Q1. In the Torah, God is mentioned speaking to Abraham as a man speaks to his friend in an interactive way of communication. There is an interactive quality to their communication. (1)Is this the way Mohammed received the revelation from God? (2)Is this interactive conversation relegated to only the Prophets or is it available to all? 

Answer: In Quran, Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) is termed as a “friend of Allah”. Communication between God and prophets always took place through an intermediary or having a curtain in between them. Revelations to prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) came through Angel Gabriel. These types of communications are designated only to the chosen ones only, i.e., prophets.

Q2. Is it impossible to be Muslim and Christian simultaneously?

Answer: To become a Muslim, one must abandon the belief of God having physical/biological linkages with Jesus (peace be upon him) or anyone else. God is the One and only creator, sustainer, and master of everything. He does not have any partner in the affairs and attributes of being a God.

Quran rejects the meaning evident in the word “THE SON”. The word “SON” in our human language entails a specific human biological act (a man sleeping with a woman and producing a child). This concept of the word ‘SON” is not approved by Muslims as well as Christians. Christen take Jesus (peace be upon him) to be very near to God, so do Muslims. Muslims regard Jesus (peace be upon him) as one of the highest-ranking prophets of Allah.

Q3. Christians join the church through Baptism, is there a similar ceremony in Islam?

Answer: There isn’t any such ceremony in Islam. To become a Muslim all one has to do is say Shahdah (“I bear witness that there is no God but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is the slave and Messenger of Allah”). However, it is recommended to take a bath declaring Shahdah.

Q4. Centuries ago, Christianity went through a "reformation" in response to extremism within Christianity (i.e. the Crusades). In a historic sense do you think Islam needs a "Reformation"?

Answer: Basic Islamic tenets, such as, belief in Allah and his messenger, praying, giving charity, fasting in Ramadan, and going for Pilgrimage are Divine instructions and cannot be changed/reformed by us humans). However, currently some Islamic countries have practices that are cultural or political that can be changed. 

Q5. How would you briefly (if possible!) explain the differences between Sunni and Shiite Muslims? And, if possible: What is a Druze?

Answer: Both Shiites and Sunnis follow the same faith and principles of Islam. Their differences are basically historical and political in nature. Druze is a deviant sect of Islam that is not regarded as Muslims.

Q6. How is the "obligatory charity" determined for the individual?

Answer: For an individual, obligatory charity is 2.5% of annual savings. It is termed as "Zakah" or Purification of Alms). 

Q7. What is the Islamic concept of an after life?

Answer: Firm belief in hereafter is a crucial part of Islam. Life on this earth is temporary, death brings end to the temporary life. This life is meant to be a preparation for the life hereafter, which is never ending. Heaven shall be the reward for a person of good deeds and actions. Whereas, Hell will be the destination of a person with evil deeds in this world. Heaven, a place of eternal happiness and peace.

Q8. My calendar shows Ramadan on Nov 12 and also on Nov 16 - I'm confused. My calendar does not show when Ramadan ends?

Answer: Ramadan should begin and end on one date. The start and ending dates are determined by lunar calendar, per the testimonies of individuals who sight the moon. Sometimes one has to wait just a day before the start and end dates.

Q9. Ramadan is a fasting and purification of spirit in a temporal world. What does the Islam say about the "rewards" of Ramadan? 

Answer: Every good deed is rewarded by Allah 10 to 700 fold. The reward for fasting is countless. Fasting sustains physical health and it generates a spirit of empathy with poor by going through what they live