Ramadan Section: I have a question?

salaamalaikum

i think as muslims we all need to be as highly educated about Islam as possible and if we can, have a lot of knowledge about other religions so we are able to defend and back up our faith with strong answers and sources. im an ex christian so when i get a christian trying to be subtly rude to me or challenge me about Islam i am able to shoot straight back at them-politely and with a hell of a lot of knowledge subhanaallah!

lol its all about being educated, courteous, strong and a good laugh i think! respect goes a long way too

walikumsalaams x

If someone asks a question in a disrespectful way, you can answer them in kind (i.e. disrespectfully) or with respect.

If you choose option A, you strike back at the person who's upsetting you, and feel better. However, to anyone else reading, it looks like a p*ssing contest, and no knowledge of Islam is spread. Moreover, the asker has just "proven their point" by bringing out the worst in a human (showing Muslims to be whatever they're trying to show them to be) and their initial or exisiting opinion has been confirmed.

If you choose Option B, and answer whatever question is asked in a respectful tone and manner, you've spread knowledge of Islam and taken the high road. Any outside observer will look at it and see obnoxious troll meets intelligent Muslim. It gives people pause whenever someone meets insult with dignity. This is partially what gave Jesus so much prestige. Further, you have no idea what impact this type of response may have on the asker. If they are trolling, your calm and respectful manner might turn them around. It might help them see Islam in a new light. Maybe not right away, but if they ever come, and your peace and respect were a part of that, surely God will reward you.

If the problem is with one of the ummah, you can easily post or indicate, "With no offence to brother "Amar", my understanding is ___". Most Christians are used to different groups having slightly (or even not slight) differences, and won't see that as a major negative. But calling each other kafirs and infidels, well, it makes all parties seem immature.

Finally, don't feel as if you really have to 'defend' your faith. I don't want to pick on semantics, but in this case, your word choice is quite accurate. Everyone is free to accept or reject Islam, for whatever reasons. Your job is not so much defence (at least, online), as it is the spread of information. What people choose to do with that information is something else, and out of your control. Just because someone decides to attack your religion, doesn't mean you have to engage them in that manner, or at all. If you respond and they keep slinging insults, you can (respectfully) indicate that intelligent discourse is not possible since they're not sticking to one issue at a time. Or something along those lines.

The fact is that it is impossible to see into the heart of an asker. Even someone asking something in a disrespectful way may actually want an answer. What may sound very disrespectful to the reader, might not seem that way to the writer. Or they may be in a hurry or having a bad day, etc. In case they're honestly considering Islam, do you want to be the 'reason' they turned away?

Just asking this question is putting you in the right path, inshallah.

Salamalaikum.

Good quesstion sister! (no man u cant be my sister, too pretty to be 1 ;).

Well, how zakir naik has his organization.

he gives his opinions and then does the question answer session which removes doubts from ppls mind.

We can do that.

The most learned from us (Yahoo answers) can be the one answering the questions. And we all his supporters on providing points on wordly affairs.

We all can spread the Message of Muhammad; for example, spread islam's message.

Call the organization, Islam and Modern World.

This shows that how we can prove from hadith and quran 1429 years ago that islam is tru and other religions are B.S.

Also HAving only question answer session is better, the mroe the ppl come to ask the more popularity and converts :P

Most people dont study or understand the quran or hadith and therefore leave islam. or have a negative view. They need to know Saudi Arabia's atmosphere b4 judging.

Arm yourself with knowledge...and speak not of that which you have NO knowledge of.

I feel that answering questions on here is a great responsibility...one that most seem to take lightly. Realize that you will be accountable for all the words and thoughts you convey...for all those you guide and particularly the ones you misguide.

Answering many of these questions require a lot of tact and understanding of you faith and the faith of others...

It is not the time to incorporate culture or emotional hang-ups as your answer...questions in regards to Islam are simply reiterated and exemplified by using the Quran and authentic hadiths as your source...*always remember to site your source*

To be emotionally defensive and offensive is unnecessary...because Truth will always shine...

Salaam!!

Well, it all depends on the way the asker posts his question.

If someone is really seeking knowledge be it a muslim or non-muslim, then I'll answer normally. I'll do my best to help him/her.

Here are 3 examples:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AjDGt...

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AgPan...

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Aj0fg...

If someone posts a nasty question just to belittle us(muslims) or some other silly questions, I just ignore it, and don't answer it.

Sorry, I can't give you any example, as I just ignore it.

If someone tries to act smart, and treat us muslims as blind followers, or follower of a false prophet, then I do the maximum I can to correct his misunderstanding. Moreover, I will try to prove him that he is also blind-following. In an atheist's case, I'll use different methods. Furthermore, I'll also 'attack' his/her religion if ever he tries to portray islam unjustly. Here's an example:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AsXQ_...

How can you defend a religion with so many different versions?

Will you defend Wahhabi...or the brotherhood teachings?

Or the Sunnis or the Shia????

Does Islam really have a set form of teachings?

I feel like the effort matters more than anything. You know you've contributed to a cause by defending it, and making an effort to clarify it to those who don't quite understand it. You tried your best. The rest is beyond you.

It's best we know what we're preaching about. Also no using of vulgarities or swearing (we tend to voice out anger with swearing, and that doesn't look nice at all). Patience, understanding and tolerance of others faith.

Build your knowledge base, read, read and read. Keep learning all the time, after all the first instruction given to us in our Glorious Quran is "Iqra" (Read), that's how we will defend Islam by constantly learning especially about our Deen http://www.ipci.co.za/frameset.asp

http://www.islam-guide.com/bqs/

http://sultan.org/

its always best to seek knowledge and know what you are sharing is the truth before posting it for others to read.