Blind Dating Versus Perfect Timing

Science
Every year, a common occurrence is a dispute between followers of various sects about when so-called Ramadan starts and ends. This year is no exception and some countries ended their so-called Ramadan one day before others. In the so-called Islamic calendar the start of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the new crescent moon. The sighting of the new crescent moon is not an easy task and only expert observers under optimal viewing conditions can see the new-moon crescent. What many people don't know is that the start of so-called Ramadan depends on a myriad of other factors other than the sighting of the new-moon crescent.

Common Misconceptions About Islam, Muslims and The Quran

God's System / Islam
Islam, Muslims and The Quran have become a subject of major concern to the world media, religious groups and people, especially after the events of September 11th 2001 in the USA. Many articles and books have been written about a religion followed by over one billion people worldwide, some of which saw in Islam a separate civilization that will inevitably clash with the current dominant western civilization, but some were more optimistic, showing interest in a constructive debate, seeking understanding.

Qur'an Verse 4:34 - 'Beat the Wife?'

Women

From the time the Qur'an was revealed, it has unfortunately been subject to gross misinterpretation and mistranslation by traditional sexist men, particularly in regard to the rights and roles of women in society. The most obvious example of this, which can be seen in several English translations of the Qur'an, is that of verse 4:34, where the particular word in Arabic with root Da-Ra-Ba ض ر ب has been mistranslated to apparently allow beating of the wife. As ridiculous as this sounds, this misinterpretation is in-fact the result of a biased inclination of a misogynistic attitude in some men, instead of an honest reflection of the most appropriate meaning of the word.

Is there Abrogation in the Quran?

Hadith / Traditions
PICKTHAL: Nothing of our revelation (even a single verse) do we abrogate or cause be forgotten, but we bring (in place) one better or the like thereof. Knowest thou not that Allah is Able to do all things? (Qur’an 2:106) Depending on which translation of the Qur’an is being read, the most common rendering of verse 2:106, as can be seen above in the translation of Pickthal, is that the Qur’an is subject to “abrogation”, and, in some special cases, is even subject to verses being lost/forgotten altogether!

The Kingdom of Israel - Beginning to Prophesized End

History / Archeology
After over 60 years since occupying the land of Palestine, archeologists are still at a loss to explain why no evidence has been unearthed – despite the numerous digs – to prove the existence of the Kingdom of Israel in this same land as per Jewish claims. In-fact, so critical is this issue to validate Jewish claims over the land of Palestine that digs have been excavated in and around the Temple Mount itself, placing the Dome of the Rock and other historic structures in jeopardy!

Dietary Prohibitions

Quran's Structure / Laws

In our study of the Qur’an, we find that our Lord has placed a number of restrictions and guidelines on what and what is not permissible as food. It is the objective of this article to share these finding with the reader so as to build awareness of God’s laws for those who have submitted.   

First Rule –All Food in General is Lawful

 “O people, eat from what is on the earth as good and lawful, and do not follow in the footsteps of the devil. He is to you a clear enemy.” 2:168

Whether it is snails in France or horse meat in China, the first rule that the Qur’an teaches us is that “all food,” which is beneficial, is “lawful” unless it has been restricted.

Revolutions in the Qur'an

Politics
With all the recent revolutionary events that have been filling the headlines and causing upheaval in the world - from Tunisia to Egypt to Libya to Yemen to Bahrain – we find many conflicting and even contradictory stances depending on who is being asked. If you ask the people of the Gulf States, the majority will say they support the government of Bahrain using force to quell its rebellion, but they stand against the governments of Libya, Iran and Syria from quelling their rebellions.

The Libya Conflict

Politics
With the Libyan conflict coming to its final conclusion of overthrowing the Libyan government led by Qadafi and establishing a new government picked by NATO and the Arab League, there are some serious questions that most of those cheering the conflict, especially those who assert themselves to be Muslims, seem to have overlooked.