Islam: Questions And Answers - Inviting Others to Islam

Islam: Questions And Answers Volume 19 Inviting Others to Islam

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Islam: Questions And Answers Volume 19 Inviting Others to Islam

Muhammad Saed Abdul-Rahman B.Sc., DipHE

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© Muhammad Saed Abdul-Rahman, 2003 ISBN for all volumes 1 86179 080 5 ISBN for volume 19 paperback 1 86179 346 4 ISBN for volume 19 hardback 1 86179 347 2 ISBN for volume 19 pdf eBook 1 86179 348 0 ISBN for volume 19 Microsoft eBook 1 86179 349 9 ISBN for volume 19 Palm eBook 1 86179 350 2 All Rights reserved

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data. A Catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

Designed, Typeset and produced by: MSA Publication Limited, 4 Bello Close, Herne Hill, London SE24 9BW United Kingdom

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Contents Introduction .............................................................................. 1 Chapter 1................................................................................... 3 Rulings on enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil ........................................................................... 3 32725: She is complaining about her husband’s attachment to the Society for the Promotion of Virtue......................................................... 3 32693: Da’wah via private chat ...................................... 5 13450: I lose my temper with smokers – what should I do? ......................................................... 6 11403: Enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil ...................................................................... 9 8957: Denouncing evil actions in one’s heart ............... 14 10287: Ruling on justifying evil actions by saying that a lot of people are doing it .......................... 16 9287: Degrees of denouncing evil actions, and sitting with people who do evil actions .................. 17 10231: How should she deal with friends who are not religiously committed? .............................. 18 10218: Advising a person to his face ............................ 20 10214: Is it hypocrisy to forbid something but then do it oneself? ................................................... 20 Chapter 2................................................................................. 22 Means of Da’wah ............................................................... 22 44594: Advice to one who slanders his Muslim brothers and accuses them without any proof ............... 22 11266: Ruling on taking sinners as friends ................... 25 22154: How to serve Islam ........................................... 28 40040: Her husband is threatening to divorce her if she does not watch pornographic movies with him ........................................................................ 31 27170: Is it permissible to offer money to a person on the condition that he does a good deed? ....... 33 v

39349: Mixing with the Tableeghi Jama’at and going out with them ................................................ 36 3007: A list of brief Islamic sayings for sending to one’s friends .............................................................. 39 12913: Advice for daa’iyahs travelling abroad ............. 49 10219: Should we call people who do actions of Shirk to Tawheed only?............................................. 54 10261: With what should the daa’iyah start calling people to Islam? ................................................ 55 10108: Is it permissible to go into churches for the purpose of da’wah, or just to look around? ............. 56 10210: How can a woman engage in da’wah outside the home?.......................................................... 57 3690: Ruling on not doing some mustahabb deeds in order to open the hearts of the people of bid’ah whom one is calling to Islam ......................... 57 Chapter 3................................................................................. 60 Qualities of one who calls people to Islam ........................ 60 8674: Jamaa’at al-Tableegh – pros and cons ................. 60 6913: The wife of a Daaiyah is complaining because her husband is so busy ..................................... 64 37809: Advice for a trainee teacher............................... 69 9431: Ruling on describing those who are committed to the religion as fundamentalists and extremists ............................................................... 71 21730: Women and da’wah ........................................... 73 2023: Upon whom is it obligatory to call to Allah? ........................................................................ 74 3759: He is involved in Da’wah but feels that he is a hypocrite and weak in faith ................................ 75 Chapter 4................................................................................. 79 Calling Muslims to Islam ................................................... 79 10505: Advice after Ramadaan ..................................... 79 47096: At whose hand should change be wrought at a time when the situation of the Muslims contradicts the greatness of their religion? .................... 89 vi

47013: He wants to call other employees to pray but he is hesitant .................................................... 95 14296: Consequences for one who does not adhere to Islam .............................................................. 99 44594: Advice to one who slanders his Muslim brothers and accuses them without any proof ............. 110 41687: Going out for da’wah ...................................... 113 34696: Can he take his mother to the market when she is wearing a short abayah? .......................... 116 20880: Is the story that the astronaut Neil Armstrong became Muslim true? ................................ 117 20746: A man giving Islamic tapes to a non-mahram woman.................................................... 119 33827: She has become Muslim and is asking how she should tell her parents ........................ 120 34958: Ruling on participating in satellite channels for the purpose of da’wah............................. 121 20796: Attending a party given by misguided groups with the intention of offering sincere advice ................................................ 134 34563: Keep your duty to Allaah and fear Him as much as you can .............................................. 136 9243: Did Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab rebel against the Ottoman Caliphate and what was the reason for its fall? ........... 138 9380: How to deal with sinful families ....................... 145 26075: He drinks alcohol on the basis that he is free to do whatever he wants .............................. 149 21505: He wants some statistics on internet filth in order to convince some of his friends ............. 152 11967: Difficulties encountered by a woman who wears hijaab ......................................................... 154 10081: Changing an evil is something that does concern a Muslim, it is not one of the things that do not concern him .................................... 157 13484: A woman who feels shy to do da’wah ............. 165 vii

21918: She has friends who are openly committing sin – should she continue to be friends with them? ....................................................... 168 10372: Saving the Muslims from loyalty to the west in their journalistic writings .......................... 170 11363: A woman who has been guided to Islam fears for herself and is suffering from waswaas (insinuating whispers of the Shaytaan) ........ 172 21576: Slandering callers and reformers ..................... 175 13759: Muslims and how others perceive them ............................................................................. 180 13848: A man is accompanying one of the female daa’iyahs, claiming to do good deeds.............. 184 13682: What is it recommended for a sick person to do when his illness is terminal?................... 185 10490: Some of those who are called to Allaah, when they are told to fear Allaah they say “Mind your own business” ............................ 186 20096: Advice for university students during the summer break ........................................................ 187 11404: Her sister is friends with a homosexual man (we seek refuge with Allaah) ............................... 188 12110: Islamic unity .................................................... 191 11881: Finding out about the people who visit shameful websites ............................................... 194 10867: Who are the Wahhaabis and what is their message? ............................................................. 195 10836: Ruling on plays and skits for the purpose of da’wah ....................................................... 196 12203: Advice to those who do not recognize the Salafi scholars and call them Wahhaabis .............. 200 9403: How to make people aware of the world around them through Friday khutbahs ........................ 202 5273: Which should come first – establishing the khilaafah or teaching the religion? ........................ 204 1973: Ruling on giving flowers to the sick ................. 206 viii

7418: Ruling on choosing specific times for encouraging good attitudes .................................... 207 3263: Does having only a little knowledge prevent one from reading to people from a book in the mosque? ................................................... 210

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Introduction Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings be upon His last Messenger, Prophet Muhammad, and on his family and his companions. This book, Inviting Others to Islam, is the nineteenth volume of a series of authoritative Islamic books entitled Islam: Questions And Answers. The overall series discusses issues relevant to Islam, and present accurate and reliable information based on the true beliefs and practices of the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon Him) and his companions. The objectives of the various books include: to teach and familiarize Muslims with various aspects of their religion to be a source for guiding people to Islam to assist in solving the social and personal problems of the Muslims in an Islamic context The books are directed towards Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Subject areas include, but are not limited to, Islamic fiqh and jurisprudence, Islamic history, Islamic social laws (including marriage, divorce, contracts, and inheritance), Islamic finance, basic tenets and aqeedah of the Islamic faith and tawheed, and Arabic grammar as it relates to the Qur'an and Islamic texts. The books are compilations of questions and responses about Islam, from both Muslims and Non-Muslims. The responses are handled mainly by internationally re-nowned Islamic shaykhs and scholars, including Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah, Ibn Katheer, al-Albaani, Shaykh Ibn Baaz, Ibn al-Jawzi, Ibn al-Qayyim, Al‘Izz ibn ‘Abd al-Salaam, al-Nawawi, Shaykh ‘Abd al-Kareem, al Khudayr, Al-Dhahabi, al-Qurtubi, Al-Sindi, al-Shawkaani and al-Bastawi using only authentic, scholarly sources based on the Qur'an and sunnah. References, which include Haashiyat Ibn Maajah, Sharh Saheeh Muslim, Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 1

Silsilat al-Ahaadeeth al-Da’eefah, Al-Mawsoo’ah fi Ahaadeeth al-Mahdi al-Da’eefah wa’l-Mawdoo’ah, Al-Manaar al-Muneef and Fataawa Islamiyyah, are provided where appropriate in the responses. The book provides the reader with cross references of other pertinent responses not necessarily in the same volume, but also in other volumes of the series. However, each volume is complete in itself. The book records accurately the answers the contributing Sheikhs and scholars gave to the questions put to them. These are not necessarily the answers which other sheikhs and scholars would have given. Depending on circumstances, for example, Islam permits different solutions to some questions The book also provides the reader with cross-references to other pertinent responses not necessarily in the same volume, but also in other volumes of the series. However, each volume is complete in itself. It is intended that this present series of Books will cover the following subject areas (insha-Allah): Aqeedah (Basic Tenets of Faith); Usool ul-Fiqh (Science of evidence that serve as basis for Fiqh), Fiqh (Jurisprudence and Islamic Rulings), Da'wah (Inviting others to Islam), Aadaab (Manners), Akhlaaq (Character and Morals), Tareekh wa ul Seerah (Islamic history and biography), Tarbiyyah (Pedagogy, education, and upbringing) and Mashakil Nafsiyah wa Ijtimaa'yah (Psychological & Social Problems). May Allah reward the owners and maintainers of www.islamqa.com for granting me full, exclusive, assignable and transferable rights to use and display all the questions and answers needed for the compilation of these books. May Allah grant everyone involved in the promotion of this project good in this world and the Hereafter and protection from the fire of hell.

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Chapter 1 Rulings on enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil 32725: She is complaining about her husband’s attachment to the Society for the Promotion of Virtue Question: I am a girl who is married to a religiously committed young man, and I am happy with him, praise be to Allaah. He works with some men from the Society for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice. I know that his working with them is regarded as an honour for me and Allaah knows that I am happy when he is able to change some evils. But my problem with him is that he is so strongly attached to them. For example, when we go out for a walk, if he sees something bad he follows it until he can contact some men from the Society and they come. If I argue with him about it, he thinks that I do not want to put an end to evil! Allaah knows that that is not true, but I want him to take it easy. Also, what bothers me about this matter is that he speaks to women a lot, and this makes me crazy and makes me jealous when he says that this one was dressed like this and that one looked like that. Tell me what I should do, may Allaah reward you with good. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. 3

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Firstly we congratulate you on your good attitude of being pleased with what your husband does, which is the work of the Prophets themselves (peace be upon them), namely enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, and calling people to Allaah. We advise you to stand by your husband’s side and encourage him in this work, and not to have any doubts about him or to feel fed up with what he does. With regard to what he tells you about women, it seems that he is telling you because he trusts you, and is not telling you in order to upset you, or to express his admiration for them. Rather he is telling you that in order to inform you of some of the evil actions that people do, so that you can beware of them, or so as to get it off his chest. When some people see evil actions, it affects them deeply, and they need someone to talk to about it so as to get it off their chests. So you should be aware of that and not let the Shaytaan get to you with regard to this matter. There is no reason why you should not advise him with regard to the things in which he is falling short towards you, so long as that is done in the way that is better and without casting aspersions on his decency and morals. Our advice to the husband is to give his family their rights, and to treat them in a reasonable manner. He should respect their feelings and not describe women to his wife; just as a man would not like his wife to describe men to him, so too a woman does not like her husband to describe women to her. He should avoid speaking too much to women, and restrict it only to what is needed in order to change the evil or to draw attention to it, etc, because being too careless and lax about that may lead to bad consequences. And he should strive to lower his gaze, because looking is one of the arrows of Iblees. 4

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May Allaah help you both to do that which He loves and which pleases Him. And Allaah knows best. Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com) 32693: Da’wah via private chat Question: I hope that you could tell me of a specific way to make da’wah to the youth via chat, because I found that some of them respond. I hope that you can help me. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. Entering chat rooms may lead to many evil consequences, hence we do not advise anyone to focus his concern and energy on that. Many of the youth have been tempted to use chat rooms to get to know girls, so it starts with da’wah and ends with becoming preoccupied with and tempted by these girls, and some of them have even committed fornication. Our website has heard of many sad stories, some from girls who have repented, and some from the wives of some righteous men whose lives have been changed by these chat rooms. Hence we think that this matter should be left to some daa’iyahs to carry out in an organized and collective fashion, because of the fear of evil consequences that start with chatting for the purpose of da’wah and end – usually – with evils that are not permitted in Islam, such as 5

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infatuation and what it leads to. The Shaytaan has ways that he follows with those whom he wishes to tempt, so we must beware of these things. We appreciate your protective jealousy (gheerah) with regard to people’s falling into sin, and your keenness to call people to Allaah, but we would prefer you to direct your energies towards general writing on bulletin boards and delivering khutbahs and teaching in the mosques and in public places. This is more beneficial and is better for you – in sha Allaah – than using private chat for da’wah. And Allaah knows best. Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com) 13450: I lose my temper with smokers – what should I do? Question: I am a muslim student and i have a bad temper towards smokers. i loose my temper when some one is smoking, i know this is selfish but i can’t breath, my eyes swall up and i get dizzy when some 1 smokes. my mother says i should cotrol myself but i always answer its not my fault, but it is i should controll my self. i try but can not, ive read through everythin on this site but can not seem to follow any thing in these situations. is there anythng i can do, or is this a forgiveable mistake?. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. Firstly: Smoking is one of the things that are forbidden. For more 6

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information on the evidence for it being forbidden, please see question no. 1812 and 10922. Secondly: If every person were able to live in this world according to his wishes and desires, there would be no misery in this world and it could not be described as hardship; there would be no problems that need to be solved and dealt with. But in reality it is a mixture of sweet and bitter. Each of us is trying to live his life according to his wishes and desires, wishing that others would understand that. But there are many obstacles in the way. This is the reality of this world; no matter how much enjoyment we find in it, it will ultimately end in sorrow and regret. The feelings of anger that you experience as a reaction towards someone who smokes in front of you are justifiable feelings. Indeed I would go further and say that most wise people would naturally agree with you, because man is by nature repulsed by bad actions, in addition to that fact that you are being physically harmed by this smoke. But a person must understand how he can express his feelings towards things and he must find the best way to express his feelings in different situations that do not suit him. When a person can overcome this obstacle successfully, he will have taken an important step towards achieving his goal. Therefore we have to realize that people do not respond to the wishes of the one who issues commands with an attitude of force and compulsion, rather they will move far away from the one who is like that, even though they may believe that what he is saying or demanding is in itself correct and acceptable. Simply feeling angry towards these things that you 7

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mention is something that is acceptable, but anger on its own does not bring about the desired results in most cases. Controlling your nerves and feelings, and looking for an appropriate way to express them will bring about the desired results in the shortest and easiest way. Have you tried expressing how much the smoking bothers you and the bad effect it has on you, in a calm and polite manner? Most smokers, if you ask them to stop in a calm manner, explaining the reason, will respond immediately. Conversely, they will respond to those who advise them in a bad way in an even worse manner, with few exceptions. If a person wants to achieve his goal, he has to be patient, careful and speak well. You ask “do I have to control myself”? Definitely the answer will be yes, you have to have control yourself with these and with other people. How many things there are in this world that provoke anger. Controlling yourself and your feelings must be one of your priorities. Our noble and merciful Prophet taught us this. When that man came to him and said, “O Messenger of Allaah, advise me,” the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Do not become angry.” The man repeated his question several times and the Messenger said, “Do not become angry.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6116). How can a person live if he does not equip himself with patience? Try to control your nerves by all possible means. Try to select friends who will help you to control yourself and become patient. Keep away from any friends and colleagues who annoy 8

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you and get on your nerves. Try as much as possible to avoid the situations that provoke your anger. First and last, seek help through du’aa’ and asking Allaah to help you to be patient in all situations. Do not say that you cannot control your nerves, for feeling that you will fail may lead to it becoming a reality which you give in to and accept. If you are determined and have a sincere intention, then in sha Allah you will reach your goal. But you should note that you will find that difficult [in the beginning]. But have confidence that you will eventually gain control of yourself and this bitterness and struggle will become sweet on the day when you find it bears fruit. And Allaah knows best. Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com) 11403: Enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil Question: Why do the Muslims consider enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil to be one of the basic principles of their religion? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. Man is very forgetful and makes a lot of mistakes. His own self (nafs) tells him to do evil and the Shaytaan tempts him to commit sin. When bodies get sick and are afflicted with disease, one has to find a doctor who can prescribe 9

Inviting others to Islam

the appropriate medicine so that the body may be restored to full health. Similarly, souls and hearts may be afflicted with the diseases of desire and doubt, so people do things which Allaah has forbidden, such as shedding blood, committing adultery, drinking alcohol, oppressing people and consuming their wealth unlawfully, preventing people from following the way of Allaah and disbelieving in Allaah. The diseases of the heart [psychological and spiritual diseases] are worse than diseases of the body. This means that one must find a doctor who is skilled in treating such diseases. Because the diseases of the heart are so many and cause the spread of evil and corruption, Allaah has enjoined the believers to treat these diseases, by enjoining that which is good and forbidding that which is evil. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma‘roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:104] Enjoining what is good (al-ma’roof) and forbidding what is evil (al-munkar) is one of the most important Islamic duties, indeed it is the noblest and most sublime. This is the task of the Prophets and Messengers (peace be upon them all), as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Messengers as bearers of good news as well as of warning in order that mankind should have no plea against Allaah after the (coming of) Messengers” [al-Nisaa’ 4:165] 10

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Allaah has made the Muslim ummah the best nation ever raised up for mankind, in order to do this important task, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “You (true believers in Islamic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah) are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma‘roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam has ordained) and forbid AlMunkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden), and you believe in Allaah” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:110] If the ummah fails to do its duty of enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, wrongdoing and corruption will spread throughout the ummah, and it will deserve the curse of Allaah. For Allaah cursed those among the Children of Israel who disbelieved because they failed in this important duty. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Those among the Children of Israel who disbelieved were cursed by the tongue of Dawood (David) and ‘Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). That was because they disobeyed (Allaah and the Messengers) and were ever transgressing beyond bounds. They used not to forbid one another from Al-Munkar (wrong, evildoing, sins, polytheism, disbelief) which they committed. Vile indeed was what they used to do [alMaa’idah 5:78] Enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil is one of the basic principles of this religion, and doing this is jihaad for the sake of Allaah. Jihaad requires putting up with difficulties and bearing insults and harm with patience, as Luqmaan said to his son: “O my son! AqimisSalaah (perform AsSalaah), enjoin (on 11

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people) AlMa‘roof (Islamic Monotheism and all that is good), and forbid (people) from AlMunkar (i.e. disbelief in the Oneness of Allaah, polytheism of all kinds and all that is evil and bad), and bear with patience whatever befalls you. Verily, these are some of the important commandments (ordered by Allaah with no exemption” [Luqmaan 31:17 – interpretation of the meaning] Enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil is an important mission, hence those who undertake this mission must be of good character and must understand the objectives of sharee’ah; they must call people with wisdom and fair preaching and deal with them in a kind and gentle manner, so that Allaah may guide those whom He wills at their hands. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Invite (mankind, O Muhammad) to the way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur’aan) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided” [al-Nahl 16:125] The ummah which establishes the symbols of Islam, enjoins what is good and forbids what is evil, will attain happiness in this world and in the Hereafter. Allaah will send them His support and grant them victory, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): “Verily, Allaah will help those who help His (Cause). Truly, Allaah is AllStrong, AllMighty. Those (Muslim rulers) who, if We give them power in the land, (they) enjoin IqamaatasSalaah [i.e. to perform the five compulsory congregational Salaah (prayers) (the 12

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males in mosques)], to pay the Zakaah and they enjoin AlMa‘roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid AlMunkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism and all that Islam has forbidden) [i.e. they make the Qur’aan as the law of their country in all the spheres of life]. And with Allaah rests the end of (all) matters (of creatures)” [al-Hajj 22:40-41] Enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil is a mission which will never end until the Hour begins. It is obligatory upon all the ummah, rulers and subjects, men and women, each according to his or her circumstances. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand [by taking action]; and if he cannot, then with his tongue [by speaking out]; and if he cannot, then with his heart [by feeling that it is wrong] – and that is the weakest of faith.” (Narrated by Muslim, 49) The Muslim ummah is one nation, and if corruption becomes widespread in it and its circumstances turn bad, then all the Muslims are obliged to reform it, rid it of evil things, enjoin what is good and forbid what is bad, and offer sincere advice to all. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Religion is sincerity.” We said, “To whom?” He said, “To Allaah and His Book, and His Messenger, and to the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk.” (Narrated by Muslim, 95). If a Muslim is commanded to do something, he should be the quickest of people to do it, and if he is forbidden to do something, he must be the one who keeps furthest away 13

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from it. Allaah has issued a warning to those who go against that, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): “O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do? Most hateful it is with Allaah that you say that which you do not do” [al-Saff 61:2-3] No matter how righteous a person may be, he still needs sincere advice, guidance and reminders in the light of the Qur’aan and Sunnah. Allaah said to the Messenger of the Lord of the Worlds, the most perfect of all creation (interpretation of the meaning): “O Prophet (Muhammad)! Keep your duty to Allaah, and obey not the disbelievers and the hypocrites (i.e., do not follow their advice). Verily, Allaah is Ever AllKnower, AllWise” [al-Ahzaab 33:1] So we must all enjoin that which is good and forbid that which is evil, so that we may attain the Pleasure of Allaah and His Paradise. From Usool al-Deen al-Islami, by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem al-Tuwayjri (www.islam-qa.com) 8957: Denouncing evil actions in one’s heart Question: What is meant by denouncing evil actions in one’s heart? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. When we speak of denouncing evil actions with the heart, it refers to two things, when and how. 14

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With regard to when: this is done when the Muslim is unable to take action or speak out against the evil action, but he is aware of the conditions and guidelines of alamr bi’l-ma’roof wa’n-nahy ‘an al-munkar (enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil). The basic principle concerning this is the hadeeth narrated by Imaam Muslim in his Saheeh which he attributes to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “Whoever among you sees an evil action, then let him change it with his hand [by taking action]; if he cannot, then with his tongue [by speaking out]; and if he cannot, then with his heart – and that is the weakest of faith.” So this answers the question of when. As for how: it means that the believer feels in his heart that he hates and detests this evil action, and he wishes that he were able to change it, and feels sad that he is unable to change this evil action. This last point is one of the signs of one’s sincerity in denouncing the evil action in one’s heart. The person should also ask Allaah to help him change and eradicate this evil. We ask Allaah to help us and all the believers to develop this blessed attitude. It should also be pointed out that a person may be unable to change an evil action, but he can still keep away from the places where that sin is being committed. Indeed, he has to keep away; it is not enough only to denounce the evil in one’s heart. Allaah says (interpretation of the meanings): “And when you (Muhammad) see those who engage in a false conversation about Our Verses (of the Qur’aan) by mocking at them, stay away from them till they turn to another topic. And if Shaitaan (Satan) causes you to forget, then after the remembrance sit not you in the company of those people who are the Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers).” (al-An’aam 6:68) “And it has already been revealed to you in the Book (this Qur’aan) that when you hear the Verses of Allaah 15

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being denied and mocked at, then sit not with them, until they engage in a talk other than that; (but if you stayed with them) certainly in that case you would be like them. Surely, Allaah will collect the hypocrites and disbelievers all together in Hell” (al-Nisaa’ 4:140) May Allaah bless our Prophet and all his family and companions, and grant them peace. Answer to a question from the Islamic Net site (www.islam-qa.com) 10287: Ruling on justifying evil actions by saying that a lot of people are doing it Question: What is the ruling on a case when, if you tell a man or a woman, “What you are doing is haraam” – such as telling a woman not to wear short clothes, or telling a man not to smoke cigarettes – they reply by saying that everyone does that, or that all the women in our country dress this way? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. The response that you describe is wrong, and the people’s evil actions cannot be justified. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And if you obey most of those on the earth, they will mislead you far away from Allaah’s path” [al-An’aam 6:116] Rulings on what is halaal and what is haraam are taken from the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger 16

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(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), not from what people do, because people may be wrong or they may be right. From Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 12/347 (www.islam-qa.com) 9287: Degrees of denouncing evil actions, and sitting with people who do evil actions Question: Does the hadeeth about changing evil actions mean to change it by leaving the place where it is happening, or should we stay there and hate it and denounce it in our hearts? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. There are varying degrees with regard to the Muslims denouncing evil actions. Some have to deal with the evil action by their hands (i.e., by taking action), such as the imaam or leader, or his deputy to whom he has given authority, e.g. a father with his children, a master with his slave, a husband with his wife, if the person who is committing the sin cannot be stopped in any other way. Some people are obliged to deal with the evil action by giving advice, teaching others, telling them off, rebuking them or calling them in a manner that is best, without taking action or using force, lest that provoke fitnah (tribulation) and spread chaos. Some people have to respond to the evil action in their hearts only, because they are too weak to take action or speak out – and that is the weakest of faith. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) explained that in his hadeeth: 17

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“Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand (by taking action); and if he cannot do that, then with his tongue (by speaking out); and if he cannot do that, then with his heart (by believing that it is wrong and hating it) – and that is the weakest of faith.” (Narrated by Muslim in his Saheeh from the hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allaah be pleased with him). If the interests of sharee’ah are better served by a person’s staying in the environment where the evil action is taking place, and they outweigh the negative outcomes, and he does not fear that he will be overcome by temptation if he stays among people who are committing this sin, and he also denounces it according to his means, (this is OK); otherwise, he should forsake them in order to protect his own commitment to religion. From Fataawaa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 12/335 (www.islam-qa.com) 10231: How should she deal with friends who are not religiously committed? Question: I have friends who I am very close to, but they do not wear hijaab. I spend a lot of time with them and I am influenced by their foolish and aimless talk. They waste their time going out to the club and to the beach, and they spare little thought for Allaah and His Messenger, except for a few occasions that are hardly worth mentioning. When I speak about Allaah and what His Messenger said, they start to call me “Our shaykhah”. That discourages me from speaking (about these things). Is what I am doing sinful? How can I help them to find the right path? Please note that I cannot give them up. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. 18

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If the relationship between you and them is as you describe, then adhere to the Book of Allaah and the guidance of His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Try to advise them, enjoin upon them that which is right and good, and forbid them to do that which is evil. Be patient in bearing their insults and harm, and do not let their insults deter you from carrying out your duty towards them, which is to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil. This is the way of Allaah concerning the callers and those who are called. Allaah has explained that in the aayah where He tells us that Luqmaan said to his son (interpretation of the meaning): “O my son! AqimisSalaat (perform AsSalaah), enjoin (on people) AlMa‘roof (Islamic Monotheism and all that is good), and forbid (people) from AlMunkar (i.e. disbelief in the Oneness of Allaah, polytheism of all kinds and all that is evil and bad), and bear with patience whatever befalls you. Verily, these are some of the important commandments (ordered by Allaah with no exemption)” [Luqmaan 31:17] If you fulfil your obligation of advising them, and you do this repeatedly but do not find any way to reach their hearts, or they cling more stubbornly to their falsehood, then withdraw from them lest you become weak in your religious commitment and moral standards, or their influence over you leads to bad consequences. Be sincere towards Allaah and Allaah will help you. Do not worry about feeling lonely if you leave them, for loneliness is better than bad companions. “And whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could 19

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imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allaah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allaah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allaah has set a measure for all things” [al-Talaaq 65:2-3 – interpretation of the meaning] From Fataawaa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 12/365-366 (www.islam-qa.com) 10218: Advising a person to his face Question: What is the ruling on speaking directly to a person and telling him of his faults whilst he is listening? Is this permissible? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. This is permissible if it is done in order to advice the person and rebuke him so that he will be deterred from committing sin. It should be done in a nice and polite manner so that the advice will be accepted. But if it is done in a mean-spirited way, intending to shame him, insult him and expose him to people, etc., then this is not permitted. From Fataawaa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 12/342 (www.islam-qa.com) 10214: Is it hypocrisy to forbid something but then do it oneself? Question: If I am exhorting my brothers and I warn them against 20

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some sins, but I fall into these sins myself, am I to be considered a hypocrite? Please advise me, may Allaah reward you with good. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. You have to repent from the sins and exhort your brothers against them. It is not permissible for you to continue committing the sin and not to advise your brothers, because by doing this you are combining two sins. You must repent to Allaah from that, whilst also advising your brothers. This does not make you a hypocrite, but it does place you in a category which is condemned as blameworthy by Allaah in the aayaat (interpretation of the meaning): “Most hateful it is with Allâh that you say that which you do not do” [al-Saff 61:3] “Enjoin you Al-Birr (piety and righteousness and each and every act of obedience to Allaah) on the people and you forget (to practise it) yourselves, while you recite the Scripture! Have you then no sense?” [al-Baqarah 2:44] From Fataawaa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 12/268 (www.islam-qa.com)

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Chapter 2 Means of Da’wah 44594: Advice to one who slanders his Muslim brothers and accuses them without any proof Question: Our Shaykh, I love you for the sake of Allaah and I hope that you can tell me how to silence those who slander the scholars. There are people who accuse you of being extreme in labeling others as kaafirs and of Qutbi (a group that claims to base its ideas on the writings of Sayyid Qutb) – as they call it. What is your answer? Please note that I am – as Allaah knows – one of those who love you for the sake of Allaah. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. May Allaah love you, for Whose sake you love us, and may He bring us together in His mercy on the Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail, except him who brings to Allaah a clean heart (cf. al-Shu’ara’ 26:89). With regard to what you have said in your question, we advise you to keep away from everyone who speaks about your Muslim brothers or slanders them, or accuses them and casts aspersion on their intentions. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “O you who have spoken the words of faith but faith has not entered your hearts! Do not backbite about the Muslims or seek our their faults, for whoever seeks out their faults, Allaah will seek out his faults even if he is his house.” Narrated 22

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by Abu Dawood, no. 4880; classed as saheeh by alAlbaani. It is also necessary for you to advise these people to fear Allaah and refrain using such labels and names that divide the Muslims. With regard to offering advice and correcting mistakes, this should not be done by means of exposing people’s faults or casting aspersions on their intentions etc. With regard to the issue of takfeer (labeling people as kaafirs), this is subject to further discussion. Describing as a kaafir one who has been described as such by Allaah or by His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is obligatory. Allaah has described some groups as being kaafirs in His Book, as when He says (interpretation of the meaning): “Surely, disbelievers are those who said: ‘Allaah is the third of the three (in a Trinity)’” [al-Maa’idah 5:73] “Surely, in disbelief are they who say that Allaah is the Messiah, son of Maryam (Mary)” [al-Maa’idah 5:17] But it is haraam to label as a kaafir someone whom Allaah and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not label as such. Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: Just as it is not permissible to label a specific person as a kaafir unless the conditions of labeling someone as such have been met in his case, so too we should not shy away from labeling as kaafirs those whom Allaah and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) have labeled as such. But we must differentiate between what is specific and what is general. 23

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Sharh Kitaab al-Tawheed, 2/281. See also question no. 21576. And Allaah knows best. Moreover, everyone who levels an accusation against another person must provide proof: “Say (O Muhammad), Produce your proof if you are truthful” [al-Baqarah 2:111] “Since they produce not witnesses, they are the liars in the sight of Allaah” [al-Noor 24:13] This problem is widespread among some of those who claim to be religiously-guided, may Allaah guide them, for they make accusations against people on grounds that are not regarded as something worthy of criticism in sharee’ah or that do not undermine a person’s religious commitment. Then they do not bring any proof of that, and they follow their own whims and desires, because it is human nature to appoint oneself as judge, praising and condemning on a whim. We must go against the whims and desires of our own selves and measure people by the criteria set out in Islam; we should make mention of their good points and advise them with regard to their mistakes. And Allaah is the Source of strength. Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com) 24

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11266: Ruling on taking sinners as friends Question: Is it permissable for a man who practice islam to talk, be friendly, and take a person who is muslim by name alone who drinks alcohol and does not pray as a friend and a helper? what is the ruling regarding taking those who do not practice their religion and go directly agains allah’s commandments as friends and helpers?. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. Sins are of two types: 1 – Those which constitute kufr and put a person beyond the pale of Islam – we seek refuge with Allaah. The one who commits such sins is a kaafir who is beyond the pale of Islam if the conditions for describing him as a kaafir are met and there are no impediments to doing so – such as one who associates others in worship with Allaah, or does not pray at all, and so on. 2 – Sins which do not constitute kufr and do not put a person beyond the pale of Islam, but the one who does them is described as faasiq (rebellious evildoer) and a believer who is lacking in faith, such as zina (illicit sexual relationships), drinking alcohol and so on, if he does not regard these actions as permissible. If he does regard them as permissible, then this puts him beyond the pale of Islam, if the conditions for describing him as a kaafir are met and there are no impediments to doing so. The belief of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa’ah and the consensus of the salaf is that a person who commits a major sin but does not regard it as permissible is not to be regarded as a kaafir. For more information see the answer to question no. 9924. 25

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Once this is understood, then the ruling on making friends with people is based on the above. It is not permissible to take kaafirs as close friends, or to mix with them and feel friendly towards them, or to live amongst them and take them as friends, or to love them, or to prefer them over the believers and so on. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “You (O Muhammad) will not find any people who believe in Allaah and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allaah and His Messenger (Muhammad), even though they were their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their kindred (people). For such He has written Faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with Rooh (proofs, light and true guidance) from Himself. And He will admit them to Gardens (Paradise) under which rivers flow, to dwell therein (forever). Allaah is pleased with them, and they with Him. They are the party of Allaah. Verily, it is the party of Allaah that will be the successful” [al-Mujaadilah 58:22] But we are obliged to treat them fairly and justly, and not wrong them or commit acts of aggression against them with no shar’i reason. It is permissible to interact with them by buying, selling, lending, etc. It is narrated in saheeh reports that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) borrowed a weapon from Safwaan ibn Umayyah, and that he bought food from the Jews. With regard to sinning Muslims, we should love them according to the faith that they have, and hate them according to the sins and immoral actions they commit, but being friends with them goes against the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “The likeness of a good companion and a bad companion is 26

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that of a perfume seller and one who works the bellows. With the perfume seller, either he will give you something or you will buy something from him, or you will notice a good smell from him, but with the one who works the bellows, either he will burn your clothes or you notice a bad smell from him.” Narrated by Muslim, no. 2628. But if the intention behind sitting with this person is to soften his heart and call him to Allaah, and guide him to the right path, then this is a virtuous action, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And who is better in speech than he who [says: “My Lord is Allaah (believes in His Oneness),” and then stands firm (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men) to Allaah’s (Islamic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds” [Fussilat 41:33] But this is subject to the condition that he should not have any effect on you or cause you any harm when you are seeking good. Based on the above, if the person you are asking about does not pray at all, then he is a kaafir, because the most correct scholarly view, which is the view of the salaf, if that the one who does not pray is a kaafir in the sense of major kufr, and is beyond the pale of Islam. For more information on the evidence on that, please see questions no. 2182, 5208, 6035, 33007, 10094. Based on this, it is not permissible to befriend him or be close to him, rather he should be called to repent to Allaah and pray regularly. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “But if they repent [by rejecting Shirk (polytheism) and accept Islamic Monotheism], perform As-Salaah (Iqaamat-as-Salaah) and give Zakaah, then they are your brethren in religion” 27

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[al-Tawbah 9:11] It should be noted that keeping company with good people is something enjoined by our Lord, may He be exalted, and our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), as mentioned in the hadeeth quoted above. And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “O you who believe! Fear Allaah, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds)” [al-Tawbah 9:119] “And keep yourself (O Muhammad) patiently with those who call on their Lord (i.e. your companions who remember their Lord with glorification, praising in prayers, and other righteous deeds) morning and afternoon, seeking His Face” [al-Kahf 18:28] And Allaah knows best. For more information see Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 3/31. Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com) 22154: How to serve Islam Question: I want to serve my religion, what should I do? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. 28

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1 – You can serve Islam by having a correct resolve and sincere intention, for Allaah blesses an action that is done sincerely for His sake alone, even if it is little. Sincere devotion, if it becomes a constant feature of acts of worship and obedience, even if they are small or simple in the sight of the one who does them, makes them great in the sight of Allaah, so Allaah will forgive him for major sins because of that, as it says in the hadeeth about the piece of paper on which is written La ilaaha ill-Allaah. 2 – You can serve Islam by knowing the right way and following it. The Straight Path means following the way of our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) with regard to the principles, ways and means of da’wah and being patient in adhering to that, whilst treating people with kindness and compassion, because they are suffering from the disease of sin. 3 – You can serve Islam by making the most of all available means and circumstances. This is a great blessing, for all means are permissible except those which have been forbidden by Allaah. So we call people to Allaah by all means prescribed in sharee’ah, whilst paying attention to the evidence of sharee’ah and correct etiquette. 4 – You can serve Islam by giving precedence to that which is in the interests of Islam over your own whims and desires. Serving this religion means giving what is most precious of your money, effort, time, thought, etc. Have you not seen those who love sport (football or soccer) for example, how they devote their efforts, time and money to their beloved sport? But more is expected of you than that. 5 – You can serve Islam by following in the footsteps of the scholars, daa’iyahs and reformers, having patience as your companion and putting up with tiredness and exhaustion. For you are doing a great act of worship which 29

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is the mission of the Prophets and Messengers and those who follow in their footsteps. 6 – You can serve Islam by shunning laziness, weakness and apathy, for this religion is the religion of resolve, ambition and courage, and its call is only harmed by laziness or reckless ignorance. 7 – You can serve Islam by connecting your heart to Allaah and reciting a lot of du’aa’ and prayers for forgiveness, and persisting in reading Qur’aan. There is nothing that is more effective in cleansing the heart and refreshing the soul, and making it active and energetic so that it will not get tired or bored, than remembering Allaah much and drawing nearer to Him by means of obeying Him and doing naafil (supererogatory) acts of worship. 8 – You can serve Islam by forming bonds with scholars who practise what they preach, those who are known to be sincere and who are well established in jihad and supporting this religion. Marching under their banner and following their lead is very good and beneficial. 9 – You can serve Islam by organizing your time on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. There are actions which should be done every day, others which should be done every week, and others which should be done every month or every year. For example, you should make da’wah to those whom you see every day and to those whom you see once a week. You may have a family gathering once a month, and there may be annual conferences, or journeys for Hajj or ‘Umrah once a year, and so on. 10 – You can serve Islam by paying it some attention and giving it some of your time, thoughts and money, and making it your main concern. So when you stand up, it is for Islam; when you walk, it is for Islam; when you think, 30

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it is for Islam; when you give, it is for Islam; when you sit, it is for Islam. 11 – you can serve Islam by hastening to contribute every time you find an opportunity to do good. Do not hesitate or delay or put it off. From Kayfa akhdim al-Islam by ‘Abd al-Malik al-Qaasim, p. 18. (www.islam-qa.com) 40040: Her husband is threatening to divorce her if she does not watch pornographic movies with him Question: A woman’s husband tries to force her to watch pornographic movies with her and she refuses to do that and tries to stop him; she told him to choose between her and these movies and he chose the movies instead of her, What should she do – when he has threatened to divorce her if she does not watch these movies with him? What advice do you give her? Should she watch them or get a divorce – especially since she has three children with him?. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. Allaah has commanded the Muslim to protect himself and his family from the Fire. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe, who disobey not, (from executing) the Commands 31

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they receive from Allaah, but do that which they are commanded” [al-Tahreem 66:6] Allaah has put the wife and children under the care and protection of the husband, and he will be asked about them on the Day of Resurrection. It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock. The ruler is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock; the man is the shepherd of his family members and is responsible for them; the woman is the shepherd of her husband’s house and children and is responsible for them; the slave is the shepherd of his master’s wealth and is responsible for it. Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 853; Muslim, 1829. Allaah has warned those who betray this trust and do not protect their families as required, that they will be denied Paradise. It was narrated that Ma’qal ibn Yassaar said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There is no person whom Allaah appoints in charge of some flock and he is not sincere towards them, but he will not smell the fragrance of Paradise.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6731; Muslim, 142. What this husband is doing, watching pornographic movies, is an evil and a great sin. It is not permissible for him to do that, let alone force someone else to do it. If the husband calls his wife to watch these movies, it is not permissible for her to obey him, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There 32

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is no obedience if it involves disobeying Allaah, rather obedience is only with regard to that which is right and proper.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 7257; Muslim, 1840. The husband’s threat of divorce does not count as a legitimate excuse for her, and is not regarded as her being forced to do it. Rather she should advise him in the way that is better. If he responds and gives up the evil that he is doing, this is something good that he is doing for himself, and she will be rewarded for that. If he refuses to respond to the command of Allaah to lower the gaze and avoid looking at haraam things, then it is not permissible for her to obey him in committing sin, and she should not trust him with regard to herself or her children, and Allaah will compensate her with someone better than him, in sha Allaah. In the answer to question no. 12301 there is a statement of the shar’i ruling on watching these movies. In the answer to question no. 7669 there is a description of ways of advising and guiding this husband. If the husband does not pray, it is not permissible for the wife to hesitate in asking for an annulment of the marriage. We have discussed the ruling on staying with a husband who does not pray in the answer to question no. 4501 and 5281. And Allaah knows best. Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com) 27170: Is it permissible to offer money to a person on the condition that he does a good deed? Question: Is it permissible to offer money to a person on the 33

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condition that he does a good deed ? For example, can I say to a Muslim uncle, I will give you 500 Dirhams if you grow and keep a beard ?. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. It seems that there is nothing wrong with doing that. Allaah has enjoined certain actions upon His slaves, and has promised a great reward in this world for doing them, so as to encourage people to do them. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine” [al-Talaaq 65:2-3] The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever would like his provision in this world to be increased and his life span to be extended, let him uphold the ties of kinship.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5986; Muslim, 2557. As a way of encouraging righteous deeds, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) gave permission for the one who killed a kaafir on the battelefield to take his spoils. It was narrated that Abu Qutaadah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, during the year of Hunayn: “Whoever kills an enemy and has proof of that will have his spoils.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 2973; Muslim, 1751. 34

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“Spoils” here refers to the money, luggage, clothing and weapons that a fighter has with him. And the scholars regarded it as permissible to offer prizes for memorizing soorahs from the Qur’aan or ahaadeeth, or for winning a contest of knowledge. The scholars of the Standing Committee were asked: What is the ruling on receiving prizes for Qur’aan memorization contests? They replied: There is nothing wrong with that, and there is no difference between men and women in this regard. Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 4/126 This has to do with giving and offering: it is permissible to offer and give money to one who lets his beard grow or does other things required by sharee’ah. But with regard to the one who takes that money: if he let his beard grow in order to take the prize, then he will not be rewarded for his action, but if the prize motivated him to fulfil the command of Allaah, or if he started because of the prize and then changed his intention after that and adhered to (following the ruling), then he will be rewarded for that in which his intention was sound, and it will not matter that at first he was doing it for the prize. It was narrated from Anas that a man asked the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) for sheep between two mountains and he gave them to him, then he went to his people and said, “O my people, become Muslims, for by Allaah Muhammad gives generously and he does not fear poverty.” Anas said: People would become Muslim only for worldly 35

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gains, but as soon as they became Muslim Islam became dearer to them than this world and everything in it. Narrated by Muslim, 2312. Al-Nawawi said: This is how it appears in most copies: “fa ma yuslim (as soon as [they] became Muslim).” In some copies it says “fa ma yumsi (before the day ended).” Both are correct. The first means that shortly after they became Muslim, Islam became dearer to them, i.e., at first they professed Islam for worldly purposes, with no sound intention in their hearts, then by the blessing of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and the light of Islam, their hearts were soon opened to true faith which took root in their hearts, and then Islam became dearer to them than this world and everything in it. Sharh Muslim, 15/72, 73. And Allaah knows best. Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com) 39349: Mixing with the Tableeghi Jama’at and going out with them Question: Is it permissible to mix with the Tableeghi Jama’at in order to learn from them and do dhikr only?. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. The Tableeghi Jama’at (Jamaa’at al-Tableegh) is one of 36

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the da’wah groups that is striving to spread Islam and call people to it. It has played a good role in calling sinners and those who have deviated by spending time and money, and putting up with the difficulties of travelling etc. But looking at some of the mistaken ideas and objectionable beliefs that have been quoted from some of the shaykhs of this group, some of the scholars have ruled that no one should go out with them except seekers of knowledge [taalib al-‘ilm] who should go with the aim of teaching and guiding them. Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked the following question: I went out with the Tableeghi Jamaa’at to India and Pakistan. We used to gather and pray in mosques in which there are graves, and I heard that prayers offered in mosques in which there are graves are invalid. What is your opinion on my prayers, and should I repeat them? What is the ruling on going out with them to these places? He replied: The Tableeghi Jama’ah does not have a clear idea on matters of ‘aqeedah, so it is not permissible for anyone to go out with them apart from the one who has knowledge and understanding of the correct ‘aqeedah followed by Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa’ah, so that he can teach them, advise them and cooperate with them for good purposes, because they are very active, but they need more knowledge and they need scholars who know about Tawheed and the Sunnah to teach them. May Allaah help us all to understand His religion properly and adhere to it steadfastly… Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz, 8/331 If the members of this group with whom you are in contact follow sound ‘aqeedah and have knowledge, then there 37

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is nothing wrong with your cooperating with them and attending their gatherings. Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked: We are living in the desert. Some of us have settled here and some are working to earn a halaal income. A group from the Tableeghi Jama’at came to us, some of whom we know personally and are sure that their intentions are sincere, but they are not scholars; and some of them are scholars who call us to go out to the villages around us, and say that we should spend so many days or weeks or months doing that. We have not seen anything wrong with the dhikr circles that they hold. Is it permissible to listen to them or to go out with them to the neighbouring villages or outside the Kingdom (Saudi Arabia)? He replied: If the people mentioned are known to have sound ‘aqeedah and knowledge and to be virtuous and good people, then there is nothing wrong with cooperating with them in calling people to Allaah and teaching and advising them, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Help you one another in AlBirr and AtTaqwa (virtue, righteousness and piety)” [al-Maa’idah 5:2] And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever guides others to do something good, he will have a reward like that of the one who does it.” May Allaah guide us all. Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh, 9/307 And Allaah knows best. Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com) 38

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3007: A list of brief Islamic sayings for sending to one’s friends Question: On a daily basis I send out short enlightening phrases/ verses from hadeeth to my friends via SMS (text message) to their cellular phones. I am in search of short phrases/ quotes/verses which are islamic. Could you please send me a list or refer me to a website where I can find some. My friends have become accostomed to recieving their daily quote..etc and I have noticed that these quotes have had a positive influence on them and would like to continue doing this. Your response to my request will be appreciated Answer: Praise be to Allaah. May Allaah reward you for your great efforts to call your brothers to Allaah and advise and remind them by means of these brief Islamic quotations. There follows a list of some wise sayings and general rules, taken from the Qur’aan, Sunnah and words of Muslim wise men. Translations of the meanings of quotations from the Qur’aan appear in italics, quotations from saheeh ahaadeeth appear in quotation marks (“”) and other quotations appear without any such marks. And whenever you give your word, say the truth [alAn’aam 6:152] And seek help in patience and prayer [al-Baqarah 2:45] And speak good to people [al-Baqarah 2:83] And fulfil the Covenant of Allaah when you have covenanted [al-Nahl 16:91] 39

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Verily! Allaah commands that you should render back the trusts to those to whom they are due [al-Nisa’ 4:58] And let not your hand be tied (like a miser) to your neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach (like a spendthrift) [al-Isra’ 17:29] Eat and drink, but waste not by extravagance [al-A’raaf 7:31] And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is al-taqwa (piety, righteousness) [al-Baqarah 2:197] And whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty) [al-Talaaq 65:2] And whosoever puts his trust in Allaah, then He will suffice him [al-Talaaq 65:3] He who obeys the Messenger has indeed obeyed Allaah [al-Nisa’ 4:80] By no means shall you attain al-birr (righteousness) until you spend (in Allaah’s cause) of that which you love [Aal ‘Imraan 3:92] Allaah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of Affairs (for us) [Aal ‘Imraan 3:171] And walk not on the earth with conceit and arrogance 40

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[al-Isra’ 17:37] And turn not your face away from men with pride [Luqmaan 31:18] And be moderate (or show no arrogance) in your walking, and lower your voice [Luqmaan 31:19] And give not a thing in order to have more (or consider not your deeds of obedience to Allaah as a favour to Allaah) [al-Muddaththir 74:6] “Pay attention to Allaah and He will pay attention to you.” “If you feel no shame, then do as you wish.” “Make sure your food is good (halaal and bought with halaal earnings), and you will be one whose prayers are answered.” “Fear Allaah wherever you may be.” “Follow up a bad deed with a good deed, to cancel it out.” “Mix with people with a good attitude.” “Keep away from prohibited things and you will be the best of worshippers.” “Be content with what Allaah has given you, and you will be the richest of people.” “Love for other people what you love for yourself.” “Do not laugh too much, for excessive laughter deadens the heart.” 41

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“Wrongdoing will be multiple darkness on the Day of Resurrection.” “Fear Allaah and treat all your children fairly.” “Fear the Fire, even if by giving half a date (in charity).” “Fear the prayer of the oppressed.” “The thing that weighs most heavily in the balance (of good deeds) is a good attitude.” “Deliberation is from Allaah, haste is from Shaytaan.” “The less your wealth, the less you will be called to account for.” “Do not become angry, and Paradise will be yours.” “The most beloved of deeds to Allaah is the one that is continuous, even if it is little.” “The most beloved of places to Allaah are the mosques.” “The most hated of places to Allaah are the marketplaces.” “The most beloved of food to Allaah is that which is touched by many hands (i.e., shared among many people).” “The most beloved of speech to Allaah is that a person should say, ‘Subhaan Allaah wa bi hamdih (Glory and praise be to Allaah)’.” “The most beloved of people to Allaah is the one who is most helpful.” “The most beloved deed to Allaah is making a Muslim happy.” “Whoever restrains his anger, Allaah will conceal his faults.” 42

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“A bad attitude spoils a good deed just as vinegar spoils honey.” “The most beloved of people to Allaah are those who have the best attitudes.” “Beware of this world, for it is sweet and tempting.” “Control your tongue.” “Trim your moustaches and let your beards grow.” “Give back the things you have been entrusted with to the person who entrusted them to you.” “Do not betray the one who betrays you.” “Pray to Allaah and be confident of a response.” “Cheer people up, do not put them off.” “Make things easy for people, not difficult.” “Eat with your right hand and eat from what is in front of you.” “If Allaah gives you wealth, let the blessing of Allaah be seen on you.” “If someone who is distinguished among his own people comes to you, then honour him.” “If one with whose religion and character you are pleased comes to you (to seek your daughter’s hand in marriage), then marry (your daughter) to him.” “If Allaah wills good to the people of a household, He guides them to be gentle.” “If you do something bad, follow it by doing something good.” 43

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“If you feel uncomfortable about something, then leave it alone.” “If you judge (between people), then judge fairly.” “If you enter a house, greet the inhabitants with salaam.” “If you are reminded of Allaah, stop what you are doing (of sin).” “If Allaah sends you some provision without you looking forward to it or asking others for it, then take it.” “If you ask Allaah for anything, then ask Him for alFirdaws (the highest level of Paradise).” “If your good deeds please you and your bad deeds upset you, then you are a mu’min (believer).” “If you hear the call to prayer, then respond to the one who is calling you to Allaah.” “If you hear the call to prayer, then say something like the muezzin says.” “If any one of you becomes angry, let him keep silent.” “If a man becomes angry and says ‘A’oodhu Billaah (I seek refuge with Allaah),’ his anger will cease.” “If a man says ‘Ya seedi (sir)’ to a munaafiq (hypocrite), he earns the wrath of his Lord.” “When you stand up to pray, pray as if it is your last prayer.” “When you get dressed and when you do wudoo’, start on the right.” “When any one of you meets his brother, let him greet him with salaam.” 44

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“Remember death when you are praying.” “Show mercy towards those who are on earth so that the One Who is in heaven will show mercy to you.” “Renounce pleasure in worldly things and Allaah will love you.” “Show disinterest in what people have and people will love you.” “Feel properly shy and modest before Allaah.” Protect “the head and what does through it (thoughts and ideas).” Protect “the stomach and what goes into it.” “Seek help in whatever you do by being discreet.” “Everyone who is given a blessing will be envied.” “No one can keep their wudoo’ except a believer.” “The worst thief among people is the one who steals from his prayer, by not doing rukoo’ and sujood properly.” “Intercede and you will be rewarded.” “The most grateful of people to Allaah are those who are most grateful to other people.” The trouble with beauty is feelings of superiority. The trouble with generosity is extravagance. The trouble with noble descent is pride. The trouble with knowledge is forgetfulness. “Give to the one who denied you.”

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“Uphold ties with the one who cuts you off.” “Forgive the one who does you wrong.” May Allaah have mercy on the person who said “Good” and was rewarded or who remained silent and was safe. Wine is the key to all evil. The one who is more daring in giving fatwas is more deserving of Hell. Love the poor and mix with them. It is better to err in forgiving than to err in punishment. Do not judge between people when you are angry. If you want to count the faults of anyone else, count your own faults instead. If you commit a sin, say “Astaghfir-Allaah (I ask Allaah for forgiveness).” If you are given a blessing, say, “Al-Hamdu Lillaah (praise be to Allaah).” If some disaster befalls you, say, “Innaa Lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji’oon (Truly, to Allaah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return).” Seek rizq (provision) by giving charity “Give food to others and speak good.” “Seek a response to du’aa’s when the iqaamah for prayer is given and when rain is falling.” The people with the longest necks on the Day of Resurrection will be the muezzins. “Worship Allaah as if you see Him.” 46

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“The most helpless of people are those who cannot make du’aa’.” “The most miserly of people are those who are stingy with their salaams (i.e., do not greet others).” “Pay the hired worker his wages before his sweat dries.” “Tie up (your camel) [i.e., take the necessary precautions], and put your trust in Allaah.” “Make the most of your life before your death.” Make the most of “your health before your sickness.” Make the most of “your free time before you become busy.” Make the most of “your wealth before you become poor.” Make the most of “your youth before you become old.” “The best of dhikr is ‘La ilaaha ill-Allaah.’” “The best of sadaqah (charity) is that given by one who has little.” “The upper hand (the one that gives) is better than the lower hand (the one that takes).” The best of earnings is a good sale. “The best of the believers is one who is best in attitude.” “The best of the muhaajireen is the one who forsakes (hajara) that which Allaah has prohibited.” “The best type of jihaad is the jihaad of the one who strives against his own self (jihaad al-nafs) for the sake of Allaah.” “Read the Qur’aan throughout every month.” 47

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“Read the Qur’aan, for it will come and intercede for its readers on the Day of Resurrection.” “Pray for Allaah to keep you safe and sound.” “Most of the sins committed by the son of Adam are sins of the tongue.” “Repeat often ‘Laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa billaah (there is no power or strength except with Allaah)’, for it is from the treasure of Paradise.” “Always remember the destroyer of joy (physical pleasure): death.” “Lower your gaze and guard your private parts.” “There is no goodness in the one who is not friendly or likeable.” “Stay with her (the mother), for Paradise is under her feet.” “Keep saying ‘Yaa Dhaa’l-jalaali wa’l-ikraam (O Possessor of Glory and Honour)’” i.e., keep repeating it persistently. “Islam cancels out what came before it (of sins).” “Every bid’ah (innovation) is a going astray and every going astray will end in Hell.” “Control your tongue, let your house be enough for you, and weep for your sins.” “(Take care of) your mother, then your mother, then your mother, then your father, then other relatives in order of closeness.” “Feed the poor and pat the head of the orphan (i.e., show compassion).”

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“The one who points the way to good deeds is like the one who does them.” This is a list of useful sayings and general rules, which we ask Allaah to make of benefit to people. When you have finished sending them out, if you would like more, just let us know so that we can compile some more. And Allaah is the Source of strength. Islam Q&A Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islamqa.com) 12913: Advice for daa’iyahs travelling abroad Question: We are young men who are travelling to the west to call people to Allaah. We hope that you could give us some advice that will help us during our trip. May Allaah preserve you and take care of you. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. Calling people to Allaah is one of the most essential duties, and it is the way of the Prophets and Messengers and their followers, namely the scholars, daa’iyahs and reformers. Hoping that you will be able to fulfil the purpose of your da’wah trip and make the most of your precious time with which you seek to earn reward from Allaah, we offer you the following advice: 1 – Fear Allaah (taqwa) and be aware that He is watching you in secret and in public. The Prophet (peace and 49

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blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Fear Allaah wherever you may be…” (narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 1910; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 1618). Fearing Allaah is the main thing, and it is the means of being granted strength in this world and reward in the Hereafter. And seek reward with Allaah and have sincerity of intention towards Allaah in all that you say and do. “Actions are but by intentions and every man shall have but that which he intended.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1; Muslim, 3530). These are things which will help the daa’iyah and make his actions blessed, just as fearing Allaah is the main thing, and it is the means of being granted strength in this world and reward in the Hereafter. 2 – Be a good example in your words, appearance, eating and sleeping. In all of that, follow the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in his words and actions. 3 – Strive to lower your gaze, especially in countries where display of women’s charms is prevalent and there is no veiling. 4 – It is preferable to wear Arabic clothing because that serves many interests. It is not preferable to wear European clothing. With regard to what is said about the dangers of wearing Arabic clothing abroad, these are merely rumours and have no basis in reality. One may take off the headcover and wear only the cap if necessary. 5 – The siwaak is one of the Sunnahs of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and it is rare in most countries, so it is a gift which will be appreciated by many Muslims. 6 – Use your hand-luggage for clothes, because it is possible that luggage may be lost in those countries. This also frees up room in your suitcases for the books you 50

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will need. Change your money into dollars so that you will have it available to spend during your trip. 7 – Take all the necessary precautions before travelling, such as vaccinations against the diseases that are prevalent in the countries to which you are travelling. Take the yellow international vaccination card with you. 8 – Take all the addresses that you will need with you, such as the addresses of the embassies of some Arab and Muslim countries, and the addresses of well known and trustworthy Islamic centers and organizations. Beware of giving the impression to the Muslims with whom you mix that you have come to offer them material help, because this opens the door to requests for help and personal demands. Indeed, some people may think that you have a lot of money with you and will lie in wait to do you harm. But this does not mean that you cannot take some zakaah and charity with you, to give to needy people once you are sure of their need, but this must be done with caution and secretly. 9 – Do not indulge in unnecessary talk, and beware of referring to matters of marriage, even in a joking manner, especially with interpreters. There have been unfortunate cases where some daa’iyahs got married at the beginning of their trips and got divorced at the end, which has led to tarnishing of the reputation of the daa’iayahs and neglect of children and wives. 10 – Equip yourself with the following: · A pocket-sized copy of the Qur’aan, preferably with a translation of the meanings and footnotes describing the reasons for revelation. · A book or two about ‘aqeedah (beliefs, doctrines),

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especially Tawheed (Divine Oneness) and refutation of misguided groups such as the Sufi tareeqahs. · One or two books on the fiqh of worship, especially the fiqh of tahaarah (purity), prayer and fasting. · Riyaadh al-Saaliheen by Imam al-Nawawi, which is a comprehensive resource, especially which regard to the fiqh of tahaarah and fasting. · Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah (fatwas of the Standing Committee) · A selection of lessons and lectures recorded on tapes, so that one may make use of them especially during long car journeys. · Keep with you a compass for determining the direction of the Qiblah and an alarm clock. It is preferable to buy a small tape recorder to record some words and interviews with local inhabitants when necessary, as well as da’wah meetings. The things mentioned above will help the daa’iyah to prepare talks, lessons and lectures, and to answer questions. It will also help him to organize his time and make the most of it, in sha Allah. 11 – Use your time as much as possible to benefit the da’wah, so that your visit will be a gain for the Muslims in that country. Make the most of every opportunity to do good and do not hesitate. That should be done by coordinating with the brothers in charge of organizing. 12 – When discussing any topic or issue, pay attention to the fact that people may be lacking in knowledge or ignorant, and that there may be differences of madhhabs. Avoid indulging in controversial issues or stereotyping people, and try to explain the truth without criticizing individuals. 52

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13 – Wisdom is one of the most important basics in calling people to Allaah, especially when travelling. It is essential when prioritizing and outlining the steps to be taken to achieve one’s goals, and it is also required when dealing with different types of people. It is wise to show due respect to people according to their status and to acknowledge their positions. 14 – The daa’iyah will find that some questions of fiqh are posed to him during his trip, especially after giving lessons and talks. He should be deal with this matter in a proper way, replying to questions with evidence and quoting the words of the scholars, or else saying “I don’t know”. It was said that “the one who says ‘I don’t know’ has issued a fatwa (answered the question).” There is nothing to stop you delaying giving an answer until you have had time to review the matter. 15 – It is better for the members of the group to take turns in giving lessons and talks. We do not think that only one person should take all the responsibility so that he becomes the mufti and khateeb and preacher, even if he is more capable, because one of the aims of these trips is to offer practical da’wah training to the daa’iyahs. These trips offer a valuable opportunity for training in preaching and giving khutbahs, especially for brothers who find it difficult to do that in their home country because there are so many scholars and seekers of knowledge there. 16 – Getting to know about the situation of the Muslims, by finding out about the Islamic situation in general and the situation of local Islamic organizations and institutions, both official and non-official, in particular; writing down their addresses and reports on their activities; finding out about prominent and influential Muslim personalities in the society; attempting to win them over by visiting them and speaking to them nicely, so as to advance the cause of Islam and the Muslims. All 53

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of this must be done within the guidelines of sharee’ah. We must also try to find out about anti-Islamic activities in the region. 17 – Strengthening ties with official religious bodies, by holding friendly meetings, giving gifts of Islamic books and audio materials, etc. This will make your work much easier for you and will be more effective in spreading the message. Finally, we ask Allaah to give you strength and make you steadfast. Peace be upon you, and the mercy and blessings of Allaah. Islam Q&A Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islamqa.com) 10219: Should we call people who do actions of Shirk to Tawheed only? Question: In the regions where there are shrines and people visit graves, should we call them to Tawheed only, or should we call them to Tawheed and all the matters of religion, such as doing the salaah properly and other matters? Does the same also apply in cases where people are not doing actions of Shirk but are committing some sins? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. When making da’wah, it is essential to pay attention to the circumstances of the people whom one is calling. If 54

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they have fallen into Shirk, then we should start by forbidding Shirk and enjoining Tawheed, then enjoin all the other matters of religion. Whoever is free of Shirk but is still committing some sins should be told not to commit those sins, and should be enjoined to repent. From Fataawaa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 12/245 (www.islam-qa.com) 10261: With what should the daa’iyah start calling people to Islam? Question: The Islamic groups here differ as to what the daa’iyahs should start with – should they start with the political aspects of Islam, or the beliefs, or the morals? What matters do you think we should start with? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. It is prescribed to start with ‘aqeedah (belief, tenets of faith), as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and all the Messengers did, and because of the hadeeth of Mu’aah, [in which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to him, when he sent him to Yemen]: “You will come to some of the people of the Book. When you reach them, invite them to testify that there is no god except Allaah and that Muhammad is His Messenger. If they obey you in that, then tell them that Allah has enjoined on them five prayers every day and night. If they obey you in that, then tell them that Allah has enjoined on them 55

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Sadaqah (i.e. Zakaah) to be taken from the rich among them and given to the poor among them. If they obey you in that, then exercise caution and do not take their best properties (as Zakaah). Fear the invocation (du’aa’) of the oppressed person, for there is no barrier between his invocation and Allaah.” This is if the people who are being called are kaafirs (nonMuslims). If, however, the people who are being called are Muslims, then they should be taught about the aspects of their religion of which they are ignorant and where they are falling short, so you should start with the most important, then the next most important, and so on. From Fataawaa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 12/238 (www.islam-qa.com) 10108: Is it permissible to go into churches for the purpose of da’wah, or just to look around? Question: There are many churches here. Is it permissible to go into them to hold discussions with the priests there? Is it permissible to go in just to look at them and see what the people do there? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. It is permissible for scholars and knowledgeable people to enter churches in order to call the people there to Islam. But we should not enter them just to look around, because there is no benefit in doing so, and there is the fear that the Muslim may be influenced by them, especially if he 56

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is ignorant about his own religion and cannot refute the confusion that they will direct towards him. From Fataawaa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 13/257 (www.islam-qa.com) 10210: How can a woman engage in da’wah outside the home? Question: Can a woman do da’wah outside her home, and how? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. A woman can do da’wah inside her home, with her husband and mahrams, men and women alike. She can also do da’wah outside the home, to other women, so long as this does not involve travelling without her husband or mahram, and there is no fear of fitnah (temptation), and this is done with the husband’s permission if she is married and there is a need for that, and this does not lead to her neglecting her primary duties, which are towards her own family. From Fataawaa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 12/249-250 (www.islam-qa.com) 3690: Ruling on not doing some mustahabb deeds in order to open the hearts of the people of bid’ah whom one is calling to Islam Question: I will inshaa’Allaah be travelling to get married and the place where i am going has many ignorant people who 57

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follow bidah. can i make adjustments to my conduct and saying to avoid fitna and to concentrate on more fundemental issues. for example the people do not understand tawheed and i would rarther talk about this then defend myself why i raise my hands or move my finger or other aspects of the sunnah. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. Firstly, if you are doing an action which is proven to be part of the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), it is not right to say that you want to make some changes to it, because it is right and proper in and of itself. But the reason behind your question seems to be that you want to keep from doing it openly in front of some people for a specific purpose, or to avoid a specific evil. Secondly, talking about Tawheed and basic matters of ‘aqeedah and teaching people about these things among the people you describe, is undoubtedly more important. Tawheed is the key to the call of the Messengers (peace be upon them) and the first duty of the one who is accountable. It is the condition for all other deeds to be accepted. If it is clear to you, or you believe it to be most likely that adhering to some mustahabb actions, such as moving your finger etc., may cause confusion or fitnah, or cause you trouble, or damage your reputation so that people are put off you and do not listen to you, or distract the people you are addressing from what is more important, then there is nothing wrong with not doing it for this reason in these circumstances. Allaah knows best what your intention is, and that you are not giving it up out of negligence, but in the interests of spreading Islam, so you will be rewarded for this, in sha Allah. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad. 58

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Islam Q&A Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islamqa.com)

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Chapter 3 Qualities of one who calls people to Islam 8674: Jamaa’at al-Tableegh – pros and cons Question: What is the ruling on the 40 days and 4 months to the different part of world to call muslim brothers towards duties of islam. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. “Jamaa’at al-Tableegh” is one of the groups that are working for Islam. Their efforts in calling people to Allaah (da’wah) cannot be denied. But like many other groups they make some mistakes, and some points should be noted concerning them. These points may be summed up as follows, noting that these mistakes may vary within this group, depending on the environment and society in which they find themselves. In societies in which knowledge and scholars are prevalent and the madhhab of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa’ah is widespread, the mistakes are much less; in other societies these mistakes may be greater. Some of their mistakes are: 1 – Not adopting the ‘aqeedah of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’lJamaa’ah. This is clearly seen from the variations in the ‘aqeedah of some of their members and even of some of their leaders. 2 – Their not paying attention to shar’i knowledge. 3 – Their misinterpretation of some Qur’aanic verses in a 60

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manner that was not intended by Allaah. For example they interpret the verses on jihad as referring to “going out for da’wah”. The verses which mentioned the word khurooj (going out) etc. are interpreted by them as meaning going out for da’wah. 4 – They make their system of going out for da’wah an act of worship. So they started to misquote the Qur’aan to support their system which specifies certain numbers of days and months. This system, which they think is based on evidence from Qur’aan, is widespread among them in all countries and environments. 5 – They do some things that go against sharee’ah, such as appointing one of them to make du’aa’ for them whilst the group goes out for da’wah, and they think that their success or failure depends on whether or not this man was sincere and his du’aa’ accepted. 6 – Da’eef (weak) and mawdoo’ (fabricated) ahaadeeth are widespread among them, and this is not befitting for those who aim to call people to Allaah. 7 – They do not speak of munkaraat (evil things), thinking that enjoining what is good is sufficient. Hence we find that they do not speak about evils that are widespread among the people, even though the slogan of this ummah – which they continually repeat – is: “Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma‘roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:104 – interpretation of the meaning] The successful are those who enjoin what is good and 61

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forbid what is evil, not just those who do only one of the two. 8 – Some of them fall into self-admiration and arrogance, which leads them to look down on others, and even to look down on the scholars and describe them as inactive and sleeping, or to show off. So you find them talking about how they went out and travelled, and they saw such and such, which leads to unfavourable results, as we have mentioned. 9 – They regard going out for da’wah as better than many acts of worship such as jihad and seeking knowledge, even though those things are obligatory duties, or may be obligatory for some people but not others. 10 – Some of them audaciously issue fatwas, and discuss tafseer and hadeeth. That is because they allow each one of them to address the people and explain to them. This leads to them speak audaciously on matters of sharee’ah. So the inevitably speak of the meaning of a ruling, hadeeth or verse when they have not read anything about it, or listened to any of the scholars. And some of them are new Muslims or have only recently come back to Islam. 11- Some of them are negligent with regard to the rights of their children and wives. We have discussed the seriousness of this matter in the answer to question no. 3043. Hence the scholars do not allow people to go out with them, except for those who want to help them and correct the mistakes that they have fallen into. We should not keep the people away from them altogether, rather we must try to correct their mistakes and advise them so that their efforts will continue and they will be correct according to the Qur’aan and Sunnah. 62

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There follow the fatwas of some of the scholars concerning Jamaa’at al-Tableegh: 1 – Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz said: Jamaa’at al-Tableegh do not have proper understanding of the issues of ‘aqeedah, so it is not permissible to go out with them, except for one who has knowledge and understanding of the correct ‘aqeedah of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa’ah, so that he can guide them and advise them, and cooperate with them in doing good, because they are very active, but they need more knowledge and someone who can guide them of those who have knowledge of Tawheed and the Sunnah. May Allaah bless us all with proper understanding of Islam and make us steadfast in adhering to it. Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz, 8/ 331 2 – Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan said: Going out for the sake of Allaah does not refer to the kind of going out that they mean nowadays. Going out for the sake of Allaah means going out to fight. What they call going out nowadays is a bid’ah (innovation) that was not narrated from the salaf. Going out to call people to Allaah cannot be limited to a certain number of days, rather one should call people to Allaah according to one’s abilities, without limiting that to a group or to forty days or more or less than that. Similarly the daa’iyah must have knowledge. It is not permissible for a person to call people to Allaah when he is ignorant. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Say (O Muhammad): This is my way; I invite unto Allaah (i.e. to the Oneness of Allaah — Islamic Monotheism) with sure knowledge” [Yoosuf 12:108]

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i.e., with knowledge, because the caller must know that to which he calls people, what is obligatory, mustahabb, haraam and makrooh. He has to know what shirk, sin, kufr, immorality and disobedience are; he has to know the degrees of denouncing evil and how to do it. The kind of going out that distracts people from seeking knowledge is wrong, because seeking knowledge is an obligation, and it can only be achieved by learning, not by inspiration. This is one of the misguided Sufi myths, because action without knowledge is misguidance, and hoping to acquire knowledge without learning is an illusion. From Thalaath Mihaadaraat fi’l-‘Ilm wa’l-Da’wah. And Allaah knows best. Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com) 6913: The wife of a Daaiyah is complaining because her husband is so busy Question: brother iam involved in Dawaa now and my wife complains that i have more responsibilty to her and kid and i need to devote more time to her and kids. I fulfill my responsibilities and work and also spent time with her, but she is not happy with it, so kindly guide me that what i need to do here? slow down which i cant because she doesnot like whenever i go or stop since Allah nows the best. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. This ummah is the nation of moderation and balance, so everyone who belongs to this ummah must be like that in all areas of his life. 64

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At the same time as we are hearing of some Muslims who spend most of their time away from their families – whether for da’wah or for travelling or some other permissible purpose – we are also hearing of the opposite, where some people stay with their families all the time and never devote any time to calling others to Allaah. Just as a man’s family has rights over him that he should not neglect, other people, Muslims and non-Muslims – also have rights over him which he should not ignore.. It was reported from al-Hasan that ‘Ubayd-Allaah ibn Ziyaad visited Ma’qil ibn Yassaar during his final illness. Ma’qil said to him, I will tell you a hadeeth which I heard from the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). I heard the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “There is no person to whom Allaah has given people to take care of, and he fails to take care of them properly, but he will not smell the fragrance of Paradise.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6731; Muslim, 142) ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar said: the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Each of you is a shepherd and each of you will be questioned [about those under his care]. The leader is a shepherd and will be questioned. A man is the shepherd of his family and will be questioned. A woman is the shepherd of her husband’s house and she will be questioned. A slave is the shepherd of his master’s wealth and will be questioned. Each of you is a shepherd and each of you will be questioned [about those under his care].” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4892; Muslim, 1829). Many women wish that their husbands would not go out and leave them, not even to pray (in the mosque)! So how about to call people to Allaah? A woman said in the 65

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past: Three co-wives would be easier for me than my husband’s library! Because her husband was fond of learning and reading. So she should not be given everything she wants; the matter should be referred to what Allaah loves and wants. In the case of some acts of worship, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told us not to go beyond what is prescribed in sharee’ah, for fear that the rights of others – above all the family – may be affected because of that. A number of ahaadeeth were narrated concerning this matter, such as: ‘Awn ibn Abi Juhayfah narrated that his father said: the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) established brotherhood (mu’aakhah) between Salmaan and Abu’l-Dardaa’. Salmaan visited Abu’l-Dardaa’ and noticed that Umm al-Dardaa’ appeared scruffy and unkempt (this was before the aayah of hijaab was revealed). He said to her, What is the matter with you? She said, Your brother Abu’l-Dardaa’ has no need of this world. Then Abu’l-Dardaa’ came (to visit him). He made some food for him, and said, Eat. [Abu’l-Dardaa’] said, I am fasting. [Salmaan] said, I will not eat until you eat. So he ate. When night came, Abu’l-Dardaa’ went to pray qiyaam, but [Salmaan] said to him, Sleep, so he slept. Then he wanted to get up for qiyaam, but [Salmaan] said, Sleep. When the last part of the night came, Salmaan said, Now get up. So they prayed, then Salmaan said to him, Your Lord has a right over you, your soul has a right over you and your wife has a right over you, so give each one his due. He [Abu’l-Dardaa’] went to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and told him about that. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Salmaan is right.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1867). 66

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‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas (may Allaah be pleased with them both) said: the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to me, “O ‘AbdAllaah, have I not heard that you fast all day and pray all night?” I said, yes, O Messenger of Allaah. He said, “Do not do that. Fast and break your fast, pray qiyaam and sleep, for your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you, your wife has a right over you and your visitors have a right over you. It is sufficient for you to fast three days of every month. For every good deed (hasanah) you will be rewarded tenfold, so that will be like fasting for an entire lifetime.” But I went to extremes and made things hard for myself. I said, O Messenger of Allaah, I can do more than that. He said, “Then observe the fast of the Prophet of Allaah, Dawood (peace be upon him), and no more.” I said, What is the fast of the Prophet of Allaah, Dawood (peace be upon him)? He said, “Half a lifetime.” After he grew old, ‘Abd-Allaah used to say, I wish that I had taken the easier option which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) offered me. (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1874; Muslim, 1159). In these ahaadeeth you can see how the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) advised moderation in fasting, praying qiyaam and reading Qur’aan – for those who were doing a lot and neglecting their families’ rights. He was drawing attention to the rights of others, including wives and families. Whoever organizes his time and pays due attention to everyone who has a right over him, should not worry about who is happy and who is not. Do not let da’wah activities take over your life and occupy all your time, but do not listen to your wife and give them up altogether. One of the things that may help you is to get your wife involved in da’wah activities. Ask her to listen to a tape and summarize it, or to read a book and write down what 67

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she has learnt from it, or ask her to attend a study circle or take part in women’s da’wah activities at the Islamic centre or attend women’s seminars held in parallel with the men’s seminars, etc., so that she will feel that she is sharing these activities with you, and she will not feel bored because her husband is away. Another issue to bear in mind is that you have to help her to understand that she will have a share in the reward if she is patient with you and creates the right atmosphere for you to learn and engage in da’wah. The Sahaabiyyaat (women of the Sahaabah) used to take care of their husband’s houses and children when the men went out for jihaad; they would serve their husband’s guests when they came to visit. If a woman takes care of her husband’s house when he goes out to seek knowledge or engage in da’wah or jihaad, and she serves the seekers of knowledge and daa’iyahs who come to visit him by honouring them and preparing food for them, then she will have a great reward for that. Allaah may admit three people to Paradise because of a single arrow: the one who makes it with a good intention and the one who hands it over – not just the one who shoots it. If a wife understands and remembers this, it will make it much easier for her to bear it when her husband is absent or busy. We will end with the story of a great woman, Asmaa’ bint Abi Bakr As-Siddeeq, and see what she used to do when her husband was busy with jihaad and da’wah and taking care of the affairs of the Islamic state with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): Asmaa’ bint Abi Bakr (may Allaah be pleased with them both) said: I got married to al-Zubayr and he owned nothing in this world apart from a camel for carrying water and a horse. I used to feed his horse, and bring water, and prepare his saddle, and make dough, but I was not good at baking; some women of the Ansaar who were my 68

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neighbours used to bake my bread for me, and they were good women. I used to bring the dates from some land which the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had given to al-Zubayr, carrying them on my head. (The land) was two-thirds of a farsakh [parasang=approx. 3 miles] away. One day I was coming with the dates on my head, and I met the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) with a group of the Ansaar. He called me and made his camel kneel down so that I could ride behind him. But I felt too shy to go with the men, and I remembered al-Zubayr and how jealous he was, for he was the most jealous of men. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) realized that I felt too shy, so he went on his way. I came to al-Zubayr and told him that I had met the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) whilst I was carrying the dates on my head, and there was a group of his companions with him. He made his camel kneel down so that I could ride on it, but I felt too shy, because I remembered your jealousy. He said, By Allaah, your having to carry the dates is harder for me than your riding with him. Later on, Abu Bakr sent a servant who took care of the horse, and it was as if I had been set free from slavery. (Narrated by alBukhaari,4823). We ask Allaah to reform the affairs of the Muslims and make things right between husbands and wives. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad. And Allaah knows best. Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islamqa.com) 37809: Advice for a trainee teacher Question: I am a female student about to start teaching in schools as 69

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part of my training be a teacher (training in the field). What advice can you give me?. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. We ask Allaah to make you steadfast in doing good and to make you successful and wise. The most important advice we can give you is: 1- To fear Allaah in private and in public, when coming in and going out, and in all your affairs. 2- Do the best that you can in your work, for Allaah loves when anyone does something for him to do it well. [Hadeeth narrated by al-Bayhaqi in Shu’ab al-Eemaan, and classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’]. 3- Intend when doing your work to benefit people and help them, and seek to use the halaal money that you will earn after you graduate in ways that will please Allaah. 4- Give sincere advice to the students you will meet, and do not underestimate the impact that a sincere word may have, for how many of those who repent and become devout and righteous took the first step on that path because of a single word. 5- Carry some useful pamphlets, booklets and tapes with you, and give them to your colleagues and the people who are studying with you, so as to spread your goodness and increase your reward. 6- Make a lot of du’aa’, asking Allaah to guide you, for there is no strength, no power and no success, except with Allaah. And Allaah knows best. Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com) 70

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9431: Ruling on describing those who are committed to the religion as fundamentalists and extremists Question: It has become common in some of the media to accuse the youth of the Islamic revival of being extremists and fundamentalists. What is your opinion of this? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. Whatever the case, this is a mistake that has come from the east and the west, from the Christians, communists and Jews, and others who try to put people off the call to Allaah and its supporters, and who want to be unfair to the da’wah by calling it extremism or fundamentalism or whatever other names they give it. Undoubtedly calling people to Allaah is the religion of the Messengers, it is their path and their way. The people of knowledge are obliged to call others to Allaah and to be active in doing so. The youth are obliged to fear Allaah and to adhere to the truth, not to go to extremes or be harsh. It may so happen that some of the youth are ignorant, so they go to extremes in some matters, or they are lacking in knowledge, so they are negligent in some other matters. But all the youth and others, such as the scholars, must fear Allaah and seek the truth with evidence (daleel), i.e., what Allaah and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said; they must beware of bid’ah (reprehensible innovations) and exaggeration. They must also beware of ignorance and shortcomings. No one among them is infallible, and some of the people may err by doing too much or by falling short. But that does not mean that everyone is at fault; the fault rests with those who make the mistake. 71

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But the enemies of Allaah among the Christians and others who are following in their wake have made this a means of attacking the da’wah and putting an end to it, by accusing its people of being extremists and fundamentalists. What does “fundamentalism” mean? If they are fundamentalists in the sense that they adhere to the fundamentals or basic principles (usool), to what Allaah and His Messenger said, then this is praise, not condemnation. Adhering to the fundamentals, the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), is commendable and cannot be condemned. What is to be condemned is when people overdo things or fall short, when they go to extremes or are harsh or do not do what they have to do – this is what is to be condemned. But the person who adheres to the right principles, derived from the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), is not at fault; this is perfect and is to be praised. This is what is obligatory upon seekers of knowledge and those who call others to Allaah: they should adhere to the fundamentals from the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and whatever they know of the basic principles of fiqh, ‘aqeedah and hadeeth, whatever can be used as evidence (daleel). They have to have basic principles which they follow. Describing the daayi’ahs as fundamentalists is a general word which does not mean anything apart from condemning them and putting people off. Fundamentalism is not a bad thing, in fact it is something good. If the seeker of knowledge adheres to the fundamentals, paying attention to them and staying up at night to study them from the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), 72

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and what the scholars have stated, there is nothing wrong with that. But going to extremes in following bid’ah is what is wrong, and going to extremes of ignorance and falling short is also wrong. The daa’iyahs are obliged to adhere to the fundamentals of sharee’ah and adhere to the middle course to which Allaah has guided them, for Allaah has made them an ummah justly balanced (cf. Al-Baqarah 2:143). So the daa’iyahs have to be justly balanced, treading a middle course between exaggeration and negligence. They have to be steadfast in adhering to the truth, and to adhere to it on the basis of shar’i evidence (daleel). There should be neither exaggeration nor negligence, but the moderation that Allaah has enjoined. Majmoo’ Fataawa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi’ah li Samaahat al-Shaykh al-‘Allaamah ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him), p. 233 (www.islam-qa.com) 21730: Women and da’wah Question: What do you say about calling people to Allaah (da’wah) with regard to women? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. Women, like men, are obliged to call people to Allaah and to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil, because the texts of the Qur’aan and Sunnah indicate that, and the words of the scholars clearly state that. So women have 73

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to call people to Allaah and enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil, following the guidelines of sharee’ah, just as men are required to do. A woman should not be deterred from calling people to Allaah by feelings of anxiety or lack of patience because of some people looking down on her, insulting her or mocking her. Rather she has to put up with that and be patient. If she thinks that people are mocking her or making fun of her in some way, then she should pay attention to something else, which is that she should be the best example of observing hijaab in front of non-mahram men and avoiding mixing freely. She should be careful to ensure that her da’wah is free of anything reprehensible. If she makes da’wah to men she must do so whilst observing hijaab and without being alone with any non-mahram man. If she makes da’wah to women, she must call them wisely and making sure that her attitude and behaviour is above suspicion so that no one will criticize her or ask, “why doesn’t she start with herself?” She has to keep away from clothing that will distract people, and avoid all kinds of fitnah (temptation) such as displaying her beauty or speaking in a soft manner, for which she may be criticized. She must take care to call people to Allaah in a manner which will not harm her religious commitment or her reputation. Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz, al-Fataawa al-Jaami’ah li’l-Mar’ah al-Muslimah, p. 1010. (www.islam-qa.com) 2023: Upon whom is it obligatory to call to Allah? Question: Is calling to Allah obligatory on every Muslim, be a man or a woman, or is propagation confined to scholars and knowledge seekers?

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Answer: Praise be to Allaah. If one is knowledgeable of what he is propagating, it does not matter whether he is a great scholar, a knowledge seeker, or a common Muslim. The Prophet, Peace and blessings be upon him said, “Report from me even if a verse. Therefore, the caller to faith does not have to be of great knowledge, but one should be knowledgeable of what he is calling to otherwise one be a caller with sheer passion, which is not allowed. Those people are apt to falling into dangerous abyss: preventing what Allah has permitted and imposing what He has not imposed. This is devastating because prohibiting something that has been made legal by Allah is similar to legalizing something He has prevented. Sheikh Ibn Othaimeen (www.islam-qa.com) 3759: He is involved in Da’wah but feels that he is a hypocrite and weak in faith Question: I have a VERY important and urgent question. I would really like a DETAILED answer as your answer could change my life !!! Mail me if you want more information. Please be patient with the length of my question as I believe the more I inform you the better you can answer the question. I live in the West and I was born in a Muslim family. From my early teenage years I became active in Islam. Even from a young age I believed in Islam and I even wondered how people went to sleep without praying !! I’m now much older and I have changed completely. My 75

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belief in Islam and even in Allah has disappeared. Basically I have become an outright hypocrite of the worst kind. I stay away from women but not pornography. I am prepared and trying to give that up and that maybe the cause of my fall but I’ve noticed that it’s too late, as this is now a branch of the problem and not the root as the root of the problem is my belief in Allah and Islam. Sometimes I believe I am crazy as I continuosly have erroneous thoughts about God, where I came from, Islam, right and wrong, etc.. I seem to be fighting between belief and disbelief, especially during prayer. I have not abandoned prayer, etc, but it really does not benefit me any more. If you meet me you’ll think I’m practicing from my appearance and speech, etc, I go to the mosque, I fast, but really I’m a true hypocrite whom no one knows. I cannot go on like this. I actually actively give Dawah aswell to non-muslims but in my heart I really disbelieve, so why am I doing this ??? But when I directly discuss Allah it hurts me due to my confusion as I have lost my belief and find it hard to fake belief at times !!!

Answer: Praise be to Allaah. You should know, my brother, that the most essential thing for any person is his commitment to Islam and his faith, and he will not be harmed by whatever he misses out on of worldly things if Allaah keeps his religion safe. Allaah is the King of kings and is the One Who moves the heart; He Alone is the One Who strengthens the heart and makes it steadfast. For this reason I advise you, my brother, to turn to Allaah, for He is a loving and merciful Lord Who 76

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is Compassionate towards His slaves. If you turn to Him sincerely and pray with true longing and ask Him to strengthen your faith and protect you from the evil of the whispers of your own soul and of the Shaytaan, then Allaah is Close and responds to the prayers of those who call on Him. Do not forget this important fact, for it is a source of relief and a way out from your problem, in sha Allaah. I would also like to remind you of the virtues of reading Qur’aan and reciting a lot of du’aa’s, morning and evening, for this will have a great effect in bringing peace and comfort to your heart. Avoid the things that will make you feel far away from Allaah and bring you closer to the Shaytaan and his whispers. One of these things is what you mention in your question, namely looking at pornography and so on, because if a person persists in sin, it piles up in his heart until it is overwhelmed with darkness and is not affected by any exhortation or preaching. So hasten to repent from this sin and others, and fulfil the conditions of repentance properly. We also advise you to avoid sitting with bad company and in gatherings that could increase your confusion or provoke your desires; look for good people and keep company with them, because a man will be on the religion of his friend. It seems from your question that you are suffering from a specific psychological problem, either financial or social or otherwise, and this is having an effect on this waswaas (insinuating thoughts from Shaytaan) that you are suffering. If this is indeed the case, we advise you to treat this problem quickly, because this may be a way of dealing with what you are suffering from. We will help you as much as we can, in sha Allaah. What you are going through might be a kind of depression or anxiety, for one reason or another. You know that Allaah 77

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has not created a disease without also creating the cure. It is known that there are medicines that may be of help, by the grace of Allaah, in treating this kind of sickness. So ask about this kind of medication from a psychiatrist. Islam Q&A Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islamqa.com)

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Chapter 4 Calling Muslims to Islam 10505: Advice after Ramadaan Question: What advice can you give after Ramadaan? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. I wonder whether the fasting person continued after Ramadaan to be as he was during Ramadaan, or is he “like her who undoes the thread which she has spun, after it has become strong” [cf. al-Nahl 16:92]? I wonder whether the one who during Ramadaan was fasting, reciting and reading Qur’aan, giving and spending in charity, praying at night, making du’aa’, will he be like that after Ramadaan, or will he follow another path, I mean the path of the Shaytaan, so that he commits sin and does things that anger the Most Gracious, Most Merciful? If a Muslim continues to have the patience to do righteous deeds after Ramadaan, this is a sign that his (fasting) has been accepted by his Lord, the Most Generous, the Bestower of blessings. If he fails to do righteous deeds after Ramadaan, and follows the ways of the Shaytaan, this is a sign of humiliation, meanness, lowly status and being deprived of the help of Allaah, as al-Hasan al-Basri said: “They were no longer of any significance to Allaah, so they committed sin. If they had mattered to Him, He would have protected them.” When a person becomes 79

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insignificant to Allaah, Allaah will no longer honour him. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And whomsoever Allaah disgraces, none can honour him” [al-Hajj 22:18] What is amazing is that during Ramadaan, you see some people who fast and pray at night, who spend in charity and worship the Lord of the Worlds, then no sooner has the month come to an end, but their nature changes completely, and they begin to have a bad attitude towards their Lord. So you see them neglecting prayer and avoiding righteous deeds, committing sins and disobeying Allaah in many different ways, keeping away from obedience towards Allaah, the Sovereign, the Holy, the One Free from all defects. How terrible it is, by Allaah, when people only acknowledge Allaah in Ramadaan. The Muslim should make Ramadaan an opportunity to turn over a new leaf by repenting, turning to Allaah, persisting in worshipping Allaah, always being aware that Allaah is watching at every minute of every hour. So after Ramadaan the Muslim should continue to obey Allaah and should avoid sin and evil actions, as a continuation of the way he was during Ramadaan and the things that he did then to draw closer to the Lord of creation. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And perform AsSalaah (Iqaamatas Salaah), at the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night [i.e. the five compulsory Salaah (prayers)]. Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds (i.e. small sins). That is a reminder (an advice) for the mindful (those who accept advice)”[Hood 11:114] The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) 80

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said: “Follow a bad deed with a good deed, for it will wipe it out; and have a good attitude and good manners towards people.” Undoubtedly the purpose for which Allaah created everyone was to worship Him Alone, with no partner or associate. This is the ultimate purpose and the highest aim, which is to attain ‘uboodiyyah (being a slave of Allaah in the truest and fullest sense). This was achieved in the most beautiful manner during Ramadaan, when we saw people going to the houses of Allaah in groups and individually, and we saw them striving to perform the obligatory prayers on time and to give in charity, competing with one another in doing good deeds. And for this let (all) those strive who want to strive (cf. alMutaffifeen 83:26), for they will be rewarded in sha Allaah. But there remains the case of those whom Allaah keeps firm with the word that stands firm in this world and in the Hereafter (cf. Ibraaheem 14:27). Whomever Allaah helps to be steadfast in doing righteous deeds after Ramadaan, Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “To Him ascend (all) the goodly words, and the righteous deeds exalt it (i.e. the goodly words are not accepted by Allaah unless and until they are followed by good deeds), but those who plot evils, theirs will be severe torment. And the plotting of such will perish”[Faatir 35:10] Undoubtedly righteous deeds are among the acts which bring a person closer to Allaah at all times, and the Lord of Ramadaan is also the Lord of Jumaada and Sha’baan and Dhu’l-Hijjah and Muharram and Safar and all the other months. That is because the worship that Allaah has enjoined upon us includes five pillars, one of which is fasting, which is for a set period which has come to an end. But there remain other pillars, Hajj, prayer and zakaah, for which we are answerable to Allaah. We must perform these duties in the manner which is pleasing to 81

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Allaah, and we must strive thereby to fulfil the purpose for which we were created. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And I (Allaah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone)”[al-Dhaariyaat 51:56] The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) taught his Companions to compete in doing good, and he said, “One dirham may weigh more with Allaah than a dinar, and the best of charity is that a man gives when he is rich.” He (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) explained that if the person gives charity when he is disinclined to do so and is in good health, but fears poverty, that charity will weigh heavily with Allaah in the balance of good deeds; whereas the one who delays it, then when he gets sick he starts to spend in charity here and there, fearing that his good deeds will be rejected, there is the danger that his (charity) will not be accepted – we seek refuge with Allaah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Allaah accepts only the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and foolishness and repent soon afterwards; it is they whom Allaah will forgive and Allaah is Ever All Knower, AllWise. And of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil deeds until death faces one of them and he says: “Now I repent;” nor of those who die while they are disbelievers. For them We have prepared a painful torment” [al-Nisaa’ 4:17-18] The pious and sincere believer should fear Allaah and strive to obey Allaah at all times, persisting in his taqwa 82

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and always striving to do good, call others to Allaah, enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil. For the believer, his days and nights in this world are storehouses, so let him see what he can deposit in them. If he deposits good things in them, it will testify in his favour before his Lord on the Day of Resurrection; if it is the opposite, then it will be a disaster for him. We ask Allaah to save us and you from that loss. The scholars (may Allaah have mercy on them) said: Among the signs of acceptance (of good deeds) is that Allaah causes one hasanah (good deed) to be followed by another, for the hasanah says, “My sister, my sister!” And the sayi’ah (evil deed) also says, “My sister, my sister!” –we seek refuge with Allaah. If Allaah has accepted a person’s Ramadaan, and he has benefited from this period of (spiritual) training and has remained steadfast in obeying Allaah, then he has joined the caravan of those who have remained steadfast and responded to Allaah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Verily, those who say: ‘Our Lord is Allaah (Alone),’ and then they stand firm, on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): ‘Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised! We have been your friends in the life of this world and are (so) in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have (all) that your inner selves desire, and therein you shall have (all) for which you ask”[Fussilat 41:30-31] “And whosoever takes Allaah, His Messenger, and those who have believed, as Protectors, then the party of Allaah will be the victorious” [al-Maa’idah 5:56] 83

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“Verily, those who say: “Our Lord is (only) Allaah,” and thereafter stand firm (on the Islamic Faith of Monotheism), on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve” [al-Ahqaaf 46:13] This standing firm should continue from one Ramadaan to the next, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “From one prayer to the next, from one Ramadaan to the next, from one Hajj to the next, this expiates for whatever (sins) were committed from one to the next, so long as you avoid major sins.” And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “If you avoid the great sins which you are forbidden to do, We shall expiate from you your (small) sins, and admit you to a Noble Entrance (i.e. Paradise)” [al-Nisaa’ 4:31] The believer should join the caravan of those who stand firm and should board the ship of salvation from the time when he reaches the earliest age of discretion until he draws his last breath. He should remain in the shade of “Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah”, enjoying the blessings of Allaah. This religion is the truth and the way in which we steadfastly adhere to it in Ramadaan is that with which Allaah honours us by the bounty of His giving, His gracious blessing and His great favour, so that we might continue to pray qiyaam and to worship Him after the month of Ramadaan. Do not forget, my brother, that Allaah has blessed you with i’tikaaf, and Allaah has blessed you with giving charity, and Allaah has blessed you with fasting, and Allaah has blessed you with du’aa’ which has been accepted. Do not forget, my brother, to take care of these good deeds and this support from Allaah, and do not let them be wiped out by bad deeds. So strive to cultivate goodness and happiness on your way, and to keep company with those who remain steadfast (in Islam), and to seek Allaah and His Messenger and the Home of the Hereafter, where it will be said to you, Receive glad 84

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tidings of Paradise as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the pious, for you responded to the call of Allaah; O seeker of good, continue, for Allaah has some people who will be freed from Hell, and O seeker of evil, desist. And you responded to the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), “Whoever prays at night during Ramadaan out of faith and hoping for reward, his previous sins will be forgiven. And whoever prays at night during Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and hoping for reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” I ask Allaah Who has blessed us and you with fasting, i’tikaaf, ‘umrah and charity to bless us with guidance, piety, and acceptance of our good deeds; may He help us to persist in doing good deeds and to remain steadfast, for persistence in doing good deeds is one of the greatest means of drawing closer to Allaah. Hence when a man came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and said, “Advise me,” he said, “Say, ‘I believe in Allaah,’ and remain steadfast.” (Agreed upon). According to a report narrated by Ahmad, he said, “Say, I believe in Allaah,’ then remain steadfast.” [The man] said, “O Messenger of Allaah, all the people say that.” He said, “Some people who came before you said that, but they did not remain steadfast.” So the believers must continue to be steadfast in obeying Allaah: “Allaah will keep firm those who believe, with the word that stands firm in this world (i.e. they will keep on worshipping Allaah Alone and none else), and in the Hereafter. And Allaah will cause to go astray those who are Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers), and Allaah does what He wills”[Ibraaheem 14:27 – interpretation of the meaning] The one who is steadfast in obeying Allaah is the one whose du’aa’ will be answered, the du’aa’ which he 85

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repeats more than twenty-five times each day, “Guide us to the Straight Way” [al-Faatihah 1:6 – interpretation of the meaning], which we say in al-Faatihah. Why is it that we say and believe strongly that if we remain steadfast Allaah will forgive us, but we are too lazy to apply that in practical terms? We should fear Allaah and apply this in deed and thought and word. We should strive in the way of “ihdinaa al-siraat al-mustaqeem (Guide us to the Straight Way)”, and we should travel the route of “iyaaka na’budu wa iyyaaka nasta’een (You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything))” [al-Faatihah 1:5 – interpretation of the meaning], in the shade of “ihdinaa al-siraat almustaqeem (Guide us to the Straight Way)”, following the route that will lead us to Paradise the width of the heavens and the earth, whose key is Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah. I ask Allaah to grant us and you a good end. After the end of Ramadaan, the people are divided into various types, two of the most prominent of which I will describe here. The first type are those whom you see in Ramadaan striving hard in worship. You never see them but they are prostrating or standing in prayer, or reading Qur’aan, or weeping, so much that they remind you of some of the worshippers among the salaf, and you even feel compassion for them because of the intensity of their efforts and striving. Yet hardly has the month ended, before they go back to negligence and committing sin, as if they were prisoners of that worship, so they turn their attention to their desires and become negligent and commit sins which they think will take away their distress and grief. But these poor people forget that sin is the cause of doom, because sins are like war wounds, one of which may turn out to be fatal. How often has sin prevented a person from saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah when in the throes of death.

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After spending this entire month with faith, (reading) Qur’aan and other acts of worship, these people then backslide, Laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa Billaah (there is no power and no strength except with Allaah). These are the occasional worshippers who only acknowledge Allaah on certain occasions or at times of calamity and distress, then after that there is no more obedience or worship. What a bad habit that is. “The worshipper prayed for something that he wanted, and when the matter was done, he neither prayed nor fasted.” [Arabic poetry] I wonder what is the point of worshipping for a whole month, if that is going to be followed by a return to dishonourable ways? The second type are those who feel distressed at the departure of Ramadaan, because they have tasted the sweetness of being safe from sin, and the bitterness of patience became insignificant to them, because they came to realize the true nature of their weakness and need for their Master (Allaah) and their need to obey Him. They fasted in a true sense and stood in prayer at night out of love, so when they bade farewell to Ramadaan, their tears flowed and their hearts were broken. Those among them who were burdened with sin hoped to be freed from sin and ransomed from Hell, and to join the caravan of those who are accepted. Ask yourself, my brother, which of the two groups do you belong to? By Allaah, are they the same? Praise be to Allaah, but most of them do not know. The mufassireen said, commenting on the aayah (interpretation of the meaning): “Say (O Muhammad to mankind): ‘Each one does according to Shakilatihi (i.e. his way or his religion or his intentions)…” 87

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[al-Israa’ 17:84] – every person acts according to his way or the character that he is used to. This is condemnation for the kaafir and praise for the believer. You should know that the dearest of deeds to Allaah are those that are continuous, even if they are little. The Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “O people, you must do whatever you can of good deeds, for Allaah does not get tired until you get tired. The most beloved of deeds to Allaah are those which are continuous, even if they are little. The family of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), when they did something, they would persist in doing it.” Narrated by Muslim. When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was asked about which deeds are most beloved to Allaah, he said, “Those which are continuous, even if they are little.” ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) was asked about what the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did and whether he used to do certain things on particular days. She said, “No, his good deeds were continuous. Who among you could do what the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to do?” The acts of worship prescribed in Islam are based on certain conditions which must be fulfilled, like remembrance of Allaah, Hajj and ‘Umrah and their naafil actions, enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, seeking knowledge, jihaad, and other good deeds. So strive to worship continuously according to your capability. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions, and grant them peace. From al-Da’wah magazine, issue no. 1774, p. 12 (www.islam-qa.com) 88

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47096: At whose hand should change be wrought at a time when the situation of the Muslims contradicts the greatness of their religion? Question: This is universal truth that islam is the only religion which is based on justice and solves the problem of humanity especially in the present scenario it is the duty of all muslims to struggle and implement this so that humanity can prosper but unfortunately the muslims have gone to the lowest of the ladder don,t u think ALLAH can choose some other nation to bring the reqd changes because we muslims are behaving hypocritically. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. There is no doubt concerning the universal truth that you have mentioned. Justice between people is a general principle of sharee’ah which applies to everyone, both believer and non-believer, those whom we love and those whom we hate. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allaah as just witnesses; and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety; and fear Allaah. Verily, Allaah is WellAcquainted with what you do” [al-Maa’idah 5:8] “So unto this (religion of Islam alone and this Qur’aan) then invite (people) (O Muhammad), and stand firm (on Islamic Monotheism) as you are commanded, and follow 89

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not their desires but say: “I believe in whatsoever Allaah has sent down of the Book [all the holy Books, this Qur’aan and the Books of the old from the Tawraat (Torah), or the Injeel (Gospel) or the Pages of Ibraaheem (Abraham)] and I am commanded to do justice among you. Allaah is our Lord and your Lord. For us our deeds and for you your deeds. There is no dispute between us and you. Allaah will assemble us (all), and to Him is the final return” [al-Shoora 42:15] There is also no doubt that mankind has no hope of being saved from its problems or of being guided and saved from misguidance except through this religion. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Such is Allaah, your Lord in truth. So after the truth, what else can there be, save error? How then are you turned away?” [Yoonus 10:32] “And if the people of the towns had believed and had the Taqwa (piety), certainly, We should have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth, but they belied (the Messengers). So We took them (with punishment) for what they used to earn (polytheism and crimes)” [al-A’raaf 7:96] It is not only that mankind will not prosper if they follow this religion and will be corrupted if they forsake it, because of its justice which encompasses all creatures, rather the most fundamental principles that will enable mankind to prosper is the principle of pure Tawheed, the belief that the Lord of the Worlds is One, on which this religion is based. So there is no submission to any angel or jinn, or to any human being or rock. Just as there cannot 90

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be more than one creator for this universe, so too there cannot be more than one controller, who is Allaah, may He be glorified. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Indeed, your Lord is Allaah, Who created the heavens and the earth in Six Days, and then He rose over (Istawa) the Throne (really in a manner that suits His Majesty). He brings the night as a cover over the day, seeking it rapidly, and (He created) the sun, the moon, the stars subjected to His Command. Surely, His is the creation and commandment. Blessed is Allaah, the Lord of the ‘Aalameen (mankind, jinn and all that exists)!” [al-A’raaf 7:54] “Had there been therein (in the heavens and the earth) aalihah (gods) besides Allaah, then verily, both would have been ruined. Glorified be Allaah, the Lord of the Throne, (High is He) above all that (evil) they associate with Him!” [al-Anbiya’ 21:22] Mankind’s deviation from this great principle is the greatest cause of the confusion and misguidance in which they are living and the misery that has overtaken them. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Say (O Muhammad): ‘Shall we invoke others besides Allaah (false deities), that can do us neither good nor harm, and shall we turn back on our heels after Allaah has guided us (to true Monotheism)? — like one whom the Shayaateen (devils) have made to go astray in the land in confusion, his companions calling him to guidance (saying): Come to us.’ Say: ‘Verily, Allaah’s Guidance is the only guidance, and we have been commanded to submit (ourselves) to the Lord of the ‘Aalameen (mankind, jinn and all that exists)’” 91

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[al-An’aam 6:71] “But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Qur’aan nor acts on its teachings) verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection.” 125. He will say: ‘O my Lord! Why have you raised me up blind, while I had sight (before).’ 126. (Allaah) will say: ‘Like this: Our Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) came unto you, but you disregarded them (i.e. you left them, did not think deeply in them, and you turned away from them), and so this Day, you will be neglected (in the Hellfire, away from Allaah’s Mercy).’ 127. And thus do We requite him who transgresses beyond bounds [i.e. commits the great sins and disobeys his Lord (Allaah) and believes not in His Messengers, and His revealed Books, like this Qur’aan], and believes not in the Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of his Lord; and the torment of the Hereafter is far more severe and more lasting” [Ta-Ha 20:124-127] By Allaah’s wisdom, there are two types of people: believers and disbelievers, obedient and disobedient, and by His wisdom the one is checked by means of the other. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And if Allaah did not check one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of mischief. But Allaah is full of bounty to the ‘Aalameen (mankind, jinn and all that exists)” [al-Baqarah 2:251] “For had it not been that Allaah checks one set of people 92

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by means of another, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, wherein the Name of Allaah is mentioned much would surely, have been pulled down. Verily, Allaah will help those who help His (Cause). Truly, Allaah is AllStrong, AllMighty” [al-Hajj 22:40] Allaah is most wise in that, for He distinguishes the sincere from the liar, so that Allaah may know who will support Him (His cause) and His Messengers, and who will oppose Him and wage war against Him. This is the reason behind trials in this life: “but if it had been Allaah’s Will, He Himself could certainly have punished them (without you). But (He lets you fight) in order to test some of you with others. But those who are killed in the way of Allaah, He will never let their deeds be lost” [Muhammad 47:4] What you have referred to, the fact that many Muslims have gone astray from the teachings of their religion, is true of most Muslims today, except for those on whom their Lord has mercy, the saved group who adhere to the truth. This is the greatest trial that we are faced with at this time, and it is the cause of the weakness and humiliation that the Muslims are suffering from, and their being dominated by their enemies. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When you enter into the ‘aynah transaction, hold onto the tails of oxen, are content with agriculture, and give up jihad, Allaah will cause disgrace to prevail over you, and will not withdraw it until you return to your (true) religion.” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 3462; classed as saheeh by alAlbaani in al-Saheehah, 11. 93

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Allaah has warned His slaves in more than one verse of His Book, of the punishment for being negligent with regard to their religion and of being careless with regard to the trust that He has placed on their shoulders. He has warned them that the consequences of that will come back on them, and the loss will be theirs. As for the religion of Allaah, it is protected by Allaah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Muhammad is no more than a Messenger, and indeed (many) Messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels (as disbelievers)? And he who turns back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allaah; and Allaah will give reward to those who are grateful” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:144] When the lazy generation moves on, those who away from the battlefield and neglected their trust, then will come the turn of those who are chosen for this mission, whom Allaah has honoured by entrusting them with His religion: “O you who believe! Whoever from among you turns back from his religion (Islam), Allaah will bring a people whom He will love and they will love Him; humble towards the believers, stern towards the disbelievers, fighting in the way of Allaah, and never fear of the blame of the blamers. That is the Grace of Allaah which He bestows on whom He wills. And Allaah is AllSufficient for His creatures’ needs, AllKnower” [al-Maa’idah 5:54] “Behold! You are those who are called to spend in the Cause of Allaah, yet among you are some who are niggardly. And whoever is niggardly, it is only at the expense of his ownself. But Allaah is Rich (Free of all needs), and you (mankind) are poor. And if you turn away 94

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(from Islam and the obedience to Allaah), He will exchange you for some other people and they will not be your likes” [Muhammad 47:38] But we reiterate that this new generation will be from among the Muslims themselves, not from any other nation. There will not be angels who come down to take up the mission that people have neglected. There will not be a miracle that makes lazy people victorious. And there will never be a generation among the kuffaar who support the religion of Allaah. Allaah and His religion have no supporters and helpers except the pious. When that generation comes, then will come the help of Allaah: “O you who believe! If you help (in the cause of) Allaah, He will help you, and make your foothold firm” [Muhammad 47:7] It is up to us to renew ourselves, to train our children and families, to call others, so that we will be part of this generation or at least a step in the right direction. We ask Allaah to help us to do that which He loves and which pleases Him and to support His religion through us. And Allaah knows best. Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com) 47013: He wants to call other employees to pray but he is hesitant Question: I offer namaz regularly (mash-allah) also when i am in 95

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office, but in my office i have other muslim brothers who dont offer namaz. I want to talk to them but feel that if i try to convince them i will stop offering namaz. I dont understand why i have these feeling. Please guide me. Also in my office i asked our tea boy why he does not offer namaz. He said he has to clean toilet daily so he gets impure to offer namaz and evening when he reaches home he is tired as he is working for 12 hours so he is not able to offer. Please tell me how do i convince this person. I also always pray for him so that he starts offering namaz regularly. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. We ask Allaah to increase you in faith and piety and to help you to adhere to that which He has enjoined. You should not hesitate to advise your colleagues and remind them about the prayer, rather that is what Allaah has enjoined. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma‘roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:104] “O my son! AqimisSalaah (perform AsSalaah), enjoin (on people) AlMa‘roof (Islamic Monotheism and all that is good), and forbid (people) from AlMunkar (i.e. disbelief in the Oneness of Allaah, polytheism of all kinds and all that is evil and bad), and bear with patience whatever 96

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befalls you. Verily, these are some of the important commandments (ordered by Allaah with no exemption)” [Luqmaan 31:17] And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand (by taking action); if he cannot, then with his tongue (by speaking out); if he cannot then with his heart (by hating it and feeling that it is wrong), and that is the weakest of faith.” Narrated by Muslim, 49. Not praying is a great evil, indeed it is kufr that puts one beyond the pale of Islam, according to the more correct of the two scholarly opinions, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Between a man and kufr and shirk there stands his giving up prayer.” Narrated by Muslim, 82. And he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The covenant that stands between us and them is prayer, whoever gives it up is a kaafir.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2621; al-Nasaa’i, 463; Ibn Maajah, 1079. You should not even entertain the notion of not praying, rather you should hate that thought as you would hate to be thrown into the fire, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are three things, whoever attains them has found the sweetness of faith: when Allaah and His Messenger are dearer to him than anything else; when he loves a person and only loves him for the sake of Allaah; and when he would hate to go back to kufr as he would hate to be thrown into the fire.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 49; Muslim, 60. With regard to the excuse that your colleague gives about his clothes becoming impure, the answer is that he can 97

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clean the bathrooms without his clothes becoming impure, and he can also set aside pure clothes for praying in. You should note that one who truly respects the prayer and understands its importance and the seriousness of not praying would not give such an excuse. It is essential to advise this man and others, and explain the ruling concerning one who does not pray, and the obligation to offer prayer on time, and that it is haraam to delay it until after work or before going to bed, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Then, there has succeeded them a posterity who have given up AsSalaah (the prayers) [i.e. made their Salaah (prayers) to be lost, either by not offering them or by not offering them perfectly or by not offering them in their proper fixed times] and have followed lusts. So they will be thrown in Hell” [Maryam 19:59] Ibn Mas’ood said concerning al-ghayy (translated above as “Hell”): This is a valley in Hell which is very deep and has a foul taste. And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “So woe unto those performers of Salaah (prayers) (hypocrites), 5. Those who delay their Salaah (prayer from their stated fixed times)” [al-Maa’oon 107:4-5] Delaying prayer until its time is over is a major sin, and not praying at all is major kufr – we seek refuge with Allaah from that. And Allaah knows best. See also question no. 47425. Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com) 98

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14296: Consequences for one who does not adhere to Islam Question: What are the consequences for one who does not adhere to Islam? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. As you know, Islam is the religion of Allaah, and it is the true religion. It is the religion which was brought by all the Prophets and Messengers. Allaah has prepared a great reward in this world and in the hereafter for those who believe in it, and He has prepared a severe punishment for those who disbelieve in it. Allaah is the Creator and Sovereign, the One Who is in control of this universe, and you, O man, are part of His creation; He has subjugated to you all that is in the universe, and has prescribed His laws for you, which He has commanded you to follow. If you believe and obey what He has commanded you and keep away from what He has prohibited to you, then you will attain that eternal bliss which He has promised you in the Hereafter, and you will be happy in this world because of the different kinds of blessings which He will bestow upon you, and you will be akin to the most wise of creation and the purest in heart, namely the Prophets, Messengers, righteous and angels who are close to Allaah. But if you disbelieve and disobey your Lord, you will lose in this world and in the Hereafter. You will be exposed to His wrath and punishment in this world and in the Hereafter. You will be akin to the most evil and foolish of creation, and worse than the devils, wrongdoers, evildoers and false gods. This is in general terms. 99

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I will explain to you something about the consequences of kufr, the details of which are as follows: 1 – Fear and lack of security Allaah has promised those who believe in Him and follow His Messengers complete security in this world and in the Hereafter. He says (interpretation of the meaning): “It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allaah and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their Belief with Zulm (wrong, i.e. by worshipping others besides Allaah), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided” [al-An’aam 6:82] Allaah is al-Mu’min (the Giver of security) and alMuhaymin (the Watcher over His creatures); He is the Sovereign of all that exists in the universe. If Allaah loves a person for his faith then He will grant him security, tranquility and contentment. If a man disbelieves in Him He will take away his tranquility and security, so you will only see him either fearful about his destiny in the Hereafter, or fearing sickness for himself, or fearing for his future in this world. This is why the insurance business was established, to insure people’s lives and property, because of the lack of security and the lack of trust in Allaah. 2 – A life of hardship Allaah has created man and has subjugated to him all that is in the universe. He has decreed for every creature its share of provision and its life span. So you see the bird going out from its nest in the morning to seek its provision, which it picks up, flying from branch to branch and singing the most beautiful songs. Man is one of these creatures whose provision and lifespan is already allocated. If he 100

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believes in his Lord and adheres to His laws, He will bless him with happiness and stability, and make things easy for him, even if he is only given the bare necessities of life. But if he disbelieves in Him, and arrogantly refuses to worship him, He will make his life hard and fill him with worries and distress, even if he possesses all kinds of comforts and luxuries. Do you not see how many suicides in the world are committed by people who have all kinds of luxuries? Do you not see the extravagant spending on furniture and travel aimed at enjoying life? What makes people spend extravagantly is the fact that their hearts are devoid of faith, and their feeling that life is difficult and hard; it is an attempt to rid themselves of these feelings by ever-changing means. Allaah indeed spoke the truth when He said: “But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Qur’aan nor acts on its teachings) verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection” [Ta-Ha 20:124] 3 – He will live in conflict with himself and with the universe around him That is because his own soul was created to believe in and worship Allaah alone (i.e., Tawheed). Allaah says: “Allaah’s Fitrah (i.e. Allaah’s Islamic Monotheism) with which He has created mankind”[al-Room 30:30] His body submits to its Creator, and acts in accordance with His system, but the kaafir insists on going against his own innate nature and lives in such a way that in matters where he is given a choice, he always chooses to follow the way which goes against the command of his 101

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Lord, so even if his body is surrendering to the laws of Allaah, in matters of choice he chooses to oppose the laws of Allaah. He is in a state of conflict with the universe around him, because this entire universe, from the hugest galaxies to the tiniest insect is operating in accordance with the laws that Allaah has decreed for it. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Then He rose over (Istawa) towards the heaven when it was smoke, and said to it and to the earth: ‘Come both of you willingly or unwillingly.’ They both said: ‘We come willingly’”[Fussilat 41:11] Indeed, this universe loves the one who also submits to Allaah, and it hates the one who goes against that. The kaafir is the rebellious one in this universe, where he sets himself up in opposition to his Lord, rallying others to oppose Him too. Hence it comes as no surprise that the heavens and the earth and all creatures hate him and hate his kufr and heresy. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And they say: ‘The Most Gracious (Allaah) has begotten a son (or offspring or children) [as the Jews say: ‘Uzayr (Ezra) is the son of Allaah, and the Christians say that He has begotten a son [‘Eesa (Jesus)], and the pagan Arabs say that He has begotten daughters (angels and others)].’ Indeed you have brought forth (said) a terrible evil thing. Whereby the heavens are almost torn, and the earth is split asunder, and the mountains fall in ruins, That they ascribe a son (or offspring or children) to the Most Gracious (Allaah).

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But it is not suitable for (the Majesty of) the Most Gracious (Allaah) that He should beget a son (or offspring or children). There is none in the heavens and the earth but comes unto the Most Gracious (Allaah) as a slave”[Maryam 19:88-93] And Allaah says of Pharaoh and his troops: “And the heavens and the earth wept not for them, nor were they given a respite”[al-Dukhaan 44:29] 4 – He will live in ignorance For kufr is ignorance, indeed it is the greatest form of ignorance, because the kaafir is ignorant of his Lord and he sees this universe that He created in such an amazing way, and he sees how great is his own creation, then he ignores the One Who created this universe and Who created him. Is this not the greatest form of ignorance? 5 – He will wrong himself and wrong those around him Because he is subjugating himself to something other than that for which he was created, and because he does not worship his Lord, rather he worships someone other than Him. Wrongdoing means putting something in the wrong place, and what wrongdoing is greater than directing worship to someone other than the One Who deserves it? Luqmaan the Wise said, explaining the abhorrent nature of shirk: “O my son! Join not in worship others with Allaah. Verily, joining others in worship with Allaah is a great Zulm (wrong) indeed” [Luqmaan 31:13 – interpretation of the meaning] 103

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He also does wrong to others around him, humans and other creatures, because he does not recognize the rights of those who have rights. When the Day of Resurrection comes, everyone whom he wronged, whether human or animal, will stand before him and will ask his Lord to settle the score between them. 6 – He exposes himself to the wrath and anger of Allaah in this world He is exposed to that because disasters and calamities will befall him, as a punishment in this world. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Do then those who devise evil plots feel secure that Allaah will not sink them into the earth, or that the torment will not seize them from directions they perceive not? Or that He may catch them in the midst of their going to and fro (in their jobs), so that there be no escape for them (from Allaah’s punishment)?” [al-Nahl 16:45-46] “And a disaster will not cease to strike those who disbelieved because of their (evil) deeds or it (i.e. the disaster) settles close to their homes, until the Promise of Allaah comes to pass. Certainly, Allaah breaks not His Promise” [al-Ra’d 13:31] “Or, did the people of the towns then feel secure against the coming of Our punishment in the forenoon while they were playing?” [al-A’raaf 7:98] This is the situation of everyone who turns away from the remembrance of Allaah. Allaah said, telling us of the 104

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punishments that befall the earlier disbelieving nations (interpretation of the meaning): “So We punished each (of them) for his sins, of them were some on whom We sent Haasib (a violent wind with shower of stones) [as on the people of Loot (Lot)], and of them were some who were overtaken by AsSayhah [torment — awful cry, (as Thamood or Shu‘ayb’s people)], and of them were some whom We caused the earth to swallow [as Qaaroon (Korah)], and of them were some whom We drowned [as the people of Nooh (Noah), or Fir‘awn (Pharaoh) and his people]. It was not Allaah Who wronged them, but they wronged themselves” [al-‘Ankaboot 29:40] And you see the disasters around you that have befallen people as a punishment and vengeance from Allaah. 7 – Disappointment and loss are decreed for him Because of his wrongdoing he will lose out on the greatest things that hearts and souls can enjoy, which is knowing Allaah and conversing with Him, and finding peace and contentment in Him. He will lose in this world because he will live a life of misery and confusion therein, and he will lose his own soul for the sake of which he has been striving, because he did not subjugate it to the purpose for which it was created. He will not be happy in this world, because his soul lives a miserable life and dies a miserable death, and it will be resurrected with the doomed. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And as for those whose Scale will be light, they are those who will lose their ownselves (by entering Hell)”[alA’raaf 7:9] And he will lose his family, because he lives with them in a state of disbelief in Allaah, so they are the same as 105

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him in their misery and hard life, and their ultimate destiny will be the Fire. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “The losers are those who will lose themselves and their families on the Day of Resurrection”[al-Zumar 39:15, al-Shoora 42:45] On the Day of Resurrection they will be gathered into Hell, what an evil abode. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “(It will be said to the angels): ‘Assemble those who did wrong, together with their companions (from the devils) and what they used to worship, Instead of Allaah, and lead them on to the way of flaming Fire (Hell)’” [al-Saaffaat 37:22-23] He lives disbelieving in his Lord and denying His blessings Allaah created him from nothing, and bestowed all kinds of blessings upon him. How can he then worship someone other than Him, and take as a friend someone other than Him, and give thanks to someone other than Him? What denial can be greater or more abhorrent than this? 9 – He will be deprived of true life That is because the one who deserves a good life is the one who believes in his Lord and knows his purpose in life, who knows where he is going and is certain that he will be resurrected. So he acknowledges the rights of all those who have rights, and he does not deny any rights, or harm any other creature. He lives the life of the blessed and enjoys a good life in this world and in the Hereafter. Allaah says: 106

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“Whoever works righteousness — whether male or female — while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life”[alNahl 16:97] “and pleasant dwellings in ‘Adn (Eden) Paradise; that is indeed the great success”[al-Saff 61:12] As for the one who lives a life akin to that of the animals, not knowing his Lord or knowing his aim in life or where he is headed, rather his aim is to eat, drink and sleep … what difference is there between him and the rest of the animals? Indeed, he is further astray. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And surely, We have created many of the jinn and mankind for Hell. They have hearts wherewith they understand not, and they have eyes wherewith they see not, and they have ears wherewith they hear not (the truth). They are like cattle, nay even more astray; those! They are the heedless ones” [al-A’raaf 7:179] “Or do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are only like cattle nay, they are even farther astray from the Path (i.e. even worse than cattle)” [al-Furqaan 25:44] 10 – He will be punished eternally The kaafir will move from one torment to another, in the sense that he will depart from this world – where he is exposed to shocks and calamities – to the Hereafter. In the first stage (of this transition) the angels of death will descend upon him, preceded by the angels of torment who will give him a taste of the punishment that he deserves. Allaah says: 107

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“And if you could see when the angels take away the souls of those who disbelieve (at death); they smite their faces and their backs…”[al-Anfaal 8:50] Then when his soul has come forth and he is placed in his grave, he is met with a more severe torment. Allaah says, speaking of the people of Pharaoh: “The Fire, they are exposed to it, morning and afternoon. And on the Day when the Hour will be established (it will be said to the angels): ‘Cause Fir‘awn’s (Pharaoh) people to enter the severest torment!’” [Ghaafir 40:46] Then the Day of Resurrection will come and all creatures will be resurrected and shown their deeds, and the kaafir will see that Allaah has listed all of his deeds in that book of which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And the Book (one’s Record) will be placed (in the right hand for a believer in the Oneness of Allaah, and in the left hand for a disbeliever in the Oneness of Allaah), and you will see the Mujrimoon (criminals, polytheists, sinners), fearful of that which is (recorded) therein. They will say: ‘Woe to us! What sort of Book is this that leaves neither a small thing nor a big thing, but has recorded it with numbers!’” [al-Kahf 18:49] Then the kaafir will wish that he were dust: “the Day when man will see that (the deeds) which his hands have sent forth, and the disbeliever will say: ‘Woe to me! Would that I were dust!’” [al-Naba’ 78:40 – interpretation of the meaning] Because of the horrors of that situation [on the Day of 108

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Resurrection], if a man possessed all that is on earth he would give it to ransom himself from the torment of that Day. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And those who did wrong (the polytheists and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allaah), if they had all that is in earth and therewith as much again, they verily, would offer it to ransom themselves therewith” [al-Zumar 39:47] “The Mujrim, (criminal, sinner, disbeliever) would desire to ransom himself from the punishment of that Day by his children. And his wife and his brother, And his kindred who sheltered him, And all that are in the earth, so that it might save him” [al-Ma’aarij 70:11-14] That abode is the abode of requital and not the abode of hope, so man must inevitably face the requital for his deeds: if they were good, then it will be good, and if they were bad, then it will be bad. The worst that the kaafir will encounter on the Day of Resurrection will be the torment of the Fire. Allaah has created different kinds of torment for its inhabitants so that they may taste the consequences of their deeds. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “This is the Hell which the Mujrimoon (polytheists, criminals, sinners) denied. They will go between it (Hell) and the fierce boiling water!” [al-Rahmaan 55:43-44] 109

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And He says, describing their drink and clothing (interpretation of the meaning): “then as for those who disbelieved, garments of fire will be cut out for them, boiling water will be poured down over their heads. With it will melt (or vanish away) what is within their bellies, as well as (their) skins. And for them are hooked rods of iron (to punish them)” [al-Hajj 22:19-21] From al-Islam Usooluhu wa Mabaadi’uhu by Dr. Muhammad ibn ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Saalih al-Suhaym. (www.islam-qa.com) 44594: Advice to one who slanders his Muslim brothers and accuses them without any proof Question: Our Shaykh, I love you for the sake of Allaah and I hope that you can tell me how to silence those who slander the scholars. There are people who accuse you of being extreme in labeling others as kaafirs and of Qutbi (a group that claims to base its ideas on the writings of Sayyid Qutb) – as they call it. What is your answer? Please note that I am – as Allaah knows – one of those who love you for the sake of Allaah. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. May Allaah love you, for Whose sake you love us, and 110

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may He bring us together in His mercy on the Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail, except him who brings to Allaah a clean heart (cf. al-Shu’ara’ 26:89). With regard to what you have said in your question, we advise you to keep away from everyone who speaks about your Muslim brothers or slanders them, or accuses them and casts aspersion on their intentions. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “O you who have spoken the words of faith but faith has not entered your hearts! Do not backbite about the Muslims or seek our their faults, for whoever seeks out their faults, Allaah will seek out his faults even if he is his house.” Narrated by Abu Dawood, no. 4880; classed as saheeh by alAlbaani. It is also necessary for you to advise these people to fear Allaah and refrain using such labels and names that divide the Muslims. With regard to offering advice and correcting mistakes, this should not be done by means of exposing people’s faults or casting aspersions on their intentions etc. With regard to the issue of takfeer (labeling people as kaafirs), this is subject to further discussion. Describing as a kaafir one who has been described as such by Allaah or by His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is obligatory. Allaah has described some groups as being kaafirs in His Book, as when He says (interpretation of the meaning): “Surely, disbelievers are those who said: ‘Allaah is the third of the three (in a Trinity)’” [al-Maa’idah 5:73] “Surely, in disbelief are they who say that Allaah is the Messiah, son of Maryam (Mary)” 111

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[al-Maa’idah 5:17] But it is haraam to label as a kaafir someone whom Allaah and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not label as such. Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: Just as it is not permissible to label a specific person as a kaafir unless the conditions of labeling someone as such have been met in his case, so too we should not shy away from labeling as kaafirs those whom Allaah and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) have labeled as such. But we must differentiate between what is specific and what is general. Sharh Kitaab al-Tawheed, 2/281. See also question no. 21576. And Allaah knows best. Moreover, everyone who levels an accusation against another person must provide proof: “Say (O Muhammad), Produce your proof if you are truthful” [al-Baqarah 2:111] “Since they produce not witnesses, they are the liars in the sight of Allaah” [al-Noor 24:13] This problem is widespread among some of those who claim to be religiously-guided, may Allaah guide them, for they make accusations against people on grounds that are not regarded as something worthy of criticism in sharee’ah or that do not undermine a person’s religious commitment. 112

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Then they do not bring any proof of that, and they follow their own whims and desires, because it is human nature to appoint oneself as judge, praising and condemning on a whim. We must go against the whims and desires of our own selves and measure people by the criteria set out in Islam; we should make mention of their good points and advise them with regard to their mistakes. And Allaah is the Source of strength. Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com) 41687: Going out for da’wah Question: I have some questions which I hope you can answer in full. 1 – Some friends and I go and visit people in their homes and on the sea and on the street to remind them of Allaah and call them with that which is better. Is this action incorrect, and is it regarded as visiting people for the sake of Allaah, because that is our intention? 2 – Sometimes my brothers in Islam and I go to Africa and many countries to call people to Islam, and they turn to Islam in an amazing manner, and they are even moved by our appearance, let alone when we speak to them. How sound is this action, given that some people say that this is bid’ah and that we should have a great deal of knowledge, even though the people there do not know anything about Islam, and if we simply call them and explain the religion to them they become Muslim? 3 – What is the ruling on going out for da’wah for the 113

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sake of Allaah and freeing up one’s time for that, even though some people told me that I should not go out with the people who do da’wah because they are innovators, although I have not noticed anything like that, rather what I have seen with my own eyes is that they are reviving the Sunnahs of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and holding dhikr circles and study circles to teach the Sunnahs of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) from Riyadh al-Saaliheen and encouraging people to pray qiyaam al-layl etc. Please advise us, may Allaah reward you with good. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. Your question covers several issues: 1 – This action that you and your friends are doing, calling people to Allaah, is something that is to be appreciated at a time when few people are doing such work. We give you the glad tidings of the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “Whoever points others towards doing good will have a reward like that of the one who does it.” Narrated by Muslim, 133. If by doing this work you intend to visit others for the sake of Allaah, then this is how it will be, in sha Allah. 2 – Do not let the blame of anyone put you off from doing this work, so long as you and your brothers are calling people with proper knowledge and insight, as appears to be the case from what you say. 3 – If the people you mention are known to have sound ‘aqeedah and knowledge, and are known for their good conduct and attitude, then there is nothing wrong with cooperating with them in da’wah and going out with them, whether that is for a short time or a long time, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 114

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“Help you one another in AlBirr and AtTaqwa (virtue, righteousness and piety)” [al-Maa’idah 5:2] “And who is better in speech than he who [says: ‘My Lord is Allaah (believes in His Oneness),’ and then stands firm (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men) to Allaah’s (Islamic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: ‘I am one of the Muslims’” [Fussilat 41:33] “Invite (mankind, O Muhammad) to the way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur’aan) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better” [al-Nahl 16:125] And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to ‘Ali (may Allaah be pleased with him) when he sent him to Khaybar to call the Jews to Islam: “By Allaah, if Allaah were to guide one man through you, that would be better for you than having red camels [the best kind].” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3701; Muslim, 2406 The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) sent daa’iyahs (callers) to Yemen and to many of the Arab tribes. Many members of this group with whom you are going out are lacking in Islamic knowledge, and they may hold some false beliefs, but this should not prevent you from going out with them and calling people to Allaah; rather you should go out with them and explain the truth to them, and teach them what they do not know of the Sunnah, and advise them to give up the innovations that they do. Perhaps Allaah will benefit them through you. 115

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And Allaah knows best. Please see also questions no. 8674 and 39349. Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com) 34696: Can he take his mother to the market when she is wearing a short abayah? Question: If his mother wears a short abayah, is it permissible for him to respond to her request to take her to the market?. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. Firstly: You have to advise your mother in a kind and gentle manner not to wear this kind of abayah that shows the shape of her body, and to adhere to the conditions of shar’i hijab, one of which is that the clothes should be wide and loose. For more information on the conditions of correct shar’i hijab, please see questions no. 214 and 6991. Secondly: If your mother is going to go to the market in any case, whether you take her or not, and if you refuse to take her she will go alone, then in this case you should take her to the market to look after her and to reduce the evil action as much as you can. And Allaah is the One Whom we ask to reform the Muslims. Shaykh ‘Abd al-Rahmaan al-Barraak. (www.islam-qa.com) 116

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20880: Is the story that the astronaut Neil Armstrong became Muslim true? Question: I’m interested regarding NIL AMSTRONG.we know he had embraced islam.is he alive ? if so, pls reply about him. Some of my friends don’t belive regarding his embracing islam. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. The story about Neil Armstrong, who they say was the first man to step onto the surface of the moon, becoming a Muslim is one of the stories that are passed around among people. We have researched this story and we did not find any reliable source for it. We have got used to hearing stories like that which then turn out to false, and it seems that this is a deliberate attempt to shake the faith of the ordinary Muslims, especially since they fabricated this story with some exciting details, that seem to affirm the superiority of this religion over all other religions. So they spread the news that famous people, such as artists, sportsmen and others have become Muslim, and they quote something with the story that affirms the truth of the Messenger and his message, then after a while they hasten to disprove these stories. Perhaps the story about Armstrong becoming a Muslim is of this type, because he is one of the most famous people in the world. Moreover the reason why he supposedly became Muslim – as they say – is that he heard the adhaan (call to prayer) on the Moon then he heard it again in Egypt. 117

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If the story of such a famous person becoming Muslim was really true, you would see him calling people to Islam and you would see the scholars and daa’iyahs and the Islamic media meeting him and talking to him, none of which happened in this case. If you compare the story of Armstrong supposedly becoming Muslim with the story of Yusuf Islam (the former Cat Stevens, the famous British singer), you will see the difference between lies and truth, imagination and reality. Yusuf Islam is one of the most famous of those who have really converted to Islam, so you see his picture in the Islamic media and he has his schools in Britain, and he travels in the Muslim world and performs Hajj and ‘Umrah. What has Neil Armstrong done of such things, even though he is far more famous? Whatever the case, we do not need to hear the adhaan on the Moon in order to prove that our religion is true. If this man or anyone else becomes Muslim, he is the one who will benefit from that, and if he goes astray and disbelieves, then he is the one who will be harmed by that. We remind you of the words of Allaah (interpretation of the meaning): “Say: O you mankind! Now truth (i.e. the Qur’aan and Prophet Muhammad), has come to you from your Lord. So whosoever receives guidance, he does so for the good of his own self; and whosoever goes astray, he does so to his own loss; and I am not (set) over you as a Wakeel (disposer of affairs to oblige you for guidance)” [Yoonus 10:108] “Verily, We have sent down to you (O Muhammad) the Book (this Qur’aan) for mankind in truth. So whosoever accepts the guidance, it is only for his ownself; and 118

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whosoever goes astray, he goes astray only for his (own) loss. And you (O Muhammad) are not a Wakeel (trustee or disposer of affairs, or guardian) over them” [al-Zumar 39:41] And Allaah knows best what the truth of the matter is. May Allaah send blessings on our Prophet Muhammad. Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com) 20746: A man giving Islamic tapes to a non-mahram woman Question: I have a female neighbour whose husband is travelling. She prays and obeys the commands of Allaah, but sometimes she appears in front of me and speaks to me about religious matters, and asks me to buy religious tapes for her. If I give her some religious tapes, what is your opinion on that?. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. There is nothing wrong with you giving some Islamic tapes that are beneficial and free of anything that is forbidden according to sharee’ah to this non-mahram woman. But you have to try to give the tapes to her via some of your female mahrams. That will be safer for your religious commitment and further removed from areas of doubt, suspicion and temptation. And Allaah is the Source of strength. Al-Lajnah alDaa’imah, 14/71 119

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It is not permissible for her to appear in front of you without full hijab, and it is not permissible for her to be alone with you. Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com) 33827: She has become Muslim and is asking how she should tell her parents Question:

I have a question regarding a sister in Islam. She just converted to Islam. She was originally from the Hindu background. She has not told her parents yet and she is going to tell her parents pretty soon. However, she is completely at a loss as to how she should approach it because she is pretty sure to a certain extent that her parents will probably disown her. Please advise on how she should approach it. She does not want to say to her parents that somebody is ready to marry her and support her (even if she finds somebody) because that will make her parents think she converted because of the guy (which is not the case). please advise.

Answer: Praise be to Allaah. We praise Allaah for guiding this sister to embrace Islam, and we ask Him to make her heart steadfast and to increase her in faith and certainty. We advise her to tell her parents or not to tell them, depending on the consequences of either action. Will that lead to them disowning her without throwing her out of the house or harming her? Or do they have the power to force her to go back to their religion or not? 120

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Whatever the case, if telling them will lead to bad consequences for her, then we advise her to delay that until her faith is stronger and her knowledge increases. We also advise the Muslims who are aware that is Muslim to find a righteous husband for her and to prepare a suitable place for her in the event that she has to leave her parents. The fact that her parents may think that she has become Muslim in order to marry a particular person does not matter, and there is nothing wrong with her getting married if that will give her protection and help her to adhere to her religion. You should consult people of knowledge and experience in your country who know about this sister’s situation and that of her family, and their circumstances. And Allaah knows best. Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com) 34958: Ruling on participating in satellite channels for the purpose of da’wah Question: What is the ruling on participating in satellite channels for the purpose of da’wah?. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. Calling people to goodness is one of the central issues of Islam, because it is the basic means of spreading Islam and achieving justice, whether that is done by enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, or by setting a good example. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma‘roof (i.e. Islamic 121

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Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful”[Aal ‘Imraan 3:104] Ibn Katheer said: “What is meant by this verse is that there should be a group from among this ummah that is devoted to this purpose, even though that is obligatory upon each individual, each according to his means. It was narrated in Saheeh Muslim that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand [by taking action]; if he cannot, then with his tongue [by speaking out]; if he cannot, then with his heart [by at least hating it and feeling that it is wrong] – and that is the weakest of faith.’” The virtue of doing this for the purpose of da’wah is almost without parallel. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And who is better in speech than he who [says: ‘My Lord is Allaah (believes in His Oneness),’ and then stands firm (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men) to Allaah’s (Islamic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: ‘I am one of the Muslims’” [Fussilat 41:33] It goes without saying that whatever a person undertakes to do must have ways and means, so as to achieve the desired goal. The means come under the same rulings as the ends; so the means of doing something haraam is also haraam, and the means of doing something obligatory is also obligatory, and so on. See al-Furooq by al-Quraafi, 144. So the means to a legitimate end must also be legitimate. 122

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Da’wah needs means in order to convey the message to those who are accountable; those means include setting a good example, speaking good words from the minbar, debating, writing, etc. “Every means that helps to achieve the goals of da’wah may be used, so long as it is not haraam.” Al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah al-Kuwaitiyyah, 20/332. Many media and means of communication have appeared in modern times, starting with newspapers and magazines, then radio, then television, telephones, telegraphs and fax machines, and most recently the Internet. So it has become possible to view live transmissions of events and engage in live debates with people from the opposite end of the earth. The (materially) developed world has begun an intense competition in this means of communication in order to gain a greater influence in the process of globalization and each nation is trying to impose its civilization (intellectual and material). The Muslim world is in state of shock and is dazzled by all this progress, and the Muslims differ in their responses to this new state of affairs. Some of them are eager to embrace this civilization without reservation, out of admiration for it. Some of them have chosen to ignore it and reject it, believing that this is the appropriate attitude to have. Some of them have chosen to study it vigilantly and to interact with it in a cautious manner. You, my brother, know full well that the first and second attitudes are not wise. The right attitude is the third one.

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As Shaykh Muhammad al-Ameen al-Shanqeeti (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “Our attitudes towards western civilization are limited to four kinds, to which there is no fifth: 1 – Ignoring this civilization, both good and bad. 2 – Adopting it in full, both good and bad. 3 – Adopting its bad things and rejecting its good things. 4 – Adopting its good things and rejecting its bad things. The first three options are undoubtedly wrong; one of these options is undoubtedly right, and that is the last one.” Adwa’ al-Bayaan, 4/382. In the light of this introduction, we will now move on to discussion of the media satellites and radio stations, whether in Arabic or other languages, and whether they are cultural, or sporting, or advertising, or artistic, etc., or they are general and not specialized. The persistent question which arises among those who have a sense of protective jealousy and pride in their religion, be they scholars, seekers of knowledge, educated people or common folk is: to what extent is it Islamically acceptable to interact positively with these media (TV and radio channels), by taking part in debates, discussions, fatwas etc. Is that allowed in Islam or not? What is the evidence for that? Before we embark on this discussion, we must note an important point, which is that we will come across an old dispute about radio and TV, and we will not pay any attention to the view that rejects them and considers them to be unacceptable and idle entertainment, or objects to the use of images in TV. 124

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I say we will ignore that and accept the view of those who say that they are ordinary means that it is possible to use them in a beneficial way without doing something haraam. The ruling on participating in Arabic satellite channels etc: It seems that there can be only two views on this issue: 1 – That it is not permissible to participate in them 2 – That it is permissible to participate in them Some scholars do not discuss the matter in such a straightforward manner; rather they think that it is subject to further discussion, which we will highlight below. I will try to discuss the various opinions and examine their evidence and analyze it as much as I can: 1 – The view that we should not participate: The most prominent evidence for that is: 1) That it is a means that is based on something false and that it is not primarily aimed at spreading virtue and proclaiming the word of Allaah, rather it was established for an unworthy purpose, and no matter how much people’s aims may vary, they are almost all engaging in one thing which is unacceptable and idle entertainment. Almost all these channels agree that women with their charms, beauty and speech are the most important means of attracting viewers. Music and singing – whether eastern or western – is the other means of attracting viewers. That is in addition from the obscene content, whether it 125

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is a debate, songs or even the news. This is even if it is free from sins that imply kufr. As this is the case, then it is essentially corrupt. (a) Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And when you (Muhammad) see those who engage in a false conversation about Our Verses (of the Qur’aan) by mocking at them, stay away from them till they turn to another topic. And if Shaytaan (Satan) causes you to forget, then after the remembrance sit not you in the company of those people who are the Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers)” [al-An’aam 6:68] Al-Shawkaani said: What is meant is that if you see those who engage in a false conversation about our Signs by belying them or mocking them, then leave them and do not sit with them to listen to such a great evil, until they change the subject. (b) Allaah says, describing the slaves of the Most Merciful (interpretation of the meaning): “And those who do not bear witness to falsehood, and if they pass by some evil play or evil talk, they pass by it with dignity” [al-Furqaan 25:72] Al-Tabari said concerning this verse, after mentioning the views of the mufassireen as to what was meant by alzoor (falsehood): the most correct view is that it means those who do not bear witness to any kind of falsehood, whether it be shirk, singing, lying or anything else, everything that is to be called al-zoor (falsehood), because Allaah has described them in general terms as not bearing witness to any kind of falsehood. 126

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Then he mentioned something similar with regard to the interpretation of al-laghw (evil play or evil talk). (c) This place is like a gathering in which sacred limits are violated. Al-Nasaa’i narrated with a jayyid isnaad that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever believes in Allaah and the Last Day, let him not sit at a table where wine is being served.” See Fath al-Baari, 9/250. These texts are applicable to these satellite channels etc, which poke fun at the word of truth and those who call others to the truth, as they may devote a few minutes to the truth amidst hours of falsehood. “And leave alone those who take their religion as play and amusement, and whom the life of this world has deceived” [al-An’aam 6:70] 2 – When people of virtue to get involved with them, they give them some measure of legitimacy, which is exploited by the owners and financers of these channels, and by those who listen to them and watch them, thus causing confusion for the simple-minded. 2 – The view that it is permissible to participate Those who say that it is permissible to participate quote some evidence: (1) They say that we must differentiate between things which are haraam in and of themselves, such as wine, music, speaking falsehood and the things that lead to that, because not everything that may lead to haraam is necessarily haraam itself. Al-Quraafi said in al-Furooq (no. 58): Note: the means that leads to something haraam may not be haraam itself, 127

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if it serves a certain purpose, such as giving money to a man who will consume it unlawfully so that he will not commit adultery with a woman if that cannot be warded off in any other way. Ibn al-Qayyim said in I’laam al-Muwaqqi’een (2/137): What is forbidden in order to block the means that lead to evil may be permitted if it serves a greater purpose, such as allowing a man to look at a woman when proposing marriage to her, when bearing witness and for the purpose of medical examination or treatment. Media and means of communication come under this heading. Indeed they are permissible in and of themselves, based on the fact that if the believers owned them and used them to spread the truth, there would be no doubt as to whether they are permissible. They would be like platforms and clubs that are used as a means for discussion and conveying the message. The fact that they are used as a means of spreading doubts and provoking desires should not prevent righteous people from playing a role in them and urging the owners so that they can spread the truth, or some of it, as much as they can. Imagine a cultural club or meeting place that many people go to, which opens its doors to all comers, and most of those who come are followers of falsehood. Is it not essential that people of virtue and daa’iyahs should also participate in that case? Indeed, and it seems that there is no great difference between these media and these clubs. Perhaps what lends weight to this analogy is the fact that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to attend the gatherings and marketplaces of the people of Jaahiliyyah for the purpose of da’wah. 128

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It was narrated that Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah SAW stayed in Makkah for ten years, following the people in their camps in ‘Ukaaz and Mijannah, and during the Hajj seasons in Mina, saying, “Who will support me in conveying the message of my Lord, and Paradise will be his?” Narrated by Ahmad in al-Musnad, 3/322. It was narrated that Rabee’ah al-Deeli said: I saw the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) during the Jaahiliyyah in the market of Dhu’l-Majaaz, saying, “O people, say Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah and you will prosper!” Its isnaad is hasan. It is well known that ‘Ukaaz, Mijannah and Dhu’l-Majaaz were marketplaces during the Jaahiliyyah where the Arabs used to gather and recite poetry and boast to one another, and they would even complete or dispute one another. (2) It is well known from the biography of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that he used to mix with the mushrikeen and Jews and Christians for the purpose of calling them to Allaah (da’wah). Some mushrikeen or Jews would sit with him and debate with him, and he would recite Qur’aan to them. The evidence for that is mutawaatir. For example, Usaamah ibn Zayd (may Allaah be pleased with him) narrated that he rode behind the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) on a donkey to visit Sa’d ibn ‘Ubaadah who was sick. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) passed by a gathering where ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Ubayy ibn Salool was present, and in the gathering there was a mixture of Muslims, mushrikeen and Jews. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) greeted them, then he stopped and got down from his mount, called them to Allaah and recited Qur’aan to them. This was mentioned in a lengthy 129

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story that was narrated by al-Bukhaari in his Saheeh in his commentary on Soorat Aal ‘Imraan, chapter 14. If it is permissible to mix with the mushrikeen, despite the fact that that is sometimes accompanied by rejection or mockery of the truth, then the media may also be used as a platform for proclaiming the truth. There is no great difference between mixing with a kaafir and debating with him, in the sense that in both cases you will hear opposing views. (3) It was narrated that ‘Ubaadah ibn al-Saamit (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “We gave our oath of allegiance to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), pledging to hear and obey whether at times of ease or hardship, and not to compete with those in authority, and to do and speak the truth no matter where we were, without fearing the blame of anyone.” Agreed upon. Al-Nawawi said: The phrase “and to do and speak the truth no matter where we were, without fearing the blame of anyone” means, to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil at all times and in all places, with children and adults, and we will not compromise or fear anyone. Sharh al-Nawawi, 12/230. If the Muslim is required to speak the word of truth wherever he is, then that includes the media and means of communication wherever they are. (4) If we refer to the principle of pros and cons, then the benefits of participating in these media clearly outweigh any negative factors in several ways: (a) Most of these media have a huge audience of Muslims and non-Muslims, male and female, from all levels of education. Some of them may hear the word of truth and 130

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respond to it and be influenced by it, so this is a great opportunity to convey the message. (b) Not all these people are bad or averse to hearing the truth. Rather these media have penetrated the majority of homes and imposed themselves on the people, and people are exposed to all kinds of ideas and propaganda. So if righteous people play a role in the media then that will be equally effective. (c) Although there may be some means of reform and da’wah in some Muslim countries, these means are not as attractive and influential as the media, which means that those who are influenced by them are few in number. But the overwhelming majority is attracted to the satellites, and some people are even put off by the means of da’wah because they think it is addressed only to those who are religiously committed, and they do not count themselves as such. It seems that the responsibility for conveying the message which is the duty of the scholars and thinkers dictates that they should utilize all possible permissible means, so that they can convey the message to all those people and thus free themselves from any blame. See al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah, 20/332. Comparison From this discussion it seems that the two points of view are very closely matched, but the second opinion seems to be more correct in the light of the reasons mentioned, and it is difficult to ignore them or regard them as insignificant. With regard to the evidence for not allowing it, it is subject to further discussion: 131

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· With regard to the verse: “And when you (Muhammad) see those who engage in a false conversation about Our Verses (of the Qur’aan) by mocking at them, stay away from them till they turn to another topic.” [al-An’aam 6:68 – interpretation of the meaning] It may be said that if the caller to the truth can do his job without that being accompanied by any objectionable things such as mockery of religion, singing or music, or unacceptable advertisements, then doing that will not be counted as engaging in a false conversation (as mentioned in the verse), so it is not haraam. A similar response may also be offered to those who quote the hadeeth, “Whoever believes in Allaah and the Last Day, let him not sit with…” · With regard to the verse (interpretation of the meaning): “And those who do not bear witness to falsehood…” [alFurqaan 25:72] Those media are not in themselves falsehood, because they may be used for good or for evil, and it may be possible to set aside some time for good purposes that is not accompanied by any falsehood. · With regard to the view that scholars and virtuous people taking part in satellite channels lends legitimacy to those channels: This idea needs to be examined further, and that may vary according to the people involved and the circumstances. We have reached the conclusion that the second opinion is more likely to be correct, for the reasons mentioned, but we should mention some guidelines and conditions here. 132

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Among the most important of these in my view are: 1) The time, place and circumstances should be suited to da’wah, and there should be nothing which is clearly forbidden according to sharee’ah such as musical instruments, the presence of made-up women, offensive advertising, propagation of false information about religion, and the like. 2) The daa’iyah or scholar should think it most likely that there will be benefits in his taking part. That should be based on evidence and circumstances, for example, he should feel that the people running the channel are keen to spread virtue, or feel that they are not content with their programming and are trying to change, or that be inviting him to take part they are trying to raise the standard of their content and improve the viewers’ image of their channel, and so on. 3) The participants should be qualified and capable, both in terms of his personality and his knowledge. So the one who is weak in either of these regards should not be keen to participate, especially if that involves disputing with people who are opponents of Islam, because his weakness may undermine the cause of the truth that he wants to promote, and that may be attributed to Islam. Based on this, the matter is not completely permissible, nor is it completely forbidden. But I encourage every Muslim who feels protective jealousy and pride towards his religion not to place too many obstacles in the way of doing good. I remind him of the words of Imam Ibn Taymiyah, which he wrote in his book al-Hasbah about the attitude of some people towards doing good. He said: “Some people refrain from enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, and fighting for the sake of Allaah so that submission will all be to Allaah and the word of Allaah will prevail, lest they 133

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fall into fitnah, but by refrain thus they fall into fitnah… This is the state of many religiously committed people who fail to do their duty of enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, and jihad so that submission will all be to Allaah and the word of Allaah will prevail, lest they be tempted with some kind of desires, when they have fallen into a fitnah which is greater than that which they are claiming to avoid. Rather what they must do is to do what is enjoined upon them and avoid that which is forbidden, and they are interconnected. This is as much as I know, but over all those endowed with knowledge is the All-Knowing (Allaah). [cf. Yoosuf 12:76] If there is any shortcoming or error I hope that the readers will correct it. And Allaah is the Source of strength. Prof. Dr. ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Ibraaheem al-Turayqi. Professor in the Sharee’ah College, Riyadh. (www.islamqa.com) 20796: Attending a party given by misguided groups with the intention of offering sincere advice Question: What is the ruling on if a person apon the dawah as salaafiyah attends an eid gathering organised by sisters who are misguided, some who belong to other groups and who are actively giving dawah in the community. Also there are many who lack knowledge, being that they are new to the deen. The last group of people i mentioned the reverts, i fear for the most. Is it permissible for me to attend in order to give them dawah? If so, are there any conditions?. 134

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Answer: Praise be to Allaah. There is nothing wrong with your attending this party with the intention of calling people to Allaah and trying to influence these new Muslims, if that is possible, and so long as your attending will not have any bad consequences that outweigh the good you hope to achieve. The interests that may be served by your attending include the following: 1- Saving these sisters and other new Muslims from misguidance. 2- Establishing some friendly contacts between you and them which may help make it easier for you to advise them and guide them. 3- Proclaiming the truth and making the word of Allaah prevail. 4- Ensuring that you will be free from guilt before Allaah and that you have done that which Allaah has enjoined upon you. “And when a community among them said: ‘Why do you preach to a people whom Allaah is about to destroy or to punish with a severe torment?’ (The preachers) said: ‘In order to be free from guilt before your Lord (Allaah), and perhaps they may fear Allaah’” [al-A’raaf 7:164 – interpretation of the meaning] The bad consequences that may result from your attending include: 1- The people organizing the party and the new Muslims may think that you agree with their views, which will be a source of fitnah or misguidance to them. 2- You may see some evil things and not be able to 135

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denounce them, such as if they openly pronounce their misguided views during the party and call people to them. 3- You may be influenced by some of what you see, so that you may agree with them or be inclined towards some of their opinions. You may be able to avoid these bad consequences. Whatever the case, you have to weigh up the pros and cons. If the interests served by your attending will outweigh any feared bad consequences, then seek the help of Allaah and attend the gathering and strive to proclaim the truth with wisdom and beautiful preaching. If it seems to you after you attend that the bad consequences were greater, then you have to forget about these gatherings altogether. We ask Allaah to guide us and help us to do and say that which is right. And Allaah knows best. Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com) 34563: Keep your duty to Allaah and fear Him as much as you can Question: We are a group of friends who get together to talk about and discuss worldly and religious matters. In one of our gatherings a question was asked, as follows: Can a Muslim live a 100% Muslim life whilst continuing to live and interact with his society with all the good and bad things that that involves? What I mean is that if he wants to keep away from everything that Allaah has forbidden and enjoy everything that Allaah has permitted in His Holy Book, and follow the Sunnah of His chosen Prophet (peace 136

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and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in what he has permitted and keep away from that which he has forbidden?. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. The Muslim is not infallible. Every son of Adam inevitably commits sin and the best of those who sin are those who continually repent, as it says in the hadeeth. But it is possible for the Muslim to live in an Islamic society and adhere to his religion as much as he can, following the words of Allaah (interpretation of the meaning): “So keep your duty to Allaah and fear Him as much as you can” [al-Taghaabun 64:16 – interpretation of the meaning] His religious commitment is not affected by some sins that he may commit without meaning to, or that he thinks are permissible according to his own ijtihaad and reasoning and the information that he has, or that he asked some scholars about and they gave him a fatwa concerning that but the fatwa was not in accordance with sharee’ah. To sum up, what the Muslim has to do is to keep his duty towards Allaah and fear Him as much as he can, to regard as forbidden that which Allaah has forbidden to him, and to strive to do that which Allaah has enjoined upon him. If he slips or stumbles then he must hasten to repent sincerely. Majmoo’ Fataawa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi’ah by Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him), vol. 4, p. 417 (www.islamqa.com) 137

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9243: Did Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab rebel against the Ottoman Caliphate and what was the reason for its fall? Question: Some people talk very bad about Muhammad ibn Abdulwahhab (rh). They accuse him, that he fought against the ottoman islamic empire and against the caliph , so he was an enemy of the muslims. This is their argument. Is this right? How could one fought against the amir of the muslims, even if the caliph prayed, gave his zakah and so on? They say also that he made an contract with the english army and fought with them against the muslims. Can you give me a detailed answere to this historical event and show me the truth? Whom should we believe?. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. There is never a man who brings some goodness to this world but he has enemies among mankind and the jinn. Even the Prophets of Allaah were not safe from that. The enmity of people was directed against the scholars in the past, especially the proponents of the true call (of Islam). They were met with intense hostility from the people. An example of that is Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him); some of those who were jealous of him regarded it as permissible to shed his blood, others accused him of being misguided and of going beyond the pale of Islam and becoming an apostate. 138

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Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab was simply another of these wronged scholars who were falsely accused by people, in an attempt to cause trouble (fitnah). People’s only motives for doing that were jealousy and hatred, along with the fact that bid’ah was so firmly entrenched in their hearts, or they were ignorant and were blindly imitating the people of whims and desires. We will mention some of the false accusations that were made against the Shaykh, and will refute them. Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez al-‘Abd al-‘Lateef said: Some opponents of the salafi da’wah claim that Imam Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab rebelled against the Ottoman Caliphate, thus splitting the jamaa’ah (main body of the Muslims) and refusing to hear and obey (the ruler). Da’aawa al-Munaawi’een li Da’wat al-Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahaab, p. 233 He said: ‘Abd al-Qadeem Zalloom claims that the emergence of the Wahhaabis and their call was a cause of the fall of the Caliphate. It was said that the Wahhaabis formed a state within the Islamic state, under the leadership of Muhammad ibn Sa’ood and subsequently his son ‘Abd al-‘Azeez, which was supplied with weapons and money by the British, and they set out to gain control of other lands that were under the rule of Caliphate, motivated by the urge to spread their beliefs, i.e., they raised their swords against the Caliph and fought the Muslim army, the army of the Ameer al-Mu’mineen, with the encouragement and support of the British. Kayfa hudimat al-Khilaafah, p. 10. Before we respond to the false accusation that Shaykh 139

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Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab rebelled against the Caliphate, we should mention the fact that the Shaykh believed that hearing and obeying the imams (leaders) of the Muslims was obligatory, whether they are righteous or immoral, so long as they did not enjoin disobedience towards Allaah, because obedience is only with regard to what is right and proper. The Shaykh said in his letter to the people of al-Qaseem: “I believe that it is obligatory to hear and obey the leaders of the Muslims, whether they are righteous or immoral, so long as they do not enjoin disobedience towards Allaah. Whoever has become Caliph and the people have given him their support and accepted him, even if he has gained the position of caliph by force, is to be obeyed and it is haraam to rebel against him.” Majmoo’at Mu’allafaat al-Shaykh, 5/11 And he also said: One of the main principles of unity is to hear and obey whoever is appointed over us even if he is an Abyssinian slave…” Majmoo’ah Mu’allafaat al-Shaykh, 1/394; quoted in Da’aawa al-Munaawi’een, 233-234. And Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez al-‘Abd al-Lateef said: After stating these facts which explain that the Shaykh believed it was obligatory to hear and obey the leaders of the Muslims, whether they are righteous or immoral, so long as they do not enjoin disobedience towards Allaah, we may refer to an important issue in response to that false accusation. There is an important question which is: was Najd, where this call originated and first developed, under the sovereignty of the Ottoman state? Dr Saalih al-‘Abood answered this by saying: 140

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Najd never came under Ottoman rule, because the rule of the Ottoman state never reached that far, no Ottoman governor was appointed over that region and the Turkish soldiers never marched through its land during the period that preceded the emergence of the call of Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab (may Allaah have mercy on him). This fact is indicated by the fact that the Ottoman state was divided into administrative provinces. This is known from a Turkish document entitled Qawaaneen Aal ‘Uthmaan Mudaameen Daftar alDeewaan (Laws of the Ottomans concerning what is contained in the Legislation), which was written by Yameen ‘Ali Effendi who was in charge of the Constitution in 1018 AH/1609 CE. This document indicates that from the beginning of the eleventh century AH the Ottoman state was divided into 23 provinces, of which 14 were Arabic provinces, and the land of Najd was not one of them, with the except of al-Ihsa’, if we count al-Ihsa’ as part of Najd. ‘Aqeedat al-Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab wa atharuha fi’l-‘Aalam al-Islami (unpublished), 1/27 And Dr ‘Abd-Allaah al-‘Uthaymeen said: Whatever the case, Najd never experienced direct Ottoman rule before the call of Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab emerged, just as it never experienced any strong influence that could have an impact on events inside Najd. No one had any such influence, and the influence of Bani Jabr or Bani Khaalid in some parts, or the Ashraaf in other parts, was limited. None of them were able to bring about political stability, so wars between the various regions of Najd continued and there were ongoing violent conflicts between its various tribes. Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab Hayaatuhu wa Fikruhu, p. 11; quoted in Da’aawa al-Munaawi’een, 234235. 141

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We will complete this discussion by quoting what Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Baaz said in response to this false accusation. He said (may Allaah have mercy on him): Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab did not rebel against the Ottoman Caliphate as far as I know, because there was no area in Najd that was under Turkish rule. Rather Najd consisted of small emirates and scattered villages, and each town or village, no matter how small, was ruled by an independent emir. These were emirates between which there were fighting, wars and disputes. So Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab did not rebel against the Ottoman state, rather he rebelled against the corrupt situation in his own land, and he strove in jihad for the sake of Allaah and persisted until the light of this call spread to other lands… Conversation recorded on tape; quoted in Da’aawa alMunaawi’een, p. 237 Dr. ‘Ajeel al-Nashmi said: … The Caliphate did not react in any way and did not show any discontent or resentment during the life of the Shaykh, even though there were four Ottoman sultans during his lifetime… Majallat al-Mujtama’, issue # 510. If the above is a reflection of the Shaykh’s attitude towards the Caliphate, how did the Caliphate view the call of Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab? Dr. al-Nashmi said, answering this question: The view that the Caliphate had of the movement of Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab was very distorted and confused, because the Caliphate only listened to those who were hostile towards the movement of Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab, whether 142

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that was via reports sent by their governors in the Hijaaz, Baghdad and elsewhere, or via some individuals who reached Istanbul bearing news. Al-Mujtama’, issue #504; quoted in Da’aawa alMunaawi’een, p. 238-239. With regard to Zalloum’s claims that the Shaykh’s call was one of the reasons for the fall of the Caliphate and that the English helped the Wahhaabis to topple it, Mahmoud Mahdi al-Istanbuli says concerning this ridiculous claim: This writer should be expected to produce proof and evidence for his opinion. Long ago the poet said: If claims are not supported by proof, they are used only by the fools as evidence. We should also note that history tells us that the English were opposed to this call from the outset, fearing that it might wake the Muslim world up. Al-Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab fi Mar’aat al-Sharq wa’l-Gharb, p. 240 And he says: The ironic fact is that this professor accuses the movement of Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab of being one of the factors that led to the destruction of the Ottoman Caliphate, even though this movement began in 1811 CE and the Caliphate was abolished in 1922 CE. Op. cit., p. 64 What indicates that the English were opposed to the Wahhabi movement is the fact that they sent Captain Foster Sadler to congratulate Ibrahim Pasha on his success against the Wahhabis – during the war of Ibrahim Pasha 143

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in Dar’iyyah – and also to find out to what extent he was prepared to cooperate with the British authorities to reduce what they called Wahhabi piracy in the Arabian Gulf. Indeed, this letter clearly expressed a desire to establish an agreement between the British government and Ibrahim Pasha with the aim of destroying the Wahhabis completely. Shaykh Muhammad ibn Manzoor al-Nu’maani said: The English made the most of the hostility that existed in India towards Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab and they accused everyone who opposed them and stood in their way, or whom they regarded as dangerous, of being Wahhabis… Similarly the English called the scholars of Deoband – in India – Wahhaabis, because of their blunt opposition to the English and their putting pressure on them. Di’aaya Mukaththafah Didd al- Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab, p. 105-106 From these various quotations we can see the falseness of these flawed arguments when compared to the clear academic proofs in the essays and books of the Shaykh; that falseness is also obvious when compared to the historical facts are recorded by fair-minded writers. Da’aawa al-Munaawi’een, 239, 240. Finally, we advise everyone who has slandered the Shaykh to restrain his tongue and to fear Allaah with regard to him. Perhaps Allaah will accept their repentance and guide them to the straight path. And Allaah knows best. Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com) 144

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9380: How to deal with sinful families Question:

What can a woman do, if her family are obstructing her path to Islam. They are non-Practicing Muslims. How does she fulfill sunnat ir rahim and follow Islam if there is a great deal of difficulty in doing so. Can a sister just break ties, live on her own and try to get closer to Allah. It is becoming difficult to maintain ties of kinship when there is continuous evil, backbiting, fitnah, inciting me to disobey Allah, etc., Is there a dua to make when one faces such great difficulty? And what do I do if I make mistakes and fall in sin – despite not desiring to do so?. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. We say to this Muslim sister: may Allaah reward you with good for adhering to Islam, and we ask Allaah to make you steadfast in Islam and to send you people who will help you to do so. With regard to the question: Firstly, you have to bear their annoyance with patience, because the path of adherence (to Islam) is not easy, but it is the path of the Prophets. The Muslim is bound to face difficulties in the way of his adhering to Islam, as Muslim narrated in his Saheeh (2823) from Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: 145

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“Paradise is surrounded with difficulties and Hell is surrounded with desires.” The Prophets (peace be upon them) were faced with difficulties from their people and from the closest of people to them, but the reward for their patience was that Allaah caused them ultimately to prevail. Secondly: The Muslim sister should strive to advise her family with kindness, wisdom and beautiful preaching, and she should not despair or give up. She should show a good attitude towards them, say and do good things to them, and extend a helping hand to them, even to those who cause her the most hardship. This will have an effect on them, in sha Allah, and this is one of the most effective ways of calling people to Allaah. Thirdly: She should try to find people to help and support her, by trying to persuade those among her family members who like her, because they will be more likely to respond than others. Fourthly: You have to equip yourself with the most effective “weapon”, which is praying for them to be guided and that Allaah will fill their hearts with the light of adherence to Islam. You should say such du’aa’s a lot when prostrating and during the last part of the night, and at other times when du’aa’ is especially recommended, and you should not try to hasten the response. Fifthly: You should note that it is not always good to break off ties. In some cases, when those whom Allaah has guided break off ties with their families, this makes them go 146

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further in their sin and farther removed from religious commitment. Breaking off ties may cause a person distress and make him unable to bear it. Hence we think that the sister should be patient and mix with her family in ways that will not affect her religious commitment and level of faith. The more she withdraws into herself –i.e., at home – the better, because if a woman leaves the family home, that may make people talk badly about her a lot, and evilminded people may try to approach because she has gone away from those who could take care of her and protect her. Your staying may be more beneficial to your family, because there are many sins that the family may not dare to commit out of respect for their children whom Allaah has guided. If the children leave, this will give the family more freedom to commit whatever sins they want. Hence the daa’iyah should be wise and should weigh up the pros and cons of leaving. He should not give a small benefit precedence over warding off a greater evil; warding off evil is more important than gaining benefits. Sixthly: There is no better du’aa’ for such situations than the du’aa’ of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) when he prayed for his people to be forgiven and guided. (a) It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood said: It is as if I can see the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) telling us the story of one of the Prophets whose people beat him and made him bleed, and he was wiping the blood from his face and saying, “O Allaah, forgive my people for they do not know.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3290; Muslim, 1792). Al-Nawawi said: 147

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The Prophet referred to is one of the earlier Prophets. Something similar happened to our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) on the day of Uhud. (Sharh Muslim, 12/150) (b) It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: Tufayl ibn ‘Amr al-Dawsi and his companions came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and said: “O Messenger of Allaah, (the tribe of) Daws have rebelled, so pray to Allaah against them.” The people said, “Daws are doomed.” But the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “O Allaah, guide Daws and bring them to me.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 2779; Muslim, 2524) (c) It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: “I used to call my mother to Islam when she was still a mushrik. I called her one day and she said something about the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that I did not like to hear. I came to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) weeping, and said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, I have been calling my mother to Islam and she refuses. I called her today and she said something about you that I did not like to hear. Pray to Allaah to guide the mother of Abu Hurayrah.’ The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, ‘O Allaah, guide the mother of Abu Hurayrah.’ I went back, feeling optimistic because of the du’aa’ of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). When I came back, I went to the door and found it locked. My mother heard my footsteps and said, ‘Stay where you are, O Abu Hurayrah.’ I could hear the sound of water. She washed herself (did ghusl), put on her chemise and quickly covered her head with her head cover, then she opened the door and said, ‘O Abu Hurayrah, I bear witness that 148

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there is no god except Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.’ I went back to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), weeping with joy, and said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah (S), good news! Allaah has answered your prayer and guided the mother of Abu Hurayrah.’ He praised and thanked Allaah.” (Narrated by Muslim, 2491) And Allaah knows best. Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com) 26075: He drinks alcohol on the basis that he is free to do whatever he wants Question: I am a converted Muslim, my husband had been asked several times by his brother to have a drink with him and his friends. I couldn’t confront him for the first time ‘cause I don’t want him to get upset. Until one day, I did asked him why he drinks (beer or whisky). His reason was, 1. I am the man of the house, I’ll drink whenever I want; 2. I cannot say “NO” to my brother; 3. I need to socialize with them for connection and job promotion purposes (since the group he went with have higher positions where his working); 4. As long as I know to control myself even if I’m drinking and I am not doing anything bad. I couldn’t imagine a Muslim man giving me this reasons. Please give me your opinion on this matter.

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Answer: Praise be to Allaah Who has guided you to Islam; we ask Him to make you steadfast in Islam and to complete His blessing upon you. Undoubtedly alcohol is haraam and is a major sin. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), and gambling, and AlAnsaab [stone altars for sacrifices to idols, jinn, etc], and Al Azlaam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaytaan’s (Satan’s) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful. Shaytaan (Satan) wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants (alcoholic drinks) and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allaah and from AsSalaah (the prayer). So, will you not then abstain?” [al-Maa’idah 5:90-91] It was narrated that Anas ibn Maalik said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed ten people in connection with alcohol: the one who presses [the grapes, etc], the one for whom that is done, the one who drinks it, the one who carries it, the one to whom it is carried, the one who pours it, the one who sells it, the one who consumes its price, the one who buys it, and the one for whom it is bought.” (Narrated by alTirmidhi, 1259; Ibn Maajah, 3381. Classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, no. 1041). It is not permissible for your husband to speak in this manner. This is not the response of a Muslim who must accept as forbidden that which Allaah has forbidden. It is not permissible for him to put obedience to his brother 150

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above obedience to Allaah, or to anger Allaah by pleasing his brother. If he adheres to the commands of Allaah, Allaah will protect him from his brother, but if he angers Allaah by giving precedence to pleasing his brother, Allaah will leave him to his brother. It was narrated from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever pleases Allaah by angering the people, Allaah will be sufficient for him. But whoever angers Allaah by pleasing the people, Allaah will leave him to the people.” (Narrated by Ibn Hibbaan in his Saheeh, 1/115; classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 2311) He can tell everyone – not just his brother – “No, this action is haraam.” Socializing with them for work purposes does not justify drinking alcohol. His saying that he is not doing anything wrong is very strange indeed. What does he call his drinking? Can we expect that his socializing with his brother and his friends does not involve anything other than alcohol? It is well known that such people will have women with them, and they will listen to music and ignore the prayers. All of these are major sins. You have to persist in advising him, keep on doing so and do not get tired of it. Look for someone whose advice will have an effect on him. Make a lot of du’aa’ asking that he be guided. We ask Allaah to guide us all to that which He loves and which pleases Him. And Allaah knows best. Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com) 151

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21505: He wants some statistics on internet filth in order to convince some of his friends Question: Some of my friends have introduced the internet into their homes, where their children and wives have access to it in this permissive land in which we have the misfortune of living, and they do not have any control over their children’s computers. I need some statistics and numbers that I can use to convince these brothers who perhaps cannot be convinced except through numbers. I hope that you can help me in this matter. May Allaah reward you with good.

Answer: Praise be to Allaah. It was narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that among the Signs of the Hour is that “zina (unlawful sexual relationships) will become widespread.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1/178). According to a report narrated by al-Haakim, “immorality will become widespread.” During the internet age in which we are living, this hadeeth has become true, and we see the reality of the events foretold by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). No one can deny this except one who is arrogant. The kaafirs recognized the seriousness of the matter before the Muslims did. Now on the internet there are half a million pornographic sites displaying immorality, and another 100 new sites are added every day, spreading nakedness and immorality in the world. The ratio of pornographic pages on the internet is almost 2.3% of all internet pages. 152

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(See the research web page http://www.minshawi.com/ gadhi.htm) The pornographic company Playboy claims 4.7 million visitors to its website each week. (See the research web page http://www.minshawi.com/ gadhi.htm) Purchases of “permissive items” on the internet in 1999 accounted for 8% of all electronic sales which totalled billion. The amount of money spent on entering pornographic pages reached 0 million, and is expected to rise to billion in 2003. (See the research web page http://www.minshawi.com/ gadhi.htm) Some companies have studied the number of visitors to pornographic web sites on the internet. The WebSideStory company found that one of the pornographic sites received 280,034 visitors in one day; there are more than one hundred similar sites that receive more than 20,000 visitors each day, and more than 2000 similar sites that receive more than 1400 visitors each day. Just one of these sites had received more than 43,613,508 visitors in two years. One of the people behind these sites claimed to have more than three hundred thousand nude pictures which he had distributed more than one billion times. Researchers at the Carnegie Mellon University undertook a statistical study of 917,410 pictures which were accessed 8.5 million times from 2000 cities in 40 countries, and they found that half of the pictures accessed via the internet were pornographic, and that 83.5 of the pictures circulated amongst newsgroups were pornographic. (See the research web page http://www.minshawi.com/gadhi.htm) So tell these friends of yours that whoever gives his family and children free access to the internet without blocking 153

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the evil from them is a sinner and is betraying the trust, and he will be questioned on the Day of Resurrection about his negligence. And Allaah is the Source of strength. Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com) 11967: Difficulties encountered by a woman who wears hijaab Question: My problem is that i recently began wearing hijab. in my city there are very few women who wear this and my town is very small. i am newly convert to islam and african american, my husband is pakistani and we have been married 4 yrs. he does not seem to like the fact that i am wearing hijab. he does not want to go out in public with me wearing this. i dont know what to do..this is very hard for me to wear it but this is something that i know i must do , for we all have to make our own path to paradise. should i consider divorce, because my religion is very seriouse to me. my husband does prayer only at masjid on fridays, and i am constantly into my islam. this problem causes me to cry often..if you are able. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. First of all, we would like to congratulate you for having been guided by Allaah to embrace Islam, the true and final religion. I ask Allaah to help us and you remain steadfast in adhering to it until we die. I give you the glad tidings of the words that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to the 154

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Sahaabah: “There will come a time when patience is required of the one who adheres (to Islam), and he will have the reward of fifty of you.” They said, “Of them?” He said, “No, of you.” (Narrated by Ibn Nasr; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilat al-Saheehah, 494) Before you think of divorce, try to play the role of a daa’iyah, calling your husband and those around you to Islam. This will benefit others and help you to remain steadfast. You have an example of that in the righteous believing women such as Umm al-Mu’mineen (the Mother of the Believers) Khadeejah (may Allaah be pleased with her), who played a great role in making the heart of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) remain firm and steadfast when his mission began. Whenever he mentioned her after she had died, he would praise her in glowing terms, as was narrated by ‘Aa’ishah who said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) mentioned Khadeejah one day, and he praised her highly.” (Musnad al-Imam Ahmad, 24684; classed as hasan by alHaythami in al-Majma’) Another example is Umm Sulaym (may Allaah be pleased with her). Abu Talhah [who was not yet a Muslim at that time] proposed marriage to her, and she said: “By Allaah, O Abu Talhah, a man like you is not to be refused, but you are a kaafir man and I am a Muslim woman. It is not permissible for me to marry you, but if you become Muslim, that will be my mahr (dowry).” So he became Muslim, and that was her mahr. (Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 3341; classed as saheeh by alAlbaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i, 3133) So start – may Allaah help you – by calling your husband 155

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and convincing him by all kinds of means to adhere to Islam and its obligations, such as prayer, wearing hijaab, etc, especially since he is already Muslim. Calling one’s husband is one of the ways that lead to Paradise. I hope that Allaah will guide your husband through your sincere advice. Also make a lot of du’aa’ for him. If after some time you do not see any improvement, or you think that you will be able to find someone to marry who is better than this husband, then think of divorce. This is only if this man is negligent about his prayers, praying sometimes and not at other times. But if he has forsaken prayer altogether and does not even pray on his own, then it is not permissible for you to stay with him, because forsaking prayer constitutes disbelief in Allaah. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The covenant that stands between us and them is prayer; whoever gives it up is a kaafir.” (Narrated by alTirmidhi, 2621; al-Nasaa’i, 463 and others. It is a saheeh report. Al-Mishkaat, 574) And he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Between a man and shirk and kufr, there stands his giving up prayer.” (Narrated by Muslim, 82). For yourself, be patient in adhering to hijaab even though it may be difficult. How much did our examples, the men and women of the Sahaabah, suffer for the sake of Allaah; we suffer only a fraction of what they suffered. This is the path to Paradise. For Hell is surrounded with whims and desires and Paradise is surrounded with difficulties. Be certain that hijaab is only difficult because it is new to you. If you are patient and have faith, this difficulty will fade – in sha Allaah – and it will become easy and you will become comfortable with the hijaab. If you remember the reward, that which is difficult will become easier. 156

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The fact that you are wearing hijaab even though you find it difficult is a sign that your faith is strong. I ask Allaah to make us and you steadfast in adhering to the religion. Ameen. Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com) 10081: Changing an evil is something that does concern a Muslim, it is not one of the things that do not concern him Question: there is a hadith,whoever sees a wrong must stop it by hand,etc and another:leave alone what does not concern you.would you clarify what to stop and what to leave alone.if i c someone doing immoral things in Saudi Arabia,like dating,etc.do i go and tell them not to while i know they probably wont listen,or do i just report it to some authority? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. Firstly: There is no contradiction between what is proven in sharee’ah, whether between one aayah and another, between one hadeeth and another, or between aayahs and ahaadeeth. All of it is Revelation (wahy) from Allaah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Had it been from other than Allaah, they would surely, have found therein many a contradiction” [al-Nisa’ 4:82]

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If there appears to be a contradiction, that is in our own minds and because of our misunderstanding, not in the texts themselves. Hence the scholars took the care to explain the texts in which there may appear to be a contradiction and to dispel any confusion that may have arisen in some people’s minds concerning some texts. With regard to the question, there is no contradiction – praise be to Allaah – between the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), “Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand [by taking action]; if he cannot, then with his tongue [by speaking out]; and if he cannot, then with his heart [by hating it and feeling that it is wrong] – and that is the weakest of faith” (Narrated by Muslim, 49), and his words, “Part of a person’s being a good Muslim is his leaving alone that which does not concern him” (narrated by alTirmidhi, 2317, classed as saheeh by Ibn al-Qayyim in al-Jawaab al-Kaafi, p. 112) It is not possible under any circumstances that Islam would oblige the person who sees an evil action to change it, then at the same time tell him that it is better not to denounce it. The circumstances in which the first hadeeth applies are different from those in which the second hadeeth applies. This is similar to what some people understood from the verse (interpretation of the meaning): “O you who believe! Take care of your ownselves. If you follow the (right) guidance [and enjoin what is right (Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbid what is wrong (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden)] no hurt can come to you from those who are in error” [al-Maa’idah 5:105] 158

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But Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq (may Allaah be pleased with him) guided them to the correct understanding, and the scholars (may Allaah have mercy on them) explained that. It was narrated that Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “O people, you recite this verse (interpretation of the meaning): ‘O you who believe! Take care of your ownselves. If you follow the (right) guidance [and enjoin what is right (Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbid what is wrong (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden)] no hurt can come to you from those who are in error’ [al-Maa’idah 5:105] I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say, ‘When the people see an oppressor but they do not try to stop him, soon Allaah will cause all of them to suffer punishment because of him.’” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2168; Abu Dawood, 4338; Ibn Maajah, 4005). This hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Tirmidhi and Ibn Hibbaan, 1/540. Shaykh al-Islam said concerning what we learn from the verse “Take care of your ownselves…”: “… Enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil in the manner prescribed in Islam, based on knowledge, kindness, patience, good intentions and doing it in the proper manner, is included in the phrase “Take care of your ownselves…” and in the phrase “If you follow the (right) guidance”.

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These five things are what may be learned from the aayah, for the one who is commanded to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil. There is also another meaning which is that a person should focus on his own interests by seeking knowledge and acting upon it, and not worry about that which does not concern him, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Part of a person’s being a good Muslim is his leaving alone that which does not concern him.” Especially being too curious about that of which a person has no need to know about another person’s religious commitment or worldly affairs, and especially if he is speaking because of hasad (destructive envy) or competing in leadership. Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 14/482 And he (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: The believer has to fear Allaah with regard to His slaves and it is not his responsibility to guide them. This is the meaning of the verse (interpretation of the meaning): ‘O you who believe! Take care of your ownselves. If you follow the (right) guidance [and enjoin what is right (Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbid what is wrong (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden)] no hurt can come to you from those who are in error’ [al-Maa’idah 5:105] Calling others to guidance means doing what is obligatory. If the Muslim does his duty of enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, and does his other duties as well, then the misguidance of those who have gone astray will not harm him. That may be achieved sometimes by the heart, sometimes by the tongue and sometimes by the 160

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hand. In the case of the heart, this is obligatory in all circumstances because doing it will not cause any harm. Whoever does not even do that is not a believer, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, ‘And that is the weakest of faith.’” (Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 28/126-128) So it is known that denouncing evil is one of the things that concern the Muslim, and he must denounce it as much as he is able and in accordance with the interests of sharee’ah. That which does not concern him cannot be something that is waajib (obligatory) or mustahabb (encouraged). There follow the comments of the scholars on the interpretation of the hadeeth, “Part of a person’s being a good Muslim is his leaving alone that which does not concern him.” (a) Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said: The Muslim is commanded either to speak good or to keep silent. If he turns away from the silence that is enjoined upon him and speaks in a unnecessary manner that is not good, then this is counted against him. Hence the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Part of a person’s being a good Muslim is his leaving alone that which does not concern him.” If a person indulges in something that does not concern him, that detracts from his being a good Muslim. Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 7/49, 50 (b) Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) summed up all of piety in one sentence, when he said: “Part of a person’s being a good Muslim is his leaving 161

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alone that which does not concern him.” This includes not speaking about, looking at, listening to, striking a blow, walking towards or thinking about anything for no purpose, and keeping away from all outward and inward actions that have to do with things that do not concern you. This sentence is sufficient concerning piety. (c) Ibraaheem ibn Adham said: Piety means leaving alone all doubtful things and leaving alone that which does not concern you means leaving alone all that is superfluous. In al-Tirmidhi there is a marfoo’ report according to which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “O Abu Hurayrah, be pious and you will be the most devoted of people (to Allaah).” Madaarij al-Saalikeen, 2/21 (d) Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali said: This means giving up haraam things, doubtful things, makrooh things, and excessive permissible things that are unnecessary, because all of these things do not concern the Muslim if his Islam is perfect and he has attained the level of ihsaan. The most important aspect of leaving alone that which does not concern you is guarding your tongue against idle speech. Jaami’ al-‘Uloom wa’l-Hukam, 1/309-310 (e) al-Zarqaani said: Some of them said that what comes under the heading of leaving alone that which does not concern you is learning branches of knowledge that are not important and ignoring those that are more important, such as one who neglects to acquire knowledge that is in his own interests and occupies himself with learning something that does not 162

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benefit anyone else, such as philosophical debate, and says as an excuse, ‘My intention is to benefit people.’ If he were sincere he would have started by learning the type of knowledge that would help him to be guided and cleanse himself of all blameworthy characteristics such as destructive envy (hasad), showing off, arrogance, selfadmiration, rivalry with one’s peers, trying to put people down and other characteristics and actions that may doom a person to Hell. Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr said: this hadeeth is an example of concise speech which includes many noble meanings in a few words, and it is one of the things that were said by no one before him. Sharh al-Zarqaani, 4/317 (f) al-Mubaarakfoori said: Al-Qaari said – concerning the meaning of leaving alone that which does not concern him – this means that which is not his business and which it does not befit him to say, do, look at or think about. And he said: what is meant by that which does not concern him is that which he has no need of and is not essential to his spiritual or worldly affairs, and will not help him to earn the pleasure of his Lord, because he is able to live without it, and he can put his affairs straight without it. This includes all superfluous deeds and words. Tuhfat al-Ahwadhi, 6/500 Secondly: With regard to what is to be denounced: this includes every reprehensible action which Islam stated is abhorrent and which leads to bad consequences for the one who does it, such as zina (adultery), riba (usury, interest), looking at haraam things, listening to haraam things, 163

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shaving the beard, allowing one’s garment to hang below the ankles, severing the ties of kinship, introducing innovations into the religion, and so on. It is not necessary to be in a position of authority in order to change evil actions by one’s hand, or to be a scholar in order to change them by one’s tongue, rather it is sufficient to be able to change them provided that that does not result in a greater evil than the one that you are denouncing. It is sufficient for you to know that this is evil according to sharee’ah, so you denounce it by speaking out. With regard to changing evil actions by one’s heart. This means hating this evil thing in your heart and leaving the place where it is happening. With regard to your question about seeing some evil things and wondering whether you should denounce the people who are doing them or inform the authorities, our answer is that it depends on the action in question and on who is doing it. If you see an evil action on the part of someone that you cannot leave him and go and tell the authorities about it, then you have to denounce him straightaway, because it may be too late otherwise. But if the evil action is major and serious, and you cannot denounce it on your own, then you have to inform the authorities. The point is that evil must be removed, whether by your hand or the hand of someone else. If that is not possible then it must be done by your tongue (by your speaking out), and you should not worry whether they listen to you or turn away from you; all you have to do is convey the message. Allaah may sow the seeds of guidance in the heart of one of them because of your words, but the Shaytaan may also suggest to you that you should forget 164

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about denouncing them on the basis that they will not listen to you – so beware of that. And Allaah knows best. Islam Q&A Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islamqa.com) 13484: A woman who feels shy to do da’wah Question: How should I overcome shyness? Earlier I felt shy of even hypocrites or disbelievers. I felt sick about having them gossip about me or talk bad about me, or stare at me. I hid from them when I took up Hijaab and I realized that it was good that I didn’t meet them. I didn’t want to be shy of them and Allah helped me overcome that by making me know that I have to fear only Him and please only Him. Now I also feel shy sometimes about telling people the Truth. I often do not tell people who do wrong about the Quran. For instance, I often do not tell men that they should not stare at women. I feel that they may not heed my advice or I just don’t want to attract their attention by talking this way with them. I also feel shy about telling other Muslim when they do something wrong. I often do not correct people person. I want them to be correct but I often feel shy. There are ways in which I do not feel shy. For instance, I do Dawah on the internet. Answer: Praise be to Allaah

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May Allaah reward you for your pride in your religion and your desire to call others to Allaah. But you should note that a woman does not have to call men directly without a mahram, because of the fitnah (temptation) involved in that. We advise you, and other women, to train yourself to obey Allaah and to fulfil your duties towards Allaah and towards your husband, family and children. Call women to Allaah as much as you can, by speaking up or by reading books or by giving useful tapes or books, or by organizing a study-circle if you have sufficient knowledge, or by speaking out if your friends do something wrong, or by offering advice to your sisters and by playing a part in helping them to solve their social problems, and so on. With regard to your refraining from da’wah because of shyness, this does not justify giving up da’wah, and it is a kind of blameworthy shyness. But you should note that every action that a person does may be difficult in the beginning and may make him feel shy sometimes, but if he persists in it, it will become second-nature to him, and it may reach the level that he cannot do without it. So you have to strive and be patient, because calling people to Allaah, which includes enjoining that which is good and forbidding that which is evil, needs patience, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “By Al‘Asr (the time). Verily, man is in loss, Except those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth [i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (AlMa‘roof) which Allaah has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (AlMunkar) which Allaah has forbidden], and recommend one another 166

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to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allaah’s Cause during preaching His religion of Islamic Monotheism or Jihad)” [al-‘Asr 103:1-3] Patience in making da’wah is a characteristic of the believers, and is one of the means of salvation from loss, from which no one is saved but those whom Allaah mentions in this soorah. They are the ones who combine four characteristics: 1- Faith, which can only come through knowledge of Allaah, His Messenger and the religion of Islam. 2- Acting upon this knowledge. 3- Calling others to this knowledge. 4- Patiently bearing any harm that comes for the sake of gaining this knowledge, acting upon it and calling others to it. Will regard to calling people via the internet, this is something that is essential, but our advice to you and to every girl is to avoid it, because of the dangers involved, from which few are saved apart from those whom Allaah protects. There are some people who have undertaken to carry out this great mission, which needs deep knowledge that will ward off doubts, and sincere faith that will ward off the influence of whims and desires. But for those who enter into this work without these two weapons or with only one of them, they are rarely safe from its pitfalls. But if you meet these two conditions then you can enter this field. Moreover you have done well by starting to wear hijaab, which is obligatory upon Muslim women because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 167

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“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever OftForgiving, Most Merciful” [al-Ahzaab 33:59] Allaah has mentioned the wisdom behind hijaab in this verse, which is to protect women against ignorant men. Praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the Worlds. Islam Q&A Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islamqa.com) 21918: She has friends who are openly committing sin – should she continue to be friends with them? Question: What should one do when with muslims who are sinnning openly, and you have corrected them several times? Should you continue to be in their company? For example, women who are not wearing a correct hijab or go out with kohl Answer: Praise be to Allaah. It is one of the blessings of Allaah that such questions as this are raised, which indicates the extent of the concern that the questioner feels for her religion and her desire to 168

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pursue the means of remaining steadfast in it, one of which is avoiding keeping company with people who commit sin. We ask Allaah to make us and her steadfast in adhering to his religion. This question may be answered in the following points: 1 – Openly committing sin is one of the causes of a person being deprived of the forgiveness of Allaah. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) warned against this when he said: “All of my ummah may be forgiven except for those who commit sin openly.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, no. 60696). This is a great sin, and we ask Allaah to save us from it. If a person sits with people who sin, either of the following two scenarios must apply: Either he sits with him at the time when that person is committing the sin. In this case it is not permissible for him to sit with him so long as he is still sinning, unless he is able to put a stop to it by advising him or in some other way. If the evil action is stopped then it is permissible for him to sit with him. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And it has already been revealed to you in the Book (this Qur’aan) that when you hear the Verses of Allaah being denied and mocked at, then sit not with them, until they engage in a talk other than that; (but if you stayed with them) certainly in that case you would be like them” [al-Nisa’ 4:140] But if the person does not stop committing the sin, then he must leave the gathering, but it is better to explain to (the sinner) the reason for leaving, if that will have an effect on him and prompt him to give up the evil action. The second scenario is when the person is not committing 169

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sin at that moment, in which case it is permissible to sit with him and there is no sin in that. 2 – You ask whether you should stop being friends with them, or not. The answer is: If the sister is confident that she will not be led astray because of them and she thinks that some good can come of being friends with them, in the sense that she can continue to advise them and tell them what is good for them, then in that case continuing to be friends with them is better. We ask Allaah to give her strength and support. But if she thinks that they may have an influence on her if she mixes with them a lot and gets used to what they are doing, then she should not sit with them and she should give up her friendship with them, in order to protect her religious commitment, especially if she has already advised them several times and they have not responded. Then if she thinks that she can look for others whom she can try to advise, she will be rewarded for that. And Allaah knows best. Islam Q&A Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islamqa.com) 10372: Saving the Muslims from loyalty to the west in their journalistic writings Question: Dear Shaykh, this is a project which I have been thinking 170

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about for a while. It has to do with sending letters to journalists. I have divided journalists into three categories: those who are well-versed in deviant thought; those who are no more than an echo but do not really understand anything; and the ordinary kind who are not influenced by any ideology at all. The purpose of that is to guide those journalists who have gone astray. I have sent letters to a few of them, and I have had good and promising results, praise be to Allaah – especially from the women. This is by the grace of Allaah. I need your advice. May Allaah reward you with good. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. May Allaah reward you with good for your efforts to support the religion of Allaah and to save these people from kufr, rebellion and sin. We suggest the following: - Remind them of their Islamic roots and make them feel nostalgic for their religion. - Remind them of Allaah and the Last Day. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Their testimony will be recorded, and they will be questioned” [al-Zukhruf 43:19] - Remind them of the seriousness of apostasy, and that the apostate does not deserve to live, according to the standards of sharee’ah. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever changes his religion, kill him.” - Remind them of the foolishness of blindly imitating the 171

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west, and mention some of the bad things that happen in the west, quoting statistics, etc. - Remind them of the blessing of their ability to write, and that this ability must be used to obey Allaah and defend His religion, as Hassaan ibn Thaabit and others did. - Remind them of the seriousness of showing loyalty to the enemies of Allaah, and the stern warnings that have been narrated concerning that, and that adopting western thought and principles that go against Islam is a form of loyalty to the enemies of Allaah which puts one beyond the pale of Islam and constitutes apostasy. Islam Q&A Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islamqa.com) 11363: A woman who has been guided to Islam fears for herself and is suffering from waswaas (insinuating whispers of the Shaytaan) Question: I am a muslimah who lives in a non-muslim country...i have been blesse by the almighty who has guided me to the right path last year(started practissing islam althought i’ve been a muslimah my whole life) anyway for the last few months my iman has dropped tremendously...alhamdulillah i haven’t stopped doing anything but i have been overwhelmed by wiswas...and i’ve tried some duas and although it has helped a bit it hasn’t helped me to its fullest...a feel so afraid of everything around me (mainly the kufaar and their ways) i don’t what it is that’s making me feel this way but i 172

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really don’t like it...i’m so afraid of being led astray...i sometimes get some weird thoughts in my head now i know it’s sheitan messing with my head but i just want to know what to do to get rid of it...i’ve read some duas as i’ve mentioned above read some quran...but nothing yet...now i know it’s something i’m doing wrong but i just want to know what it could be? if you have any suggestions on what it could be please let me know jazakumallahu khairan and may allah guide us to the right path amin? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. Allaah has given man in this world that which will help him to worship and obey Him as He has commanded. He has given him strength in himself and has created him in the best mould (cf. al-Teen 95:4). Then He sent His Messengers to mankind to tell them the way to worship and obey Him, and He sent down His Books to mankind, and gave the ability to understand and learn. The slave has to seek the means which will help him to follow the path of obedience and faith. These include: 1 – Striving to perform the obligatory duties as prescribed in sharee’ah, and doing so regularly. 2 – Striving to keep away from haraam things and sin, because that has a great effect on man’s heart. 3 – Taking time to read Qur’aan. What we should note here is that the kind of reading Qur’aan which has a beneficial effect on the one who reads it is that which is accompanied by thinking and pondering the meanings of the verses of the Qur’aan. Allaah has told us of the effect of the Qur’aan on His believing slaves, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): 173

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“and when His Verses (this Qur’aan) are recited unto them, they (i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith”[al-Anfaal 8:2] “Allaah has sent down the Best Statement, a Book (this Qur’aan), its parts resembling each other (in goodness and truth) (and) oftrepeated. The skins of those who fear their Lord shiver from it (when they recite it or hear it). Then their skin and their heart soften to the remembrance of Allaah”[al-Zumar 32:23] 4 – Remembering Allaah (dhikr) and persisting in doing so. Beneficial dhikr is that which is done in the heart and on the lips. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “verily, in the remembrance of Allaah do hearts find rest”[al-Ra’d 13:28] 5 – Calling upon Allaah (du’aa’) and turning to Him. Among the du’aa’s concerning this is that which is described in the hadeeth of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “There is no-one who is afflicted by distress and grief, and says: ‘Allaahumma inni ‘abduka ibn ‘abdika ibn amatija naasyati bi yadika, maada fiyya hukmuka, ‘adlun fiyya qadaa’uka. As’aluka bi kulli ismin huwa laka sammayta bihi nafsaka aw anzaltahu fi kitaabika aw ‘allamtahu ahadan min khalqika aw ista’tharta bihi fi ‘ilm il-ghayb ‘indaka an taj’al al-Qur’aana rabee’ qalbi wa noor sadri wa jalaa’ huzni wa dhihaab hammi (O Allaah, I am Your slave, son of Your slave, son of Your maidservant; my forelock is in Your hand, Your command over me is forever executed and Your decree over me is just. I ask You by every name belonging to You which You have named Yourself with, or revealed in Your Book, or You taught to any of Your creation, or You have preserved in the knowledge of the Unseen with You, that 174

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You make the Qur’aan the life of my heart and the light of my breast, and a departure for my sorrow and a release for my anxiety),’ but Allaah will take away his distress and grief, and replace it with joy.” He was asked: “O Messenger of Allaah, should we learn this?” He said: “Of course; everyone who hears it should learn it.” 6 – Striving to reduce your attachment to this world and developing an attachment to the Hereafter, for being preoccupied with the worries of this world makes a person more worried and anxious, and makes the problems that he is going through occupy all his thoughts and give him sleepless nights. 7 – Doing things to help one relax and dispel worry, such as keeping company with righteous people, relaxing in permissible ways and giving oneself variety to avoid a boring routine. If you feel the need to visit a psychologist and consult him, there is nothing wrong with that, so long as you beware of the deviant principles of some doctors. Shaykh Muhammad al-Duwaysh. (www.islam-qa.com) 21576: Slandering callers and reformers Question: In recent days there has been a lot of slander against those who call people to Islam (daa’iyahs) and dividing them into groups and categories. What is your opinion on that? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. 175

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Allaah has enjoined justice and good treatment of others, and He has forbidden wrongdoing, hatred and enmity. Allaah sent His Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) with the same message as He sent all the Messengers, namely the call to Tawheed and to worship of Allaah alone. He commanded him to establish justice and forbade him to do the opposite, i.e., to worship anything other than Allaah, to cause division and to transgress against the rights of others. In these days it has become very common that people who claim to have knowledge and to be calling people to good slander many of their brothers among the wellknown daa’iyahs, and they talk about the seekers of knowledge, daa’iyahs and lecturers. They do that in secret in their own gatherings, but it may be recorded on tapes that are distributed among the people, and they may do it openly in public lectures in the mosques. This behaviour goes against the commands of Allaah and His Messenger in several ways. 1 – It is a transgression against the rights of the Muslims, and against the elite of the people, namely the seekers of knowledge and daa’iyahs who are striving to make the people aware and to teach them and correct their beliefs and practices, and to organize lessons and lectures, and to write beneficial books. 2 – It splits the Muslims and causes division in their ranks. They are the most in need of unity and they need to keep away from division, discord and too much gossip amongst themselves, especially when the daa’iyahs who are being slandered are from among the Ahl al-Sunnah wa’lJamaa’ah who are well known for their opposition to bid’ah (innovation) and myth, and for standing up against those who promote such things, and for exposing their plots and tricks. We see no benefit to be gained by such actions, except for the enemies who lie in wait for 176

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opportunities to harm the Muslims, such as the kaafirs, hypocrites and followers of bid’ah and misguidance. 3 – This action offers support and help for the self-serving among the secularists, westernizers and other heretics who are well known for stirring up trouble among the daa’iyahs and telling lies against them, and inciting people against them in their writings and recordings. It is contrary to Islamic brotherhood for those who are too hasty to help their enemies against their brothers among the seekers of knowledge, daa’iyahs and others. 4 – This spreads corrupts ideas in the hearts and minds of the common folk and elite; it spreads and propagates lies and false rumours, and causes a great deal of backbiting and slander. It leaves the door wide open to evil people who persist in spreading doubts and stirring up fitnah, and who are keen to cause harm to the believers by accusing them of things that they did not do. 5 – Much of what is being said has no basis in reality; rather these are illusions which the Shaytaan has made attractive to them, through which he has tempted them. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion; indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another…”[al-Hujuraat 49:12] The believer should interpret what his Muslim brother says in the best possible way. One of the salaf said: Never think of something that is said by your brother as being bad when you still find room for a good interpretation. 6 – Whatever ijtihaad is produced by some scholars or seekers of knowledge, in areas where ijtihaad is permitted, the author of said ijtihaad cannot be blamed or rebuked for it, so long as he is qualified to engage in ijtihaad. If someone else has a different opinion, it is better for him 177

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to debate with him in a proper manner, striving to reach the truth via the shortest route and leaving no room for the insinuating whispers of the Shaytaan or for him to cause trouble among the believers. If that is not possible, and someone thinks that he has no choice but to explain what is wrong with his ijtihaad, then he should choose the best wording and the most subtle way of explaining, and not resort to attacking, slandering or going to extremes in criticizing him, which may cause others to reject the truth or to turn away from it. He should also avoid criticizing specific people, casting aspersions upon their intentions or saying unnecessary or irrelevant things about them. In such cases the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would say, “What is the matter with some people who say such and such…?” The advice I offer to these brothers who have fallen into the sin of slandering the daa’iyahs is to repent to Allaah for the things that they have written or said that may have corrupted the hearts of some youth and filled them with hatred and grudges, and kept them from seeking beneficial knowledge or from calling people to Allaah by making them preoccupied with gossip and talking about this one and that one, and seeking out faults for which they could criticize people, and going to extremes in doing that. I also advise them to offer expiation for the things that they have done by writing and other means that they think they should not have done, and to remove from people’s minds the wrong ideas they may have given them. They should focus on fruitful actions which will bring them closer to Allaah and will be beneficial to people, and they should beware of being too hasty to accuse people of kufr, fisq and bid’ah without any clear evidence or proof. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever says to his brother ‘O kaafir!’ one of them will be deserving of that description.” (Saheeh, agreed upon). 178

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It is prescribed for those who call others to the truth and for seekers of knowledge, if they are uncertain about something said by a scholar or anyone else, to refer to the prominent scholars and to ask them, so that they can explain the facts of the matter to them and remove the confusion and doubt from their minds, in accordance with the words of Allaah in Soorat al-Nisaa’ (interpretatiuon of the meaning): “When there comes to them some matter touching (public) safety or fear, they make it known (among the people); if only they had referred it to the Messenger or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have understood it from them (directly). Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allaah upon you, you would have followed Shaytaan (Satan), save a few of you” [al-Nisaa’ 4:83] And Allaah is the One Whom we ask to reform all the Muslims and to unite their hearts in taqwa and to bring the scholars of the Muslims and those who call to the truth together in doing that which pleases Him and will benefit His slaves. May He unite them in following guidance and protect them against all the causes of division and dissent; may He support the truth through them and humiliate falsehood through them, for He is the One Who is able to do that. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions, and those who follow his guidance until the Day of Resurrection. Majmoo’ Fataawa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi’ah li Samaahat al-Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him), vol. 7, p. 311. (www.islam-qa.com)

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13759: Muslims and how others perceive them Question: what problems do muslims have because of how others perceive them? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. The Muslims have suffered persecution and harm because of how others perceive them and because of their adherence to their religion, but no matter how great the persecution, they cannot be humiliated in themselves or made to hate Islam, rather they bear that with patience for the sake of Allaah, seeking reward for that. Their Lord says (interpretation of the meaning): “So do not become weak (against your enemy), nor be sad, and you will be superior (in victory) if you are indeed (true) believers” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:139] With regard to what some of the kaafirs do to the Muslims, it is for one of three reasons: Either this kaafir is ignorant of Islam and its greatness, and of the fact that it is the true religion, so he tries to harm the Muslims because of that ignorance; Or he knows that the Islamic religion is the true religion, but he harms the Muslims out of stubbornness and arrogance; Or he knows of the superiority of Islam and the Muslims, but he does that because of envy towards Islam and its followers. 180

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Yet despite that the Muslims believe that Islam is the religion of honour and pride, and the religion of high status in this world and in the Hereafter; whoever adheres to it, Allaah will raise his status, and whoever turns away from it harms no one but himself. One of the things that Islam teaches us is to be proud and strong. Our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allaah than the weak believer, although both are good.” (Narrated by Muslim, 4815). Islam tells us that the older ones among us should show mercy towards the younger ones. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young ones and show respect to our old ones.” (Narrated by alTirmidhi, 1842; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 1565). Islam commands us to be merciful and compassionate towards one another, and in contrast we are to be severe and harsh against the kaafirs. Allaah says, describing the Companions of our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah. And those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves” [al-Fath 48:29 – interpretation of the meaning] Our religion permits us (Muslim men) to marry Jewish or Christian women, but we are not permitted to marry our daughters to them (Jews or Christians), because the Jews and Christians are lower in status than us, and our women are higher in status than them, and one who is 181

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inferior cannot prevail over one who is superior. Islam should prevail, not be prevailed over. And we believe in their Prophets but they do not believe in our Prophet. Our religion commands us to expel them from the Arabian Peninsula and not to let them remain there, because the Arabian Peninsula is the land of Revelation, so it is not permissible for it to be contaminated by the presence of unclean kaafirs. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Expel the mushrikeen (polytheists, pagans) from the Arabian Peninsula.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 2932; Muslim, 3089). Our religion forbids us to eat from the vessel of a Jew or a Christian unless we cannot find anything else. In that case it is permissible for us to eat from it on condition that we wash it thoroughly. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, when he was asked about eating from the vessels of the People of the Book: “If you can find any other vessel, then do not eat from them; if you cannot find anything else, wash them and then eat from them.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5056; Muslim, 3567 – this version was narrated by him). Our religion forbids us to imitate the dress of the kaafirs or to imitate the way they eat or any of their customs, because we are superior and the kaafirs are inferior, and the one who is superior should not imitate the one who is inferior. Indeed, our Prophet warned us that the one who imitates the kaafirs is going to meet the same fate as them in Hell, what a terrible fate! The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” (narrated by Abu Dawood, 3512. Al-Albaani said concerning this hadeeth: (it is) hasan saheeh. See Saheeh Abi Dawood, 3401). 182

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Our Prophet commanded us to fight the kaafirs when we are able and to attack them in their homelands and to give them three choices before we enter their lands: either they become Muslim and be like us, sharing our rights and duties; or they pay the jizyah (poll tax) and feel themselves subdued; or they fight, in which case their wealth, women, children and homes become permissible as booty for the Muslims. Islam is a divinely-revealed religion, which connects a believer to his Lord with no intermediary. So a person worships his Lord whenever he wants, and calls upon Him when he wants. He is connected to his Lord by ties of worship, by turning to Him and beseeching Him. He does not need the intercession of priests or rabbis. Rather he turns directly to Allaah, the One, the Subduer of all. What you see nowadays of the humiliation of the Muslims and the domination of the Jews and Christians over them is the result of the Muslims’ negligence and failure to adhere to their religion, their failure to prepare for jihad for the sake of Allaah, and their love of this world which kills the love of Allaah and the Hereafter in their hearts. Hence you see that the blood of the Muslims is shed and has become cheap, and their homes are destroyed and counted as worthless, and their lives are counted as cheap because of their weakness. Allaah indeed spoke the truth when He said (interpretation of the meaning): “And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much”[alShoora 42:30] So our humiliation and weakness are because of what we Muslims have done, not because of Islam. But when we come back to our religion, our glory and pride will come back to us.

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And Allaah knows best. Islam Q&A Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islamqa.com) 13848: A man is accompanying one of the female daa’iyahs, claiming to do good deeds Question: I read an article by some writer in which he praised the wife of one of the senior daa’iyahs. He said that he was with her all the time because of their common interest in going to lawyers in an effort to secure the release of prisoners. During the days he spent with her he saw the strength of her personality, her eloquence, her good conduct and her wise speech which impressed him greatly. What does Islam have to say about this matter? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. If they were alone together (khulwah) at the time when both of them were adults, then he has to repent, because being alone with a non-mahram woman and accompanying her here and there is a haraam action which is not permitted, as it opens the door to fitnah (temptation). But if the man who accompanied her was a minor, so that there was no risk of fitnah, or if he was her mahram, or his accompanying her did not involve their being alone together, and she observed complete hijaab and so on, then he should state that clearly (to whoever he meets) so that he will not be accused. The Muslim should always 184

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ensure that his religious commitment and honour are above reproach. And Allaah is the One Whose help we seek. Islam Q&A Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islamqa.com) 13682: What is it recommended for a sick person to do when his illness is terminal? Question: There is a person who is sick with cancer, and the doctors have been unable to treat him successfully. He has left the hospital to spend his remaining time with his family. His condition is deteriorating daily. What do you advise him to do? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. Al-Nawawi said: The sick person should strive to have a good attitude and avoid arguing and disputing concerning worldly matters. He should bear in mind that this is the end of his time in the realm of deeds, and he should end it with good deeds. He should seek the forgiveness of his wife, children, all his family, neighbours and friends, and all those with whom he had dealings or with whom he was friends or had any kind of connection, and ensure that they hold nothing against him. He should focus on reading Qur’aan, reciting Dhikr, and reading stories about the righteous and how they were at the time of death. He should observe 185

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regular prayer and avoid impurity (najaasah), and take care of other religious duties. He should not accept the advice of those who try to turn him away from these things, for this is something with which he will be tested, and this person who tries to do this is an ignorant friend and a secret enemy. He should advise his family to bear his loss with patience and not to wail over him or to weep excessively. He should advise them not to do any of the bid’ahs (innovations) that are customarily done at funerals. He should ask them to make du’aa’ for him. And Allaah is the Source of strength. Al-Majmoo’, 5/109 (www.islam-qa.com) 10490: Some of those who are called to Allaah, when they are told to fear Allaah they say “Mind your own business” Question: One of things that I find very difficult when I try to advise some people or warn them of some evil that they are doing, is that they say, “This does not concern you, mind your own business, don’t interfere in my private affairs.” What is the ruling on what they say? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. Their words are false and a rejection of the truth. Allaah is dislikes such a response. The evidence for that is what it says in the saheeh hadeeth narrated from the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “The most beloved of speech to Allaah is when a person says: ‘Subhaanaka Allaahumma wa bi hamdika, wa tabaaraka ismuka wa ta’aala jadduka, wa laa ilaaha ghayruka 186

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(Glory and praise be to You, O Allaah, blessed be Your name and exalted be Your majesty, and there is no god but You).’ The most hated of speech to Allaah is when one man says to another, ‘Fear Allaah,’ and the other says, ‘Mind your own business!’” (al-Silsilah al-Saheehah by al-Albaani, no. 2598) You have to persist in da’wah, and bear patiently the things you suffer, as Luqmaan said to his son: “O my son! AqimisSalaah (perform AsSalaah), enjoin (on people) AlMa‘roof (Islamic Monotheism and all that is good), and forbid (people) from AlMunkar (i.e. disbelief in the Oneness of Allaah, polytheism of all kinds and all that is evil and bad), and bear with patience whatever befalls you. Verily, these are some of the important commandments (ordered by Allaah with no exemption)” [Luqmaan 31:17 – interpretation of the meaning] Islam Q&A Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islam-qa.com) 20096: Advice for university students during the summer break Question: It is now the end of the (academic) year and we are looking forward to the end of term exams, and the summer with its many courses of study, as you know. Can we ask you for some advice from you to the students in this university? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. 187

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My advice to the young people is as follows: Make use of the break to seek Islamic knowledge which is lacking in this university; uphold the ties of kinship which you have missed out on because you have been far away from your families; be active in calling your neighbours, relatives and kinsfolk to Islam, as you have missed out on that by being far away in the university residence. Keep in touch with good people – “And keep yourself (O Muhammad) patiently with those who call on their Lord (i.e. your companions who remember their Lord with glorification, praising in prayers, and other righteous deeds) morning and afternoon” [al-Kahf 18:28 – interpretation of the meaning]. Do not lose touch with them during the break. It may be useful to take part in programs even if that is with other good people in the area to which you will go if you do not have any of the good people from the university to be with. Beware of haraam things such as traveling to places of immorality or the lands of kufr, or watching haraam channels. We ask Allaah to grant you and us strength. Islam Q&A Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islamqa.com) 11404: Her sister is friends with a homosexual man (we seek refuge with Allaah) Question: My sister has recently disturbed me in the last couple of months. I started to search for a lot of truth with my life, 188

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so I tried to learn more about Islam and I am succeeding.(Alhamdullilah)I have also stopped watching television which has helped clear my head in a tremondous way, It’s been I would say about 5 months since I didn’t watch. She has this homosexual friend and she thinks there’s nothing wrong with him. I am horrified to say this, but she even went to a drag-queen show(homosexual bar with him.Iam extremely concerned with her because after having seen this her ‘niya” is unclean. She thinks there is nothing wrong with this type of people and in fact several of her classmates are of this nature and she associates with them. I know my sister is not of this nature but living in Canada and especially watching television has corrupted her head. Because the kaafir’s television tells us that this alright and all people should be excepted and welcomed, when this is notthe case or truth.Obviously by my question you can see my sister does not know a lot about Islam, What can I so? I’m generating my question around the fact that I live only with my mother and she said it was extremely difficult for her to take us to Quran when we came to the country and this might have saved us alot of turmoil. ( my mother and father are divorced and he lives very far away) Answer: Praise be to Allaah. Praise be to Allaah Who has shown you the path of guidance; this is a great blessing which you must strive to maintain and give thanks to Allaah for that. With regard to the issue of your sister, it is important that you strive to call her to Islam and to influence her. Allaah commanded His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to start his call to Islam with his own tribe, as He said (interpretation of the meaning): 189

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“And warn your tribe (O Muhammad) of near kindred” [al-Shu’araa’ 26:214] What you need to pay attention to here is the following: 1- Pay attention to making du’aa’ for her, because du’aa’ has an effect by Allaah’s leave. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) prayed that some of those whom he was calling to Islam would be guided. 2- Be patient and don’t give up; what is not achieved today may be achieved tomorrow. 3- Use a variety of ways and means (of calling her). 4- Strive to choose appropriate times for da’wah, when your sister is more inclined to listen and respond. 5- Use some indirect methods, such as giving her some moving Islamic books or audio or video tapes, or leave some of them lying around in the house where she can find and use them. 6- Perhaps being related and being together for so long is an obstacle to her responding, so it may be a good idea to look for a religious friend of hers who likes her, and ask her to advise her and try to influence her. Shaykh Muhammad al-Duwaysh We ask Allaah to guide your sister, and we advise you to give your sister the answer to Question no. 9465, on the ruling on forming friendships between the sexes, so that she can read it. See also the ruling on homosexuals in Islam, as given in Questions nos. 2104 and 6285. This calamity which you are living through is a warning to you and to others of the dangers of living in the land of the kuffaar, and it is a motivation for Muslim men and 190

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women to return as quickly as possible to the lands of the Muslims. Islam Q&A Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islamqa.com) 12110: Islamic unity Question: How does Islam encourage unity? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. Mankind was one nation, believing in Tawheed, then they differed. Some of them believed and some disbelieved. So Allaah sent the Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, so whoever believes will enter Paradise and whoever disbelieves will enter Hell. The conflict is still going on between belief and disbelief, truth and falsehood, and will continue until Allaah inherits the earth and everyone on it. Islam is the religion for all of mankind, and Allaah has commanded us to convey it to all people. This can only be achieved if we are strong, and strength is based on faith and unity. Hence Allaah has commanded all the believers to adhere to His religion and to be united, and not to be divided. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allaah (i.e. this Qur’aan), and be not divided among yourselves [Aal ‘Imraan 3:103] 191

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Division, differences and disputes are the cause of the ummah’s defeat, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And obey Allaah and His Messenger, and do not dispute (with one another) lest you lose courage and your strength departs, and be patient. Surely, Allaah is with those who are AsSaabiroon (the patient)” [al-Anfaal 8:46] Unity and coming together are among the basic principles of Islam, and there are many aspects of unity in Islam, such as One Lord, one Book, one Prophet, one religion, one qiblah, one ummah. In order to achieve the unity of the ummah, Islam urges us to adhere to the jamaa’ah (the group which follows the Qur’aan and Sunnah). The Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) explained that the hand of Allaah is with the jamaa’ah, and that whoever deviates from that will be in Hell. Allaah has enjoined coming together for all acts of worship in order to achieve this unity. Allaah addresses the ummah as one group in all rulings to indicate that they are one ummah, like one body. There is no difference between them; the commands and prohibitions are addressed to all. In the context of worship, Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Worship Allaah and join none with Him (in worship) [al-Nisaa’ 4:36] And He enjoins them all to establish regular prayer: “Guard strictly (five obligatory) AsSalawaat (the prayers) especially the middle Salaah (i.e. the best prayer ‘Asr). And stand before Allaah with obedience” [al-Baqarah 2:238] 192

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Concerning zakaah, Allaah commands them all, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): “And perform As-Salaah (Iqaamat-as-Salaah), and give Zakaah” [al-Baqarah 2:43] Concerning fasting, He says (interpretation of the meaning): “O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)” [al-Baqarah 2:183] Concerning Hajj, Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka‘bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allaah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence)” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:97] Concerning jihaad, Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And strive hard in Allaah’s Cause as you ought to strive (with sincerity and with all your efforts that His Name should be superior)” [al-Hajj 22:78] Islam regards all people as equal before the laws of Allaah. Black and white, Arab and non-Arab, male and female, rich and poor – Islam brings them all together and addresses its commands and prohibitions to them all. So whoever obeys Allaah and His Messenger will enter 193

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Paradise and whoever disobeys Allaah and His Messenger will enter Hell, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): “Whosoever does righteous good deed, it is for (the benefit of) his ownself; and whosoever does evil, it is against his ownself. And your Lord is not at all unjust to (His) slaves” [Fussilat 41:46] From Usool al-Deen al-Islami by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem al-Tuwayjri (www.islam-qa.com) 11881: Finding out about the people who visit shameful websites Question: We run an Islamic website. Is it permissible for us to use a questionnaire to find out about the number of visitors to bad and shameful websites so that we may use that information to advise them, and because that might provide useful information to daa’iyahs and reformers? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. If this information will have legitimate shar’i benefits that will help the daa’iyahs and others, and if nothing bad will result from it such as exposing individuals or informing people about bad websites or propagating evil, etc., then there is nothing wrong with doing it. It could help in dealing with some situations. And Allaah knows best. Islam Q&A Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islam-qa.com) 194

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10867: Who are the Wahhaabis and what is their message? Question: i have recently come to islam and people have told me to stay away from wahabis, who are they and wht do they preech? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. It is obligatory upon the Muslim to follow the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), according to the way of the righteous salaf who followed the guidance of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), the Sahaabah and those who followed them – may Allaah be pleased with them all. These people are called Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa’ah (the People of the Sunnah and the Community). Everyone who follows the way brought by the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is one of them. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) brought the message of Tawheed (absolute Oneness of Allaah) and rejection of shirk (polytheism, or association of others with Allaah); he called people to worship Allaah alone and none other. With regard to the word “Wahhaabis”, some people use this word to refer to the message of Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab ibn Sulaymaan al-Tameemi al-Hanbali (may Allaah have mercy on him), and they call him and his followers Wahhaabis. Everyone who has any knowledge of the movement of Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab (may Allaah have mercy on him) and his message knows that he sought to spread the message of pure Tawheed and to warn against shirk in all its forms, such as 195

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attachment to the dead, or to trees and rocks, etc. In his ‘aqeedah (belief), he was following the way of the righteous Salaf and the Taabi’een [i.e., the earliest generations of Islam], as is indicated by his books and fatwas, and the books of his followers among his sons and grandsons and others. All of these books are in print and are in circulation among the people. His message was in accordance with the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Wahhaabism is not a new way or a new school of thought; rather it is a call to Tawheed and the revival of aspects of the religion that had been forgotten. What you have to do is to beware of those who warn you against the Wahhaabis, because they are warning you against following the truth and the early generation of this ummah. Applying the word “Wahhaabis” to those who adhere to correct belief and warning people against them is the way of the ignorant and biased. We ask Allaah to keep you safe and sound. See Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him), 3/1206; see also Question # 12203. And Allaah knows best/ Islam Q&A Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islamqa.com) 10836: Ruling on plays and skits for the purpose of da’wah Question: I would like to know the ruling for skits/dramas/plays for children/teenagers with Islamic content (like ayahs from Qur’an, quotations from Hadith, etc...) I have read your ruling about wearing wigs, false moustaches, etc...(which 196

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is haram) however, I would appreciate a comprehensive answer as many people who have some knowledge of the deen have said skits are allowable for youngsters. I would be much obliged for your early reply as we have a halaqa for young people and may Allah save us from going against the book and the Sunnah.

Answer: Praise be to Allaah. This is one of the issues concerning which the scholars differed; some of them forbid it altogether and some of them permit it, but within the guidelines of sharee’ah. Before we discuss the different views on this matter, we should point out that there is no dispute at all concerning the kind of acting which involves promiscuity and the mixing of men and women, and other kinds of evil actions, which is well-known on the screen. There is no dispute among the scholars concerning the prohibition of such acting. The kind of acting concerning which there is a difference of opinion is that which is done by two or more people in front of a group of others, using actions and dialogue, in order to teach that group something about Islamic worship or morals, or to help them understand reality and the corruption that exists, or to teach them about the glories of the past, or for purposes of entertainment – in which they may present themselves in a way that differs from the way they really are. This kind of acting must be subject to certain guidelines, as follows: 1- Avoiding acting the parts of Prophets, the Sahaabah, shayaateen (devils), kaafirs and animals. Avoiding men playing the parts of women and vice versa. Avoiding acting the parts of unseen beings such as angels. 197

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2- Playing the part of one who mocks Allaah, His signs, His Messenger or any of the rituals of Islam, even if the aim is to teach the people. No one is permitted to act in such a manner, regardless of whether he means it or is joking. 3- Playing any role which involves any kind of speech that is haraam, such as lying or backbiting; or which involves making the clothes too long, etc. 4- Acting out any acts of worship such as wudoo’ or prayer in an incorrect manner which is not that reported in the Sunnah. One should avoid playing the role of evil or immoral characters, or playing the role of the imaams or prominent scholars of the ummah, lest that lead to an undermining of their status. Some of the contemporary scholars said that acting is forbidden altogether; others said that it is permitted so long as it meets certain conditions. Among the latter was Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him). There follows his fatwa on the topic: “Praise be to Allaah the Lord of the Worlds. There is no doubt that calling people to Allaah (da’wah) is an act of worship, as Allaah commands us (interpretation of the meaning): ‘Invite (mankind, O Muhammad) to the way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur’aan) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better” [al-Nahl 16:125] The person who is calling others to Allaah feels, when he is calling them to Allaah, that he is fulfilling the command 198

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of Allaah and drawing closer to Him. Undoubtedly the best way in which he can call people is with the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). For the Book of Allaah is the greatest preaching method that can be used when advising mankind: ‘O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord (i.e. the Qur’aan, enjoining all that is good and forbidding all that is evil), and a healing for that which is in your breasts, — a guidance and a mercy (explaining lawful and unlawful things) for the believers” [Yoonus 10:57 – interpretation of the meaning] The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said likewise: “The best of speech is preaching.” Sometimes he used to preach to his Companions in a manner that they described as “making the heart tremble and the eyes fill with tears.” So if a person can use this means of preaching, undoubtedly this is the best means, i.e., by using the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). But if he thinks that sometimes he can add other permissible methods, using things that Allaah has permitted, there is nothing wrong with that. But this is subject to the condition that these means should not involve anything that is forbidden such as lying or playing the roles of kaafirs, for example, or playing the roles of the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them) or the imaams – the leaders of the Muslims after the Sahaabah – or similar things where there is the fear that this may lead to the people looking down on any of these great imaams… Another of the conditions is that this acting should not involve men imitating women or vice versa, because this is a matter concerning which it is reported that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed those who do it. He cursed 199

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the women who imitate men and the men who imitate women. The point is that if some of these means are used occasionally in order to attract people, and they do not involve anything haraam, I do not think that there is anything wrong with that. But if it is done frequently and is made the only means of calling people to Allaah, and one turns away from calling them with the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), so that the people who are being called cannot be moved by any other means, then I think that this is not right, and in this case it becomes haraam, because directing the people towards anything other than the Qur’aan and Sunnah in matters that have to do with calling people to Allaah is a reprehensible action. But I do not see anything wrong with doing that occasionally, so long as it does not involve anything haraam.” And Allaah knows best. See al-Tamtheel fi’l-Da’wah ila-Allaah by ‘Abd-Allaah Aal Haadi, 11-66-67-102 And Hukm Mumaarasat al-Fann fi’l-Sharee’ah by Saalih al-Ghazaali Islam Q&A Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islam-qa.com) 12203: Advice to those who do not recognize the Salafi scholars and call them Wahhaabis Question: what do you say to those who do not acknowledge (for whatever reason) the scholars of today such as shaikh Uthaymeen, shaykh bin Baaz raheemahullah, shaykh Al200

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Albaani raheemahullah? a few call them wahabi and say that these scholars follow a new sect rather than the universal deen of al-Islam that was followed by all the major scholars of the past. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. The Muslim is obliged to accept the teachings of Islam, and act upon them. When he hears of some word or deed which is based on evidence (daleel) from the Qur’aan or Sunnah, then he has to accept it and give it priority over anything else. He should check what people say against the evidence of sharee’ah, and only accept those views which are in accordance with that evidence. It is known that Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abd Al-Wahhaab (may Allaah have mercy on him) called people to Tawheed and he wrote his famous book on that topic which is called Kitaab al-Tawheed. In this book he limited himself to quoting only the clear evidence from the verses of the Qur’aan and the saheeh ahaadeeth of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Commentaries on this book were written by his grandson ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn Hasan and other scholars. Hence none of his opponents can refute this book or claim that his evidence is false. They fabricated lies and believed them, so they believed that he was misguided. They gave the same label to the scholars of the Muslims such as Shaykh Ibn Baaz and Shaykh al-Albaani (may Allaah have mercy on them both). It is known that the shaykhs whom we have mentioned did not deviate from the correct view with regard to beliefs and actions; they followed the same path as the Sahaabah and Taabi’een, the four imaams, the authors of the Six Books and others. Those who do not acknowledge them do that either out of ignorance, blind imitation of others, jealousy, stubbornness or following their own whims and 201

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desires, or adherence to traditions, bid’ah (innovation) and evil actions that go against the evidence (of sharee’ah). Earlier and later scholars have proven such people to be wrong. So we must follow the evidence and give it priority over the views of all people. Shaykh Ibn Jibreen (www.islam-qa.com) 9403: How to make people aware of the world around them through Friday khutbahs Question: We as Friday khateebs are faced with criticism from some of our close friends and from the people at large, when we address different religious topics and other matters which deal with the situation of the ummah. One person likes this topic and another does not, and they are divided into those who agree with the khutbah and those who are opposed. How should the good khateeb be, and what are your guidelines as to the best way of making the people aware through the minbar and connecting them to their religion? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. The good khateeb is the one who says something from which those present can benefit, no matter what their level is, whether they are common folk or educated or wellread or youngsters or elderly. In order to achieve that, the khateeb will be faced with some difficulties in choosing the right expressions and topics to benefit everyone, but with practice and experience, he will be able to achieve that and get acceptable results. 202

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The good khateeb is the one who is concerned with teaching the people about their religion and explaining the basic principles of sharee’ah, explaining the holistic matters and giving more details of matters of ‘aqeedah and fiqh and other issues which the people need to know. The good khateeb is the one who makes the most of events which Allaah decrees should come to pass, so he refers to them and talks about them from an Islamic point of view, in the light of the Qur’aan and Sunnah. He uses this important means of education to teach the people, i.e., education by means of events. This is a method which we see in the verses of Soorat Aal ‘Imraan, which comment on the battle of Uhud, where Allaah mentions the great lessons to be learned from the events of that campaign. The good khateeb is the one who combines mention of the views of the earlier and later scholars, with mention of the dangers and events faced by the Muslim ummah. The good khateeb is one who offers variety in his khutbahs. So sometimes he speaks of matters of Tawheed, and sometimes he warns against different kinds of shirk, or he calls people to follow the Sunnah and avoid bid’ah and its dangers, or he explains some matters of fiqh which the people need to know, or he discusses the events that the ummah is facing in the light of the Qur’aan and Sunnah and the words of the scholars, and so on. At the same time, his khutbahs must also soften people’s hearts and remind them of Allaah and the Last Day, because that is one of the main aims of the khutbah. In conclusion, if the khateeb achieves a balanced and wise approach, then no one has the right to object to him. And Allaah is the Source of strength. Islam Q&A Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islam-qa.com) 203

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5273: Which should come first – establishing the khilaafah or teaching the religion? Question: My question is regarding the Islamic political sysytem >What is our priority in the present situation when we don’t have a Khalifa: Do we educate people of Islam first before establishing an Islamic state or do we establish the State first? Or do they go hand in hand? What is the majority of the scholars say about it? Or what is the most correct opinion Answer: Praise be to Allaah. What is required of every Muslim is to practise the religion of Allaah as much as he is able to. The imaamah (Islamic political leadership) has been prescribed for the purpose of establishing the religion of Allaah. No one should think that the fact that there is no imaam at any given time in any given country means that we can be negligent and introverted and not practise or establish any aspect of the religion. Among the people of misguidance during this age and at other times there are those who say that we do not need to establish any of the symbols of Islam until a khaleefah has been appointed over the Muslims and the Islamic state has been established. This is one of the worst kinds of misguidance, and believing this leads to abandoning Jumu’ah prayers, prayer in jamaa’ah, Hajj, jihaad, collecting zakaah, prayer for rain (istisqaa’), Eid prayers, appointing imaams for mosques, calling the adhaan and other things, which amounts to cancelling the rulings of Islam. What do the people who say this have to say about the aayah (interpretation of the meaning): “So keep your duty to Allaah and fear Him as much as you 204

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can” [al-Taghaabun 64:16]? What do they have to say about the hadeeth, “Whatever I command you to do, do as much of it as you can”? It is obligatory to take care of all matters of religion, starting with the most important, then the next most important, so we should study the religion of Allaah, the most important aspect of which is knowledge of the teaching of Tawheed, then establishing the symbols and rituals of Islam and the other duties. No doubt occupying oneself with these things is the most important thing, and each person should do everything that he is able to do. There cannot be an Islamic state without proper understanding of the religion and achieving eemaan (faith) and Tawheed, and ridding ourselves of shirk, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Allaah has promised those among you who believe and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the land, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practise their religion which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islam). And He will surely, give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me” [al-Noor 24:55]. The Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) stayed in Makkah for thirteen years, calling people to Allaah and teaching Tawheed and ‘Aqeedah, reciting the Revelation to them, debating to the kuffaar with in the best manner, bearing their persecution with patience, as well as praying and establishing the acts of worship which had been prescribed at that time. He did not forgo teaching the religion, although the Islamic state had not been established in Makkah at that time. Moreover, how can an Islamic state be established without an ideological foundation and a society of Muslims who been educated 205

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in the religion and have learned it thoroughly? He spoke the truth who said: Establish the Islamic state in yourselves, and it will be established for you in your land. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad. Islam Q&A Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islamqa.com) 1973: Ruling on giving flowers to the sick Question: We wish to ask you about a phenomenon that has started to increase in the hospitals, which is alien to the Muslims societies and has come to us from the kaafir western societies. This is the giving of flowers to the sick, which are bought for a high price. What is your opinion of this custom? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. Undoubtedly there is no benefit in these flowers and no purpose in them. They do not heal the sick person or reduce his pain or bring him good health or ward off diseases. They are merely a manufactured image of flowering plants made by hand or by machine, and sold at a high price from which the manufacturers make a profit and the purchasers lose out. This is no more than blind imitation of the west, without the slightest pause for thought. These flowers are bought for a high price, and they stay with the sick person for an hour or two, or a day or two, then they are thrown out with the trash. It would 206

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be better to keep the money and use it for something that will serve a purpose in some worldly or religious sense. Anyone who sees people buying or selling these flowers should rebuke him for doing so, in the hope that he might repent and forego this transaction which leads to nothing but loss. Al-Lu’lu’ al-Makeen min Fataawaa al-Shaykh ibn Jibreen, p. 58 (www.islam-qa.com) 7418: Ruling on choosing specific times for encouraging good attitudes Question: Nowadays in the schools there are events called “Multiplication Festival” or “Division Festival” or “Subtraction Festival”, and so on, or “Festival of the Human Body” – using the word “Mahrajaan” for “Festival” in Arabic. These events may last for a day, or three days, or a week, during which the topic in question is discussed and explored. Some Islamic schools want to use this idea for Islamic purposes, so they might say for example, “Festival of Sincerity” so that for three days all topics on the radio and in the classrooms will deal with sincerity. They could also do “Festivals” on the topics of prayer or wudoo’, without specifying that this should be at a particular time of year. Is this allowed in Islam? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. We put this question to Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen, may Allaah preserve him, who answered as follows: 207

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There is nothing wrong with that, it is permissible, as it serves to motivate people. Question: Even though the word Mahrajaan is a Persian word which means a festival? Answer: But the people are not taking it as a festival, it is just an occasion to motivate people and teach them about this thing. Question: Should we stipulate the condition that this event should not be held at the same time each year? Answer: Yes. Question: So that it does not become an Eid or religious festival? Answer: (Yes), so that it does not become like an Eid or festival. See Questions # 1130 and 3325. If we Muslims hold events like this we should be careful to avoid using the word Mahrajaan so that people will not confuse them with the festivals of the Mushrikeen, even in name. Mahrajaan is one of the festivals of the Majoos (Zoroastrians) and kuffaar who worship fire. The word Mahrajaan is composed of “mahar” meaning loyalty and “jaan” meaning power, so the whole word means, the 208

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power of loyalty. The origin of this festival is the celebration of the victory of the king Afridoon. It was also said that it was a celebration of the onset of the moderate weather of autumn. It could be that what we mentioned above (the king’s victory) coincided with the onset of the moderate weather of autumn and they continued to celebrate it. It is celebrated on October 26 in the ancient Syriac calendar. The festival lasts for six days, and the sixth day is al-Mahrajaan al-Kabeer (the Great Mahrajaan). On this date and on Nawrooz (Persian New Year) they used to exchange gifts of musk, amber, al’ood al-hindi (a kind of perfume or incense), saffron and camphor. The Rightly-Guided Khaleefah ‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Azeez (may Allaah have mercy on him) abolished this festival when some of the Muslims celebrated it. One of the problems affecting the Muslims nowadays is the use of the word Mahrajaan to describe many economic, cultural and social gatherings, celebrations and events, even those that are held for the purposes of da’wah. They call their events things like “Mahrajaan al-Thaqaafah (cultural festival”, “Mahrajaan al-Tasawwuq (shopping festival)”, Mahrajaan al-Kutub (book festival), Mahrajaan al-Da’wah (daw’ah festival). We see so many advertisements and hear many expressions starting with this idolatrous expression Mahrajaan which is the festival of the fire-worshippers. (Reference: from the article A’yaad al-Kuffaar wa mawqif al-Muslim minhaa (The festivals of the Kuffaar and the Muslim’s attitude towards them), al-Bayaan magazine, no. 143). Islam Q&A Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islam-qa.com) 209

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3263: Does having only a little knowledge prevent one from reading to people from a book in the mosque? Question: Assalamu ‘Alaikum, At the Iocal Masjid, which is the only masjid in the area, myself and other brothers try to educate the members of the community by have lectures. Since we are not extremely knowledgeable, we basicly read from the various works of the shaikhs. The leadership(Imaam and President) do not do anything to educate the muslims here, and when we try to hold our little classes, they get angry. We basically read directly from the books with minimum comments. The books are from those Shaikhs who adhere to the principles of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Juma’ah(Insh Allaah). My question is, are we wrong in our methods and What is your advice on dealing with the situation where the leadership opposes Authentic Education of the community? Jazzakallaahu Khairun Answer: Praise be to Allaah. May Allaah reward you for the efforts you are making to fulfil the duty of teaching your Muslim brothers. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah and the angels, and even the ant in its nest and the whale in the sea will pray for the one who teaches 210

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people good things.” (Reported by al-Tabaraani from Abu Umaamah; see Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1838). Your reading to the people from the books of the scholars is very good for you and for them, so keep doing that. What we advise is that a person should not speak about things of which he has no knowledge, either by commenting on the book or by answering questions. If he does not know something, he should say, “Allaah knows best.” He should also avoid speaking about topics he is unsure of, and should stick to things he is certain about. You are filling an important gap in the Muslim community, and for every good deed to which you call and guide others – sincerely for the sake of Allaah – you will receive a reward for da’wah and teaching others, as well as a reward equivalent to that of those who act upon what they have learned from you, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever calls others to right guidance will have a reward like the rewards of those who follow it, without it detracting in the least from their rewards.” (Reported by Muslim, 4831). Remind your imaam of his duties as much as you can. We ask Allaah to help us and you to obey Him and to do that which pleases Him. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad. Islam Q&A Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islamqa.com)

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