ummtaalib

MUSIC The Voice of the Devil Music in all its common forms is forbidden in Islam. From the child attending music lessons at school, to the nasheed singer who uses music in the background, to the pop and rap singers of the music industry; music in the forms currently in vogue are expressly forbidden in Islam. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam in his condemnation of music has even mentioned specific musical instruments. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam has stated, “The Bell is the musical instrument of the devil.” (Muslim) In the commentary of the verse, “And from men are those who purchase ‘Lahwal Hadith’ to misguide from the path of Allah”, the Jurist of this Ummah, Hadhrat Abdullah bin Masood Radhiyallahu Anhu and the greatest Quranic Commentator of this Ummah, Hadrat Abdullah bin Abbas Radhiyallahu Anhuma have both declared that this verse refers to music. (Tafsir Ibn Kathir) Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam has stated: “There will appear people from my Ummah who will seek to legalise fornication, the wearing of silk, wine drinking and the use of musical instruments. Some (of these) people will stay at the side of the mountain and when their shepherd comes in the evening to ask for his needs, they will say: ‘Return to us tomorrow.’ Then Allah will destroy them during the night by causing the mountain to fall upon them, while He changes others into apes and swines. They will remain in such a state until the Day of Resurrection.” (Bukhari) May Allah Ta’ala remove from the Ummah the attraction to music and replace it with the love of Quran and the Zikr of Allah, Ameen. Masjid Poster downloadable here. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians 223 Alpine Road, Overport

Hadhrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (Radhiallahu Anhu) in the cave of Thaur While in the cave on the journey of Hijrah, it is reported that Hadhrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (Radhiallahu Anhu) was concerned that no creature come out from any hole in the cave and harm Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Thus, he began closing all the holes found inside the cave with pieces of his lower garment. However, there were still two holes which he was unable to close (due to insufficient clothing), so Hadhrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (Radhiallahu Anhu) placed his both feet in those holes. Thereafter, Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) placed his mubaarak head on the lap of Hadhrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (Radhiallahu Anu) and fell asleep. While Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was asleep, Hadhrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (Radhiallahu Anhu) perceived a bite under his foot by a snake in the hole. Not wishing to inconvenience and disturb the sleep of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in the least, Hadhrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (Radhiallahu Anhu) bore the pain and did not move an inch. However, being in excruciating pain and not being able to withstand the effects, uncontrollably tears began to roll down the face of Hadhrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (Radhiallahu Anhu) and fell on the mubaarak countenance of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) suddenly awoke and asked: “What has happened, O Abu Bakr?” Hadhrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (Radhiallahu Anhu) replied: “I have been bitten, may my parents be sacrificed for you, O Rasulullah (sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).” Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) placed his mubaarak saliva on the affected area, and the pain immediately subsided. (Mishaatul Masaabeeh) يَا رَبِّ صَلِّ وَ سَلِّمْ دَائِمًا أَبَدًا عَلَى حَبِيبِكَ خَيرِ الخَلْقِ كُلِّهِمِ

Four Phrases that are Heavier on the Scales than an Entire Morning of Dhikrullah (Remembrance of Allah): The Mother of the Believers, Juwairiyah bint Al-Harith reported that the Prophet came out from my apartment in the morning as I was busy in performing the dawn prayer. He came back in the forenoon and found me sitting there. The Prophet said, ”Are you still in the same position as I left you.” I replied in the affirmative. Thereupon the Prophet said, “I recited four phrases three times after I had left you. If these are to be weighed against all you have recited since morning, these will be heavier. These are: Subhan-Allah Wa bihamdihi, ‘adada khalqihi, wa rida-a nafsihi, wa zinatah ‘arshihi, wa midada kalimatihi (Allah is free from imperfection and I begin with His praise, as many times as the number of His creatures, in accordance with His Good Pleasure, equal to the ink that may be used in recording the words (for His Praise).” (Muslim) islaaminfo

Earning a 1000 good deeds and wiping away a 1000 bad deeds in Minutes If a person says "Subhanallah" (glory be to Allah) 100 times, a thousand good deeds are recorded for him and a thousand bad deeds are wiped away. (Muslim) islaaminfo

Talaaq via SMS Q. Is a Talaaq via sms, whatsapp, etc. valid? (Question published as received) A. A Talaaq (divorce) issued verbally or in writing is valid. (Shaami) Accordingly, a Talaaq (divorce) via sms, whatsapp etc. is also valid as it is considered to be a written Talaaq (divorce). And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Ismaeel Bassa Confirmation: Mufti Ebrahim Desai Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Reading novels Q: Is reading books/novels allowed in Islam? If so what type of novels/books are permissible to read? Fictional or non fictional? A: A book is an influential companion. A companion can guide and misguide. The hadeeth very strongly condemns bad company. Hence, books that we read should guide us to righteousness and they should not be books that will confuse us and corrupt our behaviour, thinking and conduct. And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best. أبا بردة بن أبي موسى عن أبيه رضي الله عنه قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم مثل الجليس الصالح والجليس السوء كمثل صاحب المسك وكير الحداد لا يعدمك من صاحب المسك إما تشتريه أو تجد ريحه وكير الحداد يحرق بدنك أو ثوبك أو تجد منه ريحا خبيثة(صحيح البخاري #2101) عن أبي هريرة قال : قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم الرجل على دين خليله فلينظر أحدكم من يخالل (جامع الترمذي #2378) عن أبي سعيد أنه سمع رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم يقول لا تصاحب إلا مؤمنا ولا يأكل طعامك إلا تقي (جامع الترمذي #2395) Answered by: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

The Novel Deception Shaitaan, the devil deceives many women into believing that they are enjoying peace and happiness when they enter the fiction, fabrication, imagination and fantasy world of a novel, or its new sister ‘the blog’. They try to run away from problems and worries by reading pages upon pages of lies and darkness. Remember! Just as doing and seeing sinful actions are forbidden, likewise to imagine and picture strange men and obscene scenes are also forbidden. Hours spent in sinful reading only adds to our problems and worries. Sin brings sadness and depression. This is the devils way of leading us away from Allah Ta‘ala. We lose all hope in Allah Ta‘ala and end up looking for comfort in a life of sin. It is like trying to feel comfortable while sitting in a house on fire! uswatulmuslimah

Audio Suicide the Killer Shaykh Sulaiman Moola

Having pride the extent of a Mustard Seed عن القاسم بن مخيمرة أن النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم قال لا يقبل الله عملا فيه مثقال حبة من خردل من رياء رواه ابن جرير الطبري مرسلا (الترغيب والترهيب 1/87) Hadhrat Qaasim bin Mukhaimirah (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Allah Ta’ala does not accept any action wherein there was pride, even to the extent of a mustard seed."

SINCERERITY (IKHLAAS) Definition Ikhlaas means to have the intention of only pleasing Allaah Ta’alah in one acts of obedience. The motive must be only to obtain the Proximity and Pleasure of Allaah Ta’alah. This motive must not be contaminated with personal motives of gain or the pleasure of others. Method of acquisition The elimination of show and love for name and fame (riya) is precisely the acquisition of Ikhlaas. Explanation Nabie (Sallal Allaahu Alayhi waSallam) said: “All actions are judged by their intentions.” Irrespective of the type and quantity of good deed performed, if it is accompanied by sincerity, it will be permeated with barkat and acceptance. However the highest form of good deed performed in the greatest quantity, if it is accompanied with show or love for fame, it will be devoid of any real benefit to the person. To the extent that a person has acquired sincerity to that extent will a person really benefit through the good actions that are performed. The stages of sincerity are as follows: The highest stage is the rendering of an act only for the sake of Allaah Ta’alah, the motive for the action being absolutely free of anyone else besides Allaah Ta’alah. The second degree of sincerity is that the act is rendered to please people however the motive was not to acquire any worldly gain. The lowest form of sincerity is to render an act without having any motive, neither Deen nor the world, i.e. the non-existence of show (riyaa). (Source: Shariat and Tasawwuf by Maseehul Ummat Maulana Muhammad Maseehullah Khan Saheb (RA)

A Muslim's response to The God Delusion

Q. Is there any significance for a woman passing away in her menses? (Question published as received) A. A woman who passes away during her menses is no different than a woman who passes away when she is not in her menses. We have not come across any virtue or significance for a woman who passes away during her menses. And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Ismaeel Bassa Confirmation: Mufti Ebrahim Desai Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Treating a menstruating woman with kindness Ayesha Radhiyallahu Anhu has said, “Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam would embrace me during my menses.” (Bukhari) Note: It was the practice of the Jews to distance themselves completely from their wives during menses. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam practically demonstrated that this behaviour is not part of Islam by showing affection to his wives during their menses. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Last 3 verses of Surah Al-Hashr (Chapter 59) morning and evening (after Fajar & Maghrib) عن معقل بن يسار عن النبي -صلى الله عليه وسلم- قال: (من قال حين يصبح ثلاث مرات: أعوذ بالله السميع العليم من الشيطان الرجيم، ثم قرآ ثلاث آيات من آخر سورة الحشر وكل به سبعين ألف ملك يصلون عليه حتى يمسي، وإن مات في ذلك اليوم مات شهيداً، ومن قالها حين يمسي كان بتلك المنزلة It was narrated from Sayyidina Ma’qil ibn Yasaar (RA) that the Prophet (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) said: “Whoever says three times each morning, ‘A’oodhu Billaah il-samee’ il-‘aleem min al-shaytaan il-rajeem (I seek refuge with Allaah the All-Hearing, All-Knowing, from the accursed Shaytaan), and recites the last three verses of Soorat al-Hashr, Allaah will send seventy thousand angels to send blessings upon him until evening comes, and if he dies on that day he will die a martyr. And whoever says that in the evening, will be given a similar status.[Tirmidhi] Taken from central-mosque.com

Women presenters on radio stationsQ: Is it impermissible to listen to the voice of a non-mahram female? Often there is a female reading the news on the radio. Should one listen to this or switch it off? Some people claim that the Sahabah (May Allah Ta'ala be pleased with them) would ask Hadhrat Aa'isha (Radiallahu Anha) rulings and learn from her. Therefore the presence of female presenters on Islamic radio stations is fine. Is this justified? A: Shari'ah commands segregation between non mahram men and women. The reason for this command is that non mahram men and women freely intermingling and casually interacting among themselves leads to many evils and sins. Allah Ta'ala commands women in the Holy Qur'an thus: وَقَرْنَ فِي بُيُوتِكُنَّ وَلَا تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ الْأُولَىٰ ﴿الأحزاب:33﴾ Remain within the confines of your homes and do not leave your homes displaying your beauty and attraction as the women of the days of ignorance used to display. Hence, it is imperative for one to understand that just as a woman is commanded to conceal her body by remaining within the confines of her home and not leaving her home without any valid reason, similarly she is commanded to conceal her voice from all non mahram men as her voice also is a cause of creating fitnah and a means of spurring up wrong feelings within the hearts of men. Allah Ta'ala commands women in the Qur'an: فَلَا تَخْضَعْنَ بِالْقَوْلِ فَيَطْمَعَ الَّذِي فِي قَلْبِهِ مَرَضٌ ﴿الأحزاب: 32﴾ So do not speak in soft tones (with non mahrams), lest the one in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire. Furthermore, on account of the abundant fitnah prevalent everywhere in this era, one should in his individual capacity exercise extreme caution when dealing with non mahram women and save himself from sin as well as the avenues that lead to sin. As far as the Azwaaj-e-Mutahharaat [the noble wives of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam)] are concerned, it should be borne in mind that they were mahrams to the men of the ummah. Allah Ta'ala Himself refers to them as the mothers of the believers. After the demise of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) they were not permitted to remarry. Yet, despite them being mahrams to the men of the ummah, they still observed purdah from the Sahaabah (Radiyallahu Anhum). Hazrat Aa'isha (Radiyallahu Anha) herself mentions that during the farewell Hajj with Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), whenever any men used to pass by us [the wives of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)] we used to conceal our faces with a cloth (in such a manner that the cloth would be suspended before our faces and not touch our faces) in order not to be seen by the men. When the men used to pass, then we used to lift the cloth. The Azwaaj-e-Mutahharaat conducted themselves in this manner to teach the ummah the level of caution that needs to be exercised between men and women. Despite the Sahaabah (Radiyallahu Anhum) being so pure compared to the men of these times, yet the Azwaaj-e-Mutahharaat and the women of the Sahaabah were commanded to observe purdah from them. The Sahaaba (Radiyallahu Anhum) only referred to the Azwaaj-e-Mutahharaat at the time of need where a matter relating to the Mubaarak life of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) needed some clarification. Hence with observing complete purda, Hazrat Aa'isha (Radiyallahu Anha) explained to them the laws of Deen. To try to justify the chit chat, chuckling and laughing and the general talking of women with men on radio on the basis of the Sahaabah (Radiyallahu Anhum) learning Deen from Hazrat Aa'isha (Radiyallahu Anha) is a complete distortion. And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best. النَّبِيُّ أَولىٰ بِالمُؤمِنينَ مِن أَنفُسِهِم وَأَزواجُهُ أُمَّهاتُهُم وَأُولُو الأَرحامِ بَعضُهُم أَولىٰ بِبَعضٍ في كِتابِ اللَّـهِ مِنَ المُؤمِنينَ وَالمُهاجِرينَ إِلّا أَن تَفعَلوا إِلىٰ أَولِيائِكُم مَعروفًا كانَ ذٰلِكَ فِي الكِتابِ مَسطورًا ﴿الأحزاب: ٦﴾ عن عائشة قالت كان الركبان يمرون بنا ونحن مع رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وسلم- محرمات فإذا حاذوا بنا سدلت إحدانا جلبابها من رأسها إلى وجهها فإذا جاوزونا كشفناه.(رواه أبو داود 1/254) عن أم سلمة قالت كنت عند رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم وعنده ميمونة فأقبل ابن أم مكتوم وذلك بعد أن أمرنا بالحجاب فقال النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم احتجبا منه. فقلنا يا رسول الله أليس أعمى لا يبصرنا ولا يعرفنا فقال النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم أفعمياوان أنتما ألستما تبصرانه (رواه أبو داود 2/568) عن علي أنه كان عند النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال: "أي شيء خير للمرأة؟ فسكتوا، قال: فلما رجعت قلت: لفاطمة: أي شيء خير للنساء؟ قالت لا يرين الرجال ولا يرونهن، فذكرت ذلك للنبي صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال: إنما فاطمة بضعة مني (البزار ، وأبو نعيم فى الحلية وضعف) [كنز العمال 46012] Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

Masails regarding visiting the graves Can Women visit the graveyard? In the Hanafi school of thought it is permissible for old women to visit graves as long as there is no action which is contrary to the Shariah such as loud crying, intermingling with men, body not fully covered as is required in the Shariah. Allahmah Ibn Abeedeen Shami (RA) has said that if the woman goes to the graves to cry, renew sorrows etc… then this will not be permissible. However, if they visit for contemplation or to seek barakah, then it is not wrong if they are old. It is disliked if they are young. (Raddul Muhtar p.151 v.3) When Should one visit the Graveyards? It is preferable and source of blessing to visit the graveyard on the following days: 1. Monday 2. Thursday 3. Friday 4. Saturday It is best to visit after jummah prayers on Friday, Saturday until sunrise, Thursday in the beginning of the day. Similarly on blessed nights like 15th Shabaan, two eids, Day of Aashorah. (Fatawa Hindiyyah P.350 v.5) What is the ruling of making buildings in a graveyard? The whole purpose of the rulings in Islam about the simplicity of burying the deceased i.e. no extravagant funerals or tombs should be built is because so people when visiting the graves ponder, contemplate about the hearafter and realise that one day they will be leaving this would and be inside the grave. Keeping the grave simple without any extravagant designs reminds oneself of his creation that he was a piece of earth and Allah created him into a human with it. Having graves made out of cement, bricks, building tombs around it destroys the whole purpose of visiting a grave; hence it will not be permissible. (Fatawa Rahimiyah P.67 V.7) Rules for placing flowers on the grave The placing of flowers on a grave is an action not proven through the Prophet of Allah (SAW) or the Sahabas (RA) or Tabreen’s (RA). (Fatawa Rahimiyah P123 V.7) Hazrat Shah Ishaaq Muhadith Dehlwi in “Ma la budah Minh” has said that this above mentioned practice is a custom of the disbelievers. The Prophet of Allah (SAW) has said: “Whoever imitates a group of people, he is from them.” (Sunan Abu Dawud P.559 v.2) Making Graves into places of worshipThe Prophet of Allah (SAW) said: Let there be curse of Allah upon the Jews and Christians for they have taken the graves of their apostles as places of worship.” (Sahih Muslim ) The Prophet of Allah (SAW) seeing the Jews and Christians indulging in these practices realised the danger of his own people falling into this trap, therefore he forbid us to do such practices. Sacrifice at gravesIt is not correct to sacrifice animals at graves and then distribute the meat there. Saaiduna Anas (RA) says that the Prophet of Allah (SAW) said: “There is no slaughtering of animals on graves in Islam.” (Sunan Abu Dawud ) To Face the grave and make dua It is permissible to face the graves and make dua to Allah (SWA) on the condition it is not understood and believed that the deceased is being asked. If so, dua should be made turning away from the graves. (Ahsanul Fatawa P.225 V.4) Tawaf around the grave Tawaf is only done around the house of Allah (SWA) and should not be done around the graves of the Prophets or pious people. (Fatawa Darul Uloom Deoband P.423 v.5) Visiting Graves at NightIt is permissible to visit the graves at night. (Fatawa Darul Uloom Deoband P.453 v.5) Source

Ruling on Visiting Graves QUESTION Is it permissible for one to visit the graves of the saints, pious and other Muslims? Some people say that it is unlawful to visit graves. Can you explain the ruling on this with evidence from the Sunnah? Also, if it is permissible, then what are the benefits in doing so? ANSWER In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful, It is the understanding of the Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah that, visiting graves in general and the graves of the prophets, pious and saints in particular, is not just something that is permissible, rather recommended (mandub) and rewarding. There are many prophetic traditions in this regard, just to mention a few: 1) Ibn Buraida narrates from his father that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “I used to forbid you from visiting graves. Now, do visit them…” (Sahih Muslim, no. 977) 2) Sayyida A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) narrates that “Whenever it was her turn to spend the night with the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), he used to go to the Baqi (graveyard) in the last portion of the night and say: “May you be safe, O abode of the believing people. What you have been promised has come to you. You are tarried till tomorrow and certainly we shall follow you if Allah wills. O Allah, forgive the inmates of the Baqi-al-Gharqad.” (Sahih Muslim, no. 974) 3) Sayyiduna Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “…Visit graves, for it reminds one of his death.” (Sahih Muslim, no. 976) 4) Sayyiduna Abd Allah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “I used to forbid you from visiting graves. Now, do visit them, for it (visiting graves) makes one ascetic of the world and reminds one of the hereafter.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, no. 1571) 5) Sayyida A’isha (may Allah be pleased with her) says: “The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) gave permission in the visitation of graves.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, no. 1570) The above and many other narrations of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) are more than sufficient to prove the permissibility and desirability of visiting graves. There are many reasons for visiting graves, such as: a) It is a Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), as we have seen in Hadith no. 2, quoted above; b) It reminds, the person visiting, of death, as mentioned in Hadith no 3; c) It reminds, the person visiting, of the purpose of one’s life and helps him in removing the love of this world from his heart and striving in the betterment of the hereafter; d) One benefits from the baraka of the person visited if one goes with a good intention, whether one realizes it or not. Those with more spiritual clarity realize this more clearly; e) It benefits the one visited, because of the reward of recital of Qur’an (and other matters) one makes. Having said the above, one must always remember not to engage oneself in any unlawful and blameworthy act when visiting graves, such as prostrating (sajda) to the graves, which is undeniably a grave sin, if not Kufr. Similarly, excessive mourning, crying and wailing has also been prohibited by the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace). Intermingling of the sexes at the graves of many saints is very common, which is unlawful, and must be avoided. Thus, all acts that are unlawful or innovation must be avoided when visiting graves. If one avoids such matters, and visits the graves by observing the proper manners (adab) and etiquettes of visiting, then not only will visiting graves be permissible, rather it will be regarded as an commendable act of virtue. And Allah Knows Best [Mufti] Muhammad ibn Adam Darul Iftaa Leicester , UK Source

Brother CH...can we please have the box at the end of the article at central-mosque? Its very helpful and we would be grateful if you can post it here..Jazakallah

FAQ on Qadha (missed) Salah (Paryers) Qaza-e-Umri When any one of you omits the prayer due to sleep or he forgets it, he should observe it when he remembers it [Muslim]. Note: you can’t pray any namaz at three times – during sunrise, sunset and at zawaal. After Fajr and Asr nawafil are not allowed; qaza are permitted. However, pray them secretly, not in front of people’s eyes, because not praying salah is a sin and by doing qaza in front of people you bring that into the open, whereas you should never disclose your sins to people.

A lot more information at central-mosque

A Muslim's Approach in Times of Fitna (ISIS) Shaykh (Mufti) Abdur Rahman Mangera (HA) WARNING to Sisters going for 'Jihad' in Syria Shaykh (Dr) Haitham Al Haddad (HA)

Jamiatul Ulama (South Africa) The Emergence of the Islamic State PRESS STATEMENT (For Immediate Release) The Jamiatul Ulama South Africa condemns the reported acts of brutality and mass murders of the people of the regions of Iraq and Syria where a group said to be led by Abu Bakr al Baghdadi has declared an Islamic state, and, hence a caliphate. A caliphate is an aspiration of Muslims who reflect of the golden era of Islam that was characterised by sound rule of law, protection of rights of non-hostile minorities as well as the entrenchment of justice and equity. Warfare does not absolve the members of any Islamic caliphate, state or entity from the responsibility of observance of human rights and the rules of engagement where women, children and the elderly as well as all civilian non-combatants, their lives and property, are never targeted but safeguarded. It therefore comes strange to us that an Islamic state would be founded on atrocities, massacres and extra-judicial punishments that include summary executions of individuals suspected of crimes. Many years of foreign policies that prop up client regimes and illegally wage imperial wars of occupation have resulted in alienation and radicalism. It is this phenomenon that has brooked groups harbouring a sense of humiliation, leading to vengeance and giving rise to militarism and the upheavals we see in the Middle East. Regardless of this reality, we see no reason why the Islamic state can position itself as a political order with an attractive prospect for the masses when their record of governance is no better than those polities it seeks to replace. (Signed) E.I. Bham (Moulana) Secretary General (083 786 2859) 19 August 2014

Fatal Attraction: UUCSA Press Statement on the Islamic State The Islamic State (IS) has provided a lifeline to young Muslim militants in search of giving expression to their pent up frustration with the political, social and economic servitude in their respective countries. They are attracted to the Islamic State’s narrative that governments in Muslim countries of the Middle East are corrupt, irreligious, and heavily influenced by the United States and other Western powers. Joining them, they argue, is a real fight in defense of Islam. Despite the ‘Islamic’ appellation, the ideology of the Islamic State is starkly unrelated to Islam and critically misguided. The IS has not only weakened the resistance against state sponsored terrorism in Syria, it serves as a whirlpool engineered to attract aspiring ‘jihadists’ from every nook and cranny of the globe to one single location and to pre-occupy them with sectarian conflict so that the imperialists can continue unhindered in their business of entrenching global hegemony. The Islamic State (IS) is guilty of unambiguous and obvious violations of Islamic Law; it has perpetrated brazen brutality in the name of Islam. It’s litany of felonies include: 1. Declaring an Islamic State with no legitimate Sharia procedure or consultation 2. Branding Muslims as disbelievers 3. Rejecting rulings of Islamic scholars 4. Killing Muslims who differ with their ideology 5. Accusing whoever opposes them of treachery and betrayal 6. Refusing to subject themselves to an arbitrated settlement as demanded by the Quran 7. Fighting fellow jihad military divisions in Syria 8. Capturing and kidnapping activists, journalists and religious figures 9. Brutally murdering non- Muslim ‘enemies’ 10. Compelling non- Muslims to embrace Islam The IS draws its cue from the dogma of the Khawarij sect which is premised on Takfeerism – Branding those who differ with them as apostates. The progression from Takfeerism to the spill of blood is both rapid and obvious which the IS has flaunted like emblems of pride, video- taped and uploaded for the whole world to see! The Islamic State (IS) stands condemned by the United Ulama Council of South Africa l (UUCSA) as a misguided political enigma which has distorted the teachings of Islam. Its duplicity is only outmatched by its savagery and barbarity. It has divided and weakened the Muslim world, legitimized murder in the name of Islam, and shifted focus from the actual hot spots around the globe. Joining or supporting the Islamic State’s genocidal cult because it projects itself to be the most obvious counterpart to the West is misplaced and will prove to be a FATAL ATTRACTION! Statement Issued by the United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA) which is an umbrella body of major theological formation in South Africa. UUCSA Affiliate Members: Jamiatul Ulama South Africa – Established in 1923 | Muslim Judicial Council of South Africa – Established in 1945 Jamiatul Ulama KZN – Established in 1955 | Sunni Jamiatul Ulama of South Africa – Established in 1978 | Sunni Ulama Council of South Africa – Established in 1992 Council of Ulama Eastern Cape – Established in 1999 | Eastern Cape Islamic Congress –Established in 1996

Shaykh Salman Husaini Nadwi (HA): The Shaykh (HA) originally issues fairly positive message regarding IS but his assessment darkened as he became more aware of the facts on the grounds leading him to his latest open letter:

South African Ulama on ISIS, 22nd of April 2015: Background: On the evening of 22nd of April 2015 in Roshnee most senior 'Ulema of South Africa gathered for a conference on ISIS and not only gave their opinions in a clear manner but also guidelines how to deal with this situation. The scholars include the following: Shaykh (Maulana) Yunus Daya (HA): Graduate of Darul Uloom Deoband. An expert on apostasy. Senior member of Muslim community in South Africa. Spiritually been connected to Mawlana As'ad Madani (rh) and now Mawlana Zulfiqar Naqshbandi (db). Shaykh (Maulana) Muhammad Saloojee (HA): Graduate of Darul Uloom Zakariyya and son of it's principal. Heavily engaged in Humanitarian activities and many times travelled Syria for that purpose. Gauteng Project Coordinator of the Al-Imdaad Foundation. Shaykh (Maulana) Shabbir Ahmad Saloojee (HA): Principal of Darul Uloom Zakariyya. Student of Mawlana Yusuf Binnori (rh). Scrupulous piety & deep concern for the Ummah are amongst Hazrat Mawlana's sailent features. Khalifah of Mufti Mahmudul Hassan Gangohi (rh), Hazrat Khawja Khan Muhammad (rh) & Hazrat Nafees Shah (rh). Shaykh (Maulana) Ebrahim Bham (HA): Graduate of Jamiatul 'Uloomul Islamiyyah, Allamah Binnori Town. General-secretary of Jamiatul Ulama Transvaal (the Council of Muslim Theologians in Johannesburg). A profound and well-known orator. Shaykh (Maulana) Ridhwan Kajee (HA): Young teacher at Darul Uloom Azadville. Regularly gives talks for the sake of spiritual upliftement of especially the youth. Prior spiritually connected to Mawlana Hakeem Akhtar (rh). Khalifah of Mawlana Abdul Hameed Ishaq (db). Mawlana Abdul Hameed Ishaq (HA): Principal of Darul Uloom Azadville. Graduate of Darul Uloom Deoband. Abundant love for Allah, His Rasul and Islam and his kind nature are amongst sailent features of Hazrat. Senior Khalifah of Mawlana Hakeem Akhtar (rh). Shaykh (Mufi) Radhaul Haq (HA): Grand-Mufti of South Africa. Shaykhul Hadith at Darul Uloom Zakariyya. Senior student of Mawlana Yusuf Binnori (rh) and Mufti Wali Hassan (rh). A prolific research scholar and walking library. Prior spiritually connected to Mawlana Ghulam Habib (rh). Senior Khalifah of Mufti Mahmudul Hassan Gangohi (rh). Summary: What is the right path? 1 Love for Allah in our hearts 2 To abstain from all types of bid’ah 3 Love for Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihe Wassallam) above everyone 4 Follow Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihe Wassallam) in every facet of our lives 5 Spending our lives in learning, teaching and spreading deen The Matter of Khilaafah: There are two ways that a khalifah can be appointed. 1 The ulema of that particular era unanimously appoint someone. In the case of Mullah Umar of Afghanistan 1500 ulema took bay’ah on his khilaafah and at the appointment, he initially did not accept that responsibility. 2 The previous khalifah appoint someone to succeed him. Regarding Isis and Baghdadi, most ulema of Syria, Iraq, Arabia and all around the world oppose his nomination and the modus operandi of this so called Islamic state. Mullah Umar (HA) while being the leader never did pass any fatwa of kufr on those that did not take bay’ah The difference Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihe Wassallam) came as Mercy to the entire world. A mercy to mankind. He spread Islam by good akhlaaq and exemplary character. This group's actions are directly opposite of what Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihe Wassallam) preached. They slaughter the people in barbaric ways, and publicise and boast about it. What kind of negative impression does this create about our beautiful and most just and peaceful religion of Islam??? This group has been fighting against the Sunnis, and have killed hundreds of ulema in Iraq. What is surprising is that in the war against Afghanistan any movement detected in the troubled areas was immediately bombed, whereas in this case there is no action of this type. All their movements and advances are detected but no action is taken. It is apparent that the enemies of Islam have an alliance with this group. The actions which classify them as a deviant sect. 1 Their wholesale announcements of kufr on those that do not agree with them. Unnecessary killing, killing of journalists, Christians and Muslims. Allah says مِنۡ أَجۡلِ ذَٲلِكَ ڪَتَبۡنَا عَلَىٰ بَنِىٓ إِسۡرَٲٓءِيلَ أَنَّهُ ۥ مَن قَتَلَ نَفۡسَۢا بِغَيۡرِ نَفۡسٍ أَوۡ فَسَادٍ۬ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ فَڪَأَنَّمَا قَتَلَ ٱلنَّاسَ جَمِيعً۬ا وَمَنۡ أَحۡيَاهَا فَڪَأَنَّمَآ أَحۡيَا ٱلنَّاسَ جَمِيعً۬ا‌ۚ وَلَقَدۡ جَآءَتۡهُمۡ رُسُلُنَا بِٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ ثُمَّ إِنَّ كَثِيرً۬ا مِّنۡهُم بَعۡدَ ذَٲلِكَ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ لَمُسۡرِفُونَ [5:32] For this reason, We decreed for the children of Isra‘il that whoever kills a person not in retaliation for a person killed, nor (as a punishment) for spreading disorder on the earth, is as if he has killed the whole of humankind, and whoever saves the life of a person is as if he has saved the life of the whole of humankind. Certainly, Our messengers have come to them with clear signs. Then, after all that, many of them are there to commit excesses on the earth. 2 They propagate the usurping the wealth of other people. 3 They instruct people disobey their parents. To them hurting anybody in the process of joining them, is acceptable. How can this be accepted when at the time of joining them, they disobey Allah by disobeying their parents?? Allah says: وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعۡبُدُوٓاْ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُ وَبِٱلۡوَٲلِدَيۡنِ إِحۡسَـٰنًا‌ۚ إِمَّا يَبۡلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ ٱلۡڪِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَآ أَوۡ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَآ أُفٍّ۬ وَلَا تَنۡہَرۡهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوۡلاً۬ ڪَرِيمً۬ا [17:23] Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and do good to parents. If any one of them or both of them reach old age, do not say to them: uff (a word or expression of anger or contempt) and do not scold them, and address them with respectful words. Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihe Wassallam) said that paradise is beneath the feet of the mothers. عن أنس بن مالك – رضى الله عنه – قال : قال رسول الله – صلى الله عليه و سلم – الجنة تحت أقدام الأمهات Also a man was turned and sent back to serve his parents and this was termed as Jihad. حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ قَالَ ثِنَا مِسْعَرٌ وَسُفْيَانُ عَنْ حَبِيبِ بْنِ أَبِي ثَابِتٍ عَنْ أَبِي الْعَبَّاسِ الْمَكِّيِّ عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرٍو قَالَ : جَاءَ رَجُلٌ يَسْتَأْذِنُ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فِي الْجِهَادِ فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ : أَحَيٌّ وَالِدَاك ؟ قَالَ : نَعَمْ ، قَالَ : فَفِيهِمَا فَجَاهِدْ 4 They propagate lying in order to join the Isis. All those who leave to join them lie about their intentions. This action of theirs is one of the beliefs of the Shia, called taqiyyah. 5 They brand the tabligh jamaat as the army of dajjaal. The lies and deception Jihaad will remain till qiyaamah; Jihaad has certain conditions and limitations. The teacher of Abubakr Baghdadi, a very senior aalim of Iraq has published a book; الدولة الاسلامبة بين الحقيقة والحق In it, he mentions that this group (ISIS) is a deviation and has nothing to do with deen. They are the khawarij of our time. Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihe Wassallam) says their salaah will be the same as yours and their fasting will be the same as yours but they will have nothing to do with deen. The enthusiasm of our youth is commendable. The problem is that the connection between the youth and the elders is not present and almost lost altogether. As a result of this, they have now channeled that enthusiasm in the wrong direction. Remember show respect towards your elders and compassion to the young. The backbone of every community is the connection between the masses and the learned. Allah says فَسۡـَٔلُوٓاْ أَهۡلَ ٱلذِّكۡرِ إِن كُنتُمۡ لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ [16:43] So, ask the people (having the knowledge) of the Reminder (scripture), if you do not know. In every facet of life the golden rule is the correct and pure intention and following the way of our beloved prophet (Sallallaho Alaihe Wassallam). The ulema who oppose this deviant group cannot be accused of standing down while the Muslims are being oppressed, but rather as in the case of the battle of Ahzaab when the Muslims were attacked and took a defensive stance by digging trenches. There are different methodologies that deal with oppression and the method used by the ulema does not diminish the courage and enthusiasm of their desire to protect the Muslims. The world media and governments' focus of attention a year ago was of the brutal invasion of Gaza and since this group came into the spotlight all the attention is on them and everyone has forgotten about Gaza. We can see the negative effects of their actions. All indications point towards a ploy by the foreign forces and agencies to divert the attention away from Palestine and it's surroundings. This recruitment ploy of their's only damages the Muslims' reputation in the respective countries and the freedom they enjoyed will soon be curbed as they will be seen as a third force. We should make shukr of the countless bounties Allah has bestowed upon us. Having the freedom of religion is one of the greatest bounties which we enjoy. So let us make shukr for that bounty . There are those who have joined this deviant group and in the process of joining them, they have committed grievious sins. They have disobeyed their parents, lied and have been ungrateful to the bounty of Allah. They have discarded the bounty of freedom of religion and went in search for something better. They have discarded the responsibility of spreading Islam and went in search of killing people who hold the kalimah in their hearts. We cannot fall for every slogan on the basis of emotion. The Islamic state of Syria and Iraq is a catchy and emotional slogan that every Muslim aspires for; to live in an Islamic state. Upon careful inspection and after seeing the modus operandi of this group, the are not an Islamic state, they are nothing but a deviant group who seeks power. A peaceful and harmonious society is an objective of Islam. Not a society that rejoices upon the killing of humans as is evident from the people who live in this false Islamic state. All their news is about how many they have killed. What kind of men will emerge from this kind of society in the future? The slogan may seem rosy but the long term effects on your children will be damaging and beyond repair. Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihe Wassallam) during the treaty of Hudaibiyyah, made so much effort on peace even though apparently the treaty was in favour of the kuffaar. When you show hostility and hatred, people will never see the beauty of your religion, and then your nobility and contribution to the country will hold no weight. The moment hostility and hatred is put aside then people will begin to see the beauty of Islam. This was the case in the treaty of Hudaibiyyah that Nabi (saw) orchestrated so that peace would reign. The purpose of jihaad is peace. The sword that is used in jihaad is like the scalpel of the surgeon that he uses to remove things that are harmful to the body and not the sword of an executioner in which he takes delight in taking peoples lives. Don’t be used and abused by deviant sects. There are more negatives than positives regarding Isis so let's put the emotions aside and use our intellect to decide by the discussions above if that is what we really aspire for. Joining and supporting such a group that puts your aakhirah in danger should be avoided, and strive for your Jannah by being an example of the excellent character of our beloved master Nabi Muhammed (Sallallaho Alaihe Wassallam). This article was composed from the lectures of our senior ulema who spoke regarding this deviant sect in Roshnee on the 22 April 2015. Mufti Radaa ul Haq Ml Shabeer Saloojee Ml Abdul Hameed Ishaq Ml Ebrahim Bham