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[SquiddyCracker]

Updated with new questions

The vibe is kinda being mesed up from every single thread remotely related Middle-East/Islam devolving into a discussion in that is and isn't okay in Islam.
I think the problem is that people are getting confused by the matter by overlong discussions with back and forth quotations, so rather than "discussing" the matter I figured we could use this thread as a forum for GAFMuslims to provide their own views, the Islamic denomination they are part of (and/or the nation the answer is applicable to), the stance taken by the majority of muslims of said Islamic denomination, and the stance taken by the most esteemed Clerics in said Islamic denomination.

Please put your answers in the following format:

Question
[Branch of Islam] - Denomination such as sunni or shia, schools of jurisprudence, schools of theory and so on - be as specific as possible, e.g [Shiah/Jafri/Alawi] if your answer applies to only for a very specific group of muslims or just [Sunni] if it's applicable to the entire denomination) and/or nation (Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Bangladesh, etc)
[Personal stance]: Your answer
[Majority stance, of your Islamic Denomination]: Your answer
[Clerical stance, of your Islamic Denomination]: Your answer

Simple, right?

That way, I can do some cross comparing, and figure out what X denomination generally thinks (based on what gaffers think, what the majority think, and what the clerics think) and we'll have a repository of
answers available at all times to cut down the fluff in other threads.

I'm not a muslim, can I still answer these questions?

You can as a non-muslim answer these questions if you believe you're knowledgeable enough to do so, but please specify for what islamic denomination your answer is applicable to (so hopefully you'll cover the majority and clerical stance of said denomination as well). If you believe your answer to apply to all denominations, then just put in "All denominations".

Questions

So without further ado, here are the initial set of questions people may answer [I'll update the OP with more questions as people suggest them]
The questions are more focused on yes/no answers, rather than why's, as non-muslims are more concern with the practical applications of Islam rather than theoretical ones.

Female related questions

Is it compulsory for women to wear a Niqab (Covers everything but eyes)?
Is it compulsory for women to wear a Hijab (Covers hair and neck)?
Is it compulsory for women to wear a Burka (Covers everything, including eyes)?
Do women have to pray in separate rooms as men?
Are women equal to men as legal witnesses?

Are women allowed to work?
Are women allowed to drive?
Are women allowed to serve in the army?
Can an unmarried woman live by herself?
Does a woman have to accompanied by a man if she wants to travel?
Can a woman be friends with those not of her gender?

Legal issues

Should thieves have their hands cut off?
Should liars have their tongues cut off?
Should muslims who have converted to Christianity be punished, and if yes - how?
Should muslims who have converted to Judaism be punished, and if yes - how?
Should muslims who have converted to any non-Abrahemic religion be punished, and if yes - how?
Should muslims who have turned atheist be punished, and if yes - how?

Should atheists be punished for being atheists, and if yes - how?
Should Christians be punished for being Christians, and if yes - how?
Should Jews be punished for being Jews, and if yes - how?
Should individuals subscribing to non-Abrahemic religions be punished for subscribing to non-Abrahemic religions, and if yes - how?

Should muslims who criticize part of the Quran be punished?
Should atheists who criticize part of the Quran be punished?
Should Christians who criticize part of the Quran be punished?
Should Jews who criticize part of the Quran be punished?
Should others who criticize part of the Quran be punished?

Is secularism compatible with Islam?
Is freedom of press compatible with Islam?
Is religious freedom compatible with Islam?
Is free speech compatible with Islam?

Theology
Should Haddiths be followed?
Is the Quran without flaws?
Can parts of the Quran be ignored?
Can some Haddiths be ignored?
Are good people who are never exposed to the message of Islam forgiven of their sins?
Can someone who knows about Islam but does not identify as a Muslim be forgiven?
Can an atheist be forgiven on virtue of pursuing and living by their understanding of truth even if they never found belief in Islam?
Is evolution of humanity from non-human ancestors true?

Sex and social issues

Is abortion permissible (please specify up to which week, month, trimester if yes)?
Is contraception permissible?
Is sex before marriage permissible for men?
Is sex before marriage permissible for women?

Are gay relationships devoid of sex permissible?
Are gay relationships inclusive of sex permissible?
Are gays allowed to marry?
Are gay couples allowed to adopt children?

Is anal sex permissible for hetereosexual couples?
Is oral sex permissible for hetereosexual couples?
Is non-missionary style sex permissible for hetereosexual couples?
Is masturbation for pleasure permissible in Islam?

Is in-vitro fertilization acceptable?
Is selective abortion acceptable (to determine gender)?
Is selective abortion acceptable (for the purpose of removing genetic and other diseases/deformities)?

Is Human genetic engineering acceptable?

Are men allowed to marry multiple women at the same time?
Are women allowed to marry multiple men at the same time?

Is the divorce process for a man and woman the same?

Misc.

Are interest rates un-Islamic?
Are dogs allowed as outdoor pets?
Are dogs allowed as indoor pets?
Are pigs allowed as indoor pets
Are pigs allowed as outdoor pets?

Is it permissible to consume pork?
Is it permissible to consume alcohol?
Is it permissible to cook your food in alcohol?

Is it permissible for men to pluck their eyebrows?
Is it permissible for women to pluck their eyebrows?

Is it permissible for women to shave their leg/arm/chest/back hair?
Is it permissible for men to shave their leg/arm/chest/back hair?

A Muslim must pray facing Mecca, and to pray with their back to Mecca would be sacrilegious. From a flat-earth viewpoint, this makes sense. But the earth is spherical, so if you pray facing Mecca, you also have your back to Mecca at the same time (and vice-versa). How do you explain this?

 

[RevDM]

It's not Islam Gaf has a problem with, it's organized religion as a whole.

 

[Dead Man]

Interesting idea. Curious to see the answers so I can learn a thing or two.

 

[Arksy]

Is Islam compatible with secularism.

Personal Stance: Yes
Majority Stance: Yes
Clerical Stance: Yes

Just look at Turkey, a nation that has dedicated itself to the cause of a secular state. Most Turks are Muslim but don't want a clerical state. Accusations of the AKP trying to initiate a Shari'a revolution are a bit misplaced. They're just the Islamic versions of Christian Democrats. I'm not sure what the Imam's might say but Turkey is a long standing secular state with a fervently Muslim population.

 

[raphier]

But one's clerics opinions differ from another, who do I believe?

 

[F#A#Oo]

It's not Islam Gaf has a problem with, it's organized religion as a whole.

This thread says otherwise...

 

[Count Dookkake]

It's not Islam Gaf has a problem with, it's organized religion as a whole.

It's funny how each group likes to pretend that they are the only one that gets scrutiny.

 

[SquiddyCracker]

But one's clerics opinions differ from another, who do I believe?

Whoever you judge to be the correct cleric within said denomination.
If multiple gaffers of the same denomination pick different clerical answers, then we at least know there's a division on a clerical level within said denomination.

Is Islam compatible with secularism.

Personal Stance: Yes
Majority Stance: Yes
Clerical Stance: Yes

Just look at Turkey, a nation that has dedicated itself to the cause of a secular state. Most Turks are Muslim but don't want a clerical state. Accusations of the AKP trying to initiate a Shari'a revolution are a bit misplaced. They're just the Islamic versions of Christian Democrats. I'm not sure what the Imam's might say but Turkey is a long standing secular state with a fervently Muslim population.

Please add your Islamic denomination if you have one.

 

[CyclopsRock]

What is Islam's stance on heterosexual anal sex?

This is a deal breaker for me.

 

[SquiddyCracker]

What is Islam's stance on heterosexual anal sex?

This is a deal breaker for me.

Added to the OP.

 

[RevDM]

Whoever you judge to be the correct cleric within said denomination.
If multiple gaffers of the same denomination pick different clerical answers, then we at least know there's a division on a clerical level within said denomination.



Please add your Islamic denomination if you have one.

And this is where everything falls apart. You're creating a thread in defending Islam as a religion as a whole, yet you accept that there are different sects of Islam, with differences that you choose to reject by believing in your particular version of Islam.

 

[SquiddyCracker]

And this is where everything falls apart. You're creating a thread in defending Islam as a religion as a whole, yet you accept that there are different sects of Islam, with differences that you choose to reject by believing in your particular version of Islam.

... I'm not defending Islam

The point of people putting down what flavour of Islam they are following is to pre-emptively clear the confusion that might arise from one muslim saying X while another muslim say Y.

 

[fertygo]

What is Islam's stance on heterosexual anal sex?

This is a deal breaker for me.

Not allowed.

And just for trivia, they actually suggesting human shouldn't be totally naked in sex activity.

The reasoning for this because they're not a animal and there's angel that witnessing your daily act.

 

[Arksy]

Whoever you judge to be the correct cleric within said denomination.
If multiple gaffers of the same denomination pick different clerical answers, then we at least know there's a division on a clerical level within said denomination.



Please add your Islamic denomination if you have one.

Just detailing my experience after living there for a bit. I can speak their language as well so I was able to immerse a bit better than most foreigners.

 

[Magni]

Question: Is it haram for men to pluck their unibrow?

Question: Is it ever allowed to consume pork?

Question: Is it ever allowed to consume alcohol? (eating food that was cooked with a tablespoon of beer for example)

Question: Why must people submit to Allah if Allah is all powerful?

 

[Raonak]

Not allowed.

And just for trivia, they actually suggesting human shouldn't be totally naked in sex activity.

fun police.

 

[Finaika]

Not allowed.

And just for trivia, they actually suggesting human shouldn't be totally naked in sex activity.

The reasoning for this because they're not a animal and there's angel that witnessing your daily act.

wat

They're watching us having sex?

 

[Cpt.Underpants]

human shouldn't be totally naked in sex activity.

So, husband and wife should have sex while fully cloth?

Well thats just awkward

 

[Dead Man]

Well, it was an interesting idea for a thread.

 

[SquiddyCracker]

Question: Is it haram for men to pluck their unibrow?

Question: Is it ever allowed to consume pork?

Question: Is it ever allowed to consume alcohol? (eating food that was cooked with a tablespoon of beer for example)

Question: Why must people submit to Allah if Allah is all powerful?

Added to the OP.

 

[Enco]

Not allowed.

And just for trivia, they actually suggesting human shouldn't be totally naked in sex activity.

The reasoning for this because they're not a animal and there's angel that witnessing your daily act.

I don't believe this is true.

Anyone know about this?

As for the pork question, you can if its the only thing there and it's life and death. Otherwise, no.

 

[Dice]

I'm not sure how to phrase the only question I have in a way that won't inherently turn it into another question that is easy to misunderstand or dodge.

Basically, I think that if a religion changes its teachings over time, then it is admitting that it was getting things wrong before, and if you are open to that kind of correction, you have no justification in holding up your religion as ultimate truth. Most religions use the excuse that humanity was interpreting a divine message, so the message was misunderstood or cultural influence manipulated it. However, then you run into the problem that when followers were getting things wrong before, they were ruining the lives of everyone. So if followers of the religion were wrong before and didn't know it, how would you know if you are wrong now? How can you be sure enough in your interpretations to hold on to them and present them authoritatively? Furthermore, if it is so difficult to get right, how do you justify bringing it to new people groups who end up having the same "misunderstandings" of what appears to be the plain meaning of the text until one undertakes many years of dedicated study?

I don't know how to condense that into a single simple question. I guess I can understand Buddhism or Taoism where everyone is going "we think we're seeing things and we're figuring out how it works" a lot more than "this is the divine message and is 100% correct" religions. Their history and especially modern reforms simply contradict the basic premise. You'd think that God, who invented communication, would have done a better job at crafting something that wouldn't be so difficult and perpetually messed up.

Spoiler

*cue religious people blaming the faults of man* *cue atheists saying if god exists then he made man so it is his fault* *cue worthless argument that goes nowhere*

 

[fertygo]

wat

They're watching us having sex?

They always watching 24x7

So, husband and wife should have sex while fully cloth?

Well thats just awkward

At least not totally naked, like deer.. you can wear loincloth or something. jost not completely naked.

Of course many not following this or even know about it lol

 

[Magni]

They always watching 24x7


At least not totally naked, like deer.. you can wear loincloth or something.

So can you fap in the shower as long as you wear a swimming cap?

 

[2San]

My answers are based on what goes in Bangladesh(sunni). I'm agnostic atm, so I've been out of the do's and don't thinking for a while now so take my answers with a grain of salt.

Question: Is it haram for men to pluck their unibrow?

No, I know people in Bangladesh(Sunni) have no problem with it.

Question: Is it ever allowed to consume pork?

Question: Is it ever allowed to consume alcohol? (eating food that was cooked with a tablespoon of beer for example)

If it's critical for survival then yes.

Question: Why must people submit to Allah if Allah is all powerful?

This is what I vaguely remember myself. Allah is all powerful, but gave humans free will. Djinn is another race with free will. Satan(one of the Djinn), refused to bow to Adam(I think) when God asked. In Islam Satan doesn't hate God, but hates Humans. Shatan basically struck a deal that he could show that humans weren't firm believers and could stray them from their path.

What is Islam's stance on heterosexual anal sex?

This is a deal breaker for me.

A big resounding no, by most Muslims I think.

 

[Finaika]

So can you fap in the shower as long as you wear a swimming cap?

Are muslims allowed to fap?

 

[SquiddyCracker]

I'm not sure how to phrase the only question I have in a way that won't inherently turn it into another question that is easy to misunderstand or dodge.

Basically, I think that if a religion changes its teachings over time, then it is admitting that it was getting things wrong before, and if you are open to that kind of correction, you have no justification in holding up your religion as ultimate truth. Most religions use the excuse that humanity was interpreting a divine message, so the message was misunderstood or cultural influence manipulated it. However, then you run into the problem that when followers were getting things wrong before, they were ruining the lives of everyone. So if followers of the religion were wrong before and didn't know it, how would you know if you are wrong now? How can you be sure enough in your interpretations to hold on to them and present them authoritatively? Furthermore, if it is so difficult to get right, how do you justify bringing it to new people groups who end up having the same "misunderstandings" of what appears to be the plain meaning of the text until one undertakes many years of dedicated study?

I don't know how to condense that into a single simple question. I guess I can understand Buddhism or Taoism where everyone is going "we think we're seeing things and we're figuring out how it works" a lot more than "this is the divine message and is 100% correct" religions. Their history and especially modern reforms simply contradict the basic premise. You'd think that God, who invented communication, would have done a better job at crafting something that wouldn't be so difficult and perpetually messed up.

Spoiler

*cue religious people blaming the faults of man* *cue atheists saying if god exists then he made man so it is his fault* *cue worthless argument that goes nowhere*

Yeah, that's an interesting question, but the kind of question that result in a 10-page discussion that goes nowhere.
The purpose of this thread is to give some concrete Islamic stances on some rather practical questions/issues (will go through the OP and do some pruning, we're already starting to diverse into debate land) such as the Islamic position on gay marriage, or whether or not the Hijab is mandatory.

 

[Arksy]

Are muslims allowed to fap?

Broadly speaking, yes.

Some sects forbid it, but I'd be comfortable saying that on the whole it's more forgiving on the matter than Christianity.

 

[KmA]

I like this thread idea! I feel like a lot of people on Gaf simply see Islam as this monolithic unchangeable object which is highly false.

 

[fertygo]

Are muslims allowed to fap?

Well its treated like how christian treat it, nope.

Broadly speaking, yes.

Some sects forbid it, but I'd be comfortable saying that on the whole it's more forgiving on the matter than Christianity.

This sound like the usual justifying with Onan's stories and such, but I think most teacher agree its not allowed.

 

[JordanKZ]

It's not Islam Gaf has a problem with, it's organized religion as a whole.

Bingo.

My person perspective is that I was born into a fairly Muslim family. Nothing strict, but my dad was a practising Muslim. But now, he cannot stand how twisted, corrupt and broken Islam has become at its very core (i.e: the people calling the shots). He still believes in God though.

I'm very glad that he gave me the choice of what and who I wish to believe. My older sister became Christian, my brother believes in God but doesn't subscribe to any religion (apart from when he's trying to get favours in the family...) and I'm an atheist.

I'm just trying to weigh in on how my upbringing panned out.

 

[Enco]

Well its treated like how christian treat it, nope.

Bro you should tell people that your clothed sex no masturbation views aren't the same for most people.

 

[SquiddyCracker]

Bro you should tell people that your clothed sex no masturbation views aren't the same for most people.

... which is why it's a good idea to mention what denomination you are part of if you're going to answer any of the questions, even if you claim to speak for all denominations.

 

[Dice]

Yeah, that's an interesting question, but the kind of question that result in a 10-page discussion that goes nowhere.
The purpose of this thread is to give some concrete Islamic stances on some rather practical questions/issues (will go through the OP and do some pruning, we're already starting to diverse into debate land) such as the Islamic position on gay marriage, or whether or not the Hijab is mandatory.

Okay well I thought of some that I got asked when I was a Christian.

Are good people who are never exposed to the message of Islam forgiven of their sins?
Can someone who knows about Islam but does not identify as a Muslim be forgiven?
Can an atheist be forgiven on virtue of pursuing and living by their understanding of truth even if they never found belief in Islam?

 

[fertygo]

Bro you should tell people that your clothed sex no masturbation views aren't the same for most people.

Clothed sex maybe, but masturbation?
Even the argument that deny it sound the same like in christian, with Onan's myth, its allowed if you can't hold it and about doing something bad (lol)

But most just suggesting you should just fasting to control your sexual pressure instead fapping.

 

[Messofanego]

Sunni

Is it compulsory for women to wear a Niqab (Covers everything but eyes)?
Nope.
Is it compulsory for women to wear a Hijab (Covers hair and neck)?
Only the hands and face can be shown, for men from the navel to the knee should be covered. Both men and women can't wear tight-fitting or transparent clothes, can't wear things of the opposite sex like earrings for men, or showing identity from other religions like Christian crosses.
Is it compulsory for women to wear a Burka (Covers everything, including eyes)?
No.
Do women have to pray in separate rooms as men?
I think yes, because this removes temptation and distraction.

Legal issues

Should muslims who criticize part of the Quran be punished?
No, skepticism is healthy and sometimes it makes the faith stronger once you know the limits and details.

Is freedom of press compatible with Islam?
Yes.
Is religious freedom compatible with Islam?
You mean, if there was an Islamic country? Yes, or I think to the extent of the Abrahamic religions. I'm not clear on other religions.
Is free speech compatible with Islam?
Yes, Islam is about tolerance and so every opinion should be able to be expressed. We don't get to judge others, Allah does.

Should Haddiths be followed?
Not as a compulsory thing since that's what the Quran is for. For lifestyle choices, that's what the Sunnah (actions by Prophet Mhammad PBUH) is for where you can get more good by following his actions.
Is the Quran without flaws?
Yes, you have to believe in all of it. No picking and choosing. I have yet to see a specific thing in Quran that I am vehemently opposed to but I don't know Quran by verbatim.
Can parts of the Quran be ignored?
No, it's all-or-none. Of course, not everyone is as knowledgeable about every issue such as me who needs to read up and research, so you need to check yourself before you wreck yourself There's no cherry-picking for what you like or would want other unbelievers to think is acceptable in some other society. That's hypocrisy.
Can some Haddiths be ignored?
A more expert opinion on this would be needed, but Haddiths are by Muhammad PBUH's companions which is why there are many denominations and not specifically attributed to him. Haddiths are things you don't have to live your life by, since that's what the Quran and Sunnah are for.

Are interest rates un-Islamic?
Pretty sure interest is a no-no.
Are dogs allowed as indoor pets?
No. For protection if you keep them outside but I don't know much about this since I hate cats and dogs
Is it permissible to consume pork?
NO. I think the main reason is (someone correct me) because pigs are dirty animals and eating them can give specific parasite diseases if not cooked properly like Trichinosis, taenia solium (pork tape worm), and other worms. If there are Qoran- reasons, I'd also like to know.
Is it permissible to consume alcohol?
NO. In fact, smoking or any tobacco product is not allowed either but many Muslims don't follow this. It's haraam, but some Hanafi scholars say it is makruh (offensive act). "Do not make your own hands the cause of your destruction" is said in the Quran which means suicide, intoxicants, self-harm.

 

[2San]

Should Haddiths be followed?
Can some Haddiths be ignored?

Yes, considering the vast majority of Muslims are either Sunni(80+%) or Shia(10%+). Which ones are followed are different, there is some overlap I think. It explains the traditions and provide further explanation on specific verses. The haddith is fallible though, it is not the direct word of God. If the Haddith conflicts with the Qu'ran the Qu'ran take precedent.

Is the Quran without flaws?
Can parts of the Quran be ignored?

The Quran is perfect as it is the direct words of God as recited by the prophet Mohammed.

No the Quran can't be ignored, but yeah the Quran has pretty floaty language with multiple interpretations possible(double meaning of words, what to take literally). This is even the case if you ignore possible translation issue's. More so depending on the specific subject.

 

[tali'zorah84]

Forgive me for asking, but what's the difference between women wearing burka/ hijab/niqab?
Is it a regional thing, age or what?

(Forgive me if I accidentally skimmed over it on the OP)

 

[2San]

Forgive me for asking, but what's the difference between women wearing burka/ hijab/niqab?
Is it a regional thing, age or what?

(Forgive me if I accidentally skimmed over it on the OP)

For Sunni(80%+ of the Muslims) it's merely a matter of preference. Burka in particular has existed before Islam afaik and is more a cultural thing, but it goes well with what's written in the Quran(dressing modestly and covering breasts).

 

[ReadingRambo]

Might as well add what region/country you're from as well when you answer as culture plays a large part in the answer to some of these as well. At this point it's impossible to separate the two.

 

[SIRF]

Okay well I thought of some that I got asked when I was a Christian.

Are good people who are never exposed to the message of Islam forgiven of their sins?
Can someone who knows about Islam but does not identify as a Muslim be forgiven?
Can an atheist be forgiven on virtue of pursuing and living by their understanding of truth even if they never found belief in Islam?

I'm an ex-Muslim but thought I'd chime in to help out with some questions. I will be answering mainly for Sunni's and Hannafi perspective (even though I will say my knowledge on the Hannafi school and other's is not excellent) EDIT: I'm also I guess speaking from Pakistani perspective, not sure how much the country influenced my Islamic education though.

Are good people who are never exposed to the message of Islam forgiven of their sins?
Yes, God's message has been said to be provided to many people with many different prophets, even ones that were not mentioned in the Quran. This the case that a person never hears about Islam, they are either judged on how well they followed their said prophet or how moral they were in general


Can someone who knows about Islam but does not identify as a Muslim be forgiven?
No, this is one of the biggest sins in Islam, it is quite literally the denial of God after receiving his message. I believe it goes even further to say that this is one of the sins that will get you into hell for eternity (most people in Islamic hell are eventually moved to heaven). I guess I as an apostate would fall under this category!

Can an atheist be forgiven on virtue of pursuing and living by their understanding of truth even if they never found belief in Islam?
Yes, pretty much what I said in the first response. If they don't know about Islam, didn't have any other prophets to follow but lived a good life, they will be forgiven.

By the way, there are a lot of questions listed in OP and perhaps that will make it seem overwhelming for any Muslim to tackle. Maybe trying to go question by question until it's answered, than adding it in to OP as the answer would be a better approach.

Nice thread though, I'm an atheist myself and someone who openly speaks out against religion but I think misunderstandings of the religions itself gets people no where. I remember arguing with atheist when I was religious and I was able to write off many people simply because they clearly did not understand the religion.

 

[ReadingRambo]

What is the prescribed punishment for apostasy?


edit:nvm

 

[Messofanego]

Are muslims allowed to fap?

There's no direct verse in the Quran about it, so it's debatable. Some scholars say it's a sin, some other scholars say it's allowed if it's preventing from sexual intercourse or adultery.

 

[V_Arnold]

I'm not sure how to phrase the only question I have in a way that won't inherently turn it into another question that is easy to misunderstand or dodge.

Basically, I think that if a religion changes its teachings over time, then it is admitting that it was getting things wrong before, and if you are open to that kind of correction, you have no justification in holding up your religion as ultimate truth. Most religions use the excuse that humanity was interpreting a divine message, so the message was misunderstood or cultural influence manipulated it. However, then you run into the problem that when followers were getting things wrong before, they were ruining the lives of everyone. So if followers of the religion were wrong before and didn't know it, how would you know if you are wrong now? How can you be sure enough in your interpretations to hold on to them and present them authoritatively? Furthermore, if it is so difficult to get right, how do you justify bringing it to new people groups who end up having the same "misunderstandings" of what appears to be the plain meaning of the text until one undertakes many years of dedicated study?

I don't know how to condense that into a single simple question. I guess I can understand Buddhism or Taoism where everyone is going "we think we're seeing things and we're figuring out how it works" a lot more than "this is the divine message and is 100% correct" religions. Their history and especially modern reforms simply contradict the basic premise. You'd think that God, who invented communication, would have done a better job at crafting something that wouldn't be so difficult and perpetually messed up.

Spoiler

*cue religious people blaming the faults of man* *cue atheists saying if god exists then he made man so it is his fault* *cue worthless argument that goes nowhere*

There are two paralell issues here. Or three if we count a potential for hypocrisy.

1) Religions are weird at the core. I consider spirituality and evidence-based reasoning two halves of our existence, even if many others would gladly and easily discard one, and potentially deny others access to it, if possible. But when looked at it from a static point of view, clinging to old religions without allowing the possibility of change is like going back in time and clinging to pre-quantum science (which, sadly, many materialist people still do!), and going back to even further and further, saving the state of scientific progress and forcing it to a group of people. A LOT of the issues would have been solved ages ago if religions would adopt more readily. See: Vatican and its inhumane stance on condoms, homosexuality and stuff like meditation, yoga, etc. So if science has no issues with constantly throwing up useless, past forms, why should not religion do the same?

2) This is my observation on the matter, but I think it stands on pretty solid ground: major, abuse-able religions have changed their holy texts to quite a great extent over time. When these changes are documented or ar at least tracable, it is quite a travesty to cling to the "holy books" in a manner that does not allow anyone the right to disagree or ignore certain parts of it. But anyway, the MAIN point is that it needs an ulterior motive to purposefully ignore a line that basically contains this: YOU SHALL NOT KILL, and still indulge in agressive, separating and fear-mongering acts and do acts that are against this very line. Usually these kinds of "do not hurt others" are somehow contradicted by small sentences otherwise, or are simply abused due to tribe-mentality that gets combined with this:

*If you read a holy text and see someone who, from a point of view of a Godlike being, a "sinner" or a "worthless being", THAT IS NOT UP TO YOU TO ACT AGAINST HIM! You, as a human being, STILL have no right to do anything to him/her! If your "God" deems him unfit to Paradise/Heaven/whatever after his judgment, that is on him, but that still does not give you the right to ANYONE to act against him! It is out of your jurisdiction. Simple as that.*

3) In conclusion, I greatly think that these self-contradictions are abused by greedy people who use and abuse it to their own gains. And in these actions, I consider abusive, fear-mongering religious figures in the same light as people who manipulate markets, allowing it to crash and leaving families without homes, as leaders who manipulate their population into war, as anyone else that exploits human nature to their own gains. Eliminating religion from this picture would not solve one bit. Fear-mongering would still be possible, especially in places where there is already tons of pressure from neighboring countries, where there is a built-in hatred between different nations, etc. We need to deal with those feelings in a way that actually addresses the issue, not go around it and find something that, again, can be blamed instead of our own failures.

 

[Dice]

I guess I as an apostate would fall under this category!

Spoiler

Hell brothers *fist bump*

 

[Magni]

There's no direct verse in the Quran about it, so it's debatable. Some scholars say it's a sin, some other scholars say it's allowed if it's preventing from sexual intercourse or adultery.

So is masturbation preferable to sexual intercourse? Even in married couples? Are sexual relationships between unmarried couples (not talking about adultery or incest or anything like that, just "normal" unmarried couples) forbidden religiously or is that more of a cultural thing?

Can couples live together if they're not married yet?

Thanks (ex)-IslamGAF for answering all of these by the way

 

[SmokyDave]

The Quran is perfect as it is the direct words of God as recited by the prophet Mohammed.

No the Quran can't be ignored, but yeah the Quran has pretty floaty language with multiple interpretations possible(double meaning of words, what to take literally). This is even the case if you ignore possible translation issue's. More so depending on the specific subject.

What if you do ignore the Quran? What if there is a section or passage that is crystal clear in intent and meaning, but you ignore it anyway? Is there a punishment? Degrees of punishment? Some sort of 'get out of jail free' clause?

 

[Messofanego]

So is masturbation preferable to sexual intercourse? Even in married couples? Are sexual relationships between unmarried couples (not talking about adultery or incest or anything like that, just "normal" unmarried couples) forbidden religiously or is that more of a cultural thing?

Can couples live together if they're not married yet?

Thanks (ex)-IslamGAF for answering all of these by the way

I meant for sexual intercourse before marriage. That is forbidden.

 

[shuri]

I watched the first episode of the new Vice series on HBO, and they went to Pakistan to talk about suicide bombers. They met with young teens who were captured by armed forces just as about they were to blow themselves up and one of the common theme as it was explained by them is that they were taught by their taliban (or whatever) trainers that killing themselves using a bomb against the enemy would make them go to heaven, their families would be taken care of, they would be heroes and so on.

The interviewer mentioned a few times that there was nothing in the Quran about this at all, and the young teens looked very surprised. At the end of the episode, he manages to meet a very scary looking Taliban leader, and they discuss this; the taliban leader claims that they are not for suicide bombing, but that the Quran calls for victory by any means necessary, and if it the solution calls for 'extremes' like suicide bombing, then its ok to use such strategy in Jihad. The interviewer once mentioned how there was nothing like this in the Quran, but the taliban leader cut him off right away and mentioned that they (talibans) have several very qualified high level scholars who analyzed the text and that told them that its a valid strategy against 'infidels'

I thought it was interesting to see how the text can be interpreted in such different ways, obviously, lets not kid ourselves, the taliban leader was obviously using a warped version to further his political/warfare goals, but still..

Is there a section in the Quran about this subject? I'd like to check it out myself and not rely on a 'analysis by Taliban scholars'

 

[Sapphire Dreams]

Is it compulsory for women to wear a Niqab (Covers everything but eyes)?

No, it's optional.

Is it compulsory for women to wear a Hijab (Covers hair and neck)?

Yes.

Is it compulsory for women to wear a Burka (Covers everything, including eyes)?

Same answer as Niqab.

Do women have to pray in separate rooms as men?

In mosques yes, but it's okay if you're families.


Are women allowed to work?

Yes

Are women allowed to drive?

Yes

Are women allowed to serve in the army?

Yes and as law enforcement too.