How Can We Control The Misuse of Polygamy?

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polygamyQuestion: It is correct that when man observes rules and justice with regard to divorce and polygamy, that is he does not divorce his wives unreasonably and does not put many women to trouble, the position, personality and rights of women are secured.

And she is saved from humiliation and oppression. And many a times conflicts arising out of the inequality of sex is cured by relying on justice.

But in our times when unfortunately many of the Muslims are in name alone, and very few follow the religious rules, they take unfair advantage of the law of polygamy. In such circumstances, question arises that in Islam what is the prophecy regarding such shameless people. And how their misuse limited?

Answer: As per principle no matter how eager and sensible are the desirous of laws, till the time there is guarantee of their organs they cannot be sufficient for the well-being of the society.

Though it is possible that education and training and faith upon God should discourage people from breaking and misusing law. But in spite of this the following actions can never make a person loyal to the Islamic law and aware of their duties. Somehow or the other such people appear who act against the law and it take undue advantage from it.

Therefore in order to assure social justice and protection of law and help of the oppressed, it is necessary that there should be a responsible ruler (governor) who can keep an eye on the actions of the people and take steps to implement the laws. It can only be the Islamic government.

For achieving this aim, Islam has given wide rights to the Islamic government. So that when people are not capable enough to recognize their duties and responsibilities and want to exceed their limits, and if they take undue advantage of religious laws, the Islamic government has the right that for helping the oppressed and supporting the law it should take steps and to being in control those who have exceeded the limits.

In this regard there is no difference between the laws of divorce and polygamy and other laws. That is just as Islamic government is the helper and supporter of oppressed and inimical to the oppressors in the same way if divorce and polygamy is a cause for injustice upon the woman, and though their her rights are trespassed, the Islamic government has the right that in territories within its control, it should refrain the man from misusing the law of polygamy and help he women.

Apart from this regarding various sections of Islamic law it must necessarily be remembered that the laws of Islam are connected to each other like the links of a chain. And we should never see one of them in isolation and then start argumentation and criticism. The laws of Islam must be studied keeping in view the prevailing circumstances. Where Islam is ruling and where its laws are in force. For example the punishments and penalties, judgment and wisdom and marriage and divorce laws of Islam should be seen the society where all the Islamic laws are absolutely in force.

From this aspects if all the Islamic laws are applied fully no one would go against the law and trespass on the rights of others. And men will never consider polygamy as forced control over women. Rather they will have to follow all the Islamic laws and rules.

Philosophy of Islamic Laws:Ayatullah Naser Makarem Shirazi, Ayatullah Jafar Subhani

Why The Youth of Today Avoid Religious Gatherings?

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YouthQuestion: What are the factors that cause a section of youth to remain aloof from religious gatherings? Is not time ripe that we take steps to remove this difficulty? What is the method of solving this problem? And what course of action can be adopted to attract the youth to religious gatherings?

Answer: In our view many youths keep away from religious programs due to a number of factors. Two of them are most important.

First of them is poisonous propaganda that foreign agents have unleashed on our young people since a long time. This had made them suspicious of our religious gatherings and spirituality. Because facts are presented to them in a distorted form.

Another thing is the lack of discipline in the religious program. And in many programs there is lack of attention to Islamic principles through the exalted knowledge of which the thirst of curious youngsters is quenched.

These two factors are such that due to their effect many of our young people have become distanced from those programs. But fortunately in recent years there has been awakening in our youth. And they have realized the evil intentions of those foreign elements, which have been used to poison their minds. That is why that youth attend the religious programs in large numbers and we see them present in those programs with our own eyes.

Regarding the second factor of repulsion of the youth steps have been devised and no there is no lack of people who keep the changing times in view and through Islamic logic can solve the mental confusion of the young Muslims. Though we agree that their number is not as required by the present circumstances.

Philosophy of Islamic Laws:Ayatullah Naser Makarem Shirazi, Ayatullah Jafar Subhani

What Are The Causes of Advancement of The Muslims In The Past Ages And Their Downfall In The Modern Era?

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AdvancementQuestion: What were the causes of the advancement of the Muslims in the past ages? And what are the reasons for their backwardness and downfall? What is the reason that once upon a time the Muslims were ruling over many cultured nations and were the leaders of the caravan of civilization. Now they have become dependent on developed nations.

Answer: This question certainly is worth attention and it is one of the delicate questions, and it is worth writing a book on this. In Dairatul Marif, Farid Wajedi has mentioned ten reasons for the scientific advancements of the Muslims. And other intellectuals have also discussed this subject.

But actually the basic reason of the advancement of the Muslims is nothing but Islamic knowledge and the cause of their backwardness is aloofness from Islamic teachings. In the beginning of Islam the Muslims used to benefit from Islamic teachings in every field of science.

But today most of the Muslims have deviated from the true path of Islam. And it can be said that they are not true Muslims but their geographical Muslims. The basic cause of their backwardness is this. In addition we shall discuss some of the causes of their advancement and backwardness.

The Spirit of Sacrifice

1. The Muslims of the early period of Islam were ready to give all types of sacrifices. In their view the religion of Islam and its commands were more respectable to him than his family, wealth and property.

They used to sacrifice all their material possessions on Islam. And the history of Islam, especially the battles fought by the Messenger of Allah (S) are living testimonies of this. But now many people have left religion on one side and this spirit of sacrifice is nowhere to be seen.

For some people Islam in sacred only to the limit that it is not a hurdle to their wealth and position. On the other hand there would be very few people who would refrain from something profitable just on the basis of religious law.

Because the Muslims of the early period had to pay a heavy price for Islam and they had purchased it in exchange of the lives of their dear ones, they used to value it, but we have received Islam as inheritance from our parents. This is the reason why practically we do not accord it much importance.

2. On one hand is unity and agreement and on the other hand are controversies and differences are the two causes of advancement and backwardness. In the beginning of Islam the Muslims were united and agreed on most issues and according to the Qur’anic command they were as brothers.

But after the demise of the Holy Prophet (S) some differences that arose, in spite of this Amir al-Mu’mineen (a.s.) and his sons used wise diplomacy and did not allow them to halt the progress of Islam. They became aloof from the usurpers of their rights because they desire that at least the principles of Islam should remain safe.

But now hypocrisy and controversies of the ruling elite had reached to its zenith. In the recent centuries there has been a considerable increase in intersect animosities. And every sect considers others apostles and infidels, and try their best to insult and degrade them. Today differences and controversies between the Muslims have intensified and the true face of Islam has been concealed behind the veils of misunderstandings and misconceptions. In the circumstances is it possible that Muslims would be able to regain their lost glory?

Familiarity with prevailing circumstances

3. It was one of the important causes of the advancement of Muslims in the past centuries. They used to equip themselves with latest knowledge and the most developed weapons. At the time of the battle of Hunain the Holy Prophet (S) received the information that in Yemen a new weapon has been invented which can destroy fort and raze strong fortifications. He at once prepared some people that they travel to Yemen and learn of the techniques of manufacturing and operating it.

The Muslims of the early centuries translated the books of science, philosophy, medicine and astronomy into Arabic and added their research and investigations advancing them further. Also, they established great universities and libraries. Thus they became needy of the scientific advancement of others and themselves became the torchbearers of knowledge.

For a long time Baghdad, Shaam (Damascus), Misr (Cairo) and Andalusia quenched the thirst of those who flocked there in search of knowledge but today the majority of the Muslims have ignored the prevailing situations and disregarded the demands of the present age.

They desire that they should make do with ancient customs and methods and also to claim superiority over the whole world. While in the world there are new changes every day and the sciences, arts, culture and civilization all are moving towards development and perfection. But the method of Islamic propagation and spread of Islamic teachings still follow the old methods.

These three factors are a part of the causes due to which the Muslims of the early period trod the path of progress. Apart from this there were other causes also that had a role to play in their progress. We shall not mention the details of all of them here and end this discussion with the following ayat in which the Muslims have been informed of the causes of advancement. The Almighty Allah addresses the Muslim Community and says:

And be not infirm, and be not grieving, and you shall have the upper hand if you are Believers.1

In the view of the above ayat and the forgone discussion the reply to the second question is also clear. That is there any hope Muslims will regain their past glory?

The reply to this question is clear if we study the reply to the previous questions. Because the factors that caused advancement and progress of the Muslims in the past centuries if again they are revived and Muslims seek benefit from them they will again be able to obtain that same glory.

If the Muslims of the present age have the spirit of sacrifice like the ancient Muslim and maintain unity among themselves, and Muslim readers understand well the scientific trends of the modern age, they can again attain progress and success.

However, it is necessary that every type of development and change should be within the limits of Islamic law. It should not be that understanding the recent trends could be made an excuse of throwing to the winds the established code of law of Islam.

  • 1. Surah Aale Imran 3:139

Philosophy of Islamic Laws:Ayatullah Naser Makarem Shirazi, Ayatullah Jafar Subhani

Questions of An American Muslim/15

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Questions-of-An-American-MuslimQuestion 15

Do the Islamic laws prefer general insurance over trade insurance? If a Muslim can opt for trade insurance at a lower cost, what is his duty? Can an American Muslim purchase these insurance shares?

Answer: According to Islamic law trade insurance (since it is an agreement and general laws are applicable to it) is valid and legal and from this aspect there is no difference between this insurance and general insurance. Therefore a Muslim can opt for trade insurance and also purchase the shares.

Philosophy of Islamic Laws:Ayatullah Naser Makarem Shirazi, Ayatullah Jafar Subhani

Questions of An American Muslim/14

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Questions-of-An-American-MuslimQuestion 14

There are different laws of inheritance in different states of America but in most cases they are against the Islamic laws. What is the duty of American Muslims in this regard?

Answer: In case there is conflict between the American and Islamic laws if an American Muslim could not act on Islamic laws and he is forced to act according to American law, in such condition there will be no sin on him.

Philosophy of Islamic Laws:Ayatullah Naser Makarem Shirazi, Ayatullah Jafar Subhani

Questions of An American Muslim/13

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Questions-of-An-American-MuslimQuestion 13

How can an American Muslim organize his journey for Mecca for the performance of Hajj what is the estimated cost of this journey?

Answer: Every Muslim in the world though he may be living in any corner of the world when after his expenses of the year he saves money sufficient to perform the Hajj, he must travel to Mecca for Hajj during the specified days. To find the cost of air travel, passport etc. he can inquire from the respective departments in America. The cost of staying for some days in Mecca does not exceed four dollars on a moderate estimate.

Philosophy of Islamic Laws:Ayatullah Naser Makarem Shirazi, Ayatullah Jafar Subhani

Questions of An American Muslim/12

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Questions-of-An-American-MuslimQuestion 12

If one is not satisfied whether the food of a restaurant is not using pork or pig fat, is it allowed to eat that food?

Generally it cannot be said for sure that the meat is of an animal slaughtered in the Islamic way. What is the responsibility of an American Muslim in such situations? Can he leave the other kinds and take the benefit of animals slaughtered by Jews?

Answer: Meat can be consumed in non-Islamic societies and hotels etc. only under the condition that the seller of meat or the owner of the hotel is a Muslim and there is chance that the meat is of an animal that is slaughtered in Islamic way, and the Muslim shop keeper has fulfilled his duty.

If one purchase meat from non-Muslim but he is certain that the animal has been slaughtered in the Islamic way, there is no prohibition in using this meat. The animals slaughtered by Jews and Christians are prohibited for Muslims.

Philosophy of Islamic Laws:Ayatullah Naser Makarem Shirazi, Ayatullah Jafar Subhani

Questions of An American Muslim/11

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Questions-of-An-American-MuslimQuestion 11

Does Islam allow such prevailing practices in America with regard to the burial of the dead like use of chemicals etc. to prevent the foul smell, or putting the dead body in a Coffin? Is it necessary that a shroud has to be white cloth? Or any other cloth can be used?

Is it allowed to cremate a dead body? And can the last rites of a Muslim and Qur’an Khwani etc. be performed in a Church? Or it is necessary to perform them in a Masjid? Those Muslims who live far away from Masjids and Muslims societies. What is their duty regarding these matters?

Answer: For a Muslim dead body it is obligatory that it should be buried in the particular way as described In Islamic laws. Therefore it is not allowed to bury the dead in ordinary clothes.

Though it is not necessary that the shroud must be white. According to the view point of Islam cremating the dead is haraam. It is necessary to bury the dead body and the obligatory burial is that it should be such that it is also safe from harm etc.

There is no harm in using chemicals for preventing foul smell provided there is no aspect of disrespect to the body of a Muslim. In the same way if the burial is as per Islamic law and there is also no intention of following the rituals of another religion, then there is no prohibition in keeping the body in a coffin.

It is advisable that the last rites of a Muslim are not performed in a Church. Therefore those Muslims who live far away from the Masjids can perform these rituals in some other centers or their houses. Or they can avoid their performance.

Philosophy of Islamic Laws:Ayatullah Naser Makarem Shirazi, Ayatullah Jafar Subhani

Questions of An American Muslim/10

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Questions-of-An-American-MuslimQuestion 10

Can a Muslim American celebrate in addition to Islamic Eids, other feasts, especially the New Year day, Easter and Christmas etc? Can be send greetings and gifts to non-Muslims?

Answer: To promote non-Islamic rituals and to participate in them is not advisable for a Muslim. Some of the festivals in addition of having incorrect basis generally consist of prohibited rituals. A Muslim should promote Islamic teachings.

Philosophy of Islamic Laws:Ayatullah Naser Makarem Shirazi, Ayatullah Jafar Subhani

Questions of An American Muslim/9

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Questions-of-An-American-MuslimQuestion 9

It is said that a Muslim man can marry Ahlul Kitab (People of the Book) women but a Muslim lady cannot marry Ahlul Kitab man. If this is so, what is the reason for it?

If Islam has prohibited marriage with polytheists is it marriage not forbidden with those Christians who believe in trinity or in the intercession of Popes?

It is also said that Muslims are not allowed to marry the apostates. In such a condition can a Muslim marry a woman who is a member of the communist party? Who is an apostate and denies the existence of God?

Is it allowed for a Muslim to marry those modern people who consider the Almighty Allah to be merely a figment of human imagination?

Can an American Muslim marry a Catholic lady? And he is helpless to the circumstances that his marriage ceremony is performed in a church and according to catholic rituals. He also has to sign a particular undertaking that his children must be brought up as Catholics?

Answer: A Muslims man can only perform Muta (temporary marriage) with Ahlul Kitab women. The logic behind the prohibition of a Muslim woman’s marriage to Ahlul Kitab man is that women are generally under the influence of men as regards marital and household matters and it is possible she may adopt the beliefs and systems of her husband etc.

Therefore if a Muslim woman marries Ahlul Kitab man it is possible she would be influenced by his views and her Islamic beliefs are shaken. Thus a Muslim woman must never marry a non-Muslim man. Though it is not so in the case of men.

In view of Islam there is a difference between a Christian and an idol worshipping polytheist. And Islam has not given concession to idol worship. There are two reasons for this discrimination.

(1)    The Polytheist and idol-worshipper does not accept prophethood after the belief in Allah, which (prophethood) is the second principle to all heavenly religions. And since he does not accept this important basic fact, there is no chance that they would ever come to the right path of salvation.

Because on they are attracted towards Islam, those who believe in the principles of Prophethood and Messengership. And due to these principles they gradually accept the heavenly laws and rules of this religion.

(2) The polytheism of the idol worshippers is complete and apparent on the other hand there is a polytheism of a lower level in Christianity. Because along with trinity they also claim Oneness and say that there is no problem in saying one is equal to three (though it is an unacceptable logic).

(3) Marriage is not allowed with an apostate who has no faith in God. Therefore a Muslim man cannot marry an apostate woman and a marriage of a Muslim woman with an apostate man is also prohibited.

From the aspect of this principle those who consider God as on the imagination of religious people and do not have in His actual existence are infidels and it is not allowed to establish marital relations with them.

No Muslim can promise that he would allow his children to be followers of Christianity.

Philosophy of Islamic Laws:Ayatullah Naser Makarem Shirazi, Ayatullah Jafar Subhani