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is as old as the universe itself, whereas the practices of Submission such as Shahada, Salat, Zakat, Seyaam and Hajj came to us through the prophet Abraham.
[22:78] You shall strive for the cause of GOD as you should strive for His cause. He has chosen you and has placed no hardship on you in practicing your religion―the religion of your father Abraham. He is the one who named you “Submitters” originally. Thus, the messenger shall serve as a witness among you, and you shall serve as witnesses among the people. Therefore, you shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and hold fast to GOD; He is your Lord, the best Lord and the best Supporter.
3. Polygamy: By and large the world thinks that Islam (and the Quran) promotes polygamy and men can marry as many wives as they want. This misconception spread due to the false practice of marrying more than one wife by some ignorant Muslims. The Quran is very clear on this subject, that monogamy is the basis for normal relationships, while polygamy is the exception. The Quranic verse speaking of marrying more than one wife (4:3) relates to marrying the mothers of orphans so they are taken care of. For example, in the aftermath of war, it is likely that many men would have lost their lives, resulting in widows with fatherless children. Thus, the Qur’an allows an exception in these cases so that the needs of the wider community can be met. Men are reminded that they must work hard to treat all of them equitably (4:129), and if they fear that they cannot, they should not engage in polygamy. [4:3] If you deem it best for the orphans, you may marry their mothers―you may marry two, three, or four. If you fear lest you become unfair, then you shall be content with only one, or with what you already have. Additionally, you are thus more likely to avoid financial hardship.
4. Women’s rights and Divorce: God in His infinite wisdom and grace provided numerous verses on women’s rights, freedom and divorce. Political and other religious leaders have exploited and oppressed women in numerous ways. Qur’an conveys to us that oppression is worse than murder (2:191, 217). For example: [81:7-9] The souls are restored to their bodies. The girl who was buried alive is asked: For what crime was she killed?
In the Qur’an it is clear that there must be a waiting period before a divorce can be made official and divorcing a woman by saying “talaq” thrice is forbidden (2:226-7, 2:229, 4:35).
[2:226] Those who intend to divorce their wives shall wait four months (cooling off); if they change their minds and reconcile, then GOD is Forgiver, Merciful. [2:227] If they go through with the divorce, then GOD is Hearer, Knower.
[4:35] If a couple fears separation, you shall appoint an arbitrator from his family and an arbitrator from her family; if they decide to reconcile, GOD will help them get together. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant.
5. False punishment practices: The practice of cutting the hand of the thief is unfortunately acceptable in Gulf countries. It is justified by some as coming from the Qur’an, although this is not true.
[5:38] The thief, male or female, you shall mark their hands as a punishment for their crime, and to serve as an example from GOD. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise. [5:39] If one repents after committing this crime, and reforms, GOD redeems him. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.
In verse 5:38 the Arabic word (Iqtaa) means to cut (not cut off, as evident from the same word used in 12:31). Marking the hand of a thief is a form of social pressure to punish the thief that they may repent and reform, and to serve as an example. If we think that God has commanded us to chop off the hands of the thief,
then who will take responsibility for the sustenance of that person? Can we just leave him to die without food? Chopping the hands is irreversible and leaves no room for repentance. A person without hands cannot repay damages either. Therefore, cutting off the hand of a thief cannot be true.
There is another punishment common in some Islamic countries, which is stoning to death as punishment for adultery. In fact, there does not exist this kind of punishment in the Qur’an, yet it is practiced on the basis of traditional narrations called “Hadith”. For proven cases of adultery, the following punishment is authorized by God through Qur’an.
[24:2] The adulteress and the adulterer you shall whip each of them a hundred lashes. Do not be swayed by pity from carrying out GOD’s law, if you truly believe in GOD and the Last Day. And let a group of believers witness their penalty.*
*24:2 Social pressure, i.e., public witnessing of the penalty, is the basic punishment (see also 5:38). The lashes shall be symbolic, not severe. [24:3] The adulterer will end up marrying an adulteress or an idol worshiper, and the adulteress will end up marrying an adulterer or an idol worshiper. This is prohibited for the believers.
[4:25] Those among you who cannot afford to marry free believing women, may marry believing slave women. GOD knows best about your belief, and you are equal to one another, as far as belief is concerned. You shall obtain permission from their guardians before you marry them, and pay them their due dowry equitably. They shall maintain moral behavior, by not committing adultery, or having secret lovers. Once they are freed through marriage, if they commit adultery, their punishment shall be half of that for the free women. Marrying a slave shall be a last resort for those unable to wait. To be patient is better for you. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.
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