Before you proceed please read :
In this we aim to post questions asked by Non Muslims during processions like street daw`ah and other instances when the time is short and the answer to be given has to be catchy and striking so as to both answer the question as well as grasp the attention of the non Muslim .
We fully acknowledge that many questions , rather all of them have alternate answers which could be very lengthy and sometimes need more than a verse or hadeeth to explain fully. However this is an initiative wherein we will try our best to keep the answers in line with the Qur`an and sunnah upon the understanding of the righteous predeceesors and also keep it short so as to help our brothers on street to be quick in answering. If you have any suggestions or constructive criticms then they are most welcome. These Questions are mainly picked up from personal experiences in dealing with Non Muslims and the nature of the questions can be from political to religious and you'll be amazed with the kind of questions some non Muslims ask. it is as if they are well versed with many other topics and thus they wanted more of a fatwa than a challenge. Also, it is the responsibility of the da`ee to convey the answers or use them to his advantage. we will only give you a chalkline , the rest is upto you .
Table of Contents of Part 6 of the Question and Answer series
Question 31 – What about our body parts. Can we use creams and beauty products or in general can we take care of our body? Do you have anything related to this in your religion?
Question 32 ) Muhammad was a very intelligent man and it seems that it is only his intelligence and not revelations that led him to such vast conquers and achievements.
Question 33) Why did a large portion of Islam spread through force?
Question 31 – What about our body parts. Can we use creams and beauty products or in general can we take care of our body? Do you have anything related to this in your religion?
Answer : Taking care of one’s body both via exercise and other ways is highly encouraged in Islam. However, I’d like to get more specific considering the genre (type/category) of your question.
The Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings be upon him) said: `Whoever has hair, let him look after it properly.
[Ref: Abu Dawud, 4/108, in Kitab al-tarajjul, bab fi islah al-sha'r; its isnad is hasan.]
Looking after one's hair, according to Islamic teaching, involves keeping it clean, combing it, perfuming it, and styling it nicely.
"The Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings be upon him) was in the mosque, when a man with unkempt hair and an untidy beard came in. The Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) pointed to him, as if indicating to him that he should tidy up his hair and beard. The man went and did so, then returned. The Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) said, `Is this not better than that any one of you should come with unkempt hair, looking like the Shaytan?
[Ref: al-Muwatta', 2/949, Kitab al-sha'r, bab islah al-sha'r.]
You want something more specific? Here our prophet has taught us this as well :
"Five things are part of the fitrah: circumcision, removing the pubic hair, plucking hair from the armpits, cutting the nails, and trimming the moustache
[Ref: Fath al-Bari, 10/334, Kitab al-libas, bab qass al- sharib; Muslim, 3/146, Kitab al-taharah, bab khisal al-fitrah.]
Question 32 ) Muhammad was a very intelligent man and it seems that it is only his intelligence and not revelations that led him to such vast conquers and achievements.
Answer : If what you said was true, and it is known that his achievements are unparalleled even today for people greater than him in land mass conquer such as Alexander and every other king from start to end had his legacy halted or forgotten but that’s not the case with Muhammad upon whom be peace and blessings of Allah. So if what you say is true and he is the most intelligent man to have achieved what he did then you all the more should follow such an intelligent man for if you don’t, it would seem as if intelligence is not your strong hold [smile]
Question 33) Why did a large portion of Islam spread through force?
No wholesome law on the face of this earth was implemented without force of some kind. There is always some or the factor that plays the part of force.
Let me quote you what Abraham Lincoln said in Address Before the Young Men's Lyceum of Springfield, Illinois January 27, 1838 – [See: http://quod.lib.umich.edu/l/lincoln/ ]
“…. let every American pledge his life, his property, and his sacred honor;….”
He also said ..” -let it be preached from the pulpit, proclaimed in legislative halls, and enforced in courts of justice…”
So you see, every institution or constitution or religion that came , had force play a major role in some or the other way. This is why we have the law and “enforcement” department. They “enforce” the law upon the people for the greater good. They do so as to maintain stability and peace. And no man is allowed to challenge the constitution . This is what every nation today and yesterday was founded and run upon. Though the particulars of it may be different, yet the overlaying brick was the same. Thus Islam came and conquered lands and the hearts of people not merely by force but also by spiritual salvation. Today I stand before you not because I am enforced but because I choose to be a Muslim.
Also, we could add to our answer how many lands were not invaded by the Muslim armies such as Indonesia yet it’s a Muslim majority country. Likewise many lands that were ruled by Muslims yet have known to give protection to jews when they were expelled time and again. Middle east still has a huge population of Coptic Christians. India still has a huge majority of Hindus though it’s rulers for centuries were Muslims.
Question 34 ) why not follow humanity as a religion? Why follow Islam?
Answer : Why not get something that is much better than Humanity? Something that gives you humanity + salvation? Such as Islam? Islam is inclusive of humanity , rather the best example of it on the face of this earth.
