Category Archives: Fiqh (Islamic Rulings)

Prayer, Fasting, Zakaat, Hajj, Umarh, Supplications, etc.

Wiping over Headwear (Turbans, Caps, Khimaars) for Wudhoo’

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

I was asked about the issue of women wiping over their khimaars (head coverings) for wudhoo’. Seeking the Assistance of Allaah, I say:

The Messenger of Allaah (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) wiped over his footwear and headwear, as found in Saheeh Muslim and other source books of hadeeth. Some scholars said this is not for women and their khimaars, however, to consider a ruling in Islaam specific to one of the two genders requires evidence, as all rulings in Islaam are for men and women alike, unless there is evidence to show an intended distinction.

All rulings in Islaam are for men and women alike, unless evidence establishes an intended distinction.

This is a very important principle in Fiqh. Furthermore, it has been reported from Umm Salamah (may Allaah be pleased with her), that she used to wipe over her khimaar for wudhoo’. This is the short version of the answer. Stop reading here, unless you are interested in a more detailed discussion.

Some scholars said it is not allowed for women to wipe over their khimaars. This is due to either

  • [A] Their rejection of the entire issue of wiping over headwear, because the evidence for it had not reached them,
  • [B] Or because they affirmed the Sunnah of wiping over headwear in general, but no report from a female Companion reached them affirming their practice of it, so did not see any basis for it in the practical understanding of the female Companions. There are in fact many reports of women Companions reaching under their khimaars to wipe over their heads for wudhoo’. However, those who knew of the reports (of Umm Salamah, for example) are given priority over those did not have them.

Those who affirm the permissibility of women wiping over the khimaar either

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen on Removing Part of the Footwear and then Continuing to Wipe Over it

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

The Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) allowed residents to wipe over their footwear when performing wudhoo’ (instead of washing the feet) for a period of one day. Travelers are allowed to do so for three entire days. This is founded upon clear evidences from the Quran and the authentic Sunnah.

From the important issues of this gracious concession is that once the footwear is removed for any reason, the period of wiping over it ends, and a person may only wipe over it again once he puts the footwear back on in a state of purity (having already made wudhoo’).

One of our visitors asked about when there is a need to uncover only a small part of the foot just under the ankle, like to rub it, is that considered “removal” of the footwear or not?

The great scholar, Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen [d.1421] – may Allaah have Mercy on him – was asked:

ما حكم خلع الشراب أو بعض منها ليحك بعض قدمه أو يزيل شيئاً في رجله كحجر صغير ونحوه؟ 

What is the ruling on removing the footwear or part of it in order to scratch part of the foot or remove something like a small pebble or anything similar (from inside of the footwear)?

The shaykh replied by saying:

إذا أدخل يديه من تحت الشراب (الجوارب) فلا بأس في ذلك ولا حرج ، أما إن خلعها فينظر إن خلع جزءاً يسيراً فلا يضر ، وإن خلع شيئاً كثيراً بحيث يظهر أكثر القدم فإنه يبطل المسح عليهما في المستقبل.

If he reaches in under the footwear with his hand, there is no problem with that, nothing wrong at all. However, if he removes it (the footwear), then we need to understand: If he only removed a small part of it, there is no harm (i.e. he may continue to wipe over it). If he removed a large part of it, exposing most of his foot, then his (period of) wiping ends at that time.

Source: Question #17 of his book, Fataawaa fil-Mas-h ‘alal-Khuffayn, as found on the official website of his charitable foundation (here).

Based on this fatwaa from Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have Mercy on him), a person may continue wiping over his footwear after uncovering a small part of the foot under the ankle, as mentioned in the original question, and Allaah knows best.

Written by: Moosaa Richardson

How to Pray in a Chair When Needed [Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan]

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

View this article in Arabic and English [PDF].

Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan (may Allaah preserve him) was asked about how one is to pray in a chair when needed.

The reply: Prayer is the second pillar of Islaam. It is the foundational support-post of Islaam, and it is the first of all deeds a person will be held to account for on the Day of Judgment. If it is accepted [by Allaah], the rest of his deeds will be accepted. If it is rejected, the rest of his deeds will likewise be rejected. It is an obligation that no Muslim is ever excused from so long as he remains of sound mind.[1] A Muslim prays according to his ability.

As Allaah has said, “Fear Allaah to the best of your ability.”[2] And He, the Most High, has said, “Allaah does not burden any soul beyond its scope.”[3] Furthermore, the Prophet, may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace, said, “When I have forbidden you from something, stay away from it [entirely]. When I have ordered you to do something, do as much of it as you are able.”[4]

From this [generality] is prayer. A Muslim is to pray to the best of his ability, the best he can, due to the statement of the Prophet, may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace, “A sick person prays standing. If he is unable, then he may pray sitting. If he is unable, then he may pray [laying] on his side.”[5] In one narration, “If he is unable, then laying back with his feet toward the qiblah.”[6]

Prayer has its required conditions (shuroot), necessary elements (arkaan, lit. pillars), obligations (waajibaat), and recommended manners (sunan). A sick person is to do as much of these things as he is able to. Some things are to be done while standing, while others are done while sitting or in prostration.

What is done standing is the initial Continue reading →

People of the Sunnah are Humble and Clear About Their Sources

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

Stated Shaykh Jamaal ad-Deen al-Qaasimee… [*]

Stated Al-Haafith Jalaal ad-Deen as-Suyootee [1] (may Allaah have Mercy on him):

The blessing of knowledge and gratitude for it is to reference it to its source, as stated by al-Haafith Aboo Taahir as-Silafee [2], who heard from Abul-[Husayn] as-Sayrafee [3], who said: I heard Aboo ‘Abdillaah as-Sooree [4] saying: ‘Abdul-Ghanee ibn Sa’eed [5] said to me:

When my letter (perhaps a small treatise) reached Aboo ‘Abdillaah al-Haakim [6], he responded by thanking me for it, and he mentioned that he taught it to the people in dictation form. His written response included acknowledgment of benefitting (from me), and that he does not narrate it except with reference to me.

And [Al-Haakim also said]: Abul-‘Abbaas Muhammad ibn Ya’qoob al-Asamm [7] narrated to them, that al-‘Abbaas ibn Muhammad ad-Dooree [8] said: I heard Aboo ‘Ubayd [9] say:

Being thankful for knowledge means that you take benefit from someone, and then when asked about it, you say: Continue reading →

Menstrual Cycle Starts After Beginning an ‘Umrah – What to do

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

When a woman has begun her rites of ‘Umrah by entering into a state of ihraam, what does she do if she gets her menses before she manages to complete her ‘Umrah?

The great scholar, Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have Mercy on him) said:

فإذا حاضت المرأة قبل أن تبدأ بالعمرة فإنها تبقى في مكة حتى تطهر، ثم تطوف وتسعى وتقصّر،.

When a woman gets her menses before beginning the ‘Umrah (after assuming ihram), she is to remain in Makkah until she becomes pure (i.e. her menstrual cycle ends), after which she is to make tawaaf (around the Ka’bah), perform Sa’ee (between Safaa and Marwah), and shorten her hair.

فإن دعت الحاجة عند سفرها إلى الطائف أو جدة أو غيرهما، سافرت وهي على إحرامها ترجع حتى تؤدي طواف العمرة وسعيها

If some necessity related to her trip requires her to go to Taif, Jeddah, or elsewhere, she may travel there, remaining in a state of ihraam until she returns to perform the tawaaf and sa’ee of ‘Umrah.

إلا إن كانت قد قالت عند الإحرام، “فإن حبسني حابس فمحلي حيث حبستني”، ثم أصابها الحيض، فلها التّحلل، يعني إذا أصابها عذر، حبسني حابس، يعني: عذرًا كالحيض، فإنها تحلّ ولا شيء عليها، أو أصابها مرض

This is unless Continue reading →

Tafseer Benefits: The Scholars are Authority Figures

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

In a response to a recent exposition of the Almaghrib Institute and their direction, one of our visitors who has (apparently) been influenced by their teachings requested us to reflect on the Verse of the Quran:

يا أيها الذين آمنوا أطيعوا الله وأطيعوا الرسول وأولي الأمر منكم وإن تنازعتم في شيء فردوه إلى الله والرسول إن كنتم تؤمنون بالله واليوم الآخر ذلك خير وأحسن تأويلا
“O you who believe! Obey Allah, obey His Messenger, and (obey) those of you who are in authority. If you differ in anything, refer it back to Allah and the Messenger, if you truly believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and a more suitable outcome.” [4:59]

The confused advisor assumed that -based on his misunderstanding of the Verse- Muslims are required to return the affairs they disagree about back to the Book and the Sunnah, and not to the scholars of Islaam, and that is one more reason to avoid “blindly following” the scholars. (While blind-following was never endorsed or encouraged in any of our writings in the first place!)

This is one of the common effects of the Almaghrib scheme – that people understand any connection to the scholars as “blindly following” them. As a result, people actually believe that removing the scholars from their lives is better and even supported in the Quran!

Response to This Point of Confusion

Yes indeed, we refer back to Allaah and His Messenger (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace). But without the scholars? How could we come to this conclusion?

We do not take one Verse and ignore other Verses! Allaah has Continue reading →

The Five Basic Human Rights (Or Essentials) Islaam Safeguards and Honors

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

Question: What are the five basic human rights, or essentials, that Allaah safeguarded for the people through the message and mission of each and every prophet He sent?

Answer: They are as follows:

  1. Ad-Deen (The Religion)
  2. An-Nafs (Physical Safety)
  3. An-Nasl, or An-Nasab (Ancestry and Lineage)
  4. Al-‘Aql (Intellect)
  5. Al-Maal (Property)

Question: What is the proof for these five basic human rights?

Answer: They are based on the scholars’ istiqraa’ (extracting something from the generality of the entire message) of not only the Quran and the Sunnah, but also from the previous legislations as well.

Question: Are they mentioned specifically in the Quran?

Answer: Yes, they have been mentioned in Soorah al-An’aam [6:151-152]:

6_151

 Say (O Muhammad): “Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: Do not join anything Continue reading →

Responding to “Jazaak Allaahu Khayran” by Saying “Wa Antum fa Jazaakum Allaahu Khayran”

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In the Name of Allaah…

The following message has been making its rounds in a number of email lists and message boards this year:

THE BEST REPLY TO THOSE WHO SAY “JAZAK’ALLAHU KHAIR”?

“Wa Antum fa Jazakumullahu khayran” which means “And you too, May Allah reward to with good.”

When Usayd ibn Hadayr رضي الله عنه said to the Prophet (sallahu alayhi wa salam): “O Messenger of Allah جزاك الله خيرا (Jazak’allahu khayran)!” The Prophet said: ” وَأَنْتُمْ فَجَزَاكُمُ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا (Wa Antum Fa Jazakumullahu khayran.. And you too, May Allah reward you too with good)!”

[Albaani has said that the Hadeeth is Saheeh in al-Saheeha 3096, al-Ta’leeqaatul hisaan al Saheeh ibn Hibbaan 6231]

I have responded (at least three times) with the following reply:

Take your knowledge from the scholars, not unqualified or unknown writers on the internet.

I read Shaykh Al-Albaanee’s discussion of the hadeeth (Saheehah #3096), which includes detailed mention of the defects of the hadeeth, and its not clear to me that the hadeeth is even acceptable. [This is updated below.] Nor did he say anything about this being a legislated response to “jazaak Allaahu khayran”.

Secondly, we don’t take just any conversation that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) was engaged in and then derive legislated responses to phrases. If this hadeeth is authentic Continue reading →

Benefits Related to Saying Aameen in Response to Jazaak Allaah khayran

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In the Name of Allaah…

Dr. Muhammad Baazmool (may Allaah preserve him) mentioned that there is no specified answer from the Sunnah to Jazaak Allaahu Khayran, read here.

To add something to that: The phrase “Jazaak Allaahu Khayran“ (may Allaah reward you well) is something that is from the Sunnah to be said to express thanks or praise, due to the hadeeth:

 مَنْ صُنِعَ إِلَيْهِ مَعْرُوفٌ فَقَالَ لِفَاعِلِهِ: جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا. فَقَدْ أَبْلَغَ فِي الثَّنَاء.

On the authority of Usaamah Ibn Zayd, he said that the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) said: “Whoever has had something nice done for him and then says to his companion, ‘Jazaak Allaahu Khayran,’ then he has surely excelled in praising (him).”

Al-Albaanee authenticated it in Saheeh Sunan At-Tirmithee #2035 (2/392).

So then it is not like other phrases found in the Sunnah that have specified answers, like:

1) Al-Hamdulillaah — Yarhamukallaah — Yahdeekumullaahu wa Yuslihu Baalakum

2) As-Salaamu ‘alaykum — wa ‘Alaykumus-Salaam

3) Uhibbuka fillaah — Ahabbak Continue reading →

Is Defending and Honoring the Scholars a Call to Blind Following?

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

A visitor recently asked about the translation of Shaykh Saalih as-Suhaymee’s advice to support and defend the honor of the scholars of Islaam (found here), saying:

Since these guys are contemporary men who are human and prone to error and sin like all of us, why would we defend them? Isn’t this a call to blind following? [abridged]

To be clear: We have certainly not promoted the blind following of these scholars, nor have we claimed they are perfect without flaws. Nor are we ever to defend any of them in falsehood.

However, dear questioner, may Allaah give you better than the corrupt manhaj (methodology) of Yasir Qadhi, Almaghrib Institute, and those upon their way, your ideas clearly seem to reflect the opinions they commonly lead people into – a total loss of any meaningful distinction between us and the scholars of Islaam, as it relates to the virtues of the scholars, their special status amongst us, and our need to refer to them to learn our Religion. The goal is to disconnect the people from their scholars, which facilitates the spread of deviation very easily.

May Allaah give you better – If Allaah has commanded us in His Quran (more than once) to ask the people of knowledge when we do not know [16:43, 21:7], don’t we need to know who they are?!

Dear questioner, may Allaah give you better! – Know that Allaah has established a very high status for the scholars of Islaam in his Glorious Book, saying: Continue reading →

Common Acts of Religious Excessiveness (Ghuluww) Regarding “Prayer Rugs”

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

Allaah says, addressing the Jews and Christians with a stern admonition that Muslims are required to also heed and live by:

يا أهل الكتاب لا تغلوا في دينكم
“O people of the Book!  Do not go overboard in your religion!” [1]

His Messenger (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) said:

إياكم والغلو فإنما أهلك من كان قبلكم الغلو
“Be warned against ghuluww (religious excessiveness), since that which destroyed the people who came before you was ghuluww!” [2]

To help fulfill this Prophetic order, this series of brotherly reminders highlights some everyday manifestations of religious excessiveness that Muslims may commonly fall into, so that we can be on guard against them and warn others of them.

Obsession with Prayer Mats, Rugs, and Carpets

The narrations found in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and elsewhere, describing the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) praying on a khumrah [small mat] and a haseer [large mat] show the permissibility of praying on other than the bare ground. A few of the scholars held the opinion that the prayer may only be offered on the bare ground, so these narrations are a proof against their position. They do not provide a proof for the one who takes this action as part of his Religion, since the Companions did not take this as a religious matter. Rather, they understood it to be permissible, and thus prayed on mats, bedding, clothing, etc. whenever it made sense, for example: In the extreme heat to protect oneself from the heat of the ground.

Furthermore, the scholars have stated that it is better for a person to pray directly on the ground if he is able.  Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah said:

The ahaadeeth and the aathaar (narrations from the Prophet, may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace, and the Companions) show that they used to prefer placing their foreheads directly on the bare ground if they were able, and when necessary, like in extremely hot weather and the likes, they would pray with something between them and the ground, using something they had with them: a part of their clothing, turban, or cap… [3]

However, if someone still holds that these narrations prove the legislated nature of praying on what people today call “prayer rugs”, then we can look again to Shaykh al-Islaam Continue reading →

Hadeeth Study: The Best Supplication for the Day of ‘Arafah

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

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace) said:

خير الدعاء دعاء يوم عرفة، وخير ما قلت أنا والنبيون من قبلي: لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له، له الملك وله الحمد وهو على كل شيء قدير

“The best supplication is the one made on the Day of ‘Arafah. The best thing ever said by me and the previous prophets is: There is no deity worthy of worship other than Allah, who is alone, having no partner. His is the dominion, and to Him belongs all praise. He is, of everything, All-Capable.”

The hadeeth was collected by Imam at-Tirmithee and others, and it has been authenticated by the scholars. [1]

14 Points of Benefit Derived From or Related to the Hadeeth:

1 – The Day of ‘Arafah is the ninth day of the month of Thul-Hijjah. The Day of ‘Arafah this year (1444) is Tuesday, June 27, 2023. The following day is ‘Eed al-Adh-haa, the second of the two annual holidays in Islam. [2]

2 – The best day of the year to supplicate to Allah is the Day of ‘Arafah, while the best night for supplication is Laylat al-Qadr in Ramadhan. The Day of ‘Arafah is found within the best ten days of the year, the first ten of Thul-Hijjah, while Laylat al-Qadr is found in the best ten nights of the year, the last ten nights of Ramdhaan. While supplications in general may be made during both great opportunities, both have Continue reading →

Ibn Taymiyyah on Using Haraam Substances as Medical Treatments

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

MARIJUANA as a medical treatment?! REALLY?

Muslims, let us please go back to our scholars on such issues!

“Seeking medical cures from filthy (haraam) substances is proof of a sickness in the heart…”

What follows is a complete translation of a detailed answer given by Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [d.728] (may Allaah have Mercy on him) when he was asked about a patient whose doctors told him that the only (effective) medical treatment in his situation would be to consume intoxicants, canine (dog) meat, or even swine. He replied:

It is not permissible to use intoxicants and other filthy substances as medical treatments, based on what was reported by Waa’il ibn Hujr, [1] who said that Taariq ibn Suwayd al-Ju’fee [2] asked the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) about intoxicants, and he forbade him from using them. Taariq added, “But I only use them as medical treatments.” He (the Prophet) responded:

إنه ليس بدواء ولكنه داء
“It is not a treatment, however it is a disease (itself).” 

This (hadeeth) was collected by Imaams Ahmad and Muslim in his Saheeh. [3]

And on the authority of Aboo ad-Dardaa’, the Messenger of Allaah (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) said:

إن الله أنزل الدواء وأنزل الداء وجعل لكل داء دواء، فتداووا ولا تتداووا بحرام
“Verily Allaah has sent down illnesses, and He has sent down the cures. He has made (available) a cure for every illness, so take medical treatments, but do not treat illnesses with haraam (substances).”

This (hadeeth) was collected by Aboo Daawood. [4]

And Aboo Hurayrah said Continue reading →

Correction: The Widow’s Period of Mourning (‘Iddah) and Her Prayer (No Connection)

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

In an audio clip uploaded to YouTube entitled, “The Concern of Giving Full Preference to the Kaafir Calendar,” (15 min., 35 sec.) I became confused about an issue and spoke incorrectly.

Discussing the harms of living by the Gregorian calendar, I mentioned the point of the ‘iddah (mourning period) of the widow – four months and ten days. After mentioning the difference of two or three additional days that would be mistakenly included within her ‘iddah by following the Gregorian calendar, I then erred by mentioning that she would begin making her prayers up a few days late, since she would not be praying during her ‘iddah.

This is clearly erroneous, as there is no connection between the mourning period and performing the prayer or leaving it. To be absolutely clear: Women leave their prayers during their menses, not during their ‘iddahs.

While I am personally very embarrassed about this error, it is my duty to correct it using my available resources. I hope that my brothers and sisters would help me by informing anyone who has uploaded it about this retraction. Then, it could be edited out (15:35 to 16 minutes), along with a reference to this article. If it cannot be edited, then at least let it be paired with the retraction.

May Allaah bless the sister who informed me of the mistake, and may Allaah bless all of those who help me to correct it.

And Allaah knows best.

Written by: Moosaa Richardson

15 Points of Advice by Shaykh Ibn Baaz on Being Serious at Exam Time

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In the Name of Allaah…

Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have Mercy on him) was asked* for his advice to students during exam time. He replied:

We advise all students:

[1] to be serious and dedicated,

[2] to review their lessons day and night,

[3] to cooperate with each other in solving problems,

[4] to ask Allaah for success and help,

[5] to take heed of disobedience,

[6] to be dutiful in the performance of the prayers, taking care to offer them in congregation, Fajr prayer and the rest,

[7] to be dutiful to their parents,

[8] to keep family ties,

[9] and to give their wives their rights, among other things.

[10] As we advise the students also to be dutiful to Allaah (have Taqwaa),

[11] to stand upright (be dedicated, have Istiqaamah) in their religion,

[12] to take care of the duties imposed by Allaah,

[13] and to abandon what Allaah has forbidden.

All of these things will help them be successful in their lessons. They must all be dutiful to Allaah and take care of the things Allaah has ordered, like the prayers, etc. They must work hard to be dutiful to their parents and give them their rights. They must also be fair to their wives (if they are married) and give them their rights.

[14] They must also be mindful of their time and not waste it by listening to rumors that have no benefit.

[15] Their time is to be spent reviewing (their lessons) alone or with their brothers (in groups).

Source: His Fatwaa Collection (9/41-42), the numbering of the 15 points is from me.

*The question was general and the answer was general, in a place where students study both Islaam and worldly fields of knowledge. Studying hard for exams and trying to achieve high marks is an implementation of the generality of doing things with proficiency, that which our Religion encourages: “Verily Allaah has prescribed proficiency in all matters.“

Whoever does that for Allaah’s sake alone is earning Allaah’s Favor…

Whoever does that merely to seek fame and notoriety is on a path to the Fire…

and Allaah knows best.

Written by: Moosaa Richardson

ST Archives – Originally published 01-29-2010

The Ruling on Saying “Allaah and His Messenger Know Best”

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

The Permanent Committee of Scholars in Saudi Arabia has issued a verdict stating that saying “Allaah and His Messenger know best” was for the lifetime of the Messenger.  After his death (sallallaahu alayhe wa sallam), “Allaah knows best” is to be used. This was signed by Shaykh Ibn Baaz, Shaykh Ghudayyaan, and Shaykh Abdur-Razzaaq ‘Afeefee (may Allaah have Mercy on them).

What seems to be correct based on the overall practice of the Companions and the early scholars is to refrain from saying “Allaah and His Messenger knows best” after his death, and rather say, “Allaah knows best.”

“…Because the Messenger (sallallaahu alayhe wa sallam) is not aware of what is happening after his death.”

Source: Verdicts of the Permanent Committee (2/163) [English translation]

In addition, Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan, Shaykh Bakr Aboo Zayd, and others mentioned that saying “Allaah and His Messenger know best” was for his lifetime, and that after his death (sallallaahu alayhe wa sallam), “Allaah knows best” is to be used.

Refer to: I’aanat al-Mustafeed (1/44), Mu’jam al-Manaahee al-Lafthiyyah (p.128).

However, some scholars allowed saying “Allaah and His Messenger know best” after his death (sallallaahu alayhe wa sallam), like Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have Mercy on him) and some of the explainers of Kitaab at-Towheed, relying on a passage from the Nooniyyah of Ibn al-Qayyim: Continue reading →

Shaykh Ibn Baaz on Using Zakaat Money to Finish the Construction of a Masjid

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In the Name of Allaah…

Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have Mercy on him) was asked about using zakaat money to finish building a masjid that is almost completed, and its construction may be halted (due to lack of funding). He replied:

What is well-known to the scholars, and it is the position of the vast majority of them, so it can be considered like ijmaa’ (scholarly consensus) of the scholars of the early As-Salaf As-Saalih, is that zakaat is not to be used for building masjids, buying books, or the likes. It may only be distributed to the eight kinds of recipients who are mentioned in the verse in Soorah At-Tawbah [v.60], and they are:

(1) The fuqaraa’ (those who are extremely poor),

(2) The masaakeen (the poor and needy),

(3) Those who work in distributing it (zakaat),

(4) Those whose hearts need firmness upon Islaam (new Muslims),

(5) Freeing slaves,

(6) Paying debts,

(7) In the way of Allaah, and

(8) The traveler who is in need.

And the phrase “in the way of Allaah” means jihaad specifically. This is what is known to the people of knowledge, and the building of masjids is not mentioned here, nor is the building of schools or roadways, nor their likes.

And Allaah is the One who grants success.

Source: Majmoo’ Fataawee wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwa’ah (14/294)

Translated by: Moosaa Richardson

ST Archives – Originally Published 02-22-2008

Related Content:

Citations of Scholarly Consensus About Zakaat Money Spent on General Charities

Citations of Scholarly Consensus Regarding Zakaat Spent on General Charities

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In the Name of Allaah, the Ever-Compassionate, the Bestower of Mercy…

A number of scholars of the past, from different math-habs, lands, and time periods, have cited ijmaa’ (scholarly consensus) on the impermissibility of spending zakaat on general charities, like building masjids, roads, bridges, or buying a shroud for a dead person or paying his debts. They viewed that “fee sabeelillaah” (in the way of Allaah) in the verse of zakaat recipients (9:60) was specific to the Muslim army and its battles, and some added: Battles and Hajj.

The following citations from early scholars oppose the general broader understanding promoted by some later scholars and writers that “fee sabeelillaah” (in the way of Allaah) includes all types of charity and good deeds loved by Allaah:

1. Aboo ‘Ubayd al-Qaasim ibn Sallaam (d.224)

Regarding paying the debts of the deceased, buying shrouds for him, building masjids, or routing rivers, and similar things of a charitable nature, then Sufyaan (ath-Thawree), the scholars of Iraq, and others have all agreed that this does not fulfill the duty of zakaat, since these are not from its eight categories.

Source: His book, Kitaab al-Amwaal, 2/293.

2. Ibn Hazm (d.456)

There is no dispute (amongst the scholars) that Allaah did not intend (by “fee sabeelillaah”) every good and charitable kind of thing when distributing zakaat, thus Continue reading →

Differences Between “Khamr” and “Alcohol”

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

It is important to differentiate between “khamr” (intoxicants) and “alcohol”.*

The substance called “alcohol” is of three types:

1) That which is deadly, if you consume it you will die or become seriously ill.  This is considered “summ“ (poison) and it is permissible to buy, sell, transport, or use it, but not consume it.  You can use it when found in mouthwash, perfume, bug spray, etc., but not in foods or drinks.

2) That which intoxicates when consumed, a little of it or a lot, then it considered Khamr (intoxicant), and it is not permissible to buy, sell, transport, use, or consume.  The scholarly verdicts mentioned here and here refer to this category: khamr.

3) That which does not intoxicate no matter Continue reading →

The “28-Day Ramadan” Mistake and the High Judiciary Council of Saudi Arabia

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In the Name of Allaah…

A clear response by Moosaa Richardson to the blog, twitter, and facebook claims that the Saudi Government has done something to corrupt the Muslims’ month of Ramadan this year, 1434 (2013).

30 minutes of solid foundations to aid our brothers and sisters in understanding this pillar of our Religion according to the Messenger of Allaah (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace), including:

  • Islam is a perfect religion, one of ease that can be practiced by any human being, educated or uneducated.
  • Part of that perfect religion is fasting begun by a moon sighting according to the Book of Allaah.
  • Starting a month is only done by a moon sighting or counting out 30 days according to the Sunnah.
  • The disobedience of those who fast on the 30th of Sha’baan without a moon sighting (thinking to play it safe because of cloud coverage), and their INVALID fasting.
  • The logical possibility of 28 days of fasting and how it has been dealt with throughout history.
  • Making up a day of fasting (qadhaa’) does not indicate that anything wrong was done.
  • The audacity of those who would accuse people who closely follow the orders of Allaah and His Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) of causing corruption and ruining people’s fasting, etc.
  • Ending the month of Ramadan spreading rumors and doubts is an indication of a failed month of worship (may Allaah excuse us!)

Please spread it to help refute the many false rumors being circulated, may Allaah reward you!

MP3: https://www.bakkah.net/en/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/saudi-court-moon-sighting-conspiracy-error-1434.mp3

Alternate download: http://www.troid.ca/media/audio/MR_saudimoonsighting.mp3

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen on Attending Classes While in I’tikaaf (Seclusion in the Masjid)

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

Some people may feel it is inappropriate to attend a class about Islaam while performing i’tikaaf (seclusion in the masjid), which is commonly done in the last ten nights of Ramadhaan.

Our shaykh, the great scholar, Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have Mercy on him) posed and answered the following question:

*ﻭﻫﻞ ﻳﻨﺎﻓﻲ ﺭﻭﺡ ﺍﻻ‌ﻋﺘﻜﺎﻑ ﺃﻥ ﻳﺸﺘﻐﻞ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﺘﻜﻒ ﻓﻲ ﻃﻠﺐ ﺍﻟﻌﻠﻢ؟*

 Does it go against the spirit of i’tikaaf to occupy oneself with seeking knowledge?

*ﺍﻟﺠﻮﺍﺏ: ﻻ‌ ﺷﻚ ﺃﻥ ﻃﻠﺐ ﺍﻟﻌﻠﻢ ﻣﻦ ﻃﺎﻋﺔ ﺍﻟﻠﻪ، ﻟﻜﻦ ﺍﻻ‌ﻋﺘﻜﺎﻑ ﻳﻜﻮﻥ ﻟﻠﻄﺎﻋﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺨﺎﺻﺔ، ﻛﺎﻟﺼﻼ‌ﺓ، ﻭﺍﻟﺬﻛﺮ، ﻭﻗﺮﺍﺀﺓ ﺍﻟﻘﺮﺁﻥ، ﻭﻣﺎ ﺃﺷﺒﻪ ﺫﻟﻚ، ﻭﻻ‌ ﺑﺄﺱ ﺃﻥ ﻳَﺤﻀﺮ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﺘﻜﻒ ﺩﺭﺳﺎً ﺃﻭ ﺩﺭﺳﻴﻦ ﻓﻲ ﻳﻮﻡ ﺃﻭ ﻟﻴﻠﺔ؛ ﻷ‌ﻥ ﻫﺬﺍ ﻻ‌ ﻳﺆﺛﺮ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻻ‌ﻋﺘﻜﺎﻑ، ﻟﻜﻦ ﻣﺠﺎﻟﺲ ﺍﻟﻌﻠﻢ ﺇﻥ ﺩﺍﻣﺖ، ﻭﺻﺎﺭ ﻳﻄﺎﻟﻊ ﺩﺭﻭﺳﻪ، ﻭﻳﺤﻀﺮ ﺍﻟﺠﻠﺴﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻜﺜﻴﺮﺓ ﺍﻟﺘﻲ ﺗﺸﻐﻠﻪ ﻋﻦ ﺍﻟﻌﺒﺎﺩﺓ ﺍﻟﺨﺎﺻﺔ، ﻓﻬﺬﺍ ﻻ‌ ﺷﻚ ﺃﻥ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻋﺘﻜﺎﻓﻪ ﻧﻘﺼﺎً، ﻭﻻ‌ ﺃﻗﻮﻝ ﺇﻥ ﻫﺬﺍ ﻳﻨﺎﻓﻲ ﺍﻻ‌ﻋﺘﻜﺎﻑ.* 

The answer: No doubt that seeking knowledge is an act of obedience to Allaah. However, i’tikaaf has more to do with specific acts of obdedience, such as prayer, remembrance, recitation of Quran, etc. There is no problem if the one performing i’tikaaf attends a lesson or two during the day or night, as this does not affect the (validity of) i’tikaaf.

However Continue reading →

Shaykh Saalih Aal ash-Shaykh on Asking the Dead to Intercede

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

This is an answer given by Shaykh Saalih Aal ash-Shaykh to the issue of requesting the supplication of the deceased. The shaykh was asked (during his explanation of al-‘Aqeedah at-Tahaawiyyah, in the printed version: 2/1029, Dar al-Mawaddah, Egypt):

من سأل النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم أن يدعو له وأن يطلب له المغفرة من الله بعد موته، هل هذا شرك؟

The one who asks the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) to supplicate for him and to ask for his forgiveness from Allaah after his (the Prophet’s) death, is this shirk (an act of polytheism)?

The shaykh’s answer:

نعم، هو شرك أكبر لأن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم لا يُدعى بعد موته، فطلب الدعاء من الميت، وطلب الدعاء بالإغاثة أو الاستسقاء؛ يعني أن يدعو الله أن يغيث، أو أن يدعو الله أن يغفر، أن يدعو الله أن يعطي ونحو ذلك، هذا كله داخل في لفظ الدعاء والله – عز وجل – قال {وَأَنَّ الْمَسَاجِدَ لِلَّهِ فَلَا تَدْعُوا مَعَ اللَّهِ أَحَدًا} [الجن:18].

Yes, it is major shirk because the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) is not to be called upon after his death. Requesting supplication from the dead  (for them to) request rescue and sending of rain, meaning, that he (the deceased) supplicates to Allaah that He grants relief or he supplicates to Allaah to forgive (the person making the request), that he supplicates to Allaah to give (to that person) and what is like this, all of it is included in the meaning of the word “du’aa” (supplication), and Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic said, “And the mosques are for Allaah, so do not invoke anyone alongside Allaah” [72:18].

 والذي يقول إنّ هذه الصورة وهي طلب الدعاء تخرج عن الطلب الذي به يكون الشرك شركًا فإنه ينقض أصل التوحيد كله في هذا الباب، فكل أنواع الطلب؛ طلب الدعاء يعني طلب الدعاء من الميت، طلب المغفرة من الميت، أو طلب الدعاء من الميت أن يدعو الله أن يغفر، أو طلب الإغاثة من الميت أو طلب الإعانة أو نحو ذلك كلها باب واحد هي طلب، والطلب دعاء فداخلة في قوله تعالى {وَمَنْ يَدْعُ مَعَ اللَّهِ إِلَهًا آخَرَ لَا بُرْهَانَ لَهُ بِهِ فَإِنَّمَا حِسَابُهُ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِ إِنَّهُ لَا يُفْلِحُ الْكَافِرُونَ} [المؤمنون:117] ، وفي قوله {وَأَنَّ الْمَسَاجِدَ لِلَّهِ فَلَا تَدْعُوا مَعَ اللَّهِ أَحَدًا} ، وفي قوله {وَالَّذِينَ تَدْعُونَ مِنْ دُونِهِ مَا يَمْلِكُونَ مِنْ قِطْمِيرٍ} [فاطر:13] ، ونحو ذلك من الآيات.

And the one who says that this form, which is to Continue reading →

Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan on Loving and Hating for the Sake of Allaah

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In the Name of Allaah…

Recently, the great scholar, Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan (may Allaah preserve him) was asked:

What is the ruling on rejecting the idea of hatred for the sake of Allaah and claiming that it is not from Islam? Is a person’s Islaam valid if he does not hate the Jews and Christians?

The shaykh responded:

Walaa’ and baraa’ (the islamic system of loyalty) is a must. (It is) disallegiance with the enemies of Allaah and loyalty to the allies of Allaah. Walaa’ and baraa’ means to have hatred, declaring oneself free of them (the disbelievers) and their religion, this is baraa’.

Walaa’ means to love Allaah, to love His Messenger, and to love His believing servants, take them as allies and come to their defense.

“Indeed you have a good example in Ibraaheem (Abraham) and those with him, when they said to their people: We are free of you and all that you worship beside Allaah…” [Meaning of Quran 60:4]

They declared themselves free of them and their idols, their objects of worship.

“…We are free of you and all that you worship beside Allaah. We have disbelieved in you (i.e. your religion), and there shall be enmity and hatred between us forever, unless you believe in Allaah alone.” [Meaning of Quran 60:4]

Thus it is not permissible to love the disbelievers. Whoever takes them as allies, Allaah, the Mighty and Most High, has said [what means]:

“O you who believe! Do not take the Jews and Christians as allies! They are allies of one another. Whoever takes them as allies is indeed from them. Verily Allaah does not guide people who are oppressive.” [Meaning of Quran 5:51]

The issue is very serious. Walaa’ (loyalty) and baraa’ (disallegiance) are Continue reading →

Referring to the Quran as a Form of “Music” or Describing it as “Musical”

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

From the unique writings of the late scholar, Shaykh Bakr Aboo Zayd (may Allaah have Mercy on him), is a beneficial 700-page dictionary of “bad language” called “Mu’jam al-Manaahee al-Lafthiyyah” in which he identified and refuted incorrect, inappropriate, and/or impermissible words and phrases that some people use.

In this book (p.117), he included how some people refer to the Quran as “music” or “musical”, or having musical tones or rhythms, and commented:

These are unacceptable descriptions because of three issues:

[1] This is claiming a likeness between Quranic Verses and impermissible musical instruments.

[2] Music is an art form that draws people into disobedience and wickedness, so how could it resemble the Magnificent Quran, the Speech of the Lord of all the worlds, that which guides to eemaan (statements, actions, and beliefs of faith) and the Straight Path?!

[3] Allaah the Exalted has refuted the idea of the Quran being poetry and exonerated it above that (claim), so how could it (the Quran) then resemble the voices and instruments of musicians?! (something far worse)

As the Arabs who have picked up these kinds of repugnant phrases from books that the scholars have been warning against (like Sayyid Qutb’s “Thilaal” for example), it is also hoped that Continue reading →

Do not Disregard the Moonsighting to Rely on Calendars for the Beginning and End of Ramadhaan

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

All Muslims concerned with following the Quran and Sunnah properly should be advised that it is not permissible to plan the first day of Ramadhaan based solely on calendars and the scientific predictions behind them.

This is because Allaah has legislated fasting to begin with the sighting of the crescent of Ramadhaan or the completion of 30 days of Sha’baan when the crescent is not visible.  His Messenger (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) said, quite clearly:

لا تصوموا حتى تروا الهلال ولا تفطروا حتى تروه

“Do not begin fasting until you sight the moon, and do not break your fast (for ‘Eed) until you have sighted it.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

Since Monday will be the 29th of Sha’baan, Ramadhaan 1434 will begin on either Tuesday (July 9, 2013) or Wednesday (July 10, 2013), depending on whether or not the moon is sighted.

Please be advised that any people claiming at this time that Ramadhaan will begin on a pre-specified day are people who are inviting you to leave the clear practice of fasting according to the Book and the Sunnah.

Please take the time to read the following official verdict of the Permanent Committee of Scholars on the topic if you are not entirely clear on the Islaamic rulings related to this matter:

http://www.alifta.net/Fatawa/FatawaChapters.aspx?languagename=en&View=Page&PageID=30&PageNo=1&BookID=10

May Allaah bless the Muslims and unite them upon the Book of their Lord, the Sunnah of His Messenger (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace), and the way of the Companions and early Muslims who practiced it purely.

NOTE: Do not allow the legitimate scholarly differing over the issue of “local” vs. “global” moonsighting to be grounds for anyone to introduce any concept they choose – like rejecting the entire concept of moonsighting altogether!

And Allaah knows best.

Written by: Moosaa Richardson

Acts of Misplaced Loyalty: Following the Non-Muslims’ Calendar

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

In his discussion of the various impermissible ways some Muslims show misplaced loyalty and allegiance to the non-Muslims, senior Islamic scholar Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan (may Allaah preserve him) states:

#6 – Keeping track of the date using their calendars, especially those that highlight their rituals and holidays, like the Christian (Gregorian) Calendar

It (the Gregorian Calendar) is something that commemorates the birth of the Messiah (may Allaah grant him peace), and something which they invented themselves, not something from the Religion of the Messiah (may Allaah grant him peace). Using this calendar includes sharing with them in the preservation of their rituals and holidays.

To avoid this, the Companions (may Allaah be pleased with them) wanted to establish a calendar for the Muslims in the time of ‘Umar, the (second) Caliph. They ignored the previously established calendars of the disbelievers and began with the Messenger’s emigration (i.e. his hijrah to the city of al-Madeenah).

This proves the obligation to oppose the disbelievers in this and all other things which are specific to them, and Allaah is the One from whom we seek help.

Source: Al-Walaa’ wal-Baraa’ (pp.11-12), Daar al-Imaam Ahmad printing, 1434.

Important Notes:

[1] The English names of some of the months on the Gregorian Calendar have polytheistic origins rooted in Greek, Roman, and other mythology:

Shaykh al-Fowzaan Exposes the Plots to Defame Scholars by Calling Them “Madkhalees” and “Jaamees”

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

Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan, one of today’s most widely respected scholars of Islaam – may Allaah preserve and protect him – , was asked about people who resort to name-calling with labels like “Madkhalees” and “Jaamees”, and he replied:

Stop these kinds of affairs and this name-calling. Do not insult each other with name-calling. Allaah, the Mighty and Most High, has commanded you:

ولا تنابزوا بالألقاب

Do not insult each other with name-calling! [49:11]

You are all brothers [addressing students al-Madeenah University], all of you are upon the same religion. You are all peers, and to Allaah is the praise. Drop these affairs, and show respect for the scholars. Respect the scholars! Whoever does not respect the scholars shall remain deprived of their knowledge. He will be deprived of being able to benefit from them.

Abandon this thing – the name-calling and speaking ill of the scholars – those who have virtue and status over the rest of the people which Allaah bestowed upon them:

يرفع الله الذين آمنوا منكم والذين أوتوا العلم درجات

“Allaah raises the believers among you and the people given knowledge many degrees.” [58:11]

The scholars have their status, they have their ranks that are to be respected. If the scholars are Continue reading →

From the Signs of the Last Day: Long Friday Khutbahs (Sermons) with Short Prayers

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

Shaykh Hammood ibn ‘Abdillaah at-Tuwayjiree (d.1413) – may Allaah have Mercy on him – said:

Long Khutbahs (Sermons) with Short Prayers: On this topic, there is the hadeeth of Ibn Mas’ood – may Allaah be pleased with him – who said:

You people are living in a time wherein prayers are made long, khutbahs (sermons) are short, there are many scholars, but few orators. A time will come upon the people when the prayer will be short, the khutbah will be long, a time of many orators but few scholars…

It was collected by at-Tabaraanee, and al-Haythamee said: Its narrators are those of the Saheeh (hadeeth collections of al-Bukhaaree and/or Muslim).

It was also collected by Imaam Maalik in his Muwatta’, with a similar wording:

…And the people shall encounter a time when the scholars of fiqh are few, but the reciters are many, the letters of the Qur’aan will be memorized, but the rulings will be lost, many shall be asked questions (about Islaam), few will be able to benefit anyone, they shall prolong khutbahs (sermons), and shorten the prayers. Their whims will become evident even before their actions.

…He (Ibn Mas’ood) – may Allaah be pleased with him – also narrated from the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) that he said:

إن قصر الخطبة وطول الصلاة مئنة من فقه الرجل، فأطيلوا الصلاة، واقصروا الخطبة، فإن من البيان سحرًا، وإنه سيأتي بعدكم قوم يطيلون الخطب ويقصرون الصلاة

“Verily, a short khutbah and a long prayer is a sign of a man’s fiqh (religious understanding), so lengthen the prayer and shorten the khutbah, as surely some types of speech are magical. People will come after you who prolong the khutbahs and shorten the prayers.”

It was collected by al-Bazzaar, and part of it was Continue reading →

Shaykh Ibn Baaz on Giving a Mus-haf to a Christian

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

Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have Mercy on him), late Muftee of Saudi Arabia, was asked, “If a Christian requests a mus-haf from me, should I give it to him or not?” He replied:

You may not give him one, however, you can read the Qur’aan to him, so he could hear it. You could invite him to (the Religion of) Allaah and pray for his guidance, based on the Statement of Allaah, the Most High, in His Authoritative Book [what means]:

( And if any of the polytheists seek your protection, then grant him protection, so that he could hear the Speech of Allaah, then grant him passage safely. ) [9:6]

And the statement of His Messenger (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) [what means]:

“Do not travel with the Qur’aan to the land of the enemy, as I fear they could get a hold of it.” [Muslim]

This proves that a non-Muslim is not to be given a mus-haf, to avoid him degrading it or playing with it. However, he can be taught, have the Qur’aan read to him, advised, and prayed for. If he accepts Islam he can be given a mus-haf.

Furthermore, there is no problem in giving him some books of tafseer or hadeeth, if it is hoped that he might benefit from them. He may also be given some translations of the meanings of the Noble Qur’aan.

Source: Majmoo’ Fataawaa of Shaykh Ibn Baaz (6/469-470). [Arabic]

Translated by: Moosaa Richardson

Shaykh Saalih Al-Fowzaan Appears On TV, So Does He Believe Video Recordings Are Permissible?

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In the Name of Allaah…

Some people have assumed that since Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan, one of today’s leading Islamic scholars, appears on TV, then he must have changed his views on videography (recording video images) and even still photography as well.

The shaykh (may Allaah preserve him) has been approached and asked about this concern more than once. He was asked once:

What is the ruling on videography? And how should we respond to those who say you consider it permissible based on your appearances on TV and on the Majd Channel?

The shaykh replied:

Subhaan Allaah (Glorified be Allaah)! I have allowed this?! Regarding the (TV) appearances, then I have not sought to appear (on TV). Rather, they came out and attended the masjid. They recorded the lecture and the attendees. They are the ones who did that, without seeking permission or consultation. I have not allowed this, nor am I pleased with it for anyone.

They also recorded Ibn Baaz, may Allaah forgive (them), while he was not pleased with it and warned against it. They come to events and gatherings and record, and the images appear on TV. Does this mean that Shaykh Ibn Baaz allowed tasweer (recording images)? In no way whatsoever! He died Continue reading →

Common Mistakes: Replacing the Father’s Name or the Family Name

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

A common mistake made in the West is when new Muslims are instructed to change their family names, or to change, replace, or abandon their fathers’ names. For example, a new Muslim named “Joe Smith”, whose father’s name is Michael, may be advised to change his name to “Abdullaah Muhammad al-Amreekee”. Often, without the right guidance, a new Muslim may be inclined against his family’s name and want to free himself of it. He may even feel this is required or encouraged in Islam!

In reality, from the most basic human needs preserved in all the divine religions throughout history is the preservation of the people’s ancestry. Islam, as the culmination of all previous revelations, gives this matter the utmost urgency, as our Lord orders us:

ادْعُوهُمْ لِآبائِهِمْ هُوَ أَقْسَطُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ

“Call them by their fathers’ (names), it is more just with Allaah” [33:5]

A Muslim is required to keep his father’s name, as well as his family name. This Islaamic manner of naming is so important that the Messenger of Allaah (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) warned those who replace their fathers’ names with a very serious consequence:

مَنِ ادَّعَى إِلَى غَيْرِ أَبِيهِ، وَهُوَ يَعْلَمُ أَنَّهُ غَيْرُ أَبِيهِ، فَالْجَنَّةُ عَلَيْهِ حَرَامٌ

“Whoever ascribes himself to someone other than his (real) father, knowing that he is not his (real) father, Paradise is forbidden for him!” [al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]

We see clearly that changing one’s name in a way that replaces the father’s and/or family’s names with other names is absolutely forbidden, and we must Continue reading →

Pork By-Products in Food, Medicine, or Cosmetics

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

The Permanent Committee of Scholars in Saudi Arabia was asked a question about foods, medicines, and cosmetics containing pork and pork by-products, like fat, oil, hair, or bones (crushed into powder).  They replied:

When a Muslim knows with certainty or near-certainty that pork, fat from the pig, or crushed pig bones are found in any type of food, medicine, toothpaste, or the likes, it is not permissible to eat, drink, or wipe it (on one’s body). And he is to leave whatever he is uncertain about, due to his statement (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace):

دع ما يريبك إلى ما لا يريبك

Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt.

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

[Shaykh] ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Qu’ood
Member

[Shaykh] ‘Abdullaah ibn Ghudayyaan
Member

[Shaykh] ‘Abdur-Razzaaq ‘Afeefee
Vice Chairman

[Shaykh] ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn ‘Abdillaah ibn Baaz
Chairman

Source: Verdicts of the Permanent Committee (22/281).

Translated by: Moosaa Richardson

Regarding Those Who Say Hatred is Not From Islam (Shaykh ‘Abdur-Rahmaan Muhyiud-Deen)

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

Question: A well-known preacher in the West says: Islaam does not require anyone to hate any of the people. He also says: I do not want a religion that requires me to hate some people. This understanding has spread, and some of the Muslims have adopted it. What is your advice to the one who said this and to those Muslims who have followed him?

Answer by Shaykh ‘Abdur-Rahmaan Muhyiud-Deen, Former Professor at the Islamic University of al-Madeenah and Mufti at the Prophet’s Masjid (may Allaah preserve him):

This poor, misguided person does not know about Islaam. Someone who says that Islam does not include any hatred, and (this includes) that it does not include love either, since love and hatred [are inseparable]… This is Liberalist philosophy. The Shaytaan (Devil) has spoken upon this person’s tongue when he said there is no hatred, since there would be no love either, as a logical result. Impossible. You must hate disbelief and its people. You detest disbelief and its people. Could you watch the cross being worshipped and say: Be happy, there’s nothing (wrong) with that, or it’s nothing?! He would either be happy, or say there is nothing wrong. There is absolutely something wrong here, why is that? Because everything that is worshipped besides Allah is an enemy to Allaah! All of mankind are required to worship Allaah, ( O Mankind! ) What? [Students reply, ( Worship your Lord ).] [2:21]

It is a must to love Allaah: ( You do not find any people who Continue reading →

Smiles of the Great Predecessors: The Upright Character of Ayyoob as-Sikhtiyaanee

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In the Name of Allaah…

The great imam of the early Muslims, Aboo Bakr Ayyoob as-Sikhtiyaanee (d.131) – may Allaah have mercy on him – , was known for his great knowledge, personal piety, and outstanding manners.

One of his students and an imam in his own right, Hammaad ibn Zayd (d.179), said about him:

مَا رَأَيْتُ رَجُلاً قَطُّ أَشَدَّ تَبُسُّماً فِي وَجُوْهِ الرِّجَالِ مِنْ أَيُّوْبَ
I have not seen a man dedicated to smiling in the faces of the people more than Ayyoob!

From the completeness of a Muslim’s character is his pleasant attitude around the Muslims, his smile, positivity, and cheerfulness.  Ayyoob as-Sikhtiyaanee was exemplary in this.

Hammaad also said about him:

أَيُّوْبُ عِنْدِي أَفْضَلُ مَنْ جَالَستُهُ، وَأَشَدُّهم اتِّبَاعاً لِلسُّنَّةِ

To me, Ayyoob was the best person I ever sat with and the most devout of them in following the Sunnah!

From the Sunnah is balance, and Ayyoob was balanced.  This great imam would not waste his smile on the people of deviation.  The same jovial and pleasant attitude would turn to contempt and disdain at the mention of innovators.  One of them would try to open a discussion with him, saying, “O Abaa Bakr, let me ask you about just one word?”

He would say:

وَلاَ نِصْفِ كَلِمَةٍ وَلاَ نِصْفِ كَلِمَةٍ
Not even half a word, not even half a word!

All of the previous quotes can be found in his biography in the book, Siyar A’laam an-Nubalaa’ (6/15-23) of ath-Thahabee.

This is the balance of Islaam.  Muslims are not to smile in the faces of those who corrupt and polute the teachings of the Religion.  Islaam is to love and hate for the sake of Allaah. Just as open manifestations of love for Allaah’s sake, like smiling, kind words, and support are legislated for those who deserve it, so is hatred for Allaah’s sake, including showing outward signs of anger and displeasure and parting company, in the appropriate situations.

It is reported that Al-Fudhayl ibn ‘Iyaadh (d.187) said:

مَن تبسَّم في وجهِ مبتدعٍ فقد استخفَّ بما أَنزل الله عزَّ وجلَّ على محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم
Whoever smiles in the face of an innovator has made light of what Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, has sent down to Muhammad, may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace.

Source: Sharh as-Sunnah (p.128) of al-Barbahaaree

So a balanced Muslim smiles and shows outward signs of love and respect for those who deserve it, just as he frowns for Allaah’s sake, and shows outward signs of hatred and contempt for those who deserve it.

And Allaah knows best.

Writted by: Moosaa Richardson

The Islamic Ruling on Rent-to-Own Contracts

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In the Name of Allaah…

Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan mentions that the Council of Senior Scholars has studied the modern “Rent-to-Own” schemes, and they have ruled that they are impermissible transactions, due to the prohibition of two contracts in one.

Audio: http://www.safeshare.tv/w/maZtfNemwq

Video: http://www.safeshare.tv/w/xetfuzAwnZ (different)

Rent-to-own schemes may also include some so-called “installment plans” for automobiles and property, where legal ownership remains with the seller until the payments are complete, which is essentially a rent-to-own contract cleverly disguised as an installment plan.

As an important reminder, we live in times of widespread deception and corruption, so let every Muslim be extremely cautious in how he approaches complex business transactions.

Written by: Moosaa Richardson