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.