Questions and Answers!

This page will contain questions asked by YOU. I will Inshallah answer them or find the answers for you, and print them here within a few days. You will also be able to see what other kids are asking. Please send questions to me by filling out the form BELOW!

(When I print your question and my answer, I will not use your name if you ask me not to. But PLEASE include your age!)

Q. I am a Muslim. I am ten years old. Please explain why we can't eat pork. Thank you.

A. Allah has declared pork, or the meat of pigs, to be HARAM which means "not allowed." Allah knows that pork is harmful for our bodies and minds.

Pigs are not clean animals. They live in mud and manure, and they will eat anything given to them. There is a lot of fat on their bodies, which is unhealthy to eat. Allah first told Hazrat Musa (Moses) that pork was haram. The Christians believe that later it became OK to eat pork, but this is not true.

These days we hear from scientists and health organizations about unhealthy it is to eat pork compared to beef or chicken. Allah knew this all along! He told this to us a long time ago because he wanted us to eat only the foods that are good for our health! Alhamdulillah!

Did you know that there are other animals which are haram? We should not eat the meat of bears, cats, dogs, donkeys, elephants, foxes, frogs, lions, monkeys, raccoons, rats, snakes, squirrels, tigers, and turtles.

Q. Sara, age 8: Why can't we have a dog?

A. (I obtained the following information from the reliable source of an Imams' advice column published on the web, where I often do necessary research.)

This hadith states: Whoever keeps a dog in his house is denied the blessing of the angels' presence in his house, as the Messenger of Allah (S) said: "The angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog." (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 3225).

Keeping dogs nowadays is the habit of the non-Muslims (kuffar), who adopt them as friends, kiss them, let them lick them and their clothes, sleep with them and even leave them money in their wills. Keeping a dog is an imitation of the kuffar. Some Muslims may claim that they need to keep a dog at home for protection, but these days we have burglar alarm systems and other methods of security and protection, and there is no need to keep a dog.

Just because we can't keep dogs does not mean we shouldn't be kind to dogs and other animals. According to another report, the Prophet (S) said: "Whilst a man was walking he became very thirsty, so he went down to a well and drank from it. When he came out, he saw a dog panting and biting the soil because of thirst. The man said, ‘He is suffering the same as I suffered,' so he filled his shoe (with water), came out and let the dog drink until his thirst was quenched. Allah appreciated his good deed and forgave him because of it." The people asked, "O Messenger of Allah, will we be rewarded for how we treat animals?" He said, "In every living thing there is a reward." (Reported by al-Bukhaari, Fath, no. 2363)

Q. Mahnoor Jan, age 10: What is the meaning of "pardah?" And at what age should I observe pardah?

A. "Pardah" is an Urdu word (a language found mostly in Pakistan) which simply means "hijab." A woman who submits to Allah completely and follows His laws, keeps the dress code called hijab; other synonyms are veil, pardah, or just covering. It is an act of faith and gives a Muslim's life honor, respect and dignity.

The Quran clearly tells Muslim men and women to dress and behave modestly. Muslim women are specifically instructed to cover their hair when in the presence of non-mahram men (those you are not related to and could potentially marry). This includes your first cousins.

Surah Al-Noor (24:31) in the Quran states: "They (the believing women) should draw their head coverings over their bosoms. . ." And Surah Al-Ahzab (34:59) states: "O Prophet (S), tell thy wives and daughters and the believing women that they should put on their outer garments; that is most convenient in order that they may be recognized (as Muslims) and not be molested."

In one tradition, the Prophet Muhammad (S) is quoted as saying: ". . .If the woman reaches the age of puberty, no part of her body should be seen but this ---" and he pointed to his face and hands.

So basically, by the time you reach puberty and are also required to pray 5 times a day and to fast during Ramadan, you should already have begun to cover. Of course you can always begin earlier, if you feel in your heart that it is time for you. Read this story of a girl who decided to begin wearing hijab at the age of 10.

I found a couple of other pages you can read, that are about teenagers wearing hijab. Click here and here.

Q. My name is Bill, and I'm 53. Who are the Ba'hai? I understand their faith is founded in Persia, then spread to other countries. I met followers in Southern Africa then again here in the States. Who are they, and are there sites on the web? Thanks.

A. I apologize that I'm not very familiar with the Ba'hai faith. However, when I received your question I found some nice web sites that might answer any questions you have. Check "Updating Your Religious Vision." It has further links that you can look at.

Questions recently received . . . and answers to come soon Insha'allah!
* What is dawah?
* Is there life on other planets?
* Does the real, proper hijab (covering) include the face and hands too, or not?
* How many Muslims are there living in America, and where are the most common places they live in America?

Now send YOUR question to me!