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

Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

18 Questions

Is it mandatory to govern a nation with Shariah law? If so, would that not make it impermissible to hold government positions in countries with secular law?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Sharia law is for Muslims who believe and obey Allah and not for non Muslims.

When Muslims want to implement the Islamic law which is known as Sharia law, it is their decision and no one can object on them as we don't object on people who opt to follow their own way of legislation in any part of the world. It is part of the basic rights to believe in your own faith and implement it.

Holding a government position  in secular countries is permissible for Muslims as far as they don't indulge in injustice or sinful acts.

'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.
Is online trading allowed? Can you please explain about the stock market and how to invest in it according to the Shariah?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Online trading is like face to face trading. It is allowed if the material is allowed and vice versa. Stock market trading depends on the activities of the company of the shares. If the company deals with non Halal ( forbidden) business like interest, alcohol, etc, then buying or dealing with shares of such company is not allowed. If the company deals with permissible activities, then dealing with its shares will be permissible.

Wassalam.
Is the cutting of hands as punishment for stealing really a part of the Shariah? If yes, is it not counter productive since the one who has stolen will never be able to reform and get back on track in life?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Financial security is one of the most important concerns of human beings every where and every time. Theft is a real danger which endangers human beings wealth and property. Human societies over the history till now, tried many ways to tackle and counter theft and robbery but no real success was achieved. Till today millions of innocent people suffer from those who steal their money in different ways. Those who steal do that because they do not fear real punishment, hence they steal whenever they find a chance.

Islam deals with this burning issue with inner treatment as well as outer action.

1. Inner treatment: is to warn that theft is a major sin and it leads the thief to hellfire. This will make good Muslims away from this sinful act.

2. Outer action: Those who do not care for religious teaching and insist on committing theft, must be punished in public to show them and others the miserable results of this crime and to protect people from similar crimes. 

Cutting the hand of the thief has conditions which insure that he deserves this type of punishment for the security of the people and society. Thief who was instigated by hunger is excluded from such punishment.

Cutting the hand of the thief (with all the conditions) does not mean cutting more than the fingers of one hand only. He will still be able to work and earn in lawful way.

Allah , The Most Merciful, Has ordained this punishment on the dangerous thief to provide the people financial security. It is a fact hat no other punishment could work all over the history to stop theft crime like this punishment. Where ever this punishment was applied in proper way with all its conditions, people enjoyed security on their wealth and property. Theft crime rates dropped to near zero in Muslim societies after proper implementation of the rules of Allah (SWT) which provide peace and justice to all and prevent evil doers to violate he rights of others.

Allah (SWT) says in Sura Al-Baqara, Verse 179 : AND THERE IS REAL LIFE FOR YOU IN APPLYING THE PROPER PUNISHMENT, O PEOPLE OF INTELLECT, SO  THAT YOU BECOME PIOUS).

After all, we believe that the Mercy and Wisdom of Allah is the best in all situations and for all human beings. Punishing one thief who deserves punishment is the real justice because it provides security to millions and saves their basic rights on their wealth and property.

Those millions of victims who suffer from theft, they suffer because of the failure of the non Muslim legal system to stop or counter the crime, and they  pay for that failure of the system to  protect them. Quran is very clear that proper life will be achieved by applying proper punishment, which means that with out applying the proper punishments, there will be no real life of security, peace and justice. 

Wassalam.