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Receiving Monthly Pension after Retirement from Public Sector

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Q 3: What is the islamic ruling on someone who works in the public sector, although we all know that most of the money of the government is the produce of usurious dealings and alcohol selling. Is it lawful to have a government job? Civil workers seek to benefit their family from the pension they receive after he dies as no pension is provided for freelance working. We live in a country where there is no Bayt-ul-Mal (Muslim treasury).

A: There is nothing wrong in working in a non-Muslim country as long as the kind of work done does not involve disobeying or helping to disobey Allah. There is nothing wrong with you receiving your salary from the mixed treasury of the state. 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’
Member Member Deputy Chairman Chairman
`Abdullah ibn Qa`ud `Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan `Abdul-Razzaq `Afify `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz

Fatwas of the Permanent Committee>Group 1>Volume 14: Transactions 2>Chapter on lease contracts>A Muslim serving a Kafir
(Part No. 14; Page No. 479)
The third question of Fatwa no. 5488

—

Regarding the asl of pention

Q 1: I was enrolled in the Egyptian Armed Forces as a volunteer from September 1967 A.D. till January of 1981 A.D., and served in the Army for approximately thirteen years. They used to deduct part of my monthly salary to cover insurance and pensions. This was obligatory. After Allah guided me to understand Islam, I resigned, and thanks to Allah, my resignation was accepted. However, they started paying me 56.54 pounds as a monthly pension. A brother told me that the money of this pension is Riba (usury) and that I must refuse it. Is this correct? What is the correct ruling concerning this pension?

A: If the reality is as you mentioned, it is permissible for you to take the retirement pension as it is a reward for the period you served in the government.

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

Fatwas of the Permanent Committee>Group 1>Volume 23: Oaths>Vows>Imamate>Rulership and Al-Siyasah Al-Shar`iyyah>Retirement pension
The first question of Fatwa no. 7121

Why is the 10th of Muharram called the Day of ‘Ashura’? – Permanent Committee

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The first question of Fatwa no. 6951

Q 1: Why is the 10th of Muharram called the Day of ‘Ashura’?

A: Because it is the tenth day [‘Ashura’ means tenth in Arabic. ed.], just as the ninth day is called Tasu‘a’.

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

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’
Member     Chairman
`Abdullah ibn Qa`ud     `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz

Source: alifta.net

Hadiths with regard to singling out the Day of ‘Ashura’ for wearing Kuhl, bathing, dying with Henna and so on are all Fabricated

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 117- Hadith: Anyone who bathes on the Day of ‘Ashura’ will not be sick during that whole year

All the Hadiths mentioned in respect of bathing on the Day of ‘Ashura’ (10th of Muharram), wearing Kuhl (antimony powder eyeliner), dying (with Henna), in addition to other acts observed by Ahl-ul-Sunnah (those adhering to the Sunnah) in opposition to the Shiites are Mawdu‘ (fabricated Hadith) except for those mentioned about Sawm (Fast).

Shaykh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah be merciful to him) mentioned in “Al-Fatawa” volume (4) page (513) what reads:

(Some people among those who claim themselves as followers of the Sunnah narrated many Hadith Mawdu‘ on which they based what they made as a slogan for them on that day – meaning the day of ‘Ashura’ – with which they also contradicted with those people – meaning Al-Rafidah (a Shiitic group). Therefore, they confronted a void act with another void act, and refuted a Bid‘ah (innovation in religion) by introducing another.

Nevertheless, there was one which was indeed more grievous and supportive of the atheists than the other – he meant the Bid‘ah of Al-Rafidah – such as the long Hadith that reads: Anyone who bathes on the Day of ‘Ashura’, will not be sick that year, and anyone who wears Kuhl on the Day of ‘Ashura’, their eyes will not become sore that year. This is in addition to other similar acts on that day such as dying with Henna, shaking hands, and so on. This Hadith and other similar ones are all considered fabricated lies by consensus of those who have knowledge of Hadith Science. Yet, it was mentioned by some Hadith scholars that it is Sahih (authentic). They claim that its Isnad (chain of narration) meets the condition of Sahih. However, this is undoubtedly wrong as clarified in other positions. Furthermore, none of the Muslim Imams (initiator of a School of Jurisprudence) stated it to be Mustahab (desirable) to wash up, wear Kuhl, dye with Henna and suchlike on the Day of ‘Ashura’. It was also not mentioned by any of the reliable Muslim scholars to whom people resort to know Allah’s Commands and Prohibitions. This was neither observed by the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) nor by Abu Bakr, `Umar, `Uthman or `Aly, (may Allah be pleased with them). Moreover, there was no mention of these Hadith in any of the Books or Musnads (Hadith compilations) composed by Hadith Scholars such as Musnad Ahmad, Is-haq, Ahmad ibn Mani‘ Al-Hamidy, Al-Dalany, Abu Ya`la Al-Mawsily and others. They were not stated in any of the subject-categorized Hadith books such as the Sihah (pl. of Sahih: Authentic Hadith Book), Sunan (Hadith compilations classified by jurisprudential themes), or those which comprise the Musnads and Athar (narrations from the Companions) such as Muwatta’ Malik, Waki‘, `Abdul-Razzaq, Sa‘id ibn Mansur, Ibn Abu Shaybah and other like them).

End quote.

It was also mentioned by Al-Hafizh ibn Rajab (may Allah be merciful to him) in his book (Lata’if Al-Ma‘arif) in regard to observing Sawm on the Day of ‘Ashura’ what reads:

All that which was reported about the merit of wearing Kuhl, dying with Henna, and bathing on the Day of ‘Ashura’ is Mawdu‘ and wrong. Concerning Sadaqah (voluntary charity), it was narrated on the authority of `Abdullah ibn `Amr ibn Al-`As that he said: Anyone who fasts on the Day of ‘Ashura’ it is as if they fasted the entire year. And, anyone who gives Sadaqah on this day it is as if they have given it during the whole year. (Related by Abu Mussa Al-Madiny)

As regards spending generously on one’s children on this day, Harb said: I asked Ahmad about the Hadith: Anyone who is openhanded with his family on the Day of ‘Ashura’… he stated that it does not count as a Hadith. Ibn Mansur added: I asked Ahmad: Did you hear anything about the Hadith: Anyone who gives generously to his family on the Day of ‘Ashura’, Allah will give him generously the rest of the year. He answered in the affirmative. It was also related on the authority of Sufyan ibn Huyaynah from Ja‘far Al-Ahmar from Ibrahim ibn Muhammad ibn Al-Muntashir, who was one of the best Hadith narrators at his time, that he was informed that: Anyone who gives generously to his family on the Day of ‘Ashura’, Allah will give him generously the rest of the year. Ibn ‘Uyaynah mentioned that he acted upon this Hadith for fifty or sixty years and the result was all good. As for the statement of Harb that Ahmad did not count it as a Hadith; he meant the Hadith that is narrated as Marfu‘ (a Hadith narrated from the Prophet with a connected or disconnected chain of narration)as its Isnad is unauthentic.

Even though it was related from several ways of transmission, they are all unauthentic. An example of this is the one related by Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abdul-Hakam. Furthermore, Al-‘Uqayly stated that it was not authentically transmitted (i.e., among scholars). It was also related on the authority of `Umar according to his saying. However, its Isnad includes an anonymous narrator in its chain.

On the other hand, the acts of mourning that some people like Al-Rafidah offer on this day because of the murder of Al-Husayn (may Allah be pleased with him) are characteristic of those who missed the right path in this life while they think that they are acquiring good by their deeds. This is because neither Allah (Exalted be He) nor His Messenger (peace be upon him) ordained to mourn the death of the prophets or the calamities that befell them, so, in what manner could this be applied in respect of people who are below them in rank?

End quote.

Based on the cited statement of Ibn Taymiyyah and Al-Hafizh ibn Rajab (may Allah be merciful to them), it is known that the Hadiths mentioned with regard to singling out the Day of ‘Ashura’ for wearing Kuhl, bathing, dying with Henna and so on are all Mawdu‘. Similarly, all the Hadiths mentioned on the merit of openhanded giving to one’s children are also unauthentic. Concerning what was reported by Ibrahim ibn Muhammad Al-Muntashir – a junior Tabi‘y (one of the follower, the generation after the Companions of the Prophet) – who transmitted it from another person without naming him, and similarly did Sufyan ibn ‘Uyaynah, the renowned Imam; it is not permissible to cite that as an evidence on the validity of openhanded giving (on this day). This is because the proof is to be derived from the Qur’an or the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet), not the acts of the Tabi‘un or those who succeeded them. Accordingly, the command to do that on the Day of ‘Ashura’ is considered an impermissible act of Bid‘ah (innovation in religion).

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Anyone who does any action that is not in accordance with this matter of ours (Islam) will have it rejected. (Related by Muslim in his Sahih and Al-Bukhari as a Hadith Mu‘allaq [a Hadith missing link in the chain of narration, reported directly from the Prophet] but he affirmed its authenticity) The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: Anyone who introduces anything into this matter of ours (Islam) that is not part of it will have it rejected. (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim from the Hadith of `Aishah)

In reference to giving Sadaqah (voluntary charity) on that day, there is the Hadith of `Abdullah ibn `Amr that was previously mentioned in the statements of Al-Hafizh ibn Rajab and it is Mawquf (words or deeds narrated from a Companion of the Prophet that are not attributed to the Prophet). It was reported from him by Abu Musa Al-Madiny; however, Al-Hafizh ibn Rajab (may Allah be merciful to him) did not mention anything about its Isnad. But, most of the narrators from whom Abu Musa Al-Madiny transmitted were ranked as weak and unauthentic narrators. Therefore, it is not permissible to act upon such a Hadith unless it is proven to be authentically reported from `Abdullah ibn `Amr ibn Al-`As (may Allah be pleased with them both). In case this is proven, it is to be considered Marfu‘ since such a statement cannot be issued as a personal opinion. Again, mourning on the Day of ‘Ashura’ is one of the condemned Bid‘ahs introduced by Al-Rafidah, with which they contradicted Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah (those adhering to the Sunnah and the Muslim main body), and the path of the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet). Consequently, it is not permissible to imitate them in this matter. Allah is the One sought for Help!

Source: Fatwas of Ibn Baz
http://alifta.net/Fatawa/FatawaChapters.aspx?View=Page&PageID=154&PageNo=1&BookID=10

Men Teaching Women without there being a Screen between them – The Permanent Committee

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Alifta.net – Fatwa no. 17929

All praise be to Allah Alone, and peace and blessings be upon the final Prophet.

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta‘ has read the letter which was sent to his Eminence, the Grand Mufty, from the questioners, Chairman and Members of Association of Islamic law at the Faculty of Shari`ah and Islamic Studies at the university of Kuwait. This letter was transferred to the Committee by the Secretariat-General of the Council of Senior Scholars under the number 1202 in 11/03/1416 A. H. The questioners asked the following question:

Is it permissible that a male teacher teaches female students without there being a screen between them so that they see each other? It may be important to mention that mostly the teacher does not see their faces as they wear the face veil.

Is it permissible that a female student attends the office of her male teacher and the latter talks with her without there being a screen between them but mostly without seeing her face? Is it permissible that such a student takes a seat inside the office of a male teacher speaking with him about the field of study and so on, while no Mahram (spouse or permanently unmarriageable relative) accompanies her or she is accompanied by one of her female schoolmates and the teacher explains the lesson to them or answers their questions which are related to lectures and so on? It may be worthy to mention that the foregoing can be done by phone and that some of the teachers are still in their youth or have just started their old age while the female students are mostly in the beginning of their youth.

After the Committee had studied the question it answered as follows:

First, intermixing of men and women in schools or any other places is considered a great Munkar (that which is unacceptable or disapproved of by Shari`ah and Muslims of sound intellect) and a great evil with regard to the affairs of both Din (religion) and the world. Thus, it is not permissible for women to study or work in a place which intermixes men and women. Similarly, their guardians should not allow them to do so.

Second, it is neither permissible for men to teach unveiled women nor to teach women wearing Shar`y (Islamically acceptable) veil in privacy. By the way, all of the body of a woman is `Awrah (parts of the body that must be covered) as far as a non-Mahram (not a spouse or an unmarriageable relative) is concerned. As for covering the head and showing the face, this is not full Hijab (veil).

Third, it is permissible for a man to teach women from behind a screen in female schools where there is no intermixing of male and female students or male and female teachers.

If female students need to ask their male teacher about something, this should be done through closed communication networks, which are renowned and available, or via phones, however, such students should be careful not to soften their speech.

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

Fatwas of the Permanent Committee>Group 1>Volume 12: Jihad and Hisbah>Jihad and Hisbah>Knowledge>Men teaching women without a barrier

Ruling on Celebrating the Mid-Sha’ban Night – Detailed fatwa from Sheikh Ibn Baz

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Ruling on Celebrating the Mid-Sha’ban Night
Fatwas of Ibn Baz, Volume 1, Warning against Bid’ahs,
Third Treatise: Ruling on celebrating the night before the fifteenth of Sha’ban,
Page No. 186 – 192, alifta.net

Praise be to Allah Who has perfected the religion for us and has completed the favor upon us! Peace and blessings of Allah be upon His Prophet and Messenger Muhammad, the Prophet of repentance and mercy!

To proceed: Allah (Exalted be He) says:

“This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion” [al-Maa’idah 5:3]

He (Exalted be He) also says:

“Or have they partners (with Allah — false gods) who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not ordained?” [al-Shooraa 42:21]

Moreover, it is reported in the two the Sahih (authentic) Books of Hadith (i.e. Al-Bukhari and Muslim) from ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) that he said:

“Anyone who introduces anything into this matter of ours (Islam) that is not part of it will have it rejected”.

Furthermore, it is reported in the Sahih of Muslim from Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to address people in the Friday Sermon by saying:

“To proceed, the best of speech is the Book of Allah, the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), the most evil of matters are those which are newly-introduced in religion, and every Bid’ah (innovation in religion) is Dalalah (a deviation from what is right).”

There are many other Qur’anic verses and Hadiths to the same effect.

All these verses and Hadiths clearly indicate that Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) has perfected for this Ummah (nation based on one creed) its religion and has completed upon it His Favor and did not cause His Prophet (peace be upon him) to die until he had conveyed the clear message, explained to the Ummah all what Allah has legislated for it of sayings and actions and he (peace be upon him) had pointed out that all what the people innovate after him and relate to the religion of Islam of sayings and actions are Bid’ah (innovation in religion) rejected to those who innovate it, even if done with good intention. The Companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and the scholars of Islam after them had realized this matter, and thus, they denied such innovations in religion and warned against them as mentioned by all the scholars who wrote about the great status of the Sunnah (supererogatory act of worship following the example of the Prophet) and the denial of Bid’ah, such as Ibn Waddah, At-Tartushy, Abu Shamah and others.

From the Bid’ah which have been introduced into the religion by people is the Bid’ah of celebrating the Mid-Sha’ban night and fasting on its day, and there is no reliable evidence for such actions. There are weak Hadiths reported with regard to the virtue of the Mid-Sha’ban night, but it is not allowed to rely on them as evidence. As for what is reported regarding the virtue of praying during the Mid-Sha’ban night, they are all fabricated Hadiths as confirmed by many Muslim scholars, and we will, Insha’a-Allah (if Allah wills), mention some of their comments on that.

Besides, there are some other narrations regarding the virtue of this night reported from the righteous predecessors of the people of Al-Sham (the Levant) and others. What the majority of Muslim scholars agreed upon is that the celebration of this Mid-Sha’ban night is Bid’ah and that the Hadiths reported regarding the virtue of this night are all weak Hadiths and some of them are fabricated Hadiths. From those who drew the attention to the weakness and fabrication of these Hadiths is Al-Hafiz ibn Rajab in his book entitled: (Lata’if Al-Ma’arif) and people other than him. It is to be noted that the weak Hadiths can be applied only in the types of worship, the origin of which have been established by sound and authentic evidence. As for celebrating the Mid-Sha’ban night, there is no sound and authentic evidence supporting it to justify reliance on the weak Hadiths in this regard.

This great rule has been mentioned by Imam: Abul-’Abbas Shaykhul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy upon him). Dear reader, I will convey for you some of what the people of knowledge say about this issue in order to be on clear evidence regarding it. Moreover, the majority of Muslim scholars (may Allah have mercy upon all of them) said that it is an obligation to refer the issues what the people differ over to the Book of Allah (Exalted be He) and to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), and thus, what both these sources or either of them approve, then it is the legislation which should be followed and what contradicts them should be set aside and what is not mentioned in these two sources of worships, then it is Bid’ah which is not allowed to be practiced, let alone inviting people to it and encouraging it.

Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says:

“O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم), if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination.” [al-Nisaa’ 4:59]

He (Glorified be He) also says:

“And in whatsoever you differ, the decision thereof is with Allah (He is the ruling Judge).” [al-Shooraa 42:10]

Moreover, Allah (Exalted be He) also says:

“Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم to mankind): “If you (really) love Allah then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Qur’an and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you your sins.” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:31]

He (Glorified and Exalted be He) also says:

“But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission.” [al-Nisaa’ 4:65]

In addition to that, there are many verses supporting this principle and they are clear evidence of the obligation to refer the debatable issues to the Book of Allah and to the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace be upon him) and the obligation to be pleased and satisfied with their rulings, and to know that this is the natural outcome of faith, the best for the slaves during this lifetime and in the Hereafter and the best in result: namely, the end result.

Al-Hafiz ibn Rajab (may Allah have mercy upon him) in his book entitled: “Lata’if Al-Ma’arif” with regard to this issue – after previous similar talk – said in wording:

“Regarding the Mid-Sha’ban night, the followers from the people of Al-Sham; such as Khalid ibn Ma’dan, Makhul, Luqman ibn ‘Amir and others used to exalt it and exert their efforts therein to perform more worships and people followed them with regard to its virtue and exaltation. It is said that some Israelite narrations and traditions have reached them regarding the virtue of this night, and when this became widespread in countries, people differed regarding it, and therefore, some of them accepted it and agreed with them with regard to the magnification of this night such as a group from the worshippers of the people of Basra and others. On the other hand, this act was denied by the majority of Muslim scholars of Al-Hijaz such as: ‘Ata and Ibn Abu Mulaikah, and it was transmitted by ‘Abdul-Rahman ibn Zayd ibn Aslam from the jurists of the people of Madinah, and it is the opinion of the disciples of Imam Malik and others. They said that all these acts are mere Bid’ah. However, the scholars of the people of Al-Sham differed regarding the way of celebrating it into two opinions:

First: It is recommended to celebrate it collectively in the Masajid (Mosques). It is reported that Khalid ibn Ma’dan and Luqman ibn ‘Amir and others used to put on their best clothes, apply incense and kohl (antimony powder eyeliner) and spend the entire night in the Masjid. Their act was approved by Ishaq ibn Rahawyah who said about celebrating it in congregation in the Masjid, that it is not Bid’ah. This is reported by Harb Al-Kirmany in his book titled: “Al-Masa’il” (Religious Issues).

Second: It is reprehensible to gather during that night in the Masjid for prayer, narrating stories and supplication, but is not reprehensible for one to pray individually during that night for himself. This is the opinion of Al-Awza’iy, who was the Imam of the people of Al-Sham, their jurist and their scholar, and this, Insha’a-Allah (if Allah wills), is the closest opinion to the truth, until he said: It is not known if Imam Ahmad said something about the Mid-Sha’ban night. There are two narrations reported from Al-Awza’iy regarding the recommendation to stay up late for prayer during the Mid-Sha’ban night relying on the two narrations reported from Imam Ahmad regarding staying up late for Prayer during the two nights of ‘Eid. In one narration, he did not recommend staying up late in congregational prayer during the two nights of ‘Eid because it was not reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) or from his Companions that they did that. In another narration he recommended staying up late for Prayer during those nights following the act of ‘Abdul-Rahman ibn Yazid ibn Al-Aswad who was one of the Tabi’un (Followers, the generation after the Companions of the Prophet), in that. By the same token, there is no sound and authentic narration reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) nor from his Companions regarding staying up late for Prayer during the Mid-Sha’ban night. However, it is reported from a group of the Followers from among the noble jurists of the people of Al-Sham”

This is the end of the statement of Al-Hafiz ibn Rajab (may Allah have mercy upon him), which clearly states that no sound and authentic narration was reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) nor from his Companions (may Allah be pleased with all of them) regarding the Mid-Sha’ban night.

As for the opinion chosen by Al-Awza’iy (may Allah have mercy upon him) regarding the recommendation of staying up late individually for Prayer during the Mid-Sha’ban night and Al-Hafiz ibn Rajab’s preference of this opinion, it is strange and weak, because if something has not been established by the legal evidence that it is legislation, then it is not allowed for a Muslim to introduce it into the religion of Allah, whether one does it individually or in congregation, and whether one practices it secretly or openly, due to the comprehensiveness of the Prophet’s (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) saying: Anyone who does an action which is not in accordance with this matter of ours (Islam) will have it rejected. and other evidence indicating the rejection of innovations in religion and warning against them.

It is also reported from Imam Abu Bakr Al-Tartushy (may Allah have mercy upon him) in his book entitled: (Al-Hawadith Wal-Bida’) that he said in wording:

“It is reported by Ibn Waddah from Zayd ibn Aslam that he said: ‘We have not found anyone from our Shaykhs or our jurists paying attention to the Mid-Sha’ban night. Moreover, they did not pay attention to that Hadith reported by Mak-hul and they did not consider any special virtue for this night to the exclusion of other nights.’ Moreover, it was said to Ibn Abi Mulaikah : Indeed, Ziyad An-Numairiy says: ‘Verily, the reward of the Mid-Sha’ban night is like the reward of Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree)’, then he said: ‘If I hear him saying that and I have a staff in my hand, I will hit him’. It is noteworthy that Ziyad was a narrator of stories.” End of the statement of Abu Bakr Al-Tartushy.

Furthermore, the erudite scholar: Al-Shawkany (may Allah bestow His mercy upon him), in his book entitled: (Al-Fawa’id Al-Majmu’ah), said in wording:

“The Hadith: O ‘Ali, whoever prays a hundred Rak’ah (a unit of the prayer) during the Mid-Sha’ban night and reads in every Rak’ah (unit of Prayer) Al-Fatihah (the Opening Chapter of the Book) and Surah Ikhlas ten times, Allah will fulfil all their needs etc., is a fabricated Hadith, and within the words of the Hadith talking about the great reward for the one who performs this Prayer there is something which does not leave any doubt for a sound-minded person to know that it is a fabricated Hadith. Moreover, its narrators are unknown and it has been reported through a second and third narrations, all of which are inserted fabrications and their narrators are unknown. It is also said in “Al-Mukhtasar” (The Concise Book of Hadith) that the Hadith of performing Prayer during the Mid-Sha’ban night is null. and what is reported by Ibn Hibban from the Hadith of ‘Ali : When the Middle Night of Sha’ban comes, observe night vigil prayer during it and fast the following day is a weak Hadith. It is said in (Al-La’ali’, “Perals”) that Praying one hundred Rak’ahs with sincerity during the Mid-Sha’ban night ten times. along with the rest of the details about its virtue, which is reported by Ad-Daylamiy and others, and this is a false Hadith, and all its narrators in the three different narrations are unknown and thier narrators are weak. He said that the Hadith: And twelve Rak’ahs in which Surah Al-Ikhlas is recited thirty times. is a fabricated Hadith, and the Hadith: and fourteen Rak’as. is also a false Hadith.

It is noted that a group of jurists had been deceived by this Hadith, such as the author of the book entitled: (Al-’Ihya’) and others, as well as some Exegetes of the Qur’an. Performing prayer on this night – namely, the Mid-Sha’ban night- has been reported in different ways, all of which are null and fabricated narrations. This does not contradict the narration reported by Al-Tirmidhiy from the Hadith of ‘Aishah regarding his (peace be upon him) going to Al-Baqi’ and the descending of the Lord to the nearest sky during the Mid-Sha’ban night and that He forgives for more than the number of the hairs of the sheep of Banu Kalb, since we are talking about this prayer which has been falsely established in that night. Moreover, the Hadith reported by ‘Aishah has weakness and its chain of transmission is interrupted and the Hadith reported by ‘Ali which has been previously mentioned with regard to staying up late during that night for Prayer does not contradict the ruling that a special Prayer during that night is falsely established, in addition to the weakness in that Hadith according to the what we have mentioned.” End of Al-Shawkany’s comment.

It is reported from Al-Hafiz Al-’Iraqy that he said:

“The Hadith of performing prayer during the Mid-Sha’ban night is falsely related to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and is lying about him. Moreover, it is reported by Al-Imam Al-Nawawy that he said in the book entitled: (Al-Majmu’): ‘The Prayer known as Salat-ul-Ragha’ib (Prayer for great bounties or wishes), which is twelve Rak’ahs performed between the Maghrib (Sunset) Prayer and ‘Isha’ (Night) Prayer during the night of the first Friday of the Month of Rajab and the Prayer during the Mid-Sha’ban night, which is a hundred Rak’ahs, are two evil Bid’ahs (innovations in religion) and no one should be deceived by their mentioning in the book entitled: (Qout A-Qulub), the book entitled: (Ihya’ ‘Ulum Ad-Din) nor by the Hadith reported regarding these two nights, since all this is void and no one should be deceived by some of the Imams who got confused about their ruling and wrote some papers regarding the recommended practices during these two nights, because they made a mistake in that”.

On the other hand, Shaykh Imam Abu Muhammad ‘Abdul-Rahman ibn Isma’il Al-Maqdisy wrote a very valuable book regarding the falsification of the special virtues of these two nights and he did a good job in this book. Moreover, people of knowledge talked very much about this issue, and if we trace all what has been said regarding this subject and try to convey it, then we will have a very long explanation, but we hope that what we have mentioned regarding this issue will be sufficient and convincing for the seeker of truth.

From what has been previously mentioned of verses, Hadith and the opinions of Muslim scholars, it becomes clear to the seeker of the truth that celebrating the Mid-Sha’ban night through performing Prayer and other activities and singling out the following day with Fast is an evil Bid’ah according to the opinion of the majority of Muslim scholars. It has no foundation in the purified Islamic Shar’ (law), but it has been newly introduced into Islam after the epoch of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with all of them). It is sufficient for the seeker of truth, about this subject and other subjects, to read Allah’s (may He be Exalted and Sublime) Saying: “This day, I have perfected your religion for you” and to read other Qur’anic verses confirming this meaning, as well as the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) saying: “Anyone who introduces anything into this matter of ours (Islam) that is not part of it will have it rejected”, in addition to what has been reported of the Hadiths confirming this meaning.

Moreover, it is reported in the Sahih of Muslim from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

“Do not single out the night (preceding) Friday among the nights for prayer and do not single out Friday among days for fasting but only when anyone among you is accustomed to fast (on dates) which coincide with this day (Friday).”

If it is allowed to single out a certain night with a special worship, then the night of Friday will be more deserving of this special worship, because its day is the best day on which the sun rises according to the sound and authentic Hadith reported from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Since the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) warned against singling out this night with special Prayer to the exclusion of other nights, then it is evidence that other nights should not be singled out with a certain type of worship unless there is a sound and authentic evidence indicating such specification.

Since it is ordained to stay up late for Prayer during Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree) and during other nights of Ramadan, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) drew the attention to that, encouraged the Ummah to do that and did it himself as reported in the two Two Sahih (authentic) Books of Hadith (i.e. Al-Bukhari and Muslim) from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) that he said:

“Whoever observes Optional Night Prayer during the month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven, and whoever stands for prayers in the night of Qadr out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.”

Thus, if the Mid-Sha’ban night, the night of the first Friday of Rajab or the night of Isra’ (Night Journey) and Mi’raj (Ascension to Heaven) were singled out with a certain type of worship, then the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) would guide the Ummah to it or would do it himself and if something like this had happened, the Companions (may Allah be pleased with all of them) would have transmitted it to the Ummah and would not conceal it from the following generations since they were the best people and the best in giving advice after the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon all of them) and may Allah be pleased with the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and may they be pleased by Allah. You have already known from the opinions of Muslim scholars that nothing has been established from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) nor from his Companions (may Allah be pleased with all of them) regarding the virtue of the night of the first Friday of Rajab or of the Mid-Sha’ban night, and therefore, it becomes clear that celebrating both of them is a Bid’ah, newly introduced in the religion. By the same token, singling them out with a special worship is an evil Bid’ah. The same ruling applies to the twenty-seventh night of Rajab, which some people believe is the night of Al-Isra’ and Mi’raj, that it should not be singled out with a certain worship and it is not allowed to celebrate it due to the above-mentioned evidence. This is the ruling if we know when Al-Isra’ and Mi’raj happened, how will it be if this night is unknown, according to the true view of Muslim scholars, and the saying of those who claim that it is the twenty-seventh night of Rajab is a false opinion having no basis within the sound and authentic Hadith. Indeed, he is good in speech the one who says:

The best affairs are those previously established on true guidance
and the worst of them are the newly introduced innovations in religion

He is Allah Whom we ask to guide us and all Muslims to abide by the Sunnah, to be steadfast on it and to be cautious of what contradicts it. Indeed, He is Bounteous and Generous! May Allah send His Peace and Prayers upon His Servant and Messenger, our Prophet Muhammad, his family and all his Companions!

Fatwas of Ibn Baz, Volume 1, Warning against Bid’ahs,
Third Treatise: Ruling on celebrating the night before the fifteenth of Sha’ban, Page No. 186 – 192

Taken from :http://www.alifta.net/Fatawa/FatawaChapters.aspx?View=Page&PageID=39&PageNo=1&BookID=14

Days missed from previous Ramadan must be made up for before the next Ramadan

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Q: If Ramadan comes and someone still has days of Sawm (Fasting) to make up for from the previous Ramadan, are they considered sinful for not having made up the days before the start of the next Ramadan? Do they have to make a Kaffarah (expiation) or not?

A: Everyone who has days to make up from previous Ramadan has to make up for those days before the next Ramadan. They may delay making up for them until Sha‘ban, but if the next Ramadan comes and they still have not made up for those days, without an excuse, they are considered sinful for that. They should make up for these days later and also feed a needy person for each missed day. This was the Fatwa (legal opinion) given by a group of the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet). The required amount of food is half a Sa‘ (1 Sa‘ = 2.172 kg) of the staple food of your country to be given to some or just one needy person for every day not fasted.

If you are excused for the delay by reason of illness or travel, you just have to make up for the Sawm; you do not have to feed needy people. This is according to the general rule in the Saying of Allah (Glorified be He): …and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Saum (fasts) must be made up] from other days”. Allah is the Grantor of success!

Source: Fatwas of Ibn Baz

Fatwas > Sha`ban Fatwas > Missed fasts must be made up for before the next Ramadan

The Jinn’s possession of human beings is an established fact and reality attests to it – Imam Ibn Baz

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Explaining the truth of the possibility of Jinn entering the human body and refuting the claims of those denying this [1]

Source :  Fatwas of Ibn Baaz rahimahullaah – alifta.net

The Shaykh of Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah be merciful to him) also said in (vol.24, pp. 276-277) the following: The existence of Jinn is affirmed in the Book of Allah, the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace be upon him), and according to the consensus of the Salaf (Righteous Predecessors) of this Ummah and its leading scholars. Similarly the fact that the Jinn can enter human bodies is confirmed by the consensus of Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah. Allah (the Exalted states) says: “Those who eat Ribâ (usury) will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaitân (Satan) leading him to insanity.”

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said in the Sahih (authentic) Hadith related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of Safiyyah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Satan circulates in the human body as blood does.”

`Abdullah the son of Al-Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal said:

“I told my father that some people claim that Jinn can never enter the body of a person. He said, ‘O my son, they tell lies. Satan can even speak on the tongue of those whom he possesses.'”

The Shaykh of Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said:

“What he [Imam Ahmad] said is self-evident. The Jinn may possess someone and cause them to speak a language he does not even know. A possessed person may be violently beaten, in a way that even a camel may not endure, yet he neither feels the beating nor is aware of the words he says.” Furthermore, the possessed person may drag a non-possessed person and or the mat he is sitting on, moves things from a place to another, and other practices that confirmed to those who witnessed such behavior that the one who spoke or moved was not a human being.

Then he said: “None of the leading Muslim scholars denied the ability of Jinn to enter the body of a human being. Whoever denies this fact and assumes that Shari`ah denies it has fabricated lies against Shari`ah, as there is no Shari`ah-based evidence that denies this fact.”

(End of quote)

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim (may Allah be merciful to him) mentioned the following in his book, Zad Al-Ma`ad fi Hadiy Khayr Al-`Ibad, vol. 4, pp. 66-69:

“There are two types of Jinn’s possession of human beings:

– Possession caused by earthly malicious spirits; and
– the other caused by filthy mixtures.

As for the second type, it is the domain of physicians to find what causes it and how to treat it.

Concerning the possession by spirits, the knowledgeable persons among them acknowledge its existence and do not deny it. They also admit that its treatment should be by confronting the celestial, benevolent and honorable spirits with that wicked and malicious ones to ward off the evil they cause and forestall their acts. This is even stated by Hippocrates in some of his books, as he mentioned some cures for possession. However, he said that his cure is only beneficial in case of possession caused by mixture of filthy blends, but not for that caused by evil spirits.

Whereas, ignorant, worthless and disreputable physicians deny the possession by spirits and do not admit that they affect the body of the possessed person relying on no evidence to support their claims. They are only ignorant, as there is no medical proof to prove the impermissibility of this matter. The Jinn’s possession of human beings is an established fact and reality attests to it. However, the physicians’ denial of possession and ascribing this to the occurrence of some filthy blends is partially, not completely true.

Ignorant and atheist doctors started to attribute the possession of human beings as caused only by filthy blends, but anyone with the least knowledge of such spirits and how they affect the body of the possessed will be astonished at the ignorance of such people and the weakness of their perception of such matters.

In the same article Shaykh Ibn Baaz refutes the one who denies Jinn Possession  as below

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

Some short and long articles were published in local newspapers and others in the month of Sha`ban of this year (1407 A.H.) regarding the declaration of some Jinn (creatures created from fire) who possessed Muslim women in Riyadh. They declared that they had become Muslims before me after they had declared this before brother `Abdullah ibn Mushrif Al-`Umary who lives in Riyadh.

Al-`Umary recited some Adhkar (invocations) on the Jinn-possessed lady and talked to the Jinni, reminding him of Allah (Exalted be He) and His Omnipotence as well as frightening him with the grievous sin of injustice. After the Jinni said that he is a Buddhist disbeliever, the shaykh called him to Islam and to come out of the woman whom he was possessing. Accordingly, the Jinn complied and declared his conversion to Islam before Shaykh Al-`Umary. Then, Shaykh Al-`Umary and the guardians of the woman wanted to come to me with the woman to hear the Jinni’s conversion to Islam. When they were all present, I asked the Jinni about the reason for embracing Islam. He spoke on the tongue of the woman but in a manly voice. All this happened in the presence of the woman who was sitting in the chair next to me beside her brother, sister, and Shaykh Al-`Umary as well as some shaykhs who witnessed and heard the speech of the Jinni while openly declaring his conversion to Islam. He said he was a Buddhist from India. On my part, I advised him to observe Taqwa (fear or wariness of offending Allah) and to leave the body of this woman as he is making her suffer. The Jinni submitted to my order and said that he embraced Islam willingly. Therefore, I advised himto call his people to Islam after Allah (Exalted be He) had guided him to the right path. He came out of the woman’s body and his last word was “As-salamu `alaykum” (peace be upon you). Then the woman spoke with her normal voice and felt comfortable and relaxed from the pain he was causing to her. After the lapse of a month or more, she visited me again with her brothers, maternal uncle, and sister and told me that she was very well, her condition was stable and the Jinni had never returned to her. When I asked her about how she felt when she was possessed by this Jinni, she said that she always had deviant ideas contradicting the Shari`ah (Islamic law), in addition to an inclination to the Buddhist religion, and a desire to read its books. However, after this Jinni was cast out of her, she no longer had such ideas, as she returned to her normal state away from such abominable ideas.

I was told that Shaykh `Aly Al-Tantawy denied the occurrence of such matters, claiming that this is a kind of charlatanism and mere lies. He said that the speech that was mentioned on the tongue of the woman might have been recorded, not real. I asked for the tape in which the Jinni had declared that, and was confirmed that such opinions are really his. However, I could not imagine how he could think that what the woman said was recorded even though I, myself, asked the Jinni some questions and he replied. Then how could a person having the least degree of wisdom imagine that a recorded tape can be asked and give answers. This is one of the ugliest abominations and a way of permitting falsehood.

Read the full article @ http://www.alifta.net/Fatawa/fatawaDetails.aspx?languagename=en&BookID=14&View=Page&PageNo=1&PageID=208

A detailed statement on the issue of women wearing contact lenses – Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan

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Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan
Translated by Umm Abdulazeez
Source: http://www.alfawzan.af.org.sa/node/4418


Wearing coloured contact lenses

Question:

What is the ruling regarding wearing coloured contact lenses with the justification (for doing so) being for beautification and following the latest trend (fashion), keeping in mind that their price is no less than 700 (Saudi) Riyals (approximately £120)?

Response:

There is no harm in wearing contact lenses due to necessity; As for other than that, then it is better to leave doing so especially if they are expensive, since this equates to being excessive in (spending one’s wealth) which is prohibited, in addition to that which exists therein of deceit and covering up the reality because they make the eyes appear in other than their natural state without there being a (Islaamically justifiable) need for that.

Shaykh Ibn Fowzaan
al-Muntaqaa min Fataawa Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan – Volume 3, Page 317, Fatwa No.468

—

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

Q: Some methods of adornment are available in our markets, such as artificial nails, false eyelashes, and colored contact lenses to change the eye color. There are many inquiries about such cosmetics, due to their being widespread among women. Please, Your Eminence, we would like you to guide us to the right thing. May Allah safeguard you with His Guidance!

A: It is impermissible to wear artificial nails, false eyelashes, and colored contact lenses, because they are harmful to the body, and they also entail deception and changing the creation of Allah (Exalted be He). May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.

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Women cutting the hair and parting the hair on the side – Shaykh Ibn Baz & Permanent Council

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Women cutting the hair: the prohibition and the exemption

Question:

What is the ruling regarding women cutting their hair? Some women beautify themselves in this way even if they are single. Where is the limit? What is the ruling on side parting?

Shaykh Ibn Bâz:

It is not allowed for the women to cut the hair. Their hair is their beauty. When they cut it, they subject the hair to disfigurement and an uneven hair.

If the hair were to be really long, it is then allowed to cut the ends. It has been confirmed that the prophet’s (sallâ Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) wives did it after his death. If the hair gets really long, she then may do so since she experiences difficulties with the washing and combing.

As for side parting, it is not allowed. It is an imitation of women that are Mumîlât Mâmilât.

Scholar: Imâm ´Abdul-´Azîz bin ´Abdillâh bin Bâz
Source: binbaz.org.sa/mat/4290
aFatwa.com

~~~~~

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

Question 3:

What is the ruling on a woman parting her hair on the side, making only one braid, or wearing it in a bun, with the intention of making herself beautiful for her husband or to look good because it suits her?

Answer:

With regard to parting the hair on the side, this involves imitating the Kafir (disbelieving) women, and it is proven that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said it is Haram (prohibited) to imitate the Kafirs.

With regard to gathering the hair and letting it hang down on the back, either braided or not, there is nothing wrong with that so long as it is covered.

However, making it into a bun (on top of the head) is not permitted, because that is an imitation of Kafir women and it is Haram to imitate them. The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned against that when he said: “There are two types amongst the denizens of the Fire whom I have not seen yet: Men having whips like the tails of cows with which they flog people, and women who would be naked in spite of their being dressed, who seduce others (to wrong paths) and are being seduced; their heads will appear like the humps of the Bactrian camels inclined to one side. These (women) would not enter Jannah (Paradise) nor perceive its odor, even though its odor can be perceived at such and such (very remote) distance.” (Related by Ahmad and Muslim)

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

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Ruling On Interlacing The Fingers In The Masjid – Shaykh Muhummed Naasir al Deen al Albaani

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interlacing fingersThe ruling on interlacing the hands in Salah

Q: Please inform us about the ruling on interlacing the hands in the Masjid (mosque).

Answer:

It is Makruh (reprehensible) for the Muslims to interlace their fingers when they go and wait for Salah (Prayer) and during Salah itself.

It is reported about the Prophet (peace be upon him) that this act is Makruh. When people go to Salah, it means that they are regarded as if they are in Prayer. Thus, they should not interlace their fingers. Also, they should not do that in the Masjid waiting for Salah or during Salah itself, as this act is Makruh. After offering the Salah, there is nothing wrong with doing that even if they are still in the Masjid. It is authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) in the Two Sahih (authentic) Books of Hadith (i.e. Al-Bukhari and Muslim) that when he offered Taslim (salutation of peace ending the Prayer), he regarded Salah as completed.

Then, he sat in the front of the Masjid and interlaced his fingers (peace be upon him). Thus, there is nothing wrong with interlacing the fingers after offering the Salah even if in the Masjid.

Source: Fatwas of Nur `Ala Al-Darb>Volume 9>Book of Salah>Adhkar and supplications said during Salah and after Taslim>Interlacing the hands in Salah – http://alifta.com

General Advice on some of the Major Sins – Fatwas of Ibn Baz

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General advice  Some of the Major Sins

[1] Backbiting,  [2] Tale-bearing,  [3] Envy,  [4] Injustice

From `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz to those who see it of my Muslim brothers, may Allah grant me and them success in fulfilling what pleases Him, and keep us away from disobeying Him, Amen!

As-salamu `alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh (May Allah’s Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you!), to continue:

I advise every Muslim to have Taqwa (fearing Allah as He should be feared) in all circumstances and guard his tongue from saying anything other than that which is useful, because Mubah (permissible) talk may lead to what is Haram (prohibited) or Makruh (reprehensible), and this is common among people, Allah the Exalted says: Not a word does he (or she) utter but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it). Allah (Exalted be He) also says: And follow not (O man i.e., say not, or do not or witness not) that of which you have no knowledge. Verily! The hearing, and the sight, and the heart, of each of those one will be questioned (by Allâh). The Prophet (may Allah’s Peace and Blessings be upon him) also says in the Hadith agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim and narrated by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day should either utter good words or stay silent…” .

There are things that may be a topic of talks but should not be spoken and one should be warned against talking about them, for they could lead to major sins, which would lead to displeasing Allah and to His Punishment. These things have become commonly widespread in some communities:

1- Backbiting :

That is talking about your brother or sister in a way that they would dislike, if they heard about it, whether it be talking about their body, family, character, actions, sayings or about their religion or life, or even talking ill about their clothes, home or car.

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Do you know what backbiting is? They (the Companions) said: Allah and His Messenger know best. Thereupon, he (the Prophet) said: Backbiting is talking about your brother in a manner which he does not like. It was said to him: What is your opinion, if I actually find (that failing) in my brother that which I made a mention of? He said: If (that failing) is actually found (in him) what you assert, then you in fact, backbit him, and if it is not in him, it is a slander against him. Reported by Muslim.

Backbiting is Haram (prohibited), no matter what the reason behind it; whether it is to calm down rage, or to compliment those present and make conversation with them, or reconciling or courtesy of companions. Or to encourage others to speak or to envy others or just for fun, or to waste time or if a person speaks ill of others to make those present laugh. Allah the Exalted forbade this, and warned His slaves against it, He the Exalted says: O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion; indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allâh. Verily, Allâh is the One Who forgives and accepts repentance, Most Merciful.

In a Hadith by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The Muslim is inviolable by his Muslim brother, with regard to his blood, wealth and honor Reported by Muslim. He (peace be upon him) said in his final Khutbah (sermon) in his Farewell Hajj: Your blood, your properties and your honors are as sacred to one another as the sanctity of this day of yours in this month of yours in this town of yours. (Listen) Have I not conveyed Allah’s message to you? Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim. It is also narrated by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: The worst kind of usury is indulging in evil talk about the honor of your Muslim brother. Reported by Al-Bazzar and Abu Dawud. The authentic Hadiths of the Prophet (peace be upon him) that refer to the prohibition of backbiting and warning against it are so many.

2- Among vices that should be avoided, kept away from and warned against is tale-bearing.

It refers to the act of transferring conversations from one person to another, or from one group to another, or from one tribe to anotherwith the intention of causing corruption and driving people away from each other. It includes disclosing what people dislike no matter if the person reported, the person informed, or even others may dislike it. This act of disclosing may be done verbally, written, or by using code, or gestures regardless of the subject reported whether it is a saying or an action and whether it is a defect or imperfection in the person reported or not. A person must refrain from talking about what he knows or sees in people, unless there is some benefit to Muslims in transferring information or that it will eliminate evil.

Motives behind tale-bearing is either to cause evil to the person being spoken about or to show love to the person who is being informed, or to engage in ones advantages and disadvantages; all of which is forbidden. No one should believe rumor mongers; because a person who gossips is considered a Fasiq (someone openly and flagrantly violating Islamic law), whose Shahadah (testimony of faith) is rejected. Allah the Exalted says: O you who believe! If a Fâsiq (liar — evil person) comes to you with any news, verify it, lest you should harm people in ignorance , one must forbid him from doing so, advise him against it, and condemn the act, for Allah (Exalted be He) says: …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) One should dislike him for Allah’s sake and should not think negatively of his brother, who is being spoken about. He should think good of his brother, Allah (Exalted be He) says: O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion; indeed some suspicions are sins. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ‘Beware of suspicion, for it is the worst of false tales. Agreed upon its authenticity i.e. reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.

He should not spy on the person who was spoken about or defame his self by committing the same forbidden act that the gossiper committed by repeating the gossip which he heard.

The evidence for the prohibition of tale-bearing in the Quran and Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) are many; for example, Allah (Exalted be He) says: And (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) obey you not everyone Hallaf Mahîn (the one who swears much and is a liar or is worthless). [Tafsir At-Tabari] A slanderer, going about with calumnies, Allah (Exalted be He) also says: Woe to every slanderer and backbiter. It is narrated by Hudhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: The story-teller will not enter Paradise (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim). Ibn Mas`ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Should I inform you what slandering is? It is tale-carrying, which creates dissension amongst people. Reported by Muslim. Tale-bearing is one of the reasons of punishment in the grave, for Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) passed by two graves and said: “These two people are being tortured not for a major sin (to avoid).” The Prophet (peace be upon him) then added, “Yes! (they are being tortured for a major sin). Indeed, one of them never saved himself from being soiled with his urine while the other used to go about with calumnies (to make enmity between friends).” (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Backbiting and tale-bearing are forbidden due to the damage they cause, the corruption between people and the divisions and chaos which it creates, igniting the fire of hatred, envy and hypocrisy, and eliminating all affection and fatality. Also causing quarrels and discord among brothers who were once close. It also involves lying, treachery, betrayal, deception and accusations of the innocent, which lead one to curse, abuse and insult. They are sings of cowardice, and pettiness and defect. In addition to this, the sinners who make these accusations will bear many sins, which will lead to the wrath of Allah, and indignation and painful punishment.

3- That which should be avoided and kept away from, a reprehensible trait, which is known as envy.

That is, a person wishing that a certain bounty and grace be removed from his brother in Islam, whether this grace and bounty is related to religion or is worldly. This is objecting to what Allah has destined and granted His slaves. This is injustice by the envious person to himself for his Iman (faith) is decreased due to this, causing calamities and concerns for himself, ruining him in a great way. Allah (Exalted be He) says: Or do they envy men (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم and his followers) for what Allâh has given them of His Bounty?

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Do not be envious of one another; do not artificially inflate prices against one another; do not hate one another; do not shun one another; and do not undercutone another in business transactions; and be as fellow-brothers and servants of Allah. Reported by Muslim. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) also narrated that the Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Avoid envy, for envy devours good deeds just as fire devours fuel. Reported by Abu Dawud.

4- A person is also required to stay away from injustice, which is being unfair and legal misbehavior.

The biggest of these is Shirk (associating others in worship with Allah) of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) through violation and sins. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: And (remember) when Luqmân said to his son when he was advising him: “O my son! Join not in worship others with Allâh. Verily joining others in worship with Allâh is a great Zûlm (wrong) indeed. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) also says: And it is the disbelievers who are the Zâlimûn (wrong-doers).

This also includes taking other people’s property without the right to do so, or taking something from one’s land or attacking or abusing them, which is also a major sin and disobedience of Allah. This is – we seek refuge in Allah- a result of the darkness of ones heart, for if one’s heart was lit with the light of guidance, then he would have reconsidered, Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: There will be no friend, nor an intercessor for the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers), who could be given heed to. Allah (Exalted be He) also says: …and for the Zâlimûn (wrong-doers, polytheists and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh) there is no helper. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) also says: Consider not that Allâh is unaware of that which the Zâlimûn (polytheists, wrong-doers) do, but He gives them respite up to a Day when the eyes will stare in horror. Allah (Exalted be He) also says: And whoever among you does wrong (i.e. sets up rivals to Allâh), We shall make him taste a great torment. It is reported in Sahih (authentic book) Muslim, from Abu Dhar (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Allah (the Exalted) says: “O My servants, I have forbidden injustice upon Myself and have forbidden it for you, so do not wrong one another…” It is also narrated by Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Be on your guard against committing oppression, for oppression is a darkness on the Day of Recompense Likewise, `Abdullah ibn `Amr ibn Al-`As (may Allahbe pleased with them) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: A Muslim is the one who avoids harming Muslims with his tongue and hands. And a Muhajir (emigrant) is the one who gives up (abandons) all that Allah has forbidden. (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim). These Hadiths and others with the same meaning are evident that one should be warned of injustice in matters related people, their honor, and property, due to the great evil and great corruption and their dire consequences. They also indicate the obligation of Tawbah (repentance to Allah) to Allah, the Exalted, of past sins and advising others to leave all that Allah has forbidden of injustice and all other sins.

May Allah grant me and you good attitude and good deeds and keep us away from bad deeds and attitudes! May He guide us to His Straight Path, for He is All-Gracious and The Generous.

May Allah’s Peace and Blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!

As-salamu `alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh (May Allah’s Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you!).
http://alifta.net/Fatawa/FatawaChapters.aspx?View=Page&PageID=195&PageNo=1&BookID=14

Permissibility of a new revert to enter the Sacred Precincts even if they have not changed their names – Permanent Committee

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Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’ has read what was sent by to the General Chairman by the undersecretary of the foreign ministry for political affairs. This letter was refereed to the Committee by the administration of scholarly research and Ifta’. This letter is No. 23l that was sent in 1408 A.H. The Undersecretary sent this message:”I have received a request from the embassy of the Custodian of the two Sacred Mosques in Bonn.

It inquires if it is obligatory upon he who embraces Islam to change his name in order to be admitted access to the sacred area in order to perform Hajj or not? Can he who does not change his name be admitted entrance to these places? I would like to receive an answer in order to send it to the embassy there.”

After reviewing the question, the Committee responded that if he confirms that he is a Muslim, he is legally permitted to enter to the sacred precincts regardless of his name.

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

Source : http://alifta.net

Repeating one of the Names of Allah specific number of times – Permanent Committee

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Allah’s Name Al-Latif being repeated 129 times

Q: In some of the Masjids (mosques) here in the district of Bashshar, people repeat Al-Latif (i.e. The Kindest), one of Allah’s Most Beautiful Names, every Friday after finishing the study circle before the Adhan (call to Prayer) and the two sermons of Friday Salah. They repeat this Name 129 times. I asked the Imam about this practice and he told me that they do so for Allah to save them from His Wrath. What is your view and explanation of this practice?

A: Recitation of Allah’s Name (Al-Latif) 129 times before the Adhan of Friday Salah has nothing to do with the guidance of the Prophet (peace be upon him) nor his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) nor the Salaf (righteous predecessors). In fact this is one of the Bid`ah (innovation in religion) introduced to religion. It is authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he said: He who innovates things in our affairs for which there is no valid (reason) (commits sin) and these are to be rejected [1]. i.e. Allah will not accept it from the person who does it. With regards to sitting in circles for lessons before the Adhan (call to Prayer) of the Friday Salah and the two sermons, it is forbidden according to the Hadith that is narrated by Al-Nasa’y from `Amr ibn Shu`ayb from his father from his grandfather: That the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade sitting in study circles in mosques before the Jumu`ah (Friday) Prayer [2]

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

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

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

Footnotes:

[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] Al-Nasay, Sunan, Al-Mujtaba, vol. 2, pp. 47-48, no. 714.

Source : alifta.net

Ruling on naming someone: “Razzaq” or “Um Razzaq” – Permanent Committee

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Q: What is your Eminence’s opinion on the name “Razzaq” and “Um Razzaq”? [1]

A: It is not permissible to use this name since Al-Razzaq (The All- Provider) is Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He):
Verily, Allâh is the All-Provider, Owner of Power, the Most Strong. [2]

Accordingly, the name Abdul-Razzaq is the one to be used. Also, it is not permissible to say Um (the mother of) Razzaq or Um Khallaq (The Creator), for both Names are Attributes of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He). Rather, this woman should say Um Abdul-Razzaq instead and if she has an ID card, she should change it if she is able to.

Footnotes:
[1] Question no. 9, tape no. 232.
[2] Surah Al-Dhariyat, 51: 58

Source: Fatwas of Nur `Ala Al-Darb – alifta.net

The attribute of “the Self” of Allah – Fatwas of Ibn Baz

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Q: Is the attribute of (the Self) of Allah an attribute of Divine Essence?

A: This is true, Allah (Glorified be He) says about `Isa (Jesus) (peace be upon him) that he said: “You know what is in my inner-self though I do not know what is in Yours”[1]  i.e. the “Self of Allah”.

[1] Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5: 116

Source : Fatwas of Ibn Baz – alifta.net

Seeing Allah in this world overtly – Permanent Committee

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Can humans see Allah in this world?

Q 2: Is it possible to see Allah in this world overtly?

A: This issue is one of the issues that are based upon Tawqif (bound by a religious text and not amenable to personal opinion). No one is allowed to allege it without an authentic proof that can be cited as evidence.

The Qur’an denotes that Musa (Moses) did not see his Lord. When Musa asked his Lord to see Him, He (Exalted be He) answered him saying: “You cannot see Me” (Surah Al-A`raf, 7: 143).

The authentic Sunnah denoted that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did not see his Lord with his eyes.

It was reported in the Sahih of Muslim that Masruq said: I was resting (at the house of) ‘Aishah when she said: O Abu `Aishah, there are three things, and he who affirms even one of them has fabricated the greatest lie against Allah. I asked what they were.

She said: He who presumes that Muhammad (peace be upon him) saw his Lord (with his ocular vision) has fabricated the greatest lie against Allah. I was reclining but then sat up and said: O Mother of Believers, wait and do not be hasteful. Has Allah (may He be Exalted) not said: And indeed he (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) saw him [Jibrîl (Gabriel)] in the clear horizon (towards the east) (Surah Al-Takwir, 81: 23). and And indeed he (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) saw him [Jibrîl (Gabriel)] at a second descent (i.e. another time) (Surah Al-Najm, 53: 13). She said: I was the first of this Ummah to ask Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) about it. And he said: Verily he is Gabriel. I have never seen him in his original form in which he was created except on those two occasions (to which these verses refer). I saw him descending from the heaven and filling (the space) between the sky and the earth with the greatness of his bodily structure. She asked: Have you not heard Allah saying: No vision can grasp Him, but He grasps all vision. He is Al-Latîf (the Most Subtle and Courteous), Well-Acquainted with all things.(Surah Al-An`am, 6: 103)

She (i.e. ‘Aisha) further asked: Have you not heard that, verily, Allah says: It is not given to any human being that Allâh should speak to him unless (it be) by Revelation, or from behind a veil, or (that) He sends a Messenger until His saying: Verily, He is Most High, Most Wise.(Surah Al-Shura, 42: 51) ...[1]

It was reported in Sahih Muslim on the authority of Abu Dhar that he asked the Prophet (peace be upon him): “Did you see your Lord?” He said: “I saw Light.”[2] In another narration, the Prophet said: “Light, how could I see Him.” [3] It was reported also in Sahih Muslim that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “None of you shall see his Lord until he dies.” [4]

Shaykh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said: “The Imams of Muslims have agreed that no believer is liable to see Allah with his eyes in this world. They did not disagree except in the case of the Prophet (peace be upon him). However, the majority of scholars agreed that the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not see Him with his eyes in this world. Authentic narrations reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him), the Companions and the Imams of Muslims have confirmed this viewpoint.

It was not authentically reported that Ibn `Abbas, Imam Ahmad and the like said that the Prophet (peace be upon him) saw his Lord with his eyes. What was authentically reported from them was the sight in general or confining the sight to that of the heart. There is nothing in the Hadiths of Mi’raj (Ascension to the heavens) that denotes that he saw Allah with his eyes. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “My Lord has come to me in the most-handsome shape I have ever seen.” [5]

This Hadith was reported by Al-Tirmidhy and others. This Hadith was reported when the Prophet (peace be upon him) was in Al-Madinah This Hadith was interpreted that the Prophet (peace be upon him) saw his Lord in a dream.

There is also the Hadith of Um Al-Tufayl, the Hadith of Ibn `Abbas and others that contain seeing Allah. These Hadiths were reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) while he was in Al-Madinah just as they were explained by other Hadiths.

The Mi`raj (Ascension to Heaven) was at Makkah as Allah (Exalted be He) says: “Glorified (and Exalted) be He (Allâh) [above all that (evil) they associate with Him] Who took His slave (Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) for a journey by night from Al-Masjid-al-Harâm (at Makkah) to Al-Masjid-al-Aqsâ (in Jerusalem)”.[Surah Al-Isra’, 17: 1] Allah also said to Musa: “You cannot see Me” [Surah Al-A`raf, 7: 143]. Seeing Allah is greater than revealing a book from the heavens. Allah (Exalted be He) says: “The people of the Scripture (Jews) ask you to cause a book to descend upon them from heaven. Indeed, they asked Mûsâ (Moses) for even greater than that, when they said: “Show us Allâh in public,””(Surah Al-Nisa’, 4: 153) Whoever alleges that he saw his Lord, it is as if he alleges that he is better than Musa ibn `Imran. This allegation is greater in evil than the allegation of those who falsely allege that Allah has revealed a book from the heaven upon them. The Companions, predecessors and Imams of Muslims believe that Allah will be seen in the Hereafter only and no one will see Him in this world except in a dream. Hearts in this case will find spiritual unveilings and sights that suit their status. Some people may have strong spiritual unveilings to the extent that they think that they saw their Lord with their eyes. But this is not true. Hearts unveilings or spiritual unveilings occur according the degree of the servant’s belief in his Lord. [6]

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

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

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

Footnotes:

[1] Al-Bukhari, Sahih, Book on the Beginning of Creation, no. 3234; Muslim, Sahih, Book on faith, no. 177; Al-Tirmidhy, Sunan, Book on Tafsir, no. 3068; Ahmad, Musnad, vol. 6, p. 50.
[2] Muslim, Sahih, Book on faith, no. 178; Al-Tirmidhy, Sunan, Book on Tafsir, no. 3282; Book on remembrance of Allah, supplication, repentance and seeking forgiveness, 5, p. 175.
[3] Muslim, no. 178; and Al-Tirmidhy, no. 3278
[4] Muslim, no. 2931, Abu Dawud, no. 4318; and Al-Tirmidhy, no. 2236.
[5] Imam Ahmad, vol. 1, p. 368, and vol. 5, p. 243; and Al-Tirmidhy, nos. 3232 and 3233.
[6] Fatwas of Ibn Taymiyyah, vol. 2, p. 335

Source: Fatwas of the Permanent Committee
Group 1 > Volume 2: `Aqidah (2) > Seeing Allah in this world > Can humans see Allah in this world? > Seeing Allah in this world overtly

Ruling on the Sufi way of repeating the Names of Allah – Permanent Committee

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The Naqshabandiyyah

Q: What is the ruling, in your understanding, on the Sufi Tariqahs (orders) in general, and the Naqshabandi Tariqah in particular?

A: There is a lot of Bid`ah (rejected innovation in religion) practiced among the Sufi Tariqahs, such as holding Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah) circles and gatherings in rows, in which they all repeat the Name of Allah together, saying, “Allah, Allah,” one of His Attributes saying, “Hayy (Ever-Living), Hayy,” or “Qayyum (Self-Subsisting), Qayyum,” referring to Him through the pronoun “Huwa (He), Huwa,” or repeating meaningless sounds, such as “Ah, Ah.”

They also repeat other formulas of Dhikr, in which they beseech help from other than Allah, seek support of the dead, such as Al-Badawy, Al-Shadhily, Al-Jilany, and others.

Their books contain a lot of Bid`ah and scattered evil, especially Al-Naqshabandiyyah.

In their daily Wird (sayings recited with consistency), they repeat the Name of Allah in their hearts, without moving their lips. The Murids (students) evoke their shaykh and his Wird, believing that this will be a means of saving them on the Day of Resurrection. These practices are all abominable acts of Bi`dah; none of these forms of Dhikr were reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) in what was sent to him in the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

It is, however, authentically narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Anyone who does something that we have not ordered (in worship) it will be rejected.” The Prophet also said, “Anyone who introduces something in this matter of our (the religion) that is not from it, it will be rejected.”

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’
`Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz,`Abdul-Razzaq `Afify, `Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan, `Abdullah ibn Qa`ud

Writing Basmalah and Allah’s Name on Ornaments and Jewellery – Permanent Committee

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Writing Basmalah and Allah’s Name on antiques

Q: What is the legal decision on the decorations and ornaments where the Glorious Name “Allah” and the name of the Prophet “Muhammad” are engraved? I work in business and I have dealings with some Muslim brothers in some countries. They want to know whether the Glorious Name “Allah” should be written on the right side and the name “Muhammad” on the left side or not?

You will find three forms attached to this letter which I want to ask about. Is it permissible to imprint them on the excellent crystal and other ornaments? Please, advise. May Allah reward you.

A: It is not permissible to write “In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful” on ornaments and other decorative items, for the phrase “In the name of Allah, Most Gracious,Most Merciful” is an Ayah. To write it on such things exposes it to humiliation.

Also, it is not permissible to write the Glorious Name “Allah” on such things, because this may expose it to humiliation.

Likewise, the name of the Prophet (peace be upon him) should not be imprinted on these things to protect it from degradation and prevent the overestimation prohibited by the Prophet (peace be upon him).

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

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

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

http://alifta.net

Writing Allah’s Name on the car – Permanent Committee

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Q: Some calligraphers write the Exalted Name over the back of the cars which are subjected to be covered in dirt. Please, give us a Fatwa on that so that we may know the truth.

A: It is not permissible for calligraphers, painters or others to write the Exalted Name of Allah or one of His beautiful Names and Attributes on the back of the car or whatsoever.

Similarly, the owner of the car is not permitted to do that under any pretext, such as decoration, seeking blessing, using it as a means of reminding and admonition or for any other purposes the common and ignorant people think of.

This is an act of Bid`ah (innovation in religion) that has no origin in the Qur’an or Sunnah, and Allah does not make it an act of worship. Moreover, writing Qur’an in that way entails insult to the Names and Attributes of Allah and not keeping them above inappropriate handling. Perhaps, this leads the person to Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) when he uses it as an amulet that brings about good and wards off evil merely by writing it.

Allah does not teach us his Names and Attributes to be written on sets, notices or cars. Had this been permissible, Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) would have guided us to it.

Rather, Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) revealed His Names and Attributes to inform His slaves of Him so that they affirm them as He revealed in the Qur’an or to His Messenger (peace be upon him) and believe in all perfection and majesty they convey. Muslims should also give Allah His due praise and supplicate to Him in easy and hard times by virtue of His Names and Attributes.

Every Muslim must believe in these Names, realize them in their creed and work and keep them in letter and spirit. A Muslim should attribute them to Allah properly without Tahrif (distortion of the meaning), Ta`til (denial of Allah’s Attributes), Tamthil (likening Allah’s Attributes to those of His Creation), Takyif (questioning Allah’s Attributes) or Tashbih (comparison), and guard their sanctity against abuse and inappropriate things. Allah (Exalted be He) says, And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allâh, so call on Him by them, and leave the company of those who belie or deny (or utter impious speech against) His Names. They will be requited for what they used to do. (Surah Al-A’raf 7:180)

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

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’
Member     Member     Member     Deputy Chairman     Chairman
Bakr Abu Zayd     Salih Al-Fawzan     `Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan     `Abdul-`Aziz Al Al-Shaykh     `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz

http://alifta.net

Placing a piece of cloth and people gathering around it while repeating the Name of Allah – Permanent Committee

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Q 3: In some Masjids (mosques) here, people gather and continue repeating Allah’s Name around a piece of white cloth. What is the importance of the white cloth in Islam?

A: placing a piece of cloth in the Masjid and gathering around it to repeat the Name of Allah is a misleading act of Bid`ah (innovation in religion) undertaken by some Sufis who deviate from the course of the Messenger (peace be upon him). Therefore, it is not permissible to do or attend. This should also be prohibited and disavowed. Masjids should be protected from such acts of Bid`ah.

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

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’
Member     Member     Member     Deputy Chairman     Chairman
Bakr Abu Zayd     Salih Al-Fawzan     `Abdul-`Aziz Al Al-Shaykh     `Abdul-Razzaq `Afify     `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz

Source : http://www.alifta.net

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