Tag: islam

This article has been translated into other languages:

• Indonesian
• Arabic (coming soon)

There is a certain group of people who believe that they are descendants of the prophet Muhammad. A popular term used to refer to these people is “Sayyid” (singular) or “Sadah” (plural). It is also commonly spelled “Syed”. The descendants of Muhammad through their mother but not father are referred to as “Mirza”. Although reliable statistics are unavailable, conservative estimates put the number of Sayyids in the tens of millions. Sayyids can be found all over the world including the following.

Iraq
The Sayyid families in Iraq are so numerous that there are books written especially to list the families and connect their trees.

Iran
Sayyids are found in vast numbers in Iran. The Chief of the “National Organization for Civil Registration” of Iran declared that more than 6 million Iranians are Sayyid.

Oman
In Oman, Sayyid is used by members of the Al Said ruling royal family. Members of the extended family or members by marriage carry the title Sayyid or Sayyida for a female. Such titles in Oman are hereditary through paternal lineage or in some exceptional circumstances, such as an honorary title given by royal decree.

Libya
The Sayyids in Libya are Sunni, including the former royal family, which is originally Zaidi-Moroccan (also known as the Senussi family).

Yemen
In Yemen the Sayyids are more generally known as sadah; they are also referred to as Hashemites. In terms of religious practice, they are Shia, Sunni, and Sufi. Sayyid families in Yemen include the Rassids, the Qasimids, the Mutawakkilites, the Hamideddins, some Al-Zaidi of Ma’rib, Sana’a, and Sa’dah, the Ba ‘Alawi sada families in Hadhramaut, Al-Wazir of Sana’a, Al-Shammam of Sa’dah, the Sufyan of Juban, and the Al-Jaylani of Juban.

Yemeni Ba ’Alawi
The term Ba ‘Alawi (باعلوي) which, in Yemeni dialect, is short for Bani ‘Alawi, means “clan or descendants of ‘Alawi”.

The Ba ‘Alawi sada families trace their lineage to Sayyid al-Imam Ahmad al-Muhajir bin Isa ar-Rumi born in 873 (260H), who emigrated from Basra to Hadhramaut in 931 (320H) to avoid sectarian violence, including the invasion of the Qaramite forces into the Abbasid Caliphate. Imam al-Muhajir’s grandson Alawi was the first Sayyid to be born in Hadhramaut, and the only one of Imam al-Muhajir’s descendants to produce a continuous line; the lineages of Imam al-Muhajir’s other grandsons, Basri and Jadid, were cut off after several generations. Accordingly, Imam Al-Muhajir’s descendants in Hadhramaut hold the name Bā ‘Alawi (“descendants of Alawi”). The Ba ‘Alawi Sadah have since been living in Hadhramaut in Southern Yemen, maintaining the Sunni Creed in the fiqh school of Shafii. In the beginning, a descendant of Imam Ahmad Muhajir who became a scholar in Islamic studies was called Imam, then Sheikh, but later called Habib (beloved).

South Asia
In 1901 the total number of Sayyids (Syeds) in British India was counted as 1,339,734. Recent estimates show that in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal there are more than 15 million Sayyids: 8 million in Pakistan, 7 million in India, over 1 million in Bangladesh, and around seventy thousand in Nepal.

Southeast Asia
Most of the Alawi Sayyids who moved to Southeast Asia were descendants of Ali ibn Husayn Zayn al-Abidin, especially of Ba ‘Alawi sada, many of which were descendants of migrants from Hadhramaut. Even though they are alleged descendants of Husayn, it is uncommon for the female Sayyids to be called Sayyidah; they are more commonly called Sharifah. Most of them live in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Moro Province in the Philippines, Pattani and Cambodia. Many of the royal families of this region such as the previous royal families of the Philippines (Sultanate of Sulu, Sultanate of Maguindanao, Confederation of Sultanates of Ranao), Singapore (Sultanate of Singapore), Malaysia (Sultanates of Johor and Perlis), Indonesia (Sultanates of Siak, Pontianak, Gowa, some Javanese Sultanates), and the existing royal family of Brunei (House of Bolkiah) are also Sayyids, especially of Ba’Alawi.

Some common surnames of these Sayyids are al-Saqqaf, Shihab (or Shahab), al-Aidaroos, al-Habsyi (or al-Habshi), al-Kaff, al-Aththos, al-Haddad, al-Jufri (or al-Jifri), al-Muhdhar, al-Shaikh Abubakar, al-Qadri, al-Munawwar.

Ottoman Empire
In the Ottoman Empire, Muhammad’s descendants formed a kind of nobility with the privilege of wearing green turbans.

Are Sayyids Really Descendants of the Prophet Muhammad?

Genetic studies of Sayyids of the Indian sub-continent

The authors of the study “Y chromosomes of self-identified Syeds from the Indian subcontinent” showed that the Y chromosomes of self-identified Syeds from India and Pakistan are no less diverse than those non-Syeds from the same regions, suggesting that Syed status, rather than being strictly patrilineal, may have been passed through other routes, and that there is no biological basis to the belief that self-identified Syeds in this part of the world share a recent common ancestry.

Imposters

In the Ottoman Empire, tax breaks for Sayyids encouraged many people to buy certificates of descent or forge genealogies; the phenomenon of teseyyüd – falsely claiming noble ancestry – spread across ethnic, class, and religious boundaries. In the 17th century, an Ottoman bureaucrat estimated that there were 300,000 impostors. In 18th-century Anatolia, nearly all upper-class urban people claimed descent from Muhammad.

Mixed ancestry

Though many Sayyids claim nobility and superiority due to their lineage to the prophet Muhammad, most Sayyids can only claim patrilineal descent. Sayyids often married non-Sayyid Arabs and even non-Arabs resulting in them having very little genetic traces of the Prophet Muhammad. Unsurprisingly, most Sayyids, such as the Ba’Alawi of Southeast Asia, look mixed Asian and Arab or completely Asian. Following are some famous Ba’Alawi Sayyids according to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ba_%27Alawi_sada who look Indonesian or mixed Arab and Indonesian.

Sayyid Superiority

Most Muslims consider Prophet Muhammad to be superior to all other prophets. This is evidenced by the fact that pretty much every mosque in the world has two names placed side by side on their walls, namely “Muhammad” and “Allah” (Arabic for “God”). Very rarely will you see the names of the other prophets such as Abraham, Moses and Jesus. Interestingly, Muhammad’s name is more often than not the same size and at the same height as that of God suggesting that Muhammad is equal to God, which obviously contradicts Islam’s core fundamental belief, but that’s a different issue.

By believing in the superiority of Muhammad, some descendants of the prophet Muhammad and even other Muslims would regard Sayyids as noble people who are somewhat superior to everyone else. For example, in the Ottoman empire, tax breaks were given to Sayyids. In Indonesia, many native Indonesian students of Islam would bow down and kiss the hand of a Sayyid even if the Sayyid wasn’t a practicing Muslim.

Further evidence that Sayyids consider themselves a superior group comes from their choice of a marriage partner (or their parent’s choice of a marriage partner for their children). 

In India, traditional Sayyid families rarely marry outside their community and emphasize marrying into Najeeb Altarfain (of Sayyid descent from both the mother’s and father’s side) families. However, this insistence on endogamy has begun to decline among the more urbanized families, with an increase in exogamy with other groups such as the Shaikh and Mughals.

In Indonesia, I am personally familiar with the fact that many Ba’Alawi Sayyids insist on marrying other Ba’Alawi Sayyids, especially if the Sayyid is a female since ancestral lineage is patrilineal. Ironically, the prophet Muhammad himself had no sons, just a daughter, yet many Sayyids use patrilineal ancestry in their family trees linking them to the prophet.

Marriage

In order to continue their patrilineal ancestry to the prophet Muhammad and consequently their children’s sense of nobility and superiority, female Sayyids would have to marry other Sayyids. Unfortunately, however, marrying someone on the basis of family name as opposed to compatibility is likely to result in disappointment and divorce. 

Sayyid women marrying Sayyid men

In one example, a female Ba’alawi Sayyid I know married a Ba’alawi Sayyid man who turned out to be violent and who even threatened to kill her. Not exactly noble behavior!

In another example, a Ba’alawi Sayyid woman married a Ba’alawi Sayyid man who was her cousin. The man then married another woman who was a non-Ba’Alwi Arab so as to have two wives. The first wife rejected the second marriage and ran away. Eventually, the second wife divorced her husband. The first wife, who never worked, was dependant on her husband so she eventually came back to him. Now, they live together but sleep in separate rooms and don’t talk to each other.

In another example, a female Ba’alawi Sayyid I know married a Ba’alawi Sayyid without them having even seen each other in person before their wedding day. There was even support and pressure for this marriage from both families as if marriage between two Sayyids was a guarantee of success and happiness. Unsurprisingly, she divorced her husband after 10 years, is now 44 years old, doesn’t have any kids despite wishing to have kids, and is finding it difficult to remarry at her age. 

A non-Sayyid Arab woman marrying a Sayyid man

Some non-Sayyid women may feel proud to marry a Sayyid man so that their children can become Sayyids. Though Sayyids may consider themselves superior, they are really just ordinary people. Like everyone else, some Sayyids are good and some are bad. I personally know of a non-Sayyid woman who married two Ba’alawi Sayyids. She divorced the first husband after one week and divorced the second after having 6 children. She never remarried. Though she may feel proud that her children are Sayyids, she’s probably more disappointed that her marriages failed.

A Sayyid woman marrying a non-Arab, non-Sayyid man

Sometimes, a female Sayyid would marry a non-Arab non-Sayyid. This happened to the sister of a Ba’alawi Sayyid friend of mine. She wanted to marry a native Indonesian. As this was considered unacceptable, sadly only a few people attended the wedding from the Sayyid side. The majority of the wedding guests were from the non-Sayyid groom’s side.

Sayyid men marrying non-Arab, non-Sayyid women

There are also cases where Sayyid parents insist their sons marry Sayyids but their sons don’t want to. In one case, three Ba’alawi Sayyid brothers each married non-Sayyids who were Mongolian, Japanese and Indonesian. Though their parents were devastated and felt disgraced, their sons seem happily married.

Matrimonial websites

Some matrimonial matchmaking websites even have a category for people to search for men and women who are Sayyids or Syeds like this Indian one.

Some may mention outright that they are only interested in marrying another Sayyid. In some cases, a parent may create a profile for their son or daughter stating that they are Sayyids and are strictly seeking Sayyid matches with words like “Non-Sayyids should not contact us and waste our time.”

Unsurprisingly, after generations of inter-racial marriages, the self-identified Sayyids on this website look Indian instead of Arab.

On another Indian matrimonial website, Muslims can choose one of many, many “castes” one of which is “Muslim – Syed”. 

What’s interesting (and sad) is the sheer number of groups under the Muslim category. On this website, one can search for one of the following Muslim groups. Apparently some people – possibly many – feel that these subdivisions are necessary without realizing that it only further divides Muslims rather than unites them. Furthermore, it limits one’s choices when searching for a spouse which limits one’s potential for attaining a happy marriage.

• Muslim
• Muslim – Ansari
• Muslim – Arain
• Muslim – Awan
• Muslim – Bohra
• Muslim – Dekkani
• Muslim – Dudekula
• Muslim – Hanafi
• Muslim – Jat
• Muslim – Khoja
• Muslim – Lebbai
• Muslim – Malik
• Muslim – Mapila
• Muslim – Maraicar
• Muslim – Memon
• Muslim – Mughal
• Muslim – Pathan
• Muslim – Qureshi
• Muslim – Rajput
• Muslim – Rowther
• Muslim – Shafi
• Muslim – Sheikh
• Muslim – Siddiqui
• Muslim – Syed
• Muslim – UnSpecified

As an American Muslim, I personally am not familiar with any of these Muslim groups and only last week learned about the “Syed” group. In other words, for an outsider, none of the groups matter except for the parent group, i.e. “Muslim”.

What About Descendants of Other Prophets?

All prophets and messengers of Islam are equal

All Muslims believe that there are many prophets in Islam besides Muhammad. Some prophets are more famous than others, e.g. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Unfortunately, Muslims, both Sayyid and non-Sayyid, incorrectly believe that Muhammad is superior to all other prophets. Rather, no distinction should be made between any of the prophets and messengers of God. This is proven in the following verses.

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَا التَّوْرَاةَ فِيهَا هُدًى وَنُورٌ ۚ يَحْكُمُ بِهَا النَّبِيُّونَ الَّذِينَ أَسْلَمُوا لِلَّذِينَ هَادُوا وَالرَّبَّانِيُّونَ وَالْأَحْبَارُ بِمَا اسْتُحْفِظُوا مِن كِتَابِ اللَّهِ وَكَانُوا عَلَيْهِ شُهَدَاءَ ۚ فَلَا تَخْشَوُا النَّاسَ وَاخْشَوْنِ وَلَا تَشْتَرُوا بِآيَاتِي ثَمَنًا قَلِيلًا ۚ وَمَن لَّمْ يَحْكُم بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْكَافِرُونَ

Say: We believe in God and that which had been revealed to us, and that which was revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes, and that which was given to Moses and Jesus, and that which was given to the prophets from their Lord, we do not make any distinction between any of them (prophets), and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him. (Quran: 2:136)

ءَامَنَ ٱلرَّسُولُ بِمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِن رَّبِّهِۦ وَٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ ۚ كُلٌّ ءَامَنَ بِٱللَّهِ وَمَلَـٰٓئِكَتِهِۦ وَكُتُبِهِۦ وَرُسُلِهِۦ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍۢ مِّن رُّسُلِهِۦ ۚ وَقَالُوا۟ سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا ۖ غُفْرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا وَإِلَيْكَ ٱلْمَصِيرُ

The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in God and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], “We make no distinction between any of His messengers.” And they say, “We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination.” (Quran: 2:285)

قُلْ ءَامَنَّا بِٱللَّهِ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ عَلَيْنَا وَمَآ أُنزِلَ عَلَىٰٓ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَإِسْمَـٰعِيلَ وَإِسْحَـٰقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَٱلْأَسْبَاطِ وَمَآ أُوتِىَ مُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ وَٱلنَّبِيُّونَ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍۢ مِّنْهُمْ وَنَحْنُ لَهُۥ مُسْلِمُونَ

Say, “We have believed in God and in what was revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Descendants [al-Asbat], and in what was given to Moses and Jesus and to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them (prophets), and we are Muslims [submitting] to Him.” (Quran: 3:84)

Verse 4:152 indicates that God will reward believers who do not discriminate between any of the messengers. This implies that believers, including Sayyids, who regard the prophet Muhammad as superior to other prophets and messengers will not be rewarded.

وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِۦ وَلَمْ يُفَرِّقُوا۟ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍۢ مِّنْهُمْ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ سَوْفَ يُؤْتِيهِمْ أُجُورَهُمْ ۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ غَفُورًۭا رَّحِيمًۭا

But they who believe in God and His messengers and do not discriminate between any of them (messengers) – to those He is going to give their rewards. And ever is God Forgiving and Merciful. (Quran: 4:152)

Now that it has been proven that 

• all prophets and messengers are equal
• Muslims are not allowed to view prophets and messengers as unequal
• Muhammad is not superior to the other prophets and messengers

let’s see what the Quran says about some of the descendants of other prophets.

Some of Abraham’s descendants were wrongdoers

In verse 2:124, we see proof that not all of Abraham’s descendants are righteous. God acknowledges that some are wrongdoers despite being descendants of the prophet Abraham.

وَإِذِ ابْتَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ رَبُّهُ بِكَلِمَاتٍ فَأَتَمَّهُنَّ ۖ قَالَ إِنِّي جَاعِلُكَ لِلنَّاسِ إِمَامًا ۖ قَالَ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِي ۖ قَالَ لَا يَنَالُ عَهْدِي الظَّالِمِينَ

And [mention, O Muhammad], when Abraham was tried by his Lord with commands and he fulfilled them. [God] said, “Indeed, I will make you a leader for the people.” [Abraham] said, “And of my descendants?” [God] said, “My covenant does not include the wrongdoers.” (Quran: 2:124)

In verses 37:112-113, we see that Abraham was given a son named Isaac but some of their descendants were unrighteous sinners.

وَبَشَّرْنَـٰهُ بِإِسْحَـٰقَ نَبِيًّۭا مِّنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ وَبَـٰرَكْنَا عَلَيْهِ وَعَلَىٰٓ إِسْحَـٰقَ ۚ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِهِمَا مُحْسِنٌۭ وَظَالِمٌۭ لِّنَفْسِهِۦ مُبِينٌۭ

And We gave him [Abraham] good tidings of Isaac, a prophet from among the righteous. And We blessed him and Isaac. But among their descendants is the doer of good and the clearly unjust to himself [i.e., sinner]. (Quran: 37:112-113)

In verses 11:1-18, we see proof that all but one of Prophet Jacob’s sons were unrighteous. They tried to kill their brother, Joseph, by throwing him down a well. Joseph would later become a prophet.

In verse 11:46 we see proof that prophet Noah’s immediate descendant (one of his sons) was unrighteous.

قَالَ يَـٰنُوحُ إِنَّهُۥ لَيْسَ مِنْ أَهْلِكَ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ عَمَلٌ غَيْرُ صَـٰلِحٍۢ ۖ فَلَا تَسْـَٔلْنِ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلْمٌ ۖ إِنِّىٓ أَعِظُكَ أَن تَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلْجَـٰهِلِينَ

He [God] said, “O Noah, indeed he (your son) is not of your family; indeed, he is [one whose] work was other than righteous, so ask Me not for that about which you have no knowledge. Indeed, I advise you, lest you be among the ignorant.” (Quran: 11:46)

Notice that in the above verse, God tells Noah that not only is one of his sons unrighteous, but that 

1. Noah should not consider his unrighteous son to be of his family. 
2. Noah should not ask God to help his son

In verse 57:26 we see clear proof that many (not some, but “many”) of the descendants of prophets Noah and Abraham were wrongdoers (“defiantly disobedient”). The word for “many” used in the verse is “katheer” / كَثِيرٌۭ in Arabic which clearly means “many”.

وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا نُوحًۭا وَإِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَجَعَلْنَا فِى ذُرِّيَّتِهِمَا ٱلنُّبُوَّةَ وَٱلْكِتَـٰبَ ۖ فَمِنْهُم مُّهْتَدٍۢ ۖ وَكَثِيرٌۭ مِّنْهُمْ فَـٰسِقُونَ

And We have already sent Noah and Abraham and placed in their descendants prophethood and scripture; and among them is he who is guided, but many of them were defiantly disobedient. (Quran: 57:26)

It’s possible that this verse is referring to people who lived amongst the descendants of Noah and Abraham but, considering the wording in the verses above, it most likely means that the wrongdoers were their descendants.

What About Descendants of Prophets Moses and Jesus?

According to the Quran, Moses and Jesus are prophets of Islam. They are two of the most often mentioned prophets in the Quran. The Quran calls their followers People of the Book (Arabic: Ahl Al-Kitaab) because they are followers of the holy book, the Jewish Torah. Jews and Christians revere Moses and Jesus just as much as followers of the Quran revere Muhammad. However, Jews and Christians have different attitudes towards the descendants of these prophets. 

Jesus’ descendants

In the case of Jesus, there is no issue because he had no descendants.

Moses’ descendants

In the case of Moses, he had two sons, Gershom and Eliezer. However, when it came time to choose a successor for Moses, Jewish Sages said that Moses requested that one of his sons be appointed. But, God responded with, “Your sons sat and did not occupy themselves with Torah. Joshua, who served you, is fitting to serve Israel.” So, Joshua became the leader of the Israelite tribes after the death of Moses and not any of Moses’ sons (Deuteronomy 31:1–8; 34:9).

Moses had an older brother, Aaron, who had four sons. Though Moses’ sons did not live up to Moses’ example, Aaron’s sons did carry the noble traditions of their father. God considered Moses’ nephews (Aaron’s sons) as Moses’ children, for Moses was the one who taught them the Torah. This is reflected in Numbers 3:1 which begins “These are the descendants of Moses and Aaron…” but only lists Aaron’s four sons. God reassured Moses that even Joshua would need to confer with Aaron’s son, the High Priest, to know God’s will.

Though Moses had two sons, they were nothing special and Jews don’t consider descendants of Moses to be any more special than anyone else. Maybe some Muslims can learn from this Jewish attitude.

What About the Wives of Prophets?

Many Muslims believe that the wives of the prophet Muhammad were superior and righteous women. Since it was proven above that all prophets and messengers are equal, then one would expect the wives of other prophets and messengers to all be superior and righteous as well. Let’s see what the Quran says about that.

In verse 66:10 we see proof that even though prophets Noah and Lot were righteous servants of God, their wives were sinners and were sent to Hell. This verse also proves that righteous prophets had no power to save their sinful wives from Hell.

ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًۭا لِّلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ ٱمْرَأَتَ نُوحٍۢ وَٱمْرَأَتَ لُوطٍۢ ۖ كَانَتَا تَحْتَ عَبْدَيْنِ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا صَـٰلِحَيْنِ فَخَانَتَاهُمَا فَلَمْ يُغْنِيَا عَنْهُمَا مِنَ ٱللَّهِ شَيْـًۭٔا وَقِيلَ ٱدْخُلَا ٱلنَّارَ مَعَ ٱلدَّٰخِلِينَ

God presents an example of those who disbelieved: the wife of Noah and the wife of Lot. They were under two of Our righteous servants but betrayed them, so they [i.e., those prophets] did not avail them from God at all, and it was said, “Enter the Fire with those who enter.” (Quran: 66:10)

In verse 33:30 we read that if any of prophet Muhammad’s wives committed a sin, then their punishment would be double that of anyone else.

يَـٰنِسَآءَ ٱلنَّبِىِّ مَن يَأْتِ مِنكُنَّ بِفَـٰحِشَةٍۢ مُّبَيِّنَةٍۢ يُضَـٰعَفْ لَهَا ٱلْعَذَابُ ضِعْفَيْنِ ۚ وَكَانَ ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ يَسِيرًۭا

O wives of the Prophet, whoever of you should commit a clear immorality – for her the punishment would be doubled two fold, and ever is that, for God, easy. (Quran: 33:30)

According to the verse above, it becomes clear that being related to the prophet Muhammad does not guarantee exemption from righteousness nor admission to Paradise.

What about Prophet Muhammad himself?

Many Muslims believe that prophet Muhammad was a perfect human. For that reason, they desire to imitate him in every way possible, e.g. having a long beard, following his supposedly original and authentic hadith, celebrating his birthday, etc. Interestingly, God Himself says in the Quran in two separate verses that Muhammad sinned more than once.

إِنَّا فَتَحْنَا لَكَ فَتْحًا مُّبِينًا لِّيَغْفِرَ لَكَ ٱللَّهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِن ذَنۢبِكَ وَمَا تَأَخَّرَ وَيُتِمَّ نِعْمَتَهُۥ عَلَيْكَ وَيَهْدِيَكَ صِرَٰطًا مُّسْتَقِيمًا

Indeed, We have given you, [O Muḥammad], a clear conquest. That Allāh may forgive for you what preceded of your sin and what will follow and complete His favor upon you and guide you to a straight path (Quran: 48:1-2)

فَٱعْلَمْ أَنَّهُۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ وَٱسْتَغْفِرْ لِذَنۢبِكَ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَٱلْمُؤْمِنَـٰتِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ مُتَقَلَّبَكُمْ وَمَثْوَىٰكُمْ

So know, [O Muḥammad], that there is no deity except Allāh and ask forgiveness for your sin and for the believing men and believing women. And Allāh knows of your movement and your resting place. (Quran: 47:19)

Note that the word ذَنْبٌ actually does mean sin.

Intercession by Prophet Muhammad

Some Sayyids believe that their bloodline to Prophet Muhammad would help them gain access to Paradise by way of Prophet Muhammad interceding on their behalf on the Day of Judgment / Recompense. This belief is extremely dangerous as it offers a false sense of security. According to verse 2:123, no one, including the prophet Muhammad, has the power to intercede on anyone’s behalf on the Day.

وَٱتَّقُوا۟ يَوْمًۭا لَّا تَجْزِى نَفْسٌ عَن نَّفْسٍۢ شَيْـًۭٔا وَلَا يُقْبَلُ مِنْهَا عَدْلٌۭ وَلَا تَنفَعُهَا شَفَـٰعَةٌۭ وَلَا هُمْ يُنصَرُونَ

And fear a Day (Day of Judgment / Recompense) when no soul will suffice for another soul at all, and no compensation will be accepted from it, nor will any intercession benefit it, nor will they be aided. (Quran: 2:123)

The verse above proves that on matters of religion, everyone is responsible for themselves, and no ancestor, no matter how famous or noble they were, whether they died yesterday or 1400 years ago, can benefit anyone, let alone their descendants.

Comparing Sayyids to Other Groups

Obviously, Sayyids aren’t the only people who think they are superior to others. Following are some examples of other groups of people who have a superiority complex.

Hindus

The Hindu caste system divides Hindus into four main categories – Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and the Shudras. Many believe that the groups originated from Brahma, the Hindu God of creation. Outside of this Hindu caste system were the achhoots – the Dalits or the untouchables. In this system, the higher your caste, the more superior you are.

Note that, as for Sayyids, this Hindu belief system is based on birth – no one can move from one group to another, whether up or down. From the viewpoint of a Hindu of upper caste, a Sayyid Muslim could be regarded as inferior to them. One consequence of this egregiously unfair Hindu caste system is the conversion of many Dalits to Islam hoping to escape discrimination. Unfortunately, according to the BBC article Why are many Indian Muslims seen as untouchable?, even Muslims of upper castes will discriminate against Dalits who have become Muslim.

Dalits are considered impure by caste Hindus and many of them work in sanitation.

Although India’s constitution banned discrimination on the basis of caste, discrimination by caste is still widely prevalent.

White supremacists

White supremacists believe that white people constitute a superior race and should therefore dominate society, typically to the exclusion or detriment of other racial and ethnic groups, in particular black or Jewish people. Some white supremacists argue that their blood is “pure” or that they are “pure” descendants of white Europeans. It is not uncommon for a white supremacist member to think they are pure European only to find out after taking a genealogy test that they have mixed ancestry.

For example, many white people may look caucasian but actually have mixed native American or Mexican ancestry. This shocking reality leads some to simply reject the test results so they may continue with their feelings of superiority.

Although US law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, etc, discrimination on these points still exists.

Other examples

If you think about it, racism and people who have a superiority complex exist in all walks of life. Some examples are:

• A person who lives in the city may think they are superior to people who live in rural areas
• A rich people may think they are superior to poor people
• A fair skinned Indian or African may think they are superior to dark skinned Indians and Africans (Note: skin whitening is big business in Asia and Africa)
  • Skin whitening big business in Asia
  • India’s multibillion-dollar skin lightening industry under fire as Indians seek whiter shade of pale
• An educated person may feel they are superior to uneducated people
• A person who owns a house may feel superior to people who rent a house
• A person who owns a car may feel superior to someone who has to ride public transportation
• An American, being from the richest and most powerful country in the world, may feel superior to all non-Americans.

Most Sayyids would consider the Hindu caste system, white supremacy, and the other examples above as outrageous and completely unacceptable. Ironically, many Sayyids are no different than these other groups who claim superiority.

Salawaat

In Quran, Surah al-Ahzab (33), Verse 56 we read that God and His Angels send salawaat  (blessings) to Muhammad and God instructed believers to send salawaat Muhammad as well. 

إِنَّ ٱل‍لَّٰهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَىٰ ٱلنَّبِيِّ يَا أَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا۟ صَلُّوا۟ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا۟ تَسْلِيمًا

“God and His Angels send blessings on the Prophet, O you who believe! Send your blessings on him, and salute him a thorough salutation” (Quran: 33:56)

The word salawaat is the plural form of the word salat which means prayer, blessings or salutation. Some Sayyids think that since God and His Angels send blessings on the prophet Muhammad, then Muhammad must be superior to all other prophets, and by extension, Muhammad’s descendants are superior. They can easily be proven wrong by reading a few verses before the one above. In Quran Surah al-Ahzab (33), Verses 41-43 we find that God and His Angels send blessings on ALL believers.

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱذْكُرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ذِكْرًۭا كَثِيرًۭا وَسَبِّحُوهُ بُكْرَةًۭ وَأَصِيلًا هُوَ ٱلَّذِى يُصَلِّى عَلَيْكُمْ وَمَلَـٰٓئِكَتُهُۥ لِيُخْرِجَكُم مِّنَ ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ إِلَى ٱلنُّورِ ۚ وَكَانَ بِٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَحِيمًۭا

O you who have believed, remember God with much remembrance. And exalt Him morning and afternoon. It is He who confers blessing upon you (believers), and His angels [do so as well] that He may bring you out from darkness into the light. And ever is He, to the believers, Merciful. (Quran: 33:41-43)

When Muslims pray, they recite salawaat near the end of the prayer. It usually reads as follows:

ٱللَّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ ٱللَّٰهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ

God, send prayers on Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as you have sent prayers on Abrahim and the family of Abrahim. Truly, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious. God, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as you have blessed Abraham and the family of Abrahim. Truly, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious.

Here, we see that salawaat is done for Muhammad in addition to the family of Muhammad. However, there is no instruction in the Quran for believers to send salawaat to the family of Muhammad. It should come as no surprise that Islam, like many religions, has changed over time due to politics, local traditions, war, etc. It is therefore likely that influential people, e.g. some Sayyids long ago, may have modified the salawaat to include the family of Muhammad for their own personal benefit.

Dividing the Muslim Community

If Sayyids believe they are superior to everyone else, then they are dividing the Muslim community which, according to verse 6:159, is not only unacceptable, but God even tells Muhammad that he has nothing to do with them.

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ فَرَّقُوا دِينَهُمْ وَكَانُوا شِيَعًا لَّسْتَ مِنْهُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ ۚ إِنَّمَا أَمْرُهُمْ إِلَى اللَّهِ ثُمَّ يُنَبِّئُهُم بِمَا كَانُوا يَفْعَلُونَ

Indeed, those who have divided their religion and become sects – you, [O Muhammad], are not [associated] with them in anything. Their affair is only [left] to God; then He will inform them about what they used to do. (6:159)

Ironically, Sayyids use their relationship to Muhammad to justify their sense of superiority which divides Muslims while God indicates that Muhammad has nothing to do with them for that very reason.

Satan (The Father of Arrogance) and Sayyids

Ironically, Muslim Sayyids who believe that they are somehow superior to everyone else are in fact behaving like Satan himself. According to the Quran, Satan (a jinn) felt superior to Adam (a human) because Satan was made from smokeless fire whereas Adam was made from clay.

Clearly, Satan’s biological difference with Adam is much more obvious than the invisible genetic difference between Sayyids and non-Sayyids. We all (Christians, Jews and Muslims) know how the story ends. Satan’s arrogance and superiority complex will commit him to Hell for eternity.

Descendants of Adam – The First Prophet of Islam

Most people have more respect for founders or pioneers of something, whether it is a religion, a country, a successful company, etc, rather than subsequent leaders. This is one reason why most Muslims have a lot of respect for the prophet Muhammad – they think that he is the first Muslim and founder of Islam. Embarrassingly for them, it can easily be proven using the Quran that Muhammad was not the first Muslim and prophet of Islam and that he happens to be the last prophet from a long chain of prophets. In verse 16:123, God specifically told Muhammad to follow the religion of Prophet Abraham. 

ثُمَّ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ أَنِ اتَّبِعْ مِلَّةَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ حَنِيفًا ۖ وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ

Then We [God] revealed to you, [O Muhammad], to follow the form of religion (Arabic: millat) of Abraham, inclining toward truth; and he was not of those who associate with God. (16:123)

Instead of focusing on Muhammad, the last prophet of Islam, what if Muslims focused on Adam, the first prophet of Islam? Even though the Quran doesn’t literally mention that Adam was a prophet or messenger of Islam, his prophethood is clearly implied in verse 3:33 where he is compared to prophets Noah, Abraham and Imran.

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ ٱصْطَفَىٰٓ ءَادَمَ وَنُوحًۭا وَءَالَ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَءَالَ عِمْرَٰنَ عَلَى ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ

Indeed, God chose Adam and Noah and the family of Abraham and the family of Imran over the worlds – (3:33)

Prophet Adam was not only the founder and first prophet of Islam but also the founder of mankind (everyone is a descendant of Adam). No family tree is needed to prove one’s descent from Adam. Consequently, everyone is equal with respect to noble ancestry and no one can claim supremacy based on bloodline which, as proven above, is the way of the Devil!

The Most Noble People

If we really wanted to single out a person or a group of people who should be considered noble with respect to Islam, then we can easily find who they are from the Quran. Verse 49:13 makes it clear that the noblest people are the most righteous. And, it should go without saying that righteousness is not based on birth but one’s actions.

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَـٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍۢ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَـٰكُمْ شُعُوبًۭا وَقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتْقَىٰكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌۭ

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Aware. (49:13)

Hadith

Some Sayyids may argue that there are hadith that support the argument that the Prophet Muhammad and his progeny are superior to everyone else. For them, they may read my article which proves that the hadith are not a valid source of Islamic law and that judging by the hadith on matters of religion constitutes shirk and renders one kafir. 

Short version:

Proof the Hadith is Not Valid Islamic Law

Long version:

http://uncorruptedislam.com/analysis-validity-prophet-muhammad-hadith.html

Conclusion

The Quranic proofs and logical arguments above make it clear that descendants of the prophet Muhammad are not superior in any way, shape or form compared to the rest of mankind. This conclusion is pretty obvious in non-Islamic Western countries but unfortunately, many people in Islamic countries are too ignorant and in denial of this, possibly due to their attitude that tradition must be correct even if it defies logic. Perhaps they should take a step back and ponder over the following verse.

إِنَّ شَرَّ الدَّوَابِّ عِندَ اللَّهِ الصُّمُّ الْبُكْمُ الَّذِينَ لَا يَعْقِلُونَ

Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf and dumb who do not use their brains to think. (8:22)

Sources: 

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ba_%27Alawi_sada
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_tree_of_Muhammad 
• https://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/1530929/jewish/What-Happened-to-Moses-Descendants.htm
• https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joshua

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This article contains proofs to support the argument that Jews and Christians are actually Muslims.

Prophet Isa (Jesus) and his disciples were Submitters (Muslims)

فَلَمَّا أَحَسَّ عِيسَىٰ مِنْهُمُ الْكُفْرَ قَالَ مَنْ أَنصَارِي إِلَى اللَّهِ ۖ قَالَ الْحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحْنُ أَنصَارُ اللَّهِ آمَنَّا بِاللَّهِ وَاشْهَدْ بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ

But when Jesus felt [persistence in] disbelief from them, he said, “Who are my supporters for [the cause of] God?” The disciples said,” We are supporters for God. We have believed in God and testify that we are Submitters (Muslims). (3:52)

People who believed in the previous scriptures (Torah, Injil) were Submitters (Muslims)

الَّذِينَ آتَيْنَاهُمُ الْكِتَابَ مِن قَبْلِهِ هُم بِهِ يُؤْمِنُونَ وَإِذَا يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ قَالُوا آمَنَّا بِهِ إِنَّهُ الْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّنَا إِنَّا كُنَّا مِن قَبْلِهِ مُسْلِمِينَ

Those to whom We gave the Scripture before it – they are believers in it. And when it is recited to them, they say, “We have believed in it; indeed, it is the truth from our Lord. Indeed we were, [even] before it, Submitters (Muslims).” (28:52-53)

The religion of Noah, Muhammad, Abraham, Moses and Jesus is the same so don’t be divided.

شَرَعَ لَكُم مِّنَ الدِّينِ مَا وَصَّىٰ بِهِ نُوحًا وَالَّذِي أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ وَمَا وَصَّيْنَا بِهِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَمُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ ۖ أَنْ أَقِيمُوا الدِّينَ وَلَا تَتَفَرَّقُوا فِيهِ …

He has ordained for you of religion what He enjoined upon Noah and that which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what We enjoined upon Abraham and Moses and Jesus – to establish the religion and not be divided therein. … (42:13)

God tells people not to divide religion into sects

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ فَرَّقُوا دِينَهُمْ وَكَانُوا شِيَعًا لَّسْتَ مِنْهُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ ۚ إِنَّمَا أَمْرُهُمْ إِلَى اللَّهِ ثُمَّ يُنَبِّئُهُم بِمَا كَانُوا يَفْعَلُونَ

Indeed, those who have divided their religion and become sects – you, [O Muhammad], are not [associated] with them in anything. Their affair is only [left] to God; then He will inform them about what they used to do. (6:159)

There is supposed to only be one people / community who worships God but people (e.g. Jews, Christians, Muslims) divided their affairs

إِنَّ هَٰذِهِ أُمَّتُكُمْ أُمَّةً وَاحِدَةً وَأَنَا رَبُّكُمْ فَاعْبُدُونِ وَتَقَطَّعُوا أَمْرَهُم بَيْنَهُمْ ۖ كُلٌّ إِلَيْنَا رَاجِعُونَ

Indeed this, your (religious) community, is one (religious) community, and I am your Lord, so worship Me. And [yet] they divided their affair among themselves, [but] all to Us will return. (21:92-93)

Despite the clear proof in the Quran, many Jews, Christians and Muslims divide their religion into groups and sects, e.g. Jewish this, Jewish that, Christian this Christian that, Muslim Sunni, Shiah, Druze, Alawi, Salafi, etc.

Jews and Christians are to follow the Quran

Even though Jews and Christians are technically Submitters (Muslims) and that their books (Torah and Injil) were revelations from God, their books have been replaced by the Quran and they are told to believe in and follow the Quran.

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ آمِنُوا بِمَا نَزَّلْنَا مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا مَعَكُم مِّن قَبْلِ أَن نَّطْمِسَ وُجُوهًا فَنَرُدَّهَا عَلَىٰ أَدْبَارِهَا أَوْ نَلْعَنَهُمْ كَمَا لَعَنَّا أَصْحَابَ السَّبْتِ ۚ وَكَانَ أَمْرُ اللَّهِ مَفْعُولًا

O you who were given the Scripture, believe in what We have sent down [to Muhammad], confirming that which is with you, before We obliterate faces and turn them toward their backs or curse them as We cursed the sabbath-breakers. And ever is the decree of God accomplished. (4:47)

يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ قَدْ جَاءَكُمْ رَسُولُنَا يُبَيِّنُ لَكُمْ كَثِيرًا مِّمَّا كُنتُمْ تُخْفُونَ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَيَعْفُو عَن كَثِيرٍ ۚ قَدْ جَاءَكُم مِّنَ اللَّهِ نُورٌ وَكِتَابٌ مُّبِينٌ

O People of the Scripture, there has come to you Our Messenger making clear to you much of what you used to conceal of the Scripture and overlooking much. There has come to you from God a light and a clear Book. (5:15)

Sects in Submission (Arabic: Islam)

Most people understand 21st century Islam (the religion of Submission) to have multiple sects such as Sunni, Shia, Wahabbi / Salafi, etc. These sects all have one thing in common which is that they are based on the Quran. With the information in previous chapters, we know that Islam is independent of the Quran and Islam began at least as early as Prophet Abraham. We also know that Moses and Jesus were Muslims (Submitters) and that they along with, at least some of, their followers practiced the form of Islam we are familiar with today, e.g. praying, fasting, etc. One key difference, however, between the followers of Moses (Jews) and the followers of Jesus (Christians / Nazarenes), is that almost all of them don’t believe in the Quran. Furthermore, most Christians have a very unusual understanding of God in that they think that Jesus is either the son of God or a third of God or God himself. Some denominations of Christianity that don’t believe in the doctrine of the Trinity are the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses. In any case, one can argue, based on the fact that all of these groups originate from Abraham, who is arguably the founder of Islam (Submission) which all of these groups originate from, that all of these groups are sects or subsects of Islam. Therefore, one way of looking at Islam is as follows.

Judaism

Judaism is a sect of Submission (Islam). Its leader is Moses. Most followers only believe and follow the Torah (and some other books that make up the Jewish bible)

Christianity

Christianity is a sect of Judaism. Its leader is Jesus. Most followers only believe and follow the Torah and the Jewish bible (Old Testament) and the Injeel (New Testament)

Quran-Based Islam

Quran-based Islam is Submission (Islam) based on the Quran. Most people believe its leader to be Muhammad even though the Quran tells Muhammad and Muslims to follow Abraham. Followers believe in the Torah, Gospel and the Quran but only follow the Quran.

Primary Sects (Denominations) in Christianity

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• Bukti Wanita Muslim Tidak Harus Menutup Rambutnya Dengan Hijab

Banyak Muslim percaya bahwa wanita Muslim harus menutupi rambut mereka. Berikut adalah analisis mendalam yang membuktikan bahwa menurut Al-Qur’an, wanita tidak harus menutupi rambutnya.

Tidak ada kewajiban hijab pra-1970 di Arab Saudi

Sebelum kita menganalisis Al-Qur’an, penting untuk diketahui bahwa hijab sebagai pakaian wajib bagi perempuan di Arab Saudi itu relatif baru. Arab Saudi dikenal luas karena memberlakukan persyaratan hijab yang ketat, termasuk di kalangan turis. Tetapi rekaman video sejarah dari tahun 1970-an mengungkapkan bahwa wanita Saudi sebelumnya tidak diharuskan mengenakan hijab. Klip video berikut diambil dari film dokumenter PBS Frontline tahun 2004 berjudul “The House of Saud” (Rumah Saud) pada timestamp 37:24. Klip ini menunjukkan seorang wanita guru sekolah dan banyak gadis sekolah. Tidak ada satu pun yang menutupi rambutnya. Mereka bahkan tidak mengenakan jubah hitam panjang (abaya). Sebaliknya, mereka mengenakan kemeja biasa.

Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa kewajiban mengenakan hijab pasti menjadi kewajiban setelah tahun 1970-an.

Orang Saudi sangat bangga dengan tradisi mereka, dan banyak tradisi lama yang masih dipraktikkan hingga hari ini. Misalnya, pria Saudi telah mengenakan pakaian panjang dan longgar yang dikenal sebagai “thobe” selama minimum satu abad. Mereka juga menutupi kepala/rambut mereka, bukan karena diwajibkan oleh hukum Islam, tetapi mungkin karena itulah yang wajar dilakukan dilokasi beriklim panas yang terik.

Jika perempuan Saudi secara tradisional mengenakan hijab, maka tentunya tradisi itu akan terus dilakukan oleh para gadis sekolah di tahun 70-an. Oleh karena itu tidak terbayangkan untuk percaya bahwa mengenakan hijab sekarang merupakan mandat Islam jika tidak dipraktikkan atau diwajibkan di Arab Saudi yang ultra-ortodoks dan sangat tradisional selama kurang lebih 1300 tahun sejak masa Nabi Muhammad hingga tahun 1970-an.

Hijab

Banyak Muslim menyebut penutup kepala wanita sebagai “hijab”. Kata “hijab” tidak pernah disebutkan dalam Al-Qur’an sebagai penutup kepala. Berikut ini adalah semua referensi tentang kata “hijab” dalam Al-Qur’an dan artinya.

• Untuk menandakan tabir antara penghuni surga dan penghuni neraka (7:46)
• Tabir pemisah antara orang-orang yang tidak percaya dengan akhirat (17:45)
• Pemisahan / pengasingan / layar yang diperkenalkan Maryam antara dirinya dan masyarakatnya (19:17)
• Referensi pada Nabi Sulaiman (saw) dan dalam kaitannya dengan narasi mengenai kuda-kudanya (38:32)
• Untuk menandakan pencekalan yang akan dialami para pelanggar dari Tuhan mereka pada hari kiamat (83:15)
• Untuk menandakan pemisahan istri-istri Nabi (33:53)
• Klaim orang-orang kafir untuk menandakan tabir antara apa yang mereka yakini dan apa yang Nabi serukan kepada mereka (41.5)
• Tabir yang digunakan Allah untuk berbicara kepada umat manusia (42:51)

Referensi di atas juga tersedia di http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=Hjb#(7:46:2)

Ayat 24:31

Ayat yang kebanyakan Muslim gunakan untuk mengklaim kewajiban bagi wanita untuk menutupi rambut mereka adalah ayat 24:31.

وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَـٰتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَـٰرِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا ۖ وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَىٰ جُيُوبِهِنَّ ۖ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ ءَابَآئِهِنَّ أَوْ ءَابَآءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَآئِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَآءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ إِخْوَٰنِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِىٓ إِخْوَٰنِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِىٓ أَخَوَٰتِهِنَّ أَوْ نِسَآئِهِنَّ أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَـٰنُهُنَّ أَوِ ٱلتَّـٰبِعِينَ غَيْرِ أُو۟لِى ٱلْإِرْبَةِ مِنَ ٱلرِّجَالِ أَوِ ٱلطِّفْلِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمْ يَظْهَرُوا۟ عَلَىٰ عَوْرَٰتِ ٱلنِّسَآءِ ۖ وَلَا يَضْرِبْنَ بِأَرْجُلِهِنَّ لِيُعْلَمَ مَا يُخْفِينَ مِن زِينَتِهِنَّ ۚ وَتُوبُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

Dan katakanlah kepada wanita yang beriman agar mereka menundukkan pandangan dan menjaga alat kelaminnya (Arab: furujahunna); bahwa mereka tidak boleh menampilkan hiasan mereka (Arab: Zeenatahunna) kecuali apa yang tampak darinya (ma zahara minha) dan biarkan mereka menarik penutup kepala mereka (Arab: Bi’khumurihinna) di atas dada mereka (Arab: Jayubihin) dan tidak untuk menampilkan perhiasan mereka (Arab: Zeenatahunna) kecuali untuk suami mereka, ayah mereka, ayah suami mereka, putra mereka, putra suami mereka, saudara laki-laki mereka atau putra saudara laki-laki mereka, atau putra saudara perempuan mereka, atau wanita mereka, atau budak yang dimiliki tangan kanan mereka, atau pelayan laki-laki yang bebas dari kebutuhan fisik, atau anak kecil yang tidak memiliki rasa malu; dan agar mereka tidak menghentakkan kaki untuk menarik perhatian pada perhiasan tersembunyi mereka. Dan hai orang-orang yang beriman! Arahkan kamu semua bersama-sama menuju Tuhan, agar kamu dapat mencapai Kebahagiaan. (24:31)

Mari kita analisa ayat ini dengan membaginya menjadi 4 bagian.

Dan katakanlah kepada wanita-wanita yang beriman…

1. untuk tidak menampilkan perhiasan mereka (Arab: Zeenatahunna زِينَتَهُنَّ)
2. kecuali yang tampak darinya (Arab: illa ma zahara minha إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا)
3. dan biarkan mereka menarik penutup kepala mereka (Arab: Bi’khumurihinna بِخُمُرِهِنَّ) di atas dada mereka (Arab: Juyubihinna جُيُوبِهِ)
4. dan tidak menampilkan perhiasan mereka (Arab: Zeenatahunna زِينَتَهُنَّ) kecuali kepada suami mereka, ayah mereka,…

Konteks

Untuk memahami ayat ini secara benar, kita harus memahami konteksnya. Konteks ayat ini jelas berkaitan dengan dandanan/kecantikan wanita yang ayat tersebut menyuruh wanita untuk tidak dipajang. Kata Arab untuk “hiasan mereka” adalah Zeenatahunna (زِينَتَهُنَّ). Kata ini bahkan di sebut dua kali dalam ayat ini. Secara umum, ayat tersebut melarang wanita memamerkan kecantikannya. Alasannya kemungkinan besar terkait dengan ayat 33:59 yang memerintahkan wanita untuk mengenakan pakaian luar agar tidak diganggu karena mengenakan pakaian luar membantu menyembunyikan kecantikan wanita.

Berikut adalah penjelasan dari kata-kata kunci dalam ayat tersebut.

zeenatahunna (زِينَتَهُنَّ)

Kata zeenatahunna berasal dari akar huruf ZAY-YA-NUN. Menurut kamus Edward Lane, kata ini dengan jelas menunjukkan bahwa zeenatahunna merujuk pada tata rias, mempercantik diri, atau dandanan sedemikian rupa sehingga dapat menimbulkan daya tarik.

illa ma zahara minha (إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا)

Kata2 ini berarti “kecuali yang tampak darinya” yang mana “nya” mengacu pada perhiasan/keindahan (Arab: zeenah).

bi’khumurihinna (بِخُمُرِهِنَّ)

Kata ini berarti “dengan penutupnya”. Kata “khimaar” (jamak: khumur) berarti penutup , sebagaimana ditunjukkan dalam kamus Edward Lane.

Apa pun yang menutupi sesuatu adalah penutup. Penutup kepala adalah salah satu jenis khimaar karena menutupi kepala. Ini berlaku untuk pria dan wanita. Misalnya, di iklim panas seperti di Timur Tengah, Anda melihat pria menutupi kepala karena kepanasan. Di AS, orang biasanya hanya memakai topi jika di luar panas. Dalam konteks ayat 24:31 di atas, kata ini berarti penutup kepala.

juyubihinna (جُيُوبِهِ)

Kata juyubihinna berasal dari akar huruf JIM-YA-BA. Menurut kamus Edward Lane, dalam konteks Alquran ayat 24:31 di atas, kata itu berarti dada and payudara.

Penjelasan ayat 24:31

Sekarang setelah kita memahami kata kuncinya, kita dapat menjelaskan apa yang dikatakan ayat di atas.

1. Bagian 1 menyuruh wanita untuk tidak mempertontonkan dandanan/kecantikannya
2. Bagian 2 mengecualikan dandanan/keindahan yang tampak secara wajar, mis. wajah cantik, mata, dll.
3. Bagian 3 memberitahu wanita untuk menutupi payudara mereka. Bagian ini muncul setelah bagian 2 karena memperjelas bahwa payudara tidak termasuk dalam pengecualian dalam bagian 2 di atas. Dan meskipun ayat tersebut menyuruh wanita untuk menarik penutup kepala mereka untuk menutupi dada mereka, itu tidak berarti bahwa wanita harus menutupi kepala atau rambut mereka dengan penutup kepala. Ketika ayat ini diturunkan, kemungkinan besar pria dan wanita menutupi rambut mereka karena Arab adalah tempat yang sangat panas secara alami.
4. Bagian 4 kemudian menyuruh wanita untuk tidak mempertontonkan dandanan/kecantikannya kecuali kepada kerabat tertentu.

Apakah ayat ini mewajibkan wanita untuk menutupi rambut mereka?

Tidak. Ayat ini bahkan tidak menyebutkan kata “rambut” sama sekali. Jika Tuhan benar-benar ingin wanita menutupi rambut mereka, Dia bisa saja berkata “dan biarkan mereka menarik penutup kepala mereka ke atas rambut dan dada mereka”, tetapi Dia tidak mengatakan itu.

Apakah ayat ini mewajibkan wanita untuk menutupi kepala mereka?

Tidak. Yang dimaksud dengan “penutup kepala” bukanlah perintah untuk menutupi kepala. Karena penutup kepala sudah umum dipakai di Arab ketika ayat itu diturunkan, ayat tersebut menunjukkan bahwa menutupi dada dapat dilakukan dengan menarik penutup kepala yang panjang hingga menutupi dada. Tentu saja, saat ini, kemeja atau baju jauh lebih efektif daripada hijab untuk menutupi payudara.

Penutup kepala untuk melindungi dari panas

Sebagian orang mungkin berpendapat bahwa penutup kepala (bahasa Arab: khimaar) yang digunakan di Arab ketika ayat tersebut diturunkan tidak dimaksudkan untuk melindungi manusia dari panas tetapi lebih khusus untuk menyembunyikan rambut perempuan dari laki-laki. Argumen ini tampaknya tidak valid karena ayat 16:81 menunjukkan bahwa Tuhan menciptakan pakaian untuk melindungi manusia (baik pria maupun wanita) dari panas.

وَاللَّهُ جَعَلَ لَكُم مِّمَّا خَلَقَ ظِلَالًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُم مِّنَ الْجِبَالِ أَكْنَانًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُمْ سَرَابِيلَ تَقِيكُمُ الْحَرَّ وَسَرَابِيلَ تَقِيكُم بَأْسَكُمْ …

Dan Tuhan telah membuat untukmu, dari apa yang telah Dia ciptakan, bayangan dan telah dibuat untukmu dari gunung, tempat berlindung dan telah membuat untukmu pakaian yang melindungimu dari panas dan pakaian yang melindungimu dari [musuh dalam] pertempuran Anda. … (16:81)

Referensi pertama untuk “pakaian” dalam ayat di atas pasti mengacu pada penutup kepala karena jika di luar panas, orang di seluruh dunia akan menutupi kepala mereka. Pakaian jenis lain (mis. kemeja, celana, dll), tidak melindungi orang dari panas tetapi justru membuat mereka merasa lebih panas.

Perhatikan juga bahwa kata Arab yang digunakan untuk “pakaian” adalah “sarabeel”. Menurut kamus Edward Lane, kata itu berarti “segala sesuatu yang dikenakan” maka penutup kepala termasuk dalam kategori tersebut.

Penutup kepala untuk melindungi dari gangguan

Beberapa orang mungkin berpendapat bahwa penutup kepala (bahasa Arab: khimaar) diperlukan bagi perempuan untuk melindungi diri dari gangguan atau dari rayuan seksual yang tidak diinginkan dari laki-laki. Pertama-tama, tidak ada ayat dalam Al-Qur’an yang mengatakan bahwa penutup kepala itu sendiri adalah untuk melindungi perempuan dari gangguan (ayat 33:59 menyebutkan pakaian luar, bukan penutup kepala, untuk menghindari dari gangguan). Kedua, wanita sama tertariknya dengan pria, bukan hanya pria saja yang bisa merasa tertarik dengan wanita. Wanita juga bisa menggangu pria. Hal ini bahkan dibuktikan dalam Al-Qur’an ayat 12:23 di mana istri majikan Nabi Yusuf berusaha merayunya.

وَرَاوَدَتْهُ الَّتِي هُوَ فِي بَيْتِهَا عَن نَّفْسِهِ وَغَلَّقَتِ الْأَبْوَابَ وَقَالَتْ هَيْتَ لَكَ ۚ قَالَ مَعَاذَ اللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّهُ رَبِّي أَحْسَنَ مَثْوَايَ ۖ إِنَّهُ لَا يُفْلِحُ الظَّالِمُونَ

Dan dia (istri majikannya Nabi Yusuf) … berusaha merayunya (nabi Yusuf). Dia menutup pintu dan berkata, “Ayo, kamu.” Dia (nabi Yusuf) berkata, “[Aku mencari] perlindungan Allah . Sungguh, Dia adalah tuanku, yang telah memperbaiki tempat tinggalku. Sungguh, orang yang zalim tidak akan berhasil.” (12:23)

Dalam ayat 12:32, kita melihat bukti lebih lanjut bahwa istri majikan nabi Yusuf merayu nabi Yusuf dan bahkan menggangu / melecehkan dan memerasnya karena nabi Yusuf menolaknya.

قَالَتْ فَذَٰلِكُنَّ الَّذِي لُمْتُنَّنِي فِيهِ ۖ وَلَقَدْ رَاوَدتُّهُ عَن نَّفْسِهِ فَاسْتَعْصَمَ ۖ وَلَئِن لَّمْ يَفْعَلْ مَا آمُرُهُ لَيُسْجَنَنَّ وَلَيَكُونًا مِّنَ الصَّاغِرِينَ

Dia (istri majikannya Nabi Yusuf) berkata, “Itu adalah orang yang kamu salahkan padaku. Dan aku tentunya berusaha merayunya, tetapi dia (Nabi Yusuf) dengan tegas menolak; dan jika dia (Nabi Yusuf) tidak melakukan apa yang aku perintahkan, dia pasti akan dipenjara dan akan termasuk orang yang direndahkan.” (12:32)

Kenyataannya, bukan hanya istri majikan Nabi Yusuf yang merayu, melecehkan, dan memeras Nabi Yusuf, bahkan menurut ayat 12:26-29, dia melakukan kekerasan dan merobek baju Yusuf.

قَالَ هِىَ رَٰوَدَتْنِى عَن نَّفْسِى ۚ وَشَهِدَ شَاهِدٌ مِّنْ أَهْلِهَآ إِن كَانَ قَمِيصُهُۥ قُدَّ مِن قُبُلٍ فَصَدَقَتْ وَهُوَ مِنَ ٱلْكَـٰذِبِينَ وَإِن كَانَ قَمِيصُهُۥ قُدَّ مِن دُبُرٍ فَكَذَبَتْ وَهُوَ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰدِقِينَ يُوسُفُ أَعْرِضْ عَنْ هَـٰذَا ۚ وَٱسْتَغْفِرِى لِذَنۢبِكِ ۖ إِنَّكِ كُنتِ مِنَ ٱلْخَاطِـِٔينَ ۞ وَقَالَ نِسْوَةٌ فِى ٱلْمَدِينَةِ ٱمْرَأَتُ ٱلْعَزِيزِ تُرَٰوِدُ فَتَىٰهَا عَن نَّفْسِهِۦ ۖ قَدْ شَغَفَهَا حُبًّا ۖ إِنَّا لَنَرَىٰهَا فِى ضَلَـٰلٍ مُّبِينٍ

[Yusuf] berkata, “Dialah yang berusaha merayuku.” Dan seorang saksi dari keluarganya bersaksi, “Jika bajunya (Nabi Yusuf) robek dari depan, maka dia (istri majikannya Nabi Yusuf) telah mengatakan yang sebenarnya, dan dia (Yusuf) termasuk pendusta. Tetapi jika bajunya (Yusuf) robek dari belakang, maka dia (istri majikannya Nabi Yusuf) telah berbohong, dan dia (Yusuf) termasuk orang-orang yang benar.” Jadi ketika dia [suaminya] melihat kemejanya (Yusuf) robek dari belakang, dia berkata, “Memang, ini adalah rencanamu [yaitu, wanita]. Memang, rencanamu hebat [yaitu, berapi-api]. Dan para wanita di kota itu berkata, “Istri al-ʿAzeez berusaha merayu budak laki-lakinya (Yusuf); dia telah membuatnya bergairah dengan cinta. Memang, kami melihatnya (istri majikannya Nabi Yusuf) jelas salah.” (12:26-29)

Sekarang sudah jelas dari Al-Qur’an bahwa ketertarikan dan gangguan seksual dapat berjalan dua arah. Mempertimbangkan fakta ini dan argumen bahwa perempuan harus menutupi rambutnya agar tidak diganggu oleh laki-laki, maka seharusnya laki-laki juga harus menutupi rambutnya agar tidak diganggu oleh perempuan. Jelas, tidak ada persyaratan seperti itu dalam Al-Qur’an dan tidak ada yang berpikir bahwa laki-laki perlu menutupi rambut mereka karena alasan ini. Oleh karena itu, argumen bahwa perempuan harus menutup rambutnya agar tidak diganggu adalah tidak sahih dan tidak didukung oleh Al-Qur’an.

Rambut sebagai hiasan

Sebagian orang akan berpendapat bahwa rambut wanita adalah perhiasan dan karena itu tidak boleh diperlihatkan menurut bagian 1 diatas. Argumen ini tidak sah karena

1. Kecantikan alami rambut seseorang sama dengan kecantikan alami wajah seseorang dan karenanya dikecualikan menurut bagian 2 diatas.
2. Tidak masuk akal untuk menganggap rambut berada dalam kategori yang sama dengan payudara karena pria juga memiliki rambut yang bisa menjadi daya tarik bagi wanita.
3. Tidak semua wanita memiliki rambut yang indah. Beberapa wanita memiliki rambut yang tidak menarik. Bagi mereka, menutupi rambut justru membuat mereka lebih cantik. Oleh karena itu, kita tidak bisa menganggap bahwa rambut adalah “hiasan” (زينة).

Rambut sebagai aurat

Banyak Muslim akan membuat argumen tanpa bukti bahwa rambut wanita saja, bukan rambut pria, termasuk “aurat”, dan karena itu harus ditutupi.

Dalam ayat 7:26, kita membaca bahwa Allah menciptakan pakaian bagi manusia (baik laki-laki maupun perempuan) untuk menutupi aurat/kemaluan yang jika diperlihatkan akan menimbulkan rasa malu. Kebanyakan orang akan setuju bahwa rambut wanita 1) bukan alat kelamin, 2) bukan penyebab rasa malu atau bagian pribadi seperti payudara. Terlepas dari ini, Tuhan mengatakan bahwa bagaimanapun kamu memilih untuk menutupi tubuhmu dengan pakaian, yang paling penting adalah kamu berperilaku benar.

يَا بَنِي آدَمَ قَدْ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكُمْ لِبَاسًا يُوَارِي سَوْآتِكُمْ وَرِيشًا ۖ وَلِبَاسُ التَّقْوَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ…

Wahai anak Adam, Kami telah menganugerahkan kepadamu pakaian untuk menyembunyikan aurat/kemaluanmu (Arab: saw-ah) dan sebagai perhiasan (Arab: reesha). Tapi pakaian kesolehan (maksudnya berperilaku baik/benar) – itu yang terbaik. …(7:26)

Perhatikan bahwa menurut kamus Edward Lane, definisi سَوْآتِكُمْ adalah

• aurat (عَوْرَة)
• “pudendam” (alat kelamin)
• “bagian luar dari organ generasi” (bagian reproduksi)
• “anus” (dubur)
• bagian yang, jika diekspos, merupakan penyebab “malu”

Perhatikan pada tangkapan layar (screenshot) di atas saya menyorot kata “au-rat” (عَوْرَة). Ini adalah sinonim untuk “saw-ah” (سَوْءَةٌ).

Anda mungkin bertanya-tanya mengapa Tuhan perlu memberi tahu orang-orang bahwa Dia menciptakan pakaian agar manusia dapat menutupi aurat mereka dan bahwa wanita juga harus menutupi dada mereka. Gunanya pakaian mungkin tampak jelas bagi kebanyakan orang jaman sekarang, tetapi perlu diingat bahwa bahkan hari ini, masih ada suku di banyak tempat di dunia yang orangnya tidak mengenakan pakaian. Misalnya, orang-orang Koma di Nigeria percaya bahwa jika wanita mengenakan pakaian, mereka akan menimbulkan murka para tuhan2 yang dapat menyebabkan kematian atau kemandulan. Kepercayaan ini sama tidak masuk akalnya dengan kepercayaan bahwa rambut wanita, tetapi bukan rambut pria, termasuk di antara bagian-bagian pribadi (aurat) mereka.

Pakaian kesolehan

Ayat 7:26 diatas menyatakan bahwa pakaian kesolehan adalah jenis pakaian yang paling baik. Jadi apakah kesolehan itu? Jawabannya dapat ditemukan dalam Quran ayat 2:177 di bawah ini.

لَّيْسَ الْبِرَّ أَن تُوَلُّوا وُجُوهَكُمْ قِبَلَ الْمَشْرِقِ وَالْمَغْرِبِ وَلَٰكِنَّ الْبِرَّ مَنْ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَالْمَلَائِكَةِ وَالْكِتَابِ وَالنَّبِيِّينَ وَآتَى الْمَالَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِ ذَوِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ وَالسَّائِلِينَ وَفِي الرِّقَابِ وَأَقَامَ الصَّلَاةَ وَآتَى الزَّكَاةَ وَالْمُوفُونَ بِعَهْدِهِمْ إِذَا عَاهَدُوا ۖ وَالصَّابِرِينَ فِي الْبَأْسَاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ وَحِينَ الْبَأْسِ ۗ أُولَٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ صَدَقُوا ۖ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُتَّقُونَ

Ketakwaan/kesolehan itu bukanlah memalingkan wajahmu ke arah timur atau ke barat, tetapi ketakwaan/kesolehan [sejati] adalah pada orang yang beriman kepada Allah, Hari Akhir, para malaikat, Kitab, dan para nabi, dan memberikan kekayaannya, meskipun mereka cinta hartanya, untuk kerabat, anak yatim, orang yang membutuhkan, musafir, mereka yang meminta [bantuan], dan untuk membebaskan budak; [dan yang] mendirikan sholat dan memberikan zakat; [mereka yang] memenuhi janji mereka ketika mereka berjanji; dan [orang-orang yang] sabar dalam kemiskinan dan kesulitan dan selama pertempuran. Mereka itulah orang-orang yang benar, dan mereka itulah orang-orang yang bertaqwa/soleh. (2:177)

Perhatikan bahwa kesolehan dari sudut pandang Al-Qur’an sama sekali tidak ada hubungannya dengan jenis pakaian yang dikenakan wanita atau bagaimana mereka memakainya. Jelas, menurut Tuhan persyaratan pakaian tertentu kurang penting dibandingkan keyakinan (keimanan) kepada Tuhan, Malaikat-Nya, Kitab-Nya, Nabi-Nabi-Nya, berbagi kekayaan, berdoa, dll. Itu mungkin karena ayat-ayat yang berkaitan dengan pakaian wanita adalah anjuran bagi wanita untuk mengurangi perhatian yang tidak diinginkan atau gangguan, bukan perintah ketat yang menentukan apakah Anda akan pergi ke Neraka atau tidak.

Penutup kepala untuk identitas Muslim

Sebagian wanita akan berkomentar bahwa mengenakan hijab diperlukan atau didorong untuk mendukung identitas mereka sebagai seorang Muslim. Pertama-tama, tidak ada sesuatu yang namanya pakaian Islami dari sudut pandang Alquran. Apa yang orang sebut pakaian Islami tidak lebih dari pakaian tradisional yang biasa dipakai di negara-negara Islam. Tidak ada ayat dalam Alquran yang mengatakan bahwa wanita Muslim perlu mengidentifikasi diri mereka dengan mengenakan hijab. Disamping itu, mengenakan hijab pasti tidak meningkatkan kemungkinan Anda untuk diizinkan masuk Surga. Perhatikan, misalnya, orang-orang berikut yang disebutkan dalam Al-Qur’an. Identitas mereka sebagai istri atau keturunan nabi mungkin membuat Anda berpikir bahwa mereka pasti orang yang soleh padahal sebenarnya sebaliknya, mereka tidak soleh.

• Sebagian besar keturunan nabi Ibrahim dan nabi Nuh tidak soleh/bertaqwa. (57:26, 37:113, 2:124)
• Istri nabi Nuh dan nabi Lut, meski tinggal bersama mereka, tidak soleh/bertaqwa. (66:10)
• Putra Nabi Nuh itu berperilaku jahat. (11:46)
• Putra-putra Nabi Yakub mencoba membunuh saudara mereka, Yusuf. (11:1-18)

Sekarang, mengingat betapa jahatnya Firaun, Anda mungkin berpikir bahwa istrinya juga jahat. Ternyata, sangat menariknya dan mengherankan bahwa istri Firaun sebenarnya soleh/bertaqwa meskipun suaminya salah satu pelaku kejahatan terburuk sepanjang masa. (66:11)

Demikian pula, identitas seseorang muslimah dengan berhijab tidak ada hubungannya dengan ketakwaan dari sudut pandang Islam. Ini tidak berbeda dengan laki-laki yang berpikir mereka harus memiliki janggut panjang untuk mengidentifikasi diri mereka sebagai Muslim yang agamanya kuat. Jika memiliki janggut panjang sebenarnya membuat laki2 lebih soleh daripada orang yang tidak memiliki janggut, lalu apa yang harus dilakukan pria yang secara alami tidak memiliki janggut? Mendapatkan transplantasi rambut?

Penutup kepala untuk menjadi sederhana / rendah hati

Sebagian wanita Muslim akan berpendapat bahwa mereka memakai hijab untuk menjadi sederhana / rendah hati. Tidak ada perintah Alquran untuk berpakaian sederhana atau berperilaku sederhana / rendah hati. Jika kita melihat bagian pertama dari ayat 24:31, kita menemukan beberapa terjemahan bahasa Inggris di mana penerjemah (Pickthall dan Yusuf Ali) salah menerjemahkan artinya. Mereka mengganti “alat kelamin” dengan “kesederhanaan / rendah hati”. Semua penerjemah lainnya secara benar menggunakan istilah “alat kelamin”.

وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَـٰتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَـٰرِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ …

Terjemahan yang benar Dan katakanlah kepada wanita yang beriman agar mereka menundukkan pandangannya dan menjaga alat kelaminnya (Arab: furuujahunna)… (24:31)

Terjemahan Pickthall Dan beri tahu wanita yang beriman untuk menurunkan pandangan mereka dan menjadi sederhana / rendah hati… (24:31)

Terjemahan Yusuf Ali Dan katakanlah kepada wanita yang beriman agar mereka menundukkan pandangan dan menjaga kesederhanaan mereka … (24:31)

Jika Anda ragu tentang arti sebenarnya dari kata Arab فُرُوجَهُنَّ (furuujahunna), maka Anda dapat memverifikasi arti yang benar dalam kamus Edward Lane (tangkapan layar di bawah).

Mengatakan bahwa arti dari فُرُوجَهُنَّ (furuujahunna) adalah “kesederhanaan / rendah hati” adalah tindakan yang tidak adil terhadap Al-Qur’an dan menyebarkan kebingungan di antara umat Islam yang menganggap semua terjemahan Quran sama2 benar dan akurat.

Logikanya, menutupi rambut tidak secara otomatis membuat seseorang sederhana / rendah hati. Sebagai contoh, seseorang dapat mengenakan hijab mewah dengan berbagai hiasan seperti berlian (palsu atau tidak) dan pola emas seperti di foto di bawah ini. Itu tidak terlihat sederhana. Bahkan, itu terlihat kebalikan dari sederhana. Memang, wanita Muslim tidak berpakaian seperti itu setiap hari, tetapi banyak yang melakukannya dengan derajat yang berbeda-beda di acara-acara khusus.

Sekarang, anggaplah seseorang memakai hijab polos daripada yang mewah. Tapi, mereka juga memakai make-up untuk memperindah dan mempercantik wajah mereka. Ini sangat sering terjadi. Jika tujuan mengenakan hijab adalah untuk membuat diri mereka terlihat sederhana / rendah hati, maka mereka telah meniadakan usaha itu dengan menghabiskan banyak waktu memakai make-up, mis. pada contoh foto di bawah ini. Perhatikan bahwa memakai riasan adalah perhiasan (zeenah) yang menurut bagian 1 ayat 24:31, itu dilarang.

Jika seseorang peduli tentang kesederhanaan / rendah hati, mereka harus fokus untuk memiliki perilaku dan sikap yang sederhana / rendah hati, mis. menolak untuk mengambil pujian atas pencapaian besar, daripada salah percaya bahwa menutupi rambut mereka tiba-tiba akan membuat diri mereka sendiri dan semua orang di sekitar mereka berpikir bahwa mereka rendah hati.

Jika seseorang khawatir tentang apakah mereka boleh berpakaian menarik, maka perlu diingat bahwa menurut Quran ayat 7:26 (lihat di atas), Tuhan sebenarnya mendorong manusia untuk berpakaian menarik karena Dia secara harfiah menciptakan pakaian untuk dua tujuan:

1. untuk menutupi alat kelamin
2. sebagai perhiasan/kecantikan (Arab: رِيشًا ree-sha)

Menurut kamus Edward Lane, pengertian رِيشًا adalah pakaian yang menandakan hiasan dan kecantikan.

Jika Tuhan menciptakan pakaian agar manusia terlihat bagus, maka kalau orang dengan sengaja menolak memakai pakaian yang indah, berarti itu sama saja dengan tidak menghargai ciptaan Tuhan. Pertimbangkan Quran bab 55 yang menyebutkan banyak ciptaan Tuhan diikuti dengan pertanyaan yang berikut:

Maka nikmat Tuhanmu yang manakah yang kamu tolak?

Pertanyaan itu diulang sebanyak 31 kali, kemungkinan besar untuk menekankan bahwa kenikmatan yang Tuhan ciptakan untuk manusia harus diapresiasi / dihargai, bukan diingkari / ditolak!

Argumen hadits

Sebagian Muslim akan berpendapat bahwa di antara ribuan hadits ada pepatah yang mengharuskan wanita untuk menutupi rambut mereka. Baca bukti bahwa hadits tidak dapat digunakan sebagai hukum Islam.

Pengaruh Yahudi

Yahudi ortodoks memiliki praktik tertentu seperti sunat laki-laki, metode penyembelihan khusus untuk menghasilkan daging halal (kosher), dan “sheitel”, yang merupakan persyaratan bagi wanita yang sudah menikah untuk menutupi rambut mereka. Muslim memiliki praktik yang sangat mirip meskipun tidak disebutkan atau diwajibkan dalam Al-Qur’an. Tidak mengherankan, kitab suci Yahudi (Taurat) juga tidak mewajibkan wanita untuk menutupi rambut mereka. Sebaliknya, persyaratan Yahudi ini berasal dari sumber sekunder Yahudi (Talmud). Perhatikan bahwa kitab suci Yahudi (Taurat) seperti Kitab suci pengikut Nabi Muhammad (Alquran) sedangkan Talmud Yahudi (pengikut Nabi Musa) seperti hadits pengikut Nabi Muhammad.

Artikel ini merinci tentang praktek Yahudi dan asal-usul menutupi rambut seseorang. (bahasa Inggris)

Berdasarkan kesamaan antara agama orang Yahudi dan Islam dan fakta bahwa agama orang Yahudi datang sebelum Islam, mungkin dan masuk akal untuk percaya bahwa beberapa ahli agama Islam jaman dulu dipengaruhi oleh agama orang Yahudi untuk mengadopsi praktik-praktik Yahudi ini ke dalam Islam.

Kesimpulan

Analisis di atas menyimpulkan secara jelas bahwa wanita diwajibkan untuk menutupi payudara mereka tetapi BUKAN rambut mereka. Hampir semua wanita di dunia memenuhi perintah Quran utk menutupi payudara mereka dengan mengenakan pakaian seperti baju.

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• إثبات أن الحديث ليس شرعاً إسلامياً صالحاً
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Many people associate Muslims with Arabs – possibly because the Quran is in Arabic and Prophet Muhammad was an Arab. However, statistics show that the majority of Muslims as of 2019 are from South Asia.

2017 Statistics

According to Wikipedia, as of 2017, here are the top 8 most populous Muslim countries, ordered by Muslim population.

Rank	Country	Muslim Population	Percentage of World Muslim Population
1	Indonesia	231,000,000	12.7%
2	Pakistan	212,300,000	11.1%
3	India	200,000,000	10.9%
4	Bangladesh	153,700,000	9.2%
5	Nigeria	95,000,000–103,000,000	5.3%
6	Egypt	85,000,000–90,000,000	4.9%
7	Iran	82,500,000	4.6%
8	Turkey	74,423,725	4.6%

Most Muslims don’t speak Arabic

All but one country, Egypt, in the list above are non-Arabic speaking countries and they make up more than half (58.7%) of the world Muslim population.

Most Muslims are from South / Southeast Asia

Furthermore, the first four countries in the list above are all in South/Southeast Asia and make up almost half (43.9%) of the world’s Muslim population. As of 2017, there were 986,420,000 Muslims in Asia and only 370,070,000 Muslims in the Middle East and North Africa (Arabic-speaking countries), i.e. there were 2.6 times as many Muslims in Asia as there were in the Middle East and North Africa.

Most populous Muslim country

Though Indonesia currently has the largest population of Muslims, it likely only became so as of 1947 when the British divided India into India and Pakistan. And in 1971, India was further divided into India and Bangladesh. Had either of these partitions not happened, India would by far have the largest percentage of Muslims worldwide. Furthermore, projections suggest that by 2050 India will have the world’s largest population of Muslims, with estimates expected to reach at least 300 million.

Islam to be largest religion by 2070

The Pew Research Center estimates that by 2070, Islam will overtake Christianity, due to a faster birth rate (2.7 children per family vs. 2.2 for Christian families). As of 2017, Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the world.

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• Deferring Matters of Islamic Law to Religious Scholars Is Not Permissible. Studying and Understanding the Quran is Required.
• Proof That the Quran Is Complete and That the Hadith Books Are Not Needed
• Prayer Among Jews, Christians, and Muslims – A Quranic Analysis
• The Testimony (Shahadah) to Convert to Islam is Inaccurate
• Categories of People According to the Quran
• Jews and Christians Are Actually Muslims
• Abraham, Not Muhammad, Was the Founder of Islam
• Jewish, Christian and Islamic Scriptures
• The Fallacy That Descendants of Prophet Muhammad Are Superior to Everyone Else
• Islamic Prophets, Messengers & Scriptures
• What is God’s Name – A Quranic Analysis
• Aliens Do Exist – A Quranic Analysis
• Most Muslims Are Asian, Not Arab
• Proof That Relatives (Wives, Children, Descendants, etc) of Islamic Prophets, Including Muhammad, Are Not Automatically Righteous
• There Is No Punishment for Blasphemy in Islam
• Proof That Arabic is Not a Holy or Superior Language
• Proof That Prophet Muhammad Is Not Exclusive or Superior to Other Prophets
• Muslims (Submitters) and Mu’mins (Believers) Are Not the Same Thing
• Most Jews, Christians, and Polytheists Are Not Infidels (Kafir)
• There Is No Quranic Proof That Zamzam Water Is Blessed Holy Water
• Muslims Are Not Allowed To Force Others To Practice Islam. So Why Do Muslims & Islamic Governments Keep Doing It?
• If You Are a Sunni or Shia Muslim, Then You’ve Violated Islamic Law
• Contrary to Extremist Belief, Muslims Are Allowed To Sing and Listen to Music
• Muslims Are Allowed To Have Statues and Photos of People in Their Homes
• Dogs Aren’t Impure. Muslims Are Allowed to Have Pet Dogs.
• Muslims Are Allowed to Pay Interest, e.g. on a Car or Home Loan
• Prophet Muhammad Was Not Illiterate. He Could Read and Write.
• Jesus is Dead & He Ain’t Comin’ Back – A Quranic Analysis
• Many Muslims Are Wrong About Getting Help From Others on the Day of Judgment
• Wills and Inheritance Law According to the Quran
• Most Muslims Are Wrong About Halal Food
• Circumcision Is Not Required Among Muslim Boys / Men
• Muslim Women Are Not Exempt From Congregational Friday Prayers
• Muslim Women Are Not Exempt From Fasting, Praying, etc During Menstruation
• The Quran Doesn’t Support a Strictly Vegetarian Diet
• Summary of the Quran
• Summary of the Quran 2
• إثبات أن الحديث ليس شرعاً إسلامياً صالحاً
• إثبات أن النساء المسلمات لسن بحاجة لتغطية شعرهم
• Bukti Hadits Tidak Valid Hukum Islam
• Kekeliruan Bahwa Keturunan Nabi Muhammad Lebih Unggul Dari Semua Orang Lain
• Bukti Wanita Muslim Tidak Harus Menutup Rambutnya Dengan Hijab

Many Muslims believe that Muslim women must cover their hair. Following is an in-depth analysis proving that according to the Quran, women do not have to cover their hair.

Hijab

Many Muslims refer to a woman’s head covering as “hijab”. The word “hijab” is never mentioned in the Quran as a head covering. Following are all references to the word “hijab” in the Quran and their meaning.

• To signify the veil between the companions of the garden (Paradise) and the companions of the fire (Hell) (7:46)
• The veil of partition between those who do not believe in the hereafter (17:45)
• The separation / seclusion / screen Mary introduced between herself and her people (19:17)
• In reference to Prophet Solomon (pbuh) and in relation to the narrative with regards his horses (38:32)
• To signify the debarring that the transgressors will experience from their Lord on the Day of Judgement (83:15)
• To signify the separation of the Prophet’s wives (33:53)
• The claim of the disbelievers to signify the veil between what they believe and what the Prophet is calling them to (41.5)
• The veil that God uses to speak to mankind (42:51)

The references above are also available at http://corpus.quran.com/qurandictionary.jsp?q=Hjb#(7:46:2)

Verse 24:31

The verse that most Muslims use to claim a requirement for women to cover their hair is verse 24:31.

وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَـٰتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَـٰرِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا ۖ وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَىٰ جُيُوبِهِنَّ ۖ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ ءَابَآئِهِنَّ أَوْ ءَابَآءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَآئِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَآءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ إِخْوَٰنِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِىٓ إِخْوَٰنِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِىٓ أَخَوَٰتِهِنَّ أَوْ نِسَآئِهِنَّ أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَـٰنُهُنَّ أَوِ ٱلتَّـٰبِعِينَ غَيْرِ أُو۟لِى ٱلْإِرْبَةِ مِنَ ٱلرِّجَالِ أَوِ ٱلطِّفْلِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمْ يَظْهَرُوا۟ عَلَىٰ عَوْرَٰتِ ٱلنِّسَآءِ ۖ وَلَا يَضْرِبْنَ بِأَرْجُلِهِنَّ لِيُعْلَمَ مَا يُخْفِينَ مِن زِينَتِهِنَّ ۚ وَتُوبُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their genitals (Arabic: furujahunna); that they should not display their adornment (Arabic: Zeenatahunna) except what is apparent of it (ma zahara minha) and let them draw their head coverings (Arabic: Bi’khumurihinna) over their bosoms / chests (Arabic: Jayubihin) and not to display their adornment (Arabic: Zeenatahunna) except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband’s fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers or their brothers’ sons, or their sisters’ sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O ye Believers! turn ye all together towards God, that ye may attain Bliss. (24:31)

Let’s analyze this verse by breaking it up into 4 clauses.

And say to the believing women…

1. to not display their adornment (Arabic: Zeenatahunna زِينَتَهُنَّ)
2. except what is apparent of it (Arabic: illa ma zahara minha إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا)
3. and let them draw their head coverings (Arabic: Bi’khumurihinna بِخُمُرِهِنَّ) over their chests (Arabic: Juyubihinna جُيُوبِهِ)
4. and not to display their adornment (Arabic: Zeenatahunna زِينَتَهُنَّ) except to their husbands, their fathers,…

Context

In order to correctly understand this verse, we must understand its context. The context of this verse clearly has to do with a woman’s adornments / beauty which the verse tells women not to display. The Arabic word for “their adornments” is Zeenatahunna (زِينَتَهُنَّ) which is even used twice in this verse. In general, the verse prohibits women from showing off their beauty. The reason for this is likely related to verse 33:59 which tells women to wear an outer garment to avoid being harassed as wearing an outer garment helps hide a woman’s beauty. 

Following is an explanation of key words in the verse.

zeenatahunna (زِينَتَهُنَّ)

The word zeenatahunna comes from the root letters ZAY-YA-NUN. According to Edward Lane’s lexicon, this word clearly indicates that zeenatahunna is a reference to make-up, beautifying oneself, or adornment to an extent that can become a cause of attraction.

illa ma zahara minha (إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا)

This phrase means “except what is apparent of it” where “it” refers to adornments / beauty (Arabic: zeenah).

bi’khumurihinna (بِخُمُرِهِنَّ)

This word means “with their covering”. The word “khimaar” (pl. khumur) means covering, as indicated in Edward Lane’s lexicon.

Anything that covers something is a covering. A head covering is one kind of khimaar as it covers the head. This applies to both men and women. For example, in hot climates such as in the Middle East, you see men covering their heads due to the heat. In the US, people usually just wear a hat if it’s hot outside. In the context of verse 24:31 above, this word means head covering.

juyubihinna (جُيُوبِهِ)

The word juyubihinna comes from the root letters JIM-YA-BA. According to Edward Lane’s lexicon, in the context of the Quran verse 24:31 above it means bosoms, breasts or chest.

Explanation of verse 24:31

Now that we understand the key words, we can explain what the verse above is saying.

1. Clause 1 is telling women to not display their adornments / beauty
2. Clause 2 exempts adornments / beauty that are naturally apparent, e.g. beautiful face, eyes, etc.
3. Clause 3 tells women to cover their breasts. This clause comes after clause 2 because it clarifies that breasts are not part of the exemption in clause 2 above. And although the verse tells women to draw their head coverings over their breasts, that doesn’t mean that women must cover their heads or hair. When this verse was revealed, it’s likely that both men and women covered their hair because Arabia was and still is a naturally very hot place.
4. Clause 4 then tells women to not display their adornment / beauty except to certain relatives.

Does this verse require women to cover their hair?

No. Nowhere does this verse even mention the word “hair”. If God really wanted women to cover their hair, He could have simply said “and let them draw their head-coverings over their hair and bosoms / chests”, but He didn’t.

Does this verse require women to cover their head?

No. The reference to “head covering” isn’t an instruction to cover the head. Since head coverings must have been commonly worn in Arabia when the verse was revealed, the verse suggests that covering the breasts could be done by drawing a long head covering over the breasts. Of course, nowadays, a shirt would do a much better job at covering one’s breasts than a head covering could ever do.

Head coverings to protect from heat

Some people may argue that head coverings (Arabic: khimaar) used in Arabia when the verse was revealed were not meant to protect people from the heat but rather specifically to hide women’s hair from men. This argument seems invalid since verse 16:81 indicates that God created garments one kind of which was to protect people (both men and women) from the heat.

وَاللَّهُ جَعَلَ لَكُم مِّمَّا خَلَقَ ظِلَالًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُم مِّنَ الْجِبَالِ أَكْنَانًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُمْ سَرَابِيلَ تَقِيكُمُ الْحَرَّ وَسَرَابِيلَ تَقِيكُم بَأْسَكُمْ …

And God has made for you, from that which He has created, shadows and has made for you from the mountains, shelters and has made for you garments which protect you from the heat and garments which protect you from your [enemy in] battle. … (16:81)

The first reference to “garments” in the verse above must refer to head coverings because if it’s hot outside, people all over the world would cover their heads. Other types of garments (e.g. shirt, pants, etc), do not protect people from the heat but rather make them feel hotter, unless the protection from the heat was to prevent skin cancer, which was probably not the intent of this verse.

Also, note that the Arabic word used for “garments” is “sarabeel” which according to Edward Lane’s lexicon means “anything that is worn” so a head covering falls into that category.

Head coverings to protect from harassment

Some people may argue that head coverings (Arabic: khimaar) are necessary for women to protect themselves from being harassed or from unwanted sexual advances from men. First of all, there is no verse in the Quran that says a head covering per se is to protect women from being harassed (verse 33:59 mentions outer garments, not head covering, to avoid harassment). Secondly, women are just as attracted to as men are to women. Women can also harass men. This is even proven in Quran verse 12:23 where the wife of prophet Joseph’s master sought to seduce him.

وَرَاوَدَتْهُ الَّتِي هُوَ فِي بَيْتِهَا عَن نَّفْسِهِ وَغَلَّقَتِ الْأَبْوَابَ وَقَالَتْ هَيْتَ لَكَ ۚ قَالَ مَعَاذَ اللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّهُ رَبِّي أَحْسَنَ مَثْوَايَ ۖ إِنَّهُ لَا يُفْلِحُ الظَّالِمُونَ

And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him (prophet Joseph). She closed the doors and said, “Come, you.” He said, “[I seek] the refuge of Allah . Indeed, he is my master, who has made good my residence. Indeed, wrongdoers will not succeed.” (12:23)

In verse 12:32, we see further proof that the wife of prophet Joseph’s master seduced prophet Joseph and even harassed and blackmailed him for refusing her.

قَالَتْ فَذَٰلِكُنَّ الَّذِي لُمْتُنَّنِي فِيهِ ۖ وَلَقَدْ رَاوَدتُّهُ عَن نَّفْسِهِ فَاسْتَعْصَمَ ۖ وَلَئِن لَّمْ يَفْعَلْ مَا آمُرُهُ لَيُسْجَنَنَّ وَلَيَكُونًا مِّنَ الصَّاغِرِينَ

She said, “That is the one about whom you blamed me. And I certainly sought to seduce him, but he firmly refused; and if he will not do what I order him, he will surely be imprisoned and will be of those debased.” (12:32)

In fact, not only did the wife of prophet Joseph’s master seduce, harass, and blackmail prophet Joseph, but she even got violent and ripped his shirt according to verses 12:26-29.

قَالَ هِىَ رَٰوَدَتْنِى عَن نَّفْسِى ۚ وَشَهِدَ شَاهِدٌ مِّنْ أَهْلِهَآ إِن كَانَ قَمِيصُهُۥ قُدَّ مِن قُبُلٍ فَصَدَقَتْ وَهُوَ مِنَ ٱلْكَـٰذِبِينَ وَإِن كَانَ قَمِيصُهُۥ قُدَّ مِن دُبُرٍ فَكَذَبَتْ وَهُوَ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰدِقِينَ يُوسُفُ أَعْرِضْ عَنْ هَـٰذَا ۚ وَٱسْتَغْفِرِى لِذَنۢبِكِ ۖ إِنَّكِ كُنتِ مِنَ ٱلْخَاطِـِٔينَ ۞ وَقَالَ نِسْوَةٌ فِى ٱلْمَدِينَةِ ٱمْرَأَتُ ٱلْعَزِيزِ تُرَٰوِدُ فَتَىٰهَا عَن نَّفْسِهِۦ ۖ قَدْ شَغَفَهَا حُبًّا ۖ إِنَّا لَنَرَىٰهَا فِى ضَلَـٰلٍ مُّبِينٍ

[Joseph] said, “It was she who sought to seduce me.” And a witness from her family testified, “If his shirt is torn from the front, then she has told the truth, and he is of the liars. But if his shirt is torn from the back, then she has lied, and he is of the truthful.” So when he [i.e., her husband] saw his shirt torn from the back, he said, “Indeed, it is of your [i.e., women’s] plan. Indeed, your plan is great [i.e., vehement]. And women in the city said, “The wife of al-ʿAzeez is seeking to seduce her slave boy; he has impassioned her with love. Indeed, we see her [to be] in clear error.” (12:26-29)

It should now be clear from the Quran that sexual attraction and harassment can go both ways. Considering this fact and the argument that women should cover their hair to avoid being harassed by men, then it must follow that men should also cover their hair to avoid being harassed by women. Obviously, there is no such requirement in the Quran and no one would think that men would need to cover their hair for this reason. Therefore, the argument that women must cover their hair to avoid being harassed is invalid and not supported by the Quran.

Hair as adornment

Some people will argue that a woman’s hair is an adornment and therefore must not be displayed according to clause 1. This argument is invalid because

1. The natural beauty of one’s hair is similar to the natural beauty of one’s face and is therefore exempt according to clause 2.
2. It is unreasonable to consider hair to be in the same category as breasts, especially since men also have hair which can be a cause of attraction for women.
3. Not all women have beautiful hair. Some women have unattractive hair. For them, covering their hair actually makes them more beautiful. Therefore, we cannot assume that hair is an “adornment” (زينة).

Hair as aurah

Many Muslims will make the baseless argument that a woman’s hair, but not a man’s hair, is their “aurah”, and therefore it should be covered.

In verse 7:26, we read that God created clothes for people (both men and women) to cover their private parts / genitalia which, if displayed, is a cause of shame. Most people would agree that a woman’s hair is 1) not genitalia, 2) not a cause of shame or a private part the same way their breasts are considered private. Regardless of this, God says that however you choose to cover your body with clothes, what’s most important is that you behave righteously.

يَا بَنِي آدَمَ قَدْ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكُمْ لِبَاسًا يُوَارِي سَوْآتِكُمْ وَرِيشًا ۖ وَلِبَاسُ التَّقْوَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ…

O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts / genitalia (Arabic: saw-ah) and as adornment (Arabic: reesha). But the clothing of righteousness – that is best. … (7:26)

Note that according to Edward Lane’s lexicon, the definition of سَوْآتِكُمْ is

• aurah (عَوْرَة)
• “pudendam” (genitalia)
• “external portion of the organs of generation” (reproductive parts)
• “the anus”
• parts that, if exposed, are a cause of “shame”

Notice in the screenshot above I highlighted the word “au-rah” (عَوْرَة). It is a synonym for “saw-ah” (سَوْءَةٌ).

You may be wondering why God would need to tell people that He created clothes so people can cover their private parts and that women should, by the way, also cover their chests. This purpose of clothing may seem obvious to most but keep in mind that even today, there are still tribes in many places around the world of people wearing nothing or barely anything. For example, the people of Koma in the Northern part of Adamawa State in Nigeria are of the belief that if women wear clothes, they would incur the wrath of the gods which may lead to their death or barrenness. This belief is just as nonsensical as the belief that women’s hair, but not men’s hair, is among their private parts.

Clothing of righteousness

Verse 7:26 above states that the clothing of righteousness is the best type of clothing. So what is righteousness? The answer can be found in Quran verse 2:177 below.

لَّيْسَ الْبِرَّ أَن تُوَلُّوا وُجُوهَكُمْ قِبَلَ الْمَشْرِقِ وَالْمَغْرِبِ وَلَٰكِنَّ الْبِرَّ مَنْ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَالْمَلَائِكَةِ وَالْكِتَابِ وَالنَّبِيِّينَ وَآتَى الْمَالَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِ ذَوِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ وَالسَّائِلِينَ وَفِي الرِّقَابِ وَأَقَامَ الصَّلَاةَ وَآتَى الزَّكَاةَ وَالْمُوفُونَ بِعَهْدِهِمْ إِذَا عَاهَدُوا ۖ وَالصَّابِرِينَ فِي الْبَأْسَاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ وَحِينَ الْبَأْسِ ۗ أُولَٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ صَدَقُوا ۖ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُتَّقُونَ

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous. (2:177)

Notice how righteousness from a Quranic point of view has absolutely nothing to do with the type of clothes women wear or how they wear them. Clearly, God considers specific clothing requirements less important than belief in God, His Angels, His Books, His Prophets, sharing wealth, praying, etc. That is probably because verses related to women’s clothing are recommendations for women to reduce unwanted attention and the possibility of being harassed as opposed to strict commandments that determine whether you go to Hell or not.

Head covering for Muslim identity

Some women will comment that wearing the hijab is necessary or encouraged to support their identity as a Muslim. First of all, there is no such thing as Islamic clothing from a Quranic point of view. What people call Islamic clothing is nothing more than traditional garb that is commonly worn in Islamic countries. There is no verse in the Quran that says Muslim women need to identify themselves by wearing a hijab. Furthermore, wearing a hijab most definitely doesn’t increase your chances of being allowed into Heaven. Consider, for example, the following people mentioned in the Quran. Their identity as being married to or descendants of prophets may make you think that they must be righteous when in fact they are the opposite.

• Most of prophet Abraham and prophet Noah’s descendants were unrighteous. (57:26, 37:113, 2:124)
• The wives of prophet Noah and prophet Lot, despite living with them, were unrighteous. (66:10)
• Prophet Noah’s son was of evil conduct. (11:46)
• Prophet Jacob’s sons tried to kill their brother, Joseph. (11:1-18)

Now, considering how evil Pharaoh was, you’re probably thinking his wife must have also been evil. Interestingly, and surprisingly, Pharaoh’s wife was actually righteous despite being married to one of the worse evildoers of all time. (66:11)

Similarly, one’s identity as a Muslim woman by wearing the hijab has nothing to do with righteousness from an Islamic point of view. This is no different than men who think they should have a long beard to identify themselves as religious Muslims. If having a long beard actually somehow made you more righteous than people without one, then what are men supposed to do who naturally don’t have any facial hair? Get a hair transplant?

Head covering for modesty

Some Muslim women will argue that they wear the hijab to be modest. There is no Quranic commandment to dress modestly or to behave modestly, although being modest and not arrogant is in line with the spirit of the Quran. If we look at the first part of verse 24:31, we find a few English translations where the translator (Pickthall and Yusuf Ali) incorrectly translated the meaning by replacing “genitals” with “modesty”. All other translators correctly used the term “genitals”.

وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَـٰتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَـٰرِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ …

Correct translation And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their genitals (Arabic: furuujahunna)… (24:31)

Pickthall translation And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest… (24:31)

Yusuf Ali translation And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty … (24:31)

If you are in doubt about the true meaning of the Arabic word فُرُوجَهُنَّ (furuujahunna), then you can verify the correct meaning in Edward Lane’s lexicon (screenshot below).

To say that the meaning of فُرُوجَهُنَّ (furuujahunna) is “modesty” does injustice to the Quran and spreads confusion among innocent Muslims who mistakenly think that they can trust the accuracy of all translations.

Logically, covering one’s hair doesn’t automatically make someone modest. For example, one could wear a fancy hijab with various embellishments such as diamonds (fake or not) and gold patterns like the one pictured below. That hardly looks modest. In fact, it looks the opposite of modest. Of course, Muslim women don’t dress like that every day, but many do to varying degrees on special occasions.

Now, let’s say that one wears a plain hijab instead of a fancy one. But, they also wear make-up to embellish and prettify their face, which is actually very common. If the point of wearing the hijab is to make themselves appear modest, then they’ve negated that effort by spending probably a considerable amount of time wearing make-up, e.g. in the example picture below. Note that wearing make-up is an adornment (zeenah) which, according to the first clause of verse 24:31, is forbidden.

If one is concerned about modesty, they should focus on having a modest behavior and attitude, e.g. refusing to take credit for a big achievement, rather than incorrectly believing that covering their hair will suddenly make themselves and everyone around them think that they are modest.

If one is concerned about whether they are allowed to dress attractively, then keep in mind that according to Quran verse 7:26 (see above), God actually encourages people to dress attractively because He literally created clothes for two purposes:

1. to cover genitalia
2. as an adornment / beauty (Arabic: رِيشًا ree-sha)

According to Edward Lane’s lexicon, the definition of رِيشًا is clothing that signifies ornament and beauty (adornment).

If God created clothing so humans can look good in them, intentionally refusing to wear beautiful clothing is akin to not appreciating God’s creation. Consider Quran chapter 55 which mentions numerous creations of God followed by the question

So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

As if to drill it in your brain, that question was repeated 31 times, most likely to emphasize that the good things that God created for humans should be appreciated, not denied!

Hadith argument

Some Muslims will argue that somewhere in the thousands of hadith there is a saying that requires women to cover their hair. Read proof that the hadith cannot be used as Islamic law.

Jewish influence

Orthodox Jews have certain practices such as male circumcision, particular slaughter methods to produce kosher meat, and “sheitel”, which is the requirement for married women to cover their hair. Muslims have very similar practices even though they are not mentioned nor required in the Quran. Unsurprisingly, the Jewish Bible / Torah also does not require women to cover their hair. Rather, this Jewish requirement came from Jewish secondary sources (Talmud). Note that the Jewish Bible / Torah is like the Quran whereas the Jewish Talmud is like the hadith.

This article goes into detail regarding the Jewish practice and origins of covering one’s hair.

Based on the similarity between Judaism and Islam and the fact that Judaism came before Islam, it is possible and not unreasonable to believe that some Muslim scholars long ago were influenced by Judaism to adopt these Jewish practices into Islam.

Conclusion

The analysis above should make it clear that women are required to cover their breasts but NOT their hair.

Addendum

Analogy to help understand verse 24:31

Some people will still argue that verse 24:31 still means that women must cover their head or hair because it mentions “head covering”. To help understand why they are wrong, the following is an analogy written similar to verse 24:31 with 4 clauses.

And say to the children …

1. to not leave their toys everywhere when they’re done playing
2. except certain toys that can’t be easily put away
3. and let them put away their crayons in their bags
4. and not to leave their toys in the kitchen, dining room, …

Context

This statement clearly has to do with children and where they put their toys.

Exemption

Some toys are exempt from being put away because maybe they are too big.

Crayons

Crayons, which are considered toys, are not exempt from being put away. Since each child typically has a bag, they can put their crayons in their bags.

Does this statement require children to wear their bags on their backs like a backpack?

No. The word “back” isn’t even mentioned anywhere in the statement.

Does this statement require children to have a bag?

No. The reference to “bag” isn’t an instruction to have a bag. Since children commonly have bags, e.g. lunch bags, backpacks, sports bags, etc, the statement suggests that crayons could be put in their bags. Of course, nowadays kids wear pants with pockets. They could just as easily put away their crayons in their pockets. No bag necessary. Furthermore, the context of the statement has to do with putting toys away, not with whether to carry a bag or not.

Conclusion

From this analogy, we see that although the statement suggests kids put away their crayons in their bags, it doesn’t literally nor based on context require kids to have a bag. This is similar to verse 24:31 where God suggests that women cover their breasts with their head coverings to hide their adornments. It doesn’t literally nor based on context require women to cover their hair. 

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• إثبات أن الحديث ليس شرعاً إسلامياً صالحاً
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Many Muslims believe that Zam Zam water is blessed water. However, there is no mention in the Quran of Zam Zam water. The Quran does talk about rainwater and honey, however. The story of Zam Zam is linked with the story of prophet Abraham’s wife, Hagar, his son, prophet Ishmael, Safa and Marwa. However, there is absolutely no mention of Hagar or the Hagar-Ishmael story in the entire Quran. As a matter of fact, there is not even a single mention of the word “Zamzam” in the Quran. Safa and Marwa are not even described as “mountains” in the Quran but rather as “symbols”. Pagan Arabs used to circumambulate (tawaaf) around Safa and Marwa before Islam was revealed to them. The Quran merely allowed this practice of “tawaaf” around Safa and Marwa to continue as optional.

إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ ۖ فَمَنْ حَجَّ الْبَيْتَ أَوِ اعْتَمَرَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ أَن يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا

Indeed, as-Safa and al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs ‘umrah – there is no blame upon him for walking between them. … (2:158)

The statement “there is no blame / sin upon him for walking between them (Safa and Marwa)” clearly indicates that newly converted Muslims (ex Pagans) were allowed to continue the practice of walking between Safa and Marwa as they used to when they were pagans. The Quran does not require this practice.

The Healing Power of Honey

According to verses 16:68-69, honey has the power to heal.

وَأَوْحَىٰ رَبُّكَ إِلَى النَّحْلِ أَنِ اتَّخِذِي مِنَ الْجِبَالِ بُيُوتًا وَمِنَ الشَّجَرِ وَمِمَّا يَعْرِشُونَ ثُمَّ كُلِي مِن كُلِّ الثَّمَرَاتِ فَاسْلُكِي سُبُلَ رَبِّكِ ذُلُلًا ۚ يَخْرُجُ مِن بُطُونِهَا شَرَابٌ مُّخْتَلِفٌ أَلْوَانُهُ فِيهِ شِفَاءٌ لِّلنَّاسِ ۗ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ

And your Lord inspired to the bee, “Take for yourself among the mountains, houses, and among the trees and [in] that which they construct. Then eat from all the fruits and follow the ways of your Lord laid down [for you].” There emerges from their bellies a drink, varying in colors, in which there is healing for people. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who give thought. (16:68-69)

The Reviving Properties of Rainwater

According to verse 50:9, rainwater is referred to as “blessed” water” and has revitalizing properties.

وَنَزَّلْنَا مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مَاءً مُّبَارَكًا فَأَنبَتْنَا بِهِ جَنَّاتٍ وَحَبَّ الْحَصِيدِ

And We have sent down blessed rain from the sky and made grow thereby gardens and grain from the harvest. (50:9)

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Many Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad was illiterate and could not read and write. However, there is strong evidence in the Quran that indicates that he was literate. Many people take verse 7:157 as proof that Muhammad was illiterate because they think the word “ummi” means illiterate.

الَّذِينَ يَتَّبِعُونَ الرَّسُولَ النَّبِيَّ الْأُمِّيَّ

Those who follow the Messenger, the illiterate (ummi) prophet … (7:157 part)

Definition of “Ummi”

However, according to Edward Lanes Lexicon, the classical Arabic term ‘Ummi’ refers to a gentile or someone who is not familiar with the Law of Prophet Moses. It is not necessarily someone who is illiterate.

Definition of “Gentile”

The term Gentile is of Latin origin and from the word ‘Gentilis’ which means to be associated with or being part of a particular tribe or clan. It refers to non-Israelite tribes and is used to refer to non-Jews.

Today, the primary meaning of gentile still remains as someone who is a “non-Jew” and is not a reader of the Torah or has any Jewish origins.

Non-Jews can be “ummi”

One does not have to be a non-Jew in order to not know the Law of Moses. In verse 2:78 we see proof that even some Jews were “ummi” as they did not know their own scripture.

وَمِنْهُمْ أُمِّيُّونَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ الْكِتَابَ إِلَّا أَمَانِيَّ وَإِنْ هُمْ إِلَّا يَظُنُّونَ

And among them (Jews) are “ummi” ones who do not know the Scripture except in wishful thinking, but they are only assuming. (2:78)

“Ummi” cannot mean illiterate

If we translate the word ‘Ummi’ to mean ‘Illiterate’ (Cannot read and write), the following Quranic verse would make no sense.

فَإِنْ حَاجُّوكَ فَقُلْ أَسْلَمْتُ وَجْهِيَ لِلَّهِ وَمَنِ اتَّبَعَنِ ۗ وَقُل لِّلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ وَالْأُمِّيِّينَ أَأَسْلَمْتُمْ ۚ فَإِنْ أَسْلَمُوا فَقَدِ اهْتَدَوا ۖ وَّإِن تَوَلَّوْا فَإِنَّمَا عَلَيْكَ الْبَلَاغُ ۗ وَاللَّهُ بَصِيرٌ بِالْعِبَادِ

So if they argue with you, say, “I have submitted myself to Allah [in Islam], and [so have] those who follow me.” And say to those who were given the Scripture and [to] the “ummi”, “Have you submitted yourselves?” And if they submit [in Islam], they are rightly guided; but if they turn away – then upon you is only the [duty of] notification. And Allah is Seeing of [His] servants. (3:20)

In the verse above, God is commanding Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to proclaim the message to the Jews and Christians (recipients) of the previous scriptures and the ‘Ummis’. If one renders ‘Ummi’ here as ‘Illiterate’ then the verse becomes nonsensical as it appears God is asking the Prophet to proclaim the message to those of the previous scriptures and the illiterates. This rendering would unnecessarily exclude those who could read and write but would have not received the scripture.

In another example, if we try to assume “ummi” to mean “illiterate”, then the following verse would erroneously imply that God raised a messenger only amongst people who could not read and write. That obviously makes no sense at all.

هُوَ الَّذِي بَعَثَ فِي الْأُمِّيِّينَ رَسُولًا مِّنْهُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِهِ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَإِن كَانُوا مِن قَبْلُ لَفِي ضَلَالٍ مُّبِينٍ

It is He who has sent among the “ummi” a Messenger from themselves reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom – although they were before in clear error – (62:2)

In another example, if we try to assume “ummi” to mean “illiterate”, then the following verse would mean that some from the People of the Book said that they had no accountability to illiterate people. Once again, that makes no sense at all.

وَمِنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ مَنْ إِن تَأْمَنْهُ بِقِنطَارٍ يُؤَدِّهِ إِلَيْكَ وَمِنْهُم مَّنْ إِن تَأْمَنْهُ بِدِينَارٍ لَّا يُؤَدِّهِ إِلَيْكَ إِلَّا مَا دُمْتَ عَلَيْهِ قَائِمًا ۗ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَالُوا لَيْسَ عَلَيْنَا فِي الْأُمِّيِّينَ سَبِيلٌ وَيَقُولُونَ عَلَى اللَّهِ الْكَذِبَ وَهُمْ يَعْلَمُونَ

And among the People of the Scripture is he who, if you entrust him with a great amount [of wealth], he will return it to you. And among them is he who, if you entrust him with a [single] silver coin, he will not return it to you unless you are constantly standing over him [demanding it]. That is because they say, “There is no blame / duty / accountability upon us concerning the ‘ummi’.” And they speak untruth about Allah while they know [it]. (3:75)

Muhammad was an “ummi” (didn’t know / read any prior scripture)

If we take the word “ummi” to mean anyone who didn’t know about or read scriptures prior to the Quran, then verses 42:52 and 29:48 prove that Muhammad was one of them.

وَكَذَٰلِكَ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ رُوحًا مِّنْ أَمْرِنَا ۚ مَا كُنتَ تَدْرِي مَا الْكِتَابُ وَلَا الْإِيمَانُ وَلَٰكِن جَعَلْنَاهُ نُورًا نَّهْدِي بِهِ مَن نَّشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا ۚ وَإِنَّكَ لَتَهْدِي إِلَىٰ صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ

And thus We have revealed to you an inspiration of Our command. You did not know what is the Book (prior scripture) or [what is] faith, but We have made it a light by which We guide whom We will of Our servants. And indeed, [O Muhammad], you guide to a straight path – (42:52)

وَمَا كُنتَ تَتْلُو مِن قَبْلِهِ مِن كِتَابٍ وَلَا تَخُطُّهُ بِيَمِينِكَ ۖ إِذًا لَّارْتَابَ الْمُبْطِلُونَ

And you did not recite before it any scripture, nor did you inscribe one with your right hand. Otherwise, the falsifiers would have had [cause for] doubt. (29:48)

Note:

The reference to not being able to ‘write it with your right hand’ is not a reference to the Quran. This is clearly a reference to the previous scriptures which is deduced by context. The verse informs the reader that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was neither a reader nor writer of the previous scriptures and hence had no knowledge of its contents, begging the question, so where did he get his knowledge from? This verse also suggests that, contrary to popular belief, the prophet had the ability to both read and write.

Ability to read and write

If the Prophet could not read or write, why would a statement informing people that he did not read or write anything of the ‘previous scriptures’ be stated? Similarly, in English, if one makes a statement that X did not read book Y specifically, its shows the ability of X to actually read, the only exception being in this context, of course, that book Y was not read by X.

No expectation of prophethood

In verse 28:86, we see that the prophet didn’t even expect that he’d become a prophet.

وَمَا كُنتَ تَرْجُو أَن يُلْقَىٰ إِلَيْكَ الْكِتَابُ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً مِّن رَّبِّكَ ۖ فَلَا تَكُونَنَّ ظَهِيرًا لِّلْكَافِرِينَ

And you were not expecting that the Book would be conveyed to you, but [it is] a mercy from your Lord. So do not be an assistant to the disbelievers. (28:86)

Additional proof Muhammad was not illiterate

In verse 25:5, we see that disbelievers accused the Prophet of writing down the scripture with his own hands.

وَقَالُوا أَسَاطِيرُ الْأَوَّلِينَ اكْتَتَبَهَا فَهِيَ تُمْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيلًا

And they say, “Legends of the former peoples which he has written down (Arabic: ik’tatabaha), and they are dictated to him morning and afternoon.” (25:5)

The Arabic gives us the root of the term ‘iktatabaha’ as K-T-B.

Kaf-Ta-Ba = he wrote it, prescribed, appointed, ordained, to dictate it, judged, decreed, drew, brought together, collected, conjoined, a thing in which or on which one writes, record, registered writ.

iktataba is the perfect active verbal form of kataba

Therefore the verb means that either the Prophet had the Quran written down or he himself wrote it down.

Source: Edward Lanes Lexicon

If the intention was to imply that he ’caused others to write it’ or ‘had it dictated’, it would arguably have been better to use the word ‘aktaba’.

Source: Edward Lanes Lexicon

However, since the word used was ‘iktataba’, then it is most likely referring to the fact that the Prophet himself wrote the Quran which means he was not illiterate.

Sources that suggest Muhammad was illiterate

Muslims seem to believe that Muhammad was illiterate based on some hadith. Ironically, the hadith themselves also indicate that Muhammad could write as proven in the following “sahih” hadith.

Narrated Yazid ibn Abdullah:… We then asked: Who wrote this document for you? He replied: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). Grade : Sahih in chain (Al-Albani) Reference : Sunan Abi Dawud 2999 In-book reference : Book 20, Hadith 72 English translation : Book 19, Hadith 2993 https://sunnah.com/abudawud/20/72

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• Muslims Are Not Allowed To Force Others To Practice Islam. So Why Do Muslims & Islamic Governments Keep Doing It?
• If You Are a Sunni or Shia Muslim, Then You’ve Violated Islamic Law
• Contrary to Extremist Belief, Muslims Are Allowed To Sing and Listen to Music
• Muslims Are Allowed To Have Statues and Photos of People in Their Homes
• Dogs Aren’t Impure. Muslims Are Allowed to Have Pet Dogs.
• Muslims Are Allowed to Pay Interest, e.g. on a Car or Home Loan
• Prophet Muhammad Was Not Illiterate. He Could Read and Write.
• Jesus is Dead & He Ain’t Comin’ Back – A Quranic Analysis
• Many Muslims Are Wrong About Getting Help From Others on the Day of Judgment
• Wills and Inheritance Law According to the Quran
• Most Muslims Are Wrong About Halal Food
• Circumcision Is Not Required Among Muslim Boys / Men
• Muslim Women Are Not Exempt From Congregational Friday Prayers
• Muslim Women Are Not Exempt From Fasting, Praying, etc During Menstruation
• The Quran Doesn’t Support a Strictly Vegetarian Diet
• Summary of the Quran
• Summary of the Quran 2
• إثبات أن الحديث ليس شرعاً إسلامياً صالحاً
• إثبات أن النساء المسلمات لسن بحاجة لتغطية شعرهم
• Bukti Hadits Tidak Valid Hukum Islam
• Kekeliruan Bahwa Keturunan Nabi Muhammad Lebih Unggul Dari Semua Orang Lain
• Bukti Wanita Muslim Tidak Harus Menutup Rambutnya Dengan Hijab

Some Muslims believe that you are not allowed to write a will before dying and that inheritance is strictly based on the percentages specified in the Quran. However, not only is writing a will allowed, it’s even a prescribed duty for all Muslims. This is proven in verse 2:180.

كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذَا حَضَرَ أَحَدَكُمُ الْمَوْتُ إِن تَرَكَ خَيْرًا الْوَصِيَّةُ لِلْوَالِدَيْنِ وَالْأَقْرَبِينَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ ۖ حَقًّا عَلَى الْمُتَّقِينَ

Prescribed for you when death approaches [any] one of you if he leaves wealth [is that he should make] a bequest (will) for the parents and near relatives according to what is acceptable / reasonable / fair – a duty upon the righteous. (2:180)

In other words, if you do not make a will, then you violate verse 2:106.

According to verse 5:106, when you make a will, you need two witnesses.

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا شَهَادَةُ بَيْنِكُمْ إِذَا حَضَرَ أَحَدَكُمُ الْمَوْتُ حِينَ الْوَصِيَّةِ اثْنَانِ ذَوَا عَدْلٍ مِّنكُمْ أَوْ آخَرَانِ مِنْ غَيْرِكُمْ إِنْ أَنتُمْ ضَرَبْتُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ فَأَصَابَتْكُم مُّصِيبَةُ الْمَوْتِ ۚ تَحْبِسُونَهُمَا مِن بَعْدِ الصَّلَاةِ فَيُقْسِمَانِ بِاللَّهِ إِنِ ارْتَبْتُمْ لَا نَشْتَرِي بِهِ ثَمَنًا وَلَوْ كَانَ ذَا قُرْبَىٰ ۙ وَلَا نَكْتُمُ شَهَادَةَ اللَّهِ إِنَّا إِذًا لَّمِنَ الْآثِمِينَ

O you who have believed, testimony [should be taken] among you when death approaches one of you at the time of bequest – [that of] two just men from among you or two others from outside if you are traveling through the land and the disaster of death should strike you. Detain them after the prayer and let them both swear by Allah if you doubt [their testimony, saying], “We will not exchange our oath for a price, even if he should be a near relative, and we will not withhold the testimony of Allah . Indeed, we would then be of the sinful.” (5:106)

According to verse 4:7, one must leave a will for parents and near relatives.

لِّلرِّجَالِ نَصِيبٌ مِّمَّا تَرَكَ الْوَالِدَانِ وَالْأَقْرَبُونَ وَلِلنِّسَاءِ نَصِيبٌ مِّمَّا تَرَكَ الْوَالِدَانِ وَالْأَقْرَبُونَ مِمَّا قَلَّ مِنْهُ أَوْ كَثُرَ ۚ نَصِيبًا مَّفْرُوضًا

For men is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, and for women is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, be it little or much – an obligatory share. (4:7)

Some Muslims may argue that Quran chapter 4 (surah Nisaa) abrogates or replaces the requirement to make and follow a will in verse 2:180. However, upon careful analysis, it becomes clear that the inheritance verses in Surah Nisaa only apply after any debts have been paid and the will has been executed. Of course, if no will exists, the specific inheritance percentages specified in Surah Nisaa would apply.

… مِن بَعْدِ وَصِيَّةٍ يُوصِي بِهَا أَوْ دَيْنٍ …

(the distribution stipulated) … after (Arabic: ba’di) any will (Arabic: wasiyyatin) which he has made or any debts … (4:11)

… مِّن بَعْدِ وَصِيَّةٍ تُوصُونَ بِهَا أَوْ دَيْنٍ …

(the distribution stipulated) … after (Arabic: ba’di) any will (Arabic: wasiyyatin) which was made or any debts … (4:12)

Obviously, if the distribution stipulations in chapter 4 were only to be followed, then there would be no point in God requiring everyone to make a will (2:180).

Furthermore, according to verse 2:181, no one has the authority to prevent someone from making a will or to change an existing will.

فَمَن بَدَّلَهُ بَعْدَمَا سَمِعَهُ فَإِنَّمَا إِثْمُهُ عَلَى الَّذِينَ يُبَدِّلُونَهُ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

Then whoever alters the bequest (will) after he has heard it – the sin is only upon those who have altered it. Indeed, God is Hearing and Knowing. (2:181)

However, according to 2:182, if one feels any wrongdoing on the part of the person making the will (testator), then they are allowed to reconcile / correct the issue with the testator.

فَمَنْ خَافَ مِن مُّوصٍ جَنَفًا أَوْ إِثْمًا فَأَصْلَحَ بَيْنَهُمْ فَلَا إِثْمَ عَلَيْهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

But if one fears from the bequeather [some] error or sin and corrects that which is between them, there is no sin upon him. Indeed, God is Forgiving and Merciful. (2:182)

Some Muslims get a headache when trying to understand verses 4:11-12 to determine shares of inheritance. If Muslims just followed the Quranic requirement to create a will, then there would be no need to feel guilty or confused when trying to understand verses 4:11-12. Nevertheless, one must keep in mind that a will (wasiyya) should be made with fairness / reasonableness (bil-ma’rufin) in mind. It should not intend to hurt or compromise (ghayra mudarrin – 4:12) other beneficiaries, e.g. by not giving a fair portion to one’s closest relatives.

In the end, only God knows which relatives such as parents or children are nearer to one in benefit.

آبَاؤُكُمْ وَأَبْنَاؤُكُمْ لَا تَدْرُونَ أَيُّهُمْ أَقْرَبُ لَكُمْ نَفْعًا

Your parents or your children – you know not which of them are nearest to you in benefit. (4:11)

Obviously, the benefit of God allowing people to create a will is so that people have the flexibility to adjust shares taking into account certain circumstances that may exist, e.g. if a sole parent has two children and one child is filthy rich and the other is poor, the parent has the authority to give more to the poor child since that child, obviously, would need the money more than the rich kid.

If a will doesn’t exist or if a will leaves a remainder to be divided, then one must follow the distribution stipulations in 4:11-12. I have made a flowchart to help with this matter. It can be found at

http://quranbasedislam.com/inheritance-flowchat

What happens when a will doesn’t exist and Quranic distribution shares don’t add up to 100%?

This is a common question asked when people try to divide an inheritance when there is no will. For example, if the deceased has no legal heirs / relatives except for one sister, then the Quran states that the sister gets ½ of the inheritance. So what must be done with the remaining half?

First of all, you should never be in this situation to begin with because the Quran requires that you create a will (2:180) and nowhere in the Quran does it limit what percentage of your wealth can be specified in the will. So, if people just follow the Quran’s mandates, they can make a will accounting for 100% of their wealth and there would be no problems. Of course, debts must be paid first.

Secondly, if for some reason there is no will, which unfortunately seems to happen very often, then in the event the Quranic inheritance distribution shares don’t add up to 100%, then the remainder logically needs to be divided somehow. The Quran does not specify what to do with the remainder. This may be so as to offer flexibility in dividing the remainder to whoever deserves it based on each family’s situation. For example, if the only legal heirs are two sisters and there is no will, then the Quran indicates that the sisters share 2/3 of the inheritance, i.e. each gets 1/3. The remaining 1/3 can be allocated based on the appointed executor(s) judgment keeping in mind verse 2:180 which requires allocation to be fair and appropriate (bil-ma’rufin) and verse 4:12 which requires that allocation not be done with the intention of hurting anyone (ghayra mudarrin). Following are examples of ways the remaining 1/3 can be divided:

• if one sister is filthy rich and the other is poor, then logically the poor sister would be more in need of the extra inheritance and therefore may deserve some or all of the remaining 1/3
• if there are other relatives or orphans or needy people present during the time of the inheritance distribution, then according to verse 4:8, they should and could get the remaining 1/3
• if both sisters are equal financially and there are no other relatives, orphans or needy people present, then the two sisters could divide the remaining 1/3 equally

Obviously, the best person to decide how their inheritance should be distributed would be the person who dies. For that reason, it makes sense that God would require everyone to make a will. Inheritance executors, e.g. probate court judges, probably don’t know how to best distribute any remaining inheritance and they probably don’t want to make decisions regarding someone else’s wealth. Again, that is why it is imperative that everyone make a will, even if that will closely matches the Quranic inheritance distribution stipulations with slight modifications to add up to 100%.

The example above is where the Quranic distribution percentage doesn’t add up to 100%. There’s also the possibility where the percentages add up to over 100%. Consider the following example where a man dies and is survived by his wife, 3 daughters and both parents.

Relative	Share Fraction	Share Percentage
Wife	1/8	12.5%
3 Daughters	2/3	66.7%
Mother	1/6	16.7%
Father	1/6	16.7%
	Total	112.5%

In this example, the distribution exceeds 100% by 12.5%. Since that makes no sense, the only logical thing to do is reduce everyone’s percentage proportionally to reach 100%. Again, this would not be an issue if the deceased had just made a will with a 100% distribution. This is exactly what is done in the online Islamic inheritance calculator at

http://inheritance.ilmsummit.org/projects/inheritance/home.aspx

Are the Quranic distribution percentages fair?

Many people insist that they must follow the Quranic percentages even though verse 2:180 mandates that everyone make a will and distribute their inheritance with fairness and reasonableness. Now, let’s consider a hypothetical situation whereby a man is married to someone for 20 years. His parents have passed away and he has no siblings. The man then divorces his wife and remarries. One day after his 2nd wedding, he dies without having written a will. In this particular case, the Quranic percentages would result in the following distribution:

Relative	Share Fraction	Share Percentage
Ex-wife of 20 years	0	0
Wife of 1 day	1	100%

As you can see, the ex-wife of 20 years gets nothing and the new wife of 1 day gets 100%. This clearly violates verse 2:180 because it’s clearly an unfair and unreasonable distribution considering the duration of the marriages. This is yet another example that shows why it is absolutely necessary, not to mention mandatory, to make a will. Without one, there’s a good chance that inheritance distributions would not be fair.

With a will, is there a limit to how much you can distribute?

Some Muslims will argue that the most you can allocate in a will is 1/3 (33%) of your total assets. This value is nowhere to be found in the Quran. It comes from the hadith. For proof as to why the hadith is invalid, please see my other book titled: Analysis of Validity of Prophet Muhammad’s Hadith – Is It Truly From Muhammad And Valid Islamic Law?

As stated in verse 22:78, God has not made His religion difficult or overly complex.

وَجَاهِدُوا فِي اللَّهِ حَقَّ جِهَادِهِ ۚ هُوَ اجْتَبَاكُمْ وَمَا جَعَلَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِي الدِّينِ مِنْ حَرَجٍ

And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty. … (22:78 part)

It’s usually people who tend to make God’s religion difficult and overly complex. At the end of the day, according to verse 64:16 what matters most is that you make an effort to do the best you can.

فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ وَاسْمَعُوا وَأَطِيعُوا وَأَنفِقُوا خَيْرًا لِّأَنفُسِكُمْ ۗ وَمَن يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفْسِهِ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ

So fear God [by keeping your duty to him] as best as you can / what you are able (Arabic: ma is’tata’tum) and listen and obey and spend [in the way of God]; it is better for your selves. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul – it is those who will be the successful. (64:16 part)

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Do you have to pronounce God’s name before eating anything?

Most Muslims believe that you must pronounce God’s name only before slaughtering animals to make the meat halal. However, according to verse 6:118, you must pronounce God’s name before eating any food.

فَكُلُوا مِمَّا ذُكِرَ اسْمُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ إِن كُنتُم بِآيَاتِهِ مُؤْمِنِينَ

So eat of that upon which the name of Allah has been mentioned, if you are believers in His verses. (6:118)

This verse does not restrict the pronouncing of God’s name on animals so as to produce halal meat. As a matter of fact, it doesn’t even say you’re supposed to pronounce God’s name before slaughtering any animal. This verse indicates that one should mention God’s name before eating.

Reason for pronouncing God’s name before eating

The spiritual reason for pronouncing God’s name on our food before eating it is to constantly remember and be appreciative of God’s blessings on us. This is explained in verse 16:114.

فَكُلُوا مِمَّا رَزَقَكُمُ اللَّهُ حَلَالًا طَيِّبًا وَاشْكُرُوا نِعْمَتَ اللَّهِ إِن كُنتُمْ إِيَّاهُ تَعْبُدُونَ –

Then eat of what Allah has provided for you [which is] lawful and good. And be grateful for the favor of Allah, if it is [indeed] Him that you worship. (16:114)

This act of showing appreciation to God by reciting God’s name before we eat would not belong to us if only people who slaughtered animals had to recite God’s name.

Similar statement in the Torah / Bible

In the Torah / Bible, we find a similar commandment in Deuteronomy 8:10.

… “When you have eaten and are satisfied, bless (praise) the Lord your God for the good land He has given you.” … (Deuteronomy 8:10)

In this verse, however, it says to bless “after the meal” and not before the meal.

Conclusion

You must pronounce God’s name before eating anything, not just meat. In Christianity, this is called “saying grace” which is a statement of appreciation of the food one is about to eat.

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What really is “halal” food?

Most Muslims believe that meat can only be eaten if it is “halal” meat and that “halal” meat is only meat from an animal that had God’s name pronounced on it just before slaughtering it. However, according to the Quran, the recitation of God’s name, e.g. bismillah, is required before eating all food and is not required before slaughtering an animal.

Popular definition of “halal” meat

Most Muslims believe that “halal” meat is meat that had God’s name pronounced on it just before slaughtering it. Some Muslims will add additional requirements such as a particular way the animal is slaughtered to minimize suffering and expedite death. These requirements are nowhere to be found in the Quran. Jews have a similar understanding with the concept of “kosher” meat.

Quranic definition of “halal” food

The Quran makes it clear that all food is halal except for specific ones, e.g. pig, alcohol, running blood, and except for ones in certain conditions, e.g. animals gored to death or rotting carcasses.

Do not prohibit the lawful and vice versa

By changing the meaning of verse 6:118 to prohibit eating meat that isn’t considered “halal” meat, one would find himself in violation of verse 16:116.

وَلَا تَقُولُوا لِمَا تَصِفُ أَلْسِنَتُكُمُ الْكَذِبَ هَٰذَا حَلَالٌ وَهَٰذَا حَرَامٌ لِّتَفْتَرُوا عَلَى اللَّهِ الْكَذِبَ ۚ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَفْتَرُونَ عَلَى اللَّهِ الْكَذِبَ لَا يُفْلِحُونَ

And do not say about what your tongues assert of untruth, “This is lawful and this is unlawful,” to invent falsehood about Allah . Indeed, those who invent falsehood about Allah will not succeed. (16:116)

As you can imagine, prohibiting something that God never prohibited can have serious consequences. In verses 6:148-150, we see that some people prohibited something that God never prohibited. God told Muhammad not to agree with them.

قُلْ هَلُمَّ شُهَدَاءَكُمُ الَّذِينَ يَشْهَدُونَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ حَرَّمَ هَٰذَا ۖ فَإِن شَهِدُوا فَلَا تَشْهَدْ مَعَهُمْ ۚ وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَاءَ الَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا بِآيَاتِنَا وَالَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْآخِرَةِ وَهُم بِرَبِّهِمْ يَعْدِلُونَ

Say, [O Muhammad], “Bring forward your witnesses who will testify that Allah has prohibited this.” And if they testify, do not testify with them. And do not follow the desires of those who deny Our verses and those who do not believe in the Hereafter, while they equate [others] with their Lord. (6:150)

Prohibited food and meat

Verses 2:173, 5:3, 6:145, and 16:115 make it clear what food is halal (lawful) and haram (prohibited).

حُرِّمَتْ عَلَيْكُمُ الْمَيْتَةُ وَالدَّمُ وَلَحْمُ الْخِنزِيرِ وَمَا أُهِلَّ لِغَيْرِ اللَّهِ بِهِ وَالْمُنْخَنِقَةُ وَالْمَوْقُوذَةُ وَالْمُتَرَدِّيَةُ وَالنَّطِيحَةُ وَمَا أَكَلَ السَّبُعُ إِلَّا مَا ذَكَّيْتُمْ وَمَا ذُبِحَ عَلَى النُّصُبِ وَأَن تَسْتَقْسِمُوا بِالْأَزْلَامِ …

Prohibited to you are dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah, and [those animals] killed by strangling or by a violent blow or by a head-long fall or by the goring of horns, and those from which a wild animal has eaten, except what you [are able to] slaughter [before its death], and those which are sacrificed on stone altars, and [prohibited is] that you seek decision through divining arrows. … (5:3)

The food of the People of the Book

According to verse 5:5, we see that God made it lawful for Muslims to eat the food fo the People of the Book (Jews and Christians).

الْيَوْمَ أُحِلَّ لَكُمُ الطَّيِّبَاتُ ۖ وَطَعَامُ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ حِلٌّ لَّكُمْ وَطَعَامُكُمْ حِلٌّ لَّهُمْ …

This day [all] good foods have been made lawful, and the food of those who were given the Scripture is lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. … (5:5)

In general, we know that non-Muslims do not pronounce the name of God before killing an animal. Nevertheless, according to verse 5:5, God has made their food lawful for Muslims. This further proves that God does not require Muslims to pronounce God’s name before slaughtering an animal. However, if we eat food, e.g. steak, that originated from a Christian slaughterhouse, which God has allowed us to do, then we would still have to pronounce God’s name on it before eating it to comply with the requirement in verse 6:118.

Conclusion

Halal meat and halal food is any food that isn’t prohibited in 2:173, 5:3, 6:145 and 16:115

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Do you have to pronounce God’s name before slaughtering an animal?

Some Muslim scholars argue that since verse 22:36 indicates that God’s name should be uttered before slaughtering animals, then not doing so would render the meat non-halal and forbidden for consumption. On first impression, their claim seems valid. However, upon closer inspection and considering the context of neighboring verses, we discover the correct meaning of the verse as explained below.

وَالْبُدْنَ جَعَلْنَاهَا لَكُم مِّن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ لَكُمْ فِيهَا خَيْرٌ ۖ فَاذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهَا صَوَافَّ ۖ فَإِذَا وَجَبَتْ جُنُوبُهَا فَكُلُوا مِنْهَا وَأَطْعِمُوا الْقَانِعَ وَالْمُعْتَرَّ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ سَخَّرْنَاهَا لَكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ

And the camels and cattle We have appointed for you as among the symbols of Allah; for you therein is good. So mention the name of Allah upon them when lined up [for sacrifice]; and when they are [lifeless] on their sides, then eat from them and feed the needy and the beggar. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may be grateful. (22:36)

There are a few important points to note:

1. This verse speaks about the ritual of animal offering / sacrifice during the Hajj. The surah containing this verse is called “Hajj” and if we start reading from verse 27, we see the subject of these related verses has to do with the hajj and hajj rituals. This means that the rules given in these verses apply only during the hajj.
2. While the animals are lined up during the Hajj, those observing the Hajj should commemorate the name of God on these animals. The people who are pronouncing God’s name are the people who are observing the Hajj, not the people who are slaughtering the animals. The utterance of God’s name is not associated with the actual slaughtering.
3. To further prove that the uttering of God’s name on these animals during Hajj has nothing to do with make makes meat halal, we note that God’s command to utter His name while the animals are lined up is no different from God’s command to those observing Hajj to constantly utter and commemorate God’s name throughout the Hajj. This is indicated in the following verses

And proclaim to the people the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass – That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of God on known days over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. So eat of them and feed the despondent poor. (22:27-28)

And remember God during [specific] numbered days. (2:203)

But when you depart from ‘Arafat, remember God at al- Mash’ar al-Haram. (2:198)

And when you have completed your rites, remember God … (2:200)

The verses above indicate that God should be commemorated during every step of the Hajj. Commemorating and pronouncing God’s name on the animals while they are lined up for sacrifice is just a continuation of the rule to constantly commemorate God’s name throughout the entire Hajj from beginning to end.

Conclusion

You do not have to pronounce God’s name before slaughtering an animal.

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Is slaughtering the only approved way of killing an animal for food?

Some Islamic scholars claim that slaughtering is the only Islamic way of killing animals for food. However, this is nowhere stated in the Quran. Some people justify their claim by saying that blood is prohibited for consumption and that slaughtering is the only way to remove all blood from a dead animal. Obviously, that argument is false and can easily be verified. If you buy a cut of meat from any “halal butcher”, then take it home and place it under running water, you will always see blood come out, which was presumably slaughtered according to the Islamic way.

Blood

When an animal is slaughtered, the main arteries in the neck are severed. This drains from the body all the blood that was in the main arteries. However, the body of all animals contains a vast number of tiny veins and millions of capillaries. Capillaries are the smallest of the body’s blood vessels. Some of them are only one cell thick. The blood in the very small blood veins and capillaries will not all be drained from the flesh of the slaughtered animal. Much of the blood will remain trapped in the flesh regardless of the method of killing.

Running Blood

Verse 5:3 states that eating “blood” is prohibited. If this means that even a speck of blood was prohibited for consumption, then all meat would be prohibited, which can’t be true since verse 22:36 indicates that, during the hajj, animals are to be sacrificed to be eaten. Fortunately, verse 6:145 clarifies that the type of blood that is prohibited is “running blood”.

قُل لَّا أَجِدُ فِي مَا أُوحِيَ إِلَيَّ مُحَرَّمًا عَلَىٰ طَاعِمٍ يَطْعَمُهُ إِلَّا أَن يَكُونَ مَيْتَةً أَوْ دَمًا مَّسْفُوحًا أَوْ لَحْمَ خِنزِيرٍ فَإِنَّهُ رِجْسٌ أَوْ فِسْقًا أُهِلَّ لِغَيْرِ اللَّهِ بِهِ …

Say, “I do not find within that which was revealed to me [anything] forbidden to one who would eat it unless it be a dead animal or blood spilled (running blood) out or the flesh of swine – for indeed, it is impure – or it be [that slaughtered in] disobedience, dedicated to other than Allah. … (6:145)

God knows that there will always be blood trapped in all flesh and that we will never be able to flush it all out. For that reason, God made it clear in 6:145 that the prohibition is against “running blood”.

Any meat we buy from any “halal butcher” will not contain running blood but will always contain trapped blood. Similarly, the meat we buy from any supermarket will not contain running blood but will contain trapped flood.

Food of the People of the Book

If God decreed slaughtering to be the only lawful way to kill an animal, then why did God allow us in verse 5:5 to eat the food of the People of the Book as long as we pronounce God’s name on it before eating it when we have no idea how it was killed?

Animals killed by trained birds of prey and dogs

Similarly, if God decreed slaughtering to be the only lawful way to kill an animal, then why did God allow us in verse 5:5 to eat animals killed by trained birds of prey and dogs? These animals are already dead when we take them from the mouth of the birds and dogs.

Fish

Similarly, if animals had to be slaughtered, how can we eat fish since fish are not slaughtered? Like the meat of cattle, fish contain traces of blood when we buy them. We can remove some of the blood by running the fish under running water but not all.

Conclusion

• God never decreed that slaughtering is the only lawful way to kill an animal.
• Slaughtering does not remove all blood from a dead animal
• The prohibition from God is against “running blood” and not trapped blood which is impossible to flush out completely.

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