The reason why Hijaab (Burqua) is prescribed for women is mentioned in the Qur’an in the following verses of Surah Al-Ahzab:
"O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad); that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
[Al-Qur’an 33:59]
The Qur’an says that Hijaab has been prescribed for the women so that they are recognized as modest women and this will also prevent them from being molested.
(2012-09-08, 02:25 AM)Alex H. Wrote: [ -> ]I know you call other male Muslims your bothers. Just out of curiosity, do you call female Muslims your sisters?
Yes, I probably talked here or probably in gtalk with a female, even non-muslim, and I talk her calling her sister.
In the teachings of Islam, every men and women are like brothers and sisters of each other. This was introduced into the Islam at the time when Prophet Muhammad (صلی اللہ تعالیٰ علیہ وسلم) came to Madinah and make each Muhajir Muslim brother to the other Ansaar.
The next question might would be, "Then why Muslims are killing each other in many countries??" The answer to this quite simple, if one do not obeyed the laws and principles of Islam then its his own fault. It would not be something to blame Islam.
(2012-09-08, 04:35 AM)Alex Smith Wrote: [ -> ]Why are these needed when all the answers should be in the holy texts.
Actually its the choice of the God who sends prophets towards the nations. Just like Prophet Eesa (Jesus) (علیہ سلام) came towards Christians and Prophet Musa (علیہ سلام) came towards Jews (Yahoods) [I'm sorry if I pronounced the names of these Prophets incorrectly]
Why God sends these prophets towards nations? The Qur’an says:
"The Prophet commands them what is just and prohibits what is evil". "He allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them what is bad (and impure),"
[Al-Qur’an 7: 157]
"So take what the Messenger assigns to you and deny yourselves that which he withholds from you."
[Al-Qur’an 59: 7]
For a Muslim, the Prophet’s statement is sufficient to convince him that Allah does not wish humans to eat some kinds of meat while allowing some other kinds.
(2012-09-08, 04:35 AM)Alex Smith Wrote: [ -> ]Sadly again like many religions there are extremists for and against it which causes turmoil for many.
If you practically want to check how good a car is put an expert driver behind the steering wheel. Similarly the best and the most exemplary follower of Islam by whom you can check how good Islam is, is the last and final messenger of God, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Besides Muslims, there are several honest and unbiased non-Muslim historians who have acclaimed that prophet Muhammad was the best human being. According to Michael H. Hart who wrote the book, ‘The Hundred Most Influential Men in History’, the topmost position, i.e. the number one position goes to the beloved prophet of Islam, Muhammad (pbuh). There are several such examples of non-Muslims paying great tributes to the prophet, like Thomas Carlyle, La-Martine, etc.