Tawassul is to ask, supplicate and depend on those who can’t help for assistance, this is Shirk

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Ibn ‘Aqeel said, as was narrated by Ibn Muflih in his book al-Furoo’ [2/273]:

Some of the creation have no manners with the graves, they adorn them, kiss and perform Tawaaf around them. They do this as a means of Tawassul to Allaah.

He also said:

…And this is not sufficient for them, but they go into further extremes by saying things like; ‘the hidden affairs that are only known between you (the person in the grave) and Allaah’. Anything that is only known to Allaah, how can we say that this is between Him and His creation?

He also said:

The use of lamps, incense and Oud is prohibited and they even build towering doors over them. They call these doors ‘witnesses’. Their sick are given earth from these graves as a means of seeking intercession. Furthermore, they place writings (with their names and complaints) within the soil as a means of intercession. They may even sometimes pierce these writings by drilling them down into the grave. They say things like; ‘my beauty has become scabby’ or ‘my land has become barren’, as if they are talking to alive being and they supplicate to them.

Imaam at-Tahaawee al-Hanafee in his Aqeedah at-Tahaawiyyah [1/229]:

Seeking intercession for those who are steadfast, is a right that has been given to them and this has been narrated in the narrations.

As for the intercession of the Prophet [May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon them] and other than him in the life of the Dunya by asking them to make Dua’a for them, then this needs to be analysed further. If the person calling sometimes says, ’I ask you by the right or status of Your Prophet’ or by ‘the right or status of so-and-so’. This is dividing what is solely for Allaah with His creation and this is prohibited, from two aspects;

Firstly, this is swearing by other than Allaah

Secondly, the person believes that other than Allaah has a right in this regard.

Fakhr ad-Deen ar-Raazee al-‘Asharee in his book Kitaab Lawaami’ al-Bayyinnaat [Pg.88] in Tafseer of the Ayah; 

“And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me”

[Baqarah 2:186]

This is as if Allaah, The Glorified and Exalted, is saying;

In the times of Dua’a then there is no need of having anything to intercede between me and you. You are a slave, all you need is me, Your God, al-Ghanee.

He also said in his tafseer under the following Ayah: 

“And they worship other than Allah that which neither harms them nor benefits them, and they say, "These are our intercessors with Allah " Say, "Do you inform Allah of something He does not know in the heavens or on the earth?" Exalted is He and high above what they associate with Him”

[Yoonus 10:18]

Looking at our times, we can clearly see that most people have become busy with glorifying graves of their elders. They believe that if they venerate these graves then they will receive intercession with Allaah, the Most High.

Aboo Haneefah said, “It is prohibited to say; ‘I ask You by the right or status of so-and-so or by the right or status of Your Prophet or Your Messenger’.”

Sharh Mullah ‘Alee Qaaree of Fiqh al-Akbaar, Pg. 110

Aboo Yoosuf, the student of Aboo Haneefah, said:

“Do not supplicate to Allaah by others.”

Fatawaa al-Hindiyyah 5/280 and Sharh Mullah ‘Alee Qaree Pg.110

Al-‘Izz bin Abdul-Salaam in his Fataawaa Pg. 126:

And we don’t make any division in supplicating to other than Allaah, from the Prophets, the Angels or the righteous. This is because they do not qualify to have this stature. Therefore, they are not worthy of it and also by doing this, you will put them on the level with the One Who Alone Deserves this right or given this Majesty.

Also see; Al-Haythamee said in Haashiyyah ‘Alaa al-Eedaah Pg. 452 and al-Manaawee in Fath al-Qadeer 2/135

Recommended books for the Student of Knowledge to study and memorise

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Shaykh Abdul-Muhsin al-Qaasim, Imaam and Khateeb of Masjid an-Nabawee [May Allaah Preserve him] said in his book The Steps to Finding Happiness:

The treatise should we study and memorise:

1-     Quraan al-Kareem

2-    Nawaaqid al-Islaam of Shaykh al-Islaam Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahaab

3-    Qawaaid al-Arbaa’ of Shaykh al-Islaam Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahaab

4-    Thalaathtul Usool of Shaykh al-Islaam Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahaab

5-    Tuhfah Fee Tajweed of Shaykh Sulaymaan Jamzooree

6-    Bayqooniyyah [Mustalah al-Hadeeth] of Shaykh Taha al-Bayqoonee ash-Shaafi’ee

7-     Arbaoon an-Nawawiyyah of Imaam Yahya ibn Sharaf an-Nawawee

8-    Kitaab at-Tawheed of Shaykh al-Islaam Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahaab

9-    Al-Aajroomiyyah [Arabic Language] of Shaykh Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Sanhaajee

10- Shuroot as-Salaah wa Waajibaatiha wa Arkaanihah [Fiqh] of Shaykh al-Islaam Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahaab

11-  Al-Aqeedah al-Waasitiyyah of Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah

12- Al-Aqeedah At-Tahaawiyyah of Shaykh Aboo Ja’far at-Tahaawee

13- Ar-Rahbiyyah [Inheritance and distribution] of al-Allaamah Muhammad ibn ‘Alee al-Rahbee ash-Shaafi’ee

14- Nukhbahtul Fikr [Mustalah al-Hadeeth] of Imaam Shihaab ad-Deen Ahmad ibn ‘Alee Ibn Hajr al-Asqalaanee ash-Shaafi’e

15- ‘Umdah al-Fiqh of Al-Allaamah Abdullah ibnMuhammad Ibn Qudaamah ad-Dimishqee al-Hanbalee

16- Buloogh al-Muraam of Imaam Shihaab ad-Deen Ahmad ibn ‘Alee Ibn Hajr al-Asqalaanee ash-Shaafi’e

17-  Zaad al-Mustaqni’ [Fiqh] of Imaam Abee Najaa Moosaa al-Hajaawee

18- Alfiyyah ibn Maalik [Arabic Language] of Al-Allaamah Jamaal ad-Deen Abee Abdullah Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Abdullah ibn Maalik

19- Al-Waraaqaat [Usool al-Fiqh] of Imaam al-Haramain Aboo Ma’aalee al-Juwaynee

20-Munthooma al-Albeeree fee Adaab [Manners] of Al-Allaamah Alaa ad-Deen al-Mardaawwe al-Hanbali

He then went on to say…

Which books are we recommended to read?

An Islamic library should consist of books from various topics, this is in order for the person who owns the books to benefit from the different disciplines. One should be regular in reading the books of the Salaf and from the most important books he should have and study are the following:

Aqeedah

Haashiyyah Thalaatha al-Usool by Abdul-Rahmaan bin Qaasim

Sharh Kashf ash-Shubuhaat by Shaykh Muhammad bin Ibraaheem

Fath al-Majeed Sharh Kitaab at-Tawheed

Sharh al-‘Aqeedah al-Waasitiyyah

Tafseer

Tafseer Ibn Katheer

Tafseer as-Sa’dee

Mustalah al-Hadeeth [Sciences of Hadeeth]

Sharh Nukhbah al-Fikr

Hadeeth

Jaami’ ‘Uloom al-Hikam by Ibn Rajab

Ihkaam al-Ahkaam Sharh ‘Umdah al-Ahkaam of Ibn Daqeeq al-‘Eid

Subul as-Salaam by Sana’aanee

Bukhaaree,  Muslim, Aboo Dawood, at-Tirmidhi, al-Nisaaee and Ibn Maajah

Fiqh [Jurisprudence]

Al-Rawd al-Murrabi’

Seerah [The Prophet Biography]

Al-Fusool fee Seerah ar-Rasool by Ibn Katheer

Taareekh and Taraajim [History and Biographies]

Bidaayah wal Nihaayah

Siyaar ‘Alaam an-Nubalaa’

Nahw [Arabic Grammar and Syntax]

Tuhfah al-Sunniyyah feee Sharh al-Aajroomiyyah

Sharh ibn ‘Aqeel ‘Ala al-Fiyyah

Adaab [Manners]

Ghithaa al-Baab Sharh Munthoomah Al-Adaab

Tahtheeb al-Nufoos [Purification of the Soul]

Sayd al-Khaatir by Ibn Jawzee

Mudaawah al-Nufoos by Ibn Hazm

Fataawaa

Fatawaa Shaykh Muhammad bin Ibraaheem

Fatawaa Shaykh Abdul-Azeez bin Baaz

Fatwaa Lajnah ad-Daaimah

Other recommended books

The books of Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah

The books of Ibn al-Qayyim

Ad-Darrar as-Sunniyyah fee al-Ajwibbah an-Najdiyyah

The Steps to Finding Happiness, Pg. 178-184

The first person who abbreviated it [(SAW) or (PBUH)] had his hand chopped off

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Shaykh Abdul Kareem bin Abdullah al-Khudayr [May Allaah Preserve him] commenting on the statement of Haafidh al-‘Iraaqee [May Allaah have Mercy on him]:

Abstain from using symbols       writing Peace and Blessings is sufficient

He said in explaining:

‘Abstain’ meaning using symbols or shortening it to a single letter or two. Some people just write (S) as a symbol [and others in English use (SAW) or (SAWS) or (PBUH) and the like] all of this has been used by those who came later (i.e. not from the way of Salaf). Ahl al-Hadeeth have talked about this in great detail. Because of the importance, the first person who did this had his hand chopped off. His hand was chopped off. So there is no doubt that writing the supplication in full – Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him – has a great reward, as the one who sends Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon The Messenger once, Allaah will send blessings upon him tenfold. So it’s not permissible to symbols or abbreviations, rather it is necessary for us to write it in its entirety.

It is also vital for us to pay attention to the fact that some people consume some of the letters, so if one intends to say Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him then he should do so without going half way. They eat some of the letters, this is apparent. Likewise, they are deficient in their reward but he may be rewarded for his intention. So these matters must be clear to you, write it in full in order for you to gain the reward for it.

Sharh Al-Fiyyah al-‘Iraaqee Fee Uloom al-Hadeeth by Shaykh Abdul-Kareem bin Abdullah al-Khudayr [May Allaah Preserve him], Tape 29; 14-23 minutes

Questions 22

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Questions asked to Shaykh Sa'd bin Naasir bin Abdul-Azeez ash-Shithree [May Allaah Preserve him] after explanation of Kitaab as-Saum from Manhaj as-Saalikeen

14/3/1433 – 9/2/2012

Question: Some people stop eating before the Fajr Athaan and begin their fast a few minutes before the Fajr Athaan as a precaution.

Answer: We say; this is a type of innovation and it is not permissible for him to do this.  It has been narrated from the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] that he would delay his Suhoor and the time gap between his Suhoor and him praying Fajr was a span similar to one reciting a few Ayaat from the Quraan.

Question: What is meant by the recommendation of one hastening him breaking his fast?

Answer: That the person hastens to break his fast by breaking it with anything that breaks the fast, as soon as the sun has set.

Question: What is included in the boundaries of the masjid?

Answer: The meaning of the term masjid is the actual place of prayer which has been endowed; therefore the main area where people pray in the building is the masjid. Furthermore, the surrounding areas of this prayer place, such as the doors that lead to other rooms and they don’t lead to the masjid, then we say this isn’t part of the masjid as it's not the place where people pray. This place is connected to the masjid but it's not within the definition of a masjid, thus it is not permissible for you to do I'tikaaf in these other rooms and they are not part of the rulings of the masjid. 

Question: Is it prohibited for one to fast during the Days of Tashreeq?

Answer: Yes it is prohibited for one to fast during these days except for the one who came to Hajj doing Tamattu' or Qiraan and he didn’t sacrifice a Hadiy and he was unable to fast before the days of 'Eid, as it has been narrated in the hadeeth of A'ishah [May Allaah be Pleased with her]. 

Question: Is it permissible for one to face the grave of the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] and make Dua'a, even if he is not supplicating to him and he is supplicating to Allaah?

Answer: Visiting the grave of the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] has been legislated. As for Dua'a a the grave of the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] for the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] is permissible. As for supplicating for oneself at the grave of the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] is an innovation, doing Dua'a to the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] is Shirk.

Question: What is the ruling on one who had sexual relations with his wife during the night and he didn’t have a bath or Ghusl until after Fajr, is his fasting correct for that day?

Answer: Yes his fast is correct, as it has been narrated that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] would do Ghusl from sexual impurities after the call to Fajr prayer. If one wakes up after he has missed the Fajr prayer and the sun has risen, then we say; as long as he intended to keep the fast before the Fajr prayer began then his fasting is correct. He doesn’t need to do anything except do Ghusl and pray the Fajr prayer. 

Question: If someone has sexual relations with his wife during a obligatory fast that he is doing as part of expiation of breaking a vow, do the same rules apply on him as the one who has sexual relations with his wife during the day in Ramadaan? 

Answer: If one breaks a vow then he must free a slave or feed or clothe ten poor people. If he is not able to do this then he must fast three days. With this being the case, if he starts the fast then he must complete it as it is obligatory upon him. This is similar to one making up a missed fast in Ramadaan, they are both obligatory and it is not permissible for him to break the fast.

As for the expiation for breaking the fast with sexual intercourse, then the ruling of this expiation is explicit for the one breaks the fast during the day in Ramadaan, so if one has intercourse in another obligatory fast then he needs to repeat that obligatory fast but there is no expiation upon him. If one is obliged not to eat because it is Ramadaan and he is not fasting, then the expiation would be upon him too. For example, if one finds out that Ramadaan has began and the sun has already risen, so he has missed the time for suhoor, then we say to this person don’t eat for the rest of the day. If he has intercourse with his wife after finding out that Ramadaan has begun, even if he is not fasting, then he would need to give expiation for having intercourse during the day of Ramadaan [Kafaarah Mughaladah] because he knew the month had begun and he had intercourse during the day in Ramadaan.

Question: If one needs to fast two months consequetivly due to he expiation fo breaking thr fast during the dya in Ramdaan because he had sexual relations with his wife, say his sequence broke, does he need to start the two months over again?

Answer: If was fasting the two months consequently and then he had sexual relations with his wife during this period during the day, so his fast is broken, then we say; he needs to continue for the next day as upon him is to fast two months alone as part of the expiation of Ramadan. As for breaking other obligatory fasts then the same expiation doesn’t apply

Question: Is it permissible for one to fast during the day for fasts like the fast of 'Arafah?

Answer: it is permissible to form your intention during the day but you won't have the reward for the full day, your reward begins when the fasting starts. As for the fasts that have special virtue or reward, then the same rule applies, meaning you will be rewarded to the equivalent to your intention.

Question sent via email to Shaykh Fahad al-Fuhayd [May Allaah Preserve him]

28/3/1433 – 20/2/2012

This question has come to me from England as their state is very serious.

The question is from a woman and she asks:

My husband has been possessed by a Jinn and now he has become very lazy in worship. He says that every time he prays the whispers from the Jinn increases. He is unable to recite Quraan for himself as he finds it very difficult to do so. He refuses for Ruqya to be done over him and I feel that I can't stay with him. He is very harsh with me and acts very paranoid towards me.

The question; is it permissible for me to organise some people to come to our house to perform Ruqya over him, without talking to him or gaining his permission?

Answer: There is no problem with some of the brothers in the religion do Ruqya over him and that they continue until the person affected is able to do Dhikr and recite the Quraan.

Oh Allaah! Give to the one who gives in abundance and give the one who withhold, destruction!

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Shaykh Abdul-Muhsin al-Qaasim, Imaam and Khateeb of Masjid an-Nabawee [May Allaah Preserve him] writes in his book:

Sadaqah removes one away from the effects of sins. The Prophet [May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Shall I guide you to some goodness? Fasting is a shield and Sadaqah wipes out sins like water wipes out fire.” [Narrated by at-Tirmidhee (614) Imaam al-Albaanee said it is Saheeh in Saheeh al-Jaami’ (5136)]

Sadaqah protects you from treading on an evil path, it repulses trials and tribulations, it protects your wealth, it increases you provision, it makes your heart rejoice, it creates trust in Allaah and a good thought of Him, it purifies your souls and it causes it develop, it causes the Lord of the slave to cover his sins, it increases your lifespan, it protects you from the punishment of the grave, it puts you under shade on a day where there will be no shade except His, it intercedes for you with Allaah, it makes your difficulties in the Dunya and Aakhira easy and it opens the path to all acts of piety, a path that has no disobedience on it.

Sadaqah is a barrier between the slave and the fire and exclusivity and joy is created by it as one will be shaded because of it on the Day of Judgement. Because of Sadaqah, one will be called by it from the doors of Sadaqah in Jannah, as the Prophet May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Whoever is from the people of Sadaqah then he will be called from the doors of Sadaqah.” [Reported by Bukhaaree (3466) and Muslim (1027)]

Sadaqah removes trials and tribulations from the person who has been effected and by it, with the Permission of Allaah, he will find relief.

Imaam Shams ad-Deen Aboo Abdullah Muhammad bin Aboo Bakr Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said:

Sadaqah and good deeds has a strange effect on the trials and tribulations one is afflicted with and the way it repulses evil eye and jealousy. Had it not been for this, just the mere practice of the nations that came before us would have been sufficient. Whenever evil eye, jealousy or any form of evil was afflicted upon a righteous person, they would give Sadaqah and if they were tested by someone who did something to them, they would respond with kindness and assistance and support. This all brought about a great ending as the person who does good and the one who gives in Sadaqah, they are guarded by doing wrong because of this Sadaqah and the good deeds they do. Upon them, Allaah favours them with Jannah, He Protects them and replaces their good with good.

Bidaa’ah al-Fawaaid 2/467

And he [May Allaah have Mercy on him] also said:

Giving in Sadaqah has a strange effect in preventing all types of hardships, even if one was a constant sinner or an oppressor. Even if one was a non-Muslim! Verily, Allaah, the Most High, repulses because of it, all types of tests and tribulations. This is something known by the people, whether they are knowledgeable or not because the people of the earth, all of them are somehow connected to it because they are all tested.

Waabil as-Sayyib Pg. 49

The person who gives in Sadaqah, if he is true and sincere in what he has given, will find his heart made open and broadened.

Imaam Shams ad-Deen Aboo Abdullah Muhammad bin Aboo Bakr Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said:

If giving this was the only benefit in Sadaqah then it would be sufficient, however the slave who gives benefits massively from it, rather this point of benefit is only just the beginning. Allaah, the Most High, says;

“And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.”

[Hashr 59:9]

Waabil as-Sayyib Pg.51

The stingy one is imprisoned as he is not able to do good deeds. He is prevented from piety. He is prevented from having his heart opened. His heart is constricted. He is a small person and has little to be happy about. He is overcome with worries, stress and sorrow. He is forever unable to fulfill his needs and he doesn’t attain what he yearns for.

Sadaqah in your daily routine, even if it is little, is better than one giving a large amount without it being continuous. Every morning of every day, two angels descend and one of them says, “Oh Allaah! Give to the one who gives in abundance.” and the other says, “Oh Allaah! Give the one who withhold, destruction.”

The Steps to Finding Happiness, Pg. 98-101

Those who worship for the sake of Allaah with submissiveness to Him, attain support from Him

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Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said:

If I am stopped in comprehending something difficulty or if I am in a difficult way, I ask forgiveness from Allaah, the Most High, a thousand times, or maybe more, until my heart is opened and what was troubling me, ceased to trouble me.

And he [May Allah have mercy on him] also said:

If I am in the market or a masjid or if I’m walking or in the Madrasah then nothing prevents me from Dhikr and asking Allaah for forgiveness, until I accomplish what I wanted.

Al-‘Aqood al-Dariyyah by Ibn Abdul-Haadee, Pg. 93

‘Imaad ad-Deen Aboo Fidaa’ Ismaaeel ibn ‘Umar Ibn Katheer [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said about Ibn al-Qayyim [May Allaah have Mercy on him]:

I don’t know anyone from the people of knowledge, in our time, than him in worshipping Allaah. It was a habit for him to spend a long time in Rukoo’ and Sujood during Salaah and most of his companions blamed him for this but he didn’t give it up or leave it.

Bidaayah wa Nihaayah 18/523

Shaykh Abdul-Muhsin al-Qaasim, Imaam and Khateeb of Masjid an-Nabawee [May Allaah Preserve him] said:

Acts of obedience to Allaah is a light which gives the heart transcendence. Most of those who worship for the sake of Allaah with submissiveness to Him, then he has attained the best of assistances and help in realising what he wishes for. So it is incumbent for you to increase in worshipping Allaah, reciting His Book, standing during the darkness of the night; by all of this your heart will find clarity and its cloudiness will be guarded against.

The Steps to Finding Happiness, Pg. 106

Volume 2; Chapter of Protecting ones Deeds

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Explanation of Riyadh as-Saaliheen

By Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saaleh ibn ‘Uthaymeen

[May Allaah Mercy on him]

The author, May Allaah have Mercy on him, has named this chapter; ‘Protecting your actions’, meaning your righteous deed. He has also named a chapter that has proceeded; ‘Chapter of Intentions in your Acts of Obedience’.

It is important for the person doing deeds not to tear himself away from doing acts of worship and it is equally important for him to walk upon this path upon the guidance of the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him], which is the name of the next chapter. Based upon this, most people, may start doing many good deeds due to their enthusiasm and wanting to strive to do them, however after a while you will see them being lacking and being negligent. This is apparent in many of the youth today because the youth either have a strong sense of zealousness or the opposite; they lag behind a great deal. Therefore, most of what the youth do is based on emotions and not on intellect. So you will find some of them doing a lot of acts of worship, then you will find him eventually slacking. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the person, as the author has mentioned, that the he be balanced in his deeds and not to get carried away. This is done by one protecting his deeds, because protecting your good deeds is a sign that one has ambitions with them, and the most beloved deeds to Allaah are those that are continuous, even if they are little. So if a person can protect his acts of worship by being constant upon them, then this is a sign that he is loves doing them and that he has hope and seeks to do good.

The author mentioned a series of Ayaat, from them are the following;

“And do not be like she who untwisted her spun thread after it was strong...”

[Nahl 16:92]

This is about a woman who spun thread. She spun it well as it became strong and solid. After all of this, she let it go and it became unspun until nothing was left. This is like a parable for the person who does a lot of acts of worship and after some time of doing them, he nullified them all by totally abandoning everything he used to do.

Likewise, there is the Ayah in which Allaah informs us about Banee Israaeel;

“And We placed in the hearts of those who followed him compassion and mercy and monasticism, which they innovated; We did not prescribe it for them except [that they did so] seeking the approval of Allah . But they did not observe it with due observance. So We gave the ones who believed among them their reward, but many of them are defiantly disobedient.”

[Hadeed 57:27]

Meaning, they didn’t continue in doing good deeds nor did they seek to protect the deeds they had already done, rather they became negligent. This is like the saying of Allaah, the Most High;

“And let them not be like those who were given the Scripture before, and a long period passed over them, so their hearts hardened; and many of them are defiantly disobedient.”

[Hadeed 57:16]

Meaning they had huge gaps between their acts of good deeds and because of these gaps, it created hardness in their hearts as they constantly were leaving off doing good deed, May Allaah Protect us from this.

So what is important is that a person realise the importance on protecting his good deeds. He doesn’t become lazy and he doesn’t neglect them, rather he continues upon what he is doing.

So when one has this attitude towards worship, it will become easily applicable for him to do this as part of his daily routine. So it is incumbent that we should set out ourselves a routine and not spend the hours in our days spontaneously, rather he should be consistent. The person shouldn’t set foot on something until he knows where he is treading.  Some people don’t give this point any importance; you will find them thinking every hour about what they should do next. Every day they wake up and ponder on the day ahead of them. These are causes of one losing his time and not benefitting himself in anyway whatsoever. It is for this reason that is has been narrated that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab [May Allaah be Pleased with him] said, “If you have left something unfinished then this is what is binding upon him.” This is an amazing statement. It means that if somebody is in the process of finishing something then this is what he should attend to and it is incumbent that he doesn’t leave it, doing a bit now and then. So he should make time for this and should digress in doing something else.

I ask Allaah to keep us and you on the truth and to make us callers to the truth and the supporters of it.

The Ruling on Valentine's Day: Types of Love in Islaam

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The Love for Allaah and His Messenger

Shaykh Saaleh bin Fawzaan bin Abdullah al-Fawzaan [May Allaah Preserve him]

http://www.alfawzan.af.org.sa/node/13636

Question: Could you clarify on how we can gain the love of Allaah, the Glorified and the Most High, and the love of the Messenger [May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] and the ways we can reap its rewards?

Answer: Loving Allaah, the Glorified and Exalted, is from the greatest acts of worship of the heart. It is from the greatest acts of the worship that your heart can do. Allaah, the Most High, says;

"But those who believe, love Allah more (than anything else)" 

[Al-Baqarah 2:165]

And the Prophet [May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, "You will not believe until nothing is more beloved to you than Allaah and His Messenger and that you love another only for the sake of Allaah." [Muslim (43)]

Therefore, Loving Allaah is from the foundations of worship and it is not permissible to ultimately love other than Allaah, the Glorified and Exalted, for the sake of worshipping, submitting and total surrender. This is a sole right for Allaah, the Glorified and Exalted. Likewise, the love of the Messenger [May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] is to follow him because of your love of Allaah, the Glorified and Exalted. Likewise, loving righteous people and the believers is also because of this. This is the meaning of the term, 'loving for the sake of Allaah, the Glorified and Exalted'.  Thus all of this follows on from the love of Allaah, the Glorified and Exalted, and this is an act of worship in the heart. From the things that strengthen and articulate this for you is to thank Allaah, the Glorified and Exalted, for the favours upon you and to ponder on the signs of Allaah, the Most High, as these are causes for us to increase in our love for Allah, the Glorified and Exalted. If you have good given to you and are given from His favours, and from the best of this is to have good health, ample provision and security, then this will affect the love you have for Allaah, the Glorified and Exalted.  End Quote.

'Umar ibn al-Khattab [May Allaah be Pleased with him] said, "Oh Messenger of Allaah! After myself, I love you more than anything."

The Messenger of Allaah [May Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, "By the One Whose Hands is my soul, until you love me more than yourself."

So 'Umar ibn al-Khattab [May Allaah be Pleased with him] said, "Now, by Allaah, I love you more than I love myself."

The Messenger of Allaah [May Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] replied, "Now, Oh 'Umar!" [Bukhaaree (6257)]

Imaam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalaanee [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said:

 Al-Khattaabee said, "A person loving himself is imprinted in himself as for loving others, then we love others out of choice or for a reason. So the Prophet [May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] intended the type of love that we have a choice in.

So I say: Therefore, at first, 'Umar attested to having the love of oneself, the imprinted one. However, after the evidence was presented to him by the [May Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] he loved him more than he loved himself because the reasoning was made clear; not loving him more than oneself could leave to destruction in the Dunya and the Akhira. Therefore, he told him you have a choice and once he chose, he replied by saying, 'Now, Oh 'Umar' meaning now you have understood and attested to what is obligatory for you to have."

[Fath al-Baaree (11/528)]

Loving of the Shariah

"But those who disbelieve (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism), for them is destruction, and (Allah) will make their deeds vain. That is because they hate that which Allah has sent down (this Qur'an and Islamic laws, etc.), so He has made their deeds fruitless."

[Muhammad 47: 8-9]

Ibn Katheer says in his Tafseer about this Ayah:

"Meaning they don’t want it and they don’t love it."

[Tafseer Quran al-'Atheem 7/308]

The Prophet [May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, "My relaxation has been made in Salaah."

[Narrated by Nasaaee (3939) from the hadeeth of Anas ibn Maalik (May Allaah be Pleased with him). It was classified Saheeh by Ibn Hajar in Fath al-Baaree (3/15) and (11/345) al-Haakim (2/174) and adh-Dhahabee agreed with him]

Shaykh Saaleh bin Fawzaan bin Abdullah al-Fawzaan [May Allaah Preserve him] said:

It is obligatory upon the person that he doesn’t obey anything before the obedience to the Prophet [May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him]. So if the Prophet [May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] commanded us with something and your parents or anyone else commanded us something that contradicted the command of the Prophet [May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] then it would be obligatory for you not to disobey the command of the Prophet [May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him]. This is a sign that you love the Prophet [May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him], that you don’t give anyone priority or precedence over him and that you don’t obey anyone before you obey him, you don’t practice anything that he hasn’t legislated by innovating in the religion.

[Ai'aanah al-Mustafeed bi Sharh Kitaab at-Tawheed (2/41-43)]

Love for your spouse

"And among His Signs is this, that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find repose in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect."

[Ar-Room 30: 21]

Imaam al-Bhagawee said in his Tafseer of this Aayah:

"Between man and wife there is affection and mercy so that they may love each other and have mercy with each other. So if there is anything they love, they also love it for the other without there being a lack of mercy for each other."

[Tafseer al-Bhagawee 6/266]

"And live with them honourably."

[Nisaa 4:19]

Shaykh Muhammad Rasheed Ridaa [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said in Tafseer of this Ayah:

"Meaning it is obligatory for you, Oh Believers, to live with them in the best of manners as you are their companions and you interact with them, so it's upon you to do this is an honourable manner. Some of the Salaf said this Ayah is referring to the spouses making themselves beautiful for the other and others said it meant that we are beautiful with each other in our actions and statements with each other."

[Adapted from Tafseer al-Manaar 4/374]

A'aishah [May Allaah be Pleased with her] said, as part of a long hadeeth, "The Muslims knew the love of the Prophet [May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] for A'aishah"

Bukhaaree (2581) and Muslim (2442)

Fataawaa on Valentine's Day

Fatwa from Committee of Permanent Scholars (21203)

Dated 23/11/1420 AH

Fatwaa on Valentine's Day

After studying this issue, the Permanent Committee for Fataawa, in the light of the clear evidences found in the Kitaab and Sunnah and likewise with the consensus of the scholars of the Salaf, we concluded that the festivals in Islaam are limited to two, the 'Eid of Fitr and the 'Eid of Adha. Beyond this, we have no festivals and there are no other festivals which are connected to particular people or a particular group or any newly invented affairs. Therefore, any type of festivals that is innovated is not permissible for the people of Islaam to act upon, celebrate or give any importance to as these are types of exceeding the limits set by Allaah. The one who transgresses these limits set by Allaah will only oppress himself.  If we attach ourselves to the innovated festivals of the non-Muslims, then this will be a sin because this will be a way of resembling them and it is a type of joining in with them, all of which Allaah, the Glorified and the Exalted, has prohibited. He has prohibited the believers from imitating them and supporting them in his Noble Book and in the Sunnah of the Prophet [May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] as he said, "Whoever imitates a group of people then he is from them" [Reported by Aboo Dawood (4031) and it was classed Hasan Saheeh by al-Albaanee in Saheeh Aboo Dawood (3401)].

Valentine's Day is an example of the types of festivals we have mentioned above. This is because it is a festival practiced by the idol-worshippers from the Christians and it is not permissible for a Muslim, someone who believes in Allaah and the Last Day, to do the same acts they do or to approve of it or greet people and congratulate people due to it. Rather, it is obligatory for us to abandon all practices connected to it and to stay away from it, replying to the commands of Allaah and His Messenger and to prevent ourselves from falling into the Anger or Punishment of Allaah.

Likewise, it is also Haraam for a Muslim to give any significance to this festival, or any other festivals that are Haraam for us, such as exchanging food or drink or from buying and selling or making or giving out gifts. The prohibition also includes us sending messages or making announcements or anything similar to this, on the occasion of this festival. This is all because cooperating in sin and transgression of the limits of Allaah is a sin and disobedience to Allaah and His Messenger, as Allaah, the Glorified and the Exalted, says;

"Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwa (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Severe in punishment."

[Maaidah 5:2]

Therefore is obligatory upon the Muslim to hold fast to the Kitaab and the Sunnah in all of the aspects in his/her life, especially in the times of trials and tribulations and the spread of corruption has increased. It is also obligatory for him/her to be attentive and protect themselves from falling into the misguidance and gaining the Anger of Allaah themselves or from being misguided by the sinner, those who don’t seek to please Allaah or have dignity and they don’t know anything from Islaam. It is also incumbent upon the Muslim to resort to Allaah, the Most High, in seeking guidance from Him and to be steadfast upon it as there is no guidance except from Allaah and there is no one who can make one form except Allaah, the Glorified and the Exalted.

And Allaah is the Source of all Strength and May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon His Messenger.

Permanent Committee for Research and Religious Rulings

President

Shaykh Abdul-Azeez bin Abdullah bin Muhammad Aal ash-Shaykh

Member

Shaykh Saaleh bin Fawzaan al-Fawzaan

Member

Shaykh Abdullah bin Abdur-Rahmaan al-Ghudayaan

Member

Shaykh Bakr bin Abdullah Aboo Zayd

Fataawaa Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saaleh al-'Uthaymeen

[May Allaah Mercy on him]

Question: As-Salaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullah wa Barakaatuhu

To Proceed:

Celebrating Valentine's Day has become widespread in our recent times - especially between students - a festival from the festival of the Christians. There is also a particular fashion they use, such as using the colour red for their clothes and shoes and they exchange red roses.

We hope from your noble self, an explanation on the ruling of celebrating the likes of this festival and what advice could you give to the Muslims in the likes of these affairs. May Allaah protect you and take care of you.

Answer:

Wa 'Alaykum Salaam wa Rahmatullah wa Baraaktuhu.

Celebrating the likes of Valentine's day is not permissible, for the following reasons:

Firstly, this festival has no precedence in our Shariah.

Secondly, it calls to people to having love and infatuation (in an impermissible manner)

Thirdly, it calls people to have their hearts being occupied with trivial issues which contradicts the guidance of the Salaf as-Saalih [May Allaah be Pleased with them all].

Based on this, it is not permissible for us to assist with this day or any of the symbolisms connected to this festival, whether it is from the food and drinks they share or to resemble them in clothing or to follow anything that will resemble or imitate them. Therefore, it is obligatory upon the Muslim for him to be firm in his religion and for him/her not to be blind and follow the corrupt.

I ask Allaah, the Most High, to protect the Muslims from all types of trials and tribulations, that which is apparent or hidden, and that He Assists us in our tests with His Assistance and Guidance.

Written by

Muhammad Saaleh al-'Uthaymeen

5/11/1420

Fataawaa Shaykh Abdul-Azeez bin Abdullah ar-Raajihee

[May Allaah Preserve and Take Care of Him]

Fatwa Number: 975

Question: May Allaah grant you with good, what is the ruling with celebrating a day that they call Valentine's day, as many people from the children of the Muslims do on this day?

Answer: There is no doubt that this festival is a prohibited innovation and it is not permissible for to assist the Mushrikeen with this or to collaborate with any of their festivals. This Fatwaa was initially given by the Noble Shaykh Muhammad Saaleh bin 'Uthaymeen and from Shaykh Abdullah bin Jibreen and other than them. Likewise, some pure women, and all of them are good, have expressed its prohibition as well. Therefore, it is binding that we spread this ruling of prohibition to the people and write them in the magazines in order that people may benefit from it.

Fatwa number: 1636

Question: Some shops have begun to store products in order for this to be sold on Valentine's Day such as have cards, red roses and chocolates and the likes. What is the ruling of this?

Answer: All Praise be to Allaah and May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon the Messenger, Our Prophet Muhammad and his family and his companions and all those who follow them in goodness until the Last Day.

To begin:

Verily, this act of some of the businessmen and shop owners is a bad deed as it makes visible the festivals of the non-Muslims. It shows agreement with them and the symbols of their religion in front of the Muslims, and those who don’t know or are ignorant will be led to blindly follow the non-Muslims in this and their festivals.

Giving gifts and chocolates on the days of their festivals is from the major crimes and selling what is connected to these festivals and making it apparent to the people is helping in spreading falsehood and giving assistance to oppression and transgression. Allaah, the Most High, said:

"Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwa (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Severe in punishment."

[Maaidah 5:2]

Therefore is it obligatory for the shop owners, those who do the likes mentioned, to repent to Allaah from the crimes and transgression and the oppression they have committed connected to the greeting cards they are selling and all the things that help make apparent and spread the festivals of the non-Muslims. From their repentance, they must also warn the people from acts that they did before and explain to them that those deeds that they did was a great wronging, it wasn’t permissible and that it was Haraam. They must increase in doing good deeds because the one who repents and then does good deeds then Allaah will accept his repentance. May Allaah provide all f us with safeguarding from being misguided trials and tribulations and may Allaah make us all firm upon His guidance, His Religion of truth, al-Islaam. Verily He is the Patron over this and He is able to do it.

May the Peace and Blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, upon his family and his Companions