Category Archives: General Reminders

Reminders benefit the believers.

The Hypocrisy of Objecting to Hudood [Legislated Punishments in Islam]

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In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

The great senior scholar, Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan (may Allah preserve him) stated: [1]

فيجب إقامة الحد على أصحاب هذه الجرائم، ولا يجوز لأحد كائنا من كان أن يعترض إقامة الحد، ويمنع إقامة الحد على المجرم، أو يعترض على ذلك بالقول، أو بالتنديد، أو بالكلام في الإنترنت، أو غيره، مما يفعله أهل النفاق، ويفعله أهل الشكوك والأوهام الذين لم يستقر الإيمان في قلوبهم.

It is obligatory to establish the Hadd [Islamically legislated] punishment upon people who commit these crimes, and it is not permissible for anyone, no matter who he is, to object to the establishment of the punishment, or to prevent the punishment from being applied to the guilty criminal, or to object to that in speech, or to denounce it, or by spreading speech on the internet, or any other way, as the people of hypocrisy do, and as the people of doubts and delusions do, those who have not had faith settle in their hearts.

بل يجب الفرح بإقامة الحدود لأنها تطهير للأرض قال صلى الله عليه وسلم

Instead, it is obligatory to be happy with the establishment of the Hudood punishments, as they Continue reading →

A Special Ramadhaan Message From the Custodian of the Two Sacred Mosques

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In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful:

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, the One who said in His Noble Book:

“O you who believe! Prescribed upon you is fasting, as it was prescribed upon the people before you, in order for you to attain piety.” [2:183]

May Allah raise the rank of and grant peace to the best of His creation, Muhammad, the son of Abdullah, and likewise all of his family and companions.

Dear brother citizens and brother Muslims in every place:

As-Salaamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuh.

With each year that passes, we hope you are well.

Here we are, this blessed night, standing before a month from the most noble and greatest of months with Allah, the Blessed and Lofty. All praise is due to Allah, the One who allowed us to reach the month of Ramadhaan, the month of Mercy, Forgiveness, and being set free from the Fire. We ask Allah that He make us from those who fast and stand in prayer out of faith and hope for reward. Within our souls is a great longing for its joyous arrival, because of what lies in its days and nights of worship offered by Muslims, and because of what is encouraged in this virtuous month of keeping ties, coming together, and excusing each other.

Dear brothers and sisters,

We praise Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, for all that He has bestowed upon this blessed land, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, that He has made it the central nest of Islam, with the message of Islam originating from its land. He has given our land the special favor of Continue reading →

Exposing the Fake Story of Salmaan Refusing to Obey ‘Umar

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[In the name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…]

The Khawaarij of this era, those who promote political turmoil and rebellion in the name of “activism” and “freedom of speech”, have spread the following false narration:

Ibn Qutaybah said in his book, ‘Uyoon al-Akhbaar:

Al-‘Utbi [d.228] said that ‘Umar received some war booty, two-piece garments. He distributed those things among the people. He went up on the Minbar and he had a complete set himself (both pieces). So he said “Oh people, will you not listen?” So Salmaan said: “We will not listen!” ‘Umar asked, “Why, O Father of ‘Abdullaah [meaning Salmaan]!?” He said, “Because you distributed the garments to us, one garment for each person, yet you have a whole set (i.e. two garments).” ‘Umar said, “Don’t be so hasty, oh Abaa ‘Abdillah,” and he called out, “Oh, ‘Abdullaah!” Nobody answered him. So he said, “Oh ‘Abdullaah bin ‘Umar!” His son responded, “At your service, O Commander of the Faithful!” Umar said, “I ask you, by Allaah, as a witness: The garment I’m wearing as an ezaar (the lower part), is it yours?” He replied, “Allaahumma Na’am (Yes).” Salmaan, may Allaah be pleased with him, then said, “OK, so now we will obey you!”

Shaykh Rabee’ ibn Haadee al-Madkhalee (may Allaah preserve him) explained the falsehood of this story. The following is a summary of his writings on the topic:

This is how al-‘Utbi narrated this, without any chain. And it’s been mentioned in the sittings of dictation that were recorded from ibn Durayd, #132, in the same way, without a chain. Ibn al-Jowzee also put it in his book: Sifatus Safwa with no chain. So this fable is rejected from the following angles:

Firstly, it has no chain from al-‘Utbi to ‘Umar and Salmaan, may Allaah be pleased with both of them. There is a huge gap in time between ‘Umar (and Salmaan) and this ‘Utbi. You would break the necks of camels trying to make that distance! [more than 200 years of broken chain!]

The second issue is that this ‘Utbi is Continue reading →

The Fitnah (Trials) of Passions and Desires

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In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Every Merciful…

From the Book: The Never-Ending Trials of LIFE: Islamic Guidance From a Brief Thematic Study of Soorah al-‘Ankaboot, by Shaykh Saalih Aal Shaykh, Translation and Commentary by Moosaa Richardson

…Allah mentions the story of Loot (Lot, peace be upon him). In it is mention of the fitnah of the desires of men which go against man’s very nature. This was along with a number of other passions and their outward declarations of them. They claimed that there was no harm in them. They would refute anyone who prohibited them from their actions.Yet he still forbade them:

You are practicing [all kinds of] evil in your gatherings! (29:29)

But all they said to him in response was:

Bring us Allah’s Punishment if you are indeed from the truthful! (29:29)

It was great fitnah for Loot that his wife, from his own household, had given in to their evil and become like them, encouraging the men to have intercourse with the men who would come to visit Loot, and similar crimes.

So we saved him and his family, except his wife, as she was from those who stayed behind. (7:83)

Desires are indeed a form of fitnah. How can one escape his desires and passions? He escapes them by Continue reading →

How Should a Man Behave as the Walee of His Own Mother?

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

Often, especially in the West, a man may find himself in the position of being his own mother’s walee (guardian) for marriage.  Of course, we know the walee’s approval is a necessary requirement for the validity of a marriage contract. This predicament can be a difficult one to navigate, since in Islam he is required to obey, respect, and honor his mother. Yet, if she wishes to marry a man whom he is not pleased with, can he actually refuse to consent and prevent such a marriage? How does he balance between obedience to his mother and this apparent position of authority over her, as limited as it may be?

To aid our brothers who are faced with such a dilemma, I posed the following question to Shaykh Muhammad ‘Umar Baazmool (may Allaah bless and preserve him):

شيخنا من كان وليًا لأمه ولاية النكاح كيف يتأدب معها إذا كان لا يواقق على اختيار رجل لها فيه رغبة
Our shaykh, regarding someone who is a walee (guardian) for the marriage of his mother: How does he uphold good manners with her if he does not agree with the choice of a man she is interested in?

He replied: Continue reading →

Real “Hadith Disciples” Do Not Forsake the Scholars [A Brief Hadeeth Study]

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

Know that the people of knowledge shall indeed be forsaken by some! It is a reality that has been foretold in the hadeeth of Mu’aawiyah (may Allaah be pleased with him), as found in the two Saheeh Compilations of al-Bukhaaree and Muslim:

لَا تَزَالُ طَائِفَةٌ مِنْ أُمَّتِي قَائِمَةً بِأَمْرِ اللهِ، لَا يَضُرُّهُمْ مَنْ خَذَلَهُمْ أَوْ خَالَفَهُمْ، حَتَّى يَأْتِيَ أَمْرُ اللهِ وَهُمْ ظَاهِرُونَ عَلَى النَّاسِ
“A group of my Ummah shall continue to uphold the Order of Allaah. Those who forsake or oppose them do not harm them, until the Affair of Allaah arrives, whilst they are (still) uppermost among the people.”

These people are known as the scholars of Islam, as al-Imaam al-Bukhaaree (may Allaah have Mercy on him) said in his chapter title: “They are the people of knowledge.”

The statement, “…Those who forsake or oppose them do not harm them…” indicates that there will indeed be people who speak ill of the scholars and try to divert the people from them. This is from the pre-determined Qadr of Allaah, as part of the struggle between truth and falsehood that He, the All Mighty and All Wise, has decreed to be one of the many tests His Servants shall face.

The scholars of Islam actively work to provide solutions to the Ummah’s problems in every place. Allaah blesses their time and efforts, the effects of which can be found everywhere upon Earth, by His Permission. They are the best of Allaah’s Servants, His true allies, those He has paired Continue reading →

Observing the “Islamic New Year”

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

At the end of Thul-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, some Muslims begin sharing messages with each other, with reminders to end the year with good deeds and begin the new year with obedience. Some observe the time as an opportunity for repentance and “setting things right”, similar to how the non-Muslims enter their new year by making “New Year’s resolutions”. Others may even go so far as to celebrate the event with special greetings, acts of worship like fasting, or festive gatherings.

THE ISLAMIC RULING ON OBSERVING THE ISLAMIC NEW YEAR

A question was posed to the Standing Committee for Fatwaa in Saudi Arabia about this issue, and their response was:

لا تجوز التهنئة بهذه المناسبات؛ لأن الاحتفاء بها غير مشروع

“It is not permissible to congratulate people on these occasions, since observing/celebrating them is not legislated.” [1]

Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan, one of the committee’s long-standing members, and widely recognized senior authority in Islamic verdicts, was asked Continue reading →

Confusion Ended: “Thanksgiving is a Day of Gratitude Observed by Most Muslims” [?]

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

Thanksgiving Day is a modern Christian religious holiday observed on the fourth Thursday of November in America. Thanksgiving has been adopted as a national holiday as well.

The Permanent Council of Scholars in Saudi Arabia, headed by Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have Mercy on him), was asked about the observance of Christian religious holidays, and they responded:

It is not permissible to take part with the disbelievers in their holidays and religious celebrations, due to the description Allah has given to the servants of the Most-Merciful [what means]: ( Those who do not witness “zoor”, and if they pass by falsehood, they pass by it with dignity ). [25:72] “Zoor” is explained to be: the celebrations of the disbelievers and witnessing them, attending them, or taking part in them.

Source: The Permanent Council’s second series of Fatwas (1/452-453). [in Arabic here]

Many other clear statements of the scholars about non-Muslim holidays and celebrations have been made widely available in English.

Aside from being a Christian holiday, Thanksgiving is commonly represented by images depicting the “peace” made between Continue reading →

The Friday Khutbah: Three Neglected Sunnahs for the Imaam

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Beneficent, the Ever Merciful…

The Friday khutbah (sermon) may be the only time to reach many Muslims. With this in mind, it is essential that the khateeb (the one who delivers the khutbah) deliver it in a way that accomplishes the goal of reminding the Muslims about essential matters of Islamic belief and practice, encouraging them towards goodness and warning them from all types of evil.

As the best guidance is the guidance of the Messenger of Allaah (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace), let us extract from his amazing teachings three relatively easy ways a khateeb can significantly improve his delivery of the Friday khutbah and make it as effective as possible, as it relates to the style, level of involvement, and length.

1 – STYLE: The Khutbah Should be a Passionate and Moving Admonition, not an Academic Lesson!

Jaabir ibn ‘Abdillaah (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that when the Messenger of Allaah (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) would deliver a khutbah, his eyes would redden, he would raise his voice, and his anger would intensify, to the point that it was like he was warning of an imminent military invasion! [1]

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have Mercy on him) explained: Continue reading →

16 False Narrations About Wearing Turbans (Imaamahs) [Updated]

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

While it is authentically established that our Messenger (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) did wear ‘imaamahs (turbans), there are a number of fabricated and extremely weak hadeeth narrations that many Sufis, Shia, and other fanatical turban enthusiasts pass on without verification, seeking to make the issue of wearing a turban an essential part of the Islaamic dress code, more than a historical tradition of dress shared by the Muslims and non-Muslims of many Arab regions.

The following is a brief list of some of the fabricated and unauthentic narrations that many turban enthusiasts often try to pass off as authentic hadeeth:

1 – Turbans are the Mark of the Angels?

عليكم بالعمائم فإنها سيما الملائكة، وأرخوها خلف ظهوركم
“Upon you is (to wear) ‘imaamahs (turbans), as they are the mark of the Angels. Fix them so their tails are down your backs.”

Munkar (unauthentic and contradictory): It was collected by al-Bayhaqee in Shu’ab al-Eemaan, at-Tabaraanee in al-Mu’jam al-Kabeer, and Ibn ‘Adee in al-Kaamil with contradictory chains narrated by weak and unknown narrators. See: Al-Maqaasid al-Hasanah (no.717) and Silsilat al-Ahaadeeth ad-Dha’eefah (no.677).

2 – Multiplied Rewards and Angels Continue reading →

Speak the Truth or Stay Home [Shaykh Muhammad Amaan al-Jaamee]

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious the Ever Merciful…

In an authentic hadeeth collected by Imaam Ibn Hibbaan in his Saheeh (no.276), the Messenger of Allaah (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) said:

 مَنِ الْتَمَسَ رِضَى اللَّهِ بِسَخَطِ النَّاسِ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ، وَأَرْضَى النَّاسَ عَنْهُ، وَمَنِ الْتَمَسَ رِضَا النَّاسِ بِسَخَطِ اللَّهِ سَخَطَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ، وَأَسْخَطَ عَلَيْهِ النَّاسَ.

“Whoever seeks the Pleasure of Allaah while angering the people will have Allaah pleased with him, who shall make the people pleased with him [anyway]. Whoever seeks to please the people while angering Allaah will have Allaah angry with him, who shall make the people angry with him [anyway].”

The great scholar, Shaykh Muhammad Amaan al-Jaamee [d.1416] (may Allaah have Mercy on him), said in his explanation of Condition #7 of The Conditions of Laa-ilaaha-ill-Allaah:

The chosen Messengers of Allaah would be referred to by extravagant and arrogant people as insane. They would call them insane, as well as liars. With everything such people would say, the Messengers would remain patient and continue in their missionary work. Some of the Prophets from the tribes of Israel were even killed by their own people. Those who call to rectification follow [the same path as] the Messengers, and thus they face [similar] harm from the people of extravagance and disbelief, and they are Continue reading →

Do not Refer to Deviant Groups Using Their Chosen Names of Self-Praise

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Compassionate, the Ever Merciful…

The following is important advice that should be heeded when referring to deviant groups which refer to themselves using praiseworthy terms, like:

  • Al-Ikhwaan al-Muslimoon (The Muslim Brotherhood)
  • Hizbollah (The Party of Allaah)
  • The Islamic State [of Iraq and Sham] (IS, or ISIS)
  • The Nation of Islam

Muslims who follow the Quran, the Sunnah, and the way of the righteous Salaf, those who are truly Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah, reject these names, as they are not accurate nor acceptable as names for the intended deviant cults who oppose Islam in their core beliefs and/or principles.

For example, Muslims who apply Islaam in their lives are the true ‘Muslim Brotherhood’. It is not appropriate to refer to an Egyptian political sect which opposes Islaam in its basic methodology with this name, ‘al-Ikhwan al-Muslimoon’ (the Muslim Brotherhood). They are not the Muslim Brotherhood at all, but rather they are in fact opponents Continue reading →

Shaykh Ibn Baaz: How to Give Da’wah to Those Affected By Specific Misguidance

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

The great scholar of Islaam, Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz [d.1420] -may Allaah have Mercy on him- was asked about the methodology of propagating Islaam to people who have been affected by certain cultures or societies that distort the true meaning of Islaam. He replied:

The falsehood of the beliefs or culture which has affected them is to be clarified to them. The (false) beliefs are clarified as involving such-and-such (i.e. naming the specific points of misguidance). The various forms of falsehood and innovation found within such beliefs – if any – are to be clarified. Furthermore, the primary reference for all affairs is to be clearly identified as the Book of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, and the Sunnah of His Messenger (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace).

(It is said to them) Regarding what you have come across of such-and-such (a specific form of misguidance), what you have learned, like such-and-such, and/or the manners you have taken from your environment, like intermingling, etc., these issues must all be weighed on the scale of the Sharee’ah (divinely revealed Islaamic Legislation), like how the scholars base issues of jurisprudence upon the legislative evidences (of the Book and the Sunnah). Whatever is in line with it (the Sharee’ah) remains, and whatever opposes it must be cast aside, even if Continue reading →

Shaykh Fowzaan on Frauds Who Pretend to Have Islamic Knowledge

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

The great scholar, Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan (may Allaah preserve him), was asked:

What is “ta’aalum”? And what is your advice to the youth who face trials due to people engaged in ta’aalum?

He replied:

Ta’aalum is to feign knowledge. Feigning knowledge. It is when a person claims knowledge, while he is not knowledgeable in reality. He has not taken any knowledge directly from the scholars. Rather, he merely learned some things from books, solely from reading. He lacks sound fundamentals to build upon; he just reads things in books and proceeds according to his own understanding, likely erring more than being correct. This is a person of ta’aalum. He is a danger to himself (firstly) and to everyone (at large), since he Continue reading →

A Hadeeth Which Defines When the End of the World Happens? [The World Will Only Exist for 7000 Years?]

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

Some years ago, I was asked about a claim that this dunyaa (worldly life) could not last beyond the year 1500 H., due to the following “hadeeth”:

Al haakim & at-Tirmidhee hadeeth concerning jahanamiyyoon (those who go to fire but are Muslim). ‘They will be in it like the extent of this world from the time it was created until the time it ends which is 7000 years.’ And this is a sound hadeeth.

The following was my response:

1. Not only is al-Haakim’s chain weak due to Continue reading →

But We Need a New Approach in Today’s Dawah! [Shaykh Ibn Baaz Responds]

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

It is widely reported that His Eminence, Shaikh ‘Abdul-Azeez Bin Baaz (may Allaah have Mercy on him), was asked:

Every era has a method that suits it. The Salaf (righteous predecessors) used lessons and sermons, but we have a more effective method: acting. Nice young men, depicting the roles of sinners or drunkards, solely for the sake of admonishment. So I hope Your Eminence would encourage the youth to do so, since the method of those before us does not suit them.

And the shaykh answered:

Allaahu Akbar… Allaahu Akbar… Allaahu Akbar… Allaahu Akbar.

What a horrible lie! What a terribly hideous statement!

The way of Continue reading →

Baseless Hadeeth: “Take Half of Your Religion From ‘Aa’ishah”

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

The mother of the believers, ‘Aa’ishah bint Abee Bakr (may Allaah be pleased with her), was the most beloved person on earth to the Prophet Muhammad (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace). She was highly knowledgeable in Islaamic sciences, counted as one of the most discerning scholars of jurisprudence among the Companions, as well as one of the most relied upon in Hadeeth preservation. With all these virtues and with this lofty status deeply rooted in the hearts of believers everywhere, there is no need for fabricated and baseless narrations about her level of knowledge.

Some people heedlessly quote a baseless fabricated hadeeth:

خذوا شطر دينكم عن الحميراء
“Take half of (the knowledge of) your Religion from al-Humayraa’ (‘Aa’ishah).”

This invented hadeeth appeared in a dictionary (of all places) at the end of Continue reading →

Calling to Good Manners Firstly is Contradictory to the Prophetic Dawah Method [Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan]

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

One of the great senior scholars of this era, Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan (may Allaah preserve him), was asked:

Is this manner of da’wah (Islamic propagation) correct: One that begins by inviting the people to good manners at first?

The shaykh responded by saying:

No, this is misguidance, a contradiction to the da’wah of the Messengers. This is the call of the hizbees (bigoted sectarians) nowadays. It is a false da’wah, because it is contradictory to the methodology of the Messengers. What they (really) desire is that people remain upon their (various) beliefs, whether they are (the beliefs of) the Qubooriyyah (gravesite fanatics), idol-worship, or sufism. What is important (to them) is just to gather the people together, merely for the sake of Continue reading →

15 Points of Advice for Those Intending to Perform ‘Umrah

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

The following 15 points have been summarized from some beneficial advice given to an ‘Umrah group recently. Listen to the more detailed original recording here (including an evidence-based discussion of each point).

1. Be sincere to Allaah and purify your intentions. ‘Umrah like any other act of worship is required to be done sincerely for Allaah alone.

2. Sincerity cannot be attained except by shunning riyaa’ (showing off), so do not take pictures of yourself (‘Umrah selfies) in the middle of an act of worship.

3. ‘Umrah is an opportunity to connect to your Lord, so do not change it into a social media event and ruin your act of worship by ‘humble-bragging’ (using apparently humble language to actually show off where you are or Continue reading →

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen on Removing Part of the Footwear and then Continuing to Wipe Over it

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

The Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) allowed residents to wipe over their footwear when performing wudhoo’ (instead of washing the feet) for a period of one day. Travelers are allowed to do so for three entire days. This is founded upon clear evidences from the Quran and the authentic Sunnah.

From the important issues of this gracious concession is that once the footwear is removed for any reason, the period of wiping over it ends, and a person may only wipe over it again once he puts the footwear back on in a state of purity (having already made wudhoo’).

One of our visitors asked about when there is a need to uncover only a small part of the foot just under the ankle, like to rub it, is that considered “removal” of the footwear or not?

The great scholar, Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen [d.1421] – may Allaah have Mercy on him – was asked:

ما حكم خلع الشراب أو بعض منها ليحك بعض قدمه أو يزيل شيئاً في رجله كحجر صغير ونحوه؟ 

What is the ruling on removing the footwear or part of it in order to scratch part of the foot or remove something like a small pebble or anything similar (from inside of the footwear)?

The shaykh replied by saying:

إذا أدخل يديه من تحت الشراب (الجوارب) فلا بأس في ذلك ولا حرج ، أما إن خلعها فينظر إن خلع جزءاً يسيراً فلا يضر ، وإن خلع شيئاً كثيراً بحيث يظهر أكثر القدم فإنه يبطل المسح عليهما في المستقبل.

If he reaches in under the footwear with his hand, there is no problem with that, nothing wrong at all. However, if he removes it (the footwear), then we need to understand: If he only removed a small part of it, there is no harm (i.e. he may continue to wipe over it). If he removed a large part of it, exposing most of his foot, then his (period of) wiping ends at that time.

Source: Question #17 of his book, Fataawaa fil-Mas-h ‘alal-Khuffayn, as found on the official website of his charitable foundation (here).

Based on this fatwaa from Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have Mercy on him), a person may continue wiping over his footwear after uncovering a small part of the foot under the ankle, as mentioned in the original question, and Allaah knows best.

Written by: Moosaa Richardson

People of the Sunnah are Humble and Clear About Their Sources

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever-Merciful…

Stated Shaykh Jamaal ad-Deen al-Qaasimee… [*]

Stated Al-Haafith Jalaal ad-Deen as-Suyootee [1] (may Allaah have Mercy on him):

The blessing of knowledge and gratitude for it is to reference it to its source, as stated by al-Haafith Aboo Taahir as-Silafee [2], who heard from Abul-[Husayn] as-Sayrafee [3], who said: I heard Aboo ‘Abdillaah as-Sooree [4] saying: ‘Abdul-Ghanee ibn Sa’eed [5] said to me:

When my letter (perhaps a small treatise) reached Aboo ‘Abdillaah al-Haakim [6], he responded by thanking me for it, and he mentioned that he taught it to the people in dictation form. His written response included acknowledgment of benefitting (from me), and that he does not narrate it except with reference to me.

And [Al-Haakim also said]: Abul-‘Abbaas Muhammad ibn Ya’qoob al-Asamm [7] narrated to them, that al-‘Abbaas ibn Muhammad ad-Dooree [8] said: I heard Aboo ‘Ubayd [9] say:

Being thankful for knowledge means that you take benefit from someone, and then when asked about it, you say: Continue reading →

Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan on Statements of Yasir Qadhi

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever-Merciful…

Previously, we have highlighted the goal of Yasir Qadhi to replace the role of the scholars of Islaam in the lives of Muslims in the West with a band of entertainers called Almaghrib Institute. [See this.]

This bitter reality hit many of Almaghrib Institute’s supporters and sympathizers quite hard. While many have been turning in their “qabeelah” memberships, others remain loyal to this organization, despite the obvious direction taken by Yasir Qadhi and his associates to cut them off from Islaam’s scholars. After many years of gradual indoctrination, victims of this exclusive brand of hizbiyyah (partisanship) will not find it easy to step away, except for those whom Allaah blesses with guidance and stability.

Recently, the great senior scholar, Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan (may Allaah preserve him) was asked about the words of Yasir Qadhi:

Virtuous shaykh -may Allaah give you success- there is a questioner from America who asks: There is a person in America who always says that the scholars in this land do not know the situation of the Muslims in America. Accordingly, we do not accept their verdicts. He repeats this often. What is your advice about this and what instructions do you offer?

His profound and insightful reply confirms the correctness of what Ahlus-Sunnah in the West have been saying about Yasir Qadhi for years! He replied:

They (the scholars) possess Continue reading →

Tafseer Benefits: The Scholars are Authority Figures

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful…

In a response to a recent exposition of the Almaghrib Institute and their direction, one of our visitors who has (apparently) been influenced by their teachings requested us to reflect on the Verse of the Quran:

يا أيها الذين آمنوا أطيعوا الله وأطيعوا الرسول وأولي الأمر منكم وإن تنازعتم في شيء فردوه إلى الله والرسول إن كنتم تؤمنون بالله واليوم الآخر ذلك خير وأحسن تأويلا
“O you who believe! Obey Allah, obey His Messenger, and (obey) those of you who are in authority. If you differ in anything, refer it back to Allah and the Messenger, if you truly believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and a more suitable outcome.” [4:59]

The confused advisor assumed that -based on his misunderstanding of the Verse- Muslims are required to return the affairs they disagree about back to the Book and the Sunnah, and not to the scholars of Islaam, and that is one more reason to avoid “blindly following” the scholars. (While blind-following was never endorsed or encouraged in any of our writings in the first place!)

This is one of the common effects of the Almaghrib scheme – that people understand any connection to the scholars as “blindly following” them. As a result, people actually believe that removing the scholars from their lives is better and even supported in the Quran!

Response to This Point of Confusion

Yes indeed, we refer back to Allaah and His Messenger (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace). But without the scholars? How could we come to this conclusion?

We do not take one Verse and ignore other Verses! Allaah has Continue reading →

Once they replace our scholars, where will they take us?

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

Yasir Qadhi, self-proclaimed scholar and Dean of Academic Affairs at Almaghrib Institute, has recently become even more active in requesting the general Muslims to keep away from the scholars of Islaam, and to rely completely on Westernized and apologetic preachers like himself and those connected to his Almaghrib Institute, those currently being set up as replacements for the actual scholars of Islaam.

In a recent speech about “modernity” in December of 2013, Yasir Qadhi tells stories of the “stupidity” of the scholars of Islaam throughout history, and how their rigidity and lack of connection to the people has always kept Islaam and the Muslims from progress.

After laying down the foundations for the scholars to be viewed as a bunch of clowns to be laughed at, he introduces a shining brand of “scholars” who are forward-thinking and actively connected to the people. Who are they? They are the deviant political activists of the Muslim lands, those the scholars of Islaam have warned against time and time again, the likes of Hassan al-Bannaa, founder of the al-Ikhwaan al-Muslimoon Sect, and Saudi activist Salman al-‘Owdah, whom Yasir praises highly as a “forward-thinking realistic scholar”. Also fanatically promoted is Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, in the words of Yasir Qadhi:

  • One of our main reference points
  • A towering intellectual genius [!]
  • Somebody who understands the Sharee’ah and its applicability in modern times
  • An ‘aalim (scholar) with unrivaled Continue reading →

Scholarship Students in Saudi Arabia Should Reflect

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever-Merciful…

As a recipient of a Saudi government scholarship to study at Umm al-Qura University, I thank Allaah and ask Him to forgive me and my brothers and sisters who study here on full scholarships for not realizing how many blessings from Allaah we have overlooked and/or not properly thanked Him for.

Have we thanked Allaah for granting us years of peaceful and secure living in a land of Towheed and Sunnah? Some Muslims are living in fear for their lives and property right now. Some live in countries that do not allow them to practice Islaam. Some live in countries that openly promote polytheism and acts of blasphemy. By Allaah, we are spoiled in this land. By Allaah, we have not shown enough gratitude for our blessings!

Have we thanked Allaah for the ability to pray at the two greatest masjids in the world? Muslims around the world save for years to make one trip. Many of them never make it. Many of them beg Allaah in the depths of the nights to make one prayer at one of the two sacred Harams one day. By Allaah, we are spoiled and ungrateful.

Have we thanked Allaah for the ability to visit and study from a number of today’s greatest scholars? Our brothers in Islaam dream of the chance to meet a scholar one day. Muslims huddle together secretly Continue reading →

The Five Basic Human Rights (Or Essentials) Islaam Safeguards and Honors

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

Question: What are the five basic human rights, or essentials, that Allaah safeguarded for the people through the message and mission of each and every prophet He sent?

Answer: They are as follows:

  1. Ad-Deen (The Religion)
  2. An-Nafs (Physical Safety)
  3. An-Nasl, or An-Nasab (Ancestry and Lineage)
  4. Al-‘Aql (Intellect)
  5. Al-Maal (Property)

Question: What is the proof for these five basic human rights?

Answer: They are based on the scholars’ istiqraa’ (extracting something from the generality of the entire message) of not only the Quran and the Sunnah, but also from the previous legislations as well.

Question: Are they mentioned specifically in the Quran?

Answer: Yes, they have been mentioned in Soorah al-An’aam [6:151-152]:

6_151

 Say (O Muhammad): “Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: Do not join anything Continue reading →

Benefits Related to Saying Aameen in Response to Jazaak Allaah khayran

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In the Name of Allaah…

Dr. Muhammad Baazmool (may Allaah preserve him) mentioned that there is no specified answer from the Sunnah to Jazaak Allaahu Khayran, read here.

To add something to that: The phrase “Jazaak Allaahu Khayran“ (may Allaah reward you well) is something that is from the Sunnah to be said to express thanks or praise, due to the hadeeth:

 مَنْ صُنِعَ إِلَيْهِ مَعْرُوفٌ فَقَالَ لِفَاعِلِهِ: جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا. فَقَدْ أَبْلَغَ فِي الثَّنَاء.

On the authority of Usaamah Ibn Zayd, he said that the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) said: “Whoever has had something nice done for him and then says to his companion, ‘Jazaak Allaahu Khayran,’ then he has surely excelled in praising (him).”

Al-Albaanee authenticated it in Saheeh Sunan At-Tirmithee #2035 (2/392).

So then it is not like other phrases found in the Sunnah that have specified answers, like:

1) Al-Hamdulillaah — Yarhamukallaah — Yahdeekumullaahu wa Yuslihu Baalakum

2) As-Salaamu ‘alaykum — wa ‘Alaykumus-Salaam

3) Uhibbuka fillaah — Ahabbak Continue reading →

Ibn ‘Umar’s Devout Following of the Sunnah [Shaykh Muhammad ibn Aadam]

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever-Merciful…

‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Umar, the son of the second Caliph, ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with them both), was known for his devout following of everything the Messenger of Allaah (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) did. Imaam Ibn Maajah reports that “Whenever he heard a hadeeth from the Messenger of Allaah (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace), he would not do anything more than it, nor would he stop until fulfilling it (completely).” [1]

Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Alee ibn Aadam (may Allaah preserve him) [2] said:

From the benefits (of this report) is knowing how devout Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) was in his following of the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace). He (may Allaah be pleased with him) was well known for that.

‘Abdullaah ibn Wahb narrated from Maalik, from someone [3] who told him Continue reading →

Is Defending and Honoring the Scholars a Call to Blind Following?

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever-Merciful…

A visitor recently asked about the translation of Shaykh Saalih as-Suhaymee’s advice to support and defend the honor of the scholars of Islaam (found here), saying:

Since these guys are contemporary men who are human and prone to error and sin like all of us, why would we defend them? Isn’t this a call to blind following? [abridged]

To be clear: We have certainly not promoted the blind following of these scholars, nor have we claimed they are perfect without flaws. Nor are we ever to defend any of them in falsehood.

However, dear questioner, may Allaah give you better than the corrupt manhaj (methodology) of Yasir Qadhi, Almaghrib Institute, and those upon their way, your ideas clearly seem to reflect the opinions they commonly lead people into – a total loss of any meaningful distinction between us and the scholars of Islaam, as it relates to the virtues of the scholars, their special status amongst us, and our need to refer to them to learn our Religion. The goal is to disconnect the people from their scholars, which facilitates the spread of deviation very easily.

May Allaah give you better – If Allaah has commanded us in His Quran (more than once) to ask the people of knowledge when we do not know [16:43, 21:7], don’t we need to know who they are?!

Dear questioner, may Allaah give you better! – Know that Allaah has established a very high status for the scholars of Islaam in his Glorious Book, saying: Continue reading →

The Meaning of the Verse in Soorah al-Faatihah: “Ihdinas-Siraat-Al-Mustaqeem”

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

What exactly are we asking for when we say:

اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ

“Guide us upon the straight path”

Guidance meaning: Lead or direct us to the straight path of Islaam is not the intended meaning in Soorah al-Faatihah, since the people reciting Soorah al-Faatihah have already been guided to it, and they have already accepted it. So are we asking Allaah to:

a) Direct us towards Islaam?

b) Allow us to accept it (Islaam)?

c) Or keep us firm upon it after having accepted it (Hidaayat ath-thabaat ‘alal-Haqq)?

While all three above meanings can be correct, meaning:

1) Guide us to the Straight Path (Islaam), by giving us knowledge of the Religion (by teaching us, through the scholars, for example).

2) Guide us to the Straight Path, by allowing us to accept the new things we learn from our Deen and implement them, as all correct beliefs and acts of worship are from as-Siraat al-Mustaqeem.

3) Guide us to the Straight Path, by granting us Continue reading →

Common Acts of Religious Excessiveness (Ghuluww) Regarding “Prayer Rugs”

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Mercilful…

Allaah says, addressing the Jews and Christians with a stern admonition that Muslims are required to also heed and live by:

يا أهل الكتاب لا تغلوا في دينكم
“O people of the Book!  Do not go overboard in your religion!” [1]

His Messenger (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) said:

إياكم والغلو فإنما أهلك من كان قبلكم الغلو
“Be warned against ghuluww (religious excessiveness), since that which destroyed the people who came before you was ghuluww!” [2]

To help fulfill this Prophetic order, this series of brotherly reminders highlights some everyday manifestations of religious excessiveness that Muslims may commonly fall into, so that we can be on guard against them and warn others of them.

Obsession with Prayer Mats, Rugs, and Carpets

The narrations found in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and elsewhere, describing the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) praying on a khumrah [small mat] and a haseer [large mat] show the permissibility of praying on other than the bare ground. A few of the scholars held the opinion that the prayer may only be offered on the bare ground, so these narrations are a proof against their position. They do not provide a proof for the one who takes this action as part of his Religion, since the Companions did not take this as a religious matter. Rather, they understood it to be permissible, and thus prayed on mats, bedding, clothing, etc. whenever it made sense, for example: In the extreme heat to protect oneself from the heat of the ground.

Furthermore, the scholars have stated that it is better for a person to pray directly on the ground if he is able.  Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah said:

The ahaadeeth and the aathaar (narrations from the Prophet, may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace, and the Companions) show that they used to prefer placing their foreheads directly on the bare ground if they were able, and when necessary, like in extremely hot weather and the likes, they would pray with something between them and the ground, using something they had with them: a part of their clothing, turban, or cap… [3]

However, if someone still holds that these narrations prove the legislated nature of praying on what people today call “prayer rugs”, then we can look again to Shaykh al-Islaam Continue reading →

The Story of Jesus and the Third Loaf of Bread

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

A story about ‘Eesaa (Jesus), the son of Mary (Peace be upon him), and a greedy man who stole a loaf of bread, was told by an unreliable mid-second-century narrator, Layth ibn Abee Sulaym.[1] The story goes as follows:

[Allegedly] Jesus and a traveling companion had three loaves of bread. They stopped at a beach to eat, and each one of them had a loaf of bread. When Jesus stood up to wash his hands, he returned to find that the third loaf of bread was missing. He asked his companion about it, and he replied that he did not know about it.

They moved on [allegedly, as the story goes] until they encountered three deer – an adult and two fawns. Jesus called one of the fawns and it came. He then slaughtered it, and so they cooked it and ate part of it. Miraculously, Jesus ordered the fawn back to life by the Permission of Allaah, and so it stood up and left! Jesus then turned to the man and said, “I ask you by the One who has shown you this miracle, who took the third loaf of bread?” He answered, “I do not know.”

They [allegedly] moved on until they reached a flooded valley. Jesus took the man’s hand and they walked on top of the surface of the water! Jesus then Continue reading →

Avoiding the Misguided Sects: The Prophetic Solution

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

After warning his Ummah about the splitting and differing that will take place, the Messenger of Allaah (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) clarified that the one single group of the 73 sects that will go to Paradise is known as “the Jamaa’ah”. [1]

This is further detailed in another narration (what means): “What I and my companions are upon.” [2]

These narrations are authentic by way of their numerous supporting chains. [3]

In another crucially important hadeeth, the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) said (what means): “Those of you who live long after me shall witness great differing. So upon you is (to follow) my Sunnah, and the Sunnah of the rightly-guided Caliphs, hold tightly to it and bite onto it with your molar teeth. And be warned of newly-invented matters (in the Religion), as every newly-invented matter is an innovation, and every innovation is misguidance.” [4]

Which group today remains firm upon this way? When you look to all the various groups and their foundations, you only find one group today that claims pure adherence to the way of the Prophet and his noble companions. They are Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah, the people who cling tightly to the way of the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) and his companions. Whether you call them Sunnis, Salafees, Atharees, Ahlul-Hadeeth, Ahlul-Athar, or any other description, they are the only ones whose true allegiance is to the Book and the Sunnah, according to the understanding of the Companions. They are the Jamaa’ah described in the hadeeth. [5]

Is the Jamaa’ah the Majority of the Muslims?

Some people are confused by a common notion that the word “Jamaa’ah” refers to the majority of the Muslims. Based on this Continue reading →

15 Points of Advice by Shaykh Ibn Baaz on Being Serious at Exam Time

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In the Name of Allaah…

Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have Mercy on him) was asked* for his advice to students during exam time. He replied:

We advise all students:

[1] to be serious and dedicated,

[2] to review their lessons day and night,

[3] to cooperate with each other in solving problems,

[4] to ask Allaah for success and help,

[5] to take heed of disobedience,

[6] to be dutiful in the performance of the prayers, taking care to offer them in congregation, Fajr prayer and the rest,

[7] to be dutiful to their parents,

[8] to keep family ties,

[9] and to give their wives their rights, among other things.

[10] As we advise the students also to be dutiful to Allaah (have Taqwaa),

[11] to stand upright (be dedicated, have Istiqaamah) in their religion,

[12] to take care of the duties imposed by Allaah,

[13] and to abandon what Allaah has forbidden.

All of these things will help them be successful in their lessons. They must all be dutiful to Allaah and take care of the things Allaah has ordered, like the prayers, etc. They must work hard to be dutiful to their parents and give them their rights. They must also be fair to their wives (if they are married) and give them their rights.

[14] They must also be mindful of their time and not waste it by listening to rumors that have no benefit.

[15] Their time is to be spent reviewing (their lessons) alone or with their brothers (in groups).

Source: His Fatwaa Collection (9/41-42), the numbering of the 15 points is from me.

*The question was general and the answer was general, in a place where students study both Islaam and worldly fields of knowledge. Studying hard for exams and trying to achieve high marks is an implementation of the generality of doing things with proficiency, that which our Religion encourages: “Verily Allaah has prescribed proficiency in all matters.“

Whoever does that for Allaah’s sake alone is earning Allaah’s Favor…

Whoever does that merely to seek fame and notoriety is on a path to the Fire…

and Allaah knows best.

Written by: Moosaa Richardson

ST Archives – Originally published 01-29-2010

The Ruling on Saying “Allaah and His Messenger Know Best”

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 In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…

The Permanent Committee of Scholars in Saudi Arabia has issued a verdict stating that saying “Allaah and His Messenger know best” was for the lifetime of the Messenger.  After his death (sallallaahu alayhe wa sallam), “Allaah knows best” is to be used. This was signed by Shaykh Ibn Baaz, Shaykh Ghudayyaan, and Shaykh Abdur-Razzaaq ‘Afeefee (may Allaah have Mercy on them).

What seems to be correct based on the overall practice of the Companions and the early scholars is to refrain from saying “Allaah and His Messenger knows best” after his death, and rather say, “Allaah knows best.”

“…Because the Messenger (sallallaahu alayhe wa sallam) is not aware of what is happening after his death.”

Source: Verdicts of the Permanent Committee (2/163) [English translation]

In addition, Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan, Shaykh Bakr Aboo Zayd, and others mentioned that saying “Allaah and His Messenger know best” was for his lifetime, and that after his death (sallallaahu alayhe wa sallam), “Allaah knows best” is to be used.

Refer to: I’aanat al-Mustafeed (1/44), Mu’jam al-Manaahee al-Lafthiyyah (p.128).

However, some scholars allowed saying “Allaah and His Messenger know best” after his death (sallallaahu alayhe wa sallam), like Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have Mercy on him) and some of the explainers of Kitaab at-Towheed, relying on a passage from the Nooniyyah of Ibn al-Qayyim: Continue reading →