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
Bearers of Seed (2:223)
One of the Quran's verses often butchered in translation and interpretation is Sura 2: The Heifer (Al-Baqarah), verse 223. نِسَآؤُكُمْ حَرْثٌ لَّكُمْ فَأْتُوا۟ حَرْثَكُمْ أَنَّىٰ شِئْتُمْ وَقَدِّمُوا۟ لِأَنفُسِكُمْ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّكُم مُّلَـٰقُوهُ وَبَشِّرِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ Here are some of the standard traditional Sunni translations of this verse. Your wives are your tilth; go, then, unto … Continue reading Bearers of Seed (2:223)
Hadith: Monkey Adultery
Sahih Bukhari is considered the most revered collection of Sahih Hadith among traditional Muslims. Among these most "authentic" narrations, we see that 'Amr bin Maimun claims the following account regarding a she-monkey being stoned for adultery. Narrated `Amr bin Maimun: During the pre-lslamic period of ignorance I saw a she-monkey surrounded by a number of … Continue reading Hadith: Monkey Adultery
Quran: Biblical Echoes
Envision a circle of art experts deeply engaged in discourse over the nuances of Renaissance artistry. As a newcomer interlaces into the dialogue, the original members of the group may be skeptical if the new member is qualified to contribute worthy commentary to the discussion. Yet, in a turn that transforms the tenor of the … Continue reading Quran: Biblical Echoes
Abu Lahab vs. Dhajjal (Quran vs. Hadith)
Sura 111 of the Quran is entitled Thorns 'Al-Masad' ( الـمسد ) and is about how both Abu Lahab and his wife were condemned to Hell for leading and fueling the opposition to the prophet during his life. [111:1] Condemned are the works of Abee Lahab, and he is condemned.[111:2] His money and whatever he … Continue reading Abu Lahab vs. Dhajjal (Quran vs. Hadith)
Can the prophet hear us?
In a previous article, we discussed how the Sunnis misunderstood 33:56 to imply that it is a commandment to perpetually send blessings upon the prophet. In this article, we will discuss how the Sunnis' understanding of Salawat is a flagrant violation of the entire message of the Quran. The Sunni masses promote that one should … Continue reading Can the prophet hear us?
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