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The Ibaadah of The Salaf In The Last Ten Nights of Ramadhaan – Shaykh Usamah al-Utaybi [Audio|Ar-En]

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The Ibaadah of The Salaf In The Last Ten Nights of Ramadhaan - Shaykh Usamah al-Utaybi

 

The Shaykh graduated from the Faculty of Hadeeth at the IslaamicUniversity of Madeenah and studied with many mashaayikh including Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (rahimahullah) and Shaykh Rabee’ Ibn Haadee al-Madkhalee (hafidhahullah), among others.

On the Authority of ‘Aa’ishah (May Allah be pleased with her) who said:

“When the last ten nights would enter, Allah’s Messenger (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would stay up throughout the night, awaken his family, become intense (in worship) and tighten his mi’zar (lower garment).” [Agreed upon]

The Salaf held this great month and more so the last ten nights in high regard and strove to increase in and exert themselves in ‘ibaadah, seeking and hoping for the reward from their Lord. Thus, it is encouraged that we all endeavour to imitate our Messenger (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and our Pious Predecessors and strive not only in this month but accustom our souls to the obedience of Allah during the remaining months.

Our Shaykh Usamah al-‘Utaybi (hafidhahullah) will enlighten us regarding the ‘ibaadah of the Salaf in the last ten nights of Ramadhaan and by the Permission of Allah we will all be encouraged to exert ourselves and increase in our acts of worship in the remaining days and nights of this blessed month.

We ask Allah, Al-Kareem to make it easy for us to worship Him and that He grants us success in the month ofRamadhaan and steadfastness until we meet Him, Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala.

Listen / Download Mp3 Here (Time 01:18:18)

Posted with permission from mpubs.org

The Obligation of The Muslim Towards The Month of Fasting – Shaykh Fu’ad al-‘Amri [Audio|Ar-En]

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Ramadhaan Is Upon Us - Shaykh Arafat al-Muhammady

 

Shaykh Fu’ad al-‘Amri (hafidhahullah) from the mashaayikh of Jeddah, who will remind us concerning “The Obligation of the Muslim Towards the Month of Fasting”

Listen / Download Mp3 Here (Time 01:24:14)

Posted with permission from mpubs.org

Eager About Fighting Jihad? !!!! Advice To A Jihad Enthusiast – Shaykh Al-Albani

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Questioner: Ok, there is another question about our brothers in Bosnia …

Shaykh Al-Albāny: Yes.

Questioner: I heard that you said to some brothers who had wanted to go there to fight in the cause of Allāh with their lives: fight against yourselves (i.e. purify yourselves)

Shaykh Al-Albāny: Yes, that’s true.

Questioner: This means that you don’t advise (people) to go there (for jihād)?

Shaykh Al-Albāny: That’s true.

Questioner: Well don’t you think that people there are in need of help?

Shaykh Al-Albāny: How can I not think so? Yet is help achieved by putting more lives of Muslims to death in  vain? Where is the preparation with which we have been commanded in the Noble Qur’ān?

Questioner: What if there is a benefit?

Shaykh Al-Albāny: If you believe that there is a benefit, then it (jihād) is compulsory. Do you believe so?

Questioner: Yes.

Shaykh Al-Albāny: On what basis?

Questioner: There are weak Muslims…

Shaykh Al-Albāny: Please brother, don’t tell me about the status quo; tell me what the benefit is.

Questioner: The benefit is helping them and (unclear speech) …

Shaykh Al-Albāny: May Allāh guide you! Helping them requires (the intervention) of the States not individuals. The situation needs organized army that are trained in using weapons. It needs tanks, aircrafts, etc. What individual means are you talking about? If we sent one thousand people from here and there, they would be easy targets of (the enemy) fire. What could these people do in the face of the tanks and destructive weapons (of the enemy)?

Questioner: Yeah

Shaykh Al-Albāny: Glory be to Allāh! I am surprised at how the youth do not look at these issues except in a very limited way. I asked you if there were a benefit. You said, “Yes.” What is this benefit? They are weak! May Allah guide you, Abu Suhaib! As if I did not know that they are weak and that they are few in number and under-armed compared to the Serbs first and their allies second and particularly the Americans who have destroyed everything. Don’t you know these facts?

Questioner: Yes

Shaykh Al-Albāny: How can you say that there is a benefit? Is there a benefit in destroying Muslims in vain and that’s exactly what happened in Afghanistan? Do you think that jihād in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be any stronger than in Afghanistan?

Questioner: No.

Shaykh Al-Albāny: What was the result there? Uh? The result was that we reaped bitter melon (i.e. we suffered defeat) …

Questioner: Yes.

Shaykh Al-Albāny: … and we brought destruction upon ourselves because we opposed the religious teachings in many, many details, the most apparent of which, as the bad end results showed, was (differing and split). (Allāh says): ﴿

And be you not of Al-Mushrikun (polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers in the oneness of Allah). Of those who split up their religion and became sects, each sect rejoicing in that which is with it. (30: 31-32)

Seven parties fighting against one party and that is the Communist party. The Communist party, which is a kafir party, vs three Muslim parties. How could this happen? Therefore, don’t forget, even though you live far away from us, the principle that the beginning should be with tasfia wat-tarbia (i.e. purification and education) …

Questioner: Yes

Shaykh Al-Albāny: … and then remember the saying of Allāh (Azzawa Jal):

And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.(42:30)

And we ask Allāh (Azzawa Jal) to grant victory to our Muslims brother in all Muslim land.
Yes unfortunately as our Lord says in the Nobel Qur’ān:

That was the Way of Allāh in the case of those who passed away of old, and you will not find any change in the Way of Allāh. (33:62)

And no turning off will you find in the Sunnah of Allāh. (35:43)

Verily, Allāh will not change the (good) condition of a people as long as they do not change their state (of goodness) themselves. But when Allāh wills a people’s punishment, there can be no turning back of it, and they will find besides Allāh no protector. (13:11)

Therefore, if we want to defend a nation from among the Islamic nations we must first and foremost defend Islam in our very home countries. Yet we don’t defend Islam in our countries and that’s why we have been inflicted by calamities in our home countries, and this is something we feel sorry about and we ask Allāh (Azzawa Jal) to grant Muslims His True Promise:

Verily, We will indeed make victorious Our Messengers and those who believe (in the Oneness of Allāh Islāmic Monotheism) in this world’s life ... (40:51)

“There will not cease to be a group of my Ummah, victorious upon truth and not harmed by those who oppose them until the Hour is established.” Maybe this is enough for you.

Questioner: May Allāh reward you with good, shaykh.

Shaykh Al-Albāny: The same to you, by Allāh’s will. Let me hear your voice soon.

The Arabic version of the Audio – youtube.com/watch?v=uWSfdWJSTTo
Translated Into English By Abu Ilyas Abdulali Jourari Al-Maghrebi
Al-Binaa Publishing | Durham NC

Posted with Permission. You can Read the Orginal PDF here

Verily Allah Will Never Change The Condition of A People Unless They Change What Is Within Themselves – Shaykh Abdullah an-Najmi [Audio|Ar-En]

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Verily Allah Will Never Change The Condition of A People Unless They Change What Is Within Themselves - Shaykh Abdullah an-Najmi

 

The Noble Shaykh ‘Abdullah an-Najmi (May Allah Preserve Him) from the mashayikh of Jeezan, Saudi Arabia is a student of Shaykh Ahmad an-Najmi (rahimahullah) and is highly recommended by Shaykh Rabee’ al-Madkhalee,Shaykh Zayd al-Madkhalee and others (May Allah Preserve Them).

Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) says in the Qur’aan,

For each (person), there are angels in succession, before and behind him. They guard him by the Command of Allah. Verily! Allah will not change the good condition of a people as long as they do not change their state of goodness themselves (by committing sins and by being ungrateful and disobedient to Allah). But when Allah wills a people’s punishment, there can be no turning back of it, and they will find besides Him no protector. [Ra’d :11]

This ayah indicates that Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) does not change – out of His Justice and Wisdom – the good state of a people into a bad one or vice versa, unless they change what is in themselves. If they change their state of uprightness and integrity, Allah will change their state and overtake them with punishment, distresses, miseries, sterility, and other kinds of penalties, an exact recompense according to their evil crimes.

On the other hand, they may be in distress committing evils and sins, then repent to Allah regretfully and obey Him, so Allah changes their distress, dissension, adversity and poverty into prosperity, union, and welfare due to their good deeds and repentance to Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He). [Fatwas of Ibn Baaz  from Alifta.com]

Shaykh ‘Abdullah an-Najmi (hafidhahullah) will lecture to us regarding this pertinent matter and by the Permission of Allah, we would all benefit and thus resolve to rectify our situations according to the Qur’aan and Sunnah with the understanding of our Pious Predecessors.

We ask Allah, the Changer of the hearts to keep our hearts firm upon His Deen.

Listen / Download Mp3 Here (Time 54:08)

Posted with permission from mpubs.org

The Role of Bad Company in Ruining the Identity of a Muslim – Shaykh Abdullah an-Najmi [Audio|Ar-En]

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The Role of Bad Company in Ruining the Identity of a Muslim - Shaykh Abdullah an-Najmi

 

Shaykh ‘Abdullah an-Najmi (May Allah Preserve Him). The Shaykh is from the mashaayikh of Jeezan, Saudi Arabia and is a student of Ash-Shaykh Ahmad an-Najmi (rahimahullah) and Shaykh Zayd al-Madkhalee (hafidhahullah).

Listen / Download Mp3 Here (Time 01:00:35)

Posted with permission from mpubs.org

The Importance of Teaching Your Children The Correct Aqeedah – Shaykh Abdullah An-Najmi [Audio|Ar-En]

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The Importance of Teaching Your Children The Correct Aqeedah by Shaykh Abdullah An-Najmi

 

The Noble Shaykh ‘Abdullah an-Najmi (May Allah Preserve Him) from the mashaayikh of Jeezan, SaudiArabia will deliver a LIVE tele-lecture with Muwahhideen Publications on Friday 26th April 2013. The Shaykh is a student of Ash-Shaykh Ahmad an-Najmi (rahimahullah) and Shaykh Zayd al-Madkhalee (hafidhahullah).

Allah says in His Book,

“O you who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones”
[At-Tahrim: 6]

Regarding this verse, the following narrations were reported from the Salaf –

‘Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (radhiyAllahu ‘anhu): “Discipline them, teach them.”

Ibn ‘Abbaas (radhiyAllahu ‘anhum): “Stay obedient to Allah, stay away from disobeying Allah and command your families to remember Allah, and He will save you from the Fire.”

Mujaahid (rahimahullah): “Fear Allah and obey him (practice taqwa) and tell your families to practice taqwa.”

Qataadah (rahimahullah): “A person protects his family by telling them to obey Allah and forbidding them from disobeying Him. He upholds Allah’s commandments and helps his family to uphold them. So if you see some disobedience of Allah you stop them from doing it, and you reprimand them.” [Al-Tabarî, Al-Tafsîr, Sûrah Al-Tahrîm] [From SayingsoftheSalaf.net]

The Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Every one of you (people) is a shepherd. And every one is responsible for whatever falls under his responsibility.  A man is like a shepherd of his own family, and he is responsible for them.”

So parents have a responsibility to teach their children the affairs of this religion; the most important being the matter of ‘Aqeedah as this is the foundation to all success and rectification.

Shaykh ‘Abdullah an-Najmi (hafidhahullah) will admonish us concerning this crucial topic and explain to us the extreme importance of teaching our children the correct ‘Aqeedah.

We ask Allah to guide us to His Straight Path and make us firm upon it and may He, Al-Haafidh protect us and our children from all evil.

Listen / Download Mp3 Here (Time 37:54)

Posted with permission from mpubs.org

O Sisters Maximize The Benefit Of Ramadhaan – Shaykh Abdullah an-Najmi [Audio|Ar-En]

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O Sisters Maximize The Benefit Of Ramadhaan by Shaykh Abdullah an-Najmi

The Noble Shaykh ‘Abdullah an-Najmi (May Allah Preserve Him) from the mashaayikh of Jeezan, Saudi Arabia is a student of Ash-Shaykh Ahmad an-Najmi (rahimahullah) and Shaykh Zayd al-Madkhalee (rahimahullah).

With Ramadhaan just moments away, Muslims around the world are preparing for this tremendous month, hoping and intending to make the most of it. Every year sisters in particular request advice on how to capitalize on the rewards available in this opportune time while balancing their household duties.

According to Shaykh Sulaymaan ar-Ruhaylee (hafidhahullah), “…the Muslim Women increases in worship. That is because when the women strives in the service of her husband and the members of her household and she prepares food for them that which will suffice them, then she is in obedience to Allah, ‘Azza wa Jall, provided that she seeks the reward from Allah. Therefore, in this is a reward for her and also an increasement for her good deeds. And it is befitting for the Muslim Women when she is preparing the food that she busies her tongue with the remembrance of Allah. So while she is cooking she glorifies Allah, while she is cooking she is saying tahleel (Laa ilaaha illa Allah – None has the right to be worshipped except Allah), while she is cooking she is remembering Allah and in that she will have a tremendous reward. (Like this) preparing food will never divert her from the obedience of her Lord, Glorified is He, during the day of Ramadhaan. So congratulations to the Muslim Women who services her husband and the members of her household and she seeks the reward from Allah, ‘Azza wa Jall, and by that she does not become heedless concerning the remembrance of Allah and she performs what she is capable of doing from the different acts of worship during the day of Ramadhaan. For indeed she has achieved a great success.” [The Muslim Woman Increases More in Worship Than The Man in Ramadhaan By Shaykh Sulaymaan ar-Ruhaylee ]

Shaykh ‘Abdullah an-Najmi (hafidhahullah) will expound more on this topic and offer some points of advice to our sisters on how they can maximize the benefits of Ramadhaan.

We ask Allah to make us from those who truly benefit from this blessed month  and we seek refuge in Him from being amongst the losers.

Listen / Download Mp3 Here (Time 57:35)

Posted with permission from mpubs.org

Enjoin right even if those advised become angry – Ibn Baaz fatwas

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Q: There are some Muslim sisters from Al-Mujamma`ah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who say in their question: When we try to stop the spread of Namimah (tale-bearing) and Ghibah (backbiting) among people, those whom we advise may insult and become mad at us. Are we sinful for making them angry, especially if they are parents? Should we prevent them or forget about matters that are not related to us? Please, advise!

A: Enjoining right and forbidding wrong are of the most important acts of worship, as Allah (Glorified be He) says:

 The believers, men and women, are Auliyâ’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma‘rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islâm has forbidden) (Surah At-Tawbah, 9: 71)

So, Allah (Glorified be He) explains in this Ayah that enjoining right and forbidding wrong are of the qualities of the believing men and women where Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says:

 You [true believers in Islâmic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) and his Sunnah] are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma‘rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islâm has forbidden), and you believe in Allâh. (Surah Al-`Imran, 3: 110)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

Whoever, among you, sees something abominable should rectify it with his hand; and if he has not strength enough to do it, then he should do it with his tongue; and if he has not strength enough to do it, (even) then he should (abhor it) from his heart, and that is the least of Faith. Related by Muslim in his Sahih (book of authentic Hadiths).

There are many Ayahs and Hadiths on the obligation of enjoining right and forbidding wrong that rebuke those who neglect this duty. It is obligatory upon you and upon every believing man and woman to enjoin right and forbid wrong, even if those whom you invite become angry or insult you. Indeed, observing patience is obligatory as the Prophets (peace be upon them) and their followers did.

Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) addressed His Prophet (peace be upon him) saying: Therefore be patient (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) as did the Messengers of strong will .Surah Al-Ahqaf, 46: 35

 Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: …and be patient. Surely, Allâh is with those who are As-Sâbirûn (the patient). Surah Al-Anfal, 8: 46

Allah (Glorified be He) says about Luqman Al-Hakim (Luqman the wise) that he said to his son: “O my son! Aqim-As-Salât (perform As-Salât), enjoin (on people) Al-Ma‘rûf – (Islâmic Monotheism and all that is good), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief in the Oneness of Allâh, 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 Allâh with no exemption). (Surah Luqman, 31: 17)

No doubt, reforming the society and preserving its integrity are achieved by following the instructions of Allah and then by enjoining right and forbidding wrong.

The neglect of enjoining right and forbidding wrong is one of the greatest reasons for corrupting the society, tearing it apart, and exposing it to general punishment. It is authentically reported from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) that he said: If acts of disobedience are done among people and they do not change them, Allah will soon punish them all. (Al-Tirmidhy, Sunan, Book on trials, no. 2168; and Ibn Majah, Sunan, Book on trials, no. 4005.’)

Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) warned His servants against following the example of the Children of Israel in His saying: Those among the Children of Israel who disbelieved were cursed by the tongue of Dâwûd (David) and ‘Isâ (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). That was because they disobeyed (Allâh and the Messengers) and were ever transgressing beyond bounds. They used not to forbid one another from Al-Munkar (wrong, evil-doing, sins, polytheism, disbelief) which they committed. Vile indeed was what they used to do. (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5: 78-79)

We ask Allah to guide all Muslims, rulers and subjects, to do this duty in the best form, to reform their conditions, and protect all people from the causes of His wrath. He is the All-Hearer, the All-Respondent.

Posted from: http://alifta.com

From the Gardens of Paradise – Shaykh al-Albaani

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By the Muhaddith, Shaykh, Allamaa’ Muhammad Nasir uddeen al-Albaani
Translated by Abbas Abu Yahya

 The questioner: ‘Regarding the Hadeeth ‘What is between my house and my Mimber is a garden from the gardens of Paradise’

Is the intent a multiplication of reward or is it for blessings?’

Shaykh Albaani -Rahimullaah-  answered:

The intent of this Hadeeth is not for the people to pounce and attack this place as they do nowadays and that they crowd around for the prayer in this place which the Messenger -alayhi as-Sallat wa Sallam- described that it is a garden from the gardens of Paradise, this Hadeeth is information of the unseen which is obligatory to believe in, that this place is a garden from the gardens of Paradise, how? I swear by Allaah I do not know how.

Many of the scholars say that it will be in Paradise on the Day of Judgement, that is why it is a garden from the gardens of Paradise, it is possible that this is the case and it is possible that the case is something else, we do not comprehend this Hadeeth, just like other Ahadeeth, for example:

جبل أحد يحبنا ونحبه

‘Mount Uhud is a mountain which loves us and we love it.’

This does not mean that you intend that place in itself and seek blessings from it,  and pray there, no, this is just information we believe in, Mount Uhud loves us and we love it, similarly for example:

أحد ركن من أركان الجنة

‘Mount Uhud is a pillar from the pillars of Paradise.’

This also does not have the same meaning which we have mentioned,i.e. that you intend that place in itself, seeking blessings from it and to pray there, no, this is information of the unseen. It was authentically reported from the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- so we believe in this, and we do not carry this meaning to be a legislated action in the Sharia’ so that we worship Allaah by that, since our righteous Salaf did not explain this, not by their speech or by their actions.’

[Taken from: ‘Silsilah Huda wa Noor’ tape 93 at 00:45:06]

Masturbation and its effect upon Worship –  Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih Al-‘Uthaymeen

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Question:

Noble Shaykh, I hope for from you—may Allaah grant you Tawfeeq, and may He benefit me and those listening—and answer to my question; rather, my problem which affects me in my life and my worship; and I fear that it will separate me from my religion. So I want from you a remedy which will heal me and other than myself from the youth; specifically since we are nearing this blessed month. The problem is the secret habit; what is its ruling? Does it make Ghusl obligatory? Does it affect the prayer, fasting, and (other acts of) worship? Open for us a door by way of which we can exit; may Allaah open for you and the listeners the eight doors of paradise.

Watch the Video for the Shaykh’s answer

Translated by Raha ibn Donald Batts
Source: Silsilah Al-Liqaa’ Ash-Shahree (no. 8)  

Read the full article :
http://mtws.posthaven.com/masturbation-and-its-effect-on-worship-shaykh-muhammad-al-uthaymeen

Video Courtesy: Bilal Nahim

Upcoming Fast of three Ayyam al-Beed (3 White Days) in the month of Dhu Al-Qa`dah

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Inshaa’Allaahu ta’ala, for this month of Dhu Al-Qa`dah 1437H ,
Ayyam al-Beed (The White Days for Fasting) will fall on:

13th Dhul Qa’dah – (Tuesday), August 16th 2016
14th Dhul Qa’dah – (Wednesday), August 17th 2016
15th Dhul Qa’dah – (Thursday), August 18th 2016

1258. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

My friend (the Messenger of Allah) (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) directed me to observe fast for three days in every month, to perform two Rak`ah (optional) Duha prayer at forenoon and to perform the Witr prayer before going to bed.

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1260. `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said,

“Observing Saum (fasting) on three days of every month is equivalent to a full month’s fasting.”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1262. Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said,

“If you want to observe Saum on three days in a month, then fast on the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth of the (lunar) month.” 

[At-Tirmidhi].

1263. Qatadah bin Milhan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) directed us to observe Saum (fasting) on the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth of the (lunar) month.

[Abu Dawud].

1264. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:

It was the practice of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) to not to omit fast on `bright days’ whether he was staying at a place or on a journey.

[An-Nasa’i].

Translation of above Ahadeeth : from Dar-us-salam’s english translation of Riyad-us-Saliheen

Beneficial Read:

Is it not time to Purify our hearts and nurture our Children Correctly – Dr Murtaza bin Baksh[Video|Urdu-En Subtitles]

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Courtesy: Bilaal Na’eem @ Manhaj ul-Haqq

Beware of incantations (Ruqyah) invloving Statements of Shirk- Ibn Baaz fatwas

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Avoiding recitations for healing or protection that violate Shari`ah

From `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz to all Muslims in the district of Al-Far` and other districts of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, may Allah guide you to have insight into the religion of Islam, Amen.

May Allah’s peace, mercy and blessings be upon you. To proceed:

I have been informed that in your district there is an incantation against scorpions and other poisonous creatures, and that this incantation contains statements of Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship). That is why I see I have to warn you against such Ruqyahs (recitations for healing or protection).

The following is the text of some of such Ruqyahs referred to above:

(In the Name of Allah! O Allah’s Words! By the seven heavens and the revealed Ayahs that rule but not ruled! O Sulayman Al-Rifa`y! O fighter of scorpions’ poison! Call scorpions in the name of Al-Rifa`y, both female scorpions and male ones, both long scorpions and short ones, both red scorpions and white ones, and both big scorpions and small ones against the evil of scorpions creeping both in the evening and in the morning. I seek help against them from Allah, His Ayahs, ninety nine prophets, Fatimah, the Prophet’s daughter and her offspring).

These words are only some of the incantations I have been informed of. They have many formulas, which all involve Shirk. There could be no doubt that such incantations include statements of Shirk, such as, “By the seven heavens,” and, “O Sulayman Al-Rifa`y! O fighter of scorpions’ poison! Call scorpions in the name of Al-Rifa`y,” and, “I seek help against them from Allah, His Ayahs, ninety-nine prophets, and Fatimah, the Prophet’s daughter and her offspring.”

It is worth mentioning that the Glorious Qur’an and the Prophetic Sunnah stress that Allah Alone is the only One worthy of worship and no one should be invoked or asked for help except Allah (Exalted be He).

Allah (Glorified be He) says: You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything).

Allah (Glorified be He) also says: And the mosques are for Allâh (Alone): so invoke not anyone along with Allâh.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Du’a` (supplication) is (the essence of) worship.

He(peace be upon him) also said: If you beg, beg of Allah Alone; and if you need assistance, supplicate to Allah Alone for help.

There are many Ayahs (Qur’anic verses) and Prophetic Hadiths that stress this meaning. Moreover, Muslim scholars unanimously agree that appealing to the heavens, stars, idols, trees, and so on, for help is as an act of Shirk.

Similarly, they unanimously agree that it is not permissible to invoke the dead or seek their help whether they were prophets, righteous people or others. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: When a man dies, his deeds come to an end, except for three: Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity), knowledge by which people benefit, or a pious son who prays for him (the deceased).

The Ruqyah referred to above includes some statements like asking the heavens, the dead, including prophets, Al-Rifa`y, and others for help. All this is regarded as an act of Shirk. Thus, all Muslims should be cautious about such Ruqyahs and similar incantations that contain statements of Shirk. Moreover, Muslims should advise and warn one another against such Ruqyahs.

They should resort to legal Ruqyahs (i.e. reciting Qur’an and saying supplications over the sick seeking healing), such as Ayat-ul-Kursy (the Qur’anic Verse of Allah’s Chair, Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:255), Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, Surah Al-Nas and other Ayahs.

This is in addition to supplications for refuge and protection prescribed by Shari`ah (Islamic law), such as seeking refuge with Allah’s Perfect Words from the evil of His creation. Also, a Muslim can say three times in the morning and in the evening: In the Name of Allah, with Whose Name nothing can be harmful on the earth or in the heaven, and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. Also, there is the Islamic Ruqyah for the sick and for people who are stung in which a Muslim can say three times: Remove the affliction, O Lord of mankind, and bring about healing, as You are the Healer. There is no healing but Your Healing; a healing that leaves behind no ailment. In the Name of Allah I perform Ruqyah for you, from everything that may harm you; from the evil of any soul or envious eye. May Allah heal you. In the Name of Allah I perform Ruqyah for you.

Similarly, reciting Surah Al-Fatihah over the sick and the people who are stung is one of the greatest causes of cure, especially when recitation is performed sincerely and truthfully asking Allah (Exalted be He) to grant healing with full faith that Allah (Exalted be He) is the Only One who Cures and that no one can cure people from a diseases except Him (Glorified be He).

I ask Allah to guide us and all Muslims to have insight into His Religion and to steadfastly adhere to it. I ask Him to protect us from all that violates His Laws. Indeed, He is the Most Generous and the Most Beneficent. May Allah’s Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon you.

Posted from: http://alifta.com

Pursuing the Monuments of Prophets : People try to get closer to Allah through means that drive them further from Allah – Ibn Baaz Fatwas

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It was authentically reported from Amir Al-Mu’minin (Commander of the Believers) `Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) that he condemned pursuing the monuments of prophets and ordered that the tree under which the Bay`ah of Al-Hudaybiyah took place be cut, when he learned that some people began going there. This was meant to protect Tawhid (belief in the Oneness of Allah) and eliminate the means leading to Shirk, Bid`ah and superstitions related to Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic time of ignorance).

Below is some of what was mentioned by some scholars in this regard, so that you will be well informed about this matter. 

Imam Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Al-Walid Al-Tartushy said in his book ‘Al-Hawadith wal-Bida`’, a chapter entitled ‘A Chapter on Forms of Bid`ah’, p. 135, “Al-Ma`rur ibn Suwayd said, ‘When we went to perform Hajj with `Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), we saw a Masjid (mosque) on the way, so people began offering Salah (Prayer) in it.’ `Umar said, “O, people! Those who were before you perished because of honoring such sites, until they took them as places of worship. If one arrives there at the time of Salah, one should offer Salah there; otherwise they should leave.'”

On p. 141, he said on the authority of Muhammad ibn Waddah that `Umar ibn Al-Khattab ordered that the tree under which the Prophet (peace be upon him) was given the Bay`ah be cut, because people began to visit it and `Umar feared that they might be misled. 

Ibn Waddahsaid: “Malik and other scholars of Al-Madinah hated going to the Masjids and Islamic monuments in Al-Madinah except Quba’ and Uhud. Sufyan entered Al-Aqsa Mosque and offered Salah there, but he did not inquire about those monuments or offer Salah there; and others who imitated him did the same.” 

Ibn Waddah then said: “How many matters are now considered acceptable by many people that were once considered Munkar. People try to get closer to Allah through means that drive them further from Allah.”

Shaykh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah be merciful to him) said in his book ‘Majmu` Al-Fatawa‘, Vol. 26, P. 133:

“As for climbing Mount Al-Rahmah (at `Arafah) it is neither an act of Sunnah (supererogatory act of worship following the example of the Prophet) nor Mustahab (desirable).

Nor is it Mustahab to enter the dome above it, called the Dome of Adam, to offer Salah there, or circumambulate it, as this is one of the major sins.

It is neither Mustahab to enter the Masjids at the place of Jamarat (stone pillars at which pebbles are thrown during Hajj) or offer Salah there. Circumambulation around them, the Stone, the room of the Prophet (peace be upon him) or anything other than the Ka`bah is a grave Bid`ah.”

He also said on p. 144 of the same section,

“As for visiting the Masjids that were built in Makkah other than Al-Masjid Al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque in Makkah), such as the one by the foot of Al-Safa, the one by the foot of Abu Qubays,and such Masjids that were built at the sites of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his Sahabah, such as Masjid Al-Mawlid (the Prophet’s birthday) and others, it is neither a Sunnah to visit these places, nor was it preferable by any of the Imams.

It is only permissible to visit Al-Masjid Al-Haram in particular, and the sacred ritual places, such as `Arafah, Muzdalifah, Mina, Al-Safa and Al-Marwah. However, visiting the mountains and areas around Makkah other than `Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina, such as Hira’ Mountain, the mountain at Mina where it is claimed that there was the sacrifice dome and such places. It is not a Sunnah related to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), but rather a Bid`ah.

The same applies to the Masjids built at the sites said to be monuments. The Prophet (peace be upon him) did not permit visiting any of these.”

In vol. 27, p. 134, of the same book, he also said:

“Some people might ask whether it is permissible to glorify a place where there is worn-out things and saffron as the Prophet (peace be upon him) was seen there. Glorification of such places and turning them into Masjids is an imitation of the People of the Book whom we are prohibited to imitate.

It was authentically reported that `Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) was traveling when he saw a group of people hurrying to a place. He asked, ‘What is this?’ People replied, ‘It is a place where the Prophet (peace be upon him) offered Salah.’ He said, ‘Do you want to turn the sites of your prophet into Masjids? If the time of Salah comes while a person is there, they can offer Salah there; otherwise they should leave.’ `Umar said this in the presence of a number of Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them). It is known that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to offer Salah in many places while traveling, and the people would see him in their sleep in different places. However, the Salaf did not turn any of these into Masjids or tourist sites. If this door is opened, many of the Muslim lands will be turned into Masjids and tourist sites, as people still dream that the Prophet (peace be upon him) visits them at home. Establishing such tourist sites is a loathed Bid`ah. Allah has not ordered that the places of prophets be turned into a Musalla (a place for Prayer) except Maqam Ibrahim (the Station of Ibrahim) in His statement: And take you (people) the Maqâm (place) of Ibrâhîm (Abraham) [or the stone on which Ibrâhîm (Abraham) عليه السلام stood while he was building the Ka‘bah] as a place of prayer (for some of your prayers, e.g. Two Rak‘at after the Tawâf of the Ka‘bahat Makkah) 

He has neither ordered that a stone be touched and kissed except Al-Hajar Al-Aswad (the Black Stone in a corner of the Ka`bah), or Salah be directed to a building other than Al-Bayt-ul-Haram (the Sacred House, another name for the Ka`bah). According to the Ijma` (consensus) of the Muslims, it is impermissible to make analogies in this matter. It is tantamount to asking the people to perform Hajj to a place other than Al-Bayt-ul-`Atiq or observe Sawm (fasting) in a month other than Ramadan, and so on.”

He then said:

“The rest of the issues have been definitely answered. If a person offers Salah or recites Du`a’ (supplication) intentionally at the place of a prophet’s footprints or site; the grave of a Sahaby (Companion of the Prophet), a sheikh, or one of Ahl-ul-Bayt (members of the Prophet’s extended Muslim family), a tower or a cave, this is a rejected Bid`ah in Islam, as neither the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) nor the early generation of Muslims or those who followed them in righteousness did so. Not one of the Muslim Imams preferred it; rather, it is a means leading to Shirk.” There is elaboration on this elsewhere.

He then said on p. 500 in the same section,

“After Islam, none of the Sahabah used to go to Hira’ Cave on purpose. It is impermissible for us to seek the caves of mountains or sit in seclusion there…As for sitting in seclusion in caves and traveling for a mountain to seek blessings, such as Al-Tur Mountain, Mount Hira’, Mount Thawr and others, it is impermissible for us. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: Do not set out on a journey except to three Masjids: Al-Masjid Al-Haram, this mosque of mine (the Prophet’s Mosque), and Al-Aqsa Mosque (in Jerusalem). 

End of quote.

Ibn Al-Qayyim (may Allah be merciful to him) wrote on p. 204 of his book Ighathat Al-Lahfan min Masa’id Al-Shaytan, after warning against visiting graves to seek blessings in them and recite Du`a’ there:

“The Sahabah disapproved of things much more trivial than this. Many people narrated from Al-Ma’rur ibn Suwayd that he offered Fajr (Dawn) Prayer with `Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) on the way to Makkah, and then people began spreading everywhere. He asked, ‘Where are these people going?’ It was said, ‘O Amir Al-Mu’minin, they go to offer Salah in a Masjid where the Prophet (peace be upon him) offered Salah.’ He said, ‘Those who were before you perished because of this; they used to follow the traces of their prophets and turn them into places of `Ibadah. If the time of Salah comes while you are in such places, offer Salah there; otherwise you should leave, and do not go there intentionally.’ `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) also uprooted the tree under which the Sahabah made the Bay`ah to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).”

End of quote.

Scholars stated much about this issue. We hope that what we have already mentioned is enough and convincing for those who seek the truth. Having known the previously mentioned pieces of evidence from Shari`ah and the opinions of scholars on this issue, you would know that the call of the writer for glorifying Islamic monuments, such as Thawr Cave, the place where Al-Rudwan Bay`ah took place and others; reconstructing what was demolished of them; paving roads leading to them; making elevators or cable cars for high places such as the two mentioned caves; turning them into tourist sites; erecting signs to them; and appointing tourist guides for the visitors is all contrary to Islamic Shari`ah, which provides for achieving and boosting interests, and preventing and curbing evil, as well as blocking the means leading to Shirk and Bid`ah. You would also know that we should prevent Bid`ah and the means leading to Shirk, even if those who call for them have good intentions, as they lead to great evil, change the rites of Islam, and create new places and forms of `Ibadah that were not prescribed by Allah or His Messenger (peace be upon him). Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) states: This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islâm as your religion.

Anything that was not prescribed in the era of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them) cannot be made permissible later. If this door is opened, Islam will be misrepresented and innovated ideas will enter it. Muslims will thus become like the Jews and the Christians in their manipulating their faiths and changing them according to their whims and desires. That is why Imam Malik ibn Anas, the Imam of Madinah (may Allah be merciful to him), made a great statement that all the scholars agreed upon, saying: “The last generations of this Ummah (nation) will not succeeded except when they resort to what made the former followers succeed.” He meant that what brought success to the first generation was adherence to the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), following their rules and avoiding what contradicts them. The last generations of this Ummah will not succeed unless they resort to what made the former generations succeed. He (may Allah be merciful to him) has spoken the truth. When people corrupted their faith, created Bid`ah and founded new ways, they divided into different sects, became confused with every sect rejoicing in what they had. Their enemies attacked them, taking advantage of discrepancy among them, weakness of faith, difference in intentions, and fanaticism of every sect to their misleading ways and Bid`ah, until the conditions of the Muslims have reached the current weakness and many nations have attacked them. All Muslims should return to their correct faith adhering to its just rules, learning from the original sources of the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah, and advising each other accordingly. We must cooperate to achieve this in all fields, whether legislative, economic, political, social or others; and avoid anything that contradicts it or leads to ambiguity. In this manner Muslims will restore their lost dignity and their previous glory, and Allah will make them triumph over their enemies and rule the world

Read the Full Fatwa of Shaykh Ibn Baaz : http://alifta.com/Fatawa/FatawaChapters.aspx?languagename=en&View=Page&PageID=72&PageNo=1&BookID=14

Can you Refute the Deceased by Name ? – Dr Murtaza bin Baksh [Video|Urdu-En Subtitles]

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Translated and transcribed by Aboo Bilal Nahim ibn Abd al Majid حفظه الله

2nd Shab’aan 1435 (corresponding with 31st May 2014)

Video Courtesy : Bilal Nahim @ Manhaj ul-Haqq

How does a Father Teach his Children Tawheed? – Shaykh al-Uthaymeen

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Video Courtesy : Bilal Nahim

كيف يعلم الأب أبناءه التوحيد؟
Translated By Abbas Abu Yahya

Shaykh Allama Muhammad bin Salih al-Uthaymeen -Rahimullaah- was asked:

How does a father teach his children Tawheed?

 He answered:

 ● ‘He teaches them Tawheed just like he teaches them other matters of the Deen. From the best of what is in this subject is the book ‘The Three Principles’ by Shaykh-ul-Islaam Muhammad bin AbdulWahab. If he makes them memorise it by heart and explains to them its meanings appropriately to their understanding and their intellects.

Then there comes a lot of goodness from this. This is because this book is built upon questions and answers, and clear easy expressions, which have no complexity.

Then the father shows them the Ayaat of Allaah (His signs) so that he can practically implement what is mentioned in this small book.

For example,  the sun, the father asks, who created it? Likewise the moon,  the stars,  the night and day, you say to them:

‘The sun, who created it? Allaah.

The moon?   Allaah,  the night?  Allaah, the day?  Allaah.  Allaah -Azza wa Jal- created all of these. This is so that one can water the tree of the Fitrah (the natural disposition) because the human himself has been created with his natural disposition upon Tawheed of Allaah -Azza wa Jal.

 Like the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- said:

(كل مولود يولد على الفطرة ، فأبواه يهودانه أوينصرانه أو يمجسانه)

‘Every newborn is born upon the Fitrah (natural disposition), so it is his parents who either make him into a Jew or into a Christian or into a Majoos (fire worshipper).’

● Also he teaches them Wudu, how to make Wudu by demonstration and saying: This is how one does Wudu, and he performs the Wudu in front of him.

● Likewise the Salah (prayer), along with taking aid with Allaah Ta’ala, and asking Allaah -Azza wa Jal- for guidance for them. Also, that one keeps away from any statement which opposes good behaviour or every prohibited action, so he should not get them used to lying,  cheating and treachery,  nor lowly manners.

Even if the father was trialed by prohibited actions, like if he was trialed by smoking,  he should not smoke in front of them because they will get used to it and it will become easy upon them to do it as well.

 One should know that every man of a household is responsible for the people of the house, due to the saying of Allah Tabaraka wa Ta’ala:

(يَا أَيُّهَاالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا قُوا أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَاراً)

《 O you who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire (Hell)》[Tahreem: 6]

Our protecting them from the fire cannot be except if we get them used to righteous actions and to leave off bad actions. The Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- affirmed that in his saying:

(الرجل راع في أهله ومسؤول عن رعيته)
‘A man is a shepherd for his family and he is responsible for his flock.’

A father should know that their being righteous is beneficial to him in this world and the hereafter Indeed from the closest of people to their fathers and mothers are the righteous children, male and female.

(وإذا مات الإنسان انقطع عمله إلا من ثلاث: صدقة جارية، أو علم ينتفع به،أو ولد صالح يدعو له )
‘When a person dies his actions cease except for three: continuous charity,  or knowledge people benefit from,  or a righteous child who supplicates for him.’

We ask Allah Ta’ala to aid all of us upon carrying out the trust and responsibility.’

[Silsilah Noor ala Darb. Tape: 350 side A]

The Ruling on Masturbation – Imaam Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaanee

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Al-Asaalah Magazine (Issue #3)
Al-Ibaanah.com

[56] Question: What is the ruling on masturbation?

Answer: We have no doubts regarding the forbiddance of such a practice. And this is due to two reasons, the first of which is the saying of Allaah, the Most High, concerning the description of the believers: 

“Successful indeed are the believers. Those who offer their prayer with full submissiveness. And those who turn away from false and vain talk. And those who pay the Zakaah. And those who guard their chastity – Except with their wives or (slaves) that their right hands possess, for (in that) they are free from blame. But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors.” [Surah Al-Mu’minoon: 1-8] 

Imaam Ash-Shaafi’ee used this ayah as proof for the forbiddance of masturbating. This is since, in this ayah, Allaah has placed two ways for the true believers to fulfill their desires – either by marrying free women or by enjoying the slave women and female war captives. Then He says: ”But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors” meaning: Whoever desires a way by which to transmit his desires, apart from these two ways of marriage and taking female war captives, then he is a transgressor and a wrongdoer. 

As for the second reason, then it has been medically established that there are unhealthy consequences for the one who does such an act, and that there are harms to the health caused by this practice, especially for those who constantly engage in it day and night. It is reported on the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) that he said: ”Do not harm and do not be harmed.” Thus it is not permissible for a Muslim to engage in anything that will cause harm to himself or to others.

There is one more thing that must be mentioned and it is that those who engage themselves in this practice fall under the statement of Allaah: 

“Will you exchange that which is lower for that which is better?” [Surah Al-Baqarah: 61] 

Also there has been reported on the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) that which further confirms this forbiddance and it is his saying: 

“O you group of young men! Whoever amongst you is able to marry then let him marry, for indeed it is the best means for lowering one’s gaze and the best way to protect one’s private parts. And whosoever is not able, then let him fast, for indeed it will be a shield for him.” 

When does the last third of the night begin and end? – Shaykh Ibn Baaz

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Outset and end of the last third of night  [1]

Q: It is reported in the Hadith that Allah descends every night to the lowest heaven in the last third of the night [2]. When does the last third of the night begin and end?

A: There are Mutawatir Hadiths (a Hadith reported by a significant number of narrators throughout the chain of narration, whose agreement upon a lie is impossible) from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) that prove that Allah descends. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, Our Lord descends to the lowest heaven every night when the last third of the night begins when He says, ‘Who calls Me to answer him? Who asks Me to give him? Who asks Me for forgiveness to forgive him? [3]

Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah (adherents to the Sunnah and the Muslim mainstream) unanimously agreed that Allah descends in a manner that befits Him and that He is not like His creation at all in any of His Attributes, as He states, Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): “He is Allâh, (the) One. “Allâh-us-Samad (السيد الذي يصمد إليه في الحاجات) [Allâh the Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, (He neither eats nor drinks)]. “He begets not, nor was He begotten. “And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him.” Surah Al-Ikhlas, 112

He (Glorified and Exalted be He) also says, There is nothing like Him; and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer.

According to Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah, we must accept the Ayahs and Hadiths that speak of the Attributes of Allah as they are without Tahrif (distortion of the meaning), Ta`til (denial of Allah’s Attributes), Takyif (descriptive designation of Allah’s Attributes), or Tamthil (likening Allah’s Attributes to those of His Creation). At the same time, we must believe in them and believe that what is mentioned in these texts is true without likening Allah to His creation or discussing the nature of His Attributes. Rather, their view concerning His Attributes is like their view concerning His Dhat (Essence). Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah affirm the Essence of Allah without Takyif, or Tamthil, and thus, we must also affirm His Attributes without Takyif or Tamthil.

The descent of Allah occurs in every country in a manner that befits Allah, because the descent of Allah is not like the descent of any of His creation. He is described as descending in the last part of the night in all parts of the world in a manner that befits His Majesty, Exalted be He.No one can know how He descends just as no one can know how His Essence is, except Him.

He states, There is nothing like Him; and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer.Surah Al-Shura, 42: 11. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) also says: So put not forward similitudes for Allâh (as there is nothing similar to Him, nor He resembles anything). Truly! Allâh knows and you know not.Surah Al-Nahl, 16: 74

The time of the first and last third of the night differs according to the season; if the night is nine hours long, then the time of descent begins at the onset of the seventh hour and continues until dawn. If the night is twelve hours long, then the last third begins at the beginning of the ninth hour until the break of dawn and so on, depending on how long or short the night is in each place. May Allah grant us success.

Footnotes:

[1] This was published in Al-Da`wah magazine, issue no. 1138, on 2/9/1408 A.H.

[2] Al-Bukhari, Sahih, Book on supplications, no. 6321; Muslim, Sahih, Book on travelers* Salah and Salah shortening, no. 758; Al-Tirmidhy, Sunan, Book on Salah, no. 446; Abu Dawud, Sunan, Book on Salah, no. 1315; Ibn Majah, Sunan, Book on performing Prayer and its Sunan, no. 1366; Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 2, p. 433; Malik, Al-Muwatta*, Book on call to Prayer, no. 496; and Al-Darimy, Sunan, Book on Salah, no. 1484.’

[3] Al-Bukhari, Sahih, Book on Friday, no. 1145; Muslim, Sahih, Book on travelers* Salah and Salah shortening, no. 758; Al-Tirmidhy, Sunan, Book on supplications, no. 3498; Abu Dawud, Sunan, Book on Salah, no. 1315; Ibn Majah, Sunan, Book on performing Prayer and its Sunan, no. 1366; Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 2, p. 265; Malik, Al-Muwatta*, Book on call to Prayer, no. 496; and Al-Darimy, Sunan, Book on Salah, no. 1479.

Posted from: http://alifta.com/Fatawa/FatawaChapters.aspx?languagename=en&View=Page&PageID=426&PageNo=1&BookID=14

—

The first question of Fatwa no. 19886   

Q 1: is the hour that precedes the Fajr (Dawn) Prayer considered as part of the last third of the night?   

 A: The hour that precedes the second Fajr (true dawn), which consists of 60 minutes, is part of the last third of the night and is considered to be the last hour of the last third of the night. This is because the night begins from the sunset and lasts until the emergence of the second Fajr. It is authentically reported that Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) descends to the worldly heaven in the last third of the night. It was related by Al-Bukhari in his “Sahih (Book of Authentic Hadith)”, vol. 2, p. 47, on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Our Lord, Blessed and Exalted is He, descends every night to the heaven of the world, when only the last third of the night remains and says, “Who will supplicate Me that I may respond to him; who will ask Me that I may give him; who will beg My forgiveness that I may forgive him?” Every Muslim and Muslimah is free to benefit from the blessed times and the times when supplications are answered, to supply themselves with good righteous deeds and supplicate for whatever they like from the matters of the Din (religion) or the Duniya (this world). 

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

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta – http://www.alifta.net

Summer Vacations to Europe, America & other non-Muslim countries and its Dangers – Ibn Baaz

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Warning against traveling to non-Muslim countries and outlining its dangerson `Aqidah and manners [1]

Praise be to Allah, Alone. May peace and blessings be upon whom no Prophet shall come after, our Prophet Muhammad and upon his family, Companions, and followers till the Day of Judgment.

Allah (Exalted be He) has blessed the Muslim nation with many favors, distinguished it with unique characteristics, and made it the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind when it enjoins what is good and forbids what is evil and believes in Allah (Exalted be He). Indeed, the best thing Allah (Exalted be He) bestowed upon it is the Religion of Islam. Allah (Exalted be He) chose Islam as the Shari`ah (revealed teachings and laws) and way of life for His Slaves and completed His Favor upon His Slaves and perfected the religion by Islam.

He (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. Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5: 3

However, the enemies of Islam feel envy towards Muslims owing to this great favor and are filled with spite and rage as well as enmity and hatred toward Muslims and Islam. They wish to deprive Muslims of this favor as Allah (Exalted be He) says describing what occurs in their psyches: They wish that you reject Faith, as they have rejected Faith, and thus that you all become equal (like one another). Surah Al-Nisa’, 4: 89

Allah (Exalted be He) also says: O you who believe! Take not as (your) Bitânah (advisors, consultants, protectors, helpers, friends) those outside your religion (pagans, Jews, Christians, and hypocrites) since they will not fail to do their best to corrupt you. They desire to harm you severely. Hatred has already appeared from their mouths, but what their breasts conceal is far worse. Indeed We have made plain to you the Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses) if you understand. Surah Al-`Imran, 3: 118

Allah (Exalted be He) also says: Should they gain the upper hand over you, they would behave to you as enemies, and stretch forth their hands and their tongues against you with evil, and they desire that you should disbelieve. Surah Al-Mumtahanah, 60: 2

Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) also says: And they will never cease fighting you until they turn you back from your religion (Islâmic Monotheism) if they can. Surah Al-Baqarah, 2: 217

There are many Ayahs (Qur’anic verses) that speak about the enmity of disbelievers towards Muslims.

However, what I want to refer to here is that the disbelievers exert effort and search every way in order to realize their purposes to damage Muslims. They use numerous ways and many concealed and apparent means in order to reach their evil purposes. Among their ways is what some travel institutions do from time to time such as distributing publications which promote people in this country to spend summer holidays in Europe and America on the pretext of learning English and they offer inclusive programs for the entire time for the one who travels with them.

The following things are always included in their programs:

1- Choosing a non-Muslim family with which a student will live in spite of the great risks included in this.

2- Attending music parties and shows performed in the city where the student lives.

3- Going to dance and entertainment clubs.

4- Disco dancing with non-Muslim girls and participating in dance competitions.

5- It is mentioned about the entertainment centers in one of the non-Muslim countries that they include the following things: nightclubs, discos, jazz and rock parties, modern music, theaters, cinemas and bars.

However, these publications aim at many dangerous purposes, such as:

1- Working towards deviating the Muslim youth and leading them astray.

2- Spoiling manners and tempting people to commit adultery by making it obtainable.

3- Filling Muslims with doubts concerning their doctrine.

4- Developing in the Muslims who go there a sense of admiration and amazement with the culture of non-Muslim countries.

5- Promoting Muslim to adopt many of their bad traditions and customs.

6- Urging heedlessness towards religion and its morals and teachings.

7- Utilizing Muslims who go there so that they call others to travel to non-Muslim countries after returning from these journeys and being filled with the thoughts, customs and traditions of the disbelievers.

There are many other dangerous purposes and objectives that the enemies of Islam strive to achieve like gaining as much power as they could and using various apparent and concealed ways that serve their aims. These evil-minded people may work under Arabic names and national institutions; conspiring against Muslims, keeping suspicions away from them, and concealing their wicked aims from Islamic countries.

Therefore, I am here to warn my Muslim brothers who are living in this country in particular and in all Muslim countries against being deceived and influenced by these publications and not to respond to them. These publications are nothing but some evil-oriented plans by the enemies of Islam that aim at taking Muslims out of their religion, arousing doubts in them over their doctrine and sowing the seeds of discord among Muslims. Allah (Exalted be He) says about them in His Book, Never will the Jews nor the Christians be pleased with you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) till you follow their religion. Surah Al-Baqarah, 2: 120

Moreover, I direct my advice to the guardians of students in particular to take care of their children and not to respond to their requests concerning traveling to non-Muslim countries owing to the expected harms and corruption in religion and manners. Praise be to Allah, we, in our countries, have education in various kinds of sciences which suffice from traveling to foreign countries. There are many places of entertainment in our country that are useful substitutes for theirs. In this way, we can protect our young people from the previously mentioned dangers, troubles, harmful results, and difficulties which are encountered in foreign countries.

I invoke Allah (Exalted be He) to protect our country and all Muslim countries and our children and Muslims’ children from every evil and harm and to save them from the conspiracies and mischief of our enemies. I supplicate Him to turn their evil plots on them and to guide our rulers and all Muslim rulers to abolish these harmful publications and dangerous reports and to guide them to all that benefits the people and the countries for He is the One Who is Capable of doing so.

May Allah’s Peace and blessings be upon His slave and Messenger, our Prophet Muhammad, his family, Companions, and followers till the Day of Judgment.

[1] Islamic Research Journal, ed. no. 16, pp. 7-10. It was issued in one of the publications of the Presidency of the Departments of Scholarly Research, Ifta’, Daw`ah, and Guidance in 1404 A.H.

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Read another Beautiful article No to these journeys by Ibn Baaz rahimahullaah

Restoration of Monuments might lead to Shirk – Shaykh Ibn Baaz

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Ruling on restoration of monuments

All praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family and Companions.

Some newspapers have published articles on reviving and paying attention to monuments, written by some authors, including Professor Salih Muhammad Jamal. These articles have been responded to by His Eminence, Shaykh `Abdullah ibn Muhammad ibn Humayd. He efficiently and instructively answered to the claims included therein, may Allah reward him. However, Professor Anwar Abul-Jadayil, may Allah guide and inspire him with what is right, was not satisfied with that reply or had not seen it. Therefore, he wrote an article on the subject, published by the ‘Madinah’ newspaper, issue number 5448, dated 22/4/1402 A.H. In this article, which is entitled “The Way of the Two Hijrahs”, he stated: “This is a review of the word published in the ‘Madinah’ newspaper, issue 5433, on 7/4/1402 A.H., by Professor `Abdul-Quddus Al-Ansary, as a commentary on the investigation done by the researcher and man of letters, Professor `Abdul-`Aziz Al-Rifa`y, of the sites which the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) passed through on his Hijrah (emigration) from Makkah to Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah. It urges us to stimulate officials to set signs indicating such posts such as, for example, two tents as close as possible to the two tents of Um Ma`bad with whatever else is suitable for the rest of posts, after taking the necessary precautions to prevent any transgression that could impart to them the tinge of sanctity or glory, and any deviation from the requirements of Shari`ah (Islamic law). For, the aim is to inform students, researchers and tourists who want to know about this path and these posts, to perceive the difficulties that the Messenger (peace be upon him) went through during this secret and covert trip.This is meant only to give lesson and example and inure people to hardships in Da`wah (calling people to Allah), following the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

However, side roads should be built and paved, off the main roads, with rest houses for the tourists, making it easier for people to enter the places where the Prophet (peace be upon him) passed, starting with Hira’ Cave, then Thawr, and the place where the Prophet (peace be upon him) was pursued by Suraqah ibn Malik, until we reach Quba’. This should also include the preceding sites in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, such as Dar Al-Arqam ibn Abul-Arqam, the pass where he and his family were boycotted, the pathway he assumed during the Conquest of Makkah, and then the places he stopped at in Al-Abtah, and also in Al-Hudaybiyah, Hunayn, and Badr. This also applies to sites he stopped at in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, the battlefields of the conquests, and his places of presence in their rural areas, then his path toKhaybar and to Tabuk. This is thus meant to provide people with more information about his unique efforts in spreading the Da`wah, and to teach them to follow the Prophet’s example in that regard. [End of quote]

Likewise, Dr. Faruq Akhdar recommended in his article, published in Al-Jazirah newspaper, issue number 3354, dated 13/1/1402 A.H., the development of archaeological sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by the Muslims on a continuing basis, to ensure income; as he alleged that petrol reserves would run out. Maintaining his viewpoint, he stated “that Christian religious tourism in the Vatican is one of the main sources of income in Italian economy. Israel sold empty bottles to the Jews in America, under the claim that such bottles were full of holy air from Al Quds.” He also pointed out that among the benefits this will bring about is that it will “Engrave knowledge about Islam in the minds of Muslim children…”

Due to the bad effects that reviving religious monuments have on the `Aqidah (creed), I wanted to clarify the truth and corroborate the writings of scholars on this issue, cooperate with those scholars in righteousness and Taqwa (fear or wariness of offending Allah), advise people for the Sake of Allah, expose suspicious points, and illustrate supporting evidence.

Hence, I would like to say that taking care of monuments in the way mentioned above would lead to Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship). This is because people’s souls are weak and are prone to cling to that which they deems beneficial. Besides, there are many types of Shirk, which are imperceptible for most people. Hence, those who stop at these monuments – whether they are real or fake monuments – will realize that ignorant people wipe themselves with the dirt of these places, and with the trees and stones therein. Those ignorant people also pray there and invoke those to whom the sites are attributed, thinking that this is a means of approaching Allah (Exalted be He), attaining Shafa`ah (intercession), and having theirs distresses relieved. Such an ignorance-based approach is maintained by misleading callers whose souls are impregnated with idolatry, and who exploit these monuments to misguide people and encourage them to visit these monuments in order to acquire some financial gains. Regretfully, there is no one at these monuments to inform people that they are meant only for people to derive an example. Rather, the opposite usually takes place.

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