Yes, I agree with what you are saying. There definitely is an agenda in the mainstream media and culture to promote homosexuality as "The New Normal" and a wholesome way of life. I see it as a way to ruin the traditional family unit and morals as a whole.

I have known that being gay is not natural and obviously not a way to live your life since I was a kid. (Not because it was indoctrinated to me either, it actually wasn't talked about at all.) The first proof of this is that why in gay relationships is there a person who is more masculine and a person who is more feminine? One is playing 'the man' and one is playing 'the woman'. I know that attraction is the polarity of the masculine and feminine but this can still be played out between a man and a woman no matter who is taking each role. This is a sign to me that something is wrong.

Also, when people say, "They are two adults in love, why shouldn't they be together?" What about a father and his grown daughter? Mother and adult son? Adult brother and sister? They are two adults in love, why shouldn't they be together? Even if you don't believe in any religion, there is something wrong about this. That used to be how it was with homosexuality. Morally it is wrong. But through TV, society and culture we have been introduced very slowly to the idea of homosexuality and that it is just another wholesome lifestyle. And now it is politically incorrect to believe that homosexuality is not a natural state.

Also, another thing I personally cannot understand, or see the logic in, is why only those who witness the shahar should fast.

For me, witnessing the moon is very spiritual. Even my children (3 and 5) when they see the full moon they are amazed and have to tell everyone to look at it. I think it is something that brings you closer to God and reinforces your faith. I know so many people who live their life day to day and NEVER notice the full moon. So maybe fasting isn't prescribed for them?

For me, witnessing the full moon is like witnessing a miracle and I see the importance of it. Just my two cents

Salam Amouna

What is the opposite of capitalism? You describe the opposite as where the government takes your money and distributes it evenly among the masses. How on earth can an economic system tax you?
You make it sound like capitalism equals freedom which is unbelievably not true. How can an economic system guarantee you freedom?

I agree with you that capitalism as an economic system is Quranic because we are to have free trade, but yet again I hear that capitalism= social freedom which is not right. Please give me one country where the social freedom is a result of the economic system of capitalism and I stand corrected.

An economic system can't tax you, the government that enforces that economic system on you does.

Today, there is no truly free country. Property rights are inherent, self evident rights and no country truly allows them to citizens. Government forcing you to pay income tax is one example of this.

So what is the difference from being proud of your son for getting good grades or being happy that your son got good grades?

Pride a high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.

http//dictionary.reference.com/browse/pride

As a mother that has exclusively breastfed 2 children for 2 years each, I know that the breast will be shown at some point in public. Some babies will not breastfeed with a cover on them (they aren't embarassed about what they are doing!). They will kick the cover off, pull the cover off, or latch off at any given moment and thrust themselves away from you. I know there is nothing wrong with this.

I have sometimes seen the above ayah translated as "keep covered their private parts, and that they should not reveal their beauty except what is NECESSARY". This translation really resonated with me in regards to breastfeeding.

Also about the cleavage, you are going to have to determine what is right for you. This, like so many other things in the Quran, is not black and white. A woman's clothing is such a personal issue. Only you know your situation, intentions, comfort and all the other factors that will decide the best garment for you.

Let's leave arguing over the ONE female dress code to the Sunnis and Shias. They really excel in that area.

Pride is for God alone. This is because pride usually stems from believing you are better than others because of this thing you are 'proud' of.

It is much better to just be happy and grateful to God.

If you followed God's guidance to get a good job and you eventually got that job, you are just doing what you are supposed to do. You shouldn't feel proud that you followed God's guidance.

Releasing pride is just another step along the journey of following God alone.

Salam all,

I believe that Capitalism is the only system that can be supported by the Quran. This is because I don't see anywhere in God's book allowing certain people (governments) to take money from everyone else and then "properly" distribute it among the masses. This for one is saying that those certain people in control know what is best for the masses and also are morally superior and won't use that money to benefit themselves in any way.

Also, as a free person, let's say I decide I don't want to give the government my money. How will you take this money from me? By gunpoint like the IRS??? I think not.

True Free Market Capitalism is the only system that works. Let people EASILY start businesses, trade and make money. Let companies fail and then start all over again. Economic freedom leads to social freedom and without it individual liberties don't mean as much.

Peace Ayman,

I really liked your article and think it is the best example of how to observe abstinence as prescribed by the Qur'an that I have heard so far.

From what I understand, if it says to abstain two 'shahr', we would abstain from the first full moon and end on the next full moon. The only question I have is that if shahr = full moon, why does the Qur'an mention the word consecutive to describe the two full moons in 492 and 584. If the word consecutive wasn't there, we would get the same meaning.

If shahr = month, then the word consecutive would make a difference because it is possible to fast two months that aren't consecutive. I don't see any way you can fast two full moons that aren't consecutive. I am just wondering because it is hard for me to accept that the word contribute to the meaning of these verses.

you can check out Shahrour's site on the left hand side you can click on his books and read online, i don't know much else in arabic

http//www.shahrour.info/

Thanks! Have you read any of his books or heard which one is the best?

I also saw on submission.org a book by Dr. Mustafa Mahmoud named El-Shafa3ah, has anyone read this? I'm just wondering which one would be best to give to someone as an introduction to Quran-only ideas.

Does anyone know of any Quran only books written in Arabic? Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Iman