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How was the order of the Qur'an decided?

As far as I know, the first time the Qur'an was compiled into one volume was by Abu Bakr, during his term as Khalifah (Caliph). My question is, how did they decide what order to put surahs in? For example, why did Surat Al-Falaq come before Surat…
Dynamic
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Why do the Shi'as believe that their Imams can provide divine guidance?

We all know for sure that Prophet Muhammad Sallahu alayhi wassalam was the last Prophet and the seal of the Messengers and he received the final revelation or the "Divine Message". I and most Sunnis believe that the Guidance is only from Allah and…
Abdullah
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Is X halal? (reference question)

Islam.SE often gets questions of the kind "is X halal?", where "X" may be quite specific and the permissiveness of which is very clear. Examples include can I bathe with my wife, can I marry two women at the same time, can a wife accompany her…
G. Bach
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Are Muslims encouraged to read the Bible and/or the Torah? Why or why not?

If I understand correctly, Islam accepts several holy books as authored by Allah. Obviously, Muslims are encouraged to read the Quran, but among these books are the Bible (or Gospel) and the Torah, and it's not clear to me whether or not Muslims…
Rebecca J. Stones
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What are the readings (qira'at) of Quran?

As far as I know there are more than one reading for Quran. Some say they are 7 and others say they are 14. What does that mean? Are there more than one Quran? Which reading is the correct one and why? What is the role of Uthman (may Allah be…
user126
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4 answers

Why did Al-Khidr kill a boy?

First of all, I am new to reading the Quran, so forgive me for any misunderstanding that I may cause. In Surat Al-Kahf aya 74, the journey between Al-Khidr and Moses, Al-Khidr kills an innocent boy and later on explains to Moses that the boy's…
Noah
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Why did Ayesha battle with Ali (a.s) in the Battle of the Camel (Jamal)?

Many Sunni references point to the fact that Ayesha, along with some of the companions of the Prophet (saws) such as Talha and Zubair engaged into a battle with Ali (a.s). References : History (Tarikh) of al-Tabari, Events of year 36 AH History of…
Abbas Gadhia
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How do we reconcile the apostasy ruling with Al-Baqarah 2:256?

There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is…
System Down
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How does Islam view the Christian New Testament?

I realize this is a rather broad question. I'm looking for a broad answer as well, with just a general overview of the relevant material. I will likely ask more specific followup questions. As Islam was founded several hundred years after…
Flimzy
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If devils are locked up in Ramadan, why do some Muslims still sin during the month?

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained. -" Sahih Bukhari 31:123 If devils are locked up in Ramadan how is…
Muhammad Hasan Khan
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Where does Allah come from?

Everything was created by Allah but then where did Allah come from? Is it haram to ask such a question?
Aisha
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What are temporary marriages and how are they different from permanent ones?

What are temporary marriages and how are they different from permanent ones? Are they still allowed?
Badger Cat
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Why is Interest such a bad thing according to Islam?

Source of quoted texts: islamqa.com. "Those who eat Ribaa will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaytaan (Satan) leading him to insanity. That is because they say: "Trading is only like…
user3550
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Is "Christmas" were seen as secular (rather than religious), would it be acceptable to celebrate it?

I understand that many (most?) Muslims prefer not to really celebrate Christmas, due to conflicting religious views. However, in truth Christmas is a composite event, of secular (arguably: predominantly), pagan, and Christian origin. Now, it happens…
Marc Gravell
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Is it sin to categorize yourself into a particular sect?

What is the ruling in Islam regarding categorization of Muslims into sects like Sunni and Shia? Does Allah allow/disallow it in Quran? What did Prophet (P.B.U.H) say about it? Would it be a sin if I label myself one of those groups as opposed to…
Muhammad Hasan Khan
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