Clear up some of my misconceptions about Islam, please?

Question

OK. I have a few questions about Islam, due to some either conflicting or doubtful-seeming information I have received.

The first, something I was taught so long ago that I can't remember where it came from (probably church, but who knows) just seems strange to me. I was told that the lineage that eventually led to Islam came from Ishmael, Abraham's first son with Sarah's maidservant. True or no? I remember it being presented as "evidence" that Islam is false, but I can also see it used as a proof of truth.

The next is more of an east-west difference, methinks. Here in the US, my significant other was going to an Islam center for a bit to learn a bit more. The imam was a woman. Is this just another place where the US is more liberal, or is this common, or is this really freakin' weird?

Answer 1

The first question is correct.

"Recite the account of Ishmael according to this Book. He was indeed always true to his promise and was a Messenger and a Prophet. He exhorted his people to Prayer and almsgiving, and was well liked by his Lord.
- Chapter 19, Verses 55-6 (The Qur'an)

To answer your Second question:

The vast majority of scholars agree that it is not permissible for a woman to lead men in obligatory Prayers. However, there is a MINORITY of scholars who consider it permissible for a woman to lead members of her own household including men in Prayer, on condition that she is old and well-versed in the Qur'an and that she stands behind, not in front of them.

A woman is allowed to lead other women in Prayer, in which case she is to stand along with them in the row, not in front of them.

As for women's leading men in general in Prayers, THERE IS A SCHOLARLY CONSENSUS THAT IT IS IMPERMISSIBLE. So is also the case with women's leading people in the Friday Prayer and delivering them the Friday sermon, though they may give other religious lessons in general to people.

Answer 2

For the first question, Islam does say that the Prophet Muhammad was a descendent of Ishmael, as are all Arabs. Muslims also believe that it was Ishmael that God ordered Abraham to sacrifice, not Isaac. Islam says that both Ishmael and Isaac were Messengers of God and they were noble people.

For the second question, Islam says that only men can lead men and women in prayer, but women can lead other women in prayer. It's not nice for a woman to bow down and have her "behind" facing a man. If there are women Imam, she would have all the knowledge and capability a male Imam would have, the difference is that she cannot lead a man in prayer. If she does, then it is not part Islam.

I hope that helps.

Answer 3

Salam sister...I think u might go to the link I am sending u and submit ur questions there...coz here u might get not good intentioned answers.

Happens that a woman can be a Imam according to Quran coz women and men have the same status before the eyes of Allah. But also happens that culture or local traditions mixes with islam in some places.

What I can tell u for sure, is not to judge islam upon people, coz people is people, we are not perfect: Islam is perfect. And on the other side there is a strong economical interest in keeping people out of islam coz our way of live is like a shield agains consumism, fashion and marketing (among other "values"). And also becoz there are a lot of oil in the middle.

InshAllah u will find ur answers from Allah and adopt the right way of living.

Salam Aleikum wa ramatullah wa barakhatu.

Answer 4

Well for the second question, I can answer. A women can be an imam but only among females and boys who have not reached puberty. Only a man can become an imam, to lead the prayers. Although you might read the controversial women who became an imam in a mosque, only a man can lead the prayers for other males who has reached puberty.

For the first question is kinda tricky to answer, because no matter how I try to answer it, according to Islamic knowledge. Christians and Jewish individuals will always say that it is wrong and even they both will debate with each other whose religion is right, even though all 3 religion starts from Adam and Eve. I can confirm that with Christianity and Islam but I am not so sure about Judaism.

Whos is right and who is wrong depends on the individual, if you have doubts about your religion, try to study the other religions out there and compare it with your current one. Its the best way to understand other religion and you own as well.

Answer 5

Yes, Islam's lineage is from Ishmael
As for the woman imam, ahe probably was the president of the women's half of the mosque. We have a woman president at the mosque. In fact we just had an election in my local mosque for another woman president since the former one's term was over. i live in usa, but there are woman presidents in every city and country where islam is practiced correctly. Imam just means you lead the prayer. I could be an imam in my house if was dad was away. women can lead women and children in prayer but they can't lead men. (if you saw the positions of the prayer you maybe could see why, theres lots of bending over and other positions where most men would not concentrate on their prayer much) hope you got something new out of this
peace

Answer 6

Wikipedia

Hagar in the Hebrew Bible

The story of Hagar is found in Genesis 16 and 21. The narrative states that Hagar was an Egyptian servant belonging to Sarah, who, being barren, gave her to Abraham for a concubine, that by her, as a substitute, might bear him children. Because Sarah treated her poorly, Hagar fled from the dwelling of Abraham, but an angel of the Lord, finding her in the wilderness, commanded her to return. She obeyed this voice and submitted to Sarah, and was delivered of a son, whom she named Ishmael.

Fourteen years after this, Sarah gave birth to Isaac. When the child was weaned, Sarah observed Ishmael, who was then seventeen years of age, teasing Isaac; consequently, she urged Abraham to expel Hagar and her son. This proposal upset Abraham; but God commanded him to comply with Sarah's request. Rising early in the morning, therefore, Abraham took bread and a bottle of water and sent away Hagar and Ishmael.

Hagar intended to return to Egypt, but lost her way, and wandered in the desert of Beersheba. The water in her bottle failing, she left Ishmael under one of the trees in the wilderness to cry a small distance away from him. God ended up rescuing them by showing Hagar a well. She eventually settled in the Desert of Paran.

This is not the Quranic version, of course. Muslims believe that Abraham married Hagar. However, since she was a handmaid(slave), marriage was made much more complicated for her. But as you can see, even in the Hebrew Bible, it clearly states that Ishmael was the first son of Abraham.

And yes, that is very uncommon to see a female Imam. I have never actually seen such a thing, so I think that would be very liberal in Islam. However, yes, in the west, there is a big difference in how many women go to the mosques, than say, Saudi Arabia, or other mid-eastern nations. The main difference is cultural. Women in Islam are actually not required to go to the mosques, because they get equal credit for praying at home. American women like to go to the mosques to be with other women in congregation.

Answer 7

1. You are right, .Muslims are descendant of Abraham (pbuh) and we are proud to be.!

2. I could care less if other peoples think Islam is false. Unfortunately they are teaching people to hate Muslims and Islam in CHURCHES now!

3. The imam was a woman.? I never knew that. Women couldn't be Iman according to Islamic Sharia (Law).

Answer 8

Yes, Ishmael. It is proof -- as he's still Abraham's son!

You're smart -- yes I think its an east-west thing as well. Women imams are really not in Islam. Its complicated -- but basically they're not. I find it weird.

Its a beautiful religion.

www.whyislam.org <--- a very concise, to the point website

Answer 9

Asalamulaykum,

Praise God Almighty that you and your significant other was faithed to discover Islam in such circumstances. God favor whoever He pleases. May God guide you and your significant other to the right path. Things happen for a reason and as muslims we hold that so dear in our hearts. While it is " freakin' weird" and uncommon in the US, it is a common sight anywhere else in the world where non-muslims go to Islam centers or Mosques to learn a bit more about Islam. However it is strange to know that the imam was a woman since in Islam an imam is the one who leads the solat and it's always man. Maybe she is a religious consult?

More importantly, your significant other is undergoing a spiritual journey where he will need the strength and support of ones dearest to him. You should try to comfort and support him. After all, isn't that what couples should do for one another? To understand and support him when in need? To watch each other's back..etc..? After all LOVE is one of many God's gifts so that we may learn the value of righteousness. And above else, what does a man have if not his faith, his conviction and his dignity? So be supportive and disscuss to him about his visits.

And i humbly invite you to read and research the Quran itself as everything there is to know about Islam is in there. Reading the Quran in itself is a journey and it(Quran) has been my miracle and the miracle of 1.4 billion other muslims in the world. I pray that God will open your heart and share this miracle to you as God have revealed:

"As to those who reject Faith, it is the same to them whether thou warn them or do not warn them; they will never believe."
Quran 2:6

Answer 10

Jews Christians and Muslims come from the same origin. The order things happened were (roughly speaking):

First came the Jews and the old testament, a few hundred years later (about 400 years) the Christians took the old testament and added the Jesus part to the bible (new testament). Then about 600 years later than the Christians came Mohamed and wrote the Koran. The Koran recognizes Jesus as a prophet, but not as the son of God.

They come from the same God per say, they just view him in a different way.

The female Imam, as far as I know is not customary in the Middle East. I believe it is a western thing.