Society & Culture - 4 July 2006

They disobeyed god by eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, right?

Just one problem. How could they have been expected to comprehend the implications of their actions, if prior to their indiscretion, they had no concept of wrong, evil, punishment, suffering, pain, and death? Even if god had been successful in explaining all of these concepts and the distinction between right and wrong beforehand, this means that he would have had to give them knowledge of good and evil, which turns this entire story into one big ridiculous farce!!

Doesn't it?

2006-07-04 11:36:18 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

2006-07-04 11:35:17 · 7 answers · asked by cyndi71mom 5 in Other - Society & Culture

2006-07-04 11:34:56 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Languages

I raffed the Colorado river and our group of 26 peeded in it for 6 days. The guide said 6,000,000 gallons an hour, or was that a minute, flow down the Colorado. It was better to pee in the river than on land for environmental reasons. Don't get me started on Poo.

2006-07-04 11:34:45 · 14 answers · asked by Ned 3 in Etiquette

2006-07-04 11:34:44 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

2006-07-04 11:33:23 · 3 answers · asked by QuestionJ 1 in Religion & Spirituality

2006-07-04 11:32:39 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Other - Society & Culture

2006-07-04 11:31:56 · 5 answers · asked by howaboutit99@sbcglobal.net 2 in Religion & Spirituality

This question is one which is asked by Muslims and non-Muslims alike. For many women it is the truest test of being a Muslim.
The answer to the question is very simple - Muslim women observe hijab (covering the head and the body) because Allah has told them to do so.

Allah (SWT) said, "O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies. That is better in order that they may be known (as free respectable women) and not annoyed..." (Holy Qur'an, 33:59)

Other secondary reasons include the requirement for modesty in both men and women. Both will then be evaluated for intelligence and skills instead of looks and sexuality. A Muslim woman who covers her head is making a statement about her identity. Anyone who sees her will know that she is a Muslim and has a good moral character.

The Muslim woman who covers is filled with dignity and self esteem; she is pleased to be identified as a Muslim woman: as a chaste, modest, pure woman. She does not want her sexuality to enter into interactions with men in the smallest degree.

A Muslim school girl is quoted as saying, "We want to stop men from treating us like sex objects, as they have always done. We want them to ignore our appearance and to be attentive to our personalities and minds. We want them to take us seriously and treat us as equals and not just chase us around for our bodies and physical looks."

The word "hijab" comes from the Arabic word "hajaba" meaning to hide from view or conceal. In the present time, the context of hijab is the modest covering of a Muslim woman. The question now is what is the extent of the covering? The Holy Qur'an says: " Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and protect their private parts. That will make for greater purity for them. Verily, Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. And tell the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not to display their beauty and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear thereof and to draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands..." (Holy Qur'an, 24:30-31)

These verses from the Qur'an contain two main injunctions:
1. A woman should not show her beauty or adornments except what appears by uncontrolled factors such as the wind blowing her clothes.
2. The head covers should be drawn so as to cover the hair, the neck and the bosom.

Islam has no fixed standard as to the style of dress or type of clothing that Muslims must wear. However, some requirements must be met.

The first of these requirements is the parts of the body which must be covered. Islam has two sources for guidance and rulings: first, the Qur'an, the revealed word of Allah and secondly, the Hadith or the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad who was chosen by Allah to be the role model for mankind.

The following is a Tradition of the Prophet : " 'Aeshah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that Asma'a, the daughter of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him,) came to the Messenger of Allah while wearing thin clothing. He approached her and said: 'O Asma'a! When a girl reaches the menstrual age, it is not proper that anything should remain exposed except this and this. He pointed to the face and hands." (Abu Dawood)

The second requirement is looseness. The clothing must be loose enough so as not to describe the shape of the woman's body. One desirable way to hide the shape of the body is to wear a cloak over other clothes. However, if the clothing is loose enough, an outer garment is not necessary.

Thickness is the third requirement. The clothing must be thick enough so as not to show the color of the skin it covers or the shape of the body. The Prophet stated that in later generations of his Ummah there would be "women who would be dressed but naked and on top of their heads (what looks like) camel humps. Curse them for they are truly cursed." (Muslim)
Another requirement is an over-all dignified appearance. The clothing should not attract men's attention to the woman. It should not be shiny and flashy so that everyone notices the dress and the woman.

In addition there are other requirements:
1. Women must not dress so as to appear as men. "Ibn Abbas narrated: 'The Prophet cursed the men who appear like women and the women who appear like men.'" (Bukhari)
2. Women should not dress in a way similar to the unbelievers.
3. The clothing should be modest, not excessively fancy and also not excessively ragged to gain others admiration or sympathy.

Often forgotten is the fact that modern Western dress is a new invention. Looking at the clothing of women as recently as seventy years ago, we see clothing similar to hijab. These active and hard-working women of the West were not inhibited by their clothing which consisted of long, full dresses and various types of head covering.

Muslim women who wear hijab do not find it impractical or interfering with their activities in all levels and walks of life. Hijab is not merely a covering dress but more importantly, it is behavior, manners, speech and appearance in public. Dress is only one facet of the total being.

The basic requirements of the Muslim woman's dress apply to the Muslim man's clothing with the difference being mainly in degree. Modesty requires that the area between the navel and the knee be covered in front of all people except the wife. The clothing of men should not be like the dress of women, nor should it be tight or provocative.

A Muslim should dress to show his identity as a Muslim. Men are not allowed to wear gold or silk. However, both are allowed for women. For both men and women, clothing requirements are not meant to be a restriction but rather a way in which society will function in a proper, Islamic manner.

2006-07-04 11:29:33 · 22 answers · asked by Noha 1 in Religion & Spirituality

OMFG. my dog just walked out of the kitchen and the toaster was on and their was a sandwich in it and it wound up screwing up my toaster. It is just me and my dog in the house so could he of tried cooking a grilled cheese sandwich in the toaster or are their ghosts in my house?

2006-07-04 11:29:22 · 23 answers · asked by Gangsta Geek 2 in Mythology & Folklore

I have heard a lot of comments against them particularly Brazilians attitude and upbringing. Is it true?

2006-07-04 11:27:35 · 19 answers · asked by Joy RP 4 in Other - Society & Culture

I'm Filipino and Spanish was abolished in Philippines. It was once an official language. Its my second semester of Spanish in college I can understand but its weird because sometimes I keep switching from English-Spanish or Filipino to Spanish vice versa since its mix with Spanish. I'm getting confuse when I listen to a native speaker of Spanish or even when Im studying the language because most of the time it doesn't make any sense when I translate it to English but to Filipino mostly it make sense anyway please advice me please thanks.

2006-07-04 11:27:23 · 20 answers · asked by jczapatero20 1 in Languages

2006-07-04 11:27:10 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender

Is there but one door, or has the infinite perfection of my father, which in heaven, produced many doors? Dost thou understand this parable?

2006-07-04 11:26:49 · 23 answers · asked by Tofu Jesus 5 in Religion & Spirituality

Tell me your honest feelings and beliefs what you feel about GOD!

Why?

2006-07-04 11:25:05 · 23 answers · asked by Cherries 5 in Religion & Spirituality

Isn't that racism as well?

2006-07-04 11:25:03 · 22 answers · asked by MAGA2020 3 in Other - Cultures & Groups

I believe the term hero is over used and needs to be re-defined. Self-sacrifice is rare and usually goes un-noticed. I am trying to see if my theory is on track or false. Off course I am hoping to be wrong.

2006-07-04 11:24:46 · 3 answers · asked by moved 5 in Other - Society & Culture

2006-07-04 11:23:40 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Other - Society & Culture

2006-07-04 11:21:26 · 19 answers · asked by Pervy_Pirate 2 in Religion & Spirituality

PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR AGE!

On a scale of 1-10, how ticklish are the soles of your barefeet?

1= Not all at! I can't feel a thing.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10= It's practically like a seizure!

PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR AGE!
The best answer will get 10 points!
Thanks!

2006-07-04 11:19:03 · 12 answers · asked by hello.whatsup 1 in Etiquette

Farting in a Pizza Hut, being affectionate toward a random Pizza Hut employee, and even rubbing the stomachs of Pizza Hut employees! Even asking the simple question 'Who farted?' is more mindful than asking about harassing Pizza Hut employees! And why Pizza Hut instead of McDonald's or some other gross fast food restaurant? Has Yahoo! Answers become a haven for complete air-heads?

2006-07-04 11:18:59 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Etiquette

2006-07-04 11:18:58 · 5 answers · asked by death2rightwings47 1 in Religion & Spirituality

2006-07-04 11:18:52 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender

2006-07-04 11:18:01 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Independence Day

My partner has recently decided that he no longer wants to have sex as we are not married, he is struggling to cope with his guilt and feels that by continually sinning he is risking his soul. When the bible was written surely the whole 'dating thing' just didn't happen, women were 'given' away etc and didn't spend years dating. I don't want to question his faith, we are both Christian but he seems really determined to 'be ready' for the second coming and doesn't want Jesus to leave him behind.

Another thing, he is really consumed with the book of revelations and it scares me the way he talks about the end times, are we really there yet, what with all the conflict at the moment in Israel.

2006-07-04 11:17:28 · 61 answers · asked by lovinthisgame 2 in Religion & Spirituality

2006-07-04 11:17:01 · 4 answers · asked by Jazzicles 2 in Etiquette

My brothers and sisters everywhere! With this essay, I am not singling out the adherents of Islam - to which I ascribe - but rather I am writing this essay to every man and woman throughout the whole world.

I ask Allah that He facilitates tat this essay reaches every ear, falls under the sight of every eye, and is understood by every heart...

Muhammad the son of `Abdullah is Allah's Prophet and the Final Messenger Sent by Allah to the Inhabitants of Earth.

My brothers and sisters everywhere! You should know that the Messenger, Muhammad the son of `Abdullah (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) is Allah's Messenger in reality and truth. The evidences that show his veracity are abundant. None but an infidel, who out of arrogance alone, could deny these signs.

Among these proofs:

1. Muhammad (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) was raised illiterate, unable to read or write, and remained like that till his death. Among all his people, he was known as being truthful and trustworthy. Before receiving revelation, he had no prior knowledge of Religion or any previously sent Message. He remained like that for his first forty years. Revelation then came to Muhammad with the Koran that we now have between our hands. This Koran mentioned most of the accounts found in the previous scriptures, telling us about these events in the greatest detail as if he witnessed them. These accounts came precisely as they were found in the Torah sent down to Moses and in the Gospel sent down to Jesus. Neither the Jews or Christians were able to belie him regarding anything that he said.

2. Muhammad (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) also foretold of everything that would occur to him and his community after him, pertaining to victory, the removal of the tyrannical kingdoms of Chosroes [the royal title for the Zoroastrian kings of Persia] and Caesar, and the establishment of the religion of Islam throughout the earth. These events occurred exactly as Muhammad foretold, as if he was reading the future from an open book.

3. Muhammad (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) also brought an Arabic Koran that is the peak of eloquence and clarity. The Koran challenged those eloquent and fluent Arabs of his time, who initially belied him, to bring forth a single chapter like the Koran. The eloquent Arabs of his day were unable to contest this Koran.

Indeed, till our day, none has ever dared to claim that he has been able to compose words that equal-or even approach-the order, grace, beauty, and splendor of this Glorious Koran.

4. The life history of this Noble Prophet was a perfect example of being upright, merciful, compassionate, truthful, brave, generous, distant from all evil character, and ascetic in all worldly matters, while striving solely for the reward of the Hereafter. Moreover, in all his actions and dealings, he was ever mindful and fearful of Allah.

5. Allah instilled great love for Muhammad (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) in the hearts of all who believed in and met him. This love reached such a degree that any of his companions would willingly sacrifice his (or her) self, mother or father for him.

Till today, those who believe in Muhammad honor and love him. Anyone of those who believe in him would ransom his own family and wealth to see him, even if but once.

6. All of history has not preserved the biography of any person in the manner it has preserved the life of Muhammad, who is the most influential human in history.

Nor has the entire earth known of anyone whom every morning and evening, and many times thereafter throughout the day, is thought of by those who believe in him. Upon remembering Muhammad, the believers in him will greet him and ask Allah to bless him. They do such with full hearts and true love for him.

7. Nor has there every been a man on earth whom is still followed in all his doings by those who believe in him.

Those who believe in Muhammad, sleep in the manner he slept; purify themselves (through ablution and ritual washing) in the manner he purified himself; and adhere to his practice in the way they eat, drink, and clothe themselves.

Indeed in all aspects of their lives, the believers in Muhammad adhere to the teachings he spread among them and the path that he traveled upon during his life.

During every generation, from his day till our time, the believers in this Noble Prophet have fully adhered to his teachings. With some, this has reached the degree that they desire to follow and adhere to the Prophet's way in his personal matters regarding which Allah has not sought of them to adhere to in worship. For example, some will only eat those specific foods or only wear those specific garments that the Messenger liked.

Let alone all that, all those who believe in Muhammad repeat those praises of Allah, special prayers, and invocations that he would say during each of his actions during day and night, like: what he would say when he greeted people, upon entering and leaving the house, entering and leaving the mosque, entering and leaving the bathroom, going to sleep and awaking from sleep, observing the new crescent, observing the new fruit on trees, eating, drinking, dressing, riding, traveling and returning from travel, etc.

Let alone all that, all those who believe in Muhammad fully perform-even to the minute detail-every act of worship-like prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage-as this Noble Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) taught and as he himself performed.

All of this allows those who believe in him, to live their lives in all aspects with this Noble Messenger as their example, as if he was standing before them, for them to follow in all their doings.

8. There has never been nor will there ever be a man anywhere upon this earth who has received such love, respect, honor, and obedience in all matters-small and large alike-as has this Noble Prophet.

9. Since his day, in every region of the earth and during every period, this Noble Prophet has been followed by individuals from all races, colors and peoples. Many of those who followed him were previously Christians, Jews, pagans, idolaters, or without any religion. Among those who chose to follow him, were those who were known for their sound judgment, wisdom, reflection, and foresight. They chose to follow this Noble Prophet after they witnessed the signs of his truthfulness and the evidences of his miracles. They did not choose to follow Muhammad out of compulsion or coercion or because they had adopted the ways of their fathers and mothers.

Indeed many of the followers of this Prophet (may Allah's blessings peace be upon him), chose to follow him during the time when Islam was weak, when there were few Muslims, and when there was severe persecution of his followers on earth. Most people who have followed this Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) have done so not to acquire some material benefits. Indeed many of his followers have suffered the greatest forms of harm and persecution as a result of following this Prophet. Despite all this harm and persecution, this did not turn them back from his religion.

My brethren! All of this clearly indicates to anyone possessing any sense, that this Prophet was truly and really Allah's messenger and that he was not just a man who claimed prophethood or spoke about Allah without knowledge.

10. With all this, Muhammad came with a great religion in its credal and legal make-up.

Muhammad described Allah with qualities of complete perfection, and at the same time in a manner that is free of ascribing to Him any imperfection. Neither the philosophers or the wise could ever describe Allah like such. Indeed it is impossible to imagine that any human mind could conceive of an existing being that possesses such complete ability, knowledge, and greatness; Who has subdued the creation; Who has encompassed everything in the universe, small or large; and Who possesses such perfect mercy.

Nor is it in the ability of any human being to place a perfect law based upon justice, equality, mercy and objectivity for all human activity on earth like the laws that Muhammad brought for all spheres of human activity - like buying and selling, marriage and divorce, renting, testimony, custody, and all other contracts that are necessary to uphold life and civilization on earth.

11. It is impossible that any person conceive wisdom,, morals, good manners, nobleness of characters as what this honorable Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) brought.

In a full and complete manner, Muhammad spread a teaching regarding character and manners toward one' parents, relatives, fiends, family, humanity, animals, plants and inanimate objects. It is impossible for the human mind alone to grasp all of that teaching or come with a similar teaching.

All of that unequivocally indicates that this Messenger did not bring an) of this religion from his own accord, but that it was rather a teaching and inspiration that he received from the One Who created the earth and the high heavens above and created this universe in its miraculous architecture and perfection.

12. The legal and credal make-up of the religion that the Messenger, Muhammad, (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) brought resembles the engineering of the heavens and the earth. All of that indicates that He who created the heavens and the earth is the One Who sent down this great law and upright religion.

The degree of inimitability of the Divine law that was sent down upon Muhammad is to the same degree of inimitability of the Divine creation of the heavens and earth. For just as humanity cannot create this universe, in the same manner humanity cannot bring forth a law like Allah's law that He sent down upon His servant and messenger Muhammad (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him).

2006-07-04 11:16:48 · 7 answers · asked by Noha 1 in Religion & Spirituality

What is your next assignment?
Will it kill you?

2006-07-04 11:16:27 · 4 answers · asked by mike g 4 in Religion & Spirituality

Driving down my street today I saw one house with a flag flying from their porch. The rest didn't care to put one up. You're getting a day off of work and it's too much trouble to show a little patriotism? What keeps you from flying your flag?

2006-07-04 11:16:19 · 9 answers · asked by Raulian 2 in Independence Day

2006-07-04 11:16:19 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality