013 Dialog between Saqib Chessie and Ibrahim
Saqib
Hello, thank you for visiting Huda TV. How may I help you?
Chrissie
Hello! Can you tell me the difference between hajj and umrah?
Saqib
Thank you for the question.
I’ll be glad to help.
Hajj is also known as the Major Pilgrimage.
It is a Pillar of Islam, and obligatory once in a lifetime.
Umrah is known as the Minor Hajj.
It is not a Pillar of islam, and a person can perform it any time of the year.
Umrah also is shorter and has less steps.
Chrissie
Are there rules for Umrah?
Saqib
Yes. Umrah is like the beginning half of Hajj.
There is Ihram.
7 circuits around the Kabah.
2 Units of Prayer.
Then travel 7 times between Safa/Marwa mountains.
and finally cut some hair to finish.
Chrissie
But it is limited to Muslims. The holy cities are limited anyway, right?
Saqib
Yes, Makkah is limited to Muslims only.
The Hajj imitates the steps taken by Prophet Abraham with his son Ishmael.
Chrissie
OK. A gentleman asked me to accompagny him, so he expects me to convert first. What about cutting hair?
Saqib
There is no force in Religion (Quran Chapter 2, verse 256)
So a person who is not willing to be a Muslim, there is no point is faking or pretending to be Muslim to make another person happy.
Everything has to be a persons own choice.
Chrissie
ok
Saqib
And God will ask us about all our choices in life, on the Day of Judgement (after our death when we are all brought back to life).
As for the Hair, then women snip it (about size of part of a finger).
Chrissie
OK, that’s not too much.
Saqib
As for men, they can shorten, but it is better for them to shave the hair of the head.
This is because we are told that for every single hair strand that is cut, a sin is wiped away.
Chrissie
Oh that’s a nice idea.
Saqib
It is only the hair cutting at either Hajj or Umrah… not other times.
Chrissie
Muslimas let it grow?
I mean: without cutting it ever?
Saqib
Sorry i dont understand?
Chrissie
When there is no hair cutting except for hajj and umrah, are women required to just let their hair grow?
Saqib
Not exactly.
They can if they want to.
Chrissie
ok
Saqib
But what they are told is that their hair must be longer than their shoulder length.
And men can not have their hair longer than their shoulder length.
This is to keep distinction between men and women (we can not copy each other).
Chrissie
Oh I see. Yes, and they need to grow a beard, and wear no gold or silk
Saqib
The beard is a practice of the Prophets of God.
Adam, Noah had a beard
Abraham had a beard,
Prophet Moses and Aron had beard.
King Solomon and King David had beards.
Jesus had a bread.
Chrissie
Oh I love long beards
Saqib
And the Prophet Muhammad had a beard.
So it is highly emphasized practice for men.
Chrissie
Well, thank you for the information
Saqib
The only ruling with beard is that is had to be at least the size of a fist.
So the man does NOT need to have a long beard.
Fist is a closed hand
Chrissie
OK, that’s a good size.
Saqib
However can i ask you why you are not a Muslim?
if you dont mind me asking
Chrissie
No I don’t . I am Christian already
Saqib
We believe in Jesus.
Chrissie
In jesus?
Saqib
Yes.
He is mentioned many places in the Quran
And so is his mother.
Chrissie
But where is the difference? I know: He’s not son of god, right?
Saqib
Full Chapter Mary (Chapter 19 of the Quran is named after a Woman)
Chrissie
Mary? The Mother of Jesus?
Saqib
Yes.
Chrissie
I didnt know that!
Saqib
Chapter Mary Mother of Jesus is a Chapter of the Quran.
Chrissie
So what makes the difference?
Saqib
And Chapter 3 of the Quran is named after the Grandfather of Jesus.
The difference is that we are told by the God of Adam and Noah and Abraham, that changes were made to the religion of Jesus.
Chrissie
Changes by the Christian church?
Saqib
These were additions and deletions that Jesus is free and innocent from.
But people changed words in the Bible.
Chrissie
I heard about that. One reason why I dont attend church service.
Saqib
There could be a number of reasons… but we are told by God that Jesus never said he was God.
Jesus never said that he was son of God.
Jesus never said “worship me”.
Chrissie
Really?
Saqib
That we are told that we must follow the religion of Abraham and Noah and Adam.
That Jesus called to this way.
Chrissie
Well, it seems I have to study islam a bit. I used to be a very religios girl, but nowadays there are mostly atheists around me. Which doesn’t feel good. But I am not in to tell you the story of my liFETIM
lifetime
OK, I have the answer to my question. And you just raised some interest in me. I am looking forward to discuss Islam with you in the future.
Saqib
We believe that the 1st religion was that of Prophet Adam
And we was created withOUT a mother or father.
This is in the Bible.
Chrissie
yes
Saqib
But does this also make Adam a “son of God” because he had no father?
Chrissie
no
Saqib
I agree with you.
So what makes Jesus the “son of God” ?
Chrissie
I absolutely dont know
Saqib
It is said that he was born miraculously withOUT a father (to a Virgin Mary).
So SOMEBODY said that the father must be God.
Chrissie
Ok, who said tat?
Saqib
But the same God tells us in the Quran tells us that this is not correct.
Chrissie
That sounds sensible
Saqib
That is an example of the change in the Bible.
Chrissie
I see. But I never believed literally in the bible
Saqib
The Quran tells us about the original true call of Jesus and all the other true Prophets of God.
Chrissie
Ok. So it’s a new bible, or maybe better: The real bible
This sounds good to me. What I find difficult in Islam is the role of women
They have to obey their husbands, wear headscarfs
Saqib
We believe that it is a completion of the Torah (Old Testiment) and the Gospel (New Testiment)…
Revealed by the SAME GOD.
And in it, God Promised that He will protect this last Book from corruption or change.
And God said, if there is a book that claims to be from God…
If it is not from God, then you will find many contradictions within it.
If Quran is from God, then there will be no contradictions within it.
Chrissie
I mean: Girls like to dress sharp, to draw attention. But that isn’t acceptet in Islam
Saqib
Girls should be dressed up more like Mary (mother of Jesus).
Chrissie
ok
Saqib
And Muslim men in the Middle East dress up like Joseph.
Chrissie
Alright
Saqib
Look at a Christian Nativity play at Christmas…
Chrissie
yes
Saqib
You will see Christians dressed up in Muslim clothes.
Chrissie
Haha, that’s true!
Saqib
Even the 3 wise men had similar long clothes.
Chrissie
Sure!
Saqib
They even have a turban.
Jesus had similar long clothes.
Chrissie
Yes
So you mean the fashion is not according to the religion in christianity
Saqib
The rule with clothes we have is that
(1) it must cover the private parts,
(2) it must not be tight clothes to show the body part (so maybe the clothes are baggy).
Chrissie
I tell you something: At a certain age, I was thinking about giving up all luxury and good looks and spend the rest of my life dooing good deeds.
Saqib
As for INSIDE the house, a person can wear what they want that covers their private parts.
OUTSIDE the house, Muslims must cover up.
This is BOTH men and women.
Chrissie
OK
Saqib
Women do NOT wear black INSIDE the house.
Nor do they cover up the same way INSIDE the house.
Chrissie
ok
Saqib
The reason for all these regulations is because we are told
(1) To keep away from Adultery/Fornication.
(2) And anything that leads to Adultery/Fornication.
Thats all.
Chrissie
I see. SO the intention is good
Saqib
So INSIDE the house, a Woman wears makeup and dresses up.
Also OUTSIDE with other Women, it is the same.
ONLY outside infront of other Men does she need to cover up.
Chrissie
Means a girl can dress up to a certain extend. Thats good. But how does she find a husband?
Saqib
Girl can dress up to full extent if she wants… but that is ONLY for her Husband.
#Loyalty in relationship due to Marriage.
There is commitment.
Chrissie
OK. This sounds sensible
Saqib
This is different to the way she may dress up infront of her Father, or her Borther, or her Son, or her Uncle, or Grandfather.
Here she dresses modestly.
Chrissie
ok
Saqib
And this is different to how she dresses up infront of strange men who are not related to her.
Chrissie
This isn’t a bad thing.
Saqib
But if it is Women ONLY… then she again has no restriction on her dress.
She can take off her outer garment.
This stops men from looking at her or stalking her.
We know that evil exists.
Islam BLOCKS the paths to evil.
And PROTECTS the family unit.
It is 1 of 5 things that islam does.
Chrissie
Ok, this is a good thing to protect families.
How else can we block evil with islam?
It’s a big question, I know
Saqib
Islam is the Religion of Abraham.
It came to protect 5 matters. These are:
(1) Protects the correct belief (by forbidding worshiping all other than God who created us)
(2) Protects Human Life (by forbidding Murder),
(3) Protects the Mind (by forbidding intoxicants and alcohol),
(4) Protects Family Unity (by forbidding adultery and encouraging commitment and marriage)
(5) Protects Wealth (by forbidding theft).
Chrissie
ok
Saqib
All the things mentioned which are forbidden, there is heavy punishment from God for whoever does them.
This includes Murder (God has forbidden it).
Chrissie
that makes sense
Saqib
And there is death penalty in islam for a Muslim who does Murder.
Chrissie
ok
Saqib
And punishments for thieves.
And all the other points mentionedd.
Chrissie
the penalties are often very physical
Saqib
Also…. there is great Reward from God for whoever does the opposite of the forbidden things.
A good human as NO FEAR of any Penalty.
Only bad people should fear.
Chrissie
Thats true.
Saqib
And if it is not severe, many people would ignore what God forbade and do the bad crimes and harm good people.
Chrissie
ok
Wow, a lot of new information
Saqib
We dont believe islam is a new religion.
Chrissie
ok
Saqib
Prophet Muhammad was NOT the first Prophet.
He was the LAST.
This means there were many true Prophets BEFORE him.
Chrissie
Alright
Saqib
Calling to the SAME religion.
Sent by the SAME God of Mankind.
Chrissie
It’s a continuation of the same story
Saqib
Yes. We agree.
Chrissie
So god is no new god but always the same
Saqib
If God is only God of Christians… does that mean there is another God for other people??? Meaning is there more than 1 true God.
Chrissie
No! only one
Saqib
God created everything.
The Universe.
Me and you and every human.
Chrissie
right
Saqib
And He did not abandon us.
Chrissie
never
Saqib
Rather, He sent information (Messages in Holy Books) to us
Chrissie
yes
Saqib
And He chose good people to deliver that Message from Him to us, truthfully.
Chrissie
messengrers
Saqib
We are told that whenever people changed the message that was sent to them, God sent another to correct the mistakes of the people.
Chrissie
But after Mohammad no change
Saqib
When the people left the religion of Adam, started worshiping idols, God sent Noah with the SAME religion.
Chrissie
I see
Saqib
And when people left the correct way, God sent others (such as Abraham) to call to the SAME way.
This was when people began worshiping Kings and other humans.
And later God sent Moses with the SAME message as Abraham and Noah.
And later God sent Prophet David with the SAME message as Moses – after the people had changed the way of Moses.
Chrissie
Ok, that makes sense. What if people of today abandon the right path?
Saqib
And later Prophet Jesus was sent when the Jewish people had changed the path of Moses and changed the Torah.
So Jesus came to call them BACK to the old religion.
And when the people changed the Bible, God sent a final Prophet & Messenger to mankind.
And God said He completed the details of the Religion with this Prophet.
And that He Himself (God) will Protect the Religion and Holy Book from change.
And that when the people change and leave the truth, it will be the end of time.
Chrissie
ok
Saqib
Which is why there is no need for another Messenger.
Ie Muhammad is the last, as he is near the end of time.
And all the previous messengers mentioned his coming.
Chrissie
ok
Wow, I am deeply impressed
Saqib
And when Jesus returns, we are told that he will follow this religion (in its ORIGINAL form) and tell the people what is right and wrong in the understanding of the people.
Chrissie
So muslims wait for the return of Jesus?
Saqib
And that Jesus will kill the AntiChrist (which we are told about in the religion) will happen at the end of time.
Yes we do. Its mentioned in our scripture
Chrissie
Some people say the end is near
So we better prepare for judgement day
Saqib
God tells us that Jesus never died on the cross.
That whoever says this does not know the reality and this is not what happened.
Chrissie
Ok so he didnt die at all?
Saqib
That God saved the good man called Jesus,
because the image of Jesus was put onto another man.
And so the Roman army accidentally captured the wrong man,
and killed him on the cross.
And Jesus was RAISED to the sky.
And that Jesus will return at the end of time and kill the Dajjal (Anti Christ)
Chrissie
ok
Saqib
God tells us in the Quran that those who say that they killed the Messiah Jesus son of Mary, then such people are liars.
This is what God tells us.
Chrissie
wow
Saqib
And Muslims have to believe it.
You can find this is Chapter 5 of the Quran (which is called the Table-Spread that was sent down from the sky to feed Jesus and the 12 Disciples).
Christians call this the “Last Supper” or “Last Meal”
This is the name of the Chapter 5 of the Quran.
Chrissie
Ok. As I said: I am very impressed. I will read about islam
Saqib
You are more than welcome.
Islam is open to all.
Chrissie
Thank you
Saqib
It is a connection between a person and between their Creator.
And there is no “confession box” like Christians have.
Chrissie
It’s really interesting
Saqib
We ask God DIRECTLY for forgiveness.
NOT to the leader of the Mosque or any holy man.
Chrissie
Thank you for this private lecture.
Saqib
No problem. We are here to help.
The religion is taken from the source.
Not from the actions of people (bad muslims who dont know what the Quran tells them).
Chrissie
sure
Saqib
The Religion tells us to be truthful and honest and kind and respect parents and keep away from Adultery and murder and other evils.
This is different to what some people make up from their own selves.
Such people are guilty and God will call them to account on the Day of Judgement.
Even if such people say they are Muslim.
They are NOT following the religion of Abraham correctly.
Chrissie
OK, I see. The true and pure islam is better
Saqib
Abraham would NEVER do such a thing.
Nor would any other Prophet.
And nor should anyone who is following their way.
Chrissie
After Mohammad there will be no prophet
Saqib
We believe that Prophet Muhammad is the Last true Prophet from God.
After him there will be liars who claim Prophethood (and Jesus will kill the biggest of these liars – the AntiChrist).
Chrissie
This is very good. I will make a hard copy from our chat. And read about islam.
Saqib
Do you have any other doubts or questions about islam?
Or any reasons that would prevent you from islam?
If you want, we can send you an email with information that you need?
Or answers to questions.
Chrissie
That would be nice
02:10:14 pm
Saqib transferred the chat to Ibrahim
Chrissie
Oh, hello Ibrahim.
We were just about to close down
Ibrahim
hello
my colleague have to go sorry
Chrissie
No problem, we were about to close down
Ibrahim
do u have direct questions for me ? or should i read above ?
Chrissie
I have one last question
Why is it that prayer is so central and not e.g. good deeds?
Ibrahim
okay
it is one of the main good deeds that we need to do
God told us in Quran to keep the prayers
are you a new Muslim, Chrissie ?
Chrissie
no
Ibrahim
oh okay
do you know the 6 beliefs of Islam ?
Chrissie
no
Wait, I think this is a bit too much for me now
Your colleague had so much new informations
Ibrahim
the 6 beliefs are : 1. belief in one God (as uniquely one without partners or sons or daughters) God (in English) = Allah (in Arabic) – 2. belief in His angels – 3. in His revelations (including Quran) – 4. in His prophets (including Moses, Muhammad and Jesus who is son of Mary) – 5. belief in judgement day – 6. and in the divine destiny.
Chrissie
Oh, I have read that somewhere
Six beliefs and five pillars
Ibrahim
yes
Chrissie
Shahada,5 prayers, fast during Ramadan and Zakat and hajj?
Ibrahim
yes right
Chrissie
Well I’d like to stop here for now, its gettingh too much
Ibrahim
no more info u need to know now
Chrissie
No?
Ibrahim
if u accept the 6 beliefs and 5 pillars , u should become a Muslim
and start to learn how to practise islam , step by step
Chrissie
Uhm, I think I should sleep on it
Ibrahim
oh okay
i dont like to be pushy
Chrissie
It is a life changing decision
Ibrahim
so when u feel ready u can come here
Chrissie
I sure will.
Thank you for telling me all of h
these things
Ibrahim
u r welcome
Chrissie
It was nice talking to you
Ibrahim
same here 🙂
Chrissie
bye
Ibrahim
good bye
02:25:43 pm
02:26:08 pm
Chrissie left the chat