Part Four

1. The behavior of the people, who call themselves Muslims but do not practice the faith, is largely responsible for a confused and distorted picture of Islam. These people profess this faith but do not live by it, they often do every thing which it does not permit and do nothing which is requires.
2. Many people have such an unquestioning conviction of the innate superiority and rightness of their own way of life that they do not consider it necessary or important to be accurately informed about others' view points and way of life. They simply keep following what their parents and society had taught them.
3. Many people think of any religious system in terms of their own concepts and values, or in terms of the concepts of Western civilization. These do not necessarily fit with or apply to Islam.
4. Historically, Muslims and Christians confronted each other during the crusades and afterwards. The propaganda against Islam, its beliefs and way of life, which was common during times of conflict, continued after many Muslim countries were colonized. This biased attitude persisted in the Western world.

Q28. Then how can Islam be properly understood in the non-Muslim world?
A28.

1. (i) On the part of non-Muslims: They should be open-minded, fair and objective while approaching to approaching to understand Islam. They should clear their minds of any preconceptions they may have about Islam.
   (ii) They should look into the basic, authentic and direct sources of knowledge about Islam when they want to know any thing about Islam (The sources are the Qur'an and the Traditions of the Prophet.
   (iii) They should not rely on the indirect and unauthentic sources of information, particularly the news & views media, howsoever honest it may look.
   (iv) They should not base their judgment on the behavior of the Muslims but try to understand that Muslims are also human beings and liable to commit mistakes.
2. On the part of Muslims: It is necessary for them to abide by the teachings of Islam and present themselves as an example of good practicing Muslims. Nothing can be more effective than setting an example.

Q29. If it is claimed that Islam is a true religion. then how is it that we find very bad examples among the Muslims?
A. This is unfortunate. But this is the case with all societies in the world wherein we find bad examples. It is something to do with the nature of the people itself rather than the religion. Muslims are also human beings, not supernatural, and are prone to commit mistakes and go the wrong way. Satan - the enemy of man - always active in trying to keep man away from the right path, succeeds at times. The bad behavior found among Muslims is mainly due to lack of proper Islamic knowledge, influence of the materialistic society, and weak faith in their hearts. Therefore, it is not correct to judge Islam by Muslims, but it is Muslims who should be judged by Islam.

Q30. It is generally believed in the West that Islam spread by the sword. How far it is correct?
A30. This is a baseless notion. Faith cannot be forced at the point of the sword. If faith does not emerge from deep conviction, from within, it is not acceptable to God, nor does it help the person who accepts this faith. In fact, Islam is the only religion which guarantees peaceful freedom of faith and forbids compulsion in religion. To quote the Holy Qura'an:
"There is no compulsion in religion : Truth stands out clear from error; Whoever rejects evil and believes in God has grasped the most trust worthy handhold, that never breaks; And God hears and knows all things." (2.256)
Not only does Islam forbid to employ force in the propagation of Islam, but it also commands to use the most peaceful methods. The Qura'an states
"Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious; For your Lord knows best who have strayed from His path and who receive guidance." (16:125)
If Islam had spread at the point of sword, then:

1. how is that the Far East countries, like Indonesia and Malaysia, had embraced Islam without the use of force?
2. why were there no mass desertions from Islam after the removal of force. if force was the reason for spread of Islam?
3. how is it that Islam is still growing all over the world, and is the fastest growing religion in the U.S.A.? Where is the sword?
4. how is it that there are a good number of non-Muslims still enjoying the freedom of religion in the Muslim countries even after ages?
5. how is it that the non-Muslims barbaric Mongols embraced Islam after conquering the Muslim lands? This is a unique and strange event in the world history that the conquerors have adopted the faith of the conquered ones.

Q31. How about the matter of 4 wives - the Question that is commonly associated with Islam?
A31. To have more than one wife was not invented or introduced by Islam. It was, and it has been, a universal practice among mankind. Even in countries with "one-wife" theory, the practice of having relation with more than one woman does exist anyway, though they do not call it polygamy. The Islamic view point, in brief, is as follows:

1. In Islam, marriage is not a business deal negotiated by two parties. It is something solemn and sacred. lt is a contract to which God Himself is the first witness or the first party, it is concluded in His name, in obedience to Him and according to His commands. Its major elements are chastity, social integrity, human stability, spiritual elevation, love, peace and mercy. The Qur'an states:
   "...He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts); verily in that are sings for those who reflect." (30:21)
   "... provided you seek (them in marriage) with gifts from your property - desiring chastity, not lust..." (4:24)
2. To marry four women is not an injunction or a requirement ; it is a "permission" which is given with certain 'conditions' to be fulfilled by a man who wants to marry more than one woman.
   "...Marry women of your choice, two or three or four ; but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them) then only one,..." (4:3)
3. The permission is given not to marry any number of wives but is restricted to four. In fact, Islam is the only religion that has put such a restriction on plurality.
4. Islam is the religion for all people and for all times. So, it has to be flexible enough to suit all situations in human life, at all places; it has to offer solutions to all human problems. Thus, in case of situations such as when women outnumber men in a society (e.g., after wars), or when a women is not capable of bearing children, or when a widowed or divorced woman needs protection for herself and for her young children, etc., taking more than one wife would be the best course. Then she can enjoy full social status and respect rather then becoming a victim of unhealthy and immoral consequences or loneliness.
5. Islam is a practical and a balanced religion. It recognizes man's nature and instead of going against it, rather moulds it in such a fashion that it is not harmful to him or to the society. On one hand it allows having more than one wife, and on other hand it prescribes severe punishment for extra marital relations.

We find in the Bible that the Prophets did have more than one wife, and that no Prophet had prohibited this practice. Jesus (peace be upon him) himself never uttered a single word against polygamy.

Q32. Did Muslims ever contribute to the development of human civilization?
A. Yes, a lot. During the medieval times Muslims were the leaders of the intellectual world. Their contributions to the scientific, cultural and spiritual progress of humanity were unparalleled, while Europe was still in its dark ages. Arab civilization in Spain represented the highest culture in Europe from the 10^th to the 13^th century.
Muslims made a two- fold contribution to knowledge: they preserved the knowledge and learning of the ancient world through Arabic translation, and also made their own pioneering contributions. Their achievements in medieval times are now recognized as a bridge between the civilizations of antiquity and those of the present day.
They contributed in various diverse fields: Astronomy, Geography, Mathematics, Medicine & Surgery, Physical Sciences. Philosophy, History, Political Science, Art, Literature, etc. Baghdad (Iraq),Cairo (Egypt), Cordova (Spain) and Samarqand (USSR) were the centers of scientific research and produced many renowned personalities in their fields.
The universities in the Muslim land were the greatest centers of learning, and those in Spain particularly were attended by scholars from Europe.
Muslims were the first to manufacture paper (794 CE, the first paper mill in Baghdad), glass from stone (Spain) and soap. The telescope, astrolabe, pendulum, marine compass, photography, etc., were invented by the Muslims.

Q33. Can you give any examples of the Muslim contributors?
A33. There are many examples in various fields. To name only a few:

• Ibn Sina, known to the West as Avicenna, (980-1037 C.E. - Common Era). He was a multidimensional personality with varied interest from natural sciences to art, and wrote on divers fields like Philosophy, Medicine, Geometry, Astronomy, Theology, philology and Art. His famous works include: "Kitab al Shifa" (Book of Healing) and "Qanun fil Tibb" (the Canon of Medicine), a medical encyclopedia which remained supreme in the West for over 600 years.
• Al-Razi ,known to the West as Rhazes, (865 - 925 C. E.), was one of the greatest physicians of all times. His classic work "Al Hawi" or The Comprehensive Book, is an encyclopedia of over ten volumes. He was the first physician to write a book on Pediatrics. He also wrote "Kitab ul Asrsr", a classic of Chemistry.
• Al-Khwarizmi, (780 - 850 C.E.), a celebrated mathematician, known as "Father of Algebra", combined the Greek and Indian Traditions of Mathematics and introduced the Arabic numerals to Europe. His book "Hisab al Jabr wal Muqabla" is an outstanding work on Algebra. He was a celebrated geographer as well. His work on Geography "Shape of the Earth" was an advancement on Ptolemy's work. He was responsible for the production of the first map of the world (830 CE).
• Ibn Haytham, known to the West as Alhazen, (965 - 1040 C.E.), was a mathematician and physicist who revolutionized the science of light, and was the founder of modern science of optics. He wrote 62 treatises on different subjects.
• Jabir ibn Hayyan (known to the West as Geber) was the "Father of Chemistry", was credited with the discovery of several chemical compounds and wrote about a hundred books on Chemistry and Pharmacology. Until 18^th century his treatises were most infuential in Europe and Asia.
• Al Baytar was the greatest botanist and pharmacist of Spain.
• Al Jahiz wrote the most famous book on zoology "Kitab al Haywan" (the Book of Animals) and was the first scientist to note changes in birds' lives through migration.
• Jabir ibn Aflah was the first astronomer to design a portable celestial sphere to measure the movements of celestial objects.
• Al Kindi wrote 265 treatises on subjects like physics, arithmetic, astronomy, medicine, pharmacy, philosophy, comparative religion and politics.
• Al Jazari's "The Book of Knowledge and Mechanical Contrivances' was standard work on mechanics.

Q.34. Are there any examples of the influence of Arabic language on English?
A34. In the process of transmission of learning through translations, numerous Arabic words were introduced in the vocabulary of Europe. Examples: alchemy, alcohol, admiral, alembic, algebra, alkaline, arsenal, azimuth, borax, calibre, candy, check, cipher, camphor, coffee, cotton, elixir, magazine, nadir, ream, syrup, tariff, zenith, zero, etc.

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