One of the standard practices among Sunni Muslims is their greeting (Attahiyat) of the prophet during their Salat. Despite such practices being a blatant form of idol worship (shirk) according to the Quran and discussed in previous articles, does it even make any sense to send greetings to one who is dead according to the … Continue reading Can one greet the dead?
The Circular Logic of Hadith Biographies (Ilm al-Rijal)
In the study of Hadith, biographies known as "Ilm al-Rijal" (the science of narrators) are considered crucial for assessing the reliability and credibility of Hadith transmitters. These biographies provide detailed information about the lives, characters, and trustworthiness of the individuals in the chains of narration (isnads). Today, these biographical dictionaries are used to confirm a … Continue reading The Circular Logic of Hadith Biographies (Ilm al-Rijal)
Necessity and Reliability of Contextual Hadith (Asbab al-Nuzul)
A typical argument traditionalists make against those who follow the Quran alone is that the Hadith is needed to make sense of the verses. Some go so far as to claim that the Quran is not understandable without the Hadith. In the book Hadith and Sunnah Ideals and Realities p. 135, under the article title … Continue reading Necessity and Reliability of Contextual Hadith (Asbab al-Nuzul)
Can compulsion be applied to non-believers? (2:256)
The Quran informs us that there is no compulsion in religion. [2:256] There shall be no compulsion in religion: the right way is now distinct from the wrong way. Anyone who denounces the devil and believes in GOD has grasped the strongest bond; one that never breaks. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient. لَآ إِكْرَاهَ فِى ٱلدِّينِ قَد … Continue reading Can compulsion be applied to non-believers? (2:256)
Was Aaron a Messenger?
In a previous article, we explored the distinction in the Quran between a prophet (nabi) and a messenger (rasul). In summary, a prophet is given scripture, while a messenger confirms and delivers God's message to the people. This means that every prophet was a messenger, but not every messenger was a prophet. Yet some claim … Continue reading Was Aaron a Messenger?
Mutawatir & Hadith
A term that is used often in Islamic studies is the concept of Mutawātir. Mutawātir is a successive narration that has been transmitted by such a large number (thousands) of narrators at each level of its chain of transmission that it becomes particularly impossible for them to have collectively agreed upon a lie or fabrication. … Continue reading Mutawatir & Hadith
Sex During Menses (Quran vs. Hadith)
The Quran informs us that the sexual relations between a husband and a wife are to be kept private. [2:187] Permitted for you is sexual intercourse with your wives during the nights of fasting. They are the keepers of your secrets, and you are the keepers of their secrets. GOD knew that you used to betray … Continue reading Sex During Menses (Quran vs. Hadith)
Divine Interpretation: Sign of Messengership
In the Quran, the capacity to accurately interpret a divine message previously obscured from the masses is a sign of divine favor and authorization. This revelatory ability is reserved for those whom God deems righteous, as He does not grant such profound insights to those who are insincere or liars. [72:27] Only to a messenger that … Continue reading Divine Interpretation: Sign of Messengership
Knowledge & Power
How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver! Proverbs 16:16 The Quran informs us that real wealth lies in wisdom, not status or wealth. [2:269] He bestows wisdom upon whomever He chooses, and whoever attains wisdom, has attained a great bounty. Only those who possess intelligence will take heed. يُؤْتِى ٱلْحِكْمَةَ مَن … Continue reading Knowledge & Power
Intercession: Who is permitted? What will be said?
Intercession (shafa’a / شفاعة ) refers to the act of pleading or intervening on someone’s behalf. In the context of the Hereafter, it specifically denotes the idea of one entity interceding to God on the Day of Judgement to change the outcome of another, thus forever altering their destiny in the Hereafter. Check out the … Continue reading Intercession: Who is permitted? What will be said?
Quran Talk Blog 