Questions and Answers
This page will be dedicated to Islamic questions you may have. Please share your questions with us through our email or our contact form.
Are there any forbidden times of prayer, if so when?
Salaam (WRWB). Salaah (prayer) is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. As Muslims like you and I strive to pray the 5 daily prayers for our entire lives. Salaah and Prayer don’t just come in 5 Salahs. There are specific prayers to make for specific times. Or otherwise known as “nafl” 2 rakat prayers. Take some examples.
Salatul-Istikhara - A prayer for guidance. The best time to pray this is when you are uncertain of what to do in a certain decision.
Salat Al-Khawf - A prayer for the battleground, that’s specifically prayed at times of war.
Salat Al-Istisqaa - A prayer in times of drought (of water).
Salatul-Duha - A prayer for the morning that fulfills the Sadaqah for all our joints, limbs, and body parts.
You get the point. There are all of the prayers that are suited for particular times. Each of these prayers have their own dua’s as well as benefits.
That being said, the Prophet (PBUH) had said, reported in a hadith brought from Bukhari, reported by Abu Sa’id al-Khudri
I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say: “There is no prayer after Fajr until the sun has risen fully, and no prayer after ‘Asr until the sun has set.” - Bukhari 551
To back this statement, there are also more hadiths regarding these forbidden times.
“There are three times at which the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) forbade us to pray or to bury our dead: when the sun has clearly started to rise until it is fully risen, when it is directly overhead at midday until it has passed its zenith, and when the sun starts to set until it has fully set.” - Muslim
To summarize, there are 3 forbidden times,
Time after Fajr to Sunrise (when sun is fully rising)
Time of zenith (when sun is at its highest peak)
Time after Asr to Sunset (when sun is fully setting)
I hope this answers your question, Salaam (WRWB)
Is there a certain purpose of Women that is mentioned in Islam?
Salaam (WRWB). Of course there is. Note that the role of men or the role of women do not convey superiority or inferiority, as in the eyes of Allah (SWT), they are both equal. The only thing that divides them is their actions and how they correlate their life with Allah (SWT).
Life in the typical Western life in the past century, highly disregarding the rights of women. Basically making them servants (maids), of their husband having no power. It shouldn’t go without mention, as before the times of the Prophet (PBUH), one of the traditions of the Bedouin people was to burn the baby if it was a girl, and would strip the jewelry of women.
Now onto the Islamic part. In Surah Ahzab, the infamous ayat calls (man, women). Allah (SWT) proclaims,
إِنَّ ٱلۡمُسۡلِمِينَ وَٱلۡمُسۡلِمَٰتِ وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنَٰتِ وَٱلۡقَٰنِتِينَ وَٱلۡقَٰنِتَٰتِ وَٱلصَّـٰدِقِينَ وَٱلصَّـٰدِقَٰتِ وَٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ وَٱلصَّـٰبِرَٰتِ وَٱلۡخَٰشِعِينَ وَٱلۡخَٰشِعَٰتِ وَٱلۡمُتَصَدِّقِينَ وَٱلۡمُتَصَدِّقَٰتِ وَٱلصَّـٰٓئِمِينَ وَٱلصَّـٰٓئِمَٰتِ وَٱلۡحَٰفِظِينَ فُرُوجَهُمۡ وَٱلۡحَٰفِظَٰتِ وَٱلذَّـٰكِرِينَ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرٗا وَٱلذَّـٰكِرَٰتِ أَعَدَّ ٱللَّهُ لَهُم مَّغۡفِرَةٗ وَأَجۡرًا عَظِيمٗا
Meaning - Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so – for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward. (33:35)
In the Quran, Allah (SWT) mentions,
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ ٱتَّقُواْ رَبَّكُمُ ٱلَّذِي خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفۡسٖ وَٰحِدَةٖ وَخَلَقَ مِنۡهَا زَوۡجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنۡهُمَا رِجَالٗا كَثِيرٗا وَنِسَآءٗۚ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ ٱلَّذِي تَسَآءَلُونَ بِهِۦ وَٱلۡأَرۡحَامَۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ رَقِيبٗا
Meaning - O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed Allah is ever, over you, an Observer. (4:1)
This goes to show the value of women is on par with men. And this surah’s chapter directly means “The Women.” Last time I checked, there was no surah, named “Ar-Rijal.”
In a famous hadith it is narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) had said,
"Women are the twin halves of men." - Abu Hurairah
Furthermore, women are the nurturers for mankind. Imagine you're awfully sick, and you can’t get out of bed and you're shivering with two thick blankets wrapped around you, and every hour you feel as if you have thrown up. Women who manage a child not only have to deal with that for 9 months. They also have to breastfeed, go through the process of giving birth. As now it seems rare that a mother passes from childbirth. But it was really common for women to die in childbirth a century or two ago.
As the prophet (PBUH) had said,
A man came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said, 'O Messenger of Allah, I wish to be good to my mother.' The Prophet (peace be upon him) asked, 'Is your mother still alive?' The man replied, 'Yes.' The Prophet said, 'Then stay with her and be her companion, for she is the one who has the greatest claim on you.'" - Abu Hurairah
This just goes to show how important the mother is.
In addition to all these citations the whole purpose of this answer is not to say one gender is superior. It’s shown that despite some lack of physical ability, this does not mean women are inferior and should be treated the way they are. As it is an order from Allah (SWT) to treat women with respect
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا يَحِلُّ لَكُمۡ أَن تَرِثُواْ ٱلنِّسَآءَ كَرۡهٗاۖ وَلَا تَعۡضُلُوهُنَّ لِتَذۡهَبُواْ بِبَعۡضِ مَآ ءَاتَيۡتُمُوهُنَّ إِلَّآ أَن يَأۡتِينَ بِفَٰحِشَةٖ مُّبَيِّنَةٖۚ وَعَاشِرُوهُنَّ بِٱلۡمَعۡرُوفِۚ فَإِن كَرِهۡتُمُوهُنَّ فَعَسَىٰٓ أَن تَكۡرَهُواْ شَيۡـٔٗا وَيَجۡعَلَ ٱللَّهُ فِيهِ خَيۡرٗا كَثِيرٗا
Meaning - :O you who have believed, it is not lawful for you to inherit women by compulsion. And do not make difficulties for them in order to take [back] part of what you gave them unless they commit a clear immorality. And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them – perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good. (4:19)
The main message is not to become a womanizer or somebody more masculine, rather to join together and do good and strive in the path of Allah (SWT). As Allah (SWT) demands,
وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنَٰتُ بَعۡضُهُمۡ أَوۡلِيَآءُ بَعۡضٖۚ يَأۡمُرُونَ بِٱلۡمَعۡرُوفِ وَيَنۡهَوۡنَ عَنِ ٱلۡمُنكَرِ وَيُقِيمُونَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَيُؤۡتُونَ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَيُطِيعُونَ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥٓۚ أُوْلَـٰٓئِكَ سَيَرۡحَمُهُمُ ٱللَّهُۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٞ,
Meaning - The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. Those – Allah will have mercy upon them. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise. (9:71)
In conclusion, the woman has a right to whatever she says, and to caretake the future generation, and pair alongside her husband, and advise good things, and to be a companion. The husband should also be respectful and understanding of a woman's worth before even engaging in abuse. If a man fails to provide that baseline acknowledgment, those types of people shouldn’t engage with one. Men aren’t superior or inferior to women, and women aren’t superior or inferior to men, as they are compared based on their deeds. I hope this answers your question. Salaam (WRWB)
Does Modern Science take precedence over the Quran and religion?
Salaam (WRWB). Although Modern Science is something we all benefit from. All our theories, such as numbers, medicine, the inventor of the camera all come from the Golden Age of Islam. Are they not scientists? Of course they are, but the Golden Age of Islam was all about perceiving knowledge. As there was the “House of Wisdom”, or Bayt-Hikamh at Baghdad. They all believed in Allah (SWT), and had brought some of the most significant discoveries known to mankind.
Not only are they knowledgeable people, but they can teach us that the Quran and science can go hand to hand, and that the faith of Allah (SWT) should come first whilst seeking knowledge. So in short science and religion do not contradict each other, but rather can connect with each other. But let’s go a little deeper.
Does the Quran not talk about extracting knowledge in the Quran? The first ayats revealed to the Prophet (PBUH) are about knowledge.
ٱقۡرَأۡ بِٱسۡمِ رَبِّكَ ٱلَّذِي خَلَقَ
Meaning - Recite in the name of your Lord who created. (96:1)
خَلَقَ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنَ مِنۡ عَلَقٍ
Meaning - Created man from a clinging substance. (96:2)
ٱقۡرَأۡ وَرَبُّكَ ٱلۡأَكۡرَمُ
Meaning - Recite, and your Lord is most Generous. (96:3)
ٱلَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِٱلۡقَلَمِ
Meaning - Who taught by the pen. (96:4)
عَلَّمَ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنَ مَا لَمۡ يَعۡلَمۡ
Meaning - Taught man that which he knew not. (96:5)
This pen analogy is further depicted. As the seeking of knowledge is mandatory, as in the Day of Judgement as we all gather, Allah (SWT) will question us based on our knowledge. Science is groundbreaking, but it wouldn’t have been groundbreaking had it not been for Allah (SWT). As one of the many attributes of Allah (SWT), is “Al-Bari”, which means, “The Maker”, “The Innovator.”
Take the example of the pen. Imagine all of humanity’s knowledge sucked up in a pen. The pen would run out of ink in a stroke or two. But Allah (SWT)’s pen (full of knowledge), would never run out. Imagine a rain droplet of water summarizing our “scientific” knowledge, Allah’s (SWT) would be the entire ocean, full of endless amounts of knowledge that we cannot cope with. Therefore we should be grateful for our knowledge to Allah (SWT).
The innovations in early medicine, the germ theory, were compiled with some of the best Islamic scholars, long before the Europeans had used it.
Why do you think during the Black Death (Bubonic Plague), one of the most devastating plagues in mankind, few Muslims had died. It’s because of their hygiene, as scholars like Ibn Sina, Ibn Khattab, and Al-Razi, as the Europeans would create a theory about germs inspired by this in the recent centuries. Those same people who had knowledge ahead of their time had believed in Allah (SWT).
Allah (SWT), decides to test and trial people with their knowledge. What you have to know is that it’s about the knowledge itself. Science isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s how and where you use that knowledge. Do you glorify Allah (SWT), and does it fulfill his commandments in the Quran? Do you believe in Allah (SWT)’s attributes that retain knowledge? These are all questions you should be asking yourself.
Science and religion shouldn’t be put on top of each other, but rather side to side. Use that knowledge that Allah (SWT), to worship him. As one of the core elements in Islam, is seeking knowledge. I hope this answers your question, Salaam (WRWB)
Why is Surah Yaseen considered to be the Heart of the Quran?
Salaam (WRWB). Surah Yaseen is one of the most powerful surahs when it comes to its meaning. There are a lot of benefits when it comes to reciting the Surah.
Firstly, there is confirmation that Surah Yaseen is indeed the heart of the Quran.
"Indeed, everything has a heart, and the heart of the Quran is Yaseen." - Al-Tirdmidhi
The surah itself talks about the creation of mankind, talks about prophethood, disbelieving, achieving taqwa, and the reflection of the afterlife, overall giving you the essence of the core of the Quran. The surah is most often recited when people undergo hardship, to help cure illness, and to be recited when having anxiety and need to be calmed down.
That being said, there are several hadith that were reported about Surah Yaseen. Firstly Surah Yaseen makes hardships easy,
"Recite Surah Yaseen upon your dead, for it will ease their hardships." - Al-Nasa’i
Reciting this surah can also easen your day, as reciting earlier on your day like after Fajr helps with their needs with daily tasks, and allows one to accomplish them. When of course they recite this surah.
"Whoever recites Surah Yaseen at the beginning of the day, their needs will be fulfilled." - Al-Tirdmidhi
Just note that when you recite this surah your intention should be clear. As a matter of fact, reciting it for the sake of Allah (SWT) will forgive us. And of course reciting the heart of the Quran with sincere intention causes the Quran to intercede in the Day of Judgement.
So overall Surah Yaseen is the heart of the Quran, it may seem a little long but 10-20 minutes to recite this, can make the rest of the day feel very smooth. And it is perfect to recite when you especially have a day full of tasks. I hope this answers your question, Salaam (WRWB)
What is a Mahram, and who is regarded to be my Mahram?
Salaam (WRWB). A Mahram is considered to be a close (blood) related relative which is forbidden in marriage. The obvious examples of a Mahram are your parents and siblings. Meaning from a guys perspective you can see the opposite gender without the Hijab if they are your Mahram. That also means you can touch each other but of course with Islamic boundaries.
Let’s say you do marry, and the contract of marriage is signed, that wife as well as offsprings from that wife/husband will be indeed your Mahram, having the same rules as a normal Mahram would be. As we know in Muslim (for the men) it is not actually haram to look at a woman without her Hijab. What your intention derives from your gaze determines that. Cause let’s be real there are unfortunately some people who gaze with the wrong intentions.
If it’s just an unphased normal look, with no proper lustful desire, then it is fine. But if you have lustful intentions as well as bad thoughts then keep it at one glance.
Coming back to my topic, cousins whether they are male-female are not your Mahram. For instance I’m a male writing this article, my cousin is not my Mahram meaning I can marry her, vice versa for the female to male cousins. But if I marry my sister or my aunt it is forbidden because they are my Mahram.
Furthermore the members of Mahram can be split into two answers. One for the female and male.
Mahram of a Male: Mom, Sister, Grandmother, Aunt (Mom’s Sister), Aunt (Dad’s Sister), Wife, Daughter, Niece
Mahram of a Female: Dad, Brother, Grandfather, Uncle (Mom’s Brother), (Dad’s Brother), Husband, Son, Nephew
Not Mahram: Cousins (of the opposite gender), Dad’s or Mom’s sister in law (for the opposite gender) and Dad or Mom’s brother in law (for the opposite gender)
The perks of having this Mahram title is simply that you do not have to watch your gaze as much as outside people, you can see them without a hijab, without being sinful. (from a male's perspective) And for the females you can take off your hijab with your Mahram without being sinful.
It is to be mentioned just because you have this opportunity, don't use it wrong and disobey the Islamic guidelines, cause there are those people who are as crazy as it sounds. Same with wives and daughters, Mahram and Islamic guidelines go to them too.
And with sister’s in law and brother’s in law from your dad and mom, and you if your siblings marry there are debates, but there is no reason for them to be your Mahram, as they aren’t even related to you blood wise. As sure, the spouse or husband of that brother/sister in law are their Mahram, but not like you. If that makes sense.
To get more technical, what if your wife or husband divorces you, does she send up as your Mahram? Answer, no. The marriage contract is broken and they weigh to no significance, meaning they are no longer your Mahram and are just like any Non-Mahram.
So to summarize, Mahram is a very important characteristic that implements modesty. For the men it is not permitted for them to hang out with relatives that purposefully have no Hijab because they are “related.” And for the women it is not generally recommended to travel without their Mahram. I hope this answers your question, Salaam (WRWB)
Is it permissible to skip Salaah during the festive day of Eid
Salaam (WRWB). Eid is a holy day, no doubt. As Eid Salaah may be, it is vastly agreed by the majority that it is Waajib, to perform the Salaah.
But being able to skip the 5 daily prayers on Eid Day is definitely a misconception. Firstly, you must know Salaah is mandatory anywhere and every place. As the Prophet (PBUH) once had said in a hadith,
"Allah has made five prayers obligatory. Whoever performs their wudu properly, prays them on time, completes their bowing and prostration with humility — it is a promise from Allah that He will forgive them. But whoever does not do that has no promise from Allah — He may forgive him, or He may punish him."
— [Sunan Abi Dawood 425]
Another fact to consider is the weight of Salaah as it is the first thing that all people will be questioned about on the Day of Judgement.
Furthermore, if you do abandon Salah you are considered to be a disbeliever. The Prophet (PBUH) proclaims,
"Between a man and shirk (polytheism) and kufr (disbelief) stands the abandonment of the prayer."
— [Sahih Muslim 82]
With all things considered, you may celebrate Eid as much as you want, but sorry brother Salaah is always a must, no matter the occasion. I hope this answers your question, Salaam (WRWB).
If all the ants in the world gathered and made dua, would Allah accept it?
Salaam (WRWB). I see you picked quite an interesting question. We always tend to neglect the fact that we aren’t Allah’s only creations. Long before humans, Allah (SWT) had made the Jinn. Allah (SWT) proclaims in the Quran,
وَلَقَدۡ خَلَقۡنَا ٱلۡإِنسَٰنَ مِن صَلۡصَٰلٖ مِّنۡ حَمَإٖ مَّسۡنُونٖ
Meaning - And We did certainly create man out of clay from an altered black mud. (15:26)
وَٱلۡجَآنَّ خَلَقۡنَٰهُ مِن قَبۡلُ مِن نَّارِ ٱلسَّمُومِ
Meaning - And the jinn We created before from scorching fire. (15:27)
So it’s not like we are the only one worshipping Allah (SWT). You have other creations like the angels that serve many purposes and duties, like Jibrail (AS) who gives Allah (SWT)’s messages to the Prophets. Mikail (AS) who gives rain, or Israfil (AS) who blows the horn on the Day of Judgement.
And we also have other creations of Allah (SWT), the animals. Such as the donkey (Al-Himar), the camel (Al-Jamal), or the cow (Al-Baqarah).
Allah (SWT) mentions in the Quran,
تُسَبِّحُ لَهُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتُ ٱلسَّبۡعُ وَٱلۡأَرۡضُ وَمَن فِيهِنَّۚ وَإِن مِّن شَيۡءٍ إِلَّا يُسَبِّحُ بِحَمۡدِهِۦ وَلَٰكِن لَّا تَفۡقَهُونَ تَسۡبِيحَهُمۡۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ حَلِيمًا غَفُورٗا
Meaning - The seven heavens and the earth and whatever is in them exalt Him. And there is not a thing except that it exalts [Allah] by His praise, but you do not understand their [way of] exalting. Indeed, He is ever Forbearing and Forgiving. (17:44)
So the next time we see ants, we may not understand what type of dua’s ants make, but Allah (SWT) does, as each creation is meant to worship Allah (SWT). Which includes, the sheep, the cows, the horses, basically any animal glorifies Allah (SWT). I hope this answers your question, Salaam (WRWB).
What is the difference between the messages in Surah Qaaf and Surah Haaqqah?
Salaam (WRWB). Surah Qaaf is the 50th chapter in the Quran, that talks about resurrection. On the corner you have the 69th chapter in the Quran, Surah Haqqah that also talks about the Day of Judgement. Don’t worry, both surahs talk about different aspects of the Day of Judgement, though you should know they both touch light upon this topic.
Firstly, Surah Qaaf talks about the intentions of the people who disbelieve, talking about the darkening of one's heart, and how Allah (SWT) knows what’s behind everybody’s intentions. It is also mentioned in the Surah, Allah (SWT) is as close to us as our jugular vein, which is basically the vein of our throat/neck.
This surah also provides us the angels who are constantly reporting on what we make. Giving you a preview that for some things you might think you get away but you don’t, as the Day of Judgement will expose all our sins.
Meanwhile Surah Haqqah, shows a comparison to those who disbelieve vs those who believe. The right hand and the left hand of the Day of Judgement. Giving you vivid descriptions of each sight, rather than just talking about the resurrection itself. They also give us examples of past nations who suffered the punishments such as Thamud and Aad.
It’s like Surah Qaaf is the resurrection, and then Surah Haqqah is where we are resurrected and the scenario, scenic view. Both surahs do shed light on the major event of the Day of Judgment.
I hope this answers your question. Salaam (WRWB).
Why is Prophet Musa (AS) mentioned so much in the Quran?
Salaam (WRWB). Prophet Musa (AS) is one of the 5 major prophets or in other words, Ulul-Azm which are the “Prophets of Strong Determination.” He is mentioned in the Quran the most in 131 times across a span of 34 surahs. His message, “The Torah” had been altered and disassembled by the Bani Israel despite all the blessings they had received from Allah (SWT), thus Allah (SWT) greatly mentions them in a corrupted manner.
Furthermore, Prophet Musa (AS) is mentioned so much not only of his status, it’s because of the result of the people of his message. As it is to warn those people who read the Quran and receive the message, a warning to not end up like Bani Israel. As there are so many stories and lessons to takeaway from Musa (AS) such as being humble, worshipping Allah (SWT), being steadfast, or recognizing Allah (SWT)'s attributes, all very core elements to having a stronger faith and becoming a better Muslim.
Also, consider the fact that both had spread a message into a relatively new place and both faced similar trials in difficulty. And hence they are both in the title of Ulul-Azm. As both prevailed and had remained steadfast.
Tying all these factors you can see why Musa (AS) is mentioned so much in the Quran. The Prophet (PBUH) had said,
"May Allah have mercy on Musa! He was harmed more than this, yet he remained patient."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 3150)
I hope this answers your question. Salaam (WRWB).
Why are certain ethnicities praised by the Prophet (PBUH), even though there is a superiority complex?
Salaam (WRWB). The Prophet (PBUH) had once said in a hadith,
"The people of Yemen have come to you, and they are more soft-hearted and gentle. Faith (Iman) is Yemeni, and wisdom is Yemeni." (Sahih al-Bukhari 4388, Sahih Muslim 52)
No doubt this is a case of praising a particular ethnicity group. But that doesn’t determine their priority over other people in any way. And that does not mean that all Yemenis are soft-hearted and gentle. It’s a compliment.
It’s like saying your father is good at driving his car. That’s not taken away from the other people in the household, it just shows his quality. This isn’t favoritism by any means, but rather your complimenting someone based off their attribute just as the Prophet (PBUH)
It’s not like the Yemenis were the only ones to be praised by the Prophet (PBUH). There were other groups that were praised, like the Ansaar people of Madinah. As he had said,
"Loving the Ansar is a sign of faith, and hating them is a sign of hypocrisy."
(Sahih al-Bukhari 17, Sahih Muslim 74)
And there was another hadith about praising the knowledge of Persians. He had mentioned,
"If knowledge were suspended from the Pleiades (ثريا), then some men from Persia would reach it."
(Sahih Muslim 2546, Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3262)
Note here that Pleiades means the “cluster of stars.” Also note, that it isn’t just one race being promoted.
But in the eyes of Allah (SWT), he ranks people based on their righteousness and their Taqwa. Allah (SWT) mentions in Surah Hujrat,
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقۡنَٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٖ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلۡنَٰكُمۡ شُعُوبٗا وَقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓاْۚ إِنَّ أَكۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَىٰكُمۡۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٞ
Meaning - O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted. (49:13)
So to summarize, there are always good aspects to learn from people. Not everyone is good at everything. Your dad can be good at running, while your mom can be good at cooking. Are they any different from each other, yes but only for Taqwa in the eyes of Allah (SWT). Same goes for ethnicities, but you cannot always assume that a Persian is always knowledgeable or all Yemenis are gentle. I hope this answers your question, Salaam (WRWB).
I know that Surah Alaq 1-5 was the first revelation given to the Prophet (PBUH) but what is the second revelation of the Quran?
Salaam (WRWB). As you had mentioned in your question Surah Alaq is indeed the revelation of the Quran. To recap, those verses describe reading in the name of your Lord and to glorify Allah (SWT) as he is the most knowledgeable and is the one who gives out the knowledge. The revelation took place in the Cave of Hira, and these ayats had been revealed from Angel Jibrail (AS) as his presence greatly put fear and anxiety into the Prophet (PBUH).
So he had returned home and had asked Khadijah (RA) to cover him in blankets. This is the place where our story begins. Firstly the second revelation to the Prophet (PBUH) had been Surah Muddathir (1-5). Secondly we must first go over the ayat and literal meaning of each.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلۡمُدَّثِّرُ
Meaning - O you who covers himself [with a garment]. (74:1)
قُمۡ فَأَنذِرۡ
Meaning - Arise and warn. (74:2)
وَرَبَّكَ فَكَبِّرۡ
Meaning - And glorify your Lord. (74:3)
وَثِيَابَكَ فَطَهِّرۡ
Meaning - And purify your clothing (yourself). (74:4)
وَٱلرُّجۡزَ فَٱهۡجُرۡ
Meaning - And avoid uncleanliness (idols). (74:5)
Overall this revelation signifies the official call to the Prophet (PBUH) to get up from your bed and spread Islam. So this command marked the beginning of Prophethood and to glorify Allah (SWT); to follow his given command. I hope this answers your question. Salaam (WRWB)
What is the first question that will be asked on the Day of Judgement?
Salaam (WRWB). The Day of Judgement is something everyone and everything of Allah (SWT)’s creation will have to face. It is a day in which childrens and parents look at each other with envy, a day where friends become enemies, a day where hearts are broken and exposed. Allah (SWT) describes this day in the Quran in many surahs. One in particular suggests,
هَلۡ أَتَىٰكَ حَدِيثُ ٱلۡغَٰشِيَةِ
Meaning - Has there reached you the report of the Overwhelming [event]? (88:1)
وُجُوهٞ يَوۡمَئِذٍ خَٰشِعَةٌ
Meaning - [Some] faces, that Day, will be humbled. (88:2)
عَامِلَةٞ نَّاصِبَةٞ
Meaning - Working [hard] and exhausted. (88:3)
تَصۡلَىٰ نَارًا حَامِيَة
Meaning - They will [enter to] burn in an intensely hot Fire. (88:4)
That being said, the first question that will be asked to everyone is Salaah. The Prophet (PBUH) proclaims to us,
"The first thing for which a person will be brought to account on the Day of Judgment is his prayer. If it is sound, he will be successful and saved; but if it is deficient, he will be lost and doomed." (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 413, Sahih by Al-Albani)
Thus showing the importance of Salah. Not only is it a pillar of Islam, it differentiates a believer and disbeliever is just Salaah. The Prophet (PBUH) had said,
"Indeed, between a man and shirk (polytheism) and kufr (disbelief) is the abandonment of prayer." (Sahih Muslim 82)
One of my teachers had described the Day of Judgement as the result of our exam. Prayer and Shadaah would be valued 50% in that exam, whereas anything else would be worth the other half. I hope this answers your question. Salaam (WRWB)
What is Tawheed, and what are its 3 categories?
Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah: Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah is the belief in Allah’s lordship, meaning, who Allah is and what he does for us. We believe that he is the Creator, Sustainer, Provider, etc. Many people have this category of Tawheed, but it is their lack of the other two types which makes them disbelievers. For example, some of the polytheists during the time of the Prophet believed that Allah created everything. Allah says in Surah Luqman, verse 25: “And if you asked them, “Who created the heavens and earth?” they would surely say, “Allah”. Say, “All praise is to Allah”, but most of them do not know”. Despite the fact that they believed in Allah, they still associated partners with him, and put intermediaries in which they worship besides Allah. This is a lack of the second category of Tawheed, which is Tawheed Al-Uloohiyyah.
Tawheed Al-Uloohiyyah: Tawheed Al-Uloohiyyah is our worship, which is what we do for Allah, and how we worship him. This is essential to our religion, as we worship Allah the way he wants us to. We do not worship anything besides Allah, like graves, idols, false deities, etc. This is what solidifies our Islam, and it is important that we stay away from acts of shirk, and try our best to perfect our worship, which includes staying away from innovative matters in the religion.
Tawheed Al-Asmaa’ Wa As-Sifaat: Finally, Tawheed Al-Asmaa’ Wa As-Sifaat is the belief in Allah’s names and attributes. We affirm all of Allah’s names and attributes, without distorting the meaning, likening Allah’s names and attributes to the creation, denying them, or asking how they are. We accept whatever is mentioned in revelation, and affirm every single one of Allah’s names and attributes, and we do not add on to that. So it is important to accept all of His names and attributes the way they came.