Questions and Answers

The Light (Pakistan), 1st August 1922 Issue (Vol. 1, No. 16, pp. 3–4)

Question:

Why and where does Islam enjoin keeping of fast in the regions where days and nights are of six months? — Muhammad Ahsan

Answer:

Islam enjoins fasting as a principle:

“O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard against evil” (The Holy Quran, 2:183)

“Whoever of you is present in the month, he shall fast” (The Holy Quran, 2:185).

As regards the regions where nights and days are so long, the time for prayer and fast may be measured.

Question:

Most of the people in this country cannot understand the Quran. Can they derive any good (sawab) from reading the Quran? If so, why? — Muhammad Ahsan

Answer:

As a principle, one should try to learn the meaning of the Quran. In unavoidable circumstances, however, one is pardonable.

The reading of the Quran is, of course, beneficial because every action of ours has some effect or reward.

Question:

Is there any good in keeping the Holy Quran wrapped up in a shelf without reading it? — Muhammad Ahsan

Answer:

The Quran, as its very name signifies, is meant for reading, and should be read.

Question:

A Muslim keeps fast and says his prayers regularly; but now and then, because of the weakness of his faith, tells a lie or commits sins. Will his sins be cancelled by his good deeds, or will his good deeds and bad actions be judged and compared separately and will be rewarded or punished in accordance with the excess of one over the other? — Muhammad Ahsan

Answer:

The general rule is this:

“He who has done an atom’s weight of good shall see it. And he who has done atom’s weight of evil shall see it” (The Holy Quran, 99:7–8).

But if one’s virtues are predominantly more than one’s vices, the latter are obliterated by the former, and the effect of vices is rendered negligible.

We notice this phenomena in our physical world, too.

Question:

It is generally seen that the people of this country are neglectful of their prayers but are very strict in the observance of fast. Are they entitled to any reward? — Muhammad Ahsan

Answer:

Please see answer to question No. 2.

Question:

Some people regularly say their prayer but do not know the meaning of it. Will they get some reward for it, and if, so why? — Muhammad Ahsan

Answer:

Yes, please see answer to your question No. 2.

Question:

  1. What is Satan?
  2. How many satans are there?
  3. Which is their place?
  4. Have they any relation with stars, like angels, as explained in the Tauzih-i-Maram? — Mr Inamulla Khan

Answer:

  1. An evil propensity is a satan. Bad men who mislead others are also devils.
  2. Sorry, cannot count them.
  3. Everywhere.
  4. No, I do not think so. The angels, of course, are explained in the Tauzih-i-Maram as the various functions performed by the planets of our solar system. But it does not follow that devils must have the same characteristics.

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