The ‘Aqeedah of a Muslim is Simple and Easy to Comprehend

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Ibn al-Qayyim [may Allaah have Mercy on him] said in poetry:

That is how your hearts are unlocked                    by having knowledge and Emaan

Shaykh Muhammad bin Saaleh al-‘Uthaymeen [may Allaah have Mercy on him] explained:

Theories and philosophy (similar to think-tanks and calls for updating the Sharee'ah) don’t effect ones heart, he spoke the truth here.

If a person was to convey the message and beliefs of al-Islaam, by using complex philosophy or being proficient in theology (or debating it's rulings and beliefs), would the person you are calling understand and believe? He wouldn’t believe, rather it would be a cause of him rejecting al-Islaam.

However the ‘Aqeedah of a Muslim is simple and easy to comprehend. If you told a layperson that Islaam is to testify that there is no god but Allaah and to testify that Muhammad is His Messenger, then this is conceivable and he has understood the very basis of ‘Aqeedah in these two short lines. But if we were to delve deep into matters of philosophy in trying to understand and explain al-Islaam, this wouldn’t benefit anyone. He spoke the truth, without doubt – may Allaah have Mercy on him.

[Sharh an-Nooniyyah, line 238 (1/204)]

Unfortunately, Most Muslims Do Not Pray...

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

People, if they become Muslims or they were born as Muslims, must be bound to adhere strictly to the Sharee’ah. If established, they will then be considered as those who obey Allaah and His Messenger. In general terms, they are those who are considered as having Emaan.

However, the perfection of ones al-Emaan only comes about once the love for the Sharee’ah enters the hearts. The greater the love and adherence to it, the greater the level of al-Emaan, and thus the greater is their obedience to Allaah by it.

Unfortunately, most Muslims do not pray, and they do not possess certainty (i.e. Aqeedah, Tawheed, acts of worship of the heart etc.) and they do not strive for the sake of the religion. If a doubt rumours, they conform and are immersed in doubt. If they are commanded to strive for the sake of the religion, they show reluctance.

These people are not Kuffaar (disbelievers), neither are they Munaafiqeen (hypocrites), rather they are deemed as being ignorant Muslims – not possessing the knowledge of the heart and its certainties. They do not possess the love of Allaah and His Messenger in strength, so as to repel what doubts them, or to give the religion preference above their families and wealth. This party of Muslims are upon the borders; if they are tested and show resolve, they enter Jannah. 

However, if they are tested and don’t have enough strength and love to repel the doubts that envelope them - if Allaah doesn’t Favour them with steadfastness - then they will be classed as being from the ‘doubters’, which is a form of hypocrisy. End quote.

[Majmoo’ al-Fataawaa (7/271)]

Shaykh Saaleh bin ‘Abdul-‘Azeez aal ash-Shaykh [may Allaah Preserve him] commented:

With this, we realize that the love of Allaah and the Messenger [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] is absolutely compulsory. This means loving for the Sake of Allaah and because of Him (i.e. Loving what Allaah Loves and loving others for His Sake). The Love of Allaah and His Messenger can increase and decrease in the heart of a believer; the greater the good deeds, the greater the love - the lesser the deeds, the lesser the love.

[Sharh Fath al-Majeed (2/402)]

Madeenah Imaam: Do Not Make a Human, a Weak Element From the Creation of Allaah, A Partner with Allaah!

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Shaykh ‘Abdul-Muhsin al-Qaasim [May Allaah Preserve him]

Imaam, Khateeb and Teacher in Masjid an-Naabwee, al-Madeenah an-Nabweeyyah

“And the mosques are for Allah (Alone), so invoke not anyone along with Allah” [Jinn 72:18]

‘And the mosques are for Allah (Alone)’, Meaning, the earth in its totality belongs all to Allaah, so do not direct any act of worship to other than the One Who Owns the Dominion, and that is Allaah, the Glorified and the Exalted.

Another meaning to this Aayah, is that all the places of Sujood and worship all belong to Allaah, He is the One Who Created them, they are deposited here and will all return back to Him, the Glorified and the Exalted. So do not do Sujood or any deed or any other act  of worship to gain the Anger of Allaah, the Glorified and the Exalted. From the most Major forms of gaining Allaah’s Anger, is to fall into Shirk.

‘so invoke not anyone along with Allah’: meaning, do not worship an Angel or a Prophet or a pious person, do not supplicate to them or anyone else. Do not make Dua'a to them asking them of anything and do not make Dua’a of Praise that only belongs to Allaah (i.e. making Tasbeeh, Takbeer, Tahleel etc. to other than Allaah). This is because, Dua’a to other than Allaah is a major act of Shirk and is a sin that will never be forgiven unless on dies after making Tawbah from it.

Allaah, the Most High, said:

“Verily, Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with him in worship, but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He pleases, and whoever sets up partners with Allah in worship, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin.”

[An-Nisaa’ 4: 48]

So He, the Glorified, is a Alone, all-Mighty over His Slaves, al-Qawee and al-Mateen[1], so do not direct your acts of worship to other than Him. Do not make a human, a weak element from the creation of Allaah, a partner with Allaah in the acts of worship. This is because, anything besides Him do not deserve to be the object of worship.

…

Some people travel to graves of certain pious people and leaders, believing that these deceased can either benefit them or may be a cause of harm to them if they do not travel there. So they travel to their graves and make Dua’a to other than Allaah by asking them, supplicated with words like, “Help me, oh such and such person!” or “Relieve me, oh such and such person!” These are types - Allaah Protect us - of Major Shirk which takes one out of the religion of al-Islaam and will be bound to the Hellfire for eternity if one was to die without repenting from.

He, the Glorified, said:

“Verily, Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with him in worship, but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He pleases, and whoever sets up partners with Allah in worship, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin.”

[An-Nisaa’ 4: 48]

Shirk is something that wipes out all good deeds, as, the Glorified and the Exalted, said:

“And indeed it has been revealed to you (O Muhammad ), as it was to those (Allah's Messengers) before you: "If you join others in worship with Allah, (then) surely (all) your deeds will be in vain, and you will certainly be among the losers."” [Az-Zumar 39:65]

…

Even if the people who travel to the graves of these pious people were to stay there for centuries, a long time supplicating and asking the companions of these graves, they will never be able to benefit or harm them. The Glorified said:

“And who is more astray than one who calls (invokes) besides Allah, such as will not answer him till the Day of Resurrection, and who are (even) unaware of their calls (invocations) to them?” [al-Ahqaaf 46:5]

And,

“And those, whom you invoke or call upon instead of Him, own not even aQitmir (the thin membrane over the date-stone).” [al-Faatir 35: 13]

The deceased do not possess anything, they don’t even have possession of a thin membrane so how could they provide or benefit others?

So it is upon every single human being to direct all their acts of worship to Allaah Alone, the Glorified and the Exalted. Seeking Protection and all Aid from Him, Glorified to the One Who said:

“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.” [al-Baqarah 2:186]

Allaah, the Glorified and the Exalted, has Promised to Respond to those who Supplicate to Him and He is the One Who is al-Qawee, al-Qadeer (All-Able), al-‘Alee (the Most High, Honourbale, Powerful)[2], al-‘Alaa (The Most High)[3].

So how it is possible that one leaves the worship of a Lord that is Complete and Perfect in His Names and Attributes, to something that is created, deceased and decayed in their grave?

This is from the greatest forms of falsehood and strips the Lord of Lordship and entails bad thoughts to Allaah, the Honourable and the Glorified, because supplicating to other than Him implies that He is not Able to Help and Aid.

Contrary to this, if one was to direct their worship to Allaah Alone, Allaah will Provide for them everlasting happiness and tranquility, in the Dunyaa and the Akhirah.

“It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their belief with Zulm (wrong i.e. by worshipping others besides Allah), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided.” [al-A’raaf 6:82]

[Sharh Usool ath-Thalaatha, Tape 5, 25-30mins]

---

[1] Al-Qawee and al-Mateen both mean that Allaah is the Strong. However, al-Qawee means that Allaah is the Strong, none can overcome Him and none can reject His Decree or His Punishment. As for al-Mateen, this means Allaah is the Strong, fully able in His Actions that can never be overcome with tiredness. [See: Tafseer at-Tabaree (17/10-18), Tafseer Ibn Katheer (2/320), Sha’n ad-Du’aa by al-Khataabee (Pg. 77) and Sharh al-‘Aqeedah al-Waasitiyyah by Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (Pg. 167)]

[2] Ibn al-Qayyim said, “What the name al-‘Alee entails is that He is the High Above in all meanings. He is literally High Above (direction), all-High in Status (not debased), all-High in Power (Able and None can Reject His Command). Therefore, the one who rejects any of these implications of this name, has rejected belief in the name of Allaah, al-‘Alee.” [Madaarij as-Saalikeen (1/31)]

[3] Ibn Taymiyyah said, “al-‘Alaa means He is the Most High in direction.” [Adapted from Majmoo’ al-Fataawaa (16/72)]

Ruling on Wearing St. Georges Cross

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Question: Some people have recently differed on the ruling of a Muslim who wears a cross[1], a symbol which is exclusive to the Christians. Some of us say that that the one who wears it has committed an act of Kufr (disbelief) and others hold the opinion that it is not Kufr (disbelief) but admit that it is Haraam and not permissible. Another group hold the view that it can only be Kufr (disbelief) if one persists on wearing it[2].

Answer: To understand this matter in detail it is obligatory to know the ruling on wearing a cross, which is a symbol exclusive to the Christians. The one who wears the cross is like the one who is pleased with the beliefs of the Christians and as a result the one who wears it has committed an act of Kufr (disbelief). This is based on the statement of Allaah, the Glorified and the Exalted:

"O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as Auliya' (friends, protectors, helpers, etc.), they are but Auliya' to one another. And if any amongst you takes them as Auliya', then surely he is one of them. Verily, Allah guides not those people who are the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers and unjust)."

[al-Maaidah 5:51]

The meaning of Dhulm or wrong doer in the end of this Aayah refers to major Shirk.

Also, in wearing the cross, one shows that they agree with their ‘Aqeedah(beliefs), in believing the speculation they have about 'Esaa [Peace be Upon him] dying on the cross. Allaah, the Glorified and the Exalted, negated this false belief in His Noble Book when He, the Glorified and the Exalted, stated:

“…but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but the resemblance of 'Iesa (Jesus) was put over another man (and they killed that man), and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely; they killed him not [i.e. 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)]

[an-Nisaa 4:157]

And Allaah is the Source of all Strength. May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon Our Messenger, Muhammad and Upon his Family and Companions.

Permanent Committee of Senior Scholars for Research and Religious Rulings

Signed:

President: ‘Abdul-Azeez bin Abdullah bin Baaz

Vice President: 'Abdul-Razaaq ‘Afeefee

Member: 'Abdullah bin Ghudayaan

Member: 'Abdullah bin Qa’ood

[2/119 (Fatwaa No. 2245)]

---

[1] George was adopted as the patron saint of soldiers after he was said to have appeared to the Crusader army at the Battle of Antioch in 1098. Many similar stories were transmitted to the West by Crusaders who had heard them from Byzantine troops, and were circulated further by the troubadours. When Richard 1 was campaigning in Palestine in 1191-92 he put the army under the protection of St George (i.e. this man was a figurehead in mutilating Muslims and this is what the flag represents). Taken from http://www.britannia.com/history/stgeorge.html

[2] NOTE: Most football and sport clothes have Haraam images such as crosses and other symbols of Kufr. It may also be Haraam to wear because of the presence of an image of an animal (i.e. lions, roosters, alligators etc.) or the name of an immoral person.

Ruling on Wearing Sport Clothes with Images and Names of non-Muslim Players

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Question: What is the ruling on wearing sports clothes which have symbols that are exclusive to the Kuffaar, such as a shield which has symbols that are exclusive to Italy or Germany or America etc. or on clothing which have the names of sports players who are non-Muslim?

Answer: Wearing clothes which are worn by the Kuffaar can fall into one of three categories;

1)     Either the symbols on the clothing have signs or symbols which are exclusive to the religions of the Kuffaar, such as crosses and the likes; then this is not permissible for us to wear, import, buy or sell.

2)    If the symbols on the clothing have praise and honour for players that are Kuffaar, such as having their picture on them or if their name is written on an item of clothing and the likes, then this is also Haraam based on the reasons stated.

3)    If the clothing doesn’t have any symbols of praise or magnitude for the Kuffar then there is nothing wrong with wearing these.

And Allaah is the Source of all Strength. May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon Our Messenger, Muhammad and Upon his Family and Companions.

Permanent Committee of Senior Scholars for Research and Religious Rulings

Signed:

President: ‘Abdul-‘Azeez bin ‘Abdullah bin Baaz

Member: ‘Abdullah bin Ghudayaan

Member: Saaleh al-Fawzaan

Member: ‘Abdul-‘Azeez aal ash-Shaykh

Member: Bakr Aboo Zayd

[24/25 (Fatwa Number 16585)]

Shaykh Muhammad bin Saaleh al-‘Uthaymeen [May Allaah have Mercy on him] was asked:

Question: What is your view on the Muslim youth today who wear sports clothes with symbols that are specific to Kuffaar countries or they contain the name of Kuffaar players or these items of clothing may contain wording which show partisanship based on the club or country they support. What is strange is that these are from the habits of the Kuffaar which we have adopted. Benefit us, may Allaah aid you.

Answer: These aspects may fall under one clearly allying with the Kuffaar; moreover one who does these acts, meaning those who have honour or praise in their hearts for Kuffaar players, could have their Eemaan negated or at the very least, have their Eemaan decreased. What is obligatory for us as Muslims is to leave off wearing these types of clothes and not to buy or sell them. Allaah has made various different types of clothes permissible for us, so we should find solace in these. The reason being is that if we wear these types of clothes mentioned in the question, then this is a form of showing praise and honour to the Kuffaar. Our companions has stated that taking pictures of them, or honouring their names, or wearing their clothes are ways of us showing honour and praise towards them, something they wouldn’t do towards us.

Secondly, these sports teams have these kits as a way of taking our wealth and this is a huge mistake. If you look at the wardrobe of some people you will find their wardrobes full of sports clothes from the teams they support or the players they like, and this what our brothers have informed us occurs at the end of nearly every season. So the clothes we have should be sufficient for us and that which are compliant with our religion and in accordance with the guidance of our Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him].

[Liqaa’ Shahriyyah (2/Question 11)]

Shaykh Saaleh bin Fawzaan al-Fawzaan [May Allaah Preserve him] was asked:

Question: What is the ruling on those who wear the clothing of the Kuffaar and some of them have the names of Kuffaar players on them, however they do not intend to be like them or resemble them?

Answer: This is honouring and showing respect for the Kuffaar. As long as these clothes have the names of these Kuffaar players or a picture of them, then this is honouring them. Based on this, it is not permissible and at very least it is Haraam.  If honouring them or respecting them increases, then I fear that it could even lead to apostasy.

[Question and Answers after the Explanation of the book ‘Tatheer al-‘Itiqaad an Adraan al-Ilhaad’ (Tape 9)]

Ruling on Mocking and Depicting the Prophet(s) and the Impermissibility of Witnessing it

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The Prophets Came with Tawheed and a Message to Instil Fear of Allaah, not Entertainment.

Question: Did the Mushrikeen of Makkah have Shirk in the aspect of fear, despite them admitting and believing that Allaah controls the universe?

Answer: Having fear in something and believing something controls the universe is something else. The Mushrikoon used to fear their idols despite them admitting that they did not control the universe. So because of this, Allaah, the Most High, said;

“And if you (O Muhammad) ask them: ‘Who has created the heavens and the earth,’ they will certainly say: ‘Allah.’” [Luqman 31:25]

Despite this, they still feared their idols. There are many examples of stories from the times of the Prophets, like in Surah Mu’minoon, that the Mushrikoon used to fear punishment from their idols despite them knowing that the universe was controlled by Allaah Alone. Therefore, it is from the fear that is included in Shirk, to fear something that cannot harm you and that it does not control the universe.

[Taken from Questions asked to Shaykh Sa'd bin Naasir bin Abdul-Azeez ash-Shithree [May Allaah Preserve him] after explanation of Kitaab at-Tawheed, 14/05/1433 - 05/04/2012]

Depicting the Prophet(s) or Using Immoral Actors to Portray Them is a Mockery of One of the Pillars of al-Eemaan: Belief in the Prophets.

Question: Recently we have seen a huge number of mockery upon the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] via the means of films, newspapers, cartoons etc. What is the way we should deal with this?

Answer: It’s clear, we should reject and condemn these acts and explain the mistakes that people are spreading.

Question: What is the ruling on watching films or the like which portray the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] in a way?

Answer: This is not permissible, Allaah, the Most High, says:

“And it has already been revealed to you in the Book (this Qur'an) that when you hear the Verses of Allah being denied and mocked at, then sit not with them, until they engage in a talk other than that; (but if you stayed with them) certainly in that case you would be like them. Surely, Allah will collect the hypocrites and disbelievers all together in Hell.” [an-Nisaa 4:140]

So I say watching these things is Haraam and not necessary.

[Answered by Muftee ‘Abdul-‘Azeez bin Muhammad bin Ibraaheem aal ash-Shaykh [May Allaah Preserve him], Grand Muftee of Saudi Arabia and the Head of the Permanent Committee of Senior Scholars. Seerah Khulafaa Sayyid al-Mursaleen Conference, Prince Faisal bin Fahad Masjid, Riyadh: 6/11/1433 - 22/9/2012]

Question: What is the Islamic way of reacting to the depiction of the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] that we see in the west?

Answer: We should explain to them the Sunnah and challenge what they accuse him of that he is free of, and to refer back to the books and the scholars that have been discussing this. All of this needs sensitivity and the truth, and we should be careful not to transgress the rights of the people, as Allaah, the Most High, says:

“…and let not the hatred of some people in (once) stopping you from Al-Masjid-al-Haram (at Makkah) lead you to transgression (and hostility on your part).” [al-Maaidah 5:2]

This Aayah has a great lesson; that even if they were physically preventing us (entering al-Masjid al-Haraam) and we had no way of bringing about justice, then it still remains upon us to instil their rights and not transgress them (i.e. by being violent towards them).

[Answered by Shaykh Saaleh bin ‘Abdullah bin Humayd [May Allaah Preserve him], Royal Advisor to the King and Member of Committee of Senior Scholars. Seerah Khulafaa Sayyid al-Mursaleen Conference, Prince Faisal bin Fahad Masjid, Riyadh: 11/11/1433 - 28/9/2012]

Question: Movies that have been made impersonating The Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] have been made in a derogatory light and some movies are even being spread, not making fun out of him but to give a wrong impression of Islaam, what is your advice on this?      

Answer: We should help by spreading the authentic Seerah and we can use the media to do so, just as they do, so as long as it is not Haraam. So we need to spread the Seerah and show people how he lived, the Hikmah of Sharee’ah that he came with and to make people aware that these people are spreading lies. Mocking the Prophets [Peace be Upon them all] is nothing new, it’s the way of the people of the past and will continue to be their way until the Last Day.  

“Indeed (many) Messengers were mocked before you (O Muhammad), but the scoffers were surrounded by that, whereat they used to mock.” [al-Anbiyaa 21:41]

But Allaah, the Most High, has Protected The Prophets [Peace be Upon them all] and their mocking does not affect their status in the slightest.

“Truly! We will suffice you against the scoffers.” [al-Hijr 15:95]

So those who wish deceive the Muslims in leaving the Sunnah, his Seerah and his religion, then this is exactly what they want and have fear of. However, the Muslim must realise that the Kufr that they are already upon is far worse than mocking the religion.

Also, it is the Universal Sunnah of Allaah, the Most High, that those who try to ridicule the religion and prevent people from entering it,  Allaah actually causes it to increase those who enter the religion, the opposite of what they are trying to achieve.

“Verily, those who disbelieve spend their wealth to hinder (men) from the Path of Allah, and so will they continue to spend it; but in the end it will become an anguish for them. Then they will be overcomed. And those who disbelieve will be gathered unto Hell.” [al-Anfaal 8:36]

This is the Sunnah of Allaah but this is not the problem, they want to stop the religion from spreading and want the Muslims to leave their religion. So it is Waajib, not only for the ‘Ulema or the Dua’at, but on everyone to defend the religion.

[Taken from Points taken from the talk ‘How to Honour the Sunnah’ by Shaykh Sa’d bin Naasir ash-Shithree [May Allaah Preserve him]. Jaami’ Ameerah Mawdee bint Ahmad as-Sudayree: 9/4/1434 - 20/2/2013]

If God is So Merciful Why is There So Much Pain?

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Shaykh Muhammad bin Saaleeh al-'Uthaymeen [May Allaah have Mercy on him and Purify his soul] said:

Allaah, the Most High, said about the Kuffaar that when they will ask to leave the Hellfire, they will seek to supplicate to Allaah by His Lordship. They will recognizing their sin and mistake:

"Our Lord! Bring us out of this; if ever we return (to evil), then indeed we shall be Zalimun: (polytheists, oppressors, unjust, and wrong-doers, etc.)." [al-Mu'minoon 23: 107]

However, the Mercy of Allaah will not reach them, rather the Justice of Allaah will (T.N:  i.e. the universal Decree is connected to His Justice and Wisdom and not to the idea; 'If he was so Merciful then why…').

Allaah, the Glorified and the Exalted, said thereafter:

"He (Allah) will say: "Remain you in it with ignominy! And speak you not to Me!"" [al-Mu'minoon 23: 108].

[Taken from Majmoo' al-Fataawaa (8/28)]

He also said:

"And among His Signs is that the heaven and the earth stand by His Command, then afterwards when He will call you by single call, behold, you will come out from the earth (i.e from your graves for reckoning and recompense)." [ar-Room 30: 25]

This shows the universal Decree of Allaah, because when He Orders He Does it with Wisdom, Mercy, Justice and Goodness (T.N:  i.e. universal Decree is not dependent on Mercy alone).

"And if the truth had been in accordance with their desires, verily, the heavens and the earth, and whosoever is therein would have been corrupted! Nay, We have brought them their reminder, but they turn away from their reminder." [al-Mu'minoon 23: 71].

So had the universal Decree been dictated by the desires of people (TN: i.e. likewise the doubts they raise like this one) then the Heavens and the Earths would have been corrupted. This is the complete opposite of the objective of the universal Decree of Allaah.

So the Heavens and the Earths is upheld by the universal Decree of Allaah and had the truth (that Allaah Decrees with) been defined by the desires of the creation then the Heavens and the Earths, and everything within them, would have been despoiled.

[Taken from Majmoo' al-Fataawaa (8/458)]

Fath al-Majeed: Chapter: What has Come about Seeking Rain through the Constellation or the Stars

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It says in Kitaab at-Tawheed by al-Allaamah Shaykh al-Islaam Muhammad ibn ‘Abdul-Wahaab [May Allaah have Mercy on him and purify his soul]:

Title: What has Come about Seeking Rain through the Constellation or the Stars

On the authority of Zayd ibn Khaalid al-Juhanee [May Allaah be Pleased with him] who said: “The Messenger of Allaah [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] led us in praying Fajr at al-Hudaybiyah, following rainfall during the night. When he had finished praying, he turned to the people and said, ‘Do you know what your Lord has said?’ They said, ‘Allaah and His Messenger know best.’ He said, ‘This morning one of My slaves became a believer in Me and one became a disbeliever. As for the one who said, “We have been given rain by virtue of Allaah and His mercy,” he is a believer in Me and a disbeliever in the stars. But as for the one who said, “We have been given rain by such and such a star,” he is a disbeliever in Me and a believer in the stars.’” So the one who attributes rain to the stars is saying that the stars caused the rain.

[Narrated by al-Bukhaaree (801) and Muslim (104)]

It says in Fath al-Majeed by Shaykh ‘Abdur-Rahmaan bin Hasan aal ash-Shaykh [May Allaah have Mercy on him] in explanation:

If a person believers that the rain comes from a certain star or constellation (and they have the ability to make it rain and not Allaah), then this is disbelief or Shirk in the Lordship of Allaah. This person is a Mushrik and a Kaafir. However, if one doesn’t believe that the rain came from a star or a constellation (but believes that the rain comes from Allaah but the star or the constellation is the cause), then this person is not a disbeliever or a Mushrik but has fallen into minor Shirk (a very severe and major sin). This is because this person attributes rain to the stars or the constellation as being a cause but maintains that the One Who Controls the rain is Allaah, therefore it rains from His Mercy and Bounty.

This Hadeeth is proof that it is not permissible to attribute whatever is solely for Allaah to other than Allaah, even if one is using it as a metaphor. It is not permissible to attribute cause to other than Allaah for these act nor is it permissible to seek protection in them (because this solely for Allaah Alone as well).

Once one realizes that attributing rain to other than Allaah is false then one must also belie the one who predicts rain, because rain may come or it may not as this person is merely making a prediction. However it is Allaah Who is the Cause of bringing the rain at a particular time. It comes with the Will of Allaah, by His Mercy, Wisdom and Bounty. So whoever believes that there is a cause other than Allaah, then this is false and corrupt.

As a result, even mere wording which may dictate such a meaning is not permissible to use.

Those who say that it rained from the Mercy and the Wisdom of Allaah and His Bounty, then this person is affirming (Tawheed via) some of the Attributes of Allaah.

Ahl as-Sunnah affirm that Allaah has Names and Attributes and whatever He Affirms for Himself or His Messenger, must be affirmed and attributed to His Essence. For example, He is Alive, He is all-Knowing, He does Actions and has Attributes. For Example, He has the name ar-Rahmaan (the all-Merciful and Compassionate) and He Acts by being Merciful. All of what can be affirmed for Him returns to His Essence and it is not permissible to say that the Mercy of Allaah is separate to Him, for example. This is how the groups of deviation deviated.

Also in this Hadeeth there is proof that the Favours of Allaah must be attributed to Allaah Alone and not to any other than Him. Therefore, He is the Only One that must be Praised (by saying al-Humdulillah we are praising Him in giving thanks).  This is the situation of those who have at-Tawheed. Because of this, some of the scholars even forbade using mere wording which could be interpreted that the speaker is attributing favours to other than Allaah, this is in order to prevent all vices that lead to Kufr (disbelief/ingratitude). Allaah, the Most High, says:

“They recognise the Grace of Allah, yet they deny it (by worshipping others besides Allah) and most of them are disbelievers (deny the Prophethood of Muhammad  ).” [an-Nahl 16:83]

Imaam al-Qurtubee [May Allaah have Mercy on him] explained the Hadeeth and he said:

The pre-Islaamic Arabs used to believe that if a particular star rose from the east and a separate star had set in the west, this would mean that the rain and wind was about to come. So some of them attributed the rain and wind (being provided by the) the stars, whilst others attributed rain and wind to the eastern and western directions. This is what is being addressed in the Hadeeth. So the Sharee’ah has prohibited using such wording so that it doesn’t settle in the beliefs of a person. End quote.

The fact that they used to attribute the rain or the wind to directions or aspects of the creation, seems to suggest that they didn’t actually believe that the creation had the power to make it rain, as Allaah the Most High, says;

“If you were to ask them: "Who sends down water (rain) from the sky, and gives life therewith to the earth after its death?" They will surely reply: "Allah." Say: "All the praises and thanks be to Allah!" Nay! Most of them have no sense.” [al-Ankaboot 29:63]

So this Aayah is proof that they didn’t deny the fact that Allaah Alone had the power to make it rain, however their false beliefs in which they were rebuked for was that they believed that the creation (such as stars and constellation) were the cause of the rain. This is what al-Qurtubee explained above.

Ibn ‘Abbaas [May Allaah be Pleased with him] said about the Aayaat:

“75. So I swear by Mawaqi (setting or the mansions, etc.) of the stars (they traverse).

76. And verily, that is indeed a great oath, if you but know.

77. That (this) is indeed an honourable recital (the Noble Qur'an).

78. In a Book well-guarded (with Allah in the heaven i.e. Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz).

79. Which (that Book with Allah) none can touch but the purified (i.e. the angels).

80. A Revelation (this Qur'an) from the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists).

81. Is it such a talk (this Qur'an) that you (disbelievers) deny?

82. And instead (of thanking Allah) for the provision He gives you, on the contrary, you deny Him (by disbelief)!” [al-Waaqi’ah 56:75-82]

That some people believed that the rain came because of such and such a star, and that it sets in the west. So these Aayaat were revealed because it rained and some people were saying such things, so the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Some people have become thankful and others ungrateful. Those who are grateful said, ‘It has rained by the Mercy and Bounty of Allaah’ whilst those who were ungrateful said, ‘such and such star has fallen in the west’.”