Towards Eternity: Cross Examination with Muhammad Hijab

Welcome & Introduction

• Brother Muhammad Hijab is welcomed to the session.
• Focus: Addressing Quranic verses that atheists object to the most.
• Format: 60 seconds for each answer.

Key Topics Addressed

1. Surah Al-Tawba, Verse 5: "Kill the Polytheists"

• Context: Tied to the expiration of sacred months and broken peace treaties by Pagan Arabs.
• Explanation: Verse refers to wartime ethics; verse right after (Verse 6) advocates for offering safety to those who seek it, hence establishing a framework of ethical warfare.

2. Surah An-Nisa, Verse 34: "Beating of Women"

• Word Analysis: The word 'Idribu' translates to 'hit,' but it's intended as a symbolic gesture, not to cause pain.
• Prophet Muhammad's Example: He never hit any of his wives, emphasizing the symbolic nature and prohibition of causing harm.
• Context in the West: Such actions, even if symbolic, can have adverse legal consequences and are discouraged.

3. Inheritance Laws: Surah An-Nisa, Ayah 11 & Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 282

• Daughters vs. Sons: Involves social responsibilities; males usually have more financial burdens.
• Other Examples: Sometimes females receive more; e.g., the mother and father can receive the same inheritance.
• Testimony: Two women equals one man due to potential absence of financial involvement, maintaining social and legal balance.

4. Prohibition of Interest: Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 275

• Nature of Interest: Generates profit from nothing, exploiting weaker parties, inflates prices, contributes to economic instability.
• Economic Impact: Creates disparity between rich and poor, influences economic cycles with boom & bust.

5. Quranic Limits and Human Freedom

• Divine Wisdom: God knows His creation best and sets limits for their betterment; short-term discipline results in long-term benefits.
• Psychological Insight: Successful individuals practice delayed gratification and discipline, aligning with Quranic principles.

6. Arab Culture and Islamic Practices

• Cultural Richness: Islam celebrates diversity (Surah Al-Hujurat, Verse 13). No need to adopt Arab culture to be a good Muslim.
• Examples: Various Arab cultures exist with different customs; new Muslims can maintain their cultural identities.

7. Success of Muslims Versus Non-Muslims

• Historical Context: Islam had periods of thriving success for 95% of its history, only recently seeing decline.
• False Assumptions: Wealth or economic status does not equate to the truth of one's beliefs.

Concluding Remarks

• Root of Faith: Focus on the core beliefs of Islam – existence of God and prophethood of Muhammad (SAW).
• Authority of God: Trust in divine commandments leads to better understanding and acceptance of Quranic prescriptions.