In the Name of Allaah…
Can you tell me if the following hadeeth is authentic? ‘Uqbah ibn ‘Aamir narrates that the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) said, “You have the olive oil from this Holy (mubaarak) tree, treat yourself with this, since it cures the Anal fissure (Basoor).”
This is not a hadeeth from the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace). Rather it is mowdhoo’ (fabricated, invented). Continue reading
In the Name of Allaah…
Many non-Arabs who learn proper Arabic find difficulty in communicating with regular, everyday people. The problem is that common Arabs don’t usually speak a very high level of fus-haa (proper) Arabic, rather they speak ‘Aammiyyah, a lesser grade of Arabic slang. Students of the Arabic Language tend to have a strong stance against the use of this slang, ‘Aammiyyah.
Perhaps the following words from the great scholar, Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have Mercy on him), may provide some much needed insight into the issue: [1] Continue reading
In the Name of Allaah…
‘Aqeeqah: Slaughtering sheep after the birth of a newborn, two for a boy, one for a girl, preferably on the seventh day after the birth.
Ibn Qudaamah (d.620), may Allaah have Mercy on him, said:
“The ‘aqeeqah is a Sunnah (recommended deed) according to the vast majority of the scholars, like Ibn ‘Abbaas, Ibn ‘Umar, ‘Aa’ishah, the jurists of the taabi’oon (those who came after the companions), and the scholars of the various lands, with the exception of Ahlur-Ra’y (the Hanafees), who held that it was from the customs of Jaahliyyah (the pre-Islamic period of ignorance)… And Al-Hasan (al-Basree) and Daawood (ath-Thaahiree) held it to be an obligation…” [1] Continue reading
In the Name of Allaah…
He was the shaykh, Aboo ‘Abdillaah, ‘Abdur-Rahmaan ibn Naasir ibn ‘Abdillaah ibn Naasir as-Sa’dee, from the tribe of Tameem.
He was born in the city of ‘Unayzah, in Saudi Arabia, on the 12th of Muharram, 1307. He memorized the Qur’aan and mastered its recitation before reaching the age of 11. He then engaged himself in seeking knowledge, studying with the scholars of his city and those who visited it. Continue reading
His kunyah: Aboo Maalik, also called: Aboo Munthir (both are names of his sons – may Allaah bless them, their siblings, and their parents).
His lineage: al-Kindee, from a Yemeni tribe, Kindah, with a rich history.
His position in Umm al-Quraa University: Among the highest ranking and most respected professors in the university, he teaches in higher studies, oversees MA and PhD research, and takes part in their criticism and defense.
Some of his teachers: He had significant contact with Shaykh al-Albaanee (may Allaah have Mercy on him) by phone. Continue reading
In the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful…
Imaam al-Bukhaaree stated in his Saheeh (#6069), Book of Manners, Chapter: The Muslim’s Screening of Himself, with his chain to Aboo Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) saying:
“All of my ummah (nation of followers) will be excused, except for the mujaahireen (those who make their sins known). And verily it is a kind of mujaaharah (exposing one’s sins) that a man does something (sinful) at night, and then in the morning, when Allaah has screened his sin for him, he says, ‘Hey So-and-So! I did such-and-such last night…’ And the night passed with His Lord screening him, and he wakes up casting aside the screen of Allaah from himself.” Continue reading
In the Name of Allaah…
All praise is due to Allaah, and may He raise the rank of His Messenger…
The following advice will aid responsible administrators of Islamic websites in benefitting the people and avoiding harms and doubtful matters, in shaa’ Allaah.
1) Present beneficial articles that help the Muslims understand their Religion with evidences and clear language. Continue reading
Can you please verify the following hadeeth?
“O Allah I call You to witness and I call the bearers of Your Throne Your angels and all Your creatures to witness that You are Allah and there is no god except You and that Muhammad is Your slave and messenger.” Continue reading
In the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful…
Muslims from the West may find difficulty in understanding and working under the systems of law in some of the Muslim countries, especially the “waasitah” system, wherein one relies on a person of status to act as a special connection, or intermediary, between himself and the authorities, to help him get a job, a visa for a relative, or any number of services or concessions. Before taking a rash position on the illegality or corruption of such a system, Muslims should educate themselves about the topic. Continue reading
Can the dead hear, (I was under the impression they couldn’t)…? Seeking waseela with saints (while acknowledging that Allah gives all)? I basicaly need to know what the view is on them… Continue reading
In the Name of Allaah, the Ever Merciful…
The following hadeeth is being spread on the internet:
“When Aadam had made his mistake, he said: O my Lord! I ask you by the right/status of Muhammad that you forgive me. He (Allaah) said: “And how did you come to know Muhammad?” He said: When you had created me with your Hand and blown into me from your Rooh, I raised my head and saw that it was written on the bases of the throne: Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, Muhammadur-Rasool Allaah. So I knew that you would not place a name along with yours unless that was (the name of) your most beloved creation. He (Allaah) said: “You have spoken truthfully, O Aadam, and had it not been for Muhammad, I would not have created you.” Continue reading
In the Name of Allaah, the Most-Merciful, may His Salaah and Salaam be upon His final Messenger Muhammad, to proceed:
Bakkah.net features exclusive pictures, applications, and inside information about studying Islam overseas in Saudi Universities. Saudi Arabia hosts a number of Islamic colleges and educational institutions that provide opportunities for non-Saudis to come and learn Islam abroad. Here is some introductory information about some Saudi Universities: Continue reading
In the Name of Allaah, the All-Merciful…
OVERVIEW
Al-Imaam Muhammad bin Su’ood Islaamic University (IMIU), or Imam University for short, opened with two colleges, the College of Arabic Studies and the College of Islaamic Law in 1953 in Riyadh. Since then, many colleges have been added, as well as branches in other cities. Similar to Al-Madeenah and Umm Al-Quraa, non-Arabic speakers have a chance to learn Arabic here from the beginning in an Arabic Language Institute designed specifically for them. They can then continue their studies in one of the colleges only if they qualify with at least an 80% level of achievement. Continue reading
In the Name of Allaah, the All-Merciful…
OVERVIEW
Located in the beloved city of our Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam), the Islaamic University of Al-Madeenah was founded by the government of Saudi Arabia by a royal decree in the year 1381, intending to spread the teachings of Islaam all over the world. Continue reading
In the Name of Allaah, the Most-Merciful, may His Salaah and Salaam be upon His final Messenger Muhammad, to proceed:
OVERVIEW
Located in the most virtuous of cities, Umm al-Qura University in Makkah, Saudi Arabia offers a chance for non-Arabic speakers, male or female, to learn Arabic within a two-year intensive program. Upon completing the initial studies in the Arabic Language Institute with qualifying grades (80% average or higher), the student earns the opportunity to take an entrance exam apply to study in one of the colleges of Umm Al-Qura University. Continue reading
In the Name of Allaah, the All-Merciful…
OVERVIEW
Daar Al-Hadeeth Al-Khayriyyah in Makkah, established in 1352 (around 1930 according to the Christian calendar), not only gives students in-depth understanding of the Sunnah and its sciences, it also includes studies in all areas of the Sharee’ah. The school consists of four departments: Elementary school level, middle school level, high school level, and college level. Continue reading
In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever-Merciful…
It has been narrated that one of the great imaams of the early Salaf (pious predecessors), ‘Abdur-Rahmaan ibn Mahdee [d.198] (may Allaah have Mercy on him), said:
لولا أني أكره أن يعصى الله لتمنيت أن لا يبقى أحد في المصر إلا اغتابني! أي شيء أهنأ من حسنة يجدها الرجل في صحيفته لم يعمل بها؟ Continue reading
What does a “weak” hadeeth mean exactly? Do we not believe in it? Or do we have doubts about it with a possibility that it could’ve been reported from the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam)? What are we supposed to think of a ‘weak’ hadith? Please explain in detail, in shaa’ Allah. Continue reading
In the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful: May He raise the rank of His honest and noble Messenger, and grant him peace…
Speaking to students of Imam Muhammad ibn Su’ood University in Riyadh before the Hajj of 1429 (2008) the Muftee, Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez Aal ash-Shaykh (may Allaah preserve him), answered a question about making Hajj without a tasreeh (“Hajj Pass” or “Hajj Permit”). The following is Imam University’s official write-up of his words: Continue reading
Important advice for those who may undertake the role of the student of knowledge – those who want to leave behind their homeland, perhaps family, jobs, homes, college studies, or important positions in their communities. [1]
In the Name of Allaah, the Most-Merciful, may His Salaah and Salaam be upon His final Messenger Muhammad, to proceed:
Verily from the most rewarding ventures a person can undertake is to pursue knowledge of Allaah’s Deen. The ones who are favored with understanding of the Religion, not only does Allaah want good for them, Continue reading
In the Name of Allaah, the Possessor of Infinite Mercy, the Justly Merciful…
Allaah says: [1]
Originally published: 06-06-1423 [1]
In the Name of Allaah, may the Salaah and Salaam of Allaah be upon His Final Messenger, to proceed:
Muslims are obliged to send Allaah’s Salaah [2] and Salaam [3] upon Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) when his name is mentioned. Allaah has commanded us [4]:
( Verily Allaah and His Angels send salaah on the Prophet. O you who believe! Invoke salaah upon him, as well as a complete salaam! ) Continue reading
I recently mentioned the three ways to praise Allaah after sneezing, according to the narrations that have come from the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam), which are:
الحَمْدُ للهِ
“All praises are due to Allaah.” Continue reading
In the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful…
This article clarifies the understanding of Ahlus-Sunnah regarding important religious texts on the issue of disbelief and the negation of faith, like the following hadeeths:
1) “Insulting a Muslim is fusooq (sinful disobedience), and fighting him is kufr.”
2) “None of you has eemaan until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”
3) “The qattaat (tale-carrier) shall not enter Paradise.”
4) “Whoever deceives us is not from us.”
And like the Quranic verse of the murderer (4:93) abiding in the Hellfire, and all other texts threatening of severe punishment for sins that other texts prove do not remove a person from the fold of Islaam. Continue reading
In the Name of the Almighty God of the universe, the All-Merciful, the One who created the heavens and the earth and everything in them, the only One who deserves mankind’s worship…
A simple look at the world around us is all it takes to understand what many never take time to reflect upon. The details of this awesome universe we live in undeniably prove the presence of a magnificent and unequalled author. Continue reading
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…
After mentioning the Sunnah of praying 11 and 13 rak’ahs at night, and that it is best, Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih Al-‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have Mercy upon him) then said:
However, if the people of the masjid prefer that he (the imaam) shortens the length of the recitation and the length of the bowings and prostrations, and increases the number of rak’ahs, saying, “This is easier on us,” then there is no harm if he accommodates them, due to the generality of the statement of the Prophet (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace):
“Make things easy and do not make things difficult.” [1]
And also due to the generality of his statement (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace):
“When one of you leads, then let him shorten (the length of the prayer).” [2]
So long as we do not fall into anything prohibited, then bringing ease to those under our authority is better and takes precedence. The imaam is the one responsible for the masjid, having been put in authority over the praying people, thus he is called the “imaam.” The imaam is the one who has authority over them in affairs related to the prayer, for example he orders them to establish their rows and straighten them. So if the imaam is requested to be easy on them by increasing the number (of rak’ahs) while shortening the bowings, prostrations, and recitations, then there is no harm in that.
With this we must say that it is not befitting for us that we be excessive or neglectful, as some of the people commit ghuluw (excessiveness) when they stick to the Sunnah of the number (of rak’ahs), saying, “It is not permissible to increase upon the number that comes in the Sunnah,” and they speak in the sternest way against someone who increases upon that (by praying more than 11 or 13 rak’ahs), saying that he is sinful and disobedient. And there is no doubt that this is a mistake. How could he be sinful or disobedient when the Prophet (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace) was asked about the night prayer, and he said:
“(It is) two (rak’ahs) by two (rak’ahs).” [3]
And he did not limit it to any set number. And it is well known that a person who asks about the night prayer does not know the number (of its rak’ahs), since the one who does not know how to pray the night prayer would more rightfully not know the number (of its rak’ahs). Furthermore, he (the questioner) was not from the servants of the Messenger (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace), so we can not say that he knew about the affairs within his house.
So since the Prophet (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace) told him about the manner that the night prayer is to be prayed, and he did not limit it to any set number, then it is known that there is leeway in the affair, and that a man may even pray 100 rak’ahs and then perform Witr with one rak’ah.
As for his statement (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace):
“Pray as you have seen me praying.” [4]
Then this hadeeth is not unrestricted, even with those people (who say that 11 or 13 is the limit). They themselves do not say that it is obligatory on the people to perform Witr by praying five rak’ahs sometimes, seven rak’ahs other times, and sometimes nine. So if we understood this hadeeth in a general, unrestricted way, then we would have to say that it is obligatory to perform Witr by praying exactly five rak’ahs sometimes, seven other times, and sometimes nine. Rather, the meaning is, “Pray in the manner as you have seen me praying.” As for the number of rak’ahs, then no (this is not understood from the hadeeth), except that which is limited by a text.
Anyway, it is binding that a man not be harsh on the people in an affair that has some leeway. We have even seen some of the brothers who are harsh about this declaring imaams to be innovators, those who increase upon 11 (rak’ahs), and leaving the masjid, thus losing the reward that the Messenger (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace) spoke of:
“Whoever stands (in prayer) with the imaam until he leaves, then it will be written for him that he stood a (complete) night (in prayer).” [5]
And perhaps they may sit out after having prayed ten rak’ahs, thus causing a gap in the row by sitting there. And perhaps they may even speak (while sitting out) sometimes, thus disturbing those who are praying. All of these (scenarios) are wrong. We have no doubt that they intend good, and that they were mujtahids (seeking to arrive at what is correct), however not every mujtahid is correct.
Another group of people take the opposite stance. They speak very harshly and sternly against those who restrict themselves to 11 rak’ahs, saying, “You have gone against ijmaa’ (scholarly consensus), and verily Allaah has said:
“And whoever contradicts the Messenger after the guidance has been made clear to him, and he follows a way other than the way of the believers, then We will turn him to that which he has turned himself to, and cause him to enter Jahannam, what an evil abode!” [6]
“All of those before you did not know anything other than 23 rak’ahs!” And they speak very harshly against them. This is also wrong…” [7]
…So then what if someone says, “You have established 11 rak’ahs (as the Sunnah), so then what do you say if we pray behind an imaam who prays 23 or more, should we remain seated and not pray with him when he stands for the sixth tasleem (after 10 rak’ahs), or is it better to finish with him?”
The answer: It is best to complete (the prayer) with him; the evidence for that is from two angles:
The first one is the statement of the Prophet (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace) about the night prayers of Ramadhaan:
“Verily whoever stands (in prayer) with the imaam until he leaves, then it will be written for him that he stood a (complete) night (in prayer).” [5]
So whoever remained seated and waited for the imaam to reach the Witr Prayer, then he has not prayed with the imaam until he has left, since he has left off a portion of his prayer.
The second angle of proof is the generality of the statement of the Prophet (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace):
“Verily the imaam has only been appointed to be followed.” [8]
This includes every action the imaam does, so long as it is not a forbidden one, and praying more than 11 (rak’ahs) is not forbidden, so then we follow the imaam. However, if the increase is forbidden, like if the imaam prays five rak’ahs for Thuhr Prayer, then we do not follow him.
Furthermore, we must know that the unity of the Ummah is something sought after with the highest priority from the Islaamic Sharee’ah, since Allaah has said:
“And this is your Ummah, a single Ummah.” [9]
And differing between members of the Ummah is something to be rejected, as Allaah the Most High has said:
“And do not be like those who split up and differed after the clear proofs came to them.” [10]
And Allaah the Most High has said:
“Allaah has legislated as part of the Religion that which he enjoined upon Nooh, that which We sent down to you, and what he enjoined upon Ibraaheem, Moosaa, and ‘Eesaa: That you establish the Religion and do not be divided over it.” [11]
And He, the Most High, has said:
“Verily those who split up their Religion and became sects, then you have absolutely nothing to do with them. Rather your affair is solely with Allaah, and He will inform them of what they used to do.” [12]
And the Prophet (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace) used to say when lining the people up for prayer:
“Do not differ, or your hearts will differ.” [13]
And when ‘Uthmaan (may Allaah be pleased with him) prayed the prayers that have four rak’ahs during Hajj in Minaa, he did not shorten them after the eight years of his khilaafah had passed. The people detested this, saying, “The Prophet (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace) shortened (his prayer), and so did Aboo Bakr and ‘Umar, as you did in the beginning of your khilaafah.” However, he (may Allaah be pleased with him) changed his position, and those Companions that spoke against this action of his still prayed four rak’ahs behind him, while detesting it. This was while this increase was inseparable from the prayer, and it was an evil thing to them, however they still followed the imaam, preferring unity.
So what do you think about when the increase is separate, not directly connected to the prayer, when a person does it intentionally it does not nullify the prayer? And he (the one who does not pray more than 11 or 13 rak’ahs with the imaam) says, “We are people who stick to the Sunnah and follow the narrations from the Companions,” with this contradiction of his in this issue.
So I say: Surely any person that says he follows the Sunnah and the guidance of the Salaf, it is not for him to abandon the imaam when he prays 23 (rak’ahs) and say, “I will follow the Sunnah and pray 11 rak’ahs,” since you have been ordered to follow your imaam, and you have been prohibited from contradicting (him). Furthermore, you have not been prohibited from praying more than 11 rak’ahs.
So then it is binding upon the students of knowledge specifically, and upon all people in general, to be vigilant in preserving unity whenever it is possible, since the only hope for the people of disobedience and the criminals is that the people of goodness differ. This is because they have no weapon more effective than differing, and verily Moosaa said to the magicians:
“Woe to you, do not invent lies against Allaah, lest he wipe you out with a (single) punishment, for those who lie will suffer loss. Then they differed over their affair between themselves.” [14]
Once they differed, they failed and lost their strength.
So this differing that we find with some of our brothers who are (overly) stern in following the Sunnah in this issue and others, I view it as a contradiction to the Sunnah and to the goals of the Sharee’ah, like the unifying of the positions and the unity of the people, since this, and to Allaah is the praise, is not something that is haraam nor is it a munkar, rather it is something that is based upon ijtihaad. So as for us bringing about division and causing the hearts to have animosity, hatred, and mockery for the one who opposes our position, while it is permissible and not in opposition to the Sunnah, then it is obligatory on every man to protect and guard over the unity of the ranks whenever possible. [15]
Translated by: Moosaa Richardson (1423/09/04)
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Al-Bukhaaree (69) and Muslim (4503)
[2] Al-Bukhaaree (703) and Muslim (1046)
[3] Al-Bukhaaree (473) and Muslim (1746)
[4] Al-Bukhaaree (631)
[5] Sunan An-Nasaa’ee (1605) and Sunan At-Tirmithee (806); Al-Albaanee called it saheeh.
[6] the meaning of Soorah An-Nisaa’ (4):115
[7] As-Sharh Al-Mumti’, 4/52-54
[8] Al-Bukhaaree (732) and Muslim (920)
[9] the meaning of Soorah Al-Ambiyaa (21):92
[10] the meaning of Soorah Aali ‘Imraan (3):105
[11] the meaning of Soorah Ash-Shooraa (42):13
[12] the meaning of Soorah Al-An’aam (6):159
[13] Muslim (971)
[14] the meaning of Soorah Taa-Haa (20):61-62
[15] Ash-Sharh Al-Mumti’, 4/61-63