One of my friend from America asked me these questions.

Question:

Assalamoalaikum

One of my friend from America asked me these questions, please can i get these answers from quraan and hadith , he is doctor. He got these questions from some American people.

  1. why we worship towards an idol i.e black box kaaba , they say means (Americans peoples) why do we need to pray in the direction of an idol?
  2. Why did the prophet marry a 9 year old girl? If he’s a prophet he should have set an example and adopted ayishah as his daughter and not his wife?
  3. Islam wants shariah law all over the world, so how can democracy exist with Islam?
  4. Why does one have to pray five times a day? Why not just once or twice or once a week, Why would Allah send you to hell for not praying 5 times daily?
  5. How can Allah be so cruel when he loves you more than your own parents?

W/Salam

Wa Alaikum As salaam,

Answer to 1st. Question:-

We, the Muslims do not worship towards an idol.

The Kaaba is not an idol. The Holy Quran states that the Kaaba was the first house built for the worship of man. It is the house of God and not an idol. Muslims do not worship an idol and they do not worship the Kaaba.

An idol is an image worshiped as a god, and the Kaaba does not fit into this definition.

Muslims turn towards the direction of the Kaaba in prayer without them believing that God is in that direction or the Kaaba represents God, rather, God has made the act of turning towards the Kaaba a sign of Muslim Unity.

It must be noted that no one from among the Jews, Christians and pagans living during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (SAS) regarded the Kaaba as an idol. The Jews and Christians at that time and thereafter, considered the Kaaba to be in the same manner as the ‘Aqsa Mosque’ or the ‘Temple of Solomon’ in Jerusalem. In fact, according to authentic narrations, they also used to turn in the direction of the ‘Aqsa Mosque’ in Jerusalem for worship.

Answer to 2nd. Question:-

Aisha had parents who were very kind, loving and caring to her. She lived and grew with them and was given everything she needed as a daughter. When this was the case, why would the Prophet want to adopt her, when she lived with her real biological parents who treated her with love and attention? At the same time, why would the young girl Aisha want an adoptive father? There was absolutely no reason to do so.

To set an example, the Prophet (SAS) adopted Zaid bin Haritha as a son, and made him his adopted son. He purchased the freedom of many slaves who were in bondage. He helped the poor and needy, provided for the less fortunate and looked after the widows and orphans. His life bears testimony to the fact that he was the leader in every act of charity and goodness. He possessed the best traits and characteristics, and became the perfect role model for human beings.

In the case of Aisha, she did not need an adoptive father, nor did she need a father figure. In fact, she found a great father in Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) (her beloved father). Instead (of wanting a father), she needed a husband, who would be kind, loving and caring to her. One who was pious and upright. Who possessed the attributes of truthfulness, honesty and trustworthiness. In other words, she needed someone whom she could call her ‘perfect husband’, and this person was not to be any other one than that of the Prophet (SAS). The parents of Aisha also were honoured to have such a son-in- law, who was indeed the best husband for their daughter. The age difference between Aisha and the Prophet (SAS) did not matter to Aisha, to her parents and to any of the other Arabs, since this was an established practice which was accepted by all at that time.

One must understand that each place and people have their own culture, which they fully accept, though others may not do so. For example, today, in certain countries it is well accepted that a man and a woman can to live together without marriage. They sleep together and live together, and this is well accepted for them. However, this is rejected and abhorred by other people. For them, this act is sinful and immoral and they will never encourage such. In a similar manner, there are cities, states and countries today where same sex marriages and relations are fully endorsed, allowed and accepted. This is a new culture that has come about in certain places, and is fully encouraged by people of a certain culture. Yet, for many, this is disgusting, indecent and a heinous sin. In this way, there are many wrong and immoral things which are done by people and have been culturally accepted and are considered to be normal, but these same things are known and recognised as indecent, immoral and against human values.

So, the gist of this is that with respect to the marriage of Aisha (at a young age), there was nothing wrong with this in religion and in the culture of the people. In fact, not even the Jews and Christians (living at that time-who were many) raised an objection against this marriage of the Prophet. It is also important to note that at the time the Prophet (SAS) started to live with Aisha, she had already reached the age of puberty. This was an age at which a person is first capable of sexual reproduction of offspring, which meant that she was a woman, since a woman is defined as a female who is capable of bearing offsprings. As such, when the Prophet started to live with Aisha, he began to live with a woman and not a child. As mentioned by many historians, girls at that time and in that land attained puberty at a very young period, and at the age of 9 years, Aisha had already reached the age of puberty which made her a young woman.

So, saying that the Prophet (SAS) married a child is a statement that is meant to critize and condemn the Prophet (SAS).

In fact, if we look at other reports, we will find that in the past, girls were married at a very young age. In this regard, Tim Lambert in his ‘Brief History of Women- Women in the Old Testament’, wrote, ‘The father was very powerful in Israelite society. He owned his wife and could divorce her if he wished. He could also arrange marriages for his children. People in Israel got married very young. A girl would marry when she was 12’. This article shows that a girl would marry when she was 12 years of age. According to todays’ standard 12 years is still a child. But no one has anything to say about this.

In another article entitled ‘Child marriage in Nepal’ by Rupa Dhital, the following is written, ‘According to the first report prepared under the Demographic Sample Survey, 1986-1987, it is stated that nearly 7% of girl children were found to be married before reaching the age of 10’. (Source- Unicef)

Here also, it shows that girls marrying at such a tender age is still occurring in our times. But strange enough, no one speaks about it.

In a similar article on ‘Women in History’ by Melisendo, while discussing ‘Medieval Marriage and childbirth’ wrote a few examples of famous women who married at a young age. She stated:-

* Bianca of Savoy, Duchess of Milan was married at the age of 13 years (1350) and aged 14 when she gave birth to her eldest son, Giangaleazzo (1351).

* Theodora Comnena was aged 13 years when she was married to King Baldwin 111 of Jerusalem (1158).

* Agnes of France was 12 years when widowed. She was married to Andronicus Comnenus, Byzantine Emperor (1182).

* St. Elizabeth of Portugal was aged 12 years when she was married to King Denis of Portugal.

* Caterina Sforza was betrothed at the age of 9 years, and married at age 14 years.

* Beatrice d’Este was betrothed at the age of 5 years and married at the age of 15 years.

These are some examples of young women who got married at an early age- where in today’s world would be thought of as being children. But no one speaks against any of these. Strange enough, people find the time to only identify Aisha’s marriage among so many other young women, who got married at age 9.

Answer to 3rd. Question:-

Muslims do not want Shariah law all over the world. However, in countries which have the majority as Muslims, then the Muslims of those countries want the Shariah law. These are countries in which Shariah law once existed and at that time, there were more peace, justice, equality and the fulfillment of the rights of everyone. Sad to say, when Shariah law was abolished, dictatorship, entered with tyranny and oppression. The ‘right of might’ prevailed, and violence, murders and corruption became the order of the day, as we are seeing in those countries today.

Having Shariah law does not mean that everyone becomes a Muslim. It simply means that the rule shall be in accordance to the principles of justice and fairness. There must be equality. The rights of everyone (Muslims or non-Muslims) must be fulfilled.

There must be harmony among those living in that country. These and many more ‘just principles’ are from the teachings of Islam upon which the Shariah law is based.

Answer to 4th. Question:-

With respect to ‘how can democracy exist in Islam’, well, the truth is that there is no place on the face of the earth in which there is true democracy. Today ‘democracy’ is only a word which is used to reflect that a country is not autocratic in its rule. But the truth is that no country adheres to the real principles of democracy.

The concept of democracy advocates that:-

(i) The government is by the people.

(ii) The Supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them.

(iii) There must be formal equality of rights and privileges.

(iv) There must be political and social equality.

When we look at these statements and then look at the countries that claim to be ‘democratic’, we will realize that none of them is truly qualified for the name ‘democracy’. Even in this time, the 21st century, we find that countries that proudly consider themselves to be democratic and advocate this to others are themselves unable to fulfil the needs of their people or give them their rights. In these countries (as well as others), we find that the poor are suffering while the rich are enjoying life. The majority of the people continue to complain and make demands for the fulfillment of their rights. People take to the streets to voice their grievances, they appeal to their leaders, they beg for help and security- but nothing of the sort is fulfilled. In such countries, racial and religious discrimination exist to a very high level. People are not able to be employed due to their race, creed and gender. It is seen that leaders make false promises at the time of election only to get into power. Then nothing is fulfilled afterwards. When this is the order of today’s world, how can one say that ‘a government is being run by the people’? How can it be said that ‘the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them?’

If this really takes place (which is ‘true democracy’), then is it why a great amount of citizens continue to be disgruntled and disappointed with the governments? Why do they take to the streets in tens of thousands to express their anger and their unwillingness to follow a law/rule which has been implemented by a few? In reality, what we have is ‘autocracy’ behind the veil of ‘democracy’. There are dictators rather than democrats. What is seen today is ‘self-centered leaders’, instead of ‘people centred leaders’. What has become the norm today (as witnessed by many) is that leaders are elected by the masses and then after going into power, they become more focused on their own selves, the welfare of their family members, friends and those who are close to them. Fulfilling the rights and needs of the people is not really too much on their agenda.

If what is seen today in many countries is democracy, then we either need to change the definition for democracy, or change the ‘name of the rule’ that has been implemented in those countries. What exists in many first world countries today is ‘Rule by Majority’ and not democracy. This is totally different from ‘Rule by the People’.

The problem with the rule by majority is that if 51% of the people voted for something, then they can force the other 49% to comply. For a government to force people against their will is not democracy, but tyranny. This is why some have referred to majority rule as ‘tyranny of the majority’.

Even if true democracy existed in any country, there will still be problems, and it would not be able to bring about law and order as needed. This is so because democracy means that the people of the society rule themselves, each person deciding what he believes is the path to his own happiness. Each other person decides for himself. This means that each day you decide……you vote through your decisions on something that is important to you, and you don’t get over-ruled, even if 51% of the people happen to disagree. So, in this state of true democracy, each person will be making his own law to live with, and ruling his own self without having any authority, law and order above him. Can this really work for a country? Can it bring law and order in a country? Would the people be ruled by an authority or would they rule their own selves?

These and many other questions will come about if people were to rule themselves and if they were to have supreme power in a country (which is really true democracy). This will definitely be a problem in society.

It is for this reason, Islam views democracy in a different light from what it is shown to be.

THE WAY ISLAM VIEWS THE DEMOCRATIC RULE

In a democratic setup, a person is elected by the people for a period of three or five years and he is called either the President of the republic or the Head of the democratic government. But the President of the republic does not enjoy the same power which is required by an affectionate ruler of mankind. In some ordinary matters, the President feels helpless and has to work against his will. It means the government has no real center of power, and government affairs are divided in a manner that they go to belong to all the people of the state.

When seen from a distance, this system of government looks pleasant. And since, the people generally find themselves ruling over themselves feel that the chains of despotism or tyrannical rule are broken, they are happy with the system, but ultimately they are put to great loss as well.

Human sense of nobility lies against unbridled freedom. This is the reason that in France and America etc., where democratic system is working,, the spiritualism desired by the religion is going to the dogs. High morals taught by religion cannot grow and flourish in a country where the flood of democracy is surging. Democratic system of government seeks to put man on a path of such an unnatural freedom that he can no longer retain his Divine values. Pure democratic system is, in fact, very strong movement of atheism and secularism. As nothing grows in a desert, fish can’t live out of water, and man cannot keep healthy in a dark place and polluted air, in the same way, religious thoughts, restraints and prayers cannot stay and grow in a democratic system of government.

The fundamental principle of religion is restraint and obedience. And one’s following of a true religion keeps intact the true feeling of human nature that every high and respectable being is to be given a high place and shown respects, and since, Allah the Almighty is the Highest of all, one should bow down before Him saying Subhana Rabbiyal-A’la (Glorified be the Lord, the Most High). Every Messenger, every Prophet and every guide in the world has rightly demanded that all men should obey him and carry out his command. And none can deny that human race has always achieved success simply by following and obeying those Messengers, Prophets, guides and leaders.

It is a fact that human race has reached the stage of progress and development from the lowest level of disgrace and depravity. Thus, the system of government which is injurious to the righteous course and sets humanity free from all decent and reasonable restraints can never prove healthy and beneficial to mankind. Every father wants his son to obey him and it also behooves the son to do so. Every teacher wants his pupils to obey him and the same is demanded of disciples, followers and soldiers, and they must respond to the call in their own interest. But, under the effect of democracy every son, pupil, disciple, follower and soldier looks upon obedience to his father, teacher, saint, leader and commander as a matter of an unpleasant duty, to be performed against one’s will. And, by and by, all these things are so dissolved that man finds before him nothing but atheism and secularism which ultimately lead to barbarism.

Democracy is basically against sense of religiosity, and hence the more this sense is injured, the more there is chance for peace to go out of sight. Real peace can be established on earth only through religion, but governments have always eaten humble pie in the field. Inside houses, in forests, deserts and pathways, a man is free from the watchful eyes of the police. It is religion alone and not the government which can hold one back from indulging in evil acts of murder, theft, adultery etc. If all the inhabitants of the earth turn secular, it will become a hell for mankind by freely adopting the course of killing and carnage, theft, adultery, lies, deception, mischief and unmannerly behavior.

THE ISLAMIC RULE

The type of rule Islam has formed on this earth is known as Autocratic Democratic Rule. The system of rule suggested by Islam lies between pure democracy and pure autocracy. Every Islamic section has its say in the election of caliphate, king or ruler. In the election of the most suitable and most deserving person for the rule or caliphate, all possible fair means should be made use of, and the best person to be elected at all costs. The Muslims need no institution of law or constitution or formation of any modern system of government, for they possess the noble Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW).

Thus, the task of electing best man for the job is also not difficult for the Muslims The man who knows the Qur’an and Hadith more and acts more upon them is the most deserving of all to become the ruler of the Muslims. To run the administration according to the teachings of the Qur’an and Hadith and to enforce Divine and Prophetic commands, are the main duties of a Muslim ruler.

The Muslims have every right to challenge their rulers if and when he makes even slight deviation from the path set by Allah and His Messenger (SAW). But it is incumbent on each and every Muslim to follow every order of the ruler, if it is not contrary to the dictates of the Qur’an and the Sunnah without even thinking to revolt against the ruler. In case a Muslim ruler shows sign of deviation from the right path, he may be deposed then and there. But if he carries out his duties to his nation with Divine sense and good intentions; his deposition would be the height of idiocy after passing a tenure of three or five years.

The caliph of the Muslims happens to be the servant watchman, guard and trustee of the Muslims; why should then we remove him from a position wherefrom he is serving the Muslims with all the power at his command just for plunging in the trouble of a new experiment. The Muslims do not want their caliph to enact laws for them nor allow him to pass a luxurious life at the cost of public exchequer. The caliph of the Muslims under a moderate and reasonable system collects wealth from the wealthy section in reasonable proportion and spends it on the poor, the needy and the orphan for their welfare Since a reasonable tax is collected from the wealthy section to be given to the needy, there is no chance of any conflict arising between the capitalists and the laborers which has now, taken the whole Europe in its grip.

The caliph of the Muslims is the guard and watchman of the Muslims as well, as their teacher, guide, commander, and servant. In important matters and national affairs, for instance, if an enemy country is to be invaded or peace is to be brought about with the hostile power, or troops to be sent to help any people or for protecting the Muslims, or keeping peace in the country, the caliph has to hold consultations with the Muslims for the Qur’an had ordained him to do so. But the purpose of consultation is not to force the Muslim ruler to toe their line by holding back his own The sole purpose of such consultation is that the caliph should listen to favorable and unfavorable opinions about the issue and then form his own opinion in the light of wise counsels The Quraan says

“…. and consult them in the affairs Then when you have taken a decision put your trust in Allah (3:159)

The model of the system of government Islam wants to set up, as mentioned above, may be seen in the era of the Righteous Caliphate. After that, the system of rule changed into autocratic hereditary one However, the bright points of Islamic teachings and morality kept glaring out the rules established by the Muslims, and taken as a whole, the type of rule set up by the Muslims has no parallel in the annals of history. Democratic governments, whose example Europe and America are presenting today, can never come at par, with the type of rule Islam wants to establish.

A leader in an Islamic state listens to the people and fulfills their rights and needs. He works with a consultative body with upright honest Muslims who are chosen to represent the people. He is guided by religious scholars and trustworthy advisors so that he can implement the principles of equality, justice and fairness.

Answer to 5th. Question:-

Praying five times a day is a requirement for a Muslim which is based on the teachings of Islam.

A Muslim is one who recognizes that he continues to receive the blessings of God throught the day and night and throught his entire life. He lives with the life that he has been given by his Creator, and he is sustained with food and drink that are sent by his Lord. Man cannot live for a second except it be through the will and permission of his Creator. Thus, understanding how kind, generous, benevolent and good God Almighty has been, a Muslim recognizes these favors and bounties and express his gratitude to him. In relation to the amount of favors an individual is given by his Creator on a daily basis, five times per day is still too less. Instead, much more is needed, but out of the great compassion and love that God Almighty Has for His servants, He Has only prescribed five times prayer during the day and night. If all were put together, it may only total about one hour. Thus, if a man devotes one hour of prayer to his Lord and keeps twenty three hours for himself, then this is certainly not a difficulty upon anyone. In fact, one hour for devotion and prayer is a small amount, especially when one truly recognizes his Creator. It is for this reason, the pious and righteous servants of God devote much more time in praising and worshipping the One and Only God of the heavens and earth, Allah.

Hence, the spiritual purpose of this prayer (which is called Salaat) is that we as humans , express our thanks sincerely with our tongues and sincerity of hearts to the Creator of all, the Sustainer of the worlds, the Master of the universe, the Great Benefactor, for His boundless kindness and favour, so that the image of His greatness and supremacy and our own helplessness, lowliness and humility is well impressed upon our conscience, hearts and minds. Through this, the love for God Almighty becomes permeated in every sinew and fiber of our existence and His Omnipresence becomes so indelibly ingrained and established in us, that at the time of every intention and at every activity we should be able to realize that he is looking at us, so that we feel ashamed of our bad intention and refrain from translating them in to evil actions.

The more we pray, is the more conscious we become of our creator. This consciousness then encourages us to do good deeds, and discourages us from doing bad.

So, five times a day was fixed for Muslims to pray at different intervals through the day and night. It is in a similar manner, other religious groups also adhere to praying at certain times of the day. For example, the Roman Catholic Christians pray in the morning before sunrise, then in the evening, and then in the night at bedtime. The Jews also have prayers at three times. In the Book of Daniel, it is stated:-

‘Now when Daniel know that the writings was signed, he went into his house, and his windows being open in his chamber towards Jerusalem, he kneeled down upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and give thanks before his God, as he did aforetime…, but maketh his petition three times a day.’ (Daniel: 6 10-13)

In the Psalm, it is mentioned:-

‘As for me, I will call upon God; and the lord shall save me. Evening and morning, and at noon, I will pray, and cry aloud, and he shall hear my voice.’ (Psalm 55 16-17)

Even in the bible, Jesus attached great importance to his followers ‘to always pray’. In this regard, it states, ‘And he spoke a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.’ (Luke: 181)

In the scriptures, it is evident that the disciples of Jesus prayed the same times as that of the Jews, and even more than that. The scriptures spoke of praying in the morning (Mark 1:35). It spoke of praying at noon time. (The Acts: 10.9). It also spoke of praying in the afternoon. (The Acts 3:1). It also spoke about praying midnight. (Luke 11. 1-5).

When we look at all the above, we will see that prayers were read four times for the day with the encouragement of ‘men ought always to pray’ as given by Jesus.

So, when this is evident in other major religions which are not normally targeted by critics, I do not see why someone should raise any objection in this regard.

With respect to the other objection regarding not praying, it must be understood that the issue of performing five times daily (Salaah) prayer is a commandment from Allah (God Almighty). Whoever intentionally and willfully, does not fulfil this, is violating a law of God and is being disobedient to him. For sheer disobedience and violation of His commands, Allah has the full authority and prerogative to do as he wishes. He can forgive on account of a valid reason, or He can punish one in the fire of hell or He can punish him in another manner.

Punishment occurs on account of disobedience and violation of the laws and commandments which have been given to man.

We see that even in this world, punishments are issued for violating the country’s law. Heavy fines and penalties are given for issues that are known to be petty in nature.

For example ‘littering’ can cause a person to pay $500.00 and spend 60 days in jail. Isn’t this cruel?

After all, what serious damage can be done if you throw a small piece of paper on the road? There isn’t any harm or damage done to anyone, yet, the authorities have decided that one can spend 60 days in jail.

This is extremely cruel, yet, no one speaks against the cruelty of such law. In a similar manner, we know very well, if we disobey the laws of the government or security personnel, we are punished. At times, we are heavily fined and many even go to jail. These and many more, are punishments we face for being disobedient to man-made laws. Should we not then be punished for being disobedient to God-made laws? It is only fair that the same principle should apply. It is men who are cruel to themselves by committing sins and engaging in wrongdoings.

Punishment is meted out for disobedience and so, by not performing five times prayer, (intentionally and willfully), one is disobeying the commandments of his Creator, and will thus, face the consequences for his action. In other religions, the concept of ‘punishment of disobedience’ is also present. In this regard, we find the following

in the Christian Bible. In Levicticus 26: 14-18 God says, ‘but if you will not listen to me and carry out all these commands, and if you reject my decrees and abhor my laws and fail to carry out all my commands and so violate my covenant, then I will do this to you: I will bring on you sudden terror, wasting diseases and fever that will destroy your sight and sap your strength. You will plant seed in vain, because your enemies will eat it. I will set my face against you so that you will be defeated by your enemies; those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee even when no one is pursuing you.

‘If after all of this you will not listen to me, I will punish you for your sins seven times over’. (New International Version of the Bible NIV)

If one looks at these verses carefully, one will see the amount of different punishments that will be given by God to those who do not listen to him and carry out his commands. Those who find Allah cruel, should pay attention to what is mentioned in the above verses of the Christian Bible. Yet, with this, none of the critics will speak against the Christians nor their bible.

With respect to Allah’s love to man, this is a reality in which there is no doubt. Allah loves man very much. This is why He Has bought him into existence, and Has fashioned him in a beautiful manner. He Has blessed him with intellect, wisdom and understanding, and Has created everything around him from the food, fruits, birds, fishes, vegetation for his pleasure and enjoyment.

With all these favors and acts of kindness, man is required to be ever grateful and obedient to the One who Has given all these wonderful gifts to him. However, if he becomes ungrateful and chooses to become obstinate and arrogant, and then turns disobedient to the One who has bought him into existence, then he needs to be disciplined so that he can return to the right path.

In all countries of the world, when people do wrong things, they are disciplined by the state in many ways. This is done so that law and order would prevail and that people will learn from being disciplined. In these cases, no one says that the state is cruel, nor do they say that the law is cruel. In fact, all agree that when a wrong is committed one must face the consequences for his wrong. The same applies to parents and their kids. At all times, parents need to monitor their kids and train them in the right manner. If the kids are not disciplined for doing wrong, then they will grow up in a manner that may be harmful to the entire society. Kids continue to be disciplined by the parents, but are they called “Cruel”?

In fact, Christian scholars explain that children should be disciplined for disobedience, and this is not a sign of ‘cruelty’, but a sign of love. Look at the following article which has been written by a Christian scholar. He writes, ‘Christian parents must make a decision whether they are going to discipline their children ‘according to God’s word’ or according to their own ideas, usually based on liberal-minded so called ‘expert’ psychologists and psychiatrists of these perverted last days’.

‘According to Proverbs 13:24, if you do not spank your children for disobedience you ‘hate’ your children. For those parents who wont spank their children and say that they love them is the opposite of what God says about it.

Who are we to believe- you or God? ‘You should love them enough to spank them when they disobey. God says, ‘He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently’ (Prov.13:24)

The lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in (Prov. 3:12)

(Taken for the article ‘Spanking Children’ by Harry Bethel of the Bethel Ministries as posted on their website www.bethelministries.com).

From the above article, one can say that according to Christian scriptures, punishment is not a form of cruelty, instead, it is a sign of love. In fact, it was stated in the above article that if you do not spank your children, you hate them. This obviously means that those who spank their children, love them.

The Christian Scripture also shows that, ‘The lord disciplines those he loves’. This shows that punishments given by God is not really cruelty, instead, it is a sign of love.

With this understanding, it is totally wrong for one to say that Allah is cruel for punishing someone. Before even thinking in this way, one must think of how cruel he (the individual) is to God. Many are extremely ungrateful to God for the blessings and favors He Has bestowed upon them. They blaspheme and deny Him. They reject His Scripture and deny His Prophets. Along with these, they also commit sins of every type openly and boldly, fearing no one. These acts are certainly ‘Cruel’ to God Almighty, and justice and fairness require that such people face the consequences of their evil and wrong deeds. If good is rewarded, then bad must be punished. Compassion and Mercy shall be shown to those who repent and beg for forgiveness.

And Allah knows best,
Mufti Wseem Khan

5/2/2013