IS ISLAM PRACTICAL?

By Ahmed Simon

Religions - Any PRACTICAL religion will undeniably reveal itself, in its practicing adherents. The adherents will be accepting their religion willingly, of their own free will and will not be seen as forced upon by any religious rules, rituals, dictates and conditions. What is important is the practical aspects of a religion, to make it workable with the masses of different races, languages, colour, nationalities, male or female of this world. However wonderful or great a doctrine, if it is impractical, its survival is not assured? A religion should stand the test of time and be able to weather the ‘storms’ of stress and strains in any world condition. Religions should not be obstacles to development, progress, changes and gender fairness, through the ages. A practical religion must render practical solutions for all ages, based on humane values. Can an impractical religion be sensible to mankind – definitely not? Many religions/cults have already come and faded away into obscurity, over the last 30 centuries. If a religion was established with doctrines, which could have made sense at the time it was established; but becomes irrelevant to the changes in the present modern IT world and progressive way of live, that religion is guaranteed to fail for sure and will definitely become insensible, ridiculous and obsolete. So religions to survive must be practical to this changing world, “for all seasons”. If a religion, was from a true God/Supreme being, he would have been able to predict and anticipate the future, and would have doctrines relevant to meet thousands, if not millions of years for all world conditions of the future. That religion would not be impractical, insensible and ridiculous for all ages. That religion is guaranteed to survive, as practical as can be.

In Islam - To be genuine and faithful in Islam, a Muslim has to adhere to, perform/obey many conditions/ rules/dictates/rituals as specified in the Quran by Allah (Muslim God) and the Hadiths/Sunna; every day and night of his/her entire life, with no exception. Our concerns here are the practical aspects of Islam. In addition, there are Islamic Customs and traditions, which are also practiced to a large degree, in strictness. In Islam (depending on the 200 Islamic sects), there are generally numerous Holy matters. There are holy towns, Holy Quran, Holy Hadiths, Holy Sunna, Holy cities, Holy stone, Holy Mausoleums, Holy persons, Holy graves, Holy shrines, Holy mosques, Holy buildings, Holy places, Holy verses, Holy books, Holy month, Holy doctrine, Holy Water, Holy days, Holy Pillars, Holy festivals, etc. Muslims believe the Quran is from Allah, their God, for the benefit of all mankind. If it is true, then, shouldn’t it be practical to all people of this world? What are the doctrines, Islam demands Muslims to obey and practice? Let’s examine Islamic practices/dictates, as laid out, to see if it is truly practical.

Allah commands the Quran be written and recited, only in the Arabic language. (Arabic is the language of only 135 million Arabs – 1.9% of this world). Is this wise and practical for all people of this world?
A Muslim father, can marry off his daughter, as and when he wishes, at any age, but the marriage must be consummated only after she gets her first period. (Muhammad married his 6-year-old wife, Aisha and consummated the marriage at 9 years of age, when he was 52 years old). Is this practical, decent or what?
A Muslim father must approve his daughter’s marriage partner; if the father is dead, the next is her elder brother, uncle, and closest male relative, in that order.
A Muslim marriage is not a holy sacrament performed in a place of worship. It is just a civil contract. No mosque marriages are allowed.
A Muslim marriage, is not contracted between the bride and groom; but by the bride’s father and the groom, usually verbal (see item 3 above).
A Muslim marriage contract can be broken; only by the husband divorcing her.
A wife can dissolve her Muslim marriage contract, if her husband did not feed her (provide food) for more than 6 months. In dissolving a marriage, all the children become legal bastards, as though the marriage never took place. Some Islamic sects do not even allow this provision for their women. Is this practical?
Every Muslim must scourge (whip) his disobedient wife until she submits to him. This disobedience is based on the husband’s perception only. (Why not discuss instead? Couldn’t the wife be right, at least some times? Are men always right?)
Sura 2:223, “your women are a tilth for you (to cultivate), so go to your tilth, as ye will…” (Are Muslim women so cheap? Isn’t it degrading for Muslim women?)
In Islam, children do not belong to the mother, but only to the father (100%).
Every Muslim, must make the pilgrimage to the Kaaba, if he/she can afford. This makes two types of Muslims, those who have money and those who are poor.
Every Muslim must pray 5 times EVERYDAY, only at specified times, with no exception. Impracticalities – a surgeon, army/navy/air force, pilot, teacher, cook, driver, lifeguard, Assembly-line worker, traveling, tourist guide, Hospital, etc?
The 5 daily prayer times vary DAILY and a Muslim is not free to choose his own times to pray, starting at around 5.21 a.m. and ending around 8.27 p.m. A Muslim prayer is not valid if said 3 to 10 minutes before time and more than 8-20 minutes after the specified times for that particular day (depending on the Islamic edict for that village, town, city, district, etc. Prayer times vary from town to town – district to district – city to city – never the same). Is this practical and sensible?
Before every, and each prayer, both, males and females must spend 10 to 20 minutes to wash their faces, private parts, nostrils, ears, feet, armpits, etc.
Muslims must face only the Kaaba to pray. As the world is round, except for those in sight of the Kaaba, the rest cannot physically do that, except to face outer space. (Why face only the Kaaba? Is Allah squatting only in the Kaaba structure?)
Why pray daily 5 times, and only on specified times? Is it practical and sensible?
In many Islamic sects, women are circumcised; by slitting her clitoris, skinning it, or completely cutting it off. The Hadiths say, if women enjoy sex, they will become unchaste and a whore/prostitute. Is this practical and is it true?
An Islamic calendar year is around 353 days only. Thus, festivities, seasons, birthdays, etc, in Islam, are never on the same day and month, every year. Your birthday could be in summer in one year, and winter a few years later.
Muslims are not allowed to eat (or even touch) anything which is Haram (forbidden) – Pork and pork products, any meat not slaughtered in the Islamic ritual way (KFC, Mc Donald’s, Burger Kings, etc are forbidden, except in Islamic countries where the bird/animal is specially slaughtered and prepared), any byproducts, the same pot, oil, lard, cutlery, etc used for cooking Haram (forbidden) foods, are also not permitted to be used for Halal (approved) food.
A Muslim Businessman should not trade/sell/buy/keep any Haram products.
To render chicken/beef/mutton meat Halal (approved for Islamic consumption), its throat must be nicked, to bleed it of its blood, while saying a prayer. This ritual is banned in public places in France (markets, etc) as cruelty to animals.
Based on the moon, Muslims in the Middle East observed their most important festival, ‘Eid-Al-Fitr’ on the 13th of Nov. 2004, whereas countries in South East Asia observed it on the 14th Nov.2004; there were even two-day differences between South East Asia and America in the west. Is this practical?
Allah forbids the giving and taking of interest (usury) in Sura 2:275-80. This puts loans, mortgages, overdraft, pawnshops, purchase of cars, homes etc in limbo. This is one of the reasons hampering Islamic countries from progressing.
Muslims are forbidden to drink any alcoholic drinks on earth, but can drink as much as they want in Heaven. Is this practical and sensible?
If non-family male and female are alone in close proximity, even at home, it is ‘Khalwat’ an offence. Offenders are publicly caned in some Islamic countries.
If an unwed boy and girl have sex, her pregnancy is evidence enough to be stoned to death. For the boy, there should be at least 4 witnesses of reputable character, who saw the boy’s penis actually penetrate the girl. If not, the boy is set free.
Islamic traditions and customs require a first time bride to be a virgin. So, many brides are surgically sewn up just for the bridegroom to tear it, all over again.
Allah permits Muslims to trade and keep slaves for work, pleasure and sex.
Sura 2:183 “O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you.” Muslims must fast in the daylight hours only, for 28 days in a year. In practise/truth, Muslims stuff themselves 3 to 5 heavy meals every night before they fast in the day, instead of sacrificing for the poor. In many cases, this overstuffing leads to vomiting in the day. Overstuffing at nights for extreme fasting in the days? Why? Cheat whom?
(Allah sends Believers astray?), Sura 4 88, “Seek ye to guide him whom Allah hath sent astray. He whom Allah sendeth astray…” (What is wrong here?)
(Allah demands apostates killed) Sura 4.89 if a Muslim gives up Islam, it is the duty of other Muslims to kill him/her by any means. Thus, a Muslim is not free to choose his religion or free to even give up Islam. Thus, isn’t Islam a trap?
Sura 4:92 if a Muslim kills another Muslim, he should free a believing slave and pay the family ‘blood money’. (In Islam, money can buy your way out, even for murder of an innocent man. No other religion permits money for a human life.)
In Sura 2.191 & 8:39 of the Quran, Muslims are commanded to kill all the 85% non-Muslims of this world “wherever ye find them”, “…and religion (Islam) is all for Allah.” (Muslims must kill every non-Muslim?)(Is this even possible?)
Sura 2:217, 2.244, 3.21, 4.74, 4.76, 4.84, 4.91, 5.33, 8.57-59, 9.29, Allah commands Muslims to fight and slay (kill) non-Muslims, in the name of Allah.
Sura 9:29, Allah wants Muslims to fight “until non-Muslims in Muslim countries, pay a tribute annually (Jizya – ‘protection’ money), equivalent to 2-½ % of his whole wealth (not of his annual income). This is like common criminal gangsters extorting money for so-called ‘protection’). (Are Muslims going to collect this?)
Sura 5.51 “Believers, take not Jews and Christians for your friends”. (Not to be friends with Jews and Christians forever? Isn’t it more a loss to Muslims).
Muslims must perform Sura 8.12; which says, “I will terrorize the unbelievers. Then smite the necks and smite of them each finger.” (Allah is also a terrorist).
Sura 33:4-5 Allah forbids the adopting of children – period. This noble deed of adopting an orphan/abandoned child also helps childless couples. This came about because Muhammad got aroused sexually after he saw his naked daughter-in-law of his adopted son, Zyad. He then got his son to divorce Zainab and married her.
(Allah informs Muhammad, that menstruation is an illness). Sura 2:222 “They question thee (O Muhammad) concerning menstruation. Say: it is an illness…” (So, Muslim women must eat better every month to avoid illnesses?)
Muslims have to fight until religion is for Allah. Sura 2:193. Allah’s mandate - a perennial Muslim war against non-Muslims until there are no more left.
Sura 9:5 Slay the idolaters (non-Muslims) wherever ye find them and take them (captive as slaves), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush.
(Allah says Muslims should not have wealth or they will be ruined) Sura 2:195 – “Spend your wealth for the cause of Allah, and be not cast by your own hands to ruin: and do good. Lo! Allah loveth the beneficent.” (Muslims will ruin themselves if they have wealth; so do good by donating not just part of a Muslim’s income, but the Muslim’s wealth – no wonder Muslims are poor after donating to Allah’s cause - Terrorism).
(Allah says non-Muslims will ruin Muslims) Sura 3:118 “O ye who believe! Take not for intimates others (non-Muslims) than your own folk (Muslims), who will spare no pains to ruin you. (Generally, Muslims are the parasites of non-Muslim countries).
Sura 4:43 – “Muslims, draw not near unto prayer…(if) ye have touched women…then go to high clean soil and rub your face and your hands.” (Are Muslim women pariahs and dirty?).
Sura 33:59 – Tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close round them. (Head to toe – so that Men will not be sexually aroused).
Sura 24:6 – “As for those who accuse their wives, but have no witnesses except themselves; let the testimony of one of them be four testimonies, (swearing) by Allah that he is of those who speak the truth”. (Is this fair and practical?) (Why this special privilege for men?)
Sura 8:59-60 “…disbelievers should not think that they can outstrip (Allah’s purpose). Lo! They cannot escape. Make ready for them all thou canst of (armed) force, so that you (Muslims may terrorise them.)” (Why does Allah want Muslims to fight for him?)
Sura 4:89 “If they (Muslims) turn back from Islam, (apostate) becoming renegades, seize them and kill them wherever you (Muslims) find them.” (Are Muslims free to leave Islam?)
Sura 8:39 “So fight them (non-Muslims) until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief) and all submit (or be killed) to the religion of Allah alone (Islam’s main agenda for this world).
Sura 25:52, so obey not the disbelievers, but strive against them herewith with a great endeavour. (Muslims are commanded by Allah to disobey their non-Muslim bosses).
Sura 9:123 “O ye who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers, who are near to you, and let them find harshness in you, and know that Allah is with those who keep their duty.” (So, isn’t it dangerous to be even near Muslims?)
Sura 2:196, “Perform the pilgrimage and the visit (to Mecca) for Allah. And if ye are prevented, then send such gifts as can be obtained with ease. And shave not your heads until the gifts reach their destination.” (Why does Allah need gifts? And what will Allah do if “gifts do not reach their destination” – cancel the pilgrimage?)
(Allah threatens Believers), Sura 8:16 If any Muslim turn his back to war against disbelievers… he draws on himself the wrath of Allah, and his abode in Hell;
(Allah commands Muslims to retaliate). Sura 2:178-179, O ye who believe! Retaliation is prescribed for you in the matter of the murdered, freeman for freeman, and slave for slave, and the female for the female.
(Allah tells Arabs “Kill disbelievers for Allah’s reward, or be punished”). Sura 49:16, “…Fight them, until they surrender, and if ye obey; Allah will give you a fair reward; but if ye turn away as ye did turn away before, He will punish you with a painful doom.” (Is there any practical choice given to Muslims?)
(Allah loves Muslims’ wealth) Sura 9:20, Those who believe … and striven with their wealth and their lives in Allah’s way are of much greater worth in Allah’s sight. These are they who are triumphant. (Donate wealth to gain Allah’s favour)
(Allah tells Muslims who disbelieve (apostates) will be punished). Sura 9.29 “And whoso obeyeth Allah and his messenger…and whoso turneth back, Him will punish with a painful doom.”
(Allah - death better than wealth) Sura 3:157, 4:74, “If you are slain, or die, in the way of Allah, forgiveness and mercy from Allah are far better than all they could amass.” (Common sense says humans will choose life, to wealth and death).
(Even after carrying out all the above; Allah prefers wealthy Muslims to poor Muslims) Sura 4:95, “Those of the Believers who sit still, are not on an equality with those who strive in the way of Allah with their wealth and lives. Allah hath conferred on those who strive with their wealth and lives a rank above the sedentary. He hath bestowed…a great reward above the sedentary.” (Allah favours those Muslims who spend their wealth and lives, above other Muslims. So those Muslims with no wealth – hard luck man)
In the end of their lives, after Muslims perform/obey the commandments of Allah; Allah confirms in Sura 19:71 all Muslims will end up in Hell. For good Muslims, some time at least, in Hell, (“All will not escape entering Hell”). (Poor losers)

These are only some of the requirements a genuine and faithful Muslim has to obey and perform through out his/her entire life.

Now readers, is Islam practical? As you would note, if a Muslim does not obey/perform these doctrines of Islam, punitive/penalizing measures are specified against Muslims themselves, and they thus have no freedom to choose. In a way, a true and practicing Muslim is FORCED to carry out all the above dictates of Allah, and other pious Muslims are called upon to see to it. Whichever way you look at it, Islam is absolute EVIL and a TRAP for Muslims. That is what, which makes Islam and at least some Muslims, very treacherous to all peace-loving people of this world. Even Muslims, who do not strictly follow Islam, are compelled to donate funds, as required by Allah, which, at least partly, makes it possible for Islamic Jihadists to carry out terrorism worldwide, and are therefore, accomplices to this EVIL.

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “to obey evil, one must be short of intelligence.” (In other words, at least partially brain-dead).

What is your verdict? Is Islam practical? Or is it impractical, insensible, ridiculous and obsolete? Please give your verdict in this website’s Guestbook.

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