In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful…
The great scholar, Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have Mercy on him) was asked once about bracelets worn to alleviate rheumatism. His brief and insightful answer includes a very beneficial principle that can be used to differentiate between real medical treatments and fraudulent medical quackery, as the real difference between the two is that of towheed (Islamic monotheism) and shirk (polytheism). With this in mind, understanding this issue is of the utmost importance.
He (may Allaah have Mercy on him) said:
“Know that a medical treatment is (merely) a means toward recovery, while the One who provides that means and makes it effective is (only) Allaah, the Most High. Thus, there exist no means or methods (of recovery) other than what Allaah, the Most High, has made to be a (genuine) means.
There are two types of genuine means that Allaah, the Most High, has made:
The first type are spiritual means (toward healing), like the Noble Quran (itself) and supplication, as the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) said about Soorah al-Faatihah (the opening Chapter of Quran):
«وما يدريك أنها رقية»
“And how did you know it was a ruqyah (recitation used as a method of healing by the Permission of Allaah)?” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree]
As well, the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) used to perform ruqyah for the sick, by praying for them. With these supplications, Allaah would heal whomever of them He chose.
The second type (of legitimate means to medical recovery) are physical means, like the usage of the medical treatments known through either textual evidences of Revelation, like honey, or what is proven effective through practical trial and error, like many medicines.
This type must have a proven effect, and it cannot be something based on presumptions and imagination. When proven observably effective, this kind of medical treatment may then be used. It brings about healing and recovery only by the Permission of Allaah, the Most High.
However, sometimes it is merely baseless presumptions and imagination at work, when a sick person only assumes the treatment is effective (in a medically unproven way), and thus he relaxes and imagines that he is recovering, having a positive psychological effect on him (i.e. placebos), perhaps making him feel genuinely happier, and thereafter the illness even goes away. Even in such a case, it is still not permissible to rely upon such treatments, nor is it allowed to consider them (genuine) medicine. This is to keep the people from giving in to baseless presumptions and illusion. Thus, wearing bracelets, strings, and similar things to alleviate illness or prevent it has been forbidden. Whatever is not an established spiritual or medical means of recovery is not allowed to be considered a genuine means of recovery. That is because this actually includes a kind of infringement upon the (exclusive) Dominion and Authority of Allaah, the Most High, and ascribing partners to Him, in how others are considered to share with Allaah, the Most High, in providing the legitimate and effective means (for recovery or maintenance of good health).
Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abdil-Wahhaab, may Allaah have Mercy on him, wrote as the title of this topic in Kitaab at-Towheed: “Chapter: A Kind of Shirk (Polytheism) is the Wearing of Bracelets, Strings, and Similar Items to Repel or Alleviate Trials.”
I do not consider the bracelets for treating rheumatism provided by the pharmacist, as mentioned in the question, to be outside of this category (shirk, polytheism), since those bracelets are not legitimate spiritual means, nor have they been tested and proven scientifically effective in the treatment of rheumatism. Therefore, there is no justification for them, and it is not appropriate for the afflicted person to use those bracelets, until he knows (for certain) how they actually treat the disease, and Allaah (alone) provides success.”
Source: His Fatwaa Collection (7/69-70). [PDF]
IMPORTANT POINTS OF BENEFIT:
1) Matters of healing, recovery, and health maintenance must be, like all matters in the life of a Muslim, based on sound, authentic knowledge. Allaah has said:
ولا تقف ما ليس لك به علم
“And do not follow after what you have no knowledge of” [Quran 17:36]
2) Ignorance along with the lack of an investigative and critical approach can land a person into shirk (polytheism).
3) Placebos as medical treatments are not permissible. Placebo treatments are based on deceiving the sick person into thinking he is being given legitimate treatment, while he is not, in order to produce a positive psychological effect. Beyond being an act of deception (which is not permissible for Muslims), it is as well, as described by Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen above, “A kind of infringement upon the (exclusive) Dominion and Authority of Allaah, the Most High, and ascribing partners to Him…”
4) Tameemahs (amulets and talismans) are in essence placebos (yet harmful), as those who believe in them may take on a more positive psychological state and become happier, thinking that the treatment is healing them. This is textually forbidden by clear narrations from our Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace), like:
«من علق تميمة فقد أشرك»
“Whoever hangs a tameemah (talisman, amulet) has certainly commited shirk (polytheism).” [Musnad Ahmad, authentic]
5) In many cultures and traditions, the use of “taweez” amulets and armbands are common. These are shirk (polytheism), based on the explicit wording of the aforementioned hadeeth.
6) In modern culture, magnetic and/or copper bracelets (for healing), “power-balance” sports bracelets, energy bracelets, and other marketing gimmicks are common. These things are far more dangerous than most assume them to be, as they are from the generality of what Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have Mercy on him) mentioned in the article above:
Whatever is not an established spiritual or medical means of recovery is not allowed to be considered a genuine means of recovery. That is because this actually includes a kind of infringement upon the (exclusive) Dominion and Authority of Allaah, the Most High, and ascribing partners to Him, in how others are considered to share with Allaah, the Most High, in providing the legitimate and effective means (for recovery or maintenance of good health).
7) Crystals, gems, and stones, kept or worn for healing, protection, or just “positive energy” is just another kind of baseless gimmick. Some of them are claimed to be ancient rocks from meteorites. These are similar to (polytheistic) good luck charms, with a slightly more advanced pitch behind them.
8) In modern times, there has appeared a new gimmick, copper sports wear – braces, sleeves, and other sportswear made with either copper bands or copper-infused material. Companies initially promoted these copper products as items which would “promote faster healing and recovery, prevent or heal arthritis and rheumatism,” and other noteworthy claims. Based only on emotional testimonials and devoid of any empirically proven results, leading companies later paid out millions of dollars after being sued and fined for false advertising. The same kinds of copper sportswear remain in the market today, stripped of the bogus claims of copper-based healing and recovery, yet unofficial personal testimonials continue to cite copper-based healing powers, deceiving unsuspecting buyers.
I asked Shaykh Muhammad ‘Umar Baazmool (may Allaah preserve him) about a company which combines between ordinary medical wear (braces, sleeves, etc.) and copper specifically, which has not proven to be an established means of recovery. He replied:
استعمال ما ذكرت هو من التمائم، ومن تعلق بتميمة لا أتم الله له، وشراء هذه الملابس لقصد النحاس هو من هذا الباب
“The usage of what you have mentioned is from tameemahs (amulets, talismans), and whoever hangs a tameemah, Allaah shall not keep him complete (protected, safe, etc.). Purchasing such (medical) wear, intending (to benefit from) the copper is from this generality.”
It helps to remember that our sworn enemy has vowed to lead us astray from every angle possible! Coming directly at you with a talisman might be too obvious a violation, so he brings one wrapped up in what appears to be medical technology to slip it in!
قال فبما أغويتني لأقعدن لهم صراطك المستقيم ثم لآتينهم من بين أيديهم ومن خلفهم وعن أيمانهم وعن شمائلهم ولا تجد أكثرهم شاكرين
“He (Iblees) said: As you have led me astray, I shall certainly sit along Your Straight Path, plotting against them. Then, I shall come to them from in front of them, from behind them, from their right sides, and from their left sides, and You will not find most of them to be grateful.” [Quran 7:16-17]
9) Today, there are “medical” offices in the West under legitimate names like chiropractic medicine or alternative healing, in which the practitioner asks patients to hold a vial or bottle and then tests their reactions to their arms being extended or pulled down, combined with tapping certain areas of the body to “open up clogged or blocked meridians (energy pathways).” These treatments are promoted through emotional testimonials and personal recommendations, without any verifiable evidence to support them. Often, patients are requested to sign an agreement that includes an acknowledgment that the visit not being considered a medical treatment, to protect their scheme legally. Based on what you have read and understood, these treatments must be avoided as well.
10) It is not a proof that a person is healed, or claims to have recovered, after using an impermissible method of recovery. This does not legitimize the treatment or make it permissible, as Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, in the article above, affirmed that a placebo might indeed have a psychological effect, “Perhaps making him feel genuinely happier, and thereafter the illness even goes away. Even in such a case, it is still not permissible…”
The great Companion, ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him), said:
إن الله لم يجعل شفاءكم فيما حرم عليكم
“Allaah has not made your healing to be found in matters He has forbidden you from.”
The narration was mentioned by al-Imaam al-Bukhaaree in his Saheeh. It was studied, along with Prophetic narrations on the topic, by Shaykh al-Albaanee in Silsilatul-Ahaadeethis-Saheehah (#1633).
And Allaah knows best.
Translation and commentary: Moosaa Richardson
rev.AR
Asalāmu ‘Alaykum!
This question is regarding non muslim friends. If someone wants to cut ties with non muslims who he/she viewed as friends before, can the person just cut ties with them without an explanation? or should an explanation be given? does it matter if they think badly of the muslim after he/she cut ties with them?
Wa ‘alayk as-salaamu wa rahmatullaah. A Muslim should use their pre-existing friendships from before Islam to invite them to Islam. For example: “You know me as a genuine friend, so please listen to this important advice. We have been created by an All-Wise and Knoweldgeable Creator. He has created us as a test, to see who will be grateful and who will not. We are to seek Him out and worship Him alone…”
Let this be a common theme in your communication, and they will either investigate Islam and accept it, or they will leave you. Beg Allaah for their guidance and represent your Religion well in your dealings with them. If they accept Islam, that would be better for you (and them) than everything in this world!
فَإِنْ تَوَلَّوْا فَقُلْ حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لا إِلهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ
“And if they turn away, then say: Sufficient for me is Allaah, there is no deity worthy of worship other than Him, upon Him I place my trust, and He is the Lord of the Great Throne.” [9:129]
Asalāmu ‘Alaykum!
If a person believes that Allāh wants good for him/her because He has guided him/her towards good is this being arrogant?
Wa ‘alayk as-salaamu wa rahmatullaah. We remain between fear and hope. With blessings specifically, we hope they are a sign of Allaah being pleased with us, and so we thank Him and use the blessings in ways He is pleased with. We are also fearful that perhaps He is not pleased with us, but rather this is istidraaj, being given things as a further proof against us of ingratitude, and that we are not passing our test. Similar to calamities, we fear they are punishment, yet we hope they are purification and signs of Allaah favoring us, like He favored His Prophets, by putting them through trials to bring out the best in them. No one knows for sure of which type these matters are, so we combine between fear and hope in our worship of Allaah. And Allaah knows best.
For a person who arrogantly assumes that any blessing is a proof that Allaah wants good for him, we say: How many people are destroyed by their blessings? Why do so many affluent people of worldly prosperity fail to worship Allaah and keep their duty to Him? Are you contemplating the cases of the disbelievers around us who enjoy their abundant provisions in this life? Is Allaah pleased with them?! Indeed, worldly prosperity is a trial for people, worse than trials of poverty and suffering in many cases! We ask Allaah for guidance and safety.
ِAnd if the “good” that Allaah has guided a person towards is authentic religious knowledge and sincere practice, then for sure this is a good sign for a person, yet does he think that today’s guidance will surely land him in his grave after a life of accepted worship? What guarantee does he have?! Perhaps he will be from those who behave with the deeds of the people of Paradise, only to go astray near the ends of their lives and be sealed off with deeds of the people of Hell! A pious Muslim is grateful and aware of Allaah’s Blessings, yet not arrogant or over-confident. We must combine between fear and hope, and Allaah knows best. May Allaah save us from the evils of our own selves and guide us!
Assalaamu Aleykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh dear brother!
Can you please refute an ignorant american man who converted to islam and had a YOUTUBE channel promoting Islam and then appostated and now runs a same channel… [warning against Islam]
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Wa ‘alayk as-salaamu wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuh. That trick is an old one and has already been exposed in the Quran (3:71-72)
يا أَهْلَ الْكِتابِ لِمَ تَلْبِسُونَ الْحَقَّ بِالْباطِلِ وَتَكْتُمُونَ الْحَقَّ وَأَنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ * وَقالَتْ طائِفَةٌ مِنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتابِ آمِنُوا بِالَّذِي أُنْزِلَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَجْهَ النَّهارِ وَاكْفُرُوا آخِرَهُ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ
Which means: “O people of the Book! Why do you cover up the Truth with falsehood and hide the Truth when you have knowledge? And a group of the people of the Book said: (Pretend to) believe in what was sent down to the believers for part of the day, then disbelieve later in the day, in hopes that they (the believers) would turn back (from Islam).”
Ancient propaganda techniques repackaged for YouTube, that’s all it is.
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
How do we combine between husnal dhaan with Allah with regards to our good deeds being accepted and having fear at the same time that Allah might not accept from us due to our flawed intention etc like the Hadith of Aishah رضي الله عنها in which she asked the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم about the explanation of the verse from the Qurān 23:60 about those who spent in the way of Allāh and fear their charity getting accepted?
بارك الله فيكم
وعليك السلام ورحمة الله وبركاته
Its the true fiqh (firm understanding) of the believer as he/she balances between fear and hope. We do not allow ourselves to over-emphasize one or the other, in a way that leads to over-confidence, relying on the expansiveness of Allaah’s Mercy, or to crippling fear, despair, and hopelessness, and Allaah knows best.
Asalamualaikum Brother Moosa. Where does aspirin, ibuprofen or Dayquil to relief pain or common cold symptoms fit into this when you actually do feel relief by the Permission of Allah Ta’ala. Are they a type of placebo effect?
Assalamu’alaykum..
Is kissing the Qur’aan before reading it habitually bid’ah?
Wa ‘alayk as-salaamu wa rahmatullaah. To kiss the mus-haf in general, occasionally, without a ritual attached to it is permissible. Some of the Salaf used to kiss the mus-haf. However, to make that part of one’s routine, as mentioned in the question, is adding a religious practice to the Religion, by definition: bid’ah (innovation). And Allaah knows best. Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have Mercy on him) spoke on the issue here, saying its not a problem if it is out of love and honor for the Quran occasionally (without routine): https://www.binbaz.org.sa/fatawa/2065, and he reminds us here that while kissing the mus-haf occasionally may be allowed, the real love and respect for the Quran is found in implementing it, not kissing it: https://www.binbaz.org.sa/noor/2410
Asalaamu alaikum warahmatullahi Wabaraktu, I have a question I am hoping you can answer inshaa’Allah
Is dropshipping permissible to do to start an online business? Here is a brief description of what dropshipping is:
You have an online store with a catalog of product pictures imported from a wholesaler’s site. Say, smartwatches. A customer likes and pays for one at $28.95 [shipping inclusive]. You get a sales notification and proceed promptly to the manufacturer’s or wholesaler’s site and make a purchase of the same wristwatch at $9.95 [ including shipping and processing fees- the small fee the supplier charges you for this service], filling in the customer’s shipping information instead of yours.
The supplier processes and ships the item to the customer with the packaging and invoice bearing your store logo and mailing address. He also provides you with the tracking details that you can forward to the customer. He, the customer, gets his order and is satisfied. You pocket the $19 difference for your effort.
The wholesaler is aware you are selling their products for a higher price to make a profit and they help you by putting your store name on the package? This helps those that can’t afford to buy inventory to start a business. Please let me know if this is permissible?
Jezakallah Kheyr
It is not clear to me whether you are a representative of the supplier or just an independent merchant. If you are a representative of the supplier, then you can sell their (permissible) inventory on their behalf and make a profit. If you are independent, then this resembles selling what you do not have, which was forbidden by the Prophet (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace), and Allaah knows best.
I think I
would be an independent merchant because I would have my own website with my own brand. But I would also be partnered with the supplier, because the supplier will work with me by putting my brand on each product and also ship it out to the customer on my behalf. Is this considered independent or a representative of the supplier?
What if I decide to order inventory from a supplier and they ship it out to the customer for me? It would eliminate the extra step of shipping it to me and the customer will receive their order promptly. Would this count as selling what you don’t have? Also can you refer me to a book in English that outlines the rulings of business transactions?
JezakAllah kheyr
I can’t speak any more specifically on this issue, except to say: If the person works for you, as your employee, partner, or representative, and his inventory is actually yours before you sell those things, then you may sell those things, as you are the owner of them. However, if that supplier is a third party, and his inventory is his property and not yours at the time of your sale, then you may not sell his supplies until after you purchase them from him first. Based on what you have described, this second case seems more like your situation. He does not seem like a business partner, employee, or representative. He seems to be a supplier who provides convenient services for his products once you purchase them from him. And Allaah knows best.
What about homeopathy?
Would it be considered a real medical treatment?
Adding to this: I need a question answered regarding something of a traditional health theory many of the people from a certain culture (Central Asian cultures such as Uzbekistan and Tajikistan for example: or the Ugyhurs), including my family, believe in, within the Salafi masajid:
Web results
Healthy eating in traditional Chinese medicine | Science – DW
“Jan 18, 2019 — In traditional Chinese medicine, food is divided into five natures, called “siqi”: cold, cool, neutral, warm and hot. The nature of food is …”
For example they will believe you cannot drink green tea on a cold day, since they believe it will make you cold, or that eating the same food repeatedly makes you sick or have personality changes — also that salt enters the kidneys, or they say that cold water or food is bad for you when you are sick. Please answer this question, ustadh. I have needed it answered for a while.
From same article:
“ Foods that are warm and hot bring heat to our bodies — e.g. beef, coffee, ginger, hot chilies and fried foods — while cold and cool foods cool down our bodies– think of salad, cheese, green tea, and [cut mention because it is haram]. Neutral foods are foods like oil, rice, [cut mention because it is a haram food] and most kinds of fishes.
A person who has too much heat in their body usually feels hot, sweats all the time, is grumpy, has a swollen tongue, or could be constipated. People who have too much cold in their bodies appear pale, have cold hands and feet, might feel weak, or have bad blood circulation. When this happens, we are advised to stop eating that kind of food””
– Q: Is this kind of medical theory shirk?
– This would be a great help to the Uzbek, Kazakh, Tajik, Russian, and Ughyur Muslims in our area
I do not know about the validity of all of these individual claims and categorizations, but real observations noted by people objectively about the effects of certain (permissible) foods (and even certain combinations of them) could be something beneficial and useful, but I do not really know about the details of that. And Allah knows best.
⁃ I understand the claims may have to be investigated separately. How blameworthy is one who holds a belief in one of these false medical practices without knowing the science behind it is false?
– Other cultures have similar theories, which are doubt-worthy: in which they may consume the eyes of an animal believing it is good for obtaining better eyesight, or they eat the brain for intelligence. There is similarity because Central Asian people believe the testicles of a sheep or goat are eaten to supposedly enhance a man’s performance, etc. It may bridge into such people into eating the tongue to speak well or become eloquent. This last one about eloquence certainly resembles shirk to me (correct me if I’m misunderstanding), and whether or not the nutrients target-benefit those areas of the body or not — is a mystery to me. It sounds like these theories could be lies or superstitions mixed with truth, and the best way to decipher the truth would be to learn Tawhid, and Islamic medicine, and avoid that which comes from kafir origin. Correct?
Quite simply, there is benefit in all parts of animals which are halaal to eat. That is from our Usool (fundamentals), that all things that Allah has made halaal are entirely or predominantly wholesome and beneficial. Otherwise, these things would be forbidden or at least discouraged. So eating the eyes, tongue, organs, etc. which some people may not like, will have some benefit. If some people, by trial and error, by true unbiased observation, have discovered that the eyes has such-and-such benefit, then it is a point of benefit we can use, no matter where it comes from, so long as it is truly established. As for people who were honestly trying but they were tricked into thinking something was beneficial for certain things, and it turns out it was not, then so long as the animal was permissible in the first place, no big harm has taken place. I do not see any big need to focus on this issue much. And Allah knows best.
Even if one gives them up I would like help understanding ayah 140 of surah nisaa and ayah 68 of surah Al-An’am
Also plus signs are derived from the greek cross. Are they only allowed to use out of necessity and coercion? Ibn uthaymeen said its ok but he thought it wasnt deliberately a cross but that it just so happened to be. Albani said it wasnt allowed and also jews dont use plus and division signs, they got they own symbols. The sunnah is to destroy crosses. Its one thing if you leave them but how about going out of your way to draw one?
Its not the case that any two lines that cross each other are forbidden as a religious symbol, rather the two lines that cross each other in the context of that being a religious symbol (as the well known Christian crucifix) is what is required to be removed when possible. Ghuluw (going overboard religiously) would lead us not only into avoiding the plus sign, but also the letter t, and any other letter, number, or structure where any two lines cross one another. Also, as Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen pointed out: According to such extremes, a man would not even be allowed to extend his arms out, as his body would form a cross shape! Ghuluw takes a man from apparent religiosity into ridiculous insanity! May Allaah save us! And Allaah knows best.
Here is a warning from this kind of ghuluw from Shaykh Sulaymaan ar-Ruhaylee: https://www.bakkah.net/en/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/SR-warns-against-ghuluw-in-identifying-crucifixes.mp3
Asalaamu alaykum, what is the solution to feeling overwhelmed by sins and fitan. How does one not lose hope in their ability to change?
Wa ‘alayk as-salaamu wa rahmatullaah. Genuine repentance and sincere supplications, with good thoughts of Allaah, the Oft-Forgiving. It is only when one does not really know Allaah that he feels his situation is hopeless. So gain knowledge about Allaah, may Allaah give you success.
Assalamu alaikum.
What about braces? Is wearing them altering Allaah’s creation? Please clarifty.
Wa ‘alayk as-salaamu wa rahmatullaah. Braces to correct misaligned teeth are permissible when needed. See this: https://www.sahab.net/forums/index.php?app=forums&module=forums&controller=topic&id=118350
Jazakallah Khairan for your reply.
But people want to wear braces for unnecessary reasons like to look prettier and not for any valid reasons. In this case, is it allowed?
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (رحمه الله) mentioned that it is not permissible without need.
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as salaam ‘alaykum wa rahmatuLlaah. i need further clarification on placebos. They are sometimes used in medicine to find out if an illness is actually psychological in nature or the patient is just malingering. Also they are used in research to find out the effect of certain drugs on a disease, where a study arm takes the drug and the other takes the placebo so as to know if the drug actually has an effect on an illness. Does these also fall under the purview of being impermissible?
Wa ‘alayk as-salaamu wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuh. In order to determine whether the illness is real or imagined, and determine whether the patient is physically or mentally ill, and then begin appropriate treatment, the placebo is permissible for this brief and limited goal, and Allaah knows best.
Assalaam aleikum brother Musa,
How can you consider naturopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic, etc. as illegitimate forms of healing when they have been used safely, effectively for by millions of people, and some form of these medical practices have been used for millennia? Please be aware that just because FDA or CDC in USA doesn’t view them as so called “evidence based medicine” doesn’t mean that is true. It is well known that the pharmaceutical industry is the biggest lobbying body in America, and that CDC, FDA, NIH, etc. are corrupted to the bone by the bribes payed by Big Pharma to these regulatory agencies to insure they monopolize the medical system in favor of Allopathic medicine, and the use of dangerous pharmaceutical drugs – which often contain haram ingredients, and often their risks outweigh theie benefits. Allah (suban Allah wa ta’ala) has healed me innumerable times through acupuncture/Traditional Chinese Medicine, chiropractic, and Naturopathic Medicine. I have never used any haram substances in this process. I have had on going medical problems throughout my life due to vaccine injury, and i will never willing put my body in the hands of the Allopathic Medical system again, due to all the harm Allah (suban Allah wa ta’ala) decreed i suffer at their evil hands. (sorry i initially accidentally posted this comment on the wrong article).
I came across a kid who was shooting a ball and he shouted “Kobe” and I asked why and he told me because if you do that kobe will help you complete the shot. For a while I thought it was only this kid (I always knew about shouting kobe but not the shirk intention part) but I did some research and it seems popular with articles saying shouting kobe increases chances of making a shot. I couldnt find the origin of this so it is unkown if the origin was from shirk or just because a fad and the shirk evolved. aside from the fact of shouting a kaafirs name when shooting is it ok to play basketball with those who shout “kobe” as they likely only have the inention of following the fad not the Shirk part although that has gained momentum. and its not good to imitate the kuffar so how about imitating their rituals? but that could be anything thought like if someone were to eat with the intention of shirk.
From Blogger:
“if you think about it logically it would only take a few seconds to conclude that superstitiously invoking the name of a great shooter who is not you and has nothing to do with your shot does nothing to actually affect the ball’s chances of going in.
If you overthink about the situation, it’s possible that the action of yelling mid-shot (whether “Kobe!” or any other exclamation) could decrease the odds of making it. It disrupts your concentration and adds another extraneous action, which represents an unnecessary variable that could theoretically alter your shot (change in breathing which in turn affects core stability during release, etc.) The actual physical effect is almost certainly negligible either way, but if it exists at all it’s almost certainly a net negative rather than any kind of positive.”
There are many polytheistic practices in modern sports: Rubbing the ball on one’s head before shooting for “good luck”, certain routines that one goes through like when shooting a foul shot, wearing a certain headband or shoes that are “lucky” (like amulets), etc. Perhaps people who come from sports backgrounds can gather them and we can compile them and warn the youth in shaa’ Allaah. May Allaah give us success.
ameen! Yes a compiliation would be helpful and a class for our youth inshaa’Allaah. We researched the term “Hail Mary” used in football, blatant shirk, Allahu Musta’an. We tried to explain this to the youth in our community as well, some took heed, others ignored. May Allah protect our children ameen
Assalāmu ‘Alaykum, there is gloves for muslim sisters to wear that advertise as being copper compression fitted. It states on the website that “Made from high quality copper compression material that provides comfort and durability while retaining its shape. Copper compression improves circulation, supports muscles and joints and wicks moisture”. Is it permissible to buy and wear those gloves even if one knows of the falsehood of those claims and doesn’t believe it?
Wa ‘alayk as-salaamu wa rahmatullaah. With claims that copper promotes healing, these things are tamaa’im (amulets) that must be shunned. And Allaah knows best. This is what Shaykh Muhammad Baazmool told me when I asked about this specific matter. I believe it is correct. And Allaah knows best.
Okay, for sisters who wear those touchscreen gloves in order to use their phone while still covering their hands, they will now have to uncover their hands when going out due to the company using copper compression material to make the gloves. Is it correct to think that uncovering ones hands is far better than possibly committing shirk?
Even though this may be a troll question… Here’s my answer assuming/hoping it is not:
These are copper gloves. [click for image] [click for another image] They generally don’t have fingers anyway.
These are touch-screen gloves. [click for image] I did not see any touch screen gloves made with copper. They seem to be two separate issues. And Allah knows best.
Assalamu ‘Alaikum akhi,
I used to use lemon juice as an alternative for deoderant when I was suffering from a time where my sweat would smell bad. I was very young and it kind of settled like a placebo effect, and I would not leave without putting it on. Later, a few years ago, I repented from this and truly believe only Allah can bring benefit and cause harm, and that the lemon juice I put in my armpits is just a means to get rid of the smell. I knew all this time that its a legitamate means because it is well known and dermatologists say that the citric kills bacteria which feed on sweat and cause smell. I was young and treated it like a placebo but have repented.
The shaytaan whispers to me that I am lying, because now that I am cured, I should just go back to using regular deoderant. But, personally I feel like I prefer the lemon. I know its an actual scientifically proven means and I have corrected my intention. Should I go back to deoderant? or continue my corrected intention and take this as an oppurtunity to vex the shaytaan for the sake of Allah?
Also is the using placebo, like tying a string will make you smart etc. minor shirk or major shirk? How to differentiate? May Allah reward you with good
Wa ‘alayk as-salaamu wa rahmatullaah. We should be using healthy alternatives to “antiperspirants” which literally block off the sweat ducts and may cause serious long term negative health effects. To eliminate underarm odor, we can apply what are considered less effective, but also less harmful, deodorants, that act as perfumes and bacteria killing solutions. Our Creator has made us to sweat out toxins (as a part of a normally functioning homeostatic body (balancing itself out by His Permission), and so why would we think we need to re-engineer that process? Those toxins which would escape through our sweat glands then remain in the body and need to go somewhere! Then all these different kinds of cancers are popping up and we don’t know what causes them! Yet, consistent medical findings show that the more toxins that remain in the body, the more susceptible it is to cancer and other illnesses! And Allaah knows best.
I’m not sure to put this question under this topic, or the nutmeg topic, but what about a lotion that is used for leg cramping that contains Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil as one of its ingredients? There are about 30 ingredients, and its listed in the tenth position. Is this permissible to use or should I throw it away?
السلام عليكم
I understand that the most correct opinion regarding making amulets and etc with the Qur’an is that it is impermissible. However is it correct to call this action minor shirk?
وعليكم السلام ورحمة الله وبركاته.
The scholars consider hanging or wearing amulets with Quran or permissible supplications to be BID’AH, impermissible innovation, but not shirk (polytheism). Essentially, one who seeks protection through a Quranic amulet is seeking protection with the Speech of Allah, which is not shirk. However, it was not something done by the Prophet (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace) or his Companions, and every good is found in following the Salaf. And Allah knows best.
AsSalaamu ‘alaykum,
I read the below hadeeth about a remedy from the Sunnah for epilepsy and needed some clarification.
“Honey should be drunk on an empty stomach each day, and in the evening. So, a cup of warm water is sweetened with honey over which one recites Sūrah Al-Jinn and then he drinks it. After that the sick person sleeps (or rests). He does
this for a week. His epilepsy (and the other ali-ments) will come to an end by the Power of Allāh (and trust in Him).”104
Taken from Abu Khadeejah’s
“MAGIC IN LIGHT OF THE QUR’ĀN AND SUNNAH”
I needed clarification on how to use the hadeeth. Should the honey and water .be taken on an empty stomach in the evening and day or just the day? If it is taken on an empty stomach in the evening, does this mean the person taking it shouldn’t eat or drink all day? Or what is considered having an empty stomach? What time is considered evening Islamically? Should the sick person rest after taking the medicine during the day or only in the evening? How long should the sick person rest after taking the remedy?
JazaakAllaahukhayran
Wa ‘alaykum as-Salaamu wa rahmatullaah. I don’t think that is a hadeeth, and I don’t think it was actually quoted as a hadeeth. But I would advise you to go back and ask the one who published it for clarification and the details you seek.
Salamo alaykom Ustaad I have a question
I read about acupuncture that it’s permissible to treat yourself with it.
(From a fatwa of ladjnah daaimah for example)
But here I read that’s not permissible to believe in meridians.
But in acupuncture they use this.
Can you please explain to me why is it than permissible to do acupuncture
Baarakallaho feekom.
Wa ‘alaykum as-Salaamu wa rahmatullaah. This article does not address acupuncture at all. Simple acupuncture seems to be a proven medical treatment that works, on tried and tested parts of the body, similar to hijaamah (wet cupping), without the yin-yang philosophy and things about fire, wood, and earth energies in the body, and other weird religious ideas behind some people’s use of it. We don’t mix truth with falsehood. Quote the fatwaa you are referring to, and we’ll see if it mentions other than the simple use of pins/needles…
Is atheism considered shirk? Is it as bad as shirk or worse?
Despite the apparent claim that atheism is the total lack of belief in any religion or anything worshipped, people by nature will submit and surrender as worshippers to something, if it is not the Creator of the heavens and earth. So while they will claim they do not believe in anything, and they are pure “scientists”, they actually do follow and submit to various philosophies, which require trust, surrender, obedience, compliance, etc. – acts of worship, and with all of that is the following of personal whims and desires, which is a kind of polytheism as well, as Allah says:
أفرأيت من اتخذ إلهه هواه وأضله الله على علم وختم على سمعه وقلبه وجعل على بصره غشاوة فمن يهديه من بعد الله أفلا تذكرون
“So have you seen the one who takes his desires as his object of worship? Allah leads him astray upon knowledge, seals his hearing and his heart, and places a covering over his eyes. Who could guide him after Allah [has not]? Do you not ponder?” [45:23]
And then you find them attributing events to “Mother Nature” and “cosmic energy”, as well as believing that a person’s life is ended by the end of his “genetic potential”! So to them: Mother Nature brings life and causes death, or “genetic potential” ends a person’s life, and this is the most severe kind of polytheism, in Ruboobiyyah (Lordship), like creation, bringing life and death, etc. Allah says:
وقالوا ما هي إلا حياتنا الدنيا نموت ونحيا وما يهلكنا إلا الدهر وما لهم بذلك من علم إن هم إلا يظنون
“And they say: It is but our worldly life, we die and we live; nothing brings about our demise other than [the passing of] time. Yet they have no knowledge of that; they only guess with conjecture.” [45:24]
And Allah knows best.
Many times, the atheists take attributes of Allah and apply it on the universe, like being self-sustaining. Like the ability to create something from nothing.
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Are things like acupuncture and chiropractic adjustment for pregnancy allowed . They say these are methods to be done to turn a baby who is feet first head down . Can one participate in this to achieve this goal ?? It has worked for some and hasn’t worked for others .
وعليكم السلام ورحمة الله وبركاته
All medical treatments which are proven to be beneficial and not harmful are permissible, so long as they do not involve any violation of texts of Islamic principles. A medical treatment does not have to be 100% effective in order to be considered beneficial. In fact, since Allah alone is the One who allows treatments to work or not, even when they are established as proven treatments, there are cases when properly applied medical treatments simply do not work. They are only asbaab (means), and Allah is the One who grants permission for them to be effective or not. So while we take the steps to achieve safety and recovery that are known, we first rely upon Allah and seek safety and recovery from Him, asking Him to give us success in whatever treatment we think might help.
وإذا مرضت فهو يشفين
“And whenever I get ill, then He heals me.” [26:80]
And Allah knows best.
Assalāmu’alaikum ustādh.
Does using ointment to reduce pain in the affected area similar to cauterization?
Wa ‘alaykum as-Salaamu wa rahmatullaah wa barakaatuh. It is similar, in that they are both medical treatments. Yet they are dissimilar, in that there is no use of fire in applying ointment, and likely no harms or side effects.