Most People Have No Valuation for the Religion and As a Result, They Fall into Such Mistakes

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Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [May Allaah have Mercy on him] answered when he was asked about the ruling on celebrating the festivals of the Kuffaar:

All Praises are for Allaah.

It is not permissible for the Muslims to imitate the Kuffar in the slightest, neither in their festivals, or their food (that are specific to them or their religion), or their clothes, or the type of incense they use (i.e. the ones they use for their acts of worship), or anything that is connected to their lifestyles or acts of worship etc. It is not permissible to imitate them in having gatherings like them or in the way they give gifts, nor is it permissible to aid them in any of this. 

It is not permissible to let our children play with the toys that are specific to them and their festivals, nor is it permissible to adorn oneself the way they do on the days of their festivals. 

In general terms, it is not permissible to use what they use or imitate them in things that are specific to their festivals; rather the days of their festivals for the Muslims are mere normal days. There is nothing specific about the days of their festivals…

What has been mentioned here, all the scholars (i.e. that include all the different schools of thought) are all agreed upon. Rather, some of the scholars even held the opinion that those who celebrate the festivals of the Kuffaar have committed an act of Kufr (disbelief which may take one outside of al-Islaam). They held this opinion based on the argument that those who celebrate these festivals are in fact honouring the symbols of Kufr (beliefs that are disbelief in al-Islaam). 

Some of the scholars held the opinion that those who slaughter an animal on the days of their festivals, is like someone who slaughtered swine. 

‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin ‘Aas (May Allaah be Pleased with him) said, “Whoever lives in the lands of the Kuffaar (i.e. happy to live with them) and celebrates their festivals, then they have imitated them, until if they die in that state then they will be raised with them on the Day of Judgement”. 

It is narrated in Sunnan Aboo Dawood that a man swore a vow to slaughter a camel in a place called Bawaanah, so he came and asked the Messenger of Allaah (Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him) if he should fulfil his vow. The Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him) asked if there were idols there being worshipped in times of Jaahilliyyah (i.e. the days of pre-Islaamic ignorance). The man responded in the negative and then the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him) asked if it was a place where their festivals were celebrated. The man responded in the negative once again. So then the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him) responded to him by saying, “Then fulfil your vow because your vow doesn’t involve any form of disobedience to Allaah.”

So here the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him) didn’t permit this man to do the slaughtering in a place where the festivals of the Kuffaar is celebrated, despite the fact that fulfilling vows in al-Islaam is an obligation. So we understand from this, that if this was a place where the Kuffaar celebrated their festivals it would not be permissible to go there, then how about taking part in celebrating them?  

Moreover, the Leader of the Believers, ‘Umar bin al-Khattaab (May Allaah be Pleased with him) placed a condition on the Kuffaar whilst they were living under his leadership that they were not allowed to openly celebrate their festivals. This also came with agreement of the rest of the Companions (May Allaah be Pleased with them all) and the scholars of al-Islaam. They were allowed to celebrate them privately in their quarters. So how about if the Muslims themselves celebrate them openly?

To the extent that ‘Umar bin al-Khattaab (May Allaah be Pleased with him) said, “Do not learn their languages which are foreign to us, do not enter the temples of the Mushriks on the days of their festivals because divine anger is upon them.”[1]

If one goes to their festivals only to spectate, then this is also prohibited, this is because the divine anger is upon them. So if spectating alone is sinful, then how about those who join in with the celebrations on which the Anger of Allaah is upon? 

The symbols of their religion being established!? 

Many from the Salaf have been reported in saying about the Statement of Allaah, the Most High:

“And those who do not witness falsehood” [al-Furqaan 25:72]

False witness referring to the festivals of the Kuffaar; so if this refers to witnessing alone and without actually doing anything, then how about those who join in their celebrations? What is the case for those who do actions which are specific to them? 

It is narrated that the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him) said in a report that has been collected in the Musnad and the Books of the Sunnan that he said, “Whoever imitates a people then he is from them”.  In another narration with a different wording, “Those who imitate other than us are not from us” and this wording is good (Jayyid) in its authenticity. 

So if this is the ruling on those who imitate them, even in that is something customarily and not religious (i.e. clothing and the likes), then how about those who imitate them in celebrating their festivals (i.e. all festivals have some religious pretence to them)? 

[Majmoo’ al-Fataawaa (25/329) and al-Faataawa al-Kubraa (2/487)]

Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez bin Baaz [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said on talking about celebrating the festivals of the Kuffaar:

All of these are despicable and all are innovated practices (into the religion). All of them involve imitating the enemies of Allaah. It is not permissible to celebrate them whatsoever. This prohibition is also a means of blocking vices which could lead to even more destructive innovated practices. However, some people, who have been granted great favours in abundance (i.e. given wealth), have gathered a lot of wealth but they don’t know how to spend it. They have not been guided to spend their wealth in ways that is obeying Allaah; such as building and maintaining Masaajid or supporting the poor and needy, rather they end up wasting their wealth on celebrating such festivals and imitating the Kuffaar.

http://www.binbaz.org.sa/mat/9995

Shaykh Muhammad bin Saaleh al-‘Uthaymeen [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said when asked about celebrating the festivals of the Kuffaar:

Congratulating the Kuffaar on Christmas or any other festivals they may have is Haraam with the agreement of the scholars (i.e. all schools of thought). This is what has been mentioned by Ibn al-Qayyim (May Allaah have Mercy on him) in his book Ahkaam ahl adh-Dhimmah. In which he said:

As for congratulating the Kuffaar when they are celebrating their festivals is Haraam with the agreement of scholars, such as one who joins in their celebrations and fasts when they fast. Those who congratulate them on their festivals by saying ‘happy festival‘ and the likes, then this person is sinful if he hasn’t fallen into Kufr. 

Those who congratulate them on their festivals is one the same level of severity of those who prostrate to the cross, rather it is even worse in sin with Allaah. It is even a greater sin that drinking alcohol or murder or committing illegal sexual intercourse. 

Most people have no valuation for the religion and as a result, they fall into such mistakes. They don’t even know the severity of their sin. So now we know that celebrating their festivals is a sin or an innovation or it could even be Kufr, all of which makes the person susceptible to the Wrath and Anger of Allaah. End quote.

As he has mentioned, celebrating their festivals is Haraam because it involves agreeing with their false beliefs of Kufr, and showing pleasure for their false beliefs, and if a person is happy with their beliefs then this is Kufr, in and of itself. 

However, it is not permitted for the Muslim to be pleased with the symbols of Kufr and he is prohibited from this. This is because Allaah, the Most High, is not Pleased with it, as He, the Most High, says:

“If you disbelieve, then verily, Allah is not in need of you, He likes not disbelief for His slaves” [az-Zumar 39:7]

And,

“This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion”

[al-Maaidah 5:3]

So congratulating them is Haraam, whether it be a disbeliever someone may know or may work with. 

If they were to join us in celebrating our festivals or congratulate us on them, then we would not accept this either, because they have nothing to do with our festivals. This is because Allaah, the Most High, is not Pleased with their festivals, either because they are innovated into their religions or it could be that it remains to be legislated practice. However, even if they celebrate a festival which correct according to their texts, then we say that their religion has been abrogated (and Allaah is not Pleased with them following this either). Allaah has Sent Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him) with the religion of al-Islaam to all of creation, as He said:

“And whoever desires other than Islaam as religion – never will it be accepted from him, and he, is the Hereafter, will be among the losers.”[aal-‘Imraan 3:85] 

From this aspect, the Muslim is not allowed to respond to their festivals by congratulating them, this is because the issue is greater than mere greetings, rather it includes being involved in their practices. 

…

May Allaah give Honour to the Muslims and their religion, and Provide them with steadfastness on it, and help them and aid them against their enemies, surely He is Qawee (all-Powerful) ‘Azeez (all-Mighty).

[Majmoo’ al-Faatwaa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (2/44)]

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[1] The Messenger of Allaah (Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Surely, Allaah has put the truth on his tongue and placed it on his heart (about ’Umar bin al-Khattab al-‘Adawee).“ Ibn ‘Umar (May Allaah be Pleased with him) said, “There was never a new issue that effected the people except that ‘Umar had a say in it and that the Quraan would be revealed confirming the view of ‘Umar.” [Narrated by at-Tirmidhee (3682) and classed as authentic by al-Albaanee] 

Khutbah: Virtues of Winter

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Khutbah delivered by Shaykh Sa'd bin Naasir ash-Shithree [May Allaah Preserve him]

18/1/1432 - 24/12/2010

Praise be to Allaah Who guided us to the religion of Islaam, He Legislated for us rulings which are appropriate for the creation and that which bring betterment for their lives. He made every situation that a person has, a ruling from His Shariah connected to it, so that he is organised.

I Praise Him, Glorified He is, and I show admiration to Him, I thank Him, The Glorified and The Exalted. I bear witness that there is no God worthy of Worship except Allaah, alone with no partners and I bear witness that Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger, May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him, and on his family, his companions and all those who follow him, and I ask for peace to be multiplied upon him in an abundance.

To Proceed:

Oh Believers, fear Allaah! Use your time with that which will bring you close to Allaah. Fear Allaah and make yourselves from the people of Jannah, by making your deeds righteous.

Oh Believers! These days are the days of winter. It has been narrated in some the narrations that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said,

الشتاء ربيع المؤمن قصر نهاره فصام وطال ليله فقام

“Winter is a time of spring for the believer, the days are short so he fasts, and the nights are long so he stands.”

[Aboo Na’eem in Hilya al-Awliyaa (8/364); Ibn ‘Adee in Lisaan al-Meezaan (5/118) with an Mashoor Isnaad; Haythamee in Majmaa az-Zawaaid (3/203) with a Hasan Isnaad; Zarqaanee in Mukhtasar al-Maqaasid (Pg. 553) with a Hasan Isnaad; ‘Ajloonee in Kashf al-Khafaa (2/6) with supporting Isnaads]

In another narration;

الشتاء الغنيمة الباردة

“Winter is a cold treasure”

[Narrated by Ahmad (4/335); at-Tirmidhee (794); Ibn Khuzaymah (3/309) Classified Hasan by al-Albaanee in Saheeh al-Jaami’ as-Sagheer (3868)]

Based on this, we must know some of the rulings connected to winter and the benefits that the Shariah has given us so that we may benefit from what Allaah has Decreed upon us in this season of winter.

Therefore, we must ponder on the Power and Ability of Allaah, the Lord of all the Aalameen, The Glorified and The Exalted. He, Perfect He is, has made for people a saviour from the heat and then he makes a saviour for them from the cold. Look at His Ability upon His creation, how He is able to change and bring opposites. Heat and cold, likewise, this pattern is replicated throughout your life. Allaah, The Glorified and The Exalted, has created everything in opposites, thus showing the Power and Ability of Allaah. He created the night and the day, health and sickness, the sun and the moon and the examples of Allaah, The Glorified and The Exalted, in opposites continue.

From the benefits of Allaah, The Glorified and The Exalted, Decreeing upon His slaves the season of winter, is the benefit it brings to your bodies. The summer is a season which expels discharge from your body whereas the winter strengthens and restores your body. Likewise, from the benefits of Allaah Decreeing winter upon His slaves, so that we remember the Hellfire. This is because the Hellfire is able to have blazing heat and bitter cold, the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said,

اشْتَكَتْ النَّارُ إِلَى رَبِّهَا فَقَالَتْ : يَا رَبِّ أَكَلَ بَعْضِي بَعْضًا ، فَأَذِنَ لَهَا بِنَفَسَيْنِ : نَفَسٍ فِي الشِّتَاءِ ، وَنَفَسٍ فِي الصَّيْفِ ، فَهُوَ أَشَدُّ مَا تَجِدُونَ مِنْ الْحَرِّ ، وَأَشَدُّ مَا تَجِدُونَ مِنْ الزَّمْهَرِير

“Hellfire complained to its Lord, saying, 'O my Lord, my different parts are eating each other up.’ So Allaah allowed it to take two breaths – one in the winter and the other in the summer. This is cause of the severe heat we feel in the summer and the bitter cold you experience in the winter.’” [Al-Bukhaaree (3087) and Muslim (617)]

Likewise, good deeds are made easy for us during this season. From the things that have been made easy is fasting. The days are short and cold, so a person finds it easier to fast, without any real struggle or difficulty. The virtues of fasting have been narrated in many narrations. The Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said,

مَنْ صَامَ يَوْمًا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ بَعَّدَ اللَّهُ وَجْهَهُ عَنْ النَّارِ سَبْعِينَ خَرِيفًا

"Whoever fasts a day for the sake of Allaah, Allaah will distance his face from the fire with the measurement of seventy generations." [Al-Bukhaaree (2840) and Muslim (1153)]

From the good deeds ones can do in this season and that which has been easy for him, is for him to pray during the night. The nights are long, so it is possible for one to pray at great length during the night and still be able to sleep well. So one should program himself during these winter days so that he is able to perform these prayers during the night, this will also train him and give him the ability to stand throughout the year. Allaah, the Most High, says about the believers;

تَتَجَافَى جُنُوبُهُمْ عَنِ الْمَضَاجِعِ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُمْ خَوْفًا وَطَمَعًا وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ

"Their sides forsake their beds, to invoke their Lord in fear and hope, and they spend (charity in Allah's Cause) out of what We have bestowed on them"

[as-Sajdah 32:16]

He says

كَانُوا قَلِيلاً مِّنَ اللَّيْلِ مَا يَهْجَعُونَ

"They used to sleep but little by night [invoking their Lord (Allah) and praying, with fear and hope] "

[adh-Dhaariyaat 51:17]

From the good deeds that have been made easy for people during these days, to wait for a Salaah after one of the Salah has fisnished. If one prays and remains sitting waiting for the next prayer to begin then he is till in the state of prayer. It has been narrated in a hadeeth that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him]

ألا أدلكم على ما يمحو الله به الخطايا ويرفع به الدرجات ؟ قالوا : بلى يا رسول الله ، قال : إسباغ الوضوء على المكاره ، وكثرة الخطا إلى المساجد ، وانتظار الصلاة بعد الصلاة ، فذلكم الرباط ، فذلكم الرباط

“Shall I not tell you of something by means of which Allaah erases sins and raises you in status?” They said: “Yes, O Messenger of Allaah.” He said: “Doing wudoo’ well even when it is difficult, taking many steps to the mosques and waiting for prayer after prayer. That is (equivalent) to guarding the frontier.” [Muslim (251)]

The time between Dhuhr and ‘Asr is short, the time between ‘Asr and Maghrib is short, the time between Maghrib and ‘Isha is short, so if one waits prays and remains sitting, then it will have a abundant reward written for him.

The evidences that have proceeded have mentioned another act of worship that we can do during the winter, this is to do Wudhoo and doing this with difficulty. So if you do your Wudhoo and you accomplish this with difficulty, your reward will be greater.

Other acts of righteousness that one can do during the winter days, is for the believer to get closer to Allaah. This can be done via him being grateful for the covering of his body for the devices that heat him. If one is afflicted with any of the diseases that usually get passed around during this season, and he remains patient, then this will be a cause of reward for the slave. And Allaah, the Most High, has said;

وَاللَّهُ جَعَلَ لَكُم مِّن بُيُوتِكُمْ سَكَنًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُم مِّن جُلُودِ الأَنْعَامِ بُيُوتًا تَسْتَخِفُّونَهَا يَوْمَ ظَعْنِكُمْ وَيَوْمَ إِقَامَتِكُمْ وَمِنْ أَصْوَافِهَا وَأَوْبَارِهَا وَأَشْعَارِهَا أَثَاثًا وَمَتَاعًا إِلَى حِينٍ

"And Allah has made for you in your homes an abode, and made for you out of the hides of the cattle (tents for) dwelling, which you find so light (and handy) when you travel and when you stay (in your travels), and of their wool, fur, and hair (sheep wool, camel fur, and goat hair), a furnishing and articles of convenience (e.g. carpets, blankets, etc.), a comfort for a while."

[Nahl 16:80]

For the good deeds one can do in winter is to get closer to your Lord by donating clothes to the poor and needy. The Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said;

وأيما مؤمن كسا مؤمنا على عري ، كساه الله من خضر الجنة

"Whoever clothes a naked believer, then Allaah will cloth him with the green clothes of Jannah." [at-Tirmidhee (2449); Ahmad (11116) and others]

In another narration:

"From the clothes of Jannah"

[at-Taghreeb at-Tahreeb (2/92)]

From the righteous deeds one can do in these virtuous winter days is for the person to remember and ponder on the days that go by. How many winters have you been through in your life? How many days and years have passed you? Your life is lived, your days are passed and your life is fading away. Therefore, it is upon for you to be intelligent, to remember the hereafter and prepare for it by doing good and righteous deeds. Increase in good deeds, repent to him and seek his forgiveness;

وَاتَّقُواْ يَوْمًا تُرْجَعُونَ فِيهِ إِلَى اللَّهِ ثُمَّ تُوَفَّى كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لاَ يُظْلَمُونَ

"And be afraid of the Day when you shall be brought back to Allah. Then every person shall be paid what he earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly."

[Baqarah 2:281]

The Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said,

سَيُكَلِّمُهُ رَبُّهُ لَيْسَ بَيْنَهُ وَبَيْنَهُ تُرْجُمَانٌ فَيَنْظُرُ أَيْمَنَ مِنْهُ فَلَا يَرَى إِلَّا مَا قَدَّمَ مِنْ عَمَلِهِ وَيَنْظُرُ أَشْأَمَ مِنْهُ فَلَا يَرَى إِلَّا مَا قَدَّمَ وَيَنْظُرُ بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ فَلَا يَرَى إِلَّا النَّارَ تِلْقَاءَ وَجْهِهِ فَاتَّقُوا النَّارَ وَلَوْ بِشِقِّ تَمْرَ

 There is not a person except that his Lord will talk to him and there will be no interpreter between them. So the man will look on his right and he will see what he did, he will look to for a way out and he will only see what he did. He will look in front of him and he will see the fire, so fear Allaah! Even if it is with a part of a date! [Al-Bukhaaree (7005) and Muslim (1016)]

The meaning of part of a date, it means half a date. Look! Half a date can save a slave from the punishments of the fire, therefore then free yourself even if it is with something small.

Verily, from the things we should remember in our time during the winter, is to remember the story of Maryam [Peace be upon her]. She was in her designated place of worship, when Zakariyyah went into her....

فَتَقَبَّلَهَا رَبُّهَا بِقَبُولٍ حَسَنٍ وَأَنبَتَهَا نَبَاتًا حَسَنًا وَكَفَّلَهَا زَكَرِيَّا كُلَّمَا دَخَلَ عَلَيْهَا زَكَرِيَّا الْمِحْرَابَ وَجَدَ عِندَهَا رِزْقًا قَالَ يَا مَرْيَمُ أَنَّى لَكِ هَذَا قَالَتْ هُوَ مِنْ عِندِ اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَرْزُقُ مَن يَشَاء بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ

"So her Lord (Allah) accepted her with goodly acceptance. He made her grow in a good manner and put her under the care of Zakariya (Zachariya). Every time he entered Al-Mihrab to (visit) her , he found her supplied with sustenance. He said: "O Maryam (Mary)! From where have you got this?" She said, "This is from Allah." Verily, Allah provides sustenance to whom He wills, without limit."

[Aal-Imraan 3:37]

When he would go to her in the winter days, he would find with her fruits that only harvest in the summer. If he would go into her Mihrab in the summer, he would find fruits that would only grow in winter. These were causes for Zakariyyah to be marvelled and he supplicated to Allaah for him to be granted a son, even though he was old in his age, his wife equally old and on top of this, she was barren.

It is as if he was saying, 'If Allaah provided Maryam with the fruits of winter in the summer, and the fruits of summer in the winter, fruits in their untimely times, then it is more likely that Allaah will give me a child in an untimely time, i.e in my old age.' So it if upon you to ponder and ask Allaah, The Glorified and The Exalted, for all your affairs and that He will respond and fulfil your needs. He will realise your needs and these can be a cause for you to gain assistance and happiness in the Dunyaa and Aakhira

I seek refuge in Allaah from the out casted Shaytan.

وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُواْ لِي وَلْيُؤْمِنُواْ بِي لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ

"And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright."

[Baqarah 2:186]

May Allaah bless me and you with the Noble Quraan, benefit us from the Ayaat and the wise remembrance that are within it. This is what I have to say, I seek forgiveness from Allaah, Al-'Alee, al-'Atheem, for myself and you and all the Muslims from all our sins, so seek forgiveness in him, he is al-Ghafoor, ar-Raheem.

The Parable of Rain with Guidance and Knowledge

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17. He sends down water (rain) from the sky, and the valleys flow according to their measure, but the flood bears away the foam that mounts up to the surface, and (also) from that (ore) which they heat in the fire in order to make ornaments or utensils, rises a foam like unto it, thus does Allah (by parables) show forth truth and falsehood . Then, as for the foam it passes away as scum upon the banks, while that which is for the good of mankind remains in the earth. Thus Allah sets forth parables (for the truth and falsehood, i.e. Belief and disbelief).

[Surah ar-Ra’ad 13:17]

Al-‘Allaamah Taahir bin ‘Aashoor [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said in his Tafseer:

Continuing on from affirmation of Allaah’s Lordship (in the Aayaat that proceeded this one), here we have a rebuke on the Mushriks, that they don’t benefit from the guidance because of the characteristics they possess. As a result, their hearts are sealed, unlike the believers, their hearts are penetrated with the Quraan.

The reproach in this Aayah comes with an example being drawn, a comparison between the two parties. A party profiting from what the Quraan contains in contrast to the other being severely disadvantaged by it. 

This parable is brought in a context which acts as a direct comparison between these two states, thus it is acts as an admonition and a reminder for the purpose: 

“Allah sets forth parables (for the truth and falsehood, i.e. Belief and disbelief).”

The resemblance of the Quraan being revealed and sent down being similar to rain being sent down from the clouds is a comparison to that which brings about life. The Quraan is heard by people whilst the rain transcends the valleys and the various directions on the earth, everyone from the creation benefiting from the water that brings about nourishment. However, the rain is sent with goodness but it also produces froth that appears on top of water that has settled. So the comparison being drawn here is from that which benefits and that which comes and goes without any real cause. The pure water settles and continues to be a source of goodness for the creation, whereas the foam on top of the water, comes and goes, is unsettled and doesn’t bring any benefit. 

In the same context, the revelation of the Aayaat of the Quraan is also drawn here. The Quraan benefits and nourishes the Eemaan that is present in the hearts and it instills strength in their faith and their deeds. 

However, just like water that doesn’t settle, the rain water can also pass people without the people benefitting from the water that the rain has brought. Likewise, the Aayaat of the Quraan can be recited to people and they pass these people just like this rain water, not settling and not benefitting them in the slightest. Either rejecting it or being negligent in understanding it. To a worse extent, the Aayaat of the Quraan could enter the hearts of a group of people and it only increases them in doubts and rejection. Just like Allaah, the Most High says:

“So as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation (from the truth) they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof, seeking Al-Fitnah (polytheism and trials, etc.), and seeking for its hidden meanings, but none knows its hidden meanings save Allah” [Aal-‘Imraan 3:7]

The simile of all of this is that the rain descends and it spreads throughout the land, through the valleys, on the hilltops, passing through the mountains etc. with each of these places differing in the degree of water they receive. Furthermore, the water by itself, separates itself from what is beneficial and what is not; what is beneficial seeps into the earth and is a source of nourishment whereas the foam and froth from the water is left aside as it has no benefit.

Once one understands this parable they will also come to realise that this process and its description has stages, the water descends and then it spreads, then it settles etc. The benefit behind this is that the person who understands this will also understand that this process (and what is similar to it given in the parable) requires stages (i.e. one must seek to improve in Eemaan and understanding).

This simile has also been given by the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] in Tafseer of this Aayah where he said in the Hadeeth:

The likening of what Allaah has sent me with from guidance and knowledge is like the rain that pours down on the land. Some of the rain is pure and the earth accepts it and as a result the earth produces much vegetation. The water settles on the earth and Allaah Causes it to be beneficial for the people so that they may drink and use it for agriculture.  

The rain also pours down on another piece of land. The water doesn’t soak into the land nor does it produce any vegetation. 

The first one is like the example of those who are given understanding of the religion, Allaah Causes them to benefit with what I was sent with, so they learn it and teach it. 

As for the second parable then this is for a group of people who don’t want to understand the religion and don’t practice it. They don’t accept the Guidance of Allaah with what I have been sent with. 

…

In this example there is an illustration for those who benefit themselves and others, just like gold and silver that comes from earth. In contrast to foam that the water brings, it is dirty and doesn’t have any good in it and doesn’t bring about any goodness. 

[A summary taken from at-Tahreer wa at-Tanweer (14/116-120)]

Tafseer: So We Sent Upon Them Furious Wind

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فَأَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ رِيحًا صَرْصَرًا فِي أَيَّامٍ نَّحِسَاتٍ لِّنُذِيقَهُمْ عَذَابَ الْخِزْيِ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَلَعَذَابُ الآخِرَةِ أَخْزَى وَهُمْ لا يُنصَرُونَ

So We sent upon them furious wind in days of evil omen (for them) that We might give them a taste of disgracing torment in this present worldly life, but surely the torment of the Hereafter will be more disgracing, and they will never be helped.

[Fussilat 41:16]

Imaam al-Baghawee said in explanation:

A wind was sent to punish them (the people of ‘Aad), it was loud and strong andit completely  destroyed them all.

Others said that this wind was extremely cold, freezing them to death.

[Mukhtasar Ma’aalim at-Tanzeel (Pg. 836)]

Winter is Your Enemy So Fight it

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The Leader of the Believers, ‘Umar bin al-Khattaab [may Allaah be Pleased with him] used to write to his mayors saying:

“Surely, winter is your enemy so fight it with the leather of sheep.”

[Reported by Ibn ‘Aday in al-Kaamil (4/531) who said about its grading, “In the chain is Sawaar bin ‘Abdullah but I hope that in this particular narration there are no problems with him.”]

Al-Haafidh Ibn Rajab [may Allaah have Mercy on him and Purify his soul] also reported this narration via a different route:

It has been narrated by Ibn Mubaarak from Safwaan bin ‘Amr from Sulaym bin ‘Aamir who said that ‘Umar bin al-Khattaab [may Allaah be Pleased with him] would write to his mayors when winter entered, advising:

Winter has come and it is your enemy so fight it. Fight it with wool, Khuff (leather slippers) and socks (made out of other than leather). Make hats and muffles from wool because its coldness is quick to come upon you and slow to leave. 

Ibn Rajab [may Allaah have Mercy on him] said thereafter:

‘Umar used to write to his mayors in ash-Shaam (the former name for the region of Syria, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon and parts of Turkey) after it became under Islaamic rule. He used to make a point of writing to them continuously because he feared for the Companions [may Allaah be Pleased with them all] and others that were living there because they did not originally come from a climate with severe temperatures. Fearing that they would be afflicted with the extreme weather in ash-Shaam, he would write to them with advice - illustrating his sincerity, substantial insight, compassion, concern and fortification for those under him, may Allaah be Pleased with ‘Umar. End quote

[al-Lataaif al-Ma’aarif (Pg. 330-331)]

Food and Gifts on the Days of Their Festivals

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Question: Is it permissible for a Muslim to eat the food that is distributed by the Kuffaar or the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) on the days of their festivals? Also, is it permissible to accept gifts that may be distributed during their festivals? 

Answer: It is not permissible for a Muslim to eat from what has been made by the Jews and Christians or the Mushriks on the days of their festivals. It is not permissible for a Muslim to accept gifts distributed by them. This is because if one does this, then they will be cooperating and honouring symbols and their false beliefs, and this cooperating is a sign that one is happy for them during these days. 

It could also lead to the Muslims incorporating their festivals with our festivals (days of ‘Eid). Or at the very least, it could lead to the Muslims taking their days of celebration as well as ours as a day when we can exchange food and gifts between us and them. 

All of this is Fitnah (discord) and an innovation into the religion. 

It is affirmed that the Messenger of Allaah [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Whoever innovates into our religion then it will be rejected.” [Narrated by al-Bukhaaree (2550) and Muslim (1718)]

Likewise, it is not permissible to give gifts to them in celebration of their festivals (i.e. gifts that which are specific to their festivals). 

And Allaah is the Source of all Strength. May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and his companions. 

Permanent Committee of Scholars for Research and Iftaa (Fatwaa No. 2882)

President: Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez bin Baas

Vice President: Shaykh ‘Abdur-Razaaq al-‘Afeefee

Member: ‘Abdullah bin Qa’ood

Impermissibilty of Using the Names of the Festivals of the Kuffaar

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

‘Alee bin Abee Taalib (May Allaah be Pleased with him) even forbade the Muslims from using the same names (i.e. that it is not permissible to use names like Christmas/Eve, Boxing Day, New Years' Day/Eve, Mother’s Day, April Fool’s Day etc.) that the Kuffaar do for their religious festivals (and special occasions), so how about those who participate on these days as they do?

[Iqtidaa’ as-Siraat al-Mustaqeem (1/516)]

So How Bad is the Parent Who Exposes his Children to this, Oh Muslim!?

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Imaam adh-Dhahabee [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said:

Verily, Muslim children participating in such festivals are also effected. Love for these festivals is placed in their hearts because they find enjoyment in them, dressings up, eating nice food etc. 

So how bad is the parent who exposes his children to this, Oh Muslim!? If you don’t forbid your children then you and they will be destroyed. They will gain a Kaafir identity (by partaking and gaining love for their religion). 

So it is not permissible for us to partake in celebrating their festivals and this is something that the Shaytaan has instilled in many people through their ignorance, to the extent that even the scholars have become negligent even though they have knowledge, rather, their knowledge is something harmful to them (i.e. a sin).

[Adapted from Tashbeeh al-Khamees bi ahl al-Khamees (pg. 10-12)]

Tafseer: And Those Who Do Not Witness Falsehood

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“And those who do not witness falsehood, and if they pass by some evil play or evil talk, they pass by it with dignity.” [al-Furqaan 25:72]

‘Umar bin al-Khattaab [May Allaah be Pleased with him] said, “Do not mix with the Mushriks in their places of worship on the days of their festivals, this is because define punishment is upon them.” 

[Narrated by ‘Abdur-Razaaq in his al-Musannaf (1609); Bayhaqee in as-Sunan al-Kubraa (9/18640) and quoted by Ibn al-Qayyim in Ahkaam Ahl adh-Dhimmah (3/1247) and Ibn Muflih in Adaab ash-Sharee’ah (3/417)]

Ibn al-Qayyim [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said in Ahkaam Ahl adh-Dhimmah (3/1244):

(From the Salaf – May Allaah be Pleased with them all) Ibn ‘Abbaas and Ad-Dahaak said, “witness falsehood” means the festivals of the Mushriks. Sa’eed bin Jubayr said it refers to ‘Palm Sunday’. 

Ibn Taymiyyah [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said:

The festivals of the Mushriks is a time when doubts (i.e. false ideas and beliefs), desires and falsehood is gathered. There is no benefit any of this because of the sweetness one may taste (because of the celebrations) will only be followed with punishment and pain. Therefore, it is has been described as ‘witnessing falsehood’ (cf. 25:72), meaning going to such place and witnessing them. 

[Iqtidaa’ as-Siraat al-Mustaqeem (1/183)]

Imaam adh-Dhahabee [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said:

Whoever goes to the places of their festivals or witnesses their celebrations then this person is sinful and obnoxious. This is because the person is voluntarily going to witness sinful activities and he is in no position to forbid them. 

The Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “If any one of you see a sin then stop it with your hand (if you have the authority to do so) otherwise stop it with your speech (if you are able) and if you can’t, then  at least hate it in your heart, and that is the lowest form of Emaan (i.e. obligatory upon everyone who believes to hate what Allaah has Forbidden).” [Narrated by Muslim (78)]

So how great (of a sin) is it to witness the festivals of the Jews and the Christians? To do as they do? Buying the same products they buy in order to celebrate their festivals? This, in actuality, is giving life to the worship of the cross, innovating new festivals into our religion, and assisting and imitating the Mushriks in their festivals.

…

But a person may say, ‘But I don’t intend to imitate them in this celebration’.

I say: Being a part of their celebrations and imitating them is Haraam. The evidence for this is where the Messenger of Allaah [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] said after forbidding the Muslims from praying at the time when the sunrises and sets, “Verily it rises in between the horns of the Shaytaan and a time when the Kuffaar prostrate at this time because of this.” [Narrated by Muslim (832)]

The praying person doesn’t have the same intention as they do, however he is still prohibited from praying because he will then be like them and be considered as cooperating with them, thus it is Haraam.

[Adapted from Tashbeeh al-Khamees bi ahl al-Khamees (pg. 10-12)]