Keen Scholarly Insight of Shaykh Rabee’ ibn Haadee al-Madkhalee (may Allah preserve him) About the Causes of Differing During Crises and Emergencies

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

QUESTION: We are here together, and to Allah is all praise, gathered and talking to one another [cordially], without any differing between us. Yet, I see that when some of us return to their lands, they begin differing, even warning against each other. This happens even though they are all Salafees, their reference points are the same, and they all honor the same scholars of Ahlus-Sunnah in this land. So what is your advice to them, may Allah reward you with goodness?

ANSWER: I always advise my brothers and my children among the students of knowledge to stay away from whatever causes differing. This means that sticking to the texts [of revelation] is an absolutely necessary matter; it is a must. Yet, there are ijtihaadaat (attempts to assess and derive rulings on issues) which lead to division. Some ijtihaadaat are beneficial; Allah provides benefit through them to Islam and the Muslims. For this reason, the door of ijtihaad remains open, open to provide benefit to the Ummah, to guide them, to derive rulings from the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace. The one who tries to shut the door of ijtihaad is mistaken, and he has no evidence.

However, firstly, no one is to perform ijtihaad other than one suitable for it, one who has equipped himself with the sciences of the Book, the Sunnah, the [Arabic] Language, and other things. This is the one who performs ijtihaad and investigates relative matters when nawaazil (crucial matters in need of important rulings) take place.

As for students of knowledge, one of them tries to understand as much as he can from the textual evidence. However, in current events and crises, no one is to speak other than the elite Continue reading

The Actual Footprints of Ibrahim at the Ka’bah?

What is “Maqaam Ibrahim”? And are they the Actual Footprints of Ibrahim (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace)?
Imam Ibn Kathir (may Allah have Mercy on him) mentioned:
The Maqaam is the rock Ibrahim (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace) would stand upon to build the Ka’bah. When the walls became high Isma’il (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace) brought his father Ibrahim (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace) the rock so he could stand upon it, and he would pass him the stones. Every time one side was completed they would move to the other side with the rock, Ibrahim (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace) would stand upon it (& build the high parts of the walls on each side).
The footprints of Ibrahim (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace) were clear in the rock, and the Arabs knew of them in Jaahiliyyah.
Thereafter, the Muslims witnessed them too (once Islam was revealed). It is narrated from Anas bin Malik رضي الله عنه who stated: “I saw the Maqaam and in it the imprints of the toes and soles of the feet of Ibrahim (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace), however, people constantly wiping the imprints (despite it not being legislated) have eroded them.
Source: Tafseer of Ibn Katheer (2:125)
Shaikh Ibn ul-‘Uthaymeen was asked, “Are the imprints in Maqaam Ibrahim his actual footsteps?” The shaikh replied: Continue reading

Resources for the 4th Islamic Seminar at Masjid Alfarouq in Edmonton

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

QUICK LINKS TO THE NEW WORKBOOK:*
Print (Paperback) Version on Amazon: USA | UK | CAN | AUS 
PDF Versions:  PDF Workbook | English Text (Mobile) | Arabic Text (Mobile)

*When we recommend any products available on Amazon, as Amazon Associates we may benefit from qualifying purchases when you follow our links from Bakkah.net. This helps us offset the costs of maintaining the website, and we do appreciate your understanding and support!

Here you will find helpful resources and guidance, by Allah’s Permission, connected to the seminar at Masjid Alfarouq in Edmonton, Alberta (Canada), which took place starting on Muharram 29, 1445 (Aug.16-20, 2023), wal-hamdu lillaah, along with special information about the official seminar workbook and some exclusive images of its content.

In anticipation of the seminar, Ustaadh Moosaa Richardson stated:

Upon visiting our brothers in Islam and Sunnah at Masjid Alfarouq in Edmonton, Alberta (Canada) earlier this year, based on the advice of Shaykh Abu Muhammad al-Maghribi (may Allah preserve him), I was delighted to find such beautiful cooperation at an emerging community upon Salafiyyah there. May Allah bless them and increase them in good. Their good efforts to learn and host special events for the benefit of their community and the Muslims of Edmonton at large are exemplary and deserving of our support…

This upcoming fourth seminar, scheduled for the end of Muharram 1445 (August 16-20, 2023), in shaa’ Allah, is another five-day event, similar to the last one. This time, Shaykh Abu Muhammad will be broadening the focus of family matters to include more practical advice and guidance for parents and children, siblings, as well as spouses, in shaa’ Allah. I will continue sharing and explaining verses from the same poetry on Islamic Legal Maxims. After considering that a significant number of the local congregants grew up in communities and households where the Maalikee math-hab is taught, I thought to explain a small text in basic Islamic Creed by an exemplary Maalikee scholar of old, al-Imaam Ibn Abee Zayd al-Qayrawaanee (may Allah have Mercy on him).

Continue reading

RESOURCES for the New Course: al-‘Aqeedah at-Tahaawiyyah

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

QUICK LINKS TO THE NEW WORKBOOK:
Amazon USA: Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle
Amazon UK: Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle
Amazon CAN: Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle
Amazon AUS: Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle
PDF Versions:  PDF Workbook | English Text (Mobile) | Arabic Text (Mobile)
Wholesale orders: Email: Publications@Bakkah.net [Catalog: USA | UK]

When we recommend any products available on Amazon, as an Amazon Associate we may benefit from qualifying purchases when you follow our links from Bakkah.net. This helps us offset the costs of maintaining the website, and we do appreciate your understanding and support!

Here you will find helpful resources and guidance, by Allah’s Permission, connected to the study of al-‘Aqeedah at-Tahaawiyyah, the classic primer on basic Islamic creed in the English Language and information about the newly available workbook.

The Course: al-‘Aqeedah at-Tahaawiyyah

We’ve completed a few introductory lessons in preparation for our study of the text of al-‘Aqeedah at-Tahaawiyyah. So far, Continue reading

A Simple Guide to Dignified Recovery After Religious Neglect [Shaykh Ibn Baaz]

An amazing and insightful letter from a great imaam, the mufti and scholar, Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allah have Mercy on him), to an individual who complained of weakness in faith and expressed remorse over abandoning prayers for a time and other serious forms of religious neglect. His answer is highly beneficial and motivating for all of our brothers and sisters who face similar situations; it addresses and corrects a common misunderstanding – that after abandoning the religion, or falling into severe levels of neglect, the process of returning is embarrassing, or extremely difficult, involving making up many prayers, or maybe even unattainable, assuming that someone cannot return because Allah does not guide the one who has repeatedly fallen into neglect and abandonment of his religion…

From ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn ‘Abdillaah ibn Baaz to the respected Mr. [*****] (name removed), may Allah grant him refuge from the devil’s whisperings and give him success in setting aright both his religious and worldly affairs.

To proceed: Your letter reached me, the one in which you explained some things you did and some problems you were facing, fearing their bad consequences. And we did invite you on 1390/7/13 to come visit in person, but that was not easy for you. So at this time we will respond, in shaa’ Allah (if Allah so wills), to the content of your letter:

Firstly, you mentioned that you pray sometimes, and sometimes you do not pray. You become determined to repent sometimes, but then you do not fulfill that. Sometimes, this laxness may have led you into abandonment of all the pillars [of Islam], and you have become determined to genuinely repent and put a complete end to those things, yet will your repentance be accepted [you ask]? Or will you be from those whom Allah has described as: “Verily those who believe, then disbelieve, then believe, then disbelieve, and then are increased in disbelief, Allah does not forgive them,” to the end of that Verse [4:137]? And is it required as part of the repentance that you openly declare your testimony of faith for all to hear? And is it a must to take a bath and pray two units of prayer, etc.?

The answer: Verily, Allah has clarified in His great Book that He, the Exalted One, accepts the repentance of His worshippers no matter how various and numerous their sins are! As Allah, the Lofty, has said [what means]: Continue reading

QUIZ: Points 52-70 of al-‘Aqeedah al-Waasitiyyah

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Points 52-70 of al-Waasitiyyah

This is a brief multiple-choice quiz for our review of Points 52-70 of the book, al-'Aqeedah al-Waasitiyyah, and its explanation, as taught by Ustaadh Moosaa Richardson at al-Masjid al-Awwal in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (USA) from 1441-1444.

1 / 9

How do Ahlus-Sunnah speak about the Quran? (Select all answers that apply.)

2 / 9

What is actually being compared to what in the hadeeth [which means]: "You shall certainly see Allah, just as you see the full moon on a clear night..."

3 / 9

What is the correct stance on the authentic Hadeeth narrations about Allah's Attributes?

4 / 9

Some people say that Allah is actually and truly above His Throne, while He is truly with His creation wherever they are by way of His Knowledge, Hearing, and Seeing. Who are these people?

5 / 9

For what benefit do the scholars of Ahlus-Sunnah mention that the moon is truly "with" travelers throughout their journey, wherever they go, even though it is far above them?

6 / 9

When it comes to the correct beliefs about Allah's warnings of punishment, Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah says in the text of al-Waasitiyyah that Ahlus-Sunnah are between the extremes of the Murji'ah cult and the ______.

7 / 9

Can we describe Allah as being "absent"?

8 / 9

Can we describe Allah as being "close" or "near"?

9 / 9

What is the difference between how a believer and a disbeliever will be held to account on the Day of Judgment?

Your score is

The average score is 61%

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QUIZ: Points 41-51 of al-‘Aqeedah al-Waasitiyyah

After listening to this review session, test yourself with the following brief multiple-choice quiz, covering points 41-51 of the text of al-‘Aqeedah al-Waasitiyyah.

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6 votes, 5 avg
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Points 41-51 of al-Waasitiyyah

This is a brief multiple-choice quiz for our review of Points 41-51 of the book, al-'Aqeedah al-Waasitiyyah, and its explanation, as taught by Ustaadh Moosaa Richardson at al-Masjid al-Awwal in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (USA) from 1441-1444.

1 / 9

The authentic narrations from the Sunnah which describe Allah:

2 / 9

Is it a valid and legitimate question to ask someone, "Where is Allah?"

3 / 9

In the hadeeth of nuzool (descending), it is mentioned that "HE" says, "Who is seeking my forgiveness, so that I may forgive him?..." Who is HE?

4 / 9

Which of the following is correct regarding the belief that Allah actually descends to the lowest heaven every night?

5 / 9

What is the meaning of Allah's Name, al-Baatin (الباطن)?

6 / 9

When does the Hellfire say, "Enough! Enough!"?

7 / 9

What is correct about the attribute of Allah's "laughter" which has been reported in some Hadeeth narrations?

8 / 9

According to the text of al-'Aqeedah al-Waasitiyyah, "The _____ explains the Quran, clarifies it, guides to it, and elaborates on it..."

9 / 9

According to Ahlus-Sunnah, which of the following ideas are correct, regarding the "Ma'iyyah" of Allah, that He is "with" His creation? (Select all answers that apply.)

Your score is

The average score is 80%

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Quiz: Points 7-40 of al-‘Aqeedah al-Waasitiyyah

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Points 7-40 of al-Waasitiyyah

This is a brief multiple-choice quiz for our review of Points 7-40 of the book, al-'Aqeedah al-Waasitiyyah, and its explanation, as taught by Ustaadh Moosaa Richardson at al-Masjid al-Awwal in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (USA) from 1441-1444.

1 / 10

What is the meaning of Allah's Name, AT-TAWWAAB?

2 / 10

Who was the Verse of Soorah al-Munaafiqoon (which means: “And to Allah belongs the ‘IZZAH / Honor…”) revealed about?

3 / 10

How many Verses explicitly mention that Allah ascended above His Throne? (Enter a single digit for your answer.)

4 / 10

Who was the first Verse of Soorah al-Mujaadilah (which means: “Indeed Allah has heard the statement of the one who argues her case…”) revealed about?

5 / 10

Which chapter of the Quran has important descriptions of Allah and is equal to one-third of the Quran?

6 / 10

What is the special, exclusive kind of Allah's MA'IYYAH?

7 / 10

Some people reject that Allah will be seen in the Hereafter. They quote a Verse from the Quran which means: “Say: You shall not see Me.” [7:143] How did Shaykh ‘Ubayd respond to this belief?

8 / 10

Which of the following is NOT one of the three main types of IHSAAN, as explained by Shaykh ‘Ubayd?

9 / 10

What are the two types of Allah’s “IRAADAH”?

10 / 10

How did Shaykh ‘Ubayd al-Jaabiree explain Soorah al-Ikhlaas being one-third of the Quran?

Your score is

The average score is 76%

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Quiz: Points 1-6 of al-‘Aqeedah al-Waasitiyyah

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Points 1-6 of al-Waasitiyyah

This is a brief multiple-choice quiz for our review of the first six points of the book, al-'Aqeedah al-Waasitiyyah, and its explanation, as taught by Ustaadh Moosaa Richardson at al-Masjid al-Awwal in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (USA) from 1441-1444.

On the HIJRI calendar, of course!

1 / 10

In what year did the author of al-Qutoof al-Janiyyah, the explanation of al-'Aqeedah al-Waasitiyyah, pass away? (May Allah have Mercy on him.)

2 / 10

Who is the author of the book, al-'Aqeedah al-Waasitiyyah?

3 / 10

As mentioned by Shaykh 'Ubayd al-Jaabiree (may Allah have Mercy on him), how many chapters of the Quran begin with the phrase, "al-hamdu lillaah"?

4 / 10

Which of the following are true about al-'Aqeedah al-Waasitiyyah? (Select all that apply.)

5 / 10

How did the book, al-'Aqeedah al-Waasitiyyah, get its name?

6 / 10

Which of the following is NOT one of the basic and essential ways Muslims must believe in the angels, as mentioned by Shaykh 'Ubayd al-Jaabiree (may Allah have Mercy on him)?

7 / 10

What is the meaning of "al-Firqah an-Naajiyah"?

8 / 10

Which of the following is NOT one of the four essential meanings of our testimony that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace), as mentioned by Shaykh 'Ubayd al-Jaabiree (may Allah have Mercy on him)?

9 / 10

As mentioned by Shaykh 'Ubayd al-Jaabiree (may Allah have Mercy on him), there are two types of hudaa (guidance). What are they?

10 / 10

Shaykh 'Ubayd al-Jaabiree (may Allah have Mercy on him) explained that whenever someone says, "Bis-millaah," it means:

Your score is

The average score is 65%

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How to Date Things By Both Hijri and Gregorian Calendars When Needed, by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen

The great scholar, Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have Mercy on him), was asked the following question:

There are some people who say: We do not use the Gregorian calendar over the Hijri calendar in order to avoid showing allegiance and support [to non-Muslims]. However, the Gregorian calendar is more consistent than the Hijri calendar, in their viewpoint, saying: Most countries use this calendar, so why do we stand out and contradict them?

ANSWER: The reality is that dating things by lunar phases (i.e. the Hijri calendar) is the foundation, for all of mankind. Read the Statement of Allah, the Most High: “They ask you (O Muhammad) about the lunar phases. Say: They are references of time for the people, and for Hajj.” [2:189]

“For the people” [means]: all of them.

And read the Statement of Allah, the Most High: “Indeed, the number of months with Allah are 12 months, in the Book of Allah, the day He created the heavens and the earth. Of them, there are four sacred ones.” [9:36]

So what are those months? They are the Continue reading

Resources for the Weekend Seminar: The Reality of Salafiyyah (Shawwaal 26-28, 1443 in Pittsburgh and LIVE Online)

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

LIVE ONLINE: This weekend (May 27-29, 2022), in shaa’ Allah. DO NOT MISS THIS!

FREE high-quality MP3 recordings, audio resources, and LIVE broadcasts can be accessed here: https://www.spreaker.com/show/reality-of-salafiyyah

FREE Study Materials (PDF Downloads):  https://payhip.com/BakkahPublications/collection/the-reality-of-salafiyyah

Al-hamdu lillaah, all praise is due to Allah, the brothers and sisters at al-Masjid al-Awwal in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (USA) are having a weekend seminar on Shawwaal 26-28, 1443 (May 27-29, 2022), in shaa’ Allah, with Shaykh Abu Muhammad al-Maghribi (may Allah bless and preserve him), entitled: Salafiyyah – Following the Quran & Sunnah Upon the Way of the Companions & the Righteous Early Generations & Shunning Bid’ah (Blameworthy Religious Innovation).

In order to assist our beloved community in maximizing our benefit during this special weekend, Ustaadh Moosaa Richardson has prepared a number of new resources to help study the Arabic text, As-Salafiyyah Haqeeqatuhaa wa Simaatuhaa (The Reality of Salafiyyah and Its Distinguishing Traits), by the great scholar, Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan (may Allah preserve him), These resources are currently available in PDF format, worldwide, absolutely free of charge: Continue reading

Khutbah: The Real ‘Weigh-In’ is Coming (The Scales on the Day of Judgment)

A Friday sermon by Ustaadh Moosaa Richardson (1443.3.9)

All praise is due to Allah alone, and so we praise Him, ask Him to assist us, and beg Him to forgive us. We seek refuge with Him from the evils from our own selves and from the evil results of our bad deeds. Whomever Allah guides cannot be led astray by anyone; whomever Allah leaves astray cannot be guided by anyone. I testify openly that no one deserves any worship whatsoever except Allah, who is alone in that right, sharing it with none. I testify openly as well that Muhammad was his worshipful slave and messenger. As for what follows:

Dear believers in Allah,

The Day of Standing is in front of us! The great scales of the Day of Judgment are in front of us! The weighing of the deeds, the weighing of the record books, the account, and even the weighing of the people themselves is directly in front of us! Let each and every one of us fear Allah and prepare for the day when the great scales are laid down and the Justice of Allah rules over the people. Let us fear Allah and know that our scales are in front of us. Allah has said [what means]:

Continue reading

Vaccines are Permissible; Differing on the Topic Ended Long Ago, as Salafi Scholars Have Said

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

Recently, we learned from our respected scholar, Shaykh ‘Abdullah al-Bukhary (may Allah preserve him), that the scholarly differing over the permissibility of vaccines had actually come to an end long ago, when he informed us:

 فقد تكلم أهل العلم حول هذه القضية منذ زمن طويل لما بدأ ظهر أمر اللقاحات حصل بين ذلك أخذ وعطاء فيما مضى، ثم استقر الأمر على أن هذا الأمر من الأمور التي لا تنافي التوكل ولا تضادُّه، إنما هي من الأخذ بالأسباب الشرعية

“…The people of knowledge have indeed spoken about this issue, a long time ago, when the issue of vaccinations first came about. Some back and forth discussion took place in the past, until the matter was settled, that this is one of those issues that does not invalidate tawakkul (trusting Allah) nor contradict it. It is merely an issue of taking legislated steps [of safety]…”

Source: The recently published article, “Is it Sinful to Discourage People From Taking the Covid-19 Vaccine?” (click here to read)

This was surprising for many to learn about, as some had presumed that the scholars still differed over this topic. One might say: “Perhaps Shaykh Abdullah al-Bukhary misspoke when saying this, as we have not heard this from the people of knowledge (other than him), and claiming consensus is a very serious issue, as an established consensus among the scholars actually ends the discussion.”  Continue reading

Mistakes in the Waasitiyyah Workbook [Earlier Editions]

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

Al-hamdulillaah, Muslims all over the world are studying the weekly classes broadcast online by al-Masjid al-Awwal in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, based on the workbook, WAASITIYYAH: The Classic Text on Basic Muslim Creed. May Allah bless all of the students and all their efforts. Through this global network of study and the feedback provided so far over the past year or so, we have collected the following errors, which have been corrected in our recent 3rd printing of the book. If you have an earlier printing, you should make notes in your copy of the book about the following mistakes:

p.46, line 4
INCORRECT: “…justice. [4:164] “And Allah spoke…” 
CORRECT: “…justice. [6:115] “And Allah spoke…”

p.49, line 1
INCORRECT: “…blessed. [7:155] “Had we…” 
CORRECT: “…blessed. [6:155] “Had we…”

p.49, line 9
INCORRECT: “…tongue. [16:101-13]
CORRECT: “…tongue. [16:101-103]

p.53, last two lines
INCORRECT: “…upon them… knowing that their relief…”
CORRECT: “…upon you… knowing that your relief…”

p.54, line 1 (Arabic)
INCORRECT: “لا يزال جهنم 
CORRECT: “لا تزال جهنم” 

p.71, line 6 (Arabic)
INCORRECT: “فَيَصُيحُ صَيْحَةً” 
CORRECT: “فَيَصِيحُ صَيْحَةً”  Continue reading

Free Islamic Courses Online [Recordings, Workbooks, Resources]

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

This page features access to free recordings, live broadcasts, workbooks, and additional resources for study of a number of important Islamic topics and basic primers in a number of fields of study, as taught by Ustaadh Abul-‘Abbaas Moosaa Richardson, categorized into:

  • Ongoing courses currently being taught (and thus not yet completed)
  • Courses taught and completed
  • Courses taught but not completed
  • Courses planned for the near future (in shaa’ Allah)

ISLAMIC COURSES CURRENTLY TAUGHT BY USTAADH MOOSAA RICHARDSON

1. Al-‘Aqeedah al-Waasitiyyah (Creed)

On Friday nights at the First Muslim Mosque in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (USA), and live online on the masjid’s radio station, Ustaadh Moosaa Richardson reads this classic primer in Islamic beliefs by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have Mercy on him), along with the explanation of Shaykh ‘Ubayd al-Jaabiree (may Allah preserve him). A recording of the live broadcast remains online for about 24 hours (for free listening, but not downloadable yet), until it is replaced by a high-quality re-mastered MP3 recording for free listening and/or downloading. Sometimes we may pre-record these lessons in order to avoid connection problems due to internet bottle-necking at peak hours.

RECORDINGS: https://www.spreaker.com/show/waasitiyyah-basic-muslim-creed

WORKBOOK (traditional print):
USA: https://amzn.to/2VGvNJN
UK: https://amzn.to/3ggfMnl
CANADA: https://amzn.to/37FWkfF
OTHER COUNTRIES: Search “Waasitiyyah” (with that exact spelling) on the Amazon website of your country.

WORKBOOK (Kindle print replica version):
USA: https://amzn.to/3qr7DkB
UK: https://amzn.to/36IRNdd
CANADA: https://amzn.to/39Of7Z8
INDIA: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0841N65PM/
OTHER COUNTRIES: Search “Waasitiyyah” (with that exact spelling) on the Amazon website of your country.

Upcoming FREE GIVEAWAY Day: Thursday, January 7, 2021 (Get a FREE copy of the Kindle Print Replica Version of this workbook from the Amazon website of your country on this day, in shaa’ Allah.) [Follow our Twitter for more free giveaways.] Continue reading

Social Distancing During These Times is an Obligation From Allah; It Only Increases Our Love for One Another

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

The following translation of the advice of a great scholar is being provided to assist our brothers and sisters in taking the correct stance on serious matters of public safety, in a time of confusion and widespread opinions, in order to obey Allah’s Command to return these important matters back to our leading authorities:

ولو ردوه إلى الرسول وإلى أولي الأمر منهم لعلمه الذين يستنبطونه منهم
“Had they only returned it back to the Messenger and those in authority among them, those of them capable of extracting the ruling would know it.” [4:83]

The more serious a matter becomes, and the more lives which are harmed by unqualified rulings related to it, the more dire the need becomes to return the matter back to only the senior scholarly resources of this Ummah.

Regarding the issues surrounding the current global pandemic, our world has become flooded with opinions and claims about wearing masks, social distancing, and even the very existence of a pandemic in the first place! To avoid confusion, let us fear Allah, remain silent and cautious, and implement the Quranic methodology of returning such serious matters of global safety back to the leaders of our Ummah, the ones whom He, the Most High, has made responsible for providing us with direction in the most difficult of issues!

One such scholar, al-‘Allaamah Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan (may Allah preserve him), is one of those great senior resources of knowledge in our times, known and trusted by the Muslims worldwide for his knowledge, insight, and sound creed. He has spoken about the Islamic obligation of social distancing recently, during the 1441 Hajj season. (audio) The following are a translation of his words of advice, in which he emphasizes the following important matters:

  • The obligation of social distancing
  • The temporary nature of this distancing
  • Mutual love will increase because of it
  • Gaps in the prayer rows must be maintained
  • Social distancing is in everyone’s best interests
  • Allah’s Help is needed to remove the pandemic

Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan (may Allah bless and protect him) said:

“Taking steps to protect oneself is an objective, especially in gatherings during the two ‘Eeds, the five [daily] prayers, and Jumu’ah. They must keep a distance from each other these days, fearing the spread of the contagion. There is to be a gap between each two people. Aside from this circumstance, it is Continue reading

What Blessings Could Come From the Closing of Masjids?!

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

I was recently involved in consultations over the most difficult decision I have ever been part of in my life. I attempted to keep to the command of Allah, to return matters back to the most knowledgeable and capable scholars, who know best about the application of Islamic rulings to specific situations:

وإذا جاءهم أمر من الأمن أو الخوف أذاعوا به ولو ردوه إلى الرسول وإلى أولي الأمر منهم لعلمه الذين يستنبطونه منهم ولولا فضل الله عليكم ورحمته لاتبعتم الشيطان إلا قليلا

“When a matter of [public] safety or fear reaches them, they openly spread it. Yet, had they only returned it back to the Messenger and to those in authority among them, those who extract and apply rulings would have known about it. And had it not been for the Bounty of Allah upon you and His Mercy, you would have all followed the Shaytaan, save a few.” (Quran 4:83)

I feared that the wrong decision from myself, independently, could lead to severe harm and lives lost. I did not want to be among those whom our Messenger (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace) referred to, after they issued a ruling that a man with wounds had to take a bath, and no concession applied to his case, which led to his death:

قتلوه قتلهم الله
“They killed him, may Allah destroy them!”
(Abu Dawud, authentic by way of its numerous routes)

I had to place my trust in Allah fully, and in His Words:

إنما يخشى الله من عباده العلماء
“Those who truly fear Allah among His worshipers are the scholars.” (Quran 35:28)

I placed my trust in Allah, and then I looked to those whom He commanded me to trust and return to, and I made the same decision that they made, to close masjids. I can only have good thoughts about those whom Allah has raised and entrusted with such a highly impacting verdict, those known for lifetimes of facilitating knowledge and worship, those who have more love and care for the Muslims and their safety than me, with lives of 50, 60, 70 years of work proving that. I firmly trust that they would not support the closing of masjids unless it were an absolute emergency, to avoid serious losses and protect the Muslims and the world from serious harm. I hold that to be the case, and I do not believe that I love this Ummah more than my scholars, great men of knowledge and piety. I thank Allah that He has not made me in a position to make decisions on the level they are responsible for. I know my place, and I prayed istikhaarah to close our local masjid for a time, and to support communities in the temporary closing of their masjids. I would never, ever support such an idea, except that I believe that this is better with my Lord, and better for His worshipers. I beg Allah to forgive me and my brothers and sisters, and to guide us to acts of piety and sincerity, and to allow us to regain His Favor that we have lost!

I further believe that, Continue reading

Standing Around the Udhiyah Sacrifice as a Family, Reciting Quran Before the Slaughter

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

يوجد بعض من الناس لدينا وخاصة كبار السن في عيد الأضحى المبارك يعملون الأعمال الآتية:
يحضرون الأضحية، ويقفون حولها كالعائلة جمعيا، وهم أهل البيت والرجل قبل أن يبدأ بالذبح، يقرأ الفاتحة، ثم آية الكرسي، وكذلك المعوذتين، والإخلاص مع ذكر الاستفتاح، مثل قول: وجهت وجهي لله رب العالمين إلى آخره، ويجعل الرجل يده على ظهر الذبيحة، ويمد بها من عند الرقبة إلى آخر الظهر، ثم بعد ذلك يقوم بذبحها بعد هذا الفعل، وإن بعضا منهم إذا لم يحضر ذبح الأضحية يقوم بذبح أضحية غيرها، وهم أهل البيت؛ لأنه يقول يلزمه حضور الذبح، لذا أرجو من الله ثم من فضيلتكم البيان لهم بالطريقة الصحيحة لمن يفعل هذا…

QUESTION: Some people in our area, specifically some of the elders, do the following things during the blessed ‘Eed al-Adha:

They bring the sacrificial animal, and they stand around it all together as a family. They are the members of one household. Before the head of household slaughters, he recites al-Faatihah, and then Aayat al-Kursee, and then the last three Soorahs, along with an opening prayer, like: “I turn my face unto Allah, the Lord of all things…” The man then places his open hand on the back of the animal, wiping it from its neck down to the tailbone. Only at this point does he carry out the slaughter. If some of the family members did not attend at the time of the slaughtering of the Udhiyah, he would then carry out a separate Udhiyah for them, whilst they are all members of the same household. This is because he says they are required to attend the actual slaughtering.

I hope firstly from Allah, and then from your distinguished selves, that you would clarify for them the correct manner of doing this (Udhiyah Sacrifice)…

ANSWER by the Permanent Committee for Religious Verdicts, headed by Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez Aal Shaykh (may Allah have Mercy on him):

هذا العمل الذي تعملونه عند ذبحكم للأضحية من وقوفكم عندها، وقراءتكم لآية الكرسي والسور المذكورة، وأن من لا يحضر لا يشترك في ثواب الأضحية، بل لا بد أن يذبح أضحية غيرها، كل هذا لا أصل له، وهو عمل مبتدع يجب عليكم تركه والتنبيه على أنه لا يجوز، وثواب الأضحية إذا كانت تبرعا يتناول كل من نوي فيها، ولو لم يحضر لقول النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم : إنما الأعمال بالنيات وإنما لكل امرئ ما نوى.

These things you are doing when you slaughter your Udhiyah Sacrifice:

  • Standing together around it
  • Reciting Aayat al-Kursee and the other Soorahs mentioned
  • Believing that anyone who did not attend cannot share in the reward of the Udhiyah Sacrifice
  • That a separate Udhiyah needs done for those who were absent

All of these things are baseless. These are innovated practices which you must cease doing and advise others that they are not permissible. The reward for the Udhiyah Sacrifice, when done voluntarily, includes all of those who were intended, whether or not they attended the actual slaughter in person, due to the statement of the Prophet -may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace-, [which means] “Actions are but by their intentions, and each person shall only have what he intended.” [1]

وبالله التوفيق وصلى الله على نبينا محمد وآله وصحبه وسلم.

And through Allah Alone is all success. May Allah raise the rank of our Prophet Muhammad, and that of his family and companions, and may He grant them all peace.

SOURCE: Fataawaa al-Lajnah ad-Daa’imah (10/440-441 of the second compilation), translated by Moosaa Richardson.

FOOTNOTES by the Translator:

[1] Collected by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim, from the report of ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).

The Hypocrisy of Objecting to Hudood [Legislated Punishments in Islam]

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

The great senior scholar, Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan (may Allah preserve him) stated: [1]

فيجب إقامة الحد على أصحاب هذه الجرائم، ولا يجوز لأحد كائنا من كان أن يعترض إقامة الحد، ويمنع إقامة الحد على المجرم، أو يعترض على ذلك بالقول، أو بالتنديد، أو بالكلام في الإنترنت، أو غيره، مما يفعله أهل النفاق، ويفعله أهل الشكوك والأوهام الذين لم يستقر الإيمان في قلوبهم.

It is obligatory to establish the Hadd [Islamically legislated] punishment upon people who commit these crimes, and it is not permissible for anyone, no matter who he is, to object to the establishment of the punishment, or to prevent the punishment from being applied to the guilty criminal, or to object to that in speech, or to denounce it, or by spreading speech on the internet, or any other way, as the people of hypocrisy do, and as the people of doubts and delusions do, those who have not had faith settle in their hearts.

بل يجب الفرح بإقامة الحدود لأنها تطهير للأرض قال صلى الله عليه وسلم

Instead, it is obligatory to be happy with the establishment of the Hudood punishments, as they Continue reading

Exposing the Fake Story of Salmaan Refusing to Obey ‘Umar

[In the name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…]

The Khawaarij of this era, those who promote political turmoil and rebellion in the name of “activism” and “freedom of speech”, have spread the following false narration:

Ibn Qutaybah said in his book, ‘Uyoon al-Akhbaar:

Al-‘Utbi [d.228] said that ‘Umar received some war booty, two-piece garments. He distributed those things among the people. He went up on the Minbar and he had a complete set himself (both pieces). So he said “Oh people, will you not listen?” So Salmaan said: “We will not listen!” ‘Umar asked, “Why, O Father of ‘Abdullaah [meaning Salmaan]!?” He said, “Because you distributed the garments to us, one garment for each person, yet you have a whole set (i.e. two garments).” ‘Umar said, “Don’t be so hasty, oh Abaa ‘Abdillah,” and he called out, “Oh, ‘Abdullaah!” Nobody answered him. So he said, “Oh ‘Abdullaah bin ‘Umar!” His son responded, “At your service, O Commander of the Faithful!” Umar said, “I ask you, by Allaah, as a witness: The garment I’m wearing as an ezaar (the lower part), is it yours?” He replied, “Allaahumma Na’am (Yes).” Salmaan, may Allaah be pleased with him, then said, “OK, so now we will obey you!”

Shaykh Rabee’ ibn Haadee al-Madkhalee (may Allaah preserve him) explained the falsehood of this story. The following is a summary of his writings on the topic:

This is how al-‘Utbi narrated this, without any chain. And it’s been mentioned in the sittings of dictation that were recorded from ibn Durayd, #132, in the same way, without a chain. Ibn al-Jowzee also put it in his book: Sifatus Safwa with no chain. So this fable is rejected from the following angles:

Firstly, it has no chain from al-‘Utbi to ‘Umar and Salmaan, may Allaah be pleased with both of them. There is a huge gap in time between ‘Umar (and Salmaan) and this ‘Utbi. You would break the necks of camels trying to make that distance! [more than 200 years of broken chain!]

The second issue is that this ‘Utbi is Continue reading

The Fitnah (Trials) of Passions and Desires

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Every Merciful…

From the Book: The Never-Ending Trials of LIFE: Islamic Guidance From a Brief Thematic Study of Soorah al-‘Ankaboot, by Shaykh Saalih Aal Shaykh, Translation and Commentary by Moosaa Richardson

…Allah mentions the story of Loot (Lot, peace be upon him). In it is mention of the fitnah of the desires of men which go against man’s very nature. This was along with a number of other passions and their outward declarations of them. They claimed that there was no harm in them. They would refute anyone who prohibited them from their actions.Yet he still forbade them:

You are practicing [all kinds of] evil in your gatherings! (29:29)

But all they said to him in response was:

Bring us Allah’s Punishment if you are indeed from the truthful! (29:29)

It was great fitnah for Loot that his wife, from his own household, had given in to their evil and become like them, encouraging the men to have intercourse with the men who would come to visit Loot, and similar crimes.

So we saved him and his family, except his wife, as she was from those who stayed behind. (7:83)

Desires are indeed a form of fitnah. How can one escape his desires and passions? He escapes them by Continue reading

The Relationship Between Medical Quackery and Shirk (Polytheism)

In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

The great scholar, Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have Mercy on him) was asked once about bracelets worn to alleviate rheumatism. His brief and insightful answer includes a very beneficial principle that can be used to differentiate between real medical treatments and fraudulent medical quackery, as the real difference between the two is that of towheed (Islamic monotheism) and shirk (polytheism). With this in mind, understanding this issue is of the utmost importance.

He (may Allaah have Mercy on him) said:

“Know that a medical treatment is (merely) a means toward recovery, while the One who provides that means and makes it effective is (only) Allaah, the Most High. Thus, there exist no means or methods (of recovery) other than what Allaah, the Most High, has made to be a (genuine) means.

There are two types of genuine means that Allaah, the Most High, has made:

The first type are Continue reading

Real “Hadith Disciples” Do Not Forsake the Scholars [A Brief Hadeeth Study]

In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

Know that the people of knowledge shall indeed be forsaken by some! It is a reality that has been foretold in the hadeeth of Mu’aawiyah (may Allaah be pleased with him), as found in the two Saheeh Compilations of al-Bukhaaree and Muslim:

لَا تَزَالُ طَائِفَةٌ مِنْ أُمَّتِي قَائِمَةً بِأَمْرِ اللهِ، لَا يَضُرُّهُمْ مَنْ خَذَلَهُمْ أَوْ خَالَفَهُمْ، حَتَّى يَأْتِيَ أَمْرُ اللهِ وَهُمْ ظَاهِرُونَ عَلَى النَّاسِ
“A group of my Ummah shall continue to uphold the Order of Allaah. Those who forsake or oppose them do not harm them, until the Affair of Allaah arrives, whilst they are (still) uppermost among the people.”

These people are known as the scholars of Islam, as al-Imaam al-Bukhaaree (may Allaah have Mercy on him) said in his chapter title: “They are the people of knowledge.”

The statement, “…Those who forsake or oppose them do not harm them…” indicates that there will indeed be people who speak ill of the scholars and try to divert the people from them. This is from the pre-determined Qadr of Allaah, as part of the struggle between truth and falsehood that He, the All Mighty and All Wise, has decreed to be one of the many tests His Servants shall face.

The scholars of Islam actively work to provide solutions to the Ummah’s problems in every place. Allaah blesses their time and efforts, the effects of which can be found everywhere upon Earth, by His Permission. They are the best of Allaah’s Servants, His true allies, those He has paired Continue reading

Shaykh Ibn Baaz: Is the Name “Muhsin” Allowed?

In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

The following question was posed to the great scholar, Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have Mercy on him):

My name is Muhsin*, and a student of knowledge told me that this name was not allowed. He advised me to change my name. What is your opinion, may Allaah reward you with goodness?

*Muhsin literally means one who does things proficiently, with sincerity to Allaah. It also carries the meaning of one who is kind and graceful to others.

The shaykh responded, saying:

There is no problem [with this name], since it is one of the names which can be used [for people], like ‘Azeez (Mighty), Samee’ (one who hears), Haleem (gentle), and Continue reading

Another Fabricated Hadeeth from Anjem Choudary: “Whoever Insults a Prophet, Kill Him!”

In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

One of the most despicable crimes in the Religion of Islaam is to attribute things to the Messenger of Allaah (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) that he did not say. In the hadeeth reported by as many as 100 Companions or more:

من كذب علي متعمدًا فليتبوأ مقعده من النار
“Whoever lies on me intentionally, let him take his place in the Hellfire.”

In the wake of the Charlie Hebdo incident in Paris, France, a number of self-appointed spokesmen for Islaam have appeared in Western media. From the most deviant and ignorant of them is a UK-based supporter of the beliefs and practices of the Khawaarij Cult, Anjem Choudary (may Allaah guide him). In his interviews and writings over the past week, he has attributed the following fabrication to the Messenger of Allaah (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace):

Whoever insults a Prophet, kill him.

Sources of the Fabricated Hadeeth

With the wording, “Whoever insults the prophets…” it was collected by at-Tabaraanee in his al-Mu’jam al-Awsat and al-Mu’jam as-Sagheer, with ‘Ubaydullaah ibn Muhammad al-‘Umaree in the chain, a man whom the scholars of hadeeth identify as a liar. Ibn Hajr referred to this narration specifically as one of his contradictions to what is authentic. Al-Albaanee graded it mowdhoo’ (fabricated). Refer to Silsilat al-Ahaadeeth ad-Dha’eefah (no.206) for more details.

With the wording, “Whoever insults a prophet…” it was also collected by Continue reading

A Biography of Shaykh Muhammad Amaan Al-Jaamee

In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

The great scholar, the imaam, Aboo Ahmad Muhammad Amaan ibn ‘Alee was originally from a village in Ethiopia called Taghaa Taab near or within the Harar region of Ethiopia, about 100 miles west of the Somali border. His family name, al-Jaamee, is an ascription to an Ethiopian village named Jaamaa.

He was born in the year 1349 amidst local political turmoil and tribal feuds. He began studying the Arabic Language from Shaykh Muhammad Ameen al-Hararee in Taghaa Taab. There he also completed memorizing the Quran and began studying the locally favored Shaafi’ee math-hab. He made his way to nearby villages to seek knowledge, and then nearby cities, into Somalia, and then across the Gulf of Aden into Yemen. He traveled impoverished, once spending his only amount of money on a single book. He eventually ventured north on foot, and offered the rites of Hajj in the year 1369.

After Hajj, he remained in Makkah, seeking knowledge at the study circles of the Sacred Haram Mosque at the Ka’bah. There, against the advice of some of his previous teachers, he reluctantly read the book, Al-Usool ath-Thalaathah of Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abdil-Wahhaab (may Allaah have Mercy on him), through which Allaah guided him to abandon the innovations of the Soofee-Ash’aree cults that influenced his earlier studies. He then enrolled in Daar al-Arqam in Makkah, along with the likes of another future scholar, Shaykh Yahyaa ibn ‘Uthmaan al-Mudarris. Daar al-Arqam later became known as Daar al-Hadeeth.

In Makkah, he studied under the great scholar, Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have Mercy on him), whom he accompanied back to Riyadh in the early 1370’s, to attend the new academic institute there, along with other future scholars, such as Continue reading

Speak the Truth or Stay Home [Shaykh Muhammad Amaan al-Jaamee]

In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious the Ever Merciful…

In an authentic hadeeth collected by Imaam Ibn Hibbaan in his Saheeh (no.276), the Messenger of Allaah (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) said:

 مَنِ الْتَمَسَ رِضَى اللَّهِ بِسَخَطِ النَّاسِ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ، وَأَرْضَى النَّاسَ عَنْهُ، وَمَنِ الْتَمَسَ رِضَا النَّاسِ بِسَخَطِ اللَّهِ سَخَطَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ، وَأَسْخَطَ عَلَيْهِ النَّاسَ.

“Whoever seeks the Pleasure of Allaah while angering the people will have Allaah pleased with him, who shall make the people pleased with him [anyway]. Whoever seeks to please the people while angering Allaah will have Allaah angry with him, who shall make the people angry with him [anyway].”

The great scholar, Shaykh Muhammad Amaan al-Jaamee [d.1416] (may Allaah have Mercy on him), said in his explanation of Condition #7 of The Conditions of Laa-ilaaha-ill-Allaah:

The chosen Messengers of Allaah would be referred to by extravagant and arrogant people as insane. They would call them insane, as well as liars. With everything such people would say, the Messengers would remain patient and continue in their missionary work. Some of the Prophets from the tribes of Israel were even killed by their own people. Those who call to rectification follow [the same path as] the Messengers, and thus they face [similar] harm from the people of extravagance and disbelief, and they are Continue reading

Do not Refer to Deviant Groups Using Their Chosen Names of Self-Praise

In the Name of Allaah, the Most Compassionate, the Ever Merciful…

The following is important advice that should be heeded when referring to deviant groups which refer to themselves using praiseworthy terms, like:

  • Al-Ikhwaan al-Muslimoon (The Muslim Brotherhood)
  • Hizbollah (The Party of Allaah)
  • The Islamic State [of Iraq and Sham] (IS, or ISIS)
  • The Nation of Islam

Muslims who follow the Quran, the Sunnah, and the way of the righteous Salaf, those who are truly Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah, reject these names, as they are not accurate nor acceptable as names for the intended deviant cults who oppose Islam in their core beliefs and/or principles.

For example, Muslims who apply Islaam in their lives are the true ‘Muslim Brotherhood’. It is not appropriate to refer to an Egyptian political sect which opposes Islaam in its basic methodology with this name, ‘al-Ikhwan al-Muslimoon’ (the Muslim Brotherhood). They are not the Muslim Brotherhood at all, but rather they are in fact opponents Continue reading

Shaykh Ibn Baaz: How to Give Da’wah to Those Affected By Specific Misguidance

In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

The great scholar of Islaam, Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz [d.1420] -may Allaah have Mercy on him- was asked about the methodology of propagating Islaam to people who have been affected by certain cultures or societies that distort the true meaning of Islaam. He replied:

The falsehood of the beliefs or culture which has affected them is to be clarified to them. The (false) beliefs are clarified as involving such-and-such (i.e. naming the specific points of misguidance). The various forms of falsehood and innovation found within such beliefs – if any – are to be clarified. Furthermore, the primary reference for all affairs is to be clearly identified as the Book of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, and the Sunnah of His Messenger (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace).

(It is said to them) Regarding what you have come across of such-and-such (a specific form of misguidance), what you have learned, like such-and-such, and/or the manners you have taken from your environment, like intermingling, etc., these issues must all be weighed on the scale of the Sharee’ah (divinely revealed Islaamic Legislation), like how the scholars base issues of jurisprudence upon the legislative evidences (of the Book and the Sunnah). Whatever is in line with it (the Sharee’ah) remains, and whatever opposes it must be cast aside, even if Continue reading

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen: Anyone Who Claims to Know When the End of the World Will Occur is a Disbeliever

In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

In his explanation of Soorah an-Najm (pp.256-257), Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have Mercy on him) stated:

While we are in the fifteenth century and there have been fourteen centuries since the revelation of the Quran, Allaah has still mentioned the Hour (the Day of Judgment) as being close. From this, we can deduce that the entire lifespan of this worldly life is very long and far-reaching.

However, do we agree with those who falsely claim that the history of this world is such-and-such number of years?

The response: We do not accept their position. We do not believe them, nor do we Continue reading

A Hadeeth Which Defines When the End of the World Happens? [The World Will Only Exist for 7000 Years?]

In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

Some years ago, I was asked about a claim that this dunyaa (worldly life) could not last beyond the year 1500 H., due to the following “hadeeth”:

Al haakim & at-Tirmidhee hadeeth concerning jahanamiyyoon (those who go to fire but are Muslim). ‘They will be in it like the extent of this world from the time it was created until the time it ends which is 7000 years.’ And this is a sound hadeeth.

The following was my response:

1. Not only is al-Haakim’s chain weak due to Continue reading

But We Need a New Approach in Today’s Dawah! [Shaykh Ibn Baaz Responds]

In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

It is widely reported that His Eminence, Shaikh ‘Abdul-Azeez Bin Baaz (may Allaah have Mercy on him), was asked:

Every era has a method that suits it. The Salaf (righteous predecessors) used lessons and sermons, but we have a more effective method: acting. Nice young men, depicting the roles of sinners or drunkards, solely for the sake of admonishment. So I hope Your Eminence would encourage the youth to do so, since the method of those before us does not suit them.

And the shaykh answered:

Allaahu Akbar… Allaahu Akbar… Allaahu Akbar… Allaahu Akbar.

What a horrible lie! What a terribly hideous statement!

The way of Continue reading

Calling to Good Manners Firstly is Contradictory to the Prophetic Dawah Method [Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan]

In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

One of the great senior scholars of this era, Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan (may Allaah preserve him), was asked:

Is this manner of da’wah (Islamic propagation) correct: One that begins by inviting the people to good manners at first?

The shaykh responded by saying:

No, this is misguidance, a contradiction to the da’wah of the Messengers. This is the call of the hizbees (bigoted sectarians) nowadays. It is a false da’wah, because it is contradictory to the methodology of the Messengers. What they (really) desire is that people remain upon their (various) beliefs, whether they are (the beliefs of) the Qubooriyyah (gravesite fanatics), idol-worship, or sufism. What is important (to them) is just to gather the people together, merely for the sake of Continue reading

Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan on the Claim that Allaah Cannot Do All Things

In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever-Merciful…

Senior Muslim scholar, Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan (may Allaah preserve him) was asked:

There is a famous preacher whose work reaches all over the world. He says that Allaah is not able to do all things. He also says that he knows of a thousand things which Allaah, the Most High, cannot do. Is this (person considered) a caller at the gates of Hell? Must we warn against him?

The shaykh replied:

This (person) is a mulhid (deviant) [1], the one who says these things is a mulhid (deviant) regarding the Names and Attributes of Allaah.

ولله الأسماء الحسنى فادعوه بها وذروا الذين يلحدون في أسمائه سيجزون ما كانوا يعملون
“And to Allaah belong the most beautiful Names, so call upon Him using them. Abandon those who commit ilhaad (deviate) [1] regarding His Names. They shall be recompensed for what they do.” [2]

إن الذين يلحدون في آياتنا لا يخفون علينا أفمن يلقى في النار خير أم من يأتي آمنا يوم القيامة
“Verily, those who commit ilhaad regarding our aayaat (verses, signs) are not hidden from Us. Is the one cast into the Fire better than one who attains safety on the Day of Judgment?” [3]

Someone says that Allaah is not able to do all things… Continue reading

An Important Principle of Tafseer Repels Misunderstandings About Quranic Passages

In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the All-Merciful…

One of our respected visitors sent in the following question:

Could you give some insight into the origin of the Verse:

فاسألوا أهل الذكر إن كنتم لا تعلمون
“And ask the people of knowledge when you do not know.” [16:43]

This Verse is often used to refer to Muslim scholars, but Ibn Katheer explains this to mean the people of the books that came before, i.e. the previously revealed scriptures.

The response: While it is true that Imaam Ibn Katheer (may Allaah have Mercy on him) did in fact identify that the Verse was revealed about the scholars of the Jews and Christians who had knowledge of previously revealed scriptures, he did not restrict the meaning of the Verse to them alone, in a way that excludes the Muslim scholars. This may sound a little confusing, but by the end of the article the matter should be very clear, in shaa’ Allaah.

What has been mentioned about the Verse being revealed about the people of the earlier scriptures is true. However, reading a book of Tafseer without some basic principles could prove harmful, as you may reach conclusions that were not intended. Al-hamdulillaah for this question, and for what Allaah has opened up for us in understanding of His Book!

When a scholar tries to single out the exact reason for a Verse’s revelation, like in this case, it does not mean that the Verse is restricted to those whom it was revealed about exclusively, or that the scholar was trying to restrict its meaning to that.

There is a principle in Tafseer the scholars work by:

العبرة بعموم اللفظ لا بخصوص السبب

Meaning: The specific reason for a Verse’s revelation, or the specific event or people it was revealed about, does not restrict its meaning, rather it is to be understood to be as general as the wording allows.

An example of this would be: Verses 5-7 of Soorah al-Layl:

فأما من أعطى واتقى وصدق بالحسنى فسنيسره لليسرى
“As for the one who gives and has piety, whilst he believes in the Recompense, then We shall grant him ease in following after al-Yusraa
(the easy path to goodness).”

These three Verses were understood to be revealed about Aboo Bakr as-Siddeeq (may Allaah be pleased with him) specifically. However, to restrict the meanings of the Verses to him alone would be baseless, since the wording includes him and everyone who behaves as he did. Restricting the Verse to one man would effectively Continue reading