The Aqeedah and Manhaj of AhlusSunnah wal Jamah

AbdurRahman.Org

Islamic Knowledge – Islam, Sunnah, Salafiyyah

Month: June 2011

Repenting from all sins but keeping the ill-gotten money (like in the case of new Muslim) – Permanent Committee

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by

Repenting from all sins but keeping the ill-gotten money

Q 6: A person used to abandon Salah (prayer), drink alcohol and commit vile deeds. He has a lot of ill-gotten money. He then turned to Allah with sincere repentance with regard to all the sins mentioned above except the ill-gotten money. Should he get rid of such ill-gotten money? Or will he be treated like a new Muslim who is not asked about the source of his wealth?

A: on turning to Allah with sincere repentance with regards to the ill-gotten money, it is obligatory for one to get rid of such evil money. In case he is not able to define the ill-gotten money, he can give out what he thinks to clear himself from such guilt. This is to be followed if his sins have not caused him to leave Islam.

On committing sins that make a person leave Islam such as the abandonment of Salah, according to the most preponderant opinion of scholars, even if such a person does not deny its obligation, repentance can be realized by performing Salah and embracing Islam again. This is because Islam wipes out all that has gone before it. Also, one is not obliged to get rid of the money he got before adopting Islam. This is because Allay (Exalted be He) says about the disbelievers, Say to those who have disbelieved, if they cease (from disbelief), their past will be forgiven. As mentioned in the Sahih (Authentic Book of Hadith), the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Islam wipes out all that has gone before it (previous misdeeds). And penitence also wipes out all that has gone before it.

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

Member     Member     Deputy Chairman     Chairman
Bakr Abu Zayd     Salih Al-Fawzan     `Abdul-`Aziz Al Al-Shaykh     `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz

Source : alifta.com

Gradation in conveying Islam – Permanent Committee

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by

Q 4: Has the gradual communication of the Islamic legislation ended by the completion of delivering the Message? Is it permissible for a Da`y (caller to Islam) to tell a new Muslim about the commands and the prohibitions of Islam gradually, so that they are not shocked?

A: It is permissible to convey the Message of Islam to others gradually, acting upon the Hadith of Mu`adh when he was sent by the Prophet (peace be upon him) to Yemen. The Six Hadith Compilers (Al-Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Al-Tirmidhy, Al-Nasa’y, and Ibn Majah) reported from Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) told Mu`adh ibn Jabal when he sent him to Yemen: You are going to people of a (Divine) Book. So when you come to them call them to testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. If they obey you in that, inform them that Allah has enjoined on them five Salahs (to be offered) in every day and night. If they obey you in that, inform them that Allah has enjoined on them Sadaqah (obligatory charity) to be taken from the rich among them and given to the poor among them. If they obey you in that, beware (not to take as obligatory charity) their precious property! And fear the supplication of a wronged person, for there is no barrier between them and Allah.

As for Islamic legislation, it has come to an end by the death of the Prophet (peace be upon him), as Allah (Exalted be He) says: This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islâm as your religion.

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

Deputy Chairman     Chairman
`Abdul-Razzaq `Afify     `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz

Source: alifta.com

The correct way to teach and guide a new Muslim – Fatwas of Nur Ala Al-Darb

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by

Q: Some people hasten to explain some matters to new Muslims, some of these matters may be minor details, for example, wearing the complete Hijab (veil) for women and growing a beard for men and circumcision and other such matters. Can you comment on this subject?

A: These are minor details, if they are clarified at the beginning, there is nothing wrong with that, and if they are delayed to a later time, there is also nothing wrong with that. The most important thing is to explain the basics of the religion so that the person can enter Islam. As for subsidiary matters like shaving the beard or shortening it, or wearing Hijab, or circumcision and the like, these should better be delayed to a later time so that the person is not repelled or discouraged and just to teach them the foundations of Islam first and its great pillars. After they embrace Islam, they can be encouraged to perform the rest of the practices of Islam.

Source : Fatwas of Nur `Ala Al-Darb

New Muslim Reciteing Surah Al-Fatihah and some Ayahs during Ruku` or Sujud instead of Tasbih! – Permanent Committee

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by

Do not recite Surah Al-Fatihah during Ruku` or Sujud instead of Tasbih!

Q4: Is it permissible for a new Muslim to recite Surah Al-Fatihah and some Ayahs (Qur’anic verses) instead of the obligatory Tasbihs (glorifications of Allah) and Du`a’ (supplications) that are obligatory in Salah (Prayer) or is there anything else that can be said instead, because this is difficult at the beginning?

A: A new Muslim should recite the Qur’an and Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah) in the correct places during Salah as soon as they can, as Allah says: Allâh burdens not a person beyond his scope. However, they should not recite Surah Al-Fatihah while in Ruku` (bowing) or Sujud (prostration) instead of Tasbih.

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

Member     Deputy Chairman     Chairman
`Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan     `Abdul-Razzaq `Afify     `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz

Source : http://alifta.com

Circumcision for new convert – is it Sunnah or Obligation? – Permanent Committee

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by

Q: On our visit to Uganda, we noticed that some Christians bring their children to embrace Islam in an orphanage for newly converted Muslims. When the parents were asked why they themselves do not embrace Islam, their answer was that they fear being circumcised. What is the opinion of Your Eminence concerning this?

A:

It is not necessary to demand that they be circumcised, if they fear that, for this is Sunnah (action following the teachings of the Prophet) and not an obligatory action, according to the majority of scholars. Those who maintain that circumcision is obligatory restrict it to situations where there are no fears for the circumcised person’s safety.

If this fear of circumcision prevents those Christians from embracing Islam, they should not be asked to do it at the time of embracing Islam. When Islam becomes firm in their hearts, this matter can be reconsidered.

May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

Member     Member     Member     Member     Deputy Chairman     Chairman
Bakr Abu Zayd     `Abdul-`Aziz Al Al-Shaykh     Salih Al-Fawzan     `Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan     `Abdul-Razzaq `Afify     `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz

Source : alifta.com

Obligation of a Kafir woman who enters Islam informing her husband – Permanent Committee

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by

Question: An Indonesian Christian woman who had come to Berlin, in West Germany, for a special task she is entrusted with by the government of Indonesia, converted to Islam. The woman belongs to an influential family which has good connections with President Suharto. Moreover, her husband is an official in the Indonesian Ministry of Defense and Security. In Sha’a Allah (If Allah wills), through her conversion to Islam, being an intellectual and influential woman, she will prove to be useful to Islam and Muslims. However, the dilemma is that her husband is a Christian bigot and thus she cannot declare her conversion to Islam. Until now, no one knows about her conversion except us (7 people only). Nevertheless, she intends to tell her husband and children about her conversion to Islam in her own way so that she can call them to Islam. Your Eminence Shaykh, I do not know what to do in this regard knowing that Allah prohibited that a Muslim woman be married to a non-Muslim man and that such a woman has to leave her husband immediately after her conversion to Islam. On account of her being a new convert to Islam, I do not think she can enforce such an Islamic ruling and I fear that she may go back to disbelief. Furthermore, she does not belong to an ordinary family. Had she belonged to an ordinary family, leaving the husband would have been easy. Therefore, I ask you about the issue and want, if possible, a fatwa from Shaykh Ibn Baz. May I postpone ordering her to leave her non-Muslim husband until her belief gets stronger? Or, what should I tell her?

Answer:

She has to tell her husband about her conversion to Islam and that she is now prohibited to be his wife until he embraces Islam.

If he embraces Islam while she is in her `Iddah (waiting period), she will remain his wife without the need to contract marriage anew.

However, if he converts to Islam after the `Iddah is over, he may marry her anew through a new marriage contract provided that she shows her consent and all Shar`y (Islamic legal) conditions are met.

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

Member     Member     Deputy Chairman     Chairman
`Abdullah ibn Qa`ud     `Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan     `Abdul-Razzaq `Afify     `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz

Source : alifta.com

Giving a Mus-haf to the Kafir after entering Islam – Permanent Committee

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by

Q: One of my Non-Muslim workers has converted to Islam. A few hours later, he asked for a Mus-haf and a translation to read. After a few days, he asked to go and perform `Umrah (lesser pilgrimage). My question is: Should I let him touch the Mus-haf and travel to Allah’s Sacred Land, or wait a year or more until he becomes a true Muslim, and I am sure that has sincerely embraced Islam?

A: If you are sure concerning his Islam, it is permissible for you to give him a Mus-haf to read and accompany him to perform Hajj or `Umrah. You will be rewarded for this Insha’a Allah, for the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: “Whoever calls others to follow guidance, their reward will be equivalent to those who shall follow them (in righteousness)” And Allah helps His servant as long as the servant helps their fellow brothers .

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

Member     Member     Member     Deputy Chairman     Chairman
Bakr Abu Zayd     Salih Al-Fawzan     `Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan     `Abdul-`Aziz Al Al-Shaykh     `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz

Source: alifta.com

A Muslimah preserving her religion in Japan – Permanent Committee

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by

Q: Thanks to Allah, some Japanese women accepted Islam. They began to struggle with the atheist Japanese society that prefers disbelief and distorted Christianity to Islam. Indeed, there are no obligations in the distorted Christianity, so a person may drink Khamr (intoxicant), eat pork, have girl friends, and at the same time be a Christian who believes in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. On the other hanzd, a new Muslim has to stand out and become different from non-Muslims and keeps away from their society and gatherings when it comes to `Aqidah (creed); so they become subject to be ostracized and regarded as insane.Non-Muslims may even isolate new Muslim converts and deny them work. They cannot accept them as fellow Japanese while seeing them do what they deem as awful offense i.e. becoming Muslims, abandoning non-Muslim parties, Khamr, pork, and praying to Allah, the God that such non-Muslim people deny as the true Lord?

The problems the girls face are even worse, as they are weaker and usually depend on work to support themselves or on their non-Muslim families to support them.

Among the various problems the Muslim women face is the observation of the religious obligations e.g. wearing the Hijab (veil). Many times, a woman is prevented from wearing Hijab and offering Salah (Prayer) at her workplace. as she cannot pray on time, she makes up for the missed prayers together lest she should be fired from work; her only source to earn her living, as she lives apart from her non-Muslim family.

Another problem a Muslim young woman may face is her inability to fast Ramadan when she hides her Islam from her family, especially her strict Christian mother. This mother prefers that her daughter becomes a disbeliever to becoming a Muslim. This girl studies at the university and her family supports her.She lives, eats, and drinks with them in the same house. This might lead her to committing many prohibitions. She cannot fast Ramadan, as this will be strange to her family. If they know of her conversion, they might harm and prevent her from continuing her education which will be her only way to earn her living in the future. A third problem a new Japanese Muslim may face is when his wife and children remain non-Muslims and he does not know what to do about them.

We would like to ask your Eminence the following questions:
1. What should a Muslim woman do in such circumstances in Japan?
2. What should this Muslim man do with his non-Muslim wife and children? Is his disbelieving wife still lawful to him?
3. Is Salah (Prayer) offered by a woman outside her house and in public places while sitting behind a screen to cover her `Awrah (private parts of the body that must be covered in public) valid? May Allah reward you with the best!

A: Firstly, anyone who reverts to Islam and conceals it lest they should be harmed need to indirectly show the merits of Islam to people they fear from without makingtheir reversion known. They should invoke Allah (Exalted be He) to guide them, perhaps Allah will guide them to accept Islam. This would ward off their evil. If they are not guided and are expected to harm the person, or the country does not allow the practicing of the Islamic rites, then this person should migrate to muslim lands, if possible. Allah (Exalted be He) says, He who emigrates (from his home) in the Cause of Allâh, will find on earth many dwelling places and plenty to live by. i.e. they should find another place away from the place they detest, a way out from deviation to guidance, from distress to relief, and from poverty to welfare.

A weak person who can not migrate is excused as they are prevented from immigration or due to being a woman. Allah (Exalted be He) says, Verily! As for those whom the angels take (in death) while they are wronging themselves (as they stayed among the disbelievers even though emigration was obligatory for them), they (angels) say (to them): “In what (condition) were you?” They reply: “We were weak and oppressed on the earth.” They (angels) say: “Was not the earth of Allâh spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?” Such men will find their abode in Hell – What an evil destination! Except the weak ones among men, women and children who cannot devise a plan, nor are they able to direct their way. These are they whom Allâh is likely to forgive them, and Allâh is Ever Oft-Pardoning, Oft-Forgiving. These Ayahs (Qur’anic verses) mean that the weak people are not able to develop plans, spend, and direct their way if they migrate.

Secondly, a weak woman should be in contact with the Islamic centers in her country, as they might help her. Otherwise, she should be patient and wait for a way out. She should invoke Him (Exalted be He) to facilitate her affairs. She will be rewarded In sha’a-Allah (if Allah wills). She should abide by the teachings, rulings, and obligatory acts of Islam as much as she can for Allah (Glorified be He) says, So keep your duty to Allâh and fear Him as much as you can The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, If I order you to do something, do as much of it as you can. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim agreed upon its authenticity.)

Thirdly, when a man converts to Islam but his wife remains in disbelief, it is permissible for him to keep her, if she is from the People of the Book (a Christian or a Jew),since the basic ruling is that it is permissible for a Muslim to marry chaste women of the People of the Book. Allah (Exalted be He) says, Made lawful to you this day are At-Tayyibât [all kinds of Halâl (lawful) foods, which Allâh has made lawful (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, milk products, fats, vegetables and fruits)]. The food (slaughtered cattle, eatable animals) of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) is lawful to you and yours is lawful to them. (Lawful to you in marriage) are chaste women from the believers and chaste women from those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) before your time

However, it is not permissible for him to stay with her if she is not from the people of the Book. Allah says, Likewise hold not the disbelieving women as wives.

On the other hand, if a woman converts to Islam while her husband remains a disbeliever, she becomes unlawful to him for Allah says, O you who believe! When believing women come to you as emigrants, examine them; Allâh knows best as to their Faith, then if you ascertain that they are true believers send them not back to the disbelievers. They are not lawful (wives) for the disbelievers nor are the disbelievers lawful (husbands) for them.

If she is forced to stay with him, she should be patientuntil she finds a way out and there is no harm on her as the early Muslim women did. Zaynab (may Allah be pleased with her) the daughter of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stayed with her husband Abu Al-`As ibn Al-Rabi`, after she converted to Islam, before he converted to Islam. The Prophet (peace be upon him) did not separate them. When she followed the Prophet (peace be upon him) to Madinah, their marriage was annulled. However, the Prophet (peace be upon him) gave her back to him after he became a Muslim.

Fourthly, as for the children, they should follow the best religion of their parents. If one of the parents embraces Islam, all the minor children will be Muslims, as children follow the best religion of their parents.

Fifthly, a woman should cover before any Ajnaby (man lawful for the woman to marry). She should stay away from anything that shows her adornment, stay at her house, and she should not leave it except out of necessity and in such a case she should dress modestly. If the time of Salah is due while she is out of her house, she has to offer it in a place away from men. The excuse mentioned in the question does not exempt her from standing while offering Salah, because standing is a pillar of Salah for anyone who is able to.

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

Member     Member     Member     Member     Chairman
Bakr Abu Zayd     `Abdul-`Aziz Al Al-Shaykh     Salih Al-Fawzan     `Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan     `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz

Source: alifta.com

There is no blame on having a document that proves that one has embraced Islam if there is a need for that – Permanent Committee

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by

Q: People who embrace Islam in Europe are given written certificates by the Islamic institutions to prove that they are Muslims. Such certificates had never been given to Muslims throughout the history of Islam. Is not the witnessing of two just Muslims and the testimony of the new Muslim himself sufficient? Is not this written certificate a Bid’ah (rejected innovation in religion)?

A: A Muslim does not need such a certificate to prove his faith before Allah; however, it may be required by people to settle some matters. Thus, a person is required to state their religion on their identity card, passport, family records, and birth certificate. They sometimes might not be able to prove that they are Muslims, as when one travels to a country where he knows no one, or if a person dies abroad. In this case, a person is identified by their passport, identity card, or these other certificates, as it is usually too difficult to prove [that a person is a Muslim] in such cases.

Thus, there is no harm in this certificate. Although it is an innovation, it is not a Bid’ah related to religion; the prohibited Bid’ah is only that related to religion, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, Whoever introduces a practice into this affair of ours that is not of it, it is to be rejected. He thus clarified that the rejected Bida’s are those innovated in matters of religion.

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

Member     Member     Deputy Chairman     Chairman
`Abdullah ibn Qa`ud     `Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan     `Abdul-Razzaq `Afify     `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz

Source : alifta.com

Period between being convinced about Islam and officially declaring it – Permanent Committee

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by

Q3: Does a new Muslim have to perform the obligations that are prescribed for Muslims in the period between being convinced about Islam and officially declaring it?

A: When someone accepts Islam, they are obligated to gradually learn what is legislated for them, according to their ability, and to act upon this from the time they are convinced about Islam.

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

Member     Deputy Chairman     Chairman
`Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan     `Abdul-Razzaq `Afify     `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz

Source : alifta.com

The ruling on Ghusl and circumcision for those who embrace Islam – Permanent Committee

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by

Q 1: A Christian couple came to me and showed interest to embrace Islam, I requested them to perform Ghusl (ritual bath), to pronounce Shahadah (Testimony of Faith) in consent, and to get circumcised. Is what I did correct? Please provide in writing the statements of Salaf (Righteous Predecessors) in this regard and the procedures the new converts are advised to follow at the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

A: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to call the disbelievers to Islam by asking them to testify that there is no deity [worthy of worship] but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. If they accepted this, the Prophet (peace be upon him) would ask them to apply the rest of the tenets of Shari`ah depending on the circumstances and the importance of these tenets. Among the reports mentioned in this regard is the one narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim from Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) that when the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) sent Mu`adh to Yemen (as governor) the Prophet said to him, “You will reach a community of the People of the Book, the very first thing to which you should call them is to testify that there is god but Allah. Another wording is, First call them to Tawhid (monotheism), and if they accept this, then tell them that Allah has enjoined upon them five prayers during the day and the night. If they accept it, then tell them that Allah has made Zakah obligatory on them; it should be collected from the rich and distributed among the poor. If they agree to it, do not take (as a share of Zakah) the best of their wealth. Beware of the supplication of the oppressed for there is no barrier between him and Allah.

Moreover, it was narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim from Sahl ibn Sa`d Al-Sa`idy The Prophet (peace be upon him) said to `Aly (may Allah be pleased with him) when he handed him the banner on the day of Khaybar, “Go to them patiently and calmly until you enter the land. Then, invite them to Islam, and inform them of what has been enjoined upon them; by Allah, if He gives guidance to somebody through you, it is better for you than possessing red (precious) camels.” Another wording is, Invite them to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Messenger of Allah.

The Salaf disputed over the necessity of Ghusl for new Muslim converts.Among the scholars who believed it was obligatory were Malik, Ahmad, and Abu Thawr (may Allah be merciful with them) because of the report related by Abu Dawud and Al-Nasa’y from Qays ibn `Asim (may Allah be pleased with him), who said, I came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) with the intention of embracing Islam. He commanded me to perform Ghusl with water (boiled with) the leaves of the lote-tree. Using the verb “commanded’ implies the obligation of this act.

On the other hand, Al-Shafi`y and some Hanbaly scholars stated that this act is Mustahab (desirable) unless the new Muslim convert becomes Junub (in a state of major ritual impurity) shortly before converting to Islam, in which case they are obliged to perform Ghusl. Abu Hanifah stated that a new Muslim convert is not obliged to perform Ghusl in all cases. Therefore, the couple mentioned above may perform Ghusl on the basis the cited Hadith, as well as other similar Hadith.

With regard to circumcision, it is obligatory for men but only recommended for women. However, it could be delayed until Islam is firmly established in their hearts, lest it should induce their aversion to Islam.

On the basis of the above-mentioned points, all that you required the couple to do who newly converted to Islam is correct. May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

Member                      Member                      Deputy Chairman          Chairman
`Abdullah ibn Qa`ud     `Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan     `Abdul-Razzaq `Afify     `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz

Internet Source : http://alifta.com/

The ruling on changing one‎s name after accepting Islam – Ibn Baaz

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by

Question:

“Is it obligatory upon new Muslims to change their previous names such as George, Joseph, and others?”

Answer:

“It is not obligatory to change the name unless it means worshipping other than Allah. However, changing one‎s name to something better is permissible. Accordingly, changing one‎s name from a foreign name to an Islamic name is proper and good, but as to whether it is obligatory, no it is not.

But if a person‎s name is Abd Al-Masih (slave of the Messiah) or similar names that indicate servitude to other than Allah, it becomes obligatory to change it. It falls under the ruling of worshipping other than Allah by the Ijma‎ (consensus) of scholars as reported by Abu Muhammad ibn Hazm (may Allah be merciful to him). Allah is the Grantor of success.

Answered by Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez bin Baaz
Reference: Volume 4, question 3.
www.alifta.com

 

Eating collectively from a single plate – Shaykh Ibn al-’Uthaymeen

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by

Al-Wahshiyyi ibn Harb radiallaahu ‘anhu related that some of the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:

O Messenger of Allaah! We eat, but do not become satisfied.

So he said to them: “Perhaps you eat separately?”

So they replied: Yes.

So he said: “Eat your food collectively, mention the Name of Allaah upon it, then there will be blessings for you in it.”[1]

Shaykh Ibn al-‘Uthaymeen said:

“This indicates that it is essential to eat collectively from a single plate. So if there are five or ten people, they should eat collectively from a single dish, depending upon the situation. Indeed, doing so is a cause for barakah (blessings) to descend, whilst eating separately is a cause for barakah to depart.”[2]

[1] Hasan: Related by Abu Daawood (no.3764). It was authenticated by al-Haafidh al-‘lraaqee in his Takhreejul-lhyaa (214).
[2] Sharh Riyaadhus-Saaliheen (7/231) of Ibn al-‘Uthaymeen.

Source for the above: Al-Istiqaamah Newsletter, Shawwaal 1418H / February 1998 ,Issue No.8

The following is taken from Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen – Chapter 107 :

745. `Abdullah bin Busr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) had a large bowl called Al-Gharra’, which would be carried by four men. One day, when the Companions finished their Duha (forenoon optional) prayer, Al-Gharra’ was brought full of sopped bread, meat and broth, and they sat down around it. When their number increased, Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) sat down on his knees and rested on the soles of his feet. A bedouin said to him: “What sort of sitting is that?” Thereupon Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Verily, Allah has made me a courteous slave not a fierce tyrant.” Then he said, “Eat from the sides of the bowl and leave the central part of it so that your food will be blessed.” [Abu Dawud].

Dua during Sujud for worldly matters – Shaykh Abdil-‘Azeez Aali Shaikh

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by

Du`a’ during Sujud for worldly matters

Q: Is it permissible to supplicate during Sujud (prostration) for worldly matters?

A: The Sunnah (supererogatory act of worship following the example of the Prophet) for the praying person is to start Sujud with the Adhkar (invocations) reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him): “Subhana Rabbiya Al-A`la (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High)” ten times as this is the perfect number of glorification. Scholars maintain that the less perfect number of glorification is three time, and what is sufficient is one time.

This is supported by the evidence reported by the Five Compilers of Hadith (Imams Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Al-Tirmidhy, Al-Nasa’y, and Ibn Majah) save Al-Tirmidhy on the authority of Hudhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him) in the Hadith about his Salah (Prayer) with the Prophet (peace be upon him) at night, in which he said: I offered Salah along with the Prophet (peace be upon him). In his Ruku` (bowing), he would say: “Subhana Rabbiya Al-`Azhim (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great),” and in his Sujud, he would say: “Subhana Rabbiya Al-A`la.” It was reported on the authority of `Uqbah ibn `Amir that he said: When the Ayah (Qur’anic verse) Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High, was revealed, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Make it in your Sujud.”

The evidence that the perfect number of glorification is ten times is what was reported by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, and Al-Nasa’y from Sa`id ibn Jubayr on the authority of Anas that he said: After the Messenger’s (peace be upon him) passing away, I have not prayed behind anyone whose Salah is more similar to the Messenger’s Salah (peace be upon him) than this boy, meaning `Umar ibn `Abdul-`Aziz. We estimated the number of the glorifications that he made during his Ruku` to be ten and in his Sujud also to be ten.

However, if – after that – a person adds a Du`a’ Ma’thur (supplication based on transmitted reports) or Adhkar prescribed in Sujud, this is good.

This includes saying:

“Subbuhun quddusun Rabbul-mala’ikati war-ruh (Glorified, Holy, Lord of the Angels and the Ruh (Gabriel)”,

“Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika. Allahumma ighfir li (Glory be to You, O Allah, our Lord, and praise be to You, O Allah, forgive me)”,

“Allahumma ighfir li dhanbi kullahu, diqqahu wa-jillahu, wa-awwalahu wa-akhirahu, wa-`alaniyatahu wa-sirrahu (O Allah forgive me all my sins, slight and grave, first and last, open and secret thereof).”

It is permissible for people to ask their Lord for whatever they need, as asking Allah and humiliating oneself to Him is in conformity with the meaning of Al-Uluhiyyah (Allah’s Exclusive Right to be worshipped) and answering the seekers accords with the meaning of Al-Rububiyyah (Oneness of Allah’s Lordship). Whenever a person perceives this, the light of Tawhid (belief in the Oneness of Allah/monotheism) and Iman (faith/belief) will fill their hearts and they will resort to their Lord in all their worldly and religious affairs. In this case, a person is given glad tidings and should hope for the best.

Sujud is a position where Du`a’ (supplication) is more likely to be answered, for the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: As for Sujud, strive hard in Du`a’ therein because it is more likely that your Du`a’ will be answered.

Fatwas by His Eminence Shaykh `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah Al Al-Shaykh 

Source : http://alifta.net

Ruling on invalidation of Wudu upon touching the private parts – alifta

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by

Q: Someone from Al-Sharqiyyah governorate, the Arab Republic of Egypt, asks: If a man touches his private parts or the private parts of one of his children, or if the mother touches the private parts of one of her children, must they renew their Wudu’ (ablution)?

A: Yes, if a man touches the private parts without a barrier; namely, the skin of the hand touches the skin of the private part, penis or anus, his ablution will be nullified. Similarly, if a woman touches her private parts or the private parts of her children, her ablution will be nullified.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: He who touches his penis should perform ablution. He (peace be upon him) also stated: He who touches his private parts without a barrier should perform ablution.

Therefore, if someone touches their private parts without a barrier, their ablution will be nullified. But if they do this over a barrier of clothing, loincloth or pants, there is nothing wrong with this and their Wudu’ remains valid. What invalidates Wudu’ is the bare hand touching the skin of the private parts without a barrier between them.

Source for above:  http://alifta.net/ – Fatwas of Nur `Ala Al-Darb

Abu Hurayrah (radhi-yAllaahu ‘anhu) said: Rasoolullaah (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) said:

«If one of you touches his penis and there is no veil between him and it nor any cover, then wudhoo has become obligatory for him.» [al-Haakim (1/138) and others]. (al-Albaanee says: hadeeth Saheeh.)

AbdurRahman.Org : Islamic Knowledge – Islam, Sunnah, Salafiyyah