April 2023 Archive: Answers to Your Burning Islam Questions

Welcome to the roundup of everything we published in April 2023. Curious about whether Islam permits rape or sex slavery? Wondering how a Christian can date a Muslim girl? Looking for practical guidance on hijab, turban, or the status of women in Islam? We’ve gathered the most asked questions, cut through the noise, and gave you plain‑spoken answers.

Myths, Misinterpretations, and Real Teachings

One of the hottest topics this month was the claim that Islam allows rape or sex slavery of non‑Muslim women. We dug into the Qur'an, Hadith, and mainstream scholarship and found a clear picture: the overwhelming majority of scholars reject any such allowance. Extremist fringe groups twist verses for political gain, but mainstream Islamic law treats non‑consensual sex as a serious crime, regardless of the victim’s faith.

Another thread many of you asked about was the gender of Allah. In everyday Arabic Allah is referred to with masculine pronouns, but that’s a linguistic shortcut, not a statement about divine gender. The core belief is that Allah transcends human categories, so trying to label Him as male or female misses the point. What matters is the relationship of love, mercy, and guidance that Allah offers to all.

Living Faith: Women, Identity, and Relationships

Women’s rights showed up in several posts. We explored whether Islam elevated the status of women and found real, historical improvements: rights to own property, seek education, and request divorce. The Prophet’s own practices showed respect for women, though cultural practices sometimes lag behind. The discussion also covered the hijab’s role. For many, it’s a symbol of modesty, identity, and protection from unwanted attention. It isn’t just a dress code; it’s a personal choice rooted in faith.

Some readers wondered about wearing a turban. While not common, some women choose a turban for cultural or personal reasons. There’s no universal ruling that makes it haram, and the decision rests on individual interpretation and community norms. If you feel the turban aligns with your understanding of modesty, you’re free to wear it.

We also gave a voice to Muslim feminists. They’re pushing back against patriarchal readings of scripture, arguing that true Islam champions gender justice. Their work blends activism with scholarship, showing that faith and feminism can walk hand in hand.

Interfaith dating sparked a heartfelt conversation. A Christian dating a Muslim girl faces challenges: differences in prayer routines, family expectations, and holiday celebrations. The key, we found, is open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to learn each other’s traditions. When both partners value love over labels, the relationship can thrive.

Each article aimed to be practical, not preachy. If you’re looking for quick takeaways, here they are: Islam forbids rape, Allah is beyond gender, hijab is a personal expression, women’s rights have historic roots, and respectful dialogue makes interfaith love possible.

We hope this archive gives you a clear snapshot of the topics that mattered most in April 2023. Keep the questions coming, and we’ll keep bringing you answers that cut through the confusion and speak directly to your everyday life.

  • Zayden Kurosawa
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Does Islam permit rape or sex slavery of non-Muslim women?

In my recent exploration of the topic "Does Islam permit rape or sex slavery of non-Muslim women?", I delved into various religious texts and consulted scholarly interpretations. It is important to note that the majority of Muslim scholars and believers denounce such acts as completely against the teachings of Islam. However, some extremist interpretations have emerged that attempt to justify these acts, creating confusion and perpetuating negative stereotypes. In conclusion, Islam does not permit rape or sex slavery of non-Muslim women, and any such claims are often based on misinterpretations of religious texts or the actions of extremist groups. It is crucial to separate the actions of individuals from the core values of the religion itself.

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