I am a year eleven student from xxx, Australia.  As an elective for  one of my subjects, (Study of Religion) I have chosen to compose a  1000-1500 word essay on the importance of the Pillars of Faith, to  modern day Moslems;  in particular, to what extent sociality and  mythology play a role in each of the pillars.  I would be much obliged  if you could inform me of or send me any relevant information conforming to this topic.  I am very grateful for your time.

With regards to your query we would suggest you read the book entitled: "Introduction to Islam" by Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah. Chapter 5 in particular would be of interest to you for your essay and more specifically, paragraph 165. The book is commonly available at Muslim bookstores, and might possibly be in your local library. If you can't find it there, then it could be purchased online at amazon.com
 

I saw your posting on soc.religion.islam and hope you don't mind my writing you.

I've been trying to find information on how Islam, specifically the Qur'an, deals with the subject of sex. I am sure this may seem like a set-up of some sort but please let me assure you, it is not.

I'm on several menopause mailing lists, and the subject of sex and religion has come up. Some religions feel that sex should be only for procreation and not for enjoyment. With menopause putting an end to a woman's fertility, those religions would appear to be saying that once a woman   reaches menopause, she shouldn't be having sex.

I've been submerging myself in islam newsgroups and books for the past month, and for the life of me, I can not find the reference that indicated that Islam dictates sexual relations only within marriage, and only for procreation.

Am I wrong? I'd appreciate any references that you might be able to provide. Please feel free to forward this message to anyone you feel may be able to help me.

Answer

This letter required a very detailed answer, so we published our answer on this website. Click here to see our response.

I am a Christian, Canadian female and I have recently started dating a Muslim man.  I am ignorant towards the Muslim traditions and customs and would like to gain more insight. However, the resources on the internet are limited to strict Islamic traditions.  I was more curious on subjects about the unions of a Muslim and non-Muslim couple. For example, does the non-Muslim have to become Muslim? He was born in Canada and says that he is very Canadianized.  I am pretty sure his parents are more traditional about his culture though.

I do not want to insult him or his family by asking invasive questions about his culture.  I was wondering if you would have any information or   possible sites I could go to (and look at) to help me with this.   Unless, of course, you would be able to give me some advice and/or information of your own.

I appreciate all your time and help.  This has kept me up (as you can tell by the hour) and I have been unable to get proper sleep. Thank you for all your time and consideration with this matter.

Thank you for your inquiry to The Canadian Society of Muslims.

We would like to refer you to an article on our other website, entitled Sex in Islam which might provide some answers for you.

We would also suggest you purchase the book: "Introduction to Islam" by Dr. M. Hamidullah (Available at Islamic bookstores and failing that, is available from Amazon.com). Particularly useful for you would be the chapter called "Muslim Women" paragraph 380.

Another useful book for you would be "Islam Forbids Free Mixing of Men and Women?" by Muhammad Iqbal Siddiqi. This book, if not available at local Muslim Bookstores, is available at Kazi Publications in Chicago.

Also, "Purdah and the Status of Women in Islam" by S. Abul Ala Mawdudi, might answer some of your questions. This book can also be found at Kazi Publications in Chicago and may also be found at local Islamic bookstores.

These titles deal with the subject from the Islamic Law point of view, however, cultural usage and practices may vary widely. Interpretations supporting various cultural traditions, practices and usage in all parts of the Muslim world are so different, ranging from the orthodox to liberal,  and so it is extremely difficult for us to help you in suggesting any particular book. At any rate, we do hope this meager attempt will be useful for you.