Confusion Ended: “Thanksgiving is a Day of Gratitude Observed by Most Muslims” [?]

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

Thanksgiving Day is a modern Christian religious holiday observed on the fourth Thursday of November in America. Thanksgiving has been adopted as a national holiday as well.

The Permanent Council of Scholars in Saudi Arabia, headed by Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have Mercy on him), was asked about the observance of Christian religious holidays, and they responded:

It is not permissible to take part with the disbelievers in their holidays and religious celebrations, due to the description Allah has given to the servants of the Most-Merciful [what means]: ( Those who do not witness “zoor”, and if they pass by falsehood, they pass by it with dignity ). [25:72] “Zoor” is explained to be: the celebrations of the disbelievers and witnessing them, attending them, or taking part in them.

Source: The Permanent Council’s second series of Fatwas (1/452-453). [in Arabic here]

Many other clear statements of the scholars about non-Muslim holidays and celebrations have been made widely available in English.

Aside from being a Christian holiday, Thanksgiving is commonly represented by images depicting the “peace” made between Continue reading

Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan: Applauding (Clapping) is Imitating the Non-Muslims

In the Name of Allaah…

Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan (may Allaah preserve him) said:

From the aspects of the pre-Islaamic period of ignorance (jaahiliyyah) that the Messenger of Allaah (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) opposed them in was their attempt to draw near to Allaah in worship by whistling and clapping.  Allaah, the Most High, has said:

( وما كان صلاتهم عند البيت إلا مكاء وتصدية )

( Their prayer at the House (the Ka’bah) was but whistling and clapping ) [8:35]

This means that the polytheists would only try to draw near to Allaah at the prestigious Ka’bah by whistling and clapping…

…They would do this at the House (the Ka’bah), calling it “prayer”, thinking to draw near to Allaah, the Exalted and Most High.  It was just one of the ways the devils of mankind and Jinn had beautified for them.

We know this because Continue reading