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ability is greater than the camera; He can watch everyone at the same
time because His ability is boundless. Allah’s knowledge is absolute and
inclusive of everything. Surveillance cameras help children grasp the omnipresence
of Allah. A company can survey its employees with a camera
that records and displays everything in monitoring screens, spontaneously.
If people can invent this surveillance method, then Allah, the Creator
Himself, can survey his creatures all the time.
Why Doesn’t Allah Die Like us?
Key to answering this question is that children understand that Allah created
death and the circle of life. He is beyond His creation and the rules
of His creation do not apply to him. Also, it is important to understand that
Death is a sign of weakness. Allah is never weak. He was not created
and will not die. Furthermore, key to this is explaining that death is part of
Allah’s plans for people. Death is the first stage of After Life.
Answer
Because Allah created everything and he created the circle of life.
Everything he created dies. He says: “Every soul will taste death. Then to
Us will you be returned.” A person’s death is the beginning of his or her
Hereafter, the most important part after life. People, however, are creatures
that die. Allah’s life is not like ours; our lives end with death. Every
creature vanishes, and nothing remains except Allah the Almighty. Allah is
perfect, infinite life is a trait of perfection. This is why one of the names of
Allah is the All-Living who never dies.
Does Allah Love Me?
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Answer:
Allah Almighty is forgiving and merciful; He loves the benevolent, the
pious, and the truthful. He says: “He loves them, and they love Him.” The
signs of Allah’s love for His worshippers include honoring them, nurturing
them, handling their issues, sustaining them, and forgiving them. Everyone
feels Allah’s kindness and generosity. Allah loves the person who
obeys Him, endeavors to get closer to Him and seeks His love by praying,
honoring parents, giving charity, generosity, honesty, reciting the Quran,
supplications and other good deeds. Allah loves whoever believes in him
and commits to these actions.
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Questions related
to Angels
Who Are the Angels? What Do They Look Like?
Answer:
Angels are one of Allah’s beautiful creatures. They are made of light.
Allah created them before us; they got a will, a mind, and wings. They can
take the shape of humans after permission from Allah. They neither eat
nor drink. They are servants of Allah who follow His commands. They are
honored on different levels.;
What Are the Names of Angels?
Answer:
There are many angels and only Allah knows the exact number. Jibreel,
Mikael, Israfeel, Rudwan, Malik (peace be upon them) are the ones we
know of. There are also the carriers of Allah’s mighty throne, the writers of
people’s actions, and others. Jibreel (peace be upon him) is the most noble.
He is responsible for delivering the revelation to messengers (peace
be upon them). There are Mikaeel, Israfeel, and others. Some Angels are
responsible for continuously protecting humans. There are a huge number
of angels; each has a specific task.
Why Did Allah Create Angels?
Answer:
Allah Almighty created angels to do good; they are pure hearted. They
never do evil or think of doing it. Angels are in Heaven; however, they
descent to Earth to for certain tasks Allah commanded them to do, such
as protecting, caring for, and watching us. They also descend to deliver
scriptures, attend religious gathering, etc. Children should know that angels
have two main tasks: worshipping Allah and taking care of the issues
of the universe.
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Why Can’t We See the Angels?
Answer
Humans do not have the ability to see angels in their original form; therefore,
angels transform into the shape of humans so that prophets see and
deal with them. Jibreel (peace be upon him), for example transformed into
a Bedouin to teach the pillars of Islam.
Who Are the Jinn?
Answer:
Jinn are one of Allah‘s creations. They are made of fire. Allah gave them
different abilities we do not have such as flying and transporting objects
fast. However, Jinn are commanded to obey orders and avoid whatever is
prohibited like us. They die like us. We do not have the ability to see Jinn.
Their nature differs from us; we are made of clay while jinn are made of fire.
Who Is Stronger: Angels or Jinn?
Answer:
Angels are more powerful. Angels do not die until the Day of the blowing
of the Horn (for whom Allah wills to die); jinn, however, die earlier. The
angel of death takes the souls of jinn upon Allah‘s command: “Allah takes
the souls at the time of their death.” Furthermore, jinn fear the angels. In
the battle of Badr, for example, Satan saw the angels sent by Allah to support
the believers, and said to the non-believers: “I am disassociated from
you. I see what you do not see; indeed, I fear Allah. And Allah is severe in
punishment.”
Do Angels Die?
Answer:
Yes, angels are one of Allah’s creations; everything dies except Allah
the Almighty. He is the Ever-Living and the Sustainer of all existence. He
says: “Everything will be destroyed except His Face.” Everything on Earth
and Heaven will die except things Allah permits to stay alive.
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Three: Questions Related
to Scriptures
What Are the Scriptures?
They are scriptures Allah sent to
His messengers (peace be upon
them) to deliver Allah’s message
and laws. Scriptures are guidance,
mercy, and source of happiness in
this life and in the Hereafter. We
know that Allah sent the Scriptures
of Ibrahim (Abraham) (peace be
upon him), the Psalms of David
(peace be upon him), the Torah of
Mousa (Moses) (peace be upon
him), the Gospel of Isa (Jesus)
(peace be upon him) and the Quran
of Muhammad (may Allah’s peace
and blessings be upon him).
Why Do We Need the Quran?
Why Is it a Miracle?
Answer:
Quran is a book of guidance that shows us the way to success, now
and in the Hereafter, the same way a manual shows us how to operate
a machine. Allah the Almighty said: “Doesn’t He know what He created,
and He is the Subtle, the Acquainted?” Since the prophet Muhammad
(may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) is the final prophet with
no successors, his miracle, the Quran, is eternal; its message and orders
are obligatory to the Last Day. The most important proofs of the inimitability
of the Quran are lingual and rhetorical. Allah challenged the Arabs
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– known for their linguistics and rhetoric mastery – to produce the liking
of the Quran. Humans and jinn failed to do so. That is why the Quran is
a miracle.
Why Didn’t Allah Protect the Previous Books from alteration?
Answer:
Allah Almighty does what He desires. He has reasons for that - some of
them we know and others we do not. Previous books were not miracles in
themselves; therefore, it was not essential that they remain unchanged.
Moreover, they were temporary regulations for certain people.
What is the Evidence That Proves That the Quran is not Altered?
This question is usually asked by middle or High school students; therefore,
we should quietly and carefully explain the proof of the Quran’s
authenticity. Whenever things are repeated, they settle; whenever they
spread, they are affirmed.
Answer:
The Quran was delivered to us by succession. Muslims inherited the
Quran generation after generation. They study and recite the Quran in
their prayers; they also teach it to their children. If a Sheikh makes a
mistake in a letter, we immediately correct him. The Quran is delivered to
us, protected from any addition, omission, or alteration. Refuting this evidence
leads to disproving historical facts, like the existence of the prophet
(may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), his companions, and
famous figures in history; this is rejected by every rational person. Also,
Allah challenged humans and jinn to come up with something similar to
the Quran and both failed. The narrative and legislation of the Quran has
no contradictions or distortions; this indicates that it is not a work of humans
whose can be contradictory and distortive. The Quran is from Allah.
He has taken care of protecting it.
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Four: Question related to
the Messengers
Who Are the prophets and the Messengers?
Prophets and messengers are chosen human beings. Allah made them
prophets and ordered them to deliver the message to their people; this
message is to worship Allah Alone. The first prophet is Adam (may Allah’s
peace and blessings be upon him); the final prophet is Muhammad (may
Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him). There are many prophets. Allah
sent them to every nation on earth.
Why Did Allah Send the Messengers?
Allah sent messengers to deliver His message. Every prophet in every
historical period called his nation to worship Allah and follow the straight
path. They are mercy and guidance for people. The messenger is a
well-respected man among his people prior and after revelation. Allah
chose messengers as role models for people. They teach us manners,
positive attitudes, and they guide us to whatever benefits us and forbid
whatever harms us. Sending the messengers is a testimony that there is
one religion that calls for worshiping Allah alone. People need guides in
their own language to show them the right way; Allah sent the books with
His messengers in their tribes’ mother tongue so that the message reaches
clearly and accurately.
Can prophets make mistakes?
Prophets are humans and humans make mistakes. Allah protected
the prophets from making mistakes only in what relates to their message
and whatever might taint their status as role models for people. Therefore,
it is important not to allow anyone to point an accusation towards the Message
prophets carry. However, prophets are liable to everyday mistakes
(e.g. the prophet’s misjudgment about agriculture or war).
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Who Is Muhammad (May Allah’s Peace and Blessings Be Upon
Him)?
Muhammad is the final prophet sent by Allah. His full name is Muhammad
ibn Abdillah ibn Abdilmuttalib Al-Hashimy Al-Qurashy. He was
born in Mecca on Monday in Rabee Al-Awal of “The Year of the Elephant”.
His father died while his mother was still pregnant with him. His mother
died when he was six. After that, his grandfather, Abdulmuttalib, took care
of him. His grandfather died when the messenger was eight years old.
What is the Proof of Muhammad’s (May Allah’s Peace and
Blessings Be upon Him) Honesty?
Answer:
There are many proofs of Muhammad’s (may Allah’s peace and blessings
be upon him) honesty. The most important one is the noble Quran.
This miraculous book still amazes people with its dazzling treasure. Also,
his behavior and morals attest to his honesty ; even his enemies praised
him. Muhammad used to be called the truthful and the honest. Furthermore,
his miracles are seen by his contemporaries and narrated for generations.
The perfect and beautiful legislation he delivered is also a proof
as it continues everywhere throughout history.
How Did the Messenger (May Allah’s Peace and Blessings Be
Upon Him) ascend to Heaven in One Night?
Answer:
The prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was taken
on the “Buraq” to Jerusalem. He then rose to heaven with Jibreel (peace
be upon him). Allah Almighty is capable of everything; nothing in land or in
sky defeats Him. Nowadays, people finally built super-sonic planes. They
have also invented 3D technology that allows them to be present in more
than one place. Therefore, Allah is bigger and his abilities are greater than
His creatures.
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Why Is Muhammad (May Allah’s Peace and Blessings Be Upon
Him) the Final Prophet?
Answer:
Divine wisdom dictates sending prophets; when people forgot or distorted
past scriptures, Allah send a messenger with a scripture that is not
altered. Moreover, Allah took responsibility of protecting the Quran until
the Day of Resurrection. Therefore, it is logical that the messenger (may
Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) became the final prophet and
messenger.
Why are we Required to Love the Prophet (May Allah’s Peace
and Blessings Be Upon Him)?
Answer:
Loving the prophet is one of the pillars of faith. Loving Allah the Almighty
is not complete without loving His messenger. Loving the prophet (may
Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) is linked to loving Allah because
Allah has chosen him from all people to deliver this great message. Allah
chooses the best of people because He knows more than anyone who is
capable of handling His message. Since Allah chose him from all people
for this great task, it is our duty to specifically love him. After all, he is the
one who taught us about Allah. He was the best messenger and the most
merciful to his nation. We are not grateful to anyone after Allah more than
him (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him). He went through pain
as he called people to religion and benevolence. He used to get very sad
when people disbelieved him because he feared that they will enter Hellfire.
Allah says: “Then perhaps you would kill yourself through grief over
them, [O Muhammad], if they do not believe in this message, [and] out of
sorrow.” That is why he (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) is
the one who deserves our utmost love after Allah.
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Questions Related to
the Hereafter
What Is the Judgment Day?
Answer:
The judgment day is the day when Allah resurrects all creatures and
holds them accountable for their actions. It is also called the Last Day
because there is no day after it. After the Judgment day, Allah will grant
Paradise for whoever did good and obeyed we are not grateful to anyanere
not grateful to angane him in this life; conversely, Allah will punish
whoever’s did evil or disobeyed Him. This day is also called the Day of
Resurrection because it is the day in which people rise from their graves
towards heaven for judgment.
When Is the Day of Resurrection? Why Did Allah Hide that Day
from Us?
Answer:
No one knows the date of the Day of Resurrection. Allah says: “They
ask you, [O Muhammad], about the Hour: when is its arrival? In what
[position] are you that you should mention it? To your Lord is its finality
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You are only a warner for those who fear it.” Allah has hidden the date
of that day so that we constantly do our best to prepare for it by doing
good and avoiding evil. If we knew when that day is, we will only repent
right after it and, consequently, life then would be full of evil more than
what is present right now.
What Is the Day of Accountability?
Answer:
The day of accountability is the day when Allah gathers all the people
He ever created. Allah says: “Say, [O Muhammad], “Indeed, the former
and the later peoples Are to be gathered together for the appointment
of a known Day.” Allah then shows people their actions and holds them
accountable; He pays them according to their actions; whoever did good
will be rewarded, and whoever did evil will be punished. Allah says: “So
whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it And whoever does
an atom’s weight of evil will see it.”
What Is Death?
Note to parents:
Children six years or younger usually cannot conceive the full meaning
of death and resurrection and that death is inevitable. Children between
six and eight usually understand the meaning of death and its inevitability.
Children between eight and ten usually understand death and resurrection;
A child that age can experience a case of death in the family for the
first time. We do not know how children feel when they hear about death
and grave. Horror might fill their hearts. Therefore, we must explain the
meaning of death without lying or sugarcoating (e.g. that someone is travelling
) as soon as we can. Sooner or later, a child will know the truth from
others. Prior to the death of a family member, parents should show their
child a dead bird, tree, or bug to clarify the concept of death.
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Answer:
Death is a stage in life where a person moves from this world to another
world. All of us will die when we grow up and catch up with those who died
before us and live with them in Paradise - may Allah permit. Death is not
the end of everything; it is a stage where a believer transfers to a better
life and the wrong doer transfers to be punished. Allah loves us even
though he takes away our lives. Allah takes our lives so that we may live
beside Him in Paradise, a place that we cannot imagine its beauty. When
a person dies, his soul remains alive; it ascends to the Creator and people
will remember the good actions of a person. That is why one must prepare
to meet Allah by doing good deeds and by committing to the teachings of
Islam.
What Happen to Children after they Die ?
Answer:
Children do not do evil, and they do not mean it; therefore, all children
go to Paradise.
What happens in the Grave after we die?
Answer:
When our time comes, we go to the grave, the place where dead people
go. For those who believe in Allah, obey him and do good deeds, the
grave will be a garden from Paradise. A believer will be blessed in the
grave until the day of resurrection.
Can a Dead Person Hear and See us? How Does a Dead Person
Breathe Under Soil? Does He or She Eat, Drink, and Sleep?
Answer:
Yes, the dead can hear the greetings (Salam) of people and can hear
supplications; however, dead people cannot breathe like us because they
do not need to breath. Dead people have a different life with different laws
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and nature. There is no breathing, eating, drinking, sleeping or working in
the grave. A grave is either eternal bliss or eternal punishment.
What Is Paradise and What is in It?
Answer:
Paradise is the home of peace. It is a beautiful place full of
everything you love and wish for. Paradise is the destination of generous
people with good deeds. It has eight doors and it is made of levels;
believers enter Paradise according to their good deeds and mercy of Allah.
Those who have more deeds go to a higher and more beautiful level
than those with less deeds. Yet, everyone lives in happiness, pleasure,
and bliss. In Paradise, we will live happily ever after. We will never get
sick or tired, and we will meet Allah Almighty, the messenger (may Allah’s
peace and blessings be upon him), the prophets (peace be upon them)
and everyone we love - may Allah permit. Paradise has everything we
love and want - food, drinks, entertainment, and bliss.
What Is Hellfire and Why Did Allah Create It?
Answer:
Hellfire is the place of punishment. It is a place that Allah made to
punish those who do evil, hurt people, disobey Allah, and not follow His
orders.
What Happens to Animals after they Die? Will They Go to
Paradise or Hellfire?
Animals are not accountable for their deeds since they were not
given the choice to live the way they do. On the Day of Resurrection, Allah
will gather them and avenge the harmed ones from the wrong doers. For
example, a hornless sheep will knock the sheep that knocked it previously.
After that, Allah will order them to become dust, so they turn into dust.
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Questions Related
to Destiny
What Does Fate and Destiny mean?
Answer:
Belief in Destiny is one of the pillars of faith in Islam. Allah says: “He has
created each thing and determined it with [precise] determination.”
-). To believe in Fate and Destiny requires us to believe that Allah knows
about evets before they happen, that he wrote them, that he willed them,
and that he created them.
How Does Allah Know What Will Happen Before It Happens?
Answer:
Because Allah is the creator and because His knowledge contains details
of us before, during, and after our creation. In addition, Allah is the
One who created man, time, and space; therefore, He knows “what was”,
“what will be”, and “what shall be before it becomes”.
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Possible Scenario:
We can explain this with a simple example; a toymaker knows what a toy
can do before the toy does anything because he made it and put the fine
details. Similar wise, Allah - who is capable of all things - created us; so,
Allah is more capable of knowing what will happen.
Are We Destined to do things or do We have a Choice?
This question might be asked by older children. The main answer should
lead to what we call guidance and aberrance. We do not know what Allah
wrote for us and we are not required to do so. Yet, we are required to
believe that Allah’s knowledge is infinite (including fate and destiny). We
should be concerned only with our will and how to obey Allah’s orders
within our limits.
Answer:
We are destined to do certain things and we have the choice in other
things. We do not have a choice when or where to be born or die. We do
not have a choice to choose our parents or our relatives. However, we are
free to pray and believe in Allah. The will in this freedom is within Allah’s
will - meaning that if Allah wants to force us to accept or reject something,
He will; yet, He chose to give us the freedom; we will be held accountable
for our choices; this is what Allah means when He says: “And you do not
will except that Allah wills - Lord of the worlds.”
Possible Scenario:
instructor brings a glass-cup and asks a child if he or she can throw it on
the ground and break it.
- “Of course, I can.”
- “What is preventing you, then?”
- “It is wrong.”
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- The instructor then comments: “Allah knows that you will not break this
cup because you are a good child. He also knows that a naughty child will
break it. So, did anyone prevent you from smashing the cup? Did anyone
force the other child to break it? In a similar manner, We have the choice
of what to do , but Allah knows what our choice will be.
Why Did Allah Guide Some People and Did not Guide Others?
Allah provided guidance to all people. He says: “And have shown him
the two ways. This means that He showed everyone the right path and
allowed us to clearly differentiate between truth and falsehood. Then, He
gave us the freedom of choice; therefore, some of us choose the right
path while others do not.
Why Does Allah Punish Those who Sin When He has Already
Written in Eternity That They Will Sin?
Answer:
This knowledge is divine and we do not know why. All our assumption
about the answers are illusions and ignorance. Therefore, humans are
only responsible for what they do, and it is not possible for us to know
our destiny before we act. Destiny is known only after events happen.
So, why do we do good deeds and abandon bad ones? The answer is
that we should do good deeds and avoid bad deeds because it is the safe
path to Paradise. It is like choosing a road to a town. We avoid dangerous
roads and travel on safe ones. We cannot use destiny as an excuse for
being bad. Otherwise, criminals will argue that they are destined to do
bad deeds. That is why humans must admit and surrender to Allah the Almighty
who says “He is not questioned about what He does; yet, they will
be questioned.” He is the Creator and He Has authority over Everything.
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Why Did Allah Create Us? What is the Origin of the Universe?
Why Did Allah Create Animals?
Answer:
Allah said: “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship
Me Alone.” Allah created us for a purpose that benefits us which is worshipping
Him. The outcome for fulfilling or neglecting this purpose is Paradise
or Hellfire, respectively. Allah masterfully created the universe with
its skies, land, planets, and stars that are signs of His greatness. He made
the sun provide us with warmth to help nurture plants and to kill germs.
He made animals available to humans so we can eat them or carry our
belongings on them. He said: “And [He created] the horses, mules and
donkeys for you to ride and an adornment. And He creates what you do
not know.
Is Allah Going to Punish People who Did not Get Any
Messengers?
Answer:
They will be under trial because Allah
gave them intelligence. Allah will
test these people and gives them
orders on the Day of Resurrection;
if they obey Him, they will enter Paradise.
If they disobey Him, they will
go to Hellfire.
Why Does Evil Exist?
Life is a test; it is like the first chapter of a two-chapter novel. The Hereafter
is the second chapter. It is the home of reward, punishment, and
vengeance of the oppressed. That is why evil people are not always punished
in life. Everyone will rise on the Day of Resurrection and be held
accountable for his or her actions. Allah says: “So whoever does an at-
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om’s weight of good will see it And whoever does an atom’s weight of
evil will see it.”.
Why Did Allah Create Evil People?
Allah created people and gave them the freedom to choose whether
to do good or evil. One decides whether to be decent or not and will be
responsible for the consequences. This is a blessing from Allah and His
infinite wisdom because evil people can be good; it is our duty to help
them. Yet, if they refuse and stick to what they do, then it is our duty to
prevent them from harming people so that Allah loves and rewards us.
Allah the Almighty is the Creator of everything in this life that is a home of
test and distress. Allah says: “[He] who created death and life to test you
[as to] which of you is best in actions - and He is the Exalted in Might, the
Forgiving.. This test includes the presence of evil performed by the devils
and human offenders.
Why Did Allah Create Some People With Disabilities or
Mutations?
Allah tests people with disorders and diseases. He will generously reward
them for their patience and puts them in higher levels in Paradise.
Noticing Disabled people reminds us of the blessings of Allah who gave
us health. We must thank Allah for this. Noticing disabled people also
reminds us of our weakness so that we are humbled and helpful. After
Judgement Day, the benevolent will live a healthy eternal life in Paradise
- may Allah permit.
Why Are There Rich and Poor People? Why Do Some Evil People
Live in Palaces While Some Good People Live in Sheds?
Allah the Almighty provides sustenance. He is the one who tests humans.
Sometimes He gives the good person sustenance, to test his generosity.
Other times He may prevent sustenance to test patience and endurance
against envy. As long as a good person is patient in life, his or her rewards
grow bigger. Conversely, a person with many blessings who offends others
and does not give charity will be punished on the Day of Resurrection
because he or she did not appreciate Allah’s blessing.
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Allah created people different so that the rich gives the poor and the
strong helps the weak and poor. People have different languages, colors
, races, character, and behavior. Everyone is tested in accordance with
whatever Allah gave him or her. The rich are tested with money: will they
pay their ‘Zakaa’ and give charity? Will they be generous? The poor are
tested with their poverty. Are they going to be patient? Are they going
to work hard? Are they going to accept bribes. Are they going to steal?
Everything is a test; yet, Allah sustenance is for everyone and our financial
status will not dictate whether we go to Paradise or Hellfire. Everyone
is tested by what is bestowed upon them. If all people were rich, they
would not serve each other and would not need each other. Allah says:
“That they may make use of one another for service.” This means that we
(people) are subjected to each other. That is how the circle of life moves;
otherwise, life stops if everyone is the same.
Why Do We Get Sick? Why Do Calamities Happen to People?
Allah tests everyone to see if they endure illness or lose patience? Allah
the Almighty will immensely reward the patient believer on the Day of Resurrection.
Through illness, calamities, and distress Allah exalts the believers,
purify their hearts from arrogance and pride, and loves them more.
Also, worshippers get closer to Allah through prayers, patience, faith, and
good deeds. They will also learn the blessing of health. We can ask chil-
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dren: “Why are cars made? For transportation, right? Why do they have
brakes? Don’t brakes stop cars from moving ? Brakes are necessary for
safety. Cars are made to travel and the brakes stop them at the right time
to protect drivers from harm. Allah created us to be happy by worshipping
Him and appreciating blessings. He also created calamities to remind us
of the great task we are made for so that we messing around, ask Him for
forgiveness, and be patient as we wait for the reward.
Is Allah the One who Created Animals and Harmful Insects?
Allah is the Creator and the Lord of everything. He created those creatures
with His ability and wisdom; He is the All-Knowing and the Wise who
knows about them what we do not know. Our knowledge is scanty compared
to Allah’s knowledge and wisdom. That is why Allah says: “And you
have not been given of knowledge except a little.” We do not know all the
reasons for Allah creating these animals. One of these reasons, however,
is to illustrate Allah’s intricate creation and masterfulness. Although they
are a lot, Allah provides for all. He also tests us through them and rewards
those these animals hurt; killing them illustrates courage and empathy
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towards them illustrate weakness. Moreover, we sometimes get medicine
from harmful animals (e.g. snake venom). Some harmful animals also
take care of pests that are harmful to us (e.g. snakes eat farm rats that
wreck the crops). Many of these harmful animals are food for other useful
animals; this forms balance in the circle of life that Allah perfected.
Why Do have to Pray Five Times a Day?
Worshipping Allah purifies and uplifts a believer’s soul. The effort made
to perform them is minimal compared to their benefit. Prayers include recitation,
remembrance and supplication. In fact, prayers contain all forms
of worship; therefore, it is better than separate reciting, remembrance, or
supplication.
Believers rejoice at prayers
because it brings them closer to
Allah Almighty and allows them
to ask for everything they wish
for; Allah answers our prayers.
We pray because Allah ordered
us to pray and we love obeying
Allah’s orders. We are His worshippers;
He is our Creator and
Sustainer, and He deserves to
be worshipped for His endless
blessings. Allah says: “And if
you should count the favors of
Allah, you could not enumerate
them.”. Praying is an expression of our love and gratitude to Allah Almighty
and a declaration of our need for Him to guard our health, guide
us to what benefits us, and protect us from evil. Allah does not need us to
worship Him; He does not need anything from us, and He does not benefit
from us. Prayers are commands from Allah who wants us to worship Him
in the way that His prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings
be upon him) demonstrated. That is the meaning of the Muslim declaration
of faith: we worship Allah Alone according to His messenger’s instruc-
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tions. Worshipping Allah brings great rewards and it is
a reason to enter Paradise. After all, Heaven is Allah’s
precious reward that requires hard work (i.e. worshipping
Allah and obeying Him).
I Asked Allah in My Prayer to Grow Quickly but
He Didn’t Answer Me?
There are ethics for supplication that we should consider.
These include respecting the laws Allah put in this
world. We pray to Allah and He chooses what is good
for us. Your father would not give you permission to ride
your bike in the middle of a street because he loves you
and knows it might harm you. Allah is generous and
he answers our prayers in three ways: He accepts our
requests, protects us from a disaster that might happen
to us, or rewards us for our prayers on the Day of Resurrection
– which in turn gets us closer to paradise.
Why Am I Not Pretty as My Friend?
This is because Allah created everyone unique. All of
Allah’s creation is beautiful. Allah says: “We have certainly
created man in the best of stature.” - (95:4).
Every person is unique in his or her own way; those
who were created beautiful must thank Allah more, and
those who are not as beautiful must accept the way
Allah created them. Those who are thankful and patient
shall reach high levels and gain huge rewards.
If Allah Loves Us, Then Why Do Bad Things
Happen to Us?
Allah tests us to differentiate between the good and
the bad. Allah might test us so that we seek refuge in
Him and stay close to Him. Allah tests His beloved with
hardship to purify them and raise their ranks so that
THE CHILDREN’S QUESTIONS ABOUT FAITH
132
These are the most commonly asked questions.
You are welcome to contact us through email for
answers to other questions or suggestions for better
answers (jrakaf@gmail.com).
they become role models for others and learn how to endure distress.
This is why the prophet said: “The most severely tested people are the
prophets, then those nearest to them, then those nearest to them”; the
firmer we are in religion, the more severe is our trial. That is why the
prophets were severely tested; they were murdered, hurt, and sometimes
tested with severe illness (e.g. Ayoub (Job) (peace be upon him). Our
prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was severely
hurt in Mecca and Medina; yet he was patient (may Allah’s peace and
blessings be upon him). The point is that the truly faithful and pious go
through hardship in accordance to their piety and faith. So, we must teach
children that Allah does what He decrees. We must not ask Him to justify
His actions. We know he is the most Just of all in what He does, because
He is the Most Just of all.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, here are some important recommendations to keep
in mind when raising children:
• We must put effort in teaching parents how to nurture faith in children
because they are the cornerstone of a promising generation with
healthy education and awareness.
• We must produce Islamic media programs and cartoons that meet
international standards to help parents in their mission. Furthermore,
we must support and initiate symposiums and research that help in
producing our own products with our own identity. We need alternative
entertainment.
• We must provide more educational material in Arabic since material
in Arabic is minimal. Most available products are simply translations
of material that address cultures fit for different environments. We
must increase our efforts to enrich Arabic library with material.
• We must design Faith Nurturing training for children, train qualified
trainers, counselors, mentors, and teachers at different educational
levels, keeping in mind the specific educational and scientific needs
of each age group.
• We must develop official curricula that contain educational and
scientific material which deals with modern-day faith related questions
in a wide range contemporary setting.
THE CHILDREN’S QUESTIONS ABOUT FAITH
