book_of_inquiries ahmad h. sakr Ph.D. The following excerpts from The Book of Inquiries by Ahmad H. Sakar, Ph.D are provided for informational purposes only. They are neither a promotion of, nor are they a condemnation of Islam, the Qur'an or Muslims: "Q16: I was surprised to know that you Muslims do believe in Jesus and Mary. I thought you hate them? A16: Muslims do believe in Jesus and Mary. We trust them and we respect them. Jesus was one of the Mighty Messengers of Allah. His mother was chosen by Allah from all women of her time. She conceived of Jesus vegetatively. In the Qur'an there is one chapter (Surah) in the name of Mary herself. No other women's name was revealed explicitly in the Qur'an except that of Mary. Jesus is one of the beloved Prophets of Allah, and his mother Mary, is on of the most respected women in the minds of Muslims." 031118 ... ahmad h. sakr Ph.D. "Q9: Why can a Muslim man marry more than one woman, while a woman cannot? A9: It is a good question. Men and women may marry more than one, but there are rules and regulations of a woman who wants to marry more than one. She has to divorce her husband through the Court and through the System of Khul'ah. She has to have a waiting period called 'Idda of three months in order to make sure that she is not pregnant from the first husband. Otherwise she may not be able to know the father of the baby. If the baby does not know his biological father, many biological problems will be created. Later on a man may marry his own biological sister without knowing so. Genetically, they in turn may suffer having children with biological deformities. Men cannot marry more than one wife for no reason. There should be legitimate reasons and the knowledge of his first wife. It is a big responsibility that very few may be able to assume, with big headache. Allah(swt) informed us that we will not be able to be fair and just. Hence Muslim men should be happy and satisfied with one. In Surah Al - Nisaa' (The Women) Allah says: If you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, marry women of your choice, two, or three, or four; but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly, then only one, or that which your right hands possess. That will be more suitable, to prevent you from doing injustice. (4:3)" 031118 ... ahmad h. sakr Ph.D. Q19: In the western societies we are told that Eve was the source of sin. Most of us look at women as a source of evil. I do not know why. What does Islam say about this problem? A19: It is too bad that people think that Eve was the source of sin for Adam and for us too. I feel sorry for those who look at women as a source of evil. Islam teaches us that Satan enticed Adam to eat from the fruit tree in heaven. Then he in turn ate and made his wife Eve to eat with him. Both therefore, committed a silly mistake. However, both pleaded their case to Allah. They asked for forgiveness and Allah forgave them right away. Therefore, there is no original sin in Islam. Hence we were born individually pure, and innocent. In Islamic teachings, women are looked upon with great respect and dignity; even paradise is at the feet of mothers. Whoever is blessed in having 3-4 daughters, and he/she raises them properly, paradise is assured for him/her. The honor and dignity of men, in a family, in a society and of a nation lies in the respect of women. Muslims must do their best to protect the dignity of women in every society. 031118 ... ahmad h. sakr Ph.D. Q25: Is it true that women have no rights in Islam? A25: It is to the contrary! Women in Islam have more rights and privileges than men. Whenever Allah(swt) reminds children to respect and honor their parents, He immediately selects the mothers rather than the fathers to be respected. A woman in Islam has the right to work and earn money. Her earnings are for her. She can do whatever she wants with it. However, when the husband earns money, it is for him, for her, and for the children. He is obliged to help his parents and his sisters. The wife is not obliged at all. She does not have to cancel her maiden name at marriage. 031118 ... stork daddy yeah well that sucks for the guy! 031118 ... ahmad h. sakr Ph.D. Q11: What is the difference between Hadith and Sunnah? A11: Hadith is the exact sayings of the Prophet with quote and unquote. The Sunnah of the Prophet includes the Hadith as well as the lifestyle of the Prophet. His deeds and actions are included as well. Anything that he accepted without commenting or talking about is also included in the Sunnah. 031118 ... Confusion rains why are sequential Q & A's being edited out? 031118 ... ClairE Turn the pages. 031126 ... . Different chapters. Common questions were posted first. 031127 what's it to you? who go blather from