Contentions On Events In The Seerah
Certain episodes in the life of the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) have been misconstrued and used as propaganda against his noble character. Our purpose is not to detail an exhaustive list of answers to contentions (these are widely available online). We will instead, look at three specific accusations and explain them in such a method that can be mapped onto answering any contention, where possible.
Answers must be presented appropriate to the audience; however when conveying the message, your job isn’t to serve as an “Islamic Advice Bureau” on answering contentions and simply arguing justification for your religion. So although you can discuss the biological, Historical or Societal viewpoint, of a contention with a person, you must realise that it must be in the process of giving Da’wah; else the task can become futile. This is important, especially since you will not have conveyed the message and/or will not have answers to every question.
A Brief Word on Missionaries
We encourage all Du’aat not to actively involve themselves with missionaries this is because the environment is not conducive to serious discussion on the truth. They are there to spread their message and you are there to spread the truth.
Therefore even when they are shown the error of their ways they do not use reason – instead they go around in circles continuing the debate – a method known as Gish Galloping. They have given up all hope of defeating Islam therefore by occupying you they prevent you from giving Da’wah to someone else.
Therefore a most befitting reply and closure to any episode of dialogue between them would be as below while maintaining composure in all regards:
“And [the believers among] those to whom We have given the [previous] Scripture rejoice at what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammad], but among the [opposing] factions are those who deny part of it. Say, "I have only been commanded to worship Allah and not associate [anything] with Him. To Him I invite, and to Him is my return." (Noble Quran 13:36)
Covert Opposition
Unfortunately when giving Da’wah we not only have to face apparent opposition but also covert opposition. There are deviated people who under the guise of Islam try to promote and argue the Islamic viewpoint from a view that is not consistent with the Qur’an, Sunnah or with the position of the pious predecessors. You may come across some of the folllowing deviants!
1. Ahmadis / Qadiyanis - Ahmadis or Qadiyanis are a missionary-oriented sect of Indian origin, founded by The Apostate Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1839-1908) who claimed to be a prophet. The Qadiyanis currently have a presence in many countries, including most Western countries. Their world wide numbers are estimated as high as 10 million. Even though their headquarters are in Pakistan, they have a strong presence in Manchester & London, UK.
The Qadiyanis also known as Ahmadis and Mirzais, have been declared as non-Muslims by thousands of Muslim scholars.
Christian Missionaries On Surah 61:6
Question: Surah 61:6 shows Jesus saying that there will be another Prophet to come after him whose name is Ahmad. This cannot be referring to Muhammad because his name is not Ahmad.
Answer: The name 'Ahmad' is the name of our Prophet (peace be upon him), which is derived from an adjective not a verb. The structure of this adjective in grammar gives the meaning of preferable ness. Therefore, 'Ahmad' means: the one who praises his lord (Allah) the most. All prophets are praising Allah but our prophet (peace be upon him) is the one who praises Allah the most. On another note, the name "Muhammad" is derived from an adjective, as well, which gives the meaning of being praised by others frequently and excessively. Muhammad as a name means: is the one who is praised over and over... thus, the name Muhammad matches it's meaning.
Allah named him before he is named by others, which is one of the signs of his Prophethood as his name matched his status and character because he is praised in this life due to the guidance, wisdom and knowledge that he obtained and benefited others with and he is praised in the here-after because of the intercession that he was honored with by Allah.
Understanding the Sinlessness of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)
Question: Some muslims believe that he was sinless while others say he was not. I personally dont think he was sinless because he was just a human. Can u tell me which is true using Quran or Hadith, please?
Answer :Praise be to Allaah. Firstly: the use of the word "sin" in the question is a grave mistake, because sin (khatee'ah, pl. khataayaa) is impossible in the case of the Messengers. It is more correct to say mistakes, because a mistake may be made unintentionally, which is not the case with sins.
Secondly: with regard to sins, the Messengers, including Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), never committed any sin intentionally as an act of disobedience towards Allaah after receiving their Mission (risaalah). This is according to the consensus of the Muslims. They were protected from major sins (kabaa'ir) but not from minor sins (saghaa'ir).