Christianity is Poly-Positive - Part I.

Al Salamu 'Alaykum.

Poly-Positive – Polygamy as a Christian Doctrine

Poly-Positive is a term that refers to an attitude that having more than one wife is not inherently wrong.

As such it is a term that is particularly appropriate to describe the worldview contained in the Judeo-Christian Bible. Many of the articles on this site defend this view from institutional criticism of it. This article seeks to build the positive case that the Biblical texts are tolerant of plural marriage, and that intolerance of plural marriage is unscriptural. 

See below for the Bible’s positive case for acceptance of plural marriage:

It is fairly easy to establish that the Bible does not in any way condemn polygamy. What is not widely known is that the Bible is thoroughly positive about polygamy, and so people sometimes claim that the Bible is simply silent about the morality of plural marriage. Yet according to the Bible, plural marriages are good. Much of the time polygamists and those who are actively tolerant of polygamy are on the defensive. This is natural, given that any expression of polygamist views is likely to be met with condemnation. People who are ordinarily liberal and forgiving sorts sometimes appear angry and restrictive when the topic of polygamy enters a conversation. They seem to step out of character, which is unsurprising given that the culture in which we live has spent the best part of two thousand years trying, and largely succeeding, in overturning the Biblical worldview on this subject. Hence when you begin to consider polygamy you often have to defend it against attacks from friends, family, society and indeed your own prejudices. That is why a lot of polygamist thought centers on countering the attacks of anti-polygamists. That is why much of the rest of this site has that tone.

However there are many reasons to be thoroughly POSITIVE ABOUT POLYGAMY. The Bible provides many of those reasons directly, and there are many other good things to be observed which result from the practice of this Biblical way of living. This page will examine the POLY-POSITIVE teachings of the Bible, and in particular the teachings of Christ and the Spirit in the New Testament.

Christ was Poly-Positive:

It is because of the teachings of Christ that all Christians should accept the moral and lawful nature of polygamy, and should be prepared to allow people the freedom to practice plural marriage if they so wish. The teachings of Christ himself lay down the intellectual and moral basis which makes polygamy a Christian issue.

Christ and the Law:

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5 vv 17-20

Jesus said he came to fulfil the law, not to destroy it. God’s law contains details of how the practice of polygamy was to be regulated by the Israelites. Christ said he had not come to destroy this law. With parts of the law he shows how the practical effects are changed, but the law itself is left untouched, including the law on polygamy. As the law allowed, organised and in some cases commanded polygamy, and as it is unchanged, it is clear that Christ provides the principles of polygamy within the law. Indeed, as will be seen later, the principles of polygamy are fulfilled in Christ.

The law, which Christ did not destroy, allowed and regulated polygamy. A wife was owed duties of food, clothing and marital rights, and this protection was still to be provided if her husband took a second wife (Exodus 21 v 10). The law prevented her husband from marrying her mother, or from marrying another of her sisters, to be a rival wife, while she was still alive. (Leviticus 20 v 14 and Leviticus 18 v 17). The law ensured that a firstborn child maintained his superior rights of inheritance, even if his father preferred another of his wives to the child’s mother (Deuteronomy 21 vv 15-17). The law limited the power of the King so that he couldn’t “multiply wives to himself” (Deuteronomy 17 v 17). As can be seen elsewhere on this site, that law allows polygamy, but prevents constitutional abuse.

In addition to allowing polygamy, the law which Christ fulfilled actually commanded it in certain circumstances. If a man died without children then his brother was obliged to marry the widow. (Deuteronomy 25 vv 7-10). There is nothing to suggest that this was limited to unmarried brothers, and it is important that it applies to those already married, for the story of the kinsman-redeemer in Ruth establishes the biblical idea of redemption. Christ can redeem a sinner’s debt, and this involves union with Christ, even though he has already redeemed someone else’s debt and been united to them.

As well as this, the Bible also provides protection to unmarried women. If a man seduced an unmarried virgin, the law forced him to marry her, and therefore to provide the food, clothes and marital rights mentioned before. And he couldn’t divorce her, so the protection was guaranteed for life. (Deuteronomy 22 vv 28-29). Again there is nothing in the Bible to indicate that there was any difference made by the man being married. So, if he was married, and he had an affair with a single woman, then the law demanded he become a polygamist. Imagine the effect this would have today – promises to marry would have to be kept, and so deceit in relationships would necessarily be reduced.

Part II to follow.

Wa Salamu 'Alaykum.

From Darkness To Light - Youhana Becomes A Believer.

Al Salamu 'Alaykum.

The following is an interview that the famous Pakistani Cricketer Muhammad Yusuf gave after reverting to the Din al Fitrah viz Islam and giving up the name Yusuf Youhana.

The True Call: Assalam Alaykum Brother Yousuf.
Yousuf: Walikum Assalam
The True Call: Can you tell us about your childhood, how and where you spent it?
Yousuf: I spent my Childhood in Railway Colony and have been playing cricket since then, and even now I am doing the same. This is how I spent my childhood
The True Call: What was the importance of Religion during your early days? Where did you gain your religious education?
Yousuf: There was no such thing as Religious education. I used to go to Church on some Sundays but not regularly. But later with understanding I started going every Sunday.
The True Call: How did it all start? What drew you to Islam ?
Yousuf: Since childhood all my friends were Muslims, The place where we stayed was a Muslim locality. Just as you said in the beginning, in this world there is a lot of misunderstanding about Islam. its not the fault of Non - Muslims, we Muslims are not obeying the rules of Allah or following the footsteps of our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) this is the reason we are being let down all over the world. Its all our fault.
During my early days, I used to stay with some Muslims, there was no such thing in them that a person can change by looking at them. The things they used to do, even I did the same.
The True Call: What brought about this sudden change?
Yousuf: It was not all of a sudden. Most of the changes in me have come over the period of last Seven to Eight months. When i was in touch with Missionaries, these people who are fulfilling Allah's will and the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). This is the work of Prophets. They are doing such work. I have converted seeing them. They never asked me to convert and become a Muslim. They practice Islam, seeing them many people accept Islam. That time i had gone to play one day cricket, I met a jew who had accepted islam in 1970 / 75 This missionary congregation had gone to California, America. that person converted seeing thier practises.
The True Call: Despite the bad propaganda against Islam. People are still accepting Islam
Yousuf: It is not their fault. It is all our fault. The fault of the Muslims. This is not their fault it is our fault. This is an Islamic country but a person coming from outside he cannot distinguish it as an Islamic country. It is our fault, if we follow Prophet's Sunnah then I feel, that nobody would need to point a finger at the Muslims and say that they are like this or like that.
The True Call: What did you find special about Islam, what appealed you to take this big decision?
Yousuf: I am still new to Islam and learning things. But those people who have inspired me, made me realise that Islam is a complete way of life. It teaches peace, wishing good for everyone we meet, ethics, code of conduct, being good to others, caring for others all the time.
The Missionaries spend their money, their time; they leave their household and travel to invite others to the way of Allah.
This has been the work of prophets. As Muhammad (PBUH) is the last prophet and there is no other prophet to come, so its our job, we Muslims have to call others to the way of Allah. But we sit back at homes. We do not believe in Allah completely, we follow our own way, we decide for ourselves and think we can make things happen, but the fact being that nothing happens without the will of Allah.
The True Call: In the light of recent chaos where there are strikes and protests happening, what according to you should be the stand of Muslims in this scenario?
Yousuf: We have to maintain peace. Protests are necessary, but protests should be carried out peacefully. But we need to rectify ourselves first. Are we leading the lives of true Muslims? Are we leading lives in accordance with the rules set by Allah and the ways taught by Muhammad (PBUH)? We first need to evaluate these. Until we rectify ourselves, others will surely make fun of us.
The True Call: How difficult was the decision? What was the family's reaction to it?
Yousuf: Well, family did react, they were against my reversion. I was speculative that my family members would be angry with me. But the broader thought was, that this world is not our main goal. Success in this world is not the true success, and the failure in this world is not the true failure. Since everyone has to leave the world. The biggest truth in this world is death, and the biggest deception is life.
The True Call: What was your wife's initial reaction when you broke the news of your reversion?
Yousuf: I did not tell her that I have become a Muslim, rather I told her that I am doing a couple of things which in turn are giving me peace and am feeling nice about it. I asked her to go the place where Islamic education is held, and told her if you find anything that is good in it, you can embrace it. Because, there is no compulsion in Islam. Islam has not spread by violence, Islam has spread by love and affection. It has spread for the betterment of humankind. It helps in purifying the thoughts of people so that they get close to Allah.
The True Call: Who deserves the credit of helping you realise this truth? Who played this important role?
Yousuf: I think the people fulfilling Allah's will and following Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), I have come seeing them like Saeed Anwar and many others who are practicing this.
The True Call: MashaAllah ! Pakistani team seems inclined towards Islam as well What brought about this change?
Yousuf: For this very reason... since 8 years I am in Pakistani team but I did not see....
The True Call: What brought about this change?
Yousuf: For this very reason.. for this very reason.. Because of their concern, these people not only in Pakistan but worldwide spread the message so that people come towards Allah's path. They never said come to us or join our community. They only say whenever you get time call people towards Allah's path. In this way not only you correct yourself but also provide a better understanding to the people. Like I have also gone to places with them to spread the message, there are many people who are ignorant and know nothing like me who knows not much but I go for learning to get a better understanding of Islam i.e. How to lead life? etc.
The True Call: What suggestions do you want to give to people, who want to learn the Truth about Islam, but due to some pressures they are afraid. What message do you want to give to them. Is it really a difficult decision?
Yousuf: Actually I have also felt this fact that and also the wise agree that instead of making a Non Muslim a Muslim it is better to make the Muslims Muslim, because making a Non Muslim a Muslim is not difficult. Because in other religions you do not find this much Peace. Because I have come from another faith, where you do not find this much of peace. So it was easy for me to enter this faith. Because of the family there were a few obstacles. But if you see the reality, Islam is the truth and Islam is the true religion.
It is not difficult for a Non Muslim to enter the fold of Islam but to make a Muslim a Muslim, now this is a difficult task.
The message from me to my brothers is: Obey the orders of Allah and adhere to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is not difficult to convince a Non Muslim to become a Muslim.
The True Call: When you were a Christian, What impression did you have of the Muslims?
Yousuf: Seeing the true Muslims one would realise that, Yes! this is a religion.
True Muslims; seeing whom I became a Muslim.
Who obey the orders of Allah and adhere to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
From them it appeared to me that this is a religion.
That this is the true religion.
And this is from Allah.It is not at all a difficult task. It is we who have made it difficult for ourselves.
We just have to correct ourselves.
If this thought appears that "We have to correct ourselves".
I personally feel everything will be fine on its own.
When I am correct then I will find you good.
If I myself am not correct then I will not find you good.We should correct ourselves.
The True Call: What are your future plans? Where do you see yourself Ten years from now
Yousuf: If you are talking with respect to Islam then nobody knows about his future. I would like to see myself in Islam
How much life Allah has granted me I will make an effort to spend it in the way of Allah.
The True Call: Thank you very much for taking time out of your hectic schedule to speak to us.
Yousuf: Jazakh Allah Khair.
'Alaykum Salam.

Losing My Islam.

Al Salamu 'Alaykum.

Indian celebrities, Muslim faith

By Ekram Haque.

From time to time, we hear about some Muslim celebrities in India engaging in practices that is akin to compromising their faith. A recent case in point is news reports of cricketer Zaheer Khan worshiping in a temple. There are also several cases of young Muslim men and women marrying spouses from other faiths. This is a serious problem, and the Muslim celebrities in the sports and entertainment world as well as the Muslim youth must be reminded about the implications of their actions.

As is well known, the Muslim testimony of faith – “I testify that there is no god, except Allah” – begins with the negation of all deities and affirmation of Allah as the only God. Worshiping anyone else, whether for political correctness or expediency, breaks this covenant. The struggle of all prophets throughout history, including the Prophet Muhammad (S), was to invite people to the worship of one true God. In the pursuit of this goal, some of the prophets and their followers went through severe persecution, including expulsion from their homelands.

The very first pillar of a Muslim’s faith is to testify to Allah’s lordship with the tongue, believe in it in the heart, and manifest it through actions. Faith without action is meaningless, and action without faith is deficient. It is often the last part where people fall short the most.

The pagans of Makkah had pleaded with Prophet Muhammad (S) to worship their gods in return for them worshiping Allah. In response came a small chapter of the Qur’an completely rejecting any bartering of the faith:

“Say: O disbelievers, I worship not what you worship,
Nor will you worship what I worship,
Nor will you worship whom I worship,
And I shall not worship that you are worshipping,
Nor will you worship whom I worship,
To you, your religion, to me, mine.” Sura 109, verses 1-6

In another famous incident, some of the nobles of Makkah offered the Prophet Muhammad (S) the kingship and wealth of the Quraysh if he renounced his faith in one God. The Prophet response: I will not do that even if you gave me sun in one hand and moon in the other.

Islam acknowledges the existence of other faiths and encourages cooperation with them for the common good. The Prophet Muhammad (S) worked with the pagans of Makkah before his prophethood to maintain a treaty of common goodwill, known as Hilf ul Fudhul. Many years later as a Prophet he said that if he were to be invited to join such an endeavor again he would gladly do so.

While Muslims are encouraged to have good relations with people of other faiths, they are forbidden to worship anyone other than Allah. In Islam, there is no sin greater than associating partners with God. The Qur’an categorically states that while Allah can forgive all sins, there is no forgiveness for those who die on polytheism, called shirk in Arabic.

In all fairness, the celebrity world is a study in contrast. On the one hand we have seen some Muslim celebrities engaging in unislamic practices, at the same time we have witnessed several high-profile non-Muslim figures embracing Islam. Cases in point: Kamala Das, Maulana Umar Gautam, Malcolm X, Yvonne Ridley, Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), Imam Jamil Al-Amin (H. Rap Brown) and Kareem Abdul Jabbar. In fact, there are far more examples of the second kind. These celebrities found Islam to be the self-evident truth and liberator.

So for the Muslim celebrities who have worshipped in temples or taken spouses that Islamically are not allowed to them, it is time to take a fresh look at their priorities. It is possible that some celebrities and Muslim individuals in general may be put in a situation by the non-Muslim friends where they are expected to participate in their rituals. These Muslims may oblige with the intention to not hurt their sentiments. Instead, these celebrities should use wisdom and convey politely to their non-Muslim friends that they cannot participate in any ritual that is contradictory to their Islamic faith. They will not only earn the respect from their non-Muslim friends for adhering to his/her religious belief but also avoid such situations in the future.

These celebrities should learn from the great example of Caliph Umar (R). He was invited by the Christian leaders to directly negotiate the handover of Jerusalem to which he had agreed and entered Jerusalem in 637 AD on foot without any bloodshed or massacre. When it was time for prayer, the priests offered him the Church of the Holy Sepulcher to perform the prayer. Umar refused to pray in the Church, Had he done so, he explained, the Muslims would have wanted to build a mosque there to commemorate the first Islamic prayer in Jerusalem. So, he made it clear to the Christian priests without hurting their sentiments.

In conclusion, life and its pleasure are short-lived and temporary – for everyone. Someday, entertainment careers will end and sports prowess will wither away. The fans they care so much about will desert them. The only companion and helper that will remain with them is a faith they had not contaminated with disbelief.

Source: Two Circles.

'Alaykum Salam.