Category Archives: Translations

Translations of recognized Islamic scholars’ works

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

Shaykh Ibn Baaz on Using Zakaat Money to Finish the Construction of a Masjid

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In the Name of Allaah…

Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have Mercy on him) was asked about using zakaat money to finish building a masjid that is almost completed, and its construction may be halted (due to lack of funding). He replied:

What is well-known to the scholars, and it is the position of the vast majority of them, so it can be considered like ijmaa’ (scholarly consensus) of the scholars of the early As-Salaf As-Saalih, is that zakaat is not to be used for building masjids, buying books, or the likes. It may only be distributed to the eight kinds of recipients who are mentioned in the verse in Soorah At-Tawbah [v.60], and they are:

(1) The fuqaraa’ (those who are extremely poor),

(2) The masaakeen (the poor and needy),

(3) Those who work in distributing it (zakaat),

(4) Those whose hearts need firmness upon Islaam (new Muslims),

(5) Freeing slaves,

(6) Paying debts,

(7) In the way of Allaah, and

(8) The traveler who is in need.

And the phrase “in the way of Allaah” means jihaad specifically. This is what is known to the people of knowledge, and the building of masjids is not mentioned here, nor is the building of schools or roadways, nor their likes.

And Allaah is the One who grants success.

Source: Majmoo’ Fataawee wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwa’ah (14/294)

Translated by: Moosaa Richardson

ST Archives – Originally Published 02-22-2008

Related Content:

Citations of Scholarly Consensus About Zakaat Money Spent on General Charities

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen on Attending Classes While in I’tikaaf (Seclusion in the Masjid)

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

Some people may feel it is inappropriate to attend a class about Islaam while performing i’tikaaf (seclusion in the masjid), which is commonly done in the last ten nights of Ramadhaan.

Our shaykh, the great scholar, Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have Mercy on him) posed and answered the following question:

*ﻭﻫﻞ ﻳﻨﺎﻓﻲ ﺭﻭﺡ ﺍﻻ‌ﻋﺘﻜﺎﻑ ﺃﻥ ﻳﺸﺘﻐﻞ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﺘﻜﻒ ﻓﻲ ﻃﻠﺐ ﺍﻟﻌﻠﻢ؟*

 Does it go against the spirit of i’tikaaf to occupy oneself with seeking knowledge?

*ﺍﻟﺠﻮﺍﺏ: ﻻ‌ ﺷﻚ ﺃﻥ ﻃﻠﺐ ﺍﻟﻌﻠﻢ ﻣﻦ ﻃﺎﻋﺔ ﺍﻟﻠﻪ، ﻟﻜﻦ ﺍﻻ‌ﻋﺘﻜﺎﻑ ﻳﻜﻮﻥ ﻟﻠﻄﺎﻋﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺨﺎﺻﺔ، ﻛﺎﻟﺼﻼ‌ﺓ، ﻭﺍﻟﺬﻛﺮ، ﻭﻗﺮﺍﺀﺓ ﺍﻟﻘﺮﺁﻥ، ﻭﻣﺎ ﺃﺷﺒﻪ ﺫﻟﻚ، ﻭﻻ‌ ﺑﺄﺱ ﺃﻥ ﻳَﺤﻀﺮ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﺘﻜﻒ ﺩﺭﺳﺎً ﺃﻭ ﺩﺭﺳﻴﻦ ﻓﻲ ﻳﻮﻡ ﺃﻭ ﻟﻴﻠﺔ؛ ﻷ‌ﻥ ﻫﺬﺍ ﻻ‌ ﻳﺆﺛﺮ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻻ‌ﻋﺘﻜﺎﻑ، ﻟﻜﻦ ﻣﺠﺎﻟﺲ ﺍﻟﻌﻠﻢ ﺇﻥ ﺩﺍﻣﺖ، ﻭﺻﺎﺭ ﻳﻄﺎﻟﻊ ﺩﺭﻭﺳﻪ، ﻭﻳﺤﻀﺮ ﺍﻟﺠﻠﺴﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻜﺜﻴﺮﺓ ﺍﻟﺘﻲ ﺗﺸﻐﻠﻪ ﻋﻦ ﺍﻟﻌﺒﺎﺩﺓ ﺍﻟﺨﺎﺻﺔ، ﻓﻬﺬﺍ ﻻ‌ ﺷﻚ ﺃﻥ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻋﺘﻜﺎﻓﻪ ﻧﻘﺼﺎً، ﻭﻻ‌ ﺃﻗﻮﻝ ﺇﻥ ﻫﺬﺍ ﻳﻨﺎﻓﻲ ﺍﻻ‌ﻋﺘﻜﺎﻑ.* 

The answer: No doubt that seeking knowledge is an act of obedience to Allaah. However, i’tikaaf has more to do with specific acts of obdedience, such as prayer, remembrance, recitation of Quran, etc. There is no problem if the one performing i’tikaaf attends a lesson or two during the day or night, as this does not affect the (validity of) i’tikaaf.

However Continue reading →

Ibn al-Qayyim Explains the Disbelief of Ibn Sina (Avicenna)

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

Since the publication of our article, The Reality of Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Famous Scientist and Philosopher, many people have been asking for more detailed proofs that Ibn Sina was not actually a Muslim, specifically from his own beliefs.

This article provides more detailed proof about his specific beliefs from the writings of one of the most amazing scholars in Islamic history, Ibn Qayyim al-Jowziyyah (d.751), may Allaah have Mercy on him.

After Ibn al-Qayyim mentioned that Aboo Nasr al-Faaraabee (or Al-Farabi), like Ibn Sina, was upon an extreme deviation of the concepts promoted by Aristotle, including disbelief in Allaah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Last Day, he went on to say:

Perhaps an ignorant person might say that we have dealt too harshly with them, ascribing them to disbelief in Allaah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. This is not far-fetched for someone who is ignorant of both their writings and the reality of true Islaamic teachings.

[Disbelief in Allaah]

You should know: According to the teachings of the best of the modern philosophers, their voice, and their role model whom they prefer over the Messengers themselves, Aboo ‘Alee Ibn Sina, Allaah – Glorified and Exonorated above their claims – is merely one who exists in a general way, without having a single attribute, nor any chosen actions at all. He does not know anything about the universe at all. He does not know how many planets there are, nor does he know anything of the unseen. He does not speak, nor does He have any attribute at all (in their beliefs).

It should be clearly known that this concept is (that Allaah is) just an imaginary idea in one’s mind, having no reality. Its most apparent manifestation of this is when a person thinks of it and defines it in his mind, as he would imagine other theoretical concepts. This is certainly not the Lord to whose Way the Messengers called, the One whom the previous nations knew of.

The real Lord of the universe, the God of the Messengers, is clearly not this “lord” whom the heretics call to, stripping him of any real presence and any attribute or action, claiming he is neither part of the universe, nor beyond it, nor having any connection at all to it, nor being seperate from it, nor being in front of it or above it, nor on the left or right, etc. The difference between the two is like the difference between existence and non-existence, like the difference between affirming something and negating it (i.e. complete opposites)!

In fact, anything that could possibly exist would be more complete than this “god” who the heretics call to, the one their intellects have carved, while real carved idols have a real existence and this “lord” does not. He can only exist within the imagination!

All of this is the case, while these heretics are more correct Continue reading →

Shaykh Saalih Aal ash-Shaykh on Asking the Dead to Intercede

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

This is an answer given by Shaykh Saalih Aal ash-Shaykh to the issue of requesting the supplication of the deceased. The shaykh was asked (during his explanation of al-‘Aqeedah at-Tahaawiyyah, in the printed version: 2/1029, Dar al-Mawaddah, Egypt):

من سأل النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم أن يدعو له وأن يطلب له المغفرة من الله بعد موته، هل هذا شرك؟

The one who asks the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) to supplicate for him and to ask for his forgiveness from Allaah after his (the Prophet’s) death, is this shirk (an act of polytheism)?

The shaykh’s answer:

نعم، هو شرك أكبر لأن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم لا يُدعى بعد موته، فطلب الدعاء من الميت، وطلب الدعاء بالإغاثة أو الاستسقاء؛ يعني أن يدعو الله أن يغيث، أو أن يدعو الله أن يغفر، أن يدعو الله أن يعطي ونحو ذلك، هذا كله داخل في لفظ الدعاء والله – عز وجل – قال {وَأَنَّ الْمَسَاجِدَ لِلَّهِ فَلَا تَدْعُوا مَعَ اللَّهِ أَحَدًا} [الجن:18].

Yes, it is major shirk because the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) is not to be called upon after his death. Requesting supplication from the dead  (for them to) request rescue and sending of rain, meaning, that he (the deceased) supplicates to Allaah that He grants relief or he supplicates to Allaah to forgive (the person making the request), that he supplicates to Allaah to give (to that person) and what is like this, all of it is included in the meaning of the word “du’aa” (supplication), and Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic said, “And the mosques are for Allaah, so do not invoke anyone alongside Allaah” [72:18].

 والذي يقول إنّ هذه الصورة وهي طلب الدعاء تخرج عن الطلب الذي به يكون الشرك شركًا فإنه ينقض أصل التوحيد كله في هذا الباب، فكل أنواع الطلب؛ طلب الدعاء يعني طلب الدعاء من الميت، طلب المغفرة من الميت، أو طلب الدعاء من الميت أن يدعو الله أن يغفر، أو طلب الإغاثة من الميت أو طلب الإعانة أو نحو ذلك كلها باب واحد هي طلب، والطلب دعاء فداخلة في قوله تعالى {وَمَنْ يَدْعُ مَعَ اللَّهِ إِلَهًا آخَرَ لَا بُرْهَانَ لَهُ بِهِ فَإِنَّمَا حِسَابُهُ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِ إِنَّهُ لَا يُفْلِحُ الْكَافِرُونَ} [المؤمنون:117] ، وفي قوله {وَأَنَّ الْمَسَاجِدَ لِلَّهِ فَلَا تَدْعُوا مَعَ اللَّهِ أَحَدًا} ، وفي قوله {وَالَّذِينَ تَدْعُونَ مِنْ دُونِهِ مَا يَمْلِكُونَ مِنْ قِطْمِيرٍ} [فاطر:13] ، ونحو ذلك من الآيات.

And the one who says that this form, which is to Continue reading →

Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ar-Raajihee on Those Who Consider Ibn Sina to be a Muslim

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

Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ar-Raajihee (may Allaah preserve him) was asked:

Question: With respect to the proper understanding of the issue of people who do not hold the polytheists to be disbelievers, such as Ibn Sina (Avicenna), if a person comes along and says, “I do not hold Ibn Sina to be a disbeliever. He is a Muslim to me.” Has this person committed disbelief?

Answer: If he is confused about him and is not aware of his condition, he does not commit disbelief until his (Ibn Sina’s) affair is first made clear to him. However, someone who knows he was a disbeliever and a heretic, yet does not declare him to be a disbeliever, falls under this nullifier of Islaam (i.e. he is no longer a Muslim). This may not be clear to some people, however, so the one who is not aware of his condition should be made aware of it.

Question: [Continuing…] But if he rejects this and says, “I am not required to do this”?

Answer: He IS required to do this. This means that he has fallen into one of these nullifiers of Islaam: “Whoever does not consider the polytheists to be disbelievers, or has doubts about their disbelief or considers their ways and beliefs to be correct, then he has committed disbelief.”

You are required to hold the polytheists as disbelievers and have enmity and hatred for them for the sake of Allaah. Allaah has required this Continue reading →

Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan on Loving and Hating for the Sake of Allaah

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In the Name of Allaah…

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

What is the ruling on rejecting the idea of hatred for the sake of Allaah and claiming that it is not from Islam? Is a person’s Islaam valid if he does not hate the Jews and Christians?

The shaykh responded:

Walaa’ and baraa’ (the islamic system of loyalty) is a must. (It is) disallegiance with the enemies of Allaah and loyalty to the allies of Allaah. Walaa’ and baraa’ means to have hatred, declaring oneself free of them (the disbelievers) and their religion, this is baraa’.

Walaa’ means to love Allaah, to love His Messenger, and to love His believing servants, take them as allies and come to their defense.

“Indeed you have a good example in Ibraaheem (Abraham) and those with him, when they said to their people: We are free of you and all that you worship beside Allaah…” [Meaning of Quran 60:4]

They declared themselves free of them and their idols, their objects of worship.

“…We are free of you and all that you worship beside Allaah. We have disbelieved in you (i.e. your religion), and there shall be enmity and hatred between us forever, unless you believe in Allaah alone.” [Meaning of Quran 60:4]

Thus it is not permissible to love the disbelievers. Whoever takes them as allies, Allaah, the Mighty and Most High, has said [what means]:

“O you who believe! Do not take the Jews and Christians as allies! They are allies of one another. Whoever takes them as allies is indeed from them. Verily Allaah does not guide people who are oppressive.” [Meaning of Quran 5:51]

The issue is very serious. Walaa’ (loyalty) and baraa’ (disallegiance) are Continue reading →

Referring to the Quran as a Form of “Music” or Describing it as “Musical”

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

From the unique writings of the late scholar, Shaykh Bakr Aboo Zayd (may Allaah have Mercy on him), is a beneficial 700-page dictionary of “bad language” called “Mu’jam al-Manaahee al-Lafthiyyah” in which he identified and refuted incorrect, inappropriate, and/or impermissible words and phrases that some people use.

In this book (p.117), he included how some people refer to the Quran as “music” or “musical”, or having musical tones or rhythms, and commented:

These are unacceptable descriptions because of three issues:

[1] This is claiming a likeness between Quranic Verses and impermissible musical instruments.

[2] Music is an art form that draws people into disobedience and wickedness, so how could it resemble the Magnificent Quran, the Speech of the Lord of all the worlds, that which guides to eemaan (statements, actions, and beliefs of faith) and the Straight Path?!

[3] Allaah the Exalted has refuted the idea of the Quran being poetry and exonerated it above that (claim), so how could it (the Quran) then resemble the voices and instruments of musicians?! (something far worse)

As the Arabs who have picked up these kinds of repugnant phrases from books that the scholars have been warning against (like Sayyid Qutb’s “Thilaal” for example), it is also hoped that Continue reading →

Acts of Misplaced Loyalty: Following the Non-Muslims’ Calendar

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

In his discussion of the various impermissible ways some Muslims show misplaced loyalty and allegiance to the non-Muslims, senior Islamic scholar Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan (may Allaah preserve him) states:

#6 – Keeping track of the date using their calendars, especially those that highlight their rituals and holidays, like the Christian (Gregorian) Calendar

It (the Gregorian Calendar) is something that commemorates the birth of the Messiah (may Allaah grant him peace), and something which they invented themselves, not something from the Religion of the Messiah (may Allaah grant him peace). Using this calendar includes sharing with them in the preservation of their rituals and holidays.

To avoid this, the Companions (may Allaah be pleased with them) wanted to establish a calendar for the Muslims in the time of ‘Umar, the (second) Caliph. They ignored the previously established calendars of the disbelievers and began with the Messenger’s emigration (i.e. his hijrah to the city of al-Madeenah).

This proves the obligation to oppose the disbelievers in this and all other things which are specific to them, and Allaah is the One from whom we seek help.

Source: Al-Walaa’ wal-Baraa’ (pp.11-12), Daar al-Imaam Ahmad printing, 1434.

Important Notes:

[1] The English names of some of the months on the Gregorian Calendar have polytheistic origins rooted in Greek, Roman, and other mythology:

Shaykh al-Fowzaan Exposes the Plots to Defame Scholars by Calling Them “Madkhalees” and “Jaamees”

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

Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan, one of today’s most widely respected scholars of Islaam – may Allaah preserve and protect him – , was asked about people who resort to name-calling with labels like “Madkhalees” and “Jaamees”, and he replied:

Stop these kinds of affairs and this name-calling. Do not insult each other with name-calling. Allaah, the Mighty and Most High, has commanded you:

ولا تنابزوا بالألقاب

Do not insult each other with name-calling! [49:11]

You are all brothers [addressing students al-Madeenah University], all of you are upon the same religion. You are all peers, and to Allaah is the praise. Drop these affairs, and show respect for the scholars. Respect the scholars! Whoever does not respect the scholars shall remain deprived of their knowledge. He will be deprived of being able to benefit from them.

Abandon this thing – the name-calling and speaking ill of the scholars – those who have virtue and status over the rest of the people which Allaah bestowed upon them:

يرفع الله الذين آمنوا منكم والذين أوتوا العلم درجات

“Allaah raises the believers among you and the people given knowledge many degrees.” [58:11]

The scholars have their status, they have their ranks that are to be respected. If the scholars are Continue reading →

From the Signs of the Last Day: Long Friday Khutbahs (Sermons) with Short Prayers

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

Shaykh Hammood ibn ‘Abdillaah at-Tuwayjiree (d.1413) – may Allaah have Mercy on him – said:

Long Khutbahs (Sermons) with Short Prayers: On this topic, there is the hadeeth of Ibn Mas’ood – may Allaah be pleased with him – who said:

You people are living in a time wherein prayers are made long, khutbahs (sermons) are short, there are many scholars, but few orators. A time will come upon the people when the prayer will be short, the khutbah will be long, a time of many orators but few scholars…

It was collected by at-Tabaraanee, and al-Haythamee said: Its narrators are those of the Saheeh (hadeeth collections of al-Bukhaaree and/or Muslim).

It was also collected by Imaam Maalik in his Muwatta’, with a similar wording:

…And the people shall encounter a time when the scholars of fiqh are few, but the reciters are many, the letters of the Qur’aan will be memorized, but the rulings will be lost, many shall be asked questions (about Islaam), few will be able to benefit anyone, they shall prolong khutbahs (sermons), and shorten the prayers. Their whims will become evident even before their actions.

…He (Ibn Mas’ood) – may Allaah be pleased with him – also narrated from the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) that he said:

إن قصر الخطبة وطول الصلاة مئنة من فقه الرجل، فأطيلوا الصلاة، واقصروا الخطبة، فإن من البيان سحرًا، وإنه سيأتي بعدكم قوم يطيلون الخطب ويقصرون الصلاة

“Verily, a short khutbah and a long prayer is a sign of a man’s fiqh (religious understanding), so lengthen the prayer and shorten the khutbah, as surely some types of speech are magical. People will come after you who prolong the khutbahs and shorten the prayers.”

It was collected by al-Bazzaar, and part of it was Continue reading →

Shaykh Ibn Baaz: The Raafidhah Cult (of Iran) are the Most Dangerous of all the Innovators

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In the Glorious Name of Allaah, the Ever Compassionate, the All Merciful…

The modern state of Iran is officially an Ithnaa’ashariyyah (Twelver Shiite) state, where 90-95% of the people there are Twelvers, also known as Raafidhah, Imaamiyyah, or Ja’faree Shias.

Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy upon him) identified this specific sect as the most dangerous of all Shia sects. He said:

…The Shiites have many different sects, each one having a variety of deviations. The most dangerous of them is the Khomeinian Raafidhah Twelver Sect (the official religion of Iran), due to the large number of their missionaries and all the major acts of polytheism found in it, like seeking help from the (deceased) Prophetic family members, believing them to have knowledge of the Unseen, especially the twelve imams, as they claim. This is also due to their expelling the majority of the Companions from the Religion and their abusive speech toward them, the likes of Aboo Bakr and ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with them). We ask Allaah for safety from the falsehood they are upon…

Source: His Fatwaa Collection (4/439). (Arabic)

Shaykh Ibn Baaz was also asked about the concept of Ahlus-Sunnah coming together with the Raafidhah Shiites. He replied:

It is not possible for Ahlus-Sunnah to come together with the Raafidhah, because the ‘aqeedah (belief system) is different. The basic belief of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah is to worship Allaah alone – the Glorified and Most High – , singling Him out in all acts of worship. No one may be called upon other than Him, not an angel high in status, nor a prophet dispatched (by Allaah Himself). Furthermore, only Allah – the Glorified and Most High – knows the Unseen.

From the belief system of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah is Continue reading →

Shaykh Ibn Baaz on Giving a Mus-haf to a Christian

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

Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have Mercy on him), late Muftee of Saudi Arabia, was asked, “If a Christian requests a mus-haf from me, should I give it to him or not?” He replied:

You may not give him one, however, you can read the Qur’aan to him, so he could hear it. You could invite him to (the Religion of) Allaah and pray for his guidance, based on the Statement of Allaah, the Most High, in His Authoritative Book [what means]:

( And if any of the polytheists seek your protection, then grant him protection, so that he could hear the Speech of Allaah, then grant him passage safely. ) [9:6]

And the statement of His Messenger (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) [what means]:

“Do not travel with the Qur’aan to the land of the enemy, as I fear they could get a hold of it.” [Muslim]

This proves that a non-Muslim is not to be given a mus-haf, to avoid him degrading it or playing with it. However, he can be taught, have the Qur’aan read to him, advised, and prayed for. If he accepts Islam he can be given a mus-haf.

Furthermore, there is no problem in giving him some books of tafseer or hadeeth, if it is hoped that he might benefit from them. He may also be given some translations of the meanings of the Noble Qur’aan.

Source: Majmoo’ Fataawaa of Shaykh Ibn Baaz (6/469-470). [Arabic]

Translated by: Moosaa Richardson

Shaykh Saalih Al-Fowzaan Appears On TV, So Does He Believe Video Recordings Are Permissible?

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In the Name of Allaah…

Some people have assumed that since Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan, one of today’s leading Islamic scholars, appears on TV, then he must have changed his views on videography (recording video images) and even still photography as well.

The shaykh (may Allaah preserve him) has been approached and asked about this concern more than once. He was asked once:

What is the ruling on videography? And how should we respond to those who say you consider it permissible based on your appearances on TV and on the Majd Channel?

The shaykh replied:

Subhaan Allaah (Glorified be Allaah)! I have allowed this?! Regarding the (TV) appearances, then I have not sought to appear (on TV). Rather, they came out and attended the masjid. They recorded the lecture and the attendees. They are the ones who did that, without seeking permission or consultation. I have not allowed this, nor am I pleased with it for anyone.

They also recorded Ibn Baaz, may Allaah forgive (them), while he was not pleased with it and warned against it. They come to events and gatherings and record, and the images appear on TV. Does this mean that Shaykh Ibn Baaz allowed tasweer (recording images)? In no way whatsoever! He died Continue reading →

Pork By-Products in Food, Medicine, or Cosmetics

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

The Permanent Committee of Scholars in Saudi Arabia was asked a question about foods, medicines, and cosmetics containing pork and pork by-products, like fat, oil, hair, or bones (crushed into powder).  They replied:

When a Muslim knows with certainty or near-certainty that pork, fat from the pig, or crushed pig bones are found in any type of food, medicine, toothpaste, or the likes, it is not permissible to eat, drink, or wipe it (on one’s body). And he is to leave whatever he is uncertain about, due to his statement (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace):

دع ما يريبك إلى ما لا يريبك

Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt.

And through Allaah is success.  May Allaah raise the rank of our Prophet Muhammad, and that of his family and companions, and grant them all peace.

[Shaykh] ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Qu’ood
Member

[Shaykh] ‘Abdullaah ibn Ghudayyaan
Member

[Shaykh] ‘Abdur-Razzaaq ‘Afeefee
Vice Chairman

[Shaykh] ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn ‘Abdillaah ibn Baaz
Chairman

Source: Verdicts of the Permanent Committee (22/281).

Translated by: Moosaa Richardson

Regarding Those Who Say Hatred is Not From Islam (Shaykh ‘Abdur-Rahmaan Muhyiud-Deen)

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

Question: A well-known preacher in the West says: Islaam does not require anyone to hate any of the people. He also says: I do not want a religion that requires me to hate some people. This understanding has spread, and some of the Muslims have adopted it. What is your advice to the one who said this and to those Muslims who have followed him?

Answer by Shaykh ‘Abdur-Rahmaan Muhyiud-Deen, Former Professor at the Islamic University of al-Madeenah and Mufti at the Prophet’s Masjid (may Allaah preserve him):

This poor, misguided person does not know about Islaam. Someone who says that Islam does not include any hatred, and (this includes) that it does not include love either, since love and hatred [are inseparable]… This is Liberalist philosophy. The Shaytaan (Devil) has spoken upon this person’s tongue when he said there is no hatred, since there would be no love either, as a logical result. Impossible. You must hate disbelief and its people. You detest disbelief and its people. Could you watch the cross being worshipped and say: Be happy, there’s nothing (wrong) with that, or it’s nothing?! He would either be happy, or say there is nothing wrong. There is absolutely something wrong here, why is that? Because everything that is worshipped besides Allah is an enemy to Allaah! All of mankind are required to worship Allaah, ( O Mankind! ) What? [Students reply, ( Worship your Lord ).] [2:21]

It is a must to love Allaah: ( You do not find any people who Continue reading →

Ibn ‘Uthaymeen: Removing the Socks One has Wiped Over Does not Break the Wudhoo’

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In the Name of Allaah…

On the live radio show, Noor ‘alad-Darb, the great scholar, Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen [d.1421] – may Allaah have Mercy on him – was asked about the things that nullify the allowance to wipe over the footwear, other than the legislated time running out (one day for residents and three days for travelers).

He replied:

Removing the footwear is also something that nullifies the (allowance for) wiping over it. When a person takes off the footwear, the allowance to wipe over it ends, no matter when that occurs. However, the state of purity remains (i.e. removing the footwear does not nullify the wudhoo’).

The proof that removing the footwear nullifies (the allowance for) wiping (over it) is the hadeeth of Safwaan ibn [‘Assaal] (1) (who said): “The Messenger of Allaah – may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace – ordered us not to take off our socks…”  This shows that removing them negates the allowance to wipe over them. Thus, when a person removes his socks after wiping over them, the allowance to wipe has been nullified, meaning Continue reading →

The (So-Called) “Nation of Islam” are Not Muslims (Shaykh Saalih al-Luhaydaan)

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

Recently, the renowned senior scholar, Shaykh Saalih al-Luhaydaan (may Allaah preserve him) was asked the following question about the group called “the Nation of Islam” headed by Louis Farrakhan:

Shaykh, in America there is a religious sect who call themselves “The Nation of Islam” and they claim to be upon Islaam. Their beliefs are as follows:

That generally, every black person is an incarnate of Allaah, specifically that He is in the form of a man named Fard Muhammad, and that all whites are devils.

That Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhe wa sallam) was not the seal of all Prophets and Messengers, and that Elijah Muhammad was in fact Continue reading →

Q&A: Giving Charity on Behalf of the Deceased [Permanent Committee]

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful, the All-Merciful…

QUESTION: Is charity given on behalf of the deceased something that benefits the deceased?

ANSWER: Yes, the deceased will benefit from the charity given by the living on his behalf, according to the consensus of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah.

This is based on the hadeeth collected by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim from the narration of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), who said that a man came to the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) and said, “O Messenger of Allaah!  My mother’s soul was taken (suddenly), and she had not bequested anything (as charity to be given from her wealth).  I believe that she would have done so if she had spoken (before her death).  Would she get any reward if I gave charity on her behalf?”

He replied, “Yes.”

Also, due to the hadeeth collected by al-Bukhaaree from the narration of ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father), that Sa’d ibn ‘Ubaadah’s (may Allaah be pleased with him) mother died in his absence.  He later went to the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) and said, “O Messenger of Allaah! My mother has died while I was absent, so would she benefit if I gave charity on her behalf?”

He replied, “Yes.” 

He (Sa’d) said, “Then I take you as a witness that I give away my garden, al-Mikhraaf (the name of the garden), as charity on her behalf.”

These are among the authentic evidences about the deceased benefitting from giving charity on their behalf.

And through Allaah (alone) is success.  May Allaah raise the rank of our Prophet Muhammad and that of his family and companions, and grant them all peace.

Signed by:

  • [Shaykh] ‘Abdullaah ibn Qu’ood, Member
  • [Shaykh] ‘Abdur-Razzaaq ‘Afeefee, Vice-Chairman
  • [Shaykh] ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn ‘Abdillaah ibn Baaz, Chairman

(May Allaah have Mercy on them.)

Source: The Permanent Committee’s Collection of Fatwaas (9/27-28)

Translated by: Moosaa Richardson

Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan: Applauding (Clapping) is Imitating the Non-Muslims

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In the Name of Allaah…

Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan (may Allaah preserve him) said:

From the aspects of the pre-Islaamic period of ignorance (jaahiliyyah) that the Messenger of Allaah (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) opposed them in was their attempt to draw near to Allaah in worship by whistling and clapping.  Allaah, the Most High, has said:

( وما كان صلاتهم عند البيت إلا مكاء وتصدية )

( Their prayer at the House (the Ka’bah) was but whistling and clapping ) [8:35]

This means that the polytheists would only try to draw near to Allaah at the prestigious Ka’bah by whistling and clapping…

…They would do this at the House (the Ka’bah), calling it “prayer”, thinking to draw near to Allaah, the Exalted and Most High.  It was just one of the ways the devils of mankind and Jinn had beautified for them.

We know this because Continue reading →

Q&A on Potential Dangers Found in Many Accounting Jobs

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A Muslim concerned about his income asks:

I am an accountant that presents the financial statements of my organization to my employers. The banks pays interests (riba) on the company’s funds (the company is involved in halal business) saved with the banks and in the periodic statements they (the bank) send to us (accountant and my employers) they show clearly the analysis of the transaction my organisation has done with them over the period.

In the normal accounting profession, we are supposed to report this interest (riba) as well as all other transactions in the financial statements to the company, and the financial statements will not be complete unless they are shown, and thus Continue reading →

Shaykh Al-Albaanee Lights a Soofee Magician on Fire – Really!

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

The great scholar, Shaykh Muhammad Naasir ad-Deen al-Albaanee (d.1420) – may Allaah have Mercy on him – tells an amazing story about his encounter with a soofee performing acts of illusionary magic.  This story comes after his detailed academic discussion of the narration of Jundub (may Allaah be pleased with him) and its chains of transmission.

To summarize the story: A governer in Iraq during the the Caliphate of ‘Uthmaan ibn ‘Affaan was being entertained by a magician Continue reading →

Shaykh Ibn Baaz on Love and Hatred for the Sake of Allaah

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

Allaah describes the true believers in Islaam with the following description:

( وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ أَشَدُّ حُبًّا للهِ )

( While the people of eemaan are stronger in their love for Allaah [than anyone else] ) [Soorah al-Baqarah: 165]

Love and hatred are opposites.  Since it is logically impossible to truly love something without hating what stands against it, Muslims Continue reading →

The Permanent Committee of Scholars on the Kufr (Apostasy) of Illusionary Magicians

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

The Permanent Committee of Scholars in Saudi Arabia discussed the issue of sihr (magic) in an official published verdict (fatwaa) signed by:

  • Shaykh ‘Abdullaah ibn Manee’
  • Shaykh ‘Abdullaah ibn Ghudayyaan
  • Shaykh ‘Abdur-Razzaaq ‘Afeefee

May Allaah have Mercy on all of them.  In this fatwaa, they explained the meaning of illusionary magic and its ruling, saying:

The word sihr (magic) also refers to illusions and tricks done to make someone think that an inanimate object is moving, while it is really not.  Such a person is shown the object in a way that changes his perception of its reality, and so he really believes it is like that (moving).  An example of this would be Continue reading →

Shaykh Ibn Baaz on the Kufr (Apostasy) of Illusionary Magicians

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

The great scholar, the late Muftee of Saudi Arabia and head of their permanent council of scholars, Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (d.1420, may Allaah have Mercy on him), commented on a seminar about magicians and religious swindlers held in 1415.  After acknowledging the accuracy of their speeches on the topics of witchcraft, the practice of sorcery and its reality, and other topics, the shaykh noted that they had not discussed illusionary magic, and felt the need to add the following clarification:

Their magic could also be illusionary, and the shaykhs did not discuss illusionary magic.  Allaah has clearly mentioned that they could also perform illusionary tricks on people, as He, the Glorious and Most High, said in Continue reading →

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen: Did the Prophet Make Human Errors? What About Personal Sins?

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful, the Al–Merciful…

[Our shaykh, the great scholar of Islaam, Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have Mercy on him), posed an important question that many Muslims debate about, and answered it with sound evidence, showing the weakness of the stance of those who would disagree, saying…]

Could human errors ( الخطأ ) have occurred from the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace)?

The answer: The Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) said:

(( اللهم اغسلني من خطاياي ))
(( O Allaah!  Cleanse me of my mistakes… )) [1]

So he directly ascribed “mistakes” ( خطايا ) to himself.  He also Continue reading →

Catching the Rak’ah of Congregational Prayer

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QUESTION

If someone joins the congregation while the imaam is making rukoo’, has he caught that rak’ah? And what do you know about the position of those who say that he has not caught that rak’ah and it must be repeated?

ANSWER by Shaykh Muhammad ‘Umar Baazmool, Instructor at Umm Al-Quraa University in Makkah

This is an old issue, an issue of great differing amongst the scholars: Does the person who reaches the congregation during the rukoo’ get credit for that rak’ah or not?

The majority of the scholars Continue reading →

Zakaat on Real Estate (Four Types)

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

The Permanent Committee for Research and Fatwaas, headed by Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have Mercy on him), was asked about a vacant lot of land purchased three years ago – Is there zakaat due upon it?

Their official published answer was as follows: Continue reading →

Astronomical Calculations are Subject to Human Error (Regarding the “Mistake” in the Saudi Moonsighting)

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

Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan (may Allaah preserve him) stated:

Astronomical calculations are the work of humans, they could be correct or mistaken, as for the sighting of the moon, then this is based on Prophetic evidence.

Mr. Ali Al-Moosa wrote a piece in the Al-Watan newspaper (published) on 1433/9/11, entitled: ‘This is not from the Unseen Matters’ as a critique of my statements Continue reading →

If Someone Stops His Prayer Because of the Iqaamah, Does He Make Tasleem (Give Salaams) or Just Stop Praying?

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In the Name of Allaah, the All-Merciful…

The following question was posed to the Permanent Committee of Scholars in Saudi Arabia:

If the iqaamah is called, and a person was praying two rak’ahs of Sunnah prayer or tahiyyat al-masjid, does he stop praying this prayer to join the congregational prayer?  If the answer is yes, then does he give salaams (tasleem) when leaving the prayer or does he simply stop praying without salaams?

They replied:

What is correct from the two positions held by the scholars is that he stops praying, and Continue reading →

Shaykh Ibn Baaz on Salaat al-Ghaa’ib (Janaazah Prayer in Absentia) for Relatives in Other Lands

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

Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (d.1420 – may Allaah have Mercy on him) was asked the following question about Janaazah (Funeral) Prayer in absentia:

If someone learns of a relative who passed away in another land, should he perform Janaazah Prayer for that person (in absentia)?

No, rather he should ask Allaah for Forgiveness (for the deceased), since the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) did not use to pray (Janaazah) over the deceased from other lands, except for special cases.  An example of this Continue reading →

Did Prophet Adam Commit Shirk by Naming His Son Abdul-Haarith?

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In the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful…

Allaah, the Most High says, what means:

( He is the One who created you (all) from a single soul, and from it He created its mate, so he could dwell with her (harmoniously).  When he (Adam) covered her (Eve, in intimacy), she became pregnant, a light pregnancy (not difficult) that she went through.  When she got heavier, they called upon Allaah, their Lord, ‘If you give us a sound child we would surely be of the thankful.  And when He gave them sound offspring, they set up partners unto Him regarding what He had given them.  Exonerated is Allaah above the partners they ascribe to Him! ) [Soorah al-A’raaf, 7:189-190]

This Qur’aanic passage may seem to indicate that it was Adam and Eve that committed the act of shirk (setting up partners unto Allaah), especially when one reads the following report, with many similar wordings and meanings, which has been reported in the books of Tafseer:

When Hawwaa’ (Adam’s wife, Eve) became pregnant, Iblees came to her, after she had not had any offspring that had lived, saying: Name him Abdul-Haarith!  So she named him Abdul-Haarith and he lived.  And that is a kind of revelation (of misguidance) from Shaytaan and how he orders the people (with misguidance).

Other narrations mention that he threatened them, saying that he would make the baby deformed.

The great scholar of Hadeeth, Shaykh Muhammad Naasir ad-Deen al-Albaanee – may Allaah have Mercy on him – said:

Dha’eef (unauthentic) – It was collected by at-Tirmithee (2/181, Boolaaq), al-Haakim (2/545), Continue reading →

Giving Charity in Silver Equal to the Weight of the Newborn’s Hair

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

Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Umar Baazmool (may Allaah preserve him) was asked: Our shaykh!  It has been reported that Faatimah – may Allaah be pleased with her – used to give charity (in silver) equal to the weight of her newborn’s hair after shaving it on the seventh day.  Is that a Sunnah she got from the Prophet – may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace – or was it her own preferred way of giving (optional) charity?  May Allaah reward you and bless your time and deeds.

He answered:

Yes, what seems correct is that it was a Sunnah she learned from the Messenger – may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace – to give the weight of the newborn’s (shaven) hair in silver.  Al-Albaanee alluded to this in al-Irwaa when he traced the sources Continue reading →

The Muftee Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez Aal ash-Shaykh Speaks About Twitter

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After speaking about technology, the internet, and the obligation of considering the harms and benefits of them in the first khutbah, Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez Aal ash-Shaykh (may Allah preserve him) said the following in his second khutbah:

…Dear Brothers,

From the modern kinds of social networks that the people have today is what is known as “Twitter.” This website is actually a new phase of technology that  employs short phrases (to communicate).  It has reached far and wide, and many people are deceived by it.  People with no knowledge, understanding, or specialization speak freely. Continue reading →

What Does Someone Do When They are Incapable of Washing Their Feet for Wudhoo’?

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Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Umar Baazmool (may Allaah preserve him) said:

You have asked – may Allaah give you success – about someone who can not wash his own feet because of old age, as he is unable to reach out his hands all the way to his feet, while he is able to complete all the other actions of the wudhoo’, except for washing the feet or wiping over footwear.  This is while there is no one else available to wash his feet for him. 

So should someone like this suffice with washing the other parts (without the feet being washed), fearing Allaah to the best of his ability?  Or is tayammum legislated in this case? Continue reading →