Questions people ask about Islam

Is there a God at all, how a claim of revelation can be tested, whether the Qur’anic text came down intact — and the challenge and the charge of borrowing.

His life, campaigns and marriages, Banu Qurayza, the spoils and the captives — and the test a researcher, not a follower, would apply to each.

Christ’s divinity, the crucifixion, the Trinity and corrupted scripture; who among the People of the Book is saved; the alleged prophecies and Paul.

The sword verse, jizya, slavery, the penalties, apostasy and civilian deaths — what extremists cite from these verses, and where their reading breaks.

Eternal punishment for finite unbelief, evil and suffering, God’s foreknowledge and human choice, those the message never reached, and the children of non-Muslims.

Guardianship, inheritance, polygyny, testimony, striking, veiling and Aisha’s age — what is actually reported, and what is custom mistaken for scripture.

Prayer, fasting, wine, interest, music, images, working at a bank or a bar, dress and food, and living in a non-Muslim country after entering Islam.

How one actually enters, what becomes of past deeds and of family, whether a name or Arabic is required, and what follows if one falters, hesitates or conceals it.