Rebuking Others For Praying More Than 11 Rak’ahs [Shaykh ‘Arafat bin Hassan al-Muhammadi]

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

The following question was posed to Shaykh Arafat bin Hassan al-Muhammadi (may Allah preserve him):

There are some people who rebuke others sternly for praying more than 11 rak’ahs of Night Prayer, or Taraaweeh. What is your opinion about that?

He replied:

This is wrong. This is a mistake. If you were to refer back to the books of the Salaf, and the books of Fiqh (Jurisprudence) in general, the later ones and the earlier ones, you would find that the jurists in this issue differed about the number of rak’ahs, but only about what number was best. [1]

Some said that the Sunnah for Taraaweeh is that we pray 36 rak’ahs. This is widespread and well known to be from al-Imaam Maalik. Refer to al-Mudawwanah. [2]

If you were to read from the rest of the math-habs as well, you will find that they said specifically: 20 rak’ahs. They said that the Sunnah for Taraaweeh is that we pray 20 rak’ahs. This is the math-hab of the majority: the Hanafees, the Shaafi’ees, and the Hanbalees.

You do not find a single one of the early scholars saying that it is not allowed to pray more than 11 rak’ahs. Never. [3] So do not be Continue reading

Women Traveling for Hajj In Groups Without Any Male Family Members

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

QUESTION: If I came for Hajj in the company of a group of ladies, without any mahram (male family member) of mine, while I am more than 50 years old, is my Hajj considered correct?

ANSWER by Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allah have Mercy on him): 

It is not permissible for a Muslim lady to perform Hajj without a mahram (male family member). The Prophet (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace) said, “No woman may travel without a mahram accompanying her.” [1]

Some of the scholars held that it is permissible to perform Hajj in a group of trustworthy women without any mahram, yet 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

Can Money Be Given as Charity in Place of the Udhiyah Sacrifice?

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

هل يجوز إخراج قيمة الشاة في العقيقة أو الأضحية وإعطاء هذا المبلغ للجمعيات الخيرية التي تكفل اليتامى والمساكين والفقراء بدلا عن شراء شاة وذبحها

QUESTION: Is it permissible to give money in place of the value of the sheep slaughtered for an ‘Aqeeqah or an Udhiyah Sacrifice? The amount of money would be given directly to charitable organizations that sponsor orphans and the poor and needy, instead of being used to actually purchase a sheep and slaughter it.

ANSWER by the Permanent Committee for Religious Verdicts, headed by Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allah have Mercy on him):

لا يجزئ دفع القيمة عن ذبح العقيقة وذبح الأضحية؛ لأن ذبحهما والأكل من لحمهما والتصدق منه عبادة لا يقوم مقامها التصدق بالقيمة.

It is Continue reading

Sending Money to Family Back Home To Slaughter the Udhiyah Sacrifice There

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

هل يجزئ المسلم صاحب العيال ترك عياله في وطنه إذا حان عيد الأضحى أن يرسل ثمن أضحيته إلى عياله في وطنه؛ لتذبحها العيال أو تنحرها نيابة عنه؛ لأنه مهاجر، وهو متأكد أن العيال تضحي عنه كما أمر، أو لا بد أن يضحي حيث هو؟

QUESTION: Is this acceptable: A Muslim head of household leaves his family behind in his homeland and when ‘Eed al-Adha comes around, and he sends them the amount needed to purchase an animal for the Udhiyah Sacrifice, so they could slaughter it on his behalf, as he is traveling. He is certain that they would actually slaughter on his behalf according to his instructions. Or must he slaughter it himself wherever he is?

ANSWER by the Permanent Committee for Religious Verdicts, headed by Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allah have Mercy on him):

لا بأس أن يرسل المغترب ثمن الأضحية إلى أولاده في وطنه؛ ليقوموا بشرائها وذبحها في بيتهم، بل هذا هو الأفضل والسنة.

It is no problem for a traveler to send the value of the Udhiyah to his children back in his homeland, in order for them to purchase and slaughter it at their home. Actually, this is Continue reading

Does a Man in Charge of Two Households Slaughter Two Udhiyah Sacrifices?

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

يوجد لي بيتان تبعد عن بعضها حوالي 15 كم، وأريد أن أضحي. فهل أذبح عند كل بيت أضحية، أم أذبحها في بيت واحد؟ مع العلم أنني ذبحتها عند أحد البيتين وأحضرت أهل البيت الثاني فحضروا الذبح.
وهل تكسر عظام الأضاحي بعد الذبح؟ وهل تكسر قرون الأضاحي بعد الذبح؟

QUESTION: I have two households which are 15 kilometers apart from one other. I want to offer an Udhiyah Sacrifice. Do I offer a separate Udhiyah at each house, or do I slaughter at one house only? Please know that I have already slaughtered one sacrifice at one of the houses, and I brought the family of the second house to be there for the sacrifice. Also, are the bones of the animal sacrificed for Udhiyah allowed to be cut after the slaughter? And are the horns of the Udhiyah animal allowed to be cut after the slaughter?

ANSWER by the Permanent Committee for Religious Verdicts, headed by Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allah have Mercy on him):

يجزئ عنك أضحية واحدة لبيتيك ما دام أن صاحبها واحد، وإن ذبحت في كل واحد من البيتين أضحية مستقلة فهو أفضل، ولا شيء في كسر عظام وقرون الأضاحي.

It is sufficient for you to offer Continue reading

Trimming Hair or Nails in Thul-Hijjah Forgetfully [For One Who Intends to Offer an Udhiyah Sacrifice]

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

رجل حلق شعره في العشر من ذي الحجة، وهو يريد الأضحية وهو ناسي، فما جزاؤه؟

QUESTION: A man who wanted to offer an Udhiyah Sacrifice forgetfully shaved his hair during the [first] ten days of Thul-Hijjah, How can this be corrected or compensated for?

ANSWER by the Permanent Committee for Religious Verdicts, headed by Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allah have Mercy on him):

لا شيء عليه؛ لقول الله عز وجل: {رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِنْ نَسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا} وصح عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم أن الله سبحانه قال: “قد فعلت” خرجه مسلم في صحيحه.

There is nothing he has to do [to rectify that], due to the Statement of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic [which means]: “Our Lord! Do not hold us accountable when we forget or err…” [2:286], and it was authentically reported from the Messenger of Allah -may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace- that Allah, the Exalted, has said, “I have done that.” This was collected by Muslim in his Saheeh [Compilation].

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, (11/404 of the first compilation), translated by Moosaa Richardson.

 

Obtaining an Animal for the Udhiyah Sacrifice on Credit and Paying for it Later

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

هل يجوز للرجل أن يذبح ذبيحة عيد الأضحى وهي ليس مدفوع ثمنها، ثم تسدد بعد مدة؟ .

QUESTION: Is it permissible for a man to slaughter a sacrificial animal on the Day of ‘Eed al-Adha without having paid for it yet, and then he would pay for it sometime later?

ANSWER by the Permanent Committee for Religious Verdicts, headed by Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allah have Mercy on him):

يجوز ذبح الأضحية ولو تأخر دفع قيمتها عن ذبحها.

It is permissible to offer the Udhiyah Sacrifice when a person pays for it later after slaughtering it.

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, (11/411 of the first compilation), translated by Moosaa Richardson.

 

Should the Meat of the Udhiyah Sacrifice be Distributed as Cooked Food or Raw Meat?

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

ما هو حكم الأضحية، وما هو الأفضل، هل تقسم لحما أم طبخها أفضل؟ علما أن فيه بعض الناس يقول: إنه لا يجوز في الثلث الذي يتصدق به أن يطبخه أو يكسر عظمه.

QUESTION: What is the ruling on the Udhiyah Sacrifice, and what is more virtuous – that it be distributed as raw meat or as cooked food? As there are some people who say that the third which is given as charity is not allowed to be cooked nor have its bones cut?

ANSWER by the Permanent Committee for Religious Verdicts, headed by Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allah have Mercy on him):

الأضحية سنة كفاية، وقال بعض أهل العلم: هي فرض عين، والأمر في توزيعها مطبوخة أو غير مطبوخة واسع، وإنما المشروع فيها أن يأكل منها، ويهدي، ويتصدق.

The Udhiyah Sacrifice is a Sunnah Kifaayah [1], and some scholars have said it is an obligation on everyone individually. The manner of distributing it, whether cooked or raw, is Continue reading

Sharing an Udhiyah Sacrifice: Sheep, Cows, and Camels

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

هل يصح اشتراك عدد من الناس (من غير الحجاج) الاشتراك في ذبيحة، وهل تعتبر أضحية لكل منهم؟

QUESTION: Is it valid for a number of people (not pilgrims on Hajj) to share in the slaughtering of a sacrificial animal? If so, could that qualify as an Udhiyah Sacrifice for each of them?

ANSWER by the Permanent Committee for Religious Verdicts, headed by Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allah have Mercy on him):

تسن الأضحية بالنسبة للمكلف المستطيع، ويجوز اشتراك سبعة في واحدة من الإبل سنها خمس سنوات أو أكثر، أو في واحدة من البقرة سنها سنتان فأكثر، وتجزئ الشاة عن الرجل وأهل بيته سنها سنة فأكثر إن كانت من المعز، أو ستة أشهر فأكثر إن كانت من الضأن.

The Udhiyah is a Sunnah for every sane, adult Muslim who is capable of offering it. It is allowed for seven people to share in the slaughtering of a single Continue reading

Giving Some of the Udhiyah Sacrifice to Non-Muslim Family or Neighbors

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

هل يجوز أن يهدي المسلم شيئا لأهل الكتاب، وهل يجوز إهداء شيء من الأضحية لشخص من أهل الكتاب؟

QUESTION: Is it permissible for a Muslim to give gifts to the People of the Book (Jews and Christians), and is it permissible to give some of the Udhiyah sacrifice to someone from the People of the Book?

ANSWER by the Permanent Committee for Religious Verdicts, headed by Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allah have Mercy on him):

يجوز الإهداء إلى الكافر وإطعامه من الأضحية وصدقات التطوع إذا لم يكن محاربا لنا؛ لقول الله تعالى:

It is permissible to give gifts or food to a non-Muslim, from the Udhiyah [Sacrifice] or other optional acts of charity, [1] so long as he is not at Continue reading

Working in Construction: Building a Church

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

The Standing Committee for Religious Verdicts (al-Lajnah ad-Daa’imah) was asked:

Can a Muslim who works in construction build a church for non-Muslims?

They replied: 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

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

Jumu’ah Prayer Established in Prisons

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

The Standing Committee for Legal Verdicts and Research in Saudi Arabia was asked about a prisoner’s stance on Jumu’ah Prayer when incarcerated. They replied:

إذا أقيمت الجمعة داخل السجن أو في غيره، واستطاع أداءها فتجب عليه، وإذا لم يستطع أداء الجمعة فيصليها ظهرا.

وأما الحرية التي يذكرها الفقهاء شرطًا في وجوب الجمعة فمرادهم الحرية من الرق؛ لأن المملوك لا تجب عليه.

If Jumu’ah Prayer is established inside the prison or elsewhere, and he is capable of performing it, then it is binding (waajib) upon him. If he is unable to pray Jumu’ah Prayer, then he offers (in its place) Thuhr Prayer. As for the condition of freedom which the scholars of Fiqh mention in order for Jumu’ah to be an obligation, the intended meaning was: freedom from slavery, as a slave would not be required (to attend Jumu’ah).

Signed by:
Shaykh ‘Abdullaah ibn Qu’ood
Shaykh ‘Abdullaah ibn Ghudayyaan
Shaykh ‘Abdur-Razzaaq ‘Afeefee
Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz

Source: Verdicts of the Standing Committee (8/184-185), as found here.

Translation: Moosaa Richardson

rev.aw.

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

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

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

Nutmeg, the Well Known Spice, is an Intoxicant (Khamr)

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

Nutmeg ( جوزة الطيب ) is widely known to have intoxicating properties.

 …Nutmeg’s intoxicating properties have long been known in Europe… it has been a substitute for other substances that for one reason or another were unavailable or unaffordable. Thus prisoners, soldiers, seamen and struggling musicians were among its users… In 1946, before his conversion to Islam, Malcolm X used nutmeg whilst in jail when his supplies of marijuana ran out. In his autobiography he wrote: ‘I first got high in Charlestown [prison] on nutmeg. My cellmate was among at least a hundred nutmeg men who, for money or cigarettes, bought from kitchen worker inmates penny matchboxes full of stolen nutmeg. I grabbed a box as though it were a pound of heavy drugs. Stirred into a glass of cold water, a penny matchbox full of nutmeg had the kick of three or four reefers.’ When the authorities became aware of such uses of nutmeg it was removed from many prison kitchens.

Source: http://www.moodfoods.com/nutmeg/index.html (Accessed Dec. 25, 2008)

Ahmad ibn Hajr al-Haytamee (d.974), the soofee ash’aree, however an authority on the Fiqh (legal rulings) of ash-Shaafi’ee according to his later followers, seems to have the most detailed information on the topic. Thus, his words and research on the matter are important, and our scholars have Continue reading

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

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

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

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

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

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”

 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

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

Shaykh Ibn Baaz: The Raafidhah Cult (of Iran) are the Most Dangerous of all the Innovators

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

The modern state of Iran is officially an Ithnaa’ashariyyah (Twelver Shiite) state, where 90-95% of the people there are Twelvers, also known as Raafidhah, Imaamiyyah, or Ja’faree Shias.

Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy upon him) identified this specific sect as the most dangerous of all Shia sects. He said:

…The Shiites have many different sects, each one having a variety of deviations. The most dangerous of them is the Khomeinian Raafidhah Twelver Sect (the official religion of Iran), due to the large number of their missionaries and all the major acts of polytheism found in it, like seeking help from the (deceased) Prophetic family members, believing them to have knowledge of the Unseen, especially the twelve imams, as they claim. This is also due to their expelling the majority of the Companions from the Religion and their abusive speech toward them, the likes of Aboo Bakr and ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with them). We ask Allaah for safety from the falsehood they are upon…

Source: His Fatwaa Collection (4/439). (Arabic)

Shaykh Ibn Baaz was also asked about the concept of Ahlus-Sunnah coming together with the Raafidhah Shiites. He replied:

It is not possible for Ahlus-Sunnah to come together with the Raafidhah, because the ‘aqeedah (belief system) is different. The basic belief of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah is to worship Allaah alone – the Glorified and Most High – , singling Him out in all acts of worship. No one may be called upon other than Him, not an angel high in status, nor a prophet dispatched (by Allaah Himself). Furthermore, only Allah – the Glorified and Most High – knows the Unseen.

From the belief system of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah is Continue reading

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

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

Pork By-Products in Food, Medicine, or Cosmetics

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

Ibn ‘Uthaymeen: Removing the Socks One has Wiped Over Does not Break the Wudhoo’

In the Name of Allaah…

On the live radio show, Noor ‘alad-Darb, the great scholar, Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen [d.1421] – may Allaah have Mercy on him – was asked about the things that nullify the allowance to wipe over the footwear, other than the legislated time running out (one day for residents and three days for travelers).

He replied:

Removing the footwear is also something that nullifies the (allowance for) wiping over it. When a person takes off the footwear, the allowance to wipe over it ends, no matter when that occurs. However, the state of purity remains (i.e. removing the footwear does not nullify the wudhoo’).

The proof that removing the footwear nullifies (the allowance for) wiping (over it) is the hadeeth of Safwaan ibn [‘Assaal] (1) (who said): “The Messenger of Allaah – may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace – ordered us not to take off our socks…”  This shows that removing them negates the allowance to wipe over them. Thus, when a person removes his socks after wiping over them, the allowance to wipe has been nullified, meaning Continue reading

Q&A: Giving Charity on Behalf of the Deceased [Permanent Committee]

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

QUESTION: Is charity given on behalf of the deceased something that benefits the deceased?

ANSWER: Yes, the deceased will benefit from the charity given by the living on his behalf, according to the consensus of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah.

This is based on the hadeeth collected by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim from the narration of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), who said that a man came to the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) and said, “O Messenger of Allaah!  My mother’s soul was taken (suddenly), and she had not bequested anything (as charity to be given from her wealth).  I believe that she would have done so if she had spoken (before her death).  Would she get any reward if I gave charity on her behalf?”

He replied, “Yes.”

Also, due to the hadeeth collected by al-Bukhaaree from the narration of ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father), that Sa’d ibn ‘Ubaadah’s (may Allaah be pleased with him) mother died in his absence.  He later went to the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) and said, “O Messenger of Allaah! My mother has died while I was absent, so would she benefit if I gave charity on her behalf?”

He replied, “Yes.” 

He (Sa’d) said, “Then I take you as a witness that I give away my garden, al-Mikhraaf (the name of the garden), as charity on her behalf.”

These are among the authentic evidences about the deceased benefitting from giving charity on their behalf.

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

Signed by:

  • [Shaykh] ‘Abdullaah ibn Qu’ood, Member
  • [Shaykh] ‘Abdur-Razzaaq ‘Afeefee, Vice-Chairman
  • [Shaykh] ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn ‘Abdillaah ibn Baaz, Chairman

(May Allaah have Mercy on them.)

Source: The Permanent Committee’s Collection of Fatwaas (9/27-28)

Translated by: Moosaa Richardson

Q&A on Potential Dangers Found in Many Accounting Jobs

A Muslim concerned about his income asks:

I am an accountant that presents the financial statements of my organization to my employers. The banks pays interests (riba) on the company’s funds (the company is involved in halal business) saved with the banks and in the periodic statements they (the bank) send to us (accountant and my employers) they show clearly the analysis of the transaction my organisation has done with them over the period.

In the normal accounting profession, we are supposed to report this interest (riba) as well as all other transactions in the financial statements to the company, and the financial statements will not be complete unless they are shown, and thus Continue reading

Hadeeth Study: Only Allaah Punishes With Fire

In the Perfect Name of Allaah…

Imaam Aboo Daawood (may Allaah have Mercy on him) collected three hadeeths in a chapter of his Sunan called “The Detestable Nature of Burning the Opposing Forces (in Military Confrontation) With Fire.”

The first two hadeeths narrated by Aboo Hamzah al-Aslamee (#2673) and Aboo Hurayrah (#2674) – may Allaah be pleased with them – include the following clear prohibition:

لا يعذب بالنار إلا رب النار

“No one may punish using fire other than the Lord of the Fire (Allaah).”

The third hadeeth narrated by ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood (#2675) – may Allaah be pleased with him – includes Continue reading

Shaykh Ibn Baaz on Love and Hatred for the Sake of Allaah

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

Allaah describes the true believers in Islaam with the following description:

( وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ أَشَدُّ حُبًّا للهِ )

( While the people of eemaan are stronger in their love for Allaah [than anyone else] ) [Soorah al-Baqarah: 165]

Love and hatred are opposites.  Since it is logically impossible to truly love something without hating what stands against it, Muslims Continue reading

Shaykh Ibn Baaz on the Kufr (Apostasy) of Illusionary Magicians

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

The great scholar, the late Muftee of Saudi Arabia and head of their permanent council of scholars, Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (d.1420, may Allaah have Mercy on him), commented on a seminar about magicians and religious swindlers held in 1415.  After acknowledging the accuracy of their speeches on the topics of witchcraft, the practice of sorcery and its reality, and other topics, the shaykh noted that they had not discussed illusionary magic, and felt the need to add the following clarification:

Their magic could also be illusionary, and the shaykhs did not discuss illusionary magic.  Allaah has clearly mentioned that they could also perform illusionary tricks on people, as He, the Glorious and Most High, said in Continue reading

The “National Day” is Bid’ah (Blameworthy Innovation) and an Imitation of the Non-Muslims

In the Name of Allaah, the Ever-Merciful…

The National Day, or “al-Yowm al-Watanee”, widely celebrated in the various Muslim countries as a national holiday, is a bid’ah (blameworthy innovation) in Islam and an impermissible act of imitating the non-Muslims.

As collected in the two Saheehs of al-Bukhaaree and Muslim, the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) said:

من أحدث في أمرنا هذا ما ليس منه فهو رد
“Whoever introduces something into this affair of ours (Islaam) that which is not part of it shall have it rejected.”

And he said:

من تشبه بقوم فهو منهم
“Whoever imitates a people is from them.”

The scholars Continue reading