Questions and Answers
The Light (Pakistan), 1st September 1922 Issue (Vol. 1, No. 18, pp. 3–4)
Question:
Suppose I am in a boat offering my prayers, directing myself towards the Kabah. But during that time the boat has turned, yet I do not change my direction and finish the prayer. Now, is my prayer performed? If not, why? — Mohammad Yakub Ali
Answer:
Yes, it is all right.
Question:
To lend money on, interest is sin. But we lend money on the condition that the borrower will give us rice, from which we will get more money. Is it lawful? — Mohammad Yakub Ali
Answer:
If you pay the price in advance and take rice, it is trade and not usury.
Question:
What is the reason for facing to the West in prayer? Can’t we turn to the opposite side? If not, why? — Abdur-Rahman
Answer:
In prayer, we turn towards the Kabah, the centre of Islam and “the first house built for the worship of one God” in Arabia. Unity demands that we all must face to one side only; otherwise, God is everywhere.
Question:
Is the life after death mentioned in the Holy Quran? — Abdur-Rahman
Answer:
Yes, it is repeatedly mentioned in the Quran. As a matter of fact, Islam believes in the continuity of life.
Question:
Is not slaughtering of animals permissible in the Holy Quran? If so, what is the reason of calling God the Merciful? — Abdur-Rahman
Answer:
Yes. God has created all these things for the use of man, and therefore sanctions their proper use. It is not against His mercy. Even trees are said to have life; should we not cut them?
Question:
Is the Moharram [Muharram] ceremony (keeping taboots [i.e., ceremonial coffins]) permissible? — Abdur-Rahman
Answer:
No, I do not think so.
Question:
Is there any harm in seeing the Moharram ceremony? — Abdur-Rahman
Answer:
No, if one wants only to satisfy the curiosity about it. But regular participation in unlawful things should be avoided.
Question:
Can’t we use photo buttons and broaches [brooches], etc.? — Abdur-Rahman
Answer:
It is a matter of taste and time. I am not very particular about these things. In such minor details the golden rule is to follow the dictates of your own conscience, guided by the principle that the use of these things should not in any way deter you from your duty to God and to man.
Question:
Can’t we keep hair according to the modern English fashion? — Abdur-Rahman
Answer:
Please see answer to the question above.
Question:
Is there any harm in taking away the beard? — Abdur-Rahman
Answer:
It is against the practice of the Holy Prophet (may peace and blessings of God be upon him).
Question:
India is Darul Harb [a country not under Islamic rule]. Why should we not take interest here? — Abdul Aziz
Answer:
I do not think that India is Darul Harb [because the British Government does not interfere with one following Islam]. A thing which is unlawful on principle is unlawful everywhere.
Question:
What does Imam Abu Hanifa say about it [i.e., accepting interest on bank savings]; and what [about] His Holiness Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian? — Abdul Aziz
Answer:
So far as I know, Imam Abu Hanifa did not pass a decree about it.
Hazrat Mirza Sahib allowed the bank interest to be spent for the propagation of Islam. He did not think that India was Darul Harb.
Question:
Why did our Prophet (peace be upon him) take so many wives, whereas he has forbidden us to do so? — Abdul Aziz
Answer:
Most of the marriages were political. As regards the marriage limit, the verses determining the limit was revealed after the marriages of the Prophet [pbuh], who was bound to keep them all as re-marriage in their case was not permissible.
Question:
How it is that Jesus being without a father seems wonderful, whereas the same is the case with Adam? — Abdul Aziz
Answer:
It does not seem to me, at least, to be wonderful. Perhaps the Christian dogmas have invited some of the Muslim controversialists to attach importance to this question.
Question:
If Allah has boundless love and mercy, why does He say:
“He who has done an atom’s weight of evil shall see it”? [The Holy Quran, 99:8]
— Abid Hussain
Answer:
Yes, the general law is this, but Allah is Merciful, and it is repeatedly mentioned in the Quran that He pardons our sins.
Question:
Why are the Mullahs [clerics] so particular to preach for keeping the beard? — Abid Hussain
Answer:
Please ask any Mullah.
Perhaps they are particular because the new generation is particular to take it off.
Question:
What is the criterion of a true religion? — Abid Hussain
Answer:
I think a religion which enables its followers to be in communication with God is a true religion.
Question:
How can Islam be proved to be a true religion? — Abid Hussain
Answer:
There are so many men who, by following Islam, have been recipients of Divine revelation.