As for Ziyarat: Every Ziyarat may be recited facing the Qibla. Alternatively, you may resort to calculations (as described in the case of Qibla) by drawing lines to Karbala and Mash-had.

Q 56: QIBLA ON MOON?

Suppose I were to fly to the Moon. Whilst on the Moon or on the way to it, which direction will be my Qibla for prayers?

A. According to "Fatwas" of some Mujtahids, the Qibla of a space-traveler is the Earth. You will face the Earth during your prayer.

Q 57: WHY USE OF GOLD IS FORBIDDEN FOR MAN?

Why is gold not allowed for men? And why is gold permitted for women?

A. It is not possible to know definitely the reason as to why a certain rule has been given to us by Allah and or His Prophet.

Once we accept that allah is our Creator and is a Wise Creator and that the Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (s.a.w.) was His true Prophet, then we must accept that whatever order was given by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) must have been based on some sound reason. At the same time, however, it is not necessary that that reason be known to us.

So, if reason of any rule has been explained by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) or Imams. well and good. We must be thankful to them for that explanation. But if it has not been explained, then we must obey them without any 'ifs' 'buts' or 'whys'. It is for this reason that our shari'ah says that you have all the liberty to argue and discuss concerning matters of_Usul-e-Deen till you are fully convinced of their truth. But you have no liberty in 'Furu-e-Deen'. You must obey them faithfully, because after accepting the truth of the divine office of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) and the Imams (a.s.) there is no ground for you to ignore their orders. This is the general principle governing your two questions. Still, so far as these particular questions are concerned, our thoughts may give us the following reason (which may or may not be the actual reason). Islam wants men to be hardy, brave and tough in order that they may boldy enlist for Jihad. It does not like men to be soft and meek because such men cannot stand the rigour of military diuscipline. And this discipline is s MUST for every male Muslim, because he must always be ready to fight in the way of Allah as soon as our 12th Imam (a.s.) re-appears.

Q 58: IS IQAMAH WAJIB?

Is iqamah wajib before prayer?

A. It is Sunnah Mu’akkadah (emphasized Sunnah).

Q 59: PRAYER IN FRONT OF A PHOTOGRAPH

Can one pray Salah facing a wall on which a photo of Ka’bah or some du’s is displayed.

A. It is Makruh to pray before a photograph or a statue of a living thing, except when it is hidden by a curtain or a cover. It is also Makruh to pray in a room which has any photograph. Therefore, if one prays facing a wall on which a photograph of the Ka’bah is hung, it will be Makruh- i.e. the thawab of Salah will be less than usual.

Q 60: WHY KA’BAH IS CALLED THE HOUSE OF ALLAH?

Allah is Omnipresent. He doesn’t need any house or place to dwell Then why Ka’bah is called Allah’s House?

A. When Allah pleases to show importance and prestige of a person or a thing ,He declares it as belonging to Himself; though in fact every thing belongs to Him.

For example, every soul belongs to him; but He called the soul of Adam (a.s.) as (My Soul); and it showed the importance of the soul. Everyone is a ‘slave ‘ of Allah, but He referred to our Holy Prophet (s.a.w.)as (His Slave); and it showed the prophet’s high prestige with Allah. Likewise every place belongs to Him; but He specifically named Kab’as as (My House) to show its distinction and sancity.

Q 61. PROSTRATION BEFORE OTHER THAN ALLAH

If anybody knowingly prostrates before other than Allah, what is his

judgement according to the Sheri'ah? Is he a Muslim or Kafir?

A. If he does not know that Sajdah before anything or person, other than Allah, is Haram in the Sheriah of Muhammad Mustafa (s.a.w.), then he will have committed only a major sin (Gunah-e-Kabira). If however he knows the law and still does Sajdah before anything or person, then he is a Mushrik (an idolator).

Q 62: READING QURAN WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING

Is it necessary for a Shia to continue to recite Qur'an although he does not know what he

is reading?

A. It is of great "thawab" to recite Qur'an (even if you do not know its meaning).

For one thing, it will bind you strongly with the religion and the Book of Allah.

For another, by regularly reciting it, you will one day feel that you should also

know its meaning.

Q. 63: SEVEN TAKBIRS

Are there six takbirs before Takbiratul-Ihram?

A. Yes, It is Sunnah Mu'akkadah (emphasized Sunnah) to say seven Takbirs after Niyat, one of which should be "Takbiratul Ihram" (any one, depending on your intention), and the remaining six, Sunnah.

Q 64 POSITION OF HANDS DURING QIYAM FOR WOMAN

Should ladies put their hands on the chest while praying?

A. Yes. It is Sunnah to put the right hand on the right breast and the left hand on

the left breast, when she is in a standing position (Qiyam).

Q 65. 'ADIL IMAM NOT EASILY AVAILABLE

Wise, honest and just Imams are not easily available these days. So, Congregational

prayers are usually avoided Could we have a relaxation in these restrictions?

A. No relaxation whatsoever. Being an Adil is a condition not only for the Imam of prayers; every Mu'min must be an Adil. If he is not, it shows the weakness of his Iman (Faith).