Karmatism is a heretical esoteric sect founded by Hamdan ibn Karmat in the ninth century AD. Hamdan took advantage of the poverty of people and was influential, especially in Iraq and its periphery, voicing “collective property” and claiming shares from the rich. These people may have appeared religious on the outside, however, they had an … Continue reading How are Those Who Are Hostile to Dialogue Activities Today Relevant to “Kharijites, Karmatis, Anarchists”? →

Compulsion is contrary to the meaning and purpose of religion, which essentially is an appeal to beings endowed with free will to affirm and worship their Creator. Intention and volition are necessary bases of all actions (including formal worship), attitudes, and thoughts for which the individual is religiously accountable. Without that basis, accountability has no … Continue reading The Qur’an Says: There is No Compulsion in Religion (2:256) What Does This Mean? →

The aim of sending the Prophets is communicating the divine message, which is the most important and vital obligation incumbent on humanity. That is to say, to enlighten others with knowledge of the true religion and the duties that accompany it. In the light of this our primary duty is to review all existing and … Continue reading How Should Believers Invite Others to Faith? →

Messiah is a name or attribute of Jesus, peace be upon him. Messiah means “blessed” in Hebrew, thus this name might have been used for him in admiration for his merits and virtues It is reported that he was given this name for several reasons: he was protected from all kinds of sins; his touch … Continue reading What is the Islamic Perspective on Anticipation For the Messiah and the Mahdi? →

Sperm banks are established to facilitate artificial insemination. It has been used for plants and animals for a long time to produce higher quality breeds and to improve and preserve the species. However, its widespread use for humans is recent. The seed in the plant kingdom and the sperm in the animal kingdom are the … Continue reading What do You Say About Sperm Banks and Artificial Insemination? →

The question touches on two matters. One has to do with what AIDS is; the other has to do with how Muslims as Muslims make sense of it and of similar phenomena. Let us take the first matter first. What is AIDS? AIDS or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is a viral infection which destroys the … Continue reading Is it right when people link HIV to one of the signs of the last day? →

The question concerns the mystery of “time” and “knowledge” which governs all five things mentioned in the verse: The knowledge of the Hour is with God. It is He Who sends down rain, and He Who knows what is in the wombs. And no one knows what it is that he will earn tomorrow and … Continue reading Are the “five mysteries” mentioned in the Qur’an still mysteries? →

here are no formal rules in Islam concerned with the way one wears one’s hair, the style of clothing or anything else related to external appearance. What is important in Islam is that followers must present an Islamic identity, interpret its spirituality, and represent in a good manner the beauty of Islam in their life. … Continue reading Is There an Islamic Code of Conduct Concerning Way of Dressing? →

Moderation is the balanced way between extremes, the middle way between two excesses: ifrat (too much) and tafrit (too little). It is also to use one’s primordial nature, capacity, and skills to do good, to do exactly what is prescribed by the Creator, on His way. Man’s faculties of sense and mind, his emotions, fear, … Continue reading How Can “Moderation” Be Defined? →