1. DEAR ABE: Would it be wrong to turn down a Muslim for marriage just because she is not our ideal physical standard?  –KEVIN, USA

DEAR KEVIN: God has created spouses for contentment and tranquility [1].  When you and another person agree to marry, there should be compatibility in order to help achieve these goals. Physical attraction is a legitimate criteria to consider when choosing your life partner in marriage.  Intellectual and emotional compatibility would be some others.  As with all things, you should pray for God’s guidance.  Remember, that nothing in life can happen if it is against God’s will [2].

Relevant Quran Verses:  [1] 30:21;  [2] 64:11.

2. DEAR ABE: I am trying to understand Islam and why there seems to be no condemnation of the vicious atrocities committed in the name of Islam. Yesterday a 14 year old Pakistani girl was shot in the head by the Taliban, who claim that this was justified by writings in the Quran.  Does the Quran justify this?  If not where is the condemnation by leaders of the religion? –DAVID, USA

DEAR DAVID: Standard news outlets in the USA often present a limited view of international events. In regards to the specific incident that you mention, may we suggest that you search over the internet for "Pakistan television." Like the USA, Pakistan has multiple privately owned television stations with freedom to express their views and twenty-four hour news channels in at least three languages, including English. You will see and hear widespread condemnation of this act on those TV stations and in newspapers in Pakistan. You will not find silence in condemnation of this and similar acts. There is no justification whatsoever for such acts in the Quran [1].

3. DEAR ABE: Assalam walaikum. I am a younger man, employed, and my wife and I live with my parents, as is custom. Every year, my father sacrifices a cow during Eid Ul Adha and devotes this sacrifice to Allah on behalf of my family and I. Since I am working and an adult, should I do a separate sacrifice with my own money? –ARPAN, INDIA

DEAR ARPAN: The celebrations at the end of the month of Ramadan and the time of the Hajj Pilgrimage (Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha) are not sanctioned by the Quran as religious events, or requirements. This does not preclude people from celebrating the end of these times, but it should not be viewed as a religious rite or obligation of Islam.  The sacrifice you mention is a requirement only for those who perform Hajj [1]. The performance of this sacrifice by those not performing Hajj is actually a fabrication of the scholars. The Quran does not speak of religious scholars kindly [2].

Relevant Quran Verse: [1] 2:196; [2] 6:114, 9:31, 34:54.

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