The domestic violence issue is complicated by interpretations and translations of the Qur’an which appear to indicated that “wife-beating”, is sanctioned in An-Nisa (4:34).  This, of course, is a reference which is pounced upon by those feminists and the media and anyone else who wants to portray Islam in the worst possible light.  Unfortunately, the behaviour of many Muslims does nothing to dispel such stereotypes. 

Verse:  “Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means.  Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband’s) absence what Allah would have them guard.  As to those women on whose part you fear disloyalty and ill-conduct [Nushuz], admonish them (first), (next), refuse to share their beds, (and last) beat them (lightly) in (Idribuhunna);  but if they return to obedience, seek not against them means (of annoyance):  for Allah is Most High, Great (above you all).  If you fear a breach between them twin, appoint (two) arbitrators, one from his family and the others from hers; if they wish for peace, Allah will cause their reconciliation, for Allah has full knowledge and is acquainted with all things”, (An-Nisa) (4:34-5).

This is Yusuf Ali translation, in which the Arabic word, Idribuhunna, is rendered as “beat them (lightly)”.  Marmaduke Pickthall, on the other hand translates the same word as “scourge”, and altogether stronger word.  When western feminists and others examine this (with little or no knowledge of the Arabic language) the reader’s translation of the Qur’an, they seize upon this emotive word as proof that Islam oppresses women.  The Arabic word, “daraba” means to beat, strike or hit; the dictionary tells us that “scourge”, means to whip, chastise, afflict, or oppress!  Readers familiar with the western methods of teaching the Arabic grammar does not necessarily imply force or violence, and contrasts it with the intensive “second form” “daraba”, which means “to strike repeatedly or intensely”.  It is the “first form”, that this is used in this verse.  The fact, as English word “beating”, has the meaning of hitting repeatedly, it should, perhaps, be avoided.  This means that there is a complete misunderstanding in terms of the verse (4:34) means and reference is made to this.

A last resort in specific circumstances suggests that wife battering should be utilised in particular situations such as the wife being defiant, arrogant, rebellious, disobedience;  open lewdness and obscenity;  infidelity and adultery.  Such attitudes and behaviour are, of course, forbidden to all Muslims, male and female alike, but even in the extreme case of the wife’s misconduct a light “beating” is regarded as the last resort.  The verse outlines a series of steps to be taken:  first of all the husband should admonish his wife – this gives her the chance to realise the error of her ways and put things right, or there may even have been a misunderstanding, which may then be cleared up.  The next step is to withhold marital relations – which again will provide space for both partners to think and reflect on things.  If the wife is still stubborn and defiant, then “beating”, (daraba)is the final measure.  However, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) never struck another person except on the battle field.

This is an important issue when quoting some of the Prophet’s teachings as the Prophet was opposed to such abuse of women which is clear from his teachings as follows:  “It was reported to the Prophet (peace be upon him) that some of his Companions beat their wives whereupon he said:  ‘certainly those are not the best among you’.”  (Ahmad, Abu Dawud).

What is meant by ‘beat them (lightly)?’

This is the most controversial part of the verse, as it relates to the physical chastisement of a woman if she is ‘disobedient’ or ‘rebellious’. Mohammad Mazher Idriss and Sadia Kausar and Sjaad Hussain analysed this verse in depth. The actual Arabic word Idribuhunna, which in English can be translated (or qualified by majority of Islamic scholars) as the use of ‘light force’, in order to chastise a woman. The equivalent in English to the use of ‘light force’ may be summarised as a ‘gentle smack, similar to what a parent might use to warn a child that persistently goes towards an open fire. There are a number of interpretations of this word and it is due to these interpretations that misunderstandings arise. The interpretations appear to permit violence upon Muslim women, which most are uncomfortable with.

The word Idribu is generally translated by Islamic scholars to means to ‘strike’, hit, ‘chastise’, or ‘beat’. It has also been translated by Ahmed Ali to mean ‘to forsake, or to avoid, or to leave.’ As for the English language, the above words are different and have different shades of emphasis, all of which appear negative in the context of women. So, Mohammad Idriss asks an important question – how does one therefore define the word Idribu  when the word is understood to have several meanings? It is important to note that linguistics is a central science in Qur’anic hermeneutics. Allah (swt) revealed the Qur’an in clear Arabic tongue over 14,000 years ago, and the Ulama have emphasised the importance of understanding this words in their context.

This means that the words hit/strike/beat in English denote the impression of a physical act taking place, undertaken by an individual intending to cause harm to another. It is this aspect that is of most concern to most people; women’s rights organisations and feminist groups. It would appear that the verse permits the infliction of force against women something that can be manipulated and used to strife fear into women and hence a violence permitted by Islam.

The first part involves – admonishment;

Second part involves – the physical act of separation; and

The third part involves – a more powerful one.

The scholars in the past and present suggest that the third limb is not applied of verse 34 for fear that the men may transgress and violate the injunctions contained therein. Muslims husbands should not inflict any for fear of transgressing the bounds set by Allah (swt).

It is better to pursue option 1 or 2 or seek a peaceful divorce (4:128) and not injure the feelings of either party, nor to violate any other Islamic injunctions.

The question of whether domestic violence is permissible in Islam is actually a question of Fiqh (Islamic Jurists to rule upon, drawing all of the available tools such as the Qur’an and Sunnah).

As modern Islamic thinkers, most scholars as well as Islamic writers feel and believe it is inaapropriate to tolerate such an approach in modern societies. This is also true when it comes to piety and taqwa which Imam Shafi’I and Imam Fakr Razi have strongly recommended never to strike a woman: a man who refrains from violence is better than a man who engages in such conduct.

Finally, the Prophet (PBUH) never resorted to violence and strongly condemned it and therefore, even ‘lightly beat’ is something that men should refrain from UNLESS they are sure that they will not transgress the bounds set by Allah (swt); this is something only Allah (swt) can judge and men could not determine this.  The Qur’an is seen to be timeless for all of humanity but it is equally important to follow the Sunnah.   This is similar to the issue of polygamy mentioned in Chapter 4 of the Qur’an, again there is an assumption that men are permitted to have 4 wives but after much consideration is not correct; there are very strict guidelines and one of them is if men can treat all 4 wives equally but Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an that even if man tried to be just, he could not and therefore it is recommended again that for fear of transgression, he marries one woman in case he transgresses the bounds set by Allah (swt). Generally, there is a lack of knowledge and understanding, and it is for this reason an attempt has been made to give a more thorough answer as most scholars on Islamic Channels do not have the time spend and explore something of this nature in great depth. 

We hope that this will clear any issues most people may have concerning verse (4:34).

It is best answered with reference to the Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet as we have already examined the verse (4:34) which refers to beatings;  it is important to remember that the Prophet said the following:

“Do not beat your wife as if she is a slave.  Would you beat her and then at the end of the day have sexual intercourse with her?”  (Al-Bukhari, Kitab Al-Nikah).

“Let no Muslim man consider a Muslim woman as his enemy.  If you do not like one of her ways, you will like another.” (Muslim, Kitab Al-Riba).

“A’isha (Prophet Muhammad’s wife) narrated that the messenger (peace be upon him) never hit a woman or a servant with his hand.  He only raised his hand on the battlefield Allah’s way.  (Muslim).”

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 

“A woman is like a rib which will break if you try to straighten it.  You can benefit from it even if it remains bent as it was made.” (Muslim, Kitab Al-Nikah).

Describing a woman as being like a rib is not derogatory, as some feminist groups have pointed this out;  this  saying of the Prophet is an example of wisdom and understanding displayed by the Prophet who understood the nature of women and taught his followers to respect and cherish them.

This means that in order to prevent domestic violence it requires adherence to the Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet.  The Prophet used to help out with domestic chores, and he never hit women, children, or servants at a time when such violent acts were common place.  The burden therefore lies on Muslim men to change their attitudes and actions; mothers, too, have a duty to educate sons as well as daughters in daily practical chores.

This means that domestic violence does not have any religious sanction.  The one and only reference in the Qur’an that allows beating of the wife applies to specific circumstances and again this has been completely taken out of proportion.  However, when looking at the Prophet’s life, it shows that violence has no place in a Muslim home, which should be a place filled with love, tranquillity and co-operation between family members.

Islam forbids fornication and pre-marital relationships.  This is regardless of whether the partners are Muslims or not.  It is also interesting to mention that fornication is also forbidden by Judaism and Christianity, at least in their historical forms.  Also, a common conception to put the blame on the female – Islam recognises that it takes two and both partners are held equally responsible.  The Qur’an clearly states that both men and women should lower their gaze and guard one’s modesty.

The problem is that temptation is all around, especially in western societies.  Standards have changed and also that what was unacceptable a generation ago is now common place, and things that were shameful and hidden are now flaunted openly and even applauded by others.  It is well known that young Muslim men, coming from more conservative societies may be shocked by what they see when they come to the west.  It is also very difficult for them to resist the temptations, which is where Islamic education comes into play and especially the moral and spiritual teachings of Islam.  Instead of ignoring what is going on and hoping that it will go away, or at least pass us by, we should take matters into our own hands, be realistic about the world we live in and equip our young children to cope with the very real pressures of life in the West.

Many Muslims believe that as Islam allows Muslim men to marry women from the People of the Book, they may use this information to extend to have relationships with them.  Islam does indeed hold the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) in such a regard and allows Muslim men to marry Jewish or Christian women, but this permission is not unconditional.  It also needs to be borne in mind that Islam forbids fornication and in particular with reference to the verse in the Qur’an as follows:  

“If there are (all) things good and pure made lawful unto you.  The food of the People of the Book is lawful unto you and yours is lawful unto them.  (Lawful unto you in marriage) are (not only) chaste women who are believers, but chaste women among the People of the Book, revealed before your time – when you give them their dues dowers, and desire chastity, not lewdness, nor secret intrigues. If anyone rejects faith, faithless is his worth, and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good)”. (Al-Ma’idah 5:5).

This means that the Qur’an clearly states the conditions for such marriages and there is no room whatsoever for having a “good time”.

A dowry is an interesting concept which is one of the most disliked things or sometimes can be confused with dower.

A dowry is something that is given to the bride at the time of marriage which have sets of jewellery, furniture and could constitute to be other items such as money etc.  The dowry issue is known to be a major barrier to marriage in many Muslim countries as well as in the Indian sub-continent.  It is more of a cultural issue than an Islamic issue and there is no concept of a dowry in Islam nor is there any mention in the Qur’an or the teachings of the prophet.

This means that any such practices constitute to be against Islamic traditions in accordance with the Qur’an and the teachings of the prophet. 

Furthermore, this also constitutes to be ‘biddah’ (this means that these are contrary to Islam and innovation which render Islamic marriages and therefore, there tends to be no blessings from the Almighty Allah (swt).  Again, this is an important issue and many people have taken this from the Hindu and Sikh culture which has gone across the globe in the world and people have been practicing giving and taking of the dowry which is totally forbidden in Islam and there is no mention of this in the Qur’an nor the teachings of the prophet.

The Qur’an states that a man who is guilty of fornication or adultery should not marry anybody except a woman who is similarly guilty (An-Nur 24:3); and

“Women impure are for men impure and men impure for women impure, and women of purity are for men of purity, and men of purity are for women of purity” (An-Nur 24:26).

In modern times, this means that anyone who has a “a past” does not deserve to demand a “pure bride”.  This should be borne in mind of all those who seek to arrange marriages;  we should also think in terms of educating our young people before they get to the age and they might be tempted to behave in a reckless fashion, after all, as this may make it difficult.  The other issue that we need to remember and think about is sometimes we should also consider some disadvantaged people such as women who have been divorced or widowed and should a bachelor consider marrying such a woman and from the Qur’an and Prophet’s teachings; This is something which should be considered as the Prophet (PBUH) himself initially married at the age of 25 a widowed woman who was only several years older than him but also previously had been married and widowed with children.  This sets the perfect example that the Muslims should follow but it is with regret that many fail to even accept it let alone follow the example. 

We have to say that it is now time to review our attitudes as it is not acceptable in accordance with the Qur’an and the teachings of the prophet.

There are many stereotypes surrounding Islam and the concept of wearing the hijab.  In the media today, we see many pictures captured and story lines dealing with the issue that make the headlines. 

The issue of dress is often included in any discussion when Islam is discussed.  Chapter 24 makes it clear that women should dress modestly, covering everything except the face and hands whenever they go out or are in the presence of a non-related males to whom they cannot get married with.  This is the minimum extent of hijab;  some scholars of course suggest that women must wear an outer garment (Jilbab or burqa).  Having said this, there are difficulties of wearing hijab in the West as most Muslim women who are sworn at and abused in the street are denied education, employment or promotion.  It does also give rise to the wisdom of pressurising women to adopt the forms of hijab that are seen by Westerners as more “extreme” or “exotic”.  However, the  advice is that women should certainly try to maintain, the minimum “hijab” (this means covering everything except the face and hands with loose and Opaque garments) is essential and should be encouraged, whatever the specific style adopted.  Although now in the West, wearing hijab is more of a fashion statement than men being concerned about covering other parts of their bodies.

The Qur’an plays particular attention to this (31:13-19) is named after Luqman, who was particularly known for his great wisdom.

The following advice given as guidelines to Muslim parents:

1. Do not ascribe partners with God (Tawid) (31:13).  Tawid  is Islamic monotheism, (the Oneness  of God).
2. God is all aware of your actions (Taqwa) (31:16). Taqwa is fearing God and the child should often be reminded of this as it will instil a state of constant divine awareness within the child and preventing him or her from evil deeds even in the privacy his or her own home.
3. The ways of righteous actions (31:17).
4. Teaching the child humility (31:18).
5. Teaching the child modesty (31:19).

In all cases, the inheritance is given out only after all contractual agreements and debts have been paid off on behalf of the deceased.

Inheritance laws and Islamic law are not as simple as they appear to be at first and it is best to seek independent legal advice specialising in Shari’ah law. Verses of the Qur’an only provide an established framework. The application of these laws prove quite complicated.

Once a man declares divorce to his wife verbally, the couple separates for four months to think things over (2:226). If the couple still wants divorce after this period, then the woman must undergo a “waiting period of three monthly cycles”, before remarrying (2:228). This waiting period avoids any confusion regarding paternity in the case of pregnancy.

Furthermore, during this period, the Qur’an allows the couple yet another chance to reconcile and put things right by recommitting themselves in marriage (2:228). After this period expires, then either the couple should get back together or peacefully separate on equitable and fair terms (2: 229).

It is used in a very broad struggle that can take several forms, such as speaking out for human rights.  When the Qur’an addresses the issue of armed struggle, it uses the word “Kital” meaning “biting”.  This in itself clearly shows that Jihad does not mean war, because if it did, then there would be no need to use another term (Kital) to describe fighting and war in the path of God. 

The Qur’an permits armed struggle under the following three circumstances:

1. War of self-defence (2:190 and 2:191).  The Qur’an promotes self-defence in the form of war, if necessary, and with appropriate force.  Once this battle begins, the Muslims are told to fight against them until there is no more oppression and all worship is devoted to God alone (2:193).  The Qur’an clearly states within the same passage of 2:190, “but do not commit aggression – for verily God does not love aggressors.”  In 2:192, the Qur’an also states, “if they desist, behold, God is much Forgiving, Most Merciful”.  The Qur’an therefore teaches its followers not to continue fighting aggressors if they surrender or cease fighting.  Also, self-defence includes perceived threats such as the breaking of a treaty or killing of a diplomat.  Chapters 8 and 9 of the Qur’an speak of how Muslim should treat those Pagan Arabs who had broken the treaty with the Muslim community and began aiding the destruction of the Muslim community with other such aggressors.
2. War of liberation for the weak or oppressed (2:191). 
3. War for the freedom of faith (2:256).

Jihad does not equal terrorism and nowadays, the term Jihad is being associated with suicide bombing in the world today which is totally unacceptable in the perspective of Islam. Some people who have been reading the sacred text of the Qur’an have turned the justice of Jihad  into fear of Jihad.  Some violent groups try to achieve legitimacy by distorting the verses from the Qur’an to field their campaigns. 

There are some other groups who use an element in the signs of Qur’anic interpretation (Tafsir) to justify their beliefs and cause.  This element of Tafsir is known as “abrogation”, whereby earlier injunctions are replaced by later injunctions that were revealed after the full development of the Muslim community.  Abrogation facilitates the process of gradual teaching such other prohibition of alcohol and three different steps.  Classical interpreters never use this method to replace verses based on their desires.  However, radical interpreters began arguing that passages such as 9:5 and 9:29, which call Muslims to arms against non-Muslims abrogate all the other verses in the Qur’an that call for mutual corporation and kindness – without any credence to the context of the verse and its scientific interpretation. 

Such groups also take advantage of the fact that some historical understanding of Jihad  is also difficult to translate into the modern era. 

Therefore it is important to understand not all the verses in the Qur’an are not taken out of context. 

Ultimately, this change must come from within.  The Qur’an constantly reminds the believer of a spiritual truth: 

“Verily, never will Allah change the condition of people until they change what is in themselves.,” (13:11).

Desires can be controlled by fearing Allah (swt) (Taqwa) and to combat doubts is to acquire knowledge by reading the Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet (PBHU), rather than to rely on others. The Qur’an should be read in the Arabic language it was revealed and understood; acquiring copies of translated scriptures in other languages is and not likely to be one hundred percent accurate due to differences of language and open to human error. However, the Qur’anic in its original form is completely unedited even to this date.

Any person who has internet or is unclear should read the Qur’an themselves.

It is considered to be haram; the reason for this is because it means that acceptance or approval of the rituals of Kufr, even if one would not accept those things for oneself.  Allah (swt) (God) does not accept any of that at all, as He says; (interpretation)

            “If you disbelieve, then verily, Allah is not in need of you, he likes not disbelief for His slaves. And if you, … are grateful (by being believers), he is pleased therewith.” (Al-Zumar 39:7)

            “This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for   you … Islam as your religion.” (Al-Maa’idah 5:3)

So congratulations to them is forbidden, whether they are one’s colleague at work or otherwise.

Those festivals are innovations by them and in their religion, as it is not acceptable by Allah (swt).

Allah (swt) says,

            “whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of in, and in the Hereafter.” (He      will be one of the losers). (Al-Imran 3:85).

It is haram to accept invitations on such occasions because this is worse, it implies you are taking part.

Whoever imitates a people is one of them. (Abu Dawood).

            “And those who do not witness falsehood, if they pass by some evil play or talk they pass it by with             dignity.” (Al-Furqan 25:72).

            “Every nation has its Eid, and this is our Eid.” Their Eid or festival reflects their corrupt beliefs of           Kufr and Shirk.

The festival of Mushrikeen.

Even in the context of Christians, firstly, they celebrate Christmas what they believe to be the “day of birth of God’s Son” or what they call “God Incarnate.”  Thus, it is not only a celebration of another religion, it is also a celebration that is based on a belief that is totally against the teachings of Islam. From the Islamic point of view, the belief in the “Son of God” or “God in the flesh” is a blasphemy and Kufr (denial of God’s Oneness). By participation in Christmas, it is possible that slowly one may lose his or her consciousness of this basic point of difference. (In the Encyclopaedia of Britannica, Christmas is not even a festival of Christians and more importantly, it is a festival of Pagans and this means that even in Christianity Christmas does not have any notion or place to exist but it has never in the early days of Christianity existed and therefore is considered to be an innovation even in the religion of Christianity).

(Reference is made to Encyclopaedia of Britannica) (If anyone is interested then please refer to this). 

The argument that “Christmas is, after all, Prophet Jesus’ birthday and so there is no harm in celebrating Christmas” is nether logical or Islamic. Why should Muslims celebrate Jesus’ birthday?  Why not the birthday of the other 24 Prophets and messengers who are mentioned in the Qur’an by name? And more importantly, celebrating birthdays has no place or concept in Islam and in accordance with the Qur’an and teachings of the Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

For Muslims Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is the final Prophet and Messenger of Allah, not Jesus.  Christians believe that Jesus was the last one and they say that

            “after God spoke through many Prophets… in these last days he spoke to us through his son who he made             to inherit everything.” (New Testament Hebrews 1:1). 

Thus they celebrate his coming, but for us Muslims, Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was the last Prophet and Allah (swt) appointed him for all people and for all times to come.

The new generation and little children are deeply affected with the festivities and glitter of this holiday.   We should try and take out the time to sit with them and explain what this means. This also means that Christmas tree in the homes, nor should they put up lights inside or outside their homes at this time.

It is more a holiday of our Christian neighbours.

It is therefore imperative that Muslims should give special attention to the Islamic holidays. In this way, our children will be attracted to our own celebrations rather than looking at others.  Finally, this clarification is extremely important even from the perspective of Christianity because Christmas was a Pagan custom which was adopted into Christianity; it has nothing to do with reverence and love of Jesus, the mighty Messenger of Allah that we Muslims hold in the highest regard and respect. Finally, no one disputes that the event and all it symbolises came from Pagan religions; in fact, dates in almost every month in the year were suggested by reputable Scholars at one time or another and this has been noted by The American Book of Days.

For another, the celebration of birthdays is itself a Pagan idea, never promoted by any Prophet or Book of God, including the Bible.  Early Church leaders apposed it strongly as late as 245 CE African Church Father and philosopher Origen wrote that it was “sinful even to contemplate observing Jesus’ birthday ‘as though he were a King Pharaoh.” (The American Book of Days).  It is unfortunate that the Pagan world did have prayers and celebrations during the winter season. “There were some who worshiped the sun god because of his apparent power, used to become concerned about the fate of their god, in a world of many gods, as days became shorter and air very cold.  It looked like the sun was being defeated by the god of snow that brought death and misery with it.” … “In Rome, the sun in its winter solstice was at its weakest on December 25th and had to be born anew with the help of bonfires, lights processions and prayer.” (Readers Digest Book of Christmas).

The Roman Pagan celebration was called Saturnalia the Persians also had celebrations from Mithras, their sun god. The evergreens, holly, ivy and mistletoe plants which remain green even during this winter time were similarly considered by the Pagans to have magical powers. The Druids, whose Stonehenge temples can be seen in England regarded mistletoe with reverence and used to burn it in sacrifice during the solstitial festivities. They also used to hang it in their houses.  When you do not know the One True God, even leaves and plants can become God. They thought it brought good luck, fertility, protection from witchcraft and was an antidote to poison.  Mistletoe is used even today, although the UN might consider banning it if the fertility claim proves true!

Early Church leaders wanted to Christianise the Pagan festivities, but their operating principle became; when you cannot beat them join them.  For as Pope Gregory declared in 601 CE, “from Obdurate minds it is impossible to cut off everything at once.” It was a licence for “pearl of wisdom;” when in Rome do as the Romans do.

And so they do.  Firstly slowly and then rapidly. The “Son of God” replaced the Sun God. Saturnalia was replaced by the ceremony for Christ or Christ Mass, which later become Christmas (See how Christ Mass becomes Christmas). For several centuries it was solely a Church anniversary, observed by religious services. “At Christmas men and women were not, repeat not, to dress up or mime; there were not to be superstition about fire; houses were not to be decorated, no presents given, no well-laden tables, and a strict watch was to be kept on drink.”

But false religion drives out true religion. Consider Christmas gifts, as a carry-over from the Roman practice of giving dolls as gifts in lieu of their earlier barbaric custom of offering human sacrifices. “The early Church frowned on gift giving as a Pagan custom. But the people enjoyed it too much to abandon it and so finally the Church accepted the idea and sanctioned it.” (Barbara Rinkoff, the Family Christmas Book).

Evergreens? “The early Church forbade the use of them, but here again the custom was too deeply rooted and the ban was ignored.  Finally the Church accepted the use of evergreens for decoration” and so on.  Now consider this portrait of Saturnalia and contrast it with the original don’ts mentioned above; “… a fortnight of near riot, of drunkenness, noise and games, naked slaves singing, men dressing up as animals and behaving with less dignity, sexual perversion.” (Readers Digest Book of Christmas). Anyone can see which picture represents today’s Christmas more closely.

As we are now living in a Capitalist world, the old Pagans got a new supporter in the form of the adman. George Bernard Shaw observed, “Christmas is forced on a reluctant … nation by … shopkeepers and the press.” This is how they observe God and make money at the same time. This in itself is a Pagan idea and it is alive and well today.

This defeat of Christianity at the hands of Paganism must be contrasted with Islam’s resounding victory over it. Before Islam, Arabia was a Pagan country (big time) but none of the Pagan customs survived after Islam. None whatsoever.

There was no such thing as ‘the people want it very much so the Church allowed it.’ Islam completely eradicated not only the beliefs but also the practises and the symbols of Paganism. This in itself is a miracle that serious students of comparative religions must reflect upon. Here is a living proof of the authenticity of the last messenger (Pease be Upon Him).

The success continued throughout the centuries. The secret of this great success lies in what Stuart Brown (The Nearest in Affection), deplores as Muslims “antipathy to innovation.” He was the first Khilifah, Abu Bukr, (RA) had declared in his first address as the new ruler, that he was a follower not an innovator thereby setting the tone for all successors.

Throughout Islamic history there have been attempts to introduce Bid’ah (innovation) as innocent good practices, but unlike Christianity, there have always been a rightly guided Nation who fought them strongly. The struggle continues today, yes, as Muslims it is important to learn the lessons from Christmas.  Those of us who may be wondering what is wrong with Milad Nabi celebrations may do well to realise that Christmas also started as Milad for Jesus Christ.

It is therefore important to realise that not only did Allah (swt) recognise no such celebrations nor did the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and therefore there is no place or concept in relation to this and more importantly it could interfere with Iman as it may subsequently lead to disbelief.

If Jesus were to come today, whether or not he would identify himself with those who celebrate Christmas is a question one should ask seriously.

If we are celebrating the great teachings of Jesus or other Prophets, we must do so every day. To do so means to practise love, mercy, justice and compassion and to be actively engaged in doing the will of God.

In the Prophet’s teachings (Al-Bukhari), Qutaadah said:

“Allah (swt) created these starts for three purposes: to adorn the heavens, to stone the devils and as signs             by which to navigate. Whoever seeks anything else in them is mistaken and does not benefit from them,    and is wasting his time and effort in seeking something of which he has no knowledge.” (Sahih Al-          Bukhari, Baaab Fi’l-nujuoom, 2/240).

The study of the stars is divided into two kinds:

1. Study of the influence of the stars (astrology)
2. Study of the positions and movements of the starts (astronomy).

Study of other influence of stars (astrology) is divided into three categories;

1. They believe that these stars have a real influence in the sense that they create events and evil. This is a   major Shirk (Shirk Akbar), because whoever claims that there is another creator alongside Allah (swt) is             a Mushirk in the sense of major Shirk, for he is regarding as created thing that is subjugated as a creator            which subjugates.
2. Making this a reason to claim to have knowledge of the unseen, so from the movements and changes in   the stars he deduces that such and such will happen because such and such has happened to such and such   a star. For example, he may say that one person’s life will be miserable because he was born under this        star, and that another person’s life will be happy because he was born under the star. This person is taking         knowledge of the stars as a means to claim that he has knowledge of the unseen, and claiming to have knowledge of the unseen is Kufr (disbelief) which puts one beyond the pail of Islam, because Allah (swt)          says (interpretation):
   
   “Say; none in the havens and in earth knows the Arabic word Ghayb (unseen) except Allah  (swt)(Al-Naml             29:65).
   
   The grammatical structure used the original Arabic – starting with the Negation Lar (translated here as ‘none’) followed by the word Illa (‘except’) – is one of the most powerful ways of expressing exclusivity.  So if a person claims to know the unseen, he is effectively disbelieving what the Qur’an says.
3. If he believes that the stars are the cause of good or bad things happening, this is minor Shirk (Shirk             Asghar), i.e, when something happens he attributes it to the stars (and only attributes it to the stars after it has happened). The basic principle is that whoever believed the one thing is the cause of another when             Allah (swt) has not made it so, is overstepping the mark and not acknowledging Allah (swt) (God’s             existence) as He should be acknowledged. One who makes things happens is Allah (God) alone. For             example, if a person seeks healing from a piece of string (tied around his wrist), and says, “I believe that             healing is in the hands of Allah (swt) and this string is simply the means,” we would say to him, “you       have saved yourself from major Shirk but you have fallen into lesser Shirk, because Allah (swt) has not           made string a             clear means of healing.           By doing this you have transgressed against His position of Controller and Sustainer, by making something a means to something else when Allah (swt) has not          made it so.”  The same applies to one who regards the stars as the cause of rainfall when this is not the      case. The evidence for that is the Hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari (801) a Muslim (104 from Zayd Abn           Khalid Al-Juhani) who said:
   “The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) led us in praying Faja at Al-Hudaybiyah, following rainfall during   the night. When he had finished praying, he turned to the people and said, “do you know what your Lord      has said?” They said, “Allah and his Messenger know best.” He said, “This morning one of My slaves           became a believer in Me and one became a disbeliever. As for one who said, “we have been given rain by        virtue of Allah and His mercy, “he is a believer in Me and a disbeliever in the stars. But as for one who    said, “we have been given rain by such and such a star,” he is a disbeliever in Me and a believer in the          stars.”

 So the one who attributes rain to the stars is saying that the stars cause the rain. Study of the positions and movements of stars (astronomy) is divided into two categories:

1. If their movements are used to define things that serve a religious purpose, this is something that is necessary. If that helps in the case of religious obligations, then learning it is obligatory, such as using the             stars to determine the direction of the Qiblah (direction of Makkah in Saudi Arabia).
2. If their movements are used to define things that serve a worldly purpose, there is nothing wrong with      that. This is of two types:
   (a) Using the stars to work out directions, such as knowing that the Pole lies to the North and the Pole Star, which is close to is, revolves around the North Pole. This is permissible. Allah (swt) says:
   “And landmarks (signposts, during the day) and by the stars (during the night), they (mankind) guide themselves” (Al-Nahl 16:16)
   (b) Using the stars to work out the seasons, through learning the phases of the moon. Some of the                              Salaf regarded this as Makrooh while others permitted it. The correct view is that it is permissible and there is nothing Makrooh in it, because there is no Shirk involved in it, unless one learns it in                                     order to attribute rainfall or cold weather to it, and says that this is what is causing that. This is a                            kind of            Shirk. But simply knowing the time of year from it, whether it is spring or autumn or                                    winter, there is nothing wrong with that.