It is important that Muslims perform Hajj carefully without violating any of the prescribed deeds during it. The sanctity of the sacred months should be maintained. During pilgrimage, hunting of animals is forbidden in the vicinity of Makka, therefore it is not lawful to kill them while in Ihram. It is important to protect the lives of the people who are coming to perform Hajj. Makkan pagans had stopped Muslims from performing Umra before the fall of Makka, and they were forced to stay in a place called Hudaibiya and return back to Madina without performing Umra. This was a serious provocation and irritant for Muslims. Allah commanded Muslims that they should forgive this episode as all the people in Makka have embraced Islam.

What is the purport of ( وَمَا أُهِلَّ لِغَيْرِ اللَّهِ بِهِ ' - 'a thing which has been dedicated to other than Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is forbidden') in the above verse?

The above command is with reference to what we intend and commit by saying at the time of sacrificing the animal. The Makkan pagans used to say - بسم اللاتِ والعُزَى ['Bismillati wal Uzza' - In the name of Laat and Uzza - the deities of Makkan pagans]. Against this, it was established in Islam that Muslims say - بسم اللهِ اللهُ اكبر [ Bismillahi Allahu Akbar - In the name of Allah and Allah is Supreme].

Islam teaches us to take the name of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) before everything we do.

It is in Hadith - It is narrated by Abu Hurairah (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said : 'Every thing which does not start with the praise of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is vitiated, devoid of virtue. (Musnad Ahmed).

This is the reason Fateha and Eisaal-e-Thawab is so popular among Muslims. We cook food, sacrifice animals in the name of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and dedicate recompense (thawaab) to Awliya Allah and dead Muslims. The people who are dead surely get benefited from Fateha and Eisaal-e-Thawaab in their 'Life after Death'.

In Fateha, generally people read one time Sura Fateha, three times Sura Iqhlas (it is in Hadith that the recompense of reading 3 times Surah Ikhlas is equal to one full Quran), three times Durood and in the end Dua for our dead relatives.

Deviant sects like Salafis, Deobandis and their like minded groups cite a part of this verse ( وَمَا أُهِلَّ لِغَيْرِ اللَّهِ بِهِ ' - 'a thing which has been dedicated to other than Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is forbidden') - to claim Fateha as Haram. They also raise an objection saying why should we do things in a specific way? Put the food in front, read Quran on it and feed people. Can't we feed the people without doing any such thing?

The answer is, because it is Prophet's (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) Sunnah to keep food in front and read Quran over it. It is a Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) practice for barakah in the food.

It is in Hadith - It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) that he said : We were accompanying the Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) in a march (towards Tabuk). He (the narrator) said : The provisions with the people were almost depleted. He (the narrator) said : (And the situation became so critical) that they (the men of the army) decided to slaughter some of their camels. He (the narrator) said : Upon this Umar (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) said to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) : Apostle of Allah (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم), I wish that you should pool together what has been left out of the provisions with the people and then invoke (the blessings of) Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) upon it. He (the narrator) said : He (the Prophet ﷺ) did it accordingly. He (the narrator) said : The one who had wheat in his possession came there with wheat. He who had dates with him came there with dates. And Mujahid said : He who possessed stones (seed) of dates came there with stones. I (the narrator) said : What did they do with the date-stones. They said : They (the people) sucked them and then drank water over them. He (the narrator said) : He (the Prophet ﷺ) invoked the blessings (of Allah) upon them (provisions). He (the narrator) said : (And there was such a miraculous increase in the stocks) that the people used their provisions fully (all through the journey). He (the narrator) said : At that time he (the Prophet ﷺ) said : I bear testimony to the fact that there is no god but Allah, and I am His Apostle. The servants who would meet Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) without having any doubt about these, would enter Paradise. (Muslim)

The deviant sects raise one more question, why should we do Fateha at a specific time in a year.? Like at the time of Prophet's (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) birth day, at the time of the death anniversary of Ghousul Azam Shaikh Abdul Qader Jilani (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ), or on 40th day after the death of a person and on certain other occasions?

The answer is, because it is Sunnah to keep specific days for specific works. There are many Ahadith which describe that Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) fixed the days, dates and timings of specific things. This is the reason that the people of Sahih Iman, the truthful Ahle Sunnah wal Jama'a, fix the dates for doing good deeds like Fateha and Eisaal-e-Thawaab.

(i) It is in Ahadith that Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) used to keep fast on the 'Day of Arafat', Ashura, and 15th Shabaan.

(ii) Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) commanded to perform Child's Aqeeqa on the 7th Day of birth.

(iii) Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) went to Ghazwa-e-Tabook on Thursday and he preferred to start journey on Thursdays.

(iv) Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) used to keep fast on Mondays and Thursdays.

(v) Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) used to go to Masjid-e-Quba on Saturdays.

It is important that when we intend to do a good thing, we should fix the time and inform people in advance about it so that they do not forget in view of their preoccupations with other things.

Deviant sects mislead Muslims saying that if you sacrifice an animal for Eisaal-e-thawaab for some Wali Allah or dead Muslim, this is Haraam. With this logic, they claim the food of Fateha is Haraam.

It is in Hadith - At the time of sacrificing the animals Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) used to say اللهمَّ هذا منكَ ولك - اللهمَّ هذا عن محمدٍ وآلِ - بسم الله اللهُ اكبر [O' Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) this is for you and from you. O' Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) this is from Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) and 'Aal-e-Nabi (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) '. In the name of Allah who is Supreme]. And - اللهمَّ انّ هذا عَن شَهِدَ نِي بِى البَلاغ [O' Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ), this is from the ones (your servants) who stood witness to my conveying your Message.] (Abu Dawood, Ahmad).

Slaughtering of animals for deities is different from sacrificing them in the name of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) for conveying recompense (thawaab) to the dead relatives.

All Muslims in the world sacrifice animals by saying "Bismillahi Allahu Akbar". Where is shirk in it? Muslims sacrifice animals in the name of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and supplicate Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) to convey its thawaab to the dead Muslims by taking their names. What is wrong in it?

Wahhabism / Salafism was invented in Arabian Peninsula in 18th century AD by Ibn 'Abdul-Wahhab who took Quranic verses revealed for the Mushrikeen of Makka and applied them on Muslim Ulema, Awliya Allah, Sufi Shuyookh and general Muslims and said those who do Fateha and Eisaal-e-Thawaab are similar to the Mushrikeen of Makka. He branded all Muslim Ulema/Awliya and Shuyookh of 1000 years before him as Mushrikeen. The Salalfis, Wahhabis, Deobandis and their like minded groups follow him and other deviant scholars like him.

Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) says that we can marry chaste women from the people of book. What is the meaning of 'Chastity' in this verse?

Here, chastity means, they should be morally chaste as well as their beliefs should also be chaste.

What is the meaning of chastity of belief?

It means, they should not believe that Isa (عليه السلام) or Uzair (عليه السلام) are the sons of God. They should not worship the Idols of Prophets kept in Churches and Synagogues. Since the scriptures given to Christians and Jews have been corrupted, they should be inclined to believe their religions in purest forms avoiding the corrupted version contained in their books. They should believe in the version of the Quran which shows the correct version of belief in God. Quran is the only book that has not been corrupted so far. It is also important that they believe in the Prophet-hood of Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) as the seal of Prophets. This is the meaning of chastity in beliefs

It is in Quran - قُلْ يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ تَعَالَوْا إِلَىٰ كَلِمَةٍ سَوَاءٍ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكُمْ أَلَّا نَعْبُدَ إِلَّا اللَّهَ وَلَا نُشْرِكَ بِهِ شَيْئًا وَلَا يَتَّخِذَ بَعْضُنَا بَعْضًا أَرْبَابًا مِّن دُونِ اللَّهِ ۚ فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا فَقُولُوا اشْهَدُوا بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ [ Say : 'O People of the Book! come to common terms as between us and you : That we worship none but Allah; that we associate no partners with him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other than Allah.' If then they turn back, say you : 'Bear witness that we are Muslims. ] (Aal-e-Imran - 64).

It is in Quran - لَّقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ ثَالِثُ ثَلَاثَةٍ ۘ وَمَا مِنْ إِلَـٰهٍ إِلَّا إِلَـٰهٌ وَاحِدٌ ۚ وَإِن لَّمْ يَنتَهُوا عَمَّا يَقُولُونَ لَيَمَسَّنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِنْهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ [ Indeed those who say : 'Allah is the third of the Trinity' became unbelievers. There is no god but Allah. If they do not desist in what they say, a painful punishment will afflict those of them who disbelieve. ] (Al-Ma'eda - 73)

It is in Quran - وَقَالَتِ الْيَهُودُ عُزَيْرٌ ابْنُ اللَّهِ وَقَالَتِ النَّصَارَى الْمَسِيحُ ابْنُ اللَّهِ ۖ ذَ‌ٰلِكَ قَوْلُهُم بِأَفْوَاهِهِمْ ۖ يُضَاهِئُونَ قَوْلَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِن قَبْلُ ۚ قَاتَلَهُمُ اللَّهُ ۚ أَنَّىٰ يُؤْفَكُونَ [ The Jews call 'Uzair a son of Allah, and the Christians call Christ the son of Allah. That is a saying from their mouth; (in this) they but imitate what the unbelievers of old used to say. Allah's curse be on them: how they are deluded away from the Truth! ] (At-Taubah - 30)

Three issues have been mentioned in the above verse; (i) Ghusl, (ii) Wudu, and (iii) Tayammum. We will discuss these briefly here.

(i) Ghusl

A Muslim, male or female is expected to take bath (Ghusl) after sexual intercourse, menstrual period, wet dreams etc.

There are 3 imperatives (Faraa'ez) of Ghusl, viz., (a) To rinse the mouth thoroughly, (b) To rinse nostrils thoroughly, and (c) Clean the impurity and thoroughly rub and wet the whole body, including the root of the hairs on head.

How Ghuls is done? First have the intention in heart to purify for major impurity. Then recite Bismillah and wash hands three times, then wash the private part. Then perform Wudu as done for Salah. Then pour water over the head and body three times, and rub the hair so that the water reaches the roots of the hair. Then wash the body, making sure that the water reaches all parts, starting with the right side of the body and then the left, and rubbing it with the hands so that the water reaches the entire body.

(ii) Wudu

Wudu is performed for minor impurities, like a person has attended the call of nature, or passing of gas, etc.

There are 4 imperatives (Fara'ez) in Wudu, viz., (a) Washing the face from the top of forehead down to the lower portion of the chin and across from one ear to the other, (b) Washing both hands and arms up to the elbows, (c) Masah, wiping the head with wet hands, and (d) Washing both the feet up to the ankles

Sunnah of the Wudu are, (a) Intention, (b) Reciting Bismillah, (c) Washing hands three times up to wrists, (d) Brushing teeth with a tooth stick (Miswak), (e) Rinsing the mouth thrice, (f) Passing fingers (khilal) through the bottom of the beard with wet hands, (g) Khilal of fingers and toes (passing fingers of both hands against each other and passing them through toes, (h) Washing each limb three times, (i) Doing Masah of the head once, (j) Doing Masah of the ears, (k) Doing wudu in proper order, (l) Washing each part, one after the other, without pause to make sure that no part gets dried before the next step.

Desirable actions of Wudu (Mustahabat) are, (a) Begin Wudu from the right side, (b) Masah of the nape, (c) Doing Wudu without assistance from others, (d) Sitting at an elevated clean place for Wudu.

Not desirable actions (Makroohaat) of Wudu are, (a) Doing Wudu at a dirty place, (b) Blowing nose with right hand, (c) Chit chatting worldly issues during Wudu, (d) Wasting a lot of water during Wudu, etc.

It is imperative (fard) to do Wudu when one is in the state of minor ritual impurity, (a) before performing Salah, (b) reciting Quran or (c) touching the Mushaf of Quran.

It is Wajib to perform Wudu before circumambulation (Tawaf) of Kaba.

(iii) Tayammum

If there is no access to water, or if water can't be used in view of certain health conditions, Tayammum is performed in place of Ghusl or Wudu. There are four steps in doing tayammum. (a) Recite Bismillah and make Niyyah of Tayammum for Wudu or Ghusl, (b) Strike both hands on clean earth, (c) Rub both the hands on the complete face (as in Wudu), (d) Again strike both hands on the clean earth and rub the left hand over complete right hand till elbow. Then rub the right hand over complete left hand.

Important point

There is a difference between imperatives (Faraa'ez) related to faith (Iman) and imperatives related to deeds. The one who ignores or rejects the imperatives related to basic faith of Islam is treated as out of Islam. In the imperatives of the deeds, the commandment is absolute, but in its implementation is subject to interpretation. Those who differ in this context, cannot be regarded as out of Islam.

For instance, the wiping of head (Masah) is one among the imperatives related to faith (Iman). No one can deny this commandment. If he does, he will be out of Islam. In the performance of how much head has to be wiped? This issue is subject to interpretation. It is where the differences of opinion occur between various Imams of Fiqh.

When was this covenant taken?

It may have been taken in the world of Similitude (عالمِ مِثال). Or the verse may be referring to the Promise of Allegiance (Baya) the Sahabah used to do on the hand of Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) at the time of accepting Islam.

There were incidents during the Prophet's (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) time when Makkan pagans and Jews attempted to attack and kill the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) and his close Sahabah by deceit. However, they could not succeed in their evil designs. Probably, Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is reminding the believers about those incidents.

The above verse describes the Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) as Noor from Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ).

It is in Quran - يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءَكُمْ بُرْهَانٌ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ وَأَنْزَلْنَا إِلَيْكُمْ نُورًا مُبِينًا (O' mankind! Indeed the clear proof from your Lord has come to you, and We have sent down to you a bright light.) (An-Nisa - 174).

It is in Quran – يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ إِنَّا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ شَاهِدًا وَمُبَشِّرًا وَنَذِيرًا - وَدَاعِيًا إِلَى اللَّهِ بِإِذْنِهِ وَسِرَاجًا مُّنِيرًا [ O’ Prophet ﷺ, Truly We have sent you as a Witness, a Bearer of Glad Tidings, and Warner; and one who invites to Allah's (Grace) by His consent, and as a lamp spreading light (into the whole cosmos). ] (Al–Ahzab - 45-46).

It is in Hadith - It is related that Jābir Ibn Abd Allah (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) said to Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم), O' Apostle of Allāh (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) may my father and mother be sacrificed for you, tell me the first thing Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) created before all things." The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said: O' Jabir (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ), the first thing Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) created was the light of your Prophet ( صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) from His light. (And everything else was created from that light). (Part of the Hadith)

The above Hadith was narrated by Abd al-Razzaq (d. 211 AH) in his Musannaf according to Qastallani in al-Mawahib al-Laduniyya (1:55) and Zarqani in his Sharh al-Mawahib (1:56 of the Matba`a al-amira edition, Cairo). There cannot be any doubt as to the reliability of Abd al-Razzaq as a narrator. Bukhari took 120 narrations from him while Muslim took 400. Biahaqi also narrated this Hadith with a different wording in "Dala'il al-Nubuwwa, according to Zurqani in his Sharh al-Mawahib (1:56 of the Matba'a al-amira, Cairo).

The detailed account of Bani Israel during the time of Musa (عليه السلام) has been discussed in detail in the Tafseer of Surah al-Baqara.

In five preceding verses (27–31), Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) describes the story of the two sons of Adam (عليه السلام), namely, Habeel (Abel) and Qabeel (Cain).

Brief story

The information about this episode is mentioned in Quran. However, details about it are a sketchy in Islamic literature. Based on these accounts, it is reported that after the descent from the Heavens, Adam and Hawwa (عليهم السلام) started living on Earth. It is believed that Hawwa (عليها السلام) bore sets of twins, and in each birth there was a male and a female child. And they were commanded that each son would marry the sister of his brother with whom she was born. No one was allowed to get married with his sister with whom he was born.

The incidence of killing of Habeel by his brother Qabeel was sparked when Qabeel refused to marry the twin sister of Habeel who was designated to be married to him; preferring instead his own twin sister with whom he was born. When Adam (عليه السلام) saw Qabeel was adamant and insisted on marrying his own twin sister, he suggested both the sons to refer the matter to Allah and let Him decided the outcome. They were advised to offer sacrifices and whosoever was right, his sacrifice will be accepted by Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ). The sacrifice of Habeel was accepted. The modalities of these sacrifices and how these were accepted are not known, however, Quran testifies that the sacrifice of Habeel was accepted by Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ).

Qabeel was not satisfied with the outcome. He was discontented which probably bred envy and jealousy towards his brother. He threatened to kill his brother. Habeel was a pious and virtuous man. He said, even if his brother raises his hands to kill him, he will not resist. By saying so, he wanted to cool down his brother and stop him from committing the crime. However, as the Quran testifies, he killed his brother and when he looked at the dead body of his brother, Qabeel did not know what to do with that as no other man on the face of the earth had died before that. Allah sent a crow digging up the earth to bury another crow who was dead so that he might show him how he should cover the dead body of his brother. Qabeel then knew how to bury the dead. He dug the ground and buried the body of his dead brother. He realized his guilt and regretted his action.

It is in Hadith - Anas (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) narrated that some people from the tribe of Ukl (عُكْلٍ) came to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) and embraced Islam. They were staying with the people of Suffah. The climate of Madina did not suit them, and they became ill. They came to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) and asked for milk. So, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) ordered them to go to the (herd of milch) camels of charity and to drink, their milk and urine (as a medicine). They did so, and after they had recovered from their ailment (became healthy) they turned renegades (reverted from Islam) and killed the shepherd of the camels and took the camels away. The Prophet (s) sent (some people) in their pursuit and so they were (caught and) brought, and the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) ordered that their hands and legs should be cut off and that their eyes should be branded with heated pieces of iron, and that their cut hands and legs should not be cauterized, till they die. (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Bk 86, Hadith # 32)

Killing of innocent people is strictly prohibited in Islam. Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) says, killing of an innocent person is like killing the entire humanity.

Islamic teachings are defensive in nature. Islam does not teach violence in any format. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) taught us Anti Violence. Violence is offensive in nature and anti-violence is defensive in nature. You need to learn and prepare to defend yourself, your family, your town and your country against the offensive violence of enemies. This is anti-violence.

Jihad is sometimes necessary to bring back peace in the land. Thus Jihad is defensive in nature. Preemptive strike against an existential enemy is included in it. Islam is against offensive Jihad that creates chaos, mayhem and dissensions in the land. Islam does not allow creating anarchy and destruction. Islam is against spreading hatred and terror among people. This is the clear message conveyed by the above verses.

All virtuous deeds are Wasila with which we seek to get proximity to Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ). Sahih Iman, Salah, Zakat, Fasting, Hajj and Taqwa, all are included in it. However, among all virtuous deeds, the love of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ and His Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) are supreme.

If someone wants to be in the proximity to Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ), it is important for him to first get to the proximity to the Apostle of Allah (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم). As a matter of fact, Iman is not complete, if someone does not love the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) as per the guidelines set by Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and His Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم)

It is in Quran - النَّبِيُّ أَوْلَىٰ بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ مِنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ [ The Prophet ﷺ is more preferable to the believers than their own selves.] (Al-ahzaab - 33)

It is in Hadith - Anas (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) narrated that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said 'None of you will have Iman till he loves me more than his father, his children and all mankind. (Bukhari)

Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) warns people from Hell and by describing the permanent punishments of Hell, people are encouraged to shun sin and live a life full of virtue. Similarly, certain strict punishment in Islam are a great deterrent for people to stay away from creating chaos in the land.

Making fun of the religion, the rules of Sharia or mocking at the call of Salah, are the works of hypocrites and the enemies of Islam. Therefore, it is not advisable for the Muslims to befriend and share their time with them.

Similarly befriending with the followers of the deviant sects, particularly with those whose past time is to disrespect the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) and dignitaries of Islam and make mockery of Awliya Allah and their pious graves is dangerous. They call the graves of the dignitaries of Islam and Awliya Allah as lying Idols worshiped by Muslims. They call Muslims as grave worshipers. In this scenario, how it is possible to be friendly with such people and listen to their blatant blasphemy? It is most likely that by continuously listening to their out of context arguments, you will also fall victim to their hypocrisy and become one of them.

Salafis, Deobandis and their like minded groups take the literal meaning of this verse and claim that Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) has hands and a physical body like human beings.

When someone tries to explain their misconceptions, they create a hue and cry and say this is 'Kalam' (use of mind/philosophy/Biddah). They behave exactly like Christians who believe in Trinity. When someone questions Christians how it is possible that there are three distinct Gods, the Father God, the Son of God and the Holy Ghost; and then all the three are one? They shout back and ask the person not to mix reasoning in religious beliefs.

Salalfis/Wahhabis and the like minded groups have deliberately misinterpreted Quranic verses and created a God of their own and have resorted to idol worship in the sense that they claim their God to have physical body who is sitting over a planet size chair above the seventh heaven and his face is in a certain direction. When someones tries to explain them to learn Quran under the guidance of a Sahih-ul-Aqeedah Shaikh of Ihsan, they claim they can understand Quran by their self reading. This was the attitude of their founding Imams like Ibn Taymiyya, Ibn Abdul Wahhab and others.

It is in Quran - هُوَ الَّذِي أَنزَلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ مِنْهُ آيَاتٌ مُّحْكَمَاتٌ هُنَّ أُمُّ الْكِتَابِ وَأُخَرُ مُتَشَابِهَاتٌ ۖ فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ زَيْغٌ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ مَا تَشَابَهَ مِنْهُ ابْتِغَاءَ الْفِتْنَةِ وَابْتِغَاءَ تَأْوِيلِهِ ۗ وَمَا يَعْلَمُ تَأْوِيلَهُ إِلَّا اللَّهُ ۗ وَالرَّاسِخُونَ فِي الْعِلْمِ يَقُولُونَ آمَنَّا بِهِ كُلٌّ مِّنْ عِندِ رَبِّنَا ۗ وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّا أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ [ He Allah is, who has sent down to you (O’ Prophet – صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) the Book (Quran). Some verses of it are definite in meaning (Ayaat-e-Muhkamaat). These form the mother of the Book (the basic there in) and the rest are figurative (metaphorical) ( Ayaat - e - Mutashaabihaat ). But they, in whose minds there is a tendency to deviate from truth, take the metaphorical (verses in their literal / textual sense) craving discord, and craving to give them their own interpretation, although none knows the reality about them except Allah. And those who make it right approach to knowledge could only say 'we believe therein all that is from our Lord'. None can catch their significance except those gifted with insight.] (Aal-e-Imran - 7).

Who are those who are gifted with insight? They are Khulafa-e-Rashideen, dignitaries of Islam, Shuyookhs of Ihsan and Awliya Allah who are rewarded with insight and proximity to Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and His Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم).

It is in Quran - وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ افْتَرَىٰ عَلَى اللَّهِ كَذِبًا أَوْ كَذَّبَ بِآيَاتِهِ ۗ إِنَّهُ لَا يُفْلِحُ الظَّالِمُونَ [And who is more unjust than he who forges a lie against Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) or (he who) gives the lie to His communications (verses of Quran); surely the unjust will not be successful.] ( Al-An-A'am-21).

To accept a body and limbs for Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ), whatever may be the kind, exclusively divine or creature like, is polytheism. Rather it is idolization of a false God.

Hindus got confused in understanding Allah’s (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) attributes and concede every attribute of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) as different God.

The Christian accept 3 different Gods, (i) the Father God, (ii) the son of God and (iii) Holy Ghost whose roles and shapes are different from each other.

It is in Quran - لَّقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ ثَالِثُ ثَلَاثَةٍ ۘ وَمَا مِنْ إِلَـٰهٍ إِلَّا إِلَـٰهٌ وَاحِدٌ ۚ وَإِن لَّمْ يَنتَهُوا عَمَّا يَقُولُونَ لَيَمَسَّنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِنْهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ [ They surely are not believers in Allah who say Allah is the third of the three (God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost). And there is no god except one God. And if they do not desist from what they are saying, there will surely afflict the disbelievers among them a painful punishment. (Al-Maidah - 73).

The Salafis/Ahle Hadith and like minded groups accept one Sky Idol God, with exclusive divine face, eyes, hands and Limbs.

All these theories are philosophical, fabricated by human mind and are totally against the facts of this Cosmos.

Unless people have correct faith about Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) their chances of salvation on the Judgement are void.

Salafis argue that they are accepting Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is not like His creatures. Also accepting that creature attributes cannot be associated with him. Some Salafis even accept that the Quranic verses describing hands, eyes for Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) are all allegorical / metaphorical. But, in the same breath they associate all 9 physical characteristics mentioned above with Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ).

This behavior is hypocrisy, which is worse than polytheism.

It is in Quran - وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ افْتَرَىٰ عَلَى اللَّهِ كَذِبًا أَوْ كَذَّبَ بِآيَاتِهِ ۗ إِنَّهُ لَا يُفْلِحُ الظَّالِمُونَ [ And who is more unjust than he who forges a lie against Allah or (he who) gives the lie to His communications (verses of Quran); surely the unjust will not be successful.( Al-An-A'am-21)

It is in Quran يُخَادِعُونَ اللَّهَ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَمَا يَخْدَعُونَ إِلَّا أَنفُسَهُمْ وَمَا يَشْعُرُونَ - فِي قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ فَزَادَهُمُ اللَّهُ مَرَضًا ۖ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ بِمَا كَانُوا يَكْذِبُونَ [ They seek to deceive Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and those who believe. Nay, themselves do they deceive, though they are not conscious of it. There is a disease in their hearts; so Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) lets them increase their disease and for them there is a grievous torment for the false assertions they have made. ] (Al-Baqara - 9-10).

ONENESS (TAWHEED) OF SALAFI SKY GOD

Salafis translate Islamic Kalima as 'There is no Deity (Idol) save Allah.' When they say Allah is one, they mean that the Big Deity or Idol sitting on the skies is one, unique and no other Deity or Idol is like him. They worship this idol 5 times a day.

Ibn Taymiyaah who propagated Paganism in the name of Islam, invented a theory of their Idol's Tawheed or Oneness of their Planetary human-like-Idol God.

According to Salafis, the oneness of their Sky God consists of three things.

(i) Tawheed-ar-Rububiyya

(ii) Tawheed al-Uloohiyya, and

(iii) Tawheed-al-Asma-was-Sifaat

In Tawheed-ar-Rububiyya, they claim that their Planetary human-like-Idol God is "Rabb" ( Sustainer) of all creatures and human beings in the Universe.

In Tawheed-al-Uloohiya, they claim that their Planetary human-like-Idol God is Divine. They prostrate in front of this Idol. They say that they only ask from their Sky Idol God and from no one else. They demand all Muslims to bow down in front of their Planetary human-like-Idol God. Whoever does not do that, they call him Mushrik.

In Tawheed al-Asma-was-Sifaat, they claim that their Planetary human-like-Idol God is 'compassionate, merciful and all that. They copy paste all attributes of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) on their Planetary human-like-Idol God.

As a matter of fact, they copy-paste all Quranic verses and Ahadith about Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) on their Planetary human-like-Idol God by misinterpreting their meanings. Salafis have about 200 sub groups and a laarge number of followers of these sub groups. These facts show that by calling their Planetary human-like-Idol God as Allah, Salafis have led millions of people into Idol worship and all of them will sure be in a lot of trouble on the Day of Judgement.

The meaning of sustenance from the above is the rain and below their feet is the vegetation and crops.

It is obvious that the above verse and similar other verses in Quran are meant for idol worshipers. But Salafis and their like minded groups impose these verses on Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم), Aimma, dignitaries of Islam and Awliya Allah and claim that for Idol worshipers, the idols are standing in the temples, and for Muslims, their idols are lying in graves. And they call Muslims Grave worshipers. Taking these verses as excuse, they have destroyed the pious graves of Sahabah, dignitaries of Islam, Ahle Bait-e-At Haar in Arabian peninsula, Syria, Iraq and other places in the world.

It is in Hadith - Abdullah bin Umar (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) considered the Khawarij the worst of Allah's creation, and said, 'Verily they take the verses that were revealed about unbelievers and use them against the believers. may Allah be pleased with him, considered the Khawārij rebels to be the worst of Allah’s creation and he said, “Verily, they take verses that were revealed about unbelievers and use them against the believers. (Bukhari)

Salafis and their like minded groups are the worst kind of Kharijis ever witnessed in the history of Islam. They are worse than the Kharijis of Hadhrat Ali's (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) time. They followed the old practice of their ancestor Kharijis of imposing Quranic verses meant for non-believers on Muslims and declare them as unbelievers and kill them en masse.

The above verses clarify that there were two types among the people who were invited by Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) to Islam. Some, whose hearts were opened by the grace of Allah, accepted the message forthwith. The verses of Quran and the explanation of Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) touched their hearts and they recognized the truth instantly. People in the gathering could see the sea-change in them by looking at their body language when their eyes were filled with tears. They immediately accepted Islam and became part of the people who were to be rewarded in both the worlds. As against this group, there were others who remained adamant and did not accept Islam, rather tried to put hurdles on the way of Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) and reserved their dwellings in Hell.

Broadly speaking, there are 4 types of oaths, as follows.

(i) Absurd Oath (یمین لغو)

It is a nonsensical and an unintended oath. Since Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) forgives most of the minor and even major sins, He does not hold people for verbal oath which is a nonsensical act of absurdity and foolishness. Saying 'By God' or 'I swear to God', on everything is an absurd oath.

(ii) Sinful Oath (یمین غموس )

This kind of oath is known as 'immersive oath' (يمين الغموس). This is a sinful false oath taken consciously and deliberately to conceal a truth. A false witness/testimony in a Court of law comes under this category. You lied to hurt a person. In this case you need to seek forgiveness of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and that person and compensate him for the loses he incurred as a result of your false testimony.

(iii) Intentional Oath (یمین منعقدہ)

The oath, taken with an intention and resolve, to do or not to do a thing, is known as an 'intentional oath'. If the work is bad and you have taken an oath of not doing it, you should hold on to your oath. If the work is virtuous and you have taken an oath of not doing it, then you should break it and continue doing the good work. However, for breaking an oath, you are liable for expiation (كفّاره). The expiation is, to feed an average amount of food to 10 poor people for one time or provide them with clothing which are suitable for them for Salah or free a slave and if you cannot afford these, then fast for 3 days.

It is in Quran - لَا يُؤَاخِذُكُمُ اللَّهُ بِاللَّغْوِ فِي أَيْمَانِكُمْ وَلَكِنْ يُؤَاخِذُكُمْ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ قُلُوبُكُمْ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ حَلِيمٌ [ Allah will not call you to account for what is vain in your oaths, but He will call you to account for what you mean in your hearts. Allah is most forgiving and forbearing. (Al-Baqara - 225)

(iv) Oath of Separation (ایلا)

The husband takes an oath to separate himself from his wife. The duration of this separation has been fixed by Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) to be 4 months. If he unites with his wife during this period, he has to offer an expiation and if this separation is extended beyond 4 months, it will become a 'cogent divorce' or 'effective divorce (طلاق بائن). In a cogent divorce, the husband does not have the right to call back his wife. However, if the woman is willing, she can marry him with a new dower (مہر). Payment of the first dower was already expedient upon the husband. Now, a fresh dower will also become payable. This is the result of getting overwhelmed with anger on petty issues and using the name of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) for vows.

Intoxicants (khamr خَمْرُ) is that which overtakes the intellect. It includes all kinds of intoxicant, wine, drugs etc.

Gambling (مَيْسِر) includes all kinds of games of chance to win money.

Stone alter (اٌّنصَاب) was the place where Makkan Pagans used to offer sacrifices for their Idols.

Use of arrows to find fortune was known as Azlaam (اٌّزْلاَمُ). When Makkan Pagans were not sure about some work, they used to take three arrows. One was inscribed 'do it'; the other was inscribed 'don't do it', and the third was inscribed 'try again'. Whichever arrow hit the target, they used to act accordingly.

Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) says that all these things are filth (رِجْسٌ) and the deeds of Satan.

Prohibition of alcohol came in three stages. It is recorded by Ahmad in his Musnad that intoxicants were prohibited in three stages.

After Prophet's (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) immigration to Madina, some people still consumed alcohol and were also involved in gambling. Sahabah asked the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) about these practices still continued by some people. On this the following verse was revealed

It is in Quran - يَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْخَمْرِ وَالْمَيْسِرِ قُلْ فِيهِمَا إِثْمٌ كَبِيرٌ وَمَنَافِعُ لِلنَّاسِ وَإِثْمُهُمَا أَكْبَرُ مِنْ نَفْعِهِمَا [ They ask you about intoxicants and gambling. Say, ‘There is great sin in both, and some benefit for people. The sin is greater than the benefit.] (Al-Baqara - 219)

After the revelation of above verse, many people abandoned the consumption of wine and gambling. However, as the verse did not specifically prohibited both the things, some people continued with it.

After some time, the following command was revealed.

It is in Quran - يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا لَا تَقْرَبُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَأَنْتُمْ سُكَارَى حَتَّى تَعْلَمُوا مَا تَقُولُونَ [ O' Believers, do not pray when you are intoxicated; instead, wait until you can understand what you are saying.] (An-Nisa - 43)

After the revelation of the above verse, many abandoned wine drinking. As it is very difficult to get rid of chronic wine addiction, some people could not abandon it altogether. However, following the command, they curtailed drinking to smaller quantity only in the night so that they are not under its influence during Salah times.

After some time, the above verse (al-Maidah - 90) was revealed completely prohibiting alcohol and gambling.

The above verses are about the sanctity of Hajj and about Muslims' etiquette during the sacred months of Hajj. When they are on Hajj pilgrimage, they may find some easy prey and feel tempted to hunt them around the vicinity of Kaba. Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) warned them about it. They are strictly forbidden from hunting when they are in Ahram.

The practices mentioned in above above verse are detailed below. .

Bahira (بَحِيرَةٍ) - Bahira was the title of the camel. When the she-camel gave birth to her 5th calf, they used to see if it was male or a female. If it was male, they used to slaughter it and all men and women used to eat its meat. If the fifth calf was a female, they used to split its ear and used to call it Bahira. It was meant only for males who used to drink its milk. When she dies, all men and women used to eat its meat.

Saibah (سَائِبَةٍ) - A person, whatever he wanted from his possession, used to dedicate it in the name of an Idol deity and used to take it to the caretakers of the Idols. These caretakers used to give it to the travelers/visitors. If it was an animal, only male travelers were allowed to eat its meat after slaughter. If the animal died of its natural death, its meat used to be eaten by both men and women travelers.

Wasilah (وَصِيلَةٍ) - When the goat gave birth to the 7th kid, and if it was a male, they used to slaughter it and all men and women used to eat its meat. If it was a female, they will let it live but women were not allowed to drink its milk. When this goat dies its natural death, both men and women used to eat its meat. If the goat gave birth to both male and female the 7th time, they used to keep both these goats alive and used to say that they have united both brother and sister. However, only men were allowed to benefit from them. Once they died, both men and women used to eat their meat.

Haam ( حَامٍ) - When the male camel used to mate with its grand daughter (female camel), they used to say that the back of this camel is safe. They used to leave it to feed freely. It was not used for riding or for transporting goods. They used to make sure that other camels do not bother him. When this old camel dies, both men and women used to eat its meat.

Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) says that He did not command Makkan Pagans for those practices.

There was a group of Makkan Pagans, the followers of Umru bin Lahi who used to say that they do not eat (i) Bahira, (ii) Saibah, (iii) Wasilah, and Haami because Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) has forbidden them from it.

Surely, there was no truth in Pagans claims. The pagans were not aware of His commandments in regard to what is allowed and what is forbidden. Their talk in this context was absolutely absurd.

It is in Quran - وَقَالُوا هَذِهِ أَنْعَامٌ وَحَرْثٌ حِجْرٌ لَا يَطْعَمُهَا إِلَّا مَنْ نَشَاءُ بِزَعْمِهِمْ وَأَنْعَامٌ حُرِّمَتْ ظُهُورُهَا وَأَنْعَامٌ لَا يَذْكُرُونَ اسْمَ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهَا افْتِرَاءً عَلَيْهِ سَيَجْزِيهِمْ بِمَا كَانُوا يَفْتَرُونَ [ And they said, 'These cattle and crops are forbidden; only those whom we wish can eat them in their opinion' and some cattle are those which they have forbidden riding upon, and some cattle over which they do not mention the name of Allah while slaughtering. All this, is fabricating lies against Allah. He will punish them for what they fabricate. ] (Al-An'aam -138)

It is in Quran - وَقَالُوا مَا فِي بُطُونِ هَذِهِ الْأَنْعَامِ خَالِصَةٌ لِذُكُورِنَا وَمُحَرَّمٌ عَلَى أَزْوَاجِنَا وَإِنْ يَكُنْ مَيْتَةً فَهُمْ فِيهِ شُرَكَاءُ سَيَجْزِيهِمْ وَصْفَهُمْ إِنَّهُ حَكِيمٌ عَلِيمٌ [ And they say: 'Whatever is in the wombs of these cattle is only meant for men and forbidden for their women; but in case of an still-born, both could eat it.' (And they claim it is from God). Allah will punish them for what they assert. He is All Wise and All Knowing. ] (Al-An'aam -139)

It is in Quran - وَمِنَ الْإِبِلِ اثْنَيْنِ وَمِنَ الْبَقَرِ اثْنَيْنِ قُلْ آَلذَّكَرَيْنِ حَرَّمَ أَمِ الْأُنْثَيَيْنِ أَمَّا اشْتَمَلَتْ عَلَيْهِ أَرْحَامُ الْأُنْثَيَيْنِ أَمْ كُنْتُمْ شُهَدَاءَ إِذْ وَصَّاكُمُ اللَّهُ بِهَذَا فَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ افْتَرَى عَلَى اللَّهِ كَذِبًا لِيُضِلَّ النَّاسَ بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الظَّالِمِينَ [ And there are two of camels and two of oxen. Ask them, which has He forbidden, the two males or the two females, or what the females carry in their wombs? Were you present at the time when Allah commanded it?" Who then could be more wicked than he who fabricates a lie and ascribes it to Allah to mislead men, without any knowledge? Allah does not guide the unjust. ] (Al-An'aam -144)

Everything that we own goes to our heirs after death except one third of our wealth which can be given to a non-heir. It is important that everyone of us leave our inheritance in such a way that the heirs do not get confused in its distribution. Thus, 'the will of inheritance' is an important document that should be prepared during the lifetime and placed at a safe place.

In the Tafseer of Surah al-Baqara and in An-Nisa, the issue of inheritance has been discussed in detail.

The above verse explains what a person should do if death approaches him and he has not already prepared his 'will'. That person should take two people from Muslims to tell them how to distribute his inheritance. These persons should be righteous and honest so that they don’t cheat the dying person with regards to his bequest.

In case death approaches when the person is traveling and he does not find Muslims, he can take two non-Muslims and hand over cash or belongings he had with him at that time to take them to his heirs and tell them how to distribute his inheritance. In this case, a situation may arise that the deceased family, upon receiving the belongings, suspect that a few items are missing or the witnesses are not telling the whole truth. In this scenario, the witnesses will be asked to stay and after the Salah, they will be asked to swear by God for their truthfulness. When the witnesses have taken their testimony to the truthfulness of their statement, they cannot be suspected or accused by the family members. The following two verses explains what happens if the two witnesses were found guilty of perjury.

On the day of judgement all human beings will be resurrected and before individual questioning, Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) will ask the Apostles how their nations responded to their call.

It is in Quran - فَلَنَسْأَلَنَّ الَّذِينَ أُرْسِلَ إِلَيْهِمْ وَلَنَسْأَلَنَّ الْمُرْسَلِينَ [ Then We will surely question those to whom the message was sent, and We will surely question the Apostles.] (Al-Araf - 6)

The Apostles will submit, 'We do not have any knowledge; indeed it is only You, Who knows all that is is hidden.

In the above verse, Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) details the dialogue He will have with Isa (عليه السلام) on the day of Judgment. The dialogue confirms that Isa (عليه السلام) is indeed the Apostle of Allah and not the son of God as wrongfully believed by the Christians.

Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) mentions the miracles of Isa (عليه السلام). His birth was a miracle as he was created without the male intervention. His mother was chosen one who had Prophet Zakaraiyya (عليه السلام) as her teacher. She was nourished with the food from Heaven. And Jibreel (عليه السلام) spoke with her.

Isa (عليه السلام) spoke with people in his cradle and also when he attained maturity. He was taught Taurat and Injeel and was blessed with wisdom. He was given exclusive miracles. He would sculpt a bird with clay and breathe into it. It would then become a real bird and fly. He would heal the blind and lepers. He would also bring back the dead from their graves. When Jews plotted to kill him, Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) saved him by making the situation doubtful to them. A man having the semblance of Isa (عليه السلام) was crucified while he was lifted by Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) alive to the heavens.