Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Islam

1. Why is a man allowed to have more than one wife in Islam? (i.e., why is polygamy allowed in Islam?)
Polygamy means a system of marriage whereby one person has more than one spouse. Polygamy can be of two types. One is polygyny where a man marries ... READ MORE

2. Why does Islam prohibit a woman from having more than one husband and allows a man to have up to 4 wives at a time?
A lot of people, including some Muslims, question the logic of allowing Muslim men to have more than one spouse while denying the same ‘right’ to women ... READ MORE

3. Why does Islam degrade women by keeping them behind the veil?
The status of women in Islam is often the target of attacks in the secular media. The ‘hijaab’ or the Islamic dress is cited by many as an example of the ‘subjugation’ of women ... READ MORE

4. How can Islam be called a religion of peace when it was spread by the sword?
It is a common complaint among some non-Muslims that Islam would not have millions of adherents all over the world, if it had not been spread by the use of force. The following points will make it clear, that ... READ MORE

5. Why are most Muslims fundamentalists and terrorists?
This question is often hurled at Muslims, either directly or indirectly, during any discussion on religion or world affairs. Muslim stereotypes are perpetuated in every form of the media accompanied by ... READ MORE

6. Killing an animal is a ruthless act. Why then do Muslims consume non-vegetarian food?
‘Vegetarianism’ is now a movement the world over. Many even associate it with animal rights. Indeed, a large number of people consider the consumption of meat ... READ MORE

7. Why do Muslims slaughter the animal in a ruthless manner by toturing it and slowly and painfully killing it?
The Islamic method of slaughtering animals, known as Zabiha has been the object of much criticism from a large number of people ... READ MORE

8. Science tells us that whatever one eats, it has an effect on one's behaviour. Why then, does Islam allow Muslims to eat non-vegetarian food, since eating of animals could make a person violent and ferocious?
Islam prohibits the eating of carnivorous animals like lion, tiger, leopard, etc. who are violent and ferocious. The consumption of the meat of such animals would probably ... READ MORE

9. Why is Islam against idol worship when Muslim worship and bow down to the Ka'bah in their prayers?
Many people think that Islam prohibits idol worship while encouraging its followers (Muslims) to worship the Ka'ba in Makkah which is a city now in Saudi Arabia. Ka'ba is the Qibla i.e. the direction Muslims face ... READ MORE

10. Why are non-Muslims not allowed in the holy cities of Makkah and Medinah?
It is true that non-Muslims are not allowed in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, by law. The following points will serve to elucidate the possible reasoning ... READ MORE

11. Why is the eating of pork forbidden in Islam?
The fact that consumption of pork is prohibited in Islam is well known. The Qur’an prohibits the consumption of pork in no less than 4 different places ... READ MORE

12. Why is the consumption of alcohol prohibited in Islam?
Alcohol has been the scourge of human society since time immemorial. It continues to cost countless human lives, and causes terrible misery to millions throughout the world. Alcohol is the root cause ... READ MORE

13. Why are two witnesses who are women, equivalent to only one witness who is a man?
It is not true that two female witnesses are always considered as equal to only one male witness. It is true only in certain cases. There are about five verses in the Qur’an that mention witnesses, without specifying ... READ MORE

14. Under Islamic Shari'ah law, why is a woman's share of inheritance only half of that of a man?
The Glorious Qur’an contains specific and detailed guidance regarding the division of the inherited wealth, among the rightful beneficiaries. The Qur’anic verses that contain guidance regarding inheritance ... READ MORE

15. How can you prove the existence of the hereafter, i.e., life after death?
Many people wonder as to how a person with a scientific and logical temperament, can lend any credence to the belief of life after death. People assume that anyone believing in the hereafter is ... READ MORE

16. When all the Muslims follow one Qur'an and one God, then why are there so many sects and different schools of thoughts among Muslims?
It is a fact that Muslims today, are divided amongst themselves. The tragedy is that such divisions are not endorsed by Islam at all. Islam believes in fostering unity amongst ... READ MORE

17. All religions basically teach followers to do good deeds. Why should a person only follow Islam? Can a person not attain Paradise by subscribing to any other religious or non-religious way of life?
All religions basically exhort mankind to be righteous and eschew evil. But Islam goes beyond that. It guides us towards practical ways of achieving righteousness and eliminating evil ... READ MORE

18. If Islam is the best religion, how is it possible that Muslims can be involved in criminal activities?
Islam is without doubt the best religion but the media is in the hands of the westerners who are afraid of Islam. The media is continuously broadcasting and printing information against ... READ MORE