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Tag: Shaykh Ibn Baaz

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

Explanation of Important Lessons for Every Muslim – Ibn Baaz – Abu Muhammad [Audio|En]

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Explanation of Important Lessons for Every Muslims
By Sheikh Abdul-Azeez ibn Baaz
Audio Lessons : Abu Muhammad al-Maghribee  (mp3/English)
http://followthesalaf.com

You can read the eBook @ https://abdurrahman.org/2016/02/16/important-lessons-for-the-muslim-ummah-ebook/

Click On Part No. to Download the mp3

Download mp3 ListenDescription

Part 01

Part 02

Part 03

Part 04

Part 05

Part 06

Part 07

Part 08

Part 09

Part 10

Part 11In today’s class we covered the final Pillar – Hajj

Part 12In today’s class we began the introduction to the Pillars of Emaan (faith).  Do you know the difference between Islaam and Emaan?

Part 13In today’s class we continued with the discussion on Emaan, its increases and decreases and the effects of disobedience on Emaan.

Part 14In today’s class we discussed the actions which nullify one’s Eemaan (faith) and Islaam.

Part 15

Part 16 : we began studying the 2nd Pillar of Eemaan – Belief in the Angels

Part 17  – Missing

Part 18: we began studying the 4th Pillar of Eemaan – Belief in the Messengers.

Posted from: http://followthesalaf.com/home/?tag=Important+Lessons

Ruling regarding women’s sports | Imâm Ibn Bâz

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Ruling regarding women’s sports | Imâm Ibn Bâz

Scholar: Imâm ´Abdul-´Azîz bin ´Abdillâh bin Bâz
Source: http://binbaz.org.sa/mat/11065
Reference: Darulhadith.com – aFatwa.com

Question: What is the ruling regarding women’s sports?

Shaykh Ibn Bâz:

It varies. It is permissible if it occurs only among women in a way that does not contradict the Sharî’ah. An example of it is running in a place that is separate for women and [a place] that men can’t visit. Another example is swimming in their houses or in swimming pools where no men can visit. If the men neither can see them or come in contact with them, the deed [would then be] allowed.

But if the deed is practiced by both men and women together or that the men see the women or that there are factors that harm the Muslims, the deed would then not be considered as allowed. Thus, this matter is detailed.

It is namely allowed if the deed is specific for women and no sins occur while it does not occur mixedly with men such that the place is hidden and distant from the men. This is concerning running, swimming and other competitions.

Related Links:

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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`Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan     `Abdul-Razzaq `Afify     `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz

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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

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

Ruling Concerning the Papers that Contain the Name of Allah – Ibn Baaz

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Question:

We find some of the verses of the Quran printed in the newspapers or writings, as well as, “In the name of Allah, the Compassionate. the Merciful”,[l] at the beginning of some papers or letters. What do we do with such verses after we are finished reading the newspaper or letter? Should we tear it up or burn it or what should be done?

Response:

It is a must, after one is done with the papers or pages that contain Allah’s name, to safeguard the papers, by burning them or burying them in clean soil.

This is to protect the Quranic verses and Allah’s names from being degraded. It is not allowed to throw them into the garbage heaps or into the street to use them as different kinds of sheets, such as table cloths. Otherwise, one is degrading the names and verses and not safekeeping them.

Shaikh Ibn Baz

Footnote :
1. Of course, the question is talking about these words being written in Arabic.–JZ (Translator)

Source : Fatwas regarding Women – Colleted by Muhammed al-Musnad

Nightmares are from Shaytan – Ibn Baaz

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Q: There is a frightening nightmare haunting me frequently. While sleeping I dream that there is something within my mouth resembling dough. It makes it difficult for me to breathe and speak. Many times I try to remove or take out of it with my hand but it comes again, which breaks my sleep. I am frightened of this nightmare that disturbed my life and obsessed my thinking. I do not know the reason behind this, knowing that I observe performing Prayer and Fast and performed Pilgrimage. I often ask for Allah’s Forgiveness and repent to Him. Yet it haunts me within a period of two, four, or five months. I ask Allah (Exalted be He) that you will give me an explanation for this frightening dream. May Allah guide you to what brings out the good of this life and the Hereafter. Allah is in the help of a servant as long as he is in the help of his brother.

A: This nightmare is from Satan. It is ordained for you and for every Muslim man and woman seeing what he hates to spit dryly to his left side thrice and to seek refuge with Allah from Satan and from the evil of what he saw (three times). Then he should resume sleeping on the other side. This way, what he sees cannot harm him. One should not tell anyone about this because it was authentically reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him):

“A good dreamis from Allah and a bad dream is from Satan. Anyone who sees something (in a dream) that they hate, should spit to their left three times and seek refuge with Allah three times from the evil of Satan and of what they have seen. Then they should turn on the other side and it will not harm them. They should tell no one about ii.”

This authentic Hadith relieves both the believing man and woman seeing what they hate. Praise be to Allah, it is a great remedy available.

O brother, you should put this into action and relieve your heart with this Prophetic remedy. May Allah grant us all success!

This was published in the book entitled “Fatawa Islamiyyah”, compiled by Muhammad Al-Musnad, vol. 4, p. 340

Source : alifta.net

Fatwas of Ibn Baz : Browse by Volume Number > Volume 26 > Book on Hadith, Second Section > Book of Adhkar and supplications > Nightmares

If A Woman Ends Her Menses Before Sunset, She Must Perform The Dhuhr And Asr Prayer

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Question:

When a menstruating woman becomes pure before before sunrise is it obligatory upon her to perform the maghrib and ‘ishaa prayers? Similarly, if she becomes pure before sunset, is it obligatory upon her to perform the dhuhr and ‘asr prayer?

Answer:

If a mentruating or post-partum bleeding woman becomes pure before sunset, it is obligatory upon her to perform both dhuhr and ‘asr prayers according to the strongest opinion among the scholars.

Similar is the case if she becomes pure before dawn. In that case, she must perform the maghrib and ‘ishaa prayers. This has been narrated from ‘Abdur-Rahmaan ibn Awf and ‘Abdullaah ibn Abbaas. This is the opinion of the majority of the Scholars.

Similarly, if a menstruating or post-partum bleeding woman becomes pure before sunrise, it is obligatory upon her to perform the Fajr prayer.

And from Allaah is guidance.

Shaykh `Abdul-`Azeez Bin Baz
From “Islamic Fatawa Regarding Women”, Darussalam Publishers and Distributors. P84.

A woman does not act as a mahram for another woman – Shaykh Ibn Baaz

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Question:

Can a woman be considered a mahram for a woman she is not related to for purposes of traveling or sitting with others?

Response:

A woman cannot be a mahram for another.

The one who is considered mahram is a man that a woman cannot marry due to blood relations, such as her father and her brother, or a man related to her due to marriage, such as her husband, her father-in-law and her step-son, or a man related due to breast feeding, such as her father from breast feeding and so forth.

It is not allowed for a man to be in private with a woman he is not related to nor can he travel with her.

The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said,

((A woman does not travel except with a mahram.))

This was recorded by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim.

The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) also said,

((A man is never alone with a woman except that Satan is the third.))

This was recorded by Imam Ahmad and others from the Hadeeth of ‘Umar with a saheeh chain.

Shaykh Ibn Baaz
Fataawa al-Mar.ah

An young child below the age of puberty can’t be mahram for his mother – Shaykh Ibn Baz & Shaykh Uthaymeen

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The pre-conditions of a mahram

Question:

Is it possible for my son who is nine years of age to be my mahram, since i travelled with him; Is there anything wrong in that?

Response:

Regarding the mahram, the Scholars have mentioned that two conditions must be met:

1) The coming of age (puberty);
2) Mental awareness.

So, whoever has not yet attained puberty then it is not correct for him to be a mahram; and whoever is not yet mentally aware then it is not correct for him to be a mahram since the intent behind the (presence of a) mahram is protection of the wife and maintaining her and preventing any attack upon her. (Clearly) the young child is unable to undertake any of these (roles).

So I say, now the woman – as per the question – has reached her destination, so she is not to return to her husband until he comes and collects her and takes her (back) with him. Alternatively, she can travel with one of her mahrams (father, brother, etc.) – from amongst those who have attained puberty and are mentally aware. As for the young child who is nine years of age, then he cannot be her mahram.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen
I’laam al-Mu’aasireen bi-Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen – Page 369

Youngest age a male can be a Mahram

Question: What is the youngest age a male can be a mahram for a woman if she wanted to travel?

Response: The youngest age at which a male can become a mahram for a woman is the coming of age; And that (occurs after) the completion of 15 years (of age) or seminal discharge with desire or the growth of hair around the pubic region.

And when (any) of these three signs are present, then he becomes religiously responsible, and it is permissible for him to be a mahram for a woman. And likewise with the presence of (any) one of the three (signs) a woman becomes religiously responsible; And the woman has another sign and that is the (coming on of the) menses.

And Allaah is the Expounder of all success.

Shaykh Ibn Baaz
Majmoo’ Fataawa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi’ah – Volume 16, Page 382

Turning one’s head during Salah to seek refuge (in Allah) from Shaytaan – Fatwas of Ibn Baz

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Bismillaah

Question : A Muslim sister asks about the ruling on turning one’s head during Salah to seek refuge in Allah from the devil called Khanzab (a devil that distracts a servant at the time of prayer)?

A: There is no harm in turning the head during Salah seeking refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan when casting his insinuations. Rather, it is desirable when there is a dire need for it on condition that it is done by moving one’s head only, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered ‘Uthman ibn Abul-‘As Ath-Thaqafi (may Allah be pleased with him) to do so when he complained to the Prophet about the insinuating thoughts that Satan casts during prayers, so he ordered him to spit (dryly) to his left side three times and seek refuge in Allah from Satan.[1] He did so and Allah granted him recovery.

As for turning one’s head during performing Salah without a due reason, this is undesirable. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about this, he said: It is a quick stealing by which Satan takes away (a portion) from the prayer of a person (By making him glance left and right). May Allah guide us all to what pleases Him! He is All-Hearing and Responsive.

Foot Notes:

[1] Related by Muslim, Book on greetings, Chapter on seeking refuge from the insinuating thoughts of Satan during Salah, no. 4083

General Chairman of the Departments of Scholarly Research, Ifta’, Da`wah, and Guidance

Fatwas of Ibn Baz

Browse by Volume Number > Volume 11 > The Book of Salah (Prayer): Section Two > Chapter: The description of Salat (Prayer) > Turning one’s head during Salah to seek refuge with Allah from Satan

Related Link: https://abdurrahman.org/jinn-shayateen-devils

Muslims can acquire the Attributes which Allah likes His Servants to acquire

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Copying the Divine Characteristics

From `Abdul `Aziz Bin `Abdullah Ibn Baz to the honorable brother Shaykh: `A. S. H.; may Allah protect him! As-salamu `alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh (May Allah’s Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you!). To commence: I received your noble letter dated 23/3/1386 A.H., may Allah guide you! It included a question regarding what a Khatib (preacher) mentioned in the Friday Khutbah (sermon) on urging Muslims to acquire Allah’s Attributes and Characteristics. Is this acceptable? Was this acknowledged by any notable scholar?

Answer:

This expression is improper, but it has a true meaning, which is urging people to acquire the good meanings of the Names and Attributes of Allah which befit them, not those peculiar to Allah (Glorified be He) such as the Creator, the Sustainer and the God. Such characteristics cannot be acquired by human beings, and it is impermissible for people to claim them. The same applies to similar Names.

However, Muslims can acquire the Attributes which Allah likes His Servants to acquire, such as being knowledgeable, powerful, merciful, patient, generous, forgiving, etc. He (Glorified be He) is Knowledgeable and He likes knowledgeable people; He is Powerful and He likes powerful people more than the weak; He is Generous and He likes the generous; He is Merciful and He likes the merciful; He is Forgiving and He likes the forgiving.

However, Allah’s Attributes are incomparable, greater and more perfect than those acquired by people, as there is nothing like Him (Glorified be He) in His Attributes and Actions, just as there is nothing like Him in His Entity. A person can only have a share of the meaning of these Attributes that befits them in a Shar`y (Islamic legal) way. Accordingly, if a person becomes too generous, they are considered spendthrifts. If they become too merciful, they will hinder the execution of Hudud (pl. of Had i.e. an ordained punishment for violating Allah’s Law) and Ta`zir (discretionary punishment). If they become too forgiving, they will show forgiveness when it should not be shown.

The foregoing was stated by the prominent scholar Ibn Al-Qayyim (may Allah be merciful with him) in his two books entitled `Uddat Al-Sabirin and Al-Wabil Al-Sayyib. He might have also mentioned it in other books such as Al-Madarij, Zad Al-Ma`ad, and others.Following are his exact words on this regard in the two books mentioned above.

In Al-`Uddah p. 310, he said: “As Allah (Glorified be He) is the Thankful One in reality, the most beloved to Him among His creatures are the thankful, and the most hated to Him are those who acquire the opposite trait. This example also applies to the rest of Allah’s Most Beautiful Names. Allah thus detests the Kafir (disbelievers), the oppressor, the ignorant, the cruel, the miser, the coward, and the humiliated. He (Glorified be He) is Graceful and He loves grace; He is Knowledgeable and He loves knowledge; He is Merciful and He loves mercy; He is Bountiful and He loves Bounty; He is Concealing and He loves concealment; He is Powerful and He hates weakness, for a Mu’min (believer) of strong faith is nearer to Him than a weak one; He is Forgiving and He loves forgiveness; and He is Odd (One) and He loves odd numbers. Anything He loves is one of the meanings of His Names and Traits; and anything He detests is their opposite.”

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim said in (p. 543) of the Hadith Collection of Al-Wabil Al-Sayyib:

Generosity is one of the Attributes of Allah (Exalted be He); He gives and does not take; He feeds and is not fed; and He is the Most Generous One. The most beloved to Him is whoever acquires the same traits; He is Generous and He loves the generous; He is Knowledgeable and He loves the knowledgeable; He is Powerful and He loves the courageous; and He is Beautiful and He loves beauty. End of quote.

I hope that what we have mentioned is sufficient. May Allah guide us all to understand His religion and fulfill His rights. He is All-Hearer, Ever Near. As-salamu `alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh (May Allah’s Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you!)

Deputy President of the Islamic University

Source : alifta.com – Fatwas of Ibn Baz>Volume 6>Copying the Divine Characteristics

Meaning of “Ahsa” in the hadith related to memorizing the 99 Names of Allaah

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Merits of memorizing Allah’s Names

Q: What is meant by the word “Ahsa'” in the Hadith that is related to the Messenger of Allah on the Names of Allah “Anyone who enumerates (Ahsa’) them will be admitted to Paradise.” ?

A: Ihsa’ means to memorize, contemplate, understand and act according to them.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Truly, Allahhas Ninety-nine Names. Anyone who enumerates them will be admitted to Paradise.” and in another wording: “Anyone who memorizes them by heart, will be admitted to Paradise.”

This means to memorize these Names by heart and understand their meaning as this entails goodness and useful knowledge. It also leads to the uprightness of the heart and the more a person will fear Allah and fulfill His Rights.

Q: Your Eminence Shaykh! Some people may count on such Hadiths and think that memorizing the Most Beautiful Names of Allah without effort is sufficient to be admitted to Paradise?

A: This is a misunderstanding as such a Hadith urges Muslims to act according to what the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) prescribed and called for such as: “Anyone who memorizes them by heart, they will be admitted to Paradise.” with regard to the MostBeautiful Names of Allah, and: “Fasting the Day of `Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah) expiates the sins of two years: past one and coming one.” Fasting on the Day of `Ashura’ (10th of Muharram) atones for the sins committed in the preceding year. All these Hadiths urge the Muslims to obey Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He). It is one of the reasons of forgiveness.

When a Muslim pursues the means of forgiveness and does not insist on comitting major sins, this will be a reason for his forgiveness. If a Muslim does not avoid committing major sins, these will not take effect.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The Five Obligatory Daily Prayers and from Friday Prayer to Friday Prayer, and from Ramadan to Ramadan, are expiations for what happened between them, provided the major sins were avoided.” And in another wording: “unless major sins are committed.”

The Jumhur (dominant majority of scholars) holds the view that the promise of forgiveness that is stated in Hadith on the merits of such and such, such as the favor of Salah (Prayer) and how they erase one’s sins, or the favor of Wudu’ (ablution), fasting on the Day of `Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah), fasting on the Day of `Ashura’ (10th of Muharram) or Ihsa’ the Most Beautiful Names of Allah, etc., is conditional upon avoiding major sins and uprightness. These acts are reasons for having one’s sins forgiven in addition to the other reasons which Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) had legislated and avoiding major sins which prevent forgiveness.Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says, And those who, when they have committed Fâhishah (illegal sexual intercourse) or wronged themselves with evil, remember Allâh and ask forgiveness for their sins; – and none can forgive sins but Allâh – and do not persist in what (wrong) they have done, while they know. One of the reasons for having sins not forgiven is insisting on committing sins and not repenting, there is neither might nor power except with Allah!

To sum up: The Promise of Allah to admit anyone who memorizes the Beautiful Names of Allah to Paradise, anyone who fasts on the Day of `Ashura’ to atone the sins committed in the preceding year, and fasting on the Day of `Arafah are all conditional upon abandoning major sins. This is also mentioned in a Hadith related to Tawhid (monotheism) such as: “Give the good news of entering Paradise to anyone who honestly testifies that there is no god but Allah.” This is conditional upon abandoning sins. If a person insists on doing sins, they are left to the Will of Allah; He may forgive him or He may throw them into Hell-Fire because of their sins and because they did not repent. When a person is purified of their sins, they will come out of Hell-Fire and will be admitted to Paradise.

Every Muslim should not rely on the Hadiths encouraging and promising good and refrain from the Hadiths and Ayahs (Qur’anic verses) of threatening. They should act according to both and beware of the things which Allah prohibited.They should remember the Hadiths and Ayahs that threaten those who transgress the limits set by Allah and disobey His Commands and at the same time they should anticipate good from Allah, hope for His Mercy and remember His Promise to forgive anyone who performs good deeds. A person should combine between Khawf (fear) and Raja’ (hope). A Muslim should not despair or feel secure. This is the way of the scholars and the believers. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says about His prophets: Verily, they used to hasten on to do good deeds, and they used to call on Us with hope and fear , i.e., hope and fear and used to humble themselves before Us. And Those whom they call upon [like ‘Isâ (Jesus) – son of Maryam (Mary), ‘Uzair (Ezra), angel] desire (for themselves) means of access to their Lord (Allâh), as to which of them should be the nearest; and they [‘Isâ (Jesus), ‘Uzair (Ezra), angels and others] hope for His Mercy and fear His Torment. This is the path of the believers who follow the Messengers. They believe in Allah Alone, fear Him, perform His obligatory acts, refrain from the things which He has prohibited, put their hopes in Him, and fear His Punishment.

Source : alifta.com – Fatwas of Ibn Baaz

Ruling on Ta’wil (allegorical interpretation) of Allah’s Attributes – Ibn Baaz

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Ruling on Ta’wil (Figurative Interpretation) of Allah’s Attributes

Q 4: What is the ruling on ta’wil (allegorical interpretation) of Allah’s Attributes?

A: Ta’wil of Allah’s Attributes is Munkar (disapproved of by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect) and is not permissible. In fact, it is obligatory for the Attributes of Allah to be accepted as stated, according to their apparent meaning that befits Allah’s Glory (Glorified and Exalted be He), without Tahrif (distortion of the meaning), Ta‘til (denial), Takyif (describing how), or Tamthil (likening His Attributes to those of His Creation).

Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) informs us of His Names and Attributes, saying: [There is nothing like Him]; and [He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer]. As Muslims, we have to accept them as they are, according to the opinion of Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah (those adhering to the Sunnah and the Muslim main body). They advise Muslims to acknowledge Allah’s Attributes as they are, without Takyif. They should be accepted as they are, without Tahrif, Ta’wil or Takyif. Muslims should attest to Allah’s Attributes as they were revealed, according to their apparent meaning and as befits Allah’s Stature, without any Takyif or Tamthil. For example, Allah says: [The Most Gracious (Allâh) rose over (Istawâ) the (Mighty) Throne (in a manner that suits His Majesty)]. In this Ayah (Qur’anic verse) and similar ones, we are told that Allah rose over the Throne, which is in a manner that suits His Majesty and Grandeur, and the manner of this cannot be compared to that of any of His creatures. The scholars who follow Al-Haqq (the Truth) see this as signifying His Highness and Exaltedness.

The same applies to other Attributes of Allah, such as His Eye, Hearing, Sight, Hand, Foot, and other Attributes that are authentically reported in Nas (Islamic texts from the Qur’an or the Sunnah). All of these Attributes are as befits Allah (Exalted be He) and are not comparable to those of any creature. This is the opinion of the scholars from among the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet) and those after them from the Imams (initiators of a School of Jurisprudence), such as Al-Awza‘y, Al-Thawry, Malik, Abu Hanifah, Ahmad, Ishaq, and other Muslim Imams (may Allah be merciful to them all).

Allah says, when relating the story of Prophet Nuh (Noah, peace be upon him): [And We carried him on a (ship) made of planks and nails, Floating under Our Eyes] He (Glorified be He) also says when relating the story of Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him): [in order that you may be brought up under My Eye]. Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah explained the Ayah where Allah says: Floating under Our Eyes by saying that He (Glorified be He) let the ship float under His Care until it rested on Mount Judy. Similarly, when Allah says: in order that you may be brought up under My Eye. they say that He (Glorified be He) means that Musa (peace be upon him) will be brought up under His Care and with His Guidance to those in charge of raising him.

In the same manner, when Allah (may He be Praised) says to the Prophet (peace be upon him): [So wait patiently (O Muhammad Sallalaahu Alahi wa Sallam) for the Decision of your Lord, for verily, you are under Our Eyes] He means that Muhammad is under Allah’s Protection and Care. These interpretations do not fall under the prohibited Ta’wil; rather, they fall under Tafsir (explanation/exegesis) well-known in the Arabic language and its styles.

A third example is in a Hadith Qudsy (Revelation from Allah in the Prophet’s words)where Allah (Glorified be He) says: “[Anyone who comes nearer to Me by a span, I come nearer to them by a cubit; and anyone who comes nearer to Me by a cubit, I come nearer to them by a fathom; and anyone who comes to Me walking, I come to them running].” These words are accepted as they were revealed from Allah (may He be Praised and Exalted) without Tahrif, Takyif, or Tamthil, but in the way that is wanted by Allah. The same thing can be said about Allah’s Descent at the end of the night, His Hearing, Sight, Anger, Pleasure, Laughter, Happiness, and other authentically established Attributes of Allah. They all must be accepted as they were revealed, in the manner that befits Allah, without any Takyif, Tahrif, Ta‘til or Tamthil. This is because Allah says: [There is nothing like Him; and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer]. and many Ayahs to the same effect.

As for Ta’wil of Allah’s Attributes and diverging them from apparent meaning, this is the methodology of those who follow Bid‘ah (innovations in religion), such as the Jahmiyyah and the Mu‘tazilah (deviant Islamic sects), and those who follow them. Their Madh-habs (Schools of Jurisprudence) are Batil (null and void), and have been denied and renounced by Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah, who have warned people against their promoters. And Allah is the Grantor of success.

Source: alifta.com – Fatwas of Ibn Baz

Explanation of the Ma’iyyah (i.e. Allaah being with the creation) of Allaah – Ibn Baaz

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Source : alifta.com – Fatwas of Ibn Baz

Allah (Glorified be He) mentions two types of Maiyyah (Allah being with His creation): general and particular.

The first is mentioned in the Ayah (Qur’anic verse): And He is with you (by His Knowledge) wheresoever you may be. The second is mentioned in the Ayah: Be not sad (or afraid), surely Allâh is with us. and: I am with you both, hearing and seeing. There are other Ayahs to the same effect.

Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah (those adhering to the Sunnah and the Muslim main body) are of the opinion that Ma`iyyah is one of the Attributes of Allah (Glorified be He) as befits His Glory. Moreover, they attest to Allah’s Istiwa‘ (Allah’s rising over the Throne in a manner that befits Him), His `Uluw (Allah being high above His creation) and His Glorification above mixing with His creations. Allah (Glorified be He) is the Most High despite His Nearness and the Most Near despite His Highness.

The two Attributes of Ma`iyyah and `Uluw – in a manner that befits Allah – do not involve Tashbih (comparison) to one of His creations or negate one another.

Jahmiyyah and Mu`tazilah (deviant Islamic sects) uses the Ayahs to prove Allah’s Ma`iyyah, deny Allah’s `Uluw and claim that He is Omnipresent.

The Salaf (righteous predecessors) denied these claims and agreed that Allah’s Ma`iyyah entails His Knowledge of His servants’ affairs despite His Istiwa’. That is why Allah begins and ends the Ayahs referring to general Ma`iyyah by mentioning His Knowledge in order to inform His servants that His Ma`iyyah entails His encompassing Knowledge of their affairs. Based upon this, the majority of the Salaf scholars have interpreted the Ayahs which mention Ma`iyyah as referring to Allah’s Knowledge. Other scholars have discussed Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah’s consensus on interpreting Ayahs talking about Ma`iyyah as referring to Allah’s Knowledge and denying the claims of Jahmiyyah and Mu`tazilah, who say Allah is Omnipresent and who deny His Attributes of `Uluw and Istiwa’ (May Allah curse them! How can they deny the Truth).

Thus, we know that interpreting the word “Ma`iyyah” as Knowledge is not only the opinion of Shaykh Taqiy Al-Din only, but is also the opinion of Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah. The Shaykh (may Allah be merciful with him) wrote in his book “Al-Wasitiyyah” what supports the obligation of believing in the two Attributes of Allah, namely `Uluw and Ma`iyyah without Tahrif (distortion of the meaning) and false claims. You can refer to the book if you are interested. In general, the Shaykh (may Allah be merciful with him) meant that it is obligatory to confirm the Ma`iyyah and `Uluw of Allah above the Throne in a manner that befits Him and does not compare Him to any of His creations.

Al-Hafizh ibn Kathir (may Allah be merciful with him) while interpreting the Ayah: There is no Najwâ (secret counsel) of three but He is their fourth (with His Knowledge, while He Himself is over the Throne, over the seventh heaven) he said, “The majority of scholars agree that what is meant in this Ayah,regarding Ma`iyyah, is Allah’s Knowledge and there is no doubt in this”. These words do not negate interpreting Ma`iyyah as knowledge, since it is what is meant and intended by it. This is the true meaning of it.

Ma`iyyah refers to Allah’s Knowledge of all things related to the affairs of His servants, as for its manner, it is only known to Allah just as the rest of His Attributes.

Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah believe in the Names and Attributes of Allah and understand their meanings but do not know their manner. Only Allah knows the exact manner of assuming His Attributes, as He alone knows His Dhat (Essence). Exalted and Glorified be He above the false claims of those who deny or compare His Attributes to those of humans.

Imam Malik (may Allah be merciful with him) and other scholars among Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah said,

“Allah’s Istiwa’ is known, its manner is unknown, and believing in it is obligatory.”

This is the adopted view in relation to all of Allah’s Attributes and Allah knows best.

The Correct meaning of ‘Laa ilaaha illa Allaah’ – by Shaikh ibn Baaz

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True Meaning of ‘Laa ilaaha illa Allaah’ is :  There is no deity truly worthy of worship except Allah

All praise is due to Allah alone and may peace and blessings be upon the Noblest of the messengers, our Prophet Muhammad, his family, his Companions, Tabi`un (Followers, the generation after the Companions of the Prophet) and those who followed them in the best manner until the Day of Resurrection.

I have read the article written by our brother in Islam, the eminent Shaykh `Umar ibn Ahmad Al-Millibary on the meaning of ‘La ilaha illa Allah’. I read the explanation of the shaykh thoroughly on the three points of view regarding its meaning. The definitions are as follows:

First, it means that there is no deity truly worthy of worship except Allah.
Second, that there is no deity truly worthy of obedience except Allah.
Third, that there is no god but Allah.

The correct definition, as he stated, is the first which is clarified in the Book of Allah (may He be Praised) many times. For instance, Allah (may He be Praised) states, You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything). and, And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. He (may He be Praised) also states, And I (Allâh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone). and, That is because Allâh — He is the Truth (the only True God of all that exists, Who has no partners or rivals with Him), and what they (the polytheists) invoke besides Him, it is Bâtil (falsehood).

There are many Ayahs (Qur’anic verses) to this effect. Moreover, this is the meaning that the polytheists understood from ‘La ilaha illa Allah’, when the Prophet (peace be upon him) called them to it, saying: O my people, say ‘La ilaha illa Allah’, to succeed.

They denied it and haughtily rejected to accept him because they understood that it contradicts their forefathers’ worship of idols, trees and stones and their deification, as Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) mentions in Surah (Qur’anic chapter) Sad, And they (Arab pagans) wonder that a warner (Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) has come to them from among themselves. And the disbelievers say: “This (Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) is a sorcerer, a liar. “Has he made the âlihah (gods) (all) into One Ilâh (God – Allâh). Verily, this is a curious thing!”

In Surah Al-Saffat (ayat 35 and 36), Allah states concerning the polytheists: Truly, when it was said to them: La ilaha illa Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), they puffed themselves up with pride (i.e. denied it). And (they) said: “Are we going to abandon our alihah (gods) for the sake of a mad poet?” This indicates that the polytheists understood that the meaning of ‘La ilaha illa Allah’ superseded their deities and necessitated dedicating their acts of worship to Allah Alone. Thus, when one of them embraced Islam, he gave up Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) and dedicated acts of worship to Allah Alone.

Had ‘La ilaha illa Allah’ meant only that there is no god but Allah, or that there is none worthy of obedience but Allah, they would have never rejected it. That is because they already knew that Allah is their Lord and Creator Who must be obeyed in the orders they believed to come from Him. Rather, they believed that worship of idols, prophets, angels, righteous people, trees and the like were their intercessors with Allah and brought them closer to Him. Allah says in Surah Yunus, aya 18: And they worship besides Allah things that harm them not, nor profit them, and they say: “These are our intercessors with Allah.”  Say: “Do you inform Allâh of that which He knows not in the heavens and on the earth?” Glorified and Exalted is He above all that which they associate as partners (with Him)! He (Glorified and Exalted be He) also states: The revelation of this Book (the Qur’ân) is from Allâh, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. Verily We have sent down the Book to you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) in truth: So worship Allâh (Alone) by doing religious deeds sincerely for Allâh’s sake only. Surely the religion (i.e. the worship and the obedience) is for Allâh only. And those who take Auliyâ’ (protectors, helpers, lords, gods) besides Him (say): “We worship them only that they may bring us near to Allâh.”

The pagans admitted that they worshiped others only to bring them near to Allah, but Allah (may He be Praised) responded to this, Verily, Allâh will judge between them concerning that wherein they differ. Truly, Allâh guides not him who is a liar, and a disbeliever.

Allah (may He be Praised) declared that they are both liars in the claim that their deities bring them near to Allah, and disbelievers because of committing this act. There are many Ayahs that support this meaning.

All praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, his Companions, Tabi`un and those who followed them in the best manner until the Day of Resurrection!

Source : alifta.com – by Shaik Ibn Baaz

Or download the PDF : The Meaning of ‘La ilaha illa Allah’ – Ibn Baz Fatawa – from alifta.com [PDF]

Excellent lecture on the fundamentals of Iman (Faith) – Shaykh Ibn Baaz

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A lecture on the fundamentals of Iman (Faith)

Fatwas of Ibn Baz > Volume 3 > A lecture onthe fundamentals of Iman

Comments in red in square brackets like [Comments] are added by AbdurRahman. org for better clarity

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. May peace and blessings be upon the Servant of Allah, His Messenger, the best of His Creatures, and His Trustee over His revelation, our Prophet, Imam, Muhammad ibn `Abdullah. May Allah’s Peace and Blessings be upon his family, Companions, and those who adopt his way and follow his guidance until the Day of Resurrection!

Dear honorable brothers, my address to you will be on the fundamentals of Iman. This topic was chosen by the university and I agreed to deliver this speech because it is an exceptionally important matter. It is acknowledged that our Deen (Islam) is established upon these tenets, as our Ummah (nation) cannot succeed, live in a state of happiness, security, and glory above other nations except through holding fast to these tenets and acting accordingly in terms of its statements, actions, general conduct, Jihad, and all its affairs.

The Qur’an makes these fundamentals clear in many Ayahs (Qur’anic verses) and are also explained in the Prophet’s Hadiths (peace be upon him). The six fundamentals of Iman are themselves the tenets of the Islamic faith, for preaching Iman in Allah is the foremost objective of this Deen which awakens people’s inclination towards piety, guidance, and Taqwa (fearing Allah as He should be feared). It is the essence of the Message of the Prophet (peace be upon him) who propagated beneficial knowledge and practicing good deeds. All this falls under the realm of Iman.

These six fundamentals have been explained in the Noble Book in different Ayahs, and highlighted in the Prophet’s Hadiths. Allah (may He be Praised) states in His Book: 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 Allah (may He be Praised and Exalted) mentions in this Ayah fivefundamentals of Iman: To believe In Allah, the Last Day, His angels, Books, and Messengers. These are five matters upon which Islam is based in all its aspects. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) also states: The Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allâh, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. (They say), “We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers“

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Nullifiers of Islam – Shaykh Ibn Baaz

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All praise is due to Allah Alone. Peace and blessings be upon the Last Prophet, his family, Companions and those who follow his guidance.

A Muslim should know that Allah (may He be Praised) enjoins all the creation to embrace Islam, hold it firmly and avoid what contradicts it. Allah sent His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to call for that, informing them that whoever follows him will be guided and whoever turns away from him will be misguided. In many Ayahs (Qur’anic verses), Allah warned people against causes of apostasy and all forms of Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) and Kufr (disbelief). Under the topic of the rulings of the apostate, scholars (may Allah be merciful with them) mentioned that a Muslim may abandon Islam by committing one of the nullifiers that make his blood and money violable and turn him out of the fold of Islam. The most dangerous and common ten nullifiers are mentioned by Shaykh and Imam Muhammad ibn `Abdul-Wahhab and other scholars (may Allah be merciful with them). Here we will list them in brief so that a Muslim can keep away from them and warn people against them in hope for safety and wellbeing. We will briefly elaborate on them.

First: Shirk in the worship of Allah. Allah (Exalted be He) says: Verily, Allâh forgives not that partners should be set up with Him (in worship), but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He wills He (Exalted be He) also says: Verily, whosoever sets up partners (in worship) with Allâh, then Allâh has forbidden Paradise to him, and the Fire will be his abode. And for the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers) there are no helpers. This includes invoking the dead and seeking relief, vowing or offering sacrifice for them.

Second: Whoever takes intermediaries between him and Allah, invokes, and asks them for intercession with Allah and puts his trust in them has committed Kufr (disbelief) according to the Ijma` (consensus) of scholars.

Third: Whoever does not hold the polytheists to be disbelievers, has doubts about their disbelief or considers their ways and beliefs to be correct has committed disbelief.

Fourth: Whoever believes that some guidance other than that of the Prophet (peace be upon him) is more complete than his guidance or that someone else’s judgment is better than his judgment, such as those who prefer the judgment of the Taghut (false gods) over his judgment, then he is a disbeliever.

Fifth: Whoever hates something that the Messenger (peace be upon him) came with, even though he may act on it, has disbelieved. Allah (Exalted be He) says: That is because they hate that which Allâh has sent down (this Qur’ân and Islâmic laws, etc.); so He has made their deeds fruitless.

Sixth: Whoever mocks or ridicules any part of the Messenger’s religion, its rewards or punishments has committed an act of disbelief. Allah (Exalted be He) says: Say: “Was it at Allâh (عز وجل), and His Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations) and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) that you were mocking?” Make no excuse; you disbelieved after you had believed.

Seventh: Sorcery, which includes magic spells that cause a person to hate or love someone/something. Whoever practices it or is pleased with it commits disbelief. The proof for this is the saying of Allah (Exalted be He): but neither of these two (angels) taught anyone (such things) till they had said, “We are only for trial, so disbelieve not (by learning this magic from us).”

Eighth: Supporting and assisting the polytheists against the Muslims. The proof for this is the saying of Allah (Exalted be He): And if any amongst you takes them as Auliyâ’, then surely he is one of them. Verily, Allâh guides not those people who are the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers and unjust).

Ninth: Whoever believes that it is permitted for some people to be free of (implementing) the Shari`ah (Islamic law) brought with Muhammad (peace be upon him), then he is a disbeliever. Allah (Exalted be He) says: And whoever seeks a religion other than Islâm, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.

Tenth: Turning away from Allah’s religion, not learning it or implementing it (is an act of disbelief). The proof for this statement is the saying of Allah: And who does more wrong than he who is reminded of the Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of his Lord, then turns aside therefrom? Verily, We shall exact retribution from the Mujrimûn (criminals, disbelievers, polytheists, sinners).

There is no difference in committing these nullifiers between the utters them in humor, seriously, or even out of fear except for a person who says them under coercion. All of these (ten) matters are the gravest nullifiers that most often occur. A Muslim must beware of and keep away from these acts. We seek refuge with Allah from the things that entail His anger and severe punishment. May Allah’s Peace be upon the best of His Creation Muhammad, his family, and Companions!

The Fourth Nullifier includes those who believe that man-made laws and constitutions are better than the Shari`ah of Islam, equal to it, or that it is permissible to resort to them for judgment even if he believes that the judgment of Shari`ah is better. Likewise, whoever believes that it is not correct to implement the Laws of Islam in the twentieth century, that this is a cause for the fall of Muslims, or that it is limited to relationship between the servant and his Lord and should not interfere in the other affairs of life. The fourth category also includes those who hold that carrying out Allah’s laws, such as cutting off the hand of a thief or stoning a guilty adulterer is not befitting for this modern era. This category includes those who believe that it is permissible to rule by something other than the Laws of Allah (Shari’ah) in matters of transactions, Hudud (prescribed penalties) and so on, even if he does not believe that it is better than ruling by the Shari`ah. This is because, by doing that, he makes lawful that which Allah forbade, according to the consensus of scholars. Similarly, whoever makes lawful that which Allah has prohibited and this prohibition is indisputably established, such as adultery, Khamr (intoxicant), Riba (usury/interest) and ruling by anything other than the Shari`ah, then he is a disbeliever according to the consensus of Muslim scholars.

May Allah guide all of us to what pleases Him. May Allah guide us and all Muslims to His straight path! He is All-Hearer, Ever Near. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!

Source for above : Shaykh Ibn Baaz – alifta.com

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

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Question:

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

Answer:

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

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

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

 

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