Questions and Answers

The Light (Pakistan), 16th August 1922 Issue (Vol. 1, No. 17, p. 4)

Question:

In Islam the marriage limit is four wives, but our Prophet [pbuh] exceeded the limit. How do you account for it? — Ikram-ul-Haq

Answer:

The verses determining the “marriage limit” were revealed after the marriages of the Holy Prophet [pbuh], who, of course, was bound to keep them all as re-marriage was not permissible in their case.

Question:

It is said that Japan is sending off a mission to find out the best and [most] convenient religion. Have you done anything to convince her of the truthfulness of Islam? — Ikram-ul-Haq

Answer:

The matter is receiving consideration.

Question:

Is prayer permissible bareheaded [for men]? — Fazal-Daud-Khan

Answer:

Yes.

Question:

Is prayer permissible with a silk turban or a gold ring [for men]? — Fazal-Daud-Khan

Answer:

No.

Question:

Can an unlawful (illegitimate) child be innocent? — Fazal-Daud-Khan

Answer:

Yes. The Holy Prophet [pbuh] is reported to have said that

“every child is born in the nature of Islam.”

And the Holy Quran says:

“Nor can a bearer of burden bear the burden of another” (The Holy Quran, 17:15).

Question:

Is it necessary to respect a Sayyad [descendent of the Holy Prophet [pbuh]; also, spelt as ‘Syed’], on account of his being a Sayyad? — Fazal-Daud-Khan

Answer:

Everyone should be treated with respect and courtesy; there is no particularity about Sayyads [Syeds]. As a matter of fact, one’s actions command respect and not the descent.

Question:

Is it necessary to have a pir [priest], and what should be the qualifications of a pir? — Fazal-Daud-Khan

Answer:

No, it is not necessary.

Question:

Is there a branch of the Unitarian Church in India, and whence can we have its literature?

Answer:

I do not know if there is any branch of the Unitarian Church in India, but the literature can be had from England. You may try any publisher.

Question:

It there any [book on the] life of Muhammad [pbuh] in English? — Abdul-Hamid

Answer:

Yes. I will recommend the Life of Muhammad by Sayyad Ameer Ali.

Question:

Can you furnish me with a list of English books written by Lord Headley, Mr Pickthall, [and] Mr Parkinson? — Abdul-Hamid

Answer:

I am sorry, I cannot give you a complete list.

Lord Headley’s A Western Awakening to Islam is a well-known book.

Mr Pickthall is a novelist and has written several novels; one of them is With the Turk in Wartime.

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