The following are the excerpts from A speech delivered by His Eminence at Al-Jami` Al-Kabir in Riyadh on 27/4/1400 A.H., published in His Eminence’s book “Collection of Miscellaneous Fatwas and Articles”, vol. 9, pp. 128-141.
It is also authentically reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “If Allah wills to do good to a person, He makes them comprehend Din ‘religion’.” (Agreed upon by Imams Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
This important Hadith shows us the excellence of comprehending Din.
Comprehending religion includes understanding the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and Islam. Islam covers the basics of Shari`ah, Allah’s Ordainment’s, His Prohibitions, a servant’s duty towards Allah and other servants and Allah’s fear, glorification, and watchfulness. In fact, the first step towards attaining knowledge is fearing Allah (Exalted be He), honoring His Sanctities, and watching Him in all deeds.
Whoever does not fear or be aware of Allah (Exalted be He) in their deeds, all their knowledge will be worthless. However, true beneficial knowledge and understanding of Din that leads to happiness is that which instills Allah’s Awe in a Muslim’s heart, directs them to honor Allah’s Sanctities, pushes them to obey Allah’s Orders and abstain from His Prohibitions, and urges them to call to Allah (Exalted be He) and to clarify Shari`ah to people. So, anyone who is granted comprehension in religion in this way, Allah (Exalted be He) has indeed wanted to do them good.
On the other hand, anyone deprived of these blessings will be among the ignorant, misguided and negligent who renounce attaining the knowledge that Allah (Exalted be He) has made obligatory. They will be among those whom Allah (Exalted be He) has not wanted to do good to them. Further, Allah (Exalted be He) talks about Kafirs (disbelievers) who turn away from the purpose of their creation, to teach us that it is our duty, as Muslims, to haste to comprehend religion and ask about any unclear matter.
Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says:
“But those who disbelieve turn away from that whereof they are warned.” [Surah Al-Ahqaf, 46: 3]
Allah (Glorified be He) also says:
“And who does more wrong than he who is reminded of the Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of his Lord, but turns away from them, forgetting what (deeds) his hands have sent forth.” [Surah Al-Kahf, 18: 57]
Consequently, it is the duty of a Muslim to seek for attaining knowledge in religion, to attend to, reflect on, and benefit from the Qur’an and pay great attention to, study, apply, and memorize the Sunnah as much as possible. When a person neglects these two basics, it is an indication that Allah (Exalted be He) did not will good for him. They are doomed since their heart is corrupt and deviating from the path to guidance. We ask Allah to protect and keep us away from whatever displeases Him!
Dear Muslims, it is incumbent upon us to learn our religion and know its rulings and to attend to, meditate, reflect on, recite, and apply the Qur’an. In addition, we should give great care to, memorize, apply and study the Sunnah along with asking about ambiguous matters. Muslims should ask those who have more knowledge to find out the correct answer.
Allah (Glorified be He) says: “So ask the people of the Scripture, if you do not know.” [Surah Al-Nahl, 16: 43]
Moreover, a Muslim can attend knowledge lessons and benefit from them and study with other knowledgeable Muslims to benefit from them and add to himself. In this way, a Muslim can attain comprehension of religion and avoid the characteristics of the negligent and heedless.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “If Allah wills to do good to a person, He makes him comprehend the Din.” [1]
[1] Al-Bukhari, Sahih, Book on knowledge, no. 71; Muslim, Sahih, Book on rulership, no. 1037; Ibn Majah, Sunan, Introduction, no. 221; Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 4, p. 93; Malik, Al-Muwatta*, Book on miscellaneous matters, no. 1667; and Al-Darimy, Sunan, Introduction, no. 226.’
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Q: Some of our Muslim brethren hold birthday parties for themselves and their children, what is the ruling on such festivals?
A: The basic principle regarding acts of Ibadah (worship) is that they are Tawqifiy (bound by a religious text and not amenable to personal opinion), and as such, no one is allowed to worship Allah in a way other than which He ordained, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said in the Sahih (authentic) Hadith:
Anyone who introduces anything into this matter of ours (Islam) that is not part of it will have it rejected. [1]
He (peace be upon him) also said:
Anyone who does an action which is not in accordance with this matter of ours (Islam) will have it rejected. [2]
Birthday parties are an act of Bid’ah (innovation in religion) that should not be done for any person, regardless of their rank or role in life.
The most honorable of all creation and the best of all Messengers (peace be upon them), i.e. Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullah (peace be upon him) was never reported to have held a festival for the day he was born, or even instructed his Ummah (nation based on one creed) to celebrate it.
Similarly, the best of this Ummah after its Prophet (peace be upon him) are the Rightly-Guided Caliphs and the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet), but none of them is reported to have made a festival for the Prophet’s birthday, or for any of them (may Allah be pleased with them), and all goodness is to be found in following their pathand patterning oneself after the teachings of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Moreover, such Bid`ah pave the way to imitate the Jews, Christians and other Kafirs (non-Muslims) in terms of their newly invented festivals. Allah is the One sought for help!
May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!
[1] Al-Bukhari, Sahih, Book on reconciliation, no. 2697; Muslim, Sahih, Book on judicial decisions, no. 1718; Abu Dawud, Sunan, Book on Al-Sunnah, no. 4606; Ibn Majah, Sunan, Introduction, no. 14; and Ahmad, Musnad, vol. 6, p. 240.
[2] Muslim, Sahih, Book on judicial decisions, no. 1718; and Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 6, p. 180
Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’ Chairman : Shaykh Abdul-Aziz ibn Abdullah ibn Baz Source: Fatwas of the Permanent Committee
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Q 4: Does rolling up the sleeves count as part of the tucking up that is not allowed during Salah?If it is part of that tucking up, does the ruling differ if I start praying with my sleeves rolled up, meaning, I do not roll them up during the Salah, or does it make no difference?
A: It is not permissible to roll up the sleeves or to fold them up before the Salah or during it to avoid that they will touch the ground when performing Sujud (prostration), because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, I have been commanded to pray on seven bones and not to tuck up my hair or my clothes. [Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.
The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’ Chairman : Shaykh Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz
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Fourth: Morals and etiquette of the Da`ys to Allah
The morals and qualities necessary for a Da`y (caller to Islam) are highlighted by Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) in many occurrences in the Qur’an.
First: Devotedness.
It is obligatory for a Da`y to be so devoted to Allah that he neither intends to show off, nor wants a good reputation or praise from people. Rather, he should only call to Allah to please Him.
Allah (Glorified be He) says:
Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم): “This is my way; I invite unto Allâh (i.e. to the Oneness of Allâh – Islâmic Monotheism).” [Surah Yusuf, 12: 108]
He (Glorified and Exalted be He) also says:
“And who is better in speech than he who [says: “My Lord is Allâh (believes in His Oneness)” [Surah Fussilat, 41: 33]
Therefore, you have to be devoted to Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He). It is the most important virtue and the greatest quality that has to characterize your way of Da`wah (call to Islam), i.e. seeking Allah and the Hereafter.
Second: Knowledge.
Invite people to Allah with firm knowledge. You should not be unaware of or ignorant about what you call people to.
Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم): “This is my way; I invite unto Allâh (i.e. to the Oneness of Allâh – Islâmic Monotheism) with sure knowledge.” [Surah Yusuf, 12: 108]
Knowledge is a necessary obligation. You should not call people while you are ignorant nor talk about a topic you are unaware of. An ignorant person destroys and never constructs, spoils and never reforms. You, servants of Allah, have to fear Allah and never say anything about Him without knowledge. Likewise, you should never preach something unless you have sure knowledge and insight into what Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) said about it. Sure knowledge is indispensible and essential for a seeker of knowledge or a Da`y to be fully conversant with and have a deep knowledge of all the aspects of what he calls people to. He must also be sure of the proofs that substantiate his topic. Once he is sure of the truth of his points, he should then call people to them, regardless of whether it is a call to do something or to abandon something, i.e. an act of obedience to Allah and His Messenger or an act forbidden by Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him).
The call should be based on sure knowledge and insight.
Third: Among the qualifications necessary for a Da`y is that he should have patience, kindness, and gentleness with forbearing temperament as the prophets (peace be upon them) were.
Never should a Da`y be rushing, violent, or unduly strict. Rather, he has to be patient, forbearing and kind while practicing Da`wah. To this effect, we have stated some evidence earlier. For example, Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says:
“Invite (mankind, O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islâm) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur’ân) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better.” [Surah Al-Nahl, 16: 125]
He (Glorified be He) also says: And by the Mercy of Allâh, you dealt with them gently. In the story of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron), Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says:
“And speak to him mildly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear (Allâh).” [Surah TaHa, 20: 44]
The Prophet (peace be upon him) is authentically reported to have said:
“O Allah, whoever gains control over some affairs of my people and is hard upon them, be hard upon him, and whoever gains control over some affairs of my people and is kind to them, be kind to him.”
[Muslim, Sahih, Book on rulership, no. 1828; and Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 6, p. 93.]
So, it is obligatory for you, slaves of Allah, to be kind in your Da`wah, and not to be harsh with people. Do not make people turn away from Islam because of your harshness, ignorance or violent, harmful approach. It is thus obligatory for you to be forbearing, gentle, pleasant and lenient in speech so that your words may have an effect on the heart of your brother, or that it may have an effect on one toward whom your Da`wah is directed. As such, people will receive your Da`wah better, will be affected by it and will show appreciation. On the contrary, harshness causes disaffection, alienation, and division, not unity.
Among the necessary etiquettes and attributes a Da`y should or even must have is to act upon what he is calling people to.
He should be a good example for those whom he invites to Allah – that is, he should not call people to something which he himself does not do, or call people to abandon something that he himself does. This is the behavior of the losers – we seek Allah’s Refuge from this. But the winning believers call to the truth, act upon it, practicing it actively and vividly and never do what they forbid people to do. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says:
“O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do? Most hateful it is with Allâh that you say that which you do not do.”[Surah Al-Saff, 61: 2]
He (Exalted be He) also saysrebuking the Jews for enjoining righteousness while forgetting to practice it themselves:
“Enjoin you Al-Birr (piety and righteousness and each and every act of obedience to Allâh) on the people and you forget (to practise it) yourselves, while you recite the Scripture [the Taurât (Torah)]! Have you then no sense?” [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2: 44]
The Prophet (peace be upon him) is authentically reported to have said:
On the Day of Resurrection, a man will be brought and thrown in Hellfire. His intestines will then pour forth and he will revolve around them like a donkey revolves around a millstone. The people of Hell would gather around him and say, ‘O so and so, what happened to you? Did you not use to command us to adhere to righteousness and forbid us to do wrong?’ He will say, ‘Yes. But I used to enjoin righteousness but I did not practice it myself and I used to forbid wrong but I committed it.’
[Al-Bukhari, Sahih, Book on the beginning of creation, no. 3267; Muslim, Sahih, Book on asceticism and heart-softening narrations, no. 2989; and Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 5, p. 207.’)]
This will be the case with whoever calls to Allah, enjoins good and prohibits evil while his words are contrary to his actions – we seek Allah’s Refuge from this.
So, from among the most important and greatest attributes a Da`y has to be characterized by is to act upon that which he calls people to and not to do things that he prohibits.
A Da`y should have excellent behavior, good reputation, patience, persistence, sincerity and diligence in guiding people to goodness and keeping them away from falsehood. He should supplicate to Allah to guide the people whom he invites. He should supplicate for the people he invites to Allah, such as by saying, “May Allah guide you and open up your heart to accept the truth.” Thus, you should call and guide him, forbear his misbehavior and even supplicate to Allah to guide him.
On hearing people saying about the tribe of Daws that they disobeyed, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“O Allah, guide Daws and bring them (to Islam).”
[Al-Bukhari, Sahih, Jihad and military expeditions, no. 2937; Muslim, Sahih, Book on merits of the Companions, no. 2524; and Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 2, p. 243.’)]
So, you should supplicate to Allah for those you call to truth so that Allah may guide them and open up their hearts to the truth. You should show patience and persistence and do not lose hope. Moreover, you should say only that which is good and never rebuke or say bad words that might cause people to turn away from truth. However, if someone commits aggression and injustice, they will be given different treatment. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says:
“And argue not with the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), unless it be in (a way) that is better (with good words and in good manner, inviting them to Islâmic Monotheism with His Verses), except with such of them as do wrong” [Surah Al-`Ankabut, 29: 46]
So, the one who commits injustice through opposing the Da`wah with evil and enmity is to be dealt with in a different manner. If possible, such a person should be imprisoned or receive similar disciplinary punishment, which depends on the kind of injustice he commits. But as long as he causes no harm, you should be patient,seeking Allah’s Reward, and to argue with him in ways that are best. Anyway, if such a person causes you any personal harm, it is to be endured with patience as did Allah’s messengers and those who followed them in piety and righteousness.
I ask Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) to grant us all the power to practice Da`wah in the best manner. May He reform our hearts and actions and grant us understanding of and holding fast to Islam. May Allah also make us among those who are guided, who guide others, are righteous and teach others righteousness. Surely He (Glorified and Exalted be He) is the most Supreme, the Most Noble. May Allah’s Peace and Blessings be upon His Slave, Messenger and Prophet Muhammad, his family, Companions and all those who follow him in goodness until the Day of Judgment.
Fatwas of Ibn Baz : Volume 1 > Da`wah to Allah and the manners of those calling to Him > Fourth: Morals and etiquette of the Da`ys to Allah
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Q: I hear people saying that using Miswak (tooth-cleansing stick) in the Masjid is impermissible. Is this true?
A: Using the Miswak is an affirmed act of Sunnah. It should be used when necessary upon performing Wudu’ (ablution), Salah, reciting the Qur’an, changing the mouth smell, etc.
It may be used inside or outside the Masjid, as no text supports the prohibition of using it inside the Masjid when necessary. Moreover, it finds further support in the general meaning of the following Hadith, “Were it not for the fear that it might be hard for my Ummah (nation), I would have ordered them to use Miswak for every Salah.” [1]
However, a person should be careful not to overdo the Miswak in the Masjid lest they should vomit or bleed in the Masjid.
May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.
The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’
Chairman – Shaykh Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz
[1] Al-Bukhari, Sahih, Book in Friday, no. 887; Muslim, Sahih, Book on purification, no. 252; Al-Tirmidhy, Sunan, Book on purification, no. 22; Al-Nasa’y, Sunan, Book on purification, no. 7; Abu Dawud, Sunan, Book on purification, no. 46; Ibn Majah, Sunan, Book on purification and its Sunan, no. 287; Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 2, p. 433; Malik, Al-Muwatta*, Book on purification, no. 147; and Al-Darimy, Sunan, no. 683.
Fatwas of the Permanent Committee>Group 1>Volume 6: Salah 1>Salah>Rulings related to the Masjids>Using Miswak in the Masjid
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Q: Do the Jinn (creatures created from fire) appear to some humans and hold friendships with them? Is jinni a devil?
A: Jinn do appear to some people. The Jinn are individual beings, not part of the human. It is well-known among scholars that the Jinn are the children of the Satan, in the same way that the humans are the children of Adam, so the Satan is the Jinni who refused to prostrate to Adam. He is the father of all Jinn. Some of them are kind, and others are wicked Kafirs (disbelievers) similar to the Kafirs among human beings. Among them are the Fasiqs (someone openly and flagrantly violating Islamic law), Kafirs, righteous Mu’mins (believers), and disobedient ones. They are groups and sects as humans, some people are in contact with them, they speak to them and are spoken to by them, some people can see them, but in most cases they are not seen. This is as Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says:“Verily, he and Qabîluhu (his soldiers from the jinn or his tribe) see you from where you cannot see them” (Surah Al-A`raf, 7: 27)
It means that they see us from where we cannot see them. This does not mean that we cannot see them at all; we can see them, but not from where they see us. However, they appear to some people in the desert and in houses, and they converse. We have been informed by a group of scholars of many incidents where the Jinn attend informative lectures and ask questions about different topics although they were not seen, some people have seen the Jinn in the desert and in other places.
It is not permissible to worship them instead of Allah (Exalted be He), or seek their support. It is not permissible also to ask them for help in harming Muslims, nor is it permitted to ask about the Ghayb (the Unseen). In fact a person should take precautions against these things.
As for calling them to Allah if possible, teaching them what will benefit them, advising them, preaching to them and reminding them of Allah, these are all permissible things. However, seeking their help and support, making vows for them, or getting closer to them by slaughtering in fear of their evil is Munkar (that which is unacceptable or disapproved of by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect).
Allah (Exalted be He) says: ‘And verily, there were men among mankind who took shelter with the males among the jinn, but they (jinn) increased them (mankind) in sin and transgression. (Surah Al-Jinn, 72: 6)
This means that they increased their sins and transgression. This Ayah (Qur’anic verse) has two Tafsirs (explanation of the meanings of the Qur’an): the first meaning is that the Jinn increased the humans in fear of them, and the second meaning is that the humans increased the Jinn in their evil and transgression and kufr (disbelief) because when the Jinn saw that humans were scared of them they became arrogant and increased their harm of humans.
Either way it is not permissible to ask them for help, or assistance, or is it permissible to make vow to them, ask them to help with something, invoke them to cure the sick, and so on. However, if one is able to speak to them, he can advise, remind, and call them to Allah. He should also teach them what will bring them benefit. There is nothing wrong with doing that with Jinn in the same way it is done with humans.
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Answer to a QuestionPosed to Permanent Committee :
Firstly: `Eid (festival) means in Arabic gatherings that Ta’ud (comes again) on a habitual manner. It may come again in a year, a month, or a week. Therefore, the word ‘Eid means a day that comes again like `Eid-ul-Fitr (the Festival of Breaking the Fast) or Friday, the gathering on that day and the acts done as acts of worship or habits on that day.
Secondly: Anything that is meant to worship Allah, seek to be closer to Him to get reward through doing so or any thing meant to be similar to disbelievers and the like is a Bid`ah that is included in the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him): “He who innovates things in our affairs for which there is no valid (reason) (commits sin) and these are to be rejected.” This Hadith was reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim. Celebrating the Prophet’s Mawlid, Mother’s Day, and National Day fall into this category.
The first one includes an act of worship that was not legislated by Allah. Moreover, it contains similarity to the Christians and other disbelievers. The second and the third are prohibited as it is imitating disbelievers. Whatever is in the interest of the Ummah (nation) and arranging its affairs as the Week of the Traffic, arranging the times of studying, holding meetings with employees to arrange work and the like are not acts of worship, they are of the innovated habits that are not included in the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him): “He who innovates things in our affairs for which there is no valid (reason) (commits sin) and these are to be rejected.” Then, there will be no blame for doing so.
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
Deputy Chairman – Abdul-Razzaq Afify
Chairman – Abdul-Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz
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Q: I am a married woman with children and I am a practicing Muslim – all praise be to Allah – but my husband smokes Shisha (hookah, water pipe). I have advised him, in vain, to give it up. In fact, he has sworn by Allah that he will stop smoking it, but he has not done so. After this, I took an oath by Allah that, if he did not stop smoking, I would go to my parents, but he has not stopped and I have not gone to my parents. What should I do with my husband? What is the ruling on the oath that I took? What is the ruling on smoking Shisha? I hope that you will answer my letter.
A: First: smoking shisha is Haram (prohibited) because it is an obnoxious habit and includes many harmful effects.
Second: It is Wajib (obligatory) on your husband to fulfill his oath and stop smoking Shisha.
Third: You have done well to advise your husband to stop smoking Shisha. You should continue doing so and make Du‘a’ (supplication) to Allah for Him to guide your husband.
Regarding the oath that you broke, you have to make Kaffarah (expiation) for it and you should not go to stay with your parents.The Kaffarah is to feed ten Miskin (needy people), to clothe them, or to free a believing slave. If you are unable to do any of these things, you should observe Sawm (Fasting) for three days.
May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.
The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’
Chairman : `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz
Ruling on smoking and using hookah – Shaykh Ibn Baaz
Q: What is the ruling on smoking and using hookah?
A: Smoking and using hookah are prohibited, because they contain evil and much harm. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) made lawful for His servants all kinds of lawful and good things and made unlawful to them all kinds of evil things, as He (Glorified and Exalted be He) says to His Prophet (peace be upon him): They ask you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) what is lawful for them (as food). Say: “Lawful unto you are At-Tayyibât [all kind of Halâl (lawful-good) foods which Allâh has made lawful (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, milk products, fats, vegetables and fruits)]. Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5: 4
He (Glorified and Exalted be He) also says with regard to the description of His Prophet (peace be upon him): “…he allows them as lawful At-Tayyibât (i.e. all good and lawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods), and prohibits them as unlawful Al-Khabâ’ith (i.e. all evil and unlawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons and foods)” Surah Al-A`raf, 7: 157
No type of smoking is from the lawful good things, but they are from the evil things due to their much harm. They are not from the lawful-good things which Allah (Exalted be He) permitted; therefore, they should be abandoned and one should beware of approaching them and should strive against his evil soul to avoid these evil things, because the soul persists in evil, except those relieved by Allah’s Mercy. It is the duty of the believer to strive against his soul to set aside whatever harms him from these and other evil things.
A 2005 WHO report states that smoking using a waterpipe poses a serious potential health hazard and is not a safe alternative to cigarette smoking. The average hookah session typically lasts more than 40 minutes, and consists of 50 to 200 inhalations that each range from 0.15 to 0.50 liters of smoke. In an hour-long smoking session of hookah, users consume about 100 to 200 times the volume of smoke of a cigarette. The chemical compositions of cigarette smoke and hookah smoke are different, however, as the workings of the charcoal in the modern hookah causes the tobacco mixture to be heated to a lower temperature, as opposed to the higher temperature in a cigarette where the tobacco is directly burnt. Consequently, the potential health effects of hookah smoke are expected to be very different.
Source : wikipedia.org/wiki/Hookah
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From `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz to any Muslim who reads this Fatwa. May Allah guide us all and grant us the means to make sincere repentance from all sins. Amen.
Peace, Mercy and Blessings of Allah be upon you.
To proceed:
“ :As you know, may Allah bestow His Mercy upon us all, that the ruler of Muslims, may Allah protect and guard him, gave directions for offering the Rain Prayer in the morning of Monday, 7 Jumadal-Ula, 1408 A.H., because rain season is late this year and has not fallen in many places at its annually scheduled time. Muslims are in dire need of it, and they are desperately asking Allah to overwhelm them with His Mercy [Exalted and Sublime Be He], His Bounty and Kindness. He (Exalted and Glorified be He) has guided them to invoke and implore Him so that He grants them their needs with His Grace.
He, the Most Glorified, assured them of answering their supplications, as He (Exalted and Glorified be He) said:
“And your Lord said: “Invoke Me, I will respond to your (invocation). Verily! Those who scorn My worship [i.e. do not invoke Me, and do not believe in My Oneness, (Islâmic Monotheism)] they will surely enter Hell in humiliation!“”
and:
“And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright.“
In other verses, He (Exalted and Glorified be He) said:
“Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret. He likes not the aggressors.”
“And do not do mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order, and invoke Him with fear and hope. Surely, Allâh’s Mercy is (ever) near to the good-doers” .
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and the early Muslims always turned to Allah seeking His Help in times of distress or adversity. He answered their invocations and granted them of His Bounties and Benevolence as He (Exalted and Glorified be He) said regarding the Battle of Badr,
“(Remember) when you sought help of your Lord and He answered you (saying): “I will help you with a thousand of the angels each behind the other (following one another) in succession.”” .
When drought intensified in Al-Madinah and its suburbs, Muslims requested the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) to pray for rain. He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) then raised his hands while giving the Friday Sermon and prayed for rain and repeated his supplication twice.
On another occasion he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) went out with them to the desert where he led them in two Rak’ahs prayer similar to the ‘Eid prayer. He supplicated his Lord asking Him for rain. In this prayer he raised his hands and repeated the invocation many times and then inverted his garment.
Following the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), Muslims also raised their hands in prayer and supplicated Allah. Then Allah sent down abundant rain, bestowed His Mercy upon them and removed their distress.
He (Exalted and Glorified be He) said: “Indeed in the Messenger of Allâh (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes for (the Meeting with) Allâh and the Last Day, and remembers Allâh much.”
One of the most important means of obtaining Allah’s Mercy and being blessed with rain is fearing Allah [Exalted and Sublime Be He], turning to Him in repentance from all sins, promoting all what is right and forbidding all what is evil, cooperating in matters of piety and righteousness, holding mutual consultation for the sake of Allah, advising each other with the truth and being steadfast in implementing it, being compassionate to the poor and the needy, consoling them and being generous to them.
Allah (Exalted and Glorified be He) said:
“And if the people of the towns had believed and had the Taqwâ (piety), certainly, We should have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth” till the end of the verse.
He,Most Glorified, said
“And whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty).“
He also said,
“…and whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make his matter easy for him.”
He (Exalted and Glorified be He) also said in another verse:
“Surely, Allâh’s Mercy is (ever) near to the doers of good“
and:
“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); they perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give the Zakât, and obey Allâh and His Messenger. Allâh will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allâh is All-Mighty, All-Wise.“.
In these noble verses, He (Exalted and Glorified be He) explained that fearing Allah, being kind to Allah’s servants and keeping upright and straight on the path of Allah are of the means of bringing about Allah’s Mercy to His servants, His kindness to them, sending down rain and removing their distress.
Therefore, fear Allah O servants of Allah! Be kind to His servants, and advise one another with truth and be steadfast and patient in doing so; cooperate among yourselves in acts piety and righteousness, promote what is right, forbid what is evil and repent altogether from all your sins. Hence your Sustainer (Exalted and Glorified be He) will encompass you with His Mercy upon you and send down blessed rain for you. He will also give youwhatever you desire and withhold from you whatever you dislike.
The Almighty said: “And all of you beg Allâh to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful“
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) advised us saying:
““Whoever is not merciful to others will not be treated mercifully”“
In another Hadith he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) stated:
“The Most Compassionate (Allah) has mercy on those who are compassionate to people. If you show mercy to those on the earth, He Who is in the heaven will show mercy to you” .
The Qur’anic verses and Prophetic Hadiths urging people to observe piety, uprightness, mercy and kindness to those in need are many and well-known.
I ask Allah to rectify the affairs of all Muslims; to grant them sincere repentance from all sins; to send down the rain for them out of His Grace and Bounty; to reconcile and unite their hearts on piety and good deeds; to protect everyone from the evils of their selves and to purify them from their sinful acts; to rid them of misguidance of tribulations; to support His Deen; to make His word the uppermost; to guide our rulers to what is good and beneficial forpeople and countries; to correct the behavior of their advisors and enable them to do all kinds of good. Indeed, He is the Grantor of all this and is the Most Omnipotent. Peace, Mercy and Blessings of Allah be upon you.
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Q 6: I have some non-Muslim and Muslim neighbors about whom I have some reservations. What is the ruling on exchanging visits with them?
A: Visits exchanged in such circumstance are a good thing enjoined by Islam when they are for the purpose of guidance, advice, and cooperation in righteousness and piety.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
““Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says, ‘My Love is due to those who love one another for My Sake, who sit with one another for My Sake, who visit one another for My Sake, and who are generous to one another for My Sake.’”“ (Related by Imam Malik [may Allah be merciful to him] with a Sahih (authentic) Sanad (chain of narrators)][1]
Also, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ““There are seven whom Allah will shade with His Shade on the Day when there will be no shade but His Shade…”“ among them he (peace be upon him) mentioned: ““Two men who love each other for the sake of Allah, meeting for that and parting upon that.”” [2]
The example given is that of two men, but the ruling is general and applies to two men or two women. Thus, if a Muslim visits another Muslim or non-Muslim for the purpose of calling them to Allah, teaching them and guiding them to goodness without seeking worldly gain or taking the Commands of Allah lightly, this is a good act.
It is good for a Muslim woman to visit her sister in Islam and advise her to avoid Tabarruj (woman’s public display of her adornment or charms), unveiling the face or taking lightly what Allah prohibits. Similarly, it is good to visit her Christian or non-Christian female neighbor, such as a Buddhist woman or the like, to advise, teach, or instruct her. Actually, this comes under the heading of the Prophet’s words: ““Religion is sincerity (well-wishing). Religion is sincerity. Religion is sincerity.”“[3] If she responds positively, all praise is to Allah; if she does not then you should give up the visits which do not serve any useful purpose.
Visiting for the purpose of gaining worldly benefits, playing, exchanging idle talks, eating or the like is not permissible to be made to non-Muslims, whether they are the Christians or others. Such visits may corrupt one’s religious commitment or morals, because the Kafirs (disbelievers) are enemies to us and we do not feel love towards them [as a reaction for their Shirk, disbelief, rejection of truth, enmity, sinning, transgression against Allah, etc. Ed]. Thus, we should not take them as protectors or confidants.
However, visits are required when they are made for the purpose of calling to Allah, urging to do goodness, and warning against evil. In Surah (Qur’anic chapter) Al-Mumtahinah, Allah (Glorified be He) says: “Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Ibrâhîm (Abraham) and those with him, when they said to their people: “Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allâh: we have rejected you, and there has started between us and you hostility and hatred for ever until you believe in Allâh Alone”” [Surah Al-Mumtahanah, 60: 4]
[1] Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 5, p. 233; and Malik, Al-Muwatta*, Book on miscellaneous matters, no. 1779.
[2] Al-Bukhari, Sahih, Book on Adhan, no. 660; Muslim, Sahih, Book on Zakah, no. 1031; Al-Tirmidhy, Sunan, Book on asceticism, no. 2391; Al-Nasa*y, Sunan, Book on the manners of judges, no. 5380; Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 2, p. 439; and Malik, Al-Muwatta*, Book on miscellaneous matters, no. 1777.
[3] Muslim, Sahih, Book on faith, no. 55; Al-Nasa*y, Sunan, Book on Al-Bay`ah, no. 4198; Abu Dawud, Sunan, Book on manners, no. 4944; and Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 4, p. 102.
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Q: Most mobiles have musical ring tones. Is it permissible to use these musical tones instead of the regular ring tone? Could you kindly advise and direct us to what is beneficial for Muslims? May Allah reward you and protect you from harm!
A: It is not permissible to use musical tones on mobiles or other devices, because listening to musical instruments is prohibited as indicated by Shar‘y (Islamic legal) evidence. It is enough to use the regular ring tone.
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’
Chairman : Imam Ibn Baz rahimahullaah
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In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
An extract from my letter I sent to His Excellency Shaykh Abu Al-A`la Al-Mawdudy concerning the difference between `Ibadah and obedience
On 2/4//1392 A.H., Abu Al-A`la Al-Mawdudy sent me a letter no. 1526, dated 2 Safar, 1392 A.H. explaining his case and Tufayl’s, his successor in the leadership of Islamic Group. I replied in the same year when I was the President of the Islamic University in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah and the following is some of my reply:
Some brothers from Milbar living in the country told me that Your Eminence opine that `Ibadah is clarified by obedience and that when someone obeys another, he worships him. `Ibadah is also interpreted as enslavement and idolization.
Furthermore, Shaykh `Umar ibn Ahmad Al-Millibary, owner of Al-Salsabil Magazine, wrote to me concerning this issue asserting what is mentioned about you and the Group. He sent me a copy of a survey pertaining to this question. You will find an enclosed copy of it.
This question appears strange for me so I determined to write to you before I receive your letter to know whether these statements which are attributed to you are true. So, please let me know your opinion. I see that obedience has a wider scope than `Ibadah. Every act of `Ibadah a person does in compliance with Allah’s Shari`ah is seen as obedience, but not every act of obedience to anything other than Allah (Exalted be He) is seen as `Ibadah. This matter needs more elaboration. Obedience to Allah (Exalted be He) is seen as `Ibadah when a person seeks to please Him. However, it may be valid or corrupt depending on whether the requirements of `Ibadah are met.
Please tell me in details your view on this question. It adds further explanation that `Ibadah may be denied when tainted with Shirkas Allah says concerning Mushrik (one who associates others with Allah in His Divinity or worship), ““Nor will you worship that which I worship.” Surah Al-Kafirun, 109: 3 . Ibadah is negated because of their acts of Shirk. It is known that they worship Allah (Exalted be He) during times of hardships through showing Tawhid, performing Hajj and `Umrah, offering Sadaqah and so on.
Since these acts of `Ibadah are spoiled by Shirk, disbelief in the Hereafter and other kinds of disbelief during times of prosperity, it is permissible to negate the `Ibadah of people who show it. Furthermore, I would like to explain another point. The person who obeys the authorities or rulers in something forbidden by Allah (Exalted be He) is not seen worshipping them when he does not believe in the permissibility of obedience to anyone in something opposing Allah’s Shari`ah. They rather obey these rules out of fear of their evils or vain desires while they know that they are sinful. Due to their act of obedience, such persons are sinners, not Mushriks, unless they obey such rulers in matters which do not involve Shirk. Examples of these matters include striking, killing, and taking someone’s money unjustly. There are many other examples that come under this heading. I think this view is known by the people of knowledge whose status is below yours. I find it imperative to ask you about this and know your detailed opinion so that I can refute any claim against you and support you with sure knowledge and show the truth concerning the Islamic Group to any one who seeks it.
If what is attributed to you is true, we can discuss it thoroughly and examine the problematic issues using the evidence. The truth is the long-sought aim of everyone.
We ask Allah (Exalted be He) to grant us success to do what pleases Him and to comprehend His Religion and to adhere to it. May Allah purify our hearts and deeds and make the truth our long-sought aim wherever we are, for He is the Most Generous. As-salamu `alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh (May Allah’s Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you!)
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Q: Could you please tell us about the reward that Allah prepares for the patient in this world and in the hereafter and those who are obedient to Him (Exalted be He)?
A: Allah (Glorified be He) created mankind and Jinn (creatures created from fire) to worship Him Alone and not to associate any partner with Him. He (Exalted be He) thus says:
“And I (Allâh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone).” Surah Al-Dhariyat, 51: 56
Allah (Exalted be He) also says:
“O mankind! Worship your Lord (Allâh), Who created you and those who were before you so that you may become Al-Muttaqûn (the pious – See V.2:2).” Surah Al-Baqarah, 2: 21
The `Ibadah (worship) that mankind and Jinn are created for and commanded to do is to obey Allah (Exalted be He), avoid His prohibitions, and mention Him abundantly. The essence of `Ibadah is to believe in Tawhid (belief in the Oneness of Allah) and to manifest this through making Du`a’ (supplication) to Allah Alone, fearing Allah Alone, longing for His Mercy, and being sincere to Him in all forms of `Ibadah such as Salah (Prayer), Sawm (Fast), and so on.
Allah (Exalted be He) promises His obedient slaves that He will bestow upon them abundant goodness and praised rewards in this world and in the hereafter. Allah (Exalted be He) promised them that He will grant them Jannah (Paradise) and dignity in the Hereafter. Thus, Allah (Exalted be He) says:
“So be patient. Surely, the (good) end is for Al-Muttaqûn (the pious)” Surah Hud, 11: 49
Allah (Exalted be He) also says:
“…but give glad tidings to As-Sâbirûn (the patient).” Surah Al-Baqarah, 2: 155
“Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: “Truly! To Allâh we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.”” Surah Al-Baqarah, 2: 156
“They are those on whom are the Salawât (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones.” Surah Al-Baqarah, 2: 157
He (Exalted be He) also says:
“Only those who are patient shall receive their reward in full, without reckoning.” Surah Al-Zumar, 39: 10
Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) also says:
“Whoever works righteousness – whether male or female – while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islâmic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter).” Surah Al-Nahl, 16: 97
Moreover, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Nobody is given a blessing better and greater than patience.” [1]
He (peace be upon him) also said:
“Wonderful are the affairs of a believer, for there is good in every affair of them. If they have an occasion to feel delight, they thank ‘Allah’, thus there is good for them in it; and if they suffer from an affliction, they endure it patiently, which is good for them. This is not the case with anyone else except a believer.” [2]
Thus, the patient person has a praised reward in this world and in the hereafter or he will be rewarded in Jannah and dignified in the hereafter. It is worth mentioning that such a reward will only be given to the patient person who shows patience regarding being pious, adherence to obedience of Allah, and enduring the hardships that they encounter in this world; poverty, illness, and so on. Allah (Glorified be He) says:
“It is not Al-Birr (piety, righteousness, and each and every act of obedience to Allâh, etc.) that you turn your faces towards east and (or) west (in prayers); but Al-Birr is (the quality of) the one who believes in Allâh, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, the Prophets” Surah Al-Baqarah, 2: 177
until His Saying:
“…and who are patient in extreme poverty and ailment (disease) and at the time of fighting (during the battles). Such are the people of the truth and they are Al-Muttaqûn (the pious).” Surah Al-Baqarah, 2: 177
Generally speaking, patience and piety always lead to praised consequences. Allah (Exalted be He) tells the believers regarding their enemy:
“But if you remain patient and become Al-Muttaqûn [the pious – See V.2:2], not the least harm will their cunning do to you. Surely, Allâh surrounds all that they do.” Surah Al-`Imran, 3: 120
Footnotes :
[1] Al-Bukhari, Sahih, Book on Zakah, no. 1469; Muslim, Sahih, Book on Zakah, no. 1053; Al-Tirmidhy, Sunan, righteousness, and upholding ties of kinship, no. 2024; Al-Nasa*y, Sunan, Book on Zakah, no. 2588; Abu Dawud, Sunan, Book on Zakah, no. 1644; Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 3, p. 94; Malik, Al-Muwatta*, Book on general matters, no. 1880; and Al-Darimy, Sunan, Book on Zakah, no. 1646.’
[2] Muslim, Sahih, Book on asceticism and heart-softening narrations, no. 2999; Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 6, p. 16; and Al-Darimy, Sunan, Book on heart-softening narrations, no. 2777.’
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Q : A brother from Dar’a, Syria asks: What is the correct opinion about the stories narrated from one of the famous leaders of Sufism, Al-Sayyid Ahmad Al-Rifa’y that he visited the Mosque of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in Al-Madinah and supplicated at the Prophet’s grave. The Messenger (peace be upon him) then stretched his hand out to him and he kissed it?
This is a widespread belief among the followers of his Tariqah (Sufi order). It is a belief they hold firmly, even though he lived in the 6th century A.H. How true is this story?
A : This is false and baseless, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) died as decreed by Allah (Glorified be He) who says: Verily you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) will die, and verily they (too) will die. [Surah Al-Zumar, 39: 30]
According to a Sahih Hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
Allah has angels roaming around the land; if they find anyone greeting me, they carry back these greetings to me.There is no one who sends greetings upon me but Allah will restore my soul to me so that I may return his greeting.[1]
He (peace be upon him) said: The most excellent of your days is Friday; so invoke more blessings on me on that day, for your blessings will be submitted to me. The people asked: O Messenger of Allah, how can it be that our blessings will be submitted to you while your body is decayed? He replied: Allah, the Exalted, has prohibited the earth to consume the bodies of the prophets. [2]
There are many Hadiths which say similar things but it is not narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said that he would shake hands with anybody. This indicates that this story is false. Even if we were to assume that it is true, then it could be that this was a shaytaan (devil) who shook hands with him in order to deceive him and lead him and others astray.
What all Muslims have to do is to fear Allah and adhere to His Shari`ah, which is indicated in His Noble Book and in the Sunnah of His trustworthy Messenger, and beware of anything that goes against that. May Allah reform the Muslims and grant them understanding of His religion and cause them to adhere to His Shari`ah, for He is the Most Generous, Most Kind.
Footnotes
[1] Narrated by Al-Nasaiy, Book on Sujud-ul-Sahw, no. 1265; Ahmad, Section on the Hadiths narrated by the Companions who narrated a large number of Hadiths, nos. 3484, 3993, and 4093; and Al-Darimy, Book on heart-softening narrations, no. 2655.’
[2] Narrated by Nasaiy, Book on Friday, no. 1357; Abu Dawud, Book on Salah, nos. 883 and 1308; and Ahmad, Section on the Hadiths narrated by Al-Madinah narrators, no. 15575.
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Q: Is it permissible to burn or kill by water the insects that are found in houses, such as ants and cockroaches?
A: If these insects are harmful, it is permissible to kill them by insecticides and the like, not by burning.
The Prophet (peace be upon him said): Five kinds of animals are harmful and may be killed even in the Haram (all areas within the Sacred Sanctuary of Makkah): The crow, the kite, the scorpion, the mouse, and the rabid dog [1].According to another authentic narration, the viper was mentioned among the animals that may be killed.
This authentic Hadith reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) indicates the permissibility of killing harmful creatures, such as ants, cockroaches, mosquitoes, flies, and predators.
However, if ants cause no harm, they are not to be killed. The Prophet (peace be upon him) prohibited killing ants, bees, hoopoes, and sparrow-hawks.[2]This case only applies when they cause no harm.
However, when harm is perceived, they take the same ruling of the harmful animals mentioned in the Hadith. May Allah grant us success.
[1] Al-Bukhari, Sahih, Book on Hajj, no. 1829; Muslim, Sahih, Book on Hajj, no. 1198; Al-Tirmidhy, Sunan, Book on Hajj, no. 837; Al-Nasaiy, Sunan, Book on Hajj rituals, no. 2887; Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 6, p. 87; Al-Darimy, Sunan, Book on rituals, no. 1817.
[2] Abu Dawud, Sunan, Book on manners, no. 5267; Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 1, p. 332; and Al-Darimy, Sunan, Book on sacrifices, no. 1999.
What is the ruling on killing insects by electric shock, while the Prophet (peace be upon him) orders Muslims to kill and slaughter in a good way?
A: If these insects are harmful and electric shock is the only way to get rid of them, it will be permissible to use it. This will be an exceptional case of the Prophet’s order to kill in a good way, since the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Five kinds of animals are mischief-doers and may be killed even in the precincts of Ka`bah or in the state of Ihram: They are the crow, the kite, the scorpion, the mouse, and the dog known for biting people. Also, the Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered to dip the flies [if they fall] into the water that may often cause their death.
May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!
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Fatwas of Ibn Baz > Volume 8 > Ruling on saying “Whatever is good is from Allah while evil and sin are from ourselves and Satan”
Q: We received a question from Makkah and it reads: Some Du`ah (callers to Islam) and lecturers say at the end of their lecture, “Whatever is good is from Allah while evil and sin are from ourselves and Satan.” What is the ruling on saying that? Please, enlighten us. May Allah enlighten you!
A: There is nothing wrong – I see – with saying that, as it is the truth.
A lecturer, teacher, preacher or anyone else giving advice should observe Taqwa (fear/wariness of offending Allah) and seek the truth. If they do well, it is due to Allah’s Favor on them and if they err, it is due to their negligence and Satan. Allah (Glorified be He) and His Messenger (peace be upon him) are free from such error.
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Fatwas of Ibn Baz > Volume 8 > A note concerning a false report circulated by some ignorant people
Praise be to Allah. May Allah’s Blessings and Peace be upon the slave and Messenger of Allah, our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and Companions!
I have come across a false report that is being disseminated by some ignorant people who have little understanding of the religion of Allah. The text of this report is as follows:
“In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace and blessings be upon the noblest of the messengers, our Master Muhammad (peace be upon him), and upon his family and Companions! Allah (Exalted be He) says: No doubt! Verily, the Auliyâ’ of Allâh [i.e. those who believe in the Oneness of Allâh and fear Allâh much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which he has forbidden), and love Allâh much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)], no fear shall come upon them nor shall they grieve. Allah is Most Truthful.
My Muslim brother, my Muslim sister. A thirteen-year-old girl was inflicted with hard illness and the doctor failed to treat her. One night her sickness grew worse and she wept until sleep overtook her. In her dream, she saw Sayyidah Zaynab (may Allah be pleased with her). She put some drops in her mouth, and when she woke up she was completely healed from her sickness. SayyidahZaynab (may Allah be pleased with her) asked her to write this story thirteen times and distribute it to the Muslims to demonstrate the power of the Creator, may He be Exalted, and how it is manifested in His signs and His creation, Exalted be He above all that they associate with Him. The girl did what she was asked to do, and this is what happened:
1 – The first copy fell into the hands of a poor man, who wrote it out and distributed it. Thirteen days later, the Lord willed that this poor man should become rich.
2 – The second copy fell into the hands of a worker who ignored it. Thirteen days later he lost his job.
3 – The third copy fell into the hands of a rich man, who refused to write it out. Thirteen days later, he lost all the riches that he possessed.
Hasten, O Muslim brother or sister, after reading this story, to copy it out thirteen times and distribute it to people, so that you may get what you wish for from the Most Generous Lord, may He be Glorified and Exalted. May Allah’s Peace and Blessings upon our Master Muhammad and upon all his family and Companions!”
When I read this false report, I thought it is necessary to point out that the benefits and good things that the author claims will come to those who copy and distribute it, and the bad things that will happen to those who ignore it and do not disseminate it further, are all lies and baseless. Rather, they are fabrications of the liars and charlatans. They want to divert the Muslims from putting their trust in their Lord alone, with no partner or associate, to bring them benefits and ward off harm, as well as taking the permissible means as prescribed in the Shari`ah (Islamic law). They also want them to put their trust in someone or something other than Allah to bring benefits and ward off harm and to take false means that are not permitted or prescribed in the Shari`ah, which lead them to become attached to something other than Allah and to worship someone other than Him. Undoubtedly, this is one of the plots of the enemies against the Muslims, who want to divert them away from their true Din (religion) of Islam by any means possible. The Muslims should beware of these plots and not be deceived by them. The Muslim should pay no attention to this false report and similar reports which appear from time to time. Warnings have been issued about several of them in the past. It is not permissible for a Muslim to copy out this and similar reports, or to distribute them under any circumstances. Rather, doing so is an evil action and a person who does that is committing a sin; there is the fear that he will be punished in this world and in the Hereafter, because this isBid`ah (innovation in religion) whose evil is great and whose punishment is severe.
This report is a kind of reprehensible Bid`ah and is one of the means that lead to Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) and overestimation of Ahl-ul-Bayt (members of the Prophet’s extended Muslim family) and others among the dead; calling upon them instead of Allah, seeking their help, and thinking that they can bring benefit or ward off harm from those who call upon them and seek their help. It is also a kind of telling lies about Allah. Allah (Glorified be He) says: It is only those who believe not in the Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh, who fabricate falsehood, and it is they who are liars. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: He who innovates things in our affairs for which there is no valid (reason) (commits sin) and these are to be rejected. (Agreed upon by Imams Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
All Muslims who receive this letter should tear it up, destroy it, warn people against it and pay no attention to any promises or warnings that it may contain, because these are false reports that have no sound basis and nothing good or bad will result from it. But the one who invents it, those who copy it out and distribute it, and those who promote it and disseminate it among the Muslims are all sinful, because all of that comes under the heading of cooperating in sin and transgression which Allah has forbidden in His Book, where He (Glorified be He) says: Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwâ (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allâh. Verily, Allâh is Severe in punishment.
We ask Allah to keep us and all the Muslims safe and sound from all evil. Allah is Sufficient for us and He is the best to deal with those who fabricated this report and similar reports, and introduced into the religion of Allah things that have nothing to do with it. We ask Allah to deal with them as they deserve, for telling lies about Allah, disseminating falsehood, calling people to the means that lead to Shirk and exaggeration about the dead and distracting them with something that will harm them and will not benefit them.
Sincerity towards Allah and His slaves demands that we point this out. May Allah’s Peace and Blessings be upon His slave and Messenger, our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!
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Content > Volume 8 > Answers to some questions submitted by students to His Eminence > How to wake up for Fajr Prayer everyday
Q : What are the methods I can use in order not to miss the Fajr (Dawn) Prayer? I go to bed early but wake up after sunrise.
A: Every Muslim has to fear Allah (Exalted be He) and offer the Five Obligatory Daily Prayers at their appointed times. He has to try all means that help him in this regard. One of the means that he can try in order to offer the Fajr (Dawn) Prayer in congregation is to sleep early and to set the alarm for the Fajr prayer time. In this way he will be able to arise at the right time and attend the congregational Prayer. He should also ask Allah (Exalted be He) to help him wake up at Fajr time. Another means he can try is to recite the Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) which is said upon sleeping. This way, Allah (Exalted be He) will help him wake up to offer Fajr Prayer in congregation.
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Q 4: Is it permissible for people who suffer from jinn possession to seek the help of soothsayers in order to kill or exorcise the jinn possessing them?
A: It is not permissible for them to do so because sorcery and soothsaying can only be performed with the aid of devils whose help is attained when the performer attributes them as partners to Allah in worship. A soothsayer is known to have contact with the jinn who inform him of what is going on at certain places. For example, so-and-so died in the Levant (the region covering Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine) and the like matters.
Devils pass information about future events to each other until it finally reaches the soothsayer. When he passes this information to an ignorant person, the latter comes to believe that the soothsayer or fortuneteller possesses knowledge of Ghayb (Unseen) where in fact the source of this information is Devil. A soothsayer may also seek the help of powerful devils to exorcise another devil possessing the person. This can only be done if the possessed person fulfills their desire that they be worshipped beside Allah or that the possessed person makes vows for their sake or slaughters animals for the sake of drawing near to them. Once their desire is fulfilled, the Shayateen start to threaten the possessing devil with death or imprisonment unless he surrenders to their commands. At that point, the possessing devil will have no choice but to obey his master devils and then leave.
It is not a valid excuse to seek the help of soothsayers on the basis that some people benefit from their help. Those who worship jinn seek to get benefit from them even though the jinn themselves may cause them greater harm by possessing them or robbing their property. Thus, it is not a valid excuse to join jinn in the worship of Allah on the pretext of seeking their benefit to cure the illnesses of humans. During the pre-Islamic era, people used to speak to the idols. The Shayatin would incarnate the idols and would speak with people whom they tempted into worshipping them beside Allah.
Fatwas of Ibn Baz > Volume 8> Questions and answers>
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Q3: What is the ruling on a Muslim who boards a crowded plane and is forced to one of the following cases?
1. A group of women surround him; two on each side, one in front of him and a fourth one behind him. 2. He sits face to face with a non-Mahram (not a spouse or an unmarriageable relative) woman, Arab or other. 3. He sits beside a non-Mahram woman who may be very old. 4. His seat faces the flight hostess who sits in her seat for a short period after takeoff and before landing of the plane.
Sometimes, there are no empty seats left on the plane, or the passengers refuse to exchange seats so that the crew cannot do anything to help him change an inappropriate situation.
Ans:
If traveling by plane is necessary and the cases you mentioned are inevitable, you should choose the case which involves less Fitnah (temptation) based on the rule of applying the lesser of two harms or evils. Additionally, you should lower your gaze as much as possible.
However, if traveling by plane is not necessary and you have other alternatives, you should avoid that to guard your faith.
May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.
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[Surah Al-Zumar, 39: 30]
Also, the Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered to dip the flies [if they fall] into the water that may often cause their death.
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