1. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims
  2. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

122 Questions

Is it permissible for a Muslim government to allow non-Muslims to build their places of worship?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

It depends on fulfilling the agreement between the Muslim government and the non Muslims. Both are bound to abide to the agreed terms and conditions.

Wassalam.
As Muslims who live in non-Muslim countries, what is our obligation towards upholding the laws of the Sharia? For instance, is a Muslim obligated to uphold certain punishments prescribed in the Sharia?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Muslims living or visiting non Muslim countries are required to respect the law of the land as well as follow the day to day Islamic rules. Punishments described in Sharia on certain crimes are not the responsibility of individual Muslims, but it is the responsibility of the Muslim ruler who implements real Islamic teachings and provides justice for all people in the society. After providing justice for all, then the matter of punishment comes, and that is the responsibility  of the government which provides justice for all. 
In today's circumstances where there is no real Islamic justice for all, there is no question of implementing Sharia punishment in non Muslim countries.

Wassalam.
What does each Sunni school of thought think of the Shia? Do they consider us Muslims too?
Abbas Di Palma

as salam alaikum

the four Sunni schools of jurisprudence are related to practical laws and therefore they are not directly linked to doctrinal and theological issues (although sometimes we see some affiliations).

Theologically, Sunni schools can be divided in three main branches: Ash'aris, Maturidis and Ahl al-Hadith.

The Sunni-Shia debate have been dealt in different way by different scholars belonging to these branches. Therefore the judgment more often goes back to ulama, or groups of ulama, and not to the schools themselves. Also, it may depends on what Shi'i trend they refer as their judgments may differs from a Shi'i approach or group to another.

We certainly see some Sunnis very staunch against Shi'ism while others are more tolerant. The same goes for the Shias towards Sunnis. So it is prudent not to generalize and analyze single groups and opinions from case to case.

With prayers for your success.
Are non-Muslims allowed, according to Shia Islam, to build new places of worship in a Muslim country?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Non Muslims who respect the rules of the Muslim society will enjoy full protection from Muslims and have their full religious freedom as far as they do not break the rules of the society. No Muslim has right to attack any worship place belongs to non Muslims. 

Wassalam.