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Ask the Scholar (General Fatwa Session)

Sheikh Ahmad Kutty
19 September, 2020

Dear Brothers/Sisters,

Thank you very much for joining us in this Fatwa session. We would like also to thank our guest, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, for answering the questions directed to him. You will find the answers of your questions below.

Saturday, Sep. 19, 2020 | 13:00 - 15:00 GMT

Session is over.
DISCLAIMER
Views expressed by hosts/guests on this program (live dialogue, Facebook sessions, etc.) are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.  

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Q:

Asalamu alaikum warrahmatullahi wabarakatuhu.

All praises to Allah swt and peace and blessings be upon prophet Muhammad saw.

Respected mufti

My question has two parts both regarding about salah.

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As far as ist part is concerned i want to know about the rulings on missing rakahs of congregation. Suppose i came late to masjid and imam had already started and it was 2nd or 3rd rakah when i joined. What am i supposed to do. Should i consider it as my ist rakah or 2nd or 3rd rakah and in both cases what about secondary surahs of first two rakahs. Please clear my confusion.

Now moving to second part respected mufti what am supposed to do if a person walks before me while i am praying. Am i supposed to stop him by one hand or let him go.

    Thanking you. May Almighty Allah bless you in this world and hereafter.

Asalamu alaikum

A:

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

If you joined the congregational prayer in the 2nd Rak’ ah with the imam, you should consider that as your first Rak’ ah, and after doing another one, you need to sit for the middle Tashahhud if you are praying Zhuhr, Asr, Magrib or Isha. You may read a surah; you may also skip the surah and read Al-Fathiah only. If you joined in the second Rak’ ah, then also you need to do a middle Tashahhud after doing another Rak’ ah.

If a person walks before you, you should stop him. But do so gently and not engaging in a physical fight with him.

However, you need to indicate your own prayer space. The best way to do it is to place your Musalla so that the people can choose to walk outside the boundary of your prayer space. If you did not carry your Musalla and are prying alone, try to place something like a demarcation; in the mosque. Carpets with lines can also constitute proper demarcations.

Almighty Allah knows best.

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Q:

Assalamualaikum Wa rahmatullahi Wa barakatuhu

I read a hadeeth:It is proven in Saheeh Muslim and elsewhere from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are two types of the people of Hell whom I have not seen: men with whips like the tails of cattle with which they strike the people, and women who are clothed but naked, walking with an enticing gait, with something like the humps of camels on their heads. They will not enter Paradise nor even smell its fragrance, and its fragrance can be smelled from such and such a distance.”

Whoever claims that this hadeeth is not saheeh and that what it mentions of the severe punishment is not true is ignorant and has gone astray from the path of sharee’ah, and he deserves a punishment that will deter him and other ignorant people like him who object to the saheeh ahaadeeth that are soundly narrated from the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).

(Source:Islamqa)

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I follow hanafi madhab although islamqa is a website based on the principles of imam shafi but its useful as it states the evidence from hadeeth of prophet muhammad (ﷺ)and Quran.

In the hadeeth it is mentioned:and women who are clothed but naked.

As much as I know women who wear tight and transparent clothes,clothes showing the shape of their body and clothes not covering them properly like short dresses etc are included in this.

But what about those who wear lose trousers?Are they also included?

And if yes then I just have trousers at my home and only one skirt (that I can’t wear at home) and no abayya or burqa.

So because of my problem am I also included?

And I tried to find some winter skirts online but was unable to fimd any maxi(long) skirt.And I also told my mama but she has not bought it for me right now but inshallah she definitely will.but till then  is it a sin on me?And will I never enter paradise?

Please answer fast.

JAZAK ALLAH

A:

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

The tradition you mentioned above is intended to warn against two of the most heinous sins:

1- People in power using their power to oppress and persecute people

2- Women who flaunt their beauty and wear clothes that reveal and invite the opposite’s attention, thus engendering lustful thoughts in their minds.

The purpose is to warn us against such sins. It does not mean they will dwell forever in hell, or they will never enter paradise. Their judgment is with Allah; He may punish them or forgive them as His will is Supreme.

So, I would advise you to do your best to wear modest attire; you can use any loose dress and covers appropriately. It is always essential for you to ask yourself: am I through my clothing, calling people to myself and objectifying me or treat me like a person with modesty and dignity.

The choice is yours. As a person of conscience, I am sure you would choose people not to look at you lustfully.

Almighty Allah knows best.

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Q:

Assalamu waleikum… Am a 36 years old married male from India. I want to know whether writing story for a movie or directing a movie is halal, where i ensure that that movie is completely free from obscence scenes and dialigues, no songs, no intimacy between characters, etc. , a movie fully watchable by family. Kindly clarify in detail as am in planning to chose script writing or direction as my career further for such films.

A:

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

In so far as a movie is clear and free from obscene scenes and carries a message that is ethical and moral, it cannot be considered as haram. Nay, it may even be one of the most beneficial tools for education.

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So, you should have no inhibitions once you are satisfied that your work provides an essential service.

Almighty Allah knows best.

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Q:

Assalamualaikum.. i bought some cloths the seller give me the bag which contain printing on it like ” we sell “ namaj “product…or like Muhammad nagar ali nagar …or anything Islamic name written on it sometimes in news papers or cards calendars i hv fear that if feet touches those things or anything else i will be gunhegar ….pls elaborate this little things or am i overthinking ?

A:

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

It is best to stop buying or wearing such clothes if they amount to dishonoring the sacred symbols of Islam: that would be the case if they distort the names of Allah and His Prophet or other symbols of Islam.

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Allah tells us in the Quran, “Whoever honors the symbols of Allah, they are doing so out of the piety inherent in their hearts.”  (Al-Hajj 22:32)

Almighty Allah knows best.

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Q:

I want to know if the sunnis can perform ziarat e ashoor prayer which is common in shia sect

A:

That is an innovation that we should not participate in it. However, we also affirm that Husayn was a martyr who fought against an oppressive and unjust rule. What was done to him and the Prophet’s family can never be acceptable or befitting even an ordinary Muslim with the least love for the Prophet and his family. Let us never forget that the Prophet’s family’s love is an integral part of the Islamic doctrine. We read in our daily prayers Slawaat on the Prophet and his family. So, how could anyone befriend those who murdered Husayn and his family? Imam Ahmad was asked, “Do you allow people to say Tardhiya for Yazid?” he said, “How can any Muslim do that when we know what he did to the Prophet’s family?” We also repeat the words of Imam Shafi, who was  accused of being a Shiah for expressing his love for the family of the Prophet: “If my love for the family of Prophet Muhammad makes me a Shia, then let the whole world know that I am one of them.”

He meant to say that cherishing love for the Prophet and his family is an integral of Islamic doctrine and practice. However, while doing so, we ought to keep away from innovations, for innovation is condemned by the Prophet (peace be upon him) as he said, “Whoever innovates a practice in this religion, it must be rejected.” (Reported by Abu Dawud)

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Almighty Allah knows best.

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Q:

Shaykh i have a question about azan that how many pauses should we take for breathing in and out in azan. Sunnah way of giving azan

A:

The Prophet is reported to have said, “when you call adhan, do so with a slow pace; however, while saying the iqamah do so quickly.”  (Abu Dawud)

When the pious caliph Umar asked the Mu’adhin to call adhan in Bayt al-Maqdis, he instructed him: “Make sure to call Adhan a slow pace, but when you say the iqamah do so with a fast pace.”

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Besides the above, a Mu’adhin should be chosen for his musical voice, and that the adhan should be said melodiously. These are the most important rules for the adhan. There is no need for us to make it more rigid.

Finally, let me say: If you wish to master the art of adhan, you should learn it from a trained Mu’adhin. If you cannot find one, you can listen to the adhan recordings from the Haram of Makkah or Madinah or any other reputable mosques.

Almighty Allah knows best.

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Q:

salum alikumi am a programmer and recently i got a client that wants me to build a software that recognized  some package labels and then so he can save them to the inventory, but those packages are of malt and other ingredients that later will be used to make alcohol is it a sin a for me to create such software or will the money i receive be haram (note: i will only receive the money for making the software not from  the selling of alcohol)

A:

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

You are best advised to look for another work, for as a conscientious Muslim, you cannot help promote or condone alcohol consumption, which is the enemy number one of humankind.

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A Muslim should be careful about how his work makes a difference in the world. You should ask: What kind of a legacy I will be leaving behind in this world. Did my work contribute towards making this world a better place, or did you instead contribute to making it worse?

Almighty Allah knows best.

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Q:

ASSALAMUALAIKUM,

I have friends who are disbelievers and they're acts are also like the disbelievers such as they urinate at oublic places while standing up and they do not clean themselves after that. so as a muslim should i maintain extreme distance or something else. Please give some advice/tips because i get disturbed by this all the time. And also tell me how can i maintain distance with them in a friendly way.

A:

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

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If you are disgusted with their filthy habits, you should leave them and look for better friends. A friend can influence his or her friend: for good or worse. Therefore, the Prophet advised us to choose our friends for their excellent character and avoid bad company.

Almighty Allah knows best.

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Q:

Asalaam Aleikum Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I am Muslim and I married a lady who was Christian but she accepted to convert to Islam, her mother (my mother inlaw) before she got married she was Muslim but she became a Christian because of her husband is Christian.

The question is: According to Quran or hadiths, am  I allowed to give any help to the mother inlaw? I’m scared because she’s Murtad ( she left faith of Islam).

Shukran!

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A:

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

You should be good to her in worldly matters while not complying with her demands if they are contrary to the teachings of Islam.

That is what we learn from the following verse in the Quran:

“We have commanded people to be good to their parents: their mothers carried them, with strain upon strain, and it takes two years to wean them. Give thanks to Me and to your parents- all will return to Me If they strive to make you associate with Me anything about which you have no knowledge, then do not obey them. Yet keep their company in this life according to what is right, and follow the path of those who turn to Me. You will all return to Me in the end, and I will tell you everything that you have done.” (Luqman 31: 14-15)

Almighty Allah knows best.

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Q:

When a Husband dies who is responsible for the wife? (young newly wed couple) Will it be the groom’s side of the family or bride’s side of the family? who will get her remarried and when can she remarry?

A:

When a husband dies, his widow should observe iddah or waiting period of four months and ten days. During which time she should be looked after by the groom’s family; once the period has expired, she should be moving to her family; it is their responsibility to support her and help her to get married.

Almighty Allah knows best.

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Q:

If a Christian has worshipped Isa As (peace be upon him) for most of his life and then one day he learned the truth of Islam and decided to repent but on his way to the Mosque for spiritual guidance he tragically passed away. Would Allah SWT still forgive him?

A:

Such a person is left to the judgment of Allah; so, let us not speculate on such matters. Allah’s knowledge and wisdom are ultimate. He judges each person based on his intimate knowledge of his actions and intentions.

I would cite the Prophet Jesus’s response: When asked about whether he told his followers to worship. Jesus denied making any such claim, and he affirmed the following:

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“I told them only what You commanded me to: “Worship God, my Lord, and your Lord.” I was a witness over them during my time among them. Ever since You took my soul, You alone have been the watcher over them: You are witness to all things, and if You punish them, they are Your servants; if You forgive them, You are the Almighty, the Wise.” (Al-Ma’idah 5: 117-118)

There is also another story the Prophet told us: It is about a man who killed a hundred persons and finally felt remorse over his actions; a scholar advised him that the only way he can redeem himself is by shunning the realm of evil he was living and go and live among a group of worshippers in another city; however, before reaching the town, he died; there was a debate among the two groups of angels, the angels of mercy and the angels of wrath, as to who should carry his soul. Allah settled the dispute that the angels of mercy should receive the soul as he was closer to the city.

Almighty Allah knows best.

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Q:

I read in Quran with a long list of people that they are the inherent of jannathul firdhaus

While I was studying abroad my friends gave me a glass to drink with some sort of wine in it as I took a gulp I felt burning in my throat and realized that it was alchohol I on the spot gave the glass back to my friend , can I still get the wine from jannah? 

Other question is I have erred in some areas that’s listed in the Ayath , but I have repented and never done that again can I get to jannathul firdhaus….

A:

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You don’t need to worry about this sin you have committed through ignorance since you have repented. Allah does not take us to task for the sins we have repented. Even in the case of those who have committed some of the most grievous sins such as murder, adultery, etc. Allah says, He will forgive them once they turn to Him in sincere repentance and turn their misdeeds into good deeds:

“Those who never invoke any other deity besides God, nor take a life, which God has made sacred, except in the pursuit of justice, nor commit adultery. (Whoever does these things will face the penalties those who never invoke any other deity besides God, nor take a life, which God has made sacred, except in the pursuit of justice, nor commit adultery. (Whoever does these things will face the penalties except those who repent, believe, and do good deeds: God will change the evil deeds of such people into good ones. He is most forgiving, most merciful.” (Al-Furqan 25: 68-70)

So, I would urge you not to worry about this issue; you should instead focus on how to get into heaven; we can never take it for granted; we need to work for it until we breathe our last.

Almighty Allah knows best.

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Q:

I know this may be a stupid question to ask, but Islam says that we should not endanger ourselves and take care of our body. Therefore doesn’t that mean that being a firefighter places one selves to endangerment by the burning fire, collapsing building, rubble, heavy smoke, choking etc. Does that also not mean it counts as passive suicide since they already know they are placing themselves in danger? Here is a link to passive suicide explanation.

So is being a firefighter permissible or not? If a firefighter was killed in action, does it count as a martyr or passive suicide?

I have been searching up on google, islamqa and other sites but I have not found any fatwas regarding this. If someone has a say/answer or could also ask this questions on scholars/fatwa websites it will be much appreciated thanks

A:

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Fire fighting is an essential service; it helps save lives and protect houses and properties. Saving lives and protecting properties are fundamental objectives of the Shariah, so there is no doubt it falls under the category of fard Kifayah or collective or community obligations. Fard Kifayah, as defined by scholars, is an essential duty, so every community should have persons who are trained in it and are ready to respond in case of an emergency or need.

So, if you feel you could get the training to serve in this capacity, it would be a great service. It is not different from any other services such as policing, serving in the army or health personnel who are trained to treat those with infectious diseases, etc. Their services may often lead to encounters or situations endangering their own lives; that does not render it as Haram.  How can it be when we know that no community can dispense with such vital services. That is the reason Islam considers them as collective obligations. If the community neglects it, all of the members will be guilty in the sight of Allah.

The concern you have does not apply here: that would be the case only if you jump into the fire by risking your life. Firefighters are trained to take all the necessary safeguards to save themselves and others while doing their job.

Almighty Allah knows best.

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Q:

asalam alaikum my question is that I love my cousin from childhood. and it was my dream to marry him when i grow up as  my love for him increased and when i ask my parents for marriage they gave me reason that you could not marry him because we have adopted you from his parents. i cant stay without him now. Allah has given every solution to every problem. i can do anything to get him. is there any way that this could be possible i can give any qurbani please help  me.?

A:

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

If your guardians oppose this marriage, you may do well to end romanticizing your love for this boy. They would know better. They may be opposed to it because, in their best judgment, he is not compatible with you.

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Often, we may idolize someone and later realize how mistaken we were.

So, my advice to you is to seek counseling; you may speak to your family physician, who may refer you to a specialist who should help you overcome this infatuation.

You should do this while praying unceasingly to Allah to guide your heart to guide you to choose what is right for you in this world and the next and turn you away from that which is not suitable for you.

You should perform Salatul Istikharah.

For details, you may refer to the answer linked below:

Istikharah Prayer: Rules and Signs of Response

Almighty Allah knows best.

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Q:

Salam alykom,

I have been designing for a long time now . My designs are drama actors , I draw them without faces. They act in dramas of romance , that don’t include mature content or violence, just mystery. The designs I sell them in forms of shirts , phone covered , etc… then yesterday I got an order from a customer to do a customized order , the order included drawing a portrait of a singer without the face. I was little bit worried since I don’t like supporting singers due to the fact she might idolize it , but In the process of designing it was none of my intention for her to idolize . After all it’s not me and I am not making her like the singer more . The singer I suppose she’s not halal since there’s instruments . I don’t know what to do with everything I’m in a pit of full confusion . The more I dig in, the more I get confused about these things , please help.

A:

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

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Although designing drama actors in itself cannot be deemed haram as long as they are used to impart education and knowledge while observing the strict rules of Islamic ethics. Islam is all for art as long as it serves an ethically sound purpose, intended to raise society’s moral standard.

So, once you are confident that your work serves this purpose and does not contribute to spread vices and corruption, you need not worry.

If, however, your conscience bothers you, then you should not continue with this profession. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Piety is that which bestows peace and serenity on your heart, and vice is that which causes agitation and anxiety; and he continued, “Consult your conscience, even if the muftis give you another advice.” (Reported by Ahmad and others)

Almighty Allah knows best.

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Q:

Assalamualaikum ,

Alhamdulillah I came across your YouTube videos regarding the martial issues. I need your help. I would truly appreciate if you could please give me your valuable time in listening to my current situation with my husband.

I got married in 2010, I met my husband online we spoke for 6months later I convinced him in marrying me because at that time my parents were trying to get me married so I thought I already knew my husband and it would be a good idea. It took a while for me to convince my parents since he lived in Pakistan and I was in Canada. After a long struggle we finally got married. I always noticed this disconnection with my husband no matter how hard I try to be closer to him he was very distant. After our Nikhah I stayed in Pakistan for 3 months. My husband always ignored me and use to spend most of his time on the computer or out with his friends. His family treated me well and his mom use to notice his behavior with me. When I confronted him he would compare me to his sister in law. Saying things like I was demanding a lot. Since I loved my husband I tolerated and looked over the bad treatment . I gave him time and space so he could get to know me . Just to give you a background his father passed away when he was only 14years of age . His mother worked and got busy earning for the family while the elder daughter took care of the young siblings including my husband. After he arrived to Canada. His behavior with me was even worse he would snap on me randomly. His lieing had increased. Whenever I called him from work he told me he was busy and I should speak to him when I return home. When I was home he would spend all his time on the computer. He only came closer to me for full filling his needs and desires. There was no communication whatsoever whenever I forced the conversation it was like talking to a wall. Often time I would go to my parents house but my husband never called me or insisted on coming back. At the time of my pregnancy I always felt alone I made notice of the situation to his elder sister. Nothing helped. Now I started seeing him talking to girls online. He told me to mind my own business. After giving birth to my son. I stayed alone in the hospital. Later I was excited to return home but my husband made sure I stay at my mom’s house for sometime. After I week I forced myself and asked my husband to bring me and new born home. He was still hesitant. After my return I found a lot if inappropriate movies on his laptop I confronted him that this was the reason why you didn’t want me coming back. I have spend 10years of my life living with him like this I have gotten families involved. He made me look like a lair in front of everyone. He told everyone I am not a good mother.  He only spoke to me asking about food or for filling his desire. I have had several panic attacks and suicidal thoughts. I started making myself a practicing Muslim to escape such thoughts. To make this story short I will mention the major events where he was never there for me.

• Last days of my pregnancy he fought with me so ended up at my parents and went tobthw hospital from there.

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• At the time when my dad had cancer he was going through 6 hrs surgery, my husband had no concern or even try to find out about my father’s condition.

• Recently there was a hail storm in our city my husband was home. He was making the storm video yet I was running to save my son and calling his name. Our house windows glass broke.

Now we live separately in the same house I am still bothered by the entire situation. My husband lives in the basement and has his computer there because he works fro. Home because of lockdown. He stays up entire night being his computer sleeps until 2pm starts works from home at 3pm. I am bothered by such routine of his because my son waits to spend time with him. He only provides for me and has never restricted to buy anything

Please guide me JazakhAllah khairan for taking your time in reading my long email.

A:

You are advised to consult the counselor on this site.

Having said this, I wish to add:

I empathize with your situation; if what you allege your husband is true, he is definitely abusing you. Unless he changes his behavior and treats you compassionately and honorably, he exposes himself to Allah’s wrath; he should remember that he cannot get away from Allah’s judgment.

If he continues this abusive behavior, Islam allows you to seek a divorce from him. That is the last resort to end an abusive relationship.

You should turn to Allah through dhikr and prayer; He will bring peace to your heart and guide you to choose the best course of action.

I pray to Allah to grant you relief and help you find an amicable solution.

Almighty Allah knows best.

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Q:

What is the Islamic ruling about men & women who are judgemental towards others?  

A:

Islam teaches us that we should serve as mirrors unto one another. The function of the mirror is to help improve ourselves. We should not get upset with the mirror if it allows us to spot the filth or dust on our faces. Therefore, since we must love our brother like ourselves, we ought to gently remind him of his mistakes with the sincere intention of correcting him. However, we must never place ourselves in the position of judges to judge people. We must leave that judgment to Allah. 

The Prophet once told the story of a self-righteous person who, on seeing a sinner, cursed him and said that he would never go to heaven.  Allah became angry with him and said, “Who are you to judge him?  I have rendered invalid all of your good deeds!”

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The lesson here is clear: Self-righteousness and looking down on others -even if they are sinners- is a heinous sin in Islam. By doing that, we are arrogating to ourselves the exclusive power of Allah. Allah alone is the Judge in all matters.

Almighty Allah knows best.

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Q:

Al Salam Alkium,

I am a new muslim

I saw the following which some say that the Prophet (saw) said it, “By the One in Whose hand is my soul, if a man were covered from head to foot with weeping sores oozing pus, and his wife were to come to him and lick his sores, this would not fulfil the rights he has over her”. Is this true or fabricated?

Because the wording makes me very uncomfortable.

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Is something like that considered as shahih or a made up one?

Regards,

Fiona

A:

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

No Muslim should consider such statements as coming from the Prophet of mercy; it is at once opposed to common sense, rationality, and the principles of the Quran and Sunnah.

These are the type of traditions we need to purge from our sources; men have been invented as tools to dominate women, reducing them to the status of slaves serving egotistic men.

Islam considers men and women as equal partners in marriage; so, they should act altruistically and ought to care for each other; so even as a wife has to care for her husband, it is the duty of a husband to care for his wife the same way. That is the purpose of marriage as we are taught in the Qur’an:

“Among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves for  you to attain relate to them in peace and He implanted in your hearts love, and mercy; verily, in these are signs for people who reflect.” (Qur’an:30: 21).

I pray to Allah to help us understand Islam’s beauty, as reflected in the authentic sources.

Almighty Allah knows best.

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Q:

AOA, I have a question. I am a muslim and a vegan because of the cruelty associated with the meat industry. In meat and dairy industry, cows are artifically insemnated, chickens are debeaked and daily injected with antibiotics and hormones. They are tourtured. This treatment is far from the definition of halal. As per I know, halal is not only a specie of an animal but also a way of raising animals. Now a days, animals are not raised in a halal manner. As a vegan, is it permissible to donate money on eid instead of animal sacrifice? A friend of mine sent me these ahadith and told me that its permissible but I still wanted to confirm because I don’t want to displease Allah. These are the ahadith she sent to me:

Fat’h al-Bāri adapted from ‘Selections from Fath al-Bāri by Ibn Hajar al-Asqalānī’ translated by Tim Winters.It is authentically reported in the sunan of Bayhaqī that Hudhayfa bin Usayd said :

I saw Abū Bakr and Umar would not perform Udhīyah (sacrifice) disliking that they’d be followed (by people in this tradition).

It is also authentically reported in another tradition, that Abū Masūd al-Ansarī said :

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I abstain from offering Udhīyah even though I am able to offer it, fearing that my neighbor would think that it is incumbent upon me.

How Ibn Abbās used to perform his Udhiyah:

It is authentically reported in Sunan al Bayhaqī:

Ikrima narrated that if Ibn Abbas were to observe Udhīyah, he would give two Dirhams to his slave and say : buy meat out of it, and inform the people that this is the sacrifice (udhiya) of Ibn Abbas.

The Tabi’ī Imam, Faqih Sa’īd bin al-Musayab and Imam Shā’bi that they both have said :

As spending by three Dirhams in charity, is more dearer to us than to sacrifice (udhīyah).

(al-Muhalla)

It is authentically proven from Bilāl that he said :

I wouldn’t care if I slaughter a cock, as because spending that cost to an orphan or a poor, is more dearer to me than to offer udhiyah (sacrifice).

 (Musannaf Abd al-Razzāq, the Sanad has been classified as “Sahih” by Allama Abu al-Hasan al-Sulaymanī and Sh Mash’hūr Hasan)

From contemporary Ulema, Shaykh Salih al-Uthaymin issued a fatwa that it is better to give charity to your close relative who is in debt than to offer sacrifice.

And Shaykh Ibn Baz also said that it is permissible to pay the price of udhiyah in charity.

Qurra ibn Iyas reported: A man said, “O Messenger of Allah, I would have slaughtered a sheep but I had mercy on it.” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “If you had mercy on the sheep, then Allah will have mercy on you twice.”

Source: al-Adab al-Mufrad 368

Now my question is that is it permissible to donate money instead of animal sacrifice or not? May Allah bless you (Ameen)

A:

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

Offering sacrifice is not an obligatory ritual; it is only a recommended one. So, we are not obligated to observe the ritual year after year. That is the lesson both the pious Caliphs, Abu Bakr, and Umar wanted to impart. Furthermore, as we learn from the Companions, they were in the habit of offering a single sacrifice on behalf of the entire family. So he said it has now been degraded to an occasion for people for competition leading to abuse of animals.

Animal sacrifice is recommended because eating meat is often the only way for people in many parts of the world to get the essential protein. Since Allah prescribed it, who knows best what is good for us, we must never to the other extreme of banning the sacrifice or stop it altogether. What is needed is to observe it by complying with the most rigorous conditions to stop all forms of cruelty, torture, and abuse of animals. We must do so most compassionately as the Prophet ordered us: “Allah has ordained compassion and benevolence in all the acts we perform: so, if you were to kill (an animal for food) do so most benevolently; Sharpen the knife and bring ease to the animal, sparing the maximum pain.” (Reported by Muslim)

Since sacrifice is not obligatory, a person can choose not to do it and give charity money. However, it will not be reckoned as a sacrifice. Nevertheless,  he will be rewarded for charity. And he may even get greater rewards if he gives it for saving the life of an individual, etc.

I can very well understand the concerns you have raised. Those are critical issues for Muslims to address. Unfortunately, we have become obsessed with minor matters, neglecting such vital areas of ethics, which constitutes the heart and soul of the Shari̔a. Islam is opposed to all forms of cruelty and torture of animals; that is why they have strict rules against all such practices that amount to torture. Islam goes as far as rendering any animal that has been subjected to torture as unfit and unlawful for us to consume.

Furthermore, Islam does not allow the cruel and inhuman ways of breeding and raising animals as practiced in many countries. So, Muslims ought to take the initiative to push for implementing such beautiful teachings of Islam.

Almighty Allah knows best.

N



Q:

Women face sexual dysfunction  after childbirth like low libido due to hormonal change during breast feeding & sexual pain due to genital wound due to child birth & also hormonal change. These things affect her conjugal life & sexual pleasure. To treat her case there will be need of exposing her awrah. I am confused whether it will be considered as necessity or not according to Islamic teachings . Please kindly clarify

A:

A woman (like a man) is allowed to expose her awrah for treatment purposes- provided she takes all the necessary safeguards to safeguard her honor and dignity. If she could choose, she should insist on getting a female physician to treat such conditions.

If a female physician is not available, she should insist on avoiding isolation. I assume that medical ethics may have rules or guidelines to ensure the safety of female patients.

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Having said this, I should add: According to the rules of jurisprudence, standard practices are waived in extreme circumstances.  Medical treatments, undoubtedly, fall in this category.

Almighty Allah knows best.

N



Q:

A.O.A

I’d be really grateful if my question is forwarded Sheikh Ahmed Kutty please since I believe they can address this issue better.

This question may be long because I want to relieve myself of all doubts regarding the issue of music because I am really stressed regarding this issue.I don’t listen to songs/music a lot but some scholars labelled it haram and it’s really worrisome for me because I can’t avoid it even if I want to.There’s music on television even if you use it to watch the news,there’s music in ads,there’s music in background on videos whether educational or be any video so I’m really stressed.Should I stop watching t.v?  Should I stop using social media because in literally every video there is music.

I researched a lot and want to clear my confusion on the evidence provided by both sides-those who say it’s allowed and those who say it’s not.

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I know music that is vulgar or goes against the guidelines of Islam is without doubt haram but what about good music and music that is in background of videos.

The most famous evidence provided by those who are against music quote the hadith in Bukhari “”From among my followers there will be some people who will consider illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk, the drinking of alcoholic drinks and the use of musical instruments, as lawful”

I found out that this hadith is mualliq.Bukhari himself did not include it in his Sahih collection and only used it against khamr and  that this hadith is weak since it contains a companion with a weak memory Attiya ibn Qays and also contains Hisham Ibn Ammar who is not accepted as well.A few websites said that if this was a prohibition against musical instrument then Bukhari would have included this in a new topic on the prohibtion of instruments.Moreover,due to the weakness of this hadith,it is not reported in Muslim or Sunan Abi Dawud.

Please correct me If I’m wrong^

I also think that if musical instruments were forbidden then why would the Holy Prophet allow the duff to be played on Eid and on weddings according to traditions mentioned in Bukhari because the duff is also a musical instrument.

Secondly they quote this hadith which according to Darussalam is graded Hasan in Ibn Majah “People among my nation will drink wine, calling it by another name, and musical instruments will be played for them and singing girls (will sing for them). Allah will cause the earth to swallow them up, and will turn them into monkeys and pigs.”. This hadith is said to be quoted by Bukhari in his chapter title,the same where the musical instrument hadith is quoted.

They say that the great Imam Ibn Hazm al-Zahiri wrote:

“There is nothing in the wording of this hadith that this warning is tied to listening to musical instruments, nor that it is about singing girls. The apparent meaning of the hadith is that the warning is for their making khamr lawful by giving it a different name. We do not base our religion on conjecture.”

Some scholars even said that singing is itself prohibited,it doesn’t matter if they are accompanied with musical instruments or not.They then quote the the following verses from the Holy Quran:

“And of the people is he who buys the amusement of speech to mislead [others] from the way of Allah without knowledge and who takes it in ridicule. Those will have a humiliating punishment.” (Surah Luqman 31:6) and “And incite whoever you can of them with your voice, mobilize against them all your cavalry and infantry, manipulate them in their wealth and children, and make them promises.” But Satan promises them nothing but delusion.” (Surah Isra)

The verse quoted for Surah Luqman is said to be regarding a specific incident where a man purchased a singer with the intention to distract muslims whenever the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) was teaching..They say that this was intentionally done to distract the Muslims away from getting teachings of Allah and is not a prohibition against singing/music itself.The verse of surah isra is also said not to be about music but is of Satan’s voice generally.

I searched and found out that these two surah’s are MAKKI surahs so my point is if singing and music was haram then it is known that there were young Ansari girls and women were singing on the Prophet (S.A.W)’s arrival to Madinah,if it was haram then why would he have allowed it.Moreover,it is seen in the authentic Bukhari hadith how the Prophet (S.A.W) allowed the young girls to sing and play the duff on Eid.He also encouraged singing on weddings.Moreover,it is in Sahih Bukhari as well how the call to prayer was established in the second year of hijrah ,if musical instruments were haram then why would the companions would even mention bells and horns.

The only hadith that confuses me is the one quoted in Sunan Abi Dawud in the book of drinks in the chapter regarding vessels

“The deputation of ‘Abd al-Qais asked (the prophet):From which(vessels)should we drink ? He (the prophet) replied: Do not drink from the pumpkins, vessels smeared with pitch, and hollow stumps , and steep dates in skins. They asked: Messenger of Allah, if it ferments? He replied: infuse water in it. They asked: Messenger of Allah…” (repeating the same words). He replied to them third or fourth time: Pour it away. He then said: Allah has forbidden me, or he said: He has forbidden me wine, game of chance and kubah(drums). He said: Every intoxicant is unlawful. Sufyan said: I asked ‘All b. Badhimah about kubah . He replied:Drum.

Is this hadith authentic or reliable? If yes then are all drums prohibited or is the ‘kubah’ a special type of drum that is prohibited because the duff is also a drum which is allowed?

Plus another hadith is also quoted. The Prophet (upon whom be peace and blessings) took the hand of the companion, Abdur Rahmaan bin ‘Owf, and they proceeded to visit the Prophet’s ailing son, Ibraheem. They found the infant in the throes of death, so the Prophet took him to his breast and held him until his spirit left him. Then he put the child down and wept, whereupon Abdur-Rahmaan asked in astonishment, “You are weeping, Oh Messenger of Allah, while you prohibit crying!?” The following is the Prophet’s reply:

“Verily, I did not prohibit weeping but rather, I forbade two voices which are imbecilic and sinfully shameless: one, a voice to the accompaniment of musical amusement and Satan’s instruments; the other, a voice due to some calamity, accompanied by striking of the face and tearing of garments. But this stems from compassion, and whosoever does not show compassion will not receive it.”

(Al-Mustadrak ‘alas Saheehayn)

Is this hadith reliable as well?

Please answer all my queries and tell in light of all the evidences quoted is music/musical instruments allowed or not in detail.Will be extremely grateful.

A:

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

On the issue of music, one may find a diversity of opinions handed down from the scholars of the past: some of them permitting the music in general, except the lewd and obscene, others consider it undesirable, and still others declare it wholly forbidden.

You may be surprised to know that all three views have been attributed to a single imam: Imam Ahmad b. Hanbal. One may ask why he gave three conflicting opinions?

The answer is: his answer differs according to context. His verdict is strict when it comes to lewd music promoting promiscuity; he permits it when it is clean and free of such associations on occasions such as a wedding, and otherwise, merely undesirable on other times.

Those who consider all music as forbidden have no proof. The traditions prohibiting music, in general, are all dubious, weak, or fabricated as a number scholars such as Ibn Hazm, Ghazali, and others have said.

Such traditions cannot be accepted as they contradict the well-attested traditions that prove that the Prophet and his companions listened to music on some occasions, such as a wedding, and eid and the Prophet even asked for it stopped those who wanted to prohibit.

On one occasion, a professional girl singer visited Aishah. When the Prophet inquired who she was, Aisha told him she was the professional singer, and the Prophet heard her singing.

If the music were forbidden, how would the Prophet allow her to sing in his home? Remember, the Prophet’s house is where the Quran is revealed day and night!

Another important principle to consider is that Islam is a religion that caters to all of the legitimate instincts and needs of humans.

It is a natural religion, which does not suppress or deny any genuine human needs. Having outlets for relaxation is a legitimate need; it enhances human productivity and performance. Caliph Ali said, “Have outlets occasionally to recuperate.”

Furthermore, we can enjoy beauty; the Prophet said, “Allah is Beautiful, and He loves beauty.”

The Quran asks, “Who can dare to prohibit the beauty that Allah has sent down for His servants?”

Music is part of nature: the singing of birds, and beautiful sounds of the rain forest, and pouring rains and the sounds and smells of trees are all part of nature, which every human being enjoys.

Hasan b. Muhammad al-Attar, the author of the well-known commentary on Jam’ al-Jawami, was asked whether music is halal or haram. His response was: “One who cannot appreciate the music of nature such as that of birds and sounds of nature (like rain forest) is not different than a donkey devoid of any aesthetic sense!”

So there is no way that Islam would condemn music in general. Imam Ghazali further said, “In so far humans invent music and musical instruments, they do so imitating or copying the music in nature.” So, there is no way to rule that Islam would condemn music in general.

As for the traditions ( including the ones you have cited), they are all deemed as dubious, weak, or outright fabrications.

They have been rejected by the scholars who specialize in hadith criticism: Let me cite Ibn Hazm: “Not a single tradition that people cite in this respect is authentic; all of them are fabricated. If we could trace them or any one of them to the Prophet through reliable chains of transmission, we would never hesitate to uphold it. But that is not the case; so we would reject them altogether for the following reasons:

There is no authority we are bound to accept other than the Prophet, peace be upon him.

Secondly, such reports contradict the Companions and successors’ well-attested statements of the permissibility of music, based on authentic traditions from the Prophet. They used to hear music and enjoy it.

Thirdly, they cite the following verse of the Qur’an:

“And among mankind are those who purchase idle discourse to lead astray from the way of God without the knowledge and who take it in mockery; for them, there shall be a humiliating punishment.” (Qur’an: 31:6)

There is no evidence in it. It speaks of the disbelievers using their idle discourses to turn the people away from the truth.

Therefore, it in no way can be used as evidence against the use of music as a lawful source of entertainment.

Almighty Allah knows best.

N



Q:

Assalamu ‘alaikum. Recently I created a messenger(facebook) group called ‘Forever Friendship’. Most of the member of this group are Muslim but there is also some Hindu friends. Should I change the name of the group? How is the name ‘True Friends’

A:

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

Our love for people should be based on our love of Allah; so, while we are to love all people, we must shun actions or words that would earn us the wrath or anger of Allah.

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Therefore, I would suggest you title it by something like this: “Friends in humanity for the Love of God.’

Almighty Allah knows best.

N



Q:

Assalam o alikum

I recently had my nikah done and i am listening to bayans about intimacy and first night. I came upon a dua that a husband has to make ;grabing her wife’s forelocks when he takes her home

Dua is :

“Allaahumma inni as’aluka khayraha wa khayra ma jabaltaha ‘alayhi wa a‘oodhi bika min sharriha wa min sharri ma jabaltaha ‘alayhi (O Allah, verily I ask You for her good and the good of what You have created in her, and I seek refuge with You from her evil and the evil of what You have created in her).” (Abu Dawood : 2160)

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QUESTION:

I know my question is a little feminist But what about the wife? Why the wife is not told to make such a dua? (To ask for good in him (husband) and To protect her from the evil in him).

Its like the husband gets protection from his wife from Allah but wife is told ‘naah you are to take whatever you get’

I know Allah loves all of his creations and he knows best but i am stuck at this question .. please guide me

Jazakumullah khair

A:

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

In Islam, men and women are not rivals. Their roles are complementary. It applies to marriage as well as to other spheres of life.

Islamic laws are from Allah, who knows our nature best, so, in so far as specific duties are assigned to men, it is because of the natural differences between a man and woman. While haya or shyness is good quality, a woman is endowed with a greater degree than a man. Therefore, the initiative to approach the partner on the first night is assumed to be that of a man; a woman doing that can very well be taken as aggressive behavior; it may more likely turn the man against her. However, once they have established bonding, women may initiate just like men do.

Having said this, I must also rush to add: There is nowhere in the sources that woman cannot offer a similar prayer like O Allah, grant me the best of this relationship, and keep me away from the worst of it.

She may offer any such supplications to Allah to bless her martial life and endow it with peace, harmony, and greater joy and satisfaction. She may say such prayers form her heart in her language; and use appropriate words, as she may choose.

Almighty Allah knows best.

N



Q:

Asslam alaikum brother

 I have a question..I met one person who said that any imam or teacher of deen who get salary or hadiya for his work of deen is not true Muslim.

Wat is the opinion of scholar’s on it and is there any Hadith where it is prohibited.

And during the time of Prophet pbuh

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Sahaby RA tabaien and tabatabaien

How it was done.

A:

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

The person is wrong in making such a judgment. He is heretical in making such highly erroneous and false statements. He should know that the Muslims have been paying individuals for such services from the pious predecessors.  The vast majority of scholars have sanctioned it.

 Ibn al-Qayyim says that declaring things haram without explicit evidence of the revealed text is akin to committing shirk. He infers this from the following verse in the Quran: “Do not say falsely, ‘This is lawful and that is forbidden,’ inventing a lie about God: those who invent lies about God will not prosper.” (An-Nahl 16:116)

Therefore, I would urge you to seek religious knowledge only from those who are qualified.  As Imam Ibn Sirin said, “The knowledge of religion is integral to religion itself; so, one should be careful as to who one is learning it from.”

Almighty Allah knows best.

N



Q:

1. I wanted to know if this hadeeth is authentic

The prophet said:

“A person prays sixty years but his prayer is not accepted. Perhaps he performs the prostration properly but  not the bowing down ,or he performs the bowing down properly but not the prostration“

2.A friend of mine asked me about a person who was supposed to be my senior and proposed her for marriage..i didn't know much about him..but my another friend knew about him and i asked her about it and informed her the same…is this considered gheebat..?

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Also my family follows some dais, they said that socks aren't necessary for women's prayers to be valid..i said them the correct view but my family wasn't accepting so i said that there are some shortcomings of the dais and also said what that shortcoming was(that they aren't Scholars but are just students of knowledge) so that they do not follow them blindly..is this also gheebat?

I frequently feel uneasy about what i heard and spoke in the day..and the entire day i ponder if this is gheebat and feel sad..what should I do about this? 3. Can a person who have any book and want to share knowledge with friends can they send them pictures or scanned file so that they can read and then delete it..also if a person gets a voucher code with a book..can she share that with her friend..?

A:

Here are my brief answers to your questions in their respective order:

1- The hadith you referred is a dubious one as there are weak links in its chain. However, the performing Ruku and sujud properly is an essential integral of the prayer. It has been stated clearly in other well-attested traditions: The Prophet (peace be upon him) once told a person to repeat the prayer and then said to him that he should pause while bowing, while rising and standing erect prostrating, etc. Therefore, a person needs to pray right. The Prophet (PBUH) also said, “Pray as you have seen me praying.” (Al-Bukhari)

Therefore, we can never exaggerate the importance of praying rightly; it includes observing the correct form and genuine spirit and mindfulness.

Having said this, we must also add that Islam teaches us that Allah is Merciful, and He accepts the good deeds of His servants, as long as they do it with the right intention and devotion, even if they fail to observe all of the nitty-gritty details. 

2- If you are asked about the character of a person (man or woman) who is proposing to marry another person, you ought to tell them what you know of them. That is not considered Ghibah or backbiting.

Testifying or giving witness when called to do so is a religious duty. Therefore, if we are asked to vouch for a marriage candidate’s character, we must sincerely and truthfully do so. 

Marriage is an important matter which impacts the life of another person. Therefore, we owe it as a religious duty towards them to protect them by providing what we know of them to determine their eligibility for marriage.

3- According to Imam Abu Hanifah and some other scholars, covering the feet for salah is not considered an essential integral for the validity of prayer, including Imam At-Tabari and others. In contentious matters among schools or scholars, you are free to choose one of the views, and while doing so, you have no right to condemn others.

To condemn them for holding a different view on contentious issues is not the proper method of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah or the mainstream Muslims. So, I would urge you not to fight with people over such fiqh minutia.

Almighty Allah knows best.